Motherbound Zero part 5

"Painful Memories"

The early morning had soon turned into late midday. The sun was beginning it's decent showing the day was about to come to a close. The wind blew whimsically through the tress and the grass as the greenery seemed to bend to the will of the force. It was odd with such a great peaceful feeling all around when destruction was just around the corner. The heat from earlier that day was replaced with a cool springtime air. The sky's clear, a beautifully bright reddish color, and not a cloud in the sky. It's an illustration to a perfect approaching sunset. In a forest there is a lake, the lake is an average size so that if you sat on any end you could see all around the lake. There by the lake were two boys on its shore, getting a drink of the freshwater. They had actually walked quite a ways from where they were previously. They all sensed that they were growing even closer to the source of the strange energy that caused the geological nightmare.

"Ahhh… whew that's some clean water," said Ness. Ninten nodded with agreement also enjoying the water.

"It's great and all that we are able to relax a bit, but…" Ninten started looking down at the water. Ness picked up on his discomfort.

"Don't worry Ninten, everything will workout in the end," Ness said.

"But who in the world knows when that will come?" Ninten complained.

"We'll finish it, us three," Ninten had a discouraged look on his face.

"Ness, when you told Lucas he should want to know everything, do you really think he can handle it?"

"That's not really my decision,"

"Ness, we have to do something about Lucas, we have to help him in some way,"

"You talking about earlier today?"

"Well what else would it be since I wasn't with you guys any other day?"

"Like I said before Ninten, the sarcasm I don't need," Ninten just turned with a sad look on his face. Ness turned his head to him to get a good look at his face. "Oh, I see now, your still freaked too,"

"Yeah…" Ninten said looking back farther off behind them to see a part of Lucas's back facing him while he is sitting with his knees to his chest. He looked as defeated as earlier that morning. "Shouldn't we be talking to him about this or something?"

"We could, but why rock the boat anymore. We should give him a chance to let it sink in himself. Heck, I need time to let it sink in too. Wow…an evil twin brother…Lucas has got to be conflicted,"

"What makes you say that?" Ninten asked turning to Ness.

"I think he's really doubting himself as a person. He has no clue what he's fighting for, and seeing that kid…must've confused him…"

"Yeah, but still we should talk to him about this. He shouldn't be left just to brood over that alone," Ninten said turning to the water.

"We're here if he needs us. Sometimes it's better to simply just be available then to hover over someone,"

"He's depressed Ness,"

"So he doesn't need to be annoyed with our constant worry,"

"Yeah, cause it is constant,"

A few meters back from where the two boys were, Lucas sat with his back to a tree. He was sitting with his knees to his chest with his arms wrapped around his legs, as he laid his chin on his arms. His eyes were like empty voids of nothingness, and spoke of his inner despair without him uttering a word. Lucas was indeed feeling a deep confliction inside himself. Who were his friends and who were his enemies? What did he fight for? Why does he have the ability of PSI?

All these questions with absolutely no answers to any of them, and it was starting to weigh him down. He loved the idea of Ness and Ninten being there for him, but he just wasn't sure if he could lean on them. Who's to say they aren't the enemy? Who's to say he didn't cause this catastrophe? Deep down in his heart, he feels like things shouldn't be like this, but there isn't a thing he can do about it. His fist clenched tighter then ever as his eyes started to glisten.

"What good is this power…if it doesn't help anything…" Lucas said as his eyes spilled fresh tears. He's been crying most of the time, and he really wanted to stop. He was trying to hold it back, but he wasn't able to. This deep mourning on the inside of him kept nagging at him every waking moment, and his dreams were no better. His entire life was, is, in complete chaos! Lucas clenched the sides of his hair with a tight grip that whitened his knuckles and made his body shake. "Why do my…heart, and my head…fight so much?"

"Lucas?" A voice questioned to his right. Lucas released his hair for his eyes to travel over to Ness and Ninten. They both looked completely and woefully down casted as they gazed at Lucas's visage. Lucas could sense their agony probably as well as they can sense his. "Are you alright?" Ness questioned.

"I'm…" Lucas couldn't even bring himself to say the obvious lie.

