Okay, okay, so I just got caught up in Regular Show. I have determined from my watching that Skips is my favorite character and, in honor of this, I shall write a fic just for him. Don't worry, the other characters will be in it too, but Skips will be the focus. I think it will be easy to piece together what I intend to happen, but I won't spoil anything ;) I do not own Regular Show. All rights to all products go to their proper owners. Here's my Regular Show fic: There is Another
Chapter 1: The Park
It was just another normal day at the park. The sun was shining and the park staff was gathered on the house steps waiting to be given their chores for the day. Benson looked at his staff sitting on the steps while he gave an unusual announcement. "All right, guys, there are new employees coming to the park, so I want everyone to be on their best behavior around them. Mr. Maellard personally sent them here," said Benson. This earned some groans from the employees. "I know, I know," Benson continued. "I don't like this anymore than you do, but upon the last inspection, Mr. Maellard said that we needed a female influence. He said it would bring more business to the park and make the staff more 'personable.' " Benson used air quotes at the word 'personable.' "Again, I want everyone to be on their best behavior in front of them. We need to make a good, polite first impression. So, no goofing off..." Benson eyed Mordecai and Rigby as he said this. "...No unnecessary physical contact..." Benson eyed Pops at this. Pops let out a sad sound before Benson continued. Muscle Man slowly raised his hand with a mischievous grin on his face, but Benson seemed to know what the man was thinking as he said, "...And no 'My Mom' jokes, Muscle Man. I mean it."
"Aw, that's lame," said Muscle Man.
"Lame or not, we're going to be polite to them on their first day, so there won't be any 'initiation period.' Am I understood?" asked Benson. The staff groaned, but soon murmured in agreement. "Good, they should be here any minute, so behave." He eyed Mordecai and Rigby one last time. The two slackers put up their hands as a gesture of 'We weren't up to anything,' but Benson still narrowed his eyes in suspicion before glancing at his watch. The wait for the new employees of the park had begun.
It wasn't very long before a loud whooping was heard as well as another strange sound. The park staff turned toward the origin of the sound and saw an upright piano being ridden up and down the park path like a skateboard. The raccoon on top seemed to be the origin of the whooping and the strange sound that was heard was that of the piano's keys being struck by the force of its adventure. It was a strange sight to behold.
The raccoon came skidding to a stop just short of Benson's feet and did a somersault off of the instrument. The female raccoon was grinning from ear to ear. "That was totally rad!" she said excitedly.
Benson, as if coming from a daze, shook his head and spoke. "You must be one of the new employees to the park. Are you Michelle or Renae?" He looked at his clipboard to reference the names.
The raccoon scoffed, "Naw, man, I'm Renae. Michelle's setting up the bus where we were told it could go. She should be here soon enough."
"Oh, you'll be staying on the park grounds?" asked Pops.
"Totally, Michelle and I are totally roommates. We've been buddies for nearly five years now. When we were offered the park job by Mr. Maellard, I was like 'Yeah-yuh!' and Michelle was all like, 'Hmm, this may suit our interests. We'll take the job.' She's so formal like that," Renae went on.
"Well, perfect, it sounds like you two are going to work out just fine," said Benson. After a moment, he caught a glimpse of someone approaching from behind the trees.
"Oh, there's Michelle now. Hey! Over here!" called Renae to her friend. Michelle was a blue jay with lighter feathers than those of Mordecai and a beautiful hourglass figure that was only sharpened by her hip-hugging pants and summer-time t-shirt. This was a vast contrast to Renae since the raccoon had no visible curves whatsoever, so her thin, long-sleeved shirt and poofy skirt did nothing to show off her figure. This was especially noticeable when the blue jay finally stood beside her more radical friend.
"Well, it's nice to see you two here and on time. I'm Benson, your boss, and here are your co-workers: Mordecai, Rigby, Muscle Man, High-Five Ghost, Thomas, Pops, and Skips," Benson pointed out the staff and named them off. "Welcome to the park."
Michelle made some movements with her hands and Muscle Man pointed out, "What's she doin'?"
Renae quickly hushed him and watched intently. Once Michelle had finished her hand movements, Renae replied, "Totally."
"Wait... was that sign language?" asked Benson.
"Yeah, Michelle's mute, so she can't speak, but she can hear everything going on around her and can read lips very well," replied Renae.
"Cool," said Mordecai. "So, what did she say?"
"She said that the park hasn't changed a bit since she was last here," said Renae.
"When were you last here? I don't remember seeing you around before," said Benson. The rest of the staff murmured in agreement. Michelle just shrugged before making more hand motions.
"She said that it was a while ago and she would probably easily be missed since so many people come to the park as it is," translated Renae. Michelle made more hand motions and Renae translated as they moved about. "I hope none of you think any less of me just because I am mute. Renae as my witness, I'm a pretty cool gal." Renae then said some words of her own, "Aw, you know it!" The two friends high-fived and turned to Benson.
"All right, now that that's out of the way, we'll get onto the jobs for the day. Michelle and Renae, you two will be helping Pops clean the house. When you're done with that, come see me and I'll give you someone else to follow for the day. We're pretty packed up with chores, so we could use the extra help," said Benson. He gave everyone else their chores and everyone went to their respective places.
