Panting as I ran a constant pace, the thudding of my sneakers echoing off the conveyor belt that was underneath my feet, with beads of sweat running down the side of my face from retaining heat from the track suit I wore. I reached for my water bottle in front of me taking a large gulp, as the cool contents run down my throat before wiping my forehead with the back of my hand. I run for a few more moments before slowing down the pace to a slow walk before letting out a sigh of content. "Awesome! Five miles in 30 mins and burned 600 calories!"
"Wow! That's great Aayame, I think you beat your personal best!" Ellen spoke as she grunts lifting up a barbell over her head
"It feels good that us girls can get in a nice workout in peace" Sheila says as she sped jump on her skip rope "This week felt like the longest week of my life"
"Tell me about it! Three finals, two essays and an oral presentation, it's not school, it's midterm torture!" Ellen says as I turned off the treadmill and go to sit on a bench, drying my face with a small towel
"Wasn't too much trouble for me, but I will admit I am glad that's over and done with"
"You said it, I honestly thought I was going to have grey stripes by the time I was done" Ellen puts her barbell up on the rack as she sits up, which earns a giggle from me
It was the day after taking midterms and Sheila, Ellen and I were at the school's gym to blow off some steam after a long week of studying and taking exams for our classes. Even though it was no problem for me to pass all my exams with flying colors, it felt nice to be able to treat myself to a nice workout for all my hard work. Working out has also become a joy I have come to take part in, it meant being able to keep myself fit and to be able take better care of myself. Something I didn't have the privilege to do when being confined in chains most of my life. It was also a great opportunity for being able to socialize with girls my own age and a part of the same club I am in who have come to recognize and accept me for who I am.
"This was a good idea; we should do this more often"
"Yeah! Definitely want to get that summer body in before the Festival of the Meteor"
"Oh Sheila you and Ellen already got that; you guys are beautiful! All the boys will be gawking over you two!"
"You are just the sweetest Aayame! We are so glad you decided to stay in drama club" Ellen spoke as she gives me a smile, making me blush pink
"Speaking of boys, Aayame you and Legoshi have been spending a lot of time together lately" Sheila slowed her pace in skipping rope before coming to a stop, as the leopard and zebra both eyed me
I couldn't help but feel my cheeks growing warmer at the thought of the wolf, especially since our latest encounter with us flying through the air exploring the many places we went to. I had the time of my life being able to break free from the constraints of being my species, to enjoy and relive the freedom of what was the beginning of my joyful carefree childhood alongside Legoshi. Seeing the pure joy and laughter emitting from him, to experience something only a few species with the power of flight could, I never seen him look so alive. For me, being able to give him that moment of freedom, to help him shed his struggles of being a misunderstood carnivore in the eyes of society, it brought me such joy, and it only makes me look forward to our next explorations together. But the best part of that night was when we shared that kiss, I swear it felt like we could have just stayed like that forever, I don't even remember how long we stayed connected like that. But even so, I wouldn't have had it any other way.
"Well, I mean, we are in the same department you guys"
"But still, that is the most I have seen Legoshi ever socialize with anyone, he can be a little strange and awkward" Ellen says, stretching her arms above her head at an angle
"Well, he and I, you can say we are introverts. It just takes a little time to get to know someone like that. And even with that, we just have a good time together. Honestly, he isn't what most people think or view him as. After spending time with him and getting to know him better, he is actually quite the opposite. He really is a kind individual who is knowledgeable and funny at times, sure he can be shy and soft spoken, but he means well"
"Wow! You really cracked him open, haven't you?" Sheila giggles teasingly
"Yeah! Like the other day when club ran late, he stayed behind after everyone left just to walk you back to the dorms and yet when we walked out after you guys you two were out talking on the front steps and that was for like thirty minutes before we even came out, yeah Aayame I think you have caught Legoshi's attention for sure" Ellen smirks at the end
The girls giggle as I coyly hid the side of my face. "Oh, I don't know about that one, Legoshi is a great guy, but I don't know if he sees me like that. I mean after all I am still an eyesore to many, I doubt he would want to date me"
But we did already share two kisses, and he hasn't said anything about them, did they really have any meaning at all or was he just trying to be nice by sparing me from the pain of rejection?
