Home Sweet Home
Some time later in the afternoon, Claire receives some good news about her nephew Rudolph. His condition has become so much better over the night that he is now allowed to go home. He was under the strict supervision of doctors all night who provided him the right medical treatment to cure his injuries he had suffered in school. Rudolph is sitting on the edge of his bed with his brother close next to him. There's a doctor speaking with their aunt Claire about this matter.
Doctor: His condition got surprisingly so much better over the night. He may return home but we advise you to keep an eye on him as much as you can in case any pain resurfaces or if he starts feeling dizzy and sick again.
Claire: Hearing this news is music to my ears doctor. I think Rudolph has been waiting for this moment with bated breath ever since early morning, right?
Rudolph: You bet! I knew I would get back on my feet in such a short period of time.
Cosmo: You showed the docs how strong you are!
Doctor: As for the cause of these injuries, we strongly recommend discussing this with the principal and those involved in this. Physical attacks like this should not go unpunished.
Claire: The attacker will be confronted for this unjustified physical attack. Seeing my nephew beaten like this breaks my already broken heart even more!
Cosmo: It's maddening, truly. I nearly pummeled his bully into submission after what he did to him.
Rudolph: Your already broken heart?
Claire: I may or may not explain later. Anyway...eh...doc, are we free to leave?
Doctor: Yes, we just need you to sign some discharge forms as the child's legal representative and you'll be good to go.
Claire: Well, being his aunt makes me one. Their parents are currently unavailable so I guess that responsibility falls on me! Be ready for the most professional signature of all time!
Cosmo and Rudolph hang their heads in shame...
Rudolph: Claire...just sign the papers and get me out of here! You are embarrassing us...
Cosmo: I think I'll see myself out...
Rudolph: You just wait for me!
Cosmo: Just kidding. We are like Yin and Yang! Nothing can or will separate us bro! You can count on it!
After undergoing a hospital discharge process, Claire accompanies the brothers to her car.
Claire: Are you sure you are going to be okay? Isn't it a bit too early for them to let you go?
Rudolph: Claire, how many times do I have to tell you that they let me go for a reason and not just because they simply wanted to free up space in that room for other patients. Don't be so over concerned. You are just like our mom...
Cosmo: You're simply overthinking. Trust me, this little nugget wouldn't be so lively if there was still something wrong with him.
Rudolph: You heard my brother!
Claire: But this doesn't mean you can exert yourself to get the best out of your day doing as if none of this happened. The docs said you need to rest and recuperate home.
Rudolph: And that's what I'll be doing. No childish games that require too much physical activity. All I want is my bed and Mr. Blanket on me.
Claire: That's my boy! I'm going to make you hot cocoa or tea and be just like your mom!
Rudolph: I see, you are going to give us premium motherly service...
Cosmo: We can do that ourselves too by the way but thanks for being so warmhearted.
Claire: I gotta play the role of a mother for once now that....your parents are probably away.
Claire unlocks the doors on her car for Rud and Cosmo to get in...
Claire: Hop in...
Claire sits in the car with the brothers. Cosmo and Rudolph are gripped by feelings of fear and uncertainty after they both remember what happened last night...
Rudolph: Away? Wait a minute, mom...she is...oh don't tell me it wasn't just a bad dream...
Cosmo: We gotta get home right now! How could we forget? Mom and dad are in danger!
Rudolph: This hospital almost wiped our memories clean. Right when I was getting all excited and happy to see them again, I inadvertently cast my mind back to yesterday's evening when mom shared those horrible news with us about dad's abduction. She went out there to rescue him...
Claire: Relax boys, I am taking you to a safe place. They will be back before you know it!
Cosmo: What do you mean safe place?
Claire: You are coming to my house. It will be your temporary home, a safe sanctuary.
Cosmo: WHAT?! I hope you are just pulling our legs Claire...
Rudolph: Yeah, how is this supposed to help me recover faster?
Claire: Guys, don't make this more complicated than it already is and please...listen to me! Your mother told me not to take you home. End of discussion. You will listen to me! You are in my care, you follow MY RULES. Self-discipline, it's all I demand from you.
Rudolph: Just start the car and go...
Cosmo: You can take us to your house, but there will be a pile of disappointment sitting behind you on the backseats of your car. This is no niggling fear we are having right now. We are both extremely scared about our parents, you know? And we won't rest until we have been assured they are alive...
Claire: Guys, I understand how stressful and worrisome this is for both of you. Your mom kindly asked me to not take you home, I will not ignore her request. It's not what sisters do. She has all of her trust placed in me.
Rudolph: Hey, my parents have raised me well so I won't protest then.
Cosmo: I agree. We were brought up to behave politely and with respect towards adults and family members like you...
Claire: So, we are both starting to understand each other. Things will get better, my sweet cupcakes.
