As the next day passed, I could just feel the stares around me getting more uncomfortable, looks like rumor had spread like wildfire from the outburst in drama club yesterday. Why didn't I keep my mouth shut? Now I am even more of a standout than before. I mean sure I did make a valid point of stopping everyone blaming the other for Tem's death, but maybe I was a bit too dramatic or maybe they think I wouldn't understand what it was like for being a species that eats both plants and protein.

I kept my head low, wearing my earbuds in my ears, at least then I could block out all the noises around me. It would give me at least a moment of peace walking in between classes. I tried not to let the stares get to me, I mean they have never seen my species before, heck I would be just as curious as they were to find out who I really am myself. What kind of a species was I even?

But at least school was some place where I could focus on my studies, and surprisingly I did stand out in each class getting high marks on assignments, tests and solo projects. Some of my teachers were even impressed on how smart I really was, I even impressed myself sometimes. I didn't really have to try hard, I just figured things out quickly. And this is coming from someone been isolated from the world for over thirteen years, who has no experience being in a classroom let alone a school. But it still didn't stop the staring, I could feel some anxiety from sitting in front of the classroom while listening to lectures and taking notes, maybe I should just sit in the back at the top row? At least then the teacher could give them the lecture of keeping their focus on them rather than me.

Sometimes if I sensed someone staring at me too long, I would give a hard tap with my pen and cleared my throat to draw their attention away from me temporarily, but I would soon feel that same stare of intensity a few minutes later. I know this could easily be controlled and I could really stop the staring once and for all, but confrontation was something I was trying to avoid to the best of my ability. I couldn't go back to the way I was before; I was still angry with myself with the monstrosity I had become. It took so much for me to keep my instincts in check, it was exhausting, but there is so much one person can take before they would finally snap, and the gates of hell would be opened.

Having a little time in between before drama club, I went to the memorial where Tem had been killed, carrying a bouquet of cherry blossoms wrapped together with a red silk bow. When I saw the taped off doors, a huge wave of fear rushes over me. The sight looked all too familiar of where I was once held captive, the only things that were missing was...the blood splatted everywhere and the many decapitated bodies that had littered the floor and the doors hanging barely on broken hinges. But I kept my emotions in check, I had to pay my respects to someone who didn't deserve to lose their life so young, who had so much to offer. Like the many I once knew who could have done great things, but yet they paid the ultimate price for someone else's sins.

Kneeling down I gently placed the flowers down in front of Tem's picture. "I know you and I didn't have a chance to meet, but from seeing and hearing about you, it made me think you would really done some greatness in this world. Maybe life changing. Seeing your smile in the photo, you must be quite the character. I hope that you are okay now, in your better place, and not trapped in fear like how I am now"

I looked towards the photo and see his warm smile, no wonder he was so liked, that smile could bring anyone a smile to their face. It sure did for me.

Slowly I began to sense I was no longer alone and sensed beside me to see the same grey wolf from the club, kneeling down and placing a bouquet of white lilies down next to my bouquet of cherry blossoms. I could feel my heart racing fast pounding in my ears. Oh no, the last encounter we had, he flinched when I said goodbye to him, did I offend or scare him? I could feel my stomach twist in knots, just keep calm, maybe he won't remember what happened yesterday. Of course, he would! What are you thinking?! And this is what you get for trying to act friendly with someone you don't even know!

The wolf kneeling down next to her, caught a trace of the scent that she has unknowingly let loose into the air right before he came around the corner of the hallway. As he had smelled it the same night when he gave the letter to Els, it smelled sweet, like honey, but beautiful like a cherry blossom. But when he smelt that scent, something inside of him sparked. A new feeling that he hadn't felt before. That's when it hit him, it was her. The scent he would never forget. It was the girl that he attacked right behind the lecture hall. That's when he saw her right in front of the memorial laying down a bouquet of flowers, to pay her respects to Tem.

It's her, it's the new girl...crap I can't go near her, I was so close to devouring her and yet she even told me goodnight right after drama club! She has no idea I was the one who nearly killed her! Stop! What are you doing?!

But Legoshi found himself walking towards her, his mind screaming to stop but he had knelt down beside her, laying the lilies right next to hers. Her scent was even stronger than the last time he was this close to her.

