Darkness loomed, yet the flowers bloomed: it was a hot spring day. Time of the year you should be enjoying yourself with friends, spending as much time as you can outside and having an overall positive experience. Cherryton Academy was not that. After the fallout from last week had passed, there hung a certain doom and gloom over the school. The hallways felt empty, despite there being dozens of students filling them. If they were empty, you likely wouldn't have noticed a difference. Footsteps of the students being the only interruption to the silence, and the only sign there was even live within the academy at all.
Being of the opposite species didn't seem to matter, everybody could smell the nervousness hanging thick in the air. Their sweat was glistening on their backs as they had to pass one another on their way to class. Nobody made any excessive movements being mortified of accidentally grazing each other. Like a slight touch would cause the entire hallway to go into a blood-crazed frenzy leaving only bones to remain. Luckily for the cleaning crew, something like that would never happen. Legosi thought that their fears were pretty unfounded, it was not like the killer or him for that matter would act out.
Legosi took in the scene, quietly walking towards his next class. The wolf was in awe of what his actions were capable of molding; it almost made him want to lick his lips. Dread, fear, uncertainty were all on the table for him to enjoy. He felt like a gourmet picking out the perfect combination of ingredients, and sprinkling them over his exemplary dish. A bittersweet buffet for one.
Me, this is all because of me. The looks people are giving... The faces filled with scorn, loathing and distrust are so appetizing. Finally, those aren't just reserved for me. Legosi felt a slick satisfaction by this outcome, for once in his life he wasn't the only one being looked down upon with contempt. He had time over the weekend to think about it all. The shadow was right about one thing: he had been destroying himself, while the others wouldn't hesitate to throw him down a ditch somewhere if the moment presented itself.
The wolf knew he could make this a permanent thing, if he really wanted to. He had the entire school in a grip not even a boa constrictor could imitate, even if they tried. All it would take for the school to crumble: was only to squeeze a little bit tighter. Second's didn't sound unappealing in the slightest, it was a question of whom rather than when.
Legosi averted his gaze further down the hallway. Look at them all sad... Hypocrites. They would be drooling the moment one of the herbivores accidentally got a paper cut. A mockery of their true nature, that's what they are. All the chatter, banter and laughter were replaced by a ghostly quietness straight out of a horror movie. It stood in contrast to the week before, when everything was seemingly alright. Dread and discomfort were the only way you could describe the looks people gave each other. Distrust and tension only adding to the unpleasant atmosphere.
One devouring was bad, but two in the span of three days? That was a recipe for disaster, the killer being the cook of anarchy. Nobody in the halls dared to say a word other than 'excuse me' or 'sorry', especially the carnivores didn't dare to open their maws. Even the usually cheery, more jovial ones were uncharacteristically silent. You didn't have to be exceptionally intelligent to figure out that you were supposed to do one simple thing: absolutely nothing. Cherryton had become a shell of its former self, once a place of education and camaraderie has now amalgamated into something new, something terrible. A place where you yearned for the past, instead of the future. For the future was horrifying and uncertain; while the bygone days were bliss. The school's former mood becoming an alluring fantasy.
Legosi briskly strode through the halls, mostly because everyone avoided him like the plague, making being a large breed not all that bad. No more politeness, social niceties or societal expectations to make himself as small as possible. Everything is as it should be, he didn't have to play affable dog anymore and screw anyone that said otherwise. He tried to not make his good mood too apparent, having to consciously prevent his tail from wagging. It feels good to finally have some space for once! Usually, I have to wait for the herbivores to pass, but now they're returning the favor. How nice of them! Being a big bad wolf suddenly felt like an entire privilege rather than a burden. Legosi had to resist the sudden urge to toothily say 'Thank you' just to make the herbivores whimper. Although, the wolf knew he would be pushing his luck if he did that. So, instead he just walked by them looking down at them with a neutral gaze, making a male antelope visibly gulp.
