Alright, second chapter of the first arc! I must say, this has been going better than I expected, though some of the areas of this chapter aren't the strongest they could be...but I couldn't come up with anything better. Anyway, not much happening here; just some character development. Also, review responses will no longer be completely in bold, which is a system that I took from Connor the speling pro who took it from Phoesong who...I don't know where it came from. *Shrugs* Either way, hope you all like this chapter!
Review Responses:
Connor the speling pro: Agreed. The suburbs are really nice in my opinion. And my action scenes were pretty good? That...honestly surprises me. I thought it was decent, but not good. And thanks for the tips on battles! Ironically, I was watching the movie 'Saving Private Ryan' the night I posted the chapter, and I had the exact same thought cross my mind! And...I'm still messing up on that whole 'he' thing. That's gonna take a while to shake off.
Sound like teenagers? I'm always used to speaking and writing more formally (thank my Mom and AP Euro for that (though I don't tend to use a lot of complicated words)), so it's going to be tough...Time to hit the research lab! Yeah, war is one of those tricky areas, but I do agree it is more related to human nature as opposed to Ninten's, though that is a contributing factor. And good luck to you on that!
Guest: Thanks for the compliments, however I would not recommend relying too heavily on my action scenes. My skills with writing them will improve in the future, but they are far from honed at this point. But you're welcome; I'm glad that you benefited from this and like this fic so far. See ya!
Disclaimer: I do not own Earthbound or anything in this fic other than the plot and OCs.
"Well done, Lucas," Ninten commented as they headed back into the village. "You've made tremendous progress in your PSI, and I have no doubt we are ready to depart."
"I'm sorry for delaying you further," Lucas apologized.
"Don't worry: It was essential to make sure not only you but this town would be at least semi-prepared for what lies ahead."
Only two days after the battle, the evidence of the battle remained etched in the minds of the townspeople. Fortunately, the town itself took no damage, and no noncombatants were injured or killed. However, the burials of the fifteen militiamen that gave their lives were especially somber. The Pigmask soldiers were also given burials, but in a different part of the cemetery.
But now the village was divided into three. The great minority (but vocal) protested the battle, since they were more sympathetic towards the Pigmask. They treated Ninten and Lucas with overt hostility ever since they learned of their part in the battle, as well as their PSI. They advocated for peace and negotiations with the Pigmasks if they ever returned.
The majority of the villagers were overall neutral, not really personally caring which side the village takes. They just wanted to survive with their happiness intact, but it was essential for them to take sides sooner or later. While some were convinced by the first group, most were swayed towards the third group.
The final but larger minority despised the Pigmasks, spearheaded by the ones who mistrusted them from the beginning, most of the remaining militia, and the families of the dead. They argued that they could've negotiated before the battle, and that their actions revealed what their true nature was like. They advocated for a greater militia as well as training them, to increase their abilities to defend themselves. They created battle plans in the event of another attack.
In fact, an iron smelter from the third group offered to repair Ninten's Giant Knife a few hours after the battle. He insisted he didn't need to be paid, and Ninten was very grateful for his services. And he regained his primary weapon.
However, no matter how hard he tried, Lucas couldn't completely shake the guilt he felt after the battle, but he accepted that there was no other alternative other than risking the entire village. Neither one had any sort of idea on the trials ahead. In addition, while their PSI gave them a chance, it was a low one without any support. They needed to reach one of the major urban centers soon.
"Do you think they'll come back?" Lucas asked.
"If they were smart, they wouldn't," Ninten said. "This is not strategic at all; in fact, the only reason they came was likely because of us. With their high losses, they'd probably allocate a much larger force to attack with next time, and even then, all that could be used somewhere else that was more decisive."
Ninten cleared his throat. "Before I forget, you'll be away from this village for an unknown amount of time if you don't change your mind. I do not know when we'll come back, if we survive. You must say your goodbyes and gather anything you want. Remember; not much beyond the bare necessities. Okay?"
Lucas nodded. "I understand. You should also gather what you need as well."
Ninten smiled. "Don't worry; I will."
