Fractured Reality Part 4

Ness and Ninten stay with Lucas as he cries. The two of them are silent, giving Lucas this chance to let out his feelings. Ninten has his arm around Lucas's shoulders to keep him grounded as his emotions calm down bit by bit. After some time Lucas leans on Ninten. Ninten doesn't mind it as he lets the other boy do so and after a while, when the hiccuping stops, they hear the soft sounds of snoring. Ness and Ninten look at Lucas to see the blonde asleep.

"Looks like he tired himself out…" Ness says, reaching out again to ruffle the blonde's hair gently. Ness had noticed that doing this seems to put the boy at ease.

"I'll take him to his room," Ninten says as he lifts Lucas into his arms.

Ness gets to his feet and they both move to return to the castle. Bone had been laying at the entrance for some time saying nothing. Upon sensing them approach the entryway, Bone stands to quickly follow them.

"Should we do something about the door?" Ness questions glancing back at the wide open doorway.

"It's an ingress, remember?"

"Don't you start," Ness retorts.

Ninten snickers before saying, "Well unless you know how to fix it, go right ahead, cause I don't."

Ness stares at the hinges and the ingress on the floor then sighs, "Eh, it's late. Let's deal with it tomorrow," Ness resigned as he crossed his arms behind his head.

"My thoughts exactly," Ninten responds as he walks up the stairs to the sleeping chambers. Ness follows him with Bone continuing to trail behind quietly, seeming still on alert for anything. They arrive shortly at Lucas' room. Ness draws the covers first before Ninten lays Lucas down. Ness draws the covers back over Lucas, of course slipping off Lucas' shoes.

"Geez, I feel like a mom…" Ninten mutters dryly.

"Heh, I know, right!" Ness says. Ness turns his attention to Lucas' sleeping form. "There's just something about him that just... makes me feel protective. Is that weird?"

"Considering we just met each other today, yes, it is," Ninten says before he lets out a sigh and glances at Lucas. "But I feel the same way, but I'd wager it's because our PSI allows us to connect with people in a different way. Sometimes it's hard to put a feeling to it but other times not so much, especially with other people who use PSI. The type of energy I feel from Lucas is extremely chaotic, more so than ever at this moment. But it carries a very gentle and warm feeling along with it if you pay attention. It's actually kinda pleasant, calming, too."

"Thank you, I've been trying to put it into words, but I couldn't figure it out. So what do you feel from me?"

"Irritation," Ninten responds without a beat of hesitation. Ness frowns at him, but Ninten smirks. "But it's coupled with an overwhelming amount of spirit and strength. Honestly, it feels like having a real-life superhero on your side."

"Oh…" Ness scratches the back of his head, a bit embarrassed at the unintended compliment.

"You're still annoying," Ninten remarks before he turns to leave the room.

"Jerk…" Ness said in a half-hearted tone. He looks at Lucas' sleeping form, seeing the boy shivering. "It'll be alright bud, we'll be here," Ness says as he pets Lucas' head, sending waves of PSI Healing through his fingertips. He's sure that Lucas didn't suffer any serious injuries from the fight, at least he hoped since he was trying to be as nonviolent with Lucas as possible. He just knows that PSI Healing always helps relax a person. The tension in Lucas' face seems to ease. Ness smirks before moving to leave the room, closing the door behind him. Ness notice Bone has curled up by the door.

"I'll keep Lucas safe," Bone barks.

"I'm sure you will, bud," Ness said and got a low growl in response. "I mean Bone, sorry," Ness corrected before ruffling the mutt's fur.

Ness decided to check on Flame. Curious about how he could still be asleep after all that. He poked his head into Flame's room to see he was shivering less than before when he checked on him. Ness walked inside to place a hand on his shoulder, and he did the liberty of casting PK Healing over Flame, thinking he might be ill. Flame relaxes considerably, so Ness assumes it did its job. Ness looked up, noticing it was quite dark in Flame's room; he noticed that the windows were boarded up too, not allowing a single drop of moonlight into the room. It was odd, and confusing, and made Ness want to go to bed, rather than deal with any further mysteries. He turned to leave and closed the door behind him. Ninten sends Ness a questioning look. Ness could only shrug and shake his head with a sigh. Recognizing the sigh as a way of expressing his own confusion, Ninten let it be. They shared eye contact for a moment before they smirked. They both raised their fist and bumped the back of their fists against each other before retiring to their own rooms without a word.

