The Mushroom Kingdom (Phase 58)

PHASE 44

PHASE 44
Realm of Nightmares

(On the eastern side of the Shivering Mountains…)

Jonas: Eisader…I’ll call it Eisader!

Wes: …Why?

Jonas: It means “Ice Vein” in an ancient language. Erm, it would have been used around the time of the Biolohn War.

Celis: Well…it certainly fits.

Wes: Ice Vein…you’re pretty lucky. Finding a magical weapon in the middle of a freezing wasteland?

Celis: It IS pretty lucky…

(…)

Celis: They never mentioned the Biolohn War in any of my studies. I suppose they wanted to keep the darker moments of the Mushroom Kingdoms history away…I wonder what else has been kept secret…

Wes/Jonas: …

Celis: Maybe it’s better if no one knows…but…

(A flashback of her bizarre dreams. The Masked faces. Penter pulling off a mask. A strange cult with Mario masks…)

(Out of the corner of her eye, Celis sees Jonas shudder slightly. Wes doesn’t react at all, but stares out over the mountains…)

Wes: Anyway, we’d better continue.

Jonas: Erm…yes. We’re almost out of the mountains.

Celis: (Sigh) Yeah…and then a peaceful field…

(Already, the mountain has begun to slope downward. Wes almost slips down the slippery slope, but Celis grabs his hand. As they progress, it’s almost starting to feel warmer…)

(Around 5 hours later, chaos has begun to stir in Toad Town. The Sacharials have started their nightly rally...except…)

Darsius: Zerek. As you predicted they are hiding in their houses. Shall we…?

Zerek: Choose a house. Drag the residents out, right here, right now.

Darsius: You heard Zerek! Bring out the cowards…House #3!

(Darsius points at a house across the street. A group of mingled Koopas, Goombas, Shy Guys, and a few others break through the door of the house, the mob disappears inside, and then drags out a Toad husband and wife. They are thrown into the middle of the street, right in front of Zerek and Darsius.)

Zerek: Perfect. I needed two deaths. Prepare some mini-bombs. We will shower the street with blood. It will be a preview for tomorrows performance.

Toad Husband: The Castle Guards will stop you! Just like when they captured all those evil Koo-

Darsius: Shut. Up.

(Darsius kicks the Toad in the face. The Toad begins to drool blood almost instantly.)

Toad: Whysh shoush I? You’llsh kill ush anyway!

Darsius: If you don’t stop talking…your wife becomes a special example.

Toad: …(A steady drool of blood flows out.)

Zerek: (To Shy Guys next to him) Are the Bombs done yet? I’m getting sick of this mindless chatter.

(The Shy Guys hand him the Bombs.)

Zerek: Be happy you won’t see what this town will beco-

(A shadowy figure smashes into Zerek. He’s knocked over, and the bombs are sent flying, right into the middle of the street. The explosion sends cobbles flying in all directions. A few hit the mob, sending them to the ground.)

???: Zerek…causing havoc while Celis is away…how cheap of you.

Zerek: Gah! Who?!?

Darsius: I’ll deal with him. (Darsius pulls out a regular-looking sword.)

???: Ah. You wield a blade as well…but alas, mine is not fit for a sword fight.

Darsius: Oh?

Kan: Lances…are not good for sword fights. However, I have some minor skill with a dagger…(He pulls out the short, stumpy blade.)

Darsius: A dagger? A mouse with a dagger, against a Koopa with a sword…you’re hopeless.

Kan: You’d be surprised of my skill. Fight me.

Darsius: I feel cheap, fighting you…but I have no choice…

(As they are about to fight, a Swooper flies down and lands. It immediately turns into Lee-the Duplighost.)

Lee: Yikes…what have I wandered into…?

Zerek: Lee…? I thought you were stationed in the castle…?

Lee: Penter found me out, somehow. I gave him a cup of poison. He immediately sensed it, and smashed the drink. I managed to give him a nasty hole in his foot before I got away, but now he knows…

Zerek: He’s probably torturing Chef Guy as we speak for information. But…the poison. How did Penter…? Never mind. We will talk later. DARSIUS! Kill him!

Darsius: Alright…prepare for death, little mouse…

Kan: No. YOU prepare for death…

(They fly at each other. A quick blur of steel and clashing sounds ring out. Like usual, Zerek quickly disappears with the mob, which drags the Toad couple away. The fight continues…)

(Far to the east, Celis, Wes, and Jonas reach the edge of the Otapuku Meadow. After an hour of talking, and discussing the route, they go to sleep…except for Jonas.)

Jonas: Soon…erm…I’ll be back in my village…the Warp Pipe is there…my village...-!

(Over where Celis is sleeping, a strange, cloudy purple substance is streaming out of her head. Near Wes, a red cloudy substance is streaming out of his.)

Jonas: Erm…what?!?