He couldn't help but look at her, he was intrigued by her appearance.

He had never seen anything like it before. Nothing about the young girl's appearance seemed to have made him want to turn the other way. She looked so innocent, so gentle, so fragile. Her dark red hair looked silky to the touch, what covered her body looked smooth and creamy. She kept her crystal grey-blue eyes forward not looking at him, but the color of them was attracting. The rumors were true, no wonder she stood out so much, an unknown species that has never been seen before. It was such a rare sighting it left everyone infatuated with. When he looked up higher, he could see the small white horns poking out through the sides of her head, he has seen horns on other species but nothing like the shape that these horns were, they almost looked like cat ears. She looked lost in her own world; and it was just her and herself.

He should make contact with her. Wait what was he thinking? She is going to get scared if a wolf started talking to her, anyone would be after all, everyone always gave him nervous looks when they saw him.

"Um...h...hello there"

I snapped out of my fear and slowly turned my head to the side to see the grey wolf, I think that was the first time that anyone has ever made friendly contact with me. He looked so shy, but at least he didn't look scared I guess that counts as a positive, if he was kneeling right beside me. "H-hi, I remember seeing you at the club yesterday, you were on the rafter"

"Y-yeah I am a part of the art department, I-I don't believe I have seen you around here at school, you must be that new student I-I heard about"

Wow he was actually making conversation with me, what do I say? Come on, don't make him feel awkward talking to a freak. But his voice, it sent a shiver down my back, it sounded... genuine...so beautiful. "Y-yeah, it's my first year here, I am just a stranger in a strange place"

I give a shy smile and shrug. "I know the feeling...I-I mean it happened to me my first year too, uhm even still now, feels like my first year all over again"

Silence came in between us both. Oh great, I must be making him uncomfortable, okay just don't panic, keep this going. I am actually talking with a student and not just my teachers and counselor. My eyes fell back on the memorial in front of us and thought of something else to ask him. "I heard Tem was a part of the drama club, were you guys' friends?"

He looked to me with surprise written in his face, but his head turned forward, sadness began to flood over in his eyes. "Oh my goodness, I a-am so sorry, y-you are just the first student to actually to me and-

"No...no you are okay, I-I just never been asked that before, let alone actually anyone other than a carnivore talks to me... w-without getting... y-you know...scared. You m-mean no one has talked to you?" His voice had some concern at the end, was he actually worried about that?

I shook my head softly, confirming his statement. "You would be the first, one that doesn't give me a weird look, let alone stare at me unpleasantly"

He looked back to the memorial. The look he had on his face looked all too familiar to me, confused, alone, and hurt, it looked like he knew what I was feeling too. Like he had his own demons to face. "Tem was...I would like to think he was a friend. He never judged anyone, whether you were an herbivore or a carnivore. He cared about everyone. And he always knew how to make someone smile"

"He sounds like a really good friend; I am sure he thought great things about you"

A small smile slowly creeps up on his face, his eyes closed briefly till he looks back to me, small tears bubbled in his eyes. That must have really touched him, probably something he thought no one would ever say to him ever. Our eyes locked on to each other's, I almost am forgetting about the world around us, and in the moment, I had everything, the pain, the anxiety, and the sadness just melt away and it was just me and him. For once I felt like myself. For a powerful predator, he sure had a sensitive side to him, what hid behind the fur, the sharp teeth and claws, lies a soul of purity and gentleness. "I would think if he were still here, he would have some great things to say about you too"

I blushed softly pink in my cheeks, feeling so coy. What a gentleman he was. "Uh-what is your-"

But before I could finish my question, screams echoed throughout the hallway, our gaze was broken as we looked to see a red deer, wearing an elegant green jacket walk through. I guess he must be pretty popular here, the girls nearby giving him adoring looks, nothing that maybe me or Legoshi would ever receive, solely because of our appearances.

He kneels beside us both, setting down another bouquet of flowers right beside mine, stuck in between an herbivore and carnivore. Surprised that he even got that close to me, no one other than Legoshi has been in this close proximity of me. Many stayed well cleared of me. "You are staring, is rudeness something that is inherent in wolves?"

