(Prologue: ?)
They say that good things come to all those who wait, but it's been another dark, dismal day, further misery in this endless forest. Now we're static, not moving, wasting time on people that don't even like us. There's no sign of them, Elmore, Pusher, Reggie and the others.
We agreed to meet two hours ago.
"Where are they?" Roy asks, checking nervously up at the sky. The stars are twinkling in full effect, bright and inviting. The air is cold, miserable in comparison.
"They could be anywhere," I say, dreading to think of where their incompetence could have led them.
"Or they ditched us," Duster says. "Never liked me, that Elmore..."
"It was this tree, right?" Roy asks, anxiety seeping into his voice. "It was definitely this tree?"
"It was." I look at the mark that Roy struck. There are no others like it.
We fall into silence, brooding and antsy. The only positive I can glean is that at long last, I think my powers have replenished. I can't say for certain, because these magical instincts are a tad bizarre; it's not like I can stick a probe into my armpit, or perform some kind of test. It's more subtle, in that I have to ask myself if my powers are back, and then my subconscious will give me an answer. Currently, my subconscious is saying Yes, they are available, a big step up from No, go and die of thirst.
This means I have to choose how to use them, because summoning rain isn't my only ability. My powers are quite unusual, and there are a load of broad sub-sections of them, one of which is known as ELM, or Elemental. This means that in theory, I can control the weather, freeze water, and do wonders for biodiversity. Which would be great, if it weren't for the enormous cooldown - the first person with ELM powers could manipulate water, summon fire, and do all sorts of wonderful things whenever he wanted. For whatever reason, modern magicians are stuck with a discount version of magic, as if we were far too powerful, and some deity decided we needed a nerf. If it weren't for that, maybe Reggie wouldn't have complained at me every second.
"Do you think Porky found them?" I ask worriedly, starting to pace, a bad habit that often surfaces when I'm stressed.
"Possibly," Roy says, his voice low.
"We have to decide when to give up." I rub my hands against my arms, trying to combat the night's oncoming cold. "At some point, we have to carry on into Onett. We have to decide when it's right to do so."
"Morals are grey areas," Roy grumbles, but he's interrupted by a shout. I look up, excited, feeling the wind quickening. Someone's running towards us - someone good. But they're panicked, sprinting, and my heart sinks.
"Steven!" Ollie cries, coming into view. "Duster! We have to go!"
"Go?" Duster sharply stands. "Why, m'chap?"
"Onett forces!" Tessie shouts, reaching us. "Lots of them!"
"On horses!" Caroline exclaims, the last one to arrive. "Ollie - where's Angie?"
"I don't know! I thought she was with you!"
"ANGIE!" Caroline yells, whirling around. "Angie, where are you?"
"There they are!" Roy cries.
He's right. A thundering noise reaches us as they come into view, horses in their multitudes, storming through the forest. There's no time, and they surround us, tall and menacing, mighty shadows in the night. The frontmost horse rears, and I cry out, stumbling back, afraid. Then, the rider lifts his visor, glaring down at us all.
"Men, women of the forest! Surrender to the First Brigade, in the name of the Onett Council!"
I stare wildly around. We've lost. There are so many of them, hundreds, thousands. Their armour is strong, solid iron, weapons blazing from leather sheaths. The Onett First Brigade is the regiment closest to the government, the strongest of the Onetian armies. The most ruthless men in the entire city.
"I - I believe there's been a misunderstanding," I manage, trying to quell my shaking. "We are from Onett!"
"A likely story." The rider slings himself down from his horse, coming forward with a scowl. His nose is pointy, beak-like. "We know what you are. You do not bear the resemblance of an Onetian man."
"Please - please sir!" Someone pushes me aside. It's Caroline. "My daughter - have you got her? Is she safe?"
The horses part, revealing a central mare. Angie is on top, bound tightly by rope, looking immensely frightened.
"Angie!" Caroline cries, rushing forward, but knights move to block her with shields. She yells, swinging at them, and she's crumpled by a fist to the head.
"No resistance," the beak-nosed knight says, scowling, watching as her body is dragged away. "She will recover, but she will be our prisoner. As will the rest of you."
"Please," I say again, desperate. "I'm from Onett - have your troops observe me! They will know who I am! If they do not, I swear, you have my spoken permission to kill me."
"A bold claim," Beak-Nose says. He looks behind him, glaring at the rest of his soldiers. "Well?"
At once, they surge forward. I'm closely examined from all angles, poked, prodded, grabbed. Horses surround me, sniffing me, wet noses everywhere. I feel wholly uncomfortable, but suddenly they draw back, retreating to their previous positions.
"We know 'im," says a big, blonde man. "Worked at the boarding school. Taught me, he did."
"That's right!" I say, gasping. "I remember you - Barnabus, wasn't it?"
"It doesn't matter," Beak-Nose interrupts, sneering. "If you are from Onett, what business do you have in this forest?"
"We were going to New Pork City," I say, wildly plucking the excuse from thin air. "One of - One of Porky's carriages overturned. We were left behind."
"Oh, really?" Beak-Nose raises his eyebrows. "How interesting, given you're a man over seventeen. You're eligible for conscription. You're not allowed to go to New Pork City."
"...Porky said women, children, or cowards. I was a coward-"
"And for that, you shall be punished!" He spreads his arms. "You shall join the war effort, for the glory of Onett, and the good of the world. We will erase Tazmily, and nothing shall stand in our way!"
Immense cheering breaks out. We're gathered up, forced onto horses, tied by rope, and suddenly, as soon as it began, that's it.
Our quest is over for good.
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(Lucas)
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Some stories should never be told. Some memories should stay secret, old tragedies left in the past.
I was fifteen when the worst summer of my life began.
That's when it all happened. That's when Geldegarde found me. When he used me. Owned me. Controlled me like a puppet on a string.
I had no other choice. I had to keep Ness safe.
If only he knew.
…
If only he knew...
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22nd July, 1883
Dear Lucas,
You know how we were all excited for the summer holidays? Well, it turns out they kind of suck. I miss you! Are you doing okay?
My first week back has been sooooo boring. Tracy's been extra mean, and Father's been sort of horrible. I snuck out into the forest on Tuesday, just to get a break from it all, and I'm going to try to sneak out again on Monday morning. See you there?
I hope everything's better on your end. I'm hiding from Father to write this letter, and I'll get Mother to take it to the postbox. Our cook has baked some cookies, and I'm going to put some in the envelope, so I hope they don't get squished!
What subjects are you going to pick for next year? The options form just came in, and there are so many subjects to choose from. I want to do the same ones as you, so I'll wait for your reply.
I miss you loads, and I can't wait to see you again.
Your best friend,
~ Ness
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My vision swims as I fold the letter, pressing it into a drawer. I feel my hands trembling as I draw them back, raw and stinging. It's been three days, and so far, the man has come every morning. I'm scared. I'm so scared - each day is getting worse. First, threats. Then, hits. Today, both. I don't know what's coming tomorrow.
