Chapter 32: The secrets of others

…

(Lucas)

…

They say the good things come to all those who wait. I say, they might not come at all.

…

Roy checks nervously up at the sky, where more and more stars are beginning their nightly performances. "Where are they?"

"Heaven knows."

"We told them, didn't we? We told them to meet, right here, by this tree that I marked."

"We did."

I don't have much energy for words. I'm more focused on the fact that at long last, my water powers are replenished. Don't ask how I know. It's not like I can stick a probe into my armpit that comes back with a result. It's more that I actively think 'are my water powers back?' and my subconscious answers 'yes, they are,' or, more often than not, 'no, they're nowhere near ready, go and die of thirst.'

Water isn't the only thing I can summon. These powers are strange - there's categories of them, but I'm the ELM category. I looked it all up in a book, once, though I can't remember many details. Either way, ELM means Elemental, which means I can summon rain, quickly grow plants, put out and start fires, and cause a large gust of wind.

None of these options are actually that helpful.

Back in the day, the book seemed to suggest that the very first person with ELM powers could do things like manipulate water, and stuff that's actually cool, but for whatever reason, the rest of us are stuck with the discount version. Fun.

"They really should be back," Roy mumbles. "What's happened to them?"

"Porky could'a found them," Duster utters, staring dismally at the forest floor.

"There they are!" I stand and point. "Well, one group, anyway-"

But they seem to be in an awful rush. It's Ollie's group, but… only… three of them.

My stomach sinks.

"We need to leave, now!" Ollie gasps, as he approaches.

"Why, what's going on?"

"Went round a corner - patrol of Onett soldiers saw us - pretty sure they're coming -"

"Where's Angie?" Roy asks.

Ollie looks back, his eyes widening in horror. "Oh - oh no - she was - she was just with us, but -"

Tessie reaches us next. "We gotta go - is the other group back yet?"

"No - where's Angie?!" Ollie asks.

Tessie looks behind her, and swears, just as Caroline reaches us as well. A thundering noise meets our ears, as a sudden mass of horse-riders appears from around the trees, clad in shining armour. They storm behind us - from all angles - and there's no escape, because they're so fast, and they're already here-!

My breath catches in my throat, as the lead rider raises a broadsword, sitting tall on his horse. "Surrender yourselves!"

There's simply no hope. This army is much larger than the small group we encountered before - there's hundreds of them, and from the markings on the helmets, I can identify that they're from the First Brigade of Onett, which is the closest brigade to the government, meaning that they are undoubtedly the most well equipped.

Which means we're all going to be killed.

Unless….

"I believe there's been a misunderstanding," I manage. "We are from Onett!"

"A likely story."

I move closer. "Look. Some of you undoubtedly know who I am. I am from Onett, and so are my friends here."

I'm closely examined, before a conclusion is reached. "It seems… that you are. But, what are you people doing out here?"

"We were going to New Pork City," I explain. "But… one of Porky's carriages overturned. We were left behind in the forest."

The rider's face darkens. "You're a man. You're undoubtedly over 16. You aren't allowed to go to New Pork City."

I pull a face. "...I was a coward."

"Then, all of you shall join the war effort."

And there's nothing we can do about it. We're all gathered up onto horses, with no clue where Angie and the others are, and that's all there seems to be to it.

(Lucas)

~~oo0(Prologue)0oo~~

To Lucas, 22nd July

I'm missing you loads! Are you okay?

The summer holiday has been super boring, so far. Tracy's mean as ever, even in just this first week. I hope it's going really well over on your end! I've snuck away from Father to write this to you, and I'm gonna try to send over some cookies as well, hope they're nice!

~ Ness :)

The cookies had indeed been nice. I'd eaten them, and they'd been a brief distraction from everything else.

I daren't reply though.

~~o00o~~

Hey Lucas! 26th July

I know, I know, you haven't replied yet, so I'm technically hitting you with a double letter here. I just miss you that much! Week 2 of the holiday has been exceptionally dull, again. Studying, studying, studying you know the drill. How about you?

Tracy was talking about going to space earlier - I know you've always loved the stars, do you even think such a thing would be possible?

~ Ness :)

~~o00o~~

Forget the stars - Help! I want to reply. I want to scream it out, but I am ashamed.

With renewed sobs, I stow the precious letter away, and curl up on my bed.

~~o00o~~

Sorry - me again. 2nd August

Is everything okay? Have I done something wrong? Have I been writing your address incorrect? Haha. I am a massive goof. I really miss you though.

I really hope this reaches you, and that you're okay.

Not much happening on my end. I'm sending more cookies though, because they are delicious.

~ Ness :)

~~o00o~~

Another letter stowed away. Today was particularly bad.

I wish Geldegarde had never found me.

I've contemplated telling Father, but I know he wouldn't care. I've contemplated darker things, too, but Father needs me around. Father needs money.

My eyes sting.

Help me.

~~o00o~~

Hey, 10th August

I'm writing this quickly because I'm supposed to be in bed soon, but I'm starting to worry. I hope the postal system is just messed up or something, but I'm gonna send Mother out to deliver this letter herself, so it definitely arrives. I'd come visit myself, but Father isn't letting me leave.

Things are tense over here. Father's been in a bad mood, you probably heard about the mining explosion, it's lost him a lot of money, and I'll be honest, he's been really quite scary.

Missing you and especially missing your hugs right now,

~ Ness :(

~~o00o~~

If only Ness knew. He'd hate me if he knew. If he knew about Geldegarde. I can't give in. I can't send a letter back.

