Goo stories #28

            I cried into my paws, screaming whenever my cracked voice had the strength to do so. How long had it been? Three hours? Four? I didn't actually know. Honestly, I didn't care. "Why?"

            Rumbling noises came from behind. I heard Ren and Cody coughing. The sounded like they would be fine. Though at this point, I truly didn't care.

            Cody stepped in front of me. "What hap--" His eyes bulged.

            Ren hissed.

            After wiping my eyes and steadying my nerves, I looked up to see my two friends staring down The Monster while it rose to its round feet.

            "Be careful, Nephew!" After baring his teeth, Cody growled.

            Ren stepped forward.

            I spat. "All of you … just shut up!" My stomach grumbled. I had burned the last of my fish to save everyone and destroyed another toy in the process.

            The Monster roared, and then in a harsh--metal against metal sounding voice--it said something like, "Thank you."

            I started. "You can talk?"

            The Monster held its head down. It didn't respond.

            I guess not ... . I walked towards The Monster. "But ... you can understand us, right?"

            The Monster bobbed its head.

            I sniffled. "I'm glad you're--" My chest thumped. My heart ached. "--alright." Unable to maintain my composure any longer, I began to weep once more.

            The Monster nuzzled its head against mine. It seemed to be concerned.

            Cody rested a paw on my shoulder. "What's wrong, Nephew?"

            While pointing at the cave, I couldn't stop my paw or voice from shaking. "I ... failed. The ... Ancient Tanuki toy is still inside, encased in a mountain of rubble." I swallowed. "Maru's going to kill Mom!"

Next: Part 29