A/N: Hey, guys. This is a one-shot of Mother 3. The Earthbound series, or Mother in Japan, is very well known around the world, mostly thanks to the fans, and the story of Mother 3 is so sad that it can be summed up in a tragedy. Warning: the events of this fanfic descrive mature themes, including references to suicide. Let's begin!

(''Love Theme- Mother 3 OST'')

Tazmilly Village, in Nowhere Islands, has changed a lot in three years, and there was the Pigmask Army, a mysterious criminal organization that intended to dominate the world and find the Seven Needles to wake the Dark Dragon, who was sleeping underground, in order to control it. To do this, they had to use someone who could use psychic powers, in particular, those who possessed the power of PK Love, thus using Claus, the older twin brother of 13-year-old Lucas, as according to a prophecy, only those with this power can extract the Needles, and if at least four are drawn, the Dragon will respond to moral desires that match the morality of the one who awakens it, and if that person does not have a heart, the world would cease to exist. Lucas, who had faced the Pigmask Army alongside his family's dog Boney, Duster, an aspiring thief with a partially paralyzed left leg(1), and Kumatora, a tomboy princess capable of using psychic powers, was managed to wake the Dark Dragon himself, since the last Needle he drew was his fourth, while those of the bad guys were three, and the Dragon destroyed all traces of the Pigmask Army with a destructive attack, but everyone survived(2).

Three years had passed since Hinawa, the mother of the two boys, took them to visit their maternal grandfather Alec, and a few days later, on their return, they got lost in the forest, where a fire broke out, and to protect her children, she was struck in the heart by the fang of a Drago, a normally gentle and placid herbivore who had been corrupted and turned into a cyborg. When he learned of the bad news, Flint, the father of the family, went berserk and attacked two villagers, Abbot and Ollie, with a large piece of wood, later being arrested, and Claus, wanting revenge, stole his father's knife to face the Drago, but disappeared for three years and was then enslaved by the Pigmask Army, then confronted Lucas, came to his senses hearing his mother's voice and finally committed suicide by firing a lightning at his brother's Franklin Badge, sending it back against himself. During that time, Flint, spending all his time looking for Claus and still mourning his wife's death, ended up neglecting his other son, who was shy, insecure and withdrawn, to the point where he hardly went outside again, and he was forced to grow up faster than a child of his age. The journey he had made had made him stronger, but he had struggled to stay that way due to the loss of his mother at the age of ten. The death of sweet Hinawa had deeply saddened everyone in the village, but he suffered the most out of everyone.

(''Love Theme- Mother 3 OST-s'')

(''Coin of Fate- Final Fantasy 6 OST'')

Due to Hinawa's death, it's up to Flint to take care of Lucas, but he had neglected him for so long that he had missed many things, and was not fully aware of the impact of those two tragedies on his son's life, who first lost his mother and then saw his own twin commit suicide. Over time, however, he began to realize this when he noticed a series of signs. To begin with, he noticed that Boney, their pet dog, whimpered frequently and sometimes didn't eat.

''Boney? What's wrong, boy?'' he asked, but only got whimpering. ''You're worried about Lucas?'' the dog nodded, worried about his young master.

Speaking to his father-in-law, the cowboy discovered that since his mother died, Lucas had withdrawn into himself to the point where he barely left the house.

''Listen, Flint. Lucas was strong on the journey, but he's not showing his face in a long time.'' Alec said.

''It doesn't surprise me. After Hinawa's death, he cried often.'' Flint replied.

''That's true, but since Hinawa died, you haven't paid any attention to Lucas and spent all your time visiting her grave and looking for Claus. Lucas faced his journey with courage, but remembers that he was only ten at the time of the tragedy, and now he has lost his twin as well. He needs your help.'' Alec said.

''I know. I was so caught up in my priorities that I didn't take into consideration the fact that Lucas was alone against the world. But I don't know how to help him, and after what he did against the Pigmask Army, Duster and the others told me he was strong even in my absence.'' the cowboy admitted.

''Yes, but you can't ignore it anymore. He needs your support, now more than ever.''

''I understand. I'll see what I can do.''