I don't want to find out.
I close my eyes, shaking. I pray that Ness's father keeps him indoors. He has no idea how dangerous it is outside.
Especially when he's being searched for.
I need to keep him safe.
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26th July, 1883
Dear Lucas,
Okay, Okay, your reply hasn't quite arrived (or you haven't written it yet - in which case, hurry up!) so I'm technically hitting you with double letters right now. But I have to catch you up on some things, and they're super urgent, so you may want to sit down...
NUMBER ONE: The cook has made BROWNIES. I'd send some over, but those would definitely get squished, so looks like you're going hungry. Unless you want to come here and have some...?
NUMBER TWO: When I was in the forest (didn't see you there - hope you were just busy and weren't lost, looking for me?) I found a millipede! It had so many legs, and I wish I could've shown you. I wanted to take it home, but I decided to do the right thing, and let it stay in its natural habitat.
In other news, Father's keen for me to pick my subjects. Music looks so cool, and I know you'll want to do Art, too. Imagine the chance to paint anytime you want? I can't wait to see all of your paintings. I'll hold off on making my choices until you've replied, though. Because I'm a good friend.
Tracy was talking about going to outer space earlier, and I know you've always loved the stars. Do you think going to space would be possible, one day? Do you think we could live on another planet? Do you think aliens exist?
Talk soon,
Your favourite person,
~ Ness
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The stars...
I blink, dazed, not sure what I'm seeing.
'GET DOWN ON THE FLOOR!'
My vision swims, a tang of nausea in my throat. It mixes with that sour taste that remains, the one that clings, and clings, and doesn't go away.
I can't breathe - I can't breathe!
Everything hurts. I can't think. I want to scream, but my voice is broken.
I'm so ashamed.
I must continue to suffer, suffer for Ness's sake. I must continue to be punished, no matter how sick it makes me feel. I must continue to be hurt, no matter how repulsive it makes me think I am. If I don't, Ness is in danger. If I don't, I have nothing.
With renewed sobs, I hug the letter close, and I curl up on my bed.
I can't bear to send a reply.
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2nd August 1883
Lucas,
I'm writing this quickly, because I'm supposed to be in bed right now, but I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking about you.
Not in a weird way, I promise! I'm just worried, I guess. I know that sometimes you're quiet, and sometimes you get sad, but it always worries me when you don't talk. Is everything okay at home? Have I done something wrong? Have I been writing your address incorrectly? I am a massive goof, after all. You always say so. I really miss you, though, so please write back?
On my end, I've given up on my poetry phase, at last. Tracy found all my poems and read them out to me, one by one. I wanted to die, it was so, so embarrassing! I might take up Art, instead, or maybe I'll get really good at the harp.
The cook baked some flapjacks this week, so I'm including them in the letter. They're so delicious, all buttery and sweet, and I'm going to try not to eat yours before I deliver them. I might learn to cook, actually, that would be fun.
You can tell I'm tired, all my thoughts are sort of disjointed right now. Oh, and Father wants me to do the subjects that he wants, so we're arguing a lot about it right now. Sometimes I think about running away from home, just us two, y'know?
Anyway, I really hope this letter reaches you, and that you're okay. I'm here for you, I always am, and I sometimes wonder if I should tell you that more.
Your concerned friend,
~ Ness
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Something drips from my eye, and I quickly stow the letter away, not wanting to ruin it with my tears.
Today was particularly bad.
Geldegarde took me up the hill, up near the mines. He made me look down into them, made me tell him how deep they were. He told me that if I didn't do what he said, that's where Ness would go.
I did what he said.
I wish he'd never found me. I hate him, hate him so much.
...I hate myself more.
I've contemplated telling Father, but I know he wouldn't care. I've contemplated darker things, too, but Father needs me, needs the money to get by.
My eyes sting.
Everything stings.
So long as Ness is safe.
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10th August 1883
Lucas,
Sorry, it's me again, Ness.
Okay, yes, this is my fourth letter, but I'm really starting to worry. I hope the postal system is messing up, or someone's stealing the envelopes, because I can hardly sleep at night. I'm going to send Mother to deliver this to your door, just so I know that you're getting it. I'd come visit myself, but Father isn't letting me leave the house at the moment. We're still fighting about my subjects.
You probably heard about the mining explosion, too. It's lost Father a lot of money, and he's been scarier than usual. I've been alright, though, keeping safe. The cook baked an apple crumble, and we had it with ice cream. Mother promised to buy some steaks, and I've been trying to learn to draw.
Tracy says that she hopes you're okay, because she needs to keep teasing you about your hair. Father's been horrible to her, making her clean all of the bathrooms whenever she puts a toe out of line. She's been really rebellious, sneaking out after hours, and disobeying Father's commands.
Anyway, things are a bit tough here, but I know things are probably tougher for you. I'm sending you all the strength that I can! I miss you, and I'm especially missing your hugs right now.
Your resilient friend,
~ Ness.
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I fold the letter away, shaking, putting it with the others. He's resilient.
I'm weak.
Claus wouldn't have been weak, wouldn't have given in this easily. He'd have found a way to save Ness, and he would've saved himself, too. But I've learnt better than to hope for things long since passed. Help isn't coming, Mother's dead, and Claus isn't coming back.
If only Ness knew. He'd hate me so much if he knew. I want to cry, but I've run out of tears.
I can't reply to his letters. He'll know, just by the way I'm writing. He'll read through the page, smell it on the paper. He'll know everything. He always does.
Everything aches. Everything is sore.
Maybe I'm getting used to it.
Maybe I deserve it.
There's nothing more than this. I am a shell, to be used at will, played with, enjoyed.
I'm disgusting.
So long as Ness is safe.
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16th August 1883
Lucas,
Please, no matter how bad it is, I need to hear from you. Just send anything, anything you've got. Is Porky doing something? Is it your family? Are you not allowed to read my letters? I swear, it's going to be okay. Just tell me what's wrong. I'll come and help.
Last night was horrible. Father got violent. He's keeping me under supervision, and I've been locked in my room. I'm not allowed to leave until next week.
I'm really, really worried, Lucas. I hope everything is alright. I miss you loads, and it hurts. Badly.
Please come back,
~ Ness
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But I can't.
I'm broken. A pile of bones in my bed.
I sob into my pillow. I don't think it's ever going to end. I can't hide, because he comes to the door. I can't run, because I've got nowhere to go. I'm all alone. Nobody loves me.
It hurts. It hurts so badly. I hate it. I hate myself.
I wake, and then I die. I sleep, and then I die again. He takes my spirit, saps my courage.
I can't do this much longer.
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22nd August, 1883
Lucas,
I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry if I did something wrong. If I upset you somehow, or I hurt you, then I regret it so, so much. I promise I'll always be good, your best friend, forever. I miss you so much. I need you so much.
