(Prologue: B.H Pirkle)
His hands surround my neck, forcing me against my favourite wall. My world is dark, cacophonous and blurred. There is a low, inhuman growl coming from his throat, powerful and all-consuming, because I am insignificant. To him, I am nothing but a pawn, another cog in his grand machine.
I might be the mayor of Onett, but he will be the mayor of the world.
Just as long as I don't have to take any responsibility. It's not my fault - it's him, he's the one who's won, it's his plan... I didn't fight back, but why should I? He's so powerful, he'd have killed me otherwise. Being his puppet will be so, so much easier... Who am I to protest?
When victory is already his?
Praise him.
Prais e him.
pr ai se ihm.
p̴̬̦̮̭̖̙̬̽͐̄͒̾̽͐̐̂͂̉̾͝ͅȓ̵̨̛̮̤͍̯̥̙̠͔̰̮͚̏̔̊́̎̌͠͠ ̸̨̛̜͈̙̣̬̘̏͌̎̀͗́͒͘͠͝ã̵̛̤͙͖̮̽̃ͅį̸̜̣͉̮̥̿͑͌̉̎́ş̸̫̿͒̎͂̽́̈́̍͂̍̕͠e̸͔̠̥̮̥͒̉̄͌̾̈̽̓̊̚͜ ̸̧̛͍̣̯̗̖̍̀̍͆́͊̄̅̕̚̚͝ĥ̸̢͓̤̰̫̳̪́͐̊̇̋̌͋́̐͊̈i̸̟̩̝̗̗̣͍̇̽̀̌̓̄͘͜͝ ̵͇͖̐̃͂̈́͛̒̃͆͑̽̍̚m̶̠̺̰̠̺̼͚̖̰̣̂̀̀͑̂͆̑͠ͅͅ.
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~~o00o~~
Chapter 6: In Health
(Lucas)
~~o00o~~
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.
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Ness and I sit once again in the dull gloom of the library.
I have a mission. In my mind is a book, a book entitled Magical monsters and Mythical creatures. I know it has to be here somewhere, because I saw it, I remember seeing it. Future Human had risen from it - I'd seen it in the book, and then I'd seen it in my dreams.
Yet my thoughts only cloud as I throw encyclopedia after encyclopedia onto the table.
"It's not here..." I make a frustrated noise. "Why isn't it here?"
"What's not here?" Ness puts down the dictionary he's holding.
"The book - Magical Monsters and Mythical Creatures - the creature was in it!"
"What, that Future Human thing?" Ness frowns. "But that was just a dream, wasn't it?"
"I thought I saw it before." I rummage through yet another pile of books, becoming increasingly stressed out. "I'm sure I saw it before I fell asleep."
"But why do you need it?" Ness puts a hand on mine, concerned. "It was just a nightmare. Aren't we supposed to be researching the Face?"
But the beast's face fills my vision again, almost as if it's commanding me. Placet Auxilium, it had said. What does it mean? I push it out of my mind, focusing on Ness's hand. It's still shaking from his breakdown in English, clammy, and starkly pale. Everyone else is probably still sitting in the lesson. It gave me a little thrill to escape Bowser, more than it should've, but I think I've always been so chained down that my rebellious streak has to come out once in a while.
Also on my mind - it's not just me, it's Ness, too! Both of us don't think girls are that pretty! I don't mind finding girls unattractive. I might've had a few silly crushes on them in the past, but they were borne out of loneliness more than anything, so they can't have meant much. There is just something about the whole thing that doesn't suit what I want, I think. Not that I know what I want. But I know that I don't need a girl to be happy. I hope Ness understands that it's okay, that he doesn't have to be like everyone else to be good enough. He's good enough for me just by being himself - I know he struggles to understand that.
Ness tenses suddenly, holding up a book of Welsh Mythology. "Is this something here?"
I come over.
Brân: a Celtic God, whose head was removed and continued to prophesy. It is said the head still roams the streets of Wales and Britain, to this day…
"Could it be true?" I stare at Ness's shocked expression. "The Face is a dead Celtic God?"
"I wouldn't rule it out…" he whispers. "We should search for books on Welsh mythology… there might be more information!"
"I was being sarcastic," I say. "Didn't The Face have a body? It was dark, so we wouldn't have seen it very clearly."
"I don't know..."
I lower my voice, suddenly having an unpleasant idea. "Are you sure we didn't fall just asleep and dream it, like the shared dream we had before?"
"It felt real," Ness contemplates. "I'm sure it was real."
There iss a momentary silence. I notice, uncomfortably, that can't I hear the birds singing outside anymore. And what's happened to the distant talking of the other students?
"Well, maybe the Face isn't a deceased Celtic god," Ness admits.
"Yeah, you don't say, you goof."