-000-

Lucas' eyes slowly opened partially, but he quickly shuts them as the intense rays of the sun bounced off his face. He turns over in his bed facing away from the sunlight. He feels himself begin to drift back into sleep as he relaxes his aching muscles. It took a moment for his mind to suddenly start to wake up to realize something was off. He opened his eyes again, seeing himself in bed, but he was sure that he had stepped out in the middle of the night. Also someone had appeared too. Lucas' eyes open fully as he sits up removing the bed sheet and the comforter, his eyes scan the room around him. He had a fight with Ninten and Ness, and the last thing he remembers is being in the night air, he supposed that Ness and Ninten must've pitied him enough to put him back in his bed. After all, there's no way they actually cared about him.

"Someone... was here…but who was it?" he thought. He tried to trace the power to its owner but no luck. "That's strange I can't seem to-," Lucas began but was instantly cut off when the door suddenly sprang open.

"GOOOOOD MORNING LUCAS!" Flame exclaimed as he pushed the door open. He crosses the room in what felt like less than a second.

Lucas jumped back giving off a silent squeal, "Wh-what…huh..."

"I came to wake you up, so get up sleepy head! It's time to go exploring!"

Lucas' face hardened slightly, "T-that um...well weren't you around last night?"

"Last night?" Flame responds confused.

"Yeah, there was this big fight, some of the details are a little unclear to me though but I'm sure it happened…"

"I heard some noise but eh I didn't sweat it. Figured you off-worlders were just doing what you do. Whatever that may be." Flame gave a sheepish grin before rubbing the back of his head.

"I guess you're quite the heavy sleeper…"

"Thanks!" Flame states proudly poking his chest out. Lucas is a bit befuddled that the other boy took it as a compliment. Flame's reaction makes his face soften a bit, letting a small smile slip onto his face. Flame's face lights up immediately, noticing it, "Hey I made you smile!"

"That's not such a big deal," Lucas quickly responds, a bit embarrassed at having so much attention drawn to him over something so minor. "…Where are Ness and Ninten?"

"I don't know…probably in their rooms."

Lucas nods understanding. He moves to stand from his bed, his body only feeling slightly sore from the fight last night surprisingly. He looks down at his hands. Flame tilts his head at the action as he glances down at Lucas' hands as well. He didn't see what could be so interesting. They appeared a bit rough with a few callouses but nothing that interesting. Flame then slowly begins to come to a realization that Lucas' hands hold a history behind them, so this prompts the red-head to look down at his own. His own hands are soft, unblemished, free of scars or calluses. Making him a true blank slate. Flame shakes off this moment of melancholy as then he reaches out to grab Lucas' hand, surprising the blonde, Lucas looks at Flame surprised.

"Come on. You said there was a fight, shouldn't we check on Ness and Ninten?"

"...They probably don't wanna see me…" Lucas remarks sadly.

"Well let's go see them!" Flame says pulling Lucas on to his feet. Flame, with Lucas' hand in his own, exits the bedroom. "Morning again Buddy!" Flame remarks at the Hound curled up next to the doorway. The animal gives a loud snort, possibly in distaste. Lucas smiles back at the animal as Flame pulls him along. Flame enters an adjacent chamber poking his head in. "Morning Ness!" Flame calls. He quickly retracts his head as a shoe crashes against the door as Flame retreats. "Well that was the second shoe so you're out of ammo-" Flame states as he fully enters the room only for the other shoe to smack him in the face, the bottom of the shoe bouncing off his face. Flame quickly turns, flinging the door open and nursing the blow to his nose. "Ow…"

"Learn to knock damnit…" Ness growls glaring with one eye open and an open palm lazily pointed at the doorway with his other shoe floating over his shoulder. Ness' eyes fully open seeing Lucas standing in the doorway clearly frazzled at being there. He gives the blonde a friendly smile as he drops his hand, "Morning Lucas."

"Uh, Go-Good Morning Ness…" Lucas stutters out extremely flustered. What exactly do you say to someone after nearly trying to kill them?

"If you're up I guess it may have gotten pretty late in the morning. Might even be afternoon huh."

"...Hard to say with three suns…" Lucas mutters. Lucas is unable to meet gazes with Ness as the older boy begins to sit up.

