Chapter 35: Dreams and Visions
A bit later, in the Residential Area...
*The Living Room seemed to be empty, save for its one lone occupant.*
*Sitting on the couch was the little Boo, looking very down with its current expression.*
Gespenst: *Gets lost in thought...before getting emotional again.*
*As the little ghost tried to rein in itself, a certain Connor enters the room and stops as he sees the Boo.*
*Being careful, the Connor slowly approaches the couch and sits near the ghost and remains quiet.*
Gespenst: *Eventually looks around and sees the Connor was Guardian Connor. It then struggles to say, "... … … ..He...llo… …"
Guardian Connor: *Looking concerned.* "...Are you...alright?"
Gespenst: *Nods, but its expression says otherwise.*
Guardian Connor: "You're not...alright. I can tell you feel crushed by the disappointment you saw in those two."
Gespenst: *Choked up* "... … … ...Was… ...ju...st… try..ing... to... be...fun...ny."
Guardian Connor: *Being supportive.* "And you did that well, actually."
Gespenst: *Blinks and sniffles before looking at Guardian Connor.* "...Really?"
Guardian Connor: "Yes, really. If you...are up for it, I'd like to hear one of your puns."
Gespenst: *Slowly calms down before sniffling and saying, "... … … ...What...time is… it?"
Guardian Connor: *Looks at a time clock on the tv.* "It's 5:00 PM."
Gespenst: *Follows up with, "... ...It's...time...for the… five o'clock…'Boos'."*
*Guardian Connor genuinely laughs after hearing that, bringing a small smile to the ghost's face as it made a few more bad puns involving the word 'Boo'.*
*The two then start talking after the remaining puns were made. As they talked, the Studio Assistant enters the room and gets spotted by Gespenst.*
Gespenst: *Stops talking as it looks at Gene and digs its face into the couch.*
Gene: *Tries to get near the Boo before Guardian Connor blocks him.* "... ...Look, I'm here to apologize to the little guy…"
*Guardian Connor moves out of the way after hearing that.* "
Gene: *Sits on the couch near Gespenst, who continued to avoid looking at him.* "Gespenst...I mean, my little buddy… ...I...I'm sorry…"
Gespenst: *Digs its face out of the couch and looks at Gene now, still a bit dour.*
Gene: *Looking at the ghost with a friendly, yet regretful expression.* "I...I'm sorry if I was being dismissive towards you telling puns. It's just...I didn't think you'll improve and tell better ones."
Gespenst: *Takes a few seconds to interpret what he said.* "... ...Prove… you… wrong…"
Gene: *Pauses before smiling.* "...Then...I'll be looking forward to that, my little buddy."
*The Studio Assistant and Boo then talk a bit more till Gespenst feels better emotionally. After that, the little ghost asks Guardian Connor to accompany it as it tries looking for Alma.*
*Guardian Connor quickly agrees and heads off with the ghost once it said goodbye to Gene for now.*
*Heading out from the Residential Area, the two pass through a corner in a hallway when they cross paths with Alma.*
Gespenst: *Cowers behind Guardian Connor after it exchanges a glance with Alma.*
Alma: *seems like her mind is short circuiting, and is frozen because of it*
Guardian Connor: *Noting her current condition.* "Alma, if you can, I'm sure Gespenst here would like to talk to you…"
Gespenst: *Hearing what Guardian Connor said, it looks around him to see Alma in her frozen-like state of mind.* "... ...Alma…"
Alma: *Unresponsive*
Guardian Connor: *Looks at Alma eye to eye before saying in a serious tone.* "...I don't like to be this rude, but I need to say it. Alma, you need to snap out of whatever state you are in and accept that you wronged your friend, Gespenst."
Alma: *looks up, showing the look of someone who can't comprehend something that just happened*
Guardian Connor: *Still in the same tone.* "I heard a lot about you from the others and even with everything I do know, I'll never fully understand everything about you. But as a fellow individual, I know that we have to learn from our mistakes and regrets. You did mess up, but there's still time to learn and grow from it."