Hmm, let's see... My next class is language studies. I sincerely doubt that any proper communication will be made. Language studies was now only four doors away, just to his left, animals were already clogging up the space making it hard to pass. Legosi stifled a chuckle and waited before waltzing into class, taking his usual seat at the back. He patiently watched as the rest of the students poured in, and once everyone had taken their places the lesson could begin.
Legosi noticed he was once again isolated from the rest, nearest animals at least three seats away from him. Nobody wants to sit next to the giant wolf? Figures. Must have caught them at a bad time. He got out his books and pencils mostly as a formality. There's no way in Rex's clipped toenails that any work would be done today. Animals were looking around them in general anxiety, like the killer would fall from the ceiling and start ripping into them the moment they stopped paying attention. You had to pretty much miss all of your senses to not notice how bad the mood was.
The teacher, a female burrowing owl, was struggling to keep people focused. What was her name again? Stella? Or was it Estella? Hmm, who cares. Normally, she'd be able to make a class participate just by using her mere presence alone. Now, even her sternness, which she was well known for - couldn't be of any help. The poor owl was truly out of her depth, a group of rowdy students she could handle. However, a class of skittish and frightened students she could not. It was like a demented carousel ride that had no off button and if you wanted to get out: you had to avoid getting whacked in the face by a rocket ship. The wolf almost felt sorry for her. That's what it feels like to be powerless, teach. Unable to change anything despite your best efforts. How the tables have turned.
Legosi's previous two classes weren't any better, but that wasn't much of a surprise either. It was more of a question how long this impact would last, rather than if it will last. Eventually, this will go away, once people take on some sense of normalcy again. There is no way Legosi would let that happen. Never again. This feeling was too good to let it pass. Legosi refused to be a bystander any longer; he wouldn't go back to being an outsider looking in.
He had hungered for this feeling his entire life; not feeling like a monster lurking in the shadows but out in the open instead. The wolf would prove people right in the worst way possible. They would never be any the wiser to his extracurriculars, not that he would allow them to; if someone threatened to spill the beans he would have to 'get rid of them', permanently."Show them that nobody messes with you", a faint whisper echoed approvingly. An indulgent smirk formed on Legosi's face at the prospect of being able to drink it all in, forever.
Faint whispers could be heard all around the classroom; Legosi picking up most of them. "Did you see the way that crocodile looked at me?", "Those herbivores are all the same, thinking we're all monsters", "That hyena looks dangerous... why do they allow such animals in a school?", "I am getting sick of being stared like some freak. When are they going to catch that psycho already?", "Those filthy speciests are making generalizations again, Julie... Don't they know they're making everything worse?" Legosi eventually tuned them out, having had his fill. Look at them scrambling. They're creating this ambiance by themselves. How amusing. What did Cherryton stand for again? Why did the school even exist, if a slight push would send the entire card castle tumbling down? Legosi recited the school's slogan in his head. To make a difference, huh? Guess when you take away all the fluff, you're only left with a rotten corpse.
"That grey wolf is terrifying! Did you see how big he is? What did he eat to even grow that large?", an oddly familiar voice whispered. Legosi looked in their general direction, it was a female horse. The wolf started focusing in on their conversation, suddenly intrigued. "Els, you're in a club with him, right? Doesn't he scare you?", a parrot asked with a worried expression. The angora goat hesitated to answer, she eyed them sternly. "W-Well, he's actually really nice when you get to know them. He's shy and awkward, but he'll always help you when you ask and- and his appearance doesn't do him justice. He's one of the kindest animals I know", Els told with confidence. The wolf was silent for a few seconds, nobody had ever defended him like that, let alone a herbivore. No! Don't you dare! She wouldn't hesitate to throw you under the bus if push came to shove. Herbivores deserve every ounce of this! Legosi berated himself, for how he almost allowed himself to become sympathetic through their weak display of sentimentality.
