I almost didn't make it, but I've got a second chapter of Exposed to Madness here for everyone!

First I want to thank those who dropped a review for the first chapter. Seeing as how Earthbound is such an old game and my shonen-ai stories don't tend to do that well anyway I wasn't sure what kind of a response to expect. Five reviews though is definitely awesome in my book though!

So BIG thank you to PsiKid, Nessie-DoMiSol, Chimera the Chimera, The-EverLasting-Ash and Erika Extasy! I immortalize you all here!

This is definitely one of the most loosely organized stories I've ever written. I don't know if that will end up being a good thing or a bad thing, but it is interesting for sure. A lot of the happenings in this chapter just came out on their own. So I'm now looking forward to how this story will end up myself.

I guess all that means that this is now my official project and will continue for a while, haha! I'm going to do my best to keep to my tradition of weekly updates, I'm sure I'll miss a few but I will do my best.

Thanks again for the early support, and I hope I can make a story that you guys can continue to enjoy!

On to the story then!

There was a patter sound of water drips. It gave the serene imagery of ripples tracing outward along a smooth fluid surface.

A groan escaped Ness's mouth. It was dark in the room, and before his eyes could focus a wet cloth was draped over his eyes, "You're awake finally?"

"Huh?" Ness asked groggily, "Where am I?"

"Shhh," The voice soothed him, "Everything is alright, we're in Twoson now; we're at my house."

"Paula," Ness breathed out a sigh of relief now having recognized her voice. His throat went slightly dry as he heard her giggle cutely in the darkness, "Paula? Are you alright?"

Paula hummed in affirmation, "Thanks to you, you saved me remember?"

"I didn't do anything," Ness spoke somewhat nervously.

"Of course you did!" Paula was so full of life and energy, even without seeing her face, her voice radiated with it.

"I…" Ness cut himself off as he tried to remember the past few days and found his memory still a bit fuzzy.

"You pushed yourself so hard, and you did it all by yourself didn't you? You're very brave," Ness was appreciative of the darkness in the room as he felt a warm blush coming over his cheeks from Paula's admiration.

Unsure of how to deal with the compliments Ness added, "I didn't do anything that someone else wouldn't have done."

"You're wrong about that," Ness could feel Paula leaning closer to him, her lips were hovering over his ear as she whispered softly, "You are different, very unique and special."

Hoping to change the subject, Ness gulped and asked, "What happened then? Why am I here in bed, and why do I still feel kind of funny?"

Paula put her hand over the cloth and rubbed Ness's forehead gently, "You must not have stopped to rest much over the last few days; you had a look about you when I saw you, tired yet determined. I knew you'd come back for me soon. And when you did we escaped. You were trying to rush straight back here when we saw a strange little UFO that started following us. It caught us by surprise when it fired a beam at me but you jumped in the way. We beat it but the beam gave you a cold and you passed out. We've had you resting here since."

"That's…" Ness's mind was drawing a blank as he took in the information.

The hand lifted from Ness's forehead and pealed back the cloth slightly and allowed his eyes to finally open and meet Paula's, "I've sensed you for so long, but I'm so happy to finally meet you in person Ness. I'm glad that if I'm going to help save the world that it will be with someone like you."

"Me too…" Ness closed his eyes again and inhaled deeply. He opened his eyes to a completely different room, "…I never said it, but I was happy to meet you too."

Chapter 2: Consequence of Choice

Ness sat up and took a look at his surroundings. He appeared to be on a couch in someone's living room. The room was a complete mess with what looked to be piles of junk hiding the carpet. Ness was about to try standing when he noticed a mouse running under different bits of metal in the room.

"I think I know that mouse…" Ness said aloud.

The door to the room opened, or at least it tried to. The knob turned and the door opened somewhat but ran into a collapsed pile of fans and wires which bounced the door shut again. The door tried again this time more slowly pushing against whatever was in its way. The shifting of materials into other bits of parts caused some other precariously placed stand to topple over and dump its contents in the other direction with a loud crash and shattering noises.

"You're up!" Ness blinked as a familiar face was trying to squeeze his belly through the space he'd managed to get the door to provide.

