One Month Later...
October sat with his eye in the microscope, impatiently looking for even a scrap of evidence. Yet, the cells in the scales held nothing.
Damn it! Five weeks and still nothing to show for it.
He sat back in his chair with his face in his hands, frustrated.
There has to be something. Something that should stand out of place on the cellular level, yet there’s nothing. These beasts were certainly agitated by something, the hunters reported changes in the eye color and foaming at the mouth. Their habitat has been untouched, food supply let be, no recent changes in the ecosystem. No signs of a virus or illness befitting any known symptoms. The closest known illness that would cause these symptoms would be rabies, but that was the first thing I looked for, and still nothing!
October slammed his fists on the table in anger. His patience was running thin and time was short. The noise prompted Siegfried to exit his room, rubbing sleep from his eyes.
“October, what’s going on?”
With clenched teeth, October answered, “I can’t find anything, Sieg…”
Siegfried moved the microscope away from his partner and stood him up.
“October, you haven’t slept in four days. Maybe you should take some time to relax- “
“Relax! That’s your suggestion Sieg? It’s been a whole month and we have nothing to show for it!” October raged. ”People are dying Siegfried, we’re the only ones who can find what it is and stop it! Now is not the time to be relaxing.”
Siegfried put his hands on October’s shoulders, straightening him out.
“We will, October. But if you keep working at the pace you’re working, you’ll kill yourself before we find an answer. You’re letting your emotions get the better of you again. I understand that you want to find the answer as quickly as possible, but this isn’t the way. You need to calm down and think about this rationally. The fact that Gilgarian still hasn’t made a move means that he’s taking his time. He wants whatever it is that he’s testing to be perfect.” he reasoned. “Now, go get some sleep. Tonight, you and I are going to walk the streets of Guilder.”
October began to protest, but Siegfried held up his hand to silence him. After he was sure October wasn’t going to protest further, he pointed towards October’s room. Irritated, but extremely tired, October retreated to his room.
Damn it, Siegfried. I know you’re right, but how can you be so calm about this? The fate of entire countries, possibly even the world, rests on our shoulders.
As soon as October’s head touched his pillow, the fatigue hit him all at once putting him to sleep in seconds.
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Fire raged all around him, but he could feel no heat. Blue flames that felt colder than ice burned everything. October searched everywhere, but found nothing excluding the dead bodies of hundreds around him. Running as fast as he could, he still felt as though he was moving backwards.
Damnit, go!
He pushed harder, but no more speed was gained.
“There’s no use in running, Oct.” a familiar voice laughed.
October turned to find Siegfried, azure flame encircling the top of his head as a halo would an angel. In his left hand, a large sword with the same flame engulfing the blade. Gilgarian, Cardinal of the Femian Church made his appearance known. Dressed in an odd garb that was a mixture between a trench-coat and a suit and tie with all sorts of zippers in odd locations. He stepped from behind Siegfried and tipped his fedora in greetings…and in farewell.
Siegfried crossed the distance between the two friends in the blink of an eye, hand firmly around October’s throat. Hoisting him in the air, Siegfried laughed. For every second October struggled, Siegfried laughed harder.
“You always did have a very narrow view of the world, Old Friend.”
Sieg, what are you doing? Why are you doing this, it’s what Gilgarian wants! October wanted to say, but no words left his mouth. Only gasps for air as his windpipe was slowly crushed.
“What, no words to mark the final departure of friends? Pity…” Siegfried said as he enveloped October in the azure flame.
As it spread from October’s neck to the rest of his body, it felt as if he was burning and freezing at the same time. He screamed as hard as he could at the pain, but no sound left him. The flames began to dissipate as the ashes of October blew away in the wind, not making a sound.
******************************************************************************
October awoke in a cold sweat, out of breath, and crying.
What the hell was that? Why would I dream about Siegfried…?
A knock came to his door.
“Oct, wake up!”
October put his lab coat on and opened the door. Siegfried was on the other side dressed in his casual blazer and V-neck shirt.
“There’s not a chance in hell you are walking the famed streets of Guilder in that outfit, Oct.” Siegfried said, laughing.
“Very funny, but I didn’t pack anything besides lab clothes.” October replied in his usual unamused tone.
Siegfried pulled a coin purse filled to the brim with Golden Gilds.
“We can remedy that, let’s go!” Siegfried said pulling on October’s arm, more excited than a child in an amusement park.
“I want this to be on record that I am vehemently against this.” October grumbled.
“Your complaint is duly noted, my dismal counterpart. But like I said earlier, we’ll get nothing done if we stay cooped up here. The body isn’t the only thing that needs rest every now and then.” Siegfried said, pushing October into the elevator. “Besides, you don’t get out much. You always preferred the indoors in our academia days.”