After some time the bell rang, startling the wolf making him drop the pen he was playing with. Hm, these classes have been going by at light speed. I must be spacing out again. Better get a move on. It's time for lunch. Legosi packed his stuff into his backpack and got up from his chair. Students were already clogging up the doorway, so he decided to wait it out. "I swear if I have to sit through another class of people insulting me: I will pop a vein", an American black bear complained to his leopard friend. "I know! I am getting sick of them throwing their pity parties too. Don't they realize we're all in the same boat?" The bear sighed sarcastically, "If we were in the same boat it would sink."
The two's conversations died down when they noticed livid stares boring into them, causing them to look away in general discomfort. Legosi sniffled, insulted by their lack of self-respect. To be silenced so easily, pathetic. Should've kept your mouth shut then. "Did you have something to say, wolf?", a judgmental voice spoke. Legosi looked downward to his left, noticing that the voice belonged to a brown beaver.
He took one step towards her, watching the animal's confidence shrink, and crouched down to look her in the eyes. Fear radiated from her, being as stiff as a tree. "Oh, me? No. I have nothing to say", the wolf said with a smile, his tone neutral. "Is there something wrong?" That question was rhetorical, and Legosi knew it. The wolf had a ticklish feeling in his chest; he liked watching the animal squirm. He didn't even had to do anything all that noteworthy. Looking them in the eyes was more than enough.
The beaver stuttered and small quivers could be seen moving up her left arm. People who noticed gave worried expressions towards the couple, yet were unwilling to intervene. Whispers surrounded them as they both stood still in place, both staring at each other with completely differing feelings. "N-No, no-ot-th-ing w-wro-on-ng!" The wolf smiled showing the majority of his incisors making the beaver almost turn snow white. "Good, good", Legosi replied with satisfaction. "Glad to have cleared up that misunderstanding!" Someone tapped him on the shoulder, and turned his head. It was a familiar angora goat with her arms folded and a handing out an expression of scorn. Giving her a quizzical look, Legosi gulped, "Oh, hey Els. How are-" Els interrupted him with a huff. What was she even going to do with this wolf? Couldn't he read the room? "Your social skills are terrible. You're scaring her", Els whispered pointing back at the beaver with her thumb. She came closer to his ear, her volume lowering significantly, "You are giving people the wrong idea. Just apologize to her and I'll help you clear up this mess." Confusion spread over Legosi's face, unsure of what to do. She thinks I am doing this on accident?! Does Els really think I am such an airhead?! "Oh, shit, uhm, yeah, of course!"
Turning towards the beaver, Legosi put on the best faux-apologetic expression he could manage. "I-I am s-so sorry! I had no idea- Oh, Rex, I didn't think- I-" Els touching his shoulder, spoke up while standing beside him, "What my club mate means: is that he's sorry for not being more mindful of... our current situation." Els motioned with her head, telling him to get out; she would be handling this. He slowly stood up, making the beaver let out a heavy breath in anticipation of the worst. The beaver wouldn't dare speak, her instincts were screaming at her to run away; she just couldn't. Noticing him moving away from her, she took in a desperate gulp air.
"Well, I'll be going now. Sorry to have hold you up- I- Again I am so sorry!", Legosi apologized vehemently. He moved away still listening in on Els' attempts at consolation. The beaver was still frozen in place, her limbs refusing her command even when the wolf had already left. "Psycho", the beaver rasped under her breath, much to Legosi's internal delight. The wolf could smell the cold sweat coming off of her, their heart was beating a mile a minute. This is the first time I've done something like this, intentionally intimidating an animal. It feels... gratifying, liberating.
There is one more thing Legosi couldn't understand: Els. Why was she helping him? Was it because she pitied him? Did she actually care for him? Tem's letter couldn't have had anything to do with this, right? Was that why she defended him? Too many questions burdened his mind at once. He needed to get out. The wolf just couldn't understand; he didn't want to understand. She must've done it for her own gain. Yeah, that's it! She wants protection from me in case something happens. Typical herbivores, always looking out for themselves. Els was trying to use him. Favors for favors. How dare she? It disgusted Legosi to no end: trying to safe her own hide like that. Trying desperately to get in his good graces, after having shit-talked him behind his back, within the club no less. Those herbivores are all the same.
