Sorry for the delay. Life is quite busy but, Im still about. I hope you enjoy my stories. They are fun but challenging. Happy reading.
It had been a few weeks. Milanrus and everyone was cleaning up the town. The thugs were no where to be found and Robbie went to school with minimal incidence. Save for some various teasing from some of the kids at him or his sister. Everyday he would pick up his sister and if anyone so much as looked at her the wrong way he would set them right. Milanrus often lectured him about trying to solve his problems without fisticuffs. And he really tried. He was just so protective over his sister. She was the best thing that ever happened to him. He just wanted her to be happy.
One day on their way home Rikki looked over and saw kids on the playground. She got the biggest smile. "Robbi look!" She ran over as fast as she could.
"Rikki wait!" He hollered taking off after her. As he got closer he noticed that the equipment was nice and shiny. No rust. He caught up to his sister and grabbed her arm. "Now, Rikki. We have to set some safety rules. I don't want you to get hurt."
She looked at him m in a pleading tone wanting to play as quickly as she could. "Oh, Robbie, please can I go? Pleasepleaseplease?"
He just looked at her then he smiled. "Ok. But be careful. I'll be here if you need me."
"Yay!" And she ran off.
He stuck close by her. She ran to the jungle gym and climbed all over it. Then she hopped on the horses which rocked back and forth. He stayed behind her in case she were to fall. Then she went to the slide and sat at the top. She looked down nervously. He watched her for a moment and when she didn't move he came to the rescue.
"It's ok, Rikki. I'm right here." He climbed up behind her. "Ok, give me your hand, Rikki and we can go down the ladder together." She turned and looked at him and when she saw how far down it was she grabbed the pole and looked forward. Robbi climbed behind her and sat next to her. "It's ok Rikki. But we have to have to go one way or the other. Other kids are waiting."
"Can you go down with me?" She pleaded.
"Of course." He sat behind her trying to wiggle in when they both flew down the slide. Rikki screamed as they slid. When they reached the bottom he looked at his sister. Her mouth was gaped open. "Are you ok?"
"That was awesome!"
She jumped up, went back up the ladder and down on her own. Robbie shook his head and smiled. He went to sit down on the newly painted bench when a couple of older kids from his school came over.
"Oh look! It's the geek with the big chin!" They mocked.
He reached up and felt his chin. It did start to protrude. He was hoping not to have his fathers chin. He looked over at Rikki who ran happily over to the swings. He stood up. "What do you want? Can't you see kids are having fun here? There's no reason, other than being jerks, to pick on me."
"Yeah, well what are you gonna do about it? Ooh, I'm looking at your sister. Can't stop me now."
For Robbi, that was the only straw. He shoved the kid back who in turn shoved him back. The older kid pushed Robbie against the tree when he was pulled back by a very strong arm.
"Now why aren't you kids playing like everyone else is?" Milanrus spoke. "We are all supposed to be working together."
"Well, he started it with his not letting anyone talk to his sister."
"What?" Robbie shouted. "I only protect her from him and his little brother!"
"Well, my little brother wasn't picking on your sister. He was only looking at your sisters stupid doll when you came over and snatched it out if his hands and ran him off."
"Rikki wanted her doll back and he wouldn't give it to her!"
Milanrus listened as they argued then interjected as he now had the story, roughly. "Hold it!" He shouted. They both stopped and looked at him. He smiled gently. "I want you two to look a something." He pointed over at Rikki who was playing with a little boy. Robbie started off after her but Milanrus grabbed his arm. "I assume that is your little brother?" The other boy nodded. "See. They can work things out. Children can work things out and so can you."
"But what if he hurts her?"
"I'm here to make sure she doesn't." He smiled.
"Yeah, well, what if she hurts him?" The other boy added
"Again, I'm here for that. But, everyone has to work together." He said placing his hand on both their shoulders. "Now, I'm sure that you two can get along as well. You might even find you have things in common." The boys looked at each other skeptically. "Why don't you enjoy the park at least? There is no reason to fight. You all can work out your differences." The hero looked at them and smiled. The two boys reluctantly agreed. Robbie walked over to the monkey bars getting a nod from Milranus.
Robbie kept a close watch on his sister as he moved along the monkey bars. Everyone was enjoying the park. Kids were active and running, expending energy and feeling better. Milanrus watched the kids for most of the day. He smiled at the fact that he helped make this happen.
It was soon dinner time. Milanrus watched Robbie and Rikki having a lot of fun. He called them over and offered to walk them home. He wasn't sure why, but he felt some connection to Robbie and his sister. All the way home Rikki was going on about how much fun she had and all the friends she made. When they reached Robbie's house Milanrus knelt down and spoke. "Now, don't forget your homework and to go to bed on time. I will see you both soon."
