“Arrgh! Zey be preparin’ fer battle! Eveiryone... BATTLE STATIONS!” Torte yelled.
“Cap’n Torte! You said a swear word!” Genius Guy said, climbing up from the sea.
“I did not!” Torte snapped.
“Yeah huh! You said the anti-Nintendo word!” Genius Guy barked.
“Vat? Anti-Nintendo verd?” Torte said confused.
“You know, the BEEP Station!” Genius Guy stammered.
“Vat, I said battle stations! Not Playstation!” Torte yelled.
“Cap’n!”
“Oh shut up!”
“Up doesn’t have a door!”
“... Vait, vat?” Torte asked.
“Okay... if this,” Genius Guy pointed up to the sky, “is up, what is this direction on the other side of the planet?” Genius Guy asked.
“Um... down?” Torte answered.
“Correct! SO there is no up, since it’s the same as down, so there can be no door of up, so it’s impossible to shut!” Genius Guy yelled.
“Zat’s brilliant!” Torte yelled.
A booming sound came from the ship across them. A cannon ball bashed into the side of the pirate ship. Torte, Genius Guy, and everyone else fell and rolled to the other side of the deck.
“MON DIEU! Ve’re undeir attack! Fire back!” Captain Torte ordered.
Changling, the Reaper, Whomp, and Soshi armed the cannons, and Embert hopped down in a row, lighting each fuse. The cannons fired loudly. Mini Moi covered his ears. Johnny Jones and Dimplestick dove for cover as three cannon balls came tumbling down. The fourth one had been shot too high and flew up into the sky. The three cannon balls hit Johnny’s ship hard, but luckily from the years being submerged a protective coating of barnalces and coral reef had grown on the ship’s sides, so the impact was less and the damage very insufficient.
“Fire back at ‘em mates!” Johnny called.
The Red and Blue Bandanas (what Johnny’s pirates were called of course) armed the cannons with all the cannon balls they could and fired them. Huge explosions echoed across the deep blue sea.
“Quickly Reapeir, form a shield around ze pirate ship!” Torte ordered.
The Grand Glum Reaper performed the enchantment it was told. A magical shield formed and the cannon balls burst against it, causing no damage.
“Mwah ha ha!” Torte laughed. “Vait a second… vat are you doing up heir Changling?! You’re supposed to be blocking ze leak!!!”
“But Cap’n!” Changling said.
“Don’t worry Cap’n Torte, I got it under control!” Genius Guy said.
“Somehow I doubt zat ist ze case...” Cap’n Torte argued.
“It is too the case Cap’n,” Changling agreed.
“Fine, vat ist ze case?” Torte asked.
“We’re suing you!” Genius Guy and Changling said in unison.
“Vat?” Torte replied.
“BURN!!! That was great!” Changling said high-fiving Genius Guy.
“That wasn’t funny...” the Apprentice said.
“Vait, so ve are, SINKING?!” Cap’n Torte asked.
“Uh...” Genius Guy responded.
“Err, whoopsie...” Changling said.
“MON DIEU!!! YOU FOOLS!!!” Torte said, kung fu kicking his two idiot servants against a wall.
Torte jumped down into the ship and landed with a splash. Mini Moi splashed in after him. The kitchen was flooded. Dingpot floated around on the water. “Vat to do? Vat to do?!” Torte spazzed.
Mini Moi smiled and a light bulb appeared above his head. He sucked in air and dove under water. The cookish clone swam down to the leak. He pulled a BIG O’ BAG of licorice out of his shell and started nailing down the strong, thick strands of licorice to block the leak. Torte used Dingpot to bail out the remaining water.
“Hmm, how will we penetrate their ship with that shield?” Johnny pondered aloud.
“Oooh! I know!” Dimplestick said excitedly.
“What nephew?” Johnny asked.
“Instead of firing cannon balls, let’s fire Cheep Cheeps to eat away at the shield!” Dimplestick suggested.
“Arrgh! That be a great plan! Load up the Cheep Cheeps!” Johnny ordered.
Cap’n Torte and Mini Moi walked out of the ship’s interior just in time to see the Cheep Cheeps squish against the transparent shield. Cheep Cheeps were fish that could use their flippers as wings and take off into the air. Their razor sharp teeth made them like piranhas. They easily ate up the shield’s energy, then it shattered. The Cheep Cheeps fell onto the ship and chomped away vigorously at the delicious wood. Torte and his crew quickly did away with the vicious fish. The opposing pirate ship continued firing cannonballs.
