Okay before you say ANYTHING about the tags... I did my best. I tagged everything including VORE even though you don't really see it. There were several other things as well that are placed here but not really involved yet, although several will be in future chapters.
    DewBunny  is fully to blame for this work.

He wrote (Story no longer available) which was my inspiration for this work. He has his own world, made up with many rules and some I'm not sure I understood correctly and some I definitely took liberties with but he hasn't fleshed out all parts, or at least typed out everything yet so it can be understood about Tags, and Feeders and a whole slew of other things. But from the moment I finished reading the story I though of how a squirrel could be a fighter struggling to survive even if he's considered nothing more than a meal by many. I'm not going to explain the basic rules beyond the first few snips out of the stories first few paragraphs.

{The rules were simple, prey under the age of 14 were off the menu, as was any prey over the age of 24. This created a ten year span of terror if you fit in that range. There were little things a prey species could do to safeguard themselves, 'Breeder' tags were issued to a select few and those selected were often within the same family lines, usually had high grades in early school and were seen as someone who could contribute to society. ~ The tag itself was notable, usually somewhere on an ear or visible in some regard, a pattern which varied every year to prevent counterfeiting. The only other way was reserved solely for females, those who were pregnant were considered uneatable until they had birthed their litter.}

Hopefully I can resurrect most of my stories of SF to IB, we shall see. 
Lake, because that's where the river of tears ends right?  He was sure his mother and even his father had dozens of better names chosen before he was born, but Lake was what his father chose when he was finally able to pick him from the specialty care unit at the hospital two weeks after he had been born.

“You'll pick me up after school right Dad?”  Lake asked.  

He waited for the light grunt of response, “It's Callent.” and wondered if his father was even going to show up.  

The teen squirrel blamed, understood, and accepted his father every single day all day long.  He did blame him often for not trying anymore, not that it ever helped.  He could still remember the good days as a young cub but when the first request for Lake to receive breeder status was denied the good days vanished.  Basically from there his father fed, cared, sheltered, and provided the occasional toy for him but gone was the loving home having already written off his young son as someones meal.  There were times Lake hated and wanted to reject his father and the fact he couldn't even accept he might make it to twenty-four but he did understand what his father had been through.  

The squirrel had learned at a very young age that his mother had died the day he was born.  It wasn't until he was six that he started understanding about how squirrels were considered food and his mother had been eaten.  It still took three more years before he pulled together the bits and pieces that were dropped around him like rumors.  He understood his father had been broken by his mother's death and the prospect of having the last piece of her being raise to be eaten had crushed what was left.  He understood and had been force to accept it.

Sharah and Keith were both smart, healthy, and deeply in love and when Sharah became pregnant at seventeen it was believe the pair would make loads of kits.  It wasn't much effort to get the pregnant female a breeders status that matched her lovers status.  Sadly laws are not always followed and Lake had been taught first hand what real life means, although Sharah had been accepted as a breeder her marking weren't to be applied until after the pregnancy.  She was just over seven months pregnant when she had gone to the store with a friend to collect food for their new house.   It was believed that she either slipped and fell or was in someway injured thus was lead to the back of the store with her water broken and crying in agony.  It was over an hour later when police had shown up, called by concerned shoppers who reported hearing constant infant screams.

The cub had been found left on a quarter pallet of rice bags with a rather large amount of blood smeared on the concrete in front of it.  Lake had been surprised when he actually found out that two employees had left for work, mid shift, claiming to be sick.  Nothing though had been done beyond the initial police report and since Sharah hadn't been wearing a tell tale breeder tag and was obviously no longer pregnant meant she was  available for predation, not even the names of the employees had gotten jotted down.  This taught Lake one major thing, every rule has a loophole as long as you don't actually break the rules then there are ways to get out of a lot of things.

“Lake!”  The young squirrel stopped just before closing the jeep's door.  “Ask the office to call me when you sign in.... otherwise, I'll be here.”   Infuriated the teen ended up slamming the door as hard as he could!  He took several steadying breaths as his father pulled the vehicle away and left him there.  Yes he had accepted his father would never be capable of helping him, but that didn't mean he was just going to give up and hop in someones belly.

Callent Reform School; Lake looked up at the gray four story building for several minutes before heading inside.  After missing two months of school he had been transferred here and even had an officer show up at his house yesterday morning when he had missed his first three days.  Callent was basically a death sentence for prey animals and even several preds.  Students who weren't capable of accepting or handling normal school were sent here.  Teachers worked to apply 'special' techniques to help the students learn and make sure they could follow the rules and laws of society before they graduated.  One way or another the unruly were trained, or they never made it to graduation.

Lake took his time walking up the six brick steps reaching a  hand over his shoulder to check his backpack while what was left of his half tail kept it steady.  He wasn't sure if the lopped off appendage gave him a better chance of surviving today but he was sure the short wooden table leg his paw momentarily gripped would.  The metal door behind him banged shut echoing in the small entrance space which held three doors on each side allowing easy passage into and out of the school.  The inner doors were just as heavy and also echoed with a dull bang down the hallway as Lake stepped forward looking both ways down the main hall that ran the length of the building.

He was glad his father had dropped him off ten minutes late making sure that no one was around leaving him with an easy time as he followed the arrows that pointed out the office, with a deep breath he opened the much lighter wooden door.

“Hello I'm Lake Sm...”   “Enough!”  The canine seated behind the counter barked out before he even finished.  She stood up from behind her large desk and handed him a paper and pointed up.   “At least you showed up.  Your first class is on the third floor, and you're Late!”  He stood there for an extra moment watching the small sneer grow towards a full snarl.

“My father wants a phone call if something happens,  otherwise he'll pick me up.”

“Good luck with that.”  Was the answer as she turning away nearly storming back to her desk.  He shrugged in response fully intending to find a way to make it through the day.

The young squirrel was careful to inspect each floor before climbing to the next one.  The building was really simple with one long hallway on each floor and stairwells at each end.  Classrooms were on both sides and the old style lockers lined the halls between doors, most of them looked like they were barely secured in place.  

He took a quick look at the top floor before slipping back down the stairs and counting off the doors to classroom 306.  The instant his hand grabbed the door this half tail started to move.  Flick, Flick, Flick, Flick, Flick, Flick...  Those who looked up at his entrance could have pointed out that it looked like a slow wag, like a dog.  Lake gave a quick glance for the students before staring at the teacher stopping several feet away from the teacher who held out his hand.  The squirrel was very careful as he approached the teachers desk. Mr. Lumb, if the paper he gave was correct, was a old wolf that still had a sharp look, making Lake quiver as the canine pulled the sheet out of his grasp.

“There are seats in the back.”  Lake stayed still for several seconds nothing moving but his tail as took back the paper and chose a seat.  “Someone decided Advance Predation a good subject for you to learn.”  The teacher spoke dryly.  “Seeing as you've already come across an incompetent hunter.”

Lake stopped turning all the way back to face his teacher tail still ticking away behind him.  “Not incompetent, just stupid.  I broke his nose and jaw for ruining my tail!”   Actually Lake had only broken the cougar's nose but he had also bitten deeply into the felines arm tearing it open.  The feline had stared in shock at first then began flailing around blood splattered everywhere around them.  It had given lake the chance to flee from school, leaving with his tail broken and tattered where it had been nearly been bitten clear through, while the feline was rushed to the hospital with worries about blood loss.  His own trip to the hospital later that day was short, since doctors weren't going to put out much effort trying to help someone who would just end up in someone's belly.  They amputated just under half his tail to prevent infection, patched the stump, and sent him home.

The squirrel sat down glaring at the other students who were still watching him, which was most of the class.  “Well that is one good reason for several of you to start paying attention in class.  Some meals aren't just caught and eaten which is why location can be so important.  With out going into our little meals life story, it's likely his predator thought they could just grab and eat.  You'll notice how wary the quarry is now, cautious and watchful.  It's going to take quite a bit more effort to have a tasty squirrel treat.  You will either have to Earn it, or more than likely find someone who can help you acquire your target. Now who can name some good locations on the school grounds where you would have an easier time catching prey?”  With class going again Lake was halfway ignored as several students starting calling out places like, an empty classroom or the dumpster area.  One voice though shouted out over the others “The Bathroom!!”

“Excellent Tony.”  Mr. Lumb stated.  “A fairly contained area with one exit and you'll be less likely to be disturbed, also you could easily clean up afterwards if you make a mess.”   Lake pulled out his notebook and found a pen so he could jot down notes just like he would in a regular class, though he did wonder how he ended up in a class that most schools said never exists.  He knew that prey and pred classes were given to each but it was always stated to be a health and hygiene course not practical applications.  Lake kept a careful eye out for students who frequently turned back to look at him especially those who stared for more than a few seconds.  When class ended he stayed seated until more than half of the class had left before slowly making his way to the teacher's desk.  

“Excuse me... Can you tell me where my next class is?”  He kept his voice level and did his best to sound polite while Mr. Lumb barely even glanced at him, a difficult thing for the squirrel given his previous history with a wolf.  

“Next floor up.”

“And the class after that?”  Lake quickly added holding up his class sheet.

“Fluffy you third class is up there too.  We wouldn't want to give you the chance to run away before lunch now would we.”

The squirrel's voice dropped down taking a very serious tone.  “Yes, well if I waste another moment standing here I'll only have a few moments to rush upstairs and most students are starting to move back into the classrooms now.”  He glanced towards the door as a smaller dog walked in staring at him.  “That makes it easier for me and cuts down the chance that one of your student will try something.”  Mr. Lumb smirked as the squirrel turned and left slipping out the door after two others came in.  He certainly attracted attention but was fully correct in assuming that the students filing in wouldn't likely give him any trouble.

The canine scratched his chin still grinning.  There was a good chance the squirrel could have made it though a normal school and he likely would slip past most of the students here.  That just meant one of the staff was going to have the pleasure of picking him off.  The teacher cut his musing short as the clock on the wall buzzed.

English was Lakes next class, taught by one of the schools few non-preditory  teachers.  Ms. Kavala appeared far more beefy and had a very strict efficient attitude taking Lake's roster and assigning him to a chair just as class started.  The young squirrel relaxed a little since it seemed most of the looks he got now seemed to be nothing more than curiosity.  He made it though nearly an hour before a wadded up piece of paper bounced off his shoulder and rolled across then off his desk.  Lake reached down and picked it up.

The note inside was simple:
Are you a early snack? Or you waiting for lunch?

He crumpled the paper back up and from the third row back tossed a spectacular arc which almost made a basket inside the trashcan next to the teacher's desk, instead the wad hit two edges before falling on the floor.  The teacher had turned from the board just in time to watch the whole thing looking from the squirrel to the paper and back.

“Sorry but someone is manner-less, stupid, and ignorant for tossing me a note that had horrible English.”  Interested the heifer bent over unfolding the note giving a glance back at Lake then the rest of the class before turning back towards the board and writing out the note in large block letters.  

“Alright then, does someone want to claim this?”  She asked of the class.

The rodent waited for nearly a minute before speaking.  “Stupid, mannerless, and a coward.”

“Very well young buck, you can fix it.”  She spoke frowning.

He stood up and walked to the front of class, taking the chalk his teacher offered before scribbling until it read:
Are you an early snack, or are you waiting for lunch?

“That is the best I can do with something so crude.”  Lake stated picking up the eraser and wiping out the entire sentence.  “What it really should have said is...”

Are you going to be an early snack, or will you make it to lunch?

“Now I might have to worry a little if someone had sent that note, but with the lack of intelligence and planning in that paper I don't even have to worry.”  He had spoken with a full sneer as he handed the chalk back causing his teacher to look slightly worried as she scanned the class wondering if there was going to be trouble.  

One hand shot up from a coyote in the front row as Lake started for his desk.  “Ms. Kavala can you make the squirrel answer the question?”

“That's simple.”  He spoke as he continued walking keeping a even pace as he passed the yote a row over tail flicking back and forth behind him.  “I will be going home after school.”  He paused for a moment before sitting down carefully scanning the nine or ten students that might have thrown the note over his shoulder.  None of them looked irritated or upset by his goading which meant he needed to be very careful.