"We felt all those negative vibes in waves," Ninten said.

"Sorry to ruin your good spirits," Lucas said turning his head away from them.

"Well we don't care about that, but how do you feel?" Ness asked without considering what Lucas said. Lucas looked at him.

"I'm…just a little lost,"

"Remember what we said Lucas," Ninten reminded.

"I know!" Lucas yelled glaring at them. Upon realizing his tone he shrank back immediately in shame. "I'm sorry…I didn't…" Lucas placed the palm of his right hand against his face as more tears came flowing out. He just yelled at the only two people on the planet who could possibly help him.

"Lucas, it's okay," Ness reinforced the idea that his tone did not bother either Ninten or himself. "We understand that you're going through some things,"

"It's better if you express them ya know,"

"I don't know what to express!" Lucas yelled again. "I'm irritated, angry, confused, and my chest hurts so much just thinking about that kid,"

"You can't trust him Lucas,"

"But that's…he has my face…he's supposed to be…my brother…"

"He could be lying for all we know," Ninten pointed out. "He may just be a copy trying to deceive you, like how there was a fake Ness who destroyed Podunk,"

"Yeah, it's possible,"

"No…the emotional punch that came with seeing him…I couldn't even move. After seeing his face…it just felt so real, so right,"

"But, if you're brother's a bad guy…Lucas, no you are not!" Ness said sternly upon realizing the source of Lucas's great confusion.

"Whose to say I'm not!" Lucas exclaimed.

"We are," Ninten said.

"You guys don't know me anymore then I know myself,"

"That's where you're wrong," Ninten pointed out as if he was the smartest guy in the world. Lucas glanced up at him halfway wanting to humor him and punch him in the face. Ness saw that in his eyes, as did Ninten. "Well, you remember that weird PSI ability the three of us used?"

"Yeah," they both answered.

"Well, that was the first time I've ever used an ability like that. Also, I felt such a powerful connection, and it feels like I know you guys a lot better now. Lucas, you are not evil, get that idea out of your head right now," Ninten said getting in Lucas's face.

"How-,"

"No one who thinks so unselfishly can be evil. The whole time during that fight, the main thing you were focusing on was making sure we wouldn't get hurt. You were so committed to protect us, you didn't much care for yourself. I've fought lots of bag guys, and none of them are even the slightest bit selfless, especially your level,"

"He's right you know," Ness said nodding. "Not even some good people are as selfless as you,"

"You saved us a couple of times,"

"And you did it without a second thought. Keep that passionate fire of yours burning, and we'll find your real home along with your memories," Ness said ruffling Lucas's hair. The physical contact was obviously needed since Lucas instantly calmed greatly.

"Lucas it isn't your fault that you don't remember, so stop punishing yourself,"

"Well it sure doesn't feel like that to me sometimes…" Ness and Ninten both shook their heads. Lucas got up again. Ness went to help, but Lucas pushed him away. He then walked over to the lake and sat down on the bank. Ness and Ninten stared after him then looked at each other.

"I think we're running out of inspirational speeches," Ninten said sighing.

"I just wish there was something we could do, I really do,"

"Starting to get desperate?"

"Very, I hate seeing him like this," Ness sighed. "I have not seen him smile but one time,"

"Well then maybe you should work harder to being more enjoyable to be around," Ness gave Ninten a subtle glare.

"Whatever, lets just go cheer him up," Ness said as he began to walk off. However, Ninten had grabbed Ness's arm and shook his head.

"Not now, we should just leave him with his thoughts,"

"But-," Ness started.

"It's not the time to have a conversation with him again. Just let him chew over what we said,"

Ness reluctantly agreed with Ninten's decision. They both decided that it was best to leave him alone for a while. Since they couldn't encourage Lucas, and they didn't wanna bug him with their conversation they decided to take a walk. They wanted to get a better idea of where they are, and how strong the spacial distortions have gotten. The land was still quite unfamiliar, and even the forest was like a mash up of other forest. Sudden hills just sprung up out of nowhere, trees that don't match the surrounding conditions, other plants also looked out of place, and then a random mountain was farther off in the distance. Ninten claimed the name of it was Mount Itoi, but he couldn't be sure since the surroundings of the mountain was much more different. Ness and Ninten had finally found a path after wondering for at least fifteen minutes. Ness had marked a tree so that they knew which way the lake was.

