I am finally here with Chapter 20! Sorry it took a little long, I had to balance out my last week of college before finals. Anyways, moving this answer from the temp author's note to here as well.
Now, addressing a question I got by superjimmy, it is in fact my school never had ROTC. I'm glad you told me about this because I would of never learned otherwise and it's actually very helpful. So I was wondering since it doesn't take place in the US, should I rename it to something else?
As for the poll, asking this again, do you think I should narrow it down now? If so, by top what?
Anyways, we finally hit the Homecoming season in this chapter! Also, Henry and Olivia finally talk again and I used their B level support convo as a basis for this.
Now here's chapter 20!
Trigger warning btw for ableist slurs.
Two months have passed since that fateful day. Marth's popularity began hitting its peak since September which involved him in getting even more friends. The bluenet was now familiar with everybody around the school, even on really good terms with the snobbiest of teens. Little did they know that he secretly developed a friendship with the school's reject under their sleeve. If someone where to find out, his newfound reputation would possibly be at stake. His friendships with his old peers drifted off as well as their group. They found new friends to satisfy their needs, breaking off their old friendship circle.
Caeda decided to engage herself in after school activities last month and befriended Sumia along with Cordelia, and Tana. The bluenette girl now sat among their table, chatting it up with her new friends. Roy and Wolt moved over to hang out with Lilina's friends that consisted of Sheik, Olivia, Popo and Nana. Merric managed to find some new friends who shared similar magic interests. They consisted of his newfound girlfriend Linde, twins Lugh and Raigh, Laurent, Sophia and Artur. Pit along with Kirby and Luigi hung out with Paula, Ness, Jeff and Tails. Last but not least, Link and Masked Marth had a closer relationship than he ever did and hanged out with a bunch of goofy sophomores.
It was a depressing thought to even see that his old group of friends drifted away from one another, but that's life for you. He figured that he was the one who kept them together for so long. Once he drifted away from them, it seemed like they also did the same which each other. The group was still friends though, even if they weren't as close, the only exception being Marth himself. Sadly, the bluenet now referred to as a prince by some, couldn't care less. Instead, he had everything he could have ever wanted. All he ever wanted was the world along with its people. Heck, he even wanted the primadonna life; from the rise and fall. His personality changed as well, the prince earning himself a big ego. He was more demanding, more of a prick but everyone adored him. Marth and Samus were still dating, but he started to feel like he was getting bored of her. He needed someone new to be around with and he knew who too. Ever since he started getting to know Eirika more throughout PE and kendo sessions, the boy started to develop feelings towards her.
Marth would break up with Samus in a heartbeat, but he didn't have the heart to say no. He knew Eirika returned his feelings back but didn't know how to end it with the blonde. He just figured that she'll lose interest seeing how he certainly was. One thing Marth would admit that Samus was pretty damn good at sexual intercourse, but little did she know that he was secretly doing it with Eirika. The two just started an affair without Samus' consent. Usually, the girl was always the one getting blamed but Marth insisted that it was okay. Her brother didn't know about it either which was probably for the best, seeing that Ephraim was the type of person who'd probably kill you if he found out.
More good things happened in Marth's life. He finally got a license and his award was a brand new car. The teen was bummed out that Jagen took a job promotion overseas, so he wouldn't get to see him as much anymore. His sister however, begins questioning him more often. She wanted to know where he's been, who he's seen and whatnot. Elice even tried to get him to eat more but he refused. From the beginning of the school year till now, Marth's appearance changed drastically. He was no longer an average sized boy, instead he lost a lot of weight. Marth was almost like a slender twig, striking a figure everyone wanted. His only true friend knew something was up but couldn't quite put his finger on it. Even if he didn't show it, he began to get worried for Marth as well.
The bluenet got up early this morning to get himself ready for the day. Thankfully, today was a Friday which meant tomorrow was Daisy's huge party. He couldn't wait for that, especially since her parents were going to be out of town for the weekend. Marth stepped into the shower, letting the water rinse away his trouble as he began cleaning himself. Afterwards, he continued his ritual which meant doing his hair and all other daily needs. Looking at the time, it was only five thirty in the morning. The sounds of crows outside could be heard nearby. Being curious, he looked outside the window and noticed a huge flock of them in the backyard.