As the days and weeks passed, the situation did not change, and Flint, increasingly worried, saw in the mailbox several letters from Kumatora and Duster, all for Lucas. Three weeks had passed, and during all this time, Lucas hadn't replied to their letters or even flipped through them, and it was clear that they were worried about him too, as they were his friends and were with him on his journey. He tried to support his son, but all his attempts to be there for him were always refused. After another week with no results, he received visits from Kumatora and Duster.

''Lucas hasn't answered us for a month! What's the matter with him?'' asked the thief.

''Yeah, we're really worried about him!'' the princess added.

''I know. I found your letters in the mailbox last week, and they have never been opened. My father-in-law told me to stay close to him, but no matter how hard I try, Lucas doesn't want my support. Duster, Kumatora, did Lucas tell you about what happened three years ago?'' Flint asked.

''Partially, he left out some details.'' Duster said.

''Then listen to me carefully. Three years ago, while I was absent, the rest of my family had gone to visit Alec, Lucas and Claus's maternal grandfather. However, they got lost in the forest and the Pigmask Army had corrupted one of the Dragos, who killed Hinawa, and Claus, full of vengeance, stole my knife and went to face it, but was overwhelmed and disappeared. They were only ten.'' Flint began.

''Oh, God! I knew the Pigmask Army was ruthless, but this is too much!'' Kumatora exclaimed, horrified.

''I spent three years looking for him and visiting Hinawa's grave, but in the process, I neglected Lucas.'' the cowboy continued.

''But that's child neglect!'' exclaimed Duster.

''Claus had disappeared, and as a father, I would have done anything to find him.'' the man replied.

''Yes, I agree on that, but you should have taken a few breaks to take care of Lucas. Since he has lost his mother and his older twin has disappeared, it is up to you to take care of him.'' Kumatora replied.

''I found Claus fighting against Lucas, and you and Boney were there too. Do you know what happened next?'' asked the cowboy.

''No, we were all unconscious except for Lucas.'' Duster replied.

Flint breathed heavily. It was time to explain what had happened to Claus. ''Claus was brainwashed, and he fought against you. You passed out following his attacks, and only Lucas was still standing because of the Franklin Badge I had left for him. I arrived when Claus was about to use PK Love on his own brother, and after I jumped in front of Lucas to protect him, I was hit twice by PK Love and collapsed to the ground. Hinawa's voice pleaded with Claus to stop fighting Lucas, making him come to his senses. Afterward, Claus fired a lightning bolt at Lucas so that the Franklin Badge would send it back against him. He committed suicide and died in his brother's arms.'' he said, taking off his hat.

Both Duster and Kumatora were so shocked they didn't know what to say. ''Oh, my God! This story makes me want to cry!'' the girl exclaimed. Being a tomboy, she doesn't express her emotions much, but what she felt was too much for her too.

Duster put a hand on her shoulder, trying to comfort her. ''I'm sorry, Kumatora. It hurts me as much as you.'' he said. He then turned to Flint. ''Please tell Lucas we're worried about him.'' he said.

''I will.'' said the cowboy.

(''Coin of Fate- Final Fantasy 6 OST-s'')

The next day, things hadn't changed yet. After spending the day raising sheeps(3), he returned home, and his concern, already high, increased even more when he noticed that Lucas had not yet left his room, and during the night, he felt nervous.

It was 11:20 PM, and Lucas should normally be in bed. He was in the kitchen, looking at the knives. He took one and began to examine it. He felt that after having already lost his mother, losing his twin, who committed suicide in front of him, was too much, and he didn't want to live without them. ''I'm sorry, mom. I'm sorry, Claus. I must do it. At least I'll be with you guys again...'' he thought, turning the knife to the other side and pointing the blade towards him, aimed at his chest. At the same time, Flint came down the stairs and saw his son, ready to stab himself. In horror, he quickened his pace, hoping to stop him in time. ''Lucas, don't do it!'' he yelled. He managed to stop him just in time, before he could stab himself, and took the knife out of his hand, putting it back in its place.

Lucas was nervous now. ''D-Dad?''

''Lucas, what were you thinking?! Have you lost your mind?!'' his father scolded him, grabbing him by the wrist. He was so worried that the words came out of his mouth harsher than he would have wanted. ''You won't let me help you for a month, and now I catch you with that knife?! Do you realize what you're doing?!''

Lucas lowered his head in shame. He didn't know what to say anymore. He pulled slightly back the sleeve of his t-shirt, revealing some small cuts on his left arm.

