Palamon
Silence is Purple
- 8,970
- Posts
- 16
- Years
- Age 28
- he/him
- Snezhnaya, Teyvat.
- Seen yesterday
Hi, there! Welcome to What's Cooking in the Horror Kitchen? My next story within Siorc's multiverse involving a version of Siorc that is an aspiring chef who wants to open a restaurant that makes food from all cultures across the world! But, little does he know he's about to have a ghostly surprise in his kitchen... It'll be about 26 chapters, enjoy!
Dish 1: The Steak Monster
"Hi there, my name is Siorc Ingne, the
Ever energetic, but silent hyena chimera
Living in the dorms of Cultural Culinary Arts Institute. But,
Let me start by saying, my journey is
Over today! That's right,
I'm graduating, and I'm receiving
My culinary license. I'm
So excited to one day open my own restaurant rich
In food from every single culture across the world!
Oh, and now that I'm free, maybe I'll travel! Well, first I need to
Return to my home. I have a pretty huge family.
Chimeras, you see, are human appearing creatures, but have some traits of animals.
I am called Siorc because of my shark brain.
Now, I am just
Going to reveal it! Right
Now, so I am the valedictorian,
Ehehe, that's pretty awesome,
Isn't it? I was the highest
Acheiver here at this college. It
Might have almost six years to
Get here, because I went for a master's, but it was
Rather worth it! And, I
Am the top performer. I
Don't think I could have done it if I studied anywhere else.
Uh, anyway, my graduation is today,
And I am excited.
Though, I won't be giving my speech,
I wrote it down, but I am honestly
Not a talker. I'm
Going to be a little more honest about that
For a moment, I've never
Regarded myself as much
Of a talker, I know that
Might come off
As incredibly ironic since I'm a hyena
Chimera, but I am just not someone who speaks.
Uh, for starters, I don't
Like my voice, so
I use other methods of communication instead.
Now, a lot of people
Are wondering how a
Rather silent person like me got valedictorian.
Yes, I know, it's an
Absolute shocker, isn't it? It's
Rather perplexing, hmm?
To be honest, it really isn't.
Simply put, I just
Continued to get the best grades
Of everyone here, and it
Lead me to getting the top grade point average.
Look, it's not about sociability.
Everything is about
Grades. I never,
Ever went to parties, never accepted invitations
To bars, and the like.
Of course people assumed I
Don't have friends because of that, but
Actually, I do. But, most people assume I'm a never
Yielding loser who is
A stick in the mud. But, I am
Simply not.
Though, I suppose I can
Hardly blame people for assuming this. I'm not
Especially the loudest nor do I hang out
Very often, but I
Am not a complete stick in the mud.
Look, I found some chimeras who aren't
Especially loud party animals.
Don't get me wrong,
I have met a whole ton of
Completely off
The cuff party animals
Over the course of six years I've been here, but I
Rained on their parade
In seconds, so pretty much
All of them
Never tried to invite me to drink with them
Again. In any case,
Starting tomorrow, I
Am a free hyena.
Hopefully, I will get enough funds to open my restaurant within a
Year! I don't
Even know if that's possible, it might
Not be, but I'll put my
Absolute all into it!
Counting the days I'll finally
Have my dream eatery.
I don't know when that
Might be, but with my
Enthusiasm maybe I'll get funds
Relatively quickly!
After all, I can make cuisines from all around the world.
I have what it takes,
Have what it takes to
Absolutely prove to this world there's a
Decillion recipes that I can do!
That's a bit
Of an exaggeration, but I can do anything! Any
Recipe will do. Pretty much,
I can do any cuisine,
So I think a restaurant run by me will
End up being famous, end
Up on television, but I don't care about fame.
Probably, anyway.
But I do care about being the
Ultimate flavor spreader across
The globe! Which,
I know I'm capable of, of course!
Do I think
It'll all go easily for me? I
Don't know, but of course,
I'm going to
Try my best!
You know the key to success is
Always being ready for anything, and
You bet I'm ready for anything!"
A short, young adult feminine appearing college student with long dark purple hair that went down to about the chest stretched the hands out as the dorm room alarm clock rang within every single dormitory within the Cultural Culinary Arts Institute. Sun beams hitting the window, the person put on a warm smile. Calendar date in the corner reading, graduation with a huge exclamation point, the person sighed longingly.
Today was the day, graduation day. After six years at this establishment and hundreds of hours of cooking, the person would finally be culinarily licensed. Finally, after all the countless tests. After all the many days of studying and learning about new flavors, it all paid off. Hyena tail swishing from behind, the almost graduate let out a quiet sigh.
To all the people that said a hyena chimera could never graduate in the culinary art field, they had been proven wrong. Were the humans watching? They'd better, because every single one of them were about to be so embarrassed. That's right, their faces will all be red from being so cooked when they saw the person being addressed as valedictorian! Cracking the knuckles energy was flowing in through the roof. But, someone soon ruined it.
"Siorc, are you going to just sit there looking pretty?" roommate number one asked. "We have to clean out our dorm before graduation this evening! Don't you have to go to the airport at like, four in the morning?"
"I mean, like, dude, he's probably thinking about his valedictorian speech," roommate number two said. "Kinda wild a hyena chimera got that here. I'm just sayin', bro, you're gonna get a lot of angry stares at you in the gymnasium." He then sighed. "Your interpreter or whatever still readin' your speech, right?"
Reminder coming his way, the hyena shrugged. So, what if he was going to receive some pushback for being valedictorian? He worked hard and studied all kinds of world cuisines for this! Who cares if people will glare at him? In the end, it was worth it! After all these years, that restaurant dream he had could finally be a reality! Reaching for his food notes tablet, he scribbled away upon the screen.
[It's fine. People can stare at me all they want. Maybe it'll make some of the slacking students want to pick up the pace and be more like me.] Slow sliding text across his tablet said.
"Right, I mean, sure bro," roommate number two said. "Honestly, ain't so sure about that. But, maybe a few chimeras might want to outdo you in the next semester or something." They then sighed. "Anyway, no more dillydallying. Hurry up and get dressed so we can start cleaning out our room!"
Running into the shared restroom, the food enthusiast gazed at the reflection in the mirror. Mismatched purple and green eyes as vibrant as ever, a bright green night shirt with sleeping pandas and the text napping queen had been practically tossed across the room. Dark purple pants folded up as well, a plain white t-shirt with a fork on it slightly curved towards a meatball had soon taken its place.
Pitch black floor length skirt pulled over him, the young adult pulled his hair into a high ponytail. Fork shaped hairpins and earrings clipped down, the hyena opened the cabinet. Time to get rid of everything in here. Objects removed from the top shelf one after another, the almost graduate headed off towards the shared closet.
Suitcase removed, the chimera sped off like lightning. Better hurry and pack everything. When was the graduation ceremony again? Ah, right, at five sharp. And, when did he have to be in the gymnasium? An hour before, right. There was hardly any time to lose. Coats slammed in one after another, the chimera rushed towards the drawers, in a heartbeat.
"Bro, you know you can't wear that skirt to graduation, you gotta follow the men's dress code," roommate number two said. "You know that, right?"
Fingers pointing his way, the almost graduate rolled his eyes towards the ceiling. Of course he'd bring up that nonsense now. Did he forget who he was looking at right now? The valedictorian, like hello? He sees that must have slipped their mind just now! Maybe he ought to remind them! Tablet out and about, he scribble away on the screen.
[I got permission to wear a skirt, okay? Don't worry about it. Shouldn't you be packing up your side of the room?] Slow sliding text across his tablet said.
"Dude, unlike you, I'm almost done already," roommate number two said. "I don't have a gazillion things to put away."
"Same, I don't have a lot to pack either," roommate number one said. "Unlike you, I live in this country. "Doesn't your family live in like, Venice Italy or something?"
[No, I live in Mestre, when did I ever say I lived in Venice? I live next to Venice. Do you Americans ever listen when we talk to you?] Slow sliding text across his tablet said.
"Aight, so I forgot, whatever, sue me bro," roommate number one said. "So, all your chimera pals live in there, right?"
[Shouldn't we be finishing cleaning up our dorm now?] Slow sliding text across his tablet asked.
