Hey everyone! I'm finally ready to post the next chapter! This one is the last LONG part of the story. After this one, there will be only ONE MORE chapter, the Monster Maker is done! Yeah! This chapter mainly focuses on the after math for each character. Mostly, it deals with Randall's struggling commitment. In any case. Enjoy!
Epilogue II Three Weeks Later
(EEEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE)
The helicopters slowly began their
decent, their propeller's sound ringing through the air rapidly. Both
sounds distorted the music playing not far from where they were
falling. The slowly fell, the grass beneath them splitting apart with
the opposite winds blowing left and right. One came down first, the
other one making its decent slower.
The copter touched down, the
door opening. Sean came out first, leaving the door open for everyone
else. Naomi came out first, then Rayford, then finally Randall. Sean
closed the door, signaling the pilot the go-ahead. It took off upward,
blowing the it's passenger's attire slightly. Nobody minded. Sean
placed his hands in his pockets, heading over to Randall, who had his
hands at his sides. Sean said something, but he didn't do anything. The
other copter slowly touched down as well. The door opened and Randolph
stepped out. Leia, Caylin with Midnight, and Joy came out. A third
copter came down, Sully, Mike, and Celia. Leia was able to leave the
hospital, but wasn't to get herself in too much excitement, since she
is pregnant.
The copters slowly went away as everyone called the ok.
The two groups came over to them, each one wearing the attire similar
to the formal invitation. Leia came over to Randall first, picking up
his head to see if he was ok. His eyes shifted away, but then back with
a slight second smirk. Everyone said their hi's again to those who they
hadn't seen in a while. Randolph went over to Rayford and Naomi, Sully,
Mike, and Celia as well. Carmyne stayed with Caylin, as Joy went over
to Sean.
"Wow…." Sean said, looking at her. She was wearing a long
almost ruby colored, garnet dress that sparkled. She had her hair tied
back with a golden ribbon. To Sean, he was stunned.
"Hey Sean…". He
shook his head, looking at her. "Ahem….uh…hi….umm….Joy….you….you…ow…"
he said, glancing his eyes at Randall, who was just pulling his tail
back.
"Yes?" Joy asked, getting Sean to look back at her.
"Umm….Heh….you look….beautiful". Joy smiled, knowing Sean hadn't had as
much experience like Randall did. "Thanks…" she said, placing her hands
behind her back. Sean coughed as he felt Randall's tail hit his leg.
"Err….Ran…" he whispered, looking back. "Don't mention it Joy….I mean
it…you do". Joy smiled again.
Rayford straightened himself, looking
over everyone. "Well should we get going….the bigger party's in the
courtyard…". A few laughs came from everyone as they started toward the
courtyard to where Readagar was holding his "take-two" party.
Everyone
started up the staircase, Readagar was waiting at the top. He was
wearing his same attire, but everyone knew his back and chest was lined
with bandages when he had left the hospital and it still hurt him. But
no one wanted to remind him of it. Rayford and Naomi spotted him first,
calling out to him. He turned around as they came up.
"Heh heh…hey
everyone". Everyone was in sight, so everyone made similar comments.
"Randolph, Celia, Wazowski, Sullivan…..Carmyne….glad you could make
it…".
Rayford chuckled. "Hopefully we won't have un-expected guests
this evening Readagar?". Everyone who attended the last party laughed
along, everyone coming up. Readagar shrugged the comment, not paying
attention till Randall came up.
"How about you Randall?" he asked. Randall didn't reply, just passed as if he didn't hear him, Leia following him.
The party got well underway, each person having their own activities to do. Caylin, for example took to the desert table.
"Mmm….I
really need to know who does the cooking!" he said, looking at all the
food on the tables. He picked up a circular piece of something that
looked like a rice crispy with something else in it. Caylin's mouth
watered. "Ohh….please don't be better than mom's Cockroach Cakes,
please don't be better than mom's Cockroach Cakes…." he repeated,
closing his eyes and moving it to his mouth.
"(crunch!)".
"Hmm…..tastes
like air….huh?". He opened his eyes, the whole thing gone. "What in
the?". He picked up another one, looking around to see if anyone else
was wanting to take it. He kept his eyes opened this time, moving it
toward his mouth. The leash in his hand jumped upward and Midnight came
right in front of his eyes, then back down. Caylin watched his pet
munch down on his preferred meal.
"You little stealer!".
Randolph
was over at the farthest table with Albert and Curtis. Randolph leaned
on the table, trying to spot Randall and Leia in the crowd. Albert was
simply looking around at anything that might interest him, while Curtis
was in one of his many "aftermath moods".
"I mean I really knew we
were going to survive and all….I mean…after all we're scientists
right!?" Curtis asked, mostly to Randolph. Randolph himself rolled his
eyes. Ever since he got promoted, Randolph had been hassled by Curtis
to get himself a high position, although it never worked.
"I mean when you think about it we prove other people wrong right?". Randolph sighed, making Albert but in.
"Curtis….". "Yeah yep?". "Shut up…..".
Rayford and Naomi were near Randolph, but were looking for Randall too, Naomi especially.
"I
hope Randall's alright…." she said, her worried expression forming.
