Chapter Text
18 YEARS AGO…
A handful of hikers were buried under an avalanche in the Adirondacks Mountains. Several emergency personnel gathered around the area where the event has happened. They moved the rocks in the hopes of finding a survivor. Sadly, there were none. No matter how soon they would have come or whether the hikers were warned, they could not predict the tragedy that would happen.
Just when all hope seems lost, one of the members approached the personnel with a mysterious egg. The egg was teal with multi-colored rectangles. The personnel decided to take the egg back to their station as their little piece of hope. During the trip back, the egg began to crack, but it won’t be while before it began to hatch…
PRESENT DAY, APRIL 27, 2019
In the town of Syracuse, New York, an odd creature works the carousel at Destiny USA Mall. This odd creature is cylindrical, with aqua-colored fur, long teal fingers and toes, and a single green eye. On top of his head are two horns, both patterned with cool-colored rectangles. His real name is Cyan Faheem, but many people call him Monster. Despite his ugly appearance, he’s quite a friendly fellow.
Today is Monster’s last day on the job. He’s trained his replacement, had his meeting with his manager, and handed a formal letter of resignation. Why is this happening? After applying for so many scholarships, he finally receives one from Mask City College. It’s located all the way in Oregon, which means that he won’t be able to keep his current job. Once he gets to Mask City, he’ll look for a new job there.
Unfortunately, the scholarship doesn’t cover his trip from Syracuse to Mask City, so he will have to pay for it. Fortunately, Monster has been saving his money since he first got his job at age 16, so buying a plane ticket and a few bus tickets wouldn’t be too bad. As soon as the clock strikes five, Monster gets up and clocks out for the last time. He goes to his boss’s office to say goodbye for the last time.
“Hi, Charlotte,” Monster greets his boss. “I just want to say thank you for being my boss and I’m going to miss you.”
“Thank you, Monster,” Charlotte replies as she hands Monster his last paycheck and a physical copy of his letter of recommendation. “You were a wonderful worker. I wish you the best in your new endeavors.” Charlotte and Monster exchange smiles, sharing one warm embrace for the last time before Monster leaves the office.
After leaving the mall, he takes the bus back to his soon-to-be former apartment. There, he enters the unit and walks past two of his roommates, two humans named Garrett and Jake. Garrett is busy with playing video games, while Jake is cleaning dishes, neither of them paying attention to Monster as he heads to his room. When he opens the door to the bedroom, he is greeted by his third roommate: Boogie Woogie. Boogie is an orange monster with a purple nose and eyes that are covered by his fur. He always wears a pair of headphones that match whatever outfit he puts on for the day. Today, he’s wearing a purple disco outfit.
Boogie Woogie surprises Monster with a little send-off party with a banner, some decorations, some pizza, and a gift. “Congratulations!” Boogie cheers, then stands awkwardly, rubbing his head with his hand. “I’m guess I’m the only roommate who’s celebrating your accomplishment.”
“Thank you, Boogie,” Monster expresses his gratitude. “I would be sad if none my roommates ever said goodbye.”
“Well, I’m here,” Boogie says. “So…Goodbye!” Both Boogie and Monster chuckle. “Anyways, I got you a gift for the long haul.” He grabs his gift and hands it to Monster. Monster opens the gift, revealing an “I ❤️NY” mug inside. Boogie smiles and continues, “Now you’ll always have a part of New York with you.”
Monster hugs Boogie warmly, telling him, “Thanks. I appreciate it.”
“Keep in touch whenever you can,” Boogie suggests. After Monster stops hugging him, he says, “I can’t believe you’re going to watch the Golden Masquerade in person this year!”
Monster laughs nervously. “Well, that depends on whether I’ll get a ticket to watch or not. I will, however, watch the Golden Masquerade this year.”
“That’s the spirit!” Boogie cheers. “Now let’s eat! I got pepperoni and extra cheese pizza.” With that, they both chow down on the pizza, saving one half of each for their human roommates.
I have climbed highest mountains
I have run through the fields
Only to be with you
Only to be with you
The next day, Monster wakes up to the 6:00 alarm set up on his phone. He gets out of bed, packs any remaining items that he could carry, and brushes his teeth. Boogie Woogie also gets up so he could take Monster to Syracuse Hancock International Airport, not even bothering to change out of his pajamas. They both leave the apartment and head the airport. Both Monster and Boogie remain silent for the trip, with Boogie being too tired to speak and Monster focused on the upcoming trip. As soon as they make it to the airport, they share one last silent hug before Monster heads inside and Boogie drives back home.
I have run
I have crawled
I have scaled these city walls
These city walls
Only to be with you
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
Monster carries with him a carry-on suitcase and a backpack. As he doesn’t wear a lot of clothes, they all fit inside the carry-on. His backpack, meanwhile, carries all the essentials, such as his phone, his laptop, and travel-sized personal hygiene. After taking both bags through the x-ray scanners and going through TSA himself, He finally enters the terminal where he waits for his airplane.
I have kissed honey lips
Felt the healing in her fingertips
It burned like fire
This burning desire
Eventually, his flight starts boarding. The boarding starts with those with small children, those in need of special assistance. Then the first and business classes board. Finally, the premium and economy classes board. Monster is among the economy class. He puts luggage in the overhead bin and takes his seat in the aisle. With that, he flies to his first stop in Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
I have spoke with the tongue of angels
I have held the hand of a devil
It was warm in the night
I was cold as a stone
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
After landing in Chicago, he does another round of airport security before relaxing for the remaining layover. He gets a quick breakfast and then watches YouTube before it’s time for the second flight, which is four hours long.
I believe in the kingdom come
Then all the colors will bleed into one
Bleed into one
But yes I'm still running
Monster makes it all the way to Portland International Airport, tired but happy. To make the last leg of his trip to Mask City, he needs to take the bus. He rides the Caravan Airport all the way to Lincoln City and then transfers to the Number Four Tillamook Bus, where it makes its way to Neskowin. Finally, he takes another bus to Mask City proper.
You broke the bonds
And you loosed the chains
Carried the cross
Of my shame
Oh my shame
You know I believe it
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for