Chronically awake is how you could best describe Legosi's state of being. The wolf's only constant was hyper awareness, not having gotten a wink of sleep due to his late night escapades.

He had to admit that having some time alone with his mind was nice. Legosi was in his own little corner of the world, where not a single animal could bother him.

The scenario from last night was infinitely replaying itself in his head; not a single second was unaccounted for. He couldn't let those sweet, saccharine memories go. Delectable and absolutely delicious.

Despite his obvious lack of sleep; purple bags being visible under his eyes, he still felt like he'd gotten a good nights rest. Legosi knew it was the adrenaline that kept him going. He was no idiot. It had to be the meat.

From what he was told about meat from a young age: it was society's biggest taboo to consume, hunting for it was even worse. Other than the stigma and how it was frowned upon, he didn't really have a clue what it did to a carnivore's body.

The wolf knew it was in his biology to eat and digest it. There was just one lingering question on his mind: if it was such a big taboo why did it feel and taste so good? How natural it all felt, his body knew what it was supposed to do before he could even think about it.

How rewarding it felt to finally have something to call truly his and to savor its taste. The oh-so satisfying flesh, how it tingled the insides of his mouth and how soft it was getting mauled by his teeth. Even with all its shallow resistance they were totally powerless in his grasp.

Holding someone at his mercy made Legosi feel powerful beyond his own understanding, he was finally fully in control. Nobody would be able to tell him what to do. He felt like his prey also comprehended the situation fully: knowing it was over for them and gracefully letting it happen with open arms.

There was no pleading, no begging for help, no mercy. There was only acceptance; they knew their fate. Legosi could only appreciate such a tragic gesture. They didn't want to die, but if they did they would've been fine with it. The wolf made sure they wouldn't suffer for long - he was quick, efficient and ruthless.

Legosi wasn't in the business of needless cruelty. Prolonging the inevitable was abhorrent; he was a wolf with standards. He had suffered for so long, so why would he wish that upon someone else? That would've been exceptionally cruel given the circumstances.

Lying there in his bunk, he could only feel content. His tail had become tired from all the wagging it did throughout the night. Sunlight was shining through the open window, meaning it was about time for him to get up. He still had a few chores to take care of from last night.

He opened his privacy curtain, the light fully hitting him now. He shielded his face on reflex, once his vision was cleared he could see that somebody was already up. Jack was sitting at his desk; his fingers laboriously clacking down on his keyboard.

Looks like Jack is up early again. I don't understand how he's able to get up so early every single day. Where does he even get the energy from?

Legosi wiped at his eyes praying that it would somehow make his lack of sleep less apparent. He didn't have to look into the mirror to know he looked like hell. The Labrador hadn't noticed him yet, too focused on his work to be aware of his surroundings.

The wolf plopped his feet down, the floor creaking slightly in response, consequently gaining Jack's attention. One of Jack's ears raised, turning around in his office chair he greeted the wolf with a big grin. An expression that could effectively make you melt if you were exposed to it for too long.

He was still in his sleepwear. He knows it would be far too early to change into his uniform now, it would also be less comfortable. Jack always made it a habit to get up early, he wanted to squeeze in as much time as possible into his studies. He wouldn't have time for himself and others if he neglected them.

"Ah, good morning, buddy! You're up unusually early! Did you sleep well?", the golden lab greeted warmly. Jack noticed the bags under his eyes, he stood up from his chair to inspect the wolf more closely.

"Legosi, a-are you alright? You look tired", he addressed with a worried expression. "You are not sick are you? I can take you to the nurse if you'd like."

The wolf shook his head, letting out a loud yawn. "N-No, I think I am fine. Just had a bit of a restless night, thunderstorm and all."

It wouldn't be the first time outside influences caused him sleepless nights. He knew in this current state of affairs that he couldn't allow people to grow suspicious of him, especially not his best friend.

The wolf gave him a soft smile; to give the dog some sort of assurance. Jack gave him a doubtful look, he's never seen the guy so tired before, not even after a bad night's rest. He knows Legosi sometimes has trouble sleeping, but it usually isn't that bad.

