Chapter 21

(Goggle's House)

Goggle's body was washed; and his clothes were changed. Pluto blubbered pitifully; as he placed Goggle in a make shift casket.

"Watch his head Pluto." Vanessa said.

"Goggle don't love me no more! Goggle left me! Goggle leave Pluto all alone!" Pluto cried.

Vanessa hugged Pluto. Pluto leaned against her shoulder and cried.

"It not fair! Goggle went away 'n' not let Pluto come too!"

Vanessa nodded and rubbed Pluto's back.

"I know you're very sad, and hurt right now Pluto. Everyone is. Goggle loved you though. He loved you so much. He could not live with himself, if he had let that mean General Ryan hurt you. That's why he died Pluto. He wanted you to live a long, happy life. Thanks to him; you'll probably meet a very pretty girl one day. You might even have a baby with her." Vanessa then said.

"B-but, Pluto all alone!"

"No Pluto. You're not alone. You have me, Ruby, Papa, Mama; and the rest of the clan."

Pluto then looked at Vanessa with an intelligent stare, It was a rare thing to see on his face.

"Pluto is simple; but not dumb. I know people only treat me like dolly. Lizard 'n' Big Brain always treated me like dolly. They made me hurt people; and do bad things. Goggle never treated me like dolly. Goggle treated me like big boy. Goggle called me smart 'n' other nice things. Goggle never hit me. Now, Pluto will not know what to do without Goggle." Said Pluto.

Vanessa nodded in understanding. Meanwhile, Cyst and Jupiter took the open casket away. Everyone was heading to the chapel to say farewell, before they'd bury Goggle in their make shift cemetery.


(Sawney Bean Family Chapel)

The chapel was full to its capacity. Every resident of the village was there. There were a few guests too. Jeb of course was there; as was Father McAdam. Papa Jupiter thanked them for coming. Father McAdam then asked if he could lead the service. Jupiter nodded. When everyone was settled, Father McAdam gave the opening prayer. Meanwhile, in a place one might visit in their dreams; or while in a deep sleep - Goggle was alive and trying to find his way back.


(Void)

"Goggle. Open your eyes my friend." Came feminine voice.

Slowly, Goggle opened his eyes. He smiled to see that he was with his long lost hippie friend, Summer.

"Summer? Is that really you?" Goggle asked.

Summer nodded.

"Yes Goggle. It's me. I'm really here. My oh my, look at how much you have grown!" She said.

Goggle hugged her. Then, the realization hit him about what had happened.

"Summer, if I'm with ya; and can touch ya. Does that mean I'm dead?" He asked.

Summer bit her lower lip lightly.

"Well Goggle, you're not dead; but you aren't alive either. Right now, you are in between. Many people call this a 'near death', or 'out of body' experience." She explained.


"But you 'n' the others are dead." Goggle then said.

Summer nodded.

"I know; but it was our time to go."

Summer's face then became very serious.

"Goggle. Your time among the living is not over. However, the choice of whether you want to go back; or crossover is yours." She said.

Goggle looked downward. He had so many questions; but he had one really big question.

"What would happen to me; if I chose to crossover?" Goggle asked.

"Well, you'd be with us. Me, my friends; and the others." Summer replied.

Goggle nodded in understanding. He thought for a bit. He then looked back at Summer.

"I want to go back Summer." Goggle said.


Summer nodded.

"I understand Goggle. However, before you go back. There are some people who'd like to see you." She replied.

Goggle then felt a strong hand clasp his shoulder.

"Howdy Goggle." Came a very familiar voice.

"Mars?" Goggle asked.

Turning, Goggle grinned as he saw his older brother Mars. With Mars was Big Brain; and Karen. There was also Vanessa's friends, Joshua and Carly; and Maria - her cousin. Mars laughed as he embraced his little brother.

"Ya picked a good one Goggle. You definitely got Papa's taste in women." Mars said.

"I miss you Mars. Ya would've loved her." Goggle responded.

"I know; and I do. It was as if y'all were made for each other."


Big Brain then approached Goggle. Goggle was shocked that in their new world, Big Brain could walk. His head wasn't even as big. Big Brain there his arms around Goggle.

"Thank ya Goggle, for all you did for me." Was all he said.

Goggle nodded. Karen then beckoned him over to her.

