Let's Restart Ok

by absolutetrashgoblin69

Mario kidnapped Sonic and Ness and cloned them to replace their lives. This was all so Mario could take over smash since the two found out about his evil schemes. Luckily, Mario was defeated. However, Ness's clone caused a lot of drama that ruined Ness's reputation. Will Ness be able to live a normal life again, or has his clone completely ruined his image?

139. The Calm Before

Estimated Reading Time: 22 Minutes

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Boyz Chillin

Popo: "Duuude, Little Mac lucky for real though."

Sonic: "Hearing people callin' Kirby hot is crazy."

Pit: "Who knew she would turn into a human."

Toon: "By your goddess by the way."

Lucas: "Where is she?"

Pit: "I have no idea."

Sonic: "It's been almost a year now. What happened to her?"

Pit: "I wish I knew."

Toon: "How are you not freakin' out?"

Pit: "Honestly guys… I'm kinda happy she's gone."

Everyone's jaws dropped.

Sonic: "Ain't no way you said that."

Pit: "It's been so peaceful. I get to do my own thing. If she were here, I wouldn't be able to hang out with you guys every Thursday."

Toon: "Why's she so controllin'?"

Sonic: "It's obvi she got a crush. She obsessed with you, bro."

Pit: "No, she's just a controlling dictator and I was her pet dog."

Popo: *Takes a hit* "Daahaahamn." *Coughs*

Pit: "Sorry. I didn't mean that. It's just… I don't know. It's been nice."

Sonic: "She that strict bro?"

Pit: "You don't know the half of it."

Lucas: "But you always stood up for her."

Pit: "I was brainwashed. I finally woke up."

Popo: "Holy shit." *Takes a hit*

Toon: "What did she do to you, mate?"

Pit: "I never had a break. It was always clean this clean that. Fold her clothes, do the laundry, cook her dinner, massage her until my arms turned numb, and the amount of work out she made me do."

Lucas: "Sounds miserable."

Pit: "It was! I didn't have time for friends. She wanted me to be the strongest smasher besides her of course."

Toon: "Second best."

Pit: "Exactly. She wanted the Kid Icarus characters to be on top because we're royalty or something?"

Lucas: "I'm sorry you had to go through that."

Sonic: "Did she get mad when you lost?"

Pit: "Oh yeah. The amount of yelling I had to endure from that woman."

Popo: "Did she beat you?"

Pit: "No. She didn't do that, but verbal abuse was common."

Sonic: "Damn, I'm glad that bitch is gone. She still a baddie though."

Toon: "She is, but I wouldn't mess with that. She looks like the type that would have attachment issues."

Popo: "Like Nana."

Sonic: "What'd you think, Ness?"

Ness: "Huh? Wha?"

Toon: "Mate, are you even here?"

Ness: "Sorry. What was the question?"

Sonic: "Would you fuck Palutena?"

Ness: "No."

Popo: " Shiiit. I would."

Sonic: "He only has eyes for Lucas."

Pit: "Aww. I ship it~"

Toon: "Yeah…"

Popo: *Takes a hit*

Ness: "Stop talking."

Sonic: "No~"

Ness: *Sighs*

Toon: "Well anyway, I'm happy for ya Pit. Ya finally get to live your life."

Pit: "Yeah! In fact, gimme some alcohol."

The group erupted into cheers. Popo tossed him a beer, and Pit wasted no time chugging it down. Laughter and shouts of encouragement filled the air as the others joined in—except for Ness and Lucas, who watched from the sidelines.

Pit: "Whoo! It stings, but it felt great~"

Sonic: "Damn, angel boy drinkin' again."

Pit: "I don't care anymore."

Popo: "Hell yeaaaah!"

Pit: "In fact, I have an announcement to make."

Toon: "What's that?"

Pit: "I have a girlfriend~"

Sonic: "No way!"

Popo: "Ayyye."

Toon: "Seriously? You?"

