(Prologue: ?)
All things considered, my period of leadership wasn't very successful.
Sure, I got us out of the carriages. I freed us from the attacking guards. But if the others don't like me, then I can only consider this a failure.
Perhaps that's where Porky has the advantage. He has charisma, charm, and the ability to lie. He can promise amazing things. The trouble with doing good is that you have to be honest with what you have, and what I have is not a lot. The Tazmily villagers don't want not a lot. They want to be happy.
Then again, it's not like Reggie will do any better. The mortal coil will turn again, the tensions will rise, and then they'll be criticising his every move. The real question is who'll lead after him, and then again after that.
I follow behind the pack, trying not to be bitter about the situation. I only lasted one day. But hey, at least Duster is with me. And, well, Roy too, but… I'm not sure that's such a great thing.
"Who are you?" He asks again.
"Steven," I reply, for the thirty-eighth time.
Our first night is tough. Someone has to keep watch in case Porky comes and finds us. But we make it through, and our journey continues.
"What do you remember about Onett?" I ask Roy, on a whim. A night of sleep seems to have greatly benefitted the red-haired individual, and now that he's capable of walking and talking without assistance, I'm finding him to have the capacity for somewhat intelligent conversations.
"I remember…" He thinks, though his expression remains blank. "Big, grey buildings."
"Sounds like Onett," I say. "Was it nice there?"
"No," he says, and I almost laugh.
"Which district did you live in?"
But before Roy can answer, Duster lays a hand on me, pulling me out of the conversation. Roy continues to walk as though I was never there, while Duster gives me a severe look.
"It's all well and good savin' him, Steven, but he's still a resident of Onett. They're the enemy, remember?"
"Onett's politicians do not represent the masses," I say flatly. "Most would overthrow the government if they could."
"They want to rule us, m'chap! When he comes to himself…" Duster fixes his eyes on Roy's back, looking worried. "We could be killed."
"I don't want to kill anyone," Roy says from ahead, having overheard. I inwardly curse.
"Look, Duster, we're not going to get anywhere if we regard each other with fear. The three of us are outcasts at the moment, at the bottom of the pile. We need to work our way up, understood? We need to work together."
"Whatever you say m'man," Duster grumbles. "You've saved our lives. The least I can do is listen to what you think."
"Excellent," I say, but inside I worry.
Blind faith is what got us here in the first place.
Another day fades into night, and the night fades back into day. Reggie is persistent, ruthless, driving us like a colonel, but we're parched. We're running on very little. My water powers still haven't been replenished, and they won't be available for several days.
"Reggie, can we please stop?" Tessie croaks.
Reggie grumbles, but he agrees to stop in a small clearing. We sit around in a sort of circle, thoroughly discontented and thoroughly worn down. The river doesn't seem real anymore. Reggie's clever enough to use the sun to go in the right direction, so I know we should be heading towards it, but if that's the case, where has it gone?
"This isn't working," I say.
"It's better than your leadership," Reggie counters. "With you, we walked about a mile per day."
"Yeah, because everyone kept moaning and complaining-"
"Which is what you're doing now," Reggie says harshly, his beads jangling when he stands.
"Guys-" Ollie starts.
"It was my plan that got us off the carriages," I say, ignoring him. "Without me, we would still be going to our deaths."
"Are you that self-centred?" Reggie glares at me. "No leader is going to be perfect. Your only strength was what you knew. Now it's time for someone with survival skills to take control and get us into Onett-"
"Survival skills? Where's the river, then?" I ask, and I get a few nods of agreement.
"Guys," Ollie says again, but Reggie shushes him.
"We wouldn't need a river if Steven had used his powers. If it weren't for him, we wouldn't be in this mess."
"But that's the problem," Angie says. "We want a solution."
"We'll find it," Reggie says firmly. "We just have to keep going, but people like you are being disruptive-"
"Hey!" Caroline exclaims. "Don't be so rude to-"
"Everyone!" Tessie interrupts, standing suddenly. She looks determined, despite the heavy bags under her eyes. "Look at what's happening to us," she says, and there's a tremor in her hands. "We're tired, hungry, and thirsty. It's riling us up. If we keep bickering like this, how can we ever expect to get to safety?"
My dry throat crumbles and cracks. She's right.
"Well, actually," Pusher barks, "I'm the mayor. I should be leading this group-"
"Dad," Ollie starts, but Pusher ignores him.
"We're going to die if nobody does anything! Reggie, you've been just as useless as 'Steven' here!"
"Look, trust me, I can get us out of this situation," I plead.
"How do you expect us to trust you when we don't even know your name?" Pusher asks, folding his arms. Others mutter in agreement, turning their heads.
"I've told you," I say with a groan. "My name is Steven."
"No it isn't," Elmore says, glaring. "You've lied to us since day one, you-"
"You're no better! You're always complaining and whining, making things difficult, and-"
"But we need food, water, you didn't offer anything, you-"
"I can't control the weather, I can't control the terrain-"
"You can control your powers-"
"You-"
"If I may-"
"SILENCE!"
Everyone whirls round in alarm. Roy is standing, shaking with indignation, holding a pinecone in his hand. I feel my fury lessening slightly, a little ashamed of my outburst.
"What are we doing?" Roy asks, looking at us like we've gone mad. "Fighting like schoolchildren? I was a schoolboy once, and let me tell you, even the worst kids weren't this bad! Tessie's right. We're tired, hungry, and we're taking it out on each other."
"So what?" Elmore demands, but Roy fixes her with a commanding look.
"So we need order. A system in which to converse rationally." He holds up his pinecone. "Whoever holds this is the only one allowed to talk, okay?"
"Oh, sure, because that won't end in a mutiny-"
"Did I ask?" Roy stands tall, carrying a commandeering presence. It's to the extent that even Reggie and Pusher don't complain. "It's the only way to go about this without constant arguing. We need to behave like the rational people we are."
Elmore tries to grumble again, but she withers under Roy's piercing gaze. She sits down, and Roy follows suit, tossing the pinecone between his hands.
"Very good. Now, first things first, water. We need to find it. If anyone knows how, please raise your hand."
Ollie's hand is first in the air. Roy tosses him the pinecone, and Ollie looks a little sheepish, adjusting his glasses.
"I've been trying to tell you all, but no one was listening... I think I can hear it. I think I can hear the river."
Everyone stares round in amazement. I certainly can't hear anything, and the confused looks of the others suggest I'm not alone in that.