A good twenty minutes later and barely a minute before class was about to end when he heard movement behind him.  He had his pack sitting on his desk paw inside ready as a white paw grabbed his shoulder hard, claws just digging in.  “Well I say you're a SNACK!”  ~  “Totally!”  Another voice joined in moving up on his other side.

“Treyner!  You know my rules, take it out into the hall!”  As the response of 'Yes, Ms. Kavala' came as Lake burst upwards knocking the paw away and facing its owner.

“GOOD!”  He shouted at the slightly surprised snow leopard.  “I'll see your dumb ass in the hall!”  The squirrel grabbed his pack and stormed towards the door as the bell rang tossing his pack over his shoulder.

The pair looked at each other for just a moment still slightly surprised before trying to dash out after the rodent.  Lake though was already far ahead.  The door flew open in front of him and he bolted into the hallway dodging the first opening door and catching the second door bumping into the first student leaving as he forced his way inside, with barely an apology he continued to push his way towards the teacher.  Treyner and his friend were left searching a quickly filling hallway with no clue where their quarry went. 

Mrs. Callor was his third period math teacher.  She was some kind of hybrid feline with tufts on her pointed ears and she kept sticking just the tip of her tongue past her lips as the rest of her students filed out, watching the squirrel.  She pointed him next to her desk as he searched his pack for his schedule and made him stand there waiting as the next class filed in, refusing to take the paper from him.  When everyone was seated and ready she finally took the sheet he held out dropping it on her desk as she spoke.  “Well class it seems like we will be able to add one more student to the lesson today.  I expect no subtractions until lunch which is AFTER my class ends.  Lake you may take that seat.”

He continued to stand there waiting several moment with his hand held out before she finally picked up the sheet of paper off her desk.  This time her tongue peeked out twice, just far enough to gently moistening her lips on each side as she folded the schedule in half and handed it back to him.  

Lake kept in a small growl of frustration as the whole class watched his path to the appointed chair.  He was going to have to act soon if he had any chance of making it out of this class.  He waited a full five minutes before his tail started a small wiggle, the twitching in his leg started after ten.  It seemed like Mrs. Callor was waiting for his hand to raise speaking as it went up.  “Yes Lake?”

“Sorry but, I need to use the restroom.”  He was fully expecting her grin as she nodded but evidently wasn't expecting him to pick up his pack as well.  “Where are you going with that...  Do you have any idea what will happen if you try and skip out of my class?!”

“Probably my death and devouerment.  I'm leaving my notebook but there is something special in my pack that I just can't leave behind.  You have my word, I will be Back!”  The feline finally nodded, he was either a meal for one for her students or herself.  First one then a dozen more hands shot up before the squirrel had even made it half way to the door.   The teacher picked the first one signaling him to step forward midst groans of disappointment from the rest of the class as Lake left.

“If he runs give chase, the front doors are locked right now.”  The young house cat looked eager as he rushed to the door carefully peaking his head out.  After a moment he pushed the door open all the way stepping out but turning back towards his teacher.

“He went into the bathroom!”  She smiled at his excited shiver and shooed him on knowing that the squirrel would likely be his first prey and mentally wished him a good hunt.

Lake heard the door squeak open loudly then the cautious footsteps as the other fur approached.  “You are going to wait till I'm done peeing right.  I don't want to make a mess.”  He shifted so his pack so it slipped off his shoulder and the strap caught on his raised arm while he still pretended to go.

“Uh.. Sure.”  Came the response with a sort of giddy little chuckle.

“Good because I'd hate to piss on the floor.”  His paw had already slipped into his backpack gripping the wood, then shifted his paw till it gripped right below the plastic foot.  The piece had been unscrewed from the broken coffee table in his garage.  It was easy to grip at the bottom and grew to fist thickness at the end where he had cut the screw off.  Lake wiggled acting like he was finishing up while working the end of the fourteen inch length of wood out that barely fit inside the pack.  

The squirrel struck with blinding speed spinning outwards and stepping in before the startled cat could even raise his paws.  Lake connected with the others head with a jarring jolt that almost knocked the weapon from his paw.  He tightened his hold and struck a second over the head blow that sent the staggering feline straight to the floor the entire time his tail slowly flicked back and forth behind him.  

He had considered several things yesterday after the police had left.  The first had been the fact he would need to make any attack look like self defense and two blows to the head weren't going to do that.  He rolled the cat over grabbing the top of his weapon and driving the plastic foot into the others side once and then twice into the back of his opponents leg.  Hopefully the bruising would throw some strangeness into the attack making it look more like a struggle or at least make it look like he hadn't just brained the other an left.  

The squirrel rolled the other onto its back checking both head wounds.  They were already swelling and the one on top was actually bleeding enough to start to soak the fur between the others ears.  Lake snatched up his pack and rushed to the sink washing his hands and wiping off the wood before shoving the stick back in his pack.  He flew down the hall stopping just before opening the door taking several steadying breaths and bringing his tail back to its secure tick.  He knew he hadn't been gone long and while his heart was still pounding in his chest he cautiously made his way back to his seat hoping that the time he did use didn't seem like long enough for an attack to play out.   He registered the surprised looks, several that seemed eager, and the one from the dog next to him which had his eyes closed, nose down, and shaking his head sadly.

“Class back to work!”  The teacher told her students bringing the grumbling back to near silence.  Lake could see everyone was working out problems out of their book which he didn't have.  Mrs. Callor waited until the squirrel looked directly at her.  “No need to worry about your test.  Just sit there until lunch.”  She watched as the squirrel tail twitched faster for a few seconds.  She had no doubt that there would be a mad rush for the little rodent as soon as the bell rang, she  was just trying to figure out how to lessen the damage and if she might be able to claim a piece.  Her pondering was cut short with an irritated glance at the clock a short time later wondering where the little tabby had gone, embarrassed or not about losing his prey he should have returned to class by now.

Lake carefully watched the room as he ticked off the time, if something didn't happen soon he was going to have to think up of something else to do.  No one heard his small sigh of relief hearing the distant wail of a siren which began to disrupt the class as it got closer before stopping right out in front of the school.  “Sit back down and finish your tests.”  Mrs Callor ordered to those that were closest to the windows that had gotten up to peek outside.

There were several whispers and murmurs around the class until one spoke out slightly louder,  “Maybe Marvy fell in.”

“Ya maybe he fell and busted his head open.”  Lake stated.  His voice was follow by muffled, but loud, voices in the hallway and people rushing past before the door to the class was yanked opened.

“Lacy keep everyone in class until you're told otherwise.”  By the time the door clicked closed very eye was fixed on the squirrel and his were fixed on his teacher.

“What happened?”  She asked coldly.

“What do you mean?” Came the innocent sounding reply.  She let out a little chuff of irritation.  Something wasn't right and she had a feeling something went wrong but she needed to be sure before this went any further.  

“Class you are to say SEATED!  No one is to get up or do Anything until I get back!”  Lake watched as the teacher left pulling his pack back onto his desk and slipping his hand inside.

“What did you do?”  Lake thought he could hear a tiny bit of awe in the question.  He considered carefully, there were laws concerning escaped prey and several unspoken rules that were not laws that were expected to be followed.  He had found that our the first time he had been attacked.

The squirrel had thought himself completely safe when spending time at one of his friend's house.  A small runt of a wolf named Dressin who didn't even argue when his older brother burst into his room and lunged at Lake.  There was a struggle and he was screaming about how he was still thirteen but that got him nothing but a rather cruel laugh as his arm was twisted behind his back and he fell to his knees.

With terror driven power Lake got one foot back up and threw himself forward to an audible snap and pop.  The squirrel shrill scream of pain echoed in the room and he nearly blacked out.  One look back at Dressin's older brother as his jaw unhinged gave him all the terror he needed to grab the lamp off the nightstand near him and bring it crashing down on the others face.  He really didn't remember much after that besides what surfaced though his nightmares over the next few months.  He had gotten away struggled and kicked out across the bed and smashed his way through the closed window on the other side.  His screams for help and cries that he was only thirteen did gain him a trip to the hospital and safety.  There he was treated for a broken arm, dislocated shoulder, multiple scrapes, cuts that got a few stitches, an several long claw marks down his legs.

The next terror came two months later when he and his father were escorted to the court two days after his birthday.  The boys father was trying to collect damages for Lake blinding the older wolf boy with a lamp.  On three different occasions it was mentioned that he was 'Old Enough' for Tinsten, Dressin's older brother, to believe he could be eaten.  At thirteen now fourteen Lake had no clue that he should have argued that point and his father, who had accepted his sons fate long before, never even spoke up.

When it was time for the young squirrel to speak he was a stuttering mess and in tears after a few moments of stating how he really couldn't remember what exactly happened.  The questioning ended when his father finally stood up and wrapped his tail around his son pulling him close for a hug.  The only other time the older squirrel had acted was his shouts of outrage that Lake should be forced to apologize to Tinsten at his home.

In the end it only took ten minutes for the panel of four to decide, just enough time for Lake's father to straighten his son's clothes and fur and dry up his face.  The decision handed to Lake was simple.  Baring the fact of the underage attack, which no charges had been applied, Tinsten was at fault the moment he burst into his brother's room.  His own inability to control his prey or the situation lead to damages to both parties.  With that it was over with one last warning to the boys father, had his actions been deliberate Tinsten would have found himself under scrutiny for causing unnecessary emotional damage to a prey species.  Prey mauling and its other prey protective rights were very rarely used but it did shield those who were hunted from being excessively toyed with or harmed in such a way that the prey could no longer function normally.  It was understood and accepted that prey could be fun before eaten, but the point was to kill your catch not allow it to escape.  Deliberately letting it go after inflecting damage, even emotional, was considered unacceptable.  

Lake was offered a councilor, which his father refused, and told that many might seek him out thinking that the prey that escaped was more desirable.  He was also told later that it was rare for any prey to be punished after the fact.  The big lesson Lake took away from the whole event was that if a hunted animal escapes the fault lies with the hunter.

The squirrel got a hard poke from the student behind him.  “Come on, what did you do?”  He knew he couldn't answer that outright nor could he admit to anything, but neither could he stay silent.  

He gave his best growl which was far from being impressive to those around him.  “ If you think I'm stupid enough to become someones lunch...” Lake paused for a second before deciding, “let's just say, you can forget Mrs. Callor plans for punishment if you get up from your desk.  I will do EVERYTHING I need to di to go home today.”  His tail still ticked back and forth in the silence afterwards leaving every student wondering what what the hell happened.

Most jumped as the door flew open slamming into the wall and their feline teacher stormed back in.  “LAKE!  Principal's office... NOW!!!”  She watched as he calmly stood up and make his way out.   

“See you tomorrow.”  Were the words he spoke on the way out the door making the feline flex her claws as it clicked shut.  Such a cheeky squirrel yet.  She had gotten a glance of the tabby with half his face swollen and the medics looking more worried than normal.  If Lake was responsible then he was going to cause a good deal of trouble.  Lacy promised herself not to waste any opportunity if it arose, it was not good to allow anyone to think they could harm another student with out reason and in her mind food fighting back wasn't one of them.

“Stay seated.”  She quickly called to her class as the lunch bell rang.  “You're all permitted to leave in five minutes.”

Lake had made it all the way to the first floor and was sensing trouble from the students who stood in the hall.  Things would have been very different if the secretary hadn't walked out into the hall and grabbed him.  She pulled him back inside and continued pulling him along down a hallway before she opened a door and shoved him inside.

He had kept his pack clutched to his chest with his paw inside the past few minutes but looking at the wolf, dressed in a black suit, sitting behind a large desk made him want to run.  His tail broke its usual movement waving erratically for several seconds before it dropped down nearly touching the floor.

“Have a seat Mr. Smalert.”  The words seemed casual but Lake had a hard time hearing them over his thumping heart.  The wolf cocked its head waiting and slowly the squirrel regained some of his will starting with the tail which lifted up making several shaky, twitching, passes before it slowly steadied.  Lake glanced between the principal and the chair slowly taking a few steps forward.  The grip to the back of the chair was nearly enough to rip through the heavy cloth as he pulled the chair away from the desk several feet, much more than necessary, before moving to sit down keeping his backpack in his lap.

