Hello all! It’s me, BOB, the narrator of GBT! Last time when we left the Team of Terror, as you surely remember, they received a less-than-warm welcome from a strange new character calling herself Crystal. She is a light blue Birdo, with long sparkly wings of white feathers. Who is this mysterious Birdo? Does she know anything of the magical artifact our beloved Cap’n Torte seeks? Is she in fact in a monarchy, making her the actual queen of the ice? Is she just some random character that you shouldn’t worry about at all? Probably, but let’s find out anyway by reading this next chapter!
“Mon dieu! Vat in ze name of Freddy ist zat?” Cap’n Torte shouted.
“It looks like one of those gizmos from Stanley Steamer. TOUGH ON DIRT, GENTLE ON CARPET!!!” Genius Guy said, shoving his fist in the air. “VIVA LA REVOLUCION!!!”
BANG! came the familiar sound of PAN OF PERIL hitting Genius Guy.
“Silly boys, you shouldn’t be fighting each other! I’d be worried about me if I were you! Hee hee hee!” Crystal threatened.
“Big deal! So you’re a Birdo who can fly, we’re an entire force of evil that outnumbers you in every way! SO I SAY THIS: BOO-YAH!!!” Changling screamed.
Crystal flapped down in front of the red-robed Changling. Both her clawed feet set down on the ground and she started walking over to Changling, batting her long, icy eyelashes. Changling reared back in confusion, being foreign to the concept of female attention. Crystal continued walking up to Changling, and the Magikoopa continued stumbling backward. The other Team of Terror members were attempting to hold in their laughs as they watched. Changling reached the edge of the platform and looked down. No way he could swim in that freezing water. He turned back and gasped, Crystal was merely inches away from his face. She batted her eyes some more, and grabbed Changling on his side and back with both of her hands. She pressed up against him, dipped him to the side, and pressed her odd shaped mouth against his. Appropriate WHOOOOOOOS came from the on looking gaggle of Jerry Springer-watching idiots. Changling fell limp, overcome with anxiety and Crystal opened her eyes and looked up, a sinister glint in them. The Birdo slowly summoned up some stored air deep inside one of her lungs, and felt the cool breeze pass through her mouth and onto Changling’s. The air froze on contact when it was blown against him. Changling’s eyes opened, he was dumbfounded. Crystal pulled back and continued breathing out her freezing gusts of air, stored in her ice lung. Changling’s whole body was frozen solid in a matter of seconds.
“Hey! Zat’s not cool! She just froze vone of my best henchmen! Let’s see, who should I send out now?” Cap’n Torte pondered, scratching his chin.
Mini Moi tugged on the Cap’n’s crimson cape. “Not now Mini Moi! I’m trying to zink who I should send out to fight zis freak!” Mini Moi rolled his eyes.
“Mwah ha ha ha! I choose you, Genius Guy!” Torte said with a strange action background and then pointing his hand forward with much intensity.
The Shy Guy scientist front flipped forward ahead of the captain chef, and tossed a smoke bomb where he landed.
“I am the terror, that flaps in the night! I am the global warming melting the icecaps! I am, DARKWIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING DUCK!!!” Genius Guy announced. “Cough! Cough! Hack! Oh this smoke bomb’s killin’ me!”
“Oh you’re a funny little guy! I wish I could keep you forever! Oh wait, I can! One Snow Globe, Genius Guy edition, coming up! Hee!” Crystal said, shooting out snowflakes gathering in a sphere in front of her.
“Oooh! I’ve always wanted to be immortalized as a snow globe!” Genius Guy giggled.
“Team of Terror Snow Globes! Of course, vhy didn’t I zink of zat? It’s such a brilliant marketing ploy, ve’ll make millions, Mini Moi!” Cap’n Torte shouted.
Crystal finished her exhale, and lifted the snowflake sphere into the air. She winked at Genius Guy and heaved it at him with full force. He pulled out his pipe and placed it into his mouth, blowing soap bubbles out of it as the attack hit him. The sphere wrapped him in clear ice, and the snowflakes were sealed inside with Genius Guy.
“Master Torte! We’re down another man!” Apprentice worried.
“I’m busy devising ze ultimate plan of ze stock market! You go fight her!” Torte ordered.
“Um... okay...” Apprentice said, his self-confidence now completely crushed. He tasted bile as he walked up to the Snow Birdo. “Um... I demand in the name of the Team of Terror, that you cease your disorderly conduct immediately.” A cold discouraging growl came from the Birdo. “Or whenever’s fine for you! Gotta go!”
The Apprentice turned around and started running like a girl in a cowardly panic. He didn’t get very far; unfortunately for him, Crystal leapt into the air and pointed her hands at the adjacent wall. Three large chunks of ice were pulled magically from the wall, and they each slammed into Apprentice’s head. The K.O.’d Koopa fell to the ground, his head full of large, throbbing bumps of Looney Tunes fame.
“Sheesh, I thought you said you were the Team of Terror! Not very terrifying at all, in fact I have taken out three of yours without a single bead of sweat appearing and immediately freezing afterward!” Crystal taunted.
She looked to Captain Torte, who was busy punching keys on an adding machine and puffing on a large cigar in his mouth. “Vat now?”
“Ugh! You are the worst villain ever! Even worse than Canada!” Crystal bellowed.
“VAT?! HOW DARE YOU, MISTRESS!!! I HAF PROOF I AM MUCH MORE EVIL ZAN CANADA!!!” Cap’n Torte said, completely feral. “SOSHI! MY NUMBEIR VONE FIGHTEIR! SOAR INTO ZE AIR UND TAKE DOWN ZIS UNDESEIRVING VENCH!!!”
Soshi nodded with a wild grin. “Yes Cap’n! I’ve been waiting to show dis one a thing or two...”
“So, a Yoshi of the sky? How bland, but at least I might get to use my flying abilites,” Crystal taunted.
“Enough of your talk, feel my wrath!” Soshi roared.
The blue dragon dashed into the air. He started circling Crystal, gaining speed. The Snow Birdo watched him box her in, unimpressed. Soshi then hooked a left, heading straight for Crystal. He slashed out his right claw, expecting a clean cut, but felt the air pass through his fingers. A feminine laugh came from behind him.
“Your fighting skills are inadequate. You have no strategy. You’re just using brute force and speed. That gets you nowhere against a real opponent!” Crystal chided.
