Estimated Reading Time: 25 Minutes

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Boyz Chillin

Ness didn't realize that Toon Link was glaring at him. However, Sonic sure did.

Popo: "Wassssupp fuckeerrrrzzz!"

Sonic: "So, what're we doin' today?"

Ness: "Whatever you guys want to do."

Popo: "I'd say let's drink!"

Sonic: "Hell yeah! Lucas, you down again?"

Lucas: "No, sorry. I got a bad headache last time."

Sonic: "Yeah, alcohol will do that to ya."

Popo: "Your loss. Haahaaa!"

Popo tossed Toon Link and Sonic a ban of beer. The hedgehog was drinking, but Toon Link just stared at his can.

Sonic was watching Toon's behavior. He knew something was wrong. He's definitely upset at Ness again, but why? Did they get into another fight behind the scenes?

Popo: "Alright, guys, let's play video games!"

Ness: "No Mario games please."

Popo: "Don't worry, Broski, we're not playing Mario games."

Lucas: "We could play wii sports."

Sonic: "Ha! I'm gonna destroy everyone at bowlin'."

Ness: "I'd like to see you try~"

Sonic: "You know how many turkeys I've gotten?"

Ness: "You know how many I'VE GOTTEN?"

Sonic: "Like once."

Ness: "No! I've gotten so many I can't even count."

As the two continued to bicker, Popo loaded up wii sports. The group started playing. Sonic and Ness were being their competitive selves. Lucas was being shy and quiet as usual. Popo was enjoying watching the two competitive boys trying to one up each other while smoking marijuana as usual. However, Toon Link stayed quiet.

They played games until midnight.

Ness: "Alright, well, it's getting late. Lucas and I are going to head back."

Popo: "Alright, Broskiis, I'll see you fuckers next week. Haaahaa!"

Ness and Lucas left.

Toon Link: "Yeah, goodnight, guys."

Popo: "Laterrrrr!"

Toon Link left.

Popo: "Sonic, Broskii, you stayin' the night?"

Sonic: "Have you noticed something about Toon Link?"

Popo: "Uh, no?"

Sonic: "I think he's still upset with Ness."

Popo: "What? No waaaay. I thought they made up or somethin'."

Sonic: "Toon did pass out when Ness was trying to apologize."

Popo: "Oh shiiit. That's right."

Sonic: "I don't think they ever talked about it. I think Toon is still mad that Ness flaked."

Popo: "Damn."

Sonic: "You're close to Toon, right?"

Popo: "I mean a little. We've been hangin' out more."

Sonic: "I think you should talk to him about it."

Popo: "Sure."

Sonic: "No seriously, I think you need to REALLY talk to him about it."

Popo: "Ok, ok, I will."

Sonic: "I would, but I don't think he would open up to me. I'm still new to the group."

Popo took out a blunt and started smoking it.

Sonic: "Also when you talk to Toon, don't be high."

Popo: "Hey, I can still pay attention."

Sonic: "No dude. You need to BE there."

Popo: "Fiiine, I won't be high."

Sonic: "Good. You should talk to him tomorrow. Make sure he's ok."

Popo: "Ok."

Sonic gave Popo the thumbies and then sped off. The ice climber sat there feeling exhausted. He was worried about Toon Link. He didn't notice something was off about him.

Popo hopped on his bed. He had a hard time falling asleep, but luckily the weed was helping him. Without it he would never be able to sleep. He thought about what he would say to Toon Link. Hopefully the conversation will go smoothly. He wasn't good when it came to confrontation. He continued to think about his future talk with Toon until he was able to fall asleep.

The Next Day…

Popo woke up not feeling great as usual. When he got up, he felt his neck and back hurt. He hobbled over to his bathroom and took pain killers. Damn, looks like he's running low. He should get some more.

He ate his usual top ramen and then left for the mart. His brain was all scrambly. He had a hard time focusing on what to buy.

He stood in the medicine aisle lost in thought. That is until someone tapped his shoulder. He turned around and saw an old friend.

Popo: "Oh, wassup, Broskiiii."

Tina: "Sup, dude."

Popo: "How you've been? I haven't seen you in a while. Haaahaa."

Tina: "I've been hangin' out with friends. Goin' to clubs."

Popo: "Still singin'?"

Tina: "Oh yeah."

Popo: "Still got that band?"

