I couldn't barely even sleep for the rest of the night, every time I closed my eyes, all I could see was my terrified self being trapped in the arms of my attacker. I couldn't see their face clearly; all I could see were dark glowing red eyes and sharp teeth gleaming under the moonlight. Whoever they were, they looked dangerous. I would see the dark ghostly outline of my attacker take my life ripping open my throat with a vicious bite or I would see my own monstrous form decapitate them in half. There was so much blood in either outcome, it almost made me throw up out of disgust.

I still can't believe I had let my vectors out, even though I am trying so hard to keep them suppressed, I attacked, all because I had fought back to keep myself safe. Even though I didn't go all the way, I am still guilty for what I did. But I had no other way to defend myself when I was threatened, I am not proud of it, but it was the only way I knew. But from looking back at that moment, why did my vectors attack? After all I was willing to give up, my fear now was if this happened again, someone else might not be so lucky.

Oh well, time to face the day, with a tired groan I sat up in bed and looked up to my wide window to see my little bonsai tree sitting on the windowsill, it grew more overnight. I smiled softly, it may be one of the only few things I owned, but I was proud that it was growing beautifully in the little dark blue bowl where it sprouted. I slid the covers off and looked around softly with a sigh. When I first came here to Cherryton, they weren't so sure on where to place me due to my species and didn't want to make me uncomfortable by placing me in a group I wasn't familiar with. So, I was placed in one of the private dorm rooms ones that could only be afforded by higher status families at the top floor of the building. Even though I insisted I didn't need such a big accommodation, they were sympathetic due to my situation and wanted my stay to be comfortable. I didn't mind that I had my own room where I didn't have to fear someone would hurt me when I slept, but it still felt rather lonesome.

Well here goes another day, just be strong, just keep your head down and keep moving, that's all you can do to survive until you can graduate.

I got dressed into a new uniform and brushed my hair out, tying it into a low braid letting my bangs fall naturally against my face, before slinging my satchel over my shoulder and leaving outside my room. Just as I shut the door, many other students were chatting and walking down the hallway minding their own business heading to their classes for the day. Keeping my head low, I held my history books tightly against my chest as I made way downstairs to the main floor and passed by the counselling office. "Oh Aayame, I'm glad I caught you, I just wanted to check in to see how you were getting along since your first day"

I peeked up to see the sophomore counselor, Ms. Kota, a giant panda in a typical employee's uniform standing in the doorway with a cup of coffee in her hand. "Oh hello Ms. Kota, didn't see you there, s-sorry I-I am just a little foggy in the mind today" I quietly say pushing some of my loose hair back behind my ear

Her brows furrowed as she stepped closer to me. "Are you alright my dear?" The panda spoke gently, and I could feel my nerves becoming unhinged causing me to shake terribly, looks like some emotions had remained from last night I wasn't sure if it was shock from the attack, the murder, the bullying, or all the above. I struggled to keep it together, but my quivering body quickly gave me away. "Come with me, let's have a talk"

Her giant furry arm went around me as silent tears began to fall down my face. I went willingly with her as we disappeared from the hallway and went into her office adjacent to the main doors. I stepped into her office as she closed the door, sitting down in the chair right in front of her desk. "What's troubling you Aayame? I certainly don't like to see any of my students looking so distraught" She hands me a tissue from the box on her desk as she sits down in front of me

I dried my eyes tenderly, sniffling softly. "I just don't fit in here at the school at all Ms. Kota, I am always getting terrible looks from everyone, no matter what side I go on. I am always going to be treated differently, maybe this was a mistake. Maybe the government was wrong. An unknown species like myself can't find peace with anyone anywhere, I am just a freak"

"Aayame" Her warm hands rested over mine in a caring manner, giving them a gentle squeeze. "We are all trying our very best to find our place in this world and sometimes others fear what they don't understand, and they don't say the nicest of things. But I see you, as something different, but unique. I know I don't understand your species because I don't know much, but that doesn't mean no one will not want to try understanding you like I want to. My great grandfather, a wise and elder panda, once told me sometimes the most unique and different things in this world turn out to make the biggest of differences in the world we live in. And what I see in you, is someone very special that will make a big change. I think what we need to do is find something here in school that is just as unique as you, for you to flourish"

"Like what though?"

