Chapter 44: Barrel Volcano Arrival
Cap’n Torte spit into the wind, the saliva sphere smacking back in his face. The Koopa chef growled and wiped himself clean. He raised his PAN OF PERIL high into the air, signaling to load cannons. Genius Guy, Changling, the Grand Glum Reaper, and Soshi all placed one cannon ball in each of the four cannons on the left side of the ship. The Apprentice turned the ship to its side to cut off the oncoming fishing boat. Mini Moi watched nearby, enjoying a delicious granola bar. The clone sat on top of a keg of gun powder, his short legs kicked off the side of the barrel.
“Ready mates? FIRE!” Cap’n Torte swung the PAN OF PERIL to the ground.
Embert T. Podoboo shot off like a rocket, bouncing on each fuse. After all four cannons were lit, the motley crew loading them rushed back and covered their ears. Four large booms sounded the launching of four cannonballs.
General Jagger noticed the ship’s odd behavior. Once he heard the four blasts, he became completely aware of what was happening. He hit the deck, shrinking inside his shell. Three bombs missed, the last one smashed into the front of the boat, leaving a gaping hole in the front. Jagger scrambled to his feet and knew he had to attack now or it was all over. He rushed into the cargo hold of the boat, in search of any weapons that had been left behind. He searched Bowser’s room first, thinking if there any weapons, there would be something here. Jagger discovered a mere three Bob-ombs. But if used correctly, he might just prevail. The Terrapin gathered all three mechanical explosives in his arms and hurried to the upper deck. He was greeted with the familiar sound of cannons firing. Jagger watched as two balls of lead crushed into the sides of the boat. The boat was beginning to sink. Jagger scuttled hastily to the front of the ship. He carefully walked out on the short mast and placed each Bob-omb by his feet. Jagger grasped the first and wound it up; the fuse ignited. He focused all his energy into his right arm. The Koopa General pulled back his right arm, and threw the bomb with all his might. Amazingly it flew as if a cannon had fired it. The Bob-omb landed on the deck of the ship, right next to Apprentice.
“Ahh! Cap’n, the Bomb’s LIT!” Apprentice shouted.
“Get rid of it quick!” Cap’n Torte shouted.
Soshi through quickly, and shot out his sticky tongue. He pulled the bomb back to him and tossed it into the water as fast as possible. The bomb exploded while submerged, and the sea water shot up and washed the Team of Terror to one side of the boat.
“Mon dieu! Continue firing!” the Cap’n ordered.
As four more cannon balls came pouring down in the vicinity, Jagger hurled the second Bob-omb. This one he hoped wouldn’t be discovered so easily. The spherical TNT device flew high and landed at the back of the ship, where none of the Team of Terror had been. Fortunately, one of the mateys had seen the Bob-omb fly over. Crystal was watching from the crow’s nest, the Bob-omb in her sights. She pulled in air and released a blast of icy fresh breath. The smog-like cloud coming from Crystal’s mouth quickly homed in on the Bob-omb. Just before exploding, the fuse was doused and the entire creature was enveloped in crystallized ice. Crystal smiled at her deed, but was pulled back into reality when the four cannons fired once again.
“Darn it!” Jagger yelled. He looked to the last Bob-omb in his hand. “I must make this one count...”
The Terrapin wound it up, and put all his force into the throw. The Bob-omb spiraled in the air as it flew to the pirate ship. The black ball of booming bounced to a landing right next to Mini Moi... and the keg of gun powder. Mini Moi finished his granola bar and pocketed the wrapper. He licked his lips of crumbs and heard a hissing noise. The tiny Torte poked his head down and saw their inevitable doom about to blow. Mini Moi shouted, or made a face like he was shouting at least. The clone hopped off of the barrel and skiddadled to the taller version of himself. He pulled frantically on the Captain’s cape. Torte looked down at Mini Moi.
“Vat ist it, my Mini Moi?” Cap’n Torte said caringly.
Mini Moi’s eyes widened as he pointed his finger in the direction of the Bob-omb. Cap’n Torte looked and saw the predicament.
“Oh... Vell um... ABANDON SHIP!!!” Cap’n Torte cried.
The Team of Terror stopped what they were doing and looked at their crazy captain dive into the smelly seawater below. Everyone aboard repeated the action. Mini Moi was left on the deck of the ship. He grumbled and walked toward the Bob-omb. He picked it up cautiously and examined it. From what he could tell he had about eight seconds left. The clone looked around for something to do. Just then Lucy appeared from below deck and stretched out, her fierce mouth filled with fangs opened wide. Mini Moi stuck out his tongue and bowled the ready-to-blow bomb. Strike! The Bob-omb went straight down the throat of the demonic feline. Lucy Fur looked extremely angered and was about to slash Mini Moi up good, when her stomach expanded. The cat’s entire body exploded from the inside, and the rumbling was heard as well. The cat’s body remained in tact, but the feline fell to the floor and seemed to fade away. A transparent form of the cat seeped up from its body, a large number 3 on its head. The spirit disappeared with a gust of wind, and then Lucy opened her eyes. She stood up on all fours and hacked up a flaming hairball before returning back below ship. Mini Moi laughed in triumph.
