Todd saw an absolutely terrified crocodile curled in the farthest corner of the crocodile cage. Fred was cuddled into himself, shaking violently in terror and looking around desperately trying to make sense of the the world.
"H-Hey, big guy!" Todd whispered. "What's wrong?"
"W-What..." Fred gulped. "What happened? What is this?!" He voice was deep, growly, male, but somehow the fear came through. He stared at Todd and Gretta staring back at him and audibly gulped as he continued to tremble. "What's... what's happened to me?"
"It's okay, big guy." Todd whispered, trying to comfort the poor reptile. "You can leave now. You're free."
"Free." The crocodile repeated softly, calming himself slowly and only shaking a little. "Yes. Free." He stared at the open door in shock. "I know what that means." Fred slowly but cautiously uncurled and approached the door. He staggered back quickly.
"What's wrong?" Todd blinked, alarmed.
"You're human." Fred said warily. "Y-You're... you're... my enemy. Why are you letting me out? What game is this?"
Gretta cleared her throat gently and carefully climbed up onto the rim of the doorway out. Fred eyed her suspiciously and then softened his stance somewhat.
"You're..." Fred closed his eyes and tried to work his new inexperienced mind. "You're Gretta..." He whispered, opening his eyes. "Aren't you?"
"Yeah." Gretta nodded gently. "You're Fred. We've... we've lived together for a long time."
"Did... did they want us to breed?" Fred raised an eye ridge. "The people?"
"Yeah." Gretta shrugged. "I guess."
"I... I'm sorry. I don't like you that way." Fred admitted. "I... remember."
"Yeah, I know." Gretta said testily. She softened herself and admitted she was a little relieved. "It's okay, buddy. I could tell you weren't into me. Sorry I snapped at your tail."
"Aw..." Fred looked back and eyed the scar on his long tail. A bunch of subtle chunks were permenantly gone from the side, perfectly spaced into a row of teeth. "It's... it's okay, Gretta. I know I was in your way."
Todd smiled gently at the somewhat heartwarming scene and looked to each crocodile as they exchanged a long meaningful glance.
"Is... he... safe?" Fred nosed towards Todd.
Gretta nodded gently. "Friend." She said simply. "He made you like this. Be nice to him."
"Oh." Fred suddenly seemed to drain of color. "I'm so sorry, human. I didn't know." He paused and remembered. "I... don't know anything, really. I've been here my whole life."
"It's okay, Fred." Todd leaned in, carefully stroking the big boy's snout and seeing his color return slowly. "I'm Todd. We're gonna go help get some other animals free here. Do you want to come help us?"
"Huh." Fred brightened. "Yeah! Sure!"
"Guess... you're not that bad." Gretta almost smiled. "Well, let's go."