Sonic: "Damn, Toon, looks like you're the only one who's never been in a relationship. Even Angel Boy beat you to it—now that's just sad."

Toon: "Oi, fuck you, mate! I ain't rushin'. I love Tetra and I'll wait for her."

Popo: "But you've been chasin' her for years…"

Sonic: "Hahaha!"

Toon: "Fuck you guys!"

Lucas: "Who's your girlfriend?"

Popo: "Yeah, who?"

Pit: "Um… okay this is going to come out as a shocker but…"

Lucas: "Wait, can we guess it? That sounds more fun."

Pit: "Sure!"

Popo: "Lucina?"

Sonic: "The robot. Seriously?"

Popo: "She ain't a robot."

Sonic: "She got no personality."

Pit: "It's not her."

Lucas: "Peach?"

Pit: "No."

Sonic: "Ha! You wish."

Popo: "Any of the inklings?"

Ness: "!"

Pit: "Nope."

Toon: "Bayo?"

Pit: "She hunts angels! No way."

Lucas: "She scares me too, Pit."

Sonic: "Zelda?"

Pit: "..."

Sonic: "No fuckin' way."

Pit took another swig of his beer, grinning from ear to ear. The rest of the group stared at him, stunned into silence.

Popo: "Yoooo that's crazy."

Toon: "Zelda?!"

Pit: "Yup~"

Lucas: "Whoa. That's unexpected."

Popo: "What! When did this happen? You gotta tell us, broski."

Pit: "Well I was eating ice cream on the stairwell and I heard someone crying. I walk down and see Zelda."

Popo: "Wait, she's out of the psych ward? When did this happen?"

Pit: "No clue."

Sonic: "I didn't even know she went to a psych ward, but I'm not surprised."

Pit: "I cheered her up and I dunno we started talkin'. Next thing I know, we kissed."

Toon: "You kissed?!"

Sonic: "It was that easy?"

Pit: "Yeah! It was great! My first kiss~"

Popo: "How does Link feel about this?"

Pit: "Oh, I've noticed he's been following me lately."

Sonic: "Bro gonna kill you."

Pit: "Nooo. I'm sure he's just curious."

Lucas: "He didn't talk to you?"

Pit: "No. He's just been lurking. Not sure why though."

Toon: "You're datin' his ex."

Pit: "So?"

Toon: "So of course he's gonna stalk ya. You're a threat."

Pit: "But he was the one that broke up with her."

Sonic: "Men don't make sense, Pit."

Popo: "Dude, I wouldn't be with Zelda if I were you."

Pit: "Why not?"

Popo: "She tried to kill herself when Link dumped her."

Pit: "What!"

Popo: "There was a whole ass court trial."

Pit: "I wasn't there."

Toon: "Neither was I."

Sonic: "I wish I was there, but I was too busy ya know—bein' kidnapped."

Lucas: "I was there."

Pit: "I'm sure she was going through a hard time. I wanna be there to support her."

Sonic: "Bruh, you saw her crying on some stairs, cheered her up, and then she kissed you immediately. That's a red flag."

Pit: "What does Zelda have to do with a flag?"

Lucas: "He means she's not a good person."

Popo: "I'd stay away."

Pit: "What? No! She's a nice lady and I wanna be her light. Something Link failed to do."

Sonic: "Daaaamn."

Popo: "Pit got claws."

Pit: "No, I have wings."

Toon: *Sighs* "Oh Pit…"

While the rest of the group chattered about Zelda, Lucas's gaze lingered on Ness. His silence spoke volumes—something was clearly bothering him. Lucas hesitated, unsure of what to say, not wanting to pressure his friend. Instead, he pulled out his phone and sent him a quiet text.

Ness's attention snapped to his phone as it vibrated in his pocket. Lucas subtly pointed at his phone, silently urging him to check it. The brunet pulled it out, unlocking it to read the message Lucas had sent.

[- Ness

Lucas: Are you ok

Ness: I'm fine.

Lucas: No your not

Ness: Yes I am.