(The substances constantly stream out, and disappear into the air. Jonas stares, shocked at the cloud coming out of Celis…and everything melts…)

(Darkness.)

(Celllllllllllllllllll…)

(…isssssssssssss…)

(Candles. A circle of candles. And in the center-Cel, crouched down holding her head. And coming from between the candles…)

(Hshshshshshhsshhshshsshshshshsshhssh…)

(Six shadowy forms…their faces are hidden by masks…familiar…)

(MARIOMARIMARMAMOIRAOIRORM)

(All staring at her. The masks leer at her.)

(Silec…Celis…)

(LIS)

(An explosion of light…Jonas falls backwards. Nearby, Celis shakes and shudders, and then turns over. Eventually, the stream of clouds resume…except now they are gray. Wes continues to release red clouds. Jonas, nervous and, slightly terrified, quickly shuts his eyes and attempts to fall asleep. The night rolls on…)

TO BE CONTINUED…
 
PHASE 45

PHASE 45
Doll of Flesh


(It is early in the morning, October 17th, 37 AMA. A few hours ago, on the 16th, a Shy Guy discovered his special ability to enter the dreams of others. What he didn’t know was that the staff he had found in the Shivering Mountains had amplified a hidden power. Two days ago, on the 15th, a Star MOD made a deal with the smartest man alive-to create a Time Machine, to go back to September 18th, to save the world’s greatest hero. But today, the Distihia, perhaps the Koopa Kingdoms most powerful group attempting to take over the government, continues to plan for tomorrow nights conquest- breaking into Koopa Castle, capturing the two holders of the castle, and the unknown others guarding the castle. But only the leader, Varkas, and his second-in-command, Taja. But in the hallways outside of the strategy room…)

Marse: Speckian.

Speckian: Hmm…?

(Marse and Speckian are alone in the hallways.)

Marse: I…seem to recall you being with the Chaekas about ten years ago.

Speckian: …And?

Marse: Didn’t you start working with the royal family after the Chaekas almost dissolved?

Speckian: I left them a long time ago. If you’re implying that I still work for the Chaeka group-

Marse: I’m not implying that all. It just seems to me that you leave whenever a group loses power. Some say that the Chaekas were about to overthrow Bowser, right before they lost their power. The Koopa Royal family would have been the next most powerful-

Speckian: That has nothing to do with it. I didn’t like the next leader of the Chaekas. And Bowser personally asked me to work for him-

Marse: Your excuses are pathetic. I don’t trust you. You’ll sell us out the instant you see the chance.

Speckian: Like wh-

Marse: Don’t play dumb. The other groups competing for rule of this kingdom are desperate to kill the other groups.

Speckian: Using your logic, why would I backstab the Distihia? Would anybody be more powerful then Varkas?

Marse: I’ve heard rumors of the other groups-and so have you. The Six Claws leader apparently has a skill for simple Omancy…

Speckian: Omancy? That’s ridiculous.

Marse: So is the power to blow up anything just by looking at it.

Speckian: …

Marse: Just know…I don’t trust you. If you do anything suspicious…I won’t hesitate to protect the Distihia…by eliminating you.

Speckian: Don’t be so paranoid…you may regret it…

Marse: What’s that supposed to mean?

Speckian: Concentrate on our real enemies…not your proof less suspicions…

Marse: …

(Both pass each other. Inside the strategy room, a heated debate starts. 15 hours later, far to the east, it is almost night-time. A little past seven, and the night has already started to fall…but it will not be a dark night. Fires burn everywhere in Toad Town. Bob-ombs continue to detonate, and the streets are filled with death. Terrified Toad hide in their basements, hoping for the best, hoping for the city guard. But none will come. Bob-ombs lay waiting in front of the doors to the castle. Anyone attempting to leave meets a grisly end. The guards are without a leader as the current ruler, Penter, has been injured by a spy. But…he has started to recover…)

Nurse: He’s starting to wake up…

Penter: What…?

Nurse: It’s okay, sir. You almost died from blood-loss, but everything’s okay now.

Penter: I…almost died…?

I have waited a thousand years to come back. If you die, I will drag you to Hell with me…and you will see what I had to wait in…

Nurse: It’s okay, you’re recovering fas-

(A huge explosion practically rocks the room. Penter is lurched to the side.)

Penter: What the hell-?

Doctor: Some idiot tried to leave again…or they were just killing themselves…

Penter: Wait…what?!?

Nurse: Some group has taken over the town…and they won’t let anyone leave the castle. They have Bob-ombs…the most I’ve ever seen.

Penter: You don’t mean the…Sacharials?!?

Doctor: Yes…

Penter: What are…their demands…?

Doctor: I’m not sure…

Go outside and kill them all!

Penter: (I’m…too…weak…)

I DON’T CARE. I will drag your body out-MENITHU-out of that bed.