"I know it's only been a short while since you joined here at Cherryton, but would you be interested in joining one of our school clubs? I think maybe what you need is to be a part of a group that has the same interests as you, to make that first step of becoming more comfortable and happier while doing your studies"

"Do you really think so? I mean I never have been part of a club before, I have no experience, let alone I really don't know how to talk with anyone, besides you", I sniffle softly, giving a small sad smile at the end

"That's the best part, you can learn how to talk and interact with students, to make relationships, while doing something that you love, that's what a club is like" She patted my hand encouragingly "I remember when I was in clubs when I was your age, it really helped with the confidence that I needed, and I had a wonderful time, and look where I am now, I have a job that I love and many friends"

As her words sunk in, maybe this might be a window of opportunity, I know I was willing to give up last night, but if this kind panda thinks this could be another chance, I had to least give this a try. I would be at least liked to be remembered for trying, instead of sulking. "Well, if you think so, then I guess it wouldn't hurt to try"

"Excellent! Let's look at your options together" She smiled excitedly and reached into the desk drawer and pulled out a few brochures and laid them out in front of me. There were so many options, I was never given a choice back then, it was a bit overwhelming for me. Whatever someone told me to do, I was forced to do it, without hesitation. And if I ever did try to fight back or resist, the worst punishments that could degrade anyone of their dignity or self-worth would be inflicted on me. I could still feel the thought of my bones breaking, blood being splattered all over the room, and the chains digging into my flesh making the muscle go raw. The sounds were now flooding into my mind, getting louder and louder, until I felt Ms. Kota's hand go over my hand once more.

"Just take your time Aayame, see what one draws your best interest"

I snapped out of my thoughts and looked at the brochures, and I looked at each one closely, each one did look interesting, but my heart wasn't speaking out to me that this was the one. Going towards the end of the list, I saw the last brochure and it was labeled drama club. It was the same one where that alpaca student Tem was a part of. Curiously, I carefully opened the brochure and read through how they would host plays, make costumes and dancing. What no one did know is that my real love was for the arts, I loved singing, making music, and dancing of course on my own, no one has ever seen me do any of those. I was too embarrassed. I know it would seem weird that I would want to join a club that recently lost a member to murder, that anyone would probably be wanting to avoid fearing that they would be the next victim. But maybe if I was around other students with the same interests as me, maybe I could finally find my place here and find peace and happiness. "This one looks promising; can I try this one?" I smiled and held up the brochure

"Perfect! Drama club is one of the best clubs, a lot herbivores and carnivores do get along well there and you will be the first ever omnivore to be a part of it, let's get you signed up", The panda began to type away somethings on her computer as I continued to look at the cover and after a few moments I heard the sound of the desk printer behind her, as she reached over and handed me a piece of paper. "I have you down for drama club after your last class of the day, it starts at 5pm today, the president of the club is Sanu"

"Thank you again Ms. Kota, I am hoping that this will work, you know I was starting to give up on finding my place here, but I want to take this opportunity for all that its worth, maybe there is someplace for me", I stood up and adjusted my satchel over my shoulder

"I have confidence that it will be, it's going to be okay Aayame, everyone here does have their struggles. But I see you have a lot of potential to achieve many things, I believe if you worked hard enough you just might be the next Beastar of the school" She smiled warmly walking me to the door

Oh, the Beastar, that was one of the first things that I found about this school on a poster in the hallway. It was the term that was awarded to a student that manage to stand out in society as leaders and unite herbivores and carnivores together, despite the differences between their respective species. Surely it would take someone really special in order to do that and with so many students here, I am sure anyone would have a clear shot of being the next one. I giggled softly, "I don't know about that, but I really appreciate the vote of confidence" I smiled up to my counselor with gratefulness, one of the first people to ever show me understanding and acceptance.

"I am always here for you my dear, if you need me again, my door is always open" She opened the door as I stepped out

"Ms. Kota, thank you, for everything" I suddenly give her a warm hug as she chuckled softly embracing me back

"My pleasure Aayame, now go make each day better than the last one", She spoke as I gave her a nod

"I will" And with that I left heading back into the hallway, finally feeling some relief come over me as I smiled confidently towards my first class for the day. After getting through history, math, science, cooking and art class, I grabbed a fruit and veggie smoothie taking a few seeps on my way to my new club, my mind began to wonder on what special and unique peers that could be a part of the club. I only hoped that when I do get there, there won't be discrimination like there was in my other classes or on school grounds. Last thing I need is to be hearing more hatred being spoken about an herbivore or carnivore, let alone towards me. I only hoped Ms. Kota was right because if this didn't work out, I wasn't sure where to turn to next.

