Lee was completely lost in blackness. Occasionally, the void would fade into a blur of colors that he could vaguely make out as people. His mind was in a haze, unable to feel or think anything.

His ears picked up the sound of voices, but it was too muffled for him to understand. He could feel hands on him, lifting him up.

He could feel a searing pain on the left side of his chest. Then, a strange pain in his right arm, like he was being stabbed by something tiny. Then, the darkness took him again and he felt nothing.

"Lee…"

"Lee… sweetie… are you…"

The blurry colors returned and he squinted, trying to make them out.

The figures surrounding him became more distinct. A small female rabbit, a large grey wolf, a brown-colored wolf, a deer, and a wolf with antlers.

Haru looked extremely concerned. "Lee?"

Lee sluggishly nodded his head.

Legosi smiled. "Thank God, you're okay."

Lee moved around and felt a pain in his chest. He looked down to see he was in a hospital bed and wearing a gown. He touched where the pain was and felt a large rectangular lump. He could tell without looking that it was a bandage.

The chimera finally recalled how he wound up in the hospital. "What happened to Trevor and Riz?"

Legosi sighed. "They were both arrested. I'm guessing they're at the police station."

Lee looked confused. "Why were the police there? I didn't call them."

Ibuki bit his lip nervously. "When I figured out where you were, I panicked and called the cops."

The wolf-rabbit groaned. "Damn it. I didn't want to get the police involved."

Haru scowled. "Calling the police is what youshould've done! I can't believe you were so stupid!"

Lee sighed. "I didn't want him to get him in trouble."

His mother pointed a finger at Ibuki. "I think you owe this young man some thanks! You could've ended up dead if he didn't call the cops!"

Lee's ears drooped as he looked at his boyfriend. "Th-thanks. And… I'm sorry."

There was an uncomfortable silence before Lee spoke again. "What's going to happen to Trevor-senpai?"

Louis sighed. "He'll have to stand trial for his crimes. Refusal to take muscle suppressants, physical assault, and attempted murder. These are serious charges. He's probably going to be spending at least a year in juvenile detention."

Lee rubbed his face with one hand in frustration. "I didn't want this. Trevor-senpai is a good guy. He was just making a mistake."

Legosi looked concerned. "That may be true, but he wasn't your responsibility. He wanted to do something that was wrong, so the consequences were his."

Lee shook his head vigorously. "Dad, he was gonna kill himself! What if the cops didn't show up in time?! I'm supposed to let him do that?!"

Haru loudly growled in frustration. "Lee, you can'tsave everybody! You're not a superhero that can fix everyone's problems!" Her eyes teared up. "You nearly died! That'swhat happens when you try to be a hero instead of calling the police!"

Lee glared at his mother. "So Dad should've just called the police when you got kidnapped?"

Haru looked surprised, then shook her head. "Th-that's not the same at all!"

"Yes, it is, Mom! The cops around here are completely useless!"

Haru scoffed. "Well, why don't you say that to Hana-chan?"

The chimera looked dumbfounded. "That's not- I just-"

Louis groaned and threw up his hands. "That's enough. The most important thing is that Lee-kun is alive."

Haru took a deep breath before smiling. "That's true…"

Despite her smile, Lee could still see she was tearing up a bit. His ears drooped and he felt ashamed for scaring her so badly.

He curled his finger at her, beckoning her over. She looked curious and got closer. As soon as she was in arms-reach, he pulled her into a hug. "I'm sorry, Mom."

She looked surprised, then her ears drooped and she sobbed. She sniffled before pulling away from him.

Legosi smiled. "You'll be discharged soon. Then we can get this vacation back on track."

Louis crossed his arms. "After giving a statement to the police. You'll probably be brought in as a witness for Trevor's crimes. So don't expect life to go back to normal immediately."

Juno smiled. "I'm glad you're okay. But we should probably go home now." She looked over towards Ibuki. "Are you coming home with us or staying with your boyfriend?"

Ibuki blushed a bit. "I'm staying with him."

