Aero finds himself within a void of nothingness, the feeling of his body was numb, he could not move no matter how hard he tried. His heart faintly beating but his mind was still working. It was swirling with questions. After defeating such a dangerous foe, only for his body to reach it's limit, and how confused and scared he was feeling. If Klonoa could do it, why couldn't he? How did it turn to out this way? But most of all, was he not able to help despite being summoned and all he has done?

Aero could feel himself both angry yet tears were also forming in his eyes. In his heart he felt he had failed those whom he made a promised to, , , to those of Phantomile, to Huepow but most of all, his brother Klonoa. He felt that he wasn't able to wake up. It was like something was pressing him to remain asleep and in this void of nothingness, which Aero never had this happen to him before. As the darkness surrounds him, and his voice could only come out as a weak whimper.

Aero: Klonoa, , ,i'm, so sorry. I thought I was strong enough. I tried all I could, to try and help understand the struggles you have gone through. . .But I guess in the end, I was bound to fail. . .Mom, Dad, grandpa, aunty, , ,Guntz. . . i'm sorry too.

When he was about to accept his fate, a voice called out to him, a familiar one he hadn't heard in awhile. Aero looks around, wondering where it was coming from. What stood above him, was the vacant yet familiar figure of a gold and black wolf. His old best friend Guntz. He looked different, and yet somehow Aero could tell it was really him. This made the cabbit speechless. He was taller and his color became more like his father, if not tan coated. He was wearing the bounty hunting gear and was looking at him with both a worried yet serious expression.

Guntz: Are you really going to give up now? Come on Aero you're better then this!

Aero: Guntz, , ,is that really you?

Guntz: Do you know any other gold and black wolf with fire arms?

Aero: But why are you here, no how are you here?! I must be going crazy after what happened! Maybe Ghadius's lightning must've fried my brain. And didn't you say you no longer wish to see me after what happened?

Guntz: I heard you calling out for help, call me crazy but there's a part of me that didn't want to see you give up.

Aero: I'm confused, why? You made it clear that you no longer wanted to be friends with me. Why would I need help from someone who just up'd and abandoned me huh?

It was pretty clear that the cabbit was both hurt but also angry, this was due to him still feeling pretty shaken up from the battle, while the wolf had his ears back. It was something he would do whenever he felt bad or even scared. Even if Aero had not seen the wolf in awhile, that fight still stayed freshed in his mind. Guntz then got his act together as he was here to help get the cabbit back on his feet.

Guntz: Look Aero I don't have enough time! You have to get up, there are people counting on you!

Aero: I can't Guntz, my body took too much damage already from the two big fights, I'm still recovering from that one with Joka! Not to mention it feels like i'm dying!

It was when stopped for a moment, yes it was pretty clear that the cabbit did look hurt, yet could tell that he still had some fighting spirit in him. He just needed motivation, so he just simply bonked him in the head.

Guntz: You're being a drama queen! Damn it Aero, what would your brother think if he saw you like this. I'm sure he wouldn't want you to quit. He needed your help, are you really going to give up, despite all you have gone through, and make it up to this point, just so you can quit? That's not the Aero I know! The Aero I know has a strong heart, and a stubborn yet determined additude! So I'll ask you, are you really going to give up after all you've gone through?! Or are you going to get back up, and take out that monster?!

Aero: Owie! Sheesh man did you really need to hit me that hard?! . . .But you maybe right. I knew this wouldn't be as simple or easy as I thought.

He paused for a moment, began to feel himself able to move again. His body didn't seem to hurt as much, it's as if some kind of spark healed the more injured bits. Aero takes a moment, feeling his mind able to process, while his heart was beating normal. Like that part in his very being was able to come back.

Aero: I thought I lost myself there for a moment, being lost within the darkness like that, it felt like I really was losing myself. But you managed to reach out to me, Despite that fight, I could tell that you're still the same Guntz I knew before. You coming here was what I needed, to remind me of who I am. So, , ,thankyou.

Guntz: Heh its no problem, also sorry for the hit. I just didn't want to see you quit. You're much stronger now, why would anyone want to mess with someone who can take out giant monsters? Now you get back out there, and you take that big freak down.

Aero: Heh heh I will, , ,but before I leave, I just need to know. Will we ever meet again?