Rayford scuffed. "Of course he'll be…he's a Boggs dear…..and plus…".
Rayford looked over at his first born son, Randolph sipping from a
punch cup with a focused face.
"Randolph's known him……ehh….longer
than us….I'm sure he helped Randall allot". Naomi was looking down,
thinking of something else.
"….Ray….from what Sean told us about
what happened…..do you think Kroitz was killed by…" Naomi started.
Rayford quickly shushed her.
"No….lets not talk about "him"
now…..Randall's going to be ok….he won't be able to hold our son back
with everyone he has…" Rayford commented, touchy on the subject. Naomi
turned in the general direction Randall had went to.
"I hope your right Ray…..I hope your right….".
Sully,
Wazowski, and Celia were at the second table on the right of the
entrance leading to where the copters had come from. The three were the
least informed about the happenings, but still were told nonetheless.
"I
still can't understand why we can't get food like this for Lunch…" Mike
commented, looking over the table. Celia chuckled at the comment.
Mike's attention shifted to Sully, who was nearly at the corner of the
table, looking straight at the floor where everyone was dancing to the
now slow songs, sipping a cup every seven seconds.
"Something wrong
Sully?" Celia asked. "Yeah pal…you look more blue then….well…then you
use to be…." Mike commented. Sully noticed that they were talking, so
he turned to reply.
"Just been thinking…." he said. "Like….." Mike
started, but got a tap on the shoulder by Celia. "I'll go get us some
more drinks…" she said, starting for the table far opposite of the one
they were at. "But there's a punch bowl right there…" Mike commented,
pointing to it near the middle of the table right behind him. Celia
leaned in and whispered to him. "Oh….".
She started over, leaving
Mike to talk to Sully. "Ok…Sully…what's on your mind?" he asked. Sully
sighed. "Mike…you wouldn't understand…" he said. "Sure I would
Sul….what is it?".
Sully sighed again. "I'm….going to do a favor for
Randall…". "What?!". "Told you you wouldn't understand". "What KIND of
favor would you do for him!?".
Sully sighed again….again.
"Mike….Randall's been through allot lately….". Mike placed a hand to
his hip…or….similar to it. "Hello…Sul….I was at the funeral….". "I know
you were Mike…its just that I think Randall still remembers….you know".
Mike
knew what he was talking about. "Oh! You mean when we threw his tail
into the hum…..". He noticed Sully's annoyed expression. "Umm….".
Sully
shook his head, looking back into the crowd. "He still remembers
it….and when me and him talked about it….he was right….we shouldn't
have gotten off….because I let Boo in….I took her to Hausen's
and…..we…..I…threw Randall through the door and smashed it….without a
care to what could have happened to him….".
"What are you trying to say Sul? I mean Lizard Bo…..err….Randall got what he deserved then….didn't he?".
"No
Mike….when he came back he had all those scars….and its harder for him
to….do what he does because of us….". "Whoa whoa whoa…..WHAT favor are
you going to do?".
"….Something to say I'm sorry to him…".
Sean,
Carmyne, and Readagar were near the entrance. Both Carmyne and Readagar
were talking to Sean, as he knew the most about what happened to
Randall over the weeks.
"So….how was Randall?" Carmyne asked. She
hadn't seen him since the funeral, which was her main concern. Sean
folded his arms, leaning his back against the metal railing that
bordered the courtyard's upper area, where they were on. He looked
down, his hair draping of his eyes.
"He….never talked to anyone
unless he had too…..not me….not even Randolph…." Sean said. Readagar
straightened, being careful about his back.
"Been thinking allot has
he?". Sean swerved his head to move his hair out of the way, looking at
Readagar. "Yeah…I guess he's taking everything in….I tried what I
could…".
"He's been under allot….". Everyone looked over to
Randolph, who came over to join them. "Since of Leia being pregnant and
all…." he commented.
Sean nodded. "Doesn't surprise me….Leia and
Randall get along really well…". Carmyne focused on a pebble tile on
the floor. "You guys really think Leia's kid is Randall's too?" she
asked.
Readagar smiled. "Heh….well how about this…". He held up his
glass. "To all the handsome guys…". He heard something from under the
table Carmyne was beside, seeing Caylin crawling up to it, catching
Midnight who had a rather large sub in his mouth.
"Ex-cluding
Caylin……" he started. "To Randall….the first of us guys to actually get
hitched…". Sean shook his head as Randolph drunk without going along
with Readagar.
"Seriously….I can see how much this goes for
Randall….having Reno die….still remembering being in the human
world…..and now Leia's having a kid that's most likely his…." Sean
commented.
Randolph shrugged. "I tried what I could….but I guess it
didn't work…". "At least he got up out of bed well…..most of the
mornings anyway" Sean added. "Ow!".
Everyone turned to see Caylin
come out from under the table, rubbing his head from hitting it on the
table's underside. "What are YOU doing under there?" Carmyne asked,
thinking it was a stupid question to ask.
"I'm being duped by a
canine…" he said, getting to his feet. Readagar chuckled. "Heh heh…as
said…all of us have a chance!". Sean and Randolph chuckled. "Oh
puh-lease…." Carmyne said, leaving. Caylin had just gotten into the
discussion, as he had heard his name before.