With a shake of his head and a suppressed chuckle, Ness acknowledged the man, "Hey Apple Kid, think you have enough stuff in here?"

Apple Kid shook his head but with a friendly grin replied, "You should see my workshop… or my bedroom for that matter." Apple Kid tried straddling across his parts and equipment to get across the room and closer to his guest.

"I believe you," the amused look slowly began to leave Ness's face. "Apple Kid, what happened and how did I get here? I remember trying to find Paula, but…"

Apple Kid finally made it across the room and sat down on the other side of the couch from Ness and took a deep breath. He looked at Ness for a moment as if searching for something on his face before he tried to explain, "Something happened last night. I umm… slept through it unfortunately, but several of the neighbors told the police that loud noises woke them up at about four this morning. The noises stopped though so no one reported it until around seven when people started going outside and saw all the damage. When the police got there you were the only one inside."

Ness rubbed his temples in frustration, "What happened then, how'd I end up at your place?"

"Well, you're pretty well known around here. Just to be sure the police ran your record with the Onett Police Department who attested to your outstanding citizenship and recommended they not try to detain you for some reason…" Apple Kid seemed genuinely confused by the unusual treatment Ness had received, "In any case I was called in to loan the investigators my new CSA, or crime scene analyzer, that I invented when I recognized you and was asked to take you with me until you woke up."

"Thanks Apple Kid, I guess I owe ya again," Ness nodded in gratitude.

Another hardy laugh came from the other side of the couch, "The boy who saves the universe owes me something? I kind of doubt that. You are welcome though."

Shadows yet again grew across Ness's eyes, "Did I really save the universe though?"

The laughing halted and changed to a look of confusion obviously caused by the serious tone Ness had adopted, "Of course you did, why would you ask that?"

Ness averted his glance for a moment while he thought, "I think something bad is happening. All the things that should have gone away after we defeated Giygas, things are starting to happen again the same way."

"And you think that has something to do with the Polestar's disappearance?" Ness nodded silently in confirmation. "This can't be the only thing going on; last I heard you had all but disappeared on poor Paula."

Ness's head swayed from side to side, "I haven't felt right since the fight against Giygas, Apple Kid. Everyone tells me I'm just paranoid after a fight against something so evil. But I've spent the last year wondering around the world to places I've never been trying to become stronger still because something inside my head is telling me more is coming. Then all this happens; Poo is murdered, Paula goes missing, and I think the armies of Giygas might be involved."

Apple Kid blinked in mild shock from Ness's statement, "You think Giygas might actually still be alive?"

"I don't know what to think..." Ness spoke as he dropped his head into his hands.

A look of sympathy crossed Apple Kid's face as he gazed down upon the savior of the universe, "Obviously something is happening, but I don't think it's a good idea to go and jump the gun just yet. First you've got to figure out your next move and gather more information before coming to any brash conclusions."

Ness looked up and shallowly nodded, "I came back this morning to pick up Paula, we were going to go together to investigate Poo's murder." Ness closed his eyes and tilted his head upward. He tried to clear the thoughts from his head and focus only on Paula. A little meditation was all it took for Ness's mind to channel the sounds of the universe; an ethereal wavelength of strangeness, reflection, and confusion but also of power, beauty, and understanding. Ness's brow furrowed as he concentrated harder.

Several long moments passed; yet Apple Kid waited patiently, somehow able to tell that Ness was extending his mind beyond his body. Something wasn't right however; it became obvious as the expression on Ness's face was growing frustrated.

"Where are you...?" Ness's voice came out as a whisper with an edge of strain. Sweat was forming on his forehead when his eyes snapped open, "Why?"

Apple Kid cleared his throat noisily to try and pull Ness from his trance. He waited for Ness to look his way before asking, "What did you see?"

"It's weird; I can sense Paula which means she's alive. But it's so weak I can't tell where she is. Whenever she was in trouble before I'd be able to hear her. She would call for help in a way and I'd just know where to find her. This time is different," Ness looked up with both confusion and mild fear reflected in eyes, "It's like something is in the way. Something, or maybe someone even, has put up a wall between us."

