HEYO! I'm back from the dead!

DA: Why couldn't you stay there.

Because you'd be dead too.

Nova: CHOCOLATE! (eats chocolate bar in her hands)

I thought that was mine?

Nova: No, I found it in Dark Antauri's Room.

DA: (gets nervous) WHY WERE YOU IN THERE!

Nova: What? Afraid I was gonna see something you were hiding?

DA: (mild blush on his face) (tries to act normal) (straightens) uh… No.

Nova: THEN WHY WAS THERE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS STUFF EVERY WHERE?

DA: BECAUSE I LIKE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS!

(Everybody stares)

Sprx: That's…. disturbing…

(Spongebob runs in) Here's the story!

Chapter 10, One Step Closer.

The green monkey was becoming more like himself every following day. Glomps had been given more and wild laughter echoed through the robot more often. A new normal was finally born within the monkey team's spirits. There was no more heavy melancholy aura, just smirks and playful giggles. Smiles covered everybody's faces, even the blue monkey's.

Otto extended his hand toward an electrically powered screw-driver, he and Gibson were finishing up another creation of theirs. The green monkey tightened one of the final screws, Gibson meanwhile was mending the wires, cables, and connecting the access tubes. The protective goggles were removed from the blue monkey's face, he had almost finished. He just had to complete the small area on the opposite side.

Otto spotted the blue monkey about to move but halted him. "I'll get it," the green monkey said calmly as he grabbed the blow-torch and set himself in front of the open area in one swoop. He began to finish the final side as protective goggles slid over his eyes. Sparks filled the room, and a mild buzzing was the only sound that filled their ears in the silence. From the floor next to the mechanical mass, Gibson stared at the green monkey, his eyes relaxed. The sparks' light leaving small orange dots to reflect on his already glossy eyes.

A few moments later, the sparks disappeared and Otto lifted the goggles off from over his eyes with his tail. The green monkey then walked over to the tool bench and set the blow-torch in its place on the wall of tools. Otto turned back toward the blue monkey, scratching the side of his head. "Maybe we should go back to the command center?" The blue monkey got to his feet then nodded. Their eyes met for a long moment, but their contact was soon broken by they turning their heads toward Chiro running by, cackling, with Sprx chasing after him.

Otto hurried to the doorway with a playful grin on his face, Gibson soon followed. Otto was leaning on the side of the doorway, his eyes full of energy. Chiro ran by again, and the green monkey partially tackled him, making the boy spin in place and slowing him down. Then Chiro was blinded by maroon-red and the next thing he knew he was on the floor looking up and a green and red monkey staring back down at him. Sprx wearing a mischievous smirk with his arms crossed and Otto with a smile. Then something rang out that had been forgotten a long time ago.

'AROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!' The alarm sounded and all the monkeys turned their heads toward the ceiling. "Yeah-ya! Finally some action again!" Sprx celebrated leaping into the air with a raised fist.

"YEAH!" Chiro hollered. Sitting up raising a victory-fist just like Sprx. But just the red monkey's luck that's right when he landed, and Chiro socked him right in the face! Chiro realized what he'd done after he heard a thud beside him. His sight lowered to the floor to meet eyes with an angered monkey. The boy laughed sheepishly, "Sorry Sprx. Got too excited I guess." Otto helped the boy to his feet and the first thing he said, "Monkeys… Mobilize!"

After checking where the attack was within the city limits, and re-running over some quick attack tactics, they were ready.

Chiro, "Super!"

Sprx, "Robot!"

Otto, "Monkey Team!"

Gibson, "HyperForce!"

All, "GO!"

All rocket-packs were activated and as a team, they flew over the city to Shuggazoom Square. Even before they landed on hard ground, they sighted citizens fleeing. They were lowered next to the statue of the full team in the Square. Each of their heads turned a different direction, looking for the threat. "Finally an opponent who isn't so open about themselves," commented Gibson.

A scream was heard from the Shuggazoom Chocolate Store, a brunette, looking to be in her early teens (same age as Chiro), wearing a green tank with worn-looking blue jeans and a sweat-band that matched her shirt around her wrist, ran straight towards Chiro. She then embraced him, trying to feel safe. "Chiro you have to help us! Some…thing… is ruining our store!" She reported, her emerald eyes almost in tears as she reached eye contact with Chiro. She was one of his classmates at school who was a good friend and always there for him when he needed help.

"It's okay, Sarah. We'll help you and your family," Sarah released her brace around Chiro's shoulders as he readied his fists for fighting, "let's just say it'll be me repaying ya." He sprinted for the store, the monkeys following his lead. The front window shattered, and Sarah turned her back toward the shards, throwing her arms over her head.