Sheila walks over as she sits down beside me on the bench giving me a side hug, giving me a reassuring smile. "Hey, don't think little of yourself Aayame, we don't find you to be an eyesore at all, you got more spirit and kindness than anyone I have ever met. And like you tell us, you will never know unless you take that leap of faith, you got to take that chance! If you got that wolf following you, I say go for it! And if anything should happen, we will always be there for you!"
"Yeah we got your back!" Ellen pipes in, nodding in agreement
"Awwww thank you, but why have the two of you always been so nice to me anyways?"
"We both came from pretty harsh backgrounds ourselves, so we know how it feels to be looked down upon" Sheila spoke as Ellen moved in on the other side of me on the bench "We both had to do some pretty tough things in order to get by and it's not very often you find someone who respects and tries to understand both herbivores and carnivores, like the beastar who is meant to unite us all. But after Tem's death, I felt like drama club would never be the same after that until you came along, and it's brought everyone closer together than ever."
"Besides Aayame" Ellen says making me turn to look towards her "You have been especially kind to us even after we told you our life's stories and been very empathetic too, and we really care about you"
"Yeah, you are like the little sister we wish we both had!"
"Aww you guys I really-" But before I can say anything more the leopard and the zebra both had wrapped their arms around me in a tight embrace, being able to feel the compassion and warmth that they emitted was enough to make my heart burst with joy. Holding on to each of their forearms tightly in my grasps, a smile grew widely across my face, as my eyes closed with content. "You know, I have always wanted sisters too"
The three of us share a laugh before the embraces slowly loosened around me. "You guys up for another session?"
"I would, but I wanted to do something this afternoon before the club meeting" I stood up as I released my hair from the confides of the ribbon holding it back from a ponytail
"Ooooo does it involve a particular wolf?" Ellen teases with a giggle
"No! Well maybe, if I am lucky" I blush immensely, hiding my growing embarrassed smile behind my hand
"We are just teasing you" Sheila shoves me playfully before she and Ellen stood up "But seriously, if he makes you happy Aayame, go after him"
Hearing their words of encouragement, it made me wonder if I really should, the lingering doubt if a wolf and a mutant could make a happy and romantic relationship work in this world. But looking back at all that we have been through so far, how so much has changed in my life and how much happiness we shared, there has to be something there right? If two species were able to be themselves and be happy together, with no qualms or fear, that should be more than enough. From observation, I didn't see really any mixed species couples, I guess society expects one to be with only their species or at least a species similar at that. If any kind of love resembling looking different or strange in the world, it was shunned. It made me wonder what happened when my species met with the ones who were responsible for our imprisonment and others. Couldn't we really be able to co-exist and live peacefully upon them? Or was it simply just too much for them to withstand? My mother and I were shunned for our love, even without causing harm and destruction.
I still don't even know how I was created; my mother didn't have horns or vectors like me, and I never knew my father, so it only just adds to the confusion of who I really am. I wasn't even sure if I was able to have children myself, I was a complete mystery. But the big question was, could Legoshi and I really make this work?
"Thanks guys, I'll see you two at club later!"
I give them a friendly wave before exiting the gym, unzipping my jacket as a nice soft breeze ran along my torso over my shirt brings a small giggle out of me. It was a nice sunny day out this afternoon, the smell of springtime fills my nostrils with a mixture of sweet-smelling flowers, soil, and grass. Spring was always my favorite time of the year, back where I came from you can always find little birds singing beautiful songs to welcome the new season in the treetops, along with arrival of butterflies and tadpoles in the streambed, and the air itself was always warm. As if the whole forest was covered in luscious greenery all around, all the plants and trees sprouting with new life of fresh flowers, fruits and leaves.
Strolling through the school grounds, the warm soothing feeling of the sun along my skin as it hung high in the middle of the sky. Stretched out in a canvas of pale blues and soft whites as if it were painted with the lightest of brushstrokes. The distant treetops swaying gently in the breeze, this was the kind of day that made me want to revel in the sweetness of it. My gaze went towards a group of trees that were near the dorm buildings. It turns out that near the dorms was a small orchard of apple trees while doing an early morning walk and since its spring I thought it would be a good idea of picking some to make some nice baked gateau for Legoshi and his roommates.