Soshi turned and snarled at the Birdo flapping before him. Instantly after speaking the last words, she rushed forward, her head pointed down. Soshi attempted a dodge, but got sliced in the side of his stomach by Crystal’s icicle-resembling horns. He yelled out a brief cry, but quickly regained his battle fury. Soshi rocketed off behind Crystal and chased her around the arena. He could just barely reach her tail, a good chomp would show her. But then Crystal unexpectedly stopped in midair, and Soshi continued flying onward, slamming into her back, which was littered with spikes along her spine.
“AGGAH! Soshi no like you tricks! Time to fight ice with fire!” Soshi said, getting a flemish sound in his mouth.
He hacked up a blob of stomach acid, and spat it onto Crystal’s back. She cried in pain, how it burned! The Snow Birdo was now overwhelmed with anger. She faced Soshi and pulled back her head, sucking in lots of air. Soshi didn’t wait for her attack, and slammed his fist into her exposed stomach. She coughed out some snowflakes and her rubbed her sore stomach.
“Ohhh... what was THAT? Who do you think you are, attacking a lady, shame on you!” Crystal barked.
“What kind of lady goes around stealing gems anyway... I mean, wait now Soshi confused...”
While the blue dragon muttered over Sega games of the day, Crystal moved in and retaliated with a sneak attack kick to the lower gut. Soshi shouted out, causing some of the ice to crack. Pink- and orange-colored vomit flowed through his sharp teeth and dripped out of his mouth to the water below. He winced and felt pain when he breathed in. He halfway shut his eyes and slowly descended to the battle arena, both of his hands rubbing against his stomach as Crystal had done less than a few seconds ago.
“Serves you right!” Crystal snapped.
Soshi swallowed and wiped his lip, then shook his head. He glared up at Crystal, acting so pompous in the air, yet still weakened, as she continued to console her stomach as did he. A droplet of liquid puzzled the dragon as it trickled down his face. He looked to the ground, realizing it was a tear. He rubbed it away, not wanting anyone to see his pain. The blue dragon snorted and his eyes focused on Crystal once again. He began to flap his wings and lifted off the ground slowly. Very calmly and in a defensive way, he rose up to Crystal, stopping when the two were face to face. Soshi unsheathed his mighty claws, Crystal gathered air in her lungs. The two let out furious attacks, Crystal’s blizzard breath bit Soshi’s soft hide as he pursued her through the snowstorm. Claws ready, he waited to see her silhouette in the cloud of ice and snow. That’s when he found her. She hovered below, thinking she was out of sight. A malicious smile formed on Soshi’s face, then he struck.
Crystal hadn’t seen it coming, and had no chance to dodge the assail. Soshi slammed into her, and they both collided into a wall in the large room. The spikes along Crystal’s spine dug into the ice and made it hard for her to pull herself out of the ambush. Not to mention, Soshi pinned her against the wall, his hands on her wrists and his legs bent to push hers against the wall. Even Soshi was devious enough to use his own tail to counter hers if she thought of whipping him. Crystal turned her head away and the cold ice felt comforting on her cheek. She closed her eyes and a tear formed, than instantly crystallized onto her face. Crystal’s eyes met with Soshi’s when she turned her head back again. He had a discomforting grin of satisfaction on his face.
“You know I... I never meant to hurt you...” she told Soshi, looking away again.
“I don’t care what you have to say, ugly Birdo. Now die!” Soshi shouted, pulling back his right claw.
“WAIT!” Crystal screamed.
She felt Soshi’s grip loosen. Taking a dangerous chance she placed her free hand onto his shoulder. Soshi dropped his claw and Crystal pulled him close to her. She freed her other hand, and put it onto the small of his back. She batted her long eyelashes flirtatiously.
“Soshi... I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you...” Crystal said persuasively.
Soshi smiled again. “Sorry Birdo, your seductive skills get you nowhere with Soshi. Like this entire island, my heart as cold as ice! And my hate for you even more chilling.”
Soshi broke free of her grasp and fired his razor sharp claws at her. Crystal pressed up against the wall as much as possible and got sliced with only a fraction of the damage that could have been done. Three red slashes oozed out blood on the left side of her chest. Despite the pain, Crystal moved swiftly and flew to Soshi’s back. Using her talons, she kicked and then ripped down his back, making twice as many slashes as he had to her. Soshi roared with fury, his cry echoed throughout the island. He spun around and slashed the air. Crystal had already started moving! A strange out-of-place whirring noise came from overhead. Soshi gasped at what he saw. Two rapidly rotating giant snowflakes, sharp as diamonds, hovered above each of Crystal’s outstretched hands. Soshi tried to say something, but no words came.
“Hee hee hee! Now I’ll finally rid myself of you with my greatest attack! The Diamond Saw!” Crystal threatened.
Crossing her arms, and then launching them downward she started the stunning attack. Both snowflake sawblades targeted Soshi. The blue dragon’s astonishment was broken just in time for him to flap out of the way. The two diamond saws chased him, unforgiving and fast. Soshi rushed across the room at his top speed. He was injured severely, and couldn’t keep this up much longer. Though he wouldn’t admit to it, he took Crystal’s advice and tried to think of a way out of this. A strategy developed in his mind as the onslaught of the whirring discs of ice continued. Like so many clichés before, he thought to rush at Crystal and dodge just before crashing into her. The blue dragon immediately put his plan into effect. Crystal had been watching his every move and knew what he was up to.
“I’m not stupid enough for that to work!” Crystal said, starting to fly around the room to keep Soshi or the saws from catching her.
Soshi cursed when his simplistic plan was found to be a flop. What could he do now? Soshi’s speed must have decelerated, because one of the saws was right behind him. Soshi yelled out and took a dive. The spinning blade chopped just the tip of his right wing. He continued to fly downward, looking back at the disc. He then turned forward and saw the oncoming freezing water. He struggled to pull up out of his descent. Within seconds of plummeting into the icy depths, Soshi began to rise into the air to safety. The whirring diamond blade didn’t pull up and sliced into the thick, cold water. It forced a turn inside the freezing water and pulled out of the pool. It was much heavier, duller and slower now. But nevertheless, it continued to pursue Soshi. Soshi watched the saw following him and saw the second blade coming up from in front of him. Soshi lowered and the spinning snowflake sawblade cut through the air at merciless speeds and collided into the other diamond saw. The stronger one shattered through the slower one, reducing it to shards that sank into the pool of water below. Crystal flapped down and amazingly managed to catch the remaining disc in her hand without harm.
