Oh my god people! Okay, I don't normally cry like… almost ever but this chapter… THIS CHAPTER, brought tears to my eyes! If you do not cry at this chapter, then… we either cry at different things or you have no soul. Because this… this just tugs at your heart. So… enjoy, lay down and be prepared to cry… because I am.


Chapter 21: Farewell Papouli

After work everyone had been surprised that Fungus had invited them over to his place. However what they didn't know was that Randall was there also. He was currently sleeping in the guest room that was in Fungus' apartment. It was glad that his friend let him stay till he recovered. There was no way he could've made it to his apartment or to his parents' house in his condition. During the time he was up it was only to use the restroom or get him something to eat or drink. But other than that it was mostly sleeping. He was jolted out of his sleep from the sound of voices. He groaned and sat up. Whoever came to visit Fungus, he hoped that his assistant would tell them that he had a sick guest and that they needed to keep their voices down. When they didn't stop, he groaned and stood up, wrapping a smaller blanket around him.

As he walked out, he saw his co-workers sitting in the front room. His face was red from the slight fever that he developed and his whole body was shaking from the cold he had received. He didn't want to call any attention to himself, but it didn't really help due to the fact that he sneezed several times. Everyone turned to look at him.

"Randall? What are you doing here?" Charlie asked.

"Uh… sleeping?" The reptilian monster replied.

"No, I mean what are you doing here? At Fungus' house?"

"Well I couldn't make it to my own apartment in this condition."

It was a good point. And from Mike and Sulley's house, it would be reasonable that Randall would go to the closet house that he knew. And so far it was Fungus'. But apparently he was still kind enough to let his snappish friend be here. But from the look of it, it seemed that he enjoyed having him there. Fungus was in the kitchen, making the lizard some soup.

"So uh… Randall. Since this is your book… would you like to read this chapter?" Sulley asked.

The lizard monster narrowed his eyes. Read his book? It was all his painful memories. True none of them made him actually break down now, except for own certain chapter. He stood there and pulled the blanket closer to his body.

"Which chapter is it?"

"Um… Chapter 21."

"Name?"

"Farewell Papouli."

Randall stiffened. No. He was not reading that chapter. He shook his head. He couldn't do it. He wouldn't do it. He would just end up breaking down if he read the chapter.

"No… I…I can't do it. Not that chapter."

"Why not?" George asked. "Yea, I mean, after the last chapter we know that you kinda close to your Papouli…"

"'Kinda close'? 'Kinda close'!?" Randall echoed, looking furious. "No, we weren't kinda close, we were very close!"

He would've continued but was interrupted by a coughing fit. After a few minutes of his fit he managed to calm down. He shook his head and pulled the blanket closer to him. Without another word he went back to the guest room that he was staying in. Once he was gone, Frank took the book. He opened it up and turned to the chapter.

"Chapter 21: Farewell Papouli.

After everything that happened freshman year of college and with Mike and Sullivan, I had moved on with my life and started to focus on my sophomore year. Everything seemed to be getting better. Cheryal was actually getting over her cancer, I was the top in my class, and I was looking forward to going on a fishing trip with Papouli.

I was in my sixth glass of the day looking at the clock in excitement. At the end of the day, we were heading to the lake and I was hoping to actually catch a fish this time. As I waited, I had a feeling of dread came over me. It felt a lot worse than the feeling when Cheryal got sick. I forced down my worrying and focused on my current class.

As the day went by, the feeling just got worse. I decided to go and call Papouli to see if our plans were still on. I waited for him to pick up. It ranged once. Twice. Three times. No response. I heard his voicemail and hanged up. Why didn't he pick up? He always answers for me.

Maybe… maybe he's on his way here. I nodded. Yea. That's it. He's on his way to pick me up right now. I just need to down and wait at the Quad for him. I clapped my hands together and placed a smile on my face. I left my room and went down to wait for him. I kept looking at the large clock watching the time tick by. I looked up to see that five minutes passed. Okay, not a problem, he's always a little late. Probably just the traffic. Not a problem.

As I waited it started getting later and later. Soon it was just ten, then twenty, forty, then an hour. I looked at the clock. He was never this late. I pulled out my phone and tried to call him. I frowned in worried when he didn't pick up. What was taking him so long? I was about to try again when my mom, Cheryal called. I picked up.

"Hi mom."

"Randall, there's been… a little accident. Emilia is coming over to pick you up. She'll explain everything to you."

"Why? What's happened?"

"I'd tell you honey, but I can't. I have to leave to get back to work. Emilia will tell you everything. Love you, kisses."