She starts the car and they leave the hospital parking lot. About twenty minutes later, they arrive at Claire's house. She resides in a small house near the beach near Foxenville Hills.
Claire: We're here. Time to abandon ship.
Rudolph: You moved here? I thought you were still living in that apartment with rowdy neighbors...
Claire: Those days are long gone. This neighborhood is comparatively quiet. I don't need to wear earplugs in a house like this.
Rudolph: This needs a little house tour then, doesn't it?
Claire: Come...
They leave the car and Claire takes them to her front yard...
Claire: This is it. It's nothing eye-catching, I know. But it gives me enough breathing room from all things happening around us.
Rudolph: Why didn't we know about this?
Claire: I am not that kind of person who likes to keep everyone around her enlightened about my life.
Cosmo: Privacy, simple.
Claire: Kinda yeah....
She takes them inside...
Claire: Make yourself comfortable. Welcome to my....base of operations! Feel free to do anything you want, the TV is right there, the kitchen up in that corner and if you want to get forty winks my bed is up the stairs.
Cosmo: Only one bed? Where are we all going to sleep at night?
Claire: Well, you two can have my bed. I'll crown myself the ruler of the couch down here.
Cosmo: It's not like we didn't sleep together before and had the best night of our lives...
Rudolph looks at Cosmo with a big load of embarrassment...
Rudolph: You may want to restate that...
Cosmo: Back when we were TODDLERS of course....
Claire: Guys, even if you slept together these days, there's nothing to be ashamed of. It's brotherly love.
Rudolph: My dear fox god, let's switch to another topic real quick...
Claire: Rud, you better stop blushing that much because I don't think I can handle all of that cuteness which is emanating from your face. So cute!
Rudolph: Stop..stop..stop!
Cosmo: That's why he is so capable of charming the pants of girls, Claire.
Rudolph: STOP! BOTH OF YOU!
Cosmo: You look like you are about to faint from all that redness. I can take you back to the hospital if you really want..
Rudolph: You're not being helpful.
Rudolph then looks around the living room a bit...
Rudolph: This house is really up to snuff Claire.
Claire: Really?
Cosmo: I agree with my bro. It's way better than that old-fashioned apartment you used to live in. And you even got a magnificent view of the beach from that balcony.
Claire: Oh guys, you are already complimenting my house yet you barely set foot inside. I am sorry for not taking you home, but this is the only safe place for you to stay at right now. Remember, your mom wanted this and...me too. It was our mutual decision.
Cosmo: Our mom's words must not be disobeyed.
Rudolph: But we do like to be mischievous sometimes, right Cosmo?
Cosmo: Admittedly, yes. Which kid...or TEEN doesn't?
Claire: I am something of a mischief myself but speaking of your mom, she deserves a pat on her back for giving me enough money to purchase this house and saving my broke butt.
Cosmo: You must have been through some privation. I am sorry to hear about that, Claire...
Claire: I just don't understand where she got all that money. Did she win the lottery or what?
Cosmo: We all got our secrets...
Claire: Maybe it has something to do with your father's past I suppose, oh sorry. I said nothing! I was not going to say anything concerning your father's past, I swear! There's nothing child-friendly about that...
Rudolph: No, it's fine. We know...
Cosmo: We are in the picture and well aware of his past...
Claire: He really did open up to you two after all those years. I am amazed. He's got them balls of steel I must say...
Rudolph: He did. Cosmo wouldn't stop trying to squish the truth out of him. But in the end, he bludgeoned him into revealing his past. We still feel pain in our chests, mainly my bro. It was really difficult for him to process...
Cosmo: It was. That outburst of painful truth that came out of our dad was something that shattered my heart to pieces but it had also somehow strengthened our relationship. At least this is how I feel about it considering he has no more secrets to keep about his past in front of us. That just makes me appreciate his uprightness. Now I miss him so much, I wish he was here so I could tell him how much I love him and that I have found my way to acceptance and I am not mad at him. Then there's mom too, I don't feel the same anymore without her. The world around us really lost all of its charming colors ever since she left...
Rudolph hugs his brother tightly, empathizing with him...
Claire: Awww, boys. You are going to make me cry my eyeballs out...
She embraces them both, feeling pity for them...
Cosmo: I don't think we will see them ever again...
Rudolph: Bro...don't say that...please...just don't...
Claire: They will be back. What makes you think you will never see them again? They survived Operation Thunderbolt together and saved the kingdom once.
Rudolph: That's hardly...believable but I take it...
Cosmo: They are both....unsung heroes?
Claire: Yup, and anonymity is their biggest strong point!
Rudolph: Who needs fame right? I'd hate to be known all over the globe. My social anxiety would definitely reach its peak...
Cosmo: Privacy for the win!!!
