Chapter Text
Deep below the surface. Further down than light could dream of reaching. Hidden under stone and rubble while glistening with artificial flames. A dazzling display of purple and blue hues danced along the walls. Gorgeous gemstones born from pressure and patience blew new life into the damp recesses of this desolate cave.
Man-made tunnels replicate the natural beauty of the moles and ants that burrow beneath. These massive networks of transportation and exploration slice through our world. And we as explorers dig deeper every day. On those lonely nights when we have no idea where to go next. We continue to explore. For that is the nature of humanity.
But with progression comes connection. The bonds of man and the ties of society force us together. It's the nature of all intelligent creatures to seek companionship. We look for shelter from the storm, both physically and emotionally and we find a roof in the heart of others.
So why toil away into the midnight hours when you could enjoy a cold drink with friends. That is how Dynamike felt. The goofy, old bastard was shaking the pebbles out of his massive white beard. Its jagged ends held onto a few leftover stones but his giddy gait helped to deposit them back to their home below.
As he made his way to the elevator he caught the tale end of a conversation. Jacky's harsh Brooklyn accent slurred, "...and you look 'im dead in tha eyes an' you tell 'im, we're goin' on a date tomorrow."
"And that worksh'?" As Dynamike stepped into the lift he squeezed himself between the co-workers. He noticed how Carl's deep blue t-shirt enhanced the glistening yellow hardhat hiding behind the thin veil of dirt.
The robot's florescent eyes were brighter than the lamp on his head. Jacky pushed her cobalt pigtails away from her chest. "Trus' me." Her smile showed hints of buttermilk along the cracks. "I'm a dominate lady. And doms kno' doms."
Jacky's attire was comedic. Dynamike sported a bright red shirt and standard-issue work jeans. A standard issue that he couldn't convince the commando drone Carl to wear. Though he saw fit to at least put a shirt on so he'll take that. But Jacky had decided to blend the two hues. She had on a blue top similar to Carl's but her overalls were a red brighter than Dynamike's boomsticks.
Mike listened along while adjusting the explosives along his tool belt. Carl had been talking about wanting to ask someone out. Jacky claimed she had figured out it was another male robot though Carl never confirmed nor denied it. Mike couldn't give high or low to the robot's love life. He was more focused on the low humming of the pulley as it grew louder the closer they got to the top.
There was no chime when they reached the apex. There was no stop to the youthful conversation. There was the slow rolling of a machine as the doors slid open. Mike was the first to walk off and place his hard hat on the wall. As soon as the cap came off his little companion flew away. A feathery friend tinted with shortbread plumage. It rested on the countertop and awaited its pets from the other miners.
Carl's slinky-like legs strode ahead of Jacky's stronger calves, "Farewell, my feathery friend."
Jacky's dismissal was less eloquent, "See ya, ya golden gay wad."
As they made their way out the cavern's maw Carl showed courtesy even in departure, "Mike. Do you want us to wait for you?"
The elder scratched his flaky chin, "Eh, I'll be fine. You kids go on ahead."
Carl protested but Jacky was more than happy to leave. She had plans for the night and didn't want Carl messing them up with his overbearing heart. She snatched him out into the darkness leaving Mike alone to his thoughts.
Mike changed his hat to a more casual flat cap that would have gone well with a flannel top. Sitting atop a perch his bird tweeted to gain his attention, "Oh don't worry, Chimney. We aren't going to be spending the night alone." He reached out a finger for his companion to land on. The little creature nuzzled against his face, "We'll be spending the night at the bar."
Chimney gave a playful chirp in agreement. He finished up closing and locked up the mine's entrance. When he turned around he got a face full of soothing summer wind. It was a remarkably warm night. If he owned the land beneath his feet he might strip to his barest bits and just lay in the dirt. But he would be facing more than indecent exposure if he pulled a stunt like that. Surely either Pam or Mr. P would chew him out if they caught him being so crude.
Mike made his way down the dusty roads of the Starr Park streets. An amusement park turned living community of entertainers and attractions for tourists. He was always stunned when he looked at how this place had grown over the years. It was hard to believe that this place used to be your average low-budget-themed attraction.
While Dynamike walked he noticed that Pam's junkyard had their lights on extra bright. He could hear construction screeching along through the clear sky. In contrast, the lights were dim at the Snowtel. If anyone was still inside he wouldn't be able to tell even if he stared through the front door.
He had told Gale and Byron he'd meet them at Barley's tonight. But maybe he'd stop by the Snowtel and check to see if his old frozen friend is still inside.
Chimney quickly rested on his shoulder during the walk. It was when he got directly between the junkyard and Snowtel that he started to chirp up. Mike turned his cheek, "What's wrong, little buddy?"