Jagger wondered what had happened; the cannons had stopped but there was no explosion. He stepped forward, squinting to see if anyone still was aboard the vessel. He saw no one, but heard a pair of flapping wings. He looked up and saw two figures falling down to him. Jagger rushed to the stairs but was hit hard with a chunk of ice. He fell unconcious. Soshi and Crystal grabbed the knocked out shelled warrior and flew back to the ship. Cap’n Torte and the others were resurfaced and drying off when they came back with their prisoner. Cap’n Torte and Mini Moi joined together in an evil cackle.
“Good job, my knieving clone. Grand Glum Reapeir! Front und centeir!” Cap’n Torte called.
The ghostly creature from beyond appeared in front of him, a nifty teleport trick. “...”
“Reapeir, take zis KO’ed imbecile down into ze hull of ze ship und lock him up viz vone of your magic cage dealies! Zen you may help yourself to a slice of vanilla cake,” Cap’n Torte instructed.
The Grand Glum Reaper nodded happily before returning to its deathly gaze. It stuck the tip of its scythe into Jagger’s shell slightly, and dragged him along below deck. Cap’n Torte patted Mini Moi’s head encouragingly. This Kodak moment was interuppted by a call from the ever annoying Apprentice.
“Master Torte! It’s Barrel Volcano! We’ve arrrived!” Apprentice exclaimed.
Torte grinned, showing his sharp teeth. “Great, eveiryvone prepare to dock! Vonce ve get to Barrel Volcano, ve’ll be searching inside for a veak spot in ze volcano’s interior. Ve’ll blow it up, und let ze varmz excrete into ze surrounding vateirs, zhus heating zese eggs, got it?”
“We’re going to go... inside?” Embert gulped.
“All righty! I could do with a hot bath! Last one in is Shirley!” Genius Guy announced before splashing into the water again.
“MAN OVERBOARD!!!”
Chapter 45: The Master of Shapeshifting
Slash flipped backward as Mallet swung his humongous hammer horizontally. Slash was a smaller breed of Koopa, standing just up to Mallet’s waist. On the other hand, Slash’s best asset was his speed and balance. The Koopatroller in training retracted into his shell and began rotating with an incredible velocity. He shot off towards the massive Hammer Brother and made a critical collision in Mallet’s chest. The sharp spikes of the armored shell punctured through Mallet’s unprotected shell. Though the Hammer Bro’s shell was very sturdy, Slash’s spikey shell overpowered and pierced through it. Mallet jerked back with a yelp. He released his right hand on the hammer, his left dragging it by his side now. Mallet pressed his right claw up against his chest. He found blood leaking slowly out. This only enfuriated the muscular Mallet. The Koopa pulled the hammer above his head with both hands, and smashed it on the ground with all his force. The nearby Slash was stunned with the shockwaves. Mallet then pulled back the hammer to his side and slammed Slash with great force, the Koopatrol flying backward and slamming into the wall. Jagger winced, imagining how much that had to hurt. Mallet grunted, pleased with his attack, until Slash climbed to his feet. Though he was weary, the tiny turtle hadn’t given up yet.
Kamek pulled off his blue hood and scratched his scaly, orange head. Tiny gray hairs poked up through the cracks of the scales. He returned the hood to its former state and pulled out his wand. “This does arouse suspicion. Jagger may be able to use magical abilities to increase his strength and agility, but I’ve never seen him perform a spell even remotely this complicated. Something must be up,” Kamek deciphered.
“Yes, and another thing,” Kammy began. “He called me... Kam.”
Kamek frowned in disgust. “That sure sucks the fun out of your name. But why is it of any importance?”
“Besides my ignorant mother, there’s only one person who’s ever called me that,” Kammy answered.
“Who?” Kamek asked.
Kammy snorted in disgust. “That traitor, Vermik.”
It all made sense to Kamek now, except for one thing. “Of course! Vermik’s the only one who could pull off something like this! But one thing still doesn’t add up...”
“Which is?” Kammy asked.
“If the Jagger teaching the class right now is Vermik, where’s the real one?”
Slash shot inside his shell again, but this time Mallet was ready. The Hammer Bro countered by batting the oncoming shell away with his hammer. The Shell Shot was deflected and Slash fell back in pain. He opened his eyes and stood up, barely maintaining balance.
“That all you got?!” Mallet antagonized.
Slash tried to focus on his opponent, but the pain was getting to him. He then heard cries from his fellow students.
“Come on, Spikey Tom! Er... Slash!”
“Yeah, you can do it!”
“Try charging you energy before letting loose!”
“You stink!”