Father's added another week to my sentence. We still haven't agreed on my subjects, and the debt from the explosion got worse. I don't know what I'm doing, Lucas - it's like there's nothing good, like everything nice goes away because I'm such a screw-up. I don't want to get all sad in this letter, but I don't understand how to be better, and I really want to be, because you deserve it.
If something bad is happening to you, then I'm going to put a stop to it. That's the one thing I know, the one thing I'm focusing on at the moment. It's the one thing getting me through.
I love you. So, so much.
~ Ness.
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I love you.
Funny words. I can't remember the last time I heard them. They fill me with a little glimmer of hope, hope that maybe it'll all be okay. Maybe it'll all be over soon. Maybe the shame will pass.
I almost give in. I almost tell him everything.
But not quite.
I stow the letter away.
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~~o00o~~
Chapter 32: The secrets of others
(Lucas)
~~o00o~~
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Ness has told me that he loves me on two occasions. The first time was two years ago, written neatly at the end of a worried letter. The second time was more recent, in the middle of the corridor.
Love is a complex thing. I can say with absolute certainty that I love Ness more than anyone else in my life. He is there for me, always, and I am there for him. But love means so much, has so many connotations, and I'm not quite sure what they mean.
Link and Zelda, for example. They're dating. Are they what love is supposed to be? Kissing in public, being generally obnoxious? When it comes to Ness, I can't help but wonder exactly what kind of love I feel. How far these feelings stretch.
We're best friends. Right now, that's the label that applies, the one we present to the world. But something about it rings untrue - best friends doesn't seem to highlight the love that we share.
Some would say boyfriends is a far more suitable term, but that one has issues too. The word is kept behind formalities, and one of us would have to ask the other, declare our love in some way. We'd agree to change our label, and then there'd be other things, kisses, sex, futures planned out in full. And do I want that? I'm not sure. I'm just not sure.
It's tricky to think about love, and I've never quite been able to work my head around it. Love isn't something that can be taught, written in textbooks. Rather, it consists of actions, thoughts, and feelings. I'm no expert when it comes to any of those, which makes it rather difficult, and rather far removed from how I operate. That and the whole girls-aren't-pretty thing come together to create a perfect, Ness-shaped mess, one that I know I'll have to battle in time.
It starts with Ness being homosexual. He's said it himself, and that's perfectly cool with me. Unfortunately, it's against the law. I've always considered morals to be above other people's rules, but when it comes to being arrested and put on trial, that stance isn't much good. It's idiotic, too, because who decided that being gay is wrong? Who decided that something out of someone's control should be illegal? It's utterly ridiculous to pass judgement on biology, like saying that anyone with a mole on their cheek, or crooked teeth, should be immediately incarcerated. It's similar to magic, as well, so taboo, forbidden, yet absolutely uncontrollable. People are naturally scared of what they don't know, thanks to their basic survival instincts, which are perhaps responsible for most of the prejudice in the world. So magic and homosexuality must be kept a secret. They remain fundamental aspects of people's being, which can only be told to the most trusted of friends, and even then, they can end with dire consequences.
I'm not sure I want to board that boat.
If my love for Ness indeed extends romantically, it would be yet another secret that we'd have to keep. It makes me worry about Ness again, given there's something he needs to tell me, and it could well be related. But even worse, it could be something else, and if it's anything as bad as my experiences on the streets, I don't know what I'd do. Hearing about Ness's hurt makes me ache, makes my heart cry.
Perhaps that's what love is.
I just don't know.
Thursday morning dawns.
My arms throb like hell, and the bandages are starting to peel. Yesterday is still fresh in my mind, the terror, the helplessness, but mostly the bizarreness of it all. Meta Knight and Olimar were simple bullies, not murderers. There must've been another reason why they'd do it.
"Hey," Ness says, distracting me with a smile. I grin, and then I realise where we are.
Bayonetta's carpet.
"I slept surprisingly well," Ness says, already chattering, picking himself up. "That party was wild. I'm glad we didn't drink, though, have you seen all these people?"
I look around. Hangovers are prevalent, Link groaning into his hands, Diddy Kong retching in the corner. I laugh a little bit, glad that it's not me.
We return to our dormitory, and Ness hugs me at once when we arrive. I melt into his arms, smiling, letting him pet me a little bit, something he's recently started to do. But the thought of breakfast and lessons pulls me away, because we're late again, and if Wario's being defeated, that means our exams are on their way.
Ness has to help me put on my shirt.
"You'll heal soon," he promises, patting my bandages like his children. I'm not convinced.
We start heading down the stairs once we're changed, laughing to ourselves when we see Popo passed out by his doorway. A large group passes by, also laughing, and Ness frowns.
"You know, it's weird that so many people go here. Most rich parents get their children home-schooled instead of dealing with this."
"It's not that large," I remind him. "Besides, rich people are busy. They probably want some time to themselves."
"So everyone here has rich, neglectful parents," Ness says. "Sounds about right."
"Not everyone," I say, shrugging. "I can't even afford to go here, but Headmaster Hand took an IOU. My parents are neglectful and poor."
"You're bleak today," Ness says. He nudges me, but it's playful. "I'm glad Headmaster Hand let you in. I don't know what I'd do without you. Imagine me trying to solve this mystery by myself."
"You'd probably have blamed it on mashed potato."
Ness snorts with laughter. "Mashed potato is a crime against humanity, but I don't think it's evil."
"I wouldn't be so sure," I say, ominously raising my hands. "Perhaps it's evolving, alive, getting ready to murder you?"
We head into the canteen, where we're thankfully not murdered by rogue spuds. Instead, we collect bowls of porridge, and we join the others at our usual table.
"'Morning," Pit says, nodding in greeting. "How was the party?"
"Terrible," Ness replies, sitting down. "You missed out on some near-death experiences, and some truly awful kissing games."
"Yeah." Pit makes a face. "I figured those would be going on. Not my thing."
"And how about you, Toon Link?" I ask, smiling sweetly. Toon Link groans, momentarily lifting his head from the table.
"I crave death."
"He's very hungover," Villager explains, laughing. "I had to babysit him until he fell asleep, and then he woke up at four in the morning to complain about it."
"I don't know how it happened!" Toon Link says, groaning. "I hardly drank anything!"
"You drank plenty." Villager shoots him a glare. "It's not to happen again."
"Fine," Toon Link groans, and I take the opportunity to look around the canteen.
"Any sign of Red?"
"No," Villager sighs, swallowing a spoonful of porridge. "I heard he didn't end up staying at Bayonetta's. It's just as well I slept in Toon Link's dorm, or that would have been awkward."
"Did you two stay?" Pit asks me and Ness, but before we can answer, Headmaster Hand clears his throat at the front of the room.
"Good morning!" he says, and several people jump in alarm. "Your attention please, because I have several announcements to give."
