A series of one shots, all updated as chapters in this large, one shot collection.
Hope you enjoy it =). I just feel like writing right now.
Forever
The sun rose, and with it the pale sky emitted a soft, baby blue glow. The morning dew clung to the plants, catching the light and sparkling like a thousand gems littering the ground. It was truly a beautiful sight to behold in Shuggazoom.
Today also marked the day of 100 years. It was a celebration revered throughout the generations. Thousands of people gather in the town square. Children would scream with delight, clutching helium balloons and ice creams that threatened to fall to the ground in a cascade of vanilla and chocolate. Their parents would hold their arms tightly, preventing them from escaping, whilst also marveling the large floats as they casually strolled by - one for each of the members of the Monkey Team.
There was Chiro - brave and proud - the strong leader of the team.
There was Antauri - wise and powerful - the philosophical teacher.
There was Nova - stubborn and mighty - a true fighter.
There was Sparx - laid back and loyal - an outstanding pilot.
There was Gibson - intelligent and cool - the thinker.
And last but not least, there was Otto - faithful and friendly - the mechanical genius.
All these heroes would stand tall, made of plastic, and gleam in the sun as they rolled through the crowds, followed by erupting cheers on all sides. Streamers and confetti littered the floor.
It was a day to be remembered by all.
But by one in particular.
The ceremony was well under way. It was quite evident that this was so - faint cries and clapping could be heard in the distance. The suburban parts of the city were somewhat deserted during this time, mostly populated by pigeons or squirrels. Save for the occasional mother hurrying her child to the parade (most likely late to the show), the area was quite lonely.
And this was where one particular being found solace and comfort. Alone he sat on the bench, in a small, rather forgotten looking park. It was shielded by large, graphite walls covered with thick green vines. Trees littered the grassy area, crying out for a trimming as their branches hung long and wide across the courtyard. Pebbles that had fallen out of place were inconveniently scattered along the path, which led from one side of the small park to the other. The bench was central to the entire area, and was a perfect sitting place for our friend.
In his hand, he held a few bed crumbs, which he tossed idly to the pigeons who clambered at his feet. They squawked and fluttered irritably as they fought for the largest piece. The blue eyes surveyed them with a kind of sadness, yet also one of remembering. After throwing the last piece, at last he spoke.
"So many years have gone by, Chiro. And yet, here I am, as promised." Antauri smiled gently, closing his eyes. His mind was quickly taken back several decades, to the moment that he always remembered on this day...
It is 70 years to the day after the war had ended. Shuggazoom was at peace, and became a large, prospering city that was to know no evil for many, many years. Taking advantage of this wondrous day, an elderly figure carrying a rucksack stumbled into a small courtyard, helped along by a small, silver simian.
"Antauri my friend! How is it that you've managed to stay so young all these years?" The old man mused, humor playing in his eyes. Antauri smiled dryly.
"Chiro, dear boy. I guess I just took good care of myself. Can't say the same for you can I?"
The pair chortled, and Chiro slowly sat down on the bench in the centre of the park, joined by Antauri.
"This weather is doing my head in. One day it's wet and the next day it's dry! I can't keep up! It'll snow one day before you know it. Bloody freeze my fingers off." Chiro grumbled, his voice wheezy. Antauri took Chiro's rucksack and opened it, pulling out a bottle of water and handing it to the elderly man.
"Indeed, this weather has been quite unpredictable lately. I hope the Super Robot's central heating and cooling system is working adequately for you. If there are any problems, do not hesitate to ask me-" Antauri's speech was quickly waved away.
"Please Antauri, you're treating me like an 80 year old man!"
"But you are."
"I'm 73 for that matter, and it just goes to show how much you've been paying attention!"
"Please, Chiro. Don't get over excited." Antauri smirked suddenly, "You are just like you were all those years ago. Stubborn but proud. You haven't changed."
