Koops' Fanmade Paper Mario: plot twisted thread. (Sprites and explanations too).

[Koops]

Spoiler: Chapter 10: Technical Issues

Penny: So what is this place?
Goombeddy: Let’s see if I can identify it... yes I can! Some time ago, as Professor Majimi stated, this piece of TimberLand was bought by robots so they could build some place they like to call YesterdayCity! It’s supposed to... bring back all the old, nostalgic feelings of the third generation of gaming?
Penny: You’re asking this?
Goombeddy: I mean, it just sounded weird! Why the third, and not the second generation?
Penny: Fanboyism.
Goombeddy: If you wanna take it like that. The thing is, these are robots who have developed a taste for video games? It’s just a little weird. Not gonna lie though, this place looks amazing so far!
Bootrus: I have to admit, I may bring some of their ideas to improve the Skygurrat's efficiency in appealing purposes AND business!
Lancebob: Too much greatness in one century, I’m going to have a heart attack!
Goombeddy: Yeah, don’t hyperventilate too much, boy, we still don’t know what this place looks like deeper into the site. Where are the workers though?
Penny: They’re probably working! Let’s just look a little...

So if you haven’t guessed it yet, this place is made of cubes. It’s essentially in 16-bit. The area you’re currently at looks a lot like Super Mario World. That’s because it’s based off of it, when we said the robots developed interest into the third generation of video games, they actually meant the SNES. In this place, you will eventually stumble upon statues of 16-bit Koopa Troopas, Galoombas, Bullet Bills, and the like. Them, suddenly, the sky turns red.

??? (Evil Robotic voice): YOU - SHOULD'NT - HAVE - COME - HERE! NOW - YOU - MUST - DIE!

All the statues come to life, and glow red eyes. They attack you. After they are defeated, the sky regains its blue taint.

Penny: What was that?
Lancebob: I don’t know, but it must mean something’s up!
Rockbert: What if these things are robots? After all, I doubt that even in a fantasy world like the one we live in, statues just come to life this easily!
Goombeddy: True dat! Something must’ve triggered them!
Lucifer: That’s seriously the best thing you can come up with?
Goombeddy: What else could I have said? Anyway, let’s head towards that building over there! It certainly looks out of place!

There indeed is a pixelated building somewhere in the area, behind some 16-bit trees. In it, you find many cubical robots. They’re all black with red eyes and mouth, and hover above the ground.

Blockbite 1: Hey! Look! Visitors!
Blockbite 2: It’s not any visitor! I will call the Block General to analyze him —KKKshpfweep! My sensors are indicating massive auras emerging from him, it seems.

...

Block General: What’s going on here? Who’s here? Oh, you’re the visitors everyone was talking about, aren’t you? You look nice, and... diverse! Anyway, someone said one of you looks awfully like someone we know, so I’m gonna have to scan you!

He goes ahead and does that to everyone until he gets to Mario (do note that Luigi is not on his path).

Block General: BRZZZZZZZRT! LEGENDARY VIDEO GAME MASCOT IDENTIFIED, MY SYSTEMS CANNOT COMPUTE! INITIATING "Oh man, what should I do?" SEQUENCE!
Luna: Look at that! He went completely ballistic over you!
Block General: I ... am ... sorry ... please forgive me for this unusual behavior! Buy you ... you’re Mario, the one and only guy for whom we dedicated this theme park!
Mario: ???
Luigi: A theme park? For Mario?
Block General: Well, not just Mario, but when we began construction, we only had Mario in mind! It’s then that my cooperates began starting to get some creative ideas about other stuff we can put. Our budget does allow that, so I said why not? Anyway, yes, it is dedicated to you, Mario, and specifically the you from the 1990s! Well, early 1990s... these games were absolutely fantastic! I guess also that according to promotional art, you do know you have a series for yourself, alongside, Luigi here, who’s actually with you!
Luigi: I knew we had some... but all the way back to the 1990s?! That’s insane!
Block General: Then feel free to take a look in your exhibit to find out more!
Goombeddy: Actually, slight complain... we went through there and those statues attacked us!
Block General: BAH! Don’t worry, it’s totally normal! Happens all the... wait, come again?
Blockbite 1: He says that the statues we installed outside to represent the harmful NPCs attacked them by surprise.
Block General: Ok, that’s not normal. I mean they’re statues. We could’ve made them robots who walk back and forth, -also now that I think of it, that’s a pretty cool idea- but they’re just... statues. Made of inanimate Moon Rock!
Rockbert: Wait, you use Moon Rock to build these?
Block General: Well yeah, apparently our moon is falling apart, so it would be pretty bad to let it go to waste. But how could they gain life? This calls for investigation!
Blockbite 1: On that note, General, all the members of the community shortly and abruptly stopped functioning because of the sheer fact Mario’s here.

The screen shows the whole room with inanimate robots all over the place.

Blockbite 1: Therefore, we need to send him to investigate while they recover.
Block General: You would do that, right, Mario?
Stayzee: Oh come on now, we’re on a quest here! We have no time to investigate your petty problem!
Luna: At the same time, it does sound dangerous for people who would come here... I’m all in on this!
Luigi: Do not worry, Mister the Block General Guy! We’re gonna look for... things!
Block General: Thanks, people! You really are visitors, but you’re acting like the owners of this land! It’s also great to know that it’s none other than Mario and Luigi who decided to help!
Luna: Hey, anytime! There’s no problem in anything!

You go back outside. You progress as you fight more statues. You can visit many districts, and the one thing you can notice is the fact that for each Nintendo series, the gameplay (or pretty much gameplay elements) are corresponding to the series the district represents. For example, in the Zelda district, you can cut grass and earn money, and also you will jump automatically across a gap or to reach a ledge. You can still use your abilities and partners, except here, enemies are fought in action-based battles instead of turn-based. And it goes like that for every district.

At the end of the path, you find some black Moon Rock.

Goombeddy: Hmm... that looks malicious... wonder what that is.
Bootrus: Very obviously, something evil emanates from these rocks!
Rockbert: Goombeddy, remember when you told me not to jump to conclusions back at the ray migration area?
Goombeddy: Anyway, we better tell the Block General guy! He may know a thing or two about it!
Rockbert: That sounds like something that will net us answers to this. I mean, haven’t you noticed? The aura surrounding these bad boys looks like the one from the statues' eyes!
Bootrus: I knew there was a connection!
Goombeddy: Way to go Bootrus! He’s scoring like a pro! Just say things like that wittingly, and you’ll be as good as me!

...

Block General: So, everyone! Found something?
Lucifer: Nah, not really, it’s just that...
Goombeddy: Oh you know, we found something!
Lucifer: I... was getting to that...
Goombeddy: Oh yes, you wouldn’t believe what we found! Thing is... I’ll let you take it from here!
Lucifer: Thank... you? Anyway, ...
Goombeddy: Oh, and just between us, whatever she says, I found out about it!
Lucifer: What’s your problem all of a sudden?
Penny: Payback for the times you burned him. Guy doesn’t like getting roasted!
Block General: Wow... you guys are awfully playful with each other! ... *system crash* OW! My brain! I mean... my electronic brain! It hurts!
Penny: Uhh... you alright?
Block General: I told that mechanic the problem with that was more serious than he treated it to be, but I’m fine thank you... you were saying?
Lucifer: So we found some weird black kind of Moon Rock... do you know anything about it?
Block General: I saw some scattered around the place now for a while. Must not be a big deal though, just had them cleared away for further construction... nothing really!
Lucifer: And about that... inner injury you got there, you seemed pretty stressed out. Is there anything wrong?
Block General: No, really! Oh, would you look at the time! We better recharge our batteries! Tomorrow’s a big day: we're inaugurating Butter Bridge! It will serve as the gateway to our main attraction, which is basically one of Bowser's castles from one of your countless video games! If you have the time in the future too, would you consider giving it a try?
Luigi: *yawn*! I feel sleepy! We should all get some sleep! We can’t have any sleepyheads on a dangerous journey like ours!
Lucifer: You’re right... I feel tired too!
Lancebob: Not me! The timezone of my time, y'know!
Bootrus: Come, now! Even in such shape, you still need to sleep! Even revived souls like I need that precious time to recover the thrills of a day!
Block General: There’s a bunch of bedrooms in this building we decided to put for fun... or we just... I just thought we needed them to sleep, but robots don’t need that to sleep. Help yourselves!

And yes, your partners don’t sleep in the same bed as you, come on! Well, if you go to a normal one bedroom inn, they just go away as soon as you pay to stay. Ok maybe it’s still kinda like TTYD, except the idea behind it is different ok?

Anyway, the next day...

Block General: Wake up, Blockbites! We got exciting stuff to take care of today!

Says he through a megaphone. All Blockbites are reactivated.

Blockbite: General, it seems the Butter Bridge is done getting built, and is ready to get inaugurated in time!
Block General: That’s weird, I thought the reason we fixed the date to today was that it was already done by now!
...
Anyhow, not like it affects anything! All Blockbites, please assemble in front of Butter Bridge, and if anyone else is insterested, please come close to the bridge too!
Luigi: Whattaya know? We might get something interesting out of it! Let’s-a go!

... (actual gameplay sequence in an ocean of cutscenes)

Block General: Fellow Blockbites! Today, you are all gathered to witness the inauguration of Butter Bridge, which will serve as a gateway to our main attraction! I’m going to cross the bridge and cut the red band on the other side with these scissors in hand!

Just as he gets halfway through, though, the bridge break under him. The Robot, unable to hover too high above the ground, plummets to his... well, his doom.

Luna: What just happened?
Stayzee: Clearly, an unbelievably mischievous rascal had fun playing with the strings!
Bootrus: I would’ve said that, but even myself can’t really try to figure out who did it! I mean most of these robots look exactly the same!
Goombeddy: Or, it was just a construction flaw?
Blockbite: No, it can’t be a construction flaw, we designed it perfectly! If it were to break, it would only be under the pressure of a very heavy thing, except us Blockbites hover above the ground, not touching the bridge in any way! Someone among us must’ve sabotaged it!
Blockbite crowd: *Gasp*
Blockbite: To start, could you please find our General and bring him here? He'd know what to do!
Lucifer: What do you mean bring him here?? Didn’t he just... well, die? Even though die is not the accurate word for a robot, but still!
Blockbite: Negative! He have built-in networks capable of seeing if any of us are "online" at the moment, and the signs coming from it indicate that our General still is functional! Find him, and bring him here! At the least, if he’s broken, we can fix him.
Luna: He's still alive down there, guys! We gotta save him!
Goombeddy: Yup, besides, he’s our hope of finding the code star, so we should go.

Find a way to get to the bottom of the abyss. In it are other enemies which normally originate from TimberLand (after all, we’re still in TimberLand, but just in a sub-region of it bought by Robots). At some point, you find the Block General inanimate on the floor, which a wide opening in his head.

Luna: What the... I thought they said he’s alive!
Rockbert: Maybe he is! Look!

He gets closer to the thing.

Rockbert: It seems his brain has gone missing! But that also might mean his brain still works and is sending signals to the other Blockbites.
Goombeddy: Good thinking there, mate! Let’s just look for that thing!

You eventually find it, but it looks like a human brain... return it to the General.

Block General: *wakes up* Woah! Where am I? What happened? Why do I feel like I’ve been separated from my body?
Goombeddy: That’s pretty much what happened son!
Block General: Oh... thanks for saving me. I was sure I was dead... I mean I was sure my data got erased... you get it don’t you?
Penny: Ok you’re acting weird now! What’s the big deal? And why does your brain look like a brain coming out of a sentient being and not a robot?
Block General: So now you know... but if you didn’t understand yet... let me explain.

"First thing I remember was dismemberment. I was ripped apart. Dead. But before I knew it, I was back. But I wasn’t myself. The problem is, I was torn apart and reassembled as... what you see now! I remember being human, and I know I have a past life. And I’ve been looking for it for a while... until I gave up... I started making myself some friends, those other Blockbites you see, who are actual robots, and not severed brains in a metallic shell. Now you know me. You know why my brain looks like that! I just hope I relive my previous life one day though! YesterdayCity was just something I thought of to have some fun and forget all that stuff, but in the end... I’m still... me."
Stayzee: Great plot! Must tell that to the author, he might adapt this into a play!
Goombeddy: As if she can’t get any more annoying, now she’s actually ignoring a former human's backstory!
Rockbert: I can tell you've been through quite a lot...
Block General: For what I remember, no, I haven’t. But I probably did. Anyway, you guys really didn’t have to come for me! I must thank you in some way. But let’s get back up first!

Block General, or simply Block, the sentient Blockbite joins the party! He can’t hover too high above the ground, but he can still hover over deadly obstacles like spikes or lava! Use this to your advantage to go places too dangerous to go to otherwise.

