Chapter Nine: First Encounter
HOLLY
I yawned, waking up to see my dad. I needed something to drink so I walked into his room. Dyllan followed me because he too was thirsty. "Where's dad?" he asked.
"Probably in his room." We walked over to the doorway and I stared in utter disbelief at what I saw. Dyllan hooted loudly. "DADDY?" I shouted into space. Dad was in his room with a Koopa girl. And they were kissing.
Dyllan bent over laughing. "HA, HA!!! Father!!! You suprrise me! You dirty devil! Going on a date and making out with a girl even though your wife just died?"
I put my hand over my mouth. "Daddy..."
Father looked at us and sighed. "Look, guys. I know this might seem hard for you to accept, but with your mother gone, I can't take care of both of you alone. I need someone to fill her shoes," he said.
Tears welled up in my eyes. "But... but... She could never replace Mommy..."
Father walked over to me and patted me on the shoulder. "Listen. I know she could never replace your mother, but Lucy will treat you with just as much respect, will love and care for you just like your mother did. She is very sorry for both of us."
~~~~~
MARIO
We all stood there for a second, and all was silent. No one moved. My daughter started to cry and I picked her up in my arms and hugged her. "Everything is going to be okay. It's going to be okay..." I stroked her hair.
"I LOVE YOU, DADDY!" she cried into my shoulder.
"I love you too, Hol."
The moment was interrupted when a loud crashing sound was heard on the roof. Holly stopped crying and gasped. "What was that?"
I frowned. "Stay behind me!" I shouted. A claw broke through the window and pulled me to the ground.
I heard my daughter scream as my face hit the dirt. I slowly got up and looked at my attacker. Rain fell down all around me and soaked my clothes. It pattered against the ground peacefully but menacingly. Lightning crashed and thunder roared like an angry beast in the backround Illuminating my attacker. Standing before me was a large scarecrow-like creature. It had a long, pointed straw hat with small spines sticking out of it. On the end was a red, oozing substance that appeared to be blood. Its face resembled a burlap bag with several stitches in it.
It had black, pointed eyes with circular, red pupils. Its mouth was one long stitch that had several strings hanging out. It wore a large, spiked neck line. It had a slim frame and long paws with sharp talons at the end. Two long, taloned feet extended from its legs and giant, bat-like wings protruded from his back. It opened its horrible mouth to reveal rows of razor sharp fangs.
I stared it down and clenched my fists in anger. "Who are you? What do you want with me and my family?" I asked in a stern tone.
It looked confused. "Family? Well, the orders were to kill you, but he never said I couldn't have a little fun..." It snickered.
"What?! Leave my family out of this!" I shouted. He leapt up to the window. I gasped. I jumped into the air and shot a fireball at it. The creature dodged and kicked me to the ground.
It laughed. "This is all you have? I would have expected more from you." Out of thin air a long, sleek scythe materialized. He brought it back and drove it into the ground where I lay. I leaped out of the way, barely dodging it. "My name is Setzuka, all who oppose me shall die. I am a creature from the demon plane, and I was formed from a mixture of fire and tortured souls. My purpose is to cause pain." I waited, panting for him to finish. When he did, he brought his scythe out of the ground. "Come. Face me! I want to see all that I have heard. I want to see the great Super Mario in action."
I snarled. "As you wish." I looked to my pocket and unsheathed the star hammer. I ran forward and our weapons clashed with a fierce clang that caused the air to ripple around us.
He pushed against me and clawed me in the chest. I screamed and blood ran from the gash. "So, you can wield the star hammer, eh? Impressive. My scythe also contains star energy." He elbowed me in the face and I went flying backwards. In an instant he was upon me. He tore at my face, blinding me temporarily and making me clutch at the area. He barreled forward into my stomach and knocked the wind out of me, pushing me into a wall. I swung my star hammer at his head but he grabbed it and tossed it away. He slowly drove the scythe into my lower stomach so that it wouldn't kill me, but cause me a great deal of pain. It felt like I was being torn in half, like every part of me was on fire…
"... Urrk... Why don't you kill me...?" I asked confused.
"Hahaha... Isn't it obvious? I love to torture people. I love their screams of pain as I rend there flesh.... The taste of fresh blood on my claws..."
I moaned. "You sick $%$#$." It smiled.
It pulled the scythe out, leaving me bleeding and gasping for air. I collapsed to the ground, unable to move. He raised his scythe into the air. "Well, I must say, I'm disappointed in you. I thought I would get more of a challenge."