Haru giggled. "I guess we should give you two some alone time." She kissed Lee on the cheek. "I'll see you back at the penthouse soon, hun."

Legosi nodded. "I'm glad you're alright, Lee."

Lee gave a little smile. "Bye, guys."

Soon, everyone but the two chimeras had left the room.

Ibuki sighed. "Happy New Year, by the way."

The wolf-rabbit chuckled awkwardly. "I guess I missed midnight, huh?"

The deer-wolf crossed his arms and glared at Lee. "That was shockinglystupid."

Lee scratched the back of his neck. "S-sorry." He looked at Ibuki curiously. "How did you find out where I was? Or that I was fighting Trevor-senpai?"

Ibuki cleared his throat. "I got assistance from somebody that would rather stay anonymous. And I knew the Gazura Bridge was where Legosi-san fought Riz. I was able to figure out that Trevor-senpai would want to fight his father in the same location."

Lee looked confused. "How did you know he was going to do that?"

The deer-wolf snorted. "Because that would be a very dramatic way of dealing with his father. And Trevor-senpai isa Drama kid."

The wolf-rabbit chuckled. "I guess that fits." Lee's ears drooped. "Is there anything we can do about Trevor-senpai?"

Ibuki shrugged. "I might be able to talk Dad into hiring some top-notch lawyers. But, however you look at this, he's going to end up being punished. Even the best lawyers won't get him off completely scot-free."

Lee sighed sadly. "I lost again. Just like with Ben, I just got my ass kicked."

The deer-wolf shook his head. "You may not have defeated Ben, but if you didn't show up, I'd be a red smear on the floor of a warehouse. You're not an invincible superhero, so you better get used to losing once in a while."

The wolf-rabbit bit his lip, looking ashamed. "Both Trevor-senpai and Riz had their lives on the line and I failed. The only reason they're alive is because youcalled the police."

Ibuki picked up a chair and set it by Lee's bedside. He put both of his hands over Lee's. "I don't condone what you did. But it says a lot about you as a person that you were willing to put your life on the line for a friend. It doesn't matter how often you win or lose. It just matters that Lee continues to be Lee. If that makes sense."

Lee smiled. "Thanks, Ibuki."

The deer-wolf chuckled and leaned forward, kissing his boyfriend on the lips.

The Next Day

Esther and Olivia had woken up together and made their way upstairs. They were treated to breakfast, but Louis, Juno, Haru, Legosi, Lee, and Ibuki weren't there.

The white tiger anxiously glanced at the elevator. Olivia placed a hand on her shoulder. "They'll be back soon, hun."

Not long after breakfast, the elevator dinged and the doors slid open. Inside were the six absent people who walked over to the table.

Esther smiled to see her friend alive, however, Olivia glared at Lee. "Do you have any idea how worried about you we were?"

Lee scratched his neck uncomfortably. "I'm… sorry. I'm reallysorry about that."

Olivia gave an exasperated sigh. Despite her annoyed demeanor, Esther looked down to see her girlfriend's tail was wagging rapidly. The tiger chuckled.

Jolene smiled and pulled out her phone. "Welcome back. I'll let the kitchen staff know to bring up your breakfast."

Louis smiled. "Thank you, Jo-chan."

Lee, Ibuki, Esther, and Olivia sat in the rec room together without the adults.

Esther looked saddened. "Man… poor Trevor-senpai."

Olivia sighed. "It seems his hatred took complete control of him. 'Those who fight monsters should see to it that they do not become one.' It's ironic in a way."

Ibuki frowned. "He really was just misguided. But he made his mistakes and he'll have to accept the consequences."

Lee's ears drooped low as he was overcome with a melancholy expression. "God, this sucks so hard. He's not a bad person at all."

Olivia shrugged. "There's something bad about everyone. But knowing what I do about him, I trust he'll learn from this and better himself."

Esther had a very concerned expression. "If he ends up in juvie for a long time, is he gonna get expelled?"

The lab leaned back. "I don't know. But, if he can get a seriously lenient sentence, perhaps we can talk Headmaster Gon into not-" Her eyes widened as she realized something. "Headmaster Gon…"

Lee tilted his head. "What about him?"

