Palamon
Silence is Purple
- 8,406
- Posts
- 15
- Years
- Age 28
- he/him
- Snezhnaya, Teyvat.
- Seen today
Hi, there, and welcome to my Sanrio dnd style story where everything will be decided by me rolling a d24 in real life. This will be a novel that takes place in an original fantasy world. I will be using the Sanrio characters to tell my story, but most of them will be obscure ones most people haven't heard of! This is yet another story that takes place within Siorc's mutliverse, and it'll be another fic about him. You don't need any knowledge of Sanrio to read this! Or, dnd, I don't know anything about dnd either! This is just a silly idea I had to write something about person and creature bonding and the concept of a soul-link, with randomization of a dice roll!
This will be a chaptered fic, either way, I hope you guys enjoy!
First Link: Witch Café and Lalalaflora
TW racism and implied homophobia
"Breaking news, this just in! More college students have gone missing today! How many does that make now? We
Really don't know why! Oh noooo,
Every single day, that number is
Always going up now! We
Keep getting call ins to our studio that another college student has mysteriously disappeared, oh noooo!
Is this a big crisis on our hands?! Has anyone else gone missing?!
No, just college and university students?
Guess there's a serial kidnapping on the loose!
Now, if anyone has seen any weird activity in your neighborhood, we urge
Each and every one of you to call into our radio line
With information! And, now for the
Sports with Kewl F--.
*Click.* It's that news report again, huh? It's been
One after another
Lately. And, I think the reports have
Likely been daily? Eh. I don't
Even know. I am
Going to be honest here. It's getting harder and harder to tune into the news since pretty much
Everyone has gone missing. My five siblings, for example. We all went to the same college. They all went missing. My mom doesn't know, she just thinks they're all crashing with their friends or at work, but I know they've all gone missing. I haven't told her. Hmm, but I should introduce myself, right? I'm
Siorc. I'm a, uh, I'm a junior going for a Master's Degree in Environmental Science. I want to be an environmentalist
That can do all I can to save the planet because,
Uh, I'm a hyena chimera. Is that a little weird? No, I
Don't really know all that much why I was
Even born this way. But, in
This world, there's humans and then there's chimeras, of course I have the ability to hide everything except my hyena
Spots on my face.
Anyway, the news failed to
Report on something, they failed to say chimera college students are the ones all going missing!
Eh, but I'm not going to call into
Say that, not with my own voice. I despise
Taking, and I communicate through other means. So,
I won't say anything about it, but
Let me start by saying, it
Looks like humans aren't
Going missing at all, but
Of course, that's not something the news
Is going to say, I mean, why would they? The
News hardly cares about us. I
Get that, obviously. We're nothing to them. But,
Maybe if more chimeras go missing,
I will have my mother call in.
She's aware about it.
She watches the news pretty much every morning with me before
I go off to school.
Now, there's something else that's been pretty strange lately. I have been seeing a lot of Sanrio memorabilia lately. Which, I don't
Get, honestly? Where did
All of that come from, anyway? Honestly,
No one knows, I mean, I sure
Don't know, I have absolutely
No idea. But, simply put,
One day they just appeared out of nowhere. For
One thing, one thing I have
Noticed in all this is none of the humans
Ever went near that memorabilia, at least, not that I
Know of. But, a lot of chimeras have, and
Now all the
Ones that took some?
Well, I now haven't seen them at college. So, I feel close to certain that the chimeras going missing
Seems pretty connected to the Sanrio memorabilia.
Well, now I wonder a little more, who is doing this?
Hmm, I don't think people are getting kidnapped, though.
You know, I don't think that's what's going on.
Hmm, now this is probably going to sound absolutely ridiculous, but
Uh, I think they
Have all been transported to another world. Am I being a
Tiny bit ridiculous? Well, I guess so. But, even still, I
Have a feeling I'm right.
After all, there's a few weird
Things that I have been
Hearing on the way to college pretty much
Every single day since
All of this has been going on. Some have seen these really
Dopey, question mark, portals, or something
Like that, I will be honest, that,
In the end, that's probably
Nonsense, at least that's how I feel. There's no such thing as other worlds.
Everyone knows there isn't
Another world with life on it besides this one,
Get real. Humans say the dumbest things pretty much
All the time, I have no words. None at all.
I have to wonder where they get these
Nonsensical ideas from.
It's pretty annoying having to listen
To them pretending like they know
Something, but I'd never say
That, I despise talking as I have already said before.
Right, well, after class today, I intend to go look for clues. I
Ultimately need to try and find
Everyone. If the college student body gets any
Tinier, I know that the college will start to notice.
Ha, but I guess it's not like they care about the chimeras. They
Obviously never did. They only care about human students at this establishment.
Ugh, that's why I should start investigating. I
Guess if anyone should be doing that, it'd be me.
Hmm, but where should I start?
Maybe that little weird cafe that opened up
At the train station recently? I have
No idea what it's called, though, and
Yet I do think there is something terribly
Suspicious about it, so I
Think I'll start there. But,
Uh, what if they have no idea what I'm talking about, or worse,
Don't serve chimeras?
Every so often, I am in that situation where a restaurant or other place has a sign on the door:
No chimeras. It hurts a lot
That people would refuse to serve me because I'm not human.
Since it's very likely they won't serve chimeras, I might have to put on
A disguise to cover my hyena spots before I go
There. I wish this world was different, it's not
My fault I was born with hyena and shark DNA. And,
Yet, I'm discriminated against. But, let's not get into this.
Cannot go off into
One big tangent about race, I mean, species relations.
Let's just not get ourselves caught into that
Little web right now. It's
Especially long and convoluted and has no place here. But, I
Guess, at least, right now, it's
Especially relevant. Chimeras have
All gone missing, and
The news isn't mentioning it.
Maybe they don't know, but
You know, I think they just refuse to
Say that word because they're
Choosing to not acknowledge who
Has gone missing. Is it horrible?
Obviously, but am I able to say anything?
Of course not, this is a world built for humans, anything else gets
Left behind. Do I despise that? It's pretty
Hard to, I have pretty much just
Accepted that I'll never be seen as equal. I
Very much know I'm lesser than to humans.
Eh? Well, anyway, after class today, I'm
Going to investigate all this on my
Own. I don't know what might happen, and I might go missing
Next, but I need to at least try.
Even if I don't find
Anyone, at least I did try to find the missing chimeras, right? I know that I
Should. I know mother and my grandparents are catching on. My father is always
Working, so he knows absolutely nothing,
Eh, well, that's neither here nor there anyway. So,
Let's get this going.
Let's start looking.
I'm certain about that cafe.
That place, it honestly is very
Suspicious. I don't have a lot to say, but
Perhaps it's the main
Reason chimeras have gone missing, and
Err, that Sanrio memorabilia, I am starting to
Think that's all probably connected,
Too. I mean, why wouldn't it be?
Yes, I think that's
Where it all definitely started. I saw my youngest sister, Hase with Romina coasters.
Err, yeah, and a day or so after, she disappeared.
I'm certain that's probably
Related! So, I need to go
Down to that café, and investigate. Something is off, for sure!"
This just in, more college students have gone missing recently! We have gotten at least six call ins this morning about students at local colleges that many students have been reported to have not gone home nor to their dorms recently. We have requested a comment from the principal of this fine learning institution, but they refused to comment!
But, man, this has been the tenth incident this month now! Can you believe it, Cherise?
{Cherise: No, Chaz, I can't believe it! I've heard at least a double dozen have gone missing now! Do you there's a serial kidnapping case on our hands?!}
{Chaz: Ah, Cherise, that's silly!}
{Cherise: Wait, Chaz! I just remembered! Aren't you a college student?!}
{Chaz: Oh, no, you're right! I'm merely an intern! Oh, no, am I going to go missing, too?!}
{Cherise: Let's look to the bright side! Maybe, since you got a job as an intern with our local news station, you'll be safe!}
Anyway, a lot of college students have been going missing! And, we don't have any idea where they've gone! And, we're here on campus to ask the students where they think their missing friends have gone! Hey, you there, hello, student, we're talking to you! *Whistle*, look this way, please! This way, come on, brother!
{Student on Campus: Excuse me, but who do you think you are? Did I ask for you to shove that microphone in my face? Can't you see I'm not interested in you having a conversation with me?}
{Chaz: Oh, sir, please! I just want to know where you think the missing students on campus have gone! Please, tell us where you think our friends have disappeared to!}
{Student on Campus: Friends? Ha. I wouldn't call them 'friends.' They're just a buncha losers who got lost somewhere, you expect me to care about them?}
{Chaz: Sir, please just answer the question, that's all I ask!}
{Student on Campus: Whatever, I don't know? Maybe they got transported into another world, or something! Can I go now?}
*Stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp.*
Did you hear that, this student thinks that the missing college crew has been transported to another world! Ya know, like those isekai novels? But, there's no magic in this world, so that isn't possible, right? Right? What do you think, Cherise, is that the most ridiculous thing you've ever heard? There's no way that's what happened, am I right?
Oh, Chaz, but, maybe it's true! I've been hearing there's a lot of supernatural happenings going on lately. There's been a lot of call ins about that in the past few months! So, maybe it's not that farfetched of a thing to believe! But, hey, you could be right, maybe it's just a crockpot answer. Being transported to another world? Wow, that's kind of silly!
{Chaz: That's right, it is pretty silly, isn't it Cherise? So, where do you think all the missing students have gone, might I ask?}
{Cherise: You know, that's a very good question, Chaz, I don't know! But, I've been seeing on the net that some people have gone to a strange café that only opened recently, and then, poof! Gone! Do you think the owner of that little shop has been kidnapping people? Maybe we should go there and find out!}
{Chaz: Woah, hey, Cherise, back it up there, I'm a college student, too! What if she kidnaps me?}
{Cherise: I'll just have to get a new intern, that's all!}
{Chaz: Hey, don't write me off yet!}
*Ahem*, anyway, we will keep the public updated about this missing persons report as it keeps on happening! We have been hearing that at least two more students go missing every day! What's up with that?! This mystery is going to continue to unfold! Where have all the missing people gone?! Maybe we'll find out later. Tune in again at five! And, now, for the weather! It looks like it's going to be a rainy day today, better use an umbrella and wear a raincoat!
This concludes the breaking news report!|
A short, young adult feminine appearing person with long, wavy purple hair that went down to about the waist let out a yawn as the alarm on the phone rang. Rubbing the eyes a hyena tail brushed underneath the covers. Feeling such, the person let out a groan. Oh, great, the tail had popped out again while sleeping. Throwing the covers back, the adult strolled over to the restroom. Light morning soaking taking place, he dragged himself towards the mirror.
Staring back at the reflection had been a tired face with mismatched purple and green eyes. Rosy cheeks nearly hiding the hyena spots upon the face, the person let out a sigh. Maybe it was time to buy more concealing makeup. Everyone always looked at the spots on the face and called them hideous, disgusting, horrible.