The third comment had inspired Slash. He finally was able to concentrate, and at a fortunate time too. Mallet had swung his hammer again, but Slash managed to dart to the side before the hammer flattened his head. Mallet growled, lifting his hammer back up. “Now where’d that punk go?”
Mallet found Slash in the corner, his arms raised high. The Hammer Bro let out a confused snarl when a bright glow of hyper colors surrounded Slash. The Koopatrol hopped in his shell and began spinning before releasing his next attack.
“Hey, wait a second!” Mallet realized.
The shell fired, Mallet swung his hammer to block again. Like the last time, the strong black metal of the hammer collided with Slash’s shell. Unlike the last encounter, Slash’s shell busted through the hammer’s head, and continued on to slam into Mallet’s ugly face. Slash jumped for joy as the bull-headed Mallet was knocked backward hard. A river of red flowed down out of one nostril. The Hammer Bro grinded his teeth.
“HAMMER TIME!”
The pair of Magikoopa cousins came upon the door to “Jagger’s” quarters. Kamek scanned it as Kammy had before, the orange wall of static still blocking view.
“Yes, this certainly would prove our theory,” Kamek said, as if someone cared. “Um... Come cousin, let’s channel our magic into one powerful beam to dispatch the magic force upon the door.”
Kamek and Kammy stood parallel in front of the large steel door. Two wands were raised, the ruby crystals at the tips glowed with magical energy. Three figures slowly appeared and circled each wand’s tip. One, a blue triangle. Another, a purple square, and last was a green circle. Kamek and Kammy pointed their wands toward the door, and touched the tips together. The geometric figures combined with the similar shape of the other wand’s. The wand crystals flashed white, and the shapes smashed into one. A bright ray of light fired from the wands, vaporizing the magical shield surrounding the door, as well as the door itself. As the dust settled, the sorcerers entered the room.
Mallet pulled out two smaller hammers from his black shell. He tossed them violently at Slash, who dodged safely. Mallet hissed and began throwing more and more hammers. Slash was no longer able to avoid the downpour of hammers, even with his awesome agility. He got pummeled by the hammers and fell to the ground. Jagger watched on but became distracted when a noise came from his shell. The Terrapin turned his back to the class and pulled out the wand; the orange tip was flashing and a soft alarm was going off.
“Curses! They’ve broken into my quarters!” Jagger yelled.
The class stopped watching the fight and turned to their teacher. He turned around nervously. “Um... WATCH THE FIGHT OR YOU’LL HAVE TO DEAL WITH ME!!!” The students quickly returned to watching the fight. They didn’t notice their teacher slip out the exit...
Kammy searched through the dresser, while Kamek tore up the bed. They had no idea what they were looking for, but they knew whatever it was, it’d be here. The phony Jagger walked up the hall, he saw the door to his room busted. They must have figured out who he really was. The shapeshifter was positive he had to escape this airship and hide out on another brig, but how could he sneak by the room without being noticed? A crafty smile sliced open on his face. Vermik pulled out his wand and transformed again, this time taking the shape of Admiral Jade. He looked down at his new form; it wasn’t perfect as the transformation was done from memory, but it was good enough. He placed the wand into his pocket and walked by the door casually. Kamek noticed Jade walk by.
“Admiral Jade! Come here for a second,” Kamek called.
Vermik rolled his eyes. Maybe he shouldn’t have chosen such a high ranking form. He walked into the room, imitating Jade the best he could.
“Yes, Kamek?” Vermik asked sternly.
“Admiral, we’ve just discovered that General Jagger is an imposter! Would you run down to the training room and retain him?” Kamek asked.
“Fine,” Jade said, before leaving the room and heading in the incorrect direction.
“Kamek?” Kammy asked.
“What?” the old Magikoopa responded, obviously frustrated.
“Didn’t you notice that Jade’s medal was gold? It used to be silver,” the old witch replied. “Oh, and that she went the wrong way... leaving the ship?”
It took Kamek a second to get the point. “Ah shoot! Quick, after him!”
The two hooded sorcerers arrived on the top of the Warrior Wing just in time to see a small Shy Away fly off and head for the Cerberus. Broomsticks appeared underneath them instantly, and they chased the espionage to the sister ship containing the Reznor beasts.
Mallet tossed his final hammer, and it landed hard top of Slash’s head. The youthful Koopa hadn’t moved since the attack overwhelmed him. Mallet stepped forward grinning, nodding to the onlooking class. When his smelly foot stepped next to Slash’s face, the fallen Koopatrol spun around, knocking his opponent to the ground. Slash stood up slowly, and leapt onto Mallet’s stomach. The Hammer Bro tried to stand up, but the small soldier wouldn’t give up. Slash spit into Mallet’s eyes, creating a temporary period to move. Slash used his last bit of energy to jump and turn around in the air. He landed on his back, poking his spikes into Mallet’s stomach. Both of them fell unconscious...
