Chapter 38: Eggciting New Plan
A small high-pitched whimpering sounded through the closed mouth of the Apprentice as he looked beyond his master into the empty chest. Then his gaze turned to the Captain. Cap’n Torte stood with his back facing the Team of Terror. His head was bent down low. The Apprentice looked at his gloved claws hanging down by his side. He could see the knuckles start to make a shape as Torte clenched his hands into fists. Apprentice imagined a large vein pulsating on Torte’s forehead now as his heart rate went up and he began the process of a full out tantrum. But then the mighty grip was released and a soft exhaling was heard. When the Captain turned to face his crew they all flinched and winced back a step. But Cap’n Torte did not have a merciless glint in his eye, rather a most pitiable stare. The Team of Terror lowered their hands and looked puzzled back at Torte. His eyes were now swimming in tears, though none had broken from his eyes quite yet. His bottom lip quivered like a dancing worm who had recently excelled in the worm.
“Um... Master Torte?” Apprentice started.
Cap’n Torte stood there, looking as if something was missing from inside of him. He sniffed and looked up at his team.
“No artifact to help... help moi conqueir Plit. Oh vell. Shove off, r-right?” Cap’n Torte stammered, trying to keep his cool.
“So basically you blew it?” Genius Guy babbled.
Torte took the comment and let out a heartbreaking cry. He turned when the tears in his eyes started leaking forth. He was too proud to have his crew watch him shed any tears. Apprentice walked up and placed a consoling hand on the captain’s shoulder. Cap’n Torte sniffed and wiped his eyes. He turned and stared back at his young Apprentice and sighed.
“Oh my Apprentice, my student. You are happy in ze sense of your ignorance. Ze verld ist a harsh und cold place. Your inferiority seems to keep you blissful, howeveir. Oh, if only I vasn’t such a genius, I could live a simple life back at Marrymore vear I made my delicious cakes...” Cap’n Torte began sounding delirious.
“Um... Cap’n?” Embert peeped.
“But zen... I got fired. Oooh zat terrible day, you remembeir, don’t you Apprentice? Zat foolish Yoshi had to come by und eat my masteirpiece! Vat a fool. Zen I tried reclaiming my glory in ze field of culinary arts on a small cable show. But I vas scammed out of zat vone too. I couldn’t maintain my sanity. I vent oveir ze edge, und let evil und hatred consume moi. Now I am here, reduced to nozing. Vhy? Vhy? All because of zis stupid LVK peirson who made it here first, und stole my artifact! I’m gonna... I’m gonna... “ Torte stopped.
He looked ahead and the tears returned. He silently wept this time. He walked over to Changling for some reason, and fell into his arms, his tears and snot dripping on the shoulder of the shapeshifter’s crimson cloak. Changling groaned and patted Torte on the shell. “There, there Cap’n. Let’s go back to the ship and we’ll fix you up some hot cocoa,” Changling said in a very mothery voice.
Cap’n Torte shook his head while crying on Changling.
“No? Why not?” Changling asked.
Torte didn’t reply.
“Oh come on, you can tell me,” Changling persuaded.
Torte lifted his head and looked at Changling with red eyes. “You’re a terrible chef. I’m not going to eat or drink anyzing of yours.”
Changling frowned
and stepped backward, letting the crying Koopa fall to the ground. “Fine,
you can make the hot cocoa.”
Soshi hobbled through the frozen, icy caves. He sniffed the air in search of his opponent. A while back he had reached the arena where they had skirmished, and now he continued pursuing the escaped Crystal. After a few more turns and twists in the long narrow caverns of ice, the blue dragon came up to a large room. He looked inside and dropped his mouth open. The cave sparkled with sapphires embedded into the walls of ice. Four huge ovals of crystallized ice three times the size of Soshi rested on specific podiums around the room. But the most impressive feature of the cave was the humongous silver statue of what looked to be a prehistoric Birdo with wings. Soshi stepped into the room and continued to look around in awe. Never had he seen a shrine like this. He passed through the center of the room and watched his reflection in the four mirror–like oval objects. He then stopped once approaching the statue. He studied it for a short time and looked to the base of the silver monument. Two large bowls (made out of ice and snow of course) lay still on the floor. In one was a gleaming azure, thick liquid. The other contained five fairly large feathers. Soshi reached out for one but stopped when he heard something behind him. The dragon twirled around in place and found Crystal.
“Just what do you think you’re doing here?” Crystal shouted.