Bristles stroked through the locks aplenty, the young adult reached for a lavender scrunchy. Hair pulled up into a messy ponytail, a bright pink, fuzzy shirt engulfed the flat chest looked rather lonely. Maybe it was time to invest in some falsies. But, the hyena knew that would not end well. Probably not, anyway.
Knee length skirt slipped on, the young adult slipped out of the restroom. Digital whiteboard and stylus pen soon grabbed, the person could hear the name be called multiple times in a row. Alright, alright, coming. One second. Kitchen reached, a somber look appeared on the face as only three people were there.
Standing in the dining room had been a short middle aged woman with bright purple hair, and eyes to match. Hyena ears upon her head, and furry hyena arms and legs, the young adult let out a sigh. How could mother not be embarrassed about being a chimera? The person could never understand how she could ever go out in public like that without feeling ashamed.
Sitting at the kitchen table had been an elderly couple, hyena ears abound. Purees on the table, the chimera took out the electronic whiteboard as six pairs of eyes gazed the way. Warm smiles on everyone's faces, the young adult could not quite comprehend all this morning joy. But, the person supposed it was something that always happened here, no matter what. Everyone here, no matter what tragedy was occurring was always smiling in this big house.
"Good morning, son!" Mother said. "You're up early, like always!"
Greeting coming his way, the hyena scribbled away on his digital whiteboard. But, his messy handwriting bled all the letters together again. Groaning he erased every single one. Ah, go slowly, go slowly. Starting all over, the text to speech voice was ready to force itself out as he let the words upon the screen do their bidding.
[Good morning, mother,] The text-to-speech robot said on his behalf. [Did Hase come home last night?]
"No, Siorc, she didn't come home last night, sorry," Mother responded, shaking her head. "Strix told me she's a pretty popular freshman! Maybe she's with one of her friends today!"
Shaking his head, Siorc could not take his mother's word for it. Maybe it was possibly true that she went to go have fun with her friends after lectures had come to an end, but she had not been home in almost a week now. Should they all be a little more worried than that? His older siblings, too, Leah, Pira, Strix, Coiote, hadn't been home in weeks, either. Didn't that bother them? Scribbling away, the inquiry let itself out.
[Mother, doesn't it concern you that my siblings haven't been home in awhile?] the text-to-speech voice asked on his behalf. [It's been a long time since they've come home.]
"Hmm, no, they all have jobs and busy lives at college. Maybe they all decided to crash with their friends!" his mother cried. "Son, you worry too much. It's not like they've gone missing or anything!" She laughed as she said such. "Anyway, breakfast is almost ready. Why don't you sit at the table with gramps and gran?"
No sign of worry in her voice, the chimera let out a sigh. Typical mother, she never worried about anything, did she? She could be told one of his sisters died in a war, or something, and he bet she wouldn't be phased about it at all, would she? Was it because of her hyena nature, or was she just that lackadaisical in life? He didn't know. Seating himself at the table, the days of old soon greeted him.
"Good morning, Siorc," gran said.
"Morning, sonny," gramps said. "Your tail's stickin' out!"
Reminder coming his way, the chimera yelped. Oh, right, his tail was still out, he forgot to get rid of it, how embarrassing! Closing his eyes for a moment, the appendage vanished with the wind. Letting out a sigh, his whiteboard soon greeted the party of a two a good morning in return, but the usual rejection had soon come his way.
"You youngins and your dang nab technology!" gramps cried. "Back in my day, if we didn't like talking, we used hand gestures to talk instead!"
"Aww, gramps, things ain't what they used to be anymore," gran said. "Everything's on them 'puters nowadays. Every month, they comin' out with a new one." Hand moving up and down as she spoke, she yammered on for a moment longer. "Kid, when I was your age, we didn't even have none of them cellphones."
Usual lectures regarding technology coming his way, the college student tuned them out. Same day, same old back in their day lecture. That may have been how it was back in the time period they grew up in, but not his. And besides, at college, everyone would constantly belittle him whenever he tried to use sign language. It was better this way.
Text to speech bot inquiring the old couple from yesterday's world about where they think their precious grandchildren may have wandered off to, further rejection had come his way regarding this subject. Told time and time again they'll be back when things calm down with work, he supposed he could leave it at that for now. Usual meaty breakfast plopped on the table, he could soon hear a loud alarm sound off as he took the last bite of his sausage.
"It's time for the eight o'clock news!" gramps cried. "Honey, could you turn the tv on?"
"I was just about to!" mother cried. "Gee, dad, for someone who despises modern technology, you sure love your television!"
"Wouldn't miss my morning news even when I'm rolling around in my grave!" He let out a chuckle as he said such.
Mother pressing the tv remote, the chimera gobbled up the last of his breakfast. Woofing up a cough as the food went down the wrong pipe, he couldn't help but wonder. Would there be news about his missing sisters and brothers? He sure hoped so. Whenever he heard those breaking news stories about the missing college students, they always failed to mention the important part. The biggest, most important tidbit.
All the college students that had been going missing had been chimeras recently. Not humans, but chimeras. And, did those news reports ever care enough to specify that? No. Of course they didn't. But, it was always like this. No one in this world ever cared about his race. And, he's sure that whenever his kind went missing, people were singing the praises to their gods about it. Unusual musical note playing, he turned his face towards the boob tube.
<This just in, we've gotten another report that more college students have gone missing! And, it would seem that there is a strange internet forum portal that was discovered recently that is talking about their disappearances! Ahem, if I may, I will be reading out some of these responses for a moment!>
{Student ID No Zero Zero Zero Two Two Four Eight}
{Souper SoKer}
{Four Days Ago}
{I know where some of the missing students might have went 'missing' to! A magical fantasy world! You know like those isekai novels?}
{Student ID No One One One Four Four Seven}
{Blitzee Blitzer Pop}
{Four Days Ago}
{Yeah, mhm, sure, dude.}
{Student ID No Zero Zero Zero Two Two Four Eight}
{Souper SoKer}
{Four Days Ago}
{It's true, I tell you! You gotta believe me! Ya'll know that new Sanrio Café that opened up near the train station? There's something really spooky about that place! I saw some students walk in there, and never walk out! Like, we gotta big crisis on our hands. I think we should go hire a paranormal investigator and have them look into that little shop!}
{Student ID No Two Two Four Six One Two}
{Litter King}
{Four Days Ago}
{Who is this troll, lol?}
<As you can see as I read out, that Sanrio Café seems to be pretty suspicious. And, I, Chaz, plan to investigate it for all of you! Is this where all the missing students have gone? Find out next time at five! And, now here's Merriweather with the sports! But, I gotta say, sports have been pretty boring lately!>
Breaking news report coming to an end, the hyena dashed into his room for a moment. His college had a forum? Why hadn't he heard a word about this? Booting up the old clunker, he groaned as it took twenty minutes to load a single webpage. This machine was lucky his classes didn't start until ten, or he would hit it with gramp's cane right about now!
Bright, obnoxiously titled message board in front of him titled, Hot Pot University Forums, a large blue v logo accompanied by a bulletin next to it, the chimera couldn't help but feel nostalgic. When was the last time he used one of these things? Ah. When he was young and thirteen on the internet looking for a Sanrio forum to join. Those were the days. Off-topic board the most active, he scrolled through, for a moment.
Seeing multiple topics posted by many people entitled, Fantasy World?, Sent to a Magical Land in another world? Multiple posters were disregarded as trolls. Reading through every single one, his eyes opened wide. Was this really all just a troll? A lot of chimeras had been going missing every day. Continuing to scroll, he could see a rather unpleasant message towards the end of one thread.
{Going Down Cherry Lane!}
{Yesterday}
{Hmph, I mean, it's chimeras who have gone missing, right? So, who cares! For all I care, those little rats can go into a little fantasy land and never come back! They're all just disgusting little animals assuming human flesh! Why did the principal even allow those creatures in our school! Especially that stupid hyena <slur>! Have you seen <slur>y mc <slur>ison prancing around in a skirt all the time? Like, hello, that's a dude! Who let that freak, no whole circus show dress like that? Disgusting.}
{Skeeter}
{Yesterday}
{Honestly, I hope that <slur> goes missing next!}
{Going Down Cherry Lane!}
{Yesterday}
{Same. We should go tell him to go to that café and hope he never comes back after that!}
{Kuromi Luver} {Moderator}
{Yesterday}
{Alright, this thread is getting extremely racist, and homophobic. I have warned you countless times, Cherry to keep that garbage to yourself. Anyway, I'm locking this thread now. Make another one, and I'll be issuing infractions.}
{Locked}. {Kuromi lock dot jpeg.}
Closing out of the webpage, the chimera could feel his heart ready to fall out of his chest. Ah, they were talking about him, weren't they? He supposed he was used to being called disgusting names by the humans, but he had learned to tune them out by now. Their words meant nothing to him. But, he couldn't help but notice a commonly used phrase throughout all of these forums posts. Café, Sanrio. Could that be related to every chimera's absences? Maybe he should check it out after his lectures let out for the day.
Phone alarm ringing off the walls, the hyena clicked on flower shaped hairpins and earrings. Which lectures did he have today again? Ecology, and climate change, right? He believed so. Leaving his room, he clutched his whiteboard. Writing out his usual goodbye message, the whiteboard screeched out, [I am going to my lectures now, mother, see you later.] But, he soon added something else. [I'll be checking out a café after classes, so don't cook for me.] Shoes soon on, he prepared himself to exit the abode.
"Okay, son, have fun!" his mother cried.
Closing the door behind him, the chimera walked down the junction. Tail brushing from behind him, he let out a sigh as his peers called him various mean names as he passed by them. Hearing such, he tuned them all out. Couldn't the humans have better insults to say about chimeras? But, such never just extended there. So many businesses, they refused to serve to chimeras. He never understood all that. They were the same as everyone else, just with some animal features. Why was that such a problem? He never knew.
College gates soon reached, the student gazed around campus. Next to no chimeras on school grounds today, he could not help but feel nervous. There had been less around today than yesterday. Had more gone missing? He really needed to go over to that café near the train station when his lectures were over today, for sure. Heading off to the ecology lecture hall, he sat in the back, like he always did.
But, the entire time as the first lecture went on, he couldn't pay attention at all, whatsoever. He couldn't stop thinking about it. The missing chimeras, that weird Sanrio Café that opened up recently. Those two points had to be connected somehow. They just had to be. Letting out a barely audible sigh, he remembered the times when he was a teenager. He used to love Sanrio. Hello Kitty, and her friends. And, there was another one he adored so very much. What was her name again? But, a loud slam of a ruler on the whiteboard soon broke him out of it.
"Siorc, since you're paying attention so well back there, why don't you tell me one way climate change has affected ecology!" the professor shouted.
Eyes darted at him, the chimera could feel his cheeks grow hot. Ah, what was he doing, getting lost in thought during one of his lectures? Scribbling away on his whiteboard, the text-to-speech voice soon shrieked out, [climate change has lead to the endangerment, and sometimes even extinction of some species], he swore he could hear people laughing at him.