“Well, care to explain what happened?”

“What happened with what sir?”  Lake was glad his voice stayed level and even.

The wolf sat back making the chair emit a soft squeak.  “I see...  Alright Lake, would you care to tell me exactly what happened between you and Marcus in the bathroom?”

“Is he the tabby sir?”  He spoke quietly picking each word carefully.  With the principal's nod he stated. “I'm not sure what happened sir.”

“Not sure....  You are going to have to explain far better than that.  Mrs. Callor said he followed you into the bathroom.  Did you see him?”

“Yes sir.”

“AND?”

“He tried to...  He tried to attack me sir.”  Lake was trying not to quake at the demanding tone of the wolf who had leaned forward glaring at him.

“Attach you?  I see, and what happened next?”  

Lake couldn't help pushing back into the chair more as the wolf almost seemed to be leaning far out over the desk.  His tail missed a beat as the squirrel fought every urge he had to glance at the door trying to keep his eyes on the wolf.  “I'm sorry sssir...  I don't remember.”

'Very careful.'  The wolf thought to himself sitting back slightly.  “Alright then Lake, why don't you tell me what you do remember.”

“Well I had to go to the bathroom and I would hear someone creep in and move behind me.   I told them to wait until I was done and they sort of laughed...  I really don't remember until I was running down the hall and grabbing the door to the classroom.” 

“I see, so you want to claim you suffer from some sort of post-traumatic amnesia?  Or is this some sort of severe anxiety memory loss?”

“Sir?”  The principal shot up growling and leaning over his desk.  Lake reacted by jumping up as well squeezing his pack in a death grip while his tail went wild behind him.  “SIT DOWN!!”  The canine bellowed.

Lake stood there trembling, fighting for all he was worth, fighting against his fears;  the fear to flee, fear to comply, fear of his past, and fear of dying.  As the seconds ticked past Lake gained more and more control and the wolf studied every single detail.  This was not just some skittish prey, he was able to hold his ground.  The principal wondered for a moment what might have happened if he moved between him and the exit.   He was sure that was the only reason the rodent was still standing there was because there was still and escape route.  He gave a little snort followed by a light chuckle.

“Lake have a seat.  I had to test you.  You have my word, I will not harm you.”

“Sorry sir but what good is your word.”

The wolf took a moment to sit back down,  “Simple, you won't leave this office or school alive if I say otherwise.  You may catch students off guard but my teachers are some of the most efficient hunters around.  When they want a fresh meal they go out and find one, they don't just pick off a student.  What ever trick you pulled in the bathroom today won't keep you safe from the staff.  However... I enjoy prey who is difficult, smart, and elusive.  I will let you stay here and learn while at the same time you will be teaching the students how to become better hunters.  I'll warn the staff to leave you be for now but understand something Lake,  No One but predators graduate Callent!  You days are limited because if you make it that far I will claim you for my own.  How is that for honesty Lake.  You have my word!”

Thoughts flew through the squirrel's mind.  There was of course nothing he could say or do about any of this, but if he truly didn't have to worry about the teachers...  “You can leave now.”  The principal's voice interrupted his thoughts.  For the first time since he entered Lake gave a glance towards the door finally taking his eyes off the wolf.  When he looked back nothing had changed.

“I...  I need books for my classes.”  The words caused the other to chuckle.

“They will be waiting for you in your first class tomorrow.  I'll even assign you a locker, if you wish to use it.”

“Then I guess I should ask you to call my father... If I'm caught.”  Lake added on.

“I can speak with him now if you wish.”

“NO!  No, Dad won't likely show up after school if you do.”  The wolf raised an eyebrow in question, “Dad likely wouldn't bother to listen to anything you said.  As soon as he hears your from the school he'll likely hang up expecting the worst.”

“I see...  Well then how about a weekend call.  This Saturday when you're both at home.  I'll have some ground rules laid out.”  The wolf informed him.

“Rules?”

“Yes like, If I checked your backpack right now I wouldn't find anything against school policy right?  No knives, weapons, drugs, that sort of thing.”  Lake couldn't help but clutch the pack a little tighter.  “Don't worry I give most students a little leeway their first few days.  As long as you're not making me call more ambulances I won't search your bag today.”

Lake slowly slid backwards towards the door.  Rules were going to give him less options, but if he could really believe the principal then maybe he stood a chance over the next year and a half, graduation was still a long ways off.  Just as he turned to grab the door handle the canine spoke again, “Enjoy your lunch, I would suggest the front lawn.  Less students and plenty of room to try and avoid a conflict.”

Lake slipped out of the office and down the hall and out of the office into the hallways.  He kept the same fast pace to the main entrance which was closest.  When he pushed through the second set of doors and out into the sunlight he wondered if he hadn't been tricked seeing several dozen students sitting about the front lawn as he slowed his pace walking down the stairs.

It took several scans but the squirrel finally did realize that most were already eating and none had made a move towards him.  Another few glances and he noticed that the maybe eighty eyes watching him were really not that many students.  He chose a path to an open spot of grass sitting right next to the front sidewalk.  He could feel his progress tracked but when everyone stayed where they were Lake sat down opening his pack all the way so he could get to the small sealed container that held his lunch, crackers, slices of cheese, and a sealed bag of sliced apples.

There was nothing he could do about the whispered conversations and the glances in his direction but as long as no one made a move towards him the rodent relaxed just slightly, especially when a few started to pack up and move back inside.  He was trying to plan out when to leave when he noticed a tabby walking towards him.

She stopped a few feet away as Lake grabbed his pack, one paw slipping inside.  Jayra stared at the squirrel for nearly a minute studying the careful movements of his tail and the tightness that controlled his entire body.  “Did you do it?...  Did you send Marcus to the hospital?”

“Perhaps.”  The answer came.  She considered a moment more before plopping down on the grass,  “He's my cousin.  Kinda stupid at times and he nearly failed basic pred classes but don't thing he's the norm around here.”  She stated while looking around but still keeping the other in the corner of her vision.

“And you?”  The question was quietly asked.

“”Well I already had lunch and some of us aren't that great a hunting.  I'm one of the few who goes here cause I live two streets over.  My mom doesn't want to bother driving me somewhere else and the bus stop is like fifteen minutes away, it takes over an hour on the bus, then I have to walk ten more minutes.”

Lake leaned back allowing his pack to lean against his leg as he picked back up the bag of apple slices.  The action was not lost on Jayra and in response she leaned down on her side pushing her feet out relaxing more.  She paid careful attention as his tail stopped for just a second, after two more sways it stopped entirely.  The feline kept the smile off her face as she kept talking.  “My names Jayra.  You know my uncle is going to be pissed.  He's always trying to make Marcus more of a hunter.  When he finds out what you did, especially what a rodent did, he's gonna flip.   I wouldn't stay after school if I were you.”

“I wouldn't stay after school anyways!”  He quickly countered watching as she broke out into a big smile.

“You know your the first one this school year that has made it to lunch.  There was this lean hare who made it three days last year but...”  She startled as the squirrel suddenly jumped up and backed onto the sidewalk as a snow leopard came running up.

“You think you can make a fool out of ME!!”  Treyner shouted.

“You did that all by yourself with that stupid note.”  Lake countered raising his paws up and out almost in a defensive motion.

Treyner grabbed a hold of both the squirrel's wrists digging his claws in and dragging him forward.  “Times up!”

Jayra had rolled back and was standing so she missed the first movement as Lake, who was being pulled forward, stepped in and gave a swift leg up into the feline's groin.  She did catch a flurry of movement as Lake pulled his paws free and grabbed a hold of of the leopard's shoulders.  With a strong tug the squirrel pulled his opponent forward and down almost jumping off the ground as his knee came up slamming into the others chest.

Treyner went to his knees and Lake shoved him over sending the cat to his back.  Next he jump up a little before dropped down on top of him making sure one knee connected hard with the feline's side while his other knee dropping onto the forearm.  He leaned over grabbing the leopard's fuzzy white ear and pinching his claws in and growling out.  “If you come after me again I swear we'll skip the hospital and let some scavenger clean up!”  With that he tore at the ear raking his somewhat less than lethal claws tearing at the sensitive skin and fur.

Lake rolled away, back out onto the sidewalk crouching while he scanned for another opponent.  Jayra was standing there with a huge grin while several of the other students seemed to be quickly leaving the area.  The rest just watched, some probably still wondering what happened, while most were waiting for the snow leopard to get back up and finish the squirrel off.

Perhaps the ones that had the best view were the ones Lake didn't even know were watching, those students and teachers who had seen the incident from the upper floors.  While the students feelings ranged from curious to shocked each of the four teachers had a feeling of excitement watching the exchange.

“You should probably get to class.”  Jayra stated as he bent down to pick up his container and what was left of his lunch.  Lake was already far past that decision stuffing his pack while warily watching everyone one he could including the tabby.  He left without another word and with out even an attempt to acknowledging her goodbye.  He slipped quickly through the school dodging students and glances moving up the stairs and down the hall to his next class.  The door was open and he could see several students staring out the window as he stepped inside.

“He's still not getting up / Maybe he killed him / Ya RIGHT, that wasn't enough to kill anyone /  … Anyone still hungry?”  The last question stopped the conversation dead.  It was several seconds before someone responded.  “That's just sick!”

“Quite the contrary.”  Lake and the teacher had been studying each other for most of the conversation.  The squirrel had been slightly puzzled by the skunks wide toothy grin till he remembered the principal's comments.  “There is nothing wrong with making a meal of the the weak or injured.  Just because your a predator doesn't mean you can't be food for someone stronger.”  Lake approached the teacher's desk slowly, being very careful, as his tail ticked away behind him.  

The skunk was mid twenty's maybe looked young and enjoying the uncertainty and excitement the rodent was causing, especially the surprise he could feel from his students over an evidently violent prey.  He waited while Lake found his schedule and passed it over as the bell rang signaling the end of lunch.  “So did you kill him?”  The skunk asked.

Lake had been able to give the paper a quick glance before handing it over seeing Mr. Talkin as the instructor.  “No SIR!  A simple knee to the groin, a second hard one to the chest, and I tore his ear some.”   His voice had every head turn from the window, he spared them a quick glance before ignoring them.  

“You boys should take your seat.”  The teacher stated before pointing out a seat in the front row for Lake.  Before ten minutes of class had gone past once again a siren sounded coming closer and Lake could feel every single eye on him while the teacher continued talking over the racket.  Out on the grass one of Treyner's friends had tried to get him up and failed several times.  Now he was waiting with the snow leopard as they got him onto a gurney complaining of chest pain and still aching tenderness between his legs.

The rumors were wide spread and various by the time the fourth class had ended, the squirrel had been dubbed dangerous by most, maybe even a killer by some.  He felt more at ease even though he was trying to fake a hard viscous demeanor as he went back upstairs for his last class.  Students seemed to be giving him a little space which was why it was a surprise to him when someone grabbed his half tail after his teacher had pointed out a desk in the back.  Lake tried to ignore it at first taking another step and trying to pull away.  When a second paw joined the first and painfully yanked hard accompanied by a laugh the squirrel snapped.

In a flash Lake's paw and claws were around the collie's throat.  “Let GO!”  He squeezed a little tighter as the canines response which was a deep throated growl.  As the dog let go and made to grab the squirrel arm Lake's second paw shot out gripping on to the canines ear and pulling it back forcing the others head back from pain.  His other paw curled digging into the other's throat.  The entire class listened to the collie's first whine as Lake continued to pull on the ear drawing just the slightest amount of blood where his claw had cut the thin skin.  “A tail is a squirrel's pride!  Losing half of mine make me all the more protective of the rest.  You pull on it again and I WILL rip your throat open.”  The whine was cut off as he gripped the throat that much tighter punching through the skin and feeling moisture collect at his finger tips.  The collie's body went mostly limp surrendering and tilting  his nose up and slightly away from the squirrel in a gesture of submission.