“I came here looking for you!” Soshi said. For some reason he didn’t understand then, there was an apologetic tone to his voice.
“Come looking for me? What kind of a creep are you?” Crystal snorted.
Soshi shook his head. “That’s not what I meant at all. I came here to finish our fight. Soshi no like ties.”
“Well I don’t like ties either buddy, but it still looks like you’ve got some injuries from the last tangle,” Crystal pointed out.
Soshi looked down at himself and saw that he indeed had not fully recovered. He glanced back at Crystal, looking over her for any bruises of cuts. But there was none to find. Somehow she had been fully healed that quickly.
“Stop staring at me! Now leave before I have to make you go!” Crystal snapped.
Soshi ignored her threat. “How did you recover so fast?”
“Why do you want to know anyway?” Crystal questioned.
“Well we fought and knocked each other out cold. I want to know how you became healed faster than me, as I remember it to be quite an even fight,” Soshi replied.
“It was an even fight because I went easy on you,” Crystal responded.
“What? I went easy on you!” Soshi growled.
The two locked eyes with each other and competed in a deathly stare. They each loathed each other so much, but had respect for their great fighting skills.
“I’ll show you how strong I really am!” Crystal retorted.
“Oh yeah? Bring it on! Right here, right now!” Soshi shouted.
“Well, we can’t do it here,” Crystal said, her voice now much less angered.
“Wha? Why not?”
“Because we mustn’t harm my ancestors in any way,” Crystal explained.
“Ancestors? What are you talking about?” Soshi asked.
Crystal rolled her eyes and sighed. “Hello? Did you miss the four giant eggs?”
“THOSE ARE EGGS?! MON DIEU!!!” Soshi exclaimed.
“Why did you just say ‘mon dieu’? You sound like that stupid foreign Koopa,” Crystal said.
“I guess it just grows on you. But what do you mean by ancestors?” Soshi asked.
Crystal sighed. “That statue behind you? That’s one of the Anglor. The Anglor were four gigantic flying, snow Birdos. Kinda like me, but I’m not so big.”
Soshi nodded, and then turned to the eggs. “Wait a second. You saying Anglor alive in eggs RIGHT NOW?!”
“Well no, not exactly.” Crystal said. “My mother told me of the Anglor long ago before she died. The four feathered Anglor long ago turned all of Plit into an icy tomb. But one day the Anglor were sealed away deep inside the coldest catacombs of Plit. That is apparently here. There’s a prophecy that one day they will live again.”
Soshi pondered over the new information. He began forging it into an idea. “Any idea how they come back to life?”
“Not really. The only thing said in the prophecy was they would be reborn when the Ice Angel releases them,” Crystal explained.
“That’s all you know?” Soshi continued.
“Yes. All I can remember, at least,” Crystal answered.
Soshi took some time before speaking again. “This may sound crazy, but... would you be willing to lend these eggs to me?”
“WHAT?!” Crystal shouted.
“I know that the captain may be a little cuckoo, but he quite resourceful at times. He may know of a way to find the Ice Angel, or release the Anglor a different way,” Soshi explained.
“Why would you want to do that?” Crystal asked.
“Torte seeks world domination. With the Anglor at his side, it possible to do so,” Soshi said.
“I understand now, but it’s still so crazy. I’m not sure it should be done... and what’s in it for me anyway?” Crystal interrogated.
“Do you not want power? If you help Cap’n, he’ll definitely give you a piece of his power. Besides, don’t you want another ice age?” Soshi persuaded.
Crystal grinned and gave a sinister stare.
“That right, you’ve got a heart of ice don’t you? Bad girl likes to be bad, so why not help us?” Soshi asked again.
“All right. I’ll do it... “ Crystal agreed.
Soshi smiled. “Now that settled, how we move eggs?” Soshi asked.
“That’s the easy part.” Crystal walked behind Soshi. “Watch and learn.”
Crystal walked over to the right wall and placed her hand on an invisible tile, and pushed inward. The large statue of the monstrous Birdo creature began moving to the left. The room shook with a great force. Finally the statue was all the way to the side, and a bright light shined in from the opening. It dimmed down and opened to a small circular room, but certainly large enough to contain the four eggs. Soshi turned back after watching the amazing spectacle and saw Crystal gently pull one of the eggs. Soshi walked over and grabbed another one and started pulling. Boy was it heavy! Soshi began pulling harder and harder and was surprised that Crystal had already placed one in the room. Soshi didn’t want to be considered a wuss, so he summoned up his strength and pulled in the egg. He went out to grab the last one as Crystal was working on the third. When all of the eggs were placed into the room. Soshi and Crystal walked to the center of it. The blue dragon looked around the room seeing there was no way out.
