Alright everyone, I'm over what had happened the day I posted last time, sorry.
ANYWAY. This chapter is one of 2 Epilogues. Which mean's there's only 3 "chapters" of the stories left! Yeah!
This chapter mainly focuses on Randall. Something very special happens for him and Leia in this chapter. All I can say is that Leia's little injury from last chapter wasn't the only thing that the doctor's found. After that, there is Slade's funeral. A real heart break for Randall, as he realizes something that is slowly becoming true for him. Getting your tux and your raincoat and umbrella ready, sure Randall would appreciate it.
Epilogue 1 Life & Death
Only a few hours.
Only a few hours ago had everything turned wrong.
The group had returned to Monstropolis, the city now calm that the military had taken care of the threat, the monsters finally started back toward their normal life once again. The victorious men and women of the event returned with sorrows for the events that had taken place.
Readagar and Leia had been sent to the hospital for medical treatment. Which is the probable reason why Randall found himself there.
Randall was in the waiting room, alone.
The preparations for Slade's funeral were to begin as soon as possible, which took everyone's help. Sean and Joy went to buy the flowers for the grave. Readagar had lent the money as soon as he had heard the news, through Randolph's help of course. Mary was sent home, her parents missing her terribly, though she had informed a lie to her parents instead if the truth. Sullivan and Wazowski were having the gravestone made to Randall's specifications. His parents handled the other expenses. Carmyne was waiting outside for him.
Randall had stayed for a long time. Longer than he knew he should have. He knew Leia was tough enough for a bullet, he'd known first hand. But the fact that it took longer was worrying him.
He was mixed up now. Sitting there looking down at the marble floor, his hands together, his tail staying put, his fronds setting down on his head.
He felt empty now of action. He had no idea what to do, what to sort out. Everything was attacking him. Slade's death, the funeral soon to be, his concern for Leia, his personal thoughts. What was he to do? It was hard to make even simple decisions, such as wanting to get up or stay put. He tried to think straight, but everything would just come after him.
Randall had known this before, but everything just seemed to stop. He was alone. It was as if time didn't matter or that it didn't affect him. But his mind was set, as if the only thing of him that was working. His feelings were all concentrated. He was thinking clearly now. He was scared of something.
Randall closed his eyes, trying to think of something else, if possible.
Slade was gone. Leia was hurt, possibly more than he had been led to believe. He had made himself alone by sending everyone away for the time. What was he to do? What was he to think? What was making him so scared…..
Randall had never felt the surges of emotion this way. The assortment of pain, misery, woe, concern…and some other feelings he wouldn't like to admit. What should he do? Should he talk to someone? Should he head over to the funeral now? No. He couldn't. Leia was here. He'd already been confirmed that Readagar was stable, being diagnosed with anti-biotics in case of venom. But Leia…..
"(It was an easily removable shot…..what's wrong?)" one of his rebel thoughts asked, floating around in his head. "(Something's wrong…..why…..I….I don't want to lose her two…)".
Randall opened his eyes, opening his mouth, though impeding his gasp. Perhaps that's why he was scared. No…..no that wasn't it….but it was part of it.
He placed his hands to his mouth, closing it. What was wrong with him? Slade is gone now. And if Leia was to suffer the same fate….because of him….he wouldn't know what to do. Placing his cupped hands to his head, Randall tried to drown out the thought. No no….he had already done too much to her. Their meeting enough was something he could regret.
"(Stop it!!!!)" he yelled. Whatever was thinking those ideas. Whatever had caused him his anger and rage, was what Randall was fighting. "(Think about it….if she leaves…its your fault….)". "(No it isn't! If it wasn't for Kroitz I…)". "(You what!…What would you have done hmm?)". "(What?)". "(Everyone had placed their faith in you…..one near death…another complete….what about Leia? Will you also be responsible for her?)". Randall moved his hands down his face, over his eyes, as if cornered.
"(Well? Randall….I'm waiting)". It was something that had bothered him, now asking himself outright. It was something he didn't want to believe.
Randall's emerald eyes shot over to the entrance hall to the hospital's interior rooms. A tentacle monster in a white outfit had come though, stopping as he noticed Randall was the only one in the room. He looked over his clipboard again to confirm the name.
"Randall….Boggs?" he asked. As soon as Randall heard his name, he lowered his hands to his lap, rubbing it while taking a deep breath, then got up.
"Yeah that's me…". The doctor look down the list. "Well…your friend Readagar Viper is indeed stable and we sincerely think that he was not infected with poison…." he started. "And….And Leia?". The doctor looked over it again.
