"Fascinating," the doctor mused, pulling out the flat wooden stick from my tongue.
"You've used that word a lot, Doc."
"I have?" He asked himself, "I have! It's a good thing! A lot of things actually like, for example, your teeth!" He slides to his desk, sorting out the dozen disorganized tools, most harmless even to me. "They are so familiar yet so… different."
"Why am I even here? I thought you said I was perfectly fine," I crossed my arms, begging Miya for help with my eyes. She gently shook her head, her feathers a smidge puffed.
"And you are! A little on the light side, but as healthy as a.. human can be! Ha. Ha." Did he really just say that? He struggled to open a drawer, taking out a few black and white photographs. Approaching from behind, I leaned over his shoulder, humming at the familiar set of teeth. A week ago, they took me to those special rooms where dentists take x-rays, lead vest and everything. It left a dull taste in my mouth.
"But why go through all of this… again?" He didn't jump at my proximity, clearing some space with a sweep of the arm across the desk. Placing the three photos next to each other, the right and left ones were mugshots of aforementioned sides, the middle one a front view of my shiny whities. The toothpaste they gave me tasted like smoke and grass but it's done its job so far.
"As if I know. Orders higher above anything I'll ever achieve in my lifetime! Probably just want to make sure Johnny-san is absolutely rid of any pesky, vile, rotten diseases," he shuddered, his back hunching.
"... Oookay, sure," I glanced at Miya, neutral as always in public, however small the gathering. "So why the teeth?"
"Oh? Teeth? Those gorgeous pearls? These symmetrical treats? The-" Doc coughed into his hand, "sorry, got, uh… mm…" Now I felt like the bad guy, stretching my cheeks upwards in a half-squint.
"I-"
"Back when I was… younger, I found the oral cavity a most intriguing subject. One thing led to another and I received the qualifications for an excellent orthodontist, it had come true…" He stared dreamily into the ceiling, sobriety crawling back into his frontal lobe, "but… some dreams… don't come true…" His head hung high, muzzle down, "But! It's a hobby, and a useful one for off-the-record favors! So, please, don't mind my enthusiasm, it's not every day I get to take a close look at the teeth of an ex-" He coughed violently, but only once.
"Are you okay?" In multiple ways, I wanted to say, but refrained after hearing his life story, too personal if you ask me.
"Yes, yes, definitely. Now, allow me to explain why I react the way I do." No, please, no. Miya, help me you oversized lazy bird! One look her way filled me with betrayal, she was sleeping with one eye open! Sighing, I pulled a swivel chair from the doctor's other side, plopping down with my entire weight.
„Ugh… my life, man…"
"As you know, there are two kinds of animals; herbivores and carnivores… excluding life in the sea, they aren't really intelligent like us," I raised an eyebrow, the narrative suddenly uncomfortable to the moral compass, but I let it slide. "An easy way to identify which group an animal belongs to is the teeth!" Gesturing with a hand to move closer, I did.
"Okay?"
"Take a look," he holds up the middle photo, another genetic lottery won by yours truly, "do you see anything… odd?"
"What? No, didn't you say they were 'divinely crafted' one time?" Two weeks ago to be exact, during one of our weekly, thank God for that, check ups. He'd gone on an external monologue and said more than he could chew. Some of the things I heard were… questionable.
"Y-yes! I have! And they are. So, here you see that the frontal teeth are short and square from this angle, well it's technically a cyli- too complex, let's not get into specifics. If you knew nothing about the origin of this scan, would you guess the teeth belonged to a herbivore or a carnivore?"
I hummed in thought, the answer quick in its arrival, "Herbivore, easy. They don't have those protruding fangs I saw in other species."
"EXACTLY!" His voice boomed, giddy with excitement like a kid before an amusement park. "But you see, that's where the uneducated are wrong." He switched the photos, the one he was holding now of my skull from the right. "Here, you can see the true characteristics of your teeth! While the frontals are thinner and sharper, the ones in the back are broad and dull, just like a herbivore's." He rubbed his thumb over the smooth, static texture, the reflection creating a blinding shine at the top right corner.