"Hey! You're the bigger goof. You're the one looking for a book that only exists in your mind!"
"It was real!" I fold my arms. "That's it! I'm gonna - I'm gonna-!"
"Gonna what?"
"Do something bad, and it - it won't be good!"
Ness laughs, some colour returning to his cheeks. "I look forward to it."
"You're mean."
"I know, and you're still a goof."
There is another silence, and Ness smiles.
A crash sounds in the distance.
I tense. Ness's smile is immediately replaced by worry. "What was that?"
"Probably Bowser getting angry," I suggest, but even as I say it, I know it's not true. Something's wrong.
The gas lamps flicker. I feel a distinct chill enter the air.
"That's what happened on the train!" Ness jolts. "When it came, the gas lamps went out and wouldn't re-light - and then it got cold - what if the Face is here?"
And just as he says it, the gas lamps all blow out at once, plunging us into darkness. I practically jump out of my skin. Ness throws down his book in alarm, and there's a crash as it knocks my pile onto the floor. I turn in the black, grabbing wildly for Ness's hand, fully on edge, fully sure that we are about to encounter something very, very bad. The Face can't be back - surely, there's no way that it can be here - surely it fell off of the roof! But what if...
"Lucas?" I feel Ness grabbing my arm, his tone low and fearful. "We need to leave. Now."
Another crash sounds. And this one's much closer.
He's right.
We leg it. We sprint out of the library, into the main hall, past the crowded classrooms, anywhere away from the darkness. But it's as if we're being followed - the very second we pass by a lamp, it goes out! Fuelled by fear, we keep running onwards, away from whatever's there, terror rising up inside us. The cold increases, grabbing at me, begging me to give in, to give in to the unseen force that's coming, the oncoming storm behind us - and I'm running out of energy - my legs, they're so sore - it's coming, Ness is slowing, it's coming, I'm slowing, it's coming, it's coming, the darkness, it swallows us completely...
"In here!" Ness yells, and I feel my arm being pulled to the side. We tumble into an empty classroom - Ryu's classroom - fuelled by only adrenaline. It's pitch black - why does it have to get dark so early in winter? I hold tightly onto Ness's hand as he slams the door shut behind us. Breathe - come on…
There is a noise as we collide with a table. Ness hastily tips it on its side, leading me behind it, and my stomach drops as I hear the classroom door opening again.
Time slows. Ness and I huddle closely, burning with fear, hearts thumping, the sounds of our rapid breathing accompanied only by the sound of footsteps moving through the room. Rationality is slipping away, I'm losing my grip, and I have grab onto a table leg to support myself. It'll be fine. It has to be fine, but it's so dark. And something is here - I know something is here. I hear it, panting, close to me. This will not be my final stand. It can't be. I won't go down fighting. I'm too stubborn for that. I will go down, old, aged, completed. Not like this - never like this-
But, the silence. Silence drips like treacle. I wait with bated breath, squinting in the black pool of midnight for any sign of anything, anything unusual, anything that might want to cause harm.
There's light, suddenly, from a nearby gas lamp. It floods the room. Is it okay? I feel the pressing cold lift from around my shoulders. I release my breath, looking around. Professor Ryu is standing by a gas lamp, fiddling with what looks to be some wiring. He doesn't seem to have noticed us. I'm unsure whether to make our presence known, until-
"What are you two doing in here?" He asks bluntly, without turning around.
"Uh-"
"We were let out of English early," I lie. "But all the lamps went out… we heard something chasing us, so we hid in here."
Ryu sighs, moving onto the next lamp.
"We've discussed this. It's about time that you learnt what's real, and what's not."
Of course, he doubts. Every adult doubts. I tell them what's wrong, and they don't believe me. Well, except Rosalina, but she's probably just being kind. I think she just feels sorry for us. I would too, two misfits, two best friends, lost in a sea of other people…
I shouldn't think like that.
"Why did all the lamps go out?" Ness asks pressingly.
"The mantles expired," Ryu says.
"All at once?"
"Well, they would have been replaced at the same time, wouldn't they? The same size mantle in each one, they'd all break simultaneously"
"But what about random chance?" I cut in shakily, standing up. "The mantles are different sizes.They couldn't have run out at the same time."
"There was a fault with the gas, then." Ryu moves on to the last lamp. "I assure you, nothing was chasing you. You are safe inside these walls."
At his words, I feel slightly ashamed of my panic. Though, I'm sure I heard something, something there in the darkness…
"And the cold? Why the cold?" Ness seems not to be giving up.
Ryu turns, and for the first time, looks him square in the face. "Ness, come on. The gas lamps are a heat source, of course it'll be cold if they go out." Ness withers under his piercing gaze. "But, I'll take the opportunity to talk to you both again," Ryu continues. "Have you seen anything strange since we last talked?"
Future Human.