"Was just askin', bro, no need to get all defensive," roommate number one said, sighing. "But, you're right, let's finish cleaning. We gotta be outta here by two."
Dashing towards the drawers, the hyena could not help but put on a somber smile as the bright green apron with the text, do not kiss the cook it's gross had been pulled out. This cloth had gotten him through thick and thin here over the past six years. And now, someday, it would be known worldwide in his future restaurant. Clothes folded up and put away, he rummaged through his other belongings.
Collection of extremely unrealistic food and nature manga crammed into the suitcase, the hyena pocketed his tiny little jewelry box in his back skirt pocket. Containers finally empty, he tossed the various plushies into the box as well. Posters of various cooking celebrities tossed away, he brushed his hands together. One day, he'll surpass them all. He won't be needing these anymore.
Gazing at the time, the food enthusiast removed a sheet of papers from his binder. Valedictorian speech printed on top, he cruised over it for a moment. Was his communication assistant really going to be able to read all this? What if they slipped up and said something stupid? But, he shook his head. No, no, it'll all be fine, right, they practiced this for months now. And, besides, the slideshow would be running, too, it would be fine.
Suitcase slung over the shoulder, the chimera bid farewell to the dormitories. So long, sleeping quarters, farewell. May someone who is actually willing to put in the effort for culinary art studies be assigned this room in the next semester. Plopping the container into his roommate's trunk, the party of two glared at him for a moment once more.
"You ready?" roommate number one asked.
"I'm ready to bid this institution goodbye," roommate number two said. "You?"
"Yeah, I mean, I got a gig with the local pizza joint right after graduation, so I'm set," roommate number one said. "And, you?"
"Dunno, thinking of starting an online food delivery service for unusual cuisine," roommate number two said. "We'll see. What 'bout you, Siorc?"
Question coming his way, the chimera shrugged. He thought he told these two multiple times he was planning on opening his own restaurant someday in the heart of the world. Wouldn't it be grand if he could open it up straight where the old capital of the world was in Rome? But, ah, that was just a pipe dream for now.
[Someday, I'd like to open a restaurant that offers all the types of cuisine in the world.] Slow sliding text across the tablet said.
"Ah, right, forgot 'bout that. Well, good luck to you, bro," roommate number two said. "Anyway, we should probably get our caps and gowns on. Gotta get to the gymnasium soon."
Pitch black cap and gown handed to him, the hyena slipped the cloth on. Gazing upwards towards the sky, he let out a sigh. He would never have to see these dirty, polluted smoke filled skies again after today. So long, United Flop of America, may he never have to walk on this soil again. All those humans who laughed at him and called him names for attending here, they'd better watch him because he's going to have the best cultural restaurant in the world.
Bidding farewell to all the professors in the last few hours remaining, a small somber look painted the chimera's face. Hopefully, the next semester's freshman wouldn't give the teachers a hard time. He had heard from various that recipe comprehension was at an all time low. But, oh, well, not his problem.
Gymnasium filled to the brim early, the almost graduate prepared himself. Seated in the front row, the young adult broke out into a sweat. This speech, would it go well? What if he flipped to the wrong slide? He definitely would, wouldn't he? Ah no, no, stay calm, it'll all go fine. Right, it would go swimmingly. Of course he would. His communication assistant was with him, after all. They practiced.
Middle aged human standing at the podium, the microphone soon screeched up a storm. A million different announcements going off at once, the food enthusiast almost wanted to bite his nails. Any second now, and he would say, and now, our valedictorian will give a speech. Ah, no, was the slideshow ready? No, it definitely wasn't, oh, no.
"And now, our valedictorian, Siorc Ingne will be presenting a speech," the dean up front said.
Eyes glued to him, the chimera broke into a sweat. Why did everyone have to look at him like that? Stepping up to the podium, a brown haired bespectacled woman stood in the corner with a microphone. Little button hidden behind his hand, the sea kept growing bigger. Please, please go well. No mistakes now.
"Thank you for this honor, my name is Siorc Ingne, I know I have always been the quiet one, but learning here for the past six years has been a dream come true," his communication assistant read out loud with a little too much enthusiasm. "I learned so much about the culinary arts, and I hope to spread as many flavors across the world as possible someday. Thank you, with all my heart for letting me study here!"
Stares getting sharper, the hyena flipped to the next slide in a frantic manner. Ah, those stares, he knew what the students were whispering. Why did they let this guy be valedictorian? Shaking it all off, the second and final portion of the slides had been ready to go, but the stares had only begun to get stronger as the seconds waved onward.
"I hope that any future student who comes here finds the joys of cooking all kinds of dishes from around the world and spreads their admiration for the culinary arts for years to come. Cultural Culinary Arts Institute is the highest, and pristine place to learn about cooking and baking," the communication assistant read out loud with just a little too much enthusiasm. "Long live the CCARTI, I'll never forget my time here on this campus. I know as a hyena chimera, many thought I'd never stand upon this stage, but today, I proved every single one of you wrong! And, one day, you'll all be eating at my restaurant!"
Eyes glued to him, the graduate broke into a sweat. Ah, he should have deleted that last few bit of sentences from the script, why didn't he? Whispers under their breath only getting louder, he swore he could hear someone say karma would come for him. But, he threw such thoughts off the podium. Ah, no, he was hearing things, for sure. Silly eardrums, the pressure was just getting to him, that's all.
Diploma handed to him, the hyena soon bowed. Returning to his seat, the hours passed by slowly. Man, he never realized how many people were getting their degrees today. Few other chimeras getting theirs as well, he pumped his fist off towards the skies. He definitely proved everyone here wrong, a hyena chimera can become valedictorian. Take that, every single human out there who told him he couldn't!
Ceremony coming to an end, the chimera threw his cap up into the air. As of this second, he was an alumni. Would people remember his name on the wall of fame? Ah, maybe not in the next year or so, but maybe in the next decade. After all, he's going to have the best cultural restaurant in the world! America had better watch out. Their dumb deep dish pizzas wouldn't hold a candle to him.
Going for one last round of dinner at the diner, the young adult swore he could see someone constantly staring at him with sharp intense daggers. But, he brushed such off. Ah, well, whoever they were, he'd never see them again anyway. He supposed it was natural for people to be jealous of him, he was the valedictorian after all. But, why was he getting this sudden eerie feeling that someone wanted to get back at him for something? Munching away at the triple paddied burger, he hummed away. Starting tomorrow, it's back to home base.
Late evening soon passing by, the hyena bid farewell to his roommates one last time. May they find success in their careers in the future. Woohber driver pulling up against the curb, he pulled the door closed slowly but surely. Airport location typed into a phone, the hyena placed his hands on the back of his head.
Driver up front calling out to him to wake up, the chimera flinched. Ah, had he fallen asleep? Silly him! Dude up front asking if this was his stop, he gazed at the window. O'Hare International Airport, when was the last time he came here again? Ah, right, six years ago. America hadn't rubbed off on him, right? He remembered when he was a little kid after moving from Wales to Italy people said he had the Wales chimera look to him. Whatever that meant. Would his siblings say that he vibrated Murican energy, or something? Oh, boy, please no. Please, no.
Stupidly tiresome security checks taking what felt like a million years, the college graduate let out a groan. Man, why did these airports have to check every single one of his pockets? Human hands, they were so slimy. Watching as his luggage went through some checking process, his tablet nearly fell out of his pocket. Gah, one wrong move and it would have been a goner.
Pressing onwards towards the seventh gate as the flight towards Italy was called, the hyena gazed at his passport. After this second, his stay in this hot, infernal landscape would finally come to an end. So long, judgmental humans. Goodbye, annoying creepers who had choice words to say about him, may they burn their fingers on the stovetop by accident!
Plane kicking off, the chimera cracked open a book entitled, Secrets about Nature. Announcer crying out for everyone to hang tight this would be a ten hour long flight, he swore he could see bright golden eyes staring at him from the seats in the other row. But, the hyena tuned such out. Ah, no, he was seeing things surely. Maybe he was turning the pages a little too loud.
