(Prologue: ?)
Power can be gained through several means, but to gain it subtly is an art. Words are quiet, creeping into minds, cultivated by the shared tongues of communities. Words enchant and deceive, bending flocks to their whims. Words bring power when used correctly.
Porky used words to great effect, weaving them like nets, captivating his audience with infrastructure and promises. But that's his hand; he's played it, and now I hold the cards.
I begin my tale.
"Three weeks ago, Porky Minch imprisoned me. He took me from my work, locking me in a cell, because he wanted to keep me alive for a purpose. I was to be his, to fulfil his goals and bring him to his dreams. He would talk of them, of Tazmily and Onett, his plan to aid them both in war, driving people into New Pork City. The destruction would be immense, he said. He promised that I would never escape. He told me everything he planned just to mock me. He was so focused on these aims that he grew complacent, and I escaped."
"How did you end up in Tazmily?" Tessie asks, transfixed, and I internally thank my profession for my storytelling abilities
"I walked, armed with the information I had heard," I say. "I passed through fields and forests, sleeping on the ground whenever necessary. I travelled for days and nights until a man named Butch rescued me from the Dead Alive."
"My son!" Matt exclaims suddenly. "What a good boy."
"Reggie thinks this is a peculiar tale," Reggie says, his beads jangling with the swaying carriage. "Information, you say? What did you find out?"
"I can't tell you everything," I reply. "But I can tell you that Porky wants power, as much as he can muster, over as many people as he can acquire. New Pork City will be the cornerstone of his society. He wants to use people to win, and he plans to rule with cruelty."
"Why should we believe you?" Elmore sniffs with disapproval, her mouth drawing to a narrow line. "You're just an obscure Man. We don't know you."
"I'm trying to help," I say, exasperated. How many times must I tell them? But I keep my cool, because this is the crucial stage. I need to choose my words with the finest tweezers. "What would I gain from lying? I want to free you from this situation. I want you all to live."
"Why?" Ollie asks. "There are ten of us in this carriage." He surveys us all, adjusting his glasses. "Ten random people that you've never met. Why are you trying to help us? If Porky wants you captured, then why aren't you running? If he wants to take over the world, then why aren't you hiding?"
I feel a pulse of determination rushing through my bloodstream. These are the questions I like to answer. I sit up a little straighter in my seat.
"Because it's the right thing to do. If I hid, I'd be a coward. If I fought Porky in cold blood, I'd be a fool. Living, breathing people are going to their deaths, and they don't have the faintest idea. I don't want to save you because it's fun, because I want to win, or even because I have to. I want to save you because it's Good."
There is a moment of thrilled pause. That is the power of words, and now my cards are on the table.
"Our hero from the heavens!" Caroline exclaims, applauding raucously. "I believe your tale!"
"Mother," Angie groans. "Do you have to be so embarrassing?"
"I agree with Caroline!" Pusher declares. "Pork came into our village, taking my place! Undermining my wealth! Who is he? Where does he come from? Where does he get such exotic suits and ties? He is not to be trusted. I am powerful, not him. We have been tricked, we have been backstabbed, and we have quite possibly been bamboozled."
"Yeah," Matt exclaims giddily. "Bamboozled!"
"Porky's investments aided our finances," Elmore huffs. "It was thanks to him that we got our kitchen extension-"
"Silence, wife!" Pusher stands, bumping his head on the roof. "You say such silly things. Should we believe in the rich, clever man who has brought wonderful prosperity and investment opportunities to our village? No. We should believe in this random stranger, whom we have only just met, and as the rightful mayor of Tazmily, you are all expected to follow my lead!"
There's a resounding silence.
"Still think your mother is embarrassing, Angie?" Ollie whispers, his face bright red.
"Hey!" Pusher exclaims. "I am not embarrassing!"
Ignoring this, I look around the carriage. "Is everyone else on board?"
"Absolutely," Caroline says, placing a hand on Angie's shoulder. "We are."
"Likewise." Sebastian nods curtly. "Where my Lord Pusher and Lady Elmore go, I, truly, shall follow."
"Yeah!" Matt cheers, still extremely inebriated. "We're gonna go - hic - adventuring!"
Reggie nods his approval, and so does Tessie, the innkeeper.
I turn to Duster. He's staring resolutely out of the window, watching the trees go by.
"Come on," I say. "You're an intelligent man. You have to see it. What Porky is going to do to you."
"You're all lunatics." Duster shakes his head, though he looks uncertain. "This is the opportunity of a lifetime."
"He lied to you. Porky's city is the last place you'll ever see."
"But - but he promised beauty, sanctuary..."
"Come on." This is the final push. I must do it right. "An adventure is just what you need. Life in New Pork City might seem nice and easy, but if you want to prove that you're not just an old codger, come along. Come along with the rest of us."
