Chapter 24
The Rose Garden was located in Portland, not too far from the Oregon Zoo. It was a tranquil and safe little garden with roses of many colors. But only in Spring and Midsummer. Right about now, the roses were all wilted and the garden look unpleasant to look at, but it didn't stop people from walking around the park and having some fun. Destiny, Tyrone and Matt were sitting on a bench having lunch. Morso had to go into the bushes to look for his friend Hartley Hare which in turn was good for the group. Morso was unbearable in the car. He boasted about his life in the forest, the adventures he went through. Fascinating to the ears of coarse, but still with his attitude, he was getting pretty tiresome.
"Let's ditch the teddy bear." Said Matt to Tyrone and Destiny.
"I wish we can do that." Said Tyrone.
"If we had a choice, I would gladly throw him over the Tualatin River." Said Destiny.
Matt began to eat his sandwich until a little boy passed by him and closed his nose. "Mommy! That boy over there smells really bad!" he screamed.
Matt's face turned red and quickly got up and went to the bathroom in a hurry. Tyrone then scowled at the boy and the little guy got scared and ran behind his Mom.
"Check out how he's doing. What Morso told him in the car was unfair." Said Destiny.
"I know. Matt's growing up and well he's feeling awkward I suppose." Said Tyrone.
Destiny sipped her water bottle and asked Tyrone. "Does Matt have any living relatives by any chance?"
Tyrone shook his head. "Matt has no family. His parents were both orphans who met in their teenage years."
"That's sad." Said Destiny.
"I should probably check on him. He went to the bathroom." Tyrone.
"Good Idea. You know, perhaps we could go someplace where he can shower. How about a motel room. We'll need to rest up before we head on over to Mt. Hood." Said Destiny.
Tyrone nodded and followed Matt quickly into the bathroom.
"Mattie? Are you okay?" asked Tyrone.
"Leave me alone." Replied a broken voice. Tyrone smiled. Matt was sitting on a toilet. Tyrone waited outside.
"Kids are stupid." Said Tyrone.
"I'm a kid genius." Replied Matt.
"Right. So buddy, Destiny offered that we can get a motel room. You could take a shower there and put on the new hoodie I got you." Said Tyrone.
"I want to go home Tyrone. I feel embarrassed." Said Matt.
"Dude, that's part of growing up. It's okay to feel awkward. Now chin up, and put some water and soap on your armpits for the time being." Said Tyrone.
Matt came out and Tyrone pulled him towards the sink. "I'll cover you. I'll see if I can hold the door." Said Tyrone.
"That won't be necessary." Said Matt as he got out of the bathroom. Tyrone took a deep breath. "He's a tween. A tween." Said Tyrone to himself.
Destiny welcomed the boys back and they kept on eating and chatting until two hours have passed. Morso didn't even return.
"You know, maybe we should all go on a walk and see what's up." Said Matt
"I agree. Morso might have gotten lost." Said Destiny.
Tyrone stood up and saw something that caught his eye. A large brown hare was in the field holding a strawberry. It had a twitchy nose and it looked up into the sky. He turned around and saw what appeared to be Morso right behind him.
"I think I see them." Said Tyrone as he walked over to the animals.
The brown hare seemed to be angry at Morso since he was talking rather fast and in a distinctive British accent.
"I did not travel all the way from Gravity Falls to be harassed by you Morso! What were you thinking?! Walking in on me while I'm harvesting strawberries and telling me stories of the Mothman requesting our presence." Said Hartley Hare to Morso.
"For the last time, it's the truth! The North Wind took Linda!" cried Morso.
"Lies! The North Wind is locked away in the Treasures of Oregon door! Isn't she?" said Hartley.
"No that was Bill Cipher." Said Morso.
"Whatever the case may be, I'm not going back until I see proof." Said Hartley.
"Well I'm proof." Said Tyrone as he stood watching Morso and Hartley.
"This is the boy! Tyrone!" said Morso.
"How do I know he's not a stoner? You know, people who do drugs would believe anything they see or hear." Said Hartley.
"I'm not stoned. I'm healthy." Said Tyrone.
"Listen, I don't care if your Tyrone or not, but leave me alone guys. I don't want any part of this! Back home, the Mothman refused to recognize me for my talents and my prowess! The hell with him!" said Hartley. He was no better than Morso, but at least Morso respected the Mothman.
"The Mothman was serious when he told us about the prophecy. And if we don't do anything, kids will die." Said Morso.
Hartley turned to Morso. "What did you just say?" he asked.
"The North Wind is taking kids away. She is placing them somewhere in a deep sleep." Said Morso.
With that, Hartley reacted quite differently. "Why didn't you say anything!? Then lets go! We've no time to lose!" cried Hartley.