"Lucas sure does have a problem on his hands," Ness said.

"Yeah, I couldn't imagine if I had a twin brother that wanted to kill me," Ness then just looked at Ninten. "What?"

"Nothing Ninten, just that were basically twins, so I guess hanging around us will eventually jog his memory back about having a twin,"

"You're right, he was pretty intrigued by how much we looked alike," While they were walking they came across a strange distortion of air right in front of them. They both were greatly confused as it looked like the distortion was a view into another part of the planet. However, this distortion was odd because it was so clearly visible. Both boy's came to the conclusion that this area must be the source of all the distortions.

"So weird… this is definitely different then the other one," Ness muttered poking it.

"Other one?"

"It's like the one I saw when Lucas first woke up,"

"What does it mean?" Ninten asked hoping for an answer, however, Ness just shrugged.

"It's a representation of the three worlds," said a voice from behind. Ness and Ninten turned around to see two people in a mask like the one they saw earlier today only one had an "L" on his helmet and the other "J". They also had a gun holder on both their sides.

"What the, now there are two of you!" Ness asked.

"Not exactly Ness," said the one on the right.

"Huh, how do you know my name?"

"And who are you guys?" Ninten added.

"We are merely subordinates," said the one on the left.

"Subordinates, to who?" Ness asked.

"The masked boy you saw earlier," said the one on the right.

"Hmmm… I see, so then who does he work for?" Ness asked. The two masked boys looked at each other with surprise.

"Well we didn't think that you would catch on so quickly Ness," said the one on the right.

"Same here," Ninten said. Ness ignored Ninten while focusing on the two in front of them.

"I can't put my finger on it but one of these guys sound very familiar…" Ness muttered to himself lowly. "Do I know you?" Ness asked the boy on the right. The boy just shrugged. "Playing games with me huh, well we'll see what you can do," Ness said about to charge, but Ninten stuck his arm in front of him stopping him.

"Hold on a sec," he said and then turned his attention to them. "What did you mean by a representation of the three worlds?" he asked.

"What he meant is that it represents the worlds the three of you come from," said Masked Boy L.

"What do you mean different worlds?" Ninten asked.

"Come on, surely you guys caught on…" Masked Boy J said incredulously. However Ness and Ninten's blank stare confirmed his assumptions. "Well, you two are definitely two peas in a pod,"

"What?" Ness asked annoyed.

"The three of you are from different time periods in general. Don't you think it's odd that kids as powerful as you suddenly exist?" Masked Boy L said taking the same tone as his counterpart.

"Well…" Ninten began unsure.

"It does make sense…I mean, I've never heard of Podunk, or that place you mentioned earlier, what was it…Snowman? Or this Mount Itoi place,"

"And in the places that we're not familiar with could be portions of Lucas's world,"

"Now you guys are getting it," Masked Boy L said.

"So the planet is basically split into three parts, Lucas, Ninten and my world combined into one?" Ness asked for clarity.

"Correct, but there is something else as well," said Masked Boy J.

"Yes, you see the planet isn't in proper balance. When more than one world is co-exciting, sooner or later, this beauty will be replaced with destruction," Masked Boy L said.

"What!" Ness and Ninten yelled in shock.

"Not to worry though, you three will be taken care before than," Masked Boy J said. They both had then pulled laser guns from their holsters on the side of their hip. The guns looked quite strange to Ness and Ninten. They were about the size of a handgun slightly bigger with three rings around the narrow barrel, and they had a switch on the side indicating it had different settings.

"Bring it on!" Ness challenged.