“You have managed to survive my greatest attack, the Diamond Saw. And I must admit you are the best combatant I have ever had the luck to brawl with,” Crystal responded.
Soshi breathed heavily. “And your point is?”
“It was nice knowing you. Goodbye.”
Crystal spiraled around in the air, blowing clouds of ice around her body. Then the cloud enveloped her entirely, creating a magical coat of ice, possessing the properties of the strongest armor.
“You think I can be beaten by you, just because you have new armor?” Soshi asked.
“No, I don’t think so. I know so,” Crystal said.
The two flying creatures rushed at each other, claws extended, and a disc of ice began to spin. The anticipation grew as they both neared each other in this serious game of chicken. Soshi sliced and Crystal threw when they met together. Soshi flipped to avoid the Diamond Saw and slashed his claws with the greatest of force. They did nothing, absolutely nothing to Crystal. Her armor was too strong. A satisfied laugh emanated from the airborne Birdo as she went on the offensive. Hard punch, scratch, and kick combos were delivered to the Yo’ster of the sky. He had a black eye, bloody lips and nose, slashes covering his body, and one painful throbbing sore on the center of his spine where Crystal had kicked out one of Soshi’s spikes. He was defeated... even with the strength he had left, he couldn’t defeat her with the mighty armor. He was ready to give up, when his instincts made him rush out of the way at a familiar whirring noise.
The Diamond Saw had returned and zoomed at inconceivable speeds toward them. Soshi had dodged though, and Crystal didn’t have time to move. The Diamond Sawblade crashed into her, resulting in a large explosion. Soshi turned his head away and lifted an arm to shield his eyes from the blast of ice slivers sure to follow. Once the explosion subsided, Soshi looked and saw Crystal had disappeared. Where did she go? Then a gasping noise emanated from below. The blue dragon looked down to see Crystal had taken refuge on the ground. Her armor was gone, her body was damaged greatly, and one of her wings was sliced in the middle. Soshi flapped down to the ground and also deeply breathed once landed. His wings flopped down from being so very tired.
“I... I won,” Soshi gasped.
“No you did... not. I haven’t given… up yet!” Crystal managed to say.
“Your... your wing injured. No more can you fly,” Soshi pointed out.
Crystal looked up with the same familiar wink. “I don’t need to fly to beat you!”
In a blink, Soshi and Crystal had taken on defensive stances. The pair of fighters stepped back an equal amount of land. Then they charged each other. both with their long, lethal claws prepared to slice, slash, and stab. They met with each other and swung their talons. Now standing almost back to back after attacking, both combatants had spent their energy. Soshi and Crystal collapsed.
Chapter 29: The Villain So Chillin’
Scales chipped away and flesh seared as a beam of red lightning charred away at the large Koopa’s arm. A fierce roar echoed through the huge cavern and silenced everything. Bowser turned his head and viewed his injured arm. A small burn was seen on the top of his shoulder. He placed his other hand on the injury firmly. He turned back with a glare so horrifying it could kill those with weak hearts. The King of the Koopa finally showed his awesome strength after letting it lie dormant in him for so long. Bowser ignored the pain and closed both of his fists tightly, and stomped forward to his enemy. The White Warrior nonchalantly watched the crazed Koopa rush up to him. Bowser pulled back his right arm as he neared the White Warrior and threw a powerful punch. It slammed into the chestplate of the White Warrior, and made a large indent. The Warrior in White flew back from the awesome attack and crashed into the thick wall. The impact caused a huge stalactite to plummet from the ceiling above and crush the fallen foe. Bowser snorted and licked his teeth with his stout tongue. His vision turned to the remaining two enemies.
“Who’s next?” Bowser demanded.
The huge spike of ice recently fallen shattered to bits and a cloud of smoke covered the area. Bowser squinted to see what had caused the explosion of ice. The White Warrior he had thought dead ascended into the air, only slight scratches on him, and no longer carrying a staff..
“Impossible!” Bowser shouted.
The White Warrior threw himself at Bowser. The turtle tyrant and the arctic enemy locked their hands on each other’s arms. Bowser sucked in air and belched out a cloud of flames at the White Warrior. Getting hit with the full force, the White Warrior released his grip on the Koopa King and reared back from the assail. Bowser then took this opportunity to pounce on his enemy. The massive weight crushed the White Warrior as Bowser crashed upon him. The White Warrior struggled to break free as Bowser continued wrestling the armored arctic opponent.
The five Koopalings watched their father fight until orbs of red lightning rained down from above. The turtle tribe scattered into various directions. Morton and Wendy ran one way until they were stopped in their tracks when a White Warrior blocked their paths. They both lifted their claws, prepared for battle. Roy and Junior had scurried off in another direction and were also confronted with one of the three strange armored creatures. Roy put up his dukes and Junior stepped behind his older brother, trying to think of what he could do to help. Both pairs of Koopa Kids began battling as their father and his opponent were once again exchanging blows on the ground. Larry Koopa slowly stepped away from anyone’s eye and crept along the wall until he reached the cavern entrance. He shifted his eyes making certain no one saw him and hastily rushed into the cave...
Kamek awoke with a cold bite of nippy air. Instantly he reached for his wand to find it was gone, as were all of his belongings aside from his blue cloak, hood, and glasses. He quickly took in his surroundings sensing danger was afoot. He was locked in some sort of magical blizzard. He watched as razor sharp snowflakes speedily circled him. He peered through the snowflakes and noticed not too far away from him, Iggy and Kammy were locked inside the same kind of magical cage. Iggy was unconscious, but Kammy looked at him with a concerned look. They began exchanging thoughts mentally.
“Kammy, where are we?” Kamek asked telepathically.
“I’m not sure, I just came to myself. You can’t see it, but I’m near a cliff and down aways there’s a gang of at least five Duplighosts gathered around some alter,” Kammy responded.
“I’ll take a look myself,” Kamek gloated.
Kamek sat down and folded his legs. He placed his hands on his knees and closed his eyes. Using his mental connection with his source of power, Doomstar, Kamek opened his mind’s eye and activated an out-of-body experience. Kamek looked down and saw himself concentrating on the spell. He flew past the snowflakes without harm. When passing Kammy and Iggy he looked down off of the cliff and sure enough what Kammy had said was accurate. Kamek studied the Duplighosts and wondered what they were doing. In no way were they chanting or praying to the large circular uprise in the center of the room down below. They just stood silently as if waiting for something or someone to arrive. That’s when Kamek saw him; the same Magikoopa that had captured him glided into the room surprisingly quick for such an elder. Kamek questioned the Magikoopa’s appearance, thinking it could be deceptive. The Magikoopa said something and rose his Snow Scepter. A whirlwind of snow gathered in a fluxuating sphere hovering just above the round alter. Slowly images of a dragon and a Birdo faded into the snow sphere. Kamek’s out-of-body spell dissipated as the image began taking shape. Kamek opened his eyes and stood up.