Duster bites his lip, evidently teetering between the two options. He brings a hand to his face, before removing it with a heavy sigh.
"Fine, fine, m'chap, but only because Pusher's coming, okay?"
"Excellent." I smile. Phase one is complete.
But my work has only just begun.
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~~o00o~~
Chapter 21: The Decision
(Ness)
~~o00o~~
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He's coming. Dark Pit is coming. Except, it's not Dark Pit, because he's been twisted, ruined, insides laid out on display. Humanity gone, buried, reduced to nothing.
"Placet Auxilium!"
The wind whips wildly, forcing us further back against the wall. There's no escape. He's going to take us, making us just like him. We'll be monsters.
Suddenly, Lucas grabs my hand.
"Dark Pit!"
Everything stops.
I dare to open my eyes. He's frozen, hanging a metre away, taking us in. Something sparks in his undead pupils. I tighten my grip on Lucas's hand, preparing for the worst.
The worst doesn't come. The silence lingers like a battlefield, bound to be torn apart. It's awful, I think wildly. Where his insides should be, where his organs should be, there are cogs and metal. I feel sick. It's wrong.
I turn away. "What's your plan?"
"I don't have one," Lucas whispers.
Dark Pit rises.
"Pit."
The voice is mangled beyond normality, but there is humanity there. Something visceral stirs in my abdomen, and Lucas bravely steps forward.
"Dark Pit?"
Dark Pit is silent. It can't be him. This isn't the boy we knew. Our Dark Pit cannot be this thing - I want to panic, cry, tear off his face, prove that it can't be real. I try to process that this, before me, isn't Dark Pit, not anymore. But that means - it means Dark Pit is - he's dead. I can't, I refuse to believe that.
Lucas's palms sweat, thick with perspiration against my own. Dark Pit seems to be staring into his soul. I squeeze his hand.
"We know Pit," Lucas exclaims squeakily, illuminated in the moonlight. "Your twin. I'm Lucas, that's Ness, you remember us, right? You're Dark Pit!"
"Tutum?"
"Safe," I translate quietly, my mind swimming. How is this possible? How can someone be damaged so much, and yet still be alive?
"Pit is safe," Lucas's voice tremors. "I promise. We got him out of that passageway. I'm sorry, Dark Pit, that we couldn't save you too-"
Dark Pit puts a sudden hand to his head. It's gloved, coated in silvery metal. His head is the same, hair barely present, grey with age and rot.
"Who did this to you?" Lucas presses. He's scared, but he's being brave for us. "What happened?"
Dark Pit's head shakes. The cogs in his chest whir with a foreign intensity, lights beginning to flicker and fly. I grip Lucas's hand, pulling him back, foreboding sensations cutting through my resolve.
"W-We're going back to school," I stammer. "We'll keep Pit safe, okay?"
In an instant, Dark Pit steps back, steel boots clattering against a boulder. The wind picks up, driving like a hurricane, and the light fades from Dark Pit's eyes.
"Placet Auxilium!"
"RUN!"
We tear through the hillside. I can hardly see past the driving wind and the oncoming shadow behind me. Lucas leads, not letting go, pulling us towards the doorway. Dark Pit storms behind us, yelling incomprehensible things. Lucas throws himself towards the door, fiddling with the latch - metallic footsteps ring closer - and Lucas throws it open, pushing me inside, slamming it shut behind him.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
"The clock!" Lucas exclaims, and I understand. I topple it on its side, shattering glass shards across the stone tiles. Lucas kicks an old rug out of the way, and we shove the fallen grandfather clock against the worn oak door.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
Lucas forces down the latch, and I join him in pushing my whole weight against the door. Dark Pit knocks again, the wood vibrating against my back. It doesn't break. We're safe.
Dark Pit disappears into the night.
I take a moment to catch my breath.
"Lucas," I cry, through muffled gasps. "Lucas."
"I know," Lucas murmurs. "I know."
There is no need for words. I pull Lucas close, both of us trying to comprehend what we've just seen. Our friend, ruined. Violated. Broken.
"H-He didn't attack us," I manage, my face deep in Lucas's tangled hair. "A-And then he did."
"We gave him closure," Lucas says shakily. "We told him that Pit is safe. Dark Pit is," he gulps. "Somewhere else, now."
"W-Where?"
"I don't know, Ness. I don't know."
Lucas doesn't let go of me, and I close my eyes, pushing my face into his hair, trying to imagine what Dark Pit was feeling. Trying to envision where he could have gone. When he left, something else remained. Something awful.
"Dark Pit saved us," I murmur, sounding infinitely small. "He stayed for long enough to let us run before something else took over."
"Or someone else," Lucas says, muffled by the folds of my coat. I wrap it around him, and he shudders involuntarily. "Whoever's in the passages, in the bright room, they're doing this. They're changing people into relentless beasts."