Tina: "Nah, I don't have an electric guitarist."

Popo: "Aww, no. What happened?"

Tina: "My ex left the band because I dumped his ass."

Popo: "Oh shit!"

Tina: "Ya dude. It wasn't pretty."

Popo: "Damn. That sucks about your band."

Tina: "Is kay. I'll try to find another guitarist."

Popo: "Shiit, maybe you can try learning guitar."

Tina: "Me? I dunno. Sounds too hard."

Popo: "You got this."

Tina: "Nah, I think I'mma go find someone else. Say, can you play guitar?"

Popo: "I wish."

Tina: "Damn. Oh well. I'll find someone eventually."

Popo: "That's the spirit."

Tina: "Anyway, whatcha up to?"

Popo: "Oh! I'm lookin' for uh…"

Tina: "You forgot?"

Popo: "Yeaaah."

She noticed Popo rubbing the back of his neck.

Tina: "You in pain?"

Popo: "That's what I'm here for!"

Tina: "Wha?"

Popo: "Pain killer meds. Thanks!"

Tina: "No prob~"

Popo ran to the end of the aisle and saw the painkiller meds. He grabbed it and walked back to Tina.

Tina: "You good bro?"

Popo: "Uh, yeah?"

Tina: "Why you in pain?"

Popo: "I think it's the way I sleep."

Tina: "Do you lay on your side?"

Popo: "Yeah."

Tina: "Do you got a thick pillow?"

Popo: "No."

Tina: "You gotta get a thicker pillow to support your neck, bro."

Popo: "Yeah, you're probably right."

Tina: "Anyway, I'mma head out. I'll talk to you later."

Popo: "Yeah, for sure."

She left.

He thought about what Tina said earlier. He should get a thicker pillow. He looked around some more and bought a brand new one. After the store he went back to his place. He took out a blunt and smoked it like usual.

He was so high that he didn't realize Sonic was calling him. He continued to laugh at a show that he was watching. Hours go by and he finally checked his phone.

He saw that Sonic texted and called him. Shit… He was supposed to talk to Toon Link today, but it got dark. What happened to the time.

[- Sonic

DM

Sonic: heyy dude did u talk to toon

Sonic: bro?

…

Damn, that was five hours ago. He felt guilty. Maybe he does have a problem. He's always out of it and life always seems to be going so fast.

[- Sonic

DM

Popo: srry bro i just read ur message

Sonic: wat have u been doin

Popo: shoppin

Sonic: for 3 hours?!

Popo: no

Popo: srry dude i was out of it

Sonic: u were high werent u

Popo: yeaaaah srry

Sonic: r u sober now

Popo: for the most part

Sonic: u should call up toon rn

Popo: yeah ok

…

[- Toon Link

Calling Toon Link

.

.

Toon: "Yello?"

Popo: "Hey, wanna come over? I wanna talk."

Toon: "Uh… Yeah, ok. There's something that's been botherin' me so this is actually perfect."

Popo: "Ok, I'll be waitin'."

…

Popo sat on his couch waiting for his friend to arrive.

Knock! Knock!

He turned off his tv and opened the door for Toon Link. The young swordsman went to the couch and sat.

Popo: "Hey, man, how're ya doin?"

Toon: "Honestly, not good."

Popo: "Sonic noticed you were actin' distant. He says it's because of Ness. Are you still mad at him?"

Toon: "I'm not mad at him, but…"

Popo: "Oh, you're not? Did you two settle things?"

Toon: "Yeah, we talked."

Popo: "Then why are you upset?"

Toon: "I think Ness is hiding something about his clone."

Popo: "Wha?"

Toon: "He hasn't mentioned anything about Nate. Where is the guy? Why hasn't he apologized? Why is it that Nana is saying that he raped him? He just got up and left somewhere without saying a word."

Popo: "Wait, hold on, slow down. He raped Nana? Are you serious?"

Toon: "I mean isn't it strange that he never came back to clear this whole thing up?"

Popo: "So Nana got into your head. That's what you two were talkin' about earlier."

Toon: "You and Ness hate her because you two believe she cheated on you with Nate, but how can you be so sure that's the truth? I mean the clone lied to us. He's been lyin' the entire time we've known him!"

Popo: "Calm down, Toon. I know where this is goin'."

Toon Link's face was getting red. He was getting riled up again. The fact that Nate never came back to apologize or at least explained made him feel like he was used. He was some kind of entertainment puppet to him.

