Post by Fen on Aug 31, 2013 14:30:36 GMT -7
Disclaimer: This is the first chapter of an idea originated by jeh517
The writer, me, retains the right to the story and artistic license of the content. The characters within are (c) Ken Forsse and are used for entertainment purposes only. Do not copy or redistribute without express permission of me.
Thank you.
_____________________________________
The Metal Monarchs
Chapter 1: Spring
“Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!” - Sitting Bull
____________________________________________________
Spring arrived in Grundo, and with it new life was seen in abundance. Fresh leaves burst from the bare tree branches while flowers blanketed the grassy floor of Gimmick’s Valley. A shaft of sunlight shone upon the slumbering Octopede’s face causing him to wince and shift in his bed. He rubbed his eyes and blinked a few times before yawning and stretching.
“It’s morning!” He thought as he threw back the blankets and swung his feet over the side of the bed and let the rest of his body slide out. He stood up and yawned again, but this time the aroma of breakfast filled the air and he felt his stomach rumble. He looked around to see that his best friend’s bed was empty.
“Guess the fellers got up ahead of me.” He thought as he quickly made his bed, changed, and washed up before going downstairs to meet the others.
“Good Morning Grubby!” Teddy exclaimed looking up as he saw his friend appear at the kitchen door. “We decided to have breakfast outside on the patio today as this is such a fine Spring morning!”
“Sounds good Teddy.” Grubby replied with a grin.
Although he considered himself a good cook by Octopede standards, Grubby did have to admit that Teddy could make a decent breakfast. He helped carry some plates out to the table which Gimmick had moved onto the porch and started setting the places.
“Where is Gimmick?” Grubby asked as Teddy walked out with a big pitcher of juice.
“I believe he was working on the airship.” Teddy replied. “We are going to take it out today, as Gimmick wanted to try out a new way of automating the propeller instead of having to rely on someone turning it, his invention should free us up.”
“Has he had something to eat?” Grubby wondered aloud as he sat down.
“Oh yes! I think Gimmick was the first up, he had already ate and was down at the airship ages ago!” Teddy replied. “Still, I’ve put some food aside for him, just in case.” He added with a knowing smile.
Gimmick had that habit. He would often be the first awake, but then wander into the house mid morning for something else to eat. Teddy learned that with him, it was better to be prepared than to ignore it. Each of the friends had their way of doing things, and all of them knew how to work together to keep their friendship smooth.
A loud blast echoed through the valley, causing Grubby and Teddy to wince and hang onto their cups.
“Guess Tweeg is up.” Grubby remarked dryly.
Teddy laughed.
“Looks like it, Grubby.” He replied as he refilled his glass.
“You know, after LB got married Tweeg’s tower has been quieter.” Grubby stated.
It was true. So much had changed for their neighbor, and Teddy had to admit that Tweeg was not as bad as he originally thought. Tweeg had his reasons, as odd as they were, to do what he did, and Teddy could accept them.
Maybe, he was just growing wiser, and maybe that was the effect of the crystals. He was not certain. Something felt different now, and he tried to figure out what it was. All the things he knew as a cub were still relevant but they had another meaning as well.
“Ahem.” Grubby cleared his throat. “Penny for your thoughts?”
“It’s nothing Grubby, I just... I just feel like something is going to happen.” Teddy replied.
“Is it a good feeling, or a bad one?” Grubby replied between bites of breakfast.
“I... I’m not sure, I think it could be good... but then... I’m just not certain with these things.” Teddy replied quietly.
“Well, whatever will happen, I’m sure it will be an adventure.” Grubby remarked as he finished off his second helping of breakfast and downed his drink in one gulp. After wiping his mouth with the napkin Grubby added, “anyways, have you had these things happen to you before?”
Teddy snapped back to reality and looked at his friend firmly.
“Yes, I have. The first time was just before we met. The second was when we met Prince Arin. Then again at the temple when we found the crystals. Most of the time the visions have been good, like directions. Yet this time, something feels very wrong, the vision is not as clear and I feel like a huge weight in on my heart.” Teddy replied.
“As bad as when your mother passed?” Grubby asked softly.
“Worse.” Teddy replied.
Grubby’s jovial expression faded to a bittersweet smile.
“Well, no matter what. You have me and Gimmick, we will always be by your side.” Grubby replied.