After a while the wolf could finally leave the class without being blocked by a wall of students. The halls had cleared out fairly quickly, given that all the traction went to the cafeteria. They all wanted to blow off steam after classes. Gotta give it to them, they're quick. Legosi could finally walk at his pace without having to pay mind to anyone else. Don't even want to go and eat lunch. Hate the cafeteria food, tasteless garbage, can't even get the egg sandwiches right anymore. The wolf couldn't wait for his next couple of classes to be over with; he has already seen enough for today.
Mondays were Louis' most hated days, because after the weekend, he wasn't allowed much time to himself. Planning, schoolwork, the play, drama club plus everything else hadn't allowed him much free time and definitely no room for improvisation. The deer had to either do it or not at all. After the devouring incident, Gon had disappeared for the entire weekend, which angered Louis greatly. He planned to have had this conversation happen during the weekend, but never expected the tiger to go full-on AWOL on him.That damn tiger didn't even sent a text! Nothing even along the lines of: "Hey, Louis! I am jacking myself off in the faculty lounge for the coming weekend. Have fun dealing with the fallout~! xxx Gon". If the headmaster had just given Louis a heads up: he would've been fine with it. But, now, they had to do this the hard, unpleasant way.
I could've been enjoying my lunch, but nooooo~ Sir Tiger had to leave me to take care of his mess. The hallways leading to Gon's office were empty, which would make this trip much easier; than if he were to be followed by a posse of students. It also didn't help that the PR club was actively stalking him for his comments on the killing, which Louis managed to avoid, for now. All Louis had to do now was make it to Gon's office unscathed and all would be well. The tiger just had to listen to reason. Cancelling rehearsals and Adler, alright. However, leaving me to deal with your garbage like some errand boy? No. Fucking. Way.
Louis neared the principal's office hearing chatter coming from behind the door. The headmaster seemed to be on the phone, as he was the only voice whom was audible. "Yes- No, No! Of course not- I understand." Louis barged in without knocking or announcing himself, gaining attention from the tiger's gaze. "Yes, I assure you- Understood. These tragedies will be taken- alright. Goodbye..." Gon grumbled something inaudible and didn't bother with putting the phone on the horn; his jaw muscles were strained from all the talking.
Gon slinked lazily into his chair, letting out a frustrated groan. The deer noticed the bags under the Siberian tiger's eyes, almost having a tad of sympathy towards him. What even happened to you? No, better yet, where were you? You look like you got hit by a bullet train. Louis went to sit down across from him with his arms locked, giving the headmaster an expectant look. The tiger took a sip of a water bottle on his desk and cleared his throat with clear satisfaction.
"Good afternoon to you too, Louis. As you can see I've been preoccupied with things over the past couple days", he greeted with a weary voice. The workload had suddenly sextupled and there was no end in sight: drop-outs, phone calls, legal documents and the list went on and on. Louis scoffed with sardonic indignation, "Hope I didn't catch you at a bad time. After you went and disappeared on me." Trying to look more presentable, Gon straightened his posture and wiped the sleep from his eyes. He gave Louis a curt nod, "Yes, I know. I apologize for that. You must have had quite a rough three days. However, I can assure you I wasn't taking my long overdue vacation time." The tiger tried to levy the tension with humor, not having the intended effect, causing Louis to become even more aggressive in his expression. This wasn't the time for jokes, there were pressing matters to attend to.
Noticing his explanation wasn't what Louis wanted to hear he continued, "Council Of All Living Things has been chastising me for the school's apparent incompetence, which only really added to our list of problems more than it helped. I was there for two days to make sure Cherryton didn't get the boot." Gon sounded miffed, despite trying his hardest to put on a more formal tone; the weekend having taken its toll on the headmaster. The deer figured that Thursday's incident didn't go over all that well. Nobody liked hearing about murders being committed on school grounds like it was a playground game of tag. However, the COALT getting involved spelled bad news; if the school was on their shit list, things could only go south from there.