Muttering breaks out. No doubt yesterday's news of disappearances has been fresh in everyone's minds.
"First of all," he says, "I'd like to thank you for adhering to the new guidelines so well. Professor Shulk reports that no parties were held last night, and no alcohol was consumed. So well done on that front."
I look to my left. Professor Shulk gives a sumptuous wink.
"But moving on," Headmaster Hand continues. He looks tired, possibly still worrying about his magic. "The news that I'm sure you've been longing to hear. At long last, we have discovered who is behind the disappearances. This may come as quite a surprise, but our culprit is none other than Professor Wario."
Clamour breaks out at once. Several students yell, some delighted, some appalled. Loudest of all is Professor Sebastian Tute, who gives a shrill I knew it!
"However," Headmaster Hand says loudly, and the voices die down at once. "This does not mean we are in the clear. Wario is hiding out in a bunker beneath the school, and he is still primed and dangerous. Me, the police, and several professors will be going down to confront him on Saturday, while you're all on the Wilderness Survival Week. Until then, I urge you to be diligent, as I know you are capable of being. Thank you."
He sits down, and talking fills the hall. Villager turns to us, a funny look on his face.
"Is that it, then? Mystery solved? Can everything go back to normal?"
"I hope so," Toon Link groans. "I've heard enough about weird monsters and the five-mythical-stones-plus-a-time-stone for the rest of my life."
"Me too," I say, and I look around the room out of interest. Most people seem to be pleased by the news, but I notice Red sitting with a load of popular people in the corner. He laughs at something one of them says, and I feel a sense of dismay, wondering how this could have happened. Villager gazes over in his direction, wistful, before silently turning back to his porridge.
Things aren't quite back to normal yet.
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"I wonder what appalling headlines we'll have today," I say as Ness and I enter our art lesson. Ness bites his lip, but Shulk cheerfully hails me.
"Good morning, Lucas! If you need any assistance, thanks to your arm handicap, then don't hesitate to ask-"
"I'll be fine," I assure him.
We're quickly let loose on the newspapers.
Pleas for Conscription Mandate to Perish
Polarising viewpoints on the matter of war have recently risen within Onett City. Following B.H Pirkle's conference on Tuesday, protesters claim that the conscription mandate is 'unfair', and 'unjust'. However, Government Officials intend to impose an amendment to this law, which would require all men over the age of sixteen to enter the Onett Brigades. This should be seen as an honour, as fighting for our glorious city has never been more important. Government official Geldegarde Monotoli has stated-
"What?!" Ness says, aghast. "He's a government official?"
"Yep," I say. "The worst people are."
"And - if the mandate lowers, does that mean we're going to war!?"
"Possibly," I say, but I'm already reading another headline.
Shark Attack in Montague Street!
On Tuesday evening, an attack by an infamous gang, The Sharks, took place in Montague Street. The victim was Gerardo Montague, a construction worker and family man, and he has been hospitalised in a delicate condition. There have been reports of Frank Fly himself participating in the attack, worrying news, especially given The Sharks have not been this active since Crazy Hand's notorious Library Bombing. Onetians should therefore take care to avoid footways late at night, especially within the First Residential District...
The article is enough to give me an idea or two. Ness takes out his mostly blank canvas, and I take out mine, thinking about painting some kind of protest. I'm stuck with the gathering from my last image, incomplete, though I could change it. I could add some kind of pitchforks, turn it into a hunt. But when I try to lift my arms, there's a burning, tearing pain, and I gasp.
"Lucas?" Ness instantly rushes over. "What's wrong?"
"I can't paint today," I say, my eyes streaming with agony. Stupid of me. So, so stupid.
"That's alright," Ness says. "You can watch me, and point out all my mistakes." He grins, and I force a smile.
"If you insist."
So that's what I do. Ness begins to paint, adding some embellishments to the line he painted last time. It melds into an arrow, sticking out from a thick oaken trunk, and then there are flowers, blossoms falling all around. It's surprisingly beautiful, a lot better than what our peers are attempting. I'm not one to judge, but I'm pretty sure noses and mouths are central to the face. Nana's painting another fruit, a tomato this time. She catches me staring, and she smiles, going a little pink. I try to smile back, but Ness suddenly yanks me into his arms.
"You're looking a little cold!" he declares, and I feel my face turning red.
"Ness-"
"Alright, alright." He relents. "I needed your masterful artistic assistance, that's all. How do you make the colour orange?"
I laugh. "You don't know how to make orange?"
"Shut up!" Ness pouts, taking his turn to blush. "Nobody ever taught me, okay? I always use the orange paint, but it's run out, and I don't know what to do, so don't bully me, or I'll paint you green."
"Do you even know how to make green?"
"Yes!" Ness says indignantly. "It's blue and orange!"
"No, it's not," I say, laughing. "Do I really need to teach you the colour wheel?"
"Screw you, then! I'll figure it out by myself." He turns back to his canvas, but he's grinning as he does so. It only takes him three tries to realise that red and yellow make orange, and I watch as he slathers it over a glorious sunset. Landscapes are usually my thing, but Ness seems to have unlocked some inner genius, and throughout the lesson, he somehow creates a masterpiece. It's beautiful, and secretly, I'm a little proud.
Not that I tell him that, of course.
"How's your head?" I ask as we leave. "And your ribs? Are they healing well?"
"The bruising has turned brown," Ness informs me. "I'm not sure if that's a good thing. How about your many injuries?"
"I've been worse," I say, though I haven't. My skin seems to have become a record of my recent failures, marred with scarring and redness. It reminds me of a lobster.
"Music now," Ness says, changing the subject. "My first music class. What are they like?"
"Like Orchestra." I lead us into the music room. "Tute isn't pleased with you, though."
"Aw - why?"
"He reckons you should've turned up to the lessons, despite being unconscious."
"He does?" Ness looks genuinely hurt, and I have to hug him better.
"He does," I say into his shoulder.
I take a seat by my piano, and Ness positions himself by his harp. When I watch him standing there, occasionally looking across to smile at me, that feeling returns. That funny feeling of longing. It feels like it's something to do with love, that craving to be near him, to be the centre of his attention. It feels weirdly delicate, in a way I'm not entirely used to.
I would never consider Ness as delicate, though. The harp is delicate, but even so, he plays it with surprising gusto, having been taught it at home. I wasn't taught the piano, but Tute explained basic musical theory, and it sort of clicked into place. It follows logic, sequences, and I can work with that. I prefer to work with patterns.
It's a shame that love is so random.
"Good day!" Tute squeaks, jumping onto his conducting podium. "I'm glad to see a full class today, despite the mania of the times! It is unsurprising that Wario the Music-hater has turned out to be… evil!"
I'm not surprised either.
"But today," he continues. "We are preparing for our end of term paper! Though I believe the infinite art of music should not be confined by a finite test, Headmaster Hand has decreed that it must be done!"
Ness and I exchange a heavy glance. Exams suck.