The orchard was quiet this afternoon, a serene escape from the usual bustle of school life. The only sounds were the occasional rustle of the leaves or the wind whispering against my ears. I approached the nearest tree first that stood tall and proud laden with the fruit that shone like jewels in the dappled sunlight, the branches bent under the weight of the ripe fruit beckoning to be picked. My heart enlightened with the prosect of a simple yet satisfying task.
But little did she know, she was being watched by someone in the distance.
The wolf needed some fresh air especially after hearing what he had just seen on the news while playing checkers with Jack and a few others in their dorm building. The tension between herbivores and carnivores was growing worse than ever and even though it was nothing he hasn't seen or heard before; it still left an unsettling feeling inside of him.
As soon as he made his way outside that's when he noticed a small, slender figure in the distance and the familiar sweet scent of honey and cherry blossom wafts up towards his face. Following his nose, he made his own way towards the orchard, taking in a deep quiet breath, his lungs filling with the sweet, tart scent of the apples. And that's when he saw her. As she plucked an apple from its branch, she was humming a little song as her small fingers grazing the nearest apple. Quietly he moved in closer being careful not to startle her with his presence as he hid behind the foliage of another nearby tree.
His eyes were fixed on her, watching her every move. He couldn't help but admire the way the sun played with the bright red color of her hair, turning it into a fiery halo around her head. She looked so alive, so full of life in this serene setting. He felt his own heart thump hard against his chest as his head leaned against the trunk of the tree he hid behind. He wondered if she knew he was there, if she had felt his eyes on her. But she remained blissfully unaware, lost in her own little world of picking apples with contentment. In his eyes, she looked perfect in this moment, the kind that seemed to exist outside of time.
Legoshi took a tentative step forward, his footsteps muffled by the soft earth beneath him, his gaze not leaving her for a moment. As he drew in closer, his thoughts of their exploration the other week began to resurface. How he didn't want the feeling of freedom and excitement of adventure to end, how her unique and amazing gift gave him the ability to fly with her and explore new places in her own special way. It was one of the best moments he had ever experienced in his life ever. And then, as if pulled by an invisible string the girl turned to face the wolf, an apple still in her hand and that's when their eyes locked on to each other. Surprise fitted across her features but was quickly by a warm smile. Legoshi felt his heart leap into his throat, unsure of what to say or do as she took a step closer towards him. It's like the whole world had held its breath; the air thick with anticipation. "H-Hey Legoshi" She spoke softly
"H-Hi, how are you doing?"
"I'm good, thank you for asking and you?" She smiles a little bit wider, holding the freshly picked apple in both of her hands
"Oh uh, I-I'm good" They continued on with their staring, the wolf could feel his tail wagging frantically behind him "Do you um...n-need some help?"
"S-Sure the more the merrier"
As the two of them worked together side by side, their hands reaching for the same apples, the wolf was acutely aware of the girl's presence, her delicate hands, her gentle touch on the fruit as she plucked them from the branch, the way her warm smile had remained. It was all so new, so thrilling, he has never felt anything like this before, and he wasn't so sure how to process it. But all he knew that every time he was near her, he was happy, even by doing this simple task with her under the canopy, it was more than enough for him.
With the basket growing full, the apples were a testament of their combined efforts, the girl was reaching for an apple towards at the very end of the branch, standing on her tip toes. Without even thinking, the wolf placed his hand on her waist to steady her, his heart racing rapidly. As innocent as the touch was, it sent a current through him and unaware to the wolf, it did for her too as she gasped quietly.
I felt my cheeks become tickled pink as I felt Legoshi's hand on my waist and I couldn't help but lean into his touch ever so slightly. The world around us seemed to have faded as our gaze was held tightly, not one of us blinking once and it was just the two of us standing here under the tree, the air crackling with unspoken tension.
