"Here," The skunk waved four or five papers in Cooper's face. He took them. "This is the final draft of our first speech. All of the information came from me. Chanelle edited the whole thing, and it's currently to be delivered by James. He's uh, personable. He'll sound bright as long as he stays on script." Peony whispered that last part. James looked mighty proud to be involved. He was a perfect example of one of those extroverted herbivores. If he had a brain, perhaps he would be more intimidating.

But what was the long-term goal? Was it to keep feral carnivores out of prison for something they didn't know they did? They wouldn't have called for Cooper if it was a simple answer, not when they had someone to deliver the speeches. What was the hidden conspiracy behind all of this? He had to find out.

"This could really save lives, Cooper." Chanelle stepped to him. "Herbivores physically, and carnivores mentally." She explained, hooves held in front of her. She smiled. Her yellow eyes sparkled in the light. So did her dress, which was blinding.

"We want to give this speech at the university's 'Safety Day' event. Everyone goes to it. Plus, it's open to the public." Peony explained. She had never seen Cooper this year, so it made sense to tell him what the event was.

"Ha, yeah. It's basically a carnival with a speech at the end. It's bombin'." That odd term was one the deer had heard before James. From a different classroom, just around the campus. No matter the class. Perhaps this elk wasn't stupid, but normal. It was the other three who spoke with eloquence. Maybe he was just the only one who wasn't strange. In that respect, wouldn't he continue to be the best for the speech?

Who was the real target audience if not the regular animals roaming throughout society? He had to make his decision quickly, either way. Safety Day was next Tuesday.

On his way out of the class, Cooper tried to read the papers. It was too dark, even with his eyes created for dim light. He was sought out for a purpose. Had Chanelle lied earlier, when they met? Had she been hunting him that morning? If so, he'd fallen into a trap. It wasn't just because of his title as the new president of debate, though his status helped their cause.

It was many reasons why they chose him. He was the only herbivore at integrated lunch. Because he was close enough with a carnivore to say 'no'. Because he could direct and lead one if need be. He hoped they didn't see Noah as a kitten wrapped around his hoof. Now he regretted wearing the panther's hoodie. It said 'Cool Cat' and the stench of an unclean feline was undeniable.

In actuality, Cooper always risked his neck to hang out with Noah. Sharing a dorm with him was even riskier. That cat could kill him if he wanted to. The deer wouldn't be capable of stopping him, even though his life would depend on it. It would be like a tree fighting a hurricane. Perhaps the news group was terrified of vulnerability. Most herbivores were. That would explained why they called Cooper 'strong'. It wasn't an adjective that described him very often.

The way he figured it, they miscalculated. They didn't have enough data points. He wasn't a risk-taking, danger-fighting, world-peace-finding, help-both-sides kind of herbivore. Those were more than rare. He just liked danger from a distance. It came from emerging from a sheltered life.

Now, Cooper was in the dorm. He'd tossed that hoodie on the floor, and sat on his bed with the papers. It was dark in here, but lighter than the hallway. The moonlight filtered through the windows. The strips of light from the blinds showed the dust in the air. It also highlighted certain points on the paper.

Signs of a Feral Episode may Include:

Growling/ Hissing/ Roaring

Crawling on all fours

Beady, black eyes

Lack of ability to communicate

Drooling

Carnivores in this state may ONLY be stopped by being...

Filled with meat

Injured severely/ Knocked out

In a fight with another feral carnivore

Do NOT engage as any kind of herbivore.

He remembered earlier, when the group reminisced on their past attacks. Cooper realized something. He pictured the massive claws that swiped at him that night. He recalled the huge fangs reaching for his neck. The weight of the animal on top of him had been unbearable, and he couldn't breathe. That wasn't a kick of instinct back then. He would never forget the beady black eyes, the drool, the growl. He would never forget the hunger. That had been a feral case.