Turning on an in-flight movie, a little cartoon about seeking out the legendary green spider lilies played. Feeling himself doze off halfway through, the chimera closed his eyes. Wake him up when this flight is over, so long.
->
"We are now landing. Welcome to Mestre, Italy. Please remain seated, and remember to take all your belongings," the announcer said on the loudspeaker.
Eyes popping open, the chimera rubbed the lids. Ah, he was back home already? Man, he slept through the whole movie! Well, oh well, he had seen that animation at least a dozen times at this point, it's not like he missed anything. Removing his luggage from the top, he took out his phone. Text messages from his brother telling him to come to the entrance, they're waiting for him, he almost let out a sea of tears. He thought everyone worked today, but he supposed he thought wrong.
Dragging his luggage through the area, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. Why did he still feel like there were scary eyes glued to him? He didn't know. But, he shook his head. No, he was imagining it. Maybe he was walking too loud! Right, that's all it was, he needed to stop being so nervous, right, it would be fine. He knew his tail attracted too much attention sometimes.
Seeing a sign off in the distance labelled Siorc, the young adult sprinted towards the finish line. After six years, he was finally home. Finally back where he belonged in good old Italy. He could hardly believe the time had finally arrived. Spotting a dark sky through the windows in the corner, he reached for his phone. Ah, right, it was seven hours later over here.
"Welcome home, kid," a deep, base voice said. "Heard you got valedictorian. Proud of you."
Holding the sign up in the corner had been a tall adult man with short pine green hair pulled into a high ponytail. Blue violet eyes highlighted by intense dark circles, his face had been decorated with countless large hyena spots. Seeing such, the food enthusiast almost looked away. Pira never concealed his spots? How did he not get embarrassed by that? But, he supposed at his ripe old age of almost twenty five, he shouldn't care about such things anymore.
"Siorc, I'm so glad your back!" a high pitched voice cried. "Mom's cooking still sucks, but since you're back, she doesn't have to be in the kitchen anymore and burn everything she touches!"
Standing in the corner with a messenger back on the side of her waist had been a young adult hyena chimera woman with long curly emerald green hair pulled into a left swept ponytail. Green eyes to match, she adorned a mouse belly shirt. He had heard Hase hadn't been doing so well in her performing arts college, did she switch majors by now? For some reason, she almost never texted him.
"Yeah, Siorc, for the past few years, foods sucked so hard!" another high pitched voice cried. "We're so glad you're back!"
Smiling next to Hase had been a short young adult woman with light purple hair that went down to about her chest. Violet eyes to match, her hyena spots had been covered by boatloads of makeup. Bright yellow summer dress practically flowing on the outside breeze, he almost did a double take. It would seem Leah's journey to womanhood has been going quite well. At least, from the looks of it.
"Dear, I wouldn't say that, mom tries her best," a tenor but charmingly feminine voice said. "But, your cooking always hit the spot."
Standing with their fingers in hand heart pose had been a slightly taller adult feminine individual with light violet hair pulled into a low bun. Blue hairpin stuck to the back of it, their light green eyes had been decorated with glittering mascara. Lavender dress with ribbon straps, the chimera put on a smile. He sees Natalie's journey to womanhood had been going great as well.
"I dunno, like, she's trying," an alto voice said. "Barely, but she's trying. More than what I can say for pops. He doesn't even cook."
Scratching his head in the corner had been a rather tall adult blending masculinity and femininity together in a sandwich. Spiky radioactive green hair that went down to about his chin with some loose spiky portions going over his shoulders, his pupils matched almost exactly. Man, Strix never changed. He almost never saw him. He recalled when he was little when Hase asked why don't they all see him during the day. He recalled how shocked his little pea brain was learning about nocturnality. He supposed he was lucky to see him right now, it was after dark after all. Dumb and obnoxious yellow vest with polka sleeves sticking out, he almost wanted to slap a palm on his face. And, same fashion sense he had six years ago when he left for the comedian academy, or whatever he called it.
"I mean, can ya blame th' guy, he works seven days a week!" an alto, but gruff voice cried. "But, eh, it's good Siorc came back. We all tried learning to cook, but we all suck at it."
Talking with his hands in the corner had been a short adult feminine, excuse him, manly looking person with long light green hair pulled into a low ponytail. Red earring tassels, his emerald eyes looked like they were done with this world. Adorning a pitch black band shirt with a crying sun on it, he always wondered how Varg never got tired of listening to Samsara. Eh, whatever, it is what it is. Deigr and Coiote nowhere to be seen, he reached for the tablet.
[Where are Deigr and Coiote?] Slow sliding text across his tablet said.
"I dunno, they're out with their boyfriends," Varg said, shaking his head then shrugging. "We told them you were comin' home, but they told us that they're not cancellin'." He sighed. "Dunno. Maybe they'll be home tomorrow, or the next day."
Boyfriends mentioned, the hyena shrugged. He remembered the late summer he left for America those two were trying over and over to start a family. Had that still been difficult? Well, oh well, they were in their late thirties now, he hardly had any connection with those two. He should have known they wouldn't come. Oh, well, some things never changed, did they?
"Well, let's go home, kiddo," Pira said. "Don't worry, we didn't rent your room out to anyone while you were gone. Though, Deigr and Coiote might have tried that a few times with one of their many boyfriends. But, we locked your door so they couldn't."
Hearing such, the food enthusiast let out a groan. Deigr and Coiote were the same as always, huh? How tiresome. Maybe it was better they hadn't come to see him. They should just hurry up and get married already and move out. But, he kept such thoughts to himself. Not like he'd ever say that out loud. Walking off towards the minivan, he seated himself in the back. How he missed this big old hummer.
Face practically glued to the window, the chimera could not help but feel a tang of pain at some of the sights before him. The small comic book store he used to go to after school was a printing press now? Man, it was the twenty first century, who even did that anymore? Hip and popping restaurants replaced with multiple other stores as well, he became crestfallen. So much had changed since he was last here. Where did all the nice restaurants go?
"Yeah, so, a lot of the eateries we went to closed a couple years go," Strix said. "Dunno why, they said something about a curse. Like, some gigantic steak monster came by one day and threatened to kill? But, the owner was a bit on the loopy side."
[Are there any new restaurants that were built while I was gone?] Slow sliding text across his tablet asked.
"Well, plenty, yeah," Strix said. "You gonna try them out while you're looking for work?"
[Of course I am. I have to try them all!] Slow sliding text across his tablet cried.
"Atta boy, that's the spirit," Varg said. "We think you might like the Georgian eatery that opened up last year."
"And, recently, a few halal places opened up in Venice," Hase said. "My friends and I go there sometimes after school."
"And, a bubble tea place, too," Leah said. "I bet you want to check it out!"
Siblings telling him one after another multiple new restaurants that opened up across Italy, the hyena let out a sigh. There had been so many new places to try! But, he couldn't help but think about that story Strix talked about a few minutes ago. Thinking about it for a moment, he put his fingers on his chin.
Strix, he said that a few restaurants closed because of some steak monster. What was that about? Did they see some sort of food ghost, or something? But, he shook his head. Ah, no, ghosts weren't real and neither were monsters. Maybe they were just seeing things. Right, of course, some people see things that aren't there. He knew that. Nothing to worry about. Chatter continuing, a set of hands had been raised upward.
"Alright, everyone, let's all calm down a bit," Natalie said in a gentle tone. "Siorc just had a long flight. We can catch him up on everything in the morning."
Chattering quieting down, the chimera kept gazing out the window. Park covered with litter, the food enthusiast let out a groan. As expected, absolutely no one cared enough to clean it up. Maybe during his free time he should do it. But, he supposed for now, it could wait until he's settled back in here. Few other places he hardly recognized, he could feel nostalgia die. So much had changed in six years, hadn't it?
Brakes screeching as the minivan entered the driveway, the hyena broke into a sweat. Same old loud brakes too, huh? Some things never change. How much longer did this old rust bucket have? He supposed, give or take, around a year or two maybe. How many years old was this car now? Twenty five years old? Man, they had this thing since he was in his mother's womb! Happy carthday to hummer! Reaching for his tablet, he scribbled away.
[Is mom home?] Slow sliding text across his tablet asked.