I gulp, glancing at the wooden door that suddenly looks so, so weak. I hope to the heavens that the Future Humans can't pass through them. Their determination reminds me of The Cloak, the Dreamlord's creation.
"I think they've been luring people down there for a while," Lucas continues, shakily gripping onto my arm. "Just like with Pit, Dark Pit, and the party invitation. They've been experimenting, testing, turning them into these - these Future Humans." He digs a hand into his hair. "They're being improved, altered, changed each time. That's why this one was faster. That's why the last one was crying. It's evolution, Ness. They're getting stronger."
"Then, we need to go down there!" I exclaim. "We have to stop them!"
But Lucas shakes his head. "The passage caved in, remember? There is no way down."
"But - But…"
My voice trails off.
We're silent for what feels like hours, holding one another in the entrance hall. The glass shards at our feet glint in the flames of the gas lamps, and I find myself wondering how we're going to explain this mess. There has to be a way down to the source of this madness, a secret entrance, or something equally elusive. How else would the Dreamlord be travelling?
"Dark Pit is dead," I croak, the realisation once again slashing at my chest. "Dark Pit isn't coming back."
"I know," Lucas mumbles, the knowledge consuming us both. Dark Pit is gone. He is no more. Everything that he was has become nothing. Lucas's composure breaks all at once, and he buries his face into my chest.
"We can't even tell Pit. We can't tell him what's happened. He'd be devastated."
"We can tell him that he's gone," I say hoarsely, "But not what he's become."
Lucas's grip around me wavers, before he suddenly grabs me tight, his usually steely resolve breaking down further. "I'm scared, Ness."
"So am I."
There's a moment of pause.
"We should head to bed," I mumble, miserable. "We'll keep working on this tomorrow."
"Yes. Bed," Lucas echoes.
But before we can move, Toon Link sweeps into the hall, flanked by Villager and Red. They look purposeful, disturbingly so, and I quickly swallow down my emotions.
"There you are!" Toon Link cries out. "What on earth were you doing outside? We saw lights, then there was fire and ice!"
Lucas looks up; his eyes are noticeably red and puffy. He clutches onto my hand.
"We saw everything," Red says, folding his arms. "The ice and the fire were borne from your hands. I'm surprised at you, Lucas! That disobeys all scientific laws!
"That was someone else," I lie stupidly. "Magic? That's silly, couldn't possibly be-"
"It was you," Villager interrupts. His expression is neutral.
"We didn't want to say anything," Lucas mumbles, his words sounding watery. "We couldn't, because, well…"
He trails off.
"Because of what?" Red asks sharply.
Lucas and I exchange a worried glance.
"Look," Toon Link sighs. "Everything's getting really weird recently, okay? I've had enough of the lies. We all have. What are you two? Why are those creatures coming after you? Just, for goodness' sake, can't you tell us what the hell is going on?"
"I'm sorry," Lucas whispers, his hand quivering in mine. "I'm so sorry, we can't, I, I…"
"Lord almighty." Toon Link covers his face. "This is ridiculous. I look at you two, and I hardly recognise you anymore. Why can't you just be honest with us?"
Lucas wilts.
"That's not fair," I say. "We told you about the Future Humans. We told you about the disappearances."
"Not fair? You know what's not fair?" Toon Link glares in my direction. "Having supposed friends that won't even share what's going on with their lives!"
"Since when were you entitled to every little detail of our existence?"
"These aren't little details!" Toon Link exclaims, stepping forward. "These are massive. You're practising sorcery!"
"Sorcery? It's magic!"
"How would I know? You didn't tell us!"
"Maybe we didn't want you to worry!"
My words echo down the hallway. Toon Link stares, eyes wide, but then his lips harden to a scowl.
"It's going to be like that, is it? Just because you two are all happy, and had your lives planned out the day you met? Because heaven knows you needed another secret to keep from us. Heaven knows you needed another reason to feel special."
"It's not like that," I say, my fists shaking with anger. "It's not like that at all."
"Then what is it like? Lord only knows what else you're keeping quiet. Perhaps you can grow a second head? Perhaps you can teleport? All I know is that you're going to keep lying, keep putting yourselves in danger, and it's eventually going to kill you."
He storms off. The others watch, dazed expressions on their faces.
"We can explain it all!" Lucas pleads, his tone panicked. "Please, just, listen!"
Villager and Red look towards us, doubt on their faces, but then their expressions harden as well.
"He's right," Red says shortly. "Too many secrets. Save them for someone who cares."
They leave us in the hallway.
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Anger quickly makes way for guilt as we clamber the stairs to our dormitory. A sick feeling lingers in my stomach that has nothing to do with the suspicious cottage pie we had for dinner.