"Flame came in earlier with that loud as hell good morning of his. Obviously, out of the three of us you were the only one nice enough to not smack him…"

"Ninten said he'd rip my limbs off before I even got the words out!" Flame says in a cheery tone despite the dark threat.

"So you thought having Lucas greet us instead of you would pacify us, and you decide to test that theory on me," Ness says with a glare aimed at Flame. The red head smirks bashfully as he rubs the back of his head, as if he was given some endearing compliment. Ness rolled his eyes before they fell upon Lucas.

"I'm really sorry…" Lucas states. "I'm not-,"

Suddenly in a flash of movement Ness is standing before Lucas in the blink of an eye, leaving his bed without an eye tracking him. He reaches to grab the boy by his shoulders. "Before that self-deprecating thought gets out. I wanna say you're okay, it's okay, you didn't do anything wrong."

"Yeah...yet…"

Ness sighs. "You can talk to me if you want. You can talk to Ninten or if you're feeling desperate, Flame too. But whenever you're ready," Lucas is surprised when he feels something land on his head. His eyes tilt up surprised to see Ness had placed his cap on his blonde head. Ness does the honor of adjusting the cap on Lucas' head so it isn't uncomfortable as he tilts the bill to the side. "Lots of hair there, but when you're ready to talk just give my hat back to me."

Lucas has a strange feeling beginning to build inside him, he isn't sure if he should be trusted with something that Ness clearly values. He doesn't even think he's deserving of this type of compassion.

"Whoa you're giving him your hat, you don't even take that off when you fight!" Flame points out, surprised.

"It's meant as a symbol of trust," Ness says walking past Lucas.

"Well where's my symbol of trust?!"

"You get my shoe print," Ness responded, shoving Flame aside with his foot as he left his room. "Don't do anything to my shoes, and make sure Bone doesn't chew on 'em. I'm going to see what we have for breakfast around here."

"What about Ninten?" Flame asks.

"I heard Ninten's warning to you, and I like my limbs attached. Thank you very much, just send Lucas," Ness responds.

"Great idea!" Flame exclaims. Lucas was still too much in his own head to really process the fact that Flame was dragging him to certain doom. Flame racks his fist against the door before quickly running down the hall. It was at this moment Lucas glances up to see the door open to reveal Ninten.

"Was I not clear about the limbs and how removed you'd be from them!?" Ninten growls also without wearing his hat. Lucas inwardly notes how crazily similar Ninten and Ness look alike, with Ninten having straighter hair compared to Ness' curly locks and obviously Ninten's dark blue eyes. Ninten glares forward till his gaze relaxes seeing Lucas.

"Crafty bastard…" Ninten mutters. He let out a hefty sigh before meeting eyes with Lucas or at least trying to. The moment their eyes meet Lucas flinches uncomfortable under Ninten's stern look, so Lucas' gaze shifts to his bare feet. "I'm not gonna hurt you Lucas," Ninten states pointedly.

"I'm not worried about you hurting me...if last night wasn't obvious…"

"I can get that," Ninten responds. Ninten sighs as he reaches out to pat the blonde boy on the head. "This is so not fair sending him to me…" Ninten mutters glaring towards where Flame had run off. Ninten returns his focus on Lucas to give a tired smile. "Well, I guess we're all up now, might as well see what's up with breakfast right," Ninten remarks stepping forward out of his room.

"Ninten...I'm really sorry…"

"It's fine, I forgive you," Ninten grabs Lucas' hand, surprising the blonde. "Come on Bone!" he calls walking down the corridor. Bone was quick to follow at the call of his name. Ninten leads the way to what appears to be a large dining area with an elongated brown table taking up most of the space of the room. It was right across from the common area so the battle scars of last night were obvious. Lucas would've probably wallowed more in his guilt and shame if Ninten wasn't pulling him along. They enter the dining hall seeing Ness sitting at the table, but no Flame.

"Where's Flame?"

"He said he'd whip us up something from his garden," Ness answers with his cheek resting against his palm clearly still a bit sleepy.

"He has a garden? Him gardening?! Ha, this I gotta see!" Ninten says, taking a seat across from Ness while pulling Lucas to sit next to him.
"Exactly, so...what do you guys think of him so far?"

"He seems innocent enough, a little hyperactive, but I think he's just excited to have company. He seems harmless, so I think we can trust him," Ninten said.

"Yeah, I had the same thought. So I guess we don't have to worry about him. Now, what do you guys think of Peril?"