"No, she's on another one of her excursions again," Pira said. "Mom's been busy looking into some history that's apparently been erased to time. We don't know when she'll return. Probably in the next few days."
History excursion mentioned, the young adult shook his head. While some things changed, other things remained the same. No wonder mother never learned how to cook well, she was always hopping around chasing history. But, it's not like that's any different than how things already were.
"And, dad's currently in Athens," Strix added. "We don't know when he'll be back, either."
Shrugging, the young adult unbuckled his seatbelt. He sees his father was the same as always, too. But, that was historian parents, he supposed. They were always away somewhere looking into the past. Nothing was any different than it was six years back. Same old terrible cooks, same old parents always going off on an adventure. He was an adult, anyway, he could take care of himself. It's not like he truly needed anyone's guidance at this point in his life.
Closing the door behind him, the college graduate cracked his knuckles. And, now, the moment he had been waiting for. How different did his home look since the last time he came here? Front door opening as the garage closed up shop, he braced himself. He bet that Deigr had the walls painted neon green, here goes!
House looking the same as it always did, but with a few more awards here and there, the chimera shrugged. Well, at least Deigr didn't make the house hideous like she threatened to so many times when he was younger. Siblings all dispersing into their own rooms, the key to his own had been plopped into the palm of his hand.
Twisting the key into the lock, the food enthusiast took a deep breath as he wheeled his luggage forward. First time in his abode since leaving, no one took his skirts, did they? If Deigr stole his lacy, frilly black skirts, she will pay. Plopping the container onto his bed, he made a run for his drawers, in an instant.
Skirts looking untouched, a sigh of relief flowed through the chimera. Thank goodness Deigr and Coiote didn't take them. They always told him skirts didn't look good on him. Which, they were wrong about, of course. Clothes folded up and put away one after another, he let out a yawn. Man, this change in time was making him so incredibly sleepy, what gives?
Hairpins and earrings box put aside, the chimera rubbed his eyes. Maybe he should finish unpacking in the morning instead. But, he shook his head. No, no, if he didn't do it now, he'd never get it done! Various manga books plopped onto the shelf, he let out a somber sigh. He supposed the one good thing about America was their big collection of anime and manga to gawk at. The Italian selection could never compare. But, hopefully, that'd changed in the past six years.
Everything soon put away, the food enthusiast let out another yawn. Maybe it was time to hit the hay. Napping queen pajamas plopped upon him, the young adult removed the hairpins and earrings. Crawling into his bed for the first time in what felt like a million years, he could feel himself about to doze off, but as he was about to head for dream land, he swore he could hear something rather eerie.
"You'll pay," an eerie voice cried out.
Eyes closed, the hyena broke into a sweat as the world of dreams dragged him back in. He'll pay? Pay for what? But, he shrugged such off. Ah, Varg was listening to his hip hop music too loud again, wasn't he? Some things never changed, and never would. Maybe he should have come to expect that by now, huh? Drifting off, he caught some zzzs.
->
The next afternoon.
Alarm clock ringing off the walls, the hyena groaned as he slammed down the button. Could he have five more minutes, please? Rubbing his eyes, the young adult read the numbers on the time device. Woah, it was one in the afternoon? He slept so late! Was this that mythical jetlag he had heard about so many times? Maybe so.
Hair pulled up into a high ponytail, matching spoon hairpins and earrings had been clipped into his hair and ears. Sitting crisscross upon the top of his bed, he wondered. What should he make today? Snapping his fingers, he had a eureka moment. Oh, he should make a nice juicy steak with a salad on the side! That would be a perfect way to signal off his debut back into the cooking world at home!
But, as the chimera lifted himself upward from his bed, he swore he could see a large steak shaped shadow from behind him. Huh? What in the world is that? Could it be that silly steak monster he was told about? But, he shook his head. No, no, there was no such thing as ghosts! And, of course, there was no such thing as food monsters either, right.
Slapping on his do not kiss the cook, it's gross apron, the hyena cracked his knuckles. It was time to make a lean, mean juicy steak! It had been so long since he had stepped foot in his home kitchen! Hands scrubbed almost into oblivion, he put on his heart checkered pattern gloves. It's time to get prepping!
Kitchen feeling awfully cold, the chimera broke into a shiver. Had Pira turned the air on this morning? Air conditioners all off, he shook his head. How strange, not a single one them of that been blowing air. Maybe mother turned the heat off? Gazing at the thermostat, such had not been the case. Ah, maybe a window was open, of course.
Windows all closed, the confusion continued. How could this be? Something was not right here. Shrugging, he headed for the freezer. He needed to get his head out of that occult gutter! It was time to get cooking! Packaged steak removed from the freezer, the hyena removed veggies from the fridge as well. Here goes, it was time for Cooking With Siorc Ingne! But, he let out a little laugh. Haha, as if. He never had the guts to start that cooking vlog.
Defrosting the meat, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. Why did it feel like someone was watching him from somewhere? His siblings were at the farmers market like they always were during the afternoons in the summer. Had a bug flied in, or something? Maybe. There wasn't any time to think about such things.
As the chimera cut up the lettuce, he swore the headed leafy food had an angry face on it. Had his mother started collecting funny face foods, or something? Hearing screams as he cut into the soft cranium, the college graduate closed his eyes. Ugh, are the neighbor kids screaming while playing water tag again? They were so loud! Chopping away, he listened carefully at the shouts.
"Stop cutting, you're hurting me!" a voice cried.
Continuing to chop, the screams continued. That lettuce head, did it just talk to him? Knife hammering down, he tuned such out. No, of course not, it most certainly wasn't! What was this, a food horror story? Of course it wasn't, he was thinking way too hard about that steak monster he heard about yesterday, that's all!
Lettuce thrown around into a little bowl, he swore he could hear the lemons and tomatoes break out into tears as he diced them up. Apple screeching as well, he pinched his wrist. Was he dreaming right now? He had to have been, for sure. Joint stinging, he clicked his tongue. Okay, maybe he wasn't? What gives?
Painting on the barbeque sauce, the hyena gazed downwards at the slabs of meat. Was it just him, or did these little creatures have eyeballs? Shrugging, he turned on the stove. Slapping down the veggies next to it, he kept his hand steady. These juicy barbeque steaks are going to come out so good, everyone's going to enjoy them so much.
But, as the first steak had been about to finish, the chimera could feel his breath fade away. Gloved hands becoming one with his neck, the hyena could feel a an intense wave of dizziness. Who's there? Who came in here? Digits squeezing tighter, he tried to let out a scream. Did someone break in? Oh, no, he's done for.
"You'll pay!" a voice cried. "Die!"
Letting out a scream, the chimera could feel everything go limp. Twisting the knob on the stove, he attempted to break free. Jumping back, he could hardly believe his eyes at the sight before him. Gigantic steak with cartoonish hands and feet, the hyena's heart skipped more than two beats. Where did this creature come from?! Knife in the palm of his hands, he sliced forward.
"I'll get you next time for burning my children!" the cartoonish steak cried.
Creature running out, the chimera huffed a weak breath. Hacking up a storm, the hyena almost dropped onto the tiles beneath him. What in the world was that just now? That story Strix told him about, could it have been true? Removing his phone from his back pocket, he typed in the search prompt, food ghosts spotted.
Multiple articles everywhere speaking about sudden hauntings of food ghosts, the hyena shook like a leaf. Bottom text of an article reading, if you can see food monsters and ghosts, then, I'm sorry, you have the power to summon them around you. Be careful when cooking. Eyeballing such, he broke into a sweat. No, did he have that power? Reading the article further, he could see another portion towards the bottom.
Anonymous blogger stating that multiple people had been attempting to deal with these creatures around the world, the food enthusiast wondered. Should he do something about them, too? Maybe he should. Leaving a comment on the blog post, he closed his phone. Ha, it's not like this person will answer him, right? Probably not. But, he supposed, if he did, maybe he'll take care of this issue.
Steaks finished, the chimera plopped down in his room. Man, he could use a little nap. Curling up underneath his bed, he closed his eyes. But, he swore as he did, he could hear someone telling him he would pay once again. Shrugging it off, the young adult had been about ready to be dragged off into dreamland. But, one last thought hammered down upon him as he caught some zzzs.