Chimney continued to sing but it quickly turned to panic screeching. Mike turned around to find the source of his alarm. He was met with a mesh wire of rope wrapping around his body. He hollered out the best he could until a body squashed him below its weight. He pushed and shoved but one turned into two. Then two to four. Soon he couldn't count them. A swarm of bodies smothered him as his screams petered off beneath the sound of sharp blows.
Chimney had escaped this fate. He screeched and scratched at the tough bodies that were bludgeoning his owner. But even he didn't speak for long. A strong palm snatched him up and stuffed him into a burlap sack.
They faded away under the abuse.
*jingle**jingle*
"WAAAA-haa-haa-haa-haa!" His maniacal laughter leaped off the golden walls. A playful dance along his toes as he pranced around the swarming guests. The joyful jingling of his foolish cap followed close behind.
A cadet and steel blue blur slinked through the crowded candy shop. At the massive bowls of unassorted hard treats, he rested only to fill his sweet tooth once more. A common practice though prohibited without paying first. Of course, he would not be allowed to partake in this guilty pleasure quietly.
"CHESTER!"
An angry shout could be heard at any date or time if you stepped into the savory store. Her shrill cry directed at the goofy coworker was as expected as the sun to shine in the morning. Chester didn't even bother to turn around. He just cackled in the faces of customers as he ran. Wherever he stepped a bolt action-propelled glob of concentrated candy followed close behind.
The damage from their cat-and-mouse games made every day an extraordinary display of Starr Park's grandeur. But unfortunately, their antics often cause unfortunate collateral damage. For instance, Chester jumped over a young lady in a purple and yellow jumpsuit. Her knowledge of insects and fauna gained her the name Bea in the official Starr Park registry. She often visited to purchase some honey-based treats for her office. Today she got enough honey to choke a bear directly in the chest. A predicament that further fueled Chester's laughter.
"Hey, MANDY!" His wild voice bordered on insanity itself. "You should BEE more careful." He pointed at the girl with a similar name and smiled. "GET IT? WaAA-haa-hha-haa-haaa!" He bolted off and hid behind a group of kids. The toddlers screeched as the end of Mandy's barrel aimed their way.
She sat back and lifted her gun to the sky. "Sit still, licorice twist!" The candy queen stood atop her golden, velvet throne. The purple swirl of her cherry-colored scepter complemented the strawberry dress she sported. One foot was firmly planted on a counter top showing off her yellow and white leggings. She was as bright as a cartoon lollipop and her cheeks were twice as sweet. The angry flush forming along her face made the sweat-pink blush a duo of red spots similar to Jupiter's storm.
Chester gave back a blue tongue in her direction and taunting gestures with his face. The candy-coated clown reached back and scarfed down a handful of caramelly goodness. His eyes were sealed shut as his mind gave in to that smooth texture. The way it melted in his mouth while sticking to his maw.
After a few moments of chewing he managed to open them and look at Mandy once more. He received an eyeful of black and blue. A wadded ball of flavored string that to some is savory and to others bland. He looked down in less than an instant and noticed that the children had disappeared without a trace.
In that brief moment, he felt like a Looney Tunes character. If he could, he would have turned to the camera with a pouty frown. He'd point to the orb and say, "It's a twisted ball of licorice. Get it? HEH!"
His reality was getting blasted in the face by a wad of Halloween's second-most niche treat. His head rocked back and his eyeliner smeared. He was left on the top of his neck with a goofy smile, his legs over his head, and sitting in a cotton candy machine. When they came out there was a blue and pink swirl of floss on each foot.
Mandy raised her staff and blew away some smoke. "Ha! Guess you aren't as light on your feet as you thought."
Chester managed a stumbling, "I get it," before passing out. The customers cheered with a raucous uproar of glee. Sweets and a show. A Starr Park specialty.
Mandy took her seat once more and pushed her pale lime locks out of her face. The enjoyment she had gotten out of sniping Chester was fleeting. Now it was back to making sure no grubby brat got sticky fingers.
Chester cracked open an eye to observe his surroundings. After seeing Mandy back to work he returned to his usual duties. Snacking on candy and messing with customers. He kipped up as if nothing happened and posed for the non-existent fans. Once again entertaining the random kids that flooded the store. He'd swap their sweet treats with sour bombs and watch them squirm around under the heat.
When all was set and done, he'd occasionally hold the door open for passersby. And in those moments he'd take a deep whiff of that manufactured goodness. A shimmering town hidden behind the confines of an amusement park. He spent all his days hidden behind the candy shop's walls smothered in treats. Then go out at night and party like it was the end of the world. Outside all of his friends and fans were waiting for their favorite jester to bring a smile to their faces. And golly gee he would never disappoint. Come rain or shine he'd make the world smile.
He took a deep breath just before Mandy had the chance to yell at him for letting out the cold air. "Isn't life sweet?"