Chapter Seven...........

Ness sat alone. Alone in a quiet room. A quiet room located in a quiet house. Ness sat alone in his room located in his family's house.

The house was quiet for two reasons: He was the only one home and he wasn't in a loud kind of mood. There are sometimes reasons within reasons however. Each of his all time three closest friends were either upset, confused, or offended, and sort of needed distance from him. His sister was also mad about something, and had left for a friend’s home yesterday.

So there he was. Upset, confused, and offended by all of them as well.

Ness reached for his bat and engaged in some fond memories on his bed. He looked up at the marks on the wood, and the ones on the plaster behind it. He slowly rested his bat on his stomach, and gently rolled away with it. He closed his eyes. When he opened them he stared at a picture on the wall. He stared at a picture of himself, as a baby, and noticed how the little boy’s eyes seemed to be looking back.

He sighed—he couldn't help it—and returned the bat to where it was. Then he plopped back down again. Could this really be it? The lonely life this thoughtful, rather quiet boy had always imagined he'd have. Always. Until.......up until about three years ago.........

-Dalaam

Prince Poo sat among many. Many, in a very loud room. A very loud room that surrounded his throne. Prince Poo sat among many who weren't quite as worried as he was, but pretty close. Everyone was worried for two reasons: Ada, Poo's companion, had been abducted, and the other one......Poo was pretty sure he knew it, much as he knew they'd try to pretend it didn't exist.

Finally the phone rang. A boy about Poo's age handed him the receiver as the prince approached. The instructions were clear: he was to come alone, and bring the legendary "Sword of Kings."

Poo hung up, "........Bring me the royal sword of legend."

One minute and two brushed off questions later, the prince took the sword in his young hands.

".......Thank you Kato," he said to the boy now holding only a beautiful cloth. Poo stared at the sheath, then gripped the middle of the sword in his right hand, and relaxed.

Everyone in the room stayed silent, following the prince's lead as he stood at his throne, motionless. As civilians were allowed entrance to the palace, two girls had wandered in to learn the latest news on Ada, but stopped at the door when they sensed the serious mood.

After about a minute, Poo spoke: "I'm going alone."

"...My Prince..." said an advisor who stood beside Poo's grandfather.

"No," said Poo, "those are the terms." He looked down at the sword by his waist, "...We shall miss this sword, which is older than myself, we shall miss it for a long time...but I can't let Ada get hurt...........not for me."

"My Prince, you should consider other options before..."

Poo interrupted, "That, that's your problem you see?"

The man was silent.

"All of you. You're only concerned with my status here. My role as Prince," he said getting angry. Then he paused before continuing, "Don't worry though, that's my problem too."

Poo took the sword and headed for the hallway. Before exiting he spoke again. "All of you, have done an excellent job here. What I want you to remember however, what we all need to understand...is that in the end people come first, not titles."

The girls in the hallway stood on opposite sides of the red carpet, as Poo passed with his head down. "Hello," he sighed.

A bit stunned, they wished him well.

*Poo: So now my position is not only endangering my sanity......but the life of someone close to me as well. Something has to be done. I've got to make a decision. Times like these, that someone's usually here for me to lean on, just as I am with her. Neither of us asked for that to change, and I'm not about to let it.*

-Winters

"Psi, Psi........" said Jeff as he reviewed his research. He was alone at home, doing someone a favor. "Hmmmm.......rather interesting legends from Bangkok.......about a mental physiology.............starting in........."

He stopped. He couldn't ignore the incident with Ness from yesterday any longer. The incident that had seemingly gotten Piper interested in Psi.

"...Sorry, Pipes…it says here you have to be born with it in some way," said Jeff to himself. "......'Pipes'.......she hates that," he let himself laugh. Then he got serious again when he spotted his counter Psi unit a few feet away. He walked over and picked it up, eyeing it for a few seconds.

"Mechanics......" he thought to himself. Seconds later he tossed the small unit across the room. "Thanks for everything," he sighed to himself.

-Onett

Later that night.......at Ness's house.......the phone rang. In the kitchen, Ness tore open a pack of Snickerberries(TM) and ignored it. It continued however, to the point where he gave up and answered.

"Unless you're a psychologist..."

"Uh, is Tracy home?" asked the girl on the other end.

"No, sorry," he answered.

"Oh...I'm sorry, you see I just...needed someone to talk to...with what's happened and all......and I could tell she's a good listener," she continued.

"Could've fooled me," said Ness.

"Who is this?" asked the girl.

"This is her brother, who is this?" said Ness.

"Oh.....it's Dalaam. The country of Dalaam. My name's Lyn. I met your sister yesterday, and we're all a bit shaken up...with the abduction and all," she replied.

"What abduction?" he asked seriously.

"...The Prince's companion, Ada, she was taken last night."

"What?"

"His highness is heading to retrieve her now...but we're worried about him," she continued.

"...Where did he go?" asked Ness

"...I can't...I can't tell you..."

"I'm a friend of the prince's, I can help," he said frantically. "…I'm Ness! One of the ones who fought alongside him twice before."

The girl hesitated, "...Alright. Please don't tell anyone I told you...and you mustn't involve anyone else."

"Not a problem," said Ness, "please hurry."

There is an area located between the port town called Toto, and the country of Scaraba. An area in the sea, made up of a small bunch of large islands. Abandoned not too long ago, by those who used it as a summer retreat. Tonight it plays host again, but not to serenity and escapism. Only to battle and confrontation.

Arriving in a very bad mood, Prince Poo jumps from the canoe with sword in hand, and is quickly confronted by materializing Octobots, of multiple classes. Following a violent backward swing of his left hand, used as though to brush them away, the Psi called Starstorm erupts from the prince's skull, following his wishes as he marches into the crowd. Several of the robots are instantly destroyed, while others fly backwards and recover. Bold and angry, the prince marches on, using his Psi freeze on the two standing up.

He then examines his situation, staring at the few other masses of land in the dark distance, wondering which one the girl he came for is on. He's not allowed any further thought at the moment however, as more robots begin materializing before him. More than before. Poo gathers his courage and brushes aside some hair, which had grown much longer over the years. He then charges them with Starstorm in effect once again. Shortly afterwards every robot is eliminated, but he knows that more are probably on the way.

Reaching the end of the island, Poo turns his attention, toward the two in the short distance. While he's looking however, two machines appear on both his sides and fire. Poo quickly teleports, giving them room to hit each other. The powerful beams make contact and the robots who were frozen before drop. Materializing on the island that was to his right, Poo looks around.