Lake finally released the collie watching as the other dropped his head down refusing to look at him letting out a small whimper.  Never before had the squirrel felt such of rush of power!  He had fought before, beaten, bitten, scratched, and clawed to survive but never before had someone out right surrendered to him.  His glance towards the other students showed him wary, worry, and several other things but gone was the interest and intrigue looks, no longer did he see the slight grins and looks of anticipation.  The class was dead silent as he moved to his seat.  It wasn't until he sat down and locked eyes with his teacher did the pine martin finally speak.

“I understand you seem upset and are sensitive over your tail.  But if you injure one of my students in class again you will find yourself punished.”

“I understand.”  He replied when the other finished.

“Good.  Argent go to the office and have that checked.”  The collie only half stood before he broke for the door racing down the hall.

For Lake, his last class was the easiest.  He had always been good with history, and even without the book he was able to follow along.  However he was more than a little nervous a few minutes before the bell rang when he was told he would have to stay after class.  Slipping out though was not an option as Mr Lantor went to the door handing out a paper for the next two weeks study points.  The squirrel felt it was best to say in his seat and wait for an opportunity to slip around his teacher when he came for him.

Instead of closing the door like Lake expected the pine martin went back to his desk and sat down.  “Master Horvis had quite a few thing to tell me after lunch...  The Principal.”   He added when the squirrel looked confused.  “One is that if you are ever more than fifteen minutes late to my class I'm to contact the office who will call your home.”

“Thank you.”  Lake answered after a moment of silence.

“It's been habit for me or one of two other teachers to remove any prey student who lasts the first day, however I haven't had that pleasure for a few years and I was rather looking forward to it today.  Understand this, if you are more than fifteen minutes late AND still show up to my class you won't be leaving no matter what Master Horvis has told you.  I assume you understand.”

“Yes Sir.”  Came the quick reply.

“Very well.  Now I'll let you in on the simple reason why we remove prey students before they leave their last class.  You have probably been told or maybe you guessed that most of the students live quite a ways off and most don't have access to an easy bus ride home.  Therefore their parents pick them up.”  Mr Lantor stood up and moved to the window pointing out to the front side of the school.  Lake slowly stood up and walked close enough to look down.  Dozens were getting into waiting cars that were lined double deep on the wide road including a full line of cars on the opposite side of the street.  “Forget about the students, most of the parents would be more than happy to remove you from the premises, forcefully and arguably with the other parents.  Sending you out there might cause quite a bit of chaos.”

Lake silently watched the chaos that already ensued, cars honking, swerving, and stopping at what seemed random places while student milled around.  “Your father is to park with in the first three spots against the sidewalk and you are to wait for him here until he arrives.  There is no guarantee, but that is the first rule given to you.  If you don't follow this rule then you'll be stuck out there instead of being allowed to wait here.”

Lake felt the mustelid grab his shoulder and he quickly raised his foot to the window ledge ready to push off.  “That however starts tomorrow.  You will leave my class now.”  With a rough shove sideways he cause the squirrel to stumble away and Lake shivered in relief as his teacher went back to sit down.  He could feel and sense power that the other kept just from that small nudge but that didn't stop him from taking his time to collect his pack and start a slow pace that sent him out of the room and slowly through his school.

He had known showing up to school on time would have been dangerous but in truth he had never really considered after school.  Likely he could have stayed hidden among the mass of students but things were already thinning out, now might be the worst possible time to leave.  When he did finally push his way out the front door he had his backpack strapped on backwards, open, with the leg sticking part way out.  Lake moved quickly down the stairs and walkway right to the street.  He was thankful that most seemed to move out of his way or moved enough that he could easily dodge them.  On the sidewalk he turned walking straight to the wall at the edge of the schools property just a few feet away from the corner where he turned back and waited.

He could almost feel the eyes crawling over him, not just from the students but all the adults who were were there as well.  The real problem for him was the parents, especially those coming to a stop at the corner who were studying him.  Lake couldn't stop himself from tensing up at each car that came to the corner barely being able to relax as it started forward again before the next vehicle took its place pausing for the stop sign.  He would have likely climbed right up the five foot wall if he didn't realize right away that it might make him an even bigger target.  He did nearly leap up the wall when the next vehicle honked at him.  He had been so preoccupied with hoping the cars kept moving along he totally failed to notice his father waving to him when he pulled up.

It was like all of the days stress piled in at once and Lake fled to the jeep heart pounding even after he slammed the door and locked it.  His father couldn't be fast enough as he rolled forward another few feet and stopped for the sign before turning to the right.  The young squirrel was still on edge several blocks away trying to calm down and finally allowing his clenched paw to release the table leg.

“I didn't receive a call but I still thought...”

“Can you just get us home!”  Lake blurted out as his father trailed off.

“How was your day?”

“It sucked.”  Lake quietly answered,  “By the way from now on you're to park in one of the first three spots or they won't let me out of the classroom.”

“That is probably a good idea.”   His father stated,  “How did you get that to happen?”

“I didn't, the principal did it it and he's going to call Saturday to set up more rules.”

“Rules?”  He could feel his father looking his direction and quickly looked out the side window to avoid the gaze.  Twenty minutes later they finally pulled into the driveway and Lake immediately bolted for his room.  

He was laying flat out sideways across his bed when his father knocked a short time later bringing in a snack and soda.  “Homework?”

“I don't get my books until tomorrow.”

“Did you want to watch some t.v. or a movie?”  Lake moved off his belly rolling over and sitting up to stare at his father and the strange action.  “Lake, you've been given another day.  We should enjoy it.”

“I wasn't Given another day.”  He spat out.  “I TOOK IT!  I beat the crap out of everyone who thought it should be otherwise!”

“Lake.”  The word was spoken like a sigh.  “You have to accept the way the world works.”

“Get OUT!!”  His father backed out with the command leaving the young squirrel to fume.  There was no way he was EVER going to just give in.

The next morning Lake was in his closet moving two boxes to the side so he could replace the coffee leg with something else.  He wasn't stupid enough to think he could keep the same weapon and he moved a few long items out of the way to pull out a piece of one and a half inch pvc pipe.  The squirrel pushed everything back into place and took his chosen item to the end of his bed.  He gave a few low swings knee, leg, ankle, groin feeling how it hung in his hand.  It might seem an odd choice for a weapon but it was very deceptive.  The cap on the end had stuck in place once he had filled it half way up with the concrete mix.  Lake had made a small mess that he cleaned up but it was again something out of the garage that his father would never miss nor likely remember the fourteen inch scrap of pipe.

He slipped his choice into his pack wiggling it so it fit with out looking to weird when his father called his name.  They were leaving much earlier today because he felt the need to avoid any possible throng of students.  The drive to school was silent suiting the young buck just fine since he still had no wish to speak with his father until the turned into the wide school's drive.  “Remember one of the first three spots or they won't let me leave.”

“Very well...  and Lake, Good Luck!”  The door was  already closing as the words were said but as he looked back surprised, his father was already looking over his shoulder to pulled out.  He stood there for just a moment pondering, wondering if his fathers sudden change to well wishes would turn into a nightmare for him. 

His shiver turned into a shake which had his tail begin its normal tick behind him, no matter what happened he couldn't just stand here besides he wanted to check with the office about his books and possibly speak with the principal over what 'rules' he was supposed to follow.

“Lake... LAKE!”  He gave a bare glance back over his shoulder seeing the female tabby climbing out of a car before he bolted to the entrance.  He sprinted up the stairs and jumped inside the entry way before she could even start to jog after him.  There were only two other students standing inside near the inner doors as Lake slipped off the side and opened his pack wondering if it would be just Jayra or would one of her family also show up.

“You should leave!”  He glared at the pair who now showed interest as he flipped his pack over his chest to the opposite shoulder and gripped the pipe inside.  The feline came rushing in taking several steps before she noticed him.  It took only a second for her to pick out his flicking tail and tense body.

She glanced back at the entrance door before speaking.  “That was a smart idea.  My mom thinks I only chase boys for one thing, now maybe she'll think different.”

“What do you want?”  Came the cold question.

Not seeing a way to make the squirrel relax she just jumped in.  “Marcus is still in the hospital.  It's pretty bad, there not even sure he'll wake up right now.  Listen I understand, I do!  He was stupid, but my uncle is pissed.  You have to watch out cause I know he is going to try and kill who ever did this.  And I didn't tell him anything alright...  I just thought you should know.”  Lake watched her turn and leave as she headed back out the front doors relaxing just slightly.

“So you beat that guy up?”  Lake glared at both again not sure which one had spoke but he could see that wary look again.  Not bothering to answer he  pushed through the end door and heading inside to the office.

“What about my locker?  Can you at least tell me where that is?”  The secretary did finally snarl as she sat down and checked the computer.  The female had not been helpful at all curling her lip distastefully the entire time she told him the principal was unavailable and that he would get his books when he got them.

“Twenty three, thirty seven.  You provide your own lock, now Leave!  I don't want you trying to hide here!”

Lake shook his head as he backed out, if he wanted to hid it would likely be in the bathroom again, or he'd climb up the wall.  There were plenty of places he could think of to hid with out bothering with the obvious like the office or an empty classroom.  The only reason why he even thought of the bathroom again was because yesterday showed how others were foolishly overconfident.  In his mind he barely considered most of the students a threat since most didn't seem to understand what hunting was truly about, they were going to have to kill him, not catch him, kill him.  They were going to learn that he wasn't a meal, and he was more than happy to teach them the truth.

There were a good deal more students in the hallways moving towards the stairs just like he was, since class time was approaching, when he left the office.  He climbed up to the second floor carefully watching the students around him and walked down the hall trying to pinpoint his locker, really he should have already known.  It was near the dead center of the hall on the bottom.  Frowning he wondered if he should even try to use it, with the lock holder no more than two feet off the floor he would either have to bend over or kneel down, neither option seemed pleasant among a group of preds.  He did still pull the latch up and open it making sure it was empty before slamming it shut.

He suddenly realized what a foolish thing that was to do that was when every single eye in the hallway looked his way.  Lake felt like not only had he been given a locker, but now had a new spot to be hunted as well.  With a little head shake he realized the locker was out except perhaps before or after school and perhaps if no one was around at lunch.  

“Lake.”  Mr. Lumb called the moment he entered class.  The old wolf pointed at a stack of books on one desk in the back.  “Just a moment though.”  He continued stopping the young squirrel from moving to his desk.  The teacher had him stand by the door and wait until the bell rang and class had settled before he waved him forward.  “Students.  It seems you do have another classmate.  Lake here seems to be determined to find a way to attend Callent despite the difficulties.  After his actions yesterday I think all of you had better start paying a lot more attention.  Now there will be NO practical application in this class.  I can teach you what you need to learn but you WILL find somewhere other than my classroom to practice.  Is that understood?”

“Yes, Mr. Lumb.”  The students intoned together.

“Lake take your seat.  I expect full participation in my class from everyone who wishes to pass.”

“Yes sir.”  Lake stated before heading to his seat.  By the end of the lesson he had been called on twice and gave what seemed to be an adequate answer which was why he hesitantly raised his hand five minutes before the class ended.  “Mr. Lumb sir, please may I head to my locker.  I can't fit all these books into my pack.”  He had actually had only put the books for his next two classes in his back pack leaving four more on his desk.

“You may have one minute.”  It was actually more than he expected.  He could at least get to the end of the hall and down stairs, and with out a lock he wouldn't have to squat as everyone started to fill the hall.  As it worked out he was able to get to his locker, weave his way through students, get back up two flights of stairs to Ms. Kavala's class with two of his five minutes to change class left over.

He was expecting something the moment he entered the door to his second class especially when class started and Treyner was absent.  It almost seemed strange when the bell rang and Ms. Kavala called out a homework assignment and still nothing had happened.  He waited as the entire class filed out before stuffing his two books back in his back and took the short walk down two classrooms.

Mrs.  Callor looked pissed from the moment he entered.  “Lake your chair is in the corner.”  With a little sigh he moved to the desk which was the farthest one from the door.  Unnoticed he took several seconds before actually sitting down to stare at the window.  He could easily rip through the the heavy net screen but he wasn't quite sure he could squeeze out with the way the window opened.  At some point in time soon he was going to have to figure it out because it seemed math class was going to be his biggest problem.  More than a few students openly watched him before the bell rang and none of them seemed anything but hungry.