Chiro entered the front of the store, almost ripping off the door. He then signaled for the monkeys to split up. They lost sight of each other easily with the amount of dust continuously rising up.

Sprx was keeping a keen eye out, careful not to make a wrong move. Some thing caught his eye, and he turned on instinct. Focusing, he neared the object. Large gargoyle-like wings came into focus, and the creature they were attached to. The red monkey was surprised it was another one of his kind, but with purple fur and an occasional dark purple blotch on the creature's fur and wings. Sprx cautiously took another step closer, but the floor board he set foot on creaked. 'CRAP!'

The Gargoyle monkey turned her head, and dark pink met black. 'DAMN! She's hot!' The pilot was almost distracted by the beautiful monkey's features, but he regained focus and continued with his mission. He smirked, "So, lemme guess. You want some chocolate? Heh, what girl doesn't?"

The purple monkey blinked in curiosity. "Chroco is getting chocolate for Gold. She told Chroco it is Gold's favorite sugary snack" She stated as she continued staring at the red monkey and his smirking face. But his smirk was fading fast.

"Gold?" Sprx asked, he had an idea of who this gargoyle-monkey was talking about. He cleared his throat as he walked a bit closer to Chroco, "Tell me-Chroco, if that is your name- does Gold have a different name then what you call her?" he too could tell Chroco didn't have a mind of her own yet by her language and actions.

"Yes, Gold has a different name. But she likes being called Gold by Chroco." She paused and thought, "but master calls Gold by her real name." She made herself comfortable and settled on one of selves holding the different types of home-made and brand-name chocolate.

Sprx made an almost completely silent gasp, "Can you please tell me what 'Gold's' real name is," he paused and looked upward in thought, his pupils came back to focus on Chroco as he asked "and who is your -'Master'- exactly?" He wanted a clear answer this time, but he had a feeling he wasn't going to get one.

"No I cannot tell you Gold's real name." Sprx's brows lowered, "She told me she wants to be called Gold, and so I shall only call Gold, Gold." She stood on her feet to her full height, the same as Nova's, and answered the red monkey's second question, "and Master does not want anybody else knowing his name. He said you should know who he already is. And if you don't know, then you are a 'Damn rat who's no smarter than shit.'

That hit Sprx right in the ego. "Well he didn't mention you on his last visit!" Sprx snapped back, anger flooding within his voice. He began grinding his teeth and clenched his fists tight, he now had an idea of how Nova felt when she was letting her temper get the best of her.

Chroco kept her emotionless face and cold eyes, this only made the red monkey's anger grow. The Gargoyle-like monkey blinked slowly, then her wings spread at an unspeakable speed and a gust of wind spread through the small store almost making Sprx lose his stance -with a bonus of him almost being blinded as more dust filled the air.

"Sprx!" Gibson called, "Have you found something?" Sprx turned to barely see the blue monkey's shape through the thick fog-like dust. Gibson had released one of his drills and was ready for Sprx's response.

"I found more than something! I found someone who has info but wont give it up!" was the red monkey's report. He heard Gibson release a sound that was either a rough sigh or a strange growl, he wasn't sure. Sprx returned his sight to Chroco, who had no trace of a bag or container full of chocolate in her possession. She had already hidden her package. While Sprx noted this, Gibson came to his side. And Sprx could tell Gibson was going to ask who this was after the battle.

Chroco, seeing Gibson had released a drill, raised her hand. At first it looked as if she was controlling a puppet, then her fingers spread to an open palm and another gust of wind blew through the store, making both the red and blue monkeys fall back head-over-heels to barely land on their feet. But that was only the beginning, a small ball of bright purple energy grew just before her palm. Sprx readied his magnet hands and Gibson his drills. A beam grew from Chroco's palm and shot towards the two monkeys, but before the light was close enough for the other two to reach it, a green flash blocked it for them. Otto now stood before them both, his saws ready and buzzing.

"MONKEY FU!" The call came from Chroco's right and she turned partially too late. She only dodged it enough so it only hit her bottom side. But she still was flown out the broken window and onto the cold hard concrete of the city square. Sarah finally got a closer look at what was destroying her family's store, and all she could do was stare. The creature looked so… coldly innocent.If there was such a description. The gargoyle-like monkey was just a strange mixture of Innocence and Darkness. To Sarah, a living sin was lying right before her being. She watched the creature rise to her feet weakly, and move her head so she reached eye contact with Sarah. Those Cold yet Beautiful eyes.