“Vat are you vaiting for?! FIRE BACK!!!” Torte ordered.
“Oh no! I can’t find Lucy!” Genius Guy said.
“Who’s Lucy?” Torte demanded.
“Um... nobody.” Genius Guy answered.
“You brought zat cat, didn’t you?!” Torte yelled.
“Yes! I admit it! Now I can’t find her, I think she might have drowned in the sea! WAHHHHHHHH!” Genius Guy cried.
“Are you sure zat’s not Lucy’s line?” Torte snickered.
“Huh?” Genius Guy asked. “OH WAIT! I remember now, she was taking a nap in the cannon and...”
BOOM! A cannon was fired, and the shrieking of a cat followed the firing noise. Lucy Fur, Genius Guy’s evil cat, flew through the air and crashed into one of Johnny’s Bluebandanas.
“LUCY!!! NO!!!” Genius Guy shouted.
The evil cat sprouted foot long claws and sliced up the shark in front of it, turning it into canned tuna. Johnny shouted and Dimplestick vomited.
“ARRGH! They be firin’ possessed kitties!” Johnny said, jumping down to the cat. Johnny pulled out his trident. The cat’s hair stood like spikes on it’s back. It hissed frighteningly as blood trickled from its mouth. “Go back to Davy Jones’ Locker, demon!!!” Johnny shouted, smacking the cat with his trident like a golf ball.
Lucy cried, flying through the air, but out of its back shot out bat-like wings. The cat righted itself in the air and flew back toward Torte’s ship.
“Lucy! You’re all right!” Genius Guy said, hugging his cat when it landed and retracted its wings.
“Lucy… you got some ‘splainin’ to do...” Torte said.
The cat growled and sliced up Genius Guy, then retreated to its bed in Genius Guy’s room.
“I LOVE LUCY!!!” Genius Guy cried.
Meanwhile, Lemmy Koopa was currently orbiting Plit, as his rocket had run out of fuel.
“Wow, it’s amazing! I’ve been up in the cold recesses of space for over a month, I haven’t eaten or gotten oxygen, and I’m still alive. Hey, is that a cannon ball?”
The fourth cannon ball shot by Torte’s Team of Terror earlier continued upward and smashed into Lemmy. It knocked the crazy Koopa hard and he flipped around. Lemmy spun out of control and shot back down through Plit’s atmosphere. He was enveloped in fire, speeding so fast his snot was shot out of his ears and all he had to say was, “YIPPEE!!!”
Jonathon Jones’ crew was loading up another round of cannon balls when Dimplestick saw the meteor-like Lemmy flying down towards them.
“Unky Johnny! Circus freaks are falling from the sky!” Dimplestick said, tugging on his uncle’s cape.
“What are ye talkin’ ‘bout now?” Johnny said looking down at his nephew.
It was too late. Lemmy crashed into the ocean right next to Johnny’s boat. The impact was so hard, it caused a whirlpool.
“Oh no! A whirlpool!!!” Johnny said.
Johnny’s boat got caught in the whirlpool and started spinning uncontrollably. The wind picked up a bit and Johnny’s ship floated into the air and spun off far into the distance until it was seen no more.
“Ve von by default! YAY!!!” Torte shouted.
All of the crew rejoiced. Genius Guy danced on the edge of the boat. “Cap’n! Cap’n!” Genius Guy called.
“Vat?” Torte snapped.
“Now that we’ve won, you can take us all out for ice cream!” Genius Guy said.
“Very funny, Genius Guy...” Cap’n Torte said annoyed.
“No. I mean it. You HAVE to. It’s in the RULEBOOK!!!” Genius Guy said, pointing to a page in The Rules Of Super Mario Fan Fiction book, rule number 8657.
“YAY! WE GET ICE CREAM!!!” the Team of Terror shouted.
“See, I was right,” Genius Guy said dancing.
Chef Torte threw Whomp at Genius Guy, and Genius Guy fell off the boat.
“MAN OVERBOARD!!!”
Chapter 10: The Dark Warrior Attacks!