“Hey wait a second! How we supposed to leave? This is a dead end!” Soshi stammered.
“Relax, not every door is open at first. Now watch,” Crystal said.
The Snow Birdo lifted her hand up and pointed toward the ceiling. A large jewel was stabbed in the center of the ceiling. She closed her eyes and focused on the gem. A bright glow emanated from inside the sapphire and a blue column of light dropped down to the floor. Soshi watched as the periwinkle beam enveloped him, Crystal, and the eggs entirely. He felt a relaxing sense of floating and then awakened from the experience. He looked around and found himself on top of one of the tallest mountains on the outer shell of Proarctica. He looked down and saw the Team of Terror just returning to the docked pirate ship.
Chef Torte downed another Hawaiian Punch in a single swallow. He had gulped down four now, and wasn’t looking so hot. The pirate-chef was wobbling around and hiccupping up green bubbles. The Team of Terror watched their cap’n consume the beverages in disgust.
“You know vat guys? I love you, no matteir how much I say I hate you, I really do hate you! Cheers!” Cap’n Torte swallowed another Hawaiian Punch.
Mini Moi shook his head and set down his large glass. Torte stood up and nearly fell to the floor. He regained balance and laughed his way over to Genius Guy. The Shy Guy was standing inside his own mini-bar drying the inside of a glass with a washcloth. He gave a smirk. “What’ll it be, bub?”
“Soshi Isle on ze rocks!” Cap’n Torte demanded, pounding his fist on the table.
“That’s not a drink, pal,” Genius Guy responded.
“Get a load of zis guy eveiryvone! He looks JUST LIKE Genius Guy!” Cap’n Torte said in astonishment.
“I do? I’m flattered, that guy is so cool! Now order something other than a Soshi Isle on the rocks, or any other nonexistent drink before I feel like slapping you,” Genius Guy snapped.
Cap’n Torte hiccupped a pink elephant. “Speaking of Soshi, vhere ist zat beautiful blue dragon? I gotta tell him how helpful he’s been since I moved! You know, I bet he’d die for moi.”
“He did die for you. Don’t you remember the end of GBT One?” Changling asked.
“Sorry man, I don’t do acronyms. Zhere’s ze son of a Snapple right now! Soshi my good pal! Come on down und play ze PRICE IST RIGHT!” Cap’n Torte blabbed.
Soshi flew downward from the sky and made a perfect landing in front of Torte. “Soshi got good news, Cap’n! Wait, what happened to artifact?”
Cap’n Torte’s humorous exterior vanished. He turned around and looked at Genius Guy. “Hit moi.”
“In all honesty, I think you’ve had enough,” Genius Guy said, still drying the same glass.
Torte slammed his fist down on the table hard. “I’LL TELL YOU VEN I’VE HAD ENOUGH!!!”
“Whoa pal!” Genius Guy said. “No need for violence, this is a family place!”
“Vell ESRB called, zis story’s just gone from an E for Eveiryvone to T for Teen!” Cap’n Torte pulled out the PAN OF PERIL. He smashed the mini-bar entirely, Genius Guy barely escaping. Torte turned on the rapid-firing laser and strafed the whole ship, chasing after Genius Guy.
“AHHH!!!” Genius Guy cried.
“Get back here, I only vant to give you some candy!” Cap’n Torte said.
“Cap’n Torte! What about the artifact?!” Soshi yelled.
The crazed Koopa stopped. He placed the PAN OF PERIL away and walked over to Soshi, sighing. Genius Guy took the opportunity to pick up the glass and begin drying it again.
“It vasn’t zhere, vateveir it vas. Somevone had already found it. Ve’re vizout an evil plan, und ze story’s just getting oveir halfvay done!” Cap’n Torte complained. Soshi grinned. “Vhy are you smiling?”
“We have plan now,” Soshi said.
“Vat?” Cap’n Torte shouted.
Soshi began telling the plan to Torte. Meanwhile, Crystal waited atop the mountain with the eggs, awaiting Soshi’s return. The wind licked her face as it whirled about. She heard someone call her name from behind. Crystal turned around and saw a slightly transparent image of an elderly Magikoopa garbed in white. The Magikoopa leaned on his cane and scratched his long, gnarly beard. Crystal’s eyes dilated as she fell into a trance-like state.