"We shall do a practice paper!" Tute squawks. "We shall do it now!"
"Now?!" Outcry breaks out at once, and Toon Link hits the gong in agitation.
"I have faith in your musical knowledge," Tute says, producing several exam papers. "Good luck!"
What feels like a millennium later, the exam finishes, and everyone leaves, disgruntled. My strength is in playing music, not analysing a score or defining an anacrusis.
"That was terrible," Toon Link groans, catching up to us as we enter the corridor. "I did so badly. Why do we need to know the French, German, and Italian tempo words?"
"Because Tute rejoices in suffering," Ness says, patting him on the back. "Lunch now, though."
Lunch. Time to see if I can lift a fork to my mouth.
But I keep that worry to myself.
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"I just can't believe him," Villager sighs, once lunch is over and we're walking to our lessons. "I mean, he didn't even look at me. He didn't even acknowledge my existence!"
"It's sad," Ness says, mumbling. "I wish Red was more reasonable."
"One can only dream, apparently." Villager kicks at the wall in agitation. "I wish I knew what happened to provoke this."
"It'll be okay," I say. "It's not your fault."
"I'm just glad that Toon Link's letting me sleep in his dorm until this is over. God, I don't know what I'd do without him, y'know?"
"Yeah," Ness says, giving me a knowing smirk. "It's very generous of him."
Villager goes into the Trades classroom, and we walk into Maths. Because we quit Business, Ness had to move to my class for logistical reasons, which is a welcome relief from the woes of algebra. Marth greets us cheerily, and Ness grumbles, remembering the fake mathematics tournament.
"Today," Marth begins. "We are going to be studying polynomials…"
His voice blends into the background, my attention turning back to Ness. I suppose I've always loved him, in one way or another. He gave me purpose when I was young, gave me something to look forward to when I went into school. I'd often visit his house in those earlier days of our friendship. It was the one place where I knew I could have a hot meal, and where I knew I could be provided for. Since then, I've been more inclined to care for myself, but I still occasionally cave in. Ness's mother dotes on me.
"What are you looking at?" Ness whispers, smirking. I blush, realising that I zoned out while staring at him.
"Your stupid face," I say.
"You are horrible to me," Ness says, pouting. "Are you any good at polynomials? You can make it up to me by giving me all your answers."
"I'm terrible at maths," I admit, worried by this. "I'm supposed to be good at it if I want to be a scientist."
"It's okay," Ness says, his expression softening. He pats me on the shoulder. "You're smart. Any university would be falling over themselves to accept you. Besides, I don't even know what I want to be when I grow up."
"A musician?" I suggest, but he shakes his head.
"No way. I don't want to wear those stiff collars. Imagine me, like Tute."
"You could compose?"
"I don't know how," Ness says, shaking his head again.
"An artist?"
"No way. I'm rubbish at art."
"No, you're not!" I exclaim. "Yours was the best painting in the room today."
"Come on, you're just saying that."
"I mean it!" I bump against him, worried by his frown. "I think you've got talent. Loads of it."
"If you say so," Ness says, though he smiles a little bit. "I'd rather live in the present, anyway. Maybe I'll find out what I'm good at soon."
"You're good at loads of things," I say.
"Yeah." Ness bites his lip. He doesn't sound convinced.
"Boys!" Marth calls, glaring over from the front of the room. "Listen up, please."
"Sorry," Ness says. "We were, uh-"
"Discussing the problem," I interrupt smoothly.
"I see," Marth says, raising his eyebrows. "Discussing the problem, despite there not being a problem to discuss."
"Erm-"
"Save the excuses, Lucas. Just pay attention in future."
"Yes, Professor," I say, looking down. "Sorry."
Marth continues talking, and Ness leans against me so that our foreheads make contact.
'We can talk like this, perhaps?'
My head stings. I'd forgotten about that godforsaken telepathy.
'Maybe,' I reply. 'It's kind of painful-'
"Ness!" Marth exclaims. "Your eyes should be towards the front."
"But-"
Marth brandishes his chalk. "This is your own time you're wasting, boys. We're covering important content for your exams, and if you don't want to pass, that's fine by me. But if you don't have the courtesy to pay attention, you might as well leave the classroom, because you're taking valuable teaching time away from everyone else."
"Sorry," Ness mutters.
"Now, are you going to pay attention?" Marth asks. "Or are you going to continue to misbehave? Because if you're going to be disruptive, then that's not on."
"I'll behave," Ness says. "I promise."
"Good. In that case, you can start by handing out these worksheets."
Ness groans, and I grin as he gets up to take the stack, but my face falls when I see the questions. Several equations loom at me from the page, all consisting of way too many numbers and letters. Ness comes back, grumbling, and he sighs, falling down next to me.
"I hate this class. If it wasn't for Marth, you wouldn't be all slashed up. That stupid Maths competition."
"It's fine," I say. "I lived."
"But-"
"Holy shit!" Marth cries out suddenly. I look up, alarmed. He's staring intently at a newspaper.
"Professor?"
"They've found - I've got to go! Class dismissed!" He races from the room, and muttering breaks out at once.
"Follow him?" Ness asks.
"You bet."
Worksheet forgotten, we run out, catching Marth as he bursts into an empty classroom. We surge in, and Marth looks up in alarm.
"Ness? Lucas?"
"What's happening?" Ness demands. Marth's eyes widen, taken aback.
"That really doesn't concern you - go on, go and play some chess, or whatever you kids do these days-"
"Is it something bad?" I ask, worried.
"No - no, it's good," he says. "Amazing, in fact."
"What is it?"
"It really isn't any of your-"
"It might be important."
"Goodness me!" Marth exclaims. "Professor Ryu was right about the nosiness. It's my friend, okay? My friend Roy. They thought he'd gone missing, but he's appeared in the newspaper. That's all!"
"Oh," I say, feeling foolish.
"Now, please, do excuse me, I need to write - loads to do - loads to catch up on! Go, clear off, go on!"
We hastily leave, Marth beginning to scribble something down.
"Today has been weird," Ness decides, once we're in the corridor.
"I think it's been quite normal," I say, shrugging. "Compared to everything else. We haven't nearly died yet."
"There's still time," Ness says darkly.
"How delightful."
"Sorry," Ness says, but he frowns, looking out a nearby window. I follow his gaze. Bowser is there, trudging towards the forest, carrying a bundle of... something.
"Looks like it's about to get weirder," I say, taking Ness's hand. "Let's get investigating."
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We trail Bowser with ease. He lumbers into the forest like an ogre, stomping and raging. It's not hard to follow his trail of desolation.
"What do you think he's up to?" Ness asks, dramatically creeping along.
"Several crimes," I say, and Ness laughs. I shush him, but he bumps against me, grinning like a fool.