Olivia smirked and adjusted her glasses. "If we can get an audience with Headmaster Gon about Trevor-senpai, we can deal with two issues at once. Specifically, we'll be able to save him from expulsion while stopping Meredith."

The deer-wolf nodded and stood up. "If that's the case, I'll definitely need Dad to hire his best lawyers. I'll try to talk him into it."

"There's no need for that."

Everyone turned their heads to see Louis coming up the stairs.

The deer smiled. "Didn't mean to eavesdrop. But I should let you know I've already assembled a legal team. It's the least I can do for a friend of my son."

Ibuki gave a relieved sigh. "Thanks, Dad."

Louis looked towards Lee. "Of course, I'll need you and Riz to testify, Lee-kun."

Lee gave a serious look and nodded his head. "Yessir!"

The party went back to normal. However, Lee started to feel tired so Ibuki took him to bed early.

Lee sighed as he flopped down on the bed and pulled off his shirt. After he did, he glanced down to see the gauze was still on his wound. The doctors told him it should be healed by now, so he decided to remove it.

He winced as he quickly tore the gauze off. He lost a few strands of fur in the process.

Ibuki turned towards Lee while unbuttoning his own shirt. "At least we-" He stopped and gasped as he looked at Lee's chest.

There was a massive claw mark on the wolf-rabbit's torso. It traveled from his left shoulder, over his heart, and stopped at a spot just barely under his pecs.

Lee nervously chuckled. "I uhh… I guess it scarred. Heh heh heh…"

Ibuki scoffed. "This is notsomething to laugh about. You doknow those never heal, right?"

Lee's ears flattened against his head. "I just… I dunno, it's not a huge deal. I mean, Dad's got one. Hell, your dad lost a leg, that's, like, worsethan a scar."

Ibuki flopped down on the bed. "Just don't do stupid crap like that again, please."

The wolf-rabbit sighed and crawled under the covers. "I felt so pathetic. Both Riz and Trevor-senpai had their lives on the line and I got my ass beat. It felt like Ben all over again."

Ibuki slipped under the covers and curled up next to him. "Welp, you can't beat everyone. No one is expecting you to be a superhero."

"I guess."

The deer-wolf rolled his eyes and cuddled with Lee. "Enough moping. Let's just put it behind us and get some sleep, yeah?"

Lee nodded. "Yeah."

One Week Later

Winter break was over. Esther, Olivia, and Theo sat together outside Headmaster Gon's office nervously.

The door opened and the elderly tiger ushered them into the room. They followed and he motioned them to take a seat, which they did.

The door opened and Meredith entered, looking annoyed before throwing on a fake smile. "You called, Headmaster?"

Gon nodded. "These students had a few concerns. One of which being Trevor the bear's continued enrollment here."

Meredith's lip twitched. "Headmaster, I thought we agreed to expel him yesterday."

The old tiger motioned towards the three students. "They have some objections."

Olivia vigorously nodded. "Trevor-senpai is a very peaceful person. It was because he was getting bullied here that he got pushed to the edge!"

Meredith rolled her eyes. "Absurd. He assaulted three students and permanently disfigured one. In fact, I believe your own friend was attacked by him, yes?"

Esther glared. "Lee was just trying to stop him from making a mistake and things got outta control. He shouldn't have been trying to start with."

The calico cat snorted. "And now that it's convenient for you, you're tossing your friend under the bus. Oh, please."

Gon sighed. "Would you pleasestop with the passive-aggressive tone?"

Meredith held up her hands. "Look, there's no place in this school for someone that's a clear danger to the students."

Olivia sneered. "And what about people that spyon students and take compromising photos of them?"

The cat was taken aback but then regained her composure. "I seriously hope you aren't accusing meof such things."

Gon gave them a stern look. "What you kids are talking about is a serious thing. Can you back this up with evidence?"

Theo nodded. "All you need to do to prove your innocence is show us your phone."

Meredith put on a haughty smile and pulled her cellphone out before unlocking it and handing it to Theo.

