Author's Note: This series is originally from the Yoshi Station, which can be found in Lemmy's Links. For those who are wondering about my first “book”, this takes place just less than a year in the future, where all my characters already have the abilities, powers, allies, and enemies as their profiles says at the Yoshi Station. The first book is just about HOW they became how they are, but I just lost too much patience in explaining all that. Again, just keep an open mind when reading these stories. Thanks!
Chapter 1: Up to Old Tricks
Quickshot sat down in his beach chair and gazed over the open ocean. He placed his western-styled gun belt and cowboy hat on a small table to his right. This was the time of day where Quickshot stared at the red sunset until he dozed off to sleep. To any person, especially a Yoshi, this activity was nothing to complain about. Quickshot did.
It had been months since Bowser showed his ugly face even near the Mushroom Kingdom, or any of Mario's star systems for that matter. Since then, there had only been rest and relaxation. And boredom. Quickshot actually missed the time he spent with his friends, Concord and Tek, infiltrating enemy bases, dodging deadly traps, foiling Bowser's schemes, and fighting hoards of Koopa Troopas while traveling deeper into Bowser's world.
Not now, though. The most exciting thing that has happened since that adventure was Tek's "Spicy Chicken Night" (though eating Tek's cooking was adventurous in itself!). What Quickshot wouldn't give for some action right now...
Suddenly, a warp pipe burst up through the ground, spraying sand everywhere. A small Mushroom man jumped out and greeted Quickshot.
Mushroom Man: Quickshot, report to HQ. We've got a mission for you.
Quickshot: (Well, what do you know?) On my way!
Quickshot hastily equipped his hat and guns and jumped into the warp pipe. Soon, he was on his way to the Palace of Power.
~ ~ ~
Concord: "Quickshot! Tek!"
The three Yoshi Heroes were once again reunited. They met in the middle of a busy docking bay of the Palace of Power. Onlookers hardly gave them a glance before moving on with their talk. Concord and Quickshot vigorously shook each other's hand. Tek offered a group hug, but the other two politely declined. Just then, General Stan approached them.
Stan: It's about time you all got here. I'm not going to bother you with small talk, so here's your briefing. As you may remember, the Warp Zone World became property of the Palace of Power, meaning that there's no unauthorized warping in forbidden worlds, such as Bowser's. Our scouts have turned up a problem though. Bowser has somehow got his claws on some space-travel technology and is invading other worlds that way."
Concord: So you want us to warp to his world and crash his party?
Stan: No, all warp pipes to Bowser's world have been blocked off. You will have to attack Bowser's forces with a spaceship of your own.
A computerized voice echoed in Tek's mind.
Hologram: It's about time that I become useful...
Tek: That's right! We can use Hologram!
Hologram: Use? I may just be a piece of equipment, but I still have feelings. I can-
Stan: Affirmative.
Hologram grumbled and called Stan a number of names, but since Hologram could only talk to Tek at long ranges, Tek smiled rather than saying anything.
Stan: This is also an exploration mission to try to find other worlds that are not connected to the Warp Zone World. If you do find any, send its location to us so we can connect it to the Warp Zone World. (Stan's facial expression tightens) I'm not exactly your higher-ranking officer anymore since you're not soldiers anymore, but it's good to have you back. Good luck to you all.”
The three Yoshis snapped to attention and saluted.
Yoshi Heroes: Yes sir!
Stan: (grinning) You sure know how to make an old turtle proud. Dismissed!
With that, the Yoshi Heroes walked out of the room to prepare for their newest journey. No one noticed the lone figure in the shaded corner of the room, or when it used a warp potion to make a quick exit.
~ ~ ~
The black Yoshi sat in the throne room of his dark castle. His Shy Guy Spy had just reported the news of both Bowser's plan of invading worlds through space and how the forces of the Palace of Power will counteract. The black Yoshi wore an evil grin after dismissing his minion.
Sniper: So, the cards are played before they knew all the players...
This was a perfect opportunity to get revenge against Quickshot and his allies. And maybe he could collect a favor from Bowser for helping him. No, he thought, Bowser is too stubborn and stupid to give him anything. Someone else, perhaps...