Louis sighed at the explanation. He knew that Gon wasn't sitting on his ass doing nothing, but that doesn't mean it didn't sting that the deer was playing head poncho for the better part of three days. He had no idea that being principal by itself was so taxing, having gained a newfound respect for Gon's perseverance. "Getting shut down would've been the easy way out. No, I didn't find it funny I was left to my devices when the news hit", the deer addressed. Continually getting assaulted with questions about how they were to proceed made Louis' head spin. "And, I presume you didn't catch a break Sunday either. Parents have been pulling students out of school, and I cannot say they're being all that unreasonable."
Gon sighed nodding, rubbing his temples. He opened his desk taking out a big stack of documents. All of them detailing various student's personal information and were stamped with a red mark saying 'Dropped Out'. Louis could see that the majority of the drop-outs were herbivores, while some carnivores, especially large breeds also dropped out; reasons always being along the lines of experiencing some sort of speciesism. "So", the tiger began. "Two hundred seventeen, two hundred seventeen students have dropped out since the discovery last Thursday. I assume you know all the nitty gritty details. Police informed you about the specifics?" Louis gritted his teeth, not really wanting to discuss that part with the headmaster at all.
Louis picked a small piece of paper out of his pocket, laid it down on the desk and folded it out. He responded with a disdainful scowl, "Yeah... Some... of these details I rather wouldn't have liked to know, they're forever burned into my memory now. Not going to recite them, you can go over them yourself." Gon shoved the paper towards himself; took a little bit of time reading it, before his calm face contorted to one of horror. Disgusting, isn't it? "Basically confirmed the killer is a student at Cherryton. Crime scene photos are in my desk at drama club. I can-", The headmaster held up his hand interrupting him. "Please", he spoke giving a solemn look. "Just- don't. I... do not want to see any of that. Not one of my students."
Louis understood that sentiment, despite the principal's rugged appearance, he was more emotional and emphatic than he seemed at first glance. The deer decided to switch topics, something else needed to be addressed anyways. "Mr. Gon, why does a school as prestigious and well-known as Cherryton barely have any security?", Louis deadpanned. Visibly taken aback, the tiger stumbled over his words, "W-Well, t-that would invade-" Louis snapped his fingers, a furious expression greeting the tiger. If there was one thing Louis hated more than anything it was liars. "Please, don't patronize me, 'principal'", he scoffed in a mocking tone. The tiger's head recoiled slightly from Louis' intonation. "The reason we don't have anything like cameras: is because you and the board have been cutting corners on the security budget for years now."
Gon tugged at his collar, sweat beads dripping down his neck. You're not sweating enough, time to open the floodgates. The deer continued airily, "Tsk tsk, that isn't a good look. No wonder the police haven't been of any help. Some people might consider your lacking security as negligence." The tiger slammed his fists on the table, almost baring his teeth and claws. Louis sat back, remaining unfazed. "This is where I draw the line", Gon threatened with a growl. "Don't you dare insinuate, that I haven't been giving my mind, body and soul to this school! I, more than anyone else, care about this school and its students!"
The deer snickered, rolling his eyes. Owing him another deathly glare from Gon. "Oh, please. If you truly cared, then you wouldn't have taken all the council's sanctions lying down!" Louis could see the muscles in the tiger tense up like he was about to pounce. Gon being fifty five didn't change the fact he was a predator. Eventually, the Siberian Tiger composed himself, albeit he was still furious at the remark.
"If I didn't, then the school would go up in smoke, Louis! We just need to walk out of line one more time, and we're done for!", Gon roared. "The lockdown pertains only to carnivores! Quite literally the best I could do!" Louis leaned forward intently, looking the principal dead in the eyes. "And, I agree with you on that choice, headmaster. However, we need to show people we can still stand united! Otherwise, the school's motto is just for show."
