TEEN: - Complete Mulberry Winterchill Ingenuity

Palamon · Jan 2, 2026

I'm trying something new, cross posting a fic on two forums at the same time. For those who don't know, I have a multiverse anthology collection which I title Across the Siorcverse,this is the third book in that short story collection. You do not need to read those to read this. Anyway, the other two books are Violet Midsummer Phantasm, Periwinkle Springtime Reverie.

These are all basically standalone anthologies that all chronicle different Siorcs across the multiverse. Some are fandom, while others are not. These can be read in any order as they are all just short stories. None of them are connected with one another other than being all collected into this little book. There will be thirteen of them, so enjoy.

At the end of each episode, the artwork of the specific Siorc in the multiverse you are reading will be included.

Some content warnings: Mild cartoon violence, mild crude language, otherwise no other content warnings apply.

A Hyena Coder Turned Digidestined

"Hello there, my name is Siorc Ingne and I'm a hyena chimera!
I'm eighteen years old, and I live in Denmark, I recently graduated, it's now Late June, I'm

Making a digital pet game with flower monsters to raise, such as a
Yucca cat, a rose bunny, and

Not to mention, the best one, a cute sunflower puppy! I
Am hoping to find a toy company over the summer who
Might want to hear my pitch,
Except, I am not exactly a talker.

I added a text to
Speech track to my presentation though if toy companies

Start reaching out to me, but
I doubt they will, guess I'll submit my pitch to everyone
Over the summer, but there's one big
Ridiculous elephant in the room I
Can't not

Address. My mother
Seems to think it'd be a
Perfect idea to send me to summer camp. To that
I say, not happening! I'm eighteen! She's
Ridiculous. She thinks
If she sends me to the summer camp in London, I'll talk to people. And,
Nope, that's not
Going to happen! She

Probably doesn't know this but that camp is
Ran by and mostly attended by humans
Over ninety five percent if I had to
Guess! Humans are
Rancid, the moment I
Accidentally have
My tail stick out, they
Make fun of me every single time!
Every single time, she thinks this is a
Rad adventure for me?

It's not! I don't know why
Mother thinks to think sending

Me here would be
A grand old time, but she
Knows that
I don't like that camp, but
No! Send me anyway,
Go ahead! I

Am going to

Find a way to get out of it, but it's
Likely she won't allow it.
Oh, for the love of, I'm eighteen!
Why do I
Even have to go? This is
Rancid. I'm an adult now!

Maybe I can convince her this will
Obviously ruin my development time. Right, I
Need to finish this
Soon, I am going
To the tech institute at the
End of August! But,
Roar, nope, I am

Pretty sure that won't
Even work if I
Tell her I am

Going to college soon. I
Am not going to convince her at all, I bet.
Mother is an
Especially stubborn in her ways.

But, I have to convince her! But,
Ultimately, I know
That I never will.

Mother, come
On, I am an adult! Okay, I
Might only have become an adult

In the past two months, but
She doesn't care!

Guess I am going to be forced
Over that camp
No matter what, ah
No, if she's stubborn
About sending me, I need to out stubborn her. But, I

Feel like that's
Obviously impossible.
Roar, it's
Completely impossible indeed.
Every year I try, but I am forced to anyway.

My brother, his name is Pira, who is twelve years older than me,
Every single time, he

Tells me, 'you know, kiddo, just go. It'll make our mother happy.'
Obviously, he doesn't

Get it. He hasn't moved
Out because he helps out with

The family business, but he's
Out of touch with

Chimera youth!
Ah well,
Maybe it'll be cancelled!
Please, camp, get cancelled!

It's going to be a
Million degrees anyway,

Everything should be cancelled,
It'll be a scorcher in London. But, I
Guess no one cares.
Haha, I am going
To be forced on the bus
Either way, and
Every single human will as usual, want
Nothing to do with me.

Not like I want anything to do with any
Of them either!

This will
Hinder my programming! I
Am sure mother will take all my chargers again. Ugh, I
Need to prepare myself, I'll
Keep one hidden
Somewhere in my room she will

Never think to look!
Ohoho, that's genius.
This will work this time. I'm not

Going to camp, though.
Oh, please, cancel
It all. I
Never asked for this anyway. I'm not
Going, and that's final!"

Tip, tap, tap, tip, tap, tippity, tap, tap, tap, tappity, toop, tap.

It had been a rather sunny day over the summer skies of Copenhagen, Denmark. The outdoor markets were thriving, the fruits were selling like hot radishes. The young children were outside playing to their heart's content. The early days of Summer Vacation had been full swing across the entirety of Europe. But, for one particular newly emerged adult, the only thing of interest was the screen laid out in front.

Tip, tap, tap, tap, tap, tippity, tap, tap, tap, tappity, toop, tap.

Typing away rapidly at a large two monitored desktop had been a feminine appearing humanoid eighteen year old hyena chimera with long dark purple hair that went down to about the backside. Bangs nearly falling above the eyes, the person moved them away. Ah, man, maybe it was about time to trim these. Nah, that's what happens when sleeping right beside the keyboard, never mind. Mismatched purple and green eyes glued to a graphical display out in front, a frilly white shirt had been wrinkled to oblivion. Checkboard skort with holes all over it, a hyena tail swished from behind.

Tip, tap, tap, tap, tippity, tap, tap, tappity, toop, tap.

Large graphical interface showing a small yellow colored rabbit with with roses decorating it everywhere, the individual opened up a pitch black screen with green text all over it. How should this flower pet be programmed to behave? Ah, timid, right, that would work. After all, rabbits run away from humans and chimeras alike all the time! Better put that in the code.

Tip, tap, tap, tap, tippity, tap, tap, tappity, toop, tap.

Behavioral patterns added, the new adult swiped to the next digital pet creature. Little prickly kitty sprite colored slightly green, the individual placed the finger on the chin. What was needed to be tweaked for this one? Ah, right, the yucca cat needed a few adjustments to some of its battle prowess. The prickly defense wasn't working correctly. Opening up the code, the recent graduate groaned at what waited on the screen.

Multiple errors laid out in the open, the individual was ready to close the console. Why had there been so many errors on this one? If big toy companies see this sloppy job, no one will ever take this idea and run with it! Time to restart this one from scratch. Was this one programmed while half asleep again? Probably, oops. Time to fix that, that's for sure.

Tip, tap, tap, tap, tippity, tap, tap, tappity, toop, tap.

Error. Error. Invalid argument.

Computer screaming, the hyena banged the head upon the desk. Oh, no, what's wrong now? Wait, hold on, why were the battle commands all else if? Probably shouldn't have worked on this one while half asleep. Backspace pressed for what felt like all of eternity, the new adult could feel smoke ready to eat the world alive. Man, there's so many errors in this one. Yucca cat is so not ready for the upcoming alpha test.

Hearing a pesky knock on the other side of the door, the chimera backed up the computer chair. Who could that possibly be this early in the morning? Can't the world see there's much more important things to get done here? Forget getting that, there's coding to be done. Tip, tap, tap, tap, tip, tip, tip.

But, the distraction had only begun to get louder as the seconds paraded around the room. Removing the self from the chair, the chimera grit the teeth. Ugh, can't everyone in this house see the door is closed right now? No? The world sees a closed door and think it's an open invitation to disturb everyone. Sighing, the new adult reached for a notepad.

Bending the door back, an annoying face soon awaited the chimera. Standing at the entrance had been a rather tall humanoid adult male hyena chimera with pine green hair pulled into a high ponytail. Sharp piranha teeth out on display, a tracksuit looked ready to fall apart at any given moment. Blue violet eyes sharp as a tack, the hyena looked away. Why was Pira always awake and raring to go so early in the morning? Even at the ripe age of thirty, nothing will ever slow him down.

"Good morning, kiddo," Pira greeted, tone energetic. "Were you up all night coding again?"

Finger pointed at the monitors, the new adult's left eyebrow twitched. Why did he always have to point at everything? Didn't anyone ever teach him that pointing was rude? No? Guess not. Ugh, what could he possibly want this early in the morning for anyway? He was taking away precious coding time! Pen in hand, the scribbles had begun.

[Yes, I was, does it matter? It's my last summer vacation before I go off to college. Unless, of course, I hit it big and a toy company wants to hear my ideas now.] A written note said.

"Siorc, I hate to burst your bubble, but that's probably not going to happen," Pira said, shaking his head. "I like your enthusiasm, but the moment you present your ideas to a big tech company, they'll expect you to talk about it. And, when you don't, they'll say, 'he wasted our time, get him out of here!' You're not ready for that yet."

Same annoying point brought to his attention, the chimera rolled his eyes. Why does he have to say this every single time for? First of all, he has technology. He can have a text to speech voice read out his slides for him, it's that easy. And, it's not like he had to speak to present his ideas. Besides, CEOs are looking for young people fresh out of high school. Scribbling away, he could feel the dreaded rejection ready to come back for me.

[It's fine, I'll have a text to speech program read out my presentation slides. I did that in school and I still graduated, didn't I? I'm totally ready for the business world. In fact, I might submit my idea today!] A written note said.

"Are you sure you want to do that, kiddo?" Pira asked, tone concerned. "You know, you're going to summer camp in London next week. You're not going to have time for any of that."

Dreaded words bathing him deep, the new adult placed a fist behind his back. No, not that, anywhere but that summer camp in London again. He thought he told mother at least ten times that he was not going back there. It was full of humans! Every single year he were to go, not a single chimera ever attended. Please, don't make him go! Why punish him like this?

Stamping his slipper upon the ground, the recent graduate let out a little hmph. Why should he have to go this year too? He's eighteen, for crying out loud! He's an adult now. He's not a child anymore! Hadn't he aged out of this stupid camp by now? That's right, they definitely only allowed kids from six to seventeen! Which, he's not anymore, by the way. He's staying in his room all summer coding, goodbye.

[What are you talking about, Pira? I'm an adult now. I don't have to go to that summer camp anymore! I've aged out!] A written note cried.

"You know that's not true, and it hasn't been for the past ten years," Pira said, shaking his head. "I'm afraid you won't age out until you're twenty one."

Dreaded words coming his way, the chimera could feel a ball ready to drop down on top of him any second now. Excuse him, what? No way, that couldn't have possibly been true! He had totally aged out by now. Please, tell him Pira's pulling his leg. He's not going to that horrid human polluted summer camp. Not this year, nope.

[Well, she can't make me go! I'm an adult, and I can make my own decisions!] A written paper note cried.

"Pretty sure she already signed you up again," Pira responded, shrugging. "Anyway, we need to head to the market soon. Mother needs us to get a few things."

Usual mother antics tossed his way, the hyena let out a sigh. He swears, mother always forgot a few things at the store on purpose to make him go there! Well, sorry, that's not going to work. He knew her tricks, and he could play them like a fiddle! No, two fiddles. Three? Okay, whatever, his point still stands.

[What does she need us to get this time?] A written note asked.

"The usual, kiddo," Pira said, looking at a shopping list. "Eggs and sausages. She wants us to go to the meat market to get them, and you know she won't take no for an answer."

[Give me twenty minutes.] A written note said.

"Alright, kiddo," Pira responded, looking at his watch. "But, try not to take too long, mother wants to make breakfast at around nine."

[You act like I take six hours to get ready! I'll be done in twenty minutes. Now, can you please go so I can pick out my clothes?] A written note asked, the word go had been circled.

Brother exiting, the new adult let out a sigh. He swore, sometimes Pira was a stand in for father. Why did he always have to be away on a million business trips? Was gathering history from South America all that important? Ah, well, not his problem. Digging through his drawers, he slammed the restroom door shut.

Quick cleansing out the way, the recent graduate held back a screech as he looked in his mirror. No, no, no, why are there blemishes on his face? He didn't give off that sweaty gamer look right about now, did he? Hyena spots glaring daggers at him as well, the concealer had been rubbed on every which way. Ugh, summer camp is going to make him break out all over too, he bet.

Pulling his hair up into two low pigtails, a bright green sundress with sunflowers on it had soon been pulled over his short body. Matching hairpins and earrings clicked on as well, he twirled. Hmm, he could use a little mascara right about now. Such soon applied, he cracked his knuckles. Time to get this dumb shopping trip over with. Black slipons soon eating his feet, he headed off towards the entrance.

"Ready to go, kiddo?" Pira asked.

[Can we make this quick? I'd like to go back to coding.] Words on his phone screen said.

"I don't know, kiddo, it'll probably be a busy morning, but we can try. Let's go." He stepped out the door.

Stepping out in kind, the blazing sun was ready to melt the chimera into a puddle. Since when was late June this sweltering? Someone ought to do something about climate change! But, no! Clearly no one cares about that anymore. Blah, blah, blah, the world is doomed, bloo, bloo, blee, what's the point in trying? Everyone on social media was always acting like that, it's so annoying.

Hearing multiple kids along the way to the meat market blabbering about some magical, digital world, the hyena held back the urge to laugh. The digital world, huh? If only there were a digital world he could escape to instead of going to summer camp, now that would be a dream! But, there was no such thing, was there? Probably not, oh well. He's stuck in this cold, hard, icy world.

Word digital monsters floating around as well, the chimera held back the urge to sigh. A digital world with digital monsters, huh? If only he could go on an adventure with little yucca cat. But, that's never going to happen. There is no digital world. Virtual Reality may have been immersive, but come on now, it wasn't real. Was this what being an adult felt like? Maybe he had lost all his whimsy in life.

Reaching the meat market, a pesky busy world waited for him. Multiple kids tugging their mothers sleeves talking about the digital world over and over again, the new adult tried to keep it together. Why are so many kids talking about this today? Honestly, the VR World had been getting way too immersive. The youth had lost touch with reality. Been there, done that!

Eggs and sausages in the basket, the recent graduate tried to recall. What else did they need again? Pira on the opposite side of the store, he held in the urge to run. When did he tell him they were splitting up? Why did he have to think so hard about that digital world nonsense? Dashing to the back, he huffed a breath.

"No need to rush, kiddo, I was just about to go to the counter with you," Pira said. "Something wrong?"

[Nothing, it's noisy here, that's all.] A written note said.

"Right, well, let's go then." He stepped in front.

Employees glaring daggers at him, the new adult hurried off towards self checkout. Why did mother have to forget the eggs again? All the humans would always stare at his tail when he was out and about! But, no, make Pira and he go out every time she wants them. She forgot them, his behind. Everything placed in the bag, he ran out of the store as fast as possible.

Returning home with time to spare, the chimera placed the eggs and sausage by the stove. Can he just rot in his room and code the rest of the summer? Please. Why can't mother see spending an entire six weeks with those pesky humans will do more harm than good! The second she comes out of her room, he's bringing out the big guns.

Pira screaming they got the eggs and sausage, feet stomped through like a barrel role. Dark purple haired middle aged hyena chimera woman making her grand entrance, those annoying violet eyes locked onto him. Oh, great, here comes mother. She had better not bring up summer camp, he swears to the digital warlords!

"Good morning, boys," his mother greeted. She then turned towards Siorc. "You excited for summer camp next week?"

Wretched words coming his way, the hyena tried with all his might to not let out a whistle of doom. Excuse him, why would he excited to go to that wretched place? He's not going there, and that's final! He thought he told her at least ten times after he graduated he won't be attending that place no matter what! He supposed he had to remind her again, huh? Typing away, he could feel his blood ready to boil.

[Mother, I told you I'm not going to that summer camp! I'm an adult now, and besides, I have to finish coding that digital pet game before I start college! I won't have time for that, what a shame!] Words on his phone screen said.

"Silly Siorc, you know you're auto enrolled!" his mother exclaimed. "You're going. Maybe you'll finally find someone you want to talk to this year."

Demanding tone coming his way, the recent graduate bit his lower lip. Oh, no, she's using that voice again. And, what did she just say? He'll find someone he wants to talk to? Nope, better pronounce him dead instead because that won't happen in a million years! Typing away, he tried to not growl.

[I tell you every year that the entire camp is full of humans! I'm the only chimera there. Please, stop sending me! Can't I go to a coding camp instead? It'll give me some training before I go of to college!] Words on his phone screen said.

"Aww, I'm sure it won't be that bad!" his mother cried. "You say that every year, and you always come home with a huge smile on your face!" She boiled the sausages with a hum, tone whimsical.

Mother bringing up falsehoods, the hyena could feel the defense ready to bounce back. Of course he came home with a smile on his face. He was away from that prison after all! But, no, just pretend that's not the case like always. But, why even bother trying to fight? No matter what he were to say, she'd have something to throw back at him. But, no, he must fight. He's not going, and that's final!

[I'm eighteen, I don't need to go anymore, I'm an adult!] His phone screen said.

"As long as you live under my roof, you live under my rules," his mother said back. "You're going to summer camp whether you like it or not. You can't sit in your room all summer and code, sweetie. You need sunshine."

Sausage and eggs plastered in front of him, the chimera wolfed them down in an instant. He didn't need to listen to her. He'll show her, a toy company will call him up the day he departs for summer camp and he won't be able to go! Haha, suck on that egg, mother! Returning to his room, he typed away. He'll show her, he bets he'll have so many people to present to, he won't even make it to London!

But, none of that happened as the next seven days raced to the finish line. Not a single toy company contacting him, he tried what felt like a million other excuses. He's allergic to the sun. Nope, failed. He just remembered he had a summer job that he took. A laugh in the face. He remembered, he signed up to go to the park and clean it up all summer! F. Pesky day arriving, he nearly stomped out the door.

[You can't make me go! I'm not going on that bus to London!] A handwritten note shouted.

"See you later, kiddo," Pira said waving.

"Bye, sweetie, make a lot of friends this year!" his mother said.

Honk, honk.

Pesky bus tooting its horn, the chimera tossed his shirts across the room. Oops, his tote bag exploded! Guess he can't go to summer camp now, huh? What a shame! Shirts put right back in, his back had been pushed out the door. No, no, no, no! This is not happening right now. He needs to stall, quick!

[Woah, would you look at that? Dad's calling, you'd better pick it up!] A handwritten note shouted.

But, such failed in an instant, bus doors opening his shoulders were locked. White flag waved as the driver gave him dirty looks, he knew. He's not going not win this battle, is he? Pesky wave of doom coming his way again, he had been pushed up thee steps further. Make him trip on the floor while she's at it, why doesn't he?

"See you in six weeks!" his mother exclaimed.

Doors shutting tight, the chimera dragged himself to the furthest seat from the back. Humans already glaring at him pointing disgusted fingers, he leaned in. Ah, great, it's already begun. Please, can they just leave him alone? Creature rumbling, he knew this would be a long six hour ride. Multiple stops filling the creature up quick, the last few seats soon filled up. Please, don't let a human be next to him.

"Ugh, I can't believe mom is making me go to this camp!" a high pitch voice cried. "I told her, no, I don't want to go to London, can't we just go back to Hong Kong already?' But, no! She told me my foreign exchange program can't end unless I go to camp with humans, of all people!"

"You too?" another voice asked.

"Man, same," a third voice said.

Sitting next to him had been a panda girl with bright red hair pulled into two high twintails. Camp shirt crossed out with markers, he tried not to laugh. How he wished he could do that, but his mother dried up all the markers, sigh. Spiky, bubble gum haired girl with a fish tail behind her on the seat on the opposite end, a black haired rabbit girl was next to her, gazing out the window. Eyes soon on him, he reached for a pen and paper.

"Sorry, was I too loud?" the red haired panda girl asked.

"Yeah, like, super loud," another voice on the front seat said.

"Could you can it?" another voice asked.

"Whoops, sorry!" the red haired panda girl cried. "Wow, there sure are a lot of chimeras here this year." She then crooked her head to the person next to her. "Oh, wow, you're a chimera, too? Cool. I thought I was going to be the only one."

"Could you shut your mouth already?" the voice in the seat in front asked.

"Yes, please, shut it," the voice next to them said.

Studying the two heads peeking from the top of the seat, the new adult did a quintuple take. Seated on the left portion had been a tall, tan, feminine appearing person with gazelle horns on the top of their head. Blueish green hair as spiky as ever, their eyes looked ready to explode. Golden haired guy with a snake tail touching the top of the seat, his black eyes were reptilic. Man, there sure were a lot of chimeras here. Scribbling away, he could feel eyes ready to size him up once again.

[Please, could you not say that word out loud? I already have enough eyes on me as it is!] A handwritten note cried.

"Oh, sorry, am I not supposed to say that? Or am I supposed to be ashamed of what I am?" the red haired panda asked. "You need to have more confidence in your heritage, come on!" She pumped her fists as she said such. "By the way, I'm Shenlong. Why don't you tell me all your names? Then I'll be quiet the whole ride!"

"Ugh, I bet you're just saying that to talk more!" the bubble gum pink haired girl cried. "Whatever, I'm Bain. Eighteen, and my mother demanded I go to summer camp, I guess. So, here I am, on my way to London."

"And, I am Shunko," the black haired rabbit girl said. "I, too, am a foreign exchange student. Pleased to meet you." She then lowered her voice into a whisper. "Keep this between us, but I'm only going because I heard that last year, some of the kids got sent to the digital world and went on an adventure with monsters."

"You can't be serious, that's just a legend!" the gazelle horned stranger cried. "But, whatever, I'm Kelebek. Turned nineteen the other day. But, no, I have to go to this stupid camp anyway."

"If introducing myself will make you all shut your mouths, I may as well," the golden haired snake tailed guy said. "I'm Elenk. Don't wear it out."

"And you?" Shenlong asked. "You seem like the quiet type."

Eyes glued to him, the chimera groaned. Did he really have to introduce himself, like come on now. But, he knew if he didn't, this Shenlong girl would talk his ear off for all of eternity. Might as well get it over with before that happens. Scribbling away with all his might, he almost wanted to write down a few questions.

[My name is Siorc. Please don't attract attention to us while at camp, okay?] A written note asked.

"Alright, sorry," Shenlong said, voice lowered. "But, it's not like everyone doesn't know anyway."

Earbuds soon in, the hyena tinkered away on his coding app. Man, this is going to be a long ride, isn't it? Please, don't let the human campers look at him again, he's tired of their stares! Tip tappying away, the little yucca kitty mewed up a storm as he checked the test environments. Ugh, there it goes again. He needed to set a frequency for that to close to zero.

Six hours passing, crusty old London waited for him. Pesky older adult humans demanding everyone get off in an orderly fashion, whispers had come his way again. Please, stop looking at him! He knows, he's a chimera, he's hideous. Stop reminding him every single year! Reaching the end, something peculiar soon happened.

"Chimeras go to the left line, humans go to the right," a loudspeaker squeaked.

Stepping onto the left line, four other chimeras had been out in front. Seeing such, the new adult's eyes wandered. One, two, there was ten including himself? Well, that's new. Gazing at the camp counselors at the front of the line, he did a double take. Hold on a second, were they also chimeras? Is he dreaming right now? Pinch him.

Tall, blond man with golden penguin crests and a white track suit, his hair went down to about his shoulders. Fiery orange eyes looking ready to burn, he had two front teeth sticking out. Why did he feel like he's seen this man on television once or twice before? He didn't know, he hardly watched television, but when he did, mother always switched to the nature channel.

Standing next to him had been a short, dark skinned androgynous jackal person with dark blue hair pulled into a side bun. Fancy looking summer wear over them, they too had orange eyes looking ready to burn. Looking away for a moment, the recent graduate wondered. When did they hire chimera counselors here? Did someone pull the strings for this? Who knows.

"Hello, there, kids, welcome to camp," the jackal person cried. "You can call me Mister Folu."

"And, I am Mister Konig," the penguin man said. "And, you had better all behave yourselves! No sneaking out at night!"

"We're not kids, we're adults!" a high pitched voice up front cried.

"Yeah, we're all like, eighteen and nineteen!" another voice cried. "Totally adults!"

"Mhm, whatever you say!" Mister Konig shouted. "We're taking you to your cabins now. Don't stray off the line!"

Hearing chatter about the digital world again, the hyena's eyes wandered. Could there really have been a digital world out there? But, he shook his head at such. No, of course not, why would there be? That was all made up nonsense anyway! And besides, how would they get there? Thoughts cut off, the cabin had soon been reached.

Only one singular cabin available, the new adult's eyes twitched. Uh, weren't they supposed to separate the men and women? Not that he was either, but even still. Multiple voices asking such question, a dry answer had soon been returned. Take it or leave it? Aren't these two supposed to be the older adults here? Oh, well, best to not argue. Group of ten flocking in, a sight of horror to behold took the stage.

Rotting beds everywhere, the world was ready to shatter. This was the only cabin left? It's full of bugs everywhere! Didn't anyone bother to clean it when camp was closed? Those humans in charge, what was going through their heads? He didn't know, that's for sure. Boots stomping in, he tried to keep it together.

"You all need to be awake by eight every morning," Mister Folu said. "And, every night, we will sit together by the campfire to talk about our days. And, remember, lights out by eleven!"

"Aight, old man, can you go now?" a tenor voice asked.

"Excuse me? I'll have you know I'm only thirty!" Mister Folu cried.

"Cool, can you go now?" Sarcasm was on the air.

Counselors leaving, the hyena shook up a storm. There's even more cockroaches than last year! Great, this is going to be a horrible six weeks. Please, can he blink and it be all over? Taking the bottom bunk on the left side of the room, someone soon screamed on the other side of the room.

"Say, ya'll heard about the digital world, right?" a high pitched voice asked.

"Uh, yeah? What about it?" an alto voice asked.

"Like, yeah, I heard a bit," a soprano voice asked.

"Yes, hon, I have heard of it," a high pitched tenor voice asked. "Why?"

"I heard many kids here have gotten sent to the digital world while at the campfire at night," the high pitch voice called out again. "You think we might get to go next? Between you and me, I only came here 'cause of that rumor. I want to get away from the humans! Don't ya'll?"

Standing in the middle of the room had been a short tan lizard person with light brown hair pulled into a low ponytail. Fancy vest on them, they had long, curled claws. Striped tail behind them, on their left ear had been one earring. Little digital pet toy on their belt, he tried to not sigh dreamily. Maybe he can get this chimera to test out his new game.

Looking around with her face buried in her phone had been a short goat woman with blue green hair that went down to about the end of her neck. Two short pigtails at the top, he almost recognized this chick. Oh, isn't she that streamer, uh, Kylling the Goat? He didn't know, did it matter? Dark brown haired bird man with a high ponytail as well looking rather skeptical, he turned to the last person. Dark skinned panther girl with long sea green hair and a pitch black dress to match, she had a few scars on her face for some reason. She seemed like she was into martial arts, he didn't know why.

"Maybe?" the panther girl asked. "But, you know, that's just a rumor, right?"

"No, it's true, I'm telling you!" the lizard person cried. "You guys should totally read the camp message board from last year!"

"Hon, you know, they could be lying," the bird man said, shaking his head. "Ah, well, since it seems like we'll be together for the next six weeks, why don't we introduce ourselves? I'm Raven. I'm from France. Nice to meet you."

"Really? We're just going to move on from the big reveal?!" the lizard person said. "I'm Velours. And, you'll see! The digital world is real!"

"Digital world this, digital world that!" the blue haired goat cried. "Whatever, name's Kylling, don't wear it out! Ireland, born and raised! And, I'm gonna get a million followers while I'm here!"

"You know they'll probably take your phone away if they see you streaming, right?" the panther girl asked. "I'm Waiola. And, it's not your business where I'm from."

"Woah, you ashamed of your heritage or something?" Shenlong asked. "I'm Shenlong, nice to meet you!"

"Bain, also French, and I'm not going to hide it," Bain greeted.

"I am Shunko, nice to meet you," Shunko greeted. "And, I highly doubt there is a digital world out there, honestly, so let's get along together, okay?"

"Kelebek," Kelebek greeted. "As long as you don't touch my things, I don't care, I'm cool with you guys."

"I'm Elenk, and to save you all the trouble, that quiet dude over there is Siorc," Elenk said, groaning. "Now, can you all shut it and pick your beds? I get the top drawer, by the way! No takebacks!"

Everyone introducing themselves, the new adult shoved his clothes into the bottom drawer. Creepy crawlies climbing out one after another, tears streamed down his face. Ah, no, please, can six weeks be up already? Why didn't he bring some bug spray with him? Too late for that now, he guessed. Everything put away, he plopped himself beneath the covers. Goodnight world.

But, the next evening after boring camp activities ended, the first nighttime campfire had been quite strange. Something flickering every once in awhile, the new adult tried to pass it off as the humans on the other side of the camp lighting sparklers. They did that every year, after all. Marshmallow roasted over the flame, he swore that strange light only grew brighter by the second.

Campfire getting a little fuzzy, the hyena tried to focus. What is this feeling? Why does everything feel so light? Intense blinding light taking over the area, he covered his ears. Is a firework going to eat him alive? Maybe it was. Everyone around him screaming, he kept his mouth shut. Yup, here they come, the sparklers are going to eat him alive.

Crash, splash, sploosh.

Opening his eyes, a beach he had never seen before laid itself out in front of him. Palm trees stuck in the sand, the new adult rubbed his eyes. Huh? Where is he? Is he dreaming? Pinching his wrist, he let out a hiss. Ow! No, he's most certainly awake right now. Where is this? Something's not right.

Little creature with a floppy pink head and tiny green body and a yellow sapling on the top of their head sleeping next to him, he turned at the noise in the corner. Chimera campmates here as well rubbing their sides, a million questions flowed through him. Those fireworks, had they done something? Ah, no, that couldn't have been possible.

"Ugh, where are we?" Shenlong asked, groaning. She then jumped. "Why's this dragon sleeping next to me?!"

Small, light blue dragon with a white underbelly and red horns snuggling up next to Shenlong, the chimera placed his finger on his chin. He's seen this critter before on the digital pet developers forums. Or, had he? Honestly, they looked like a standard monster in a roleplaying game. Wait, hold on a second. Was this? No. Of course not, why would he be in the digital world? Silly him.

"My head hurts," Bain groaned. She then gazed at the water, something locking eyes with her. "Uh, hello there, who are you?"

"Hmm, a creature is looking at you, too?" Shunko asked. "How strange. Uh, hi there, do you know where we are?"

Strange green fish with orange spots on it, the creature had rather pointy teeth. Man, did that thing look rather scary. It didn't eat chimeras, did it? Please, don't let that be the case here, he's not tasty! Little blue tadpole creature looking ready to flop out of the water, the party of two soon put toothy smiles on their face.

"Hi, there, my name is Swimmon," the fish said. "And, I'm your Digimon partner."

"And, I'm Otomamon," the tadpole said. "Are you Shunko?"

Word Digimon dropped out into the open, the hyena turned his attention towards the little sleeping critter next to him. Wait a second, did that fish call itself a Digimon? Did that stand for Digital Monster? He's dreaming right now, right? Pinch him, please, he's definitely in a long, vivid dream right about now.

"Did that thing over there just call itself a Digimon?" Kelebek asked. They then turned towards a cartoony ghost creature with no face and a black hat. "Let me guess, you're a Digimon, too?"

"Yup, yup, name's Soulmon, nice to meetchya!" the ghost monster cried.

"Tell me I'm dreaming, wake me up, please," Elenk groaned. He then turned towards a pink lizard. "Before you say some hero of the universe nonsense, just tell me your name and can it."

"Um, my name is Elizamon," a little pink and blue quadruped lizard creature said. "Eek!"

"See? See? I told you there was a digital world, didn't I?!" Velours cried. "I told you, I all told you!" They then pointed at their Digimon. "This is my partner, Kotemon! Come on, say hello!"

"Hmph," the creature said.

Fencing armor lizard creature looking away, the chimera studied the other three creatures beside everyone else. Red mask wearing flower creature beside Kylling, the new adult could feel a major mismatch. Uh, that definitely doesn't fit, does it? Brown falcon creature with sharp metallic talons beside Raven, he nodded. Those two seem perfect for one another, maybe. Little orange lion critter with a mean look on their face, he turned his attention back towards his own partner. Wake up, please?

"Alright, I guess you were right," Kylling groaned. She then turned towards her partner. "So, what's your name? You wanna become famous with me?"

"Sure, I'm Floramon," Floramon said.

"I must admit, hon, you were right," Raven said, loose hair on the top of his head jiggling. "Your name is Falcomon, I presume? If my boyfriend came to camp with me, he'd be very jealous of you taking my attention."

"Yup, yup, that's right," the falcon creature said.

"And, you are?" Waiola asked in a tired tone. She then sighed. "How do we get home?"

"Liollmon is the name," the little lion creature said. "And, I dunno, when most campers get sent here, they try to look for the Digi King, or something. But, they usually fail and just get sent back early. You'll probably end up like them, I bet."

Shenlong's little dragon soon waking up, the hyena swore the little creature soon puffed fire up a storm. Backing away, the chimera covered his eyes. That dragon, did it just puff out a fireball? Oh, no, oh, no, can someone bring him to the closest exit and send him back to camp? No, Siorc, calm down, it's not like he hasn't seen it before! Keep it cool.

"Hey, that's not true!" the dragon creature shouted. "These kids are the next Digidestined, ya know!"

"Dracomon's right, Liollmon, they're the next Digidestined!" Swimmon exclaimed. "If Lalamon would just wake up, she'd explain." The fish then rose their voice. "Lalamon, wake up, rise and shine!"

Little seedling creature opening their eyes, the chimera studied them for a moment. Small circular pitch black eyes looking slightly fatigued, the information had begun to swim through the new adult's head. Wait, just a second, hold on, hold the phone. Actually, no, hold the digital device attached to his skirt. Excuse him, so, they're all Digidestined? What even is that? Also, second, he's an adult, and not to mention, a chimera, does he even qualify for that? No, probably not. Should he just find a way home? Maybe. Or, maybe not.

"Hmm?" Lalamon asked, yawning. "What's up, Swimmon?"

"The Digidestined are here," Swimmon said.

"Oh, is that all?" Lalamon asked, yawning. "You explain it for me. I'm sleepy."

"Okay, well, you see--" Swimmon started to explain, but a loud hup cut them off.

"No, no need to explain, I think I get it, this is like that anime I watched when I was a little panda kid back in Hong Kong," Shenlong said, hand up in the air. "So, we're the next generation of Digidestined, and together, we need to save the digital world in order to get back home. Did I get that right?"

"Woah! Overzealous much?" Elenk cried.

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure that you overstated our purpose here, man," Bain sighed.

"You sure about that, like, I think we could get a million followers if we act like we're heroes, and stuff!" Kylling cried.

"Is that all you ever think about?" Waiola groaned.

Childhood anime mentioned, the hyena placed his finger on his chin. That show did sound familiar. He recalled watching something like that a few times and thinking he wanted to make a digital pet toy all his own after finishing the whole thing. But, no, that had to have been a coincidence, right? Probably.

"Well, I think that sounds about right, honestly," Raven said. "Falcomon, that is what a Digidestined is, no?"

"Pretty much, yes," Falcomon said. "Man, it's been so long since we've had new Digidestined."

"How long, might I ask?" Shunko asked.

"I asked that already, and they said the last one was twenty years ago," Velours said, swiping their finger across their nose. "So, let's be the best Digidestined this world has ever seen!"

Everyone except Kelebek cheering, the chimera once again gazed at his sleepy partner. Was he really, truly, this Digidestined thing these critters were talking about? Did he really deserve to be called such a thing? Maybe he didn't. Maybe he should try to find a way to get back to camp. Should he say something? He could feel his fingers begin to itch.

"I don't know," Kelebek said, sighing. "Are you really sure we're these Digidestineds they're talking about? Honestly, this is coming off as real fishy, don't you think?"

"We promise you, we're telling the truth," Elizamon said shaking. "You really are the Digidestined, and we need you to save the digital world. Go meet the Digi King if you don't believe us."

"I believe we will do just that!" Kelebek shouted. "Tell us how to get there, ghostie!"

"So, uh, you need to head over to Castle Town," Soulmon said with a whistle. "But, I must warn you, it's a treacherous road."

Other chimera discussing things with their Digimon partner, the new adult turned his attention towards his own. This Lalamon sure slept a lot, huh? Scribbling away, he tried to introduce himself, but he soon erased it as a strange critter came out from the water. Yucca cat army slowly approaching, a shock shot down his spine. Hold on a second, that's the flower monster he was fixing the code for before he left for camp. What's it doing here? Critter walking away, he finished scribbling.

[Hello, Lalamon, I'm Siorc, let's work hard together.] A written note said.

"Okay," Lalamon said, yawning. "I'm Lalamon. Nice to meet you." She then yawned again. "I might be a little slow. Hope you're okay with that, partner."

[Fine with me, take your time.] A written note said.

But, as everyone else had come to know their Digimon, a loud rumble took the stage. Gigantic Yucca cat stomping around on the beach, the new adult wobbled. Where did this big guy come from? Little device glowing on the side of his skirt, he looked towards Lalamon. They should probably fight that thing, right? Ah, no, he hardly ever played games with battling in them aside from playtesting his own! He's done for!

"Oh, no!" Floramon cried. "The big bad Yucca cat is here! Guys, we have to knock it out!"

"Wait, say that again!" Kylling cried. "What is this thing, and how did it get here?"

"We don't know!" Elizamon cried. "One day, a whole ton of foreign monsters started flooding our world! We need your help, Digidestined!"

Yucca cat meowing ever five seconds, the recent graduate's heart leaped. Wait, second, these creatures, they were definitely from his computer. Oh, no, this was all his fault, wasn't it? He doesn't deserve the honor to be called a Digidestined. Should he come clean? Maybe he should before it's too late.

"Meeew, meeeew, meeeew!" the Yucca cat shouted.

"Owie!" Dracomon cried. "That hurt!"

"Dracomon, do that fireball thing you did earlier!" Shenlong cried.

"Okay, Shenlong, I'll do my best!" Dracomon cried. "Fireball!"

Prickly thorny attacks hitting all the other critters, the hyena could feel a ton drop on his back. This is all his fault, isn't it? He's responsible for this, he's the cause for this huge monster. He needs to say something, hurry, say something. Come on, don't be a coward, open up his lips and spill the beans.

But, he couldn't. Lips sealed, he let out a sigh. No, there's no way he could. Besides, who would believe him? No one would, that's for sure. Maybe he should have spent more time tinkering out those bad lines of code before leaving for this summer camp. Too late now, he bets. Oh, no, did he forget to close the terminal before leaving, too? Yup, this is all his fault.

"Swimmon, go for it!" Bain cried.

"I got this, Bain!" Swimmon shouted, jet of water coming at the enemy.

"Otomamon, after you," Shunko said, bowing.

"Okay, here goes," Otomamon said.

"Soulmon, scare them!" Kelebek shouted.

"Boo!" Soulmon screeched.

"I don't care what you do, just do whatever," Elenk said. He then mumbled under his breath, "Unbelievable, why did I have to be wrapped up into this stupid thing?"

"Kotemon, strike with glory!" Velours cried.

"Hmm!" Kotemon cried.

"I got the sky, partner," Falcomon said, flapping upward.

"Okay, hon," Raven said with a smile. He then turned towards Kylling. "Hon, do you really have time to stand around and take selfies?"

"Yup, 'cause we're gonna knock down this kitty in one shot, come on Floramon!" Kylling cried.

"Coming!" Floramon shouted. "Raa!"

"This is stupid, there's no way you're going to win," Liollmon howled.

"You're not even trying," Waiola said, sighing.

"Why should I try? I know you'll all lose." They curled into a ball, snoring away.

Attacks aplenty barely denting the creature, the hyena tried to recall. What weakness did he program into the Yucca cat? Ah, right, water, he almost forgot. Uh, but would that apply here? He was pretty sure in the digital world, weaknesses were rock, paper scissors, or something. Maybe the answer here was teamwork? No, probably not.

Everyone knocked back every which way on repeat, Lalamon soon took the stage. Alright, Siorc, think, think. Ah, wait, he knows now, weren't yucca considered night plants? The sun, that's it! Tapping Lalamon's little shoulder, he knew. That had to have been it. They were a flower, right? Of course, that was the answer. Eyes on him, a head tilt had come his way.

"Yes?" Lalamon asked. "What is it?"

[This monster's probably weak to the sun, can you strike with a solar attack, Lalamon?] A written note asked.

"Sure, I can try," Lalamon said, yawning. As she said such, she flew towards the enemy. "Nut Explosion!"

Sunlight shining down as nuts exploded one after another, the new adult's glowed for a little while as the battle turned into the yucca cat's favor for blows on end. Oh, no, is this it? Is the battle going to end on a sour note? Everyone else's partners looking ready to lose consciousness, he could hear a pained groan up ahead.

"It's no use, they're too strong!" Velours cried.

"I give up, I give up!" Bain cried. "Ugh!"

"It's too early to give up!" Lalamon cried. "We can do this! Everyone, leave it to me!" Floating upward, she soon shouted.

Lalamon Digivolve to.

Device glowing, the seedling critter spun in a circle for a moment. Large sunflower creature with a snaggletooth taking their place, the chimera blinked. Uh, what's digivolving? Did Lalamon just change into something else? Which game did this remind him of again? Ah, no good, he can't seem to remember anymore.

Sunflowmon!

"No fair! Siorc's Digimon evolved already?!" Kylling cried. "I wanted to be the first!"

"Sunshine Beam!" Sunflowmon shouted.

Yucca cat monster meowing in pain, the hyena blinked. So, it really was weak to sunlight, huh? Second and final attack taking the stage as the creature fell, he could feel a spark flow through him. What was that just now? Ah, no, it was probably nothing. At least, nothing important anyway. He shouldn't think too hard about it.

Battle coming to an end, everyone agreed to go meet the Digi King. Sunflowmon walking beside him, he locked eyes with her. Wasn't she supposed to go back to her child form or something? Ah, well, this one was better anyway, he must admit. Leaving the beach behind as everyone prepared for the long trek ahead, he could feel something strange brew inside him.

Maybe he will enjoy summer camp this year.

In the digital world, at least.

Here's Digimon Siorc and Sunflowmon.

Next week is Bandori Siorc, I'm excited 'cause that one's tfemme and proud.

Palamon · Jan 9, 2026

Hi, there, everyone, welcome to the Bandori Siorc, anthology.

Content warnings as follows: mild crude language, mild momentary transphobia (from a few gross people), and depictions of gender dysphoria. But, otherwise, no other warnings apply. Anyway, enjoy!

Bang Dream! My Happy Box

"Hi there, um, man, I'm horrible with
Introducing myself. So,

The name's Siorc Ingne, but,
Hmm, I am liking the name Sandy lately,
Ehe. So, I am a hyena chimera with a shark brain. I'm a twin, and the youngest of three siblings?
Recently turned twenty.
Every morning before college,

I practice guitar along with
My girl voice.

So, here's the deal about me.
I live
On this artificial island in Japan called Hoshiyume-Jima, otherwise known as Star Dream Island. It's a
Remote somewhat secret island
Created in the hopes of getting foreigners to converge here.

I don't know why it was built, but we moved here when I was thirteen. I used to live in Britain, but
Natalie, actually I think she goes by Nadine now, sorry said one day, 'we are
Going to be moving to Japan!'
Now, our parents are
Err, historians, always moving, so

I was used to being tossed around the world.

Let's see,
I was born in Ireland, but I
Very much hardly
Even recall living there.

Okay, where else have I been? In order? The
Netherlands, Hong Kong, Canada, France, and finally, Britain. I

Had moved every two years until I was thirteen!
Once I was thirteen, we moved to Japan, I've been here ever
Since. I speak seven languages, it's a pain.
Hmm, I speak, Irish, English, Dutch, French, both Chinese and Mandarin and Japanese.
I was told from a

Young age to study a lot of languages.
Ugh, but here's the big
Mighty problem.
Err, the thing is, I'm

Just not a talker.
I'm disgusted by
My voice.
Always have been,

Always will be, yes I
Keep practicing my girl voice
And all that, but

Simply put, my base voice?
Truly disgusting.
And, I would
Rather never use it. I

Doubt I can permanently
Reach girl range
Even though I'm
Always training, but
Maybe, I can at least start a band?

I don't know, honestly.
So, alright,
Let me start by saying, I
Am a huge fan of Popipa, My Go and Yumemita!
Now, I heard of Popipa in my first year of High School or Second?
Don't remember, but

In the end, they were around my

Age, starting a band, though super far away. I was
Determined right then and there to go
On and perfect my girl voice! Old
Recordings are
Especially disgusting, but I

Plan to perfect it, and
One day
Perform with Popipa on stage!
I'd enjoy that so much. I'm
Pretty neutral towards Roselia
And Afterglow. I went

Ahead and tried their music, but
Nah, not motivating for me. I
Dabbled in Pastel Palettes and Hello Happy World, but

You know? Honestly,
Uh, my twin, Leah likes them. So,
Maybe I don't want to
End up getting into them.
Maybe I'm just you know a bit jealous she perfected her girl voice first?
I know!
That's petty of me,
Aha. But, still.

Anyway, I am also
Not a huge fan of Raise A Suilen or Morfinica who appeared one
Day in

My second year, I believe.
Yes, I saw them perform, but I

Guess they're not for me. And
Once my third year rolled

In, My Go, Ave Mujica and Yumemita soon

Were added to the big girls band party,
And I was instantly hooked? I
Needed to perfect
That girl voice!

Though I am still not there,
Haha. And now I'm in my second year of college.
Everything feels

Pretty hopeless in the
End. I don't think I'll be able to hit the
Range I want. I
Feel like the only way might be to
Err, cut a portion of my larynx. I
Can't afford
That. I'm

Going to be envious of my sister forever,
In the end, she perfected hers
Rather early. I feel
Like I

Very much won't ever perfect mine, but
Oh well,
I won't give up! I
Can't give up! I won't
Ever give up hope.

So, uh, watch
Over me,
Okay? Man, I'm
Not good with intros. I'm ending this, bye."

It had been a rather breezy early morning for the people and chimeras currently residing on the artificial island known as Hoshiyume-jima, otherwise known as Star Dream Island. The beaches were full despite it being the third of May. The models were posing; cameras were flashing. It was a typical day for the people who lived there. But, for one particular chimera, today would be an awakening.

Ring, ring, ring, ring, wake up, wake up!

Slam.

Ugh.

Groaning from underneath the covers had been a short feminine appearing twenty year old humanoid individual with long dark purple hair that went down to about the backside with slightly unruly curls. Mismatched purple and green eyes looking ready to close shut once more, on the face had been a ton of large freckles. Hyena ears bobbing on the top of the head, the chimera reached for a mirror.

Pesky furry creatures moving to the beat, the young adult groaned. Must have partially transformed while asleep again, great. Eyes closed, the human ears appeared once more. Grey, fluffy pajamas with red hearts on the sleeves engulfing the person, the hyena curled back underneath the covers. Goodnight. Zzz.

Ring, ring, ring, ring, wake up, wake up, it's five o'clock, time to practice!

Slam.

Yawn.

Clock ringing fifteen minutes later, the hyena let out a groan. What was happening before heading off to afternoon classes today? Oh, right, practicing the girl voice, the hyena almost forgot. Placing the currently human hands over a poster with a brown haired girl with cat eared shaped buns, a somber wave flowed through the person. At this point, would there ever be hope to sound like a girl? Maybe by now, it was too late for all that. Twenty years old, the opportunity was closing. In no world would opening with Poppin' Party ever be possible.

Rubbing the eyes, the young adult unlocked the phone. Which song should be played today? Opening up the MyGO!!!!! playlist, the chimera squinted. Silhouette Dance sounded good right about now. Opening the Femmevoice Tracker application, the hyena almost wanted to close it. Was there any point in keeping track anymore? Maybe there hadn't been. It was all going to waste anyway. Five years of practicing, the wall had been hit.

Reaching for the old brown guitar, the chimera strummed the strings for a moment, ears burning. Ah, great, it was out of tune again. Was it the spring heat? Maybe. For early May it had been quite sweltering. Turning the knobs, the chimera tried to press gently. This thing was so old. If not careful, all the strings would break. Perhaps it was time to shop for a new one? Ah, no, honestly, why bother? It might be time to give up on this dream.

Taking out the tablet, the young adult searched far and wide for Silhouette Dance's sheet music. Finding it almost immediately, the lyrics had been up and ready to go. Pressing the record button, the chimera huffed a breath. Alright, okay, three, two, one, ahem, ahem, it's time to practice the girl voice once again.

Strumming away, the young adult belted out a tune as the first guitar solo ended. Highlight going over to the next bar, the individual sweat up a storm. The lyrics were right, right? Or had there been multiple mistakes? No, no, focus, la la la la, who cares about a few lyrical mistakes? It's just practice.

Raising the pitch a bit as the second guitar solo ended, the hyena tried the best the individual could muster. Steady now, gentle, inflect gently. Strumming away, the hyena kept the momentum going as the third and final portion of the solo ended. Attempting to reach a high note on the subete, the young adult kept focused. And, now for the last part.

Reaching the end of the song, the young adult dragged out a sigh. Ah, no, that was not good enough. But, that was just a warmup. Or, maybe the lead singer of MyGo!!!!!'s vocal range was a little too deep. Well, oh well. Time to look for another one. Sifting through Popipa's discography, one particular song caught the hyena's attention.

Tokimeki Experience breezing through the phone screen, an intense wave of nostalgia flowed through the chimera. Man, this one brought back memories. How many times had this one been practiced? Honestly, so many times. Guess it wouldn't hurt to return to old reliable. Maybe, for once, reaching Kasu--'s range wouldn't out of possibility. Besides, the person didn't need sheet music for that one.

Placing the guitar back upward, the young adult turned on the guitarless instrumental. Alright, here goes, Tokimeki Experience, feat: Sandy. Strumming away, the young adult sang away. Alright, okay, try and hit the high notes, here goes. Inoru, sora ni, trying to get the head into the game, the individual's head spun. Ah, no, messed up the beginning part again. No, no, this can still be salvaged keep going!

Accidentally belting out a loud, soft twinkle, the chimera the hyena could feel the passion flowing, putting a lot of flair into the Tokimeki Experience portion of the song, the last measure was ready to eat the room alive. Just a little more, just one more minute, here goes. Messing up the lyrics, the hyena once again tried to salvage the moment. Uh, uh, how did the last part go? Ah, right, stage. Why did the lyrics have to slip the mind? Strumming the last portion, the chimera swore a round of applause kicked in from the door frame.

"Wow, Siorc, your girl voice is sounding really good!" a hyper, high pitched voice at the edge of the door said. "Your training's really paying off!"

Standing at the door had been a short, young woman with permed purple hair that went down to about the chest with what felt like a million ribbons. Violet eyes with mascara practically shining like the sun, the young adult held in the urge to sigh. As usual, Leah was better at everything. Perfecting her girl voice first, getting a head start. The individual couldn't help but feel a little green every single day over all that. Bright pink shirt with a glowing star over it with the text, Magical Dreamer, the chimera put the guitar down, reaching for a notepad and pen.

|Did I really sound like a girl just now? I'm not so sure about that.| A written note said.

"You did, I'm telling you that you totally did!" Leah cried. "You were recording yourself just now, right?"

|Of course, I always do.| A written note said.

"Then play it back, you'll see!" Leah cried. "You sounded great! Almost like Kasu--!"

Stretching, the young adult pressed back the play button. Alto voice playing back, the chimera's eyes grew big. Woah, that voice, did that really come out of the throat? That sounded like a girl voice. A genuine, bonafide girl voice! Or, was Leah lying? Maybe it sounded like an effeminate dude voice still? Maybe. Perhaps Leah was just trying to be nice as usual. But, a screech soon took the chimera out of it.

"Hey, Nadine, listen to this!" Leah cried. "Siorc's perfected his girl voice!"

"Really, has he?" a tenor, but gentle voice with feminine flare asked. "Let me listen!"

Coming towards the door had been a rather tall feminine older adult woman in their late thirties with long light purple hair pulled into a messy curly low bun with a Chinese style hairpin colored bright blue. Fluffy one piece strawberry pajamas, the hyena tried to not sweat. Even at thirty eight, Natalie, excuse him, her name was Nadine now, he almost forgot. She changed it again after the snip, as she called it. Jerking his head towards the right and left, the chimera broke into a sweat. If anyone was going to crush his dreams right about now, it would be Nadine. After all, she was a budding feminine and lady expert.

"Restart the track from the beginning for me, could you dearie?" Nadine asked.

|You sure you want to listen?| A written note asked.

"Yes, dearie, come on, don't be nervous," Nadine said. "I won't judge you too harshly, I promise you."

|Okay.| A written note said.

Restarting the track, the chimera could feel himself about to shrink to the size of a pea. There's no way he actually sounded like a girl, right? Leah was just being nice. Nadine was close to dropping him back down to reality. He remembered when Leah perfected hers years ago, she was given full marks. If only he was the one born three minutes earlier instead. He's always going to straggle behind.

Nadine's green eyes practically shining, the hyena twisted his pajama shirt. That wasn't a good face, right? Maybe it was time to give up on this dream after all. He'll never get to start a band. He'll most certainly never get to be on the same stage as Popipa, MyGo!!!!! or Yumemita. Sigh. Maybe he should sell his guitar and peel off all the posters and get a boring office job as a salaryhyena, or something.

"Wow, dearie! You sound like a perfect girl!" Nadine cried. "Almost like that band you're always talking about! What were they called again? Popipo?"

"It's Popipa!" Leah corrected, giggling. "He should have trained to Pastel*Palettes songs like me! Maybe he would have sounded like a girl a lot faster!"

|You're not just saying that to be nice, are you?| A written note asked.

"No, dearie, of course not," Nadine shouted.

|Are you sure? Are you really sure? I don't sound like an effeminate man?| A written note asked.

"No, dearie, no, you really sound like a girl!" Nadine exclaimed. "I wouldn't ever lie to you!"

Playing the clip recording back one more time, the chimera's eyes shimmered like stars in the sky. Wow, he really did sound like a bonafide girl! After twenty years and one week on this planet, and five years of practicing, he was finally getting somewhere! He could feel it now. He'll be the opening act for Popipa's concert at the dome someday! Maybe MyGo!!!!!'s too?

Shooting star ready to dance, the future lead singer placed his guitar back on the rack. He should start that band after all! Maybe he could still join the college's Pop Music Club, too. It wasn't too late right? Although, it had been a month since lectures had started, oopsie. But, it's never too late right? No more going home club for this princess!

|I can't believe it, I really do sound like a girl!| A written note cried. He then scribbled some more. |I did it! I finally did it!|

"Congratulations, dearie, years of practice really paid off!" Nadine cried. But, a voice interrupted.

"%%$&, Siorc, don't you think it's time to get ready? You know, you two have to water the school's botanical garden today, don't you?" an annoyed voice asked. "And, &$%^&$, don't you have to leave for work soon? Why are you still here? It's Nine o'clock! Get going!"

Standing in the corner of the room had been a short, middle aged woman with long purple hair that went down to about her backside. Hyena paws out in the open and white blouse suit, the hyena's brain did a somersault. Ugh, Auntie Leoa needed to learn Leah and Nadine's names by now. Hearing %%$&* was worse than listening to his horrible classmates laughing at his socks all the time.

"Auntie, it's Leah!" Leah cried. "And, I was just about to get ready!" She then placed her finger on her chin. "Say, don't you have to go to work right about now?"

"I've told you countless times now, my name's Nadine," Nadine said, groaning. "I am opening today at eleven." They then sighed. "I thought you had to meet with the island head today. Why are you still here?"

"I was just about to leave, but then I saw you three were still here," Auntie Leoa barked back. "Come on, it's about time you lot get ready to leave. Especially you two. Don't you want to graduate college?" She then locked eyes with Siorc. "And, Siorc, stop playing guitar. I heard at least fifteen mistakes today."

Paw in a stop position, the college student wanted to pull his hair out. There auntie Leoa goes again. She was such a buzzkill. Why did she have to be home this morning? Honestly, maybe he should have taken mother and father's offer to live with them in Egypt. But, eh. This artificial island life was much better, he supposed. Besides, the desert was horrible. He wouldn't last a second there.

Word give up floating through his ears, the young adult folded his left arm into a fist. Stop playing guitar? No way, not in a million years! Who cares if he made a few, no a dozen plus three mistakes? It's not like he was in a band yet, and besides, that thing was old. When he shopped for a new one with his money from his school job, it would all be good! His Aunt doesn't understand a thing.

|I'm not going to stop. Could you please go now? I want to get ready for class.| A written note said.

"Fine, I'll go, see you later," Auntie Leoa said. "But, you really need to rethink this hobby of yours."

Sisters leaving as well, the young adult headed off towards his dresser. Shirt picked out, he sprinted off towards the restroom. Half hour spritzing steaming up the box, he gazed at his reflection. Sandy, that was a perfect name, that's for sure. Should he start trying it out at school? Shaking his head, he put on the wrap. No. It's not like anyone would try. Maybe he'll at least try with his chimera friends.

Slapping on a light blue spaghetti strap belly shirt with a pink bottom and v-neck the same color, eight hearts colored purple, light pink, blue, green, fuchsia, black, golden yellow and white locked eyes with the college student. This shirt wasn't too small, was it? Not like he was getting any bigger or anything. Denim shorts with fluffy pink bottoms, he reached for the socks.

Lavender, white and green striped socks soon over him, the young adult applied the mascara. He didn't put on too much this time, did he? Maybe he did. Blue heart earrings hooked into place, he pulled his hair up into a high ponytail. Pink heart hairpin clipped on as well, he slapped his cheeks. It'll be fine today, surely. No one will say anything. Mismatched pink and blue heeled shoes slipped on, the college student dashed off towards the kitchen.

Quick bite to eat wolfed down, the chimera held back the urge to cough. As usual, Nadine put on way too much jam on these meat lover's waffles. But, he didn't have the heart to say anything. She took time out of her busy day to make them after all. Leah standing up from the table, he had soon been taken out of it.

"Well, we'd better get going!" Leah cried. "See you later!"

"See you later, dearies!" Nadine cried. "Text me if you're staying out late!"

"I will!" Leah cried. "Siorc will too, I'm sure!"

Waving, the young adult exited the abode. Blazing sun locking eyes with him, the young adult let out a barely audible sigh. He opened the Pandora Happy Box today, that's for sure. Please, please let today go by smoothly. Crossing the crossroads as usual, the beach waves in the distance crashed onto the sand. He still remembers the day his parents told him about the Hoshiyume project ten years ago when it was in full swing. He spent forever trying to learn Japanese. But, that was ancient history at this stage.

Reaching the college botanical gardens after about fifteen minutes, the young adult caught a yawn, but tried to hide it. Come on, Sandy, look alive! Ah, no, it was too early to call himself that, right? Right. Sigh. Tall dark skinned man with bushy strawberry red hair, and pitch black frog eyes locking eyes with him, the future lead singer tried to look away. Why does his upperclassman Goma always come here dressed in a tracksuit? He bet he ran laps around the entire island every single day in the blink of an eye.

"Morning, girls, the bonsai trees need watering," Goma greeted. "When do you two have lectures today?"

"Siorc's lectures start at eleven," Leah said. "Mine start at eleven thirty."

"Alright, then, just water the bonsai trees with the rest of the morning committee," Goma responded. A small grin soon appeared on his face. "You seem happy today, Siorc. Somethin' good happen?"

|Nothing important. I'll go water the bonsai trees now.| A written note said.

"Alrighty, make sure you grab the mulch, some aren't doing all too well." His voice was serious.

Heading for the shed, the young adult slapped his cheeks. He needed to wipe this silly grin off his face and get into school mode, come on, Sandy, Goma's going to make fun of him if he keeps that look on his face. Grabbing the watering can and mulch, he tiptoed through the bonsai garden. Man, this school sure had a lot of them, that's for sure.

Slipping in his earbuds, the college student popped on a song. He was feeling a nice Kyoku right about now. Blasting the tune as he dripped down the water, he tried to not hum. Ah, this one's really hitting the spot right now! How did MyGo!!!!! sound so great all the time? Tomo-- was amazing when she started. He'll never be her.

Feeling a tap on his shoulder as kept the water going, the chimera turned around. Locking eyes with him had been a short young adult otter woman with long silver hair pulled into two low stringy pigtails from behind her. Big blue eyes and frog button shirt, next to her had been a feminine appearing otter person with the same shade. Shorter locks pulled into two rings at the top, his cheeks grew pink. Ah, right, Pulao and Chiwen were part of the college planting committee, how could he forget?

"Siorc, you forgot to plug in your earbuds," Pulao said.

"My, my, and listening to MyGo!!!!! so loudly early in the morning, too," Chiwen said, giggling.

Wire dangling in the air, the young adult's face grew even redder. Oh, no, he forgot to plug in his earbuds again? Oh, no, he's in big trouble now! What if the others heard that? He'll be called to the chancellor's office immediately. Reaching for his notepad, he scribbled away with a loud fury.

|Sorry, I didn't mean to!| A written note cried.

"It's fine, just remember to plug it in next time," Pulao said, sighing. "How you doing?" But, an interruption soon kicked in.

"MyGo!!!!! Huh? Didn't think you listened to them," an alto voice said.

"Yeah, Sio, I always took you for a Pasupare kind of person," a high pitched voice said.

Watering the bonsai trees next to him had been a tall, black haired bird woman with her locks pulled into two high heart shaped buns. Teal eyes looking ready to burn, her falcon wings from behind her soon retracted. It seems like Dove had forgotten something herself, huh? Pitch black button down shirt over her, a short grey haired woman with a small ponytail, ribbons and pink hair held in the urge to sigh. Well, Gris looked as tired as she usually did. Had her scorpion tail fell off again or something?

|First of all, Gris, I have never been a fan of Pastel*Palettes. You know they were caught pretending to play their instruments and singing on stage, right? I'd never listen to them after learning that!| A written note cried. He then scribbled some more. |And, listen, Dove, MyGo!!!!! is the best. They're so good. You just don't understand!|

"Eh, no I don't, I prefer Afterglow and Ave Mujia after all," Dove said, shrugging. 'Whatever, though, how you doing today?"

"Same, honestly, I prefer Roselia and Morfonica, I never can get behind why you're so devoted to MyGo!!!!! and Poppin' Party for," Gris said, sighing. "Oh, well, I'm not judging." But, two more voices soon interrupted the flow.

"Morfonica, the best?! As if!" an annoyed voice cried. "You're wrong! Raise A Suilen's the goat!"

"Nah, RAS is totally washed, Tuer, like," another voice cried. "You know who's the real goat? Hello, Happy World! They perform for hospitals! Unlike everyone else, they're actually helping people with their music!"

Groaning in the corner had been a tall blue skinned woman with half pink, half black stringy bangs that went down to about her backside. Yellow shirt with an eraser on it, sweat poured down his cheek. Tuer always wore the weirdest clothes. When she told him she was a mermaid, he almost didn't believe her at first. Blue haired seven tailed fox girl with her locks pulled up into two bushy twintails, her golden dress was almost too big for her. He supposed he can see why Mellem liked Hello, Happy World, but sorry, their style just wasn't for him, so shoot him.

|They're all fine in their own niche, let's not fight about it, alright?| A written note asked. He drew a little sweat drop next to the question mark, adding another line underneath. |And, I'm fine, Dove, Pulao. Honestly, I'm thinking of starting a band soon.|

But, a long silence soon followed as he held up that sheet of paper. Had he said something wrong? Maybe he had. Right, as if he could start a band with that voice. He bets after today he'll sound like an effeminate man again, no thanks. Maybe he was putting himself up onto too high of a horse for this after all. Watering the bonsai trees, his phone buzzed. Would you look at that? Ten minutes until class, he'd better get going.

"A band, huh?" Pulao said, finger on her chin. "You sure? When we asked you that last time, you texted Chiwen and I with, no way, my voice is hideous. You sure you won't change your mind?"

"Ah, right, he did text us that, didn't he?" Chiwen said, hand on their chin as well.

"You know, I've been hearing the band scene has always been pretty crazy on this campus, though." Dove added.

"That's right, what Doe said!" Gris also added in an exclamatory tone. "Would you really want to try and start a band?"

"I don't know, I mean, most people here break up after like, one concert," Tuer said, arms crossed.

"Yeah, you know, honestly, like, this college is cursed when it comes to bands," Mellem said, arms crossed. "Super cursed."

|Well, maybe I'll avoid the curse, you never know!| A written note cried.

"If you say so, Siorc," Pulao said shrugging. "Tell you what, why don't we go to the open mic diner across from campus tonight, and if you can sing like a girl well enough, Chiwen and I will form a band with you. That sound like a plan?"

"My, my, roping me into this, sis?" Chiwen asked. "I'm sure he'd rather be in a band with his own twin, don't you?"

Leah brought up, the hyena's eyebrow twitched. Him, in a band with her? No way. She'll just steal the spotlight. And, besides, last he checked, she didn't know how to play guitar She'd outshine him in an instant. He'll pass on that, thank you! Not happening unless she was the last chimera on earth alongside him, and the only way to save the world was to play music.

|I'd rather not be in a band with my sister, honestly.| A written note said. He then scribbled away further. |I wouldn't mind going to the open mic diner in the evening if you meet me there. But, my guitar is getting pretty old, honestly.|

"You can borrow Chiwen's old one," Pulao said. She then turned towards her sibling. "That's okay with you, right? You still have the pink one, don't you?"

"Yes, I do, I wouldn't mind lending it to him for tonight," Chiwen responded with a hmm. "Anyone else want to go?"

"Guess I'll tag along," Dove said, sighing. "I kind of owe you for spotting me the other day."

"I'll go, too," Gris said. She then looked at her watch. "Whoops, I'm late for class, see you all later!"

Clock tower soon chiming, the future lead singer could feel a chill drop down his spine. Ah, no, he was late for lectures again, he needs to hurry! Zooming through, he huffed. Ah, which way was the lecture hall again? Where was lecture hall 2-B of the plant science area? Ugh, he forgot again. The two years he's been going here, he still didn't recall the layout! Great.

Slipping into his seat barely on time, a lot of mumbo jumbo bounced off his eardrums. Ugh, he thought when he chose to major in plant science, it would skip all the boring stuff. But, nope. Only one month into his second year, and they were still stuck on the photosynthesis stuff. Come on, he learned all that in high school, no, even further back, middle school when he still lived in Britain. Or, maybe he was just tuning too much out lately.

Scribbling up a storm as the lecture kept going, the young adult could feel the distractions ready to kick in. Drawing a tiny treasure chest with a happy face on it and hearts with a bubble logo reading Pandora Happy Box, he swore he could hear his name called out to him multiple times in a row.

"Ingne-san, I asked, what causes Photosynthesis?" the professor up front asked in a demanding tone. "Are you paying attention?"

|Photosynthesis is caused by plants or algae sucking in sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to create food.| A text-to-speech voice on his phone said aloud.

"Very good. Now as I was saying--."

Professor yammering on and on, the hyena held in the urge to sigh. Maybe he didn't get paid enough to teach decent lectures. Why were they still stuck on the basics at this age? He didn't know. Maybe he should have majored in music or art like Leah. Ah, no, becoming an artist would make his Aunt disappointed in him on all fronts.

Lectures reaching their end, a loud hand slam soon took the college student out of his momentary haze. Ugh, who did that just now? Black haired male students looking at him with a smirk, he looked away. These guys again. Whatever they had to say, he wasn't interested. Please, go bother someone else.

"How can you come to school dressed all <redacted> like that?" Student A asked in a mocking tone. "Go back to Britain and go participate in Drag Race or something!"

"You see his socks man? He's all confused!" Student B cried. "You see the pink and orange ones he wore yesterday? Keep it at home in your closet, man."

"Yeah, like, pick one and stick with it already!" Student A shouted.

Tuning the party of two out, the young adult lifted himself up from his lecture chair. Why did these two always have to walk up to him whenever they chose to show up to class? Turning away, he prepared himself to reach for his earbuds. Why give these two the attention they oh so craved? Go bother someone else.

"Ya listening, you <redacted>?" Student A asked. "You'll never be a woman."

Slipping in the earbuds, the young adult clicked in the wire. Blasting Initial, he clicked his tongue. Can these two honestly shut up? And, stop assuming what he wanted. He's achieved femininity, thank him very much. They were just mad at their unfulfilling boring lives. Pesky losers trying to reach for his plug, a familiar hand soon grabbed their wrists.

"Lay off him, man," Goma said.

"Bro, how can you be on this dude's side?!" Student B shouted. "Look at him!"

"I told you to lay off, didn't I?" Goma said again. "Or are we going to have a problem?" He pounded his fist on his open hand as he said such.

"Let's get out of here!"

Student A and Student B running for the hills, the young adult kept listening to his tunes. What was Goma doing here? He was a third year. Well, oh well, why bother thinking hard about all that? Maybe he was friends with the professor or something. Whatever he was here for, it was hardly his business.

"You okay, girl?" Goma asked.

|Fine. I wasn't listening to them anyway. Why are you here? You're a third year.| A written note said.

"I was looking for you, you have to water the sunflowers before your next lecture, remember?" Goma reminded him.

Reminder coming his way, the hyena blinked. Ah, right, he almost forgot about that. How could he forget that? He swears, sometimes his head was filled with nothing but songs that he couldn't recall much else. He'd better hurry to the greenhouse before his hour break is up. Exiting the lecture hall, he dashed away.

Getting the watering can, the chimera could see two somewhat familiar faces tilling the soil in the corner. Spotting a short young feminine appearing person with light green skin, they had grey bangs and a long curly bright pink ponytail. Frog hands holding the shovel way too close, they adorned a bright and colorful dress with the Pastel*Pallets members littered all over it. Oh, great, one of Leah's friends. What was their name, Zinn? No, they go by Zelda now, he believes. Blonde haired person with a golden braid and overalls, he tried to remember their name. Millio? No, Millie. They were one of Leah's friend in her Blossoming Women support group. Or something. He doesn't remember.

"So, Leah asked you that, too?" Millie asked. "You sure you want to go along with it?"

"Well, yeah, I don't see why not," Zelda said. "She's been pretty bored recently. Maybe she'll feel better if we lend her a hand."

"But can you--?" Millie started to say, they then stopped themselves. "Oh, ugh, Leah's brother's here. What do you want?"

"Sibling, Millie." Zelda corrected.

"Sorry, sibling," Millie responded, groaning. "You still work for the school garden? I thought you'd quit by now!"

Bitter tone coming his way, the hyena sighed. Ugh, Millie still held that grudge, he sees. All he ever said to them was that Afterglow's music wasn't for him and they were his nemesis ever since. He didn't even write down anything bad, just, sorry, I'm not the biggest fan of Afterglow, but they saw that as a direct attack, unbelievable! And, that was four years ago now that happened, get over it, please.

|You wish I'd quit, but I quite like working in this garden, so put a sock in it, would you?| A written note groaned.

"Well, I wish you'd quit! That way I didn't have to see your dumb face all the time!" Millie cried.

"You know we go over to his house once a week right?" Zelda asked.

"Yeah, when he's locked in his room!" Millie cried.

"Is this because he said he didn't like Afterglow when we met Leah IRL for the first time?" Zelda asked. "Come on, Millie, get over it, that was almost three years ago now!"

"I won't forgive him for that!" Millie cried pointing. "How dare he diss the GOAT!"

Watering the sunflowers, the hyena let out a sigh. Millie was still at it with that. He swears, they never change. Well, oh well, it's not like he wanted to be friends with his sister's friends anyway. He never liked their vibe. Zelda was always extremely competitive of her girl goals, and so was Millie. Why was femininity a race? Clock tower chiming, he dashed back towards campus. Welp, time for math, can he just leave for today?

Million numbers swimming through his head, Sandy groaned. Ugh, why did he put himself in general education classes just in case his major fell through? He shouldn't have signed up for those. What would he ever need geometry for as a future florist? Final hour droning by, a flurry of texts washed in.

Pulao and Chiwen said they would wait for him at the café, the chimera yawned. Should he just go home instead? Maybe he didn't need to sing today. But, ah, no, he can't flake now, he already said he'd go. Sending Nadine and Leah a message he'll be home late today, he walked through the crossroad junction. Please, don't let the café be full today.

Barely any customers here, the future lead swinger swore he could see a tumbleweed blow on through. Man, this place was deserted. Spotting a sign on the wall that said, Closing Soon, a chill dropped down the chimera's spine. Well, that's bleak. He thought this place was doing well for itself! Spinning by the counter, a short pink haired rabbit man in a suit locked eyes with him. What was their name again? Ah, right, Nousagi. He always forgot they worked here.

"Sup, Ingne-san," Nousagi said, yawning. "Don't worry, your friends booked you the open mic already. You wanna drink?"

|Do you have lemonade?| A written note asked.

"I can whip some up for you, no prob," Nousagi said. "Better swing by your friends, they're waiting for you."

Heading for the back table, a stage with curtains behind it and one single microphone locked eyes with him. Ugh, man, this stage sure was bigger than he thought. Could he really perform his girl voice here? Maybe he'd slip into the effeminate man range again? Ah, no, can he just go home? He'll skip out, thank you!

"Show us what you've got," Pulao said. "Here's the guitar."

"If I were you, I'd try a Mugendai MewType song," Chiwen said. "Have fun!"

Reaching for the pink guitar, the young adult shook. Ah, a Yumemita song? He guessed he knew the guitar parts well enough for Mayonaka Yuenchi, that would do, right? Please, don't let him slip. Pounding the mic, eyes were on him every which way, alright, here goes. Scribbling away, his fingers twitched.

|Hello, my name's Sandy, and I'll be playing Mayonaka Yuenchi today, please listen!| A written note cried.

Strumming up a storm, the hyena sung with high energy. Or at least he tried to. Ah, no, he didn't memorize the lyrics. Come on, come on, how did this part go again? Ah, ah, carousel. Come on, he can do it. Keep the gentle, high notes going. La, la, la, la, la, he can do this, he can do this. He can totally do this.

Messing up the chords, the young adult tried to correct himself as the second portion of the song kicked in. Ugh, what's he doing? Why is he making so many mistakes. There's no way he's going to convince the twins to join a band with him like this! Agh, come on, just keep singing. It's fine, it's fine. It's not like he had to memorize the entire guitar solo, right? Haha.

La, la, la, la, Welcome to the Mayonaka, that was how that part went, right? Agh, he should listened to Yumemita more? Why did he have such Popipa and MyGo!!!!! head, curses! Strumming away, he kept the momentum going. Come on, here's the last stretch. Guitar solo kicking in, he sang the last verse to end all verses.

Everyone's jaw dropped open, the hyena's cheeks grew pink. Woah, why is everyone looking at him like that? Did he sound that bad? Oh, no, he sounded like a dude trying to sounding like a girl, didn't he? Or, maybe he sounded like a drag queen putting on a fake voice? Ah, maybe his girl voice was doomed to fail after all.

"He sounds like a girl," Pulao said, voice trailing. "How did he manage to sound like a perfect girl?"

"My, my, he indeed sounded like a girl alright," Chiwen said, voice trailing. "Kinda jealous, not going to lie. Wish I could sound neutral."

"Wow, he sang that perfectly even though he forgot some of the lyrics," Dove said, adjusting her collar, clearing her throat. "Wasn't expecting that."

"Woah, Sio, you sounded super good!" Gris shouted. "You sound like a girl!"

Compliment coming his way, the young adult broke into a sweat. Uh, is it hot in here? No, just him? Gris was just being nice right? Right, she was just being nice. Surely, he hadn't perfected it. After all, he made a million mistakes. He really needed to learn Yumemita's songs more closely, silly him.

|You're not just saying that to be nice, are you?| A written note asked.

"No, of course not, Sio, you sound perfect!" Gris cried. "It's making me want to take up keyboard again!"

"Yeah, honestly, I was surprised how well you can pull off sounding like a girl," Pulao said. She then stood up from her chair. "So, sure, we'll start a band with you. Chiwen and I will, anyway."

"Mhm, we'll form a band with you!" Chiwen cried. "I'll play bass! What about you, Pulao?"

"You know I play the drums!" Pulao sighed. "So, let's meet in the old club Pop Music Club Room tomorrow, yeah? After classes, why don't we get you a new guitar?"

Hands out in front of him, the young adult shook on him. Wow, and just like that, he's starting a band. Please, don't let them break up after one practice session like the school curse suggests! They won't, right? Right? Hopefully not! But, wait, they're going to need a keyboardist and a second guitarist for the rhythm or something! Were they really ready to form a band?

|Wait, but don't we need a keyboardist?| A written note asked.

"We know a couple people, don't worry," Pulao said. "See you tomorrow after classes."

"Have a goodnight, okay?" Chiwen asked waving. "Text you later."

"Uh, yeah, see you later," Dove said, standing up from her chair. "Try not to be so nervous next time, though?"

"See ya, Sio," Gris said, waving. "Until next time."

Returning home, the young adult plopped down onto his bed. Watching a vod of Popipa's most recent concert, the hyena sighed. Maybe one day, he'd perform on the same stage as Popipa and MyGo!!!!!, but honestly, he was long way's off from all that, wasn't he? Most certainly. Dozing off halfway through the concert, sappy dreams kicked in halfway.

The next morning.

"I'm leaving early today, see you guys later!" Leah cried.

"Okay, dearie, see you later!" Nadine shouted.

Waking up a little late, the young adult yawned. Ugh, what time is it? Woah, eight o'clock? Oh, no, he missed key practice time! Singing Namonaki, he missed multiple notes. Gah, maybe he wasn't cut out for a band after all. Should he ditch this idea? No, surely when he gets a new guitar it would all be fine. Putting the ratty old thing down, he did a quick cleansing.

Green jacket with a pink collar and zipper soon opened up, a sky blue shirt had been revealed from underneath. Purple smiling bear on the top left corner of the jacket, a white cherry laid underneath it. Smiling golden yellow bunny beneath, he gazed at the right side of the outfit in the mirror. Pink guitar with a smiling face on it, a blue, white and pink ironed on patch stuck out amongst the crowd. Nadine must have sewn that on when she made this. It was kind of cute. Light blue music note beneath, he slipped on a short pink skirt. Eighth note hairpins and earrings clicked into place, a surprise set of words had come his way at the kitchen table.

"So, you're staring a band, I hear?" Nadine asked. "What are you going to call it, dearie?"

Question coming his way, the chimera froze. Uh, hold on, who told Nadine he was staring a band? Pulao must have texted them last night. Sometimes he forgets that his friends have his sister's contact info in case anything happens to him. A band name, huh? Well, he could think of one, and only one that would fit.

Staring off into space, Sandy placed his finger on his chin. A band name. He recalled when he was little and questioning everything, he always compared himself to Pandora's Box. Something that wasn't meant to be opened. But, when he started gaining maybe a little more confidence in himself, it felt like a Happy Box instead. But, ah, why would his friends want to go by Pandora Happy Box? He was certain they wouldn't vibe with it! Oh, well, worth a try mentioning it, right?

|Did Pulao text you again?| A written note asked.

"Oh, yeah, she always texts me when you hang out with her, dearie," Nadine responded, smiling. "She's a very responsible young lady!" She then composed herself. "Anyway, you think of a band name yet? I'd love to make you three some costumes, if you'd like!"

Outfit offer coming his way, the future lead singer looked towards the opposite direction. Nadine made most of his current outfits whenever he asked anyway, so was this really an offer? As long as they weren't too itchy and covered with a million sequins, he guessed he didn't mind. But, would they really have time to make more? She works all the time at her boutique nearly seven days a week.

|I don't know, I'm thinking Pandora Happy Box, I'll have to discuss it with my friends.| A written note said. He then scribbled some more. But, he almost erased the next part. |Also, I'm thinking about trying out the name Sandy.|

"Alright, dearie, just let me know, okay?" Nadine asked. She then looked at her watch. "Oops, I have to leave for work now. See you later!"

Sister leaving, the young adult munched away on the last piece of his meaty waffles. Pandora Happy Box, huh? Please let Pulao and Chiwen approve of that name. Should he maybe add something that applied to their cultures or something? After all, they were from Beijing. He still remembers when he met them when he started his second year of high school here in Hoshiyume-jima, they were impressed by his language skills or something. Ah, well, forget it, time to go to class.

Boring lectures burning his eardrums the entire day, the college student groaned. Please, can class just end already? He had a clubroom to find! No? No? Got it. Three more hours to go. Clock going as slow as ever, he tried to focus. Please, professor, don't make an example out of him today, he's paying attention, he swears he's focused enough to answer an entire quiz in two seconds flat, or something. He doesn't know.

Hour break spent in the gardens as usual, the young adult listened to Hachigatsu no If as he watered the bonsai trees. No one else in the garden, he groaned. It's just him spending his time here today, huh? Maybe he should have just gone onto the roof and took a nap. Ah, no, that's right, the fourth years claimed that as their territory. No use going there!

Nearly overwatering some of the bonsai trees, the hyena huffed a breath. Woah, pay attention, Sandy, that's a little too much! Heading for the fields, he pruned the weeds. Why were there so many of them? He didn't know, but someone wasn't taking proper care of this field, that's for sure. Digging up a storm, a voice soon called out to him.

"That's good enough, you can go now," Goma said, yawning. "Nice jacket by the way."

|Thanks, my sister made it.| A written note said.

"Cool, maybe I'll swing by her boutique someday. See ya."

Returning to campus, the hyena almost slept through his second class for the day. Why did he have to sign up for general education? He definitely didn't need a history class. But, he supposed learning Japanese history was important, he did live here after all. Well, he supposed he lived around the world in his twenty short years of living, oh well.

Classes letting out, the young adult made a run for it. It's time for the moment he was waiting for, the pop music clubroom! Society? He didn't know, probably both. How many people were in it anyway? He'd imagine, probably none. That curse was pretty strong, or so he heard. Opening the door, a shock soon took him around the world and back again at who waited on the other side of the entrance.

Spotting Leah grouped together with Zelda, Millie, Dove and Gris, the young adult nearly dropped his guitar pick. Wait a second, why is she in this clubroom? And, why are two of his friends with her? Could she even play guitar? He could feel his spotlight dim before he could even get on stage. Why? Why did she have to be here, too? Ugh. Spotting Tuer and Mellem beside Chiwen and Pulao, his eyes wandered. So, these were the two they contacted, huh? He's definitely dreaming, or something. Pinch him!

Feeling a sting, the young adult groaned. Ah, nope, he's awake right now. One hundred percent in the mortal plane. Why is Leah starting a band, too? Nadine texted her about this, didn't she? Great, she's going to outshine him now, he's done for. Why does she always have to get into everything he does? Being an identical twin is such a curse. Walking towards her, he scribbled away.

|Leah, why are you in the pop music clubroom?| A written note asked.

"Huh? What do you mean? I started a band!" Leah cried. "I didn't know you were starting one, too!"

|Can you even play guitar?| A written note asked.

"Yeah, I'm getting pretty good at it, honestly!" Leah cried. "But, wow, I didn't expect you to be starting a band too!"

"Ugh, I can't believe your brother is making a band, too!" Millie cried. "Why didn't you tell me?!"

"Sibling, Millie, stop saying brother," Zelda said. "Does it matter if he also started a band? Think of it like healthy competition."

"Whatever, Candylion will humiliate you, you hear me?!" Millie cried.

"Can it, Millie," Dove groaned.

"Yeah, Millie, please, can we start practicing?" Gris asked.

"Fine, ugh!" Millie cried. "Why do I have to be in the same room as an Afterglow disser?!"

Heading off towards the other practice room, the shooting star was ready to fall out of the sky. Why did Leah have to be here, too? She always tries to steal his thunder. But, ah, no, get rid of that little green. Focus on his band instead. Come on, Sandy, focus, today's a good day! Strutting off towards Pulao and Chiwen, they soon waved.

"Heya, so, Tuer and Mellem decided to join us," Chiwen greeted. "Tuer plays keyboard, and Mellem can play rhythmic guitar, so don't worry if you make mistakes every now and again."

"Hi again," Mellem said. "Let's have fun together."

"Honestly, I didn't plan to join at first, but you know, being in a band sounds like fun," Tuer said. "Why don't we try and aim to end up on the stage at RiNG? You know, the place Popipa runs and MyGo!!!!! sometimes perform at?"