Did he have the power to summon food ghosts around him?
That better not be the case. He'll deal with this later.
This story is based on a drawing series I did, by the way. :)
Dish 1: The Steak Monster
"Hi there, my name is Siorc Ingne, the
Ever energetic, but silent hyena chimera
Living in the dorms of Cultural Culinary Arts Institute. But,
Let me start by saying, my journey is
Over today! That's right,
I'm graduating, and I'm receiving
My culinary license. I'm
So excited to one day open my own restaurant rich
In food from every single culture across the world!
Oh, and now that I'm free, maybe I'll travel! Well, first I need to
Return to my home. I have a pretty huge family.
Chimeras, you see, are human appearing creatures, but have some traits of animals.
I am called Siorc because of my shark brain.
Now, I am just
Going to reveal it! Right
Now, so I am the valedictorian,
Ehehe, that's pretty awesome,
Isn't it? I was the highest
Acheiver here at this college. It
Might have almost six years to
Get here, because I went for a master's, but it was
Rather worth it! And, I
Am the top performer. I
Don't think I could have done it if I studied anywhere else.
Uh, anyway, my graduation is today,
And I am excited.
Though, I won't be giving my speech,
I wrote it down, but I am honestly
Not a talker. I'm
Going to be a little more honest about that
For a moment, I've never
Regarded myself as much
Of a talker, I know that
Might come off
As incredibly ironic since I'm a hyena
Chimera, but I am just not someone who speaks.
Uh, for starters, I don't
Like my voice, so
I use other methods of communication instead.
Now, a lot of people
Are wondering how a
Rather silent person like me got valedictorian.
Yes, I know, it's an
Absolute shocker, isn't it? It's
Rather perplexing, hmm?
To be honest, it really isn't.
Simply put, I just
Continued to get the best grades
Of everyone here, and it
Lead me to getting the top grade point average.
Look, it's not about sociability.
Everything is about
Grades. I never,
Ever went to parties, never accepted invitations
To bars, and the like.
Of course people assumed I
Don't have friends because of that, but
Actually, I do. But, most people assume I'm a never
Yielding loser who is
A stick in the mud. But, I am
Simply not.
Though, I suppose I can
Hardly blame people for assuming this. I'm not
Especially the loudest nor do I hang out
Very often, but I
Am not a complete stick in the mud.
Look, I found some chimeras who aren't
Especially loud party animals.
Don't get me wrong,
I have met a whole ton of
Completely off
The cuff party animals
Over the course of six years I've been here, but I
Rained on their parade
In seconds, so pretty much
All of them
Never tried to invite me to drink with them
Again. In any case,
Starting tomorrow, I
Am a free hyena.
Hopefully, I will get enough funds to open my restaurant within a
Year! I don't
Even know if that's possible, it might
Not be, but I'll put my
Absolute all into it!
Counting the days I'll finally
Have my dream eatery.
I don't know when that
Might be, but with my
Enthusiasm maybe I'll get funds
Relatively quickly!
After all, I can make cuisines from all around the world.
I have what it takes,
Have what it takes to
Absolutely prove to this world there's a
Decillion recipes that I can do!
That's a bit
Of an exaggeration, but I can do anything! Any
Recipe will do. Pretty much,
I can do any cuisine,
So I think a restaurant run by me will
End up being famous, end
Up on television, but I don't care about fame.
Probably, anyway.
But I do care about being the
Ultimate flavor spreader across
The globe! Which,
I know I'm capable of, of course!
Do I think
It'll all go easily for me? I
Don't know, but of course,
I'm going to
Try my best!
You know the key to success is
Always being ready for anything, and
You bet I'm ready for anything!"
A short, young adult feminine appearing college student with long dark purple hair that went down to about the chest stretched the hands out as the dorm room alarm clock rang within every single dormitory within the Cultural Culinary Arts Institute. Sun beams hitting the window, the person put on a warm smile. Calendar date in the corner reading, graduation with a huge exclamation point, the person sighed longingly.
Today was the day, graduation day. After six years at this establishment and hundreds of hours of cooking, the person would finally be culinarily licensed. Finally, after all the countless tests. After all the many days of studying and learning about new flavors, it all paid off. Hyena tail swishing from behind, the almost graduate let out a quiet sigh.
To all the people that said a hyena chimera could never graduate in the culinary art field, they had been proven wrong. Were the humans watching? They'd better, because every single one of them were about to be so embarrassed. That's right, their faces will all be red from being so cooked when they saw the person being addressed as valedictorian! Cracking the knuckles energy was flowing in through the roof. But, someone soon ruined it.
"Siorc, are you going to just sit there looking pretty?" roommate number one asked. "We have to clean out our dorm before graduation this evening! Don't you have to go to the airport at like, four in the morning?"
"I mean, like, dude, he's probably thinking about his valedictorian speech," roommate number two said. "Kinda wild a hyena chimera got that here. I'm just sayin', bro, you're gonna get a lot of angry stares at you in the gymnasium." He then sighed. "Your interpreter or whatever still readin' your speech, right?"
Reminder coming his way, the hyena shrugged. So, what if he was going to receive some pushback for being valedictorian? He worked hard and studied all kinds of world cuisines for this! Who cares if people will glare at him? In the end, it was worth it! After all these years, that restaurant dream he had could finally be a reality! Reaching for his food notes tablet, he scribbled away upon the screen.
[It's fine. People can stare at me all they want. Maybe it'll make some of the slacking students want to pick up the pace and be more like me.] Slow sliding text across his tablet said.
"Right, I mean, sure bro," roommate number two said. "Honestly, ain't so sure about that. But, maybe a few chimeras might want to outdo you in the next semester or something." They then sighed. "Anyway, no more dillydallying. Hurry up and get dressed so we can start cleaning out our room!"
Running into the shared restroom, the food enthusiast gazed at the reflection in the mirror. Mismatched purple and green eyes as vibrant as ever, a bright green night shirt with sleeping pandas and the text napping queen had been practically tossed across the room. Dark purple pants folded up as well, a plain white t-shirt with a fork on it slightly curved towards a meatball had soon taken its place.
Pitch black floor length skirt pulled over him, the young adult pulled his hair into a high ponytail. Fork shaped hairpins and earrings clipped down, the hyena opened the cabinet. Time to get rid of everything in here. Objects removed from the top shelf one after another, the almost graduate headed off towards the shared closet.
Suitcase removed, the chimera sped off like lightning. Better hurry and pack everything. When was the graduation ceremony again? Ah, right, at five sharp. And, when did he have to be in the gymnasium? An hour before, right. There was hardly any time to lose. Coats slammed in one after another, the chimera rushed towards the drawers, in a heartbeat.
"Bro, you know you can't wear that skirt to graduation, you gotta follow the men's dress code," roommate number two said. "You know that, right?"
Fingers pointing his way, the almost graduate rolled his eyes towards the ceiling. Of course he'd bring up that nonsense now. Did he forget who he was looking at right now? The valedictorian, like hello? He sees that must have slipped their mind just now! Maybe he ought to remind them! Tablet out and about, he scribble away on the screen.
[I got permission to wear a skirt, okay? Don't worry about it. Shouldn't you be packing up your side of the room?] Slow sliding text across his tablet said.
"Dude, unlike you, I'm almost done already," roommate number two said. "I don't have a gazillion things to put away."
"Same, I don't have a lot to pack either," roommate number one said. "Unlike you, I live in this country. "Doesn't your family live in like, Venice Italy or something?"
[No, I live in Mestre, when did I ever say I lived in Venice? I live next to Venice. Do you Americans ever listen when we talk to you?] Slow sliding text across his tablet said.
"Aight, so I forgot, whatever, sue me bro," roommate number one said. "So, all your chimera pals live in there, right?"
[Shouldn't we be finishing cleaning up our dorm now?] Slow sliding text across his tablet asked.
"Was just askin', bro, no need to get all defensive," roommate number one said, sighing. "But, you're right, let's finish cleaning. We gotta be outta here by two."