“What’s happening, Kammy?” he asked, mentally again.
“The snow is showing a picture. Call me crazy but I think the image is showing Chef Torte...” Kammy said.
“Chef Torte?!” Kamek asked, this time out loud. His eyes widened when he realized his mistake.
Kammy looked down nervously and watched as the Duplighosts rushed off in different directions as the snow sphere vanished. The Magikoopa in white teleported and reappeared in front of the two Magikoopas. A cold look came over his ravaged face.
“So you have awakened. Well I can’t bother with you now, time is of the essence. Just know that I will return to freeze the blood that flows through your veins in due time,” the Magikoopa hissed.
“Wait!” Kamek yelled.
The old Magikoopa had turned his back to them but stopped at Kamek’s outburst. A creepy cackling came from the crazy Koopa. He turned with an evil glint in his eye and showing jagged teeth. “Yes?”
Kamek took a minute to regroup. The Magikoopa staring at him seemed so threatening, so powerful, not in the least feeble. Finally the words came to him. “I want answers. First off who are you, and why are you keeping us sealed?”
“Why do you seek answers when your time is so little?” the Magikoopa responded, teleporting back down.
Kamek shrugged and sat down. “This is just perfect...” he muttered under his breath.
“Kamek!” Kammy spoke telepathically again. “It’s Larry! He’s just rushed into the room!”
“What? Larry? That doesn’t make sense...” Kamek thought.
Down the cliff the elderly Magikoopa clutched his Snow Scepter and turned to the oncoming Larry Koopa. A wicked smile crawled onto his face.
“Ah, what news of the remaining Koopas do you have to tell?” the Magikoopa asked.
“Master, they are currently battling with the Warriors in White,” Larry replied.
“I see. What of the real Larry?” the Magikoopa asked.
“He is of no concern. I placed him inside one of our torture mazes, he has no chance of escaping,” the phony Larry responded.
“Good. Then all is going as planned. Listen page, return to the Koopas and keep a close eye on them. Inform me if anything else happens. We mustn’t let another millenia pass by for my time to rise again!” the Magikoopa said.
The phony Larry nodded and ran out of the room. The Magikoopa looked up and smiled at Kammy, who had been watching the entire time. Kammy gasped and rushed to the very back of her “cage”, hoping the Magikoopa in white wouldn’t come. And he didn’t. After a short while of silence, Kammy looked back to find he was gone...
Bowser recoiled from a strong blow to the chest. He made a frightening growl and charged at the White Warrior. He shot his fist at his enemy, knocking him back as well. The two seemed to be equally strong. Bowser and the Warrior in White continued this method, trying to think of a new strategy.
Morton and Wendy ran in panic from the orbs of red energy being shot at them. They had no luck in fighting the White Warrior so far, and knew they couldn’t defeat him with their strength. They’d have to outsmart it somehow.
“Wait! I’ve got an idea!” Morton said.
“What is it?!” Wendy asked, hopping away from another blast.
“We use the magic rope against him!” Morton answered.
“Enough with that rope, Morton! It won’t... or wait.. that’s a great idea! I’m a genius! Morton, get your rope and tie up that freak. I’ve gotta go find Roy...” Wendy decided.
“Wait! I’m no cowboy! How am I supposed to do that?!” Morton asked.
The only answer he recieved was a severe blast to the back from the White Warrior. He grinded his teeth and pulled out the rope, starting to spin it in the air as a lasso. He spit out to the side and attempted roping his enemy. He had no success, but wasn’t about to give up now.
Roy spat out a few pyros at his enemy, barely damaging him. He groaned in frustration, dodging the next attack. Junior looked on from a distance, wondering what he should do to help. That’s when he noticed Larry rushing back in from the near cavern entrance.
“Where was he?” Junior muttered to himself.
The youngest Koopa crept from his current position to try and sneak up on Larry, who was now observing the fight on top of a boulder. Junior peered from below the boulder, looking at his sibling. It was Larry, but something seemed different. Why wasn’t he helping everyone? Junior’s nose twitched and the Koopa let out a tiny sneeze. Larry turned and spotted him.
“Hey, what are you doing down there?” Larry snarled.
“Um... what are you doing up there? And where were you?!” Junior asked.
Larry looked surprised. He had been seen! “Uh... nowhere. Why should I tell you anyway, punk?”
Junior narrowed his eyes and glared. “Okay, I believe you. But how come you’re not helping to fight now?”
“Why aren’t you helping?” Larry retorted.
“Tu shay, brother... tu shay.” Junior said, still thinking Larry was up to something.
Wendy reached Roy after a barrage of crimson orbs had been fired and the White Warrior started gathering energy for another attack.
“Roy! I think I know a way to beat these guys!” Wendy shouted.
“Oh yeah? What is it?” Roy asked, a disbelieveing tone to his already annoying voice.
“You have to grab a hold of that guy, and make it so he can’t move,” Wendy explained.
“What? How am I supposed to do dat?” Roy argued.
“I don’t know. Try using your weight a little more, tubby. Now I’ve gotta go check on Morton...” Wendy said, rushing off.
“Aw geeze!” Roy said, as the next round of lasers blasted down upon him.
Larry Koopa had nearly gone mad as he strided through endless pathways of ice and snow, all identical, searching for a way out. How could he get out of this mess? Maybe he was dreaming this whole thing and had fallen asleep at the campfire. Maybe going to Proarctica was all a dream. Maybe he was still in bed with the girlfriend he broke up with, Noko Ono, at his side back in Koopa Village, and had never reunited with his father. Maybe he was still back in the old Castle of the Koopa as a young kid, waiting to wake up and start a new day. Or maybe... he didn’t even exist. What if he was just inside someone’s head? Larry could picture the culprit now. It’d be a human, most likely male and Asian in race. He could almost hear his name whisper as the wind passed him by. Larry slapped himself and realized thoughts like this would send him to the looney bin.