Block: I’ll tell my Blockbites to resume construction of the bridge, but in the meantime, I’ll start investigating with you! You said you found some black evil-looking moon rock?
Rockbert: Yes! 'Twas in that place in the center of this piece of land!
Lancebob: Now that I think of it, it looked like something has getting built!
Block: Then let’s not waste any more time! Let’s get outta here!
You make use of his ability on the way.

Blockbite: Hey look! It’s the General!
Blockbite crowd: Applause.
Blockbite: Thank you, Mario and Luigi, you saved our General! General, are you ok?
Block: Yes, but we need to go to that place where these people found the weird black Rocks! Something of interest may await us there!
Goombeddy: And by that, we might mean code star!
Block: Code Star? You mean that thing that fell from the sky?
Goombeddy: Yeah! You know where it is?
Block: Yes I do! It must be right where there were the infamous Black Moon Rocks!
Goombeddy: What’re we waiting for then?

...

Rockbert: What’s that? I don’t remember this tower being there before!
Block: Neither do I, and I own this place!
Rockbert: You think someone just built it in the time we weren’t looking? Sounds unlikely!
Goombeddy: Not humanly possible! ... then again, we got robots here in this place! Anyway, it’s locked! We can’t do anything about it!
Block: I suggest we go back to the central to find some key. If a Blockbite built this tower, then it’s likely he put the key there!

However, as soon as you open the door in the building, you are confronted again with the robotic voice from earlier.

???: YOU - SHOULD'NT - HAVE - STAYED! YOU - WILL - SUFFER - A - TERRIBLE - FATE!

All Blockbites' eyes start glowing in an Eerie purple color, and attack. Stop them all, and they revert back to themselves.

Blockbite: General! Thank you for reverting us back to normal! We believe that the same robot who sabotaged the bridge is behind this!
Block: What?! What is wrong with that one guy?
Blockbite: One of us left the central earlier today, and left behind him this! Take it!

The Key to the Tower! You can now access it!

DUNGEON 10: Block-biting Tower

Enemies:

-Pixel Bills.
-Pixel Bones.
-Pixel Bro.
-Pixelfos.
-Pixelblins.
-Pixelnuts.
-Pixel Knights.
-Pixel Kibbles.
-Pixel Scarfy.

As you can tell looking at these enemies, You have three districts: Mario, Zelda and Kirby, all in one place. There is a room that switches play-styles, so that you do things in one place you couldn’t do when it was from another play-style. Get it?

At the end of this dungeon, a robot is seen with his back turned towards the window.

???: I - SEE - YOU - MADE - IT, BUT - IT'S - ONLY - A - MATTER - OF - SECONDS - BEFORE - I - DISPOSE - OF - YOU!

He turns around, and apparently his eyes have pupils unlike the others and his expressions are also different. (Plus Intro Splash screen)

Bloak: You see, I decided to protest against your orders "General!"
Block General: Why so?
Bloak: I don’t know, I just felt I had to resort to REVOLUTION! MUAHAHAHA! I will take a down!

As he laughs, a code star can be seen sticking out of his electronic brain.

Revolution: Mario! It’s you right? Get me off this thing! I landed on him and now he is revolting against his master! See I’m Revolution, so it doesn’t really help that I got stuck on a robot!
Bloak: Oh, and don’t worry, I’m gonna take care of you... in the best way possible! I took the liberty to get the Bowser Statue from the main attraction and robotized it with some evil crystals!

He jumps into it and seizes the levers.

BOSS CHAPTER 10: 16-BIT BOWSER STATUE

Tattle: That’s a statues of Bowser made of Moon Rock, and robotized with the use of evil cryztals! Max HP is 120, ATT is 6 and DEF is 5. These defense stats are enormous! Use defense piercing attacks against this rock-hard boss! In addition to this, damage dealt by this thing are quite devastating if it decides to stomp you! It even has a function to bring Mecha-Koopas into the fight! This is one strong imitation of Bowser!

The statue explodes, and Bloak himself bounces against the wall, getting knocked out.

Block: So that Code Star thing that fell from the sky was the thing responsible for brainwashing one of my Blockbites? These things are dangerous, no wonder you wanna gather them to prevent such tragedies to happen!
Revolution: Hey, Mario! Other code stars told me about you, and I’m glad you found me in time! Though I didn’t crash here by chance. Someone set me this course. I don’t exactly remember who or what did that, but I remember seeing a giant flaming eyeball. Anyway, with that said, take me with you! ("Take me with you" should be the code stars' catch phrase.)
Luigi: A... A FLAMING EYEBALL?!
Stayzee: How horrible! Such gore!
Goombeddy: Not as horrible as...
Luigi: Mario! Do you think that flaming eyeball might be our greatest enemy? I mean he seems to have sent the code star here to corrupt this robot!
Mario: Ho! (Whatever it is, we must not-a back-a down! We still gotta save the world!)
Luigi: You’re right! Let’s-a grab the code star and go back to Champs-Eclypsees!

Here it is, Chapter 10! Who this flaming eyeball might be? (You probably know but I’m not saying who until chapter 16. See Ya!)

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Interlude 10

(Red text should be read in the most evil voice possible)

???: Wake up, servant! You will take over the world for me!

Hackula wakes up, and sees a flaming eyeball talking to him in the dark, so we only see said eyeball.

Hackula: Huh?! What is this place?
???: This, my child, is your world, the Dark Realm! It's disordered, that's why it's the best there is!
Hackula: What's my name? How did I end up here?
???: Your name is Hackula. I chose it, it's cool, right? I created you, now you are not powerful enough to take over the world... yet. But I will feed you with the power of glitches! I'm weak in the outside world, so your duty is to go there and take it over so I can go out safely!
Hackula: O... Ok... I will try... my master...
???: Yes, call me master! Exactly what I want! You'll see! Soon, you will come in handy to me! Do everything you can to let the code stars out of reach from the creator of the world. That dastardly being sealed me in here!
Hackula: Yes, Master! <echo>

Hackula wakes up from this nightmarish flashback.

Hackula: AGH! How have I come to dream of that?!
Bowser: It seems you're finally awake!
Hackula: Look, Mister Bowser, I am having problems at the moment...
Bowser: Come on, spill it! Tell me everything! Leave nothing untold to your instructor!
Hackula: I am beginning to doubt if this treatment is getting me anywhere in the villains department! It just seems as though I'm just getting cooler! I don't want to just be cool! I want to become a great villain! Or my creator would crush me! He has the power to do it!
Bowser: Your creator? You really need to explain me a lot of things about yourself! There's so much I don't know!
Hackula: Trust me, I'm probably older than you by more than millions of miles. You'd die before I finish telling you my life story!
Bowser: No, not your entire life! Just that moment you were "created"!
Hackula: I was created thousands of year ago by the Lord of Evil! You do not want to know about him!
Bowser: Look, first of all, I'M the Lord of Evil! Second, it can't be that bad! I mean, if he finds out you talked about him, we'll kill him together!
Hackula: No, we can't! Only Mario and Luigi might ever become good enough to get rid of him! You don't even know who he is!
Bowser: ... Whenever you feel like you're done with your depression here, come see me!
Hackula: Look, Bowser, you're kind in your own way, but please... help me!
Bowser: Now I know a desperate voice when I hear it! That's what I'm talking about!
...
You know, I wanna be honest with you now, when I was coming here, I was hoping I could give you all a beating after this was over, but now, it's not exactly the same thing anymore...
Hackula: Very well, Mister Bowser!
Bowser: So, now, I'm gonna have to check those muscles of yours! Hit me!
Hackula: This is going to be a long night...

Now to the elite trio...

Paraplonk: Ok, guys! We got something new!
Sergeant Guy: Yes, what is it! My ears are fully open to hear!
Goomp: Why are we doing this in midnight, when I'm doing my favorite thing in the world: sleeping?
Paraplonk: This ain't playtime, Private! Thing is, I caught Hackula during his sleep dreaming about something! He was tasked to keep all code stars away from the hero!
Goomp: WHAT?! So our theory was true all along? Then that means we really ARE in danger!
Paraplonk: Calm down, man, the good thing is, we can put our plan into motion! Now the problem, we actually gotta think of one!
Sergeant Guy: What?! You haven't planned anything out yet? How're we supposed to succeed?
Paraplonk: Sometimes, an improvised plan may have some far-fetched, but efficient steps that wouldn't be thought of in an anticipated one.
Sergeant Guy: Ok that makes a bit more sense!
Paraplonk: So it begins now!
Goomp: So what's the plan if it begins now?
Paraplonk: Honestly, I got no damn idea, just keep Lord Bowser away from the code stars! Especially the one with Peach!
Goomp: Wait, he's a code star?
Paraplonk: I found out when he said that it doesn't mean if he's one of them that he's a fortuneteller.
Sergeant Guy: That's a good start, I'd say though. Up to this point no hurdles have presented themselves in front of us.
Paraplonk: He's right! We have nothing to fear!

Now, to Peach... or Evilness. Peach is asleep.

Evilness: I am beginning to wonder. That Shadoodle person? Have I met him before? And if so... where? And it can't be that one guy... I saw him die in front of me!
Victor: What're you whispering, code star?
Evilness: Oh it's you! What're you still doing here? Wanna mock me for bringing me here?
Hector, popping in: You know, Code Star, you shouldn't question our intentions! You don't know who we are, just like the Shadoodle person you just mentioned!
Victor: Really? He has a secret identity?
Hector: According to this guy, he does. But we shouldn't worry about that, "our" plan is running!
Evilness: Do you mind, gentlemen? What even is "your" plan?
Victor: No one must ever know! Top secret stuff!
Hector: Exactly! Ten out of ten for that statement!
Evilness: So now you're bragging about you having a plan while I stay here and wonder what it is!
Hector: Well yeah! Anyway, we got to launch a new attack on Mario and Luigi! See ya!

They warp away.

Evilness: Will this nightmare ever end?

The screen fades to the black. Then, the screen begins showing a young Antonimus clutching his Code Star companion.

Antonimus: Starr, why am I holding you like this lately?
Loss: It's normal! You love me, you know that! You don't want me to go!
Antonimus: But of course I love you, but now I feel you're gonna go away! Quit on me!
Loss: If it is so to fulfill my role as a code star, then it is only my duty! Don't worry, you'd be cherished for having kept me safe all this time!
Antonimus: You were given to me at birth by my parents from whom I have no memory! Did I even use to have parents? Anyway, that's not the point here! You've been my only friend, until I met Startacus!
Loss: Hey, no one likes to lose people, but I assure you, even though I too feel like the world is going to need my service soon, I will always be with you!
Antonimus: That's literally the best thing you ever told me! You're so amazing, Starr!
Loss: I know!
Antonimus: And it was so awesome when you unleashed your power on these broom-hats! That was the coolest thing you ever did! Why didn't you tell me you could do such things?
Loss: I thought you'd know! I'm a code star! All sixteen of us have incredible powers like that! But mine is not the most powerful!
Antonimus: Well, to me, it certainly was!

On the other side, people have set up a campfire.

Startacus: Don't tell me, Nebula, isn't this wonderful?
Nebula: Watching you fight out there, that was so glorious!
Startacus: I am glad to know you're safe! You were my motivation this whole battle, I'm not going to lie! I want us to be free, but I'm most worried about you! I don't know if I dare say this, but if I didn't find out you were still alive, we would've lost!
Nebula: Startacus... I... I love you!
Startacus: I love you too! Don't worry! I'll get us to freedom before you know it.

They are sharing a moment, as you can see.

Goomda: Um... Startacus! Sorry to kill the mood here, but the Kappa Pirates! Their captain is here and wants to see you!
Nebula: You're arranging a deal with pirates?
Startacus: We need a boat to get us out of here! I'll be right back!

...

Kapp'n: So, you're that Startacus guy the Bromans keep talking about! You're everything I expected!
Startacus: Anyway, so we want a ship to get out of Brome! Will you lend us one of them?
Kapp'n: Sure... but nothing comes free with us, boy! You gotta pay to sail!
Startacus: Well, I knew it, which is why I have all these bad boys with me.

He opens a safe containing way too many bags of money: coins, rupees, jewels, bags of money inside a bag of money. Startacus takes it all out as the pirate's eyes grow big of greed.

Kapp'n: Nice loot you got there, but that is not enough. You need way more than that.
Startacus: Excuse me? I went all the way from the heart of Brome to the shore, emptied every rich house I could find, freeing all slaves in my way, to get this money, and you still refuse?
Kapp'n: Hey, don't panic, you've gone a long way. You just need some more money for my eyes to be satisfied!

Startacus stares blankly at Antonimus caressing Loss outside. We walks up to him.

Startacus: Antonimus, we need just a bit more money to... afford the boat. But we can't go back as the nearest village is hundreds of miles away...
Antonimus: WHAT?! That means we can't be free?
Startacus: Look, I know it's a painful thing to do, but... you must let go of Loss...
Antonimus: I... I can't do that!
Loss: The moment has come Antonimus. You can't do anything!
Startacus: Look, I know you kept her since your childhood, but if I don't give her to the pirates, the fate of all former slaves will be lost! Think about it!
Loss: Wait just a moment here. PIRATES?! How am I supposed to save the world if I'm held captive by these guys?
Antonimus: She's right, Startacus! What if that happens? There has to be another way!