The goat looked through her gallery and found it completely empty.

The cat chuckled. "See? Now can we put an end to-"

Theo pulled a cable out of his laptop bag and plugged it into the phone.

Meredith's eyes widened. "What's he doing now?"

Esther smirked. "Checking your deleted files."

The cat began to sweat as panic set in. "Th-this is absurd! Give me my phone back!"

Olivia chuckled. "Why are you objecting now? If you're innocent, there's nothing to worry about."

The calico cat gulped.

Theo whistled when the progress bar on his computer filled up. He flipped the laptop around and placed it on Gon's desk.

Gon dragged a finger along the trackpad, occasionally clicking the mouse. He gave the panicking feline a serious look. "Meredith-san…"

Meredith began shaking. "Headmaster, I was just concerned about students following the rules!"

The tiger groaned. "Do you have the slightest idea how bad this can make us look?"

Esther frowned. "Is that the only thing you care about? How this looksto people?"

Olivia crossed her arms and glared. "It seems PR is your only concern. Aren't you the least bit worried about the safety of your students?"

Gon looked surprised by their harsh words.

Theo walked around Gon's desk and pointed at the screen. "Every photo here is of either a queer student or Jolene-san. Is thisreally what you want for the school?"

The tiger stared into the laptop screen pensively. He took a deep breath. "No. I don't." He looked up at the calico. "Meredith-san. Your attitude towards queer students has been bothering me for a longtime. I'm not sure you can be trusted anymore."

Meredith's face turned pale and she clasped her hands together. "Wait! Please! I-I'll change! Headmaster, this job is my life!"

Esther glared at her. "Prove it, then."

The cat looked confused.

Olivia grabbed Meredith's phone and handed it back to her. "If you're reallyso intent on changing, then show us proof. Reconnect with your son."

Meredith gulped. "I-I don't…"

Esther rolled her eyes and leaned back. "I knew it. She's totally full of shit."

The cat screeched. "Wait! I'll do it! I will! You'll see!"

Gon sighed. "I really don't want to fire you, Meredith-san. You're a valued member of the faculty. But if you're going to continue discriminating against queer students-"

Esther whipped her head around towards Gon and pointed at him. "You'vegot something to prove too!"

Olivia nodded. "You allowed this to happen under your watch, Headmaster. Are you protecting students for theirsake or for the sake of PR? Because it seems like saving face is the onlything you care about."

The old man fell silent and looked Esther up and down. "You're wearing a boy's uniform."

The white tiger was caught off guard by that statement. "Yeah? The faculty said I could wear it 'cause I asked for it. If Sebastian-kun gets to pick his uniform why not me?"

Gon stared for a second. "Yes. Why not?" He turned to Meredith. "I'm getting old, Meredith-san. I only have a couple more decades left in me. One day, I will retire. But this school is my passion, it's like a child to me. Before I go, I want to make sure it's a school where all students can feel safe and comfortable."

Meredith nodded. "I-I understand, Headmaster."

The Headmaster got out of his chair. "This is your last chance, Meredith-san. Step out of line again and I'll be forced to fire you." He looked to the students. "As for your friend, Trevor, his punishment is for the courts to decide, not me. Should he return to the school, he will be welcomed back."

The three sighed relief in perfect sync before standing up.

Olivia bowed. "Thank you very much, Headmaster."

Gon chuckled. "If the rest of your generation is as tenacious and determined as you three, then the future will be bright."

The three left the office with big grins on their faces as they shared a high-five.

Meredith stepped out of the office looking like she had just been struck by a car. Confused, disoriented, and somewhat afraid.

Lee sat in a new and unfamiliar location, the visiting center in juvenile hall. He was seated on a stool in front of something somewhat similar to a bar. A glass window was directly in front of him. The window has holes in it in the shape of a circle.

The room was filled with several other people all visiting someone imprisoned in the same facility.

A door opened up and Trevor walked in with two guards. Lee was shocked to see he was handcuffed and wearing a muzzle. Although, maybe he shouldn't be surprised. The bear did commit a violent offense.