Everything aches today, from what I had to do for that man.

At least I'm crying less now.

~~o00o~~

Lucas, 16th August

Please, just send anything, tell me that you're okay.

Is Porky doing something? Is it your family? Are you not allowed to read my letters?

Last night was horrible. I don't wanna go into it too far, but Father got violent.

I'm really really worried, Lucas, I hope everything is alright. I miss you loads and it hurts.

~ Ness :(

~~o00o~~

I sob in my pillow. I don't think it's ever going to end.

It hurts. It hurts. I hate it. I hate myself.

~~o00o~~

Lucas, 22nd August

I'm sorry, I'm really sorry if I did something wrong, if I upset you or something. I miss you, I need you.

The letters about choosing our subjects have arrived. I'll be so happy not to have to study geography anymore.

If something bad is happening, I'm gonna come and get you out of there, don't worry.

I love you.

~ Ness.

~~o00o~~

'I love you.'

Funny words. I can't remember the last time anyone said them to me. They fill me with a little glimmer of hope - maybe it'll all be okay. Maybe it'll all be over soon. Maybe the shame will pass.

But maybe not.

I do not allow myself to write.

~~o00o~~

Lucas, I'm coming.

~~o00o~~

I look up from the letter, alarmed. He's coming here? No - no, he cannot see me like this - he can't! I haven't even told him about Claus, or mother - he'll know I've lied! Even worse: what if he finds out about Geldegarde-!?

I know I haven't got long - prepare, Lucas, prepare! I pull off my stained shirt and replace it with a new one. I stuff everything and anything, under my bed.

In the afternoon, there's the eventual knock at the door. Father answers it, and I hide.

"Hello sir, is Lucas in?'

'No, he is not.'

'Where is he?'

'Out. Selling. None of your business.'

I can sense Ness's hesitation. 'Where does he sell?'

'Get out of my house.'

There's the sound of scuffling, and I can't help but press my face to the window, as a dejected Ness walks away - but he turns, and our eyes meet, and he freezes in place.

I duck, quickly, praying he didn't see me, praying that he mistook me for someone else - I don't want him to see me like this!

But there's another knock at the door, and Father opens it, once again.

'Lucas is in. I saw him through the window!'

'No you didn't.'

'Yes I did! Are you hurting him?! Lucas! If you can hear me, I'm here, I'm coming!'

'Alright. He's here. He doesn't want to see you, because he hates you.'

'Wha-'

My stomach curls in on itself. Of course. Of course. Father hates Ness, of course he'd try and get rid of him, any way possible - I suddenly want to burst into tears.

'You heard me. Now, get out of my house.'

There's a stifled sob, as Ness runs.

That's it - this cant continue - I need to write, now - I'm not losing him - he can't think I hate him! Forget my resolve. Forget the guilt. This is Ness, the one friend who has always been by my side.

~~o00o~~

Ness,

It's Lucas - I wanted to write, but I didn't want your Father to disapprove of the letter, so I'm going to slip it through your window. I hope your summer has been great! I'm missing you, a lot. I'm sorry I never came round, this summer, and I'm sorry I never wrote. I've been busy - very busy, some business with Porky. But don't worry about it! I'm alright. But I wanted to ask what subjects you're picking! I'm going to pick Art, I think, you know how I love painting? And, I want to make Father happy with me, so I'm going to pick Business and History. I know your Father probably won't let you pick, and I'm really sorry about that. I hope we're in all the same classes together! See you at school, next week!

~Lucas :p

~~o00o~~

I groan inwardly. It's a weak, half-hearted response to being absent all summer. It just shows that I'm trying to make it sound like everything is okay. It's obvious that it's not.

But I can't tell him. I never can. Or who knows what Geldegarde would do? And who knows what Ness would think?

It's not strictly a lie. There have been problems with Porky, this summer, but… they've been overshadowed, to say the least. I can't wait to be back at school - they can't hurt me there. Everything might be okay there.

The letter in hand, I leave the house. Father scarcely notices. I'm not sure if he knows whether I'm even here, most of the time. But I don't mind that. Him and I were never that close, even when Mother was still alive.

Slightly fearful, I pull my coat around myself. I've learnt that Onett is not a safe place to be traversing alone, but this is important. If I see Porky or Geldegarde, I can just hide, and it'll be okay. I'll be fine. I know where Ness lives, because I'd often visit his house, when we were still in primary school. It was the one place where I knew I could have a hot meal, and I knew I could be safe and provided for. Ness's mom is very welcoming.

It took a long time for me to learn to cook properly, many incidents of food poisoning and many instances of burnt food, but I got there. I often try to cook omelettes, they're my favourites, but I've never quite been able to do them like mother does.

I shiver, despite the summer blaze of the sun. I often find myself feeling cold, especially my fingertips. It probably doesn't help that I'm naturally skinny, but it's inconvenient at the best of times. Always having to wear a coat is an unfortunate handicap.

The walk is long, but there is no sign of trouble, and so I slip myself through Ness's front gate, and around the back of his house. His bedroom is luckily on the ground floor, and to my increased fortune, the window is open just a crack. But suddenly, a loud shout rings out from within:

"I'm trying to do the absolute best for you! I'm trying to do everything I can to give you the future you want!"

"I- I- I'm sorry, Father!"

Oh no. Oh no?

"Sorry doesn't cut it. You've ALWAYS been ungrateful! Ungrateful of all I do for you!"

"I'm sorry! I'll do- I'll do geography - geography!"