RiNG brought to his attention, the young adult nodded. That sounded like a nice place to aim for. The place Popipa worked, that would be like a dream come true. Didn't ring open up a couple years ago? He believed so, he wasn't keeping track honestly, he had other things going on most days.

|That sounds like a great goal. Let's start small.| A written note said.

"Okay, so, let's aim for RiNG, then," Mellem said. "You think of a band name for us?"

"Siorc's always texting me with the signature Pandora Happy Box, so why don't we go with that?" Pulao asked.

Text messages brought to his attention, the hyena's eyes wandered. Ah, right, he totally forgot he customized his Jine messages to have a custom signature. Silly him, he honestly should have erased that. Why didn't he? Should he suggest something different? Maybe he should. But, would anything else really fit? Not really, he supposed.

"My, my, it's like destiny, isn't it?" Chiwen asked, giggling. "I like that. Anyone else have any other suggestions?"

"Mmm, not really," Tuer said, shrugging. "I think it's fine."

"Me, too, I think it works," Mellem said. "After all, we're a bunch of chimeras in a band together."

"Pandora Happy Box it is, then!" Pulao cried. She then turned towards Siorc. "Why don't you think of the lyrics for our first song? RiNG is currently allowing new bands to perform on stage around July."

Word song bouncing off his eardrums, the hyena gulped. Him, write a song? He's written some, so he supposed he didn't mind. He guesses he still had it in him to make a few. Wow, RiNG sure sounded pretty friendly to newcomers. Will Kasu-- see him perform? Ah, no, now he's feeling super nervous! Taking a school guitar off the rack, he scribbled down one last thing.

|I'll try and have them done in a month, I promise.| A written note said.

"Alrighty, and I'll compose the instrumental," Chiwen. "That okay with you, Siorc?"

|I don't mind.| A written note said. He then scribbled further, but almost erased what came next. |Also, I'm going to try the name Sandy out for awhile if that's alright.|

"Sure, whatever makes you comfortable, Sandy," Pulao said. "Let's practice a few of Popipa's songs, and then let's go to the guitar store."

Seating himself, the hyena's cheeks grew pink. Man, Sandy sounded so nice, maybe this one's a keeper? Probably, who knows. Playing Happy Happy Party, Star Beat, and Tear Drops, he tried his best to sing in his girl voice. He didn't slip at all, did he? Please tell him he didn't slip anywhere. Evening rolling around, the guitar shop was soon upon him.

Many guitars to choose from, paralysis took the young adult away almost immediately. Ah, so many choices. Almost way too many, in fact. What kind of guitar should he pick? Rainbow one shaped like a heart, he knew which one was calling his name, he needs to put a Sandy sticker on this one when he gets home. Pulao paying for it, he knew in the future he would have to pay her back for this.

Days passing by quickly, the chimera wondered. What kind of song should he write? Maybe a high energy happy one? Strumming up a tune, he hummed. Hmm, maybe something like Yay, yay, yay, let's go? That sounded like a fun song. Writing that down, he tried tapping to a beat. Yes, that sounded great. But, a mild annoyance soon passed by his door.

"Oh, wow, you're writing lyrics, too?" Leah asked. "Sometimes I wonder if we share a brain, too."

|Yes, I'm making lyrics, Leah. Can you please go back to your room? I'm trying to concentrate.| A written note said.

"Oh, okay, have fun," Leah responded, sulking.

Blasting swim through his earbuds, the chimera kept writing down the lyrics. Hmm, how about, the sound of my heart goes pow, pow, pow? Yeah, that sounded like a fun tune honestly. But, he needed to have more than that, right? That most certainly wasn't long enough. Brainstorming for the rest of the day, he yawned. Never mind, time for a little nap.

Practicing every day for weeks, about half of the song was done. Leah boasting she finished hers, the chimera tried to bury such into the back of his mind. Ugh, why does she always have to best him at everything? If he were born three minutes earlier than she was, maybe he'd be the one reaching the goalpost instead. Or not. Who knows?

Finally finishing the lyrics after about a month of trying again and again, June had been upon him. Presenting the lyrics to his band, the college student bit his nails. Ugh, they weren't very good, were they? Maybe he put too many yays in there? He could take some away if need be. No harm, no foul in such.

"I like these," Mellem said. "They're pretty poppy, you know?"

"Me, too," Tuer said. "I'll come up with the keyboard parts to this, I should have it done by next week."

"So, we all agree this looks good and we should go for it?" Pulao asked.

"Yeah," Chiwen said, smiling.

"Totally," Mellem said.

"Mhm." Tuer smiled.

"So, let's record a video and submit this to RiNG in the next two weeks," Pulao said. "You fine with that, Sandy?"

|Yes, that's fine with me.| A written note said.

"Okay, then for now, let's practice this instrumental I made for an old song with my middle school band. It's a bit cringey, though," Pulao said, sighing.

Old demons from the past played out in the open, the chimera could hardly focus. They have to record the song next week, huh? Would he be able to do it? Yes, surely, he could, he was still practicing his girl voice every single day. So, surely by then, everything would work out perfectly okay? He sure hoped so.

Score made a few days later, the chimera gulped. Man, this sure had a lot of high notes. Would he be able to hit them all? Yes, of course, if Kasu-- can, then so can he. He just needs to keep practicing, yes, keep on practicing like he always does. Strumming away, he tried out the instrumental. Wow, this is pretty good, kudos to everyone!

And, then, the day arrived almost too quickly. Recording day. Camera out in front of him, he almost wanted to bury himself. They really were doing this, huh? Leah recording herself in the other practice room, Sandy tuned her out. Nope, this is his time to shine, tapping the microphone, his voice shook.

"Hi, um, my name is Sandy, and we're--" Sandy started to say. Why is his voice shaking, come on?

"Pandora Happy Box!" Everyone else shouted.

"And, this is our song, Joyful Chest!" Sandy shouted. Darn it, he stumbled on his words, this is going so swimmingly right now.

"Yay, yay,
Yay, let's go!
The sound of my heart goes
Pow, pow, pow.

Yay, yay,
Yay, let's go!
The sound of my heart goes
Wow, wow, wow.

Wait, wait,
Hold on, hold on,
Is that a treasure I see?
It's gleaming, gleaming, glowing,
Beam, beam, beam!

Woah, woah,
Wait, wait,
What's inside?
A magical potion,
Te he he he.

Drink and you'll see,
How happy you'll be
With a little transformation,
yee, yee, yee.

Take a sip,
And you'll see,
You'll become a magical girl,
At the count of three!

Wow, wow, let's count to three.
And, the magical spell will
Take you, don't you see?
Let's chant it together, ready?

Pandora Happy Box
Makeup streeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeam!

Yay, yay,
Yay, a magic spell!
A princess is flying
Wow, wow, wow.

Yay, yay,
Yay, a magic spell,
A princess is dreaming,
Woah, woah, woah.

A national treasure,
Across the land!
From one sea to another,
International, sensational, a superstar, grand!

It will last way past midnight,
Isn't that grand?
It might last forever,
So, let's
Dance, dance, dance!

Yay, yay,
Yay, let's go!
The sound of my heart goes
Pow, pow, pow.

Yay, yay,
Yay, let's go!
The sound of my heart goes
Wow, wow, wow.

A magical treasure is here,
Don't you see?
A magical spell
That lasts forever,
A princess to be!

Wow, wow, so happy,
The magical spell
Is so pretty.
Boom, boom, feeling so free,
A princess forever, one, two, three.

Wait, wait, hold on,
Hold on, a second, please
How potent is the spell?
It's just about enough don't you see?
A little pinch of fairy dust,
To be filled with glee.

Glee, glee,
Glee aplenty.
A magical spell
For everybody!
A beautiful chant,
Repeat after me!

Pandora Happy Box
Makeup streeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeam!

A national treasure,
That makes everyone happy!
A Joyful Chest, filled with glee?
Isn't that lovely?

Yay, yay,
Yay, let's go!
The sound of my heart goes
Pow, pow, pow.

Yay, yay,
Yay, let's go!
The sound of my heart goes
Wow, wow, wow.

The Joyful Chest
Knows no bounds,
So let's sing together for
One more round!"

Huffing, the hyena put up a peace sign. He didn't sound too deep just now, did he? Everyone else huffing as well, the stop button had been pressed. Please tell him his voice didn't drop? Agh, that would be horrible, so very disgusting. Everyone looking at him, he covered his face. No, he sounded horrid, didn't he? Wonderful.

"Sandy, you sounded amazing!" Tuer shouted. "We should submit this to Popipa right now!"

Popipa mentioned, the hyena twiddled his thumbs. Woah, wait, who? Ah, no, he wasn't ready for all that! File sent, the lead singer gulped, this is so getting rejected, isn't it? Ha, ha, ha, his dreams were so going to get crushed after all this. So long, career as a band, it was all over already. He tried his best.

But, such hadn't been the case. Entry approved, Pandora Happy Box had secured a spot in RiNG on the third of July. Ah, wow, they were really going to RiNg? Pinch him, he's dreaming! Ow, never mind, he's awake. Candylion selected as well, the celebration was short lived. Ugh, his sister's band was going, too. Practicing every single day until the fateful day, he swore his girl voice was getting better.

And, then the day arrived.

Heading for RiNG that weekend, a wave of nervousness ate Sandy alive. What if he messed up and drops down to that gross register again? Ugh, no, he's got this. His girl voice was perfect. He'd been training five years for this moment. Band waiting for him, he almost did a triple take at who was at the front desk waiting for him.

Brown haired girl with cat-like, excuse him, star shaped buns purple eyes and a light blue button down shirt, the lead singer broke into a sweat. Woah, it was Kasu-- in the flesh! Kasu-- Toya--? Oh, gosh, she was working here today. Oh, no, he can hardly contain himself!

"Hi! You're Sandy from Pandora Happy Box, right?" Kasu-- asked, smile on her face.

Friendly smile painting Kasu--'s face, the hyena did a double take. Woah, did she just call him Sandy? He's dreaming right? The file was submitted on his laptop with his name that was no longer with him. Wow, Kasu-- sure is sweet. Is this what it felt like for a fan to meet the real thing in person? Maybe, but maybe not.

|Yeah, that's me, I'm Sandy from Pandora Happy Box. When do we perform?| A written note asked.

"Right after MyGo!!!!!," a brown haired girl said. "Have fun!"

Brown haired girl winking, Sandy's heart leapt. Woah, did Saa-- just talk to him? He's definitely dreaming right now! Sitting at the table, his hands shook as he tuned his guitar. A lot of people here, everything shook. Would he really be able to sing in front of all these people? Maybe not. Or, maybe he would. Minutes passing by, the microphone soon went off once more.

"Thank you for listening," Tomo-- said in a quiet voice.

"Eeh? That's all you have to say?" An-- asked.

Crowd cheering, the chimera took a deep breath. Yes, he's got this, he's totally got this. He's been practicing for awhile after all, and, besides, he'd been slipping up less with his girl voice. He's got this, he's absolutely got this in the bag. MyGo!!!!! exiting the stage, he broke into a sweat. Oh, no, he can't say it! Sweating up a storm, someone else screamed into the crowd.

"Hello, everyone! We're Pandora Happy Box!" Pulao cried. "And, this is our song, Joyful Chest!"

Playing to the best of his ability, the chimera tuned out the audience. Right, he was in his college clubroom practicing, there's no one here. Hitting the high notes, he added a little cheer. Oh, no, did he overdo the yays again? Man, people are going to stare at him annoyed, for sure. Haha, he's putting too much into this, isn't he?

Next few songs bouncy as the others, he kept a steady beat. Easy does it, Sandy, easy does it. He can do this, he can totally do this. La, la, la, think of all the time he practiced singing MyGo!!!!!'s songs in his room. Right, keep going, it'll go fine. Reaching the end of the set, the crowd cheered one after another.

"Bravo, bravo!" Kasu-- shouted.

"Kasu---chan, please get back behind the counter!" Saa-- shouted.

Bowing a thank you, Leah's band had soon been on stage shortly after. Sister outshining him as usual, he sighed. Leah was the same as always, but hey, his outfits were better than hers! He had Nadine make his band's wardrobe! Nadine clapping from the audience as well as the night winded down, he smirked. Maybe he outshined the burning star this time.

"You were all great!" Nadine shouted. "And, your outfits were amazing!"

"Yeah, like, duh, old lady, Nousagi made them," Zinn said.

"Dear me, how rude, I'm only thirty eight!" Nadine shouted.

"That's ancient, I'm like twenty, ya know," Millie said, sighing.

"Nah, thirty eight is the new eighteen, so you're wrong, Millie," Dove said.

"Yup, agreed," Gris said. She then turned towards Nousagi. "Thanks for making our costumes, by the way."

"No problem, Gris-san, it was my pleasure," Nousagi said, bowing."

Sighing, everything was the same as always. But, oh well, he still outshined Leah today! He was the shining star! Listening to the other bands until closing, the young adult yawned. But, he rose his head. No, Sandy, don't fall asleep now, come on! At least say goodbye to his friends. Waving to everyone, they all yawned as well.

"Let's make a new song next month how about?" Pulao asked. "See you at school tomorrow, Sandy."

"My, my, already?" Chiwen asked. "But, yeah, sounds like a plan. See you later."

"I had fun today, Sandy, see you tomorrow," Tuer said, bidding farewell.

"Mmm, yeah, what they all said, bye," Mellem said, yawning.

"Okay, girls, you ready to go home?" Nadine asked.

"Yup, I'm ready to go," Leah said.

Nodding, the young adult yawned as he trotted back to Nadine's car. Curling up into a ball as he laid down on the seat, the young adult closed his eyes. He could use a quick nap. After all, it would take about two hours to get back home to Hoshiyume-jima. Humming as he dozed off, one last thought danced through Sandy's mind.

He performed so well today!

Here's to Pandora Happy Box forever!

Aight, so, here's Sandy (Bandori Siorc). As drawn by me (the one on the <-). And, the other one (on the ->) is a comm I had done by na__nayane on Twitter/X through Vgen. She did a good job with Sandy's stage outfit, I must say.

Also, I was not expecting this to be 11,175 words, but here we are. Lol. I got gender envy writing this a non-binary dude... didn't think I'd get jealous over my brainchild succeeding in sounding like a girl. (I want to sound neutral/androgynous, for reference.) (Also, Sandy's prns are none or he. This character is pronoun non-conforming; feminine appellations. Just so we're clear on that if I get questions about it.)

Anyway, happy girl voice day.
Next up is D4DJ Siorc. Which will... be similar, but not the same story twice, lol.

Palamon · Jan 16, 2026

Well, here's the D4DJ Anthology. It has been a bit since I've played this game, but even still.

Content warnings: mild crude languages, alcohol.

Nina Needle's Groovy Mix

"Well, I guess, hello there,
Eh, my name is Siorc Ingne, sigh.
Let's get this over with, I guess.
Look, I

Have nothing going for me.
Eh, I'm a hyena chimera, I
Live in a very hidden remote village east of Iriomote Island with a
Lot of bamboo for kilometers. I moved here
Once I was eighteen from Angola.

My parents lived there for work. And
Yet, I never belonged there.

No one wanted chimeras in
Angola. Eh, I lived in Canada for the first eight years of
My life, but apparently when I was as an infant we
Ended up leaving

Ireland? I don't know.
So anyway, I live in a

Secret chimera village, Hibana-mura, or
I guess as it's
Often called by foreigners like me, Spark Village. Been
'Round these parts for almost three years.
Count that,

I'm twenty one, but I feel like I have
No spark at all. I
Guess it's because
Nothing has gone my way.
Eh. I thought moving here,

I'd be accepted for who I

Am. But, the people who live with me in
My share house, they're

All, well, eh. You see, I don't like my voice, so I've been training to sound like a girl. I

Can't ever do that around
Here without my roommates reminding me
I'm not one. Well,
Maybe I'm not the opposite
Either. Also, I produce trance songs whenever I'm not suffocated in college.
Right, so, today, I
Am transferring.

I'm tired of people

Looking at me like
I'm some circus freak for being myself. I'm
Very tired of my housemates as well, but
Eh, it's way too expensive to leave, so

I'm stuck here.
Now, I have pretty much perfected my girl voice

And all that, but I

Hardly know what to do with my music.
I'm not even majoring in music. I'm majoring in business. I
Don't know if that's right for me, I prefer flowers and nature more, but it
Doesn't matter in the
End, I guess.
Now, why am I transferring? Well,

Because, I found
A chimera friendly college.
Maybe I'll finally
Be accepted by someone,
Or maybe I won't.
Oh, well, one day I'll run a

Very successful club which
I'll allow anyone of any shape and form to perform. I feel
Like a
Lot of places
Aren't chimera friendly unless I
Go and hide my traits.
Eh, that's life.

Even Hibana-mura is kind of like that
At times.
Some of
The much

Older chimeras here
Feel like they have to hide they're chimeras.

It's really weird and
Ridiculous. Well, oh well,
I get it, I guess,
Maybe anyone. I, for
One am forced
To hear nonsense
Every single day, such as,

It's not your real voice, so
Stop using it!
Look, you'll damage your vocal cords.
And the
Nonsensical, look, I'm just looking out for you! You
Don't want to be beaten up, do you?

Aha, none of them understand. And,
Now I feel like I have no
Direction. Maybe I

Should have just gone to America. I hear
In New Jersey, there's a huge chimera scene. But, I
Guess it's too late now,
Haha, instead,

I came here.
Maybe if things don't

Go well halfway through this semester, I'll just go
Over to New Jersey.
In the end, I just
Need a new start, and I
Guess that's why I've decided

To transfer.
Oh, well,

At the end of the day, I just

Need to let things flow.
Even if things
Won't go well, I

Can't see the glass half empty.
Okay, well,
Let's be positive,
Let's look on the bright side,
Energy, energy,
Go, go, go. Ha.
Everything will be alright."

It was a quiet, but serene day on the extremely remote village known as Hibana-mura in the southeastern outskirts of Japan. Countless people and chimeras alike were commuting to the mainland for the day. The younger village residents were getting ready for school enmasse. But, for one particular hyena chimera, today would be a life changing event.

Groaning from within a futon had been a short, feminine appearing young adult individual with long purple hair that went down to about the waist. Mismatched purple and green eyes quite dull with pajamas with musical notes all over it looked ready to wrinkle from beneath. Raising upward, a sigh released from the esophagus.

Today was the day the college student was transferring. Leaving behind the college in Iriomote Island forever. So long annoying human students who would do nothing but poke fun at the person. Goodbye, pesky senpais who claimed they were just helping by saying disgusting things all the time. Farewell to that disgusting atmosphere. This calls for another editing session on SongLabs.

Removing the self from the futon, the young adult let out a yawn. What time is it now? Ah, five in the morning. Now was definitely a good time to adjust some of the beats in this trance song that was being worked on for how long now? Oh, right, a few months now. Progress had been stalling for quite awhile now.

External microphone plugged in, the chimera scrolled through the song list folder. Lowering the eyes into a squint, the hyena almost did a double take at the name of the most recent file. Seashell Rave? It was about time to come up with better titles. Every time a new song was published, many people would laugh and send the same kind of comments such as, what kind of name is this? Well, no more of that, that's for sure.

File opened up as SongLab loaded, a dope beat took the stage. As usual, genius struck gold again! Well, alright, maybe not gold, silver? Okay, bronze. The person will go with bronze. Beat picking up, the young adult readied the microphone. Alright, girl voice, time to kick it up a notch high notes, let's go.

Beat hitting it off, the composer took a deep breath. Here it comes, what were the lyrics here again? Oh, right, sea sea sea sea seashell! Seashell rain, down the court, This is gonna go well of course. Sea sea sea seashell! We'll hold the fort, come one, come all get down into the dirt. Second beat coming in, the hyena pulled up the lyrics list. Uh, wow, what is that time measure here? Guess it's time to sing a little fast.

Clapping the hands, the college student's eyes wandered, was twenty seconds of an instrumental too long? Maybe it was, alright, three, two, one, here goes. Go, go to the shore, let's go to the shore! Go, go, to the shore, let's go to the shore. Seashells, here, seashells there, seashells everywhere. Cheeks growing hot, the chimera looked towards the opposite direction. These lyrics were something, huh? Never write songs while sleep deprived.

Long instrumental interlude coming in clutch, the college student peeked at the rest of the lyrics, ah, a repeat of the first portion again. La, la, la, la. The high notes are being hit, right? Surely, they had been. Or, maybe the person had been trying too hard. Forget it, just focus, the final part is coming up soon.

Taking one last deep breath, the chimera placed the hand on the chest. Alright, well, here goes. Dance, dance, dance on the floor, dance, dance on the floor. Dance, dance, on the floor. Dance, dance, on the floor, dance, dance on the floor. Sea, sea, sea, seashell. Seashell, seashell, by the seashore. But as the last lyric had been brought out into the open, the door slammed opened.

"Ugh, he's singing in that girl voice again," an annoyed tone said. "Siorc, shut up and sing in a normal voice!"

"Yeah, ya know, ya ain't no girl, right?" a squeaky voice asked. "Aren't ya damagin' ya vocal cords like that?"

Standing by his door had been two pesky faces he was hoping he would not see this morning. Leaning towards the right of the room had been a very short rat man with short medium brown hair that barely went below where the human ears would be if he had any. Portion partially up in a small braid, he adorned bright yellow feety pajamas. This dude was supposed to be in his mid twenties, and he dressed like this still. Well, whatever. He was, how tall was he again? Ah, right, sixty centimeters. What a rough life. No wonder Cyril got mad whenever people called him shortstop.

Next to him had been a tall tan skinned gazelle person with boxy light orange hair that looked like curtains. Chin length locks looking quite wild as usual, the hyena placed his hands on his hips. As usual, Firat had to walk by and ruin everything. This was his normal voice, thank him very much! He'd been training for years! Reaching for his dry erase chalkboard, he scratched away.

<First of all, I'm not damaging my vocal cords at all. And, second, there's nothing wrong with me singing this way. I don't know why you two, no, you four always have something to say to me about it.> A chalkboard with small writing on it said.

"Again with that stupid chalkboard, man, I dunno why you can't just talk like a normal person," Firat said, hands on his hips as well. "I don't know how long this can go on for. You're transferring colleges today."

"And, 'sides we're just lookin' out for ya, ya know that?" Cyril added. "Humans gonna beat ya up if they hear 'dat voice of ya's."

Same old song and dance coming his way, the chimera rolled his eyes. Alright, first of all, he does not sing in public. He only works on his songs in his own home, which, by the way, this is a sharehouse they all rent together. But, no, act like they own the place and set fake rules all the time see how many other people decide to move here later on. Whatever, disguise it as we're just looking out for you, like always. Why did he ever accept to move into this sharehouse in the first place?

<I'm a college student; no one is going to beat me up. Both of you are being ridiculous, you know that? It's not like I shared my music with my classmates at my old college.> A chalkboard with small writing on it said.

"Whatever you say," Firat said, sighing. "In any case, don't you think you should get ready to leave? Don't you gotta catch the six thirty train?"

Gazing at his watch, the young adult flinched. Ah, no, it was five twenty already? No, no way. Why was time flying? He had to be out the door in forty minutes! Dropping the small chalkboard, he shut his door. These two shouldn't have even bothered to walk by his door! Dashing towards the drawers, the chimera hurried towards the washroom. Time is ticking, time is ticking!

As the sprinkler brushed away the suds, the hyena held in a sigh. Even though he had been here for two years, he still couldn't get used to this. Should he have never left Angola? But, he shook his head at such. No, of course not. Leaving Angola behind was the right decision. He was getting tired of people whispering nasty nonsense about him every single day.

Reflection locking onto him, the composer sighed. Would he ever get to own that club he wanted? Maybe not. After all, why would anyone want to go to a club run by a hyena chimera like him? And, he would get dirty looks if he sang on stage. He thought when he moved to this village, all of that would change. But, no, all the whispers, all the dirty looks, everywhere aside from Hibana-mura, it was all the same.

Hair pulled up into a lightning bolt shaped ponytail, the hyena's spots locked eyes with him. Powder applied, he sighed. This stuff never truly did the trick, did it? Pink dress slipped over him with the left portion dark purple and ribbon orange, the skirt had been the same split shades. Dark orange on the edges as well, the chimera slipped on a striped blue, white, pink and orange, white pink and red sock combo. Pink pentagram hairpins and earrings clipped into place, he placed his hand on his chin. An eyepatch would make this outfit perfect! But, ah, no, he'd definitely be called, what was that word again? Ah, right, chuunibyou. He forgot.

Mascara applied, the young adult dragged himself to the shared kitchen. Fingers crossed, a chant played from within. Please, please let Kigyo and Eclater have gone to work already. He could hardly handle them both being home right now, too. But, of course, such was wishful thinking. He could never win, could he?

Locking eyes with him had been a short, androgynous person with a snake tail from behind. Short, tropical green hair pulled into a high ponytail, that permanent grimace decorated the face. Very small pitch black eyes looking scared as usual, the person adorned Greek clothes from like, a million years ago. Alright, not that long ago. Did chimeras even exist a million years ago? Honestly, he didn't know. Why did Kigyo work at a Greek section of a history museum in Japan of all places anyway?

Placing the plates on the table had been a rather tall merman with light bluish-grey hair that draped over his shoulder. Other side of the hair barely going below the ears, his eyes were the same shades as his locks. Aquarium employee uniform over him, his currently human legs were bluer than usual. Oh, great, Eclater had been in human form for too long. Please, don't make that his problem.

"Siorc, you know you're about to miss the train, don'tchya?" Eclater asked. "I bet it's because you wasted your time singing again." He placed his finger and moved it around in a circular motion as he said such. "I dunno why ya think you'll own a club someday with that fake voice of yours."

"It's not like he'll ever get that club anyway," Firat said. "I bet he's going to have to start all over at this new college of his." He then mumbled under his breath. "Transferring four months into your third year. Absolutely bonkers."

"Could you two just simmer down and eat?!" Kigyo cried. "Don't you guys have to leave for work soon?!"

"Don't ya?" Cyril asked between nibbled. "Ah, well, whatevs. I gotta go." But, eyes soon wandered. "Ya're going to school in a dress again? Dis is why peeps laughed at ya at the community college all tha time!"

"Tch, and that color scheme again, I swear," Eclater groaned. "Don't you ever wear anything else? You're going to blind someone!"

Fins pointed at him, the young adult reached for a piece of toast. Why should he listen to what these four think? None of them know a thing about what happened at the Iriomote Island community college. But, sure, whatever, assume what they want. They're always barking so much ridiculous nonsense like it was their job. Forget them, he's out of here.

<I'm leaving now.> A chalkboard with large writing on it said.

"You're still using a chalkboard? I don't get you!" Kigyo cried. "Are you even allowed to bring that to your business lectures?"

<Yes, I very much am. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going.> A chalkboard with small writing on it said.

Bag slung over his shoulder, the young adult made a run for it. Wind blowing furiously, the chimera let out a sigh. If only he could blow away somewhere else; somewhere far away. New Jersey sounded like a great place to drift to. Train station soon reached, he placed his rail pass on the ticker. Dashing towards the train, he huffed. Ah, great, he almost missed it, nice going, Siorc.

Seating himself the furthest away from any human, the young adult placed his hand on his cheek. Please, let this new school be better than the last one. But, why bother hoping? It's going to be the same. The same stares, the same disgusted looks, the same laughs, the same questions, what's a chimera doing here for? The same nonsense, I thought they made separate schools to keep the trash away. Sigh, why think otherwise?

"Hi, ssssory, issss thissss sssseat taken?" a voice asked.

Turning towards the noise, a dark skinned young adult snake woman with a high pearly pink ponytail had been looking his way. Pupilless brown eyes that looked as though they had seen years of war, her light red shirt looked like it had been cut up overalls. This girl, he believes he's seen her on the net before. She was always posting her keyboard covers of, uh, who were they again? Ah, right, some group called Happy Around, or something. He's never heard of them.

<No, feel free to sit here.> A chalkboard with big writing on it said.

"Haven't sssseeen you here before, are you the transsssfer sssstudent joining the bussssinessss department today?" the snake girl asked.

Question coming his way, sweat poured down the hyena's cheek. Wait, just how many people knew about a transfer student transferring in today? He knew mostly students took this train, but don't tell him everyone on this line was going to this school. Well, he supposed, someone transferring in during the first week of September was a little weird. Listen, that was the only window they were accepting. He would have come in April if he could help it.

<Yes, I am, why?> A chalkboard with large writing on it asked.

"Well, all the chimerassss have been talking about a new transsssfer sssstudent, sssso," the snake girl hissed. "It'ssss kind of weird you're transsssfering at the sssstart of the ssssecond ssssemesssster, sssso, everyone's been talking about it." She then paused for a moment. "By the way, name'ssss Rawda. Nice to meet you."

Chimeras mentioned, the college student blinked. Did she just say chimeras, plural? No, that must have been a mistake, right? He always thought that there weren't all that many in Japan outside of the village. Well, maybe he was wrong about that. Back when he lived in Angola, most had gone into hiding. Same with while he lived in Canada as a child. But, maybe things were different here.

<It took awhile for the school to process my transfer, so I'm starting in the second semester, I guess. My name is Siorc, by the way. Do a lot of chimeras attend?> A chalkboard with small writing asked.

"Hmm, Ssssiorc, I feel like I've heard that name on SongLab before," Rawda hissed, cat paw on chin. "Are you NinaSpin? You make ssssome nice ssssongs. They feel very club-like." She then composed herself. "Whoopssss, ssssorry for changing the ssssubject. Uh, there'ssss quite a lot of chimerassss there, yessss. Probably hundredssss, sssso, don't worry, the humanssss will probably leave you alone. That'ssss why you're transssferring, right?"

Snake girl right on the nose, the young adult resist the urge to let his jaw drop. Could she read minds or something? No, probably not. She probably had a similar experience at some point. Such was the life of a chimera in a mostly human world. But, maybe this college would be different. Maybe he could finally find a place where he could belong.

<Yes, I'm NinaSpin on SongLab. I'm surprised you've heard of me.> A chalkboard with small writing on it said. He then added a line beneath. <Since you seemed to have figured it out, I'm not going to waste time explaining why I transferred.> But as he held the tiny board up, the train stopped.

"Well, nice to finally meet you in persssson, Nina," Rawda hissed, paw out in front of her. "You sssshould keep producing. Your ssssongs would be great in the dj sssscene." Removing herself from the seat after a good long pawshake, she tried to not giggle. "Well, ssssee you in classs."

Snake girl slithering away, a small smile appeared on the composer's face. Wow, someone was a fan of his experimental music? This is amazing! Maybe he will open that club one day! No, no, baby steps, baby steps. He was a long way off from even getting there. He still had quite a few years of college to go before he could do that.

Exiting the train, his cheeks grew pink. Nina, Nina, finally, someone called him Nina in person as well. Maybe he should go by that name full time. But, no, it's not like anyone would call him that. But, if one chimera did, that was enough. Dashing towards the college gates, he took a deep breath. First day at H.T International University, here he comes.

Spotting a lot of tails off in the distance, the hyena placed his bag in front of his mouth. There sure were a lot of chimeras here. More than he expected. Maybe he'll fit in, for a change. Checking his paperwork, he sighed. He was in class 3-C of the business department. How far is that from here? Looking up the school map, his eyes grew wide. Woah, that was on the other side! He'd better take the bridge and hurry.

But, as he had ran through the crossing, his body had soon collided with another. Ow, who did he just? Short young adult woman with long blonde hair pulled into a singular braid and golden penguin crests looking ready to catch on fire, her orange eyes also looked about ready to do the same. White academic outfit on her, he swore he could see the penguin girl's veins ready to pop. Ugh, maybe he shouldn't have been running through the halls, he knew better.

"Hey, watch where you're going!" the penguin girl cried.

<Sorry, I'm new here, and I'm in a rush. I didn't mean to run into you.> A chalkboard with small writing on it said.

"Wait, you're the new transfer student?" the penguin girl asked. "Wasn't expecting you to be a chimera." She then, sighed. "Still, you shouldn't run in the halls. Ah, well, whatever. I'm Holly, by the way, first year in the business department."

<I'm Siorc, third year in the business department.> A chalkboard with small writing on it said.

"Kind of weird you're transferring in at the start of the second semester," Holly said. "Did you go to a mostly human college?"

 A chalkboard with large writing on it said.

"I see, well, don't worry, there's plenty of chimeras here!" Holly exclaimed, she then cleared her throat. "I should probably head to class now. See you around."

Reaching the end of the tunnel, the chimera searched far and wide for class 3-C. Room the last one on the first floor, the composer sighed. This one sure was close to the edge, huh? Please, don't let this class be filled to the brim with hundreds of humans, he's begging. Stepping in, the teacher locked eyes with him.

"Alright, everyone, we have a new student joining us today, why don't you introduce yourself?" the teacher asked.

Writing his name on the board, the hyena's eyes wandered. Ah, he wrote his name in the correct Japanese alphabet, right? How did he spell Siorc again? It was a foreign word, he used Katakana for that, right? Ugh, maybe he should just write down Nina Needle, but, no, he would be looked at funny if he did. Scribbling down the characters to the best of his ability, he reached for the chalk again.

<Nice to meet you, everyone. My name is Siorc, I come from Hibana-mura. I previously went to Iriomote Island community college. I came here hoping to finding a place to belong. I look forward to learning with all of you.> A chalkboard with small writing on it said, but it had soon been transferred to the board with a projector. Wow, technology is amazing.

Studying the students in the room, the college student did a double take. Woah, this class was full of chimeras. If he counted, the amount of humans would barely even fill up on hand! Amazing, this day was getting better already! They weren't kidding when they said this place was chimera friendly. Maybe he transferred to the right place!

"Wait, are you NinaSpin on SongLab?!" a student asked.

<Yes, that's me.> A chalkboard with large writing on it said.

"Wow, really?!" a student cried. "Amazing, I'm in heaven." They placed their palm on their forehead as they said such.

Everyone chattering, sweat poured down the chimera's cheek. Uh, wow, just how many people knew his music? He always thought he wasn't all that popular on there. After all, his videos rarely ever cracked three hundred views. So many people out there heard his girl voice here. Ah, no, his cheeks were growing pink.

Teacher telling everyone to settle down, the chimera seated himself in middle booth. Please, don't let everyone stare at him for the rest of the day! Lectures almost breezing by, he could hardly write everything down. Man, this school was already at the economics stage of lectures, huh? Honestly, he wasn't expecting all of that. He needs to do his best to study hard.

Afternoon sneaking on him from behind, the young adult's stomach growled. Was it time for lunch yet? He still had a few more lectures today. Opening his bag, nothing stared back at him. Oh, no, he forgot to pack a bento! Great, nice going, Siorc. He forgot the most important thing. There's no way he would be able to afford food at the cafeteria here. But, as he thought such, a lecture book had been plopped on his desk.

"Say, new chimera, want to eat with us?" a short young woman asked.

"Savon, did you have to slam your lecture book down so hard?" another girl asked.

"Yeah," another girl added.

"Ditto," a fourth girl added.

Looking at him had been a short young mermaid person with long blonde hair pulled into a low braid draped over her shoulder. Pink tank top looking ready to rip apart, he sighed. Ah, she must have been Savon, that sister Eclater always blasted over the phone all the time. No wonder she didn't move in with him.

Next to the mermaid person had been a short tanned skin woman with lizard eyes and tail from behind her. Light brown hair pulled into a half ponytail, she adorned a light purple gothic outfit. Lip piercing looking quite sharp, the college student's eyes wandered. Maybe he should get his bottom lip pierced, too. But, nah, that was too much money. Blonde haired girl with light violet dyed pigtails and boxy glasses looking his way as well, her lynx paws looked quite fluffy.

Studying the fourth and final person, the chimera could feel his jaw ready to drop at who waited for him. Standing the furthest away from the group of four had been a tall dark skinned jackal woman with knee length icy blue hair. Orange eyes that were like the sun, on the top of her head had been box braids. Really fancy golden dress, he tried to not blush. Woah, was she Djing with Aega from SongLab? She's even more beautiful in person!

Opening his wallet for a moment, the chimera sighed. He only had about a thousand yen on him. There was no way he'd be able to afford a chicken bento box with that miserly amount. Maybe he should have put more in before he left. Too late for that now, he supposed. Next time, he needs to pack a bento before he left.

 A chalkboard with small writing on it said.

"Hey, don't worry about money, you're probably just going to buy a bento, right?" the mermaid girl, Savon said. "We can buy one for you, no sweat." She then turned to the other girls. "Introduce yourselves why don't you?"

"What?! Now?!" the lizard girl cried. "Come on, I'm getting hungry! The cafeteria probably sold out of everything by now!" She waved her hands in the air as she said such. "Sigh, oh, well. I'm Laine. And this scaredy lynx over here is Irpa."

"Who said I was scared? I'm not scared of anything!" Irpa cried. "You heard her. I'm Irpa. Say, is it true you can sound like a perfect girl? I uh, have a few friends who would be thrilled if you taught them how like Aega's sister." She pointed at the icy blue haired maiden as she said such.

"Do you always have to talk for me?" Aega asked, sighing. "It's true, though. My sister could use pointers on that. You know, your voice sounds pretty good. But, let's save that discussion for the cafeteria."

Guided towards the college cafeteria, a battle was about to kick into place. First years fighting each other the remaining stock of melonpan, the young adult tried to look away. He supposed there was always one thing about colleges that never changed. Why does everyone want sweets so much all the time? He could hardly ever fathom a guess at such if he's being completely honest here.

Guided towards a large table, another stranger soon locked eyes with him. Rather tall adult penguin chimera woman with golden crests and fancy looking blonde hair, the chimera placed his finger on his chin. He's seen this lady on UsTube a couple of times before. Who was she again? Oh, right, Malika, the Dj Expert. Wow, the word dj sure has come up a lot today. Teriyaki chicken Bento soon placed his front of him, the chimera clapped his hands together.

"You're welcome," Savon said. "Since you're new here, we just wanted to ask. Why don't you join our DJ club? You're pretty good at making club music. I think you should put it to good use." She then turned towards the blonde stranger. "Right, Malika?"

"Being good at making club music doesn't mean he's got what it takes to be a DJ," Malika said between bites.

"Sorry, she's the club president of the DJ Club, she might be a little harsh at times," Laine whispered, but it was a little too loud.

"I heard that you know!" Malika cried. "It's true, though. Making good music doesn't mean he'll make a good Dj."

"I don't know, I think he's got what it takes," Aega said. "And, besides, he has a really good sounding girl voice."

"Oh, really?" There was a hint of intrigue in the penguin woman's voice.

"Really," Irpa said. "Club president, I think he'd be a good fit for our club!"

"Maybe." She looked away.

DJ club brought to his attention, the composer drummed his fingers on the table as he munched on chicken aplenty. A DJ club, huh? When he first came to Japan, he had heard the Japanese DJing scene was quite popular with high schoolers and college students. What were some popular units he's heard of? Ah, let him think, Rondo, Merm4aid and Photon Maiden. And, a few others that were up and coming like Peaky P-Key and Happy Around. Maybe, anyway. He had listened to maybe a few of their songs at some point when trying to learn Japanese. Maybe he should check it out.

 A chalkboard with small writing on it said.

"Really, you will?" Savon asked. "Great, I'll let the club founder know!"

Nibbling on the rest of his bento, the hours flew by. Maybe he should give DJing a try. Honestly, Rondo was so cool. They had such deep songs and even worked at their own club where they were very popular! Maybe he'll be that way someday! Or, so he wishes. Probably not. Afternoon lectures going ever so slowly, the final class dragged itself out like a large weight being put away after gym classes back in Canada.

Four o'clock finally reigning in, the composer gazed at his school map. Aega told him the DJ Club was in the abandoned music room on the fourth floor. Why would someone hold a club there? It wasn't abandoned because it was haunted or anything, right? Right?! Ghosts were scary, he didn't ever want to encounter one. Slowly walking to the final floor, a tattered door soon awaited him. Please, please, please, don't let there be anything paranormal in this room. Here goes, one, two, three.

But, as he opened the door, something much more alarming soon awaited him. Someone looking about ready to fall over, the young adult made a run for it. Oh, no, that girl is going to fall face first on the ground! He needs to catch her leaping forward, the composer dived. Shoulder soon grabbed, he huffed. He caught her, right, right?! Please, don't be one of those physical bodied ghosts or something.

"Wow, you caught me, but honestly, I didn't need you to do that, meowoof!" a young sounding voice cried. "I'm always clumsy, you know?"

Backing away, the chimera got a good look at the chimera trying to steady herself. Looking rather scattered had been a young dog cat woman with long orange hair that went down to about her waist with bright pink choppy bangs in the middle. Half pink, half orange pupils, she had one dog and one cat ear. Paws the same colors, she had a pure white dress that almost looked ethereal. Oh, no, she's not a ghost is she? Please, don't tell him she's a ghost! Oh, no, is this place haunted?!

<Hi, there, my name is Siorc, and I'm here to join the DJ Club. You're not a ghost, right?> A chalkboard with small words on it said.

"Huh?!" the cat dog girl cried. "Me, a ghost, meowoof?! No! Look, I know this club room is in the abandoned music rooms, but I assure you, I'm alive, just a bit of a klutz! Oh, well, name's Gosia. The rest of the club isn't here today, so why don't you show me what you can do? You know how to DJ, right?"

<No. But, why don't you teach me? I want to own a club someday anyway.> A chalkboard with small words on it said.

"Oh, really, do you now?" Gosia asked. "Them's fighting words, meowoof! Well, in that case, why don't I teach you a few things. Want to practice with some Rondo songs? Do you know any?"

<Yeah, I know a few. Do you want me to sing along to them, too?> A chalkboard asked.

"Sure, if you want, now come here! Let me show you how it's done!"

Placed in front of a large box with a lot of switches, the hyena's eyes were shining. Woah, this thing was super cool! So, this was DJ equipment? Wow, wow, so cool. This stuff looked so amazing! Taught how to make the music sound cooler by dialing a few switches a disc was soon scratched on the turntable. So, the key was to try to smooth the transition between songs, huh? Test track, Love!! Hug!! Groovy played and then transitioned into Guruguru DJ Turn, he studied the creature for a moment.

"You think you got it?" Gosia asked. "If you do, try it out for yourself. Here's Rondo's discog. You gonna sing?"

<Yes, I know most of Rondo's songs, honestly. I might have used them to learn Japanese.> A chalkboard with small writing on it said.

"Oh, really? Interesting, meowoof," Gosia said. "Well, good luck."

Putting on the song Amaoto, the young adult took a deep breath. Alright, it's time to sing. Three, two, one, la, la, la, la, la. Putting on a little reverb, he did a little dance. Okay, now should be the time to transition into the next tune, Horizontal Oath, go! Smoothing over the vocals, his cheeks grew pink. That was a good transition, right? Please, let it be. Doing a little more magic, he gazed at the rest of Rondo's discography. Okay, how about Angels and Demons? Hmm, that one would definitely fit here well.

Beats matching, a wave of relief flowed through the composer. Alright, perhaps he could transition into one last one? Hmm, oh! Retina, that one seems like it could work here! Setting it towards the end point of the track, his eyes sparkled once again. Wow, this is so much fun! Where was this all his life?! Stopping, he swore a jaw was dropped wide open.

"Uh, wow, you're pretty good, and honestly, you have an amazing girl voice, meowoof," Gosia said, voice trailing. "I'd like to start a DJ unit with you." Her voice then trailed off for a moment. "But, before that, why don't I show you what professional DJs look like? Want to swing by Club LAGOON tonight? It could help you with your goal to start your own at some point."

Club LAGOON brought to his attention, the hyena placed his finger on his chin. Club LAGOON, huh? He's heard that name in passing a few times, maybe. Should he take her offer on it? It was probably a nightclub, though. Honestly, he hardly looked his age being a chimera and all that. Would he even be allowed to go? Maybe he should ask that first.

<But, are chimeras allowed to go there?> A chalkboard with small writing asked.

"Yeah, I go there all the time, meowoof," Gosia said. "A lot of us go there after lectures and clubs are done for the day. Merm4id's nice, don't worry about it. So, what do you say? Wanna come with me? A couple my friends are gonna go, too."

Nodding, the hyena gazed at his phone. When did he have to be back home by again? Ah, right, by eleven. Why did his housemates set a curfew anyway? He's twenty one, for crying out loud! It's not like he had any friends. Well, oh well, he should probably text them anyway just in case. Pulling out his phone, he typed away in the house groupchat.

{House Group Chat}

{Me}
<I'm hanging out with a friend, I'll be back late.>

{Eclater}
<You have friends? Since when?>

{Me}
<Since today?>

{Eclater}
<Whatever, just be back by midnight. And, don't get wasted!>

{Me}


{Cyril}
<That's what they all say! But, I bet you'll come home plastered!>

{Me}


{Firat}
<Whatever, so you don't drink. Don't go around hitting that bud, either.>

{Me}


{Kigyo}
<Sigh.>

{Eclater}
<Sigh.>

{Firat}
<Sigh.>

{Eclater}
<Sigh.>

{Me}
<Excuse me?! That's all you have to say? I thought you'd be happy for me! I made a friend, didn't I?>

{Kigyo}
<Djing is stupid, you know that? It shouldn't even be popular. Whatever, I don't care. Have fun with you new friend.>

{Me}


Closing his phone, the hyena rolled his eyes. Why did he ever agree to move into this sharehouse, honestly? He definitely shouldn't have. Oh, well, once his share of the lease is up, whenever that is, he's out of there. Stopping by the convenience store as the evening hit, he let out a yawn. Today sure was a fruitful day, wasn't it? Maybe he'll take a nice nap at the park before he goes to Club Lagoon tonight. That sounded like a lovely idea. Crawling up on a small blanket, he caught some zzes.

Three hours later.

Heading off towards the next town over, a beautiful club scene soon awaited him. Finding himself at Club LAGOON, a tropical nightlife soon awaited him. Chimeras everywhere, the chimera tried to keep himself together. Wow, this place is amazing! Maybe he should pay for a vip membership. Yes, yes, he definitely should, that sounded like a great idea.

Spotting Malika in the corner alongside Gosia and the snake cat girl, another surprising face soon caught his attention. Huh, that first year was here, too. What was her name again? Oh, right, Holly. Uh, was she old enough to be here? The drinking age in Japan was twenty. Well, maybe she was just here with her sister. Malika and Holly looked like they could have been sisters.

"Sup, Siorc, glad you came!" Gosia greeted, waving. "So, these are my friends, Holly and Rawda. They said they'll form a DJ unit with us." She then sighed. "Oh, and that's Malika, Holly's old bag of a sister."

"I'll have you know I'm thirty, I'm not that old," Malika cried.

"Sis, I know you said your doctorates taking awhile, but like, you know, on that Blossoming Woman's support group you're in, all of the budding ladies always complain they don't want to turn thirty!" Holly said, pointing at comments on her phone. "Something like, in blossoming woman world, thirty is the new fifty!"

"That's some of their opinions, not mine," Malika said, groaning. "Another round, please." Glug.

Rawda looking at him again, the hyena scratched the side of his head. So, Gosia's friends were Holly and Rawda? He supposed he didn't mind start a DJ unit with them. But, who would do what? He could compose the tracks and sing them, but who would do the visual art? Who would do the keyboard? Who would switch the tracks? He had so many questions.

"Didn't think you'd join the DJ club sssso ssssooon," Rawda hissed. "Sssso, Gossssia convinced you to form a unit with her? Well, your voice ssssounds good, so why not? I'll join your unit."

"As will I," Holly said. "If you do feminine voice tutorials on UsTube on the side, that is."

Proposal brought to his attention, the chimera blinked. Should he do that? Honestly, if his housemates heard him recoding videos on how to get the perfect girl voice, they'd definitely secretly report them for misleading content. Maybe he should record them in the clubroom so they never hear that. But, he supposed if other budding feminine individuals wanted to get rid of their unwanted gruff registers, he wouldn't mind starting that.

<Sure, I can do that.> A chalkboard with large writing on it said.

"That's great, thank you so much. Aega's sister will definitely want to learn a thing or two from you," Holly responded, smiling. "So, have you thought of an Mc name?"

Placing his finger on his chin, the college student wondered. Would this be the perfect time to whip out the name Nina? Hmm, yes, maybe it would be. Probably. Now would most certainly be a good time for that. Should he add something else to the end of that? Hmm, think, think. Oh! Needle. Nina Needle, yes, the perfect feminine name.

<I'm thinking of Nina Needle, maybe. Have any of you thought of a unit name?> A chalkboard with small writing on it asked.

"Nah, we haven't," Rawda hissed, tongue sticking out. "But, I like your Mc Name. Why don't we usssse the word Needle for the firsssst part of our unit name? But sssspelled like thissss?" She held up a notepad as she said such.

Needle spelled out as N33D13, a spark popped off in the composer's brain. N33D13, yes, that's super cool! But, it needed something a little more. Hmm, how about Spin, but spelled out as SP1N and Destiny, but spelled out as D3ST1NY? Yeah, that sounded like an amazing name. Scribbling away, he prayed this one would stick.

<How about we try N33D13 SP1N D3ST1NY? Unless, of course anyone else has any other ideas. Feel free to share!> A chalkboard with small writing on it said.

"Nah, not really, that one sounds pretty good, meowoof," Gosia said. "Anyone else have any other suggestions?"

"Nope, I like it," Holly said. "Feels DJ enough."

"Ssssame, bessssidessss, I'm bad with names," Rawda hissed. "We sssshould try to aim for the rookie cup that'ssss coming up in a month. What do you ssssay?" She then turned towards Malika. "Malika here will help hook ussss up. Sssshe's a master at thissss."

"Well, fine, since I admire your enthusiasm, I'll think about it," Malika sighed. "I need more wine."

Rookie cup mentioned, a wave of unease flowed through the young adult. Oh, no, a competition? Would he really be able to hit it off that fast? Maybe not. But, it did sound like fun, maybe he could at least give it a try. Nodding, the stage soon glowed with beautiful lights. Orange haired lady with sunglasses on the top of her head and a yellow swimsuit accompanied by a purple haired woman, a brunette with a high ponytail, and white haired lady, his eyes shimmered. So, this is Merm4aid, huh? Wow, they're super pretty. What was the main DJ's name again? Oh, right, Ri-- Se--. Ha, ha, silly him, he almost forgot.

"Is everyone excited?!" Ri-- Set-- asked.

"We are Merm4aid!" Dah--- cried. Or at least, that's what he believes the white haired lady's name was.

Floor Killer playing, Nina's eyes sparkled once more. Oh, gosh, now this was a great track! How did these girls do this so well?! He needs to become a top rookie at the upcoming competition. Girls mixing all night, eleven o'clock soon rolled in. Ah, well, time to go home. Catching the train back, he could already feel the screams come his way as he entered the door.

"You better not have gotten yourself wasted while at that club tonight!" Eclater cried.

 A chalkboard with large words on it cried.

"I hope you're not lying to me. Oh, well, we'll find out in the morning if you are or not. Goodnight." He left the room as he said such.

Returning to his bed, the chimera groaned. Ugh, why did he move in here? These dudes are always treating him like he's a bad person and liar for some reason. He never lied to these guys in his life. Was it because he was training to have a girl voice? Maybe. He sees, so that's what it is. Forget this, he's going to sleep now, goodnight.

College classes over the next few day going by rather quickly, a rival unit had soon joined the clubroom around the first week or so in school. Aega, Savon, Laine and Irpa joining forces, there was blood, there was music, and there was fired up personalities everywhere. But, he didn't mind that at all. N33D13 SP1N D3ST1NY was going to win that rookie cup!

"So, ya'll think you got what it takes to win the rookie cup, huh?" Laine asked. "Nope, Sparemint is gonna win! That's us, for your information!"

"And, we're going to top Abyssmare someday!" Irpa cried.

"Why Abyssmare specifically, though?" Aega asked.

"Uh, duh, because they're a group of foreigners, like us, trying to enter the Japanese DJ Scene!" Savon cried.

"Right, well, not going to lie, but Abyssmare is well above us in terms of skill," Laine said. "Let's start small."

"No, way! We can't start small, that's how all beginner DJ units fall apart, y'now?!" Irpa cried.

"So, you're going to challenge us, huh?" Gosia cried. "Bring it on, meowoof!"

"You're on, we'll take you down," Rawda hissed.

"Uh, come on guys, let's all be friends here," Holly said, palms out.

Mixing in the corner, the hyena hummed. Hmm, he just came up with a nice track for the competition. Drop, drop, drop the floor. Drop drop, drop the floor. Dance, dance, dance to the beat. Dance, dance to the beat. Singing it out loud by accident, eyes were soon on him. Oh, whoopsie, um, did he sing that out loud just now? Whoops, silly Nina, slip of the tongue.

Days continuing on with practice aplenty, two weeks had passed by in a flash. Unit approving of his track, the next order of business was upon him. He should make a nice unit outfit! Bright pink sweater with rainbow text on it that read N33d13 SP1N D3ST1NY, the sleeves were sky blue and light pink. Checkered skirt adorning the colors yellow, white, purple, black in the first row, lavender, white, green in the second row, he hummed as he looked at the rest. Dark pink, golden yellow and light blue third checkered row, the pattern on the sweater and sleeves decorated the fourth one nicely. This unit costume looked so nice. But, was it too normal looking? Well, maybe.

Malika teaching everyone a thing or two as the competition was drawing ever so near, Nina sighed. Was he getting any better? Maybe not, but he was trying his best. He hadn't been at this for very long after all. Doing videos on how to perfect a girl voice as promised along the way, the day of the competition was fast approaching.

And, the day was finally here.

Around seven groups competing, the young adult could feel everything he learned ready to fall out the window. Could he really do this, perform in front of so many people at a party styled competition? Maybe not. If they lose, will that be it? Maybe it will be, he didn't know. Please, don't let this be the end of it all! Surprise judge on the stage, his eyes sparkled. Wow, Merm4aid again! They were getting to be pretty popular, huh?

"Heya, welcome to the rookie cup!" Ri-- Se-- cried. "Is everyone excited to compete?"

"Yes!" a crowd cried.

"Awesome!" Ri-- Se-- cried. "Let's get started!"

"We're gonna kick your butt, by the way," Laine cried. "Don't get too humiliated though when we do!"

"Not if we win first!" Gosia cried.

"Yeah, not if we win firsssst!" Rawda shouted.

"You're on!" Holly cried.

"Let's not leer them, come on," Aega sighed.

"Yeah, please, let's just not do that, okay?" Irpa sighed.

"Nope, 'cause we're taking them down! Ya hear?" Savon cried. "And, we'll surpass Abyssmare someday!"

First DJ unit coming up to the plate, Nina tried to not bite his press on cuticles. These other units were so good. Who would have thought so many other foreigners from around the world were competing in this thing. Maybe he hadn't practiced enough after all. Could he really do this? He's going to have to sing soon after all.

Other units blistering by in the blink of an eye, the chimera crossed his fingers. Well, here goes, any second now, and N33D13 SP1N D3ST1NY would be called up to the stage. He needs to focus, focus on the prize. No, actually, just focus on having fun. Of course, focus on having fun, that's all. That's what he needed to do.

"And, now, it's time for N33D13 SP1N D3ST1NY to take the stage!" Ri-- Se-- cried.

Taking a deep breath, the young adult prepared himself. Alright, well, here goes. Playing the first track, he tried to get groovy with it. Okay, drop, drop, drop the floor, drop, drop, drop the floor. His girl voice sounded good, right? He didn't sound like he was trying too hard? Please, please. Transitioning to the seashell song, he broke into the sweat. The audience likes this, right? Please, tell him they did!

Sparemint going next, he could feel the floor ready to drop down from underneath him. Uh, wow, they sounded pretty good. Uh, maybe he wouldn't even make it past the first round. Ah, well, he'd only been at this a month, after all, he's still new at this. But, he thought wrong. Or, at least, he think he did.

Moving onto the second round, the next set of dj face offs took shape. Told to switch between multiple tracks one after another, the chimera's hand felt like it was about to fall off. Uh, he's doing this right, right? Rest of the unit struggling as well, he could feel it. Maybe he won't make it past the second round either.

But, once again, the young adult thought wrong. Semi finals hitting a fever pitch, the young adult could feel his blood pumping. Wow, this is a lot of fun! Maybe he should have taken up DJing when he first arrived in Japan almost three years ago now! But, the time definitely wasn't right then. It's most certainly right now. This is it. This is where he belongs, he finally found it.

Making it through the semifinals, the finals had crept up out of nowhere. Sparemint making it all the way to the end, a spark filled the room. They'll win this rookie cup, huh? He'll show them! N33D13 SP1N D3ST1NY is in it to win it! Final round ready to kick into overdrive, Sparemint soon went first.

Perfect transitions taking the stage, the hyena could feel the nerves kicking in. Does he still have what it takes to do one final round? Maybe he was running out of steam after all. Wait, no, he's still got this. Don't chicken out now! Come on, the last round was soon upon him, he can win this! No, they can win this. This is a team effort.

But, when it was N33D13 SP1N D3ST1NY's turn one last time, a terrible whoops moment took over. Accidentally transitioning to the wrong song, the hyena's face grew hot. Ah, no, he wasn't supposed to play that one! Rawda and Holly trying to smooth it over, he swore everyone's eyes were glowing. He definitely messed up, huh? Haha, silly him. Timer ticking down, everyone exited the stage.

"Wow, and it's over! Those were some sick beats, huh?" Ri-- Se-- cried. "Alright, everyone, it's time to vote for the winner!"

One large television screen with votes ready to go, everything came in faster than he could keep up with. Timer ticking down, sweat decorated the chimera's forehead. Woah, these things were timed?! Amazing, things are firing up! Voting soon closed, he gazed at the screen. Three hundred for N33D13 SP1N D3ST1Ny and three hundred one for Sparemint, the hyena waved the white flag. A battle well fought, indeed.

"Woah, the votes are so close!" Ri-- Se-- cried. "The winner is Sparemint! Congratulations!"

"We'll beat Abyssmare!" Laine shouted on stage.

Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap.

Extending his hand, the chimera did a shake with the girls. Gosh, that sure was a close competition. But, maybe his unit would win the next one. There were always more gigs after all. He's feeling all fired up to do some more in the near future, that's for sure. Turning towards his unit members, he scribbled away.

<We should do more gigs in the future like this!> A chalkboard with small writing on it said.

"Yeah, we should, I agree," Gosia said. She then turned towards Malika. "You'll still help us train, right?"

"Of course," Malika said, yawning.

"Cool, sis, you're the best!" Holly cried. She then turned towards Nina. "Say, Nina, you still want to open your own club someday, right?"

<Of course, that's my number on dream!> A chalkboard with small writing on it exclaimed.

"Great, glad our loss today didn't deter you," Holly responded, smiling. "Let's keep djing together."

"Let'sssss, this was fun," Rawda hissed.

"Yeah, I vibed with you all so well in our first month, so let's keep at this!" Gosia said in a warm tone. She then sighed. "Meowoof, oh no, I have to go home. See you later!"

<See you tomorrow!> A chalkboard with small writing on it said.

Bidding everyone else farewell, the young adult took the train home. Flopping down on his futon, he giggled up a storm. Today was so much fun. And, not to mention, he sounded like a perfect girl while djing today! Crawling underneath the cloth, he closed his eyes. It's time to catch some zzes, goodnight. Big grin on his face as the dream world came for him, one last thought dragged itself down.

He finally found a place where he belonged.

And, he had a groovy mix today to prove it.

Alright, here's what Nina Needle looks like. Tbh, I tried to make this one different from the Bandori story. Not sure how well I pulled that off, but, ah well, regardless. I did try my best in the end.

Next week is uh...Princess of Animal Rights Protesting. It'll probably be a satire of extreme veganism. We'll see.

Palamon · Jan 23, 2026

So, just so everyone knows, this one is an original, non-fandom story about a princess who loves cows. But uh. Well, there's more to it than that, anyway.

Before reading this particular anthology, I just want to say, it's a satire through and through. Try not to take it all that seriously.

Content warnings: mild crude language, violence (such as destruction of property), and some political discussion. But, other than that, not much else applies.

The Cow Adoring Princess

"Hiya, name's Siorc, and
I'm the princess of the realm known as Lactaine.
Yes, realm,
An entire realm.

In Lactaine, humans, demons and chimeras, that's
Me by the way, I'm a hyena chimera, reside in this land in

Perfect harmony. Most of the time. This
Realm is full of nature and animals, too.
I reside in a palace full of
Nice friendly
Cows, goats and chickens, I
Even let them live inside the palace!
Sometimes the parliament tries to
Send them away, but I threaten to

Send them packing
If they ever so much as dare!
Of course, as a princess of this
Realm, I have to do my
Completely boring duties

Of being this realm's ruler, which
For the record, I didn't sign up for!

Listen, can't I just be
A trophy princess?
Come on, for starters,
This talking thing is not for me,
And I have to do all this
Infuriating and boring
Nonsense. So, I
Ended up commissioning

A large talking device whenever I'm
Not allowed to skip the
Dumb princess stuff.

And I want to resign, I do! But, there's
No one else who
Is able to take the throne. See,
My family basically
Abandoned me and
Lactaine a long time ago.
So, I'm an

Adult all on my own in this
Royal palace! I don't
Even know why they left

Me. But, they decided to go to earth. Which,
Yikes, earth. I'm

Pretty disgusted by that realm we are
Attached to.
Look, Lactaine is
Separate but resides within earth though a

Mostly sealed portal in some place called uh
Yugoslavia or whatever. We're not part of earth

For the most part just our realm entrance is
Attached. Anyway,
Mother, father, and my sister all left ages ago, so
I'm the only one
Left. There's no one to succeed me and no backup plan. I have
Yet to come up with a way for

Me to leave this position.
You know, I wish the people could govern

For themselves! But
At present, they're
Very much reliant on me and my rule.
Even though I
Simply just

Want to
Hang out with the cows, goats and chickens every day.
Yeah, that's what I want.

Can't I just transfer
Over my power to some
Wet noodle who could
Simply

Govern Lactaine themselves?
Obviously not.
Apparently, no one wants
To do that,
Self govern.

And my parliament is apparently
Not allowed to take over my
Domain. I

Cannot fathom why. I
Hardly have an answer, apparently
I'm princess for life, sigh.
Can't we just abolish the
Kingdom and let
Everyone rule for themselves?
No? Guess not,
Sigh. I wish I could just run

Off from all of my responsibilities and
Frolic with my

Cows instead
Of having to run the entire realm.
Ugh! But, I'm stuck
Ruling over
Since I'm the only one in charge.
Eh, maybe

I'll end up being overthrown! Some think I'm

Lazy. Please do!
I know I take a
Very long time to
Enact stuff, so

It'd be awesome if I'm overthrown!
No? No one actually wants

To? Sigh. I
Have to say,
Everything feels like I'm

Pretty much trapped in this role
And can't get out. I'm
Lazy? No one wants to overthrow. I
Am too lax in my
Control over
Everything

Within the realm?
I'm only opposed by
The parliament. I
Have been letting

Things pile up?
Hardly addressed.
Even so,
Maybe I am at least

Glad the humans, demons and chimeras
In my realm
Get along. We all
Go about our days in harmony. So, it's not
Like I
Even have that many issues to deal with. Just the boring. Oh, well time to read to the cows!"

It had been a rather cloudy day over the skies of the shared human, chimera and demon realm known as Lactaine situated in a secret portal within the Earth Realm known by the name of Yugoslavia. The little puffs of white were moving, and they were moving fast. The demons were hunting meat, the humans were off to their day jobs; the chimeras were just about to wake up. But, for one particular regal hyena chimera, it was the perfect time to pretend duties did not exist.

Cock a doodlie do!

Yawning from the royal quarters had been a short, young adult feminine appearing individual with long dark purple hair that went down to about the waist. Mismatched purple and green eyes opening wide, peeking from the covers had been brown cow pajamas with the word moo sideways in the middle with a white font just a little too big. Lifting the self up from the covers, a smile appeared on the face. It's time to go read to the cows!

Throwing the covers back, the chimera dashed towards the mirror. Tired look glaring back in the reflection, the hyena sighed. Come on, look alive! All of the pesky royal duties have been so tiresome lately. Go to the demon forest and negotiate a deal to end the illegal punishments going on there. Go to the skywell and drain the excess clouds from the factories, blah, blah, blah. Please, let resignation from being a princess be possible already. Let this realm self govern.

Bright pink checkered shirt with chickens in the diamonds soon over the person after a momentary spritz of fragrance, the princess giggled. Can't forget to go say hello the chickens either. They probably were lonely. Ever since it started raining beans from the sky, they had been hiding. Why blame them, though? Definitely seemed pretty scary. Plaid skirt soon slipped on, the young adult dashed off towards the bookshelf.

Gazing at the tomes, the princess pondered. Which book should be read today? Mooma seemed to like the ones with a lot of pictures. Maybe the one about The Great Duck Race? Ah, no, the goats always fell asleep when looking at that one. How about Finding a Rainbow Inside a Beanstalk? Never read that one before. Ugh, why can't the parliament go out and fetch more books as needed? Come on. Oh, well, this one will do for today. Better grab the two sequels also.

Window wide open as usual, the hyena leapt out. Almost tripping, the princess groaned. Who dared to cut the bush? Those landscapers ought to be fired! The person swore that the parliament had told them do not cut the bushes below the princess's window! But, what did they do? Cut them anyway, as usual. Trust no one.

Barn soon upon the person, a small red button had been removed from the left skirt pocket. Cows, sweet cows. Did they miss the princess? It had been? Well, eight hours since they were last together! Were the goats in here waiting, too? Maybe it was about time to stop sleeping. After all, why waste time on that when the precious family needed attention.

Moo, moo, moo.

Moos everywhere, the princess's cheeks lit up. Listen to that, the family is definitely waiting. Waiting too long. Maybe the parliament should move the bed into the barn. But, ah no, tried that at least a gajillion times and the answer was always no. Who's in charge of the realm? This person is! But, of course, they always seem to think otherwise.

Skipping into the barn, a pastel rainbow of cattle awaited the princess. Seven tiny cows seated in the hay beside the baby goats, the world lit up. Wow, they were waiting already? Goodness, what a time to be awake. They were all ready to go, amazing. Pressing the button, the a mechanical voice soon played through the speakers in the corner.

Click.

^Good morning, girls! Who's ready to read!^ A robotic voice cried out through the speaker.

Moo, moo, moo.

Cow faces snuggling the face, the princess giggled. Wow, they sure were ready for morning story time, that's for sure! Let's hope the cows like this book. They would, right? Sometimes some of the smaller ones seemed a little bored. Oh, well, next time, another one would be read instead, no problem, no problem. Digital magnifier microphone on, everything was set into motion.

>>Once upon a time, there was a little village without any color. The people were very sad and almost never spoke to each other. /Flip. The citizens often looked to the sky every single day, hoping that someday, this world would have color! But, that dream was never going to be a reality. Or, so the people thought. /Flip. Little Mila wished to seek change. Every single day was so boring, so grey! They thought, this world could use a rainbow!

>>But, how would they be able to get a rainbow over their little land to bring color? There was two answers, but the grownups were always mean about them. /Flip. There was a beanstalk, a very big beanstalk with a super duper big giant whose tears could color the land. /Flip. Or, there was the fountain in the next town over with golden water of tears. Which one should Mila pick?

Projection showing the options, the princess blinked. Oh, right, this was one of those choose your own adventure picture books. Why did the parliament bring these to the castle? The cows and goats didn't like either of these. Not like any of them cared. Of course they didn't. Whatever. Better give them a lecture next book run.

Moo, moo.

Maa.

Family's heads turning left, the princess gazed at the page. Oh, they all wanted the beanstalk version of the story, huh? Alright, their wish is the person's command. Turning to page forty two, the hyena clicked the button. Alright, narrator magnifier do its duty and continue the story! Creature shaking, round two began.

>>[Beanstalk option, incoming.] Mila has decided they will head to the beanstalk! It will be a long journey, but they are ready for the long climb. Bringing her climbing tools, they bid farewell to their sad, sad family. 'Bye, bye, mommy, daddy,' Mila said. /Flip. So, off she went to the magical beanstalk. Would the giant cry, they wondered? They had heard it was super duper hard to get that giant to weep.

>Trmp, trmp, trmp, trmp. The road was long, dark, grey, but little Mila was ready. Tiny backpack on their backside, they took the long journey through the forest. But, oh, no! A bunch of snakes have filled up the path. /Flip. Should Mila run for their life, or fight the snakes?

Click to expand...

Moo, moo, moo.

Maa.

Family turning their heads to the right, the hyena blinked. Fight the snakes huh, they sure? Clapping the hands together, the cows nodded. Well, alright, this was turning into quite the adventure story after all. They weren't all bored with this one, were they? Please don't be. There were two more in this series, for crying out loud!

>>[Fight option confirmed.] Little Mila decided the only way forward was to fight. Mommy didn't raise a a quitter! Taking out a dagger from their bag, wham, the snakes were down! /Flip. Trudging through the forest for countless hours, they could see the beanstalk incoming. Wow, here it comes, the beanstalk of dreams.

>>Rainbow up above, little Mila was more eager than ever to get to the top. Would the giant be friendly like the legends say? Or, would they be a big old meanie like the grownups claimed. /Flip. Rough rocks clicking beneath their palms, a teeny tiny bit of thunder crackled. But, they stayed focus. For Monochro Village, for mommy, for daddy, for everyone.

>Reaching the top, a super duper big wooden house was almost singing. Little Mila's eyes glowed as they walked forward. Wow, it's so big! It was almost three of their own house. /Flip. Tap, tap, tap, knocking on the door, a super big eye looked through the peep hole.

Click to expand...

'Yes?' a booming voice asked. 'I'd like your help please, Mr. Giant!'

>Giant opening the door, they asked, 'with what?' Little Mila spinning her tail, the super duper big giant sighed in sadness. Oh, no, was the giant sad, too? 'Another elf wants me to cry a rainbow again. You're not gonna trick me like the others, are you?'

Click to expand...

Oh, no! Mila wasn't expecting that! Should they trick the giant like all the other elves, or be a good little kid?

Moo, moo, moo.

Maa.

Family turning their heads to the right, the hyena placed the finger on the chin. They all wanted a happy ending, huh? Well, that was fair. Tricking the giant would probably end in disaster! Or, worse, death. What kind of fairy tale would lead in mass murder? Not this one. Clicking the button, the magnifier adjusted its voice.

>>[Be good option confirmed.] Shaking their head, Mila giggled. 'Mommy and daddy taught me to be a good little elf. I won't trick you, promise!' 'Really? You really won't trick me?' 'Promise!' 'Kay, I'll cry, then, can you tickle me?' /Flip. Giving the giant's food a good little tickle, tears started welling.

>Super duper colorful tears raining down the beanstalk, the world was full of color! Mila almost couldn't believe it! Reds, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, indigos, violets, they're everywhere. Thanking the super duper big giant, they ran all the way home. /Flip. Mommy and daddy all perked up, they put on a big smile. This world is so full of color now!

Click to expand...

[The end, or turn back to page one to start over.]

Moo, moo, moo!

Maa!

Cows snuggling beside the princess, the individual let out another giggle. Wow, they really liked that one. Maybe another one was in order? But, as the young adult attempted to set up the magnifierphone, pesky loud boots stomped on through. Ugh, here comes the worst part of the day! How many times did it have to be said do not disturb during reading time? Get this through their thick skulls parliament!

"Siorc?" a high pitched voice asked. "Siorc, come on, where are you?"

"Um? You're supposed to refer to the princess as Your Highness?" a tenor voice asked.

"That won't get his attention, and you know it!" the first voice called out.

"You know where he is," a third voice said. "He's in the barn again."

"Verily so," a fourth voice said. "C'mon, let's go get him." Stomp, stomp, stomp. "Your Royal Highness, do you know what time it is? You have to get ready for duty."

"Of course, he's in the barn again, I swear!" the first voice shouted. "Siorc, how many times do we have to tell you that you can go see your cows after duties?"

"Um, again, you're supposed to address him as Your Highness." The voice was nervous.

"Shush!" the third voice cried. "Your Highness, stop sitting around and head to your breakfast quarters right now. We have a lot to discuss with you!"

Standing in the front of the entrance had been a short badger girl with pure white skin and black stripes across her face. Light brown hair pulled into a high ponytail, she had a long floor length dress with a circled chest spot in the center. Paws looking about ready to explode, the princess groaned. How many times did he have to tell Satine that she is to wear gloves when cooking breakfast? But, did she ever listen? No.

Walking into the stable had been a short dark skinned jackal man with short hair barely going below where a human's ears would be. Portion of the bangs covering his left eye, the young adult sighed. In all the hundreds, no, thousands of moons he's lived here in the royal palace did he tell Rabiu to move his bangs out of the way? Bright orange suit matching his eyes, he huffed. Dressing in that same boring outfit as always. Put a little cow in it!

Flapping her wings towards the ceiling had been a tall heart winged bat woman with goat horns. Long green hair pulled into two loop braids with loose stringed ends, she had a pitch black braid hanging over her shoulder. Bright pink skin and big lips making her pitch black eyes of darkness look even more invisible, the princess looked away. Blyant may be one of the two demons on his parliament, but she sure seemed to not understand the rules around here! Leather lady suit looking as wrinkled as ever, he placed his hand on his chin.

Also flapping up above had been a rather tall falcon man with choppy brown hair that went down to about his shoulders. Pulsating green eye in the middle of his forehead surrounded by these brown things, his normal eyes below were tiny and white with a slight bloodshot quality to them. Light brown suit looking a little too fancy for its own good, the chimera crossed his arms. Iben may have also been a demon, but he was way too dressy as usual! Come on, demons, stop being so business casual for a change. Clicking the button, the artificial voice played.

^I thought I told all of you that you are not to disturb me during reading time! Go away and bother me when I'm done!^ a digital voice over the loudspeaker cried.

"We really need to disconnect that thing," Satine said, sighing. "Siorc, where's your portable notebook?"

"Um, I keep telling you it's Your Highness," Rabiu said in a nervous voice. "But, um, uh, Satine's right, Your Highness, you really shouldn't rely on that speaker system all the time. Um, it uses a lot of uh, energy."

^I don't have to use my portable notebook until it's time for duty! And, I will use it as I please!^ a loudspeaker cried.

"You know there's no reasoning with him," Blyant said, groaning. "In any case, Your Highness, it's way past reading time! Say goodbye to your cows and get your tush in to the dining room this instant!"

^Who says you can order me around? I have no interest in doing boring princess stuff today! I'm going to read to the cows all day, bye!^ a loudspeaker cried.

"Not happening, Your Highness. You can't skip this one," Iben said, sighing. "It's just a few meetings, you'll live. Now, say goodbye to the cows and head for the dining room."

Demands coming his way, the princess bit this lower lip. The nerve of his parliament. How dare they tell him what to do! Who's the ruler of this realm? He is! Not by choice, but still! Why did his family have to leave him high and dry, how many moons ago was it now? Oh, right, ninety thousands moons ago, or something. Hmph, leaving for the Earth realm to experience normal mortal lives, the nerve.

^I don't want to! And, you can't make me!^ a loudspeaker cried.

"Want to bet on that?" There was a loud snicker filling the room as the pesky bird demon man said such.

Pesky demon swinging down, the hyena had been scooped up into his arms. Shaking like a quake, he tried to let out a scream. How dare this fiend pick him up with his talons, he'll pay for that! He ought to fire him and send him back to the demon forest to scavenge for the next two hundred thousand moons!

Plopped down into his seat, the chimera bit his lower lip. Ugh, no, there was no way he was doing his princess duties today. Grumble, grumble. Oops, hear that? Sorry, he's coming down with Meatieitis. Haha, the demons must have killed the monster goslings wrong again! As usual. Should have known to never trust them to humanely kill his meals for him, oopsie.

Moo, moo, moo.

Cows strutting towards their chairs, the young adult's eyes lit up like a holiday tree. Chickens jumping onto their perches alongside the goats at their little bowls, he smirked. Look at that, everyone's here! Looks like he can skip out on princess duties! Haha, take that, parliament. Take that, Iben especially!

"You can wipe that smirk off your face, Siorc because you're not getting out of your duties today!" Satine cried.

"Um? I've told you so many times now you're to address him as Your Highness?" Rabiu asked, voice shaking.

"You soft little chimera! At least say it without shaking!" Satine cried.

"Um, anyway, Satine's right, Your Royal Highness, you can't get out of this--." But, such had been interrupted.

Moo, moo, moo.

Cluck, cluck, cluck.

Maa.

"Your Highness, how many times do we have to tell you that you can't invite the cows, chickens and goats to the table!" Blyant cried. "Send them back to the barn right now!"

Portable notebook out in front of him, the chimera rolled his eyes. Excuse him, but who is in charge of this realm? He is, not her! Pesky demon, if she thinks he's telling his family to leave, they'll have to go through him! Look how happily they're eating! She needs to shut her mouth and eat her morning gosling roast! Scribbling away, he grit his teeth at the look on her face.

^No way! They're allowed to eat in here. If you make me send them away, I won't do any of my duties today, got it?^ Hovering words across a notebook screen asked.

"You're impossible, I swear!" Blyant cried. "Hurry up and finish eating! We don't have time for this today!"

Munching up the roasted gosling, the chimera bit his lower lip. This meat had better be humanely killed, or he swears, he marching straight up to the demon forest and protesting in a goose costume! Well, not like he had the guts to do that anyway. But, if he did, mark his typed words, they'll never forget this if they ever so much as do one thing out of line! Gulping down the morning tea, he nearly choked.

"Alright, Your Highness, first, we have to head to the Royal Academy of Chimeras to speak to the Chancellor of the school board. They've got urgent matters they need us to attend to," Iben explained, hand moving up and down as he spoke. "And, then we must head for the municipality and speak to police force about border control."

"And, you're not getting out of it, so don't you dare try to fake a stomachache!" Blyant cried.

Pesky nonsense coming his way, the princess let out a growl. Excuse him, what? He's got to head to the school again? He swears that chancellor can't do anything without him! He ought to just have the realm self govern instead. Ugh, why does he have to go out there? Have them solve their own problems for a change.

Municipality mentioned, the young adult rolled his eyes. Oh, great, he's got to meet with the cops, too. Yawn. They're always about ruling with force and killing invaders the moment they set foot inside their borders. Why can't they just, he doesn't know, detain and question instead? Hardly needed him to be there for that. Nibbling on the last bit of breakfast, his fingers fired away. Time to bring up the good old reliable again.

^Why can't we just dissolve this royal family nonsense and let the people govern themselves? It's not like they need me!^ Hovering words across a notebook screen said.

"There he goes again," Satine said, sighing. "Sio--, I mean, Your Highness, you know we can't do that. Lactaine will collapse without a ruler. You really think the people can just rule over themselves? It's been under the rule of a royal princess for nearly thirty million moons!"

"Um, Satine's right, I estimate should we declare Lactaine a self governed realm, anarchy will arise and the world will collapse," Rabiu said, shaking. "We can't dissolve the royal family even though, um, it's just you."

Facts thrown his way, the hyena sighed. He supposed he couldn't argue with that, but come on! What's wrong a little bit of anarchy? The people can't rely so heavily on a group of chimeras and demons for everything! But, it's not like he's going to win this battle, either. Blyant's going to scream at him any second now if he even so much as dares suggest otherwise.

^Fine, you're right. But, I'm not going to meet with these groups willingly! And, I'm coming home to the palace by eight!^ Hovering words across a notebook screen shouted.

"Um, we'll see what we can do, Your Highness," Rabiu said, shaking. "Um, could you please change? You can't wear that um, shirt and expect the Chancellor to take you seriously. And, um, please tie your hair into a high bun. You look messy."

Moo, moo, moo.

"Um, did I ask you for your opinion?" Rabiu asked the cows, sighing.

Moo, moo, moo.

"You know Your Royal Highness's cows, they answer to everything," Iben said, talons crossed. "But, yes, I agree with Iben, go fix your hair and change your clothes now!"

"You heard Iben, now, Your Highness!" Blyant screeched.

Stomping out of the breakfast quarters, the chimera let out a grunt. Come on, his hair wasn't that messy! Who cares if it was fully of hay? It makes him look much less boring! But, no, he has to look like a prissy little princess that swallowed rocks or something. Yawn. Count him out! Digging through his drawers, a plain, boring white dress replaced the daytime clothes. There! That royal enough for them? Don't make him wear that itchy crown too, please.

Brushing the hay away, the locks had been placed into a lame bun. Why was this the royal hair protocol? He swears that the parliament thinks they run the entire realm! He'd like to remind them who actually runs things around here. He does, that's who! Not like they seemed to remember that, though. They never did.

Stepping off towards the meeting room, the young adult groaned. Put that stupid itchy crown away! It's not like he needed to wear it. Everyone knew he was the princess. Cold, metallic creature placed on the left side, he tried not to scream. He swears, it's like they wanted to glue this thing to him! Let the realm self govern already.

"Let's go, Your Highness, the chariot is here," Blyant said in a demanding tone.

Moo, moo, moo.

"No, you're not invited to the meeting!" Blyant shouted at the cows. "Go back to your barn!"

^Do not yell at my family!^ Hovering words on a notebook screen cried.

"Yelling is the only way they'll listen!" Blyant cried. "Go, shoo, scat!"

Moo, moo, moo.

"Um, Blyant, please stop," Rabiu said, shaking. "Uh, I'll lead them back to the barn, okay? Wait for me."

Guided towards the stupid chariot, the princess bit his lower lip. Here he is, in this dumb box again. He bets the person controlling it is working the poor animals too hard! He ought to make some animal rights rules soon. He probably should have done it yesterday, but they take forever to be approved. Stupid parliament, they oppose him on everything.

Pesky group of four seating themselves in the front row, the chimera crossed his fingers from behind his back. Please, please let there be so much traffic on the roads today that he never makes it to that school! Please? Please let that happen, he's begging! Reigns snapped, the horses made a gallop for it.

No traffic to speak of whatsoever, the young adult buried himself inside his dress collar. Ugh, why were they at the school already? Come on now. Here comes another long and boring day of stupid princess duties. Alright, what ridiculous request did the Chancellor have of him this time? Can't they, he don't know, just call? Making him come here on a nice day like this, the nerve!

Practically dragged to the Chancellor's office, the hyena tried with all his might to turn around. Would they look at that? Looks like the Chancellor's door is closed! They're not in. Oops, they made a super big mistake, there's no meeting after all! But, such had been refused in an instant as Iben reached for his headphones.

"Chancellor, we are here, please open up," Iben demanded.

Squeak.

Door opening, an annoying face soon awaited the princess. Stepping away from their desk had been a rather short young adult lizard chimera with light tan skin that almost looked like translucent sand glass. Light brown hair pulled into messy low pigtails that were rather curly, the hyena almost wanted to bite his tongue. He had to look nice, but they didn't? Frilled neck almost hiding their white blouse suit and skirt, he tried to run off. Looks like she's about to fall asleep, goodnight! But, his collar had soon been grabbed in an instant.

"Nice try, princess," Rabiu said, not shaking. "Apologies, Chancellor Soie, we hope we aren't late."

"Not at all," Chancellor Soie responded in an important tone. "I promise this meeting will go be quick." They then turned off towards the royal princess. "Alright, Your Highness? Promise it'll only take two hours."

Tick, tock, tick, tock.

Timer ticking, the princess bit his hyena claws. Two hours, excuse him?! That wasn't quick at all! They're taking precious time away from his cows! This meeting had better be extremely important, or else, he's walking straight out! That's right, straight out the door, and they'll never be doing business again! They don't want that, now do they?

^Have it done in one!^ Hovering words on a notebook screen cried.