"Had a run in with some of the wildlife last night. They're fierce but I think we should be fine as long as we have shelter. Still we should be careful. Everything here seems bred to kill on sight."

"And that guy, Roid?" Ness questions.

"Void…" Lucas gently corrects.

"Right him," Ness nods. "We should be careful of him. Seems like he has some weird powers. I've never seen anything like that. Possessing people in such a way gives me the creeps…"

Ninten nodded, "That definitely wasn't PSI, that I'm sure of. Maybe Flame has an idea of what kinda power it was."

"So what's the plan?" Ness asked.

"We have to get a lay of the land I think. Once we know more about this place we can probably find some way of getting back home."

"Weren't we summoned here for something…?" Lucas questions in a soft voice. Ness and Ninten are a bit surprised that Lucas contributed to the conversation. They were struck a bit dumb he had said anything as they figured he wouldn't. Ness was the quickest to recover not wanting to draw too much attention to the awkward boy.

"That's...I think that's true. I heard a voice just before my little skydiving adventure."

"Same, saying something about helping Peril. But we don't exactly have a lot to go on right now."

"Alright my alien friends!" Flame exclaims bringing out two steaming plates of meat still on the bone. They were both huge in size that put them on edge in surprise.

"I thought you said you grew this in a garden?" Ness asked.

"Yeah, can you not grow meat where you're from?"

"No!"

"Well if it tastes the same I have no complaints," Ninten says as he grabs one of the meat plates and begins skinning the meat of the bone with the knife on the plate. Ness and Lucas stare at him as he does this, and then he shovels a large portion into his mouth. They even watch him chew and swallow. "Wow, this is some good stuff!"

"Well if Ninten is going vegan," Ness said, grabbing the plate of meat to scrape off the meat from the bone. It was an odd breakfast but the "aliens" enjoyed it and even noted the meat tasted very good. Flame explained that he had grown it himself, to which Ness claimed it made no sense, but Ninten and Lucas took it in stride since they are on an alien world after all. Lucas had slipped some of his meal to Bone who sat at his side since for every bite he took he gave some to the Hound. During the course of the meal Ness and Ninten explained everything that happened last night to Fuel and to a lesser extent Lucas.

"Wow that sounds rough…I know why don't we unwind a bit at the bathhouse!"

"Bathhouse?" Ness questioned.

"Yep, the castle has one in the back come on lets do it!"

It was becoming apparent that it's difficult to convince an idea out of Flame's head once he got it, so the boys agreed. Especially since that would sound amazing to soak for a little bit. Ness joked how Ninten could really use it. To which Ninten responded with a question.

"Does anyone know what happens when 100 pounds of torque is applied to a ball socket joint?" The room was quiet for a moment.

"Rips it off…" Lucas says meekly.

"Very good Lucas," Ninten says, staring daggers at Ness.

Lucas stared at the two with slight confusion. 'Didn't they work together to save me last night?'

Flame only gives a laugh getting to his feet. He walks over to get Lucas to his feet. "W-what!?" Lucas asks, surprised.

"Lets go!" He exclaims. Ninten stretched, before following Lucas and Flame, with Ness close behind.

"So you notice anything off about Lucas?" Ninten asked.

Ness shook his head. "He seems to be back to normal…a slight difference."

"What's that?"

Ness smirks. "He isn't stuttering as much and I almost got a conversation out of him."

"Progress I suppose…you fight pretty good."

Ness gasped. "A compliment from you?!"

"Don't get used to it."

"I won't, but thanks for the support. You kick butt for a guy with no offensive moves."

Flame turned his head to look at the two to see them having subtle conversation. He felt an odd sensation in his chest at seeing them; it was odd, but he supposed it was just his own excitement getting to him again.

-000-

Violet eyes stared impatiently at the castle, hissing a bit as a sun ray touched his shoulder.

"Sunlight is annoying..." The figure groaned before he began to walk deeper into the mushroom forest; the mushrooms began to clump closer the further he went. "Speaking to the guardian is so problematic," The figure stopped and crossed his arms "Ah you're here." Void stated in a bored tone of voice.

Another figure appeared from around another large mushroom with a smirk on their face before removing a lock of hair from their face. "That was not a nice thing to say about someone Void when they're not around."

"Ah, so that was wrong. You are very problematic to speak with Guardian."

The figure rolls their eyes, "I… suppose that's better. I've been busy with my own affairs, sorry I guess."