"That's correct, but try and pay more attention next time!" Professor demanded. But, the laughs kept on going.
"Ha! Look at little dressy over here! Mr. Perfect!" student number one cried.
"Perfect little teacher's pet!" student number two cried. "Hey, hyena, bark for the class, why don't ya! Hahaha!"
"Grow up, you two! Since you two seem so eager, why don't you two tell me about how climate change has affected the planet?" There was an irritated tone in Professor's voice.
"Whatever, man, the planet's dying, or whatever." They stuck their finger in their ear as they said such.
"Yeah, teach, we're all doomed anyway, like, who cares?" A toxic guffaw released itself into the air.
Lectures continuing about for a few more hours, the hyena could not pay attention to the professor at all. The chimeras that have gone missing, they had to have gone to that café, right? That had to have been where they were last spotted. Three hours passing by in a flash, he could feel himself grow tired. Just one more lecture for today, and then he could leave.
Tending to the garden for about an hour, he scrolled through his phone as he watered the crops. Finding more forum posts posted today regarding that magical fantasy world, the young adult couldn't help but finding himself believing all that stuff now. A magical Sanrio fantasy world. How he wished he could go there. He could relive his childhood again and go on adventures with that, ah what was her name again? He couldn't quite remember anymore. It had been such a long time since he thought about those characters.
Second lecture going on for what felt like too long, the student tried with all his might to stay awake. Multiple students whispering his hyena fur was gross, he sighed. Sometimes, he wondered if he should just try online classes instead. But, he taped such point shut. He knew he wouldn't be able to pay attention as well in front of the computer.
Lecture finally let out for the day, the chimera let out a yawn. What time was it? Looking at his phone clock, he lowered his eyes into a squint. Huh, it was six-thirty? That professor always went later than usual. But, he supposed he was used to that by now. Leaving the school grounds, he typed in the query Sanrio Café into the search bar upon his phone.
Digital street appearing in front of him, something quite unusual stuck out to him. Sign on the door in the photo reading, chimeras welcome, the hyena almost did a double take. Wait, really? Were chimeras welcome here? This place was sounding too good to be true. Address typed into the direction app, a voice told him where to go.
But, upon reaching the next town over near the train station, something felt a little strange. Everything looking almost like it had been an old witch town, something wasn't adding up. What was going on here, did he take a wrong turn? Or, had he stepped into Halloween Town? Halloween was five months ago now, it was time to take the decorations down! But, there was one little building that was odder than the rest.
Strange little pink storefront with a window shaped like a cat, the student tilted his head at the name of the place. Reading it out, there were more questions than answers. Big, glittering letters that read, Sanrio Fanta Café, he couldn't help but feel confused. Fanta? Wasn't that the soda? Something about this place from the outside felt almost Old Times European. How weird. Heading for the door, a bell soon chimed as he opened it.
"Ah, welcome, welcome, lost little hyena!" the owner called in the corner.
Welcomed almost immediately, Siorc could not help but feel a chill drop down his spine. How strange, this lady, she greeted him like he was meant to be here. Gazing at her for a moment, something was off about her. Tall lady with long, bright pink hair in a witch hat and peculiar looking costume, the chimera couldn't help but be unnerved. Who was this lady? Why did she feel like she came straight out of a story book? Text to speech voice saying hello, he had soon been seated at the table.
"It's so nice for you to come here. This little shop of mine was opened for chimeras like you especially!" the owner cried. "Here's the menu. What can I get for you?"
Reading over the menu, something felt rather interesting about all the names of the foods and drinks here. Every single one dedicated to a Sanrio character, something had been rather strange. Multiple food dishes crossed out, he could feel a heavy wave of suspicion flow through him. All the unavailable choices, a name was signed next to them. Was that normal?
Shrugging, the hyena could see a rather familiar, but distant name towards the middle of the list. Finding a dish called Lalalaflora fermented violet sausage burger, something didn't feel right. This menu option, why did it feel like it was calling his name? Maybe he should order that one with a little order of Bonbonribbon tea. Giving the menu back to the witch lady, he swore he could hear her squee like a child.
"So, what can I get for you today?" the owner asked.
[I'd like to order the Lalalaflora Fermented Violet Sausage Burger and the Bonbonribbon Tea, please,] the text-to-speech voice said on his behalf.
"Sure, coming right up!" the owner cried.
Lady going straight to the kitchen, the hyena watched as she cooked. But, he swore he could hear her singing weird things under her breath. He couldn't help but think a few things as she sang away. This lady, was she a witch? But, the chimera shook his head. Ah, no, those kinds of things weren't real. She was just eccentric, right? Nothing more.
Food served after fifteen minutes, a purple sausage burger had soon been laid out in front of him. Eating away, the owner had placed a strange coaster on the table of a purple bunny wearing a little hat on her head, and ribbon on her neck. Script text reading Lalalaflora, he couldn't help but think a few things as he kept biting into his burger. This little bunny looked pretty fashionable. He couldn't help but feel jealous of her. Food soon finished, he pocketed the coaster. Maybe he could take this little gift home with him.
Sipping his tea, the student wondered a little more. Those other dishes, why were they all crossed out, what did that mean? Were those all the dishes ordered by the people that went missing? But, he shook his head to such. No, why would that be the case here? That was too much of a coincidence. It had to have been, right? Tea finished, he prepared himself to go to the register, but as opened up the case to hand over the bills, a headshake had come his way.
"It's on the house!" the owner cried. "See you, have fun on your next adventure!"
Payment rejected, the hyena exited the café. Closed sign soon on the door, chicks danced over his head. What was that all about? Gazing at the coaster as he prepared to head home, the confusion continued. Seeing something glow, everything made very little sense. What a weird store. Was it from another dimension? Time period? But, he knew he was overthinking it. Finally reaching his home, he placed his shoes by the door.
[I'm home, mother,] the text-to-speech voice called out. [Did Hase come home today?]
"You're home a little late today, did you have fun at that café?" his mother asked. "I know you've been feeling a little lonely since your chimera friends stopped going to college recently."
Question coming his way, the chimera wondered again. His chimera friends, maybe they went missing to that fantasy world people were talking about on the internet. Perhaps, his sisters and brothers did, too? Popping that cloud, he scribbled away on his whiteboard once more. Robotic voice saying, [no, mother, that café was honestly very weird. I don't think I'll go back,] he almost wanted to erase what he just said.
"Weird? How so, son?" mother asked.
Typing up an answer, he soon erased it. No way could he say that it feels like it was in another dimension, that sounded ridiculous. Writing out he didn't know, he headed off to his room. Reading his favorite manga from his childhood, Magical Sun Girl, he sighed, how he wished he could just go to a fantasy world where no one judged him for being a chimera. Hours soon passing by in a flash, the nighttime fatigue took him away. Dozing off, he caught some zs.
~~~~~~~~
Waking up in the dead of the night, something felt off. Feeling a rather strong force near his computer, the hyena rubbed his eyes. What was that strange pulsating noise in the corner? Turning towards it, he could hardly believe what he was looking at. Bright purple portal staring at him from afar with red eyes, he placed his covers over his head. Ah, he was just dreaming, goodnight!
Covers blown off by a sudden turbulence, the early adult could feel himself being dragged towards something. Attempting to run back towards his bed, his heart leapt. What was going on here, a hurricane inside? Unable to get away, he surrendered. This was it, there was no escape. Wherever this thing was taking him, there was no way he was going to be able to escape. Sucked into the portal, a painful sensation overtook him. Consciousness slipping away, he closed his eyes.
Coming to who knows when, the hyena's buttocks hurt. Ah, where was he? Opening his eyes, a peculiar rainbow riverbed awaited him. But, such had been far from the only strange thing. Clothes different than what he went to bed in, he gazed at his reflection in the iridescent waters laid out in front of him.
Staring back at him had been a bright purple floral dress with pretty frills. Seeing such, his rosy cheeks grew warm. Ah, this dress it was so beautiful. Was he dreaming right now? If he were to wear this in public in the waking world, people would call him that horrid word, for sure. Cute, tiny little hat to match, he soon gazed at the rest of the world around him.
Bright little rainbow forest with glowing hued grass, the young adult almost squealed. This place, it felt straight out of a storybook! Where was he? Don't wake him up if he's dreaming! Pinching his wrist, he let out a little hiss. Wait, he was awake right now? Weird. So, where was he? And, how did he get here? But, he could soon hear fuzzy footsteps come towards him.
"Oh, there you are!" a little voice called. "Lala's been looking everywhere for you!"
Running towards him had been a little lavender bunny with a ribbon on her chest. Matching hat on her head, the chimera tilted his head. Wait a minute, Lala? As in Lalalaflora? That little bunny on his coaster, what was she doing here? Seeing other strange creatures running around, his head spun. Ah, this, this had to have been a dream. Right, he was thinking about Sanrio while he was passing out. He needed to ask this little bunny who she was, and if he was dreaming. Reaching for his pockets, he puffed a sigh of relief. His digital whiteboard was here with him.
[Sorry, who are you?] the text-to-speech voice asked on his behalf. [And, where am I? This is just a dream, right?]
"You don't remember me? But, you chose me at that café, didn't you?" the bunny asked. "But, that's okay, I'll introduce myself! I'm Lalalaflora, and I'm your partner in Sanrio Fanta! Nice to meet you, Siorc!" She bowed her head as she said such.
Little bunny girl bowing, the hyena backed three steps away. Hold on, how did she know his name? How weird. He needed to ask about that. Robotic voice inquiring about such, he didn't know why, but the Lalalaflora looked a little despondent. Should he have not asked that? Maybe he shouldn't have.
"Well, we're partners, after all! Of course I know your name, silly!" Lalalaflora cried. "And, I've been waiting so long for you to get here!"
Little sunny eyes looking at him, the student could feel the chicks flying over his head. Wait, she knows about the café? Hold on a second, that burger he ordered, was that him choosing her as his partner? Snapping his fingers, it all came back to him. He knew that little store was weird! That owner, she had to have been a witch. Maybe he should go back home.
[How do I go back home?] the robotic voice asked. [My mother might find out I'm missing!] But, a giggle had come his way.
"Ah, once you're here, you can't go back home until you clear certain conditions!" Lalalaflora cried. "So, you're stuck here until that happens!"
Little bunny informing him of the rules of this world, the chimera's head sunk in the grass. Ah, he sees now, so that's how it is. He's stuck in this other world until further notice? Staring off into space, he shrugged. Ah, well, maybe it wouldn't be so bad. He was away from those nasty humans at least for now right? This world seemed pretty peaceful, so what's the worst that could happen? He supposed he could partner up with this fashionable rabbit for now.
[Since I'll be here for awhile, could you guide me to a nearby town?] the mechanical voice asked on his behalf.
"Of course, let's go together!" Lalalaflora cried. "Let's go together!"
