It wasn’t fear that froze Chaos on the steps of large, stone steps of Perfecto Prep. Sure, there were a lot of things that could freeze the puppy where he stood-Heights, the concept of failure, or opossums, just to name a few, but this was far from a sensation of terror that gripped the coyote’s heart. It was hatred. Pure, uncontested, uncontainable, undeniable hatred. It was damn near suffocating. Even after Rhubella’s father somehow managed to talk him into returning, nothing in the world could drown his regret as he set foot past the twin doors and into the wide hallways of the school.

The institute was much as he remembered it; from the well polished floors to the emerald colored lockers that lined the walls. Even the dulcet tone of the school’s bell remained untouched- an apathetic warning tone that sent students scurrying this way and that towards late classes and impatient teachers. It didn’t affect Chaos’ languid shuffle though and he could hardly phantom anything that would. No, he was in no particular rush to greet the new semester.

It took a tremendous surge of will power to pull himself into his first class- Toon History, and once inside, he met with the delicate façade every student was issued with. The infamous Perfecto ‘mask of Kindness.’ The girls smiled at him and giggled to one and other when his back was turned. The boys told him his goggles looked ‘baller’ and ‘cold’ choking back leering grins and venomous sneers. It was cruelty practiced to a masterful art form, with everyone playing their parts. Chaos, too, played his own role, sliding on his mask. It was easier to smile, and shoot a bashful smile towards the girls. To grin and fire back a heartless compliment about a shirt or pair of sneakers. Dabbling in dishonesty and deceit churned something in his stomach, the way it had done every day in the past- and when lunch finally rolled around, he was ready to throw up. But that’s when things started looking up. It had taken a generous portion of the day before he’d finally spotted the reason for his existence at the school in the first place.

Luxuriously soft fur, the finest in overpriced clothing, and clad in only the trendiest shoes, Rhubella Rat sashayed about the lunch room as not unlike a queen through her court. Her kingdom consisted of jocks and dweebs, freaks and geeks, the losers and the strung outs, the overachievers and the bimbos, all of them eager to be her friend- a desire which was trumped only by the eagerness to take her place by whatever means possible.

Chaos, had no such outlining aspirations. He gazed across the sea of hungry students and drew in the rat girl vividly chatting with some other insipid students about some show about vampires. Fake smiles. Fake laughs. Fake friendship. It was almost artistic, really; a masterpiece of cruelty if Chaos had ever seen it. Feigned interests and illusionary loyalty. Much like the school itself- the hollowed out shell of what remained after things like values, morals and ideals long fled. Chaos pursed his lips in contemplation; it was certainly the nicest level of hell- but it was still hell.

He found his appetite, (much like his patience for the school) had evaporated into thin air, and even the steak resting on his plate, in all its glorious succulence could not revive it. It was this school. This wretched, withering, soul siphoning abysmal darkness that had robbed him of the only enjoyment he’d ever gotten from the place; lunch. He’d never realized his hatred for the academy, her students and it’s classes, until he’d kicked out and been offered the chance to go to Acme Loo. And while working under Professor Wile Coyote was no picnic of it’s own; the school grungy and it’s students all from middle class and lower families, Chaos had found them generally pleasant to get along with. At Perfecto Prep, you were lucky if you didn’t ‘disappear’ by the end of the semester just for someone to steal your locker spot.

So caught up in his thoughts and the swirling, unending hatred that burned within him, that he completely failed to notice the young wolf sneaking up behind him. He shrieked. Loudly. Blessed, however, was the scraggy coyote that no one else seemed to hear him over the rampant roar of lunch. Even more so, was the face that the paws that had encircled his eyes and blotted out his vision, belonged to a friendly face.

Juliette Wolf had soft brown fur, shocking yellow and pink hair, and a disposition that could make a wolverine nervous. Clad in traditional Perfecto Prep attire, the girl had a bright green tie about her neck, and a navy skirt cuddling her hips, along with a blazer to match. She flashed Chaos a cheeky grin, and happily nudged him with her hips until he had moved over enough at his table for her to sit next to him.

“Look what the cat dragged in! What are YOU doing here?!” The wolf beamed cheerfully. To Chaos’ credit, while Juliette could be as vicious as the other students in the school- she was far more reserved than they were. In fact, if he didn’t know any better, he’d say she was almost normal. She was also good friends with his sister, and exceedingly good friends with one of his best friends- Foxy. As far as Chaos was concerned, right now, Juliette was quite the welcome face- and she didn’t disappoint. She wrapped an arm around the boy’s sullen shoulders and squeezed him gently.

“Sulking. “Chaos grumbled miserably, shifting the cut of meat about his plate with a few jabs of his fork. “I got talked into attending this rotten school again. I bailed on Acme, all my friends, and all my classes, just to try and keep Rhubella out of trouble. Today’s my first day and it officially sucks. “He snarled.

“Well, for what it’s worth, I’m glad to see you. “The wolf churred quietly, and flashed Chaos a warm smile. The boy raised an eyebrow, and gave a quiet snort of disdain.

“Sure.” He grumbled. When Juliette’s fingers dug into his shoulders, tugging him close enough so they were cold wet nose to cold wet nose, he found she had successfully collected his attention.

“Stop it! Stop that RIGHT now! Do NOT let this school get to you, Chaos! You’re not one of them! You’re not! Don’t act like you are, and don’t you dare become one of those snot nosed, snobby little creeps that run this place!” Juli hissed in a guttural growl, her voice peppered with an inscrutable rage.

“You’re a nice guy, Chaos. You really are…and this school needs more kids like you…this world needs more people like you.” She explained. Chaos waved a paw dismissively and shook his head.

“You haven’t got to worry about me sticking around. I doubt Acme really cares for me anyway. Far as I can tell, I’m probably going to be stuck here, even after the semester is finished. “He explained, leaning back in his seat, his arms crossed and a disgusted look of frustration twisted his features. Juliette flashed the boy a look of abject confusion and Chaos sighed.

“I can see just how it’ll play out.” He explained. “I’m not one to skimp out on taking tests or getting Bs. I’ll be this school’s bitch all over again. And everyone will want the answers for an easy A. And if I refuse, they’ll beat the crap out of me. I’ll bring up the schools test scores. Perfecto will fight tooth and nail to keep me, and Acme…well at Acme I never had that problem. So, I’m trapped here. “The boy sighed glumly. Juliette, however, drew a wide birthed grin across her muzzle.

“Oh, ye of little faith. We can get you back into Acme, no sweat, but first you help me turn this school around- understand? The canine asked. Chaos raised an eyebrow.

“You can get the Looniversity to take me back? …How?” He sneered. Juliette grinned.

“Trust me. When we’re finished, they’ll be fighting for you tooth and nail, just like Perfecto. But first things first; I need your help with a bird.” She quipped. Chaos tilted his head, ears perked and stiff.

“I’m listening.”