Rudolph: Claire, how long do we need to stay here?
Claire: For as long as your parents won't come back. It was your mom's wish, a wish she made after witnessing a falling star...hehehe.
Rudolph: We can't stay here forever! Promise us you will take us home tomorrow, the sooner the better!
Rudolph looks tired already...
Claire: I can't promise you anything cupcake. Go upstairs and get some rest. Just lie down, start counting some sheep until you doze off. I can.....I can even sing you a lullaby to help you fall asleep faster....
Rudolph: Claire...I don't need any sleep, I am not a toddler anymore. I want to go home, I want my parents back!
Claire: I thought we already talked about this...
Cosmo: Rud, don't start again, just give it a rest.
Rudolph: Okay...self-control. Just breathe....everything is going to be okay. I'll just...
He yawns for a long time and becomes slightly irritated as well...
Rudolph: I'll...get some sleep hoping I will wake up from this nightmare later.
Rudolph starts walking towards the stairs...
Claire: Just...remember. The kitchen is yours as well. You can grab whatever you may find...enticing and yummy there for your bellies. I can even cook you something later on. Just say it and I'll do some kitchen action to dish out some of the finest and most delicious meals you can ever think of!
Rudolph: Thank you seriously Claire. I am not hungry right now. I am going to find your bedroom upstairs and try to recharge my batteries and forget everything that ever happened over the past two days.
He continues walking up the stairs and then he suddenly starts feeling pain again, which stops him in the middle of the staircase...
Cosmo: Hey, bro! Are you okay? Does the pain still persist?
Rudolph: Of course it does. It's been barely forty-eight hours since this weak fox got a beating from his arch-enemy, what did you expect? I still got bruises on my body! Now, are you coming with me or not?
Cosmo: Yeah, I'm coming....
Claire then stops Cosmo for a moment...
Claire: Hey, you two look after each other up there and if there's something you want like food or if you just wanna talk, you let me know okay? And tell your brother that I can give him some belly rubs or a massage just to alleviate his pain and make him feel better. I don't think he is doing any better...
Cosmo: I'll be sure to let you know if anything comes up. I'll go talk to him...
Claire: Okay...I just hope I am not too annoying for you by being excessively concerned and caring. I hope I am doing enough for you, I really hope I do. I know you aren't currently on cloud nine but I am....trying even if I appear to be exaggerating...I really want you to be happy and all amid these tough times without your parents...
She makes Cosmo smile who returns back to her to speak to her up close sincerely...
Cosmo: Claire, you are doing more than we could have ever asked for and I am very thankful for taking care of us responsibly. I am sure my brother is too. You are a pearl of great price, a wholesome person. This cruel world needs more sisters...and aunts just like you. You really elevated my mood right now. Keep up the good work Claire! You are doing great!
Claire: Cosmo, those are some really heart-warming words. Can....can I hug you one more time?
Cosmo: Sure, I am always up for some wholesome hugs!
Claire hugs Cosmo even harder...
Claire: Thank you for being so kind to me Cosmo. I ....don't really know what else to say. You...you just...took my breath away.
Cosmo: And I will do it again and again because you deserve every tiny fragment of love. I'll head upstairs after my bro.
Claire: You know where to find me. I'll be here for you.
Cosmo then starts heading towards the stairs, but then there's one more important thing that comes into his mind...
Cosmo: Claire? One question...
Claire: Yes my brightest sunshine?
Cosmo: Um...have you got a PC or a spare mobile phone or tablet I can use?
Claire: Haven't you got your own?
Cosmo: I forgot my phone back home...
Claire: Oh I see. You are that social media type of fox...
Cosmo: Claire, just because I want to use a phone doesn't necessarily mean I wanna jump straight onto social media.
Claire: Then what do you need it for? Calling your parents? I tried it...they are unreachable but that does not mean they are...you know....gone forever. My sister is a natural born badass and your dad is a one man army.
Cosmo: I know Claire but can't you just lend me your phone for the night? There's also PawTube you know...
Claire: If you want to watch videos, the TV is right here in the living room ready to serve you! Kids of your age these days are all addicted to the online world, but that will not be a problem in my house...
Cosmo: I am not addicted...
Claire: Oh really? What makes you think you aren't?
Cosmo: Okay, I am but just a little bit...
Claire then looks at her phone and does something on it before putting it back in her pocket...
Claire: I can't. It's staying with me.
Cosmo: WHY?! What did you check?
Claire: Privacy reasons...
Cosmo: I respect that. Like I said earlier, we all got our secrets....
He looks at her with a smirky face and walks upstairs after Rudolph. On his way to her bedroom he overhears Claire talking to herself downstairs...
Claire: Phew, nurturing kids is a really demanding task, but I love it regardless. Well, at least I don't feel lonely anymore. My gosh they are so sweet and snugly!