Startacus looks away in the direction of the sleeping people.

Startacus: I'm afraid there is no other way... you must let go of her!
Antonimus: Curse you pirates! O... Ok! I guess this is it, Starr... I mean Loss!
Loss: You actually called me by my name! But don't be so sad, I'm sure we will meet again!
Antonimus: I can't look at you anymore! It will only get more painful! Just take her, Startacus! Do what you must!
Startacus: I'm sorry!
Loss: It's ok, I get it! You worked hard for this. You're a good man, Startacus! May you succeed in your mission! Goodbye Antonimus!
Antonimus: *sobbing*

Startacus takes the code star to the pirate.

Kapp'n: Oh, look at that piece o' moolah! You got yourself a deal, Startacus! You're the best! The boats will be here in one day plus a few hours! In the morning of the following day, if you will!
Startacus: ............ Antonimus, forgive me...
Antonimus: It's ok... it's for the best I guess. Besides, this will make me grow stronger!
*They start walking away*
Startacus: That's the way to see things! Come on, join us! You'll get over it...
Antonimus: Ok... I guess...
Startacus: You guess a lot, little guy! Let's get you something to eat!

And now, for the first time in a while, we get to see Brassus! In his palace!

Brassus: WHAT?! Say that again!
Koopsparagus: Affirmative, Ô Brassus! Startacus and his men defeated the army!
Brassus: *Groan*! If Mister Shfancy Shpantsies didn't show up and destroyed the black flower, this wouldn't have happened!
Koopsparagus: There's... something else. The ant... you know, your mist recent slave, the one you lost five minutes after you bought him. Well...
Brassus: Anchovimus? What's the deal with this guy? You found him or something? *says he as he serves himself with a glass of wine, and begins drinking it*
Koopsparagus: Sort of... we just know where he is, that's the good news... the bad news is he's part of Startacus' soldiers!

Brassus spits his drink on the Koopatrol's face.

Brassus: You serious?! So that's where he went! Sneaky Andominus! When you bring him back, I'll be sure to give him what he deserves! If you ever get the chance to speak to him tell him that, there's a slim possibility you don't bring him back, so gotta pass the message you know!
Koopsparagus: Yes! Ô Brassus! We'll begin looking for him immediately!
Brassus: No slave escapes my territory and gets away with it! NONE OF THEM, YA HEAR?!

Back to Mayro and Weegi who arrived at Champs-Eclypsees.

Luigi: Well, that was a cool trip! Reminded me of the good old days!
Block: HEY GUYS!

He comes in (running?) and abruptly stops panting.

Penny: Oh hey! You again! What're you doing here?
Block: I have reprogrammed all the bots to redo the process of building the bridge, and I made sure the process was slower, but just exactly the same! So in the meantime, I can come out and help you guys out!
Goombeddy: That's thoughtful! Come on, hop on the badwagon! We got lotsa places here!
Block: Thanks! I always wanted to help Mario and Luigi! I'm such a fan!
Penny: One question! Were you a fan before or after you got turned into a robot?
Block: That's a hard question, though I'd say I always was! I even remember I used to live with a scientist and his robot companion! I can't quite put my finger on what were their names, what they look like, but that's what I know! I mean, I'm a robot now! I can save my own memory! I remember I was adopted even!
Lucifer: Wow, you remember all of that... that's way more than what I could when I got out of that cage!
Goombeddy: That's fine for me, don't wanna have to friends with the same backstory! Anyway, we still gotta place our new code star in the cave of functions!

...

Merlon: Ho Ho! Here you are again! It seems this was your tenth code star! Nice job! And I know where you can look next! Long ago, at the time where the Bobley Kingdom was still thriving, there also existed a town nearby, in the cold, but warm, Gryztal Plains! I mean, it still exists, but the way to it, is blocked entirely by boulders!
Goombeddy: I don't understand, what're we supposed to do about that?
Merlon: I wasn't done! Where was I? Ah yes! HOWEVER! According to my research, a rockslide that occurred during the end of the Middle Ages caused this place to be closed! How do I know that? My son Merle told me! How has he managed to get born there? Don't ask, I don't have a clue about how it could've happened! But, well, he informed me of the presence of a code star there!
Snifle: I can confirm that!

He comes in the screen.

Snifle: However, my readings are extremely low, lads! There's a blizzard in that place! So as thoughtful of a Pixl I am, I will be more than happy to come along with ya! Just press *Up in the D-pad* to ask me anytime!

You got Snifle in your inventory! Summon him anytime to get hints about where the whereabouts of a code star could be!

Snifle: Now if you'll excuse me, I'll just squeeze myself into that pocket of yours! Just pretend Imm not in here! So whattaya say we travel to the past and prevent that rockslide from happening?
Rockbert: I say that's cool! I mean we're going to the past to alter the present! That's cool! Right Nina? Speaking of you, you don't talk so much...
Nina: I know... but don't worry about things like that.
Rockbert: If you say so!
Lancebob: Let's press onward! I want to tell his courageousness of my quest with you!

Go back to the Bobley Kingdom and discover that all the people are gathered in one spot. Rush to where they are.

Lancebob: Huh? What's happening here? Make way, people!
Crowd: -Oh my! -It's Sir Lancebob! -Hey, it's... what's his name again... Boom-a-lot? -So dreamy! (Speech bubble only visible on top of females' heads) -Who's that mustachioed weirdo? -Look! He's got some friends too!
Percybomb: Oh... Oh! Look, Boovin, Bombellinord! It's Lancebob!
Boovin: Lancebob, old brother! How's it going? You saved the world?
Bombellinord: Tell us! What kinds of weird metallic monsters did you face?
Lancebob: Sorry, I haven't saved the world... yet! Just you wait! And no, Bombellinord, the future is not made of metal, but we already faced some metallic foes! Percybomb! Where's his majesty? And what's happening here?
Percybomb: That dragon just took refuge on that distant tower. THAT dragon! The one we thought we slayed!
Mario: OH! *He saw the dragon* Hey! (I've seen that dragon! He's-a still not-a dead! I can confirm that!)
Percybomb: What? Maybe he's the reason why our kingdom fell in the future! I can't believe this dragon! But we still gotta drive it off! Oh, and about his stoic-ness, he's still in the castle crying because of the tragedy that befell him.
Lancebob: Oh no!
Boovin: Worry not, Lancebob! That tragedy is the fact that the master chalice is fake! Remember that?
Lancebob: Oh... that was quite a shock indeed. Anyway, Mario, Luigi, let's slay that dragon and alter the future!

The Dragon is in fact the Ruined Dragon, none other. How he was in the past. He looks the same, but he doesn't have the same crown since Bowser at the time didn't exist, even if he might be an ancient turtle. There something though. If you manage to somehow turn the lightning towards him, it will strike him and make him fly away.

Bombellinord: Brothers! Look! The dragon! It's leaving!
*Crowd cheering*
Boovin: Great job, Lancebob!
Percybomb: This dragon could've caused a rock slide that would've killed us all! You're such great heroes! All of you! Thank you very much!
Lancebob: No problem! Let us go back to the future, or should I say the present of your time, and see what changes happened!

...

Merlon: Mario! Luigi! Goombeddy! I don't know how you did this, but Merle just got here and told me the rockslide is no more! The rocks all flew towards the location where the Bobley Kingdom used to be!
Merle: It is true! Something like that must've only happened if someone went to the past and did something to what caused that rock slide. It's also crazy to think that the rocks rolled all the way to the Gryztal Plains in the first place!
Snifle: Mario! What they say is true! The readings are much stronger than before! Still encrypted by that one nasty blizzard, but stronger! The code star is definitely there, I tell ya!
Rockbert: Great! Hah! That was way too good!
Nina: Yes... it was!
Rockbert: I'm still not that used to hearing your voice anymore!
Nina: I never spoke much. Ya remember that!
Rockbert: I mean, I know that, but it's been a while, you didn't say anything. Or just you didn't say as much things as you used to!
Nina: ...
Merle: Follow me heroes! I shall get you to Gryztal Town!

To be continued...

What lies ahead of the newly opened path? Let us find out in the next part! See Ya!

 

[Koops]

Hey! Guess who?

Spoiler

What, still can't guess with the ghosty angel appearance? It's Bootrus, come on! Easy to draw, really (aside that thorny crown of his).

And it doesn't stop there!

Professor Majimi's name comes from some toy I found on the internet, called moji.mi, which are basically cute monster figures. That is why the character looks like some sort of little monster. He will get drawn in I don't know how much time, but eventually guys.

Ten years for that to happen. Here you go!

Spoiler: Majimi

Well, I gues that's all for today... or is it?

Spoiler: President Squeezee

Artworks galore today! And there probably will be another one through the course of this spring break.

See Ya in Chapter 11!

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Chapter 11: A population in parallel development.

Escort Merle throughout the area, prevent any enemies from killing him (even though technically, he had to come this way anyway). So, this is your typical Ice world here, nothing special for the moment. But you’ll see, the magic starts later on.

Merle: We’re here! Ladies and gents, welcome to Gryztal Town!

Actually never-mind! It starts now! Easily the most beautiful looking town in the game! Decorated as if Christmas was just around the corner. And the buildings are made of ice! They reflect the lights, and are shiny! Plus the pathway is colorful! If drawing this place was easy, I would’ve done it a very long time ago and showed it to everyone! Unfortunately, we live in a world where my computer is slower than a dead baby snail trying to pull a blue whale out of freezing water, and where my drawing skills don’t come in handy in the paper/cardboard effects department the art style of the game heavily relies on, so we gotta wait for something like that to happen. I promise I’ll try to make it happen one day (yet again a promise like many other promises I made. These are piling up real fast). So anyway, Merle lives here. No wonder why he’s more cheerful that Merlon is. Come to think of it, he lives in another ice world in 64...

Merle: Feast your eyes on this wonderful place, people! You don’t come across such a beautiful and lively town everyday!
Lancebob: The 21st century hides this location, which was blocked by that dragon before!
Block: My YesterdayCity, compared to this... It feels like a waste of money!
Rockbert: I am speechless! Look at this place! My mind is all made up now! I’m inviting my family to celebrate Christmas here!
Penny: Hey, Kooplea, you look blue all of a sudden.
Kooplea: It’s just... I remembered my dad again. If he’s not in Toad Town, where could he be?
Rockbert: Was it because I mentioned the word family? If so, I’m sorr...
Kooplea: Nah, it’s okay, it’s not your fault!
Bootrus: Talk about jumping to conclusions, you directly assumed you were the faulty! Though that showcases your honesty!
Luigi: Ok everyone! The code str must be somewhere around here!
Goombeddy: First of all, Mister Merle, how exactly do you know there’s a code star here?
Merle: Simple! My bloodline knows very well how to detect nearby code stars! But the biggest indication of this is this pillar right across town!

The camera traverses the town and shows a pillar with a strange shape craved into it.

Merle: You see it? Some say a dormant Shaman awaits the day he will be unfrozen there and bless his savior with a new ability! But what’s even more intriguing are the words written in the ancient language of the mushroom kingdom, right on the shape! I deciphered it myself and discovered these words!

“A dormant wizard sleeps within this structure,
This slumber one chosen hero should rupture.
The grateful soul, in return for such a nice deed,
Will bestow upon said hero what's present in his need.
Should it be used with care and mastery,
He would solve the code stars' mystery.”

That’s all of it! So if you manage to free the wizard frozen in this pillar, you will most likely be able to gather more code stars!
Snifle: And there is code star presence in this place! How bloody convenient, eh Mario? So us coming here was definitely fortunate for all of us pals!
Luigi: Yes it is! But if so, we need to find a way to unfreeze this thing!
Bootrus: Or is there anything else to do to get the wizard out of the glacier? I wonder...
Goombeddy: Rare instance of Bootrus thinking instead of jumping to conclusions!
Merle: Anyway, I will return to my house to study the case further!

You can explore the town now. You can find that the area is populated by Snailicorns, Brragons, Toads, and... a few Bob-ombs. These all live here apparently, and their town was blocked by that rockslide the Ruined Dragon caused. They never left it apparently, and stuff from the outside probably never made it in there. This didn’t however stop the town from thriving by itself, and look at it now!

Anyway, what you actually wanna do now... if you walk past some dark alley, you will hear this...