"Are you absolutely sure? I wouldn't want you to get into trouble for sleeping during class." The lab gave a wry chuckle, not totally convinced if his friend will be alright. Jack thinks that the wolf maybe caught something when he was out late last night.

He wondered what could've been so pressing about that play. Plus, why Legosi had to stay out so late. They did the same play every year, and yet there was never a single occasion in the previous years that he missed curfew because of it.

The wolf hopped out of his bunk, stretching and pulling at his joints. "I feel oddly energetic today. I don't really feel tired at all. Even if my face tells a different story", Legosi chuckled. "I think I'll be fine for now, thanks Jack."

Jack reciprocated the chuckle, glad that his friend indicated to him that he was well. "Okay, that's good! Though I would make sure to turn in early tonight. This energy might not last you all that long."

The wolf gave an affirmative grunt, already reaching for his uniform. It still smelled like roses, but in a really obnoxious way; it clogged everyone's nostrils. He held it far away from his nose, his face scrunching up like it was dirty; only putting it on himself after a few seconds of hesitancy.

I doubt turning in early will work. However, given his advice, I don't have much choice but to abide by it.

He and Jack were actually being pretty loud, yet there was no movement from any of the other bunks. Everyone here slept on their own schedule, except for Legosi; he has always been a light sleeper. It would be a more than applicable excuse.

The labrador turned to his bunk and moved towards it, wanting to sort his bag for the advanced classes he's having today. Most of his stuff was in neat, satisfying order. If you wanted to get stuff done efficiently you couldn't be a slob.

Jack let out a yawn, stretching his right arm over himself looking back at Legosi. A factory-like scent of cinnamon hit his nose, his hand covering it in reflex. The smell is probably capable of making you lightheaded if you sniffed too much of it.

"Eugh, I thought that flowery fur scent of yours was overpowering, but somehow that uniform is even worse", he complained in an indignant tone. "What kind of detergent did you even use?"

The wolf's eyes widened in panic. He knew he couldn't lose his composure, especially now would be a terrible time. He put this uniform in the washer yesterday morning, but still felt like he had to give an excuse for it.

What do I even say to that?! "Yeah, it was to cover up the stench of murder. Sorry about that, I'll pay it more mind next time." How do I answer without sounding deranged?!

"W-Well, I used c-cinnamon combo on this one. I u-used a whole lot of f-flowery shampoo yesterday because I-I-I really did smell, b-badly. I put my other u-uniform in t-the machine using that terrible detergent the school provides for us!"

The wolf's words were awkwardly strung together, always tripping over himself whenever he tried to explain himself. It wasn't even because of the situation at hand, this basically happened all the time. He couldn't help but be nervous if someone pointed a spotlight at him.

Calm down. You're not doing yourself any favors, Legosi. Just breathe.

The labrador retriever gave him a look as if he were crazy, almost as if he just murdered a man. "Y-You could've just asked me if you wanted to borrow some, you silly wolf. It wouldn't have been a problem", Jack pointed out with an incredulous look.

Legosi's tail is limp in-between his legs. That proposition was more for Jack's wellness, but you didn't have to be a genius to figure that out. The wolf shifted uncomfortably, clearly not wanting to bring up why he couldn't ask in the first place.

"Uh, yeah, I get that. I kinda wanted to get it over with, mostly because I was late. That mandrill already gave me an earful, and I was kind of in a rush", Legosi confessed. "I guess I made things difficult for no reason again. Sorry, Jack."

Legosi truly was apologetic and didn't want to worry his best friend too much. He gave Jack a dejected glance. His intonation bordering on depressive.

The Labrador let out a sigh and gave him a sympathetic smile. He was already fed up by the wolf's constant self-loathing. He hated seeing him this way, constantly in conflict with himself, even for the most mundane reasons. Jack sometimes feels a bit helpless when Legosi is in one of these moods.

A constant sense of disappointment hung over Legosi, always feeling like his every action was a burden to somebody. He was sick of feeling like that, constantly tiptoeing around people like there was glass on a floor laced with slippery soap. Always at the edge of falling over, but not quite yet. All that effort for only a slight bit of approval.