"So you can't figure out where she is by feeling out her PSI, there has to be another way to find her," trying to stay hopeful, Apple Kid started thinking through a few possibilities, "She doesn't own a mobile phone that we could track. We could try satellite imaging! No… we would have had to be checking them during the time of abduction… If only there was some kind of measurable disturbance we could home in on."

Realization struck Ness and his eyes widened, "Monsters!"

After a few confused blinks Apple Kid responded with, "What?"

"There were monsters called shadjins inside Paula's house!" Ness enthused, "They were there because of a strong aura of chaos. Whoever took Paula is emitting some kind of chaotic aura that is attracting monsters. So if we could find out where there have been a lot of monsters gathering…"

Apple Kid nodded catching on, "Then we would know where the most likely place they went is, brilliant!"

A glimmer of hope appeared over Ness's face, "Have you heard anything about monsters overrunning towns or anything like that lately?"

"Shouldn't be too hard to find out," Apple Kid jumped up from the couch and tried running to a computer desk on the other side of the room. He tripped on a random metal bar and fell into a pile of aluminum pans which bounced and rolled across the room.

Ness grimaced at the sight, "Are you okay?"

Apple Kid rubbed his nose, "Fine, fine, I'm used to that sort of thing…" Finally reaching his desk, he began a web search.

Several moments of silence passed as Apple Kid typed away busily. Ness's nervousness grew by the second, "Found anything that looks like it might be it?"

Eyes never leaving the screen, Apple Kid responded, "Monster activity has been on a good decline over the last two years which should be right. It doesn't look like," the round scientist stopped as his eyes skimmed across a few headlines, "Hold on a second. It looks like there has been a big monster problem that just started a few days ago. It's on a continent far from here so people in Eagleland haven't really been paying attention to it. But the problem has become severe enough to warrant mass evacuations in a country called Chevia."

Ness hopped across the junk in the room to get a better look at the computer screen, "Where is Chev… Chrrr… yeah?"

Apple kid brushed his fingers against his goatee, "It's a long way off, far to the central north region of the other continent. I don't think you've ever been anywhere remotely close to it."

A low grumble escaped Ness's throat as he crossed his arms, "So I can't teleport anywhere close by, I'll have to find another way."

"There's more to worry about as well; reports from the area are claiming some of the monsters to be huge and powerful. I don't think it's a good idea for you to go to a place like that alone. While you were zoned out a bit ago were you able to feel anyone else?" Apple Kid asked looking for a little more hope in their situation.

Ness shook his head, "I couldn't sense Poo at all, so he must really be..." Ness trailed off slightly before continuing, "And Jeff well, he's not a psikinetic. He's unique for sure, but there's no way I could find him on my own. Last I heard he was supposed to be working with his dad and you."

Apple Kid shrugged, "That was over a year ago. I don't know where either of them are now to tell you the truth."

Ness cocked his head to the side as another pang of worry washed over him, "Why not, what happened?

After scratching the back of his head, Apple Kid tried to explain, "Jeff and his dad, they ummm... they had issues. And then something happened. Jeff showed up one day and he was a mess. He wouldn't tell me what was wrong. His dad though either didn't notice or chose to ignore it and kept pushing him about something they were building not working right. Doctor Andonuts blamed Jeff, Jeff blamed his dad, and after a big fight Jeff just walked off. A few days later the old doc closed up shop and disappeared himself. I haven't seen either one of them since."

"Oh man…" Ness frowned and looked around the room. "I had been hoping that Doctor Andonuts would be able to help with transportation again like he did before, but now we have no clue where he or Jeff might be." The two were quiet for a moment, a sad look crossed Ness's face, "I should have kept better contact with everyone, Jeff was always there for me during our travels but when he needed someone I wasn't there…"

Apple Kid didn't know what to say, "Jeff's a strong kid… I'm sure he's found a way to get by besides living out of trashcans, though as much as I wish I did I'm afraid I don't know where he is or how to contact him."

Ness nodded and sighed. Eventually Ness's gaze reached Apple Kid again, "I don't suppose there's any chance you might have a flying machine around here would you?"