He then continues walking, but with a smile on his face. He finds her bedroom and enters it. Rudolph is just sitting there, looking out from the window on the bed.
Rudolph: I know you're probably thinking right now. You are being all mushy and sensitive as always Rud...
Cosmo: That's not what's on my mind bro. I know what it feels like to be upset...and hurt from the inside...
Rudolph: I've been thinking about these past two days a lot, even in the hospital. Our lives have turned upside down in the blink of an eye and that just makes me wonder what else is there for us?
Cosmo approaches him slowly from behind and sits right next to him...
Cosmo: I am no soothsayer bro and honestly, I don't know the answer to that. I am too scared to think about the future. With our parents out there somewhere, our lives got considerably harder and I know for a fact we also got stronger.
Rudolph: You see, that's exactly what pains me the most, mom and dad being gone. Then there are these intense feelings of dismay, self-doubt and...an urge to wreak vengeance on a certain individual.
Cosmo: Vengeance? Are you talking about Jake?
Rudolph: He is not getting away with this...
Cosmo: Bro c'mon, Zack nearly snapped him in half...
Rudolph: It wasn't enough! Do you think he is going to be officially punished? No, nobody will bother taking action. He is going to keep bullying me, hurting me and draining all of my happiness, what's left of it right? Just look at me bro! I am all hurt! Both from the inside and outside! I must take the law into my own paws!
Cosmo: Rud, stop acting up. This is not you. If Zack's brutality against him wasn't enough for you, then what is? You want to go full berserk and take on him yourself? You know what he is capable of and he will do it again, he is older and stronger than you. Don't foment any more trouble and make this already miserable situation worse! What's with this sudden change of behavior? You were so calm and YOURSELF in the hospital up until this moment. Just wait for the head teacher to learn about this. Justice will not evade him, not even the police. I know bullying is illegal especially if it escalates to such an extreme physical attack like this. Let the adults and officials do the job please...
Rudolph: Cosmo, I am losing it can't you see? Our parents are gone and nobody will ever replace them and give us the same amount of love and treatment that they did.
The poor fox then breaks down in front of his brother like never before, with tears dropping from his face like a waterfall...
Rudolph: I was trying to be strong for far too long....I can't anymore....
Cosmo manages to keep his emotions under control, but seeing his brother cry this much just leaves him cast down entirely...
Cosmo: They...will...be...back Rud. They will...
Rudolph: I will forever be remembered as an over-sentimental weak fox...with no friends and parents. I am sorry for being this emotional...crying wreck of a brother. My heart can't hold all of these emotions anymore. I am tired of pretending to be happy....tired of saying I am okay or fine....tired of covering my pain with a fake smile...I just want an escape from all of this...
Cosmo gently grabs his paw....
Cosmo: Just...let it all out. You have every right to cry. It does not mean you are weak bro. It simply means you've been strong for far too long. Just...know that I am still with you and together we will walk through this age of darkness. I understand your problems more than anyone else in your life, even more than mom or dad, because I am your brother, someone who goes to sleep wholeheartedly thinking about you and wakes up just the same because a life without you is nothing more than meaningless. It may be stormy right now, but it never rains forever. I promise you everything will get better bro. Mom and dad will be back and everything will get back to normal. We will get through this. I promise you!
Rudolph: I love you Cosmo...
Cosmo: I love you too Rud...
Cosmo wraps his arm around his brother, and leans against him slowly, trying to comfort him. They have no idea that Claire has been listening to their conversation for a couple of minutes just behind the door. She has never felt this bad for someone before. She slowly reaches for the door handle to get in but then she decides it's not the best time to disturb them so she leaves.
Three hours later...
The two brothers are lying in bed, facing each other with Rudolph asleep. Cosmo is staring at him as he sleeps and is caressing his fluffy face, which is still wet from all the tears....
His stomach also started gurgling and now he regrets not telling Claire that he is hungry, that's until the door opens and she gets in with a serving tray carrying two plates full of rice and perfectly cut baked chicken breasts. Cosmo sits up on the bed after seeing his aunt.
Cosmo: Claire?
She stops in one place...
Claire: Oh, I am so sorry! Did I wake you up?
Cosmo: No, I wasn't sleeping, but Rud is...
Rudolph wakes up slowly, disoriented...
Cosmo: Was...
Rudolph: Mom? Dad?
Cosmo: It's me bro...and aunt Claire with...
He sniffs the air...
Cosmo: With some really appetizing and delicious food!
Rudolph sits on the bed, rubbing his eyes....
Cosmo: Do you feel better now bro?
Rudolph: Only my body feels better Cosmo...
He is sitting there, without any signs of happiness at all...
Claire: I am sorry for intruding. I bought you something to eat. You two must be famished...
