Day Seven
--His Royal Heritage
*Jeff: So after all this time, Ness finally went and confessed his true feelings to Paula. Wow.
After all our efforts to save the world, that's something that probably could have ended it. But you know what they say. He probably regretted it in the morning. Well, maybe. Poo's in the comforting arms of Ada. And as for me, well my personal life is being complicated by my professional one. Standard stuff there. The kind of thing you already knew was going to happen. But much as I miss Yancy, she's not the only reason I'm thinking of going back to being just plain old Jeff. But being just plain old Jeff was what brought me here. Wasn't it? Man I'm...getting sort of confused here.*
*Poo: Ness and Paula finally figured it out? If so, then all the best to them. I've been where they are. Well, in the figurative sense. I don't know where they actually are right now. No one does apparently. Jeff and I got phone calls. At the end of them Ness told us they were keeping things secret. And that's cool. I take it as a sign that he's making some progress. Seems to be enjoying himself. But what he did give each of us was the number to where they're staying. Ness really wants to help out when it comes time to finish this 'Nightmare' business. And no, at first I wasn't going to call him. But he of course figured that, and told me to think of how I'd feel if the positions were reversed...and I asked him to call me for help and he didn't.
So anyway, I guess I'll call him. But only as my backup. I truly have to deal with this challenge alone. I really don't want to involve anyone else. I...I'm trying not to admit that part of me is somewhat glad this situation came and delayed...other things. But then, it was that anxiety that brought this about. So I guess that means sooner or later, one way or another I'm going to have to deal with...what I don't want to have to deal with. I mean I know I can just refuse to take the throne. But somehow that solution doesn't feel like the right one. I'm really not sure what is.*
-Lower Tenda Village
The Lost Underworld
"...Paula?"
"Where else would I be?" she said with a slight grin.
"..." Ness entered the hut and closed its door.
Paula moved a bit on the floor, gently rubbing the mat underneath her with both hands.
"Thought of anything else I can get for you?" asked Ness.
"Never has a prisoner been so well treated."
"You're not a prisoner," he grinned, "you can enter my mind and make me teleport you home whenever you want."
She chuckled.
"Really. Is there anything in particular you wanted to eat or something?"
"They gave me breakfast already, thanks."
"Oh right. Right. ...'Cause if you wanted anything I'd go get it for you."
"...I know that."
"And I know you talked about changing your outfit," Ness was staring at Paula's stained blue overalls covering her white T-shirt.
"Yeah I, man I smelled like paint all night. Made it hard to fall asleep. ...That and..."
"...What?"
"No it's...it's nothing."
"Well...I'm still working on, well y'know finding a nice replacement for you."
"Still...oh I get it. You're..." Paula stared giggling, "you're one of those guys."
"One of what guys?"
"Those guys who get all embarrassed when they buy a girl clothes because...well the person at the counter will know."
"Will know..." Ness started whispering and looking away, "will know what?"
"That he...'has the biggest crush'...on the girl," Paula said sort of teasingly.
"..."
"Did I make you uncomfortable?"
"No."
"I was just kidding when I said that," she smiled.
"...I wasn't," Ness said plainly.
"..."
"Anyway, I um...well I went home and found these," Ness finally pulled his arm from behind and revealed what he was hiding.
"Oh. ...Thank you," said Paula, eyeing a pair of sandals.
"Tracy must have decided to take another pair on the vacation and just dropped these under the bed. I don't think she'd mind if you borrowed a few things but...these were all I could find in your size."
"How do you know my size?" asked Paula.
"Oh I...I mean..." Ness looked and sounded nervous.
Paula giggled.
"Anyway so," he began to place them on a nearby shelf, "I'm..."
Paula casually leaned back a bit, lifted one leg onto the other, and gently removed both shoes that way, just in time to feel a nice breeze from one of the windows. She looked over at Ness.
Ness held the sandals, feeling a bit hesitant as he stood in place.
Paula looked at him, then lifted her eyebrows a bit.
Ness pulled his lips in slightly and brought an open fist over his mouth, as his eyes wandered back and forth quickly...then he began walking over to Paula.
Paula and the bold grin on her face remained still...as her eyes followed him.
Ness crouched before Paula, stared downward...then began putting one of the sandals on her.
Paula looked at Ness.
Ness stayed quiet.
Paula began smiling. A second or two later she heard and felt a click.
Ness began adjusting the other buckle on the same sandal. He glanced upward.
Paula innocently looked away.
Ness looked back down.
"Ness..." said Paula in an energetic whisper.
Another snap came. "Hmm?"
"I um...well I've been thinking about what I really want. You know, what you could really do for me?"
"Yeah?" he asked, beginning with the other sandal.
"Well I got to thinking and it's like...the best way to enjoy all this seems to be the obvious answer."
"...Which is what?"
"Well, we're on a vacation right?"
Another button clicked. Ness began on the last little buckle.
"So instead of you running off and spending that much time elsewhere, trying to find things I might need...or want..."
"..." Ness looked up at her innocently as he worked.
"I think all I want is right..."
"Phone call!" yelled a Tenda from outside after knocking on the door.
"It's...probably Jeff or Poo..." said Ness as he sprung up suddenly and headed for the door. "I'll be right back," he called to Paula as he exited.
"..." Paula looked around a bit in the quiet hut...then looked down, sighed...and pressed in that very last button herself.
It wasn't too much later when Ness returned.
"Duty calls?" she asked.
"Mm hmm."
"P or J?"
"P."
"...Let's go."
Ness clapped his hands then bent a little, "And ruin your vacation?"
"Don't be silly. This is Poo we're..."
"No, no, no really...really...he said he'd like you to just sit this one out. He said he's figured out whatever he needed to figure out about this thing, and both of us would be a little excessive actually."
Paula stared at Ness.
"That's what he said. Honest. Check, read my mind if you don't believe me."
A bold smile came across Paula's face as she watched him.
Ness looked away, "What?" he asked quietly...tapping his foot.
Paula started giggling softly, then turned elsewhere.
"Look I gotta run," said Ness with a smile, still talking to the wall. He turned to her, "You think you're cute don't you?"
Paula raised her palm in his direction, still grinning while looking away.
"See you later," he turned, opening the hut's door.
"Hey Ness," said Paula quietly, turning to him again.
"Yes?"
"...It's not my vacation. This is our vacation right?"
"...Right," he said with a calm grin.
Ness exited and the door closed behind him.
"...Right," he said to himself softly...soon teleporting.
-Dalaam
"Please resist the urge to ask that one last time if I'm sure I want to do this," said Ness.
"...Actually I'm glad for the backup," said Poo, "considering what I had to deal with last time."
"...You sounded so confident on the phone."
"Yeah well...guess I'm a good actor."
Ness turned, noticing the disturbed, irritated tone in Poo's voice as they walked side by side.
"Maybe that's how I'll lead this...this country. By faking."
"...So um," Ness spoke gently at first, "you told me you might have figured out how to beat this thing...once and for all."
"Maybe. Look...you actually can just go ahead and..."
"Poo, man, why don't we stop kidding here please?"
"All right," Poo grinned off to the side.
"We're what...seven feet away and now I'm just gonna turn back? Grow up."
Poo looked at the ground.
"Sorry. Sorry. I didn't mean anything by that man," Ness smiled.
"Maybe not. ...But you probably had something there anyway."
They entered the cave of the Pink Cloud.
Ness adjusted the long sleeves at his wrists a bit.
Poo pulled his long hair into a ponytail. "...What she was saying the other day was true," Poo stopped and grinned. "We really are looking different...growing."
"Times change and life gets harder," said Ness.
Poo took a few steps, looking around. "...And then what?"
"And then...you've got to be able to react accordingly."
Poo crossed his arms and looked down. "..."
Ness was looking around the cave in silence.
"...Playing the constant seems to have worked for you."
Ness thought about something. "...Has it?"