What have I done now? Why must I be so quick to anger? My heart is heavy in my chest, and even Lucas's hand in mine does very little to draw me out from my mood. I want to be furious at Toon Link, because he doesn't get it. He doesn't know what it's like to be in the midst of all this terror. But instead, I'm furious at myself.
"It's not your fault," Lucas says, keeping close by my side. "He's just confused, I think. He's scared and confused."
"He hates us," I moan.
"Don't be overdramatic," Lucas reprimands, gripping my hand with force. "It will be okay. Let's just go to bed."
I try to push cloudy thoughts of Dark Pit and Toon Link from my mind, as Lucas swings open our bedroom door. Pit sits on Lucas's bed, already dressed in pyjamas, reading a book about historical theatres. He smiles at us through tired eyes.
I can't bear to crush his good mood by telling him about Dark Pit and the argument. He doesn't need to know right now. I can't even be bothered to change into any nightwear, and I just wave silently, scrambling into bed.
Why is it that as soon as I'm feeling alright, as soon as I'm finally not feeling awful about myself, something happens to push me back down again? Maybe I do deserve it all. Maybe Buttercup is my rational side, telling me that I'm wrong, that I'm stupid, hopeless, broken-
"Is it alright if I take this bed?" Pit asks from miles away, closing his book and placing it on the shelf. "I can sleep on the floor if that's better-"
"Of course you can take it," Lucas says gently, coming in beside me and secretly wrapping an arm around my middle. "Ness and I can share."
Pit smiles gratefully, clambering under Lucas's duvet. Lucas has taken his old blue blanket for himself, and he tucks it around us both.
"Thanks again for this," Pit says nervously. "You really didn't have to-"
"It's no problem," Lucas replies. "We're here for you. If you need anything, just ask."
"Thank you. I owe you one."
There is a tender quiet. My mind rushes with thoughts, replaying the argument over and over again. Another reason to feel special. Another secret to keep from us.
It's eventually going to kill you.
Quite possibly, Buttercup agrees, and I grit my teeth, digging my nails into my pillow. This is not how I wanted to spend my evening.
"Do you get on with the others, Pit?" Lucas is asking, and I try to tune into the conversation. I notice that Lucas neglects to mention the fact that we've just fallen out with them, probably forever, and that he doesn't mention how they think we're complete freaks.
"Well," considers Pit, from the other side of the room. "Toon Link's one of the nicest guys I've ever met. Villager is nice too, even if he may," he chuckles slightly, "Lack any distinctive personality traits. Red is quiet, but I think he seems pretty nice as well."
I want to involve myself in the conversation, but I can only bring myself to nod.
"Well, we, uh. We kind of fell out with them," Lucas admits. "Just now."
"Oh." Pit's face falls. "Why?"
"Erm," Lucas bits his lip, realising he's trapped himself in a bit of a corner. "It's a long story, really…"
"We've got time," Pit says, shrugging. Lucas looks at me, nervous. I incline my head, lost in a world of my own. So what if he knows about the magic? He'd only find out eventually.
"Alright," Lucas begins. "This is going to sound insane..."
"I don't think much would sound insane to me right about now."
I decide to curl up under the covers, listening while Lucas explains to him how we read the book and learnt about our powers. He tells Pit how Toon Link and the others had seen us out the window, and how that had started an argument. Every word he says digs it into me further.
It's all my fault.
"Alright," Pit nods, after Lucas has told him the basics. "That makes sense."
"Really?" Lucas asks tentatively. "You're not freaked out?"
"Not really. With all this talk of magic throughout history, it was pretty unlikely for it not to be real. Can I, uh. Can I see some?"
"Some magic?"
"If that's alright with you."
Lucas unfurls himself from me, and I shiver, missing his warmth against my back. He takes a stray cup of water from the windowsill, wraps his hands around it, and with very little force he whispers, "PK Freeze."
The water turns to ice almost immediately. Pit studies it.
"That's crazy," he says, looking up at our faces. "But very impressive. Why did that cause an argument?"
Lucas sighs, clambering back in beside me. "Because we didn't tell the others about our abilities sooner."
"Even though we only found out today," I add, resentment seeping into my voice.
"Well," Pit says thoughtfully. "Dark Pit and I, we were always fighting. It was just how things were. What we found is that the best thing to do is, even if you're certain that you were in the right, apologise in the morning. Then move on. That's it."
"We'll do that," Lucas says.
"But," Pit continues. "For what it's worth, I don't necessarily think Toon Link is in the right. Sure, he's worried about you, but you weren't obliged to tell them what you found out today. I think he's confused more than anything. Scared and confused."
Lucas nods. "That makes sense. I get why Toon Link would lash out. All of this is terrifying. He'll probably apologise tomorrow as well…"
Their voices fade into the background. I bury myself further under the covers. It's because of me. Toon Link is angry because of me. Why don't they get that?