Lake didn't have to worry though, five minutes into class the door opened stopping Mrs. Callor as a student hurried in dropping off a yellow slip of paper on her desk before dashing out.  “Lake, gather your stuff.”  As he put his math book back in his pack she continued, “The principal's office, do I bother asking what you did now?”

“I haven't done anything yet, today.”  He tacked on today trying to remind them all of yesterday while he hoped it was going to be nothing more than is request that morning getting him called in.

“Here.”  His teacher called to him as he started to pass.  She handed over a rather thick packet of papers.  “They are due Monday, anything not turned in will not get a grade.”  She wore a slight mocking grin as he stared in disbelief.  Today was Friday and even if he spent the weekend working he wasn't sure he could come close to finishing.  Gripping the packet tight, wishing he could shred it, he headed to the door.  “I expect you back here if there is any time left!”  She called out  to him before the door shut.

Lake knew there was something wrong the moment he entered the office.  The secretary looked up at him and smiled before pointing down the hall then ignoring him.  The short trip down the hall sent his tail flicking as he stopped to try and stuff the papers into his pack while trying to wiggle the pipe closer to the edge of the spot where the zipper was.  Not that it was going to help him where the wolf was concerned.  Last night had been a hard night with little sleep, every time he nodded off it was images full of half memories and large fangs opening.  Unsure of what to do he gave a light knock waiting.

“Come in.”  A voice called out calm and clear.  The principal was seated and so was someone else, both turning to look at him when he entered.

“Um.  I was asked to come here sir.”

“Indeed.  I have to introduce you to Marcus' father Renald.”  The words were simple, crisp, formal.

Lakes pack was already coming around and he had a paw on the pipe inside as the adult tabby launched out of his chair.  He did get the pack to his front before the other crashed into him forcing him back against the wall.  The squirrel didn't panic, to many felines with to many failures and even though this one had a good foot and several dozen pounds on him he struck out.  He kicked down his foot paw  tagging the others ankle and forcing it to the floor unbalancing him.  The second move put his paw at the bottom of his pack where he thought the end cap was while the other fist gripped the pack tighter and with as much strength as he could he pushed off the wall driving his backpack upwards.  The thrust was sufficient as some part of the pipe or perhaps a book connected with the felines chin knocking its head back and forcing him back several steps.

Lake was already at the door squeezing through but he wasn't quite fast enough.  He had opened the door with his right paw holding the pack with his left leaving the feline an opportunity to grab at the pack.  The young squirrel couldn't leave it behind and rolled against the door jam he yanked hard as possible feeling and hearing the fabric tear as it came free.

And with that he was gone.  Charging down the hall and bursting through the office and out into the hall tail flicking away behind him.  He couldn't truly flee, nor could he leave the angered feline alone.  The scream of fury tore through the office as Lake made his decision taking off towards the stairs.  He knew he was faster, especially if climbing, but made sure to wait long enough to be seen at the bottom of the stairs.  That is not to say the feline was slow, Renald charged after the rodent both flying up the first staircase and across the hall to the next, one a half flight behind the other.  When Lake hit the second floor he truly let loose having wiggled the pipe free of  his pack opening the distance to nearly a full flight of stairs.    He slung his pack down the third hallway scattering some of his books and papers while running up the wall on the far side stopping on top of the first set of lockers.  Then with an adrenaline boosted leap he cleared the entire hallway pushing himself to the wall on the opposite side with a crash as the lockers below him slammed into the wall rocking back and forth.

He turned and prepared himself sliding to the end of the lockers as the adult came racing up the staircase.  His leap was timed perfectly gaining feet and nearly reaching the ceiling before coming  down head first with his arms locked ahead of him holding the pipe.  Renald was completely taken by surprise, the problem for Lake was he wasn't expecting was the pipe to crack and break over the cat's head.  The pair crashed into each other the squirrel fairing a little better as he rolled away when they landed on the floor.

“Going.. to kill YOU!”  Lake was trying to get back to his feet seeing his opponent rising as well.  With nothing left to do without a weapon the rodent launched himself forward striking wildly with paws and body and act which turned up in his favor.  Renald took a half step back then a full one trying to steady himself and grapple with the squirrel but ended up flailing his arms for balance as he tried to pull himself back from the top stair.  With all the strength Lake could pull together he shoved against the adult ducking away as clawed paws shot out towards him.  He wasn't caught this time as he watched the tabby crumple down like he was trying to sit before his legs were in the air in a tumble.  The feline's instincts were good as the adult's feet hit a stair he worked for balance to try and stop the tumble.  The momentum though was  to great and the arms flailed again as the cat went over again falling the rest of the flight and smashing his back into the landing between floors.  It wasn't a minute but a simple two seconds the squirrel stood there watching before one of the legs still on the stairs moved.  

The rodent glanced down the hallway expecting something else to happen but only his scattered pack and papers waited as he watched.  To him it had felt like hours, his body shaking and exhausted from the exertion.  It wasn't quite a panicked flight as the squirrel dove fore his pack scrambling to gather up everything clutching it to his chest.  He turned, heart still pounding and ears still filled with a muted roar as he shakily took to the stairs climbing to the fourth floor and stumbling into the bathroom.

He collapsed to his paws and knees, trembling a few feet inside the door.  He was lucky there wasn't another soul in the restroom and he was allowed time to regain control.  The tail was first, it twitched a few times before flicking across his legs going to his other leg a few seconds later. Flick...    Flick...  Flick,  Flick,  Flick as the movement gained strength so did his breathing and his eyes centered picking out the small blue square tiles that lined the floor.  He moved to his knees looking down at the mess below him before trying to clean it up.  He couldn't stay here and the reality was he was going to have to go back to class and try to act like nothing happened.

With all his papers and books back in place he zipped the pack closed.  Still shaky he tried to stand nearly falling back to his knees before steadying himself against the wall.  A moment later he was able to pick up the broken pieces of pipe and drop them in the garbage, they were useless and he couldn't  keep them if the principal called him back.  Lake spent several minutes washing his paws keeping them damp so he could groom his cheeks and muzzle.  Staring into the mirror he could just see the tip of his tail behind him in the small glass plate.  Flick – Flick – Flick.  When he turned around he was taken by a sudden image of Marcus laying on this very floor after taking two heavy hits from him.  With a shake he tried to put that from his mind as well.

He didn't notice the front pocket was hanging open until he picked up his backpack, 'No pens or pencils.'  The thought made him frown as he inspected the rest of his pack finding one strap also torn but would likely make it through the day.  

Upon exiting the bathroom he could hear voices across the hall coming from the stairs and nearly turned to run.  Still ready to bolt he kept his ears forward trying to catch what was being said.  What he was actually hearing was being echoed across the hall and up to him as he strained to listen.  “Just stay still, help is coming.”  The voice was female and louder this time which he recognized as being the secretary's which was followed by a much quieter growl that he couldn't understand.  A different female voice drifted up just loud enough to understand to understand parts.  “No, .. should stay here .... should be …. soon.”

Lake didn't want to know the rest quickly floating down the hall.  He entered his class and hesitated for a second as all eyes turned towards him.  “That was rather fast.”  His teacher informed him as he passed her desk.

A glance at the wall told him he was only one third of the way through the hour and a half class.  Just over twenty minutes from when he left yet the time had felt like hours.  Lake took a deep breath holding it for a second as he tried for a quick thought.  “Marcus's father wanted to see me...  but he didn't want to talk.”

“What happened!”  Mrs. Callor demanded!   “I'm not sure..”  “Lake...”  her voice was firm and full of command.  “What exactly happened?  Where is Mr. Tanner!”  

“I don't know...  maybe he tripped and fell trying to chase me.”   Almost in unison dozens of ears perked up picking out the distant wail of a siren as it approached.  “He did tear my backpack though,  I think he should reimburse me.”  Lake continued his slow walk to the corner to take his seat.  “Two cats and a snow kitty.”  He said quietly but the words seem to echo through the class almost like he was keeping track of the ambulances, at least that was what most of the students started to think.  

The teacher stood up and walked to the window standing there watching the class.  “Lake page One Fourteen, you'll have to finish before the end of class.”

“I'm sorry Mrs. Callor all my pens fell out.”  He tried to explain.

“That isn't anyone's problem but yours.”  She stated.  Lake still pulled out his book searching the bottom of his pack hopefully, but found nothing.   A quick glance around the room showed the other students deliberately paying attention to their work, not one willing to look in his direction, or maybe it was the anger they sensed from their teacher as she glared at him.  He could do nothing about it though with no pen and no hope to borrow one he ended up glancing over the book and did a few of the problems in his head.

Mrs. Callor waited long enough to catch the stretcher as it came back out of the building with a fur far to big to be a student.  She moved back to her desk and sat down,  “Lake you'll be staying after class.”  She pronounced.

That got several heads to turn in his direction.  “That I believe will upset the principal especially if one of his teachers has some foolish accident.”  The words had flown out of his mouth before he truly realized they had been spoken.  He had been stupid, truly stupid and now he had to hope somehow the principal's word really did mean something.  Lake stood up almost mirroring his teacher as she hissed out her paws gripping the desk she was behind.  The squirrel had also grabbed his desk but more in hopes of it being some kind of defensive barrier.  Honestly the window was looking good even if it meant he had to bust the glass and throw himself though hoping to stop a four story drop as her growl echoed through the classroom.  Every second that ticked by gave him a little more hope that somehow he truly was protected against the school staff.  'Steady!'  Lake thought to himself using his tail in his own self taught way to regain balance.  Flick – Flick – Flick – Flick 

“I'm sorry Mrs. Callor what I said was inappropriate and stupid.  Of course I will stay after class.”  Slowly he sat down gauging the feline as she spat one more time then slowly took her seat still glaring at the rodent. 

For the first time ever Lake watched several preds flee like prey when the bell rang, most of them between him and the front of the class.  However he chose to look at it, they all vanished in less than a minute.  The noise from the hall was able to penetrate the room for several minutes and when things finally quieted down Lake slowly stood up.   Making sure his intentions were clear without words he let his pack drop to the floor and gave it a kick.  He walked up three desks and with a lighter kick sent the pack to the first seat where he sat down. 

Mrs. Callor was seething inside, wanting nothing more than to leap at him and feel her paws drench in warmth as she ripped him open. This rodent was far to arrogant in the belief that he should be anything but food.  “I meant what I said.  I will fight any student, parent, or teacher I need to.”  He could see her teeth front and back grinding against each other as he spoke.  “However, I will say the window seemed like a good exit plan at the time.  I apologize for speaking out, I am exhausted and still shaky.  Really I should be thanking you, now is when I'm most vulnerable and you're keeping me in class.”

“You think you're something special and I'm going to make sure you realize your stupidity.  It's easy right now for little squirrel tidbits like you to get breeder tags and go to special schools for extra protection.  BUT there you sit, in a seat made for a predator denying the simple fact that you're wasting space instead of filling someone's gut.”   Lake knew it was true, they had been giving out several extra breeder tags for squirrels the past two years, but he had guessed the real reason why he had been denied that privilege from the beginning.

“The only reason why I'm here is because a pred ate my mother, because a pred attacked me when I was under aged, because a pred tore apart my tail.  Go ahead and think what you want I already know why I was denied breeder status and it wasn't because I'm not intelligent or capable.”

“Well then since you're so smart why don't you tell me why you're really in that chair.  You know it's so you can be eaten.”  Mrs. Callor countered.

Lake let our his breath coming close to a sigh, she was giving him exactly what he needed whether she realized it or not, he was getting a chance to rest and recover.  “You think I'm just blaming all predators.  No I was born nearly a month early when my mother had an accident.  Those who helped birth me ate her.”

“Then they didn't finish the job!”  She butted in.