I tense - Ness sounds terrified - I hope the letter cheers him up somewhat - not wanting to eavesdrop further, I slip it through the window, turning away, once again downhearted. It's tempting to knock on the door. It's tempting to go in and hug Ness and promise that everything's okay and that I don't hate him at all, but…

I can't show my face.

I shiver. I wish I'd brought along some gloves, but the thought never crossed my mind.

I begin the slow walk home.

Ness has told me that he loves me two times. Once, recently, in the corridor. The other time, two summers ago, in a worried letter.

Love is a funny thing. I can say with absolute certainty that I love Ness. He is there for me, and I am there for him. But the question is, what does love actually mean?

Link and Zelda. They are supposedly 'dating', though Link's genuinity is always at question. Despite that, though, I cannot help but wonder exactly… what I feel, when it comes to Ness.

We're best friends. Right now, that is the label that is put on us. That's the label that we have chosen to present to the world. But something about it rings untrue - 'best friends' doesn't seem to highlight the love that we have for one another.

Some would say boyfriends is a far more suitable term, but… no. We aren't 'boyfriends'. Not currently.

It's tricky to think about, I can't quite work my head around all of this mess. All of these labels. But, I've long since found girls and women to be generally unattractive, so there always rings the possibility that I am indeed homosexual.

Which is a bit more difficult.

Ness is homosexual, he's said it himself, and that's perfectly cool with me. But what isn't cool is that it's illegal. Who decided that? Who decided that something out of someone's control should be illegal? It'd be like saying: 'Oh, you were born blonde, you're going to jail now.' So it has to be kept a hidden secret, away from the ears of everybody, which is a sad reality. It can only be told to the most trusted of people, and even then, it can end with dire consequences.

It's similar to magic. So taboo, so forbidden, yet so absolutely uncontrollable. People are naturally scared of what they don't know, which comes down to basic survival instinct, and that in itself is responsible for most of the prejudice in the world.

If my love for Ness indeed extends romantically, it would be yet another secret that we'd have to keep. I'm not sure if I could take that. I'm not sure at all. I'm finding myself worried about Ness again. There's something he needs to tell me - and if it's anything like as bad as my experiences on the streets… I fear what he has to say. I'm praying that it's something good, that it might be good news, but it's unlikely.

I just hope he's alright.

...Thursday morning dawns.

My arms throb like hell, and the bandages are starting to peel. Yesterday is still very fresh in my mind. The terror. The helplessness. The strangeness too - they're simple bullies, not murderers. There must've been another reason why they'd do… that.

Ness notices my open eyes, and he cracks a small smile. "Hey."

"Hey," comes my automatic response.

He wraps me in his warm arms, and it feels even nicer than usual for some reason - maybe because I'm so worn down.

We lay silently like that for a bit, before the reality of school and lessons comes crashing back upon me, and I remember that we should probably get up and eat breakfast and go to lessons and learn and blegh.

All that.

Ness has to help me put on my shirt.

"Y'know, most people that can afford to send their kids to a private school just get them homeschooled," Ness says, as we leave.

"Most people that can afford to send their kids to a private school are busy," I shrug. "I guess they wouldn't mind getting rid of their kids for a bit."

"So everyone at Onett Boarding School probably has lazy parents," Ness sighs. "Sounds about right."

"And then there's me, who can't even afford to go here, yet the school said it was alright if I didn't quite have the full payment."

"Thank goodness," Ness nods. "I don't know what I'd do without you. Imagine me trying to solve this mystery by myself!"

"You'd probably have blamed it on mashed potato."

Ness snorts with laughter. "Mashed potato is a crime against humanity, but I don't think it quite has the ability to turn people into monsters yet."

"Yet," I note. "Maybe it's evolving to do that right now? What if every potato used to be a person?"

"I could believe it."

We head into the canteen, and collect bowls of porridge. Toon Link waves over to us from the far corner of the room, and it's a quick walk over to join him.

"G' morning," Pit greets.

"Where did you go last night?" Ness asks. "You missed out on some truly awful kissing and drinking games."

Pit makes a face. "Yeah. Figured those would be going on, and so I made a run for it."

I grin slightly. "How about you, Toon Link?"

"Owwwww," he moans, and we all laugh.

"He's very hungover," Villager explains. "I had to babysit him until he fell asleep, then he woke up at 4 in the morning complaining about it."

"I had one drink!"

"Any sign of Red?" I query.

Villager sighs. "No. Just as well I stayed in Toon Link's room last night though, because apparently Red didn't end up staying at Bayonetta's."

"Did you two stay?" Pit asks Ness and I.

"No, we left pretty soon after Villager," Ness confirms. "I-"

But he's interrupted as Headmaster Hand clears his throat at the front of the room.

"Good morning, students. I have a number of announcements regarding everything that's going on. As we told you yesterday, people have been going missing. I am pleased to announce that we have discovered who is behind this. Now, this may come as quite a surprise, but it turns out to be Professor Wario.

There's instant gasps and mutters from everybody. That's confirmation, as if we needed it.

"Now!" Headmaster Hand continues, raising his voice slightly. "It has transpired that he has an underground hide-out that he has been operating from. That's where he is right now. On Saturday, when all of you are away on the Wilderness Survival Week, some professors and I will be making our way down there with the police, and we will be arresting him. Until then, however, everyone must stay safe. Everyone must still obey the precautions that I set out, and above all, remain calm."

There's a smattering of applause as he sits down again, and Villager turns to us. "Is that is? Is that mystery solved? Can everything go back to normal?"

"I hope," Toon Link groans. "I've heard enough about weird monsters and 5 mythical stones plus a time stone, and graves and all that for the rest of my life."