Lucas: Tell me what's going on

Ness: There's just a lot on my mind.

Lucas: Tell me

Ness: I'll tell you later.

Lucas: No tell me now

Ness: I don't feel comfortable.

Lucas: Nes please

Ness: Don't worry. I'm fine.

Lucas: You're pushing me away

Ness: No I'm not.

Lucas: Your doing it rn

Ness: Lucas, please.

…

Lucas frowned, tucking his phone back into his pocket. Ness was still pulling away, distant like he used to be—even though they were sort of dating now. It frustrated him more than he cared to admit.

An hour passed, and the group's chatter gradually faded. The energy in the room shifted, signaling that it was time to wrap up the hangout for the day.

Popo: "Alright, well, I'm tired now."

Toon: "Same."

Popo: "You stayin' over right?"

Toon: "I always do~"

Sonic: "Ha! Gay."

Popo: "I know right. Haaahahaa."

Toon: "Hell no!"

"Ah, my back's killing me. I need to move around," Pit groaned, pushing himself off the couch and stretching his arms high.

Sonic: "Hey, Ness."

Ness: "What?"

Sonic: "You were kinda quiet all day today."

Popo: "Yeah what's up with that?"

Toon: "I noticed, but I didn't wanna say anything."

Lucas: "Yeah, Ness. Why?"

Sonic: "Do ya got somethin' you need to say?"

"I..." Ness trailed off, his gaze fixed on the floor. Sonic cleared his throat, prompting Ness to look up at him. "Somethin' botherin' ya?" Sonic asked gently. "Wanna share it with the group? You know it's not good to bottle things up. It can get you in a lot of trouble if you don't start talking about it right now," he warned.

Ness bit his lip, glancing around at the group. Their curious, yet concerned eyes seemed to strip away any remaining confidence, leaving him feeling exposed.

Ness: "Okay. I uh—have to tell you guys something."

Pit: "Whatever it is, we'll always be your friends. You don't have to feel ashamed."

Lucas: "He's right. We won't be mad at you."

Ness: ["I doubt it."]

Lucas: "What?"

Ness stood up and tightened his fists. He closed his eyes and looked away from the group. "Nate's coming tomorrow."

Popo: "Your clone?"

Toon: "You mean the one that betrayed and lied to us?"

Lucas covered his mouth, looking away. He wasn't sure how to feel about this moment. He wasn't ready to face Nate, not like this. Tomorrow? No, that felt way too soon.

Pit: "Oh I've heard of him! I finally get to meet the guy. I'm excited~"

Toon: "I'm not."

Popo: "Neither am I."

Ness: "I know he's done a lot of bad things, but he's changed."

Toon: "We've had this discussion before."

Ness: "And I thought you guys understood."

Popo: "I mean I get that he had struggles, but…"

Toon: "I'm sorry that Mario messed him up, but I dunno, mate. I just don't wanna see him."

Popo: "He fucked my ex in my bathroom."

Ness: "To be fair, he was blackmailed."

Popo: "I know but… it's weird. Talkin' to that guy is gonna be sooo awkward."

Toon: "And he did that because he was hidin' secrets from us."

Ness: "That's—true, but remember, he's not even a year old."

Popo: "Oh god… that makes this whole situation even more uncomfortable."

Ness: "Yeaaaah…"

Toon: "I mean whateva. We can't really do anythin' about it, but don't invite him to our hang outs."

Ness: "But—

Popo: "I vibe with everyone, but him? Nah."

Ness shot Sonic a pleading look. The hedgehog gave a reassuring nod before stepping in to help.

Sonic: "He's changed a lot. Give him a chance."

Popo: "How do you know? He's been gone."

Pit: "There's good in everybody."

Sonic: "Yeah!"

Ness: "Tomorrow, let's set up a time for us to all hang out."

Popo: "Nu-uh."

Toon: "Nope."

Ness: "Just hear him out. Let him explain his side."

Pit: "Yeah! Everyone deserves a second chance."