Fighting his colleague every step of the way, October grumbled, “The indoors made me feel safe. Besides, you know how much bullying I was on the receiving end of. It was better to get lost inside a book than take a fist to the face.”
Finally succeeding in getting his friend inside the elevator, Siegfried quickly followed him in and shut the doors.
“I only punched you one time, Oct! And you know that was an accident.”
October crossed his arms, turning away from his friend.
“It still hurt like hell.”
The two shared a laugh as they ascended the labyrinth.
The streets of Guilder were unlike anything that October had seen. Florescent lights littered the streets like miniature stars dazzling in the night. People of all kinds littered the streets with a vibrant energy truly befitting a city that never sleeps, with shops that never close, and pleasure that never ends.
“First stop, ‘The Gilded Weave’. It’s the most famous up-and-coming clothing shop in Gilder and where I purchased my outfit.” Siegfried said, motioning to his own clothes.
“Do they have anything a little less…extravagant?” October asked.
“Less extravagant than this? This is practically as casual as you can get!” Siegfried replied, laughing. “Though I suppose blazers aren’t for everyone.”
Upon entering ‘The Gilded Weave’, the two were assaulted by a gigantic waft of perfume and stares from all of the patrons…which all happened to be female. The two approached the counter, all stares seeming to stay on October, while Siegfried whispered into the ear of the clerk. Her eyes lit up as she ran to the back.
“What did you tell her?” October asked.
“Simply that I have an emergency, one that needs addressing by the Madame herself.” Siegfried explained.
“The Madame- “
“Where is he, where is Siegfried?!” a deep, yet still womanly voice called out.
A young woman came bounding from around the crowded clothing store, knocking customer and employee alike out of her way. She was dressed in a…seductive (for lack of a better word) Eastern dress pulled just barely high enough to keep from exposing anything. Her ebony hair was pulled into an Eastern-styled bun to not only keep it out of her bronze-skinned face, but to also draw attention to her…ears.
Rabbit ears?! Are those real?
“Siegfried, I thought you’d never return! It seems like… “the Madame trailed off, looking at October while blushing. “Who’s the lamely-dressed pervert?”
“P-pervert?! Who the hell do you think- “
“You’ll have to excuse my friend, Madame Mi. He’s never seen a Beast- “
“Don’t you dare say the B-word in this store! Just because we Annimalgam so much as slightly resemble an animal you find out in the wild, does not mean you can call us Beast-kin! Goddess, you humans never learn.” Madame Amane ranted.
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
“Yes, terribly sorry, Amane. When you are around the ignorant, you must adapt to their diction so that they understand what you say. As I was saying, October doesn’t mean to offend. He has never seen a Beast…Annimalgam. I assure you, October is anything but a pervert. He just…doesn’t get out much.” Siegfried explained, making October cross his arms in irritation. “So, I suppose introductions are in order. October, this is Madame Mi Amane. As you can probably already tell, she is a very proud Annimalgam. Alongside her work here at the ‘Gilded Weave’, she is an Annimalgam Rights Activist. Truth be told, much of her profit from here at the ‘Weave’ is stored away in many different channels for the use of Annimalgam Rights. She is a very influential member of the community and a very powerful ally. You’d be wise to become fast friends.”
“Nice to…meet you.” October said angrily while trying to avoid looking at her ears.
How could looking at ears be perverted anyways…?
“Well, that was heartfelt…” Madame Amane stated sarcastically.
The two glared at each other in irritation as Siegfried continued his introductions.
“Amane, this is Doctor October Mourne, he specializes in Biology. More specifically, Draconic Studies. Dearest friend and colleague, and also in desperate need of your assistance.” He explained.
“I’ll say, did you two just come from a laboratory? His attire is rather dull.” Madame Amane mocked, intending every offense in her words.
Anger rising to its boiling point, October had to retaliate.
“I’ll have you know, this is the attire of someone very respected in their field!”
“Oh please, do you really believe that clothing like that generates respect? The only ideal that the outfit you’re wearing permeates is, ‘I didn’t have anything else to wear’! Respect is earned, not worn.” Madame Amane retaliated.
Feeling defeated and frustrated, October turned to leave. Siegfried ran in front of him to hold him inside.
“I didn’t leave our lab to have my profession and clothing mocked just because I didn’t know it was perverse to stare at an Annimalgam’s ears!” October ranted.
“Okay, okay, just calm down Oct. Look, I know that your first impression went a little awry, but I promise that you two would get along really well if you make the effort. Please try to relax and enjoy this night off. For me?” Siegfried begged.
October looked into the pathetic face that his friend was making, then decided to make things right. He approached Madame Amane and bowed courteously.
“I’m sorry, Madame Mi. I let my emotions get the better of me during our little exchange. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.” October apologized.