"ADA!" he calls, but gets no answer.

He continues onward, still grasping the sword and still tempted to use it. As he reaches the top of a small hill, and gets a good view of his surroundings, he notices two more islands in the distance. He begins to get frustrated, but is again interrupted. Surrounded by several robots, he waits for them to get a little closer. Then, as they are on the verge of firing, his eyes widen, as though at the end of concentrating on something, and thunder crashes down on the island. Around seven of his enemies are hit by the attack, which had progressed significantly. Others aren't, and begin to finally mount an offensive. Poo dashes and rolls under several beams, which were faster than ever now. He returns fire from the ground, managing to freeze one. Then he teleports a few yards behind the ones firing at him. Standing, he hits one with freeze from behind, damaging it but not stopping its’ movement. He runs for cover again as the firing continues. Then, Poo gets worried when he trips and hits the ground. A few blasts miss him, as he summons his Starstorm for the third time, and barely saves himself from harm.

On the next island, Poo breathes a bit heavier, and stays very alert. After about ten minutes, his hosts return. Worried about exhausting his Psi for the night, Poo finally pulls the sword from its’ sheath. With a look of regret that soon becomes a slight smile, he holds the blade before him, and awaits the enemy's attack. For a few seconds, the robots resemble the men in his throne room, and then begin to fire. Poo, still in fighting stance, teleports. He arrives beside one, which turns its’ head before losing it. Poo rushes another close by, dodging lasers and kicking it, hard, upon his arrival. The robot hits the ground and faces the night sky. Poo sends an icy blast a few yards away, stopping another before it can shoot. He reaches it and attacks with the sword again. Ducking under another laser, Poo turns and sees it hit the adversary behind him. Then he teleports behind all remaining robots and unleashes more lightning, surprisingly, getting them all.

After another ten minutes on another island, Poo drops to his knees where he stands, getting tired and overcome with tension. With Psi, he heals himself slowly. Still breathing heavily, he manages to softly say only one thing: "Ada......"

"Poo!" yells a familiar voice, almost in response.

Poo quickly looks up. Sure enough, he can see his favorite face in the distance. Ada is sitting on the next island, tied to the bottom of a tree.

"Ada!" he yells with excitement and relief.

She smiles, as though she knew he'd come. As though she didn't have to worry about losing him anymore, because he'd always be there for her—and she'd always be there for him. "Could you hurry?" she called. "My toes are getting cold out here."

Poo chuckled. "Well then, I guess I'll have to warm you...AAAAAH!"

Suddenly, he was hit by a large beam.

"POO!" yelled Ada. "Answer me!"

*Jeff: Romance—it's a two way street. Caring for someone deeply can be a wonderful thing—but it can also be a painful thing.

Ness and Paula know that, I think. And now, so do I—through this long, frustrating, stupid study on the history of Psi I'm doing for Piper. She always says thank you though, for things like this. And that smile she gives me.....it's amazing. Still, this is my last big research for awhile. As of midnight, tonight, I'm no longer a mechanic. "A mechanical genius," they called me. "That genius Jeff," they'd say. Well, I'm moving on. It's not like the world needs to be saved anytime soon. Doesn't seem that way now at least. Maybe one day...if I get hitched...I'LL go back to fixing electronic appliances. Until then..........*

The second real man of the night, Ness finally reached the islands by paddling a canoe straight from Toto. He wasn't anywhere near the one Poo had used when he abandoned it at shore. He was closer to the island where Ada was. Suddenly, he was confronted by a small horde of Octobots. Already angered by the long trip, and the fact that the usual boat service isn't available at night, it didn't take him long to deal with them.

Swinging his free hand, simply out of anger, his mind launched his special attack, and many Octobots flew into the sea—most destroyed before they landed. He never stopped walking. Clutching his bat in a determined march that could probably scare anyone, he was just about to call out Poo's name when the corner of his eye caught something.

"Poo," said Ness.

Poo was silent.

"Oh, look I know you're mad at me for what I said yesterday, but I didn't mean it. I..."

Ness was suddenly interrupted by another unpleasant surprise..................Poo launched his Starstorm attack.

"...Poo!" Ness had futilely covered himself, and while he managed some defense, the attack sent him flying a short distance.

After he landed he shouted, "What are you doing?!"

Poo however, unsheathed his sword, and charged forth with a battle cry.

"Poo!" yelled Ness, who was now up.

The prince swung at his friend, but Ness managed to block with his bat, dodge, then block again before jumping backwards.

"Poo stop it!" yelled Ness.

Poo chased after him, as Ness defended himself again. "Poo you're......under some sort of control," said Ness as he noticed Poo's eyes.

Using both hands, Ness blocked a vertical overhead slash. Then a horizontal to his side, and then finally threw a punch that landed in Poo's stomach. Stunned for a moment, Poo lost his sword as Ness managed to kick it away.

"Poo?" asked Ness, who knew a good impact was the way to awaken his friend.

Poo however, turned away clutching his stomach, and disappeared before Ness's eyes. Just as Ness turned around, he was given another taste of Poo's strongest Psi. Ness flew backwards again, and dropped his bat. A few seconds later, a dazed Ness slowly crawled towards his bat. When he reached it however, Poo stood on its’ center. Ness looked up. Just as Poo was seemingly about to attack again, Ness summoned a bright flash of pure Psi, which seriously got to Poo's eyes.

"AAAH!" called the prince. Poo stumbled about in pain, as Ness stood and approached, using Psi Healing to try and awaken him.

Suddenly Poo reached his sword and turned around to swing at Ness. Ness dodged a forward swipe, and then a backhand. Poo's third swing however, did not miss.

"AAH!" said the prince again as he recoiled after connecting with a momentarily flashing yellow shield.

Ness's power shield pushed Poo back and actually stunned him for a bit. When Poo looked back up, he saw a bunch of beautiful colors flying at him, and was soon hit by the far less pleasant impact of Ness's special. Poo was sent much further back. Ness healed himself a bit where he stood, then picked up his bat.

".......Poo......." he called, but quickly looked up to see Poo returning the favor, as Starstorm flew in his direction. Ness teleported, avoiding the attack completely. When he materialized though, Poo was waiting, and sent a red ray directly at Ness.

"No, Poo, nooooooooooooooooooo!" yelled Ness as he realized what it was. Desperately, Ness tried to swipe it away, but the Psi called Brain Shock connected.

"AAAAAGHHHH........" called Ness through clenched teeth, trying to resist. It wasn't easy, as this move had also progressed. Suddenly, Ness didn't know where he was, or what was going on. He only sensed that the boy before him was the enemy. He clenched his bat, and Poo clenched his sword. They eyed each other, both almost completely out of control. Now there would be no holding back.