"Love you too…"

Now I was really worried. Was it the reason why Papouli was late? Did something happen to him? These thoughts kept spinning in my mind. What was going on? As more questions came, I was still without answers. I wrung my hands together in nervousness. About thirty minutes later, Emilia came up. I stood up and went over to her.

"Mama? What happened?" I asked.

She sighed and placed her hand on my shoulder, pulling me close.

"I'll tell you in the car. But I'm afraid you're not going to like it, honey."

I gulped. I didn't like where this was heading. She looked so sad and worried. I nodded and followed her to the car. As I got in, I buckled myself in. She did the same, started the car and drove off. I clutched the belt in worry and looked at her.

"Mama… wh-what happened?"

She sighed, as if dreading to tell me the news. It was a few moment of silence before she relented and told me what was going on.

"Randy, Randall, honey. I'm afraid your Papouli is in the hospital right now. He's dying."

I looked at her in horror. Papouli… dying? No. It couldn't be true. He was fine last week when we talked. This… this had to be a joke! He's lived this long, He can't die! He can't! He was my best friend in the whole wide world! I shook my head, not wanting to believe it.

"N-no… y-you're lying. Y-you have to be!" I told her.

"Randall."

I quiet down at the sharpness and firmness at her voice. I looked at the ground. Angry at the world, at my mom, at Papouli, at myself. Why did this have to happen? Why did he have to on his way to death? Why couldn't he live longer? It wasn't fair. I was so upset that I felt tears brimming. Why did he have to go? Why couldn't he stay? I sniffed, trying to prevent myself from crying. It just wasn't fair. What was I supposed to do? How was I supposed to cope? I felt Emilia grabbed my hand and looked at her. She didn't take her eyes off the road, just squeezing my hand in comfort as she drove. It wasn't enough, well not for me anyways.

We arrived at the Hospital after a while and we got out of the car. We went up to the third floor and went to Papouli's room. All of Cheryal's family members were there. I ignored all of them. I was so upset. I didn't even bother looking at anyone. However it didn't exactly work due to three of my cousins, the twins, Peter and Skeeter, and Butch.

"Hey loser," Butch sneered at me, tripping me.

Butch was lean purple monster with blue eyes, sharp orange spikes going down his back and tail, and three pairs of tentacles with sharp claws. He was a few years older than me, about five. Along with him was Peter and Skeeter.

Both were identical. Both had green skin with red stripes going cross their backs. They had two pairs of tentacles, a horn on top of their heads which was purple and black hair on their heads. The only difference was that Peter's hair was a well-groomed cut and Skeeter's was a mullet. They also had different colored eyes. Peter had blue and Skeeter had green.

I managed to catch myself before I landed on the ground. I sighed. I really didn't want to put up with this right now. I had enough on my plate was it was.

"What do you want now?"

Butch got into my face, sneering.

"Don't act so dumb. We all know that you're going to get the big prize from Papouli. What makes you so special? You're not even born into this family. You're just a scaly, nerd of a freak."

I frowned and pushed him away from me.

"Back off Butch. What goes on between me and Papouli is our business. I never took you as the jealous type."

His tail grabbed my leg and pulled it out from under me, causing me to land on the floor. I groaned in pain. Ow… that really hurt. Why was it that I always ended up getting slammed into the hard stuff? Why couldn't I be slammed into something… softer? Like pillows? I growled and did the same in retaliation. I was not going to put up with this. Not today. I stood up and looked down at myself, seeing that I blended into the tiles. I went back to my natural colors and crossed my arms at him.

"This isn't the time nor the place Butch. Besides, I think it's your turn to go and talk to Papouli."

He growled at me, but did as he was told. I sighed and leaned against the wall. I don't know how I was going to act when I saw him. I only hoped that I wasn't going to do anything to disappoint him. I sighed in worry and looked for Emilia. I frown in sadness when I saw her talking one of my older cousins. I really needed some comfort from her right now and she wasn't here when I needed her. Okay, I could've easily gone over and sought attention from her but I wasn't going to do that. I didn't want to seem like a baby. So I just stayed where I was.

Hours seemed to drag on for me as everyone got to talk to Papouli. I felt tears well up once again. I sniff and wiped them away before they could start. I wasn't going to cry. Not here, not in front of my family. I would never hear the end of it. I wanted to be strong, but it was so hard.

"Randall."

I looked up to see that it was finally my turn to go and talk to him. I gulped and cautiously went over. As I entered, I slowly shut the door behind me. The room was dimmed, adding to the gloominess of what was happening to him. I looked and show how sickly he was and… how old he looked. I felt tears formed into my eyes once again. I wiped them and went over to his bed side.

"H-Hi Papouli…" I muttered shyly.

"Ah, Randall, my boy. Come, sit." He replied, patting the bed.