The wolf's heart thudded in his chest as he swallowed hard, he can't believe he just did that. It's like his body had a mind of its own and just touched her without even asking her permission, now a gut tightening fear had taken a hold of him, fearing he might have scared her. But to his surprise, she smiled bashfully up to him. "O-Oh thank you for that, almost got it"
Shaking his mind clear from the shear intensity of a seemingly innocent moment, he slowly lifted her up his hand firm yet gentle as she picked the fruit from the tree. Lowering her back down, the girl could feel the warmth of his hand, the way his thumb brushed against her side along her shirt, it was as if she could hear the sound of his beating heart echoing throughout her. A silent question hanging in the space between them as he released his hold on her as he took a step back while she placed the last of the apples in the basket. The wolf didn't know how to navigate through these new waters, but he knew didn't want to lose this connection that they had just found.
Bashfully the wolf and girls gaze on each other had lingered away, both looking so coy, unsure of what to say or do. It wasn't until she turned herself around, now standing face to face with him. "Legoshi?" Her voice caught his attention as he turned to face her "I...I have to ask you, have you been...have you been happy with me?"
"I-I really have" His voice stammers, but sounded genuine, but a troubling look came over his features as he glanced away, making my thoughts race, was that question a little too forward? Damn it, I am not good at this at all, so much for the confidence I had from earlier
"What's wrong?"
"There was another devouring" He spoke softly, before looking back to me
"Oh my goodness! What happened? Was it another student?" A small gasp escapes from my lips, a look of concern grows on my face
"No, this time it was out in the city, why don't we...walk to drama club together and I will tell you everything"
"Yes, of course come on"
I picked up my basket of apples and dropped it off in my dorm's small kitchen coming back for it for later as we made our way to drama club. As slow as the pace was, the wolf's tenseness relaxed now that he had her by his side as they walked down the hall.
Another devouring? Even though it wasn't another student, it still didn't erase the troubling feeling that loomed in my chest. It actually made me a little nervous about going out to the city tomorrow for my first outing. It was bad enough that Tem's killer still hasn't be identified yet. But to know that a devouring can happen anywhere even when it seems like to be a potential safe place, I guess not all places are fully safe. Even as something as beautiful and wonderful as the city looked during our exploration could be potentially dangerous.
"We were watching the news earlier in our dorm's student lounge and it looks like that a group of carnivores are suspected of devouring a gazelle woman in the city, the graphics were pretty bad"
"Oh my, that poor girl, that's horrible. I...I know I can't say much on her end, but I just hoped that...that it was quick and painless"
"Y-Yeah I hope so too, but who knows"
"Are you okay?"
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Oh I...I was just worried about you, when you told me this, it just made me worry if anyone was giving you a hard time is all. We both know not a lot of people can be really nice to others especially after a tragedy. Not to reopen an old wound or anything like that, but like what happened at drama club when I first got there, it wasn't pleasant hearing all that tension"
"Honestly" He sighs, his tone growing with despair "Carnivores are used to this tension, it did hit Jack pretty hard though"
"Poor Jack, I'll have to talk with him later on about that"
Reaching out I carefully take a hold of Legoshi's forearm, stopping him in his tracks as he faced me with his ears drooping a little down towards his head. "But I like I said before, when we were together with your friends, not all carnivores are bad, some just were raised to be that way or simply just choose to do it with no thought or remorse. Anyone can be bad; it's a matter of who you choose to be. And you chose a different way Legoshi, you rose up to a higher standard of character and that is something you shouldn't let anyone take away from you. Just because one does something bad, doesn't mean that they all are bad too. I know it's hard, believe me I know, but don't let anyone's bitterness change the person who you are. You are an amazing, sweet, and brave wolf Legoshi always remember that"
The girl gives his arm a gentle squeeze, as much as he appreciates her words and kindness, the troubling thought of his own sin making its way back through his mind. The comparison of how her calm sparkling blue eyes were now to the ones that expressed great fear when he had her in that deadly embrace on that cold winter night, his own instincts telling him to devour her. Ever since that night, he kept trying to understand the emotions that stirred within him that was both comforting and unsettling. But it seemed no matter how hard he tried to find the answer he was looking for, it always seemed to be out of his reach. What was this feeling he had for her?