*Jeff: Really....it's not like I need to think anything else over. Sure I still enjoy fixing and creating things.....but......I don't know. I just don't know what's really causing this. I THINK I know though. I....I've never really felt like this before.....about a girl.....who wasn't family......or a teacher. She's......she's been there for me through all of this. I don't know how I would have made it through this without her. And this isn't the first time either. The two of us are so close. She's a mechanic too, but she's not obsessed with it. That's part of what I like about her. I wish I could be that way. I mean, just interested in something. Plain and simple. Not out to get an award every time. But it's not the way I was brought up. It looks like I'm losing mechanics, a friend, and my dad's respect. It would seem that there's not much left........but there certainly is.*

Island to island, blast for blast, teleport for teleport, Poo and Ness matched each other move for move. They stopped to heal regularly, draining their Psi faster. Ness had lost his cap a few minutes back, but could care less in his condition. Eventually, they stopped and faced each other, both breathing hard. Then, each rushed forward with weapon in hand. They met in the air, screaming and both summoning a power shield during the last seconds. They deflected each other and fell to the ground. Tired, they both laid still for a little while before standing up. Breathing and staring at each other more, they each waited about a minute before summoning their final attacks.

Poo used his stronger Starstorm, and Ness used a stronger special. They both threw their guards up as Ada closed her eyes and said something rather unpleasant from the not too far distance. Both were knocked seemingly unconscious, and far from one another. After about a minute, one began to move.

"Poo," called Ada, for what certainly wasn't the third time.

Poo barely stood up, and walked over to his sword. He used some of his last bit of Psi to teleport over to Ada. Completely back to normal, he freed her, and received a big hug when she stood. Wearily, Poo looked back over to where he had been fighting, and saw that Ness was gone.

"He's alright. I saw him," said Ada, "he did that thing, you know. Teleported. He's gone. What happened to both of you?"

"I.…don't know," said Poo. "I don't even know...what he was doing here. I just want to get you home now.......and watch over you."

"Poo," she said, "you're the one who needs to heal. We'll watch over each other."

With that, they teleported back to Dalaam, and a very warm welcome. Once again, Prince Poo's throne room, and everywhere else in the country, was very loud. Only from relief this time.

Still on the islands, a now remedied Ness stumbled about with his bat, barely enough Psi to teleport, and feeling worse than ever while looking for his cap. He soon found it. Just before he picked it up however, he was addressed by someone:

"Y'know that's the second time you've lost it recently," said a somewhat familiar voice.

Wearily, Ness managed to put his cap on and look to the sky, while leaning on his bat for support.

"Bet you'd lose your head if it wasn't connected—not that I’d really care about that," said the voice.

Slowly, Ness looked back down and stared in front of him. An unusual look came over his face as he realized who's voice it was—and a lot of other things...........all at once—all in one deranged, truly disgusting package: "Pokey."

"Well at least you've still got your memories," Pokey replied. "Who needs friends anyway? .........Heh, heh, heh, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!"

Ness looked up at the sky, where Pokey hovered in the same machine he'd used to fight alongside Giygas three years ago. Weakened, Ness could only speak, "...Then...it was you? You all along doing all of this?"

"This machine now has a nice little gizmo that kind of replicates that Brain Shock thing. You know the one he used on Giygas, and of course the one he just used on you—well I used it on him before you showed up," said Pokey.

Ness managed an angry face, "You...abducted that girl?"

"I'm guessing Poo doesn't hate you as much as Paula and Jeff, but I'm sure this little fight will affect your relationship. Hard to be friends with someone who just kicked your butt after all...made for some exciting entertainment though," said Pokey.

"You.......what.....how did you.....do all this?" asked Ness.

"Why don't you tell me?" said Pokey. "Here's a hint: I had a partner.....oh and there she is now."

Suddenly, someone was arriving via teleportation. "You," Ness says as she materializes, receiving another bad surprise. ".....Piper!" he says accusingly.

She looks at him, seemingly ashamed, and then turns away.

"What took so long? I was beginning to think you weren't coming," said Pokey. "Pokey and Piper—sounds good together huh? I won't bore you with the details, but she's not human. She's of another world."

".......I guess that makes you two the perfect match," says Ness.

"All these years and he still can't throw a good insult," laughed Pokey. "So, have you figured it all out yet?"

".....You," says Ness, "you and those robots destroyed Jeff's lab.....and his school. So that's why one of them took my cap Saturday night......so Piper here could pin it on me."

"Now you're getting it," says Pokey. "Didn't I warn you not to mess with me, that time at the Monotoli building? I started learning the basics of mechanics there. Helicopters, making robots—and I borrowed some of the technology for myself. Recently I met Piper, who did all the hard stuff, like adjustments to the ship. Octobots are so much better than those security models. I also equipped them all with teleporters, picked up from my friend here......you remember what equip means don't you?" Pokey began laughing again.

"So that's how Piper just....." Ness continued, "And at the school in Winters, you took one of their skeleton keys—their key machines.....and used it to get into the room where Paula and I were staying, at the hotel."

"Quite a busy night for me Ness," said Pokey, "my machine can track a Psi essence too, so before you ask, that's how I found you."

"And you...you took a picture of her...while we both were asleep...and put it in an envelope addressed to her mom, and stuck it in my mailbox," said Ness. "You knew I'd deliver it, and that it'd probably get her in trouble...and then she'd...get mad at me."

"I never even planned all of that, but luck was on my side. How mad was she?" asked Pokey. "Bet she didn't find your playful attitude so funny? Right?"

Ness began getting truly angry, "And yesterday YOU called me and said that the lab was being attacked and you needed help," he pointed to Piper. "......Heh, but really, YOU just trashed it and left," he pointed at Pokey, "while Jeff was out, so you guys could make me look bad in his eyes again."

"Piper made up a little tale about there not being enough tea left," said Pokey, "and then when Jeff went out, she slipped something—harmless—in his father's cup. That gave him a little nap."

"...I can't believe you guys," said Ness "Is there anything more?"

"Of course," Pokey replied, "that person calling you from 'Dalaam' tonight—Lyn—it was Piper, using a voice device. And what do you mean 'you guys' wuss? This master plan was entirely mine. I mean, Piper helped out, but mostly I, Pokey, deserve the credit," he said proudly.

Piper looked away, still quiet and shy.

"Oh course, I didn't plan that part with your sister getting mad at you. You did that one all by yourself," Pokey said to Ness.

