Even after the bounty hunter had taken out the enemies, and even after unfusing. He still felt like he wasn't given much choice when it came to something, he was never told ahead of time when he arrived. How it seemed like the strange shadowy being him and Aero encountered before.
Guntz: Look I wasn't aware of my weapons not working, and being told I needed to wear a costume, just so that I could do any damage!
: Well what if someone did the same thing, and you were the one telling them what they needed to do in order to be more effective? Tell me boy, what would that feel like?
Guntz:. . .I was mostly alone, but I can only assume not very good. More of ether irritating or annoying.
: Your on the nose there boy. Maybe try to remember why you're here. Instead of making a fuss about what is effective. Your dad ever tell you that maybe you outta give something a try, and maybe find ways to use it for an advantage?
The way he said that, Guntz did seem to back up in his thoughts. He did have a reason for being here. And how he acted before, Klonoa could see the look of guilt on his face. Though something did strike a nerve, which the older wolf, and even Balan could see it as frustration.
Guntz: You say it like you know what I'm going through. Who are you trying to be, some kind of parent to scold their kids? Look I made a mistake, plain and simple! Of course I want to save Aero, he's been the closes person I've had in my life before things turn to shit!
The three were stunned by how much was within the usually cool and collected wolf. It was clear that he himself had more trauma hidden within then what they expected. Once Guntz had a moment to calm down, Klonoa called out to him, he wasn't angry, rather concerned yet also curious.
Klonoa: Guntz, was there a reason for you getting mad with Balan? He clearly was trying to help.
Guntz: I think it's obvious, a bounty hunter fights with skills they have known since an early age. And that WE were being ambushed by monsters.
Klonoa: Still you didn't need to act like a big jerk about it.
Guntz didn't say anything, in fact the next thing Klonoa said, seemed to make him look more guilty, even his ears went back. This was something Balan was familiar with, its a submissive action, without a sense of being threaten.
Klonoa: I don't even know why or how my brother was even friends with you, if you're gonna have an additude like that.
Guntz: . . .Ok look, i'm sorry how I acted. . .i'm still a bit shaken up from what happened in that alleyway. It clouded my judgment, and that I just SAW him be taken away by something, so that clears things up!
The cabbit could tell that the wolf was in fact upset. So his additude was understanding in some way. Balan could actually tell that this wolf had many old wounds, as well as new ones forming within his heart.
Klonoa: Guntz, just how close where you with Aero?
Guntz: Since we were both around 4, I never treated him badly, nor would I give up my trust in him. He's as much a brother to me, as he is to you. So finding him, makes it all the more important.
Klonoa smiled at that, it's good to know that at least Guntz has a more honors code. While Balan was relieved to hear that the wolf is at last trying, and how he himself should've handled this more professional.
Balan: Pardon me Guntz, but I too would like to apologize as well. It was rather rude of me for letting something as miner as that to get the better of me. But what you said, was not the best way in handling your emotions Guntz.
Guntz: I'm sorry for cussing like that ok. Normally I can keep it under control, I can get frustrated sometimes about things when it involves incidents, such as that battle.
Klonoa: Guntz, , ,just one more thing. What are you?
Guntz: When you've been alone for as long as I have. You may not always respond the greatest.
Balan: That would explain a lot of things.
Klonoa: Oh , , ,well if it makes it less awkward. I'm also sort of guilty for also having at time where i've cussed.
Guntz: Really now? Then I guess that makes two of us then.
The wolf then proceeds to ruffle Klonoa's hair, just as a means to mess with him in a slight playful way. The dream traveler could not believe both this wolf and his brother would pull the same kind of trick. And giving him a bad hair day.
Klonoa: H-hey cut it out! I just fixed that!
: Seeing them this way, and how things turned around. I swear they're already like siblings.
Balan: Indeed, these boys carry such great character.
Balan smiled at this, seeing the two getting along, and Guntz honing up to his mistakes and admitting what is important. It was enough for the maestro to want to help even more.
Balan: Well in that case, let us proceed boys.
And thus the trio began making their way, with Balan taking the lead. Exploring through the landscapes and seeing how Aero's stage was like. And they were having fun exploring, Balan did mention that Wonderworld has three acts. Almost like how one would experience a dream, which Klonoa was very familiar with.
And Guntz had been capable into handling locations that would contain bounties or treasure. It was until a swarm of even more negati appeared, this included much larger variants, and were much stronger, where Klonoa and Guntz made use of the costumes' powers to defeat the enemies. Their team work had managed to become more effective, but had gotten injuries in the process. Yet with sheer determination they had defeated the enemies. All seemed to calm down and assume the danger had pass. That was until the ground began to shake, and the skies began to darken. Both readied their weapons as they braced for what was coming, and yet Balan could see a vision appear before them.
Balan: Hold on a moment you two, you don't have to be alarmed, there is nothing to worry about.
Klonoa: What is that Balan?
Balan: That there is a vision my dear child of the wind. It will help us understand why your brother is here in the first place. Maybe we can get some clues as to what happened.
