Count it Up (NessXLucas)

Chapter 2 - Something Broken

Fast forward to the modern day. My Father and I live in a small, cramped house in the First Residential District of Onett. It's fine, it's not incredible, but we're lucky, I think, to have a house at all, let alone one with three rooms. Father's a coal miner, and he doesn't earn much, which is why I help out by selling things, buying things, and trading on the streets. I've become quite the businessman. Ness has often tried to give me things to contribute; his family is a lot better off (his father is my father's boss) but I don't think Ness gets that I like to do things my way, that I don't need his help getting income for our family.

This Christmas break was tough, for a lot of reasons. But primarily, I'd missed Ness, and the only gifts I'd been able to get for him were some lame books, that I was given for free in the marketplace. I don't doubt that he was disappointed, especially after him giving me fancy new art equipment (which is of course very generous of him - art is my favourite pastime.) But, at least, it's over now.

I'm ready for the new term.

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~~o00o~~

Chapter 2: Something Broken

(Lucas)

~~o00o~~

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Ness's revenge comes in the form of a snowball aimed right at my face.

"Hey!" I exclaim, brushing the cold white mass out of my hair. "That's not nice!

"What can I say?" Ness gives a smug smile. "You play with fire, you get burnt!"

Sighing, I roll a new snowball. "I see you've chosen your fate."

"You really shouldn't do that," Red says suddenly. "It's a hazard!" But Toon Link appears with a grin, launching a snowball into Red's back.

"Toon Link! That was uncalled for," Villager scolds, stepping over. "You okay, Red?"

"C-Cold..." Red shivers, as though he's never seen snow in his life.

With a vengeful grin, Villager gathers up a snowball, chucking it at Toon Link, who laughs, and the pair are soon engaged in a full-on snowball war. Taking advantage of my distraction, Ness gathers up another snowball, and there's an explosion of cold against my cheek.

I giggle, despite it. Something about snow brings out the childishness in us all.

...Except Bowser. I grit my teeth as he walks over. I hate him, nearly as much as Porky. Bowser just exists to be a pain to anyone and everyone. He's either psychopathic or secretly evil. One of the two.

"Why aren't you walking up to school?" Bowser growls.

"Nobody else has set off yet, Professor," Toon Link replies easily, chucking another snowball at Villager, who performs an impressive spinning dodge.

"You lead, and the rest will follow," Bowser snarls. "Or will I have to make you?"

I try to move out of Bowser's line of fire, but unfortunately, it's unsuccessful as Bowser turns to me.

"And you! Snow on your uniform? Disgraceful!"

"I-I can explain!"

Bowser pounds his fist into a hand. "If that leaves a stain, there will be trouble!"