I look around the room. Most people seem to be pleased by the news - but I'm distracted, as I notice Red sitting with a load of popular people - ugh. How unlike him. Villager gazes over in his direction, wistful, before silently turning back to his porridge.

…

"I wonder what appalling headlines there will be today?" I mutter sardonically, as Ness and I head to our art lesson.

"Could be anything. It could be good news though!" He ruffles my hair, and I playfully shove him back.

"We'll see."

"Good morning!" Shulk waves. "Now, Lucas, if you need any assistance, thanks to your arm handicap, then don't hesitate to ask-"

"I'll be fine," I assure him.

We're quickly dismissed and are let loose on the paints. I'm mid-painting from last lesson, and so is Ness - but still, we take the chance to give the headlines a look:

Continued Pressure on Onett Mayor to decrease compulsory age for war

Many members of the Onett government believe the compulsory age for joining the war effort should be lowered from 17+ to over 16+. This is after a significant shortage of foot soldiers has been cited as a major weakness by mayor B.H Pirkle himself. Pirkle was unavailable for comment on the matter, merely stating: 'Please, do not put this responsibility on my shoulders.

Onett Power on the rise for rebellion

Hard-line splinter group 'Onett Power' continue to apply pressure to the Onett government, accusing them of fraud, corruption, and lies. The group is rumoured to be attempting a revolution in exactly one week - next Thursday.

Government official Geldegarde Montoli-

My stomach sinks. He's a government official?

-Has stated that he 'doesn't believe this to be a threat' and that 'Onett Power are limited in number…'

"Hey!" Ness exclaims, pointing to Geldegarde's name. "He works for the government?!"

A lot of people look over angrily, making shushing motions.

"Yeah, I saw," I whisper. "Whatever that 'Onett Power' group is cannot be good."

"Ah, leave it to the politics students to worry about that. C'mon. Let's get painting."

Ness takes out his mostly blank canvas, and I take out mine. I'd thought about painting some kind of army, but now that I look at it, it looks more like a crowd of people… hmm. My mind still on the Onett Power group, I think about starting to outline some pitchforks but...

I can't lift my arms, without the pain of a thousand blazing fires tearing through me.

"Ness?" I whisper.

"Hm?"

"...I can't actually paint."

"Should we call over Shulk?"

"No! No, let's not. It's alright."

"...Hmm, I guess…"

"I'll watch you," I assure him. "And annoyingly point out any mistakes you make."

Ness smirks. "And if you do, I'll paint you green."

"Green goes with my hair," I shrug.

"Since when were you such a fashionista?"

I blush. "Mother always used to say…"

"Aw. Well, I think you look good in any colour."

I find myself blushing. "So do you."

I stare around the classroom. Most people seem to be painting some… interesting portraits. Not that I'm one to judge, but I'm pretty sure mouths and noses are central to the face… I glance over at Nana's painting. Today it's a tomato. She catches me staring, and smiles, going a little pink. Mildly confused, I try to smile back, to which she drops a not so subtle wink-

Ness suddenly pulls me into his arms. "You're looking a little cold, so I'm gonna warm you up."

I blush again. "I'm alright, you goof."

He pulls away. "Ok, fine. I just require your masterful painting assistance."

I mock gasp. "Ah! You were using me all along!"

"Shush, you."

"Ok, what do you need help with?"

"How do you make orange?"

Slightly baffled, I cock my head to the side. "...You don't know how to make orange?"

Ness turns beet red. "Nobody ever told me! I always use the orange paint, but… it's run out…"

I laugh. "Ness, you are a colossal goof. It's red and yellow."

"Thank you-"

"No problem."

It turns out Ness needs the orange for a particularly appealing patch of wildflowers - landscapes are usually my thing, but Ness is doing a pretty good job at one himself. He seems to be attempting to paint an arrow, embedded in a tree, and it's turning out to be beautiful. I'm secretly a little proud.

The lesson passes by, and we leave.

"I haven't asked in a while, but how is your head? How are your ribs?"

Ness shrugs. "Better. No more funny dizzy spells. How about your head wounds?"

I'd almost forgotten about them. I run a hand to the back of my scalp, and there's definitely a suggestion of a lot of scarring - ngh. At least it doesn't hurt so much anymore. "They're alright."

"What class do we have now?"

"Music."

Ness lights up. "This is my first music class! What are the classes like?"

"We just play some sheet music that we're given, like in orchestra."

"Awesome."

I elbow him. "Tute isn't pleased with you, though."

"Aw - why?"

"He reckons you should've turned up to the lessons, despite being unconscious."

"Oh…" Ness looks genuinely hurt, and I have to hug him.

I take a seat by my piano, and Ness stands over by his harp. I've never understood how anyone can possibly play that thing - it's immense and very delicate. I never would've considered Ness himself as delicate, but I suppose he was taught to play it for whatever reason, at home.

Me, I joined the orchestra without any knowledge of how to play the piano at all. But Tute explained basic musical theory, and it sort of… clicked. It's all patterns, and it's kinda mathematical, so I guess that fitted with my analytical mind. Obviously, it took some time to learn, but I'm glad I did. I'm really glad I did.

"Good day!" Tute squeaks. "I am glad to see we have a full class today, despite everything happening! I am unsurprised that the heckler, Wario, Music-hater, has turned out to be… evil!"

I'm not surprised either.

"But today," he continues, "we are going to be revising for the exam! Though I believe the finite art of music should not be confined by a finite paper, HeadMaster Hand has, regretfully, informed me that an exam must be taken."