"I knew you'd say that, but this is important," Chancellor Soie said. "Please, hear me out over the next two hours, alright? I'll even provide you with lunch after as a token of appreciation."

Seating himself in the seat furthest from the desk, the princess drummed his fingers on the chair. Whatever this stupid meeting was about, it had better be good. He swears, everyone in Lactaine's professional spheres just wants to waste his time every single day! Just let him stay in the barn and leave him alone for cloud's sake! Figure everything out by themselves.

But, what had been brought to the table had been quite interesting. Chancellor bringing up the students here don't understand how to take care of animals and there was a need for caretaking programs, his ears were open. Caretaking services, they say? Consider him funding that without parliament approval! Scribbling such down as the meeting reached the hour mark, complaints were ignored.

Pesky parliament trying to fight the decision as the minutes ticked away, the chimera resisted the urge to toss a pencil into their eyes. Why do these fiends have to oppose everything? Blah, blah, blah, budget. Blah, blah, blah, pointless program. Blah, blah, blah, it will be wasting resources. Who cares what any of them think? Approved!

"I'm not going to lie, I'm surprised you're so on board with this, Your Highness," Chancellor Soie said. "I thought you'd have said no."

^Everyone should have an animal family!^ Hovering words across a notebook screen said.

"Your Highness, I told you that we can't just approve of this without asking further questions!" Blyant cried.

^Silence, you know nothing about animals, so keep your mouth shut!^ Hovering words across a notebook screen shouted. ^Every child should know how to take care of them! One day, they'll invite them to join their family!^

"Um, I'm pretty sure only you'd do that, Your Highness," Rabiu said, sighing. "Forget it, he's not going to budge."

^You got that right! Consider the program approved! I will speak with animal professionals when I get the chance!^ Hovering words across a notebook screen shouted.

"Great! We'll be in touch!" Chancellor Soie shouted, clapping. "Now, would you like some fried calamari noodles before you go?"

"Absolutely not, the princess has other places to go now!" Satine shouted. "Let's go, Your Highness, we're going to the municipality now!"

Dragged out of the office and back into the chariot, the princess let out a loud grumble. How dare these fiends cut into his precious lunchtime! Just for that, they're not getting to watch their stupid little shows tonight when they're dismissed from their duties! Reaching the police station, a disgusting rundown city soon waited for him.

Dumb door knocked on, the young adult drummed his fingers on his shoulder. Please, let this stupid meeting about the border end quickly. He has more important things to deal with today! Who cares if Earth humans were trying to get in here? Let them in. It's not like they weren't allowed to be here. Entrance opening, a tiny boxed in room was ready to swallow him up.

Seated on the right side had been a tall androgynous scorpion pincher individual with short spiky neck length hair that had been starting to grey. Light blue locks looking ready to melt, on the face had been alligator eyes. Ugh, great, it was Officer Rasa again. This one was always loud and annoying. Dark skinned blue haired jackal man with an eyepatch over their left pupil seated as well, his orange eyes looked ready to set his brother on fire. Oh, he sees now, they went to this office because Segun is Rabiu's older brother. Don't think this means he'll easily sway into their favor!

"The royal princess doesn't look all that happy to see us," Officer Segun said, sighing. "What, trying to get out of talking about the border again? You know it can't wait. Things are getting serious."

"That's right! Those stupid cows at your palace can live without you for a whole quarter of a day!" Officer Rasa screeched. "We need to discuss border patrol now! Many humans have come from Earth strutted in as if they belong here! We need more border patrol officers!"

Boring nonsense coming his way, the hyena drummed his fingers on the officer's desk. So what if Earth humans were walking through here. It's not like they were committing crimes! So, nope, they hardly needed more border patrol officers! Forget that! They're cops, go shoot them up themselves or whatever.

Writing down a loud veto, such had been rejected, in an instant as his parliament spoke over his notebook. Ugh, how dare these fiends think they decide everything! They didn't need more border patrol! They're always whining about the budget and not being able to afford this and that, but they can afford this?! He didn't think so. Forget it, not approved.

"Don't listen to the princess, he's just being difficult," Iben said, sighing. "In any case, we'll try and get more border patrol hired."

"You'd better! Quit slacking off!" Officer Rasa shouted. "Thousands of humans enter the border every day! And, they're committing crimes! Haven't you heard? They're making slaughterhouses!"

"That's right, they're making slaughter farms!" Segun parroted.

Holding in the urge to laugh, the princess drummed his fingers harder. Yeah, right, as if Earth humans are going around committing crimes. First of all, the demons from the forest would shoot them down with arrows if they saw that, and second, none of them were smart enough to run a farm here. Ha. Quit making up stuff just to get his attention.

"I know, we'll try to do something about it when we have the ability to," Blyant said. "That being said, you can try and hire people too, you know. You don't need our approval."

"Uh, we do?!" Rasa cried in an annoyed tone. "Anything that has to do with the border needs to be approved by the princess."

Crossing his arms, the young adult looked away. Blah, blah, blah, this needed approval. Bleep, bloop, blip. For the love of the clouds, no they didn't! Make their own decisions. Consider this proposal vetoed. Stamp. No, how dare the parliament sign an approval! He ought to fire them all right now. Hours passing of boring blah blahs, he had been dragged back the chariot. Ugh, it's evening, time to finally be free from this stupid prison.

Returning to the palace after what felt like a gazillion minutes, the young adult dashed towards the chicken coop. Laying down their food, he sighed. Man, what a long day. Nibbling on some calamari spaghetti, he dropped himself down on the couch. Time for some good old toons. But, as he fluttered towards the two dial, a siren noise played.

Breaking News.

Breaking News.

Breaking News.

"This just in, another slaughter house has opened up in Lactaine!" a news reporter cried.

"Another one?" the second reporter cried.

"Yup, another one!" a news reporter shouted. "How many does that make now?"

"Six!" A gasp.

"Six?! Oh, no!" the reporter shouted. "And, what's being slaughtered in there for meat this time?"

"Cows!"

A gasp.

"Cows?!" the second reporter cried. "But aren't those Lactaine's symbol of peace and happiness?"

"You got me stumped there!" A sigh. "But, why would someone open a slaughterhouse here in Lactaine? Those should only be allowed on earth!"

"Think of the poor, poor, poor baby cows that are being killed for their meat right now! Why isn't anyone doing something about this?!"

Splash.

Crack.

Head spinning, the princess let out a scream. No, no, no, no, what did that reporter say just now?! Slaughterhouses in his realm? No, no, no, no, no, not happening, he's going to find those monster houses and putting a stop to them right now! No one kills cows and puts their meat on their plates if he has anything to say about it!

"I don't know, but that's so wrong, those poor cows! Look at this video right now!" the news reporter cried.

"We're live here at the Slaughterhouse and, right now, oh no, they're putting the cows in the machine!" the news reporter shouted.

Moo, moo, moo!

"Shut up, livestock! We need your meat!"

Moo, moo, moo!!

Chomp.

"This just in, the cow is meat now!" A scream.

Splash.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.

Falling on his back, the princess's heart race. No, no, no, those were chimeras on screen. He needs to do something. Something drastic. He can't let his go on any longer. Those monsters, how dare they hurt his family. He's marching straight into that facility and having it closed down as soon as possible! And, if his Parliament has anything to say about it, they're so fired.

"Your Highness, why are you screa--" Rabiu started to ask, but took a deep breath, adjusting himself. "Oh, um, so you found out about all that, huh? Sorry."

Moo, moo, moo.

"Um, why are your cows watching the screen? How are they not horrified?" Rabiu's tail stuck up as he asked such.

Family snuggling beside him, the princess tried to hold in another scream. His parliament knew something about this and didn't say anything about it?! How dare they! They're guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty as charged! This is enough to fire them! Rabiu had better call them in here right now! They have some explaining to do! Seating himself upward, he snapped his fingers.

^Call in everyone else right now!^ An announcement on the speakers cried in a robotic tone.

"Um, but you dismissed them already?" Rabiu asked. "Please, can't we just talk about this in the morning?"

^No!^ An announcement shouted.

Moo, moo, moo.

"Alright, um, fine, I'll go get them!" Rabiu cried, running.

Turning the tube off, the young adult bit his wrists. How dare his parliament keep this from him! Who did they think they were? The poor cows! They're being killed for their meat! Only the demons were allowed to hunt for the world's meat supply, they did it humanely! They dueled the animals that ended up on their plates! Agh, his parliament, they'll pay for keeping this from them.

"Ugh, let me guess, he found out about you know what?" Blyant asked.

"Um, yes?" Rabiu asked.

"You know we were supposed to have told him about this awhile ago, right?" Satine asked. "So, why didn't we?"

"You know why," Iben said, sighing. "You know he'll overreact."

Stupid word entering the room, the princess cracked his knuckles. Overreact? Overreact?! Excuse him, he is not overreacting! How dare they keep this from him! The poor chickens, the poor cows, the poor goats, they were all being used! He will not sit by and let this happen for a second longer! And, if the parliament thinks they can stop him, they'll get what's coming to them!

^How dare you keep this from me! I'm going to that slaughterhouse tomorrow and shutting it down, and you can't stop me!^ An announcement shouted.

"Oh, yes we can! You really think they'll listen to you?" Blyant cried. "How do you expect to convince them, huh?"

^Oh, I have my ways, you'll see!^ An announcement shouted.

"Uh huh, um? If you go and uh, protest, if that's what I think you're gonna do, you're on your own," Rabiu said. "Look, um, we didn't tell you because we didn't want you to overreact, that's all. Um, sorry. Can we all go back to bed now?"

^Fine! Go to sleep! But, consider me unavailable for the next week or so! These slaughterhouses are going down!^ An announcement shouted through the speaker.

"Fine, Your Highness, we'll take over the duties for the next week or so until you get over this little dramatic stunt of yours," Iben said, sighing. "Alright, let's go."

Moo, moo, moo.

Cows bringing him a blanket, the princess dozed off. Starting tomorrow, he's going to find a whole ton of chimeras, and they're going to destroy that joint! That's right, mark his royal never said words, they're going down, they're going to regret ever doing this! He'll go to that one with the chimeras first, that ought to be the first one he should take out, yup! Dozing off, schemes hatched in his sleeping brain.

Day One.

Sewing a fashionable cow hoodie costume, the young adult put on some brown patches. Yes, a brown one will do. Parliament trying to walk in on him multiple times, he locked the door. Ugh, go do their duties on his behalf and leave him alone! Can't they see he has a message to spread here? Go back to the municipality and deal with the border sitch themselves!

Sewing cute little costumes for the cows as well, the princess giggled. Sweet, sweet belly warmers for the family. Making little hats for the goats and chickens too, he prepared himself. Hmm, he could make some signs too with factoids about why killing for meat is bad! Sounds awesome, here goes! Taking out a marker, he scribbled away at the speed of light.

Day Two.

Looking into the slaughterhouse's history the next day, the princess had found out some interesting tidbits. There had been chimera invaders from earth too! He always thought chimeras were only born in Lactaine. But, nope, there were at least a thousands of them from that neighboring realm. How dare they think they're allowed here!

Pinning the names of the owners of the cow house, he almost wanted to eat his pencil. So, their names were Prinz and Domini, penguin chimeras, hmm? And, what was that, all the slaughterhouses were run by either humans or penguin chimeras from the Earth Realm? He sees, he sees, well, then, open border patrol and inspect anyone who looks like a penguin person!

Day Three.

Trying to find people who are in big protesting groups, a super fancy sounding word had crossed his mind when surfing the net he wasn't supposed to look at. He think the world was animaltarian? No, no, that wasn't the only one, uh. It started with a v. Well, he wasn't supposed to look a this world wide web thing, the parliament said it would corrupt his brain or something. Well, who cares? They're not here right now.

Finding a rather interesting board titled, We'll Storm the Slaughterhouse, the princess cracked his knuckles. There were three posters here, he ought to read what they were saying. Thread looking rather busy, his eyes were glued. Maybe he'll find someone that will join his team to put a stop to this! Time to read.

Comment one: We need to head to that slaughterhouse and stop those evil penguins! They're killing animals for their meat! Eating meat is the most evil crime anyone can commit!

Comment two: Yeah, that's right, we need to stomp straight in there with a loudspeaker and shout facts about animal cruelty and rub it in the invaders faces that what they're doing is evil. But, how do we counter with ways to convince? Humans never listen.

Comment three: Oh, I know, make everything about human babies and how it would make them feel if they put a human baby in one of those things!

Comment four: Hmm, yeah, but we need someone really important that might convince them. Should we contact the royal princess?

Comment five: Maybe.

Comment six: Perhaps.

Comment seven: But, like, the princess won't ever answer to mere commoners like us. Besides, he's like, you know, probably busy with his cows or something.

Comment eight: I thought the princess being a cow liker was a rumor.

Comment nine: It's not.

Comment ten: Nope.

Comment eleven: So, how do we contact him? His parliament blocks all messages, probz.

Comment twelve: Dunno. But, no one will listen to us without him. I'm sure of it.

Comment thirteen: We gotta do something, though. Eating meat is evil, and everyone who consumes it should be punished.

Comment fourteen: Guess we'll try. Make it sound urgent, kay?

Comment fifteen: Kay.

Page closed, the hyena shrugged. Well, he most certainly did not agree eating meat was completely evil, but, humanely killed meat was the only way to go. These board people were trying to contact him, huh? Well, he guessed he could make an account and contact them personally. Time to get the ball rolling on this mission. Registering, he yawned. Well, maybe he'll contact tomorrow, he's been reading this stuff for a million hours.

Day Six.

After contacting the group, plans had moved forward. Agreeing to go to the slaughterhouse on day ten, the princess invited the trio to come to the palace while the parliament was away doing business. And, the day of their arrival was today. Please, don't let them be three preteen chimeras in a trench coat or something, he is not working with children. Palace door knocked upon, he opened the entranceway.

"Greetings, Your Highness, we're surprised you invited us here," a small voice said. "Doesn't your parliament have to approve of visits?"

Sitting in the middle of the party of three had been a short, young dark skinned woman with frog hands. Short strawberry hair pulled into high pigtails, she wore what looked to be clothes made from fake cotton. Pitch black frog eyes upon her face, he reached for the portable notebook. First of all, who cares about the parliament, they're busy dealing with stupid border bull. Please don't waste their breath mentioning them, thanks.

^They're dealing with the border crisis. Don't worry about it. I'm the law around here, so they can't say no to my guests!^ Hovering words on a notebook screen said.

"Right, the border. I bet they let those disgusting meat eaters enter through there and did nothing about it until now!" a tenor voice shouted, twirling the hair.

Standing to the left had been a tall dark skinned androgynous person with pitch black frog eyes. Strawberry red mohawk spiky as ever, they had fake leather all over the place that looked slightly unsettling. Uh, should they be wearing that to a hot place? Well, they weren't going there for about four days anyway, he supposed. He best keep his thoughts on the matter about his view on eating meat to himself so they get along.

"Yeah, probably," another tenor voice said. "But, don't worry, babe, we're here and we're with the princess and we'll take them down!"

Standing on the right had been a short, dark skinned panther person with navy blue cornrows on the top of the head. Wearing a bright red dress, his tail had been sticking out through the clothes. Studying the outfit for a moment longer, he tried to not sing. Finally, someone who understood good fashion! Who would have thought? Well, time to discuss some things. Better stop gawking.

^We will, but tell me your names because honestly, I can't proceed until we do.^ Hovering words on a notebook screen said.

"Well, I'm Cloch," the short frog chimera said, bowing. "Nice to meet you."

"Name's Garran," the tenor frog chimera said, extending their hand. "You better order plant based dishes after we're done with this meeting!"

"And, I'm Bogart," the panther person said. But, he soon jumped back. "Why is that cow sizing me up?!"

Moo, moo, moo.

^That's my family! Be nice to them!^ Hovering words on a notebook screen said.

"Fine," Bogart groaned. "So, what's your actual name, Princess? Since we told you ours, let's talk like equals."

^It's Siorc. That's my name.^ Hovering words on a notebook screen said.

"Right, nice to meet you, Siorc," Cloch said. She then strutted towards the table. "So, let's get this meeting started. We need to stop these evil slaughterhouses, got it? And, since you're the princess, we've got leverage! I've got a proposal that you simply can't refuse!"

Discussion breaking through, a lot of rather violent things had been suggested. Uh, would hopping on top of the machines really be effective? Well, he supposed if it would get the message across, he didn't mind getting physical, at least on the equipment. Many other things discussed, some things were mentioned back and forth for awhile.

Keeping the day set to four days from now after a half day of discussing, the young adult bid farewell to the future protestors. But, many of what had been suggested swam through his head. Be as extreme as possible? Was that really the answer here? Maybe it wasn't. But, he needed to get his message across as best as possible. Continuing to make cardboard signs, he soon dozed off once again.

Day Ten.

Today's the day.

The time has come.

Waking up extremely early that morning, everything was ready. Cow costume on, the princess put the hood up. Strange car powered on potato oil waiting for him in the front of the palace, he bid farewell to his cows for the day after a quick reading session. Here goes, it's time to go to the slaughterhouse. He's ready to kick some cow murderers tushes. Say goodbye! Eyes glued to him, he groaned. Did they have a problem with his outfit?!

"Uh, well, I guess, you'll at least stick out," Cloch said, sighing, she then lowered her voice into a whisper. "Why is the princess wearing a cow costume?"

"You made that using fake materials, right?!" Garran asked.

^Yes. None of the stiches came from animals, alright?^ Hovering text on a notebook screen said.

"Come on, just get in already, we have to go! They're doing a live slaughter, and we're going to stop it!" Bogart shouted.

Hopping into the car, the hyena seated himself crisscross. When was the last time he was in a car anyway? The parliament always ordered horse drawn carriages. He didn't know, but whatever, they're still busy dealing with border control, so who cares about them? Super fast drive taking the stage, his cheeks flapped. Uh, excuse him?! Speed limit!

Handed a super large sword for some reason, information had come his way. Told they will be destroying the machines, the princess almost dropped the weapon. Uh, well, sure, sign him up, but excuse him?! How are they supposed to destroy them? What if there's cows in there?! Well, he won't let that happen, but still. Soon on a farm in the middle of nowhere, he cracked his knuckles. Time to bring in the big guns.

Pulling down the window, the chimera studied the disgusting cow killing monsters. Standing by the door greeting people had been a short young adult penguin man with golden locks tied into a low ponytail. Adorning a hideous shirt that said, Cows Are Meat, he grit his teeth. Mind if he uses royal force to eliminate this man? This one must have been Prinz. The quote on quote genius behind this invasion. Rot on earth, monster.

Next to him had been a penguin man just as short as him with a golden asymmetrical bob. Having big orange eyes about the same size as the former, he adorned that same hideous shirt. So, this one was Domini. He can't wait to give him a taste of a little violence. Monster waving, he tried with all his might to not shoot a dart. Quit looking all friendly like that, they're going down!

"Hello, hello, welcome to the tour of the little cow house!" Domini cried. "Welcome."

"Welcome indeed, welcome," Prinz greeted. "What do you know? The princess is visiting us today."

"Pretend to be friendly for the first few minutes, then we'll go over to the machines and, wam," Cloch said. "Leave the screaming to us. You have the tape recorder also, right?"

^Yes.^ Hovering text on a notebook screen said.

"Good. Now, go shake hands with those disgusting meat eating monsters" Garran shouted.

^You got it.^ Hovering text on a notebook screen said.

Stepping towards the monsters, the young adult extended his hand. Slimy palm meeting his, he tried to not gag. Disgusting, their hands are covered in meat juice. Did they? No. Were poor innocent cows already taken out today? Alright, forget the plan, he needs to act now. No, don't ruin it just yet, deep breaths.

"Hello, everyone, the princess is here today! Can you believe it?" Domini asked.

Moooo, moooo!

Moos in pain off in the distance, the princess's knees buckled. Oh, no, he has to act fast! Ah, any second now, and they're going to go into those machines. Stupid criminals going on and on about how animals are meant for consumption not friendship, the hyena looked at the party of three. Please, give him the signal, he can't stand this speech anymore. Twenty minutes passing, something went off.

Kaboom.

"What was that?!" Prinz shouted. "You can't be serious, did someone?! I bet someone called the cops!"

"Now, princess, hop on the equipment!" Bogart shouted.

Hop.

Step.

Jump.

"Your Highness, what are you doing?!" Domini shouted.

Click.

<Listen here, criminal scum! Killing cows for their meat is evil! What if you put a chimera baby in this machine for their meat? Would you look down on your plate and eat it without remorse? I bet you wouldn't!> A tape recorder cried.

"Uh?" Visitor A asked.

"What?" Visitor B asked.

"I kind of came here wanting to do this, but seeing the princess doing it, you know what!" Visitor C shouted, running towards a machine. "I agree! How dare you kill innocent cows! Destroy the machinery!"

"We've got ourselves a new follow--" Garran tried to say, but they let out a cough. "--I mean, we got ourselves someone who gets it!" They then took out a sword. "That's right! Eating animals is evil! They suffered and were murdered to be on your plate!"

Slice.

Slice.

"Inconceivable!" Prinz cried. "You'll pay for these damages to our property!"

"Oh, really, your property, invaders?" Bogart asked. He then screeched. "Eating meat is wrong! How dare you open up an illegal slaughterhouse and come into this realm and spread your evil little message!" Slice, slice, slice. He then whispered. "Come on, princess, use your authority, say something haughty and royal!"

"And push down the machine after!" Garran shouted.

A lot coming his way, the chimera took a deep breath. Right, it's best to cause a scene to get things through. These penguin chimeras were here illegally and killing poor innocent cows and separating them from their family for their meat! How dare they! Go back to the Earth realm and be evil there instead!

Click.

<How dare you come into my realm illegally and promote your disgusting ideas! Cows are friends, cows are family! Separating poor, innocent babies and stealing their milk and killing them for their meat! Animals are here with us, not for us!> A tape recorder cried.

Bonk.

Bonk.

Destruction machines knocked down, the pesky illegal losers tried to call the cops, but the next action took the stage. Wires cut, the hyena dialed the station instead. Wait until they see what they've got here! He's sure they'd be super happy to learn there's illegal chimeras here running this quote on quote farm! Bet they'd be so thrilled to see that, that's for sure! Ha.

"Woah, the princess is strong!" Visitor A siad.

"Super strong!" Visitor B cried.

"I wanna join in on these future protests, too!" Visitor C cried.

"So cool!"

"Super cool!"

"Amazing!"

"You! You'll pay for this!" Prinz shouted. "Cows are meat not friends!"

"That's right, these creatures were put here to serve as food for us!" Domini shouted. "You stupid plant lovers wouldn't ever understand!"

"Get them!" Cloch shouted.

Party of three soon on top of the monsters, the hyena cracked his knuckles. Hope they like being underneath people because any second now and the cops would arrive. Any second now, any moment now, three, two, one, weeh, wooh, weeh, wooh, there they are, the moment he's been waiting for, the sirens. How wonderful.

"Police, out with your hands up!" Rasa shouted, they then screeched louder. "Princess?! What are you doing here? Why aren't you helping at the border?!"

"The parliament told us he was dealing with something else, remember?" Segun asked.

"Right, whatever," Rasa responded, groaning. They then smirked. "Would you look at this? We've got illegal aliens in our midst. I knew we had some penguin smugglers out here! Get the taser! And, you three, get off of them!"

"Make sure you tase them good!" Garran shouted. "Also, I just want you to know all cops are evil!"

"Yeah, yeah, save it for your stupid social posts!" Segun shouted. "Nobody move!"

Zap, zap, zap.

"We'll be back!" Prinz cried. "Just you wait!"

"Zap those stupid penguin crests, that'll get them!" Rasa shouted.

Zap, zap, zap, zap, zap, zap, zap!

Penguins shocked around the world, they were flat like pancakes. Hauled into their vehicle, a victory flag had been waved upon the battlefield. Finally, the first of possible who knows how many slaughterhouses has been taken care of. Cops soon leaving, a truck had soon been called, surviving cows put in.

"We'll take the cows to another farm," Cloch said. "But first, there's one last thing left."

Scratch.

Matchbox lit, the chimera jumped back. Woah, wait, isn't that a bit extreme? The cops are going to come back! Building set ablaze, he closed his eyes. Given a match as well, a whisper had soon been ready to melt his ear into nothingness. He should throw one, too? Alright, but don't tell his parliament what he's been up to, thanks.

Toss.

Building melting into ashes, the chimera bid farewell to the party of three as he returned to the palace. Maybe he should get rid of more slaughterhouses. But, wasn't this group's way of doing it a little over the top? Maybe, but they got stuff done, unlike those other loud groups he had heard a little about.

Parliament waiting for him in the meeting room, he gave them a glare. They had better not say anything annoying because he's not listening. Go back to dealing with the border control or whatever! Can't they see he has other more important things to get done here?! Whatever, go ahead, talk his ear off.

"So, the cops told us you went and took down a slaughterhouse and destroyed the equipment with some bums," Satine said, sighing. "Don't join up with random strangers, okay? If you're going to take on this dramatic nonsense of yours, do it by yourself."

"Um, yeah, that's right, you know you're not supposed to meet with commoners without us approving of it first," Rabiu said, voice shaking.

"You think that's going to stop him?" Blyant asked.

"Um, guess not, since it already happened?" He sighed.

"Whatever, well, congratulations on getting rid of that slaughterhouse, Your Highness," Iben said, groaning. "Now, go back to focusing on your royal duties for the next month before pulling another stupid stunt like this!"

^Whatever! Fine, I'll go back to doing my duties, can you go away now? I want to read to the cows!^ Hovering words on a notebook screen cried.

"Tch, fine, but just so you know, your schedule will be tight for the next month!" Satine cried. "Bye!"

Heading over to the barn, the cows surrounded him once more. Opening the second rainbow beanstalk book, the young adult giggled as the goats slept in his lap. Mission from earlier today flashing through his mind as he reached the last page in about an hour, he laid in the hay, yawning. Time for a quick little nap. But, as he dozed off, one last sea of thoughts raced through him.

He heard that people were going after goats for their milk too. Why stop at saving the cows? He needs to save all the animals from harm! Call him the Princess of Animal Rights Protesting. No more sitting by as everyone suffers. Right, perfect, that's a perfect name! Dozing off once more, he repeated it as dreamland called him.

He's the Princess of Animal Rights Protesting.

Say his name!

Yes, so, uh, this story was born from me one day drawing Siorc in a cow costume sitting crisscross, and thinking, "he would protest in animal onesies." This was quite awhile ago, and I still can't believe to this day Princess of Animal Rights Protesting Siorc is canon. This is a canon existence in the multiverse. It was born from seeing the more...ridiculous side of protests from quote on quote vegans. As well as PETA bs that wasn't true such as the sheep stuff they pulled on Twitter all those years ago when Wooloo was revealed. That being said,

Princess of Animal Rights Protesting Siorc.png

Here's my artwork of Princess of Animal Rights Protesting Siorc. I will say at first, this was called Animal Savior Siorc, but I no longer call it that. But, I also have art I had commissioned of this, which I'll also put here.

This one is by LordoftheLies (he's on Toyhouse, check him out.) I liked how he added cheese and milk to this bust, ngl. Super funny.

Next week will be a story about saving birds, also known as Bird Savior Siorc. This one will not be a satire. I feel like I lined up all the stories that were similar to one another right next to each other a little too much in this 13 anthology book? But, eh, what can I do about it? Lol.

Palamon · Jan 30, 2026

Well, this is another non-fandom one about a Siorc who is a wildlife biology major in Roswell, New Mexico. I will say, this one is a little strange.

Content warnings are as follows: mild crude language, depictions of animal death/discussions of animal cruelty. But, it's mild.

Roswell's Bird Savior

Hi, I don't want to introduce myself! Do I
Have to? Please, don't make me

Have to introduce myself!
Eh, my name is Siorc Ingne, hyena chimera.
Listen, I really don't
Like introducing myself to people! Ugh,
Oh, well, I live in a secret hidden portion of Roswell, New Mexico.

It's a hidden sector where chimeras

Get to live peacefully.
Uh, so, we migrated here about ten years ago. Maybe
Eleven. I used to live in Dublin, but my parents decided we
Should move to New Mexico, but, they have
Since left to go back to Dublin.

Nowadays, I live my brother, his partner,
And the house
Manager because,
Eh, if I'm being honest, I like this
Secret sector of Roswell.

So, anyway,
I'm a wildlife biology major
Over here in college. I'm a junior, by the way. I want to
Rescue birds. One day, I'd like to become a bird scientist! Ah, no
Come on,

I have to say the proper name, I

Look so childish right now.
I have to say the real name, I
Very much have to!
Errr, oh, okay

I remember what the
Name is now. Let's turn that

Roast around in my brain for a second. Oh,
Ornithologist, yes.
So, I basically
Want to become one of those in the
End after I graduate. I feel
Like I'd make a good one.
Look, all

I think about in
My free time is birds. Before I go to school for the day, I

Am always working on birdhouses. I also

Have been making custom bird feeders, but I have to
Yield on that lately,
Everything has been a little weird around here since we arrived into the middle of spring.
Now, there's something odd
Afoot. I

Can't say I believe it, but
Hmm, if people are actually being honest,
It seems
Most of the birds in the
Entirety of New Mexico, especially
Roswell, and especially in the secret sector
Are disappearing. Honestly, it's

Just so strange. It's not winter,
Unless hibernation has changed.
Nothing
Is making sense
Over here in
Roswell. Something is off.

I should do something, I really
Need to. But, I'll be honest, I am not a

Chatty person. I prefer to write things down, but I
Obviously need to do something. I feel
Like I ought to. In feel
Like something is
Especially amiss. People are
Going around claiming aliens are to blame, and
Eh, listen that's

Widly ridiculous.
I've heard my classmates
Literally suggest to storm Area Fifty One. I
Don't think that's a good idea.
Listen, Nevada
Is quite
Far from here. It's
Err, fifteen hours? I

Bet even more.
I doubt that
Our birds are disappearing because of aliens. That's so not
Likely, there's
Obviously a logical answer, and I'm
Going to find it.
Yes, I will solve the New

Mexico bird disappear problem,
And, I will become a bird savior. Okay, I should
Just back up for
One second. Let's
Remain small here.

I'll start with Roswell,

And then I'll
Decide where to go from there.
Or maybe I should just stick with
Roswell. At least for now.
Eh, honestly, I

Bet it's climate change,
I know that kind of
Roasts birds alive. I
Don't know, it
Seems like it's been

Widly hot for
A mid spring. I have
No idea what to do about it. There's
Nothing I can do
About the weather. I

Have to do something
About the bird disappearances, I
Very much have to, but
Even so, I

Am powerless elsewhere.

Be that as
It may, we're about to
Reach June. I
Don't want to

Sit around and
Curl my thumbs,
I have to do something.
Everyone is doing
Nothing. Oh, I know, I
Could build a bird sanctuary!
Errr, well, I

Could, but
Ahaha, wishful thinking. It's about to get
Roasted, isn't it?
Eh, probably.
Even still, I need to do something, I must
Remember, birds are

Super important to
Our ecosystem. There
Might be dire consequences if they
End up being gone permanently. I
Don't want that, so I
Am going to act.
Yes, it is a must."

It had been an unusually sweltering day in the last week of May in Roswell, New Mexico and the secret hidden sector of the area. The streets were burning, the tires were looking about ready to melt off cars for everyone to see. But, despite all that, life went on. But, for one particular hyena chimera college student, a big mystery was about to unfold.

Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring.

Slap.

Turning off the morning phone alarm had been a short, young adult feminine appearing humanoid person with medium length dark purple hair that went down to about the upper chest. Mismatched purple and green eyes looking about ready to close once again, the individual let out a yawn. Ugh, what time is it? Gazing at the numbers on the phone, the person rolled back over. Huh, six? Yawn, goodnight.

But, such attempt to slumber for even twenty minutes more had been halted. Intense heat in the air, the person groaned. Ugh, it's yet another scorcher today. What is it, summer? Ah, no, it's the twenty seventh of May. What's the heat index? Opening up the weather app on the phone, the person groaned. Eighty seven? How strange, it's not even summer yet.

Closing the eyes again, the young adult yawned. Ah, well, it's too early for this. So long, goodnight. No point in trying to stay awake. When did college classes start again today? Oh, right, two. Yawn, no need to be up at this hour, so long. He'll be back in three hours, zzz. Time to catch a hundred more zzes.

Knock, knock.

Pesky pounds on the other end of the door ruining such plans, the young adult let out a groan. Ugh, why is the house manager by the door now? The person swore the do not disturb sign was still up. But, no, as usual, that pesky dragon had to come knocking, sigh. Reaching for the clipboard on the bedside table, the college student reached for the bluebird slippers beside the cotton quilt.

Turning the knob, a pesky face soon awaited the person. Standing on the opposite end of the frame had been a ridiculously tall dark skinned dragon woman with furry black panther ears on the top of the head. Long olive green hair that went down below the lower chest, a portion of her hair had been pulled into braids at the side. Eyes the same color as her locks, her pupils were slits. Adorning a red sweater with a bird eating spaghetti on it, the person tried to not gag. Birds don't eat pasta, come on now! How can Malati wear this thing?

"Siorc, I reckon you get ready early today," Malati said. "They're pushing your lectures up two hours earlier." Her tail furiously moved from behind her as she said such. "Also, didn't you plan on finishing that bird house before you go in today? Your brother said something about it." She faked a cough before continuing. "He said, 'Ya know, he still hasn't finished dat huge birdhouse he's been buildin' Bet he's gonna finish dat today.' How was my Varg impression? Was it good? I ain't no good at sounding like others."

Absolute garbage brother impression coming his way, the hyena slapped his palm across his forehead. Was Malati trying to be funny? He swears, this secret sector within Roswell always attracts the weirdest of chimeras sometimes. Sighing, the information swam through him. Wait, his lectures were pushed up two hours earlier? Oh, no! Will he even have time to finish that birdhouse today? Scribbling away, the clipboard almost shook.

[Why didn't you tell me sooner?!] A notebook sheet asked.

"I tried reminding you last night, but you had your headphones in an' couldn't hear me," Malati responded. "So, I scurried out of the den an' left you be."

Reminder coming his way, the chimera's fist shook. She should have reminded him last night anyway! Isn't she supposed to be the housekeeper and the house manager here?! Why did his brother's partner hire this lady for in the first place? They should have never hit it big with that dog food business the two of them started in the garage! Oh, well, too late for that now. His fault for being in the zone, he guessed.

[I was watching bird documentaries, okay?! Next time just tap my shoulder, alright?! Ugh, I was supposed to finish two birdhouses today! I'll have to put the second one off now!] A notebook sheet practically screamed.

"I reckon your college lectures will probably be a lot shorter today," Malati said. "Been hearing rumors 'bout them closing all them schools down 'cause of the heat. Startin' next week."

Heat brought to his attention again, the chimera's cheeks grew pink. He supposed it had been quite abnormally warm for late May. It was almost ninety five degrees out there, unbelievable! And, the people in the government were still acting like climate change was a hoax. Not to mention, for whatever reason, his college extended the school year by a month due to opening super late at the end of last year. Ugh, just end the school year instead, please.

[If only I were on summer vacation right about now!] A written note on a clipboard complained.

"I know, but you know your school's mighty peculiar," Malati responded, arms crossed around her waist. "Anyhoo, if I were you, I'd get ready now. Your brother wants me to change the beds before their boss comes over."

[Ugh, fine, I'll go get ready. Don't come in my room until I'm out, got it?] A written note on a clipboard asked.

"As you wish, young master." She bowed.

[Quit calling me that, would you?! I'm not your boss!] A written note on a clipboard cried. But, it immediately remained unseen.

Slumping onto the ground, the chimera let out a groan. He swears, this dragon lady always decided to bother him in the morning for fun. Quickly reaching for a set of clothes, the robin red breast pajama set had been tossed into the hamper. He'd better hurry and finish getting ready, or there will be a million vacuums lined up in his room!

Heat wafting through the shower window as the chimera turned the knobs, the college student placed his hand beneath his currently human ears. Now, that's strange, he's not hearing any birds chirping again today. When was the last time he heard any? Last week? No, maybe two weeks ago? Ah, no, he'll go with last week. That may as well already have been forever.

Steam burning the room as the young adult dashed towards the mirror, he listened again. But, there was silence. Nothing but the sound of the restroom fan system. Sigh, please can the birds make a return, he's begging. Comb pressed through the locks, he reached for a rubber band. Hair pulled up into a high ponytail, a shirt with the head of a blue jay had soon been over him.

Fluffy light blue skirt going down to about his thighs, the young adult placed the little side feathers on the edges of his shirt. This will do, right? Collar and fluffy sleeves the same shade as the little avian creature on the center, he reached for the hairpins and earrings. Matching feathers adorning his hair and ears, he quickly reached for the mascara.

Knowing that any second now, the monster vacuum would enter his bedroom, the young adult dashed off towards the kitchen. What time is it now? Seven thirty blinking at him, sweat poured down his back. How is time going by so quick? Before he knew it, it would already be eleven! Hurry, hurry, time is ticking.

"Look who's finally awake," a tenor voice groaned. "Busy rolling around in bed looking at bird videos again, bird enthusiast?"

Chopping up lettuce on the cutting board in the corner had been a tall, tan somewhat masculine looking gazelle person with short choppy dark blackish green hair pulled into a high ponytail that didn't even reach the ears. Middle part of their hair reaching between the space of their eyes, they adorned a lazy t-shirt with a dogfood on it. Teal eyes almost barely visible, the bird enthusiast rolled his eyes. As usual, Izzet is making up nonsense. Why did his brother have to get engaged to this chimera? He'll never know.

"Ya know he ain't gotta be at lectures 'till two," an alto voice responded. The person then turned. "Mornin', Siorc, yer workin' on th' new birdhouse 'gain before ya leave in the backyard, right?"

Plopping toast in the air fryer had been a short feminine person who had barely been an inch taller than him. Excuse him, extremely manly man with earthy green hair pulled into a high ponytail that went down to about his shoulders. Emerald eyes to match, his tassel earrings looked about ready to fall off as usual. Pitch black shirt with the words Dog Breath on it, the chimera sighed. How were Varg and he ten years apart? He always wore the weirdest shirts ever. Oh, well.

"I thought I told you this morning that they pushed up all afternoon classes due to the heat!" Izzet cried. "Were you even listening when I told you?"

"Dunno, guess it musta slipped m' mind," Varg responded. "We're makin' BLT Salad, ya want a big or sm'll bowl?"

[Small bowl will do. Where's the hot glue gun?] A notebook sheet on a clipboard said.

"Izzet put it in th' shed, A think," Varg said. He then turned towards his partner. "Ya put it back in th' shed, right?"

"I put it back in there last night," Izzet responded, shrugging. "Don't you think it's too hot to be building the rest of that birdhouse, though? It's not like any are going to fly in. Haven't you heard? Almost all the birds in New Mexico have disappeared."

Rumor dropped into his lap, the bird enthusiast almost dropped his pencil. Wait, what did they say just now? Almost all of the birds in New Mexico have disappeared? No, no way, that couldn't possibly be true. What would they know? They've got to be messing with him, right? It was just a coincidence he hadn't heard a single bird chirp in the past week, two weeks? Ugh, forget it. He has way more important matters to attend to here.

[What do you know, dog enthusiast? I'm finishing that birdhouse today before I go to my lectures! I'm going to the backyard now. Leave my salad on the picnic table!] A notebook sheet on a clipboard shouted.

"Car'ful, d'nt burn yerself, kay?" Varg's voice echoed.

Dashing towards the back door, the chimera covered his ears as his brother's partner's mumbles broke loose in the next room. He swears, Izzet always screams nonsense on purpose. As soon as he graduates and gets a nice ornithologist job, he's so out of here. Not like he'll graduate anytime soon, though. He probably needed, what was it called again? Ah, right, a doctorate degree. Probably. He hardly knew.

Entrance sliding open, the sound of bugs squealing burned into the bird enthusiast's eardrums. Early morning sun ready to melt his neck into oblivion, the hyena dashed towards the shed. He has to hurry and get the hot glue gun! Man, it's hotter out here today than it was yesterday! This bird house is going to melt before he's able to finish it, isn't it? Gah.

Glue weapon located, the chimera reached for the remaining wooden parts. What was left to add to the current one he was working on again? Oh, right a roof. And, the second one? He still needed to work on quite a few things. Did he finish making the feeders? Nope. He may as well just build one quickly before he has to leave.

Tools out in front of him, the hyena hammered away. How had he left the roof until last second?! How many years has he been making birdhouses now? Ah, right, ten years now. How has he been doing this since he was eleven? Time flies. Before he knows it, he'll have been doing this for twenty. Well, he had a long ways away from that, he guessed.

Sandpaper rubbed against the little roof, the bird enthusiast could feel his heart sink at the sound of silence once again. There wasn't a single bird here anywhere, huh? Not even a little chirp. Maybe they all flew away to somewhere colder? No, that didn't make any sense. There's something far more fishy going on here that meets the eye.

Hot glue gun amped up and ready to go, the chimera focused. Adhesive will be applied in three, two, one. Edges looking ready to melt, he placed the roof over. This will hold this time, right? The roof always seems to cave in whenever he reaches this part. Cracking his knuckles, he reached for some spare pieces of wood. Time to make a birdfeeder.

Cutting a hole in a piece of wood, the questions kept themselves going. Maybe the birds fled to Mexico and haven't returned? Maybe the humans in Roswell hurt them one too many times and they decided to skedaddle. But, would that cause all of them to just vanish? Maybe not, that was highly unlikely.

Gluing the frames together, the chimera reached for a small bottle. What kind of seeds should he put in the birdfeeder? Maybe he should put a mix of many different kinds? Where did he keep the birdseed? Oh, right, in the shed. He'd better get it. Teeming up a sweat, his hands practically stuck together. Shaking it off, he unlocked the creature once more.

Shake, shake, shake.

Birdseed plopped in, the young adult attached the feeder to the side of the gigantic birdhouse. Measuring tape out in front of him, he scribbled away. Twenty four inches tall. He really needs to scale these back a bit. Soon, he won't be able to fit anymore in the backyard. Izzet might even start throwing some of the old ones away at this rate, too. Alright, time to set it in the bird zone.

Latest creation plopped down in the bird zone, the bird enthusiast sighed. It's not like he's going to get any avian visitors anyway. Should he even bother finishing the second one? Maybe not. Oh, well, maybe it's best to hold off on that for now. Cracking his knuckles, he dragged himself off towards the picnic table.

Tweet, tweet, tweet.

Turning towards the birdhouse a surprise kicked in as the young adult swallowed mountains of bacon. Blue jay flapping towards the entrance, a shock shot down the chimera's spine. Woah, a bird? It's been a million years. Creature plopping towards it, he pumped his fists out in front of him. It's going in, it's going in! Is this a dream? Pinch him!

Heat taking him for a ride, the bird enthusiast hissed. He's definitely awake right now. Wow, finally, he had himself a visitor, is this really happening? Maybe this was the last bird still left that hadn't left New Mexico. He needs to cherish this moment while he still can! Slowly finishing breakfast, a scream soon ruined everything.

"Don't you think you should get going?!" Izzet groaned. "It's ten o'clock! You're walking today, aren't you?"

Pesky brother's spouse locking eyes with him, the young adult held back a growl. Of courses he's walking! It's not like they'd ever drive him! They also championed the he's wasting our gas, he can walk, nonsense. Not like he wanted to be in a car with them ever anyway. They have the worst road rage known to chimerakind.

[Don't I always? Don't rush me, alright? I'll leave in a few minutes.] A notebook sheet on a clipboard said.

"You always say that when you're out here!" Izzet shouted. "Then, a few minutes turns into an hour and you're practically tardy to your lectures."

[Gee, if only someone would drive me then this wouldn't almost always be the case!] A notebook sheet on a clipboard shouted.

"Pay for gas, and then we'll talk! Quit sitting around and get walking, our boss will be here any second, so skedaddle!" Their voice was booming.

[Alright, alright, I'll go grab my messenger bag and go, okay?] A notebook sheet on a clipboard responded.

Brother's partner mumbling under their breath, the young adult rolled his eyes. He still can't believe this is the chimera Varg settled down with. Never date a business partner. Slipping into his room, a messenger bag filled to the brim with bird head keychains had soon been slung over his shoulder. Dashing off towards the door, eyes soon darted towards him.

"Did ya remember to put sunscreen in yer bag?" Varg asked from across the room.

"Do you really have to ask him that every morning?" Izzet asked. "He's an adult now."

"Babe, ya know he's forgetful," Varg said to Izzet.

"He's forgetful because all he thinks about is birds all the time!" Izzet shouted back. "I swear, I bet he was born with a birdbrain!"

Nodding, the chimera twisted the knob. He hardly had time to stay here a moment longer. Any second now, and that pesky boss would be here. He did not know why, but the director always looked at him like he was the devil. Exiting the abode and off towards the crosswalk, something of an awful note soon caught his attention.

Lifeless birds laid out on the ground everywhere, everything felt so cold. What's going on here? Why are there so many here? Creatures not moving, he closed his eyes. Every single one on this street was no longer in this world. How could this happen? Dashing across the crosswalk, he kept his eyes open.

Even more birds on the ground twitching up a storm, doom painted the bird enthusiast a shade of green. What's wrong? Those tremors, he's studied these before. Could they be? He needs to tell someone as soon as possible. But, who? Should he tell his professor? Maybe he should skip classes today.

Shaking his head, the young adult reached for a notepad. He can't just skip, his brother's partner would kill him for that. They'd probably rent his room out and send him back to Dublin, or something. He'd better just go. Writing down everything he could, he kept moving forward. Please, don't let there be any more birds suffering.

Tweet, tweet.

Birds falling left and right as the college grew ever so closer, everything froze. Are those cardinals? They're falling midflight. What is going on here? There's something funny going on. Scribbling such away, he kept moving. Please, don't let there be any more bird anomalies, he has an hour left before he reaches the gates.

But, such had been wishful thinking. Far more oddities where that came from, that thought crept up again. Maybe he should skip after all. He can't just walk away from all this. He needs to e-mail his professor before it's too late. Attempting to do so, an annoying message caught his attention. Finals today! No one is allowed to skip! Gah, so much for that, better pick up the pace.

Huffing as the college entrance waited for him, the chimera huffed a weak breath. How many birdnomalies did he spot on the way here? Checking the tally, he did a double take. Forty? Maybe he overcounted. Reaching his lecture room, a ghost town was about to swallow him whole any second now. So much for no skipping, huh? There was only eight other students here.

Spotting five of his chimera classmates chatting away in the corner, he tiptoed towards them. Short, feminine appearing rabbit person with short black hair pulled into a low bun chatting up a storm, next to him had been a slightly shorter rabbit girl with radioactive green hair and a brown school uniform. Isamu and Rizo were always seen together. They sure were twins alright.

Standing quietly amongst the crowd of five had been a short panda person with long pink hair pulled into two high pigtails with split ends everywhere. Rosy eyes to match, she had a rather messy looking white pocketed shirt. Even pinker panda girl next to her with long hair pulled into a side ponytail, the rest of her locks had been pulled downward. As usual, Yanglong and Qiulong don't believe in any other color existing besides pink. He bet if they could, they'd both dye their ear fur pink, too.

Young woman with maroon hair split from the back going down to about her knees looking rather tired, sea lion flippers had been out in the open. Sailor outfit on her, the young adult swore something wasn't adding up here. Hadn't Kali switched majors? Should she even be in this lecture hall? Maybe not.

"You saw all the bird carcasses on the streets, too, right, right?!" Kali cried.

"I believe I said that, did I not?" Isamu groaned. "Three times already. Weren't you listening?"

"Okay, so, maybe you did, but maybe I misheard you!" Kali shouted.

"You always say that," Rizo said, shaking her head. "Dear me, what are we going to do with you?"

"I saw birds falling straight out of the sky," Yanglong said.

"Me, too," Qiulong added. She then turned around. "Well, well, well, look who finally showed up! Morning, Siorc, we thought you'd skip today, honestly."

[I thought about it, believe me. But, my brother's partner would kill me.] A notebook sheet on a clipboard said. He then scribbled some more. [You guys saw the bird crisis outside too?]

"Yup, we did," Kali said, nodding. "We were just talking about why we think all the birds have gone awol last week. Want to join us?"

[Don't we have to take our finals soon? The professor's probably going to be here any minute.] A notebook sheet on a clipboard said.

"Nah, he said he's going to get some coffee. So, we have plenty of time," Qiulong said, shaking her head. "You know how he gets sometimes. Wants to get away from us as much as possible. Something, something, chimeras stinking up my lecture hall, or whatever."

[I see. So, why do you all think the birds disappeared?] A notebook sheet on a clipboard asked.

"I think it's aliens," Rizo said, finger stuck up in the air.

"Extraterrestrials!" Isamu corrected.

"Aliens," Rizo barked backed. "I think we're about to have another Roswell Incident. You know, Roswell Incident Two, Electric Boogaloo?"

"No one says that, Rizo," Yanglong said, groaning. "Also, the Roswell Incident was alleged. You know that, right?"

"Alleged doesn't mean it's untrue!" Her ears bopped on the top of her head in a fury.

"Oh, my, aliens, huh?" Qiulong said, giggling. "That would maybe explain why so many poor birds are falling midflight lately. Maybe the aliens in Area Fifty One came to Roswell and are controlling them!"

"Extraterrestrials!" Isamu corrected once more. "Why do you all have to jump and assume it's aliens? They're probably perishing from the heatwave?" He groaned as he continued. "You're being ridiculous, don't you think?"

"No, I think they're all onto something, actually," Kali said, flippers on her chin. "This heat wave is definitely out of this world. It's not even summer yet, and it's almost one hundred degrees. I bet aliens have something to do with it!"

"Do you hear how ridiculous you sound right now?" Isamu groaned. "Aliens aren't real. You know it gets much hotter around here in the secret sector of Roswell." His eyes then wandered. "Aliens, you can't be serious."

"I am serious, bro!" Rizo cried. "There is definitely aliens making all the birds drop dead! I bet the injured ones were attacked by aliens, too! You think so too, right, Siorc?"

Spotlight soon over him, the hyena could hardly believe his ears. Is Rizo being serious right now? Come on, now! That was incredibly unscientific. Aliens don't exist! And, if they did, they most certainly wouldn't come to earth. They'd turn their ship around and see the horrible conditions the humans put this planet in and say, peace out! Or worse yet, destroy it. Probably.

[Aliens don't exist. I believe there is many other things that could be the right answer here, and aliens is most certainly not one of them, Rizo.] A notebook sheet on a clipboard said.

"Man, you're no fun, I thought you'd be on my side!" Rizo cried, biting her lower lip. "Okay, stick in the mud, what do you think it could be?"

[I don't know, I think I'll do some research during summer vacation. But, it's most certainly not aliens.] A notebook sheet on a clipboard said.

"Says you, I think it's definitely aliens," Rizo said. "You guys, you know what I think we should do?"

"What? Don't you dare say what I think you're going to say," Isamu said in an annoyed voice.

"Ooh, I know where this is going!" Kali cried. "Come on, say it!"

"I wish I had popcorn right now, this is about to get juicy!" Qiulong cried.

"I know where this is going," Yanglong said, rolling her eyes. "Don't say it."

Rizo raising her paw up, the hyena knew where this was going. She's going to say something so ridiculous, the professor would soon stand behind her and have something annoying to say, like always. Please, don't say what he thinks she's about to. Her bright ideas were usually so outlandish he thought he was dreaming every time she said them. Crossing his fingers, he prepared himself.

"We should storm Area Fifty One!" Rizo cried.

"We should tot--!" Qiulong started to say, but she then cut herself off. "Wait. Come again?"

"We should storm Area Fifty One!" Rizo repeated. "I bet the aliens they're hiding there zapped all the birds! We should go there and punch them!"

"You know Area Fifty One is a highly classified area, right?" Kali asked. "How are we supposed to get in?"

"I'm a master of disguise!" She danced as she said such.

"Storming Area Fifty One, really?" Yanglong asked, eyes lowered into a squint. "Where did you get that bright idea from, the internet?"

"I came up with it all on my own, okay?!" Rizo cried. "Who wants to go to Nevada with me?"

"I'll go with you," Qiulong said. "Let's storm Area Fifty one!"

"Count me out," Yanglong said, turning away. "I knew you'd say something illogical."

"Count me out, too," Kali said, shaking her head. "Besides, I'm going back to Canada to visit my family over the summer. I can't believe you'd even suggest something like that!"

"I'm not going either," Isamu said, shaking his head. "First off, extraterrestrials don't exist. Area Fifty One is just an Air Force facility, and second, how are you going to afford a trip to Nevada? You and I both know you don't have any money!"

"Shh, I've been saving money, okay?!" Rizo cried. "But, it's fine, bro. If you don't want to go to Area Fifty One, I'll just go without you!"

"What's this about Area Fifty one, hmm?" a voice said from behind asked.

Middle aged professor standing from behind Rizo like always, the hyena shook his head. As usual, he snuck up on everyone. Why did he always do that? Looks like the party's over now, better stop while they're ahead. Did he hear the entire conversation? Probably. Please, don't look at him. He definitely has nothing to do with this.

"Nothing, professor! Just joking around!" Rizo cried, giggling. "Right? Just getting a good laugh?"

"That's right, just getting a good chuckle before the exam!" Qiulong cried.

"If you say so," the professor said. "Now, hurry up and get to your seats! The final's about to start!" He then mumbled under his breath. "Why did I have to have a class full of chimeras?"

Seating himself, the papers had soon been administered. Professor announcing they had three hours to finish, he stared down at the thick booklet in front of him. Wildlife Biology Final words locking eyes with him, he cracked his knuckles. He listened to every single lecture, surely, this would be quite easy.

Multiple choice questions breezed through, thoughts paraded around as a rather peculiar question locked eyes with him. Why are there so many questions about extinction this year? He could not help but feel an intense wave of unease at such. Staring off into space, thoughts rumbled around from within.

Were all the birds in the world about to face extinction soon? They definitely weren't going to, right? Maybe he ought to do something about this issue. But, what could he possibly do about it? He was only one chimera. What could he do? He did not know, but he has to do something. He can't just sit around and watch birds perish like this!

Answering the write in questions, the thoughts continued to buzz about. Maybe he should build a sanctuary. There was some unclaimed land within this secret sector no one ever wanted. Maybe he could build something there and help all the poor birds in pain. He's sure he had enough money in his savings account for something like that.

Reaching the complex problems portion, the bird enthusiast's brain was spaghetti. Ugh, can he get a bit of a break, please? How many more hours left? Too many, that's for sure. Forget it, he needs to focus. He can think about all the other stuff later. Pencil ready to break, he tried to concentrate.

Final question upon him as the clock ticked towards the second hour, the young adult removed himself from the booth in front of him after checking over his answers. He filled in all the dots correctly on the scantron, right? Please, tell him he did. Placing the creature within the booklet, he moved off towards the professor's desk.

"Huh? You're done already?" the professor asked.

[Yes, is that a problem, professor?] A notebook sheet on top of a clipboard asked.

"Not really," the professor responded, shrugging. "Whatever. Enjoy your summer."

[I thought lectures were extended until mid June this year?] A notebook sheet on top of a clipboard asked.

"Not anymore. You can go now." There was an annoyed tone in his voice.

Leaving the lecture room, the young adult sat down in the courtyard. Birds fallen everywhere, he closed his eyes. There's even more here than there were earlier. He needs to do something. Why isn't anyone doing anything about the bird crisis on their hands? He should build a bird sanctuary. That would definitely take all summer vacation, wouldn't it?

Writing down ideas in his notebook, the bird enthusiast sighed. But, before he can do that, shouldn't he find the cause of the crisis first? He probably should. Besides, it would probably take a long time for something like this to be approved. Wouldn't he have to meet with the mayor? No, he'd probably have to have a talk with the New Mexico governor, wouldn't he? Probably both.

Heading back home, everything buzzed from within as twitching finches caught his attention. These poor birds looked like they were in so much pain. Who, or what caused this? Maybe it could have been aliens after all. But, he shook his head. No, that was ridiculous. Why is he thinking about Rizo's obnoxious theory? She's obviously wrong.

Reaching his abode after what felt like forever, the young adult crossed his fingers. Please, let Izzet be out shopping or something with the housekeeper. Doorknob twisted he closed his eyes. Please, please let the house empty, he's begging. But, luck was not on his side as usual. Hearing that loud voice ready to eat him alive, he almost wanted to turn around.

"Ever since that dude bought our company, he's ruining everything!" Izzet shouted. "We need to oust him!"

"I dunno 'bout that," Varg said. "He's much more knowledgeable 'bout business an' stuff. An' not t' m'ntion, he's much b'tt'r at this than we are."

"You may think that, but I disagree!" Izzet cried. "We need to take our business back!" They then groaned. "Ugh, he's back. Don't you have a million tests to finish?"

"Afatnoon, Siorc, did yer final go alright?" Varg asked.

Spotting a bag of birdseed on the kitchen counter, the chimera rose an eyebrow. That's weird, did the boss leave that here? Was the business expanded to include other types of pet food? Maybe so. Should he ask about it? He probably should, maybe. Clipboard out in front of him, he scribbled away.

[It went fine. I'm pretty sure I got a good score.] A notebook sheet on top of a clipboard said. He then scribbled some more. [Where did you get that birdseed from?]

"Ah, ya saw th't?" Varg asked. "Boss left it h're. He's expandin' the business. Y'u should feed th' birds with it. Ya built th' birdfeeder t'day, right?"

Locking eyes with the bag of birdseed, the college student did not know why, but something felt kind of off about it. Is it just him, or did it look really strangely flat? Was it tampered with? But, he shook his head. No, no, that's ridiculous. He shouldn't assume something like that. Why would someone do such a thing?

[I did, yes.] A notebook sheet on a clipboard said.

"Good fer you. Hope ya get a lot of b'rds visitin'," Varg responded, tone slightly chipper."Yer professor e-mailed us, an' said they cancellin' the 'xtended spring semester by the way. Ya got any plans fer summer vacation?"

Question coming his way, the chimera closed his eyes. Should he mention he's thinking of building a bird sanctuary over the summer? No, that would be rejected, wouldn't it? He can feel the questions piling in. How would he be able to afford it? They're not driving him there. Him, own land? He's not even twenty five yet, wait until he's older. Or, the worst one yet. He's a chimera, no one will take him seriously. Well, whatever, he'll take this risk.

[I'm going to build a bird sanctuary after I investigate what's going on with the birds.] A notepad sheet said.

Coffee soon spit out, the hyena placed his palm over his temple, shaking his head. Ugh, why does Izzet always do this? They're always overreacting to every little thing! Why is this the chimera Varg is going to marry someday again? They're always such a sturdy nail. Become a bent one for a change!

"Are you serious? How do you think you'll be able to afford it?! It's not like you have a job, you freeloader!" Izzet cried. "You really expect to be able to afford to make a dumb little bird sanctuary?"

[I'll have you know people pay me to make them birdhouses!] A notepad sheet cried. He then scribbled some more. [And, I have plenty of savings, you know.]

"You only charge fifteen dollars per birdhouse! You call that a job?" Izzet cried. "And, how are you going to be able to pull it off, huh? You need approval from the secret sector mayor! Which, there's no way he'll approve!"

[You don't know that. I'm sure they're aware of the bird crisis, and he'll say yes!] A notepad sheet cried.

"Oh, really? You really think that, do you? Malati, get a load of this!" Stomp, stomp, stomp.

"Yes?" Malati asked.

"Can you believe what you're hearing? This dumbo over here wants to build a bird sanctuary!"

"I reckon he should at least try," Malati responded. "You ain't gotta shoot down every idea he has."

"Look, I'm just being realistic here, okay? Unlike you!" Izzet rose their voice.

"A bird sanctuary, huh?" Varg said. "I dun't wanna b' the bearer of b'd news, b't fer somethin' like th't ya gotta get an 'ppointment w'th the sector mayor. Ya th'nk yer gonna h've th' energy fer that?"

Reality dropping down on him like a ton, the chimera tried to keep it together. He really would have to speak to the sector government, huh? He supposed he ought to. After all, this is a huge problem. He can't sit by as birds are being harmed by some unknown cause! He needs to take care of them. No one else is, after all. Besides, he's good at building things. He can even offer to do everything by himself.

[I can't just sit by and do nothing! Birds are being harmed, and I have to make sure someone is doing something! If no one else is, I will!] A notepad sheet said.

"Aight, well if yer gonna, ya sho'ld probably schedule an 'ppointment in the next two weeks 'r so," Varg said. "M'ke sure ya gather evidence, 'r th'y might push ya out th' door. Ya wanna get yer college friends to help ya build it if it gets approved?"

"Why are you on his side?!" Izzet cried. "Don't you think your brother is being ridiculous?"

"I dunno, he's right, ya know, it ain't like anyone doin' 'nythin' 'bout th's," Varg responded. "If he wants t' t'ke 'ction, I say l't h'm."

"You baby him, I swear." Their tail furiously brushed from behind them.

College friends mentioned, the hyena placed his finger on his chin. He supposed he could ask Isamu and Yanglong for help. They weren't going back home over the summer, right? They always take extra classes in the summer. At least, he thinks they do. Probably. Maybe he'll shoot them a text or two.

[Maybe. I don't know if they'll want to help me, though.] A notebook sheet said.

"W'll, if th'y d'nt, A will," Varg said. "Gimme a h'ller if yer friends say no."

"I'm not, though, so you can forget it!" Izzet shouted.

[I wasn't going to ask you. Not like you'd ever help me with anything anyway.] A notebook sheet said. He then scribbled away some more. [No need to go to all the trouble, Varg. I'm sure my friends will agree. Some of them, anyway.]

"It ain't no tro'ble at all," Varg said. He then looked at his watch. "W'll we gotta go t' th' warehouse r'ght bout now. See ya later."

Party of two leaving, the bird enthusiast stared off into space. Birdseed bag glowing on the kitchen counter, he dashed off towards it. Something is really wrong with this thing. Why is it doing that? Maybe he should take it into the lab and study it for a little while. Housekeeper locking eyes with him, he scribbled away.

[I'll be in the lab. Don't make me a big dinner.] A notebook sheet said.

"As you wish, young master," Malati said.

[Please stop calling me young master, ma'am.] A notebook sheet begged.

Lugging the heavy birdseed bag into the lab, the chimera sniffed away. What is this rancid antiseptic scent? Something's not right. Closing the door behind him, he opened the bag up. Seeds looking rather strange, he pinched his nose. Ugh, this stench is even stronger now! What is going on here?

Dropping the sunflower seeds into a small bowl, something wasn't right about them. They look awfully heavy, don't they? Aren't birdseeds supposed to be virtually weightless? Yes, most certainly, they were. Maybe he should weigh them in comparison to the the ones in the bird feeder. He had a scale in here, right? Yes. Dashing into the backyard, he reached for a cup of them.

Scale taken out, alarm bells rung in the college student's head as he weighed them. Brand new seeds practically tossing the old ones off, he almost wanted to alert the entire neighborhood. Wait, what is going on here? This is so not good. Should sunflower seeds really be this heavy? No, they definitely shouldn't. They shouldn't be this dense at all. He needs to keep testing.

Plopping multiple in the water, the creatures immediately sunk to the bottom. Well, this is quite strange. What's in these things? This is not right. He needs to test these things right away. Did he have that chemical kit still? He should have it buried somewhere in the cabinet. Time to dig it out. Rummaging through everything, the holy grail had obtained.

Chemical strips out in front of him, the chimera dipped the creatures in the water. But, what results came back to him shook him for a loop. This strip is dark brown. Ethanol? Oh, no, he needs to do something. How did something like that get into a bag of birdseed? This can't be good. Thinking back, something cracked from within.

The CEO of Varg and Izzet's company, hadn't they said something about expanding their business to include food for other animals? He did say that, right? When did he say he'll be introducing birdseed? About a month ago? Yes, he was there for that late afternoon meeting. That man always has the nerve to hold a meeting during dinner. He remembers now.

Pacing around the lab, he wondered. That CEO, honestly, he's way too friendly. Come to think of it, didn't he feed every single wild animal out there with free food? Yes, he did. At least, that's what he heard Varg say. Maybe he was using a new formula for birdseed? Surely, that's all this was. It had to be an accident! Right, of course, just a mistake. Maybe this will be the last time something like this happens.

Doing many more tests after to double check, the chimera sighed. Was this why all the birds in Roswell were disappearing? Maybe. He needs to schedule an appointment with the sector mayor as soon as possible. Firing up the slow, ancient as ever computer, the young adult tip tappied away at the keyboard. E-mail client taking forever to open, he groaned. This machine was from the start of the century, he bet.

E-mail with formal language sent, the bird enthusiast crossed his fingers. Please, let this meeting be approved. There's no way he can sit around anymore and watch as these poor birds be harmed like this! He'll even offer his soul if he has to! Shutting the ancient machine down after it froze on the web browser, he banged his head on the keyboard. Can someone please upgrade this thing?

Knock, knock, knock.

"Siorc, I made you pork ravioli, I'm coming in," Malati said on the other side of the door.

Meaty pasta plopped down onto the table in the corner, the hyena placed his finger on his chin. Should he tell the housekeeper about his discoveries? No, that would probably make her tell everyone what he discovered. Izzet would probably tell him he's ruining their business, it's better to keep this all to himself.

"Did you find anything peculiar?" Malati asked, pointing at the sunflower seed bag.

[If I tell you, you're going to blab to my brother, aren't you?] A notepad sheet said.

"I ain't gonna tell them nothing," Malati said, shaking her head.

Same sentence coming his way as usual, he shook his head. There's no way he can trust this housekeeper. She always blabs about everything. Nibbling on his ravioli, he groaned. She overcooked it as usual. Did she burn it with her dragon breath? Probably. Eyes soon locked onto him, he tried to not roll his eyes. Please, stop looking at him like that.

[Nothing concrete. I'll keep doing my research before I go to the sector hall in a couple weeks.] A notepad sheet said.

"Well, if you're gonna do that, I reckon you'll need as much evidence as possible," Malati said as she took the plate away. "I'll leave you to it."

Dragon lady leaving, the chimera buried his head on the table. If she finds out, she'll definitely blab about it, that's for sure. She has the biggest mouth of everyone in this house. Continuing on until late evening, his notebook was almost full. He's going to need some more soon, that's for sure. None are going to last this investigation.

Continuing to investigate everything he could as the days droned on by, the young adult could no longer deny it as the days went on. The new birdseed hot on the shelves had been filled to the brim with ethanol. How did this happen? Maybe he should alert the Food and Drug Administration about this. Birds continuing to drop left and right as the days moved into a week, the pressure was mounting.

Sector mayor approving of his visit on the eleventh of June, the young adult kept the investigations coming. Proof aplenty written down in six notebooks, he contacted his friends. Everyone except Kali agreeing to help him build the sanctuary no matter what, he could hear the victory bells ready to roar. Surely, this will go well, he can feel it.

And, then the day arrived, in the blink of an eye.

June Eleventh.

Walking to the sector hall office, two scary faces awaited for him in the meeting room. Tall, blonde penguin man in a lady suit with golden penguin crests locking eyes with him, next to him had been a dark blue haired sheep lady with a pitch black blouse suit. What were their names again? Ah, right, Mayor Marquis Gefroren and Vice Mayor Lang Afstand. He needs to hurry up and present his arguments to have this bird sanctuary built!

[Hello, Mister Gefroren, and Ms. Afstand. May name is Siorc Ingne, and today, I would like to discuss with you allowing me to build a bird sanctuary in the unoccupied area in the edges of this sector of Roswell.] A notebook sheet on top of a clipboard said.

"That's why you e-mailed us?" Mayor Marquis Gefroren asked. "You're just a kid. You'd better make this good! We had other business to attend to today!"

"A bird sanctuary, really?" the Vice Mayor Lang said, voice crusty. "This is what you wanted to discuss? The bird fiasco will sort itself out in due time."

Almost immediate rejection coming his way, the hyena closed his eyes. He knew he should have expected this would happen. He needs to provide a good argument as to why this needs to be built. No one is doing anything to help the birds still, and it's been a month since they started falling left and right! Doesn't anyone care about the wildlife here? If someone isn't going to do something, he will!

[Sir, I am an adult. I am going to be in my fourth year in college in August. I'm not just some kid with a dream. You have to understand. This bird crisis goes beyond climate change. This isn't something that will sort itself out. All the bird's food has been tampered with, and something needs to be done! A sanctuary will be keep them safe from harm. I'll pay for everything!] A notebook sheet on top of the clipboard shouted.

"Oh, sure, as if I'm going to believe some kid," Mayor Marquis Gefroren said in a cold tone. "You're just a junior in college. What do you know about the world? Nothing, that's what. Try again in ten years."

Rejection coming his way, the young adult's face grew dark. How could he dismiss it so quick? No way, he can't let this go yet. He has plenty of evidence. Opening up the logs, he prepared himself. Surely, this would convince him, right? He even contacted the food and drug administration. That would give him at least a little leverage, right?

[I told you, sir, I'm adult. And, I've been doing a lot of research! See? Look at this. I even contacted the Food And Drug Administration, and they told me the results are alarming. Something has to be done. Please, if you would be so kind as to allow me to build a bird sanctuary. I promise that I am fully capable of running it! I'm knowledgeable in bird science!] A notebook sheet shouted.

"Yeah, sure you are, these look fake," Vice Mayor Lang said. "You really expect us to believe you? You hyena chimeras sure are funny."

[You didn't even read my notes yet! Please, take a look, and you'll see that there's something really dangerous going on in Roswell!] A notebook sheet shouted.

"Not happening, kid. Why should we read anything? You're not even certified, for one," the mayor asked. "Do you even have a degree in wildlife biology?"

[Not yet, but, that doesn't matter! This can't wait! Birds are falling left and right!] A notebook sheet shouted.

"Forget it, kid. We're not approving of this, now get out of my office, you're wasting my time!" the mayor shouted.

Tossed out immediately, the world burned red. He knew this would happen. Why did he expect anything out of these people in the first place? Forget it, who needs government approval anyway? He'll build that sanctuary whether they want him to or not! Maybe he can convince his brother to help him rent out that land. Forget the mayor, he's a quack anyway.

Returning home, more of those shady birdseed bags had been waiting for him in the kitchen. Glaring at the label, he knew now more than ever. That new CEO at his brother and his partner's company was definitely behind this. Maybe he ought to give them a little hello at their office and get some answers out of him. Yes, that sounded like a plan. He needs to do that next week, for sure.

Brother agreeing to help him build the sanctuary in the middle of July, everything was set. Continuing to investigate the CEO, alarm bells were everywhere. He sees, they really were using a new formula in the animal food. And, it even went beyond birds as well! He'll leave that portion to his classmates, though. They knew more about some of this stuff than he did, that's for sure.

Keeping some of the very few lasting birds in the two birdhouses, the bird enthusiast crossed his fingers as the dooming day would soon arrive. Should he really storm the headquarters like this? Izzet is definitely going to kill him. But, this has to be done. He can't let them hurt any more birds! Faithful day arriving, a dark building was ready to take him alive.

"I dunno why ya wanted t' come t' headquarters fer," Varg said.

[I can't tell you, Varg, sorry.] A notebook sheet said.

"Ya know, yer bein' really secretive lately, is th're sumthin' goin' on?" Varg asked, tone concerned.

"He's probably overreacting about something, I don't know why you agreed to drive him here in the first place!" Izzet shouted. "Don't waste our gas on him!"

"It's f'ne ya kn'w he said it was an 'mergency, babe," Varg said to Izzet. "I dunno what dis 'mergency is an' why ya need t' speak t' th' CEO, b't A'll leave ya to it. T'xt us when yer d'ne, kay?"

Nodding, the hyena sighed. Maybe he should have just walked here instead. But, no, if he did that, he'd look way too tired. Alright, here goes, it's time to take this CEO down. Walking through the doors, he gulped. Ah, man, please, don't let this end in disaster, he's begging. Office door open, he could hear some strange chatter.

"Yes, everything is going according to plan, and soon, those stupid little rats will be put to shame," a voice said.

"You really think so?" a high squeaky voice asked.

Chatter going on for a few minutes, the young adult reached for the tape recorder in his bag. What in the world are these two going off about? He should probably record this. There's a lot of red flags here, that's for sure. Stay focused. Conversation looking about ready to kick off again, he crossed his fingers. Please, don't let him get caught, not yet.

"That's right, that stupid Ingne family, because of how well their business is doing, they ruined mine!" the deep voice said. "So, I'll ruin their right back. If I just put in a little more ethanol into all the mass produced animal feed, they'll be ran out of town, no, even better, exiled from the animal food industry for life!"

"Wow, that's uh? I support you, I think," the squeaky voice said.

"You'd better!" the deep voice said. "If it weren't for them, I'd be a billionaire in food for both pets and wildlife alike! Krysi, we need to ramp up the production of these bags, okay?"

"Sure, whatever you say, but Hul, sir?" the squeaky voice asked.

"What?" the man named Hul asked.

"You know we've been getting various reports about shocking amounts of bird deaths in the past month, right?" The voice was shaking.

"Okay, and, so?"

"Don't you think this might be going a little bit too far?" The voice was suspicious.

"Not at all, in fact, I don't think we're going far enough!" the man Hul shouted. "We have to make sure this company goes out of business!"

Everything burning through his eardrums, the young adult's heart leapt out of his chest. What did he hear just now? He should have known that new CEO was plotting something like this from the very beginning. That's enough, he's done standing around here, in he goes, three, two, one. Bam, bird savior to the rescue!

Pathetic looking grey haired goat man with balloons for hands and feet, a fuzzy suit that was washed out, and silver eyes that looked quite dead, the chimera tried to recall. Oh, he remembers this guy now. He was Varg's rival in university, Hul the Balloon Goat man. He should have known something like this would happen. Why did Varg let him become CEO of his company? Short brown haired rat lady with big teal eyes and a suit made for a child looking quite nervous, everything froze. She was Varg's ex, he thinks. He doesn't remember. Didn't she want revenge, or something? They only dated for a month, get over him already.

"Who are you?!" Hul shouted, floating over his desk. "Wait a second, you're Varg's stupid silent little brother! How did you get here?!"

[I heard everything you said! I knew you were tampering with the birdseed! How dare you! What did my brother and his partner ever do to you?!] A notepad sheet cried.

"You know what he did, you stupid hyena!" Hul shouted, pointed. "He opened an animal food business in his garage and it beat mine! Because of him, people stopped coming to my store!"

[So, you thought it would be a brilliant idea to offer to be the CEO of my brother's company? Man, you're petty.] A notepad sheet said.

"Petty?! Petty?! Your brother always bested me in everything! He deserves all of this! And, when more people find out their precious pet food is being tampered with, they'll be ruined! They deserve it!" Hul shouted, the screams only continued. "And, besides, who cares about wild birds? They all croak easily anyway! I was doing Roswell a favor!"

Disgusting words bathing him deep, the bird enthusiast shook his fists. Excuse him, excuse him!? He's doing Roswell a favor? No, no he isn't. How dare he say that! He can't wait for the mayor to hear about this. This time, there's no way he'll reject it after all this evidence was being mounted against him. Rat lady in the corner shaking up a storm, he prepared the final blow.

"Uh, actually, without birds, the ecosystem is going to collapse, don't you know that?" Krysi asked, shaking.

"Who asked you?! The world's burning away anyway! I'm doing Roswell a favor!" Hul shouted.

Line repeated, the hyena's fist shook with a fervor. There he goes again, he's doing Roswell a favor? Absolutely disgusting! How dare he say that. This monster, no, this birderer, he'll pay for this! Who did he think he was? If he lets this continue, more than just birds will be gone! That's it, he's sending this audio file to the mayor right now!

[How can you say such a horrible thing? You're doing Roswell a favor? I think not! All those poor birds, they were falling out the sky and shaking because of what you did! And, all those people who fed their pets and the wild blue jays birdseed, they all feel guilty and think they did this! You're a birderer, no, you're worse than that, actually! And, I sent an audio clip to the mayor about everything you said. He'll be here shortly to take care of you!] A notebook sheet shouted.

"You, I knew the Ingnes were a bunch of rats!" Hul shouted. "I'll ruin your brother's business, and I'll ruin you, too, you'll see!"

[I'm sure the mayor will love to hear that clip, too, so go on, keep screaming, he's right behind me.] A notebook sheet said.

"Hul Luge, you are under arrest for animal cruelty," a police officer said.

"What?! Officer, you are making a mistake! This kid doctored those audio clips!" Hul shouted.

Pressing play on the tape recorder, every single thing played back in the machine. Proof in the pudding, the pesky goat balloon man had been cuffed, in an instant. He doctored them, huh? Nice try. Mayor babbling on and on about corporate nonsense he didn't understand, he tried to tune it out. Ah, this part didn't concern him.

"I got to hand it to you, kid, you really knew what you were talking about," Mayor Gefroren said. "Fine, you can build your little sanctuary, consider it approved."

[I told you, I'm an adult, sir. But, thank you, you won't regret this, I promise.] A notepad sheet cried.

"I'll get my revenge, Ingne!" Hul shouted. "You'll see!"

Goat man hauled away, the hyena sighed. Revenge, huh? Good luck with that. He won't be seeing sunlight again for who knows how long. Brothers soon returning to the office, their jaws dropped open as everything had been revealed out in the open. Izzet locking eyes with him as well, he covered his ears. Please, don't say anything stupid, he's begging.

"Who woulda thought my yo'nger brother took down sumthin' like this," Varg said. "Good job, Siorc. But, ya know, ya coulda told us 'bout this."

"You know what, I don't have anything to say about this," Izzet said, sighing. "Good job, bird savior." He then groaned. "Whatever, I'll help you build that bird sanctuary."

[You won't regret it, I promise.] A notepad said.

"I kind of already am starting to! So, don't write anything else down!" They groaned again.

Days passing by quickly, the fated day had arrived. Everyone, including Kali at the building site, the world was colorful once again. Birds slowly returning, nature was healing ever so slowly. Helping with the foundation, a lot of questions had come his way as the first day had reached the halfway point.

"I still think aliens possessed that goat dude you took down!" Rizo cried.

"Not this again," Kali said, groaning. "I told you, there's no such things as aliens!"

"Hmph, you should have stayed in Canada!" Rizo shouted.

"How did you manage to pull this off, though?" Yanglong asked. "Isn't the city government notorious for shutting every proposal down in seconds?"

"Yeah, that's what I heard, too," Qiulong said.

"I told you already, he stopped that CEO and convinced them, isn't that enough of an explanation for you four?" Isamu asked, groaning.

"Oh, I know! Maybe aliens brainwashed them into saying yes!" Rizo shouted.

"Do you ever stop talking about aliens?" Kali groaned.

[I don't know, I guess the mayor changed his mind. And, honestly, it's good he did. The birds of Roswell really need help.] A notepad sheet said.

"You're right, can't argue with that, honestly," Yanglong said. "Anyway, let's get back to laying down the foundation.

Continuing on, the hyena held in the urge to sigh in bliss. This bird sanctuary is going to look so great, isn't it? No more birds will ever be in the clutches of the wrong hands ever again. Cracking his knuckles as the construction went on, a wide smile painted the bird enthusiast's face as evening rolled around.

He going to be Roswell's bird savior.

No, actually.

He's already Roswell's bird savior.

I really did write two stories about saving animals back to back with completely different tones to them, I guess. So, that's something. This one was born from a drawing where Siorc built a birdhouse and a blue jay flew in. At the time, I had never drawn a realistic bird before. Also, this story turned out much different than I had anticipated it would. So, there's that. That being said.

This is Bird Savior Siorc. I know the hands are a lot more goofy here than they should be, sorry. Next week is hippie Siorc....seems I'm writing a lot of stories involving some kind of save this or that right now, huh? Well, it is what it is, haha. Hippie is also non-fandom, just so we're clear. Alright, see you all next week.

Palamon · Feb 6, 2026

As with last time, this is a non-fandom one as well. In this story, there's a new age of Hippies in Modern California.

Content warnings are as follows: mild crude language, and mentions of substances, but mild. Otherwise, not much else applies.

A New Age of Chimera Hippiesm

"Yo, let's get groovy with it, famalam!
Oh, hello there, sigh. Have

To introduce myself, I
Hardly like doing that, though.
I'm Siorc, the ever
Silent New Age Hippie.

I'm a college
Student, twenty three.

Studying environmental engineering, isn't that like, super groovy?
Okay, I'm also a hyena chimera,

Guess what? I gotta
Ride, too! My very
Own, used Volkswagen. Bought it in some junkyard
Over in the
Very secret corners in the chimera district of southern California!
Yup, California, where Hippie culture was most prominent!

Now, I moved here
At around the age of ten all the way from the United Kingdom. But, unfortunately,
Mother passed away when I was
Err, I think I was
Seventeen. When

She was researching history. She got caught
In a forest fire.
One of the
Reasons I became a new age hippie is to
Combat these forest fires. But,

I guess I
Might as well talk about

What led me to this in the first place. I
Have some chimera friends in college,
And they wanted
To go to the counterculture museum

In San Fran over the weekend,
Saw the Hippie exhibit and we all decided, wow, that's so

Cool, man.
And, we found out there's a
Large New Age Hippie movement, which
Lead us to joining it.
Everyone is so nice, man. We
Decided to clean

All the parks and intend to be done by the end of vacation. Right

Now, this vacation is, well, it's
Extended, man,
What can I say?

At the moment, I'm living in my Volkswagen. It's
Gigantic after all. My friends
End up sleeping

Here with me sometimes,
It's super groovy, you know?
Pretty much every morning, we
Pick a place to clean up, and
If I'm being
Especially honest for

A second, people
Seriously need to stop littering

And such, man.

Can't believe
How many people pollute mother nature! Actually,
I can, and we
Might need to ramp up our
Efforts very soon.
Recycling
Ain't enough anymore. We might need to

Protest soon. At present,
Recycling is the first step
Of many, but
That's not
Enough. In any
Case, they're bringing back Woodstock, man!
They decided
It'll take place in Yosemite, though,
Not New York.
Guess something conflicted,

Not sure what, I'd have gone
All the way cross country
To go to Woodstock Reborn in New York, but
Ugh, nope organizers
Refuse to budge
Even a little. So,

I guess I'll
Settle for the one in Yosemite.

Maybe they'll extend outside of
Yosemite someday, but it's

Not likely,
Ugh oh well,
Might as well enjoy it!
But, man let me address the
Elephant in the
Room real quick,

Okay? I have one obstacle,
No, two.
Err, two obstacles, let's

Go with that.
One, my older sister, who's
Always acting
Like

I'm making super bad decisions, which I'm
Not, man! And, two, forest fires

Might break out in
Yosemite. You know,

Like, wild fires
In Cali are high right now. Especially in the human areas. I
Feel like they
End up

Ravaging the secret chimera district
Inside of Orange county where I live too.
Guess it's to be expected,
Humans don't care all
That much about

Nature, and that's
Obviously
Why I became a New Age Hippie, man. For nature."

It had been a bright and beautiful breezy day in the secret chimera sector within Orange county California. Or, so that's what it would seem to the people not looking. The beaches were full of disgusting litter, the forests and parks were filled to the brim with trash and pollution. The human area as well had been a disgusting sight to behold. But, to a regular person, none of that mattered. However, to a New Aged Hippie hyena chimera, such needed to be corrected.

Groovy man, groovy, time to go clean up the world, sis.

A short, young adult feminine appearing twenty three year old college student yawned as the alarm on the phone went off. Long, dark purple hair that went down to the waist nearly crushed by the elbow, the hyena let out a groan. Slept on the hair again, goodness gracious. Forgot to put in a scrunchie again. Ah, nah, wait, left those all at the house. Never mind that.