Guntz:. . .Maybe someday, honestly I'm not so sure myself, but if we do. Let's meet on good terms ok?

Aero: Yeah you can count on it!

Guntz: Good luck Aero, not that you'll need it. . .You know you got this.

Aero felt confident yet also secured, knowing that his old friend had faith in him. When Guntz faded, there was a hint of a smile on his face, along with a thumbs up. It takes him a moment, till Aero then notices a light in the distance. It seemed to be guiding him, along with the faintest voice being heard. There was no mistaken it, this was the sound of Huepow. Which was leading the cabbit back to his mind, his feet carrying him along the way. Aero began to open his eyes as he sees Huepow, who was looking at him with a worried yet tearful expression.

Huepow: Klonoa. . .wake up. . .Please wake up Klonoa! We need you, I can't do this alone! I don't want to lose you, not again!

Aero: Mmm Hue, ,Huepow?

Huepow: Gasp Klonoa! I'm so relieved you came through! I was afraid you weren't going to wake up!

Aero: I, , I was?. . .I'm sorry for scaring you like that! But I'm back now, um Huepow where are we?

Huepow: You passed out after our battle with Ghadius. I had Karal take us to where you can recover. I stayed until you woke up, , ,but I saw that you weren't breathing and your heart was very weak. I tried calling out to you, hoping that you would come through!

Aero: I, , ,almost died? Oh man I'm sorry for scaring you! I wasn't aware that Ghadius's attacks did me that bad! I was in this black void, almost like I was slowly fading away, but a voice brought me back.

Huepow could see a slight tear fall from the cabbit's eye.

Huepow: Are you ok Klonoa? You were tearing up just now.

Aero: Huh? Oh I guess I didn't notice. What about the others, are they ok?

Huepow: Mother and the others are waiting for us, are you sure you can stand?

Aero: Yeah I think I can. Hurk! Well what are we waiting for, let's hurry and take out this monster!

Huepow: Right let's go Klonoa!

Both ride on Karal who takes them to what looks to be some kind of rainbow battle area. It was where the stars and night sky were shown, and high above the Moon Kingdom. The five had arrived with canons, and how they would need to use enemies as the ammo. However all would need to be fired at the same time. It was then a mighty roar was heard, it sounded like thunder through the skies, this made Aero's ears twitch due to his hearing being keen, which he looks to where it was coming from. The massive beast appears in all it's fearsome monstrous form, a true creature of nightmares, and why they spoke of it being true. Before they arrived, Aero had witnessed the destruction across the lands, so many monsters, including the ones he has faced before were revived and wreaking havoc.

Aero:-So if this is what the Nahatomb in this world is, , , this hideous thing, what's the one outside like? Surly someone I would rather not meet.-

This battle would be long and would test all of Aero's skills, from avoiding enemies that popped out of the beasts' back, from almost getting eaten, to nearly falling down the gaps of the moving platform. But thankfully Aero was quick enough to get the ammo that was needed to blast the behemoth in one hit. There was a moment where Aero looked at it, seeing if it really had done something. Only for Nahatomb's eyes to open wide and inhaled the cabbit into his body, the suction was too strong for the cabbit to get away.

He found himself within some kind of shadow realm, upon gazing he met the eyes of Nahatomb staring down, taunting him, menacingly. It looked to be in a laughing fit as Aero backed away, only to relies he had no where else to go, nor was there a way out.

It was then that Aero noticed some floating crystals moving around, as was the platform Aero was standing on, moving up and down, which enemies were also appearing from the sky. He knew what he needed to do, however Nahatomb wouldn't make it easy, for he shot out lasers from his four eyes, this startled the cabbit with him jumping out of the way just in time and before it actually blasted him.

Aero made sure to dodge while also tossing the enemies at the crystals which did a lot of damage. It took several hits until the face of the beast vanished and everything was shaking up. The platform breaks out and Aero was spat out, and could see that the nightmare beast had just gotten even more horrifying. Parts of the body had pieces of flesh torn off espousing the insides and bones, the roars sounded even more ear piercing, but it was pretty clear that they just needed one more round to take out their foe.

Only this time Nahatomb was going berserk and unleashing wave attacks which unleashed a deadly flame breath. Yet despite all the chaos the cabbit stayed determined and with one more blasts from the canons, Nahatomb was defeated, or was he.