After a few moments of Madame Amane scanning this aggressor turned human, she pulled a fan out of her dress and opened it.
“That’s it, I’ve decided.” She stated, walking away.
October cast a glance over his shoulder at Siegfried, who just shrugged in reply.
Madame Amane turned and waved her fan back and forth in annoyance.
“Are you coming, or not?”
All the workers in the store began to gather in the back room, creating more confusion between October and Siegfried. Still, they both began to follow Madame Amane to another room in the store that held a sort of small stage. October knew immediately what was going on.
“There is no way in hell, that I am going through with this.” He said, an expression of strong disapproval held all the while.
“If you are truly sorry, Doctor of Pessimism, not only will I accept your apology, but I will also allow you to choose any outfit of mine for free. But only if you do this one thing for me.” Madame Amane explained.
“What, exactly, are you having him do?” Siegfried asked.
Madame Amane cast an evil grin to October.
“I want him to be the model for my latest fashion line that is exclusively for men. If he agrees and does my bidding, enthusiastically, I will do the aforementioned terms.” She explained.
“No way, that is never happening!” October adamantly disagreed.
He turned to leave, but yet again, Siegfried stepped in his way.
“Come on October, it could be fun! Besides, Amane’s clothing normally costs over ten-thousand Gilds.” Siegfried reasoned.
“Ten-thousand Gilds?! You have got to be joking.”
Siegfried shook his head.
“The Amane Clothing Line is the top rated in all of Guilder. Not only in appearance, but also in quality and durability.”
You’ve got to be kidding me…am I seriously considering doing this?
Blushing, October gave in. He threw his hands up in defeat and made his way behind the stage. Siegfried followed him soon after and the two were shown to the dressing room where they met another Annimalgam woman dressed similarly to Madame Amane, though this one had bronze-colored skin. She had blonde hair flowing to her calves with the tips of it dyed blood-red to match her eyes. Or so October thought it was dye. Her fox ears and accompanying tail matched the same color scheme, so he was doubtful of the assumption.
“You two must be the new models that Madame Mi was talking about.” Her thick middle-eastern accent flowing as an angel breathes.
“Ah, Xelle!” Siegfried said in an excited greeting.
“Please Siegfried, you know me too well to address me by my clan. Just Beotrix, please.” She stated.
“What brings you back to Guilder, Beotrix? Weren’t you out in the Eastern branch of the ‘Weave’?” Siegfried asked.
“I left the store in capable hands to attend to business here. The Madame requested assistance in the creation of her new line and advertisement for it.” She explained. “Now, enough catching up, the Madame is not known to be the most patient. Here are the outfits you both must try.”
She pulled two clothing racks from inside the massive wardrobe connecting to the dressing room. One was pushed towards October, the other to Siegfried.
“When we walk out, just follow my lead and we’ll do well.” Siegfried said. “It’s a piece of cake once you get the hang of it.”
“Wait, you’ve done this before?”
Siegfried laughed.
“Many times. Where do you think I get my outfits?” Siegfried explained, laughing.
So, this is what you’ve been doing alongside your research all these years.
Memories of their academia days flashed before October, more specifically of the day they decided to become scientists and the day they learned of the separate colleges they would be attending.
You’ve changed, yet haven’t changed at all Siegfried. You’re still the same carefree erudite I remember.
October then thought back to the nightmare he had earlier, but dismissed it for the moment. The two went about modelling the new clothing line for Madame Amane and the many employees of the “Gilded Weave”, October struggling at first. But after the first few walks on the runway and watching Siegfried, he gained a better grasp on the walk. They displayed a vast array of outfits ranging from extravagant silks and formal wear, to casual sweaters and shirts. But the main event was the display of a new form of legwear called “Jeans”. These were received the best out of all the designs, Madame Amane predicted as she had saved them for the final presentation. After the show, Madame Amane and Beotrix met October and Siegfried in the dressing room to congratulate them on the success of the show.
“Congratulations, October. I accept your apology now, and as promised, you may have any outfit for your private collection.” Madame Amane said, while the she and Beotrix clapped in commendation.
October sifted through the thousands of options he was given in the wardrobe and stumbled on a sweater that seemed to speak to him. It was a V-neck dyed a dark grey with what appeared to be a set of red dragon wings sewn completely into the shoulder blades as a design on the back of the sweater. Once he lifted it up, Madame Amane’s eyes lit up.
“So, you’ve taken interest in my “Wyrm-bane” collection? Though not very popular with customers, it is by far one of my favorites.” Madame Amane explained, enthusiasm showing. “Try it on!”
October removed his lab coat and undershirt to replace them with the “Wyrm-bane” sweater. Siegfried, Beotrix, and Madame Amane nodded their heads in approval. Siegfried, though, only had one issue.