Cosmo: You came in at the most convenient time Claire since my stomach is begging me to consume something already...
Claire: Then aunt Claire is here to diminish that hunger and keep you well-nourished!
She walks over the bed and puts down the serving tray with two plates and cutlery...
Claire: Enjoy the meal cuties...
Cosmo: Time to get to work! Hey, Rud. What are you waiting for? You gotta eat something!
Cosmo grabs his plate and starts eating...
Rudolph: I don't have a desire to eat anything...
Cosmo: You haven't eaten anything for twenty four hours. You can't simply deny such heavenly food!
Claire: So you like it? Awww!
Cosmo: Of course I do! It's very delicious! Nice work Claire! I've never eaten in a bed like this before by the way...
Claire: Well, this is my house and my rules. About your brother, I see he is not doing any better. I got a quick confession to make. I've eavesdropped behind the door like a creep while you two were having a conversation. I know, I know, it was a very crummy move.
Cosmo: Very unladylike....just kidding. It's fine...
Rudolph: So you know about everything...
Claire: Sorry, but my hearing drew me up the stairs to listen closely and I heard more than I should. It tore my heart out. Rud, if you need to talk I am here. I know you jumped out of the frying pan just to land in fire.
Rudolph: Claire, please don't. I have no more tears to cry anymore.
Claire: It doesn't look like it. Your eyes are starting to get drenched again with them. This will help...
She approaches the side of the bed just to give him a comforting warm hug while petting his back gently. This just boosts his overall mood instantly...
Claire: I will fight for your happiness and cure your aching heart with massive outpouring of love! Like your brother said, everything will get better.
She releases him and gives him a kiss. That's when she sees a noticeable and genuine smile on his face...
Rudolph: You're just like our mom...
Claire: She's my sister, I got her characteristics even if I am not the most perfect imitation of her but I am here, treating you as if you were my sons. It's an incredible feeling. You two help battle my loneliness...
Cosmo already ate half of his food...
Cosmo: Hey Rudie, look at my plate, I am almost at the finish line...
Claire gives the second plate to Rudolph...
Claire: It's time. Don't you dare tell me you're not hungry. We don't say that here. At least taste it for me. I know you're hungry, you have to be! I can literally hear your belly plead for food! Here, let me increase your appetite. Do you see the rice over there? Imagine them as being small seeds of soldiers defending those tasty chicken breasts, their headquarters or queens, whatever. They are defending them from you, a gigantic, fearsome, ravenous and CUTE FOXZILLA that is about to crush them and eat them one by one with its razor sharp teeth. So, get down to it and let there be no more survivors on the plate! Only devoured rice troopers and a full belly!
Claire really lifted Rudolph's spirits with her fun speech...
Rudolph: Claire, your imagination runs really wild.
Cosmo: Claire, you almost made me split out those "rice troopers". That was so wacky and quite...imaginative. You could be a great writer of stories, you know?
Claire: A waitress turned renowned writer? I think this is my new dream job now. Thanks for the idea! When I was a small bean, I used to write a lot of stories. Maybe I can do that as a job these days. My giddiness and good sense of humor will come in handy....
Rudolph begins eating his portion of food heartily...
Claire: Go get them Rudie! There's no escape for them!
Rudolph: Your made up "rice troopers" are very appealing to my eyes and tasty! They are IRRESISTIBLE!
Claire: That just makes me become a chef now...
Cosmo: If I recall right, you said something about a waitress?
Claire: That's my current job. It's very enervating. I almost never get a chance to sit down and take a break. But that's what I do for a living, to keep a roof over my head and to stay in a warm cozy place, alone.
Cosmo: Have you...always been alone? Back in the hospital, you said something about your ALREADY broken heart being....broken AGAIN but now thanks to Rud's misfortune. Have you....have you been in a relationship before?
Claire: Good lord, someone has photographic memory. You are a very heedful and clever fox just as your brother...
Cosmo: C'mon that's not true. I am just being speculative and if I had a good memory, I wouldn't be getting average marks in school...
Rudolph: You are getting better than average marks bro, much better than most of the class...
Cosmo: That's because I am cheating...
Rudolph: Sly fox...
Cosmo: Being sly is in our blood...
Rudolph finishes eating his food. He left nothing on the plate...
Claire: And the battle is won! You left a desolated battleground behind you!
Cosmo: And he said he wasn't hungry...
Rudolph: I never said I wasn't hungry...
Cosmo: You said it like ten minutes ago...
Rudolph: Did I? It was my depression that said it, not me.
Cosmo: Well I hope that depression of yours will no longer control your emotions and most importantly, yourself. I will not let it return!
Claire: I'll go wash the dishes. I hope you enjoyed the meal.
Rudolph: and Cosmo: We did!