"The only thing I worry about," Lucas murmurs, "Is that the others will be scared of us. They'll think we're different."
"I don't think so," Pit says. "You're still you, right? You've probably always had those powers, except you never knew about them. Applying a label doesn't change how you've always been."
Lucas smiles. I feel it against the crook of my neck.
"Maybe so. I promise we won't blast you with fire in your sleep."
"Thanks," Pit laughs. "Anyway, sleep, that sounds good. But, first, uh. You and Ness…" he trails off, sounding sheepish. "Since we're sharing a room and all, I have to know. Are you, like. Together?"
My face grows warm, and I'm sure Lucas is blushing again. Lucas shakes his head.
"We're not together. We're just best friends, that's it."
Pit studies our position, looking dubious, but he only smiles. My stomach does a funny jolt, but it's quickly replaced with guilt.
"If you say so," Pit says, grinning. "Goodnight, Ness, Lucas, and thanks again-"
"It's no problem," Lucas assures him, and Pit gives a thumbs up.
Silence hangs for a few minutes, until I hear Pit's gentle snoring coming from the other side of the room. Upon hearing this as well, Lucas turns to me, worry written all over his face.
"Ness."
"What?" I say unhappily. "Are you angry at me too?"
"Of course not." He touches my arm. "I could never be angry at you."
"It's my fault, though."
"It's not your fault, Ness. Don't be silly. You didn't ask Toon Link to get so worked up about it-"
"But I shouted at him. I got worked up as well. I've ruined everything-"
"Ness." Lucas grips onto my shoulders, his eyes boring into mine. "This is what I've been talking about. The melodrama. Buttercup. All of your thoughts are escalating out of control. Focus on them, Ness. Rein them in."
"But - but…"
"Ness," Lucas says more insistently, and I gulp, swallowing down my harsh words, pushing away Buttercup's angry screams. So much is happening, and I roll flat on my back, staring up at the ceiling.
"You're right. I'm such a mess. I keep doing the wrong thing. Getting angry, upsetting people, landing us in danger. I don't know how to be a better friend to you. To everyone."
"You're trying your best." Lucas takes my hand. "It's okay."
But I continue. "Everything wants to kill us. I hate it. I'm so scared all of the time, and I don't know how to deal with it alone."
Lucas pulls me close, and I melt into his arms. He runs a comforting hand through my hair, and a small noise escapes the back of my throat.
"You don't have to deal with anything alone," Lucas whispers, and there's something inexplicable in it. I half expect my feelings to come pouring out all at once, but my body betrays me. I roll away, facing out of the window.
"I hate that you're in danger," I say. "That's the worst thing. Someone's trying to kill you, and there isn't anything I can do about it."
"It's not your job to protect me." His expression is kind.
But you're so precious, I want to say. Even now, he looks so beautiful in the flames of the gas lamps, all warm and orangey and soft. Looking into his eyes, I catch a glimpse of just how far I've fallen for this boy.
It scares me half to death.
"I want to, though. I care about you." I love you, I almost say, but even in my head, it sounds desperate. Clingy.
Lucas's smile is minuscule, yet ever so gentle. Through my dazed eyes, he only appears semi-lucid, and a swell of nerves passes through my stomach.
"Whoever's trying to kill me, it doesn't matter," Lucas says. "They're just trying to get under our skin. Their motive is probably… oh. Oh!"
"Oh?"
"Ness, before you broke free, what did the Dreamlord say? About you?"
"That he hates me," I grumble. "Him and everyone else."
"What if," Lucas begins, "What if they're sending things after me to get to you? To upset you? Because, if they hate you so much, perhaps they're trying to take away what you love?"
I'm silent.
"And maybe that's what their motive is? Revenge for something?"
"Lucas-"
"And perhaps, that's what's been going on this entire time! They're manipulating you with tragedy! Ness, is there anyone who holds a grudge against you? Anyone you know?"
My head is in my hands. I can hardly think. There is only one conscious thought burning through my mind.
I was right.
It's all because of me.
"We can't talk anymore," I say into my palms.
"What?"
"The Future Humans are coming after you because of me, right? Because their creator hates me?"
"I mean, that - that seems to be the most rational explanation-"
"Then we have to stop talking."
"Ness," Lucas shakes, stricken. I haven't seen him look so worried throughout this whole ordeal. "That's not what I meant. Don't say that. Please."
"I need you to be okay," I say. I'm right. I know I am. "If the Future Humans are coming after you because of me, if something happened to you because of me…"
"I was wrong!" Lucas exclaims. "It was a stupid theory, it's ridiculous, don't listen-"
"That's not true," I say gently, and Lucas falls silent. "If we stop talking, they stop coming after you. It's as simple as that, isn't it?"
"Ness - don't say that, please-"
"I'm right, aren't I?"