Alma: *still having issues contemplating what happened*
Guardian Connor: *Same tone.* "Let me guess, you're still struggling with accepting the fact that are guilty of something when you've been a victim for a very long time?"
Alma: *shivers a bit, before giving a small nod*
Guardian Connor: *Shifting his tone.* "Then think of it like this. What you did just demoralized your friend, Gespenst. But your friend is still here, still willing to talk to you, and still thinking about you. You still did something wrong, but its minor in the grand scheme of things…"
Alma: *still having issues with accepting it*
Guardian Connor: *Looks back to Gespenst before returning to Alma.* "Perhaps it is time Gespenst gets to talk."
Gespenst: *Advances over to Alma after Guardian Connor moves out of the way.* "...Alma… …" *The ghost then just gets closer and hugs her, as its way to show it forgave her.*
Alma: *quivers a bit...before slowly hugging Gespenst*
Gespenst: *While still hugging* "... ...Alma… ...Please… ...don't think…. ...you hurt… … Still… fine… still...like you..."
Alma: *just embraces Gespenst harder*
Gespenst: *Does the same with Alma.*
*After a while, the two break apart as Gespenst tries to talk again.*
Gespenst: *Looking at Alma.* "... ...Still...want...to… tell… puns… ...Want … ...to… prove… ...can...be... ...funny."
Alma: *seems nervous*
Gespenst: *Sounding passionate.* "... ...Can improve… ...Maybe… ...advance...from… puns… ...into… ...good… …'boo'kes… …"
Alma: *shivers a bit, before whispering something to Guardian Connor*
Guardian Connor: *Carefully explains to Gespenst* "Like I said before, you can be funny. It's just that… Alma had a problem with the 'content' of your puns…"
Gespenst: *Slowly interprets what Guardian Connor said until its eyes widen and ends up saying, "... …. ...Understand…now… …"*
*The ghost looks at Alma again, showing it did understand what it was unintentionally doing and remains quiet as it felt disappointed in itself.*
Alma: *looks at Gespenst, before hugging him again, suddenly*
Gespenst: *Makes sure to quickly say to Alma, "... … ...Need … ...to… ...think… ... over… passion… of… being… ...funny…"*
Guardian Connor: *To Gespenst, before Alma could say anything.* "I would suggest you don't quit that easily, little guy. You have the ambition within you to accomplish it."
Gespenst: *Quickly looks at Guardian Connor and then Alma yet again.* "...Have… ...ambition." *Goes quiet before saying, "...Does… ...Alma… ...have… ...ambition… ...as… well?"*
Alma: "… … …" *silent for a bit, until… … ….* "...I...DID have ONE dream… … …"
Gespenst: *Just says, "... ...Then… … ...try… to… achieve… ...dream… ...if… possible… … being… ...funny still… ...possible… … ...just… ... like...Alma…"*
Alma: *nervously brings her hand to her mouth, chewing on her fingernails*
Gespenst: *Repeats its point in a very optimistic tone.* "... ...Try… ...to… make… dream...come...true… ...Just… ...try…"
Guardian Connor: *Joining in, but also making sure to ask, "Gespenst thinks your dream is still possible, Alma. Unless… ...Actually, if you don't mind me asking, what actually was your dream?"*
Alma: *nervous for a moment...before taking a breath and saying, "I… … ...wanted to be an Archaeosinger…"
Guardian Connor: *A bit confused.* "...Pardon, are you confusing two professions or is that something you made up?"
Alma: "What do you-oh, right...this world doesn't have need for those...An Archaeosinger… … ….best way to describe them is a cross between a musician, typically a singer, and an archaeologist...Basically, they go into the ruins of the Old World and search for music...and due to the death of copyright laws, if they find music which the original artist or artists are already dead, they reserve the right to be able to perform with the music, and decide who else gets to… … …"
Guardian Connor: *Catching on quickly.* "And this is because of the condition of the world you hail from, correct?"