The dark warrior creature raised its staff high in the air. Mallow tried to reach it with his Froggie Stick, but it was floating up above him and out of reach. Mallow rushed away as its energy was fully gathered. It let out a jolt of blue lightning that nearly nipped the Nimbian Pince. It floated back down to the ground and started slowly pursuing Mallow. It walked steadily toward its prey, clutching its staff in both of its armored hands. Mallow neared the edge of the arena, a ring of fire. As the dark warrior approached, he shot off one of his fists and punched it in the head. It stopped abruptly, then resumed pursuing the fluffy cloud prince with no hesitation. Mallow swallowed hard; he had to do something to harm it. Then he remembered his magical abilities. He could have kicked himself in the head if he had the time and flexibility. Mallow hopped out of his pants, raised his arms, and summoned a Thunder Storm. Several dark clouds formed hastily above the ring of fire. Lightning Bolts shot down from the sky every which way. The metallic-armored warrior in dark took heavy damage and collapsed to the ground. Smoke rose from its heated hide.
“Yes! Why didn’t I think of this before?!” Mallow said.
The dark warrior hopped back up into the sky and charged his staff. He shot off two balls of blue energy this time, which the unsuspecting Mallow was hit by. Mallow fell back in pain and clenched his fists. He rose his hands again and another round of lightning poured down from the dark haven above. This time, however, the dark warrior was prepared and defended itself by projecting a shield around itself.
“Drat!” Mallow complained.
Meanwhile, Yoshi and Splooshi had returned to the sailboat and administered the proper care to the unconscious people they rescued from the cabin. They were still unconscious, but breathing and pulse seemed fine. It had been awhile since they’d returned, and now their thoughts turned to their missing comrade.
“Why isn’t Mallow back yet? He should have been here by now!” Splooshi asked.
“Maybe he got into trouble. Let’s go check it out!” Yoshi said.
Yoshi peered through the forest, noticing another orange glow. Another fire had started, and Mallow might be in the middle of it.
“Yoshi, what if Mallow’s trapped? What do we do?” Splooshi worried.
“Yoshi no know. Hopefully Mallow will be able to get out himself. Come on, let’s keep moving!” Yoshi said.
Mallow jumped up and avoided another blast. He’d tried using his Thunder Bolt technique three more times, with no success. He was now low on energy. Mallow studied the warrior’s strategy. After it chased Mallow for a period on the ground, it rose up into the sky. It would charge its staff and attack with projectiles. His Froggie Stick was too weak to hurt it on the ground, never mind the fact Mallow would be very vulnerable at a close range, and Mallow couldn’t strike it with his lightning bolts because it defended with a shield generated by its staff.
“If only there was some way he couldn’t use his staff!” Mallow yelled. Mallow stared up at the dark warrior, finishing its power up, and an epiphany struck the cloud walker. “Of course!” Mallow whispered. “When he charges his staff!”
Mallow flew back against the wall of fire, getting hit hard by several projectile blasts. Mallow tore off his burnt cape and started focusing his energy into his Froggie Stick. If he gathered enough, he could summon his giant lightning bolt, the Shocker as he called it. But until then, Mallow had to avoid being hit.
“Hey! Mallow’s fighting something!” Splooshi called.
Yoshi caught up with his energetic friend, and saw he was correct. Mallow was fighting a large, black armored knight-warrior thing holding a staff.
“We need to help Mallow! But... how?” Splooshi asked.
“Let’s try using our eggs!” Yoshi said.
The two Yoshis fired off their similarly-colored eggs. They flew over the ring of fire and collided with the dark warrior. It released its energy, powering the staff. It turned and made a growling noise at the two intruders. It focused more energy, dodging their eggs, and released a bunch of blue energy blasts at them. Yoshi and Splooshi tried evading the assail, but flew off in different directions after being hit. Mallow clenched his fists around the Froggie Stick as hard as he could. The dark warrior turned back to the angered cloud prince. It rose its staff as high as it could and gathered great amounts of energy. Unknown to the armored beast, a thick layer of storm clouds hovered over it like vultures over a dying treat. Mallow finished his charge-up, pulled back his Froggie Stick, and pointed it above the monster. A tiny yellow bolt of energy zapped from the tip of the Froggie Stick and whizzed passed the dark warrior and up into the clouds. The dark warrior looked up, confused. It turned its head back down at Mallow when the last of its energy was gathered. Mallow quickly raised his hands.