Vermik transformed into a Koopatrol, once aboard the ship. The shapeshifter ran as fast as he could, down several steamy hallways. The two Magikoopas could barely keep up with him. They had lost sight, but detected him with their magical abilities. But if he got farther out of reach, they might lose their signal on him. Vermik rushed into the nearest door and slammed it shut. He looked out the porthole window, not finding the two Magikoopas. He turned back around and for the first time looked at the room he had taken refuge in. He was face to face with a gigantic mouth, opening wide about to strike. He looked as the four Reznor studied him. The monsters towered over him, and for the first time Vermik felt defeated. But they didn’t strike. It wasn’t until after the creatures had lost interest in him, that he discovered the transparent cage containing them. Vermik laughed at himself, but then heard footsteps from above. He saw Clever Guy walking out of a room on the catwalk above. Vermik transformed into a fly and ascended up to the catwalk, settling down on a control panel. Kamek and Kammy walked into the room from an entranceway on the catwalk. Clever Guy turned to them.
“What can I do for you two Magikoopas?” Clever Guy asked trustingly.
“Clever Guy, have you seen anyone suspicious come around here? A shapeshifter’s on the loose,” Kamek responded.
Clever Guy rubbed his chin and looked to the ceiling. “No... not that I can recall. Would you like me to notify you if I do see anything?”
“Yes. Immediately,” Kammy said.
The two Magikoopas departed. A sigh of relief came from Vermik, though as a fly no one would here. Clever Guy continued staring at the door. “You can come out now, I know you’re in here.”
Was it possible that Clever Guy discovered him?
“I mean it.” Clever Guy unsheathed a flyswatter.
He did know. Vermik landed on the floor and transformed again, to his original form. He was an older Magikoopa, but far younger than Kamek or the one he had been receiving orders from. His cloak was a brilliant black that clashed with the orange crystal of his wand. Clever Guy turned around and exaimined the Magikoopa.
“Why didn’t you tell them if you knew I was here?” Vermik questioned.
Clever Guy chuckled, walking over to a control panel. “Because then I wouldn’t be able to request a favor from you.”
“What?!” Vermik snarled.
“I just saved your shell. If I were you I’d be grateful and listen to me.” Clever Guy’s voice was more demanding.
“Well as you’ll learn I’m not quite the loyal type. I’m a double crosser, and work for myself.” Vermik turned around and began walking to the exit.
A high pitched whine came from behind. “I wouldn’t be so hasty,” Clever Guy said, a laser handgun drawn. “After all, I am the smartest being on Plit, and anyone who crosses me will be dealt extreme punishment.”
Vermik turned around, again knowing he was defeated. Somehow it seemed less shameful this time. “What do you want?”
“Nothing as of now,” Clever Guy answered. “But I’ll need you and your talent in the future. That is all, you may do as you wish now.”
Clever Guy put the gun away and continued his research. Vermik’s grip on his wand tightened. If he wanted to, he could kill this insignificant Shy Guy right now. But for some reason, he didn’t. Instead Vermik shapeshifted into a Koopatrol once again, and left the room. Clever Guy grinned mischievously, and pulled a lever. The feeding process began.
“That’s right you primitive monsters. Eat up, you’ll need your strength. Now I’m off, to finish my project...”
Chapter 46: Flora Island Under Siege!
Splooshi fell to the ground just in time, as the mighty staff, studded with numerous spikes slashed horizontally above him. The Yo’ster then rolled sideways out of the way as the Dark Warrior smashed its staff down again. Splooshi’s head would have been taken clear off. The blue dinosaur jumped to his feet and ran fast toward Orchil, who remained inside the altar of stones. Splooshi reached his hands out to grab hers, but a shield of green energy blocked his path and pushed him backward. The stone pillars that surrounded the young island girl had somehow created a defensive shield, and nothing could get in or out. Orchil gasped. The native turned; a symbol appearing on each stone was glowing. The symbol was identical to the emblem on Mosolunar’s forehead, a Sun and Moon joined together in one circle.
“What do we do?” Orchil asked.
Splooshi looked back, the Dark Warriors persued him slowly. “I’ll go find Yoshi. He’ll help. You stay here, okay?”
Orchil nodded, obviously overwhelmed with fear, not necesarily for herself, but for her friends. She watched Splooshi rush off into the thicket of plants fencing off the beach. The two mysterious invaders exchanged some communication, and one rushed after the fleeing Splooshi. Orchil watched as the remaining monster walked up and tapped at the magical barrier with the end of his weapon. It bounced the staff back, as it had Splooshi. Orchil continued watching the Dark Warrior cautiously as it studied its predicament.
Splooshi cut through the jungle with
great speed. He had never run so fast in his life; normally at this rate
he would have tripped and fallen over plenty of times by now, the plant
life being humongous obstacles for even the residents of the island. But
Splooshi’s footing was superb. As soon as he left he found himself back
in the village, unfortunately greeted by the cries of the youths. Splooshi
saw two- no, three more Dark Warriors searching through the village in
an unstoppable wave of destruction. One floated in the air, blasting the
blue beam from the tip of his staff to demolish the huts below. The grounded
pair swung their weapons around, barely missing the children but cutting
the homes and plants to shreads. But where was Yoshi?