As he was thinking about the crazy Asian man Larry had continued walking, not in any particular direction. He had split off from the continous maze and stumbled upon what could be an exit. Larry noticed the shaping of the path was different. It lead downward, and was much more cramped. Larry’s hair smashed up against the ceiling, the corridor was becoming much smaller. Finally Larry saw the entrance to a room and squeezed himself through the crevace. He looked around and noticed a large round outcropping of ground in the center of the room. There was a large cavern to his right, and a towering cliff to his left. Where was he? He looked up and noticed something familiar. Just a tip of violet color was visible, poking over the edge of the cliff. Larry recognized it instantly.
“Kammy?” he called.
The freezing Magikoopa pair, locked in their blizzard cages, lifted their heads from a slumbering state. Kammy turned and peered over the edge of the cliff. Larry stood down below waving his hand.
“Larry? Is that you, I mean... really you?” Kammy asked.
“Of course it’s me! Oh wait! You must have seen the imposter Larry! Where is he? He had me trapped in a perplexing maze for so long...” Larry said.
“Look Larry, if it IS you, find us our wands so we can get free!” Kammy instructed.
“Our wands? Is Kamek up there too?” Larry asked.
“Yes, I am. But we’re locked up here in a magic spell. We need our wands to free ourselves!” Kamek replied.
“Alright. But who locked you up there?” Larry asked.
“There’s no time for questions, Larry! We need our wands... any wands! This is serious!” Kamek shouted.
“Alright... if only Iggy were here. He HAS a wand...” Larry mumbled.
Kammy and Kamek stared at each other, both realizing how foolish they were.
“IGGY! WAKE UP!!!” they both called.
Iggy didn’t move, he hadn’t moved the entire time. He was alive, they could still sense his life force flowing through his body.
“Wait, this is pointless. Why wouldn’t he have been searched too?” Kamek groaned.
“Yes, you’re right. Larry! You must find a wand and get it up to us as soon as possible! We’re counting on you!” Kammy called.
“Okay! I’ll find them!” Larry replied.
Larry looked ahead of him. There were three separate ways to go. One, the path he had just come from; two, the large cavernous door to his side; and the third being another small passageway in front of him. Larry chose the small pathway and carefully trotted in.
Another powerful blow to the stomach made Bowser cough up blood. He was slowly losing this battle. All of his attacks gave devastating damage, but the White Warrior just wouldn’t give up. Bowser huffed in lots of air and tasted the fire in his mouth. Just before breathing it out, the White Warrior grasped at the Koopa’s neck and clenched it tight, cutting off Bowser’s air supply, and even more dangerous, keeping the flames he had created inside, trying to get out. Bowser felt his throat begin to overheat. His face started turning red. He couldn’t breath it out! What else could he do? The King of the Koopa did the only thing that came to mind and swallowed the flames. With a loud bam, an explosion came from between Bowser’s legs and the Koopa King shot off like a missile at the White Warrior. He toppled the White Warrior onto his back, and Bowser pinned him, looking for a weak spot. The tyrant snarled when he saw exposed flesh colored white and light blue. Lifting his claw, Bowser slashed through and gave the White Warrior a great injury on his back. A hideous shriek bellowed from the monster, and Bowser stumbled off of it in surprise. The creature continued to shriek and hiss when Bowser noticed smoke starting to rise from its injury. Then the White Warrior jumped back to its feet and charged at Bowser. The King of Koopas didn’t react in time and was pummeled to the ground. Now the White Warrior had Bowser pinned on his stomach.
Morton had finally roped the acursed thing and was trying to hold it steady. It struggled to break free, floating in the air. Wendy then caught up to Morton.
“Okay, great job! Now if Roy can get a grip on that other one..” Wendy said, looking back to Roy.
Roy and the White Warrior circled each other, and were prepared to strike. Unexpectedly the first move was fired from neither of the two, and a fireball slammed into the White Warrior’s back. It got startled and dropped it’s staff to the ground, which slid across the room. Roy took advantage of the situation and pounced on his opponent. The White Warrior was nearly crushed under Roy’s weight. The Koopaling got a good grab on his enemy and held him up standing.
“Now!” Roy shouted.
“Morton! We gotta spin this guy really fast and then toss him into the other guy!” Wendy said.
“What? Well, okay,” Morton said, starting to spin.
Around and around the roped creature of the arctic spun. The speed increased greatly and now Morton’s job was to time this just right. His vision was blurry and all the images faded quickly as he spun but he could tell where Roy was because of his huge fatness. He watched it go by again and decided the next time was to let go. Just the start of Roy’s image initiated Morton to release his grip on the rope and let the White Warrior go flying. Roy looked as the oncoming White Warrior was about to smash into him and jumped out of the way.
The two White Warrior collided with each other, the one shooting through the air ripping the other one in half, carrying his torso away from his legs. The two looked at each other and then looked at the oncoming wall. Splat. The two White Warriors hit with such an impact they nearly liquified. Roy, Wendy, and Morton all high-fived each other.
“Hey, which one of you shot that fireball? Great timing!” Roy asked.
“Uh... I was busy spinning... Wendy?” Morton said.
“I didn’t do it...” Wendy replied.
Junior grinned up at his older brother. Larry looked down in disgust.
“Yeah, yeah. So what if you helped them? I could have too...” Larry mumbled.
Larry poked his head around a corner and spied into the next room. A few Duplighosts and Ice Bullies were running amok in the tiny room. He looked around and saw three wands lying on a nearby table. Now all he had to do was find a way to get in without being spotted.
“Hey, what’re you doing here?!” a voice came from below.
Larry bit his tongue and widened his eyes. He turned his head down and saw an Ice Bully looking back up at him.
“Didn’t the Master tell you to keep spying on those dumb Koopas?” the Ice Bully asked.
“Uh...” Larry said confused. Then it hit him. They must think I’m the fake Larry! ”Um... I recieved new orders from... the Master.”
“Oh really? Well, alright. What is it you need?” the Ice Bully asked.
“Um... I was ordered to bring those Magic Wands to the Master,” Larry lied.
“Why would Master need such feeble wands? He already has the Snow Scepter,” the Ice Bully questioned.
“Um... he wants them to be destroyed so no one can find them and use them against us,” Larry answered.
“Oh, that’s Master for ya. He’s quite the genius. Go on ahead,” the Ice Bully responded.
Larry silently breathed out a sigh of relief as he passed through the room. The occupants looked at him in a confused way, furrowing their brows and whatnot. Larry reached the table and aquired all three wands. He placed them in his shell and walked back to where he came from. He gave the Ice Bully who had greeted him a nod and left quickly once out of sight.