They were on a sinking ship riddled with holes, either fix the damages or drown. Gon let out an exasperated sigh, the weariness on his body showing their signs. He rocked back in his chair, giving Louis a defeated look. Win or lose, now's my chance. "Listen, principal. This may work for now - but what if the carnivore students find out about needing to stay here during the breaks? While the herbivores dilly-dally home? We'll have a riot on our hands." The tiger gave a knowing sniff, being truly spend by all the time he's been awake. After a while he eventually spoke up, "It's too big of a risk. I have... spend decades building upon the foundations of this school. If it shut down, I don't think I would be able to take it."
Oh, Rex, this got emotional far too quickly. Louis needed to be forceful. "The noose is tightening regardless of whether we do anything, Mr. Gon. If we stand idle: Cherryton. Will. Die", The deer tapped the last three words on the desk. The headmaster frowned at those words, nervously playing with the legs of his glasses. Louis went on, "If we show people our solidarity and that coexistence is possible: we might have a shot. One option leads to death, the other might save us."
Gon opened his mouth, wanting to say something and decided against it by closing it again. He thought about what Louis was insinuating, giving himself some time to gather himself. After a few minutes he came at Louis with his answer, "So, what you're saying: is that you want to decide the school's fate on a Hail Rex?", the principal sniffled, thoroughly unconvinced. Didn't the boy get that if they moved even an inch in the wrong direction, they'd be shot down? "Please. Enlighten me about the specifics, Louis."
The deer didn't hesitate for a second, having had his answer at the ready hours ago. Here goes nothing. "I want you to resume Adler for the 21st and 22nd and allow the Drama Club to rehearse again. Think about it: it'll get people's mind's off of things, while you can clean up the mess behind the scenes", Louis promptly proposed. Gon's brows raised at the idea; Louis wasn't able to discern whether it was a good sign or not. Come on, you stubborn tiger. We're pushed into a corner here. "Also, the segregation and lockdown goes into effect tomorrow the 10th and ends the 24th. So, I want them over with within two weeks."
Gon sat up, straightened his posture and leaned forwards against his desk. The tiger's eyes had an amused glimmer. "Those two propositions are very endearing, Louis. Alas, such things aren't possible; the board as well as the council will have my head." The deer started to laugh, confusing the tiger. He stood up, slamming his hands against the desk this time with a mischievous grin. The school's monetary problems it is. If the sanctions wouldn't kill them, then this would. "Then, screw them! They can go fuck themselves! This is our final shot. If we don't do this, consider my position as the Beastars candidate abdicated."
Taking in the information, the headmaster stared at him wide-eyed. After he processed it all, a smile crept up the tiger's face. Suddenly, Gon began a laughing fit of his own, tears falling from his eyes in the hilarity. "Oh, this is good! This was never a dilemma or discussion in the first place! From the start, this was a fucking shakedown!" After about half a minute, he wiped them from his face with a napkin, his fur having become slightly moist.
Louis spectated the tiger in surprise; he expected neither the laughter nor the fact that the headmaster swore. He even showed his fangs! This is the first time I've seen them so clearly. To Louis the headmaster always seemed above it for some reason. Although, that's probably because of his age and how he had refined his etiquette over the years.
Seemingly, the turn of events had shaken the exhausted tiger alive; this is why he loved his job. "You are a piece of work, Louis. Damned if I do, damned if I don't!" The students who always kept him on his toes, the next generation which would replace him someday. Maybe there was still hope. "Well played!", the tiger congratulated. From what Gon had seen the future might not be so bleak after all. "Alright, you win. It seems I don't have much of a choice. You know where the printer is, right? Get those posters up before I change my mind." The deer stared at him in shock, unable to fathom that he had won. Was Headmaster Gon actually letting him continue the play or was he messing with him?
Louis decided it was neither worth the time nor the risk to ask. "Thank you, headmaster. I will not let the school down", Louis promised, almost letting the ecstasy in his voice leak through. The Siberian tiger gave him a curt nod before shooing him off with his hand. The happy deer stood up and left the office in a hurry. After Louis had left Gon went back to stamping new drop-out documents and started musing in a whisper, "You have taught him well, old buck."