"Well," Roy says, smiling. "See how much easier it is when we communicate properly? Come, let's follow - uh, I don't know your name, sorry-"
"It's Ollie," Ollie says, turning towards the trees. "This way, everyone."
I give Duster an uncertain look, but we follow him nonetheless. I worry that Ollie is a child, too young to be coping with the situation. Perhaps it's an auditory hallucination? But suddenly, we step past a pine... and there it is.
Water. Divine, rushing water. The river is broad, crystal clear and immaculate, and I find myself running towards it, my heart pounding with relief.
"Ollie, you're a genius!" I exclaim, diving into the current, letting the cool, fresh river clean the dirt from my body. I haven't bathed in weeks, months even, thanks to Porky's prison. It feels like being born again, like a snake shedding its skin.
"No need for this anymore!" Roy exclaims, tossing the pinecone into the churning current. He strips off his heavy guard's armour, revealing a neon pink shirt, and he dives, splashing madly beside me. "Thanks, Steven. If it weren't for you, Porky would've had me dead."
"It's nothing," I say, trying not to sound too pleased, and then we're shovelling handfuls of water into our mouths, Caroline and Tessie screaming with delight, Pusher being fed by Sebastian, and even Duster, stripped down to his undergarments, swimming lengths from bank to bank.
But one person doesn't join us.
Reggie.
I haul myself onto the side. Water drips everywhere, freezing cold, but it's blissful compared to the filthy, sweaty feeling of before. Reggie averts his gaze, but I'm too quick, walking up to him.
"Why aren't you drinking?"
He turns away from me, striding down to the river. He takes a handful of water, drinks it, and then comes back up. "There. Happy now?"
"You seem on edge," I note. Reggie had been so quiet before. Is this what a few days walking has done to him?
"I daresay." He grits his teeth. "We're getting nowhere, and that militant Roy is going to be leading us."
"That's one thing I agree on," I sigh, still drenched. "Roy's not… quite there yet. I'd rather have Ollie in control."
"A mere child? Nobody would ever agree."
"He's at least sixteen," I counter. "He's got the skills. Some boys are married at sixteen."
"And?" Reggie makes a face. "Reggie thinks that's too young."
"Look," I say, trying to choose my words carefully. "We're probably the two smartest people here."
"Here we go," Reggie sighs.
"And if we work together-"
"No!" Reggie exclaims. "Haven't I made my stance clear, Steven? I don't trust you. I don't like you, nor the way that you lead. I will not be working with you under any circumstances, and that is the end of the matter."
"Fine." I breathe out. "Have it your way."
"I intend to," Reggie says, and I turn away before I can get angry.
I suppose there's no convincing some people.
.
.
.
~~o00o~~
Chapter 26: Alone Aboard The Ark (Part 3)
(Lucas & Toon Link)
~~o00o~~
.
.
.
I'm not sure when it began.
All I know is that one day, I began to need him. I began to need Ness in my life, and I knew that I wanted him by my side forever.
It could've been the day he pronounced me his best friend. It could have been the day we first hugged. It could even have been the day that we met, nervously smiling at each other on his lunch table.
Some would call me clingy. They'd be right. But that's okay, because Ness is clingy too. That feeling of being wanted, the security, the acceptance, is nothing like anything I've experienced with anyone else. I don't want to experience it with anyone else. It's complete the way it is.
I want to hold onto this feeling forever.
Dependence is something I don't understand. It is a strange thing, coming in all sorts of forms, hugely complex, yet wonderfully unique. The weirdest form of dependence is on something or someone that we don't biologically need. That's Ness. I'm not sure where it comes from, but I know that if I lose him, I'll lose myself as well.
The untouched mysteries of connection, the mystery of human emotions, those are things that I want to investigate. The secrets of the universe, the things that science can't explain. I want to explore them, to open them up and see what they mean. I want to understand. I've always wanted to understand. I depend on understanding.
Our bond formed mostly through shared interests. We liked to play the same games on the playground, we liked similar school subjects, and we liked each other's humour. I used to feel bad, since I'd not known Ness for nearly as long as Inkling and Toon Link had, but I knew that I'd swiftly become his favourite. I wouldn't ever complain about this, of course, because it was such a rush to be treasured by someone. Being important to someone was so exhilarating, especially when it was him.
Not much has changed now, even with all of the chaos. Ness and I remain fully and completely inseparable. He's there for me, and I'm there for him. We can tell each other everything, and in fact, as of this term, we pretty much have. Admittedly, I've left out some details about what Porky has done, and a couple of other things about life on the street, but I don't doubt that he's left out some details about his father. We're allowed to have secrets, even if we're best friends. And we will be best friends forever. Through thick and thin.
That is my definition of dependence.
But what good is that when Ness is stuck in a coma? Another night of sitting by his bedside passes, dissolving like salt in hot water. Who needs sleep anyway, I think to myself, grumbling as the sunrise passes in a flash. Tuesday rears up like an angry horse, day number three of Ness being asleep. I'm not sure how much more I can take.
I've started to keep a journal. It's nothing special, just a couple of notes about the mystery, about life. It keeps me from falling asleep. Sitting by Ness's bedside is, admittedly, getting pretty dull, and I keep feeling my eyes threatening to close. Even my painting is finished now, so I'm left with very little to do except hold his hand, write stupid poetry, and dwell on the mystery. I can only fret about Ness's heartrate for so long, and my mind always runs out of reasons that he could be eternally doomed. So long as I can watch over him, I know he's safe from harm.
It's worth it.
Since yesterday's calamity, his heartrate has levelled out, despite Ryu's using meth to increase it. For at least twelve hours now, Ness has seemed to be more stable than he has been in weeks, staying in the same position, breathing regularly, at a normal temperature. I had to check all this myself, of course - there hasn't been a sign of the nurse. They've been nothing but useless, and it wouldn't surprise me if they're secretly evil.
I stare down at Ness, yet again. His familiar blank expression is reflected back at me. He's so empty like this, but I'm still scared to find out what he'll be like when he wakes. He could be significantly brain-damaged - I can't bear the thought of a Ness that's not my Ness anymore. What if he's forgotten everything, or worse, forgotten me? What if he suddenly hates me when he wakes up?
I force the thought from my mind. One thing is for sure, no matter what state he's in, I won't let him distance himself from me. Even if I was supposedly safer, he wasn't, and he's living proof of that. He got hurt, and that's not ever going to happen again.
Holding his hand, I come to his bedside. But as I do, I catch a glimpse of his forehead, and I have a sudden idea.