Phone vibrating up a storm, the chimera let out a yawn. What was on the schedule today? The hippie forgot. Well, the friends would give a reminder in the group chat, probably, they always did. Opening up the shades on the windows, a view to behold caught the young adult's attention for a brief moment.

Smoke off in the distance of the camper window, the hippie folded the currently human hands into a fist. Yet again, somewhere in California was on fire. Why isn't anyone doing anything about this? Someone, or something has been burning the trees, how dare they! It's the middle of summer right now, ugh. Does no one care?

Beach off in the distance filled with disgusting garbage as well, the chimera grumbled. As usual, people were littering, how deplorable. But, such thoughts were interrupted as the phone vibrated up a storm. Gosh, the group chat sure was popping this morning, better check it before picking the friends up on the road. Opening up the unread notification, everything flew on the screen at once.

[Super Duper Groovy New Wave Hippie Group Cat!]

{Eydis}
<Morning, ya'll! Sup? What's on the agenda today? We gotta week or two till Woodstock, so till then we gotta do our part and keep the world clean!>

{Liath}
<Obviously, I know that, but in order to get to places, Siorc has to pick us all up. He's the one who owns the camper, not us.>

{Marble}


{Oluchi}
<No, no, carpooling is, like, more environmentally friendly, you know? Less fossil fuels burning, and like, less air pollution. We all decided together one of us would run the camper, remember?>

{Marble}
<Sorry, famalam, may have been on that bud brownies while you said that.>

{Oluchi}
<Girl, I thought you were laying off of that.>

{Marble}
<A girl wants what a girl wants. So, what if I forgot that we all agreed one chimera amongst our group would be the one with the Volkswagen? Anyway, hi everyone else. Groovy morning, isn't it?>

{Niquel}
<No, it is not a groovy morning at all! Have you seen the trash in both the human world and our secret little sector? It's disgusting! And, not to mention, I saw a fire coming from here north again! I bet it was in San Diego above us!

{Yuzi}
<Niquel, first of all, San Diego is south. Los Angeles is north of us. And, yeah, man, lotsa fires there lately. I sometimes think about just going back to Japan, man, you know? Bet there's no fire outbreaks there!>

{Eydis}
<No! Yuzi, you can't leave us, man! You're like, the glue that holds us together!>

{Liath}
<Is he, though?>

{Marble}


{Oluchi}
<I'm sure Siorc would know where to take us, though.>

{Niquel}
<Yeah, probably. He always knows where to go, doesn't he have like a pollution itinerary or something?>

{Yuzi}
<I can't believe it, you're all writing me off already? How could you. I'm hurt, wounded, even. I was joking, fam. I'd never go back to Japan. Without me, none of you would have joined the New Hippie Movement.>

{Eydis}
<Hehe, yah, probz not. I gotta admit, he's totes right 'bout that.>

{Liath}
<Is he though?>

{Marble}
<Yeah, famalam, is he, though?>

{Oluchi}
<I would have joined the Bottle Cap Squad at college if it weren't for Yuzi!}

{Niquel}
<Same. But, dunno, sure I would have found out about the New Hippie Movement without him, ya know? So, do we really need Yuzi?}

{Eydis}
<When yah put if that way? Maybe not!>

{Liath}


{Yuzi}
<Woah, hey, hey! Throw me a bone here, fam! I can't believe you're tossing me aside like this!>

[Siorc is typing...]

{Yuzi}
<Yo, Siorc, (wo)man, back me up here! Fam's saying if I went back to Japan, they would be fine without me! And, they sayin' like, they would have found the New Hippie Movement without me! They're so wrong, right? And, like, I was joking! Totally joking! Ya know, I'd never leave you, fam!>

[Multiple people are typing...]

{Eydis}
<Siorc's online? Man, sis, what took ya so long to open up Greencord, huh? Did you fall asleep on the ground of the camper again? C'mon, where's that sleeping bag I bought ya?>

{Liath}
<He probably forgot to roll it out again, I bet.>

{Marble}
<You think so?>

{Liath}


{Oluchi}
<Oh, my gosh, I bet he's got war scars all over his back! That's totally not groovy, sis!>

{Niquel}
<Could ya'll stop typing so fast so Siorc can read?! Jeez.>

{Siorc}
<Good morning, everyone. No, I didn't sleep on the floor again, I have a bed in here, I'll have you know! And, an installed shower and bathroom. But, anyway, what's up, famalam? Picking you all up, so let's discuss. Where should we go pick up trash today?>

[Eydis is typing...]

{Eydis}
<Like, that depends, yah know. Where did you park the Volkswagen this time?>

{Siorc}
<I'm by the chimera section of the Huntington Beach at the moment.>

{Eydis}
<Oh, riight, they built a camping site there. Totes forgot that, sis. Why don't we go to the park in Los Angeles and clean up today, then? After all, if we want the Woodstock staff to notice us, we gotta clean up some parks!>

{Liath}


{Eydis}
<When did we agree to that?>

{Liath}
<First of all, Marble eats way too many special brownies, and second, we all know we can't write good poetry to make anyone clap. So, we decided we're not going to perform before the show starts.>

{Marble}


{Oluchi}
<Wait.>

{Liath}
<If this is about you playing the drums before the opening show? The answer is no, you know your poems are absolutely trash and all the others will throw mud at you.>

{Oluchi}


{Niquel}
<More of a reason to go there and clean up the trash! I bet people forgot to put out their cigarettes again! Can you believe it? The nerve of the humans and chimeras! I say we should go to Los Angeles!>

{Yuzi}


{Eydis}
<'Course I do! First thing I did when moving out here!>

{Liath}
<It's somewhere.>

{Marble}


{Oluchi}
<You don't remember anything, Marble! It's because you eat too many of those brownies!>

{Marble}
<That's not why man, come on.>

{Niquel}


{Yuzi}
<Maybe may as well be no.>

{Siorc}
<Don't worry about needing a National Parks pass, only one of us needs one on hand at any given time. But, I'm fine with going to a smaller park to clean up today. And, if you all want, you can sleep in the van tonight and we can clean up the beach I'm crashing near the next day? How many days until Woodstock Reborn?>

{Eydis}
<Ten days, hehe.>

{Liath}
<He he, he said.>

{Marble}
<He, he, he said.>

{Oluchi>
<He he, he said.>

{Niquel}
<Come on, can all of you stop parroting each other?>

{Yuzi}


{Siorc}
<Ten.>

{Yuzi}
<How did you score such a sweet ride, (wo)man?>

{Siorc}
<Found it through an Environmental Marketplace for pretty cheap. In any case, I'm going to pick everyone up now after I go to the powder room, famalam. React to this with a checkmark emoji if you wanna crash in the camper tonight.>

{Liath}
<Drive safe.>

Putting the phone down, the hippie sprinted off towards the camper restroom for a moment. Quick spritzing, that nasty smoky scent caught his attention again. Ah, great, another fire broke out somewhere. He can't believe this. Someone's got to do something about this! Woodstock was coming in just ten days, man, ten days. Maybe he ought to get something done about it with his own two hands instead.

Dark orange knee length dress with spaghetti straps and flowers all over it soon over him, peace symbol earrings had been clicked into place. Flower headband soon put in, a matching necklace was soon dangling over his chest. Mismatched purple and green eyes soon adorning mascara, he nibbled on some toast. Okay, it's time to hit the road!

Smoky skies about ready to eat him alive, the hippie tried to pay attention to the road. He swears that there's been more and more ashy skies than ever lately. But, such was life in California. Every single day, someplace, somewhere, someone forgot to put out their cigarettes! Pesky humans. That was not very groovy of them at all, that's for sure. Pressing the brakes, the red light almost blinked.

Reaching the first house, the young adult reached for the recycled paper notepad. Honking the horn twice, he drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. Eydis sometimes takes around twenty minutes to come out the door. Maybe he could blow some bubbles while he waits. Hmm, nah. He's out of bubble soap, never mind! Door soon opening, a yawn took the stage.

"Mornin', sis, yah came for me first, huh?" Eydis asked, yawning. "I'm takin' shotgun!"

Seating himself in the seat next to him had been a short, young adult guy with spiky red hair slightly slicked back with an obnoxious amount of hair gel. Rectangular hairpins holding down his top bangs, he adorned a tye dye vest and extremely baggy pants. Super long painted fingernails as well, held back the urge to shake his head. How does he hold the sticks to pick up litter with those? He forgot he's going for the world record of the longest nails for a feline chimera. What chimera type was he again? Oh, right, lynx. He's always hiding in human form, so he forgot. Scribbling away, he yawned.

{I always pick you up first. Where's Liath staying right now?} A handwritten note using recycled paper asked.

"Uh, think it's stayin' at the motel near my folk's place," Eydis said. "Lemme ask it." He then spoke into his phone mic. "Hey, Groovy, call Liath." Robotic voice yelling out loud, he drummed his fingernails. "Hey, Li, where yah stayin' at right now? Oh, that super scary Route Y Motel? Kay. That's near my place, Siorc'll get yah in a sec." Click. "It's at Route Y Motel. Ya know, the one like, two mins from here?"

{Alright, let's go, then.} A handwritten note using recycled paper said.

"Kaay! Ya got any bananas left in the mini fridge?" A giggle.

{They're all yours. I don't eat them anyway.} A handwritten note using recycled paper said.

"Aww, sweet, hehe, come to papa!" Another giggle.

Eydis reaching for the mini fridge with his nails, the chimera started up the camper once again. It must have been super convenient to have such long claws like that. Maybe he could try and grow out his. But, nah, his hands transform to paws way too much for that, so forget it. Reaching the motel rather quickly, the horn had been honked twice once more.

"Did you have to honk twice?" Liath groaned.

"C'mon ya know this motel is super abandoned, Li," Eydis said, giggling. "Why ya crash at abandoned motels all the time anyway?"

"I feel like it." Such was said in a deadpan tone.

Sitting in the second seat in the corner had been a short, androgynous appearing individual with very short indigo hair that barely went below the neck. Very small portion pulled into the tiniest pigtails imaginable, it had crocodile eyes instead of human ones. Wearing nothing but baggy clothes, its hands had been scorpion pinchers at the moment.

{Good morning, Liath.} A handwritten note using recycled paper said.

"Morning," Liath responded. "Pick up Marble next. She's crashing at the camp five minutes from here."

{Again, huh? Her mother kick her out again this week?} A handwritten note using recycled paper asked.

"Yup," Liath responded, nodding. "Where's the pineapple juice?"

{In the mini fridge.} A handwritten note using recycled paper said.

"I'm taking it." It stood up from the seat as it said such.

{Make sure you don't spill it on the seats.} A handwritten note using recycled paper said.

"What do you take me for?" Deadpan.

{You've spilled it before and I spent two hours cleaning that seat!} A handwritten note using recycled paper exclaimed.

"Not my fault Marble threw out the coasters by accident," Liath said between sips.

Driving to the camping area, the young adult let out a groan. There Marble goes, stumbling around again. How did she manage to make it to twenty years old with all those special brownies she was always eating? He had no idea, honestly, she probably got lucky, maybe. Probably, if he had to guess.

"I'm heeeeeeere!" Marble sang.

"Lord, she ate them special brownies again, didn't she?" Eydis asked. "How many did you pop before we got here this time?"

"I bet she had ten," Liath said, shaking its head.

"Aww, come on, I only had like three today!" Marble said, giggling.

"Three or three boxes of them?" Liath asked, eyes closed.

"Just three, I swear! Hehe!" There was a very long delay between words there for a moment.

Stumbling into the camper had been a young adult dark skinned woman with strawberry red hair pulled into a high ponytail. Pitch black frog eyes looking a little cloudy, the hippie sighed. Sure, she had only three. More like, a whole box. How many times did he have to ask her to lay off of those bud brownies? Will Marble even be able to help clean up today like this?

{Marble, please lay off the special brownies in the morning, we're cleaning the park today.} A handwritten note on recycled paper said.

"Aww, come on, famalam, I only had three!" Marble said, giggling as she sat down. "I'll be totes fine."

{If you say so. Where are Oluchi and Niquel crashing right now?} A handwritten note on recycled paper asked.

"Dunno, I forgot," Marble said, shaking her head.

"This is why we've told you so many times now to lay off on those brownies," Liath said, palm slapped across its forehead. "They're staying at the guesthouse seven minutes from here. You're going to have to honk three times for them, I bet. Oluchi's probably still making herself look cute or whatever."

{I bet. Well, that's fine, it's only eight. Marble, buckle up, please.} A handwritten note on recycled paper said.

"Do I like, gotta?" Marble asked.

{Yes, do it now.} A written note on recycled paper said.

"Okay, okay, sheesh!" Marble cried. Click. "There, buckled up!"

Heading north on the road, the smoky skies only got worse, growling under his breath, the young adult tried to focus. Oh, look at that, there was yet another fire somewhere, lovely! Can't someone do something about this? No? Ugh, stupid humans. The fact they had to live right beside them is so annoying. Reaching the guesthouse he honked thrice. One extra for good measure will do. Door opening, he could soon feel the complaints coming.

"Like, did you have to honk four times? I'm already done looking cute for today!" Oluchi cried.

"You weren't, though," Niquel said.

"I was, okay? I totally was!" Oluchi shouted.

Groaning rather loud had been a short young dark skinned adult jackal woman with light blue hair tied into two side pigtails that were filled to the brim with split ends. Bright orange eyes as hot as the sun, for whatever reason, she was in her pilot costume again. Why does Oluchi wear that almost every day? He had no idea, to be honest. But, she liked what she liked.

Seating herself in the seat next to Liath had been a short young adult fae woman with dark brown hair that barely reached below her ears in a bowl cut. Singular silver wing on her left shoulder, her scorpion pinchers were absent for some reason. Wearing a t-shirt with the recycle symbol on it, she had alligator eyes as well. He never understood why Liath and she lived separately. Weren't they cousins? Maybe it was because she was practically married to Oluchi, or something. He never cared to ask.

{Good morning, Oluchi, Niquel. Did you bring the equipment?} A handwritten note on recycled paper asked.

"Yeah," Niquel said, slamming it down on the ground. "Got the trash buckets and bags, too."

"And, I got extra pointy sticks!" Oluchi cried.

{Great. Where's Yuzi staying at the moment again?} A written note on recycled paper asked.

"He's in his apartment again," Niquel said.

{I thought he was cancelling the lease and moving into the dorms after summer ended?} A written note on recycled paper asked.

"I mean, maybe?" Oluchi responded. "Dunno, to be honie." She sit crisscross on the seat as she said such. "His apartment is like, two minutes from here, though, so we good."

{Please don't sit like that on the seats!} A written note on recycled paper said.

"Fine," Oluchi said, sighing. Click. "Kay, I'm buckled in, let's go!"

Moving forward, the young adult put on the radio. Blasting that super famous beat band from the sixties, he tried to not bop his head. This was a good one, Yellow Submarine! Why didn't Liath introduce this to him earlier? Well, he supposed mother had told him about this group when they still lived in the United Kingdom. But, that was so long ago. Reaching the apartment, he rose the volume to maximum as the door opened.

"Yellow Submarine this early in the morning, really?" Yuzi asked.

{It's the only song that gets you out of your pad!} A handwritten note on recycled paper cried.

"My neighbors are going to complain again if it's too loud, can you please lower it, Siorc?!" There was frantic tone in his voice.

Waving his hands dramatically in the air had been a tall young adult rabbit man with long dark green hair pulled into a bunned braid. Wearing a tye dye frog button shirt and pants with a peace and love symbol on it, his eyes had been covered with sunglasses as usual. Good thing he's the one who's driving. There's no way he could see with those things on. At least, that's what he thinks, anyway.

Lowering the volume of the radio, the hyena stood up from the driver's seat for a moment. Time for a quick stretch! How far was Los Angeles from here? Forty minutes, if he had to guess. When was the last time he cleaned the parks there? Hmm, three months ago? Yeah. Man, like, that was super long ago now. Or, maybe time was moving too fast? Who knows. Summer always feels like, forever. Or something.

"So, we're going to the small park in Los Angeles in the human section, right?" Yuzi asked.

{Yes. Give me a second, I'm going to grab some lemonade.} A handwritten note on recycled paper said.

"Alright, how does cleaning for around eight hours sound?" Yuzi asked.

{Cool with me. Then I'm going back to the beach. You're all sleeping here tonight, right?} A written note on recycled paper asked.

"Yup," Eydis said, giggling.

"Yeah, probably," Liath responded.

"Mhm," Marble said giggling.

"I don't see why not," Oluchi said, shrugging. "We're cleaning the parks every day for the next nine days before Woodstock, right?"

"Yeah, probs, and beaches, too," Niquel said. "We gonna go all around Cali for that?"

"We probably should, you never know, we might run into the Woodstock Reborn crew!"

"Woo hoo! Maybe they'll let me sing my poems on stage!" Marble giggled.

"No," Liath said, shaking its head. "Don't even think about it!"

"Boo, fun police, like, I haven't even had that many brownies today, like, come on!" Marble pouted.

Finishing his lemonade, the chimera seated himself back in the drivers seat. Here goes, time to head to the park. How did he get there again? Ah, right, through the parkway. He really needed to head to Los Angeles more often. Heading north, he put back on the legendary playlist. Yellow Submarine dancing through the speakers, everyone had begun to sing along as usual.

Smoky skies reaching their peak as the sign, You Are Now in Los Angeles caught his attention in the rearview mirror, the young adult grit his teeth once more. Oh, there was definitely a fire here somewhere. Pesky humans. But, no, no, good vibes, good vibes man. Can't let himself get angry. Peace and love, peace and love, that's the way to go.

Off the highway in about forty minutes, the hippie kept his eyes open. Sign pointing to the park on the left, he turned. Alright, almost there, the entrance is close. Heading to the camper parking lot, he brushed his hands together. Finally, they've all made it once again! Hello there, Los Angeles. Did they miss him? He's here to clean up their filthy littered parks!

"Los Angeles is like, covered in smoke again, dang," Marble said, sighing. "We gotta like, find those lousy cigarettes forest fire losers and like, talk to them, man."

"We could, but, they're always on the move, you know?" Eydis responded. "Hehe, whatever, let's get cleaning! This park is soo gross, yah know?" Reaching for the equipment from afar, he let out another giggle. "You guys wanna clean together, or split up into groups?" He then reached for his back pocket. "Let's pick straws from a cup!"

"I'm going with babe," Oluchi said. "I'm not voting!"

"Sorry, spoken for, fam," Niquel responded.

"I'll go with Eydis since knowing him, he'll probably accidentally stab someone with his nails," Liath said in a matter of fact tone.

"Aww, come on, I ain't gonna do that!" Eydis shouted. "But, guess I'm spoken for, too!"

"I'll clean alone," Marble said, giggling.

"No, you won't, you're coming with Siorc and I. We cannot trust you to go alone, you're stumbling again!" Yuzi cried.

"Whoopsie, fine, I'll clean with you two, hehe." She could barely reach for the equipment as she said such.

{Alright, then, we'll clear near the pond, you fine with that, you two?} A handwritten note on recycled paper asked.

"Yeah, fine with me, let's go," Yuzi responded.

Everyone splitting off, the chimera's pointy stick was ready. He bets this entire park was covered in trash like last time! Why can't humans just clean up after themselves? Honestly, he had no idea. But, oh well, whatever, more for him to clean up! He was fine with that. He was cleaning up the world, man, that was like, totally super amazing, and stuff.

Reaching the area near the pond, an absolutely disgusting sight had been upon the hippie. Ah, gross, there was litter everywhere. Cigarette butts, and, not to mention trash floating in the water! Look at the fish, man, flopping around! Totally not cool. Taking out the net, he dropped down onto his knees. He knows what he's going to get rid of first today.

"So many chip bags in the water again," Yuzi said, sighing. "Can you believe it, man?"

"I can't," Marble said. "What happened to leaving without a trace?" Marble asked.

"Don't know, woman, humans are so messy," Yuzi said between trash pickups. "Always leaving their cigarette butts on the ground. Help me gather those. And, try not to fall again!"

"Kaaay." She wobbled anyway.

Hundreds upon hundreds of chip bags scooped up, the young adult plopped them into a big black trash bag and placed it into a large recyclable tote. These poor fishies, man, they were like, totally dying. People really ought to stop tossing their trash in here. There were signs everywhere. But, did people listen? No, of course they didn't.

Moving off towards the next side of the pond, something even worse soon awaited. Ugh, here come the plastic bottles. Those were everywhere, too! They were reusable! Humans should, like, totally switch to thermoses or something. They were safer for the environment. Each and every one scooped up, the fishies flopping over the water burned into his partially human brain once more.

Finally reaching the end of the pond after three hours, two entire bags full of trash had soon been filled. Where was the dumpster again? Oh, right, it was all the way on the other side of the park. Guess he'll go there at the end of this cleaning session. Returning to the start of the pond, Marble looked ready to fall asleep, as usual.

"Come on, Marble, get it together, woman," Yuzi said in a slightly annoyed one.

"I'm awake, man, I'm awake," Marble said, giggling.

"So, tell me, how many brownies did you really have this morning?" Yuzi asked, eyebrow rose.

"Only three, I swear!" She wobbled again.

"Sure, Marble, sure," Yuzi responded with a headshake. "Kay, well, this section is done. I say we go clean up the picnic area next."

{Sounds good to me, let's go. I hear no one ever cleans that place up!} A handwritten note on recycled paper exclaimed.

"Good. And, how about we take the filled garbage cans and switch out the bags?" Marble asked, wobbling.

{Niquel and Oluchi are doing that, no need.} A handwritten note on recycled paper said.

"Oops, forgot!" She wobbled yet again.

Moving onwards towards the picnic area, an astonishing sight to behold caught the hippie's eyes. What is this disaster area? That New Age Hippie Forum of Western United States was not kidding when they said that most of the California picnic areas in parks were devastating. This is such a pigsty man, well, it's time to get cleaning!

Wiping down the picnic tables thoroughly, the chimera swore he could see rats underneath the tables. These places sure were unmaintained, alright. These rats like, needed a nice home, but not here. Oh, well, focus on that later and finish wiping down the sitting areas. Everything shiny as a whistle after about two hours, he prepared himself to take out the trash.

Junk and trash tossed out taking an extra hour, the next order of business was upon the group of three. Maybe they should spray down the playing area and make it nice and clean. There was almost no one at this park today, most certainly not kids. Maybe they were all shipped off to summer school or something. He had heard rumors that the test averages were super low again in grades K to Six. Man, that's super damaging. America is the sticks.

Final hour soon arriving, everything had been tossed in the dumpster. Everyone convening by the camper, the young adult let out a yawn. What a fulfilling day. The park was squeaky clean! Maybe he should open up a sanitation business when he gets his degree. But, no, no, not yet, gotta enjoy being a free spirit and stuff.

"What a productive day, hehe!" Eydis cried. "Let's fire up some plant made sausages before we go!"

"Where do you keep the grill?" Liath asked.

{It's in the bottom drawer.} A handwritten note on recycled paper said.

"And the sausages?" Oluchi asked.

"They're in the fridge, you know where they are," Niquel said, yawning.

"I wasn't asking you!" Oluchi groaned.

"Plant based sausages, hehe, yummy," Marble sang.

"How is she still buzzed?" Yuzi asked, sighing.

"You know those brownies take forever to leave the system, or whatever." Liath shook its head.

"Aww, come on, they don't take that long!" Marble sang.

Plugging in the little barbeque, the plant based sausages were grilled to oblivion. But, as he did such, a group of three strangers had slowly approached. Nearly dropping the equipment, the young adult did a double take. Wait a second, hold on, it's the Woodstock Reborn organizers! What are they doing here at a place like this?

Strutting towards the mini barbeque had been a short, young adult penguin man with short, straight curly golden blond hair that went down to about the bottom of his neck. Penguin crests looking like fire, their orange eyes had been about the same. Strange looking rainbow shirt with a smiley face with a tongue stick out and two x eyes, he tried to remember his name on the message board. Woah, it's Earl, in the flesh. Is he dreaming? Pinching himself, he hissed. Oh, he's awake, wowie. Haha, he's cuter in person than online.

Walking next to them had been a short tan young woman with her hair in high pigtails. Adorning a light purple headband, she had pitch black lizard eyes. Lacy dress quite different from everyone else, he tried to recall her name on the hippie message board as well. Her name was Cordon, he believed? Yes, that was it, he thinks. Maybe.

Looking ready to fall asleep at high speed had been a rather short otter guy with white spiky hair and blue streaks aplenty. Adorning a shell necklace, he had furry brown paws. Wearing a turtle patterned frog button shirt, he had huge, round blue eyes that almost looked like doll eyes for some reason. His name was? Linggui? Well, on the forums, he always told people call him Lin. He'll go with Lin.

"Hey, hey, hey, so you peeps were cleaning the park here, too?" Earl asked.

"Woah, it's the leader of the Woodstock Reborn festival!" Marble said, wobbling. "Hi, hello, so nice to meet you!"

"Yup, name's Earl. Didn't think there were New Age Hippies 'round Los Angeles!" Earl greeted. "This is Cordon, and this is Linggui."

"We live in Orange County, actually." Liath corrected.

"Oh, you do now, huh?" Cordon asked. "I see. So, ya'll coming to Woodstock Reborn in ten days, right?"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world!" Eydis cried.

"Yeah, we are like, totally coming, so where's it taking place?" Yuzi asked.

"Yosemite park. Sorry, fam, we couldn't book New York," Linggui said. "I was like, bummer, man, we were really hopin' to go cross country, ya know?"

"Kinda lame if you ask me, but ain't no way we gettin' on a plane, they'd kick us off 'cause of Marble," Niquel said, sighing.

"Yeah, she uh, you know, she eating them special brownies, if you know what I mean," Oluchi whispered.

"Come on, guys! Throw me a bone here!" Marble cried.

"No," Yuzi said, shaking his head.

Yosemite mentioned, the young adult's cheeks burned as he ate the plant based sausages too quickly. Woah, Yosemite? That's a five hour drive from here! Did he have enough gas for that? Well, maybe if he stayed and cleaned local for the next week or so, it'd be fine. At least it wasn't out in New York, that would have taken days to get there! Not that he cared, summer vacation isn't over for a month or so anyway.

{Glad to meet you, we'll definitely be there. Want some plant sausages before we hit the road?} A handwritten note on recycled paper asked.

"Wow, you're using recycled paper, you're super cool," Earl said. "Sure, we'll take some!" Putting some on a plate, they munched away. "Yum, delish."

Penguin person complimenting his cooking, the hippie was over the moon. Wow was he like, dreaming right now? Tell him he wasn't still dreaming! Pinching himself, he hissed. Wowie, he's awake, amazing. Woodstock Reborn crew soon parting ways with him, he packed up the barbeque. Everyone returning to the camper, after about an hour, the beach was reached once more.

Cleaning up local for the next five days, everything was going totally smoothly. That was, until, a pesky set of texts had come the hippie's way. Gross ones, the worst, most terrible ones he could ever imagine. Ones he wanted to poke a needle through his phone screen over. The one, the only, the most dreaded things in existence.

{Coiote}
<Siorc, I'm coming over in two days. Please, don't drive away again, okay?>
Read

{Coiote}
<Even if you don't answer these, I know you're staying at the beach, so I'm coming over, kay? See you in two days!>
Read.

Ugh.

Pesky kin's name popping up in his notifications, the hyena groaned loud enough for his friends to hear. He can't believe it, she's coming. He thought he told her when he moved into the camper to leave him alone! She'll never understand anything he's doing. How old was she again, thirty two? Yeah. He believed so. He's not giving her an answer, so prepare to be left on read. Continuing to clean local, the forty eight hours passed.

She was coming.

Today.

Adorning a green spaghetti strapped dress with a patchy floor length skirt of many different colors, the hyena dreaded every single moment as he could hear those gross footsteps. Here she comes, Coiote, the literal devil. He should have told her to go fight the forest fires, or something. The skies are still smoky after all! Please, go away, turn around. He does not have time for this nonsense, Woodstock Reborn is in almost two days!

Coming towards the camper with eyebrows furrowed had been a short adult hyena chimera woman in her early thirties with light purple hair that was extra frizzed and curly brushing against the left side of her body. Locks reaching about her higher backside, her eyes were the same color as her hair. Wearing old fashioned polka dot floor length dress and open toed sandals, he looked away. Coiote, go away, she's killing the vibe.

Sister looking at his camper placing the back of her palm on her forehead, the young adult groaned. Please, do not pretend to faint, he's begging. It was so annoying whenever she did that! She's already killing the vibe, like, go. She was over thirty, she shouldn't even be here, man. Well, he supposed there were some over thirty hippies in this new wave, but not ones that looked like her. Leave.

Eyes soon on his dress as well, he tried to remain calm. Please, just. Quit sizing him up. Why she gotta look at every nook and cranny? She expect him to wear a suit and tie? No way, man, let him live the free life in dresses. Oh, lord, here it comes, she's putting her hands into a praying position. Don't she dare say the lines. Oh, no, she's about to say the line. Not cool, fam.

"Dear mother in heaven, my brother and your son has become a hippie, and a girl!" Coiote cried, hands clapped together. "Okay, I don't care about that last part, he's always been super feminine and stuff, but, a hippie! A hippie! He's gone back to nineteen sixty nine!" Her eyes wandered as she said such. "He has a blue Volkswagen with tye dye decals everywhere. I think maybe he stole it from a junkyard, or something?" She gasped as she said such, dramatically. "Please, if you can hear me up there, make sure it rains so Woodstock is cancelled!"

A million wrong assumptions coming his way, the hyena tried to keep his cool. He knew she'd react this way. This is exactly why he bought this volks! Man, she's such a vibe killer, he swears to god. First of all, he doesn't steal, he paid for this thing legally. And, second, why did she mention that second part? She disapproved, definitely. Let him be his feminine self, thanks.

{This is why I told you last time not to come, man. I didn't steal the volks, I bought it from a marketplace. You're killing the vibe, fam.} A written note on recycled paper said.

"Lord, he's even using recycled paper!" Coiote cried. "And, are your eyes red? Are you?!" She then clapped her hands together. "Oh, mother in heaven, I think my brother is super buzzed right now! Please, if you can hear me, save him!"

Further accusations coming his way, the hyena tried to keep his cool. Like, what? He never touched anything a day in his life! He just didn't sleep last night because someone kept him awake by making his phone go off all night! If she's going to say all this nonsense again, he's going to move to Washington and join their Hippie scene instead! Eydis was talking about it recently, after all.

{First of all, my eyes are red because you kept spamming my phone all night with messages. And, like, what's the problem with using recycled paper, man? I'm doing the environment a favor. Also, Woodstock won't be cancelled over a little rain, quit making stuff up. Sigh.} A written note on recycled paper said.

"Famalam, what's wrong?" Marble asked, wobbling.

"I knew it! Look at her eyes, they're like, super red!" Coiote cried. "Have you fallen with a bad crowd?"

"Woah, it's Siorc super annoying sister!" Marble cried. "I assure you, ma'am, Siorc doesn't do any of that stuff. Hehe, just me."

"Why are you talking to her? She's over thirty, don't trust her," Liath said.

"Well, she's here, so." She wobbled again.

"Ugh, the vibe killer's here!" Eydis cried. "Listen, lady, I told you last time if yah bother us again, we're moving to Washington!"

"No, you said that," Oluchi said, groaning.

"We did not say that, I told you we are not going to Washington. Seattle's like, always raining?" Niquel said, groaning.

"What's all the commotion?" Yuzi asked.

"Buzzkill's here." Eydis's long nails were about to go over her head as he said such.

"Oh," Yuzi responded sighing. "Listen, ma'am, you can take your prayers elsewhere because we never, ever do what you assume we do. And, you know why your brother chose this lifestyle, he's told you so many times now."

Sister's eyes wandering, the hyena slapped his palm across his face. Or, maybe she forgot again, like always. Please, stop coming to his camping spots. He's told her a million times! Let him be free. This is exactly why he bought this camper in the first place! Ugh, quit acting like she forgot, seriously, he swears.

"I know, but, I still can't believe it!" Coiote cried. "Please, don't go to Woodstock Reborn! I hear they, you know. They'll offer you special candies! Ah, mother, how do I save my brother from Hippieism? He can still do the girl stuff, I don't care, but please, come down from heaven and turn him back to normal!"

Prayers continuing, the hippie's eyebrows twitched. He swears if she prays to mother one more time, he's going to pummel her! Ah, no, no, that is not the hippie way! Come on, Siorc, solve this without violence. Also, stop mentioning the girl stuff. Was she for it, or against it? He couldn't tell. Whatever, here goes. Time to give her a nice chewing.

{My lord, this is exactly why I left. Let me be a free bird, man. And, if they offer me special candies, or whatever, I'm not going to accept them. You think just because I am the way I am, I'm easy to sway? Well, I'm not. I'm going to Woodstock Reborn, and that's final. And, also, there's nothing to save. Could you quit that? And, I know what you're going to say next, please, put him back on the correct path and have those buzzed friends of him leave his life! Hop off of that horse of yours, would you? All my friends, even Marble, yes, even her, are responsible and nothing like you imagine. Whatever your idea of Hippies is, you've got that image all wrong. Now, please, could you go back home? Unless, you want to come with us and see what the New Age of Hippies is really like. Then go ahead, but you are to be quiet and not kill the vibe if you choose to.} A handwritten note on recycled paper said.

"Yeah, you tell her!" Marble said giggling.

"Come on, Marble, shh," Liath said, pushing her back in the camper.

Sister's face growing dark, the hippie rolled his eyes. Oh, nothing to say to that, huh? He knew it. Go ahead, ramble on and on about his dress again before she leaves. She'd better put a sock in it, or else. No, no, happy thoughts, man, happy vibes, peace and love, peace and love. Looking ready to run her mouth again, he prepared himself.

"I'll come, but, please! Don't hang out with a bad crowd!" Coiote begged. "There's some really scary people out there, they sell special candy."

"There she goes again with that lie," Yuzi said, sighing. "Look, woman, they don't do that kind of stuff anymore."

"Can she like, not come?" Eydis asked. "She'll kill the vibe!"

"She's over thirty," Liath said, groaning.

"There's going to be some people over thirty there, though," Oluchi said.

"Yeah, you know the New Age Hippies extends to up to forty now, or something?" Niquel asked.

"I mean, I don't mind if she comes as long as she stays quiet!" Marble cried.

"Ugh." Everyone groaned in a chorus.

{If you're going to come, you're to be quiet, not go anywhere near my friends and not to bother any of the other groups, got it? And, I'm going to say it one last time so it sticks. Do not bother anyone. You'll see what the new age of Hippie culture is really like.} A handwritten note on recycled paper said.

"But, what if there's super bad hippies there?" Coiote asked.

{I told you we're not like that! Ugh, and just so you know, you're not coming with us in the volks, so either drive there yourself or carpool with someone else, okay? Now, leave.} A written note on recycled paper said.

Sister's head sinking low as she left, the young adult groaned. He swears, whenever she comes over, she makes everything ten times worse! Would it kill her to maybe, he doesn't know, check the net and read about the New Age Hippie movement instead of barging in here? Returning to the camper, he laid down on his bed. Forget this, he's taking a nap, peace.

And, then the day arrived.

Woodstock Reborn day.

Rainy clouds forming as the volks drove for hours upon hours through Cali, the smoke was as horrible as ever. Had the forest fires got even worse? Yes, they definitely had! Or, maybe they hadn't, they were like this from the beginning. Would Yosemite be alright? He knew fires were a natural part of life, but so many people were not putting out their cigarettes, man, this has got to stop.

"There's so much smoke today," Marble said, head plastered on the window. "You think there's a forest fire near the park?"

"Probably, I bet," Yuzi said. "If push comes to shove, we'll put it out."

"Do we have the equipment for that, though?" Oluchi asked.

"I think Siorc has a portable fire hose somewhere," Niquel said.

"Of course he does, why wouldn't he?" Liath asked. "I was the one who told him to go get one."

"Hehe, so, how much longer 'till we're at the park?" Eydis asked. "Also, a strange car is tailing us from behind. Is that Siorc's annoying sister?"

"Yup," Marble said, giggling. "I can smell her!"

"Man, how many special brownies did you eat this time?" Yuzi asked.

"Only six!" She giggled.

"Lord." He huffed as he said such.

{One hour away, don't worry, there's barely any traffic today, we should get there early, even.} A handwritten note on recycled paper said.

"Sure hope so, this red light is taking forever, yah know?" Eydis replied, groaning.

Light soon turning to green, that smoky scent got even stronger. Man, the mountain area was even worse than Orange County. Someone really needs to do something about these fires! Please, don't let the forests be scorched whenever he were to get there, he's begging. No, more than that, he's pleading. Continuing to drive for the next hour, the park was close.

Dude at the front entrance demanding his national park pass, the hyena reached for it from his glove compartment. The staff was so strict today, man, what gives? Warning coming his way to watch out for fire, he sighed. So, there really was a lot of fires near the Nevada border. Parking the camper, that familiar screech parked right next to him.

Slam.

Slam.

"I can't believe it, mother in heaven, if you can hear me, Siorc took three seconds to move after the light was green!" Coiote cried, hands in a praying position.

"I knew she followed the van," Liath said in an annoyed tone. "Go away."

"I was just going! I just--" Coiote started to say, but she was soon interrupted.

"Go away!" Everyone except Siorc shouted.

Sister running off, the hyena slapped his palm across his forehead. Why did she even come in the first place? Whatever, time to head for the event area. Reaching a little area with a lot of dirt, a smile painted the hippie's face. Woah, they recreated Woodstock so well, this is super amazing! He almost can't believe it!

But, there was trouble in paradise. Smoky scent the strongest it had ever been, the hyena's fingers twitched. There's definitely a fire nearby somewhere. Should he do something? Most certainly. But, not yet. Maybe there's no fire in Yosemite, but it's somewhere else? For now, it was best to sit. Event organizers walking towards him, he waved.

"So glad you came!" Earl cried. "You guys can like, do open poetry if you want, everyone else is."

"Yeah, the mic and drums are all yours!" Cordon exclaimed.

"Also, just so you know, no special brownies allowed on premises, or the park's gonna ban us," Lin said.

"Aww, drat," Marble said, snapping her fingers.

Rolling out the picnic blanket, the open mic session was blaring for quite some time. Marble making a fool of herself in front of everyone, the chimera couldn't help but grin. Man, her poetry was so awful. Two hours of beats and horrible covers of Yellow Submarine and Come Together and many other hits, something soon went ablaze.

"Oh, no! The forest!" Yuzi cried.

"Oh, no, it's burning, it's burning!" Cordon said.

Standing upward, the hyena cracked his knuckles, hose attached to his skirt. Looks like someone was camping and forgot to put out their campfire again. What happened to leaving no traces? Well, no matter, he'll go deal with that real quick. There's no way he'll let Woodstock Reborn get cancelled.

"Woah, Siorc, come back here, it's dangerous!" Eydis cried.

"Hey, woman, come back!" Yuzi cried.

"Siorc, hey!" Marble cried.

Running off towards the flames, the hyena prepared himself. Alright, who's the one behind the fires? Rolling into the nature trail nearby, two familiar faces caught his attention that he almost wanted to run away from. Wait a second, hold on, he knows these two. He's seen them on campus! Ugh, it's the anti environment club, disgusting.

Standing in the corner with a matchbox ready to light another campfire had been a rather tall sheep, excuse him, let him correct himself there, ram man with spiky yellow green hair that was partially singed. Hideous clashing bright red and even brighter pink shirt ready to melt him alive, he groaned. Not cool, man. Why is Tegne here for? He thought that Anti Hippie movement at his college died in the spring semester. But, nope.

Next to him had been a super short rat man who was about two feel tall. Short orange hair that looked like a sticky lollipop, his locks had been slicked back. Candy shirt on him, he was burning mints for some reason. Ugh, Iveta is about to make one of those fire volcanoes. Not on his watch, he doesn't.

"See, Iveta?! I knew this guy would find us!" Tegne cried. "I knew he'd find out what we've been up to!"

"Listen, ya green thumb loser, quit washing the world green," Iveta groaned. "I thought you stupid hippies were all about fires being natural and stuff. Now, if you'll excuse us, we gotta a tree to remove!"

Here comes the hose, do do do do.

Fire gone without a trace, the hippie folded his currently hyena paw into a fist. He should have known that some of these fires were their doing! He thought they were joking when they said that. But, no, try and force Cali to burn and make the problem worse. Honestly, what did he ever do to them? Nothing, that's what.

"Why does this girly little hyena have a hose for?!" Iveta cried.

"Why do you think, he's a hippie, man!" Tegne shouted, leg raised. "You don't get it, do you? There's way too many trees in California! We're doing you guys a favor by staring fires out here and not putting them out! Now, if you'll excuse me--."

Here comes the hose, do do do do.

"Ugh, do you have any more matches?" Iveta asked.

"Nope," Iveta asked. "Ugh, he got rid of our campfire, too! Oh, great, now he's scribbling on that notepad of his. Shut it, man, don't you dare preach!"

{You two are pathetic. Are you doing this because I didn't sit with you at lunch in our Freshman year? Look, sorry for that, but seriously, I just don't click with you two, alright? Now, stop doing this.} A written note on recycled paper said.

"You know that's not why we're doing this!" Iveta shouted. "You think we care 'bout that?!"

"Yeah, we don't care about that! You know why we're doing this, we told you!" Tegne repeated. As he said such, he dropped another whole thing of burning sugary mints.

Here comes the hose, do do do.

{Whatever reason you are, just stop, man. I don't know, go run up a data center or something and overuse electricity.} A handwritten note on recycled paper said.

"You mean like artificial intelligence, and stuff?" Iveta asked. "Wait, why am I agreeing with you?! Whatever, forget this, man, let's go."

"I knew we shouldn't have come to Yosemite!" Tegne shouted, running off.

Returning to the event area, the hyena yawned. Man, how annoying. Smoke dissipating, the show had soon begun. Epic mud fight kicking in halfway through, the chimera joined the festivities, eyes glowing. Wow, this is amazing, it's just like the video he watched of the one from nineteen sixty nine, amazing! Festivities coming to an end, that pesky face came his way once more.

"Fine, I accept your lifestyle," Coiote said in a defeated tone. "But, please, at least come home once a month?" She held her hands to the side of her cheeks as she said such. "I can't believe it, my brother stopped a fire by himself. Am I dreaming?"

{Maybe.} A handwritten note on recycled paper said.

"Please? It's so boring by myself!" She begged.

{Ugh, I said maybe. Can you go now?} A handwritten note on recycled paper said.

"Okay, but please, come home at least once a month, kay?" She begged again.

{I said maybe! Go!} A handwritten note shouted.

"Man, she's so annoying," all his friends said at the same time.

Early soon walking by, the hyena's cheeks grew pink. Woah, they're coming right this way. Try and look heroic. No, no, look cool, look unassuming and chill. Golden smile on their face, he nearly fainted. Oh, lord, there it is, the signature golden toothed grin, pinch him, he's dreaming! He's definitely dreaming right now.

"Woah, you were so cool when you put out that fire, sis," Earl said. "We'd like, love to join your little ragtag fam and clean parks with you, if that's alright."

"If you'd like that," Cordon said. "Though, we won't always have our schedules align, after all, school's coming back soon."

"But, would ya be cool with that?" Lin said. "Ya were like, super cool out there."

{Fine with me, but what do you all think?} A handwritten note on recycled paper asked.

"Hehe, totes fine with me," Eydis said, giggling.

"I don't care either way," Liath said, deadpan.

"Anything's fine with me!" Marble cried giggling.

"Woman, you really need to lay off those brownies, Marble," Yuzi said, sighing. "Cool with me, I mean, this camper has enough room to hold ten chimeras, so."

"We're fine with it," Oluchi said.

"Yeah," Niquel said.

"Cool, so see you at Joshua Tree National Park next week?" Earl asked.

{Sure. See you then, I have to take my friends home.} A handwritten note on recycled paper said.

"Kay, see you next week!" Cordon cried, waving.

Waving back, the chimera returned to the volks. Five hour drive going by extremely fast, the hippie returned everyone to their homes. Driving back towards the camp near the beach, he let out a yawn. Man, today sure was a good day, that's for sure. Can they hold another Woodstock Reborn next year? Closing his eyes, he drifted off into sleepland.

Good vibes, man, good vibes.

Today was a success.

Now, I'm not sure how well this captured the Hippie spirit, to be honest. But, I did try my best in the end. If any character would be a hippie, it'd be Siorc. This existence came about awhile ago, and I knew this one was making it into the canon existences.

Anyway.

This art is like...super old, but here's Hippie Siorc. Because I drew this early on into making digital art, I'm going to attach some traditional art as well.

To be honest, I feel like this better captures what hippie Siorc looks like. Also, that's his Volks. I worked really hard tot draw this. Hope it looks okay?

Next week is a novel idea...kind of? Graffiti Siorc. Which is another non-fandom work in this particular season. This particular story will be born from an idea I had when I was younger, "they should make graffiti centers." Well, that's for later, I guess, haha.

Palamon · Feb 13, 2026

Like the last one I posted, this is not a fandom story. This one takes place in an alternative history of Berlin where they rebuilt the wall to separate humans and chimeras, I guess, and graffiti is a common art form there.

Content warnings as follows: very mild crude language, and depictions of crimes. (Remember, kids, vandalism is not legal.)

Still Life Painter By Day, Graffiti Artist By Evening

"Sigh, do I really have to
Introduce myself? Come on now, I don't
Get why I gotta, I'm
Horrible at that sort of thing,

Haha. Can we skip it, please?
Eh, it
Looks like that's not possible.
Look, I'll just say it
Once. Hi,

The name's Siorc Ingne,
Hyena chimera trapped in South Berlin.
Eh, I'm not
Really much of a talker. Never,
Ever truly have been.

In any case, I'm in
My fourth year in art college, I guess. It's

Super boring
I'm stuck doing still life
Over here
Right now.
Can we just move on?

Hmm, no? Agh.
You know what, let me
Enlighten you on the
Non negotiable truth,
Alright? So, let me

Completely explain the truth. So,
Here's the deal,
In South Berlin they
Made it so chimeras and humans are
Effectively separated by this
Ridiculous wall
All because some humans wanted to keep us out.

In the end, there's
Now been a wall here

Since, well?
Oh, does it even matter?
Ugh. I've been here my whole life since my father is German,
Though my mother is Irish. Mother
Has been away for years on this

Big mission with her job, so in the
End, it's just my older brother, father and a
Recent group of foreign exchange students that
Live with me. Now,
I just want to make it clear my father is human, but he said he will
Not leave us.

Guess if the cops find out he's a goner. He'll be
Removed? Well,
Anyway, I
Feel like I should hop off this
Flumpy topic. So, anyway,
In both North and South Berlin, graffiti is rampant. It's
The biggest form of protest and expression here.
I, of course,

Am one of those well
Renowned graffiti artists on
The South Berlin side.
I've almost always got a
Spray can in hand.
Though, I am often

Seen as a ruffian for
This, I
Ultimately
Couldn't care less. I
Know it's not legal,

But I don't care, in the
End, I need to get my art out there. I
Hardly care it's
Illegal. Sigh, I
Need a graffiti amusement center build that
Decriminalizes it in

That one place, but it's
Hard to
Ever find people on board.

No one is
Ever interested, so
What am I supposed to do? I

Barely have an answer to that. Not that I
Ever did to begin with.
Roar, we
Like literally need change.
In the end, we
Need change. But,

What can we do?
Aha, there's
Literally nothing
Left that

I can do. Perhaps it's
Time I give up,

But, I don't want to. I feel
Like there is
One little slither of hope left, but it's
Withering, but oh well, I
Suppose

It's beginning
To completely

Wane. I don't know
Anymore, it's just a
Stupid dream that's

Barely realistic.
Unless I fight, but
I need to fight. I feel
Like I need
To keep fighting, but

What can I
Even do? No one

Approves. I feel
Like not a single chimera approves. This is
Literally a

Wild gamble,
And I'm playing the low roll.
No way
This will succeed

In the end,
Time to

Give up
On this.
No, I mustn't
Ever give up. It's

Barely realistic, but
Unless I die
Trying, there's

No way I'm giving up
On this. I'm
Pretty sure with
Effort it'll one day be approved."

Boom, crash, kaboom, crackle, crackle.

It had been a rather turbulent stormy day over the skies of South Berlin. The thunder was crackling, the lightning was clapping down with a major streak that looked ready to crack the skies, and perhaps, the pesky wall separating the human and chimera sectors of the area. But, for one particular hyena chimera such noises only served as another tiresome reminder of the droll life ahead.

Boom, crash, kaboom, pitter, patter, pitter, patter, pitter, patter.

Sigh.

Sighing from the bed in the corner of the room had been a short, young adult feminine appearing humanoid individual with long, dark purple hair that had transitioned into pink after the top of the scalp. Sideburns a shade of fuchsia, the bottom portion had been a breezy sea green. Locks reaching down to the chest, the individual groaned as a hyena paw rose upward from the bed. Not again, why did the paws have to transform at a time like this?

Closing the eyes for a moment, the hyena paw dissipated back into human form. Tossing and turning back underneath the covers, a second groan released from beneath the covers. Yet another stormy day in Germany. Maybe this was the world's way of punishing Berlin for rebuilding that wall. Whatever, can the person just sleep forever? Sounds good, goodnight, zzz.

Slam.

But, such attempt to slumber had been immediately interrupted by pounds aplenty on the opposite door. Turning onto the opposite side, the chimera let out a fake snore. Ugh, how many times did the person have to tell everyone to not bother so early in the morning? What day was it today? Peeking at the calendar, another sigh released itself into the open. Oh, right. Had to go water all the plants before heading to lectures for the day. Yawn, how about miss the person with all of that instead?

"Siorc, come on, it's time to get up," a high pitch voice said. "Your brother said it's your turn to water the plants in the greenhouse before you head to your lectures today."

"And, you also have to pull the weeds," an alto voice also said, sighing. "Why is he still sleeping?"

"He isn't, you know he's faking it." The high pitched voice was in a matter of fact tone.

Rolling out from underneath the covers, the chimera let out a groan. Ugh, why did his brother and father have to send these two his door every single morning to remind him of the chores? What's the point in doing them for anyway? It's not like he ever gets to eat the stuff they grow. It gets sent straight to the soup kitchen never to be seen again. Whatever, better get up and get out of here.

Reaching for his small sketchbook, the young adult took out an oil pastel. Today's color is? Chalky grey and blue. Perfectly for this gloomy miserable walled off life! Dragging himself towards the door, the two most annoying faces of all time waited for him on the other side. Well, alright, not annoying, burdensome. Unneeded? Ah, forget it, he can't think of a better word.

"Told you he wasn't still asleep," the high pitched voice said. "Come on, your brother said you have to be in the greenhouse in about an hour. The soup kitchen's going to pick up the picked produce in like, two hours."

Standing by his door frame twirling her hair had been a short young adult rabbit woman with dark orange hair pulled into a high ponytail. Pure white eyes with large black pupils in the center, she had a nervous look on her face despite everything. Pom-pom style hair accessories on her head, her white sailor suit style outfit looked a little wrinkled. Looking away for a moment, the college student sighed. Why did Shiroka want to come here for college of all places? But, he supposed she hardly knew about what happened on the outside before decided to come here through the foreign exchange program about a year and a half ago.

"You know him, he's always like that," the alto voice said. "Always sleeping until the last minute."

Shaking her head in the corner had been a short, tan young adult gazelle person with long pinkish burgundy hair pulled into two long braids. Buns at the top, she had green eyes the color of jade. Adorning a dark blue floor length robe with golden embroidery at the top, she looked ready to pop him a new one. Crossing his arms, the college student held back the urge to scribble a few choice words. He does not sleep until the last minute, like, come on. Who does Parisa think she is? She's wrong as usual, that's for sure. Whatever. Scribbling away, he held himself back for a moment.

|Okay, first off, I don't sleep until last minute!| A spiky oil pastel bubble letter drawing shouted. He then turned to the next page. |And, second, did you have to remind me? Ugh. I thought it was your turn to do that!|

"I don't know why you're so unwilling to do it all the time," Shiroka said, arms crossed. "Your brother said it was your turn. So, get off your rump and get to it."

"It was our turn last week, so it's your turn this week," Parisa said, arms crossed as well. She then sighed. "Don't get why you don't want to do it."

Feet taps coming his way, the chimera wanted to rip his hair out. Why did his brother have to send these two to remind him about everything? Honestly, he still can't believe they wanted to come here of all places and willingly just blended into his home life like it was nothing. They should live a little and break a rule or two! Not like they ever would, though, sigh.

|Alright, fine, let me get ready first, okay?!| A spiky oil pastel bubble letter drawing shouted.

"Okay, but remember, don't wear that dress you wear when you," Shiroka said out loud and then lowered her voice into a whisper. "You know, do those uh, ahem, extracurricular activities of yours." She faked a cough as she said such. "The owners of the soup kitchen are starting to talk."

"So, wear something normal, alright?" Parisa added.

Sighing, the chimera's eyebrow twitched. Excuse him, wear something normal? That dress of his was normal! Ugh, fine, he'll wear a completely, boring quote on quote normal outfit, ugh! Could these two not judge his outfits? They should just apply for the South Berlin runway! They'd be perfect there as judges.

|They are so normal!| A spiky oil pastel bubble letter drawing shouted. He then turned to another page. |But, whatever, I'll put on 'normal' clothes, alright? Can you go before father wakes up?|

"He's already awake, but fine," Shiroka said, sighing. "Bye."

Slam.

Closing the door behind him, the hyena bit his lower lip. He swears, these two are the most uptight chimeras he has ever met in his life! Scrambling through his drawers, he glared at the top drawer, barricade forming. They're walling away almost his entire wardrobe! Sinking down to the bottom drawer, he hurried into his private restroom.

Engaging in a quick spritzing, the young adult mumbled under his breath as he turned the dials towards the off position. It's pouring today, why did the pesky soup kitchen have to come this early? Please, just cancel all that. He has more important things to do before lectures today. But, that's not happening, he guessed.

Reflection locking eyes with him, mismatched purple and green eyes looked as dull as ever, sparkle diminished to nothing. Boring long sleeved shirt with an orange cat on it that had the words, meowdy over it, he almost wanted to turn it inside out. Was this normal enough for everyone? Floor length pitch black skirt underneath, he reached for a comb. Better brush his hair, or else they'll have something else to complain about. Hair pulled into a low ponytail, cross shaped hairpins and earrings had been clicked into place. Sticking his tongue out, the young adult stomped out of the restroom. Ha, dress normally, huh? Ugh, whatever, there they go!

Dragging himself towards the kitchen, two further annoying faces soon locked eyes with him. Brewing the coffee in the corner had been a tall adult hyena chimera with short, spiky light green hair that had looked almost radioactive. Eyes the same shade, he wore a rather droll shirt that screamed corporate boring. Why did Strix always have to wear that ratty old suit on soup kitchen pickup day? He hardly had any idea.

Tall, middle aged adult human man with short barely ear length green hair and the same boring as ever suit, the hyena placed his palm in front of his face. As he expected, father's wearing the exact same corporate nonsense as well. Seating himself at the table, the young adult quickly nibbled on bread. They are so going to rush him to hurry and get to the greenhouse, aren't they?

"You're finally awake!" Strix shouted. "You need to hurry, you know."

"Oh, right, the soup kitchen's coming early today to pick up the fresh produce, right?" father asked.

"You mean you forgot again, pops?" Strix asked.

"Yup, sorry." A nod.

Nibbling on his eggs in a rather loud manner, the chimera could feel his blood ready to boil over. Of course father forgot again. He forgets everything, he swears to the chimera wall! No wonder he makes everyone else do the chores. Take his memory support supplements for once in his life! But, nope, he forgets to take those, too. He swears, ever since mother had to go overseas for work he's become even more forgetful! Ugh, forget it, he's a lost cause.

|I know, I know! I'll go to the greenhouse in a bit, okay?| A spiky oil pastel bubbled drawing shouted.

"Yeesh, no need to draw that all snippily," Strix responded, sighing. "Not my fault they called and said they're coming an our earlier, y'know."

|I'm going now, okay? But, if I get struck by lightning, you owe me one hundred euros!| A spiky oil pastel bubbled drawing cried.

"Bro, if you want more spray paint cans, you probably shouldn't bank on that, come on," Strix responded, sighing. "I'll give ya two hundred if the soup kitchen peeps don't complain about your outfit, kay? How's that sound?"

|Impossible, never going to happen!| A spiky oil pastel drawing exclaimed.

"How does he draw that so fast all the time?" Shiroka asked between bites.

"He's an art student remember?" Parisa asked.

"Oh, right." Nibble, nibble, nibble.

Slamming a raincoat over himself, the young adult reached for the pesky greenhouse supplies. Why did those stupid soup kitchen staff decide they're coming early? He had more important things to do today before heading to lectures for today, like, hello? Ugh, whatever. Whatever his older brother and father says goes. He knows the rules around here.

Crackle, crackle, boom, boom.

Thunder getting louder, the hyena made a run for it. Man, this stuff is coming down hard! Who in their right mind would come over here to take fresh produce today of all days? First of all, growing season is almost over, and second, it's early October. Whatever, he hardly had a choice in the matter, groan.

Watering can filled to the brim, the pesky plants had gotten their juice aplenty. Weeds pulled for what felt like forever, the hyena awarded laser beam stares at the tomato plants. Please, let these things be rotting! They've gone bad, right? Nope, wishful thinking, everyone took too good care of these things for that to be the case here, oh well.

Fruit and veggies placed into boxes with special covering, the young adult curled his fingers. How he wished right now a spray paint can was between his fingers right now and not disgusting squishy tomatoes. Whatever. Annoying honk coming his way, the chimera's tail practically stuck up. Oh, great, they're here even earlier than anticipated. Go away. Prissy corporates coming his way, eyes sized up his hair.

"My heavens, how in the world does that college of yours let you wear your hair like that?" corporate chimera number one asked.

"I know, right? Those colleges ought to be more strict with their dress codes!" corporate chimera number two cried.

|Please, kind sirs, just take the fruits and vegetables.| A handwritten note begged.

Pesky corporates examining the tins of veggies, the hyena tried to not pull his hair out. Could they please stop looking at his clothes and hair? It's not like he works for their dumb soup kitchen! Not like he ever would, either. Just take the donations and go already, shoo, begone! But, another pesky set of annoyances had soon bathed him deep.

"There's not enough tomatoes to last the week," corporate chimera number one said.

|It's not my fault we had a slow growing season!| A handwritten note shouted.

"Should have grown them with pesticides." The person tapped their foot as they said such.

|Talk to my father about that, he's the one in charge, not me!| A handwritten note shouted. But, such fell on blind eyes.

"Welp, better get going," corporate number one said. "Thanks again for the fruits and vegetables.

Slam.

Corporate blah blahs gone, the hyena slumped down the wall. Finally, they're gone. Returning to his abode, the chimera zoomed towards his drawers. What time is it? Oh, it's only eight o'clock. He still has time, wonderful! Spray paint bag plopped into a large rainbow colored square bag, he zoomed out towards the kitchen. There's still time? There's still time!

"Yo, if you're gonna you know, do your extracurricular activity before lectures today, lay low," Strix said aloud. "Cops are on patrol near alleyways today."

"I thought I told you to stop encouraging him to do graffiti," his father said in a foreboding tone.

"I mean, why bother putting him in a little bubble, pops?" Strix asked, drumming his fingers. "Gets washed off once discovered anyway."

|It's fine, I'll run way before the cops show up! I'm going now, bye.| An oil pastel drawing with bubble letters cried.

"Wait! Aren't you going to wait for Shiroka and Parisa?" his father asked.

"They left already! Did you forget?" Strix asked, annoyed.

"Oh, right," his father responded, in defeat. "Please, son, don't go overboard with your, err, extracurricular activity today, okay?"

|No promises, bye.| An oil pastel drawing with bubble letters said.

Exiting the abode, the chimera gazed at his wristwatch. Oh. Em. Gee, it was already eight ten, he only had twenty minutes today! Thank goodness college was such a close walk. Springing across the street, that pesky wall caught his attention from afar. Why can't they just tear that stupid thing down? He ought to put a nice little message on that thing one day. But, nah, the cops would so catch him if he did that. Sprinting towards the alleyway, a beautiful empty wall soon awaited him.

Reaching for a rainbow spray paint can, the hyena stuck his tongue out. This little alley could use a nice little message. What kind of mark should he leave here? Oh, he knows. Spritz, spritz, spritz. Large tongue adorning a psychedelic look to it, the graffiti artist giggled. Look at this, another masterpiece on his hand. But, it needs a little something, but what?

Scrolling through his phone for idea, a lightbulb popped over the college student's head. Oh, he knows, heh heh, perfect, perfect he knows exactly what this wall needs. Spritz, spritz, spritz, squirt. Hang loose hand symbol beside the tongue, the world lit up. Wonderful, wonderful! Why can't he do this in class instead of those boring still life drawings? Like, gosh.

Spritz, spritz, spritz, words, Peace, Love and No Wall placed underneath, the chimera placed his phone onto a selfie stick. peace signs up and ready to go, the flash went off. Here's to his most recent masterpiece. But, such had been a big, big mistake. Hearing those familiar feet, the hyena leaped off towards the open dumpster nearby. Oh, great, here come the cops! Well, cop. Urgh.

"I smell spray paint!" a squeaky high pitched voice shouted. "Delinquent vermin, you'd better come out of hiding!" Click.

Taking out a pistol had been a tall, feminine appearing lynx chimera with long, golden blonde rump length hair with red streaks going through it aplenty. Pesky blue uniform with the name Naofa above a pocket, the graffiti artist tried to quiet his breathing. Oh, great, the worst cop of them all was lurking around the alleyways today! Better stay hidden. Blue eyes looking ready to glow, he hugged his knees. Please, don't hear him in here, he's begging.

"I'll find you, I swear, you can't hide from me forever, delinquent vermin!" Officer Naofa shouted.

Pesky lynx looking everywhere, the young adult remained as silent as the dead. Please, please don't look in the dumpster, he's begging! Chimera looking every which way, he closed his eyes. They're not going to look in here, right? They had no reason to, surely. Please, please give up the search, uh, look, someone's robbing someone in the streets!

"What do you mean I have to go stop a robbery?!" Officer Naofa cried into their walkie talkie thing. "I have a vermin who's doing graffiti on my side of the street!" Crackle, crackle, crackle. "Ugh, fine, I'm going!" Click. "Mark my words, delinquent vermin, I'll catch you yet!" Stomp, stomp stomp.

Obstacle soon long gone, the chimera puffed a sigh of relief. Man, that was a close one. Brushing away the disgusting trash, the college student leaped out of the dumpster. He didn't smell, right? Well, whatever, this outfit was lame anyway? Who cares! He'll smell like graphite soon enough. Gazing at his watch, everything faded. Oh, no, he's going to be late, he needs to get out of here!

Reaching the college gates after what felt like a million kilometers per hour of running, the chimera gazed at his watch one more time. By the wall, he only has five minutes to head the art studio. Well, whatever, they were doing still art anyway, and, it's not like the professor ever noticed him strutting in late. Okay, here goes. Zoom.

Studio art classroom reached as time was ticking away, the chimera huffed. What was he running so fast for? It's not like he wanted to be here. He thought when he applied for an art major they'd do super awesome stuff like drawing models and stuff. But, no, still life forever. Ugh, surely they'll move on from this soon? Four years of this and everything was so droll.

Spotting the usual crowd in the corner of the room, the chimera made another run for it. It sure was empty here today. Maybe most of the students were out doing some extracurricular activity, too? Maybe he could have shown up half an hour late then! Too late for that now, he supposed. Professor nowhere to be seen, he placed his hands on the side of his face. Prof is late, as well? Is he also out spraying something down? Maybe. He always tries to pretend to be into what the youth were doing.

"Man, prof's late again," a tenor voice said.

"I know, right?" another voice asked.

"You think he went to go protest at the wall and stuff?" a childish voice asked.

"Mmm, probably, been hearing a lot of people been you know, going there before work and stuff lately," an alto voice said.

"Really?" voice five asked.

"Reawwy," voice six responded.

"Guys, uh, Siorc's here," voice seven said.

Looking at him first had been a tall young adult lynx chimera with short messy golden blond hair with dark brown spiky portions at the top. Blue eyes to match, he adorned a pitch black smock. How was Faxi related to that cop that's always trying to bust him? He had no idea, they hardly looked anything alike. Actually, yes they did, never mind.

Gazing at him second had been a much shorter young adult panda chimera woman with short half black, half white hair. Rainbow koi tail behind her, she had the most boring looking outfit ever. Pink eyes looking about ready to explode of boredom, he gazed at the next person. As usual Panlong has no taste in clothes, whatever. Very short young dark skinned teenage frog chimera boy with spiky strawberry reddish pink hair and a lame looking suit, he groaned. Miotal may have been a genius that got into college at fifteen, but he looked like he belonged in an office right now!

Locking eyes with him ready to pinch her nose had been a young adult penguin chimera woman with golden locks that went down to about her chest looking ever so messy. Fiery orange eyes, her smock had been an absolute disaster. Vidame, as usual, sure looked the part of a native painter who wanted to look as experienced as possible. Groan, did she even need to take classes here? Next to her was a tall, fuchsia haired panda dragon person with his hair tied into a high ponytail. Black frog buttoned shirt upon him, his tail looked ready to fall off. It's shedding season for Zhulong, golly gee.

Looking about ready to run for the hills had been a pint sized young rat woman with chestnut hair pulled into a ponytail that had almost been long enough to be twice her size. Or, so the hyena assumed. She was so short he never knew how that worked. Turquoise eyes quite huge, her smock was almost about twice as big as she was. Why didn't anyone ever think to make rat chimera friendly clothes for Mysi? Oh, right, the humans attempted, but they built that dumb wall; he forgot! Blue skinned merman with dark pink locks and fins for hands sighing in their dirty apron, the chimera added his own to the mix. Tell him about it, Azur, he didn't want to be here, either.

|Hi, I guess. I came here on time for nothing!| A handwritten note shouted.

"Tell me about it," Faxi said, sighing. "I bet most of the students are out doing graffiti art."

"Or, some are by the wall protesting, or something," Miotal said, finger stuck up in the air.

"Listen ya little genius, ya gotta state the obvious?" Panlong asked groaning. "Yeah, I'm bettin'. Or, ya know, perhaps they're looking for that scout I've been hearing all them rumors about?"

"What scout?" Vidame asked.

"What do you mean what scout?" Zhulong asked, eyebrow rose. "Haven't you heard? There's some guy going around looking for people that interest him to start some graffiti amusement center."

"Oh." Vidame looked away as she said such.

"Whadya mean, oh? Don't yew know how big dis is?!" Mysi cried. "It's wike, supa big andz stuffz!" She then coughed. "Sorry, um. This is the real deal!"

"Yeah, but that scout has high standards, you know?" Azur asked. "I've heard he's walked by hundreds, if not thousands of alleys across South Berlin and cried, 'trash, tasteless, garbage! None of these are worth my time!' So, it's not like he'll ever find the right chimera to start that idea." He sighed, shaking his head. "And, besides, every single time he thinks he finds the guy, Most, if not all the prospects back out immediately when he lays down the conditions, you know?"

Scout brought to his attention, the chimera placed his finger on his chin. He had heard that there was this guy going around looking for people to help build some graffiti amusement center, or something. But, it has never gotten itself off the ground. Sigh, how he wished he could have a place where that stuff wasn't considered a criminal offense. But, would that ever be likely to happen? If he had to guess? Probably not. Oh, well. It'll be a pipe dream forever.

|You never know, maybe he'll finally find someone soon!| An oil pastel bubble letter drawing shouted.

"Statistically speaking, it is highly unlikely that it will ever happen, let alone will the scout find someone to his extremely high standards," Miotal said, pushing up his glasses. "Not to mention, there is no possible outcome I can foresee where it will ever be approved."

"Can it, nerd," Vidame said, fist up.

"Yeah, you little nerd, shush," Mysi said.

"Go back to middle school, kid," Zhulong grunted.

"I'll have you know I graduated early and skipped straight to college!" Miotal cried.

"Do you have to rub it in, genius?" Faxi asked, groaning.

"Yeah, ya golden child, quit rubbing it in so much!" Panlong cried.

Miotal bringing facts to the table, the chimera nodded in silence. Why do they have to gang up on the kid so hard for? He was right. It's not like such project would ever be approved. The Berlin police force was like, always sticking their hand into a honeypot and making sure anything they don't like is immediately classified as illegal and shutdown into oblivion. Which, would probably happen here, too. He can feel it in his spray can.

But, such thoughts were immediately interrupted as the rest of the chimera students came bustling in. Everyone covered in spray paint from head to toe, the colleges student turned off towards the professor. Oh, wow, he's also covered in loads of the stuff. Definitely wall riots here. Man, he should have joined. But, if he had, Shiroka and Parisa would tattle to father. Urgh.

"Alright, everyone sit down and start your still life portraits," the professor said.

"Professor, you are covered head to toe in spray paint," Miotal said, adjusting his glasses.

"Oh, am I now?" the professor asked. "Why don't you make your still life an aerosol can?"

"I will stick with a bowl of fruit, professor." He seated himself.

Taking out an empty campus, the young adult sighed. Great, they're still stuck on still life. When will they move onto something more fun? He swears, art college classes are the most boring thing ever. Sigh, whatever, he guesses he'll do a still life painting of a few bag of chips titled over and that hard tomato replica he had been keeping is his bag, ugh.

Setting everything up, the hyena reached for his oil pastels. Man, what is the point in all this? He's done so many still life paintings. Can they move onto something else like sculpting? Or, he doesn't know, collages? Something, anything more interesting? No? What, did they bar chimeras from doing everything and let the human side get to do all the fun art stuff? Groan.

Eyes locked onto the chip bag, the chimera almost broke the green oil pastel. Maybe he shouldn't have picked this subject to do a still life on, but whatever. Too late for that now! Professor was always telling everyone once they've locked in, they can't swap. Guess he's stuck with this forever, baby! Please, can lectures end for today? How much longer until he's out of here? Four hours? Oh, lovely, that may as well have been twelve!

Titled chip bag looking as boring as ever as two hours ticked away, the chimera grumbled. Does he really have to draw it exactly as he sees it? Please can he at least have a little fun? No? Sigh. So lame, he swears to that dumb wall. Continuing on, he locked eyes with the tomato. Okay, fake fruit thing, it's next.

Tomato taking what felt like forever to get done, the hyena blinked. Why does this stupid circle have to be absolutely perfect? Professor is always demanding these things look lifelike for whatever reason! Come on, allow for something abstract for once! He's going around spray painting everything too. But, no. Blah, blah, this and that must be straight. Blah, blah, that looks absolutely miserable. Silence, old coot, he's the artist here.

Adding the table to the mix, the young adult gazed at his watch. How much longer until he can get outta here? Oh, great, half an hour? Please, announce everyone can go home early, or something? Multiple people complaining they gotta wall to go scream about, he crossed his fingers. Please, please, oh, pretty please, can they all call it a day early? Just a teeny tiny bit? No? Alright, then, sigh. Better keep going.

Mumbles everywhere throughout the room talking about how everyone should just go out into the streets and and keep screaming, the college student dropped his black oil pastel. Can everyone talk a little quieter? No? Sigh, of course not. Oh, well. Last few minutes speeding by, the chimera packed everything up. It's time to get out of here, buh bye! But, the professor soon screamed out to him.

"Put away your props at least before running out the door!" the professor cried. "Jeez, youngins, I swear."

Picking up the props, the college student zoomed out the door. There, they're away, alright? He's so out of here. Sprinting off towards the restroom, the chimera leaped into towards a changing area. Finally, he can take off this disgusting outfit! Yoink. Half black, half pink shirt with purple text on it that read, mwah and a smacking lip beneath it, a half light green, half pink floor length skirt with the exact same text had soon replaced the boring drab outfit.

Gazing at himself in the mirror the chimera giggled. Aww, yeah, now this is proper attire! Hair soon spiked His locks had been over his shoulders, the rest of his hair was pulled into a back bun that had been barely visible. Snapping a pic, the chimera did a kissy face. It's time to do some extracurricular activities! Peace, the most boring art courses ever, he's got real art to do!

Zoom.

Bolting out of the college gates, the chimera turned his head towards the right and left. Now, which alleyway should he take this time? Hmm, how about the one behind the bakery? That pesky cop never came around there! Heh, well, maybe they'd be too busy telling people to go loiter somewhere else to notice him. Pivoting towards the western path, he crossed his fingers. Please, let the area be devoid of police, thanks!

Alleyways reached, the graffiti artist was practically floating on air. Oh, gosh, that sweet, sweet, sugary scent. This was the back of a pastry shop alright! Shaking up the spray paint can, he wondered. What kind of masterpiece should he do this time? Hmm, oh, he knows, he knows the perfect one! Heh heh.

Sprtiz, spritz, spritz, spritz, spiky little bubble adorning every color of the rainbow out in the open, the graffiti artist jumped back. Oh, no, are the cops here already? He'd better hide. Spotting a garbage can in the corner, he hopped in. Stomping boots coming, he shook up a storm. Wall, why are there so many cops around these parts lately? Like, he knows there's a lot of screaming near the no zone, but? There's nothing to see here, please leave!

"Stop, criminal vermin!" Officer Naofa shouted. "I know you're hiding somewhere, I can smell fresh spray paint!" They then turned their head. "Where are you? I will find you!"

Pesky cop looking everywhere, the young adult tried to keep everything as quiet as possible. Nope, officer, they got the wrong alleyway! There's no one here, oops. They bolted as soon as they heard you coming, yup! There's totally no one hiding in the garbage can here with yesterday's thrown out pastries, nope, and there's most certainly not anyone else here watching in the corner! Please, go away, thanks!

"Ugh, I know there's a situation at the wall, okay, boss?!" Naofa cried. "But, there's criminal vermin hiding in allies doing graffiti again!" Squabble, squabble, squabble, squabble. "Okay, alright, I'm going to the chimera wall zone, okay? But, I'm telling you there's far more important criminals to catch here right now!"

Stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp.

Cop gone, the hyena huffed a sigh of relief. Man, that was a close one. They're not around anymore, right? Phew? Now, where was he? Oh, right, he was working on a masterpiece, heh heh. Better get back to that before father texts him to return home. How much longer until his expected curfew? Why did he still have that anyway at his ripe age of slightly over twenty one? Oh, well, whatever, he's his fathers youngest kid forever, he supposed.

Spritz, spritz, spritz, spritz, little banana sprayed in the corner with a smiley face, the chimera reached for the can of brown spray paint. Hmm, how should he do this part? But, as he thought such, those scary boots came clopping again. Oh, wall, not again! He thought he'd seen the last of this cop today! Jumping back into the trash can, the rumbles of noise continued.

"I knew I heard that noise! Spritz, spritz, spritz, come out here, you criminal!" Officer Naofa shouted. "I'll catch you yet, you vandal!"

Feet stomping around everywhere except near the garbage cans, the hyena crossed his fingers. Please, please just, go away already. What happened to all the polite cops? They were definitely all swapped out when that stupid wall was built. Don't come over here, he's begging, he's crossing his fingers here!

"What do you mean why am I not at the wall yet? I know there's a vandal here!" Officer Naofa shouted. "Alright, alright, I'm going, but I'm coming back to this area in twenty five minutes, got it? I just know I'll catch them this time!"

Stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp.

Pesky cop gone without a trace, the hyena huffed a breath. Please, let them be gone for good now, he has three hours before he has to be home for dinner! Gah, this cop, they are so putting him behind schedule! Sigh, where was he? Oh, right, brown spray paint can, well, here goes. La, la, la, time for this wall to get a little bit of color!

Smiling banana bread soon on the wall the young adult hummed. Ah, man, this picture is looking really swimming right now! But, hmm, there needs to be a tiny bit of text, right? Yes, most certainly! Alrighty, time to save the best for last, the purple can. Here goes, time for the finishing touches, hehe.

Spritz, spritz, spritz, spritz, bubble letters underneath the banana bread reading, The Best Pastry Shop In Town! Those accursed footsteps were coming again. Oh, come on, the cops are back again? Oh no, oh no, he'd better hide! Packing up his spray paint set, that golden blonde hair was ready to silence him once more. Oh, great, they're running, he's so getting caught this time! Backing himself against the wall, he could feel the cuffs coming!

Or, not.

"Woah, who made this masterpiece? I must know!" a deep effeminate voice cried. "This banana bread, that bubble letter text, yes! This is perfect! Whoever made this, I need to find them right now!"

Admiring his craft in the corner had been a tall penguin man who looked to be about in his mid thirties. Or, so the hyena assumed. Was he older, younger? Honestly, he could hardly tell sometimes. Chimeras didn't age as badly as some humans did. Or, maybe they did? He supposed it depended. Greenish golden hair split down the middle draping over both shoulders, the man adorned a lady suit. Ugh, what's a corporate doing looking at his art? Can someone else please look?

"And, not to mention this banana against the rainbow jagged bubble, mwah!" the penguin man said. "Beautiful, absolutely magnificent!"

Compliments continuing, the chimera almost dropped the trashcan next to him. Please, praise him more! Ah, no, this is corporate yammering! Actually, no, please, quit it. He doesn't need their opinions, thanks. But, such thoughts had been cancelled out as the waste basket thudded hard onto the ground. Eyes soon wandering towards him, the penguin man's blue pupils practically sparkled.

"You! Are you the one who made this?!" the penguin man asked, eyes sparkling.

Man looking to squeeze his hands tight, the chimera broke into a sweat. Oh, wall, why is he looking at him like that? Please can they not? Should he maybe pass this off as someone else's work? Shaking his head, he reached for his sketchbook. No way, forget that. Oil pastels seated in his hands, he scribbled away for a moment.

|Yes, I made this.| A spiky bubbled oil pastel drawing said.

"Oh, did you now?! Well, young hyena chimera, this is a masterpiece, you know that?!" the penguin man cried. "Why, you might just be the one I need!"

|One you need for what exactly?| A spiky bubbled oil pastel drawing asked.

Man looking to grab his hands again, the hyena hugged the wall behind him. Woah, why is this dude looking so eager to shake his hands into oblivion? Could he please not? Seriously, who even is this dude, and why is he in the alleyways? He bets he's some undercover cop pretending to find graffiti to be the fine arts, and if that's the case? Forget it. He is not joining him to stomp out other graffiti artists!

Memory flowing back to him, the graffiti artist placed his finger on his chin. Wait a second, is this the guy that his classmates were talking about? That dude that was trying to scout chimeras to help him start up that graffiti amusement center where spray painting was decriminalized? Well, if that's who he was, sign him up! But, he needed to ask a few questions first. Cops had codewords, right? Maybe. He'd better listen carefully before signing onto this.

"You mean, you don't know?!" the penguin man cried. "You look to be about college age. Doesn't like, everyone at that college of yours talk about a graffiti amusement center scout looking around the alleyways for a perfect chimera? You, my dear, are the perfect chimera!" He then extended his hand. "I'm Esquire Gefroren, and you, young artist, should help me achieve my dream of making a graffiti amusement center right near the wall! What do you say?"

Offer his way, the chimera turned his head off towards the opposite side of the alley. Wait, this guy was the scout people were talking about? No way, he had to be an undercover cop! After all, the South Berlin police department was everywhere lately. Maybe he should put his hands up. He's definitely about to be in the slammer, yup. So long, Strix, so long father, he's been caught, goodbye.

"Woah, woah, woah, kid, put your hands down!" Esquire shouted. "You think I'm an undercover cop or something?" He gagged at such. "How disgusting, how dare you! Listen, girly, I'm an artist just like you! And you're the glue I need to get my dream off the ground! So, what do you say?"

Man's eyes sparkling again, the chimera gulped. Um, is he really not an undercover cop? Maybe he should help this guy out. After all, it would be nice if there were a graffiti amusement center in South Berlin. Maybe humans could even sneak through the gap in the wall and join them. Staring off into space, the sea of thoughts continued.

Recalling something else, the hyena sighed. Didn't his classmates say that this dude had a ton of conditions and most people back out? Maybe he should ask about those before going on board. Yeah, he probably should, alright, here goes. Switching to a pen, he scribbled away at what felt like lightning speed.

|Alright, maybe, but, first, I'd like to ask you a question. What are the conditions? My classmates were talking about how you have some conditions, or else it's not happening. Lay them out for me.| A written note on a sketchbook page said.

"Asking questions right away, I like your attitude, girly!" Esquire cried. "So, I'll build the graffiti amusement center if you can do three things for me." He placed his hand into a raised fist as he continued, first finger lifted upward. "First, you are required to spray paint this symbol on the wall." Smiling picture with a tongue sticking out in front of him, he soon rose his second finger. "Two, you are to recruit seven other chimeras to help up build it. I don't care if they're your ten year old sister, your father or someone total stranger, I need at least seven. You included of course, that makes eight." Raising his third finger, he took a deep breath. "And, finally, I need you to uncover a treasure buried beside the tree near the wall. If you can have all that done within a week of me contacting you, I'll start building right away." He then whistled. "Whoops, cops are coming. Hold this for a second, okay?"

"I knew it, there were criminal scum hiding in this alleyway!" Officer Naofa shouted. "You there, hands up!"

"I don't know what you're talking about, kind officer!" Esquire shouted. "This fine young lady is here to deliver my pastries to me! See?" He then whispered. "Smile and nod now!"

Nodding and letting out a barely audible mhm, the cops eyes locked onto him. Oh, wall, they're looking at him with suspicious. Uh? He's never been in the alleyways before, nope! He's totally never been here. Haha. Um, yup, he totally works here, definitely. Haha. Please, stop giving him that look! Gulp.

"I see, well, hurry up and finish this delivery!" Officer Naofa shouted. "And, if you spot any vermins vandalizing the walls, contact us immediately."

"You got it officer. Bye now!" Esquire shouted. Stomp, stomp, stomp. "Wooh, that was a close one. So, what do you say? You on board?"

Conditions laid out to him, the young adult tried to digest them. Well, he supposed those seemed fair. But, if he were to spray paint the wall, he needed to find a way to do it when no one else was around. When was a good time to do that? Ah, three in the morning, he bet. It was always a dead zone at that time of day. He guessed he had what it takes.

Second condition stinging him in the back, he could feel everything about to fall. Uh, would he be able to gather seven chimeras to help, though? Probably not. Well, actually, maybe he would. He had been hearing many of his classmates wanted something like this, actually. And the last point? Pretty easy, in fact, he didn't even need a shovel to dig the ground, he could transform and use his paws. Scribbling away, he could hear his watch ready to beep any second now.

|Sure, I'll do it. Where should I meet you when I do everything you ask?| A written note asked.

"You've got a smartphone, right?" Esquire asked. "Take it out."

Nodding, the hyena unlocked his device. Penguin man opening up to a QR Code, a wave of unease flowed through him. Should he be trusting this guy so easily? Scanning the thing, a location had been added to his maps application. Some desolate office in the middle of nowhere, a chill dropped down his spine. Okay, now this is really fishy.

"Meet me at this place with proof you fulfilled all my requests, and we'll start building, okay?" Esquire asked.

|Alright.| A handwritten note said.

"Cool, tootles! But, remember, if you don't have this done in a week, it's not happening!"

Penguin man gone, the chimera huffed. Man, what a strange guy. Should he really go ahead with all this? There's definitely a catch. Eh, if this dude's gonna call him a girly, then he's supposed he's game. Not that he's a woman, or man, but still. Heading home, he could smell the beef rolls cooking.

"Sup, Siorc? You look super pleased about something," Strix greeted. "You spray paint something fun today?"

"Please, son, no one saw you doing the deed, did they?" his father asked.

"I'm sure they did, Hart," Shiroka said.

"Oh, please, you can call me dad while you're living here for your studies, you know!" father cried. "No need to be so formal!"

