Chapter 14: Parity Through Parlay

Saigo was feeling weak in the knees.

He can't understand why there isn't a stool behind the counter. The caiman might as well lose his legs from how long he has been standing to make coffee. It was bad enough that he has been fantasying about amputating his legs so that he doesn't have to support his body.

Time went by slowly the more he feel into his routine at the cafe.

It's not like he hated the work but a lot of things have been flooding his mind. From having to hide his body from the world to see the permanent tattoos of what each part of his body would provide to the fact that there are other humans living among them.

What's worse is that both carnivores and herbivores from all walks of life were hesitant when they collect their beverages at the counter. He figured some saw bits of his tattoos or just the fact that he is a mere reptile.

Reptiles kept to themselves rather than socialise with others. From their poker face, to scales that may look intimidating and eyes that could pierce through the souls. Society merely tolerated the cold-blooded animals to only play a part in the scheme.

What scheme? Who the hell knows!

It was bad enough that every time Saigo smiled, the patrons falter by stepping back but flashed him a polite smile in return.

He didn't need to be a psychic to know that most of the animals don't like him.

Again, he hoped work finishes soon so that he could go for a swim before heading back.

...

The water has never been so welcoming~

A splash of cold seawater was enough to cool Saigo's skin, making him do some laps around where he swam. Somehow when he was in the water, everything becomes a blurr. Figuratively, he wished the water would carry him away from his troubles.

He has no family waiting for him.

All his friends from school are probably living out their lives, faring better than where he's at.

Other reptiles have better jobs that suit their nature. Saigo knew as a caiman, he's just the dwarf of the crocodile world. He swam slowly, tail swishing side to side to angle himself. He could hold his breath for a few hours before he could break to the surface.

Here underwater, the citizens of the sea paid no heed to the labels all over his body. The cool water and the unknown fish swimming by him as if he were part of their world was enough to convince the caiman that at least there is a place that will tolerate him.

Tolerance in his opinion, is better than nothing.

Life is nothing but a gamble the minute he graduated from school. He never knew what to do with his life when he was kicked out, expected to be a well-adjusted adult. It wasn't as easy as he imagined it might be. From the endless job hunt, his carnivore instincts kicking in when he first tasted blood and how money seemed to solve most of the problems that accumulated his life.

He wanted to quit the barista despite getting the position because he wasn't sure what he will do or where he will go. Swimming made him reflect about his life and what he has experienced. From his school life to the decisions he's made and meeting Yura.

"Yura," he gurgled her name in the water.

Despite meeting for a short time, that human has impacted his view on life. In a way, he wants to make the best of things just like her. Her skills in thievery was proof of how resourceful she is since she doesn't have a home.

'But now she does,' he thought to himself hopefully, deciding to surfaced from the water.

Just then, he spotted a figure dipping their feet close to the water's edge. Saigo's main concern is that is a spy or worst. He lowered his body underwater, his hands to his sides while his tail acted as a paddle to swim to the shore.

There, the figure at the shore was a brown Komodo dragon in a white shirt and sweatpants.

"Hello, Saigo," the venomous reptile greeted him with a smile. Saigo was hesitant to take his hand, not because of the venom. He stepped out of the water, still in his underwear while his arms crossed to cover the labels on his chest.

"Who are you? How do you know my name?"

"I know you through my lover, Qandeel. She's a human just like yours," said the Komodo dragon, sitting down on the ground before handing the caiman back his clothes. "I'm Iko."

Saigo reluctantly took his clothes, eyeing the venomous reptile suspiciously. Iko said nothing but covered his mouth with a hand, probably to prevent his venom from dripping out. Saigo took Iko's hand, removing it gently from his mouth.

"Look, it's not that I don't want you around because of your venom. You were staring at me because of my labels, weren't you? Come on, that's the first thing you were going to say, right? Tell me!"

Iko raised his hand to silenced the caiman. Saigo and Iko kept their eyes onto each other, chest heaving slowly. Both reptiles don't want to fight but both of their fists are clenched in case. Saigo knew Komodo dragons not only have venom but strong arms.

"You're small for a crocodile," Iko remarked, his forked tongue darting out. Saigo snapped his jaws shut, letting out a small hiss.

"Caimans are the smallest species of crocodile," Saigo explained. "I may be little but my tail can crack your bones if I swing it!"

"I don't want to fight. Yes, I noticed those labels all of your body but that's the least of my concern. I came here because I'm looking for my lover. She's been gone for a while and I'm worried she might be devoured or worst..."

This made Saigo sagged his shoulders a little bit. He too was imagining Yura in the same situation as this Komodo dragon's human. He sighed, unclenching his fist.

"Alright, I'll help you find her as well as mine. On one condition."

Iko's face lit up, a bit of venom dribbling at the corner of his mouth. "Anything."

"If you snitch on me, call the police or even dared to take parts of me away," Saigo growled. "I WILL put you in a lock before rolling over to dismember you."

Iko the Komodo dragon was named after an Indonesian actor/martial artist: Iko Uwais

Well, reptiles only attack when they feel threatened, stressed or want to hunt.

Sorry it's been a while since I've been busy becoming a full-time author and publishing my first novel and on with my second one!

Spoilers: Second novel is based on Beastars and Rick Riordan's work