“No, from a legal standpoint a baby is off limits while a young, unpregnant woman isn't.  The thing was she was a breeder as was my father but because she was pregnant they hadn't given her the actual tags yet.  Dad loved her a lot and he never even tried to mate after that, THAT is why I'm not allowed to have a tag, to punish him.  And to go farther I was top of my class with straight A's up until I ended up in the hospital after being attacked under legal age.  After that I had a lot of trouble, fell behind in school, then I had some idiot go and bite my tail.  I stayed home for a few extra weeks and they transfer me here.  Then when I didn't go to school the police showed up telling me I would either go or be taken to jail for a day.  Yes I'm sure where you're sitting I'm here solely to feed someone but I plan on going home free of this place someday and living!  I will tell you AGAIN.  I don't care if it's a student, parent, or teacher I AM going to do what it takes to go home.”

Mrs. Callor finally sat back smiling before she softly spoke.  “I'm glad you're so good at this.  I almost lost control, but you were able to apologize and look all meek.  There are very few prey worth putting time and effort into, I see now all I have to do is enable a few of my students to take you down.  I'll still have all the pleasure of enjoying part of your body and I have the knowledge that I destroyed your little dream as well.  Run along little morsel stay safe until I get my claws into you.  Live until my jaws close around your neck snapping it.”  Lake had no doubt she was serious about helping students but he was at least sure she was trying to play mind games hoping to make him worry more.

“Alright.”  Lake stated picking his pack up off the floor.  “I do thank you for the rest.  I had to run up three flights of stairs before pushing Marcus' father back.”  He stood before continuing, “But I'm sure we understand each other when I say I'll never admit that, just like we won't admit you just started playing with your prey and allowing me to leave.”  He carefully watched his teacher as he left, once again seeing her tongue slightly peek out and gently swipe her lips.  A small reminder of her own personal tick that for a moment seemed to match the squirrels ticking tail.

That all changed as the door opened right before he could reach it revealing Mr. Horvus, the school's principal.  Lake's tail went erratic as he stepped backwards nearly stumbling.  The feline teacher had a wild moment of fascination but the tail dropped hanging dead.  Setting instincts aside she watched the rodents full body tremble as the wolfed stepped in closing the door behind him.  

“Mr. Tanner has insisted that he slipped on a stair, he also states that he was only trying to talk with you.”  She avidly watched the tail as it started in the following silence several small twitches that finally worked into a flick that grew stronger.  

“He was chasing me, it is quite possible he slipped.  And forgive me for saying sir but he only wanted to talk with his claws.”  Lake finally stated.

“Indeed he as well as most of the other parents know they are not supposed to harm a student on school grounds, supposed to...  As it is I will request he stay off the grounds unless he is picking up or dropping of one of his children.  Now you should be off to lunch.”

“Yes sir.”  Lake quietly answered.  He didn't move however until after the principal stepped fully out of the doorway to let him pass.

“You did that so easily, one look and all his defenses broke.”  Mrs. Callor purred as the door closed.

“It's not just me, he seems to have quite a disdain for felines he is however very wary of large canines, but it seems a true wolf like myself is almost to much for him.  But I would caution on getting between him and his chosen exit, don't corner him or he will go wild.  He is not going to bend or break, today shows that quite well.  It's going to take a skilled, crafty, and lucky student to take him down.  I did say student correct?”  The question seemed light and innocent nearly making the feline shudder.  

“I understand.  I almost lost it today, he can be quite, taxing.”

“So long as you understand Lacy.  I would be very upset if you were injured and he got away.”  The wolf stated flatly.

Mrs. Callor clenched her paws, claws almost digging into her own paws from what she felt was an insult.  “You and he can both think that...”

“LACY!”  The canine paused before he continued, “I don't think.  Part of the reason he was transferred here was because he bit into another student arm, broke his nose, and nearly clawed an eye out.  He lost a chunk of his tail while the other student nearly died from blood loss from the wound in his arm.  He is not going to go down easy and IF a teacher goes after him AND he some how escapes, NONE of the students will touch him, especially if that teacher is harmed in any way.  Make no mistake Lacy, if I take him down it would be with a pack.  Let him continue to struggle and fight, let him believe he's going to live.  When the time comes I'll enjoy hunting him down, chasing him to his limit, and he'll be reeking of horror and terror when we finally close in.”

“We who?”  She asked softly.

“Oh a few of the proper teachers or friends who have enough respect for Lake, but of course that is only if he gets close to graduating which I believe he actually has a chance.”

The squirrel had gone to the second floor and his locker swapping out books and papers then reinspecting his pack.  There were only a few in the halls he was thankful they all seemed occupied with their own tasks.  Still feeling drained he closed his locker dropping down in front of it to sit, taking out his slightly damaged lunch.

The food actually seemed better slightly squashed, or maybe it was his body craving nutrients after such an ordeal.  What ever the reason, he enjoyed it before walking down the hall towards a water fountain to wash it all down when he was done.  Lake was given another small packet as he reached his next period.  Thankfully his groan and question of 'Monday?' got a laugh from Mr. Talkin.

“I'll give you a week to catch up.”  The skunk's smile still seemed to make Lake edgy but he was glad he wasn't expected to work some miracle feet.  

Lake moved back and his seat the second class bell rang ending lunch but at the same time the student behind him asked,  “Did you hurt someone else?”  He glanced over his shoulder at the lynx waiting until the bell finished ringing to answer.

“Mr Tanner insists that he slipped on the stairs... and that he was only trying to talk with me.”

“That's enough class.”  The teacher stated before anything else was said.  “There was an accident in the stairwell and the person is being treated, that is all you need to know.”

“Did you do it?”  Someone whispered loudly.

“If Mr. Tanner was only trying to talk with me than he obviously had an accident.”  Lake stated turning back around suddenly seeing that his words seem to upset his teacher, gone was the smile, instead a grimacing frown that showed and excessive amount of sharp front teeth.

After a few seconds it vanished,  “Now class, continuing with the Vulpine pact.  What secondary advantages did it get the opposing groups.”  Lake tried his best the rest of the class paying attention and after properly answering two questions that were asked he got a nod for the second one which had been very difficult.

Again it seemed word had gotten around,  Lake noticed as he climbed the stairs to his last class everyone who was traveling down had moved fully to the inside an gripped the rail making sure to not look at him.  Amused but tired he made his way back up to the forth floor.  As he walked into class his eyes locked with Argent's first, watching as the collie flinched and hunching down slightly but as Lake continued to stand there the other raised his head and gave a hopeful look to the rodent.

The squirrel sighed shaking his head as he went to his desk and landed heavily.  Again he did his best to pay attention but the difficult day left his mind wandering well before the end of class, lucky for him only his teacher seemed to notice.  The bell rang and students filed out leaving for the day, Lake stayed seated for several extra moments before going to look out the window.

“This is your ONE warning.”  The squirrel nearly jumped into the window startled from the voice at his shoulder.  “You shouldn't think that you're untouchable Lake.  Your whole body and attitude shows it.  Sadly none of the students realized it.  But I promise you, if you EVER, space out in my class again I'll make sure they all know.  Tell me Lake how many of your classmates could fend off trying to get to your father's car?”

He shivered having a hard time trying to respond, but by the time he turned around the pine martin had already returned to his desk.  The squirrel studied the back of his teacher, either he was super quiet, silent or he really was too tired.  Slowly his tail began to twitch working its way to a full flick.  Now that he was concentrating he did hear the soft paw falls as his teacher stepped around the desk to sit.  They were soft and skilled but certainly not silent.

“Your father here yet?”  The other interrupted his thoughts.  Out the window he could see his father's jeep rolling forward from the third space to the second.  “Yes.” / “Well then Lake have a good weekend.”  Lake grabbed his stuff and raced out of class a good deal more aware thanks to his teacher.  For a good deal of the ride home he was left considering his fifth period teacher.  Surely he was interested in having him as food, so why all the extra help and warnings.

He ended up still thinking about that at times until the phone rang the next morning with the principal's call.  The conversation and what happened afterwards had left Lake sitting on his bed at lunch studying the notebook and his father's careful printing.
 1.	Attendance is mandatory for all classes however tardiness is acceptable up to ten minutes with out punishment.
 2.	After fifteen minutes tardiness to his fifth class the office would be notified and Mr. Smalert would be called.
 3.	He was not to use excessive force in defending himself. 
Mr. Horvis explained that understood what happened the first day and why it had been necessary.  While the tabby was what he considered excessive his handling of Treyner and Renald were acceptable.  Lake could still remember how dark his father's face got as Mr. Horvis stated, “I am not above calling an ambulance, but I don't expect them to be trying to keep someone from dieing, is that understood?”  Lake's agreement had been one of his father's harping points once the phone had been hung up.  He shivered trying to push those thoughts out and what his father had threatened.
 4.	If Lake was injured he was to head to a teacher or the office to ask for help.  There was of course no real guarantee, but he was not permitted to move about the school and possibly cause a frenzy.
 5.	If he was seriously, or mortally injured he was to ask for the principal from any teacher, “Only I will call an ambulance for you, if I believe you've earned one.”
 6.	He was also not permitted to hide in the office, library, or cafeteria.  Nor was he to bother any teacher asking for help.
 7.	Weapons were not permitted and he would be searched if there was anyone who accused him of having one.
 8.	Any offenses of class disruption would be punished by a trip to the principal's office. 

“Simply put Lake you need to learn how to get in and out of class with out causing problems or scenes.  Also several of the teachers believe ambulances are a disruption of their class.  I will decide all of your punishments including the last one, if needed.”

Lake sighed laying down the notebook relaxing on his bed.  Really the rules weren't much of a problem and some of them kinda helped.  After all he wouldn't be searched for weapons unless someone said something.  Although he needed to find out later what classified as an injury, and try to find teacher who might help, and then..   “LAKE!!” 

The young squirrel jumped out of bed.  It was extremely rare for his father to shout his name across the house and there didn't seem to be any anger in his voice which made him move rather fast.  He made his way to the living room seeing his father standing by the front door with Argent who stood there looking hopeful and eager, with his tail wagging slightly.  “You want to see him.. There he is!”

“Hi Lake.” The collie spoke shyly.

“What do you want.” The squirrel voice was colder than he meant but the way his father had presented him and his argument from earlier the words came out much less than pleasant.  

“I just, I was hoping we could talk, privately.”  He had watched the canine flinch with his words and he kept his head lowered as he spoke.

He could see his father stare between them back and forth before he suddenly turned away.  “I need to go shopping.  Who ever you are I don't want to see any kind of mess when I come home.”  Lake stood there shocked not believing his fathers words and he walked out the door closing it.  He would have gone after his old man screaming if Argent hadn't stepped in his way.

The collie caught one of his arms and moved it so his paw was at his throat.  Already angry especially with this stupidity Lake happily squeezed getting a pained whine which didn't quite match the sudden energetic tail.  Again the collie relaxed giving another whine as he tilted his head back showing his neck in submission.  “What do you want?”  Lake demanded, slightly less harsh this time.

Argent slowly pulled away as the squirrel let go, surprising the rodent as he dropped his pack on the floor and began stripping off his shirt.  Next he dove into his pack pulling out a leash which he tossed at the rodent quickly fastening a matching collar around his neck.  “Argent what...”  The next step stunned the squirrel to silence as the canines pants dropped followed by everything else leaving him in full fur trying to catch the end of the leash and attach it to his collar.  “You, You're... what the hell.” Lake finally finished.   Argent barked in response crouching down and squatting with his butt nearly on the floor.  “Listen, I don't know what...”  A second louder bark interrupted the sentence before the collie brushed past heading for the hall.

Lake made a grab trying to get the leash back but missed as it slipped away.  He was left with the thought of either chasing after the other or just trying to ignore him.  It was a small combination of both as he moved across the room to looked down the hall.  The only open door was his own and Argent wasn't to be seen, a thing which suddenly made him a little nervous.  He almost darted down the hall but instead rushed across the room grabbing the canines pack and discarded clothes.  He needed to get them back on the dog and get him out of the house just in case his father actually decided to comeback.

The first glance into his room showed the collie trying to sit like a feral dog on his bed, tail going madly behind him, as he entered.  Fine if he wanted to play some stupid game then so be it, throwing down the pack and clothes he shouted,  “Bad DOG!”  