Jack, the labrador retriever, slowly walked through the hallways, strolling by animals that looked just as displeased as he was. Every passing second in there being slightly more uncomfortable than the last, his tail drooping between his legs. Making his way up the stairs, he caught others awkwardly gazing at him and each other from time to time; quickly looking away when their eyes met. Rounding the corner to the right, he took in the scene, which was basically the same as the floor below.
Animals were trying to put as much distance between each other as the halls physically allowed them, creating a sort of gap in the middle. Nobody dared thread that invisible border thinking it was the last line of defense for their entire existence, hence crossing it was a matter of life and death. The creation of this strange enigma was a spur of the moment communal effort by every single animal in the school. It's shocking how quickly animals adapt. Fascinating, it would be, if the situation wasn't so screwed up.
Biology was his last class for the day, and he was just about as excited as everyone else was for yet another hour of displeasure. Just one more class and everything will be okay. This would be the final hour before the Labrador could go to his room and shut himself in until dinner. Tomorrow after the segregation it would all be better. It just had to be, right? Nobody could keep going like this! Eventually, everyone would get to their senses and conform to a strained, twisted system of normalcy. Because discussing a topic meant acknowledging it exists, and anyone who didn't agree was to be dealt with accordingly. Jack internally winced, rolling his eyes at his spiraling negative thoughts, admitting how insane they sounded. It would be even worse than their current predicament.
Today was so gloomy and overall unpleasant, but that's alright! Give them some time and everything will be as it was before! Realizing how stupid and unrealistic that thought was, Jack let out a deep sigh. Who was he even kidding at this point? Everything has gone to hell. You can't just pretend nothing happened and everybody else will follow suit. The labrador wasn't blind, the situation didn't allow for such idealistic fantasies. It was better to let sleeping dogs lie, and ride it out until the situation resolved itself. Although, that would also have to be a group effort by itself; just because one person does something doesn't mean the others will follow. Inevitably, animals have to pick their poison: moving on knowing the consequences if they aren't careful or drown in uncomfortable silence slowly wasting away.
After waiting for the hallway to clear out, he could finally get into the classroom; taking his place at his usual spot in the middle rows. Hastily opening his bag, he reached and plopped down the study materials on the table. However, Jack did it more out of courtesy for the teacher than anything else; it wasn't like he would get anything done anyways. Normally, schoolwork would serve as a nice distraction when everything got too overwhelming, but even that couldn't ease the labrador's mind. Considering himself lucky for already having studied the subject in advance, and waited for Legosi to show up. To Jack the wolf was always a comforting presence, mainly because he could unload all his thoughts on him without being judged or interrupted. You could always speak your mind. Legosi has always been a quiet tree to the outsider's perspective, but if you asked for his opinions or thoughts he could be quite sophisticated; you just had to shake him at the base a little bit.
Skimming the pages of his book, the labrador tried to somewhat pass the time, but giving up because the subject matter was elementary. Hearing someone big sit down next to him, Jack looked to his right. A big gray wolf looked down on him with a neutral expression. How does he always manage to do that? Being so big and heavy, he should make the most noise out of all of us. He always figured it was because Legosi's instincts allowed him to blend into the background so well. A simple biological difference between a dog and a wolf: Legosi was a predator while Jack was not. He kind of envied him for that sometimes, being able to stay at the back of people's minds without being all that noticeable; only visible when you make an effort to.
The labrador greeted him with a mixture of relief and sadness, "Hey, Legosi. How, uh, have you been holding up today? We haven't seen each other much since this morning." Legosi tacitly put his backpack on the table before facing Jack with a somewhat somber smile. "Hmm, today has been... an experience. A bad one", Legosi replied shaking his head. "Uh, I don't think your day has been the best either. Are you, ehm, okay, Jack?" Canis Lupus Familiaris species, by societal standards, didn't really get looked upon with fear in mind; they were spliced by the genome to not have that trait. Today, for the first time in his life: Jack, a labrador retriever, experienced other animals being afraid of him. It felt absolutely terrible, and he hadn't been able to shake that feeling of discomfort when those herbivores looked at him since.