Heading downstairs, Marth rushed outside into the backyard and saw Henry playing with the crows. As the silver haired boy noticed him, he said something to the black birds before approaching the bluenet.
"What exactly are you doing out here?!" questioned Marth. Even after it's been two months, the boy failed to grasp the concept of Henry's actions.
"I was just playing with the crows, hehe," he answered. Marth sighed, shaking his head before giving him a playful shove.
"You're a riot, you know that," he taunted. He chuckled softly, sitting on the bench as he looked up. "Have you ever thought of what your future's going to be like Henry?" he asked, being curious.
"Naw, I really never thought of that. If I live, I'd want to be surrounded by all kinds of animals, maybe become a veterinarian or a zoologist. If I die, I want to die a painless death… I don't like ouchies."
"I see."
Both of them gazed into the fall sky, admiring the darkness. Henry loved the fall season especially since that meant that more of his little friends were out and about. He looked over to Marth and said something he never said before.
"Marth, I have to be honest with you. I may not look like it, but I actually fear pain. Something about pain just irks me whenever it be emotional or physical."
Nodding, Marth got up. He'd tell Henry to start getting himself ready for the day so they could head over to the school grounds. The bluenet warmed up to him, actually thinking of him as an actual friend as opposed to his other "friends." The silver haired boy nodded before heading inside to get himself ready for the school day. Marth followed him back inside, heading into the kitchen to get himself some breakfast. Opening the fridge, he took out some Greek yogurt along with strawberries and granola and mixed them up together before eating it.
He started leaving earlier to school ever since his reputation has gone up. Marth didn't want the popular kids to know that he's been driving Henry around as well, knowing what they already thought of him. The boy honestly hated playing along in their game but he felt peer pressure telling him to or else he'll fall down. As he finished his meal, Marth cleaned up after himself as he rinsed the bowl and cleaned it. Henry came back downstairs, ready to go. Since it was getting closer to the winter season, they changed from the summer uniforms to the winter ones. He'd prepare himself a to-go meal before heading out with Marth. The boys got into the car, driving off to the school.
Arriving, they'd part ways, Henry going back to play with his animals friends while Marth went out to look for the cheerleaders. Heading over to the field, he spot a couple of the girls practicing. It seemed that Peach wasn't there yet, so they were free to do as they pleased.
"Hey ladies," greeted the bluenet. He approached them, giving them a sly look as he flashed his waist at them.
"Hey Marth! What's up?!" greeted Daisy. Krystal and Jigglypuff stopped what they were doing as well to greet their friend.
"Nothing much, just seeing what my favorite girls are up to. You know, you can't resist your own charms right?" he answered, playing around with them.
The three girls giggled, finding him to be the most adorable thing. Their faces tinted red as they exchanged looks with one another before looking back at the prince.
"Say, Marth who do you think's going to get nominated for Homecoming?" asked Jigglypuff.
Shrugging, he replied "Not disgusting and ugly people, that's for sure. I definitely have a chance, maybe you girls as well seeing how you're swell and all."
Giggling again, the girls swooned. They huddled for a second, exchanging a few words with one another before giving their divided attention to Marth.
"Say Marth, I have something to tell you," said Krystal. Smirking, her and the other girls chuckled darkly before continuing on.
"You know the voting system? Let's just say that us girls had a lot of fun and added Olivia Flynn to the roster," she said, explaining. Marth couldn't help but grin.
"That Olivia? Seriously, I'm going to laugh when she reacts. God, she's such a pathetic bitch, always getting embarrassed over stupid shit. She needs to build a fucking bridge and get over it."
The four of them laughed, finding the girl's pain to be hilarious. Marth started to mimic her, even going as far as to act like he was shy before he bursted out laughing again.
"Totally," said Daisy. "Well, anyways when she's up at the nominee stand, she's obviously going to get all dolled up and pretty. If she wins, we're going to dump a red paint bucket on her. She'll be so embarrassed, she'll probably run home and cry to her mother!"
