A Tragic Creation 3: At Pepperland's End

Chapter 36: Gathering Around

Ringo sighed as he one again patted Randel's back as he laid on his lap, hiding his head in his arms as he whimpered quietly.

The sun had risen quite some time ago, but Ringo couldn't keep track of time.

After all, nothing could keep his mind off of what had happened earlier.

The drummer sighed, closing his eyes as he straightened his tie, thankful that he was alive now.

Randel slowly turned onto his side, taking his head out of his hands as he shift down a bit so that his head was resting on Ringo's lap.

Before the Beatle could question him, Randel buried his head in his stomach as he wrapped his arms around his lower body.

It was the sound of approaching footsteps that made both turn their heads.

John, Paul, and George were all walking towards them, George carrying Jeremy as Max walked at his side.

The Chief walked next to Max, Old Fred and Lord Mayor walking alongside him.

The other Beatles gathered around the pair and sat down, still holding Jeremy.

The rest just stood close by, looking at the pair with sympathy.

"Um... hi," Ringo stated quietly, not surprised that Randel hid his face in his stomach again.

His whimpering died down.

"W-what... w-what's going on?" He asked shakily, keeping his face hidden.

Lord Mayor sighed and stepped up next to him.

"I... I've never seen such courage and... love.. in all of my life, Randel."

Slowly, he took of his hat in respect.

"In all my years, I could have never guessed that I would meet someone like you."

Old Fred walked up to his side, taking his hat off as well.

"Same for me. I... I could not ever thank you enough, Randel, for... saving us."

The Chief stepped forward as well, Max following him.

"You saved me from trying to take over Pepperland... and... you saved my life. That... that is something that makes me realize..."

He fiddled with one of the flowers sprouting out of his body.

"If it weren't for you... things would have ended badly... for all of us."

Closing his eyes, he pulled the single flower off, gritting his teeth as a bit of blue fur stuck to it.

Picking the fur off, the Chief held the pink flower in his hand.

"Randel... please look at us."

Slowly, Randel turned his head, tears still streaming down his cheeks as he stared at the gift.

He held out his arm, grabbing the flower.

"T-th... thank y-you..."

Max walked closer to Randel, hands clasped together.

"To tell you the truth, Randel, I can't say why I chose that to be your name. I... It just came to me, but, I wish that I had spent more time with you before."

He paused, taking in a breath.

"Don't feel bad. That thing's gone forever, so... all of our problems are over now."

"I... M-Max... I n-never expected you to... b-be as calm as you a-are now..."

Smiling a little, Max stepped back, the Chief looking down at him while smiling himself.

Old Fred and Lord Mayor both looked at each other for a moment, putting their hats back on slowly.

"So... we'll just lea-"

"Wait. Please. I want to say something myself to put him at ease."

Jeremy, being released by George, walked to Randel's side.

"I... I was forced to create you, but now I see you as someone new. After all that's happened, between you and all of us here, you are someone who we see as someone so dear."

Taking his teary-eyed gaze away from the pink flower, Randel stared at Jeremy.

Slowly, Jeremy joined Lord Mayor, Old Fed, Max, and the Chief as they all stepped away slowly.

"I'll leave you all alone now, my friends,  for I know you all like to talk, and make amends."

Ringo nodded silently.

As the group left, Randel took in a breath and slowly sat up beside Ringo, holding the pink flower tightly in his hand.

He kept his gaze on the ground as Ringo talked.

"S-So... what should..."

The drummer paused, not knowing what to say.

"Ay, I got an idea," John said.

"Randel, remember when Ringo told you about us wanting to go in the bandstand before... b-before it all happened?"

Randel nodded slowly.

"Well... how about we... go there and... talk?"

John looked at the three other Beatles.

After a moment, they all nodded.

Slowly, they all stood up, Randel holding onto Ringo with his other hand.

Taking in a breath, he turned around to stare at the bandstand on the hill in the distance.

He sighed.

Whatever what would go on in there, at least he'd still have someone to lean on whenever his emotions would once again get the best of him.