Ness and I exchange a heavy glance. Exams suck.

A violinist puts his hand up. "When will the exam be?"

"Right now."

"Now?!" Outcry breaks out amongst everybody, not least Toon Link who hits the gong in agitation.

"I have faith in your musical knowledge."

The exam paper is handed out, and before long, I'm writing frantically about all sorts of things I don't know. This is not my strength. My strength is playing music, not knowing what an Anacrusis is or a Homophonic Texture.

Decades later, the exam finishes, and everybody leaves, disgruntled.

Toon Link catches up to Ness and I. "That was terrible."

"I thought I did quite well," Ness admits.

I stare at the floor. "I did horrible."

"Ah well… it's lunch now," Toon Link pats me on the back, cheerily.

Mm. Lunch. Time to see if I can even lift a fork to my mouth.

…

"I just can't believe him," Villager sighs, once lunch is over and we're walking to our lessons (double math for us, I'm not sure what Villager has.)

"It's sad," Ness mumbles. "I wish he was more reasonable."

"One can only dream, with him."

"It'll all be sorted," I try to console. "Red will come around. He's acting really off… I wonder if something happened?"

"I'm just glad that Toon Link's letting me sleep in his dorm, at least until this is all over," Villager sighs, picking at his shirt as we turn a corner.

Ness and I exchange a knowing glance. "Very kind of him."

Villager goes into his lesson, and we walk into the maths classroom. I remember vaguely that this is Ness's first maths lesson in my class, since some switching had to be done for us to do music. Marth greets us cheerily, and Ness grumbles, remembering the fake mathematics tournament. We take our seats at the back of the room.

"Today," Marth begins, bland as ever. "Today, we are going to be studying polynomials…"

His voice blends into the background, as Ness turns to me. "Tell me it's not just me who doesn't understand math?"

"I don't get it," I fidget. "But I should, if I want to be a scientist…"

"Ah, it's okay."

"Is it?"

"Yeah, don't worry about it. I don't even know what I want to be…"

I think. "Musician?"

"Nah, I wouldn't want to be in an orchestra my whole life, wearing all those stiff collars."

I laugh. "Fair enough. Artist?"

Ness scoffs. "Na."

"You're really good though!"

"Wha- me? No way."

"Watching you today, yours was the best painting in the room."

"C'mon, you're just saying that…"

"I mean it, Ness!"

A slight grin forms on his face. "Well… cool. But I don't think I'd want to do art for the rest of my life."

"Fair enough. What about History."

"Too dull."

"Science?"

Ness shifts uncomfortably. "Too dull… look, I'd rather just live in the present. Maybe I'll… find out what I'm good at… eventually."

"You're good at loads of things."

"...Yeah."

"Are you two listening, at the back?" Marth calls out, annoyed.

"Sorry," Ness says. "We were, uh-"

"Discussing the problem," I interrupt, smoothly.

"I see, despite the fact there is no problem."

I bite my lip. "Uh-"

"Just pay attention in future, okay?"

"Yes, Professor. Sorry."

"Good. Now, back to polynomials…"

Ness leans against me, so that our foreheads make contact.

'We can talk like this.'

'Yeah,' I reply. 'This is good.'

'How are your arms?'

'Sore.'

'I wish we could swap arms, so you were better.'

'Ness, you goof, that would probably be more painful than the wounds themselves.'

'Still.'

'I appreciate the sentiment.'

Ness laughs slightly. 'I'm glad.'

A worksheet is slapped down in front of us. Marth's eyebrows furrow. "Has Ness fallen asleep?"

Ness shoots up. "I am awake, Professor."

"...I… see… Good luck with the worksheet."

I look over the worksheet, feeling faint. There's no way I can fill this in. That's it. I have to ask for help. I raise my hand, and Marth comes back over. "Everything ok?"

"Uh- I don't understand any of this, Professor," I wither.

"Alright, so, a polynomial is an expression, made up of variables and coefficients, so for example x^2+2x-7. The worksheet is just to divide the expressions here into Monomials, Trinomials and Binomials, and non-polynomials."

"What's the difference?"

"Quite simply, monomials have one term, binomials have two, and trinomials have three."

"Ok. Thank you, Professor."

"Not a problem. It's why I'm here."

Marth walks over to his desk, sitting down, idly pulling out a newspaper, and I get on with the worksheet. It actually makes sense, having asked - satisfied, I complete it, and I notice Ness sneaking a glance at my answers.

"Having trouble?" I jibe.

Ness wilts. "Sorry. I still don't get it."

"Oh, well-"

"I'm an idiot, I know."

"Ness, you're not an idiot."

"You understood it fast."

"Yeah - it's just, the expressions with one component are the-"

"Yeah, I get that but, but how do you know which ones are and which ones aren't polynomials?"

"Well…"

Marth's cry suddenly comes from the front of the room. "Holy-"

My eyes snap up - Marth is staring intently at his newspaper. Ness and I exchange an alarmed glance, fearing the worst.

"What's happening?" Someone calls out.

"They've found… I've got to go! Class dismissed."

Confused muttering breaks out as Marth rushes out the door.

"Follow him?" Ness suggests.

"You bet."

Hand in hand, we race out of the room, and catch Marth turning into an empty classroom, and we quickly follow, knocking swiftly on the door.

"Ness - Lucas? Is there a problem? Lesson is dismissed - off you go and do, do whatever."

"What's going on, Professor?" I ask earnestly.

"Really - that doesn't concern yourselves."

"Is it something bad?" Ness questions, concerned.

