While Benton was doing his best to remain civil; William was anything but. Upon seeing the man who attacked his son; William started growling, it was only being in Tachibana’s estate that stayed his urge to shift in to his fursona and lunge at the were-panther in front of him.
“William please,” Tachibana pouring him a cup of tea; “I understand you are not pleased with seeing Benton. But there are matters between the two of you that need to be settled. As a member of the skulk I’m asking you to listen to what Benton here has to say.”
Benton sighs before he begins; “while I’m sure you have no love for me, but believe me I am truly sorry for attacking your son. After having several stressful days; some of them of my own making, Tachibana knows what I’m referring to.” Benton referencing his failed hostile takeover of Tachibana Enterprises and his subsequent attack while in his fursona at their head office. “I know of the bond your son and my daughter share with Spencer. And I am aware of the dream the three shared last night. I even saw it, along with a few other disturbing ones. Again Tachibana knows about them because I already shared them with her. So has my daughter shortly before you called.”
“If I may interrupt,” Tachibana stating; “William, Benton is already being punished by the elder council for his assault on my company’s head office on Thursday. One of the edicts we handed down on Benton was removing him as the were-panther representative. His daughter Frieda will one day take over when she becomes of age. Several other edicts involve restitution and attending anger management therapy.”
“However the last may be moot,” Benton looking serious; “After Amanda had her car accident on Friday evening, Tachibana, my brother Lance and Frieda all talked regarding my erratic moods.”
“I’m waiting as to how this affects me and Benton settling matters as it were,” William getting impatient.
“If said charges do not expose the towns were-population then yes. But if that is not the case, then I expect the what is it called, the were council to impose a heavy sanction on Benton;” Tachibana quoting verbatim what William said to her Friday evening at Moon Lake hospital.*
******
Frieda and Eric were waiting in a garden while their fathers say what was needed to say. Both notice that most of Tachibana’s attendants were were-foxes and chose to be in their fursona; asking one if Tachibana guests often choose to be in their fursona one attendant responded; “as long as no sexual congress happens and you do not leave the walled compound then yes.”
“Both Frieda and Eric smile; each removing their clothes. Frieda assumes her were-panther form; grey fur with russet highlights. Eric in his were-panther fursona; pure white fur, with a small light patch of brown hair on his feline like head. Both stroll around the large garden unaware that they are being watched.
Kai Hǔ Wáng the grandson of Far Huojin**; both representative of the white tiger clan and guests of Tachibana observed Frieda and Eric’s transformation. Silently breathing at the sight of Frieda; he was shocked that Eric’s fursona was not only striking but beautiful. Far Huojin also observing silently whispers to his grandson; “it is clear that the two young cubs are in love.”
Kai felt saddened, “I was certain the dream I had regarding Frieda was with me.” Looking at his grandfather, “Was I mistaken to believe the white lotus lifting her from darkness was not me. “Looking at Eric from afar, “but him instead?”
“Dreams are strange grandson,” Far comments; “come lets us not intrude on them. Her father is also here and it is best he does not see us. Our plans will come for naught if he knows of our presence.”
Eric and Frieda were enjoying the many varieties of flora and fauna that were situated in Tachibana’s gardens. Most if not all were clearly not native to North America; but from Japan itself. Admiring the many immaculately trimmed shrubs; they both take a seat at a small table situated from a koi pond. As they enjoyed the scenery; Tachibana’s servants present them with various pastries along with tea. Accepting the offer; both enjoy a midmorning snack.
“I hope our fathers haven’t come to blows,” Frieda comments; “While I do question my father’s motives, the chance to have you and Spencer at the were-panther pride gathering is looking to be an enjoyable experience.”
“What happen during were meeting,” Eric asking.
“Mostly the same as the other were species meetings,” Frieda answers; “we gather, make small talk and then…” Frieda looking in Eric’s green eyes smiling; “primarily what we were doing Saturday night. Only I’ll be introducing you and Spencer for induction into the pride, so chances are their will also be a buffet.”
******
William sighed, “The apology Benton needs to make is not to me, but to my son. As for monetary restitution I leave that in your capable paws, Tachibana.”
“And as for Eric attending this Tuesday’s were-panther gathering,” Benton asking.
“As long as it doesn’t go on too late and the children get to school on time in the morning,” William taking a sip of tea; “I’m fine with it.” Looking at Benton, “but I want your personal assurance that no harm will come to my son ever again!”
Tachibana interjects; “rest assured William, Benton knows of the consequences he will face if he has another outburst that might endanger the town and expose weres to the world.”
After coming to an accord both Benton and William shake hands; while still distrustful of Benton, William was at least willing to give him a chance. Knowing that the were-panther was on what could be described his final chance in regards to the elder council; he agrees for Eric to join the same were-panther pride Frieda belongs too. Eric and Frieda who are present and fully clothed and shifted back from their fursonas; each text Spencer letting her know that the get together on Tuesday is a go.
* From the chapter “Hospital reunions (Moon Lake of Earth 2)”
** Both introduced back in the chapter “The White Tiger Bares His Fangs (Moon Lake of Earth 2)”