Sprx leapt out through the window, Gibson, Otto and the boy following. Dark pink and Emerald broke the bond as Chroco turned her head toward the nearing four, her face still emotionless. To her surprise, the group stopped only nine feet away. An eerie, uncomfortable silence filled the air. But Chiro finally spoke, "What are you?"

Before she spoke, Chroco lifted her hand near her ear, and once again her fingers spread out to a full palm as a powerful gust of wind nearly blew each current monkey team member off balance-but still separated them in the process. "My name is one you shall soon learn from someone you trust" -she pointed to the red monkey- "and perhaps it may be of use to you. Or not." As if knowing when to appear, another being came crashing through another store within the strip mall.

"Chroco! What are you doing here?" A deep voice with a very strong demonic 'accent'- so demonic almost drowning out the fact that the voice was deep-called within the dust. That voice could only belong to one creature. As the dust cleared a tall black shape bolded until the dust completely blew away, leaving a monkey three feet tall in height, coal black in colour. Blood red eyes scanned over the three monkeys and boy in mild anger.

Chroco turned her head to meet eyes with the coal black monkey behind her, "Master, Chroco was just running an errand." She spoke in a voice that seemed to have pleading undertones.

Dark Antauri crossed his arms as his brows lowered. "Chroco, haven't I told you before that you should tell me your going someplace before you leave," his sight returned to the others. The black monkey took a few steps closer, now next to Chroco. He them firmly grasped her hand and started 'pulling' her toward home, she followed with her eyes wide with curiosity. Dark Antauri had never chosen this way to separate her from someone.

They only took about twelve steps before the black monkey used his speed and they disappeared as a black and purple blur. The HyperForce stood there with strange expression on their faces. "Who was that purple monkey?" Otto had to ask.

Sprx was the first to answer and all eyes turned to him, "I'll tell you all at the Super Robot. For now let's just go home." he set a palm on his forehead, "I'm getting a head-ache."

888

The door opened to Nova's room in 'Oblivion Dwelling', and the purple monkey sprinted through the entrance. Nova turned to meet eyes with her sister and smiled. "Hey Chroco," she managed to say before once again her smile was greeted by a tackling hug. Once again, Chroco was giggling when she was reunited with the golden monkey-but this time her giggling was more powerful.

Nova chuckled, then asked in a playful voice, "Chroco, why are you so giggly? More than usual?" The golden monkey had seen Chroco laugh the most, but she was never this giggly before. But she knew Chroco must have done something she was happy about.

Chroco met eyes with her sister, "Chroco has something for you, Nova." The purple monkey reached behind her back. Her hand began to search the area where her jet-pack should be, but because of Chroco's wings, her jet-pack was obsolete. She grasp a small bag and presented it to Nova.

"What is it, Chroco?" Nova asked as she reached for the small bag. The golden monkey opened her gift, and Chroco smiled as her eyes widened. Nova reached a hand into the small leather bag, and in her hand was a Godiva chocolate bar. Chroco's smile grew to a grin, and this time Nova was the one who gave the glomping. "Thank you so much, sis! I love chocolate!" She calmed down a bit, "especially Godiva,"-she winked, then hugged the candy bar-"It's so good!"

"Chroco is glad you like it Gold," the purple monkey smiled once again as Nova devoured the chocolate bar in record time. "I got it specially for you."

The golden monkey opened her eyes to look at the gargoyle-monkey. She felt her heart soften, "Aww, thanks sis!" Nova hugged Chroco again, a grateful smile on her face. "This means a lot to me," Nova felt Chroco wrap her warm arms around her torso, completing the embrace.

"I…I love you, sister." The words slowly and shakily escaped Chroco's lips.

Nova felt tears swell in her now glossy pink eyes, "I…I-"Nova tightened her grip on Chroco and let everything go, "I love you too, sis. I just wish we wouldn't have to be separated because of who we are… Our opposite sides."

"Nova…" Chroco mumbled, until her voice became strong and spoke the absolute truth, "Chroco swears, no matter what happens between me and you, Chroco will never hurt you. If Chroco does hurt Nova, she'll never forgive herself. She will never be able to get over her mistake of hurting someone dear to her heart and soul… Never."

Nova slowly separated the two while keeping her hands firm on the purple monkeys shoulders, to see that Chroco too had faint trances of tears, some had already poured down her cheeks. "Chroco, you're-you're crying…"

Nova's sister only smiled, "Chroco knows."

888

The depressed brunette was currently leaning against the golden statue of the whole Monkey Team in Shuggazoom Square, her knees bent in front of her and her arms hugging them tightly to her chest. Another tear of millions ran down her cheek, between her head and legs she gripped a picture of her older sister, the founder of the family business.

