The next day had come and both boys where awake, though there was some awkwardness between both Klonoa and Guntz.
Klonoa: Ahh I'm sorry Guntz! I didn't mean to fall asleep on you!
Guntz: Hey it's fine Klonoa! You were tired and I didn't have it in me to push you off. Plus you looked like you were pretty comfy where you were. And not sure if this is weird if I mention it. But I use to do that with Aero.
Klonoa: Really? Huh I guess that means it helps you too.
Guntz: How could I not? You two can be too damn adorable when your at peace. . .Don't get any ideas, I say it cause you cabbits have that charm.
Klonoa: Is that so? Heh heh does that mean you find my brother fluffy?
Guntz: You have it too, and if there's something you both have in common, is how good at being cuddle buddies. . .Just don't tell anyone I said this got it?
Klonoa: No problem. Though I'll admit Guntz, your fur is pretty soft too. It felt like soft grass.
Guntz: Well I did wash the other day, speaking of which maybe it's best we prepare for things, before heading out to look for this heart tree.
Klonoa: Good idea. Say where's Balan?
They looked and could see there was no sign of the maestro anywhere. Though he did left the barrier up, and could see the large Tornado Wolf approaching them.
: Oh good you boys are awake. If you're wondering where the boss is. He asked me to watch over you while he fixes breakfast. We can head to the inn where showers are.
Klonoa: Wait there's an inn here?
: Wonderworld has places like how your world does. Meaning you will need payments to perches things.
Klonoa: But I didn't bring any money. Usually Aero's the one to handle that.
Guntz: Not sure how much It'll cost here with what I have on. I spend a lot on my ammo and upgrades.
: Ha ha ha ha! Oh you boys don't need to worry about that! What you'll need are drops as those are the currency. They're plentiful, but I'll make an exception of paying, you kids can get in for free.
Klonoa: Huh guess that's pretty lucky for us, right Guntz?
Guntz: That's oddly nice of you. Normally I would be the only paying.
: You really are a responsible type aren't ya pup. That's a good thing to keep in mind. But you're both guests, so it's my treat.
Without a moment later they all were at the inn where other residents where there. Different kinds that the boys have not seen before. And some greeted them, some making comments from saying how cute and soft Klonoa was, to how cool Guntz looked. And some would say he did at times look cute which did surprise the wolf, leaving him a bit flustered and embarrassed. They were able to get themselves cleaned up with some freshly made clothes. Klonoa getting some kind of red and blue outfit, while Guntz got something similar to what a cowboy would wear, leather jacket with what looks like a star mark on the pocket, pants, still kept the same boots, gloves and a hat to go with.
: Well how do you feel now boys?
Klonoa: I'm feeling pretty good, and I have been meaning to get some new clothes. Will Balan be fine with this?
It was when one of the residents came over to speak with them. They were a rather dazzling looking unicorn, almost eye candy. But their manners were that of reassurance.
Air Unicorn: Darling you know Balan is the one who wants you to feel comfortable. And I was told ahead of time that you boys to have some new clothes.
Guntz: Oddly enough, I haven't had many options since I've always been on the move. This outfit works out just fine.
: Looking like a sheriff, ready to send the outlaws running. Pretty sure a bunch of Negati wouldn't want to mess with you.
Klonoa: You do look really cool Guntz.
Guntz: And you look like you came out for Summer vacation.
Klonoa: Hey what's that's suppose to mean?
: Now boys let's not start anything. Why don't we head to the dining area, you must be starving.
As if on que, they could hear Klonoa's stomach growl, fallowed by Guntz. When they walked into the room, they meet up with Balan who had prepared a meal at one of the tables. There were foods like omelets, pancakes, bacon, sausages and orange juice.
Balan: Ahh hello you two! Looks like you were able to get new attire from my wonderful staff.
Klonoa: Woah this looks good! Smells great too!
Guntz: He's right, this looks like what you find in a restaurant!
Balan: Well I tend to take detours so that I could get the correct ingredients.
Guntz: With looking like that? Huh guessing you're a regular if the people are finding a magic clown man walking around the public, casual.
Balan: Oh I have my ways boy. More then you could imagion.~
Guntz: Well now I rather not know what you mean by that!
Klonoa: Walked right into that one did you.
Balan: Come now boys, the food is nice and hot! And there's plenty for us to energize up before we head out. A full stomach is a sign to know you are ready to move.
