Welcome to Chapter Two! In this chapter, we'll be meeting Leo! He's a monkey in this story. Sit back and enjoy!
At the Primate Rescue Center in Kentucky, there were all kinds of monkeys. One of these was a six-year-old, red-coated spider monkey, known as Leonardo, or Leo for short. Leo enjoyed life at the center, swinging around with the other monkeys, eating fresh fruit (Bananas were his favourite, of course) and playing with specially made toys. He had wooden puzzles, treat dispensers, and stuffed animals, but his favourite toy was his baton. He had found it in his keeper's junk drawer, and was so fascinated that the keeper decided to let him have it. Now, he used it to conduct pretty much anything. The rest of the monkeys, the humans, the toys, you name it!
One day, he was conducting the birds outside. A female capuchin was watching.
"Wow Leo. You really like that baton, don't you?" She commented.
"You betcha, Beatrice," Leo answered, laughing a bit. "Never leave home without it."
At that moment, someone went into the center.
"Ooh, a visitor!" Beatice said. "Let's go see him!"
"Maybe later. This bird song won't conduct itself." Leo responded.
"Suit yourself then!" Beatrice ran off.
"Yes, I'm looking for a monkey for my act." the visitor said. Beatrice go closer, recognizing him as one of the clowns from the new circus she had heard about. She quickly ran over and started hamming it up.
The keeper laughed. "Looks like you've got a candidate."
"Yeah," the clown responded, "But I'd like to see all your monkeys before I choose one."
"In that case, I'll show you everyone."
The keeper lead the clown through the rescue center, introducing each monkey along the way. Unfortunately, none of them were a good fit. Not even Beatrice.
"Well, thank you for your time." the clown said, and turned to leave, when he saw Leo conducting the birds. "Wait…Yes. Now that I like! Ma'am, I found my partner!"
The keeper came out "What, Leo?"
"Yes, him! Just look! If he can be such a great conductor, he can definitely be a great comedian!"
"Okay, Leo it is. I'll get the paperwork."
The clown bent down and picked Leo up "You're coming with me, Leonardo."
To his surprise, Leo remarked, "Thank you."
The keeper came back with some papers and a pen.
"Lady, are you aware your monkeys can talk?"
"What? Oh yes, I think some of them might be sapient. Including Leo."
"Huh. Well, that'll make him a much better performer!" The clown signed the papers, paid the fee, the keeper gave him his rescue certificate, and he took off with the circus's new monkey.
"Okay Leo, when we get to the tent, we're going to brush you up on your comedy, and before you know it, you'll be a star!"
"Awesome!" Leo answered.
In the circus tent, the clown introduced Leo to everyone, then got to work. Soon, Leo could throw a pie directly at a clown while blidnfolded, trip and fall without a scratch, and even ride a unicycle. And of course, since he brought his baton with him, he would conduct the clowns during their hijinks. Old habits die hard, you know?
One down, three to go! I would appreciate it if you let me know what you think so far, and if you like it, stay posted for the next chapter! Ciao!