Dashing towards the drawers, the hyena could not help but put on a somber smile as the bright green apron with the text, do not kiss the cook it's gross had been pulled out. This cloth had gotten him through thick and thin here over the past six years. And now, someday, it would be known worldwide in his future restaurant. Clothes folded up and put away, he rummaged through his other belongings.
Collection of extremely unrealistic food and nature manga crammed into the suitcase, the hyena pocketed his tiny little jewelry box in his back skirt pocket. Containers finally empty, he tossed the various plushies into the box as well. Posters of various cooking celebrities tossed away, he brushed his hands together. One day, he'll surpass them all. He won't be needing these anymore.
Gazing at the time, the food enthusiast removed a sheet of papers from his binder. Valedictorian speech printed on top, he cruised over it for a moment. Was his communication assistant really going to be able to read all this? What if they slipped up and said something stupid? But, he shook his head. No, no, it'll all be fine, right, they practiced this for months now. And, besides, the slideshow would be running, too, it would be fine.
Suitcase slung over the shoulder, the chimera bid farewell to the dormitories. So long, sleeping quarters, farewell. May someone who is actually willing to put in the effort for culinary art studies be assigned this room in the next semester. Plopping the container into his roommate's trunk, the party of two glared at him for a moment once more.
"You ready?" roommate number one asked.
"I'm ready to bid this institution goodbye," roommate number two said. "You?"
"Yeah, I mean, I got a gig with the local pizza joint right after graduation, so I'm set," roommate number one said. "And, you?"
"Dunno, thinking of starting an online food delivery service for unusual cuisine," roommate number two said. "We'll see. What 'bout you, Siorc?"
Question coming his way, the chimera shrugged. He thought he told these two multiple times he was planning on opening his own restaurant someday in the heart of the world. Wouldn't it be grand if he could open it up straight where the old capital of the world was in Rome? But, ah, that was just a pipe dream for now.
[Someday, I'd like to open a restaurant that offers all the types of cuisine in the world.] Slow sliding text across the tablet said.
"Ah, right, forgot 'bout that. Well, good luck to you, bro," roommate number two said. "Anyway, we should probably get our caps and gowns on. Gotta get to the gymnasium soon."
Pitch black cap and gown handed to him, the hyena slipped the cloth on. Gazing upwards towards the sky, he let out a sigh. He would never have to see these dirty, polluted smoke filled skies again after today. So long, United Flop of America, may he never have to walk on this soil again. All those humans who laughed at him and called him names for attending here, they'd better watch him because he's going to have the best cultural restaurant in the world.
Bidding farewell to all the professors in the last few hours remaining, a small somber look painted the chimera's face. Hopefully, the next semester's freshman wouldn't give the teachers a hard time. He had heard from various that recipe comprehension was at an all time low. But, oh, well, not his problem.
Gymnasium filled to the brim early, the almost graduate prepared himself. Seated in the front row, the young adult broke out into a sweat. This speech, would it go well? What if he flipped to the wrong slide? He definitely would, wouldn't he? Ah no, no, stay calm, it'll all go fine. Right, it would go swimmingly. Of course he would. His communication assistant was with him, after all. They practiced.
Middle aged human standing at the podium, the microphone soon screeched up a storm. A million different announcements going off at once, the food enthusiast almost wanted to bite his nails. Any second now, and he would say, and now, our valedictorian will give a speech. Ah, no, was the slideshow ready? No, it definitely wasn't, oh, no.
"And now, our valedictorian, Siorc Ingne will be presenting a speech," the dean up front said.
Eyes glued to him, the chimera broke into a sweat. Why did everyone have to look at him like that? Stepping up to the podium, a brown haired bespectacled woman stood in the corner with a microphone. Little button hidden behind his hand, the sea kept growing bigger. Please, please go well. No mistakes now.
"Thank you for this honor, my name is Siorc Ingne, I know I have always been the quiet one, but learning here for the past six years has been a dream come true," his communication assistant read out loud with a little too much enthusiasm. "I learned so much about the culinary arts, and I hope to spread as many flavors across the world as possible someday. Thank you, with all my heart for letting me study here!"
Stares getting sharper, the hyena flipped to the next slide in a frantic manner. Ah, those stares, he knew what the students were whispering. Why did they let this guy be valedictorian? Shaking it all off, the second and final portion of the slides had been ready to go, but the stares had only begun to get stronger as the seconds waved onward.
"I hope that any future student who comes here finds the joys of cooking all kinds of dishes from around the world and spreads their admiration for the culinary arts for years to come. Cultural Culinary Arts Institute is the highest, and pristine place to learn about cooking and baking," the communication assistant read out loud with just a little too much enthusiasm. "Long live the CCARTI, I'll never forget my time here on this campus. I know as a hyena chimera, many thought I'd never stand upon this stage, but today, I proved every single one of you wrong! And, one day, you'll all be eating at my restaurant!"
Eyes glued to him, the graduate broke into a sweat. Ah, he should have deleted that last few bit of sentences from the script, why didn't he? Whispers under their breath only getting louder, he swore he could hear someone say karma would come for him. But, he threw such thoughts off the podium. Ah, no, he was hearing things, for sure. Silly eardrums, the pressure was just getting to him, that's all.
Diploma handed to him, the hyena soon bowed. Returning to his seat, the hours passed by slowly. Man, he never realized how many people were getting their degrees today. Few other chimeras getting theirs as well, he pumped his fist off towards the skies. He definitely proved everyone here wrong, a hyena chimera can become valedictorian. Take that, every single human out there who told him he couldn't!
Ceremony coming to an end, the chimera threw his cap up into the air. As of this second, he was an alumni. Would people remember his name on the wall of fame? Ah, maybe not in the next year or so, but maybe in the next decade. After all, he's going to have the best cultural restaurant in the world! America had better watch out. Their dumb deep dish pizzas wouldn't hold a candle to him.
Going for one last round of dinner at the diner, the young adult swore he could see someone constantly staring at him with sharp intense daggers. But, he brushed such off. Ah, well, whoever they were, he'd never see them again anyway. He supposed it was natural for people to be jealous of him, he was the valedictorian after all. But, why was he getting this sudden eerie feeling that someone wanted to get back at him for something? Munching away at the triple paddied burger, he hummed away. Starting tomorrow, it's back to home base.
Late evening soon passing by, the hyena bid farewell to his roommates one last time. May they find success in their careers in the future. Woohber driver pulling up against the curb, he pulled the door closed slowly but surely. Airport location typed into a phone, the hyena placed his hands on the back of his head.
Driver up front calling out to him to wake up, the chimera flinched. Ah, had he fallen asleep? Silly him! Dude up front asking if this was his stop, he gazed at the window. O'Hare International Airport, when was the last time he came here again? Ah, right, six years ago. America hadn't rubbed off on him, right? He remembered when he was a little kid after moving from Wales to Italy people said he had the Wales chimera look to him. Whatever that meant. Would his siblings say that he vibrated Murican energy, or something? Oh, boy, please no. Please, no.
Stupidly tiresome security checks taking what felt like a million years, the college graduate let out a groan. Man, why did these airports have to check every single one of his pockets? Human hands, they were so slimy. Watching as his luggage went through some checking process, his tablet nearly fell out of his pocket. Gah, one wrong move and it would have been a goner.
Pressing onwards towards the seventh gate as the flight towards Italy was called, the hyena gazed at his passport. After this second, his stay in this hot, infernal landscape would finally come to an end. So long, judgmental humans. Goodbye, annoying creepers who had choice words to say about him, may they burn their fingers on the stovetop by accident!
Plane kicking off, the chimera cracked open a book entitled, Secrets about Nature. Announcer crying out for everyone to hang tight this would be a ten hour long flight, he swore he could see bright golden eyes staring at him from the seats in the other row. But, the hyena tuned such out. Ah, no, he was seeing things surely. Maybe he was turning the pages a little too loud.
Turning on an in-flight movie, a little cartoon about seeking out the legendary green spider lilies played. Feeling himself doze off halfway through, the chimera closed his eyes. Wake him up when this flight is over, so long.
->
"We are now landing. Welcome to Mestre, Italy. Please remain seated, and remember to take all your belongings," the announcer said on the loudspeaker.