Penter: …

Doctor: Uh…sir…-

Penter: Bring me up to the tower, right now.

Doctor: You need to res-

TAKE ME OR I WILL KILL YOU

Penter: Take me or I will kill you.

Doctor: Sir, you’re too weak, and, uh, I don’t think you can…

(Penter points at the Doctors face. A beam of light shoots out of his finger and goes right through the doctors head. The Doctor falls back, dead. The Nurse shrieks.)

Penter: Take me up. NOW.

TO BE CONTINUED…
 
PHASE 45+46

PHASE 45
Doll of Flesh


(It is early in the morning, October 17th, 37 AMA. A few hours ago, on the 16th, a Shy Guy discovered his special ability to enter the dreams of others. What he didn’t know was that the staff he had found in the Shivering Mountains had amplified a hidden power. Two days ago, on the 15th, a Star MOD made a deal with the smartest man alive-to create a Time Machine, to go back to September 18th, to save the world’s greatest hero. But today, the Distihia, perhaps the Koopa Kingdoms most powerful group attempting to take over the government, continues to plan for tomorrow nights conquest- breaking into Koopa Castle, capturing the two holders of the castle, and the unknown others guarding the castle. But only the leader, Varkas, and his second-in-command, Taja. But in the hallways outside of the strategy room…)

Marse: Speckian.

Speckian: Hmm…?

(Marse and Speckian are alone in the hallways.)

Marse: I…seem to recall you being with the Chaekas about ten years ago.

Speckian: …And?

Marse: Didn’t you start working with the royal family after the Chaekas almost dissolved?

Speckian: I left them a long time ago. If you’re implying that I still work for the Chaeka group-

Marse: I’m not implying that all. It just seems to me that you leave whenever a group loses power. Some say that the Chaekas were about to overthrow Bowser, right before they lost their power. The Koopa Royal family would have been the next most powerful-

Speckian: That has nothing to do with it. I didn’t like the next leader of the Chaekas. And Bowser personally asked me to work for him-

Marse: Your excuses are pathetic. I don’t trust you. You’ll sell us out the instant you see the chance.

Speckian: Like wh-

Marse: Don’t play dumb. The other groups competing for rule of this kingdom are desperate to kill the other groups.

Speckian: Using your logic, why would I backstab the Distihia? Would anybody be more powerful then Varkas?

Marse: I’ve heard rumors of the other groups-and so have you. The Six Claws leader apparently has a skill for simple Omancy…

Speckian: Omancy? That’s ridiculous.

Marse: So is the power to blow up anything just by looking at it.

Speckian: …

Marse: Just know…I don’t trust you. If you do anything suspicious…I won’t hesitate to protect the Distihia…by eliminating you.

Speckian: Don’t be so paranoid…you may regret it…

Marse: What’s that supposed to mean?

Speckian: Concentrate on our real enemies…not your proof less suspicions…

Marse: …

(Both pass each other. Inside the strategy room, a heated debate starts. 15 hours later, far to the east, it is almost night-time. A little past seven, and the night has already started to fall…but it will not be a dark night. Fires burn everywhere in Toad Town. Bob-ombs continue to detonate, and the streets are filled with death. Terrified Toad hide in their basements, hoping for the best, hoping for the city guard. But none will come. Bob-ombs lay waiting in front of the doors to the castle. Anyone attempting to leave meets a grisly end. The guards are without a leader as the current ruler, Penter, has been injured by a spy. But…he has started to recover…)

Nurse: He’s starting to wake up…

Penter: What…?

Nurse: It’s okay, sir. You almost died from blood-loss, but everything’s okay now.

Penter: I…almost died…?

I have waited a thousand years to come back. If you die, I will drag you to Hell with me…and you will see what I had to wait in…

Nurse: It’s okay, you’re recovering fas-

(A huge explosion practically rocks the room. Penter is lurched to the side.)

Penter: What the hell-?

Doctor: Some idiot tried to leave again…or they were just killing themselves…

Penter: Wait…what?!?

Nurse: Some group has taken over the town…and they won’t let anyone leave the castle. They have Bob-ombs…the most I’ve ever seen.

Penter: You don’t mean the…Sacharials?!?

Doctor: Yes…

Penter: What are…their demands…?

Doctor: I’m not sure…

Go outside and kill them all!

Penter: (I’m…too…weak…)

I DON’T CARE. I will drag your body out-MENITHU-out of that bed.

Penter: …

Doctor: Uh…sir…-

Penter: Bring me up to the tower, right now.

Doctor: You need to res-

TAKE ME OR I WILL KILL YOU

Penter: Take me or I will kill you.

Doctor: Sir, you’re too weak, and, uh, I don’t think you can…

(Penter points at the Doctors face. A beam of light shoots out of his finger and goes right through the doctors head. The Doctor falls back, dead. The Nurse shrieks.)