Placet Auxilium.
"No, Professor." I stand rigidly in place, watching him light the final lamp. "I still don't know why that's important..."
"Well-"
"Professor," Ness cuts in, before he can answer. "These questions are to do with the disappearances, aren't they?"
Ryu freezes, barely concealing his shock.
"How did you hear about those?"
"I was in the bathroom." Ness blushes slightly. "You and Professor Marth came in, and I overheard..."
"For goodness' sake." Ryu vigorously lights the last lamp, picking up a pile of textbooks and shoving them into the cupboard. He practically slams the door with frustration. "I told Marth to be quiet. I told him not to shout about it! This is what happens when you confide in fools."
Ryu turns on Ness.
"Have you told anyone?" he whispers harshly.
"Well, only Lucas, but-"
"And have you told anyone?" He rounds on me.
"No," I stammer. "They wouldn't have believed me if I did."
"Good." Ryu relaxes a little bit. "But keep it that way - the other students do not, under any circumstances, need to know about this."
"But what exactly is happening?" Ness runs his hands through his hair, visibly stressed out.
"That's confidential, I'm afraid."
Ness boldly steps forward. "Then we'll just have to tell everyone about them."
"Are you blackmailing me?" Ryu turns, shocked.
Ness nods, suddenly nervous.
"Credit where it's due," Ryu sighs. "Come, sit behind my desk; I'll tell you everything I know."
...
Ness sits on the right, and I sit on the left. I can sense Ness's keenness for information - he was a curious child, and to be honest, so was I. At primary school, we'd peep and pry in every cupboard, we'd play in and explore the school woodland at breaktime, and we'd always be interested in the playground gossip… They were good times. Simpler times. Times without worry.
Placet Auxilium.
"Professor," I blurt. "What does 'Placet Auxilium' mean?"
Ryu scratches his head. "Whilst I'm all for extracurricular learning, I'm not sure why that is relevant..."
"Just trust me, it is," I insist.
"...Well, it's Latin for 'Please Help,' but-"
"Thank you, Professor," I cut him off. I'm not sure if he needs to know about my dreams any time soon.
"Okay then," Ryu continues, puzzled. "So, some students have been going missing. I know we've only been in school for a little bit of time, but students that have been registered in are vanishing, nowhere to be seen, even after a thorough search of the whole site. We're not sure where they could be going, if they're being taken, or lured, or God forbid, killed. But, we are coming to a firm conclusion. Someone is behind it all."
"Who?"
"That's the problem." Ryu grimaces, folding his arms. "We don't know."
"What's being done?" Ness asks nervously. "And how many have disappeared?"
"Ten disappearances." Ryu's expression tightens. "Ten students have gone missing so far. Headmaster Hand knows, but, as of yet, he doesn't seem to be putting many protective measures in place. The amount of professors on night patrol has doubled, but with no more effort, the disappearance rate is increasing."
I sense his displeasure. Ness leans forwards. "Who are the people you know that can help?"
"Oh, fantastic. You weren't supposed to know that either. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you, for a variety of reasons." He looks up. "But, I press, do not worry about all this. And do not tell a soul - for these people, they are the very best, or at least, they have the capacity to become the very best hope for this situation."
I nod, unsure what else to add.
To my surprise, Ness swells with pride. "Well, I think I know who's behind this."
Ryu freezes as if making sure he's heard correctly, before giving Ness a long, searching stare. "Who?"
"Meta Knight, and Olimar," Ness says confidently. "I overheard them talking about preparing something, and they said, 'Lucas had better watch out for Friday.'"
"Well!" Ryu, for the first time, smiles, letting his arms fall back by his side. "This is the best lead we've had yet. Thank you very much - we will look into it, I assure you!"
Ness smiles too. But suddenly he frowns, looking at the floor. I follow his gaze to see a strange-looking object by the leg of Ryu's desk. Ness glances at me quickly, and I catch his drift.
"So uh..." I say, grabbing Ryu's attention. Ness subtly slips his hand down to where the object is. "Is that all?" I struggle to think of anything else to add.
"For now." Ryu nods. "Feel free to go, please enjoy the rest of your day."
"You too, Professor."
I glance back at Ness, his pocket bulging with whatever he found. We stand and walk, not too slowly, out of the door.
"Did you buy his excuse for the thing chasing us in the darkness?" Ness asks, as soon as we're back in the corridor
"It seemed fair enough," I shrug.
"But I heard something," Ness pushes. "We were in the classroom when it was pitch black, and we heard the door open, didn't we?"
"Ness, that was Ryu coming in."
"...Oh yeah-"
I laugh, bumping my shoulder against his. "You goof."
Fortunately, Ness laughs too. "I'm so easily scared."