Eyes popping open, the chimera rubbed the lids. Ah, he was back home already? Man, he slept through the whole movie! Well, oh well, he had seen that animation at least a dozen times at this point, it's not like he missed anything. Removing his luggage from the top, he took out his phone. Text messages from his brother telling him to come to the entrance, they're waiting for him, he almost let out a sea of tears. He thought everyone worked today, but he supposed he thought wrong.
Dragging his luggage through the area, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. Why did he still feel like there were scary eyes glued to him? He didn't know. But, he shook his head. No, he was imagining it. Maybe he was walking too loud! Right, that's all it was, he needed to stop being so nervous, right, it would be fine. He knew his tail attracted too much attention sometimes.
Seeing a sign off in the distance labelled Siorc, the young adult sprinted towards the finish line. After six years, he was finally home. Finally back where he belonged in good old Italy. He could hardly believe the time had finally arrived. Spotting a dark sky through the windows in the corner, he reached for his phone. Ah, right, it was seven hours later over here.
"Welcome home, kid," a deep, base voice said. "Heard you got valedictorian. Proud of you."
Holding the sign up in the corner had been a tall adult man with short pine green hair pulled into a high ponytail. Blue violet eyes highlighted by intense dark circles, his face had been decorated with countless large hyena spots. Seeing such, the food enthusiast almost looked away. Pira never concealed his spots? How did he not get embarrassed by that? But, he supposed at his ripe old age of almost twenty five, he shouldn't care about such things anymore.
"Siorc, I'm so glad your back!" a high pitched voice cried. "Mom's cooking still sucks, but since you're back, she doesn't have to be in the kitchen anymore and burn everything she touches!"
Standing in the corner with a messenger back on the side of her waist had been a young adult hyena chimera woman with long curly emerald green hair pulled into a left swept ponytail. Green eyes to match, she adorned a mouse belly shirt. He had heard Hase hadn't been doing so well in her performing arts college, did she switch majors by now? For some reason, she almost never texted him.
"Yeah, Siorc, for the past few years, foods sucked so hard!" another high pitched voice cried. "We're so glad you're back!"
Smiling next to Hase had been a short young adult woman with light purple hair that went down to about her chest. Violet eyes to match, her hyena spots had been covered by boatloads of makeup. Bright yellow summer dress practically flowing on the outside breeze, he almost did a double take. It would seem Leah's journey to womanhood has been going quite well. At least, from the looks of it.
"Dear, I wouldn't say that, mom tries her best," a tenor but charmingly feminine voice said. "But, your cooking always hit the spot."
Standing with their fingers in hand heart pose had been a slightly taller adult feminine individual with light violet hair pulled into a low bun. Blue hairpin stuck to the back of it, their light green eyes had been decorated with glittering mascara. Lavender dress with ribbon straps, the chimera put on a smile. He sees Natalie's journey to womanhood had been going great as well.
"I dunno, like, she's trying," an alto voice said. "Barely, but she's trying. More than what I can say for pops. He doesn't even cook."
Scratching his head in the corner had been a rather tall adult blending masculinity and femininity together in a sandwich. Spiky radioactive green hair that went down to about his chin with some loose spiky portions going over his shoulders, his pupils matched almost exactly. Man, Strix never changed. He almost never saw him. He recalled when he was little when Hase asked why don't they all see him during the day. He recalled how shocked his little pea brain was learning about nocturnality. He supposed he was lucky to see him right now, it was after dark after all. Dumb and obnoxious yellow vest with polka sleeves sticking out, he almost wanted to slap a palm on his face. And, same fashion sense he had six years ago when he left for the comedian academy, or whatever he called it.
"I mean, can ya blame th' guy, he works seven days a week!" an alto, but gruff voice cried. "But, eh, it's good Siorc came back. We all tried learning to cook, but we all suck at it."
Talking with his hands in the corner had been a short adult feminine, excuse him, manly looking person with long light green hair pulled into a low ponytail. Red earring tassels, his emerald eyes looked like they were done with this world. Adorning a pitch black band shirt with a crying sun on it, he always wondered how Varg never got tired of listening to Samsara. Eh, whatever, it is what it is. Deigr and Coiote nowhere to be seen, he reached for the tablet.
[Where are Deigr and Coiote?] Slow sliding text across his tablet said.
"I dunno, they're out with their boyfriends," Varg said, shaking his head then shrugging. "We told them you were comin' home, but they told us that they're not cancellin'." He sighed. "Dunno. Maybe they'll be home tomorrow, or the next day."
Boyfriends mentioned, the hyena shrugged. He remembered the late summer he left for America those two were trying over and over to start a family. Had that still been difficult? Well, oh well, they were in their late thirties now, he hardly had any connection with those two. He should have known they wouldn't come. Oh, well, some things never changed, did they?
"Well, let's go home, kiddo," Pira said. "Don't worry, we didn't rent your room out to anyone while you were gone. Though, Deigr and Coiote might have tried that a few times with one of their many boyfriends. But, we locked your door so they couldn't."
Hearing such, the food enthusiast let out a groan. Deigr and Coiote were the same as always, huh? How tiresome. Maybe it was better they hadn't come to see him. They should just hurry up and get married already and move out. But, he kept such thoughts to himself. Not like he'd ever say that out loud. Walking off towards the minivan, he seated himself in the back. How he missed this big old hummer.
Face practically glued to the window, the chimera could not help but feel a tang of pain at some of the sights before him. The small comic book store he used to go to after school was a printing press now? Man, it was the twenty first century, who even did that anymore? Hip and popping restaurants replaced with multiple other stores as well, he became crestfallen. So much had changed since he was last here. Where did all the nice restaurants go?
"Yeah, so, a lot of the eateries we went to closed a couple years go," Strix said. "Dunno why, they said something about a curse. Like, some gigantic steak monster came by one day and threatened to kill? But, the owner was a bit on the loopy side."
[Are there any new restaurants that were built while I was gone?] Slow sliding text across his tablet asked.
"Well, plenty, yeah," Strix said. "You gonna try them out while you're looking for work?"
[Of course I am. I have to try them all!] Slow sliding text across his tablet cried.
"Atta boy, that's the spirit," Varg said. "We think you might like the Georgian eatery that opened up last year."
"And, recently, a few halal places opened up in Venice," Hase said. "My friends and I go there sometimes after school."
"And, a bubble tea place, too," Leah said. "I bet you want to check it out!"
Siblings telling him one after another multiple new restaurants that opened up across Italy, the hyena let out a sigh. There had been so many new places to try! But, he couldn't help but think about that story Strix talked about a few minutes ago. Thinking about it for a moment, he put his fingers on his chin.
Strix, he said that a few restaurants closed because of some steak monster. What was that about? Did they see some sort of food ghost, or something? But, he shook his head. Ah, no, ghosts weren't real and neither were monsters. Maybe they were just seeing things. Right, of course, some people see things that aren't there. He knew that. Nothing to worry about. Chatter continuing, a set of hands had been raised upward.
"Alright, everyone, let's all calm down a bit," Natalie said in a gentle tone. "Siorc just had a long flight. We can catch him up on everything in the morning."
Chattering quieting down, the chimera kept gazing out the window. Park covered with litter, the food enthusiast let out a groan. As expected, absolutely no one cared enough to clean it up. Maybe during his free time he should do it. But, he supposed for now, it could wait until he's settled back in here. Few other places he hardly recognized, he could feel nostalgia die. So much had changed in six years, hadn't it?
Brakes screeching as the minivan entered the driveway, the hyena broke into a sweat. Same old loud brakes too, huh? Some things never change. How much longer did this old rust bucket have? He supposed, give or take, around a year or two maybe. How many years old was this car now? Twenty five years old? Man, they had this thing since he was in his mother's womb! Happy carthday to hummer! Reaching for his tablet, he scribbled away.
[Is mom home?] Slow sliding text across his tablet asked.
"No, she's on another one of her excursions again," Pira said. "Mom's been busy looking into some history that's apparently been erased to time. We don't know when she'll return. Probably in the next few days."