Argent dropped like he was clubbed hitting the bed and sliding off the side crawling across the floor to the squirrel's feet where he whimpered and nuzzled the others paws going as far as to lick them several times.  Lake snatched the leash yanking hard and choking the canine till his head was up at his middle.  When he had finally pinned the other's eyes he spoke,  “Tell me what you're doing or I promise you I'll drag you out the door without you're clothes... AND don't bark!”  He added harshly when Argent whimpered.

“I want you.  I thought it was funny in class to pull on your tail, but you took control...  You dominated me, and I liked it.”  The canine spoke quietly tail slowly starting to wag again.  “I want you to own me, I'll do whatever you want, when ever you ask.  I know not really strong but I'll fight for you at school.  I want you to control me, dominate me, claim me!”  As he spoke the last words he began nuzzling the squirrel's crotch adding a lick or two to the stunned squirrel.  “You can even mark me so everyone else knows I'm yours.”

Lake had the presence of mind to take several step back but it didn't stop the insistent collie  who removed the space between them whining as he continued to molest the squirrel's privates smelling and feeling the beginning of arousal.  Lake was still trying to deal by backing away almost to the wall when the other stopped him by pulling on the leash as he turned around presenting his rear end, pressing his nose to the carpet tail sticking straight up.  The rodent next thought and action was to step forward giving a shove to the rear causing the dog to topple over with a whine.  

Again he moved to Lake's feet pawing and nuzzling.  “Argent Stop it!.”  Slowly the collie moved to a sitting position giving a little nuzzle the the squirrel crotch before looking up.  “Do you like boys master?”

“I didn't say that!”

With a whine the collie continued,  “Do you like girls?”

“I didn't say that either damn it! And don't call me master.”

“Lake.”  The voice came out strong and clear.  “Your father isn't going to be home for a while, probably.  I don't care if you like men or women all I want is for you to claim me.  Be my Master and I'll do whatever you say.  If you want me to leave afterwards and never tell anyone I will, but, I can smell you.”  One paw rubbed up and down the squirrel's leg moving up to his crotch while the other slipped up under his shirt and rubbed over the fur on his stomach.  “Take me Lake, claim me, do whatever you want,  choke me, kick me, fuck me...  No one is ever going to know.”  He ended with a long drawn out whine while his paws moved to loosen the squirrel's pants tugging them down and letting them fall before going back for the boxers.

Lake just couldn't believe this was happening.  He never really thought of any kind of relation beyond his own short self pleasured times.  He shivered and ended up leaning against the wall as he let moist warm dog breath roll over his privates.  Argent wasted very little time before exploring the squirrel with his tongue, all along the firming shaft and around the uncut head then down snuffling in and around the heavy danglers and wriggling in around the retracted half sheath.  

He could feel layers peeling away as the squirrel relaxed more, sucking on the tip as the first taste of essence escaped.  The collie would have  happily continued until the squirrel erupted but Lake had yanked hard on the leash pulling him back while choking him slightly.  A simple look told Argent that the other had fully accepted what was happening and the flaring nostrils with each intake of breath showed he was ready now.  He spun around again raising his ass suddenly feeling the sharp sting of a hard slap on his hip that made him hunch down.

“On the bed.”  Lake ordered when the collie finally turned his head to look back.  The answer was a bark as Argent jumped forward leaping onto the bed and yanking the leash away from the squirrel.  He moved further up the bed before rolling over hooking his forearm under his knees and hoisting his rear off the bed with his tail wagging wildly enough to start messing up the top blanket.

Lake was far to excited and lust driven to care about much of anything.  He was going to have sex and at the moment he really didn't care with whom, just the thought had driven all caution out of him.  He moved to the bed climbing up and over the collie till his penis rubbed right up the other rear till it throbbed against his balls.  The dog whined in answer licking the rodent's chin and wiggling his rump against his crotch.   Lake moved to his knees and paused, even as excited as he was he was curious tracing over the collie's more than ready red shaft that even showed a tell tail bump at its base.  His finger continued to trace down between the dogs nuts and down the open crack to the small tail hole making Argent whine.  It seemed slick and with ease his finger slipped all the way inside before the collie clenched down on it.

“I got ready before I came.”  Argent admitted feeling the finger slip back out.

“You're ready?”  Lake asked quietly holding his cock now lining it up just touching the other's pucker.

“Lake.”  the dog's voice was again clear as he stared straight at the squirrel.  “I told you...  Take me however you want, DO what you want.   Don't ask me, Take ME!”

That was more than enough as Lake slowly sank in pushing forward inch by inch until he could go no further.  A slow moan escaped from both and he reveled in the hot case enveloping his cock gasping as it clenched hard.  It was true that he really didn't understand what was going on, but right now he was having Sex, and he really couldn't care about anything else.  A small draw back from the tightly clenched muscles felt glorious and he swiftly dove back inside. 

Argent released the lock he had on his legs letting them drop some resting against Lake, this also caused his butt to drop lower and the squirrel's shaft to slide out slightly.  Not willing to lose any bit of that warmth Lake grabbed the dog's legs and pressed them back against his body leaning over the collie and giving a hard thrust against his body.  Argent whined as he grabbed the squirrel's head pulling him closer and giving a lick up his chin and over his nose.  The pause was shared by both as they stared at each other.  One's whine was understood by the other and he gave a small series of thrusts before adjusting his knees and drove in hard.  

There was no technique or skill, there was no need for one.  Lake plowed as eagerly and as fast as he possibly could slapping his crotch against the doggie and grunted every time those muscles clenched and increased his pleasure.  Argent was in bliss, he had a cock ramming his ass and his own paw wrapped around his knot slapping his dick against his stomach as his body was occasionally rocked hard enough to lift his pole high enough to touch the squirrel's chest.  His whines and yips were full of pleasure and he was the first to gain release as he yanked almost painfully hard against his knot.  His moan was like a quiet howl of euphoria as he drained more than an hours worth of pent up fantasy that squirted out over his chest.  The rhythmic clenching and twitching was all the eager squirrel needed himself, pressing in deep and holding, grinding against the collie as his own seed drenched the dogs insides, testicles pumping out its first true large load, made all the more plentiful by the milking ass.

Whether it had been seconds or minutes Lake couldn't tell, pleasured and drained he collapsed on top of the collie who wiggled his legs free.  He couldn't stop sliding part way out as those legs moved to a more comfortable position but he was happy as long as his shaft head still stayed inside resting against a chest that rose and fell just like his own.

All that good feeling exploded to a second of cold fear as Argent gripped his shoulders and rolled them to their side.  Like lightening his paw struck gripping against the collie's throat remembering all the whispered warnings about predator sex traps from his time at regular school.

Argent stilled and went limp before licking against Lake's forearm,  “I had thought of you choking me while we fucked.  I'm yours Lake, but if you kill me then how can I help you clean up?”  The collie wiggled away lifting the squirrel's arm so he could slide against his chest.  Reluctantly the rodent allowed himself to be pulled closer and moved to his back as the canine began licking his chest cleaning up his own seed that had been smeared on the squirrel.  A few moments later he reached the squirrel's crotch speaking softly,  “Your dad told me not to leave a mess.”  

Lake tried to relax as he was licked, suckled, and nuzzled until Argent felt he was clean.  When he was done he crawled up over the squirrel until their noses touched.  “Will you mark me now?”

“You're serious?!”

The collie's ears dropped looking a little embarrassed while he nodded his head.  After a moment of silence he spoke,  “You don't have to this time, but maybe you can later.”  With a small smile and a lick the to the squirrel he rolled off the bed getting to his feet.  Lake watched as the other gathered his clothes.

“You can take a shower.”  Lake offered.

“No I'm good.”  Came the response already putting on his briefs.  The squirrel sat up and watched the other finished getting dressed.  “You know I can't invite you over, so sometime soon I want to come back... or, or we could hook up at school.  Maybe find a spot for some fun.  I'm totally serious Lake, I wouldn't mind if you marked me at school and showed everyone that you own me.”  Argent came back to the bed taking the squirrel's paw and looking it over before placing it at his neck.  “If you claim me Lake I will be yours.  What ever you want I'll do.”

The squirrel shivered from the firm conviction the collie had and when his paw was let go he let it dropped to the bed.  He really couldn't say anything as the other got up and left.  It wasn't until the front door banged open again close to an hour later that he moved, slamming his own door shut seconds later before diving for his clothes.  

He spent the rest of the weekend drowning in math.  The packet was only part of the work, Mrs. Callor had also assigned most of the problems out of the book giving out months of work to be due by Monday.  Although he finished most of the packet he barely got through a third of the other problems before finally dropping into bed Sunday night.

His idea for Monday morning was to arrive at a normal time with loads of other students, make a quick run to his locker, and be in class as soon as possible.  All that vanished as two steps up the walkway he saw Treyner standing at the bottom of the steps.  The feline looked grim as he started forward and Lake quickly dashed to the side heading towards the wall at the properties edge.  Lake could sense the feline charge after him, probably expecting the squirrel to climb the wall and flee putting on extra speed as he tried to catch up before that could happen.  

Lake though was preparing not fleeing, he dove towards the wall leaping to land on it with two feet and one paw braced against it slapping into it hard enough to sting his paws.  The other hand held his pack as he looked over his shoulder, sighted the snow leopard.  No one could have expected the squirrel launched himself back towards the feline crashing into him pack first.  His brand new backpack contained two books, a notebook, the math packet, and the table leg he had brought with him again.  He could only imagine the screaming pain those previous bruises might be providing as he crashed into the other driving into his center.   

Lake rolled off the leopard and up to his feet taking survey of both the feline and others around him.   Treyner was still moving and gasping more than he felt comfortable with but it seemed no one had taken a step closer once they had leapt out of the pairs path.  Even with his new rules the principle had assigned him he assumed one more hit or two couldn't hurt.  With a firm grip on his pack he swung as hard as he could smashing it down into the feline's chest causing the other to roll away and curl up into a ball.  Not finished he leaned down grabbing the bandaged ear and tearing into it removing both the bandage and more flesh beneath it.  He dropped down to a knee listening the the other ragged breath as he tried to grab the other ear against the ground.  Yanking the others head up he did get a grip and tore a apart of it but the feline was till strong enough to pull away and covered his head with one arm.  He took one more swipe at the first ear satisfied with the bloody mess, before turning to glare at everyone that was near.   

Several student had gathered around but stayed well back forming a sort of curve watching the pair intently.  Lake used Treyner's shirt to wipe off his paw before standing up.  “Hey you all seem to want something to eat?  Here!”  He kicked Treyner hard before starting for the entrance having several students quickly scramble back to make an isle for him.  He stopped at the top step turning to address the few dozen students who had just arrived or were getting out of cars.  “Free meal right over there!” Lake called and pointed which caused enough curiosity to make nearly everyone stop to check.  He made a similar call inside and on the second floor sending several more interested students outside.  Although he doubted anyone was actually going to eat his opponent he was hoping everyone would know what he did.  

It certainly seemed to work, Lake had an easy morning, everyone seeming to stay away from him, though he did wonder what was going on because Treyner wasn't in Ms. Kavala's class and he knew he hadn't heard an ambulance.  His wondering though was cut short as everything changed once he entered his third period.  A half dozen students were already in their seats even though the bell had just rung to let everyone out of class class a moment before.  That and each and every one of them stared intently at him as he dropped the packet on Mrs. Callor's desk,  “Lake you will need to stay after class for a few minutes so we can go over this, which reminds me,  Bryant, Sandy, Tolna, and Mallas you four will be staying as well for our new lunch math club.”  

The squirrel stopped dead the tail the only thing moving as several other students filed in but each of the students already seated continued to watch him.  Was she really going to try and have a group of students attack him after class.  He moved to his seat in the corner trying to figure out which of the two students he didn't know were out of the group.  It wasn't hard, when Lake took his seat and looked around they were the only four still staring at him as the class bell rang.

He wondered for a moment how blatant he could be, there was no way his teacher was going to allow a bathroom pass and he wasn't going to hope for some miracle summons to the office, no he needed to find a solid way out.  The squirrel waited until his teacher turned towards the board outlining a new problem they would be tackling today before he slipped out of his seat and checked the window.  The latch slid easily but he still wasn't sure how far the window might open, the slide track was over half a foot but his mind was not one that could visualize degrees of angles.  “LAKE!”  He turned to see his teacher and the entire class staring at him.  “What are you doing?”

