With the trio who just witnessed crystal being covered in shadow, they could not see what was going on, let alone hear what happened.
Aero: Uh Balan is that something that normally happens?
Balan: No, this has never happened before.
Klonoa: What do you think is going on? Is Guntz ok?
Balan: I'm not sure, I will go and check.
Klonoa: Can we come with? We want to help.
The maestro could see the look of worry on the younger boy's face, while the other had that look concern. Balan had that sense that the dark maestro could be around within the main theater. And given how both weren't fully recovered, it would be best for him to go alone.
Balan: I'm sorry Klonoa, but this is something I need to handle alone.
Klonoa: But why?
He got on eye level with the dream traveler, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder.
Balan: You and your brother have already been through so much since you came to Wonderworld. And I can tell that you are still recovering, not just physically.
He then looks to Aero, where he gives a calm smile.
Aero: Balan are you sure about this? I mean you were pretty badly beaten too.
Balan: It will be fine, besides it is my responsibility to help my visitors that are in need. You two also have one right now.
Both were confused by that, as they didn't know what he was implying. Till the maestro let's out a slight chuckle.
Balan: You both clearly have missed eachother, why not take the time to rest and why not help the Tims. I do believe they would love to see you again.
Aero: Hmm. . .well I guess it wouldn't be the weirdest chore you've asked me to do before.
Klonoa: What was the weirdest?
Aero: Ummm best save that for later ok little bro!
Balan: Well I best be off then. You two don't need to worry, I will be fine.
He gives them pats on their heads, summons a door for them to go through. When the brothers entered, Balan went to check out the main stage. But as he enters into the hallways, he could see that none of his staff were to be seen. Strange he could've sworn he saw some doing tasks. The area felt like an abandoned building, more then the outside or how he would set up for new guests. When he got deeper in the place got darker and there was some strange fog. That didn't seem right, it wasn't Halloween, nor were they having a festival. Balan used a ball of light to help him see in the dark, normally it wouldn't have been am issue since he could see fine. It was for some strange reason this did not seem like normal darkness. It also felt as if the hallway to the main stage was much longer then he expected, something definitely did not make any sense. It was when it picked up some familiar negative energy. Picking up the pace, he begins to dash to the stage where there was too much negative energy. Taking a deep breath Balan unleashed a barrage of light balls to help clear the area, which returned the room to it's normal glory. Once that was taken care of Balan begins to look for Guntz.
Balan: Hello, Guntz? Whereabouts are you?
He searched around and couldn't see anyone there, but the Negativity was still present but pretty strong...it was coming from the front area, when he checks he then stumbled across something that belonged to Guntz. What was left behind were his double guns.
Balan:...oh no...
He carefully takes them and would return back to the cabbit brothers, but only after he purifies the remaining negative energy.
Balan: What could Lance want with him? And what are his plans this time?
While the maestro would handle the stage, he felt that now he has much more on his plate then he thought. It was a gamble and now it seems that Lance was one step ahead again, and it was under his nose without notice. All he knows is that him and the cabbit brothers will need to figure out what they will do about this mystery, and probably see what kind of stage the wolf will have.
Balan: You may have managed to slip through my notice again Lance, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy what kinds of adventures we'll be on. I believe those boys will be in for quite the surprise.
While things may have seemed bad at first, he has hope that they will get the wolf back and help his heart.
In the Isle of Tims, both cabbit brothers have been indeed busy, it was as if they were being sent to some sort of daycare or chao garden. Not that ether minded as they liked being around the fluffy critters. And some even swarmed the older brother, giving him what appears to be a long waited tickle session. Luckily Aero had his shoes and vest on, all the while Klonoa was watching this all happen, and finding it both amusing but also cute at the fact his big brother can still be childish.
Klonoa: You holding up there Aero?
Aero: Pffha ha ha ha ha! I-I don't know, I'm being ha ha ha swarmed here! Klonoa give me a hand, I-I need air!
Klonoa: Hang on Aero i'm coming! Klonoa to the rescue!
The dream traveler gets out his ring, where he then places a huge drop onto it. And aims it to another area of the island. This surprisingly worked as the fluffy death balls went after. Leaving a panting Aero alone, he had tears due to all the laughing.
Klonoa: Fear no more dear brother, for I your clever brother, have freed you from the tickle torture of those fluffy Squishmallows.
