Through the Oaf's Eyes
By
: pnaixrose

Disclaimer: I don't own, so don't sue, okay?


Chapter 2: Festival News

After we landed the huge dragon outside the outskirts of town, we stood at the entrance of Baskar Colony; the place with the good ass pie...yummm...oh, and also my hometown.

But I stopped before I entered the place. It looked different from the last time I saw it. There were more people hanging around the streets – more like paths really – some of whom I have never seen before in my whole life, which was odd because Baskar Colony was such a tiny place so everyone knew everyone else. But these people weren't even wearing the traditional colony clothes! Has time really gone past me just like that? Had I been traveling with the guys for that long? But Virginia, Jet, and Clive didn't look old at all. They looked exactly the same! Wh-What if I looked old?...Nahh. I look too good to be old anyway. But if time really passed by that quickly then...wh-what if...wh-what if...Granny died?!

I'd never get my pie!!!!

"Wow Gallows," the nerd said, interrupting my horrid thoughts, "the town looks a bit...civilized."

I glared at his comment. "You saying that I'm not civilized?" I asked with a frown.

Clive laughed his nerdy laugh. You know, that low chuckle of his that gets on my nerves. Do all smart people laugh weird? But then again, I don't laugh weird so I guess not...

"No, no Gallows. I didn't say that."

I ignored the nerd and continued to glance around the colony. "It's preposterous! They aren't even wearing their traditional outfits! That's not fair! I had to wear this stupid thing all my life," I said looking at my tan, leathery traditional clothing mostly made of animal skins. Boy, would it be cool to wear some normal pants and a shirt! But I would never hear the end of it from Granny. Even though I might've escaped my priesthood fate, she'd still say that I'm still part of the Baskar colony, that I have to obey its customs and blah, blah, blah…

While I was rambling on more about the Baskar colony clothing, proclaiming about how the colony had gotten so easy on people while I was gone, two very pretty girls just happened to walk by. Whoa...my jaw practically dropped. They weren't wearing traditional clothing, but they were wearing pretty high skirts. What a view... If I was old now, well I certainly didn't think like an oldie. Ha! Maybe wearing traditional clothing wasn't so bad after all.

As I stared and most probably drooled, the punk next to me snorted. "Ha! And you were saying something about Baskar colony's traditional clothing, Gallows? I think it was something about no one who lives here should ever be allowed to wear other clothes because-"

"Jet," Virginia said warningly with a tone in her voice.

Gee...wouldn't you think Virginia made a good mom?

Clive began to laugh at us as usual and I frowned.

"Hey, it's not my fault that all the women in my life that I know aren't exactly eye catching!" I said huffily, trying to explain myself. "Hey, I grew up with Granny. And to make it worse, all the women I've seen while traveling were...well unattractive. I think that basically proves my—OWW!!!"

I felt someone suddenly pull my ear...hard. Looking down at the person who was still yanking my ear out, I whimpered.

"All the women you saw while traveling?" Virginia inquired with an angry pout as she yanked on my ear. "You better redefine your meaning of unattractive, Gallows!" she yelled, her emerald eyes ablaze.

Oh shit...oops...

I quickly tried to redeem myself, without gaining more pulls on the ear. "OUCH!!! I-I mean, there was always one girl that I thought was attractive!!" I said quickly. Darn...that really does hurt!

Virginia pulled harder on the ear. "Who, Gallows? I'm really curious!"

"V-Virginia is the most attractive girl I've ever seen! Can you let go now please?" I pleaded and she finally let go of the ear.

Hey, if there are any girls reading this do not, I repeat, DO NOT pull on men's ears...it's one of their weaknesses. Oh, that and pulling the hair behind their heads. You know, the hair that's on the backs of their necks. Ouch...that hurts too. Just thinking about it makes me shudder.

I rubbed my precious ear gently while Virginia looked up at me with her usual smile. Isn't it amazing what a small girl like her can do? I mean, okay, so I guess I could've handled the situation better without making myself look like a total weenie...after all, I am practically twice her size. Virginia was one scary lady to mess with. I rolled my eyes at Clive and Virginia who didn't even bother to try to hide their irritating laughter.You'd think they would have more respect for me by now, eh? Jeez, talk about friendship. But hey, where was that brat?

Jet was staring at...whoa! Virginia again?! What was wrong with this boy? I stared at him silently, while the laughing continued ringing in my ears (gosh, when would they stop?). That look on his face looked so...intense. Then, I saw him suddenly stop staring and shake his head like he was trying to get rid of a thought. But hey, does sunburn really spread that quickly? It was all over his face by now.

