image [https://i.imgur.com/8vS8LyZ.jpeg]
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In the early hours of Saturday, September 24, almost every TV channels are talking about only one thing: the "FEDER" hotel, several floors of which have just exploded. Most of the content seen on TV is live footage of the event, or even talking over another live broadcast. Some are by professional journalists, others filmed by amateurs on their phones or tablets. One is even by one of the hotel's VIP guests, filming from the helicopter where he was rescued. Screams of frightened children can be heard, but the person watching the news from their sofa while eating ice cream is currently watching the 'ITB1' TV channel, where a blonde-haired female journalist is talking, behind the hotel which threatens to collapse at any moment. It's a terrible event, and one that's bound to be destructive for the town of Teuhl... The person really hopes that the inhabitants were able to escape in time, although the hotel still manages to stay standing, which is nothing short of a miracle. The person watching the television doesn't even want to imagine how maniacal, psychopathic and horrible the culprit is to dare to do such a thing. Is it just one person behind the hotel explosion? Or several? For the moment, they can't find out... The person continues to eat their ice cream when they open their eyes wide.
A motorcycle leaves the hotel.
It's not clear at first, but the person isn't the only one to notice: the camera quickly zooms in on what's happening. The person was right: it's a motorcycle that has just left the hotel. They can see... three people ? Three girls, one smaller and younger than the other two, but surely just teenagers. As they tumble down... the girl in the fox sweater yanks open the parachute. The person behind the TV screen can't believe what they are seeing. The reporter talks about what she can quickly see, and the camera does its best to follow what's happening, as the hotel collapses on the town of Teuhl.
A few minutes later, the person is sitting in front of his desk, staring at his laptop. The discussions are almost exclusively about the "FEDER" hotel, but also about what happened with the three girls on the motorcycle. More quickly than expected, the person finds the identity of the girl in the fox sweater:
- Deshya... Oveja.
Now that they know such a thing, the person quickly types in the girl's first and last name on the internet and notices that she's a teenager living in Tetazo, a girl who's been renamed—
- The fox-eared detective, hmmm…
The reason for this nickname is that since the beginning of September, she has managed to solve several police cases. Her first would have been about the death of a man in his home, killed by his own daughter, although the reasons were not given.
- I'd heard about the train..." the person thinks aloud.
The one on the train where bombs had been planted — it seems this girl was there too. Two more deaths on a bus, then a case of a baby kidnapping, a locked room in a hotel, a murder at a party and—
- ...!
The person opens their eyes wide and gives a big, toothy grin.
- Minos... Kiyon.
A case with the so-called best detective in all Belium — the country where this person also happens to be. They can't believe they missed out on this case with Minos, a detective they know very well... They should have paid more attention, even if they were busy during that time. They sigh and turn in their chair, thinking. They finally decide to look a little more into the achievements of this famous 'Deshya Oveja' and learn more. They look at the investigations she has solved, as well as the murder methods.
- This girl figured it all out even before the police did...? Not always, it seems, but…
The person smiles again before closing their laptop and turning to their calendar. They still have time, but should they already be writing...? However, the way she so bravely used her motorcycle to get out of that hotel, saving the lives of her adopted little sister and the Deroom girl, who would seem to be her friends... The person had watched the interview that was given right after what happened, having missed it on TV, since they'd been far too excited to find out who this girl was. They'd never have believed it was a teenager like that…
- Ah, I feel like it... What if I had fun with her?
The person is actually a man with blond hair. He smiles again before grabbing a piece of paper, opening the drawer and grabbing a fountain pen. Without further ado, he starts writing with a look of... amusement on his face.
He had admired what he had seen on television. He had been surprised and shocked. Saving two girls without knowing if it would work, risking her life to try and protect the ones she loves…
This man wants to meet her... more than anything.
So he writes.
CHAPTER 48
⎾The Most Popular Number Of Them All⏌
The school bell rings at Tetazo secondary school. The students are looking forward to the end of the day, but it's not just because classes end here — it's also thanks to—
- The weekend!
The students are delighted. Classes have started to be really informative and demand students' attention, in contrast to the start of the year which had been more friendly and quiet. Pupils who don't like school feel this 'boredom' of being in class, making them dream of the weekend and of vacation as soon as they leave home for school — some even think about it before going to sleep. It's September 30, 2022, a sunny Friday with few clouds in the azure skies.
It's been almost a week since the incident at the "FEDER" hotel, and the rise in popularity of a certain girl. A teenage girl with distinctive features, though these are really only known to a handful of people — although in reality, perhaps there are more people who know than this girl thinks. She doesn't know it yet, but people are watching her from the shadows: 'Dem' and 'Hari' are watching her, 'Bura' and 'Titi' may be in the same group, and two other men — if one of them isn't precisely one of the four mentioned above — were at the Furas party, the one with the beard having a strange connection with this girl's younger sister.
Deshya Oveja is her identity.
Thanks to the action she performed during the hotel collapse, returning there to save 'Aya Deroom', she received many messages on Twatter and people shared this feat on many different networks. The Deroom family thanked Deshya, promising to offer them anything they wanted from their company, even going so far as to offer them free house building as long as it didn't exceed a certain budget. The Deroom family and the Oveja family were already friends before, but the debt she owes them has increased, strengthening that bond. Of course, 'Maruno Uffite', Aya's boyfriend, respects Deshya even more than before, although he already saw her as a best friend and an incredible person. Deshya didn't gain popularity to the point of being called 'famous' or having her own Wiki page on the internet, but more and more people in Belium were getting to know her.