Sniper climbed up the castle's tower where he keeps his powerful and useful equipment. He sat in front of a clear crystal ball. He sprinkled dust on it from a nearby pouch and began mumbling under his breath. A cloud began to form in the crystal ball, which took the shape of a flat dark gray disk. The center of the disk opened to show an old Koopa wearing a small pair of glasses, a blue pointed hat, and a blue robe. The wrinkled-face turtle looked directly at Sniper and spoke.
Kamek: Who speaks to me through my magic mirror? Ah! The black Yoshi Sniper, my greatest work of the dark art. You seem to possess hidden talents that even I knew not.
Sniper: I'm a fast learner. I also have the right items to help me.
Kamek: So, you have come to rejoin Lord Bowser?
Sniper: I don't see why you still worship that sorry excuse of a reptile. The universe can have a much better ruler, but that plan will have to wait. I’ve contacted you to set up a trade. My information for your power.
Kamek: (raising his eyebrow) What information?
Sniper smiled. Kamek has taken the bait and the gears of his master plan began to turn.
Chapter 2: Turn of the Tables
Sniper waited impatiently, tapping on his crystal ball. Kamek said he needed some time to organize his things, but Sniper didn’t believe that one bit. Must be stalling, he thought. Just when he thought his patience had run out, the crystal ball formed into a picture and he was able to talk to the Koopa Mage once more.
Sniper: Well, I've done my half of the deal, Kamek. Now, where's my pay?
Kamek: Calm down, dark one. I am sending a Koopa Mage of mine to bring you my most valued potions. Do not be fooled by his Yoshi face.
Sniper: (A Koopa Mage with a Yoshi face? Kamek must be up to his old self, creating other evil Yoshis like myself, Sniper thought. I should be on my guard, but there's no time to think about that now.) Huh. Really, Kamek, I wasn't expecting potions as power.
Kamek: My wand and spellbook will also be given to you. How's that?
Sniper smiled wickedly.
Sniper: Well, old Koopa, for a follower of Bowser, you sure are useful for something. This spellbook...
Kamek: All my prized spells. To a Koopa Mage, the wand and spellbook is true power.
Sniper: Well, if this mage of yours actually comes by, I'd say it's a deal. Although I'll never join your alliance, you've done a great job.
Sniper waved his hand and the image in his crystal ball disappeared. Now he had to wait for the delivery. Sniper chuckled to himself.
Sniper: Just imagine the chaos I can create with that power...
Sniper walked back to his throne room and relaxed in his chair, waiting. Little did Sniper know that the very power he will obtain would work against him.
~ ~ ~
Tek gazed at the fight that continued before him. Both Concord and Quickshot attacked each other ferociously, neither giving up an inch of an advantage. Tek knew they were just sparing with each other to brush up on their swordsmanship, but they both look so serious! Just then, the two combatants leaped away from each other and stood still where they landed. Seconds passed without either of them moving.
Quickshot took the first move, charging with his sword leading. Any other swordsman could not have stopped Quickshot with such speed. Then again, Concord was not any other swordsman. The blue Yoshi jumped forward rather than to the side, right over Quickshot's head. Concord put up his defense immediately, though, as Quickshot predictably thrusted his blade behind from under his arm. Concord deflected the attack to the side and countered with a swing to the head, which too was deflected by Quickshot.
Quickshot suddenly spun around, feinted an upward thrust but came in with a low sweep. Concord saw though the feint and countered by jumping straight up and kicking at Quickshot's head. With a solid hit, Quickshot rolled only once before recovering and charged with powerful two-handed upward swing. Concord moved to parry and the two Yoshis met with a bright flash of sparks.
The onlooking crowd gasped in horror to see a single sword spinning through the air, then embedded itself into the ground many yards from the action. It was Concord's sword.
With a smile of victory, Quickshot moved in to apply the finishing blow. But, in a sudden blur of movement that even Quickshot couldn't make out, Concord grabbed his opponent's sword hand and flipped him.
Quickshot, now on his back, tried to kick back, but Concord already had Quickshot's own sword to his neck.
Quickshot: Aww nuts...
Tek jumped up at the sudden explosion of sounds. The entire room, now filled with people who weren't there before, began to shout and cheer to the victor. It took longer than expected to file out all those people and get them back to whatever they were doing before.
Tek: That was amazing, guys! I wish I could do that stuff...