"I see, so will your beasts be able to act?"

"Yes Lord Void," the figure said, sarcasm spilling off her tongue. "They should be plenty to deal with four weaklings, unlike you it seems."

"Well I guess I'm supposed to hope this all works out…" Void responds languidly, turning to leave the figure.

"My Haven he is so hard to read…"

-000-

Lucas, Ninten and Ness stared gaping at the large bathhouse that was set in front of a rocky pathway, towering over them as if attempting to intimidate them. The cream coating of the paint shined as the sun beat down on it, causing the three to have to squint. Uniquely twisted fencing kept the house enclosed; neatly trimmed hedges surrounded the bathhouse. The roof is peaked, slanting down at an angle. The windows had royal purple curtains hanging on the other side of them, drawn so that the sunlight could stream through. As they stepped onto the walkway, they noticed a marble fountain sitting towards the right side of the lawn. An angel holding a flower was perched on top, looking up towards the sky. Water spurted from its other hand, which lay gently out in front of it, as if waiting for someone to take it in return. The water fell gently towards the crystal blue pond beneath it, causing ripples to form and wave out until they were no more. Bushes trimmed into all sorts of weird and creepy animals and people littered the parts of the lawn that were not taken up by the fountain.

"Wow this bathhouse is bigger than my whole house," Ninten gapped.

"Hurry up and open it," Flame said. Ninten regarded him as he opened the door. The room was filled with faucets and bath tubs, a large staircase led to the second floor of the bath house. "Hurry up guys we don't have all day to gape."

"We should clean ourselves before we get in…" Lucas advised moving to one of the stalls.

"Really, I usually just jump in…" Flame said with confusion.

"Well you normally don't have guest, so that makes sense," Ness says.

"With how nice this place is, I hope there's a filtration system…" Ninten mutters following after Lucas. The boys clean themselves off before slipping into the warm waters of the hot spring located upstairs. For some reason Flame refused to use a towel to cover himself before entering the hotspring. Once in the water the four of them begin to feel rejuvenated and restored.

Lucas isn't sure if he should leave Ness' hat on or off so he ended up wearing it while in the bath. Ninten had grabbed his hat, and kept his hat on so he felt less self conscious about it. Each of them claim a spot in the large bath with the steaming water relaxing their muscles. The only odd thing was how it stayed so warm without any obvious source of heat keeping it warm. Lucas even added a dosage of PK Healing into the waters, his energy coating the waters further relaxing them all.

"Lucas," Ness says, gaining the blonde's attention. "Just relax, you don't need to do that."

Lucas blushes a bit at being found out for what he was doing. He relents to the request anyway, allowing the tension to fully leave his body.

"This was a great idea…" Ninten says in satisfaction tilting his head back.

"By the way Flame, this Void guy was using a weird power we've never seen before. You have any idea what that might be."

"Weird power...you might be talking about Old Power," Flame said looking up in thought.

"Old Power, what's that?" Ness asks.

"A power strengthened by emotion. It is power bestowed onto the world by our god Haven. There are different types and uses. I've read up on it a bit in the library here," Flame explained. He holds up his hand out of the water for a small fire to erupt from his palm. "I have it too, so I was trying to understand what this power is. I still don't really understand all of it. I've read so many books on it and I still don't fully understand it…"

"A power that is fueled by emotion huh, isn't that like PSI?"

"Not necessarily," Ninten says. "PSI has more to do with our thoughts and turning those thoughts into power. Using it as an extension of ourselves but it isn't fueled by emotion. Seeing as we can run out of PSI energy no matter how we may feel."

"So one is fueled by emotion while the other is fueled by thought huh," Ness says looking up in contemplation. "But they aren't that different are they?"

"Maybe, hard to say since we don't have all the information about Old Power," Ninten says.

"Oh I have a book on Old Power!" Flame exclaims. He moves through the water's edge to open a compartment next to the bath. "I stash this book here to do some reading when I'm bored."

Ness blinks surprised, "Convenient, what does it say?"

Flame opens the book, "Well it is an introduction to Old Power. It doesn't even list the different types only giving the basics of what it is."

"There are types of Old Power?"

"Yeah, aren't there different types of PSI?"

"No not really," Ness said.

"That sounds rather limiting," Flame responds.

"Is there an Old Power that can possess people?" Ninten asked.