"Fox-eared detective". It's a title she's been given and enjoys. The reason for her rise in popularity is actually not only because of the motorcycle exploit, but also because of the deductions she offered during the arrest of 'Axel Lymenn'. That added up with her few solved cases and her involvement in the 'Sleeping Little Beauty' one with Minos Kiyon... Deshy had passed 15K followers on Twatter last night and didn't really know how to react. As much as she loved this rise in popularity — and her ego loved it even more. But she has to be careful too: no one can find out that she's a girl with fox-like attributes. Not only for their safety, but for hers too. If anyone were to learn that she was such a girl, many people would want her for themselves. After all, Deshya is probably a unique girl in this world. She hasn't put out of her mind the theory that she might not be the only one, but it's impossible for her to confirm it at the moment, with so little information about herself or the 'group' behind these attributes. Perhaps this mutation is due to something else: Deshya can't say. However, whatever happens, if people all over the world find out that Deshya is really a girl with fox-like attributes, then that's going to put her in danger: the people who are going to want such a girl are creeps who are not going to be ‘gentle’ — they wouldn’t with normal girls —, but also scientists who are going to do experiments on her, without her consent or a care about how she feels. Deshya isn't naive: she knows that people would use any means possible to 'collect' her. If men even rape normal women, then a girl with fox ears... She doesn't even want to think about it. Despite all this, she remains happy with her rise in popularity and just enjoys it, telling herself that as long as she's careful, no one will learn the truth. Sure, Korone managed to deduce it even before she was adopted — even before she was protected by her family, really — but Deshya can't see her as anything other than a real genius, so it doesn't matter. Her parents are the only ones who know — at least, still alive. In fact, when Deshya was found on the street by his father and mother, they went to see a certain doctor to learn more about his fox attributes, which didn't really offer them any more answers.
However, that same doctor committed suicide the very next day, in his own home... although Deshya continues to believe that this was no accident and in fact murder.
She would have liked to go back in time and warn him of the danger, or even have the opportunity to check out the crime scene, but this is simply not possible. Admittedly, now that she's a girl with fox-like attributes, she's beginning to wonder whether the "impossible" really exists, but she'd always suspected that one day, humans with animal attributes would come to exist... Only, not so soon and not in such a… strange way. She doesn't know why she has amnesia for the 5 months since her kidnapping, or why she's on the loose, but for the moment, she doesn't want to focus too much on that: September was exhausting for her, and since the "FEDER" affair, she's managed to rest and receive flowers from all sides on social networks. She's delighted that she was able to save Aya — and her parents, thanks to the help of Tessa, Korone and the police — and that no one died as a result of the incident. There were only a total of 9 injuries, 3 of them serious, but nothing fatal. However, despite this relief, the town of Teuhl was partially destroyed as a result of the hotel's fall... In addition to this—
- Deshya!
The fox-eared girl turns her face towards her best friend, who waves her hand.
- Are you all right?" asks Amora.
Deshya nods with a smile.
- I was just thinking about the hotel business…
- Forget it! I've been through a week of stress because of this, rahlala....
Maruno, standing right next to Deshya on her left, sighs. The girl in the fox sweater, between two of her best friends, smiles apologetically. It's true that Maruno is the one who must have suffered the most, given that he was held back at home and had been tasked with killing his own girlfriend, the girl he loved the most. If this wasn't horrible enough, his parents had been kidnapped and threatened with death if he didn't listen to the orders of the person who had held her. Fortunately, all ended well with no casualties.
- Are you going to see your little sweetie again soon?" asks Amora, looking at Maruno.
- I was able to stay with her and her family last weekend, but since I didn't get to see my parents much, I'd rather stay with my two moms for the weekend," he replies. What's more, Aya is planning to do something tomorrow, so…
- Eeeh, I see!
Amora smiles as she listens, and Deshya remains silent. From what she'd heard from Maruno himself, both her mothers were feeling fine, but they'd still been traumatized by what had happened. Of course, it was nobody's fault except the culprit, Axel Lymenn, but they could have blamed the Deroom family if they'd wanted to; something they didn't do, fortunately. They're a wealthy family with many enemies, so it's understandable to be a little afraid of them, but Maruno's parents don't seem to have changed their minds despite their kidnapping. This reassures Deshya: if Maruno could no longer see Aya, she doesn't even want to imagine what he'd dare to do... He might even run away.
- Isn't Tessa coming with us?" asks Amora, addressing Deshya.
The three of them make their way down the street, almost no schoolchildren visible in the vicinity. Although it's a Friday, the quietness of the surroundings is almost eerie.
- She went straight home, so I guess she had something to do," replies Deshya.
- Eeeh, I'm sure she would have loved the cat bar!
Deshya nods, but eventually shrugs.
- As much as she'd love to, can you see Tessa in a cat bar?" asks Deshya.
- Tessa is cool, but she also likes cutie things!! That's why she loves you so much, isn't iiiiit?
Amora's question made Deshya blush, and she slowly squinted, unable to hide her embarrassment behind false anger.
- Tessa doesn't like me like that…
- Eh.
The two girls turn to the boy who has just let out this noise of unknown meaning. Deshya asks him what it means and Maruno smiles.
- She likes to tease everyone to the point of being mean, even aggressive, but she'll even cuddle you. Are you sure you shouldn't just confess your love to her?" says Maruno.
- A-Are you serious?
Maruno nods without hesitation and Amora admits it would be cool of her. The girl in the fox sweater looks ahead, puffing out her cheeks, playing with them as she holds her bag in one hand. Finally, she answers—
- But maybe she sees me as a really good friend... You know, like Amora sees me?
- But Amora's like that with almost everyone!" says Maruno. She's even more so with you because you're her best friend, but Tessa isn't like that with anyone, even her parents!
- He's right!" admits the girl with the long pink hair.
Deshya knows they're not wrong, but is it enough to find the courage to confess to Tessa? Deshya doesn't want to be disappointed if she takes a rake, nor does she want her relationship to change…
- You know, Deshyshy…
Deshya turns her face to her, questioning her with her eyes.
- I know you're afraid Tessa will say no, but if you never ask, don't you think you'll regret it? Besides, even if Tessa is almost a delinquent, sometimes she's still a girl with a heart of gold," she tells him.
- You don't have to worry about her sexual orientation, she's definitely bi," Maruno tells him without hesitation.
- How could you possibly know that?" asks Deshya, shocked.
Maruno smiles and the three of them wait at a traffic light, currently set for cars, with few inhabitants in the vicinity.
- We played 'Truth or Dare' this Wednesday, online, with two — three other friends. When I asked Tessa if she liked chicks, he said she'd even go out with a trans man or woman if she had to.
- Oh, she's pansexual, then?
Maruno nods.
- Afterwards, I knew it beforehand. It wasn't certain, but Tessa doesn't really hide her attraction to the female body," he says. When I talked to her about Aya and her own desires... Well, you know, she told me a bit about herself and how she could get excited just with a woman's body.
