For a couple hours, Pyroboo and Ludwig were up in the library, cramming as much information about Vertiasm as they could, both furiously determined to win their bet. Teela and Karma stayed downstairs, just thinking. Both of them seemed a little put off when the two boys stormed out, but were ok.
"... It's been about a week," Teela started, stroking Chirpy's feathers motherly, "and this is coming to me so fast. I've got a new ability."
"Light," Karma said, crossing her legs and rubbing her arms. "How does that whole thing work again?" she asked, picking up a small box off her dresser. Teela looked confused.
"Uh... Not quite sure. I just... I don't know. Call for it and it comes!" she said as a broad smile swept her face.
"Well, here's another one. How'd you figure it was me?"
"You what?"
"Well, you obviously came because there was some Light here. Wanna confess?"
"You're a good person," Teela said, letting Chirpy fly. He soared out the window as Teela continued with, "Good people have Light. You're like my best friend, so you kinda popped into my head."
"Good people have Light, huh?" Karma replied, clenching the box harder and looking a little worried. "Is Pyro a bad person?" At this, Teela seemed a little taken back. Pyroboo didn't seem like somebody completely terrible, but she hadn't really got to know him that well. After all, it'd been only two days. But within that frame, Pyro could've easily done her harm. His first impression gave her the idea that he was a laid-back Boo, but could he be hiding anything?
"He's a nice person. I'm not saying anything, though, since I really haven't gotten a lot of time with him."
"You get along with strangers really well, from what I've seen," Karma chided, pulling a purple ribbon out from the container and setting it aside. She started to put her hair into a ponytail as she added, "Like Venoma!" Exactly what Karma intended, Teela turned red. But she wasn't embarassed; she was annoyed.
"As if I don't get enough of that!"
"Ok, ok."
...
"Ready?" Pyro said, pulling out his chair. Ludwig did the same. They both backed away until they were about ten feet apart. Ludwig opened a book in his hand. The library was eerily quiet as he flipped a page open.
"Start."
Pyro focused on melons, apples, and bountiful amounts of fruit. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Ludwig muttering words to himself. And for a second, he felt weak. But as the weakness came, Pyro felt good. Actually, it was the best feeling in the world. Pyro felt as if he'd taken flight and would never fall. His arms grew fragile, his mind sickly, and his mouth rigid.
But something had invaded that happiness. It spoke with a warm, tender voice inside his head.
Please tell me what you're thinking of.
It was such a wonderful voice that Pyro had no objections to telling it what he was thinking.
Fruit.
"You're not supposed to tell me!" Ludwig said, shutting the book and setting it aside. "Resist!"
"Sorry," Pyro said, gathering his state of mind back. He then stared straight at Ludwig. The Koopa boy's eyes were expressionless, making him look otherwordly.
What are you thinking of?
Pyroboo was determined not to let Ludwig know.
I won't tell.
Let me know.
No.
"Finally, you're resisting," Ludwig said, smirking. "Now," tell me.
No.
Your rebellion is futile. The voice was growing cold and clammy, sending shivers down Pyroboo's back with each hiss at the end of the word.
No it isn't. It's working just fine.
Stop.
No!
Tell me! The voice was now raspy and malevolent.
Forget it!
You have to be kiddi-
DO I SOUND LIKE I'M KIDDING?!
TELL ME NOW!!!
"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!" Pyro fell over. Every inch of the pleasure had left, and it was replaced by endless pain. He emitted another horrible scream as he bit his lower lip. His brain was now racked with pain. He couldn't see. All he could do was hear Ludwig yelling his name and tromping over.
"Pyro! Pyroboo!"
"Ugh..." He was jerked up by a clammy paw, and brought to eye level with Ludwig. A big grin burst across his face.
"You're ready! You can keep your mind clear!" he cried, dangling Pyro like a ragdoll. Pyro was able to etch a small smile across his face, despite the fact he was writhing in pain.
"Hey Ludwig..."
"What?"
"You owe me everything you own."
...
Pyroboo and Ludwig retreated from the library, silently dreaming up plans more and more farfetched with each step down the staircase. Although he had put some good practice in his Vertiasm skills, Pyraboo never exactly was confident. In this situation it was a hard pill to swallow, since he had seldom confidence and was just introduced to being a Vertist.