Goodbyes would not take very long, since there was only a dog and two people that Lucas intended on bidding farewell to. He currently stood in front of the residence of one of those two people.
He raised his hand and gently knocked on the door. He could hear shuffling inside, and before long, it opened up. Thankfully, it was Duster and not Wess who stood there. Not that he hated Wess, but his cranky demeanor wasn't the most tolerable in this situation.
"Hey Lucas," Duster greeted, "How are you holding up?"
"I'm good, how are you?" Lucas asked.
"I'm fine, though the town is not," he sighed. "I'm sure you've noticed, but ever since the battle, tensions have been mounting. This battle may be considered a victory, but it is also a defeat since we are turning on each other." Duster gazed off into the distance. "Three years ago, life was content. It was happy. Why did it all come to this, Lucas?"
"I don't know," Lucas replied. "But I do need to talk to you about something related to the Pigmasks."
Duster nodded. "Can we walk as we talk?" he asked. "I'm not sure if my father would be pleased to hear a long conversation while he's trying to sleep."
"Okay," Lucas replied as the duo headed down the dirt path. For several seconds, silence reigned as they listened to the sound of their own footsteps. "Tomorrow, I'm leaving with Ninten. We're going to try to stop the Pigmasks," he dropped the bomb.
Duster froze as he turned to face him. "What?" he asked.
"I'm leaving with Ninten to stop the Pigmasks."
"Lucas, I've known you for a long time, but can I ask if you have lost your mind?"
"Duster, you know I'm not normal," Lucas retorted. "I can use this 'PSI'...and it's powerful," he continued as he formed a PK Love hexagon in the palm of his hand. "We're in danger as long as they wage their war. They have to be stopped before significant damage can accumulate. It is very likely that if they are not stopped soon, humanity would cease to exist. Every PSI user that goes against them is that much more the Confederation has to protect the people. I have to do this."
"In a way, I have to admire you sticking your neck out for people you don't know, but this isn't your fight. Surely one PSI user can't make that much of a difference, can they?"
"Maybe not, but if everyone had that kind of attitude, no PSI user would come, and then extinction," Lucas said. "Besides, it is our fight; they attacked and killed fifteen people. They just made it our fight."
"No matter what I say I won't be able to stop you, will I?" Duster asked. Lucas didn't reply. "Fair enough, but before you go, I have something to give to you."
"What is it?" Lucas asked.
"It's a surprise, but it will no doubt be very useful for you and your friend," Duster elaborated. "I'll deliver them tomorrow morning since I don't have them on hand. I'll be waiting on the pathway to the square."
"You know you don't have to do this, right?"
"You do know that you don't have to do what you are going to do?" Duster countered. "I'm doing this for you. I'll stay and protect the town. You worry about protecting everyone else. Got it?"
Lucas nodded. "I will."
Duster smiled. "Just take care. You will do no good dying a meaningless death."
"I should also be telling you that, thief," Lucas smirked as he walked away.
Stopping by Boney's doghouse, he plopped himself down right next to his dog as he ran his hand through his fur coat. Boney looked up at him.
"Hey Lucas," he yawned. "Anything you need from me?"
"Well, I need to talk to you about something."
"Okay, shoot. Not like you're telling me you're leaving or anything, right?"
"..."
"Wait...ARE you leaving?" Boney asked.
"...Yeah?"
"WHAT?" Boney sprang to his feet as he pinned Lucas to the ground. "You can't leave! Who will I be able to lick and be overly affectionate towards when you're gone?"
"Don't worry; I'll talk with father about it later. Hopefully he'll become more like his old self again..."
"Lucas, what happened was hard on all of us; myself included," Boney replied. "I don't think either me or Flint can take losing you too..."
"But if I don't stick my neck out, Ninten will be all on his own. Sure he can take care of himself, but this war is dangerous. I want to help him in any way I can, and besides...I have a feeling that I'll be needed with him."
Boney gave a small whine as he got off of Lucas. "Well...If you really feel that way, I guess I'll allow you to leave, but you must come back. Understand?"