I walked up the steps and walked through the double doors and found the room that was on my schedule. "Well here goes nothing", I spoke quietly to myself and walked into the room, and I could hear talking as no one realized I had walked in. But what stuck out is that just like in my other classes the carnivores and herbivores were standing apart from each other. Well so much for discrimination not being shown in a special club.

That's when I saw a pelican carrying a clipboard walked in front of the students, that must be Sanu, the club president. "Is everyone here? Gather around please"

Despite the small size of the club, it seemed evident that something else was wrong in the atmosphere, everyone looked tense. "I'm sure you all know by now something terrible happened at school here this morning, one of the actors Tem...huh?"

Sanu looked towards both groups back and forth, surprised to see the groups were separated, when normally together at meetings. I could sense the atmosphere was heavy with tension, even from a distance. It was that thick, like you could cut it with a knife.

"But sir" A zebra spoke "You know that Tem was closely involved with the carnivores in this club"

"S-So?"

"Are you accusing us of something?!" A tiger argued back

"Maybe someone got jealous since he recently got cast in a good role!"

"You know what?! You got a lot of nerve! That's exactly why I can't stand herbivores!"

As the fighting continued, it was bad enough that Tem's life was taken short but the fact that members were pointing fingers at each other to pin blame and responsibility on a potential killer, that was even worse. They should be coming together and mourning for the loss of a friend, but instead Tem was completely forgotten in this argument and gave an excuse for everyone to be cruel to one another. I am sure that they are all scared, I mean school would be the last place anyone would think someone would be attacked or killed. But then again that just happened to me last night, I guess so called safe places, can't even be entirely safe. Each taunt that was spoken, was both demonizing and terrorizing.

"Oh want to fight?!" The zebra stood forward challenging the ferocious tiger "Did you know that if a carnivore hurts an herbivore, they get suspended from school!"

"Don't be ridiculous! Who would want to eat you anyway?!"

I couldn't take this anymore. This has to stop; this has to stop now! I stepped forward from the entrance of the room into the light standing in between the two divided groups. "Enough!"

The taunts stopped as all eyes laid upon me. "Stop all of you, do you not see and hear yourselves right now? Think about what Tem would think or say if he were still here to see you all fighting! He wouldn't have wanted that! I may not have known him personally, but I know he wouldn't want to see his friends at odds and pointing fingers. You all should be ashamed of yourselves, I know you all are saddened by his death, but that is no excuse to blame someone whom you might not understand nor want to understand. If you have nothing nice to say about someone, better just to keep it to yourselves. We will find out who did this to Tem! But until then no one blames nobody!"

Not a word was spoken, nor an eye had blinked. Everyone looked taken back at what I said, the whole breath in the room was taken away. Reality came back crashing down, as I realized I just spoken out loud for the first time since starting school. All the courage and bravery I just had quickly faded and I went back to being that shy and quiet omnivore. My cheeks flushed red with embarrassment, what did I just do?! I couldn't believe I was able to stop a full-blown argument like that, I guess I really did have a voice after all. Sanu had stepped forward. "This young lady is right, no one will be blaming anyone, we won't have that here in drama club, let's leave the investigation to the professionals and we will carry on as normal, we have a performance we need to be focused on"

Suddenly everything went dark, nothing could be seen around me but pitch black. Luckily, I had a pretty good sensory of where everyone was standing, from being in the dark most of my life, you get good practice of where everything was in the space I was given. "H-Hey!"

"What's going on here?!"

"Did the power go out?!"