I did as he asked. I was hesitant, but he was dying, so I wasn't going to deny him anything. He was on his death bed. He took my top right hand in his tentacle. I tried not to cry once again. I let out a shaky sigh.

"I-Is there anything I could… do for you?"

He shook his head. He leaned back into his pillow and closed his eyes. I looked at him worry. His breathing was so ragged. I couldn't help but squeeze his tentacle in worry.

"Randall, do you know why I spend so much time with you son?"

"N-No sir."

"Sir? Where did this sir business come from?"

I flattened my fronds in embarrassment. Papouli had several rules for us when it came to addressing him. And one of them was that we were never supposed to address him as "Sir", especially me. Apparently he felt that it would just remind him of the 1600s through the 1800s when slavery was at its highest points.

"I'm sorry, Papouli."

"I know you are son. Now as I was saying. I know some of the others are jealous that I spend more time with you than them, but I feel like you need it. I bet you feel like an outcast during social gatherings, right?"

I nodded.

"Well, that's why. I know discrimination is still at its highest points. Randall, I see something in you that I don't see anyone else. You need some guidance in your life. I know you get that with your mothers, but you need a male role model and that's what I give to you. Kid, you have those stories of mine recorded?"

"Yes Papouli."

"Good. I know people are going to want to hear what my life is like. Randall, besides those recordings, there's a locked chest. There's a key under my desk. One you get that key and unlock the chest you get to keep whatever is in it."

"R-Really?" I asked.

He nodded. I noticed that after every time he spoke, that it was taking him longer to answer. I bit my bottom lip in worry. After several minutes of silence I decided to ask the one question that was on my mind for years.

"P-Papouli? How come… how come you never… call me Randy?"

He gave a raspy chuckle as if I told a humorous joke. I wanted for him to answer.

"Randall, I never called you Randy out of respect. Do you know what your name means in Etymology?" I shook my head. "It means Wolf Shield."

Wolf Shield? Wow. That was certainly interesting to learn.

"But… how does that tie in you not calling me Randall?"

"Well son, I always felt that you deserve more respect than what people get you credit for. And don't take this against your mother or friends, but feel that calling you Randy isn't respectful. If anything I feel as if it was something that treats you like a child, like you are inferior."

I nodded. He felt all that when calling me Randy? He continued, still taking pauses every time he spoke.

"Remember when I mentioned that your name means Wolf Shield? Well, as Randy, you tend to hide behind a mask, a shield, of happiness in order to protect yourself. But as Randall, you emerge behind that shield and act as the wolf inside you. Have you noticed that every time I address you, you feel more confident in yourself?"

I was taken aback. I haven't even noticed if he did. I only nodded, waiting for him to continue. He took him a couple of breaths to finally speak once again.

"That's why I don't call you Randy, Randall. You deserve better. Do me a favor son… Bring everyone in… I… I want to tell one last story… my greatest adventure ever… and… record it."

I gulped and nodded. I went out and called everyone in. After everyone went in, I pulled out my recorder and sat by his side as he spoke. He sighed as he told his story. I did whatever I can to make sure no one spoke or asked questions as he talked. Of course all my other family members just glared at me, hating the fact that I was his favorite and that I probably got his better gifts. I just kept my attention focused on him and making sure that no one interrupted him. He was telling a story about his time in Roarzil and how he was a labeled a hero there.

My eyes widen as he told his story. He's just simply amazing! I nodded eagerly as I listened to his story. When he ended he sighed and leaned his head against his pillow.

"And… that's… my story…" he finished.

"Alright everyone, story time is over. I believe we should go and let him rest." Grammy told the family, motioning them out.

I was going to follow them out, when I felt someone grab my hand. I looked to see Papouli gripping my bottom hand. I looked at his tentacle, him, then at Grammy.

"I need… one last word… with Randall." He told her.

She nodded and walked, closing the door behind her. I went back over to Papouli and looked at him. He lifted his tentacle and placed it on my cheek. I sighed and placed my own hand on his, unable to contain my tears any longer. I went over and hugged him.

"Why do you have to go?" I sobbed, burying my head in his chest.

He hushed me gently, stroking my fronds.

"It's just my time son." He murmured to me.

I couldn't take it. He was basically everything to me. He held me closely as I sob. Why couldn't he just stay? Why couldn't it be someone else? He's the only family member besides my parents that truly care about me. I sniffed and looked up at him, tears sliding down my cheeks and my glasses fogging up. He gave me a small smile and wiped my glasses off for me so I could see.

He placed them back on and gave me a weak, tired smile. I went and laid down next to him, not standing the thought that he was going to die and I was going to be left here without the only father figure in my life.