"We've told you countless times now we don't feel like that's appropriate, sir," Parisa said to father. She then turned towards Siorc. "You know, you really ought to try harder to make sure no one sees you. I can smell your dirty shirt inside your school bag."

|Parisa, I wasn't caught, okay? The cop is really dumb.| A written note said.

"Oh, really? If you say so," Parisa responded, shrugging. "Now, go wash up, we're about to eat dinner."

Heading for the sink, the chimera stared off into space. Should he tell everyone what happened today? Maybe he should. Well, father's gonna ask what he did today anyway, wasn't he? He guessed so. May as well be worth a shot. But, knowing him, he'll definitely try and stop him. He knows he doesn't say it, but he's most certainly against his extracurricular activities. Soap eating his hands away, he seated himself at the table. Meat served, eyes were soon on him.

"So, how was your day?" father asked. "You looked like something good happened to you."

|Some guy scouted me to help build his graffiti amusement center.| A written note asked.

"Wait, what?" Strix asked. "You're joking, right?"

|No, I'm not.| A written note responded.

"I heard something about that, actually," Shiroka said between bites. "Though, I've also heard that scout has never had anyone actually fulfill his conditions. So, to be honest, I also doubt Siorc will be able to satisfy his demands."

"Most likely not," Parisa said between bites. "And, besides, I know the cops will strike down such place in a day or two after being built."

Practically dropping his fork, the young adult's fingers twitched. Come on, can't someone believe in him? He already said he'd try and get this guy's conditions fulfilled within a week! Can't they have at least a little faith in him? He swears, no one in this family believes in him ever. Well, he'll show them! He'll show everyone he's got what it takes to do this! But, there's no way he can tell them the other conditions. Maybe he should only let them know of the second one, yeah. That'll do.

|I'll be able to do it! The guy wants me to gather seven other chimeras! That's child's play!| A written note cried.

"Yeah, doubt anyone will join you," Shiroka said. "You know, you're not exactly the most convincing chimera around."

"I'm sure most people don't even read your sketchbook. They probably ignore it, in fact!" Parisa added.

"Girls, girls, come on!" father cried. I'm sure he'll find someone!"

"Well, I'm not joining him, I can't afford to be seen doing something illegal," Shiroka cried. "Mother will be so cross with me if I'm sent back to Japan halfway through my studies."

"Same, I'm not helping." Chomp, chomp, chomp. "Sir, this beef roll could use a little more salt next time, okay?"

"Girls, I'm sure he'll fine somebody! No need to be so negative!" father cried. "I'll help you if you don't find someone!"

"Pops, the dude said seven chimeras!" Strix cried. "You're a human. You're not even supposed to be in South Berlin, you know that?"

"Whoops, good point! But, don't worry, I got plenty of chimera disguises!" A cringey old man giggle released from his throat.

"Impossible, chimeras have a certain aura," Shiroka said. "You'll never pass for one."

"Did you have to call it aura?" Parisa groaned.

Walls of rejection coming his way, the hyena hurried to finish his dinner. Why do they all have to be so negative for? Okay, Nancy, he wasn't asking any of them to join him, anyway! Excusing himself to his room after washing his plate, he stomped off towards his bedroom, door shut. Ugh, forget these four, it's not like he needed them anyway. Twiddling around playing paint by numbers games on his phone until the house was dead quiet, the young adult let the time slide away.

Three in the morning arriving in the blink of an eye, the graffiti artist prepared himself. Everyone was asleep, right? Now was the perfect time to get out of here. Quietly opening his window, he jumped down. Please, don't let there be any cops patrolling at the wall this late at night. Dashing through the crossroads, that disgusting obstacle soon laid itself out in front of him.

Wall scrubbed down squeaky clean, the young adult reached for a spray paint can. He has to draw a specific symbol, right. What was it again? Oh, a smiling face with a tongue sticking out. Well, that shouldn't be too hard to do. Spritz, spritz, spritz, spritz, spritz. Symbol added to the wall, he wondered. Should he add a personal touch? Text message from an unknown number waiting for him, he read it for a moment.

Message telling him he could do anything he liked with the symbol so as long as he take a picture of himself beside it and it's in the exact colors he was asking for, the young adult's eyes wandered. Oh, no, this was the right color, right? It looks yellow in the photo. Please, let it be right! Adding a little message beneath the masterpiece, the young adult took a photo. Please, let this be good, he's begging here.

Finding the tree in the corner, the college student got down on his knees. He may as well knock the second one off the list, right? He definitely should. Unless? No, he needs to do this now. Right, he only has a week to finish this. Alright, here goes, time to get digging after what felt like forever, his hyena paws soon hit something.

Uncovering something quite strange, the young adult rose an eyebrow. What is this weird round shaped treasure chest? Opening it up, at least hundreds of photos had been knocked out. Okay, now, this is weird. Why did the scout want him to find this? Whatever, time to go home. Slipping back through his window, the young adult caught some zzes.

Weekend passing him by, the young adult kept himself on the downlow for the time being. Would finishing this all too soon make him look like he was trying too hard? Maybe. But, would getting everything done at last second maybe make the dude tell him he's not interested anymore? Possibly. The definitely seemed like it the far more likely outcome here. Sigh.

Returning to classes as the next day rolled over, the young adult wondered. Would his classmates agree to join him? He supposed, perhaps it was worth a try, maybe. Or, maybe not? Well, it wouldn't hurt to ask, perhaps. Heading off towards the familiar group, looks of doom had soon come his way. Oh, no, he knew that look. Something's not right.

"My Uncle contacted you, didn't he?" Vidame asked.

"Wait, that scout's your Uncle?" Faxi asked.

"Yup, just like that good for nothing Officer Naofa is your cousin." She twirled her hair.

"Sibling, actually." Faxi corrected.

"Whatever, so, anyway, I'm worried about him milking you, or whatever, so even if you weren't intending on asking me, I'm joining you, okay?" Vidame said.

"Me, too, then," Faxi said. "I'm sure my good for nothing sibling will try to stop you."

"You two are hopeless, you know that?" Zhulong asked. "I'll join your little crew, too. He needs like, seven chimeras, right?" The then eyeballed Panlong.

"Dunna why you're looking at me for?" Panlong asked. "I woulda said yes if he asked, anyway."

"Yew know, I guess I'll go, too," Mysi said. "I don't got anythink betta to do." She then turned towards Azur.

"Why are you glaring at me for?" Azur asked. "Fine, since you're stringing me along, I'll also go."

"Since you're all hopeless without me, I'll go too!" Miotal cried.

"Listen, you nerd!" Everyone shouted.

Smile painting his face, the chimera wondered. When should he head for that man's office? Maybe he should wait until tomorrow? That sounded about right. Showing the QR Code for everyone to see, everyone agreed to head there tomorrow afternoon after classes. But, would this really work out as planned? He didn't know. This was definitely going to be too good to be true, probably. At least, that's how things were feeling at the moment.

Returning home that evening, the young adult walked around in a circle in his room. Would this really go alright? Maybe it wouldn't. Or, maybe he's overthinking it? That sounded about right. He's definitely overthinking this. Surely, it will go fine. After all, he did everything he asked. Dozing off that evening, he prayed everything would go according to plan.

And, then the moment arrived, evening after classes let out.

Arriving at some creepy abandoned alleyway with flickering streetlights, the young adult almost wanted to bite his fingernails off. Was this place really safe? Vidame called her Uncle weird all the time. All he could think about while working on his boring still life painting in class today was that. He really isn't some undercover cop, right? All his fingers and toes were currently crossed at such thoughts.

"Well, here it is," Vidame said, gulping. She then turned to Miotal. "Miotal, if you know what's good for you, do not run your smart mouth in front of my Uncle, got it?"

"Inconceivable! I'm being silenced!" Miotal cried.

Knocking on the door, a very loud come in had come his way. Preparing himself, his eyes wandered. Please, don't let this guy be lying that he's some undercover cop, or something, if this was all a setup, he is so getting cuffed. Penguin man's hands folded on the table, his heart froze, oh no, that look. Yeah, he's cooked.

"I must say, I'm impressed!" Esquire shouted, clapping. "You managed to gather seven chimeras over the weekend! I take it you got the picture of the graffiti on the wall, too?"

|Yup, here you go.| A written note said. As he put such down, his phone had been lifted up.

"Amazing, wonderful!" Esquire cried, clapping. "And, what about the treasure beneath the tree?"

|Got that, too.| A written note said, opening the treasure chest.

"Impressive! I knew you were the one! You did this all in four days?" The claps continued.

|Well, actually, if I'm being honest with you, I went to get the treasure at three in the morning after we had our conversation. So, we have a deal, right?| A written note asked.

"Of course, consider it done! We'll start building next week!" The claps continued.

"Uncle, wait!" Vidame cried.

Vidame holding her palm up, the young adult rose an eyebrow. Is something wrong? Why is she calling for a halt? Wait, is this about the cops? Oh, no. Right, the cops are always patrolling the area near the wall, they'll so get caught. The abandoned renting spaces near that area were also off limits, or whatever.

"Ugh, I have told you a million times now to call me big sister, Vidame!" Esquire shouted.

"You know, the empty lot near the wall is off limits to rent, right?" Vidame asked. "My friend here would know. His sibling's a cop."

"Uh, yeah, and my sibling is one of those cops, they like, emulate American cops, or something dunno," Faxi said, eyes wander.

"Ew," Panlong said.

"Yeah, can't help but agree there," Zhulong said, strong.

"Um, actually, your sibling acts more like--" Miotal tried to say, but a million shhs had come his way.

"Siwence!" Mysi cried. "Gwonups are tawking here!" She then coughed up a storm. "Sorry, grownups are talking here!"

"Does it matter Faxi's sibling is a cop?" Azur asked. "I've heard they're really bad at their job anyway."

Penguin man clapping his hands together, the hyena flinched. Ah, no, he can feel the opportunity to do this start to slip away! Maybe he should have just asked his father to help him out instead. Well, it was a little too late for that now, the die had been cast. Sigh, maybe he made a mistake. A big one? Actually, nah, he probably made a decent call here, possibly. Asking questions is a good thing, right.

"Worry not about that pesky Officer Naofa, I have a permit to do whatever I want!" Esquire cried. "And, besides, the cops are scared of me anyway. Don't worry, I can get them under my thumb in a second."

"Um, alright, if you say so, Uncle," Vidame said. "So, you want us to come to the empty lot of the abandoned business lot near the wall, right?"

"Yup, that's right, so see you then, tootles!" Esquire cried, waving.

Vidame soon guiding everyone out, the chimera could feel the second thoughts piling one after another. Should he really do all this? Maybe he should text this man back to tell him no can do. But, it was already too late, their paths had crossed. Continuing on with boring still life painting in class for the next seven days, the day had arrived to start the project rather slowly.

But, the stars felt as though they were falling out of the sky. Cops everywhere within line of sight, the graffiti artist gulped. This wasn't going to end well at all, was it? Ah, no, he's definitely going to get caught and behind bars. He knew his extracurricular activity would put him at risk someday, but maybe this was too high brow of being able to do all that.

Or, perhaps, luck was on his side, for now. Weeks going by with not a single loser police officer coming by, multiple special walls has been built for spray paint. Other facilities being added as the months went on, the entire abandoned space had been transformed as the new year had been close to rolling in. But, as the final touches had been approaching as the hundred day mark kicked in, a pesky obstacle took the stage.

"Hands up, all of you!" Officer Naofa shouted. "You are building in a no rent zone!"

Hands trembling, the hyena almost rose his hands up. But, he shook his head. Nope, no way, he's not listening to this chimera. Sorry mother, wherever she was, sorry father, if he's going down, it may as well be protecting something he actually stood for. Nope, sorry, forget it officer, he's staying put!

"Oh, no, the cops found us!" Mysi cried.

Everyone else chattering, the hyena kept his hands down. He's not going to surrender, not here. Not after all this hard work, forget that. This cop who failed to catch him with spraying down his masterpieces can suck on a lollipop and hightail it! Please, Esquire save their rumps. He's got something up their sleeve, right?

"Oh, really, a no rent zone, hmm?" Esquire said. "Officer, you can drop it because I own this land. In fact, before this wall was even built, I ran things around here. So, can you go?"

"Oh, really? And do you have proof of that?" Officer Naofa asked.

"Ask anyone who used to come here, and they'll tell you the same thing!" Esquire cried, eyes on Vidame.

"It's true, officer, now can you please go?" Vidame asked.

Building permit held up, the hyena blinked of bewilderment. Esquire sure had everything thought up, didn't he? Man, this dude sure is impressive. Cop stomping off in a hissy fit, the building and construction continued for what felt like forever as the early winter months transitioned into spring faster than the blink of an eye.

And, then the day arrived, opening day. The first day of spring in South Berlin, the anniversary of the day that wretched wall was built. Hundreds of chimeras and even some humans squeaking in, the world was full of sprayed down color. Everything hustling and bustling a smile appeared on the young adult's face. A graffiti amusement center, now, this was the life.

Penguin man pulling him aside into his office as the first day of business had concluded, sweat mounted on the hyena's neck. Oh, no, had he not worked hard enough? Maybe he didn't work too well setting everything up. If there was one mistake, he'll take full responsibility! Half responsibility? No, full responsibility. It would be his fault.

"I'd like to thank you once again for helping me out with all this, girly!" Esquire said. "And, you still even managed to make more masterpieces whenever not assisting me in building this place, you should be proud!"

Claps coming his way, the chimera let out a barely audible giggle. Well, it's not like he never made time to do some extracurricular activities, after all. Besides, his dumb art lecture was still doing all the nitty, gritty boring stuff. He needed to let off some steam somehow. Twirling his hair, he wondered. Where was this conversation about to go, anyway? He can't help but feel something was about to happen.

|No problem. I was happy to help you out. It's not like I have a job outside of school. And, my home life is kind of dull and boring and all that. So, I had plenty of time to lend you a hand.| A written note said.

Penguin man putting his hand on his chin, the hyena folded his hands on the table. Uh, why does he look like that? What could he possibly be thinking right now? He didn't know. In the near half a year he's known this guy, he's never been able to read him for even a second. But, whatever he was thinking, he should probably prepare himself for anything and everything.

"Don't have a job, huh?" Esquire asked, hands folded on his desk in tandem. "That's perfect, I knew you were the one!" He giggled as he exclaimed such. "Why don't you work here and help me run the place? I'll pay you super pretty. And, don't worry about it interfering with your boring art classes at your college. I'll only have you work the evenings and weekends."

Proposal coming his way, the hyena's eyes wandered. Should he accept this job? But, would he have time for extracurricular activities? Well, probably, this would likely only be part-time. Penguin man telling him that if they had a deal to extend his hand, he gazed at his palm for a moment. Should he really do this? Maybe he shouldn't. Can he have a second to think about this?

Hearing the cheers in the other room, the young adult let out a barely audible dreamy sigh. Well, he did help build this place, so he should probably help run it, right? As long as he doesn't have to use his lips or anything, maybe this would be a fine job for him. Extending his hand, a smile graced his face as the handshake had been completed.

From now on, he's the Graffiti Amusement Center Queen of South Berlin.

To be honest, this didn't go quite as I expected it to, but that's fine, I suppose. Sometimes, it just...happens. Things change once I write them. I picked the setting for this one last week because I didn't want to go with New York City when there's so many other places in the world where graffiti is extremely common, so I went with Berlin.

Anyway.

Here's what Graffiti Siorc looks like. The hair is super wild, haha. I imagine he dyed parts of it, but left some of his natural hair color (the dark purple at the top). In any case, next week is uh, Naga Siorc, another non-fandom one. It'll probably be a fun one and not all too serious. Not that this one was serious or anything.

It was long though, 11,000 words, I was not expecting to sit here and write an 11k novelette anthology about graffiti art of all things, haha.

Palamon · Feb 20, 2026

This one is also not a fandom story, though it might be fannish in culture, I suppose? In this one, Siorc is a Naga in a daemonia kingdom that hunts humans for their meat (game). But, he has no interest in hunting at all, preferring to work on model cars in the basement.

Content warnings are as follows: crude language. That's it, really. No others apply.

Underground Rock, Paper, Slither Club

"Growl, I seriously have to
Review my greetings?
Oh, for the love of the great daemonia who rules
Above us all,
No, I refuse.

Ugh, why do I
Gotta? You
Have got to be kidding me! Sigh.

I'm Siorc Ingne, I'm

A Naga, a snake Daemonia who lives in a
Major empire, the Empire of Ghoulana, where Daemonia are the

Superior race. Listen,
I'm not a talker, I prefer looking
Over at my toy cars and making the models ones
Race on the track I'm building.
Can I be honest

About something? I have

Never been
A fan of how things
Go around here.
Ah, so

Around here,

Daemonia are superior to
Another race, humans.
Everyone pretty
Much hunts them for their meat. In my
Opinion, Daemonia overhunt them. I've
Never been a fan of this at all.
I try to decline
All hunts

For many
Reasons, but I can't always get
Out of it. Human
Meat really

Grosses me out. I
Hardly ever eat it.
Once I discovered the
Ultimate better food, I never
Looked back.
And that better food is?
Nature meat.
As humans call

It, plant meat.

Well, you see,
I work at
Some library in the city.
Here, humans come

In often.

Daemonia are forbidden from hunting
In public spaces. Anyway, I
Do enjoy working at the library.

No pressure to be evil
Or whatever.
The humans aren't bad.

Let me just say that.
I have
Very much never,
Ever wanted their meat.

However,
Every few weeks, and especially
Recently I'm forced into
Every single hunt.

It's annoying.
Most of the time I hide instead. I have

No intentions
Of hunting
The humans

For sport.
Of course I'm
Not looked upon
Dearly for that.

Oh, well. I'm
Fine with that. I

Hardly look
Upon this sport
Nicely. Hunting is
Terrible. Humans are just weaker
In the food chain, but they've done
Nothing to us, but I
Guess the lord

Made it so
Everyone must hunt
All humans
Then eat their

Horribly bland meat.
Ugh, can this change,
Maybe?
As if it will. It
Never will.

Maybe it all should, but it won't
Ever. I
Am certain
That

It never will.
So, I

Guess I'm stuck in this
Repeated cycle
Of this
Stupid life of
Stupid hunting. I

Am really
Not a meat eater. I
Don't enjoy the

Taste. I need
A change. I need
Someone to stop all
This. Can't
Everyone just
Live in harmony?
Eh, guess that's
Something of a pipe dream. A
Stupid hope bubble to pop."

Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom.

Come back here, meat!

Get back here right now!

It had been a rather loud hunt filled day around the Empire of Ghoulana, the largest, most expansive world within the Royal Kingdom of Daemonia. Daemonia most active in the early morning were out and about hunting humans for sport. The autumn leaves were breezing through the wind trying to make their distractions known, it was yet another great day for the meat eaters of the world.

At least, such was true for the daemonia who enjoyed hunting. Such could not be said about one particular naga hiding away in the basement in the morning waking hours. Screaming shots piercing everywhere, rooms shook around like an earthquake was ready to eradicate everything in sight in a heartbeat.

Covering the ears at the bottom of the basement beside a bunch of large model cars had been a large feminine green skinned snake person individual with dark purple bangs that started out triangular, but the third one had been square. Asymmetry reverting back to symmetry throughout the fourth to the seventh one at the top of the head had been a ton of hissing snakes aplenty. Serpents for hands as well, the medusa lower body had been long and straight with a circular rattled ball at the end. Dark red pajama shirt with a car on it, the person groaned as everything shook.

Walls shaking for minutes on end, the naga groaned. How can so many daemonia hunt humans so early in the morning? The gorgon never understood what was so great about their met to start with. Who decided to make humans the lesser species and food to all daemonia? The gorgon hadn't the foggiest of an idea, but why bother wasting time thinking about such things anyway? There were more important things to get done here.

Closing the eyes for a moment, the snakes for hands had become human palms. Time to make another baby before work today! Blueprint sheet and plastic out in front of him, an instruction booklet that read, how to make a Zoomsta DX was laid out in the middle of the table. Today will be the day yet another model car will join the racetrack!

Tools out in front, the daemonia prepared the self. Alright, the parts are here, time to move onto the next step. What comes first. Oh, right, washing the parts. That'll do. Wiping the creatures down, the naga gazed at the photo. Woah, this is going to look so awesome when done! How long until it's time to leave for work? Hmm, four hours. That was plenty of time time to build this thing. The snake can smell it now, another success waiting to happen!

Boom, boom, boom, boom.

The meat's getting away!

Hurry, hurry, get them from behind.

Aaah.

Covering the ears, the naga buried the head beside underneath the table. And, there were more hunters outside now. Great, wonderful. Why are so many daemonia fighting so early in the morning for? Please, just, be silent already. So annoying. Noise continuing on for what felt like forever, everything burned.

Racket dying who knows when, the snake sighed. Back to what actually mattered. Cutting the parts out, the naga's eyes swam around the room. Woah, this model sure had a lot of parts to account for. Would there even be time to finish this whole thing in one go? Perhaps not. Extra plastic removed, everything was ready for action.

Sandpaper beside the snake, the rough creature had been rubbed upon the plastic body for quite some time. Spray plopped down as well, the main attraction was ready. It's time, yes, it's finally time. The parts can finally be put together! How much time until it was time to leave for work? Ah, two hours, no problem, no problem. This baby is going to be done very soon! Here goes nothing.

Putting the front parts in first, the naga stuck the tongue out. This is starting to look better than the instructions! Okay, no, maybe not, but better than it did on the box! Plastic base soon covered, the snake gazed at the wheels. These ones were pretty good this time, right? Some were really cheap and plastic. Would these ones at least look authentic? Perhaps.

Wheels put into place gently, the snake reached for the paint. Time for the finishing touches. What color should this one be? Hmm, maybe a nice shade of dark pink? Yes, that would do! That would be perfect for this one! Coating plastered on and ready to go, a pesky annoyance soon took the stage from above, in an instant.

Slam.

"Siorc, how can you still be rotting in the basement?" an annoyed voice asked. "Don't you have to be at work in an hour?"

"Pretty sure he's building those stupid model cars again," a neutral voice said.

"Yeah, he definitely is," a high pitched feminine voice said. "Hunting cars instead of humans for sport again!"

"You can't be serious!" the first voice shouted, slithering down the stairs rapidly. "Ugh, Siorc, not again! You're still making these dumb model cars? How can you call yourself an adult? Don't you think it's time to move on from this hobby of yours and do something useful in your downtime, like, I don't know, make weapons or something?"

Standing beside him with her snakes seated on her hips has been a large light green skinned naga woman with emerald green bangs and hair that went down to about the neck. Bright red snakes at the top of the head hissing away, the adult held in the urge to bite. Excuse him, he may be three hundred years old, but no one is ever too old to have a hobby! Hase doesn't get it! Not that she ever did. All she ever did was hunt humans for their meat. She could use a hobby that didn't involve gathering game. His sister was always the same, sigh.

"You made him make weapons once, remember Hase?" the neutral voice asked. "And they were so bad they hurt us instead of our game, remember?!"

Standing next to her pinchers crossed across the chest had been a smaller light blue skinned daemonia with a dark blue scorpion body beneath them. Sternum adorning a white shirt with skulls and crossbones, they had a dark bluish grey bob cut at the top of the head. Red eyes with a yellow sclera, the naga shook his head. He made them bad on purpose, Plata, thank him very much. He'll never make a good weapon no matter what.

"Yeah, that's right, meow," the high pitched feminine voice mewed. "I don't even know why you asked your brother to make those weapons in the first place!"

Curling her paws in the corner had been a dark skinned cat woman with two tails rapidly moving behind her. Short, bright pink hair pulled into a high ponytail, she had lifeless brown eyes that didn't have pupils for some reason. Wooly sweater upon her, her skirt was way too small for her. Ready to ram his head into the wall, the adult reached for the car notebook. How many times has he told Yara she needs to wear clothes that fit her? This is how their precious game got away! Whatever, not his problem. Scribbling away, he could feel eyes ready to eat him alive.

{First of all, unlike you, Hase, I have a hobby that I look forward to every day! And, I will never make weapons again. And, you act like the library is far from here? It's not, it's a five minute walk, and ten minute slither if I don't transform. So, lay off, okay?} A written note said.

"And, who says I don't have a hobby, huh?" Hase asked. "I hunt!"

{At least I have a hobby outside of hunting, unlike you! You should get yourself one!} A written note shouted.

"Whatever, quit playing with your dumb cars and come upstairs!" Hase shouted.

"Yeah, your breakfast is gonna get cold, meow," Yara meowed.

"So, you'd better hurry up," Plata said.

Stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp.

Everyone stomping and slithering up the stairs, the adult groaned. Why were Plata and Yara always on Hase's side? Back him up a little, would they? In all the years they lived in this share house, not once had they had his back. Sigh. Whatever, not like he wanted them to anyway. Moving the model car aside, the naga closed his eyes. Snake body below turning into human legs, he quietly walked up the stairs.

Stopping by his room for a moment, the daemonia barreled towards the mirror. Dead mismatched purple and green eyes staring at him, the adult sighed. Even his green facial spots looked dull. Why does Hase always have to rain on his parade? Some sister she was. Yellow shirt with green straps down forming an x shape crossing at the middle, a short brown skirt had soon been turned around. He put in on backwards again, how foolish of him.

Currently human hair looking at him from the mirror, long, triangular locks that went down to about the upper chest locked eyes with him. If only he could hold back the medusa on his head all the time. But, such fully human like appearance had a daily time limit. Oh, well. Snake hairpins and earrings clicked into place, the sandals were ready to go.

But, as usual, a disgusting breakfast awaited him. Human steak laid down on his plate, the snake held in a groan. How many times had he told Hase he doesn't eat game anymore? Oh, right, he never told her because she never wanted to listen. Guess he'll do what he always does before leaving for work for today.

"So, I was thinking, we should starting joining the big hunt in the mountains," Hase blabbed, snake hissing in between bites of game. "I hear there they gather humans in a circus and train them until it's time to hunt them!"

"Do we have time for that, though?" Plata asked. "We have work."

"Yeah, meow, we can't keep missing work, we gotta pay our parts of the bills!" Yara cried. "If they fire us, we won't get to be part of the big hunts anyway!"

"Just have Siorc cover for us in the meantime," Hase said. "I mean, he's got plenty of money. After all, he sure has enough to throw around to buy those stupid model car kits every two weeks!" She then turned towards her annoying brother. "Ugh, can't you wait until you're at work to assume your full human form?! Bring back your snake body!"

Shaking his head, the adult continued to pretend to bite the human steak in front of him. Why should he do that, huh? Not happening. And, no way is he paying everyone else's portions of the bill! If they wanted to keep living here, they'd better do their end of the bargain, or else he's calling the owner of this property and having them removed! But, it's not like the ever had the guts to do that anyway.

Silent robot pet coming towards right on time, the naga fed the game to the creature. So long flavorless meat. Trying not to gag as everyone looked at him, he wiped his face. Even the tiniest bit of that nasty stuff on his tongue was absolutely rancid. Why do daemonia have to enjoy hunting so much? He'll never know.

{Don't go to the mountains, you know they'll never accept you to their team anyway.} A written note said.

"Says you, Siorc! What would you know? You almost never join us on our hunts anyway!" Hase shouted. "If you didn't spend so much time on those dumb little cars of yours, you'd get the real thrill of life!" Her hand snakes hissed. "I bet those stupid humans at that library you work at brainwashed you into stop hunting! How could you even listen to those rats?"

"Hase, come on, now," Plata said. "Even you should know by now humans are weak willed and would never be able to brainwash anyway!"

"That's right, meow!" Yara cried. "And, also, not every single human is hunted and turned into our game!"

"Are you two being serious right now?!" Hase cried. "They brainwashed him! I bet they filled his brain with cars, cars, cars. This is why he shouldn't have gotten a job highly populated with humans!"

Falsehoods coming his way, the snake folded his hands into a fist. Excuse him, first of all, he had always been into model cars! He just hadn't had the money for them until he was a late adolescent daemonia! And, she didn't even start noticing this hobby until they moved into this sharehouse together. But, sure, he's brainwashed, whatever she says.

{Think what you want, Hase. I'm going to work, bye.} A written note said. {Also, I'm not paying your portion of the bills this month, so, all of you, actually go to work for a change!}

"Whatever!" Hase cried.

"Fine," Plata said.

"I guess, meow," Yara meowed.

Slam.

Stomping out the door, the adult was ready to pull his hair out. Those three are going to show up late to work again, he bets. How hasn't their boss fired all of them at this point? He doesn't know, but he supposed he never would anyway. Oh, well. They'll learn the hard way at some point.

Cars racing through the streets, the naga sighed. Woah, look at all the hummers on the road today. Why hadn't anyone been making any model kits like that? So many grills, and the wheels? Mwah, beautiful! Maybe he'll go to the city on his day off and swing by the model vehicle store and see what new ones came in. But, he probably wouldn't have time for that until at least tomorrow.

Puddles stepped over, that pesky noise burned the snake's eardrums once more. Why can't the Deamonia King put a rule in place where hunting can only occur at certain times of day? Or, better yet, only on the weekends, or something? But, he knew that would never happen. As long as that family remained in power, nothing would change.

Reaching the library after what felt like forever, the deamonia let out a yawn. But, he tried to shake it off. Come on, librarian, look alive! Maybe he shouldn't have stayed up so late last night watching The History of The Valvot. Too late for that now, he guessed. Moving towards the breakroom three faces soon awaited him.

"Morning, Siorc, we got you a plant burger, woof," an excited voice said.

"You probably didn't eat again this morning, right?" another voiced asked.

"Probably not," a third voice said.

Standing in the corner heating up something in the microwave had been a short light tanned skin dog woman with light blue hair pulled into a long jagged ponytail. Big scar in the center of her face that practically looked like stitches, her eyes had been light yellow. Bright golden summer dress to match, the snake shook his head. It's fall now, it's getting a little too cold for Alene to wearing short sleeves. Well, not like he's one to talk, he's wearing a sleeveless shirt.

Seated next to her had been a short dark skinned frog woman with curly strawberry red hair that went down to about her shoulders. Portion of her hair pulled into two high ponytails, she adorned a button down shirt. Frog legs out in the open, the naga always wondered how she could stand to not disguise herself. Ceir was probably still hunting, he bet.

Sitting in a small tub of water had been a large mermaid with a white fish like body beneath the waist. Pure white hair that went down to about her shoulders, the top had been pulled into buns. Grey eyes that looks like dirty water, the naga yawned. Guess Eau was on shelving duty today. Figures. After all, the bottom floor was practically an ocean at this point. Opening up his employee communication book, he scribbled away.

{You three know me best. Thanks for the burger. Is the library about ready to open?} A page in his employee communication book said. He then munched on the plant burger.

"Not yet, we have to set up for some event, I believe, woof," Alene said, barking.

"What kind of event?" Ceir asked.

"Oh, you know, the book scavenger hunt?" Alene responded. "Human classes are coming in today. Especially the young ones. So, we have to hide the picture books and chapter books and some toys for them to find."

"If there's any human kids left that is," Eau said, sighing. "You don't think they've all been hunted by now?"

"No way, woof! You know the little kids are under protection!" A tail had been ferociously wagging in the background.

Finishing up the plant burger, the librarian placed his finger on his chin. A scavenger hunt, huh? Would there really be enough human children to participate in that, let alone human teachers? The hunting grounds had been much more populated lately, from the sounds of the gunshots he had heard while in the basement. Shouldn't they just cancel this event? Maybe they would be better off doing so.

{You sure about that? Maybe we should cancel the event.} A page in the employee communication book said.

"Nah, we'll be fine! They live in the protected side of the empire, woof!" Alene barked. "Pick up a paper in the corner and set up the library for the scavenger hunt, okay?"

"I'll do the second floor, then," Ceir said, grabbing a paper.

"And, I guess I'll put up the posters," Eau said, sighing. "Guess I'm going to have to walk."

{I'll do the third floor, then.} A page in the employee communication book said.

"Kay, the box for the scavenger hunt books and tapes in the corner!" Alene cried.

"Wait, tapes? What, we going retro for this?" Ceir asked.

"Yup, it's vaporwave week, woof!" Another tail wag broke through the sound barrier.

Everyone sighing, the librarian headed for the box in the corner. Vaporwave, huh? What era was that again? If he had to guess, a couple human eras ago. But, that hardly mattered to him. He had a lifespan of about ten thousand years, if he had to guess. Three centuries went by in the snap of his fingers some days. Or, at a snail's pace sometimes. Ah, well, forget that, time to head for the third floor.

Looking at the scavenger hunt location key, the naga's head spun. Alene sure wanted a lot of books hidden inside the playsets all the way on the third floor. Why, though? He'll never know the answer to that. What else did he have to hide? Oh, cereal mascots from the vapor era. What breakfast people existed in that time period? Oh, right, all the colorful ones and the superhero ones.

Grabbing his portion of the books and toys to hide, the adult sighed. Would there really be enough human children to do this scavenger hunt? He had been hearing that other daemonia in the city and mountains have been making circuses and camps to make hunting easier for them. Why can't these hunts just end? Humans were hardly that bad to begin with. And, their meat wasn't even that good. If only there were some other ways for humans and daemonia to duke it out without bloodshed.

Shaking his head as he stuffed multiple picture books about food inside the playhouses, the daemonia knew such would never exist. Why hope for change that was never going to come? The royal family's favorite thing ever was hunting for game. There would never be a movement for any sort of change, and he knew it. Daemonia have rallied in the past, but nothing came of it.

Placing the toys around everywhere he could muster, the snake looked at the key for a moment. Oops, the cereal tiger was supposed to be taped underneath a chair. Why did he put it on top of the bookshelf? He'd better do this properly, or Alene will definitely howl at him. This has to be perfect.

Second toy hidden inside the bookshelf, the naga eyeballed the list for a moment. Where was he supposed to hide the ghoul toys? Oh, on top of a poster? Which one? Ah, the one with the decimal system thingie. He thought the humans had done away with all that by now. Guess not. What's the point of all that again? Ah, right, being able to locate specific books in certain sections, or something.

Everything put into place, the librarian walked back down to the first floor. Thank goodness he hadn't been transformed into his lower snake body right now, or it would take him a million years to get down the stairs. Probably, anyway. Munching on car shaped fruit snacks, he returned to the breakroom for a moment.

{I'm done. When's the first class showing up?} A page in his employee communication book asked.

"In like, ten minutes," Ceir said, yawning.

"Ten minutes?!" Eau cried. "When will I have time to shelve the books in the basement?!"

"You can do that later, we're closing early today anyway, woof," Alene said, yawning. "Library manager is holding some big meeting with the Board of Education, or something."

"We're not included in that meeting, I take it?" Ceir asked.

"Nope! Not even me, and I'm the boss here, woof!" A frustrated tail wag disrupted the flow of noise.

Shrugging, the librarian moved off towards the front desk. It's not like they were needed for a meeting like that anyway. Putting the fliers down by the checkout, the snake crossed his fingers. Please, let a lot of youngsters come in today. The patron count around these parts lately had been a little on the low side, after all.

Alene, Ceir and Eau soon coming out to the front, the storm was brewing. Human kindergartners running straight in, the adult tried to not fall backwards. Agh, what a hurricane. Did they really have to storm in all at once like that? Come on, don't do that, pretty please. Well, it's not like there was anyone else here anyway.

Alene explaining to the kids that they have to look around the library for twenty things, the naga tried to keep it together. Wait, what, that many? Why did they have to hide so many? That was a lot, would the kids be alright? They'll probably need to work together to find them, he bet. Maybe he hid some of the stuff too good?

"If you manage to find at least ten, come to the front desk and Siorc over here will give you your prize!" Eau shouted. She then lowered her voice into a whisper. "Siorc, where's the box of prizes?"

No box of prizes next to him, the snake could feel Alene's eyes ready to erupt like a volcano as she looked his way. Oh, no! He forgot to grab the prize box! Dashing off towards the breakroom, he looked everywhere for it. Where is it? Where did Alene put it? Finding it after quite a lot of digging, he pulled the cover back. But, what he saw was rather strange.

Entire box of some starter pack for some game known as Rock, Paper, Slither, chicks danced over the adult's head. What in the world is this? Shouldn't they be giving away books or bookmarks or stickers or something? As if he knew the answer to that. He'd better hurry and bring it up to the front desk before the eruption of Mt. Alenus could occur.

Putting the boxes next to him, a lot of human eyes were glued to him. Was something wrong? Why were they looking so lost for? He had no idea. Should he give them a little hint? Maybe it wouldn't hurt to do so. Alene wouldn't erupt if he helped them a little, right? Please, don't let her go kerplooey when he clocks out later.

"Mx. Naga, can you give us a little hint, please? We're looking for Darlene Diger!" the kindergartner cried.

"Mx. Naga has a name, you know!" the kindergartner cried.

"I can't read very well yet!" the kindergartner groaned.

{Have you maybe checked under things? A little birdie told me look low to the ground!} A page on the employee communication book cried.

"What does that say?" the kindergartener asked.

"It says look under thingies!" the second kindergartner cried.

"Ohhhh," the kindergartner shouted. "Thanks, Mx. Naga!"

Kids barreling up the stairs, the librarian sighed. Some human children didn't know how to read yet? Maybe some of the teachers were too terrified of being hunted to teach the kids valuable skills in life. Something about the way things work in the Kingdom of Daemonia really needed to change. But, why would it ever? At this point, things would always stay the same.

Two hours passing, every kid had eventually found everything. Dishing out the prizes, the adult couldn't help but wonder. What is Rock, Paper, Slither anyway? He'd never heard of this game before. Was it the most popular hip and happening thing within human culture lately? Hmm, no, he had maybe heard this name between some daemonia that come here after school sometimes. Perhaps, he had heard it once from some of the adult patrons too? Possibly.

Second group of kids coming in at around one in the afternoon, the snake couldn't help but notice. The batch of children coming in this time were third graders. Some of them said they couldn't read. Is there a literacy crisis on their hands? No, it was worse than that, wasn't it? Human teachers definitely were too scared to do their jobs latetly.

Third group struggling to find the pieces on the scavenger hunt, the daemonia handed out the prizes anyway. But, he could see Alene glare at him from afar. Come on, Alene, let the kids get something even if they fail! The manager probably wants this entire box empty anyway. How many starter packs were left? About three dozens. This is going to be a long day.

Fourth and fifth groups struggling as well, the adult buried his head on the table. Is it just him, or had the older the kids gotten, the less skills they were being taught? Just what is going on in those human schools? He had no idea, but there was most certainly a large crisis on everyone's hands. For lord's sake, stop overhunting the humans, he swears!

Final group coming in, the naga gazed down at the prize pool. There's only fifteen left. How many kids were in this class? Oh, fifteen. There weren't any extra? Darn, he was going to snag one and give it to Hase so she could have a proper hobby, or something! But, Alene always gets enough that there's none left, go figure.

"Do we have to come here? I bet this is secretly an underground hunting circus!" a young kid cried.

"Yeah, I don't wanna play this scavenger hunt!" a young kid shouted.

"Excuse me! This is a library, woof!" Alene shouted. "And, not to mention, we're in the protected zone within the city!"

"Yeah, so don't say things like that!" Eau shouted.

"Not like that'll convince them," Ceir said, shrugging.

"Woah, Mx. Naga over there's got a box full of Rock, Paper, Slither cards!" an older kid cried. "I've been wanting those for months, but mama has been sitting in her room crying for months 'cause she's afraid of being hunted!"

"Mine, too!" an older kid shouted.

"We'd better hurry and find the hidden objects so we can get lotsa cards!" an older kid shouted.

Zoom.

Kids running across the library, the naga buried his face inside the box. Maybe he shouldn't have put that so close on display. Alene's going to kill him now. She's so totally going to kill him. Yup, he messed up big time. Kids finding everything in no time flat, a line soon formed by the front desk. Wait, they're done already.

"Gimme, snake," the kid demanded.

{One a a time, please, okay?} A handwritten note asked.

"This daemonia broken or something?" another kid asked.

"I thought nagas were like chatterboxes," another kid said. "That's what mama told me! She said, nagas will run their motor mouths, then hunt and eat your meat!"

{Come on, I'm not going to do that, okay? Now, take your prize. And, remember, only one per person.} A handwritten note cried.

Some kids booing, the snake could feel his energy die. Why were all the older ones always so difficult? Evening rolling around, the adult cleaned up the shelves. Not a single book was checked out today, sigh. Were the rumors really true human kids weren't really being taught to read anymore? What a tragedy.

Watch beeping, the daemonia walked to the breakroom. How many hours left until his transformation wears off? Hmm, if he had to guess five hours left. He guesses he could walk to the city and look for some new model car kits to buy. When was the last time he swung by the one in downtown Specterine? Oh, four months ago. Putting his time card in, he could feel the rage mountain ready to explode.

"Siorc, I told you not to give the losing kids prizes!" Alene shouted, paws folded into a fist. "Why did you do that?!"

"Come on, don't be like that, everyone's a winner!" Eau shouted.

"Only kids who got at least ten were supposed to get the Rock, Paper, Slither starter decks!" Alene shouted. "The kids who got less were supposed to get stickers, woof!"

"Well, we lost the stickers, remember?" Ceir cried.

"I told you to keep them in a safe place, bark!" Bop, bop. Her paws were punching up a storm.

{I'm clocking out now, bye! See you all on Tuesday!} A handwritten note cried.

"Come back here! I'm not done with you yet!" Alene cried, paws raised into the air.

"Bye, Siorc, see you on Tuesday," Eau said.

"Bye," Ceir said, bidding farewell.

Running out of the library, the naga huffed. Alene sure lost her top today! Maybe he should have looked for the stickers in the drawers or something. Dashing through the sidewalk, the world was ready to dance. Please, please let the model vehicle store still be in the city. The one near home was so lackluster. Some of those models were made out of such cheap plastic it was almost scary!

Reaching the city after a short while, the naga swore he could hear a party somewhere. Now, that's strange, no one ever celebrates anything around here. Everyone's always too busy hunting. Hold on, come to think of it, when was the last time he heard a rifle blasted today? Hmm, this morning. How weird.

Model vehicle store reached, the sound of loud rave music only got more pronounced. Strange, there really is a party here somewhere. But, where? Ah, forget it, he's here to look at the new model cars. They had to have some cool ones, right? Heading to the back of the store, Some rather strange ones awaited him.

New one on displayed labelled As Seen in the Hit Game Rock, Paper, Slither, the adult placed his finger on his chin. Just what kind of creatures were in that game anyway? Well, this one had a lot of parts, he guesses he'll buy that one. But, upon reaching the register, no one was there.

Sign at the front desk reading, check yourself out and just put the money in the jar, nothing made sense. Hold on, where is everyone? Where are the employees? Oh, no, had all the human workers been hunted and eaten? Great, wonderful! He bet all the daemonia employees quit, too. Putting the money in the jar, the snake staged his exit. Better go home now.

Slip, slip, slip.

Or, so the naga thought. Wet floor taking him away, the snake's currently human feet had become one with the ground. Something opening from underneath him, the daemonia held in a scream. Woah, woah, what did he just slip on? Dark nothing surrounding him, he closed his eyes. Oh, no, is this how he dies? So, long, world, don't let Hase become a even more renowned hunter in his abscence!

Oof.

Landing straight onto his behind, the librarian hissed. Man, that was such a large fall. He should have transformed back into full naga form to cushion the fall! Too late for that now, he guessed. Loud rave music soon ready to blast his eardrums away, a loud announcement kicked into place to burn his eardrums further.

"And, the winner is %(%#(-- and her Slithermon, Valvon Boomer!" a voice shouted.

"Bested by a human yet again!" another voice shouted. "How did they get so good at Rock, Paper, Slither?!"

"Call it survival instinct!" the human shouted.

Eyes turning towards him, the naga gulped. Oh, no, he was spotted, is he going to be turned into a nice rug decoration now? He heard some daemonia in the city hunt each other, too. This wasn't a secret hunting ground, right? Six faces locked onto him, sweat was ready to turn into scales.

"Huh? We gotta new guy on our hands, huh?" daemonia one, asked. "Listen, buddy, if you came here from the shop above, just pay in the jar, aight?"

"I dunno, maybe he's here to try Rock, Paper, Slither?" the second voice asked.

"I doubt it!" the third voice shouted.

"Same, I also doubt that!" voice four shouted.

"Is it really that hard to believe? I mean, we installed a trap door for a reason, ya know!" voice five cried.

"Yup," the sixth and final voice said.

Studying the first person, the naga drummed his hands on his currently human hip for a moment. Looking right at him with an employee uniform had been a short dark skinned panther woman with shoulder length dark blue hair. Name badge reading Uzoma, he awarded her a squint. She should be doing her job, not running some underground card game place. But, whatever. Spiky white haired otter man with pure white skin adorning an employee outfit as well, the two of them together had light blue eyes. Nametag reading, Huxian crossed out and with the name Daniel underneath, but also crossed out, he shook his head. Which one was he?

Standing to the side had been a rather odd looking scorpion daemonia with a peruke for hair. Alligator eyes on them, their employee badge read Lechi. Why does this person look like from three human centuries ago? Another scorpion daemonia next to them adorning short silver hair pulled in a bun, they had one singular fairy wing behind them. Nametag reading Mink, the naga wondered. Any relation at all to Plata? He probably shouldn't even bother to ask that, honestly. He'd definitely not get any sort of answer.

Studying the next person, the naga could feel more questions than answers ready to pop up. Looking rather angry had been a tall rabbit person with dark orange spiky hair and pure white eyes. Employee badge reading Hatsu, the snake continued to drum his fingers. So, were all of these daemonia employees here? None of them were doing their jobs, wow! Talk about lazy! But, maybe business was busting, who knows? Curly grey haired ribbon monster girl with the nametag Veje put on quite crooked, the adult reached for his sticky note pad in his back pocket.

{Okay, first of all, I paid already!} The first sticky note shouted. Scribble, scribble. {And, second, who installs a trap door right beside the exit?}

"Uh, duh, where else would we put it, like, hello?" Uzoma asked. She then sighed. "Since you fell here, I assume you're going to play Rock, Paper, Slither, right? Go on, take your deck and enter the arena."

"Pretty sure this dude doesn't have one, look at him, he's still in work clothes!" Huxian, Daniel, whatever his name was said, pointing.

"Ugh, ew, really, did you have to point that out, Daniel?!" Veje cried.

"He's going by Huxian again, remember?" Hatsu groaned.

"Daniel, Huxian, whatever, he changes his mind on his name every month!" Ribbons danced around as Veje said such.

"I thought we sealed the trap door, though?" Mink asked.

"No?! Why would we have?!" Uzoma shouted. "We've been having more people come here than ever before! Business is booming down here!"

"But, I thought you said, seal the trapdoor! We're getting too many people!" Mink cried.

"No?! No one ever said that!" Hatsu cried. "Are you deaf or somethin'?"

"Maybe a little since the rave music's been too loud!" A pincher was out as Mink shouted such.

"It's not that loud, it's perfectly fine," Huxian cried.

"Is not!" Mink shouted.

"Is too," Huxian snapped back.

Everyone arguing with one another, the adult covered his ears. Lord, these daemonia sure were loud. They were louder than the rave music in the background even. Maybe he should just climb back to the top and leave, but where was the ladder? But, hmm, maybe he should at least give this Rock, Paper, Slither game a try before he departs? After all, he fell down here.

Arguments continuing for what felt like forever, the naga could feel his transformation ready to come undone. Oh, gee! Everyone sure got along well down here, didn't they? Honestly, how did they get so many humans and daemonia alike down here with so much shouting? He couldn't hope to fathom a guess. But, the screams were soon thrown out the window with an even louder one.

"All of you, shut your traps!" Lechi shouted at the top of their lungs. "Right now! Or, I'll rip up all your card packs and feed them into the shredder!"

Everyone growing silent, the naga backed up. Wow, that quieted the crowd down pretty quickly. This Lechi person must be the boss around here. Deamonia one after another bowing an apology, questions had come his way one after another. Did he have any card packs, a deck? Scribbling away, he could feel his sticky notepad close to running out of sheets. Ah, great, he really should have bought some more.

{No, I don't have a deck, I only heard of this game recently, honestly.} A sticky note said.

"Tch, I thought a librarian like you would be on top of the hip and happening around here!" Lechi shouted. "Sis, hurry up and make him a deck!"

"On it!" Mink cried. "Should I give him some handicaps?"

"Why would you do that?" Uzoma asked. "There's literally instructions on how to play on the walls everywhere!"

"Ya really haven't heard about this game?!" Hatsu cried. "How?! Ya work in a place with humans all the time!"

"Libraries are quiet places, remember?" Huxian asked. "And, besides, I've seen this dude before. He lives in the side of town where most daemonia only care about hunting humans and nothing else."

"Really?! Ew," Veje gagged.

"Gross, daemonia that only care 'bout huntin' are the worst!" Hatsu shouted.

"Hatsu, that's at least eighty nine percent of daemonia," Huxian whispered.

Mink flapping back in with a set of cards, the adult looked down as the hard pieces of plastic were dropped down into his currently human palms. Hold on a second, the first card, that's a Siberique! Woah, that's a premium car brand! What is this card game? Studying the other cards for a moment, his heart fluttered.

Every single car related to vehicles in some way, his heart fluttered again. Woah, where was this game his whole life? If he had known about this sooner, he would have played it! But, oh well, he knows about it now. Maybe he should have paid more attention to the chatter around from his patrons at the library. Guess he'll start doing that in four days when he's on schedule again.

Reading over the rules, the librarian placed his fingers on his chin. So, this game is called Rock, Paper, Slither because the dice are three different colors? He sees. So, the brown one that has four sides is the rock one, the white one that has six is the paper one. Does that mean the green one that has ten is slither? Maybe.

Eyeballing the dice rules, a wave of confusion flowed through the naga. So, after the dice are rolled, cards can be summoned and are given a level value. But, attacks are determined by random disks with the rock, paper and snake on them? How did that work? He guesses he'll find out in a minute or two. Reading the win conditions, nothing made sense there, either. First person to deplete the opponent's ten points wins? How is that determined? Is it how many matching symbols one gets or damage dealt?

"If you've read the rules, go step into the arena, and you'll fight Mink for your trial run," Uzoma said.

"Why me?!" Mink cried.

"You're a beginner!" Uzoma shouted. "Just go!"

"Fine!" Stomp, stomp, stomp.

Heading to the arena, the naga gulped. Is he going to be able to play this game properly? Maybe not. Honestly, the rules seemed kind of out there. But, he supposed he would understand it as went along. Mink standing on the other side, a coin had been seated in the palm of her hands. Tossing is down, she soon made an announcement.

"Well, it's heads, so, you'll summon first," Mink said. "If your dice roll ends up between a one and fifteen, you take low level cards, sixteen to twenty, medium level and twenty one to thirty, a high level card. Good luck!"

Rules explained to him, the naga did a double take. Did he misunderstand how the dice worked? Guess all the rolls here were on ten sided ones, then. So, the disks are the only part of this that was rock, paper, slither? Alright, then, he think he understands. Rolling the dice, they soon revealed his fate.

"Tch, a seventeen," human one in the audience said. "Bet this dude's gonna lose."

"Totally, I think so too," human two said.

Cards automatically placing themselves into low, medium, high, energy and discard squares, the adult walked towards the medium slot. Summoning a monster truck, something really weird happened. Vehicle appearing on the battlefield, the snake fell on the ground. Woah, wait, huh? The card monsters come to life?! What is this riveting technology?

"The naga fell over, he scared of sumthin'?!" human one asked.

"Aren't naga supposed to be like, skilled fearless hunters?" human two asked. "Ha. He scared of a little monster truck!"

"Guess it's my turn now," Mink cried. "Here goes, dice, give me luck!"

Number projected on a screen in the corner, sweat poured down the naga's cheek. Uh, is Mink going to be alright? She rolled a four. How is that even possible? Did she weight her dice to give her low rolls at first? He had no idea, but if she was, that's totally not cool. They have to do this fair and square.

"Well, guess we both have bad luck, then," Mink said, sighing. "But, I'll wipe the floor with you with this card!"

Vroom, vroom.

Brightly painted pink Valvot monster in the arena, the naga's eyes sparkled. Oh, gosh, look at this thing! It looks like the model one he made at home! Oh, gosh, he almost wants to lose this fight, it's too pretty to fight! But, no, it's probably just a hologram. It'll be fine, right? No real model cars will be harmed, surely.

"Okay, since you're new here, you can go first!" Mink cried. "Since you rolled a seventeen, your monster's level is that." She then rose her hands in the air. "And, now! Bring out the disks!"

"You forgot them again?! I can't believe you!" Lechi shouted.

"Ha, forgetful Mink as always!" human one shouted. "Here, take them!"

Disks dropped into a circular spot on the board, information had come his way. Told that he is to take one per turn, further rules had threw themselves into the mix. So, rock means attack, paper means defense, what does slither mean? Oh, spell. So, monsters have three kinds of ways to shape the battle, he sees. Here goes.

"Paper!" an announcement shouted.

"Tch, except monster truck's defenses are super low, haha, say goodbye! He's going to lose immediately!" human one shouted.

Mink picking up a slither disk, the naga ducked for cover. Oh, no is it game over already? This isn't good! But, such worries were dashed. Car headlight magic only doing about half, no points were lost, at least for now. Crowd looking towards him, the next order of business had come his way for everyone to hear.

"Okay, it's now time for your second turn!" Mink shouted. "Roll the dice!" She then trailed off for a moment. "By the way, after two turns, your first monster is discarded. See that number in the corner? That two means two uses."

"You were supposed to explain that at the beginning of the game!" Uzoma shouted.

"Yeah," Huxian said.

"You know Mink, she forgets everything," Veje said shaking her head.

"Yeah, she ain't rememberin' nuttin!" Hatsu cried.

"Bro, like, you forget everything, too," the human said. "Like when you forgot to ring up my order?"

"Everyone, shut up and watch the game!" Lechi screeched.

Rolling a twenty five, the adult took a card from the high level box. Super large sports utility vehicle on the battlefield, the naga's eyes sparkled again. Woah, this one was so cool?! Reading what this card did, he gulped. Wow, this one does a lot of damage when attacking. Five points if the unit isn't defending? Wild.

Mink rolling a medium level station wagon card, a rock disk had been summoned. Uh, wow, maybe he'll win? Guess he'll see. Other side also rolling a rock disk, both sides took some damage. Crowd chanting for Mink to cream him, he growled. Come on, have a little faith in him here! He'll never get applause like this, will he?

Monster truck leaving the battlefield, the naga studied the number on this next card. Three turns, huh? So, the higher the level, the more turns it gets to stay on the field? Maybe. Guess he'll find out soon enough. Next dice roll taking place, a low roll had come his way. Dang, he might lose sooner than he thought.

"Haha, a horse drawn carriage? Tch, go home, librarian, this will end you!" a human cried.

"I mean, Mink got the motorwagen, it's not looking good for her, either," human two cried.

"Dang, we both got pretty bad rolls, and I'm down to five points, maybe you'll win," Mink said. "Well, guess I'm taking my disk first this time, here goes."

Slither disk taken, the naga could hardly believe what skills the motorwagen had. Draw energy from the type's this card is weak to? What? And, the second one, do damage equal to the card's attack? Weird. Rolling a rock disk, he tried to familiarize himself with the rules once more.

Eyeballing that the opponent only takes damage if the card's level and or attack or defense values are higher than the opposing for attack, and lower for defense, the snake sighed. Well, looks like the attack is higher here than the motorwagen. But, by how much? A difference of ten. Looking at the damage calculation rules, he shrugged. Ah, so only one, unless the attack states otherwise how much it would do outright, got it.

Game continuing on for quite awhile, the duo had been on their last slither of health. Hands looking ready to fade, the daemonia groaned. Ugh, only two hours left until he's back into full naga form. Maybe he should redo his transformation soon? Hmm, no, he's probably leaving after this game anyway. No damage done for turns on end, Mink yawned.

"Well, we're about to reach turn thirty, it would seem," Mink yawned. "Can't believe we keep getting low rolling units who don't do any damage to the player. We're really getting unlucky here!"

"Tch, I could have beaten this noob thirty times by now already!" human one shouted.

"Yeah, yeah, me too!" human two shouted.

"Sigh, well, you go first," Mink said, yawning. "But, if neither of us win next turn, I'm gonna just resign, kay? I'm supposed to be sleepin' by now!"

"Since when?!" human one cried.

"You know Mink, her sleeping mechanism kicks in at random, maybe it's a good thing she doesn't hunt us!" human two shouted.

Rolling the dice, the naga's jaw dropped at what number waited for him. Woah, woah, woah, woah, wait, is he seeing things, a thirty? Wow. Picking a high level card, the most amazingly beautiful creature waited for him. Oh, gosh, he can't believe it, A Super Squeezy Delivery Truck! He's always wanted to buy a model truck of that, but they're always sold out.

Mink getting a low roll, the adult rolled a slither disk. Mink taking her last bit of damage, a spotlight had shown over him. Woah, wait, he won? He really did it? That game was so much fun. He needed to come down to this secret trapdoor again at some point. But, would he have time for something like that? Well, he only worked four days a week anyway, maybe he would.

"Good game," Mink said. "I had fun!" She then extended her hand. "Let's shake on it."

Shaking the scorpion's pincher, the adult wondered. He really should come back here. Humans and daemonia fought each other in cards here instead of hunting, and there was no talk about meat here. Should he sign up for a membership? That sounded enticing. Reaching for his sticky note pad, he scribbled away.

{Good game. Would it be alright if I join this club?} A sticky note asked.

"Sure, fine with me!" Mink cried. "Would you like to sign up for the tournament, too? We need a another player anyway."

{When does that start?} A sticky note asked. He then turned to another one. {I'm usually free in the late evenings and the weekends.}

"In the winter, I think?" Hatsu asked. "If ya plan on joinin' us, put your name on the list here."

{Okay.} A sticky note said.

Scribbling his name down, the naga returned the cards he borrowed. But, he had soon been told to keep them. He should totally buy some booster packs whenever he gets the chance alongside some model trucks. That would be cool. Lechi soon locking eyes with him, something had been thrown his way.

"Here, take your member's badge!" Lechi shouted. "Now, go home, you look like you're about to go back to that gross snake form of yours!"

"Lechi, how can you say that when you're in scorpion form right now?" Mink asked.

"Nagas are slimy and get the floor wet!" Lechi shouted. "Now, go, shoo!"

"What they mean to say is come back any time when you're not working, loser librarian," Huxian said, sighing. "Well, winner, I guess."

"Yeah, I guess what Daniel said," Uzoma said, shrugging. "Now, go."

"Bye, bye!" Veje cried.

Climbing up the ladder, the daemonia hurried home. Transformation coming undone, the snake sighed. Back in full naga form again, groan. Sister munching on human steak again, he tried to look away. Can she eat that stuff in her room, please? Housemates munching away too, he covered his ears, do not try to get him involved in their feast please, thanks.

"Why are you home so late? We're eating our game without you, so make yourself something!" Hase shouted.

{I was playing Rock, Paper, Slither.} A sticky note said.

"Ugh, that game, meow," Yara said, rolling her eyes. "Can't you have normal hobbies like making weapons or something?"

"I told you he's horrible at that, remember?" Plata asked. She then sighed. "I've been hearing that game is super popular lately, don't know why. Daemonia should just focus on hunting!"

"Yeah, or making weapons!" Hase shouted. "Everyone at work won't shut up about that stupid game!"

{Maybe if you had a real hobby, you'd find joy in something for once in your life! Whatever, I'm going to bed, goodnight!} A sticky note shouted.

"Hmph, bye then! And, don't ask for Rock, Paper Slither packs for your birthday this year, I won't buy you a single one!" A grunt.

Slumping down on his bed, the naga groaned. As usual, his sister and housemates had no whimsy in life. But, who cares? This card game was so cool, he's definitely going to aim to become a pro at this in the future! Closing his eyes, he could feel himself ready to have speedy car dreams any second now.

Welcome to the underground rock, paper, slither club.

Member number two hundred.

Yeah, this is like... reverse Promised Neverland, maybe, I don't know. Keep in mind I was not inspired by this at all when writing this, and the plot of this story came to me in the shower. Originally, I thought Naga Siorc would be one of the more evil existences because of the facial expressions made, but that ended up being performative in the end. Which means all the art I am drawing of Naga Siorc is just him looking evil for the cameras? As for the card game portion of this, it's not really inspired by any real life one in particular, so the rules were a little weird. I wrote Wixoss in 2024, and that ended up being fun, but this was a bit go all out and just do whatever.

In any case, here's Naga Siorc. I know this isn't all that super fantastic looking, but I tried.

Next week is Jellyfish Princess Siorc, which might need to to have a small name change. Though, I guess it's another Siorc that lives underwater and is a humanoid jellyfish royalty. We'll see how things turn out.

Palamon · Feb 27, 2026

Yet another one that's not fandom, but if you squint, it might remind you of the Little Mermaid? Regardless, I was not inspired by it while writing this at all. Anyway, what's this one about? A race of jellyfish people live in the Great Barrier Reef, but the arch princess isn't allowed to do anything! So, he goes on an adventure with some of his friends to look for the legendary helicoptaire that sunk to the bottom a shipwreck.

Content warnings are as follows: some mild crude language, and depictions of hurling. So tw: emeto.

Jellynius's Code Black Crisis

"Sigh, hello there,
I guess. I
Guess I
Have to introduce myself.

Haha, but why? I'm not
Especially a talker,
You know?
Agh, well, whatever.

Name's Siorc Ingne. I'm
A Jellyfolk, in other words, a jellyfish person, I
Might look like a human with stingers or whatever, but I'm
Especially not a human.
So, I am the crowned princess underneath the

Sea. Arch Princess,
If you will. My kingdom is
Over by the Great Barrier
Reef. But I'm basically the
Crowned princess in name only.

Can't do anything around here! Don't get to
Run the
Ocean. My parliament took over everything.
What do I get to do?
Nothing. Nothing,
Ever. I just have to sit
Down in my throne

And look pretty. They all
Run the show
Cause they're afraid I'll die from my genetic err
History or whatever. Right so, I'm only

Princess in title only. Everyone else
Rules for me and
Ignores the problems going on. I ask if they'll let me do my job? They say,
No, princess, you
Can't, you're
Especially too fragile for
Such a thing! Listen, I'm not
Sick. I take my medicine. My sister and brother

Only died because theirs was
Far more severe

Than mine. But, haha,
Ha, nope. No matter how many times I
End up painting, I'm fine, they

Get all nervous like I'm one day away from
Rotting! I'm not
Especially unwell
At the moment, gosh, I'm
Two hundred years old, and I'm

Completely fine!
Oh, well, since I can't
Rule my own nation, I
Am basically nothing more than a
Little trophy in the throne

Room. So, I decided I'd go
Exploring whenever my parliament
Ends up telling me
Frolic around

And look pretty. They
Keep telling me
All the time just look

Pretty. So, recently, I
Absolutely had enough. They all treat me like a
Child, and
I'm sick of it! So, in the
Flick of a stinger,
I decided enough is enough. I
Couldn't live like that anymore.

Okay, so where did I go?
Come on, now!
Everyone knows
All the way down here there's plenty of
Nooks

And crannies to

Journey through!
Err, so I often
Look for sunken ships,
Look for sunken treasure, and
Yes, even
Fallen bones of those lost!
I found something
Super cool last time! A,
Hmm, the humans call it a

Propeller, I think?
Err, some super
Round thing called a helicopter
Sunk down to the bottom of the
Ocean recently!
Not sure what that is,

But Doctor Jiaolong said it's
Uh, a
Thing humans fly

In! Speaking of humans, something is
Mighty fishy with those

Robust beings.
Oops, that was a pun,
Yikes.
Anyway, I feel
Like the ocean has gotten
Too warm. Been hearing rumblings something is going on, but
Yikes, as usual,

I'm not allowed to do anything!
Nothing at all.

Not a single thing,
Agh. They tell
Me, 'please don't push yourself, my liege,
Everything is fine!'

Of course though, it's
Not fine.
Look, I know
You guys are hiding

It all from
Me! Ugh,

Just let me do something. But,
Ugh, of course not.
Simply put,
They won't let me do

A single thing. Not even the

Little things.
I don't get it, I
Truly don't.
They need to see I'm not a
Little sickly jelly!
Everything is fine.

They don't get
It. They may as well be the princess,
Not me.
Yikes, well

Things are just
Rotten
Over here.
Pretty rotten over
Here. Totally rotten,
Yup. Sigh. I'll do something anyway. Parliament, I'm breaking your leash!"

It had been an oddly warm day beneath the sea in the undersea jellyfolk kingdom hidden within the Great Barrier Reef in the Pacific Ocean. The young jellyfolk were swimming to their schools for the day, the adult jellyfolk were heading to work for the day. It was yet another great dawn for the people of Jellynius.

Actually, that was a lie. A bold, faced lie. A falsehood the royal family wanted everyone to believe. Alright, rewind, rewind the, what was that thing the humans in that weird placed called Australia called it? Oh, right, a tape. Alright, rewind, rewind the tape, show everyone the truth the stupid parliament is trying to hide from everyone.

It had been a disgustingly and dangerously warm day beneath the sea in the undersea jellyfolk kingdom within the Great Barrier Reef in the Pacific Ocean. The young jellyfolk were coughing up a storm as they swam to their schools for the day. The adult jellyfolk were struggling to keep up with the workload at their jobs for the millionth time this week. It was yet another declining dawn for the people of Jellynius. And, today would finally be the day a certain crowned Arch Princess would find out the truth that had been hidden for quite a long time.

Knock, knock, knock, knock, knock, knock.

Groan.

Hearing a knock from the other side of the private quarters had been a short, feminine appearing young adult humanoid jellyfish person with long dark purple jelly like hair that went down to about the waist. Pearly pink skin looking rather pale, the jellyfolk adorned thick wooly, uh, what did the humans up above in that place called Australia call these things? Oh, right, pajamas. Sleepwear filled to the brim with dark pink stingers everywhere, the young adult groaned. Oh, great, here come the noise. Reaching for a mirror, the arch princess locked eyes with the reflection for a moment.

Tired as ever face looking back at the seafolk, the jellyfolk yawned. Better grab some concealer before that accursed doctor could show up. Sigh, as if that'd ever work, though. Everyone sees through everything in this accursed castle. Mismatched purple and green eyes looking dull and dead as usual, the young adult nearly dropped the mirror as the bangs on the other side continued on for what felt like forever.

"Princess, come on, wake up!" voice one said. "The doctor will be here any minute!"

"You know that won't get his attention!" voice two said, it was deep, masculine. "Siorc, get up right now!"

"I'll have you know that won't work, either!" voice three cried. It had a heavy accent. "Siorc, get off your rump right now and get ready! The physician will be here any minute!"

"No, don't yell at him! What if his poison kicks in and kills him from the shock!?" voice one cried.

"You're right, we probably shouldn't yell, Runi, that could happen," voice two said.

"How else will he hear us if we do not raise our voices, hmm? You tell me!" voice three shouted.

Groan.

Physician mentioned, the jellyfolk rolled his eyes towards the bubbly ceiling. Why did that doctor have to come do an examination once every two months? He's fine, first of all. Those capsules thingies or whatever have kept his poisons in check. And, second, he's very healthy, thank him very much. Unlike his siblings, he's still alive! He'll beat the genetic odds. He could have sworn he thought he told to lower the doctors visits to once every six months, but do they listen? No, no one ever does that sort of thing around here.

"You don't think he died in his sleep, did he?!" Runi shouted. "Should we open the door?"

"You're ridiculous, of course he didn't!" voice two shouted. "Knowing him, he's still sleeping!"

"Robin is correct, Runi, you are overreacting," voice three said.

"I am not, Baron! How could you say that?!" Runi cried. "That's it, I'm opening the door!"

Doorknob turning, the arch princess buried himself beneath the covers. Oh, great, here she comes. The one, the only, the most annoying member of the entire royal cabinet, Runi. Can't she see he's trying to sleep here? Forget all of this nonsense and go back to yelling at diplomats, or something about this and that.

Running towards him with a frantic look on her face had been a tell light green skinned jellyfolk with cat ears on the top of her head. Long green flowing mint green jelly ponytail looking ready to fall off from the shock, the arch princess wanted to bury his head even further underneath the covers. Here comes Runi, ready to make up whatever excuse she can to bump up the physician meeting even earlier.

"Oh my goodness, look at those deep dark circles under his eyes!" Runi shouted. "He's dying, we have to call the physician right now!"

"By the lords above! He's not dying!" Robin shouted, stingers up in the air. "He just woke up!"

Jumping into the room with a high sense of justice in the air had been a tall, humanoid light grey skinned jellyfolk man with long black jelly hair that reached about the buttocks. Small portion pulled up into a ponytail, he had wings made out of stingers. Uh, what were those creatures that lived up there in the human world? Right, hawks. The seafolk never quite understood why Robin's stingers looked like that. But, he supposed all jellyfolk took on a shape of their own. Sharp golden eyes looking ready to eat the soul, he sighed. Fight back a little harder, please? Also, why's he wearing military clothes again? Sigh.

"But, what if his poisons are welling up inside him ready to stage a kill?!" Runi cried. "He might be dying!"

"I can't believe her, it's early morning!" Baron cried. "You complain about being tired the moment you wake up from your bed chamber!"

Sliding into the room had been a short androgynous jellyfolk that had short, straight laced jelly golden hair that went down to about the shoulders. Strange flame shaped eyebrows on the top of the head, beneath had been burning orange eyes about ready to catch on fire. Monocle over the left one, they adorned fluffy royal attire. Stingers on the sides of their arms, the young adult clapped his hands together. Please, Baron, talk sense into Runi right now!

"That's totally different!" Runi cried, hands on the side of her face. "I'm not one bad poison day away from dying!"

Annoying d word coming everyone's way again, the arch princess reached for the paint book. For sea lord's sake, when will his royal cabinet get the message already? He's not dying, he's totally fine, thank him very much. How many times does he have to say it until she understands? One hundred, one thousand? A million? He'll go with googol plex. Stroking the thin brush, words had been dabbed onto the paper.

/For sea lord's sake, I'm not dying, alright? I just woke up, lay off of me!/ A painted picture cried.

"Your brother and sister said the same thing, and look at them! Are they here with us now?!" Runi cried.

Pesky Runi bringing those long gone into the conversation yet again, the jellyfolk rolled his eyes. Dear sea lord, stop that already. He's not his former brother, nor his sister, come on now. Quit acting like he's a damsel who's one cough away from collapsing. He could never understand what goes through her head.

/And I told you hundreds of times now I'm not my brother and sister! I'm fine, alright? Now, leave me alone until the doctor comes!/ A painted picture cried.

"Your sister said the same thing!" Runi cried. "You can never be too careful!"

"You're making everything worse, Runi! Just leave him alone, got it?" Robin demanded.

"Fine, I'll go! But, if anything happens, I'll be right here, you hear me?!" Runi cried, swimming away.

"Whatever will we do with her?" Baron asked, palm on the side of their temple. "Anyway, Your Highness, hurry to the medical wing before she comes back and blows another gasket! The doctor will be here any minute!"

Pesky parliament swimming away, the young adult threw the covers back with a loud groan. Can these three ever look and see the truth before their very eyes? No? He didn't think so. How long is Runi going to act like he's one day away from being old news? He swears, it's all an act. But, it's not like anything Robin and Baron said would ever reach her anyway. They need to try harder.

Floating off towards the medical wing, the jellyfolk almost wanted to turn around. Every sixty days he has to be in this room, and every time he is, all the reminders sit in. He's stuck in this tower every time he's not out exploring. They had to have built all these facilities in here so he never thinks about leaving. Well, too bad, they can't keep him here forever. Remove the chains, please.

Reaching the doctor's office, the seafolk groaned. Oh, great, the doctor was here already. Runi called him to come here early with the same noise as always, 'doctor, please come early, he's dying, dying, I tell you!' Why does everyone take her seriously? By the sea lord, he needs to fire this jellywoman already. But, every time she tries, she refuses to leave, sigh.

Sitting in the corner of the medical facility had been a tall humanoid jellyfolk with glassy white skin and panda ears on the top of his head. Silky short silver hair on the top of his head, cut off by the tome had been a small braid. Stingers touching the ground, he had a red button down shirt and white, what did the humans call them again? Oh, right, jeans. Honestly, how does he wear those things when his stingers were on his hips? Doctor Jiaolong was a mystery to him.

Studying the book for a moment, the young adult lowered his eyes into a squint. He was reading one of those weird ones again. What was this one called? Uh, Tale of the Water Railroad, or something. Hadn't Doctor Jiaolong migrated here from the Yellow Sea or something due to some displacement, or whatever? Yes, he believed so. Whatever. Stepping into the room, he could feel it. He's going to bring up the usual nonsense.

"Good morning, princess," Doctor Jiaolong said. "How are you feeling today?"

/Please, don't call me princess, I'm just a trophy. And, can we please reduce your visits to half a year like I asked last time? I'm doing fine. The medicine is doing what it's supposed to. You can back home now./ A painted picture asked.

"Goodness, you know we can't do that," Doctor Jiaolong said, shaking his head. "Your cabinet simply will not allow it." He put the book down after he said such. "Now, I'm going to do an examination, I promise it will go by quickly, alright?"

/Do we really have to do this? I told you, I'm fine. And, besides, I have somewhere I have to be today./ A painted picture said.

"Oh, really, do you now? Do tell." There was a wave of intrigue in the doctor's voice.

/I'm going on an adventure today. My friends and I are looking for uh, what was it called again? A helycoptaire, or something that fell onto a sunken ship./ A painted picture said.

"I see, well, let me do an examination first, alright?" Doctor Jiaolong asked in a gentle tone. "Then you can go on your adventure."

Seating himself on the examination table, the seafolk groaned. As if this would be quick and painless. Is it ever? Why can't they reduce these visits to once every six months like he asked? His poison levels and vitals were normal, thank him very much! But no, no one ever listens to him, he may as well be invisible.

Tight bag soon on his arm, the seafolk tried to not flinch. Quick and painless, huh? Agh. Please, don't insert that shiny thing again, he's begging. Thin, pointy creature jabbed into his vein, he closed his eyes. Please, please let this all be over. Why couldn't he have just been born a normal jellyfish instead of a jellyfolk? No blood, no brains, no heart, no thoughts, just swim, move, and sting those humans up in that Australia place up above.

Pesky, what was it called again? Oh, right, the humans called it a, uh, macheen, mahsheen? Oh, machine. Right, machine. He swears, he always forgets, whatever. Machine in the corner of the room whining, he held in the urge to sigh. Just tell him everything's normal so he can swim along, please! But, nope, time for a few more tests, sigh.

Hour or so passing, fatigue was ready to eat the jellyfolk alive. Please, he's begging here, no more pokey things? This is why he asked to have his examinations moved to once every half a year instead! But, does anyone listen to him? Nope, they never do. And, they never would. Even if the doctor said he's free of poison, he'd be on this leash forever, he bet.

"Well, your poison levels seem to be quite low," Doctor Jiaolong said. "Far lower than they were last time. And, your vitals seem to be relatively normal."

/See? So the medication is working. I'm so healthy, it's almost scary. Can I go now?/ A painted picture asked.

"You may, have fun on your adventure," Doctor Jiaolong said. "But, try not to push yourself too hard, alright?"

/Tell my cabinet that I want our visits changed to once every half a year!/ A painted picture cried.

"Dear me, stubborn on that point as always," Doctor Jiaolong responded, shaking his head. "I'm going to speak to your cabinet and see what I can do. Have fun now."

Zoom.

Dashing back towards his room for a moment, the seafolk quickly got changed. Dark pink sleeveless dress soon on him, his stingers had moved off towards the bottom of his skirt. Yes, perfect, this is the best outfit to wear on an adventure! Hair pulled into two stringy pigtails, his jelly locks practically danced. Now, he's talking, he's a gem! Matching jellyfish hairpins and earrings to match, he took a leap. So long, prison, bye bye!

Zoom.

Swimming towards the door, the jellyfolk made a jet stream for it. Now's his chance to get out of here! Grabbing a ham jelly sandwich before he departed, he crossed his shoulder stingers. Please, let Runi stay distracted for a moment longer, he's begging. It's not like he had any royal trophy nonsense to attend to today. No one's been showing up asking for an audience lately! Here goes, three, two, one.

"Siorc, if you're going on an adventure, you have to leave quieter," Baron whispered. "Or Runi will find out."

Turning the doorknob as quietly as possible, the young adult bolted out. Freedom, sweet, sweet beautiful freedom! Racing towards the pink, excuse him, white coral, he giggled. Finally, he's out of that prison for the morning! Where were his pals again? Oh, right, they're by the big coral reef! Better pedal to the medal!

But, as the jellyfolk swam about, he couldn't help but notice something rather odd. Was it just him, or had a lot of the seafolk been coughing an awful lot? And, what is that gross black thing dropping down here? Maybe it's a new species of fish? Perhaps. He'll look into it later. Better hurry before his pals are gone!

Water awfully warm today as the big reef grew ever so closer, the arch princess broke into a sweat. What's going on? It sure is sweltering today. And, is it just him, or had the coral lost even more color? Something's a bit fishy about that. Should he do something about it? But, he sighed at such. As if his cabinet would let him do anything himself.

Weird black thingies continuing to fall everywhere a disgusting stench filled the air. Ick, why does it smell like rotten food everywhere? And, why do so many jellyfolk look a little green today in the distance? Maybe he should stop going on an adventure for today? Nah, he can't keep his friends waiting, he's almost at the big reef! Swimming faster, those four faces soon awaited.

"Woah," voice one said, words slow.

"Siorc's here," voice two said, words slow.

"He escaped prison, yay," voice three said, words slow.

"Yay," voice four said, words slow, words uh, what's the word again? Robotic. Words slow and robotic.

Floating beside the great barrier reef had been four nearly identical jellyfolk with cat ears on the top of their heads. Long brown haired bob cuts on all of them, the only difference between the quartet had been their eyes colors. Furthest one from the left having red pupils, the arch princess waved. Lala's looking pretty sharp today. How was she born a robot jellfolk, though? That, he'll never know. Blue eyed carbon copy next to her looking rather sleepy, he yawned. Lolo is tired as usual, huh? Yawn. Golden eyed jellyfolk nearly looking energetic, he tried to pump himself up. Well, if Lili's raring to go, he should be, too! Bronze eyed copy floating on her back, he stayed put. Lulu really wants to go see that helycoptaire thing, huh?

/Yup, I finally escaped that infernal prison! You ready to go to the sunken ship?/ A painted picture asked.

"Yeah," Lala said, words slow.

"Totally," Lolo said, words slow.

"Let's go, let's go," Lili said, words slow.

"The ship is this way," Lulu said, words slow.

Mirror copy girls already swimming off as fast as possible, the explorer tried to catch up. Woah, the girls sure are ready today! Why did their stingers have to be, uh, what was the human word for that again? Oh, right, rockets! Ugh, why can't humans come down here more often? He's starting to forget all the words they taught him when he was younger! Ugh, that was so long ago now.

But as the ship grew ever so closer, those black fishy things rained down faster than he could keep up with. Multiple jellyfolk coughing up a storm and letting it loose, the arch princess's eyes opened wide. What's going on here? Something's not right here. Has the parliament said anything about this? No, of course they haven't. They practically run the entire kingdom! He bets if they found out, they were keeping it a secret. Why, he oughta.

"Oh no," Lala said, words slow.

"Lots of garbage again today," Lolo said, words slow.

"Much more than last time," Lili said, words slow.

"Why?" Lulu asked, words slow.

Word garbage thrown out into the open, a shock shot down the young adult's spine. Is that what those big black fishy things are? What's garbage? Whatever it is, it sounded really bad, that's for sure. Was it some new predator that preys on jellyfolk? He needs to do something about this right now! He's the crowned princess for crying out loud.

/What's garbage?/ A painted picture asked.

"Tell you later," Lala said, words slow.

"The ship's here," Lolo said, words slow.

"Ship, ship," Lili said, words slow.

"Yay, yay, here's the ship," Lulu said, words slow.

Super big rotten sunken ship locking eyes with him, the explorer swam down to the bottom. Here it is, the S.S. Tank! That's what that squiggly human stuff said, right? He believed so. Woah, the hole to the bottom is so big! Did that helycoptaire thing fall here? Please, he's been waiting so long to see that thing with his own eyes!

Lots of shinies everywhere, the jellyfolk's eyes glowed. Woah, woah, there's so many sunken treasures here! But, wait, there's those weird black fish things here as well! What were they called again, oh right, garbage. What's garbage? He'll deal with that later. Here helycoptaire, helycoptaire, helycoptaire, come out, come out wherever they are!

Robo jelly quartet swimming around, the seafolk found something super duper shiny. Glowing really teeny tiny trident thingy discovered, his stingers nearly tickled the thing. Oh, gosh, what's this thing called again? Oh, right, a fork! So cool! So, humans didn't have to eat anything with their raw hands? Why can't the sea lord invent these thingies too? He can build machines and stuff, but not these fork thingies? Come on!

Circular thing discovered as well, the young adult's eyes continued to shimmer. Wowie, he found one of those spoon thingies, too! So, human boats had kitchens, then? Wonder how this ship got all the way down here? Okay, stop dawdling, it's time to find that helycoptaire thing! Swimming off towards what felt like hundreds of cabins, he soon heard the noise he had been waiting for.

Beep.

"Found it!" Lala cried, words slow.

"It's in here!" Lolo cried, words slow.

"Jet, jet!" Lili cried, words slow.

"Super big helicopter!" Lulu cried, words slow.

Zoom.

Speeding off towards the robo jellyfolks, the young adult sped up his swimming speed. Oh, gosh, they found the helycoptaire already? Wowie, he needs to see this thing! Reaching an even deeper room in a hole beside a rotting bed, the seafolk's eyes were ready to glow. There it is, the helycoptaire thingie!

Rather large boxy, what was that word the humans used again? Oh, right, vehicle, ahem. Super boxy black vehicle with rectangular blades at the top looking ready to spin, spin spin, there was something attached to the broken vessel that shook the world, and then some. Wait, that black garbage fish thing is at the bottom on this thing! How did this get here?!

/Wow, this helycoptaire is super cool! I can't believe you finally found it, everyone!/ A painted picture cried.

But, there had been a long silence as the bots read the words on his painting book. Wait, did he paint something wrong just now? The girls really wanted to find this helycoptaire thingy! Why do they seem like they regret that now all of sudden? Something's definitely not right here. Should he apologize?

/Is something wrong?/ A painted picture asked.

"Helicopter is a drone," Lala said, words slow.

"A garbage drone," Lolo said, words slow.

"Super big garbage drone," Lili said, words slow.

"Very bad," Lulu said, words slow.

Word garbage floating around once again, the arch princess blinked. There it was again, garbage. What is garbage anyway? It was probably some sort of new predator fish or something. And, what's a drone? Isn't this thing a helycoptaire? The explorer didn't know, maybe he should ask about it.

/Alright, can you all tell me what garbage is, please? What does this helycoptaire have to do with it?/ A painted picture asked.

But, such had been met with an eyes closed motion. Uh, is there something wrong? Please, tell him what this garbage thingy is! Pretty please? He needs to know what it is and take action on it! This is his kingdom, for crying out loud! Bot jelly's eyes glowing, a large square had begun to float on the water, for a moment.

"Garbage is waste often dumped into bags by humans of unwanted objects such as rotting food, old clothes, and animal refuse," Lala said, words slow.

"It is often placed into garbage bins for disposal, but there is a human phenomenon known as litter where humans toss their garbage bags, on the ground, in the sea, or sometimes, out in space," Lolo said, words slow.

"But, in recent years, humans have begun attaching their garbage to drones and controlling them to bring their waste down to the bottom of the ocean," Lili said, words slow.