Cosmo: It was so delicious! I am sure this was only a taste of what you can truly conjure in the kitchen Claire.
Rudolph: Your food is my antidepressant Claire. Thank you!
Claire: Awww! I'm applying for a new job soon then. I think I just discovered my hidden talent.
She takes the plates and puts them back on the serving plate.
Claire: It was truly wonderful to see you eat something I made with love. Full bellies and satisfied smiles are what I needed to see. You know where to find me. I'll be downstairs doing my favorite chores.
When she is about to leave the room, Cosmo stops her...
Cosmo: Slow down there Claire, we aren't done. You are here trying to solve our problems and make our lives better while our parents are away for who knows how long, but I see you have your own problems that you keep under wraps. I asked you a question and you tried to circumvent it. I am not letting you walk away without telling us your story, the story behind your loneliness and a broken heart. Now, who is he and what happened between you two?
Claire puts down the serving tray on the table and tries to answer Cosmo's question sincerely...
Claire: You really want me to open my heart to you, don't you? I guess me and Rudolph are relatable. We both try our best to hide our true feelings and pain deep inside us. I had a boyfriend, Aaron was his name and we broke up recently. He ditched me for some kind of gold digger, obviously. I was not good enough for him. That other girl had better traits, he said. I can only guess he was looking for a much more dignified and ladylike girl. Who wants this piece of immature fox anyway right? I learned one thing from this. Don't stress yourself out with something that you can't change. Keep moving on and always chase the positive side of life, no matter how hard it is to stay on the right track.
Cosmo: That fool, he has no idea what he lost that day. There's no treasure of your worth out there Claire. Aaron is going to feel repentant over that breakup one day.
Rudolph: I don't know what it's like to be in a relationship but I know for a fact that true love is the hardest to find. I am sorry to hear about the breakup Claire...
Claire: Thanks guys. It is what it is. Your presence helps a lot though.
Cosmo: You will soon find out Rud...
Rudolph: What do you mean? Oh no, Madison!
Claire: Who?
Rudolph: She is just my classmate. I......I asked her out but things went awry and now she must think I lied to her and that I lost my interest in going out with her. I can't believe this is happening to me...
Claire: Rud my dear, you are hanging from a cliff with a deep abyss of love beneath you and you will not be able to hold onto it forever....
Cosmo: Someone is about to fall into that pit of LOVE!
Cosmo winks at Rudolph while also giving him a mischievous look...
Rudolph gets off the bed, standing up...
Rudolph: Very tempting.... I'll go outside for a walk. I need to refresh my mind...
Claire: Outside? But I don't want you to...
Rudolph: Hey, I can take care of myself.
Claire: But you can't protect yourself from danger...
Rudolph: Look, I am off to do things that will save me from losing my sanity here. I appreciate your gestures of goodwill Claire, but I don't want you to keep us grounded here! I must go get some fresh air! I am not asking for much...
Claire: You still need to rest. You are vulnerable and your mother told me not to let you wander off like that. You have to listen to her!
Rudolph: My mother is gone! Can't you see? There's no reason for me to obey her orders anymore!
Claire: And I am still your aunt and your mother's sister, an adult and a member of your family that you should respect and obey too!
Cosmo: Rud, you are getting way too emotional again...
Rudolph: I may look unappreciative and rude right now, but I just want to go home okay? To try to find my lost self...and to see if she is hiding something from us...
Claire: Why would I be....
Rudolph then tries to get past Claire, but she grabs him by his hand strongly and pulls him close to her...
Claire: Just...STOP!
Cosmo gets on his feet due to the escalating tension of the situation...
Rudolph: Please don't do this to me Claire! Let me go!
Claire: I am going to take you home....
Rudolph stops resisting and calms down upon hearing that....
Claire: But you are not going to like it there...
Claire releases his hand...
Rudolph: I am ready for anything, no matter how alarming it sounds....
Cosmo: You've never been this melodramatic before Rud. First Jake's inexcusable violent behavior towards you and now our parents being far away in the unknown.
Rudolph: Someone who finally understands my pain. This is just too much for my heart to bear and I need to find some place which will help me control these emotions of anger and sadness...
Claire: If bringing you home will placate you and make you feel much less downcast, then your next destination is my car....
Rudolph: Thank you.
Cosmo: Awww, as much as I want to go home too, I am going to miss this place.
Claire: You are ALWAYS welcomed back, anytime. Let's go...
She opens the door....
Claire: My sister is going to kill me for doing this...
Rudolph: If she returns....
Claire stops at the doorway and turns back to Rudolph...
Claire: Don't be so fatalistic of her fate!
Rudolph: I am not! It's just....that she has been gone for far too long...
Claire: She only left yesterday...
Rudolph: Which feels like an eternity...