Poo glanced at him...then turned his eyes away and uncrossed his arms. "What you're saying is probably true as far as I'm concerned...but I..."
"..."
"I just don't know man. I'm, I'm not my father. I'm not my mother. They were strong. I mean I heard she..."
"Strong? If you're not strong then what are you? Tell me."
"Scared, okay?"
"Okay."
"Everyone wants to believe I'm something else but at heart I'm the same as you, and Jeff, and Paula."
"Poo I was saying it's cool. It's all right being scared sometimes. Remember when we tal..."
Suddenly a flash arrived...followed by Poo's Nightmare, emitting an eerie red glow.
"..." Ness was looking a bit confused and on edge as he took the few steps back, clenching his fists.
Poo arrived beside him, "I think I...I have to give it what it wants."
"...Which is?" Ness whispered.
"..." Poo began walking forward, "Just stay back."
"Poo..." said Ness in a low voice. "Poo! Wait. Hold up. What are you doing?" he asked rushing in front of him. "What are you doing?" Ness glanced back at the statue.
"This is the way. It'll just run again if we start attacking from the outside."
"From the outside? ...As opposed to...?"
"...They have to be weakened..." Poo stepped by Ness and continued, "...from the inside." He stood before the statue.
"How?" asked Ness.
The statue remained still.
"How?"
"...Sort of like how Jeff showed us the other day."
"..."
"Stay back during this Ness. I mean it. There's nothing you can do. You might give it an edge if you disturb things."
"Wha..."
"It's my Nightmare. It's my challenge. ...It's my future," said Poo.
"..."
He looked at the statue, slowly lifting his right hand. "And may that future go to whichever of us wins this."
Poo touched the statue.
A red flash spread through the entire Sanctuary area.
Ness glanced around...before his eyes settled on Poo.
Poo was still as he stood before the Nightmare...his arms resting at his side. A trance-like look was in his eyes.
"...Poo?" said Ness from a few feet away.
There was no response.
Ness's arms were at his side as well. He slowly glanced back and forth between the two opponents.
.
"So...you've finally arrived," said a voice.
Poo didn't bother glancing around. It was currently pointless in this realm. "...That's what you wanted."
"It was you who created me Prince Poo. It was you who summoned me."
"Unintentionally," said Poo. "But that's fine. What I create I can destroy."
"Can you?"
A scene began forming.
Poo prepared himself. "..." Suddenly he felt a bit less confident.
"Do you remember this day?" asked the statue.
"..."
.
A variety of five Starmen, two Shattered Men, and eight Conducting Menaces appeared in the cave.
Ness's eyes widened, and he swung his glance over at Poo.
Suddenly Ness was barely dodging a thunderbolt. He rolled on the ground, surprising his foes with a powerful blast of his signature attack just seconds after he sprung up.
The Shattered Men were knocked to their knees. The skeletons were thrown on their backs. Four of the Starmen were pushed down, while one had dematerialized and arrived behind the boy.
Ness threw his leg backwards, hitting the Starman's torso and soon grabbing him by the waist afterwards. Ness flipped the Starman over his waist and slammed him on his back.
More attacks came flying at him from the distance.
Ness sought cover—quickly.
.
The scene before Poo displayed a much younger version of himself, standing with his grandfather at a grave.
"..."
"...You do remember this day," said the voice.
"..."
"This was the day you first admitted that you were afraid of the future."
"..."
"Afraid of all the things he was saying. Afraid that you didn't have the intelligence...to run the affairs of a country."
"..."
.
Ness arrived behind his enemies after teleporting.
"...AH!" he yelled, getting hit by a beam. "...Poooo..." he said with agitation, "...you've got to fight it."
Ness teleported again, just as the spot where he was got showered with attacks.
.
"...I'm not," said Poo softly. "I'm not in...in...intelligence..."
Poo's head suddenly rose a bit in the realm.
-----
"Hey let me tell you something, Your Highness," said a light-hearted Jeff while holding a mug.
"Oh okay...okay what's that Jeff?" asked a smiling Poo.
"...People think us 'geniuses' are so smart...but the truth is we're just as stupid as the rest of you."
"..."
Jeff burst out laughing.
Poo started giggling too.
"Ohhhh man..."
"How, how often do you drink coffee with...this much caffeine at this time of night Jeff? How often do you attend these Saturday night parties?"
"Not very often man. No."
"Yeah...I can tell."
"Oh I know what you're thinking. I'm out of it right? Can't hold my caffeine."
"Well, it happens."
"Nah don't worry, I'm cool."
"...Maybe."
"I know what I'm talking about. See here's the secret..."
"Okay."
"Here's the secret. Being a 'genius' is really just about being good at something. Really good. Take that, and be just a little better at a lot of other things than the people around you and...hey, you've got everybody fooled."
"Hmm," Poo grinned.
"They think you're all intelligent...and all..."
"Jeff you're..."
"Oh and have a good memory. Having a good memory helps."
"Okay Jeff you're..."
"I'M about ready to pack it in. I'm not up to outlasting the night. I know that Poo, I know. Why don't you find Yancy for me?"
Poo smiled.
"As I told you chap, I'm all here. I know...what I'm talking about."
-----
"...He was right," Poo chuckled. "There was some truth to what he said. And I remember it very well. I have a good memory...and when it comes right down to it...I do possess the intelligence necessary to guide Daalam."
"...But is that all that's necessary?" asked the voice.
The scene before him was changing again. When it finished, Poo noticed himself once more...as well as someone else.
Poo recognized the moment from not too long ago. He had pleaded, nervously trying to convince a longtime advisor not to retire.
"Without his advice," said the statue, "you do not know how to interact with the people in a sensitive enough manner."
"I...yes, I do," said Poo.
"You do not believe that. You cannot hide it from me."
"..."
"Admit your failure. Accept it."
"No," said Poo. "The moment I do that here you...no, you won't win."
Poo looked at the scene...then looked downward.
"...Sensitivity."
-----
"All right. Cool. Now you can go play with the others," said Paula to a young child.
The little kid ran along.
"...Man," said Poo with a grin. "I wish I could enjoy my duties as much as you enjoy yours."
"Excuse me?"
"I mean, you do, enjoy all this right?"
"..."
"You don't."
"It's not...it's not that simple."
"What isn't?"
"It's not that I don't enjoy this but...I've been doing it for so long. My mom needed the help so she trained me to be her aid."
"Mm hmm."
"And I'm not trying to sound all...but y'know, since then she never stopped to ask if I'd gotten tired of it. Or if I maybe had something else to do on one of my assigned days."
"...I sort of know the feeling."
"You know how I say people have treated me differently because of the power right, and how irritating it's been?"
"Yeah."
"Well it's...sort of the same with this. Either way I've felt as though someone just wasn't being very sensitive toward my feelings."
"...I know."
"Yeah..."
"So, what do you do in that situation?"
"...I try to do one thing with all of them. Whether it's these kids or my mom or some 'star struck' stranger."
"..."
"I just try to give them what I want them to give me. I honestly just try to express some sensitivity when I'm letting them know how I feel. That's...the best solution I can come up with."
"..."
"It works in some cases. My mom and I reached an understanding, and now I'm doing this about half as much as I used to...and helpin' out my dad sometimes with his projects."
"That's nice."
"Yeah. ...There's Jeff."
"...Where? I don't see..."
The doorbell rang.
"...There," said Paula.
-----
"I may not have that advisor anymore," said Poo, "...and I may get a variety of different issues from different people if I do become King...but I'll deal with them all the same way: Sensitively.
...Yes...I believe in that. I believe I can manage this."
.
The Shattered Man spun around.
Ness had charged forth and launched into the air...lifting one leg slightly then swinging the other into the large opponent's head.
The Shattered Man hit the ground with a thud, soon looking up at the boy.
He caught his breath. "...Come on big man," said Ness in a bold taunt.