A hardy laugh escaped Apple Kid as he shook his head, "I'm flattered you think so highly of me, but I never learned near enough from the doc to be able to build anything like his old skyhopper." The man quieted and stared at the ground for a moment before resolving an inner conflict and looking back up at Ness, "Though I might know of someone who can help you."

"You do?!" Ness lit up immediately, "Great! Who is it and where can I find them?"

"I don't actually know the person," Apple Kid tried to explain, "But there have been a lot of science articles lately coming from a scientist who has been garnering a lot of recognition in the field over the last year. I'm not sure exactly if he'd be willing to help you or not, rumor has it that he's a little shut off from the world. But he has a compound a few miles north of Summers along the coast where he lives and works. I believe his name is Doctor Zambrosia."

"Doctor Zambrosia huh?" Ness took in the information and nodded, "Well I won't know unless I go and talk to him. I can get to Summers easy enough."

Apple Kid held out a hand before Ness could leave, "I still don't think it's a good idea for you to be heading into a dangerous situation alone."

"You don't need to worry about me," Ness gave a thumbs up motion with his right hand, "I never stopped training over the last two years. I'm ready for whatever I'm up against this time. What's going to make this hard is that I can't be in two places at once."

"What do you mean?" It was an unusual statement so Apple Kid pressed on.

"Like I said, Paula and I were supposed to be investigating Poo's murder, but now rescuing Paula before she gets hurt has to be my top priority, but it's possible the two are connected or they might not be, and I owe it to Poo to set things right for what was done to him..." A pained look crossed Ness's face but it was obvious he was resolute in his decision, "I just… I feel terrible… I should have been there for Poo, I'm his friend and I should have been by his side to help him through whatever he was facing! And now I'm not even tracking down the culprit..."

"I can see how that would weigh on your conscience," Apple Kid spoke in a lower tone more suited to the somber aura Ness exuded. A thought crossed the inventor's mind and his eyes slowly travelled back to meet his house guest's, "What if..." a warm smile crossed Apple Kid's face, "I might not be able to help much, but," Apple Kid turned and opened up his desk drawer, pulling out a few items, "My latest invention, would it ease your spirits a bit if I were to go to Dalaam myself and help the investigation with my CSA?"

A weight visibly lifted from Ness's shoulders, "That would be amazing of you if you're sure you're alright with getting all the way over there."

"Don't worry about the travel, I might not be able to move about as fast as you but I do want to help you guys as much as I can too. So if finding clues to what happened to Poo is something I can do then I'm going to do it! I want you to take this also," Reaching into the pile of gadgets in his desk drawer, Apple Kid pulled out a handheld device and holster and gave it to Ness.

"What is it?" Ness asked as he examined the smooth surface.

"I call it a Sat-Tab; it connects via satellite signals to access information. I already have it set to monitor certain news feeds and it will also allow us to message each other back and forth kind of like using text messages," Apple Kid flipped a switch on the side and the screen flickered to life, "Satellite signals can be finicky, so it can lag a bit, but it's definitely loads better than those old receiver phones."

Ness ran his finger along the haptic screen and watched as the device flipped through news articles about cooking, unusual weather, and psikinetic uprisings on the screen, "This is really nice Apple Kid! Yeah, you have really improved in your inventing skill since the old receiver phone." Ness cleared his throat nervously and quickly added, "Not that it wasn't nice too, but not being able to make calls did get annoying."

Another boisterous laugh filled the room, "No offense taken. And your Sat-Tab already has my ID saved so you can message me anytime as well as save new addresses for people you want to email."

"Great," Ness holstered and pocketed the tab, "Thanks for everything Apple Kid, you're always a huge help. Then if we've got our plan figured out I should get going."

"If it wasn't for you guys I never would have been able to work alongside of Doctor Andonuts and learn all the great things I did!" The large man patted Ness on the back, "I'll get going myself as soon as I get my CSA back from the local police and I'll let you know if I find anything."

With a nod Ness turned to leave, "Alright, then there's only one last thing I'm going to need your help with before I go."

"Oh?" Apple Kid stood from his desk.

Ness looked back over his shoulder and pointed ahead of him, "That's the front door right?"

Apple Kid followed Ness's gesture and noticed another pile of junk which was pinning the door shut, "Ah! Yes, let's do something about that."