Lalalaflora taking the lead, the chimera could not help but notice the world around him as she guided him. Majestic little road dyed in gold and silver, the glowing rainbow grass had been accompanied by strange looking trees with very colorful looking fruits. Little slimes hopping around everywhere, he tried to comb through his head at recent video games that had come out that took place in adventure world.
But, nothing had come to him. The only games he had ever really played were those fashion games Leah showed him when she was staring her journey to girlhood. He wasn't much of a gamer. Coming to such realization, his eyes grew heavy. If this were an adventure world like one of those open world rpgs, he was doomed! He didn't know a single thing at all about battles.
Soon brought to a little town full of buildings that looked like they came from the middle ages, everything here had been so pastel. Seeing such, he couldn't help but feel a little warm. Maybe this place would be fine to be trapped in. At least it was pretty. Lalalaflora guiding him towards a small building, she soon turned around.
"There's other people in this little rest stop here that have been here awhile!" Lalalaflora cried. "Is it okay if I take you to them?"
Nodding, the chimera supposed that was alright. Seeing a sign for a guild off in the corner, he wondered. What era was this place in? Now, he wasn't so sure. But, as soon as he had entered the rest area, a multitude of familiar faces stuck out to him, in an instant. Seeing homely green hair, he almost dropped to the ground.
Large table hosting a lot of familiar, but also different looking face, the hyena observed the first person furthest from him. Seated at the front chair had been a tall man with medium length blond hair pulled into a side ponytail that went down to about his chest. Golden penguin crests peeking through their bangs, and light blue eyes, he wore a strange mailman costume. Seeing such, he couldn't help but feel a little confused. Wasn't this one of Leah's friends from college, Kaiser? He could have sworn he was into women's fashion. Little blue penguin with a mailman hat right next to him, he almost broke into tears as he gazed at the next person.
Seated on the chair furthest from the right had been a short young woman with emerald green hair pulled into a short wavy bun, and jade eyes to match. Large brown freckles, he almost bawled. Her hyena spots, he'd recognize them anywhere. Adorning ghostly purple hairpins, and low cut black dress, a small creature with a purple ribbon thing and punky black outfit was licking their lips for a moment, he held back the tears. Hase was here, how wonderful. So, this is where she had ended up? He sees.
On the opposite end had been a slightly taller panda person with short silver hair pulled into a tiny braid. Apple hat on the top of their head, and colorful blue, yellow, peach, and green shirt, a pitch black belly stuck out of their clothes. Little panda pal next to them, he shook his head. Ah, it was just Yinlong. How he missed them.
Spotting a rabbit man in the corner of the room with messy pink hair tied into a ponytail, the man had adorned gym clothes. Seeing such, he wrinkled his nose. Did they come here straight from working out? How odd. Little brown rabbit friend next to them, they looked ready to clock out for the day for some reason. He couldn't help but forget their name. Was was it again? Nousagi? They were already in their seventh year in college, he never crossed paths with them.
Familiar young woman in the corner, the young adult could remember those bright magenta buns from anywhere. Gazelle horns looking rather crooked, and tan face looking a little burned from the sun, the hyena studied the familiar, yet stranger in front of him. Heart shaped nose, and pointy ears, the lady adorned a bright orange shirt, and pink skirt. Was this Parisa, the girl that switched into the environmental science major halfway through his second year? He thinks so. Little dear with a ribbon on her next to her, he moved to the couple in the corner.
Tall man with a yellow hat on his head and bird wings, the hyena almost wanted to burst into laugher. Long black hair reaching down to about the man's buttocks, and white button down shirt, he could hear a white duck quack next to him. Wasn't this supposed to be the super serious Robin from the engineering class? Ha, look at him now, reduced to the ducky comic relief. Brown haired partner next to him with a low ponytail, and owl wings, the man had a azure shirt with trees on it. Blinking, he tried to remember his name. This was Robin's partner, Raven, right? He hardly remembered. These two were friends with his brother, Strix, not him. Owl friend with matching design on the belly, fourteen eyes soon looked his way.
"Huh? Siorc, you're here, too?" Hase asked. "Strange, I didn't think you would come."
[I've been worried about you, Hase,] the text-to-speech voice cracked out. [How long have you been here?]
"Hmm, about a week or so," Hase asked. "I suppose you plan to ask about the others, too? Well, Leah and Strix have been here for over a month, and I believe Pira and Coiote have been here for two." But, she had soon been interrupted by an annoying voice.
"So, you finally fashioned up and stopped wearing that old style of skirts?" Kaiser asked. "You're finally decent to look at!" As he said such, his partner yapped the same. "See, Tenchou agrees!"
"Mmm, I don't think he 'agreed', with you, you just assumed," Yinlong said. She then turned towards Siorc. "Aaanyway, wow, it's nice to see you here, Siorc! I didn't think I'd ever see you again!"
[Me neither,] the text-to-speech bot responded for him.
"Ah, then, I should probably introduce my partner to you since you're here now!" Yinlong cried. "This is Pandapple!" They put on a smile as she said such. "And, I see you're partnered up with Lalalaflora! I think she fits you nicely!"
"Easy for you to say," Nousagi said, fingers inside their rabbit ears. "I got stuck with lazy old Nuts over here."
"Hey, now!" Nuts cried. "It's you who's lazy, Nousagi!"
"Whatevs, I don't have a care in the world here."
[Parisa, it's nice to see you again,] the robotic voice called out. [You doing alright?]
"Oh, you're the other chimera in the gardening club, right? Sorry I haven't been around there much lately, I've been here the longest out of everyone," Parisa responded, bowing her head. "By the way, this is my partner Hummingmint. She's a little shy, don't mind her."
Little deer creature hiding behind her, he could see Robin's eyebrows twitch on the top of his head. Ah, he's about to say something nasty to him, wasn't he? He remembered all the times Strix would invite him to his home, he always had a bone to pick with him for some reason. And, he could never fathom why.
"Ugh, why is he here?" Robin groaned. "Mr. Perfect grades, top of the university, it's not like he needs to be here! This world is for chimeras who are ostracized! That witch made a mistake by letting him into this world!"
"That's right!" a duck quacked.
"See? Duckadoo agrees with me!" He huffed a breath as he said such.
"Ah, hon, I don't know, a lot of people on campus call him slurs all the time, I've heard them," Raven said. "Maybe he's here for the same reasons we are. Didn't you see all those horrible messages about him on the school forums?"
"Who knows? He could have written up that garbage about himself to make it look like he's being harassed, Raven!" Robin cried out.
"Hush your stupid mouth, ya birdbrain!" an owl creature cried.
"PataPataPeppy, don't call my boyfriend names," Raven said in a harsh tone. "Or, you'll regret it." He then turned towards his lover. "Why would he do that, hon? Come on, let's get along with him. After all, he's here now, too, so try to be nice."
Bird man turning his head towards the opposite direction, the hyena sighed. No matter what world he was in, this man would never see eye to eye with him, would he. Soon hearing a defiant fine coming his way, the group of two soon left the premises. Lazy rabbit man soon exiting, as well as everyone else except his sister, he looked into her eyes.
Writing down once more he missed her, he wondered if she missed him. For a long time now, she had been keeping her distance from him, and he supposed she didn't blame him for that. She was pretty popular with the other freshman in college, and besides, she was much better at hiding she was a chimera than he could ever hope to me.
"I missed you, too, bro," Hase said. "Since you're here now, what do you plan to do? You'll need to find something to do here, you know."
Question coming his way, the chimera's mind went blank. Ah, what should he do here? He didn't know. And, honestly, how could he? He had only just been transported here, so what could he do? He didn't know, but he supposed he would have to figure something out, right? But, what? He had never read any isekai novels before, if that was even the word. He had always heard the anime nerds back home use that word all the time.
Placing his finger on his chin, the student tried to think of something. Should he just go on an adventure in this fantasy world? But, he crossed such out. Nah, he wasn't much for an adventurer. Whenever he'd play video games, it was always the fashion ones. Was there anything like that here? He didn't think so. There probably wasn't anything like that here at all.
Continuing to go back and forth in his head, he didn't know. Should he just join the guild and find a team to join until he were able to come to some sort of conclusion on what he wanted to do? But, he knew that didn't seem like that was the right option for him, either. Maybe he shouldn't do anything that would lead to him getting hurt.
Going through the rivers of his memories, he recalled that one anime he watched a long time ago about a guild gone wrong. Popping such thought with a bubble, he knew for sure he wasn't about to join some guild. That would just lead to danger. Just because this fantasy world seemed sweet and colorful on the surface, didn't mean it couldn't have possibly been dark underneath the hood.
But, the chimera threw such thoughts away. Why would this place be like that? This place, having some sort of darkness underneath it? No way, why would that be the case here? This wasn't like that one isekai anime he watched a long time ago in his teen years where the entire guild died off! Of course not, what was he thinking? No idea coming to him, he scribbled away on his digital whiteboard.
[I have no idea what I want to do with my Sanrio Fantasy life,] the text-to-speech voice said for him. [What about you, Hase, what do you do?]
"I don't do much, really," Hase responded. "Every once and awhile, I go on small adventures in the forest with Parisa. But, Romina isn't strong enough yet, so we still need to do some training."
"Don't sell me short here, Hase!" Romina cried.
"Sheesh, sorry," Hase said to Romina. She then turned towards her brother. "Well, whatever you end up deciding is up to you. But, I think I should warn you about a few things before you start your life here." She closed her eyes for a moment before you continued. "You see your partner over there? Remember this. Lalalaflora and you are bonded by soul. It may not make sense right away, but should you find yourself in a battle, you'll understand what I mean." Her fingers twirled through her hair as she continued. "And, there's just one more thing I think I should tell you." But, as she tried, a loud siren on her phone rang. "Never mind, I have to go, sorry, Siorc. See you later, maybe?"
[See you later,] the text-to-speech voice called out.
Sister soon leaving, the chimera turned towards his Sanrio partner. What did Hase mean by the two of them were bonded by their souls? Shrugging, he supposed he'd probably find out later, wouldn't he? Maybe it was nothing to worry about. Exiting the little rest area, he crouched down towards the little fashion bunny.
"Since you don't have anywhere to stay, you can sleep in my little tent in the forest for now!" Lalalaflora cried. "Is that okay?"
Nodding, the chimera let the little bunny lead the way. Guided into a strange little forest with trees that moved from side to side with little eyes faces, the chimera rubbed his eyes. Huh, this little place, it kind of looked like he had fallen into a rubberhose styled world. How silly. Crawling into the little tent, the rabbit soon yawned.
"Nighty, night, partner!" Lalalaflora cried. Curled up into a ball, she snored immediately.
Just about enough space for him to lay down, the chimera placed himself down upon the tent floor. Feeling a wave of tiredness flow through him, he stared at the ceiling for a moment. So, this is where he was going to be until further notice, huh? Maybe being here wouldn't be so bad. Feeling himself about ready to doze off, one last thought came down with him into the dream world.