"Oh yes Ms. Kawaii….well….we had removed the bullet and patched the wound…she will recover in a few days…" he said. Randall nodded, but then reminded himself. "What took so long?" Randall asked, soothing back his fronds in relief.
"Well….while we were doing a full body scan for any un-discovered fractures…we….found something else…". Randall held his hands on his fronds. Something else was wrong? No.
"S…Something's wrong? What's wrong!". On instant, Randall grabbed the doctor with all his hands, shaking him. "What is it!!!!". "Boggs calm down!". The doctor managed to pull him off, holding his arms. Randall realized what he was doing. He didn't want to get out of hand again. He fully let go, turning and a taking a few steps, holding the back of his neck.
"I'm sorry….its just….just….". The doctor rubbed his arms slightly. "Its not serious….". Randall pulled his arms away, spreading them. "Ok….ok……what….what's the problem…..".
"There's no problem Boggs…..or….should I say Mr. Boggs….." the doctor said, smiling. Randall didn't want to hear it. "Just tell me alright….". "Alright alright….Mr. Boggs….Leia Kawaii is….." he started. "She's….what?" Randall asked.
"She's pregnant".
Randall's eyes went wide, his fronds on end, his tail going straight up, his arms griping. She was….she was what? Randall had to had heard him wrong.
He turned his face to his side, half turned around. "What….did you say?" he asked, unbelieved at what he had heard. The doctor thought the reaction would be different, but he just answered. "Leia Kawaii is pregnant Mr. Boggs….".
Randall had heard him right. Leia….was pregnant? She was…..she was gonna have kid? But how? Who's? It was like a tidal wave that had hit him over and over again. The news seemed to be too much for Randall to handle.
Randall thought of this. "(Leia…..is having a kid? But who?….Mr.? No…no…it can't be….but…could the kid be….)". "(But…she's alright….and…does this mean I can?)".
He fully turned back to the doctor, who seemed to have been talking while he mingled with his thoughts, still going on. "…Of course the blood test confirmation will still need analyzing…..". Randall decided something. He had to see her.
"I….can see her right?". The doctor stopped his miscellaneous talking. "Oh…..well of course….but I am afraid she will have to stay here for a couple days….". Randall nodded in agreement, heading past him toward where they had taken Leia, having followed when they first brought her, ignoring the 'you can't go back here'.
Leia had been laying on her bed, up right on her pillow, hands on the cover. She had been their for the few hours, the doctor had left a minute or two ago, so she was alone, just the sounds outside to accompany her. Still, her thoughts were more than enough to be someone to talk to.
When she had been informed of her pregnancy, Leia wasn't so much surprised, but she was worried about what Randall would think.
"(I really didn't want him knowing yet……its going to be too much for him…)" she thought. "(But what if…what if Randall knows he's going to be father? Would he….would he be able to take it?)".
She'd known Randall for a while now. They had both saved each other at times. But now, this was something that impacted them both. Instead of a threat to their lives, it's a decision, something that Randall seemed prone to be hard at. Leia didn't want to choose for him, nor did she want him to think it all to himself. What was she to do?
Leia turned to the door, the nurse who had been with her the few minutes before the doctor's arrival came in.
"How are you doing dear?" she asked. Leia smiled. "Fine…just fine…." she replied. The nurse check her over with a eye before writing something down. "Hmm….can't help but wonder who the father is…seems he doesn't want to be here…" she said. Leia stared at her. "Oh don't take it that way dear…just I see a few couples here and their….usually the guy's panicking in the room heh…" she said. Leia still stared at her. "Oh…sorry….umm…ahem…well…I'll see if doctor Bomdrie says if you can eat hard food"
With that, she went out, accidentally hitting the side of the open door.
Leia smiled, looking at the door way. "Heh heh….Randall….". A chuckle came, and she knew who it was exactly. Randall blended back. Leia yet again kept the smile, seeing Randall come out at a plad color. "Uh Randall heh heh….". Randall noticed this on his arm and switched back to his normal colors.
A moment of silence came from him.
"…..I've….heard…..your gonna be ok…." was the first thing out of Randall's mouth. Leia let her smile fall, he wasn't going to say it yet. "Yeah….say its going to be a few days till I get out of here….then a few days later I have to come back".
Randall came out of the doorway, heading over to a stool sitting beside Leia, the one he had been on till they said he had to leave. He took a seat and placed his hands together, looking down. Leia could tell Randall had allot on his mind. It was hard for him to think anymore, saying something logical at all would be a challenge. In a hope of comforting him, Leia placed a hand on his bottom left, making him look up at her.