“Crystal, my pet. You are leaving?” the Magikoopa asked. He didn’t expect a response and didn’t get one. “The time nears for your true calling. When I return, you will be at full consciousness. But until then, farewell.”
The Magikoopa vanished and Crystal’s mind returned to her when the familiar flapping of Soshi sounded from behind. The Snow Birdo twisted on her feet and watched Soshi fly up. Genius Guy was following Soshi in a jetpack, as was Mini Moi.
“Come on, Cap’n agrees. You take one, I take one. And these two take one each,” Soshi said.
Crystal studied the familiar faces from the earlier fight. “Are you sure they’re strong enough?”
Genius Guy pushed a button on his belt and out of the jetpack came a long metallic arm. Its claw was like a wrench and it widened and gripped one egg. Once a firm grasp was locked, Genius Guy carefully maneuvered and started back to the ship. Mini Moi flew up next to the base of one of the eggs. Crystal watched in utter confusion as the tiny turtle lifted the massive egg above his head with his meek arms. His face was red and sweaty, but he didn’t drop it. Mini Moi flew off to the ship too. Soshi and Crystal ascended to the top of the two remaining eggs. They gripped tightly with their talons and used a great amount of their strength to carry the eggs back to the ship. The eggs were far too large to set on the deck, so two were placed on either side of the ship. The Grand Glum Reaper and Apprentice shot off some large nets to cover the tops of the eggs. Crystal, used to the freezing water, volunteered to dive in and tie the nets at the bottom, to keep the eggs from escaping. Once all the egg preparing was done, Cap’n Torte stepped forward, Mini Moi at his side. He stared at the Team of Terror, along with the new inclusion of Crystal.
“Ve now haf giant eggs, viz horrifying monsteirs hibeirnating on ze inside. Now ze best vay to hatch eggs ist to varm zem up, vouldn’t you agree? I say ve head to ze Mushroom Kingdom und take a trip to ze Barrel Volcano!” Cap’n Torte announced.
“The B-Barrel Volcano?!” Embert mumbled, a little shaken.
“Yes! A great plan, indeed! Zen ve vill use zese beauties to conqueir ze Mushroom Kingdom, a feat zat foolish Bowseir could neveir do! Mwa ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!” Cap’n Torte laughed.
The Cap’n continued his evil cackle, with Mini Moi, now at his side, also laughing. The Team of Terror delightfully joined in and gave their hideous laughs. Crystal was very skilled in the sinister laughing, in fact. Then Genius Guy walked over and put his hands on Cap’n Torte and Mini Moi’s shells, still laughing.
“Ha ha ha! That IS a great plan. But I think we should stop back at Isle Soshi first. I might have left the oven on...”
BASH!!!
“MAN OVERBOARD!!!”
Chapter 39: !Yvan Eht Nioj
As the Team of Terror prepared their voyage to the Mushroom Kingdom, King Bowser Koopa and his Reznor beasts were making the first move of attack at the frozen cove near the docked ship. Jagger had greeted them warmly and was shocked at the sight of the Reznor. The mighty monsters were now sleeping humbly on the beach, their internal heat protecting them from the cold. Roy, Morton, and Larry were sitting in one room awaiting the brig to get moving again. Wendy was most likely acting like a depressed teenager as she should. Junior was probably off looking for mischief to cause and Iggy was pestering Clever Guy, who had taken over his room. Clever Guy endured the annoying Koopa only because his plans would be spoiled if he tried to harm him. But Kamek, Kammy, Jagger, and Bowser were in the King’s room discussing battle plans. Kamek unfolded a large map of the Mushroom Kingdom on the wooden table.
“All right, Jagger, you’re my military expert, what should we do?” Bowser asked.
Jagger swallowed before giving his answer. “Um... attack the Mushroom Village head on?”
Bowser lowered his head. He lifted it again with a delighted smile. “That’s brilliant! Now I remember why I made you General.”
Jagger wiped his forehead, glad he didn’t make a mistake.
“Bowser, ever since you’ve hired Jagger as the General of our army, we’ve always attacked the Mushroom Capital. And all those times we failed. Are you seeing my point here?” Kamek pointed out.
“Yeah, sure Kamek, that’s all good and stuff. But this time we’ve got the Reznor! The Four Bringers of Fire! Woohoo! I’m so glad that online tip was real!” Bowser exclaimed.