???: Eek! What do you want with me?
Rockbert: Oh come on! In a place like this? I thought we got out of Boned City!
Nina: Hmm?
???: I said let me go! Don’t you dare poke your nose into an old lady’s purse!
Thief: Heh! Ya hear that, Bobwitz? The woman just threatened us!
Bobwitz: Yeah! She thinks we’ll be like "oh no! She’s gonna kill us! Run for your life if you care about yourself!"
???: I said stop it! You don’t know what’s going to happen to you! I can see the future!
Bobwitz: Wow! I’m super scared now! You know, Shwartz? I think she sounds a little bit too crazy!
Shwartz: That’s even better! Crazy old ladies are easy to take out!
Bobwitz: Well, that is, except she’s actually the one the boss told us about!
Shwartz: Yeah right! Gotta be vigilant about that!
Rockbert: I don’t like the sound of this! You better intervene, Mario!
So this takes place in the alley past the buildings... lucky for you, you have the ability to become paper thin, so you can surprise attack the two bad guys. They’re an atomic Bob-omb and a Sniper Guy.

Shwatrz: Ouch! What the? How'd you get here?
Bobwitz: That doesn’t matter! We’ll just take care of 'em!

They are fought, and cue the orly owl, Mario wins!

Shwartz: Man! Not cool! Let’s get back to the base!
Bobwitz: Yeah! You’re right! They were tough after all!

They run away in a precise direction, right out of town. Who are these weirdos?

Chillimpa: Whoever you are, I must thank you!

It turns out this old woman was a Magiblot.

Chillimpa: But now that I take a good look at you, I think I might be able to identify you... ALL of you!

She begins... sniffing around...

Goombeddy: Yeah, take all of the time you need doing... whatever you’re doing, but is it a crime if we know what exactly you’re trying to do?
Chillimpa: Wait, just a moment. Oh... Oh yes! ...Actually! You ARE the ones I have been waiting for!
Block: Waiting for? She knew we were coming? Seems unlikely, since I joined you only yesterday...
Chillimpa: Oh, you must not know that, but I am a fortuneteller! Unfortunately I am regarded as the town's crazy old lady! Your arrival proves them wrong!
Block: Sorry for the sudden suspicion, but why exactly did you expect us to come?
Chillimpa: Hehe! Here at Gryztal Town, we’re not completely disconnected from the rest of the world! I heard of all the locations you went in, collecting all code stars you could find!
Rockbert: We were doing that, true!
Bootrus: Anyway, what do you want to say?
Chillimpa: Come with me, I can show you something!

She starts walking in the direction of her house.

Chillimpa: CHILLIANA! We have guests! Get me the crystal ball!
Chilliana: Yes, Grandma!
Chillimpa: Please make yourselves at home!

She hangs her scarf on a wooden hangar. She then sits on a pile of cushions.

Chilliana: Here’s your crystal ball, Grandma!
Chillimpa: Thank you, sweetheart. Now go get them some drinks!
Rockbert: Nah, it’s cool, we’re good!
Bootrus: Let us not delay anything! Speak at once of the reason you needed us!
Chillimpa: Well, as I told you, I am aware of the situation outside of town. I know what threat menaces the world. I can even see who is your biggest enemy, but that is one of the darker secrets my third eye doesn’t pierce well into!
Bootrus: So you just wanted to tell us that you knew something but can’t tell us what it is?
Chillimpa: Well, no! In fact, I am here to tell you, with the help of this crystal ball, to tell you that you must be very careful about one thing! And that, my crystal ball can foresee!

*Concentrates*

Chillimpa: I see... I see... I... I... *SNEEEZE*! Sorry, I tend to catch a cold quite often... anyway, I see... your enemy, is not someone to be taken lightly! He is without a doubt a very powerful physical being made literally of what's wrong in the world! Truly an abomination! No one who saw lived long to tell the tale, but most who have seen him and escaped managed to distinguish two notable traits... a flaming eyeball, and a missing finger on the right hand. Some say this missing finger was caused by the code stars themselves, who sealed him in the most obscure cell of the universe: the Dark Realm.
Goombeddy: That’s deep! We’re dealing with a prisoner of the Dark Realm now?
Chillimpa: It seems that yes, it is true. Word is, he has created a less powerful being to be able to control him in the real world, because apparently, for a being made of glitches, a world that has no such flaws is too dangerous. He needed to send someone here to take care of his job of keeping the code stars "safe"... from you! But he wasn’t going to stop there... he was going to use them for his own will... well his creator's will!
Goombeddy: So I assume this guy sent by the other powerful guy is Hackula?
Chillimpa: Yes! That is his name!
Goombeddy: Phew! That’s a deep backstory he has!
Kooplea: But then, who are Hector and Victor? You know, these two guys?
Chillimpa: Their identity, on the other hand, is obscure! I cannot see anything hinting at what they might be! Perhaps it’s best if we don’t know yet. It might trouble your minds just thinking about it...
Kooplea: That makes sense...
Goombeddy: But how do we unfreeze the guy in the pillar? Do you know that?
Chillimpa: Oh yes! But I don’t need my crystal ball to tell you that! *She tosses it backwards, only to get picked up by the Magiblot "statue" behind. It’s not important for the main story, but the statue has something else in store for you in a sidequest* The pillar doesn’t require to be unfrozen! You just need to find the one gryztal among all the ones in this tundra that will open the seal! How do I know that? I’m an old friend of old Merloir! He’s the one inside the pillar! He told me to guard the gryztal until you arrived. As omniscient as he is, I doubt he could ever be wrong!
Chilliana: Wow, Grandma, you sure know a lot! You’re the most omniscient person there is!
Chillimpa: Thanks sweetie, I knew that already! Anyway, the location of said gryztal is not to be revealed! You must find it yourselves!
Goombeddy: What? Can’t you just tell us where it is? We got a world yo save!
Bootrus: Or at least give us a hint! If you’re telling us what we should do, you might as well should fill us in all the details!
Chilliana: They’re kinda right, Grandma...
Chillimpa: Don’t tell me what I should, and should not do!

...

But well, I guess there is no harm into telling you anything. Far southeastern from here, you will find a cave! In it, is the gryztal you are looking for!

So our guess is go there! You will find something cool!









Except you won’t. T'was a trap laid out by a friendly NPC, whattaya know. Because once you get there, you find out you’re on the edge of a steep cliff. Down is a bottomless abyss.

Penny: You sure this is the right place, Mario?
Mario: ??? (I really thought-a this was-a the right-a way!)
Lucifer: Well, in any case I doubt that if it’s a cave we’re looking for, this place sure is full of the opposite of caves.
Block: It’s so surprising that you keep thinking about stuff to say in this way.
Snifle: Simmer down, ya peops! I can still smell something good is nearby. Not a code star, but something good I tell ya!
Hector: And cue the bad guys!

They both appear in front of you.

Victor: Look, guys, we just thought we’d make a quick visit, nothing special!
Hector: Besides, it’s been a while!
Luigi: Hey, back off, you’re blocking our way back!
Hector and Victor: ... *awkward silence* BWAHAHAHAHA! THIS IS WHAT WE'RE HERE FOR!
Hector: Almost makes me want to spare you for being so funny!
Victor: Unfortunately you’re bad guys to us, so y’know! Gotta force it a bit!

Another battle ensues. And of course you win.

But you don’t win in the cutscene.

Hector: Nice moves yet again. You never fail to impress. Unfortunately, it ends right here!

He and Victor push Mario and co into the cliff.

Victor: Oh, and before you pass out, here’s hoping you won’t find anything down there!
Hector: Pretty pointless to say, don’t ya see they’re already out of your sound circle?

The screen fades to the black. Mario then wakes up, but can’t find his partners. He has to look the area. When he meets with Rockbert...

Rockbert: Man, what should I do? What should I do?
!
Mario! Guys! Thank goodness you’re here! Nina's hurt so bad!

He shows her flat-facing the ground.

Rockbert: She’s been unconscious for some time now. I don’t know what I can do!
Mario: Ho! (Hey! Don’t-a worry! There’s nothing bad! She’s-a just out-a cold!)
Rockbert: I guess you’re right... why did I freak out so much? You know, I’m just gonna stay here until she gets better. Can’t have any monster catching her while she’s in Subcon!
Mario: (Thumbs up)

So to actually progress you must gather all of your partners. When you find one, it’s just *partner dialogue* *partner joins* nothing too overly complicated.

When you do gather your last partner though.

???: Hey! You! New guy!

Mario looks up... he sees a dragon with crystally wings.

Blizzy: Greetings! Name's Blizzy! I’m what is known as a Brragon! Well, only people from around here know that, because of the disconnected nature of our humble little town... anyway, I saw two of your friends heading out of the cave earlier. Just something for you not to worry about.
Penny: What is your intent here?
Lucifer: Dude, Penny, why did you just verbally attack the guy?
Penny: I mean, how does he know about us?
Blizzy: Good question! Thing is, for one, I saw the rockslide fly back to its original state, so there’s that that confirms you’re good guys... well, seeing you’re the first people who came in after that happened... second, that old woman told me about you...
Penny: Wasn’t she the one who told us to even come here?
Lucifer: Ok, THAT is something to worry about!
Goombeddy: Isn’t it obvious? We’re either dealing with a "I was forced to do it" situation, or just that "third eye" couldn’t quite see through all this blizzard.
Blizzy: Yeah, actually, I don’t know, she’s usually a pretty cool lady... anyway, I was sent here by her granddaughter... you know, the young girl called Chilliana? Yeah, that one! Well, that’s every bit of info I needed to tell you, and with that...
Goombeddy: Wait! If something twisted and dark is going on with the fortuneteller, tell us what it is!
Blizzy: I assure you, she’s not someone to trust when it comes traps and fooling people. She’s usually right, and when she does lie, it’s always apparent you’d know something’s up since the beginning! Anyway, I even forgot to mention the real threat here! I noticed some of those Gryztals started... shattering!
Goombeddy: What’s so bad about that?
Blizzy: See, the townspeople were stuck here ever since that rockslide happened four hundred years ago, so they're used to the heat they produce... over the years, a new genetic property was developed, and that is what makes the Gryztals so vital to the people. I guess you understand now!

And he flies away. And yes, the place has a few holes in the ceiling.

Goombeddy: He sounds friendly. That’s one guy I actually like. I mean, Bobthur? Super annoying! Eleetle? Unskilled! Stayzee? You know what! But this guy? Did his job perfectly!
Bootrus: Anyway, we must go meet up with Rockbert!

You make way out of the cave. When getting out, you meet up with Rockbert... carrying Nina on his back.

Rockbert: Oh hey everyone! I thought I’d just get her somewhere safer... normally it would be easy for me to carry something as light as she is, but this cold...
Lucifer: Aww! How cute!
Luigi: Look! You seriously could’ve waited for us!
Rockbert: I don’t know if that would’ve been a great idea... it seemed like she was about to die! She’s still not moving! I’ll get her to that Merle guy.
Bootrus: At least it’s something good to keep in mind! Now, join us! Because apparently, the source of life of the people here is on the line!
Rockbert: Yeah ok, just meed to get to town... wherever it is. Can guide me there if you know where to go?

And try to get to Gryztal Town. When you do...

Rockbert: Finally! Don’t worry, Nina! You’re safe!

And he runs ahead, and immediately comes back.

Rockbert: All done!
Bootrus: Now Mario, the Brragon told us he was sent by the fortuneteller's granddaughter! Let’s find her, I say! She probably has something to tell us!
Rockbert: Wait! While down there, I found this gem!
Bootrus: Oh really? Must be the one that allows us to unfreeze that other thing!

On the way out of town...

Chilliana: Oh hey there!

Chilliana: I... I followed you all the way to that cliff... I couldn’t do anything! I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about it... my Grandmother was forced to tell you to go that way by a shadowy figure... he threatened to suck the ink out of me!
Goombeddy: Well that’s good to know that Magiblots are made of ink! A mystery I’ve been questioning myself!
Bootrus: But who that Shadowy thing might be? Do you think it’s... you know, that one guy from back at the Skygurrat!
Goombeddy: You mean Shadoodle? Yeah most probably! He’s still after us ever since we beat him back in the Dried-Out Valley! We know he actually works for the Glitch rebellion, like Hector and Victor!
Chilliana: Woah! That’s... That's some complicated information! Anyway... I... I... Come on girl, you can’t get pushed around by the presence of these people! I came here to... try? To help you?
Goombeddy: Anyone who wants to help us is welcome to, like I like to say, hop on the badwagon!

Chilliana, The shy Magiblot joined the party! She doesn’t have much experience with magic, even for a Magiblot, but she has mastered the spell of freezing things. Not just merely freezing them, but freezing them in time! You can stop something from happening to some extent. By stopping something in time, also, you can hit it multiple times for it to absorb kinetic energy and fly to the desired direction once it regains its normal flow of time.

And yes, that last thing is taken straight from breath of the wild, but Chilliana's not exactly the most relevant partner, so I had to give her some cool ability. I just care about every single character in this game so much... except the ones with no distinction whatsoever... like generic Toads for example (speaking of which, THE Toad is in Peach's castle but he's the only generic Toad in the castle, so he counts as distinct).

So anyway, you go unfreeze the thing. The bizarre shape in the pillar slowly begins moving, and makes way out of the pillar. Indeed, in there was a Shaman.