Before anyone else could say anything more, I spotted a familiar, small dude wearing traditional clothes. He immediately put on a grin when he saw us.

"What are you doing here, brother?"

I forgot immediately about Jet and Virginia and laughed out loud, picking up the little guy and twirling him around. Then I set him down on the ground, still laughing. "Shane! What's up? How's my favorite brother? Any girlfriends yet?"

I gave him a noogie which he oh-so-loves, messing up his neat hair. "Oh, Brother! Stop! You're too loud!!" he said pouting as people looked our way. "Guess some people really don't change no matter how long it's been." Geez...so much for brotherly love. And I'm not loud! I'm just talkative!

My hand got tired and I finally stopped noogie-ing the poor boy. Then fixing his ruffled hair, he smiled at me and my friends. "Hey, what are all of you doing here?"

Virginia gave a happy smile. "We just wanted to take a break here for now."

"Yeah you know, beating evil monsters and evil people...yeah that all kinda gets quite boring after awhile," I said, puffing out my chest while running a hand through my hair. I stretched out my arms and grinned. "Being heroes and stuff is kinda tiring."

I could've sworn I heard a mumbled "Stop bragging you, big oaf" but I decided to let it go for now. I'd think of something for revenge. I swear to the Guardians that I'll get that punk back someday.

"I bet you're tired. Would all of you like to get some rest at the hut?" Shane asked politely.

"Sure, maybe for a bit. By the way, you have excellent people skills, Shane," Clive said as they all followed my little brother.

"That's for sure...more than a certain older brother we all know..."

I swear...sometimes that silver haired punk would really do better by shutting his smart mouth. Just watch, Jet..just watch.

When we neared my little hut, weaving through all the people we were in our way, I saw Granny come out and with a big smile of her face and hold out her arms as if...she wanted to hug me!

Ah! I never knew she cared! Someone does love me!

I ran towards her cheerfully, my arms outstretched, too. But when I neared her—

THWACK!!

I rubbed the back of my head. "Ow! What the hell?!" Jeez...was it abuse poor, old Gallows day today?

"Gallows, what are you doing? Trying to run over a poor lady?" She frowned down at me, her violent cane held in her hand. Then she looked past me and saw the other guys standing there and immediately ran – as fast as an old woman can – towards them. Then she hugged Virginia until she was out of breath.

So much for familial love...

"Virginia, what a lovely surprise!! And Jet and Clive, too! Come in, come in!" Granny ushered the gang, including Shane, back into the hut while I stood there. Things still seemed to be the same, I guess. Oh, well. Shrugging my shoulders, I entered the hut following the others.

-

My jaw dropped as I entered in the dim hut. Oh my god...I was really drooling when I saw them. The beautiful, sweet, luscious –

THWACK!

"Ow!" I rubbed the back of my head again. Now this was getting tiring!

"No touching my pies! These aren't for you!" Granny shouted frowning at me.

Oh darn. Six beautiful pies were just waiting for me on the table; three cinnamon, and three blueberry. I swear I could hear them saying "Eat me".

"Wow! These look delicious!" Virginia exclaimed as she sat down at the table.

"Now we know why the oaf wanted to come..." Jet said, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed in front of him. That's another "I-don't-really-care" stance of his.

God...he was so annoying.

"By the way, why are there so many people here today?" Clive asked as he took a seat next to Virginia.

"The annual Baskar Colony festival coming up. It lasts three days, starting tomorrow. It first started to honor the guardians, but now I'm afraid that people come just for the fun and games," Shane said. Leave it to smart, ole' Shane to explain things.

Oh yeaah...now I remember. I LOVED these festivals. So much food and games. In fact, I think that the first time I tasted one of Gran's pies was around the time of the annual Baskar festival. Wow, I almost forgot all about it. I've been so caught up with the thought of how to defeat Beatrice that I didn't notice it was almost time for the festival. Ah, so many memories. Shane and I used to go to those all the time, and I would always win those pie eating contests. Maybe that's why I had that craving for pie. It was nearing the time for the festival and my stomach anticipated it. Wow! Ain't that cool? Now I'll always know when the festival is nearing! But there seemed to be more people this year, but I guess I can't blame them for wanting a little fun and relaxationg at a time like this. It's amazing that they would even travel across the land to such a small place like Basker Colony.

Virginia's eyes lit up at the sound of 'festival.' "A festival? Really? Oh, I wanna go!"

Predictable, old Virginia. Figures she would say something like that..