Aero then heard Huepow telling him to fire him directly at Nahatomb, the cabbit seemed hesitant, but Huepow reassured that it will be alright and to trust him. Aero took in the energy and all he's learned, aims the weapon, and it turned into his trusty crossbow.

Aero: Take This! Piercing Arrow!

With a single shot the nightmare abomination blew up and turned into pure light, and the diva Lephise was released from her dark imprisonment. She smiled at Aero and thanked him for saving not only her but all of Phantomile. While it felt reliving, he felt worried for Huepow, even calling out. It was when the moon prince appeared to still be kicking but looked injured and exhausted. He almost fell but thankfully Aero caught him. They knew that this adventure would soon be over. They headed back to the moon kingdom but Aero decided he would catch up in a bit. He needed to do a little something.

Lephise: You truly are a hero. Your heart has never once fell onto the darken path. Despite all that has happened, your spirit remained determined.

Aero: Well I wouldn't say that. But I did what I needed to do. . .And that I had a little bit of help convincing myself to not give up.

Lephise: Your friend sensed that you were in trouble. I felt that deep down, he still cares.

Aero: How did-

Lephise: Sometimes, even those who are apart, can experience the same dream. Even those who called out to them. It was your heart that lead him to you Aero.

Aero: I guess I owe him my gratitude for bringing me back. I'll be sure to tell him the next time we meet.

Lephise: I'm sure he will find it in his own heart to see you again.

Aero: I hope so. . .Say that thing with Ghadius and Joka. . .I thought Klonoa had taken care of them and these were just bad memories. . .or I guess nightmares.

Lephise: While it is true, the dark spirit and his right hand have returned again to cause chaos. . .I don't believe that this time, it was anything out of true dark intentions. I believe it was more of a sense of loss of mind.

Aero: Huh what do you mean by that?

Lephise: Whatever your brother had managed to do, was able to calm that part of Ghadius. As I believe it was that loss part of him that misguided his role. . .Until you came along and brought back that balance.

Aero: To think I would end up helping a being of nightmares. . .Man that's sure gonna be a story to tell when I get back.

Lephise: If I may ask you, is there a reason you chose to stick around longer?

Aero: Yes in fact, I need to ask a small favor, it won't take long I promise.

She nodded and hears him out. And when he explains it, she did not seem that disappointed, rather understanding.

Lephise: I see, so that is what you are planning.

Aero: Yeah I know it does sound very selfish. But I just need some closure, hence why I was on this journey in the first place. Once I get it, I will leave with the weight off my chest.

Lephise: Your heart truly is strong. Yet also kind. You are a special dream traveler, , ,just like your brother. I wish you the best.

Aero: Thankyou miss Songstress, I will!

He runs off to meet back with Huepow, who was looking better. But was also confused as to why his friend was smiling. But Aero didn't tell him, thus they headed back to the hill of Breezegale. Where they sat down to look upon the land. Aero knew that this moment would be it. He did feel sad that he would be needing to leave, but Lephise gave him the time he needed. Huepow was silent for a bit, assumed he would say what he told to Klonoa before. But no, , ,not this time, this was different.

Huepow: Klonoa. . .you remember that time when I asked about who you were?

Aero: Yeah, what's eating at you buddy?

Huepow: You're, , ,you're not really Klonoa, are you.

Aero:. . .So when did you start seeing through?

Huepow: It all started back in Breezegale, when we got to the minds. You played it off like you didn't know anything and was just lucky, and what happened with Grandpa. You were already tearing up, , ,even Klonoa tried to be strong, only to cry when there was nothing we could do. You took it the hardest, and I felt that you needed someone to hold onto during that time. There was also when your eyes sort of looked more scary. You even showed that you had abilities that the real Klonoa never had, nor learned before. Like being able to hear very far, or being able to jump super high, even being physical at times. Your voice, eyes and even height are different from his own.

Aero:. . .You really are an observant one aren't you Huepow. I'm sorry for not being honest with you all this time.

Huepow: Why didn't you tell me sooner?

Aero: Would you believed me if I said anything about it?

Huepow: Well you do raise a point. But if your not Klonoa, then who are you really?

Aero: My real name is Aero. And I'm Klonoa's older brother. I'm a dream traveler just like him.