The other two Yoshis looked at each other. They both knew that it was their swords that gave them their skill, but decided not to tell Tek that.
Quickshot: By the way, that was a sweet move you pulled at the end. I don't think they taught us that at Fabul Martial Arts School.
Concord: Hmph. You obviously haven't been practicing since then. A first year student could have dodged that.
Quickshot: Yeah, whatever. (making a shooting-gun motion with his hand) I could have taken you out a long time ago.
Concord: Yeah, and I could have made you dizzy by flying circles around you.
All three Yoshis laughed. After the chuckling died down, General Stan entered the room.
Stan: Hologram is stocked and readied. All that you have to do now is board him and take off.
Yoshi Heroes: Yes sir!
Stan: Dismissed!
And so, the Yoshis began their journey with good spirits, not knowing the forces gathering against them.
A black-clothed SGS (Shy Guy Spy) entered the throne room.
SGS: Sir! We're being attacked!
Sniper: Fool, ready the castle's ground defenses!
SGS: "Sir! They're... uh... Paratroopas. And a Koopa Mage is leading them!
Sniper: A Koopa Mage? Let them in.
SGS: But sir-
One glare is all it took to silence the disobedient servant. The SGS leader signaled the others to let the small airborne army in via spotlight. Sniper leaned back in his chair and waited for his payment. The SGSs stood in formation: two rows at both sides of the "red carpet" of Sniper's throne room.
A red robed Yoshi entered the room followed by a group of Paratroopas. It was obvious that his spies had no liking for the Paratroopas. Sniper studied his guest as he approached. He did indeed look more like a red Yoshi than a Koopa Mage, except for the robe and hat. He carried an ash staff in his hand and sheathed sword at his side. The Yoshi also had... yellow wings? And Sniper also caught a glimpse of a turtle shell under the robes. The thing that caught Sniper's eye the most was the Yoshi's red skin. It was on fire.
Sniper: (Interesting.) I'd say that you were welcome in my castle, but then I'd be lying. Where's the bag?
Koopa Mage: No small talk, eh? Well, here are the potions. By the way, the name's Foshi.
Sniper: I did not ask for your name, boy.
Sniper enjoyed seeing this... Foshi... squirm with anger. Yes, let's see how much discipline this Mage of Kamek has, thought Sniper. He signaled one of his SGSs to take the bag of potions from the Paratroopa at Foshi's side.
Sniper: The book and wand?
Foshi: Whoa, now hold on a sec! Didn't Kamek tell you that these are true power for a "Koopa Mage"?
Sniper: I already know that he sent you here to betray me. You will be under my command without either wand or book. When the time comes for you to demonstrate your magic, then, and only then, will you have them back. (Kamek must have been a fool to think I'd trust him that easily.)
Foshi hesitated for a moment, but then agreed to Sniper's demand. The same SGS collected the book and wand and ran for the tower.
Sniper: Oh, and I wouldn't suggest trying to steal back anything. I highly doubt that you can get past all of my traps. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you... Foshi. One last thing, all of your Paratroopas will have to sleep outside.
After that statement, all of the Paratroopas started to argue. The SGSs taunted and made rude gestures. Before anybody knew what was happening, a full out brawl opened in the throne room. The entire castle was filled with sounds of yelling, banging, yelping, and howling. It took almost half an hour to calm everybody down, but the group was still restless from the fight. With that, Sniper retired for the night, confident that the foolish Foshi would have an "accident" during the night. No one was a better master of tricks and traps than Sniper...
~ ~ ~
Sniper awoke later that night. A green smoke covered the floor of his bedroom. Looking out his door, he found out that green smoke covered the hallways too. Angry, but still cautious, Sniper ran towards his tower. Practically all the traps along the way were either set off or disabled. He quickly opened the door to see... nobody. The smoke did indeed spew forth from this room. From the crystal ball.
Before Sniper could investigate any further, the first rays of dawn entered his room. The crystal ball exploded into millions of shards, some sprinkling on Sniper. At first, there seemed to be no damage, but then a pain grew in Sniper's head. His mind felt as though it were being torn apart!
