Lost Hearts Return Home
Written by Tucker Cloudkicker
Edited by Tom Cloudkicker
Disclaimer: Tale Spin, Kit Cloudkicker, Baloo, Rebecca and all other Tale Spin characters are property of Disney and Buena Vista Studios and are used in respect to the creators of the great show. No money has been exchanged in this.
Chapter 3
Standing behind the bar of the most popular nightclub of Cape Suzette, Louie, its owner and bartender, continued to wipe down the counter as he looked around at the place he had called home. Seeing the usual patrons and waiters that moved about the club, the ape started to wonder how he had gotten so lucky.
So many experiences, so many stories had been made here with those he had come to know as friends over the years.
Grinning, he walked over to what he called the Wall of Fame where he placed the pictures of the best of the pilots who occasionally occupied the old place. Looking it over fondly, Louie took down his favorite picture. It was a photo of Baloo with Kit sitting on his knee by the stage, both wearing the biggest grins possible. Baloo, now there was a lucky guy, even if at times the big palooka didn't realize it.
Now Kit…There was a kid who knew what he had. Unfortunately, he also seemed to always be afraid of losing it and, therefore, had a tendency to run away before he thought it would happen, even though everybody but he knew better. That, and the fact that Baloo and Kit's relationship had had a lot of turbulence over the short amount of time they had known each other. The two had butted heads many times. Both were so much alike. Both had short tempers and at times over-the-top confidence levels, though on Kit's side it seemed… forced?
The funny thing was that the kid seemed so familiar to him, even though he had never seen him before he had met Baloo months ago. Looking the picture over again, he sighed and smiled. "Funny…If I didn't know any better I'd say short stop looks a lot like..."
Shaking it off, the good-natured ape smiled at the picture again before placing it back on the wall. He'd have to put those thoughts aside for now. Baloo himself had called earlier saying that he and Kit would be spending the weekend, and Louie knew he'd have to make it unforgettable, then again every visit was unforgettable. "Now if I only I could get that bear to pay his…"
As if on cue, the big grey bear happened to stroll through the doors of the beloved nightclub and looked around, grinning. "Hey, barkeep, how're things on your side of the funny papers?"
Grinning from ear to ear, Louie looked up and waved as he hopped over the counter and hopped over to meet his best friend. "Li'l Boy Baloo, where you been? The place hasn't been the same without you?"
Baloo laughed and hugged the ape, patting him on the back. Grinning sheepishly, Baloo scratched the back of his head. "Sorry, Louie, you know how it is. Rebecca comes up with one of her get-rich schemes and hoo boy!"
Louie rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Funny, Baloo, if I recall you got into some trouble in your time with those crazy treasure hunts. So what kind of scheme she got you on this time?"
Baloo groaned and laughed. "Let's just put it this way, Louie ole pal. This one makes the air refueling scheme seem like a vacation!"
Wincing himself, Louie just shook his head. "I tell ya Baloo. I've known you for years and it's never been boring, and since ya met Kit things have gotten even more interesting." Looking around suddenly, Louie blinked. "Where is Shortstop anyway?
Baloo smiled and pointed to the door, though Louie could see the concern in Baloo's eyes. "He'll be in, in a sec. He's having trouble waking up. He kind of took a nap on the way here."
Louie frowned, looking concerned himself. "What's a matter? Kid feelin' under the weather?"
Baloo sighed and nodded. "You could say that. Kid's been having problem sleeping lately, and when he does he seems to have this reoccurring dream that's really bothering him. I just can't understand why he won't tell me what's…"
"Hey, Li'l Cuz!" Louie greeted, cutting the grey bear off as he walked over to greet the yawning cub.
Looking up suddenly as if from coming back from majorly spacing out and grinned at the ape. "Hey, Louie! Sorry we haven't been around. Miss Cunningham has had…"
"It's okay, kiddo. Baloo here has told me of your latest nightmare."
Kit blinked and looked up at Baloo crossing his arms across his chest. "Papa Bear…."
Baloo shrugged. "Aw, come on, kiddo. You know how crazy this last job was..."
The young navigator had to admit it. Baloo was right, The longer he and Baloo worked for Rebecca, the crazier the schemes. Still, having them around he figured that by now…it was worth it. Grinning, Kit shrugged and laughed slightly. "Hey, you have to admit, Papa Bear, she is creative."
Baloo nodded and rolled his eyes. "Yeah, well maybe she could be more creative with… hold on. Why are we talking about that anyway? I thought we were taking a short vacation?"
Grinning, Kit nodded and felt grateful Baloo's rant came mercifully to a short end. With another short yawn, Kit stood back and watched as two of his best friends shared a camaraderie that he himself never thought would be able to share with anyone. It was something that showed life could be full of surprises. Yet, he couldn't help but think that anything could happen to take it all away. Shaking the thought off, Kit finally joined the two as pilot and barkeep exchanged good-natured banter.