“Those formal pants clash with the casual sweater, but what could possibly match…?” Siegfried said, thinking intently.
After a few moments, he snapped his fingers in a moment of enlightenment.
“I know! Amane, do you have any more of those ‘jeans’?” he asked.
Madame Amane brought out the four prototypes: a black pair, a deep blue pair, a light blue pair, and a dark grey pair. Siegfried held up each pair to October and lost himself in thought.
“The black and the grey do match, but too many dark colors gives angst to a person who has enough already.”
“What the hell does that mean?” October asked, offended.
“He’s calling you, what my native tongue calls, a ‘Tsundere’.” Madame Amane explained.
Often partaking in Eastern culture, October knew immediately what Madame Amane was talking about.
“You take that back, I am not a ‘Tsundere’!” October yelled.
Everyone laughed except October, who blushed and crossed his arms in irritation as one of his character often does. Siegfried held up the light blue pair of jeans.
“Here, try these on.” He suggested.
October took the pair, rather forcefully, and went behind the black curtain to change. After a moment, he came back out with the pair on. The other three nodded in agreement.
“The light blue compliments the dark grey while also accenting your emerald eyes. At first, one would think that this is a mismatch, but it is a perfect match.” Madame Amane analyzed, stars in her eyes.
Siegfried nodded in agreement, making October decide on his choice. Once this matter was decided, the two did a little more shopping for clothes with the surplus of Gilds that they possessed. After they had finished, Siegfried used his cellphone to call one of Gael’s trusted butlers to retrieve everything and take it back to the laboratory.
“Come with me, there’s something I have to show you.” Siegfried motioned towards the tallest building in Guilder. “The view from atop that building is amazing.”
At the top of the building, October gazed at all of Guilder and its magnificence. No people could be seen at this height, just the beautiful lights dazzling like stars in the night.
“This is amazing, Sieg. How could Guilder have created a building this tall and still make it structurally stable?” October asked.
“Guilder is made of wonders, October. Gael refuses to pay into the Femian Church, so hinderances from its laws. We are not a Femian Nation; therefore, our innovation isn’t held back in any way.” Siegfried explained. “Though, there still are those who would consider themselves of the Femian faith. Most of them are passive, others…not so much.”
“What do you mean?”
“Evangelicals. They only view their way of faith as being the correct way and they’ll do anything to make sure it is the only way. They’ve been getting more and more aggressive in their methods lately.” Siegfried explained, looking out on the sea of miniature stars down below. “Tensions have been high in Guilder lately due to the stress that the Femian Church puts on the thirty percent of independent nations in the world. And there’s nothing we can do besides wait.”
The two shared a somber moment, before Siegfried took up his usual carefree roll.
“But enough about that, I bought you something.” Siegfried held out a small black box.
“You don’t have to give me anything, Sieg. You’ve given me enough already.”
But Siegfried still held the box out, pushing it slowly towards October.
“Fine.” October said, taking the box.
He opened it and pulled out the black bead bracelet inside. The only charm that hung from it was a dragon head.
“I meant to give that to you when we first started, but you immediately set yourself to work. That charm is made of pure silver.”
“You waited a whole month to give this to me? Why didn’t you just give it to me while we were in the lab?” October asked.
“I wanted to introduce you to the wonders that Guilder offered, but you were so caught up in your work that I couldn’t find a way to get you out of the lab. This was a homecoming present of sorts and I wanted you to actually experience Guilder before getting it.” Siegfried explained.
I have been too involved with the research. It is of great import, but pushing everyone away won’t help with anything.
“I’m sorry, Sieg. I’ve been so focused on trying to find this answer, that I’ve pushed everything that wasn’t the research out of my life. But after tonight, that ends. I’ll start taking the weekends off of the research so that I don’t work myself to death.” October apologized, putting the bracelet on his right hand. “And thank you for the present.”
Siegfried smiled and gave a thumbs up for the approval of the accessory. The two descended the tower and made their way back to the laboratory. They both carried their clothes back to their rooms and spent a few moments putting everything in their respective places. Afterwards, they met back up next to the drake samples that October had been analyzing.
“What have you been thinking, Oct?” Siegfried asked.
“There’s nothing. I have found nothing in a whole month of analyzing. These seem like perfectly normal scales, Sieg.” October said as he moved them around with his left hand. “I’ll set them up so that you can take another look, but I highly doubt you’ll find anything.”
October adjusted the microscope with his right hand, in doing so, the pure silver charm on his bracelet drooped low and touched a scale. This caused not only the scale it touched, but every scale to violently erupt into a bright violet flame. The two jumped back to avoid being burned and analyzed the flame until it snuffed itself out.
“Oct?” Siegfried asked.
“Yeah?” October answered, breathing heavily.
“I think I found something.”