History excursion mentioned, the young adult shook his head. While some things changed, other things remained the same. No wonder mother never learned how to cook well, she was always hopping around chasing history. But, it's not like that's any different than how things already were.
"And, dad's currently in Athens," Strix added. "We don't know when he'll be back, either."
Shrugging, the young adult unbuckled his seatbelt. He sees his father was the same as always, too. But, that was historian parents, he supposed. They were always away somewhere looking into the past. Nothing was any different than it was six years back. Same old terrible cooks, same old parents always going off on an adventure. He was an adult, anyway, he could take care of himself. It's not like he truly needed anyone's guidance at this point in his life.
Closing the door behind him, the college graduate cracked his knuckles. And, now, the moment he had been waiting for. How different did his home look since the last time he came here? Front door opening as the garage closed up shop, he braced himself. He bet that Deigr had the walls painted neon green, here goes!
House looking the same as it always did, but with a few more awards here and there, the chimera shrugged. Well, at least Deigr didn't make the house hideous like she threatened to so many times when he was younger. Siblings all dispersing into their own rooms, the key to his own had been plopped into the palm of his hand.
Twisting the key into the lock, the food enthusiast took a deep breath as he wheeled his luggage forward. First time in his abode since leaving, no one took his skirts, did they? If Deigr stole his lacy, frilly black skirts, she will pay. Plopping the container onto his bed, he made a run for his drawers, in an instant.
Skirts looking untouched, a sigh of relief flowed through the chimera. Thank goodness Deigr and Coiote didn't take them. They always told him skirts didn't look good on him. Which, they were wrong about, of course. Clothes folded up and put away one after another, he let out a yawn. Man, this change in time was making him so incredibly sleepy, what gives?
Hairpins and earrings box put aside, the chimera rubbed his eyes. Maybe he should finish unpacking in the morning instead. But, he shook his head. No, no, if he didn't do it now, he'd never get it done! Various manga books plopped onto the shelf, he let out a somber sigh. He supposed the one good thing about America was their big collection of anime and manga to gawk at. The Italian selection could never compare. But, hopefully, that'd changed in the past six years.
Everything soon put away, the food enthusiast let out another yawn. Maybe it was time to hit the hay. Napping queen pajamas plopped upon him, the young adult removed the hairpins and earrings. Crawling into his bed for the first time in what felt like a million years, he could feel himself about to doze off, but as he was about to head for dream land, he swore he could hear something rather eerie.
"You'll pay," an eerie voice cried out.
Eyes closed, the hyena broke into a sweat as the world of dreams dragged him back in. He'll pay? Pay for what? But, he shrugged such off. Ah, Varg was listening to his hip hop music too loud again, wasn't he? Some things never changed, and never would. Maybe he should have come to expect that by now, huh? Drifting off, he caught some zzzs.
->
The next afternoon.
Alarm clock ringing off the walls, the hyena groaned as he slammed down the button. Could he have five more minutes, please? Rubbing his eyes, the young adult read the numbers on the time device. Woah, it was one in the afternoon? He slept so late! Was this that mythical jetlag he had heard about so many times? Maybe so.
Hair pulled up into a high ponytail, matching spoon hairpins and earrings had been clipped into his hair and ears. Sitting crisscross upon the top of his bed, he wondered. What should he make today? Snapping his fingers, he had a eureka moment. Oh, he should make a nice juicy steak with a salad on the side! That would be a perfect way to signal off his debut back into the cooking world at home!
But, as the chimera lifted himself upward from his bed, he swore he could see a large steak shaped shadow from behind him. Huh? What in the world is that? Could it be that silly steak monster he was told about? But, he shook his head. No, no, there was no such thing as ghosts! And, of course, there was no such thing as food monsters either, right.
Slapping on his do not kiss the cook, it's gross apron, the hyena cracked his knuckles. It was time to make a lean, mean juicy steak! It had been so long since he had stepped foot in his home kitchen! Hands scrubbed almost into oblivion, he put on his heart checkered pattern gloves. It's time to get prepping!
Kitchen feeling awfully cold, the chimera broke into a shiver. Had Pira turned the air on this morning? Air conditioners all off, he shook his head. How strange, not a single one them of that been blowing air. Maybe mother turned the heat off? Gazing at the thermostat, such had not been the case. Ah, maybe a window was open, of course.
Windows all closed, the confusion continued. How could this be? Something was not right here. Shrugging, he headed for the freezer. He needed to get his head out of that occult gutter! It was time to get cooking! Packaged steak removed from the freezer, the hyena removed veggies from the fridge as well. Here goes, it was time for Cooking With Siorc Ingne! But, he let out a little laugh. Haha, as if. He never had the guts to start that cooking vlog.
Defrosting the meat, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. Why did it feel like someone was watching him from somewhere? His siblings were at the farmers market like they always were during the afternoons in the summer. Had a bug flied in, or something? Maybe. There wasn't any time to think about such things.
As the chimera cut up the lettuce, he swore the headed leafy food had an angry face on it. Had his mother started collecting funny face foods, or something? Hearing screams as he cut into the soft cranium, the college graduate closed his eyes. Ugh, are the neighbor kids screaming while playing water tag again? They were so loud! Chopping away, he listened carefully at the shouts.
"Stop cutting, you're hurting me!" a voice cried.
Continuing to chop, the screams continued. That lettuce head, did it just talk to him? Knife hammering down, he tuned such out. No, of course not, it most certainly wasn't! What was this, a food horror story? Of course it wasn't, he was thinking way too hard about that steak monster he heard about yesterday, that's all!
Lettuce thrown around into a little bowl, he swore he could hear the lemons and tomatoes break out into tears as he diced them up. Apple screeching as well, he pinched his wrist. Was he dreaming right now? He had to have been, for sure. Joint stinging, he clicked his tongue. Okay, maybe he wasn't? What gives?
Painting on the barbeque sauce, the hyena gazed downwards at the slabs of meat. Was it just him, or did these little creatures have eyeballs? Shrugging, he turned on the stove. Slapping down the veggies next to it, he kept his hand steady. These juicy barbeque steaks are going to come out so good, everyone's going to enjoy them so much.
But, as the first steak had been about to finish, the chimera could feel his breath fade away. Gloved hands becoming one with his neck, the hyena could feel a an intense wave of dizziness. Who's there? Who came in here? Digits squeezing tighter, he tried to let out a scream. Did someone break in? Oh, no, he's done for.
"You'll pay!" a voice cried. "Die!"
Letting out a scream, the chimera could feel everything go limp. Twisting the knob on the stove, he attempted to break free. Jumping back, he could hardly believe his eyes at the sight before him. Gigantic steak with cartoonish hands and feet, the hyena's heart skipped more than two beats. Where did this creature come from?! Knife in the palm of his hands, he sliced forward.
"I'll get you next time for burning my children!" the cartoonish steak cried.
Creature running out, the chimera huffed a weak breath. Hacking up a storm, the hyena almost dropped onto the tiles beneath him. What in the world was that just now? That story Strix told him about, could it have been true? Removing his phone from his back pocket, he typed in the search prompt, food ghosts spotted.
Multiple articles everywhere speaking about sudden hauntings of food ghosts, the hyena shook like a leaf. Bottom text of an article reading, if you can see food monsters and ghosts, then, I'm sorry, you have the power to summon them around you. Be careful when cooking. Eyeballing such, he broke into a sweat. No, did he have that power? Reading the article further, he could see another portion towards the bottom.
Anonymous blogger stating that multiple people had been attempting to deal with these creatures around the world, the food enthusiast wondered. Should he do something about them, too? Maybe he should. Leaving a comment on the blog post, he closed his phone. Ha, it's not like this person will answer him, right? Probably not. But, he supposed, if he did, maybe he'll take care of this issue.
Steaks finished, the chimera plopped down in his room. Man, he could use a little nap. Curling up underneath his bed, he closed his eyes. But, he swore as he did, he could hear someone telling him he would pay once again. Shrugging it off, the young adult had been about ready to be dragged off into dreamland. But, one last thought hammered down upon him as he caught some zzzs.
Did he have the power to summon food ghosts around him?
That better not be the case. He'll deal with this later.
This story is based on a drawing series I did, by the way. :)
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