"You….know don't you?" she asked, seeming to know the answer. Randall moved his pupils away. "Yeah I…I know….". She had to make sure the news didn't go too far.
"Randall…please….I…I don't want to hurt you…". Randall looked back. "I know….". "What I mean is…I know that you have allot on your mind…..S…..the funeral alone…". Randall held up a hand, making her stop.
"Leia I know….its…". He looked out to see if anyone was there. In an agitated tone, he rose to his feet, closed the door, then went back.
"Its….its just that….everything is happening so fast…..I mean first this ended…then Slade…..then what happened now…its….eh….". He tried to think of something, but it didn't work. Leia tried to calm him with something.
"Randall….listen…..I won't be able to come to the funeral today….but I don't want you thinking about me when you go….". Randall looked at her. "No I can't….it seems that…". He felt another hand, Leia wanting to explain.
"…..Randall….I don't want you thinking about me then….if you do….I'll only make it worse". Randall continued to listen. "I want you to set your mind on one thing……if you do…..everything else will just start attacking you….".
Randall knew what she was talking about. He was so mixed up now, always thinking about what to say, what to do, what to think when something takes place. He had to just concentrate on the current moment, that's what she was saying. But Leia wasn't done yet.
"….And Randall after all of this…..Readagar's going to have another party a few days from now….when I get out of the hospital…..we both can look forward to it….". "But Randall…..can….you promise me two things?" she asked.
Randall nodded. "Yeah yeah of course….". Leia sighed, then looked deep at his emerald eyes. "Randall promise me that you won't…..that you won't let something like this haunt you….". Randall nodded. "And to take care of yourself….". Randall knew what she was doing. Through everything, she knew he would have memories of every moment, and that he would maybe hurt himself somehow. Although Randall was unable to completely promise…..he did.
"Ok Leia….I…..promise….". Randall was uneasy, Leia could tell. She was going to make sure he was to keep it, but….
"Randall…..". Leia looked at the doorway, Randall agitatingly. Carmyne was there. "What is it?" Randall asked, frustrated. "Everyone's at the cemetery….". Randall looked back at Leia, his fronds going down. It was something he didn't want to do, but he had to. He really seemed like he had something else to talk about, but couldn't get to it.
"Its ok Randall….." she said, patting his hand. Randall looked down, but back up for a nod. "Alright…I'll see if I can get back….". "Take your time Randall….you have all in the world".
It had taken Randall a little help to leave the hospital, but he soon found himself in a cab Carmyne had called over, now heading to the cemetery. Randall placed his arm on the window ceil of the car's left back side. He watched as the lights passed by, as the sprinkle of rain tapped the glass. It all felt so simple. He noticed some monsters still around the streets, praising the their thankfulness that Monstropolis was saved.
Randall looked down in the dark black floor panel of the vehicle. If only they had known that somebody important to him was gone. They shouldn't be prancing around so happy. Why was it seeming that everyone around him, besides those who knew, were always so joyful? Randall knew that there were probably more deaths than he had thought, but it didn't matter. Even at the end of a fight, there would always be someone who doesn't care. He only cared about Slade's death, so he couldn't completely roll out himself. But the thought was still the same.
He felt a hand on his shoulder, he knew it was Carmyne. What about her? Slade's sister. She should be more devastated than him. But was it possible she didn't know more than Randall did? Slade's parents had rejected him….but did she? Randall didn't ask.
He looked back out, Carmyne pulling her hand away. Randall didn't want to speak. He didn't want anyone to hear him. He titled his head, looking at the white lines of the street pass by. It was like driving down the road of life to him, something he didn't want to do. What other moment for make him shed a tear?
The car slowed down as it passed a long brick wall with a black iron fence. Beyond it, several hills fitted with many tombstones. The ground desolate without t life. The trees being ordered by the wind which way to blow….
Coming to a large iron gate several feet high, the vehicle stopped. Randall pushed the door open, Carmyne paying for the ride. Randall headed for the gate, opening its already left side, leaving it open for Carmyne. She thanked him as she passed, but he didn't reply. Randall closed the gate as the car drove off, he watched.
"Randall…..".
He turned around, following Carmyne.
Sean and the others were waiting in front of the grave stone. Everyone was there, including Mike and Sully. The grave was already dug and redone, Slade's casket in the ground now. Naomi and Rayford had seen to that, knowing that seeing Slade's body again wouldn't help Randall's pain ease.