From behind, a wave of Psi Fire slammed into Ness, who thought he'd eliminated all of the Starmen.
Ness hit the ground.
The Shattered Man a few feet from him stood.
The others approached.
With a growl that eventually became a yell, Ness pulled himself back up and lifted his arms...sending a very powerful wave of colors at his opponents.
Everyone he was facing felt just how angry he was.
.
"You still say 'if," said the voice.
"...Give it up," said Poo, feeling a bit nervous.
"You still lack something. The main thing that haunts you. ...You still lack the courage to become King."
"..."
The new scene arrived.
Poo's eyes widened. He could hear what himself and the person sitting next to him were saying.
--"…And I don’t know if I’m ready for that."
There was silence.
"So basically you're telling me you want to run. To run away from it all."
"No I..."
"I thought you were stronger than that. I know you're stronger than that."--
"Can you honestly say she was right?" asked the voice.
"..."
"You've admitted yourself that you aren't strong. This very day."
"...I...."
"You aren't strong because you lack true courage. Inner courage. You can fight for the benefit of others, but you lack the courage to do anything for your own advancement." That inner weakness has led me here...and now led to your downfall."
"..."
-----
"You know sometimes...I still wonder. I wonder: Why me?" said Ness as they walked.
"Meaning what?" asked Poo.
"A 'chosen hero.' Why me? I mean...I'm not really all that bold. I'm not really all that brave."
"..."
"I'm shy. I'm reclusive. I'm quiet. And here it is: People ask sometimes, 'What are you afraid of?' And I tell them, 'I really don't know.' "
"...There's nothing exactly wrong, with being a hermit Ness. You are who you are."
"..."
"Now me...I am who I am too. It's who I'm supposed to become someday that sort of scares me."
"But see..."
"And even I can admit how weak that is."
Nah, it's...it's not what I'd call weak. You're human too after all."
"..."
"At least you know what it is that scares you."
"..."
"Once you know what it is, things are okay. Because once you acknowledge and know a problem, you can start defeating it right? By focusing whatever courage you've got."
"...Hmm," Poo looked away grinning. "Sure hope so."
"..."
"Hypocrite."
"What?"
"You know what I'm talking about."
"..."
"When are you going to start defeating that little problem of yours?"
"...If you're talking about what I think you're talking about...well that's not a problem, it's an issue."
"Well either way it's all about courage, right?"
"..." Ness chuckled. "Yeah well maybe I have the courage, but I'm not ready to use it yet."
"...Maybe it's the same here."
"Think so?"
"I'd like to think so."
"Me too."
"..."
"Tell you what...you promise me you're gonna summon your inner courage some day with your issue...and I..."
"...Promise you'll summon yours?"
"Nah never mind let's just go on being cowards," Ness smiled.
Poo laughed.
-----
"...You're right about one thing...I have had that problem," said Poo. "But it's going to end and it's going to end right now."
.
Ness was charging the few remaining enemies...when they suddenly disappeared. "..."
"You've failed," said Poo. "I have the intelligence. I have the sensitivity. And I have the courage to become King."
The statue suddenly appeared in the distance before Poo as the realm started going dark again.
"..." Poo moved closer. "And I have other valuable things as well. Like friendship..."
The Nightmare couldn't regain its edge.
"...And power." Starstorm flew forth from Poo and collided over and over with the statue.
.
Suddenly, Poo's body moved again as he reawakened.
"Poo!" called Ness.
Poo turned, then gazed at the statue again.
Its glow had faded significantly.
It didn't take very long for Poo to attack again, this time on the physical plane. This time...with Starstorm Omega.
Ness watched on, as the attack flew...and Poo's Nightmare took all the damage it could.
Before the assault ended, the statue fell backwards...soon fading away for good.
"..." Poo was speechless.
"...Man," said Ness. "...What happened? What was that like?"
Poo covered his eyes with his right hand and threw his head upward...slowly smiling.
"...You okay?"
"...Yeah..." he pulled his hand down and faced Ness. "Yes I am."
--They reached the entrance to the cave moments later, finding Ada and Poo's grandfather waiting when they got outside.
"Thanks again man," said Poo as he shook Ness's hand...and his own head a little while smiling.
"Of course, of course," said Ness with a grin. "I ah...I gotta get going so...I'll catch up with you later."
"Take care," said Ada with a smile.
"You too," said Ness, "and you too sir," he said to Poo's grandfather.
The older man patted Ness on the back for a moment, then walked away with his grandson and Ada.
Ness stood still for a little while, seeing his friend off.
...And then Ness teleported.
-Lower Tenda Village
The Lost Underworld
"...Paula?"
She looked up as he peaked in the hut.
"I'm back," Ness smiled.
"I know," she grinned back.
"I got you some...have you been sitting in here the whole time I've been gone?" he frowned.
"No. ...I took a dip in the hot springs and washed my outfit by hand later."
"...Oh."
"..."
"So they have hot springs here now?"
"How'd things go with Poo?"
"Just fine. He got rid of the Nightmare. It was really a beautiful display of offense," he smiled.
"I'm sure it was."
"I ah...I got you...this," said Ness, extending a bag.
"Well thank you," said Paula as she got up and stepped forth, pulling an overall strap back over her right shoulder.
"..." Ness grinned.
Paula reached in the bag and pulled out a tropical looking skirt and T-shirt.
"You know if, you want something different..."
"I like these."
"Oh. ...Cool."
"I mean I...." she smiled, looking them over, "I really like these."
"Well I'm glad," Ness smiled shyly.
Paula looked up, her hair swinging a bit. "How'd you know I was into island wear?"
"I didn't I just...I don't know...figured it'd be your style."
"Really? What made you think that?"
"...I called in some pizza back in Onett so...I'm going to get ready to go pick that up for us."
"Okay cool," said Paula holding her gaze downward while she began placing the clothes in the bag. "Ness...what about me said I'd like these?"
"A...good guess," Ness chuckled, then turned and began walking.
Paula and her bag quickly followed.
Ness stopped in front of the window beside the hut's door, leaning against the wall as he looked out. "Looks like they're starting that game ag..." Ness's eyes widened and he fell silent.
Two of Paula's fingers were touching the back of his head.
*Paula: Ness, you keep everything inside, even the things you don't want to. Even when you're not looking away you are. Even when you're not running away you are. Even when you're not somewhere else you are. I'm a telepath. Once I'm in the rules are, I can take anything from you and you can keep nothing from me.
I have never denied you the privacy of your own mind before. And I have not today, and I will not any other day. But I can feel the gentleness here. The proverbial light. I wonder if you ever plan on sharing it with anyone. I wonder if you ever think about the poem. I wonder a lot of things. …And wonder is all I will do. Until you, and the world, provide the answers I seek.*
"..." Ness turned around.
"...What?" asked Paula.
"Nothing I just...thought I felt something just now."
"On your head?" she grinned.
"...Or in it."
Day Eight
—60/40
*Jeff: It was, supposedly a windy August night.
She stood there, on the balcony, trying to make a decision. She had become so frustrated, so fed up...over her lack of success. Things just hadn't gone as planned, or rather...as expected. So she looked out at the sky trying to decide which of those little voices she should listen to. The one that said to just go back home, or the one that said, "Give it a little longer here."
And as people sometimes do, she just stopped listening to her head and started listening to her heart. Moments later...she found she wasn't the only one listening to it. Her eyes caught those of someone who had been passing below the balcony.
"Please, don't stop," he smiled as she lowered the flute from her mouth.
She chuckled and thanked him.
Eventually he got around to telling her he was a college professor.
Eventually she got around to admitting she was an out-of-work musician.
Not too long after that he said there was a music teacher opening at his school.
...She said she already knew about that...and that it was pretty much the last thing she'd be interested in.
He said "Well what are you going to do then?"
She said she was thinking of moving back home, but wasn't sure.
He eventually said it was getting kind of cold and windy...and that maybe he'd see her again sometime if she changed her mind.
