Twin Fighters

Ness and Lucas were sitting on the couch together when Claus suddenly burst into the room. He slid across the carpet and sounded like he was in pain. Lucas jumped over the back of the couch and ran to his brother's side. Both of them looked up and saw Dark Link standing in the door way.

"Hey, what was that for?!"

Dark Link scoffed at him, then walked away. Claus got to his feet, but his knees were scraped. Lucas helped him to his bed, and sat him down.

"I don't get it... They said they would train with me, but after a few minutes, they just threw me away..."

"You're trying to train to get stronger in time for the tournament, right?"

"That's what everyone else is doing. I didn't want to train alone, since it's virtually impossible, so I found Dark Link and thought he would help. It turns out I can't really trust anybody here..."

Lucas was the same way when he started out in Smash Bros. No one was willing to take him under their wing and help him train... No one, except Ness. They both shared many interests, and much of the same abilities. They grew to like each other over the years, and even became more than friends at one point. No one knows about their secret relationship and they're hoping to keep it that way forever, or at least, until someone finds out.

"Claus, you can trust us. In fact, if you want, we're gonna train again tomorrow. You can join us if you want; there's always room for one more in our group."

The orange haired boy turns his head to his younger brother. He's holding back his tears. "Y-You'd be willing to help me train after all that I've put you through over the years...?"

"We're brothers; we stand up for each other. Sure, we may have a long history of sibling rivalry, but that's what pushes us to keep trying to be the best. It was tough transitioning to a new life here at the Smash Mansion, but Ness pulled me through. He showed me what to do, and I eventually overcame my fears of not fitting in. You're not gonna be here forever, but I want you to enjoy every second that you have left here." Lucas puts his arms around his brother. "I want you to know that you've been a big inspiration to me. You've helped me to be strong, defiant, and not back down in the face of fear. I just want you to know that I love you, Claus."

Claus couldn't hold back his tears any longer and they began falling like rain drops down his soft skin. He planted his face in his brother's chest and let all his emotions out. Lucas comforted him until he stopped a few minutes later.

"S-Sorry about that. It's been rough for me, and that's been stuck inside me for a long time. I-I'd love to train with you tomorrow, but I won't go easy on you."

Lucas rolled his eyes and chuckled. "I was expecting you to say that."

Ness smiled, then made his way over to the twins. Just then, Pit appeared in the doorway.

"Guys, Mario wants to see you."

"All of us?"

"Lucas, I'd specify if he didn't want all of you. Come on; don't make him wait!"

They all hurried out of the room and to Mario's room. Mario acts as the leader in the Mansion, and keeps tabs on everyone. He's laidback most of the time, but is very strict when it comes to the rules, especially cheating. Claus opened the door to let his brother and Ness inside, then closed it behind him when they were all in.

"So," Ness took a few paces forward. "what is it, sir?"

Mario places his hands on the desk. He slides a piece of paper to him, so Ness picks it up and begins reading it to himself.

Ness, it seems your injury will get in the way of the tournament. I've already arranged a replacement for you. Claus will fight in your place. Since he will be fighting in your place, he will have your move set for the duration of the tournament. If you wish to have him train with the move set, we will allow it. I'm sorry that you will not be able to participate this year, but we want the best for you and your friends. If Claus wins the tournament, both you and him will be awarded. We're all ready for you when you're done healing, us and the players. Get well soon.

Signed,

Mario

Ness hands the paper back to Mario and sighs. "Yeah, I saw that coming. I really didn't want this inconvenience, and I know you didn't either, but I'll make sure Claus is ready by next Tuesday."

Mario nods his head. "Good. Start as soon as possible, since adapting to new moves is a lengthy process."

"Can do." Ness turns around to the twins. "Let's go guys; we have a lot of work ahead of us."

All three boys walk out of the room, but Claus is confused about the situation. "What was the paper all about?"

Ness lowers his head, and takes his hat off. He puts it on Claus' head and gives a soft smile. "You're fighting in my place. I can't do anything because of my injury, but I'll be rooting for both of you from the sidelines."

"I-I have to fight for you?! Mario also talked about a new move set... D-Does that mean I have to learn all your moves?!"

"Yep. You'll be fine, Claus, just follow my lead and do as I do."

Claus shook off his anxiety and ran to the training room. He was ready to get started but Lucas, not having Ness fighting against him, feels extremely relieved. He grabs Ness' hand, then they walk to the training room together. There's a long week ahead of them.