As the day went on, the sun still shone high in the sky and Michelle and Renae were getting the hang of the park duties fairly quickly. It wasn't until the late afternoon that a snag in the otherwise beautiful day occurred. This snag came in the form of a package at the park house doorstep and was addressed to Michelle. The new girl was called down to Benson's office with her translating companion to get the package from Benson.
"Wow, how does anyone know where you are?" asked Renae. She paused. "Come to think of it... who else even knows you?" Michelle made some hand motions before taking the package out of the office and shutting the door with a slam.
There were actually a good number of enemies Michelle had attracted over the course of the years. She knew full well that they all had an axe to grind with her and would find her very quickly if she wasn't careful. She thought she had more time. It would appear that someone has found me. I was wondering when they would. It has been five years since my last problem, after all, Michelle thought to herself.
Michelle went to the bus where she and Renae lived, locked the door, and opened the package while sitting on the couch there. Within moments, the twine had been pulled away and the brown paper easily torn apart. A small black box lay beneath the wrapping and Michelle's eyes widened. She undid the snap on the box and opened it to immediately find a folded note. The note read:
Dear Michelle,
I know it has been some time since we last spoke. When was it last... five years ago? So many tragedies have occurred involving we two that I often lose track. In any case, do you remember Angelica? That girl who was always out to get you and best you at everything? Well... don't get mad, but... I married her. She's now my wife. We're going on two years married, but that's some time away.
Anyway, as you know, I keep track of the whereabouts of every soul in the universe, you included. So, you know that I am one person you'll never shake off your back. Saying this, you won't be surprised when I say that Angelica has found out about your whereabouts as well. I fear for you, Michelle, because you are the one person, besides my wife and child, that I want to see alive most. I know, strange isn't it? Typically I would encourage death and here I am turning you away from me.
Contained within this package is a vial. Inside this vial... well... you already know its contents, don't you? I need you to consume the contents of the vial before Angelica catches up with you. I was able to persuade her into letting me give you a warning, so I assume she will be there shortly after you finish reading this. Please don't blame me for this. I had no idea the full extent of your rivalry. If you ignore this chance... I don't think I need to paint that picture for you, do I? She will make it hard to live and will do what she can to bring harm to you and your friend, Renae. Don't waste this chance, because you and I both know how lucky you are to even get one from me.
I will always love you, Michelle.
Sincerely,
Death.
Michelle had gone through many different emotions while reading the short letter. She had anger at the remembrance of her old rival and at the fact that she and Death had gotten married. She had shock at the fact that they had gotten married as well as the care and attention he was giving to her... even after all the time that had passed. Once she finished the note, she looked at the vial and she did indeed know what its contents were... and didn't wish to take it. Many like her would have jumped at such a chance, but Michelle was different and she refused. She shut the box only to hear a knock on the door.
Michelle got up to answer the door and wasn't much surprised to see Death standing there. "May I come in?" he asked in his usual Cockney accent. Michelle stood aside and let him in. "I thought you might refuse my offer." He gave a short laugh. "I was being serious, you know." Michelle folded her arms. "Oh, come now, Michelle. You and I both know the consequences if you don't face her. If you don't take this vial, you will regret it." Michelle did some signs and Death nodded. "All right, fine, be stubborn. Don't say I didn't warn you though." He left the bus, but he left the box with the vial in it behind. Michelle sighed and looked at the vial. She uncorked it and was about to pour it down the drain when she heard a scream. Michelle tensed as she recognized it as that of Renae's voice. Michelle took the vial and ran outside.
The sky was dark and the winds were blowing hard. Michelle's eyes widened as she saw this. She ran toward the source of the scream and was met with a dangerous sight.
Angelica was controlling the winds with her operatic voice. She waved her arms to and fro to direct the winds. She was also able to conjure weapons and restraints with her rhyming voice. The park staff was having trouble subduing her. Michelle narrowed her eyes angrily and approached her multi-armed foe. She gave her old rival a good shove that knocked her over.
"You! You have a lot of nerve knocking me down, traitor!" Angelica screamed at Michelle from the ground. Michelle crossed her arms and gave a look that said, 'End this.' Angelica just laughed. "Oh, that's right. I should be thanking you. If you hadn't given up the business, I might never have made Death see me for how I truly am: a woman with a voice much better than yours." Michelle still held the vial in one hand and was shakily clenching it as well as her other fist at her sides. "What's the matter, Michelle? Cat got your tongue? Oh, yes, that's right, you gave up your voice out of compassion. Pathetic. We are above these creatures, Michelle, don't you see that?"
"Michelle, what's she talking about? Do you know her?" asked Renae.
"Oh, where are my manners? Perhaps I ought to introduce myself in the best way I know how," said Angelica. She started heading for Renae, but Michelle stepped into her path. "Get out of my way, you unworthy cretin!" Angelica tried to knock Michelle down, but Michelle remained standing. Her look was that of steel. A look that said, 'Touch my friend and you're in for a world of pain.' "All right, do you wish to face me unarmed? Be my guest." She was beginning to charge energy in her hands, her voice powering her on. She was about to shoot at Michelle, but someone got in the way. The unfortunate person struck was Skips. Michelle rushed to Skips's side and looked broken. Her mouth was open, wanting to utter words that she was unable to utter. "Pathetic," was all Angelica had to say to that.