"What's with the pies though?" Clive asked, "They look really tasty. I barely get the chance to see, much less taste wonderful looking pies like these anymore."

That dork...doesn't he have Catherine to make him all sorts of other food? Man, must be nice to be married.

Granny sighed. "Everyone in the colony is trying to serve their best dishes or desserts. Mine of course are my blueberry pies. But the ingredients these days are so slim, we searched everywhere for a town that actually had them. Luckily, we did," Granny said looking at the pies with a sigh.

"So Granny, need a taste tester?" I asked eyeing the pies.

She started waving her cane at me with a stern face on. "You touch these pies, and I swear to the Guardians that you will regret it."

I sighed. "Okay, okay." All she had to say was no.

I sighed, drooling as I breathed in their scent. So much for my pie craving.

-

After a quick meal, I was suddenly tired. Does eating so much really tire people out? Or was it because I had wasted so much energy trying to resist those pies that were just sitting on the counter waiting for me?

"Okay, Gallows. Go clean up," Granny said as she saw that everyone's plates were empty.

My jaw dropped. First no pie, and then I have to clean up?! What's up with that? "B-B-But–"

"Thank you for being such a great host for your guests! Come, Shane. We must discuss some festival events with the rest of the colony." Then the old woman walked out of the hut without another word. Shane looked back at me with a sorry looked on his face.

"Sorry, brother. I'll see you later okay?" Then he followed Gran outside.

When did Shane become such a Granny's pet? But I guess this was how it always was. Gran had always liked Shane better. I have a feeling it's because I ran away from my priesthood thing. But it was just so boring! I'm not meant for something like that! Ah, it don't matter to me though. I know deep down inside of Granny's cold, little heart, she cares for me...hopefully. Maybe deep, deep, deep, deep down she does.

Clive and Virginia started laughing at my shocked face. Some friends they were...don't they have anything better to do?

"Oh, shut up," I growled as I picked up their plates.

"Sorry, Gallows. It's just kinda funny," Virginia said still giggling.

"Hmph...he deserves it..."

I had to resist throwing a plate at the punk's stupid head.

"Now, don't start fighting now," Clive said warningly. Gosh, it really shows that he's a father. "By the way, Virginia, don't you want to go outside and watch them set up all the games and stands?" he asked the girl seated next to her.

A large grin appeared on her face and she nodded. "Sure! Let's go, let's go! Maybe we can help out somehow."

I saw the punk roll his eyes as I set the pile of plates on the counter and turned to listen to the conversation. "You help people too much, Virginia. You gotta have time for yourself once in awhile too, ya know?"

Hmm, he actually had a point there.

Virginia shrugged. "But I like helping people! You have to learn how to care for other people more!"

Jet raised an eyebrow and then looked away quickly. "Whatever." His annoying catch phrase.

Before I knew it, Virginia was beaming again and she stood up, almost knocking down her chair. "Well, let's go! C'mon, Jet! Wanna come? I'll give you your first lesson on caring for people!"

Jet was silent for awhile, just staring at Virginia with a confused look on his eyes. But wait...what's that I see? I peered closer and saw redness spread slowly on his face again. Huh? Could someone get sunburn from inside a house? No way...

What he said next actually surprised me. You'd think that he'd simply say "No" or say "That's stupid" right? But he didn't.

"I-I dunno..."

Virginia skipped over to his seat, which was across from hers, and pulled his arm. "Aww c'mon, lazy butt! What else is there to do?"

He still looked skeptical though...and may I also add red as a tomato. "Well..."

"Go, Jet. It'll be fun," Clive urged with a small on his face.

That was when Jet nodded a bit and stood up, turning even redder. "F-Fine. I'll go."

Virginia practically jumped. "YAY!! I knew you'd pick the right choice, Jet!"

I grunted. "He probably just wants to see all those girls out there with their short skirts," I muttered.

Immediately Virginia turned to Jet with an angry frown. "Is that true, Jet?"

"N-N-No!"

Mwahaha! YES! A way to finally get back at him! "Yeah right, punk. You're a guy, aren't you? Don't you want to see pretty girls walking around with short skirts? I mean, you must be tired of traveling and seeing no pretty girls at all, right?" I smirked.

He turned my way and glared at me.

"What?! No pretty girls? Ahem, what about yours truly?" Virginia asked frowning at Jet.

"Uh...d-don't listen to him, Virginia," he said still glaring steadily at me.

"Say it, Jet!" the girl said.

"Say what?"

"Say that I'm pretty!!"

"Wh-What?! No way!!"

Virginia turned around and crossed her arms in front of her chest. "Fine..."