His screams echoed through the castle hallways, Sniper flailed his arms futily to resist the mind control spell. He controlled himself long enough to stumble towards his desk with a small chest on top of it. As he opened it, a small needle pricked his finger. Sniper winced, a victim of his own trap. No matter, he thought between waves of pain, the treasure inside will stop the needle's poison and the spell. Sniper picked up the simple silver ring inside and put it on his finger with his last ounce of strength. The pain ceased. The poison disappeared. Sniper began to breathe easier, but stopped as he felt something...
The spell still struggled against the protective enchantment of the ring and still had a hold over half of his mind and still gave victory to that backstabbing Kamek. Sniper cursed himself for not killing Foshi when he had the chance. He stood up, brushed himself off, and started making a new plan.
Sniper: Quickshot, you are still my most hated enemy, but I must deal with someone else first. I will-
The spell pulsed with power. For a moment, Sniper felt the need to serve Lord Bowser and Master Kamek. He needed to return to those who-
Sniper forced his will against it and his hatred for his ex-masters grew tenfold. The spell subsided... for now.
Sniper: I will not be able to fight Kamek and Foshi in this condition. I need to lift this curse first. But who can do such a thing?
Soft Female Voice: Another Koopa Mage...
Chapter 3: Spawn of Evil
Concord woke up.
There was still a few days to go before the mission to stop Bowser actually began. In the meantime, the only objective for the Yoshi Heroes was to train for the upcoming battles. Concord decided to find some old friends.
As Concord strolled down one of the many halls of the Palace of Power, he spied Quickshot "training for the upcoming battles" in a side room. Concord approached his long time partner. Quickshot heard the footsteps and looked up from under his hat, which was covering his eyes just a second ago.
Concord: Sleeping again? I thought you had enough rest and were ready for action.
Quickshot: That was before I had a mission. Now I remember how it feels to have too little time.
Concord shook his head in frustration.
Concord: I don't think I'll ever understand you, even after all this time.
Quickshot: (shrugging) I don’t expect you to. Nobody does anyway!
Concord: Well, at least one of us is excited about this new adventure.
Quickshot quickly stood up from his lying position, the expression of surprise was all over his face.
Quickshot: I'm hurt! You don't really think that I'm not all for this adventure, do you?
Concord: Well, if you were, you'd be training... like Tek in the gym.
Quickshot: Tek... in the gym?! Ha! I'd pay to see that!
Concord: Then let's go.
~ ~ ~
Sniper now stood in his ruined magic tower. The green smoke that covered the floor disappeared, but the explosion of his prized crystal ball broke almost all of his fragile potions and pouches of magic sand. He was forced to wear one of his three protective rings while his second was missing. The magical explosion of the crystal ball also managed to taint the enchantment of his magical boots and capes. Sniper's supply of magical things went from an arsenal to a glove box from the sabotage of a single Yoshi! In fact, the only trace of magical objects he had left was an additional protection ring, an unbreakable rope, and a gem that could hide him from magical detection.
But to these losses Sniper paid no attention. All of his attention was devoted to the smooth skinned Koopa Mage that stood before him.
Sniper: You say another Koopa Mage can break this curse? You have my attention, witch. Talk.
Kalcia: That is no way to address your friend, dark one.
Sniper: And what makes you think that I will trust you any farther than I could throw you, friend?
Sniper spat that last word with sarcasm. Kalcia quickly responded as though the insult was not heard.
Kalcia: We have a common enemy, dark one. My brother Kamek and his new "apprentice" Foshi are on my list and, if I am not mistaken, are on yours as well.
Sniper: I see where you're going. And why should I partner with you?
Kalcia: You wish to remove your curse and I do not wish to be connected with Kamek... removal. With your skills and my magic, both should be no problem.
Sniper: ... I partner with no other.
Kalcia: No matter. I can just change your mind.
Kalcia's hand, which was slowly creeping under her robe, brought out her magic rod. Sniper's dark crystal sword was already under her chin. Second time this today... thought Kalcia. Sniper did not move for many moments as if daring Kalcia to move first, but then he finally lowered his sword.
Sniper: I have considered your deal. I accept. You remove my curse now, and I will help you eliminate the two responsible for it.
Kalcia: (laughing nervously) There may be a problem... Though I can remove the curse made by Kamek's potion, I need his rod to do so.
A red haze of rage washed over Sniper's face. As soon as it appeared, it also disappeared. Sniper calmly stood straight and adjusted his almost black cowboy hat.
