Count it Up (NessXLucas)

Chapter 5: In Sickness

(Prologue: Ness)

"Listen, one and all! Here I am, Porky Minch! Emperor of business, of innovation, of greatness! I bow in your service, giving you quality products, and unending joy! Try my newest creation, the Happiness Drugs - they'll give you euphoria for a week!"

Porky preaches on the main stage in the centre of Onett City. The grotesque smile slapped on his face seems to be attracting some attention; there are crowds of interested people. Everyone here knows his name, everyone knows what he does. But everyone likes his products, so they turn a blind eye.

"Sir, come right this way!" He beckons, a genial smile on his features. "You look just fit to be a tester for some of my new projects! Come with me, the wages are very good!"

"No, thank you!" I bow, keeping up a pretence of politeness. Of course, he doesn't remember my face, he doesn't remember who I am. He's got much bigger fish to fry.

"And what about you, sir?" Porky turns to a man with red hair, and I can only watch as he happily takes his hand, following him down the street.

Never to be seen again.

...

"Evil Tazmily! Cruel Tazmily! Tazmily is developing its weapons, and we need to act now!"

Another man has taken the stage today; Geldegarde Monotoli, a notable businessman and politician.

"Onett is strong, and we will not be threatened by a feeble village! Sign up for the Onett First Brigade! Bring glory to our city!"

"Well!" Porky appears from the gloom, a radiant smile on his face. "I think I can lend you a hand."

"See? Mr Minch - he is a servant of the people!" Geldegarde beams around at the crowds. "He is a great man, a great man indeed! He will bring glory to Onett, beyond any we have ever had before!"

Porky smiles.

"Oh, you don't know the half of it, sir! Indeed... Indeed I shall..."

.

.

.

~~o00o~~

Chapter 5: In Sickness

(Ness)

~~o00o~~

.

.

.

Panic courses through me as Lucas's body falls limp in my arms.

"Lucas?!"

I don't know what's happening - he said he was ill earlier - but now he's gone and collapsed on the floor. Outside Headmaster Hand's office, no less - I hastily check his breathing. I feel air escaping his mouth. It's okay - he's alive - but what now? Straining, I pick him up - thank goodness he's small - and I start to carry him to our dorm. He needs to get into bed, and, maybe he'll be alright in the morning. I don't care if it's early, he needs sleep, right now.

But Headmaster Hand steps out of his office. "Oh no - what happened?"

"He collapsed, Headmaster!" I answer worriedly, as Lucas's body threatens to slip out of my grip. "I don't know how-"