"As there is a huge waste problem on the surface, the humans have gone to the effort to eliminate their garbage through other means. No matter the cost or what might be effected," Lulu said, words slow.

Wooooooooooooooooooh, pop.

Sea of information coming his way, the young adult's eyes opened wide. Oh, no, that sounds bad. How could humans do such a thing?! They've been down here before from that Australia place! Don't they know there's an entire kingdom down here of jellyfolk and even some merfolk? Well, the merfolk was far outside his jurisdiction, but even still! They've been down here! How could they do such a thing?

Staring at the helycoptaire, excuse him, drone, he sighed. How many of these drone thingies have come down here lately? He needs to go meet with some his people right now! Why in the world didn't his cabinet say a word about this? Are they even dealing with this at all? This is what he gets for going to the opposite side of the ocean for the past few adventures! Oh, no, oh, no.

/Girls, I need to see some of the citizens! Take me to the fishkin bar!/ A painted picture cried.

"No," Lala said, words slow.

"It's closed," Lolo said, words slow.

"We will take you to the community center," Lili said, words slow.

"Let's go, let's go," Lulu said, words slow.

Following from behind, the seafolk shrugged. Well, he supposed bot jellyfolk knew best. He may as well go to the community center. He wanted to go there so many times, but, no! Runi always cried, 'but what if he gets too much exercise and his poison kills him from the stress,' whenever he asked. Ugh, can she be any more tiresome? Yes, of course she can.

Reaching the community center rather quickly, the arch princess couldn't help but notice. So many jellykin were coughing and hacking. And, some looked even greener than the others. He needs to order a widespread cleansing project as soon as possible. But, he bets it'll be rejected immediately, won't it? He'll have to find a way to get around that stupid wall.

Entering, the bot jellies guided him towards a group of four rather odd looking jellyfolk he had never seen before. Pale faces locking eyes with him looking ready to blow their tops, his chest fluttered. The denizens of Jellynius sure weren't happy to see him. Well, what was he expecting? To them, he was probably a spoiled princess who did absolutely nothing but sit on his throne and eat sea grapes!

"Why's the good for nothing arch princess here?" a voice asked.

"I know right, like, why dude?" another voice asked.

"Urgh, I'm gonna hurl, hold on," the third voice said.

"Can it like, wait a second?" the fourth voice said.

"Ulp, nope, sorry." Hurk.

Third jellyfolk hunching over, a horrific noise filled the community center. Rancid scent filling the air, a chunky pool burned the room. Covering his eyes, robo jellyfolk came quickly. Huffing a weak breath, the seafolk tried to stop himself from returning such action in kind. Why does it feel like his sammy is going to fall out of him any second now?

"Sorry, I'm so sorry," the third voice cried, stingers covering the face. "I'm so sorry."

"It's fine, man, the stink fell straight on you this morning," the second voice said.

Studying the quartet for a moment, the walls were about to crack. Floating furthest to the left had been a short jellyfolk woman with stringy light brown hair pulled into a high ponytail. Light blue skin looking much paler than it should, she had light brown eyes to match. Stingers in the shape of, uh, what did the humans call them again? Oh, right, they were called falcons. Ahem, excuse him, falcon wings, he placed his stinger on his chin. Her outfit also looks kind of like she's in the kingdom's military. Is she?

Floating next to the stranger had been a tall dark blue skinned jellyfolk with spiky black stingers for hair. Bright red eyes looking ready to pop, he had a weird vest with a heart sticking out for some reason or another. Is this jellyfolk okay? He looks like he has something going on in his outer shell. Wobbling next to him had been a light green skinned jellyfolk woman with a highly golden blonde ponytail. Flaming eyebrows sinking, she had a vest as well. Stingers stuck together on her back, he couldn't help but feel an intense wave of unease. Something definitely happened to her, he needs to do something.

Standing in the corner looking rather laid back had been a green skinned kraken jellyfolk lady with curly, peach colored hair that looked about ready to get drenched with something. Eyes squinted, her pupils were quite smaller than the rest of her peers. When did the kraken migrate here? He forgot. His cabinet never tells him anything! Small t-shirt with a sad face on it, he closed his eyes. He's sorry for not be able to fix this issue.

/Hello, I'm sorry to disturb you all, but I'd just like to know. How bad is the garbage problem in our kingdom? I'm Arch Princess Siorc, pleased to meet you. Could you tell me your names?/ A painted picture asked.

"So, now you care?!" voice one cried. "Why should we tell you anything? You've been ignoring the problem until it exploded!"

Stinger pointed at him, the arch princess's head sunk. He knows that's what it might have looked like, but his cabinet never let him do anything! Every single day, he was told just sit on the throne and look pretty, they'll take care of everything! Well, not this time! He's going to have something done about this trash, and that's final!

/I know it might seem like that, but please, you have to listen to me! My cabinet controls everything! They hardly even ever let me go outside, let alone rule my country! Tell me, have you ever seen me outside the castle? I'll do something, I promise, so please, tell me your names and tell me what's going on around here so I can do something!/ A painted picture cried.

"You know, man, come to think it, I've never seen him, aside from those ceremonies where he waves, or whatever," the spiky haired jellyfolk said. "That green haired jellyfolk is always calling the shots, or whatever." He then shrugged. "I'm Ensom. I'd like to ask, what kinda jellyfolk are you, princess?"

Question coming his way, the young adult placed his stinger on his chin again. What kind of jellyfolk was he? What a strange question. But, wait, that's right, the color a jellyfolk's skin and stingers was what indicated what kind they were, right? Think, think, when his brother and sister were alive, what kind did they say they all were? Oh, Irukandji, or something. Maybe? He doesn't know.

/I'm an Irukandji jellyfolk, why are you asking?/ A painted picture asked.

But, as he held up his painting book, the room grew silent for a moment. Did he paint something wrong? Maybe he did. Should he apologize? Maybe he should. Clapping his shoulder stingers together, everyone shook their heads. Wait, why does everyone look so sad all of a sudden now? Please, don't give him that look!

"Oh," the brown haired falcon winged stinger jellyfolk said, voice drifting. "I see. I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you. I didn't aggravate your poisons, did I?" She then turned her head. "I'm Gwendolyn. You can call me Gwen, though."

"Why didn't you say you were an Irukandji first?" the blonde jellyfolk asked, huffing. "Sorry, one second." Hurk. She then covered her face with her stingers. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, please forgive me." Tears falling, she took a deep breath. "My name is Regina, by the way."

"And, I be Hanegal," the kraken jellyfolk said in a gentle tone. "You sure you should be here? Isn't even a little bit of too much exercise enough to make your poisons like, send you into shock or something?"

A million questions coming his way, the explorer clutched his hand into a fist. Oh, great, there it goes. Why did these jellyfolk have to go an assume he's some sad damsel in distress? He's fine, can't they see? Great, here comes the parade. He shouldn't have even bothered to mention it. Maybe he should have called himself a Red Meanie jellyfolk instead, sigh. Too late.

/Stop it! I don't need your pity! First of all, my poison is completely under control! Do I look like I'm dying here to you? Ugh, you're just like my cabinet. I'm completely fine. They have things for that now! So, please, tell me, how bad is this garbage problem? I really need to do something about it!/ A painted picture cried.

"So, those rumors I heard were true," Gwendolyn said, voice trailing. She then lowered her voice into a whisper, stingers clapped together. "I'm really sorry, princess. I just assumed." She then cleared her throat. "Since you asked, the garbage situation is Code Black. Look above you at the spot near the surface, we'll show you."

/Lead the way./ A painted picture said.

"Are you like, sure about this?" Ensom asked. "Isn't it like, you know, even worse the closer to the surface you go?"

"It's fine, he wants to see, so I'll show him, come on," Gwendolyn said.

"Can you give me a second, please?" Regina said, huffing. She then took something out, something weird soon covering her face. "Okay, I'm ready."

"I dunno 'bout this, you really think this be okay?" Hanegal asked.

"Yes, come on, everyone." A sense of urgency was present in her voice.

Guided towards the surface, the arch princess covered his nose. What is that horrific stench? Top of the ocean bed covered to the brim with gunk and grime, everything froze. What is this? What happened? What are those gross white things with, uh, what's it called? He thinks the humans called this thing tape? Yes, that's what it's called, right. Ugh, and what's this foul odor? Someone please get rid of it!

Brip, brip, brip, brip, brip!

Yet another helycoptaire, excuse him, drone coming down, the young adult's eyes grew wide. Another one?! Swimming back, that wretched sound filled the water every which way. Everyone looks so green again, are his people okay? He has to do something. Bot jellies swimming his way, he turned towards them.

"Another one," Lala said, words slow.

"That's the," Lolo said, words slow.

"Tenth one today," Lili said, words slow.

"There's another," Lulu said, words slow.

"Aren't you four supposed to be robot jellyfolk?!" Gwendolyn cried, huffing. Hurk. "You're supposed to be able to--." Hurk. "Clean all this up!"

"We have no such function," Lala said, words slow.

"Sorry," Lolo said, words slow.

"We can locate," Lili said, words slow.

"But not deprecate," Lulu said, words slow.

"As you can you can see, princess, it's like, totally bad," Ensom said, blinking. "Like, nuclear bad. Code Black man, Code Black."

/What's Code Black?/ A painted picture asked.

"Your cabinet didn't tell you!?" Regina cried, huffing. "Code Black is the highest emergency protocol there is! How could they even keep something like that from you?!"

"I don't know, like, he's an Irukandji Jellyfolk, so even the littlest bit of stress can, you know," Hanegal said, tendrils stuck to the side of her face. "It would be ten times worse, you know?"

"Anyway, this is code black! My mother almost died when that drone landed in our home!" Regina shouted. "And, urp. I'm sorry." Bending over again, the world burned. Covering her face once more, tears streamed down. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"

Sea of information coming his way, the young adult folded his other hand into a fist. How could his cabinet keep this from him?! And, how could they sit around and do nothing about this? Did they seriously think this was something they could keep from him? Why, he oughta! He needs to figure something out before it's too late!

/I'll do something about this, I promise! Girls, I'm going home right now!/ A painted picture shouted.

"Kay," Lala said, words slow.

"See you," Lolo said, words slow.

"Bye bye," Lili said, words slow.

"We'll keep looking for drones for you," Lulu said, words slow.

"You'd better do something, princess, I swear!" Gwendolyn cried.

Zoom.

Speeding back off towards the palace, the jellyfolk closed his eyes as hundreds of his own people had staggered, stumbled and fell mid swim. No, just how bad has everything gotten? He needs to find a way to stop these helycoptaires, excuse him, drones from coming down here! Prison soon approaching, he cracked his knuckles.

Stupid cabinet waiting for him in the throne room as usual, the seafolk gave laser eyes to everyone, but Runi especially. Alright, these three have some explaining to do! Sitting down in the throne, he painted away at lightning speed. They had better have a good reason for this, or they're getting a, what's it called again? Oh, right, a tennis ball thrown at them!

/You three have some explaining to do! Why didn't you tell me we're in a Code Black?! There's garbage bags everywhere, and our people are in trouble!/ A painted picture cried.

"Did you go on one of your adventures again with those robo jellyfolks?!" Runi cried. "They're brainwashing you! They're a bad influence!"

/Explain yourself, Runi! I know you know about the garbage problem!/ A painted picture cried.

"What garbage problem?" Runi cried, eyes wandering. "I don't know about any garbage problem! Oh, no, did those robo jellyfolk make your poison levels go up?! The princess is going to die!"

"What are you talking about? There's nothing wrong," Robin said, eyebrows furrowed. "Whatever you saw out there was your imagination."

"I can't believe you," Baron said, stingers crossed. "Everything's fine. You were probably daydreaming while swimming, if I had to guess."

Headshakes coming his way, the arch princess could feel the steam ready to pop out of his ears. How could they say these things? There is so much garbage out there! What, were they all blind? Open their eyes! Look outside and see for themselves! How did he not see this earlier? Hurry, he needs to find a way to make them see it!

/I'm not daydreaming! Look outside for yourself!/ A painted picture shouted.

"There's nothing out there, I'm telling you!" Runi cried. "Now, please, calm down! You don't want your poison levels to go up again, do you?"

Runi breaking into a sweat, the young adult grabbed her hand. Alright, he's had it! Swimming up towards the palace window, he clicked the hatch in. Dragging her out there, he pointed at the garbage bags. Look, look! See? Right there! They're right there! Giving her the stink eye, the jellyfolk growled. She'd better explain herself.

/See, look? Garbage bags everywhere! Why didn't you say anything to me?! Look at our people, do they look okay to you?!/ A painted picture cried.

"Silly Siorc, those are just sharks! You know, what your parents named you after?!" Runi cried. "There's nothing wrong here! Everything's fine!"

"Why'd you drag us all the way out here for this?" Robin groaned. "There's nothing wrong. They're just sharks. Now, go back inside. It's time to take your medicine."

"I can't believe you mistook sharks for whatever it was you said," Baron groaned. "Go back inside."

Multiple jellyfolk falling midswim and huffing, the arch princess folded his fist behind him as he had been dragged back towards the castle. How in the world could they call that a shark?! First of all, there's no sharks around here! Window slammed shut, he stroked away. He's going to give them a steaming pile of--! Never mind, he won't finish that sentence.

/If you three won't do anything, then I will! You hear me?/ A painted picture shouted.

Parliament swimming away, the young adult clicked his tongue. Tch, nothing to say to that, did they? Well, too bad, this is his kingdom, not theirs, and what he says goes! How dare they sit around and do nothing! Yeah, right, those are sharks, ha! Capsules swallowed, he crawled into his bed. Starting tomorrow, he's going to do something! Catching some zzes. Multiple ideas floated through his dreams.

Locking himself in his room the next morning, the arch princess scribbled away on a large white board. How could he stop this garbage from coming down? Oh, he knows, he could put a, uh, what do the humans call that thing? Oh, a net! Great idea! He'll go tell the robo jellyfolk to make him one right now!

Sending the robo jellyfolk a message in a bottle, the net had soon been placed at the top of the seabed after a couple of days. But, such had hardly been enough to block out the pesky garbage bags. Everything looking worse by the day, he went back to the drawing board. Oh, maybe he should use that vacoome thingy! That'll do something, right?

Sneaking out the palace with the vacoome thingy, such had been a failure as well. Suck machine doing absolutely nothing, mission vacoome was a waste. Why couldn't this sucky thing do the thing it was supposed to? Robo jellyfolk looking far and wide for weeks on end for a solution, murk and grime soon broke as the next pesky doctor's visit day came by in the blink of an eye. Or, was it earlier than normal? He didn't know.

Numbers normal as predicted, the jelly knew, he had to tell Doctor Jiaolong about this! Surely, he knew what was going on around here, right? He tends to all kinds of patients. Maybe he can convince him to help him find a solution! After all, he's an expert in this, right? Surely, he has to know something.

"Dear me, is something troubling you?" Doctor Jiaolong asked. "You seem quite lost in thought."

/You're aware of the garbage bag crisis plaguing the kingdom, right, doctor?/ A painted picture asked.

"Ah, yes, I am. I see you have been going to great lengths to try and suppress it," Doctor Jiaolong said, sighing. "But, I am afraid that it is far too difficult for you to do. You might have to migrate to the Red Sea. At least, temporarily."

Red Sea brought to his attention, the arch princess blinked. Ah, that's right, Doctor Jiaolong relocated from the Yellow Sea, he nearly forgot. Would temporary relocation even be possible? He supposed he could take half of his people that were still here and bring them there while a solution is found. Or, maybe he can just go to the surface world himself and deal with those pesky humans personally! That sounded nice.

/Should I really temporarily relocate, though? I don't know much about the Red Sea./ A painted picture said.

"The Red Sea is not in a Code Black at the moment," Doctor Jiaolong responded. "Worry not, it will probably only be a few months, or maybe even a shorter stay if the folks there are nice." He paused for a moment. "I promise you, the Red Sea jellyfolk village knows a thing or two on how to deal with the garbage." He then shook his head. "Ah, apologies, I misspoke. Perhaps not relocate, but how about an adventure?"

/An adventure? I don't follow. But, you told me I should relocate for at least a few months just a moment ago! You're not changing your mind, are you?/ A painted picture said.

"Apologies, I just recalled the Red Sea jellyfolk are quite, territorial," Doctor Jiaolong said, shaking his head. "Getting into a scrap would definitely make your stronger poisons kick in. And, we can't risk that, now can we?" Stinger on his chin, he sighed. "So, perhaps going on a little trip with a small group would be better. Worry not, I won't tell your folks."

Adventure stamped in place of relocation, the arch princess looked off towards the window. Should he do that? Well, maybe it would be better than leaving Jellynius behind entirely. And, besides, if the kingdom in the Red Sea knew how to deal with this, surely, they'd be willing to lend him a stinger, right? He guessed it was worth a try.

/I guess it's worth a try. I'll ask the jellyfolk at the community center to help me. Please, don't let my cabinet find out about this! You know, they're? They're acting like I've got a screw loose over this!/ A painted picture cried.

"Of course, you have my word," Jiaolong responded, nodded. "Take care of yourself now."

Zoom.

Exiting the prison, the young adult sped off towards the community center. But, what he saw as it drew ever so closer was ready to make him crack into a million pieces. Why is there so much murk today? It's even worse! Robo jellyfolk quartet trying with all their might to blast away the garbage bags, he swore he could hear them huffing and puffing.

"Too many," Lala huffed, words slow.

"Can't keep up," Lolo huffed, words slow.

"Help, help," Lili huffed, words slow.

"Shutting down," Lulu huffed, words slow.

Robo jellyfolk looking ready to fall, the arch princess burst into the community center. This is not good, he has to hurry and do something! Finding the party of four, he swore their eyes were practically glued to him. Please, stop looking at him like he's a damsel in distress, alright?! They have a home to save!

"I uh, I don't know," Gwendolyn said, eyes wandering. "You know, the Red Sea jellyfolk are extremely territorial. They'll most certainly try to fight you. Don't Irukandji jellykins poisons buildup in physical combat?"

/It's fine, I won't fight them. And even if I have to, I'd like to remind you, my poisons are in check, thank you!/ A painted picture shouted.

"I mean, like, we should listen to the princess, he knows his limits, I think," Ensom said, sighing. "If we take the jetstream, we should totally be at the Red Sea like, in less than three hours, I think?"

"Really?" Regina asked, words weak. "You sure about that?" Closing her eyes, she groaned. "Ugh, my head hurts."

"Yes, it be the case," Hanegal said, nodding. "If we like, go there right now, we'll get there in time."

/Then, we can't waste any time! Let's go now!/ A painted picture shouted.

"Wait, are you really sure? Will you really be okay if you go to the Red Sea?" Gwendolyn asked.

/I told you already, I'll be fine, alright? So, let's go!/ A painted picture shouted.

"You heard the princess, let's go," Ensom said swimming in front. "I'll lead the way."

Following from behind, the arch princess slapped his cheeks. This time, for sure, he's going to have something done about this! Passing by many shipwrecks towards the jetstream, the seafolk tried with all his might to keep himself on point. He can't allow himself to get led astray by shinies today! Keep moving!

Super fast current taking him away, the young adult's eyes were soon jelly. Wowie, was that a jetstream! Garbage bags nowhere to be seen as the Great Barrier Reef had soon been behind him, the explorer gulped. This will go okay, right? Please, let it go alright. He has to do something, even if it means going to another kingdom!

Stream slowing down, the jellyfolk could finally see it. There it is, the Red Sea. Who ran this kingdom again? Oh, well, he believed it was ruled by someone called Sir Lanko the Third? He doesn't remember. Swimming off towards the entrance, three jellyfolk stood guard at the front gate. Oh, wonderful, an obstacle awaited.

"What's the princess from the Great Barrier Reef doing here?" jellyfolk one asked. "Get lost."

"He's probably here on business," the second jellyfolk asked. "Let's hear him out."

"Ick, like, no way, he's on our territory now!" the third jellyfolk shouted. "I bet he here's 'cause of the Code Black. Does he know who we are?! We're the Bullies of the Sea! The Red Sea's Super Defense Force! He wanna talk? Then he's gonna have to fight us!"

Curling her stingers had been a dark pink skinned jellyfolk with black cat ears on the top of her head. Light pink cap like hair with pigtails at the top looking rather fluffy, they drooped down into really long string pieces at the top. Weird golden things, uh, what were they called again? Oh, right, bells! Bells, yeah. Ahem, excuse him. Bells chiming, she wore a, um, he thinks it's called a swimsuit? Woah. Stingers where her feet would normally be, on her clothes had been a nametag. Fighter Niesha. Uh, okay, then.

Standing next to her had been a ridiculously tall tan pink skinned jellyfolk with short blobby dark burgundy hair that didn't go below the ears in any shape or form. Adorning a black robe, his eyes were jade green. Locking eyes with the cat jellyfolk again, he shook his head. Oh, she's wearing, um, what are those black thingies called the humans wore on their faces? Oh! Sunglasses. Okay, he's getting off track here. Strange tail serving as this guy's stingers, he gazed at his nametag. So, his name is Riyad, got it.

Looking ready to diffuse the situation had been a older looking androgynous jellyfolk with greyed hair that reached to about right below the neck. Some blue remaining, his pale light blue skin was greying as well. How old was this jellyfolk, eight hundred? They've been kicking for quite awhile, huh? Yellowish eyes looking bloodshot, he read their nametag. Oh, so this one is Peltro. Why do their stingers look like a alligator body beneath? Shirt on them that's nearly three sizes too small, punches had looked ready to come his way.

/Please, I just need your help! That's all, how do we stop the garbage crisis? Our waters are very murky! You guys stopped it, didn't you?/ A painted picture asked.

"You think you can get outta a fight, do ya?" Niesha asked. "We'll tell ya if you square it down with us!"

"Wait!" Peltro cried.

"What?" Niesha asked, tone annoyed. "You know that's the rules around here! Outsiders gotta fight us if they wanna be here!"

"Look at him, you moron!" Riyad shouted. "He's an Irukandji jellyfolk! I may be a the worst bully in all of jellyfolkdom, but I'm not evil!"

"What's his type got anything to do with this?!" Niesha asked. "Rules are rules!"

"We can't, you know we can't. Do you know the rules?! Rule number one, explicitly excludes Irukandji and Chironex from that list!" Peltro shouted at the top of his gills. "Also, Red Meanies too, because you know what happens when you fight a Red Meanie jellyfolk! Bad things!"

Cat jellyfolk getting awfully quiet for a moment there, the young adult pounded his open hand on his fist. He'll fight if he has to! Self proclaimed bullies shaking their heads, he locked eyes with them. He can't just sit by here and do nothing! His people need help, and he'll do anything! He'll even fight if he has to!

"You think I care?! I'm sure this dude can handle a little scrap!" Niesha shouted.

"He can't, you should know that," Riyad said. "So, how about this instead? Race us, and we'll tell you what you can do to save your people!"

"No way! What's the point in racing this dude!? Niesha shouted. "Seriously, who cares if he's an Irukandji jellyfolk?! He can handle a punch or ten!"

"Listen, Niesha, do I have to spell it out for you?" Riyad asked, pounding his stingers together. "It is fatal if an Irukandji jellyfolk gets too physical. Let alone too stressed out. You should know that. Do you want to be responsible for this guy dying from toxic shock or something?"

"No?" But, there was hesitation in her voice.

"I'll settle for a race," Peltro said.

"Do we have to race also?" Gwendolyn asked.

"I mean, like, probably? We're in their territory, you know?" Ensom said.

"Ugh, racing," Regina said.

"I mean, it be like, fine?" Hanegal asked. "We should like, just, race them."

Race dancing around in his eardrums, the arch princess sighed. Well, he supposed doing a small swimming race wouldn't hurt matters. But, surely, a little tussle would be fine, right? He took his medicine last night like he was supposed to. Well, he supposed it could only do so much. Oh, well, guess he's racing.

/I'll race you, and then you're going to tell me how I can save my people!/ A painted picture shouted.

"Alright, then, whoever swims through the most rings on our obstacle course is the winner!" Riyad shouted. "You have ten minutes! We'll guide you there, kay?"

Nodding, a wave of unease flowed through the jellyfolk. An obstacle course? Was that really alright? Maybe that would be too much for him. But, no, he has to do this! He can't just sit by while his people were getting weaker by the day! He must do something. No matter what, he has to. This is his mission, and he will complete it!

Guided towards a strange looking, uh, what was that human word for it again? Oh, right, playground. Ahem, right! Finding himself in a strange looking playground, he crossed his fingers. Please don't let this go beyond his threshold, he's begging. Everyone heading for the starting line, a robo jellyfolk dropped down.

"And, the race starts in three, two, one!" the robot jellyfolk cried.

Boom.

Timer immediately going off, the seafolk was off to the races. Wowie are there so many rings here! He has to race through as many as he possibly can! He has to win this! Speeding through as many as he possibly could, he huffed and puffed. Wooh, this is a little rough, huh? No, no, stay focused! He's got this. He has to get this right!

Everyone else going through everything quite slowly, the huffs continued. Hmm, maybe he should slow down the pace a teeny tiny bit? Ah, no. Okay, maybe a tiny bit. Why does his chest hurt a little all of a sudden? Gah, that gross juicy feeling in floating in. Maybe he should slow down just a little.

Five minute mark passing by, hundreds of rings had been passed through. Maybe he had passed through the least? He didn't know. Focus, Siorc, focus. This is for Jellynius! He can't fail now! Juicy feeling ready to eat him, he huffed. Something doesn't feel right, what is this doom and gloom rolling in?

Two minutes flashing by, the young adult kept going. He can do this, he can do this. Timer looking ready to die as he kept leaping, everything blurred. Aha, maybe he had been going a little too fast after all. Agh, great. Head spinning as the last ten seconds dashed by, he could feel himself ready to fall. Maybe a fight would have been better.

"Arch Princess Siorc is the winner!" the robo jellykin announced shouted.

Huff, puff.

"Hey, you okay?" Riyad asked. "See? This is why I told you we can't do extreme physical activity with an Irukandji jellykin!" His eyes then wandered. "Is your poison going into overdrive? Maybe we should take him to the kingdom doctor."

/I'm fine! Don't worry about me. It'll pass. Please, tell me, what can I do to stop the garbage bags from plaguing my kingdom?/ A painted picture asked.

"Go to the surface world and enter a Pyramid and grab a relic there," Niesha said, giggling. "That's if you don't die of toxic shock while swimming to the world above!"

"Niesha, shut up!" Peltro shouted. "Do you think you're alright enough to do that? You can assume a full human form at least temporarily like all other jellyfolk, right?"

/I'll be fine. I just need to catch my breath. So you want me to go to the surface? What's a Pyramid?/ A painted picture asked.

"A Pyramid is some human relic in some place called Egypt, they're like, full of ancient old stuff," Ensom said. "You gotta find some finger of a mummy or something. Hear it's got like, supernatural powers, or whatevs? It'll zap the trash away."

/Really?/ A painted picture asked.

"That's correct, but you have to go alone," Peltro said, nodding. "But, seriously, will you be alright? You're not looking so good."

/I promise you, I'll be alright. I can do this. And, yes, I can transform into a temporary full human form./ A painted picture said. He then did his breathing exercises. Heave, ho, heave ho. Painting again, the words threw themselves out into the open. /So, is the pyramid nearby?/

"Yes, should be pretty close to the surface," Peltro responded, nodding. "Good luck. The fingers are pretty easy to get."

Swimming up to the surface, the young adult huffed. Please, let this be the truth, he's begging. Graggly brown stuff beneath him, the jellyfolk closed his eyes. Gazing at his reflection in the water, he did a triple take. Woah, where did all the jelly stuff go? Where are his stingers? They're nowhere to be seen! Ah, well, he has to hurry.

Big brown triangle close by, the explorer made a run for it. That must be that pyramid thingy the Red Sea kingdom folk were talking about! Um, so what does he do with these leg thingies when he's not underwater? Oh, right, he's gotta run. Here goes, zoom! Huff, puff. Reaching the place in no time flat, he couldn't help but notice something weird leading up to the place.

Helycoptaire things attached with human writing, the jellyfolk lowered his eyes into a squint. Um, what does this say? Project, Ocean Warming? Um, wait, wait? Blah, blah, blah, ocean this, ocean that, why does this thingy have so many big words? He'll skip over those, thanks! But what the last portion said nearly snapped him in two.

-Project Ocean Warming-

-Blah, blah, blah, big words big words, big words, big words, big words, big words, big words, big words. It has come to our attention, that these horrid creatures knowns as jellyfolk live beneath us. Blah, blah, blah, big words, big words, big words, big words, big words. Initiate blaster protocol, blah, blah, blah, blah, big words, big words, big words, big words. Blah, blah, blah, they must go.-

Hunching over, the sand beneath him had soon been dyed a new shade of red. What did he just read? Agh, everything feels so juicy. Forget it, he didn't see that, he needs to hurry into the pyramid thingy and grab the finger and go back. Wobbling as he entered, something floated next to him as he reached the first corridor.

Really weird looking bandaged finger floating towards him, the jellykin looked away. So, this was the treasure, huh? Should he really take this thing? Would it really help his kingdom be okay again? Maybe he really should think about all this before taking it. But, he shook his head. No, he needs this, extending his hand, a voice soon shot through his eardrums.

"Taketh, thou needs thee, does thy not?" the floating finger asked.

Nodding, the young adult clutched his chest. This finger is it cursed or something? Ah, his head is spinning. Huff, puff, hurk. Puddle added to the pyramid, he groaned. Maybe he did a little too much physical activity. Haha. Whatever, he has the finger now, time to go. Dragging himself back to the sea beneath, his stingers returned.

/I got it. What now?/ A painted picture asked.

"Are you alright?" Regina asked.

/I'm fine./ A painted picture responded.

"You sure? You don't look too good, man," Ensom said.

/I'm fine, really./ A painted picture responded.

"Take the finger to the top of your castle and it'll suck in all the garbage forever, trust me," Riyad responded. "Now, go take the jetstream back to your kingdom. And uh, see a doctor, or something, I don't know."

"We should head back right now!" Gwendolyn cried. "Isn't the princess, you know?"

"Yes, that be the case" Hanegal said, eyes closed. She then reached for his arms. "We'll bring him back."

Pushed through the jetstream, everything burned. Maybe he overdid it, he didn't know. But, does it matter? He can't let this garbage sink here anymore. His people, he can't let them be harmed by this any longer! Reaching the castle who knows when, he swiftly floated up to the top. Finger, do their magic! Letting it go, he swore the thing grew an eye.

"Thou shall clean the filth that plagues thee's paradis!" the supernatural finger cried.

Shoooooooooooo!

Strange vortex overtaking the kingdom, the black bags of doom had been sucked in, in an instant. Head spinning, everything was about ready to go dark. Wowie, that was pretty amazing, huff, puff. Hurrying back down towards the door, he could feel himself fall forward as the rug was ready to eat him alive. Hahah, haha.

Goodnight.

At least he did something, right?

Unlike his cabinet!

Blink.

Waking up in his bed, the arch princess groaned. Huh, how did he get here? Ah, right, he went to the Red Sea and got some weird finger thingy. That wasn't all a dream, was it? He sure hoped not. Doctor Jiaolong by his bedside reading a book, he buried himself underneath his covers. He caused a lot of trouble, didn't he? His apologies.

"Ah, thank goodness you're awake," Doctor Jiaolong said, he then wagged his stingers. "I told you not to push yourself too hard, did I not? Your poisons nearly went into overdrive. But, luckily, we caught it in time." He shook his head. "Goodness, had I known they would have challenged you to such an intense race, I would have advised against this."

Pesky parliament swimming in, the young adult rolled his eyes. Alright, go ahead, rub it in, say they told him so. Ugh, here it comes, 'My liege, this is exactly why we didn't tell you about this? See, see? You almost died!' Don't say it, please, he's begging, leave him alone. Ugh.

"My liege, this is exactly why we didn't tell you about the garbage bag problem!" Baron shouted. "It would have cleared itself up, and you know it!"

"See, see?! You almost died out there!" Runi cried. "This is why we do everything! It's fine, okay?! Just stay inside and, everything will be good!"

"Exactly, this is precisely why we said nothing!" Robin shouted. "Stick to going on small adventures with the robo jellykins!"

"No, no, he needs to stay here!" Runi cried. "Right here, where it's safe!"

Runi looking ready to pull on the leash tighter, the jellykin closed his eyes. No, no way, not happening. Why can't any of them see that this is not how things should be?! Ugh. Of course they all had to do that stupid little shtick of theirs! And, how dare they act like this would have been fine on its own. No way it would have been! Did they even care about what was going on? No, ugh, that's it. They're getting it this time. Painting away, his fingers trembled.

/And, you think by ignoring the problem, everything would have been okay?! You can't keep doing this whenever something like this happens to the kingdom! The food shortage a few years ago, and now this? There was no way that could have possibly resolved on its own! It was Code Black! Do you not understand that? It wasn't a Code Blue, a Code Red, A Code Green, a Code Black! Do you really think keeping that a secret from me would have made everything better? It wouldn't have! Why can't any of you see that I'm not some little trophy? You always do this. You always keep me on a leash. You always say, 'let me handle everything!' I'm the arch princess! I'm supposed to do something when our people are in trouble! A tiny bit of stress every now and again isn't going to knock my poison into overdrive and kill me, alright? The medicine is doing its job! By the sea lord, quit babying me, I swear to the surface!/ A long, painted picture cried.

"We're just trying to protect you!" Runi cried. "What if it's too much pressure on you and you die like your brother and sister did before you?!"

/I told you a thousand times, I'm fine! My poisons are in control! Stop treating me like I'm a fragile damsel in distress who needs to be locked and chained to the throne room!/ A painted picture cried.

"She's right, you know," Robin said in a serious tone. "Too much pressure will kill you, too."

"You'll end up like what happened this time again," Peltro said. "It's fine, we'll take care of everything."

Cabinet rambling on and on about the same points, the jellyfolk was seeing red. For the love of the sea lord, that's enough of all this. They're just looking out for him? As if! If he weren't stuck in this bed, he would give all of them a big punch! But, what good would that do? It wouldn't do any good to resort to such a thing at all.

"Apologies, if I may interrupt," Doctor Jiaolong said, hands up in the air. "First of all, I must say, it would be much worse if you all keep restricting his movement entirely. He needs some exercise. And, those adventures of his have been helping him stay stable." He paused for a moment before continuing. "And, second, might I suggest you all divide the royal workload? I can assure you, his poisons are, and have been quite stable for awhile now. Well, up until he played the hero." He tried to not giggle. "Ahem, as I was saying. I understand you are all looking out for his best interest. But, is doing everything for him the way to go about it? Please, listen to what he's saying."

Cabinet looking at one another, the young adult held in a sigh. They're going to say no to that, too, aren't they? Oh, boy, here it comes, 'but what if he works too hard and dies?! He doesn't have a lot of stamina, you know!' He can already hear it in Runi's voice. She'd better keep her mouth shut, he swears to the sea lord!

"I guess we can change some things around here, but," Runi said, voice shaking. "What if the workload is too much?!"

"Worry not, I will still do bimonthly check ins," Doctor Jiaolong responded. "Dear me, you are quite the handful, Runi."

"Give it a rest, Runi, listen to the doctor for a change," Robin said, sighing. "We can't do everything all the time."

"That's right," Baron said, arms crossed. "I say it's fine, so let's change things around here."

"Agreed." Robin nodded.

Runi staring off into space for quite awhile, the young adult shook his head. She's not really going to change at all, was she? Probably not. Everything was going in one ear, out the other. Please, just take the leash off already. He's done being a trophy. Maybe he ought to fire her for good this time if she doesn't agree, yeah, that sounds like a good idea.

"Alright," Runi whispered. "This won't kill him, right?!"

"Dear me, I already said that won't happen, did I not?" Doctor Jiaolong said, stinger rubbed against his temple. "Now, let's let the patient rest, alright? He needs to sleep."

Cabinet exiting the room, the young adult buried himself underneath the covers. There's no way this will convince Runi at all, but it was worth a shot, right? Sigh, please, let things finally change around here after all this. Doctor moving over towards his bedside, he tried to paint away, but such had been halted, in an instant.

"Goodness, it's fine, no need to thank me," Doctor Jiaolong said, shaking his head. "Now, please, get some rest. I'll do my best to negotiate with your cabinet, alright?"

Nodding, the door had soon been closed behind him. Intense fatigue eating him alive, the young adult closed his eyes. Dream world about ready to take him away, he huffed a little. Things really are going to change now, right? No more leash, no more trophy? Feeling himself close to dozing off, one last sea of thoughts kicked into overdrive.

Please, let this be the beginning of a brand new era for Jellynius.

Weird finger eating the garbage on the roof and all.

Now, this one was planned almost entirely last second. I had no idea what I was supposed to do with Jellyfish (Arch) Princess Siorc. The plot came to me literally two days before, and the morning of when I wrote the plot summary out, I even changed it further. So, this is honestly a lot different than the two plot summaries I did 48 hours as well as six hours before. If I'm being honest, this probably reads like, The Little Mermaid, but environmental horror? I guess. Most certainly not what I was expecting to write today. Also, this is 12,026 words...I wasn't expecting this to be so long!

In any case.

Here's Jellyfish (Arch) Princess Siorc. Arch because Jellyfish Princess is way too similar to an existing title about, well, fashion. I guess. This is what he looks like when going to the surface world and running to the Egypt Pyramids.

To be honest, the setting was also super last minute. In my head, originally, I thought this would be like the anime Squid Girl, or something, but nope, that was not the case!

Anyway, next week is Bakugan Siorc. That'll be fun, and probably super nostalgic. And, not super environmental? I can't believe a lot of what I've written in this short story collection end up being about the environment, well, oh well. It's a core aspect of who Siorc is, so.

Palamon · Mar 6, 2026

Well, this one is actually fandom. What's this one about? Well, it's a Bakugan anthology. Siorc, a college student in Quebec is lonely and have no friends and is a huge fan of Bakugan. He works at a card shop that isn't doing particularly well. But, at work while being forced to work overtime, he has a chance encounter.

Aside from very mild infrequent uses of crude language, no other warnings apply.

The Bakugan Resurgence

"Sigh, what's the point
In introducing myself, honestly? It's not like I'm
Going to make any friends anyway.
Hahaha, what's the point, sigh.

Hello, I guess to
Everyone not
Listening, my name is Siorc Ingne, hyena chimera.
Listen, I'm not a talker
Or anything like that.

I'm a freshman in college, I
Moved to Quebec

Some time ago with my sister, and
I thought it would be a nice change after moving around
Over and over again for almost my whole near twenty years of existing, but
Relatively speaking that
Couldn't be

Farther from the truth, sigh. I have to be
Real here, moving to Canada
Ended up making me feel
So alone. We, as in my older sister and I
Have only been here about
Maybe a year
And a half, almost two now, and I
Never felt like people have ever seen me.

I know we moved here together so the constant moves stopped, but
Now, I feel

Completely alone. I may be Canadian Irish, but for
One thing, we
Literally moved so many times in my childhood.
Like, at least a dozen times.
Every single time, it
Got further away from the last.
Even now, in Canada,

I feel so far away. I

Have no friends,
And just drone through classes and a
Very dead end store I work at.
Eh, so I am a game design major. There's

Not a single chimera in my lecture hall, ever.
Only me. I took this major

For one
Reason, I'd like to make a card game. You see, growing up,
I often watched Bakugan to get me through
Everything. Moving,
Not having many friends
Due to constantly moving,
So on

And so forth. Every Saturday morning, I would
Never miss an episode. Even though it
Didn't air in some of the countries I was

Forced to live in, I
Ended up finding a way to watch it. I watched
Every single episode, I collected the toys, too. It ended a
Long while back now, but it's still in my heart. I

Liked Ru-- Mis--- growing up.
I must admit, I
Kind of dress like her,
Ehe. And,

I thought that
Moving to Canada where Bakugan was first

Thought up in collaboration with Japan, I'd
Hopefully find fans here, but
Eh. Everyone seems to prefer

Other games. Like Magic or something. I've
Never been into Magic, nor stuff
Like Duel Masters, which got a resurgence recently.
You know, I wish Bakugan

Could. I also kind of wish it would come alive, but
Haha, Bakugan
Isn't real. And, this is the real world.
Maybe I should just develop a card game like it when I
End up graduating, but that's
Rather far
Away at the moment.

I'm pretty sure I'll be alone forever.
No one is interested in

The games I
Have interest in, and
Even worse, I am probably the only chimera who

Even goes to this college, and
None of my chimera coworkers are interested, either.
They seem to think Gormiti
Is much better. Or something called Chaotic. And even more
Rather obscure one, Huntik.
Eh, I am not a fan of any of these,

So, I hardly ever mingle with them.
Come on, now,
Huntik? When I was living in Italy,
Over there it was a dying flame.
Oh, well, I'll be by my
Lonesome forever,

I guess. I

Like something too niche,
I guess. I can't
Keep up with
Everything released anyway. I

Barely recognize
Any of the things we
Keep on selling, too.
Ugh, like, for example, we
Got one in called
Avalon. And,
No one buys it!

This store will go
Out of business, and I will have no job to pay my tuition!
Oh, well,

We barely get sales,
Hahaha. Honestly,
I wish Bakugan
Could be real like the show. But, I
Have to knock myself

Down to reality.
Of course it won't
Ever happen. It's
Stupid to dream. There's

No such things as aliens, and
Of course,
There's no way cards will rain down from the sky. I

Have to
Eventually move on from this
Little fantasy of mine. I
Probably should. Oh, well, time to go to my lectures."

It had been a terribly frigid mid October morning across the streets of Quebec. The frost was in the air, ready to eat commuters alive. Children groaned everywhere as the windows opened themselves to the intense wind for everyone to feel. It was yet another distasteful start to a new day. But, for one particular hyena chimera, this very moment would serve as a frigid reminder of everything to come.

Two world collide, on the inside.

Click.

Sigh.

Turning off the morning phone alarm from the bedside had been a short, young adult feminine appearing person with long dark purple hair that went down to about the waist. Mismatched purple and green eyes having absolutely no life to them, beneath the covers had been light grey pajamas with colorful circular pods in them with yellow accents everywhere. Person yawning, the individual reached for the phone.

Clock blinking at around eight fifteen, the individual yawned again. What time did the individual have to attend lectures today? Yawn, oh, right, ten. Sigh, why bother even going? What's the point? Maybe today's a good chance to skip. Tossing and turning underneath the covers, the young adult attempted once again to close the eyes.

But, there had been a disturbance in the force as the young adult attempted to doze off once more. Plushies nowhere to be seen, the person's eyes wandered. Huh, wait a second, where's Tigrera? The person could have sworn it was on the bed before leaving for work yesterday. What happened when coming home last night? Oh, right. Did some laundry. Oh, no, does that mean? Standing up from the bed, the individual scanned the room every which way.

Dashing off towards the closet, nothing was there at all whatsoever. Tigrera, Tigrera, where are they? Maybe it got rolled somewhere deeper within? Digging to the deepest confines, absolutely nothing was there, either. Doom looming over the shoulder, the young adult raced off towards the desk. Maybe it rolled into the drawer again? Perhaps. Here goes, pencil drawer, open!

Nothing awaiting the person in there, the person sifted through the mess at the top. Maybe while doing coursework it got rolled aside underneath the rejection pile? It's happened before, and it most certainly could happen again. Nothing there at all whatsoever as well, the sighs continued. Not there, either. Maybe it's under the bed? Doesn't hurt to look.

Drago plushie the only one that waited for the person beneath the bed, the individual could feel smoke ready to eat the ears. How did this get down here? The college student could have sworn this one was still on the bed last night. Ugh, maybe the important ones should go on the shelf? But, who has money for that, not this person, that's for sure, nope.

Searching every nook and cranny, the plushie had been nowhere to be seen. Oh, no, where could Tigrera be? Could the sister have tossed it aside again into the donation basket in the laundry room? Oh, no, she didn't! Placing the phone into the pocket, the young adult made a run for it. Oh, no, she didn't, she's going to get what's coming to her for that!

Zoom.

Dashing off towards the kitchen, a pesky familiar scent burned through the hallways. Ugh, that gross maple scent again. How many times was Deigr going to make that bland morning bacon before she realizes it's gross? She never would, would she? Socks squeaking on the wooden floor, the person was ready to flare the nostrils.

Singing away in the kitchen cooking the bacon had been a short adult hyena chimera woman with long light purple hair pulled into two high twin drills. Light green eyes sparkling like a lightning storm, a pure white itchy looking sweater looked about ready to drop its loose threads everywhere. Hums continuing, the young adult tapped away on the phone keyboard. Deigr's about to get what's coming to her!

<Deigr, where's Tigrera?!> The phone speakers blasted out at maximum volume. But, a sigh had come the person's way.

"Not even a, Good morning, Deigr? Siorc, come on at least say good morning to me!" Deigr cried.

<We have more important matters to attend to here, Deigr! Where's Tigrera?!> The phone speakers blasted out at maximum volume. But, another sigh had come the person's way.

"I swear, he's practically glued to that stupid plushie," Deigr mumbled under her breath. "It's on top of your laundry basket. Which, you, by the way, left in the laundry room again!" She then sighed for the third time. "Don't you think you're getting too old to be carrying that thing around with you when you're in the house? You're going to be twenty in six months."

A whole load of blah blah coming his way, the hyena moved his hand up and down, faces aplenty made. There she goes again with that ridiculous too old speech. As if she didn't still have that old ratty teddy bear mother sewed for her when she was fourteen! Like she's one to talk. Maybe he should bring that up to the table before committing plushie rescue, yeah, that'll teach her.

<You're almost thirty nine, and you still sleep with that teddy bear mother made you when you were fourteen!> The phone speakers blasted at full volume.

"First of all, when I was fourteen, you weren't even born yet!" Deigr cried between bacon flips. "And second, mom made it for me! I'm not going to give it up! It's one of the few things she ever sewed!" She nearly dropped the spatula as she continued. "And, third, that Bakugan show of yours is long dead. And, not to mention, it's for kids. Don't you think it's about time you gain a new hobby?"

Further blah blahs coming his way, the young adult rolled his eyes. How can she say that when she sat on her rump after work every day playing that island building game of hers? She doesn't get it at all, does she? Nope, guess she doesn't at all. Of course she didn't, what else is new? She's the same as always. Nothing ever changes.

<I'll have you know they were eighteen in the last season! Whatever, I'm going to the laundry room, bye!> The phone speaker blasted at full volume.

Sister mumbling under her breath as usual, the chimera sprinted down the stairs. Hurry, hurry, he'd better hurry. Nearly tripping down the stairs, the basket laid beside the dryer. Little grey plushie with a tiger head seated on the top of his work uniforms, the hyena swiped the creature up immediately. There she is, Tigrera, sweet, sweet, Tigrera! Bolting back up the stairs, the college student hurried back to his room for a moment. Plushie placed on his desk, he dashed back towards the kitchen.

"Why are you still in your pajamas? Don't you have to be out of here in an hour?" Deigr asked in an annoyed tone.

<And, what if I just skip lectures today instead?> The phone blasted at full volume.

"Absolutely not, you're not skipping lectures!" Deigr cried. "Hurry up and get dressed! Breakfast will be ready soon!"

Stomping off towards the room, the young adult groaned. Ugh, why can't he just skip lectures today? Please, let him? It's not like the professor would even notice he's there. But, once his sister's mind was made up, she never changes it. Taking a quick spritzing, the chimera sighed as his reflection glared daggers at him.

Lifeless eyes as cold as snow, everything moved slowly. What's the point in going to classes? What's the point in studying game design? There is none. Make some friends while we're here! This will be the last time they ever move. Ha, sure it will be. By the end of the year, he bets Deigr will announce they're moving to South Sudan to help with mother and father's research again.

Light blue shirt soon placed over him with a line down the center and two cross shaped stitches, a matching tight length skirt had soon been underneath. Hair pulled up into two high pigtails, red pod shaped earrings with light orange accents had soon been hanging from the college student's ears. Matching hairpin clicked into place, the young adult stared off into space. Maybe he should have picked the Ventus Bakugan pod hairpin and earring set today. Oh, well.

Charred stuffed bacon omelette waiting for him at the table, the young adult pushed the plate away. How many times does he have to tell Deigr to not put bacon in his breakfast? She never listens, does she? No, of course she doesn't. What excuse is she going to use this time? Sorry, she forgot? Ah, yes, of course, it's most certainly coming, any second now.

"Aren't you going to eat? Don't you have a four hour lecture today?" Deigr asked.

<How many times do I have to tell you not to put bacon in my omelettes?> The phone blasted at full volume.

"This again? Listen, bacon is a Canadian staple, you're going to have to get used to it," Deigr said in an annoyed tone.

<I've told you at least a thousand times now to exclude bacon from my omelettes!> The phone blasted at full volume.

"Pick it out then! Hurry up and eat, I need to drive you to campus soon," Deigr barked back.

<No way, I'm walking today!> The phone blasted at full volume.

"While wearing short sleeves? I don't think so. Hurry up and eat, we have to go." Munch, munch.

Pesky bacon ripped out, the young adult held back the urge to sigh again. He ought to wake up at seven and cook his own breakfast. But, when would he have time for that? Every single day for six days a week his entire world was school, school, school, work, work, work, chores and coursework to last forever. He should have taken a longer gap year.

Burned egg dish almost going down the wrong pipe, demands had come his way to get his bag and coat. Gazillion layers ready to eat him alive, multiple keychains of a blue haired girl with pigtails clanged as he tried to make it off towards the door. Now's his chance to stage his exit, Deigr is looking the other way!

But, such failed in an instant. Sister already waiting for him outside, the hyena snapped his fingers. Curses, foiled again. Folding his legs on top of the backseat, the young adult crossed his currently human fingers. Please, let there be a million hours of traffic so he misses his lectures today. Or, better yet, a sudden snowstorm! Pretty please?

Luck not on his side, the chimera slipped in his earbuds. As if it would ever snow when he wanted it to. Opening an ancient streaming application, he scrolled off towards the recently watched tab. Bakugan Battle Brawlers episode eight almost leaking through the listening creatures, the young adult sighed as Ru-- appeared on screen. If only he could be as witty and strong as her.

Reaching campus before he even knew it, the college student looked the other way. Here he is, his prison, the Montreal Technical Institute. Please, can he just go home? Cough, cough, oh, look at that, how mysterious, his allergies are kicking in at the best possible time! Time to turn around, right? Cough, cough.

"Quit the allergy act already, I'm not turning around," Deigr said in a stern tone. "You're working again today, right? Text me when lectures get out. Are your uniforms still in the laundry basket downstairs?"

<Why wouldn't they be? Please, can we just go back home?> A loud digital voice through his phone speakers begged.

"Nope. I'm not helping you pay for a third of your tuition to skip classes. Now, get going!" Her finger pointed at the door.

<Alright, alright, I'm going!> A loud digital voice through his phone speakers shouted.

Slam.

Dragging himself through the gate, the student's head hung low. What's the point of going to classes? What's the point of any of this? There's no chimeras in the game design courses. Or, maybe there weren't any chimeras at this college at all. Why did he have to get accepted into this one? Why couldn't any of the other ones he applied to sent him a letter of acceptance instead?

Lecture hall reached barely on time, eyes were locked onto him once again for the billionth time this week, giggles aplenty. Stares laser focused on his bag, the Bakugan enthusiast tuned the world out. Whatever these humans had to say to him, he's not listening. Go ahead, talk to that brick wall right in front of them.

"Look who it is, little Ruru's wife!" a pesky human cried. "You kiss a poster of her when you're alone?"

"Nah, man this dude probably thinks he's Ru--. Look at how he dresses!" pesky human number two shouted.

"Psh, yeah, I bet. Aww, little hyena boy thinks he's a cartoon character!" pesky human number one cried. "Get over yourself. Bakugan is for babies. Get into a real game! Magic the Gathering is the real deal! They say the monsters are aliens and they gonna become real someday!"

"I don't know, I've been hearing there's a Bakugan Resurgence coming," a meek female human student said in a small voice.

"You on little Ruru wannabe's side, huh?!" pesky human one asked.

"Bakugan is old news!" pesky human two shouted. "This pesky little chimera needs to get with the times!"

Moving off towards his seat all the way in the back, the young adult rolled his eyes. As usual, those pesky humans had something to say to him. When will they learn he's not listening to a word they had to say? Also, he's not a dude, thank him very much. Whatever, not like he'd ever award these fools an answer, they can eat their words.

Pesky human teacher announcing himself and demanding everyone pay attention, the young adult removed his notebook from his bag. Sigh, yet another boring lecture about the history of card games today. When would he get a hands on experience like he promised? Well, it was only the second month of the course, after all. Maybe it would still be a long time before he could try his hands at actually designing a game. Oh, well, let the next four boring hours commence, he guessed.

Blah, blah, blah, long ongoing rants about the start of trading cards, the same old nonsense about baseball cards blasted through the walls. Not this again. What does the history of this have anything to do with making a game? It's not like anyone at this school had any interest in that stuff. Most of the people in this lecture hall were here to make role playing games or tabletop stuff, weren't they? As if he knew the answer to that.

Bloo, bloo, blah, professor going on and on about how baseball cards were the blueprint to the trading cards everyone knows and collects today, the chimera shook his head. As if that was true. Professor should see the card shop he works at! Most days, it's completely deserted, not to mention, when people do come in, they're always asking for stuff they don't have yet. Or, worse yet, niche ones. What was one that people had been asking for a lot lately? Oh, right, Chaotic. He watched that show once, it was terrible.

Long and boring slide about how until the nineteen nineties, trading card games weren't really a thing, the hyena groaned. Gosh, he knows already! Professor said that the other day, too! Ugh, can they please move on away from this stupid history lesson already? No? Of course not, haha. What else is new? Professor enjoys repeating the same lecture to see if people are paying attention.

Writing down baseball cards were the start, the next regurgitated facts threw themselves out into the open. The first modern trading card games was Magic: The Gathering. Classmates cheering and asking for more about that, he buried his head underneath the table. Great, he's in a room full of Magic junkies.

Two hours of nothing interesting being told, the young adult wanted to bury his head underneath his notebook. He swears, they're never going to leave this history lecture. Can two come already so he can just go home? No? Ugh. It's only noon, wonderful. Two more hours to go of all the same nonsense.

Blah, blah, blah, nonsense piling up one after another about how trading card games need to be innovative and bring something new to the table, the chimera almost didn't want to write that down. As if that's true. Almost all the card games his shop carried were almost entirely the same. Let's see, let him think. Energy type, attacks, this and that. Professor needed to see the reality of the situation. Get out of that little fantasy bubble of his.

Further boring nonsense about Magic: The Gathering rambled on about for the next hour and a half, the young adult put his notebook away. Forget writing anything down about most of this, why bother? Professor is going around in circles as usual. Does he ever have anything interesting to teach? Nope. Why did he want to take this course again?

Last half hour going slowly, a million people had been called on. Name skipped as usual, a sigh of relief flowed through the college student. Thank goodness he wasn't called on again. Please, keep it that way forever. Clock soon hovering over the twelve section, the chimera stood up from his seat. Time to get out of here.

Humans aplenty bustling on and on about the Magic the Gathering monsters are aliens from another world and they're going to become real soon, the chimera shook his head. Can Bakugan be aliens from another planet and become real instead? Maybe then, people will appreciate them and stop acting like it's old news.

Texting Deigr to come pick him up, the young adult sprawled out on the campus bench. Not a single chimera had walked by again today. Was he seriously the only one that went to this place? Maybe the others attended night classes instead. If only he didn't have work in the evening. But, of course, boss refused to schedule him during the day. Something, something, no one buys cards in the morning, oh well.

Pressing play on episode nine on his tv app, the young adult tried to recall. What happened in this episode again? Oh, right, that dude Masquer--- convinced two dudes to join him while Ali-- was catching a flight, or something. The earlier episodes were such a thrill. Tail brushing behind him, further sighs were ready to eat him alive. If only he were strong, witty, and cool like Ru-- and had a nice Bakugan partner like Tigrera. But, it wasn't meant to be, was it? Bakugan's not real.

Honk, honk.

"Come on, Siorc, get off the bench, I have to take you home!" Deigr cried. "Your boss called and told me he needs you to work overtime tonight! So, please, get up."

Dragging himself off towards the car, the Bakugan enthusiast laid down on the back seat. Unpaid overtime again? Why didn't boss tell him sooner? She's supposed to call or text him when this happens! Agh, why he oughta! Forget it, back to the boob tube. Episode ten playing on his phone, chatter was ready to disrupt everything.

"How were your lectures today?" Deigr asked at a red light. Did you make any friends?"

Battle playing through his earbuds, the young adult's face was glued to the screen. As if he made any friends. How could he? It's not like there's a single chimera in his lecture hall. And, why bother visiting any of the clubs to see either? He bets they're all Magic: The Gathering, Duel Masters, or worse, Huntik: Secrets and Seekers clubs. And besides, no humans would ever let him be part of their clubs anyway. Why bother putting himself out there?

"I'll take that as a no," Deigr said, sighing. "Look, I know you don't want to make friends since we were always moving all the time. But, I promise you that we're not moving this time, okay? We're in Quebec to stay. I know you must be lonely since most of your classmates are probably human, but put yourself out there, okay? You might be surprised, someone might reach out to you."

End credit soon playing, the young adult held back the urge to laugh. As if anyone would ever reach out to him, haha. What did some of the humans say to him? Oh, right, little Ruru, look at this guy, he thinks he's Ru--'s girlfriend. No way. He's not making friends with any humans, ever. And, he isn't lonely, thanks, he's fine on his own.

Playing episode eleven as traffic slowed to a crawl, the young adult crawled up into a ball. If only there were some chimeras that he could enjoy something with. But, every single time he even bothered forming bonds with people, the same nonsense would happen again. Mother would announce they're moving again. Somewhere super far away. She promises they'll totally stay for a long time this time around. Yeah, right, as if. Never happening. Mother's going to call up and say she needs them to go halfway across the globe any day now.

Abode reached who knows when, the young adult held his head low as he reached his room. Time to switch into his uniform. Another long, boring and dead day at work would soon be awaiting him. What's the point of going to this job? The card shop is definitely really close to closing down. How many customers did they get yesterday? Oh, right, only a dozen or so. This is what happens when all they sell is old niche cards and used video games from decades ago.

Uniform haphazardly slapped on, the chimera pet his Tigrera plushie on his desk. Please, boss, call him up right now and tell him he doesn't have to work overtime! He's only supposed to work six hours when he has classes the next morning. How long would he have to work today? Until midnight. Sigh, please, just let him skip class, thanks.

Wolfing down three tubs of yogurt, the young adult dragged himself out the door for what felt like the millionth time today. Maple leaves blowing on the wind, the Bakugan enthusiast shivered. Everything is so cold, so distant. Reaching the card shop after six minutes of walking, a pesky obstacle soon awaited him at the door.

"Finally, I thought you'd never show up!" an annoyed voice cried. "I need you until midnight today, okay? We're probably going to get a lot of customers!"

Standing by the door wearing a small cloth apron with a white pocket in the front filled to the brim with Chaotic card packs had been a short adult rabbit person with short pink hair pulled into a tiny braid. Eyes the same color as her locks, the card shop employee placed his hand on the side of hide. He needs to be here until midnight again? Why can't Kouneko remember the most important thing here? He's a college student, hello. He has to wake up early tomorrow for a nine o'clock lecture!

<Boss, come on, I have lectures in the morning, I can't work overtime!> A robotic voice shouted through his phone speakers.

"I don't care if you have to be up at five in the morning, I need you today!" Kouneko shouted. "Call your professor and say you can't come tomorrow."

 A robotic voice begged through his phone speakers.

"Come on, kid, quit arguing with the boss, we need you today," a deep voice in the corner said.

"Yeah, we're expecting a lot of customers today, we got some new cards in," another annoyed voice soon said. "We need you here 'till midnight tonight, sorry."

Standing by the used video games in the corner had been a tall dark sinned jackal man with a light green mask covering his eyes for whatever reason. Long dark blue hair pulled into curly low rat's tails that reached his waist, his uniform had been practically filled with plastic wrap. Okay, Sani, first of all, he's not a kid, he's going to be twenty in six months, and second, he's here, and so is boss, they don't need him to be here, that's all lies!

Looking ready to punt him to the moon had been a shorter tan lizard chimera man with short light brown hair pulled into a high messy ponytail that was rather spiky. Pitch black eyes with no sclera, his tail had been brushed against the counter again. There it was again, a bunch of lies. Whenever Olann wasn't telling the truth, his tail was on the counter! They're all working overtime because the manager's showing up to inspect their work, right? Ah, he sees now, he's not falling for that one again!

<Oh, please, we rarely ever get a ton of customers. What, did boss finally stock Magic: The Gathering cards? She probably put up the ones from decades ago!> A voice cried through his phone speakers.

"You know we don't sell Magic cards here, Siorc," Olann said, sighing. "Haven't you heard? There's possibly going to be a Bakugan resurgence going around. Maybe. Boss just put some posters, books and even the old games in stock today."

Hearing such, the card store employee laughed. Ha, as if that was going to happen. Everyone was always telling him Bakugan was old news! And, they weren't even selling the cards here! Watch, people are going to watch in, ask if they carry Magic: The Gathering and walk straight out when there aren't any here, the same as usual. Or, ask for Duel Masters and Huntik cards and complain that someone opened the card packs, the usual.

<Yeah, right, that'll never happen. Tell me, are we selling any Bakugan cards here?> A voice asked through the phone speakers.

"You know, that's the weird part, for some reason, boss couldn't find any of the card packs, nor the toys," Olann said, finger on his chin. "Whenever she tried to order stock of them, she was taken to an error page. So, we're just selling the memorabilia until that's sorted out."

"You two, stop standing around and man the fort!" Sani cried. "We're about to get a load of customers!"

Running towards his station, the young adult drummed his fingers on the counter. As if they'd get a whole ton of people coming in, Sani and Olann always say that, and then they get what? One, two, sometimes twelve to sixteen or so customers? Today would be another one of those days, of course. Same as always.

But, he was soon proven wrong. At least a triple dozen elementary school students running in with a pocket full of change, the young adult could hardly believe his eyes. Where were these little rascals coming from all of a sudden? Was he seeing things? He probably was, he bet. Definitely. Pinch him, he's dreaming.

Multiple kids buying used Bakugan Battle Brawlers and Bakugan New Vestroia dvds, the card store employee's head spun as multiple kids kept asking where the trading cards were. As if he knows the answer to that. Sorry, kids, they're all sold out. Or maybe they never existed in the first place. He'll go with the latter.

Some older kids looking ready to clean out their entire stock on Dragonoid plushies, the young adult eyeballed the Tigrera ones in the back. If anyone asks for any of those, sorry, they don't have any, and, no, he's not checking in the back! Da- Ku-- action figures quickly going out of stock as well, hours danced by in the blink of an eye. Time for a quick break. Sitting down in the breakroom, everything burned.

"See? I told you, there's a Bakugan resurgence, believe me now?" Olann asked.

<Maybe a little, I don't know. What time is it?> A voice through his phone speakers asked.

"It's only eight, four hours to go," Olann said. "Also, stop petting the merchandise. We have to sell that, you know!"

 A voice through his phone speaker shouted.

"Oh, there it is, I was looking for that," Sani said as he slapped a price sticker on it. "There. Now this one's going on the shelf. Get up, you two, we're getting swamped."

Tigrera plushie pulled away, the young adult groaned. Four hours to go in this prison. Some middle schoolers coming in buying some Huntik and Chaotic card packs, the card shop employee locked eyes with the Tigrera plushie sitting on the shelf closest to him. Please, don't let anyone buy her, he'll take her, thanks.

Multiple mothers trying to argue with him that they knew how Duel Masters worked more than he did, he tuned out the racket. Three hours to go, and then he's out of this joint. Please, can the hubbub die down, no? Sigh. Various used copies of Bakugan console games bought one after another, he squeezed a Bakugan pod shaped rubber ball. Here comes the next worst nightmare, dads and their daughters who collected marbles.

Eleven o'clock coming by in the blink of an eye, the chimera could feel the candle ready to burn out. Please, boss, let him go home now. Rabbit not budging, he swore business at the last hour grew to be at its worst. But, as the last half hour or so of his shift set off to space like a rocket ship, a rather strange customer came in.

Young adult dark brown haired bird chimera woman with hawk wings strutting by the counter with a weird looking shirt of a black haired dude with a long ponytail and purple outfit, the hyena groaned. Oh, great, a Sh-- fan. He never got along with them. Some of them were super weird. Eyes soon locked onto him, he tried to look alive.

"Oh, you're that hyena chimera that dresses like Ru-- in the game design class," the bird chimera lady said. "I see you around campus a lot all by your lonesome."

Campus brought to his attention, the hyena rose an eyebrow. Does she attend the Montreal Tech Institute, too? So, then why didn't he ever see her then? Well, maybe she took evening classes or something so their schedules never aligned. Or, maybe they were in opposite wings on campus, who knows? Why is she here for anyway? If she's here to make fun of him, he's just about to clock out, bye.

<Why haven't I ever seen you then? Who are you anyway? You got a problem with Ru--?> A voice asked through his phone speakers.

"Well, you always have your head down, so I guess you never see me," the bird chimera lady said, shaking her head. "I'm also a sophomore, so, I take classes in another wing than you." She then put her hands on the counter. "And, why would I have a problem with Ru--? You like who you like, and I like who I like. And, I just happen to like Sh-- Kaza--." She then sighed. "Whatever, I'm Wren, by the way. You have any Bakugan cards in stock?"

<Nope. But, we might have to dvds left of Mechtanium Surge if you look hard enough for it.> A voice said through his phone speakers.

"No, thanks, I'm good, that's the worst season," Wren said, shaking her head. She then turned her head, lowering her voice into a whisper. "So, there's no cards here, maybe a Bakugan resurgence is closer than I thought." Turning back towards the counter, she once again placed her hands on the counter. "Say, why don't you come to the abandoned music room tomorrow after classes?"

<Why? I have work tomorrow.> A voice said through his phone speakers.

"Please, just come, you'll see. You'll be in for a surprise. Oops, mom's honking. Ring me up for a candy bar, kay?" Wren asked. "See you tomorrow, okay?"

Candy bar rang up, fatigue ate the young adult up like a carton of yogurt. Finally, it's midnight. Why was today so busy? He hardly has the answer to that, honestly. Putting down his timecard he locked eyes with the unsold Tigrera plushie on the shelf closest to the counter. Maybe he should buy it? But a voice soon stopped him.

"Siorc, I told you, you're only allowed to buy merch that doesn't sell at the end of the month!" Kouneko cried, sighing. "By the way, don't come in tomorrow, I'm going to be spending all day restocking everything. See you on Thursday."

Dragging himself back home, the college student buried himself in his bed. Man, what a tiring day. Can he please skip classes tomorrow? As if Deigr would let him. Feeling himself about ready to drift off into dreamland almost immediately, cards fluttered down from the sky in the subconscious world.

Boring morning history lectures about tabletop games looping on and on for what felt like forever, the student yawned. Please, can this day just be over already? No? Ugh. Quit going on and on about the long history of baseball cards already and move onto something more important. But, that was never going to happen, was it? It's about time he switches majors.

Mysterious text appearing on his phone as classes rolled out to head for the abandoned music room in the west wing of campus, the chimera could not help but feel a wave of unease. Should he really go here? Maybe he shouldn't. After all, this could be a trap. Definitely. Here goes nothing. Twisting the knob, a paradise soon awaited him on the other side.

"You think so too, right, Rede?" an oddly familiar voice asked. "A Bakugan resurgence is close."

"Well, yeah, I'd say so," a voice on a screen said. "At least, here in Denmark, we think so."

"Us here in Ontario also think so!" another voice on a screen shouted.

"Really? So, people are saying that over there?" a gentle voice asked.

"Yeah, duh, I told you the last time we all did a voice call." the voice sighed.

"Hold on a second, someone's at the door, I'm muting ya'll," another voice said. "Who are you? If you're some human, scram."

"He's not a human," Wren said in an annoyed tone. "Welcome, Siorc, come in. Welcome to the unofficial Montreal Tech Institute Bakugan Club."

"Wait, did you say Siorc?" the first voice from earlier asked.

"Yes?" Wren asked. "You know him?"

Strutting into the clubroom, the young adult almost fell backwards at the sight before him. Standing by a large digital whiteboard with four people on screen had been a short young adult panda chimera with silver hair pulled into a low ponytail. Big pink eyes looking quite tired, they adorned a light blue button down shirt with a blond boy with blue eyes and red glasses decal printed onto it. Wait a second, it's Yinlong! He remembers them. When he was living in Mongolia for about a year, they might have bonded over New Vestroia. That was so long ago, though.

Standing next to them had been a short young adult individual with long red hair pulled into a high ponytail. Lynx paws out on the table, they had a sweater with Gorem on it. Nametag reading Toki, the chimera scratched is cheek. Uh, did they really need to wear that? They're on campus right now.

Giving him a rather sour look had been a short dark skinned plant person with short red hair that hardly reached past their ears. Ancient looked Roman robes covering them, attached to the side had been a rather out of place Masquer--- and Ali-- keychain. Well, then, he knows who this chimera likes.

"You sure this guy's not a human?" the plant chimera asked.

"Noce, I'm certain," Wren said. "Also, Yinlong, unmute the voice chat. Friends, why don't you introduce yourselves as well?"

Studying the people on camera for a moment, the young adult did a double take. Standing in the top left frame had been a rather familiar maroon haired mermaid woman. Oh, he knows this girl, she's Aigre from Niche Card Unboxes on Vimeo or something. Golden haired girl with snakes for hands in the box next to her, he squinted at her name. Valaha, huh? There's a Hungary flag behind her, interesting.

Looking at the other two people on screen, a memory soon fired off from within. Blue skinned mermaid lady with long stringy grey hair looking rather angry, a name floated around in his mind. Oh, it's Arroser, the I Review Every Bakugan Toy Vimeoer. Or something. Super tall spiky green haired goat man with a goatee with the name Rede underneath his camera shot, voices started pouring in one after another.

"A new club member, huh? Welcome," Aigre greeted. "Sorry we can't be here in person, all of us are pretty far from Montreal, haha. I'm Aigre, by the way."

"And, I'm Valaha, president of the unofficial Bakugan Club," Valaha greeted. "Well, uh, the international branch, anyway."

"So, when are you coming to Montreal?" Toki asked. They then turned towards the new potential recruit. "I'm Toki by the way, and this sourpuss over there is Noce."

"Ugh, I'm not a sourpuss!" Noce shouted.

"You are, just admit it!" Arroser groaned. "I'm Arroser, and, look, we're trying to come to Quebec soon. We're just waiting for when it happens."

"When what happens?" Yinlong asked, words slow. They then turned towards Siorc. "Siorc, I can't believe I got to see you again after all this time! When did you move to Quebec?"

"Hold on, before you get all lovey dovey, at least let me introduce myself!" Rede shouted. "Ahem, name's Rede! Guess what? A Bakugan resurgence could happen as soon as next week, you all ready?"

Bakugan resurgence mentioned once again, the stared off into space. What did that even mean? Honestly, he's starting to wonder even more now. Maybe the toys were about to be put back on the market, or they're going to reboot the show with little fanfare? Ew, no thanks, let the golden era be the only one.

<What do you mean by a Bakugan resurgence?> A voice asked through his phone speakers.

"Well, you'll soon see, I promise you, it'll come together," Rede said. "Now, lovebirds, it's time for your reunion!"

"Ugh, Rede, I'm muting you!" Yinlong cried, clicking a button. "I swear, he's worse than Ha- G sometimes." They then slowly turned around. "After ten years, I finally get to see you again. I knew coming to Canada was the right call."

<It's nice to see you again, Yinlong. Sorry I left without saying goodbye all those years ago. Mother often made us move around. But, that's in the past now. I moved here about a year and a half ago. It's nice to see you again.> A voice asked through the phone speakers.

"It's nice to see you again too," Yinlong said in a longing tone. "Why don't you sit down? We're just about to start today's meeting!" She then groaned. "Ugh, alright, fine, Rede, I'll unmute you, but don't say anything weird, okay?"

Long afternoon meeting about a Bakugan resurgence coming any day now, the young adult wondered. What was that supposed to mean anyway? Honestly, he had no idea. Maybe the cards were coming back on the shelves? Come to think of it, that could be it. But, it was kind of strange how all the cards were leading to page not found messages. Even used listings should still appear online, right? Weird.

Rede guy mentioning once again to prepare himself for next week, the young adult could hardly comprehend. What did that mean? Was something going to happen? Some humans were claiming next week Magic: The Gathering card creatures were becoming real next week. While others claimed the same for Duel Masters, Chaotic, Huntik and Gormiti, but those were all just rumors, right? None of that was going to happen.

Sister texting him multiple times it's time to come home, the chimera gazed at the time. Woah, when did it become six in the evening? Ah, great. How long had he kept her waiting in the parking lot, he better go. Standing up from the table, he typed away for a moment. Please, can someone at least explain what they meant by a Bakugan resurgence?

 A voice through his phone speaker said.

"Oh, well, we're about to end the meeting for the day, anyway," Wren said. "See you same time tomorrow?"

 A voice through his phone speaker said.

"Sure, that's alright," Wren responded. She then whispered. "Though, soon, you might not have time for work anymore."

Exiting the music room, the hyena stared off into space. What did Wren mean by that just now? Flopping down on the car seat in the back, the college student accidentally let out a yawn. Agh, why did he do that just now? Deigr's going to think he's bored, or something. He'd better take it back before it's too late.

"You sure got here late," Deigr said. "You have a test or something?"

<No, I was with friends.> A voice through his phone speakers said.

"Oh, really? Well, text me if you're going to meet with them again tomorrow," Deigr responded. She then lowered her voice into a whisper. "Finally, he's found himself some friends."

Returning home, the next few days at school and work were quite strange. Multiple kids continuing to ask where the Bakugan cards were, another new development had come on through. People claiming the Bakugan pod toys were vanishing like they never existed, such piqued the card shop employee's interest. What's going on here? Petting his Tigrera plushie on his desk between coursework, club meetings got even weirder.

And, then the promised day arrived.

Waking up in the middle of the night to a strange sound, the chimera rubbed his eyes. Huh, is it raining? But, the sound slapping down on his window couldn't have been further from such. Was it just him, or did the droplets sound like plastic? Is there acid rain out there? He'd better go to the balcony and cover up the tables.

But, what he saw outside when reaching the balcony was a brand new round of surprises. Bright orange cards raining down from the sky, the young adult did a double take. Wait a second, are those ability cards? What are those doing here? Did someone drop them from a roof or something? He'd better catch them before it's too late.

Leaning over the balcony edge, a sea of cards plopped down into his hands. Studying them for a moment, nothing made sense. Wait a second, these are the cards from the Bakugan show. They didn't look anything like they did in the real life game. What's going on here? Continuing to scoop up more, a strange voice soon called out to him.

"Hey, mortal, quit leaning against the roof! You're stepping on me!" a voice called out.

Jumping back, the Bakugan enthusiast could hardly believe his eyes. What's this little blue bear doing on his balcony? Is he dreaming? Pinch him, please! He's got to be dreaming. Ow. Wait, he's awake right now? Maybe this is a vivid dream. Right, he still has those every now and again! Of course. Right, he's in his bed right now sleeping.

"You're not dreaming, mortal!" the little bear thing cried. "I swear, all the other mortals across the globe reacted this way, too!"

<Who are you? What's happening? And, what do you mean this is happening around the globe?> A voice asked through his phone speakers.

"Huh, your lips broken or somethin'?" the little bear thing asked. "Ugh! Whatever, I'm Cubbo, I'm your partner, I guess."

Little bear thing introducing themselves as Cubbo, the young adult blinked. Wait, if this thing is a Bakugan like in the show, and they're blue, then that means they're Aquos? Ugh, gross! Can he get another one? Tigrera will do, anything but Aquos! He'll even settle for Darkus, or anything else!

<No way, I'm not partnering up with an Aquos Bakugan!> A voice cried through his phone speakers.

"How dare you classify me as that inferior attribute!" Cubbo cried. "I'm Haos! And, guess what, we're stuck together! Now, you'd better find the rest of us 'cause we all fell to your stupid world! Ugh, bring me back to Vestroia, please!"

Little bear mumbling, the young adult nearly fell off the balcony. Wait, hold on a second! Repeat that. Please, repeat what they just said a moment ago? Vestroia is real? Take that, people who wanted Magic: The Gathering to be real! Alright, focus for a second, Siorc. This Bakugan just said more of them fell to earth. Were they scattered across the globe. Maybe he should ask a few more questions before going back to his room.

<Okay, first off, how do I know you're really a Bakugan? And second, what do you mean you fell into my world? Are you all around the globe?> A voice asked through the phone speakers.

"You still don't believe I'm real?! What, you didn't see me in that show thing of yours or something?!" Cubbo asked, tone annoyed.

<No, you were never in Bakugan Battle Brawlers.> A voice said through the phone speakers.

"Tch, you make a show about us, and you didn't include me?! I should have been the main character!" Cubbo cried. "You mortals are disgusting."

<Answer my other questions! Hurry up, because if my sister finds me out here, she's going to yell at me!> A voice through the phone speaker shouted.

"We all fell here! What more is there to explain?!" They waved their little hands in the air.

Moving an empty flower pot over the edge of the balcony, the chimera returned to his room. That's enough of this nonsense for one night. He bets when he wakes up, he'll find out this is just all a dream. Plopping back down on his bed, the young adult hugged his large Tigrera plushie. Please, let this all be just a strange dream he found himself in.

Little bear thing waking him up the next morning, the chimera groaned. So, it wasn't a dream after all, surprise, surprise. Droning on through classes, the chimera headed off to the abandoned music room. But, what awaited him from inside was a load of hustle and bustle. Wow, is it loud in here today, what's going on?

"Did cards rain down from the sky near you guys, too?" Yinlong asked. "And, did a mysterious Bakugan call out to you, and demand you team up with them and find the rest of them?"

"Indeed," Rede said on the screen.

"Same," Aigre said on the screen. "Say hi, Linehalt."

"Stupid mortals! Quit sitting around and find our people!" Linehalt cried.

"Happened late last night here, I can confirm," Wren said, yawning. "Morning, Siorc. I see you got yourself a Bakugan partner, too. Knew you would."

"This dude's my servant, I'll have you know!" Cubbo cried.

"Right, well, mine's an eye, as you can see," Wren said, sighing. "Anyone know what my partner's name is?"

"I believe it's called Tentaclear, that one wasn't in the show," Toki said. "I got this one, but he's kind of quiet."

"So, this is what you meant by a Bakugan resurgence?!" Noce cried. "Why didn't you say something sooner?"

"Yeah, Rede, do tell!" Arrroser cried on the screen.

"I'd like to know that, too, actually," Valaha said on the screen.

Everyone discussing everything that happened last night, the chimera looked away for a moment. So, this is what Rede meant by a Bakugan resurgence? None of this made any sense at all. Should they really go around and look for the rest of them that fell to earth? Maybe they should. And, maybe they should set up a game with these aliens like in the show? That would be super fun. They could make a kids, teens and young adult bracket.

"Siorc, you thinking about something?" Rede asked. "You seem like you have something on your mind. I know we've only known each other for a little over a week and a half and all that, but. Dunno, you seem like a deep thinker."

 A voice through his phone speakers said.

"I think we should do that, too," Toki said in an enthusiastic tone. "After we find all the cores, of course."

"Yeah, I agree, that sounds like fun, and my partner is really itching for that, I think," Yinlong said, voice trailing. "Maybe. But, if we're going to establish a game, don't you guys thinks you should come to Quebec?"

"After we find all the Bakugan in the area, we'll fly straight over, promise," Valaha said.

"You can't just promise that, you know!" Noce cried. "And, how are we supposed to find theses Bakugan?!"

"Ask your partners to help you locate them, duh?!" Arroser cried. "At least, that's what mine says. Right?"

"Yup," Arroser's Bakugan partner said.

"Well, why don't we vote on it?" Wren asked. "Can someone start a poll up in the general chat?"

"On it," Aigre said, typing away at her computer. "Alright, it's up."

Everyone voting yes, the young adult blinked. So, they're really going to establish a game like in the show? Maybe his work will start selling ability cards and stuff after this. Probably? Honestly, who knows at this point. Club meeting going on for the next few hours, he was almost late for work that day.

Next month or so spent on locating all the missing Bakugan across Quebec, almost all of them had been found after around forty nine days or so. Card store selling quite a lot of Bakugan cards, less and less people buzzed around about Magic: The Gathering, Chaotic, Huntik, Duel Masters and even Gormiti as the days went on. Even the humans picking up their own cores, things had begun to change little by little.

Spending a month establishing the game rules and how Bakugan worked, there had been buzzes about this place called the Doom Dimension popping up. Oh, no, this really was turning out like the show! Is he going to have to save some of these aliens from there? Maybe. He should probably prepare himself to start staging a rescue soon, if at all possible.

Remote friends finally deciding on a date to come over to Quebec, things had finally begun to fall into motion. Late February, he'll finally meet Rede and the others all at once in person; in time for the first tournament. But, would it really go alright? Maybe he was getting ahead of himself here. Something could and possibly might go wrong, won't it?

Marking the twenty ninth of February on his calendar, his sister had been saying very strange things to him lately. He seemed kind of happy. Did he really, though? Maybe he had just been imagining it. Probably, he doesn't know. Omelette waiting for him that very morning, an even stranger conversation nearly knocked him out of his chair.

"For the past four months, you've been so full of life," Deigr said between bites. "Besides finally making some friends, did something else happen?"

Biting down on his omelette, the young adult wondered. Should he just reveal to her that Bakugan fell to earth and they're all playing a game with these alien things in secret or something? Nah, she wouldn't believe that. Maybe he can water it down just a little so it sounds more plausible? Yeah, that'll do.

<My friends and I are making a Bakugan tournament.> A voice through his phone speakers said.

"Oh, right, I almost forgot, that show of yours suddenly got a weird resurgence," Deigr responded, hands out in front of her. "I don't get it, honestly, but as long as you're staying on top of your studies and your job, I guess I don't mind."

<Of course I am, I'm going to class now, bye.> A voice through his phone speakers shouted.

Boring lectures going by in the blink of an eye, the discussions continued in the club room. Tournament officially set for the very end of February until the last week of April, the hyena sighed. Oh, his birthday, right. Did it really have to end around that time? Maybe they should make the tournament a month long instead of two? Such suggestion however, was canned. Stupid midterms, never mind. Have to spread the tournament out.

Late February breezing through, the day arrived. The final day of February. The moment everyone had been waiting for. Arriving at the tournament venue, someone tapped on his shoulder. Really tall goat man waving at him, the young adult jumped back. Wow, Rede is much taller in person, he can hardly believe it. He's not dreaming right now, right?

"Glad to finally meet in person, everyone," Rede said, waving. "Can't believe it's finally here, huh? The day all nine of us can come together like this in person."

"Can I mute this dude in real life?" Yinlong asked.

"No, Yinlong," Toki said. "Nice to meet you in person, Rede!"

"Feels good to be on Canadian soil where Bakugan first originated, you know?" Valaha asked, sighing. "And, it's finally nice to meet you two in person as well, Aigre and Arroser."

"For the record, I could have come to Quebec at any time! I was just busy and stuff, you know?" Aigre groaned, flippers freezing in place.

"Ugh, not me, though! I have so much course work, and flying in from France isn't cheap you know!" Arroser cried. "Just kidding. Nice to not have to shout from in front of my computer monitor."

"You ready for the first round of the tournament?" Wren asked. "Just so you know, just because we established the rules of this game together, doesn't mean we can take shortcuts." She looked at Noce as she said such.

"Woah, why are you looking at me for, huh?!" Noce cried.

"I'll take you all down!" Cubbo cried.