Hours later, in the early evening as the sun was still setting on the small island coast, Kit watched the waves crash upon the coast and just as quickly recede into the ocean. Part of him would have thought how this could be a metaphor for his life. The rest of him wanted to smack himself and say "get a life" and for once in over two weeks Kit had decided to follow "majority vote" on this one and laughed at himself. Leaning back on the warm sand resting his hands behind his head.
It was odd really…Baloo and Kit had these little trips to Louie's before, but this one so far had seemed different. Somehow he enjoyed this little excursion more than any previously had. Maybe it was just that sometimes when you remember how little you started out with you remember to cherish what you have been given. With a smile to himself, the cub knew that after the weekend was over he and Baloo would be swamped with deliveries nonstop and that every moment of this retreat will be greatly appreciated.
Hearing footsteps behind him, Kit laughed weakly. "So, Papa Bear…have your share of ice cream sundaes yet?" Hearing a laughter that was not Baloo, Kit rolled over onto his stomach and looked up to see Louie, who gave the cub a jovial grin.
"Are you kidding, cuz? You know how much food that bear can pack away. Heck! That's why I added those extra freezers in the basement years ago."
Kit just laughed and rolled his eyes as he looked to Louie. "I'm surprised you left him in there. Aren't ya scared he'll eat you out of stock?"
Louie shook his head and grinned. "Nah, I told him if he tried, I'd call my Aunt Louise to come for a visit if he did. Besides…I thought I'd come out and visit with you for a while."
Blinking in disbelief, Kit's eyes widened a bit and pointed to himself. Sure, he and Louie spoke a lot but usually Baloo was with them and most of the conversation went on between Baloo and Louie. "You wanna talk to me?"
Louie blinked and gave him mock scowl. "Geez Louise, kid, you make it sound like I never talk to ya."
Kit grinned sheepishly and looked down. "Well….yeah, but usually it's when Baloo is around. But it's okay…You've known Papa Bear a lot longer then you've known me."
Louie blinked and went to deny it but, realized that the cub was right. He hadn't ever spoken with him alone. Mentally kicking himself, the good natured ape knelt beside Kit and patted him on the shoulder, chuckling. "Well I'll be a monkey's…why didn't you say anything before now, Shortstop?"
Not really thinking about it until now, Kit wasn't really sure. Shrugging his shoulders, Kit grinned sheepishly. "I…I guess I didn't want to interrupt you two when you're talking about the old days. Besides I always liked hearing about how things used to be."
Not buying it, Louie shook his head and smiled weakly. "Aw, come on, kiddo, I ain't Baloo. Ya should know me better than that by now. What's going on with you?"
Turning to face the water once again, Kit sighed. He knew it was true from what he's seen in the past of Louie. It was hard to get a lie past him. Especially if it was concerning a friend and how they were feeling. He knew there was no point in trying again, but just didn't want to give Louie any more problems than he already had, just like Baloo. "I'm sorry, Louie, but I just don't think I'm ready to talk about it yet. Maybe soon, but just not now."
Shaking his head again, Louie took a seat beside Kit. "You know, you're starting to act a lot like Baloo. That could be considered a good thing, but you're starting to take on his bad traits too. Like not telling anybody when something's bothering 'im. Now I'm not gonna push you into talking but I just want you to know I'll be here if you want to talk."
Kit nodded and smiled gratefully at the ape before staring off into the sunset once more. He knew he had evaded the interrogation this time but there'd be a point where he could not be so lucky.
The rest of the weekend had gone better than Kit could hope as Louie had taken the rest of the weekend off to join his pals in enjoying the oddly warmer than usual time for this time of the year. Between fishing, swimming, and talking about adventures past. It was nothing like Kit imagined it would be and, no matter what would happen in the future, no matter where he ended up, Kit would remember this weekend.
Sadly, the weekend came to a quick end and both pilot and navigator found themselves homeward bound.
For the most part the flight was silent as both spent the time in perspective. Baloo, as he flew his precious Sea Duck, looked over occasionally to the boy who had become his navigator and close friend. Though, in a way the kid had become something more than just a friend over the past few months and couldn't help but recall his past. His thoughts went back to the only woman he had ever loved. His wife, Elisabeth, like himself, had been a carefree adventurer and pilot. All she wanted out of life was the freedom of the blue skies, adventure, and her husband Baloo. Besides, there was nobody else on this earth that could keep the big grey bear in line…at least not in her opinion.
Sighing, he wondered again how things had come to the end like they did. Then he had recalled the letter. The "Dear John" letter that sadly he knew was going to show up eventually, but not as quickly as it did.
11 years earlier…
Returning from a long flight taking needed supplies to a small island after a tsunami, all Baloo wanted to do was get some sleep and see his wife again. Muttering quietly to himself as he slipped from the plane, Baloo quietly made his way up the dock toward the home he and his wife had made here in Cape Suzette; so lovingly called Elizabeth and Baloo's Air Service. Rubbing a sore shoulder and wincing at the hollering he'd get from her for being late, Baloo stepped into the front office and immediately realized that something was not right.