His tone, so harsh, and I thought the staring was rude, but this was worse. "Sorry", Legoshi turned his head away

"I've got something new for you to do pup. Come on" He stood up tall and began to walk the other direction. He stopped for a moment; his eyes stared upon me. No wonder, anyone would feel intimated by his gaze, it certainly didn't pose any fear nor empathy. "You could have used kinder language, no need to speak to him like that"

He flinched a bit impressed; then his gaze sharpened as my eyes narrowed. I am not one to stand to see one be shunned or ridiculed. "So, you must be the new member who made the speech in the club yesterday, meet at the club later, I will have a job ready for you"

Oh I will be ready...

He surely had an attitude, but it was nothing compared to what tones were spoken to me before. I knew what bullying was like, like the back of my hand. I give Legoshi a shy wave goodbye, as he gave one with just as much timidness before they left the memorial. Something told me deep in my heart that being a part of this club was surely going to be quite an experience. Meeting a kind, but timid wolf and now facing a popular deer with a sharp edge to him, Ms. Kota was right, this club surely was special and unique. My mind began to wonder what was in store for me on what job that this deer for me, but I knew it was going to be a challenge if he was going to be on my back.

Maybe if I was lucky, I would be in the art department, like Legoshi was, at least then it wouldn't be too awkward or lonely knowing I would have someone, who surprisingly gave me a chance to talk to, would be there. I stood up to my feet, dusting off my dress and gave Tem's picture one last empathic smile before leaving to head to my next class.

Finally, towards the end of the day, I had a little more time before I had to make my way to drama club. It was bittersweet for the moment, bitter cause I would have to deal with that deer again, even for being a brand new student I would think that someone who is supposedly so adored by many students would have a much better outlook in attitude and personality. But at least I would be able to see that gentle, sweet wolf Legoshi again, wait did I just say that out loud?!

My cheeks became flushed red stopping dead in my tracks. Well, I mean he was pretty sweet to me after telling me how Tem would have said nice things about me and even though he was shy like me, he at least made an effort to talk to me. He didn't judge me or looked at me strangely like others have, he treated me like an individual. One who had feelings. A smile slowly crept up to my face as I held the straps of my backpack tighter in my hands. What was the emotion I was feeling? I feel like I am losing everything that was holding me down and when I am around him, I just feel okay. I then could feel my heart deeply pounding in my chest. I get it, I was feeling happy, for the first time in a very long time. Then I will accept this feeling, it felt...wonderful. I wanted this feeling to keep going. I couldn't wait to see him again.

I hummed softly to myself a little song that I am wanting to try to create later with a musical instrument, hoping it could be a flute or a piano. I wonder if they have a music department here, maybe I could borrow something in order to create my songs. I asked one of the security guards patrolling the grounds if they had any music rooms and they directed me to one of the herbivore buildings. I entered inside and as I strolled through the quiet and empty hallways, I became lost, none looked like a music room. Maybe someone can help give me some better directions. Walking further down the hall, I noticed a slightly open door that says "Gardening Club" painted on, gardening club? I had no idea that there was one, maybe it was private, well whoever maybe here maybe they can help me. When I walked inside, I was met with a beautiful sight, flowers and plants of all kinds strewn about, very well taken care of growing and blooming brightly in the sunlight.

"Wow, I don't think I have ever seen anything so...alive", I knelt down to a path of carnations and took in their fresh scent, humming with content. I then heard humming meet my ears and turned around to see a white rabbit with a watering can tending to another flower bed, she must be a member here. Maybe she could help me. Getting to my feet, I walked over, but stopped right before she noticed my presence. What if she wouldn't help? What if she was like the other students here? Give me weird looks or just stared at me?

I sighed softly and just walked over prepared for any given reaction. It would be nothing I haven't faced already. "Excuse me?"

Her long ears perked up and turned around and had a different kind of expression. A look of surprise, but she seemed happy that I was here. "Yes? May I help you?"

She sounded nice; she surely was small compared to me. I was a head and shoulder length taller than her. Oh wait, I have to ask where a music room is. But uh no, I was starting to get shy again, why did it have to happen to me? And I thought talking to Legoshi was hard, but now I am talking to someone else made it much more nerve wrecking. "Are you alright?"

"Oh um s-sorry, did you grow all of these?"