The green dinosaur stared, jaw dropped, eyes unblinking, utter bewilderment possesing him. The twin caretakers of the mammoth millipede only responded by giving a concerned look. The silence was interrupted with a loud pop. Three heads twisted about, finding a frightening face greeting them. Mosolunar had awakened, her face consumed by anger, red as her nose. A warnful whaling erupted from the insectoid beast. For the first time in Yoshi’s presence, Mosolunar stood up. The creature was even more breathtaking when on the many small feet that littered her spherical body.
“Oh no!” Nuba shouted.
“What is it?” Yoshi asked.
“The island...” Naya continued. “It is under attack!”
Yoshi’s face became grim. “By what?”
Two bombs of bright blue blasted down from the blue sky above. Each ray of energy smashed into the holy ground on either side of Mosolunar. Yoshi watched as two of the horrific Dark Warriors fell to the ground. They were complete with shiny new metal, glinting in the sunlight. With a loud crash, both creatures landed on the soil near Mosolunar’s large tail.
“We must protect Mosolunar! Come sister!” Naya exclaimed.
The second purple twin nodded in agreement. They placed both of their hands together, and pointed them at the armored evils. A ray of white light was ejected from their palms. The attack crashed into the protected chests of the Dark Warriors. The enemies were contained, but not damaged in any way. Mosolunar turned her head to face them. Orbs of faint pink formed on the still unblossomed flowers ending each antennae. They grew brighter, and as they were about to fire Mosolunar shrieked in pain, the orbs vanishing. The great creature fell to the ground. Nuba and Naya released their hold on the Dark Warriors and rushed to aid their Guardian Spirit. Yoshi looked ahead to the two free demons. He was the only one who could stop them now. He stepped forward and heard Nuba shout out from behind him as he walked.
“She’s too weak with illness! Something
is disturbing her stomach!”
Now there were five. The three original
ones, the one that had chased him, and now another one. As far as Splooshi
knew, there were six on the island. The children rushed toward the mountain
pathway, to Mosolunar. Splooshi was the only one left in the village. The
demonic warriors surrounded him as they smashed through the huts of mud.
Splooshi was positive these things weren’t looking for a fight... but for
something else. They would have been beating him to a bloody pulp by now
if all they were here for was revenge. The dinosaur climbed a nearby tree
to get a better view of the village. Yoshi was nowhere to be found, the
path to Mosolunar was blocked, and Orchil was still back there with one
of these things.
That’s when something unlike the armored
warriors in dark caught Splooshi’s eye. He peered below and found a short,
green, scaly lizard-like creature poking through the large hut of Nuba
and Naya. In shape and size it was much like a Yoshi except it stood tall
and had sharp claws on its toes and fingers. Jagged, yellow teeth pushed
up in an underbite on the creature’s jaws. Black quill-like spines poked
out of its head and down its back. The tail of the creature was much shorter
and fatter than a Yoshi’s. Its underbelly contrasted the dark green hide
with a pink coloring. Finally, the eyes. The eyes were on the sides of
its head, black vertical pupils and an aqua green filling the rest of the
eye. As it stepped out of the hut, the Yoshi discovered a red hot ball
of fire hopping alongside of it. Splooshi climbed down and cautiously weaved
through the trees to get a better viewpoint of the strange reptile. Splooshi
was close enough to hear it now. He hid all the way down in the dirt, not
wanting to be discovered.
“Where iz it?! If we don’t find it, thiz one be roasted for sure!” the lizard creature spoke. Its voice was quite throaty and a slight slur was detected. As it spoke, the creature twitched frantically, bobbing its head and blinking its eyes almost involuntarily.
Splooshi was surprised when a second voice replied to it. “Ha ha, of course you’ll be roasted. It’s not like that’d be any good to do to me!” The fireball spoke! It turned and two black, lifeless eyes glared at the bushes where Splooshi was taking shelter.
“What wrong, Torch?” the lizard asked.
The fireball named Torch was silent for a moment. “We’re being watched.”
Splooshi nearly screamed. “By what? Thiz one does not zee anyone!”
“It’s that ignorant Yoshi that we didn’t kill last time. He’s right over there in the bushes, he’s listening to me say this,” Torch responded. “I’m just wondering how long it will take until he- OH! There he goes!”
Splooshi jumped to his feet and fled into the jungle. The lizard turned to his cumbusting comrade. “Should thiz one follow him?”
The powerful Podoboo snarled. “Don’t bring him back alive, either.”
The scaly creature darted off after
its new prey. The Pyrosphere turned back and hovered toward the center
of the village...