"What? What are you guys talking about?" he asked.
Readagar
smiled. "Oh….just how you seem to be the one with the least chance of
getting a girl" he said, smugly. Caylin gaped at that comment. "Wha!?
Ha! I've got girls lining up to my apartment door!" he replied. "Name
one…". Caylin held up a finger to say one, but stopped, thinking.
"Uh…umm…uh well uh…".
Randolph chuckled, Readagar giving a gleeful
smile. "See….". Caylin grunted. "Err….what? You think girls prefer red
over green?" he asked. Readagar smiled. "Its not….well….yeah I guess
that's a factor" he replied. Sean shook his head through the whole
event.
"Oh yeah! Then how many do you have hmmm?" Caylin asked,
leaning into Readagar. He simply smiled. "Heh heh….you'd be surprised
squire…..". Caylin shook his head, moving back to the entrée table.
Sean chuckled, heading over to Readagar.
"Uh Red…there's something
I've been wanting to ask you". "Yeah?". Sean cam beside him, lowering
his tone. "I've been looking at the few books your father had and
well….found something he hadn't finished building yet…".
Readagar narrowed his eyes at Sean. "You mean you know about…..".
The
night had been gentle in a way. Things went smoothly, as if you wanted
to sleep while you were moving. As if there wasn't much to care about
anymore.
Leia had been thinking that. She had her head on Randall's
left shoulder, his scales cold on hers. He hadn't done much since they
had come. Drunk a few glasses of punch, ate something things, even if
he didn't like it. But now he hardly did anything. The two started into
the dance floor when the slow music started, as Leia was told not to
have too much excitement, she wanted to be careful. But regardless, she
knew Randall didn't seem to want much enjoyment. She moved her eyes
upward in the direction where Randall's head was, but couldn't even see
his fronds.
He hadn't spoken to her or anyone else. He'd been silent
and seemingly unaffected by anything. Even if somebody bumped into him,
he didn't stop what he was doing. Even if he tasted something terrible
from one of the tables, he didn't show his disgust on his face. He was
showing something that seemingly only Randolph had seen once before. It
was as if Randall was soulless.
Leia lifted her head. She was more
tired than she thought, but she wanted to look at Randall's face again.
Actually seeing his face was hard now, as he seemed to hide it. She
hadn't looked into his eyes for a long time. She backed her head up,
noticing Randall's eyes shifted downward as if he was watching her when
she was laying on her shoulder. He was looking down now, as if watching
his feet movements. Leia looked straight at him, knew he was thinking
of something else.
"Randall…..". He moved his eyes up for a glance,
but back down. "Randall no….let me see you ok?". He sighed, shaking his
head. He closed his eyes, picking his head up, and opened them.
He
looked tired. There were bags under his eyes. Its as if he hadn't had
sleep in days. Sean had told her he had the same things when he was
working on the machine so long ago. This meant he really didn't get as
much sleep as he should have, that he was close to being a wreck. Leia
thought that one of the many reasons was that he didn't want Leia
seeing him that way. She looked at his emerald eyes. They were dark.
She'd never seen them so dark before. It was as if nearly all the light
had been torn out of them. Its as if any soul she could read in him was
dark, that he didn't want to be read.
"Randall….." she said
compassionately. Randall blinked, looking back down on his left, hiding
his eyes as if he didn't want anyone looking at them. "Are you ok
Randall?" Leia asked, finally wanting a point blank answer, but didn't
want to ask it harshly. Randall didn't turn back, just breathed inward,
then outward. She was surprised when he opened his mouth, showing her
he hasn't really been taking care of them either.
"I….I've just been
thinking…." he said. His voice was low, at a whisper. His low rasping
voice back. He wasn't harsh in his voice, neither was he happy. It was
still that sad tone that he had kept. Leia smiled now that he finally
spoke. "About what Randall?" she asked.
Randall sighed again. "Allot
of things….". Leia dropped her smile. "What's troubling you Randall…".
He looked back at her. "Sean say's you hardly eat….that you stay in
your room all day in bed….the only time you come out is when they say
you shouldn't stay locked away all the time….but its just me now
Randall just…me….". Leia knew Randall didn't like talking about his
personal issues, not to a whole group. But it was something to see, if
Randall could talk to her about such things. He signed. "Its just….its
just…". He looked up. He hadn't really thought of what to say yet. "Its
just so many things are happening at once that I…..that I just
can't….sort it out….". Leia nodded. It made sense that he could make
simple decisions.
"Its…hard
you know…..". Leia placed a hand to his left cheek, making sure he
didn't move his head away again. "Randall….you don't have to be silent
to everyone…" she said. He looked at her, making sure she knew he was
listening.
"You've got allot of friends….your family too…..talk to
them….talk to me….it'll help you get through this….". "But Leia I…"
Randall started, but stopped. He nodded to answer what she was saying,
but he also had something else to add. "Uh….Leia?". "Yeah?".
"…I…..I…umm…" he started, his eyes peering around and around. "I
just….have to use the rest room ok?" he said. "Oh…ok…" Leia replied.
They let go of the embrace they had held for several minutes. "I'll be
right back I promise….".