Telepathy. Our telepathy! What's the good of this magic if we're not going to use it? All we need to do is touch foreheads - it worked when we were awake. Perhaps I can speak to him! My heart races at the thought. Maybe I'll get to hear his voice.
"Ness, I'm going to try something," I say, suddenly nervous. I briefly put his hand to my face. It's warm, comforting, and I'm not sure why I like it so much. Snapping out of it, I come forward.
"Hold on tight," I say, and then I'm bringing my head down, down...
Bang.
Suddenly, I'm thrown into an unfamiliar world. Darkness surrounds me, thick and swamp-like, oozing through my vision. I reach out, scrambling to my feet, but all thoughts are forgotten when I see who's running towards me.
It's Ness.
I hurl myself forwards with a sob.
We collide in midair, throwing our arms around each other. I bury my face in his chest, trying so desperately not to cry, but I can't help it. It's him. He's here, warm. The darkness around us disintegrates, the void is illuminated a brilliant white, and suddenly everything is okay.
"Where are we?" I ask breathlessly, quaking, pulling myself away to get a good look at him. In this place, we're naked, but it doesn't really feel like it. It's as if we're clean, unrestrained by mortal boundaries.
"I was trying the telepathy," I explain, before Ness can answer. "Nobody's around - I wasn't expecting to be brought here-"
"It's my mind," Ness says. "I don't understand it either-"
"What - but - how?" I look wildly around at the cavernous space. "Your mind?"
"I'm just offended that it's so empty."
"Trust you to defy science," I moan, but I'm smiling as I bury my face back into his shoulder. "You're such a goof."
He laughs, and I look up at him. He's so pretty. He's my best friend, but he's so incredibly pretty.
"How long's it been?" he asks worriedly.
"Just a couple of days. I'm - I - I've missed you, Ness." I avert my gaze, feeling that familiar ache in my chest. "A lot."
"I know. I could hear you."
"Ryu said you might be able to," I say, feeling my cheeks grow a little warm. He's probably heard all of my embarrassing tangents. "How much do you know? How much do you remember?"
But he doesn't reply. In fact, he looks extremely unwell.
"Ness?" I try again.
"Did it convert me?"
I look at him in shock. He's shaking, shuddering as if his life depends on it. Of course - he had no idea - he probably doesn't even know what's happened-
"No," I say softly. "Of course not."
He lets out a sob. "It didn't-?"
"You're still you, Ness," I say. "There's not a single piece of metal inside your body."
Ness makes a tiny noise, and I hold out my arms. He falls into them, now crying in earnest. I rub his back, holding him near, holding him close. He's okay. He's going to be okay.
"Am I hurt?" he asks, muffled. "Is that why I'm here?"
"You're in some sort of coma," I explain, as gently as I can. He's delicate, traumatised and delicate. "Your head and your ribs - they got injured really badly. You're getting better, though."
"I've been trying to wake up," he croaks. "I've been trying and trying - but I can't do it, I can't move."
"Don't give up. Not for anything," I say firmly, even though I already know he won't. He's my strong, brave best friend. "What's it been like, being stuck?"
"It's hard to explain," he manages. He pulls away from me, covering his face in concentration. "Sometimes it's like I'm there in the real world, but I can't move or open my eyes. Sometimes I feel like I'm here, all alone in this big space. Sometimes there are memories."
"What sorts of memories?"
"The day we met," he says, and there's another ache in my chest. "The first day of the school year."
"That's sweet," I begin, but then I hear a clatter. It sounds like it's coming from the outside world. "I think I hear someone coming - I'm going to have to go. Uh, Ness…"
"Lucas?"
There are suddenly so many things I want to say, but I can't find the words for any of them. Instead, I touch his face, wiping the tears from his watering eyes. "Keep fighting. You'll be out of here soon, okay? I'm waiting for you."
"I will," he promises shakily. "Goodbye, Lucas,"
"Goodbye," I say softly, before all at once, I'm pulling myself away, my body leaving the darkness. I burst from Ness's forehead, emerging beside him in the medical ward. His hand falls from mine, and I hide my head in my hands, wanting nothing more than to cry.
He's trapped. There's nothing I can do to save him.
Liveliness comes from outside the door, and I quickly pull myself together as Toon Link, Villager, Pit and Red tumble into the room. I'm usually glad for their energy, but now is the wrong time. I'm breaking, so tired, unfolding at the seams.
"Hey," Pit says, coming forward, and I force a smile.
"Hey."
Even from the short visits, I can see that Pit is improving. He's become a permanent fixture in the group, and I note he seems to be especially close to Toon Link, to the extent that they're now dormmates. It's a shame that he left us, but it means Ness and I get a little more space, at least.
I shiver, thinking of Ness again.
"Still the same, huh?" Toon Link comes over to Ness's bedside, wiping my residual tears from his forehead. I blush, embarrassed at myself.
"Yeah."
"Did you get some sleep last night?"
I shake my head, ashamed again.
"Lucas. You have to sleep," Villager reprimands. "Two nights without sleep is downright dangerous."
"I need to keep watch," I say, nervously rubbing my feet against the floor. "I have to. In case the creatures come back."
"You can't forget about yourself," Villager says. "What would Ness think if he saw you like this?"
"I don't know," I say, the comment making my chest ache even harder. "I just want him to wake up."
Toon Link pats me on the back, and it doesn't really help, because it feels a little condescending. That's the problem - sometimes I still come across as weak, I think. This weak little boy. Ness always saw me as an equal.
"We brought you breakfast," Pit says, handing me a bowl of oatmeal. I take it, but I set it aside.
"I'm not hungry."
"Lucas, you have to eat."
"I don't have to do anything I don't want to." I'm not sure if it's the tiredness or the situation, but I can feel myself getting frustrated. I want the lot of them to leave, leave me in peace to write my journal and hold Ness's hand. Even now I grip for it, a constant habit.
"Look here, Lucas," Red says firmly. "You have to eat food, and you have to sleep, because - because it's really unhealthy if you don't, okay?"
"But - oh, fine." I moodily take a spoonful of oatmeal, forcing it down. "There we go."
"Come on," Toon Link sighs. "Lucas, I'm concerned about you. We all are. You're worrying about Ness a lot, you're starting to starve yourself, you're not getting any sleep…"
"I don't care. I'm okay."
"Lucas-"
"Leave me alone," I huff, as the clocktower chimes. "It's time for class."
