The cobblestone pathways of the small village were almost deathly silent, save the sound of the blowing wind. What could be doomsday for the dragons was almost near. The evil sorceress would arrive soon. Having planned for this horrible event, the female dragons were quietly leaving town. Only around fifteen male dragons remained in the whole race, and they would risk their lives to protect their home. After saying their good-byes, the dragons still in the village took up posts to defend it in what would be a dreadful battle. The dragonesses were on the outskirts of their small hamlet, and they sat down to pray for the safety of those who stayed behind.
Dragoness1: I hope they are victorious.
Dragoness2: I have heard that Sarmina is extremely powerful. I fear the worst.
Dragoness1: Come now. We must not lose faith. Our warriors are strong and will give that demon a good fight!
Dragoness2: You are right. I will be praying for their safety.
The dragonesses bow their heads in silence and leave destiny in the hands of their friends back at the village. Soon, the loud screeches of Sarmina are heard, and they pray even harder.
Dragoness1: *whispers* Please let them be safe...
***
Back in the village, the dragons are prepared for the worst. The evil dragon sorceress comes into view. Hatred personified into a blue-scaled dragon in an elaborate red dress. Her brown and blonde hair flows back as she levitates to the center of the town. The dragons draw their weapons, and she quickly retaliates. Sarmina launches fireballs all over the houses and directly at some of the dragons. Some instantly fall, and the fire quickly spreads over the houses. Within minutes, most of the dragons are unable to battle on and soon pass away. However, four still stand in Sarmina's way. Four warriors, brave and true. They are the 'four corners' of the land, Xaur, Drahm, Nagor, and their revered leader, Reif. These last few dragons left in the village were now the only hope, possibly for their race itself.
Reif: You will die by one of our swords, demon!
Sarmina: Not likely fools...
Reif: Come on, attack!
They rush toward the witch, all with thoughts of her blood upon their swords. However, before they can even come within reach of her, she unleashes waves of fire at them, blasting them to the ground.
Nagor: Ack...*falls* We weren't even close...
Drahm: She counters with a spell before our weapons can touch her!
Xaur: Can she be defeated? She's too powerful...
Reif: Get up my fellow dragons! *Helps Xaur up* Come on...no dragon has ever given up without a fight! We will not be the firsts.
Reif and Xaur then helps the other two back on their feet. Sarmina, noiticing their recovery, zaps a thin bolt of lightning in their direction, almost making direct contact with Xaur. He falls.
Xaur: Grrrragghh...I ...I can't believe it is ending this way...
*Reif rushes to Xaur's side*
Reif: No Xaur! Nothing is ending! Everything will be fine!
Xaur: I have to admire you for saying such things but...I believe that you three can still defeat her. *Nods and weakly grins* Just promise me you will avenge me, and all our fellow dragons who have already fallen. I know you can defeat Sarmina.
Xaur places a claw on Reif's shoulder and nods once more. The claw then slides off and Xaur lies down. His eyes close and his expression is emotionless. Soon his body is completely still. Reif shakes his head in disbelief and his eyes burn. He quickly jumps back on his feet and turns around to face the evil sorceress. The two stare at each other. Drahm and Nagor approach Reif to back him up. The air is filled with smoke and flames. Sounds of the harsh wind and the burning buildings can be heard. Reif draws his sword and the others follow suit.
Reif: The madness ends here beast!
Sarmina remains silent. Nagor and Drahm charge at her, but she quickly dodges every slash they make with their weapons. Reif deftly sneaks behind her. Suddenly, she unleashes a huge, dark orb of energy toward Nagor and Drahm, and they are instantly killed in the black explosion. Sarmina used up a great deal of her energy on that attack. Reif is enraged to see the rest of his comrades fall. With a loud roar he lunges forward. Sarmina turns around only to find Reif's sword gouge her stomach. She gargles blood and coughs painfully.
Reif: You are finally finished monster!! It's over!!
Sarmina: For you maybe...
Sarmina seems to whisper some sort of incantation. Then she finds enough energy to cast a final spell. Reif's eyes squint. Sarmina becomes hot to the touch, and steam pours from her mouth and eyes sockets. She lets out a loud shriek that sends a ray of light rocketing out of her body. With one final, blinding flash, Sarmina explodes, annihilating herself and Reif.
The dragonesses outside the village see the explosion. They fear the worst has happened, and all quickly rise to their feet. It is imperative to move on.