Leia held an arm as she saw Randall get
low, weaving between the crowds. As soon as she saw the tip of his tail
disappear between the crowd, she already began to miss him again.
Sean had been talking to Readagar on the subject for a few minutes, but stopped as he saw Randall leave the courtyard toward the outdoor restrooms, which was actually an addition to the mansion, and was used for such occasions as parties. "Hold my drink ok Red…" Sean said, handing Readagar his drink and heading off. "But…what….hey!".
Randall
was starring at himself in the mirror. He had hardly gotten to look at
himself for days. Never seeing the wreck he had become, never seeing
how his scales were losing their glow once again. How his eyes……his
eyes so. Randall had made sure he was alone when he lifted his hands
up. They were shaking. But it wasn't anger that was the reason. No. It
was fear again. Randall admitted to himself that he was scared of what
would happen if he made the wrong choice, if he had made the wrong
decision for them. What would he do if someone got hurt?
"Its not
just the way you look isn't it Ran?". Randall turned his head to the
entrance, seeing Sean walk in. Although nobody seemed to care, Sean
wasn't wearing the tux he had last time they had come. He was wearing a
gray coat with a black zipper. Randall recognized it. It was the same
suit he was wearing when they had met. Randall turned back to the
mirror, his hands gently placed on the sink's rim. Sean stood where he
was, waiting for Randall to reply.
"No…..it isn't….". Sean knew
Randall could talk again sometime today. He took a few steps forward,
stopping in front of his friend. "Its something more isn't it?
Something you didn't tell any of us but Randolph….". Sean didn't want
to force the issue, he never wanted to do it to anyone, but he did want
to know what was hurting Randall. Randall looked down at the circular
silver drain of the sink's inside, his distorted reflection showing
itself in it.
"I'm worried Sean…..about…..well….I think you can
guess…" he said, a slight sorrowful chuckle coming from him. Sean
folded his arms. "You want to be with Leia….don't you?" he asked.
Randall did not reply quickly.
"…..No….I mean yes…..I mean….I don't
know….I don't know!". His voice went high as his head fell, his arms
crossing on the rim so his head wouldn't hit it. His fronds fell as his
head did. Sean wasn't moved by it, he knew Randall was confused inside.
Silence passed between the two for awhile.
Sean looked at him.
"Its…..because of what you think will happen to her….". Randall picked
his head up, his eyes watering. He placed his chin on his arms, nodding
the best he could. He took in a breath, a jittered one. "Its
just…..what if I make the….the wrong decision Sean?" he asked. "What if
I….what if I make a decision that could hurt me…..no……hurt her…..hurt
her kid…..I just don't know which one is right!". Sean noticed how
Randall had said something similar before. "….You think its about being
in the human world isn't it?". Randall shook his head. "No…not just
that….everything about me….what if I'M the reason she could get
hurt…..I mean….I DO want to be with Leia, but I DON'T want to get her
hurt!".
Sean
understood what he meant. From everything Randall has been through, it
meant allot of people who took worse judgment on him. And maybe there
were more wanting to hurt him, like Kroitz. So he didn't want to hurt
Leia, or anyone else.
Sean turned, placing a hand on Randall's back.
"Randall…." he started, but Randall didn't moved, just listened.
"When….I was stabbed….I honestly thought I was going to die….but then
again….I felt…..I felt almost ready…..because….because I was defending
my friends Randall….I was defending you…and I think that a friend can
sometimes be judged by how much he's willing to lose to protect those
he loves and those he cares about…." he said.
Randall sniffled.
"But…..but I could have lost you Sean…." he said. Sean smiled.
"Yes…..you could have…but I guess I wasn't ready to go yet pal…".
Sean
re-thought what he was saying, knowing he was only comparing. So he
went on to what Randall was going through. "Randall…what I'm trying to
say is…..that this is a choice that you make on your own none of us can
push you in either direction because its your choice…but in reality….it
isn't just yours alone….".
Randall turned around, looking at his
friend, seeing Sean with a focused look on his face. "It's Leia's
choice too….". Randall thought about it. It made sense. If Leia was
willing to, why not him? Sean continued though.
He place a hand on
Randall's right shoulder. "It's a choice you two make together
Randall….there's no one side versus another….there's no controller…..if
it's a decision that affects both you and her….then it's a decision you
two should make as one…..".
Randall smiled for the first time since
before the liberty incident. Sean was right. Randall had others behind
him. He was more worried for Leia and her kid, for if he made the wrong
decision. But if Randall was willing to be with her, and Leia was
willing to be with him, then they each could make the right decision
together.
Sean smirked. "Ok pal….are you ready?" he asked. Randall
took a deep breath, but suddenly became panicky. "But….but we need to
talk someplace by ourselves….I….I just can't do it with everyone
around….". Sean chuckled. He or Randall couldn't do things similar to
that, but he had an idea. "Its ok…remember when we went to the back up
helicopter's when you got…..ehh….hurt?". "Yeah?". "Well there's a place
with a few tree's covering some tables and chairs….there's no one
there…so you won't have any problems". Randall figured it was good
enough, but another thought came to mind. "But what do I say?!". Sean
shook his head, it was endless. "Its ok…I prepared for that too…". He
reached into his pocket, pulling out two items. Something that looked
like a hearing aid, the other was a headset.