Robbie and Rikki went inside. Rikki was calling out, "Mommy! Mommy! We had the best time at the park!"
They both called out and looked around. They saw her napping on the sofa. They went over and woke her up. She was a bit dazed. She opened her eyes and slowly sat up.
"My goodness, is it dinner time already? I'd better get dinner started."
"But you have to hear about all the fun we had today!"
She smiled giving them both a kiss on the forehead. "Okay, pumpkin. You and Robbie tell me all about it." She listened to them tell about how clean LazyTown was and the park was shiny and new and the kids could play and how many friends she made and Robbie talked all about Milranus.
As she sat and listened she wondered how much time she had with them. She was still finding it hard to let the reality set in that she was dying. She was going to doctors appointments when the kids were in school. They gave her prescription drugs to ease the pain. They made her sleepy. She tried to get any work done before they set in. She knew she had to tell them at some point but, they were so happy she just couldn't yet. She wanted to give them as much happiness possible.
She didn't know what to do. She just didn't know who she could talk to. She listened to Robbie talk of the town hero. Maybe she should tell him... Maybe. There was still time and they were going to put her on a new medication that could slow down and maybe decrease her tumor. She was sure that would work. Then she would tell her children that she is getting better and everything is fine.
She didn't want to leave her children. She was going to do everything possible to stay alive. The thought of leaving her kids pained her. The thought of dying... She had to hold on to the hope that the new medication would work. It just had to. She smiled at them. She shook that bad thought from her mind. This new medication was going to work. She knew it would.
"Well, it sounds like you both had a wonderful time. I'm very happy for you." She hugged them warmly.
"Yeah," Robbie continued. "The bad guys are gone and LazyTown looks great. And Milanrus is so cool! He can do anything."
"He is quite wonderful. Now, you two get washed up and set the table while I get dinner ready. Robbie, maybe you can help."
"Can I cook again?"
"Of course. And I'll show you a family recipe."
"Cool!" He bolted off.
She put on a weak smile and got the food prepped. She started to feel a bit dizzy so she went to the cabinet and took her medication and got dinner ready. Robbie came back all ready to help with dinner and he hugged his mother tight.
"I love you mommy. I've never been happier."
She fought back tears, hugging him, telling herself everything will be alright. "I love you, sweetheart. Now, let's get dinner ready."
In the months that followed, LazyTown was thriving. Milranus woke up early and looked around. He unraveled the ladder and climbed down and looked around LazyTown with a smile. He was very pleased. A few people moved in and it was was rumored that a new mayor may come to LazyTown. People were uncertain about a new mayor but change was good so far. He looked at his airship and back at LazyTown.
"Well, perhaps it's time I did some upgrading of my own. I could use a new coat of paint." He was very proud. LazyTown was looking up. Even the thugs were nowhere to be found. He got back in his ship and headed into town to the paint store.
It was a crisp autumn morning and Milanrus was making his rounds of LazyTown when his crystal started to beep. He looked up and not only knew what to work on next but saw who needed him as a result of it.
Robbie was going to the store for his mother. He was walking through leaf piles on the ground kicking them around, playing, when the ground gave way beneath his feet. "AHHHHHHHH!" He had fallen through a manhole. His fingertips were just holding on to the edge of the hole. "HELLLLP!" He could feel his fingers slipping. He was right on the tips. He looked down and saw it was a very far drop just then his fingers lost their grip and he fell. He started to scream when he felt something grab his wrist. Or rather someone. He looked up and saw Milanrus and he smiled.
"Don't worry, Robbie! I got you!" Milanrus pulled Robbie up and away from the hole.
"Wow! Thanks!"
"You need to be more careful." He said with a pat on the back.
"I didn't even know it was there. Who would leave and open man hole? That's just crazy. It was covered with a bunch of leaves."
Milanrus looked around and found the cover and replaced to avoid any future perils. "You're ok?"
"Yeah. When I grow up I'm going to make sure those are all filled or covered. Maybe I'll go to the new mayor whenever he gets here."
"That's a great idea but, in the meantime I'll go around and check the other ones." Robbie looked up at him.
"Do you think it was those kids?" He looked at his hero nervously.
He didn't know what to say to that. But if it was, why would they? No that seemed unlikely.
"Can you walk me to the store and home?"
Milanrus smiled. "Sure."
After Robbie got what he needed at the store he talked all the way home with Milanrus. He talked about how happy he was, that LazyTown was feeling like home more than his other one. He even spoke, quite angrily,about his father leaving. He spoke about how much he loved his sister and his mother. He said his mom was happy but sad at the same time. Which he didn't quite understand. Milanrus shook his head, smiling as he just got Robbie's life story. They got to the house and Rikki ran out and into her brothers arms.