"So am I," I mutter, lowering my voice. "Do you see what's happened to us? That Face - there's probably a rational explanation for it. But what's it done? We've both been upset more, scared of little things, paranoid…"
Ness whistles softly. "You're right."
"It's been an unusual start of term…"
"You don't say."
"...But we'll pull through, right? The Face, we can stop obsessing about it, maybe we can stop visiting the library as well."
"That sounds good to me," Ness says, and I smile.
"Good. Come on, let's go find Toon Link and Villager… and Red." I grimace. That's something else that we should deal with tonight; this newly formed conflict needs to be resolved as soon as possible.
Villager and Toon Link are once again in the games room, but with the jarring addition of Popo in the mix, the atmosphere is tense when we arrive. Toon Link and Villager seem pretty tired, but it's warming to see their faces brighten as we come in.
"Where have you been?" Toon Link welcomes us with, to our surprise, a hug.
"Well, as you saw, we uh, bunked out of English-"
"Yeah." Toon Link grins widely. "Lucas, that was awesome."
"Bowser didn't notice, did he?" I keep my voice down.
"Are you kidding?" Toon Link laughs. "Of course he noticed! Two empty seats, right there, in the middle of the room? He's on the lookout for you, right now. He's got out his biggest cane. I thought you'd got caught…"
"Well, we didn't," Ness says, sitting down. "We just went to our dorm, and then the library."
"The library?" Toon Link pulls a face as he takes his shot. A red ball is potted. "Come on, you could've done something more interesting if you're gonna skip class…"
"Like what?"
"Going into the forest? It's dark and scary in there!"
Ness gives a pained smile. "It was plenty dark and scary in the corridor."
I watch, as Toon Link frowns, his joyous expression melting into one of concern. "You saw all that too?"
"Yeah," I say.
"Pretty scary, right? The clock had just chimed for the end of the lesson, and we walked out into a pitch black corridor."
"We were worried about you both." Villager says, taking his shot and potting a yellow ball. "You didn't show up until now, and truth be told, it was frightening."
"I wasn't frightened," Toon Link says stoically.
"He was." Villager brings down his voice. "He nearly cried."
"Alright, you!" Toon Link snarls. He grabs his pool cue and starts chasing Villager around the table with it. Villager yelps as Toon Link prods him in the back, but he's laughing, at least until he runs into Popo.
"Oi! Watch it!" Popo hits him on the shoulder.
Villager doesn't dignify Popo with a reaction and instead turns back around to face us.
"Where's Red?" I ask, nervously.
Villager's face falls. "Well, he came here at first, and it seemed to be going well. But then this idiot…" he glares at Popo. "Said that he was Red's replacement. Red got upser, and left."
"You know it was just a laugh!" Popo protests.
"You could see he wasn't in a good mood!"
"Whatever," Popo sulks. "Not my fault you're so lame."
"We should find him," I say hesitantly. "He could be in danger."
"In danger? From what?"
Ness and I share a look.
Toon Link sighs. "Y'know - I hate it when you do that!"
"Do what?" We frown, turning in unison.
"You know, when both of you look at each other like you know something we don't."
Ness and I exchange another look, before catching ourselves.
"Maybe we have secrets,' Ness says.
"I don't doubt that."
Toon Link takes another shot, staring at the white ball as it bounces off the rim of the table, missing all of the coloured balls.
"You know," he says, not meeting our eyes. "We never really have any deep conversations. About secrets, and all that."
"It doesn't have to be that way." Villager claps him on the back. "We can have deep conversations if you like."
"We could." Toon Link shrugs, tossing the cue in his hand.
"What would they be about?" Ness asks cautiously.
"Oh!" Popo jumps up and down like a small child. "I can tell you all about my dream I had about Bayonetta! It was very sexual..."
"Far too much information," I wince, dreading to imagine it. Anything to do with sex kind of scares me a little bit.
Ness seems irked. "Popo, you shouldn't talk about her like that."
"Oh?" Popo folds his arms with a grin. "What are you gonna do? She's hot."
"She's not a piece of meat."
"Hark ye, courteous Ness!" Toon Link laughs. "I didn't realise you were so defensive over her!"
"Don't go there." Villager pokes Toon Link with the pool cue. "Ness doesn't like her like that."
Toon Link raises his eyebrows, leaning on his cue like a walking stick. "And how do you know?"
"Bayonetta likes girls, you idiot. Also, as far as I'm aware, Ness has never had a crush on anyone."
"He might just be secretive," Toon Link says.
"He also probably has better taste."
"I'm also probably right here," Ness says, turning, "So I'd advise stopping that conversation."
"She's going to be mine before the term is through!" Popo takes advantage of Ness turning away to poke him in the chest.
"Good luck with that," Ness sighs, for once knowing better than to start a fight.
"I won't need luck. I have my charm!"
"If you say so." Ness holds up his hands.