He held up the aid first. "Just put this behind one of your scales and I'll help ya ok?".
Leia
had found Joy hidden in the crowd near the table set up against the
mansion's outside walls. Leia had wanted to find her, as she mostly
talked to her about Randall. When Joy spotted her, she knew what was on
her mind.
"Did he ask you yet?". Leia stopped, shaking her head.
"No…he didn't….." she looked down. "Randall's so mixed up now….I'm not
sure if he's going to be able to…".
Joy smiled, handing Leia a cup
of punch. "He will….I know Randall's not the kind to give up too
easily, just give him time….". Leia nodded, taking a sip. "Yeah…he's
been through so much…I guess it would take a while to sort it out….".
"….How……how do you feel about Randall, Leia?" Joy asked. The question
was something she wasn't prepared to answer. "Well….". She leaned
against the table.
"I like Randall…..I really do…..he's….he's
handsome….brave…..heh heh…funny….and I know he likes me in some way…."
Leia replied. Joy nodded. "I think you two would make a good couple
Leia". Leia looked at her. "You really think?". Joy smiled. "Yeah….".
Leia
looked back to see if he was coming. Not yet, so she continued. "I
wonder how Randall would be as a father…..". Joy smiled again. "I think
he can handle it….Randall doesn't have much experience….but we can all
help out if he needs it…". Leia smiled this time. "Yeah….you
know….I…really want to see him happy again….". Joy nodded. "Me too
Leia….me too…".
Leia then got another thought. "But….what am I
suppose to say to him?". Joy grinned, pulling out a hearing aid object
and a headset.
Randall finally came out, Sean sneaking the back way, and started for the courtyard, taking deep breaths as he did. When he reached the yard, he slowed his walk.
Leia noticed Randall
through the crowd and waved him over. Randall managed to get through,
stopping in front of Leia. "Sorry it took so long". "Its ok Randall….".
"Umm…".
Randall turned around to the crowd. "Think…we can
go….somewhere more private?" he asked. "Well ok…" Leia smiled. Randall
led them down a cracked tile set of steps hidden through the dark
greenery and came out at the back of the mansion, the white chairs and
glass body tables set around. Randall made his way over to the middle
one.
Sean made his way through the greenery, then stopped, hiding behind a tree. He had the headset on, ready to help Randall.
Joy had gone down the path before Randall had arrived, so she took to hiding behind some shrubs and bushes, ready to help Leia.
The two took their chairs, Randall on the right, Leia on the left. Each one was wondering who should start talking, which meant neither of them did. Leia shifted in her seat a few times, smiling at Randall. Randall gulped, trying to think of which one of them should start.
Sean moved the speaker near his mouth. "Ok Randall…" he started, a whisper. "Just say….say how much you've been thinking about it….".
Randall nodded, ready. "Leia…". "Yes?'. Randall took a breath. "I've….been thinking for a long time now….not just about Sl…Reno….or….or your kid….but about something else too…….something about you…". Leia smiled.
Joy smiled, Randall was going through with it. "Ok Leia….ask him if that's what's been bothering him".
"Randall….I…I didn't want to hurt you….by thinking too much of me and getting more mixed up" Leia replied. Randall shook his head quickly. "No no no….not like that at all….I know you wouldn't want to hurt me….its just there's something I wanted to talk with you about….".
Sean smirked, Randall was going to get through alright. "Ok Ran…just tell her that its something you and her will have to decide on…..".
Randall
took in a breath. "Leia…..Its…..Its something we both have to think
about….its not something you or I can make alone…". Leia acted as
though she didn't know what he was talking about. "What do you mean
Randall?".
"I mean…..a decision that could affect our future…".
Sean rose a brow. "I didn't say that…".
Leia took Randall's hand in hers, wanting to hear him say it. "Whatever it is Randall….I'm sure that both of us will be happy…with what we decide….".
Joy was confused. "Uh Leia….".
Sean spoke back into the speaker. "Uh Randall your starting wrong its…".
Joy spoke back to Leia. "Leia…if you start too fast…".
Randall
and Leia stood up, looking behind them. "Alright thanks! I can take it
from here!" the two said at the same time. Sean and Joy came out,
seeing each other.
"Joy?!". "Sean?!". Sean shook his head, he knew
Randall wasn't the only one that needed help. Joy wasn't very much
surprised, having seen Sean went to talk with Randall.
Randall
sighed, looking at Sean. "Thanks pal….I can take care of it ok…". Sean
nodded, placing a hand on Randall's shoulder. "Good luck…". Joy did the
same. "Great choice…" she whispered. The two started up the case,
pushing back Caylin, who found that Randall and Leia had gone down.
Leia
returned to her seat, as did Randall, the two completely alone now.
Neither spoke, feeling that each one knew what the other was thinking.
This was, of course, something that would help. Randal felt he should
start.
"Leia….I….I wanted to ask you something…". "Y…yes Randall?".
Randall took a breath. "From the first time I saw you….I….I thought
that someday we could become friends….I was just under allot that time
too…so I might not have had the chance to ask you to…".