Would you still think of me like that if you knew? That I was the one who nearly devoured you
The wolf was about to open his mouth to speak but stopped when he and her heard commotion and turning their heads to see a confrontation happening a few feet ahead of them. I could see a brown eagle holding a cellphone, standing behind a raccoon who was gripping on to a female student's forearm, violently pulling at it, bringing distressed sounds from her who was mostly hidden from view around the corner of the stairwell. "Did you see this?!"
"The canine killer group's leader is a grey wolf just like you!"
"But...But I'm not like that!"
I could hear the fear tinted in her voice causing me to grow concern. "That's what you all say!"
That doesn't sound friendly
Absentmindedly, the wolf crosses his arms and doesn't even notice the girl's growing glare on her face.
How should I help...Hey you! No, that doesn't sound right, especially coming from some stranger just budding in.
Walking quickly up towards the pair of carnivores, I cleared my throat loudly catching their attention. Even though I didn't know what the situation was all about, but either way I wasn't going to stand idly by and let this become potentially violent. "What is going on here?"
"How's that your business?" The eagle hissed as he and the raccoon try to make themselves look as intimidating as possible. But as soon as I walked out into the light, it's like their bravery had quickly disappeared as I stood with my arms crossed over my chest, they even backed up a little. It wasn't anything new to me, I was used to species giving me frightened looks, after all I am still known to others as a freak of unknown origins. A monster at that. But that didn't matter to me in the moment, what mattered to me was stopping someone from being potentially harmed.
"She said to leave her alone, I suggest you do what she says, or you will have to deal with me"
"But she's a grey wolf-" The raccoon states, but I stepped forward even closer, closing the gap between us as they flinched in response
"I may be a freak of nature in the eyes of many, but you know I don't like others who bully for pleasure and simply not by harassing someone who is unrelated to an unfortunate tragedy that has happened. So why don't you leave now and let her be, now!"
Both of the bigger carnivores became silent, even though I have taken on confrontation with Louis and Bill before, the fact that I was facing two of them at the same time I felt a slight bit of intimidation. But it looks like my tactic didn't work as they glared down at the girl, that's when I heard the steps of Legoshi come up behind me. "Uhm...excuse me?"
The raccoon turned his attention from the girl up to Legoshi and right away both of the smaller carnivores were immediately frightened by the larger canine. "Eh, I'm her older brother. Is there a problem here?"
I had a chance to look down at the female student who was kneeling on the ground as she glanced up at us. She certainly looked different for being a grey wolf, but still I didn't judge others based on how they looked. Even though it wasn't always reciprocated. Her fur had a reddish-brown hue to it and had some longer fur and soft curls to ears and side of her face more so than Legoshi did. Her snout was a slightly darker cream color, but what really stood out the most was her purple eyes. Even behind the small tears that were bubbling in her eyes, I never seen a beautiful eye color like that before.
Good thinking Legoshi, maybe that will make those two back off
"Brother? Seriously?"
Or maybe not...
"That's right" That's when he got a good look of the she wolf in front of him, realizing he had made a big mistake
Shoot! She doesn't even look like me!
"Liar! You guys don't look alike at all!"
"You can't fool us!"
"Well, I am their proof"
Everyone looked to me with confusion written on their faces as I stood in between the two wolves, my hands firmly on my hips. "I happen to be their childhood friend; he looks like their father, and she looks like their mother. We have known each other since we were kids in primary school and I have actually met their parents during our playdates, quite an interesting looking pair of wolves that they are I would say, and if you still don't believe me, that sounds more like a you problem and it's our word against yours"
I give them a firm look before looking up at Legoshi, giving him a side eye towards the female wolf with a slight nod. Legoshi gulps softly, kneeling down towards her. "You okay...sis?"
"Yeah, thank you...brother"
"Now I suggest the both of you leave now before I get authority involved in this because I don't think a mark of harassment on your record will look so good for either one of you"
"Dang it! Let's go!" The racoon growls, pushing his way past me before the eagle gives me a mocking face towards us before leaving down the hall
I watched their every move, making sure they wouldn't linger nearby until I knew for sure they were out of sight. Watching how they were bullying that grey wolf, it reminded me so much of a part that of what was my confinement. The constant discrimination and bullying of my species, it didn't make sense to me. I never heard such foul language and hatred until my capture. In a way this world was reflecting some of the darkest moments of my life, how carnivores and herbivores were resembling part of how my species and the monstrous species that had us confined interacted. The only difference was, was the instinct to devour. But then again, each one of my species that was killed, that could probably be labeled just as horrific. The way the she wolf was treated was similar in ways to how I was treated and all for what? What was their intention? I would think that if others saw what was being done to us, would they come to our aid like we had, or would they simply just turn and look the other way?