Bowser growled, trying to break free of the grasp of the White Warrior. He looked around and noticed one of the things’ staff just out of reach. Bowser looked back to see if the White Warrior on top of him had noticed. Bowser reached and dug his claws into the ground and pulled with all his strength. He slid slightly forward. Bowser repeated with his other claw and did this routine as he neared the staff. It was almost in reach, Bowser could taste victory. His hand extended outward and grabbed the staff. Oddly it began gathering energy as Bowser gripped it. He didn’t seem to notice and just flung it back into the White Warrior’s face. A small explosion occurred, and the White Warrior was no more. The exhausted Koopa King stood up and tossed the staff to his side. He hung his head low and breathed heavily. After a moment of recovery he looked up and saw his kids were also ready to move on.
“Let’s head forward now! The Reznor must be close! Bwa ha ha ha!”
Chapter 30: Fishkabob?
As Captain One-Eye Guy rose to the air, the surroundings of the room seemed to deteriorate. Yoshi, Splooshi, and Mallow looked around and saw the ship’s inards rip away, leaving them inside a strange zone of blackness, red lightning bolts illuminating the dark clouds. They stood upon nothingness, and when they looked down they could see the ocean floor colored thick dark blue and frightening creatures swimming among the waves. Large silver fins glinted when the lightning flashed as they sliced through the water. Then it began to pour. Rain fell everywhere, and there was a great wind as well. Mallow’s cape was blown around crazily in the mighty gales. The three huddled together so as not to be blown off and separated from each other. Captain One-Eye Guy laughed again as another bolt of lightning slammed just a mere meter away from the trio.
“Come now me hearties! Stand before me, and prove that ye aren’t frightened!” One-Eye beckoned.
Splooshi cowered behind his two friends, and Yoshi stepped forward. He had his fists clenched and looked fierce.
“So ye be wantin’ te squabble? So be it green one!” One-Eye shouted.
An eerie ring of blue fire encased the batttlefield. One-Eye Guy floated down to the non-existant ground and drew his blade, pointing it in Yoshi’s direction. Yoshi was unarmed, but had his wits about him. The green Yoshi rushed forward to his enemy, who was showing his ugly rotten teeth to him. Yoshi somersaulted just before reaching One-Eye and became enveloped in a magical egg. One-Eye tried to slice it open, but the hard exterior was tougher than his sword’s steel. The egg slammed into the Shy Guy pirate and fired him across the arena. One-Eye landed just before reaching the flames of blue, and he appeared shaken but unharmed overall. He cackled again and levitated into the air.
“Let’s see ya try and do that when there’s three of me!” One-Eye Guy bellowed.
The ghost spun around where he floated and two identical figures chipped off and floated to either side of him. Then they whirled around fast and mixed each other up.
“Oh ho ho!” they laughed in unison. “Which one of us is real?”
Yoshi studied each of the identical ghost pirates but couldn’t find one difference. Suddenly a yellow lightning bolt, differing greatly from the red ones, pounded down into the left one’s blade and shocked him greatly. The other two One-Eyes vanished and the real Captain fell to the ground. Yoshi turned back and viewed Mallow with his hands raised upward.
“Guess he didn’t know I can read minds...” Mallow chuckled.
Yoshi nodded and smiled. Then he turned back to the fallen Shy Guy and gave him a large kick. The pirate poltergeist was launched far and headed towards the fiery edge of the arena when he pulled out his sword and slammed it into the invisible floor. It slowed him down and ultimately stopped the captain before he could reach the flames.
“That was a nice trick ye pulled there, Nimbian. But I’m not gonna let it happen again!” One-Eye Guy threatened.
The eerie blue glow that eminated from One-Eye Guy turned to a discouraging crimson. Four fireballs parted off from the aura and circled the Captain with much agility. He lifted his sword to the sky and the fireballs blasted into it, feeding the sword with their energy. The saber illuminated the area with a bright red and orange glow, almost as if it was melting. One-Eye then faced Mallow, who was halfway across the battlefield. He grinned and in the blink of an eye shot forward. The next thing that occurred was Mallow’s scream. Yoshi and Splooshi looked to the Prince and gasped. One-Eye’s blade made a popsicle out of the Prince of Precipitation. Mallow looked down and saw through his tear-fogged eyes that the sword had cut straight through his stomach and poked out the back of his cape. Mallow’s last sight was One-Eye’s terrible laugh.
The Cloud Prince fell limp and the ugly pirate ghost slid him off of his blade. Splooshi’s eyes were completely drenched and could hold no longer as his tears for his friend washed down his face. The blue dinosaur rushed over to the fallen Mallow, trying and wishing to see if he could help him though he knew he couldn’t. One-Eye Guy ignored the weakling and fixated on the enraged Yoshi, looking at him with an antipathy so strong it made Yoshi's stomach turn.
Tears dripped from the corners of Yoshi’s eyes, but not to the extent of Splooshi. He revealed his teeth, closed together with a low growling sound seeping through them. He pulled out the vial of Red Essence Mallow had given him earlier and downed it in one gulp. His body was enveloped in a red aura, much like Captain One-Eye Guy’s. Then the furiatated dinosaur gave a menacing roar and shot forward like a bullet. Before One-Eye could react he felt a huge pain in his stomach as Yoshi’s fist collided with it. He fell back and became disoriented. When he regained his stability, he saw Yoshi drop down on him hard. Upon recovering from the attack, One-Eye rolled to the side and stood up with his sword pointed forward. He gripped it with both hands, fearful of the angered Yo’ster. A painful whip of a tail came from behind and One-Eye dropped his sword. Yoshi appeared in front of the delirious ghost pirate and pummeled him relentlessly.
With each punch One-Eye Guy and Yoshi got closer and closer to the ring of fire that sealed them inside. One-Eye felt the flames massage his back after Yoshi’s last punch. Captain One-Eye Guy looked up with a dumb, helpless look on his face. He couldn’t find any words to express this feeling of loss. Yoshi snorted and winded up for one final punch. With a bam, One-Eye was hurled into the flames of blue and Yoshi turned away as his body melted to ashes. His cries of pain echoed in the air. Yoshi rushed over to Splooshi and Mallow when the room started to reappear. They huddled together again as the realm started vanishing. Yoshi looked back and saw One-Eye leap from the flames and fly over to them, but was blown away with the zone as the ship’s hull returned. Once the room was back to normal, Yoshi and Splooshi stood up.