"No - no, it's the best news I've had in… ages."

"What is it-?"

"It really isn't-"

"It might be important."

"Gosh. Ryu was right about the nosiness. Fine."

We take a seat.

"My friend, best friend, whatever you want to call it, Roy, went missing a few years ago. But the newspaper reckons he's been found - and if that's true…"

"Oh - that's good news!" I exclaim, realising that this information doesn't actually apply to the mystery one bit.

"Yeah. Him and I, we had some great times, before… well, nobody knows where he went. Everyone assumed him dead."

"I'm sorry to hear-"

"But I need to find out more! I need to find out... please do excuse me…" he rushes out of the room, leaving Ness and I sitting there.

"Today has been weird," Ness decides.

"More normal than any other day."

"True."

I glance out the window, noticing Bowser. He shiftily looks behind him, then ahead, with a… bundle, of something.

Strange.

I prod Ness. "Looks like we've got more to investigate."

…

We trail Bowser as best we can. He lumbers into the forest without any hint of subtlety, so it's not hard to pick out his noisy footsteps, to follow him.

"What do you think he's up to?" Ness whispers.

"Sh!" I hiss back.

"Alright, captain silence."

Nevertheless, he does remain quiet as we press on - Bowser appears to be going quite deep, in fact, the trees are starting to get concerningly thick, and shadowy… I slip my hand into Ness's as a force of habit, but I'm glad for the comforting knowledge that he's there.

A cold sensation meets my head - I look up. Great. Rain. I shiver, suddenly wondering if this was such a good idea after all. Bowser still doesn't stop - but we're just lose enough to hear him muttering to himself, "nearly there… nearly there…"

Goosebumps raise on my arms, as the rain picks up slightly, flattening my hair over my eyes. Ness is kind enough to sweep it up into a big mess. I envy his hair. Dark and straight, it suits him well, but my kinda curly blonde hair is just… everywhere. Ness's mom always used to cut it for me whenever I visited; she's always taken fondly to me, and just as well, or I'd have hair down to my knees. Which, to be fair, considering my short height, wouldn't be too long.

"He's stopped," Ness whispers suddenly, and I freeze. Sure enough, Bowser is just… standing. Completely still. I think I can make out the sound of the river nearby, so maybe he's doing something with that? But… no. He doesn't seem to be.

In a sudden movement, he pulls the sack off of his back and opens it, but just out of sight - ugh. I beckon Ness that we need to move closer, and so we creep around a birch, taking steady care to avoid crunching on the residual autumn leaves. Bowser makes a sudden throwing motion - he must be throwing something into the lake, but-

Suddenly, there's a woman's voice, and I jump in surprise. A blonde - in a vibrant pink dress - steps out.

"This is the worst meeting place ever," she complains. "Bowser, was there really no other-?"

"Not out of the way of everyone else."

"3 days of boating. This river is huge. It runs right through Onett, all the way down to here, and who knows how much further."

"I don't give a DAMN about the river," Bowser grumbles. "We need to talk."

"It better not be the business with Mario again-"

"It is! That… That man…"

"That man is my husband, thank you."

"...Would you ever… cheat?"

"Never! We've been through this. What's happened to you? We were such good friends, and now you've become childish. Petty."

"But I love you!"

"So does Mario. And I married him, because I love him back."

"But-"

"Don't make me file a restraining order."

Bowser sighs, kicking at the dirt. "Fine."

"But why can't you make nice with him?"

"Hehe. I burnt all his letters in HeadMaster Hand's fireplace."

"...Why?"

"They were all too Italian."

"That's bad, because…?"

"I don't want to go out for a meal of spaghetti! I only like British foods, like curry, or Chinese."

"Bowser-"

"I do not take constructive criticism. That's a big phrase, I learnt it all my MYSELF."

"Bowser-"

"APPRECIATE ME NOW!"

"Bowser, what's in the bag?"

Lightning strikes ominously, as Bowser pulls the bag open for her to see, and she screams with alarm. "What the hell!"

"I found them."

"Why have you brought them here?!"

"I was going to throw them away, but they attract wolves, and I like wolves."

"Wolves aren't native to these parts."

"GRR! I've been WASTING MY TIME?"

"Why, if you find a load of human bones, would you pick them up and put them in a bag?!"

Ness and I exchange an alarmed glance. Bowser being in possession of human bones is probably one of the most ominous things that could've ever been revealed. Ness senses my discomfort, and snakes an arm around me.

Bowser stomps a foot. "Because they were put in MY office! Someone put them there!"

"...Then where did someone else get bones from?"

My stomach twists. I think I know.

"I DON'T HAVE ANY IDEA. But I have to get rid of them."

"Right, well, if that's all… if I traveled 3 days, just for this-"

Bowser grabs her. "No, wait!"

I move my forehead to Ness's.

'I think we should leave.'

'Where do you think the bones came from?'

I tense. '...I have a horrible theory…'

'What is it?'

'I think they're… bones, left over from conversion.'

Ness's face contorts - he looks as if he's going to be violently sick. 'That's horrible!'

I grimace. 'Wario probably put them in Bowser's office to frame him.'

'So Bowser isn't up to anything bad?'

'Apart from whatever this is with that woman, I don't thi-'

"Lucas."

.

I turn on my heel, to find the source of the voice, and I'm met with- The Face-!

I scream, the full image of its horror bearing into my eyes for the very first time. Long, drenched, matted dirty-brown hair obscures most of its face - a hint of metal glistens by its cheek - its limited clothing is reduced to rags, red, bloodshot eyes that stare through the window into my soul, covered in dirt, covered in all nature of horrible things, and it's- it's smiling- oh God- and it steps forwards, stretching and arm out, and I-!