"Oh um, sorry" A deep, but meek sounding voice met my ears from above, strange who could be above us? "The lighting panel malfunctioned...please go on"

When the lights came back on, heads turned to look up to the rafters above, my own eyes followed their gaze and that's when they came to meet who was up there. My eyes widen slightly to see a very tall, thin but slightly muscular grey wolf holding on to one of the spotlights, looking down at us below. "Legoshi, you hung out with Tem a lot, do you know anything about this?" Sanu spoke

Legoshi? What an interesting name that is. Everyone stared up at the wolf above, he seemed to be looking at all of us, but that's when his eyes came to rest upon me. His eyes were so mysterious yet calm, for a powerful predator he looked gentle. My eyes didn't blink once as we continued our contact. I have seen all kinds of carnivores here, but there was something different about this wolf. Sweat began to drip down the side of my head, wait why was he looking at me? Oh no he is probably thinking what a freak I am! After all I am the unknown mutant species with horns growing out of my head!

"I think Tem did have a lot of things that were left undone...there were so many things he didn't had the chance to do like of all us, I would think if anyone of us died suddenly...w-we would have had a lot of things we wanted to do we were not able to accomplish" The wolf had climbed down the rafters and walked up to the rest of the group

He stopped right near me, and I could feel goosebumps form along my skin, he was so close in proximity. He turned towards me, he was huge compared to my small figure, my head just meets with his torso, he could easily overpower anyone with a swipe of his clawed hand. "But like what you had said, we shouldn't be placing blame until we know the real truth, it will only aide the real killer in covering their tracks"

Hearing him, he sounded so gentle too. One would think with being a carnivore he would talk more loudly and with more aggression, he surely didn't have the voice of one. This wolf was really making me curious, as much as anyone would be afraid of him, but for some reason I wasn't. He was...different. When the club was dismissed, I was left alone, and just barely I was able to hear the groups talking about me as everyone left into separate gender rooms to change back into their uniforms. Even though it was so quiet, my senses picked it up in whispers.

"Can't believe she actually stood up to carnivores, let alone to herbivores too"

"What's up with the horns on her head?"

"Heard she is quite the species; she is an omnivore!"

"Quite a loud voice she has, for such a mute girl, she hardly says a peep in history"

I sighed softly and picked up my satchel from the side of the room and walked back over to Sanu. "So, we meet every day after our last class, right Sanu?"

"Yes, every day at five, I am sorry you had to witness what you saw today Aayame, this is not what normally drama club is about, I know this wasn't a good first introduction for your first day"

"No, it's fine, I had a feeling something like this would happen, but I feel horrible knowing that Tem was killed, I heard he was one of the best actors. I only hope they will find out who did it" I rub my arm uncomfortably "And I am sorry for the yelling, I am just tired of hearing all this discrimination, it has to be put to a stop"

"You couldn't be more right Aayame, its true the wedge between species is a wide one, and one can only hope that the next Beastar will remove that gap where all species will live together in peace, without harm nor threat, maybe you might have the chance if you could unite all species with your beliefs"

Wow! Even he thinks I could be the next Beastar, what a compliment from two people in one day. "Much appreciated, well I best be heading off I have some assignments to complete, I will see you tomorrow"

As I turned on my heels to leave, I noticed out of the corner of my eye, Legoshi was still up on the rafters as he was leaned over a dismantled spotlight on the floor, his gaze was watching my every move. I know it may seem like he was being strange, but his eyes showed hardly of what others have shown me before, curiosity. Was he actually interested in me? I shyly wave towards him as I walked towards the exit. "Goodnight", I softly spoke

He flinched back in surprise before I gasped softly in embarrassment, rushing out the doors cringing. Oh god why did I do that?! And this is what I get for just trying to be friendly, great now I probably scared him...well it wasn't anything new to me.

The sun had set outside and the sky turned from a dark blue to a black starlit masterpiece, with not one cloud in the sky. The streetlamps began to glow softly yellow lighting up my way to head to my dorm room for the night. Well although I did have an awkward introduction to the new club, I now was a part of, I guess I should count today as a bit of a victory, finally being able to stand up to those who are causing pain and chaos after a slaying. The similarities of my first world seemed to have reminded me that no matter where you go you are always going to find hate. Why must there be cruelty? Why can't everyone just get along? It would make things much easier, and the world itself would be a much friendlier place to live in.

My mind began to wonder on how easily the herbivores had blamed the carnivores for Tem's death, but thinking about back in my world, even my species would be automatically blamed for a killing without anyone thinking that someone else could have done it. It would have been an easy cover up. An herbivore could be just as responsible as a carnivore could. After all anyone could lose their temper and act upon in a fit of rage to cause harm. Everyone could be dangerous, I mean I know myself on how dangerous I could be, if I didn't keep myself in control.