"That's obvious stuff, Doc. It's because I'm an omnivore-"
"YES! THAT! You are an omnivore! Hahaha!" He threw the image onto the desk, spreading his arms out while facing me. "You are the omnivore. Every animal can be categorized into either group, but you can't. What does your diet consist of? Ah, don't, I already know. You need both plants and protein to survive, even the tests prove it! If you don't have protein, your muscles will grow weak and you will- would develop an iron deficiency, but if you don't have vitamins, you could also develop strange problems we haven't encountered! I fear the possibility of such an outcome, you are too precious for this world…"
I stared at the wall behind the doctor, utterly speechless with emotions I didn't have the vocabulary to express. What the fuck did I just hear? Glancing to Miya without moving a muscle, her beak had dropped open, an eye twitching. Upon eye contact, she composed herself, imploring me to say nothing. And I did, in spite of her blind eye.
Blinking into focus, I swallowed, "Doctor… that was… wild…" I hesitated over the next part, "Are you off the meds or something?"
"W- eh? No?!" He exclaimed in disbelief, moving his tools a little further from view, "why would you say… that?"
"Blurted out, sorry," I dropped the matter, his odd personality tittering on the edge of tolerance.
Funny thing is patience. How many months had passed? Four? Five? Spring was near its end. I should ask Miya later, and that's where it all started. Back when I didn't speak their tongue, the promethean fire burned brighter than a quasar, but now? Extinguished to a candle. I couldn't get the answers I wanted so I forgot. With little trouble in the present, I was planted into a compliant tree in a false garden. Miya knew that I knew, and I knew that she knew. And ever since that… video, all I felt looking back was… hollow.
"Well, just so you know, I am the cleanest animal you will ever come across," he'd put something away in the drawer, clearing his throat to divert my attention. "Anyhow, another peculiar trait I- we noticed was in your anatomy."
"Anato- isn't everything my anatomy? Blood and muscle and stuff?"
He chuckled, "Yes, 'stuff'. I meant your skeletal system, and not just the proportions or that round skull of yours, but one insignificant, invisible-to-the amateur's-eye part…"
"... Which is?" I continued, his hands rubbing together in silence.
"Your chin!"
"What?"
"Yes! While all animals on land have a jaw, yours has one part that no other has! That little protrusion? The fat patch under your lower lip? By textbook definition, you are the only animal to have such a characteristic." The more I knew about myself the better, I suppose. "Oh, I could go about this aaaaall day long, better than the paperwork…" His passion devolved into a bitter growl, sharp nails digging into the pristine desk.
Opening a compartment, he drew out a needle, glancing first to Miya for permission. "It's alright, just make it quick," I pulled up my sleeve, exposing the crook of the elbow.
"Ah, thank you," he kneeled beside me, popping off the lid before tying a rubber band to my bicep, "clench a fist please," I did, the vein gradually showing under. "See? This is what I mean, you are just so… nice to work with."
"Pardon?"
"You don't scream, you don't snark mean replies and you have the patience of an elephant. I know you hate the needle, but you still brave it, look away," I gazed at Miya, a strange glint in her eyes indecipherable. Was she jealous? No, that's silly. I spent most of my time with her, and she was a good friend. He was just doing what he had to.
Before I knew it he stored away a fresh vial, sealing my wound with a plaster. "And another thing! Your lack of fur makes it sooo easy to operate on you. Do you know how long it takes to shave a patch and sterilize it? And get all the hair left behind out? Makes me glad I didn't pursue surgery," he rambled on, the noise white as the walls.
Speaking of the walls, as he went off about my hands, I found a poster that wasn't there before. To any other pers- animal, it looked nothing out of the ordinary, but to me it was mind-boggling.
Antarctica hadn't changed, not that my memory could tell with the overlooked continent. South and North America were more or less the same, Alaska had yet to form a land bridge with the end of Asia, but Central America was gone. In its place was a sea that could be seen from space, separating the two American siblings. That was the least of my troubles. I never fancied geography much in middle school, but I knew the general layout of the world. Greenland was there, so were Ireland and England, but that's where things got funky. The Mediterranean was… shallower, the Italian boot became just that; Sicily and the mainland became one. The Greek archipelago was pegged down a step, whether the Black Sea was landlocked or not was another question, what did they even call it nowadays? And there was- wasn't. The Caspian Sea no longer existed, shame. The Red sea was deathly thin, though the curve of the African boomerang was a tad sharper. Moving eastward we find ourselves at the no-longer archipelago of the southeast, but let's backtrack. The Indian triangle was broader. A long stretch, perhaps as long as Chile, started in Thailand all the way to the island southwest of Malaysia, accessible by land vehicles. In contrast to the Mediterranean, the southeastern islands united to make many connections, traversing a boat no longer a viable option to exploit the spice trade. And there were the siblings down under; Australia and New Zealand, the latter having hit the gym while I was gone, good for them. Alas was my location; Japan, or as they called it-
"-Yamoto. Hey! Were you even listening?"