The lab attempted to give a scowl while playing with his pencil, "No, not really. I feel horrible, guilty and angry." The wolf raised his brows with a mixture of worry and surprise. Those weren't emotions Jack showed, let alone talked about openly. Why would the labrador feel guilty? "This... isn't your fault, Jack", Legosi consoled patting the labs backside. I know it isn't. But, why do I feel so... responsible? Maybe that isn't the right word. Is this... what Legosi feels like every day? Realizing this is what Legosi had to deal with every day of his life made Jack respect and pity him all the more. Letting the wolf come out of his shell more has always been one Jack's objectives. However, if you take all of this into consideration: he could see why Legosi never really wanted to bother doing so, even if the wolf had been acting more sociable over the past few days.
The labrador gave a strained smile, Legosi instantly noticing their distress through his tail. "I know, buddy. It's just... so hard. These feelings, the stares...", Jack took in a deep breath. "Everything." If the class setting weren't there, Legosi would've hugged the Labrador here and now. There were some nasty rumors regarding canines flying around, making Legosi all the happier Jack hadn't caught wind of any of them. "This... entire thing is... just a shit show, and we're getting fucked", Legosi began grumbling in frustration. He paused for a bit, gauging Jack's reaction; being one of mild curiosity. The Labrador noticed Legosi's eyes reflecting annoyed injustice.
The wolf cleared his throat before continuing, "Because of someone else's doing. Just like all the other times. Guilt by class association." He is right... kind of? All the other times something happened, I only experienced... This when it was an animal from the canidae family. But, for him, it's probably universal no matter the species. Looking around nobody was sitting next to them anymore, having all moved away; the lab didn't need to guess as to why.
Lazily slinking into his chair, Jack let out a sigh. "I just want this day to be over with and watch a stupid movie together or something." Legosi gave an affirmative hum, also wanting to get some time to himself. Jack glanced at his phone, seeing there wasn't much time left before class ended. There was something to be discussed, and he had been procrastinating it for long as possible. Better now than never. "Legosi, there is something I want to discuss", Jack said with an air or authority. The wolf acknowledged him with a sideways glance. "It's about that piece of 'advice' you got from your club president, Louis. I need to know what that was about." Legosi's ears drooped and his tail stopped wagging; he really didn't want to discuss this. Earning him an inquisitive stare from Jack, which told him to spill it. Sighing his best friend started to explain, "He told me how to be more assertive and less socially awkward." With a small nod, he told him to go on. "Commented on my posture and how more people would find me approachable if I didn't slouch; or resign myself to the shadows like I had something to hide. Standing up straight, smiling more you get the idea."
"You could've told me that, you gray idiot. You left me in suspense and for what?", Jack replied with a smile and a short laugh. "Just tell me next time. When you make sudden changes to your behavior; it makes me worry about you." I swear, sometimes, I wish I could read his mind. Most of the times he's easy to read, but once in a blue moon, he can really come out of left field. Nodding in agreement, Legosi gave the Labrador a smile of his own. This almost made Jack happy about Louis caring enough to take initiative towards Legosi. "Yeah, I... should've made it more gradual... instead of doing it all at once."
Before Jack could answer the wolf got a loud notification on his phone. Picking up his phone he opened the email. Reading it over Legosi's expression brightened, causing even his tail to start wagging again. "What is it?", Jack inquired with enthusiastic curiosity. Legosi handed his phone over with a satisfied expression. He started reading it over; the first part being very standard, but it was the middle that was interesting. "Woah! They are continuing Adl-" Legosi shushed him with his finger. The wolf whispered that it wasn't all. Continuing reading it Jack's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, wow... that's... quick? Club activities too? Mhm." Two weeks was unusually short, not that Jack had anything to compare it to, but nonetheless.
"Isn't that great?", Legosi whispered excitedly. "Then all our work wouldn't have been for nothing!" The labrador was still skeptical. Seems like these coming weeks will be more exciting than I originally anticipated.