Guntz: Hmm. . .-I wonder what he's been hiding. Yet why do I get a bad feeling about this?-
Klonoa: Only one way to find out.
Balan: Brace yourselves.
It appeared to be a vison of Aero, and it seems to be showing them events that seemed vivid. Like something keeping it from spewing out. But Balan helped a bit with using some of his magic, to make things appear more clearer. They could see it was of his adventures, and what looked to be his companion, a young bat dragon girl named Dusk. They looked happy, and seeing kid Aero was not only bright but also brave. Though he did appear to be quite naïve as well as being somewhat scared. While his companion may appear all innocent and sweet upon first glance, something did not feel quite right.
And Klonoa got a bad feeling in his stomach. Balan took his hand in case something should happen while they continued to watch. They even saw someone trying to prevent them from succeeding in their mission, another bat dragon girl called Luna. Things took a turn when nightmares appeared more and more often by a blood moon. It was when they had defeated their biggest threat, something that was making the cycle in the world to go out of balance. Aero had to learn the hardest truth, that this whole time, his companion had been the one who was really behind the eternal night going haywire. How she and her sister were next to become the next rulers, yet Dusk wanted to become the one and only ruler, how Luna was trying to take the dream traveler that was helping her and stopping her plans.
Kid Aero: Why Dusk?! All this time, you tricked me into helping you? I thought I was helping to save the kingdom! How could you lie to me?!
Dusk: You were helping Aero, and now my goodie two-shoes sister is out of the way. . .Nothing will stop me from claiming what is rightfully mine! Oh and since you made such a good knight, maybe I can make you as a body guard and playmate.
Kid Aero: What are you trying to tell me?
Dusk: You wouldn't need to go back and be sad, or picked on by others who hurt you. You told me how much you wanted to run away and to find friends who accept you. Think about it Aero! We would get to do all kinds of fun things together. In an endless night. Doesn't that sound like a wonderful dream?
Guntz: Man what a spoiled entitled brat! It's no wonder Aero wouldn't give into demands such as that.
Balan: I couldn't agree more. The nerve of some children when they get like this. It isn't healthy, nor will they live better lives should they continue down a path like that.
Klonoa: It's like she wants him as some kind of pet or something.
It was when they heard something that made proof where Aero's heart stayed strong. Even in a moment such as this.
Kid Aero: And leave behind my baby brother? I could never do that to Klonoa! He needs me!
This made Klonoa relieved to hear that, it brought a sort of comfort to know that even back then, his brother still thought about him and how important he is.
Kid Aero: I. . .I still can't believe you would flat out lie to me. Dusk I trusted you! I thought you were my friend!
Dusk: Oh but you are Aero! You have been the most kindhearted, caring and bravest person I met. I knew you were perfect into helping me. That talk we had at the lake, you told me how much you wanted to become strong right? Well I helped you make it this far. All you have to do is say yes, and I can make that happen.
Luna: Don't! -coughs- do it Aero!
Kid Aero: Luna?!
They could see that she was badly hurt, even struggling to stay afloat. But it was clear that she was still trying to prevent this.
Dusk: Oh great, your still moving? You know I have to give you credit for being so stubborn!
Luna: Why Aero, why did you believe her? Even after I tried to warn you? She was up to no good when the Moon crystal broke!
Aero: I, , ,I didn't know! Ok I didn't think it would be this hard! I just, , ,I just wanted to become stronger, so that I can keep him safe. To protect those who matter to me the most.
Luna: And you still helped her without asking further questions, , ,why?
The vision seemed to end when it showed Aero in the middle, between the sisters. Looking lost, confused, but most of all hurt and enraged. Angry tears could be seen streaming down his face, as he screams out in frustration. A glowing crystalline heart could be seen falling out of his chest, and disappearing. Both Klonoa and Guntz had no idea that this was the reason why Aero had become a stronger person he is today. Why his kindness, confidence and spirit were something to admire. But the hardship and what he had to go through. To Klonoa it was almost similar to some of his adventures. But never had a companion never turn on him like this. To Guntz, he felt sick if not angered by witnessing the things Aero had to go through. How it made him feel upon looking back and how he treated him.
And Balan can remember when Aero first arrived, and how damaged his heart was. How at the time he would just assumed it was the struggles into expressing how Aero was feeling, to the trauma he had gone through, and was only told about the bullying. Being alone and out-casted due to his ears and his parents never make time for him. While Balan did have the ability to read minds, and did look into the boy's psyche before, something seemed to prevent him from getting a better look.
A dark cloud seemed to have blocked that part out, it was some kind of mental block the cabbit did not want for anyone to see. It made sense for why Lance was so interested in spending time with the boy as much as he could. Yes Aero did have an additude a few times, even lashing out due to pent up emotions. But through the tears, it was clear that it wasn't someone doing it out of spite, but more of a frustrated and troubled child. One who just wanted to be accepted, and even make friends who wanted him around. These were the many things he's gone through, to the point where to Balan, felt like his had never truly healed. The maestro doesn't blame him, and still doesn't.