"Indeed!" Popo rapidly snatches Villager's pool cue, pokes Ness somewhere very private with it, and saunters off. "Goodbye, friendos!"
"OW!" Ness doubles over in pain. "I'm gonna kill him-"
The rest of us groan in sympathy, patting him on the back. We all know what it's like when Popo pulls out one of those attacks.
"I am a dead man." Ness falls to the floor dramatically. "Go on without me. I cannot live this life anymore."
I laugh. "C'mon, you drama queen, get up."
"Noooooo-"
All in all, Popo confuses me. I think he wants to be our friend, but he's really bad at showing it. I feel bad for him, having once been lonely and friendless myself, but he doesn't exactly make things easy. His sister Nana has always been kind though, so I'm sure that something good is buried in him somewhere. But where? I want to give Popo a chance, even if the others disagree, because I honestly want to help him. I guess I see some of himself in me... minus the creepy comments about Bayonetta and the causing of physical harm.
"Right!" Toon Link claps his hands together. "Now that he's gone, I had an idea that will kill two birds with one stone."
Villager sighs, exasperated. "What is it this time?"
"Well..." Toon Link spins in a circle, evidently very pleased with whatever he's come up with. "After dinner, we can sneak out to the forest! We can invite Red along. It'll be fun - we can explore, and as a bonus, I can prove that I'm not scared of the dark!"
"That's actually a good idea." I smile, surprised. "And we can have a deep conversation, like you wanted."
"And, you can get away from Bowser," Toon Link adds.
"And we can get some fresh air-"
"And get away from Popo-"
"Okay, consider me impressed." Villager puts his hands on his hips, nodding. "That's not just killing two birds with one stone. You just killed the whole flock."
Ness gasps. "Oh no, those poor birds!"
"Bird-murderer," Villager grins.
"Alright, alright. At least I took my pool shot," Toon Link counters.
Villager takes a rushed shot, accidentally striking the black ball into the hole.
"Game over! I win!" Toon Link crows, chucking his cue onto the table. He's a terrible sport, but it's hilarious really. I sit down on the couch, and the others follow suit, joining me. It must be soon time for dinner - I'm getting hungry, and someone's stomach is growling. Usually, I don't get that hungry, but apparently, today is an exception. Ness concerns me, though. He seems to either binge eat, or claim he's on a diet, scarcely eating anything at all. I wish he saw himself in a better light… I wish he could see I need him, and that he's perfect just the way he is. Mentally, I slap myself for being so cheesy and sentimental again, but, it's true.
My thoughts drift.
Ryu - that conversation - there is a lot to process. What was that about people who he thought could help? And Placet Auxilium. Meaning Please help. So, Future Human needs help, but with what? What was happening to it? I guess it looked in pain? I suppose it could be a subliminal message about me doing my part to save humanity from becoming like, well, it, but I feel like that's a bit too obvious. And then, of course, isn't it all just a dream? A new monster, risen from the horrors in my memories?
But for every horror, there is something nice. Ness and my friends more than cancel out what Porky has done. We have plenty of dirt on Porky, from being behind the coal mine explosion, which trapped ten of Ness's Father's workers, to all the bribery and blackmail, all the carefully manipulated words… There are rumours on the streets about the kind of businesses he owns. Brothels, slave trades, and all the products he creates... He's an inventor, specialising in drugs that create 'happy' emotions. Of course, they all come with dreadful side effects, because he's a truly awful man. His patrons are money and power, and other people are either pawns, or enemies. Everyone knows he's extremely dangerous; it's well documented that anyone who crosses him seems to mysteriously disappear. Dealing with Meta Knight and Olimar is child's play, compared to Porky and his empire. But Porky's power is by no means infinite. He can't hurt me here and now. He's got bigger fish to fry, after all, than an insignificant, poor blonde boy from the Onett First Residential District. I doubt he even knows my name, because I'm another brick in Onett's wall, another naïve citizen to swindle and rob.
With this thought, I lean against Ness. He's warm and soft as always, like my own personal comfort blanket. Our group does this sometimes, sitting in comfortable silence, giving us time to think and relax, but to think and relax together. It's kind of unifying, in a way. I stare around the room, absentmindedly picking out the fruits in the picture of the fruit bowl. I'd prefer the grapes over anything else there… bananas are fine, and so are apples, but pears? Painfully overrated. Ness, crazy as he is, loves all things fruit, and I suppose I mostly do too, but with some exceptions. Like cranberries. They're the spawn of Satan himself. Forget Porky - cranberries are the true source of all my problems.
Our gentle lull is disturbed soon enough by an arrival, and of course, it's Meta Knight and Olimar. You'd have thought we'd learn to stay out of the games room since it's practically their home, but then again, playing pool is fun, and it's four of us versus two of them.