In the morning, he needs to think about what he wants to do in this world.
Sorry, the first chapter is a little long, I hope that doesn't bother anyone, aha. Second chapter will focus on the rules of the world a bit! This will be fun. I promise nothing bad will happen... unless? Heh.
This will be a chaptered fic, either way, I hope you guys enjoy!
First Link: Witch Café and Lalalaflora
TW racism and implied homophobia
"Breaking news, this just in! More college students have gone missing today! How many does that make now? We
Really don't know why! Oh noooo,
Every single day, that number is
Always going up now! We
Keep getting call ins to our studio that another college student has mysteriously disappeared, oh noooo!
Is this a big crisis on our hands?! Has anyone else gone missing?!
No, just college and university students?
Guess there's a serial kidnapping on the loose!
Now, if anyone has seen any weird activity in your neighborhood, we urge
Each and every one of you to call into our radio line
With information! And, now for the
Sports with Kewl F--.
*Click.* It's that news report again, huh? It's been
One after another
Lately. And, I think the reports have
Likely been daily? Eh. I don't
Even know. I am
Going to be honest here. It's getting harder and harder to tune into the news since pretty much
Everyone has gone missing. My five siblings, for example. We all went to the same college. They all went missing. My mom doesn't know, she just thinks they're all crashing with their friends or at work, but I know they've all gone missing. I haven't told her. Hmm, but I should introduce myself, right? I'm
Siorc. I'm a, uh, I'm a junior going for a Master's Degree in Environmental Science. I want to be an environmentalist
That can do all I can to save the planet because,
Uh, I'm a hyena chimera. Is that a little weird? No, I
Don't really know all that much why I was
Even born this way. But, in
This world, there's humans and then there's chimeras, of course I have the ability to hide everything except my hyena
Spots on my face.
Anyway, the news failed to
Report on something, they failed to say chimera college students are the ones all going missing!
Eh, but I'm not going to call into
Say that, not with my own voice. I despise
Taking, and I communicate through other means. So,
I won't say anything about it, but
Let me start by saying, it
Looks like humans aren't
Going missing at all, but
Of course, that's not something the news
Is going to say, I mean, why would they? The
News hardly cares about us. I
Get that, obviously. We're nothing to them. But,
Maybe if more chimeras go missing,
I will have my mother call in.
She's aware about it.
She watches the news pretty much every morning with me before
I go off to school.
Now, there's something else that's been pretty strange lately. I have been seeing a lot of Sanrio memorabilia lately. Which, I don't
Get, honestly? Where did
All of that come from, anyway? Honestly,
No one knows, I mean, I sure
Don't know, I have absolutely
No idea. But, simply put,
One day they just appeared out of nowhere. For
One thing, one thing I have
Noticed in all this is none of the humans
Ever went near that memorabilia, at least, not that I
Know of. But, a lot of chimeras have, and
Now all the
Ones that took some?
Well, I now haven't seen them at college. So, I feel close to certain that the chimeras going missing
Seems pretty connected to the Sanrio memorabilia.
Well, now I wonder a little more, who is doing this?
Hmm, I don't think people are getting kidnapped, though.
You know, I don't think that's what's going on.
Hmm, now this is probably going to sound absolutely ridiculous, but
Uh, I think they
Have all been transported to another world. Am I being a
Tiny bit ridiculous? Well, I guess so. But, even still, I
Have a feeling I'm right.
After all, there's a few weird
Things that I have been
Hearing on the way to college pretty much
Every single day since
All of this has been going on. Some have seen these really
Dopey, question mark, portals, or something
Like that, I will be honest, that,
In the end, that's probably
Nonsense, at least that's how I feel. There's no such thing as other worlds.
Everyone knows there isn't
Another world with life on it besides this one,
Get real. Humans say the dumbest things pretty much
All the time, I have no words. None at all.
I have to wonder where they get these
Nonsensical ideas from.
It's pretty annoying having to listen
To them pretending like they know
Something, but I'd never say
That, I despise talking as I have already said before.
Right, well, after class today, I intend to go look for clues. I
Ultimately need to try and find
Everyone. If the college student body gets any
Tinier, I know that the college will start to notice.
Ha, but I guess it's not like they care about the chimeras. They
Obviously never did. They only care about human students at this establishment.
Ugh, that's why I should start investigating. I
Guess if anyone should be doing that, it'd be me.
Hmm, but where should I start?
Maybe that little weird cafe that opened up
At the train station recently? I have
No idea what it's called, though, and
Yet I do think there is something terribly
Suspicious about it, so I
Think I'll start there. But,
Uh, what if they have no idea what I'm talking about, or worse,
Don't serve chimeras?
Every so often, I am in that situation where a restaurant or other place has a sign on the door:
No chimeras. It hurts a lot
That people would refuse to serve me because I'm not human.
Since it's very likely they won't serve chimeras, I might have to put on
A disguise to cover my hyena spots before I go
There. I wish this world was different, it's not
My fault I was born with hyena and shark DNA. And,
Yet, I'm discriminated against. But, let's not get into this.
Cannot go off into
One big tangent about race, I mean, species relations.
Let's just not get ourselves caught into that
Little web right now. It's
Especially long and convoluted and has no place here. But, I
Guess, at least, right now, it's
Especially relevant. Chimeras have
All gone missing, and
The news isn't mentioning it.
Maybe they don't know, but
You know, I think they just refuse to
Say that word because they're
Choosing to not acknowledge who
Has gone missing. Is it horrible?
Obviously, but am I able to say anything?
Of course not, this is a world built for humans, anything else gets
Left behind. Do I despise that? It's pretty
Hard to, I have pretty much just
Accepted that I'll never be seen as equal. I
Very much know I'm lesser than to humans.
Eh? Well, anyway, after class today, I'm
Going to investigate all this on my
Own. I don't know what might happen, and I might go missing
Next, but I need to at least try.
Even if I don't find
Anyone, at least I did try to find the missing chimeras, right? I know that I
Should. I know mother and my grandparents are catching on. My father is always
Working, so he knows absolutely nothing,
Eh, well, that's neither here nor there anyway. So,
Let's get this going.
Let's start looking.
I'm certain about that cafe.
That place, it honestly is very
Suspicious. I don't have a lot to say, but
Perhaps it's the main
Reason chimeras have gone missing, and
Err, that Sanrio memorabilia, I am starting to
Think that's all probably connected,
Too. I mean, why wouldn't it be?
Yes, I think that's
Where it all definitely started. I saw my youngest sister, Hase with Romina coasters.
Err, yeah, and a day or so after, she disappeared.
I'm certain that's probably
Related! So, I need to go
Down to that café, and investigate. Something is off, for sure!"
|Breaking News!|
This just in, more college students have gone missing recently! We have gotten at least six call ins this morning about students at local colleges that many students have been reported to have not gone home nor to their dorms recently. We have requested a comment from the principal of this fine learning institution, but they refused to comment!
But, man, this has been the tenth incident this month now! Can you believe it, Cherise?
{Cherise: No, Chaz, I can't believe it! I've heard at least a double dozen have gone missing now! Do you there's a serial kidnapping case on our hands?!}
{Chaz: Ah, Cherise, that's silly!}
{Cherise: Wait, Chaz! I just remembered! Aren't you a college student?!}
{Chaz: Oh, no, you're right! I'm merely an intern! Oh, no, am I going to go missing, too?!}
{Cherise: Let's look to the bright side! Maybe, since you got a job as an intern with our local news station, you'll be safe!}
Anyway, a lot of college students have been going missing! And, we don't have any idea where they've gone! And, we're here on campus to ask the students where they think their missing friends have gone! Hey, you there, hello, student, we're talking to you! *Whistle*, look this way, please! This way, come on, brother!
{Student on Campus: Excuse me, but who do you think you are? Did I ask for you to shove that microphone in my face? Can't you see I'm not interested in you having a conversation with me?}
{Chaz: Oh, sir, please! I just want to know where you think the missing students on campus have gone! Please, tell us where you think our friends have disappeared to!}
{Student on Campus: Friends? Ha. I wouldn't call them 'friends.' They're just a buncha losers who got lost somewhere, you expect me to care about them?}
{Chaz: Sir, please just answer the question, that's all I ask!}
{Student on Campus: Whatever, I don't know? Maybe they got transported into another world, or something! Can I go now?}
*Stomp, stomp, stomp, stomp.*
Did you hear that, this student thinks that the missing college crew has been transported to another world! Ya know, like those isekai novels? But, there's no magic in this world, so that isn't possible, right? Right? What do you think, Cherise, is that the most ridiculous thing you've ever heard? There's no way that's what happened, am I right?
Oh, Chaz, but, maybe it's true! I've been hearing there's a lot of supernatural happenings going on lately. There's been a lot of call ins about that in the past few months! So, maybe it's not that farfetched of a thing to believe! But, hey, you could be right, maybe it's just a crockpot answer. Being transported to another world? Wow, that's kind of silly!
{Chaz: That's right, it is pretty silly, isn't it Cherise? So, where do you think all the missing students have gone, might I ask?}
{Cherise: You know, that's a very good question, Chaz, I don't know! But, I've been seeing on the net that some people have gone to a strange café that only opened recently, and then, poof! Gone! Do you think the owner of that little shop has been kidnapping people? Maybe we should go there and find out!}
{Chaz: Woah, hey, Cherise, back it up there, I'm a college student, too! What if she kidnaps me?}
{Cherise: I'll just have to get a new intern, that's all!}
{Chaz: Hey, don't write me off yet!}
*Ahem*, anyway, we will keep the public updated about this missing persons report as it keeps on happening! We have been hearing that at least two more students go missing every day! What's up with that?! This mystery is going to continue to unfold! Where have all the missing people gone?! Maybe we'll find out later. Tune in again at five! And, now, for the weather! It looks like it's going to be a rainy day today, better use an umbrella and wear a raincoat!
This concludes the breaking news report!|
A short, young adult feminine appearing person with long, wavy purple hair that went down to about the waist let out a yawn as the alarm on the phone rang. Rubbing the eyes a hyena tail brushed underneath the covers. Feeling such, the person let out a groan. Oh, great, the tail had popped out again while sleeping. Throwing the covers back, the adult strolled over to the restroom. Light morning soaking taking place, he dragged himself towards the mirror.
Staring back at the reflection had been a tired face with mismatched purple and green eyes. Rosy cheeks nearly hiding the hyena spots upon the face, the person let out a sigh. Maybe it was time to buy more concealing makeup. Everyone always looked at the spots on the face and called them hideous, disgusting, horrible.
Bristles stroked through the locks aplenty, the young adult reached for a lavender scrunchy. Hair pulled up into a messy ponytail, a bright pink, fuzzy shirt engulfed the flat chest looked rather lonely. Maybe it was time to invest in some falsies. But, the hyena knew that would not end well. Probably not, anyway.