Nevertheless, Ness does remain quiet as we press on, following Bowser into a concerningly dense mesh of trees. I slip my hand into Ness's as a force of habit, glad for the comforting knowledge that he's there amongst the shadows. A trickle of rain starts to fall, the wind picking up a little, but Bowser doesn't stop. I hear him muttering to himself: "nearly there… nearly there…"
But Ness sweeps my hair into my face, relieving some of the tension. It's wet, and too long, which reminds me that I probably need to get it cut. Ness's mother usually does that for me, whenever she decides I'm looking too unkempt and urchin-like. Their house is a nicer place than mine, all big and warm and inviting. They have a proper working toilet, and a bathtub, all those luxuries we can't afford.
"He's stopped," Ness whispers suddenly, and I freeze. Sure enough, Bowser is standing still, looking away from us, doing something with his bundle. I think I can make out the sound of the river nearby.
In an abrupt movement, he pulls something out, but just out of sight. I beckon Ness to move closer, and we creep around a birch, taking steady care to avoid crunching on the residual autumn leaves. Bowser growls, hurling something, but suddenly, someone else appears.
It's a woman. She's blonde, with a vibrant pink dress, completely out of place in the environment. She doesn't look happy, either, her arms folded as she glares at Bowser's form.
"This is a horrible meeting place. Were there really no other options?"
"No," Bowser snarls. He moves forward a little bit, staring the woman down.
"I paid good money to take the train here," she says, sighing. "The least you could do is be grateful."
"Trains are for losers," Bowser grumbles. "We need to talk, Peach."
I exchange a glance with Ness, just as weirded out as him.
"Oh, wonderful," Peach says, rolling her eyes. "If this is about Mario again-"
"It is!" Bowser bellows. "That... That man..."
"Is my husband, thank you very much. It would do you well to talk nicely of others, for once."
"Why is he your husband?" Bowser demands, growling.
"Because we got married," Peach says. "You were at the wedding. You destroyed the cake."
"That was in the past," Bowser says, averting his fierce gaze. "But, Peach... would you ever... cheat?"
"Never!" Peach exclaims. "Bowser, what happened to you? We were such good friends, and now you've become monstrous!"
"But I love you," Bowser wails. "I love you so much!"
"Mario loves me too! I married him because I love him back!"
"But, Peach! My heart aches for you!"
"Bowser," Peach says, glaring, folding her arms. "Don't make me file a restraining order."
"Fine," Bowser sighs, kicking at the dirt. "I'll have to murder Mario in cold blood. So be it."
"Why can't you be nice to him? He's a lovely man. He wants to be your friend."
"Hah!" Bowser roars with laughter. "I burnt all his letters in Headmaster Hand's fireplace!"
"Why?" Peach asks.
"They were all too Italian."
"Which is bad, because...?"
"I don't want to go out for a meal of spaghetti!" Bowser roars, stomping his foot. "I only like proper British foods, like chicken curry, or Chinese takeaway!"
"Bowser-"
"I do not take constructive criticism!"
"Right," Peach says, rolling her eyes. "Bowser, what's in the bag?"
Bowser opens his bundle, and lightning chooses that moment to ominously strike. Peach leans forward, and then she leaps back with a scream.
"What the hell!?"
"I found them," Bowser says, rubbing his meaty hands together. Ness and I listen closer.
"But - good heavens," Peach says faintly. "Why have you brought them here?"
"I was going to throw them away," Bowser says. "Then, Wario told me they attract wolves. I like wolves."
"Wolves aren't native to Britain, Bowser."
"What? I've been WASTING MY TIME?"
"But - goodness me." Peach covers her face in obvious exasperation. "If you find a load of human bones, why would you pick them up and put them in a bag?"
Ness and I exchange an alarmed glance. Human bones? Ness senses my discomfort, snaking an arm around me.
"Because they were put in my office," Bowser growls. "Someone left them as a present!"
"Then where did someone else get human bones from?"
My stomach twists. I think I know.
"NO IDEA!" Bowser bellows. "But now, they're useless! Just like your husband!"
"Right, then." Peach steps back, her expression stony. "If that's all, if I bought a ticket just for this..."
"No, wait!" Bowser cries, desperately grabbing onto her sleeve. I decide we've seen enough, and I beckon Ness to start walking in the other direction. He does so, the rain continuing to drizzle onto our faces, Bowser's increasingly desperate cries fading into the background.
"That was creepy," I say, once we're out of earshot.
"Very. Who gave him the bones, do you think?"
"I think they're leftovers from Future Human conversion," I say. Ness looks immediately sick.
"You don't mean-?"
"Wario put them in Bowser's office to frame him. Just like he put the figurine in Ryu's classroom."
"Does that mean Bowser's innocent?" Ness asks, though he still looks ill.
"Probably. Except for whatever all that business with Peach was. But-"
"Lucas."
I freeze.
Slowly, I turn around. I recognise that voice. That cold, awful voice.
That cold, awful...
Face.
I yell, the full reality of its horror laid bare before me. It's hideous, visceral, with matted dirty-brown hair obscuring most of its scarred visage. It wears scraps of clothing, ragged and dark, a hint of metal glistening by its leg. It stares, red, bloodshot eyes bearing into mine, staring into my soul. It reads me, it knows me. Then it's smiling, smiling impossibly wide, reaching out a hand, and I stumble back, screaming into Ness's arms.
"LUCAS, RUN!"
He uproots me from my place, and suddenly we're sprinting, my breath catching abruptly in my throat. I try to keep pace, but my mind is racing, whirling, screaming at me to freeze. The Face crashes behind us, storming after us, and I close my eyes, hurtling headlong through the forest, the wind whipping into a violent frenzy -
Lucas?
But I'm slowing, everything is mad, Ness yells, I yell, because it's coming, coming for us, evil, awful -
Can you hear me?
And then we're bursting out of the forest, my mind screaming, my head pounding, my thoughts meshing into one. Ness bears my weight, holding me, helping me forward as he stumbles, the noise fading to silence behind us. The rain slows into a drizzle as we reach the school's doors, Ness throwing them open, passing the shattered grandfather clock in the hallway. Then, somehow we're climbing the stairs, and I'm huddled under the covers, my head feeling like it's tearing itself apart. Ness is there, shaking, petting me, holding me, whispering words of comfort, pulling me back from over the edge. I feel him dragging me away from the darkness, something manic, something green and orange and not quite understandable yet. His fingers dig into my back, clutching onto me, grounding me. Bringing me back to earth.
"Ness," I gasp, collapsing down against a pillow. He's there, warm, lovely.
"F-Face," he whimpers, nose pressing into my ribs when he buries his face in my chest. "What is it? What is that thing?"
I wildly shake my head, clinging, one arm looped around his middle, another over his shoulder. My head is calming down, but it's still mad, trying frantically to process what I saw.
"We're safe," Ness says, his voice tiny. "It's going to be okay."
"There was m-metal," I say, the image of the beast coming back to me like lightning. "O-On its leg."