I stride past Ryu as I take the stairs down to my first lesson. I'm not hungry, and I don't need food. I just need Ness - why don't they understand that? I shake my head, taking the long corridor. I'm too tired for Maths. I'll have to catch up on sleep during the lesson.
I'm yawning as I walk into the classroom, but I cover my mouth, placing myself at the back of the room. Unfortunately, as soon as I sit down, Meta Knight and Olimar place themselves down either side of me.
"Alright, Luke?" Meta Knight sneers, giving me a shove.
"I'm fine," I say, gritting my teeth.
"Great," Olimar snickers, shoving me in the other direction. "We're so happy for you."
Fortunately, Marth walks into the room, and they're forced to stop. Marth looks around at us all, a concerned expression on his face. "Where has everyone gone? There seem to be a lot of people missing-"
But Pit and Red suddenly crash through the door. Marth looks around in surprise. "Or maybe not! Boys, why are we late, hm?"
"Erm - we-" Red stammers, but Pit intervenes.
"We were just visiting our friend Ness. He's in the medical ward."
"What?" Marth's eyes widen. "Ness, my star mathematician? The inter-school mathematics competition is tomorrow!"
"Yeah." Pit bites his lip awkwardly. "Sorry about that."
"That is truly calamitous," Marth huffs, entering a bad mood. "Go ahead and sit down."
As they scan for seats, Red and Pit notice me, surrounded by Meta Knight and Olimar. With a determined expression, Pit sits himself down on the other side of Olimar, whilst Red opts to sit as far away from us as possible.
Marth takes the front of the room, and I yawn. When he begins talking, I can barely keep track of what he's saying. It's something about equations, something about algebra, maybe... but I don't know. I yawn again, my eyes watering with tiredness. I want to set my head down, to sleep, I long for it, but I know I can't...
Olimar hits me on the shoulder, and there is laughter. My senses swim. Ow - ow -
"Lucas! Did you hear me?" Marth asks loudly.
"No, Professor, I didn't," I manage, trying to brush off the newly forming bruise.
"I see." Marth tightens his lips. "Well, I asked if you can tell me-"
But I'm saved by a knock on the door. Marth opens it, and Shulk appears, looking frantic.
"Is Lucas here? Only, I need to have a quick word with him about something. It'll only be a minute or two, so if you'd let me borrow him for a little bit Professor Marth, that'd be grand because-"
"Yes, I'm here," I interrupt, standing up. Is this to do with Ness? Is he back?
"Hold on," Marth says, his hand still on the door handle. "Lucas, before you go, can you give your answer to the question that I handed out?"
"Four," I say, despite having no idea that he handed out a question.
"Wow!" Marth exclaims. "Lucas, you're the only person in the room to get it right. Therefore, if Ness isn't about before the competition on Wednesday, I think you'll be a perfect reserve option for the mathematics competition. I will sign you up right away."
I groan as I force myself out of the room. Ness would be laughing so hard at me right now. If only his stupid face was here to laugh. I don't even have the energy to protest.
Shulk smiles as I follow him outside to the corridor. I rub my tired eyes, practically collapsing against the wall.
"I didn't know you aced Maths as well as Art," Shulk says, looking pleased.
"Ah," I grimace. "I guessed the answer to that question."
"Fair enough." Shulk shrugs. "I did that a lot when I was at school, oh so long ago…"
"What do you need me for, Professor?" I ask, before he can begin one of his infamous rambles.
"Well, the thing is," he says, "I noticed you weren't at my training sessions for the Wilderness Survival Week last night. I assume that's because Ness is still ill, and you were attending to him?"
"Yeah," I say.
"Well..." Shulk puts a hand to his neck. "The headmaster would have my head on a pole if I don't teach you all of the survival stuff, so when Ness is up and about, do come to my office. Say, Wednesday? If that's not possible, because you know, Ness isn't awake, then that's cool and all alright, but otherwise, yeah, uh... see you then?"
"See you then, Professor."
Even more bad luck. I grumble to myself as he walks off. Wednesday is a day when we already have Bayonetta's party, Orchestra practice, Ness's therapy with Rosalina, and the maths competition… but I shake my head. That's not a worry for now. I yawn again, looking back into the classroom, trying to muster the energy to head back in. A seat in between the two biggest bullies in the school awaits me… or I could go upstairs and sleep.
The thought is quite tempting. Who'd know? I could have a quick nap in my dorm, and be awake in time for the lesson after this one. Yeah. That sounds nice. I'm so tired, after all. I suppose that's what I get for deliberately not sleeping for two nights straight. Besides, I want to take another look at the golden egg. If I can open it up by the time Ness wakes, or if I can figure out what's inside, that'd be perfect. I've had two whole days to myself. I want to have some progress to show for it.
So, all resolved, I stumble into the dorm, which is just as it was before. The golden egg sits on the bookshelf, along with the five books about magic, along with - ugh - that stupid figurine. I'd forgotten about that, another part of the mystery as of yet unsolved. I pout in spite of myself, studying the way they've crafted my body. Am I really that skinny?
Aside from that, I've been thinking about the Latin. I don't understand it. Dark Pit certainly didn't know Latin, so there is no comprehensible reason for him to be speaking it. Whoever is behind all this loves a game, a puzzle, and I've been wondering if translation is part of it - they love to play with their victims, making them carry out their tasks. That's why they've set up the whole thing with the egg.
Rubbing my eyes, I lift the egg from the shelf, next to the spine of Magical Monsters and Mythical Creatures. It's still heavy as ever, a radiant gold, but I don't know what to do to get it to open. My eyes start to close as I stare at it, but I shake myself awake. This is no good. I need to move around so I can stay alert - the corridors will be empty, after all… yeah. That's a good plan.
I open the door, deliriously leaving through the dormitory hall. I totter down the stairs, into the main corridor, trying everything, rubbing the egg, hitting it, shaking it. But they're all things I've tried before. I need to think clearly, but my mind is all fogged up...
Question One: Why an egg? Why is it egg-shaped...? What if there's a chicken inside? No. Stupid. What do eggs represent? Omelettes? Mmm, yes, I love omelettes…
I mentally shake my head. My mind is going everywhere. I'm so tired… ugh. Ugh! What else could eggs represent? New life? Hmm… New life… like… Future Humans? I grit my teeth. A Future Human couldn't fit in there. That's no use.
What else?
Question Two: How can we find out what's inside? As far as I can tell, it's solid gold. It rattles, but it's a strange-sounding rattle. It's not metallic. I carry on walking, muttering to myself.