Sniper: It seems that I have no choice. Is it safe to assume you have a plan ready?
Kalcia: Actually, yes. I know as a fact that Foshi is planning to attack the Palace of Power-
Sniper: What?! must be a fool if he thinks-
Kalcia: He is not. As you are a master of planting traps and sniping, he is the master of evading traps and sabotaging, as you may have found out.
Sniper barely managed to contain his anger after the humorless joke. Kalcia continued with no pause.
Kalcia: You will watch over him with the help of my invisibility enchantment, but don't do anything with him. After he sets his traps and causes enough damage, make sure he doesn't escape.
Sniper: Two birds with one stone, eh? I like that! (smiling) Joining with you may have been a good thing after all.
Kalcia: So you agree with the plan? Then we must be off to the Palace.
The Koopa Mage looked around the ruined tower room. Her face blushed as she looked back at Sniper.
Kalcia: I seemed to have lost my broomstick...
Sniper sighed. He called his SGSs, who already managed to get rid of the Paratroopas from the castle. Soon both the black Yoshi and the Koopa Mage were being flown towards the floating fortress known as the Palace of Power.
~ ~ ~
Tek: 997... 998... 999... 1,000! Whew! What a workout!
Tek, covered with a metallic skin, dropped the heavy barbells and flexed his silvery "muscles" in a showy fashion. Concord and Quickshot only watched and laughed while all the Human, Yoshi, and Mushroom musclemen of the gym stared in disbelief. Tek was not the strongest-looking Yoshi, after all.
Quickshot: I should have known that the kid would be cheating.
Tek: Cheating? I bet I could beat you in arm wrestling!
Quickshot: Naw, I'm no good when fighting against a machine.
Quickshot was half-serious.
Tek: (talking with a fake buff-man accent) Don't be jealous of my manly body!
Tek shivered and his metallic skin slowly turned back to a natural yellow hue. Despite the enhanced strength the metallic skin offered him, Tek's body was still damp with sweat from the effort. Concord immediately ran over and caught Tek to steady him.
Concord: Whoa! Tek! Don't overdo yourself, you're still Human... err... Yoshi.
Tek: (now with a weak voice) Yeah... ouch... a visit to the steam room should do me good...
The now-weary Yoshi half-walked half-stumbled out of the gym and into the steam room. Tek dropped his tool belt, put on a white robe, and entered the room. From the inside, he turned the steam on and began to relax. The room filled with blissful warmth and moisture. Relax. Relaxing. Relaxation.
~ ~ ~
Sniper sat on the roof of a tower. He was sure that nobody would think to look up there, but he still accepted Kalcia's invisibility spell. The cold wind bit at his back, the air thinned just enough to force an effort with breathing, and birds occasionally settled on the tip of the tower and squawked annoyingly. Sniper's unbreakable patience grew thin.
Sniper: Amuse me... Tell me again why we must wait up here.
Kalcia: I didn't plan on the tight security of the Palace of Power. We must wait out here for Foshi to make his move, and then we'll strike!
Sniper: Right... I think I'll take a little nap. You wake me when Foshi screws up or when you find him with your magic.
Kalcia: What? I am not your servant! Not your slave! I-
Sniper laid down into a comfortable position and pulled his hat over his eyes. Before Kalcia spoke another word, Sniper fell fast asleep.
Kalcia: How can such a lazy Yoshi... No matter, he is worthless at the moment anyway.
Kalcia sat back down and concentrated again on her scrying spell. Soon, Foshi will be eliminated and Kamek will be helpless. Soon, Kalcia will be the head Mage.
~ ~ ~
The door opened. Tek half-opened one of his eyes and saw another Yoshi, but still fully clothed. Now sensing a feeling of alarm, Tek stood up to get a full look at the new arrival. A red Yoshi, like Quickshot, but with much different clothing and equipment. This red Yoshi wore a red robe and had... yellow wings on his back? A sword in a red sheath showed from beneath the stranger's robe. Fear replaced Tek's sense of alarm. Great fear.
Tek: Who... what?
Foshi: I'll be quick since I don't have a lot of time. I'm Foshi, and I'm here to assassinate you.
Foshi extended his hand at Tek, who could only stare with an open mouth. A blob of red-hot lava shot out of Foshi's palm. Tek was instantly changed into his metallic form before the blob actually hit him, and the lava cooled into a black rock before falling to the floor.