Penter: Take me up. NOW.

TO BE CONTINUED…


PHASE 46
Malcom and Malpix


(Darkness begins to fall in Koopa City. It is exactly three hours before Penter wakes up from a deep sleep, and kill the doctor who saved his life. In the city, Malcom continues his dangerous journey to kill the deadly Malpix. He has chased Malpix deep into the city…)

Malcom: Hmm…darkness is already beginning to fall…but I can’t stop now. I’m so close…and the last time I stopped, he got way farther ahead…he never rests…

(Shrieking sounds start nearby. Malcom jumps in surprise.)

Malcom: …! Malpix?!

(Malcom starts to run. A flask accidently falls out of his cloak and smashes on the ground. A deadly poison floats away into the sky. Malpix turns the corner into an alley…almost into Malpix. Malpix has his sharp claws pressed against a Koopa woman’s neck.)

Malpix: Aahhh…after all these years…I’ve forgotten…give me the directions to the castle…or you’ll neck will be my next meal…

Koopa Woman: I t-told you already! It’s to the southwest…ab-about 20 miles…

Malpix: Ahhh…I am a little hard of hearing…I always get that way when I am hungry. Thank you for the meal.

Koopa Woman: Wh-(Scream)

(Malpix tears into her neck and begins his grotesque feast. Malcom backs away, nearly vomiting. With his frightening speed, Malpix is done within ten seconds. Nothing is left, except a puddle of blood. Malcom almost starts to consider running-when Malpix looks up.)

Malpix: Hm…?

Malcom: Ah…you…I’m…Malcom Vitantre, and it is my duty to kill you!

Malpix: You…were at that facility, weren’t you?

Malcom: Y-yes.

Malpix: Before I kill you…I want to know…why did they send you after me?

Malcom: K-kill me? Heh…I have to kill you, because…you…are out of control.

Malpix: I am not out of control. My creator Kajck ruled this land. His rule is law…

Malcom: Don’t you know…you were tampered with by Nask…

Malpix: Heh…that is no tampering…he helped my creators goal…now say goodbye…

Malcom: No! You say goodbye!

(Malcom draws out an acid filled flask and flings it at Malpix’s feet. Malpix kicks it out of the way, into the alley wall. Malpix flies at Malcom, lightning fast, and slashes at Malcom’s neck artery. The blood spews out, and Malcom falls to the ground…but Malpix picks him up again, lifting him up in front of him.)

Malpix: You…have knowledge of this land and time…my 80 years of sleep have left me bewildered of this age. Lend me your knowledge…and your chemicals…and I will let you live…

Malcom: Gah…no…never…I won’t let you bring your chaos to this land…

Malpix: How strange…I don’t know why…but…I think I’ll let you live. But since you won’t follow me through free will, I suppose…

(Malpix jabs his left claw into Malcom’s neck. Malcom starts twitching violently…and then stops. Malpix draws back his claw…which is now dripping with a strange liquid-a body controlling liquid.)

Malpix: Now that you are under my control…you will follow me. You will be my assistant. You will kill when I want you to, and you will do everything I say. You will help me take my position as leader of this land.

Malcom: (No…no!) Yes…sir…

Malpix: I feel your hate…be happy I let you live. Once we are successful, and if you survive, I will let you be free. Never have I been so lenient…

Malcom: (No…this can’t happen…I can’t do anything…no…! No!)

Malpix: I’ve had my fill. Let us depart for the castle. We should be there by tomorrow…

(Malpix picks up Malcom, and begins to run, reaching 15 miles per hour. Inside his mind, Malcom is trapped in a hopeless prison. By tomorrow, Malpix will begin his attack on Koopa Castle…and so will the Distihia…)

TO BE CONTINUED…
 
PHASE 47

PHASE 47
Two Hungers


(October 17th, 8:00 PM. At the tallest tower of Mushroom Castle, Penter leans against the railing, supported from falling over. Far below, Toad Town can be seen, a chaotic mess of fire and destruction. Behind Penter, a terrified nurse runs back down the stairs, completely unknowing that in a few seconds, she will trip, fall down nearly 200 steps, break her neck in several places, and crumple in a heap at the bottom. But at the top of the tower…)

Penter: …

Destroy them all. I have waited a thousand years for this…feed my bloodlust…or I will consume you from the inside…

Penter: Your desires have become mine, Azine. When you possessed me in the cave…I realized my true purpose in life…to rain destruction down…as your doll…

Azine: Blow them to pieces!

Penter: Yes…

(Penter points downwards at the town. A multitude of beams fire away. Screams echo from below. Some beams hit the bombs. Houses explode.)

