Upon reaching the area, it was more of a massive factory like structure above the clouds. Aero knew that this place would be rather tough, mostly due to the lava within the area, and how much he needed to time his jumps, less he'd fall onto the clouds below. Now while Aero wasn't scared of hights, he's never had to deal with lava before so he needed to be extra careful. The duo were greeted by two soldiers of the temple. They were expecting them, as they would meet with the Priest at the top. They would not be able to help due to being more observant, or as one says, cowards. Whatever it takes, Aero would do whatever he can. Navigating the place was tricky, but not too difficult, it was more of the jumping he needed to be careful. Until he made a slip up and was about to fall.
Huepow: Waah! Klonoa we're about to fall!
Aero: HENYA!-Come on Aero, come on, trust your instincts, don't think, just feel, and let them flow like the wind!-
In that split second, he put the effort into his feet and legs, where he felt himself spring high into the air, with Huepow letting out a yelp at the sudden shock. They landed carefully onto a much bigger platform, with Aero panting at getting the feel for his super jump again. It had been too long since he felt that rush again.
Huepow: Klonoa what was that?! I didn't know you could jump that high.
Aero: I -panting- I'm not sure, it's like my body reacted on its own.
Huepow: Well if you hadn't used that, we would've fallen. But with this ability, we can make it to the Priest in no time.
Aero: Yeah let's hurry.
With Aero's ability back he was able to make getting to the orbs much smoother. When the doors open and could see a way to get up to the next part of the temple. The soldiers from earlier appeared again, and explained to them a bit about Ghadius. This was news to Aero, as Klonoa mentioned to him that he didn't fully recall how much he learned about the dark spirit, but all he knew was that there was more to him then they thought. But the soldiers were more worried about the fact the eclipse is now present.
This meant that the monsters would change and not be effected by Aero's attacks. But he was more then ready to get to the top, if their enemy was here then he would take the fight to them. And a little bonus would help with his regained skill. Sure Klonoa would've had a very tricky time with how the sun and dark sun would be timing. And the puzzles that needed to be done, while endless falling was still possible. Aero had his super jumping, and timing with the ring. He was very much feeling the rush of freedom once again, his heart beating strongly, and the wind flowing through his fur, made him feel more alive. His hearing was still keen, meaning he was able to pick out the sound of someone up ahead.
It led them to the Priest, Moris, who was grateful they had come. And explained more about Ghadius, and how the dark spirit was sealed away long ago by those of the light. Even if he was shunned away, Aero didn't seem to care, given all of what he's seen, Klonoa would've done it differently if things weren't forced onto him. This made Aero determined to see this through, in fact his eyes flashed a more cat-like appearance, this got Huepow's attention.
Huepow: Klonoa your eyes, , ,they don't look right. Are you, scared?
Aero: No, i'm fine. Let's hurry.
The spirit boy didn't try to ask further, seeing how Aero's tone was a mix between anger yet firm. They headed onto the platform as it rises upwards, and how the cabbit couldn't get this feeling out, though he had the feeling that Huepow was starting to notice his additude and true skills revealing his identity. He just needed to last a little longer before the news could be clear. Upon arriving at the very top, they meet once again with the dark spirit Ghadius, and his Joka. However something seemed different, it was if they had been expecting the duo, yet mostly Aero.
Joka: My lord Ghadius, it seems our guests have arrived. Though I must admit, a bit later then usual.
Ghadius: Child of the wind as they call you. Your persistence holds no bounds.
Aero: Ghadius! Just do you plan on doing with the Moon Pendent?!
Ghadius: They are close, and yet I do not seek to set them completely. For you see child, , ,you have made things more, interesting from the one that came before.
Aero: What?
Huepow: What are you talking about?
Ghadius: In order for my plans to fall into place, I shall summon the moon kingdom. I shall see just where your heart lies. Joka, I will leave these to you.
Joka: Yes sir my lord! I shouldn't fail you like before!