"Legosi, this stuff is pretty trivial. No need to apologize. Don't be so downcast all the time, would you?", Jack smiled. "This is a shower we're talking about, not some complicated legal dispute. Lighten up!"

The wolf's face lit up, until eventually disappearing just as quickly. The absurdity of the situation only just dawning on him, mercilessly crushing his resolve.

I am acting like a total wackjob over nothing! I need to get my laundry and quick! I am wasting my time arguing over peanuts! If anyone else has the same bright idea: I am screwed!

Legosi yearned to escape the confines of the room, beginning to hastily put on his shoes in a moment of desperation. He steadied himself not wanting to come off to Jack like he has something to hide.

"Uh, y-yeah, you are right. I... overreacted. I a-actually need to get going now. I have to get my laundry", the wolf asserted in his usually gruff voice. "D-Do I need to get yours too?"

The labrador currently preoccupied, removed unnecessary deadweight from his bag, putting all his materials back into neat order. He returned his gaze back to the wolf.

"Oh, now that you mention it! You wouldn't mind right?", Jack replied appreciatively. Legosi gave him a nod, walking to the door. "Thanks, Lego. I owe you one. I'm going to wake up the guys. When you're back we'll get breakfast, alright?"

The wolf opened the door, his eyes flicking back to Jack in excitement. "Sounds good, I will be right back. Won't take me all that long, probably around ten minutes." He flashed his friend a hearty smile.

Good, that's great actually. I can mix my clothes' scent with Jack's.

"Okay! See you in ten!", Jack replied, his tail aggressively wagging behind him. "GUYS! WAKE UP! BREAKFAST!"

Jack yelled the magic words which will make any canine stand at attention. Food was always available and thus a constant for happiness and joy. If you cannot enjoy food, then how can you enjoy life?

You could hear everyone let out groans as they stretched and struggled with their sheets. Some feet were already sticking out of their bunks, moving from top to bottom as they tried to get out.

Canines could sometimes be pretty rowdy sleepers, so it wasn't rare for them to shackle themselves with their sheets every so often.

"See you guys in a few." The wolf walked out of their dorm, already knowing that his words were not heard at all during the ongoing commotion.

There is always something nice about having a good routine. No uncertainty, no chaos and you will always know what you're up against.

Lunch is by far the most predictable situations of them all: the times are set in stone, food is prepared and served, and everyone is content with what they've eaten.

With what Jack has to do every day in terms of homework and random assignments being thrown at his head - lunch along with all the other dinnertimes is a nice break from it all.

His mother always says: "A canine is at his or her happiest when they can fill their stomachs." A statement pretty much ringing true for everyone within the school, he's not even sure if it only applies to canines. He's never really seen anyone discontent while they're eating.

Jack looks at the menu with a glimmer of joy in his eyes. Beansteak with eggs has always been one of his favorite meals, but to be honest: a canine will eat anything containing protein they can get their grubby hands on.

Room 701 was patiently waiting in line with anticipation. Durham looked like he was about to start drooling, which would be in pretty bad taste.

"Oh, yeah! Come to papa! I've been waiting all morning for this!", Durham chuckled, almost devouring the meal with his eyes. Jack could only smile at the sight, amused by the banality of it all.

"All morning? You've barely been up for twenty minutes!We had to wait for you to get ready, which is odd because Legosi is usually supposed to be the straggler", Voss pointed out playfully, venom lacing every syllable.

The coyote let out a huff, delicately taking his tray from the lunch lady mumbling a quick thanks. "Cut me some slack, alright? It's been a busy week", Durham commented.

With a sly grin he continued, "Going back to the main topic: what's up with that Legosi? You, out of everyone here, look like you could use some more sleep."

The wolf gave him a grunt 'n shrug already chewing some food from his tray. He was trying to not call too much attention to himself, his social batteries were already drained enough from last night.

"Yeah, not to be rude, but you look like hell. Did you even sleep last night?", Collot inquired with a worried expression. You didn't need to see all that clearly to notice the wolf looked tired.

Legosi swallowed his chunk, giving them a soft smile. "I-I am fine. Don't worry. I just h-had a rowdy night. The p-people above us were keeping me up." He had a hesitant look on his face; the reason behind it Jack could not decipher.