Wow, this was a weird scene. Still pretty funny though! Wait a minute, why isn't she pulling his ear like she did to mine?! THAT'S SO NOT FAIR! Damn that punk. Virginia and Clive always treat him better than me!

Jet sighed in defeat. "Oh, okay, okay!!"

"Say it," she said, her back still to Jet. But unknown to him, Clive and I saw a small smile on her lips. She wasn't mad at all! She was just toying with him!

"V-Virginia is...is...the...p-prettiest girl th-that I've ever seen," he said, saying the last part of the sentence quickly. He was fidgeting so much that it was so hard not to burst out laughing.

Virginia turned to him, giggling. "Oh Jet, I was just kidding! But thanks anyway!" She gave him a quick hug and then turned to me and Clive who were watching intently.

"Clive, you wanna come, too?" she asked, smiling.

"No, that's okay," he said as he stretched his arms out. "I'm tired. I was thinking of taking a nap. But you kids have fun okay?"

Virginia shrugged but Jet didn't do anything at all. He looked shocked or something. He was all stiff too. I couldn't help but try to stifle a chuckle as I saw his face. I hope he stays like that forever! That would be pure heaven.

"What about you, Gallows? Wanna come?" she asked.

The idea of watching all the decorations and stuff appealed to me, but the idea of watching all those pretty girls appealed to me even more. Hmm...what to pick? Cleaning dishes? Or checking out hot girls?

I shrugged, a smile on my face. "Hmm...Sure, why no–"

"Don't you have to do some dish washing, Gallows?" Clive said quickly, suddenly interrupting me.

"But I–"

Virginia shrugged. "That's true. You'll get into trouble if you don't, right?" Then smiling, she dragged Jet out of the door, waving a quick bye to us. "See ya guys later!"

Then without another word they left, leaving me with a pile of dishes.

DAMMIT!!

"What did you do that for?!" I asked the nerd who was calmly standing up from his chair. I could've been out there checking out girls! But of course he doesn't care because he has a wife so it was easy for him!

He turned to me and smiled. "Sorry Gallows. But I don't think Jet and Virginia really want you to come. They were just being polite."

Huh? "What do you mean?"

Clive sighed. "You really don't know, do you?"

Gallows shrugged. "I did notice something weird going on. Jet keeps staring at Virginia for some reason. Oh, and he's been getting sunburn a lot recently. Does he have some kind of skin disease?"

Clive shook his head, a slight smile still on his face. "Never mind."

This was so irritating! I know I probably mentioned this before but, why am I always the one left out in stuff?!

"No, tell me! C'mon, something is going on here and I wanna know what it is!"

"Oh, all right. Think about it though. You said that you've seen Jet staring at Virginia for no reason right? Well, what if there was a reason? What do you think that reason would be?"

I shrugged again. I didn't get it. "I don't know, sometimes I just stare at stuff without thinking too though. Everything gets all blurry and stuff. Is it normal for someone to stare off into space so often though?"

Clive slapped his forehead. What did I say?

"Okay, here's something else. Don't you think that it's weird that Jet actually consented to go with Viriginia to go outside just now?" he said slowly.

I nodded. That was true. I've never seen him actually want to go anywhere. "Yeah that's true," I said.

"Well, he wanted to be with her. Really wanted to...Do you get it?" He looked at me intently.

Hmm, he wanted to be with her? Why though? Let's think...why would a teenage – well, a teenage-looking – guy want to be with Virginia? I gasped out loud as a thought suddenly entered my head.

"OH MY GOSH!"

Clive looked at me in surprise. "You found it out?"

I nodded slowly, paling just a tiny bit. "I-I think. But I can't imagine it...I knew that Jet was a teenager and all but he doesn't really seem to be the type that–"

Clive nodded, looking happy that he finally put something through to my head. "Yeah. It's weird for him isn't it?"

"–would do something like that!"

He blinked. "Huh?"

"Aren't they 'doing it'?! I'm gonna kill him! Ugh...I can't even imagine that! Damn that punk! I knew he didn't come with us for the right reasons! Now he's going around defiling Virginia like that?! I'm gonna–"

Before I knew it, I was slapped across the head.

"Ow! What was that for?!" I asked the nerd as I rubbed my precious head. Why am I getting hurt today so much! What did I do?!

"Why you thick-headed..." Clive frowned at me with a frustrated look on his face. "They're in love, you big oaf!!!!"

Now he's calling me an oaf?! What is it with everyone calling me–

Wait a minute...did he just say...?

"WHAT?!"