"Not sure, that sounds abnormal even for Old Power users. This book only lists elemental abilities, like mine."

"Elemental?" Ness questioned.

"Yeah, like fire, ice, wind, lightning, energy, and ground. These elements are the basis of Old Power as it connects with the world around us. Well the world of Peril at the very least. The best Old Power users are the Guardians."

"Guardians? Who are they?" Ninten askes.

"They are supposed to defend each layer from danger and ensure the inner layers stay safe from danger."

"Layers, what does that mean?"

"Wow you guys really are off world, layers define the the different biomes within the world of Peril. Guardians defend these doorways with their lives to prevent enemies from moving into the catacombs of this world."

"What's in the catacombs?" Ness asks.

"A forbidden secret…"

"Which is?"

"Did you not hear me? It's a secret so who knows what it is!"

"Enlightening, any Old Power that can summon people from other worlds?" Ness asks.

"Does that sound like an element?" Fuel responds incredulously.

"Well I figured I'd ask. What is defined as elements might be different to what we aliens consider elements." Ness explains.

"That's a fair point," Ninten added.

"Whatever the case you guys are here, and who knows why. Maybe the Guardians might know," Flame says.

"Where can we find them?" Ness asks. Flame shrugs in response. "You're a real wealth of knowledge Flame."

"You guys may not be from this world, but we do have sarcasm here too, just so you know," Flame responds with a glare.

"Thank god for that!" Ness exclaims happily.

"Was that sarcasm?" Flame asks.

"No," Lucas answered for Flame's benefit. Flame is a bit surprised Lucas spoke but smirks that Lucas finally said something.

"Hey Lucas, you like the hot tub?" Flame asks, trying to start a conversation with the blonde.

"Yeah," Lucas responds absentmindedly as he seems to be looking off into space. Flame frowns at that response.

"Something wrong Lucas?" Ness asked.

Lucas glances at Ness before staring off into empty space again, "Well...I dont wanna ruin anyone's fun…"

"Come on man, we already know your the most observant one here, just say it," Ninten says.

"Flame will stand up right now and flash you all the goods with no shame," Ness adds. Lucas's eyes flicker to Flame who seemed to be vibrating in place with his own contained energy. Clearly wanting Lucas' attention.

"I just...well... something feels different suddenly for some reason…"

"What feels different?" Ness asks.

"Well, growing up I was around nature a lot. A lot like this place. Everything is alive in it's own way, it's kinda like when you see animals suddenly rushing away from a danger humans haven't noticed yet. Basically its kinda like that."

"Oh that's so cool!" Ness exclaimed.

"Y-You think so?" Lucas asks.

"Totally that's really cool man, you shouldn't feel embarrassed about that," Ninten remarks.

"Most people think its odd or disconcerting…"

"Well we don't, so come on tell us," Flame encourages.

"Well...it feels like a sudden burst of aggression, like this build up of tension. All around us."

"Like the animals are in danger?" Flame asks.

"No, they aren't, but we might be…" Lucas explained.

"Well that's foreboding…" Ness remarks.

"Well a few more minutes won't hurt right. Let's just relax, not like we have a place to rush off to."

"Well we need to find out where the Guardian is," Ninten added.

"Why not get Bone to take us to the village of settlers here," Flame suggests.

"Better than sitting around," Ninten says.

With that the four boys continue relaxing in the bath. Idle conversation following the tense topic. Lucas himself was more engaged with Bone who lays on the edge of the water. Claiming that the heated water wasn't comfortable to him, but laying in the steam was just as relaxing to him. Lucas' wet hand petting the Hound's fur.

It was later the three boys learned that the heating system is Flame himself especially when he briefly left the water and it suddenly cooled down. Also the steam cascading from his skin was enough of an image that made all of them want to get out. Once out and fully refreshed they dress themselves before leaving the castle.

"Do we just jump down?" Ness asks.

"Last one down in a gungen egg!" Flame exclaims leaping over the edge. With that the other three boys follow with Lucas carrying Bone. Once on the ground Bone begins leading the boys to the group of settlers. The cool mushroom forest was beginning to warm up again. However, it was not as unbelievably hot as the other area where the Killer Flies resided. It was a rather uneventful treach. Ignoring the strange green river that flows through the land and past the aqua green waterfall. The hives even began to look more like trees that the three were more familiar with. Though all them are still wary of them. After traveling through a thicket they began to hear sound. It wasn't long until they approached a stone wall structure. The large grey boulders easily serving as a natural barrier. At least 40 feet high all around. They approach the entrance guarded by two men. Both men flinch into a ready stance upon their approach but seem to relax after giving them a better look.