Klonoa: That's what my grandpa tells me and Aero. And that isn't a bad thing, just dont eat too much, otherwise you'd get a bad stomach ache.
Guntz: Well let's just hope that doesn't happen. I wanna get out there and start looking.
Balan: We aren't in a rush. I detect no activities from Lance since the other day. Meaning we have plenty of time. So feel free to enjoy your meals in peace.
That was enough convincing for them to just sit and eat. It tasted amazing, with Klonoa actually eating a bit more then expected, like he was stuffing his face. And Guntz, he did try to take his time, but the food was just too good that he started wolfing down too.
Balan: Well aren't you two a hungry bunch! Now don't eat too fast, we don't want any choking happening.
Frost Fairy: Is everything alright gentlemen?
Balan: Of course, these two just happen to be enjoying the food more then I expected.
: Those children outta know some manners at least. Don't they see that some are trying to enjoy the scenery, without there being a distraction such as that?
Klonoa: Oh sorry! It's just that this tastes really good.
Guntz: Yeah same. Sorry, we'll try not to look like a bunch of pigs.
: At least they're aware.
Dainty Dragon: Don't mind them, me and some friends kind of do it for eating contests. So if you're ever in stage 6, feel free to try out.
Klonoa: What's this contest about?
Dainty Dragon: Well you get to enjoy great food, and the prizes are just as great! Ranging from many drops, to super rare abilities, even the mechs.
Guntz: Hold on a moment there! Mechs? In this place? Now I'm just confused, but also curious.
: Oh he's not joking! The mechs are more armored battle suits, sometimes we use them incase the negati get too out of control.
Guntz: Well maestro, I didn't take you for a weapons user.
Balan: It was something I looked into, and has proven to be very helpful. Mostly for visitors who managed to get lucky enough to obtain them. Maybe when we do get around to that point, then we can participate. For now let's just focus on our objective.
Klonoa: Yeah and I wouldn't want to turn into one of my enemies when I used my ring.
They were able to finish their meal and headed out to go and search for the tree. And Balan had informed about how he managed to sense where the source was while the boys were asleep.
Klonoa: Well then what are we waiting for, let's hurry!
Guntz: We'll get that bastard for sure. I'll make sure of it.
Klonoa: Just you wait Aero, we'll get you back.
The maestro led them across the land, seeing how the area felt important. And when they came across the location of the tree, they make their way over, only to hear the roar of the cabbit beast. He was the only one there and no sign of Lance anywhere. It looked like he was waiting for them, glaring and snarling. Balan gave the boys a head start, distracting Aero with a few of his positivity-based attacks. Where as the were cabbit dodges and was focused on him. This gave the two a chance to try and get to the tree. They had to be fast if they wanted to save Aero. Balan was pretty skilled and agile when it came to avoiding getting hit. However there were points were he missed his mark and would end up getting some injuries due to the cabbit's ruthless sprints, jumps and even electrical abilities that the maestro did not expect. Yet Balan wasn't one to quit or put others in danger, he was much stronger then this. He made use of rapid punches, kicks and slams, he even ground pounded onto the beast's back.
Balan: You know for a giant fluffy beast, you sure are quite persistent!
While the maestro was able to get in some more surprise hits, the beast seemed to catch onto his little tricks, and had actually caught him in a bear hug.
Balan: Grr! Well I knew you would be good at giving hugs, but this seems like a bit mu-GAH!
The cabbit beast used more of the electric ability, now that his target was close, and did a ton of damage. The maestro was able to act quickly and even used his own body to spin with incredible speed, causing the beast to get dizzy and let's him go.
Balan: This might take awhile, I sure hope those boys find the tree soon. That attack sure did quite a bit of damage. Doesn't help that the blasted thing nearly tore apart my suit! No matter I can always fix it up later.
The werecabbit seemed disoriented as he seemed to be wondering around, as if trying to keep on his feet. Balan would need to keep a fair distance after that attack. Balan was doing his best to keep the monster at bay.
With Klonoa and Guntz were heading in the direction of the tree, while the Negati were only minor obstacles for the boys. They were much further into the forest area. Trying their hardest to locate the tree, all the while dealing with enemies that tried to stop them, only for the duo to take them out and even run past them.
Guntz: This better be the right way, otherwise we're deemed lost!
Klonoa: We need to trust Balan, he knows this so we should keep moving!
Guntz: I swear you're just a goodie two shoes.