After a few minutes the door finally opened to the outside world. Ness exited the building and lined up on the street, "Summers, Summers, Summers, Summers," Ness repeated liked a mantra while building his concentration.

Apple Kid watched as Ness began his sprint. The high pitched hum caused by the energy build up around Ness's body quickly moved further and further away until a bright flash of light similar to an explosion reached his eyes, then all went silent.

A few passersby were startled and stopped to turn and look in the direction of the light and noise but Ness was already long gone. Feeling grateful that he was "in the know" compared to the other common townsfolk, Apple Kid continued to grin to himself and returned to his work.

Waters of the beach moved in and out across the sand as the scree of seagulls could be heard while they flew in flocks overhead. The few people on the beach were content to relax and simply soak in the rays of the sun.

The serene atmosphere was temporarily interrupted by a loud burst like pop as a blue portal opened allowing a boy to fly through it. Ness skid to a stop, his feet dug into the sand nearly leaving a burn trail behind him. Once he was stopped the hole in space closed behind him.

Ignoring the stares of the people nearby, Ness looked up into the sky for a moment to use the sun as his orientation guide, "So north, that way."

Ness climbed up to the stone walkway above the beach level.

"You sell Magic cakes?" Paula asked excitedly

The woman at the food cart smiled at the three of them, "I don't know who told you, but you came from far away just to eat my Magic Cake?"

Jeff looked skeptical, "What is it that makes them magical?"

The woman continued to smile sweetly, "I used all leftover materials. This is a very special Magic cake!"

"That… hardly makes any sense!" Jeff pointed out.

"We'll try some!" Paula excitedly bought everyone a slice of the Magic cake.

The woman handed each of them a plate and continued to smile, "Go ahead boys, I'm telling you these cakes are just dreamy!"

Ness and Jeff shrugged toward each other and ate their cake alongside Paula. They sat against the pier and polished off their sweets.

Always the inquisitive one, Jeff asked, "So, do either of you feel any magic maybe?"

"Nope," Ness seemed almost disappointed as he threw the plate away.

"Nothing… yet…" Paula stared out at the ocean

"Paula? What's… wrong…" Ness aborted his question as the ocean in front of him began to change colors. The ocean, the sky, the buildings, everything began bending and waving and dramatically changing hues. Looking down at his own hands Ness could have sworn his skin was changing colors.

Somehow Ness found himself moving toward the shoreline, but he didn't feel like he was walking. Clouds were moving in off the ocean, pinkish clouds, and Ness watched as a world of floating mountains opened up before his eyes.

When Ness's eyes opened again he was able to see more clearly. It was morning and he was still in a heap on the sandy beach. He looked up and saw Paula still out cold lying in a beach chair while Jeff was lying beside him with a protective grasp around his waist.

There was a flash of light and then footsteps approached. Ness was still rather listless as he turned his head to see who was approaching. The slightly older boy in karate garb and a ponytail kneeled down beside him, "You must be Ness!"

Ness couldn't answer and the boy extended a hand to help Ness to his feet, which woke Jeff and Paula up in the process, "My name is Poo. I am the one who will fight beside you. I am the servant of Ness. I will obey Ness. Ness! My life is in your hands."

Everyone seemed a little confused, but somehow Ness understood that they all shared a bond together, that these were the four chosen to save the world. So he smiled, "Thank you Poo. Your life is precious so please don't go saying things so hastily."

Poo laughed, "I'm actually quite happy being able to dedicate my life to something far greater than myself."

Ness tried shaking off the sullen emotions and continued walking through town. He was almost out of town when an angry yell pulled him out of his walking trance. Looking in the direction of the yelling Ness saw a small group of people running back behind a few buildings. The yelling was definitely coming from back there.

Part of Ness's mind told him to mind his own business and that he had more important things to be worried about.

A sharp cry then echoed over the yells, "LEAVE ME ALONE!"

"Crap," Ness finally muttered under his breath and silently ran in to the alley way after the group to see what was going on.

"What part of you don't belong here do you not understand you fuckin freak?!" With his back against the wall Ness peaked around the corner. He could make out the backs of at least eight larger and muscular boys. Most of them were wearing beanie hats and sunglasses as well as matching black wife beaters.