That's strange. The guys above us never really make much of a ruckus, especially not that late at night. Legosi had never complained about them before either. Didn't he tell me he couldn't sleep because of the weather?

He gave the wolf a questioning glance; their eyes meeting each other for a moment, before Legosi abruptly halted the eye contact looking away with a jerk of his head.

A puzzled look slowly spread across Jack's face, he was put off by his best friend's erratic behavior. He examined his tail seeing it was stiff beyond belief. An indication that a canine was under stress.

Miguno noticing his discomfort too, went to assist. "Oh, I can ask them to quiet down for tonight if you want! I know them pretty well!", the hyena offered excitedly. "They're nice guys! It wouldn't be any trouble, really."

"N-No!", Legosi almost wanted to yell, holding up his hand in negation. "Y-You don't need to do that for me... I-I'll be fine."

Miguno gave him a puzzled, uncomfortable smile almost mirroring Legosi's own. "Uh, alright! If you need anything, you'll tell me okay?"

The wolf awkwardly scratched his arm, regretting his choice of words immediately. He desperately wanted to take those two sentences back. "Y-Yeah, sure. Thanks Miguno."

Voss, sensing the underlying tension, attempted to to lighten the mood. "Don't prod him too much, guys. He just had one of those nights, we all do. You know how cranky Durham gets when he doesn't sleep." With a smile he playfully tries to avert attention to something else, though it's not too subtle.

An amused smile played on Durham's lips. "That's rich coming from you, you little sh-"

Collot interrupted, snapping his fingers close to Durham's ears. He didn't want the coyote to finish that thought. "That's not fair, Voss! You've been waking him up in the dead of night, forcing him to listen to your banter about a show, nobody watches." He gestured with a final paw wave.

Everyone decided to drop the heavy subject, much rather forgetting that entire tense conversation took place. They started moving towards one of the tables; playfully bantering with each other along the way. Legosi was trying to follow along with all the others, but only got parts of it due to the overwhelming sound within the cafeteria.

Jack, meanwhile, was deep in thought; wondering what the matter was with Legosi.

Did he just lie to us? I think he did, but he's usually a terrible liar - cracking at the first sign of skepticism. What's going on with him today? He's been acting out. I need to talk to him about it.

Jack and the rest of room 701 sat down at one of their designated spots. Everyone was giddy to get started with their well-deserved and long awaited meal. The bean steak, once a mouthwatering treat, now seemed wholly unappetizing to the Labrador.

Still, he forced himself to take a bite; knowing he needed the energy. Jack couldn't will himself to pay attention to the conversation. The only thing he caught was something about glasses and nothing more.

The worried Labrador gave his friend a glance, not gaining much other than the fact that Legosi wasn't eating a lot either. He hadn't even touched the rest of his bean steak, he was silently playing with his utensils; looking at his meal with a faraway gaze.

I thought he loved the eggs and bean steak here. Now I know there's definitely something up with him.

Decidedly, Jack spoke up, no longer wanting to wait and vying to get this conversation over with. He cleared his throat, giving the wolf a troubled look; his voice a whisper. "Legosi, you seem off today. Everything alright?"

The wolf looked over to his right already having heard the rest. He hesitated slightly, a flicker of panic flashing in his eyes momentarily, before composing himself again with a smirk. "I've felt better. Looks like the lack of sleep is catching up to me."

Jack raised his brow, thoroughly unconvinced. "That's not all of it. There's something you're not telling me and it doesn't only have to do with your lack of sleep. You're unlike yourself. Did something happen?"

Legosi absolutely dreaded that question, his mind becoming a war zone: pestering him in the sheer amount of ways he could screw this up. He shifted uncomfortably, trying to look his friend in the eye. "Jack, I just had a rough night. Nothing more, nothing less. Classes have been killing me and the added pressure of drama club isn't helping."

The Labrador was taken aback by such a straightforward answer, knowing it wasn't like Legosi to lash out like that. He analyzed his friend's micro-expressions, noticing slight nervous movements. "Legosi, for how long have we been friends? There's something bothering you; I want you to know you can talk to me."

