The Tailless Triumph

    By kdwertz5

    The Tailless Triumph cover image

    05 Aug, 2024

    a monkey hanging on a tree in the jungle with a monkey nearby illustration by alex macgrewhill, sumatraism, a storybook illustration, Alex Petruk APe, jungle

    Tailless was unique among the monkeys, born without a tail. Although he was as agile and playful as the others, he was often the subject of their ridicule.

    a monkey is sitting on a tree branch in the jungle and holding a branch with its paws up to the camera, sumatraism, a character portrait, Alex Petruk APe, cgstudio

    The most relentless was Mean Monkey, who would always find a way to make fun of Tailless. His laughter echoed through the jungle, humiliating Tailless.

    a painting of elephants walking in the jungle by a river and trees with a few other elephants in the background, sumatraism, an airbrush painting, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    One day, as the monkeys were playing near the watering hole, an elephant unintentionally stepped on Mean Monkey's tail. The loud cry of pain startled everyone.

    a painting of an elephant standing in the middle of a forest with other elephants in the background and a pond of water, sumatraism, an airbrush painting, Chris LaBrooy, highly detailed digital painting

    Mean Monkey couldn't move his tail. The elephant, realizing what he had done, apologized. But Mean Monkey was left without the use of his tail.

    a monkey sitting on a branch in a jungle with a tree branch in the foreground and a jungle background, sumatraism, a digital painting, Alex Petruk APe, highly detailed digital painting

    The next day, Mean Monkey found himself struggling. He couldn't swing as swiftly or balance as well. Tailless, watching from a distance, felt sympathy.

    a monkey hanging on a tree in a jungle with a branch in its hand and a jungle background with leaves, primitivism, a character portrait, Alex Petruk APe, jungle

    Tailless approached Mean Monkey, offering to teach him how to do all the monkey things without using a tail. Mean Monkey, in his desperation, agreed.

    a monkey hanging on a tree branch in a jungle with lots of leaves and plants around it, with a green background, primitivism, a storybook illustration, Alex Petruk APe, jungle

    Over the next few days, Tailless showed Mean Monkey how to climb trees, jump from branch to branch, and even balance on thin vines, all without a tail.

    a monkey sitting on a tree branch in the jungle with a light shining on it's face and eyes, sumatraism, a digital painting, Alex Petruk APe, highly detailed digital painting

    Mean Monkey began to appreciate Tailless's skills and courage. He realized how he had underestimated Tailless and felt remorse for his previous actions.

    a group of monkeys sitting on top of a tree in a jungle with a baby monkey in the background, sumatraism, a digital painting, Alex Petruk APe, highly detailed digital painting

    When Mean Monkey's tail healed, he called for a gathering. He publicly apologized to Tailless for his mean behavior and acknowledged his bravery and skills.

    a monkey standing on a rock in the middle of a jungle with other monkeys around him and a third monkey standing on a rock, sumatraism, a character portrait, Alex Petruk APe, cgstudio

    He thanked Tailless for his help and declared him a hero. The other monkeys, surprised by Mean Monkey's words, cheered for Tailless.

    a group of monkeys in a jungle with trees and plants behind them, with a sun shining through the trees, incoherents, a poster, Cliff Childs, furaffinity

    From that day forward, Tailless was no longer ridiculed but respected. He had shown everyone that being different was not a weakness, but a strength.

    a monkey sitting on a tree branch in a jungle with sunlight shining through the leaves and a beam of light, primitivism, a digital painting, Alex Petruk APe, jungle

    Mean Monkey and Tailless became good friends, always seen together. The jungle was filled with laughter and happiness, a place where every monkey was valued.