Suddenly, a loud whirring followed by a gust of wind caused both of the friends to look up. They got up and went out to the front yard where they saw the Wizard’s assistant Louie with Beanly hanging on to his hat and waving to them below. Louie lightly landed the autogyro just out of Tweeg’s range, turned it off, and unbuckled his seatbelt. He then turned and helped Beanly.
“Hi guys!” Louie said as he worked to free Beanly.
“Hi Louie!” Grubby said with a smile.
“Hi there Louie, it’s been a long time? What brings you to our part of Grundo?” Teddy asked as he offered Louie a tall glass of lemonade.
Louie helped the now free Beanly down off the machine and accepted the drink from Teddy. After taking a long drought, he wiped his mouth on his sleeve and looked over at Beanly who had sat down on a stump looking rather shaken.
“I’m helping King Nogburt out with some courier work.” Louie replied. “I’m faster at getting messages around, and well, I’m showing Beaners here the ropes.”
Grubby stifled a giggle when he saw the glare Beanly gave Louie at that last remark.
“It looks like you have a message here.” Beanly managed to say after Teddy gave him a drink. He opened his courier satchel and rifled through the documents within before pulling out a small envelope for each of them. Then he looked around, “where is Newton Gimmick?” He asked.
“He’s off workin’ on the airship.” Grubby replied.
“Ah well, I have one for him too.” Beanly remarked giving another envelope to Teddy.
“What’s this for?” Teddy asked.
“The King is having a ball.” Beanly replied with a smile.
“A ball?” Teddy and Grubby looked at each other in awe. “I didn’t think... well I had no idea the King did that sort of thing, what’s the occasion?”
“It’s to celebrate Aruzia’s sixteenth birthday!” Louie replied with a grin. “It also means daddy has to now let her be courted.”
“I bet Prince Arin ain’t to please about that.” Grubby muttered.
Teddy simply smiled.
“Anyways, everyone hopes you’ll be there. It’s gonna be a swinging party!” Louie beamed much to Beanly’s chagrin, but Beanly simply shook it off. “Indeed, and please you are invited to also bring a guest.” He added.
Louie and Beanly thanked Teddy for the drinks.
“Anyways, we can’t stay, we have more invitations to give out so see you in about three weeks!” Louie said as Beanly secured his bag. Louie assisted Beanly back onto the autogyro and soon they were skyward.
“Well! That is a change in the weather!” Grubby exclaimed in awe.
“Indeed.” Teddy replied.
As they returned to Gimmick’s house both were lost in thought.
“I think I’m going to ask Amber.” Teddy mused.
“Yeah, I’m gonna ask Xena via the Octopede network.” Grubby replied.
“Ask them what?” A voice queried from inside.
“Hi Gimmick.” Teddy replied warmly as the inventor walked out munching on breakfast.
“We’ve all been invited to a Spring Ball at King Nogburt’s.” Grubby stated as he handed the invitation with Gimmick’s name on it over to the inventor.
“Oh?” Gimmick remarked finishing off his late morning breakfast and tentatively taking in the invitation. He opened it, and became quiet after he read the contents.
“Well, this is a celebration to be had, it’s quite an important event in the life of the Princess.” Gimmick said as he tucked the invitation in his pocket.
“How so?” Teddy asked.
“Well, she has come to the age where she can finally be courted, and eventually she will be expected to marry into one of the elite families of the Kingdoms to the West and East .” Gimmick replied.
“You mean there are more Illipers outside of Grundo?” Grubby asked.
“Of course! They are the second oldest civilization to live in this world, Illipers are spread out all across the four corners my boy! And those Kingdoms have families who rule them or who have made significant steps in their society. As a Princess, Aruzia is duty bound to marry well to help her family and this Kingdom prosper.” Gimmick replied.
Teddy looked at his invitation, his smile faded at that last remark.
“I see.” He said quietly.
“Teddy, it’s not anything to be sad about! Aruzia will need her friends more than ever in the coming years, as she will be faced with quite a few challenges ahead.” Gimmick replied patting Teddy on his shoulder.
Teddy looked up and smiled. “I know, I just... can only imagine what she has to be feeling right now.”
“Well, you can talk to her when we get to King Nogburts. In the meantime, I will need both of you boys to help me finish up the engine on the Airship.” Gimmick replied as he walked out toward where he kept the craft.