Knee length skirt slipped on, the young adult slipped out of the restroom. Digital whiteboard and stylus pen soon grabbed, the person could hear the name be called multiple times in a row. Alright, alright, coming. One second. Kitchen reached, a somber look appeared on the face as only three people were there.
Standing in the dining room had been a short middle aged woman with bright purple hair, and eyes to match. Hyena ears upon her head, and furry hyena arms and legs, the young adult let out a sigh. How could mother not be embarrassed about being a chimera? The person could never understand how she could ever go out in public like that without feeling ashamed.
Sitting at the kitchen table had been an elderly couple, hyena ears abound. Purees on the table, the chimera took out the electronic whiteboard as six pairs of eyes gazed the way. Warm smiles on everyone's faces, the young adult could not quite comprehend all this morning joy. But, the person supposed it was something that always happened here, no matter what. Everyone here, no matter what tragedy was occurring was always smiling in this big house.
"Good morning, son!" Mother said. "You're up early, like always!"
Greeting coming his way, the hyena scribbled away on his digital whiteboard. But, his messy handwriting bled all the letters together again. Groaning he erased every single one. Ah, go slowly, go slowly. Starting all over, the text to speech voice was ready to force itself out as he let the words upon the screen do their bidding.
[Good morning, mother,] The text-to-speech robot said on his behalf. [Did Hase come home last night?]
"No, Siorc, she didn't come home last night, sorry," Mother responded, shaking her head. "Strix told me she's a pretty popular freshman! Maybe she's with one of her friends today!"
Shaking his head, Siorc could not take his mother's word for it. Maybe it was possibly true that she went to go have fun with her friends after lectures had come to an end, but she had not been home in almost a week now. Should they all be a little more worried than that? His older siblings, too, Leah, Pira, Strix, Coiote, hadn't been home in weeks, either. Didn't that bother them? Scribbling away, the inquiry let itself out.
[Mother, doesn't it concern you that my siblings haven't been home in awhile?] the text-to-speech voice asked on his behalf. [It's been a long time since they've come home.]
"Hmm, no, they all have jobs and busy lives at college. Maybe they all decided to crash with their friends!" his mother cried. "Son, you worry too much. It's not like they've gone missing or anything!" She laughed as she said such. "Anyway, breakfast is almost ready. Why don't you sit at the table with gramps and gran?"
No sign of worry in her voice, the chimera let out a sigh. Typical mother, she never worried about anything, did she? She could be told one of his sisters died in a war, or something, and he bet she wouldn't be phased about it at all, would she? Was it because of her hyena nature, or was she just that lackadaisical in life? He didn't know. Seating himself at the table, the days of old soon greeted him.
"Good morning, Siorc," gran said.
"Morning, sonny," gramps said. "Your tail's stickin' out!"
Reminder coming his way, the chimera yelped. Oh, right, his tail was still out, he forgot to get rid of it, how embarrassing! Closing his eyes for a moment, the appendage vanished with the wind. Letting out a sigh, his whiteboard soon greeted the party of a two a good morning in return, but the usual rejection had soon come his way.
"You youngins and your dang nab technology!" gramps cried. "Back in my day, if we didn't like talking, we used hand gestures to talk instead!"
"Aww, gramps, things ain't what they used to be anymore," gran said. "Everything's on them 'puters nowadays. Every month, they comin' out with a new one." Hand moving up and down as she spoke, she yammered on for a moment longer. "Kid, when I was your age, we didn't even have none of them cellphones."
Usual lectures regarding technology coming his way, the college student tuned them out. Same day, same old back in their day lecture. That may have been how it was back in the time period they grew up in, but not his. And besides, at college, everyone would constantly belittle him whenever he tried to use sign language. It was better this way.
Text to speech bot inquiring the old couple from yesterday's world about where they think their precious grandchildren may have wandered off to, further rejection had come his way regarding this subject. Told time and time again they'll be back when things calm down with work, he supposed he could leave it at that for now. Usual meaty breakfast plopped on the table, he could soon hear a loud alarm sound off as he took the last bite of his sausage.
"It's time for the eight o'clock news!" gramps cried. "Honey, could you turn the tv on?"
"I was just about to!" mother cried. "Gee, dad, for someone who despises modern technology, you sure love your television!"
"Wouldn't miss my morning news even when I'm rolling around in my grave!" He let out a chuckle as he said such.
Mother pressing the tv remote, the chimera gobbled up the last of his breakfast. Woofing up a cough as the food went down the wrong pipe, he couldn't help but wonder. Would there be news about his missing sisters and brothers? He sure hoped so. Whenever he heard those breaking news stories about the missing college students, they always failed to mention the important part. The biggest, most important tidbit.
All the college students that had been going missing had been chimeras recently. Not humans, but chimeras. And, did those news reports ever care enough to specify that? No. Of course they didn't. But, it was always like this. No one in this world ever cared about his race. And, he's sure that whenever his kind went missing, people were singing the praises to their gods about it. Unusual musical note playing, he turned his face towards the boob tube.
|Breaking News!|
<This just in, we've gotten another report that more college students have gone missing! And, it would seem that there is a strange internet forum portal that was discovered recently that is talking about their disappearances! Ahem, if I may, I will be reading out some of these responses for a moment!>
{Student ID No Zero Zero Zero Two Two Four Eight}
{Souper SoKer}
{Four Days Ago}
{I know where some of the missing students might have went 'missing' to! A magical fantasy world! You know like those isekai novels?}
{Student ID No One One One Four Four Seven}
{Blitzee Blitzer Pop}
{Four Days Ago}
{Yeah, mhm, sure, dude.}
{Student ID No Zero Zero Zero Two Two Four Eight}
{Souper SoKer}
{Four Days Ago}
{It's true, I tell you! You gotta believe me! Ya'll know that new Sanrio Café that opened up near the train station? There's something really spooky about that place! I saw some students walk in there, and never walk out! Like, we gotta big crisis on our hands. I think we should go hire a paranormal investigator and have them look into that little shop!}
{Student ID No Two Two Four Six One Two}
{Litter King}
{Four Days Ago}
{Who is this troll, lol?}
<As you can see as I read out, that Sanrio Café seems to be pretty suspicious. And, I, Chaz, plan to investigate it for all of you! Is this where all the missing students have gone? Find out next time at five! And, now here's Merriweather with the sports! But, I gotta say, sports have been pretty boring lately!>
Breaking news report coming to an end, the hyena dashed into his room for a moment. His college had a forum? Why hadn't he heard a word about this? Booting up the old clunker, he groaned as it took twenty minutes to load a single webpage. This machine was lucky his classes didn't start until ten, or he would hit it with gramp's cane right about now!
Bright, obnoxiously titled message board in front of him titled, Hot Pot University Forums, a large blue v logo accompanied by a bulletin next to it, the chimera couldn't help but feel nostalgic. When was the last time he used one of these things? Ah. When he was young and thirteen on the internet looking for a Sanrio forum to join. Those were the days. Off-topic board the most active, he scrolled through, for a moment.
Seeing multiple topics posted by many people entitled, Fantasy World?, Sent to a Magical Land in another world? Multiple posters were disregarded as trolls. Reading through every single one, his eyes opened wide. Was this really all just a troll? A lot of chimeras had been going missing every day. Continuing to scroll, he could see a rather unpleasant message towards the end of one thread.
{Going Down Cherry Lane!}
{Yesterday}
{Hmph, I mean, it's chimeras who have gone missing, right? So, who cares! For all I care, those little rats can go into a little fantasy land and never come back! They're all just disgusting little animals assuming human flesh! Why did the principal even allow those creatures in our school! Especially that stupid hyena <slur>! Have you seen <slur>y mc <slur>ison prancing around in a skirt all the time? Like, hello, that's a dude! Who let that freak, no whole circus show dress like that? Disgusting.}
{Skeeter}
{Yesterday}
{Honestly, I hope that <slur> goes missing next!}
{Going Down Cherry Lane!}
{Yesterday}
{Same. We should go tell him to go to that café and hope he never comes back after that!}
{Kuromi Luver} {Moderator}
{Yesterday}
{Alright, this thread is getting extremely racist, and homophobic. I have warned you countless times, Cherry to keep that garbage to yourself. Anyway, I'm locking this thread now. Make another one, and I'll be issuing infractions.}
{Locked}. {Kuromi lock dot jpeg.}
Closing out of the webpage, the chimera could feel his heart ready to fall out of his chest. Ah, they were talking about him, weren't they? He supposed he was used to being called disgusting names by the humans, but he had learned to tune them out by now. Their words meant nothing to him. But, he couldn't help but notice a commonly used phrase throughout all of these forums posts. Café, Sanrio. Could that be related to every chimera's absences? Maybe he should check it out after his lectures let out for the day.
Phone alarm ringing off the walls, the hyena clicked on flower shaped hairpins and earrings. Which lectures did he have today again? Ecology, and climate change, right? He believed so. Leaving his room, he clutched his whiteboard. Writing out his usual goodbye message, the whiteboard screeched out, [I am going to my lectures now, mother, see you later.] But, he soon added something else. [I'll be checking out a café after classes, so don't cook for me.] Shoes soon on, he prepared himself to exit the abode.
"Okay, son, have fun!" his mother cried.
Closing the door behind him, the chimera walked down the junction. Tail brushing from behind him, he let out a sigh as his peers called him various mean names as he passed by them. Hearing such, he tuned them all out. Couldn't the humans have better insults to say about chimeras? But, such never just extended there. So many businesses, they refused to serve to chimeras. He never understood all that. They were the same as everyone else, just with some animal features. Why was that such a problem? He never knew.
College gates soon reached, the student gazed around campus. Next to no chimeras on school grounds today, he could not help but feel nervous. There had been less around today than yesterday. Had more gone missing? He really needed to go over to that café near the train station when his lectures were over today, for sure. Heading off to the ecology lecture hall, he sat in the back, like he always did.
But, the entire time as the first lecture went on, he couldn't pay attention at all, whatsoever. He couldn't stop thinking about it. The missing chimeras, that weird Sanrio Café that opened up recently. Those two points had to be connected somehow. They just had to be. Letting out a barely audible sigh, he remembered the times when he was a teenager. He used to love Sanrio. Hello Kitty, and her friends. And, there was another one he adored so very much. What was her name again? But, a loud slam of a ruler on the whiteboard soon broke him out of it.
"Siorc, since you're paying attention so well back there, why don't you tell me one way climate change has affected ecology!" the professor shouted.
Eyes darted at him, the chimera could feel his cheeks grow hot. Ah, what was he doing, getting lost in thought during one of his lectures? Scribbling away on his whiteboard, the text-to-speech voice soon shrieked out, [climate change has lead to the endangerment, and sometimes even extinction of some species], he swore he could hear people laughing at him.
"That's correct, but try and pay more attention next time!" Professor demanded. But, the laughs kept on going.
"Ha! Look at little dressy over here! Mr. Perfect!" student number one cried.