The bear sat down and looked at Lee sadly. "H-hi, Lee-kun."

Lee gave an awkward half-smile. "Hey, Trevor. The uhh… trial is coming up soon. Louis-san's got a great legal team."

The bear didn't seem to be completely paying attention. "Lee-kun… Where I scratched you, can you show me?"

Lee was taken aback, then he laughed nervously. "I-it's nothing, Senpai. I'm perfectly fine!"

The bear looked even more depressed. "Be honest, Lee-kun."

The wolf-rabbit paused and sighed. He tugged on his shirt around the left shoulder, revealing the lengthy scar.

Trevor bit his lip and looked away. "I'm so sorry, Lee-kun…"

Lee's ears drooped. "To be fair, I wasstrangling you."

The ursine shook his head. "I-I tried to kill you. I was so mad, I couldn't even think straight. I…" He started to sob. "I… I'm so s-sorry, Lee-kun…"

The chimera shrugged. "Hey, don't worry about it, man. You've just got some anger issues. You can overcome them." He smiled. "You probably won't believe me, but you really area great guy. It's just that sometimes good people make bad decisions."

Trevor didn't look convinced and avoided eye contact with Lee.

The chimera sighed and tapped a claw on the glass, catching the bear's attention. "I'm serious, Senpai. You have friends. People that care about you. Esther-chan, Olivia-chan, and Theo-kun all talked to Headmaster Gon to keep you from getting expelled."

The ursine sniffled. "Please thank them for me. But… it doesn't matter." He looked ashamed. "I'm dropping out."

Lee looked shocked. "Senpai! You can't!"

Trevor sighed. "I can't be trusted around herbivores, Lee-kun. Especially you. I'm getting a job and an apartment in the city."

The chimera shook his head. "You're only two years away from graduating! Don't be stupid!"

The bear sniffled again as tears lightly trickled down his muzzle.

Lee's ears flattened against his head. "Is this because you hurt me or because you think you're your dad?"

Trevor looked conflicted. "I… I don't know who I am anymore."

The chimera took a deep breath. "You are yourself. But you can't just keep blaming your dad for all your problems. You'rethe only person in charge of you. And if you drop out now, there's a lotof people that will miss you."

The bear looked up at Lee with a surprised expression. "Blaming… Papa?"

Lee nodded. "You were the one that tried to kill him and you're the one that gave me this scar. It was your choices that lead to this. But you canturn around and make choices that benefit you and everyone else. But if you run from your problems now, you'll just keep blaming your dad and moping about your blood. You need to take control of your future."

Trevor stared at Lee with a stunned look. "L-Lee-kun…"

The chimera smiled. "So what're you gonna do?"

The bear fell silent before taking a deep breath. "I'll… stay…"

Lee's smile broke out into a grin. "Now that'smore like it!"

Trevor chuckled. "You're a strange person, Lee-kun. Maybe that'swhy we're friends."

The chimera nodded. "We're gonna get you the lightest sentence possible, okay?"

Trevor nodded back. "Okay."

After a bit of a chat, Trevor left the room with the security guards.

When Lee left the juvenile detention center, Jolene smiled at him and motioned for him to get in the limo. The New Year was an absolute disaster. But Lee was resolved to clean up the mess it turned into.

Louis's lawyers succeeded in getting Trevor a very lenient sentence with the help of Riz and Lee's testimony while Headmaster Gon wrote a letter to the judge vouching for Trevor as a morally upstanding student. Even the lawyers were surprised when the judge sentenced Trevor to one month of community service.

Shortly afterwards, Trevor returned to school and his life regained some semblance of normalcy.

The bear made his way to Tem's memorial with a bouquet of flowers in hand. He placed it on the floor next to the photo before kneeling and closing his eyes. His ears twitched as he heard heavy footsteps behind him.

Riz stood by Trevor's side before getting down on his knees and closing his eyes in prayer.

Trevor opened his eyes and looked at his father. Then, he shut them again.

The two bears kneeled next to each other, silently praying together.