User blog:Muppetfan/One Man's Morris

One Man's Morris is the first Arthur fan-fiction written by Muppetfan. It is not only Muppetfan's attempt to add his part in the fan-fiction universe, but also to try to do something that many fan-fictions around the internet nowadays lack.

This story is rated PG for some heavy quarreling and marital/relationship issues, and a variable amount of spookiness to some more impressionable readers. Content may not be suitable for young children.

All Arthur characters are © Marc Brown, PBS, WGBH, and 9 Story Entertainment. Any other appearing character not part of the regular Arthur cast are © User:Muppetfan and are not permitted to be used in any fan-fictions or anything else without prior permission given by Muppetfan.

Summary
New Mexico - the place of the aliens and now-home state of Mr. Morris! But when Mr Morris letters quit arriving at the Baxter residence, Buster soon finds the entire fate of one man - or possibly more - lying in his hands.

Author's Introduction
And so I begin my fanon writing career on Arthur Wiki. I hope you all like it. As said above, this is not only an attempt for me to lunge myself into the fanon whirlpool, but also my response to the lack of the amount of fan-fiction that I also consider good stories.

I'm trying to do multiple things here that I think will make this story more complete and more fulfilling. The primary one is the fact that I am incorporating three plot lines into this story. There will be the obvious main one, a very strong supporting one, and a much weaker plot line that sort of serves as some background color.

Another thing I'm trying to do is create a story that combines all sorts of pieces and genres together, with some adventure, some mystery, and even some romance coming into play. This fanon will explore some sides of the Arthur world that are impossible to explore in episode form, though still reflect on the legacy of Marc Brown that we have all come to know and love. There should be some vibrant positive messages coming out of this story, even if the messages seem a bit mixed at first.

I know some of you might hate me for what I'm doing in this story, but I want to pass on one word of advice for you when reading: never assume. Never come to conclusions, because in this story, nothing is what it seems.

Most of all, I hope you enjoy this story.

~Muppetfan

Chapter 1: Searching for Unsent Tree
A wide assortment of papers sat scattered on the wooden table in the Baxters' kitchen. A few newspapers lined the cabinets below the counter. Small strips of paper spilled out of the paper shredder, positioned on its side. A plate containing a half-eaten peanut butter sandwich rested somewhere in the mess, its whereabouts unbeknownst to the filthy rabbit sitting nearby the wastebasket.

In short, Bitzi Baxter was appalled at the mess as she entered the kitchen, though even that word may not have done the mess justice.

"What on earth happened here?" Bitzi's voice rang out, half yelling and half questioning.

A glum Buster looked at his mother for the first time since she came in. "It's not here."

"What isn't here?"

"Mr. Morris's letter. He still hasn't sent one."

"I should have known this was the cause."

"It's been three weeks now." Buster stood up, brushing a few specs of dirt off of his turquoise shirt.

"Buster, I told you, Mr. Morris probably is busy. I mean, with such a rapidly growing family, he just hasn't gotten the time to-"

"You've been saying that for days." Buster departed from the kitchen, mother and mess left behind, and went for a bath.

Three weeks.

The two had had a correspondence system set up. Mr. Morris would send a letter one week, which Buster would then return so that he got it within a week's time. Mr. Morris would then send another one. The two would go back and forth so that each received a letter every other week.

Mr. Morris would often be a few days late. A letter he should have received by Sunday occasionally didn't make it to Elwood City until Wednesday. But he never was three weeks late. That was unheard of.

Buster slipped his shirt over his head as he considered the situation. Mr. Morris did have quite an active life, despite his age and growing limitations. Could he have forgotten? He had never forgotten before. He had always been so considerate of Buster to respond to mail continuously, usually on time, and if not, fashionably late, as Mr. Morris would say, winking at Buster all the while.

The showerhead roared at a loud enough volume to flush out any sound, yet it didn't beat out the prolonging ring of the question that loomed over Buster. Was there something wrong in that state, on that ranch in New Mexico? Did something happen? A tragedy of some sort? Could something have happened to Mr. Morris? Buster shuddered at the thought of anything happening to such a wonderful man. But was that a possibility? Mr. Morris may have had an accident of some sort again, Buster continued to wonder, trying to swerve away from any thought that Mr. Morris may have-

He shook his head. No use worrying about something that he didn't even know for sure if it happened. He was bound to find out sooner or later. Or was he? Did anyone other than Mr. Morris know about the two's friendship? Someone most likely had heard about it from him at some point or another, but would they remember? Did they understand how strong it really was?

Or maybe, just maybe, did Buster have to somehow get to New Mexico and find out for himself?