She smiled and said goodbye.
He smiled back, waved, and walked off.
She stepped inside and closed the balcony doors...thinking back to when he had first walked up.
Then she thought back to her matter at hand.
Eventually she decided...to stay.
Not very long after that she saw him again. Not very long after that they were working in the same building.
Not very long after that she became unsure, once more...of something she felt in her heart this time, not her head.
Letting herself think back to everything that had happened, and everything that was happening...she 'settled' on something—again.
And not too long after that...I was born.*
-Lower Tenda Village
The Lost Underworld
"...
...Paula..."
After three hours of sleep, Ness woke up with an uneasy feeling.
"Paula...?"
He quickly stepped out of the hut, glancing around the large area.
A few Tendas could be seen walking around, conversing and carrying things.
"Hey, Ness," said one of them as he passed.
"Hi, hi...hey do you know where my friend is?"
"I haven't seen her yet today. Sorry," he continued walking.
"..." Ness wasn't sure what to think.
"Hey..." called a voice in the distance behind him.
Ness turned. "...Hey. ...Where'd you go?"
"...Nowhere really."
"What's wrong, did you need help with something?"
"Nah I'm all right," said Paula.
"..."
She was just a few feet from him now. "It is so, beautiful right now."
"...Yeah," said Ness, slipping his hands in his pockets with a grin.
"I mean I'm...I'm so used to buildings and concrete," said Paula. "...But when I stepped out here and smelt the air...and heard those birds...and saw that orange glow spreading everywhere...and that first burst of water shot up into the mist..."
"..."
"...Thanks for bringing me here."
"Sure."
"...'Sure,' " she smiled to the side.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"What?" Ness smiled.
"I just...I had wished you could've been up during that part just then. But I didn't want to wake you."
"Yeah, sorry I just, you know...I had thought it was a good idea to stay up late. In case Jeff called."
"...I know," Paula smiled.
"And since you probably couldn't 'pick it up' or anything if he or...Poo were in some sort of trouble..."
"..."
"I'm saying the wrong thing aren't I?"
"No, no it's...it's okay."
"Sorry. I know this is supposed to be about having fun here."
"...Sometimes there are more important things," Paula looked at him.
"Nah it's just, your power probably doesn't even work that way right? And didn't you say before that you couldn't pick up Dalaam telepathically anyway?"
"...Well...I don't know. From here maybe. From Twoson, not quite. Jeff phoned me once from a hotel, 'cause he had needed to get in touch with Poo and he didn't have his number on him. So I ended up pulling it out and..."
"What?"
"Nothing I'm okay."
"You seem a little...distracted by something."
"...Remember that time, way back on the first journey when we..."
"Phone call!" said a Tenda's voice from the outside.
"Let me go grab that," said Ness as he moved, soon exiting.
Paula looked downward rather plainly, tugging on the straps of her overalls. She rubbed her eyes a bit, thinking about her old teddy bear...and when she was little.
Ness returned, "All right I'm off again. That was Jeff."
"Okay. Hey be careful, the both of you."
"All right. You gonna be cool here until...?"
"Yeah."
"See ya' later then." Ness exited.
Paula turned in the other direction, soon thinking about her old bear once more, and how she'd never see it again.
"..."
Paula interlocked her fingers, looking at the wall.
She felt two arms slowly wrap around from behind, squeezing her affectionately.
She felt Ness's head leaning against hers from the side. She wasn't looking but she knew the smile on her face was matched by one on his.
"Remember that time, way back on the first journey when we met?" he asked.
"Yeah..." Paula said softly.
A breeze blew in from the window, picking their hair up with it.
"..." Ness let go of her. He stared at Paula for a few seconds, feeling almost like...he could care less about looking at any...
"..." He put what he was feeling on pause.
"Ness I...I..."
"I..." he chuckled, "I better go."
"..."
"See ya', I'll be back." He ran outside, soon teleporting.
-Fourside
"You're serious? Mr. Spoon did that?"
"He seemed to be having a rather overzealous day," replied Jeff.
"See I...I knew that solution could've gotten us out of the store," said Ness, "...but from there things would've gotten...complicated. That underground passage only leads to the museum, which would've probably been locked from the inside."
"Right..."
"...And we wouldn't want to be found in there, since we all know the cops here can be a little..."
"...Overzealous."
"Yeah. And...since we can't teleport at all while in a..."
"...Sanctuary?"
"...I didn't...I just..."
"You don't have to tiptoe around the matter with me. I'm ready," said Jeff rather anxiously. "I almost beat the thing the other day alone. Now that you say you want to come along..."
"No it's not like that Jeff. I mean, yeah, it's good that you're confident but...beating it isn't a matter of force, according to Poo."
"Well I don't think I can outsmart it either. I mean it's got a direct link to my mind, or...or something like that."
"I don't think outsmarting it is your way of winning."
"...Then what?"
"...I don't really know. ...I think only you can."
After entering the museum, sneaking into the restricted back room unnoticed, and finding a "Be back soon" note from Mr. Spoon, Jeff and Ness dropped down underground.
Jeff had just placed his bag down when his Nightmare appeared.
"..." Jeff quickly reached for his blaster.
"Let's spread out," said Ness as he moved to the other side of the passage. "This way it won't be able to attack both of us at..."
A yellowish, glowing wave shot out, cutting Ness off...and soon picking him up on its path and pinning him to the wall.
"...Ness!" said the other boy as his eyes moved between his friend and the statue. He began running towards one of them.
"No! Don't!" yelled Ness suddenly.
"What?!"
"This is the same...this is the same as those barriers it used in the store. If you touch it you'll get hurt."
"...I...I'll..."
"..." Ness prepared himself. "Try shooting it Jeff!"
"No. I'll...this blaster is..."
"Just do it."
"I can't!" Jeff turned to the statue with hostility. "This is...one of my stronger blasters. I might hurt you.
...Can you summon that shield?"
"No the beam will be returned to you almost immediately."
Jeff became uneasy.
Suddenly a horde of zombies appeared.
Jeff glanced all over...as did Ness.
Jeff raised his weapon.
"Don't start shooting," said Ness, "there's too many of them."
"Can you teleport out of that?"
"...I'm trying."
"Can you use your attack?"
"No I'll hit you too."
Jeff looked at the statue angrily, "Think you're so clever! Think you've got it all..."
"Jeff, Jeff! Jeff you've got to calm down," said Ness. "It was your negativity that brought them here. Come on you're too smart to let it beat you. You've got to fight it the right way to win."
"How?" asked a still edgy Jeff.
"You know how," said Ness as he watched the zombies begin moving with wild looks in their eyes. "Face it!"
"..." Jeff paused...then rushed the statue.
The zombies reacted, trying to cut him off before he could make it.
Jeff reached out...
A red flash gleamed through the area.
Jeff stood still before the Nightmare with a distant look in his eyes.
The zombies all hesitated...then noticed a brighter flash suddenly gleam through the small passage.
Many of them clutched their eyes and stumbled a bit. The others turned in surprise...and received the same treatment from Ness once he saw their eyes.
With the effect of Psi Flash keeping the zombies in check, Ness turned his attention to Jeff, wondering what he was going through.
.
"Let my friend go..." said Jeff in a dark realm.
"...You sound worried," replied a deep voice.
"..."
"Almost as though...you doubt him."
"No I..."
"You fear he'll run out of power. You fear he won't be able to defend himself...won't be able to manage."
"..."
"You've been having similar feelings about yourself."
"...What?! How do you..." Jeff became disturbed.
"You feared joining the organization. You were worried that things would go wrong."
"..."
"And you were correct." An image of the incident in the Cultural Museum appeared.
Jeff was silent.
"You still fear that things will go wrong. You know that it was the actions of others—not your own—which eventually led to your success."
"..."