Unfortunately, I knew that if things don't change this discriminatory pattern will continue on and this vicious cycle will only keep repeating itself over and over again. When people finally realize that everyone, regardless of species, herbivore, carnivore, and even mutants like me, we may be different from each other, but we still are living beings with beating hearts with feelings and emotions.
After making sure that the racoon and eagle were gone, I turn my attention back to the pair of wolves. Legoshi groans in relief and annoyance as I come to kneel down beside the two of them. "Are you alright? Did they hurt you?"
"No, I am okay, at least they didn't leave any marks" The she wolf says, as she rubs her arm where the racoon had gripped her
"I'm uh...sorry for lying like that" His words made me confused, if he hadn't told the lie, those two probably wouldn't have left her alone and my instincts would have told me to use my vectors which I am really trying to only keep in my safe inner circle of Legoshi and friends who knew about them. I just can't put myself at risk of others finding out. So, in theory I think Legoshi just saved us both.
"But you saved me, thanks a lot" The female wolf answered, glancing at the both of us "To the both of you, I owe you"
"There is nothing to it, we couldn't stand by and do nothing, we are just glad you weren't hurt by them"
I give her a soft smile as Legoshi nods in agreement. "I couldn't ignore it when they said you were a grey wolf. There's a lot of bullying like that because of the recent news. You're a freshman, aren't you? You'll get used to it by the time you are a sophomore and uh..."
Giving him a few gentle taps to his arm, before nodding my head towards her as he catches the sight of the girl's tears and saddened expression. "This is something I have to get used to? Seriously?"
I move in a little closer as my hand rests on her shoulder before she turns her attention to me. "I know it's really hard, I am facing it myself and trust me some days hurt worse than others"
"It's even worse than junior high! They're so cruel, they can't do this! I'm just so frustrated at myself. I take it too personal every time"
"If that's the way you really feel" Legoshi says "It's a good feeling for you to hang on to. I was fed up with being frustrated, I just...pretended I was used to it. Feeling that frustration makes you stronger"
His gaze turns towards me. It looks like he and I had more common than I thought. During my captivity, I hadn't even realized how much frustration was building up inside of me every time that I was used for experimentation, beatings, and rapes over the years. Even though I was terrified and didn't know what each day would bring, that I somehow managed to stay alive, I was used to pain every day. I didn't even know that a monster was growing inside of me until it was too late. And I can't even begin to imagine the amount of frustration that Legoshi had to face before I met him, for simply being a wolf and a carnivore. He was just someone who wants to be understood and be a better person than the stereotypes that were forced upon him, I could empathize with him on that.
"I know it's easier said than done, but you can't let that bother you, I understand bullying like the back of my hand, I know exactly how you feel. But you have to prove them wrong by being the best version of yourself that you can be and that means proving the stereotype wrong of anyone who labels you what they see you as. It won't be easy but, in the end, it will be worth it"
"You think so?"
"I know so, it's gotten better for me, so it should for you too"
She gives me a hopeful smile as she dried her tears with her hand.
"Anyway, excuse us" Legoshi offers me his hand as I take it with a soft blush as he helped me to my feet, but as we made our way down the hallway, I heard the female wolf had called after Legoshi. "You're Legoshi from the art department, right?"
Slowly he turns back around to face her while I watch with a slight curiosity. She was actually a little taller than me, I will admit she was a pretty wolf, especially her purple eyes. "Actually, I just joined the drama club this year as a new member"
"Huh?! Hold on, really?" Legoshi sounded a bit shocked by her response
"My name is Juno" she says, as her tail softly swayed behind her
"I'm sorry that I didn't actually recognize you"
"That's okay, I'm part of the actors team anyway. The day I joined Sheila mentioned that there's a sophomore here who's a grey wolf"
I noticed the blush that was blossoming over her face, and I felt my heart sink a little at the sight. Without the knowledge of Legoshi, I could feel the familiar feeling of doubt and heartbreak I had from earlier starting to flood through my mind.