"Alright?" Toon Link calls out with mock politeness before they can do the same.
"Oho!" Meta Knight stops in his tracks, grins, and comes over. "Is someone a bit shirty today?"
"I'm cool as anything." Toon Link barely bats an eyelid.
"Sure thing, buddy," Olimar chimes in. "Just as cool as when you cried in the dark corridor earlier!"
"Mummy! Mummy!" Meta Knight mocks, and the pair burst into laughter.
Villager stands. "I hope there's not going to be any trouble here?"
"Oh of course not, Professor Villager," Olimar bows. "No trouble at all."
"How wonderfully mature." Villager appears unfazed. "Why don't you run along and study?"
"'Cause this is our place," Meta Knight snarls. "You scum should know that."
"Scum?" Toon Link gasps. "I thought we were buddies?"
"Maybe, until you betrayed us."
"We were never friends," Toon Link retorts. "And besides, I didn't like what you were doing to that kid."
"Traitor, Traitor, Traitor-"
"Believe what you want," Villager says evenly. "However, we were here first, and we have every right to be in this room."
"Yeah, leave us alone," Ness says, suddenly standing up.
"Ness…" I warn. His temperament is easily tested, and he's no stranger to a fight or two... which makes me sad. Ness is soft, lovable and tender, but he also has this violent side to him. Then again, I have the side that makes me want to hide from everything and everyone… and I'd be foolish to pretend that Ness could ever be perfect. Everyone has some bad to them. It's human nature.
"Oh? What are you going to do?" Meta Knight asks, coming forwards.
"I'll do something bad," Ness promises.
"Ness," I warn, louder.
"Yeah, Ness," Olimar sniggers. "Listen to your boyfriend, sit back down."
"He's not my boyfriend!" Ness stamps his foot hotly.
"Whatever you say, buddy." Meta Knight grins, turning on me. "I mean, fair enough, isn't he such a scrawny thing? What's he good for? I don't know why you keep him around..."
"You take that back!" Furiously, Ness advances on him, grabbing him by the shoulders. "He's amazing, and I-"
Meta Knight spits on him.
"Ness," I groan, grabbing onto his shoulder. "Please sit back down. It's not worth it."
"Fine! But only for you." Ness pushes his rival away, wiping the spit from his face with a disgusted expression. "But for the record, they're wrong. You're amazing, okay?"
But before I can reply, a blonde blur shoots past-
"Don't you dare spit on him!"
Villager throws his hands up in the air, as Toon Link flies into battle. "What on earth are you doing!?"
Toon Link stops and tries to think of a clever answer, and Meta Knight throws a punch that hits him square in the jaw.
The door opens - the Pit brothers? What are they doing here? I thought they hung out in the theatre room?
"A fight?" Dark Pit's eyes light up.
"Toon Link and Meta Knight! Interesting-"
"Who'll win?"
"Toonie."
"Meta Knight."
"No, Toon Link will! He's stronger and tactical."
"Meta Knight has speed, and he's a brute. Come on, he has to win."
"No, no, you're all wrong-"
Toon Link collapses into Villager.
"Heyyyyyyyy Villlllyyyyyy…" he says, dazed. "Good to see you… how's Zeldaaaaa, hahahah?"
"Oh dear." Villager sets him down on the couch. "Stay there, for the love of God."
"Of couuuurse I will, Villy, I can't teleport, you silly goose…"
"Right," Villager says exasperatedly.
Meta Knight turns to the Pits, leering.
"Well, well, if it isn't thing one and thing two!"
"You know," Pit says, "The same joke can apply to you and Olimar-"
"Yeah!" Dark Pit laughs. "You don't have any unique traits-"
"You're both just simple bullies-"
The Pits high five.
Meta Knight growls. "I'll throw you down a pit if you're not careful!"
"Bold of you to assume I don't have wings," Pit says.
"Good luck finding a pit to throw us down!" Dark Pit grins.
"Do you want to start a fight?" Olimar goes over, cracking his knuckles.
"Well, that'd be quite fun!" The twins - or are they twins? - shrug. "Although, you two seem to be the ones to start most fights-"
"Bring it!" Olimar snarls.
They launch into action. The Pits and the bullies start throwing punches and kicks, and the rest of us watch in trepidation as they grunt and attack. But Pit and Dark Pit slip out from under the chaos of limbs, before running out of the room and - oh dear. Meta Knight and Olimar seem not to notice that the Pits are gone, and they continue beating each other up.
Rosalina enters the room, drinking in the scene.
"BOYS!"
Meta Knight and Olimar look up suddenly, noticing the absence of the Pits. They jump in alarm.
"What do you think you're doing?" Rosalina crosses her arms. "Fighting in here? That'll be detention for both of you! And also, we've received a tip-off that you've been involved in something highly illegal, so you'll be coming with me!"