"Perfect little teacher's pet!" student number two cried. "Hey, hyena, bark for the class, why don't ya! Hahaha!"
"Grow up, you two! Since you two seem so eager, why don't you two tell me about how climate change has affected the planet?" There was an irritated tone in Professor's voice.
"Whatever, man, the planet's dying, or whatever." They stuck their finger in their ear as they said such.
"Yeah, teach, we're all doomed anyway, like, who cares?" A toxic guffaw released itself into the air.
Lectures continuing about for a few more hours, the hyena could not pay attention to the professor at all. The chimeras that have gone missing, they had to have gone to that café, right? That had to have been where they were last spotted. Three hours passing by in a flash, he could feel himself grow tired. Just one more lecture for today, and then he could leave.
Tending to the garden for about an hour, he scrolled through his phone as he watered the crops. Finding more forum posts posted today regarding that magical fantasy world, the young adult couldn't help but finding himself believing all that stuff now. A magical Sanrio fantasy world. How he wished he could go there. He could relive his childhood again and go on adventures with that, ah what was her name again? He couldn't quite remember anymore. It had been such a long time since he thought about those characters.
Second lecture going on for what felt like too long, the student tried with all his might to stay awake. Multiple students whispering his hyena fur was gross, he sighed. Sometimes, he wondered if he should just try online classes instead. But, he taped such point shut. He knew he wouldn't be able to pay attention as well in front of the computer.
Lecture finally let out for the day, the chimera let out a yawn. What time was it? Looking at his phone clock, he lowered his eyes into a squint. Huh, it was six-thirty? That professor always went later than usual. But, he supposed he was used to that by now. Leaving the school grounds, he typed in the query Sanrio Café into the search bar upon his phone.
Digital street appearing in front of him, something quite unusual stuck out to him. Sign on the door in the photo reading, chimeras welcome, the hyena almost did a double take. Wait, really? Were chimeras welcome here? This place was sounding too good to be true. Address typed into the direction app, a voice told him where to go.
But, upon reaching the next town over near the train station, something felt a little strange. Everything looking almost like it had been an old witch town, something wasn't adding up. What was going on here, did he take a wrong turn? Or, had he stepped into Halloween Town? Halloween was five months ago now, it was time to take the decorations down! But, there was one little building that was odder than the rest.
Strange little pink storefront with a window shaped like a cat, the student tilted his head at the name of the place. Reading it out, there were more questions than answers. Big, glittering letters that read, Sanrio Fanta Café, he couldn't help but feel confused. Fanta? Wasn't that the soda? Something about this place from the outside felt almost Old Times European. How weird. Heading for the door, a bell soon chimed as he opened it.
"Ah, welcome, welcome, lost little hyena!" the owner called in the corner.
Welcomed almost immediately, Siorc could not help but feel a chill drop down his spine. How strange, this lady, she greeted him like he was meant to be here. Gazing at her for a moment, something was off about her. Tall lady with long, bright pink hair in a witch hat and peculiar looking costume, the chimera couldn't help but be unnerved. Who was this lady? Why did she feel like she came straight out of a story book? Text to speech voice saying hello, he had soon been seated at the table.
"It's so nice for you to come here. This little shop of mine was opened for chimeras like you especially!" the owner cried. "Here's the menu. What can I get for you?"
Reading over the menu, something felt rather interesting about all the names of the foods and drinks here. Every single one dedicated to a Sanrio character, something had been rather strange. Multiple food dishes crossed out, he could feel a heavy wave of suspicion flow through him. All the unavailable choices, a name was signed next to them. Was that normal?
Shrugging, the hyena could see a rather familiar, but distant name towards the middle of the list. Finding a dish called Lalalaflora fermented violet sausage burger, something didn't feel right. This menu option, why did it feel like it was calling his name? Maybe he should order that one with a little order of Bonbonribbon tea. Giving the menu back to the witch lady, he swore he could hear her squee like a child.
"So, what can I get for you today?" the owner asked.
[I'd like to order the Lalalaflora Fermented Violet Sausage Burger and the Bonbonribbon Tea, please,] the text-to-speech voice said on his behalf.
"Sure, coming right up!" the owner cried.
Lady going straight to the kitchen, the hyena watched as she cooked. But, he swore he could hear her singing weird things under her breath. He couldn't help but think a few things as she sang away. This lady, was she a witch? But, the chimera shook his head. Ah, no, those kinds of things weren't real. She was just eccentric, right? Nothing more.
Food served after fifteen minutes, a purple sausage burger had soon been laid out in front of him. Eating away, the owner had placed a strange coaster on the table of a purple bunny wearing a little hat on her head, and ribbon on her neck. Script text reading Lalalaflora, he couldn't help but think a few things as he kept biting into his burger. This little bunny looked pretty fashionable. He couldn't help but feel jealous of her. Food soon finished, he pocketed the coaster. Maybe he could take this little gift home with him.
Sipping his tea, the student wondered a little more. Those other dishes, why were they all crossed out, what did that mean? Were those all the dishes ordered by the people that went missing? But, he shook his head to such. No, why would that be the case here? That was too much of a coincidence. It had to have been, right? Tea finished, he prepared himself to go to the register, but as opened up the case to hand over the bills, a headshake had come his way.
"It's on the house!" the owner cried. "See you, have fun on your next adventure!"
Payment rejected, the hyena exited the café. Closed sign soon on the door, chicks danced over his head. What was that all about? Gazing at the coaster as he prepared to head home, the confusion continued. Seeing something glow, everything made very little sense. What a weird store. Was it from another dimension? Time period? But, he knew he was overthinking it. Finally reaching his home, he placed his shoes by the door.
[I'm home, mother,] the text-to-speech voice called out. [Did Hase come home today?]
"You're home a little late today, did you have fun at that café?" his mother asked. "I know you've been feeling a little lonely since your chimera friends stopped going to college recently."
Question coming his way, the chimera wondered again. His chimera friends, maybe they went missing to that fantasy world people were talking about on the internet. Perhaps, his sisters and brothers did, too? Popping that cloud, he scribbled away on his whiteboard once more. Robotic voice saying, [no, mother, that café was honestly very weird. I don't think I'll go back,] he almost wanted to erase what he just said.
"Weird? How so, son?" mother asked.
Typing up an answer, he soon erased it. No way could he say that it feels like it was in another dimension, that sounded ridiculous. Writing out he didn't know, he headed off to his room. Reading his favorite manga from his childhood, Magical Sun Girl, he sighed, how he wished he could just go to a fantasy world where no one judged him for being a chimera. Hours soon passing by in a flash, the nighttime fatigue took him away. Dozing off, he caught some zs.
~~~~~~~~
Waking up in the dead of the night, something felt off. Feeling a rather strong force near his computer, the hyena rubbed his eyes. What was that strange pulsating noise in the corner? Turning towards it, he could hardly believe what he was looking at. Bright purple portal staring at him from afar with red eyes, he placed his covers over his head. Ah, he was just dreaming, goodnight!
Covers blown off by a sudden turbulence, the early adult could feel himself being dragged towards something. Attempting to run back towards his bed, his heart leapt. What was going on here, a hurricane inside? Unable to get away, he surrendered. This was it, there was no escape. Wherever this thing was taking him, there was no way he was going to be able to escape. Sucked into the portal, a painful sensation overtook him. Consciousness slipping away, he closed his eyes.
Coming to who knows when, the hyena's buttocks hurt. Ah, where was he? Opening his eyes, a peculiar rainbow riverbed awaited him. But, such had been far from the only strange thing. Clothes different than what he went to bed in, he gazed at his reflection in the iridescent waters laid out in front of him.
Staring back at him had been a bright purple floral dress with pretty frills. Seeing such, his rosy cheeks grew warm. Ah, this dress it was so beautiful. Was he dreaming right now? If he were to wear this in public in the waking world, people would call him that horrid word, for sure. Cute, tiny little hat to match, he soon gazed at the rest of the world around him.
Bright little rainbow forest with glowing hued grass, the young adult almost squealed. This place, it felt straight out of a storybook! Where was he? Don't wake him up if he's dreaming! Pinching his wrist, he let out a little hiss. Wait, he was awake right now? Weird. So, where was he? And, how did he get here? But, he could soon hear fuzzy footsteps come towards him.
"Oh, there you are!" a little voice called. "Lala's been looking everywhere for you!"
Running towards him had been a little lavender bunny with a ribbon on her chest. Matching hat on her head, the chimera tilted his head. Wait a minute, Lala? As in Lalalaflora? That little bunny on his coaster, what was she doing here? Seeing other strange creatures running around, his head spun. Ah, this, this had to have been a dream. Right, he was thinking about Sanrio while he was passing out. He needed to ask this little bunny who she was, and if he was dreaming. Reaching for his pockets, he puffed a sigh of relief. His digital whiteboard was here with him.
[Sorry, who are you?] the text-to-speech voice asked on his behalf. [And, where am I? This is just a dream, right?]
"You don't remember me? But, you chose me at that café, didn't you?" the bunny asked. "But, that's okay, I'll introduce myself! I'm Lalalaflora, and I'm your partner in Sanrio Fanta! Nice to meet you, Siorc!" She bowed her head as she said such.
Little bunny girl bowing, the hyena backed three steps away. Hold on, how did she know his name? How weird. He needed to ask about that. Robotic voice inquiring about such, he didn't know why, but the Lalalaflora looked a little despondent. Should he have not asked that? Maybe he shouldn't have.
"Well, we're partners, after all! Of course I know your name, silly!" Lalalaflora cried. "And, I've been waiting so long for you to get here!"
Little sunny eyes looking at him, the student could feel the chicks flying over his head. Wait, she knows about the café? Hold on a second, that burger he ordered, was that him choosing her as his partner? Snapping his fingers, it all came back to him. He knew that little store was weird! That owner, she had to have been a witch. Maybe he should go back home.
[How do I go back home?] the robotic voice asked. [My mother might find out I'm missing!] But, a giggle had come his way.
"Ah, once you're here, you can't go back home until you clear certain conditions!" Lalalaflora cried. "So, you're stuck here until that happens!"
Little bunny informing him of the rules of this world, the chimera's head sunk in the grass. Ah, he sees now, so that's how it is. He's stuck in this other world until further notice? Staring off into space, he shrugged. Ah, well, maybe it wouldn't be so bad. He was away from those nasty humans at least for now right? This world seemed pretty peaceful, so what's the worst that could happen? He supposed he could partner up with this fashionable rabbit for now.
[Since I'll be here for awhile, could you guide me to a nearby town?] the mechanical voice asked on his behalf.
"Of course, let's go together!" Lalalaflora cried. "Let's go together!"
Lalalaflora taking the lead, the chimera could not help but notice the world around him as she guided him. Majestic little road dyed in gold and silver, the glowing rainbow grass had been accompanied by strange looking trees with very colorful looking fruits. Little slimes hopping around everywhere, he tried to comb through his head at recent video games that had come out that took place in adventure world.