Orchil was cowering in a corner now. The Dark Warrior was now extremely agitated. Its strategy now was to shoot the forcefield as much as possible with the magic energy from its staff. At first, the attack had no effect. But now the shield was beginning to weaken. Orchil closed her eyes, trying to concentrate and think of something to do. Suddenly the answer was revealed; a voice spoke to her.
My child, please heed my calling. For I have something urgent to tell you, and there may not be much time...
Orchil instantly recognized the voice to be Mosolunar’s.
Stand up, but keep your eyes closed. Reach to the side with your right arm, and a bow shall appear. Reach back with your left arm, and you will find a quiver full of arrows to strike down evil. But remember, you mustn’t feel for physical desires. Feel with your heart...
And with that, Mosolunar’s enchanting voice vanished. Orchil opened her eyes, the beastly creature continued to pummel the fading barrier. She looked around herself, no bow or quiver was to be found. Orchil then remembered Mosolunar’s words, and closed her eyes. She reached to the side with her right arm, and gripped tightly. The young girl fell to her knees in dispair, there was no bow in her hand. The sound of a large blast brought her back to reality. Orchil had to try again, the shield was giving way. Her eyelids shut once more. But before extending her arm, she took in a deep breath. Orchil held the air inside her chest for a moment. Slowly, very slowly, she exhaled the encaptured breath. She felt the air tickle her lips as it passed through her small mouth. She continued this breathing technique, slowly losing her senses. She could no longer hear the pounding of the staff, or smell the sea breeze. The sand between her toes had gone as well. Finally, she was ready.
Orchil extended her arm. Her fingers opened wide, and slowly clenched down. Success! The bow was there, though she could not feel it. Orchil knew it was there. Very calmly, she reached back, half-expecting to brush through the ends of her red hair. But she felt nothing. Remembering the movements for retrieving an arrow from a quiver, Orchil returned her hand to her side. The arrow was there. She placed in on the bow, and pulled the string back. It was ready to fire. But where was she supposed to aim now? Orchil focused deeply now. Two steps to the right, one step backward she took. The blue girl aimed the bow at a forty-five degree angle. One last breath was taken in, and as she exhaled, Orchil released the grip on the arrow.
A bright flash of golden light appeared
in front of her as her senses were restored. She saw a magnificent bow
made out of ancient wood in her hand. She felt a light quiver on her back,
and looking forward, found an arrow with a golden point stabbed into the
dead center of the Dark Warrior’s forehead. The reds of its fearsome eyes
vanished, and a golden electricity jolted about its body. The Dark Warrior
jerked back and out onto the beach. Orchil let her arm hang to the ground,
still holding the bow. The metallic monster stopped and burst with a yellow
light. When the smoke cleared, a strange creature Orchil had never seen
before remained. It was a short, spherical creature made out of the same
black metal as the former warrior. Two angered eyes opened in the center
of the ball. A pair of green feet allowed the creature to stand. Finally
two yellow horns jutted out of the sides of its head. She made a curious
grunt, and the tiny creature hopped off into the trees. Orchil chased after
it.
WHAM! Yoshi flew back into a tree trunk. His lip was swollen and blood dribbled down it. His head was now sore from the collision with the tree, and he was already tired from the battle. The two Dark Warriors approached him, their demonic red eyes showing no mercy. The dinosaur lifted himself up, taking quite the effort. Yoshi stood unsturdy in wait as his foes approached. Summoning up some stomach acid, the Yo’ster garbed in green scales puked up a corrosive blast of fruity juice. The Dark Warriors raised their arms in defense, smoke began billowing where the acid spray landed. Yoshi continued to spray until he was completely out of all his reserves that he had gathered that morning. Yoshi pointed his head down and coughed before gasping in air. An ominous heavy clank came from in front of him.
Yoshi watched as the smoke cleared. The Dark Warriors were unharmed, not even a scratch. Their new armor certainly did the trick. But what was Yoshi to do now? The two warriors persued him slowly as the green dinosaur stumbled backwards. He must have been somewhat delirious, for he saw storm clouds building in the air, as if to announce his death. Nothing came to mind as he stepped backward. Then Yoshi came to the edge of a cliff. He turned and looked down it. He could see the village, it was in ruins and part of it ablaze with the reddest of flames. He could see no one in the vicinity, besides several more Dark Warriors. The Yo’ster returned his gaze to the oncoming monstrosities. He could no longer run as they lifted their mighty staffs, about to pour death down on the defenseless dinosaur.
Yoshi closed his eyes, expecting a painful,
swift blow to the head, but instead was startled by a rumbling thunder
from above. Yoshi opened his eyes in time to see two great bolts of white
hot electricity pour down into the Dark Warriors’ staffs, and immediately
into their metallic bodies. Two clapping explosions sounded the defeat
of the Dark Warriors. Yoshi looked at the remains: two tiny, almost laughable
Bullies standing where the terrifying warriors once stood. The Bullies
panicked and rushed away into the jungle. A trumpeting hum from Mosolunar
turned Yoshi’s head, where he found his savior. Mallow stood atop the Wiggler
with his arms aimed at the sky. But something was different, a golden glow
eminated from the Nimbian...