"What?" Meta Knight growls. "You can't do that!"
"You can't do that, Professor."
"Women can't be professors."
"Well, as you can see, too bad for you because I am one. Now, come with me!"
The miscreants grumble, but they eventually give in and follow Rosalina out of the room. Just as they leave, the clocktower rings for dinner.
"I wonder what they got busted for?" Villager ponders, as we arrive in the eating hall.
"Probably some drugssssss," Toon Link slurs, still dazed from the punch. Ness and I exchange a knowing glance, as we join the queue and the fresh aroma of overcooked food arrives.
"Alright." Villager turns on his heel to face us all. "We need to remember to invite Red to the forest."
"Of couuuurse we won't forget, you silly sausage, haha-"
We're interrupted by the reappearance of the Pits.
"Alright?"
"Heard those two got busted. Serve them right for bothering you!"
"You know..." Villager checks to see if he's near the front of the queue yet. He's not. "I can never tell if you two are joking or not. Wings…?"
"That's how we roll, you-"
"You-"
"Damn it, why are there no good insults for you-"
"Yeah, get some distinctive personality traits, gosh!"
"I am distinctive!" Villager folds his arms, affronted.
"Well, I guess you're the mother of this group you have here-"
"The mother? No I'm not!"
"Are too!"
"Well you're just - uh, I'm no good at coming up with insults…" Villager thinks quickly. "You're just comic relief!"
"Comic relief?!" They both gasp at once.
"Yeah, haha," Toon Link staggers and grabs onto a pole. "Villy is right, he's funny, you're funny, hahahahahahahahahehahehhah-"
I lose interest, checking ahead for what dinner is going to be. It looks like some form of mince. I guess that's better than nothing… I can be a picky eater sometimes. When we eventually reach the front, I take my plate, scanning for Red. Red seems to be sitting with Popo, and is looking very worn out. After grabbing some salad, I get over there nice and quickly.
I sit. "Hey, Red."
"Lucas, good to see you." Red smiles marginally. "You're the nicest one, after all."
"Uh, thanks," I say awkwardly. Red has a particular knack for making uncomfortable comments. "Do you want to come to sit back with us this dinner?"
"Why should I do that?"
"We miss you. It's not the same without you."
"Alright." Red sighs, and picks up his plate. "But only if there aren't any shenanigans."
"There won't be," I promise.
Popo moves to follow us too, but Nana arrives just in time, sitting next to him. It's a welcome piece of good fortune.
Red sits down next to me and Villager. I think we're his favourites, which makes me feel a little guilty, but I don't think Toon Link or Ness mind that much. I note that the gas lamps are all lit and brighter than ever now; a gentle orange glow fills the quiet ambience of the room. Dinner is always a calmer affair than lunch. I think that's mostly because people are tired at dinner, what with the early start to the day. I can't believe it's only Wednesday - two days until I'm supposed to 'watch out,' - and so much has already happened… I guess it feels like it's all building up to something. I'm going to keep my eyes firmly open for any hints; the disappearances, the Face, Future Human, it all scares me. What if I'm next to disappear? What if Ness is? I'll watch over him like a hawk. No way is he getting hurt if I have anything to say about it.
"...So come with us!" Villager says. Looks like I zoned out again.
"Alright." Red nods. "So long as we don't get into trouble."
"If we're careful, we won't," Ness joins the conversation. "Plus, it's not like we're banned from going outside."
"Well, we're not supposed to after dark," Villager admits. "But that's fine."
Red picks at his food. "This had better not be a trick."
Toon Link looks scandalised. "No trickssssss here, buddy!"
"Ignore him," Villager sighs. "Someone punched him in the face and he's gone a bit loopy. But yeah - no tricks, don't worry."
"Then I'm in."
An hour or so later, we're all set. Ness and I are changed into dark clothes to help us to blend in, and we've got warm layers underneath them. I'm excited for a chance to get out of these stone walls, explore the forest, and spend time with my friends. I'm not usually one for breaking the rules; I used to be the quiet, well-behaved kid (though a lot was blamed on me anyway) and I think a lot of that has carried through to the present day. But meeting Ness really did bring me out of my shell...
~~o00o~~
I'm nine years old. Ness and I are playing hide and seek with Toon Link and Inkling, at the local park. Ness's father is away on business, so for once we're allowed to come out after school and play. Inkling is the seeker of course, and Ness and I have found a brilliant hiding place, just behind a shed. We're laughing, loving life and loving the freedom that we have.
"Lucas - shh!" Ness grabs my hand. "I think I hear Inkling!"
We hush, patient and ready. There's no way she'd see us here, right? Toon Link, still a shy boy, peeps over the top of the shed. It seems he's somehow made it onto the roof.
"Hello!" he whispers. "Inkling hasn't got me yet."