But suddenly, I'm flung forwards - the egg launches itself out of my hands with a mighty crash - oh no - oh no - what happened!? I pick myself up, looking around...
A stair. A stair! I was so focused on the egg… agh. I shake myself off. At least the fall woke me up a little bit. I stand up, intending to walk over to collect the egg, but…
"Wahaha!" Wario sneers. "What do we have here?"
Oh dear.
"Professor Wario," I start, but he picks up the golden egg, examining it with a very greedy expression.
"This looks very valuable, doesn't it? Yes, this could go for quite a bit of money..."
"It belongs to me," I say, stepping forward, and Wario laughs.
"Yours, is it? Well, now it's mine. Finders, keepers!"
"Hey!" I exclaim. "It's important - give it back!"
"I don't think so," Wario snarls, turning away from me. "You should be in lessons. Consider this a punishment for truancy." He stomps into his office, locking the door shut behind him - no - no! This is a disaster. What was I thinking, walking around here? What if Ness is disappointed with me - agh! My insides convulse.
Think, Lucas, think.
I need sleep. That's what I need most right now. I'll worry about the egg later, once I've finished worrying about Ness, and all of the other things that are going wrong. Ness was right, people just walk all over me; Wario, Meta Knight, Bowser... and now he isn't even here to defend me. I'm so weak on my own. What's wrong with me?
My eyes sting.
Thoroughly miserable, I walk back up the stairs.
…
(Toon Link)
…
"Don't stick your tongue out at me, kid! And now, Your Mightiness, allow me to lay some protocol-"
The clocktower rings, and I fall short. Professor Chrom claps his hands, waving for us to stop, and I throw down my hat as I exit the stage. One day we'll reach that line, the one about stealing wives. Nonetheless, Chrom pats me on the back, appraising my performance.
"Not bad, Toon Link. Little John might require a little less aggression-"
"Yes, yes-"
"-And a little more gentleness, though a good try-"
But I'm not listening, because if I'm not mistaken, I can see Villager waiting outside the theatre. I wave the rest of the cast a speedy goodbye, before hurrying out to join him.
"What are you doing here?" I ask, grinning. It's a welcome relief, giving Theatre is such a demanding subject. Chrom works us to the bone, wearing us out with his stage directions and timbre criticisms.
"Just thought I'd see how it's going," Villager says, bumping against my shoulder. "Nice outfit. You make a good Little John. When's the performance?"
"This Friday," I say, stuffing my hat into my pocket. The costumes are coming along fast, but for now, I wear this dodgy green beret. "How was Crafts, or Trades, or whatever it's called?"
"Alright." He shrugs. "Professor Steve is making us build a cabinet. But Mega Man was telling me this really great story about these robots-"
"Oh, Mega Man this, Mega Man that, I can tell great stories too-"
"If you say so," Villager laughs, and I find myself blushing.
This crush is getting ridiculous. At some point, I'll have to ask him out. Then I'll have to ask him on a date, or to be my boyfriend, or to do whatever the hell people do. Because, if there's a chance that he feels the same - and there totally is - then why would I waste it? Screw it all being illegal, if I want to live out my gay fantasies, I'm going to do exactly that.
But my insides squirm with nerves. There's every possibility that it could ruin everything. I just need an opportunity, time alone with him, somewhere private... I blush deeper. If only Villager knew what I was thinking.
We head into English Literature, where Pit is already sitting in his seat. To my dismay, Lucas is nowhere to be seen, and I scan the room, mildly concerned. We seem to be on bad terms again, because apparently, it's appalling to suggest that he gets some rest... I hope that wherever he is, he's looking after himself. I don't think he's ever been good at that.
"GOOD MORNING!" Bowser roars, in another foul mood. Villager and I exchange a glance at the back of the room. Bowser yanks the chalk off of its tray, glowering around at us all, and I feel yet another sonnet coming on.
"ALRIGHT!" he yells. "Today, we are NOT doing poetry!"
Oh. Awesome! Alright then.
"We are INSTEAD going to be doing VERSE!"
…Great.
"SILENCE!" Bowser roars, even though nobody had spoken. "Today, I have written my OWN Verse, and you must decipher its MEANING!"
We all groan as Bowser flips around the chalkboard, revealing his untidy scrawl:
~~o00o~~
Bowser BIG AND STRONG,
Bowser have big dong
Bowser very nice
Bowser is mostest nice,
Bowser should be dating peach but mario should DIE
BOWSER AMAZING,
Bowser make bad people go AAAAAAAAA
~~o00o~~
Laughter breaks out amongst the class. Bowser growls, smacking a fresh cane against the table.
"ENOUGH LAUGHTER! Discuss the MEANING!"
"Tricky," I say, turning to Villager. "Any thoughts on this poetic masterpiece?"
"Not really," Villager laughs. "I can't decipher it through that awful grammar."
"Well, I think it might be about the finite passage of time that will bring us all to an inevitable end."
"Hopefully not too soon," Villager says, and I find myself blushing again. Come on, Toon Link, stop taking everything as a sign-
"Yeah, agreed."
"And who's that Mario guy?" he asks, chortling. "I pity him immensely."
"I bet my dong is bigger than Bowser's," I say, and Villager coughs and splutters.
"Toon Link! Please, stop!"
"Never." I'm grinning again, because this is my favourite thing to do. Talking to Villager is always my favourite part of the day.
...I think it's becoming an obsession.
When we've finally calmed down, Bowser takes the front of the room again, before, in an unexpected turn of events, pointing at me.
"YOU! WHERE are Lucas and Ness?"
"Wow, you're a bit behind." I roll my eyes. "Ness is in the hospital, remember? And Lucas is..." I trail off, worried again. "Somewhere else."
"WHAT?" Bowser growls with unrestrained rage. "GRR! When Ness becomes conscious, I'll cane him so hard that he'll be unconscious AGAIN, for missing MY LESSON!"
"Where is Lucas?" Villager mutters, once Bowser's back to yelling about verbs.
"I don't know," I whisper back. "I'm sure he'll turn up."
But he doesn't.
The lesson passes by, Bowser shouting so much that he loses his voice, but there's no sign of Lucas.
"Shulk had to borrow him," Pit explains worriedly, when we're walking to the canteen. "He didn't come back in."
My mind flashes to Future Humans, steel, and monsters. Has Lucas done something stupid?
"Forget lunch then," Villager says, nervously looking between us. "We need to find him before something else does."