“Is... is he dead, Yoshi?” Splooshi asked, looking down at Mallow.
Yoshi closed his eyes. “Yes Splooshi. Mallow’s dead.”
Splooshi fell back to the ground and cried next to Mallow’s body. A sudden jerk brought the depressing moment to a halt. Splooshi looked up at Yoshi, whose head was searching the room.
“The boat’s sinking!” Yoshi declared.
“Oh no! What do we do??” Splooshi asked.
“You take Mallow’s body back to our ship. I’ll go find little girl,” Yoshi instructed.
Splooshi nodded and lifted Mallow’s body, and climbed the stairway. Yoshi turned and looked for any way to another room. He remembered how One-Eye had risen from the floor. There must be a hidden room down there, but how to get to it? An orange glow caught Yoshi’s eye. He looked and saw One-Eye Guy’s saber still glowing with its power. Yoshi grabbed it and pounded it into the ground. He carved a makeshift hole and jumped down. He felt freezing cold water fill his shoes. The boat was definitely sinking. He looked around the room for the little girl. He found her encased in a large, clear globe. She wasn’t responding. She must have been placed under a sleeping spell or something. Yoshi thrust the blade into the globe and was pushed across the room by the explosion. Yoshi’s tail and legs were now surrounded by water. He had to get out of there fast! Yoshi reached into the broken globe and grabbed the girl with one hand, placing her over his shoulder. He fluttered out of the room and back into the room where he just was. He still held the sword in his hand, his instincts telling him to keep it close. He strided for the stairs, but was stopped when something busted through the floor. It was One-Eye!
Yoshi stared at the lower half of his body, One-Eye’s legs were replaced with a long, scaly fish tail with many fins. It was colored blue and gray. Then the rest of One-Eye split open and revealed a hideous and disgusting creatue. Its head was flat and its mouth was oval-shaped, lined with rows and rows of teeth. Two large fins almost looking like wings spread from the sides of the beast. Three dorsal fins humongous in size decorated his back. The only thing reminscent of One-Eye Guy was that the creature only had one eye. The other was an empty black socket. Yoshi retreated backward as the monster broke through the floor in front of it with its head. The ship was halfway underwater now, Yoshi couldn’t feel the floor anymore as he paddled his feet, trying to reach the staircase. The three dorsal fins of the beast emerged and raced towards Yoshi. The green dinosaur was trapped and couldn’t move. The sword he held was his only weapon. Yoshi closed his eyes and shoved it forward.
A loud shriek hurt his eardrums and he opened his eyes. The water was red, but he didn’t feel any pain. The monster’s head lifted out of the water, its forehead had been sliced pretty badly. It sank beneath the depths again. Yoshi reached the stairs and pulled himself out of the water. He climbed to the top of the ship and sighed. The ship was too far down to make a jump to the sailboat. Splooshi waved from the boat nervously. Yoshi turned and saw the three fins cutting through the ship’s deck. Yoshi jumped as the fins came to him. The monster burst out of the water and into the air. Yoshi had grabbed onto one of the fins with his legs, luckily. Splooshi’s jaw dropped as the enormous demon jumped over the sailboat. Yoshi released his grip and plummited to his ship. He landed hard on his back, but the girl was unharmed, using Yoshi’s stomach as a cushion.
“Are you alright?” Splooshi asked.
Yoshi stood up, and set the girl down on the ground. “Yes, I’m fine but-”
BOOM! A big slam to the side of the sailboat made the green dinosaur lose his balance and he fell off the side of the ship. Splooshi cried and looked down at the water. His eyes widened as he could see the terrifying beast through the clear water. It circled Yoshi, who was now unconscious. Splooshi had to do something! He looked down and his stomach felt like a blender. He knew he had to do it. Splooshi held his breath and jumped off of the boat. He splashed into the water and opened his eyes. He saw it swimming straight towards him. He let out a cry and and rushed to the surface. He grabbed Yoshi and tried to swim away from the thing. A roar came from behind and Splooshi turned to see a horrifying image. The beast was halfway out of the water about to slam down upon him.
That’s when an odd, golden light weaved through the dark clouds above. The monster started to fall down on Splooshi, but the golden light smashed into the side of the creature. It knocked the beast off to the side and pushed it into the depths. A bright golden explosion was seen from below as Splooshi treaded to the sailboat. Splooshi lifted himself and Yoshi onto the boat and noticed that Yoshi was still gripping onto the sword. He thought it strange but didn’t waste any time. He moved Yoshi to the center of the boat and placed him by the unconcious girl. He rushed down into the hull of the ship and opened a cupboard. He pulled out some grapes and shut the door. He was about to leave when he noticed something. He had set Mallow down on the floor next to the table... but now he was gone. Another pound stopped Splooshi’s confusion. The dinosaur ran up to Yoshi and dangled the fruit above his nose. Yoshi’s mouth opened and a pink tongue shot out and enhaled the grapes. The green dinosaur sprung to his feet.
“Yay! It worked!” Splooshi shouted.
Yoshi shook his head. “Ugh... Where... where is it?”
The beast answered by jumping up from the water, it was far our in front of them but rushing up to them fast.
“What are we gonna do?!” Splooshi asked.
Yoshi didn’t answer. He stepped to the front of the boat and gripped the sword tightly. He had no idea what would happen, but this was the best he could do. The beast sliced through the water towards them, its gigantic triple fins chopping through the water. Yoshi figured one of two things would happen. If the monster rushed forward and jumped out of the water at the last second he’d be able to stab it, and hopefully land a good enough hit to kill it. That or the monster would ram the boat and knock him into the water, and this time he doubted the beast wouldn’t be so foolish with him. Yoshi watched as it got closer and closer. He suddenly questioned his judgement, and wondered if there was a better method. If there was, it was too late now. The intensity of the moment was interrupted by an enormous yellow bolt of lightning falling from the sky and crashing into the water in front of the beast. The water became electrified, and the creature roared in pain. Its speed increased doubly and it jumped out of the water, not wanting to be shocked. It opened its unforgiving maw as it neared Yoshi. Yoshi quickly remembered his plan and shoved the sword forward, but was it too late?