Huepow: O-older Brother?! Oh wow I had no idea that he even had any other relatives! I knew you both looked alike, but never would've thought you two were actually related!

Aero: Heh heh ha ha ha ha! Oh man many would make that comparison at points!

Huepow: Uhhh right. Say Aero, what was the real reason you came here?

Aero: I guess I come clean here, since I got nothing else to hide. And I will be completely honest with you. It sort of happened when my brother got his memories back-

Huepow: Wait Klonoa's return to him?! Is he alright, did he make it home safe!?

Aero: Woah hey hold on a moment ok! He's fine, he was just really shaken up, and was needing to be looked after what he's gone through. He recognized our grandfather, but not me for the first few weeks. Be was able to regain the memories thankfully. But he really was going through a lot, seeing him so stressed and frustrated. And even wondering off alone. I honestly wanted to help him, anyway I could. I made that promise to him.

Huepow: And you somehow ended up being summoned here, just so you can get your answers. Were you, mad at what I had done to his memories?

Aero: At first I was, he's my only blood brother I got, and learning of what happened to him, , ,it made me worried that I would've lost him. So why shouldn't I be? It was a scary thing, I even had nights where I would wouldn't be able to sleep. . .But after getting to know you, I know you're not a bad kid Huepow. I'm sure you had your reasons. I won't be mad if you are honest with yourself. Just why Klonoa?

Huepow: Well truth is, it wasn't just Ghadius's return, It was more of me feeling lonely. When you said that it gets lonely cause I'm a prince, well you weren't wrong, , ,I wanted to make a genuine friend. But my mother said that I needed to perform my duties as the next ruler, , ,which meant that I needed to gain the trust of the Dream Traveler. No matter what, even use my powers. I was dispirit, and knew how wrong it was to trick someone like Klonoa. It's just that I was just so happy to have met him. To finally have a friend, , ,but he didn't deserve to end up in that position. He wasn't given much choice, , ,I made them for him, I didn't know how to handle things that were out of my control. I felt guilty, and afraid when I saw just how innocent he was. . .He trusted me, believed in me when things were changing and seeing how far he's come. How far we had gone through, I couldn't keep lying when we reached Cress. I may have not been fully honest, but he still chose to help us.

Aero: You wanted a friend, but your mother said to try and make the dream traveler loyal enough to help? I'm sorry but she doesn't sound like a good ruler if that's how you resulted into doing what you did.

Huepow: I know and I'm really Really sorry! I, I know it was a terrible thing to do, and we never got any clearing since he had to return home! I, I don't think Klonoa will ever forgive me.

The prince then started to tear up, the burden had gotten to him and wasn't able to hold back. Aero having to finally get a true understanding behind the prince's motives, couldn't help but feel bad for him. All that pressure on someone who's a child, and seeing why Klonoa would offer to help, makes a lot more sense now. He placed a hand onto his shoulder.

Aero: To be honest with you, he told me he wished he could've gotten closure. If you two had met on a more neutral plain. Maybe you two could've been good friends.

Huepow: Y-yeah we would've, but if we were to meet again somehow. . .I'm afraid he won't want to talk to me, maybe even hate me for what I had done.

Aero: That maybe the case, but I know my brother more then anyone. Klonoa he's got a good heart, he was just confused and upset. In fact I think there's a part of him that really wanted to see you again. Sure he can be angry, but I don't think he would hate you. More of confused as to why. Maybe someday when you two meet again, it'll be a starting over, make amends, yes he may not forgive the actions, but I think he just wants clearance.

Huepow: . . .Yeah that seems most likely to happen. . .but it still makes me nervious just thinking about it.

Aero: It's ok to feel that way. I get that feeling too. But I feel that you and Klonoa will be able to become friends again.

Huepow: Hey Aero, , ,you mentioned about you having a friend, who turned out bad?

Aero:. . .Well no not exactly, we were like brothers, before Klonoa was even born, and after. He went through a lot and felt that we can no longer be friends. It hurt but only cause I could tell he was deeply hurting. But I didn't try to argue, , ,rather I told him that in the future, we'll meet again and maybe reconnect.

Huepow: Really? I'm sorry that happened to you two. It sounds like they had something really bad happen to them. . .But I hope you can become friends again.