Ness uproots me from my place, and we're sprinting away, my breath catching suddenly in my throat, causing me to cough and splutter, but still I continue on. Crashing behind us tells me that we are undoubtedly being followed. I take the lead, as I'm faster, trying to keep steady, through the fearful haze - rain slashes at skin, intensifying to a howl, as I realise I don't even know where we're going-! Panic flashes through me like lightning - I hope and pray with every turn, clinging onto Ness's hand like a frightened child - and there's the outside of the forest! The welcoming stone of the school! Safety - safety - we crash through the doors, not stopping, running down the corridors, and up stairs, not even hesitating until we're curled up, shivering, beneath the covers of my bed.

Ness whimpers. "Face."

I hold him, one arm looped under an armpit and over the opposite shoulder, another wrapped tightly around his middle, because it-

"I think we're safe now," I whisper.

"What is it? What is that thing?"

I think back. "There was metal… a little bit. Y'know, I'd actually guess.. it's a really old Future Human."

"A really old one? You mean…"

"Wario must've been doing this for a while."

Ness quakes. "But then - it - why's it following us?"

"I don't know - but I don't like it."

"Neither do I."

There's a tremulous silence before Ness speaks out again: "We should go to History."

I jump up in alarm. "I forgot about our last lesson-! I-!"

"C'mon!"

We rush down the stairs in just as much of a hurry as we rushed up them, and we burst into Ryu's classroom pretty unceremoniously.

"Sorry we're-"

"Late-"

"Professor-"

Ryu sighs. "Yet, your 6th lateness to my lessons this term comes as no surprise whatsoever. Do sit down."

…

My skin is still cold, still clammy, hours later, when we're making our way to dinner. History was a bore, and nothing much came of the afternoon - though, the others were just as disturbed by the revelation of Bowser having found human bones as the rest of us. I can envision it all now - Bowser must've been searching for a place to hide the bones on the night we found him, unconscious. Wario would've knocked him out while trying to complete his own tasks. That's why Bowser has been acting suspicious all the time, but at least he's now managed to throw the bones away into the river. I'd considered telling Ryu, but I couldn't think of a reason why that would actually help anyone...

"I'm ready for some food," Ness moans hungrily. "I'm so ready."

"I don't doubt that," Toon Link grins. "So much running out of the forest. Exercise. Unheard of."

Ness hits him lightly. "Thanks for the support."

"No problem. But c'mon, cheer up, it's chicken!"

But Red barges into the queue, before noticing us all. An awkward silence falls.

"Hi," I attempt.

"Hi," Red replies.

"Hi," Villager attempts.

Red does not reply.

"Alright, this has gone on long enough," Toon Link declares. "Sort this feud out."

"No,' Red refuses. "Villager is a menace."

Villager stares at the ground. "A menace?"

"As I said before, you're changing-"

"You're changing," Villager interjects. "You're hanging around all the popular people - you never used to do that."

"Not my fault that they appreciate some quality literature."

"Has something happened, Red? I'm worried. This isn't like you."

"Nothing has happened. You just decided you didn't like hanging around with me anymore."

"Red, that's not true. We're a group, we're always hanging around."

"You don't get it. And for that reason, I do not want to associate with you anymore, Villager. The rest of you are alright, though. Good day." Just like that, he leaves to join the back of the queue again, leaving Villager looking extremely downhearted.

"Screw him," Toon Link concludes. "Don't let him bring you down."

"He's been my best friend for 10 years, Toonie."

Pit steps in. "He's in the wrong."

But Villager just kicks the stone floor. "Who cares if he's in the wrong? He still despises me now."

"Well-"

"Villager!" Diddy Kong calls out. "Smashed any guys lately? I could hook you up with a friend of mine, haha!"

Villager is silent for a moment, before turning to face us. "You know that feeling, where everything feels like it's tumbling down around you?"

I hang my head glumly, unsure what to say, unsure how to fix things, how to make things better. Toon Link just hugs Villager, but that just earns catcalls and whoops from other nearby guys.

Toon Link grips Villager's hand. "Villy, I've got a plan…"

…

Dinner passes by a tepid affair, and Toon Link drags Villager off to his room to reveal whatever he's come up with, so Ness, Pit and I are left to chat for the evening in the games room. I don't mind though, Pit turns out to have some interesting stories about his home life, and his family, which we pay back with tales about the best of our escapes from Porky.

"I'm going to bed early, I gotta fold," Pit decides at around 9pm, prompting Ness and I to give in as well, and drag our tired selves up the stairs. I can't decide whether today has felt long or short, but I know that I'm exhausted, even if I probably won't actually be able to sleep for another couple of hours.

"It's time for your medical exam," Ness instructs as soon as we enter the dorm.

"What?" I laugh.

"Like when we used to play doctors, except this time, you've got an actual injury. C'mon. Arms out."

I obey, and Ness pulls off my shirt, before carefully unwrapping the bandages from my arms. Where blood has adhered to both the bandages and my arms, there's a painful tearing sensation, that leaves even the less-damaged areas to be an angry red colour by the time they're laid bare.

"Scabbing over," Ness observes. "No more bleeding, so no more bandages for you."

I breathe out. "Nice."

He prods my stomach. "Eat more though."

I laugh. "Sure."

He helps me pull my pyjama top over my head, and turns away to let me change the trousers. "Crazy day, hm?"

