When Klonoa was awake and made sure he was really back. He found himself in his bed, and another cabbit was shocked to see him awake. The wild eared cabbit called their grandpa to come in, and both were in tears, hugging him and telling him how he had been in some kind of sleeping trance. Now Klonoa was confused, as he didn't seem to recognize his older brother. But he did recognize his grandfather. Aero had asked Jeramiah what was wrong with Klonoa, and could something have happened while he was stuck under that sleeping spell? Jeramiah had asked Klonoa, who tried to explain, but was still in a confused and shock state, it also didn't help that his head hurt from the effects of waking up. That was when Jeramiah had a solution.
Jeramiah: This is a rare thing to happen. Usually it would be used by nightmare entities, but those of dreams. I'm a bit perplexed. If we are to help Klonoa, it would be wise to take it easy, take him places where he's familiar with, and spending time.
Aero: And you're sure that will work?
Jeramiah: My boy I've lived and foreseen these kinds of side effects. Klonoa, will you be fine with that?
Klonoa: Uhh sure grandpa.
Aero:-What could have happened while he was under that spell? In fact what adventures did he go on? I sure hope this works. . .-
And so for the next couple of days, they did what they could to help the cabbit out. At first it was slow, but was being helpful to Klonoa. While Aero was helping, but gave him space as it would be much easier to settle. Little by little when Klonoa's healing was working, Aero had felt alone, it was strange yet was also hurting. When Klonoa was playing and exploring, Aero came to his grandfather for comfort. Aero would explain that he didn't understand why his brother had to be targeted, why he did not recognize him when he woke up? All these feelings were confusing yet also taring him up inside. Jeramiah simply explained to him that, while it takes time, Klonoa will regain his memories, and the two will be able to become friends again. This made the young cabbit relieved about that, if there was anyone that knows these things better then people he knows, its Jeramiah.
Jeramiah: Klonoa's a special boy, and I'm sure somewhere inside, he knows you mean well.
Aero: I hope so, , ,I'm just scared that he won't remember me.
Jeramiah: Aero, my child. Do you really doubt Klonoa's healing?
Aero: Yeah, I don't want to lose my brother.
Jeramiah patted his head and stroked the ear, this caused Aero to purr as it helped him calm down. It has been over a few weeks since Klonoa had regain his memories, and was able to explain to his brother and grandfather of what happened. They were both shocked, yet also disgusted at the fact that happened to the young dream traveler. Jeramiah had explained to Klonoa about the sleeping spell, and perhaps that was how he was summoned and why he was chosen as a dream traveler. Even though Klonoa did started to feel like his old self, how much happy and relieved to be with those who were there for him. He still felt the pain within his heart, his soul still needing to heal from the experience. Klonoa could not stop thinking about Phantomile, those residents he knew in his world, it was when he met Huepow, and what he thought was real and true, to knowing the truth. And how waking, feeling heartbreak and betrayed, being used and how naïve he was. To trust someone he thought was his friend. Part of him still thinks of them being friends, giving the moments they did share on their adventure. However a part of him was still sad, angry even, lost and confusion were the most he felt. He would go to the forest, up onto the roof, or even to where him and Aero would hang out. It was whenever he needed time to think, and how nothing he did seemed to make a difference. It was when he heard a familiar yet welcoming tone.
Aero: I knew I would find you here. Grandpa told me you went off on your own again.
Klonoa: Oh! Uh hi Aero. S-sorry did I really again? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you.
Aero: You've been doing it a lot ever since you got your memories back. And from what you told us about your adventures.
Klonoa: I know I should move on, but. . .part of me can't. I don't understand what's wrong with me.
Aero: Still thinking about 'him'. Aren't you buddy.
Klonoa could only nod in reply. Aero sat next to him, as both stare off into the town and sky. Nether said anything for a while, as Aero felt that he would let Klonoa talk about it when he feels ready. The two had been together since their parents had gone missing, and living in Breezegale with their grandfather Jeramiah. They had been able to do things to not only keep eachother company, but also safe and to be strong. Even during times like this, while Aero experienced his first dream travel not very long ago, even some short adventures that went from exploration with someone who was seeking a treasure, to help comfort someone who's going through a scary dream or lacked confidence, he still had yet to fully understand it himself. But he can provide some advice to Klonoa, who is still shaken by the thought, for how traumatic it was.