Splooshi continued to run. Not far back he discovered that the lizard thing was chasing him, and it was fast. Blisters and bruises decorated the bottom of Splooshi’s unprotected, naked feet. He winced with each step, slowing down at each bound. Finally he collapsed to the ground, into a puddle of mud. He was deep in the jungle now, and nothing was familiar. The plant life surrounding him was different and not seen anywhere else. He sat up in the mud and became terribly frightened when a low growl sounded from the dark jungle behind him. The reptillian head of the lizard creature sliced through the shadows. A long, black tongue poked out and rubbed against the front of its jagged teeth. Splooshi couldn’t stand, he was petrified. The dinosaur remained in the mud.
“Heh heh heh. Look at you, lying in the mud. Like the pathetic worm you are! Thiz one haz recieved orderz to finish you off! Do you have anything left to zay?” the lizard asked.
Splooshi’s teeth were chattering as the fearsome beast stepped closer. It was such a deadly-looking creature, even more lethal then the Dark Warriors, the phantom pirates, or the fish demon they had battled. It got closer, but there was a sound in the bushes...
“No? Well then I guez it iz time to fry!” the lizard said, an orange light growing in his throat.
A golden-tipped arrow cut through the bushes and flew at an amazing speed, making its mark in the lizard creature’s side. It hissed in pain, turning to examine its wound. The creature grabbed the short arrow with its claw and pulled it out swiftly. It let out another cry before turning to leave. But it stopped suddenly, and turned back.
“Thiz one has not finished with you!” The lizard fled.
Splooshi gave a sigh of relief, and Orchil walked out from the shrub she had taken cover behind. Running up to Splooshi, she dropped non-hesitantly in the mud and hugged Splooshi. “Are you alright?!” Orchil asked frantically.
“I am now. Thank you,” Splooshi replied. “But oh no! We must find Yoshi still!”
The pair of blue beings escaped
into the jungle as well, in search of Yoshi.
“There isn’t time to explain now... We have to get rid of the rest of these things!” Mallow responded.
Yoshi nodded. “I saw a bunch more in the village! Let’s hurry!”
The Nimbian and the Yo’ster scurried off down to the village in a hurry. They passed by all the children who had taken shelter in the area. But Orchil and Splooshi were still missing! As they were running, Yoshi noticed something in Mallow’s hand. He held his fist closed tightly, but a golden light seeped through the nooks and crannies of his hand. Arriving at the slaughtered village, a great fire had consumed much of the plant life surrounding the small town. Mallow and Yoshi looked around; there were five Dark Warriors still in the area.
“Yoshi, gather them in one area,” Mallow instructed. “At my signal, get out of there as fast as possible!”
Yoshi understood and ran into the center of the destroyed village. The Dark Warriors quickly discovered the green dinosaur and began marching toward him. Yoshi watched as they closed in on him. Nearby Mallow scaled the only remaining hut.
“No... you need more time to charge up... This won’t do...” Yoshi said to himself.
He viewed Mallow raising his hands, opening them so the palms faced upward. The golden light that had been held within Mallow’s hand floated above his outstretched arms.
“NOW YOSHI!!!” Mallow cried.
Yoshi darted through the Dark Warriors
instantly. Before the armored foes figured out what was happening, an enormous
golden star fell from the sky. Upon impact, the Dark Warriors were consumed
by the deafening explosion. The five monsters were reduced to five wimpy
Bullies that rushed off in panic once they recovered from the previous
attack. The fire began to die down as Splooshi and Orchil appeared through
the thick jungle, running to Yoshi and Mallow.
The bright red flames of the Podoboo known as Torch whirled about as he watched the reunion of the four in disgust. The reptillian creature emerged from behind him through the trees.
“Thiz one haz failed, I waz caught off guard...” the lizard apologized.
Torch grunted. “Well I won’t be the one melting your tail off, so don’t complain to me! Now come on, let’s return before we’re discovered!”
The living fireball burst into a large flame with oranges, reds, pinks and purples. The lizard hopped into the flames and the firey fiend and the lizard disappeared in a trail of billowing smoke traveling up into the sky...
Chapter 47: Calm Before the Storm...
Johnny Jones watched the glowing orange sun in the distance, the wind flowing his cape majestically. His skewer held firmly in his right fin, the scruvy pirate certainly looked heroic. The other members of Johnny’s crew, all ranked by the color bandana they wore, were scattered about the ship performing their specific tasks of the day. A violent lightning storm off to the south was visible to the ship, but the clouds had settled about ten minutes ago. A red bandana went about polishing the porthole windows of the ship. Through the window, the ship’s cook was seen preparing the feast for that evening. It would be the last night the crew had their two esteemed guests on board. The cook sniffed in the fragrance of his boiling green soup. It smelled better than it looked. Just below the floor, a pair of Blue Bandanas sharing a room were bickering. One was trying to get to sleep, but the other wouldn’t stop laughing at the love notes he was re-reading.