The two boys then fired their lasers in a straight shot form. The beams were red in color and looked quite dangerous. Ness jumped in the air doing a partial split in midair while Ninten just jumped to the side. Another shot came at Ness making him duck under it. Ninten raised his shield but the laser went straight through it nailing Ninten. Ninten fell to the ground hard. Ness ran over to him but was cut off from the laser blast. Ness looked at the two with anger in his eyes then came at them. The two boys took a big leap back while shooting their lasers. Ness ran at them still trying to close the gap. He jumped over two shots, ducked over another and turned the right half on his body outward dodging another. Ness warped away and reappeared behind them. They turned but not quick enough to avoid Ness's PK Wave. They were completely overpowered by the attack. They both crashed to the ground.

"These two aren't PSI users at all," Ness muttered.

"So, this shouldn't be that tough," Ninten added.

Out of the smoke two red beams crossed together forming one beam. Ness was nailed in the chest. He at first tried to resist it, but he was overpowered. He flew through the air until he slammed into a tree. Ness fell to the ground his body just laid out.

"That was far to easy," said the J masked boy.

"Not over yet!" called out Ninten from behind. Ninten fired his PK Starbeam at the pair. The L masked boy dropped a strange disk like object to the ground in front of the blast creating a shield around the pair. "Darn," Ninten said. They both raised their guns and fired again. Ninten pushed out his hands stopping the attack. "PK Converter!" He sucked in the energy then pushed it back out but with more strength. The attack exploded flinging the two away. Ninten ran over to Ness and shook him to get him to wake up. "Come on Ness now isn't the time for a nap!" Two beams came at him from behind. Ninten quickly grabbed Ness and jumped to the side. The tree then fell in between the two pairs. Ninten quickly realized that this was an obvious ambush, which means they were being tracked. Whoever is against them right now, is making it a point that they should be feared. Ninten growled knowing that the head hancho was probably with Lucas. "I hope Lucas will be okay till we get to him," Ninten muttered while still trying to wake Ness.

Lucas fell backwards looking at the masked figure. The boy just walked toward Lucas while Lucas edged back. Eventually Lucas scrambled to his feet to turn and run. It took all three PSI Warriors to take on this guy. Lucas did not feel confident enough in his ability to fight him, especially in his emotional distressed state. The boy pulled his sword out to the side then pointed it at Lucas blasting him in his back. Lucas yelled out in pain and fell to the ground. He tried to get up but was put back down by a boot on his back.

"Been a long time huh Lucas," said the boy.

"I'd wish you stop saying that!" Lucas exclaimed. The boy then had a confused look on his face. Lucas then punched the boy's other foot making him fall and Lucas jumped to his feet. Lucas then powered up his PSI, but he noticed it was only half strength.

"All those PK Loves you used earlier really did a number on you huh, heh I'm surprise you can even get a charge," The boy said getting up. Lucas just grunted as he stuck out his two fingers.

"PK Spark!" Lucas exclaimed. Three sparks of energy came at the boy. With great precision he slashed through them with his lightning sword. Lucas took another step back. He pushed his hands together tried to form another attack. With great concentration he formed a PK Love. He sent the shot at the boy who deflected it with his arm. Lucas gritted his teeth. "I haven't gotten that weak he just somehow got stronger," Lucas thought.

"I think this is what you meant to do," the boy said raising his cannon and firing a PK Love that was much more powerful than Lucas's. The attack hit Lucas in the chest then exploded. Lucas lied face up on the ground holding the spot with pain. Lucas felt the intense burning sensation through his chest as it burnt some of the fabric of his shirt. Lucas was surprised he was able to take it and still be conscious.

"I don't like to cause you pain Lucas, I truly don't," the boy said.

"Yeah right, that's why you attack without mercy," Lucas said.

"Trust me, I am holding back right now, but I would think you would be some what happy to see me," the boy said.

"Why would I?" Lucas asked.

"Well cause I'm your brother," the boy said taking off his helmet. Lucas's eyes narrowed seeing the boy. "You still don't seem happy,"

"I don't even remember you,"

"Look into your heart, I'm sure you do, you just don't know it,"

"I don't remember you!"

"Why are you trying to push me away?"

"Why are you trying to get so close?" Lucas countered.

The boy was quiet for a moment staring at Lucas, than he turned his head to look at the sky, "Nice sunset huh?"