“Online tip?” Kammy asked.
“What? Oh, nevermind...” Bowser trailed. “Anyway, what do you all think of our plan?”
“Bowser if I may make a statement here...” Kamek started.
“Oh boy, here we go...” Bowser babbled.
“If you expect us to ride into the Mushroom Kingdom, straight up to the capital, even with the Reznor, I’m afraid you’ve gone nuts. The ten of us plus those four freakish monsters outside aren’t going to be unnoticed and storm the place! The Mario Bros., or whatever they’re called now, will not just sit around and wait for death. They’ll find out and be prepared before we come!” Kamek stated.
“But that’s the beauty of the plan! Those pesky plumbers, or anyone important, aren’t in the Mushroom Kingdom now!” Bowser said.
“What? How do you now?” Kamek asked.
“Do you really think I’m that stupid?” Bowser asked.
Everyone smiled and was blasted with a round of fireballs.
“The correct answer was NO! You see, when the Mecha Mario failed, my entire army didn’t run out on me. In fact, I still have quite a major portion left. I’ve just kept it secret until now,” Bowser explained.
“Really… quite interesting to know...” Jagger mentioned.
“What are you talking about, King Koopa?” Kammy asked.
“The Koopa Troop navy still exists. They’ve been keeping a close eye on my enemies, including Yoshi and Mallow. All of them are far off, away from the Mushroom Kingdom! It’s the perfect time to strike! And now I’ve commanded the navy troops to meet us here. In fact, they should be here within the hour.” Bowser finished his sentence looking at his nails, trying to seem cool.
Silence filled the room until two claws came together in a clap. They repeated and got much faster and louder. Kamek stood up from his seat and clapped as hard as he could. “Amazing Bowser! This may be your best plan yet! To think I was considering you an idiot ever since the Mecha Mario fiasco!” Kamek said.
“Shut up, Kamek,” Bowser bellowed.
The Magikoopa quieted down instantly and took his seat. After about an hour, Bowser and the others, excluding Clever Guy, awaited the arrival of the Koopa Navy on the deck of the boat. It was night now, but luckily the wind was gone, making it significantly less cold; the added body heat of the nearby Reznor mixed into the surrounding atmosphere, causing a less extreme temperature. No stars were visible overhead. Dense fog from all directions didn’t aid in the arrival of the troops. A faint light sliced through the layers of the fog and was just visible far off in the distance. Bowser squinted and snapped his fingers. Kammy and Kamek pulled out their brooms and flew overhead, and began circling above the boat slowly. Each of the two sorcerers took out their magic wands and emitted a bright, blinding light from the crystal tip. Not long afterwards, the first ship emerged from the fog and into view.
A huge silver beast shredding through the black waves poked its head through the fog and continued onward. Bright lights on the top of the ship shined ahead toward the island. Kamek and Kammy continued shining the lights above, but now floated in a single position. As the full body of the battleship was now visible, two smaller destroyers approached from either side almost simultaneously. As the smaller ships came into view, several more slightly larger crafts emerged from the fog. Now there was a total of four large ships, and five smaller ships. The five smaller ships were composed of several different destroyers and one tugboat. The four larger ships included one submarine, two battleships, and the mighty flagship leading the way. One small doomship-like craft appeared above one of the battleships in the center of the pack. That’s when the juggernaut entered; an enormous aricraft carrier pushed the fog away as it breached. The slowest but most useful ship trailed slightly behind the others as it made its way. Bowser turned from the aircraft carrier in the back and looked at the flagship. It had arrived at the island and troops were rushing out to greet their Koopa King.
After a short period of time, the Koopa Navy was escorting their supreme king to his destination of the Mushroom Kingdom. King Bowser looked out the window of the flagship, the Gargantuan. He was in a small conversational room used for discussing battle plans. He was accompanied by Kamek, Kammy, General Jagger, and Admiral Jade Koopa. Jade was a younger female who had been placed in charge of Bowser’s navy. She had received orders to stay aside and out of the picture until the call for more troops was a necessity. Jade alone was a strong type, very useful with weapons and cannons. Her shell was built tough and had a dark green color to match. Her hair was a light brown. She wore camouflaged pants and large black boots. The black belt she wore contained a holster for a gun, and there probably was a pocketknife in her back pocket. On her chest was a medal, much like Jagger’s, showing her commanding position. Bowser turned from the window and sat down at the head of the table, prepared to discuss their plan of action.
