It took a bit longer for Sophie and Roland to return than expected. Considering Molly the Dolichorhynchops Dinotopian was the first Animalian to get the coronavirus (and thankfully the only one thus far), Animalia Air went into a brief lockdown until things have settled. But still, Molly was keeping herself in quarantine. Unlike so many people on the mainland, she cared more about whether she could get other people infected than pursuing her own goals. Though Molly admits she misses being able to swim in the ocean, but she was willing to put up with it.
Fortunately, several companies are getting closer to make vaccines for Covid-19, some versions being particularly promising. And Horizon Labs has been doing some groundwork for their own vaccine. Considering Molly was an Animalian before she got infected and a particularly healthy high, expectations are high that she'll eventually make a full recovery. And once her body stared producing antibodies for the coronavirus, the scientists were hoping they could use them to make their own vaccine. However, due to the nature of the Animalian virus that was also in her system, such a vaccine would probably only be available to double-dosed Animalians. But immunizing the double-dosed Animalians (which made for a very large majority of the population) would be a tremendous step and hopefully make it easier to open up Animalia's colonies.
But that won't be until a few months. What was important now was that when Animalia Air started flying again and Sophie and Roland were both cleared, they were heading back home. Even if it was mainly to interview Molly, Sophie and Roland were glad to go on the trip. Like many people, the social distancing had made them feel stir-crazy. Possibly more considering they were flying Animalians. It was nice to be able to spread their wings and fly about the island while they were waiting for the airline to start running again. It was also nice to have some alone time away from their parents. But Sophie and Roland were also eager to get back, especially since they agreed to meet up with the others at the Animalian ComicCon.
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Animalia's ComicCon isn't nearly as big as the one held in San Diego, nor did have so many official sponsors. Part of the reason was the limit to how many people could visit considering the pandemic. Even so, it did draw in a big crowd. For some Animalians, it was their first big exposure to comic books. Some were looking for a more extensive experience. But in any case, it was a good place to hang out with friends.
When Sophie and Roland found their friends at the convention, it was quite clear they've already been to a few booths, judging by the tote bags full of free stuff. "Guys, you're back," said Abby, spotting them.
"How was your trip?" asked Jessica.
"Yeah, how was your ESCAPE FROM SKULL ISLAND?" asked Malice.
The others gave her an odd look. "Why did you say it like that?" asked Sarah.
"Because it sounds just like a movie. Or a video game. I'm not sure which," said Malice.
"She's not wrong," admitted Roland, "Though it was more of an ESCAPE TO SKULL ISLAND."
Sophie elbowed him and said, "Don't you start that. And if you guys wanna know, it was a fun getaway, even if it got a little too long."
"I'm sure you and Roland like the alone time," said Malice in a teasing tone.
"Malice," said Jessica reprovingly.
"Hey, don't say they shouldn't," said Malice, "You and Roger already lost your v-cards. There's no reason for any of us to hold back."
"Maybe, but this isn't a topic for public places," said Sarah.
"Yeah, are we here to gossip or are we here to look at comics?" asked Sophie.
"Ok, let's look at some comics," said Malice.
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The Animalia ComicCon seemed to attract collectors of classic comics, probably due to the original collection that belonged to Lily's great-uncle that had inspired last year's ComicCon. It also seemed to draw in furry lovers as there were plenty of comics here that depicted anthro animals of varying degrees of humanization.
Abby was looking over some of these comics before she said, "You know, I expect a little more realism from this."
Sophie raised an eyebrow, "Realism? From comics? Where the women tend to look like Dolly Parton in zero gravity?"
"I mean, shouldn't people have a realistic idea of what anthro animals look like by now?" asked Abby.
"Everyone has different styles," said Sophie, "I don't think Animalians would fit everyone's style. I wouldn't expect realistic comics depicting Animalians."
"Funny you should mention that," said Jessica, "Because I saw a preview of the manhou they're doing about the Five Elements."
"Manhua?" asked Abby.
"They're like comics and manga, only made in China," said Jessica.
"Oh yeah," said Abby, "Let me guess, they depict the Five Elements manipulating the elements they're named after."
"I think they're saving that for later issues," said Jessica.
"Personally, I'm wondering if and how they'll be depicting Nate," said Sophie. Nate and Shuixing's relationship was hardly a secret. The fact that they finally went all the way and converted Nate was not much of a surprise. It was a bit early to say when the wedding would be, but everyone was expecting them to make a big appearance at the Year of the Ox celebration next year. By then, the coronavirus vaccine should be ready for everyone.
"You know, Nate's not the only love interest," said Jessica, "Have you heard about how Huoxing's getting a boyfriend?"
Abby gave a small snort and said, "I've only heard rumors. Not even a name for that guy."
"It would be interesting to see what's going on Heiya Island now," said Jessica.
"Ask someone who hasn't spent over a week on an island," said Sophie.