Ness looked surprised.

"What? Dalaam's a beautiful county," said Pokey. "Easy to go unseen with those robes of theirs, although I was nervous for a few seconds. Even easier to visit when you've got teleporters."

Ness stared a red hole through Pokey's smugness. Then Pokey spoke again, "If I know you, you're probably still as shy and quiet with the kids around the neighborhood as always. You ARE right? You and that innocent, stupid smile of yours?"

Ness said nothing.

"Good then," said Pokey, "my work is done. Hop on Piper let's go," he said descending in the pod.

"Wait a minute," said Ness, "what do you mean?"

"...Well try really hard and think," said Pokey. "I succeeded. You're miserable aren't you? And now you don't have a person in the world you can turn to," Pokey grinned.

Ness looked on with something burning in his eyes.

"Well, there possibly is my beloved little bratty brother," said Pokey, "oh that's right—he goes to summer camp every year. Well I guess that leaves, some of those people who think you're a hero. But man.......wouldn't that be a new level of pathetic. Go for it."

"I'm not done with you yet," said Ness, "I WILL get you for this."

"...'Sigh'...Ness, Ness, Ness, you never give up do you hero? Okay. I could take you on right now, but I don't see what fun that would be since you can barely stand." Pokey laughed, "Tell you what, come back tomorrow at three, when your little power returns, and I'll bring along my toy here,” he said referring to the ship, “and we'll settle it...once and for all. I must warn you though, I'm wanted in twenty one different periods and dimensions, and this thing is seriously armed."

Ness watched as Piper boarded the craft.

"Hope Jeff figures out that Piper's not coming back," said Pokey. "Oh that reminds me...this is supposed to be the part where I taunt you, by asking you to say hi to someone for me......but, well, you know...........heh, heh, heh, heh, heh, ha, ha, ha, ha, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA, HA................"

The small craft warps away in a flash, but Pokey's laughter can still be heard afterwards. Seconds become minutes. Despair becomes anger. And for the first time he can remember, one brave boy is truly afraid of being alone.

...........Chapter Seven
-Antagonism

Chapter Eight
-The end of the end.........OR.........Who are you talking to?

At home, anger and sadness took their turns flowing through Ness. Over and over......and over again. Pokey's words became truer to him with every passing hour. The dog was asleep, his parents were away, no one else wanted anything to do with him, and they wouldn't believe the truth even if he could approach one of them. He made himself face and believe all of this. Doing so made him start to wonder about the "eternal darkness" Buzz Buzz had warned of. The state Giygas would have put the world in if not stopped. He wondered if maybe it hadn't been what he had originally thought, but something else entirely. Maybe it was a state of mind—brought about by despair and loneliness, after the subjects had been deceived and controlled. Ness got up and turned off the light.

He wasn't sure who was worse between Pokey and Giygas, but he didn't 'feel' like fighting anymore. He just didn't care anymore. He laid back down and covered his head with a pillow. Every time he thought about his friends he felt worse, but he found he couldn't stop. Every ten minutes he wanted to beat up Pokey even more, and every other ten he didn't even know if he'd show up after all.

Eventually the silence just helped him sleep, but later, even that was interrupted by the image of Pokey laughing. Suddenly, things got even less pleasant, as the laughing image changed from Pokey to a certain blonde haired girl. Ness quickly woke up in terror and looked around his dark room. He was still alone, and it was still quiet.

He took a deep breath and rubbed his eyes, then plopped back down. He really didn't feel good at the moment, but there was no one to lean on. No one to talk to. All he really had right now were memories. He sat up and slid to the side of his bed, listening to the few sounds that could be heard outside. He thought back to the night he had heard a much louder one. He thought about Buzz Buzz. He thought about the Sound Stone. Then he thought about something no one else in the world ever thought of. Something only he could remember—the Sound Stone melody.

As he cycled through the tune the first time, a warm feeling of peace made its’ way to his heart.

He thought through it again, and a warm tear rolled down his face almost just as slowly. He thought about going back to sleep.

Instead, he remembered the tune again, as though searching for something. As though he were doing something wrong. Before the tune was completed this time, he emptied his mind of all sadness and anger, and just focused on its’ beauty.

Suddenly afterwards, something did come to him. He found himself thinking back to the nightmare he'd just had, but mostly the end of it. He could remember feeling something. He knew he could. A somewhat familiar feeling. One he wasn't used to. One he'd only felt a few times in the past, briefly. One that had just come to him, but had gone just as soon. And then, Ness knew why the vision in his nightmare had changed. It was purely unintentional, but someone had caused it—because someone had come.

*Ness: Paula.....?

*Paula: Ness?!

*Ness: Paula...you, you called to me. Didn't you?

*Paula: ...Yes...I uh...ah...

*Ness: Oh...well here's my reply. I didn't call, I didn't write, I didn't come over.......

*Paula: Ness I.......so what are you doing now?

*Ness: Just.....retreating.

*Paula: Retreating?

*Ness: It's...something I do sometimes when I'm alone. I just retreat to this place I go. ..........So what did you need?

*Paula: I...don't need anything I...are you alright? Any more robots attack you?

*Ness: ...No...and they probably won't again. I found out who'd been sending them. I found out everything.

*Paula: Who?

*Ness: You remember Pokey Minch—the one from three years ago?

*Paula: It was HIM? That guy?

*Ness: He set us all up, just to make me look bad. HE took the picture in Fourside—he got into the room—and put the envelope in my mailbox. AND he trashed Jeff's school, which is where he got a special key device, and then planted my cap in Winters. That girl Jeff introduced us to, she was an alien working with Pokey.

*Paula: WHAT?

*Ness: He also abducted Poo's girl, Ada, and turned Poo on me with some ray when we both tried to save her. I managed to snap him out of it and they got away, but now I'm not even sure where I stand with Poo.

*Paula: How do you know all of this Ness?

*Ness: 'Cause Pokey himself told me, and I saw Piper with him. It all happened earlier.

*Paula: ........

*Ness: I mean come on...I can't believe you guys would honestly think.....

*Paula: ...Truth is I couldn't...I couldn't bring myself to honestly believe that...but I just didn't know what was going on.

*Ness: Neither did I. We weren't supposed to.

*Paula: Now I get it! That explains it. That explains the dark presence I felt Saturday. I......it's all making sense now. Ness...

*Ness: You felt a presence...? Oh...I guess that even with those teleportation devices he used for the robots...you have to visit the place once...probably to get the right coordinates or something.

*Paula: What?