But, nothing had come to him. The only games he had ever really played were those fashion games Leah showed him when she was staring her journey to girlhood. He wasn't much of a gamer. Coming to such realization, his eyes grew heavy. If this were an adventure world like one of those open world rpgs, he was doomed! He didn't know a single thing at all about battles.
Soon brought to a little town full of buildings that looked like they came from the middle ages, everything here had been so pastel. Seeing such, he couldn't help but feel a little warm. Maybe this place would be fine to be trapped in. At least it was pretty. Lalalaflora guiding him towards a small building, she soon turned around.
"There's other people in this little rest stop here that have been here awhile!" Lalalaflora cried. "Is it okay if I take you to them?"
Nodding, the chimera supposed that was alright. Seeing a sign for a guild off in the corner, he wondered. What era was this place in? Now, he wasn't so sure. But, as soon as he had entered the rest area, a multitude of familiar faces stuck out to him, in an instant. Seeing homely green hair, he almost dropped to the ground.
Large table hosting a lot of familiar, but also different looking face, the hyena observed the first person furthest from him. Seated at the front chair had been a tall man with medium length blond hair pulled into a side ponytail that went down to about his chest. Golden penguin crests peeking through their bangs, and light blue eyes, he wore a strange mailman costume. Seeing such, he couldn't help but feel a little confused. Wasn't this one of Leah's friends from college, Kaiser? He could have sworn he was into women's fashion. Little blue penguin with a mailman hat right next to him, he almost broke into tears as he gazed at the next person.
Seated on the chair furthest from the right had been a short young woman with emerald green hair pulled into a short wavy bun, and jade eyes to match. Large brown freckles, he almost bawled. Her hyena spots, he'd recognize them anywhere. Adorning ghostly purple hairpins, and low cut black dress, a small creature with a purple ribbon thing and punky black outfit was licking their lips for a moment, he held back the tears. Hase was here, how wonderful. So, this is where she had ended up? He sees.
On the opposite end had been a slightly taller panda person with short silver hair pulled into a tiny braid. Apple hat on the top of their head, and colorful blue, yellow, peach, and green shirt, a pitch black belly stuck out of their clothes. Little panda pal next to them, he shook his head. Ah, it was just Yinlong. How he missed them.
Spotting a rabbit man in the corner of the room with messy pink hair tied into a ponytail, the man had adorned gym clothes. Seeing such, he wrinkled his nose. Did they come here straight from working out? How odd. Little brown rabbit friend next to them, they looked ready to clock out for the day for some reason. He couldn't help but forget their name. Was was it again? Nousagi? They were already in their seventh year in college, he never crossed paths with them.
Familiar young woman in the corner, the young adult could remember those bright magenta buns from anywhere. Gazelle horns looking rather crooked, and tan face looking a little burned from the sun, the hyena studied the familiar, yet stranger in front of him. Heart shaped nose, and pointy ears, the lady adorned a bright orange shirt, and pink skirt. Was this Parisa, the girl that switched into the environmental science major halfway through his second year? He thinks so. Little dear with a ribbon on her next to her, he moved to the couple in the corner.
Tall man with a yellow hat on his head and bird wings, the hyena almost wanted to burst into laugher. Long black hair reaching down to about the man's buttocks, and white button down shirt, he could hear a white duck quack next to him. Wasn't this supposed to be the super serious Robin from the engineering class? Ha, look at him now, reduced to the ducky comic relief. Brown haired partner next to him with a low ponytail, and owl wings, the man had a azure shirt with trees on it. Blinking, he tried to remember his name. This was Robin's partner, Raven, right? He hardly remembered. These two were friends with his brother, Strix, not him. Owl friend with matching design on the belly, fourteen eyes soon looked his way.
"Huh? Siorc, you're here, too?" Hase asked. "Strange, I didn't think you would come."
[I've been worried about you, Hase,] the text-to-speech voice cracked out. [How long have you been here?]
"Hmm, about a week or so," Hase asked. "I suppose you plan to ask about the others, too? Well, Leah and Strix have been here for over a month, and I believe Pira and Coiote have been here for two." But, she had soon been interrupted by an annoying voice.
"So, you finally fashioned up and stopped wearing that old style of skirts?" Kaiser asked. "You're finally decent to look at!" As he said such, his partner yapped the same. "See, Tenchou agrees!"
"Mmm, I don't think he 'agreed', with you, you just assumed," Yinlong said. She then turned towards Siorc. "Aaanyway, wow, it's nice to see you here, Siorc! I didn't think I'd ever see you again!"
[Me neither,] the text-to-speech bot responded for him.
"Ah, then, I should probably introduce my partner to you since you're here now!" Yinlong cried. "This is Pandapple!" They put on a smile as she said such. "And, I see you're partnered up with Lalalaflora! I think she fits you nicely!"
"Easy for you to say," Nousagi said, fingers inside their rabbit ears. "I got stuck with lazy old Nuts over here."
"Hey, now!" Nuts cried. "It's you who's lazy, Nousagi!"
"Whatevs, I don't have a care in the world here."
[Parisa, it's nice to see you again,] the robotic voice called out. [You doing alright?]
"Oh, you're the other chimera in the gardening club, right? Sorry I haven't been around there much lately, I've been here the longest out of everyone," Parisa responded, bowing her head. "By the way, this is my partner Hummingmint. She's a little shy, don't mind her."
Little deer creature hiding behind her, he could see Robin's eyebrows twitch on the top of his head. Ah, he's about to say something nasty to him, wasn't he? He remembered all the times Strix would invite him to his home, he always had a bone to pick with him for some reason. And, he could never fathom why.
"Ugh, why is he here?" Robin groaned. "Mr. Perfect grades, top of the university, it's not like he needs to be here! This world is for chimeras who are ostracized! That witch made a mistake by letting him into this world!"
"That's right!" a duck quacked.
"See? Duckadoo agrees with me!" He huffed a breath as he said such.
"Ah, hon, I don't know, a lot of people on campus call him slurs all the time, I've heard them," Raven said. "Maybe he's here for the same reasons we are. Didn't you see all those horrible messages about him on the school forums?"
"Who knows? He could have written up that garbage about himself to make it look like he's being harassed, Raven!" Robin cried out.
"Hush your stupid mouth, ya birdbrain!" an owl creature cried.
"PataPataPeppy, don't call my boyfriend names," Raven said in a harsh tone. "Or, you'll regret it." He then turned towards his lover. "Why would he do that, hon? Come on, let's get along with him. After all, he's here now, too, so try to be nice."
Bird man turning his head towards the opposite direction, the hyena sighed. No matter what world he was in, this man would never see eye to eye with him, would he. Soon hearing a defiant fine coming his way, the group of two soon left the premises. Lazy rabbit man soon exiting, as well as everyone else except his sister, he looked into her eyes.
Writing down once more he missed her, he wondered if she missed him. For a long time now, she had been keeping her distance from him, and he supposed she didn't blame him for that. She was pretty popular with the other freshman in college, and besides, she was much better at hiding she was a chimera than he could ever hope to me.
"I missed you, too, bro," Hase said. "Since you're here now, what do you plan to do? You'll need to find something to do here, you know."
Question coming his way, the chimera's mind went blank. Ah, what should he do here? He didn't know. And, honestly, how could he? He had only just been transported here, so what could he do? He didn't know, but he supposed he would have to figure something out, right? But, what? He had never read any isekai novels before, if that was even the word. He had always heard the anime nerds back home use that word all the time.
Placing his finger on his chin, the student tried to think of something. Should he just go on an adventure in this fantasy world? But, he crossed such out. Nah, he wasn't much for an adventurer. Whenever he'd play video games, it was always the fashion ones. Was there anything like that here? He didn't think so. There probably wasn't anything like that here at all.
Continuing to go back and forth in his head, he didn't know. Should he just join the guild and find a team to join until he were able to come to some sort of conclusion on what he wanted to do? But, he knew that didn't seem like that was the right option for him, either. Maybe he shouldn't do anything that would lead to him getting hurt.
Going through the rivers of his memories, he recalled that one anime he watched a long time ago about a guild gone wrong. Popping such thought with a bubble, he knew for sure he wasn't about to join some guild. That would just lead to danger. Just because this fantasy world seemed sweet and colorful on the surface, didn't mean it couldn't have possibly been dark underneath the hood.
But, the chimera threw such thoughts away. Why would this place be like that? This place, having some sort of darkness underneath it? No way, why would that be the case here? This wasn't like that one isekai anime he watched a long time ago in his teen years where the entire guild died off! Of course not, what was he thinking? No idea coming to him, he scribbled away on his digital whiteboard.
[I have no idea what I want to do with my Sanrio Fantasy life,] the text-to-speech voice said for him. [What about you, Hase, what do you do?]
"I don't do much, really," Hase responded. "Every once and awhile, I go on small adventures in the forest with Parisa. But, Romina isn't strong enough yet, so we still need to do some training."
"Don't sell me short here, Hase!" Romina cried.
"Sheesh, sorry," Hase said to Romina. She then turned towards her brother. "Well, whatever you end up deciding is up to you. But, I think I should warn you about a few things before you start your life here." She closed her eyes for a moment before you continued. "You see your partner over there? Remember this. Lalalaflora and you are bonded by soul. It may not make sense right away, but should you find yourself in a battle, you'll understand what I mean." Her fingers twirled through her hair as she continued. "And, there's just one more thing I think I should tell you." But, as she tried, a loud siren on her phone rang. "Never mind, I have to go, sorry, Siorc. See you later, maybe?"
[See you later,] the text-to-speech voice called out.
Sister soon leaving, the chimera turned towards his Sanrio partner. What did Hase mean by the two of them were bonded by their souls? Shrugging, he supposed he'd probably find out later, wouldn't he? Maybe it was nothing to worry about. Exiting the little rest area, he crouched down towards the little fashion bunny.
"Since you don't have anywhere to stay, you can sleep in my little tent in the forest for now!" Lalalaflora cried. "Is that okay?"
Nodding, the chimera let the little bunny lead the way. Guided into a strange little forest with trees that moved from side to side with little eyes faces, the chimera rubbed his eyes. Huh, this little place, it kind of looked like he had fallen into a rubberhose styled world. How silly. Crawling into the little tent, the rabbit soon yawned.
"Nighty, night, partner!" Lalalaflora cried. Curled up into a ball, she snored immediately.
Just about enough space for him to lay down, the chimera placed himself down upon the tent floor. Feeling a wave of tiredness flow through him, he stared at the ceiling for a moment. So, this is where he was going to be until further notice, huh? Maybe being here wouldn't be so bad. Feeling himself about ready to doze off, one last thought came down with him into the dream world.
In the morning, he needs to think about what he wants to do in this world.
Sorry, the first chapter is a little long, I hope that doesn't bother anyone, aha. Second chapter will focus on the rules of the world a bit! This will be fun. I promise nothing bad will happen... unless? Heh.
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