"Sunset?" Lucas questioned turning to look at the setting sun.

"Yeah, you remember, we used to sit in our front yard and gaze at the sky. Our favorite was stargazing, and watching the sunset. The atmosphere astounded us," Lucas was quiet as he stared toward the sunset, as a memory played through is mind. Lucas remembered this sunset, and he remembers having someone with him. He saw another boy, who has the same face as him. "You remember, right?"

Lucas turned his head study the face of this person. "Your…my brother…" Lucas pondered searching for a name. His eyes widened upon coming onto one. "Claus?"

The boy looked at him very pleased as he smiled, "You remember me now?"

"Your somebody I cared about, right?"

"That's right I'm your twin Claus," Lucas looked at him still a little confused. "No wonder you fought me like you didn't know me, you've really lost your memory,"

"If you're really my brother than why did you attack me?" Claus gripped his sword tighter, but then put it on his side.

"I didn't have a choice before…but now I can get you back with me again,"

"What do you mean?"

"Lucas, you've been away from home too long, come with me. We can go to where we truly belong," He said extending his hand. "The confusion can finally end…"

"Seriously?"

Claus nods, "Just come with me, and fight for something worth fighting for,"

Lucas stared at Claus's extended hand. His heart told him to grab the hand, but his head told him something was indistinguishable about this offer. Lucas was desperate, and as nice as Ness and Ninten are, they couldn't bring him back to his home. He didn't know where he belonged, or where he should be, and they were just as lost. He needed answers, desperately. He began raising his hand to reach out to Claus's hand. Suddenly, an image, so utterly shocking shook him. An image of the woman again, and it looked like she…she was being maimed by some…some creature. The image jolted Lucas back a bit as he fell back on his feet. Claus stood utterly confused by his actions as he watched Lucas shake his head of the vision. Lucas rubbed his forehead then gazed at his brother.

"I have a question,"

"Okay…"

"Who… who is the woman in the red dress?"

"Woman in a red dress?"

"Yes, who is she?" Lucas nearly demanded. Claus seemed to be searching for an answer to this question. He didn't seem to be coming up with one anytime soon. Lucas looked at him dryly. "You don't know?"

"O-Of course I do…it's just…she's…she's…"

"You don't even know her!" Lucas yelled. "If you don't know her, then I doubt you know me," Lucas was at his breaking point. He never felt such rage toward a person, even if this was his brother. Whoever this was, he was trying to play Lucas for a fool. Use his confusion as an advantage, and Lucas didn't like that one bit. He was more angered at himself for actually thinking of turning his back on Ness and Ninten, and on such a bogus promise!

"Listen Lucas, I know you think this isn't right, but it is. Come with me and maybe Pokey can…" he started.

"No not Pokey,"

"You don't even remember him," Claus protested.

"I don't have to. If he's making you come after me and my friends then I don't think I want to know him," Lucas said.

"Well you do,"

"Not anymore,"

"If this is what you want," Claus said reaching for his weapon.

"No, this isn't what I want. Lets just stop this and be brothers again,"

"You threw away that chance when you spat in my face. You barley remember a thing and you wont even trust your real brother!" Claus said with anger. His thunder sword in hand he walked toward Lucas who stood steadfast.

"Claus…I thought we were brothers,"

"Yes we are, you don't have to remind me, I know," he said.

"You would kill your own family?"

"Well if you can carry such an evil in your heart to dismiss me, well I guess I can try exploring new options," Lucas turned to run and get Ness and Ninten. Claus smiled as he saw Lucas try and ran away. Lucas ran toward the direction he saw Ness and Ninten take. He was greatly lost for a moment, but somehow was able to gather his bearings. Lucas's brain sent an alert throughout his body, and on reflex Lucas reacted diving to the side. As he did a humongous lightning blast came down where he was standing previously. Lucas gasped as he scrambled to his feet and continued to run. He knew that Ness and Ninten would've intervened in that conversation much sooner, if they weren't tied up with something else. Namely fighting for their lives. Lucas tried to find them using his sensing abilities, but the distortions were so strong he could barley tell where Claus was. Speaking of, Claus suddenly appeared to Lucas's side swinging his cannon arm in a backhand. Lucas went through the air and into the side of tree.