“SHOCKER!!!” Mallow shouted.
A gigantic yellow lightning bolt shot right into the tip of the staff the dark warrior held above its head. Yellow electricity sparked all over the demonic knight. Smoke ascended from its super-heated metal armor. When the final blow of the giant lightning bolt slammed into the staff, the staff burst into thousands of burning metal shards. Mallow covered his face with his hands and felt his marshmallowy arms cushion the blow of the heated shards. Mallow felt the shards melt his flesh slightly. The dark warrior cursed out a final roar and impacted into the ground, melting the area around it. The ring of fire locking Mallow in dissolved away and Mallow bent down on his knees, catching his breath. Yoshi and Splooshi rushed in to see if their friend was okay.
“WOW! That was spectacular!” Splooshi yelled.
“Are you injured?” Yoshi asked.
“Some, but not badly.” Mallow replied.
“Good. Let’s return to boat and check up on our unconscious friends,” Yoshi responded.
Yoshi helped Mallow to his feet and they walked slowly back out to the forest. They were stopped suddenly, as the ring of fire was formed again. They gasped and turned back around. The dark warrior’s hand was raised. It slowly pulled itself from the ground. It stood frighteningly before the three travelers.
“Wh- what we do now?!” Splooshi asked.
“Um... I... I’m not sure...” Mallow mumbled.
“Let’s attack it, maybe?” Yoshi suggested, regurgitating some stomach acid.
The green dinosaur vomited out a trail of boiling acid and sprayed it at the enemy. Splooshi did the same. Mallow took out his Froggie Stick and started charging for a second Shocker attack. The dark warrior’s armor bubbled and hissed. It started running towards Splooshi. Splooshi stopped spraying acid and stood there, frozen with fear.
“Splooshi! MOVE!!!” Yoshi yelled.
The light blue-colored Yo’ster didn’t respond. The dark warrior punched Splooshi hard, throwing him into the burning ring of the arena. His yellow cap floated to the ground in front of the dark warrior. Splooshi recovered from his state of trance, and cried in pain. He rushed out of the fire and circled the arena screaming.
“Stop! Drop! An’ roll!” Yoshi said.
Splooshi stopped, and dropped, and rolled. The fire was put out, but he was severely burned.
“Darn it Splooshi! Now I’ll have to charge again!” Mallow said, thrusting his hand in the air.
A small, smiley-faced cloud formed and hovered above the crisped dinosaur. It dropped down liquid energy, replenishing Splooshi’s health and healing his burns.
“Thanks, Mallow,” Splooshi said embarrassed.
“Just keep distracting him!” Mallow shouted.
Both Yoshis resumed spraying the dark warrior with their acid. Of course, they stopped when the warrior charged them at racing speeds.
“Just a bit longer...” Mallow said.
Mallow’s Froggie Stick glowed yellow. It was nearly fully charged for a second Shocker. Just then, the dark warrior cornered Splooshi.
“Oh no!” Yoshi called.
“Hang on Splooshi! Here it comes!” Mallow said, releasing the energy into the sky.
A bright yellow flash filled the sky as the giant Shocker fell to Plit’s surface. Faster than lightning, literally, the dark warrior snatched Splooshi in his hand and pointed him upward. Splooshi took the full force of the Shocker. The dark warrior took slightly less damage, but it was still quite powerful. But whatever damage was done to the dark warrior, double was done to poor Splooshi. The attack finished, and Splooshi was completely cooked. His body was greyish and charred. Smoke rose from him, as well as from the dark warrior. The dark warrior fell to its knees and put its free hand down to balance while clutching Splooshi in the other.
“SPLOOSHI!!” Yoshi cried.
“Oh no! What have I done?” Mallow panicked.
The dark warrior once again stood up. He spun Splooshi around in his hand, then launched him far into the forest, beyond the ring of fire. It turned back and glared at Mallow.
“Uh oh. That was s-supposed to, finish him off...” Mallow mumbled. “Any ideas?”
“Just... one,” Yoshi said.
Yoshi jumped in the air and formed an eggshell around himself. He spun fast and knocked dust up behind him. He circled the dark warrior with incredible speed. Mallow and the dark warrior felt dizzy trying to keep up with him. Finally Yoshi stopped, which was what the dark warrior was waiting for. He struck with the greatest agility. Yoshi, however, expected this. He jumped out of the way and the dark warrior charged into Mallow instead. With a loud banging, Mallow flew far across the arena. He started to sob, tears filling his eyes, and finally, he went all out. Heavy rain poured down from the skies. It drenched everything. The fire was put out.