*Ness: Never mind. I'm...I'm just glad you're talking to me.

*Paula: I could never stay mad at you Ness. I'm...very sorry. You don't know how sorry I am.

*Ness: It's alright. This reminds me of a movie I saw once.

*Paula: Oh yeah? I haven't been to one of those in......what kind of story was it?

*Ness: Oh, well.….

*Paula: .......I wonder why we haven't really done this before? Communicated like this.

*Ness: .......

*Paula: You know that place you told me about? I go there sometimes too.

*Ness: Oh really? I'm sure we're not the only ones. .......You know what I just realized?

*Paula: Hmmm?

*Ness: Of all the people in the world...only one can follow me there.

*Paula: ......Ness I.....I want.......this reminds me of a poem.

*Ness: A poem?

*Paula: Yeah...I didn't write it! But um.......there's this poem someone gave me a copy of.

*Ness: .......Can I hear it?

*Paula: ........I...I didn't write it. I promise.

*Ness: Alright. Can I hear it?

*Paula: ......Okay. ...Let me turn the…light back on in here.............. Okay I've got it. I didn't write this...You know what, it's silly...

*Ness: What are you embarrassed for?

*Paula: Because still...

*Ness: Go ahead. I really just want to listen to you right now.

*Paula: ......."If, the boy's love is true..........the boy will surely come to you.

If your thoughts are of him, and his smiles never miss, when he comes through your door, say something like this:

No heat from the sun, no linen or lace, can touch me as sweetly, as your warm embrace.

We've been through a lot, and our feelings are clear...I can't help but be happy, whenever you're near.

On the days I'll be sad, which I hope will be rare, it means quite a lot, to know you'll be there.

But before we start flying, we must take a walk. We'll work out our issues, by learning to talk.

We'll each take our turns, we'll each have our parts, examining our minds, examining our hearts.

So come dear boy, and don't be slow—as I lead you into this place I go.

Then when you look at me, and I look at you, we'll always know...our love is true."

*Ness: .............

*Paula: ..............

*Ness: ..............

*Paula: ...............

*Ness: Paula I want to ask you to do something for me......

Final Chapter
-They banged, they sang, they left doin' their own thang

Ness was feeling kind of warm for two reasons. First of all he was standing in a desert. The other lived in Twoson.

Then, Jeff and Poo arrived, via Poo's teleportation. Before they reached Ness, Jeff called out to him, "We're standing in Dusty Dunes, with no canteens, in the middle of the night..."

"Well I've lost my mind, remember?" replied Ness.

Jeff only looked at the ground, feeling a bit guilty. Then he looked up and smiled at Ness as they finally got in close. "Paula..."

"Told you everything?" asked Ness. "...And so do you believe her?" He turned to Poo. "Hey man what's up?" he said in a rather light—hearted tone.

Poo chuckled and looked at the ground. "...Nothing good Ness," he said extending his hand. Before he released Ness's grip he spoke again, "I apologize...for what happened."

"Come on we both know it wasn't your fault," replied Ness.

"I also appreciate, what you tried to do, but how did you find out where we were again?" asked Poo.

Ness paused, "Jeff this is the truth, Piper IS working with Pokey. I know you don't want to believe it...but they both confronted me."

"...I, don't know what to believe anymore. I..."

"How do you think she really got my cap? Why would I leave my favorite cap somewhere? And why would I trash your school?"

Poo interrupted, "You've known Ness longer than her...don't let your emotions blind you to the truth."

"I know I," Jeff paused, "...Ness I believe this whole story...I know you. And I'm sorry for what I did...but I also believe that, maybe she's being controlled somehow."

Ness looked to the ground and considered it.

"Come on," said Jeff, "If Pokey could use some beam to control Poo..."

"NO," said Poo, "Jeff I wasn't controlled, I was just driven mad for ten minutes. I should've been able to fight it, but I couldn't. Probably because my emotions are so messed up right now."

Ness looked up with an apologetic smile.

Poo continued, "It's not the same with her...she's someone this mad boy picked up on his travels throughout dimensions. Sent TO YOU...as part of a plan to get to Ness."

"I don't know her whole story," said Ness, "…but that seemed pretty accurate to me. Have you ever even seen this girl's home Jeff?"

Jeff was silent for a few seconds, "No, I...." He kicked up some sand in the opposite direction, then slid his hands in his black jacket.

Ness and Poo looked at each other for a second. "Jeff," said Poo, "Remember what you said to me, when I was afraid to go into my training last month?"

Jeff grinned a bit.

"Well I can't say anything nearly as good to make you feel better right now. All I can say is this: you still have a lot left."

"No...I don't."

"...Then let me say this: whatever it is you're searching for next, be it a new creation or a new interest or a new girl, you're going to find it. I don't know anyone who's more determined or harder working than you."

"-Ahem- 'cept me of course," said Ness.

Jeff was silent for a few seconds...then started to giggle quietly. He was then followed by Ness, and then Poo, in what became a lasting laugh session. The three friends stumbled about a bit letting their cares escape them for a few seconds.

"Well I see this went rather...um...well," said an approaching female voice.

Flashlights were swung in her direction, and she looked away before swinging hers back in defense.

"...You came? Why?" asked a somewhat nervous Ness, who did recall a bus passing a little while ago.

"I wanted to see...all of you," said Paula. She stared at Jeff as she walked, "...How's your heart Jeff?" she asked tenderly.

"...I'll be alright."

"Of course you will," she said hugging him, "there are other girls out there, and you're going to find one."

Jeff stared at the sky afterwards.

"And how are you?" she asked looking at Poo peculiarly.

"Just fine, just fine," he replied, "how have you been?"

"Alright," she said with a hug when she reached him, "is...is uh, Ada, alright?"

"She's fine."

"Good," she said turning to Ness. She hesitantly approached him for once, as he started to blush. "I didn't write that," she whispered.

Ness raised his smile to her eyes, "…I don't care," he replied.

Paula's flashlight shone down his right shoulder, and Ness's chin touched hers, as they hugged a little longer than ever before.

The next day, or later on in the same actually, all four stood on the islands between Scaraba and Toto. Sure enough, a little after 3:00 in the afternoon, Pokey materialized in his craft.

"What?" he said looking at the ones with Ness.

Paula's eyes narrowed and she smiled somewhat at the sight of Pokey. Poo had a similar look in his face. Jeff looked for Piper.

"...It's all over jerk," said Ness as he slowly approached.

"I see," said Pokey.

"By the way, my sister will forgive me eventually," Ness said with a smile.