"Anyway….as
they days passed….even now….I've been thinking of what Reno had said to
me before he went away….". Leia wondered what it was, she hadn't heard.
"What did he say Randall?". "He…..he said that…that I should
have…..have a good life…..a family….".
Leia knew where it was going,
and she couldn't hold a smile from coming to her face. Randall
continued though. "When I heard you were pregnant….I was happy for
you…..but then again I was afraid….since there are allot of people
who…..ehh…hate me….and I didn't want someone hurting you or your kid
because of me…". Leia let him continue. "But….but I've decided
that….that no matter what happens…I would never let someone hurt
you….or your kid….never….".
Randall moved closer. "And because of that….and because I want to be with you….I decided on something…".
Leia
prepared herself. Now was the time that something would happen. A life
changing event that would affect their lives forever. Leia wasn't
nervous, she wondered at how being with Randall would be. Would it be
an adventure? Randall was nervous. He never had liked any female
before, as few only had a slight interest in him. Neither did have
experience. But he was always willing to try and fix those faults in
him….
"Leia…..".
"Yes Randall?".
Randall waited a moment,
bring his tail up. Curled around it was a box, a black box. His tail
loosened the grip so it fell into his hand. He held the box in his
right hand, opening it with his left. Inside was a golden ring. Its
middle held a bright, circular emerald that sparkled and glistened,
enough to reflect inside Leia's eyes.
"Leia……will you marry me?".
Everything
stopped. It was as if the music from the party didn't reach them, that
the various voices over the mansion's walls couldn't penetrate enough
to disturb them. Rustling from leaves, trees, and the grass halted. The
wind, however, stayed alive. It whistled its tune through the air,
weaving between the trees and the shrubbery, not disturbing either
part. It wind over Leia and Randall. Leia's hair rustled slightly, he
dress even less affected. Randall's fronds moved slightly with the
wind's direction, his tux flapping at its end, near his stomach. Leia
knew what she wanted, and it was the same for what Randall did. They
truly could make this decision together. Things were going to be
different, things were going to change…..but then again…change, for the
most part, was good. Particularly this kind. They both were too young
for experience, neither could they get much of it. But both of them
were willing to help each other through whatever would cross them. Leia
was going to take care of her child, she was going to take care of
Randall. Randall….would protect them both from anything that would try
to harm them. They both, together, could accomplish this. They both,
together, would lead a new life.
"I….I will……I will Randall!".
A
smile took up the whole of Randall's face. "You do!!!!". He jumped out
of his seat, picking up Leia, embracing her with a hug. "Oh thank you
thank you thank you Leia!!!!!!". Leia smiled, she was glad to see
Randall so happy. She wanted him to be. He held her tight, never
wanting to let go.
"Thank you Leia….I….I think I'm going to be ok
now….". "If your happy Randall….I am too" Leia said, laying her head on
his shoulder as he held her tight.
Sean had his back to the wall
of them mansion, watching the scene from the hidden path. Joy was
opposite of him, in front of a tree.
"He did it…..great job Ran…" Sean said, heading back to the court yard. Joy smiled, getting off the tree and following.
"I'm glad he and Leia can be happy together…".
The
night got better after that. Randall only told those who he was close
to, mainly his friends, Leia did the same. The two had promised to get
marriage plan's later, that the two should enjoy the night. Leia had
went to talk with Carmyne, Celia, Joy, and Naomi. Leaving Randall with
the guys.
(POP)
"Whoa!". Readagar popped the top of a grape wine
bottle, getting everyone's glass. Sean, Caylin, Rayford, Sully, Mike,
Randolph, and Randall's glasses.
He held up a glass. "To our pal
Randall….and may we promise…uh….good times! Yeah! Good times!".
Everyone held up their glasses, well….except Mike. "Here here!". The
following drinking began. Caylin did a gargle before everyone
swallowed, getting a chuckled from Randolph.
Readagar swung his arm
around Randall, feeling he was now over whatever had made him so
gloomy. "I would say that this party now has a new meaning…". He leaned
in a bit. "…Its Randall's last bachelor party heh!". A round of laughs
followed, even from Randall. Everyone took their separate private
talks. Carmyne had prodded Caylin away, knowing how he would badger
Randall about his current situation. Rayford had went to talk to Naomi
as well about what they could do for Randall and Leia. Randolph had
stayed with Randall a bit before wanting to talk to Albert and Curtis
about a proposal at the lab. Which left Randall, Sean, and Sully, Mike
having to have gone wit Celia.
"Uh
Randall…I've been wanting to talk to you about something…" Sully
started. The three were at the table nearest to the helicopter drop off
zone. Randall had been satisfied with the night, having to worry about
things later. But when Sully asked to talk about something, he had
wanted to listen, but Sean stayed, still having his own thoughts about
the subject. Sean stood behind Randall, Sully in front of them.
"Umm…"
Sully started, looking at Sean. Randall rolled his eyes as if it was
obvious. Sean merely folded his arms. "Whatever you can say to
Randall….you can say to me….".
Sully knew Randall still remembered
what he was about to tell, and he also knew Sean still held the grudge
of what happened long ago. But Sully had intended to be on good terms
with the both of them for what he had to say.