Something else. Something like a phantom face, or a murderous cyborg. But Villager catches me shivering, and he lays a hand on my shoulder. "He'll be safe, I'm sure of it. Let's start by asking Shulk."
It takes us a few minutes to find the art room, and when we eventually get there, we're met with an alarming sight. Professor Shulk is standing in the middle of it, wearing seven aprons, violently spraying paint at a canvas.
"Can I help you, boys?" he asks, without looking up. A blob of yellow flies onto his page, and he examines it closely, smearing it with a knife.
"Erm, yes." Pit steps forwards. "You called Lucas out of Maths, but he never came back in. Did you see where he went?"
"No, I didn't." Shulk frowns. "You see, I left before he went back into the classroom, so I can only assume he went somewhere else, or to his dormitory, or-"
"Not even a glimpse?" Villager tries, but I'm already backing away. Shulk fires some blue at his canvas, before frowning, scraping it off again.
"No such luck, sorry boys. I wish I could help you, but unfortunately, I do not have the knowledge required to-"
"Thanks, Professor," Pit says hastily, and we hurry out of the room.
I curse under my breath. A weird sort of dread is creeping up on me, and it's got nothing to do with Villager, for once. Something is amiss here, something dangerous at play. That kind of idea makes me swiftly nervous.
"Maybe he's with Ness again?" I ask.
"Yeah!" Villager nods keenly. "Maybe he's there - maybe Ness woke up!"
There's a lot more spring to our step as we make our way up to the medical room, but to our dismay, there's no sign of Lucas there either. In fact, Ness is lying completely alone, sprawled out like a ragdoll in his bed.
"He shouldn't be unguarded," Villager says worriedly. "What if something malicious comes along? I think that one of us should stay with Ness, while the other two find Lucas."
"I'll stay," Pit says, giving me a funny look and a wink. "You two get searching."
"Thanks," I smile, and so we leave him to it, all at once finding ourselves alone.
Villager looks down at the floor. I do the same, suddenly feeling awkward. I'm not even sure what to do with my hands, whether to put them in my pockets or begin a frenzied dance.
"Where should we search?" Villager asks.
"His dorm?" I suggest, and Villager nods. We start walking, and I desperately swim for conversation topics.
"So, Villager," I begin.
"Yeah?"
"How's your morning been?" It sounds lame, and I know it.
"Uh." Villager thinks. "It's been fine, thanks."
"I'm glad," I say awkwardly. Why have I lost the ability to be a functioning human?
"What subjects have you got next?" Villager asks.
"Uh, double Music, then History. You?"
"Double Geography, then History," Villager sighs. "I am ready to fall asleep."
"Enjoy that," I laugh, but it's a little bit forced. Villager bumps against me anyway, and I'm relieved to see that he's smiling.
"At least Pit's doing better," he says, changing the subject. "He seems happier, don't you think?"
"Yeah." I nod enthusiastically, pleased by this. "We were talking a lot yesterday, and the day before. He's moved in with me in place of Link, and we went through and sorted all of Dark Pit's stuff."
"Aw." Villager's smile softens. "It's great of you to be helping him through this."
"Thanks," I say, blushing. "I just. You know. If it was me, and I'd lost my little brother…"
"Even so, it's a big emotional weight for you to carry." Villager pats my shoulder as we come to Lucas's door. "I know Red sometimes says otherwise, but you're an awesome person, Toon Link."
"Villager!" I yelp. I'm blushing even deeper now.
"You're such a big softie-"
"No, I'm not!"
Laughing, we enter the dormitory. To my immense relief, the covers of a bed are full, and Lucas is there, hugging a pillow with his thumb in his mouth. Villager tucks him up under a blanket, and we high five - albeit wincing when Lucas rolls over at the noise.
"Of course," Villager says, smirking. "He was so tired."
"He looks like a baby." I spot a teddy bear under his covers, and I wonder if there's a pacifier under there as well. "I have no idea what Ness sees in him."
"Don't be mean, he's just sleepy..."
But something catches my eye. Something by the wardrobe, shifting just a little. Was that the door, or was it something else?
Villager hasn't noticed. "...And besides, Ness can like who he wants, I mean, I'm pretty sure I'm going to win that bet, but-"
"Villager," I say, and the shorter boy falls short. Something shifts again, and Villager's eyes flicker.
"Toon Link?" He sounds uncertain.
"Did you see that?
"What - where?"
I point towards the wardrobe. Villager's gaze follows my finger, resting on the wood. Lucas let out a discontented snore, and I glare at him to shut up.
"...I thought it was a trick of the light."
"Good trick if it fooled us both," I say, and without being aware of it, we're shifting towards the door.
"We should check inside," Villager mumbles.
"Yeah," I say, transfixed. We reach out our hands, and they collide in mid-air.
"Sorry-"
"No, you-"
I take initiative, gripping the handle, and in a sudden moment, I yank it open.
There's nothing.
I push a red and yellow striped jumper out the way, searching behind a pair of shorts. The wardrobe is empty, devoid of any horrors, just as it should be. Villager stands back.
"Must've been our imaginations."
"Yeah," I agree, all too keen for that to be the case. "It must've been."
We leave Lucas be, shutting his door fairly quickly behind us. I'm not sure why, but something about that room unnerves me - and it's not that Ness and Lucas cuddle in there. It's that unmistakable feeling like you're being watched.
"Shall we tell Pit he's okay?" I ask, but Villager pulls me aside.
"We should. But first, there's uh, actually something I've been meaning to say..."
I blink.
My heart pounds.
What?
No way. No way is this what I'm thinking. Maybe I shouldn't get my hopes up - but - aaaaaaa! If he's gonna ask me out - if there's kissing and stuff - God, kissing Villager, imagine - I -
"Toon Link?" Villager shakes me out of my reverie.
"Yeah?" I say, my voice sounding about two octaves higher than usual. We'd have to keep it a secret, but that wouldn't matter, because it would be so, so good, and-
"We should go somewhere private," Villager says, and I almost fall to the floor. Dizzily, I follow him into his dorm, my heart performing an entire acrobatics routine. We sit down on his bed, and it's hard to push away the massive smile that's forming on my face.
"Are you okay?" Villager frowns. "You're shaking."
He's right. I try to still myself, putting my hands together in what I hope is a neutral stance. "What is it you need to tell me?"
"Well." Villager puts a hand to his neck. "Uh, I've noticed... that you've been a little on edge lately. I know you've not really been yourself, not with everything that's happening, and I just wanted to ask if you're okay, and if…" he blushes. "If there's anything on your mind that you need to talk through? If that's not too weird."