Sonic: "I mean guys if anyone should be mad at Nate, it's Ness."

Lucas: (And me…)

Sonic: "Bro ruined his life. Ness has a terrible rep thanks to Nate, but he still forgave him. In fact, they play video games together."

Ness: "I've been keeping in touch with him, and he's actually… sweet. I never would've expected that, not after everything he said to me in the cave. He was such an asshole—so full of himself. He called me a dog, said everyone loved him more than me. That he was the better Ness."

Sonic: "I can confirm. He laid into him. Nate went personal too."

Ness: "Yeah… he did."

Sonic: "It was brutal."

Ness: "It really was…"

Sonic: "But also kinda hilarious and true."

Ness: "Thanks, Sonic."

Sonic: "Why of course, Cheddar Biscuit~"

Ness: "The point is, he was a terrible person back then, but that's not who he is anymore. He's not just some clone of me—he's Nate now. And trust me when I say, Nate is a much better person than Clone Ness."

Pit: "Yeah! Cheers for Nate~!"

The group fell into an uneasy silence. No one knew what to say. They didn't like Nate—not one bit—but they couldn't deny the truth in Ness and Sonic's words. The clone hadn't known any better; he had been shaped by Mario, a so-called mentor who turned out to be a psychopath. The fact that Nate had managed to break free from that influence and become a "good person," as Ness and Sonic claimed, was a miracle.

Toon: "Okay, fine. I'll listen to what he has to say."

Pit: "Yay!"

Popo: "Well if Toonie is down, then sure why not."

Ness: "Lucas?"

The group's attention shifted to the blonde. All eyes were on him, and internally, he was spiraling into a panic. Sensing this, Sonic hopped onto the couch for extra height and rested a reassuring hand on Lucas's shoulder.

"I know this is tough for you," Sonic said gently, "but things will be okay. He's not our enemy anymore."

"O-okay..." Lucas mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ness felt a wave of relief, but it was overshadowed by a gnawing worry. They were going to walk together, just the two of them—and he was terrified of what Lucas might say once they were alone.

Pit: "Can't wait for tomorrow. It's here at Popo's, right?"

Ness: "Um, how about my place?"

Popo: "Sure."

Toon: "Works for me…"

Sonic: "You know I'll be there~"

Ness: "I know you will, Sonic. You're always there…"

Pit: "And I'm definitely coming. Can't wait to meet him~"

Lucas: "I'll be there too…"

With that, the party was dismissed. Sonic, knowing Ness and Lucas needed to talk things out, decided to leave them to it. With a shrug, he dipped and went off to bother someone else.

Ness was surprised that Sonic actually gave them space. For someone as notoriously nosy as he was, it felt out of character. Then again, the hedgehog had his moments—he could be surprisingly respectful when it mattered.

The walk back to Lucas's room was thick with an uncomfortable tension, the silence suffocating Ness with every step. His heart pounded in his chest, screaming for him to break the quiet, but his lips stayed sealed. When they finally reached the door, Ness hesitated, standing still in the threshold. His gaze flickered to Lucas, but he made no move to enter.

Lucas: "Aren't you coming in?"

Ness: "I know you're upset with me, and I don't want to make things worse."

Lucas: "So you're trying to run away?"

Ness: "I'm not running away. I just… don't want to say the wrong thing."

Lucas: "Please come in. We need to talk about it."

Ness paused, his attention dropping to the floor as he anxiously rubbed his hands together. His mind raced, searching for an excuse, a way out, but every lie felt hollow.

He finally shoved his hands deep into his pockets. Without a word, he stepped into the room, the door clicking softly shut behind him as if sealing away the last of his doubts.

Ness lowered himself onto the edge of the bed, his posture stiff and uncomfortable. He sat with his hands resting on his knees, eyes darting between the floor and Lucas, waiting for him to say something.

Lucas: "So, he's coming tomorrow?"

Ness: "Yeah…"

Lucas: "When did you two talk about this?"

Ness: "About two weeks ago."