I glared at him. "YOU WILL!" I shot a fireball in his face making him back up. I weaved my fire around in a wavelike motion and sent it at him. He jumped out of the way. I leapt into the air and kicked him in the face several times. He caught my leg and slammed me down to the ground. I roared. Getting back up, I sent several starbursts in his direction, which he dodged before slamming into my solar plexis. I gasped for breath, saliva coming out of my mouth. I shot a flame at him but he dodged and slammed the back of his side into my head. I fell like a sack. Next he kicked me with his taloned feet, ripping my flesh and sending me into the air, where he hit me with his scythe bringing me back to the ground.
He jumped on top of me, crushing my body. I tried to stop him but he pinned my arms to the ground, then slashed me in the face several times. "AAARRGH!!!" He grabbed me by the legs and swung me around before throwing me into the wall. He rushed over to me, grabbed my head, and slammed it repeatedly into the wall. I was slowly bleeding to death...
Then I heard a familiar voice. "YOU LEAVE MY DADDY ALONE!!!" A large snowflake was shot at the demon, who caught it angrily, but then smiled when he saw who it was.
"HOLLY!!! GET OUT OF HERE!!! FORGET ME!!!" I screamed.
The demon was quick. He ran at my daughter, scythe raised. I ran in front of her and stretched my arms out. The blade went through me. I coughed blood. She looked terrified and started to cry. "Uuurk... Holly. Get out of here... I love you..." I said.
My head slumped. Colors swirled around me. A bright light filled my view and I covered my eyes. It was so beautiful.... NO! My family was in danger! I woke up and dislodged myself from the scythe. I kicked the demon in the face before shooting a fireball at him. He growled at me. "YOU'RE DONE, HUMAN!!!"
Just then, he stopped. "Setzuka...
Come back now... You can kill him another time..." A low voice came
from knowhere. It looked as if he was
talking on an invisible phone.
He turned towards me. "You got lucky this time. I must go. Well, this will give you a chance to get stronger. Goodbye for now."
He vanished in thin air, making me think. I had to protect my family. Even it meant giving up my simple life temporarily...
Chapter Ten: Dreaming in Silence
KARMA
The deep blue full moon shone down from the sky and illuminated everything. It was night, and we could hear every single beautiful creature sarenading to the night sky. Crickets chirped, and birds sung their sweet songs. Even in the dark and dreary gloom of Dark Land it was beautiful. I breathed deeply in through my nostrills and enjoyed the sweet aroma of flowers, something rare in this area. Rose petals floated to the ground and rested on the moist soil. I sighed. I looked over at Ludwig. He was shivering, so I went over to his cold body and lay down on him, and I fell asleep in his arms...
Slowly I opened my eyes. I was lying on my blanket and I smelled something good on the fire. I looked over at Ludwig. In a pan there were two eggs cooking. He looked at me and smiled. "That was a really nice thing you did for me last night," he said.
I smiled. "Thanks for making eggs! But, how did you get them?" I asked.
"There was an old, traveling Goomba on the road. I found him and he gave me a bunch of supplies. So, dig in!" he said.
As I raised the eggs to my mouth I heard marching sounds. Out from a small group of trees came a small army of Koopatrols, Magikoopas, and several Boom Booms. Ludwig's jaw dropped. "Oh, you've got to be freaking kidding me!!!"
Some were riding Yoshis. These weren't normal Yoshis. They had red eyes and black skin. Who knew a peaceful race like the Yo'sters could be so warlike and evil? The Koopatrols stood there in the glowing sun, their armor sparkling and making me squint. They carried long, pointed, steel lances and wore heavy steel helmets. The Magikoopas stood there, braced for battle. Their robes blew in the wind and their wands sparkled with magic energy. The Boom Booms were incredibly muscular and had large spiked shells. They had an insane, crazed look in their eyes.
I growled. "What is the meaning of this? Stand down, all of you!"
One Koopatrol sighed. "We are very sorry about this, Prince Ludwig... but, by order of King Koopa we have to kill your girlfriend and take you back to the castle. Please do not resist or we will have to hurt you."
I blinked. "It's not me who's going to get hurt here. It's you that's going to die!"
A swirling vortex of flames welled up in my throat and I breathed out heavy flames. Me, along with Lemmy, Iggy, were the only Koopalings who could do this so far. Several Koopatrols caught on fire and ran around screaming.Others fell off their Yoshi steeds. I grabbed one and headbutt it, knocking it to the ground out cold. Several elite Koopatrols rushed foward and I ducked into my shell and knocked them off their feet. One tried to get up. I bottomfisted him in the head and he stayed down. Magikoopas came after me and one turned into a Thwomp and fell on me. I couldn't breathe... I shot flames at the Thwomp-Magikoopa and it returned to normal, burning. Karma gasped. "Ludwig?! ARE YOU ALL RIGHT?" she asked. I gave her a thumbs up.