Aero:-panting- Thanks man, you really know how to use that noggin of yours, other than your little puzzle games.
Klonoa: Hey, at least those games helped me solve some problems!
Aero: Yeah but who got you into those in the first place?
Klonoa: Uh. . .touché.
Both brothers decided to sit on the comfy grass, where they stared up at the huge clock above. It did feel nice to take some time to relax after all that's happened.
Aero: Man I forgot how peaceful this place is.
Klonoa: Yeah it really is. It's almost like Breezegale in a way.
Aero: You aren't wrong, must be the feeling this place gives off.
Klonoa: Do you think Grandpa came here?
Aero: I'm sure Balan might know. We can ask him later when he comes back. . .Hey Klonoa what did you think of my stage?
Klonoa: I thought it was really cool, you really had a lot for yours! It's like I was on your adventures too.
Aero: Heh heh well glad I didn't disappoint. Honestly it feels nice to know that I still hold that feeling, even after I left and came back. I guess when my heart became whole again, I remember those who were on my journey.
He sat up and placed a hand to his chest, feeling and remembering those adventures. The interactions and how much he spent with those whom he met and became friends with. His two first companions.
Aero: You know, , ,I wouldn't mind returning someday. Reuniting with Dusk and Luna, , ,that would be nice.
Klonoa: I would like to meet them too.
It was when Klonoa thought back to when he tried coming up with his own stage. Only for nothing to happen and how some of the residents told him the reasons earlier. It made him feel a little sad, which Aero noticed.
Aero: Something on your mind?
Klonoa: I know how these stages are made, yet for some reason, I still don't understand how I didn't get one.
Aero: Hmm that is a bit strange. Most visitors would have their own when they get here. But I wouldn't worry about it now, whatever your stage will be, i'm sure you'll make it special.
This seemed to cheer the boy up, and knows that his brother is right. While he does not possess that skill yet, he just needs to focus on other things. It was when they heard someone coming, and it was the light maestro. Who has come to deliver the bad news, along with the left behind weapons.
Aero: So he was somehow convinced into allowing his heart to be consumed?
Klonoa: But why? Why would Guntz let himself be taken by that Lance guy!? Grr if I do meet him in person, I'll show him who he's messed with!
The older cabbit could see his brother getting tense, hence he placed a hand on his shoulder, keeping him in place.
Aero: Klonoa, , ,don't do anything reckless! We just need to locate the stage, figure out where the heart and tree are, and then take out the negati boss that's keeping him there.
Balan nodded and smiled at how the older cabbit remembered that bit. After all, he has helped visitors in the past when he first came to Wonderworld. And despite his own heart hurting, Aero has shown how kind and sincere of a person he really is.
Balan: Your brother is right, Klonoa. We should focus on pinpointing just how we are going to summon this stage. Which i'm sure you can remember, what requires that Aero.
He says with a slight wink, this made the older cabbit ponder.
Aero: It's fuzzy, but I think I can recall there being statues of you.
Klonoa: Statues? What are they even used for?
Balan: Well they are not just collectables, but also contain the powers to unlock the doorways to said stages. Along with those that were saved from their lowest and vulnerable moments.
Klonoa: Oh! I think I know what you mean!
He then reaches into his pockets and pulls out what looks to be 5 statues. Both were rather surprised at how this little cabbit managed to collect this many in just two stages.
Aero: Klonoa, how did you manage to get this many?!
Klonoa: Well while I was able to do some exploration, I just saw them, in places that took some figuring out. And what would be useful, then using the abilities I got. With some help from some of the residents.
Balan: My my you truly are someone who's got a passion for puzzles.
Klonoa: See I told you those games helped out.
Aero: Alright alright you proved me wrong before, but I'm not mad either. So Balan, will this be enough?
The maestro collected them, used his magic and sent them near where Aero's stage was. Both brothers were impressed and awed at just the sight alone. With a slight swipe across the brim of his top hat, a door appears before the cabbit brothers. They looked at the theme, it wasn't a western theme like Klonoa had thought. In fact Aero wasn't even sure just what Guntz's heart could be within. Maybe of the desires or something more. Yet both had a bad feeling.
Klonoa: Its just like yours, I wonder what his stage is.
Aero: Maybe his stage name is his well known title. The Golden Killer.
Balan: Well there is only one way to find out boys!
Without hesitation, they enter through the doorway. Wondering on what could be on the other side. And what kinds of dangers will be waiting.