Chromatober 2024: Double Trouble Co-host LoneRanger

|October 16, 2024| ~Sleep or Bug~

Day 16, Sleep or Bug

This one has got me stumped a little- and when I am stumped I pull out the only character I can think of!

Professor Red!

This takes place in Rainbow Quest's aftermath.
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Professor Red

I haven't slept in days, but I don't care! I am looking for bugs, a specific bug that I only come to this part of the kingdom in a single week each year. Its color is a beautiful red. So rare it flies around constantly to stay hidden.

My clothes were covered in the smelly dirt of the world. Leaves trapped inside my hair and goggles. Now this is life! Of being connected to the world. By joining the earth. I crawled against the dirt scanning for the beautiful red hue. Against the greens, I thought it would be easier to find.

A flash of red appears underneath a large leaf. A red prey mantis, a female by the looks of it from her large size. I slowly reached my hand out. I managed to cuff her under my hands beneath the soil. She didn't move at me. Until I put her into a glass which she hisses violently. Her wings puffed up to make herself look bigger. The top wasn't covered of course.

"There you are! Don't worry I have a friend for you to meet." I promised the little one as I got up from the soil and began the lock trek back to my lab.

It's been lonely, ever since he left. I am now the oldest red Steve alive, and possible among all the Steves. I have memories of a past broken in my head. Of things, no one would believe even if I spoke a word. This is for you Buddy...

I found my way to the Red Leader's memorial near M's old house. It hasn't been flame care of for the past few days. Of course, I take my time to clean it. I saw a male mantis resting on the sight. I let the two go free to meet each other.

I looked up at the memorial. It's simply a red oak tree. Traced with red folded paper and brown rope around it. Most of the work to keep this place clean was done by me. M is too busy to tame the tree.

I should get an apprentice. So I can pass down my knowledge before I pass. I just have yet to find the right Red Steve, at least if I die soon. I know Assistant Steve will take over my duties. With sleep rudely tugging at me, I made my way back to him to sink into the darkness of my lab where memories of friends I hope lay in the spirit realm I will meet when my time has come.
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(Words 472)