Chapter 2
The sun is just rising over the metropolis of Phedia. The streets are virtually empty due to the early hour. The early sun flickers and shines off of the homes and skyscrapers. Sitting upon a doorstep of a small home is a reptile of unusual breed. His name is Infigan. His scales a green hue, and his dark red hair flowing back in the wind. The reptile's deep blue eyes seem like they could pierce one's soul. As for stature, his height is about 7 feet, and he is of a quite muscular build. Infigan blankly stares across the street, just enjoying the morning breeze. All is silent, save some quiet approaching footsteps. The sound belongs to a wolverine padding down the sidewalk. She has wild, brown hair and a kind smile on her face.
Nelle: Hi Infigan!
Infigan: Oh, hi Nelle...
Nelle: Great morning, huh? The sun's shining, the air feels nice...
Infigan: Yeah, it's all right I guess.
Nelle: Just alright? Tell me one thing that's wrong with it!
Infigan: Well...I...I don't know...Just don't think it's any reason to be all ecstatic.
Nelle groans in frustration, thinking that Infigan is so impossible. Soon, a male leopard and a male lion approach, Tarom and Catlas respectfully.
Tarom: Hey Infigan! How's it going?
Infigan: Okay, can't complain.
Nelle: *mumbles* Ha, you just were a minute ago.
Tarom: Nelle, could I just talk to you a minute?
Nelle: Uh, yeah sure.
Catlas: Hey Infigan!
Catlas sits down and talks with Infigan as Nelle and Tarom walk away a small distance. They speak in quiet voices.
Tarom: Nelle...do you think you might want to take it easy on Infigan?
Nelle: But he's being ridiculous! He's negative about almost everything!
Tarom: You have to understand that he comes from a rough background though. That reptile has had a difficult life.
Nelle: Well could you explain? I haven't bee friends with Infigan nearly as long as you and Catlas. I don't know Infigan that well yet.
Tarom: It's like this...Infigan obviously had it more difficult than most of us. His father died when he was very young, and his mother died a few years after that. Infigan had a brother as well. But about a year after their mother died, Infigan lost him in the streets and never found him again...his brother thereafter presumed dead. So Infigan lived alone on the streets of the town where he was born, Merstrand.
Nelle: Isn't that a port city south of here?
Tarom: Yes it is. At any rate, Infigan was homeless and barely got by. Eventually he traveled to Edean, and made a few friends there. Their names escape me at the moment, but I think one of them was a wolf or something. Well, to continue, within the last year he moved here to Phedia. Infigan met Catlas and I a few days after he arrived apparently. We became good friends and helped him back on his feet. And with our help, he was able to finally have his own home. It's a small, quaint house obviously, but a home nonetheless.
Nelle: I suppose I can see why he's so pessimistic.
Tarom: It's quite a good reason I think. Also, he's not up on the socializing either. Infigan seems to prefer to get to know a fur really well before he finds himself talking to them casually. I'm guessing it's all those years of being a sort of outcast that made him apprehensive around others. Not to mention he's the only one of his breed of reptile that I've ever seen, so unfortunately sometimes prejudice comes out. Furs don't always accept what they don't understand.
Nelle: Oh my...I understand now. So that's why Infigan is like he is...
Nelle looks over at Infigan and Catlas. They're talking and laughing and seem to be enjoying themselves. Nelle looks down and continues in a soft voice.
Nelle: I wonder what Infigan would do without you guys...
***
That night, Infigan returned home as usual. He is abnormally tired tonight and his bed is the only thing he seeks. Truding up the stairs, then doing his usual pre-sleep rituals, and Infigan finally makes his way into his bed.
The sky is peculiar this evening. Clouds are almost swirling overhead, making a sort of spiral pattern in the sky over Infigan's home. Soon an invisible force flows downward from the cloud spiral. Slowly, it travels toward the houses, and then it detours into Infigan's bedroom. As the unusual aura enters, the dragon begins to toss and turn in his sleep. His mind gives way to disturbing and unusual dreams.
Infigan's subconscious brings him outside in the dream. Looking at his surroundings, he notices that his neighborhood is distorted. The image he interprets begins to bend and smear. Everything looks as though its details and colors are swirling together. He almost wants to fall to his knees as his perception of things leaves him feeling dizzy. But soon the scenery comes back into focus. The dragon's eyes still a bit blurred, he sees what might be a hamlet. As he focuses, he notices he was correct. However, this hamlet was not a peaceful, quaint place. The buildings burn, screams are heard, and corpses lie about the stony roads. His pulse quickens. His chest hurts, as though his heart were to burst right through it. Infigan does not realize he's in a fantasy world and worries he too is in danger...in danger of possibly joining the strewn about corpses if he's not careful.