Maruno gives a petty smile as he watches Deshya.
- I'm sure you'd be her type~!
- …
Deshya blushed even more, but didn't reply. She could ask him to stop teasing her like that, but if he's right, then…
- Ah, I've got an idea!
Amora punches her fist. The three of them cross the road when the cars stop at the red light.
- We've got a school trip coming up! You know, a class trip!
- Do you want her to confess over there?" asks Maruno.
- Wouldn't that be perfect?
- …
Once again, Deshya remains silent. Amora notices the embarrassed look on her best friend's face and smiles, lowering her head gently.
- I'm sorry. I'm sorry. You do what you want, but if you wait too long, you can miss your chances, you know…
- I believe you, but…
Deshya shakes her head gently before raising it, looking ahead.
- I just think Tessa would be the type to confess straight away if she came to crush on someone or fall in love," admits Deshya.
- But Tessa can be the kind of person who wants to date someone she really likes but doesn't yet love, you know.
Maruno talks in his turn.
- She could try a relationship with you if she really likes you a lot and see if her heart explodes with love in the middle of a relationship. Sure, it may not work out, but it's better to try than to regret never having confessed. If you wait and wait, maybe Tessa will be interested in someone else someday.
Maruno correctly places his school bag on his back before finishing his sentence.
- People who stay in love with the same person without being a couple for several years without being interested in someone else along the way are either desperate, lying or very special people.
- And those who don't stay in love for long with someone they're in a relationship with are either people who've been abused by their partners, or they're dirty shits!" says Amora.
Her two friends blink with astonishment painted on their faces: it's rare to hear Amora say the slightest swear word or show such irritation. The pink-haired girl quickly regains her smile.
- But Maruno's right!" she says. If you wait too long, you'll regret it! Especially if you don't say anything yourself, maybe Tessa will just think you're not interested in her!
- I still asked her to kiss me as a bet..." thinks Deshya.
The two friends next to her know this detail very well, since she didn't hide it — well, basically, only Amora knew, but she told Maruno — and so should think about it: after all, it's one of the reasons Deshya doesn't dare confess. She mentions it quickly and Maruno shrugs.
- Tessa would have gotten naked in front of you or done pole dancing as a bet," he said.
- I'm sure she didn't take that kiss as seriously as you did..." admits Amora.
Maruno nods at Deshya's words and the latter sighs.
- What if she thinks I'm straight...?" asks the girl in the fox sweater.
Neither of her two friends responds, and they arrive in front of the cat bar. Before entering, Amora puts a hand on her best friend's shoulder.
- Deshyshy.
- Yes…?
- Everyone knows you're bisexual," Amora blurts out.
- When you passed your year last year, it looked like you were kissing on the mouth," smiles Maruno.
- I-It was on the cheek! I was just happy!
Amora's shouting attracts the attention of some passers-by, forcing Deshya to tell her two friends to come in.
- I... I get it!!
She sighs as she enters the building and quickly regains her composure. The man at the cash register, much further back in the restaurant, greets the three teenagers. Since Maruno's parents are friends with this man, he goes to say hello first, placing his bag on the empty table next to them. Deshya and Amora sit down. The redheaded girl scans the interior of the bar: a total of sixteen tables, each with four chairs, except two which have six. One of them has already been taken, a silent family eating ice cream and watching the cats. Another, the one with four chairs, is being used by two young adults, probably on a first date, given the look on their faces. Amora admires the place and sees one of the cats sleeping on someone's jacket, very close to the bar's large glass window. Three others are sleeping in a special place for them, hung on the wall a little higher up. Even if she jumped, Amora couldn't reach this little 'house' with her hand. Wooden bars are nailed into the wall to allow the cats to climb up, although this is not enough space for more than four or even five of them at a time. The place is quiet and a little music is played in the baffle hanging in the right-hand corner of the restaurant. The counter is at the far end of the room, although a little further on, another area is visible from where they're sitting.
- What do you think it is over there?" asks Amora.
- Probably where they feed the cats and right next door, the kitchen," Deshya explains briefly.
- Ah, that's clever!
Amora smiles and notices one of the cats pass by her, but she doesn't dare pet it.
- I don't know the rules, now that I think about it...
Amora admits as she scratches her cheek. Maruno sits down next to Deshya and replies to the girl without needing to look at the map.
- If you want to pet a cat, you have to disinfect your hands," admits Maruno.
- That's why there's disinfectant here!" says Amora.
Deshya had already noticed it, in the middle of the table. It could be removed while they were eating, but they would have to put it back before they left. Deshya decides not to touch it. Maruno nods at Amora's words.
- Otherwise, you can pet the cats without worry, as long as you do that," he says.
- And the other rules?
- No feeding the cats, which goes without saying. If you want to take a photo of a cat, even if it's asleep, it's without a flash.
- It's because it can upset them, isn't it?" asks Amora.
- They'll have red eyes in your photo too," smiles Deshya.
- Oh, clever!
Deshya grabs the card and looks at the food. Meanwhile, Maruno continues with the rules, seeing that Amora seems so interested.
- If a cat is asleep, it must not be disturbed, so no petting. Loud noises are also forbidden. If a cat wants to leave, you leave it, so we don't hold any back. Finally, don't carry a cat. Of course, you mustn't hurt them or be intolerable to other customers, but that goes without saying…
- I wasn't going to do anything like that! I'll pet one afterwards, hihi!
Amora can't wait and waddles over. Deshya offers her the card and Maruno turns to her with another petty look.
- Here, our 'genius', could you tell us all the breeds of cat we see here?" he asks.
Deshya blinks at him and sticks out her tongue.
- If you can't, then—
- One Turkish Angora, two Cymrics, one Siberian, the one sleeping on the jacket, one American Bobtail and two Kuril Bobtails.
Maruno doesn't hide his shock and goes to retort, but a cat emerges from his room and Deshya discreetly points at it.
- A Neva Masquerade.
- …
- How can you tell the difference between an American Bobtail and a Kuril?" asks Amora, also surprised.
- Face shape and Kuril Bobtails can have medium length hair, whereas American Bobtails are always short. Anyway, I could be wrong at any time, but I don't think I am.
Her two friends simply prefer not to say anything. Amora changes the subject directly.