Sean turned around when the wind whistled his neck. Randall and Carmyne were coming up the hill. "Randall's here…" he said, whispering. Everyone turned as he came up. Carmyne stopped beside Caylin, who was at the back of the group, leaving everyone to see Randall.
He seemed as if he had no will of his own, climbing the hill and moving by anyone in his way without a care, everyone simply moved out of his way as he made it to the front of the group. Things seemed to stop when he did, his front feet stopping right when the disturbed ground began.
There was no sayer around. Randall didn't want somebody else who didn't even know Slade's name, no….Reno's name…telling him what he was like. Everyone was silent for the moment though. The sound of the sprinkling rain and the wind blowing was all. Randall had stayed between Sean and Randolph. He didn't speak, his emotions wrapped up in the emotions circling death. Who was going to start?
Everyone knew Randall and Randolph were more hurt than anybody else, but Randolph had mentioned to everyone that he could handle what Randall couldn't. So everyone mainly said what they wanted.
Sully was first, since Mike felt that saying anything wouldn't help. He came to Randall's back, placing a hand on his shoulder. Sully didn't know how to cheer Randall up, never knew. So he simply expressed his concern and sorrow for the event.
"Sorry Randall….I…never knew him as well as you did….wish I did…". Randall didn't respond, even move. Sully felt it wasn't his place to try and snap Randall out, so he just patted the monster's shoulder, looking down. He turned, taking a glance back at first, then continuing down with Mike.
Carmyne was next, coming over in front of Randall. She wasn't able to look at his face, his was looking down at an angle. She could only see the top of his eyes and his fronds.
"Randall….". He didn't move, Carmyne taking a shivering breath in and out, holding her arms and rubbing them slightly. "I didn't….didn't get to know my brother as much as you did….my mother and father always said he was taken by someone….that I wouldn't understand….so I was left to wondering where he was…..". Only Randolph was watching, everyone else looking down, forward, or rubbing the back of their neck, preparing their words.
"I always wondered who my brother was…..what he was like….how things would be if we were always kept together…..". She stopped rubbing her arms, but kept her hands where they were.
"But you know…..I'm….really proud of his decision……he took care of you and Randolph instead of hiding all the time like he knew he would have….I proud….you were their for my brother Randall" she said.
Randall was wasn't affective, but Randall did shift his eyes to his left side. Carmyne knew she had helped, even if only a bit. She smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder, passing by him. "I'm proud you care so much Randall…." she said, hoping that he took it as a comment. She didn't want to look back, but stopped several times as she went down. Caylin looked around for the passing minute, seeing nobody else move.
"Huh me? Oh right!". He quickly scuttled over between the two, stopping in front of Randall, but was able to look at Randolph as well. He knew well enough that joking, which would have been helpful in this case, wasn't going to work to full extend now, so Caylin had to be something he had a slight trouble with at it….seriousness.
He took in a sigh, breathing it out. "Ok…." he whispered to himself, looking straight at Randall. "Oh jeez Rand…..you know I'm not good at these things but….". Caylin tried to think of something, but he really didn't expect to be the one to cheer up Randall, especially like this.
"…I…I….". Suddenly, as if caught by something, Caylin felt exactly something that he could compare to, something that nearly equal to what has happened. It was something he himself didn't like talking about, but he had to do it.
"…I….I was only nineteen when my father left me…..when he….went away….". Joy and Sean seemed to pay attention as he spoke, but Caylin either didn't care or didn't notice.
"I….never knew why he was taken away…..I guess it was the first time in my life when I felt I wasn't able to know everything that happens…..or why…..". Caylin moved his eyes slightly, as if wanting to look inside his head to wonder why he was talking about something like that.
"I….guess its always something that I didn't understand…..as if I really got to know dad anyway….but I sometimes wonder…..what…..what would he say to me now?". Sean looked down, but Joy kept her eyes on both Caylin and Randall.
"I guess….I still wanted to find out why he left…..why he was taken…..heh….it must be those mysteries of life everyone keeps talking about…." he said, a chuckled with a quick end, placing a hand to the back of his neck. "Anyway…ehh….maybe….maybe I know how much it hurts to lose someone after all….and I haven't seen him for over five years now….and I still….think about him….". He shook his head, coming closer to Randall, placing a hand on his right shoulder.
"Rand….if you ever need someone to cheer ya up….or someone who also knows….what its like to lose someone…..or if you just want to beat in in a rps game so I have to pay for the food heh….I'm your gecko" he said, pointing to himself.