The writer, me, retains the right to the story and artistic license of the content. The characters within are (c) Ken Forsse and are used for entertainment purposes only. Do not copy or redistribute without express permission of me.
Thank you.
_____________________________________
The Metal Monarchs
Chapter 1: Spring
“Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!” - Sitting Bull
____________________________________________________
Spring arrived in Grundo, and with it new life was seen in abundance. Fresh leaves burst from the bare tree branches while flowers blanketed the grassy floor of Gimmick’s Valley. A shaft of sunlight shone upon the slumbering Octopede’s face causing him to wince and shift in his bed. He rubbed his eyes and blinked a few times before yawning and stretching.
“It’s morning!” He thought as he threw back the blankets and swung his feet over the side of the bed and let the rest of his body slide out. He stood up and yawned again, but this time the aroma of breakfast filled the air and he felt his stomach rumble. He looked around to see that his best friend’s bed was empty.
“Guess the fellers got up ahead of me.” He thought as he quickly made his bed, changed, and washed up before going downstairs to meet the others.
“Good Morning Grubby!” Teddy exclaimed looking up as he saw his friend appear at the kitchen door. “We decided to have breakfast outside on the patio today as this is such a fine Spring morning!”
“Sounds good Teddy.” Grubby replied with a grin.
Although he considered himself a good cook by Octopede standards, Grubby did have to admit that Teddy could make a decent breakfast. He helped carry some plates out to the table which Gimmick had moved onto the porch and started setting the places.
“Where is Gimmick?” Grubby asked as Teddy walked out with a big pitcher of juice.
“I believe he was working on the airship.” Teddy replied. “We are going to take it out today, as Gimmick wanted to try out a new way of automating the propeller instead of having to rely on someone turning it, his invention should free us up.”
“Has he had something to eat?” Grubby wondered aloud as he sat down.
“Oh yes! I think Gimmick was the first up, he had already ate and was down at the airship ages ago!” Teddy replied. “Still, I’ve put some food aside for him, just in case.” He added with a knowing smile.
Gimmick had that habit. He would often be the first awake, but then wander into the house mid morning for something else to eat. Teddy learned that with him, it was better to be prepared than to ignore it. Each of the friends had their way of doing things, and all of them knew how to work together to keep their friendship smooth.
A loud blast echoed through the valley, causing Grubby and Teddy to wince and hang onto their cups.
“Guess Tweeg is up.” Grubby remarked dryly.
Teddy laughed.
“Looks like it, Grubby.” He replied as he refilled his glass.
“You know, after LB got married Tweeg’s tower has been quieter.” Grubby stated.
It was true. So much had changed for their neighbor, and Teddy had to admit that Tweeg was not as bad as he originally thought. Tweeg had his reasons, as odd as they were, to do what he did, and Teddy could accept them.
Maybe, he was just growing wiser, and maybe that was the effect of the crystals. He was not certain. Something felt different now, and he tried to figure out what it was. All the things he knew as a cub were still relevant but they had another meaning as well.
“Ahem.” Grubby cleared his throat. “Penny for your thoughts?”
“It’s nothing Grubby, I just... I just feel like something is going to happen.” Teddy replied.
“Is it a good feeling, or a bad one?” Grubby replied between bites of breakfast.
“I... I’m not sure, I think it could be good... but then... I’m just not certain with these things.” Teddy replied quietly.
“Well, whatever will happen, I’m sure it will be an adventure.” Grubby remarked as he finished off his second helping of breakfast and downed his drink in one gulp. After wiping his mouth with the napkin Grubby added, “anyways, have you had these things happen to you before?”
Teddy snapped back to reality and looked at his friend firmly.
“Yes, I have. The first time was just before we met. The second was when we met Prince Arin. Then again at the temple when we found the crystals. Most of the time the visions have been good, like directions. Yet this time, something feels very wrong, the vision is not as clear and I feel like a huge weight in on my heart.” Teddy replied.
“As bad as when your mother passed?” Grubby asked softly.
“Worse.” Teddy replied.
Grubby’s jovial expression faded to a bittersweet smile.
“Well, no matter what. You have me and Gimmick, we will always be by your side.” Grubby replied.
