SMG4: The Vanidicus Arc

Broken

~~1 week later~~

SMG3 sits in a chair next to SMG4's hospital bed. The doctor told Mario and him that 4 suffered serious head trauma and is now in a coma. The others have tried to visit as often as they can, but Mario and 3 remain by his side as long as the hospital allows.

Mario enters the room with a couple snacks he got from a vending machine.

Mario: "Mario couldn't find the chips you wanted, so he hopes these ones will be ok."

  He hands a small bag of generic brand potato chips to 3, and takes a seat beside him. SMG3 opens the bag of chips.

SMG3: "How did this even happen? If- If I would've known I- I would've done something..."

Mario looks away out of guilt. He knew. He could've done something. He could've acted sooner. He could've talked to 4.

But he didn't.

He didn't do any of that.

And Mario will never forgive himself for that.

SMG3: "What even happened? Was that lightning Meme Guardian stuff..? Or was it something different?"
Mario: "Well..."

Suddenly Meggy walks in.

Meggy: "Hey... how are you guys holding up? You feeling alright?"
SMG3: "I... I'm confused. How did any of this happen?"

  Meggy takes a seat beside SMG3. He hands Mario back the bag of chips.

Mario: "What's wrong?"
SMG3: "Lost my appetite..."
Meggy: "3, if you're wanting answers then go look for them."
SMG3: "Where would I even look!?"

  SMG3 sighs in frustration. This is all so strange and confusing for him. The only one that would have a chance at fully knowing what happened is SMG4. And well he's in a coma.

Meggy: "You could start at the castle. There might be a couple things that could point you in the right direction. Or you could go to the library. There's probably a book that could help..."
SMG3: "That... That sounds like a good idea. Thanks..."
Meggy: "You're welcome, 3. I'll stay here in case anything happens, and If something does I'll text you."
SMG3: "Thank again, Meggy!"

  SMG3 gets up from his chair and moves towards the door.

SMG3: "Mario? You coming?"
Mario: "Y-Yeah... Let's go."

———————

SMG3: "There's gotta be some sort of clue, something that can help!"

  SMG3 is scouring for something, anything that will give some sort of answer. Then suddenly he spots a book peeking out from beneath 4's bed. SMG3 reaches for it.

Crash!

  SMG3 turns around, seeing Mario covered in a pile of junk from 4's closet. On top of the pile are three boxes. One is blue, one is red, and one is purple. Each is neatly tied with a gold ribbon. Mario emerges from the pile.

Mario: "Mario found something!"

  He stands up and grabs the three boxes, bringing them to a desk for further inspection.