"You think they care more then me, I'm trying to save you from making a huge mistake," Claus reasoned.

"And your actions clearly say that," Lucas said diving away from being pinned to a tree. "PK Love!"

Claus deflected the blast with one arm and aimed with his cannon, "PK Buster!"

A golden blast of PSI went toward Lucas. Lucas just wasn't quick enough as he got caught in the blast and was flung through the air. He hit the ground face first sliding through the dirt. Lucas felt his body racked with pain as he rose to his hands and knees. Claus swooped in to deliver a powerful roundhouse kick into Lucas's head causing the blonde to roll along the ground. Lucas rubbed his head surprised he wasn't concussed by the blow and the landing. Lucas noticed Claus diving in with his sword leading. Lucas jerked his body to the side of the attack still holding his position. Claus's sword slashed Lucas's left arm, but in response Lucas raised his right hand and slammed a PK Love into Claus's back. This threw the boy into the ground harshly and slammed head first into a tree. Lucas held his arm as he rushed off to try and find his friends. Lucas decided to use his ears and follow the explosions and shots of battle.

Upon following them further he found a sort of dirt path. He looked up and down the path to see which way the noise was coming from. However, he pondered to long because Claus had landed in front of him pulling in his wings. He whirled his sword around then fried an intense bolt of lightning. Lucas quickly raised a barrier fending off the attack for only a moment as the lightning blast went through the shield. The bolt nailed Lucas in his torso throwing him to the ground and rolling with sparks flying over his body. Lucas's strength was fading fast, and Claus seemed to be fully charged. Lucas finally gathered himself to attack just as Claus comes charging in at him. Claus tried to stab Lucas, but he quickly moved to the side of the attack. Then Claus tried a wide swing at Lucas's head but the blonde ducked. Lucas then tried to kick Claus in the head, but this attack was avoided as Claus then tackled Lucas to the ground pinning him down.

"You could join my side ya know," Claus offered.

"No way I could never-" Lucas started.

"Yeah right you're almost as bad as me," Claus said.

"What do you mean?"

"You're not exactly the good guy here in this scenario. You've done some pretty bad stuff yourself,"

"Like what?" Lucas asked with disbelief.

"How about the death of our mother," Claus said. Lucas looked at the boy with absolute shock.

"Your lying I would never do that," Lucas retorted.

"Sure ya didn't, not how I remembered it though. You were always the one who wanted all the love, always the affectionate one. You thought you were perfect, when the whole world saw your faults…not mom though. She loved you, who knows why, but she did. And you got her killed!"

"YOU'RE A LYER," Lucas yelled pushing Claus off. Lucas got up and grabbed Claus's throat strangling him. Claus coughed and gasped for air.

"Lucas watch out!" yelled Ness. Lucas look up then saw a red beam come at him. The beam electrocuted him on contact. Lucas struggled against it, but couldn't resist as he finally pasted out. Claus then pushed Lucas off him.

"Lucas!" yelled Ness and Ninten. They both ran at Claus who was getting up and brushing himself off. He raised his cannon and fired a humongous PK Love attack. The blast was so powerful that it created a mighty wind in the area. A powerful boom took place as Ness and Ninten were blown away. Ness landed face first on the ground, while Ninten smashed into a tree, both landing into a land of unconscious. The J masked boy pushed on Ness's side with his foot to see if he was awake.

"Wow, nice work boss," he said.

"Yeah I know," Claus responded with a very mundane voice.

"What's wrong?" asked the L masked boy.

"Nothing,"

"What do we do with them now?" asked the J masked boy.

"Just leave them we were only supposed to test out the system. Now we know it works so no need for them yet. We should go before the geological shift catches us and we wind up in a tundra or something," He said. They both nodded then all three pulled out their wings. The J and L masked boys flew into the air. Claus hesitated for a moment looking at Lucas, but also continued on taking to the air. This left the three PSI fighters, defeated. Just as the ground began glowing and as stated a geological shift was occurring possibly sending the three boys to a brand new place.