She obviously didn't care. She ran forward, ate a Magikoopa, turned it into an egg, and threw it at several Koopatrol. I whistled. "Man, that's hot!!!" She smiled.
A Magikoopa tried to get me from behind but I gutted it with my claws. The Boom Booms looked at what we had done to their comrads and stupidly rushed in to fight us. I grabbed one by the tail and threw it into the others. The army lay in ruin and those still alive were in a great deal of pain.
Karma sighed. "I feel bad for them." She pulled out a couple of 1-Up Mushrooms from a pocket.
"Karma, what are you doing?" I asked. "They wouldn't show any compassion for you or me, why give them that?"
Karma turned. "'Cause. We're the good guys. We have to do what's right."
I looked in astonishment. "We're the good guys?" I asked.
"Yes. I heard you. You were sick of evil. Now is your chance. You can be good."
I thought these words over as she went over to a Koopatrol. "Are you my mommy...?" he asked.
Karma threw a couple 1-Ups at him. "Give these to your friends. Those that are still alive." She walked over to me. "Let's go," she said with a smile.
~~~~~~
Who knows how long we were walking. It seemed like forever, and it was getting cold and dark. Out of the corner of my eye I saw headlights! There was a car! I waved my hands furiously to get the driver's attention. The car slowly stopped, and an old Mushroomer lady stepped out. She was smiling sweetly and had gray hair poking out from her Mushroom cap. Wrinkles were present on her face. "Do you two need a place to spend the night?" she asked.
I smiled politely. "Yes, please."
She looked at us with kindness in her heart. "Well, then get into the car. I'll take you to my house." When we got in she started the car and looked at me. "Well, Dear, aren't you a beautiful thing? What's your name, Miss?"
I grinned. "Karma. Karma A. Koopa."
Then she turned to Ludwig. "And you look very strong. And handsome. Are you two by any chance, lovers?"
We both blushed. "Kinda, yeah," I said.
We reached the old lady's house and it was very nice. There were four bedrooms; one for me, one for Ludwig, and one for both of us if we wanted to sleep together. She made us dinner, and I ate the steak hungrily. Then I went upstairs to the shower. I removed my shell, then stepped into the shower and turned the water on. It was soothing. It felt like, all my worries were being washed away. The hot water felt good against my bare skin and fur. Afterwards I changed, and got into bed with Ludwig. "Good night," I said. I gave him a kiss and then drifted off into sleep...
Chapter Eleven: The War of the World
MEWTWO90
Wind whipped past my face, and leaves flew into the air lightly, ruffling my fur. We were on a cold stone road, and ahead of us was a building known as Peanuts R-Us. The sun was hidden behind a layer of dense gray clouds. The sun poked through several spots, though, and was enough to warm my body. My two friends, Slimer and Bow, were at my side and smiling. I smiled back. Today was a peaceful day, a rare thing for Plitian beings. They usually waged war against their own kind and things just were out of hand. But today, it was peaceful and blissful.
We walked through the sliding metal doors and went up to the counter. A small Koopa was sitting there playing a cherry red Nintendo DS and listening to a white Ipod. He had chestnut hazel hair and brown eyes. When he saw us come in he put his DS down. "Oh, hi. Welocome to Peanut R-Us. We have every type of peanut known to man. And several known to monkies! My name is Gigabowser 11. How may I help you?" he asked.
Slimer cringed. "That's your real name?"
He frowned. "No. It's actually Nick. But Gigabowser11 sounds much cooler."
Slimer leaned on the counter. "So, how much is a bag of peanuts?" he asked.
"200.95" Slimer turned beet red. "WHAT?! YOU FREAKING RIP-OFF ARTIST!!!" Slimer kicked him in the shins, then brought out his plasma cannon to vaporize him.
Bow came over to Slimer and slapped him. "Stop that! Don't attack bystanders!" Then Bow fell over backwards onto the floor.
"What's with the chick?" Nick asked.
"Unggh..." I moaned. I opened my eyes slowly and looked around. I was in a vast meadow, and dandelion fragments fluttered past in the breeze. The grass looked as if about to collapse, and thus swayed in the wind. There were trees all around me, and it was night, from what I could I tell. The stars and moon were obscured by branches, although small rays of light came from small breaks in the branches. Above me was a large body of water, as still as a soldier. It did not move and it was beautiful. The moon shone on it, and it glowed with a warm, loving light. I moved closer, and bent down. Using my fin, I broke the surface of the water. It rippled, and after a couple of seconds, it had not stopped.