Foshi: You're... immune to fire?!
Tek: My turn!
Tek formed a ball of green flame between
his outstretched hands. With a flick of his wrists, the plasma ball flew
at the red Yoshi, but never got near its mark; Foshi was already turning
to the side when the ball was launched. The door and a part of the wall
behind Foshi exploded outward in a shower of wood and plaster.
Foshi's face showed anger and he pulled
his sword from its scabbard, which instantly burst into flames.
Foshi: Let's see if you're immune to this!
The flaming sword struck out as quick as a snake and cut at Tek's arm. Tek yelped and jumped back, but a thin line of blood was already drawn from his elbow to his wrist. Foshi grinned at the realization that Tek's metallic armor protected him from elements, but not enchanted blades. Foshi was fast enough to dodge Tek's attacks, but not the other way around. Foshi prepared to attack again and Tek desperately searched the room to find any defense, but failed.
Voices floated through the hole in the wall. People were shouting in alarm and panic. Among them were Concord and Quickshot.
Foshi: I don't like the odds of three-to-one, so I'll let you live for now. Watch your back! Heh heh!
Tek: You! Why-
Foshi pulled a clear potion from a medium sized pouch at his side. One swig and the red Yoshi disappeared from sight. Tek heard some footsteps fade away. Just then, Concord and Quickshot entered the hole with other Mushroom guards.
Quickshot: What in the? Tek! What happened?
Tek: Someone almost killed me, that's what! Look for a red Yoshi with yellow wings, and fast!
The following Mushroom people gave one salute and ran to spread the order. As if on cue, the Palace shook. Sirens rang and red lights filled the halls.
Concord: What's that?
Running Soldier: Sir! We've been bombed! All our major facilities are badly damaged and I'm not sure if we can still float the island!
Concord: Then fix it! Report everything to General Stan. We'll check out the area for the bomber. If Tek was attacked like he said, that might be the Yoshi we're looking for.
Soldier: Sir!
The soldier ran off with the received orders while the Yoshi Heroes took to the outside. Tek grabbed a sandwich and a soda on the way out to replenish some of his lost energy.
~ ~ ~
Sniper woke up.
Kalcia: Wake up you fool! There hides Foshi!
The Koopa Mage pointed towards the Palace's now-empty courtyard. In one shadowy corner sat a red Yoshi. Sniper positioned his sniper rifle and took a look with his scope. It appeared that Foshi was looking at himself in a hand mirror. Sniper explained what he saw.
Kalcia: He must be talking to my cursed brother, Kamek. Quick! Get him while he's still on the mirror! Imagine Kamek's face when his "prized apprentice" falls before his eyes!
Sniper: "... It only takes one shot...
Yoshi and rifle became one. Sniper took aim at Foshi's vital neck. Steady, precise, deadly. He squeezed the trigger...
The powerful shot echoed throughout the entire Palace. One shot. One shot is all it takes. Sniper, now smug in his finished task, looked once more into his scope to view his fallen prey...
Sniper: WHAT?!
Foshi still stood, but with his back against the wall. The hand mirror in his hand lay broken on the ground and Foshi waved his hand in pain in front of him. To Sniper's confusement, Foshi stopped waving his hand for a second, just enough time to remove a steaming ring from his finger. Sniper pondered for a second, then it hit him as hard as one of his own traps.
Sniper: He had the other protective ring!
Kalcia: Finish him! Finish him before he gets away!
Sniper quickly reloaded another powerful bullet into his rifle, but it was too late by that time. Foshi already ran inside for cover.
Sniper: We must flee this place, it will soon be swarming with guards!
Kalcia: No, let's stay and watch. My spell will still hide us from sight, but now everybody heard where Foshi was hiding. This could get interesting...
Sniper opened his mouth to argue, but found none. He too was curious to see what would happen to Foshi. And if the Palace guards would catch Foshi, Sniper still had a chance to finish what he started, with no ring to protect his target the second time.
Kalcia: Wait! I feel something happening...
The dark Yoshi looked around for any clue of what Kalcia was talking about. He glanced down to where Foshi use to be, and then he saw something curious. He looked through his scope and spotted a small door where there was none before. A blue-robed figure stepped through the door.