Lucas's lips twitched upwards. "Yes, I do. Now, I'll go talk with father about this."
'Well, here goes nothing,' Lucas thought to himself as he proceeded to the front door of his house. Never in his life did he consider how intimidating the door could look, especially since he did not know how his father would take the news. He supposed there was only one way to find out.
He paused right before the door, took a deep breath to steady his nerves, and opened the door.
As Lucas closed the door, he was able to take a glance at his father at the table, chewing on some carrots they had harvested recently. Upon Lucas's entry, he looked up. "Hello Lucas, how are you feeling?" he asked.
"I'm fine," Lucas answered. "But...we need to talk."
"About what?"
"Two things; One, I noticed you haven't been going into the mountains ever since the battle to search for Claus. Why?"
"That battle made me realize that I must face facts and that I can't run from the truth forever," Flint sighed. "Three years. For three entire, miserable years I had refused to accept it. I couldn't accept that not only my wife, but also one of my sons had suffered such a horrible death. But if it was indeed true, I wanted to retrieve his remains and give him a proper burial...like your mother." Flint hung his head. "In the days following the funeral, I had watched you fall into misery. I thought that if I could find him and bring him back, you would be happy again, run around and laugh like you used to...I'm sorry, I'm getting unusually poetic, aren't I?"
Lucas shrugged. "It's fine. Continue."
"Anyway, as time went on, I sensed your resentment towards not only me but to the others burning, resentful at their lack of sympathy, and later their idiocy blindly following the Pigmasks. I became desperate, hoping to reverse it with finding Claus. But now I realize...If I had stayed by your side, things would have been better." Flint shook his head briefly. "I have made a terrible mistake, Lucas, for neglecting you while searching for nothing. I'm sorry for all I have done."
Lucas was silent, sorting out his feelings towards this. On one hand, he was still angry towards Flint for not recognizing this earlier, but...At least he acknowledged his mistake. Perhaps there is hope for him after all?
Lucas sighed. "I'm sorry, but I cannot forgive you...not right now. You said it yourself; you left me alone during the hard times and barely showed any love towards me these past few years. I've laid in bed, wishing either for you to give up your search, or for me to take Claus's place. But...Later, I might. I just need more time."
"I understand," Flint said.
"And now the second thing," Lucas continued. "Ninten is leaving first thing tomorrow to get back to his comrades. I plan on joining him against the Pigmasks."
An uncharacteristic gasp from Flint echoed through the room as he nearly dropped the cup of water in his hand. He quickly leveled a stern gaze upon Lucas.
"Lucas-"
"Father, stop," Lucas commanded. "I've made up my mind. The Pigmasks are our enemies; they've killed fifteen of our fellow villagers days ago. They've overthrown the Royal Family, and will not stop until either everything is destroyed, or they are defeated! They have to be stopped.
"For all of my life, I was the outcast, the crybaby, always relying on my brother even before the incident. Now, two of those things have changed, but the last hasn't. In fact, with my PSI awakening, I'm even more of an outcast than before! Ninten is one of the few people left who actually treat me with any sort of equality, outside of Duster, Boney, and you. I owe so much to Ninten, father, I can't let him go out on his own. I need to help him...please."
Flint sighed as he tipped his hat. "Lucas, you have grown so much these past several years," he said. "I knew after witnessing you fight, that I wouldn't be able to contain your spirit for much longer. In fact, I'm certain whether or not I give my consent, you will leave regardless, correct?" Lucas nodded. "Then it is of no use to not give my support. While neither I nor Boney can come with you, I can allow you to take whatever you need for the journey ahead."
"Father..."
"Ninten is a fine lad, and I can already see he's a healthy influence on you. You two have developed a bond during the time he has stayed here, and it is...unusual for a bond to be this strong in such a short time. I'm sure he'll take care of you. But I want you to promise one thing to me."
"What?"
"Please...If you do die, then don't die in vain," Flint elaborated. "I can't ask you to stay safe, since wars are far from it. But that is my final request. Go out there and make your father proud."