Klonoa: Aero, can you tell me. How did it go for you? Your first time exploring the dream world I mean?
Aero: Why bring that up all the sudden?
Klonoa: Well it's just that. . .You woke up crying, and somewhat angry. You didn't want to talk about it and told me you were fine. But, it was a lie, wasn't it.
That hit the older boy, as he went silent for a bit. His ears fell but knew that Klonoa was right. He had been rather avoiding him about that topic, but only cause he wasn't yet ready to tell the whole story. The only one he told were Guntz and his father Batz.
Aero: You're right, I hadn't been fully honest with you Klo. I just wasn't ready to tell you yet. But I want you to know, I wasn't mad with you, I only left so that I didn't take it out on you, or grandpa.
He tried explaining what he can recalled, and what happened during his journey through the dream world. It was positives at first, but as Aero continued, , , Klonoa was quiet but listening. He was shocked but also sad for what Aero had to go through. Now he knows why his brother was upset and why he left for Volk. To Klonoa it made him wonder, just how different things would've gone if Huepow had used him like that. It was a frightening thought, and it certainly wasn't better then what he had been through.
Klonoa: Wow so you were used too. But by someone who was your partner, who was jealous over their sister and wanted to rule over their kingdom, but also keep you there forever. While the other one who you though was your enemy, was actually the one who was trying to prevent it. That must've been horrible to find out, I can see why you didn't want to talk about it till now. I'm sorry for asking.
Aero: Don't be, If anything I should've explained it better when I got back. But when you became a dream traveler yourself, and you were in the state you were in, , ,I just couldn't bring myself to tell you. It was like something inside was telling me not to. I don't understand it myself. But seeing how it effected you, and how hurt you were. How you didn't recognize me. . .it made me afraid that I was going to lose another family member. . .Grandpa told me that dreamers experience different effects from their travels, and how it can go bad. But whatever that dream spell was about, I'm at least relieved that it didn't make you forget, so i'm grateful to have my brother back.
Klonoa: Oh Aero. . .
This made Klonoa sniffle and tears began to form in his eyes. As he went to hug his brother, and cried into his chest.
Aero: W-woah Klonoa!
He could feel how much Klonoa had held inside, but mostly how much he had missed and just wanted to feel that warm safe place and comfort that the other would give.
Klonoa: I'm so sorry that I forgot about you! I knew something felt off, and how lonely it was, I feel like a horrible brother for letting that happen! I don't want to lose you ether!
Aero: H-hey it's ok! I'm right here, I'm not going anywhere!
The more Klonoa held on he continued to cry, this caused Aero to also let loose tears. But given how much he had felt his own regrets and doubts began to melt away. Now that he knows his own brother was back and his memories restored. They stayed like that till both felt calm.
Aero: So I guess it's not just you who needed to let it all out then. I never realized how much I kept inside.
Klonoa: Yeah I guess so. But I feel better now and I'm glad you came looking for me.
Aero: Well I had to, I'm your big brother. I've always looked out for you, and you looked out for me. But I can say this, you sure have gotten stronger since that adventure.
Klonoa: Really I have?
Aero: I remember hearing about how dream travelers get stronger when they go on these dream like journeys. And even rumors of a dream guardian, that can help those in need of guidance. Or maybe it's that they help against night terrors.
Klonoa: You might have a point. If that's true, then I want to become stronger! I can't just keep being sad if I don't try! I will become a hero and I will do it to help others!
Aero: Woah there! Aren't you getting a bit ahead of yourself?! Maybe try and hold off from being reckless, you tend to rush off to things much too soon!
Klonoa: Oh uh s-sorry eh heh heh! I guess you raise a point, I do tend to let that get the best of me.
Aero: It's fine, if anything I can get a bit reckless too. Ha ha ha it's great to know you're starting to sound like your old self too.
Klonoa: You know Aero, since we both have dream items. . .Maybe we can practice with them?
Aero: Hmm I guess it couldn't hurt to give a go. And we are away from the house, meaning no one will get caught up in the mess.
Klonoa: Ok let's do this!