"Seems the hound found some new stragglers," one of them said.

"Well all but one of them is new, red-headed boy, what brings you here?"

"My name is Flame now," the boy says rather proudly. The two guards seemed rather amused at how proud he was of such a simple name. "Is it okay if we come in?"

"As long as you and your guest don't cause trouble," He responds as both guards relax and allow them passage.

"Oh, so you've been here before?" Ness asks.

"Yeah."

"Why didn't you mention that before?!" Ness exclaims.

"I could've sworn I did…" Flame says with a thoughtful look on his face. Ness simply sighs as they follow him into the village compound. It is very rustic. Most of the dwellings were made of wood or stone or a combination of the two. They are in the shape of cabins with a large fire pit in the center of all the homes. The people were simply hanging around enjoying the day. Many men, women, and children were all just relaxing and enjoying themselves for the most part.

It seemed like a rather peaceful society that they established. The dress was also very rustic with tunics all designed in different ways depending on the wearer. Attention is definitely on them since they are dressed very differently. It also was a strange fact that Flame is dressed differently despite being a denizen of this layer, which is odd. Bone leads them toward the back of the small village to one of the cabins that stands separated from the others standing on a small hill. Bone trots briskly up to it and begins barking loudly. After a few barks the door opens revealing a burly man that made Lucas' heart skip a beat. The man wore a cowboy hat with his own tunic, leggings and ankle high top brown boots. He seemed like a rather strong and commanding man who demanded no nonsense. His eyes fall on Bone as the Hound rushes over.

"Hey mutt," he says with a friendly smile as he bends down to ruffle the Hound's fur. "Where's your scarf? Ya know that's how we tell ya apart from the rest of the beasts out there. I was starting to get concerned when you didn't come back last night." His eyes gaze upward seeing the four boys. "But I'm guessing you were in safe hands."

"Hey Chief," Flame greets.

"Hello red headed boy," the man responds.

"My name is Flame now, Barrack," Flame says proudly puffing out his chest.

"You have visitors along with a new name. Its a wonder you couldn't come up with that one on your own," he says in a teasing tone. "Have you come to join us? Or is there something else?"

"I wanted to show you I found aliens!"

"Aliens?"

"Yeah, beings from another world, not another layer but somewhere different altogether! All three of them."

"Three? I only see two here," he says. Upon hearing that Flame is surprised, so he turns back to his friends to see Ness and Ninten are there but not Lucas. Ness and Ninten are also surprised at the distinct lack of a blonde member of their party.

"When did he leave?" Ninten questions clearly surprised.

"I hadn't even noticed…" Ness says. "I'll track him down, he couldn't have gotten far," Ness says running off.

"If he's missing the mutt here can track him down faster," Barrack says.

"Ness will find him, he was with us so like he said he couldn't have gotten far. Plus he kinda sticks out like a sore thumb like the rest of us," Ninten says. "Anyway, my name is Ninten, Ness is the one who just ran off, and Lucas is the one he's looking for."

"Nice to meet you young man," he says, extending a hand. Ninten reaches out, shaking the man's hand. "Strong handshake, you are a man I am inclined to trust. I am Barrack, the imposed chief of this settlement."

"Imposed?" Ninten questions.

"Yes, I didn't necessarily ask to be put in a position of authority, in the past I outright rejected it. However, the people of this village rely on me so it would be cruel to ignore the trust they have put in me."

Ninten had to respect that, "Well glad to meet you."

"Likewise, seeing as the red-I mean, Flame, has brought you here I assume you need help with something?"

"Yeah, my friends are looking to find a way home and we think talking with the Guardian of this biome-,"

"Layer," Flame interjects.

"Right, the Guardian of this layer could maybe help us in doing that. We were hoping that people more familiar with the land could help us out with that."

Barrack's face darkens, "I'm afraid that's not possible."

"Why is that?" Ninten asks.

"Because the Guardian is only a Guardian in name only. She is the one who has been tormenting us thus far."