- Speaking of the class trip, are you looking forward to it?
Maruno looks at the card in turn, but nods. Deshya replies that she's sure it's going to be great fun, but rubs her chin.
- On the other hand, it's already soon... It's from October 10 to 14, isn't it?
Amora nods.
- Isn't it super early...? I mean, we've barely been at school a month and we're already going on a week-long school trip?" asks Deshya.
- It's always like that with the majority of Belium schools, from the 4th year onwards," answers Maruno,putting down the menu card, having finally decided what he was going to have.” It's the same for 5th and 6th grade. Plus, we're still going to have to study the places a bit for geo and history classes, so it's not like it's a vacation.
Maruno raises his hand and a woman approaches them. They give their order and she asks them to wait a few minutes before the desserts arrive.
- How are Aya and her family doing?" asks Amora. You know, since the hotel business.
- Baby is fine, honestly, but his parents are in a difficult situation," he replies sincerely.
- I've seen it..." admits Deshya.
- It's because of the destruction of the hotel, I suppose?
Maruno nods with a sigh, watching a sleeping cat as he talks.
- If they show their noses outside, they are bombarded with questions from journalists and paparazzi. When I went to Aya's house, I went out to run some errands for them and still had to run fast so they wouldn't grab me by the collar to answer them. It seems to have calmed down this week, but going out is almost impossible for them. Aya has to go to school by bus, instead of being driven.
- Oh, that bad...?" says Amora, sadly.
- Yeah. Facing the public is complicated, because even though it's not technically their fault, the people of Teuhl want to sue Lordly. Right now, I don't know how it's going to go, but Axel has made no secret of the fact that he's the culprit behind all this, so I guess Lordly will be fine. However, they've lost so much money I can't even imagine.
- Building the hotel, getting sponsors, advertising and all that... only to end up with a destroyed hotel on the first day…
Deshya blurts this out, imagining that they also have to deal with the funds for the destroyed houses, especially as it seems that the hotel crashed into a park. Even if the damage was lighter than some think, it was still a catastrophe.
- They talked a lot this Sunday though, didn't they?" asks Amora, remembering the NEWS that talked about it.
- They responded as best they could, but it doesn't seem to have been enough to calm some people down," replies Maruno. Some people still say it's their fault, that they should have checked beforehand and all that…
- Axel made sure to install everything in places that were almost impossible to find. He was well prepared," admits Deshya.
She was almost impressed, but she didn't like giving any credit to a human monster like him. His rage had completely blinded him and he deserved no compliments, nor anyone who should speak of him in the future: she hoped he would rot in prison without the slightest recognition. A name that would quickly be lost to history. However, this event with the "FEDER" hotel falling on the first day of its construction, which should have been the biggest hotel in Belium and one of the highest in the whole world... It wouldn't be forgotten quickly. The whole world knows what happened that day, after all.
- I saw that this Monday the Tetazo and Teuhl police held a press conference, but I must confess I didn't watch it. Is your father all right? Not too harassed?" asks Maruno.
Deshya shakes her head.
- He talked a lot with the Teuhl and Tetazo police chiefs, as well as Hanoka a little, but he wasn't bothered for long. On Monday, he was also bombarded with questions, but it seems to have calmed down to the point where no journalist showed his face yesterday," she replies.
- That's good... I was afraid that even the Tetazo police force would take a beating.
- It's mostly the Teuhl police!" says Amora. It happened in their town, after all.
- But Tetazo's police was on it too. I could have been criticized too, but nothing happened to me.
Deshya had been told about this 'planned arrest', after all. Maruno bows his head as he listens to them, which intrigues Amora, but Deshya understands straight away why he looks so 'sad': if Maruno hadn't asked to arrest Axel so late, maybe this would never have happened. Certainly, the bombs had been planted in advance, and even if Axel had been taken to court beforehand, they would have exploded when the time came — he can't do anything but feel guilty about it all. Deshya says nothing to him, since she's already spoken to him, assuring him that it's all Axel's fault in any case. If they wanted to place the blame on someone else, then it would be the 'Lordly' company who hadn't properly checked every nook and cranny of the hotel beforehand. They were criticized for this several times during the police press conference, as well as questions and answers from Aya's parents. Of course, it's not just Farhoü and Minerva who are criticized, but Lordly in general.
- Anyway, even with all this, the Lordly company remains on their feet and have promised to be much more careful in the future. They've lost a few sponsors, connections and a lot of money, but they're still quite rich and not hated by everyone either," adds Maruno, raising his head.
- The Prime Minister also spoke of the damage done by the destruction of the hotel, as well as the repairs planned in the city," explains Deshya, addressing Amora.
- Did the king mention it too?" she asks.
- He shook hands with the people of Teuhl and chatted a bit there, but otherwise nothing.
Maruno replies with a quick glance at the waking cat, leaving the customer's jacket alone.
- Doesn't he say anything special? It's a disaster, so I thought…
- It's not the king's nor the queen's job," Maruno replies. It's the Prime Minister's job.
- Eeeh, I see…
Shortly afterwards, the dishes ordered by the three teenagers arrive. For the smiling boy, it's a blueberry pancake with two scoops of ice cream on top, both vanilla. On top, strawberry icing is silhouetted like a cat's head. For Deshya, a simple banana milkshake. Finally, Amora decided on a salted butter caramel coulis, wishing to indulge herself this weekend. Everyone paid their own way, as planned, although Maruno had wanted to offer them the desserts as a thank-you. Thanks to Deshya for what she did last week and rescuing Aya; thanks to Amora for always being so friendly to everyone around her. They don't say much to each other while they eat: they just enjoy the calm of the bar, the soft melody coming out of the baffle, the restful atmosphere and the cute cats that gracefully decorate the place. Deshya hadn't really thought about it, but she thought that this kind of moment had been impossible for her since the beginning of September, with all the investigations she encounters on the way, but in reality, she's living well. Admittedly, she had to see a psychologist because her mind had gone that night, as well as the stress all this is causing her, but since meeting Bibi and adopting Korone, she's been fine. She still worries sometimes about her adopted little sister, but if she believes the words of the man who spoke to her, then she should be safe with them. Speaking of that man, Deshya continues to wonder if he has anything to do with her fox attributes... It's obviously an almost fanciful theory, but given that Deshya already thinks Korone has something to do with her... However, it's impossible to confirm with certainty just yet: she hopes that one day, she'll have the answers to her questions.