Penter: Aah…

Azine: Yes…I have only felt this joy once before…long ago…a thousand years ago…the screams…they ring inside of me…

Penter: I feel them as well…I have never felt this before…this…

Azine: Terror…

Penter: Yes…

Azine: You are like me, Penter. All the time I have been sealed away, I waited for someone to wander into the temple…and it became a cave…and I waited still…but…I never thought I would find one…like me…!

Penter: I didn’t know it either…maybe I was always evil inside…

(Far below, at the far side of Toad Town. Darsius runs into Zerek’s meeting room in a panic.)

Darsius: The bombs…! Damn it! Something…beams are being shot down from the top of the castle! They are detonating bombs left and right…our side and their side are dying…!

Zerek: What…are…you…talking about?!? Beams?!?

Darsius: I…don’t know…and I thought everything would go well since we had captured that stupid mouse…

Zerek: Beams? Are you insane? Do they have that strange weapon that killed Mario?

Darsius: No…these beams are slower…the weapon that killed Mario…shot small objects…these beams are quite big…much too big for something handheld…

Zerek: Our bombs…save the bombs! We have to have some left…so that we can take over the castle!

Darsius: Our followers are trying…but the beams continue to hit the bombs, killing them…

Zerek: No…this was the perfect time…that girl gone. This can’t be happening…

(Another explosion. The door blows open. A corpse flies right onto the table. Five more lay in the doorway.)

Zerek: You idiots…!!! Darsius! Tell them…do NOT bring the bombs in HERE! Get out and tell them right now!

Darsius: But-

(Suddenly, the explosions stop. Some of the screams continue, but it appears that the bomb supply is safe. Darsius breaths a sigh of relief. He’ll still have to go out…but at least not in the middle of the explosions. The chaos stops for a while…)

(One day later, October 18th, in the morning, Celis, Wes, and Jonas reach Blue River Village. The place is a ruin. Buildings are collapsed, pieces of building lay everywhere. After a day of travelling across the Otapuku Meadow, Celis and Wes want to rest. Jonas, however-)

Wes: What do you mean you don’t know where the pipe is?!?

Jonas: (Sigh) I only heard about it from, erm, the elder…it is DEFINETELY in the village.

Celis: Well-

Jonas: I’ll, erm, find it. I know my way around, and I have some pretty good ideas of where it should be…

Celis: Well, whatever. I’ve got to take a nap. We practically walked for an entire day across the meadow…

Wes: And, ah, I’m kind of tired…

Jonas: I should have known anyway. I’ll be right back once I find it…

Celis: Okay. Don’t get lost or anything.

Jonas: Ha ha.

(Jonas leaves the area. Wes turns to get off his Backpack…and finds nothing.)

Wes: Wha-! Where’s my BACKPACK!?!

Celis: Hmm…oh. It must’ve fallen off during the walk.

Wes: But…I didn’t even feel it! You’ve got to be kidding! What…am I going to do?

Celis: It’s okay. Once we get through the Warp Pipe, we’ll be close to the Unified Cities…just cross a river…

Wes: Alright, but-Cel! Yours…is gone too.

Celis: …What!?

Wes: How the hell…

Celis: But…I had stuff in there!

Wes: Wow, I had stuff in mine too!

Celis: Oh shut up. …But really…how…?

Wes: Guess I’ll just lay on the ground…

Celis: (Sigh) I’m going to go find Jonas. Might as well help him…

Wes: Don’t try to make me feel guilty! (Celis leaves) …I’m not coming! …Really! …

(…)

Wes: Gahhhhh…

(Wes chases after where Celis dissapered. Meanwhile, several miles back from where they came, in the Otapuku Meadows…)

Boo: This stuff is crap! Clothes…cheap, bad tasting food…I can’t live like this!

(The Boo throws the last backpack to the ground. He looks at one of the pieces of meat…and throws it into the dirt.)

Boo: I HATE being allergic to meat!

(…)

Boo: Well, I suppose I can search another one of these ghost towns…hee hee…

(…)

Boo: Hmm…those weirdoes said they were going to Blue River…that place had a good supply of food, I think…

(The Boo floats off towards where Celis and the others had left half an hour ago. His search for food would lead him right into destiny…)

TO BE CONTINUED…
 
PHASE 48

PHASE 48
An Unknown Second


Jonas: …

(Blue River Village. 11:00 AM, October 18th. Amid the crumbled houses is a large stone fountain, desperately trying to spew water, but leaking in several places. The once beautiful fountain is now a architectural mess.)

Jonas: …It’s here. I’d…erm…bet anything on it…

(Jonas jumps into the fountains pool, barely filled with water, and kneels down. Through one of the cracks, he can barely see a shade of green.)

Jonas: Yes! …But how am I going to topple this statue…?

Wes: THERE you are!

(Wes appears.)

Wes: This village is a lot bigger then I thought it’d be…where’s Celis?