"It's not fair." I told him. "Why can't you stay longer?"

He said nothing. He just held me close, making sure that I could feel the warmth of his skin. It felt like forever when he finally spoke.

"Randall, there is a time when a monster is born. And every monster has a special talent and destiny that may come to them quickly or not. Your talent is to blend and intelligent science prodigy and your destiny could be a scarer, or a baker, or a scientist, or even being the next Boggs Bouquet CEO. Every monster dreams of being a scarer, others do not. Yet for you, there are many things that you can become. You are taking a step to becoming an extraordinary scarer, whether your parents know it or not."

He winked at me, knowing that I wanted to keep my career choice a secret from them. I smiled, sniffing. I rested my head on his chest, listening to his weakening heart as he spoke.

"But just keep in mind that no matter what you do, you will do what is right."

"I promised…"

He smiled as he closed his eyes and slowly breathed.

"You're a good boy Randall…."

I looked at him, hearing his heart getting slower.

"Don't be afraid… to go after your dreams…"

I shook my head, tears welling once again.

"No. No Papouli, please… please don't go."

"Make me… proud… son…"

And with that his heart-monitor machine beeped, signaling he was dead. I laid there crying, hugging his dead body and pleading for him to come back. But instead he never did and I was left without the only male figure in my life that showed me any love and compassion. I felt so alone, so broken, so lost. What was I going to do? How was I going to cope? I had lost my best friend. My motivator, I was completely and utterly destroyed.

I felt someone trying to pull me away from him but I fought against them. I wasn't leaving him. I couldn't leave him. I couldn't! I thrashed against the person that pulled me off, I suddenly stopped when I heard my mother's voice.

"Randall!"

I looked up to see Emilia holding onto me. She looked sad, tears also in her eyes and frowning sympathetically for me.

"He's not going to come back Honey."

Realizations hit me and I crumbled in her arms, clinging and sobbing into her chest. I don't know how long I cried, nor do I care. Part of my world had shattered. I couldn't bare to look at him now that he was gone as the doctor and nurse covered him up, indicating that he had passed on. I don't really know what happened after that because I was deep in the clutches of grief.

All I remembered was that I was soon left alone as Emilia went to do… who knows what, I can't remember. I was too busy wallowing in sorrow. All I could remember was that I was soon being picked on by my cousins once again.

"Hey squirt, what's the matter?" Butch sneered at me, using my fronds as a string to use my head like a yo-yo.

I growled in pain and anger. I pulled away and punched him in the face. I was so sick of everything! I was sick of everyone picking on me. I was so sick of being consider a loser and I was so sick of being treated like dirt!

"You want to know what's the matter, Butch?" I snarled in anger, ignoring the tears that were blurring my vision. "Everything! Why don't you go and make yourself useful and get lost!"

Peter and Skeeter looked at me in shock. I didn't care. I was so angry. It was then Butch started laughing. I growled, eyes narrowing.

"Oh, looks like little Randy is going throw a little tantrum." He laughed.

I growled and did something that left them in shock. I grabbed my glasses and crushed with my own hands, dropping them on the ground. I heard the pieces and glass fall to the ground and heard my families' surprised gasp and my parents' shouting my name in surprise. I didn't care. I looked at them and grabbed Butch, snarling in his face.

"Don't. Call. Me. Randy." I growled and shoved him to the ground. I started to walk away and stopped. "From now on, it's Randall and ONLY Randall."

I stormed out of the hospital and to my parents' car, not even caring that I was going to be in trouble for breaking my glasses. I went and sat in the backseat, my arms crossed in anger, fighting the tears that streamed down my cheeks.

Life was miserable and it always going to be that. The once ounce of happiness of fun and innocent was gone. And that was with Randy. Randy and Papouli were gone and all that was left to remind anyone of them, was me. Randall J. Boggs."

Everyone was in absolute shock. Randall had changed his whole personality due to one monster die and it resulted in something inside himself to die in order to cope and move on. And coping with a lost could affect people in many ways. For all they know he could still be coping and having trouble to let go. Then again, him and his Papouli was so very close as they read in the two chapters and how Randall spoke about him from earlier.

"Oh… poor Randall." Carla, Luckey's assistant, replied, looking at the direction the reptile scarer was.

"And he lost the only person he could consider as a father figure to him. That has to be hard." Betty murmured, sympathy well read among her face.

They couldn't only watch as Fungus took the time to take care of the sick reptile that was in his house. Their co-workers sympathizing and pitying the fellow scarer they worked with and could only hope that he had moved on and learned to open the side to him that he had closed so long ago.


Thank you for reading everyone and I'll see you in the next chapter!