“Keep it up... keep it up...” Yoshi whispered to himself.
The dark warrior slowly stepped toward Mallow, its fists tightly closed. As it crept toward Mallow, it seemed to take forever. It seemed as if with every step, the dark warrior went slower. But it only seemed that way because it was true. Mallow stared in pure fear up at the dark warrior. It lifted its fist, shot it down, and stopped two inches from Mallow’s face. Mallow opened his eyes.
“Huh?” Mallow asked.
He heard Yoshi giggling from behind.
“Hey! What happened! Don’t laugh!” Mallow yelled.
“The rain you cried down started rusting its armor. When it finally became completely saturated, it could move no more, and froze!” Yoshi said.
“Well, doesn’t that beat all...” Mallow said, wiping his eyes.
They sat in silence for a moment. Then they both cried out.
“SPLOOSHI!!!”
Chapter 11: Johnny Shores in Toadstool Town
It was a cool spring morning. A chilly breeze swept through the peaceful metropolis of Toadstool Town. But today, all was but harmonious. For the night before, the fair princess had been captured. Stario and Luigi had been summoned to the castle. They were told of Princess Toadstool’s kidnapping, and they were given the only clue, the card reading “LVK Industries”. Stario searched more around the princess’ desolated room while Luigi thought hard about the odd clue.
“Mar- I mean, Stario, I don’t-a believe this is-a the work of Bowser. It’s too clever, and he doesn’t-a have an army anymore! But whoever did it, wanted us to find this clue!” Luigi confirmed, staring down at the card in his hand. “It might be a trap...”
Ever since the transformation from Mario to Stario had occurred, nothing had been the same between the two plumber brothers. Luigi had always felt a bit intimidated by his older brother because of his fame and better heroic skills. But now, Luigi sometimes forgot that he and Stario were actually related. Even the entire Mushroom Kingdom was effected. When they had hoped for a hero to come forth and stop evil, they were certain Mario would come. Though Stario was obviously stronger, the citizens didn’t seem as trustful of the new version. It’s like that creepy AOL for Broadband thing.
“You don’t-a think it’s-a that crazy chef again, do you?” Stario asked.
“No. Bowser would have done a better job than him. The only reason he confused us last time is that no one else had ever kidnapped the princess. But I think now, some other, darker force is at work...” Luigi responded. “Could it be Vuljiin?”
“I don’t-a think so. I thought I killed him, but I’m not positive,” Stario answered. “I’m-a pretty sure I did. Except the weird thing is, the two other crystals disappeared. I know they cannot be destroyed so easily. Part of me is-a one. But, there was that odd black sphere that shot away after I attacked him...”
“Well, whatever the case, I don’t think Vuljiin would attack again without a very good plan, if he is alive that is. He saw your incredible strength. So unless he’s also a brainiac that can come up with plans easily, I doubt it’s him. I mean, I know Bowser has come up with plans that fast, but they weren’t very good, and he wasn’t up against a supercharged plumber,” Luigi said.
“So, what should our-a first step be?” Stario asked.
“I think we should find out everything we can about this, LVK Industries,” Luigi replied.
“I agree. You know, I think our toaster’s-a made from there.” Stario mentioned.
“Luigi! Mari- I mean, Stario! You need to see this!” Toad said, rushing in.
“What is it?” they asked in unison.
“Quick! Come outside! There’s a ship in the harbor!” Toad answered.
After a brief jog, the three of them arrived at Toadstool Town’s harbor. A large pirate ship was currently docked.
“What the...” Stario said.
A shark wearing a long cape and carrying a trident poked his head up from the ship.
“Mario... is that you, mate?” Jonathon Jones called.
“Huh?” Stario replied.
“It IS you, isn’t it!” Johnny said.
The shark pirate hopped down from his ship and landed on the ground next to Stario.
“Remember me, your ol’ buddy, Jonathon Jones?” Johnny asked.
“Um... kind of,” Stario said.
“What do ya mean kind of?” Johnny laughed.
“Well.. I’m-a not really Mario,” Stario said.