"Father..." Lucas whispered. "I...I love you," he said as he hugged him.
"I love you too, Lucas."
His master was not pleased.
"...So, over a hundred soldiers were lost...in the two attempted captures...only succeeding in one?"
Fassad hung his head at his master's analysis. "I'm afraid so, master," he reluctantly confirmed. "
"We can't afford such defeats like that...But I'm sure you already know that," his master wheezed.
"..."
"On the subject of PSI...Have you managed to track down...the one that is missing?"
"Sadly, the incompetence of the intelligence division is blatantly showing by their failure to do so," Fassad explained. He coughed. "Should I replace some of them, and demote them to common grunts?"
"Go ahead," his master ordered. "They must learn the penalty...of failing their king so consistently."
"Indeed, Master Porky."
"However, I must warn you Fassad...if you keep up your track record so far in this war..." Porky dissolved into a coughing fit, recovering a few seconds later. "...You will no longer be my second. Clear?"
"As clear as my PSI Shields," Fassad answered, gulping.
"Good."
"But, if I may, I wish to propose a plan to ensure that what happened in Tazmily won't happen again."
"Explain."
"I wish for someone to shadow the two PSI users present at the battle," Fassad said. "When the time is right...that's when our little spy will strike, and slaughter both of them."
"One of them is the Princess's personal bodyguard," Porky retorted. "He won't be so...careless as you expect. Don't you know the standards of...Royal Guardsmen much less bodyguards that were...picked from the best of the best?"
Fassad grinned. "Oh, but we do have someone that was close to the best of their best before she left. Maybe she'll be able to take them out."
"...Perhaps, but she commands the mountain base..."
"Surely I can serve as a substitute temporarily," Fassad boasted. "How hard can it be to manage a base when that's precisely the thing I do, as you manage the strategic concerns?"
"Very well," Porky accepted. "You will immediately give her the word and..." A few seconds of coughing punctuated the sentence. "Head to the mountain immediately," he commanded.
"Understood," Fassad said as he stood up and headed out of the room.
Ninten yawned as he stretched, getting up off of the chair in the process. He had been awake for nearly half an hour now, and they had about that much time left before they had to go. He needed to wake Lucas, even though he mentioned he hated being disturbed in the mornings.
Flint had already gotten up to do some work, so he could make as loud a ruckus as he needed to as long as it didn't wake Boney and got the job done. By Lucas's bedside, he called, "Lucas, time to get up."
Lucas mumbled something incoherently as he rolled over.
Ninten sighed. This was probably going to be a lot harder than it looked. He gently shook Lucas.
The veteran promptly received a pillow to the face and landed on the ground with a loud 'bang!'
Thankfully, the noise was enough to wake Lucas up as he sat up with half-open eyes. Ninten groaned as he sat up, Lucas's head turning towards him. All of a sudden, Lucas was awake and by his side.
"Ninten! Are you all right?" Lucas asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Ninten answered. "I just didn't expect you to try and start a pillow fight, that's all."
Lucas's cheeks turned slightly pink. "Sorry," he muttered.
"It's okay," Ninten replied getting to his feet.
Lucas gazed at Ninten questioningly. "So why did you wake me up?" he asked.
"Don't you remember? We're leaving Tazmily in thirty minutes." Ninten sighed.
"What?" Lucas cried. "That means I gotta get ready fast! Okay...first, get dressed and comb my hair," he muttered as he dashed over to his drawer and drew clothes out from it. Let's just paraphrase the next series of events and say within thirty minutes he was indeed ready.
The duo departed on time, saying goodbye to Flint and Boney one final time, and proceeded up the dirt road towards town square one final time, Lucas's bat in his bag while Ninten's Giant Knife was in its sheath that was strapped to its owner's back. However, a lone figure stood in the middle of the road, as if waiting for them.
"Hey Lucas," Duster greeted as the teens halted in front of him, Lucas's curiosity on what he wanted to give them spiking.
"Hi Duster, how are you today?" Lucas inquired.
"I'm doing fine. How are you two?" he asked in reply.
"Okay," Lucas replied.