Even though they were brothers, they also tend to get a bit competitive, ether in games they play, chores or training. And both were skilled in their elements, it mainly came down to their strengths, agility and even weaknesses. Aero was a bit taller and able to make use of his super jump, while Klonoa being shorter and nimble on his feet, both seemed to be equally matched. Until a hoard of wild Moos came out and started making their way to the brothers, luckily both noticed and headed down the hill. However some giant ones had started running and were about to attack them. It was until Aero's weapon glowed and both him and Klonoa were surrounded by a twister, that shields them while the Moos flying. Both were surprised by this as this was a first time the element did something like that.
Klonoa: Woah Aero that was awesome! How did you do that?!
Aero: I don't know! It's never done that before when I was in the dream world.
Klonoa: Maybe you learned a new skill. I know Balue said that those with strong hearts and would do anything for those they love. Uhh I'm not sure what he meant by that, but I guess it works.
Aero: Huh you really have met that strange old man in both here, and in the dream world. Hmm I guess I can give it a name, , ,how about, the Wind Shield.
Klonoa: Sounds good to me. Hey Aero, can I ask you something? If you're a dream traveler, is it possible for you to enter others dreams at will?
Aero: Not since my first adventure, it's been awhile, and I haven't been summoned so I'm not sure if I can.
Klonoa: Oh well that's a downer. Maybe it's for more experienced ones.
Aero: Yeah that could be it. But hey if I do enter any, I'll be sure to try it out.
They decided to head back as it was starting to get late, as they were walking, Aero began to ask his brother something.
Aero: So this prince friend, Huepow right? If you were to meet him outside the dream, what would you do?
Klonoa:. . .I don't really know. At first I was sad, and then angry, and now. . . i'm not so sure. But if it was for anything, I would want to know why he did what he did. I just wondered on what it could've been like, if we had met in a different way.
Aero: Oh. . .well what does matter is that you did far better then me for your first time. I will admit, I sure fell for that trap without fully realizing it. But hey we learn things, and we can only move forward. If we wonder in the past, then what will there be if we can't move on?
Klonoa: Huh wow Aero, you really are smart with these. I'll try my best, we both will. I'm so glad to have a great big brother.
Aero: Heh heh heh no problem. And if I somehow meet that guy, I'd like to give him a talking to.
Klonoa: If you do, please don't ruffle him up too much.
Aero: Ok I will. And then I'll toss him like a baseball with my crossbow!
Klonoa: Ha ha ha! Aero don't be too rough please!
Aero: Don't worry I know when I need to be tough. And besides I'm only looking out for my favorite baby brother.
He says as he brings him in and ruffles his hair.
Klonoa: H-hey heh heh heh stop it!
Aero: Say how about a race? Last one home get's to eat the last piece of cake!
Klonoa: Oh your on!
Aero: Ready . . .Go!
Once both dashed off home, leading the boys home where the rest was peaceful. And it ended with them settling in for the night, but not after the two were told to get off the game consol. Which they begrudgingly did. Klonoa for the first time in awhile, actually wanted to sleep in his brother's bed by his choice, to which Aero did not mind.
Aero: Wow your ears are extra fluffy, I miss this feeling.
Klonoa: Do you even know what they feel like now?
Aero: Kind of like pillows, very soft pillows.
Klonoa: Are you saying I'll need a hair cut?
Aero: Maybe but-yawns- I think we can ask grandpa tomorrow.
Klonoa:-yawns- Ok goodnight Aero. I love you.
Aero:. . .I love you too, sleep tight little buddy.
The smaller cabbit fell asleep with a peaceful sigh, while Aero decided to stay up a bit. Thinking about what they talked about, and how Klonoa's adventure was. Looking at him, it was hard to believe that his own brother had gone through that. He knew Klonoa was a determined yet good hearted kid, yet given how much has been done to him. Aero wanted to somehow find this prince, and wanted to know what they were really like, and if what Klonoa has told him was true. While he wouldn't seek out vengeance, a part of him was wanting to at least get some answers, but his question is how.
Aero:. . .I wish, there was a way I could enter your dreams, or memories. Then maybe I could see through your eyes. See what you seen Klonoa. . .
He started to feel his eyes grew heavy. Where he would be welcomed by a different dream, one where he would not expect to end up, yet it feel somehow familiar.
End of Chapter