"Stop it! Please just go away!" The higher pitched voice shouted again though this time sounding a bit more pitiful.

As Ness looked over a few of the intimidating thugs he saw they had another boy cornered against a wall. The boy was much smaller than the others; he was maybe twelve years old at the most.

"If you wanted to be left alone then you shouldn't have become one of them psycho freaks you little dickwad," The entire gang seemed to be sneering as their point man continued the verbal assault.

"I can't help the way I was born!" The kid shot back with as much bravery as he could muster.

"Yeah, well help this!" The larger boy pulled his fist back ready to reel into his young target's face. A yoyo wound around his wrist and kept his fist in place, "What the fuck?!"

"And just what the hell do you think you're doing?" Ness demanded aggressively.

A few of the thugs turned around and faced the intruder of their action, "Just a little psi-bashing bro. If you're not gonna join then you should leave while you can."

Ness grit his teeth, "Psi-bashing? That has got to be the stupidest thing I've ever heard. What has that kid ever done to any of you? Did he rob you or hurt someone close to you?"

The gang narrowed their eyes at Ness realizing he wasn't going to leave them alone, "Not yet, but you've been watching the news haven't you? It's only a matter of time before he grows up and starts trying to take over the world and shit."

"You guys are going to leave him alone," Ness demanded coldly.

"I think we got a psi-lover bros," the leader flexed his muscle taught and pulled back on his arm that was still wrapped by the yoyo. Though he put all his weight which was much greater than Ness's into the pull, the red capped boy didn't budge.

"You guys have no idea what you're getting yourselves into," Ness warned briefly before his yoyo began spinning on its own. It wound itself back around its cord, knocking the guy on the head twice pretty hard before returning to Ness's hand.

The knocks to the older boy's head were enough to disorient him and cause him to stumble around. While the others stared in confusion the yoyo came back straight on knocking another boy on the head sending him immediately to the ground.

The boy on the ground clutched at the forming knot on his scalp while crying about the pain. The standing thugs were about to move in on Ness when more footsteps echoed from the alley entrance. A boy about Ness's age with messy almost silver hair wearing a wrinkled untucked dress shirt and black jeans slowly approached the group, "So this is where you've been hiding."

The small boy smiled widely at the approaching stranger, "Masys! You're here!"

The leader of the gang pointed at Masys angrily, "Get him first!"

Masys grinned as the lot of ruffians rushed him, "P… K… WHIRL!" The wind around Masys picked up greatly and began circulating in the small space of the alleyway. The force of the wind became greater and greater until the approaching thugs couldn't step through it. They were all nearly lifted from the ground and thrown back several meters into a wall.

The small boy took full advantage of his assailants being downed and ran across the alley to stand behind Masys.

"Are you alright?" Masys asked the kid once he was close enough.

The boy nodded and pointed to Ness, "Thanks to him I am."

Masys looked up as if gauging the boy when the gang started getting back up, "Damn it, don't go thinking you're all fucking cool and shit just because you got some dumb ass powers!"

A smirk crossed Masys's face, "You saying you can take me one on one, fist to fist then?"

"Damn right, I'd kick your sorry ass!" The boy jumped up to his feet, his eyes nearly blanketed by some kind of rage.

"Let's do it then, just you and me!" Masys challenged.

The larger boy wasted no time as he dashed into a fight. Ness crossed his arms wondering if he should just leave as this Masys guy seemed to have the situation under control. He was still bothered by something though.

Fist extended outward, the attacking thug pushed all his weight into the head on assault. With just a bit of a side step, Masys dodged the punch. The boy turned to face Masys but a fist was waiting for him. Masys punched the larger boy square in the jaw. With a burning anger that wouldn't be quelled the boy threw two more punches, both of which were easily dodged. Masys socked the boy in the face again with a punch that looked as if it should have dislodged the boy's nose. Before a recovery could be made, Masys followed through with a strong kick to the stomach which sent the boy back into the lineup.

"Pathetic," Masys called out then pocketed his hands. The preteen boy at his side still appeared to be anxious and nervous so he turned and started walking away, "Come on, let's leave these losers be."