His heart beating faster, Baloo swallowed a lump in his throat as he realized things were a lot more quiet than normal. Moving to the kitchen, Baloo found a half eaten meal sitting on the table. From the looks of it, it had been sitting there for some time. "Ah, get a hold of yerself, Baloo, she probably just forgot."
Not believing himself, Baloo went out of the kitchen and slowly took to the staircase. Carefully taking each step, Baloo felt as if this was the longest climb he had ever taken. Curiously, Baloo wondered if this was how condemned prisoners felt just before the end. Like many, he hoped there would be that call of reprieve at the last moment and she'd be there.
Sadly, there was no reprieve…and no Elizabeth. Having returned to the office below, Baloo had found the note left on the cluttered and broken desk of the office. How many times had she asked him to fix that desk? Picking it up, Baloo sat shaking as he read the words that seared into his brain. Words that he had been telling himself since they lost him but wasn't willing to admit it.
Dear Baloo,
By the time you read this, I will have been gone for more than a day; a day and a half knowing you. I'm sorry I could not tell you this in person, but I could not bear to face you, to have to see that look when I would tell you that I cannot stay any longer. Please understand that when we lost our child, I lost a part of myself; that we had lost a part of us. Although we both never blamed the other and we had tried to get on with our lives, things had changed. I never truly believe you understood how I felt. Yes …you were his father but I was his mother. For nine months I had a bond with this child that you could never understand.
I know you plan to try to find me. That's the kind of guy you are. Never giving up without a fight. That's part of why I always love you so much. But for once, Baloo, please, if you love me like I know you do, leave me in peace and go on with your life. Maybe just one day when I've come to terms with what life has handed me, I will return one day. Until then, understand that I never blamed you and will always love you.
Elizabeth Samantha Bruinwald
Who knows how long he had sat there just staring at the letter. Disbelief and shock as he shook his head, not wanting to believe any of it. Wanting to believe that it was all a dream and that he'd wake up at Louie's, fly home, and hug his wife and never let go.
Sadly, he never did wake up from the nightmare and after a few months he finally started to come around with the help of the only friend he had left In this world. Although it took patience and tough love, Louie had finally gotten the bear to realize he still had a life to live and there was no way he was gonna let the big Palooka waste it on living in the past.
Present
"Baloo? Papa Bear?" Waving a hand in front of the bear who finally shook himself out of his reverie Baloo looked to his navigator who currently was wearing a worried look on his face. "Um…Baloo? You okay? You kinda spaced out on me."
Realizing he had kind of left reality for a few moments there, the grey bear grinned sheepishly and gave an embarrassed chuckle. "Sorry about that, Little Britches. I was just remembering something from a long time ago."
Getting Kit's full attention now, the cub tilted his head to the side raising a brow. Baloo had never given any glimpse into his past, not that Kit had been too generous with his past either.
Although the two had become the best of friends and partners, there still remained that lack of ability to trust. A majority of it from Kit, though Baloo was not completely trusting himself. Then again with their short, yet active history, neither had given the other a good reason to trust the other…at least on a few occasions. Though every time, pilot and navigator had found a way to work through it and actually cause their friendship to grow.
Smiling at Baloo, Kit nodded and grinned a mischievous grin. "Okay, Baloo…For a second there I thought I'd have to spray soda on you again."
Baloo groaned, reminded of the flight to deliver needed nutrients for a koala at the local zoo. "Oh, baby! And to think I didn't shower 'til morning. It took three showers to get that stuff out."
Kit laughed and hopped back into his seat. "How is it you always end up with something sticky all over you at the end of the day? Soda, bubblegum, glue, Don Karnage…" Kit shuddered at that last one. "I couldn't imagine being physically stuck to that bozo for a second."
Baloo nodded in agreement. "I didn't realize just how annoying that guy could be until I actually had to spend 24 hours with him."
Kit shook his head and sighed. "Try living over a year with the guy. I never thought I'd see someone who was so in love with his mirr…"
Interrupted by the sudden crackle of the radio Kit turned his head as Rebecca came over the signals, sounding slightly urgent. "Higher for Hire to the Sea Duck. Sea Duck come in."
Baloo sighed and shook his head and picked up the mike. "Awww, geez, lady, I still have 12 hours left!"
Hearing a sigh on the other side, Baloo frowned.
"I know Baloo and I'm sorry but I just received word that a large shipping contract just became open in Balto Alto and we have to jump on it tonight."
Shaking his head, Baloo sighed himself and released the mike, looking to Kit. "Well, looks like not only is our vacation over, but it'll be a long night as well."
Kit was about to shrug and smile which usually translated into "nothing new" when Rebecca spoke up again.
"By the way, Kit, you're going to have to stay home this trip. I need somebody home to take phone calls in the morning."
Kit was about to complain, but was cut off again.
"I'm sorry, honey, but I'm expecting a few important calls that can't be missed. Now I trust you enough to take them for me, because I know you're an intelligent and responsible young man. Can you do this for me, please?"
Sighing, Kit sat back in his chair, thought for a moment, scratched his ear, and took the mike. "Sure, Miz Cunningham…We'll be home soon. Sea Duck out."