Christian's P.O.V.-

We got an email from coach ordering the team to meet in the boys' changing room. This wasn't going to be a practice so we could wear our uniforms. Confused what this could be about, the whole team headed to the vacant place in the stadium. Lots of team members and the coach were already present when I arrived. To my surprise, I could hear Paul arguing with coach before even entering the room.

"This isn't fair!" "I'm not interested in what you think is fair! There'll be no herbivores on this mission, Clayton!" That's roughly when I opened the door. Some looked at me but not everyone. Also to my horror and instantaneous rage, who happened to be inside but Jack Hyde too. What the hell is he doing here, I froze stiff as a board. I hadn't paid attention to his suspension; I suppose it was over now. Still, being in the same room as this monster again…

"You got a problem there, boy?" It took me a second to notice that coach was now talking to me. My glare returned to Jack, who didn't hold any hatred back in his expression as well. "Don't even think about it. You boys are teammates, so I suggest you get over your PMS and let it go. You hear me?" Ugh, I hate it when coach uses female periods to insult us; it's more insulting to women than anything. "Yes, coach," we all sighed; not just me and Jack.

"That's better. Now as I was saying, the spring festival is right around the corner. Thanks to you dummies who decided to make your last game a battlefield, we won't be playing our usual game them. Instead, we're going to have a fundraiser for the team; you babies need new jerseys anyhow. I need four of you to go find and reserve a booth at Hailey Mill's Park." "Hailey Mill's Park? Isn't that downtown?" Rob asked coach. "No, it's on Mars. Course it's downtown! Which means that I want four carnivores going, understand?"

"Coach, I can go. I'm one of the best players on the team; I've invested more time here than anyone," Paul stood up and I finally understood what they were fighting about before I got here. "That may be true, boy. But with last night's attack, I don't want to take any chances." Paul tisked, clearly unamused by coach's excuse. "Oh, please. That doesn't apply to herbivores like me; I can handle myself out there. I'm stronger than anyone in the room, except for you Geroge," Paul mentioned to our team elephant, who replied with a simple wave of the hand.

Coach was having none of it, however. "You may be strong one-on-one, but it was a group attack last night, and they still haven't caught the bastards. You're not leaving campus, period. Wilkinson, Hyde, Banks, Grey! You four, on the next train to city centre- got that?" Wait….. wait! Me and Jack, going downtown together? I didn't agree to this! And it seems like I'm not the only one who felt this way. Aylin groaned in my place, rolling his eyes agonizingly. "Awe, coach; do I have to go?" "Yeah, I don't want to go either. Why does it have to be us?" a loin named Leo added. "Because you're the strongest carnivores on the team!" Coach retorted a little louder than I think he meant to.

A stunned silence fell over the room. Everyone nervously peaked to one another and Paul looked like he was going to blow a gasket. I can see why; it's true that Paul was stronger than all of us, and yet he couldn't go despite wanting to. Or at least he did before he knew that Jack was also going. He eventually huffed and yanked his head to the side; his arms crossed defiantly. Meanwhile I think coach figured out his error; he backed down a bit and rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably for a moment. But of course as usual, the peace couldn't last long.

"Now, I don't want any of you boys taking that seriously. Remember, you're a team and each member of a team is just as valuable as the next. Well, except for the quarterback…. But we're getting off topic! You four are going whether you like it or not. And you'd better be back by curfew," he wagged his finger for emphasis. "Yes, coach," the room echoed in moans a second time. "Good! Report back to me with the booth number tomorrow morning. Dismissed!" That's when Paul stomped out of the room, with me following quick behind. "Paul, wait…." My hand reached out for him. Poor guy, I feel for him.

"Paul!" He went a few more steps before coming to a halt. With his hands still balled into fists, he sucked in a deep breath and sighed heavily. Then he finally looked my way. "I'm fine…" "Paul, I'm sorry. Coach is being unreasonable, as usual…." I rolled my eyes, placing my hand on his shoulder. This made Paul grin at me kindly. He nodded a bit in agreement. "Yeah, you're right. To be honest, I don't really want to go; I just didn't like being denied for something as dumb as that. Seriously….. I can handle myself out in the real world." "I know you can; we all know that. Heh, you're the only one I think Jack is afraid of, after all."

"Speaking of which, sorry that you have to go with him. Now I do wish I could go to support you." "Ah, thanks man, but I'll be ok. So long as Jack doesn't pull an idiotic stunt like that again." "He better not; he'll be expelled next time," Paul noted considerably. "Yeah…" Then Paul placed his hand over mine, giving me a brilliant smile. "Thanks, Christian. You're a good guy." "Anytime. So what are you gonna do while we're gone then?" Our hands let go of each other and we stood there casually; I buried both my hands in my pant's pockets.

"Eh, I don't know…. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise. Could just take it easy and visit a friend this afternoon," we began walking forward slowly. "Your lady friend?" I asked. Paul had mentioned her a couple of times, though I still didn't know her name; I didn't think it my place to ask. An organic grin painted across his face and his eyes lowered in a soft sorta way. "Yeah; spending time with her sounds a hell of a lot better than going downtown with that bastard." Paul….. "You really like her, don't you?" I perhaps shouldn't have asked him that, but I'll admit, I was a little curious.

"Yeah, I guess….. I guess I do. There's no one else like her, anywhere at all. She's one of a kind, I'll tell ya. She's sweet, and gentle, and interesting….. But more than that, whenever I'm with her, it's like…." His eyes kept lowering as if remembering something pleasant. I remained quiet, letting him finish at his own pace. "I-It's like, I've found a reason for my strength. It's like I'm strong for a purpose; my strength has meaning. She is that meaning…. I look at her, and I know why I'm strong. I was born strong…. for her; for her sake. Heh, I just know…. I don't even have to think about it. You know what I mean?" Paul ended his question by looking directly at me.

I ogled him for a while, deeply contemplating what he'd just said to me. Do I know what he means? Have I ever felt that way before? My heart began to flutter as I brought my hand up to my chest. To know the meaning of one's strength…. I've always regretted how strong I am; I've always thought it wasn't inherently a good thing. But… but what if that's not in fact true? Right then, a pair of ardent blue eyes opened from the dark recesses of my mind…. or maybe my heart. Without my ever noticing it, every fibre of me as been touched. Anastasia's face- her beautiful smiling face- began to materialize inside me. My own gazed lowered adoringly. The way she moves, the sound of her voice…. She's the kind of girl love songs and sonnets are written about. She could give anything meaning or purpose…. even such ugly strength as mine, an apex predator.

Anastasia…..

"Yes," my lips uttered without my realizing…. "Yes, I know what that's like."