"What if - what if it's a really old Future Human?" Ness asks, and I shudder. The thought makes a horrible amount of sense.
"Why's it following us? What does it want?"
"I don't know," Ness moans. "I don't know."
"We have class," I say, whispering. "We have to go."
"But - But, Lucas!"
I tear myself away from him. It hurts to do it, but we must, or Headmaster Hand will be worrying again. Ness follows, shivering, pressing close to my side.
"What if it's outside?"
"It won't be," I promise, sounding more stable than I feel. I lead us out the doorway, and down the stairs, to where our History classroom waits. I feel sick, exhausted, in need of some time alone, but part of me feels like I'm supposed to be here. Like something's going to happen.
"Sorry we're late, Professor," I say, pushing through the doorway, my voice on tenterhooks.
"And yet," Ryu says, "Your sixth consecutive lateness comes as no surprise whatsoever."
As I sit down, I can't help but wonder why everything happened so fast.
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My skin is still clammy hours later, doughier than the Yorkshire puddings that the servers generously pile onto us at dinner. Nothing came of the History lesson in the end, but my head is beginning to throb again, worries prickling at the back of my mind. It's as if someone is calling me from really far away, their voice muddy and hidden under everything else.
"I'm so hungry," Ness says, sitting down. "I could eat a horse."
"I don't doubt that," Toon Link says. "So much running through the forest. Exercise. Unheard of."
"Thanks," Ness says, scowling. We told the others about Bowser's bone collection after History. Needless to say, they'd been just as alarmed as us.
"No problem." Toon Link beams. "Roast beef, Ness, cheer up!"
But Red clatters onto our table, and an awkward silence falls. His eyes meet Villager, blinking as if he wasn't expecting him to be there.
"Hi," Ness attempts.
"Hi," Red replies.
"Hi," Villager attempts.
Red does not reply.
"Alright, this has gone on long enough," Toon Link says suddenly. "Sort this out. I'm not having my friends arguing any longer."
"But-"
"Go on!" Toon Link looks between them both. "I'm tired of all the tension. It's bad for team morale."
"I refuse," Red says. "Villager is a menace."
"A menace?" Villager repeats, staring at the ground.
"As I said before, you're changing-"
"You're the one who's changing," Villager says, interrupting. "You're hanging around the popular kids. You hate the popular kids."
"They appreciate my presence," Red says. "Unlike you."
"I do appreciate it!" Villager exclaims. "Has something happened, Red? I'm worried. This isn't normal."
"You're not normal!" Red stands, suddenly furious. "You don't get it. And for that reason, I refuse to speak until further notice!" He grabs his tray, stalking off without another word. Villager watches him go, wilting onto the table.
"Screw him," Toon Link says, patting him on the back. "Don't let him bring you down."
"He's been my best friend for ten years." Villager's voice is muffled.
"He's being unreasonable," Pit says. "He's in the wrong."
But Villager just kicks at the stone floor. "Who cares if he's in the wrong? He despises me. He completely and utterly despises me."
"Well-"
"Villager!" Diddy Kong squawks, walking past and slapping him on the face. "You smashed any guys, lately? If you're looking, loads of your kind are in jail!"
Villager is silent for a moment, before turning to face us. He looks utterly miserable. "You know that feeling, where everything feels like it's tumbling down around you?"
I hang my head, unsure what to say, how to make things better. Toon Link gives Villager a hug, but that just earns catcalls and whoops.
"That's it," Toon Link says quietly. "Villager, I've got a plan. We're going to end this."
The rest of dinner passes by a tepid affair, and afterwards, Toon Link drags Villager off to his room. Ness, Pit and I are left to talk in the games room for the rest of the evening, though I don't mind that. Pit turns out to have some interesting stories about his home life, which we pay back with tales about the best of our escapes from Porky.
"I'm going to bed early," Pit decides at around 9 p.m., prompting me and Ness to give in as well, dragging our tired selves up the stairs. I can't decide whether today has felt long or short, but I know that I'm exhausted, even if it'll probably take me another few hours to fall asleep.
"It's time for your medical exam," Ness says, as soon as we enter the dorm.
"What?" I ask, laughing.
"Like when we used to play doctors, except this time, you've got an actual injury. C'mon. Arms out."
I do as I'm told, and Ness pulls off my shirt. He carefully unwraps the bandages from my arms, depositing them in our bin, observing what's left behind. Where the blood has adhered to the bandages, there are angry red marks, but otherwise, the wounds are somewhat covered over.
"Not bad," Ness says, nodding. "I declare your condition stable."
"Thanks," I say. I pull off his shirt as well, glad to have functioning arms. It feels weirdly intimate to see Ness's bare chest, but I only study his bruising.
"Am I cured?" Ness asks innocently.
"They're yellow," I say. "You're going through the entire rainbow."
"Gay."
"You're gay."
"Eat more," he says, poking my stomach. I laugh, but I suddenly feel self-conscious, so I quickly slip into pyjamas, Ness turning away as I do. I roll into my bed, yawning, and Ness collapses into his.
"It's not even that late," I murmur, feeling my eyes beginning to close. "You were right, today was crazy after all."
"It might not be over yet," Ness says grimly. "The Face could still pay us a midnight visit."
I groan, reminded that we need to lock the door. I do so, shivering in the cold of the room.
"At last," Ness says, watching me. "I can murder you in the night. I've been waiting eight years for this moment."
"Not if I get there first," I say, curling back up under my blankets. They smell a bit like Ness, left over from our nights spent sharing a bed. I guiltily hug them close, a little embarrassed by how comforting they are.
"Good luck," Ness says. "I'm very strong."
"Is that why you still sleep with a teddy bear?"
"Hey!" Ness folds his arms, shifting to hide the stuffed animal's woollen face. "At least I don't hug my pillows in my sleep."
"I don't do that!" I fold my arms, affronted.
"You do. You hug everything when you sleep. I bet you imagine it's me, too."
"No way!" I say, though sometimes I do. He's comforting and warm. So is my pillow.
"Sure," Ness says, smirking. "You also sleep-talk, did you know that?"
"What do I say?" I ask, suspicious of his grin.
"In these exact words: 'Ness is the best at everything, and I am a colossal goof'."
"You're so mean to me," I say, pouting.
"You believed me, though."
"You're a menace."
"Goof."
"Dummy."
"Gnome."
Unable to think of a good comeback, I roll onto my side, looking up at the ceiling. I can feel Ness's eyes still watching me, and I imagine them softening, gentle with affection. I imagine him next to me, holding me close, letting me rest my head on his chest. The thought makes me blush, hard.
"Friday, tomorrow," Ness says. His voice has lost that mocking tone, instead worried, uneasy.
"That play," I say. "Robin Hood. And Wilderness Survival Week."
"Our last night in our beds, then. Who's on pillow rota this year?"