"Not if you don't survive she won't," said Pokey. Afterwards several Octobots appeared with the push of a button. Enough to get Jeff's mind off of Piper. "Teleporters. Kind of cool huh Jeff?" said Pokey laughing. "Guess who helped me create them."

Paula was first to attack. A wall of psychic flame incinerated five of the machines, which crackled and stumbled before collapsing.

Poo pulled a sword and dashed towards two on his side. Jeff blasted down two approaching Ness, who was aware of them, but still focusing on Pokey.

"You'll pay for what you did, right now," said Ness. Before he could act on the threat however, he had to dodge a few lasers that were aimed at him. Ness pulled out his bat and rushed towards the robots that fired. Bravely dodging shot after shot, he finally made contact and deactivated them.

More robots appeared, and were blasted with Starstorm, freeze, and plenty of other attacks as Pokey began getting frustrated.

After around ten minutes, the victorious teens faced Pokey again. His machine stood up with a buzzing sound. "Don't get tired yet pansies, I've got plenty more," he said pressing a button again. However, only several of the small rectangular devices called "teleporters" arrived, and fell on the ground. "What!?" said a less arrogant Pokey.

Then, an orange haired pony-tailed girl materialized with one of the devices in her hand.

"Piper!" said Jeff.

She looked back at him, but soon turned to Pokey, "I removed them," she said. "That was all of them. I'm holding the last one. And I've deactivated all the bots."

"How...dare you?!" Pokey cried. "Have you forgotten what I did for you?" he said opening the clear hatch and standing up.

"What?" said Jeff.

"...Have you forgotten what I'm going to do to you?" Ness asked Pokey.

"My debt to you is paid," said Piper, "I'll not hurt others for you any longer."

Pokey closed the protective hatch and laughed a bit, "......Fine......I'll just do it myself." With that he fired a loud blast that looked very dangerous. It sped towards Jeff quickly.

"Jeff!" called Paula, as Ness and Poo turned at the same time.

It would have hit its’ target, if not for the girl who intercepted it with her own body.

"Piper! Are you alright? Talk to me!" cried Jeff as he fell to the ground to hold her.

Ness turned back to Pokey with an empty look on his face, that soon became one of anger.

"What?" responded Pokey. "Now she and I are even," he said adjusting his controls.

"…Jeff," said Piper looking up at him, "he saved...my little sister's life. He visited my planet in that machine, and there was an accident on a cliff. She would have fallen if it weren't for him and this blue beam. That's why...I helped him. I didn't like it...I...."

"Piper....." said Jeff.

"I.....really did have feelings for you....that's why.....I asked you to study....Psi for me.....so I could learn of a way for your friends to stop him. I should have just.....told you the truth."

Jeff pulled his glasses off and hugged her.

".....Take care four eyes...." she said.

"Piper! ......Hold on!"

"There's........there's something else Jeff...." she says quietly.

"Piper..."

"There's......one more thing Jeff."

"....What?"

"...............I'm sorry," she says, and faints in his arms.

Paula growled somewhat as she charged towards Pokey, preparing quite a blast.

Pokey responded by firing another shot. Ness quickly got in front of Paula and activated his Power shield, which had grown strong enough to deflect even this beam. The shot slammed into Pokey's ship, shaking it and doing minimal damage.

"...You guys are finished," said Pokey. Suddenly his ship was hit on another side, by Psi Starstorm.

"No I don't think so," said Poo as he approached.

"Piper? Come on wake up," said Jeff gently.

Ness and Paula launched attacks as well, and Pokey's ship rattled. Pokey replied by sending some sort of missiles outward in several directions, which sent the teens scurrying and rolling on the ground.

"Heh, heh, heh, pathetic as ever," he said. Then he prepared his main beam weapon again, "Like I said before, you guys are...." Suddenly his craft was hit by a rather strong impact from behind. It did a lot of damage. Pokey turned, and saw Jeff holding a smoking miniature rocket launcher, which he had pulled from his gym bag.

"You're not avenging her today," said Pokey as he turned toward Jeff.

"Then I will," called a voice.

Pokey turned again, and became frightened when he saw an attack he had never been able to forget. Ness's Omega flew beautifully through the air, and smashed into Pokey's ship doing incredible damage. So much so that Poo and Paula began to step back, and then ran as Pokey's ship smoked and popped with sparks. It had taken all it could.

As Ness began running too, he saw a blue aura around him and felt a strong tug pulling him backwards.

"Leaving so soon, pal?" said Pokey as the inside of his ship caught fire.

"Ness," called Poo as he began running forward with Paula behind him.

"No! Stay back! Poo.....you can still heal Piper," said Ness.

"Yeah they can save her but who's gonna save you?" asked a taunting Pokey as he reached for something and coughed.

Jeff wanted to fire again, but didn't want to risk hurting Ness.

"Don't think...I want them to find me in this sorry dimension," said Pokey, "my folks would enjoy it too much."

Ness kept pulling away from the beam but couldn't break its’ hold, "Stay back!" he yelled to Paula, who tried running towards.

Just as the ship was about to explode, Pokey pulled a switch, "So long everyone! Have a rotten life!" The ship disappeared with both boys.

"No, NO! Ness! Ness come back," yelled Paula.

There was silence.

"NESS!" she yelled as Poo and Jeff were stunned.

There was no response.

"No........not now," she said, "......not ever......"

There was still nothing.

"Can you hear me Ness?! There's still so much we haven't done yet! We...still have so many places left to go." She fell to her knees.

And then, she felt something in her head. Something warm, something positive, and most important of all, something familiar.

Paula's head swung up, and Ness materialized before her and his friends.

"Ness!" said Paula as she got up and took him in her arms.

Poo and Jeff smiled at him and then each other.

"I...teleported just before it started to explode. I was able to escape the beam that way."

Paula kept hugging.

"...What about him?" asked Poo. "Did he get out of the craft?"

"...I don't know," said Ness, "I...don't think so.....but I don't know."

"Guys, can you save Piper? Can you heal her?" asked Jeff as he looked at Ness and Poo.

Paula let go of Ness and they all walked over to Piper. Just before Poo could summon his own healing Psi, Ness gently stopped him. He looked down at the girl, sighed, and concentrated.

Within seconds, she awakened, and saw Ness standing over her.

"Pipes!" said Jeff as he held her.

She slowly smiled at him, then turned to Ness, "You...saved me? After...everything?"

"...Don't sweat it," said Ness plainly, "I heard. I know why you did what you did."

"...I'm sorry. All of you," she said. She stood up. "Pokey?"