“What ye be talkin’ about, mate?” Johnny asked.
“I’ll explain later, Johnny,” Luigi said. “But now, what are you doing here in Toadstool Town?”
“My boat was thrown this way by the gales! Before we got caught in a twister, we were in a real fight. Cannons were roarin’ an’ stuff. But anyways, we needed to dock, our ship has been damaged from the fight. My crew will be fixin’ it. But we need a place ta stay. Know of any inns that’ll take us pirates?” Johnny asked.
“They’d probably be more concerned with the fact that you’re sharks…” Toad muttered.
“What was that?” Johnny snapped.
“Huh? Oh… um… nothing,” Toad replied.
“I’m sure the local inn will take you. But, why can’t-a you stay in your ship? I’m just wondering,” Luigi asked.
“Well, I want to be back out at sea as soon as possible. So I’m gonna have a night crew work on the ship too, to repair it faster. I’m sure they’ll be loud noises. I could stand ‘em, but my young nephew Dimplestick can’t get to sleep under such conditions,” Johnny said.
“Dimplestick?” Toad asked.
“He’s up thar, hidin’ behind some barrels. He’s a bit shy. Come down nephew, it’s all right!” Johnny called.
The little, green bandana-wearing shark hopped down by Johnny and hid his face in his cape.
“Hey little fella!” Toad said.
Dimplestick growled and pulled out his trident; he charged at Toad, but Johnny grabbed him in time. Toad fell backward on his rear. Dimplestick struggled to get out of Johnny’s flippers.
“Calm down nephew, this be our friend! Oh, I forgot to tell ye, would ye not mention me nephew’s height... he’s very ...sensitive,” Johnny covered Dimplestick’s ears. “But also very strong! Don’t be fooled by his appearance. He might even be stronger than I be!”
“Okay. We’ll watch our tongues!” Luigi responded.
“Thanks. Oh an’ could ye point us in tha direction of that inn?” Johnny asked.
“It’s that way. See you later Johnny, you too Dimplestick,” Toad said.
Dimplestick went back to being shy, and covered up in his uncle’s cape.
“Oh, Luigi! I have something for you!” a voice called from behind. They turned to see Parakarry, the Paratroopa postman. He handed a letter to Luigi. “Another letter delvered, the work of postman is never done!” Parakarry said.
Luigi opened his letter and sighed.
“What does it say Luigi?” Stario asked.
“It’s just a letter advertising some library on an island named Juat. Who knows where that is...” Luigi said.
“Well, actually I do!” Parakarry said. “It’s some isle in the south Tropacine region.”
“Hmm, Parakarry, you know a lot of locations outside the Mushroom Kingdom. Have you ever heard of someplace called LVK Industries?” Stario asked.
“No, I’m afraid. But I think I might know who would. He’s a good friend of mine that lives in Monstro Town,” Parakarry said. “He’s known as the Traveling Nodimouse. He travels quite a lot. Now I must leave, do you need anything else?”
“No Parakarry, I think that will do fine. Thank you,” Luigi said.
“Okay. See ya, and always use the postal service instead of the more convenient phone or Internet communication systems!” Parakarry said, flying off.
“Good job, Stario. We’ll have to go to Monstro Town and meet this traveling Nodimouse," Luigi said.
“Okay. I’ll stay here and contact you if any new information comes up,” Toad said.
“All right. Luigi, let’s-a go to the house quick, grab what we need, and go. The princess could be in real danger!” Stario said.
Soon Stario and Luigi had their things packed and were prepared to leave. They took a deep breath and started off down the Mushroom Way, and continued through the kingdom until they eventually came upon Monstro Town, far in the west. As they left their humble Pipe House behind, a darkly-clothed figure stood up on their roof, the black robe surrounding him blowing in the nippy winds. The sickly colors of violet and gray designs on his Mushroom top matched his shady attire. A demonic grin spread across Ekin’s face. In his right hand he clutched his magical staff tightly. His prey was in sight, but his orders from his master kept him from striking. The fungus’ eyes glowed with a frightening crimson, as he extended his arm upward; gravity pulled on his robe, revealing dense, black scales covering his arm. Ekin rotated his wrist, motioning his staff in a circular motion. The warlock turned transparent and finally vaporized into the air, leaving dark twinkles of light where he once stood. Soon he would reappear, and he would strike...