"She hasn't got us either," Ness whispers back. "But keep your voice down!"
"Oh yeah!" Toon Link blushes. "I forgot."
Hardly listening, I look up at the clouds and their pretty shapes. Ness loves clouds, and nature, and animals. He's got a spirit of the wilderness in him - he's like a fairy tale character, happiest in forests, up hills, away from school and the indoors.
A voice jolts me back to reality.
"Well, well, well. What have we got here?"
Of course. Porky Minch.
"Oho, Lucas and Ness?" He grins. "You know it's dangerous to be out here on your own?"
I nod nervously, and Ness pouts.
"What do you want?"
"Nothing, nothing. Just curious, of course, curious as to what you're doing back here?"
"We were just playing a game, Mr Porky." I shift a bit closer to Ness.
Porky tips his hat so that it covers his eyes. "Can I play?"
Ness gulps. "No - you'd be too good, mister."
"Nobody ever wants to play with me," Porky frowns, looking crestfallen. I don't feel sorry for him though, because he scares me a little.
"You're a grown-up..." Ness slowly takes my hand. I think he's just as creeped out as I am. "Why don't you go and play with other grown-ups?"
"I do play with them, Ness." Porky chuckles lightly. Deliberately. "But they're no fun, they never want to play my games. They're so fragile, don't you think? They break so easily."
"Got you!" Inkling cries, and I jump about half a mile. But she frowns upon seeing Porky. "Who's this?"
"Don't you know?" Porky snarls. "The great inventor, Porky Minch!"
"Oh. You." She scoffs. "My mummy told me to watch out for you."
Porky glares. "Your dear mummy is wrong."
Inkling puffs herself up to her full height. "Well-"
"Mister Porky," I cut in, before a fight can start. "We should really be going home now..."
"Of course," he nods respectfully. "But would you like to see something cool? It's just round the back..."
"No, it's okay," I quiver.
"Oh." Porky nods curtly. "I understand. Good day, then."
"G-Good day, sir."
With that, we wriggle out of our hiding space, whilst Porky laughs as he watches us. I sniffle as we run as fast as we can, away from him, and away from the park. He's creepy, I think to myself. So creepy.
But of course, that wouldn't be the last I would see of him.
~~o00o~~
I surface from the disconcerting memory, walking down the stairs to the exit. Ness is by my side, but there's a definite chill hanging in the air.
I stop. "Ness, I'm not so sure about this anymore."
But Ness takes my hand. "C'mon Lucas, live a little. It'll be fine."
"...What if Porky…"
"Porky?" Ness turns, concerned. "Why are you thinking about him? He's never shown his face at school before. We'll be alright, okay?"
"I guess," I say, gulping.
Ness gives me a smile, and I stabilise. It'll be fine, it'll be fun.
I try to think about the good bits of the memory.
Ness, Toon Link, Inkling and I used to be a great set of friends, back in primary school. Ness had known Toon Link and Inkling for who knows how long, and then when Ness had invited me over to his table, I'd met them as well. Inkling didn't come to Onett Boarding School, so we've fallen out of contact with her, but she was pretty awesome, always full of energy and charisma.
We only met Red and Villager a lot later. Ness met Villager in History, and then we'd met Red when visiting Villager and Red's dorm. Somehow, we've conglomerated into the five-part group that we've ended up in today. Of course, each of us has changed throughout the time we've been friends - especially Toon Link with his new-found confidence - but myself as well. I suppose I'm better in social situations... to some degree. Though I'm still a daydreamer... and of course, I'm daydreaming right now, reminiscing back on the past. I bring myself sharply back to the real world.
Toon Link cheers upon our arrival. It's still only 8 p.m., so there aren't any professors on patrol. Villager and Red seem ready to go, so we exchange shifty grins, whilst Toon Link opens the great front door.
We step out into the night.
A/N
Mmm, some plot exposure, delicious. I hope you enjoyed reading! If you did, or if you have any questions, leave a review and I'll reply to it in the next chapter. I'm starting to really like writing the group dynamic that LuNeTLViRe has at this point, it somehow really works for me. Also, putting in a flashback was a bit of a new thing, I hope it wasn't too clunky…
Notes:
-Brân ap Llyr was the legendary Welsh king of Britain, whose head possessed the ability to speak after Brân died. The head became a sort of talisman for Wales and a symbol in the Welsh culture.
-Shoutout if you're here from the Super Smash Prose discord server! Especially 14shiffna, who recently announced they had to leave. If you're reading this, feel free to say hi in reviews!
Reviews:
ihatepirkle2: I have a bad feeling about next chapter :(
Oh no! I hope it didn't go too badly for you in the end!
Once again, thank you for reading! I hope to get the next chapter out Tuesday or Wednesday, so keep your eyes peeled!
~ReadyForTeddy
