I'm back... and I brought this. (Holds up story chapter) Hope you like it. Oh, I'm just going to use everyone's name from now on, it's getting annoying saying monkey.

Irritably, Specter turned to look at the limp form of the monkey for what must have been the hundredth time. Now, because of those stupid monkeys with their fear of bears, his work area was also a temporary hospital room. He felt a little sorry for her in spite of himself, being stuck in one of those metal beasts. A memory flashed through his mind, but he waved it off. He turned back to his work, trying to create something so he wouldn't need the Monkey helmet, which would be one less weakness he had. There were two possibilities, he could either do a DNA transfer and put a small amount of human DNA in him, but that was out of the question, even if he didn't have to turn into a human, or he could use a microchip and place it in his brain. He was sketching the possible designs, tying to put as much information as possible into the smallest space. The scratch of his pencil went on for an hour or two before he stopped and looked behind him.

"How long could she have possibly been there?" He thought.

"She couldn't have been there longer than a week, the infection would've taken a larger toll. No, not much more than a few days. Of course, she could've already been weak, which would explain her being out for three days now."

He turned back to his work, and soon was re-engulfed in it. He didn't notice the blanket on the cot stir, or the pair of eyes that were now staring at him.

Pinta gazed at the figure in front of her with confusion and awe. Never in her life had she seen... a white monkey! Probably albino if she guessed correctly. He seemed to be wearing something like a helmet, and a black poncho thing. He had this sort of air about him though, some sort of stateliness. He was bent over a piece of paper, scribbling madly. She dared not say a word, in case she was an annoyance. She had realized that her ankle was bandaged, and to let her into his living place. Finally, he seemed to be finished, because he opened one of the drawers in the old desk he was using and threw the paper inside. He opened another and pulled out a puzzle cube. She watched in amazement as in only a few quick movements, he had completed what took a human hours, even days to do. Throwing the cube back into the drawer, he put his hands behind his head and his feet up on the desk. For what seemed like an eternity he stared off into space. Finally, he put his feet down and stood up. He turned his head, and red and green met.

Specter was staring at the greenest eyes he had ever seen. Apparently, the monkey had woken. In one second, he went into her mind and got only the minimal amount of information to meet his curiosity's needs. Her name was Pinta, she came from a highly acclaimed zoo that had but recently shut down due to bankruptcy. She had gotten lost in the woods, and the rest was history. She had obtained some sort of monkey helmet, and could play the fife, or flute, whichever.

He waited for her to say something, but silence droned on. Finally, his impatience got to him.

"Are you physically unable to speak, or did you just take a vow of silence." Mocked Specter, hoping she would say something. She did, but it wasn't what he expected.

"No, I just... I'm not one for conversation. And I'd like to say right now before I forget that I fully forget that I appreciate your hospitality, and I'm sorry for whatever trouble I have caused you. And to whom would I be speaking?"

Now Specter was dumfounded. He was expecting a little shyness, or outright disapproval at being captured, but to apologize? He quickly took back the look of confusion and calmly replied,

"I would be Specter, if you have to know. It wasn't much trouble if you're worried, considering it was those monkeys. If you run into them, ignore 90 of what they say and doubt the other ten. Oh, and I'm supposing you want something to drink now, or would you rather just go back home and have something?"

"So that's "The Specter". Thought Pinta to herself. Another memory crossed her mind as she thought over the rest what he had just said.

"If I had a home..." Whispered Pinta softly to herself, but not soft enough.

"Well then, if you have no where to go, I suppose you'll be wanting to stay here, for the time being?"

"If it's not to much trouble, just until my ankle heals. That would be asking too much of you though." Said Pinta, her voice so soft and shy it was barely audible.

"I have one question though. Why did you stay in the room with me?"

"Two simple answers..." Said Specter opening the door.

"One... This is my office area. Two, would you have rather had me leave the room and let fate decide if you bit the dust or not."

Specter exited the room and shut the door behind him, leaving Pinta with more questions than answers.

Sorry it's short, but it adds suspense. Next part coming soon to a website near you. Please review.