...Oh.
Ah, never mind. I guess I got a little bit carried away. I feel my heartrate slowing.
"I don't know," I reply. "It's the chaos of everything changing, really. Ness in his coma. Magic. Everything going on with Pit…"
"It's all been a bit manic," Villager says understandingly. "It sounds like that's a lot of weight on your shoulders."
"Yeah, sort of." I rub my cheek, blushing. "Erm, I didn't think you were the sensitive type, Villy-"
"Hey!" Villager folds his arms, affronted. "I am sensitive! I try to be, anyway."
"You're right, though." I stare at him. It's impossible not to. "I have been on edge. Sorry if I've seemed… different. Are we cool?"
"Of course we're cool. It's okay, Toonie, we're all going through a lot. I know it seems like Ness and Lucas are shouldering the burden... but I'm here for you as well, yeah? All of us that are going through it. Not just them."
"Villager..." My eyes are watering, and I feel a little pathetic. "You're the best. Seriously."
"You're not bad yourself," he says, his leg knocking against mine. My breath hitches; even if he's not going to ask me...
"There's something I've been meaning to say as well, Villager," I say, before I can talk myself out of it.
"Oh yeah?" He looks up at me, innocently curious, and it's like he knows. Or maybe he always has. But what do I say? I can't just ask 'do you wanna be my boyfriend?' That'd be corny, that'd be predictable. I don't do predictable.
"Toonie?" Villager says, his voice impossibly soft.
And what if he says no? Then our friendship would be ruined forever... I can't think straight. Heh. I definitely can't think straight. My mind is racing at a million miles a minute - screw it. I'm bailing. I can't do this. I'll ask some other time.
"...I just wanted to thank you for being an awesome friend."
"Aw! That's so sweet of you," Villager says, and I can almost see his smirk as he pulls me into a hug. He totally knows. "And really cheesy, for that matter. Not your usual style."
"Shut up," I grumble, not wanting to let go of the hug. It's warm, and weirdly intimate, and he smells good, like maple and cinnamon. "Let me appreciate you without being bullied for it."
"Come on," Villager grins, pulling us apart. "Let's go back to Pit."
I bounce up, all sorts of emotions rushing through me. Villager is almost glowing, and for a fleeting second, I grab his hand. "Before we go - uh - do you wanna go down to the lake, later? Just - just us?"
"That sounds great," Villager says, smiling. "I'd love that."
I'd love that. Grinning like a maniac, I follow Villager out of the room. That was an awesome conversation, and now I might have scored a date! Even if it's down to the school lake, possibly the lamest date idea ever, it's whatever. It'll be great. Brimming with bursts of happiness, I walk into the medical room, where Pit is studying Lucas's painting.
"Hey," I wave, beaming like an idiot. "Lucas is okay, he's asleep in his dorm."
"Oh," Pit says. "That makes sense. I was just looking at his painting - it's quite good, actually. A lot of detail."
"A lot of detail," I agree, coming over to observe it myself. It's adorable, and Ness's heart is going to melt when he sees it. "Is it time for lunch yet?" I ask, my stomach deciding to grumble.
"I think so," Villager says. "Ness should stay guarded, so who's going to go and get the food?"
"Well volunteered," I grin, and Villager rolls his eyes.
"See you in a bit, then. Don't blame me when you get the worst portion."
"I won't. See you!"
"See you," Pit agrees, and then Villager's bustling from the room, and I'm sighing giddily, collapsing on a chair.
Villager. Me. The lake. It's going to be crazy, but crazily awesome. Perhaps he likes me? Perhaps we'll swim? Perhaps I'll get a glance of that body - but of course, it's always been about more than just that. He wants me to be okay. He genuinely cares about me, and that's the best feeling of all time.
"You're in a good mood," Pit observes, coming to sit beside me. "I'm surprised you didn't want to stay back with Villager?"
"I had to tell you the good news," I say. "Can't have him around for that."
"Good news? Hey, wait, you didn't-"
"Not that good," I amend, "But we're going to the lake later, just the two of us."
"Oh yeah!" Pit cheers. "That's what I'm talking about!"
"And then we hugged." I dreamily stare at the ceiling. "It felt so good."
"That's awesome," he grins. "I'm so happy for you."
"Yeah…" I say stupidly, still in disbelief. "He's so cool."
Villager returns a while later with plates of today's lunch, but to my disappointment, it's mere cheese sandwiches. Nevertheless, they can't ruin my good mood, so I eat about four, watching Ness lying statically nearby. It's become normal at this point, not hearing Ness's cheery voice, not watching him make eyes at Lucas. That's the worrying thing, I think to myself. He's been there for too long.
As the clocktower rings for lessons, Professor Rosalina comes in. "Oh - hi boys, where's Lucas?"
"Asleep in his dorm," I explain.
"That makes sense," she chuckles. "He insisted on not sleeping last night. It would've been fine if he had, but he didn't listen… he's very protective over Ness, he is."
We all exchange a knowing gaze. 'Protective' is one way of putting it.
"But anyway," Rosalina says briskly, "Thanks for sticking around and guarding him. Lucas tells me you three know about the Future Humans, after all."
"Yeah," I say, wringing my hands. "They're crazy. I don't understand them."
"I'm hoping to wake up and find this is all a dream," Pit mumbles, suddenly sounding meek.
"Sadly, it's all very real," Rosalina says. "But that's life. Anyway, I won't hold you from your lessons any longer. I'll make sure Ness is safe."
"Thanks, Professor," Villager says, and we leave the room.
Red quickly accosts us in the hall. "Where have you all been?"
"With Ness," Villager explains. "He's still asleep."
"I had to eat lunch with Popo," Red grumbles. "I have never been maimed quite as much as he managed to maim me."
"Ah, sorry," Villager winces. "Well - hey, what've you got now? Extended Maths?"
"Extended Maths? Pit frowns. "That's a thing?"
"Yes," Red says, coldly, puffing out his chest. "I wouldn't expect you to know about it. However, Villager, I have Business, so I must go to it. Goodbye." He stalks off, leaving us quite bemused.
"Sorry about that, Pit." Villager rubs his temple. "He can be a little, uh, rude, sometimes."
"It's fine," Pit mumbles, staring at the floor again. "Anyway, uh, I've got to go to Geography."
"Oh yeah, you're in my class." Villager gives an awkward nod, and the pair set off.