Kalcia: It's Kamek! Shoot him! Shoot him!
Sniper: ... One shot... wait...
The curse in Sniper's mind took hold again. Sniper's will ordered his body to pull the trigger, but how could he attack his master? How could he harm the servant of his lord Bowser? How-
Sniper: The curse...
Kalcia: Oh, you weak-willed fool! No matter, I had a special plan for my "dear brother"!
Kalcia drew her wand from under her robes. With it, she began to chant the spell she started once before, but now with the power of her wand. She chanted as she pointed the wand at Kamek in the distance:
Created from darkness,
Power, and rage,
And also by the wand
Of a great Koopa Mage.
A demon, most powerful,
Who truly can't be matched,
Summoned by evil, and
Now it shall be hatched!
Flames licked at the end of the wand, then shot forth a pure red bolt of lightning. The lightning crackled and landed right near where the blue-robed Koopa Mage stood.
Sniper: You missed! That was a terrible shot!
Kalcia: (giggling) Just watch!
The large spot where the lightning hit turned bright like a blanket over a flashlight. Cracks formed on the ground where the spot continued to glow and the whole island began to shake. More cracks sprouted and widened until it threatened to burst. Then, in a bright flash of light and flame, it did. Rocks and firestones exploded from the circular hole now created in the ground, all deflected aside by Kamek's magic.
Out of the hole crawled a creature of pure darkness, pure evil, pure power. A demon, a spawn of the abyss, leaped out of the hole which slammed shut behind it. The 14-foot monster composed of toughened muscles, swords for claws, crowned with sharp horns, and shining with light-draining dark skin, stood before Kamek in full fury.
Concord flew at full speed down the halls, seeking an open sky to scout around. Around the corner, he spotted a flurry of feathered wings on what looked like another Yoshi. That must be the bomber, he thought.
Quickshot: Hey! Wait up, will ya?
The flying Yoshi gritted his teeth, drew his sword, and charged around the corner. With a yell, Concord swung with the strength and speed defined by his years of training. His crystal sword met with the sword his opponent, a beautifully performed parry. Concord then saw the target of his attack and his face quickly grew soft. A female purple Yoshi with bright feathered wings.
Concord: Zelda?
Zelda: Concord?
The two Yoshis backed away from each other, somewhat confused. Quickshot and Tek caught up with Concord and saw the situation just as a yellow Yoshi and a light blue Yoshi, both females, ran up behind the winged purple one. Tek saw the new company and scarfed down the last of his sandwich and soda with a lap of his tongue.
Light Blue Yoshi: Zelda, are you all right?
Quickshot: Concord, what's going on here?
Zelda: I tracked Foshi around here. I saw your wings and stuck before I thought.
Concord: Foshi? I heard a red Yoshi with yellow wings was attacking, and I too struck before thinking.
Zelda: Yeah, that’s him alright. It's good to see you again Concord. It's been too long. You too, Quickshot.
Quickshot: Excuse me? Hey, Blue, you gonna introduce us to your girlfriends?
Zelda and Yellow Yoshi: Girlfriends?!
Ioshi (Light Blue Yoshi): Calm down, you two. I am Ioshi, behind me is Lioshi, and you've met Zelda already.
Concord: I am Concord, my sharp-mouthed friend is Quickshot, and over there is Tek.
A loud rumble echoed throughout the halls.
Lioshi: Sounds like it's coming form the courtyard!
Quickshot and Zelda: What're we waiting for? Let's go!
The two glanced at each other in amusement for a second before the two groups headed out to investigate the disturbance. As they passed a large open window, they saw the source of the rumble, a large black demon raking at a nearby tower. The damage caused was incredible! The tower could not take much more of the attack.
Zelda: Big and ugly is mine!
With that, Zelda launched out the open window and flew towards the large demon.
Concord: Wait!
Concord also launched out the open window and flew after Zelda. Quickshot pulled a long rope from his saddle and tied one end to a nearby pillar.
Quickshot: We gotta help 'em, right? I'll lower this rope down the window. Ladies first!
Ioshi: That will take too long...
Tek: Unless we jump, there's nothing else we can do. Just go!
Lioshi and Ioshi started to climb down the rope and then were followed by Quickshot and Tek. By the time they got to the bottom, they turned to the fighting and saw that it was too late...