While the meeting was being held, the six Koopalings were boarded on the sister ship, Devastator. Clever Guy was sent to the third battleship, Cerberus. He was to keep a close eye on the four leviathons they had contained onboard. And he did so, but not without worrying about his own projects. Clever Guy stood on a balcony high above the cage. The cage was fairly sized but definitely not enough for the four of them to be comfortable. A strong, transparent material known as Boorilium was formed into long walls to encase the Reznor. Boorilium was obviously discovered and manufactured by Boos. The actual substance is extracted from is a mix of Boo “skin” and Boo saliva. It was stronger than any metal, and usually was used to make invisible walls in areas and lands to keep anyone from going off course.
As Clever Guy flipped a nearby switch, a large metallic crate was pulled along a pulley system overhead. The Shy Guy pushed another button, opening a small entrance in the roof of the cage. The crate stopped directly above the opening. The Shyster garbed in green pulled one last switch and watched tons and tons of raw, bloody meat fall into the floor of the cage. The dinosauric demons pounced at the meal, being very protective of what they had managed to grab and pull away in their humongous maws. The fourth Reznor, who had been asleep, was left with a small portion of the distributed food. Disappointed, it snatched the slab in its jaws and walked over to a corner. It devoured the provided food in mere seconds, blood trickling from its lips. It sniffed into the air and approached one of its closer brothers. It made a motion, trying to get its head through, when the feasting beast emitted a ghastly growling. It even took Clever Guy by surprise. The top of the cage was shut now, and the crate was returning to its original position.
Clever Guy chuckled
to himself with his hands behind his back. “Too bad big guy, but that’s
life. You have to take things as they come, and I certainly am not going
to miss my chance now.” Clever Guy chuckled before leaving the room and
entering his makeshift laboratory.
“All right, then we have decided our plan. The first wave, including the Gargantuan, the Devastator, and the submarine, along with some of the destroyers, will ride into the Mushroom Bay and take care of any business we might run into. Then squadrons of Koopatrols will be released and sent to the castle; they will give our demands and return, hopefully. Most likely the King and Chancellor will refuse surrendering, so then we’ll send out half of our troops, as well as our secret weapons. We’ll have them in no time. Is everyone agreed?” Bowser asked.
The others agreed whole-heartedly. Admiral Jade got up from her seat and walked over to Bowser. “King Koopa, now that our meeting’s over, perhaps you’d be interested in seeing something our technicians have been working on for awhile, and I think you’ll be impressed.”
Bowser grinned. “Show me.”
As the meeting adjourned, Bowser followed Jade out onto the deck. They’d need a ride to the aircraft carrier. Kamek decided to call it a night and return to his quarters. Kammy complied as well. Jagger remained in the room, and when the door closed tight behind Kammy, he started his ulterior motive. He pulled a magic wand out of his shell and made the orange tip light up four times. A transparent image of the elder Magikoopa appeared in front of him.
“Protege, what have you found out?” the Magikoopa asked.
“King Koopa wishes to use the Reznor in a major attack on the Mushroom Kingdom. He plans to storm the capital city in two days. From what I can tell, the beasts are beginning to adapt as well, and attaining their full power,” Jagger replied.
“Hmm, this is all very peculiar,” the Magikoopa pondered.
“What do you mean by that?” Jagger asked.
“That wily Terrapin, Torte, he has taken Crystal; and the eggs with him. They are also heading to the Mushroom Kingdom,” the Magikoopa responded.
Jagger gasped. “This isn’t good! The results good be a catastrophe!”
“Yes, I am aware. But this is not the worst of our problems,” the Magikoopa forewarned. “I have discovered that my brother has begun sending out his Dark Warriors. I fear that he knows of the Reznor’s release.”
“This isn’t good... If that’s true... then...” Jagger stumbled.
“Then once the Reznor attain full power, he will be freed from his infernal prison. We mustn’t let this happen. Continue with your orders, eliminate the Reznor any way possible.” The Magikoopa began fading away until he was fully gone.
Jagger placed the magic wand back in his shell, and left the room.