Chapter 31: Stario Revived
Luigi stared up at the clock. He had been doing this every five minutes for about two hours now. The green plumber sat beside the slumbering Stario, the room lit by a single lamp. Why hadn’t Dasher returned with the potion yet? Time was of the essence, and all he could do was wait. He was sure Jinx was in the next room, training and sharpening his skills. Luigi considered asking him to come and help them fight Vuljiin, but that was out of the question. Luigi didn’t even want to go. They had helped them greatly already, and they most likely had other things to attend to. Luigi did worry though if he and Stario would be strong enough to beat the vile culprit. They couldn’t even handle one of his minions, so how were they supposed to defeat Vuljiin? Luigi sighed and looked at the clock.
Dasher viewed Monstro Town in the distance. After a day he was finally back. The Koopa ran full speed ahead towards the small grotto of houses. He entered the main walkway and climbed the stone staircase. Dasher opened the door and looked inside. Jinx turned away from his training and smiled.
“You’ve returned!” Jinx said enthusiastically.
“Yes Sensei. Here’s the potion.” Dasher responed.
Dasher reached into his now green-colored shell and pulled out the vial of red liquid that had an orange glow. Jinx jumped up and snatched it out of the silver-gloved hand. Luigi turned when the door opened and grinned, seeing the two in the doorway.
“You got it?” Luigi asked.
Dasher nodded. “Yep.”
“Stand back. This could cause some trouble...” Jinx said, hopping up next to Stario’s head.
He pulled out a funnel and placed it in Stario’s mouth. He carefully drained the liquid from the vial and poured it down the plumber’s throat. After the last drop was given, Jinx pulled himself and the items away. A tiny burp came from Stario.
“That was it?” Luigi asked.
Stario’s eyes opened. His body glowed with an orange aura. He opened his mouth and steam was exhaled.
“MAMAMIA!!!”
Stario jumped to his feet and rushed out of the room at blinding speed. Luigi, Dasher, and Jinx quickly followed the heroic hybrid outside of the dojo. They found Stario shoving his head into a nearby well.
“Stario! You’re alright!” Luigi praised.
Stario lifted his head out and looked at Luigi. He gave a smile and a thumbs up. “What... what happened?”
“We were rescued by Jinx and his apprentice, Dasher. Dasher got a magical potion from the Barrel Volcano to heal you, and I found where LVK Industries is,” Luigi briefed.
“You did? Well that’s good because...” Stario stopped himself. “Because we have to save the princess!”
After an hour of reminscing and preparing for their next big battle, Stario and Luigi stood tall, about to leave Jinx’s dojo. Jinx had supplied them with a few items, mostly some healing Mushrooms and vigor-increasing beverages.
“Stario, Luigi,” Jinx said, “let me and my apprentice come with you. Not meaning to be offensive, but you were defeated by one of Vuljiin’s servants. How do you expect to win without some further help?”
Luigi smiled and was about to respond with a thanks but Stario replied first. “No thanks.”
“No? I insist.” Jinx said.
“Trust me,” Stario winked. “When I was out, I had, well, let’s just say a little birdie told me that I’ll be fine. My strength has increased, and this potion is making me stronger too. While I’d like the comfort of another ally, I can’t put you two in danger. I expect we’ll need your help again in the future.”
“Well, if you say so. Dasher and I will remain here if you need our assistance again,” Jinx said.
Stario and Luigi nodded and left. They walked down the stairs and began conversing of ways to become seaworthy. That’s when a familiar voice greeted them.
“Stario! Luigi! I’m so glad you’re both okay!”
The two plumbers looked down and saw their good friend Toad.
“Yes we’re fine. How did you get here so fast?” Luigi asked.
“Oh you know me, I’m always on the run. I actually caught a ride with Johnny. He’s docked down in Seaside Town for the time being, trying to decide where to sail next,” Toad said. “So what news do you have on the search for the princess?”
“Johnny’s looking for a place to go?! This is perfect!” Stario said.
“Yes! All we have to do is hurry to Seaside Town and we’ll be on our way,” Luigi replied.
“Come on Toad, let’s go!” Stario shouted.
Toad stared in confusion as his two friends rushed off toward Seaside Town. Toad shrugged his shoulders and hurried to follow them.
Meanwhile...
A long, badly-lit hallway compiled of metallic stone was occupied by a figure wrapped in complete darkness. Vuljiin walked through the long hallway, his bare feet feeling cold against the stone ground. He reached the edge of the path and came to a large bolted door colored silver. It didn’t fit in with the surrounding hall but it still looked creepy. Vuljiin placed his claw on a nearby tile on the wall. He flipped open a hidden compartment and revealed a keypad with thirtysome odd buttons. He punched in the code and three green lights flashed on. The silver door split in the middle and fog bellowed from the ground as the door oepned. Vuljiin walked in. The metal ground was even colder than the stone ground. The room was enormous, mostly colored silver and chrome-like colors. It was completely machine-like in its entirety, except for an odd-looking altar in the far center of the room. It was made of metal as well, but it just didn’t fit. Five spikes jutted up and curved out of the ground from the altar’s round base. Finally an odd-looking emblem hovered in the air in the center of the altar. It was completely black. Two spikes shaped like horns came out of the top, with a third spike poking upward in the middle. Below the horns, the object curved and came down to a point.
A tiny podium colored silver stood in front of the altar, which Vuljiin stepped up to. He placed both of his dark hands around the podium’s top and pushed inward. The whirring of a generator sounded. The five points of the curved spikes jutting out of the base shined with a purple light. Each point shot a purple bolt that connected it to its surrounding spikes. This created a pentagonal shape of purple energy at the top of the altar. Then dark violet flames enveloped the center area, along with the floating emblem. The emblem was clearly visible through the flames, however. Finally, jolts of green electricity flickered about in the purple myst surrounding the dark object. Then two horrific, crimson ovals appeared in the center of the floating object.
“What is thy bidding, my Master?” Vuljiin asked.
The giant black object with the crimson eyes responded with a voice so terrifying it shook the room.
“The one has told Stario of our plans,” it responded.
“Then his strength must be returning... Master, what do you wish I do?” Vuljiin asked.
“You must prepare the AIDS. It must be finished before Stario arrives. His power could threaten even mine,” the dark thing replied.
“Yes Master,” Vuljiin replied.
The thing of pure darkness and evil closed its devilish eyes and the purple flames died down. Vuljiin turned away from the podium and began walking to the exit. The podium’s front had a long sword embedded into it that glowed with the same aura that the thing had once. On its hilt was an emblem the same shape as the thing of darkness. Then on the emblem of the sword opened two red eyes...