After Benton Knight's emotional testimony, with the matters settled between them, William Anderson left with his son Eric and Eric's other girlfriend (yes folks, you read that right!) Frieda Knight; leaving Benton alone with Tachibana no Akane.
"This was a good start to making amends, not only to those you have directly wronged in recent days, but to the Elders' Council as well," said the leader of the Skulk, who also represented all the werefoxes and werevixens on the Council.
"The days and weeks to come may not be my best, especially in light of what I still have to do and the fact that the doctors warned me it may take awhile to ascertain I'm on the correct medication dosages to treat my bi-polar disorder, but please believe me when I say that I am willing to do my best to try to make things right," said Benton Knight.
Akane nodded at him and said, "You have taken the first steps on your journey. That is a positive thing."
"It's a start," agreed Benton, before bowing respectfully to her and leaving.
Once Tachibana no Akane was alone, she went to check on her honored guests.
"Greetings, Far Huojin and Kai Hǔ Wáng," said Akane, bowing to the men before her. "Does my house still respectfully honor those of the White Tiger Clan I am proud to have as my guests?" she asked. Akane was still within the clothes she had on earlier, but shifted into her werevixen fursona in route to the guest quarters.
"Yes," replied Far Huojin, the senior member present. "My grandson and I hope that in turn, we have been respectful to your hospitality as well." Both men, while in fine oriental robes, were showing why their clan was named, for they were truly furry white tigers before the werevixen.
"You have, but the reason for my presence is to bring you news," said Akane, before telling them of the recent settlement between the Andersons and Benton Knight.
"And our request to make sure Frieda Knight takes over everything from her father?" asked Far Huojin, after hearing Akane's information.
"Miss Knight is poised to take over her father's seat on the Elders' Council representing the werepanthers of Moon Lake when she turns 21. Her uncle Lance, an honorable man in his own right, holds the position in the interim. As for Frieda assuming command and ownership of Knight Industries, that will take time," Akane respectively reminded them.
What no one present knew was that come the first bell of the New York Stock Exchange ringing Monday morning, Jack Crawford was prepared to launch his hostile takeover bid of Knight Industries.
Yet what neither the white tigers, Akane, or even Jack knew was that certain key Knight assets were within a thick envelope currently locked within her uncle Lance's office safe as part of Frieda's trust fund documentation.
"Very good," said Far Huojin, when his grandson asked for permission to speak.
"If I may, who was that young boy we saw Miss Frieda with in your gardens earlier? The white furred werepanther," wondered Kai Hǔ Wáng.
"White fur?" asked Akane in return. "I had heard that he recently became a werepanther to fulfill his heart's desire, but have not seen his actual fursona for myself," she confessed. "That young man is named Eric Anderson. Apparently he and Frieda, along with another girl named Spencer Lawson, are friends who have recently discovered there exists an unique bond between them. I do not understand all the details of it myself, but they relish their connection and love each other deeply and true."
"I see," said Kai Hǔ Wáng, heartbroken that he is not the white lotus he foresaw lifting Frieda up from her troubles to a better life. "Is this Eric Anderson worthy of her?"
Far Huojin was about to scold his grandson for asking such a question when Akane answered it. "His parents are Skulk, which makes Eric an honorary member. He has Miss Knight's love, friendship, and trust; for he gives her his freely in return. I know not what else I can say beyond that."
"That is good," said Kai Hǔ Wáng, bowing before Akane. If the boy makes her happy, then it is my sworn duty to protect her happiness too.