"Ok….Randall….I've
been thinking…about everything that's happened to you…." he started.
Randall knew he meant Reno's funeral, and also Leia's pregnancy, but he
also knew it was more than just that on his mind. Sully continued.
"I….know
you still remember…". Randall then knew what it was, so he answered
honestly. "Yeah…..I still do…..". Sully nodded, as it was the answer he
was looking for.
"Well…I've been thinking about how me and Mike got
away with doing it…we shouldn't have done it or even thought of it….".
Randall and Sean were both wondering where he was going with it. Their
looks made him get to the point. "Eh…what I mean is Randall….I figured
that I should….you know…repay you…". Randall eyed him. "I can't see
where your going with this".
"Randall….I…..I'm going to be spending
time in the human world….". Randall's eyes went wide, Sean was
surprised. "Wh….what?" Randall asked, confused. Sully was surprised by
his reply. "Randall…I'm going to sorta….banish myself….you know….to set
things right…".
Randall shook his head. "Sullivan…you….don't have
to….". Sean was surprised by this, but more so by Sully's quick reply.
"Randall no….I'm going to….not just to repay you but….for me too….I
mean…I've always felt guilty about what I did so….I never thought I
would get the chance to help myself with it".
Randall was confused.
Sully had never really done something like this for him. "But Sullivan
you really don't need to but…". Sully held up a hand. "No no…Randall I
do…for you and for me…I acted like well I….I don't know what I
was…..but….I never want to do it again….so Randall…I'm going to do it
for the both of us…".
Randall wanted to reply, but nodded. He was
never use to Sully doing favors for him, especially ones like this. It
was a surprise for Sean too, as he'd never thought Sully was to do
something like that. Still, Randall was worried about something else.
"But….but who's going to run the factory?". Sully smiled, he had
already thought of that too.
"Well Randall….with you marrying Leia
and…having a kid on the way…I thought some extra money could help….".
Randall rose a brow, but Sean knew what it meant. "Wait…you don't
mean…" Sean started.
Sully nodded. "Yep…Randall….I'm…going to give
you my job….". Randall was hit with something he hadn't expected. Him?
A CEO? What was going on in Sully's head?
Randall shook his head.
"No no no….I'm a scarer…not…not some corporate executive…". Sully
nodded. "Well Randall….I'm not going for a while though….since you
probably don't know much…I thought I could show you how….". Randall was
a little confused by these two acts his "past enemy" was doing for him.
"But…"
Randall started. "Randall….I….guess you could call it a thanks…for
getting me in the company as a scarer….and…I'll see if I can still see
if I can work something out so you can be both if you want…….". Randall
had to take what was given to him. Sully was going to give him the CEO
job and be in the Human World….what was it about these past days?
Randall knew Sully couldn't take a no, so he had to reply to it. "Ok
Sullivan….since you won't change your mind….I guess….I guess I have to
accept it….". Randall held out one of his hands, Sully took his hand,
and shook. "I hope we can come to terms with everything Randall…" Sully
said. Randall nodded. "Yeah…I guess we could…" he replied. Sean butted
in, looking at Sullivan. "Sullivan….I have to say I'm impressed about
what your doing…and…if Randall's willing to forgive you…I…guess I can…".
"Thanks Sean…that…means allot…".
The
night went on. Sully went to tell Mike about what he had told Randall.
He took it quiet well, still banging his head on one of the tables.
Carmyne had stayed with Rayford and Naomi, talking about how she didn't
seem to have connections with her family anymore. Randolph had watched
Randall and Leia in the crowd. Caylin and Readagar…well….
"Honestly
listen….I own a casino where many females come to see me…you stand NO
chance!" Readagar commented. "Oh come on! That's because your rich!".
"Dang straight". The two had been battling it out for the past several
minutes now. That is until somebody familiar to Readagar passed by, a
surprise guest of his. She passed right between the two, heading for
the opposite of the party. "Dizzy?" Readagar wondered. Caylin smiled.
"HA! She's mine!" he said, heading after her. "WHAT! Cay!" Readagar
chased after him.
Randall
and Leia had stayed dancing through the night. Randall no longer had
the gloominess around him now. He began talking about plans for the
future, which Leia enjoyed hearing. They both were tired, but didn't
let it stop them.
Joy watched from one of the tables, smiling. She
was glad Randall was happy again, that he would be in the future,
together with Leia. But it wasn't the first time for her seeing the two
together. She turned around seeing Sean with his back to the mansion's
wall, looking over the scene. Feeling that he was lonely, she went over
to him.
"Hey…" she said. "Oh…hey Joy" Sean replied, looking up at
her. Joy knew he wanted to have some fun, he just needed some
encouragement. "You….wanna…dance?" she asked. Sean's eyes widened. But
he turned his head to the side.
"I'm….not very good….like Randall…I
don't have experience…" he said. Joy leaned in, looking at his face.
"Oh come on….I'm sure your just doubting yourself….". Sean looked at
her. He was smiling, as if he knew she would say that. He took a glance
over at Randall and Leia in the crowd, knowing that if Randall could….