"I missed you, Robbie!"
"I missed you too, sis. But I'm back safe and sound."
"Did Milanrus rescue you?" She looked up bright eyed.
"Uh, yeah. But, nothing bad."
The door opened and Roberta walked out on the porch. It had been some time since he had seen their mother. He noticed she was more pale than the last time he saw her.
"Oh, Mr Milanrus thank you. I hope Robbie wasn't too much trouble."
"Oh, of course not."
"Why don't you two finish your homework then you can play while I make dinner. And I have a special desert tonight." They both screamed with excitement and ran in the house.
As the kids ran inside Milanrus stepped closer. "Ms Rotten, you look different . Is everything ok?"
Her hands went to her face and she realized she didn't put makeup on today. "Oh, yes, yes. I just didn't get a lot of sleep last night. But thank you for asking." She stepped back. "What sort of trouble did my Robbie get into?"
Nothing that was his fault just a misstep and lost his footing." He took another step closer. "If you ever need to talk..."
"Thank you I will keep that in mind." She really wanted to but not now. She just got her new meds and she wanted to give them a chance to work. They took a lot out of her. She had been napping, more than before but, the doctors said that for the first two weeks she would. "Thank you so much for everything that you do here." She smiled and walked back in the house. Then she turned back and spoke. "Maybe you can come to dinner sometime. I'm sure the children would like that."
He looked at his crystal then back at Robbie's mother and he nodded. He watched her as she entered the house then he headed back to his airship. He thought about her as he left and even though his crystal didn't go off he still felt something was not right. But, for the moment, there was nothing he could do save for keeping close eye on them.
LazyTown was transformed. It was all cleaned up and everyone was happy. Save for certain gang members on the outskirts of town...
Biff and his crew were getting antsy. They hadn't taken over LazyTown and it was coming to a head. Biff looked at his men. One was casually eating fast food and the other leaning against the wall in his chair, napping. Biff shook his head. Ok, maybe he was the only one who was restless. He threw a bottle against the wall waking his sleeping cohort and his munching buddy sipped his cola. They looked at him.
"Oh, good. I'm glad I have your attention." He said sarcastically. "Am I the only one who is concerned that LazyTown is still standing? I mean where the hell is the boss? And come th think of it, what's his name? We on,y call him boss! How crazy is that?" He started to pace then looked at his men. "If I were in charge I'd have this town and that clown gone." He spun on his heel turning when he was being pulled up by the lapels.
"But you are not in charge, are you?" He looked Biff square in the eyes. "I take it you are dissatisfied with my work?" He pulled him close to his face awaiting his answer. Biff shook his head and he pushed him to the floor leaving him to nurse the after affects if his grip. "Good. Now, I gave you an assignment. I want the reports."
Biff got up and gave him papers and photographs. Biff hoped they could finally do something. He watched as his boss sat down, crossed his legs and read. He was as casual as if he were reading the newspaper.
He raised and eyes brow. "He's an elf? How do you know?" He spoke after several pages.
"I was staking out his airship and he took his hat off for a minute. And I saw his pointed ears." He said after wiping his mouth of ketchup from the burger he was eating.
"Very interesting." He continued reading. "He has a crystal that tells him when and where there is trouble? Hm."
"Yeah, it beeps and of he goes." He said swallowing a mouth full of food. Their boss just rolled his eyes and went back to reading.
"I need pictures of this crystal."
Biff walked over to him. "We can swipe it-"
"No! But I want good pictures."
Biff had so much pent up energy he decided to voice his opinions. "No! I am done with this!" They all looked at him. "What are we waiting for? That Town should be ours! We've done all we can we can do. We need to take back the town and do it now! We can not be afra-"
The boss got up and grabbed Biff by the neck and pinned him to the wall. His fingers gripping his neck. Biffs face was turning red having no choice but to listen to his boss.
"While I admire this backbone you have suddenly developed, you will do as I say and never speak to me like that again." He said calmly. "Fear does not factor into this. I am far from afraid. And whatever thoughts you have remember one thing... I AM IN CHARGE!" And he threw Biff to the floor once more.
Biff grabbed his neck and coughed. Once he was able to speak he got back to his feet and looked at Scratch finishing his frenchfries. "You heard him. Go get pics of that crystal! But, what are we doing? We can take back this town."
"Yes, and once again he will save the town or even worse yet, the towns people will help him. No. We must give him no choice but to leave. The boss looked at the other two. "I have a special mission for you. Make sure you don't die in the process." He began writing down something on a piece of paper. "Follow these instructions and you will be safe. It's time to place the fear where it belongs..."