Man what a stupid question that was! Of course she did, she is a member here, who else would? I was expecting a weird look but all she gave me was a smile. "Yes, I actually did, seeing as I am the only member here, I have been growing these flowers in this bed for almost a full year now"

Wait she is the only member? I guess I had more in common with some other students than I thought. "They are beautiful, I have never seen anything like it in my whole life, um I don't k-know if its t-too much to ask, could I pick a few? I-uh I have a bonsai in my room a-and I think they would like nice in my window in my room...if-if you allow anything like that?"

She raises an eyebrow. "Well normally I would say no, but seeing as you have been the only other person that has shown interest in my flowers, go ahead, pick a few you like"

I sighed in relief internally. "Thank you, I won't pick much, just enough for a bundle in a vase"

I knelt down beside her as she continued watering the flowers beside me, while she hums a relaxing melody. Hearing that hum, it sounded inspirational, I think I could make another song with that kind of tune. As I gently picked a few flowers, all of sudden books and notes landed in the dirt. Huh? Where did these come from?

I heard laughter above and the rabbit and I looked up to see the bullies I had dealt with the other day. A black cat and otter, giggling from the floor above us. "Sorry are you okay? The wind must have blown it over!"

"Of course you are fine! There's always a boy who will come along and rescue you right? Didn't know that the freak joined the club, now not so lonely anymore, isn't it?"

They continued on with their laughter and I glanced over at the rabbit, she looked hurt seeing the damaged flowers, before she looked up. "I am fine! You guys can't hurt me so I don't know why you even bother trying!"

My instincts heightened and without saying anything I grabbed a hold of the rabbit in my arms into my arms shielding her as I sensed something lingering above us. Without the rabbit looking, I looked up and my weapon had caught a mattress just close to crushing us both. Quickly I flicked it away as it landed in the dirt, the rabbit looked up at me with confusion till she looked behind her to see what had been thrown with shock. What is wrong with these animals? Bullying never prospers. I was only grateful that I had stopped her from getting hurt, compared to the many I couldn't help.

"Maybe you'd just rather move out then!" They laughed once more and finally leave, I slowly release the rabbit as I stood up dusting myself off.

"I guess you are being bullied by them as well"

"I am fine" She says with anger in her voice, but I could sense she was hurt deep inside, she was a brave soul "I take it they haven't been nice to you either huh?"

"N-no they threw water on me a few days ago, ruined my uniform and my dinner. I never expected them to do anything this brazen"

"I am used to it, nothing little me can't handle" She takes the books off the mattress and begins to drag it by the edge. I knew she was strong, but I wanted to help, no one should have to face a bully on their own. I walked over and I lifted up the mattress with my arms above my head, all the strength I had was from my experiences in fighting, I had grown stronger and that was one of the things I was thankful from enduring what I had experienced. "Here allow me"

"What are you doing?"

"I can tell you have put up with this once too long, we got to help each other out"

Haru looked frustrated but surprised at the girl's kindness, but she could handle it by herself, she has had to for all of her life, being a dwarf rabbit. She didn't want anyone to think she was helpless and weak, but this seemed to be different, a girl was actually helping her. And on top of that she was being bullied too by the same girls, so she could empathize with what she was going through. The frustration in her face seemed to have faded, this was new to her. Normally she would just shoo them away, but for the first time she actually needed the help and at least it was from someone whom she thought was someone genuine this time. "Don't worry, it's no trouble, its my good deed for the day, where is your room?"

"Oh its...um up there, fourth floor"

After I got the mattress back in the dorm room where the rabbit resided in, I smoothed out the covers and placed the pillow back on. "There, that should do it, are you sure you don't report them? They almost hurt you"

"No, it's not worth it, they will just see me as some weak being that has to look to adults to stand up for herself...but I appreciate your concern"

"Well...I-I thank you for the flowers, but if they bother you again...uh I will help you anyway I can"

She sighed softly. "You can go, you were a great help, but I am fine now"

"O-okay, goodbye"

I left the room, with the flowers I picked in my hand tied together with a purple ribbon. I was hoping she would be alright, but I didn't want to make her uncomfortable with my presence. I also had to get to drama club and the last thing I needed was that deer making a nasty remark like how he did with Legoshi. I didn't even get to ask her for her name, I guess I will have to wait for another opportunity. If one comes along that is.