"You," I say, and Ness groans. Each year, we've swapped around who has to be the pillow, so at least one of us gets a decent night's rest. One year we'd built some kind of shelter, a kind of bed out of leaves and sticks.
I turn back to face Ness, whose eyes are closing, flickering open every couple of seconds. He smiles across at me, and I smile back, feeling something warm slipping through me. I yawn soon enough, my eyes starting to close as well.
"Goodnight, Lucas," Ness mumbles, soft. "Sweet dreams."
"Sweet dreams, Ness."
He smiles one last time, and as I close my eyes, only one thing is certain.
I love that goof to pieces.
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(Epilogue)
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29th August, 1883
Ness,
It's Lucas.
First of all, I want to say that I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I've been gone for so long, been such a terrible friend to you. Things have been difficult, you're right, and I've received every single one of your letters. I've read them all, and I've kept them. The flapjacks and cookies were delicious, and so lovely, and they really helped with everything that's been happening. Thank you so much for sending them.
I don't really know what to say here. It's like I have all these thoughts going around in my head, all these ideas that I need to get down. I've had a lot of dealings with Porky over the summer, and a lot of other troubles, as well. There are some things I need to tell you at some point, personal things, but I don't think I'm quite ready yet. I hope you can understand that.
As for school subjects, I'm going to pick Art, Business and History. I hope it's not too late for your Father to let you choose, because you deserve to do what you want. I hope we're in all the same classes together, because you're right. I need you. So much.
Stay strong, Ness. I'll see you soon.
I love you too.
Your best friend,
~ Lucas
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I stand outside Ness's window, shivering, looking into his bedroom. It's empty, barren, but the window is open just a crack, just wide enough to slip the letter through. I drop it before I can change my mind. It falls, landing with a soft noise on his carpet, all of my secrets flying out of my hands.
Inside, I can hear a man shouting. I can hear Ness's voice in the distance, terrified, ringing out. I'm tempted to knock on the door. I'm tempted to go in, promise that everything's okay, hug him, save him.
But I can't.
I'm still too disgusting.
I turn away, swallowing the bitter sting on my tongue. I was brave enough to do this. The letter was vague, maybe irritatingly so, but Ness needed to hear from me. And nothing in the letter was a lie - there have been plenty of problems with Porky this summer. They've been overshadowed, but they were real.
When I re-enter the house, Father scarcely notices. Since Mother died, he only goes out to work in the mines, only fends for himself. I wave, pulling off my gloves, but he sits there in the living room, staring into nothing.
Sometimes, I'm not sure if he knows I exist. Maybe his meals cook themselves, appearing in front of him at 6 p.m. But that's okay.
He wouldn't want a whore for a son.
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30th August, 1883
Dear Lucas,
Lucas, Lucas, Lucas! You're alive! I'm smiling like an idiot right now. I missed you so, so much. Though, you probably knew that already - and don't you dare apologise for putting yourself first! That's important!
I totally feel you. There's so much to say, so much that can't be said in a letter. But, like, I'm here when you need me, and you can tell me whatever it is you need to tell me whenever you feel comfortable, okay? Emotions are sort of weird, and I don't pretend to understand them. I know you've been going through a lot, and if it's with Porky, that must be awful, so I'm going to try my best to be a good friend. Just tell me if I overstep any boundaries, yeah?
I'm doing History and Business Studies, but I have to do Geography as well, which sucks. The form got sent off this morning. I wish I could do Art with you, but it would probably take some kind of miracle, that or I could convince Headmaster Hand to let me change. I suppose it's unimportant, compared to everything else. I can't wait for school, though, can you?
In better news, the cook baked gingerbread, so I'm putting some pieces in with this letter. But we should meet in person, soon, if you'd like that. I think we have a lot to talk about, and I've got a lot of hugs to give you. It's been a rough summer, but at least we still have each other.
Stay strong, Lucas. I'm sending you all my courage. Hopefully, it will be enough to see you through.
Your best friend,
~ Ness
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I neatly fold the letter, placing it in the drawer with the others. But then I think better of it, and I stick it to my wall, next to an old protester's placard. It's a reminder. Maybe it always will be.
As I reread his words, I notice that there's no mention of his father's shouting. No mention of the yells I heard.
Perhaps we both have our secrets.
I fold myself into bed, covering the bruises with my blanket, the first present he gave me. Maybe one day, I'll tell him everything. Maybe one day, I'll be honest, open, a better friend.
But that will take a lot of work. A lot of time. First, I have to get over this shame.
This awful, aching shame.
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A/N
Whoops, that was sad.
This chapter is late because I was making music, changing my mind about what I want to do for the rest of my life, and trying to draw humans. The whole chapter idea was spontaneous, and I nearly skipped the whole day. I'm glad I didn't, though.
On the plus side, it's hotting up. Big things are coming soon.
Reviews: (Feel free to skip past this section if you're not interested)
Rie Sonomura (chapter 1)
"I'm normally not a fan of Nesscas, admittedly due to how the relationship is usually portrayed, but this is a refreshing break from the often problematic norms and gives them solid chemistry! I feel so sorry for Ness... his dad's a proper asshole! It also adds to the depth of character of him being more protective of Lucas, and hiding his abuse (the black eye).
And I'm a total sucker for historical AUs and I heard there'll be a mystery too, the first chapter definitely sets that up! I love a good mystery, so I'll be sure to keep on reading. c:"
Hey, cool! You're not the first non-NessCas fan to stumble across this fic. I'm glad you're enjoying it so far. When/if you eventually reach this point, I hope the mystery kept you guessing all the way!
Rie Sonomura (chapter 2)
"Lucas POV this time! I love the flashback to Claus leaving after Hinawa's death, how Claus was Flint's favorite son and (I presume, just as in Mother 3 canon) Lucas was Hinawa's favorite son. And of course, Porky causing trouble as usual. And I like Lucas seeing Rosalina as a motherly figure - that's a headcanon of mine too!
I definitely admire the worldbuilding in this AU, everyone has a role, even the seemingly background characters, and I'm intrigued to see how it'll all come together!"
You bet, those background characters are pretty crazy. I sorta just love them all, and want to give them all some spotlight. Even at this point in the fic, there's still a lot of coming together to do!
Mild Guy (chapter 6)
"My favorite so far are the spooky and suspense scenes. A shame the library is such a dangerous place for them.
I know Ness and Lucas don't seem to have their Psi abilities in this AU, but is it too much to ask for Ness to pop Porky's head, Scanners style, before this is over? You're doing a great job writing Minch as creepy and dangerous.
Welp. There's a monster stalking you, and students are disappearing, so it's time to wander around the woods at night. I'm really looking forward to the next chapter now."
Haha, this unsuspecting fool, only on chapter six, does not suspect the oncoming magical abilities in the slightest… :)
Real talk, thanks for the review! It has inspired me to perhaps return to the library...
Once again, thank you everyone for reading, I'll see you next time!
~ReadyForTeddy