Toon: "No! I won't calm down! He fuckin' used us! He didn't care about our feelings whatsoever. Everyone was a fuckin' pawn to him!"

Popo: "I understand how you feel, bro, but-

Toon: "But nothing! Popo, why do you let everyone get away with shit? Why are you too chill unless it's Nana?"

Popo: "She cheated on me, bro."

Toon: "Did she really? How can you believe the clone?!"

Popo: "Because I was awake for it."

Toon: "I know, but haven't you once thought that maybe the clone set it up so that he could feel good that night and turn everyone against Nana?"

Popo: "Then he's one hell of a good actor."

Toon: "He is! He kept up his lie for who knows how long!"

Popo: "You make a good point, but here's the thing, I know she cheated because I heard it. I heard her and believe me when I say, she was enjoying herself."

Toon: "She was acting because she was scared."

Popo: "She's stronger than you think. Plus I noticed that Nate is a lot weaker than Ness. Bro is a pacifist. I know because he refused to hurt me during the purple apocalypse."

Toon: "You were aware?"

Popo: "Yes. Weren't you?"

Toon: "No."

Popo: "Lucky."

Toon: "He must have manipulated her somehow. He manipulated us, so I wouldn't put it past him."

Popo: "Here, I have to show you somethin'."

Popo grabbed a laptop underneath his bed.

Popo: "This is Nana's."

Toon: "Why do you have her laptop?"

Popo: "She left it here."

He opened up the laptop and showed him the video of Nate and Nana fucking. Toon Link widened his eyes in embarrassment. He shouldn't be watching this. It's… Oh god.

Popo: "Do you believe me now?"

Toon: "Mate, what the fuck! Why would you show me that?"

Popo: "It's evidence."

Toon: "You just keep that around? Doesn't it make you mad?"

Popo: "Yup, but I kept this just in case she got into anyone's head."

Toon: "Oh god, I saw Ness naked…"

Popo: "Not Ness. Nate."

Toon: "They're exactly the same!"

Popo: "Oh shit you right."

Toon: "I can never look at him the same."

Popo: "Sorry, bro, but I wanted to prove to you that she fuckin' cheated on me. She enjoyed it as you saw."

Toon: "N-no! He made her act."

Popo: "Trust me, bro, she can't act. She failed drama class. I know her more than anyone else does. She liked it."

Toon: "Y-you're right."

Popo: "Don't fuckin' talk to that bitch. She's a manipulating liar."

Toon: "I'm sorry I doubted you, but I'm still sus about Nate. He still hasn't come back and explained."

Popo: "That's somethin' we gotta talk to Ness about."

Toon: "You're right. Sorry, I got all excited again."

Popo: "It's all good, bro. But stay away from her."

Toon: "I will."

Popo: "She's been manipulating and gaslighting me for years."

Toon: "Really?"

Popo: "She's why I started smokin'."

Toon: "What happened?"

Popo: "She became toxic."

Toon: "Why did you even get with her?"

Popo: "She didn't always use to be mean. In fact, she was a completely different person back then."

.

Flashback

Popo was just like any ordinary student. He didn't have the best grades, but not the worst. He wasn't a popular kid, but he also wasn't an outcast. Everything about his life was average.

Popo was ok with not being special. Life is easier this way and he likes it when things are easy. Nothing too crazy, but life was a little boring.

He started the next semester and got new classes. In his last class, he sat next to this girl. The first thing he thought about her was that she looks chill.

Popo: "Hi, I'm Popo. What's your name?"

?: "Nana. Nice to meet you."

Popo: "Haha! Nana, I like it."

Nana: "Thank you. I like your name too. It's cute."

Popo: "Cute? Haha! Thanks."

They stopped talking when the teacher walked in. The teacher told everyone to converse with their seating partner and get to know them.

Popo: "So, what're your hobbies?"

Nana: "I really like plants."

Popo: "Plants? Nice."

Nana: "Mhm, I got a natural green thumb. It's satisfying watching plants grow."

Popo: "That's pretty rad."

Nana: "What about you?"

Popo: "I'm not really into a lot of things. I like to watch tv I guess. That's about it."

Nana: "What you need is adventure!"

Popo: "Wha?"

Nana: "Yes! Adventure! Come forage with me!"