Flint calmed down a little, but those cuts horrified him. ''Oh, my God. Lucas, when did you get these cuts? And why did you try to stab yourself?'' he demanded, in a serious tone. ''And I want answers from you, so don't try to change the subject.''

The boy was a little hesitant, but he answered with tears in his eyes. ''Gradually, over the course of the month. I can't be strong anymore, Dad. I've seen my mother die before, and I've witnessed Claus commit suicide.'' Lucas replied. Boney also walked over, and he licked his face. ''Sorry I scared you, Boney.'' he said, and the dog nuzzled his face.

''It hurts me too, my son, but you can't commit suicide just to see them again.'' his father said, putting his hands on his shoulders.

''Really? What do you mean?'' Lucas asked.

''I'm still upset about your mother's death too, but suicide isn't an answer, and I've never tried.'' Flint replied. ''Listen Lucas, I...''

(''Battle with the Four Fiends- Final Fantasy 4 OST'')

Flint couldn't to finish the sentence. There was a shot. Boney barked and growled, sensing danger. ''What is it, Boney?'' Lucas asked. But he was horrified when he saw who was in the house. There was what looked like a person in a green pig mask and a uniform of the same color. ''A Pigmask Major! I thought I defeated you guys!'' he exclaimed.

''You ruined the plan of Lord Pokey's empire(4), but it's not over yet!'' the Major chuckled, and started firing his gun. It seems that he survived the Dark Dragon's attack.

Lucas immediately jumped out of the window, followed by his father and Boney. He took out his stick and Flint his club. After dodging a shot, he hit the Major with his stick and then then thrusted his palm forward, hitting him with psychic energy that came out of his hand.

Flint was amazed. ''Lucas, that's...''

''Yes, that's PSI. I learned it on my journey. Kumatora helped me a bit, she's the PSI expert.'' Lucas explained. The Major attacked him with a sword, which the boy blocked with his stick and then hit him again with PSI.

''Leave me and my son alone!'' Flint yelled angrily.

''I don't think so at all! Long live Lord Pokey!'' yelled the Major. Lucas was then shot and forced to retreat, but found himself in horror near the cliff. ''You have no way out!''

Boney jumped at the enemy and began to bite him. ''Good puppy! Get him, Boney!'' Lucas shouted. The dog was kicked in the face, however, and the boy found himself in trouble. Advancing towards the enemy, he continued to fight, but his stick was broken in half, rendering it unusable. He no longer had an escape route and couldn't do much.

''And now, you will die!'' Major Pigmask chuckled. He was ready to finish him off, but Flint knocked him to the ground with a punch and hit him repeatedly with his club. ''Don't you dare touch my son!'' he roared.

The enemy, however, did not give up and knocked the cowboy to the ground with a shot in the leg. ''Dad!'' Lucas shouted, worried. He lunged at the Major and hit him with a flying kick infused in PSI energy, but was shot again and nearly fell off the cliff. His father grabbed his hand, but a series of blows from the enemy tried to force him to let go. ''Dad, don't let go!''

Flint tried to pull Lucas up, but after a series of kicks on the back, he lost his grip and his son fell off the cliff. ''LUCAS! NOOOOOO!'' he let out a scream of despair. After what happened to his wife, after his son's suicide, will he lose the other one too? He didn't want to think about it at all.

As he fell, Lucas knew what to do. He used his PSI power to teleport to where he was before, then released the Omega-level PK Love, creating a colorful explosion that did heavy damage to the Major. ''You will no longer threaten my family! Because of you, my mother and my brother are dead! And you won't kill my father too!'' he yelled, lifting the enemy off the ground with telekinesis and then throwing him off the cliff.

''Lucas?! How on earth did you come back here?!'' Flint exclaimed, surprised. For a moment, he thought he was losing the only child he had left.

''Oh, it's a PSI trick I've learned, teleport.'' Lucas explained.

(''Battle with the Four Fiends- Final Fantasy 4 OST-s'')

(''One Family- Tarzan OST'')

Soon after, father, son, and dog returned home. ''Lucas, you really wanted to see Claus and your mother again, didn't you?'' Flint asked, kneeling in front of his son.