I should give Tem my respects; I will have to visit his memorial tomorrow in between classes

As I sat down on a bench drinking some hot chocolate, I hummed in content as the warm liquid washed down my throat. I heard some girls talking in the distance and saw it was a lemur and goat from the club I was in talking in front of the dorms. If only carnivores and herbivores could laugh and talk together like that, I would think everyone would be happier and differences could be put aside once and for all. As they parted ways, I heard the sound of rustling in the distance causing me to pause while taking another sip of my drink. I could see a tall dark shadow emerge from behind a tree approaching the goat, who seemed to be scared of the one approaching her.

I took my last gulp of my drink and followed at a safe distance. I hid behind another tree nearby, I would intervene if I had to, I wouldn't let anyone else be hurt on the school grounds, despite being who I was. "Go away!"

The girl backed away towards the steps of another dorm building and I focused my instincts and released one of my vectors out letting it loom out a few feet in front of me. Ready to strike at any provocation. This time I was in control, and I would defend, not attack. "You pretend to be my friend just so you can eat me when you get hungry?"

He stepped closer and closer; the goat held out a pair of scissors as a weapon. But I knew that they wouldn't do much damage, nothing compared to what my weapon could do. "Don't underestimate me! I'll use this! Tem and I are tougher than you think!", she cried

He lunges for the scissors, and she screamed as he knocked them away. I was about to lunge for her attacker, till he stepped further into the light just above the dorm. It was him. It was Legoshi. I saw him slowly hand something to her, it looked like a letter. I slowly pulled my vector back towards me as I moved in closer hiding behind a bush.

"You should have this", He says gently "It's a love letter, it's for you...uh I was waiting around out here until you were alone..."

I couldn't believe it; all he was doing was just trying to do something nice for someone and yet, the typical stereotype comes out when someone sees a potential scary looking individual approach. It just wasn't fair, what did we do? We can't always help the way we look when we are born, we are given what we are given. We had no control over that. But yet this wolf almost got attacked by a goat for simply trying to do the right thing. Why does fear have to be so controlling?

The two animals sat down on two benches side by side as I hid nearby, listening on quietly. "He wanted to give this to me?" She asked, sounding quite surprised

"Mmmmm...I knew that he never got the chance to give it to you himself...sorry, maybe I shouldn't have said anything to you at all" He sounded like he was regretting for doing a kind act

"I appreciate it", she insisted, but it didn't seem to brighten his mood

"Well, I got to go", He got up from the bench to leave, making a few steps before she stood up behind him

"Hey" She spoke out making him stop "I um, I said some bad things about you, the truth is you are a generous wolf. I'll make sure everyone knows, please forgive me"

"Forget about it, no need", His low, deep voice answered back

"But why?"

"I feel sorry that Tem's first love was revealed after he died..."

"I know and I understand that, but it's just not fair to you"

"It wouldn't really change anyone's opinion anyways. I'll be just fine, feared and hated that's the story of my life"

His words were brave, but his hunched over stance revealed his real feelings. His tone was hurt, lonely, and helpless. My heart clenched tight with pain; it went out to him. Even after receiving the typical fear response between an herbivore and carnivore, he still showed her sympathy for her loss. That must be so hard to having to deal with that discrimination and yet he just swallows it, not even fighting back against it. He wasn't like the other students here, he was different. He could have easily fought back, but he didn't.

Slowly crawling out from behind my hiding spot, I walked out to see Legoshi disappearing into the night. I guess I wasn't the only one who was feeling this way, just taking the abuse and not letting anyone see the true emotion behind a mask. I guess he and I have something in common. I know this sounds silly, but I wanted to get to know more about this wolf, I wanted to see more. Even though I didn't know him personally, I wanted to make a change for him. I hated seeing someone suffer like this, it reminded me so much of myself. Maybe I could change other's views on him for the better. Maybe Sanu and Ms. Kota were right, I could be the next Beastar and make things better for species like Legoshi, to not be feared or hated, but to be appreciated and respected. "I will try to make things better for you Legoshi, somehow, someway", I quietly whispered