A/n: This story is a collaboration that has been ongoing between myself and Sniggyfrumps for some time now. We'd like to think it's our masterpiece, but you all will have to be the judge(s). You can find this story on as well under her account. Please feel free to spam us both with your thoughts and questions and wonderful fangirl-y/boy juices. Here's a word from our sponsor Sniggy.

A/N (2): Ew. Fan juices. You can please go ahead and only squirt Belle with those, please. I think she might be into that. (Belle: They make great lube.) Anywho, this isn't as much as a 'masterpiece' as it is a really long brainfart that hopefully won't leave too much of a rancid smell. Enjoy. Or... don't. I'll be happy if anybody is even reading this.

Prologue

"The beginning is scary; the end is usually sad, but it's what's in the middle that should count." - Sandra Bullock

They were summoned during Private hour, which meant it was gravely important.

The two cyborg creatures walked quickly down the hall toward the Inner Chambers, neither speaking; both out of respect for the others in the Temple and because there really wasn't much to say right then. This meeting would be of great significance—either good or ill—and they would rather not dwell on what it could be about.

Upon reaching them, the Doors swung inward from some silent command by their owner. Master Zan was standing at the far end of the room with his hands behind his back, staring at the two small beings who lingered just outside his private office. Neither seemed quite ready to face the change they both knew lay behind this summons.

"Well, enter," the Mystic commanded and the black and orange creatures complied automatically. Years of tutelage under that voice had taught them quick, immediate, unquestioning responses were the best option.

The Doors swung shut with a foreboding bang.

All three beings stood there in silence for an elongated amount of time just staring at each other. Two giving off waves of apprehension the other a commanding calm.

"I am sure you are wondering why I have called you both here at such a time," the Mystic stated matter-of-factly with no hint of actual interest for whether or not they had in fact been wondering. "It is because the time has finally come for you both to advance in your fields of training. Mandarin, you shall focus more in tactical studies and fighting techniques." A pleased smile lit the orange cyborg monkey's face at this announcement, wiping off all previous worry from his stance. "Antauri, you shall continue to advance in the meditative arts and spiritual philosophy."

"Thank you, Master Zan," the black cyborg monkey said formally with a small bow. He turned back toward the Doors expecting them to open once more.

"Not so fast, young one. That is not all. Please come seat yourselves." The Master indicated two cushions placed on the floor of the vast crystalline room; the two pupils complied promptly.

"With these new promotions come extra benefits. We have watched you both carefully for the past few years and we have selected two very suitable companions for you."

"Companions, Master?" Mandarin asked.

"Yes, they shall be there to help you both in any way you deem fit—emotionally, physically, spiritually. They are to help you both relax and grow within your respective fields. They have been especially chosen based on compatibility of personality."

"Are they to be Teachers then?" Mandarin asked, still confused on the subject.

"Not exactly. They are to be more like life companions."

"Master? What is to be their purpose then? Have we not friends already?"

"They are to be anything you wish them to be. They are to be, as the Outside Worlds call them, wives."

The pregnant silence in the room grew to enormous size until an enraged screech shattered it.

"What is the meaning of this? What good will such companions be to us? They shall only distract us from our goals and studies. No, Master, I cannot abide by this," Mandarin spoke harshly. His eyes were bright with emotion and he was flushed from embarrassment and passion.

"Be quiet, Mandarin, you know not what you speak about." Master Zan said just as harshly as his star pupil.

"Forgive me, Master, but I shall stick to my decision. I refuse to go through with this—this—this undignified arrangement. I shall take no wife." He spoke the last word like a curse.

"Mandarin, please," his friend finally broke into the argument. "I am sure that the Masters would not do such a thing if it were not necessary. They only mean for our best."

"Don't tell me you are going to go along with this arrangement, Antauri," he turned toward his long time friend with an utterly bewildered and betrayed look.

"…I shall do as I am told out of devotion to the Order, like a true Mystic should. If the Masters believe we would benefit from such… companionship, then I shall trust their judgment. They have never steered us wrong before."

Mandarin glared at his compatriot then at the Mystic Master before them, his distaste for this whole discussion showing plainly on his face. He was never one to hide his emotions well, mused the Master as he let his pupil think.

"I still cannot abide by such a decision. I shall not take a wife or companion of any sort, Master, and that is final. If you send her to my quarters, then she shall be nothing than an accessory to guard the doors."

"Mandarin, please, that is no way to speak—"

"It is all right Antauri," the Master interrupted, staring down the orange simian, "If that is how he's going to be, then that is how it is. But know that this matter is not at rest, Mandarin, someday you will take on a paramour of some sort."

"My only concubine shall be the Power Primate."

With that, they were dismissed and walked back towards their respective quarters. This time the silence surrounding them was of a completely different type.