"I need you, Ness, I-"
"Aren't I?"
Lucas quickly bites his lip, blinking fast. "Well - maybe, but-"
"Then that settles it. I'm sorry, Lucas." I gulp, swallowing back my last inhibitions. He's right. We need each other. But more importantly, I need him to be safe. "Goodnight."
"Ness!" Lucas exclaims, but I turn away, attempting to extinguish the heat that burns through my chest, the yearning in my heart. I won't cry, because I have to be strong. I have to be brave.
"Please," Lucas says again, quieter this time, but I don't respond. I hold my silence.
With a small noise, he gives in. He curls up into a ball under his blanket, wrapping his arms tightly around his pillow. I listen, aching, waiting for his breathing to be still.
He'll be okay. He's stronger than I know. I pull my duvet around me as quietly as I can, looking out to the other side of the room. Pit is fast asleep, rising and falling in Lucas's bed, completely unaware of everything. Tomorrow, I'll get up early, and move my things. I'll find Toon Link to apologise, and set everything right. I'll eat alone. I'll study alone. I'll sleep in Pit's old room. Lucas can stay with the others, because he doesn't deserve to be lonely. They'll look after him, protect him from the trials of the day. I was never any good at that anyway.
Perhaps I'll get over this crush while I'm at it. It's the right thing to do. It must be. He'll be safe. Loved. My chest aches in disagreement, but my brain knows the truth.
I love him too much to see him get hurt because of me.
"I'm sorry," I whisper, before sleep claims me at last.
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~~o00o~~
I'm eleven years old. It's my last year at Onett primary school. Lucas, Toon Link, Inkling and I are walking home from school together.
It's by the drugstore that it all goes wrong.
A figure looms from behind a nearby tree trunk. I spot it just in time, and it spots me as well. It breaks into a run. It's coming for us.
Porky Minch.
"Run!" I bellow, and the others take off. I pull my baseball bat from my bag. "I'll hold him back!"
"Ness!" Lucas exclaims, but Toon Link pulls him away. Inkling leads them around the corner, and I hold firm. Porky won't get them. Not whilst I'm still here.
"Aha!" Porky wheezes, reaching me with a grotesque grin. "You're all so fast! But what's this? They left little Nessie behind?"
I wield the bat, sharpening my gaze. "I've already told you to leave us alone!"
"And I've told you not to talk back to adults. Your little friend. The blonde one. Where does he live?"
"There are two blondes!"
"You know who I mean," Porky croaks, and I raise my arms.
"I'm not telling you. Not ever!"
But he snatches the bat from my hands, tossing it uselessly against the drugstore's wall. He advances, arms reared, fingers bared. I shrink back.
"I want to play with him, Nessie. I want to play with you all. Why don't you let me play?"
"Get - get away! Play with people your own age!"
"You're so mean to me, Ness. It's not fair!" He stamps his foot, and I seize the opportunity.
I push him against a lamppost, somehow causing his legs to tangle into a knot. He tumbles, bellowing with rage, and I dash, disappearing from sight. The others are near, waiting terrified behind a corner, and I grab Lucas's hand.
"Let's go!"
We sprint. Porky roars nearby, and we divert behind the Public Library. Porky races past, missing our turning completely, before giving a cry of fury and disappearing into the night.
We'll never take that route again.
When we're back at my house, Lucas sniffles, sobbing into my shirt. He's scared of Porky; he's been scared of a lot of things lately. We all have. But Lucas more than any of us - I sometimes wonder what else Porky might have done. I dread to think of the months when he was alone, when there was nobody there to protect him. I hold myself firm.
From now on, I will keep Lucas safe.
Porky Minch will never hurt my best friend again.
~~o00o~~
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.
I wake, but the sound of crying doesn't fade. It's coming from the other side of the room.
It's Pit.
The air is dim, and my vision is fuzzy. It feels early, far too early to be awake. Lucas's position has moved so that he's lying parallel to me, his arms still wrapped around his pillow, and he catches my eye through the haze. We exchange a worried look, before I remember that I'm not supposed to be speaking to him anymore.
I can see the outline of Pit's covers, dark against the white wall. They're shaking in rhythm with his sobs. Part of me wants to go over to him and help, but part of me knows he wouldn't appreciate that.
He wouldn't want to be seen like this.
I roll over, discontented, and when Pit eventually falls quiet, I'm brought back to slumber.
.
.
.
.
.
Early morning comes soon enough, the memories of the night flitting around my mind as I roll out of bed. The sun peeks over the crest of the forest outside, some rays of light just about sneaking through the window, casting golden patterns that dance on the worn carpet. Strong resolution fills me, and I noiselessly change, remembering that I'm still in yesterday's day clothes. Pit's quieter now - I hope he's sleeping - and I creep out of the room, silent as a mouse.
