(The following story is an introduction of a new character I came up with: Percy Pancoon. It will be an expansion of some of the things that I said about him in his bio, and will elaborate more about who he is and some of what makes him the greatest pancoon to ever come out of someone's imagination. This is the first of what could be a series of stories featuring this wonderful character, along with many other characters I plan on introducing in the future. With that said, let's get started.)
We begin the story in a quiet little city-like forest, which is surrounded by a number of aging trees, a beautiful sky, a quiet riverbank, and lots and lots of beautiful green grass. There we come across a peculiar little creature: a creature that's a mix between a red panda and a raccoon. He goes by the name Percy, or his nickname Perc. He's described as someone who's your down to the Earth, playful, and energetic friend. Someone who enjoys a number of things, including exercise, cartoons, music, sports, and just hanging around friends. Matter of fact, we find him getting some exercise as we speak, running around the forest that he?s called home his entire life.
``Wooo. That might've been my best run yet.'' Checking his Fitbit, it told the tell. ``As I expected. Man, I just keep on slashing these records.'' Percy is someone who's known to be fast. He's done several races, mostly by foot. He's got a number of metals, ranging from gold metals to bronze. And he's a brilliant speedster. Matter of fact, he drives a pretty decked out Dodge Charger: six speed automatic transmission, full-on sunroof, AM/FM radio with SiriusXM, and very, very comfortable plush seats, seats perfect enough to sleep on. And also to keep a pancoon like him comfy and cozy during long trips, which he takes a lot of.
``Okay, that's enough running for the moment. I wonder what delicious treats I can find.'' He stormed the forest to see what deliciousness came his way. In that moment, he spotted a few apples, which were ripe to its peak. ``Well well well. These apples look too good. It'd be a shame if they went to waste.'' Given how he's part red panda, he did what most red pandas would do: grabbed a basket then climbed up the tree where the apples he spotted were growing. He managed to get his hands on about five of them. ``Woah. What juicy, delicious, scrumptious apples. They're so red, and so bright. I just can't wait to get you guys home and enjoy ya.'' With that said, he got down from the tree and took his snacks back to his house. In that moment, he thought of something he does on a semi-regular basis: juggling. Which he did. Juggling is something Percy was really good at, in his mind that is. You see, he comes from a very known circus family, where he would see his father and uncle perform a number of wild acts, some of which involved juggling. It fascinated him that much that he wound up learning how to do it himself. And within a matter of months, he was juggling up a storm, so much so that he even did a few shows with the two of them by his side. He wound up juggling up until the moment he got back to his house. ``I gotta say, coming from a circus family really comes in handy. Those few shows I did really helped me out in terms of making a show whenever it's possible.'' He said as he entered the front door. It's worth noting that he wasn't far from where he lived, so he had no problems walking.
Percy's house was somewhat big: a two-story home with a garage, a backyard with a pond, and the most wonderful collection of memorabilia surrounding a fraction of the living room. An interesting fact about Percy is that he's a student of the past. One of his favorite decades is the 80s, for a number of reasons, some of which included the music, the cartoons, and the flashy outfits and hair styles. His ringtone is actually one of his favorite Duran Duran songs: Rio. And to compliment his love for the decade, he even owns an ``I Heart the 80s'' shirt, one of his favorites wardrobe choices and one he's been known to wear around to several 80s conventions. He has the internet to thank, along with a certain Cartoon Network show known for spotlighting a variety of 80s nostalgia.
As Percy prepares to sit down and enjoy one of his apples, he notices that something showed up while he was out on his exercise run: a package from his circus-traveling parents. Eager to know what they sent him, he heads out and grabs it. ``It's always nice to know that my dear ol' parents are still thinking of me, even while they're out making people smile. I wonder what they sent me this time.'' He says, while grabbing a pocket knife. Once he's managed to open the package, he's surprise to see that it's several things he likes to collect: pieces of his childhood and a postcard. This time, he received a jar of sand, collected while the two of them were on a recent circus stop to a beachside city outside of the UK. ``Oh nicely done guys.'' Percy enjoyed exploring different cities and tourist attractions growing up, something he still enjoys today as he's become a frequent traveler, both on land and by air. Since venturing out on his own, he's been to the UK, Canada, and Australia, all of which fascinated him and has him eager to return in the mere future. While taking a bite out of his apple, he looked at the postcard that came with the sand, which read in part: ``Recently the troupe visited Manchester, England, and got the chance to check out some of their wonderful beaches. We thought about our many trips to the beach and thought you might like to enjoy some of the sand. It's really good and I think you'd like to start collecting some. Hopefully we'll reunite soon.'' ``Aww, ain't that sweet? I hope we can reunite some day as well.'' Percy said, as he read the postcard, thinking of his parents. Percy would then follow that by placing his new acquisition in a collection of souvenirs he had collected over the years, mostly consisting of knick-knacks like juggling balls, marbles, sea shells, and, coincidentally, sand. After placing the sand jar in his collection, he quickly raced back downstairs in the most awesomest way he knew how: using a slide he had installed. Given how his house is large enough for such an accessory, he figured why not. In his mind, it might've been his best investment yet, next to the 80s shirt. The slide is by far his most favorite part of the house, considering he made it with great detail. It's a straight shot slide, with an occasional loop, for those extra silly days. It goes from his upstairs bedroom all the way downstairs, and it can even go down to the basement, the site of what he calls his ``wah cave'' (basically a mancave that he decked out into the ultimate play area...literally).