"This has brought you to a crossroads, and the thought that things may not go so well next time...has pushed you in the direction of running away...because it was only fortune that helped you last time. That is what you believe to be true."
"..."
"Admit it."
"I...no," said Jeff.
"..."
"As I said to Tony...it's not over 'till it's over."
"..."
"And I didn't start believing that when I spoke to him...I followed that before as well. Throughout that whole situation things did look bleak, but I didn't stop believing they could still work out either way."
"..."
"And as soon as Tony appeared, that was when my feelings began leaning more in one direction than the other."
"..."
"And guess what? They leaned in the positive direction. ...And you can't trick me into believing otherwise...just because I'm a bit confused about things right now."
"..."
"That is what I believe to be true," said Jeff.
"Confused. ...That is how you felt at the beginning of...this," said the voice.
The image began changing.
"...What are you..." Jeff was silenced. "...No. No don't."
The zombies slowly moved toward Ness.
Ness again summoned Psi Flash.
The zombies covered their eyes...then advanced toward him again.
Ness struggled against the force pinning all but his head to the wall.
"Do you remember?" asked the voice, "the decision you...we made back then?"
"No!" said Jeff. "We're not one."
"...You're trying to avoid the memory. You cannot."
"..."
"You do remember...when we told her that we didn't want to play the piano."
An image of a young Jeff standing before his mother was there.
"..." Jeff's boldness softened. His anger weakened. "Don't...don't do this."
"You told her you were interested in mechanics...interested in what he did."
"No..."
"Shortly afterwards...they separated."
"..." A familiar, empty, guilty feeling began in Jeff.
"You felt that it was your fault...that you were the cause of it."
"..."
"And despite what you have said since...to your friends...to yourself...you have not stopped feeling so."
"..."
"It was your fault. That, is what you believe to be true."
"..."
"Accept it."
"...You're wrong."
"..."
"My feelings about that have lingered in uncertainty since it happened. I've been unsure."
"..."
"I...I have felt guilty..."
"..."
"But I haven't ever accepted that I was responsible for their differences. You're just trying to convince me that I see it that way. That my feelings sway in that direction."
"..."
"Well they don't," said Jeff.
"If I was unsure of this before, I'm going to stop being unsure now. You've helped convince me of an answer all right..."
"..."
"...I was not responsible...for what happened, between my parents.
That, is what I believe to be true."
Ness suddenly summoned another wave of Psi Flash, catching the zombies off guard.
The zombies reeled.
Ness summoned a power shield.
"You can give up now," said Jeff. "I know you can't hold on much longer. ...Whatever my destiny is, you're not going to be a part of it."
"Destiny..." said the voice, sounding weaker itself "...is what I was coming to."
"What's that supposed to..." Jeff stopped.
"You know...you remember what it means. You remember how you felt."
"..."
"You remember how often you felt outclassed...intimidated...by the powers of Psi...on the first adventure."
"..."
"It wasn't only that."
"..."
"You've also felt like you were...along for the ride."
"..."
"Like you are along for the ride."
"..."
"Like anyone, could have come and freed Ness and Paula."
"..."
"Like everyone else...has had a true role in this destiny.
...Everyone but you."
"..."
"They have powers. They are brave. They are strong. Your involvement is a result of coincidence. It was their destiny, not yours. You only helped. That is what you believe to be true."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"...You do not deny it."
"..."
"Because you believe it."
"...I question it, yes...but I just realized something."
"..."
"If that is true...then why did Paula know to call out to me?"
"..."
"That part was never explained."
"..."
"...Whatever 'forces' were at work, pulling destiny together...they must have included me. I don't know how...and for that matter, neither do Ness, Paula, or Poo. Because that's what this kind of 'fate' usually is...unexplained. ...And that puts me in the same boat as them. The S.S. Destiny."
"..."
"...But there is another kind of destiny..."
"..."
"The kind that begins when you get up one day and make a choice. The kind that thrives, or lags based on how you follow through. The kind that you create for yourself...with every decision, every direction...every time you change a moment of 50/50...to 60/40."
"..."
"And I've decided that you're not winning my future, you're not winning this. I am. And this time...my mind is made up on that, and it's not going back."
Suddenly Jeff found himself back in the underground passage, and his body moved freely again.
Just as another zombie bounced off of Ness's power shield, causing it to fade, he and all of his companions disappeared.
The field holding Ness did as well, and he gently dropped to the ground.
"...Jeff..."
The boy spoken to turned to his friend, then the statue, which was slouching.
Jeff suddenly turned and ran quickly over to his gym bag, opened it...and pulled out a Multi-Bottle Rocket Launcher, which he placed on his right shoulder.
Ness backed away down the opposite side.
"Okay, the last thing I'm going to teach you today is what happens when I do this," Jeff fired.
The Bottle Rocket flew...and collided with the statue, breaking it in two with a boom.
Jeff's Nightmare was still and silent...as both pieces disappeared before both boys' eyes.
"...Lesson over." ...Jeff turned to Ness. "That was nice wasn't it?"
"It was nice."
"That was nice," Jeff smiled.
"Niiiiiice," said Ness with a grin as he slapped Jeff's free hand.
Jeff paused, letting out a sigh.
"You said, 'the last thing.' "
"What?"
"You said that was the last thing you were going to teach it. ...What was the first?"
"...That self doubt isn't what it used to be."
A moment later, both boys emerged up the ladder and into the room. Someone had just walked in.
"Hey. Mr. Spoon," said Ness.
"Ness?"
"...That's right," he said with a shy grin.
"My how, how have you been?"
"Just fine, thanks. You?"
They shook hands.
"I'm okay."
"Well we ah, took care of the little problem I had mentioned Mr. Spoon," said Jeff.
"Oh good, good," he said shaking Jeff's hand too.
"Thanks for agreeing to let me come deal with it."
"Oh sure."
"See you," Jeff smiled, adjusting the bag over his shoulder as he and Ness began walking.
"Hey, you guys can come back anytime to study you know. Please do...'cause I don't like being alone."
"Get a girlfriend man," called Jeff.
"...Hmm...yes I, think I'll try that," said Mr. Spoon with a smile.
--The two got outside and stood on the steps.
"...Nearly right on time," said Jeff, looking at his watch.
"This is where they're coming to pick you up?"
"Mm hmm."
"..."
"I just want to thank you again for..."
"Come on man..." said Ness with a smile.
Jeff looked out at the city.
"Given any more thought to what you're going to do?"
"Uh, I'll..." he scratched his chin a bit, "...I'll probably be giving it a lot of more thought soon." He chuckled, "...Still trying to decide."
Ness nodded his head slightly.
Jeff kept looking around.
"How's Yancy? I mean...the last time you saw her."
"She's fine."
"Yeah 'cause, Paula asked about her too."
"..."
"...And how'd you even get that Bottle Rocket stuff delivered to you?"
"Good ol' Escargo Express."
"Ah."
"Yeah," Jeff smiled. "Your sister sure showed good taste when...I think that's my car."
"What? That's it?"
"That's it." Jeff took a few steps down and began walking as Ness followed.
The car from N.S.S. pulled up.
Jeff turned, adjusting his bag and giving Ness a handshake that went into the typical quick hug.
"Take care man. See you soon."
"All right, you too," said Jeff with a grin, adjusting his glasses before getting in the car.
The door shut...and Ness watched, seeing his friend off as the car drove away.
Ness stood for a little while, watching others around his age who were seemingly also on their spring break.
He adjusted his back collar, soon walking down the streets as he began leaving the great city of Fourside.
*Jeff: It was, a quiet July afternoon. Too quiet. I was really little but I remember—the day they told me how they had ended up together...just before telling me how they were growing apart. It was the usual, "...but we're both always going to love you" kind of talk. For a moment when they were talking about their past I...I don't know, I saw them looking at each other and thought that maybe...they were thinking what I was thinking. That what had originally brought them together might work again.