Jonas: Erm…I don’t know. Wasn’t she with you?

Wes: Well, she left to find you…

Jonas: She’ll come eventually. But look here. I’ve, erm, found the Pipe.

Wes: Let me guess…under the fountain…

Jonas: Erm…yes. You can barely see it through the cracks…

Wes: How are we going to remove it?

Jonas: Erm…I don’t know.

Wes: …(Should I…?)

Jonas: Maybe Celis can help…

Wes: (Celis…she’s strong in a fight, but destroying a giant stone fountain…? I might have to…)

Jonas: Is, erm, something wrong?

Wes: Jonas…I have an idea. I’m going to do something…and you have to promise not to tell Celis…

Jonas: Erm…?

Wes: And you have to keep your back to me when I’m doing this…

Jonas: Why…?

Wes: It’s complicated. I swear, if you turn around…

Jonas: I won’t! …

Wes: In fact, go find Celis. But don’t come back for at least another two minutes.

Jonas: …Okay.

(Jonas turns around and starts walking away. Wes waits for him to turn a corner, and then Wes turns back.)

Wes: I can’t believe he just accepted it…whatever. Guess Jonas is a easy guy to push around…

(Wes faces the statue…and holds out both hands.)

Wes: Gahh…I haven’t done this powerful of a spell for a long time…just have to breathe slowly…

(Behind him, Jonas peeks out from behind a building.)

Jonas: What’s he being so…erm…bossy for…!!!

(A loud sound of crashing water echoes from inside the fountain…and the top blows open. A wave of water explodes out, and crashes on the ground. Water spills down the hill. Wes’s hands fall limp to his side, and he falls to a kneeling position.)

Jonas: What…?!? …I’d better find Celis…

(Jonas turns to run-and crashes right into Celis.)

Celis: Whoa-Jonas!? What was that explosion…?

Jonas: (Should I tell her…? No. I promised Wes I wouldn’t say anything-{Before you promised not to look…}-I have my own secrets. Wes has his. Maybe Celis does as well. It’d be best just to keep quiet…) I’m not sure…

Celis: Oh! Wes! How’d you get in front of me? …! What…?!

Jonas: What is it-Oh. Looks like the Warp Pipe was underneath there…

Celis: Yeah…but…

Wes: Oh, uh, hi. I heard some explosion, and uh, well, the fountain was destroyed! (I’m the worst liar ever…)

Celis: Really? But…I already found a Warp Pipe!

Jonas: I…ah…erm…ah…what?!?

Wes: What do you mean you-(Wes turns and stares at Jonas.)

Jonas: Er…I didn’t know! Really!

Wes: There could be more then that…Are you even sure one of these leads to the Desert Hills?

Jonas: Yes! …(Sigh)…I’m pretty, erm, sure.

Wes: Ughhh…how do we know which one to take?

Celis: This is a problem…especially how Warp Pipes work. Whichever one we take, it’ll take half a day to get to the other end. If we take the wrong one, it’ll take a day and a half to get to the Desert Hills.

Jonas: We don’t have that time to waste…by tomorrow night, the Blood Masks will attack the Unified Cities…

Wes: And it’s still going to take half a day to get across the Dakalsos River…and to the Unified Cities.

Celis: I really don’t want to say this…but we might have to split up.

Wes: Split…split up!?! There are three of us! I don’t exactly see an even number!

Celis: One of us…will have to go alone…

Jonas: Erm…who….?

Celis: Me. Let’s face it. I’m the strongest.

Wes: Yes, but…Celis! Jonas knows his way around. Wherever the other Pipe leads, it’ll probably be somewhere nearby…

Celis: No, we can’t do that… (Jonas isn’t a MOD…at least as far as I know. It’d be more dangerous for him if he went alone…)

Jonas: Cel, it’s my, erm, fault about the Pipes, I should-

Celis: No! …But it can’t be me either. If I get the wrong one, you guys will have to do it alone…and it can’t be Jonas, because he’s the only one who will know his way around the United Cities…

Wes: M-me?!

Celis: Wes…you’re a good fighter…really!

Wes: What if I take the right one?! I’m going to be by myself…

Celis: Wes…Sub-Con and the Koopa Kingdom were allies in the Second Mushroom War…you’ll probably be able to help them peacefully…

Wes: And how am I going to help against some weird army?!?

Celis: Well…ah…with luck!

Wes: Wh-at? Did you just say luck?! Celis, this is SERIOUS! You need to get there!

Celis: Jonas, which pipe do you think more likely leads to the Desert Hills?

Jonas: Well…I’d say this one under the fountain.

Wes: Alright, well, I’m going to the other one, then.

Jonas: …Don’t be a coward!

Wes: I’m NOT being a coward! I would go with Celis…but Celis needs to be the one to get to the cities! You both need to!

Celis: He’s right, Jonas.