I arrived at drama club, and I tried to ignore the burning stares from everyone as I walked in. Must be still in shock from the speech that I made yesterday. I set my backpack down against the wall as a zebra passed by me. "Excuse me, do you know where I can find the deer of this club?"

"Oh Louis? Yeah, right over there in the meeting room, you know you really had us spellbound with that speech yesterday", She pointed towards a door

I smiled awkwardly and pushed my bangs back as I slowly made my way up to the door. I gulped nervously and let out a long breath. Just stay strong, keep your composure, and don't let your instincts get the better of you. I grabbed the doorknob and walked inside, no one was in the room, maybe I would catch a break and not have to deal with the deer. I was about to walk back out till I heard someone clear their throat.

I froze in my position, till I seen a shadow move out from beside me. "Close the door"

Slowly I closed it without hesitation and turned to see the deer walk out. The heated glint in his eyes spelled out trouble, for an herbivore he sure could make himself look strong as a carnivore. "S-sorry I didn't see you, you said you had a job for me?"

"Yes, Ms. Kota one of our guidance counselors had signed you up for one of the best clubs that is being held in this school and it's also the only one that is known for its uniqueness and diversity, that it would be an opportunity for a unique species such as yourself"

"I wouldn't call myself unique, I don't even know what species I am, s-so you must b-be"

"Louis, a third year student and the head actor of the drama club"

No wonder he is so popular, being a leader in a club, I guess he always gets to be in the spotlight and get all the attention. "You must be Aayame, hearing about your speech you made about Tem's demise, I am impressed. Normally no one would have the courage to stand up to both species at once, an omnivore, a pretty rare sight"

"Uh-I-uh just don't like fighting, that's all"

He hummed. "Seeing as yourself in your state, I assume you wouldn't want to be a part of the play that is being performed in the next few weeks being an actress?"

"Well I-I wouldn't know what the play would be about, seeing as I am not familiar with what is. I thought for a start being in the art department, w-would be a p-place for me"

I gulp quietly and held my hands together giving stimming squeezes to try and calm down. I was starting to feel my instincts heightened and couldn't risk lashing out. "My passion is for the arts, it is, but I feel it's best to start small and work for higher goals. I do know how to sew and do design. I would be much of an e-embarrassment if I showed my dance or singing skills, not now at l-least"

The atmosphere itself was so uncomfortable, I just wanted to run. Louis's eyes were dead set on me, like he was a predator, and I was prey. Why was I always considered to be prey? Did I look like that weak and scared? Great not this again...been attacked by one already don't need a herbivore to do the same!

"You may have no claws, but you show off your fangs and those horns on your head, you must be proud of how unpleasant that they must be. Or does your body get this way every chance it gets when you get aggressive and fierce?"

Again, with the horns? I can't help that they are growing out of my head, I don't know even why I have them and my fangs are not even nearly as big carnivore here! I don't really eat any carnivore meals; I eat eggs and beans for protein! I was starting to get agitated with his words, clearly, I could feel the familiar tingling on my back. Not again! NO!

"E-excuse me?"

"Or can you not resist your feral instincts? You may look fragile and gentle on the outside, but something inside of you is hidden and has yet to be released" He walked closer to me as I held strong, my palms were sweating, and my vectors were close to emerging from my back. "Why don't you take responsibility for who you are?"

I was suddenly pushed up against the wall, he towered over me, backing me tight with no chance of escape. "If you can't hide it completely, I expect you to have the decency to show me your true nature"

"Please you don't want to do that; you have no idea what I am capable of"

Suddenly I felt a tight grip on my jaw as he squeezed it hard, his fingers pressing deep into my flesh. I didn't want to fight, I can't, if I lose control, I will surely do something I will regret for the rest of my life. I wanted to scream, fight back, but if I did the unthinkable, I surely would be put through another hell like the one I had suffered before. Keep it together, use your words, not your weapons! "I am telling you to show me your weapons, omnivore!"

He thrusted my head back against the wall, causing my ears to ring and I felt my throat clench as he gripped it with brute strength. "Show me!"