Randall moved his head slightly, Caylin seeming to spot the flicker of a smile vanish. He smiled. "Well take it easy….ok Rand?". A moment passed. Caylin moved off, giving a glance to Randolph, who nodded as he left.
The group grew silent again. From hearing Caylin, Joy felt it was appropriate that she go next. Sean was wanting too, but he thought more as Joy passed by him, heading to Randall. She stopped in front of him, his face down.
Joy didn't know what to really say. She only had the thought of everyone expressing their woes, like Caylin had. Was it really helping Randall? Still….she had to try.
"Randall…." she said. He didn't move. "….Its too much isn't it?". Randall seemed to nod slightly. "I know all the things you've been through Randall….from what Sean told me….you….already what its like don't you?". Again, a slight nod. Joy realized she wasn't getting anywhere with talking about that, she had to think of something else.
"…Randall….Don't…..don't forget that….back then…you didn't have many behind you…but….heh but look at you now…..". She got something. Randall tilted his head up, now she could see his eyes. They were….they were so dark. Seeming as if all the emerald had been shot out of them. He looked as if he hadn't gotten even a second of sleep for the entire day. As if he were ready to collapse at any moment. In short…..wreck.
"Randall…..just….just don't forget you have allot of friends to back you up now…..". She placed a hand on her shoulder, Randall watching as she did. "Don't go at everything alone……even now….I'm guessing that you want to be locked away from everyone……but……just give it time…..". Randall looked at her, he seemed to listen well. "Ok….you've got all the time in the world Randall….we can wait….we can help".
Joy wanted to say more, but felt she should wait. In a friendly manner, she slightly kissed him on the cheek, feeling his scales cold and seeming lifeless, and then starred at him. Randall felt like the walking dead, lifeless, seeming to be without feeling, but Joy knew that couldn't be what Randall was. She just starred for a minute or two, then slowly left, taking glances back from time to time.
Sean was up next. He quickly twirled the object in his right hand, walking up to the end of the grave, opposite of the gravestone. He stopped, holding something straight in his hands. A sword. The one he had carried with him to the statue, the one that had seemingly defeated Kroitz. He held it straight in front of his face, the blade reflecting his features.
"I know death too well….know its feeling…..its pain…the guilt within those whom cared for them…we all had plans for the future…..we all had our lives planned as we saw fit…..but…..fate had another decision…..one that did not agree with". Randall was looking at him now, Randolph with a hand to an arm.
"We….we can never let go…..we always remember…..its….like a scar that can't be removed….but there is still something we can't forget….". Sean remembered the phrase he was looking for. "Break the body and the bones will heal…break the spirit…the body will die…..for times like this….the body is gone…but the spirit lives on….never to be harmed….".
Sean twisted the sword up, the blade straight down. "Yes…I know what it is like losing someone that you love…..I know what its like not remembering them with you…..but it's a crossroad in life….choose to either be afraid of his….or trudge ahead….and be confident that their spirit will guide you…..the scar is there if you choose it to be…".
With that, Sean trusted the sword into the ground. Now the middle of the blade and its handle stuck out of the ground in front of the grave. He didn't give another word till he passed by Randall, his own gray jacket rustling from a brush of wind. A leaf flew by behind him as Randall looked at Sean.
"Like Joy said….just give it time…..time to heal….". Randall held the words, but showed no indication of doing so. Sean took a glance of to Randolph and the Boggs' parents, giving a nod. He took one last look at Randall before starting down. It was nearing the end now. Rayford and Naomi came up to their sons, Naomi heading to Randall, Rayford to Randolph.
Randolph hadn't minded Randall being the one everyone expressed to. He had been strong through the whole event now taking place. Randolph knew first hand that Randall was one that looked up to him. He never wanted to be a bad example. He caught Rayford at the corner of his eye. His father looked at him sternly, not angry, but seeming calm.
"Randolph….I hope that you weren't…..feeling pushed away with everyone…." his father started. His son held up a hand.
"I know dad….its ok….". He looked over at Randall and Naomi, Rayford as well. Naomi currently had Randall in her arms, her son seeming to not flinch at all.
"Randall's been through allot….I've probably known him longer than everyone else….so that means I know what he's been though….". Rayford gave a depressing sigh. "Randolph….". He turned to his son, but Randolph didn't turn his attention from Randall and Naomi.
