The Legacy of Skipper

Chapter 4: Travel

"About 3 years back, a new group appeared on the music scene; an iconic duo of meerkat siblings, publicly known as Blue thunder and Silver lightning. They astonished everyone with their acrobatics and singing, and soon rose in prominence. Animals would walk hundreds of kilometers just to see them perform, and though they were the perfect compliment, Silver lightning was the fan favorite. Some even went as far as to claim they carried the whole show, especially as Blue thunder rested on his laurels more and more, so to speak.

Things were already declining by June, when life got immeasurably worse for them both.

Inspired by pride month, Bronze (with encouragement from their partner, Baobab) announced their transition (From Silky, as Golden's brother, to Bronze, as his sister) at the end of their latest performance. Though the fans were supportive, the fallout behind the scenes drove a wedge between the two of them."

"Golden was transphobic?" I asked, already knowing the answer but intrigued to see what twisted version of my life this musician had heard.

Ochre sighed. "It probably came across that way, but he never meant what he said that night. He was just unaware, and with such a big shock coming right at the time when they were under the most strain... It was merely the leaf that snapped the breaking bow, so to speak."

"Sounds like you're making excuses for him." I snarled, rage straining at the tight leash I usually kept it on, like all my emotions. Can't have them out of hand, especially if I might have been wrong...argh! I'm going off track again!  I don't know why I'm even writing this chapter...it's not like my story is the important thing here. Still, I guess I'd better keep filling you in. Can't have an audience in too much suspense, can we. Back to the recap, I guess.

Ochre shook their head. "I'm just recounting what I was told."

"Oh yeah? and who told you?"

"Golden did. I met him just last week. He's moved on now, though. Still searching for his sister, I believe."

"He is?"

"Yep. Though he hadn't seen her since their fight-"

"What were they fighting over?"

"The evening Bronze 'came out' Golden... I don't know, maybe he was afraid he'd be losing their 'unique brotherly bond' because he confronted Bronze about having not been told before everyone else was, or having a say in when/if the news became public. Bronze took it the wrong way and retorted by complaining she was having to do all the work and lug his weight around, that hurt his pride, and in the ensuing scuffle, Baobab got caught in the crossfire.

Well, that did it. While Golden lay nursing his pride (and his wounds) Bronze rushed Baobab to the nearest hospital, but.. Baobab... she didn't make it. That was the last time Golden ever saw his family.

He tried to keep the show running for a few more months, but comfort eating does not help with acrobatics, and it's hard to sing when your voice is choked by sobs. Eventually he just gave up, resigning himself to a life of wandering, scraping out a living as best he could. He probably would have lived out the rest of his life like that if it wasn't for an anonymous tip-off.

There was an eagle owl at the bar. Said they'd heard a rumour going around that Bronze had joined S.C.O.R.P.I.O.M.  and would soon be on an assignment in Naples. I don't know what went through his head that night-remorse? Madness?- but as soon as he'd gathered his belongings, he began to head North on foot.

The journey was long and grueling, and by the time he arrived Golden had more injuries than before, and asides from those he had little more than the clothes on his back. According to him, it would all be worth it if he could reconcile with Bronze.