Popo: "Oh shit! I dunno. I don't go out much."

Nana: "We totally should!"

Popo: "You want to go with me?"

Nana: "Yes!"

Popo: "But we barely know each other."

Nana: "So?"

Popo: "Well, usually people take a while to wanna hang out with someone."

Nana: "Not me."

Popo: "Damn, ok."

Nana: "So you're down?"

Popo: "Sure."

Nana: "Cool. We need to get you gear first."

Popo: "Gear?"

Nana: "Yep. We're gonna climb a mountain!"

Popo: "Whoa, hold on, slow down. A whole ass mountain?!"

Nana: "Yeah!"

Her eyes were sparkling and for some reason it made his heart skip a beat. Whoa, that's weird. Why does he feel this way?

She grabbed his hand and smiled a cute smile.

Nana: "I promise you won't be disappointed. It's really fun."

Popo: "Haha! Ok, I'll join."

Nana: "Yes~!"

The two met up after school and went to a store to buy some climbing gear. After that, they went to a small mountain. They began hiking and boy was it exhausting. His legs wanted to give out badly, but his brain forced himself to keep pushing.

Nana: "Stop!"

Popo: "Huh? Wha?"

Nana: "Look!"

She pointed at a tree that fell. It blocked their path.

Popo: "Aww, shit. What're we gonna do?"

She knelt down and looked underneath the tree. She saw mushrooms growing on it.

Nana: "I got what I was looking for."

Popo squatted down and saw the pretty mushrooms. He watched her collect them. She put them in a ziploc bag and smiled.

Nana: "Alright, I can't wait to cook these up."

Popo: "Oh shit, you cook?"

Nana: "I love cooking."

Popo: "You should cook me somethin'."

Nana: "That's exactly what I'm gonna do~"

Popo: "Wait, seriously?"

Nana: "Of course."

Popo: "Is that safe to eat?"

Nana: "Yep. I've eaten this type of mushroom so many times. I can assure you that it's safe."

Popo: "Shit, ok."

The two headed back and she invited him over to her place. He was nervous because he's never been in a girl's house before. He didn't know how to behave. He sat on the table feeling awkward.

Nana: "You seem bored. Wanna help me?"

Popo: "S-sure."

He went over to the kitchen and together they cooked. The two were singing songs and having a great time. He was able to warm up to her quickly. She gave off this fun vibe.

Once the food was finished they sat on the coffee table and began eating. She turned on the tv and handed him the remote.

Popo: "Oh, uh…"

Nana: "You like watching tv, right? Show me a good show to watch."

His eyes lightened up.

Popo: "Ok!"

He showed her one of his favorite tv shows and the two were invested. She was into it. He couldn't help but feel happy. Usually he's alone and only talks to people when he's at school, but it's nice hanging out with someone in their home. It felt closer.

Months go by. He and Nana became closer and closer each day. He actually enjoyed climbing mountains with her. He didn't think he would, but eventually his legs got used to it. He became stronger and healthier all thanks to her.

Nana: "Popo, I need to talk to you."

Popo: "Shit, ok."

Nana: "I found a mountain to climb."

Popo: "Alright, let's do it!"

Nana: "Wait, hold on. This one is no joke."

Popo: "Whatchu mean?"

Nana: "This is the largest mountain in the region. Many people have died. Also it might take us months. Luckily today is the last day of school until next year."

Popo: "Oh damn. We probably shouldn't go then."

Nana: "But I want to. Legends say if you climb to the top, you'll become enlightened."

Popo: "Whoa, you're into that buddhist stuff?"

Nana: "A little yeah."

Popo: "So, wait, you seriously wanna climb to the top?"

Nana: "Yes! Will you please come with me?"

Popo: "I dunno. This seems too dangerous."

Nana: "What's the point in living if you don't take risks?"

Popo: "What if I die?"

Nana: "We won't."

Popo: "How can you be so sure?"

Nana: "Because we're Popo and Nana."

The look on her face screamed heroine. She had all the confidence in the world. It hyped him up. She made him feel like he could do anything.

Popo: "You're right. Let's do it!"

She squealed and gave him a big squeeze. After class, they geared up. They made sure to bring extra survival stuff. They began their journey and what a journey it was. Lots of dangerous animals came to attack them, but with their hammers in hand they were able to defend themselves.