Scanning around, he takes notice to a floating figure in what must be the town square. As he approaches, he squints. Is that a...? Dragon?
Indeed, Infigan sees a blue-scaled dragon hovering before him. She has pale, pink eyes, and brown hair, with blonde strands in the front. The dragoness sends devastating spells about the town. Soon after, she turns her head and looks at Infigan. In the instant their eyes meet, his blood runs cold while his spirit feels as though a hole were burned through it. He gasps for breath, and a painful feeling rushes over him from his panic. Everything around him disappears and he sits up in his bed with a single, panic-stricken scream.
***
The sounds of knocking on the front door are heard as Infigan finally awakens. He feels groggy and can barely drag himself out of bed. But the knocking persists so he somehow manages. The reptile trudges down the stairs and almost bumps into the door before opening it. He opens the door to find Nelle there.
Infigan: *Yawns* Good morning, Nelle.
Nelle: Morning? It's already the middle of the afternoon, Infigan. What happened to you? You look like you're recovering from a hangover...
Infigan: No...it's just...I...I really didn't sleep well. I had a few strange dreams last night. Guess they made me sleep really light...
Nelle: Dreams? About what?
***
Tarom: So in one of the dreams you were in a burning village with a blue dragoness?
Catlas: Do you suppose that could be Sarmina in his dream?
Infigan: Who in the world is that?
Nelle: I think I've heard of her. There were some legends about her.
Tarom: Yeah, I've heard a few myself. Heard that she tried to wip out her race of dragons for some reason and then committed suicide to finish the job, or something like that...
Infigan: Wow, she sounded like a real winner. And you think that's the dragoness I saw in my dream? Hmmm...I really don't like this.
Nelle: Didn't you say you had some other dreams last night as well?
Infigan: Yes, actually. There were two others that I can recall anyway. One of them wasn't very helpful, as it was a vision of a few landscapes I don't remember ever seeing before. The lands were a barren desert, a snowy mountain range, and what seemed to be a quaint but poor village. Oh, and I had an image of Phedia right along with those, so that was the only place I recognized.
Catlas: And the other dream?
Infigan: Well the other was quite disturbing. I saw what I thought to be the shadow of a dragon in a void. I couldn't make out a face, or hear very well...but it sounded like it said 'Reif' and 'You must listen more...accept it...' I'm really not sure what this is all trying to get across, if anything.
Tarom: Wow, I'd really be freaked out if I were you.
Catlas: Hmm...this is all very strange. I'd have to say that these dreams are much too vivid and accurate to be some random dreams.
Infigan: I think so too, especially because I'd never heard of Sarmina even, yet I had a dream with her in it!
Catlas: Well, we'll all figure this out sooner or later. Just have to wait and see if you have any more visions or anything. Then we'll go from there I guess.
Infigan: Yeah. Sounds about right. *To Nelle* Hey, Nelle, so what did you come to my house for anyway?
Nelle: Well, I was going to see if you'd want to go get something to eat, and maybe see a play, or a concert, or something like that.
Tarom: *mutters* Oh Nelle...don't push it.
Infigan: *looks down, but then back up at Nelle with a smile* Sounds great.
Catlas and Tarom both look at Infigan in shock. He never wants to go out and about town. Why the sudden change? Nelle chuckles and grabs Infigan's arm. She starts to drag him away and turns back for just a moment and winks at the lion and leopard.
Nelle: See you boys later! *To Infigan* Come on Infigan! There's so much I want to do today! Let's get cracking! Hehe.
The wolverine and reptile start down the road, leaving Tarom and Catlas still a little dumbfounded.
Tarom: What the heck just happened?
Catlas: I have no idea.
Tarom: I just can't understand how Infigan didn't mind doing stuff in public today...He never seems to be around crowds.
Catlas: Think he likes Nelle? *laughs*
Tarom: No, I don't think it's that. I'm starting to think it has something to do with those dreams.
Catlas: Why?
Tarom: I'm not sure.
Tarom silently stares down the road as his two friends disappear out of sight. He still can't come up with a logical explanation for Infigan's change in behavior.