Once again, the four bursted out laughing. Marth couldn't wait to see this, especially since it'll be an event of a life time. Though, he couldn't help but wonder if he'll be stuck with her if he won Homecoming King.
"Also Marth, I gotta tell you the other thing we did," said Krystal.
"And that is?"
"We also flooded the male nomination with Sullivan's name as well. Even better, if they both win, the bucket's going to go on both of them! Everyone would have a hilarious laugh and it'll be the best thing ever!
"Haha, yeah…."
None of the girls caught Marth's drop in his voice at the last part as they continued to snicker.
"Isn't he like, autistic or something?" exclaimed Jigglypuff.
Daisy just rolled her eyes. "Didn't we discuss this before? He's fucking retarded okay, that's it. I was surprised they gave him such an easy sentence too."
"Well, maybe because he's like, you said, RETARDED," blared Krystal. The girls laughed once again as Marth watched them silently, not saying a word.
Surprisingly, the majority of the school day went by fast. Marth had an easy time during the first three classes as he managed to head over to the lunch room. He was greeted with his adoring fans as well as receiving a couple of eye rolls.
Henry happened to be outside with the rest of the band geeks and anime club as he happened to be climbing trees with Ricken.
"I don't feel like going any higher, so you're on your own!" Ricken headed back down to join Lissa and the others.
Mist watched from afar, looking over to her friend, shouting "Henry, just get down already! If you get higher up and fall, you're really going to hurt yourself!"
"Aww," he whined. "I just want to see what kind of things are on the top."
Sighing, the light browned haired girl found it useless to talk sense into him as she went to join the others.
Henry managed to make it to the top, getting a good view of the entire school. He opened his arms out, standing up from the tree as he began to flap them.
"CAW CAW!" he shouted. He then made his way over, and looked at his friends.
"GUYS I'M A BIRD, LOOK AT ME, I CAN FLY!"
"Henry no…."
It was too late; the silver haired boy jumped down and ended up hurting himself badly. Of course, he was able to move as if nothing happened.
Olivia saw this from far away, excusing herself as she rushed over to him.
"Um, Henry? What are those red stains on your clothes?" she asked.
Looking down at his shirt, he'd notice it as well. Grinning, he laughed before giving the pink haired girl a response.
"Oh, will you look at that? It's blood! … I wonder where it came from." Moving his hand as if nothing happened, he'd move it towards the wound, grab some of the blood and lick it. Olivia winced at this, wanting to throw up almost.
"Oh hey… it's MY blood!" Henry bursted into a giggle fit as the girl frowned. "I must have gotten this earlier or just now when I thought I was a bird!"
Olivia shook her head as she began grabbing a first aid kit from her bag. "GROSS!... And also, that's really creepy! Why are you even laughing about something like this," she exclaimed, scolding him.
Sighing, she begins to open the kit. "That wound needs to be addressed immediately."
Laughing, he continued to grin. "You wanna help? It's kinda out of the way, so I can't reach it."
She sighed once again, removing his shirt to patch him up. She hoped no one was staring as she went to look for the wounds. One thing Olivia noticed that Henry seemed to have a lot of scars on his back from multiple wounds. Finding the wound, she noticed that it was an older one that happened to open up again after the fall.
"Oh my, look how deep this is! How do you not even notice this?!"
"Oh that? I got a high pain threshold. It's a genetic thing. Nerve damage to be exact."
Sighing, she begin to patch up the wound, cleaning it first so it won't get any infections.
"To be honest, I've had worse than this," he exclaimed. Olivia sounded surprised, almost appalled even.
"You've had worse?! Where?! And how?!"
"Well, when I was a kid, my parents used to spend their time working all day, so I'd get tossed back and forth between babysitters. Also, the children afterschool used to beat me up all the time as well. Anyways, I found a couple of magic tomes and some of the experiments I did got waaaaay out of hand. I almost burned my face once and even my own house down!"
Olivia frowned. "Your babysitters were negligent! Why didn't your parents put you in an afterschool activity or something?!"