Wes: Thank you, Cel!

(Wes starts to walk back.)

Wes: Well…wherever I end up…I’ll see you lat-AAH!

(A Boo appears out of nowhere, its mouth hanging open. Wes falls backwards, and falls into the pipe head first.)

Celis: You’ve got to be kidding!

Boo: Oh…hee…sorry. Did I…mess something up?

Jonas: You stupid-!

Celis: Who are you?!?

Boo: My name is Vapear. Sorry about your friend…I’m trying to find something to eat…

(Celis goes over to the Pipe, and looks down into it. All she sees is inky darkness.)

Jonas: Why did you just appear out of nowhere?

Vapear: Well, I wanted to see what you guys were doing. And then I wanted to ask you guys if you had any vegetables…or fruits…

Celis: Wh-what?

Vapear: I’m allergic to meat.

Jonas: This is erm, ridiculous. Come on, Celis.

Vapear: Why’d you guys only pack meat, anyway?

Celis: What?!? How do you-?

Vapear: Oh, well…I was kinda hungry…so I stole your backpacks. Sorry.

Jonas: YOU erm, stole our backpacks?

Vapear: I’ve been lost in that meadow for days! I was so happy to see other people…

Celis: What were you doing, lost in the meadows?

Vapear: It’s a long story, but I’ll tell you anyway-

Jonas: Celis! We don’t have time for this!

Celis: …You’re right. Uh, sorry. We have to go.

Vapear: W-wait! I’ve been so bored…and hungry. Where are you guys going anyway?

Celis: Well…now we’re going to have to take the other pipe…we’re heading to the United Cities, hopefully.

Jonas: Don’t tell him anything! He could be a spy for the Blood Masks!

Vapear: Aw, don’t be like that. I haven’t been anywhere near those crazies, honest.

Jonas: YOU’RE crazy. Erm, allergic to meat?!?

Celis: I’m sorry, but we really have to go…

Vapear: I have to come with you! I’m so hungry…

Jonas: Don’t take him, Celis!

Celis: Whatever. If you need to…

Vapear: Thank you! So we’re going north?

Celis: No, fortunately there’s a Warp Pipe that leads east of the United Cities.

Jonas: It is fortunate, all our, erm, food happened to disappear recently…

Vapear: I said I’m sorry! I didn’t know you guys had no healthy food…

(They start walking-and floating-over to one of the few unaffected houses. They head into the cellar where, behind some stacked wood is the other Warp Pipe.)

Celis: Wes could probably handle the mission on his own, but…it would be nice if this one lead to the Desert Hills.

Vapear: You don’t know for sure?

Jonas: No, and you don’t have to come with us if you’re, erm, nervous!

Vapear: Of course I’m coming! …I’m so hungry!

Jonas: (SIGH)

(Celis takes a deep breath…and then jumps down the pipe. Jonas quickly followers her. Vapear floats in…but then a vacuum sucks him in…)

TO BE CONTINUED…
 
PHASE 49

PHASE 49
Double Storm

(After a swift ride, Malpix and Malcom reach the edge of Koopa Castle. The bridge that connected the mainland to the castle (over the lava) had been destroyed in a previous battle against the Chaekas. With a running start, Malpix leaps over the gap, making it safely to the other side…)

Malpix: Now then…assistant. Blow open the door.

Malcom: Yes…(He must not know about the weapon…we’ll all be shot down. …Maybe that’s what’s best…

(Malcom starts to walk towards the huge door. Immediately, multiples of the weapon point out from holes in the castle.)

??? 1: Get out. This is your only warning.

Malpix: Metal bars? What are you planning to do with those…?

??? 2: Kill them now!

(Shots ring out. When the dust clears, nothing seems to have happened…except that Malpix’s claws look a little dented…)

Malpix: …

??? 2: He’s fast…kill the other one…

??? 3: We already tried! He shielded him…with those claws…

Malpix: Once we get in their…you can get ready for a slow, painful death…

??? 2: Try again!

??? 1: Yes sir!

(The shooters are about to start again, but the door is blown open. Malcom turns back.)

Malcom: Finished, sir.

Malpix: Good.

(They both head towards the door. More shots are fired, but they are futile. Malpix’s speed is incredible. Inside, the duo head towards the throne room…)

(Meanwhile, on the eastern side of the castle, the Distihia are attacking through a secret passage. Varkas is in the lead, with Marse, and then Taja following. Behind them, a large group of soldiers, followed by Speckian, and then another large group of soldiers. They are in a single line, as the passage is very cramped. At the front, Varkas reaches a door. He calls Taja up, who simply punches the door open.)