He moved one of his other hands into my mouth pushing up my upper lip away to expose my teeth. "Don't play weak and fragile in front of me, come at me with everything you got! Quit pretending!"

I wasn't scared of him as being an herbivore, I was scared of him as a male. Like the many males that had hurt me, violated me, make no worth of the dirt that was walked over under their shoes. The familiar whisper echoed in my ears.

They call you a freak, a monster but you and I both know who the real monster is, the one who is attacking you right now, treating you like scum, why not make them feel the pain you have been feeling all this time? Give it right back to them!

Please! I won't! You have almost made me kill before, why do you want me to hurt others?!

I could feel my vectors floating out from behind my back and ready to strike.

So many males have defiled you, he needs to know his place...

My mind slowed down and I could feel my instincts take over, my pupils dilate wide covering most of my grey-blue eyes. For a moment, I could hear the sinister laughter of one of my many torturers staring down at my fearful child self. I struggled in the chains that held me in place, there was no chance of me escaping. Then I hear the sound of a whip hitting the ground as it inched closer and closer to my fragile, already raw leg.

Yes...he should feel what I am feeling...if he wants me to show my weapons I shall!

A breathy sigh escaped my lips and my vectors went full force out, two grabbing Louis by the neck, squeezing the life out of him as he tried to pull the grip pushing him off of me. I collapsed to the ground coughing to regain my breath. Louis tried to scream but my vectors only tightened harder. But there wouldn't be any escape for him, not as long as I was in control. My two arms forced him back with bruteness towards the other side of the room crashing into the wall. Two more weapons came out and gripped his wrists pinning them to each side of his face, twisting them into an uncomfortable position. They almost would of broke bones if my mind was elsewhere. I gasped for breath as I held my throat with my hand, tending to the bruises I could feel forming. Slowly my gaze went to him with anger and darkness written all over walked slowly over to him, the fear and surprise from the deer was in much contrast to the bold buck he was just moments earlier.

I made my vectors choke him harder pushing him up down to where I was now towering over him. "You got some nerve hurting me, a person who has had no qualms with you, you think just because you are popular, hold everyone's attention, and think you are all the way on top, when you know deep down you are not, from how you are, you are lower than of the lowest life forms that there is possible"

Louis looked at me with confusion and horror seeing my heightened state, this was what the start was of my inner demons taking control, but I fought against it harshly clenching my fists. "You may think I am weak but trust me what hides behind these eyes and these horns you speak of, is someone not to be reckon with. I am fighting to be a better species, to show that I am not a monster nor a freak like many of you students have called me. You have assaulted me, for no god damn reason! I don't know what others see in you, but if they see your true colors, they would be disgusted!"

Louis's ears fell backwards in fear. "All I want is to live in peace and happiness as much as I would want that for you, or any herbivore and carnivore here. You have no reason nor right to bring to others down like this to build yourself up, trust me keep this up and will be nowhere in life, you will lose everything..."

I released my vectors slowly as they retracted back as Louis slumped to the floor, catching his breath. He slowly staggered to his feet, coughing harshly holding his throat barely being able to stand on his wiggling legs. "Aayame, I'm-"

"No! If I see you do what you did to me to anyone else here you are going to wish you never crossed paths with me, trust me Louis I am more dangerous than I let on! You are lucky I won't report this assault to the headmaster, but consider this your only warning"

I left quietly and slammed the door. What just happened? I was so scared, hurt, violated, humiliated. All I wanted to do was just to disappear, maybe there was a mistake of joining here, maybe I should just let myself die that night. I would at least be with Tem he wouldn't judge me I would think he wouldn't. I looked up with tears streaming down my face, my body shaking violently, to see the others looking at me once again with shock to see my fragile state. I wanted to scream and yell at them to stop giving me these looks and tell hurt I am by them, but it wouldn't make that much of a difference anyways. I will always be a freak in their eyes, no matter what I do. And that's when I saw Legoshi, from the rafters, he looked concerned to what happened. At least he was a good one, but I couldn't let him see me like this.

I started to leave, not even thinking about getting my backpack and I just ran out the doors, taking off from the club, letting the tears violently rush down my face, blinding the rage in my eyes far away as I could run. But what I didn't know is that someone was running behind me.