And even though I'm alone as I head to Music, I know I'm the luckiest guy alive.
.
.
.
.
.
"Toon Link!" Professor Sebastian Tute obstructs me the second I walk into the room, staring at me with great intensity. "I do hope Lucas and Ness will be in attendance?"
"Both are currently unconscious, so I wouldn't get your hopes up."
"Consciousness is no border for music! Nothing may restrain humanity from playing instruments!"
"Whatever you say, Professor," I laugh, sauntering over to my percussion instruments. It turns out that I'm the last person to arrive - the string section look over at me as if I'm a song, and they're trying to work out my time signature. I sit down on my stool, unnerved by the attention.
"Good day, fellow musicians," Tute squeaks, taking the front of the music hall. "Today we are going to be playing some wonderful music... for a guest!"
A guest? All of us look around in surprise. This is new.
"You may know this guest quite well," Tute cheeps, looking mightily at us all. "After he blatantly critiqued the finest art in all the universe, Professor Wario will be here in order to listen to some divinity!" My eyes widen, remembering overhearing their argument yesterday. In no world does this not end in chaos.
"WAA!" A mighty cry announces Wario's arrival. He snickers as he looks at us all. "Look at all of you nerds! Pratting about with your instruments! I bet you feel so creatively enlightened..."
"Ignore him!" Tute twitters indignantly. "You are going to play my favourite piece, and we will win over this heathen!"
Oh no. Not his favourite piece. Not...
"Away in a Manger! Begin!"
Everybody groans, and Wario sneers. "See? Even the musicians hate the music!"
"You dare?" Tute gasps. "You dare? You dare?"
"Yes, because music is pointless, music is meaningless-"
"YOU DARE?" Tute shrieks, hammering Wario with his baton, and I sigh. This is going to be a very long lesson.
.
.
.
.
.
When it's all finally over, I make my way out of the hall, going to the History classroom. Villager doesn't seem to have arrived yet, but Red is there, looking sullen.
"What's up?" I ask.
"Wario wasn't in our Business lesson, so we learnt nothing."
"Ah - that'd be because he was in our music lesson," I admit.
"What? That's crazy!"
"I know," I shrug, having endured their constant arguing. Waiting for my lake date had never felt slower.
Villager finally shows up, and Professor Ryu not long after. "Lucas is asleep, I hear?" Ryu asks me quietly, as we enter.
"Uh - yeah." I rub my cheek. "That's right."
"Good to hear it," Ryu mutters. "He was very tired."
Again, the lesson drags by, as seems to happen whenever anything exciting is coming up. It's all about the Ancient Egyptians, which sounds interesting on paper, but it turns out to be more about analysing sources, proving that information about the pharaohs is accurate. Thankfully, at the ring of the clocktower, we're eventually released, and it's the end of the school day. That means I'm suddenly extremely nervous.
We're going to go out to the lake. That's all it is. Just me and him - but we might watch the sunrise - and we might get cold and have to huddle up together... No. I'm not going to set myself expectations. Perhaps, as far as he's concerned, we're just doing this as friends.
Besides, what's the worst that can happen? Villager wouldn't have agreed to come with me if he didn't want to, right? My stomach ties into knots as I see him coming up behind me.
"See you down by the lake in half an hour?" he suggests as he passes. "Just so we have time to get ready."
"A-Alright!" I reply, trying to sound coherent. Get ready? I'm supposed to get ready? Should I wear something fancy? Something plain?
For goodness' sake. I need to pull myself together. It's just a crush. But where by the lake are we going to meet? It's huge! I wrack my brains - we should've planned this more carefully. He could be anywhere. What if I can't find him, and then the date is off? Dammit! I look helplessly from left to right in the empty corridor, floundering like an upturned tortoise.
There's no good worrying about that now, I decide. I need to relax. I need to de-stress, to be cool, not hopping about like a mad rabbit. I'll go and check on Ness, perhaps. That sounds good. Yeah.
I enter the medical ward, seeing him unguarded yet again. I sigh; the professors really should be on this, And where is the nurse? Ness might have been in danger, there could have been Future Humans... I find myself worrying again. What if something does happen? What if he doesn't wake up? What would Lucas do without him?
Twenty minutes, says the clock. I'll stay a little longer, then I'll find a professor to watch over Ness while I'm gone. I'll get changed... but what to wear? What will we even talk about? Do I ask him to be my boyfriend - is that what he's expecting?
"You'd know what to do, Ness," I say sadly. Or maybe not, given he and Lucas are still dancing around one another. Although, perhaps for them, their love is less traditional. Perhaps it's more of a dependence.
Ness's head shifts slightly as if to agree. The pair of them have been together for so long, so long that the lines between love and friendship are already so blurred. Ness grumbles at that thought, but-
Wait.
"Ness?" I say nervously. I stare at him, transfixed, but now there's no sign of movement. Maybe it was a trick of the light? My mind, playing tricks on me?
I shift the blanket that someone placed over him, but then I catch sight of his toes. They're wriggling. Writhing. They're alive.
"Ness?" I say again, and then his fingertips are moving. They're rippling against the mattress. I put my hands together in prayer. Please. Just give me this one. Let it be true.
His arm shifts, falling from its place. His bandaged head jolts, rolling from the pillow. His chest rises and falls, quickening ever so slightly. His eyes are shaking - I can see them, I can see them. It's all I can do not to run and grab Lucas. I watch, engrossed, because it's coming, Ness is coming back. He's trying, trying so hard. I can only watch, my heart thumping, as his legs move - his arms - his neck - his face-
It all seems to happen at once. His eyes dart open, he jolts up in bed, and then he lets out a bloodcurdling scream.
A/N
I promised this would be a more Lucas-focused chapter than the last one. Then, I sent Lucas to sleep, whoops. But writing Toon Link is fun, a lot more fun than writing tired Lucas. This chapter is late because every time I wrote Tired Lucas, I'd feel really tired myself, and I'd stop writing-
Finally, the end of the three-parter! Some of you are probably wondering what the point of it was... But I mostly wanted to develop some characters, rule out a couple of red herrings for the great mystery, and drop a ton more clues everywhere that I bet nobody will spot. :)
Notes:
Really appealed to the masses with this one: Literary reference with the pinecone (Lord of the Flies), romance scenes, reference to 'Through thick and thin' (another awesome Nesscas fanfic by my friend, RainyTazmily.)... got to be something in here to like, right?
As always, thanks for reading!
~ReadyForTeddy