I'm sure Toon Link will be around here somewhere, what with his insomnia. He'll be pacing the main halls, or perhaps he'll be in the music room again. I ready my apology in my head, short and to the point. I've got this. I just have to hope that he accepts it...
But a sting of guilt hits me, a pang of longing filling my stomach when I walk downstairs without Lucas's hand in mine. I don't turn back, though. I'm strong. I stride through the corridor, passing the English classroom and entering the main hall. Toon Link turns around, standing at the other end.
I wave, suddenly nervous. "Hey."
"Hey." He bites his lip.
"Toon Link-" My legs jerk, apology forgotten, and I run towards him. "I'm sorry - I'm so sorry-"
"I'm sorry as well!" Toon Link runs too, yanking me into a big hug. "Agh, I'm, I didn't get a minute of sleep thinking about it, I was way out of line, you don't have to tell anybody anything, I-"
I almost laugh. "No, it's okay. It was my fault."
"Are you going to be safe?" He pulls back, gripping me by the shoulders. "Can you tell me that?"
"Yeah," I say. "We will be now."
"Now?" He raises an eyebrow.
"Well, those creatures…" I rub my arm, uncomfortable again. "They're after Lucas, right?"
"Right?"
"I came up with a plan. I'm going to stay away from him. They'll stop chasing after Lucas, because we figured out that whoever is behind this is only attacking him to upset me. So, if I keep my distance, they'll leave him alone."
"That's a terrible idea!" Toon Link exclaims. "Look, you two need each other. More than anything."
"We'll be fine," I say. "And besides, once this all blows over, things will go right back to normal, right?"
"But you, you know, you like him!"
"I never said that!"
"Well, it's uh, kind of obvious?"
"Whatever." I fold my arms. "So what if I do? I'm doing the right thing."
"I disagree," Toon Link says, furrowing his brow. "I really disagree, but I won't force you not to do it."
"Good. Now, would you like to know what else we found out?"
"I'd love to. My brain might explode, but I'd love to. Please."
We head into the music room. There are enough seats amongst the woodwind section to house a country, so we take two of them. My pulse races.
"Whoever is behind this," I say, "Is taking people from the school, which is what's causing the disappearances. They're turning them into the Future Humans."
"Not good," Toon Link grimaces.
"Agreed. Last night we saw Dark Pit. He's been converted."
"Oh my God." Toon Link looks sickened. "Poor guy - Poor Pit! Did you tell him?"
"I couldn't," I admit. "We decided best not, considering-"
Toon Link nods quickly. "Good thinking. I don't think knowing that would do Pit any favours."
"Yeah."
There's an uncomfortable pause.
"But what about the magic?" Toon Link asks keenly. "What can you do? How did you find out?"
"Well," I begin. "Lucas and I figured it out because we share dreams sometimes. We looked through some books that Ryu gave Lucas over Christmas, and we discovered, erm, we discovered that we're psychic."
"Psychic? Does that mean you can read my mind?"
"Thankfully not. I don't want to know about your Villager fantasies."
Toon Link swats me, but he grins. "Are there many other psychics, then?"
"Nope. There are like, six. Ever."
Toon Link frowns. "Funny coincidence that you and Lucas ended up being best friends."
"That's what Lucas said," I say, suddenly worried by this.
"But what else?" Toon Link presses. "What can you do?"
"Well," I think, trying to remember all I can from the very convoluted book. "There are five types of magicians, and Psychics were one of them. Ryu is apparently able to do… I think it was 'Diplomatics' magic? He said that was, like, martial arts and tracking. Rosalina can do magic based on Light, and I'm not so sure what that entails, but she can banish the Future Humans. Then there was Creation and Elemental… isms."
"Elementalisms?
"Weather and stuff, I think. Some guy made a stone for each type of magic, and if someone is born near the stone, I think they're more likely to have magical powers. Oh, and there was an extra stone, the time stone, that might send people back in time if they touch it, but it's theoretical, and it went missing, so they're not sure."
"Right." Toon Link's eyes are wide. "Magical stones, Time Stone, Ryu and Rosalina are magic, got it. But what can you do?"
"Well," I plough on. "There are several characteristics of psychics - I can't remember them - but I'm an empath, which means I'm emotional, and I can sense what other people's feelings are. It seemed a bit fluffy."
"That's very fluffy," Toon Link laughs.
"Then, there's the ice and fire, which you saw. And the dream-sharing, and also telepathy. If our foreheads are touching/"
"Not to be homophobic," Toon Link says, "But that sounds really gay."
"You are gay!"
"Yeah, but you and Lucas are prancing about, doing your magic based on feelings-"
"Hey!"
Toon Link grins, and I laugh when he shakes his head in disbelief.
"This is crazy, Ness. Seriously crazy."
"I know. You believe me, right?"