Cosmo: My goodness Rud, we know what her history is, even if it's sketchy in our eyes. She knows how to get around trouble!
Claire: Cosmo, could you please pick up the plates? I almost forgot about them...
Cosmo: Sure thing Claire! It nearly slipped your mind, hehehe.
Claire has a deep sigh and leaves her bedroom with her nephews...
They walk down the stairs...
Claire: Put them in the sink.
Cosmo: What about washing them?
Claire: That can wait. This little peanut is in a hurry....
Cosmo puts the plates in the sink...
Rudolph: Did you just call me a peanut?
Claire: Are you offended, cupcake?
Rudolph: I am telling mom you are calling me names..... IF she returns....
Cosmo: It's not IF....but WHEN. There's a BIG difference in meaning between these two key words.
Rudolph: Tell that to my mind which is generating so many no-good and horrid scenarios and feelings right now.
Claire: A negative mind will never give you a positive life...
Rudolph: I am well aware of that.
Claire: Are you?
Rudolph: Tough times, okay?
Claire: I understand...which is why I am taking you home, it's not like you enjoyed being here in the first place...
Rudolph: I did. It didn't look like that but I actually love this house. I could spend days here having sleepovers but given the current circumstances, it is only an impossibility. And you Cosmo...how come you are not fazed by all of this?
Cosmo: I am trying my best to remain calm and hopeful about the future even when their absence in our lives hurts me too you know? Mom and dad will be back to comfort us, to give us the love we need, trust me. Our family will be whole again. We will reunite...we will....
He pauses for a moment because he realizes he is getting emotional as well and he is not the type of guy that likes to show his feelings in front of people...
Cosmo: Let's just head outside....
Cosmo goes outside, barely holding back his tears. He walks around the front yard a bit to keep his emotions under control. Rudolph and Claire come out right behind him...
Rudolph: Cosmo I see that pain in you too...
Cosmo: We will get over this together...somehow. This is not what I imagined we would be dealing with at such a young age...
Rudolph: I know, right? It sucks.
Claire: Considering how unhappy you are, you may want to rethink your desire to return to your house...
Rudolph: We are not changing our minds..
Claire: Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you...
Rudolph: What could be worse and more heartbreaking than...you know....THIS?!
Claire: I don't know....having your food criticized for example? Which in my case didn't happen...
Cosmo: Claire, you still have some serious competition...
Claire: Who? Oh....your mom.
Cosmo: You are unquestionably right!
Rudolph: Facts...
Claire: That...hits me right in the feels but I will defend my position! We can even hold a cooking competition once she returns safely with your dad. Now, hop into my car.
They all get in the car and leave the street. About twenty minutes later, they arrive at the Thunder household.
Claire: Alright guys. Don't freak out okay? You may wanna reconsider this...
Rudolph: Let's go Cosmo!
They get out of the car ignoring Claire completely and walk towards their house hurriedly...
Claire: Oh Claire, letting them in is against your better judgment. Why are you doing this?
She leans her head against the headrest for a moment, disappointed in herself before going out of the car fast....
Claire: HEY! WAIT UP!
The first thing they notice is a van and two more cars parked near their house with noises coming from the inside. They see the entrance door missing and get goosebumps...
Cosmo: What's going on there?!
Rudolph: I recognize one of the cars...
They walk inside and are completely horrified to see the ground floor ravaged, lying in ruins from Zack and Zeerox's showdown. Their grandfather, Mr. Quinn is there, cleaning the mess with his friends who have volunteered to help.
Rudolph: No...this is only just a loathsome hallucination...
Cosmo: The living room and the kitchen are almost unrecognizable! WHAT HAPPENED HERE?!?!
Their grandfather notices them from across the room and he can barely believe his eyes.
Mr. Quinn: Cosmo? Rudolph?!
His friends stop their work and gaze upon the brothers. Claire appears right behind them...
Mr. Quinn: And Claire?!?! As expected.
Claire: Good lord! This looks far more horrendous than in those pictures your mom sent me...
Rudolph: Look who just spilled the beans!
Claire: Guys, I can explain!
Rudolph: What else is there that we don't know?!
Claire: I got nothing more to hide I swear! Your mom sent me a couple of messages and photos of this mess right before she left. I was going to tell you about this sooner or later. It was all a part of a....tentative plan but you guys...especially you Rud, you forced me to bring you home. It wasn't worth it now, was it?
Cosmo: That explains why you were so shifty about that phone of yours...
Rudolph: Claire, the teller of untruths.
Mr. Quinn: Claire my dear. You had ONE job. The plan was to keep them in your house until your sister's return and not bring them here to these post-apocalyptic ruins!
Claire: Please....don't pin the blame on me! I admit I have plainly mishandled everything okay? I shouldn't have brought them here but I still think I did the right thing. Rudolph over here had such irresistible pleading expressions that I simply had to do what was probably the best for him....