This moment, perhaps spontaneous, where you're leaning a little towards a certain feeling, or impulse, and you go with it.
Sometimes you're right. Sometimes you're wrong. Maybe those who take a moment just before they make the decision—to switch from their hearts back to their heads—will know.
But who around has that kind of discipline?
...When they said what they did about their feelings for me...I believed them. I also remember something else they said.
...They said that regardless of the circumstances under which they had met...for each of them, I was and always would be...their greatest creation.*
------------
-Lower Tenda Village
The Lost Underworld
Ness materialized after a few short warps moved him into the main village.
He looked around quietly at a few Tendas in the distance.
"So how was work today?" asked a voice behind him.
Ness turned...and pulled back just a little where he stood.
Paula was without her sandals, and wearing her tropical skirt, and the matching T-shirt, tied into a knot at the bottom. Her hair was in a ponytail.
"..."
"Hmm?" she asked.
... "..."
"Things went all right then, with Jeff?" she smiled.
"..."
"It rained here a little earlier. You should see this place during that.
"Um, yeah I'm...sorry," he smiled. "I know that I'm...we're..."
"..."
"Well, I'm free now," he grinned.
"Good...but, I'm not," she yawned.
"Aw, you're going to sleep?"
"I think I'll get a nap before they serve dinner."
"..."
"What about you?"
"Oh I...I actually went home to shower after that thing with Jeff...and I accidentally fell asleep for a little while after I changed clothes..."
"Really?"
"Yeah, but...now I've got nowhere else to go unless you need something."
"I'm cool," smiled Paula.
"...Not exactly," said Ness under his breath.
"What?" she grinned.
"Nothing. Hey...do you need your, sandals, or anything?"
"Um, not now, no."
"Right. You're going to sleep," he grinned.
Paula chuckled, soon looking away a bit shyly.
"All right then, Paula..." he extended his arm.
"Okay...Ness."
They slapped hands and snapped fingers in the hold.
Paula glanced up at Ness, still looking shy.
"Remember what we talked about earlier? About when we met?" he grinned.
"Mm hmm," she managed. "My how...things change."
"Have they?"
Paula held Ness's hand.
Ness kept grinning.
"..." Paula chuckled...and let go.
"What?" he asked plainly as a breeze blew some of his short hair.
Paula watched with a smile.
"..."
"What school do you really want to go to, this fall?"
"I want to be at whichever one you're going to," he said quietly.
"..."
"..."
"You really mean that."
"...Did you look into my mind or something?" he chuckled.
"...No Ness...I didn't."
Ness grinned at her shyly...not looking away.
Paula slowly reached up with both hands and pulled down the ponytail with one. Her hair swung freely.
Ness began to blush.
"See you later," she said.
"Okay."
Paula approached the hut, turning back for a moment...then entering and closing the door.
Ness paused...then turned and walked off. He slid his hands in his pockets, soon getting an unfamiliar mix of worry and relief at the same time. He didn't resist smiling as he looked at the sky.
The Tendas right back in the village continued their chatting.
The ground started to shake.
Ness pulled his hands free and remained still.
The Tendas casually went back to their conversations.
Suddenly things began to sink in, and a preoccupied Ness realized just what he was standing on and what it meant.
A burst of water shot forth from the ground, easily picking the young man up with it. Ness was thrown on his back.
"...Hey!"
The Tendas turned...and many began laughing up a storm.
Ness swung his arms where he lay, feeling the constant force below him.
The Tendas started gathering quickly.
The door to the hut Paula was in opened.
Ness looked down at the laughing Tendas, as though asking them not to just stand there, but to do something.
The Tendas kept giggling and calling up to him.
Ness started thinking about how he had just changed into the outfit he was wearing. Slowly, he stopped caring and just turned to the sky with a grin.
The Tendas kept teasing him.
Paula had arrived a few feet behind them, silently looking up with an open-mouthed smile.
Ness began giggling.
The ones below noticed.
Paula remained still.
Ness glanced down, noticing that Paula was there now. He looked at her, raising his eyebrows a little and continuing to grin.
Paula's stare remained, looking a bit unsure.
Ness let himself laugh a little more.
Paula closed her mouth.
Ness turned to her once more.
Paula opened her mouth again.
"..." Suddenly, the expression on Ness's face changed to one of shock after watching her.
Paula turned...and walked off.
"Paula...what did you say?" asked Ness quietly.
The Tendas began calming down as they noticed a change before them.
"...Paula?" called Ness.
The water began to slow a little.
Paula had nearly reached the hut again.
"Paula!" said Ness, still with a stunned look.
The water began lowering the young man back to the ground. Ness was looking in one direction as it happened.
The Tendas watched anxiously.
"Paula!" called Ness, landing and falling down to his knees as he tried to run, then picking himself up. "What did you say?"
Paula had already entered the hut and closed the door, attaching its lock.
The carefree Tendas watched and followed as the soaked boy ran.
"Paula!" called Ness. "What did you say?"
Paula had gotten under the covers. Her back was to the door and her eyes were closed with a smile.
"...Paula? Paula," said Ness at the small window.
"Hey, you let her sleep 'till dinner," said a friendly Tenda, "she was up early."
"..." Ness chuckled at the sky. With his hair and his clothes dripping, he gave Paula one more look...before teleporting to Onett to change again.
Day Nine
—The One In My Dreams
Thunder just clapped through The Lost Underworld.
A heavy rain had been falling for a little while now. Ness felt that rain on his head as he stepped out of the guest hut he and another shared.
"...Hey!" he called to one of the Tendas who hadn't yet gone inside.
"...What?" he replied after turning.
"Paula, have you..." Thunder clapped loudly again.
The rain was unrelenting.
"...I SAID HAVE YOU SEEN PAULA?"
"NO I...WEREN'T YOU TWO LEAVING TODAY?"
"WHAT?"
"WEREN'T YOU TWO LEAVING TODAY?"
"YEAH BUT..."
"NESS!" called another Tenda.
The boy turned.
"SHE WENT UP THERE! AROUND THE FIRE SPRING!"
-
"...You know in the back of your mind not to trust what you feel."
Paula was quiet.
"...No...WHY?"
"I DON'T KNOW."
"...OKAY THANKS!"
"...And for good reason."
"..." Paula didn't speak.
More thunder brewed.
Ness began running.
The ground shook.
Ness exited the village, clinging to the swinging gate just as the vibrations rocked him a little.
"You must release what you've just accepted into your heart...so that it will not hurt you again. You must do this...with all emotions."
"..."
Bursts of water reached up towards the thunder, knocking the less powerful drops out of their way as they went.
A flash came and went as Ness closed the gate.
Seconds later, he was looking toward the entrance to the cave of Fire Spring…as he concentrated.
Seconds later…he was looking toward the gate around the village.
"You must become...empty."
The last word echoed through Paula's head.
Ness turned around, glancing at the cave's opening before running in it.
"...No. ...He's here," said Paula softly. "I think...I think he's here..."
Life suddenly got a lot warmer as he took those first few steps...until a quick chill passed through his body. "Paula!" he called.
There was no response.
"...Oh no," said Ness, staring at Paula, crouched down and with her head hanging low...before a Nightmare statue.
Ness teleported...ending up right beside both of them.
"Paula?"
There was no response. Not from her mouth. Not from her mind. ...And not from her eyes.
Ness was afraid to try harming the statue, as he didn't know what effect it might have on Paula. He didn't try touching her for the same reason.
...So he just stood there, feeling helpless and confused...and worried.
Ness crouched down next to Paula, brushing some of his soggy hair aside as he looked at her.
He turned to the statue. "...I don't know what it is you want," he said deeply, "...but I promise you're going to be disappointed if it's her." He turned to Paula, "...Right?"
There was a far off look in her eyes, which faced downward...and no response.
"Come on, Paula..."
There was silence.
"Don't leave now," Ness looked a bit sad. "Fight it. Whatever it is...whatever it's using against you..."