-000-

"Geez Lucas, where'd you go?" Ness questioned standing atop the stone wall around the village. He was surprised that Lucas even managed to slip away without his notice, but to stay hidden in this village of foreign people was quite the feat. He ran back to the guards first to ask if Lucas had come by. Of course he hadn't. Ness finds it hard to imagine no one saw Lucas since the blonde kinda sticks out. Which meant he went somewhere secluded. "And there are probably animals there," Ness realized, seeing as Bone was the only thing Lucas has made a genuine connection with. He scans the village to see a small stable with sheep like creatures gathered there. Ness thinks this is his best bet and he warps there. He only had to circle the place once before coming across Lucas sitting at the backside next to the gate where a few of the big horned sheep creatures seemed to be talking with him. Ness approaches Lucas' prone form which is curled up with his face in his knees.

"Lucas, you can't run off like that, ya scared us half to death," Ness says as he approaches the blonde. Lucas doesn't respond as he stays where he is. Ness sighs before taking a seat next to him rubbing one of the curious sheep-like creatures on the head. They all seemed to be saying that Lucas was very upset about something. "What's wrong? I hadn't known you long, but that felt like something that was new for you."

"I won't go back there," Lucas says sternly, leaving no room for argument.

"Is something wrong with that guy, Bone seems to like him," Ness says. Lucas doesn't respond to him. "Come on Lucas, I want to help you…" he says.

"You shouldn't. I'm a monster…" Lucas responds. It is at this statement that Ness realizes that Lucas is crying. A serious crying that left little room for any talking.

"Come on Lucas, no you aren't," Ness says placing a hand on Lucas's back gently rubbing it. "Come on, tell me what's wrong. Even the sheep-like-things are worried about you." At this statement there is a few chorus of noises from the sheep creatures as if in confirmation.

"That man looks exactly like my father…"

"Really?!" Ness says surprised. "But he can't be right?"

"He's not, I could sense the...the distinct difference...but despite that you can trust him…"

"Trusting him isn't really the issue here Lucas. You freaked out and ran off. That kinda scared us."

"You can't possibly mean that!" Lucas exclaims without looking at Ness. "I don't care what you think you feel from my PSI or how nice I seem. I'm a monster! I've hurt people! I know what I said. Evil people hurt anyone who get in their way no matter the cost. Monsters, they hurt any and everyone with no reason!" Sparks of PSI energy began to dance around Lucas's body. Light blue sparks began building. Ness was startled a bit seeing the build up of energy without a clear threat. It was building rapidly too, like it could explode out at any second.

"Lucas?!" Ness exclaims.

Lucas's breathing becomes ragged. Sucking in air in a slight panic as he seems to be trying to bring the energy under control. He clenches his fist so tight, Ness is worried he may break skin with his nails. "Do you have PSI Magnet?"

"Yeah…" Ness says confused.

"Use it, now!" Lucas orders. Hearing the tone Ness placing his hand on Lucas' shoulder beginning to drain some of his PSI energy. Ness is surprised at the stockpile of power held within. When using PSI Magnet, Ness can kinda get a feel for how powerful an enemy is. As he drains the energy he can see what felt like a vast ocean of PSI energy that he could very well lose himself in. "That's enough." Ness releases the magnet but keeps his stare on Lucas. Neither of them say anything for a few moments allowing the situation to sink in. "You felt it huh?"

"Lucas, that's...you have a lot of PSI energy in you. I had thought I had a lot of power after I went on my adventures to my sanctuaries. But you, you have so much. How do you contain all that?"

"Sometimes I don't…" Lucas mutters as he seems to be on the verge of panic attack. "It's just too much. I can't keep it all locked up. It will hurt people, I'll hurt people. I can lose myself, and that makes me a monster."

"So...what happened to your dad?"

"...I hurt him...I hurt him really bad…"

"But that couldn't have been your fault! You couldn't have meant to do that!" Ness reasoned.

"Technicalities don't matter to the dead," Lucas responds darkly. Ness is startled hearing that. However, Lucas doesn't say anything more. He just suddenly stands to his feet. "Just leave me alone for a while…" he says walking away. Ness was inclined to chase after him.

"Hey Ness, did you find Lucas?" Ninten asks telepathically. Ninten's words suddenly entering Ness's brain was a welcomed distraction.

"Yeah, but I think we should leave him be for the time being."

"You sure, Flame is pretty worried and Bone is about to go searching for him too."

"I'm not totally sure, but Lucas just doesn't wanna meet with the chief right now. Let's just give him some space for now."