"Huh? Yeah, yeah, sure."
He groaned, hiding his downcast gaze behind a hand, "Kids these day…"
"Hey! I'll have you know I'm… eh… em…" That got Miya's attention real quick, the avian already present as the third wheel to the tricycle.
"Johnny… didn't you say you were sixteen?"
"Technically, I'm seventeen, but it's a bit complicated."
"You reminded me we haven't-"
"No." I cut off the doctor, crossing my arms with a scowl.
"But-"
"No, for the millionth time, y'know, don't you have books about us? Science books? Why do you- as in the whole of you, insist on checking my no-no zone?"
"Part of the proto-"
"PaRt oF tHe pRo- damn the protocol! What? Are you telling me I'm the only one around? Is that it?" I stopped, realizing what I've done. "Look, I- I'm… sorry for lashing out, it's been a rough week…" I loosened my arms, unable to meet any eye.
Doc placed an understanding hand on my shoulder, lightly shaking me, "I'm not angry, being in your shoes isn't easy… you're quite strong, despite what you might think," I opened my mouth to retort, but he got me in the end.
"It's just… I want answers," my body turned towards Miya if by the width of a hair. "It's been eating away at me for the past week and I- I've thought of terrible, terrible things- that can't be true! All I need is a straightforward explanation of… this!" I swung my arms around wildly, pointing at this and that.
"And you will get it soon, in time," his tone adapted a somber one, worrying me to no end. It wasn't like him, he knew something I didn't, and I didn't like that.
"Miya?" I turned to her, though my expectations weren't any higher. Her eyes were as soft as always, but the rest was an iron wall. Anytime I'd ask her she'd parrot, pun intended, the same voice lines, always a big let-down. However, if she had a good reason to withhold the truth, it had to be worth something, so I kept quiet. Until now.
"Well, if you still insist on the importance of your privacy over health, there isn't much I can do," he shrugged, starting to organize the mess on his desk.
I feigned hurt, the back of my hand on my forehead, "Oh! What will I ever do if you don't look at my pee pee!" Jumping to my feet, I slid away from Miya before taking a quick peek at my tool, the elastic bands of the pants snapping the collective garments into place. "Everything's fine down there, just checked."
"Never change, Johnny-san… never change…" He shook his head with a grin, metallic instruments clanking against one another as he closed the drawer. I could say the same, his eccentricity was a nice change for once.
"You don't have to call me san, I said that already."
"I know, but I feel you deserve minimal respect… as associates," I rolled my eyes, maybe this was Japan after all.
"Are we done here?" Miya spoke, her arm wrapping around my right shoulder.
"Yes, yes, I will inform you if anything is out of the ordinary. Good day." Closing the bottom drawer, he fell into his chair, the wheels grinding against the floor before the tapping of claws on keys began.
Gently guiding me out, we wished the doctor farewells and good luck with the paper tower, some of it likely regarding me. Once out of the medical bay, Miya quipped, "We have an hour before Dinner, is there anything you'd like to do?"
I scratched my chest, my tongue bulging the left cheek, "video games, not even a question."
She chuckled, "I had a feeling. I did enjoy that co-operative survival game, what was it again? Dust? Odd name."
"True, but I don't think of them, I'm merely the consumer."
She hummed, her head raised high. Once we turned the first corner, I tugged at her hand, making her stop, "Hm-? Yes?"
"Miya…" My mouth was dry, her feathers rubbing against my fingerprints, "we need to talk."
"Aren't we?" She giggled, pulling me along.
But I stood my ground, her strength hidden beneath all that fluff, "Not like that. You know what I mean…" The second tug defeated the soles of my boots, ripping the fortress by the roots.
"Johnny… we talked about this… want some ice cream? It's always free for you~"
"No- I'd love to but no," I stood my metaphorical ground, allowing her to guide me to the game room, I hoped.
"Chocolate? Vanilla? Strawberry? Several? Just name it and it's yours, me personally, I like-"
"Miya…"
"A burger then? I can order something like that, none of that bug-meat you hate so much," she cleared her throat, her pace starting to lessen.
"Miya…"
"A-and then-"
"MIYA!" I hated raising my voice. I hated shouting at others even if they were stupid or ignoring me. But every man has a limit. I reached mine last month.