Back downstairs, Percy would end up getting a call from one of his best friends, who wanted to come over and play one of their favorite games from their childhood. Percy agreed and invited him over for a night of fun and excitement. You see, Percy considers himself a gamer. Although he doesn't always have a lot of time to play, given how he's a writer, he loves the idea of sitting in front of the TV and playing the night away. Some of his consoles of choice: PlayStation and Nintendo, though he's played on the Xbox a number of times, in addition to some retro gaming consoles including the Sega Genesis and Atari, and is a fixture in the arcade scene. Usually when he's in a gaming mood or is getting ready to play, he has his drinks, snacks, and everything else he'll need for a fun night of gaming by his side. But before the fun can begin, Percy had to make a run to the store for a few more things, and for him, when it comes to a trip to the store, or anywhere in this case, he can get a little carried away. Sometimes he just can't help it. He is part raccoon, after all. He tends to get into a lot of wild adventures. With that said, he was off to the store. And a reminder that his car is pretty decked out so there is a chance he can get himself into all kinds of craziness.
While in his car, Percy kept a number of items he needed for his fun game night in mind: mostly snacks, and maybe a few extra supplies, just because he can. He has this saying: ``You can never go wrong with having a few extra supplies in hand. You don't know when you might need them.'' It was actually his uncle that told him this. He just carried it to heart....quite literally. About 10 or so minutes pass and we find Perc making his way inside the store. There he grabs all sorts of goodies: chips, cupcakes, soft drinks, everything sugary and sweet you can ever think of. ``Yep, that should about do it.'' Percy said while also making note of some of the other items he might need for game night. ``Wowee. I tell ya, it's not a fun game night without the necessities. And this'll be just the appetizer. I can't wait to show off the real fun.'' He said as he was heading to the register. Upon paying for his food, he heads off to the party store for a few more supplies, most of which he knows are needed to ensure a fun night is had. What supplies will he get? Oh you know, the usual party fare: silly string, glow sticks, and one of his favorite items to have around: balloons. Lots of balloons. He is someone who enjoys balloons so much. Get him near one, or more, and he'll have fun for hours on end. ``Oh boy. Tonight will be one of the most fun nights I will have ever had. Oh what am I kidding? Every game night is a fun night.'' Percy said, as he hopped on his shopping cart and rolled down the party aisle. Several minutes later, having gathered all the supplies he'll need for the night, he headed back to his house to get set up. But not before making one final stop: his favorite burger joint, Rider's Shack, for one of his favorites: a double cheese and jalapeno burger, coupled together with chili cheese fries and a blueberry and banana smoothie. When it comes to his food, he knows what's best, especially when it comes to how good it is.
Upon arriving back home, he pulled out everything he had just purchased and began preparing his living room (and his house in general), turning it into the ultimate gaming destination. ``Now, where should I begin? [thinks for a second] The living room, of course.'' With that, he did not hesitate. He began his decorating spree by playfully spreading out party favors all around the house, from the living room all the way down to the wah cave. I'm talking balloons by the TV, glow sticks by the sofa, silly string near the gaming console, and snacks on standby, all set for when his friend showed up. You may ask, it's only one night, are all those decorations really necessary? Well see, here's the thing: Percy's the type of person that can turn any fun night into some type of party. Again, he comes from a circus family, so fun is in his DNA. It's what makes him who he is. So with everything set, all Perc had to do was wait. While he waited, he figured he'd get a warm-up session ready. A few minutes later, his friend calls and lets him know that he'll be on his way shortly. ``That's good. I'll be ready when you get here.'' Percy told him. Several minutes pass and before you know it, as expected, his friend was here. Percy, already ready for a good time, excitedly ran to the front door, and let his friend in. ``Ah, welcome aboard.'' Percy said while his friend, a blue and green dragon named Jake, who's right around his height, give or take two inches, entered into his house. ``Told you I'd show up shortly. Especially given how fast I can fly.'' said Jake. Percy responded, ``Of course. After all you're one of the fastest dragons I've ever known. And that's a fact.'' Jake and Percy have known each other since they were just young pups. They met each other when Percy's family visited the part of the forest where Jake resided, and still resides, for one of their shows. That show Perc was a part of, one of his first appearances as a rookie juggler. Anyways, the minute Jake noticed him, and the minute the two of them met, they knew a friendship would be born. That it did. The two would remain close afterwards, even after they would go their separate ways. They do get together every now and then, but every time they do, silliness ensues. And I mean A LOT of silliness. ``I hope you're ready for a fun night `cause I have everything set and ready to go.'' said Perc. Jake responded, ``Oh you know I am. I'm always ready for a fun time. I think it's been a while since we got together and had a little fun.'' Percy's answer: ``Probably longer than that.'' Backstory: Jake travels a lot for work. No literally. He's a traveling salesman, meaning that he flies literally around the world, pitching a number of items to potential customers. Before you ask, yes, he does take breaks halfway through. Despite being a dragon, his wings can only go that long without rest, especially one his size.