"Well, my parents didn't care what I did. In fact, it was like I was never even there unless it involved one of them having to come over to the school. The only time I really got in trouble with them was when I burned one of my bullies on accident! Sent me to bed with no dinner."
Continuing to smile, the boy added "Heck that was one of the reasons why they overworked themselves so much. They didn't want to see me at all, in fact, they'd get rid of me in a heartbeat."
He noticed her face expression gloomed. Trying his best to cheer her up, he exclaimed "Hey, no worries! I turned out just fine!"
Olivia's face expression got serious as she finally had something to confess to the silver haired boy. "I see now… your cheerful demeanor is just a mask you use to hide your pain. You use it as a cover to tamp down your deep-seated resentment and anger…"
Henry laughed at her statement, finding it to be the most hilarious thing he's ever heard. "That's what all of my psychologists said, but nope! I'm just a happy guy."
Shaking her head, she replied "No, no… you can't fool me. I've never seen a real smile from you, one from the heart. I'm a performer you know, I can tell a faker when I see one."
She'd put his clothes back on as she begin to coddle him. "Shh, it's all okay now. You never need to see those terrible people again." She whispered softly, stroking his hair. "Now come on, let down your guard. I want to see the real Henry."
"Wow, you really ARE a crazy lady."
Olivia frowned again, shaking her head. "I am not crazy! I'm trying to help, so the least you can do is be polite!"
She sighed as she moved away from him. "Your wound is bandaged, but this isn't over. I want you to come see me again so I can help you get over these emotional issues."
Henry nodded, letting her words one ear and out the other. "Sure, I got time!"
Olivia would part ways, letting him go back to his friends as she went to apologize to them for the long wait.
"How did she… know?"
During Anatomy class, the class was interrupted by the school's speaker. The principal cleared his throat before speaking in.
"Today we'll be announcing the homecoming nominees for all classes starting with the freshman."
He began going over the list of names, first going over the nominees for queen before he moved onto king. He also did the same for the sophomores, going on by the list as he also did the same format. Finally, it was the moment Marth anticipated for, the juniors.
"Next we have the junior class nominations. Our first nominee for homecoming queen is… Jigglypuff Lullaby."
Jigglypuff got up from her desk in the classroom and screamed. Meta Knight shook his head, telling her to sit down before he writes her up for detention.
"The next runner up is… Amy Rose!"
Amy was surprised in her classroom. She almost screamed as she was excited but she managed to control herself.
"Next is… Daisy Sarasa!"
"Yahoo!" Daisy shouted in her theatre class. "Alright, I made it in the nominees! Go Daisy, go Daisy!" she exclaimed, being happy for herself. Of course her friends in that class clapped for her as well.
"The next nominee is… Peach Toadstool!"
Peach bursted out crying in her class as everyone told her that they were happy for her and she deserved it. She was happy even though she knew that her boyfriend was a senior.
"Next on the list… L'Arachel Rausten."
L'Arachel screamed and danced around, causing Ephraim to look away in embarrassment in their Algebra II class.
"Next is… Eirika Renais!"
Eirika perked up from her History class. She was actually surprised, wondering how she even got nominated. She figured that Innes must of played a part of this but shrugged off the thought.
"Next nominee for homecoming queen is…. Samus Aran!"
Samus perked up in confusion. A couple of kids congratulated her in class as she still continued to have that dumbfound look on her face. "Homecoming queen? This must be some kind of mistake."
"Next on the list is… Zelda Harkinian."
Zelda wasn't surprised. In fact, it was nothing new. She figured she'll have a shoo in for the winning spot once again alongside with him. She was hoping he'd win though so she can finally confess to him.
"And last but not least for the Junior girls… Olivia Flynn!"
Daisy did her best to hold in her laughter as Olivia herself was puzzled. A couple of the kids congratulated her and hoped she'll win. Some other reasons where to show that normal kids can win something as well besides a popular kid.
Clearing his throat, Crazy Hand grabbed the list full of the male nominees. "Now, it's time to announce the nominees for junior class homecoming king. First up, we have is Douglas Falcon!"
Douglas did a salute in his class which made the teacher ushered him to sit down.