"I'm fine," Ninten answered simultaneously.
Duster nodded, accepting their answers. "Anyway, remember what I said yesterday Lucas?" he reminded the blonde teen as he handed each one sack full of...strange balls. "These are Thunder Bombs, a weapon that my family had developed during the PSI Wars and have passed down the blueprints and materials ever since. All you have to do is throw them and they can take out a number of your foes with electricity. The detonators are under a small bulge that you flip up to prevent detonations in the bag, but they only have a ten second fuse, so you better throw it fast."
"Thank you, Duster," Ninten said.
"It's the least I can do," Duster replied. "Anyway, good luck, and that's all I can say. Just...Try your best to make it out alive please?"
Ninten and Lucas nodded as they proceeded up the path and through town square. No one was up at this early hour, making it perfect for leaving undetected. Before long, they headed into the paths of Sunshine Forest. Lucas remarked that it seemed unusually pleasant today as they neared Drago Plateau. Before long, they stood before that path, and they looked at each other.
"This is it," Ninten said. "As soon as we head up here, there can be no going back. You must fully accept the possibility of never seeing you home again, and even if you do Tazmily will be far different than before. Are you truly ready for this?"
Lucas nodded without hesitation. "I am," he declared.
"Then let's roll out," Ninten responded as they turned forward again and began to walk up the path.
"Wait!"
'Oh please, not now,' Lucas groaned in his head as he turned around.
His fears were confirmed by the sight of a young brunette boy about his age panting with his hands on his knees.
"Fuel?"
"W-What are you doing, Lucas?" he asked. "You should know better than me that it's dangerous up there!"
"I know," Lucas replied.
"Then why?" Fuel shouted. "Why are you heading up there now? Especially after what happened days ago!"
"I'm leaving Tazmily behind," Lucas coldly said. "And don't think you can stop me; you can't."
"You can't!" Fuel practically screamed. "You'll leave everything and everyone you know behind! You...You can't just leave your father alone!"
"He already gave his approval, and I have a mission," Lucas retorted before facing Ninten. "Come on; let's go before this gets any worse."
"Wait!" Fuel called. "I know we haven't got along for the past three years very well," he began, gulping. "...But I want to know. Why are you leaving?"
"To stop the Pigmasks in whatever they hope to do," Lucas answered. "They have a goal in mind, why they exist in the first place. But pursuing that goal would wipe out what remains of humanity, and that cannot happen."
"But what if you die?"
"If I die, then I'll be with my mother and brother." Lucas glared coldly at Fuel. "If you have nothing left to say, I suggest you leave, now."
"Lucas, aren't you being a little harsh on him?" Ninten asked.
Lucas sighed. "I...guess you're right," he admitted. "I...I'm sorry Fuel, but I have to do this. You won't be able to stop me."
"Lucas..." Fuel fell into silence. "I...I guess you're right. I won't be able to stop you. Just...promise me one thing."
"What?"
"That you'll...try to come back alive," Fuel mumbled. "I...don't think your father can take another one of his sons dying on him."
"I will."
"Then...Good luck, and see ya..." Fuel trailed off as he left the duo.
Lucas sighed and faced Ninten. "It's time," was all he said.
Towards the northern area of central Eagleland, there is one province that stands out from the rest. It is called Winters because of its infamous cold temperatures even in the middle of summer. However, there was one particular town that stood out even further due to its completely year-round snow outside the mostly-year-round snow. This town was named 'Snowman' for that reason, because what kid doesn't like to build snowmen whenever good packing snow is available?
However, this town was important for two other reasons, unbeknownst to all but a handful. The first was that a lone PSI user lived there, helping her parents in the church. The second was that this PSI user's family allowed another PSI user that arrived nearly two weeks ago. Little did they know that this was the one person the Pigmasks were so desperately searching for, but...
Princess Paula sneezed as she huddled further under the covers. 'Why did I have to catch a PSI Virus now of all times?' she wondered as she shut her eyes, hoping to sleep it off. 'At least PSI Fevers don't last as long, and you get something out of them!'
