The Orb of Time

Part II - Remember

by LDEJRuff

Chapter 3 - Vinny's Evangelical Brother

"Wait," Stewie interrupted. "You have a brother who's an evangelist?"

"Of course," Vinny answered. "He's a preacher at the Evangelical Church of Quahog, and he helped Brian out of his atheism."

"Yeah," Brian agreed. "Vito's a good friend, despite being part cat like Vinny."

"And he's from the same litter I came from," Vinny added. "However, his fur's a little darker than mine."

Getting back to Brian's story, we are treated to what happened the following morning. Brian's Prius drove to a huge church nearby the apartment building. It was the Evangelical Church of Quahog. Inside the church's main office, a dog who looked similar to Vinny, only with brown fur and some tan from his nose all the way to his belly, which is covered over a dress shirt, black pants and a robe, was working. He also wore a pair of glasses and a pair of black shoes. It was Vito, one of Vinny's litter mates, and the preacher of the church. He heard a knock on the office door.

"Come in," Vito addressed in a voice that sounded similar to Reverand Robert Sirico (who ironically is Vinny's voice actor, Tony Sirico's brother).

Vinny had led Brian into the office door, and both dogs were dressed up in church clothing.

"Hey, Vito," Vinny greeted.

"Hello, Vinny," Vito greeted back. "I see you brought another dog with you."

"Indeed," Vinny agreed. "This is Brian. I found him at the gas station last night and brought him home. I think he needs help finding God."

"Boy, Vito," Brian began, "it's an honor to meet you. When I told Vinny about my being an atheist last night, he said that I needed your help in finding God."

"Indeed you do, Brian," Vito replied. "Vinny has found the right dog who needs guidance to becoming a good Christian, and I believe you're the one. You should start reading the Bible often, Brian."

"You're right, Vito," Brian agreed. "It's a good thing your brother keeps one with him."

"And did you find your becoming a Christian while reading it?" Stewie asked. We're back in the Founding Father.

"I did," Brian answered. "Since Vito's advice, I started going to church every Sunday morning for the service. Soon, I forgot about being an atheist and moved on."

"Gosh," New Brian began, astonished, "Vito must have given you some pretty good advice in finding God. Vinny sure has one good brother."

Vinny chuckled. "Grazie."

Back in the flashback, in five seasons' time, the church agreed to fund both Brian's novel, Faster than the Speed of Love, and his play, A Passing Fancy (both of which Vinny proofread so Brian wouldn't want to commit plagiarizm), agreed for his money donation for charity, and even managed to help him find a friend in a new human girl he met, even to the morning of November 24, 2013, which was on a Sunday. Brian, who was next to Leo and Vinny, had just shook Vito's paw as they were getting ready for another service. Little did he know that soon, a member from his former family would meet with an unfortunate fate.

"Here's hoping that today's sermon is special," Brian said.

"I hope it will please you and your family," Vito assured.

"Trust us, bro," Vinny replied. "I'm sure it will."

The sermon was about giving thanks to family, as the day it was said on was on the beginning of the week of Thanksgiving (just not in the floating timeline, that is).

Hours after the sermon, Brian had gotten a phone call.

"Hello," Brian answered, "Brian speaking."

"Brian," Lois began on the other line, "it's me, Lois."

"Lois?" Brian repeated, surprised. "What a pleasent surprise. How are things back in Spooner Street?"

"Not so good, Brian," Lois replied sadly, bringing a somewhat sad look to Brian's face. "I'm afraid I have some sad news. It's New Brian. He's dead."

"Dead?" Brian gasped. "How did he die?"

Lois replied "He was run over by a car near our house when he and Stewie were about to play street hockey. We rushed him to the Veterenary Clinic, but they couldn't save him. His funeral is tomorrow, at the Pet Cemetery. I hope you'll return to us when you come."

Upon hearing Lois's words, he stood frozen with sadness.

"I'll come, Lois," Brian responded. "And thank you for taking me back. Of course, I'll have to say goodbye to my current owner first."

With that, Brian hung up his cellular phone and turned to a saddened Leo and Vinny.

"Guys, Lois just called me and..."

"We heard," Vinny interrupted, eyes watering with tears. "Your family needs you."

"You understand, don't you?" Brian asked.

"Yes," Leo replied. "But don't think this is goodbye forever, Brian. We know you'll visit us again."

"How do you know?"

"Because," Vinny began, "I've come to accept you as if you're part of the family, and always will be. But you need to be with your family."

Upon hearing this, Brian had shed tears of joy and hugged Leo and Vinny.

The next day, the day of New Brian's funeral, Brian had to leave the apartment building.

"The tiny apartment will feel even tinier compared to all this," Vinny wept.

"Yeah," Brian agreed.

"We're really going to miss you, Brian," Leo added. "And we hope you'll visit us again sometime."

"Yeah," Vinny added. "And be sure to come to church every Sunday for my brother's sermons."

"I will, guys," Brian replied. "Thank you for understanding how much the Griffins need me."

Brian gave both Leo and Vinny a farewell hug, got into his Prius, and drove to the Pet Cemetery.

We are now back in the Founding Father.

"And I have kept my word since then," Brian concluded. "Every week, I see both Leo and Vinny listening to Reverend Vito's sermons at the Evangelical Church."

Stewie and the other dogs applauded Brian's story when their food arrived. Brian had ordered bacon and eggs, Stewie had gotten some macaroni and cheese with green beans, New Brian got a piece of steak with a side of corn, as did Jasper, Scott had ordered haggus, Vinny got fettacinni Alfredo, and Todd ordered chili.

"Boy, this is the best meal I've had since my revival," Todd said.

"It's the only meal you've had since your revival, Todd," Stewie corrected. "I just wish I got to know what had happened before you died, besides the fact you had gotten old."

"Well, Stewie," Todd began, "I should tell you after lunch. But for now, let's dig in."

"Right," Brian agreed, raising a glass. "A toast, to a doggone friendship."

With that, the rest of the group raised their glasses, then lowered them to begin drinking.