Varkas: Glad to have a Sumo Bro with us…

(The group finds themselves in a cellar. Pushing through the dark, one soldier finally finds a door. Everyone is called over, and the door is pushed open…

…And Malpix crashes through. Malcom calmly comes after…or, at least as calmly as he can while constantly shaking from being controlled. The throne room is a mess. Candles on holders have fallen over, along with one of the pillars. But the mess was not caused by an attack. On the throne, sitting angry and depressed, is Ludwig…)

Ludwig: …I was wondering what the shouts were about. You’re quite an ugly one…(COUGH)…hahhh…I thought I was over that cough…

Malpix: Are you the current leader of the Koopa Kingdom…?

Ludwig: Yes…who are you? Let me guess…you’re also hear to (COUGH)…kill me?

Malpix: Yes. You are not the true ruler of this Kingdom…

Ludwig: OH? …Who is? The Chaekas? The Baracas? All of them have already tried…except for the Distihia. They were driven away by my weapons…I don’t know how you and your friend got in here…

Malpix: With these… (Malpix holds up a hand with a huge set of claws.)

Ludwig: Well then-

(A guard runs in, and then backs away from Malpix and Malcom.)

Koopa Guard: Sir! Ah…another attack…this time by the Distihia! They’ve snuck in somehow, and they’re heading this way!

Ludwig: Oh…? Shoot them down!

Malpix: I’ll need to finish this fast, then-

Ludwig: Fire!

(From tiny holes in the ceiling, more shots are fired at Malpix and Malcom. Malpix spins around, bullets bouncing off, as he protects Malcom. Eventually, the guns run out of bullets.)

Malpix: Don’t…make me angry…and…hungry…It’s time for you to die…

(Malpix starts to walk up, but suddenly, Varkas rushes into the room.)

Varkas: I knew it! Ludwig…!

Ludwig: Where’s your army?

Varkas: Killing your soldiers…who’s this?!

Malpix: Ah. I will get to you after I kill Ludwig. Have a rest, before I kill you.

Varkas: What?!? Heh heh…you don’t seem to know who I am, do you?

Malpix: Another fool vying for the throne. Anyone who wishes to do so must die.

(Speckian rushes in, out of breath.)

Varkas: Ah, Speckian. You might want to stand back. I’m about to blow this fools head open.

Malpix: You’re going to…!!! (There is still one alive?!?)

Varkas: The last thing you will see is your blood…

(Malpix rushes forward, in super-speed. Just as Varkas starts to open his eyes, Malpix slashes with his claws. Varkas’s head goes flying, landing right in front of the throne. Malpix backs away…and then turns around, to Speckian.)

Malpix. A Goomba. Easy enough.

Speckian: Wait! W-wait! I…I can help you!

Malpix: Hmm…? How?

Speckian: I…I have a great knowledge, of…of everything!

Malpix: Malcom here is already helping me. (One of Malpix’s claws shine.)

Speckian: Um…I…bet he doesn’t know the passage into the Mushroom Castle!

Malpix: A secret passage into Mushroom Castle…? Do you know of this, Malcom?

Malcom: No, Malpix.

Malpix: You can live until I defeat the Mushroom Kingdom.

Speckian: Um…thank you…

Malpix: Now then…

(Malpix, Malcom, and now, Speckian all face towards Ludwig.)

Ludwig: Grr…!

(Bursting through the door, Marse falls to the floor.)

Marse: Hahh…you’re soldiers are dead, Ludwig, and-

(Marse looks up, seeing Varkas’s body…and Speckian with Malpix and Malcom.)

Marse: Speckian…you’re not…?

Speckian: Varkas is dead. Malpix is my new master.

Marse: You backstabbing…! Taja told me…

Speckian: …

Marse: He was right…and now he’s dead. I thought he was just paranoid…but…

Malpix: I don’t have time for this. Malcom, deal with him. I will kill Ludwig.

Ludwig: Dang it! (COUGH) (I can’t fight him…I’ve only just found out about the Super form…) Lemmy!

(Ludwig’s younger brother staggers out from behind the throne. Ever since Ludwig destroyed his ball, Lemmy has practically had to learn how to walk.)

Ludwig: Use your magic. Teleport us out!

Lemmy: TELEPORT!

(Lemmy raises his hands, and Ludwig is teleported away, along with Lemmy.)

Malpix: !!!

(Behind Malpix, Marse has already started running.)

Marse: Don’t…Don’t think this is over! The Distihia will survive, with me!

(Marse turns the corner and disappears.)

Speckian: Sir…? Should they…?

Malpix: Ha…he’s weak, forget him…and…I’m…tired…?

(Malpix trembles a little, but then straightens out.)

Malpix: …Find those devices the guards were using…bring them to me.

Speckian: They should be with the soldiers who were guarding this castle…unless Marse took them…

(A few seconds later…)

Malcom: They’re all still there, master…(Why didn’t the Distihia take them…?)

Malpix: Keep them safe…they should be very useful in our future efforts…

TO BE CONTINUED