Merloir: Mario, isn’t it? Thank you for freeing me, and as legend tells, I will bestow upon you a new ability that will get you to where you need.

He casts a spell. You now have the ability to "mail" yourself through small holes and openings! You can go through places you never thought you’d fit through!

Merloir: I will stay here if you need further assistance! Come see me whenever you wish!

He fades away, but can still be interacted with. Anyway, just behind the pillar, is an icy wall with tiny openings. You can enter it, and once you do, the camera zooms out and shows a familiar person contemplating the scene.

Chillimpa: Good luck, Chilliana!

DUNGEON 11: Gryztal Gove

Enemies:
-Buster Beetles
-Ice Bros
-Lumocores
-Cooligans
-Snowgdeggs
-Swoopers
-Ice-liders
-Porcimpalers
-Chill Bullies

At the beginning of the dungeon, you meet up with a guy...

Picky: Hmm... according to this map, I’m right back at the entrance... sigh... man, I’m never gonna find that thing!
Mario: Hi!
Picky: WOAH THERE! Don’t scare me like that! You interrupted my research on Glitterfoots!
Mario: ???
Picky: Oh, you don’t know what a Glitterfoot is? They’re basically ice people who used to live here! I’m looking for them!
Mario: Hey! (How did you get in here anyway?)
Picky: I dug my way through, but the hole got covered up as soon as I entered. I guess the blizzard is THAT strong, so heads up to anyone who got through!
Mario: Hey! (Anyway, can we check that map, we kinda have to get a dungeon map every dungeon we go through.)
Picky: Sure! Take it! I know this place like the back of my hand... sorta... I just know this room... well, anyway maybe you’re a better navigator! I’ll just follow you around until we make any relevant discovery!

No he’s not a new partner, there are not two partners in one chapter! But he’ll follow you around, and will every turn in battle release an attack that damages the first enemy in line. He can either hit it with his pickaxe (Picky is a Hammer Bro with a Pickaxe) or throw his pickaxe on a flying enemy. Also, some crystals on the ceiling may fall somewhere to either your advantage or disadvantage. Plus, mirrors.

When you arrive at the end of the dungeon:

Shadoodle: Yes! Come to life, my MARVELOUS creation! I needed a lot of Gryztals to pull it off, put it pays off!
Chilliana: Wh... Who are you? Wait! You’re that shadowy creep who threatened to kill me!
Shadoodle: Oh hey, you actually guessed!
Goombeddy: Yeah you know, somehow I don’t find scaring people to death to trick them into tricking people is funny! Anyway, tell us why you’re here!
Shadoodle: It would be rude for me not to reveal my awesome plot, because you’d miss out on way too much! Anyway, meet my new invention, the black Gryztal!
Goombeddy: What a creative name!

Meanwhile, Picky panics and runs away.

Shadoodle: You’d be pleased to know it runs on this thing here!
Difference: Mario! Luigi! Help! This guy's using me to do some evil thing!
Shadoodle: How dare you not recognize me, code star? Don’t you know I am none other than your greatest enemy?
Difference: How should I know? I was stuck here in Gryztal town like anyone else!
Shadoodle: That doesn’t matter, probably after I destroy the Crystal and let you die with it will you get some pre-humous flashbacks! Heard it happens!
Difference: No! Don’t!

And he stuffs the poor thing in it.

Shadoodle: Since the beginning, I fought you with no weapons, and this is why this time, it won’t be quite the same income!

BOSS CHAPTER 11: SHADOODLE.

Tattle (Black Gryztal): This accurately but boringly named thing is the Black Gryztal! Max HP is 50, ATT is 3. It’s weak, but it still provides bonus power to Shadoodle, even though I don’t really recommend taking it out... it has its fair share of power and MIGHT actually be an annoyance, as signs indicate that it may burn you... or freeze you! So don’t take it by stats I suppose?

Shadoodle: No! My Gryztal! My dear Gryztal! What did they do to you?
Lucifer: Uhh... you just said you would kill it right after you'd be done with us...
Snifle: Great job, ya toughies! You even managed to destroy it without harmin' the code star! You’re natural hunters for these things!
Shadoodle: I WILL get you with my next invention! I already started planning it out! Now if you excuse me, I guess I’ll be off!

Just then, Blizzy grabs him with his feet and takes him above through yet another hole in the ceiling and throws him away.

Blizzy: That guy looked creepy! Luckily, you got the guts to face him! And the muscles too, that’s important!
Goombeddy: Oh hey! You again! What have you got to say?
Blizzy: It’s a letter from your Grandmother, Chilliana.
Chilliana: Really? What does it say?

"Chilliana, if you read this letter, it means that you have overcome the challenge Mario had to face in this land. It proves you are strong enough to follow him wherever he goes and overcome the challenges there!

~Gramma."

Goombeddy: Well that’s something else!
Difference: Mario! Luigi! Thank you for saving me! Take me with you!
Blizzy: It seems you have quite the quest on your shoulders. Good luck for the future!

Here you have it, better than it ever was before!

Wow, it seems that EVERY chapter I’m remaking is great again!

See Ya!

 

[Koops]

Stop interrupting just to show off some artwork.

Ok to be fair, it’s a super easy artwork with I actually tested the actual Paper Mario style of shading on. You can clearly see the inline. Should get better at it in the better.

Spoiler: Dooplay

So that’s Dooplay, used to be Giggles' right hand man when he was still the circus manager, but after the latter's defeat, Dooplay took the role. During Chapter 4, he secretly assists you in freeing the poor Lucifer from the machine that was sucking the life out of her. He would’ve done it himself before, but when Giggles found out he discovered his plans, he threatened to "do something not so cool" to him if he told everyone his sinister plot. Just had to say that to those who didn’t know about what role he plays in the game, you people who don’t read the story.

Anyway, Interlude 11 is up next! See Ya!

Also what do you think of this new method of drawing?

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Interlude 11

Peach: So, you getting anything yet?
Evilness: Almost! Why can’t I sense anything as good as I could before?
Peach: Maybe the signals are too powerful...
Evilness: If so, then that’s great! Just you wait, Hackula! We’ll have you in no time!
Peach: Yeah don’t get too overexcited though...
Evilness: What’s the matter princess? You seem to lack the enthusiasm of helping Mario!
Peach: It’s just... Can he really do it? That Hackula is getting more and more powerful thanks to Bowser, and Bowser himself is a big hurdle in Mario’s path!
Evilness: Don’t worry princess, even Mario is growing in power! He’ll OP everyone else! Oh, and he’s not alone! He’s got 13 partners, including that Luigi person you talk about so much!
Peach: You had to make it sound like that...
Evilness: Trust me and the power of the code stars, princess! You’re underestimating us!
Peach: I’m gonna look around again! I better do!

You control Peach, and this time, you have access to Hackula's room... door.

Sure it’s Hackula's but Hec and Vic are inside!

Hector: Affirmative! He IS who we think he is!
Victor: Oh man! What has he done?
Peach: What has who done?
Hector: Hey... Victor... is someone overhearing?
*Peach turns around to see a glitch trying to listen while a bright white orb gets shot at him.*
Victor: Not anymore! (Although Peach is here, careful about that!)
Hector: Ok, I see! Well you know, I get the strange feeling that it might be our end if that’s true... we might need to fuse back together...
Victor: I’ll miss being myself!
Hector: Ok Princess, you can come out of hiding! You know we don’t care for your death or anything! It’s alright if you heard anything!
Peach: What were you talking about? Who has done what?
Hector: ...
It turns out our mother...
Victor: ... forgot to turn off...
Hector: The lights before she headed out of our house in...
Victor: ...The Dark Realm! *He closes his mouth with both his hands*
Peach: Riiiiiiiiiiiight...

She walks backwards slowly.

Victor: Phew!
Hector: Surprised she let go, not that I blame you... it did come out of the Big Blue all of a sudden!
Victor: Let’s just make sure we tell no one about that one thing!
Hector: Totes right!
Peach: (I better tell Mario!)

She runs back to her cell.

Paraplonk: Princess! What’s happening?
Peach: What’s with the sudden appearance?
Paraplonk: Just wanted to check on you!
Sergeant Guy: Tell us what you know! We may do something to help if we know what to do!
Goomp: We promise this! We’re not planning on hurting Mario!
Peach: I know that! Did you think I thought otherwise?
Paraplonk: Well... kinda!
Sergeant Guy: Just tell us info already, pretty please, ma'am! We need some!
Peach: Well, then, here’s what I managed to know!

...

"Just another day at the camp, right Starr?"

Said Antonimus, waking up.

Antonimus: I miss you already. I hope you accomplish your destiny one day...
Startacus: Already awake, Antonimus?
Antonimus: Yeah, I guess...
Startacus: Tomorrow’s the big day, so we gotta make preparations, and I need a strong arm to help me! What do you say?
Antonimus: ...
Startacus: Look, Antonimus. I know you still some taste of bitter about what we did with Loss, but you must understand... she has something to do to save the world, and she won’t do it by staying here...
Antonimus: So what about giving her to the freaking pirates? How is she gonna do it then?
Startacus: ... There are more of her kind right? Maybe they’ll be able to find her! After all, remember what she did back at the battle? She managed to fight the soldiers off! Also, you must understand that I can’t lay down the life of hundreds of people! They deserve to live free, and that’s why I’m giving it everything I got!
Antonimus: It’s just, I can’t accept the fact that we had to let go of her to save our people! It’s like the world is against me!
Startacus: I guess you need some alone time... you know what, it’s ok... I’ll get someone else to help me...
Antonimus: Nah, I feel better now. Thanks, Startacus. Let’s get to this...

Antonimus gets out of his tent.

Nebula: Is he alright?
Startacus: He’s going through a lot, but don’t worry too much, he’s picking up.
Nebula: I like him... he’s such a sweet boy!
Antonimus: Not sweet, but I will encourage the saying that he’s promising! I have never seen a teenager as energetic and optimistic as he is!
Nebula: Whatever, I personally think he’s sweet! He reminds me of you when you were younger!
Startacus: Heh! That much? Woah there don’t fall in love with him! Haha! Anyways, I found him under Brassus' hands... he had just been bought by him and was ready to get exploited... since then, I've loved him like my own son. I heard from Loss, that star who used to be with him, that she was given to him at birth before they abandoned him... she has been his only companion/friend until I found him...
Nebula: *Snif*
Startacus: ... I know that’s sad, but look at the bright side of things! He’s happy among us now!
Nebula: Yeah, I suppose you’re right!

...

Meanwhile, at Brassus' palace.

Brassus: Come on! Don’t keep me waiting! Start gathering info for me! Why is it so hard for you people?
Koopsparagus: Sheesh, Dude, Brassus is acting stupid right now! What happened to him?
Chuck: Must be Startacus! He reached the coast of Brome and is arranging a deal with pirates to escape!
Koopsparagus: It’s been a while since I’ve seen, or even heard of the guy. Too bad Brassus wants him dead! I’d do anything to get back some time with him!
Chuck: Wait a... you know what never mind!
Koopsparagus: Don’t worry, I was thinking 'bout the same thing myself!
Brassus: Hey! You two! Doesn’t mean if you’re the imperial guards that you get to slack on the job!
Chuck: Sir yes Sir!
Koopsparagus: Yes, Ô Brassus! (Damn, he’s getting cranky!)
Brassus: Until that Startacus hasn’t been found, I will not rest! Someone, get me one of my slaves! I need something to chew on! NOW!
Koopsparagus: Heh! I heard all your slaves were "abducted" by Startacus!
Brassus: Shut up, or it’s YOU I chew on!
Koopsparagus: *Runs away* (Hey, Chuck, he’s starting to be a jerk now!)
Chuck: (Yeah, methinks that too!)

Anyway, back to Mario!

Outside the cave, is a shivering Picky, ashamed of himself.

Picky: Oh hey, Mario! It’s you! I’m sorry I sorta ran away when I saw that guy! Who knew I would be such a coward, me, the most renown archeologist in Gryztal Town! At least it seems you got what you wanted...
Goombeddy: Sure we did!
Blizzy: Anyway, people! Be sure to visit ol' Blizzy if you ever needed it, 'k? Don’t want anything to happen to the likes of you!
Snifle: Thanks, ye stinker! We'll handle da code stars from here!
Rockbert: Let’s get Nina, and then outta here already! It’s freezing in here! Look at your mustaches, they’re turning blue!
Goombeddy: Hey! Since when mustaches turn blue when it’s cold?
Luigi: Must be the ice, either that or the Crystals!
Goombeddy: So we've got like 5 code stars left anyway. I don’t know what other locales we’re gonna have to visit, but we better not waste time anymore!

... (go to Merle's where Nina is)

Merle: Oh hey, Mario! You’re just in time!
Mario:???

He comes closer to the Ninji girl sitting unconscious before him.

Merle: I did a full analysis on how she got wounded, and it seems she’s just so cold she can’t move anymore!
Rockbert: Oh no! What can we do?
Merle: Nothing too hard! You just need to get her something spicy, she’ll wake up real quick!