Alma: *nods*
Guardian Connor: *Bringing up a issue.* "Well, given that you are not at that world at the moment, you may not be able to fulfill both parts of a Archaeosinger…"
Alma: *slumps*
Guardian Connor: *Follows up with, "Of course, there's still nothing stopping you from accomplishing the dream in spirit…"
Alma: *looks up at him*
Guardian Connor: *Elaborates with, "You won't be a Archaeosinger perfectly, but you can still be a singer and an archaeologist. Thus in a way, you can accomplish your dream even if you're not in the right world."*
Alma:*seems to think things over* "... … ...But...I have no skill with writing songs… … …Don't normal singers write their own songs?"
Guardian Connor: "Yes, normally singers do write their own songs. But there are also singers out there that just sing whatever they can get very well and still become famous. Either way, you can still be a singer, Alma."
Alma: *seems nervous* "I've...also never tried to sing before… … ...as you can probably guess...I never was able to try…"
Guardian Connor: *Trying to cheer her up.* "But that was then and this is now. You have time to try and try again till you can sing. Not to mention you got help from others around here in the form of support or training."
Alma: "... … ...Alright… … ...I-I see your point… … …"
Guardian Connor: *Smiling* "And speaking of support, you already got two people, with myself being one of them of course…"
Alma: *guessing, turns to Gespenst*
Gespenst: *Smiling as well.* "...Support...Alma…"
Alma: *Allows herself a small teary-eyed smile*
*The three residents eventually split up, with Guardian Connor exiting by himself. Gespenst went with Alma as both of them were sporting small joyful smiles.*
A short amount of time later…
*Back in the Living Room, the group of 4 had just gotten through Season 4, Episode 1 of the show. They already watched it before, but they decided to watch it again to be ready for Episode 2.*
*After getting through the second episode, they start talking.*
Kyle: *Referring to the new character on the show.* "Seems like this doctor is going to be a fine replacement for the one that left."
Leon: *Responding with, "We'll see about that as the show goes on."*
Travis: *Looks to Aria.* "You got anything to add, Aria?"
Aria: "They seem to have gone through alot this episode…"
Travis: "Given how the new doctor ended up at camp in a complete messy uniform, it's safe to say you're right."
Kyle: *As the next episode starts.* "Back to the TV, everyone."
*Time passes by as they get through Season 4 and are just about to start Season 5 when they realize it is getting late. After turning in for the night and waking up semi-early in the morning, they continue the marathon.*
*After getting past the end of Season 5, they immediately start with Season 6, Episode 1. Once that one was done, they start talking again.*
Leon: *Referring to one of the characters.* "Guess we won't be seeing 'Ferret Face' anymore…"
Kyle: "And in his place is one of those high class kind of people that think they are better than others as a doctor. At least he seems to have a sense of humor as well..."
Aria: "He kinda reminds me of Maribelle… … ...if Maribelle was male, was a doctor, and was EVEN MORE of a snob…"
Travis: *Noting something. *"As snobby as he seems, I have a feeling that he'll be better than 'Ferret Face' when it comes to actually being a doctor."
*They quiet down as the next episode started. *
*More times passes as they end up reaching Season 8…And just gotten through Episode 4 of that same season…*
Travis: *A bit sad.* "And there goes 'Radar'... At least he's heading back home and out of Korea."
Leon: *Remains quiet as he is unable to think of anything to say.*
Aria: "Yeah… … ...It's sad to see him go...but at least he makes it out alive…"
Kyle: *Looking at Aria and then the clock on the TV.* "And speaking of staying alive...We managed to go till… ...2:00 AM."
Travis: *Saying what was hopefully on everyone's mind at the moment.* "...Then we better stop now and try to get whatever sleep we can get before it hits morning."