Meanwhile, Bowser and Admiral Jade had arrived at the aircraft carrier via Koopacopters. As Bowser stomped along the deck following his admiral, he wondered what the surprise could be. Jade stopped when reaching the end of the landing way, which was also where the control structure protruded from the massive vessel. She turned to Bowser and signaled for him to stay here. She went inside of the control room briefly, and reappeared minutes later. Bowser folded his arms in his impatience. But then he became excited when a split in the ground ahead of him became invisible. Two doors on the deck of the ship slid apart, revealing an opening down into the interior of the vessel. Bowser watched as the surprise was lifted up onto the deck of the ship through the large hole. A humongous craft, oval shaped and battle ready, was on it. It had a large deck on top, great for a battle. The exterior was aligned with spikes, some were actually rocket launchers in disguise. Two large jets were placed at the back, allowing for maximum speeds. The front of the airship was decorated with a design of Bowser’s face. It also opened up as a heat ray cannon from the mouth. Bowser licked his chops.
Admiral Jade turned
to Bowser. “King Koopa, I present to you, the Koopa Jet.”
A large pounding sounded far back on Proarctica. The fishing boat the Koopas had taken to the icy continent was left behind, discarded and thought useless. They had only forgotten one thing. One rather loud pounding created a dent in the massive steel door of the supply closet. Inside, the real General Jagger had just awoken from his blow to the head. Now he was furious. He had begun punching with all his might, but to no avail. He stood in the center and calmed himself. Though he didn’t wish to do so, he had no chance. He remembered what his old mentor Jinx had taught him. Jagger stood silent, and focused his breathing. Using Jinx’s ancient techniques, every breath Jagger inhaled increased his energy. A red glow surrounded Jagger’s right fist. In a flash he wound up for a forceful punch, and let loose all of the energy in one blow. The door flew from its place down the hall.
The slightly shaken Jagger regained his thoughts and rushed out on deck. He looked down to the snow below, and recognized the footprints of the Koopas, and assumed the gigantic ones belonged to the Reznor. They must have taken another ship and left without him! Jagger quickly turned to the control room and turned on the engine. He pulled up the anchor and began sailing off towards the Mushroom Kingdom, certain they were headed there.
The old Magikoopa appeared on the beach of the icy continent, and watched as Jagger shoved off into the dead of night. He smiled a devious smile and vanished as the winds picked up...
Chapter 40: Mosolunar, the Guardian Spirit
Yoshi dropped his jaw in amazement. The Guardian Spirit Mosolunar was not at all what he had expected. Splooshi, too, was shocked. Orchil smiled and walked closer to Mosolunar. Nuba and Naya were already by her side. Mosolunar was a humongous Wiggler. Its eyes were shut, and its large red nose had a bubble poking out of it. A pair of long antennae stuck out of the top of its head. The tips of the antennae looked similar to flowers not yet blossomed. The massive caterpillar’s head lay flat, but the rest of its body slowly twisted so its stomach was pointing out at the newcomers. The most astonishing spectacle was the emblem decorated on Mosolunar’s forehead: an orange sun with a yellow crescent moon lying on the left side of the sun. The symbol glowed slightly, and the emblems on Nuba and Naya’s foreheads glowed in unison with Mosolunar’s. The purple women stepped over to Mosolunar’s massive head. They gently rubbed the bottom of her face. The large bubble snapped, echoing throughout the entire isle. Birds in trees flew away to the sky at the sound. Mosolunar’s eyes slowly opened. She looked around and studied the travelers. Though there wasn’t an actual mouth to see smile, a brightened look upon her face appeared when she saw Orchil. A loud and light humming sounded from the creature.
“Thank you, Guardian Spirit. I have returned safely, thanks to these friendly dinosaurs behind me,” Orchil responded.
Mosolunar turned slowly from Orchil to gaze on Yoshi and Splooshi. Another long hum came from the creature. When she stopped, all was silent.
“She says thanks and wishes you will stay the night in our peaceful village,” Nuba and Naya interpreted.
Yoshi looked around and cleared his throat. “You are welcome, Moso...lunar. But we need your help. Can you help return our friend to health?”
Yoshi turned and showed the unconscious Mallow on his saddle. A quicker and more distressed hum came from the Guardian Spirit. Yoshi turned back around, expecting an interpretation from the twins.
“Mosolunar says she will heal your friend this very night. Please lay him next to her head,” Nuba and Naya said.
“Wow! Thank you very much. You don’t know how grateful we are,” Yoshi said, beginning to walk up to the gigantic caterpillar.
Splooshi was uncertain of the strange creature and extended an arm after Yoshi, but pulled it back after the green dinosaur walked away. Yoshi placed Mallow down next to the mammoth head and heard a gentle nuzzling noise. He looked and saw Mosolunar rubbing against the injured Mallow. Her eyes were closed again, and Nuba and Naya walked away from her.
