The Cheiftess tells them that they can take a shortcut through a more creepy pathway, which both Huepow and Aero would be cautious of, due to the ghosts and how foggy it was there. Not to mention how dangerous it'll be, but they pressed onward. No matter what happens, they needed to stay determined. However the ring spirit noticed a sudden change in Aero's additude, he was in a way that would describe one, when they feel those they hold dearly are in the sign of danger. How he seemed to be increasing his jumping skills, how somewhat brutal he was with incoming enemies and used them on others or to solve the puzzles. It was if a part of the cabbit was someone whom Huepow wasn't familiar with. It was when they nearly fell down from a very high cliff, was when the spirit felt that he needed to tell the cabbit that he cannot be reckless.
Huepow: Klonoa, Klonoa watch your step! W-woah watch out!
Aero: Sorry Huepow, but I can't stop now, any moment longer and Grandpa will be in greater danger! We can't let Joka get away with this!
The way he sounded, was both serious yet fearful too. It was clear how worried he was, but the other half appeared to be more into a more primal state of mind. He even noticed how his pupils were that of a wild cat's, along with how straight his fur had become. With some careful jumping, and well timed enemy uses. It was when they had to pass through areas that were breaking apart, along with some swing type platforms. This time was different, and something made Aero a bit nervious, he would have close calls. This brought the cabbit back to a moment when him and Klonoa got lost one time, and both were indeed frighten by the scenery and ghosts that would mess with the brothers. But oddly enough it was Klonoa who gained that courage to make it through, while Aero wasn't a fan of being scared. Now he's had to relive it, and how he seemed to realise he was in over his head.
Aero: WAH!
Huepow: What's wrong Klonoa, it's just some swings.
Aero: It-it's not that, it's the way these guys keep messing with me!
Huepow could tell he's not being as reckless, in fact the sense of fear was clear.
Huepow: Listen Klonoa, I know your scared, everyone has things that scare them. But you said it yourself, we cannot waste anymore time! Let's get there before Joka!
Even though Aero was still feeling the effects, he knew that Huepow was right. He couldn't stop now, they needed to pick up the pace. When Aero thought about it, and how his brother would think if he did acted like a scaredy cat during a serious moment, let alone how he was acting before. With some breathing he makes his jumps, and was able to get through the ruins, with some scratches but made it back to Breezegale. Jeramiah came over and waved to them, Aero was relieved that they made it. It all seemed good, until they heard the sounds of ships, and could see them fly over to the house.
Aero:-What no! If only I had my super jump, but why can't I move?! No not now, why?! What's wrong with me!?-
A Lasor was shown and it was about to fire, Aero in a shocked state, couldn't move his body, no matter how much his mind was telling him, he could not make his body do what he wanted. And with a flash, along with an explosion the house was no more. They had taken the moon pendant, and flew away. This made Aero's expression go from shock, to pure anger and vengeance as he rushes after them. Making it to a bridge, Aero called out in sheer anger, while Joka was taunting in a gleeful tone.
Aero: Joka! You monster! Get down here and face me you coward!
Joka: Ooooh~ What an interesting turn of events. Not only have I regain the Moon Pendent, but also got to push your buttons, such a victory for me hee hee hee!~ Oh how our plans are coming more and more closer, Welp I best be on my way, but do keep this one company while I make my little get away.~ Toot a loo!~
Aero: Hey come back here and fight!
Huepow: Something's coming!
He says as he summons a monster before flying away. Baladium, a giant flying cobra with a bird's face, was quite fearsome. Yet Aero couldn't let this thing take him out.
Aero:-This thing looks tough, but I can't let it beat us, we'll defeat it!-
The issue was that the bridge was wabbly and swung rather harsh due to the winds. Along with the serpent sending out columns to try and toss him off. It also did not help that enemies were also coming from out of nowhere. Yet the cabbit was not one to quit. He was able to figure out how to deal with this foe. And that was noticing the change of colors the wings at the hood would flash. And that the pattern on the hood would confuse those if they did not pay attention. With careful aim and timing, he had taken out the snake, winning the battle. He then hurries back to the ruined house, hoping, preying that his grandfather was ok. But to his horror, he finds him on the ground, badly hurt and his voice was nothing but gasping and in pain, yet a small amount of relief. Aero held the old cabbit in his arms, tears streaming down his face, he couldn't keep himself from crying, the ache in his stomach and the pain in his heart were too great. He told Jeramiah to save his strength, that maybe he could still make it, but deep down, he knew. His grandfather had told him how proud he was, and how this was his destiny. With those final words, his hand fell to the ground, the body goes limp, no longer moving, no breath was drawn. Aero couldn't hold back the feelings, it was just too painful, as he screams to the heavens, with hot tears falling from his eyes. Huepow knew that his friend, was in distraught and grief.
Huepow: I'm so sorry Grandpa. If only, if only we made it in time.
Aero: This, , ,wasn't suppose to happen, why him, out of all people Joka could've taken, why him?!
Huepow: K-klonoa?
Aero: - Is this what my brother had to go through?! No wonder he stayed with grandpa for the first few days. But, , ,grandpa, he was fine. Not hurt at all, so why does it feel so real to me? Will he truly be ok when this journey is over? Will I, , ,will I be able to face my brother, knowing I wasn't strong enough? Can I really keep going, scared to see if what Joka actually did was real?-
Huepow: Klonoa, are you ok?
Aero was brought out of his thoughts, and looked over at a concern Huepow. Tears still falling, but given also a guilty look. Seeing his friend in such despair, how vulnerable he was and how it was heartbreaking to see.
Huepow: Klonoa even though what happened was horrible. Grandpa knew you were always strong. He was always proud.
Aero: I know. . . I just wish I could've done something. I should've done something. And yet this was how things went. I'm sorry Huepow. I feel like I have failed those who I care about most. . .What kind of hero am I, if I cannot be there to protect those who needed me most?
Hearing how hopeless he was in, and seeing the cabbit's breathing became more and more sorrowful. The prince went over and gives him a hug, Aero who really needed someone to help with the pain, returns it. This feeling Huepow felt was sadness, hearing his heart, it was clear to him that his friend was having a panic attack, so he just hugs him. He wanted to help his friend feel some sense of comfort. While Aero even though he was in pain, he could tell that Huepow wasn't a horrible person. He actually showed sense of empathy, and gave sympathy to the cabbit. They stayed like that for a little while, until Aero felt better, his breathing and heartbeat became a steady rhythm again, he thanked the ring spirit for being there for him. Now he wasn't sure if Klonoa and Huepow ever had a moment like that, but he liked to think that it might've. It was then that Aero had reminded himself that, it was just within the dream scape. That in the waking world his grandfather was fine, that hope had returned to him, and that it felt as if the clown was only trying to break his spirit and will to fight.
Aero: -I know now just how twisted these monsters can be. I'll make him pay, one way or another. Joka, i'll be sure to give you for what you deserve. He's going to pay for all he's done. And Ghadius, just you wait.-
Him and Huepow buried the body, they take a moment of silence before they had another problem, how were they going to get to the Moon Kingdom. Their answers came in the form of Pamula, who offered them a ride to the Temple of the Sun, Coronia. The duo had to get back to Breezegale, however the tragedy struck. And Aero would face something he feared.
End of Chapter
