[velasco]

SIMONE
(SIM-OWN)
is a creature known as a maogon. what are maogons? "maogons are a closed adoptable species. their name originates from the chinese word for cat (mao) mixed with dragon. this is because they were originally believed to be a mix of cat and dragon. it was not until later that scientists discovered they were an entirely different species. they prefer solitude and rarely form packs, although packs have been seen.

for the most part, simone is a normal maogon. he dislikes any interaction with any other creatures or even within his own, he's stubborn, he's intelligent, however he does have some physical.. flaws, as other maogons would put it. simone is special in the sense of his physical appearance. other maogons refer to him as the "icy fire" or "ice king," though "ice king" is more occasional. these nicknames come from his cold toned color palette, fire flaming from his eyes, and the fog around his paws. other maogons typically tease him about these qualities when he has to actually interact with them, even though it's extremely rare, but he says those are his favorite physical qualities about himself. "they make me unique," he says, going on to, "they also help me to see what it's like to be.. different. i get to know someone before i judge them for their physical appearance because i know how it feels, and it hurts sometimes."

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i sit, adjusting myself and my recorder. i set the mic up as the maogon enters the room. smiling, i look at him. i instantly notice the spikes along his back, tail, and head, as well as the flames erupting from his eyes and the fog that trails alongside his paws. i had to ask about that.

the maogon sits opposite of me, curling his tail around him, as if in attempt to cover up his paws. i nod, and he nods in return, signaling that it was time to start this interview.

"so," i begin, "will you begin with telling me some basic information about yourself? things that your friends would know?"

his tail curls tighter, it's obvious that he's uncomfortable. he shrugs, "well, i don't really have many friends, you see, we don't enjoy making friends. the awkward first conversation, the first handshake, first hug, it terrifies us. but i have one or two people who i would trust with my life," he smiles at the thought of those maogons, "my name is simone (sim-own), i'm only a year old, which i suppose in human years is 15, my favorite thing to eat is.. well.. it's embarrassing. there's this diner where i sometimes camp out by, just waiting for them to throw something out, which sounds disgusting to humans, but when you have to hunt for your food or forage for it, this is a major treat. i love when they throw out burgers. i mean, i'm an animal, i can't make them - but god, they're so good. my favorite is when they put one or two pickles on it, some ketchup, cheese, and the occasional onion and- i'm sorry, am i rambling? do you have any questions?"

i hesitate, then nod. "actually, i do. and i assume that you know what i'm going to ask about."

he sighs, nodding, "i'm afraid i do. i'm also afraid that i don't have an answer for you. i have no clue as to how or why i have fog around my paws, spikes along my body, and fire ignited and flowing from my eyes. i swear, it doesn't hurt. it doesn't hurt me or anyone else. the only thing it truly hurts about me is my reputation, no one takes a maogon with flames flowing from their eyes seriously. sometimes, only sometimes, i wish i didn't have them - but most of the time i'm extremely thankful for my flaws. they make me, me."

"are there any other unique things about you?" i question.

he stands and circles around the chair. i have no clue what he's doing until he steps away. i squint my eyes, and on the ground, trailing behind him, is a trail of blue flames ranging in sizes. isn't that dangerous? he looks upset and i instruct him to sit back down. he's stubborn, so he refuses out of spite and continues to walk, now stomping, offended that i would have even suggested sitting down. maogons truly are strange creatures within themselves.



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