Rayford placed a hand to Randolph's shoulder. "I always forget….but I want to thank you son…". He looked back. "We weren't there for you or Randall when you were young…..it was the hardest thing for me and your mother to take…..". He looked back at Randolph, now getting his son's attention.
"I'm proud of you being with Randall when you two were together….Randall has told me many times that being with you made him happy…..". Randolph smiled, a slight smirk coming. "For years you took care of him….like a father in some ways…..you….were more of a father to him….than I was".
Randolph starred at his father. He was unsure of what he had just said. "What dad? No no…I…". Rayford shook his head. "No Randolph…..you're his brother….but you took care of him like I would have….he looks up to you….I…just haven't gotten that yet….". Randolph didn't understand. Randall was so happy when he reunited with mom and dad. But did that mean they truly were together?
"Randolph….I just…I guess I lost the chance at being a true father….but its ok….I'm glad you were able to" Rayford said, seriousness in his voice. Randolph could understand.
"I don't think your mom…or me can get through to him….because…..we don't know him as much as you do…..as much are suppose to…..". He patted Randolph's shoulder. "Son….if anybody can get through to him….you can….". Randolph knew now. Rayford was leaving it up to him.
"Dad….I don't know if I can…" Randolph replied, looking back over. Naomi was talking to Randall, mostly about what they were going to do after the funeral, but it seemed as if he wasn't able to listen.
Rayford nodded a few times. "Its alright Randolph…but…try….I guess I want to see what kind of father you are….".
Randolph turned back, smirking. "Ok dad…..I'll try…". "Heh heh…that's my boy…" Rayford commented, rustling Randolph's fronds. "Dad….". Rayford stopped. "Your mother wanted to talk to you too ok?". Randolph nodded.
Rayford and Naomi switched places, Rayford starting a talk to Randall about the day he and Slade had met. Randolph listened in from time to time, but looked at Naomi.
"How is he?". Naomi looked down, then back up. "Its…like nothing would get though to him…" she said, sighing. "I hope he's not going to be this way…..". Randolph shrugged slightly. "Mom…we can't force him to snap out of this….". "I know son but….its just seeing him this way makes me remember the things that have happened to him…".
It was Randolph's turn to comfort Naomi. He took his mom's arms in his bottom set. "Mom….Randall can be hurt more easily than some would think….he knows what its like for someone to…..well you know…..I know what he's feeling now…..I'm not sure….but I think I can help him….I've done it before…..even if it doesn't seem like I might do something….probably all he needs is time" he said, still keeping a smirk.
Naomi smiled, looking down. "Time….I guess its something we all have to have…..". Randolph smiled. "Yeah….just leave it to me mom….". He picked Naomi's head up with a hand. "Don't worry ok?".
Naomi nodded. "Ok son….".
Rayford and Naomi gave their final word, both heading down the hill. Rayford stopped, holding a hand out, a drop falling onto his palm. It was going to start raining soon. He didn't want to rush the two, so they continued down.
Randolph and Randall were left alone. The two were silent. Randall wasn't moving. His fronds still laid down on his head, his tail only moving if the wind was strong enough so. His eyes were hidden from view from his brother. Randolph kept his hands in the pocket of his light leather coat, looking up at the forming clouds. He was unsure of how to start. It was hard for him. The two had experienced a similar event, but none that included friends and family. What was he to say?
Strangely enough, Randall did his first action since arrival. Randolph watched as he lifted his head, only a crescent of Randall's darkened emerald eyes were seen by Randolph, which gave a negative impression. The younger monster gave a sigh upward, his eyes closing. Randall, for the first time in a while to anyone but Leia, talked.
"I've…..thought allot Randolph….." he said. His voice was low, as if the rasping in his voice had disappeared. Randolph fully turned to his brother. Randall had been thinking of something. Due to what had happened, it probably wasn't good. Randall held his left arms with his right hands, his face squinting as if he was going to start blubbering.
"I…I might be leaving Randolph….".
Randolph didn't understand at first. Was he just going somewhere to be by himself for a while? No. That wasn't the case, it had to be something else. "What do you mean Randall?". Randall opened his eyes, seeming that each of them a wave that would fall at any time.
"I'm….I'm…". He started rubbing his arms as if he was getting colder with each passing moment. "I just have….have to leave everyone…..I might have to just leave you…mom….dad….Sean Joy….everyone….it may be….may be for the best".
Randolph didn't want him thinking that, but he also knew that being rough with Randall wouldn't help at all. "You…..have been thinking….haven't you?" he asked. Randall looked straight, eyes open, and gave a half-nod. "Its just….I think may have to…..". Randolph blinked, taking a step forward. "Can I ask why?" he asked.