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- But I mustn't forget that I'm a 16-year-old girl... As Bibi told me.
Her psychologist is right: she's just a teenager with a highly functioning brain. Whether she really is what they say is a 'genius' or just a girl who's a little smarter than the rest of us, she'll never know. On the average, this doesn't change the fact that she has to enjoy life, her friends and family. Not live in constant fear or try to 'steal' police work. She's not a private detective yet, and running to investigations can't be a good idea. Of course, Deshya wants to find the answers to her questions as quickly as possible, but what's the point in rushing if you don't know where to start? If they can discover the identity of the man with the sniper rifle or the man in the eagle hood, maybe... But for now, until she or Korone regain their memories, she'd better make the most of her life.
- What's more, I'm really feeling better.
The 'dark thoughts' she had when confronted by the woman who had kidnapped 'Byron Elrick' have not reappeared since. This is thanks to Bibi, but also to her friends and family. Her father, mother little-sister, Amora, Tessa, Maruno, etc. etc. Her life continues to be quite hectic, but this week has been very quiet. She also notices that Sundays are rarely hectic, which actually pleases her: the next day, which is Monday, she has to go back to school, so she'd rather not get tired. Even with her growing popularity, even with her vast knowledge and incredible points, she still has to go to school like a normal girl.
- Yes…
A normal girl.
A little later, barely ten minutes after their desserts have presented themselves to them, all three are enjoying their digestion. Maruno happily observes the cats in their 'little home' on the wall, Amora strokes one of them as it eats its kibble from a bowl close by — and of course, she's disinfected her hands beforehand — while Deshya thinks about everything and nothing, occasionally admiring one cat or another. She's always been fond of this kind of bar, especially as she's very fond of cats. Cute little creatures that can be real monsters. She's just as fond of sheep or foxes, and dogs too, but cats... How could she not adore them?
- Come to think of it, did you see Sunday's news?
Maruno asks this question as he turns to Deshya, intriguing Amora too, who stops petting the cat as it continues to eat from its bowl.
- I'm not talking about "FEDER", but about the other thing.
The pink-haired girl doesn't understand what he means by that, especially since most TV channels or social networks were talking about it, but the red-haired one nods without the slightest hesitation.
- I suppose? Deshya squints.
- XIII?
Pronounced 'thirteen' (13), this name alone sends shivers down Amora's spine. Deshya looks at her and her best friend apologizes, waving her hands. Maruno nods without smiling.
- Yeah, him.
- I saw that he was at it again, yes. After that, most of the discussions were about 'FEDER' or other things going on in the world, so I confess I wasn't that interested,
Deshya told him.
- What happened with him?" asks Amora, interested.
Maruno turns to her pink-haired friend.
- As expected, he defied the Izambar police to arrest him, but ended up killing three men. All three were pedophiles.
- Beh.
A sound of disgust resounded from Deshya's throat.
- They didn't manage to stop him, as we suspected," continues Maruno.
- Are we ever going to catch this serial criminal... Amora asks, then sighs as she lowers her head.
Deshya observes her best friend without smiling. They've talked about this criminal before, so she knows his opinion of him very well.
On the 'legendary criminal'.
- Nah. He's been around for over 10 years, but no one's managed to catch him yet," admits Maruno.
- He's so hard to catch him...?" asks the sad Amora.
Deshya knows very well that her best friend hates this man. A criminal who never stops committing crimes, having already killed at least 1,000 people in his lifetime. Almost nothing is known about him, apart from his self-appointed nickname: 'XIII'. 13' in Roman numerals.
- It's bad enough that sometimes the police don't even understand how the murders were committed... Plus, it seems he always manages to escape because he has planned everything in advance. I think they say he's…
- A superhuman.
Deshya cuts Maruno off with crossed arms.
- He continues to defy police and detectives here and there, mostly in Tetazo, but also in neighboring countries like Ferouz," continues Deshya.
Always warning where he's going to kill and when, always disguising himself and always having fun checking to see if the police or detectives can figure out his tricks. The legendary criminal... XIII, eh.
She knows him perfectly well: anyone interested in detectives or the police has heard of him. He's not just a criminal who's known in Tetazo, but all over the world. Some books are references to him. A series has been made where the protagonist is literally 'XIII' and some of his most incredible murders are recounted — a season 2 was even announced at the end of May last year, this one to be released in early 2023. He's not even dead or caught yet, and people are already calling him a legend.
- The serial criminal with the most murders to his credit... Do we know the exact number of victims he has?" asks Amora.
Her tone is much more serious than usual. Deshya and Maruno can understand her: how can you talk about such a monster with a smile on your face? Deshya opens her mouth, knowing the answer:
- Since his last three victims... A total of 1347 victims. All dead. Seven survivors, one still in a coma.
Once again, Amora feels an unpleasant chill run through her. This criminal is clearly the one who has committed the most murders in his life — well, as a serial criminal. Still active, plaguing the scene for over 10 years, defying the authorities again and again. He's such a sought-after criminal that catching him would make anyone rich for life. Recognition that surely surpasses comprehension. Unimaginable notoriety. Even government forces can't catch him. Called 'superhuman' by many, even 'divine', XIII is a man who seems untouchable, unattainable, almost fictitious.
- The three victims are pedophiles who worked together and it seems they committed more than five rapes between them," continues Maruno, although disgusted to talk about them. It made... As always, it made people happy.
And yet, despite being a wanted criminal the world over, with an as yet unknown identity, this is his specialty.
- How can we be happy about this…
XIII is currently a person adored by a large part of the world's population. Considered a 'hero' by some.
- He only kills garbage, after all…
Maruno's answer clearly explains the reason for this adoration: XIII specializes in killing only horrible people. Rapists, other criminals, people in corruption, first-rate liars, marriage swindlers or swindlers of any kind, con artists... In short, only horrible people. It's ironic, given that XIII himself kills humans, but even if nobody knows who he really is, three things are certain:
Firstly, XIII is a man. This is certain and confirmed, there's no doubt about it. If this information turns out to be false, then the whole world will explode, Deshya has no doubt.