"Let me look at you. I never got much of a chance to see you when you were born. You look so handsome. Just like your Papa." She said.

Goggle felt his grandmother place a tender kiss on his cheek. He then saw Carly and Joshua. Carly hugged him; and Josh shook his hand.

"Thanks for taking care of our best friend." Said Carly.

"You'll keep looking out for her, won't you Goggle?" Josh asked.

Goggle nodded.

"I will." He responded.


Maria then kissed Goggle lightly on the cheek.

"Thank you for reconciling me with my cousin. You have brought peace of mind to us both." She said.

Goggle nodded.

"It was my pleasure." He then said.

Goggle waved goodbye to everyone; as the void like world he was in started to fill up with light. The light grew brighter and brighter, until he couldn't see anyone.


(Sawney Bean Family Chapel)

Goggle could hear the voice of Father McAdam. He also heard the sound of women crying. He felt the strength to breathe return to him. He slowly cracked his eyes open. Ruby and Vanessa were standing over him. They were mourning his death; totally unaware that he was alive.

"Come on Ruby. Let's sit down; so Papa and Cyst can lay Goggle to rest." Vanessa said.

Ruby sniffled and dabbed at her eyes. She nodded; and was about to go back with Vanessa to their pew. Suddenly, she felt someone grab her hand firmly.

"Vanessa. Vanessa, I'm stuck." She said.

"What!?" Vanessa hissed.

"I'm stuck! My glove must be caught on a button, or something!" Ruby replied.

"Okay. Okay. Just calm down Ruby. I'll get you free."


Goggle struggled to keep himself from laughing. The entire chapel had fallen silent at the awkward situation. Vanessa tried to reach into the casket and free Ruby. However, Goggle was able to grab her hand without her notice.

"Uh-oh. Now I'm stuck." Vanessa said.

"Oh dear." Replied Ruby.

"What are those girls doing?" Asked Cyst.

"It seems they are doing some sort of funny joke in honor of Goggle." Papa Jupiter replied.

"Goggle always made the funniest jokes." Big Mama chimed in.

Vanessa and Ruby stared at each other. Both of them were feeling very bashful. They needed to go sit down; and let Papa Jupiter and Cyst take the coffin away.

"Okay Ruby. I have a plan. I'm going to look into the coffin; and try to get a look at what exactly we are caught on." She explained.


Ruby nodded.

"Oh Vanessa; do hurry. I'm so embarrassed." Replied Ruby.

"Yeah well, that makes two of us." Vanessa then said.

Vanessa then leaned forward. Suddenly, Goggle reached up and pulled his wife down to give her a deep kiss. Ruby screamed from the shock; and everyone gasped. When Goggle finally let his wife go, he had a huge smile on his face; and was laughing hysterically.

"Oh you varmint! You pole cat! You nearly scared me half to death!" Vanessa shouted.

"Hahahaha! It's like I told ya sweetheart. Y'all can't get rid of me so easily." Goggle replied.


The residents of the test village all felt their sadness turn to joy. Goggle had not died. Their new leader was still with them.

"Goggle's back!" Exclaimed one.

"He's not dead!" Said another.

"I had a feeling he'd make it!"

Cyst helped Goggle out of the coffin. Ruby embraced her brother; and Pluto clapped his hands in excitement.

"Goggle feels better?" Asked Pluto.

Goggle nodded.

"Yep. Ow! Easy big fella. I'm still very sore."

Pluto loosened his bear hug on Goggle.

That night, the entire clan celebrated their triumph. The Sawney Bean family would continue to live on.


(Epilogue)

Months had passed since the Battle of Yuma Flats. Goggle and Vanessa soon welcomed their baby girl, Minerva into the world. Everyone called her 'Minnie' for short. Hansel and Ruby were finally married; and also had their twins, Romulus and Remus. Vanessa was also able to call her parents in New York. She told them everything. It was a lot for her parents to handle. However, they were just glad their daughter was not dead like they had originally feared. In fact, they were surprised that Vanessa sounded so happy; considering what she went through. Mr. and Mrs. D'Angelo were very curious about their daughter's husband; so they invited Vanessa to come back to New York City with Goggle; and her children. Vanessa accepted, but that is a story for another time.

The End.


So ends the story. Reviews are love!