Randall gave another sigh. He kneeled down in front of S….Reno's grave, his hands crossed around his body. "I….I just don't want anybody else getting hurt….".
Randolph looked away, gritting his teeth. Not that. Not that thought. Why did it have to be that? The older Boggs was impacted hard by what Randall would call, "realization". It was something that Randolph always hated.
He took a few more steps forward, stopping beside Randall. He kneeled down too, placing his arms together. "Is….that what you really think Randall?" he asked. His brother placed his claps top hands to his chin nodding. He moved them away to reply.
"I….I'm unsure if its right or not but….from everything that has happened….I…". Randall's voice started to get more gittery, hesitating, perhaps sorrowful as well. "I just…..I just don't to hurt anyone anymore…".
Randolph raised a brow. "Randall…I know that you wouldn't hurt anyone unless you have a good reason…". Randall shook his head, a tearing voice coming from him. "No no! Its not like that at all what I mean is…..". Randall sighed again, looking up. Randolph looked straight at his brother. He was really serious about what he was saying.
"Its just that….everyone that I know….the one's I care about…..". His hands on his arms started shaking, if it weren't for Randall's scales, he could be digging through his skin.
"Everyone always will get hurt someday…..everyone does….". He would have cried if he wanted to, but Randall seemed confident that he was right. Randolph didn't want him thinking about it. "Randall that's not…." he started.
Randall looked at his brother, a hand out. "Don't tell me its not true!" he yelled. Randolph was surprised at the sudden outburst, so he didn't reply. Randall realized what he had done, so he calmed down, ready to explain.
"Think about it….first it was mom and dad…..then our adopter….then I…I almost lost you….Sean could have died because of me……and now Sla…..Reno's gone….I…". He looked back down. "Its all because of me…". He held a hand up to his face, looking at it.
"Why…..why does everyone around me always get hurt…..those I care about are…no will get hurt someday….". He placed the hand to the back of his neck. "I'll be alone again….only guilt and sorrow to comfort me…".
This wasn't Randall. At least that's what Randolph was thinking. "Your blaming yourself again Randall" Randolph said. "Your not cursed your not unlucky your not jinxed….I mean come on….". Randall shook his head. "No….I'm more than that….Its like I'm being followed by a shadow….always with me….always everywhere I go…..". He looked at his hands again.
"I….I don't why everything happens this way….but its just….". He crossed his arms around his chest, squinting his eyes. "If I leave….nobody else will get hurt!".
Randolph could see that Randall was serious in this. He had been thinking, but this wasn't what he wanted to say, it's the worst option that he was thinking. Randolph didn't want his brother acting like this, like everything was his fault. He had to for his friends, for Rayford and Naomi, for….Randall and him.
Randolph sighed, scooting closer, placing his left arms over Randall, looking dead at him. "Everyone gets hurt someday…..everyone goes sometime….". Randall was looking down at the grave now. "Its not you Randall….its….fate….destiny…things that…they sometimes step in….".
He looked up, the rain getting harder. "You know…..as much as we care….I can hardly remember Slade err….Reno….". Randall looked at him. "Its like my memories are a fog or something….but I guess….I guess you could think of it like this….".
He looked back at Randall. "What if he didn't step in? What if he hadn't have saved you?". Randall had tear's forming at the side of his eyes, but Randolph kept on. "Maybe fate….destiny….has bigger plans for the future…..". Randolph's turn to look at the grave came.
"I'm sure Reno would never want to hurt you Randall….or me….I'm sure he's hurt now that you are…I mean…eh…". Randolph took another breath. "Maybe everything does happen for a reason…it may be tough for some…..maybe something to be happy about….can't be certain can we?".
Randall was confused, so was Randolph. "(That isn't on….your suppose to make him feel better….not mix him up more)". "….Sorry….its just….I haven't done this in a long time…" he started, looking back at Randall, seeing his younger brother starring at him.
"I guess what I'm trying to say is….is that things aren't always planned out….that sometimes we may not have the time to say what we really want before….something happens…". He paused. "Randall….I…." he looked down at the grave again.
"I can't remember what happened to me…..when I went away….you know that don't want to hurt you at all….". Another pause. "But the last thing I thought about….before I blacked out….was you Randall…". Randall was concentrated on him now, his other thoughts slowly deteriorating.