Aero: Yeah thanks buddy, I hope so too. . .You know it sure is crazy, me experiencing what Klonoa has. And I noticed that the way you responded, I could tell it was the real you and not going by the book.

Huepow: About that I was having trouble sleeping, and the night terrors have not helped ether. I just needed time away from the kingdom, , ,I know running away won't help but I had no idea on where to go to. Or who to see who could really help. . .And Klonoa, well you know. So I guess out of desperation I sorta called out to a dream traveler, anyone who could help. You know those who's hearts and dreams are connected, meaning those who you knew or met may have felt these events play out.

Aero: Huh you know that actually makes sense, guessing me needing to look like my brother was just for a type of role, , ,still doesn't make any sense on why my abilities didn't work before.

Huepow: Maybe the nightmare energy somehow sealed them away. And how determined you were, it maybe just happened that way.

Aero: At least I could still swim, and my hearing was still good.

Huepow: I noticed that too. Those really come in handy.

Aero: Well I am quite the sprinting cabbit heh heh!

Huepow: Um Aero I know I didn't ask this, nor do I think it's really that smart, but what do you really look like?

Aero: Oh what I look like? Well I have a bit of white fur on my chest that's starting, also my ears are a bit more pointed upright, more cat-like you could say, or as I jokingly say, bat-like heh heh heh.

Huepow: That does sound like you're part bat. But I would kind of like to see what you really look like.

Aero: Maybe someday bud.

Huepow: I'm glad you're not mad with me, but I really am sorry for doing that to Klonoa.

Aero: You can relax Huepow, you already explained your reasons and I have gotten to know the real you while on our journey. I get it now, you were a lonely kid who wanted a friend to make, but also was pressured into helping your kingdom that you took into drastic measures. Oh I almost forgot-lightly punches his arm- Klonoa said I shouldn't ruffle you up badly, so call it the we cool ok.

Huepow: Oof! Y-yeah ok I'll take that, I deserve it. But glad we could see eye to eye. I can see why he looks up to you.

Aero: I do what I can to keep him safe. But I want him to be able to experience things on his own. I plan to move out when I'm 13, I know it'll be a big change for both of us, but I want to pursue my dream. Help those who need it. And maybe reconnect with some old friends while if I get the chance. I know it will take a long time and work, but it'll all work out in the end. I'm not sure how right now but I won't give up on it.

Huepow: Wow Aero you sound really inspirational! I hope you reach that dream too.

Aero: And I wish you the best too. Someday when you two do meet, let's all meet up again for a get together.

Huepow: I hope for that day to come. Say Aero I'm confused.

Aero: Oh what is it?

Huepow: When me and Klonoa were sitting here and I struggled to explain the truth to Klonoa. Lephise song her song of rebirth, and he was forced to leave.

Aero: Oh yeah about that-

Huepow: Aero what did you do?!

Aero: Relax I only asked for a small favor. The reason why we could talk this long, was because I asked Lephise to give me enough time to have closure and she agreed.

Huepow: So that's what took you. I'll be honest that was a bit clever, wish I had thought about that before.

Aero: Hey if it makes you feel better, I'll be sure to tell Klonoa all about what happened, and ease on what happened between you two.

Huepow: Aero thankyou. It's gonna be sad seeing you leave, but like with Klonoa you won't be able to stay here any longer.

Aero: Yeah I know, it's sad but it's what being a dream traveler is about. Performing a role and help fix a problem within the dreamscape. It hurts but there's a chance we'll meet again. So if there is any advice I can give, be strong and dont go mixing others memories up like that, unless they're a threat to you and those you care about. Just be wise in how you use that ability ok?

Huepow: Heh heh ok no worries, I'll become a better prince, and when me and Klonoa meet again, I know I will make things right!

Aero: That's the spirit! Well looks like i'll be leaving at any moment now. Huepow, you've been a great partner, I know you will make better choices. I'm sure Klonoa will be happy to know about you two meeting again someday.

Lephise who has been watching from the palace, knew that it was time. With a heavy heart, she sings her song of rebirth. However instead of Aero being pulled away by force, he gave Huepow one last smile before walking away with his head held up high. He felt that his journey has come to an end, and a huge weight was lifted off his chest. While he did feel sad about leaving a new friend, he can at least tell his brother what was needing to be told.

End of Chapter