MZ: I've been in an EarthBound mood. I finished EarthBound on my Wii U and have started EarthBound Beginnings. I just felt the need to keep this story going. Buzz-Buzz, the disclaimer if you please.
Buzz-Buzz: does not own any of the intellectual property in this story.
MZ: Thanks. Story time!
Chapter 4: On the Road to Duncan Factory
"So, where is this factory again?" Ness asked as the group of eight continued their way southeast of town.
"It's just north of my hometown of Merrysville." Lloyd answered.
"Merrysville? I've never heard of that town before." Paula mused.
"Well, as Jeff said, we are in a different region of Eagleland." reminded Poo.
"That is true." Ness agreed.
"So, is Merrysville very far?" Jeff questioned.
"Not really. Once we get to the south bridge, it's only about an hour away." Lloyd again answered.
Eventually, they passed the bridge, however the sky was beginning to darken.
"It seems we arrived only a little while before the evening." Poo realized.
"We'll have to get a couple rooms at the hotel. We can leave for the factory tomorrow morning." Teddy agreed.
The group finally came upon Merrysville's north road, continuing along it for a few more minutes before turning southward into the town proper. They quickly made for the hotel, where Ness and Ninten split the tab and bought a couple of rooms for the night.
The next morning, they restocked their supplies at the local department store and then headed off north towards their destination.
"It's about an hour and a half to the factory." Lloyd informed.
"Anything else we should know?" Ness asked.
"Yeah. Watch out for living cars and trucks. There's a bunch around these parts." Ninten replied.
As if on cue, a blue car came rumbling towards the group, it's horn blaring.
"Speak of the devil." Teddy remarked.
"Let's take it out! PK Freeze Gamma!" Paula shouted.
The freezing wave of psychic energy slammed into the car. It wasn't quite beaten and retaliated by releasing a massive burst of exhaust, catching the group full in the face. Everyone beganus coughing. Ness held in his coughs long enough to yell out a move.
"PK Rockin Gamma!" Ness screamed out. Primary colored energy zipped towards the car, causing it to explode on contact. Poo hastily raised a psychic shield to protect everyone from the blast.
The exhaust cleared, and everyone could breathe normally again. Well, everyone but Ninten. Though he was done coughing, Ninten continued to gasp and wheeze. Ana quickly grabbed something from her bag and handed it to Ninten. It turned out to be an inhaler. Ninten puffed the inhaler a couple times, taking a deep breath and holding it for a few moments before slowly letting it go.
"Phew. Thanks, Ana." Ninten sighed with relief.
"You're welcome, Ninty." Ana giggled, planting a quick kiss on Ninten's cheek.
"Are you ok, Ninten?" Ness asked.
"I'm fine. I have asthma, and exhaust fumes can easily cause it to act up." Ninten answered.
"Alright, as long as you can keep going." Jeff said.
"I can. Let's go. We're not too far." Ninten reassured.
The eight of them continued on. The tip of a metal structure began to appear in the distance.
MZ: Another one down. Hope you all enjoyed. Be seeing you next chapter.