Randolph looked back at him. "Randall….when our adopter died….you took it hard…you didn't speak for days to anyone…didn't move unless you had to…..when I left….". Back down again. "….Well….you took it harder….because I was the only family you had then….I'm….pretty mad that I was so stupid that I let myself be pulled from you….". He swore to himself, Randall starting to shake his head.
"If I was still there…You wouldn't have been forced by Waternoose to build the machine….you wouldn't have been thrown into the human world…..you wouldn't have that scar on your head that makes your blending harder than it should be…..".
He smirked, turning back to Randall. "But….if I wasn't away for that time….you probably wouldn't have met Sean…..Joy……you probably wouldn't have come back….found me…mom….dad….we wouldn't be where we are if things had happened differently….".
He looked straight at Randall, a smirk appearing on his face. "I wonder what would happen if things were this way….don't you?" he asked. Randall was confused, again, but Randolph was ready to clear it up. "If we stay here…..if we all keep crying for him….feeling guilty as if it was our fault….things won't get any better….".
Randall now got it. "We can give something like this time….but we can't let it consume us….I'm sure Reno had wanted things to go right for us…..he would have wanted us to go along….not let him push us down…..". Randall had started tears again, Randolph knew he didn't want to forget.
"….We can't forget him….sure….but we can't remember him like this….remember him for who he was….". Randolph paused, remembering something he had heard along time ago. "I….remember something I had heard once……that….when somebody dies…..they become part of the wind…..heh heh…maybe the winds of change is a better term huh?".
Randall smiled finally. It was probably something their parents, or Reno had told them long ago. "Randall I……get this feeling that he knew something was going to happen for you….you don't want to disappoint him don't you?".
A long silence passed. The rain go slightly harder. Each drop smacking into their scales, slowly dripping down . Their fronds rustled from a slight blow of the wind, the flowers that everyone had placed on the grave slowly moved with the wind, but never left where they were placed. Randolph was right, Randall knew that much. Things were going to happen. There wasn't anyone to blame. It was just life slowly turning itself toward something much more.
Randall remember something that Reno had told him. Life cancels death? When one dies another life is born? It made sense. When Reno looked at Leia that time….what Randall was told in the hospital….what Leia was soon going to be. Was it….really……Randall just now realized. Slade did leave something for him. He wasn't really gone after all. And if he isn't really gone….what's the point of being guilty. But….but still…..
Randall nodded. "….No….I don't…..". Randolph smiled. Did he do it or not? Now to know. Randall seemed to smile as well.
"I….just remembered….that I have something else I have to worry about…" he said, a bit of a chuckle. Randolph laughed, that was the Randall he knew. Randall let his small laugh die quickly, looking back up at the sky.
"No…..he's not gone…..its just…I won't be able to get to do everything I had planned….but its all right I guess….because if he hadn't….hadn't saved me….well….". He stopped. Shaking his head. "But…if its ok….I'll need time to think…..". Randolph nodded. "Right….I think we all do….". With that, Randolph helped Randall onto his feet, the two feeling a bit awkward, having been down for a while.
"I guess things will start to calm down now….I guess we'd better head home…" Randolph commented, looking up. "….Umm…Randolph….". Randolph looked down, back at Randall. His brother's eyes were slowly having their emerald return to them, he was still depressed, but seeming unsure of himself.
"If….if you don't you stay over?" he asked. Randolph chuckled, placing arms around Randall. "Heh heh…sure squirt I will….". They both smiled. It would take time for them to get back to their normal life, but things seemed to start already.
The two started down the hill, though Randall stopped. "Give me a moment ok?" he asked. Randolph nodded, watching Randall run back to the grave. He stood for a second, then crouched down.
He fumbled in his bottom left pocket of his coat, pulling out something rectangular. He fiddled with it a second or two before placing it down in front of the gravestone before getting up. He started back, Randolph pulling his arms around his neck, and they both started down as the rain started pouring down….the wind blowing and caressing the flowers on Slade's grave, or Reno, as his rightful name was…..
The wind blew the box's lid slightly. It opened, revealing a golden chopped disk. From inside it, music began to play. A music box. It kept going, the sound never reaching Randall or Randolph's ears, but not being distorted by anything else……
Long Epilogue huh? Still, you can't help but get the thought of Randall wanting to leave everyone. He believes that he may hurt his friends. Still, although Randall may seem cured of it all, he isn't, as why there's a second epilogue. I felt "My Immortal" music would have been good for the funeral, as everyone was feeling lost at the point. Will Randall leave his darkened side or be swallowed by it, leaving his soul empty?