Secondly, XIII always marks a particular 'XIII' on or next to the victims. This can be directly on the body, inscribed on the floor or even on a piece of paper. What's more, XIII will always confirm that he has committed the crimes on his own 'Twatter', which is followed by almost three million people. If anyone tries to impersonate him, XIII will deny it outright.
Thirdly, XIII only kills people who are 'trash'. XIII would never agree to end the life of someone who doesn't 'deserve to be sent to hell'.
People can say what they want about XIII and his actions, that's the truth. There is a wiki with all XIII's victims and sometimes short information, sometimes long on these: none of them are 'good people'. Of course, how do you know who's 'good' and who's 'bad'? It's a question often asked when talking about this legendary criminal, but most people agree on one thing: those who get killed by XIII are clearly 'bad people'.
- Even if he only kills 'garbage', he shouldn't be on the loose!" says Amora, sad to know that he's still at large.
Deshya has long known how much her best friend hates this man, and with good reason: a killer is still a killer, even if he kills horrible people. Nobody will deny that the world would be a better place without 'bad people', but that doesn't justify these crimes; that's what Amora thinks and will always say. Maruno, however, sees things a little differently.
- I can't say I like him, but I have to admit I'm a little more mixed," he replies. I obviously want him arrested, but he only kills people who are really assholes, after all…
- I don't think it deserves to be seen as 'good'! He's still a killer who gets his kicks from these crimes!
Deshya listens attentively and silently, understanding both points of view. She hadn't intended to offer her opinion, but her two friends turned to her.
- What do you think?!
Deshya blinks and scratches her cheek.
- It's undeniable that I want him behind bars forever, and that I don't really like him, but…
- Are you mixed like Maruno?" asks Amora.
However, Deshya doesn't know how to answer. In fact, she's never really asked herself the question... She's annoyed when she hears that he's still at it and managing to escape the hands of the police and great detectives like 'Minos Kiyon', but at the same time, she's always amazed at his many tricks and tips for these crimes. He's killed again and again, but always seems to have new plans. Figuring out who XIII is disguised as isn't easy, and even if some of these murders are frighteningly similar, understanding him on the spot is borderline impossible. He's still a criminal, and however intelligent he may be, Deshya can't see him as an 'idol', let alone a 'hero' of society, but Deshya has never felt any 'hatred' for him, unlike Amora. But what to say to her best friend? Deshya wasn't sure. That's why, with a shrug, she tells them she'll have to think about it some more, which is an honest answer on her part. They both accept it, having no other choice in any case. Thinking of something, Amora smiles and looks at her best friend
- One day, XIII may ask you to be a detective and try to stop him~" she teases.
- Ahah!
Deshya laughed and waved a hand in front of her face.
- Me? When he challenges a detective, it's someone of the stature of Minos, Ayumi or even Rina!" says Deshya.” I think it's highly unlikely that he'll choose me, ahah!
- But if you continue to grow in popularity…
Maruno's words strike at her heart first, but Deshya continues to deny the possibility, shaking her head as she closes her eyes. Amora laughs in turn, before something else pops into her head.
- I was wondering... Do we agree that XIII always warns in advance where he plans to crack down by sending letters to the police and detectives he appoints, if he does?
- That's right," agrees Deshya.
- Wouldn't it be possible to just not go or cancel the event?" she asks.
Amora thinks this would be a good idea, but unfortunately Deshya shakes her head.
- Even if it's not stupid, it's been tried before. Even if the police or detectives called don't intervene, XIII will kill his targets; it'll just be a lot easier for him. Besides, as far as I know, he always acts as if the police are around, since they can hide in civvies, so that doesn't stop him. As for your other plan, there was a time when he was planning to murder someone at a teenage girl's party. It was the girl's father, who manipulated many women at once. The police forbade the party to take place, which seemed to be perfect, but XIII didn't like it and simply killed his victim the next day. Since he never says who his victims are, the police can't protect everyone, and even if they could, XIII would find the perfect moment to act.
- A big baby…
It's an attempt at an insult on Amora's part, but it's seen as cute by her best friend. Maruno starts laughing and the cat eating her kibble calmly walks away. Amora giggles and turns her face to Deshya again.
- Come to think of it, you're friends with Minos now, so couldn't you ask him a bit more about XIII? They've faced each other a few times, haven't they…” she asks.
- I wouldn't say we're friends either..." admits Deshya.
- You could ask more of him!" says Maruno. As far as I know, Minos really wants to stop XIII and he's always managed to guess how the murder was committed that very day!
- It's true that sometimes the police or the detective don't understand until the next day or much later, but Minos even manages to find out what XIII's disguise is…
That's what Deshya thinks out loud. However, noticing that she's digressing from Amora's question, she shakes her head gently and looks at her best friend.
- ...well, why not?
- Will you tell me what he said?!
- I want to know too!
- A-Ah, but I'm not promising anything! Minos is often busy and I don't talk to him much, as I don't want to bother him…
- After the "FEDER" affair, you did say something, didn't you?
She nods.
- He checked up on me and congratulated me on all this, although he almost scolded me for my temerity…
- Korone’s your little sister and Minos your big brother… Deshya's family is growing.
Amora smiled as she said these words, nodding in agreement.
- Tessa has to become Deshya's wife, then I have to become the cousin. After that, it'll be perfect…
- ... Ahahah!
Deshya can't help laughing at Amora's words, although she's careful not to disturb the cats or the other guests. As if it were contagious, Maruno and Amora imitate her, and the three of them laugh around their own table.
A few minutes later, when Deshya and Maruno had also petted a cat while chatting, the three of them decided to leave the cat bar and go home.
Amora and Deshya thank Maruno for the invitation and he promises that they'll do it again, which they accept without the slightest concern. On the way home, the two best friends talk about everything and anything, but their paths diverge rather quickly and instead of taking a bus, Deshya decides to walk home. The weather is still fine, with few clouds and fresh air. A few cars or locals, but the atmosphere is calm and Deshya doesn't have to put up with children shouting in the street. No one to bother her. A very good start to the weekend ahead. Nevertheless, she knows that an investigation could turn up at any moment. That peace and quiet may suddenly come to an end. That she would once again have to watch a murder unfold before her eyes. Maybe someone will die right next to her, on the road. A road accident? Even something worse, more sinister—
- Hey, hey, what are you thinking, Deshya?" she thinks, shocked out of her wits.