...

Nina: ... Wha?...
Rockbert: Nina! You’re alive! I’m so happy!
Goombeddy: Heck we all are!
Nina: What happened?
Rockbert: Oh, yeah! You don’t know, you were out cold when it happened! Well, that’s pretty much what happened, you were out cold!
Lucifer: You wouldn’t believe how hard the guy worked to get you here! He’s the most suicidal person I’ve ever seen!
Rockbert: Stop it now! I don’t wanna make it sound like that...

Nina walks up to Rockbert and hugs him.

Nina: Thank you...
Rockbert: ...But I guess whatever works!
Snifle: Mario! Remember these two guys who attacked the old lady before? I feel like they are hiding something! By sniffing them, I realized they came from Area 64!
Goombeddy: Now you tell us?
Snifle: Sorry, but I had to let you concentrate on getting this one first!
Chilliana: So... you g-guys are after those things, right? C-could I tag along with you? I might be helpful... !
Kooplea: Anyway, Goombeddy! What IS Area 64?
Goombeddy: Piece of cake! Area 64 is the most powerful military base in the Mushroom Kingdom, and just might be perhaps a threat to our planet's countries who dare try to attack it! Word is, they’re developing a secret weapon forbidden by the law! And on top of all that, alien sightings have been detected around the area!
Merle: Area 64, you say! I have some legend on it! Let me reach for that book!

...

"There was a time, a time where there was a thriving town in the far western area of the Mushroom Kingdom! It came to be known as Swordsville, as the town's guards were expert swordsman, and each child was given a sword at birth to learn to defend themselves.

It was, despite that, a very peaceful town, and people treated each other kindly. Alas, one day, a tragedy was set in motion...

Rumors of the end of the world went in and out of people’s minds, and all of a sudden, the elder was entrusted in guarding a code star, what was said to be able to bring peace to the land! The elder, fearing it would make his people worry, kept it carefully and hid it from the townspeople's sight.

His son had the intent to use it for evil, though, and once his father passed, he got it out of hiding, as the townspeople saw its power and began fighting for it.

The peace was broken. Everyone took out their swords and war was triggered. Many lives were lost... the town crumbled.

Many yers later, the son came back, surviving from the war, but having lost the code star, and being heavily wounded. He gathered all of the men who survived and brought them into an army, along with recruiting many other soldiers. Together, they would build what would become the biggest military base ever."

Merle: If this legend is true, then your next location to go in is this Area 64, as the military base mentioned in the end is it, most likely!
Goombeddy: Even I didn’t know that! Great! How far is it?
Merle: Not too far, actually! It’s Northern from here!
Penny: Well, great! But I’m worried about Peach! It’s been a while since we haven’t heard her voice!

"Mario! I learned something incredible! Those Hector and Victor guys! They are one and the same person! For some reason, it seems they separated from each other and became Hector and Victor! But who might they be?

~Peach HEY MARIO! IT’S CORPORAL PARAPLONK HERE WITH THE ELITE TRIO, IT'S BEEN A WHILE SINCE WE HEARD OF YOU, BYE!"

Goombeddy: Wait, the elite trio's at Fort Hackula too?
Penny: What could they be doing there? ... At the very least, Peach seems ok!
Merle: Anyway, I think I should pin the location on your map you’re seeking for!

And as Mario is teleported back to the world map, the path opens up to Area 64...

To be continued...

So next time, either I show new artwork, or continue on with this story.

See Ya!

 

[Koops]

So which one is it, artwork? Story? Artwork? Story?

Artwork!

And the logo of the game no less!

Spoiler: PM:PT Logo

Again, I used that same style of shading, and it worked out better!

Anyway, code stars, listed by order of obtention:

Grey, with a question mark: Ignorance.
Orange, with glasses that look like chains: Alliance.
Beige, with an armor: Honor.
Light Green, with a lightning bolt: Shock.
Brown, with a bow: Justice.
Dark Red, with a bandana and a pocket full of monies: Impurity.
Blue, with a heart: Love.
Yellow, with Eldstar's facial hair: Wisdom.
Pink, with a trident and demon horns: Greed.
Green, with blue eyes and a hand symbol: Revolution.
Sky-Blue, with a scarf: Difference.
Slightly darker yellow, with cracks all over himself: Destruction.
Dark Blue, with a keyhole: Curiosity.
Gold, with a teardrop and crucifix: Loss.
Red, with a fire symbol: Hatred.
And Black, with a skull symbol: Obviously Evilness.

So I hope you like that logo!

 

[Koops]

Also, yes, I did something else, but I’m only releasing it on the 23rd. Why you ask?

You’ll see, unless you figure out yourselves.

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Chapter 12: The secret secrets of the secret war-zone

"Oh, look. It’s THAT place again!"

Said Lucifer once they got out of the northern gate of Gryztal Town, pointing at the Happy Dome.

Goombeddy: Then what we're looking is probably somewhere further north! Let’s not waste our time!
Dooplay: Hey guys!

He runs towards the group.

Dooplay: So? You saved the world? ... *takes a look at Mario’s partners* and it seems you have quite a large team compared to what it was since last time... alongside a Green Version of yourself!
Luigi: ... anyway what's the big deal?
Dooplay: Well, thing is,... we got... attacked!
Goombeddy: Really?
Dooplay: I mean, the Happy Dome doesn’t look very happy, doesn’t it? It has cannonballs all over it!
Goombeddy: Well, gee, I wonder what may have caused that! We were just getting there!
Dooplay: However, that’s not the big problem... See, our best juggler... Hearl... suddenly went to area 64!
Kooplea: Really? What business does he have there?
Dooplay: I dunno! He just told us the bad news and went there!
Kooplea: That’s something else. It’d be weird if he went there to fight...
Lancebob: Especially considering he’s a nice person!
Dooplay: So, yeah, could you please find Area 64 and see what’s happening there? I’m worried sick right now!

So you take control of Mario and navigate the Claw Woods again, but this time, one of the branching paths we’re all so familiar with opened up thanks to your newly gained abilities. So you keep going, fighting Dark Boos, Dead Hands, Clawple Trees, until...

Goombeddy: This is it! We’re in Kenzie Battlefield! Here sits Area 64, can you see it there in the distance? Yes, that metallic building! It might look kinda small from the outside, but there’s a whole world in there!
Rockbert: So that’s why it’s so "secret", huh?
Goombeddy: It’s secret because no one made it in there alive, but concerning hiding spots, a toddler could find it!
Snifle: Mario! I feel the presence of a code star in this field! We’re in the right place!
Luna: Yuk! War... it’s just ugly, get it away from my face!
???: Hey, look who’s there!
???: Ich bin impressed! It’s these guys from earlier!

It’s Shwartz and Bobwitz.

Bobwitz: Persistent persistent, ja?
Shwartz: Oh ja! That’s true! But dis time, we got our weapons!
Bobwitz: Go on, grab yor weapon! I don’t need one, ICH BIN ein weapon!

Anyway, cue the battle, and cue victory.

Shwartz: Oh no! They got us agin!
Bobwitz: Let’s go tell Fuhrer!

They run away...

Penny: What’s a... Furrer?
Goombeddy: Fuhrer... lemme see, it’s german for chief!
Penny: Then that doesn’t sound good! Now their boss is behind us!
???: HEY! YOU!
Mario: WOAH!

They turn around and find two white-"skinned" Skellobits, one with wings, and another with a kepi and medals.

Captain Bonehead: So, who exactly are you, gentlemen?

Mario and his team took their fighting stances.

Skellobomber: Hey, do not take your fighting positions just yet! We’re not here for quarrel!
Bonehead: These guys fight for Area 64. They formed here because of some sort of power source that will let them create abominations, all weirder than the last one. What we’re doing here? Fighting them off! We were sent by the government!
Rockbert: We're a team of guys and girls trying to save the world! You know, it’s starting to feel... awkward. I mean we’ve met undead people all over our journey!
Bonehead: Oh rest assured, we are not undead, but we have so much experience with war that... we degraded into just skin and bones!
Goombeddy: Interesting... let’s add that: "Skellobits are not all undead!" Cool piece of trivia there!
Bonehead: Anyway... by seeing you, we say that your skills are great, and you might even help us put an end to Area 64! So what do you say we become allies?
Luna: What?! No! Guys! You must resist! This is WAR we’re talking about!
Rockbert: You started acting crazy all of a sudden!
Luna: I mean, HELL-OOOO? War? I saw it? I found it was disgusting and pointless at that!? Have you any memory of what I told you about it?
Lancebob: I’m with you, young one, but without a fight or two, the world will stay in peril!
Luna: That’s it! If this gets too tense, I’m giving up! Humanity lost all of its virtues! It must be destroyed then!
Rockbert: Ok now snap out of it! You’re not doing us any good! Bonehead: It would be reckless to attack immediately however, so it’s best if you retreat back to our humble base! Area 64's "Fuhrer" is a sly soldier!

You are lead to the base, which is not very close from your current location, so on your way, fight Bill Blasters, Hammer Bros, Ninjis, Sniper Guys, and you will come across Sherms, controlled by Ninjis. Bonehead will occasionally direct an attack at enemies, because this is a battlefield and he’s not supposed to just sit there. Anyway after this carnage of enemies, you get to the base.

Bonehead: This way, gentlemen!

They enter a significantly inferior base compared to Area 64.

Bonehead: Here’s the thing: The Fuhrer, Klein, has with him a power source that supplies him with whatever he wants! However, each abomination he creates has a different weakness. That being said, depending on what time of the day it is today, our soldiers will be taking breaks and others, sometimes more, sometimes less, while the rest will enter the battlefield ready to fight! For that reason, the layout of the walls Klein will be installing will differ depending on what time it is. So it may be confusing to navigate if you take your time too much. Do not worry however, when you see a horde of enemies you can’t beat by yourself, you can call us to help you!

The command to call reinforcements has been added momentarily! Press *down on the D-Pad* to do so! Quite the gimmick of this chapter alongside the wall changing thing.

Bonehead: First, we need to get as close to the enemy base as possible, in order to gather vital info that will come in handy to us if we want to win!
Luna: I hate to admit, but ... *bleck* that’s a pretty smart plan!
Block: So if we manage to even approach the area, we take a huge step in winning! So it’s gonna be one baby step at a time thing, right?
Bonehead: Yes, precisely! Let us not waste time! Let’s go outside!

From now on, Bonehead follows you around. If you press down like it was taught to you, he will sound his whistle and a horde of Skellobombers will come through destroying things you can’t. He will do it only if truly necessary though, as if you try to do it anytime, he simply says "Gentlemen, every man counts in a war! It’s best to call them in when we truly need them!"

Anyway, as you start approaching Area 64, a blue man with an eye patch, and the other eye covered by a piece of cloth knot into his face, climbs a rock in front of the base.

???: What’s this? A man in overalls and a bunch of other people are headed this way?
Penny: Is that guy over there their "Frurerer?"
Goombeddy: I don’t recall you having any pronunciation issues!
Bonehead: No, this is a man of the Sergeant grade! He’s Sergeant Blind! Some say he covers his face like that because he doesn’t have any eyes, even though the race from which he comes is known for having glowing hollow eyes.
Chilliana: Sounds like someone who’s desperate in something...
Bonehead: Sadly, what is his past or anything is shrouded in mystery! He barely comes out of the building, so it’s a surprise he shows up now!
Luna: What do you gotta say, punk? Just say it so we get this over with!
Blind: What is your business here? Unless you’re allies with those who want to shut us down! You are not witnesses of this place! Why do I even trust you with such a secret? Let’s get rid of you before you turn into an annoyance!

He jumps into battle with a few Kenter swordsmen. Kenters are weaker than most enemies in the game, as they have very low HP (6HP) but they attack in groups of minimum 3, and they each take out 3 damage, which means you will AT LEAST take 9 damage from these guys unless you killed one of them or blocked some attack. Oh and also they attack TOGETHER, so blocking them all can be hard.

(Note: Stats may not be final. Still going through development about those.)

Anyway...

Blind: You have formidable skill... sob...
Luna: You’re... crying?
Block: Hey, you’re the one who challenged us, so quit crying!
Blind: Be assured, I will get stronger... sob... *walks away into Area 64*

Chilliana: He looks really desperate!
Lucifer: I wouldn’t feel bad... we met lotsa bad guys like that in our adventure!
Goombeddy: I... actually agree! As sad as that is, he’s still a bad guy trying to kill us!
Bonehead: Great job, soldiers!
Luna: I’m... I’m a soldier? Oh no! I did it!
Bonehead: There’s nothing wrong in protecting your territory, lad! Nope, not at all! Even if it means killing what gets in your way, it’s still the only way you can stay alive! Sad, but true. By trying to stay alive, you’re doing nothing wrong!
Goombeddy: Well, thank you, that oughta talk some sense into her! What is it with every character we met lately being so great? I’m used to mediocrity!
Stayzee: Say, how do we enter this base anyway?
Goombeddy: I don’t know, maybe going through the open door would work!
Bonehead: You go ahead, soldiers! I will stay here to fight! Do not at all cost lose to these evildoers!