Sean got off the wall. "Ok…lets go…". She took Joy's extended hand and they handed to the dance floor for a slow dance.
Randall
and Leia had been dancing for the past few minutes since they've told
each other their life decision. Randall had managed to bump into Sean
and Joy. They both smiled at each other, Sean and Randall giving each
other a wink.
The night went on. Everyone's life started once again.
Today was a break. Everything had stopped so that they could all have a
break from life. Now, everyone would soon go back to their lives once
again. But for now things were going to be settled in a limbo between
life's little occurrences.
Life would soon go on.
Meanwhile……
Back at the Liberty statue, 3 weeks ago.
Kroitz laid on the cold stone, the air brushing of his battered and
bleeding body. He didn't understand. He was still alive somehow. Every
bone in his body was useless. He couldn't get up, couldn't move.
His last few breaths were all he had. His memory was still fresh, his
thoughts slowly becoming an empty vessel spilling everything he knew
out.
Randall had beaten him. He had to accept it. Him and his friends had
stopped him. His plans had all been ruined. He started to think. Maybe
"he" was right about Randall. Kroitz never thought of the monster as
anything special. Just another creature roaming in another world. But
now. When he saw those eyes, when he saw that hatred. It was almost as
if the emotion was alive, had this Randall as a vessel. Kroitz had to
admit. This Randall was more than he had thought, "he" was right. It
was a stupid decision to go alone with it all. He was going to die,
because of his own deed.
Kroitz barely heard something from his left ear. His neck wasn't
broken, yet, so he slowly turned his head that way. Blurred images. Far
off in the water, there was a boat, a blue and a red light flashing. A
police patrol boat.
Kroitz knew he would die. His wound would kill him. Still. There was
always that chance they would make it in time. That if there were
medical teams or someone experienced, he might survive long enough to
get to a hospital for medical treatment. But was his luck really that
useful now. "(Ehh…ehh….I hope I never….never see that….that monster
again…..)".
"Heh heh heh heh…..". Laughing. Sickingly laughing. Twisted chuckles. A solid soul was near him. He knew it.
"Pitiful isn't Kroitz?".
Kroitz slowly lived his head, his wound dripping faster. His eyes
caught the figure of a shadow, its features and face distorted to him.
It was crouched on the statue ledge with perfect grace. It was as if it
was a graceful…..angel of death…..
Kroitz tried to blurt out the creatures name, but only his vital liquid
started out the side of his mouth. The creature chuckled again, rising.
"Heh heh….thought you could betray me Kroitz…..". Kroitz's heart pumped
faster, the liquid in his wounds flowing faster and faster. The figure
started toward him.
"You imbecilic human…..no wonder we never trust you…..not that I ever
did of course…wasn't surprised you weren't different Kroitz….". It
stepped on his stomach, the sword wound gushing, Kroitz gargling his
own fluid. The creature continued, a foot stepping to the side, under
his right shoulder.
"Why should even try placing importance into the hands of such a low
minded creature…." it said, stopping. "Then again….you were disposable
and served a purpose anyway….still….I cannot overlook your mistakes…..".
It kneeled down. If it hadn't stepped on him, Kroitz could have gotten
a view, but his eyes were slowly being distorted by fear. "Hmph….how
sad….heh heh heh….pain….isn't it….wonderful for you to cause it…but
what is it like feeling it Kroitz…..heh heh….you would love to be free
wouldn't you….away from this land of suffering and
pain….misery….death….heh heh….sadly….you won't be going to such a place
at all….".
It rose.
"You could survive…..but then again….disobeying me….has its
punishment….". The creature seemed to smile, Kroitz could feel it. His
heart was beating like fire. The fluid in his veins started to go
black, dead and lifeless. He felt his vision growing dark, his mind
drying, his body growing timid and weak.
The creature just starred. "A pitiful sight at how weak you really
are…..hiding such from your servants and your enemies….how
pathetic….your life is worthless….thankfully you served a purpose….but
I guess I don't need humans to do my work…..its time I take care of it
personally….".
A "shing" was heard. A knife. A blade. Something with a sharp, long
silver end. "You were right to think Randall had beaten you…..you don't
know how strong he really is…..his friends as well….such a
disappointment that you thought you could best him….".
Something was held high above the creatures head, something from its hand.
"No…..perhaps I shall show you what playing with darkness and pain is
like….". It lowered the weapon of some sort, then extended its other
arm.
"You won't be free….but that is none of my concern…..die……die……..die…..".
The helmsman of the boat was called out by two of his other men. "Sir! Look at that!!!!" one called, pointing up at the statue.
A bright, few second flash of black and purple light was shown, then
instantly nothing. This was more than enough to attract them. They
docked on the island and ran up to the statue's head. The captain of
the ship got out and looked over the small slits.
There was nobody there. However…..A ledge was spattered with a human's
vital fluid. Its as if a box had exploded on the ledge, leaving its
containment around.
"Oh god…..".
Randall is finally happy. He has a caring wife and a kid on the
way, and is now CEO of Monsters Inc. Don't worry, there is something
that happens that lets Randall still work as a scarer part time. In any
case, it's a good thing-bad thing.
Who is this new merciless enemy? What does he know about Randall?
Questions…..questions……