Legosi hesitated, he knew he couldn't. His ears drooped at even the mere thought of being honest. Jack wouldn't understand, nobody would. Just when he was about to say something, his thoughts were rudely interrupted by a sudden shout across the cafeteria.

"STOP IT! WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR PROBLEM?!", an African Wild Dog roared, clutching his tail in grievance. Everyone's eyes averted to the scene playing out in the middle. He held a fox at the collar, one whom had a mocking smile on his face. "CAN'T YOU TELL YOUR FEET ARE CRUSHING MY TAIL?!"

The Fox's nose scrunched up unconsciously, clearly also getting somewhat annoyed. "HEY! I APOLOGIZED, DIDN'T I? NO NEED TO GET SO HANDSY!" As the two started bickering more, Jack looked on helplessly.

What's with those two?! Don't they realize this is totally unacceptable behavior? They could get expelled for this!

The Labrador recoiled slightly at the amount of teeth and claws he was seeing bared, not because he himself was afraid - he was more afraid of others getting caught in the crossfire. He wondered where the teachers were when you needed them.

Everyone at the table stopped eating, frozen at the sight before them. Though carnivores fighting each other wasn't uncommon, doing it in public like they were was straight up taboo.

The situation did not get better from there; the fox mercilessly taunting the opposing party. This could end up in an all out brawl if order wasn't maintained. Nobody seemed to want to put themselves between two fighting carnivores.

Things quickly escalated from bad to worse, when the African Wild Dog suddenly started attacking the fox with his fangs, biting his arm. Screams from distressed animals were audible throughout the cafeteria, a lot of animals looking on in horror.

The fox tried to get the dog to dislodge his maw from his arm, pushing him to the ground, the wild dog still not showing signs of letting go. Jack knew this was bad; this could end up in everyone panicking and causing a lot more hurt in the process.

This isn't good! I want to do something, but what am I going to when I interfere?! I cannot fight them, I've never even bitten anyone before, let alone used my claws!

Jack was looking for anyone, anything that could help. Hurriedly, he gave Legosi a pleading glance which quickly turned into shock. The wolf was looking at the scene in general amazement, taking a gentle sip of soda as he watched.

Before Jack could even begin to tell Legosi off for his attitude, he was interrupted by someone else shouting across the cafeteria. "Good grief. You carnivores must all have it pretty rough!"

He recognized the voice from somewhere and he didn't have to guess too hard, given that the one responsible showed himself immediately. It was the red deer Louis. "Especially if their bark is worse than their bite, of course", Louis mocked, the usual coy smile playing on his lips.

A few animals made congratulatory noises screaming his name in excitement. It wasn't that strange, given that he was pretty popular among the student body. The two animals stopped fighting, wanting to see what the fuss was.

The fox stood up dusting himself off, that one smug smile from before gracing his features again. "Well, well, look who we have here: if it isn't Mr. Aristocrat gracing us with his timely presence. Ready to swoop in and save the day, aren't we?"

The deer paid the comment no mind, berating the two in front of him. "You both know it's bad manners to bare your fangs in a public setting, don't you? If you want to fight - do it somewhere in private, you're disturbing your fellow animals."

A few people gave up shouts of affirmation, also wanting the offending party to scram. Jack was still looking at Legosi who was enjoying the show. Jack wondered if it would be appropriate to address Legosi now, but he hesitated and didn't want to put the wolf on the spot.

As the situation slowly reached its resolution Jack had already found himself entrapped within his own mind: a paradoxical maze with no prize. He was so bemused about Legosi's behavior, it's like a switch suddenly flipped in the wolf and he's a brand new animal.

Suddenly there was a familiar voice that seemed way too close for comfort, it wasn't directed at Jack but much rather Legosi. "I saw you enjoyed that little performance. I wouldn't have figured you enjoyed such spats. You're more of a bad wolf than I originally thought."

The deers mannerisms were smug, yet oddly proud. Legosi had somehow inadvertently pleased him and he was blissfully unaware of how his behavior could be commendable in the Louis' eyes.