She doesn't know why she thinks this way. She assumes it's because of all the investigations that have fallen into her lap, but is that a reason to be paranoid? She sighs and continues on her way, thinking of something else.
Fortunately, nothing happens until she arrives home. She is greeted by her dog and pats him for a few moments before discarding her shoes. Looking into the hallway mirror, Deshya stares at her own face for a few brief seconds, but it seems like an eternity.
She smiles.
Admittedly, it seems a haphazard, almost pointless detail, but she touches her face before withdrawing that very smile, an almost shocked look crossing her face. She's not sad that she's smiling, rather the opposite: did she smile like that before? Yes, when she's with friends or family, or when she's out and something fun happens, even when she's watching 'Waffie' or other streamers. However, she doesn't remember looking so happy long minutes after something good has happened.
- …
She doesn't know why she's thinking about all this. Except for the few weeks, even months, after she'd returned home with her fox attributes, she'd always felt happy. Yet, when she thinks about it, was she smiling so often, this month? Even before?
- Big sister!
Deshya turns her face towards her granddaughter as she emerges from the office, where she can still hear her mother tapping away on the laptop keyboard.
- What are you doing?
- Say, Korone.
- Yes ?
- When we first met, I often smiled?
- …
Deshya goes to apologize for her question, but Korone only smiles.
- Yes, you seemed happy. But since you've been crying about the Elrick affair, you seem to have let yourself go more.
Korone flashes her teeth in an even happier smile.
- I'm glad to get to know the real Deshya, and not the one who hides part of herself unintentionally.
Deshya opened her eyes wide, not having a word to say to that. She hadn't thought about it, but it's true that she used to be more reserved... Admittedly, less so with Amora, but in general... Deshya smiles in turn and strokes Korone's hair before kissing her on the top of her head.
- So do I.
She then turns and pulls off her fox sweater, heading for the kitchen. Pera leaves the office, having just finished her sentence, and approaches her daughter.
- How was school, darling?
- Perfect! We went to a cat bar with Maruno and Amora," she replies.
- Oh, I hope you ate well.
Deshya quickly explains what she ordered and what the atmosphere was like there. It's clear that her mother is happy to hear her talk about it all. Korone takes a drink of water while the girl talks to her mother. The German shepherd comes into the kitchen without making a sound, despite its size, and Deshya shakes her hair when she has finished talking.
- It's a good thing journalists don't come to our house, when I think about it..." says Deshya.
- It's true that if they see you with your fox ears…
Pera knows exactly what her daughter means: this is the only place where she can let them breathe, so if even at home she has to keep her sweater on…
- Oh, also! I washed your red sweater, if you like," said her mother. I'm also mending your dress, but I'm thinking of making another one, while I'm at it.
- Oh, but I like it.
- I want to make a better one!
Her mother shows a certain enthusiasm that Deshya can't break or refute, so she lets it infect her and she nods with a big smile.
- Can't wait to see what wonderful outfit you'll create!
- You should become a professional seamstress!" says Korone, approaching them.
Pera starts laughing, saying that this is quite exaggerated, but Korone insists. Deshya has to admit that her mother is really good at making beautiful sweaters. She loves their design and honestly wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people were interested in them. She knows that her friend furry really likes her black sweater, for example. Deshya took out her phone to look at the time and remembered Amora's 'proposal' about calling Minos. Would he answer? Would he be bothered by her call? She hesitated, but finally gave a weak nod and apologized to her mother and little sister. She moves away, her hand trembling, still unsure of daring to call him: what if he's busy? She can't bother him with a subject so…
- If worst comes to worst, so be it!
She plucks up her courage and presses the call button as she climbs the stairs, the phone to the side of her mouth. Admittedly, her ear is higher up, but she can hear just fine this way, so she has no worries about doing this. When the person on the other side of the line is speaking very softly, she sometimes puts the phone in front of her ear to listen and then in front of her mouth to talk back. Here, there's no need to do this. The ringing continues, so she assumes Minos is busy, but just at the end—
- Yes, Deshya?
An answer. This surprises Deshya, who takes a second to find the words.
- A-Ah, Minos! I hope I'm not... Not disturbing?
- Not at all, ahah! I was just watching a series and wondering how such a writer could be hired professionally. I read better on Wattpad.
- Is it? Is it that bad?
- I feel like I'm reading something that's been thought up without love, without care and inspired by a little bit of everything and nothing, hoping that it will pass. What's more, it's so intent on attracting the attention of certain minorities that it becomes too obvious and ruins everything... It's good when it's well done, it's bad when it's badly done…!
- I'd like to say, it’s logical…
- Well, anyway. Are you calling for a reason?
- A-Ah, it's not that I'm not interested in what you're saying, I just expected you not to answer!
She doesn't want to seem cold to him, so she tries to defend herself, which makes the man on the other side of the line laugh.
- I didn't think so either way, ahah! Anyway, talking to you will be more interesting than this... thing, anyway.
- What are you looking at?
- Take almost any current series that's commissioned by 'you-know-who' and you've got your answer.
- ... Honestly, understandable.
The two laugh before Deshya reveals the reason for her call.
- In fact, we were talking about 'XIII' with Amora and Maruno and they said I might be able to talk to you about it to find out more... It's true that I'm a bit curious about him too.
For a moment, silence. No answer from Minos. Deshya is afraid she's said something wrong, so she goes to apologize, but Minos speaks immediately afterwards.
- Sorry, I was drinking my water! About our dear, horrible XIII, eh? Well, most of what we know about him is no secret, so I must confess I don't really know what else to tell you... ? Even if I don't know you perfectly, I'm convinced you know a lot about him, don't you?
- Most of what is said in public, yes, but…
- Want to know how our meetings are going? Eeeh, would you be interested in being called by him and trying to stop him from killing anyone in time, Deshya~?
Minos' teasing laugh embarrasses her, but not in a bad way. Blushing softly, she shakes her head, though it's no use.
- It's-it's not that! Yes, I'd like that, but no! I was just curious…
- I'm teasing you, don't worry, ahah! Hmmm…
Deshya can hear Minos crashing against the back of his seat, probably the one made of leather.