Suddenly, a loud whirring followed by a gust of wind caused both of the friends to look up. They got up and went out to the front yard where they saw the Wizard’s assistant Louie with Beanly hanging on to his hat and waving to them below. Louie lightly landed the autogyro just out of Tweeg’s range, turned it off, and unbuckled his seatbelt. He then turned and helped Beanly.
“Hi guys!” Louie said as he worked to free Beanly.
“Hi Louie!” Grubby said with a smile.
“Hi there Louie, it’s been a long time? What brings you to our part of Grundo?” Teddy asked as he offered Louie a tall glass of lemonade.
Louie helped the now free Beanly down off the machine and accepted the drink from Teddy. After taking a long drought, he wiped his mouth on his sleeve and looked over at Beanly who had sat down on a stump looking rather shaken.
“I’m helping King Nogburt out with some courier work.” Louie replied. “I’m faster at getting messages around, and well, I’m showing Beaners here the ropes.”
Grubby stifled a giggle when he saw the glare Beanly gave Louie at that last remark.
“It looks like you have a message here.” Beanly managed to say after Teddy gave him a drink. He opened his courier satchel and rifled through the documents within before pulling out a small envelope for each of them. Then he looked around, “where is Newton Gimmick?” He asked.
“He’s off workin’ on the airship.” Grubby replied.
“Ah well, I have one for him too.” Beanly remarked giving another envelope to Teddy.
“What’s this for?” Teddy asked.
“The King is having a ball.” Beanly replied with a smile.
“A ball?” Teddy and Grubby looked at each other in awe. “I didn’t think... well I had no idea the King did that sort of thing, what’s the occasion?”
“It’s to celebrate Aruzia’s sixteenth birthday!” Louie replied with a grin. “It also means daddy has to now let her be courted.”
“I bet Prince Arin ain’t to please about that.” Grubby muttered.
Teddy simply smiled.
“Anyways, everyone hopes you’ll be there. It’s gonna be a swinging party!” Louie beamed much to Beanly’s chagrin, but Beanly simply shook it off. “Indeed, and please you are invited to also bring a guest.” He added.
Louie and Beanly thanked Teddy for the drinks.
“Anyways, we can’t stay, we have more invitations to give out so see you in about three weeks!” Louie said as Beanly secured his bag. Louie assisted Beanly back onto the autogyro and soon they were skyward.
“Well! That is a change in the weather!” Grubby exclaimed in awe.
“Indeed.” Teddy replied.
As they returned to Gimmick’s house both were lost in thought.
“I think I’m going to ask Amber.” Teddy mused.
“Yeah, I’m gonna ask Xena via the Octopede network.” Grubby replied.
“Ask them what?” A voice queried from inside.
“Hi Gimmick.” Teddy replied warmly as the inventor walked out munching on breakfast.
“We’ve all been invited to a Spring Ball at King Nogburt’s.” Grubby stated as he handed the invitation with Gimmick’s name on it over to the inventor.
“Oh?” Gimmick remarked finishing off his late morning breakfast and tentatively taking in the invitation. He opened it, and became quiet after he read the contents.
“Well, this is a celebration to be had, it’s quite an important event in the life of the Princess.” Gimmick said as he tucked the invitation in his pocket.
“How so?” Teddy asked.
“Well, she has come to the age where she can finally be courted, and eventually she will be expected to marry into one of the elite families of the Kingdoms to the West and East .” Gimmick replied.
“You mean there are more Illipers outside of Grundo?” Grubby asked.
“Of course! They are the second oldest civilization to live in this world, Illipers are spread out all across the four corners my boy! And those Kingdoms have families who rule them or who have made significant steps in their society. As a Princess, Aruzia is duty bound to marry well to help her family and this Kingdom prosper.” Gimmick replied.
Teddy looked at his invitation, his smile faded at that last remark.
“I see.” He said quietly.
“Teddy, it’s not anything to be sad about! Aruzia will need her friends more than ever in the coming years, as she will be faced with quite a few challenges ahead.” Gimmick replied patting Teddy on his shoulder.
Teddy looked up and smiled. “I know, I just... can only imagine what she has to be feeling right now.”
“Well, you can talk to her when we get to King Nogburts. In the meantime, I will need both of you boys to help me finish up the engine on the Airship.” Gimmick replied as he walked out toward where he kept the craft.