She stood in silence, though her hand didn't falter. Moving around her, I blocked the passage, the tip of her beak gliming under the artificial light, so sharp and-
I blinked the sight away, taking a deep breath before speaking, "Miya… I'm sorry for shouting, but this can't go on like this…"
After blanking for a few moments, she sighed, her shoulders sagging, "I know…"
A hint of surprise shot through me, "You do? I- I mean-" a friendly hand shushed me, a thousand emotions in her eyes. I spotted regret dancing alongside guilt, conviction apprehensive of apathy, above all a need, I could only wonder what kind.
"Come," her hand slithered down to mine, trapping my fingers like so many other times, though this one felt… special. Not unlike the first time, I had a good feeling about this.
Following her lead, my mind filtered the passing animals and the few daring starers, for all were aware of our peculiar bond. A perk of the job, I added. A paranoid part of me complained she might take away my games for speaking the way I had, but why search for an empty office? One obscure and too dusty to be up to standard.
Twisting the lock, Miya crouched before me, her head at the height of my abdomen. Holding both hands within her own, she began, "Apologies for not saying anything, can't have others listening to what I'm about to say." I huffed out the nose, my smile thinner than the second dimension.
Her eyes fell to the ground in deep thought, choosing whatever bombshell was to befall me. No biggie, I grinned internally. It couldn't be worse than the… what did they call it again? Arrow? A fitting name. On second thought, I shouldn't continue that track and let nature reclaim the land.
"Johnathan…" She captured me, every part of my brain in her hands. "I want to tell you… everything… but certain aspects of the truth are… heavy," she squeezed my hands, rubbing her thumbs in circles, "like the… skeleton incident, for a lack of a better description," she chuckled, her failed attempt at lightening the mood sent the rest of my mood down the drain.
"Oh… oh…" I pursed my lips, "well, if it's like that… nah, I still want to know," I admitted, the thirst for knowledge greater than the bitter poison.
She glanced away for a moment before locking our eyes, pleading, "Are you absolutely sure?"
Although I didn't need to, I considered her warning. However, like many great men of my time said; 'fuck it, we ball.'
"Yes."
"Tomorrow right after breakfast, you will be requested to assist in deciphering some files the researchers couldn't."
My face froze, my mouth slightly parted. Blinking, I scrunched at the underwhelming reveal, "That's it? Spoilers?"
"... Yyyyyeah?"
"I don't- oooooh, so you're saying I'll get my answers through the files? I didn't know that hunk of junk had anything valuable left," except for me, but I scolded myself for the blatant narcissism. I wasn't that cool.
"Precisely. So please, a little more patience, okay?"
"O-of course! I'd wait another month if I had to," I proclaimed, "I just disliked the uncertainty aspect, I li- don't like being in the dark…"
"Neither do I…" She looked away, whispering just loud enough for me to hear, "I'm sorry."
"Huh? For what?" I completely forgot about the hands.
"... Lying," she made a strange sound with her beak, a distant family member of a yowl.
"You… you didn't lie, c'mon, get up, please," I pulled her to her feet, though she did most of the actual work. Now staring down at me, I concluded, "I'm sure you had your reasons, but the fact you told me all of this privately means a lot, even if it's not a lot," I realized how weird I worded that, so I simplified, "I could never be angry with you, thanks for telling me… everything you could." Her determination melted in favor of a softer feeling. Appreciation and compassion, no doubt, but I couldn't help the one in the back of my mind. Probably the lack of dessert in my tummy.
"Hey, can we still get ice cream? I really want some right now-"
Suddenly, I was engulfed in a feathery sarcophagus, hardened keratin vibrating against my scalp, "Oh, Johnny… you are a saint…"
"Hmm?" I patted her back, the funny smell of the feathers poking out of her shirt pungently suffocating.
Releasing me, she thanked me for my forgiveness before opening the door, inquiring upon my favorite flavor. Chocolate, vanilla and banana, three scoops stacked and nestled within a waffle cone. Yum.
"Johnny…" We turned a corner, a random animal bowing in acknowledgement before scurrying off.
"Yeah?"
"Before we continue, can you promise me one thing?"
"Anything," I waved my hand dismissively, the memory of the melting treat bleeding into my sight.
"No matter what happens tomorrow, please don't get mad."
"Sure, sure. Hey, what's your favorite flavor? I'm guessing strawberry."
She sighed, the hand on my back balling a patch of fabric, "It is, how did you know?"
"You're my friend."