Shots and Shatters

Of Scared Dogs and Tapping Windows

SMG3 let out a sharp breath as he came out of his unresponsive state again, his eyes darting around as he began to register his surroundings. His old hideout surrounded him, old and neglected, having not been used since the heist to steal the YouTube remote.

"Wh... When did I get here?" SMG3 panted. "How did I get here? I was in the forest..."

"It's thanks to me." That voice from before returned to his mind, making him shoot up. "You were being pathetic again, so I took over."

"What do you mean you 'took over'? What's-"

"Will you shut up? You'll wake up Eggdog."

"Eggdog?..."

SMG3 looked down to see his precious Eggdog asleep in his arms, he didn't remember... Holding him... But 3 didn't care.

He brought his pet close to him, nuzzling his cheek against Eggdog's. "My little Eggdog! You're safe!"

The little dog made a sweet noise as it awoke, licking his face happily.

"I'm so happy to see you!.." SMG3 said.

Eggdog woofed, smiling at his owner.

But even with the momentary happiness, SMG3 still wanted to know who the hell that voice was, and how it knew so much...

"Who are you?!" SMG3 demanded. "And how did you get us here?"

"...Who am I? Haven't you figured it out yet?" The voice asked mockingly.

"Tell me!" 3 snapped. "Don't beat around the damn bush."

The voice was silent for a moment, then chuckled again.

"Very well... Go to the mirror, and you'll see just who I am."

SMG3's eyes widened, the mirror? Why the mirror? Was this a prank? Was he sick?

"While we're young please." The voice snapped. "I thought you wanted answers."

SMG3 glared, but hesitantly got to his feet, headed towards an old mirror he used to practice monologue in front of back in his villain days. The mirror was cracked and dirty from years of neglect, but still clear enough for SMG3 to make out his own reflection.

He stared into it, trying to see whatever the voice wanted him to.

A gloved hand grabbed his shoulder in his reflection, making him flinch hard with a gasp as a familiar face peered out from behind him.

There he was, back when he looked like Mario. But this time... Something was different, this version of him had piercing yellow eyes and sharp, dagger-like teeth.

"H... How?!" SMG3 shouted, backing away as the other him watched with annoyance.

"I'm you." The old SMG3 said with a sinister grin. "Or at least, I was you, up until you had your 'change of heart' and turned your back on everything we could've accomplished together."

"Wh-what do you mean?! You're not real! I-I'm just hallucinating..." SMG3 shook his head. "I have to be..."

"Oh, I'm very real. And I've been here the whole time. You just never sensed me..." Old SMG3 smirked. "But I finally got enough power after so much time had passed, to give you the very thing we wanted all these years! SMG4 finally got what he deserved, and it's all thanks to me."

SMG3 growled, "I didn't want this! I never did!"

Old SMG3 scoffed, "Yeah, I know. You truly have forgotten who you are. But I'm here to make it better, and bring us back to our glory days!"