So this is sort of the Epilogue, but it was cut in two because of the word count. This is Kit's one
One month later
"I don't see why I have to wear a suit!" Kit exclaimed as Rebecca tried to tie his tie. Honestly it was like working with three children someday as she finally fixed in it place and looked at him.
Kit looked the very model of a young man, and clearly he hated every second. "You have to wear it because we have to make a good impression for the Judge. Even Baloo hadn't complained". Which wasn't true, Baloo had complained the moment she had returned from a shopping trip with it, but the moment she reminded him who it was for, he shut his mouth and became obedient.
It had taken a long time to get to this point, and now everything hinged on the words of the Judge. Both of the adults were nervous after all Kit had been through he could easily still say "No," which wasn't a thought they were sharing with Kit.
He seemed to be over his night of hell on the Iron Vulture, and even though Baloo was bothered by a few sleepless nights, it was nothing Baloo couldn't handle and they were getting easier over time.
His Therapist had told him that it was great progress, and with the aid of the tutor and the fact he couldn't do much until his arm healed as he managed to catch up on all his schooling and if the day went as everyone hoped, would be starting school in the Fall. Neither of them would be there, as per the rules of the hearing, but had sent all their information along to the Judge in the hope for the same outcome.
Baloo, who Rebecca noticed cut quite a dashing look in his suit, came back into the house as he reminded them that Molly and Wildcat were in the car and waiting for them, the plan was for them to go to the park, and meet them afterwards at the court house. Neither of them had any real clue that this was the day that would decide Kit's family and just thought if it as a reward for working so hard…or in Molly's case being so good.
As the family drove to the Court House, the three bears let Molly and Wildcat do all the talking, all pretty much thinking exactly the same thing as they arrived with ease; somehow beating the Cape Suzette traffic and all emerged to see Mrs Gold, the Social Worker waiting for them.
Exchanging pleasantries, they all walked into the Court Room together, and waited for Judge Farley, who as he stepped in wearing his robes, which caused all of them to become nervous as he begun to look over Kit's case.
Baloo was hoping it would be quick and easy, but as he begun to look over both Baloo's and Rebecca marital status, since Baloo would be granted custody, but Rebecca next of kin if something happened to him. The Judge seemed unimpressed by Baloo being single and Rebecca being a widow, which was done in a tone that made Rebecca clench inside. Baloo's war record was looked into, which did impress Farley, even though it being discussed didn't exactly make Baloo a happy bear.
Then their finances were looked into, it was no secret that Baloo had lost his business to Rebecca who was turning it around, and ever since the skies were now clear, business had picked up and Shere Khan and brought the Sea Duck back fully maintained and even with a coat of wax!
In the end there was the issue of the reward money Shere Khan had offered, and since everyone apart from the Higher for Higher Company, was just doing their jobs, in the end Khan had come to the office, whilst Kit was recovering and offered him the money. Rebecca originally didn't want to take it, wanted nothing from Khan.
This was a comment that initially didn't fill Baloo with pride, since Khan had in the weeks along with the treatments he was providing for Kit's still scarred back had sent Baloo the information confirming the fund for College for both the children when they came of age, to any College they desired. It was a fortune to someone like Baloo, and he wisely kept the issue from Rebecca until she had calmed down enough, which should probably take a decade.
In the end it was agreed to split it three ways, a third to Kit to whom it would be placed into a high-security account until he was twenty-one. The rest to Baloo and Rebecca, well Higher for Hire.
Even though Baloo could have put it into his dream of buying the Sea Duck back, he immediately passed it to Rebecca to invest in the Company, an actions that moved and impressed Rebecca as Baloo explained that it was meaningless having a plane, if you didn't have a steady income.
With that at least the Company would be stable for a while, even though the look on the Judge's face didn't respect this act of generosity as he read through the documents, reading several key moments in Kit's life out loud as if he wasn't in the room. Kit knew on paper they were unorthodox (a word he had picked up in his reading lessons) but they were his family.
As they all stood at Farley's comments, both Baloo and Rebecca squeezed Kit's hands, since he was beginning to tremble, as it looked like the Judge was ready to pass judgment on all of them as the door opened behind them, and a familiar well to a few of them filled the air.
"Sorry, I'm late" as Bagheera, clad in a suit, his eyes hidden behind shades so no one can read his emotions stepped into the room, an official document in his hands. As expected since he was now clearly working, he looked at no one, before stepping to the Judge at the podium and passing the Judge the letter.
Farley with a look of distaste at this interruption, almost sneered at Bagheera as he opened the document, and even with his face that clearly didn't get out in the sun that often somehow managed to get paler.
With that, Bagheera took the document back, and made his way to leave not before throwing the three bears a little smile as he left the room, leaving Rebecca and Kit slightly bewildered at the interruption as Farley cleared his throat.
"Well, after reading all the evidence, I see no reason why the formal and legal adoption of young Christopher cannot proceed immediately. Christopher, from this moment you legal father is the gentleman next to you. Will you be keeping your name?"
All three of them blinked and three hearts began to beat a little faster, this was it. After everything, this was the moment it was legal. Kit almost wanted to scream with happiness but managed to keep calm as he addressed the Judge. "Can I have the name Christopher Baloo Cloudkicker von Bruinwald…please?"
The Judge could only shrug in response "It's very long, but if that the name you want".
"Well, of course, I do, it's the name of my dad." Stated Kit, growing in confidence with each word, he was adopted Baloo was his dad…no one could take him away.
As Farley brought the gavel down, telling them the certificate would be in the mail in the week, the three bears along with Mrs Gold filed out of the room and got as far as the corridor before they all begun to holler and cheer in unison. Baloo grabbing Kit and raising him over his head yelling to everyone in the vicinity "This is my son, everyone…this is my boy".
Rebecca was wiping tears from her eyes and hugging Mrs. Gold, in thanks who sadly couldn't come with them to celebrate as she had a new child that needed her help, which they all understood but she promised she would keep in touch with all of them.
When they all stepped from the building, they never noticed the limo a few feet away as Bagheera slid into the driver's seat and turned on the ignition, as Shere Khan placed down his newspaper and addressed his bodyguard "So from the look of them, I take it there were no interruptions or issues?"
"None, it's nice that they get a happy ending isn't it…and quite generous of you to do that for them".
"Oh, come now, you think I would ever just do something out of the "goodness of my heart." They are a family, an unusual one but still a family, and that young Cloudkicker boy is fascinating. I think I shall be watching him with great interest."
Bagheera could only smirk at the most serious tone, which never fooled him for a second, unlike the general population. "Whatever you say Shere, whatever you say."
So this is Kit's epilogue, but there is one more character in the Talespin universe then deserves one of his own. Back in a few days
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