"'Course I do - I saw the ice and fire stuff happening out the window. It was scary! But - man, is this weird."
"I know," I agree. "This is all super weird. I'm just as weirded out as you. I keep expecting something to explode."
"You don't seem that weirded out," Toon Link says analytically. "If it were me, I'd be screaming my head off."
"Well," I say. "I think I know why I'm not."
"Why?"
"It's Lucas." I blush, averting my eyes. "Going through this crazy adventure with him… It's so much better than doing it alone."
"Then why are you separating yourself from him?"
"Because," I say gravely, "I'd rather he didn't end up dead."
There's an ominous pause, and Toon Link pats me on the shoulder.
"Look, this is all mad, okay? But me and the others, we're here for you, with that creepy grave and whoever is trying to attack you both. We'll stick by you, no matter what."
"Thanks, Toonie," I say, giving him a hug. I stand. "I should go now. I need to check if I've got any letters."
"Alright," Toon Link nods, standing with me. "See you at breakfast. Sorry again, and stay safe."
"I will."
The post office isn't too far away, on the fourth floor somewhere, next to a bunch of the first-year dormitories. It's been a while since I've heard from Tracy; there is a mild prickle of worry in my mind that she might not be writing back to me because of my last letter. I admitted that I might be a homosexual. It's not that she'd have a problem with that, it's that Father might have seen.
Then again, if Father had seen, I'd know about it.
I open the school's postbox. That's where all of the mail from Onett City to students or staff is deposited, and even though it's usually handed out at breakfast, I'm impatient. Rifling through the letters, I flick past one addressed to Lucas, pulling one addressed to me from the little hatch. I tear open the envelope, unfurling the parchment inside:
Hey Ness,
Sorry for the late reply - Father grounded me for stealing £100 from his office. I don't know Inkling, no, I'm not entirely sure who you mean. Were they the one with the orange hat? I thought she went to another city?
I totally knew it! You and Lucas would be the perfect couple! You'd be so cute! Why do you THINK I locked you two in the bathroom, stupid? Sadly, you were both too dumb to start making out with each other at that tender age. You had better keep me updated on this, or else I'll have to blackmail you again. All your stuffed animals are at my mercy, Ness. Remember that.
Also, screw Father. He just doesn't recognise how fucking cute you and Lucas would be. If he gives you hell, I'll give him double in return.
Update on life here: everyone's getting ready to go to war against Tazmily. Father doesn't have to go! Since he owns the coal mines, they've decided he needs to keep mining, so they can still make weapons. Meanwhile, I don't know much about the virus - everyone's still acting normal, which is a bit weird. We're not really supposed to go outside. Although, I haven't been listening to that.
I'm causing plenty of chaos at school, of course. I even went out to one of those big parties, and I might've got a bit tipsy, but I don't think our dear parents suspected anything. Oh yeah - Mother and Father had a row! About time Mother stood up to him; it was fucking massive, they were almost going at it with the kitchen utensils.
Anyway, I've got to go. The cook is supposed to be teaching me spaghetti bolognese tonight, and she's trying to add chicken livers. Pray for me, Ness.
~ Tracy.
I reply at once:
Hey Tracy,
You stole £100 and got caught? Haha, loser! But seriously, if you urgently need money, I've got some of his hidden under my bed. Don't spend it on sweets. Or alcohol, for that matter!
It's a shame you don't know Inkling, but thanks for checking. She was the one with the orange hat. Are you sure she moved away? If so, I think Father has a copy of the Twoson telephone directory. Perhaps she went there?
For the sake of my stuffed animals and James the pot plant: Lucas and I are staying away from each other, for now. At least, I'm staying away from him. You see, someone wants to get revenge on me, and they're doing it by trying to pop Lucas's clogs. I've got to keep him safe, right? So no more relationship talk, or I'll tell Father that you got drunk! Ha!
Speaking of which, that's a bad idea. You're only thirteen, it really messes up your liver and stuff. Be like me! Your lame big brother! No alcohol ever! And guess what? Because of that, all my brain cells are still intact.
The war and the virus don't sound good - stay safe, alright? We're stuck in school because the city's under quarantine, and we're outside of the radius. Is Mother alright after the row? Look after her, okay?
Keep in touch,
~ Ness
I post the letter, turning around, ready to begin my day of solitude.
A/N
Ness, you idiot, why do you do this to yourself?
I hope you enjoyed this slightly shorter chapter. More of the mystery finally unfolds. And Dark Pit! I feel really bad for him. But SOMEONE had to suffer, it just so happened to be him :DD
Notes:
- The Drugstore and Onett Public Library are canon locations in Onett. The Onett in this fic is significantly different to the canon, based around 1800s London and Amsterdam. This will become more important later on in the fic, for now, do not worry!
I'll see you again in approximately one click,
~ReadyForTeddy