Rudolph: You did what I asked for. I owe you my thanks.
Cosmo: I can at least draw some comfort from being home but man, they ransacked this place...whoever it was. The damage here is off the scale. I hope mom and dad are okay....
Rudolph: Yeah, I cannot live without them...
Mr. Quinn: It doesn't look like someone ransacked this place. There must have been some kind of quarrel here between two people. We checked upstairs and we haven't found anything damaged though so if you want to stay you know where to go. We already filed a police report so this case is under investigation. It's only a matter of time before this case gets solved. My sunshine is missing and I will not give up the search for her. It's going to take a few days to refurbish and restore these rooms.
Cosmo: We are staying and we are going to help. How about you Claire?
Claire: Me? Well, I could use some company and I can also lend my helping paw so I am staying here so we can rattle through this house cleaning business. Let's make their homecoming something special, shall we?
Rudolph: I am going to check our room upstairs first...
Mr. Quinn: Sure, do whatever you please Rudie.
Cosmo: I'll go with him. Just give us a couple of minutes. We'll be back.
Before they head upstairs through the mess, Rudolph notices something really important missing...
Rudolph: Bro, one sec...
Rudolph starts looking for that one specific object underneath the broken furniture until he pulls out that one family photo he holds dear the most. The frame is broken and the glass is shattered, but the photo is still intact...
Rudolph: I'll hold onto this...
Cosmo: How could I forget about this? Nice work detective!
Claire: Awww, finders keepers!
Mr. Quinn: That's such a lovely family portrait. There's gotta be more, right?
Cosmo: Yup, we'll have to do some digging here to get them all. The one Rudolph found is particularly irreplaceable. That photo captures the best times of our lives, before everything went downhill.
Rudolph: It's the latest photo we ever got to take as a family together.
Claire: Latest, but not the last...
Rudolph: Only time will tell. Come bro...
Rudolph and Cosmo head upstairs to their room...
Mr. Quinn: Alright back to work amigos. These rooms aren't gonna clean and restore themselves alone!
His friends get back to work while he speaks to his daughter...
Mr. Quinn: You look ravishing today, dear.
Claire: Awww, thanks dad.
Mr. Quinn: Beauty comes naturally. I hope that Aaron guy has been treating you with nothing but respect and love.
Claire tries to keep the truth hidden because it is not the best time to talk about the breakup...
Claire: Yeah, he could be a bit more gallant, but what can I say, our relationship is...pretty good.
Mr. Quinn: Hmmm, I'll pay you a visit sometime. It's been a while since your mom and I visited your royal palace. I still think there's something dodgy about him. I never liked that guy, no offense.
Claire laughs nervously...
Claire: Boys these days, right? It's hard to fulfill their needs...
Mr. Quinn: You can barely trust any of them. Looks can be very deceitful, remember that.
Claire: There's definitely something to learn from that one.
Meanwhile, in Cosmo and Rudolph's room...
Cosmo: Phew, the living room and the kitchen are a complete disaster. Whoever came to our house to abduct our dad had some baneful power.
Rudolph: Yeah, good thing that fight left the upper floor untouched including our room. It's good to be back, but it still doesn't feel the same.
Cosmo: Agreed.
Rudolph then walks to his desk and picks up the piece of paper with Madison's phone number written on it...
Rudolph: I left it lying on my desk all this time? God, I hope she didn't see this. She would have so many questions about this...
Cosmo: Are you sure?
Rudolph: Hey, I don't want her or dad to know about my love affairs, not until my relationship with Madison develops into something to be proud and happy about.
Cosmo: I understand. Let me propose a brilliant idea then. I'll stay in the house to help grandpa with the cleanup while you go out with her, that's only if your heart still wants her and you are ready for some romance. I am sure she will boost your mood. You need someone like her more than ever. She's the real deal. Who knows, maybe one day you will know her enough to even confide in her.
Rudolph: I do want her but I don't want her to see me like this. I am a wrecked train. I don't want to appear weak and whiny in front of her. And romance? Don't be silly, I am not a romantic guy.
Cosmo: That's what dating is for bro. You learn about each other, your hobbies, ups and downs.
Rudolph: This is only up for consideration but right now, I just want our parents to be back because my mental state is really weakening. I am lost, you know? Deep inside my head. I can't find the old me anymore. I feel like a changed fox. This is not me you know?
He takes the piece of paper and sits down on his bed with the family photo in his second hand...
Cosmo: To be completely honest with you, I can see that. I will try to pull you through this by being the best brother in the world you could have ever had!
The brothers are back home, but this does make the situation any better, especially for Rudolph. Their future is highly dependent on their parents' success and escape from Gryphonia...