Chapter 21

Sam sat down on a chair and sipped some tea that Tyrone gave him to relax. Everyone in the living room listened to his story and Matt was clenching his fists.

"You were stalking us so you can get your wife back?" he asked, almost gritting his teeth. Tyrone calmed the boy down by patting his back.

"Why didn't you tell the Mothman about it?" asked Garret.

Sam held his cup tightly. "You think I would know that a giant insect would help me? I don't know much about this hidden world! If I knew more, perhaps I would have asked for help!" cried Sam.

"It is not your fault. This was something that the Germ orchestrated. But why did Natalie vanish from his arms? That concerns me." said the Mothman.

"You don't know?" asked Sam, turning to face him.

"I have a theory, but the idea scares me." said the Mothman.

"What could be worse than a human germ?" asked Sam, almost chuckling. He looked really pissed off though.

"Her body vanished. This could mean that something or someone stole her heart." said the Mothman.

"She can't be dead." said Garret.

"No, she's alive and well. I can feel it in the impulse." said Sam.

The Mothman patted Sam's head. "You can feel the impulse?"

"Please. After being the BogeyMan for some years, I have the hang of it." said Sam.

"That's very good and all, but Gannon is in trouble." said Garret.

"I know. We'll save him. AND we'll save Natalie." said Tyrone, standing up.

"What?" asked Sam.

"My parents would have done the same and I can't help but feel sorry for you. Don't get me wrong, I'm still mad at you, but I'm also worried for you." said Tyrone.

"Where is Bubbles?" asked Matt suddenly.

Garret shrugged. "Probably on Gannon. Or not. He could have fallen off."

"Aren't you worried for your pet?" asked Matt.

"Bubbles is not just any hermit crab. He's actually attuned with the impulse." said Garret.

"Yeah. The crab is fine. He's still on Gannon." replied the Mothman.

Just then, Sam stood up.

"I just realized I can feel the hermit crab and Gannon! This means I could track them down!" cried Sam.

"And that will lead us to the Treasures of Oregon." said the Mothman.

"We haven't a moment to lose! We need to get ready to fight!" cried Garret.

Tyrone grabbed his rifle and placed it over his shoulder. "I'm ready. Just say the word."

Garret grabbed his sword and Sam rose up, but then he fell on the couch. The Mothman helped him stand up slowly, but Sam coughed up blood.

"Oh no. The shot. You don't think it went through." said Garret.

"It shouldn't have. My shield protected me. Why am I sick all of a sudden?" said Sam.

"The Germ. He kicked you with his infected feet." said Tyrone.

"You must stay here Sam, along with Matt." said the Mothman.

"What? No! I want to fight too! I can help!" cried Matt, clenching his fists.

"You are too young. You can get hurt." said the Mothman.

"But…" Matt was beginning to say. Tyrone placed his hand on Matt's shoulder.

"The Mothman's right little man. If you come with us, the Germ could hurt you or worse. Sam is on our side. If anything happens, he'll protect you." said Tyrone.

"But you need me to track down Gannon and the hermit crab. How can I by sitting here?" asked Sam.

"The impulse will guide us. Your sensibilities have transferred over to me. I too shall track them down, now knowing where they are in the impulse." said the Mothman.

Sam scoffed. "This is some real Star Wars shit going on here," he said.

The Mothman laughed. "Where do you think the idea of the Force came from?"

Sam looked at the Mothman as it slowly winked it's glowing red eye and stood by the doorway.

"We leave immediately. Garret, Tyrone, you two shall come with me." said the Mothman.

Matt quickly pulled Tyrone's arm and he stopped. He looked at Matt, who was hesitant to let him go.

"I just need a minute." said Tyrone quickly to the others.

"Make it quick. My brother's life is in danger." said Garret.

"Patience, young one. He's still alive and well." said the Mothman.

Tyrone and Matt got to a corner in the living room and Tyrone had to sit on one knee to match Matt's eye level.

"Don't go. Por favor hermanito." Matt whispered.

"Matt…" Tyrone was beginning to say.

"Don't go. Please. If you go, what will happen if you die?" asked Matt.

"I'll be fine. I'm with the Mothman." said Tyrone.

Matt started to whimper and his eyes became watery. Tyrone then put his knuckles gently on Matt's chin.

"I know you were in my life for a short time. But if I survive this, I'll convince the Mothman to let you stay here a little while longer." said Tyrone.

"Y-you will?" asked Matt.

"You've got no place else to go and considering how far we've gotten ourselves into this mess, you're stuck in the same boat as me." said Tyrone.

Matt didn't know what to say and Tyrone shriveled his hair.

"I'll come back. I promise." whispered Tyrone.

Matt quickly gave Tyrone a kiss on the cheek.

"I love you." said Matt sweetly.

"I love you too buddy. Stay strong for me. You're the man of the house now." said Tyrone. He put his forehead against Matt's and he then stood up.

After that, Matt sat on the couch, next to Sam, who was putting a napkin on his mouth.

Tyrone turned around and smiled at Matt. The small kiss that little boy gave him on the cheek was totally unexpected. Of course, Tyrone figured it was probably a cultural thing. Matt was an Hispanic boy who was never raised in a healthy household, yet he showed him a display of trust and love.

Tyrone felt ten stories high. He puffed up his chest like a superhero and walked towards the Mothman and Garret.

"I'm ready." he announced.