"Gone for good," said Jeff. "He can't reach you or hurt anyone anymore. His ship was destroyed, and maybe him with it."

"...And he wouldn't know how to build another—not something THAT advanced. ...I… have to go," she said holding the teleporter.

"Wait," said Jeff, "you...I...." he stopped. "I'll miss you Piper."

"I'll miss you too," she said hugging him, "...but I have to get back to my own world, to my family. Then I'm going to destroy this device." They faced each other. "Jeff, you're a very special person. If you really aren't interested in mechanics anymore that's fine, but it's NOT the only thing that makes you special or important. Don't make the decision until you understand that."

Jeff was silent and a bit stunned.

"I'll never forget you...someday, someone else is going to realize what I just said, and prove it to you. Be as nice to her as you were to me," she said. "And take care of your father, he and I had quite an interesting conversation. He's so cool," she smiled.

The others looked on.

"Hey, don't leave these things laying around okay?" she said pointing to the teleporters on the ground.

"I won't," said Jeff with a smile, "what kind of mechanic would?" he said letting go of her hand.

Piper smiled, "Goodbye." With that Piper set the device to return her home, and she teleported.

Soon afterward, the battle weary islands were left alone again.

*Poo: Okay. I mean come on, let's stop playing and set it up straight. There's no need to make life more complicated than it has to be. I'm a prince. I am proud of my country I am proud of my people and I'm proud of myself. It's all good.

The reason why I was so frustrated was because I spent too much time thinking about everything. I mean, I get a little upset, I make one wrong move, and then I charge into this meditation. This, place, of mine and contemplate every little thing. Enough is enough. It's alright to do that sometimes, but you can't live there. Ness is slowly learning that. I'm happy for him. I'm proud of him, and everyone else who's close to me. Everyone. Maybe the negative stuff is always going to be there, at least in this world, but so is something positive. Something...or someone. Or both. Hey, I'd prefer both.*

"Poo," called a young woman rather loudly—the young woman who was closer to him than anyone.

"Ada," he replied with a smile as she ran in.

"They're playing our song on the radio," she said reaching for it. "...Oh I'm sorry, were you done yet?"

"Yes...yes I am done. Go ahead."

"So how's your friend doing?" she asked, adjusting some of her black, pony-tailed hair.

"Just fine. Like I said we found the culprit and made him pay. Nothing like that'll ever happen to you again."

"I know," she said.

They sat together and felt a nice breeze as they looked out at their country.

"You know, I can't quite remember it, but I heard another nice tune once—in the past," said Poo softly.

"Oh really?" Ada smiled.

"Yeah," said Poo as he hugged her to his side, "but I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as this one."

*Jeff: So here I am again—Jeff the mechanic...and proud of it too. She was right. I don't have to give up a skill I love in order to find a new one. That'll make dad happy, who's respect I never lost according to him, but I'm doing this because I've decided to. Not because of anyone else. I have potential. There's no need to panic and rush anything. I should be sure first, and I just wasn't. That made me insecure. Yes, I CAN do other things. I will do other things. But first I'll figure out exactly what those things might be. It's called a plan. I like the sound of that.*

"Excuse me," said a female voice.

"Hmmm?" responded Jeff. He looked up and saw a girl with long black hair, a cup of cocoa, and a very nice, inquiring smile.

"Are you alright? You looked a little distraught," she chuckled.

"Oh, no....no I'm fine. I was just...retreating to this place I go when I need to think," he replied clutching his cup on the table.

"Oh," she said, "...yeah I...do that too."

"...You want to sit, or something?" he asked.

"Oh...sure," she smiled as she accepted his invitation.

"Come here a lot?" Jeff asked before drinking some more.

"Sometimes," she said.

"...What's your name?"

"Yancy," she smiled. "I go to Snow Wood too. I heard it'll be rebuilt by fall. Aren't you...Jeff?" she giggled.

"...Well yes. Yes I am," he smiled.

*Paula: So I manage to get back in without my mom noticing, after hooking up with the others late at night—I'll never do anything quite that crazy again—but I still feel sort of guilty over it. She was out when we returned from the battle, hopefully our last battle, so I wasn't found out. I think the guilt I feel isn't so much because I went against being grounded for a few days, but from the sense that she doesn't seem to trust me.

I don't understand. One weekend shouldn't mean everything. I'll always love my parents, but they should know I'm growing into my own life. That door isn't exactly open yet, but it's certainly unlocked, and I want to be ready for whatever's behind it. I can't get ready by just staying in here. But I should also tell the truth, the whole truth, at all times. Otherwise I won't really deserve what I'm claiming.
I made the mistake of forgetting that. In doing so, I disrespected one of the people I respect the most. I won't do that again, because with mistakes, once is always enough.*

"Mom, I've been out. My friends needed me and I was there for them. If you want to extend my grounding, go ahead," said Paula as her mother came down the stairs. "I didn't say anything yesterday because I knew you'd be upset, I'm a little upset too, but that's the truth."

Her mother looked confused for a few seconds and remained quiet.

"Actually, one time they didn't really need me, but the other time I had to be with them," Paula continued. "I...know that not telling you what really happened with The Midnight Nation thing was wrong, and I'm sorry for that. It won't happen again."

"Paula..."

"But Ness was not to blame for the picture. Someone we used to know took it...call it a joke...I would have told you yesterday but I wasn't sure you were speaking to me."

Paula's mom was silent and feeling guilty.

"...Why are you treating me like this? Why is it that suddenly you can't trust me? I wish I'd told you everything, but I didn't deserve all this. Remember that some of it wasn't my fault at all?" asked Paula.

Paula's mom sat on the sofa and watched her daughter at the table. After about a minute she spoke: "You know...a long time ago, a while before you were born, when I was just a volunteer nurse...there was this patient one night. She had been partying pretty hard, we could tell by her breath, and her friends, or the people she was with that is, dropped her off somewhere and drove away. She collapsed, and someone called for an ambulance.

That someone...was a hotel manager. She had been left on his porch, and she just stumbled in and...needed medical attention. For a little while, we were really scared—at least I know I was, but she ended up just fine.
That girl was...just a little older than you.

That was the night I decided I wanted to be a nurse full time."

A variety of emotions stirred in Paula.

Her mom sighed, "......Stand up Paula."

Paula did.

Her mom spoke again, "If you're too reckless when you're young, eventually it'll take more than a Handaid to fix your problems."

"....I know," said Paula.

"....Do you?" her mom nodded.