Ludwig seemed to be blessed with a strut in his step. "Kamek won't know a thing. We've got this covered," he boasted several times as they ventured down the steps, and for many of those several times, Pyro thought Ludwig maybe was talking to himself.
As soon as Ludwig entered the room, Pyro phazed through him and plopped onto the bed. Teela and Karma looked to the Koopa prince with distasteful glints. "Wha'd you do to him?" they both said simultaniously.
"He's just grog-"
"Exhausted is more acc..." Pyro murmered, as he was subdued into a heavy slumber.
...
"Okay, so we... and then... No, we can't do that. Argh! Messes the entire plan, that it does..."
"Well, why don't we just knock on the door and ask him?"
"Does stooge mean anything to you?"
"...Whuzzat?" Pyro's vision was hazed, but he soon came around. Next to him sat a reticent Karma, who seemed aroused by her own thoughts. Teela and Ludwig seemed to be in a debate; they were clashing ideas right and left. Pyro gave a soft yawn and stretched himself. His debouch went unnoticed, though. Karma seemed too preoccupied; her face ossified more each second. Teela was too into her argument with Ludwig, who looked bludgeoned by her previous words. Finally, Pyro piped up with, "So, what are we gonna do?" Everyone peered in his direction and immediatly stopped.
"I... think we have an idea." Ludwig said, cracking his knuckles. Walking towards Pyro, he started with, "Do you mind dressing up?"
"Depends," Pyro replied, sitting up. "Like what?"
"A Magikoopa," Ludwig sputtered, thinking the robes were a little girly and Pyro wouldn't agree. However, he was mistaken.
"To be honest... I love to act."
...
After about an hour of cutting fabrics of all sorts, Pyroboo was fitted into a tall sorceror's cap. It was a little lopsided, but it was a good fit. Although it slightly covered Pyro's eyes, it was exceptional for such a quick work.
All four of them worked their way into the grand hallway and went up to a decrepit door. For a second, Pyro felt a sudden quiver down his spine. He was about to try to fool a man with such experience and wisdom, and not to mention power. With one last swallow, he rapped on the door as Karma, Ludwig, and Teela escaped.
What happened next probably shaved a year off Pyro's lifespan. For the door swung open, and a huge Koopa wearing an executioner's robe and carrying an axe flashed his eyes at the Boo. With a menacing frown, he muttered, "State your business."
"... I am-" For a split second, Pyroboo thought it'd be safer to use a fake name. If ever caught, he could stay safe. "-Edwardo," he finished. "Is Kamek around?"
"That was not business, Mr. Edwardo. I suggest you state it before this carpet gets filthy," he said, bestowing the axe before Pyro. With false confidence, Pyro puffed his chest upward, frowned, and flashed his eyes so they flickered in the reflection of the axe.
"I, Edwardo, must see Kamek on behalf of the king. It is a most urgent matter. The king's health is at state! If we don't act now, we could face interregnum, or anarchy! Swallow your pride, sir. For the Koopa race!"
For a moment, the immense warrior worked his face into somewhat a mix of disbelief and horror. He rubbed the shaft of his axe motherly, taking his eyes off Pyroboo. Finally, he started, "What did you say your name was?"
"Pyr- er... Edwardo."
"Hermes blesses you with his guidance. I respect that." The warrior lowered his weapon and opened the door to Kamek's room. "However, no god-like protection will keep you safe beyond this room, the Thin Spot. `Tis a terrible fate to be swallowed by Darkness."
Trust me, I know more than you think...
"Excuse me?"
Pyroboo froze. He hadn't said anything; he'd thought it. But how could the man have read his mind? Only one probability came to mind: Vertiasm. This man was a Vertist. The only thing Pyro could do now was lie his way around him. "My... father submitted to Darkness. He felt it was the only way to get stronger... But..."
"Say no more. I have already uncovered your disguise, my leige."
"What?!"
"I already can see who you are, my Lord. Unfortunately, you do not realize your true identity. But rest assured, you will know once you leave this room."
To Be Continued...
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