Hello, Old Friend

Brian Elwin Haner, who was famously known as Synyster Gates, sat on his bed - as he was trying very hard not to cry. He was usually not the emotional type - and, in fact, was one who usually tried to comfort Zacky or Johnny whenever they cried. However, losing your best friend was not an easy thing to get over, to say the least.

There were times when he considered ending his life, if only to see his best friend again. However, he know that there were plenty of people on earth that would miss him, if he left. Not to mention the number of fans who were still, without a doubt, grieving Jimmy’s death - despite the fact that most have never met him.

Brian popped in a BB King CD, as he was the type of person to listen to whatever music fit his mood - and listening to the blues was what he needed, right now. He laid back on his bed, as he closed his eyes and tried to keep the tears from spilling out.

Within moments, Brian felt a finger poking at his left shoulder. Brian figured that it was probably one of his band mates. When Brian opened his eyes, he saw that he was right… but not quite in the way that he expected!

"J-J-Jimmy?!" Brian gasped, as he could barely believe his eyes.

"Yes, Brian," replied the person who looked like Avenged Sevenfold’s deceased drummer. "It’s me. I thought I should pay you a visit."

"Oh, Jimmy!" Brian gasped, as he threw his arms around his old friend - who, amazingly enough, felt warm and solid. He could hold back his tears no longer, as he started to weep.

"Whatever you do, Brian," Jimmy comment, softly, "do not kill yourself. The people here need you."

"Tha-that’s what I figured," Brian replied, through sobs. "I-I really mi-miss you, though. A-avenged Sevenfold just wo-won’t be the same wi-without you, though. I just fe-feel like…" Brian could speak no more, as he was sobbing so hard.

"Oh, Brian," Jimmy murmured, softly. "I see visit you, occasionally. I helped you put together the song Fiction, and it’s just the way I envisioned it."

"R-really?" Brian asked, choking back a sob - as he finally pulled back

"Yes, really," Jimmy replied, patting Brian’s back. "Great choice on having Mike Portnoy fill in for me. I’ve always admired his skill."

"Yeah, it was great of him to take over," Brian replied, as he wiped away his tears. "Although, I don’t think he’d quite work as a permanent drummer."

"I think I can help you find our new drummer," Jimmy replied, softly. "Well, it’s about time I should leave, Gotta get back to chasing stallion ducks, y’know."

With that, Brian actually chuckled.

"Now there’s that laugh," Jimmy replied, tracing the edges of Brian’s lips with his finger. "Just try not to despair, okay? We’ll be reunited again, someday."

"R-right," Brian stammered, as he patted Jimmy’s shoulder.

"Take care, now!" Jimmy replied, softly. Brian watched on, as Jimmy began to fade away.

Brian then sat on his bed, as he began to air guitar to The Thrill is Gone. He felt better, knowing that it was not “good bye forever” - but, rather, “see you again soon”.

Notes