Kyle: *Yawns* "Yeah...sleep sounds good now…"
Aria: *yawns and nods*
Leon: *Says nothing.*
Kyle: *Glances over to the non-responsive Leon and tries to say, "What about you, Le-"*
Leon: *Loudly snores, interrupting Kyle and proving that he fell asleep.*
Kyle: *Looks at Travis and just says, "Should we leave him here?"
Travis: *Retorts with, "I'd think we should drop him off at his room. You get his legs, I'll get his upper body."*
*The two awake Wastelanders then carefully pick up the slumbering Leon and bring him to his room and drop him off.*
*Once that was done, the two said goodnight to each other and Aria, which lead to the three of them retiring to their rooms as they planned to sleep in.*
The following day, in the Rec Room...
*The room was occupied at the moment with GotM Connor and Kyle, with the latter doing just fine from sleeping in. What was not fine, however, was the fact Kyle just lost a round of Blackjack.*
Kyle: *Shuffling the deck as he says, "So where does that leave the score between us?"*
GotM Connor: *Checking the nearby tally they been marking.* "About...7 for me, 6 for you."
*The Courier finishes shuffling the deck and deals out two cards to GotM Connor.*
GotM Connor: *After checking his cards.* "Hit me."
*Kyle sends out a card.*
GotM Connor: "Hit me."
*Kyle sends out yet another card.*
GotM Connor: "Hit me."
*Kyle sends...out another card.*
GotM Connor: "Hit me."
*Kyle gives an odd look, before sending out another card.*
GotM Connor: *Checks his cards over.* "Okay, I think I'm done."
*Kyle gets his cards ready, as he draws out a third card and then places his hand on the table.*
Kyle: *After showing he got 20.* "Your turn…"
GotM Connor: *Shows his cards...and that he had 26.* "That's a win for you…"
*The tally gets marked again, with the score being 7 to 7.*
Kyle: *Cleans up the cards before saying, "Should I deal the cards, or should you?"*
GotM Connor: *Was just about to respond when…*
Lindsey: *enters the room* "Oh, hello… … ...uhm...don't mind me, just waiting for Triple M… … …"
GotM Connor: *Gets his attention back to Kyle.* "...I'll deal the cards this time."
*Time passes by as the Blackjack game went on with both participants getting more tallies added. And while that went on, Triple M was nowhere to be seen…*
Lindsey: *begins tapping her foot, briefly looking to her watch...before remembering she didn't have one…or need one for that matter...*
GotM Connor: *Knocks on the table.* "C'mon, Kyle...You either draw or stay."
Kyle: *Checking his cards one more time, thinking.*
GotM Connor: *Knocks again just in case.*
Kyle: *Shakes his head before saying, "Hit me."*
*GotM Connor sends out a card.*
Kyle: *Feeling confident.* "Okay, I'm done."
GotM Connor: *Draws two cards.* "Same here."
*Kyle shows his hand first, showing he got a 21. GotM Connor does the same with his cards, showing he got a 21 as well.*
*It was a draw.*
*As the table was cleaned of cards and set back into the deck, Kyle glanced over to Lindsey. All he saw was that she looked like her patience was wearing thin.*
Kyle: *Deciding to focus back on the game and GotM Connor.* "You done shuffling the cards?"
GotM Connor: *Settling the shuffled deck down.* "Yeah, I am. You want to draw first?"
Kyle: "No, you go first."
*GotM Connor draws two cards and then says he plans to stay.*
*Kyle draws two cards as well and then draws another card.*
Kyle: "I'm staying now."
*They show their hands and GotM Connor ends up losing with his 19 to Kyle with his 20.*
Lindsey: "... … ...AaaaAAAAAAHHHH COME ON! WHERE IS HE?!" *sounds frustrated.*
GotM Connor: *As Kyle shuffles the deck.* "Maybe you should calm down and just wait a bit longer, Lindsey."
Kyle: *Finishes shuffling the deck and places it on the table.* "Chances are he'll show up sooner or later…"*
Lindsey: "I've already been waiting an hour… … ...I'd've thought he'd be here by now…" *sounds upset*
GotM Connor: *Gets confused for a second.* "Wait, did you say it's been an hour?"