Lucas: "And you didn't tell me"?!

Ness: "I was scared."

Lucas: "Because he's my ex?"

Ness: "Yeah."

Lucas let out a frustrated sigh, his shoulders tensing. Here we go… Ness thought, his stomach knotting as he braced himself for the inevitable scolding. He kept his eyes low, already preparing for the words he knew were coming.

Lucas: "Ness, what the hell are you thinking?!"

Ness: "Something terrible happened to him, and he really needs a place to escape."

Lucas: "He's done terrible things to all of us."

Ness: "Did you not hear me explain earlier? He didn't know any better."

Lucas: "He did though…"

Ness: "How? He was raised by Mario."

Lucas: "He knew what he was doing to me and Leaf."

Ness: "Sure, but he was being abused and genuinely believed he could die at any moment."

Lucas: "So he had to take it out on us?"

Ness: "What he did wasn't great, but please be understanding."

Lucas: "Why're you making excuses for him? He traumatized me!"

Ness: "I'm sorry…"

Lucas: "I'm scared to see him again. It's going to bring me bad memories and it's gonna be uncomfortable."

Ness: "I'm sorry that happened to you. Truly I am."

Lucas: "Really…"

Ness: "Yes!"

Lucas: "If you were truly sorry, you would've told him no."

Ness: "No, Lucas. Because he's a different person, and he's genuinely sorry for what he's done. You don't think he's been punished? Because let me tell you when I say that karma came back for him."

Lucas: "What do you mean?"

Ness: "He's… been through a lot. You have no idea."

Lucas: "I've been through worse!"

Ness: "I'm not sure about that."

Lucas: "You know what happened in my past! How could you say that?!"

Ness: "I'm not trying to downplay your trauma, but Nate's been through hell."

Lucas: "And I haven't?!"

Ness: "You have, and I'm sorry about Pokey. But we can't change the past—we have to move forward. If you let trauma control your life, you'll never find peace. Nate's doing his best to move on and start over. You can't blame him for that."

Lucas: "But…"

Ness: "He wants to make things right. Let's give him a chance. Let's—restart, okay?"

Lucas: "Restart?"

Ness: "Yeah. The person you dated wasn't me or Nate—it was someone else entirely. That person is gone now."

Lucas: "How do you know he's not playing you?"

Ness: "Because, Lucas, he really did learn his lesson. Trust me, I made sure of it. I mean, I beat him within an inch of his life. He got what was coming to him, and honestly, bad things keep happening to him. Karma's not done with him yet. I genuinely feel sorry."

Lucas: "I guess you're right…"

Ness: "Just give him one more chance. That's all I'm asking. If you still don't like him, we'll figure something out. I won't force you to spend time with him."

Lucas: "Okay…"

Ness: "Sorry if I'm being controlling. I'm not trying to."

Lucas: "It's okay."

Ness: "Just this once. I promise."

Lucas: "You're lucky I love you."

Lucas pulled him into a hug, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. Ness stiffened, uncertainty crawling up his spine. It still felt strange—unnatural, even. He let out an awkward chuckle, his grip tightening around Lucas's hand. "Haha… I-I, um… yeah. Thanks for this. You really are the best."

Lucas smiled softly. "Of course~" he said, stifling a yawn. "I should get to bed, though. Tomorrow's gonna be a mentally draining one."

Ness chuckled nervously, slipping into bed beside Lucas and tugging at the blanket, trying to settle himself. "Good call," he muttered, though his mind was already elsewhere. The silence between them stretched, and Ness found his thoughts drifting to tomorrow's event. Anxiety twisted in his stomach as he imagined all the ways it could go wrong. What if his friend group hated him? Nate would be crushed. But what if they adored him too much? Either way, it felt like a lose-lose situation for Ness.

Regardless of Ness's nerves, Nate was coming tomorrow. Whether Ness liked it or not, one thing was certain: Nate was going to change everything.

Season 2: A New Challenger Approaches

[Start]