“Sorry Mrs. Callor I felt a breeze.”

“Nonsense.  I checked that window myself this morning after I had maintenance add locking screws this weekend.”  He glanced back at the window now noticing the two shiny tops of philips screws sticking out near the bottom edge.  “After your words Friday I was concerned for your safety and I wouldn't want someone to fall thinking the window was some kind of exit.”  He watched as her tongue tip peaked out once, twice, the third was stopped by a sudden glee filled grin and Lake had to stop a sudden shiver.  There was no doubt she had some sort of plan in place and was limiting his options.

He sat back down wondering how he could take out four students and if his teacher was really going to stick with the rules of not touching him.  Or maybe she was, maybe all his classmates needed to do was injure him enough so she could step in, after all he was supposed to find a teacher if he got hurt and he still didn't know what exactly classified as an injury.  His only other option would be to ask for the principal and he knew she wasn't going to allow him to leave unless he was tucked in someone's gullet first.  

Lake couldn't pay attention to the class curriculum as his tail flicked ticking off ideas and rejecting them.  It went faster each time her gaze fell on him giving Mrs. Callor no end of pleasure watching the squirrel struggle.  Her grin popped up every now and then showing her happiness, she had requested the window to be permanently shut but grabbing Sandy and several others several minutes before the last period ended had been brilliant, she had gotten a few others in early but told everyone to just play along and they had done far better than she hoped.  She grinned again checking him out; stressed, agitated, twitching, and worried all over nothing.  She was going to enjoy even more checking over his packet as he twitched away before he would simply be allowed to leave.

She glanced over the rest of her class trying again to stop her smile, never before had she kept a chase going for more than an hour or so and she was truly beginning to enjoy the squirrel's anguish.  Lake was right, playing and toying with him this way would be against the law but he wasn't going to tell and Mrs. Callor had decided she wouldn't really help her students any more than normal.  He would fight, struggle, hope, and his end was going to be all the more pleasant when it came especially if Master Horvis was correct, she just had to convince him to allow her to join in that hunt.  The bell rang and Lake's mind jumped in surprise as his paw dove into the pack gripping the table leg.

He waited as the students filed out several stopping at the teachers desk asking if they could join the club.  She denied all of them while motioning each of the four others to take one of the front desks.  When the rest of the students were gone and the door closed she spoke.  “Lake please come up here so we can discuss your work.”

She watched his slow progress to the front gripping onto his pack tight, in fact it reminded her of the first day,  “Lake what is so important in you backpack?  Something interesting you wish to share?”  He had just gotten around the first desk staring at the four students who took the front seats.  He knew there was nothing left to hide and no way to really surprise them.  He kept a grip on the wooden leg and allowed his pack to drop to the floor kicking it across the room towards the door.  “I see...”  The teacher stated finally frowning for the first time,  “Is that why Marcus went to the hospital?”

“I don't remember.”  The reply was automatic.

“Well then I hope you can remember this.  If you hurt any of my students with that I will make sure you don't leave this school.  And I was told you were warned about bringing a weapon to school.”

“This isn't a weapon, its just an old piece of wood.”  There was silence in the class and Lake knew the four students were now more than a little wary and maybe even worried, but he still wasn't sure if he could make it to the door without being injured if his teacher ordered an attack.  Mrs Callor had planned to keep his escape route open remembering Master Horvis' warning realizing the principle had foreseen it exactly, he wasn't going down and he would rip apart anything between him and freedom.

“Very well Lake we have you homework to discuss.  Step over here,” She pointed to the door side of her desk,  “and leave your precious piece of wood on the end of my desk.”  She watched his tension tight body as he considered tail flicking back and forth behind him.  “If I can't check your work and verify you did it I might as well throw it in the trash.”  She picked up the packet and held his paperwork out over the garbage watching as he glanced at the students then glared at her.  She could help but smile as he moved to the side of here desk setting his table leg on the corner where she had pointed, he stopped just over an arms length away.  She went through his work wondering if she shouldn't force him to move closer to see if he would refuse. The grin she kept on the inside now as she picking out some of the harder problems here and there making him go over his work.  She got to approximately half way through the stack before putting it back together at the edge of her desk.  “Well It seems you know enough.  I suppose you can have a passing grade for now as long as you can keep up with your classwork.”  With one paw she casually slid the papers off the desk listening as they fluttering into the garbage can grinning brightly as he bristled.  “Now run along, you still have half of your lunch left.”

She could tell he was irritated and was even able to mark the point that it suddenly changed to outrage staring back at the other students.  With a growl almost worthy of a predator he reached out snatching the table leg and storming over to grab his pack.  She waited until he started opening the door before stopping him.  “Oh Lake, I will have to inform the principal about your, old piece of wood.  I'm sure HE would classify it as a weapon and he might have to punish you.”  She couldn't help but feel even better as his tail stalled its rhythm taking a few ticks to regain its balance as he exited.  “Thank you, you four.  I hope you paid close attention to how he reacted.  As you can see he probably would have clubbed you like Marcus if you made a move on him.  Careful, Cunning, and Creative.  That is what that meal requires.”  

“And Cautious!”   Tolna piped up smiling at her teacher.

Mrs. Callor kept only half her snort inside.  “One thing you should know is 4 C's sounds better than 3.  However, how is caution good when hunting prey if you are already careful.   No caution will allow several like that one to escape.  When you make your plan you stick to it.  Second thoughts have no place in the moment before the pounce.”   She kept the others there for several more minutes giving them a few pointers but avoided talking about the rodent for the rest of the time.

Lake stormed down the hall to his locker absolutely pissed that she had played him so easily, let alone all that work and she never checked one of his answers out of the math book.  “Lake!”  Argent called having spotted the squirrel from the stairs.  He had jogged up but slowed seeing the anger radiating off the rodent.  He had already hidden the wooden leg in his locker and was pushing the books for the next class in his pack when he told the dog to get lost.  The collie backed off a few paces and turned before Lake suddenly changed his mind.

“Argent come back.”  He got a slight smile and excited tail wag as the other turned around and stepped back up.  “Sorry I had a bad spot.  I need you to hold this until tomorrow.”  He said pulling the wooden club back out.

“Did you hit Treyner with it?”  He asked sniffing the leg as it was passed over.

“NO, but Mrs. Callor saw it and when she tells the principal I'll get in trouble.”  He stated.

“Sure I'll hide it in my locker, just let me know when you want it again.”  The dog grinned as he shoved the thing into his own pack.  “Now you owe me.”  He stated smiling.

“I'm not doing that!”  Lake growled in frustration.

Argent stepped back dropping his ears.  “I was just going to ask to come over.”

“Wow inviting others over, really you think that's safe?”  Both turned to look at Jayra smiling brightly.

“So umm Lake, I'll just run to my locker and come back down.”  The squirrel was glad Argent slipped off before someone else was able to catch the table leg that stuck out slightly from the dog's backpack. 

“Well I wanted to let you know uncle is out of the hospital with several bruised ribs, one broken, and a fracture in his paw.  Mr. Horvis won't let him back on school property till Marcus comes back and I'm pretty sure that not going to be this year.”  Lake stood there waiting as she watched him stepping just a little closer and speaking quieter.  “So umm... If you want I'll eat lunch with you.  Not today of course but maybe tomorrow or whenever.  I'm usually out on the front lawn.” Jayra finished.

“Lunch?”  Lake asked carefully.

“Not like that of course.  I really don't eat much but the processed stuff and mom's kinda cheap when it comes to the real stuff anyways.  I just wanted to let you know that if you wanted someone to talk to I wouldn't mind.”  The feline smiled brightly for two reasons.  The first was the obvious, the second because she finally noticed the squirrel's tail stopped flicking.  Taking it a step further she moved against the locker and leaned closer to him.  “So what made you call out Treyner as free food?”

“Because he was down and attacked me again.”

“So do you know who ate him?”  Lake looked back at her fully surprised causing her to laugh lightly.  “You didn't know?  Well no one knows for sure, he was still laying there and moaning when school started but he was gone before the second class.  Maintenance just finished cleaning up before lunch but the whole area is still soaked.  I bet it was one of the teachers.”  She surmised. 

“That is, surprising.”  Lake stated softly.

“Why? Because he was a pred?”

“No not really.”  He answered.  “I just didn't think he was that injured.”

Jayra suddenly grinned big again.  “You didn't get the bad boy rule book then.”  She chuckled for several seconds before continuing.  “Expelled students are given a booklet when they first start here.  One of the biggest rules is no fighting.  The school is supposedly charged for each ambulance so Mr. Horvis won't call more than once for any student each year.  Teeth and claws make nasty wounds that need to be treated.”  She stated the obvious holding up her own paw and curling it showing her sharp hand claws.  Jayra was careful to watch his tail the whole time seeing it twitch slightly but not flick as before when she dropped her paw.  “It makes sure those who are big on fighting back off.  Everyone usually gets hurt at some point.  You can either go to the office and ask for help, or hope a teacher is willing to help.  Callent is not for the weak Lake, and I'm not saying you are just that... Well everyone knows now that you can take care of yourself so now you need to start watching for the traps.”

“LAKE!”  The both turned to see the collie hit the bottom of the stairs trotting towards them.

“That can be a trap.”  The feline stated softly.

When Lake turned to look at her she was already walking away.  “So what did she want?”  Argent asked as he came to a stop.

“To warn me that you might be a trap, and that Marcus' father is out of the hospital but not allowed at school til his son comes back.  Although now maybe I have to start worrying about Treyner's family too.”  The squirrel turned walking down two doors wondering if Mr. Talkin would allow him to try and scarf down some food before class started.

“Lake.”  The collie had gripped his shoulder hard turning him but quickly let go when the other glared.  Once again Argent caught a hold of the squirrel's paw and placed it at his throat.  “If you mark me everyone will know.  I'll do whatever you say, you'll own me.  I realize it might be weird to you but it will prove I'm no trap!”  Lake watched as the other slipped around him and opened the door keeping his head tilted down waiting for him to enter the classroom.  For the first time since the canine had brought it up he wondered if it might somehow be a good idea.  On a whim he pet the fur between Argent's ears getting a sudden burst from the others tail as it went wild.  He wasn't given any time to consider the possible meaning or what a relationship like that might mean as he was called into the room.

“I need to thank you.”  Mr. Talkin stated while Lake stared at his round middle.  “I had help finishing off the meal but I could never pass up the offer of free food.”  He watched as the skunk rubbed over his protruding middle rubbing up and down his white fur.  The teacher had abandoned his shirt and Lake was fairly sure the pants were either fully open or hanging very low.

“Ah, well then do you mind if I have my lunch here, I haven't had a chance to eat yet.”  The skunk grinned widely again showing more teeth making Lake uneasy.

Pointing to the first desk he spoke, “Five minutes to the bell, you have that long and don't make a habit of this please.” He added that on as Lake sat down.

“No sir.  I shouldn't have to spend half my lunch going over homework again unless you need to.”  Lake replied in almost a question just before beginning to stuff his face with fresh crisp carrots popping in an occasional grape.

“Yes, well just drop off the packet when you're done with it if I have any questions I'll ask you after I check it out.”  His teacher responded.  The few others that were in the class were silent and he was able to scarf down a good bit of food before the bell rang.  He quietly moved back to his seat watching Mr Talkin as he waved his students in with a big grin.  He also saw several surprised looks and double takes as they took in their teachers state.  The class went normally with the one exception of Mr. Talkin's first words.  “Remember class, you are here to learn.  Those who can't or won't learn will no longer be taught here.”

Lakes last period seemed to go by with no issues and as the bell rang he could already see his father's jeep parked in the first spot outside with his first glance outside the window.  With a few simple words to his teacher the squirrel rushed out of class making his father's vehicle before there was even much of a crowd.  He wondered about his father's glare but didn't know something was up until they turned the opposite direction from home at the first main street.

“You have to give a statement.”  his father sounded grim as he drove them deeper into the city.