Lindsey: "Yes, you started playing around an hour ago… … …"
Kyle: *Checks his Pip-Boy.* "... ...She's right, it's been an hour."
GotM Connor: *A bit surprised.* "Huh...I thought we only been going for 15 mins…"
Kyle: *Noting Lindsey's attitude and takes a risk with saying in a witty tone.* "... ...So, what do you plan on doing now, Lindsey? Plan on just spending your time complaining about Triple M being late?"
Lindsey: "I DON'T KNOW!" *clearly distraught*
Kyle: *Switching tones and being kinder with,* "How about you take a deep breath first and then join us in our little game? I promise it can help take your mind off Triple M for the time being…"
GotM Connor: *Joining in.* "Yeah c'mon, we got plenty of cards to cover you joining into the game."
Lindsey: "Uhm...alright...I guess…"
*After Lindsey joined them at the table, GotM Connor started up another round of Blackjack.*
GotM Connor: *Sends two cards to Kyle and two cards to Lindsey.* "So, either one of you want another card?"
Kyle: *Responds first.* "Hit me."
*GotM Connor sends a card to Kyle.*
GotM Connor: *To Lindsey.* "Hit or stay?"
Lindsey: "Stay."
*GotM Connor checks with Kyle again and then draws two cards for himself.*
Kyle: *After GotM Connor sticks with his two cards.* "Here is my hand."
*Kyle shows that he got a 19.*
GotM Connor: "And here is mine."
*GotM Connor shows he got a 20.*
Lindsey: "Get a load of this…"
*Lindsey shows that she got a 21.*
*The win goes to Lindsey, which Kyle then marks the first tally for Lindsey.*
Kyle *To Lindsey.* "Not bad, but don't expect to get a win streak against us and it helps that I'm probably the luckiest person in the Studio."
GotM Connor: *Retorts.* "No, I'm pretty sure I'm the luckiest person in the Studio."
Lindsey: *just smirks*
*Two rounds later…*
Lindsey: "What was that about not getting a win streak?"
*And just like that, she showed her hand. It was another 21.*
Kyle: *In disbelief.* "... …One more round."
*Another round goes by and another win goes to Lindsey.*
Kyle: *Sighs* "... … ...Well, you proved me wrong 3 times, Lindsey."
Lindsey: *seems a bit happier now*
Kyle: *Looks to GotM Connor.* "Want to start us off with the next round?"
GotM Connor: *Does not respond back and seems to be zoning out.*
Kyle: *Talks again with, "Connor, did you hear what I said?"*
GotM Connor: *No response comes out from him.*
Kyle: *To Lindsey.* "Can you do something to snap him out of whatever is going on with him?"
Lindsey: *contemplates for a moment, before… … ...flicking him in the head*
GotM Connor: *Snaps out of being zoned.* "... ...You mind not doing that again? A simple poke would have done the job."
Kyle: *Getting curious.* "Was there anything going on with you, or did you just got lost in your thoughts?"
GotM Connor: *Just says, "I just got some vision involving Triple M for some reason...It's probably nothing…"*
Lindsey: *freezes* "...What...happened?"
GotM Connor: *Recalling the vision.* "From what I was able to see… ...He was laying down on his back on the floor in front of the stairwell in the Residential Area. He also looked like he was in a lot of pain…"
Lindsey: *eyes widen… … ...before rushing out of the room*
Kyle: *Pauses.* "Wait, are you sure about that?"
GotM Connor: *Responds back with, "Not really...The visions I get are usually vague to the point that they could wrong.*
Kyle: "Except you imply that it still 'could' be true…"
GotM Connor: *Pauses.* "You got a point… … …"
*GotM Connor then bolts off from the table, leaving Kyle there for a few seconds before he bolts off as well to catch up.*
End Chapter 35.