Ghadius before leaving, turned to look directly at Aero, who was frozen in place. He took a step back from that. Aero's had an issue when it came it dealing with tall figures, and giving how he was able to get a better look, only for things to take a different turn. That look tells the cabbit that he will be expected to be ready for what's to come after this. With a smirk Ghadius then vanishes within the same dark smoke. Leaving his jester minion to handle the rest. These events were confusing the cabbit, Aero knew that this was the time to take this clown down for good.
Joka: Well now that the stage has been set. What do you say we get this show started!
Aero: You've caused a lot of trouble Joka, this time, it's you who will fall!
Joka: Bold words for a mere child! Regardless, you are about to witness my powers of darkness!
Aero: Ok Huepow, let's show this clown just who he's messed with for the last time.
Huepow: Right, let's do this.
Joka: Well you brats, I think it is time for the big finally to begin! You ready? Because IT'S SHOWTIME!
A dark aura surrounded the fiendish jester, making him appear much Much bigger, where he moves around the arena. But thanks to the well placed enemies, Aero took this as means to hitting the main target. Though aiming took timing as well as accuracy, which Aero had plenty of. However the moment the dark sun came out, the jester transformed into a nightmarish looking monster that resembled some sort of sea turtle with blades.
The sharpen grin opened to unleash a terrifying screech, and was immuned to attacks. And this time it seems like Aero was having much more trouble. The blades extended and began to spin around, along with the motion of slamming down, attempting to chop the cabbit up. As Aero nearly avoided getting his head cleaved off in the process. Though there was something new, the nightmarish Joka would strike with his tail, and it actually hit Aero in the arm. This caused the cabbit to grip it and scream in pain. The jester let's out a sinister laugh, watching at the wounded cabbit's pain in glee. While Aero kept away from the incoming attacks, while clutching his wound to stop the bleeding.
Aero:-Damn it! This guy's tougher then he looks! And I can't use the ring on anything! How am I going beat him!?-
Huepow: Klonoa the floor's changing colors when you step on them! Maybe it might reverse his form!
Seeing that Huepow was right, he did as best he could, while avoiding the best he can from Joka's attacks. It was when all the colors turned to normal, and Joka's form had transformed back. Causing the jester to perform the same attacks, where Aero gets the chance to counter. And this time he managed to do heavy damage, and even his ring launched a different attack, an arrow made of lightning. This took the clown down for good. With the jester was on his final moments, he spoke some ominous words that would've send chills down Aero's spine, but he knew what that meant.
Joka: Do not think, , ,that this is over yet. . .Your power is different, far beyond that of the brat's. I was right, Lord Ghadius will be most please with this. . .Urk, well I guess this is it for me, but I don't regret it. That's showbiz, , ,GAHHHH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA! ! !
He then went out in an explosion, laughing mad as it happened. Once it was over, Aero fell to his knees and onto his back, as he was panting. While also trying to tend to his injuries. Huepow was looking scared, and even speaking in the way that a child would.
Huepow: K-klonoa are you ok?!
Aero: Urk! Y-yeah I,i'll be ok buddy. I just, I just need some treatment, and a little rest.
Huepow: That injury looks pretty bad. I, I think I might have stored something in the ring, just give me a moment okay.
He goes into the ring, while Aero stays where he was, gripping his arm as he gazes into the darken skies.
Aero: Klonoa. . .I may have not known you went through all of this. But I think I might have a good idea, and I definitely know that this wasn't part of it. Damn it, , ,I swear if Guntz were here, he'd probably take that clown to the cops. Heh heh I guess my recklessness got me into some real mess here. But no matter what, i'll be seeing this to the end. . .
Huepow reappears with what was needed to tend to the wounds, Aero remained strong despite it hurting. Once it was taken care of, both were taking this time to rest, as the battle took a lot out of them. Huepow remained by Aero's side, by resting in his arms. As Aero wasn't sure when Ghadius would began to summon the Moon Kingdom, but for now he will take a break to regain his strength.
End of Chapter