<It's nice to finally meet in person, everyone. Let's battle hard together.> A voice through the phone speakers said.

"Nah, from this moment on, we're rivals, you understand?" Toki said in a cocky tone. "Rivals, you hear?"

<Same to you, I'll beat you.> A voice through the phone speakers chanted.

Everyone hurdling in, many rounds of battles took the stage in the young adult bracket. Winning the first round, a pause had been put before the second. But, such had been quite short as midterms had been breezed through. Multiple kids practically buying out all the Bakugan card stock at work, business was booming.

Advancing through the second and third rounds as April soon loomed around the corner, the days were full of life. Eyes sparkling like they never did before, the semi finals were fast approaching. Continuing to climb up the tiers, the early spring month was almost gone in the blink of an eye.

And, then the day came.

The finals, the last day of the tournament. April twenty seventh, to be exact. And, such day was a special one indeed. On this day, twenty years ago, he was born. So many years of solitude. So many years of moving, and now, he's here, on the stage in the top four of a Bakugan tournament. Would his mother be happy to see him here? Perhaps, she would.

Losing against Toki's Pyrus Bakugan, the young adult seated himself in the audience. Well, he made it this far, so why feel doom and gloom over it? Red haired club member winning the entire thing, the tournament closing ceremony soon came and went. Round of applause soon erupting, everyone waited for each other in the plaza outside.

"This was so much fun, we should do this every year," Rede said, stroking his goatee.

"You think so?" Yinlong asked. "What do you think Siorc?"

Question coming his way, the Bakugan enthusiast couldn't help but smile. Should they do this every year? Well, he still had quite some time before he graduates. And, maybe they could add a bracket for older adults as well. His coworkers were starting to get interested in this game as well, after all.

"His face says it all, honestly," Aigre said. "Same time next year?"

"Sure, sounds great to me," Valaha said. "Everyone, let's put our hands in and swear on it!"

"Same time next year," Everyone else except Siorc said out loud, hands out in front.

"Well, we should probably head back to our hotel now," Valaha said, yawning. "See you behind the screen tomorrow."

"I'll get my revenge for my defeat!" Noce shouted.

"Yeah, yeah, see you on the web." Valaha turned around as she said such.

Almost everyone else bidding farewell one after another, the young adult stared off into space. They'll really do this every year, right? He sure hoped so. Venue soon clearing out, one last face locked eyes with him. Yinlong stayed behind? Did they have something else to say? Maybe he did. Locking eyes with him, their hands had been behind their back.

"I had so much fun with this tournament, thank you for suggesting we turn this into a game like the show," Yinlong said, voice slow.

<No problem, Yinlong. I'm glad we got to be friends again. See you in the club tomorrow.> A voice through the phone speakers said.

"Yeah, see you tomorrow," Yinlong responded.

Returning home, the Bakugan enthusiast plopped down on his bed. Man, that was successful tournament. Maybe they should make some Bakugan clubs in card stores in the future? That sounded like a good idea. Closing his eyes as dreamland was about to take him, one last thought threw itself down onto his pillow.

This Bakugan resurgence was wonderful.

So wonderful.

Honestly, this one went as I expected it to. And, if I had to be honest, amongst the many anthologies in this collection, this one is the most normal one. As of writing this, we are a little less than a month away from Bakugan's 19th anniversary. At first, I didn't know where this would take place, but I remembered that Bakugan is a Canadian Japanese co production, and it all fell in place there. I was not expecting this to be 10,000 words, but I feel like I've been saying that a lot lately.

In any case, here's Bakugan Siorc. He's Runo kinne /j. Maybe I should write a satire about fictionkin. Just kidding, lol. Anyway, next week is Symphogear Siorc. And, uh, it's the last fandom piece before the last two veer off into uh, strange territories, we'll say. Nothing too wild, though, just in two different genres entirely.

Also, after this book is finished, I'm writing a Persona Anniversary book, haha.

Palamon · Mar 13, 2026

Alright, so this one is a Symphogear anthology. This one is pretty basic. Siorc, a Freshman in college basically worships the Symphogear veterans and wants to become a Symphogear user himself. He's a music composer who makes fight songs with a rather boring life. Until, his friends give him a ticket to an idol meet and greet, and his life changes.

Warning as follows: some mild violence (no blood tho) and a bit of mild crude language. Beyond that, nothing else really applies here.

Symphogear Idunn SI

"Yo, sup, name's Siorc Ingne,
Of course, I'm not really a talker, but oh well.

I'm a freshman in college, hyena chimera.
Might as well

Start with that.
I'm a general education student. For
One thing it's
Ridiculously boring, but I
Can't really decide what path I want to take.

Can't decide
On my true future
Looking forward. So,
Let me skip all the
Eeny things that don't matter.
Guess I should
Explain some other things.

So, I live on
This artificial Japanese Island,
Uh, Ongaku Jima.
Don't know when it was
Even built, but I've lived here since I was very small.
Now, in English,
This island

Is called Music Island.
Now, listen up.

Guess what, we're pretty close to the
Edges of Tokyo. And, what was in Tokyo?
Now, pretty much
Everyone knows this, but the Symphogear users! They're
Rather cool,
And they saved Tokyo from aliens with the
Literally coolest thing, music!

Ehe, kind of wish I could be one, but I
Doubt I'd get the opportunity.
Uh, the alien invasion
Came and went,
After all.
Though, I have heard
In passing peaceful days are
Over and there might be
Noise again.

Okay, maybe. There might be
Noise again, I

Am not sure. I
Never really go

Anywhere besides school. I'm
Rather busy at home
Trying to make songs and stuff.
It's hard work, okay?
For me, anyway.
I'm just a
Crude low level beginner.
I'm not even
At the growing period yet.
Let's just move on from that.

Can't see an alien invasion
Happening at all
In the near future, but
Maybe if it does
End up happening, I could fight!
Roar, I could punch them like Hibi-- Tachi----!
Ahaha, or not. I could

Fight, but
I'd probably just
Like, be
Literally copying her. In the
End, I
Doubt an alien

Invasion is imminent in any way.
So, I continue to
Lead boring days
At college with
No major
Direction in life. Sigh,

Oh well,
Not like I
Gotta have it
All figured out in Freshman year. I can
Keep at it until a move
Up to the next year.

Just gotta go with the flow
In the end. It
Might just be
A whole lot easier

Of a journey for the moment. But,
Roar, if there's an alien invasion,

My music will fight with me.
Unless it's not
Strong enough? What,
I make fight songs, like
Come on now.

In the end, the
Symphogear is
Literally the coolest thing ever,
And I wish I could wield that power, but it'll
Never happen. Mother
Doesn't seem to think I have what it takes at

All, and
Neither
Do my roommates.

I feel like I honestly

Annoy them. To be honest, I
Don't know why. But,
Oh well, I'd
Rather not give up.
Especially since

There's a slim possibility I do
Have what it takes to
End up being a wielder!

Haha, they'll all see!
Everyone will see!
Roar, there will be a day where I
One day
End up wielding
Some gear!

When? Who knows!
How? I don't know, but I should be
Optimistic, right?

Haha, my roommates
Act like I'm
Delusional, but

Come on!
One has to dream, right?
Obviously! I mean,
Like, come on,

Get with the times!
Everyone has
A dream, whether
Realistic or not.

Can't I dream
A little I'll be
Like Hibi-- someday?
Look, I can dream
Even if it's just a
Dream that

Simply won't ever happen.
Yup, I can dream because it
Might happen. It
Probably won't
Happen, but
One thing is for sure, I
Got to at least have an
Eeny bit of hope!
And I have hope! It's not
Realistic, but I need to look at the
Stars and think it's possible!"

It had been a rather chilly late summer day across the artificial island known as Ongaku Jima, also known as Music Island. The younger chimeras were preparing for classes. The older ones had awoken from a deep slumber. Some idols somewhere were preparing for a big concert. Everything was going quite smoothly for the rather small population. But, for one particular hyena chimera, business went about as usual.

Bowing by a poster of a spiky light brown haired girl in orange and yellow battle gear had been a feminine appearing dark purple haired young adult individual with long, thin hair that reached down to about the upper legs. Mismatched purple and green eyes looking full of life, the bows continued. Good morning, Hibi--, the person is not worthy.

"He's bowing to that stupid poster again?" a tenor voice asked.

"Eeyup, he's bowing to that stupid poster again," another voice groaned. "Siorc, cut it out already! We have to get ready for our lectures!"

Standing himself up, two annoying faces soon awaited the hyena. Standing with his hands on his hips had been a short merman hiding in human form currently. Short light blue hair that looked like the ocean reaching to about his shoulders, his eyes were the exact same shade. Hint of whiskers still visible, the student crossed his arms across his waist. Excuse him, this poster is not stupid! Hibi-- Tachi---- was a hero, he'll have him know! Brume just doesn't get it, does he?

Looking at him with major contempt had been a short, young adult dark skinned frog chimera with bright spiky red hair pulled into a semi mohawk. Pitch black frog eyes, he had frog hands as well. Sighing, the chimera gave him a glare. Did Gloine have to call the poster stupid, too? Excuse him! First of all, this was his room first! These two only moved in here to be closer to the academy. He's lived here his whole life! Okay, no, scratch that, almost his whole life. Whatever. Reaching for his notepad, he scribbled away.

\First off, I'll have you both know that my poster is not stupid! It's not just any poster, it's Hibi-- Tachi----! And, I'm going to become a gear user just like her someday!\ A scribbled down note shouted.

But as he held the paper up, a sea of laughs had come the student's way. Giggles, guffaws and points dancing around him for minutes on end, the young adult bit his lower lip. What is so funny, huh? Were they insulting the great and epic Hibi-- Tachi----? How dare they! They'll pay for that, why he oughta.

\And, just what are you two laughing about?!\ A scribbled down note asked.

"As if you'd ever get to wield the power of Symphogear, get real, Siorc, you can hardly even pay attention in math class!" Brume cried. "Speaking of which, you'd better pay attention today, we're getting a math exam. If the professor catches you doodling that chick again, I bet he's gonna fail you for the rest of the semester."

"Eeyup, so, I'd focus if I were you," Gloine said, arms folded. "We're not in High School anymore. Ya gotta take class more seriously, got it?"

Pesky noise coming his way, the student rubbed his finger across his nose. He's totally taking college seriously, okay? Math is just, super boring. It's not like he wanted to take general education courses anyway! But, no, the music course just had to be full up for the next three years! So, sorry for not being all that interested in math. Forgive him for his sins against numbers.

\Maybe if the music classes weren't all full up, I would!\ A scribbled note shouted.

"You know that there will never be vacancies. You should just give up at this point," Brume said, shaking his head. "Besides, your music is trash anyway. Even if the music program hadn't been filled, do you really think they'd have accepted your application? They wouldn't have, and you know it."

"I can't help but agree, I've heard you composing on your laptop, your compositions are awful!" Gloine cried. "Quit dreaming of the impossible and get ready to go. If you don't, your mother gonna be up our butts! Man, whatevs, Brume and I are going on our morning run. See you in an hour."

Pesky roommates stomping away, the rolled his eyes. Come on, now, his songs weren't that bad! He was still learning how to make a good track! One day, he'll make a cool sounding fight song, and everyone will praise it to the moon and back again! It'll happen, they see! The music program side of the college will regret not giving him a seat in their class when he hits it huge, that's for sure!

Cracking his knuckles, the hyena dashed towards his closet. Forget those lousy guys, they're always wrong anyway. He'll show them, he'll show everyone! When he finally gets himself some gear and becomes a Symphogear user like Hibi--, everyone will see him! Yes, totally, haha. He'll make the impossible totally possible! Someday. Probably.

Quick late morning spritzing ready to toast the walls, the young adult hummed a tune. Yes, yes, this will be his fight song someday. Totally. Whistles added to the mix, the chimera tried to keep himself in tune. Maybe he should join the martial arts club at some point. Ah, yes, that would be a good idea. He could create a fight song for that, too. Wonderful idea, he's a genius!

Wiping away the fog on the mirror, the chimera reached for the rubber bands. What kind of look should he go for today? Ah, he knows. Hair pulled up into four long, stringy pieces, the young adult pumped his fists. Wow, he looks like Chr-- Yuki--. Did he score big, or did he score even bigger? Icy light blue sweater with upside down red hearts and a pink skirt with long straps on them connected to the edge of his shoulders, heart hairpins and earrings had been clicked into place. Looking good, Siorc. If only these pesky hyena spots weren't there.

Gazing at his watch for a moment, the hyena nearly fell backwards. Oh, no, it's almost noon already? Gah, he's so going to be late for classes! Can he skip today instead? Nah, mom would definitely kill him for that, he'd better get going. If only his roommates hadn't run their mouth for a million years! Forget it, time to run. Speeding off towards the kitchen, the student wolfed down a tub of yogurt. Time to hit the road.

"Woah, honey, there's no need to rush!" a motherly voice shouted. "You don't have class for about an hour!"

Standing in the kitchen with an apron full of holes in it had been a short middle aged hyena chimera woman with messy dark purple hair that went down to about her upper legs. Eyes the same shade, the young adult shook his head. Okay, so maybe he didn't have class until one in the afternoon, but it'll be ages before he finds is bike in the garage! May as well be ten minutes before lectures instead!

\Easy for you to say, mother! I have find my bike!\ A scribbled note shouted.

"Oh, right, didn't you put it in the closet in the garage?" mother asked.

\Yes, and that's precisely the problem!\ A scribbled note shouted.

"Honey, if you don't want your bike to get buried by everyone else's stuff, maybe you should mount it against the wall like I've told many times now," his mother responded in annoyed tone.

\I don't know where the bike mount is, okay?! I'm heading for the garage now!\ A scribbled note exclaimed.

Sprinting off towards the garage, the young adult dived head first into the clutter mountain that was the closet. Dear lord, Brume's water tubs were everywhere again! How many times did he have to tell that guy to put his stuff on his side of the garage closet? But, did he ever listen? No! Of course he didn't. When does he ever? Ugh. Bike, come out, come out, wherever it is.

Tossing everything aside for what felt like nearly half an hour, a dark green mountain bike soon awaited the composer. There it is, finally. This is all Brume's fault! That dude ought to stop throwing his millions of water tubs everywhere! Why can't mother police this guy harder? He's a menace in his own home! Helmet on, the young adult was off to the races.

Catching up to his pesky roommates halfway through, the glares soon locked onto him. Oh, great, here it comes, they're both going to grill him for taking forever to get here. Whose fault was it that he couldn't find his bike, hmm? This merman! But, he's going to deny it like always, isn't he? Yup, here he it comes, he can already feel it coming.

"What took you so long to catch up to us?" Brume asked.

"You know him, he takes a million years to do his hair in the morning," Gloine said.

\Excuse me! I'm not the one who threw a million water tubs down in the closet covering everything up, now was I?\ A scribbled down note asked.

"You're still mad about that? You know the closet in the garage barely has any room for anything!" Brume cried. "Mount your bike to the wall or something!"

\No, you keep your stuff on your side of the closet like I asked you to!\ A scribble down note shouted.

"I'm so not having this argument with you right now, Gloine, let's speed up." Zoom.

Shifting his bike into the third gear, the student like out grunt. These two will be sorry when he releases his songs online and he gets super popular! Hmph, whatever, forget these two, they'll never get it anyway! Racing off towards the bike racks, the chimera locked the creature in. Dragging himself towards the entrance, he held in the urge to sigh. Please, don't let today's exam have a gazillion questions.

Pesky professor locking eyes with him as he announced this exam would be the final math one for the semester and it would be worth a lot, the young adult almost wanted to walk away. Oh, great, look at this thick booklet! Why did it have to have so many questions? He's going to be here until tomorrow, isn't he?

Opening up the exam booklet, a load of nonsense soon swam in front of the hyena. Oh, great, algebra again. When would he ever needs this kinda junk as a composer? He wouldn't, that's for sure! Why did he have to be stuck in general education? As soon as there's a vacancy in the music department, he is so out of here!

Gibberish coming his way, the student's head spun. Why does professor always have to put a million algebraic formulas in his exams all the time? He swears, this teacher had to be some sort of foreign alien instead of a chimera. Oh, he knows, maybe he was a noise in disguise waiting for the right moment to attack! Yes, yes, of course, he's a genius, he's right on the money with this one!

Annoying word problems soon waiting for him as the first hour went by as slow as ever, the hyena almost wanted to close this book. Ugh, not these again. Professor's always making the dumbest ones! Who cares if Jeanette wanted to buy a gazillion cds for a million dollars? Can he skip these questions, please? No, no, if he did that, he'd fail and that octopus man would have a word with him. He'd better answer them.

Word problem section going at a snail's pace, the composer buried his head on his desk. How is he only halfway done at this point? Why did the summer semester have to be mostly math and science for? Those were so boring. And, everyone expects him to pay attention? How can he? None of it's even interesting! Can't they teach the science of wielding gear or something? Maybe then he wouldn't doodle on everything! But, nah, that's definitely never going to happen. After all, there hasn't been an alien invasion in forever.

Numbers of doom ready to drown him, the chimera scribbled away. X equals this, Y equals that! Can't they use more fun letters like, he doesn't know, M or N or something else? Algebraic fractions, his worst enemy. What question number was this again? Oh, great, this is only the hundredth one. How many left? Fifty. Why does professor put so many all the time?! He'll never know the answer to that.

Tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock.

Clock barely moving past the three mark, the exam kept on crawling. He swears, all these questions were difficult on purpose. Did he study? Okay, no, but who needs to study when this algebra stuff won't ever be used anyway? He swears, math is the most useless invention of all time! No one is ever going to think back to their college days and go, wow! Totally needed those algebra lessons in college. Sigh, please let the last portion of this be multiple choice.

Absolutely ridiculous multiple choice questions waiting for him, the young adult almost wanted to close the exam book. Why are all these questions about squids and tendrils? Urgh, he doesn't know the answer to any of these, his mind is going blank! Circling the final question as the timer dinged in the corner, he closed the book. Oh, wonderful, he's so going to fail this.

"Leave your exams on the table and skedaddle, all of you," the professor said. "I have to brush my tendrils."

"Ugh, professor, can't I have a little more time? These questions were way too hard!" student one cried.

"Yeah!" student two cried.

"Nope! When the timer goes off, it's over, now get out!" the professor shouted.

Standing up from his chair, the student sped off towards the exit. Finally, it's over, he is so out of here! Zooming through the hallways, the young adult swore he could hear everyone mumbling something. Why is there so much of a racket today? Placing his hand behind his ear, he listened carefully.

Multiple students talking about an alien invasion, the chimera's eyes sparkled. Woah, an alien invasion, really?! Please, let it be noise! If it was, maybe he could finally become a Symphogear wielder like Hibi--! Please, let it all be true, he's begging. But, as he kept thinking such, hands had soon been over his eyes.

"Guess who?" A gentle, but tenor voice asked.

Jumping back a bit, the hyena huffed. Okay, who did that? Turning towards his left, a familiar group of faces had soon been within his field of vision. Standing way too close to him had been a feminine appearing otter chimera with short, silver braids that went down to about her shoulders. Bright, big blue eyes on her face, and a cute ribboned dress, the young adult did a double take. When did Susu return from her summer break? Everything was so slow here without her!

Standing next to her had been a rather tall catgirl with translucent pink fairy wings on her backside. Light orange hair pulled into two high twin drills, she had a red sweater that was way too big for her. When did Ulka come back around? He hadn't seen her in ages. She was probably super busy with that summer semester job she got. Or, at least, that's what he last hard? She rarely answered her texts when in the zone.

Looking ready to fall asleep had been a short dark skinned plant person with bright red hair pulled into a side swept low ponytail. White robe like outfit on them, the hyena shook his head. Cedre always dressed like they were stuck many millenniums in the past. Come on, now, it's the twenty fifty, for crying out loud! They should live like it! But, they never would, would they? Notepad out in front of him, he scribbled up a storm.

\Susu, I haven't seen you in ages! Is your summer job finally over?\ A scribbled down note asked.

"Well, yeah, almost! You know how busy managing the schedule of an idol group that's close to debuting can get!" Susu cried.

"Tell me about it," Ulka said, sighing. "We never get a break!"

"You can say that again," Cedre said, sighing. "But, it'll be over soon. They're having their first meet and greet and mini live this weekend. We can finally relax!"

Friends groaning one after another, the hyena tried to recall. What idol duo did these three land a summer job for again? Oh, right, Treble Forte or something. What kind of name was that, anyway? Unless? It was all a front for them fighting aliens?! No, of course not. All that hustle and bustle about an alien invasion was just after exam fatigue talking!

\Treble Forte, right? I heard they're getting really popular.\ A scribbled down note said.

"Yeah, they got quite a lot of fans, their schedules are really hard to manage, honestly!" Susu said, sweating. "But, you know, I'm friends with one of them, so it's not all that bad." She then rummaged through her pockets. "Say, Siorc, want to come to the meet and greet this weekend? It'll be fun!"

Ticket seated in Susu's hand, the chimera stared off into space. Can she really just hand over a ticket out for free like this? Wouldn't her boss be like super mad at her for doing that? Maybe he shouldn't take this thing. Wouldn't it be super unfair to people who spent their hard earned money on this? Perhaps it would be in his best interest to decline.

Hustle and bustle about an alien invasion droning through the hallways yet again, the chimera tried to keep his train of thought on the money. Well, it's not like he had anything planned this weekend. He bets Brume and Gloine will be out running through obstacles courses all weekend anyway. Besides, those two were boring to hang out with! Why did mother have to accept anyone who asked to stay here for college studies? Whatever, not his problem.

\Are you sure you should be giving this to me?\ A scribbled down note asked.

"Well, we aren't supposed to, but who's going to care if we give one away?" Ulka asked. "It's not like any of us are going to get to participate in the meet and greet. We'll be stuck behind the scenes."

"Yeah, so, just take it," Cedre said, voice tired. "It's good for two days, by the way. And, the meet and greet will last all weekend."

Reaching for the ticket, the hyena's eyes fluttered at where the meet and greet was located. Woah, it's at the Ongaku Theater? That place had the best view of Tokyo there! Would he be able to see Hibi-- Tachi---- from there? Okay, no, probably not, but a chimera can dream! Pocketing the critter, he bowed in gratitude.

"Well, we'd better get going, we have to take our summer exams!" Susu exclaimed. "See you on Saturday!"

Bidding the group farewell, the composer exited the campus. Helmet on, the chimera biked away. Was it just him, or was the sky super green today? Could it be, there's an alien invasion really coming? No, no, no, that's silly! It's just another boring Wednesday. Why would there be noise on Ongaku Jima? He's just tired from that test today.

Returning to his room, the chimera opened up his laptop. Time to make some new tunes! Machine taking a million years to reach the desktop, he almost wanted to smash his head into the keyboard. Ugh, did mother use his computer again to play her totally not virus browser games? He really needs to start putting a password on this thing.

Singloid and Museic Maker taking forever to load, the composer tried to not chuck his laptop across the room. Yup, mother had so been playing her dumb games again when he was out of the house. Why can't she get her own computer? Oh, right, he forgot. She got that dumb virus on it that locked her out of everything. Whatever.

Opening up the most recent song up, the chimera played the synthesized instruments back. Uh, okay, wow. This beat is amazing! It just needed a drum here and there, and? Adjusting the pitch, his eyes sparkled. Okay, now, this is what he's talking about! This is the perfect fight song! It's time to plop this midi into Singloid, and?

Boom.

Hearing something weird outside, the young adult ran towards the window. Woah, what was that just now? Not seeing anything, he plopped back down onto the ground. It was probably a car crash or something, not his problem. Midi dragged into Singloid, he wondered. Which voicebank should he use for this one? Oh, Shikabane Ren would do! Who decided to name one of their virtual singers Corpse Lotus anyway? Please have a powerful metal voice.

Dropping the lyrics in, the composer pressed play. Program freezing up aplenty, the young adult tried to keep his composure. That's it, starting today, he's putting a password on this thing! He must never let mother touch this thing again. She's destroying his future livelihood here! Singloid finally unfreezing, the tune played.

Screechy voice a little too loud, the chimera paused the playback. Woah, why did he set the decibels to maximum? He ought to change that right now! Dropping it down to about half of that, he pressed play again. Super high energy metal fight song gracing his eardrums, the composer clapped. Excellent, wonderful, this is his best one yet!

"Siorc, did you hear me? It's time for dinner!" Brume cried. "Ugh, can't believe you're clapping at that trash. You know, using Singloid doesn't make your music any better, right?"

"Eeyup, those robot voice programs are so fake, everyone's going to know," Gloine said, sighing. "You know, you're never going to get that gear you oh so desperately want, right? That crisis is long over, and you know it."

Reality served up to him cold, the hyena kept his attention on the screen in front of him. What do these two know? They don't know anything, that's what! And, this song was his best one yet! They're just tone deaf and can't hear it at all! Yup, that's exactly the problem here. They wouldn't know good music if they ever even heard it.

\First of all, you two wouldn't know good music if you heard it! And, second, just bring my dinner to my room! I have to finish this track!\ A scribbled down note shouted.

"Fine, but you know your mother doesn't want you eating in our room," Brume said, arms crossed.

\You think I care? Just bring me my dinner already!\ A scribbled down note cried.

"Sheesh, we heard you the first time!" Gloine cried. "Don't blame me if your mom gets mad at you, though!"

Tuning the vocals, the chimera slumped his head on the table. He bet Hibi-- never had to deal with this kind of stuff! How he wished he could have gone to school in Tokyo with her all those years ago. But, sigh, nope, he had to be born four whole years after her, oh well. Bland steak and potato dish soon brought to him, he guzzled it all down. Back to the tuning grind.

Adding a little digital guitar riff to the end of the track, eleven o'clock soon rolled in. Yawning, the chimera placed the finished song into the upload queue. Well, it's time to call it a night. Crawling into bed, dreams of Hibi-- Tachi---- floated through his head like sugar cubes. His hero, yes, maybe one day he'll finally get to meet her.

Next couple of days droning by slowly, a million exams had been taken. Ugh, why did this week have to be test week? It's mid August! Agh, whatever. After this, it'll be obon anyway. No more summer classes for? Well, a week, he guesses. This college is super weird. How he wishes he could transfer to the music program.

Friday finally coming, the young adult skipped out of the campus as the final clock dinged. Finally, he's out of this infernal prison! No more math questions, no more inquiries about chemistry for the millionth time. Idol meet and greet, here he comes! But, as he biked home, that strange hustle and bustle took the stage.

Multiple classmates yapping about some alien invasion again, the composer crossed his fingers. Please, let it happen, he could totally punch the noise to oblivion! But, ha as if it that was ever going to happen. Spending the rest of the day composing another fight song, he sighed. The days of that crisis have long since passed. How long has it been now? Well, five years. Oh, well. Maybe it's about time he grounds himself into reality.

Saturday.

Next morning sneaking up on him from behind, the chimera rummaged through his closet. Oh, gosh, what should he wear? Why doesn't he have any nice clothes?! Agh! Piano tile dress slipped over him, his cheeks turned pink at the sight before him. He looks terrible in this, doesn't he? Maybe he should dabble on a little bit of sparkly mascara? Yes, that's what's missing here, totally. Glossing the bad girl on, headshakes had come his way.

"Can't believe you're going to an idol meet and greet," Brume said, shaking his head. "You really ought to find better things to do with your time than waste it on bad music."

"Eeyup, idol music is worse than the songs you put out, even," Gloine said, nodding. "Okay, maybe yours is worse."

\Do I ever complain about you to going to obstacle courses when we're not in class?!\ A scribbled down note asked.

"Well, no, I guess not." Brume looked away.

\Then, leave me alone, got it? I'm going to meet Treble Forte! My friends are in charge of their meet and greet!\ A scribbled down note shouted.

"Whatevs, man, but don't expect an alien invasion there, or whatever," Gloine responded in an annoyed tone. "You going to be home in time for dinner?"

\Nope, I'll be at the meet and greet tomorrow, too, so bye!\ A scribble down note shouted.

Pesky roommates bidding him farewell, the chimera exited his abode. He swears, these two are the fun police! Just say they think all music is trash and leave him be! But, no, keep reminding him they're find all the music here absolutely deplorable! Wear earplugs for the rest of their lives, why don't they?

Sky above green again today, the hyena almost let go of the bike handles. What's with the weather lately? It's so weird. Maybe there was smog coming in from Tokyo? Hmm, no, that's silly. Maybe there's just something wrong with the air? How should he know? He hardly pays attention in science class!

Reaching the event venue, the young adult couldn't help but notice. There sure weren't a lot of chimeras here today. Maybe about forty nine other people? Well, a quadruple dozen plus one extra was better than no one. That was pretty admirable for a duo that hadn't even debuted yet. Heading off towards the dome, something smelled quite off.

"Morning, Siorc," Susu greeted. "Glad to see you here!"

\Glad to be here, but aren't you two supposed to be with the idols?\ A scribbled down note asked.

"No, uh, we have something important to do, actually," Ulka said.

"Yeah, so we have to go, sorry, enjoy the meet and greet," Cedre said.

Party of three zooming off, the young adult scratched the side of his head. Well, that was weird. What else could these three possibly need to do? Something's not right about all this. Should he go home? No, no, he's already here, he may as well wait online. Which idol should he go meet first? Hmm, maybe Loba? Hold on, that name sounded super familiar. She'll do for now.

Boom.

Hearing a loud racket off in the distance, the hyena blinked. What was that just now? Is something going on? Maybe there had been? He didn't know. Forget it, it's not his problem whatever it is. Susu and the others are probably dealing with it just fine. Line soon thinning out, the chimera took a deep breath. It's his turn now.

Sitting at the booth in front of him had been a short young adult dark skinned jackal woman with curly shoulder length icy blue hair. Bright orange eyes looking about ready to catch on fire, the composer tried to remember. Where has he seen this idol before? Oh, wait! He went to middle school when she was still <redacted!> Her journey to womanhood was going quite smoothly, he sees. He can't believe it's been since middle school graduation since they last saw each other.

"Hi, there, nice to meet you," Loba greeted. Her voice was soft, and gentle. Her eyes then opened wide. "Wait, are you Siorc? It's been a long time! How have you been? Do you want a handshake?"

"Wait, is that the chimera you told me about that encouraged you to come out of your little egg or something?" a tenor, but gentle voice with a bit of a fiery flare asked.

"You could say that." A smile.

Past reminder coming his way, the chimera rubbed his hand across his head. Did he really do all that? All he did was write down a little bit of encouragement one time. Okay, well, maybe a few times. It's been four years since then. Well, as long as she was happy, that's all that mattered. Extending his hand, he nodded.

"I didn't expect you to come here, though, honestly," Loba said as she shook his hand. "What made you decide to show up for this meet and greet."

\Well, to be honest, Susu gave me her ticket. Please don't get her in trouble for this, okay?\ A scribbled down note asked.

"My lips are sealed, honey," Loba said, brushing her finger across her lip.

Moving onto the next line, the hyena swore he could hear something else go boom off in the distance. Agh, what was that just now? He doesn't know, maybe it was just thunder clapping down on the dome. That's all it might have been, probably. At least, that's what he thinks it could be. Forget it, focus on meeting the second idol now!

His turn soon next, the chimera studied the second half of the idol duo for a moment. Looking rather annoyed had been a tall young adult lynx chimera with bright, scarlet red hair that went down to about her backside. Portion of her locks pulled up into high pigtails, one of her eyes had been covered up by an eyepatch. Other one a deep blue, something felt a teeny tiny bit off about it. Is it just him, or did it look a little like glass? No, no, that's silly. It's not an artificial eye! Left arm the only one visible, he couldn't help but feel his eyes sparkle. Wow, uh, what's her name? Katla, oh. Wow, Katla is so cool. There need to be more idols like her!

"Oh, you're the chimera Loba's always yapping about," Katla said, tone annoyed. "Hi, I'm Katla. Want a handshake? You'll have to make do with my left, though, my other one's in the shop right now."

"Honey, you're not supposed to say that to our fans!" Loba cried.

"Hmph, whatever!" Katla shouted. "Hurry up and shake my hand already! I'm getting tired here, you know!"

Boom.

Third boom's the charm, Susu, Ulka and Cedre had come running in all at once. Woah, what's going on here? Why do they look like they saw a ghost? Something is definitely fishy here, but what? Trio dashing through the remaining crowd, the hyena heard something he thought he'd never here in a million years.

"Girls, come to the roof now, there's Noise here!" Susu shouted.

"Again?" Katla groaned. "Are you kidding me?!"

"No! Why would we be joking?" Ulka cried. "You have to hurry!"

"Why now of all times?!" Loba cried. "I thought we cleared them all out in time for our meet and greet!"

"Nope, looks like you didn't, so hurry up to the roof!" Cedre cried.

Booths soon empty, the chimera tiptoed towards the elevator. Oh, he needs to see this! Noise, on the top of the roof? He needs a front row seat! Maybe Hibi-- will show up to this fight? She will, right? Totally! Pressing the roof button as the doors closed, he could feel everything ready to explode. Gosh, this is the moment he's been waiting for!

Tons of large, shiny frog and roach like monsters on the rooftop full of bright colors, the young adult's eyes sparkled. Woah, so these were noise? These were the aliens that Hibi-- and the others faces all those years ago? Oh, how he wished he had his own gear to use! But, as if that would ever happen, ha. He had his head way too buried in the clouds.

"There's so many, I swear!" Katla cried. "Loba, we have to hurry and transform!"

"On it!" Loba cried.

Sigliore Brunnur Tron.

Jekylio Drasil Tron.

Blinding light soon overtaking the rooftop, the coolest battle suits ever soon appeared in place of idol costumes. Bright red and muted gold gear with skin tight dress looking ready to be torn at the edges, a big sword had soon been in front of her. Woah, here it comes, Katla is going to sing a fight song!

Loba's outfit much more icy blue, the noise had come charging right at her. Alien thingies looking ready to make some heads roll, the young adult backed six steps away. These aliens sure mean business, don't they? Well, of course they did. They're invaders after all! Come on, Loba, Katla take them out with their fight song!

Party of two belting out a fast paced rock tune, the composer tried to hold in a squeal. Oh, wow, they sound so perfect! Where had this idol duo been all his life?! No, scratch that, actually. Why hadn't he heard about them sooner? But, as he kept watching the fight, the ground beneath him shook. Is there more coming? Oh, no!

But, there was something much worse coming.

Much, much, worse.

Whoosh.

Froggy monster coming towards him, some strange looking rock danced upon the young adult's chest. Huh? Where did that thing come from just now? Head spinning, the college student had become one with the ground, eyes closing. Maybe he shouldn't have come here after all. Curiosity killed the hyena.

Blink.

"Is he alright?!" Katla cried. "Susu, hurry, get someone! See, I knew someone else came up to the roof, ugh! Loba! Why weren't you paying attention?"

Coming to who knows when, the student groaned. Ugh, what happened? Oh, right, he came onto the roof. What happened after that? Ah, right, that noise thingy attacked, and? Huh, is his chest glowing? That's not normal, is it? Lifting himself upward, he took a deep breath. It's probably just his imagination, right? Surely, it had to have been. Nothing to see here.

"Sorry, I didn't hear him come up here, that's all," Loba responded. "Are you alright, honey? You shouldn't have come up here."

\I'm alright, don't worry about me.\ A scribbled down note said.

"You sure 'bout that? Your chest is glowing," Katla said, pointing.

Covering his chest, the chimera let out a barely audible laugh. Surely, it's just her imagination too, right? It was just the residual effects of a noise attack, that's all! Nothing to worry about here. Maybe, anyway. Surely, after he left the roof, it would all go away, right? Of course it would, it most certainly would.

"Do you think he might have?" Loba asked, whispering.

"I don't know, maybe?" Katla asked in a whisper. She then turned towards Siorc. "You know what, tomorrow, if the noise attacks again, come to the roof again."

Nodding, the young adult returned to his hotel room. Should he really come back tomorrow after all this? Well, it would be best to do so, right? Of course it would. He may as well. Crawling up underneath the covers, he yawned. Goodnight, world. Hibi-- appearing in his dreams once more, he tried to not giggle in the subconscious land. Maybe one day, he'll get to punch with her.

Sunday.

Almost no one at the second day of the meet and greet, the young adult's head hung low. Where had everyone gone? Had what happened yesterday scared everyone off? Perhaps. Well, twenty five people was still better than nothing, right? Maybe. Everyone has to start somewhere, after all. Concert held outside, the sky was oddly green again.

Concert going well for the first half, the hyena clutched his chest. What is this intense throbbing feeling? Should he go back home? But, he shook his head. No, he's fine. There's just too many people here, that's all. Nothing to worry about. He can shake it off. Right, he can totally do that. It's fine.

Catchy tune ready to drop down an earworm, the young adult waved his light sticks. Go, go, Treble Forte! May they get a million fans a year after their debut! No, ten million! Okay, well, maybe that's a bit too ambitious of a goal to strive for. No, it's perfect, actually. He's a genius for even thinking that, that's for sure!

Boom.

Boom.

Boom.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.

Monsters!

Monsters everywhere!

Everyone running out, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. Oh, no, what's going on here? Alien creatures filling up the stage, the chimera's eyes sparkled. Woah, there's noise again! Will Hibi-- finally come this time? Loba and Katla singing their tunes, the young adult's chest burned again. Agh, what is this intense throbbing?

Noise practically taking the idol duo out, the young adult ran on stage. Oh, no, this isn't looking good! Why are these noise so strong? Should he punch them himself? Intense light blasting over him, the young adult huffed. What is this feeling? Loba and Katla looking at him, eyes opened wide, weak shouts had come his way.

"Wait, a second, Siorc's got a relic?!" Katla cried out weakly. "Do you think he?!"

"Yes, definitely happened during our fight yesterday," Loba said, eyes closed. "Siorc, you have to activate your relic! You have to sing now!"

Wait, what?

Huh?

What did Loba just say?

Chest pointed at, the composer did a double take? Uh, wait a second, he had a relic? No way, he's dreaming, right? Yeah, that's got to be it. He's still dreaming. Why would he be a Symphogear user like these two? Someone pinch him, please! Monster coming towards him, the screams came bouncing back towards him, with a fury.

"Siorc, you have to hurry!" Katla cried. She then huffed. "His light is purple, uh, what what that relic again? Oh, Idunn." Raising her voice again. "Hurry, sing it now! Latriare Idunn No Tron!"

Taking a deep breath, the hyena prepared himself.

Latriare Idunn No Tron!

Blinding light soon overtaking his body, the chimera did a little punch. White and purple top soon on him, he did a quick kick as gear had clicked into place. Sporty dark violet pants poofing into place, the young adult did a spin turn. Gauntlets locked, loaded, and ready to go, he let out a little osu.

Noise looking ready to come towards him, the hyena's heart fluttered as he gazed at his reflection in a puddle beneath him. Woah, this is what he looked like? Oh, gosh, he looked just like Hibi-- Tachi----! Well, okay, his Symphogear was purple, but whatever. Alright, time for a little fight song!

[Punchie, punchie, punchie! I'm going to give you one big punch!
Look at me, can you see me?
Listen to me, can you hear me?
Nope, nope, because I'm deafening!

Can you feel this overwhelming emotion flowing through me?
Well, you'd better because,
I'm going to take you out swiftly!
Punchie, punchie, punchie, get ready for one big fist!

Is that all you've got?
Because I can go for another round!
One, two, three? Maybe fifty?
Let's go for a million, a trillion, a gazillion, hehe!

Roaaaaaaar, can you feel it now? Can you feel that beat?
That's me, me, me, 'cause it's all going sweet.
Take a little, punchie, and a little kickie!
'Cause when I'm done with you,
You won't be breathing, tehee!

Come at me full throttle, after all,
I'll give you one big super rocketed bottle!
One, two, three, six hundred fifty,
Take a million more punches from me!

Let's go, let's go, let's give you a little punchie!
Can you feel it now? No? Then,
Here's a little kickie!
Power overblown, let's go, until you're overgrown!

Roaaaaaaar, can you feel it now? Can you feel that beat?
That's me, me, me, 'cause it's all going sweet.
Take a little, punchie, and a little kickie!
'Cause when I'm done with you,
You won't be breathing, tehee!]

Monsters falling one after another, the young adult huffed. Woah, did he really do that just now? What was that power just now? Was he dreaming? He had to have been, right? Surely, he was in his bed right now in the hotel. Yup, most certainly. Someone pinch him, just to be sure! Wrist stinging, his lashes fluttered. Oh, so he is awake? Eyes glued to him, he swore jaws were dropping.

"I can't believe he did that," Loba said. "Katla, should we?"

"Yes," Katla said, hooking her arm around the hyena. "Let's go, we got someone you need to meet."

Guided towards the elevator, a wave of unease flowed through the Symphogear user. Uh, where is he being taken to? Maybe he should walk away. But, it was too late. Reaching a danky basement with a lot of super weird computer equipment, he had soon been brought to a rather busy looking person.

"Zephyr, we have a new member for you," Katla said. "As you can see, he's a Symphogear user, too. Freshly awakened."

"I see," the person named Zephyr said. "And, why should I let this chimera join us, hmm?"

Looking at him with extreme suspicion had been a rather tall tan lizard chimera person with very short dark brown hair forming a mullet that barely reached below their ear. Pitch black eyes looking quite done as they looked at him, the composer gulped. Uh, why did they both take him here? They don't even look like they want him here? Stranger wearing a lab coat, Loba soon stepped up to the plate.

"Please, Zephyr, it's our fault he has a relic now!" Loba cried. "Now that he's one of us, I think he should join! The noise is getting more of a problem than ever, and I really think he could use some training! He might have been able to defeat the noise fine this time, but there's no telling how long that'll last."

"Very well, introduce him to the other members, then," Zephyr said. She then sighed. "Where are Susu and the others?"

"Uh, they were hit by a noise attack before our concert today," Katla said. "I'm afraid they won't be here for awhile."

"Again? I told them to activate their gear when that happened!" Zephyr groaned.

"They don't know how to activate theirs, you know that," Loba said, shaking her head. "Alright, I'll take him to the other members."

Guided towards a strange room filled to the brim with screens aplenty, the chimera could feel everything brush through his head all at once. He can't believe it, he's really a Symphogear user? Maybe it was a good idea to come onto the roof after all! Or, maybe not. He doesn't know. Well, too late to think about that now.

Two girls in the corner playing games on handheld devices, sweat poured down his cheek. Uh, why do these two look like they absolutely didn't want to be here for any reason? Perhaps it was his imagination? Well, probably. Loba calling out to them, the duo groaned as they locked eyes with him. Did he look annoying, or something? His utmost apologies.

"Ugh, you serious? Another new member, meow?" a high pitch voiced asked. "Did you seriously get another chimera caught up into this mess?"

"Looks like it," an alto voice said, fingers clicking away. "Rys, could you move? I can't see the screen!"

"Tch, whatever, Chilong!" the one named Rys shouted.

Studying the first person for a moment, the chimera's eyes almost blurred. Looking about ready to bury herself back into her game had been a short young catgirl with bright orange hair that went down to about her upper chest. Dress looking quite dirty with sauce of some kind, the young adult tried to tune such distraction out. How could she come here looking like that? Eyes the same color as her locks, he wondered. Was Rys related to Ulka? Maybe, maybe not. There's tons of cat chimeras here. Probably a coincidence.

Tapping away at some game with a fury had been a short panda person with a large koi tail behind them. Short sparkly blue bob cut looking like it had seen better days, she had a really skin tight dress that exposed her fuzzy legs aplenty. So, her name was Chilong, huh? Why was she named after a dragon? Ah, well, forget it. Pink eyes looking rather dull, he placed his fingers on his chin. These two were Symphogear users, too? He finds that a little hard to believe.

"Sup, new chimera," Chilong said. "You got a relic, too, huh? Let me guess, you want us to train you?"

"I don't think he really needs us to train him, though," Rys said between button taps. "He looks pretty strong already, don't you think?"

"You know how it goes, adrenaline on the first fight, and stuff," Chilong said between button taps. "We'll train you. I guess. After all, they're coming in ninety days."

Gazing at the top monitor, a countdown caught the young adult's attention. Wait, come again, who's coming in ninety days? Honestly, he hasn't the foggiest of an idea. But, maybe something bad was going to happen on that day. Perhaps it would be in his best interest to get some training done. After all, first victory fluke! Scribbling away, the chimera could feel a chill drop down his spine.

\I'll be under you're care. But, who's this they?\ A scribbled down note asked.

"We'd prefer to not talk about that," Rys replied, voice shaking. "But, just know, when the ninety days are up, expect the worst." She then sighed. "It might be so bad, we'll have to call the veterans for this one, I don't know."

"Yuppers, if I were you, I'd expect the countdown to the end," Chilong said, tapping buttons ahoy. "But, it's fine, we'll train you. Think you got what it takes to use your gear to the fullest?"

\Maybe, I don't know.\ A scribbled down note responded.

"You scared or something?" Rys asked, eyebrow rose. "I don't get it. Oh, well, we'll start training tomorrow." She then scribbled something down. "Here's the address to the training facility. Now, could you go? You disturbed our gaming time!"

Studying the monitors once again, everything froze as he read the ones next to the countdown. Ninety days until the apocalypse. The what now?! Oh, no, he didn't really read that just now, did he? It was probably just some game being shared to the screens, right? Probably, haha, that's all it was. Totally.

Biking home, the young adult buried his face underneath his covers. Man, the last forty eight hours sure went by so fast. Had he really become a Symphogear user? He's going to wake up from this in the morning and find out he dreamt up the whole thing, right? Well, probably. So long, goodnight, don't let the noise bite.

But, it was no dream. Waking up the next morning, the long days of training had soon begun. Every single day of the obon holidays spent in the training facility, the young adult swore he had been much weaker than the first fight. Maybe that victory the first time around was a fluke. Or, perhaps he had just given himself way too much credit in the first place. He'll never know.

Noise attacks getting quite more frequent as late august rolled into early September, the young adult requested a leave of absence for the fall semester. Roommates constantly badgering him to find out why, the distance grew countries between them. Could these two mind their own business? Seriously.

Month passing by in a flash, the hyena could feel the cracks begin to form. Maybe he shouldn't have gone onto the roof that day. No, no, it's fine, it's fine, he's just like Hibi-- now! And, maybe someday, he'll finally get to meet her! Right, of course, don't lose hope, Siorc! It'll be alright. He just has to get used to it, is all.

Training continuing, the young adult had heard some whispers from the leader that he could not quite ignore. There had been another member who had once been fighting alongside everyone. But, he could never quite make out their name for some reason. Maybe it was better that way? Of course it was. Maybe this former member had had enough of fighting noise.

Only thirty days soon remaining, the composer swore he still wasn't getting any stronger. What was he doing wrong? Had he not been singing right? Perhaps he hadn't been. Or, maybe everything from the very beginning was nothing more than a fluke. Yeah, he'll go with that. Parting ways with the group for the day, someone stopped him at the front door.

"You know, the winter semester is coming up!" Brume cried. "I don't know how long you could possibly take a leave of absence for. Are you afraid of your grades? You know they're already not that great anyway, so why run?"

"I don't know, don't you think he's been looking really tired since he came home from that concert a couple months ago?" Gloine asked.

"Why are you on his side?!" Brume shouted. "You know, if you don't come off your leave of absence soon, your mother is going to yell at us! Not you!"

\Please, could you give it a rest? I have something going on right now, alright? Whenever that's resolved, I'll come back.\ A shaky scribbled note said.

"I don't know what's going on, but you can't just abandon your studies like this," Brume said, arms crossed. "What's so important that you can't come back right now?"

\I'm not obligated to tell you that, and besides, you won't believe me anyway. Could you move, please? I want to go lay down.\ A shaky scribbled note said.

Pesky roommates moving out of the way, the young adult plopped face first onto his pillow. Maybe he shouldn't have gone to the roof that day after all. But, it was too late for that now, wasn't it? He had made his choice, and it was too late to back out. He wasn't cool like Hibi-- at all, was he? Of course he wasn't, oh well.

Days passing by rather slowly as the days of early November were rudely approaching, the Symphogear user could feel it. There's no way he's going to be able to beat this them in two weeks. There's just no way, is there? What did Hibi-- and Chr-- do when they were faced with something really difficult? They didn't give up. Maybe it's about time he asked Zephyr about all this. Dragging himself to their office after training for the day, he scribbled away.

\Please, tell me who this them it is we'll be facing in two weeks.\ A scribbled note asked.

"Why do you want to know?" Zephyr asked. She then sighed. "Where are Susu, Ulka and Cedre?"

"I told you they went back to school. They can't keep missing their college classes, you know," Loba said. She then sighed. "Why don't we just tell him? Maybe it would make, you know, the blow easier when it happens in two weeks."

"We don't know that for sure!" Katla cried. She then sighed. "Just tell him, alright?"

Zephyr turning around, hands behind their back, the chimera's heart leaped. Was this really that hard to talk about? Maybe he shouldn't have asked. But, he already had, so why back out now? It's fine, surely it's nothing that serious, right? Probably not. Leader turning around once more, they soon sighed.

"I honestly really didn't want to have to talk about this, but my hands are tied," Zephyr said, sighing, hands behind their back. "I'm sure you've already heard whispers about this before, but. There used to be ten of us here together." Their voice grew heavy. "You see, we had twin Symphogear users. They were gazelle chimeras. One was named Onur. The other? I can't say I remember her name. She died in her first fight." Closing their eyes, they paused for a moment. "Now, Onur wasn't exactly the most heroic person, we'll say. And, after awhile, we realized, their gear could possibly, and, I don't mean to sound alarming here, it could maybe destroy the world. So, after awhile, Onur left us. And, after these fourteen days are up, unless we are able to stop them, we could probably kiss this island goodbye."

Information coming his way, the chimera tried to make sense of it all. Uh, wait, what? No way, is that really the case here? Well, he supposed Hibi-- dealt with threats like this in her heyday, probably. Oh, no, this isn't good! There's no way he's going to be able to defeat another gear user! Maybe he should pack it up. No, no, he can do it! Right, right? There's still time!

\Then, we have to defeat them! Maybe we can contact the Symphogear user veterans!\ A scribbling note cried.

"You sure have a big head, don't you?" Zephyr asked, sighing. "Look, we can try, but even with everyone's powers combined, it's probably not going to happen. So, just focus on your training and hope Onur doesn't make this place blow for now."

Returning home that evening, the chimera could feel everything crack. If this chimera won in two weeks, would it all be over? Maybe it would, and it would be all his fault. Training for the rest of the week, he swore he could catch glimpses of his roommates from the window every now and again. But, he brushed it off. No, no, he's just imagining it, surely.

Five days remaining.

Hardly feeling any stronger still, the young adult trained until the very end. There's less than a week left. Could he really do this? No, probably not, this place was probably going to blow. So long, Ongaku Jima, it's been a nice life here, but it looks like he won't get to experience it for much longer at this point.

Two days remaining.

One of the veteran Symphogear users responding to their signal, the chimera crossed his fingers. Please, let it be Hibi--, he's begging! Anyone else will do, but it has to be her, pretty please? She's always the one to throw herself into danger no matter the cost, after all! It will be her, right, right? Surely?

One day remaining.

Sky growing a dark purple as the final day approached, the composer gulped. What is going on here? He's never seen something like this before. Maybe by tomorrow it'll be too late? He doesn't know anymore. It probably would be. Why does everything feel like it's going to blow any second now? This is not good. This is not good at all.

"It's coming, huh?" Susu said, sighing. "I wish I was able to activate my relic."

"Me, too," Ulka said, voice shaking. "Maybe if I could, this wouldn't have come to pass."

"It probably still would have," Cedre said, shaking their head. "It's fine, though, one of the veterans is coming. And, I'm sure she'll wipe the floor with the apocalypse gear."

"I sure hope so." Susu looked away.

Spending the entire day training, a wave of fatigue flowed through the young adult. Could he really do this? Maybe it was impossible. It had to have been, right? Tomorrow, Music Island will no longer exist. No, no, he can do this. He's been training, after all. Right, it's fine. Everything will be alright.

The next morning.

Apocalypse, apocalypse now, apocalypse, apocalypse now.

Song looping around in the sky, the hyena swore the everyday citizens had been in pain. What is this racket? Agh. Intense signals coming from the top of the roof at the dome, everyone made a run for it. But, there had been some last minute news that broke everything. That veteran was going to be late. Oh, no, now they're doomed.

Heading for the top of the roof, a strange looking gazelles chimera awaited everyone. Floating in the air with pitch black gear had been a pained looking fawn person with curly dark midnight blue hair that looked quite unruly. Face looking rather pale, the song continued on. Head spinning as he transformed, the young adult huffed. This song, it's going to melt this island!

Everyone else transforming one after another, the young adult backed away as the Onur person twitched up a storm. Why are they doing that? Chains appearing everywhere, Rys and Chilong stepped up to the plate, spear and rockets at their side. Please, let them be able to defeat this former colleague of theirs.

"Why are you lot here?!" Onur shouted. "Let this island melt!"

"No way!" Susu shouted. "If I could transform I'd punch you right now!"

"Rys, let's sing now!" Chilong cried.

"Got it!" Rys cried.

Duo singing, such had been drowned out in an instant. Strange black hole sucking the two towards Onur, the composer backed away. What in the world is that power? Oh, no, this is not good. Are they going to? Ah, Ongaku Jima is going to be gone soon. He'd better count his days, it'll all be over soon.

"Please, don't do this," Chilong said, voice weak. "Please, Onur!"

Apocalypse now, apocalypse now, apocalypse now.

"Aah, my ears!" Ulka cried.

"Why should I stop?! Hmm, tell me! Why?!" Onur cried. "After my sister left this world from this gear, all of you did was pretend that never happened!" As they shouted such, they kept their song going. Apocalypse now, apocalypse now, apocalypse now. "None of you even bothered to remember her name!" Another black hole ready to action, the screams continued. "And now, I'm going to make this entire island pay for that!"

"Loba, we have to stop them!" Katla cried.

"I know, sing with me!" Loba cried.

Idol duo unable to best Onur either, the hyena closed his eyes. Should he really fight this chimera? Honestly, he couldn't help but feel for them. If he had a sister and she had become a Symphogear user and lost in her first fight, he'd want this world to blow, too. No, no, he can't just stand here! He has to has to do something! Here goes. Punchie, punchie, punchie!

Trying with all his might to weaken the enemy, such was not happening. Pushed back, the Symphogear user kept trying. He can't lose now, no way. That can't happen, not even for a moment! Come on, Siorc, he can do this! Be like Hibi--! He can't give up. He absolutely can't! Continuing the song, such continued attempts were futile.

Knocked onto the ground in one fell swoop, the composer shook, strength dying. Even after all this training, he's still weak, why? Why can't he do this? Maybe he shouldn't have come onto the roof that day after all. Susu, Ulka and Cedre trying to transform, such failed. Haha, well, it looks like this is the end, huh? He shouldn't have gone up to the roof that day. Curiosity killed the hyena. Closing his eyes, he could feel everything ready to fade.

"Balsiwall nescell Gunginir tron!" a voice shouted moments later.

Eyes opening once more, the chimera's chest was ready to leap out of him. That brown hair, that yellow and orange suit, oh, gosh, it was Hibi-- Tachi---- in the flesh! Super high energy fight song taking the stage, the young adult stood upward. Is it just him, or does he feel the power to keep going, just a little? Maybe he did.

"What is this? My chest is glowing!" Susu cried.

"Mine, too!" Ulka cried. "I think I can transform!"

"Same!" Cedre cried. "Come on, everyone, let's do this!"

Trio singing their hearts out, the hyena jumped upward. Hibi-- delivering a rather powerful punch, the chimera cracked his knuckles. The enemy's looking pretty weak now. Now's his chance right? Yes. Rest of the gang's weapons looking ready for one last hurrah, the chimera prepared his fight song. Here goes nothing.

"Everyone, they're looking weak! Let's attack together!" Hibi-- shouted.

Hibi-- singing a rather high energy song, everyone followed along. Oh, gosh, Hibi-- was even better in person now! Where had she been all these years? As if he knew, haha. Here goes, taking a deep breath, the enemy had begun to shake as everyone sang in synch with one another. Take this! Punchie, punchie, punchie! Combined efforts taking everything, the purple sky soon faded.

"I'll be back, you'll see," Onur said as they fell down to the ground below with a thud.

"When Hibi-- started singing, I don't know why, but I could feel a second wind," Katla said, voice drifting. "Did you all feel that too?"

"Yeah, maybe a little," Loba said, nodding. She then turned towards Hibi--. "Thank you, if weren't for you, this island would have been a goner."

"Aww, gosh, I'm not that great!" Hibi-- cried, giggling.

Hero giggling, the hyena's eyes sparkled. It's really her, it's really her! Hibi-- Tachi----! He got to fight alongside her! But, this will probably be the only time he ever would get that opportunity, right? Most likely. Come on, Siorc, hurry, write something down before she goes back to Tokyo! Scribbling away, he almost stumbled.

\Hibi--! I'm your biggest fan! I always wanted to be a Symphogear user just like you! I'm so glad we got to fight together!\ A scribbled note cried.

"Aww, really? Thanks, you're so sweet!" Hibi-- cried, hand rubbed against her head with a giggle.

Parting ways with everyone, the chimera returned home. But, a pesky obstacle soon waited for him at the door. Ugh, why are Brume and Gloine at the door again? If they're going to try to drag him back to college again, sorry, he's not quite ready to come off his leave of absence yet! So, don't they dare even waste his time mentioning it, alright?

"So, you're a Symphogear user, huh?" Brume asked. "Who would have thought."

"Eeyup, who would have thought?" Gloine asked.

\Were you two following me?!\ A scribbled note asked.

"It took you this long to put the dots together?!" Brume asked, tone annoyed. "I knew you weren't very bright." He then sighed. "Look, we get why you're not going to lectures now, so we won't ask anymore, alright?" He then sighed. "But, please, do try to come back for the winter semester?"

"Ya know, I heard they might be opening a space back up for the music program soon, too," Gloine said, finger up in the air.

"You weren't supposed to say that, Gloine!" He waved his hands in the air.

\I'll try, alright? Now, let me in. I want to lay down.\ A scribbled note said.

Dragging himself to his room, the hyena sighed as he plopped his head onto his pillow. But, he could feel his energy begin to burst. He got to fight with Hibi-- Tachi----! He can hardly believe it! Gosh, that was so awesome! Closing his eyes as dreamland were about to take him away, he could hear a song ready to call to him in the subconscious land.

He got to fight with his hero!

Gosh, he can't believe that really happened!

So, a few things. It's been seven years since I've actually watched Symphogear, not going to lie, and all I really remember is that girls and young adult women fight by singing and battle aliens called noise. This takes place some time in the future after Symphogear ended, and on an artificial fanfic exclusive island that doesn't exist in actual Symphogear itself. Despite that, this turned out as I expected it would. I do miss this series, but I suppose it had its run.

Anyway.

This is Symphogear Siorc. If I do say so myself, this is the most goated thing I have ever drawn! I guess. I would attached the casual artwork, of his sweater, I don't feel like it. Also, this Siorc is totally probably into Hibiki, maybe. I don't know, lol. Next week is Prison Battle Royale Siorc. Another non-fandom one. Originally, I was gonna do a Millgram oc anthology, but I decided I'll just do my own things. I can't believe I only have two anthologies left... wow.

Palamon · Mar 20, 2026

Now, this is another non fandom piece. Anyway, it follows Siorc a top and upcoming model who is so ready to become famous! Everything is super fine, totally peachy keen! Nothing is wrong here, am I right?

Unless...? Read and find out. Hahah hahah.

Hehehe.

Warning are as follows: mild crude language, mild graphic imagery, and some violence.

Syncropolis's Future Top Model!

"Hi there, hello.
I'm Siorc Ingne, hyena chimera.

I'm the ever silent top chimera
Model in all of

Syncropolis! And, on the down low,
I work at
One of the largest
Retail department stores in the entire land, possibly the entire
Continent of South Seraju. Possibly the entire planet, too!

Haha, our neighbors in South America don't know what hit them!
Yikes, where was I?
Ehe, anyway.
Now, Syncropolis is
An amazing place to be, let me tell you! You

Can't find unity like this anywhere else!
Hehe, listen up, listen up!
In South Seraju, humans, demons and chimeras live in harmony! You
Might never
Ever see something like this anywhere else!
Round these parts, we're
All united,

And everything is peachy keen!
Nothing ever goes wrong here!
During the time I've lived here

All has been fine and dandy!

My modeling career has kicked
Off! And, I think I'm
Due for the biggest runway session of the century soon,
Ehehe! I feel
Like it's so close,

And by the end of the year, everyone will know my
Name! Siorc Ingne, the hyena chimera model!
Don't get me wrong, it's an

Especially far climb, I'm
Very much only just now getting
Everything off the ground after a
Rather long time.
Yup, so it

Should be a long way off for everyone to know my name.
It's fine, though!
Nothing wrong with that!
Guess perfect takes a
Long time to be noticed,
Ehehe. Well, I

Don't think I'm
Absolutely perfect, well,
Yet, anyway.

I still have
Such a long way

To go before that's a reality,
Hehe. In the
End, though, it's

Best to strive for greatness.
Ehehe. I'm only just getting
Started. But soon,
There will be a day I'll finally

Have a chance to end
Up as the
Most famous model of
All time! Okay,
No, perhaps not. It's
Silly to think that.

Doubt I'll
Ever be the
Most famous
One there ever is. That won't happen.
Not any time
Soon, anyway.

Ah, but enough of that.
Now, I live with two roommates. They
Don't seem to appreciate beauty, though.

Can't say I understand!
Haha, my roommates are a bit sloppy, but
It's their fashion funeral. No one can be as fashionable as
Me, after all.
Everyone is
Rather boring
Against me!
So, they don't matter.

Let's see, and my fellow models
I have a few model friends, we're
Very tight,
Ehe. But,

In the end, we're also rivals.
Now, in the fashion world, everyone is your rival.

Hehe, after
All, we all aim to
Reach for the top.
My goal
Of stardom will
Not be
Yanked away from me!

I'll be
The most famous
Star in the world

And people will remember me forever!

Uhuhu, well,
That's the goal,
Obviously. It will
Probably never happen though.
I'm not really
All that well known

Even though I am
Very much plastered on
Every magazine there is. Or
Rather ones
You might skip over, maybe.

Doesn't matter, I
Am still a top model,
Yup, totally!

I'm totally a top model, and
Soon, I'll be

A famous model no one will be able to
Look away from!
When? Aha, um
Ah, right, the end of the
Year! That's when!
So, watch me,

Please watch me grow!
Every day, I'm
Reaching closer to my goal. It's not
Far out of reach!
Every single day is one day
Closer! Maybe I could even reach my goal
Today! It's getting closer!"

It had been a beautiful summer day around the harmonious continent on the south western coast of the world known as South Seraju and the most populated city of Syncropolis. The sun was shining for the entire world to see. The humans were singing, the demons were going along on their merry way, and the chimeras were working hard, like always. But, for one particular hyena chimera, today would be another day for sweet, sweet, opportunity.

Hahahah, hahahah, hahaha, hahaha, hahaha, hahahaha. Hahaha, haha, hahaha. Ha. Ha. Ha. Rewind that for a second, yes. Rewind that. What absolute bogus. Rewind that nonsense right this second and start that all over right now. Reset, reset, reset, deleeeeeeeeeeeete. Blink, blink, deleeeeeeeete.

Scrtch.

It had been yet another bombastic frigid summer day around the disgusting continent in the south western hemisphere known as South Suraji and the most populated city of Synrcopolis. Or, was it? The sky was a dark reddish orange, looking ready to go boom at any given moment. The sun was fading as something indiscernible passed beside it. The humans were moving on with their days as if they were racing to the finish line, the demons were flapping away at lightning speed, and the chimeras were taking up space like always. But, for one particular foolish hyena chimera, today would be another day for sweet, sweet, stolen opportunity.

Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, Magical Mirror Maiden a Go Go! Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring.

Urg.

Rolling around underneath the covers had been a short young adult feminine appearing individual with long dark purple hair that reached down to about the knees. Mismatched purple and green eyes looking about ready to pop with confetti, on the face had been a sea of freckles, at least as far as a human might have been concerned at first glance. Golden fleece pajamas that looked like they cost seven figures, the person let out a groan. Ugh, who's calling this early in the morning? What time is it?

Reaching for the phone, the young adult rubbed the eyes. Huh, it's only seven? Yawn, it's way too early for this. Who called anyway? Swiping up, the individual put the device down. Oh, it was manager. Yawn, can't manager call later, please? At least let a model get some beauty sleep! Hmph. Hadn't even gotten a full eight hours yet, thanks call later, goodbye, zzz.

Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, Magical Mirror Maiden A Go Go! Ring, ring, ring, ring.

Pesky critter ringing up a storm fifteen minutes later, the person's eyebrow twitched. Manager pop up shaking up and down, the model almost wanted to throw the device across the room. Ghh, manager, stop calling! Forget this, sorry, not picking up right now! Goodnight, wait until at least nine to be annoying, zzz.

Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, Magical Mirror Maiden A Go Go! Ring, ring, ring, ring.

{New message from manager}
<Siorc, pick up your phone right now!>
<Right this instant! You think I have time to wait all morning for you!>

Ugh.

Reaching for a notepad in the corner of the room, the model resisted the urge to throw the phone against the room once more. What could be so important manager need to talk now? Ugh, here it comes, the fourth call in the past hour. Grr, pesky, manager, can't a hyena chimera get some sleep around here? Video call button pressed, that disgusting, craggy scaly face soon awaited the person on the opposite end of the screen.

"Siorc, do you know what time it is?!" manager shouted. "It's seven o'clock! Seven. O'clock! What are you still doing in bed?!" Their hands were raised in the air as they said such.

Steam looking ready to come out of manager's ears, the model rolled the eyes. Yes, it is indeed seven o'clock. And, what does seven o'clock mean? It's still beauty sleep time! Doesn't manager know that? This dumb komodo dragonling would never understand! How did they become a manager again? The person hardly had a clue. Scribbling away at lightning speed, everything was ready to burn.

<Oh. My. God. First of all, manager, it's seven o'clock! And, you know what seven o'clock means, don't you? That's right, beauty sleep hour! How dare you disturb my beauty sleep, manager! Whatever stupid thing it is that you need to tell me, it can wait until at least nine, kay?> a written note asked.

Manager turning towards the backside, the model held in the urge to press the end call button. What, oversized lizard, don't got anything to say to that? Kay, then, time to say goodbye! But, the pesky fiend turned around once more. Ugh, what now? Hurry up and say it so this call can end already, thanks!

"You bimbo! Do you have any idea what today is?!" the manager cried, steam looking about ready to come out of their ears. "You forgot, didn't you? You've got a photoshoot today! And, don't forget, there's also that runway competition!" They then turned around, lowering their voice into a rather loud whisper. "I swear, he forgets everything! How is this guy one of my top models?! Whatever."

<Oh. My. God. First of all, I'm not a guy, thank you very much. And, second, no, I didn't forget! But, that's not until noon, so give me a break, okay?! Now, let me get some beauty sleep!> a written note shouted.

Pesky manager turning around again, the young adult's fingers hovered over the end call button for what felt like the millionth time this week. What is this lizard whispering to themself now? Bet they're calling him names again! Dumb dragon, he swears to the lord of fashion he ought to get a new manager as soon as possible!

"Whatever! Listen, you bimbo, I told you last week that this week's photoshoot is at ten o'clock. Do you ever listen to me when I talk to you?! No? Of course you don't!" the manager shouted. "So, get your little tush out of bed now and get ready to head out the door!" He then mumbled something under his breath. "I swear, this hyena chimera is all beauty, and no brains! How did he become one of my top models?!"

Manager's tail looking about ready to come through the screen, the chimera folded his hand into a fist. Excuse him, he is not a bimbo! And, he so listens to them when they tell him his schedule! And, he thought he told this dumb reptile person at least twenty times now that if a photoshoot happened before noon he is so not taking it. But, do they listen?! No, of course they don't! They book them anyway because of course they do!

<And I told you at least a double dozen times now to never book me photoshoots that take place in the morning! Who's the bimbo now, huh?> a written note cried.

"What am I supposed to do when they change the time at last second, cancel it?! Do you know how much money that'd cost me, not to mention, the company?!" the manager cried. "Ugh, whatever! You'd better be here by ten! I'll text you the address because I bet you forgot again, bye!"

Click!

Burying his face in his pillow, the hyena closed his eyes for a brief moment. Ugh, always about money, money, money. Who cares about all of that! Shouldn't they care more about the talent? Like, come on now! But, no, as usual, they have to bring up that nonsense. Hmph. If they do this again, he is so going to the head of the company and asking for a new agent.

Address soon texted to him, the model yawned. Manager had to wake him up this early for a studio that was right around the block? Someone fire this komodo dragon manager already, thanks. How dare this lizard interrupt his beauty sleep for something like this! It's only a ten minute walk from here, but no, ring, ring, ring, blah, blah, get up now, bimbo. He ought to have that word erased from their vocabulary! Or, he doesn't know, ban it in model culture!

Rolling out of bed, the hyena brushed back the curtains. Giggling, he clapped his hands together. What a wonderful sunny day it was today! The birds were singing, the trees were rustling, and oh, gosh, was that a rainbow? Today was the perfect day for a photoshoot! Hehe. Alright, manager, they win, maybe they've got a brain in there after all.

Stretching his legs, the young adult hummed a silly tune as the little tweeters kept going. Oh, wow, look at those clouds go! They're so fluffy! Maybe there should be a nice, breezy photoshoot today. Cloud dresses were so in right now! At least, that's what it said in the magazines. Ooh, he should totally deck it out in a nice one piece today! Everyone will look at him with their jaws dropped open, that's for sure!

Flipping through last month's Super Chic, the young adult's feet kicked in the air. There he is, in the bottom left corner in all his glory! Up and coming hyena chimera fashion model, Siorc Ingne! One day, he'll be on the front cover of this magazine for the entire world to see! No, the entire galaxy. Okay, maybe not that far, but whatever, he can dream! Humans were working on living in space or whatever, right? Probably, at least, that's what he heard a few years ago anyway.

Ads aplenty about face cream plastered for pages on end, the hyena hissed. Ugh, how can they still advertise this stuff? Not only did it not work, it was using totally unsafe ingredients! But, did these companies ever do anything about any of that? Nope! Print a hundred more of these advertisements! He swears, the demons in charge of Super Chic just wanted money as usual! Ah, well, next page!

Chimera spread locking eyes with him, the chimera dragged his palm across the page. When was the last time he saw Sunny? Honestly, he's lost track. Maybe she joined another agency and didn't tell anyone? Oh no, how terrible! But, it was what it was. People come and go all the time. Why bother thinking further about it? Eyes glued to articles aplenty, a pesky knock soon interrupted the entire world.

"Siorc, come on, get out of your room already!" an annoyed voice cried. "Don't you have a photoshoot today?" The person then groaned. "Don't tell me he's still sleeping. He'd better not be!" Raising their voice, they soon continued. "Siorc, get out of your room! I made your breakfast!"

Slam.

Picking himself up from the ground, the young adult rolled his eyes towards the ceiling. How many times did he have to tell Xena that he can make his own breakfast in the morning? But, no, she doesn't listen either, does she? He swears, all his roommates cared about was their schedules. What about his, huh? Swinging the door back, an annoying face soon waited on the opposite end.

Locking eyes with him at the opposite end of the door had been a tall lynx lady who practically towered over him. Short blonde hair that barely reached her shoulders, her pointy ears almost looked like they could be weapons. Well, okay, maybe that was going too far. Actually, no it wasn't, Xena's ears could totally cut something. Maybe. Wooly sweater dropping threads everywhere, the young adult placed his hands on his hips. Quit wearing that ratty old thing! Did this woman have no sense of fashion? Of course she didn't, she wasn't a model after all!

<How many times do I have to tell you I can make my own breakfast?!> A written note cried.

"The last time you said that you burned your fish so bad it was black!" Xena cried, ears bopping. "I'm not letting our kitchen become a warzone again!"

<That so did not happen. I totally didn't burn the fish, okay? Let me make my own breakfast!> A written note shouted.

"No, no, no, absolutely not, you are not cooking, got it?" Xena responded, tone annoyed. "Don't you have to leave in an hour? It's almost eight forty five, you know!"

Time brought to his attention, the world froze. Wait, what time did Xena just say it was? Woah, when did it almost become nine o'clock?! She was kidding, right? Surely, she was joking? Ah, where in the world did the time go?! Did a tapir girl eat it up again? Oh, great, now he's definitely not going to have time for anything else! Agh!

<You're joking, right?> a written note asked.

"Uh, why would I be joking? It's almost eight forty five!" Xena shouted. "I'd hurry, if I were you! Don't you have a competition today, too?"

<Yes?! Ugh, this is why I've told manager a million times to never book me a photoshoot before noon! Why, I oughta!> a written note shouted. He then scribbled down some more. <Heat my breakfast up, okay? I have to head to the beauty room!>

"Fine, but don't take too long, got it?" Stomp, stomp, stomp.

Racing towards the restroom, the young adult grunted up a storm. He swears, the mornings were such a curse! Like, seriously, when has anything good ever happened to someone in the early parts of the day? Never, that's when! Like that time when--. But, his head pounded as he tried to think about such further. Whoops, his bad, what was he doing again? Oh, right, time for a quick spritzing.

Boom, boom, boom.

Birds tweeting their little tunes, the model hummed. Wow, the little tweeties were really going at it today, huh? Was there some bird competition going on somewhere? Oooh, ooh! Maybe he should skip the photoshoot and go watch them! Ah, no, manager would feed him to the lion's den if he did that.

Boom, boom, boom, boom.

Tweeters hums about to reach their end, the model dragged his hand against the shower window. Darn, they're done already? It was just getting to the good part! Soap ready to melt, the young adult held in the urge to scream. Oopsie, silly him, he forgot to dial down the hot water again, te hee. His bad.

Reaching for the comb, the unruly locks above would not stop their rampage. Pesky cowlicks above, be still! But, such did not happen. Monsters continuing to plop down every which way, the young adult reached for the gel. There's one way to tame the beast here! Goopy liquid dropped in, he reached for the spray. He really needs to put his hair into a bun at night. Manager's so gonna feed him to the lions for this.

Fluffy spaghetti strapped cloud shirt glaring at him in the mirror, the model flinched. Woah, why is the tag sticking out? Oopsie, heh heh. Flipping it around, his cheeks grew pink. His hyena spots weren't sticking out too much, were they? Maybe he should have worn a darker color. Too late now, though. Wavy dark green midi skirt zippered on, he reached for the comb one last time. Pesky cowlicks, be still!

Clicking the hairpins and earrings into place, the chimera giggled as matching clouds adorned his hair and ears. As usual, his looks were worth a trillion! Manager needs to work harder to get him on the cover of Super Chic! That lizard had better do his job properly this time, or else he won't last much longer! Skipping off towards the kitchen, the little hums continued.

"There you are! Siorc, do you know what time it is?!" Xena cried. "It's nine ten! Don't you have to be out of here in twenty minutes?"

"Um, Xena, don't, don't, don't you think?" another voice in the room asked, shaking.

"Spit it out already, Donat!" Xena cried. "I don't got all day, you know. I also have to go to work today, don't forget!"

Sitting at the kitchen table looking about ready to crawl up into a ball had been a short cat lizard man with pink hair covering half of his face. Only visible eye a yellowish green, around it had been blisters aplenty. Ugh, like, so gross! Donat, please, for the love of the fashion gods, take better care of his skin, like wow! How can he walk around like that? White shirt littered with dirt, the young adult tried to not giggle. Did he go digging for something again? Silly lizard.

"Don't, don't, don't you think you should both just stay home today?!" Donat cried, shaking. "Don't, don't, don't you think it's better to just just just not go anywhere?"

"I can't skip work, you know that," Xena said between flips. "And, neither can Siorc. He's got a photoshoot today, and a runway competition!"

"No, no, no, no, no!" Donat cried. "Please, please, please, you two have to stay home! Call, call, call in sick! Yes, yes, you both have to call in sick right now!"

Nibbling on his salmon toast, the model drummed his fingers on the table. Did Donat get hurt while digging for demon bones again? Silly Donat! Why does he always have to make his problems everyone else's? He doesn't have time for this today. This is only shot to hit it big! But, as if this dense cat lizard would ever understand that!

<Donat, I can't call my manager, he already called me.> a written note said.

"Then, then, then, call them up, up, up right right now!" Donat cried. "Please, please, you have to call in sick right now! Both of you!"

 a written note cried.

"And, I can't skip my meeting today," Xena said, slapping down the spatula on the meat. "Is this good enough for you?"

"You, you, you, two, please, please, you can't leave home today!" Donat cried. "Please, please, please, you have to stay here!"

"Here's your sausages." Boom.

Sipping his tea, the model wondered. What would today's theme on the runway be? Gosh, it's been so long since he's gotten this opportunity. Maybe this time, he'll finally hit it big and get a whole magazine dedicated to him! He can see it now! Outbreak hyena chimera hits it big on the runway! Hehe, this is his chance to make it to the top and become a well known name throughout all of South Seraju! No, scratch that, the entire world!

Plate tossed away, the young adult prepared himself to stage his exit. How was it nine thirty already? Time sure is flying! Or, was it dragging? Hehe, maybe it was a little of both. Boots on, he did a little twirl. Please, let today's photoshoot be cloud themed! But, as he headed off towards the door, a pesky noise had come his way.

"Siorc, um, uh, uh, where are your gloves?!" Donat asked, shaking. "And, and, and, don't forget your mask, and, and, and, your vest!" His head turned rapidly as he cried such. "Where's your vest? Oh, no, where is it?"

<It's fine, I'll just transform my hands into hyena paws. And, I'm not that famous, you know! I can walk out in public just fine. No one will notice me!> a written note cried.

"No, no, no, no! Don't, don't, don't, don't do that okay?!" Donat cried, chair squeaking. "Please, please, please just wear your gloves, okay? Here!" Diving into the closet, screams were soon buried. "Here, here, here's your vest. Please, please, please wear it okay?! And, and, and, don't forget your mask!"

Hideous pitch black vest decorated with lizard scales, the model rolled his eyes. Ick, this vest so didn't go with this outfit! Disgusting creature placed over him, that crisp noise was ready to burn his eardrums. Slapping the dude's hands away, he tried to take it off. Ew, like, so out of style! The other models are going to stare at him now, thanks a lot!

Itchy rubber soon over his hands as well, the chimera tried to fight back the tears. Come on, was this really necessary? No one is going to shake hands with him, he's not even famous! Slipping the mask on, he swore Donat looked like he was about to fall over. Silly lizard, go eat his breakfast already, geez.

"Be be be careful out there, okay?!" Donat asked, shaking. "Text, text, text us when you're, you're you're coming home. Please?!"

<Geez, I will, okay?! I'm going now, bye!> a written note cried.

"See you later, and don't expect to hit it big," Xena said, waving.

<Wow! Thanks for the boost of confidence! Bye!> a written note cried.

Slam.

Boom, boom, boom.

Skipping through the streets, the hyena giggled. Wow, look at the pretty clouds! They're so big and white that they're touching the ground! Ooh, ooh, maybe he should ditch this photoshoot and go cloud watching! Nah, he can do that after the runway. This was his big break after all! This time, for sure, he'll finally become the most famous model in all of Syncropolis!

Chimeras everywhere making chalk angels on the ground, the squees continued. Today is such a beautiful day! Maybe he should make some funny little drawings too! How big would his angel be? It would probably be small, he bet. Curses, why couldn't he have just grown a teeny, tiny bit taller? Silly height fairy forgot to give him a few more centimeters, hmph.

Studying his map for a moment, the young adult scratched the side of his cheek. Okay, where does he turn now? Oh! Right, the alleyway, here goes! Many other chimeras making chalk angels on the ground, he tried to hold back a giggle. Everyone is having so much fun today, they're silent! If only he didn't have work today, he could join in on the fun, too! Oh, well.

Reaching a rather tall building, the young adult huffed. Okay, maybe he should have worn longer sleeves today. But, too late now, he guessed. But, forget all that! Here it is, Frilly Palace! Why does this place look like it got renovated recently, though? Oh, well, time to go in, here goes! Tada, the next celebrity model in the making is here!

"Siorc, I texted you at least six times! You were supposed to be here fifteen minutes ago!" manager shouted.

"You think he's going to listen to you?" voice number one asked.

"Yeah, he's got his head in the clouds again," voice number two said.

"Come, come, he's here now, isn't he?" voice number three asked.

"Did I ask you three to comment?!" manager shouted. "Siorc, what took you so long? The photoshoot starts in half an hour! We have to do your makeup, and, not to mention, you still have to get changed! How can you keep the crew waiting like this?!" They then turned around. "I swear, is this guy twenty three, or twelve?!"

Standing in the corner with a dead look on her face had been a rather short young lady with curly golden hair pulled into a high ponytail. Bangs quite unruly as usual, the model shook his head. Sheesh, Harminc, can't she teach her snake tail to not get in the way? He could never come to understand medusa chimeras, honestly. Pitch black eyes with no pupils to speak of, her school uniform was ripping at the seams. Uh, what was today's shoot, spicy high schoolers? Okay, first of all, Harminc may have been small, but she was way beyond that age! How many centuries had she been here? Forget it, she'd slap him if he asked.

Shaking next to her had been a slightly taller young adult otter chimera girl with pure white hair pulled into a high ponytail. Bags underneath her light blue eyes, the model tried to not giggle. Looks like someone missed a spot this morning when putting on some concealer, huh? Guess so. Pixiu really needs to get better at makeup. Breezy sweater with clouds everywhere, the hyena sighed. Please, can today's theme be clouds?

Looking straight at him with a look of intrigue on their face had been a wise looking rabbit person with light, curly orange hair that reached to about their shoulders. Eyes the same shade as their locks, a chunk of their left ear had a big bitemark taken out of it. Wowie, did Muga get into a fight with their dog? Heavy white robes covering up every nook and cranny, the question threw itself out into the open again. So, what is today's theme, then?

Studying the rest of the area, the hyena blinked. Huh, where's everyone else? Where's Lune, and Astre? Come to think of it, when was the last time he saw those two at a shoot? That's strange, he can't seem to think of a time they were last here. And, where is Argenta? They're always here! Maybe they quit the modeling scene? Oh, well, focus on the here and now!

<Good morning, Harminc.> a written note greeted.

"Good morning, Siorc," Harminc greeted, yawning. "You ready for today's runway?"

<You bet! I'm going to hit it big today!> a written note greeted.

"Wouldn't count on it," Pixiu said, eyes closed.

<Good morning, Pixiu!> a written note greeted.

"Ugh, I told you to call me Marie," Pixiu groaned, hand on the side of her temple.

<Sorry, Marie, I'll try to remember next time!> a written note greeted. He then scribbled down some more. <Good morning, Muga!>

"Greetings, Siorc," Muga responded, bowing. "We thought you might have cancelled today."

<Nope, I'm here now, aren't I? And, this time, I'm going to make it big!> a written note shouted.

"You four, quit yammering and get into the changing room!" the manager shouted.

"Alright, alright, geez, everyone let's go!" Stomp, stomp, stomp.

Gazing at the dresses in the corner of the room, the model's eyes sparkled. Oh, gosh, a cloud theme? Talk about lucky! Sprinting towards the rack, the hyena giggled. Ooh, the pink one was just his size, that one will do! Sparkly silk train reaching the floor, the young adult did a little twirl. He is so going to get his big break this time!

Plopping down in the makeup chair, the chimera turned his head towards the right and left. Hmm, the makeup kitties weren't here. How strange, were they late today? Ah, well, he'll just have to do his makeup himself, he guess. Nothing wrong with that. A little foundation here, a bit of eyeshadow there, and boom, wow, he's as cute as a button! He'll definitely be on the front page of the next Super Chic!