With his back to the gang, Masys didn't notice one of the older teens pull out a knife from his pocket. The boy was already in sprint toward them before he began to react.

"PK FLASH!" a green surge of energy fell on the pavement in front of the charging boy and erupted into a startling light and shockwave. The light temporarily blinded everyone who had been looking at it and their eyes all seemed to be tearing over.

Masys had managed to shield his eyes; then with a tight grip on the boy beside him held out a hand pointed in the gang's direction, "P…K… FIRE!" Intense heat swirled around his open palm and launched toward the recovering group of thugs.

Sensing the power behind the attack, Ness jumped in front of the fire attack, "PK SHIELD!" A blue sphere of light formed around Ness's body which absorbed the PSI of Masys's attack and dissipated it. His glare met Masys's for a moment as the two almost appeared to be at a standoff. With a grunt Ness turned around and started shoving the thugs to their feet, "Get out of here! Come on, move it!"

Their eyes still burning, the group of conquered assailants all began stumbling away in a hurry back down the alley. Once they were all gone and out of earshot Ness turned his attention back to Masys.

"Why'd you stop me?" Masys asked coolly.

Ness grit his teeth, "You could have killed someone using an attack like that!"

An uncaring shrug from Masys followed, "They were trying to kill us in case you forgot?"

"That doesn't matter," Ness averted his gaze for a brief moment but quickly returned it undaunted.

The two seemed to be content having a silent staring contest when the smaller boy snuck his way around Masys and stood between them. He bowed courteously in front of Ness, "Thank you for saving me."

Masys scratched the back of his head and looked away, his ego slightly deflated, "Yeah, I imagine those guys would have hurt my little brother here pretty bad if you hadn't stopped them in time. So thanks for that."

Ness smiled warmly to the young one, "It's no problem."

The boy looked up and returned the smile, "It's so cool to finally meet another Psikinetic, I'm Gene Saga and this is my big brother Masys Saga."

"I'm Ness," He extended his hand to the boy in a friendly acquaintanceship gesture. As their hands made contact Gene's eyes widened and Ness was sure he felt something strange passing through them.

The boy released Ness's hand unusually quickly and took a step back from him, "You're different."

"Huh?" Ness asked confused.

"You're strong… and you've seen things, amazing and wonderful but also horrible and terrifying," Ness stared at the boy cautiously, unsure what to think about the kid's statement.

"It's his gift," Masys briefly explained while putting a hand on his brother's shoulder to try and offer him some comfort. "He can tell certain things about people."

The forlorn look left Gene's face quite suddenly and he excitedly asked, "Are you in town for long Ness?"

Ness shook his head, "I'm just passing through I'm afraid. I had almost made it all the way through town when I heard the commotion over here. I've still got a ways to go today so I should probably get to it."

"We're grateful you stopped really," Masys's tone shifted into something more serious than the cocky uncaring attitude he had displayed during the fight, "Though you should also be careful out there Ness. Forgive me for saying but now isn't the time to be playing mister nice to everyone. People are getting violent toward us psikinetics. Sometimes roughing them up a bit is the only way to really get them to leave you alone."

Ness shrugged, "Thanks, but I can deal with things my own way."

"Suit yourself," Masys sighed.

After hoisting his backpack over his shoulders again, Ness turned to the brothers one last time, "It was cool meeting you; maybe we'll run into each other again sometime."

"That would be great!" Gene called out as Ness walked away. "Take care Ness, see you again!"

It wasn't long before Ness was just a dot along the horizon fading into nothing. Again Masys placed his hand on Gene's shoulder, "What did you see?"

"So many things are in his head right now. Good things, bad things… and a voice… So much has already happened in his past," The sad look returned to the young boy's face as he leaned against his older brother for support, "But there is still so much more to come in his future."

End Chapter

I just had to end a little ominously sorry. It seems to be my nature.

We're still pretty much in the story set up phase, and I apologize for that. I hope the background information coming out in these chapters is doing its job and holding a bit of interest. Please leave some more feedback and let me know what you think of the world so far.

It's late now and I'm off so…

'Till next time!