"Douglas something irked me about what you said" Gano lifted he and Douglas' bags so they wouldn't be heard as they opened the door "What?" Douglas whispered "That strength, courage, and kindness, it's always been inside you-don't put so much of that faith in me and doubt yourself-remember it's my faith in you that's turned situations around. That's why I'm having your back now-you've always had mine too" Douglas nodded and smiled "Gano...thanks..."
Door opened and closed, as they stepped outside it turned out it was no need to be quiet as possible-Musera, Isla, and Yoshino stood front and center in front of forest to greet them "Leaving so soon?" Musera asked as the trio caught Gano and Douglas pants down red-handed.
"Isla, Musera, Yoshino" Gano looked at each of his old friends , it was dusk before dawn, birds were chirping and trees and bush started to rustle "Bad enough you've made it harder to sleep Gano" Isla yawned in pajamas "Not you've got nerve to wake me up-that's a new level of trash for you."
"Isla, Muse, Yosh-" before his mouth could form words Musera cut him off "Don't worry, we understand, when you decided to undertake this it left you all alone, Douglas and his friend, in way, they're your new family" Musera teased with a smile and wink.
"Yeah" Gano felt a sensation familiar and warm rising in his chest "In a way they have, not as many adventures as perilous as ours but-" Isla took that moment to chuck a rock at him "Ow!" Gano yelped "Well don't just stand by moping, it's time to return to form....cause next time we end up on opposite sides I won't hold back" Isla made to pick up another pebble before experiencing a light zap.
"I understand" Gano and Isla made eye contact "Good to see you've still got some fight" Isla nodded and walked back "Get in too tight of a spot and need trouble taken of your hands....Douglas just give a call in case there's a need for actual help" sticking out his tongue Gano flipped Isla off.
"Saw that" Isla stopped in her tracks right at the doorway before responding with a gesture in return "Whatever you do...don't die on me yet...I want that match" parting words said and unsaid Isla walked in and went back to bed.
No hesitating for a moment, Yoshino pulled Gano in a crushing hug "Yosh, I'm sorry again man...my bad.." Gano apologized, voice shaking as he spoke "Tis' fine old friend. Tis' fine. Once a friendship develops our hearts are tied by a thread, no matter where we go or where we've been as long as our hearts carry those affections that bond won't break even to the very end" Gano leaned in holding on to Yoshino for dear life.
"Went over my head again Yosh. But the same man. I feel the same" Yosh pulled away sporting a uncharacteristic grin "Fool me once but not twice again..safe travels Gano-" Walking over he gave Douglas a handshake and quick embrace as well "and to you Douglas, it's a pleasure to make such acquaintance-I pray we meet again" Dogulas blush was only hidden by his chocolate brown skin.
"Yosh, it's more my dream come true to meet you, saying that-I hope so too I guess" both men shook hands "A parting gift" Yoshino pulled out a small book from his pocket "A journal detailing you guys quests!" Douglas' eyes grew in size "No way!" Yoshino shrugged his shoulders "What can I say? With a mind like mine, everything is recored up here" he tapped his head with his fist "It's fine" it was Douglas' turn to pull into a crushing hug.
Time seemed slowed, moments and memories passed as Musera stood face to face with Gano- only one left. "Hey" a sudden shyness struck Musera, it was nothing to make her voice loud, but all of a sudden she felt quiet as a mouse. "Yeah" Gano attempted to fill in the gap, unsure what to say "Muse I'm sorry for treating you the way I have, when pressure mounts I don't handle it the right way, I shouldn't of left" Gano hung his head down in shame.
"Gano I hate you left0" Musera's words cut him deep "However a joy I never knew was missing until it came back filled my heart once again" Gano looked up to a broken dam "So..." Musera sniffled "I know there can be no promises not to leave.....but if there's a part..deep in your heart....that wants to stay...leave it with me and I'll keep it safe..okay?" Yoshino went over to comfort Musera who was now a blubbering mess.
Gano used his powers to drag Muser over into his open arms "Okay, I forgot it's when we're in each others arms that we feel warm and safe" Douglas and Yoshino stood by and watched as they shared a moment and embraced "I'm telling Sayoko" Musera pulled away dry-eyed, unable to look up at him "Just add to my tab-" Gano cracked "Seriously though guys, this isn't goodbye, we will see each other again" swapping places with Yoshino, he and Douglas stood forest edge.
"Gano you're such a liar!" Musera's smile was full of mirth and mischief "Indeed we know now words to mean nothing" Yoshino chimed in "So if push comes to shove!" Isla shouted opening the bedroom window "Don't kick and scream when we drag you back ourselves!"
Overwhelmed with emotion Gano could feel wind tickle his back, gravity push down on him lighter, and every noise that echoed through the forest was music to his ears "Bye guys" Gano threw up his hands in the air making sure a shocking sensation could be felt by friend new and old as took one step into his future after being gifted the present of making peace with his past "Douglas! Let's go!!"
Feeling a new spark in his heart Gano and Douglas were off "Here I go again. Dragigng along " Douglas muttered under his breath "What you asked for!" he heard Gano laugh several steps "...Slapped....Monkey's Paw.... " Douglas grumbled, lagging behind "Heard that! Now c'mon!! Catch up!"
Douglas broke into a light jog, it didn't take much for both of them to understand every minute and second was a grain of sand "Monkey's Paw" Gano shot Douglas a look of feigned hurt "Dougie!! I'm way more than that!" Gano whined "Thought we were brothers, eternal lovers, friends!" he quipped "No!! No!! No!" Douglas stomped ground as they continued to walk "Oh man!"
Gano groaned and complained "And don't start calling me Douglas again!!" Gano snickered "I'll start calling you Green!" "Don't you dare!" "I will!!" "Watch it man!!" "Whatever!!" "Go ahead" "Green!" "Stop" "Green!" "Stop" "Green" "Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!! Did you just shock me!?" "Gah! That better be a spider that bit me jut now!" "Dougllassssssssssss!!"
"GANNOOOOOOOOOOO!!"
The End Part 2
Start from the beginning