Chapter 3
Later that day, after seeing a wonderful presentation of the latest play in town, "The Griffin's Mountain," Nelle and Infigan head to the Cafe Noxa. The cafe is a small building with a comfortable setting. In front, tables and chairs line the sidewalk if the customers feel like eating alfresco. Cafe Noxa is a popular hangout for foxes, most likely because a fox named Noxa owns it. Therefore, the cafe doesn't only have a clever name. Infigan and Nelle enter the little restaurant and take their seats. Nelle has been here quite often before. Infigan seems a little nervous and edgy.
Nelle: Wasn't that part in the play great when the griffin was trying to court the lioness? I thought that was so funny, he was so clumsy and...
Nelle stops talking, noticing that Infigan isn't really paying attention, but just looking about the cafe with an apprehensive expression. Some foxes at their tables stare back at the reptile briefly, but then return to their food.
Infigan: I...I'm not sure why I... I mean...
Nelle: Infigan? Oh, don't worry. Calm down. You didn't run into any problems going to the theater did you? Just try to enjoy your time here as well.
Infigan: Yeah well...I guess you're right. Nelle...
Nelle: What is it?
Infigan: You've never seen another reptile like me, have you? You know, like my race.
Nelle: Well...no.
Infigan: I figured. I've never seen another like me. Well, except my parents and brother, but I can't remember what they look like. And they're gone anyway.
Nelle: Look, Infigan. There are cities you haven't been to for a long time, or even not at all. There's bound to be another like you out there.
Infigan nods and smiles slightly. A waitress, also a fox, brings out their drinks and takes their orders for their meal. As they sip their beverages, Nelle looks past Infigan at the bar and waves.
Nelle: Ooh, Infigan, you have to meet somebody!
Nelle yells toward the bar.
Nelle: Hey! Virana!! Come here a minute would ya? I want you to meet somebody!
Infigan: Oh please, Nelle, don't...
Infigan shakes his head and tries to hide his face as a vixen approaches.
Nelle: Hey, Virana. I want you to meet a friend of mine. This is Infigan.
Virana: Hmm, a little shy?
Infigan looks up even more embarrassed, but greets her anyway.
Infigan: Hi. It's nice to meet you.
Virana: Likewise, sugar. I don't recall seeing you in here before. You should come around more often. It's usually quite fun here. Now if you two don't mind, I'm workin' on that dreamy fox at the bar over there. I'll talk to you two later, okay?
The vixen giggles and rushes back over and commences flirting with the male fox. Nelle can't help but giggle a little herself.
Infigan: She seemed really nice...
Nelle: Oh, she is. You have to take that chance sometimes and meet other people. It might surprise you how great they can be.
Infigan just nods and continues to sip his drink. The waitress comes back out and places their food on the table, and then heads back for the kitchen.
Nelle: Wow, doesn't this look delicious?
Nelle starts to take small bites of her food and seems to be really enjoying it. Though she may act rowdy, she still eats politely. However, Infigan still has not touched his.
Nelle: What's the matter?
Infigan: I...I don't feel hungry.
Nelle: You're not still nervous or something, are you?
Infigan: No...it's something else...I feel kind of dizzy.
Infigan just stares for a moment and then collapses off his chair onto the floor. Nelle jumps up in surprise as the reptile faints. She runs over to him quickly.
Nelle: Infigan? Infigan!
***
Infigan turns around, only finding himself in a void of space. He fears it is another one of his visionary dreams. The reptile becomes nervous, and feels he would rather this chain of dreams would break. Visions like this are unpleasant and worrisome. Do they hold truth? Are they relevant to the past? Or even reality for that matter? The darkness starts to make him uncomfortable, as he cannot determine where all the screams and sounds of movement are coming from. But everything goes deadly silent, except for a figure that floats down in front of him.
Dragon: Welcome back, Infigan. Maybe this meeting will give me slightly more time to get things across.
Infigan: Let me guess. Reif, was it?
Reif: That is correct. I am Reif, dragon warrior, one of the Four Corners of times past. We were classified as the greatest clan of fighters in our time.
Infigan: Warriors? Dragons? Oh no, so I'm guessing these aren't coincidental dreams like I had originally hoped.
Reif: I am afraid so. But you must accept this. As you do, it will become progressively easier for me to contact and communicate with you.
Infigan: Communicate? Wait. Why do I have to speak with you anyway?