''Yes. I couldn't take it anymore, Dad. Watching them both die in front of me has scarred me for life.'' Lucas replied. He tried to hold back tears, without success. ''I could no longer sleep without being reminded of this.''

''Did you had any nightmares?'' asked his father.

''Yes! Both about Mom's death and about Claus's suicide, and sometimes, I even dreamed that- that you were killed too!'' Lucas sobbed.

Flint felt bad now. ''That's terrible... Why didn't you tell me sooner?'' he asked.

''I didn't want to cause you any trouble.'' replied the boy.

''You are not a hindrance. Yesterday, Kumatora and Duster went to me. They were really worried that you didn't reply to their letters for a month. You didn't even open them. Your grandfather is worried too. Look.'' The cowboy gave him one of the letters. It was from Kumatora.

''Dear Lucas, are you okay? Duster and I are worried about you. You haven't answered us in two weeks. Whatever it is, you cannot face it alone. Please let us help you.- Kumatora''

Lucas gasped. ''I'm sorry, Dad...'' he murmured.

''No, Lucas, I'm the one who should be sorry. It was my fault. I shouldn't have left you like this for three years. I spent all this time looking for your brother and didn't realize how much you were really suffering. Now that I saw it, you were about to commit suicide, like your brother did.'' Flint replied. His voice was starting to break, filled with sadness and regret for not paying enough attention to the one who needed him the most: his youngest son.

''Dad... don't leave me... I can't lose anyone else...'' the boy sobbed, hugging his father and crying on his shoulder.

''Shhhh... I won't leave you, son. However, you were the one about to leave me all alone. I'm still upset by your mother's death too, and what happened to your brother made things worse.'' his father murmured, trying to comfort him, but he too, had tears in his eyes. ''Please, don't do anything like ever again, you scared the hell out of me. Don't make the same mistake as your brother. Oh, Lucas, can't lose you too. If you died too, my heart would break, and I couldn't live like this. I love you...'' Now he was crying too, and holding Lucas tightly to his chest, he kissed his forehead, as tears ran down his mustache and fell on his son's face.

''I love you too, Dad.'' Lucas said. The cowboy was moved by this, as he didn't expect his son to say these words, not after neglecting him for all this time. Father and son were both crying, wrapped in a desperate embrace in remembrance of their losses, and a minute later, Boney jumped into the cowboy's lap and licked both of their faces, wiping away their tears.

''You should go to sleep, Lucas. It's almost midnight.'' said his father.

''I don't know if I'll be able to sleep. I don't even know if I'll be able to go on.'' Lucas murmured.

''Don't worry, son. Tomorrow, I'll call your grandfather, as well as Duster and Kumatora. You're not alone, Lucas, and I'll stay with you.'' Flint assured him. ''Do you want to sleep with me? Maybe it will make you feel better.''

''Sure thing.''

The two put on their pajamas and went into the bedroom that Hinawa shared with her husband. ''Are you sure I will be able to overcome these losses?'' Lucas asked as they got into bed.

''One day, we will succeed, my son. We may never forget them, but now, I know we have to leave the past behind and focus on the present.'' said his father.

The young boy was feeling a little better. ''You're right. Thanks, I'm a little better now. Goodnight, Dad.'' he said, kissing him on the cheek, then yawned, ready to fall asleep.

Flint looked at Lucas, lying on his belly. He turned on a small light and smiled when he saw that he had a serene expression. ''Good night, Lucas. I promise I will always be by your side.'' he murmured, stroking his blond hair. With all the love he had, he gave his son a kiss on the forehead, then fell asleep.

(''One Family- Tarzan OST-s'')

(''16 Melodies (Beginning- Mother 3 OST'')

The next morning, Flint woke up and went to call his father-in-law, Duster and Kumatora to explain to them everything that had happened during the night. When he returned, he saw that his son was still asleep, and it didn't surprise him, as he is a late sleeper. ''Lucas? Lucas, wake up.'' he whispered.

Lucas woke up and saw his father's face. ''Good morning, Dad.'' he said, yawning.

''Good morning, son. Did you sleep well?'' Flint asked.

''Yeah, much better.'' replied the boy.

''Good. Let's go visit your mother and brother.''

It was almost like a tradition for the family to go to the cliffs to visit Hinawa's grave, surrounded by sunflowers, the woman's favorite flower(5), and after Claus died, he was buried in his mother's grave. Outside, there were also Alec, Kumatora and Duster.