Those words were the only ones needed to fuel the emotions building inside of Michelle. She stood up, uncorked the bottle, and downed its contents. After a short coughing fit, she set the bottle on the ground and approached Angelica. Then, for the first time in five years, she spoke. "Leave here, Angelica."
"I will leave when I see fit to leave and that time is not now," replied Angelica.
"Then you leave me with no choice. I'm sorry," said Michelle. Without having to even utter a word, energy was already being built in her arms. She sang out in a beautiful voice, "Leave now, you foolish siren, leave now! You've had your fun, but now your time is done so leave now." She shot energy from her arms at this and Angelica was pushed back a few feet. Her shoes dragged in the ground both from the force of her resistance and Michelle's energy.
Angelica laughed confidently. "Why would I leave when the fun has just begun? Come now, Michelle, can't you see that I've already won?" She shot energy from her arms at Michelle. This energy didn't faze Michelle since it was blocked. Michelle smiled at Angelica's panicked face.
"It would appear your bag of tricks is as small as ever. Leave now, leave this park forever!" Michelle cast her arm upward, sending energy toward Angelica. The multi-armed woman was sent flying.
On the wind, it was barely heard, "I will get you, Michelle!"
Once Angelica had gone, the winds died down and the clouds dissipated. The sun returned and the day continued as if it had never been interrupted in the first place. Michelle smiled at her accomplishment shortly before rushing to Skips's side. She pushed his concerned friends aside as she looked at the damage the yeti had endured. "My, my, Skips, you just had to play the hero," said Michelle. "As foolhardy as it was, I liked it." She smiled and laid her hands on Skips's chest. "Remove the debris, clean the wounds, heal up and be safe and sound, let there be no more wounds." As Michelle sang, it happened. Skips immediately healed, much to the astonishment of everyone there.
"Whoa! That... was... awesome!" said Rigby.
"Yeah, Michelle, that was really cool. How did you do that?" asked Mordecai.
"Look, I did it, it's done, now let's move on," said Michelle.
"Michelle, why didn't you ever say anything? I mean, your voice was really rad," commented Renae.
"I wasn't lying when I said I was mute. Death removed my voice upon my request since, as you just saw, being a siren is dangerous. I caused more harm than good with my voice, so I decided on a way I could remove my voice from the equation altogether. I'm glad Death gave it back to me to use to defeat Angelica, but I don't intend on using it ever again. As soon as possible, I'm having Death take it back... it's just too dangerous for me to sing with my 'talent,' " said Michelle.
"Aw, come on, Michelle, please keep your voice. Please, please, please?" asked Renae. To seal the deal, she gave big puppy-dog eyes and put her hands up in a beg/pout position.
"No, Renae, it's just too dangerous. I'm capable of too much," said Michelle. "I mean, look at this: I like to stop and think so that is why I take a drink." Upon finishing her song, a glass of water appeared in her hand and she took a sip from it.
"That's so cool," said Renae.
"It's cool now, but what if my emotions get overpowered? When that happens, I get more powerful and more dangerous as a result. It is a great burden to be a siren, being able to summon anything with song."
"Michelle is right. Unless I'm mistaken, what we saw today was only a sample of what a siren is capable of. A power like that needs to be taken care of responsibly," said Skips.
"I prefer not to have it at all. When I have it, I become one of the most powerful beings in the universe. I don't want that... not all the time. I just want some days where I can be normal," said Michelle.
"So, normal means you have to give up your voice? Dude, that is lame," said Renae.
"I'm afraid unless I am convinced otherwise, I'm giving my voice back to Death," said Michelle.
"I believe that will have to wait," came a voice. Everyone turned and there stood Death. "Angelica has challenged you to a karaoke night with you and the park against her and some of our friends."
"I refuse," said Michelle.
"I'm afraid you can't refuse. You see, there's... there's something going on and I'm having some trouble with one of my souls lately. I know you were personally there when that soul died, so I need you to put her at peace. This is regardless of your winning or losing," said Death.
"Then what are the stakes?" asked Michelle.
"Well, the place my wife picked happens to be a place eight out of ten of you are banned from. So... if you win, the ban is revoked and we pay your bill and ours. If we win, however... the souls of your friends are mine and you shall be my personal slave all throughout eternity... the very thing you didn't want in the first place," said Death. Michelle shivered slightly at the coldness of Death being near. "So, do we have a deal?" he asked, extending his hand.
Michelle narrowed her eyes in determination before grasping Death's hand. "What of my voice?"
"Your voice is negotiable, dearie." Michelle narrowed her eyes before shaking the hand in her grasp.
"Deal," said Michelle.
"All right, then... see you blokes at eight o' clock tonight. Don't get stage fright." He laughed as he disappeared in a cloud of green smoke and souls.
Intenseness! So, what do you think will happen next? (Besides the karaoke competition, of course.) Please keep reading and reviewing to find out, thanks :)