Reif: Well, first of all, I'm not speaking to you, it's astral communication. Our spirits are what are doing the talking. And I must communicate with you because I am a very important part of your past and present...and of your bloodline.
Infigan: But that doesn't make sense! You're a dragon! I'm just some outcast reptile. Dragons aren't even around anymore!
Reif: Listen, I'll clear more up for you later. But first, I must warn you that a great danger is approaching you, similar to the one I faced all those years ago. I believe a new evil is trying to continue Sarmina's work, so to speak. This evil creature, whoever or whatever it might be, is probably trying to end our race's path. This means that you are in terrible danger, Infigan. Be on your guard. I will try to help you further when it is less difficult to speak with you.
With Reif's last sentence, his form disappears into the void, and a white light seems to fill the darkness. Infigan yells for Reif, but no sounds escapes his muzzle. As the light brightens further, he can hear someone yelling. He wakes up.
***
Nelle: Infigan? Oh good, you're waking up!
Infigan: What in the world happened?
Infigan looks about. He realizes he's on the floor, facing the ceiling. Nelle, a group of foxes, including Virana and Noxa, are hovering over him. He just grunts and groans a bit as he sits up. As he rubs his head, Noxa approaches him with a small piece of paper.
Noxa: Sorry to do this to you so soon after waking up.
He lays a check on the table and walks back to the kitchen.
Nelle: Hehe, don't worry, Infigan. I'm paying!
Infigan: Huh? Oh, alright.
Nelle helps Infigan up while a group of rebellious-looking foxes in jackets wander by. All three of them seem to have rather disgruntled faces.
FoxPunk1: So, lizard, what are you doing here?
Infigan looks a bit shaken by the question. Nobody had questioned his presence at all that day. His rush of anxiety returns suddenly.
FoxPunk2: Well? You gonna answer him or what?
Infigan: I... uh...
Nelle: Hey! Who the hell do you think you are, huH?
FoxPunk3: Oh, we're not trying to start anything here.
FoxPunk1: Yeah, we just don't think many furs would be fond of having this lizard around here. What they don't understand, they fear. And I don't think many understand him.
FoxPunk2: Yeah, so take it from us reptile. You might wanna consider just crawling back into the hole you came out of, eh?
They wander out of the cafe and down the street, possibly to get drunk or high, perhaps track down some easy vixens. But back in the cafe, Infigan sits back down in his chair downtrodden. Nelle feels that maybe her ambition had been a terrible mistake in this case. She feared something like this might happen if she brought Infigan around town.
Nelle: Infigan...I'm so sorry. You shouldn't listen to them though. They're just a bunch of heartless sacks of -
Infigan: No. They're right in a way.
Nelle: What? What are you talking about? They were not right at all!
Infigan: Look, I'm just going to head home. Thank you for today though. This closing for the day was not your fault.
With that, Infigan leaves the Cafe Noxa for his house. Nelle stands in the middle of the cafe, feeling terrible about what took place. She felt she had gone too far, and taken too big a leap by what she did today. Finally, she decides she might as well be on her way as well. Things would not be fixed tonight.
***
Tarom goes out to sit on his proch. He just yawns and watches the silent, lamp-lit streets. The breeze is cool, and there is virtually no humidity. It is a perfect night to just sit outside and watch the stars. Just as he is ready to doze off, Tarom hears someone approaching.
Tarom: Who is it?
Nelle: Just me, Tarom.
Tarom: What's wrong Nelle? You look upset. And where's Infigan? Did he go home?
Nelle: Yeah, he went home. Oh, Tarom, I've done a terrible thing. I should have listened to you. I shouldn't have dragged Infigan around today.
Tarom: You can't blame yourself. I think Infigan knew what he could have been getting into, and was willing to risk it. Don't you see? Infigan knows he can't be an outsider forever. His personality and feelings don't mix well with that.
Nelle: Well, perhaps. I suppose you might be right.
Tarom: I'm not always, but I think what I feel here is true enough. So, where were you heading?
Nelle: Home.
Tarom: Well, it is a bit chilly out here. Would you like to come in for a minute?
Nelle looks around with an unsure expression. Tarom grimaces and feels he should not have said anything. Nelle takes notice and decides to play along.
Nelle: Brr, you know it is a bit brisk out here tonight. I think I will come in for a little while.
Tarom perks up and invites the wolverine in, closing the front door behind them.