Paula was quiet.
"...Fight it...somehow," said Ness in his mind.
Ness's gaze fell to the ground.
Paula's right hand rose a bit.
Ness's attention was caught.
Paula's hand was still.
Ness lifted his left...and held hers.
Suddenly a distant look was in Ness's eyes as well.
...In the dark realm, both remained in the same position.
Ness looked around.
Paula remained still.
"She still resists," said a deep voice, "she must truly believe in what she fights for."
Ness recognized the voice as sounding very similar to that of his Nightmare.
...A bit stunned, he spoke, "...And what's that?"
"..." Paula's Nightmare appeared, yards from the two teens.
"...What is this all about?" asked Ness.
"..."
"What do you want?"
"...Long ago...man was placed on this planet."
"..."
"And man questioned, and man tried, and man worked, and man succeeded, and man failed, and man suffered.
...And man said 'I don't understand.' And man spoke loudly," said the statue.
Ness was quiet.
"You fought. You cried. You hated."
"What does any of that have to do with you?"
"We, the Mani-Mani...will help you understand."
"...How? By ruining people's lives?"
"By showing you how to bring peace to this world. ...Which can only be accomplished one way: through nothingness."
"What?"
"We will eventually play host to the people of this planet. To all of them. It will take long, but through these means we can move more freely throughout the vast experience of life, without completely taking it from the humans. We can thrive."
"Well let me break something to you," said Ness, "those plans, they're cancelled. You're the last one. ...It ends here."
"I will not be alone much longer. I will use this girl...to revive my kind."
"What are you talking about?"
"Your kind have passionately sought my physical brothers in the past."
"..."
"This girl's mental abilities will allow her to summon others, to control them. I can use certain others, through her—show them how to create my physical counterparts, which the people of your world will flock to. Once they absorb the physical essence of a Mani-Mani, I will use this girl to lure them to Sanctuaries, where they will bring their personal emotions...and so it shall begin again."
"But...that would take forever. The strain on Paula would be...I won't let you do that. I won't let you reach anyone else, and I won't let you hurt her anymore either."
"I...? But you are the reason behind her being here."
Ness's eyes widened, "...What?"
"For a greater part of this young woman's life, she has been looked on and treated differently than others, due to the amount of fame surrounding her abilities. This has weighed on her emotionally in private. ...But then you appeared in a vision during her sleep. You treated her differently than most others, by helping and befriending her without motive."
"..."
"She has felt that it wasn't because you also had powers...or because of attraction. And that has drawn her to you since."
"..."
"This is where I was born, due to the negativity she felt during a moment involving you."
"..."
"A period during which you were unconscious."
"What? ...Wait..."
"She feared losing your companionship then..."
"And now I...I think I get it now," said Ness. "Why you all are appearing now. You're...you're created by the initial negativity, then you hibernate...until you're awakened by another heavy dose of the same thing. ...And then I guess you receive the memories that have come since as well."
"..."
"For Jeff it was his self doubt. His questioning over his recent decision. For Poo it was his nervousness over doing a good job as King. Over the well being of his country. ...For Paula..."
"..."
"..."
"Days ago, you gave her the impression that she'd lose your companionship again."
…Ness couldn't speak. He was feeling too guilty.
"But since then...you have changed her mind. But not before she sensed, and tried to ignore, my presence after arriving here."
"...So that's what she was trying to hide."
"...You have been her companion since my birth, although on a distant, now and then basis. But yesterday she felt a progression...and she could deny my existence no longer, because she views it as a threat. A threat to her contentment. Her happiness. ...Her future."
Ness was stunned again. "...Me? Her future? I'm Paula's...destiny? Is that how she really..."
"...No," said the voice. "You have changed things. You have rejected her."
"No."
"Denied her. Deep in her heart, she knows it will always be this way."
"..."
"Which has led to her defeat here...and the beginning of my plan."
"It will never succeed."
"Even without my action, your people will bring back my kind."
"What do you mean?"
"The meteorite that fell to this planet...there was a Psi essence in it. The ambitious nature of man will lead to your people discovering this, during the inspections of it, and becoming irradiated with its power. Your legacy will lead to such people inspecting Sanctuaries, which will lead them to bring their emotional issues—such as loneliness perhaps—along with them. And this will continue the existence of my kind."
"...Maybe," said Ness. "If things go as you're hoping. How do you know for sure that that kind of Psi will even work? It may have to be the natural, innate kind."
"...Perhaps," said the statue, "but know this Ness: As long as both power and emotions are bound to this Earth, there will always be dreams...and Nightmares."
Ness stared quietly. He closed his eyes with a smile...then opened them. "Maybe...but you won't be around to take advantage of that."
"...Says who?"
"Says me...and I'm about to do some of that 'speaking loudly' myself."
"...So am I," said a bold feminine voice.
Ness looked to his side, soon staring up at Paula's stomach as she stood.
"It ends here," said Paula. "The truth is Ness that I have had my doubts. And yesterday...I found myself at another crossroads. And I could've gone down one path...but I didn't. ...I chose the other."
Ness was still holding her hand as she looked forward.
"And now I find you here...and I know I was right," said Paula.
Ness was speechless as he heard her words.
Paula turned to him with a smile.
"..."
"No matter what you may or may not do...no matter what you may or may not say...and no matter how you may or may not feel...I believe, now more than ever, that you'd always do one thing: Be there if I needed you," said Paula. "...And that's how I know I'll never lose you."
"Paula..."
She crouched back down, pausing with a stare...then wrapping her arms around Ness, soon feeling him hug her back.
A very powerful wave of Psi Fire charged the two teens as this happened.
Suddenly flashes of blue passed over both Ness and Paula.
The attack was deflected, and seconds later it struck the statue which had fired.
Together, they stood, and hand in hand, launched attacks at Omega level after taking a few steps back.
Paula's Fire and Ness's strongest flew, clobbering the statue with Psi energy.
Paula's Nightmare fell to the ground...soon fading away in failure.
Ness tightened his grip on Paula, and seconds later both were teleported back to the entrance. It didn't take them very long to exit.
Emerging from the cave, Ness and Paula were greeted by the two Tendas from earlier, who offered umbrellas.
With a polite smile that said thanks but no thanks, Ness teleported the four back to the village, where they all returned to their huts for the remainder of the rainy morning.
------------
.
.
.
*Poo: If I say my grandfather passed away a couple of days ago when discussing him today, it'll initially put everyone in a sad mood when they start remembering. So I'll just say...he began the journey to a better place. I'm okay. It happens. The way to move on is... ...well I don't know. To keep living in the present during your memories of the past.
I'm going to have to admit it. I already have actually. Part of the reason I feared this is because of my anxiety concerning the other matter. I had thought things through and made my decision just before it happened and then, well...it happened. But instead of what I had expected, this has actually given me new resolve. Make that extra, resolve.
I've chosen my future. Not custom. Not fate. I have. The people of Dalaam can rest assured that I'll do my very best for the country. And I can rest assured that they'll do the same. But now I just need to know one thing...*
A few more minutes passed.
The large door slowly opened. "Poo...?"
He turned.
"You okay?" she asked softly.
"Ada," he smiled warmly. "I want to get you out of that outfit."
"...Poo..." she glanced downward.
"No see I mean..." he stood up, adjusted his white and gold gown, and walked to pick up something on the bed attached to a hangar, "...this."
Ada watched, lowering the bouquet of flowers in her hands. "You got me a different dress?" she smiled at him.
"...I've been doing some thinking and I...you know how people say 'I just realized something'?"
"Yeah," she grinned.
"Well I didn't exactly just realize this, since I've known for a long time. But, for me it's just..." Poo sat down on the bed, "...there's been someone I could turn to. Who's always challenged my feelings during a disagreement, but never immediately opposed them. Never told me what I need to do or how I need to feel. Someone who in the end, has always come back...tried to be there."
"...I know."