The wolf gave the deer a surprised look, awkwardly trying to say something. "Oh, n-no, d-definitely not! I-I don't like conflict. I w-was just surprised with the situation, that's all."

Louis let out an amused laugh, looking Legosi directly in the eyes with a playful gaze. "You're not fooling anyone acting like that. It looks like you really took my advice to heart."

Jack was just listening in utter bewilderment. He couldn't even think of words to form, let alone a full sentence. It's like the social side of his brain completely flatlined.

What the hell are they talking about?! What advice?! Legosi, what have you gotten yourself into?! Better yet, why haven't you told me about it?!

Right now, he couldn't do anything else but let the rest of the conversation play out. Jack's thoughts were an absolute disaster. He almost felt like laughing because of the absurdity of it all.

Louis walked over to Legosi giving him a pat on the shoulder, an approving smile coloring in his face. "Well, I'll be going now; I got some stuff to take care of. Keep up the good work, big bad wolf."

With that the deer walked off towards the exit, leaving everybody at the table in a state of shock. Jack wasn't the only one who was absolutely flabbergasted. Legosi was also recovering from his own daze.

The labrador snapped out of it sooner than the others and cleared his throat loudly. Legosi slowly turned to look at his friend, seeing something that he hadn't seen on him in a long time: a scowl. It spoke volumes about Jack's current mood, more so than any other animal.

"Legosi~", Jack began calmly. Legosi knew whenever he spoke that way: a sugary intonation, that he was in for a ride to hell. Under all that calm there was a catastrophic storm waiting to be unleashed on any and all unsuspecting victims. "You wouldn't mind explaining what that was about, right~?"

Jack swiftly grabbed his arm and began squeezing it. Legosi knew he couldn't get away. If there was one thing Jack hated: it was people being dishonest with him. He wouldn't allow the wolf to get out of this anytime soon.

Legosi's words were in a stutter, an incoherent mess of pathways leading nowhere. "J-Jack, I-I, uh-" The labrador retriever simply smiled at him. His eyes were in slits, shooting daggers into the defenseless wolf.

"Mhm~ Go on~", Jack encouraged. The wolf was utterly shook, he couldn't find any way to get out of this. He tried to formulate some kind of answer, but always stopped short before speaking. When he managed to form some sort of coherent sentence in his mind, there was a loud ringing reverberating through the cafeteria: the bell.

Jack a little startled, loosened his grip slightly; allowing the wolf to get out. "H-Huh?!" Legosi pulled free his arm and got up from the table hurriedly. He speed-walked to the hallway with the classrooms, knowing that he did not have any classes with Jack that day. "G-Get back here! We're not done, not even close!"

What the hell! I know I was a bit forceful, but now I know for sure: he's hiding something. I want to know what.

Legosi gave a rushed reply. "U-Uh, I'll s-s-see you guys later! G-Gotta head to class!"

Jack almost wanted to growl the next sentence as his frustration boiled out. "We're going to talk about this tonight! You hear me, Legosi!"

Despite the chaos of this morning, the rest of the day went by smoothly. During his classes the subjects were dull, luckily Legosi was in his own bubble thinking about other more important things.

This was, unfortunately, not the place to space out as he heard complaining grunts coming from behind him. "Hurry up! T-These things are heavy!" It was Kibi holding two boxes, sweat pouring from his face in the strain. "D-Don't just k-keep standing there! We need to g-get these backstage!"

The wolf's maw went slightly ajar, and his eyes widened. "O-Oh, ah, I am s-sorry! I'll move! I-I can carry them for you!" The anteater looked at him in exasperation. The boxes feeling heavier in his arms every passing second. What is he even supposed to do with this wolf? "N-Nevermind! I'll just walk! Sorry for the holdup!"

They quickly moved towards the backstage area. The anteater was hunched forward, his hands on his knees trying to steady himself. Kibi was huffing in exhaustion, slightly annoyed at the wolf's antics. "What *huff* the hell! *huff* Legosi! You know *huff* how heavy those are!"

Heavy? Last time I carried them they seemed heavier, but now they just feel light. Must be my imagination.