***
Infigan is about halfway to his house, which is not very far from Tarom's home. He looks across the street and notices that a light is still on in Tarom's house. Infigan considers stopping to talk, but does not feel up to it and continues on. However, he had hurt his foot while walking a few minutes back, so his pace is slower now. As Infigan trudges on he slightly picks up on the sound of footfalls behind him. He slows down his pace even further. The sounds behind him slow as well. Someone is following him... He stops completely and hears the footsteps from behind stop almost immediately after him. He's worried about what might be pursuing him. As he stand still, he expects to be jumped and mugged, but instead just hears stillness and nervous breathing from behind him.
Infigan: Alright, now what is...
As Infigan turns around, the figure he meets before him almost paralyzes everything about him. His body, thoughts, and awareness are all put on hold, if only for a minute. When he regains his senses he truly takes in what stands before him. A female reptile, of his breed! She has brown hair that is tied back in a ponytail, held in place with what looked like a small, blue, crystal rose, without the stem. She has deep scarlet scales. Her eyes are focused, though she seems a bit nervous, and is having a hard time forming words.
FemReptile: Oh... I can't believe it... you ...you are the same creature as me.
Infigan: I'm amazed as well! I...I thought there were no others of my type out there! What's your name?
FemReptile: Rose.
Infigan: I'm Infigan.
The two reptiles just stare for a few moments. Neither one of them are sure what to say.
Infigan: Well...well where did you...come from?
Rose: I'm here with two of my friends. They are of our race as well. We've traveled her from Merstrand. We had lived in a small village not too far from there, but it became unsuitable for living. It's probably only a ghost town now.
Infigan: Well, when did you get here?
Rose: We arrived just last night. I saw you walking about with a wolverine today. And I thought I was only seeing things, but now I'm obviously sure you're the same race as me.
Infigan: I can't describe how it feels to finally find...well...one of my own.
Infigan winces as if hit by pain. Rose looks down and notices the injury on Infigan's foot. She eyes his expression and focuses straight into his eyes.
Rose: Can I trust you?
Infigan: What do you mean?
Rose: I mean plainly what I say! Can you be trusted?
Infigan: Y-Yeah, yes I can.
Rose seems to believe him, perhaps because she trusts her own kind more willingly. She asks Infigan to sit on a nearby bench and then kneels in front of him. Placing her claw over his injured foot, Rose closes her eyes and concentrates. A strange, white aura begins to form around her claws and seep into Infigan's foot. Shocked by this, Infigan lets out an involuntary, quick scream. She rapidly looks about to see if anyone heard. Suddenly, Tarom's door opens, and Tarom and Nelle step out of his house. Rose watches them come out, and then looks back to Infigan.
Rose: Don't tell them anything!
Her voice seemed to almost tremble. Rose quickly stands up, and runs down the street. Tarom and Nelle run over to Infigan.
Nelle: Infigan? You okay? What happened?
Infigan: I'm fine...I'm fine...
Infigan's expression is very distant and almost frightened.
Tarom: Infigan, who was that?
Infigan does not reply. He just stares for a moment, and then stands up from the bench. As he begins to walk, he stops and looks down at his foot and wriggles it a little. The pain is gone.
***
Chapter 4
The next day Catlas walks down to the Cafe Noxa looking for Infigan. Tarom and Nelle had called him last night about the events that had taken place, and realized that Infigan was not talking to either of them about it. Catlas thinks he should try at least... So he walks down the road, talking to himself along the way.
Catlas: Alright, obviously Infigan isn't home. Well, it seems crazy that he would even think of going back so soon, but maybe he's at the cafe...
The lion enters the cafe, looking around, but no reptile is to be found. Figuring that there is no way he would find him anytime soon, he decides to take a break and have a cappuccino.
As Catlas sips the hot beverage, Virana spots him from across the room. She remembers Nelle having been in the cafe with him before, so she figures he probably knows Infigan as well.
Virana: Say lion, where has Nelle been? I haven't seen her since last night.
Catlas: The name's Catlas.
Virana: Right, right, my manners. I'm Virana. So...have you even seen her today?
Catlas: I don't know where she is.
Virana: Oh, and I'm so bored. She often comes in here in the morning. Oh well.
As the vixen turns away, Catlas perks up. Wait...she saw Nelle last night. Nelle was with Infigan last night...this Virana must've seen everything.
Catlas: Hey, wait a minute. Do you know Infigan?