DUNGEON 12: Area 64.

-Kenters
-Bill Blasters
-Hammer Bros
-Ultra Bob-ombs
-Chain Chomps
-Ninjis
-Sniper Guys
-Zaliens

Despite the fact that we didn’t reach the end yet, a big part of this chapter takes place here. Battle some enemies and go down some metallic stairs...

Blind: Our attack... failed, Fuhrer!
Bobwitz: Es ist getting out of hand, like BOOM!
Shwartz: Wir gonna need to ACT! JETZT!
Klein: Calm down, everyone! Surely this interloper in my plans will succumb to any of the alienations I created! Your job is to buy us time so that we could create as much as we want!
Bobwitz: But Fuhrer! Wir can’t keep it up! Es ist zu viel! (that means "it’s too much", by the way)
Shwartz: Shouldn’t wir release one of dem super weapons on them?
Fuhrer: No, I plan to do it at the right time! Sorry, soldiers! But this is war, wether you like it or not! You will defend MY... I mean your country!
Blind: This ain’t our country, Fuhrer! It’s only yours! We’re helping you because... of reasons, and if you can’t respect our desires, then these reasons are just no match...
Klein: We’ll talk about it... Wait! *Snif* *Snif* I detect presence of other code stars around here! Could it be? Wait! I see something overlapping this aura!
Penny: Shoot, I think he knows we’re here!
Klein: Oh, it was just this piece of metal haphazardly placed on top of our code star!
Destruction: HEY! Don’t you know what they already did to me? Leave me alone!
Klein: Be quiet, code star! Not like we needed any other one of you as of now! In fact, my most devilish creation is almost complete!
Destruction: Don’t tell me it’s that "thing" you showed me earlier!
Klein: How did you know? Anyway, doesn’t matter! As I said, nothing is getting in my way to stop me!
Luna: You’re dead wrong, you big meanie!
Klein: ???

Luna comes out of hiding and challenges the guy.

Luna: Yeah, that’s right, I’m talking to ALL of you!
Blind: Who is that?
Shwartz: Oh no! She’s gonna kill us! LAUF!
Bobwitz: Hah! Must be dat Mario’s friend! She probably wandered off!

Mario jumps out of hiding.

Mario: Oh yeah! (Let’s-a do this!)
Klein: Who’s that?

The three others shiver in fear.

Blind: That be that Mario guy, Fuhrer!
Bobwitz: Ist no good news!
Shwartz: I TOLD YOU, WE SHOULD ALL LAUF!
Klein: Now you’re afraid of just one smelly little frail man?

Says he as the whole group comes in.

Klein: You know what, I’m getting back to my creation! Buy me some time!

He runs away with the code star.

Destruction: HEY! GET ME BACK! I WANNA GO WITH MARIO! NOoooo<muffled noises in the distance>

The door closes.

Blind: Now what do we do?
Bobwitz: Unleash dem Weapons!
Shwartz: Agin? Dis is getting ridiculous, mann!

Another fight ensues.

Blind: Again you prevail... sob.
Luna: Aw what now, you’re gonna cry like you did before?
Blind: THAT'S NONE OF YOUR BEESWAX, VILLAINOUS GIRL!

He runs away crying.

Bobwitz: Mann, you really did it harsh on da guy!
Shwartz: You got no respect! Schande!
Luna: Hey, he started it!
Bobwitz: No! You don’t git it! He’s got some deep backstory! Poor Kumpel!
Shwartz: Just go to heem and apologize, jetzt!
Bobwitz: Anyway, he’s got da plans to use da code star thing, so if ya want dat, then go see him!
Goombeddy: That’s a good reason to go to him! Let’s do so!

From now on, you follow Blind, who left traces of his passage. You will fight enemies again and solve a few puzzles. Although a few rooms later, Blind notices you are following him...

Blind: Stop following my tracks!

He pushes a button, as the giant metallic tunnel in which you are begins to gain heat and turns out to be a giant Bill Blaster, as a King Bill blasts from behind you. Blind locks all doors, except this of the exit. Now it’s a RUN B**CH RUN segment in which you must avoid falling debris. Once you get out of the place, a huge explosion occurs behind you and the way is shut.

Bonehead: Everyone! What happened?
Luna: Your plan didn’t work! We got blasted out here!
Bonehead: And I supposed they locked the front gate! However, there must be a secret entrance! I’d say we look for such an entrance!

You once again navigate the battlefield. At some point, if you go to a certain spot...

???: Hey! Psst! Da Mario Kerl!
Shwartz: Ja! Wir are talking to you!
Mario: Ho!
Bobwitz: Relax, Mann! Wir dun wanna fight! Wir kinda deserting Klein! He’s not our Fuhrer anymore!
Shwartz: Ja! You must understand! Hor mal zu! You might wanna git Blind to help you, cuz he knows da base like da palm of his hand!
Bobwitz: Ja! Come 'ere! This is a secret passage!

Mario mails himself through the small opening.
Shwartz: Woah! With an armee like dat, he sure will pull up a great Kampf!
Penny: Please, this german accent makes me sick!
Luna: Anyway, what have we gotta do? Kill a bunch of weirdos?
Bobwitz: No! You crazy delusional! You just find Blind and tell him we’re with you!
Shwartz: Simple as Kuchen! A no-Gehirner!
Lucifer: On second thought, I’m kinda starting to feel bad about the guy... we barely know him but apparently he’s been through a lot!
Luigi: Heh, I guess maybe it’s one of these cases where the tough guy is actually a sweetheart inside!
Lucifer: That’s what I was thinking about!
Kooplea: Anyway, Shwartz, Bobwitz! Any ideas of where he could be?
Shwartz: Ich don’t know, but he might or not might be near the jail cells in here! He often goes there crying to the ground! I’ll mark da location on your map of Area 64! *You got this chapter's dungeon map!*
Bobwitz: Pretty pathetic to watch, you gotta help him!

You do as instructed by the two. Sure enough, you find Blind crying on the floor, in the center of the room.

Blind: Even to this day, I am not strong enough! Tell me, when will it end? Sob... sob...

He turns around.

Blind: What? I can’t cry now? Don’t respect my privacy? How dare you go past that much milestones? I will kill you for that!

And you just angered the wildcat. He attacks you, but quits mid-fight...

Blind: STOP! This won’t lead us anywhere bright! But you simply must understand what I’m going through!
Luna: Yeah right! Still no reason to bombard us with your stupid rifle!
Lucifer: You know what, I agree with you! Let’s tear him to pieces!
Blind: No wait! I’ll tell you everything!

Mario takes a close look at the guy, and notices he looks like someone familiar...

Blind: Oh, you mean Lord Blumiere? Yes I know. He happened. When his loved one disappeared from this dimension, he went crazy and killed many people... including my family... my wife, my children... all of them! But most importantly, my father saved me to avoid me my demise! I do not know what happened to him, but I miss my family! I want them back! Sob... BOOHOOHOOHOOHOO! I’M SORRY! BUT IT GETS ME EVERYTIIIIIIIIIME!

Luna and Lucifer both begin crying with him at the same time and wrap themselves in each other’s arms.

Luigi: Mister Blind...
Blind: You are kind to check on me, but you don’t have to... perhaps I have no more reason to live! It is time for me to reunite with my family!

He points his rifle at himself ready to shoot.

Luna and Lucifer: DON’T!!!

Luna bashes the rifle, which falls down to the ground just as the sound of a speeding bullet is heard.

Blind: I don’t understand... why won’t you let me?

Luigi: Look, Mister Blind... we’re sorry we caused you some pain, but...
Mario: [insert some witty-a Italiano dialogue-a here!]
Blind: You... need my service? Then what are we waiting for? I don’t want to work for Klein anymore! Lead me to the bright side!
Lucifer: That’s the spirit!
Luna: Yes! Humanity is saved!

Blind, the sensitive emotional darkness member joins your party! Being blind, his sense of odor has developed independently and he can now sense hidden, nearby objects. Also, being a member of the tribe of darkness, he can pull stuff out of the shadows of invisibility.

Blind: The reason why I became a soldier anyway was to honor my family... I removed my eyes for the very same reason!

He removed the patches covering his eyes, revealing empty eyeholes.

Stayzee: Oh dear! That event must have been so tragic that the removal of your eyeballs was nothing compared to it!
Luna: Stayzee!
Stayzee: What did I say that was wrong?
Blind: No, she’s right! Don’t worry, I know I’m sensitive, but I’m used to things like this!

Blind took out a napkin and wiped his mustache from all the tears that fell from below his eyeholes.

Blind: So anyway, in what do you wish me to assist you?
Mario: (You know, code star!)
Blind: The code star, huh? Right! But first, must go back to your base to plan! What about Bobwitz and Shwartz? Are they on your side?
Bobwitz: Teufel we are!
Shwartz: To dat, I say... JA!

Blind: Ok good! Let’s get out of here!

Bonehead: Oh no! The bad guys are coming closer! Come to me, troops! *whistle blows* Quick! They’re getting even closer!

As he keeps whistling, Mario and his teammates show up.

Bonehead: Oh! Hey allies! Why are you bringing with you these people here?
Mario: Ho! (There’s nothing to worry 'bout, Capp'n! They’re nice peops now!)
Bonehead: Really? Captain Bonehead, it’s a pleasure doing business with you, Sergeant Blind! And you two...
Blind: Oh it is a pleasure to change forces for the better! Let me tell you something... a big part of Area 64 is plunged in a force field, luckily, I can remove them by showing them my identity. Klein is trying to build a super-powerful cannon that has the power to eradicate anything, but if we stop him in time, he might not be done with it! We shut down this forcefield and destroy that cannon!
Bonehead: I thought there was more to that!
Blind: The cannon uses many types of... juice... I might not want to tell you the details, you will see for yourselves!
Shwartz: What about us, mann?
Bobwitz: Ja! What do wir do?
Blind: Shwartz, Bobwitz, you keep a lookout on the main hallways... if someone is after us, either you stop them, or warn us, or both. Got it?
Bobwitz: Ya got it!
Shwartz: See ya there! Später!

They march away.

Bonehead: Good plan you have there!
Blind: You will stay outside preventing any enemies to get in, and me and these nice people here will go infiltrate Area 64!
Mario: Yahoo! Let’s-a go!

And you enter Area 64 a third time. This time around, you might come across a specific Hammer Bro in a specific room. After beating him, he confesses he’s actually Hearl, that he was brainwashed into the army and leaves to go back to the Happy Dome, where a reward will be awaiting you.

On the way, you come across a big underground room with capsules containing many kinda of aliens.

Chilliana: What are these?
Rockbert: Remember when we were told he was building a cannon with...
Blind: It’s true, there were alien sightings in the land around us, and Klein seized these opportunities to build the biggest abomination he simply calls a cannon! In truth, it’s a hybrid of many things it hardly looks like a cannon!
Nina: That’s terrifying.
Luigi: Seriously, Luna, you are right about war! It’s really icky!
Lucifer: Yeah, that’s another thing I agree on with you!
Luna: Didn’t I tell you all? Now let’s find that Klein and give him a piece of our minds!

Anyway, the door leading to Klein is shut, and covered in hard metal. If you had Golitter, the optional party member from last chapter who could be found by initiating Picky’s post-chapter sidequest, you could’ve broken it open, but instead, unveil an air vent leading to a chaos of gears, machines, and other unnecessary air vents. More like some mini-dungeon before getting to the boss.

Anyway, out of the air vent, you’re now in a room full of empty capsules, presumably, these are the ones that were used to make the cannon.

Klein: Hmm... I see... so apparently you want to shut me down, don’t you?
Luna: Klein! Give up, you bad guy! We got you cornered!
Klein: I’m scared, really! Stop abusing me...
Blind: This is no time for humor, Klein! Renounce to all this!
Klein: You are one to talk, Mister traitor! Do you know what you’re doing to yourself right now? Anyway, why should I babble on that subject forever, I’ll just get to showing you my thing!

He pushes a button on some remote, and then the ground opens, to reveal a cannon with mantis legs, bird wings, alien juice inside of it, and many other weird-looking things.
Klein: You will die looking at this, so take all the time you want to start familiarizing yourselves with it, ok?

BOSS CHAPTER 12: KLEIN IN HIS WEIRD CANNON THINGY.

Tattle: So that’s Klein, and he’s built himself a cannon! Quite honestly, it looks weird, but myself, I’ve seen weirder... but anyway, cannon's Max HP is 150, ATT is 12 and defense is 2. It has a wide array of attacks, including stomping you, flying to swoop down on you with some heavy damage, and worst of all, it’s projectiles! It may shoot three Kenters, and cannonballs that vary in substance, so each one curses you with a different status effect. Overall, it might just be the toughest thing we’ve seen yet. Stay on your toes!