Even though it was summer, the mountain was brutally cold. Sometimes, they would become numb while they slept in their tent. It was awful. Popo regretted coming along, but it's too late. They're already more than halfway. He had to keep pushing.

At the end of their journey, he's glad they did because they finally reached the top. Nana took as many pictures as she could. She jumped up and kissed Popo on the lips. He was shocked at first, but soon reciprocated. When they pulled away, she had the cutest smile on her face which sent butterflies down his stomach.

Nana: "WE DID IT!"

Popo: "HELL YEAH WE DID!"

The two screamed at the top of their lungs. The world was their oyster at that moment. After an hour hanging out in the top screaming like no tomorrow, they planned their next move. She made sure to keep track with her notebook.

Nana: "Alright, let's follow the route I drew."

Popo: "Sounds good to me."

They took a step forward and suddenly a giant deer in the sky formed. They looked up in awe. The deer opened its eyes and suddenly the two started to hover in the air. They were freaking out. However, they felt warm. Their eyes glowed the same color as the deer's. The two felt a surge of power through their veins. The deer disappeared and they gently floated back down.

With the deer's powers, they discovered they have ice powers and super strength. They were able to hike down the mountain like it was nothing. It was a once in a lifetime experience and he's glad that she brought him along.

When they got back home, they were incredibly happy. It turns out the rumor was correct. They have become enlightened.

Popo: "Nana, I'm so happy! You were right all along."

Nana: "I know right!"

Popo: "We got fuckin' ice powers!"

Nana: "I told you we make a good team. Popo and Nana! We're unstoppable when we're together."

He picked her up and spun her in the air. She giggled and enjoyed the ride.

He gently set her back down and the two stared at each other panting.

Popo: "Nana, I want you to be my girlfriend."

Nana: "What?"

Popo: "You're the only person I love being around twenty four seven. I can't stop thinking about you and I love that you got me into climbing. I love that you showed me what it's like to actually live."

Nana: "Popo…"

Popo: "Please, will you be my girlfriend?"

She hopped on his arms.

Nana: "Yes! I would love to be your girlfriend!"

The two shared a passionate kiss. He felt so happy because he finally found his light. His old dull life was now full of adventure and excitement thanks to her. In this moment he knew he would marry her in the future. They were perfect soulmates who became enlightened together. No one could break this bond. No one.

End Of Flashback

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Toon Link's eyes started to water.

Popo: "You good, bro?"

Toon: "Sorry, that was like the best love story I've ever heard."

Popo: "I know right. Too bad she became an absolute bitch later on."

Toon: "How? You two had a Disney style ending."

Popo: "I wish, but no. She changed once smash four hit."

Toon: "Really?"

Popo: "She became mean and controlling."

Toon: "She just suddenly changed?"

Popo: "Yeah, I wonder if I did something wrong, or she just got bored of me. It hurt a lot and the only thing that's been gettin' me through all this shit is being high all the time."

Toon: "Did you ever talk to her about your feelings?"

Popo: "Of course I did! We never went anywhere."

Toon: "Yikes…"

Popo: "She just… I dunno. We stopped bein' all romantic."

Toon: "I'm sorry."

Popo: "She lost her love for me years ago. I should've ended it, but I kept holdin' on. I was in love with her, bro."

Popo couldn't hold back his tears anymore. Toon Link pulled the ice climber close and patted his back.

Toon: "I'm sorry, Mate."

Popo continued to sob on Toon Link's shoulder. This is good for him. He hasn't been able to let it all out or talk about this in years. It felt awful in the moment, but when he was done crying, he felt free.

Popo: "Ya know, I've noticed a lot of us have problems that we keep to ourselves."

Toon: "Yeah."

Popo: "I think we should all do a group therapy session."

Toon: "What? Really? But what if the others aren't down?"

Popo: "Don't worry, they will be. I think it'll be good for all of us."

Character Card

Name: Nana Roslyn

Segment Title: Ice Queen

Sex: F

Age: 20

Ethnicity: Inuit

Height: 5'4

Sexuality: Heterosexual

Mental Illness: Narcissism, Sociopath

Body Type: Fit

Fashion: Forever 21 style with her signature pink park, likes to dress in layers

Personality: Aggressive, passionate, extrovert, bubbly, very expressive

Skills: Climbing, making friends, lying, green thumb

Hobbies: Climbing, horticulture, cooking, adventuring, makeup, social media