Virana: Yeah, Nelle just introduced him to me last night. I saw him go by the cafe window about an hour ago. He didn't stop in...and I guess I can't blame him.
Catlas: Which way did he go?
Virana: Umm, down the street, past the theatre.
Catlas: *mutters* That's going toward Tarom's house...where they last saw him last night. *to Virana* Alright, thank you. I better get going.
Catlas sips a little more of his drink, and leaves the money for it on the table. He rushes out the door, hoping to find what he feels must be one distraught lizard. He runs down the street, leaving the vixen curious.
Virana: Is something wrong? ...
***
Across the street from Tarom's house, Infigan sits on the bench right where he had met Rose last night. His head is tilted toward the ground. His mind is full of anguish and frustration at the same time. Thoughts of what those foxes had said at the bar...and where had Rose gone? ...and what did she do to his foot? Infigan feels as if he's about to explode. He was thrilled after meeting her, but now he doesn't know what to think. He had so many questions and no one to ask them to. Infigan stands up off the bench, walking aimlessly into the street, rotating his direction as he steps along. He shouts "WHERE ARE YOU?" as loud as he can and just collapses to the ground.
Catlas: Infigan? Infigan!
The reptile doesn't seem to want to even move, let alone respond to the lion. Catlas rushes over, not knowing what just happened.
Catlas: Infigan! What in the world are you doing laying in the middle of the street? C'mon, get up!
Catlas helps him up and back over to the bench. He has no possible way of identifying with Infigan's stress. But he would at least try...
Catlas: Infigan...will you at least talk with me?
Inifgan gathers himself and straightens up. He looks toward Catlas and simply nods.
Catlas: I want to talk about last night. Nelle and Tarom told me there was an incident or two.
Infigan still not really speaking, just nods again.
Catlas: Infigan, I know what it's like to not feel wanted. I ...well...I may not have had the same situation as you, but it's the same idea.
The reptile finally looks right at Catlas now. Infigan's eyes fill back up with sense and focus.
Catlas: I had lived for most of my life in a village up north. Half of the population there was comprised of lions. My family loved me very much...but for some reason, almost none of the other lions my age liked me at all. I was afraid to go outside eventually. At first, some of them were friendly, but as the years passed, it changed. It went from pathetic, childish name-calling, to vicious physical attacks.
Catlas holds out his left arm and pushes some of the fur back, revealing a horrid scar. Infigan's eyes widen and his breath stifles slightly.
Catlas: No matter how much my parents begged me, I refused to stay any longer. I ran away a few years back, and I ended up here. And then I met Tarom. We became good friends and he helped get me settled here...sort of like both of us did for you. I never knew why those lions hated me so much, but I am ever grateful that they never found me again.
Infigan is quite surprised to hear all of this. Having heard this story from Catlas' life, he feels they've been in the same boat, or at least similar ones.
Infigan: I'm sorry, but I still can't tell you anything from last night. She made me promise.
Catlas: Ah yes, Nelle did say she saw someone running away from you when they came out of Tarom's house. Well, whenever she gives you the okay, you know I'm more than willing to listen to anything you have to say, alright?
Infigan: *smiles a little* You'll be the first one I tell.
Catlas smiles and pats Infigan on the back.
Catlas: Don't worry buddy, everything's going to be fine soon enough.
Infigan: So, Nelle and Tarom put you up to this, huh?
Catlas: Yeah.
Infigan: Well, where are they?
Catlas: You know...that's a good question. Virana said that Nelle never showed up at the cafe today. And I had been to Nelle's house, but she wasn't there either.
Infigan: Well, where could they be?
***
After trying to talk to Infigan the previous night, Tarom and Nelle were confused and stayed up late at Tarom's house trying to figure it out. However, they basically passed out and Nelle never did get home. It's about noon, and Nelle wakes up, noticing that she's lying against a leopard. Startled, she almost jumps up, but then realizes she likes lying there. And she doesn't want to wake Tarom quite yet either.
As she lies there, Nelle can't help but wonder if Tarom has been harvesting feelings for her all this time. And has she had feelings for him without realizing it? With the odd way he acted last night, he must have been nervous or something. She notices Tarom start to stir. He opens his eyes, and looks surprised to have the wolverine on the couch with him. His face makes it obvious that he's a little embarrassed.
Nelle: Hi.
Tarom: Heh...hi.
Though she doesn't really want to, Nelle decides that it's best she get up. Tarom is nervous enough as it is. She can't help but smile, and tries not to chuckle.