Chiro laughed, and quickly embraced the silver simian in a tight hug. They released, and both fell silent, quietly contemplating the slowly darkening sky. Crickets were beginning to chirrup around them.
"Antauri?"
"Yes, Chiro?"
"I'm not long for this world." Chiro's voice softened, "And Merlin knows how many adventures we've endured together.
"Endured? Why, I rather enjoyed being by your side!" Antauri smirked again.
"It was only due to my amazing endurance that I even survived living with you, and you know it!" Chiro's eyes sparkled as he laughed, but he quickly became serious again, "To be truthful, friend, I feel myself coming to an end. The Power Primate has blessed me with a healthy life, and now it's time for me to leave."
Antauri watched silently, saddened by how quickly he realized that time had passed all these years. Chiro continued.
"... And I want you to make a promise Antauri. Right here."
"Anything."
"Promise that on this day, no matter where you are, no matter what is happening, you will come back to this spot. And remember me."
With a jolt, the flashback ended, and Antauri was left still sitting on the bench. A few clouds littered the blue sky, blocking the sun's warmth and throwing a slight darkness on the world.
"And I kept that promise, dearest Chiro," he whispered, "I just... I wish you were here."
"I'm sure he's thankful for it" a voice suddenly rung out across the courtyard. Antauri turned with a start, and noticed straight away a young, bright-faced girl staring back at him. She appeared wide-eyed, and full of youth, and despite her weirdness, she seemed somehow familiar. She smiled, revealing her white teeth, and bounded over to the bench where Antauri was seated. She surveyed him with an energetic look that somehow strangely invigorated Antauri. He stared back at her cautiously.
"And whom do I have the pleasure of addressing today?" he asked kindly.
"My name doesn't matter," she waved away his question impatiently, not unlike the way Chiro did, "I just saw you sitting here, looking miserable, and thought i'd cheer you up!" she smiled brightly.
"How very kind of you, however I'm afraid I am beyond being cheered up.
"Don't be silly! I know what troubles you."
Antauri glanced away quickly, to watch the leaves blowing across the courtyard tiles. They were dried and dead, "What could you possibly know?"
"I know that you were once a great hero, Antauri. I know that you fought many dangerous battles."
"Yes, well those days are long gone. Now I am but a mere shell, a rusty old device whose use is no longer needed," he looked her square in the eye, "And what would you know about that?"
The girl shrugged, looking indifferent to his sudden confession of feelings, "Yeah, you're probably right. I'm not very good at this sort of thing. But what I do know is that you have nothing to fear. Chiro loved you, and he still does. I know this for a fact."
The girl was simply spouting nonsense now, Antauri thought to himself. Definitely something he didn't need on his day of remembrance, "You know this for a fact do you?" he asked idly, his train of thought not following the conversation.
"I do," she continued, "You were like a father to him."
Antauri looked at her sharply, "What are you talking about? Who are you?"
The girl seemed to suddenly be preoccupied with other thoughts, and she stood up hastily, brushing off imaginary leaves from her green dress.
"I'm just a girl Antauri. Or perhaps you might remember me as a friend. Whichever you choose. But just so you know, you aren't alone. They live inside you, Antauri. Their spirits live inside you," she looked up at the sky suddenly, and Antauri wasn't sure if he detected a tear welling up in her eye. He decided it was simply the light reflecting at an odd angle.
The girl quickly turned her heel, and she proceeded for the door.
"Wait! I don't even know your name!" Antauri cried out, getting to his feet, "Who are you?"
"I told you silly, I'm a friend!" the girl giggled, and as she walked, her bright pink her whipped behind her like silk in the breeze, her green eyes still filled with laughter. After a moment's pause, Antauri finally managed to put two and two together, his breath catching in his mouth.
"Jinmay...?"
That name played on his mouth for the rest of the evening, and a light returned to his previously saddened blue eyes. It wasn't so lonely on Shuggazoom after all.
R&R thanks =).