Harminc informing him his hair had to be curly for this photo shoot, the young adult reached for the curler. Ugh, so not cool. Didn't manager know that these things damage hair? He's going to have split ends after this! Pressing the burning creature in, his eyebrow twitched. Hello again, cowlick, please, go away, thanks. Hair soon put up into two fluffy side buns, a pesky noise dragged him out of the spotlight.

"You four, hurry up!" manager shouted. "It's time for the photoshoot!"

"In a minute, geez!" Harminc cried.

"No, no, not in a minute!" manager shouted. "Now! There's barely any time left before we have to get on the runway!"

Heels on and ready to go, the chimera ruffled his hair. He so looked like a trillion today! Harminc stepping towards the camera first, the model blinked. Where's the camera crew? Ugh, ew! Don't tell him manager is taking over for them today! Everyone is so late, what gives?! Did they get the wrong address? Maybe.

"Harminc, smile!" the manager shouted. "And adjust your arm, it's sagging again!"

"It's not my fault I'm shedding, you know!" Harminc cried.

"How many years have you been modeling now?!" Manager's tone was getting rather snippy.

"Does it matter?" A slow blink.

"Yes, it matters! Now, smile!" Tap, tap, tap.

Cheeky grimace on her face, the hyena shook his head. Manager really needs to stop forcing Harminc to smile with her fangs. Look at them, they're so black! Like, come on now! Can't she just grin instead? There's no way she'll make it big in next month's Super Chic! Manager demanding she try harder to pose, back and forths went on for what felt like forever.

Marie taking the stage next, her otter hands had been out and about. Seashell accidentally falling into the second shot, that pesky lizard man cried at the top of their lungs again, as usual. Excuse them, they should know by now otter chimera's charm points are their clumsiness! Ugh, fire this komodo dragonling in a suit already, please!

"Pixiu, how many times do I have to tell you to stop dropping things!" the manager shouting. "We can't use any of these photos now!"

"It's Marie!" Marie cried.

"Marie, Pixiu, I don't care, keep your seashells at home unless our next photoshoot is beach themed!" Manager's voice was raising.

"People happen to find my seashell mishaps endearing, thank you!" Marie barked back.

"Ugh! Forget it, it's Muga's turn!" the manager cried. "Muga, why aren't you wearing that your hat?"

"Oh, and why ever should I wear that?" Muga asked.

"You know why! Put it on now!" the manager demanded.

Gaudy as ever hat covering Muga's ears, the model shook his head. Tch, look at that gross boaty thing! What is Muga, a pirate? That so had nothing to do with clouds! Bun's wings flapping, multiple retakes were demanded for minutes on end. Appendages soon tucked in, the young adult could hardly believe his eyes. Manager's getting rid of all their charm points, boo, boo!

Everyone else getting a second chance, the chimera whistled. When is his turn? Unless? His makeup wasn't good enough? Oh, no, was his photoshoot cancelled? Please, don't let it be so! This dress needed to be seen by the entire world! No, the entire universe, and perhaps beyond! Maybe he should have put on some lip gloss? Too late now!

"Siorc, hurry up! We don't have all day you know!" the manager cried. "Siorc, hello? Did you hear me?"

Flinching, the model dashed towards the camera. Woah, huh, it was his turn already? When did that happen? Demands coming his way to smile, a wide toothy grin had been ready for the camera. Legs spread out far, he made a heart with his hands. Adding a wink to the mix, the hyena waved towards the camera. Magazine editors, if they're seeing this, put him on the front cover this time!

"That'll do, hurry to the car, we have to get to the runway now!" the manager shouted.

Skipping towards the parking lot, the young adult gagged. Wow, when did the manager paint the car ashy grey like this? He has no taste in cars! What happened to that gold one? Buckling up, the model hummed. Boom, boom, boom. Wow, the birds are back again, just in time! They should watch him while he's showing off his outfits to the world! Hehe, don't look now, birdies. Starting tomorrow, everyone will know his name!

Reaching the venue after quite some time, the hyena held in a squee. Wow, this place was huge! Gosh, he is so going to hit big here! Heading off towards the changing room, the chimera tilted his head. Huh, why are there so few chimeras here today? Is it just him, or are there more humans here than anything else? And, there's no demons either. Maybe they're late? Oh, well, better get changed for the first round down the runway.

Zipper down dress tossed to him, the chimera groaned. Ick, leather, seriously?! That was the first theme? Who set these? So disgusting, this isn't fashionable at all! He swears, whoever was in charge of this should never be allowed to be in charge of fashion again! Fixing up his skirt, he could soon hear chatter off in the corner.

"Ugh, can you believe it, there's chimeras competing today!" a voice cried.

"Yeah, like, I saw that," another voice said. "How dare those filthy rats show their faces here."

"Yeah, I know, right? I thought, you know." The voice suddenly grew quiet.

"Oh, like, yeah, I thought so, too, but like, guess there's still a few rats lying around." The voice suddenly grew quiet.

Fighting words off in the distance, the hyena pumped his fists together. What, were these humans scared they'll lose to a chimera? Ha, he'll show them! He'll rock this runway, that's for sure! He'll show them who's going to be the next top star in the fashion world! Him, that's who! Exiting the changing room, he prepared himself. Ooh, gosh, it's almost time! It's almost time!

Watching as everyone else went up on stage, no one cheered. Wow, everyone was so impressed, they were speechless! Then, when it's his turn, he'll blow the audience away even more! Here goes, it's his turn! Strutting out into the open, he shimmied his hips. Look here everyone, look here, haha! Gosh, everyone is so impressed it's like the audience dropped dead from his trillion looks, haha!

Many outfits later, the young adult huffed. How much longer is this? How many times has he been on the runway now? Three times, ten times? Twenty? Well, maybe around twenty two. Come on, manager, isn't it time to stop now? No? Fine, he'll go put on the cloud dress next, gosh. Come on, audience, look at him, he's got it all this time!

Falling face first as the last outfit had been taken on stage, the model groaned. Ah, great, there goes his chance at fame. There's no way he'll be on the front cover of next month's Super Chic now. How could he blow it like this! Oh, well, there's always next time! He'll just have to try harder. When was the next runway event anyway? Ah, who knows. Probably not for awhile. Practice makes perfect, hehe!

"Alright, you can go now," the manager said. "See you all next week."

"Wait! Who won?" Harminc asked.

"All of you did, I guess, I don't know!" the manager shouted. "Why don't you go get frozen yogurt and celebrate or something?"

"May as well, it's not like we have anything better to do," Marie said, sighing. "Come on, it's right down the block."

Quickly changing, the chimera groaned. As usual, manager went with the everyone is a winner line. Hmph, so lame, he totally outperformed the humans! Well, okay, actually, maybe he fell a few more times than he accounted for, whatever. Next time, he'll try to keep his balance! Skipping off towards the froyo shop, he swore everyone's eyes were glued to him. Oh, no, was his performance that bad?! If he made everyone else look terrible, he'll deliver a thousand apologies!

"Say, Siorc, I was just wondering," Marie said in a low voice.

Marie dropping her voice into a whisper, the model placed the pen underneath his chin. What's she wondering about? Does she want to know how he makes his lashes so pretty? Or, how he's able to hide his hyena spots so well? Go on, be honest! He totally rocked the runway this time, didn't he? He's so going to be famous soon!

<Ask away!> a written note cried.

"You're working at the makeup department again tomorrow, right?" Marie asked.

<Yup! Why, do you want a job there?> a written note asked.

Marie's face growing dark, the young adult nibbled away at the froyo. Ugh, what's wrong with the cream in this thing? It's so chunky. Oh, maybe it was a new flavor? He should get this one next time he comes here! Everyone else's faces growing dark, his lashes fluttered. So, did they all want a job at the makeup department then?

"Siorc, I think you should skip work tomorrow," Marie said, voice cracking.

<Why's that?> a written note asked.

Everyone looking at one another, the chimera gulped. Wait, why is everyone looking so serious? Do they want him go play hooky with them or something? Come on, he can't do that! He has to make a living somehow if he wants to look like a trillion every single day! Haha. Wait, why does Marie look like she's about to cry?

"Please, Siorc, you have to skip work tomorrow," Harminc said, voice cracking.

"I concur," Muga said.

<If you guys want me to play hooky tomorrow, just say the word! But, I can't skip work tomorrow, you know that!> a written note cried.

"Please, Siorc, stay home tomorrow," Marie begged, eyes bulging. "Haven't you heard the news lately?"

Shrugging, the young adult spun his spoon around in the empty yogurt tin. Wow, listen to this, the remaining crumbs can make music with the plastic spoon, so cool! Hehe, maybe next photoshoot can be yogurt themed, he bets that he'll be on the front cover of every magazine ever with a look like that! He's got this in the bag!

 a written note said.

"Siorc, just, don't go to work tomorrow, call in sick," Harminc said, dead eyes looking straight at him. "Haven't you noticed something? You know, like, something major?"

"I can't help but agree, you ought to call in tomorrow," Muga said, eyes closed.

Warnings aplenty ready to drown him, the young adult shook his head. What, was there some illness going around or something? He'll be fine, he'll just wear a mask! Come on, why are they all so jumpy for all of a sudden? It'll be fine! Everything will be alright. Whatever it is, it'll pass, surely. Totally.

<It's fine! I'll just wear a mask, okay? Besides, after tomorrow, I'm not scheduled again until the end of the month.> a written note said.

"It's not--" Marie said, but she cut herself off. "Be careful, alright? See you next week."

<Goodnight, everyone.> a written note said.

Grabbing a ride home, the hyena let out a yawn. Plopping himself down on the couch, he let out a giggle. Wow, today was such a fun day! A cloud themed photoshoot, a twenty five peace runway, he's getting places in the fashion world, that's for sure! Curling up into a ball, he could feel the dream world ready to call him back in. See you tomorrow, makeup world.

Click.

{This is the midnight recap.}

{This is the midnight recap.}
{Alert, alert.}

{Alert ra%i%t%o% levels at thirty thirty thirty milli milli milli milli si si si sieverets per per per per zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt}

{Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt.}

{Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt}

{Residents are zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt asked to zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt st st st st zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt at all costs. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt, I repeat, everyone zzzzzzzzzzzzzzt is is is to zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt at all costs.}

{Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt}

{Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt}

{Breaking news, breaking news!}

{If you see any chimera rats in the streets, don't hesitate to zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt zzzzzzzzzzzzzt make sure we clean up the filth wherever you see it zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt.}

Waking up the next morning, the chimera giggled. Oh, wow, it's sunny again today! And, is that a rainbow? Gosh, two days in a row? Every day has been so wonderful lately, he can hardly believe it! Was lady luck smiling on him? She sure was. Maybe he'll finally get a promotion at work today! That would be the best thing ever, hehe. Please, lady luck, give him a nice little kiss?

Boom, boom, boom.

Little tweeties singing, the young adult hummed a tune of his own. La la la, he's so getting promoted today! Oooh, maybe he'll even get to try on some of the makeup that wasn't selling well? Come to think of it, the ones that the demons were buying had stopped selling for some reason. Did demons stop indulging in beauty? Tch, big mistake on their part! Live a little!

Clicking the blue five pointed star hairpins and earrings into place, a bright yellow blouse almost shined in the mirror. Was this a little too flashy for work? Nah, the bolder the better! He'll get that promotion for sure this time! Jean shirt loaded and ready to go, he nibbled on some salmon bread. Hmm, looks like Xena went to work already today. Oh, well, he'll leave her a note on the fridge for later. Boots on, the echoes came his way.

"Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait!" Donat cried. "Siorc, please, please, please, please, you, you have to call in sick today!"

<Donat, I can't do that, I have to go to work today.> a written note said.

"Please, please, please, you can't go to work today!" Donat cried. "I'll, I'll, I'll, I'll call up the store right now!" Ding, ding, ding.

Reaching for the phone, the young adult shook his head. Geez, come on, Donat, he'll wear a mask, okay? Slipping the cloth over his face, he plopped the handset into the highest cabinet. Try and get that now, why doesn't he? Can't he see he's super close to finally get a promotion? Don't ruin this for him! He hardly ever gets hours anyway. And, today, that's going to change!

<Geez, I'm wearing my mask. It'll be fine. And, besides, I need the money!> a written note shouted.

"Why aren't you wearing your gloves?!" Donat cried, shaking. "Please, please, please, please wear your gloves!"

<It's fine, I'll just transform my hands into hyena paws, okay? I have to go now!> a written note cried.

"No, no, no, no, no!" Donat cried, tears streaming down his face. "Please, please wear your gloves. And, and, and, and! Your vest, too! How could I forget your vest?!" Leaping into the closet, his head hit something from within. "Here, here! I'll, I'll, I'll, put it on for you okay?!" The shakes continued. "Where, where, where are your stockings?!"

<I'm not wearing them today, they don't go with my outfit! And, can you please not strap that on so tight?!> a written note shouted.

Sticky gloves plopped on him once more, the young adult rolled his eyes. Did he really have to wear these things? They so didn't go with his outfit, like come on now. Maybe he should have just worn long sleeves to keep Donat quiet. He swears, this lizard cat worries way too much! Whatever. Here it comes, the next line of annoyance.

"Remember, remember, remember to, to, to, to text me when, when, when you're coming, coming, coming home from work today, okay?!" Donat cried, voice shaking.

 a written note cried.

Exiting the apartment, the chimera skipped through the streets. Wow, look at how pretty the clouds were today! They were so big and round that people were screaming! Boom, boom, boom. La, la, la, and listen to the birds singing! Wow, there's so many today! Maybe one might even land on his shoulder! Come here, tweeties, come to mommy!

Chimeras making chalk angels again, the model giggled. So many fun shapes today! There's one with rabbit ears, one with rat ears. So cool! Maybe he should play along. No, no, no, no! He has to get to work on time today! There's no time to be playing around. Waiting by the curb, the rusty old bus was waiting for him.

Not a single chimera on board, the hyena's eyes wandered. Now, that's strange, there's no demons on board either! Did he take the wrong bus? Nah! He's sure there will be some more later. There's only a few stops left until he's at the mall, after all. Rust bucket whirring along, the chimera opened up latest Demon Rogue issue. Why did they stop printing these?

Eyes glued to him, the chimera flipped his hair. Wow, so many eyes on him today! He knows, he's that model everyone saw in Super Chic last month! He'll give anyone an autograph, just say the word! His pen's ready. And, someday, he'll be at the top of the world, so watch out! He'll totally rock the floor with everyone in the fashion world!

"There's a dirty little rat on the bus, can't believe it," a human whispered.

"Why do they even let these things on here?" another human whispered.

"I know, right? After what they did, can you believe it?!" another human whispered.

"Don't worry about it, soon, we won't have to deal with these little rats anymore!" another human whispered.

Little birdies humming, the chimera giggled. Wow, so many tweeties today! Maybe this is a sign he'll finally get a promotion today! Boom, boom, boom. Oh, gosh, they're singing close to home! He's definitely getting his big break this time! Please, boss, he's doing so well in sales, it's about time he goes up in the world of retail, right?

Mall soon upon him, the makeup seller leaped off towards the department store. Clocking in, he reached for his nametag. Soon, this would say Director Siorc, yup, totally! Goodbye, sales associate! Hello, new position! Skipping behind the counter, everything was dead silent. Hmm, weird, it was usually really busy in the afternoon. Oh, well, business will pick up soon!

Not a single chimera on his line today as the hours flew away, the chimera yawned. Gosh, business was busting. Had something changed with management? Maybe. Come to think of it, the manager wasn't in today, neither was his boss. Was that nasty bug going around getting worse? Come on, people, wear masks!

Human customers glaring daggers at him, the chimera swore they were mumbling something, but he kept his attention on the prize. He has to perform well today, or he'll never get the promotion! Which one should he recommend to this young lady? Oh, the blue lip gloss would go so well with her eyes.

"Wow, thanks. Ring me up, or whatever," the young lady said. She then mumbled something unheard.

<That'll be six, please.> An index card said.

"Whatever! Take it!" Toss.

Clang.

Hurrying to put the coins in the register, the hyena sighed as business slowed to a crawl. How many had he had in the past four hours? Ah, only three. Was the mall closing down, or something? Maybe it was, he doesn't know. Oh, no, if that happens, he can kiss his modelling career goodbye! Hand pressed on the side of his temple, his collar had soon been grabbed.

"You, hurry up and ring me up!" a young man shouted. He then mumbled something. "I could have sworn that we got rid of all the rats."

<Sorry! That'll be fifteen.> An index card said.

Clang.

Bristles pressed against his locks, the chimera buried his head on the counter. How many hours left? Oh, one. Where had all the customers gone? How many had he helped today? Oh, only five. Well, no matter, maybe a few surprise ones will show up as the hour winds down! Haha, someone, anyone? Nope, maybe not.

Tick, tick, tick.

{To all our shoppers, the mall will be closing in twenty minutes. Please head to the nearest exit.}

Sweeping the floors, the makeup seller yawned. Agh, he barely made any sales today, what gives?! Maybe it's about time he moves to another makeup chain that's willing to give him more hours. Everything squeaky, the young adult placed his card in the machine. Well, it's time to go home now! Better text Donat.

Hahaha.

Surprise.

Slice.

Sharp blade twisted into his chest, the chimera's eyes opened wide. What, what? What was that just now? Hahaha, hahahah, hahaha, hahaa. Creature twisted in deeper, the sound around him dimmed. Hahaha, hahaha, hahaha, nothing but laughter echoing, everything spun. Becoming one with the ground, the world around him grew limp.

Blink.

Coming to, a new world soon awaited the model. Huh, what happened? Ah, right, he was leaving work, and? He can't remember what happened next, why? Cold, dark steel walls looking at him every which way, the chimera backed three steps away. Huh, where is he? What is this place? How did he get here? Ah, the rainbow is gone.

Shivering, the young adult's teeth chattered. What is this draft? Gazing down, everything burned. Yellow jumpsuit with rainbow bars everywhere, metal ate his thumbs. Clasps munching away at his wrists as well, tears streamed down his face. What is this hideous outfit?! Where is he?! Gazing down at the skirt, a set of foreign words locked eyes with him.

Words Prison Battle Royale stamped onto the edge of his skirt, the model's head raced. Wait, what is this place?! He's where now!? What's he doing in here?! How did he land in a place like this? He's dreaming, right? He has to be, surely. Right, he's sound asleep at home on the couch, giggling away! That's right. Someone, wake him up now, please! Pushed through a moving belt, a loudspeaker soon screeched.

{Prisoner number three thousand twenty seven, Siorc Ingne, twenty three years old, hyena chimera rat. Murderer.}

Everything pounding, the young adult tried to jump off the line. Huh, what did that thing just say? No way! He would never! This has to be some kind of mistake! Hello, someone, anyone? He shouldn't be here! Tossed against the wall, he swore the humans were looking at him kind of funny. Please, someone, wake him up from this dream. Hello, anyone? Donat, Xena? Please?!

Bam.

Clack.

Thick bars locking him in, the young adult bopped upon the creatures. Please, someone, let him out! There has to be some kind of mistake! Hello? Hello?! Screeches aplenty adding themselves to the mix, a trail of red decorated his palms. Hello, anyone?! But, such resistance had earned him shouts in return.

"Just give up, you're not getting out of here," a familiar voice groaned.

"Yeah, just stop," another voice said.

"Not even here for a few minutes and you're already causing trouble. I swear, you won't last more than a week here."

Turning towards the noise, a familiar face soon locked eyes with him. Sitting on the top bed had been a short scorpion person with greying hair that barely reached below her ears. Ring like hair loopies on the side of their head, everything came back to him as he looked in their yellowing reptile eyes. Oh, that's right, Argenta went missing. He remembers now. How did they end up here?

Sitting in the corner of the room had been a tan gazelle chimera with spiky bright orange hair. Dark brown fawn body beneath them, their bright red eyes had absolutely no life in them. Red jumpsuit looking quite tattered, the model's chest fluttered. Why do they look so close to death? Gazing at their name tag, it all came back to him. Oh, that's right, their name is Damla. He remembers them. They? Right, they warned him about the high levels of radi--. Forget it, he doesn't even want to think about that!

Wobbling in the corner with a flushed face had been a short young adult woman with a snake tail behind her. Pitch black eye with no life to it whatsoever, the other one had been covered with an eyepatch. Greenish yellow hair as choppy as he remembered it, her jumpsuit had been pure white. Ah, Kezdo was here, too. He remembers now, Harminc told him, it's all coming back to him now, everything did.

Aaah, aaaaah, aaaah, aaaah, his head, his head!
Here it comes.

{Boom!}

Reporter: {This just in, a major explosion was just heard in Syncropolis!}

<Picture of a large mushroom shaped cloud beside may buildings is shown.>

{Boom!}

{Boom!}

{Boom!}

Reporter: {This just in, another set of explosions was felt across Syncropolis! And, many people have reported intense burns like no other! Who could possibly be the culprit?}

{Boom!}

{Boom!}{Boom!}

Reporter: {This just in, we've gotten a call into our crisis line. Humans everywhere have been reporting even more explosions in the past few weeks! Maybe something's gone wrong at the power plant? Perhaps, that might be the case. We're here live at the sc--woah!}

{Boom!}

{Boom!}

{Boom!}

Reporter: {This just in, did you all see that? That's right, you saw it here, folks! That was a chimera just now! I repeat, that was a chimera you all saw just now! My apologies, but we must cut to commercial for a moment, please excuse me!}

{Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep.}

Victim one: {My face, my face, it burns, someone help me!}

Victim two: {Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!}

Victim three: {It's those nasty chimeras fault! They did this!}

Aaaaaaaaaaaaah.

Aaaaah.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Everything flooding in, tears streamed down the hyena's face. Why, why? Why did it all have to come back? The demons, why did they have to put on that little disguise that day? Why, why, why? Haha, hahaha, hahaha, rainbow dying, pesky eyes were glued to him every which way for minutes on end.

"Could you shut it?" Damla groaned. "Hurry up and head for your bed." They then clicked their tongue. "You're not going to last a minute here, I'm telling you. Now, hurry up, it's almost bedtime. You'd better get used to your life here."

 A shaking note shouted. But, such had been met with a collar grab.

"Listen, you little pansy, you think we belong here?!" Kezdo cried. "So, sit down and keep your mouth shut before the warden comes by! And, trust me, if they see you're not on your bed, there will be consequences!" She then twisted her hand in deeper. "Oh, and just so you know, you'd better keep quiet for what's coming tomorrow. Don't cry like a little baby, understand? If you know what's good for you, from here on out, you ought to make yourself look like a monster." Giving the collar one last twist, her lifeless eye glowed. "Got it? Now, move."

Plopping down onto the cold, rock hard bed, the hyena buried his face into the uncomfortable pillow. Please, Donat, please come and find him soon. How did he even end up in a place like this? Haha, hahaha, hahaha. Closing his eyes, he could feel himself about ready to drift off. Please, when he wakes up next, let it be at home in his nice warm bed.

Tweet, tweet, tweet, wake up, maggots!

Woken up at the crack of dawn, the prisoner sighed. So, it wasn't a dream after all. Cellmates dragging him towards the mess hall, squishy white gruel had been plopped into a murky bowl. Ugh, what is this stuff? Dragged to some table, his knees buckled as three prisoners looked his way. Uh, why are they looking at him like he's some sort of fresh piece of meat?

"Fresh meat," a deep voice sighed.

"Fresh meat alright," another high pitch voice said, drumming her fingers.

"Ugh, I know this guy! He's that model in Super Chic!" a slightly familiar voice cried. "Haha, you won't last a minute in here! Just wait until you see what happens today!"

Looking at him with a spoon in their left hand had been a tall lynx chimera man with dark blue eyes that looked like they had seen the underworld twice over. Dark blue jumpsuit looking about ready to fall apart, he gazed at his locks. Long blonde hair draping over his chest, he studied his nametag. Oh, this guy's name is Uxi. Isn't that the name of Xena's brother? He believed so. How did he get down here?

Munching away at her food in a loud manner had been a rather small rat girl chimera with short curly chestnut hair that barely reached below her chin. Teal eyes rather big on her face, he couldn't help but notice something underneath the table. Was it just him, or did she have wheels for feet? No, he was just imagining it, surely. Reading her nametag, her name did not ring a bell. Quido, huh? Can't say he's ever seen her before.

Brushing his hair with a fork had been a rabbit chimera man with spiky orange hair that had seen better days. Eyes matching the locks almost exactly, he tried to remember this guy's name. Oh, right, he was Muga's brother. He was called Burai, he thinks? He had almost always shown up at Muga's photoshoots until one day? Yes, now he remembers. Notepad out in front of him, he scribbled away.

<Burai, Uxi? How did you two end up in here?> a written note asked.

"Not telling," Uxi said, shaking his head.

"Tch, nosy little model, aren't you? You won't last a day in here," Burai responded, shaking his head. "Listen, keep your nose out of people's business, got it?" He then scooted over closer. "Murder, huh? Tough luck, buddy. Maybe if you had gotten a bogus larceny charge like me, they might have, maybe let ya go. But, guess not, since I'm still stuck here."

"And, don't bother asking me, either, fresh meat!" Quido cried between bites. "Say, are you ready for your initiation? Also, you know what's happening tonight, right?"

<No? Should I? Can't I just go back home?!> a written note cried.

"Tch, listen, you little pansy, I thought I told you last night that you can't look weak in here!" Kezdo cried. "Oh, well. After your initiation, you'll be whipped up into shape."

"Also, stop asking to go home, not happening, look around you, does it look like you'll ever get out of here?" Damla asked.

Gazing at the window, the room grew cold. Wait, is it just him, or was there no sky out there? Where is this place exactly? Why does everything look so dark out there? No, please, someone wake him up already! He's begging! Pinching himself, he hissed. Ugh, he's awake. Finishing the gruel, he crossed his fingers, please, let someone discharge him. He doesn't belong here!

"Don't think he's listening," Argenta said, sighing.

Thrown out into the courtyard, disgusting jobs aplenty had been tossed onto him. Clean up this, get rid of that. Ah, no, what was that mysterious substance? Trying not to gag, the day droned on slowly. Please, someone, come and bring him back home! He didn't do anything! Prisoners aplenty staring at him, he bit his tongue. Right, don't scream, he can't do that here.

And, then the moment arrive.

Initiation.

Slam.

Door slammed shut, the chimera soon found himself on a cold, hard metallic bed. Human medic coming towards him, something turned in his hand. Metallic creature twisted into his legs, the prisoner bit his tongue as an intense burn took him away. Someone, please, help him. Anyone? Huffing, the iron dug in deeper. Everything spinning, he swore he saw some sort of wheel coming towards him as the world blurred.

Coming to who knows when, the world below him added a whole new can of worms. Wheeled shoe thingies beneath him, the young adult clamped down on his tongue. Where did these things come from? Please, someone, take them off! Attempting to do so, everything burned. Haha, haha, please, someone get him out of this nightmare. Dragged to the activity center, another bombshell hit the walls.

"Welcome rats, one and all to the next prison battle royale!" an announcer shouted. "Ya'll know the drill by now! All of you shall fight one another. Whoever underperforms well." Rubbing their palm underneath their neck, they made a noise with teeth. "Bye bye! Make sure you remember the, the lowest five at the bottom won't see tomorrow!"

Audience cheering, the young adult closed his eyes. Oh, great, this is it, this is so going to be the end of him now. So long world, goodbye. It's been a nice twenty three years, but it looks like he won't make it to tomorrow. Him, fight? Haha, he can't even use a knife properly! Ah, he's done for. He's toast, farewell.

Brackets announced, the prisoner gulped. Oh, great, his match is up first? Who's he up against? Oh, Quido, great, this going to go so well, isn't it? Haha, just kill him now, please, thanks. It's over. There's no way he's going to survive this fight. Dragged into a weapon room as the day droned by, the world was foreign. What is this thing? And, that? He doesn't know. Nothing looks familiar here.

Removing a strange blunt looking object, everything shook. Any second now, and he would be on the battle arena. Why did he have to placed into the tournament version of this royale thingy? Haha, haha, haha, there's no way he's going to last. May as well put him in a chair now. Haha, haha, ha.

Finding himself in a large room with screens everywhere, human faces were everywhere laughing. Chants aplenty firing off one after another, the model covered his ears. Stop, please, someone, stop the noise! Huff, puff. Chants only getting louder, his opponent soon wheeled onto the stage.

"Just 'cause you're new here don't mean I'll go easy on you!" Quido cried. "Come on, fresh meat, you ready?"

Shaking his head, the young adult clutched the weapon. He can just surrender, right? Maybe he should. But, such thoughts had been cut off as a flurry of burning ice had come his way. What was that just now?! Shoulder sizzling, tears streamed down his face. Red bars on his uniform glowing, the noise grew louder.

"Haha, look at this small fry! Can't wait to see him die!" a human on the screen shouted.

"So weak, so pathetic!" another human on screen shouted. "Knew this guy would cry. We should have gotten him in here ages ago!"

Burning icy attack coming his way once again, the young adult jumped back. Alright, Siorc, think, think of something. What should he do in a situation like this? Oh, he knows, perfect, that'll do it. Doing a little dance, the prisoner winked. Hehe, see this camera? The model is back in business!

"What are you doing, fresh meat?!" Quido shouted. "Pay attention!"

Icy strikes looking ready to come towards him, the model sped off towards the left. And, turn for the camera, here goes, three two, one. Voices screeching every which way, he cracked his knuckles. What, didn't like his moves or something? Ha, well, if they're going to treat this like it's a show, he may as well, too.

Feeling something press against his chest, the chimera closed his eyes. What is this intense burning feeling? Clapping his hands together, an intense energy released from his sternum. Rat girl tumbling to the ground, he rose his hands up in the air. It's all just one big photoshoot, tune it all out, right, the cameras are rolling.

Closing his eyes, the young adult lunged forward. Ick, this is so not his style. Whatever. Bam, bam, bam, pesky blunt swinging object becoming one with the opponent, he swore he heard a bell off in the distance somewhere. Chatter only getting louder, the static kept kicking in. It's all just one big photoshoot. It's fine, it's fine.

"Prisoner Three Thousand Twenty Seven is the winner!" Roar.

"You're weird, fresh meat, you know that?" Quido asked. "Tch, but you won't last much longer here. Don't forget what kind of place this is you've found yourself in!"

Returning to his cell, everything flushed back as the afternoon turned to evening. Ah, right, he's in prison, behind bars. Strange green card given to him as bedtime hours rolled around, the world grew cold once more. How long is he going to be here for? He did not know, but maybe it was best to not try and fight this anymore. World of sleep ready to take him away, one last thought threw itself behind bars with him that late evening.

He won for now.

But, how long will he last down here? His days are probably numbered.

Yup, what you just read is a bait and switch. I think it should have been pretty obvious that something was wrong as early as the third paragraph. Just so everyone knows, originally, I was planning on doing Milgram Siorc. But, a month or so before, I pivoted entirely to something else. And, thus that didn't happen, so I did an original work, Prison Battle Royale. Which, yes, I'm aware has been done countless times before.

And, then last minute, my brain decided, "okay, but what if the prison part is the twist and this is actually a story about a nuclear fallout and Siorc is super delusional?" And, thus the bait and switch was born. I think it worked out for the better this way and that the prison part was the climax and not the whole thing. Also, the wheel prosthetics? Well, some time ago when I was either in my late teens are early twenties I had a dream I was in prison and had wheel shoes on and was forced to fight other prisoners, so I thought? I could turn that into a Siorc thing! So, yeah.

Anyway.

Here's Prison Battle Royale Siorc both in his jumpsuit, and what it really looked like when he was attacked. With the "chalk angel" and everything of course! Haha.

What's the final anthology going to be in this season? Race Car Driver Siorc, of course. Man, what a way to end this multiverse collection, huh? But, I'm not going too far away, after this, I'm doing my Persona 30th anniversary book! Which, I'll be posting here, too. That's all for this week, though.

Palamon · Mar 27, 2026

I guess, if you squint, this is technically a fandom piece, but also, an original work? I guess. Not sure if this counts as fandom or not. In any case, this story follows Siorc in the month leading up to his EuroNASCAR debut in Spain. Pretty straightforward.

No warnings apply. Except, there might be a little bit of crude language, maybe.

Ms. Last Second's EuroNASCAR Racing Debut!

"Hi there. Ugh, I am not a talker, but
Eh my half sister says I should introduce myself.
Look, I don't want to do this. I feel
Like I'm wasting my time, but I can't say no to my little sister,
Oh well.

I'm Siorc Ingne, hyena chimera, twenty nine years going strong and future
Motor racer. I'm going to be debuting

Soon. In about a month,
It'll be my first race! I live in Spain, and for a long time, there was no chimera race. But this
One is the first ever chimera
Racecar league! I
Can't believe it, on the eve of my thirtieth, which is

Pretty much six months away, I am finally close to my
Ultimate debut! Me, the ever
Silent hyena chimera,
Haha,
I thought this day would
Never come, but I
Guess it's finally very close. In

The next few weeks, I
Have to talk to sponsors, but for now,
I'm working at Build A Friend, a
Rather small chain of stuffed animal making at
The local Spain mall.
You know,

Back when I moved here from Scotland around when I was
Uh, nine, everything was so dark.
The world felt like it was

So small after mother parted ways with father. I
Thought
I'd be by my
Lonesome for the rest of my
Life, even after my half sister was born, but then I

Found the motor race world, and it was
Unlike anything I'd ever seen. I feel
Like my
Life changed

On that day when I discovered those races on the boob tube. I was ten at the time, and
Now, almost twenty years later, I'm

Entering my first race!
Now I can finally
Enter the world of
Racing myself! It's
Going to be amazing,
Yes, I can't wait.

And, my friends are competing too!
Now, when it was finally
Decided a chimera race would be created,

I was almost beside
Myself in astonishment.

Guess my years
Of training weren't all
In vain!
Now it's almost my turn. I'm not
Going

To aim for the win,
Of course, I

Don't think I'll
End up winning,
But I'm going to have fun!
Ultimately, in
The end, that's

All that matters! Having fun!
Sure, it's

A competition, but there's a whole season of

Races to look forward to
And I just want to race!
Come on, I need to temper my
Expectations, you know?

Can't expect to win
At the first
Race. Pretty sure most

Don't. I'll be competing against all the other
Racers in Spain, after all. Well,
I guess the chimera ones. I'm
Very much not
Ever competing against human
Racers now that they

Opened a chimera league,
Nope. In

The end, I
Have a lot to do before my debut.
Everything will come up

Super fast,
Probably, well,
At least
I believe so.
Not sure how fast things will

Come up, but I
Have to prepare myself!
I'm hoping
My sponsor options
End up only being companies I
Really believe in
As, I won't pair with a

Company that
I don't. Hope that doesn't make me a
Rather tough sell. Haha,
Can't wait to see my car though.
Uuuuh,
I hoping I get
The number ten.

If I don't,
That's fine, I
Suppose. I guess,

Maybe. The days will race by fast,
Yup, I went

There, whoops.
In the end,
My debut might
End up going well, or

There might be a hole
Or too, but it's my time to

Shine! After almost twenty years, I finally
Have a chance!
I still can't believe it.
Now's my time to
Enter into the world I belong to!"

It had been a rather cool October morning across the coast town of Tarifa, Spain. The roads were busy, the young human and chimera students were heading off towards their classes for the day. The race tracks were ready for usage once again for yet another season. But, for one particular hyena chimera today was the start of a busy pre debut season.

Curled up in bed with the boob tube on had been a short feminine appearing adult hyena chimera with long dark purple hair that went down to about the waist. Mismatched purple and green eyes glued to the screen, beneath had been checkered pajamas with tiny little flags on the side. Letting out a yawn, a volume knocker had been pressed on the side of an old remote.

Zoom. Zoom. Zoom, zoom.

Narrator on the television: {In a powerful voice.} <And, Sir Harvey Hart Junior just entered his one hundred eightieth lap. We have about twenty laps to go.>

Zoom. Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom.

Narrator on the television: {In a powerful voice.} <Ooh, that's a nasty one! This far into the race, and we're going to have to enter into a caution.>

Yawning, the chimera wondered. Which year did this race take place in again? Oh, right, at some point right after the dawn of the new millennium. Was this the one that caused for broader racecar safety regulations? He could have sworn the racing channel pulled this one from broadcast. Ah, well, keep watching.

Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom.

Screeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeech.

Bam.

Two cars bonking into one another, the adult reached for a notepad. Scribbling away, the hyena added a new line beneath the crash log. Wow, what a terrible collision this was. Smoke looking about ready to eat the television alive, a pesky knock soon took place on the opposite end of the door. Ugh, who could that be? Please, go away.

"Siorc, c'mon, don't you think it's time to wake up?" a voice on the other end of the door asked. The knocks soon continued. "It's almost nine, ya know. Don't you have work today?"

Face glued to the boob tube, the adult bit the lower lip. Almost nine wasn't nine! Can't the sister wait until after this race ended before making a scene? Of course she couldn't. Sorry, can't hear her, zzz, the person is fast asleep in here, zzz. So long, goodnight, come back in fifteen minutes, or never! Yeah, never sounds good.

Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom.

Two laps to go, the chimera placed the pen tip beneath the lip. They sure moved out of caution quick. Is that going to happen during debut day? Maybe, perhaps it would. Who knows how things are going to go on the track? Adding another tally onto the caution page, the individual counted for a brief moment. Woah, there were over fifteen cautions in this race alone. No wonder all these years later regulations were changed. Well, in America at least. This wasn't the United States.

Knock, knock, knock, knock.

"Siorc, c'mon, don't ya gotta leave for work in about an hour?" the same annoying voice cried. "Is he still sleeping? I swear, bro needs me for everything sometimes."

Eyes remaining glued to the boob tube, the hyena let out a yawn. Excuse him, he did not need his sister for everything! How many times had he told Orok that she is not to bother him until it's nine o'clock on the dot! But, no, disturb the peace earlier every single day to try and catch his attention. She how well that'll go for her down the line!

Creeeeeeeeeeeeeeak.

"Siorc, how can you still be in bed at a time like this?!" a high pitched voice cried. The voice then groaned. "You're watching NASCAR again? Bro, that race is like, older than me! Why you gotta watch these every morning? You're debuting in a month, aren't you?"

Standing by his door uninvited had been a short, young adult snake chimera woman with light green hair that may as well have been blonde. Hyena ears on the top of her head bopping up and down, the adult sighed. Can Orok please cut the noise? Can't she see he has something important going on here? Pesky long ponytail looking about ready to get caught in the door, her even more annoying white shirt was ready to burn him alive. How were they related? Okay, half related. Quarter related? Who cares, whatever. Pitch black reptile eyes locked and loaded, he reached for his notepad.

[Ugh, Orok, how many times do I have to tell you not to barge into my room until I finish watching my morning race? Who cares if it's almost nine o'clock! Almost nine o'clock is not nine o'clock! And, just because I'm debuting next month doesn't mean I can't watch legendary races from the past!] A sheet of paper almost shouted.

"Bro, sometimes I can't believe you're almost thirty," Orok said, shaking her head. "Maybe I'm secretly the older sister after all."

Sister sighing away, the pre debut racer rolled his eyes. First of all, he's responsible, thank him very much! It's not like he doesn't get to work on time every single day! He hardly needed her to yap his ear off all the time. And, excuse him, he was born first! Which, hello, she should know that by now! What, does she think she had amnesia or something and forgot the ten years she thinks she had over him? Ha! As if.

[And, I can't believe you're almost twenty and you still don't know the rules of my room! I'll leave my room after the race ends, alright?] A sheet of paper almost shouted.

"But, what could you possibly need to learn at this point?" Orok asked, arms in the air. "Haven't you been practicing with a coach for awhile now?"

[Writing down notes about races from long ago helps me, thank you very much! Now, could you please go? They're on the last lap now!] A sheet of paper almost shouted.

"Oh, really? The last lap, huh? Psh. Bet there will be a last minute caution." She invited herself to a chair in the corner.

Pesky sister sitting cross legged in the corner, the adult groaned. Who said she could disturb his last few minutes of peace, huh? Forget her, she's not even here. She's just a buzzing little bee in the corner of his eye. Bright red car racing through the last lap before everyone else, the race had soon been called. Tires spun out, the hyena reached for the notebook once more.

Scribbling away, the hyena sighed. That race looked like a tough one. Two hundred laps, so many accidents. He's going to have to avoid getting himself into one, that's for sure. Sigh. Only thirty days left until his debut. Would it go smoothly? He doesn't know, maybe it would have something go wrong. No, no, pitstop, pitstop! It'll go fine. He trained years for this moment.

"Wait, wasn't this the one where that dudebro died during a race?" Orok asked. "Why would they play that one?"

[First of all, he had a name! It was Harvey Hart Junior! And, second, how should I know? This station reruns races from around the world all the time!] A notepad sheet practically shouted.

"But, like, shouldn't they show races from the last season of EuroNASCAR instead?" Orok asked. "I dunno why you watchin' the American circuit from a gazillion years ago."

[I feel like it, alright? Now, get out of my room! Don't you have to help papa with breakfast?] A notepad sheet practically shouted.

"Look, I just wanna know!" Orok cried. "But, fine, I'll go." Walking towards the door, she cupped her hands. "Padre, you awake? We have to start breakfast!"

Click.

Obstacle finally gone, the hyena let a yawn. He swears, Orok always eats up all his energy. Well, scratch that, she eats up everyone's energy. Forget this, it's about time to get ready for work. How long is his shift today? Oh, right, four hours. How much longer until he can take some time off to get ready to talk to some sponsors? Ah, right, he still has about six more shifts before that. Oh, well.

Sprinting off towards the private restroom, the pre debut racer did a swift brushing. Ugh, mama bought the mint one again. How many times is she going to put that one in here? Oh, well, not like he had any money left over at the end of the month to buy his own anyway. Quick spritzing taking place, another yawn ate the room.

Reflection locking eyes with him, the hyena reached for the concealer. He stayed up a little too late watching that Formula One documentary last night, didn't he? Little bags, begone! Nope, no amount of makeup would ever be able to hide these, sigh. Will they get even worse when he hits the big three o? Probably. Who knows, who cares? He's about to live his life on the racetrack.

Hair pulled up into two high pigtails, the chimera reached for the comb. Did this style make him look juvenile? Maybe he looked even younger than Orok with these. Ah, whatever, honestly, who cares? Why do humans and chimeras alike put an age limit on hairstyles? He doesn't know, it's so ridiculous. Matching car hairpins and earrings clicked into his hair and ears, a dark blue tracksuit soon ate the hyena up.

Strutting towards the kitchen, eyes soon locked onto him from afar. Oh, great, here it comes! How can he wear that on a workday? Does it matter? No, he didn't think so. Besides, he'd be wearing an apron over it anyway. So, please take their incoming comments and shove them somewhere else, thank him very much.

"How can you wear a tracksuit to work?" a motherly voice asked. "I thought I've told you to dress nicer than that!"

"And, pigtails, bro, really?" Orok asked. "Even I'm too old to wear my hair like that!"

"Come on, you two, let's just have a nice breakfast for a change?" a fatherly voice asked.

Sitting in the corner with a deep seated glare on her face had been a middle aged hyena chimera woman with short dark purple hair that had been tied up into a low hanging bun. Eyes the exact same shade as her locks, her dress had been full of holes. Mama thinks she can lecture him on what he's wearing, and yet, here she is with that big holed dress of hers! Been there, done that.

Standing by the stove had been a tall middle aged snake chimera man with short light green hair that may as well have been blond. Serpent tail behind him looking ready to sneak some snacks, the hyena crossed his arms. Papa should know by now what kind of warzone the late mornings were here. How long had he been married to mama now? Almost twenty years. Sigh, whatever. He doesn't know anything anyway.

[I can wear whatever I want to work! And besides, I'm meeting my friends after.] A notepad sheet said.

"Are you?" mama asked, sighing, hand on the side of her cheek. "Hon, do you have time for that? Companies are going to start showing up soon to ask you if you want them to sponsor you, you know."

[That's not happening for at least a week or two! I still have time!] A notepad sheet shouted.

"You've been saying that every day, and now, you're one month away from your debut now!" mama shouted. "What if some companies show up at our door today and you're not there?"

[Sheesh, come on, mama! That's not going to happen! Besides, I've been pitching to a few companies on my own. I highly doubt they'll show up today!] A notepad sheet cried.

"You really need to stop living the slow life." A headshake.

Meaty tostada plopped down onto his plate, the adult munched away. Stop living the slow life? Excuse him, first of all, he was not on the slow lane! So, what if he's waiting close to last minute. It's not like the sponsors were going to all line up at the door today! They probably weren't coming for awhile! After all, a lot of new racers were debuting this year. This is a new league! He swears, mama doesn't understand anything at all, does she?

[First of all, mama, I still have a month, and second, I only work part time to start with. I'll come home early if it makes you feel any better, though. Jeez, can you let me live my life for once?] A notepad sheet asked.

"Madre, you sure he's the older one between us?" Orok asked, eyes lowered into a squint.

"You can have fun, but you really need to start focusing, hon!" Mama cried. "You're debuting next month! Before you know it, you'll be on the racetrack in Valencia breaking a sweat realizing you did everything last minute again!" mama shouted.

"Classic bro, doing everything at the last possible second," Orok said, shaking her head.

Nags aplenty coming his way, the adult wolfed down the rest of his breakfast at lightning speed. Grr, these two. How could Orok side with mama?! They had the same mother, alright. Whatever. He so does not put everything last minute! They just enjoy making things up about him, don't they? Ugh.

[I don't put everything off last minute, okay?! Look, just text me if any sponsors show up, and I'll come home early.] A notepad sheet said.

"Sure you will, bro, you always say that," Orok said between bites.

"Okay, girls, let's dial it down a notch!" papa cried, hands in the air. "You're debuting soon, champ? Have you picked out a number for your ride yet?"

Question coming his way, the pre debut racer held in the urge to sigh. Could papa please not call his future race car a ride? He swears, he has never once in his life watched a single race at all. He really needs to sit him down in the den and show him one at some point. Oh, well, not like he and his schedules ever aligned for that.

[I'm probably picking the number ten.] A notepad sheet said.

"Oh, ten, huh?" papa asked. "Nice pick!" Thumbs up.

"Ten, really, bro?" Orok asked. "I thought you'd pick something more, I don't know, meaningful? Like, the year you were born?"

"I think ten's a lovely number!" mama cried. "But, are you sure? What if someone else took it already?"

[I don't know, I'll just pick a different one, I guess. I'm not worried about that right now!] A notepad sheet said. He then scribbled some more. [I have to go now, see you later.]

Family bidding him farewell, the adult hurried back to his room for a moment. Dumb apron slapped over him, he bolted off towards the garage. Old rust bucket waiting for him, he groaned. Why does this thing look like it's about to fall apart any day now? Maybe it's about time he goes to another used car lot and finds something to replace it. Ha, as if he'd have the money for that, though.

Slam.

Rrr, rrr, rrr, rrr.

Engine taking a million years to start, the pre debut racer broke into a sweat. Please, don't die on him now! What if companies come by today and see this thing in the garage? They're so going to cancel his debut, aren't they? Creature finally moving, he eyed the meter. Sigh, half of a tank left. May as well be close to empty on this old thing.

Red light coming up, a sea of thoughts raced on through him. What if his debut does end up getting cancelled? The sponsors don't inspect personally owned vehicles, right? Oh, no, if they did, they'll so tell him to forget starting a motorsports career! What should he do?! Maybe he should park the car somewhere else for the next month or two! No, if he did that, mama would ask a thousand questions.

Turning down the block, the inquiries continued. What if the sponsors tell him ten was taken by someone else? Oh, no, please don't say that! Would he have to pick thirteen, or even worse, ninety seven? No, no, no, no, no! No way! No way! Absolutely not, not happening, nope. Surely, he'll get ten, right? He told the companies at least a year ago already that was the only number for him!

Reaching the mall parking lot, the hyena gulped. What if the humans decide to cancel the chimera EuroNASCAR circuit last minute? Oh, no, oh no! They could totally do that! Weren't most of them wanting to have a late autumn season or something? They'd tell him if the chimera circuit wasn't happening, right, right?! Ah! He'll probably get all the way there, and his coach will say, 'sorry, bud, we totally forgot to tell you, but the first season of the chimera circuit's been cancelled.' Gah! Just thinking about this made him want to bake himself a joker pie!

Scrrch.

Beep, beep, beep.

Robotic car speaker: {Reminder, reminder, you have parked in lot V, row six. I repeat, you have parked in lot V, row six.}

Slam.

Stretching for a moment, the pre debut race car driver slapped his cheeks. Alright, storm clouds, go away. It's time to go to work and focus on stuffing toys for people! It was Friday, after all, tons of kids were going to be lined up in the afternoon! Yup, totally! Weren't they selling those new car stuffies, too? Probably. At least, that's what manager said. Here goes nothing.

Mall a complete warzone already, the adult raced off towards Build a Friend with all his might. Why are there so many people here already? Oh, no, are they maybe closing down the mall for good soon? Oh, no! What's he going to do to earn money? How's he going to pay for the electricity? They're going to be in the dark soon!

Little store with a colorful sign on the top reading Build a Friend with a sideways teddy bear looking about ready to fall off at any given moment, the chimera's knees shook. Agh, someone forgot to fix the sign again! Is it because the mall is closing down? Oh, no, oh, no! He's so getting told that they're closing up shop today!

"Morning, Siorc," a tenor voice said. "Woah, why do you look like you're about to blow? Did some shoppers try to bury you again or something?"

"Siorc, I've told you at least thirty times now to go through the employee only entrance!" another voice cried.

Standing in the corner plopping down new empty stuffies had been a short cat chimera man with short blond hair that barely reached his shoulders. few loose pieces a dyed dark orange, his eyes were the exact same shade as said strays. Cat ears concealed behind a wooly black hat, the stuffie shop employee tried to resist the urge to bite his nails. Was he supposed to wear his hat today?! Why didn't Wanta tell him?! He's so getting fired today!

Sitting in the corner wagging their finger had been a very tall penguin chimera person with golden hair pulled into a high ponytail. Penguin crests looking about ready to catch on fire, the adult shook like a leaf. Please, Kaiser, please, manager, don't fire him! Orange eyes looking about ready to set themselves ablaze as well, his nametag on his apron was crooked, too. Oh, no, oh, no, they're so going to say his days are numbered.

[I'm sorry, jefa! Please don't fire me!] A notebook sheet begged. He then scribbled away further. [I didn't forget today was hat day, right? Please, please, don't fire me! I'll remember next time!]

"Who said anything about firing you?!" Kaiser cried. "Why are you so jumpy for?!"

"Relax, girl, it's not hat day," Wanta said, hands in the air. "Why would you ever think that?"

[We've had secret themed days for our uniforms before! Twice, even, four times, I think!] A notebook sheet cried.

"Yeah, during Christmas," Wanta said, sighing. "It's still too early for that, don't you think?" He then yawned. "Can you go in the back and get the car stuffies? We're finally putting those on sale today."

Order coming his way, the stuffie shop employee's eyes wandered. Wait, they're selling those today?! Oh, no, oh no! Did he put out a few of them too early last week?! Oh, no, oh, no! He's so getting a warning! And, if he gets another one, he's going to so get terminated! Ah! He can kiss his television goodbye, it soon won't power on.

[We're selling those today?! Sorry, I had no idea! I put them out last week! Please, don't fire me!] A notepad sheet begged.

"Again with the firing! I'm not going to fire you, got it?!" Kaiser shouted, flipping their hair. "Does it look we got enough employees to get rid of you?! Now, go in the back and get the new stuffies!"

Dashing towards the storage room, the stuffie employee looked high and low. Where are the car ones? Oh, there they are. Flat creatures giving him a creepy little smile, the hyena looked away. Ugh, how did the kids even find joy in stuff like this? He tried watching that cartoon these were based on once, but those faces, they were staring into his soul. Haha, maybe no one will buy them and the company will send them back? Pretty please, let that happen!

Plopping the creatures down into the empty tins, the chimera moved off towards his station. Not a single customer coming in for the first hour, the hyena's eyes wandered. Sure was quiet here today. Oh, no, what if the mall manager sees how deserted this place is and decides it's time to close up shop?! Oh, no, oh no! Mama and papa will be eating in the dark if that happens!

Locking eyes with the car stuffie on display, the pre debut racer wondered. This company messaged him to try and sponsor him half a year ago, right? He believes so. Should he take it if they stop by? No, why would he do that? And, besides, there's no way the Build A Friend CEO would want to sponsor him anyway.

A few mothers coming in alone asking for bears to be filled up, the little car stuffies locked eyes with the stuffie shop employee for minutes on end. No one is going to buy these, are they? Probably not, he bets. Haha, so much for Super Racer Friends being popular. Maybe if they didn't have such big eyes they'd sell better! Now, there's a thought he didn't think would cross his mind.

Business slowing to a crawl yet again, the adult cruised through his e-mail for a moment. Flowers Forever leaving him a message they'll be coming by in the next few days or so, the pre debut race car driver placed his finger on his chin. Should he accept this sponsorship? But, what were their practices again? They didn't use any chemicals to grow their posies, right? Maybe he shouldn't even think to consider this one?

Boss's eyes looking ready to laser focus on him, the chimera quickly pocketed his phone. Oh, no, they didn't see that, did they? Ah, jefa is so going to fire him now! Sorry for taking his phone out during work hours, please, don't give him the boot yet! Can it wait until he's at least had his first race? He's got a house to keep the lights on for!

"Have you decided on a sponsor yet for your racecar?" Kaiser asked.

[Not yet.] A notepad sheet said.

"Not yet?! Aren't you debuting in a month?!" Wanta cried. "I thought by now you'd have one nailed down."

[I don't know. I've contacted so many, and the ones that have gotten back to me don't feel like the one.] A notepad sheet said.

"Why don't you just let the CEO of Build a Friend be your sponsor?" Wanta asked. "I'm sure he'll be thrilled to have a future celebrity promote his brand."

[I don't know about that. And, besides, he didn't answer any of my e-mails. And, besides, I think I'm supposed to separate my day job from the circuit, or something.] A notepad sheet said.

"How have you not decided on a company to sponsor you yet?!" Kaiser cried. "You're debuting next month! Do you want your car to be naked? It's going to look hideous on live television!"

Holding the sides of his head, the chimera closed his eyes. Naked racecar ready to maul him from within, the hyena waved his hands in the air. No, no, no, no, get that dumb picture out of his head! Surely, he'll decide on a sponsor soon! Sigh, why can't a good one actually contact him or something like that sign language and communication technology companies he contacted? But, as if they'd have time for the likes of him. Guess his car's going to be nude.

Little kids flocking in as the last hour of his shift kicked in, the stuffie shop employee swore he helped the gremlins put stuffing in at least fifty of the car plushies. Woah, these sure are flying off the shelves fast. Did they even have enough stock for these? Maybe he should have taken down a second bag. Well, too late for that now, he guessed. Timer going off as he guided one last kindergartener to their little heart, the final transaction for the day took the stage.

Dashing off towards his car, the hyena was about ready to bite his currently human nails clean off. Oh, no, where did he park again? Lot X, lot C, lot Z? Oh, right, lot V, row six. How could he forget? Starting up the old clunker, he peeked at his texts for a moment. Oh, his friends wanted to meet up at the park in twenty minutes. Wait, a second, twenty minutes?! Oh, no! He's going to be late! Come on, engine, get started already!

Scrrrch.

Turning towards the west expressway, the chimera huffed a breath. What if everyone had already decided on their sponsors by now? He's so going to look like he's unprepared for all of this, isn't he? Should he just tell everyone he's totally decided ages ago? As if anyone would believe that! Who is he kidding? No one would! Heading straight towards the park, a laugh broke loose. Please, don't let him be the only one left who hasn't decided yet!

Friends texting him that they were by the courtyard, the adult made a run for it. Oh, no, he'd better hurry along! Reaching a small patio area with colorful tables adorning umbrellas aplenty, the pre debut racer wiped sweat off his brow. Why is everyone here already?! The whole gang's here so soon?! And, why are they glaring at him like that? Oh, no, did he make everyone look bad?!

"Look who finally decided to show up!" a tenor voice shouted. "Ms. Last Second Decision Maker!"

"Bro, you gotta say it like that?" a bass voice asked.

"Yeah, because it's true!?" a tenor voice cried.

"One can't help but agree," an important voice said, eyes closed.

"I, uh, come on, Siorc had work today, guys," a shaky voice said.

"Yeah, like, come on, lay offa the guy," a confident voice said.

"Please," another voice said.

"Yeah," one last voice added.

Stamping his foot on the ground in the corner looking ready to pop his top had been a rather tall otter chimera guy with messy white hair that barely reached below his ears. Small braid banging against his chin, his blue eyes were far from calm looking at all. Tiger print shirt way too big on him, the adult tried to hide his shakes. Sorry for being one whole minute late, please, Qiongqi, forgive him!

Standing next to him had been a slightly taller hawk chimera man with long black hair that formed a rat's tail from the side. Spiky locks looking like they've seen better days, his pink eyes looked shiny. Striped red shirt covered in feathers, the hyena shrugged. Lonan's in tip top shape as usual, he guessed, or whatever. Maybe.

Looking about ready to fly away had bee a dark skinned dragon woman that towered over everybody. Short green hair pulled into a small bun, her face looked like it was about done with everyone and everything. Why does Rashmi look like she just wants to go home? He hardly knows that answer to that if he's being honest. Oh, well.

Yawning in the corner had been a grey skinned koala man with short brown hair forming a bob cut. Pitch black eyes looking ready to shut for the next thirty hours, the chimera always wondered how Iomra even managed to score a debut. Oh, well, not his business. Short, dark skinned lizard panther man with spiky pink hair looking about ready to blow this joint, the hyena clapped his hands together. He's sorry, Naqi, he'll try to take a faster route next time!

Two nearly identical white haired dog girls looking absolutely dead in the corner, the chimera placed his finger on his chin. Seri and Beri looked like they were about ready to power down for the day. Wait, were they robots or? He didn't know, honestly. He had only seen these two in passing when he was with his coach. Oh well, it's best to not think about the nitty gritty.

[Sorry, I had work today. You know how it goes.] A notepad sheet said.

"Why are you still working right now, huh?!" Qiongqi cried. "We're a month away from our first race! You're supposed to have taken a leave of absence to focus on talking to your sponsors, testing out your car and stuff! I swear, you do everything last second!"

"Bro, like, chill, not everyone can just take a leave of absence from their day jobs, ya know," Lonan said.

"I did! Months ago, might I add!" Qiongqi shouted. "You know, Siorc, if you do everything last second, this will probably be your first and only race!"

"One must make one's debut a top priority," Rashmi said, eyes closed.

"What's the harm in continuing his day job?" Iomra asked, yawning. "I mean, we still have to make money, you know."

"Yeah, fair point," Seri said.

"Still gotta earn the dough," Beri said.

"Who invited these two here?!" Naqi cried. "Whatever, have you guys picked your sponsors yet?"

"Sure have!" Qiongqi cried. "They're showing me my car next week!"

"Yeah, I narrowed mine down, sponsors are coming by in a couple days, probs," Lonan said, hands on the back of his head. "If something doesn't come up, that is."

Something coming up coming towards him, the hyena tried to resist the urge to bite his nails into nothing. Oh, no, they weren't thinking of cancelling the chimera circuit, were they?! Please, no! Pretty please? Don't let that be the case after it's come this far! Can he kiss his career goodbye? Maybe it's about time he packs his bags and buckles himself into disappointment.

"Already taken care of," Rashmi said, deadpan. "But, someone over here hasn't even accepted his yet!"

"Sis, come on, why you have to sell me out for?!" Naqi shouted. "No, I haven't decided yet, but, I will soon!" He then groaned. "Iomra, wake up!"

"Huh? What were talking about again?" Iomra asked, rubbing his eyes.

"Sponsorships?" Seri asked.

"Yeah, sponsorships," Beri said.

"Oh. I got that done ages ago." Yawn.

Almost everyone going on about their sponsors the adult held in the urge to laugh. Everyone, okay, almost everyone was five steps ahead of him already! Maybe he should have been done with all this ages ago. He's so not getting his debut now, is he? Haha, haha, Qiongqi is right, isn't he? He's Ms. Last Second. Might as well change his surname to that.

"Ms. Last Second, hello? We're talking to you!" Qiongqi shouted, clapping his hands. "Earth to Ms. Last Second! Have you gotten a sponsor for your car yet?"

[A few e-mailed me, and honestly, I'm probably going to turn them all down.] A notepad sheet said, but such had been met with screeches.

"Are you off your rocker?!" Qiongqi cried. "You can't turn every single one of them down! Your car's going to be naked at this rate!"

"Can't you just get Build A Friend to sponsor you, bro?" Lonan asked. "It's like, free advertising, isn't it?"

Work brought to his attention again, the chimera shook his head. He thought he told everyone he tried contacting the CEO multiple times and he never got back to him. And, besides, who would ever parade their day job on their race car? Maybe it would just better to have nothing but his number for his first year.

[I don't think I'm going to do that. Besides, the CEO never answered me anyway.] A notepad sheet said.

"One has to make up one's mind soon," Rashmi said. "One will be seeing one's car in two weeks."

"That soon, huh?" Naqi asked, fingers on his chin. "Guess I should really lock in on a sponsor!"

"Is is really that big of a deal Siorc hasn't picked one yet, though?" Iomra asked, yawning.

"Yeah?" Seri asked.

"He should have picked one weeks ago," Beri said.

Everyone looking rather huge, the pre debut racer could feel himself ready to shrink. He knows he should pick a sponsor already, but how is he supposed to know which one is the right one to work with? Ah, what if he ends up in a partnership with the worst company ever?! Please, can he have a little more time to think about all this?

Buzz, buzz.

Phone about ready to blow up in his pocket, the hyena's eyebrows twitched. Oh, great, who's texting him now? Fifteen missed messages from Orok, the chimera almost flung the device onto the table in front of him. What did she mean a sponsor, no, two sponsors were waiting for him at home?! Now, of all times?! Please, companies, can they have a little mercy on him?!

[I have to go, sorry!] a notepad sheet cried.

Zoom.

Taking the highway back, the chimera raced towards the garage. Please, sponsors, don't look at his old clunker! He's taking good care of this thing, he promises! Bolting towards the kitchen, a bunch of cat men in suits waited for him. Woah, why do they look as though they're staring into his soul?! Oh no, oh no! Deep breaths, Siorc, deep breaths, go into home mode, here goes.

"Greetings, you are Siorc, correct?" cat man in a suit asked. "We apologize for stopping by on such short notice, but you are in need of a sponsor for your racecar, no? We at Flowers Forever would be thrilled if you pick us!"

Sharp eyes looking straight at him, the pre debut racer tried to look at the men in the eyes. Flowers Forever, huh? Should he really take this sponsorship? Maybe they'd just put flower decals on his racecar and would call it a day? But, what if they wanted to promote their special growth chemicals? Maybe he shouldn't.

[I don't know, depends. What will you be having me promote for you?] A notepad sheet asked.

"Why, our finest new Super Gro, of course!" the cat man exclaimed. "And, you'll need to pose for a magazine ad, is that alright with you?"

Super Gro brought to his attention, the adult held in a sigh. Of course that's what they wanted him to promote. Hadn't there been dozens of reviews online that stuff had smelled really strange and made their plants grow oddly fast? At least, that's what he read online. Maybe it was an exaggeration?

Recalling a rather scathing review, the chimera closed his eyes. No, why would they exaggerate? That is definitely not something that would happen in a case like this, would it? Probably not, at least, he didn't think so. Shaking his head, he scribbled away. How can he lay this down gently? Maybe there was no way to do so.

[I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to decline.] A notebook sheet said.

"You sure? If you pick us, we'll support you until you retire!" the cat man in the suit cried.

[I apologize, but I don't think your company is right for me.] A notebook sheet said.

"Alright, then, sir, excuse us." Stomp, stomp, stomp.

Other group of suited cat man looking at him, the adult could feel the sweat ready to drown him. Why do these guys looks about ready to cut his head off? Who were they again? Oh, right, the cutlery company he contacted about a year ago. He thought he told them be wasn't going to consider them anymore? Maybe that e-mail got bounced back or something.

"Hola, señor Siorc," the cat man greeted.

[Hola. Hablas ingles?] A notepad sheet asked.

"Ah, si, we speak English," the cat man said. "We are Hyper Cutz. We would like you to consider us as your sponsor."

Cat men's eyes wandering to the knife container, everything froze. Woah, why are they looking there? Please, don't comment on their kitchen utensils! There's no way he's going to take this sponsorship. He could have sworn he e-mailed them twice that he's not going to work with them! Maybe he should give them one last reminder.

[My apologies, but I don't think I can work with you.] A notepad sheet said.

"Qué?" the cat man asked.

[Lo siento!] A notepad sheet shouted.

"Ah, I see, we will take our leave now." Stomp stomp stomp.

Cat men mumbling under their breath he's making a big mistake, the hyena buried his face on the table. Oh, no, oh, no, are they going to tell other companies to not sponsor him after this? Oh, great! Just let his car be naked at this point! Maybe he should have just accepted. Too late for that now, he guessed. Great, Siorc, nice going, he's gone and done it now!

"Why'd you turn them down for?" Orok asked. "Bro, you don't have much time left until you have to decide on your sponsor, you know!"

[I know, okay?! Don't remind me!] A notepad sheet cried.

"You really need to stop doing everything last minute, you know that?" Orok sighed. "Come on, it's time for dinner."

Meaty pasta waiting for him, the chimera could barely finish his meal. Maybe he should have just accepted that cutlery sponsorship. Oh, no, did he make a big mistake?! What if they tell other sponsors to not work with he?! Gah, he's gone and done it now! No, no, there's still hope! He's got two weeks left until he can see his car, right? Right! There's still time, there's definitely still time.

"What's wrong, champ? You've barely touched your dinner!" papa asked.

[Sorry. It's nothing.] A notepad sheet said. Biting into the meatball, he held in a cough.

"He rejected two sponsorships today, padre," Orok said.

"Oh, really?" papa asked. "Well, I'm sure it just wasn't the right company for him, that's all!"

"Padre, he's going to put everything off until last minute again!" A meatball almost flung across the room.

"Hon, you really need to make up your mind!" mama cried. "You're going to be testing out your car in two weeks!"

[I know, okay? I'm trying to decide the best I can! Can I please be excused?] A notepad sheet asked.

Papa nodding, the adult fell face first on his bed. Letting a scream loose, the pre debut racer huffed. Can everyone please, just, give him a moment to breathe? No? Haha, maybe he'll just accept whatever next sponsor decides to come here. That'll do! Closing his eyes, the dream world was about ready to take him away at any given moment.

Twenty seven days remaining until his debut.

Work giving him an extended vacation that Monday, countless sponsors had visited his home all weekend prior. Not a single one lining up with his vision, the timer was ticking. Why should he accept a company that tests on animals?! Come on now! Do they not know he's a hyena chimera?! They must think he's human or something.

Twenty four days remaining until his debut.

Many more companies reaching out to him not being the one, the adult could feel the window of opportunity about to close. Why did he have to e-mail so many of these corporates without doing any research? Seriously, what was he thinking? An allergy medication company? In what world would that look good on a racecar? And, why did he contact a cereal brand?! He doesn't even eat that stuff! Agh!

But, there had been one e-mail that changed everything.

Twenty three days remaining until his debut.

Sign language and communication device company messaging him at midnight, the adult spent the entire day researching. Maybe he should let this group sponsor his vehicle. But, would that make his car look bad? He's so going to flub this! What if they don't want to work with him?! Oh, no! He's so going to mess this up! Sending a reply back, he banged his head on the kitchen table. That message had a lot of typos in it, didn't it?

Twenty one days remaining until his debut.

"Bro, come on, wake up!" Orok cried. "You know that Let's Talk And Sign Together's Ceo is coming in two hours, right?! I swear, you really need to stop putting everything off last minute!"

Barreling out of bed, the chimera almost fell on the ground. Wait, they're coming today?! He thought they told him they wouldn't be showing up until the end of next week! Great, there's no way he's going to have time to freshen up and look presentable! Taking a quick spritzing, he tried with all his might to keep his hand steady as he did his mascara.

Floor length skirt almost entirely too big for him, the pre debut racer tried to not laugh. Oh, wonderful, he doesn't look presentable at all, does he? Wolfing down his breakfast, everything burned away. What time were they coming?! Oh, right, ten o'clock Wait a second, ten o'clock?! Oh, no, ten o'clock?! He's done for!

"Hon, they're here," mama said, she then shook her head. "Why are you wearing that skirt? It's way too big on you!"

[I don't have time to change, okay?! Where's papa?] A notepad sheet asked.

"He's at work, remember?" mama asked. "Come on, you can't keep the CEO waiting!" She then reached for a ribbon. "Next time, wear a skirt that fits you!"

Ribbon digging into his waist, the adult held back the urge to flinch. Ugh, maybe he should have just worn his track suit instead. Too late for that now, though. Group of dog ladies looking at him with a warm smile, he extended his hand. Palm out in front of him, greetings had been signed on private display.

"Hello, there, nice to meet you, we are from Let's Talk And Sign Together," the dog woman said. As she said such, she signed as well. "We would like to discuss a sponsorship deal with you, if that's alright."

Spotting tablets in the corner with a picture board set up, the chimera wondered. Should he take this deal? The first few times he contacted him they never got back to him. But, what if they weren't looking out for the interests of people who were tight lipped? Maybe he should ask a few questions first.

[Maybe. Can I ask you what your mission is?] A notepad sheet asked.

"We seek to make it easy for people who struggle to communicate to feel seen and heard," the dog woman said. She then signed.

[Is that so? How do you hope to achieve this?] A notebook sheet asked.

"We plan to have our devices in every school and workplace in the world. And, of course, interpreters, too," the dog woman said, signing as well. "We'll soon be testing our new communication devices on the market. And, we promise, if you let us sponsor you, children and young adults alike will have a role model to look up to." She then bowed. "We apologize for taking so long to respond to your e-mail, we were quite busy testing out our new products." She then bowed.

Apology coming his way, the pre debut racer tried to remember. What did he say in his e-mail again? Oh, right, maybe he mentioned something about there not being many racers out there who had someone out there who knew sign language. Wait, that's what he sent them, right? No, it's been way too long since he sent that message to even try to remember! Why did he have to delete the ones he sent to them?

Letting the information sit for a moment, the chimera tried to think. This company didn't get into any scandals, right? Well, he supposed not. They had mostly good reviews online. Should he accept this sponsorship? Maybe he should. But, aren't they a little bit too ambitious? Ah, no, maybe not. How he wished he could have had one of those devices they were offering when he was growing up.

[Sure, I guess I don't mind working with you. Can you put the sign for racecar on the hood? It might look good on television.] A notepad sheet said.

"That is no problem, we will make sure that is done," the dog person said, nodding. "But, there's one other thing you must do for us to ensure our partnership."

[And, what's that?] A notepad sheet asked.

"A week before your race, please film an ad with us in your racing gear holding our latest product. Is that alright with you? We apologize this is on such short notice." A serious look was on the CEO's face.

Ad deal brought to his attention, the chimera placed his finger on his chin. Well, they did seem genuine in their mission. Should he agree to film this ad with them? Perhaps it wouldn't hurt. Maybe one day, after he retires from the racing world, a young chimera just like him would tell him they were inspired to get into moto racing because of him? That would be pretty nice.

[I guess I can do that. I'll try my best. Though, I might be shaky on camera. Are you sure you want me to be in your ad?] A notepad sheet asked.

"That is no problem at all," the dog woman said. She then extended her hand. "We look forward to working with you."

Extending his hand as well, the pre debut racer, bid the group farewell. Raising his hands in the air, everything rushed through him. Finally, a sponsorship had been secured! But, was it too late? There's only three weeks left until his debut. Maybe he should have decided on this way sooner. Maybe his friends were right, he was Ms. Last Second. Haha, may as well parade around with that on his jumpsuit.

"You finally managed to take a sponsor?!" Orok cried. "Bro, you really need to stop deciding on things last minute!"

[Can't you at least congratulate me, or something?! Sorry it took me so long to make a decision, geez!] A notepad sheet cried.

"Are you really sure you're the one who's turning thirty in less than half a year?" Orok asked, sighing. "Fine, congratulations on taking a sponsor for your racecar. You happy now?"

[Not really, but thanks anyway! Can you help me wash my car in the garage?] A notepad sheet asked.

"Seriously? You could have asked earlier, you know!" Orok cried. "Fine, it's not like I have anything better to do today anyway."

Washing the old rust bucket for the rest of the afternoon, the hyena couldn't help but think. Did he really pick the right sponsor? What if this company actually turned out to be shady? Oh no, oh no! What if he made the biggest mistake of his life?! Gah! No, it's fine, it's fine. He's sure this company is who they say they are! Squeezing the sponge, the adult tried to focus.

Fourteen days remaining until his debut.

Rest of the week droning by, not much really happened. Sponsor telling him his car was ready today for a test drive, the family drove him out to the test course in the early afternoon hours. Looking high and low for his vehicle, the pre debut racer shook. Did he miss it? Oh, no, what if papa drove past it three times over by now?!

"Oh, there it is!" papa cried. "Hola, estamos aqui!" A warm smile then painted his face. "Woah, champ, look at that rocking ten they painted on your racecar! Looking fresh!"

"Padre! Ugh, you're so embarrassing!" Orok cried.

Slam.

Bright blue racecar with a ten on the top and sides waiting for him, the pre debut racer's eyes lit up. Here it is, his car! How he dreamed of this very moment! Hands spelling out the word racecar on the hood, he almost wanted to hug it. They put it exactly where he asked, amazing! Little decals of a tablet with communication pictures on it displaying his sponsor's logo, the adult sighed. Okay, yeah, this is perfect! He picked the right company.

Hopping in, the first day of the test race had soon took the stage. Controls a bit on the slippery side, he tried his best to get a feel for everything. Maybe he should come back tomorrow and keep testing? Probably, that would be in his best interest. About one hundred laps done for today, he returned home for the evening.

Day two of pre season testing.

Controls a little less slippery, the chimera could feel it. Maybe he's got the hang of this. Would he win his first race? Well, probably not, but he should at least try and aim for the top ten? Sounds like a plan. After all, no one has ever gotten first place in their debut race, right? He supposed not, he should probably aim low for now.

Day three of pre season testing.

Finally reaching around two hundred fifty kilometers per hour on the last day of testing, the hyena tried to not bite his nails. Oh, no, would he really be able to do this? Maybe he didn't have what it takes to be a racer after all! Wasn't he supposed to be speedy? Oh, no, oh, no, maybe he's not going to be cut out for this after all! Gah! He's going to let everyone down!

Returning home for the evening, the adult turned on the boob tube. Watching an old race from the American circuit, the pre debut racer closed his eyes. Maybe he wasn't going fast enough. He wasn't, was he? He's so going to end up being in last place, haha. He can kiss any future races goodbye. So long, career, it's going to end up going down the drain!

Seven days remaining until his debut.

Filming the ad for his sponsors like they asked, everything kept burning. What if he does end up placing last? It's a two hundred lap race, after all. Haha, he's so going to end up in last place and humiliating his entire family. No, worse, the entire country. He can feel it now, all the tabloids will say, Pathetic Hyena Chimera's Pitiful Racecar Driver Debut! Possible Cancellation of the Chimera EuroNascar Circuit? Gah! No, come on, that's not going to happen! Get it together, Siorc!

Four days remaining until his debut.

Spending the next few days holed up in his room watching documentaries aplenty, the pre debut racer tried to get it together. It'll be fine, surely. Right, everything will be okay. After all, this is all he ever wanted since he moved to Spain in the first place! That's right, this is his dream. It'll go great! After all these years of training, and studying, it's finally almost time! Ms. Last Second won't come in last!

And, then the day came.

The final day.

Debut day.

November Twenty Seventh.

Reaching the racetrack in Valencia, the hyena took a deep breath. It's finally time, today's the day, race day. He can do this, he can race. This is what he was born for. Friends wishing him luck, he hopped into his vehicle. It's time, any second now, and the announcers would shout from somewhere. Well, not that he could hear that, though.

"Welcome, everyone to the first ever race in the Chimera EuroNASCAR Circuit! We have forty racers joining us today! Who will take the first win today?" An announcer asked in an energetic tone.

"We know it is quite unusual to start a season in late November, but we promise you, this will be the beginning of something wonderful!" An announcer cried. "Look's like everyone's ready! Grand Marshal, if you'd please!"

"Drivers, start your engines!" the Grand Marshal shouted in English, then Spanish.

Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom!

Multiple drivers already ahead of him, the racer hit the pedal. Woah, there everyone goes! Ah, ah, he'd better accelerate, come on, Siorc, accelerate, he's got this, he's got this. Zoom, zoom, zoom, passing by a few cars, the sweat was mounting. He's off to a good start, right? He sure hoped so. Maybe not? Come on, focus! It's just the beginning!

One hundred ninety laps to go.

Passing by quite a few other racers, the adult wondered. How fast should he go now? Hmm, he'll stay at this pace for now. Vehicles one after another racing by him, he took a deep breath. No, it's fine, keep going at this pace for now. It's not about winning, not yet. It's just about being seen, right? Yes, probably.

"And it looks like Siorc Ingne has passed by Beri Bisara just now! Would you say he's the favorite to win, perhaps?" the announcer asked.

"Now, now, Cece, we're not supposed to pick favorites, you know!" the announcer asked.

"Oh, riight," the announcer cried. He then tapped his microphone. "Woah, did you see that just now? Rashmi Hakimi just passed Qiongqi Baise! They're in a head to head!"

One hundred forty laps to go.

Yellow flag waved the racer headed off towards the pitstop area. Tires changed out before he could even blink, he cracked his knuckles. They really are fast with this, huh? What place is he in now? Hmm, maybe twentieth or so? He should start speeding up a little, right? Now would probably be the time for that, he thinks.

Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom.

Green flag back on, the adult pedaled to the metal. Alright, now's his chance! Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom, passing by at least five cars, he kept going. Easy now, Siorc, try to avoid the other racers. Right, the last thing he'd need right now is a crash. Steady, steady. Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom. Passing a few others, he could feel it. Now, this is speed he's talking about!

"Woah, you seeing this? Siorc Ingne just passed by eight other racers!" the announcer cried.

"He sure did!" the announcer cried.

One hundred laps to go.

Crash happening, the hyena tried to remain cautious. Steady goes, steady goes it. Don't go over the limit. Boom, boom, another car added to the pile, he tried to move away from the wall. Yellow flag looking ready to come up at any given moment, he took a deep breath. It's fine, keep going, it'll be alright. He's got this.

Seventy laps to go.

Taking his second pitstop, the racer prepared himself. Alright, this time, it's time to go for maximum speed! Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom. He doesn't know how many cars passed by, he kept going. Is this what it feels like to be winning? Maybe he should aim for first after all! Here goes, this lap is about to end.

Zoom, zoom zoom, zoom.

Multiple cars racing past him, he shook his head. Well, oh well, it's fine, he's still got this. Right, everything will be alright. Ms. Last Second's got this! Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom. Blistering on through, he could feel it now. Third place, maybe? Perhaps second. Surely, that's where he's at right now. Maybe.

"And, we've got Siorc Ingne in third place! Is what we would say if Beri Bisara hadn't passed him just now! And Seri Bisara as well!" the announcer shouted.

"And, Qiongqi Baise remains in the top spot! He's probably going to win this whole thing, don't you think?" the announcer asked.

"Hey, you're not supposed to say that, man!" the other announcer cried.

Forty laps to go.

Another two crashes reported, the chimera almost got himself caught up into the mix. Woah, so many cars over here. Maybe he should go the other way? Good idea. Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom. Booom, boom, more chaos afoot, the racer focused. It's going to be fine, right, keep going, it's all going to be alright.

Thirty laps to go.

Taking another pitstop, the hyena huffed. The last thirty laps. Can he do this? No, maybe he's back in last place again. Haha, guess he's always doomed to be Ms. Last Second after all. Accelerating, he shook his head. No way, of course not! Today, for sure, this will be a good race. Keep going, Siorc, keep going.

Ten laps to go.

Ending in sight, the chimera's palms were pins and needles. But, he tried to shake it off. Please, not now, not like this! It's almost over. What place is his in right now? Ah, it doesn't matter. Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom, racing through the line, he took another deep breath. This is the last stretch, come on!

Last lap.

Four cars ahead of him, that white car with the tiger print had reached the finish line. Other vehicles racing past as well, the chimera let the wheel lead. Come on, this is the last push, three, two, one, boom. And, that was the last lap. Huff, puff, he did it, right? What place did he get? Ah, who cares? At least he didn't crash, right?

"And, the winner is Qiongqi Baise!" the announcer shouted.

White tiger car burning out the tires, the adult waved the white flag. He supposed he should have seen this coming. Helmet off, he wondered. Where did he place? Everything went by a little fast, honestly. Looking for his family in the stands, fatigue was ready to eat him alive. He didn't get in last, right? Please, don't let him be fortieth.

"Fifth place, huh? Congrats, champs!" papa cried.

"Really, padre?" Orok asked. "He could have done so much better!"

"Honey, this was his first official race! Go easy on him!" mama cried. She then turned towards Siorc. "Congratulations on fifth place!"

[Thanks, mama, thanks papa.] A shaky, notepad sheet said.

"Congratulations on your win, Qiongqi! Is there anything you'd like to say to the audience watching us back home?" the announcer asked.

"I sure do! Everyone, make sure you prepare yourself in advanced if you want to get into racing!" Qiongqi shouted into the microphone. "Don't end up like my friend Ms. Last Second who got in fifth!"

Camera panning towards him, the hyena placed his palm over his temple. Come on, now, don't call him that on national television! Oh, great, now everyone is going to call him that when they see him in person! Finding his friends in the crowd, he shook everyone's hands one after another. They had a good race, right?

"Can't believe Qiongqi beat me," Naqi said, sighing. "Fifth place, though, not bad, Ms. Last second."

"One got in last," Rashmi said to Naqi. "Remember that."

"Okay, so?! And you got in twentieth!" Naqi cried. "So, you didn't place in the top, either! I don't know how you blew it so early!"

"If one hadn't crashed, one'd have won!" She bit her lip.

"Kind of shocked you got in fifth, not going to lie," Iomra said, yawning. "Though, I'm honestly surprised Lonan did worse than me."

"It just wasn't my race, kay? I'll do better next time," Lonan said, sighing. "Seri, Beri, congrats on second and third."

"Sure," Seri said, shaking hands.

"Thanks," Beri said, shaking hands.

[Next race, let's beat Qiongqi at his own game!] A shakily written notepad sheet cried.

"You got it, dude," Lonan said. "Everyone, let's shake on it together."

Six hands coming together, the adult bid everyone farewell. Returning to papa's van, the racer let out a yawn. What a long day. Or, was it short? Maybe it was a little of both? He supposed so. Feeling himself about ready to doze off at any given moment, one last thought dragged itself down with him into the dream world.

Ms. Last Second's EuroNASCAR debut was a success.

Here's to next week's race!

Alright, so I'm going to be honest that almost all of this was planned last second. Like, literally last second. I had no idea what I wanted to do with this one until the morning of, aside from the sponsor Siorc was going to pick. Also, this probably won't come off as realistic, I don't know, sorry if it doesn't. My parents have pretty much watched NASCAR since I was born. I never really watched it all that much, though I recall liking Kasey Kahne, I guess? Idk.

In any case.

Here's Racecar driver Siorc. I know, this probably is the worst art in this thread as a whole, and I'm sorry if it is.

I can't believe this is the last anthology for Across the Siorcverse season 3... Next week, I'll be posting Shin Chimera Tensei here. That should be fun, I guess? For now, that's it for this season! Hope you all enjoyed if you did read it!

TEEN: - Complete Mulberry Winterchill Ingenuity

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