“She will heal your friend this night, and he will be better in the morning,” Nuba said.
“Now let us return to the village and no longer disturb the healing process,” Naya finished.
Yoshi and Splooshi silently agreed. They followed the two violet females to the village down below. Orchil followed last and looked back and smiled at Mosolunar. The Guardian Spirit opened a single eye and hummed something to Orchil. The little native blushed, and hurried after her friends.
That night Yoshi and Splooshi were given their own hut to sleep in and a feast was prepared for the return of Orchil. Of course there was no meat, no vegetables, no dairy, grains, or sugar; just the best food group, fruit! The two Yo’sters indulged on the feast and stuffed their faces. There was eating, dancing, and fun games. Yoshi enjoyed a couple rounds of a game much like Red Rover. Splooshi tried his hand as archery, but wasn’t very talented. Orchil, who was very, very skilled in the sport, tried teaching her blue buddy, but it didn’t help much.
After a long night of fun and fruit, Yoshi had gotten very tired. “Splooshi, I’m tired. I’m going to bed, try not to be so loud when you come in, okay?” Yoshi said to his friend.
“Okay Yoshi. I shouldn’t be too much longer anyways, I’m getting sleepy as well,” Splooshi replied.
The green dino ventured towards his hut and fell onto the comfortable bed. It reminded him of the beds home on Yo’ster Island. They were made of soft leaves and other plants. He closed his eyes and a deep slumber came over him. Splooshi, meanwhile, was quite awake and one of the only two remaining out. It was past midnight now, and the Yoshi and the young girl Orchil were still awake. She was still trying to show Splooshi how to shoot arrows accurately and, perhaps, showing off a little.
“I still don’t get how you do it. You’re so good!” Splooshi exclaimed.
Orchil giggled. “Stop it! It’s not that hard. Here, grab my bow...” Orchil instructed.
Splooshi took the bow with his hands. Orchil moved up aside him and placed her hands on his. “Now pull the bow back like this, and now you aim. We’ll try for that target over there!” Orchil decided. “Now keep your fingers clenched on the arrow’s feathers... and take a deep breath.” Both Splooshi and Orchil breathed deeply. “Now release!”
The arrow blasted off at an incredible speed. It sliced through the air and stabbed into the target’s outer rim.
“Great job, Splooshi!” Orchil praised.
“Gee, thanks. I couldn’t have done it without your help,” Splooshi said, turning to Orchil.
They stared at each other for a second and then realized they were still holding hands on the bow. Orchil let go and stepped back with a light laugh. Splooshi turned and looked down at the ground, scratching the back of his neck.
“Hey Splooshi, I never noticed this before... but my skin and your scales are the exact same color!” Orchil observed.
Splooshi looked back and stared at his arm and her’s. They were the same color, or at least very, very similar.
“Whoa, that’s neat,” Splooshi said.
They were silent for a while, looking up at the starry sky. Off in the distance, Nuba and Naya watched the two from a concealed area. They turned and smiled at each other. The Stars twinkled above, but not as in the magnificent display that Splooshi remembered seeing on Lavalava Isle. They were less bright, and fewer of them.
Under the same blanket of Stars far off north, Luigi looked up at the same sky. He sighed and lowered his head onto his arms while he leaned on a railing. Johnny was steering the vessel now, and his nephew Dimplestick had gone to bed. Stario walked up from the lower deck and up to the surface of the ship. He looked at Luigi and smiled. The star-powered plumber walked over to the one garbed in green, and placed his hand on Luigi’s shoulder. Luigi looked up and smiled.
“You’re all right,” Luigi said.
“Of course I am! It’s-a me, Stario!” Stario said jokingly.
Luigi forced a laugh. He always thought it funny when Mario said it, but when it came from Stario’s mouth it sounded depressing. He looked back out to the sea. “Do you really think we can defeat Vuljiin?”
Stario took a deep breath. “Well, I do. But only if we work together. We mustn’t get separated, or the dark one will overcome us.”
Luigi nodded in agreement, but didn’t turn his gaze from the lapping waves of the dark sea they now had crossed into. Stario, too, turned his gaze out to the ocean, and questioned his answer to Luigi. At one moment, he was dieing, another he was superior in strength. He only knew that his time was ticking, and he had to stop Vuljiin before it was up...