"And that's you."
She looked up. "Me?"
Poo slowly stood up.
"Poo you've also...I'm..."
"Ada will you be my queen?" he asked, extending his arm with an inviting smile.
"..." Her eyes widened, "What?"
"You heard me," Poo grinned, scratching his thin beard a bit.
"...Me? ...A queen?"
Poo ripped the thin paper from the hangar in one quick pull, revealing the beautiful dress covered by plastic.
"Who else?" he said with another grin.
Ada eyed the dress. There were cute silk flowers lining the top. "..."
"Or, you can just go ahead and wear that lavender one," said Poo. "You know, as long as it's, you I'm with...doesn't matter."
Her teary eyes glanced up at him.
Poo smiled, extending his hand again.
Ada walked over and took it, soon giving him a hug.
Poo grinned, rubbing her back with his free arm...then closing his eyes.
-
An hour later the coronation was complete, and Poo had met up with three people who had attended down the road.
"So, how's it feel?" asked Jeff with a smile.
"Um...the same," Poo laughed.
So did the others.
"Aw he's gonna be okay," said Ness, "I can tell."
"Yeah...I, I gotta run, so, come on gimmie your hands," said Poo with a grin.
"Yeah get back to your queen," smiled Paula.
The four joined their hands together once again, then parted.
"Catch up with you later!" called Poo as he ran.
------
*Jeff: "Therefore, at your own request, your employment with the N.S.S. is hereby discontinued in the entry stages of Training 1. You are ineligible for rehire for a period of two (2) years from the above date. Final compensation will be mailed to..."
I know this boy named Jeff...who people expect things of.
The other thing is, I probably expect myself to be able to do more than one thing. But I don't think this should be it. That's why I'm stopping. Hey, I can at least be proud of what was accomplished though, and I hear Tony's team did get the other one they were after, so that's cool. So anyway, I'll keep doing mechanics, and I'll keep searching. 'Cause I still haven't discovered that something else yet. ...Or have I?*
*Paula: The months are chapters. The days—pages. In the end life's one...big story you're usually writing. The note was there so my parents were all right, kind of, with the getaway and all. Also, we talked about it a bit, and they honestly are cool with me going to whichever school I want.
I think that there have been some advantages to not actually having many true friends for so long. Parting with people doesn't hurt me.
And as Poo knows, parting with certain people is only a temporary thing. If you believe that is.
.
.
*Ness:
-Winters
Jeff walked to the door...then smiled before opening it.
"Hey," said the girl.
"Hey," said Jeff.
Yancy walked in sounding and looking lovely as ever. "So you okay?"
"Mm hmm, fine," Jeff closed the door and locked up.
"You sure?" she sat a box of cinnamon buns down on the coffee table.
"Yeah," Jeff sprinted a bit and took her coat.
"Thanks."
Seconds later Jeff was sitting down next to her on the couch and pouring juice into the two cups.
Yancy slowly kicked off her shoes. "...You know if you need to talk about it..."
"Yeah...I know. But let's just talk about your day."
"Oh nothing much going on I'm just, hanging around being me."
"Yeah. ...You doing that helps me remember something. Something I want you to know."
"What's that?" she asked charmingly.
"I ah..." Jeff looked forward for a few seconds, "when I search for something in the future...it's not out of being unsatisfied with all I already have." His fingers had interlocked with hers and he lifted their hands a little...then lowered them and looked up at her again. "Not as long as you're around."
Yancy grinned, almost flirtatiously. "...Cheers, Jeff." She held her cup out.
His cup tapped hers, "Cheers."
Jeff smiled.
-Twoson
Just outside of her house, Paula clung to the back of Ness's neck with one hand, soon pressing her thumb against his cheek.
Ness's arm was wrapped around her upper back and holding one of her shoulders.
There was silence...until they were able to talk again.
Ness stared with an amazed look. "..."
"..." Paula chuckled as her eyes turned to the ground.
"..." Ness casually lifted a hand, then lowered it.
"Ahem...okay," said Paula.
"I, yeah," said Ness.
"..."
Ness looked off to the side, smiling.
"...The park. You want to walk with me to the park?"
"Yeah! Yeah sure. Let's do that let's walk, to the park," said Ness.
Paula smiled.
They began.
"So, what school are you going to again?" she asked with an inquiring frown.
"School..." Ness whispered "do we have to talk about, you know 'school' when tomorrow's the last day of spring break?"
"Oh yeah, sorry."
"Nah it's okay. ...I'm going to Onett U."
"Really? Me too," she smiled.
"Oh. ...Good," he grinned.
There was silence.
"So ah, what about the one in Twinbrook? I thought you liked it."
"Well I thought so too. And that's really all I said...I was thinking about it. I never made up my mind."
"...Oh."
They entered the busy park.
"I don't know I...man I must have gotten a little tense about things when I heard that," said Paula.
"Really?" Ness smiled.
"Yeah, really."
"...Well you know it, it happens right?"
"Right."
"I got a little anxious too when my family…who should be back soon…and I first saw that school out there."
"Oh?"
"Yeah I mean I saw an opportunity for change. An opportunity to get away from Onett, you know? That's probably what the attraction was. Change. Opportunity."
"...The opportunity to take control of things right?"
"Yeah, something like that."
"Just what is the deal with that anyway?" she chuckled.
"I...guess it happens. It happens sometimes with people around our age. Around where we are. I think we worry," said Ness, "because we know the future's coming, and any day now it's going to get here..." he grinned shyly.
"...Yeah."
"And I guess we just...want to be prepared, by making the right choices."
"...Think we all are? ...Think we all have?"
"I think things...worked themselves out nicely yes. I think you all have gotten yourselves where you ought to be."
"And what about you?" Paula smiled as they sat down on a bench.
Ness looked off for a moment as he spoke, "You know um..."
"What?"
"There was something I didn't get around to...asking, you, while we were in the hut earlier."
"...Okay."
"...Something you, said yesterday, before dinner."
"..."
"And since I was with the other tribe during that I didn't get to asking you then either...or later."
Paula began smiling and frowning a bit as she looked forward.
"I couldn't hear you when you, said it, so..."
"Mmm...jog my memory. What do you think it was?"
Ness smiled and looked ahead again. He chuckled quietly.
Paula was silent.
"Well I...it may have been something I might have also meant to tell you."
"..."
"You know how, how that happens sometimes right?"
Paula shrugged her shoulders.
"..."
"Here...I'll open my mind and you can...let me know if you remember. What with all these people around and...and all..."
"Oh. ...Okay I'll..." Ness tossed his hands up, "I'll try..."
Paula opened her mouth slightly...exhaling a little.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"Yeah," she said turning and taking his hands with a smile, "that was it."
"Oh. Okay then," Ness chuckled.
Paula looked him in the eyes warmly.
"..."
"So, what about my question? What about your position regarding the future?" she asked.
"Well my future...my dreams..."
"..."
"It looks like things are working out the way I sort of always imagined," said Ness a bit deeper.
"Yeah...same here."
"..."
"You want to just, walk back to my house? Where it's less noisy?"
"Sure," he smiled.
They stood and began moving.
"I like your place," said Ness, "...especially the front yard."
Paula laughed.
-End
This is the fourth time I've gone over this piece of paper I'm balling up. The fourth time I've thanked them back...every time I read that part.
But certainly not the fourth time I've tried giving myself the talk. The one where I say, "Jeff Andonuts what in the world were you thinking?" I'd better figure it out before the weight of this decision—and there will be weight—crushes me.
Maybe part of it is what I said before, about those expectations. I don't want people to think all I'm about is mechanics and that's all I could ever be about. ...But you...you can't always make decisions—especially not important ones—based on an urge to prove something to someone else. You'll get hurt.
...But which one is that?
...I never thought there could be a pleasant side to pain.
I do. I believe in feelings and relationships lasting into the future...and beyond. That is, then...and now.*