Legosi stood there with an apologetic expression, scratching behind his ears. How could he be such an airhead? "Oh, sorry. I guess I was lost in thought again." Thoughts he definitely wouldn't share with anyone, ever. They'd put him in a straitjacket and wheel him off towards the sunset.

Kibi let out a wry laugh, surprising the wolf. He couldn't understand how the wolf could be 'lost in thought' in that moment. He caught his breath before speaking, "Legosi, those boxes are, like, almost four times my bodyweight. How can you even allow yourself to space out?"

Before Legosi could answer Dom interrupted him, clearing his throat in a dramatic manner, "What are you guys standing around here for? We aren't done yet!" Both were a bit startled by the sudden intrusion. "Come on, we have costumes to sow! Legosi, you remember the measurements for the new Odii costume, right?"

"Ah, y-yeah! Right a-away! I got the measurements approved by Louis." Dom gave Legosi a satisfied smirk and responded with a nod. "I still remember them. I'll send them to you via text."

"Excellent! Once you guys finish up with those boxes, please come over to help us with the sewing", the peacock necessitated. "Oh, almost forgot to mention, bring some extra blue and purple while you're at it. We're almost out."

"Yes, of course. We'll be there in a few", Kibi confirmed with a thumbs up. "Let's get going, Legosi. There are just a few more boxes left and I want to get it over with."

Kibi already made strides to get their job over it; Legosi slowly prowling behind him with overall boredom. Kibi still wanted to make some kind of conversation. He thought it would be good to start where they left off. "Legosi, I am curious. What were you going to say before we were so unceremoniously interrupted?"

Legosi was taken aback a little by the question, carefully taking his time to think it over. "I guess my mind just likes to go someplace else, regardless of the circumstances. Sorry if it inconvenienced you, Kibi."

The anteater let out a groan, waving his arm dismissively. "Just forget I asked. Man, sometimes you sound like an old man." He walked over to the last set of boxes, picking up one of them with both arms; nearly tumbling over from the weight.

Legosi picked up the remaining two, stacking them up on each other as he walked on to the backstage area with Kibi - their stride ever silent as they finally finished their tedious job.

Later they were sewing the costumes together, bringing more blue and purple threads like Dom asked. Everyone was discussing the major changes the school went through in the wake of Tem's death.

"A break from rehearsals? I think it's odd. We have never had that happen before", Dom stated. "I get that it's all out of precaution, but aren't they going a little overboard? The school's already on lockdown and adding more restrictions isn't doing a whole lot."

Legosi decided to pay the conversation no mind. He was too busy with his own costume to care about what the school did or didn't do.

Fudge the red panda gave a deep sigh, still fiddling with his needle and thread. "Louis is probably really mad. You know how excited he gets when a performance is just around the corner."

Kai let out a groan in frustration, his teeth on full display. "Damn it! As if the performance being upended wasn't bad enough, now I am sewing here in the dark! I wish I could just go back to rehearsals..."

Dom gave a warm chuckle, holding the needles delicately with his hands. "Oh, Kai, it isn't all that bad! You have great sense of design. I am happy you're a part of the stage crew, we were short on hands."

The mongoose stared at him wide-eyed, a content smile eventually creeping on his face. "R-Really? Wow, thank you, Dom." Kai was kind of surprised by how nice and welcoming everyone here was. The actor's team couldn't possibly compare.

Meanwhile, a thread, that Legosi was trying to get through the shoulder of the costume was stuck behind something. It took all of his concentration to find the right path through; he didn't want to tear the costume with his claws.

Come on, I am so close! Just a little bit to the right.

"...gosi."

Yes! Now I just need to push!

"Legosi!", Dom's voice thundered, snapping the wolf out his concentrated state. He got slightly startled and dropped the needle, making all his effort to get it through for naught.

He gave the peacock an annoyed glance, lashing out at the bird in irritation. "What, Dom? What do you want?" The group was visibly surprised by Legosi's loss of temperament. Dom especially staring at him with his mouth agape.

"Excuse me? What's the matter with you?", Dom asked offended, giving the wolf an angry glare. Regret tingled under Legosi's fur. He knew he screwed up. It would be best to make amends as soon as possible.

Shit. I shouldn't have reacted like that.