Klonoa: You think so? I sometimes can be mischievous if I want to!
They managed to get further and further in, and managed to find a place to rest for a short time. Just enough to catch their breath.
Klonoa: Hey Guntz, back there.
Guntz: What is it?
Klonoa: I just want to say, even though you were kind of a jerk before, I can see why Aero would see you as a brother.
Guntz: Like I said before. He's someone I'd hate to lose, and if he lost you I know he would be devastated.
Klonoa: Guntz, , ,if we do get him back. I would like to get to know you better too. Mainly cause you seem pretty cool, but not a bad guy.
Guntz:. . .I'd like that too. Let's help him, partner.
They hear a roar in the distance, showing that they had to get a move on. They even heard the familiar chirping of a tim.
Tim: Timmu! Timmu!
The tiny bird-like creature chirps to them to get their attention. Both fallowed after it, as these guys knew were to go. But with their combined abilities and skills. They managed to press onward to where they needed to be. They finally found what they were looking for, and a group of other Tims appeared.
Tims: Timmu!
The Tims began to chirp loudly, calling fourth for more, and they concentrated their powers on the heartree.
Klonoa: There it is!
Guntz: Just hang in there Aero, we're gonna bring you back!
The Tims gave it their all until finally, the heartree disintegrated and the heart shard finally appeared. Both were in awe, and could see why it was hidden. Both knew that this would take them to where the core was, the source of Aero's problems. They wouldn't need to hold back on this foe. The roar in the distance informed them that they had to hurry, while more negati appeared to keep them from reuniting the heart.
Guntz: Klonoa you get the heart in there! I'll hold them off!
Klonoa: You got it!
The cabbit takes the heart and makes his way over to where the direction of the tree, with the tims escorting him. All the while Guntz stays on guard while also aiming at enemies that came near or tried to ambush. They traveled to a much more secured forest area, one where the night always stays, and the trees glowed with a gentle light. The heart was glowing, they could feel it, the hollow area was here. It was when both came across what looks like some kind of crystal statue, surrounded by the same strange vines, this had to be it. The Tims did their thing, causing the cage-like metallic structure to appear before him. And all Klonoa needed to do now, was place the crystal heart back into place.
Klonoa: I sure hope this works!
He lifted up and Inside it went, thus allowing the heart to become one. He wasn't sure if it had taken effect or not.
Klonoa: So what happens now? I placed it in, is Aero going to return to normal?
They hear the sound of something going on, almost like a struggle going on and decided to hurry back. They could see the conflict between Balan and beast Aero, who looked like he had done some serious damage on the maestro.
Guntz: Damn it! That should've worked!
Klonoa: But why?! I thought Balan said it would!
They could tell that the maestro was looking rather roughed up, and seemed like he wouldn't be able to hold off much longer. And looking at Aero, he too looked like he could still fight but was clearly weakened a lot. The beast had began to sprint again, Klonoa and Guntz calling out for him to stop. Balan blocks it however the bite of this beast was strong, causing the maestro to let out a grunt but tried to remain standing. It was then that the combined heart flew off back to Aero, diving right into his chest.
This seemed to cause the beast pain, as the negative energy seems to be waring off. However it all seemed too easy, given how Lance made monsters from the people who come here, It leaves Aero's body, but flees somewhere else. Aero was back to normal, only he looked extremely tired, falls and loses consciousness. And despite the injuries, Balan gathers him in his arms to protect him. Both boys ran over to check to see if both were alright.
Klonoa: Aero!
Guntz: Is he, , ,is he going to be ok?
Balan: He will be alright. He just needs to rest. The darkness has left him, good job you two, I am proud of you.
Klonoa sighs in relief knowing that. Both could see how exhausted he was, despite the fight between the two, Aero seemed to look fine, just extremely tired. They would like to know what happened. But they would rather wait till he was feeling better. They decided to head back to the theater, as they too needed a good break. But there was an issue, Balan was clearly in no shape to move far.
Klonoa: Balan you're badly hurt! Are you sure you can carry him?
Balan: Urk! D-don't worry about me Klonoa, I've dealt with worst. What does matter is that we get back to the main theater to get treatment.
Guntz: Shit man! I didn't think you would even last this long! Let alone handle someone who was as tall as you!
Klonoa: Alright, where's the exit?
There wasn't needing to worry about that, as despite Balan's injuries, he snapped his fingers where a doorway appeared. Where they walk through and ended up back in the theater.