"She told me you were a very polite male wolf, and I am happy to see that you really are"
Nervously Legoshi scratched at his neck at her compliment. "Oh...well..."
"Since we're both wolves, maybe we don't have to be so formal"
I am getting a strange feeling about this...
"Then, will you be at the club today?", Legoshi asks
"No, I think the gathering today is only for sophomores"
"Oh uh, y-yes it is" I spoke, trying to hide the obvious troubling tone in my voice to the best of my ability. It's like she had forgotten my existence as she kept her eyes on Legoshi the whole time "W-Well we should be going, we're going to be late for the meeting, it was really nice to meet you Juno, we will be looking forward to seeing you in drama club!"
I give her a smile and little wave before I take Legoshi's hand into mine as we continued our walk down the hallway. Even from a distance I could catch a side glance of Juno staring at Legoshi with a wide smile on her face, making me turn forward with an uneasy look hiding it from view of Legoshi. I can't help but feel a troubling thought creep into my heart, now with having Juno in drama club with Legoshi and I, I knew now that was going to make things a little more complicated for me.
We arrived at drama club as we sit across from Sanu on the floor, with Legoshi and I sitting next to each other alongside with Tao, Aoba, Bill, and Ellen. Still feeling a little uneasy about the encounter that we had with Juno, I tried to shake those troubling thoughts out of my head as Louis walked past by our small group who was now fully recovered from his broken leg. I give him a small smile as he firmly nodded his head, giving a small hidden one in return before I turned my attention to Sanu.
"Alright, so those sophomores will meet with the city to discuss details of the festival tomorrow right after school"
"Why is it just the carnivores?" Ellen asks, along with the protest of the smaller chipmunk sitting next to her
"The herbivores want to go on outings too!"
"Have you not seen the news lately?" Sanu sighed "The herbivores are going to work here on sight for a while. Anyway, that's all I'm going to say on the manner"
The both of them whined with disappointment, I can't say I honestly blame Sanu for his reasoning, after all since this devouring was just as of recently and if that group that devoured that woman from the news there was a chance that they could be anywhere near by the school and a chance like that couldn't be taken for now at least. As much as it was most likely to be viewed as unfair or unequal by any herbivore, I can empathize with their reactions. When I was still living in my old world, I was curious to know that if there was more than there was outside of my forest home. But my mother warned me that it wasn't safe outside of where we lived and had to stay hidden along the trees, but she really never gave me a clear reason why, saying that it was just better for the both of us for now. Maybe I was just too little to remember or understand, even though it left a lingering thought of curiosity of what she meant I was still happy living in the life that I had. But I sometimes I wonder, what did she mean?
"Aayame, seeing how as you are the only omnivore here in the club, you are permitted to either stay on school grounds to help with the herbivores with their work or go to the city with the carnivores. Since based on your species alone, as a precaution we are putting you under the protection of the carnivores if you decide to venture out"
As much as I appreciate the thought and courtesy of the idea of being protected, I knew I could protect myself if needed since I had my vectors. If I was able to take on a whole army and win, it would be little to no trouble for me to take on a carnivore. Even though I would never use to them to harm anyone, I still could use them to make an escape if need be. After having near miss confrontations with death towards Louis and Bill, I really needed to get a better control of my instincts to not take on a threat with violence, it's already bad enough I am already labeled a killer. I had to get stronger somehow for my own sake.
"Sanu, I don't think Aayame will need that, she has got quite the will power. She has proven to me that she is a capable mutant I don't believe she needs a carnivore to keep her safe. We all know very well by now, how unmanageable carnivores are when they lose their senses"
I can see Legoshi tense up beside me while Bill grumbles. "Again? This is getting really old"
I cleared my throat before giving the deer a side eye, catching his attention as he shook his head with annoyance. I guess my talk with him about not discriminating other species hasn't fully sunk in yet, sounds like to me he will be a challenge in the future.
"One more thing" Louis states standing by the door, with his hand resting on the handle "Do not even think about going to the black market"
The black market? What can that be?