I backed up as the water rippled at a furious pace. Out of the pool of water came a brilliant yet blinding light, and I had to shield my eyes with my hands. The light slowly died down, and I could see someone there, standing on the water. I gasped. It was a beautiful maiden, illuminated by the heavenly glow. I stared into her deep blue eyes that were like pools of happiness and joy. Out of her back protruded two large wings that were as white as snow. Her face was very pale and she looked almost human, but I knew that was not true. She smiled at me. Her hair was long and blond and wavy. She was wearing a long dress of gold and silver silks. A beautiful pattern was stitched on to it, and she carried a small golden harp.
I fumbled for words. "W-what are you? Who are you?"
She looked at me and smiled. "My name is Clara. And I am an angel."
I gasped. "I-I thought they were only myths."
"You say that, although I am standing right in front of you," she said.
My amazement turned to rage. "You- Why are you here? Why do I keep getting these strange dreams?"
The angel looked a bit taken aback. "Child. Why are you so angry? Am I real? That is for you to find out. Seeing is believing. Do you believe in me?" she asked.
I looked up, then started to cry. This was so confusing. Having so many emotions at one time was quite painful. She stroked my head to comfort me, as a mother would do for her child.
"Listen. If you choose to accept it, you will be known forever as the heroin of time. You have been chosen to keep the past in order."
I looked up. "You mean, something's wrong with it?" I asked.
She nodded. "Unfortunately. In the past. An ancestor of you, Queen Alexandria, is plotting something very evil. It is up to you to stop it."
She handed me a small, golden fang with a chain. "What's this?" I asked.
"It will let you travel between the present and the past," she said.
"How do I use it?"
She laughed. "That's easy. All you have to do is-"
My eyes fluttered open and I was lying down with people staring at me. "No!" I screamed in anguish, frustrated that I had awoken before I could find out about the odd fang.
Slimer looked worried as I rushed away somewhere.
Out in the open sky, a single vessel sped along. It had a large red "x" on the front and back, not to mention it was a blue color. Engines roared in the back as it sped along with an unknown destination. Inside the ship, several X-Nauts walked around in circles with their hands over their chests in an x shape, their sign. A sliding metal door opened up and Lord Crump walked out, humming to himself and chuckling evilly. "Buh huh huh huh. Are you pitiful worms done yet?” he asked angrily.
"Er… Not yet, Crump dude."
"Well, hurry it up!" The head of Grodus bounced and shouted angrily. "When am I going to be fully repaired, Crump?"
Crump developed an anime sweatdrop. "Well, I keep telling these morons to move their sorry butts, but they are slackers at heart," he said.
Grodus bounced. "Arrgh! It's so hard to get good help these days!"
Then, the final piece was put back and Grodus stood reformed. He felt his arms and body once again. "Yes!!! MY BODY IS BACK!!!" he said.
Crump frowned. "Well, could ya kinda not show me your body? Do that somewhere else man, gross." Crump walked out.
Grodus sat in his throne once again and turned on his new computer, Bec. This computer so far was not a traitor. This was good to know. He looked both ways before popping his copy of Reader Rabbit 7 into the disc drive. He laughed a long, loud, evil laugh. Plit, you will be mine! he thought.
Meanwhile, Lord Crump sat in his room. On his wall were several pictures of female X-Nauts in bikinis. On his floor were potato chips, soda, and several other junk foods. He was watching Maury. "And your husband abuses you?" "Yes! It's so cruel!!!" "Shaddup!" Lord Crump wiped tears from his eyes. "Can't those people feel the pain inside of her? Don't they know what it's like? Well, I DO!!! And kids out there at the computer screen, it's no laughing matter. If you have an abusive husband or know anyone who has an abusive husband, call 1-800-526-CRUMP. I'll help you," he said, oddly, to no one in particular.
Grodus shouted from to the room. "Prepare for landing!!!" Crump ran out to follow his master.
~~~~~
A large saucer-type object was drifting through space. Inside, sitting on a throne, a woman with purple skin, red eyes, and an eerily similar dress to Peach's laughed evilly. She raised a goblet to her mouth and drank a mirky, green liquid.
A small, purple alien with crab-like claws and a fungus-like head came in. "Princess Shroob, we await your orders," it said in its alien tongue.
She laughed. "Wait until nightfall, then land the ship. We will have Plit in our clutches!!!" The Shroob ran out to do something, like play poker with the other Shroobs. Princess Shroob laughed again. Plit will be ours.
At the exact same time, Grodus was thinking the same thing.
Back on Plit, in Peanuts-R-Us, Gigabowser11 sighed and played his DS. He didn't notice a strange purple mist sneaking up on him...