“Arr! Ye be quiet, I only have this one break a day! Now let me sleep!” the tiresome mate barked.
“Sorry me mate, i’s just I haddn’t seen or heard of my lovely pearl in so long...” the Blue Bandana said, returning to his reading.
The only shark wearing a green bandana and blood relative of the captain, Dimplestick was practicing with his trident-like spear near the front of the ship. Johnny flashed a smile as he watched his young nephew.
“When we eating, Jonathon?” Luigi called in a friendly voice from behind.
The shark pirate twirled about on his tail fin and saluted warmly. “Aye, in about a half hour, or so.”
“Good. Any longer and I think Stario might go crazy of hunger,” Luigi said with a laugh.
Johnny chuckled a bit too, and turned back to look at his nephew. Luigi looked down as well, watching Stario walk up to Dimplestick. “You’ve got one great nephew, Johnny.”
“Yeah, he’s got his uncle’s strength, too. He’ll make one fine captain in the future...” Johnny began to trail off, not completing his thoughts. “So, ye said ye’d tell me all about this Stario business. I see now as good as time as any. What’s the scoop?”
“Well...” Luigi began arranging his thoughts. “First off I should tell you, he is Mario, except for a few main things.”
Johnny nodded attentively. Luigi continued.
“Stario’s physical body is the same as Mario’s besides a few fancy fine tunings on his muscles, and so is his voice and way of thinking. But the things differentiating the two, are these. For one, Stario’s main weapon and form of attack is his Star Saber, which he has become quite skilled with. Secondly, Stario’s overall power and abilities have increased and he's accumulated more tactics. When weakening, Stario can regain his strength when stars are visible in the sky. And finally...”
Luigi stopped for a moment. The only sounds were the waves lapping up against the sides of the ship. Johnny was about to say something when Luigi ended the silence.
“... there’s something deep within him. Stario’s spirit, his soul. It’s just... not Mario’s. Anyone who doesn’t know Mario personally even in the least wouldn’t be able to tell this difference. I’m sure by now you’ve seen something resembling what I’m saying.”
“Aye. Thar is somethin’ in him just not Mario, like ye said,” Johnny affirmed.
“Yes. Though I’m not the one who seems to be having the most difficulty with it...” Luigi explained.
“Then... who?” Johnny asked, only instantly after understanding. “Ah, I see now what ya mean. You’re talking about the princess, aren’t you?”
Luigi nodded slowly, his eyes closed in concentration. “Yes, but she could never say anything to Stario about it...”
Johnny sighed and looked back at his nephew, now learning as Stario taught him a few tricks. Luigi stepped forward and placed both hands on the railing, standing next to Johnny. All was quiet until dinner that evening.
“Pass the rum!” an excited Red Bandana shouted.
Johnny, Dimplestick, Stario, Luigi, and a few crew members surrounded a large wooden table below deck. The food was... not entirely inedible, but the two Toadstool Town residents longed for Tayce T’s fine cuisine. Anyway, they ate and ate. Energy would be needed in the upcoming trials awaiting them. The cries of the crew members completely drowned out any decent conversations, and so Stario and Luigi had remained, for the most part, silent during the meal. Dimplestick was the first to finish, inhaling the entire dish of fish and seaweed soup like a vaccuum cleaner to dirt. The rambunctious young terror of the deep threw down his bowl and rushed out of the room and up to the deck to continue playing. The sky was now dark, and dense fog was creating a small problem for the set course. Gray and black clouds above diminished the stars and a fraction of the moon, providing little lunar lighting. Later, when everyone had finished and the ship’s dishwasher had taken action, Stario and Luigi rose to the deck as well. The wind was more random and powerful now, as they cruised farther into unknown territories. This wind, however, was more sinister than those the adventurerers had experienced in the past. Even more fierce winds didn’t have this unique quality. The gales that rushed by their face didn’t feel soothing, but rather almost stinging. The winds were sharpened, it seemed. And a terrible hissing noise followed the gusts, completing the haneous effect. Suddenly the boat jerked to a stop, Stario stumbled and almost lost his balance, Luigi did the same. The moonlight was nearly gone.
“What’s happened?” Stario asked.
“Arrgh! What be the problem, men?” the voice of Johnny called, hidden somewhere in the darkness.
The sound of water splashing filled the air. The winds had died down. “We’ve just sent a few mates down in to see if we’ve hit anything, captain!”
“Aye,” Johnny replied.
Everything was silent then. Tension and impatience filled the atmosphere. Thousands of questions raced through everyone’s minds. After at least ten minutes, two pirates were heard resurfacing. There had been more splashes when they dove in...
“QUICK! WE’VE GOT TO GET OUT OF HERE! NOW!!!”