- Well, 'XIII' is someone who always prepares himself enormously. If you can't fool him, I suppose you can't even hope to argue with him. He's also the type who loves deductions, but is quickly disappointed if you're wrong, although you can't really use that against him... Anyway.
Deshya listens attentively, standing with his back against the wall of the corridor on the second floor of his house.
- It's someone you think you can catch with ten police officers around, but in reality, you should have had some a hundred. Without being prepared for him, it's impossible to know how he kills his targets. Hoping to stop him from killing anyone and finding his disguise in time is also almost impossible... For example! At one point, he had someone fall on me to make me think he was disguised as that person, but it was just a trick to distract me from his real disguise! Not only does he use tricks for his murders and assassinations, but he also creates them for his disguises! He's a real rat, but he's good at what he does.
- When I see the number of his victims and yet he continues to defy the police and detectives…
- Right? He's superhuman. Inhuman, I'd go so far as to say. After all, he's a man who takes pleasure in creating spectacles of these murders, in a sense.
Something Deshya was already aware of: there's a reason he defies the police and detectives every time he has a target in his sights. However, Deshya still wants to ask:
- Is it possible that he wants to be arrested or that he likes the risk above all?
Minos ponders his question, but soon enough answers:
- Quite possible, but nobody knows his real identity. I've looked and looked, but the face he's showing is a fake, it's already been proven. Anyway, we don't know if it's a wig, a very sophisticated disguise or that in everyday life he wears another disguise, but it's even possible that he's 'invisible' to society and hides all the time. But then again, he's extremely intelligent, always comes prepared and even seems to have very good technology, so it's not impossible that he's a rich man in real life. He can also steal all this stuff, so we have no clue who he is. He makes almost no mistakes, and some of his crimes are borderline perfect. He's not an adversary to underestimate, even if he were to come down with the flu.
- ... I see.
If even the great Minos Kiyon speaks of XIII in this way, then Deshya can only believe him and be afraid of such an 'enemy of detectives'. However, she has no reason to be afraid of being his next victim: she has done nothing to deserve being called a piece of trash. In fact, she considers the opposite to be true. Their discussion doesn't last much longer, although Minos asks again how she's doing. After this confirmation, he returns to his series — although he admits to regretting it — and Deshya picks up the phone with a smile. She didn't necessarily learn anything new, but chatting with one of her favorite detectives was a great pleasure. What's more, knowing what he thinks about a legendary criminal like XIII oddly pleased her. After all, horrible as he is, he's still a man adored by many and truly a living legend. It's rather strange that he's so adored by some, but the fact that he kills people who are only 'deserving of death' means that he's seen as a hero, a real vigilante by some. However, Deshya finds it hard to see it that way. Does such a 'noble' title have the merit of being a criminal...? On this question, which she can't answer directly, she goes up to her room.
In the evening, the three female members of the Oveja family are all at the table, dinner already served. They ate earlier than planned, but Gatito was due to arrive at any moment. Deshya quickly recounted what she had discussed with Minos on the phone, but then changed the subject to what she had learned at school.
It's during this very discussion that the kitchen door opens abruptly, an angry man coming into the kitchen.
- H-Honey?
Pera rises from her chair and notices Gatito angrily approaching the table. At first, Deshya is afraid that it's something stupid on her part, but she can't see what she would have done. However, Gatito raises his hand in front of her…
Before throwing an envelope in front of her.
His rage isn't directed at his daughter directly, but it seems to concern her. Deshya blinks, incomprehension all over her face. Pera asks what's going on, and Korone observes the envelope carefully. There's no stamp or anything special written on it. Just a blank with no writing, no signature, no nothing. Korone goes to touch it to see if there's anything written on the back, but Gatito finally speaks.
- It's not possible!" he said. It's... I don't accept this!
- What's going on, honey?
Pera touches his arm, trying to calm him down, but the muscular man seems to be really angry. Deshya admires the envelope before taking it and turning it over.
“For Deshya Oveja”
That's all it says, in small, clear red ink. Nothing more. The envelope hasn't been opened yet, so Deshya wonders if its contents are really what's making her father so enraged.
- Can I open it?" asks Deshya, completely forgetting about her dish, which is cooling on its side.
- ... Yeah.
In a cold tone, his father replies with an acquiescence.
- After all, it's for you.
Deshya tears off the top of the envelope, taking care not to damage the letter inside, and then takes it out. She doesn't yet know what she'll find inside, or why it's upsetting her father so much, but she's strangely eager to find out. So she takes out the letter and reads it silently at first.
Her eyes widen to near maximum.
Pera and Korone take a closer look, but even Gatito imitates them. The letter reads as follows:
"Dear Deshya,
You, the Fox-Eared Detective. Your act of rescue during the fall of the FEDER Hotel was nothing short of remarkable. From what I can gather, you acted with the simple aim of saving a dear friend of yours that is the daughter of the Lordly Company. It seems that your little sister has shown just as much courage, and I can only congratulate you. You are both charming humans, especially from what I have seen of you, Deshya.
I have been watching your exploits, your deductions, your... genius, if I may say so. You seem to be a detective who is breaking out of her shell, but not out of it yet. However, you interest me. You made me feel something incredible that day.
I, 'XIII', propose to try and stop me this Saturday, October 1st, during the wedding of 'Rosaline Monneige'. I intend to take care of the demons waiting there. A similar letter has already been sent to the police in Lière, where this same wedding will take place. If you would like more information, you will find it attached to the back of this letter.
I know I am late to the party, but I hesitated to send such a challenge to a teenage girl. However, I want to see for myself your so-called 'genius'. If your parents do not agree or the police consider my request too risky, I will accept it. Otherwise, I look forward to seeing if you can stop me in time — or simply try to understand my own genius.
XIII.”
A letter offered by the legendary criminal, 'XIII'. His basic signature is visible at the end of the letter: an 'X' with elongated bars curving to the right, including three 'I's inside this 'curve' of the 'X'. Quite different from the 'challenge letter' that was made by 'Lam Douce', this time it's a far more incredible letter. Important. Almost unreal.
Deshya may be about to have a close encounter with a terrible man... A legendary criminal.