A woman in her early twenties with long, red hair that danced down to her lower back. Warm emerald eyes gently placed on a gentle face, with light make-up on the surface. A yellow camisole covered her torso as worn-jeans with torn holes hugged her long elegant legs. Caroline, with her cheek resting in hand, sat at a rounded picnic table just outside the Coffee Shoppe. In her free hand, her fingers were spread across a tall, pale baby blue cup. Her nails painted red. With a green sweat-band wrapped around her wrist. ('awkward', no?)

The wind picked up and blew the photograph out of Sarah's hand. She immediately jolted up and ran after it, the wind pulling against her. The wind ceased and caused the photo to land in front of the Chocolate store counter. Sarah rushed over and hurriedly knelt to grab the image, but just as she did her eyes caught green sheets lying in a tied bundle. She grabbed both and counted the amount of dollars left on the tile floor. "$30, the same amount worth the chocolates that were stolen earlier today."

888

"Sprx, c'mon! When're you gonna tell us?" Otto whined, interrupting Sprx in the middle of an immense video game battle. The green monkey had been repeating the question ever since they reached the Super Robot. And the aspirin Sprx had already taken wasn't helping.

"Can't I just come home and take a brake!" Sprx yelled, enraged my Otto's impatience. Otto sunk behind the couch, feeling small.

"Sorry." he mumbled.

"Don't try pulling the sad act on me, you're my best friend. I know all your tricks." Sprx snapped as he tried to ignore Otto's depressing tone. He turned back to his video game, bright lights of many colors reflected on his steady eyes.

"I'm really sorry, Sprx," Otto pleaded, still huddled up against the back on the couch.

Sprx was holding back as powerfully as he could, he'd been able to resist this trick of Otto's only a few times. He clenched a fist as an eyebrow twitched, 'C'mon! Resist! Resist!'

"I'm really, really sorry."

That was it. Sprx sighed heavily, annoyed and disappointed with himself, "Okay fine! I'll tell ya." Otto appeared in front of him.

"YAAY! That always works!" Otto cheered with a wide grin on his face, jumping up-and-down.

"Well, you're better." Sprx commented bitterly.

"Should we get Gibson and Chiro?" Otto asked, completely ignoring Sprx's earlier comment.

"Sure, why not."

888

All the current members of the monkey team sat in the main room, settled within their color-coordinated dome chairs. "Okay," Sprx began, "I should probably let Big Brain here describe who we saw considering he probably remembers her better than me." He actually admitted this, was something wrong with him? Did he have a fever? Was he sick? None of those questions are necessary, his worry for Nova could make him do the craziest things at this time.

Gibson was speechless for a moment as he turned to face the red monkey-Sprx's mouth resting in his hands. Everybody could tell he was worried sick. Gibson finally spoke to fill the growing silence, "Thank you Sprx," He cleared his throat, "the monkey that we saw within the store was a female with violet fur, and if I remember correctly, she had a few groups of darker violet spots in random places. She strangely had great wings that were very similar to a gargoyles, they too having the spot clusters. Her arms and hands were a plum color, I believe and her fingers were like small claws. Her feet were talon-like, much like Dark Antauri's." He paused an amount of time, trying to remember if there were any other feature he was missing out. Then it hit him like a cold mallet, "and this monkey's eyes. Indescribable. She almost had me frozen in her beautiful gaze."

"Chroco looked a lot like Nova," Sprx blurted out, interrupting Gibson and answering the question of what the mystery monkey's name was. Everybody's gaze turned to him. "How could I forget how one of my best friends looks like!"

888

Dere, it ish done! It took me forever to finish this, sorry 'bout that. School's bein a pain in the ass and everything else. And this may me TMI, but I got diagnosed with ADHD and I've finally got meds to help. And so expect chaps to come faster 'kay, but not to fast. Just faster than this. The meds are really helping.

DA: You do realize that explains a lot.

That's exactly what m'friends said. BUT I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE! MUAHAHAHAHA! My friends are just like me! Well, at school and stuffs anyways. And you may have noticed a bit of very faint Nova/Sprx fluff. If it's not there then I see things differently I guess. I'm still a die-heart Antauri/Nova fan, but I be nice to two of my dear friends who like that pairing. And you know who you are so don't try to hide it! SAM AND ROMANCE! I don't even think Sam's reading but Romance is… Muaha...

(NOTE: I know those peeps from neopets, 'kay?)

And if you didn't like me pointing you out, I'm SORRY! You can hit me if you like.

DA: Okay. (punches her on the head) …That was fun, LET'S DO IT AGAIN!

Nova: Will you leave her alone you SpongeBob Fanatic.

DA: (vein pop) Shut up.