For four days after the coup, she had struggled in the harsh conditions of not only the wilderness, but Winters' wilderness, which was like the regular wilderness except freezing cold before stumbling upon this village. Surprisingly, it was fairly modern and fairly large, boasting a population of fifteen hundred. Paula could vaguely recall coming to Snowman once before, but she couldn't remember any specifics, and was extremely grateful to find shelter at the church soon after her arrival.
However, the strain of her travels combined with her hatred of the cold, the stress of the Confederation on her shoulders, the worry about what happened to her loved ones and her best friend, and fear of capture proved too much for her to handle, and was left vulnerable to the virus.
Before she could get submerged into any more trains of thought, she felt the feeling of the towel on her head leave her, but quickly followed by a colder one being placed on it.
Her eyes cracked open to see a girl withdrawing from her view, probably to put the old towel away. She was the daughter of the kind family who let her stay in the church, and she was almost a mirror of herself. They had the same hair and eye color, a similar height, and even shared a favorite color. In addition, both of them knew that they could use PSI, which made the already uncanny similarities somewhat eerie. However, despite that Ana treated her very kindly during her period of illness. They had become fast friends indeed.
Ana returned nearly a minute later, a glass of water in her hand. "Hi Paula," she greeted with a slight bow (which was apparently habit, much to Paula's awkwardness). "How are you feeling?"
Paula sniffed. "Same as last time," she replied, eyes appearing to droop. "Honestly, being pinned down like this, unable to do anything...I hate it."
"I know how you feel," Ana said.
"I just feel so...useless when I can't do something, whether I actually can't or I'm not allowed to," Paula elaborated. "Especially when I don't know the state of my family and best friend..."
All Ana did was lay a supportive hand on her shoulder. She opened her mouth briefly, but closed it, apparently deciding against what she was gonna say.
Regardless, Paula appreciated the thought as she yawned, her drowsiness catching up to her as her eyes closed. "Get some rest," she heard Ana say, before Paula felt her hand leave her shoulder and hearing her footsteps as she exited the room.
The Princess's last thoughts were, 'They'll be all right. My parents are resourceful, and Ninten is a valiant warrior. They had to have made it out...right? Ugh, I really hate being in a state like this,' before drifting off.
Well, finally it begins. Tazmily is left behind and the duo set off into unknown territory. While I liked this, I'm glad now that the plot can finally get rolling after these few weeks. And it's only been a little over a month since I started? Wow, honestly I'm kinda surprised at my progress. Still, my other fic demands some of my attention, though the chapter for that won't be released until next weekend, hopefully along with the next chapter to this, but I'm uncertain. Well, whenever the date of my next release, see ya! And have a great day as well!
PSI Encyclopedia
Winters: A small province around central-northern Eagleland. It is famous for its cold climate that in some areas gets snow in the summers (though in most cases, not year-round). Needless to say, stay clear if you are not fond of the cold at all. The nearly year-round snow started shortly after the close of the PSI Wars, for reasons that are still debated by the leading scientists of this day.
Snowman: A small town around the area of northern California by a mountain range. Year round snow gave it its name (most of the other areas in Winters don't get that), but scientists debate to this day what is the cause of this phenomena.
PSI Virus: Occasionally, PSI users catch PSI Fevers, which are very similar to these viruses. The main difference, however, is that the fever results in learning a new PSI technique or a surge of power while the virus lasts longer with no benefit. Typically it has to do with an exceptional amount of 'bad' PSI not only being produced, but failed to be disposed of, with the result that the core needs time to readjust. This can take from a week to a month, but most commonly two weeks give or take. This cannot be healed by any known PSI power or medicine.
PSI Fever: A PSI Fever occasionally occurs when development of PSI causes a new technique to be learned outside of training and battle, two other methods for learning techniques. Unlike training where PSI techniques are perfected, and battle where they pop up randomly, this is a more gradual type of learning. Still, the PSI user feels really sick during this, like a regular cold, except worse due to the power within them. Like PSI Viruses, they cannot be healed by any known PSI or medicine.