Tarom: Are you leaving?
Nelle: Well, no, if you would like me to stay for breakfast.
Nelle smiles warmly, and Tarom can't help but laugh quietly.
***
It's now late afternoon and the sun is starting to set as Infigan and Catlas approach the front of the lion's house.
Catlas: Well, this is about as far as I go today, Infigan. I'm going to have some dinner and whatnot. I'll see you tomorrow...and hopefully Nelle and Tarom this time, too.
Infigan: Yeah, I'll see all of you tomorrow.
The lion goes into his house and turns on the light as Infigan just stands still for a moment. The reptile doesn't feel he wants to go home just yet. There are still too many things on his mind. Behind Infigan there is a stirring in the shadows. He swiftly turns around to meet...another reptile girl?
FemReptile2: Hey there! Are you Infigan?
This female lizard is scantily clad and acts more seductive, very unlike Rose's demeanor. Her scales are of a purple hue, and her brilliant red hair cascades down both sides of her face. With the way she sways her hips as she walks, Infigan is nervous and can't find a reply.
FemReptile2: Hello? Anybody home there? You're Infigan, right?
Infigan: Uh...yeah, yeah. Sorry. And you are?
FemReptile2: I'm Jesabelle! I believe you've already met my friend Rose.
Infigan recalls Rose. Though Jesabelle is quite the looker, he feels he would rather be talking with Rose right now.
Jesabelle: Well, anyway, she told me about you. I knew I just had to meet you!
The purple-scaled reptile girl wanders around Infigan surveying his body. She looks up and down every inch of him, making Infigan somewhat uncomfortable. Not that he had anything to be ashamed of, but he just felt weird being monitored. Every now and then he can hear her give off a giddy giggle or make a quiet comment of admiration. She walks back in front of him and looks him in the eyes.
Jesabelle: Rose's description did not do you justice.
She smiles and starts leaning toward him, but Infigan steps back as he has a few questions on his mind.
Infigan: Listen, about Rose. Do you notice anything peculiar about her?
Infigan is trying his best not to break his promise about what happened with Rose the previous night.
Jesabelle: Oh, her? Of course she's peculiar. She always seems quiet, keeps to herself. I mean...she's great and everything. I'm good friends with her, but she does act quite strangely from time to time. Ha, but enough about her...
Infigan realizes he's not going to get any answers out of Jesabelle. Apparently she has other things on her mind. Jesabelle closes her eyes and leans forward again, but falls over and hits the ground. When she opens her eyes, she sees that Infigan was laready walking away. She pounds her claw off the road and groans.
Jesabelle: Oh, darn it! ...
***
It is getting late, but Nelle wants to stop down at the Cafe Noxa to apologize to Virana for not stopping by earlier.
Nelle: Hey, Virana, you here?
Nelle looks around the now almost empty cafe, but soon hears a reply. The vixen is over at the bar waving to get Nelle's attention.
Nelle: Hey, sorry I wasn't here today. I slept in.
Virana: Well, where were you after you woke up?
Nelle: *stutters* Uh uh...at uh...out shopping.
Nelle knew darn well that Virana was the queen of gossip at the cafe, and that Virana can take a tale and juice it up and twist it good so that it is barely the same story anymore. Besides, she didn't want anything about her and Tarom getting around just yet.
Virana: Oh well, I'm glad you stopped by at least darlin'. Hey, remember that hot fox I was talkin' with last night?
Nelle: *smiles* Oh yeah, what happened there?
Virana: He rejected me.
Nelle: Oh.
Virana: But before he did, he told me something rather interesting after you guys left.
Nelle: And what's that?
Virana: He said that he spotted three reptilian women wanderin' on into town yesterday before he came into the cafe. He brought it up after he looked at Infigan. Thought that those girls looked similar to him.
Nelle: *jumps* I knew it! One of those reptiles was around Infigan last night!
Virana: Oh really?
Virana chuckles to herself.
Nelle: Well hold on a second. I don't think it's anything like that yet.
Virana: Oh darn. I think it would be nice for Infigan to have a girlfriend, hehe.
Nelle: Well, anyway, there's something strange going on nonetheless. I confronted Infigan about who she was, and he refused to answer. Not to mention I heard him scream or something before I saw them.
Virana: Whoa, something is rotten in Phedia.
The vixen chuckles again, and Nelle sighs.
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