The wolf let out a sigh, giving everyone a dejected glance. "S-Sorry everyone. I haven't been in the best headspace recently. I shouldn't have taken it out on you, Dom."

The peacocks gaze softened, giving him a pass for now. "It's fine, Legosi. As I was saying I want to decorate the auditorium door and assembly hall with red roses." He held a drawing in his hands showcasing it proudly. "I want the final act to have a flower motif and I wanted you to go get the roses from the gardening club."

The wolf got up, basically confirming that he'd go to pick them up on behalf of the drama club. He didn't want to, but now that he had lashed out like that - he felt like he didn't have much of choice. A punishment befitting the crime he committed.

Just as he was about to leave, Ellen the zebra stormed in with a look of horror on her face. She was gasping for air, before anyone could ask her what was going on she answered their inquiries.

"G-Guys! Y-You won't believe what h-happened! I c-came here as f-fast as I could!" Her expression was that of pure fright, Legosi could hear her heart drumming against her chest.

"Whoah, Ellen, slow down. What happened?", Fudge asked with worry. The zebra hesitated a for a moment, clearly not comfortable with what she was about to say next.

"A-", she stopped momentarily steadying her breathing. "Another herbivore was just found dead on school grounds." Her tone was flat; the emotions behind it were already spend earlier.

Everyone's jaws dropped, wondering if she was serious about all this. Legosi knew that it would've happened eventually, but he figured he had more time. Though with a school filled to the brim with students, it's actually more surprising that they didn't find his snack sooner.

Looks like the bunny is out of the hat.

Everyone within made their way towards the main building, their trek was silent; not a single word was uttered. As soon as everyone assembled, there was again a clear divide in the room mirroring the one of yesterday: carnivores vs. herbivores.

Sanou, standing in the middle, not taking any part in the divide spoke up first with a melancholy tone, "I assume everyone here knows what has transpired. Let me make something clear: I am not going to beat around the bush. Another student has been found dead and the play is cancelled until further notice."

Bill the bengal tiger let out a low growl in anger, his face being hot red. He gritted his teeth, almost making it seem like they could shatter at any moment. "Hah! What's next, chief? Segregation? A stricter lockdown? What's that going to do? Make the killer even hungrier?!"

The older pelican mournfully shook his head, giving a knowing sigh. "It's not like they have much of a choice here, Bill. Everyone's doing the best they can to find the person responsible. We don't really have much of a say in this. Two murders in three days mandates such actions."

Legosi quietly observed the interaction, resigning himself to the background ever watchful. He caught the mixed gazes the herbivores gave them: anger, sadness, scorn and fear. The last two he knew all too well, but except of feeling bad he felt excited. He didn't know why, but their scorn and their fervor made him feel alive.

"This is going to make everything worse! Carnivores are already getting side-eyed by herbivores! They're going to make us out to be the bad guys!", the tiger retorted. "I don't want them to live in fear of us! Just because of some maniac!"

Doesn't he get that's all we'll ever experience? We can jump high or low, but they'll never treat us like equals.

An authoritative voice suddenly bellowed through the room. "For once, I agree with you, Bill. We shouldn't let this tragedy ruin our resolve." Everyone looked over towards the office door from which Louis emerged.

His face bore a determined look, one of unbridled confidence. He began speaking in a tone laced with steadfastness, "We as a club have to stand strong! Remember co-prosperity and coexistence? We should be showing that to everyone, right now. We owe it to everyone not to give up hope."

Despite a herbivore saying all this their camp didn't look exactly swayed. Their nervousness was palpable, unsure if such a lofty ideal could be possible with two animals already dead. Even Bill remained silent, reading the tension in the room as something he couldn't burst.

Louis looked at both groups in general disappointed and disbelief. He was fresh out of breath and ideas. Words of encouragement and idealism weren't going to make everything right. In sheer spite, he waltzed over to his office before violently closing the door with a bang.

Everyone left to their own devices, people scattered a bit throughout the room trying to get a grip on current affairs. Legosi also retreated back to his trusty light up in the ceiling, relishing in the unfamiliar chaos and how it filled him with sadistic contentment.