"Next up is… Sonic the Hedgehog!"
Sonic grinned as if he wasn't surprised. "Sonic's the name, speed's my game!"
"Next in line for homecoming king is… Ephraim Renais."
The boy was surprised in his classroom. A low growl could be heard as he thought this one of Innes' jokes for another rivalry. L'Arachel of course, had to congratulate him.
"Next nominee is…. Innes Frelia."
Innes just shrugged and continued his work as if nothing happened.
"Next in line is…. Link Highwind!"
Link tilted his head and shrugged. He was surprised that enough people liked him to even nominate him. He couldn't help but grin, imaging Groose's reaction to this.
"Next is…. Ike Gaiwan!"
Ike wasn't surprised as he heard his name on the intercom. In fact, he felt like he was going to be an easy shoo-in once again alongside Zelda. Part of him wished that Samus won so he can finally convince her that Marth's a bad person.
"Next up is… Marth Aritia."
Masked Marth perked up as a bunch of girls congratulated him in Anatomy class. Marth rolled his eyes and frowned, finding his rival to be rather annoying.
"Wow, I hope you win Marth!" exclaimed Malon. "That'll be a real sight to see, defeatin' Ike at the Homecomin' King spot."
Gaius perked over to his lab partner who continued to swoon over Masked Marth. Shaking his head, he placed another piece of candy into his mouth.
"Lonlon, calm your tits."
Malon's face turned red, wanting to slap her lab partner's face. She hated the nickname that he gave her, heck he gave everyone nicknames. Masked Marth was Zorro, the teacher himself got dubbed as Shorty, Marth was princess and of course everyone knew who Crow was. The students quiet down to hear the last of the junior class homecoming king nominees.
"Next nominee is… Marth Lowell!"
Marth smirked. Some people rolled their eyes, knowing of his attitude. Henry wasn't paying attention as he was too busy drawing more of his crappy manga. The only goal in Marth's mind was to beat Masked Marth as Homecoming king. Gaius looked over to the other bluenet, smirking.
"I think there's been a mistake. Shouldn't Princess be nominated for junior Homecoming queen, not king?" mocked the senior.
A couple of snickers could be heard in the classroom from the other students. Now, this was something that Malon herself could agree on.
Marth rolled his eyes and made a face. "Well," he said, getting ready to attack the smartass, "At least I don't look like garbage."
Gaius shook his head, finding him rather amusing. "Woah, check your privilege!"
Olimar tried his best to quiet down the class once again. Everyone settled down to let the announcements for the homecoming queen and king finish.
"Last but not least for the junior nominees is…. Henry Sullivan."
Henry perked up, very confused. Everyone else exchanged strange glances as well wondering how the hell the teen ended up on the roster. The silver haired boy eventually shrugged it off, going back to drawing his strange anime comics. The senior nominees now started to be called as everyone in Anatomy class went back to doing their work. Marth couldn't wait for school to end, seeing as he was still very eager for the party.
The bell eventually rang as everyone stepped out. Marth made a dramatic exit, pushing Masked Marth out of the way to get to English class. The other bluenet sighed, shaking his head as he headed over to the boy's bathroom to freshen up.
]Meanwhile, as Peach headed over to her final class, many students congratulated her on the way over. She couldn't help but smile, thanking every single one of them. A girl with long, curly brown hair approached her as well.
"So I've heard you made the nominees Peach. I just wanted to congratulate you," she said.
"Oh thank you Pauline," said the blonde. Part of Peach couldn't trust her, seeing as she was Mario's ex-girlfriend. Unlike the usual when exes stood away from each other, she and Mario were still close friends. Peach couldn't help but be a bit jealous, hoping that Pauline doesn't try anything to get back with him. What didn't help was that she also happened to be a senior just like Mario.
"I totally can't wait for tomorrow's party by the way," she exclaimed. "I bet it's going to rock just like the other ones!"
The two exchanged goodbyes and left. Peach pouted, grumbling to herself.
"Why did I have to invite Pauline?! I can't even trust her alone with my boyfriend and just…. Ugh, I feel that I'm too nice for my own good."