``You know, it's hard work flying all over the world trying to get people to buy whatever item you're showing them, so I think it's interesting to have this time off and spend it with friends. It's well deserving.'' Jake pointed out. Perc responded, ``Oh I know. How do you think my family did it after all these years? Matter of fact, they're in the UK right now doing another show.'' Jake responded: ``Wow, really?'' ``Yeah. They just sent me another souvenir package. I'll show ya if you want.'' Percy said. Jake would immediately say yes and Percy would walk him down to where the package was. Once they got upstairs, Percy showed his dragon buddy the knick knacks his parents just sent to him. ``Woah, you weren't kidding.'' Jake said as he looked on at the jar full of sand and postcard. ``I have a feeling your folks might pop into town someday and you guys just pretty much catch up on a whole bunch of stuff.'' Percy responded and said ``Yeah, I'm looking forward to the day where all of us can sit down and talk about our lives. Gee, I can imagine the stories my dad would tell. Like the time when he told us about his first trip to Canada. He literally enjoyed every single minute of that expedition.'' Jake replied and said ``Oh yeah. I still remember that opening sentence. ``There was the time when we made our way to Toronto, and our first stop there was that big tower. It was unlike anything we've seen before.'' Clearly a conversation starter.'' ``Exactly. You never know what types of stories my dad will want to tell. He's just that kind of pancoon.'' said Perc. He then asked: ``Anyways, shall we begin the greatest night we'll ever have? I mean, that's why you came here, right?'' Jake answered, ``Oh, you know I was ready.''
With that said, the two friends make their way to the wah-cave, where it would be the sight for what Perc called ``the most funnest night he and his friend could ever have.'' Once they're there, the reluctant dragon was amazed at what his friend had done to his little hangout. ``Wow. You've really outdone yourself.'' Jake said. ``Yep. Had to make sure this place was decked out for this special night. We don't get a chance to hang out a lot, so I wanted to make sure this one was one for the books.'' Percy replied. ``Given your family's background, I say you did just that.'' said Jake. With that in mind, the two friends make their way to the couch to begin their fun night together. ``I'm sure you'll remember playing this from when we were younger.'' Percy said as he held up a racing game the two of them would play a lot in their younger days. ``Oh yes. I remember this one really well. Always fun and always entertaining.'' replied Jake. Not wasting any time on this fun night, the two friends got underway with their game. As they did when they were kids, they settled with two characters they would often play with, both of whom were their favorites. And off they went. Halfway through their night, Percy decides to turn things up a notch, by dousing his friend with endless amounts of silly string. Jake, knowing how funny his friend can be, strikes back by delivering the same attack. This would go on for several minutes, with them then treating themselves to a fun-filled roll around in a balloon pit Percy had set up, followed by a fun and messy food fight, and top it all off: a dance-off. As I said, when these two get together, silliness is sure to happen. And silliness would go on, and on, and on...all night long. These two may be in their twenties, but at the end of the day, they're just kids at heart. Especially Percy. And that's what makes him who he is today.
To summarize, Percy is someone who you would want to hang around. He's fun-loving, adorable, sweet, silly, and thoughtful. He's someone whom you would want to tell about your day and he'll listen. He's someone who's not only a kid at heart, but also someone who uses his family's circus history and puts his own spin on it. He can turn life's ups and downs into a wild adventure. And most importantly, he's just an alright guy. Once you meet him, you'll see what makes him the most outstanding pancoon (or if you choose, wahcoon) you'll ever know, if not the first. Spend one day wit him and he'll become your best friend. I hope this introduction to Percy Pancoon filled your spirits and gives you a clear sample into his wacky and wonderful world. Expect more craziness from him and his close-knit community of friends in the future.