"Yes, it's just......I've always been SEEN as something by someone else. The role model, the magic girl from Twoson, and when I thought you were going to start viewing me as the irresponsible daughter...I liked that one the least...and I got nervous. Mom, today...I stop caring about what other people think...at least with certain things. I know who I am...and that's all that matters."

Her mother looked at her standing there, and a slow giggle escaped her mouth. "You are so beautiful," she said. "When I look at you, I see hope, strength, and grace. And that's part of why I was so upset. But I DO trust you Paula...and you know what else? I love you."

Paula smiled, "I love you too mom...and here comes someone else I love."

"What do you mean?" said her mom.

Her question was answered a few seconds later, as keys rattled in the door, and her husband opened it, home from business. "Hey," he said smiling, "did I miss anything big?"

"Nothing we couldn't handle," said Paula's mom as she got up.

Paula grinned...feeling trusted.

*Ness: I mean, it's hard for me to think about what it is I should have gotten out of all this. For me, it was just a guy out to get me, by taking away my friends, and in doing so, he only proved how close all of us still are. Our friendship survived. Alright, maybe I did learn something.

Maybe I learned that distancing people isn't always the best idea. Being shy is one thing, but being abrasive is something else. I've lived like this mostly my whole life. Maybe it should have gotten better when a certain someone gave me an excuse. Told me I wasn't normal. Maybe I should have looked at that, and the accomplishments that came afterwards, as an invitation to open up and be a little louder. Maybe I will. But still, I won’t be dissatisfied with who I am, or lose sight of that. I'm just not going to act sad anymore...because I'm not. I have a lot of reasons to be happy.....and I'm going to enjoy all of them.*

The door opened, and closed rather softly after a pause.

"Hey," said Ness to the girl at the door.

"...Hey," said Tracy.

"Mom and Dad will be back tomorrow," he said.

"Oh. That's good," she replied.

"...Paula told me something," said Ness as a slight smile came over his face.

Tracy said nothing as she moved to the kitchen and dropped a duffle bag in the living room.

He continued, "She told me that...you gave her this poem."

"......Oh really," said Tracy as she reappeared in the living room with a small bottle of water.

"Why do people always say that? Yes really," replied Ness softly.

"....So?" asked Tracy before drinking a little.

"So...is there a reason you gave it to her.......other than you're a really nice little sister? A nice little sister who got really mad at her brother for...how did you put it, 'having a bad day and taking it out on someone else?' "

"Hmmmm," said Tracy.

"......Sorry....it won't happen again," said Ness.

"You're right it won't," says Tracy, "...'cause if it does, all the Psi in the world won't save you from me. Were I in a forgiving mood, I'd be a little more playful. You know like we've always been with stuff like this, but..."

Ness turned back towards the TV, which was off, and relaxed on the couch feeling a bit guilty. Suddenly, his cap was yanked off from behind and something cold and wet poured over his head.

"HEY!" he yelled as Tracy grabbed her bag and ran upstairs laughing.

*Ness: See what I mean? They use that way too much in ones like this.

*Paula: I know.

*Ness: So...you said your mom was really so glad to have your dad home that she didn't care anymore.

*Paula: Well she still cared...it's just that our conversation ended so positively that...you know.

*Ness: Yeah. I've been there.

*Paula: And she knows the truth about the picture. She knows you didn't take it. .......You know when I woke up in the hotel, and saw you asleep on the floor, I couldn't remember much. Except that I'd deflected that hypnosis at you, and then I simply got tired.

*Ness: I couldn't remember much either beyond that.

*Paula: But later it came back to me—it's an added benefit of my power—and I could remember waking up during the night, and seeing you there on the floor. So I tossed some covers on you, gave you a pillow, and went back to bed.

*Ness: Really? That was nice.

*Paula: .........What?

*Ness: Huh?

*Paula: You just looked at me.

*Ness: I'm sorry.

*Paula: No don't be...

*Ness: Gotcha.

*Paula: Oh I liked that. You cold?

*Ness: What? No.

*Paula: You've got your hands in your pockets.

*Ness: Maybe a little.

*Paula: Why are you holding them there?

*Ness: Where else?

*Paula: ..........This feels kind of nice doesn't it?

*Ness: Yeah. But what about when we want popcorn, or the drinks?

*Paula: Well then we just......ah, you're becoming more playful aren't you? You're a little looser. I can tell.

*Ness: I've got good reason to be I guess.

*Paula: ......We're missing the movie.

*Ness: Oh this reminds me of an old drive-in joke.

*Paula: I know.

*Ness: Think I'll have that drink now.

*Paula: I know!

*Ness: .........

*Paula: .........

*Ness: We've been to so many places lately...where are we going next again?

*Paula: ..............That's an interesting question.

*: End

*

*

Author’s note-

*James: Well I don’t usually do notes, but at the risk of sounding vain(which I have no intention of doing) I had to mention how proud I am of “This place I go,”(as well as my other stories) and explain a few things. This is a fanfic which I feel really presents the characters as people—going deep into their personal lives and presenting realistic issues, while remaining a true EarthBound story overall.

Speaking of personal, the narratives are of course, directed at no other character—but you could say that they’re directed at the reader. They represent a moment of escape, reflection, and contemplation—hence the name of the story and the use of lower-case letters throughout the title. With the exceptions of Ness and Paula twice towards the end, each character is simply thinking whenever this happens.

And speaking of Ness and Paula, well, I tried to keep ALL of the characters as faithful to what we know about them from the game, while again making this a personal story, which meant adding logical human emotions to whatever situation the characters found themselves in. Since there are hints of romance in the game, but nothing conclusive, I felt it was necessary to stay true to that—while still adding some progress to their relationship. I did write the poem myself, which is called “Earthly Little Poem of Love,” and has been submitted to the poems section of Starmen.Net. If you liked it I’m glad.

As for the ending, I’m a romantic, so I thought it was cool to have all of our heroes end up in relationships that were believable and looked very positive. If anyone who’s read this story has also read “A Mysterious Girl…”—which is set shortly before all this, then you should recognize Poo’s girl Ada, who was briefly mentioned and made a brief appearance in that one. Piper was also mentioned in the previous story (hey, continuity is a cool thing), and just in case you were wondering, Yancy, who of course approached Jeff towards the end of this one, does not have a hidden agenda. And again we have the optimistic “ending” for Ness and Paula.

Well that’s it—my take on the return and defeat of Pokey (just as “A Mysterious Girl…” did the same with Giygas). Hope you enjoyed the mystery, the revelation, and the inside look at who these characters are sometimes during their day-to-day lives. Here’s to the future of the EarthBound/Mother series!*