He'd come face to face with Link inside, greeting him as they both began washing their hands. As the other boys passing by left, the Hylian opened up his book bag, grabbing an object and dangled it in front of Masked Marth. Grinning, Link gave him a look as if he was saying 'I caught you.'
Glancing over, Masked Marth noticed the object happened to be a golden locket. His eyes widened a bit, looking over at it before grabbing it from Link.
"How…"
'It fell out two months ago. I've already figured that you weren't whom you seemed to be but I never had a problem with it. In fact, let's keep this little secret to ourselves, shall we?'
Smiling softly, Masked Marth nodded in agreement before the two headed out of the restroom and parted ways. He entered his English class, knowing that it was going to be an easy day since they were watching a movie.
Taking a seat in his chair, the boy sighed of relief. If someone else besides Link were to find out about his secret, he wouldn't know how the other students would handle it. Would some feel betrayed or even worse, used? Shaking those bad thoughts out of his head, Masked Marth decided to let his mind focus on the movie instead.
The school day ended as everyone rushed outside to go home for the weekend. Marth waited for the majority of the students to disappear before heading over to meet Henry at the parking lot. As more and more disappeared, he began making his way only to be stopped by DK.
"Hey Marth, ready for the party tomorrow?" asked the ape.
"Of course, besides, what's better than no parental supervision?"
"Free booze of course! I'm bringing a twenty four pack of beer over tomorrow. Of course my grandfather will never find out seeing as he's older than molasses."
"Aren't all older people gullible?" Marth waited for the football player to leave so he can get home quickly.
"Say Marth, I have a question?"
"And that is?"
"Why is it that you wait so long to go home?! Like, is there something or someone you're waiting for?" questioned DK.
Shaking his head, Marth felt himself getting irritated. "Nah, I just like making fun of kids who pass by me. That's just it. Sometimes I watch my girlfriend practice afterschool as well," he said, lying.
Nodding, DK let him be. As he watched the blue haired boy walk off, he couldn't help but be suspicious about something. DK knew something about his excuse was off and he wanted to be the one to find out what Marth was hiding from them.
The bluenet made his way into his car, greeting Henry as they both got in. He began driving over to the Lowell residence before getting out and heading inside.
"Hey Marth?" asked Henry.
"Hm?"
"Don't you find it strange that I somehow ended up on the Homecoming nomination list? I mean, I'm not like you or anything so…."
Marth shrugged. He felt a bit bad, knowing he couldn't tell Henry the truth. "Maybe your friends felt like you deserved some recognition or something."
Shrugging, Henry couldn't help but nod in response. "I guess. Anyways, I gotta get packing to go over to the other place for the weekend. Besides, I'm going to have a hex a lot of fun with Chrom."
The bluenet shook his head, chuckling a bit. "Just don't try to kill him okay?"
He recalled last week's event where somehow Henry caused the older blue haired boy to break his leg. Marth didn't know how in the world it happened, but some things aren't mean to be explained. The two entered the house, Marth shutting the door behind him as he went to get his homework out of the way for the upcoming weekend. He'd miss Henry's company, but he knew that it would be best if he spent the weekend alone, seeing how he might get questioned by his sister before attending.
That's the end of Chapter 20. Heads up, Chapter 21 is all based on the party and then 22-24 is based on next weeks spirit week and the prep assembly. Please note that Samus doesn't find out what Marth's doing until the Homecoming dance, which is Chapter 25.
Chapter 21 will most likely be uploaded after I'm finished with my finals next week! I can't wait to be finished with them so badly so I can relax. Also, we'll be getting the Baking story pretty soon as well.
Anyways, question time
1. I'm going to go with this since a lot of you said it for his fall, what do you think is going to happen to Marth when they find out he's been friends with Henry? What do you think Marth's going to do?! Bonus Question(you don't have to answer this)
2. Do you think eventually karma will bite these popular kids in the butt?
3. What do you want to see in Chapter 21?
What do you think Henry did to Chrom that made him break his leg?
Anyways, I'm out for a while so whoever else has testing/finals next week, I wish you the best of luck as well!