''Hey, kid! Good thing you're okay!'' Duster exclaimed.

Alec was very agitated. He grabbed his grandson by the shoulders and shook him hard. ''You're a complete MORON, Lucas! Do you realize I nearly had a heart attack when your father told me you attempted suicide?!'' he snapped.

Lucas didn't have the courage to look at his grandfather in the face.

''Alec, Lucas needs our support, not us screaming in his face.'' Flint interjected.

''He did a stupid thing, Flint!'' Alec exclaimed.

''Kumatora told me he was depressed!'' his son-in-law replied, and everyone gasped.

The cowboy sighed. ''I'm not an expert on these things, but Kumatora told me that judging by Lucas' behavior, he suffers from depression. It is not uncommon to find someone who's depressed, and depression is particularly common among young people, especially teenagers. Come to think of it, he's been depressed since his mother died.'' he said.

Alec calmed down, and saw that Lucas had his head down with shame. He grabbed his chin with a finger and lifted his head so that they looked into each other's eyes. ''Sorry if I got mad, but if your father hadn't stopped you, you would have thrown your life away. That's not how grief is dealt with. Come here.'' he said, giving him a hug, which the boy returned.

''I'm sorry, Grandpa.'' Lucas apologized.

''It's OK. Just promise me you'll never do that again.'' his grandfather accepted his apology.

''I promise.'' the boy murmured.

Kumatora walked over. ''Thank goodness you're okay, Lucas. I was really worried when you never went out and didn't answer.'' she said.

''I know, and I'm sorry.'' Lucas said.

''Oh, it doesn't matter. But you can't face everything alone anymore. You need our support.'' answered the princess.

''Since my wife died and Lucas lost his older brother, it's up to me to take care of him. I won't make the same mistake I did for three years, and I'll always be by his side.'' Flint declared.

''We are all with you, kid.'' Duster said.

''We'll help you out.'' Alec said.

''With our help, you can get through this bad period.'' Kumatora said.

Lucas was happy that everyone was willing to help him. ''Thanks, guys. I appreciate it. But there is one thing that made me come back to myself.''

''What is it?'' Alec asked.

''A father's love.'' Lucas replied, with Boney on his lap.

Flint, moved by what his son had said, hugged him tightly and kissed his forehead. ''Thank you, Lucas... I'm so happy that you're my son...'' he murmured, with tears in his eyes. He looked up and saw the spirit of Hinawa, with her loving smile, and Claus was with her too. ''We will all face the grief together. That's what they want.''

''Yeah.'' said the boy. ''Together, for my mother... and for Claus.''

(''16 Melodies (Beginning)- Mother 3 OST-s'')

A/N: Alright, guys! I hope you enjoyed this one-shot! See you soon!

(1): According to his father Wess, Duster is left with his left leg paralyzed as a result of an accident after he pushed him too far, and he feels guilty about it. Although Duster is limp, he only supports his leg by holding his side, and the paralysis does not make it difficult for him to run, kick or move on stairs, so the leg is only partially paralyzed at the ankle and foot, making it uncomfortable only for walking. This is also shown in his Speed stat in battle, which is great, being only slower than Boney, and allows him to sometimes use a special technique unique to him.

(2): Among the Seven Needles, the first six have various symbologies between those extracted from Claus (the Masked Man) and those extracted from Lucas: those extracted from the Masked belong to the Magypsyies who wear clothing of primary colors (red, blue and yellow), are extracted in open areas, and are symbolically located on the navel, right foot and left arm of the Dragon, representing power, forbidden latency and conquest, while those extracted from Lucas except the last one belong to the Magypsyi eswearing clothes of the secondary colors (orange, green and purple), are extracted in covered areas and are symbolically located on the heart, left foot and right arm of the Dragon, representing life, harmony and benevolence, positively related to the heart.

(3): Flint works as a sheep farmer.

(4): Pokey Minch, or Porky in Japan, was Ness's neighbor in Earthbound (Mother 2 in Japan), and is the leader of the Pigmask Army in Mother 3.

(5): The sunflower is one of the game's symbols, as it's Hinawa's favorite flower. In Chapter 6, Lucas, along with Boney, sees his mother's spirit in a sunflower field, but the whole thing is an illusion.