"We got some answers," I shrug, clambering into bed whilst Ness clambers into his. "We might finally know what the Face is."

"And I'm gonna be scared of it coming into our dorm tonight."

I scramble up, remembering to slide the new lock on our door. "We'll be safe now."

"Ah, now I can murder you in the night," Ness nods. "I have been waiting 8 years for such an opportunity."

I pale. "Spare me, please."

"I wouldn't dream of hurting you."

"Good."

Ness's face falls. "Sorry, did I scare you-"

"I don't think it's physically possible for you to scare anyone."

"Hey! That's mean!"

"It's true - you still sleep with a teddy bear."

"And you spoon pillows in your sleep sometimes," Ness shoots back.

I blush. "Do I?"

"Yeah, you curl up around everything and anything when you're asleep."

"Oh-"

"You also sleep-talk," Ness adds.

"I do?! What do I say?"

"In these exact words: 'Ness is the best at everything and I am a big goof'."

I pout. "You're having me on."

"Your face, though!"

"Meanie."

"Goof."

"Dummy."

"Fool."

Unable to think of a good comeback, I roll onto my side. "Friday tomorrow."

"Feels like it's been a long time coming."

"I wonder what Toon Link is planning?"

Ness shrugs. "Ah, who knows."

"Talent show tomorrow too."

"Imagine having talent. Can't relate."

"You are talented."

"Do we leave for the Wilderness Survival Week tomorrow evening, too?"

I think. "Yeah."

"So this is our last night in our actual beds before having to sleep on a bunch of leaves or something."

"Yeah… Pillow rota for this year?"

"Me first, unfortunately."

On our first year of wilderness survival week we formed a 'pillow rota,' where essentially, every night we'd alternate who the pillow was. We've continually swapped around who has to be the pillow first each year, and I'm pleased it's Ness this time around. He's very comfortable.

I yawn. "We should probably sleep."

"Yeah. G'night, Lucas."

"G'night."

And if today has taught me anything, as I stare over at the dark haired boy on the other side of the room, one thing is certain.

I love that goof to pieces.

~~o00o~~

(Epilogue)

Lucas! 29th August

I'm glad you're okay. I was worried! I miss you tons too, and you're right; Father made me choose Business, History and Geography. And you're awesome at Art! You'll be so good at that. I'm sure you'll get straight As. c: Business with Porky? Is everything alright? He didn't hurt you did he? I swear, if he did, I'll come round and beat him up so hard that he won't be able to waddle along anymore! See you next week, buddy, I hope this reaches you quickly.

~ Ness

Ness's reply is unsurprisingly swift and efficient. There's no mention of his Father's shouting that I overheard though. I suppose we both have our secrets.

I resolve the best thing to do is to wait until we're back at school again, and maybe to tell him in person, all that's been happening.

Maybe.

If I can get over this shame.

This awful shame.

A/N

Another late chapter? Looks like I need to up my game.

I was delayed by making music, changing my mind about what I want to do for the rest of my life, and trying to draw humans, so this kind of ended up on the backburner a bit (mostly because this chapter was spontaneous and unplanned, I nearly skipped the Thursday entirely)

But the next chapters… You won't wanna miss them.

Notes:

Any mathematicians feel free to correct my polynomial knowledge. You'll notice the example Marth gave just so happens to be the same one that Wikipedia gives…

Reviews:

(omg there's 3 of them?!)

(Feel free to skip past this section if you're not interested)

Rie Sonomura (chapter 1)

"I'm normally not a fan of Nesscas, admittedly due to how the relationship is usually portrayed, but this is a refreshing break from the often problematic norms and gives them solid chemistry! I feel so sorry for Ness... his dad's a proper asshole! It also adds to the depth of character of him being more protective of Lucas, and hiding his abuse (the black eye).

And I'm a total sucker for historical AUs and I heard there'll be a mystery too, the first chapter definitely sets that up! I love a good mystery, so I'll be sure to keep on reading. c:"

Hey, cool! You're not the first non-NessCas fan to stumble across this fic. I'm glad you're enjoying it so far. When/if you eventually reach this point, I hope the mystery kept you guessing all the way!

Rie Sonomura (chapter 2)

"Lucas POV this time! I love the flashback to Claus leaving after Hinawa's death, how Claus was Flint's favorite son and (I presume, just as in Mother 3 canon) Lucas was Hinawa's favorite son. And of course, Porky causing trouble as usual. And I like Lucas seeing Rosalina as a motherly figure - that's a headcanon of mine too!

I definitely admire the worldbuilding in this AU, everyone has a role, even the seemingly background characters, and I'm intrigued to see how it'll all come together!"

You bet, those background characters are pretty key, imo. I sorta just love them all, and want to give them all some spotlight. Even at this point in the fic, there's still a lot of coming together to do!

Mild Guy (chapter 6)

'My favorite so far are the spooky and suspense scenes. A shame the library is such a dangerous place for them.

I know Ness and Lucas don't seem to have their Psi abilities in this AU, but is it too much to ask for Ness to pop Porky's head, Scanners style, before this is over? You're doing a great job writing Minch as creepy and dangerous.

Welp. There's a monster stalking you, and students are disappearing, so it's time to wander around the woods at night. I'm really looking forward to the next chapter now.'

Haha, this unsuspecting fool, only on chapter 6, does not suspect the oncoming magical abilities in the slightest… :)

Real talk, thanks for the review! It has inspired me to maybe visit the library with the bois again soon.

Once again, thank you everyone for reading, I'll see you next time!

~ReadyForTeddy