Don't Run

The Ruse Begins

Pat looked back at her, her eyes went up and down, and then she had a realization, pulling her back into their room, shutting the thick wooden door gently.

"I forgot! The principle gave me this box to pass to you." Pat went to her desk chair and pulled it out.

Sitting on the cushion was a big blue box with the school crest on it. Alona smiled as the cat girl handed it to her, she placed it on her desk and opened it.

3 sets of pristine school uniforms. The Short sleeved white collared shirts and knee length navy blue skirts looked freshly ironed. Under the uniform, was a pair of black school shoes, and a bag of white mid-calf socks.

He must have gotten her measurements from the director at the Magic Tower. He really did take care of everything. She almost spread a wicked smile on her face; but Pat was looking at her and she wasn't going to spoil the game before it even started.

She didn't know what it would even be yet. She couldn't choose the game; it chose her. Whatever situation was already brewing. That was her starting point.

She excused herself to the bathroom and put on one of the uniforms. Sliding the skirt up her legs and fastening each button on her shirt. Setting the other two uniforms on the counter.

Luckily the skirts had pockets. She stuffed her robes into them.

Her robes had a summoning spell that was meticulously placed by the previous Witches, improved through the generations. It was Armour and a symbol of Tradition. It could enhance your movement speed and resilience. Every Witch had worn these robes when they grew into a woman. The robes changed color and size through a ritual.

She could simply chant a word and the robes and silk wraps would materialize on her body. In a glowing light.

Her staff wasn't as fancy, but she could pull it out of her pocket at any time. She had made it herself out of silver. the top had a ring with the Moon phases spiraled in its center, the moons were carved chips of amethyst, 2 gold rings looped the opposite sides, jingling when she swung it. It absorbed mana from the air like a battery, letting her focus on channeling.

She pulled on her socks and tucked her feet into the new soft inside of the cushioned shoes. It felt nice. She only wore sandals with her uniform, so it was a refreshing change.

When she came out Pat squealed.

"Alona! How are you soo cute!?" She squeezed her in a hug and patted her head. The small Herbivore laughed. Everyone who met her for the first time, treated her like this. They thought with their eyes instead of common sense.

The Blue hair feline, in a similar uniform; but with a black hooded jacket on, once again pulled Alona into the hall and walked her down to the first floor. As they left the stairwell they could hear talking.

In the hallway ahead of them were three girls, standing and smoking cigarettes near the open side door. Trying to stay out of the rain. The red light of the exit sign cast a strange glow in the dim corridor.

Pat waved enthusiastically as they came up to them.

"Guyss!!! Meet my new roommate!!" She chirped out, and moved to the side, gesturing to Alona.

The three girl's eyes went wide when they saw the little thing. Standing shyly, looking up at them from under her fluffy bangs and slightly blushing from embarrassment.

"Alona, this is Michelle." Pat pointed at the short haired, red headed Leopard. She looked like the leader of the group. She was tall and fierce looking.

"Lulu." She lightly tapped the blonde hyena on her left, a thick and athletic looking girl.

"And Minwa." She gestured to the pretty grey fox girl on the right, who smiled warmly at her.

Before Pat could reverse the introduction, Michelle flicked her cigarette out the door and slowly approached Alona, in an effort not to startle the small herbivore. When She was close, the carnivore touched her hair and ears, making the prey animal blush bright red.

Michelle's heart was melting.

"Oh, my goodness, you're the most precious thing I've ever seen!!!" The other two girls were nodding along as they came up around her to swoon and coo.

Alona felt her heart start to race. What was this feeling? She glanced around and realized she was surrounded. Her Prey nature was starting to gnaw at her. And she took a step back.

Was this the instinct she heard about? Her primal nature to survive and run? She felt her legs tense up in anticipation.

"Don't surround her guys you'll scare her. She's fresh from Peace Town so be careful." Pat made space in between them, and they looked apologetic.

"Oh right, our bad. You're just so adorable i couldn't help it. We don't see many herbivores." Minwa said softly. Lulu nodded in agreement. Michelle giggled.

"Alona was it? Let's be good friends. You look too weak to be left alone. I'll make sure none of the girl's mess with you, don't worry. The principle was very clear. And I'm top Girl around here. No one can beat me in a fight." She looked smug when she said it too, she was badass. Alona liked her strength.

Suddenly as if the thought ran in to her pretty head, her spotted ears flicked, and a serious expression crossed her face. She stared into Alona's eyes but kept slowly blinking so the rabbit didn't feel hunted.

"But I can't help you with the boys. I can beat a lot of them up, but the Apex Predators aren't to be messed with, ok? Their just pure Primal rage and hormones, violent and idiotic." Everyone was nodding in agreement and Alona nodded too in understanding.

She made sure to put on a frightened expression and the girls looked at her with pity. Her insides spun in delight at her perfect facade. The pure and innocent bunny who is weak and small. And now she was really into the thick of it. Lulu clapped her hands.

"She should come to Michelle's party tonight! We can introduce her to people!" She suggested and Minwa yipped in excitement.

"Not a bad idea chuckles." Michelle said coolly. And Pat nodded.

"You should Alona! The more people who know your friends with Michelle the better!" She said encouragingly. The little Rabbit giggled.

"Sure, I can hold my liquor!" And everyone looked at her with surprise. Minwa spoke up first.

"Wait how old are you, Alona?" And The Witch laughed at their cute expressions.

"I'm 21 guys." And they looked in disbelief.

"Whaaat?? I thought you skipped a couple grades or something! You're our age?" Lulu's voice sounded shocked. And Alona nodded. The girls looked at one another.

"Is being so short a rabbit thing or a Witch thing?" Michelle giggled out. Alona really laughed at that, harder than she'd planned too.

"Oh, my gawsh." She wiped a tear from her eye.

"It's a Rabbit thing." She laughed out. And the others started losing it with her. When they settled down, they made official plans to meet up that night and with light hearts they parted ways to get ready.