Klein: What? No!

The cannon explodes, with a saddened expression on the skull drawn on it.

Klein: You, actually destroyed it! No! This is not the end Blind! Come get me you and your friends where I will be waiting!

And he runs away.

Bonehead: Sergeant Blind!

He comes on screen.

Bonehead: I followed you... through this whole place! You did an amazing job... I need your experience! Please!
Blind: That’s pleasant to hear, but our beloved group here still have a code star to find!

As a metallic plate starts twitching, Destruction the code star comes out of hiding.

Destruction: Is he gone?
Snifle: Yep! Yerr safe, code star!
Destruction: Oh thank you, you don’t know how good it is for me to know that my beating is finally over! Take me with you!

And with that, we’re done here. Coming up next is the next interlude. See Ya!

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Interlude 12

"So, Startacus... where are the boats?"

Worried Goomda, intrigued.

Startacus: They were supposed to be here by now! *Holds binoculars*
Antonimus: Hey, Startacus... the pirate is here again!
Startacus: For the love of the grand stars!

...

Startacus: Come on, what's your problem now! You said the boats would be here!
Kapp’n: About that, well, see boy... money...
Startacus: What do you mean by... "money"? Didn’t I already give you enough "money" to do your dirty job?

He gets his dagger out and threatens to slaughter the pirate.

Kapp’n: It ain’t my fault! The Bromans! They found out about your plan and forced me to not let you go! They even paid us!
Startacus: You traitorous sons of...

The scene cuts off just then, I wonder why...

Antonimus: What is it Startacus?
Startacus: This idiot here screwed up our only way back!
Antonimus: What?! But what about Loss?
Kapp’n: ???
Antonimus: She was full of love and all, and I gave her away for this! What did you do with her?
Kapp’n: We... lost her on the way...
Antonimus: Oh no, Startacus, she’s probably out there, alone, scared! Helpless! What if she lost her powers?
Startacus: You will not get away with this!
Kapp’n: Maybe I will... the Bromans are coming for you, in big numbers!
Startacus: Antonimus, get everyone! I will carry everyone not suitable for fighting somewhere safe!
Antonimus: You monsters!

They run to do what they gotta do. The Bromans arrive in a short period of time. Everyone assembles to fight them off, unfortunately... to no prevail.

Brassus: Ha! I finally got you slaves! I really like the way you express yourselves freely and all, but it’s time to go back to your cages!
Antonimus: We ain’t going back with you! I’d rather have some kind of fungus possesses me, makes me bite onto the underside of a leaf and have a plant sprout out of my head just as that happens!
Brassus: SHUT UP, SHYNTABIDUS!
Antonimus: That didn’t even sound a little like my name!
Brassus: Why do I even bother... slaves you were, slaves you still are, and slaves you will always be! Now, who is this... Startacus?

Startacus Is about to stand up and say it... but...

"I... am Startacus!" "No! I am Startacus!" "I’m Startacus!"

And a huge number of men say it.

Brassus: Gah! I had enough! Kill them, all of them! This solidarity between slaves, I swear!
Chuck: Yeah gonna do it?
Koopsparagus: Not this time! I refuse to make this much people die...
Brassus: Oh, who am I kidding? I’ll kill them myself!
Chuck: Should we stop him?
Koopsparagus: We better not...

Antonimus: Startacus, what do we do?

He is grabbed and put in a chariot with a bunch of other people.

Chuck: But I guess a few people won’t hurt!
Koopsparagus: Quick! Get Startacus!
Brassus: Not so fast! What do you think you’re doing?
Koopsparagus: Ok, we can’t too bad quick start the car!

Chuck gets the horses moving...

Nebula: No! Startacus! What’s gonna happen to him?
Chuck: I don’t know lady, but I hope nothing too bad!
Antonimus: You’re helping us?
Koopsparagus: We realized Brassus was just a big douchebag.
Goomda: That’s cool, but we forgot Startacus!
Chuck: I’m sorry, but we can’t go back! Brassus wants us dead!
Antonimus: Where are you taking us anyway?
Koopsparagus: Far, far away! Somewhere safe!

Startacus looks from far away at the chariot escaping, as Brassus grabs him by his arm and drags him somewhere else.

Startacus: Stay safe, Goomda, Nebula...

...

Antonimus...
Brassus: I will kill Startacus, whoever it is!
Blarghtiatus: Ô Brassus!

He runs in his direction.

Blarghtiatus: Ô divine emperor, you promised me you would sell the remaining slaves after this battle! After all, Startacus was at my school!
Brassus: Oh, well, thing is Imm kinda gonna kill them all, minus the ones who escaped! Sucks! But such is life...
Blarghtiatus: ... o... okay, Ô Brassus!

He goes away in his chariot.

Startacus: Could have we won? I'm... I'm sorry Dry-ba... I couldn’t avenge you...

Meanwhile, from a distant cliff, a caped figure watches. The camera fixes itself behind him and looks into the expanse of dead people.

Hackula: So I see... a code star! I must recover its track!

He snaps his fingers, and teleports in a glitchy way.

...

Paraplonk: PRINCESS!
Sergeant Guy & Goomp: YOU NEED TO ESCAPE!
Peach: ???
Paraplonk: You have no idea what that Hackula guy plans to do to you!
Peach: What? I know! He wants to use my "powers" to turn all code stars evil!
Evilness: That’s not a problem, they’re all with Mario, and there a few ones left!
Paraplonk: Thing is...
Sergeant Guy: Look princess, Hackula is currently looking for one of them himself! So it’s sure that he’s gonna make you do the thing on it!
Goomp: And we discovered that in order to do that, your soul will have to get sucked away!
Peach: ...
Evilness: Princess! You must go! Now! I will accompany you in case you need help!
Paraplonk: Yeah, us too! Don’t worry princess, we’re getting you out of here!

From now on, control Peach, as Evilness and the elite trio act as temporary "party members". They don’t really have that much in the abilities department, but come in handy in battle.

At the end, you see a shut door.

Evilness: Oh no! It’s locked!
Paraplonk: Whatever will we do?
Evilness: Princess... I have no choice... I must inject my power into this lock to break it!
Peach: Huh?
Evilness: But by doing so, the world might end... just kidding, my power will just be gone, and I will cease to exist as a sentient being.
Peach: No! Don’t do that!
Evilness: Goodbye... everyone.

He breaks the lock, and falls to the ground, his face lifeless, permanently stuck in an idle position.

Paraplonk: Come on Princess! No time to mourn him! We’ll do that for you! You must go before Hackula comes back!

Peach runs off, closing the door behind him.

Paraplonk: So... he’s dead right?
Sergeant Guy: I guess so... for an evil being... he was alright. He put up a good fight.
Goomp: At least we can still send info to Mario!

...

"Snif... Snif... I detect some Mario presence here! He just left!"

Informed Bowser.

Kammy Koopa: How do you know that, Lord Bowser?
Bowser: See that? These footsteps match those of all the guys that were with him, not counting those who were flying!
Kammy: Oh you’re so smart, Lord Bowser! I wish I had your quick witted-ness!
Bonehead: What are you still doing here?
Bowser: Oh! Look, a guy! He looks... skinny!
Kammy: Uh... Lord Bowser? Look who’s here!

Kooplea: Everyone! It’s Bowser again!
Goombeddy: Yeah, thanks for the info, wouldn’t have guessed!
Bowser: Mario! Luigi! I was just looking for you! I made some modifications to my car, you’re the ones lucky enough to get them tested on!
Luigi: Bring it on, Bowser! Not like we ever lost to you! Me and Mario always managed to beat you before!

Bowser calls in his clown car and attacks alongside Kammy Koopa, but fails. His Clown car now has more attacks, and does more damage.

Bowser: Urgh...
Kammy: Your ferociousness! Not again! I gotta carry you back to the fort!

She hauls Bowser on her magic broom and slowly takes off with his weight.

Bonehead: And as always, you people never deceive me! Thank you, for you have stopped the ongoing war and shut down Area 64's experiments!
Blind: Heh, now this building sits here with no real purpose other than to remind us of bad memories!
Bobwitz: Wir are grateful too, manns!
Shwartz: Ja! Dat job was lame! Ich bin happy dat's over!
Blind: Everyone, I wish to continue my journey with you! Wherever you go, I will not leave your side!
Goombeddy: So that means we got another one on the team! Cool!
Luna: You know who’s the most glad this is over? Me... so long, war... so long, intense violence... hello peace, or maybe just mild violence!
Block: Yeah, she’s getting crazy, we need to get out of here as soon as possible!
Blind: So, you’re looking for code stars, right?
Mario: Oh Yeah!
Blind: Well, get hold of these news: some of Area 64's troops once found another one and hid it in their little sub-base. And it is somewhere in Miiyoto!
Luigi: Miiyoto? That’s in Toad City! Super close to Toad Town! Where exactly in Miiyoto?
Blind: I am not sure, it’s so secret, even I, who used to work for Area 64, don’t know. Do you, Shwartz and Bobwitz?
Bobwitz: Uh-Uh!
Shwatrz: Not ein clue!
Kooplea: That’s a problem... do you think we better go there ourselves and see?
Goombeddy: Well, staying here won’t do us any good! Let’s go to the train station in Champs-Eclypsees to get to Toad Town, and go to Miiyoto from there! Mario, Luigi, you seem to know the place, would you care to guide us there?
Mario: Oh yeah!
Luigi: You got it!
Block: Oh man! I’m actually going back to my hometown!
Penny: Wait... you used to live there?
Block: Before I was turned into a robot, yes! I just ended up in TimberLand when I woke up, so I did not know what happened before that! I hope my father's fine! It’s been a long while since last time I saw him!
Penny: You’re even aware of how long you’ve been like this?
Block: No...
Mario: Hey! (Must be something like five years ago, cause it’s still gotta be after the 16-bit era)
Block: Good observation, that’s pretty smart...
Luigi: Everyone... follow us! We’re going to Miiyoto! To those who don’t know it, you’re gonna love it!

I’m right there with ya Luigi! Miiyoto is one of the areas in the best chapter of the game!

To get there, take the train to Toad Town, and...

Oh wait, something happens...

???: Hey Kooplea!

And Koos-Koos! It’s been a while!

Koos-Koos: Yerr dad just left a gain... again! He said he was lickin'... looking -god why did that happen twice?- for ye!
Kooplea: Grandpa! I’m at least glad to see you! Where did dad go?
Koos-Koos: Dunno a sing... thing! He just told me he was out for ye! Nothing elf... else!
Kooplea: This is all my fault... anyway... let’s go to Miiyoto!
Koos-Koos: Y’know, he would be loud... proud of ye, if he knew what yerr doin'! I am!
Kooplea: Thanks...
Toadsworth: Master Mario! You’re back!
Mario: Oh Yeah! (Also, we need to get to Miiyoto)
Toadsworth: I see, you still haven’t memorized how to get there didn’t you? I’ll call the royal driver, he’ll be there in a jiffy!

Explore Toad Town a little more and after a while, a limousine parks in front of Peach’s Castle.

Block: Come on, guys! It’s our ride! We don’t want to keep the driver waiting!

They run towards it and all board.

To be continued...

You know, now we actually show how spoiled Peach is...

Anyway, currently doing a world map, which I will release in a while tho. Next time... we get started with the best chapter in the whole game, containing the best partner in the game.

See Ya!

Also yeah my partner preferences are unstable but what can I do.

 

[Paper Mario]

Nice job on those character designs. What program do you use to draw them?

For a constructive criticism I'd suggest working on the proportions to make them more consistent with the official Paper Mario games. It might be easier if you find an official sprite/artwork that your character shape is similar to and reference that. I find that vector programs (such as Inkscape, which is free) are good for Paper Mario style. With that you can refine every shape and line more easily and add colors and gradients in the right places with layers.

As for the story, 16 chapters is a lot. That's not a bad thing and it's actually something I'd be down for seeing in an official game (more than 8 chapters). I don't have time to read through it completely for now but I looked at some of the partner bios and they are great, just like I'd want from a Paper Mario game. I like how Cybelle is based on Isabelle, since I know you like that character. I'd say, try to improve the artwork (even if you keep the drawn style since it's never bad to use your own style, makes your work more reflective of you in its design). Keep it up!

 

[Koops]

Thanks!

I used to have inkscape because I heard it would be good to make custom sprites for SMBX but deleted it because I found better options.

For these drawings I use Krita.

 

[Koops]

This is it... the big one!
Which will probably and most definitely be divided in a few parts... anyway...

Spoiler: Chapter 13: Red City, Red Mist

Block: Guys, look at the luxury!
Penny: Already been through that, you just weren't with us at the time!
Lucifer: Only difference for me this time is I'm actually enjoying it! No memories trying to kick back in my brain!
Rockbert: Nina you haven't said much... no offense intended but you look like you come from Miiyoto too!
Nina: Only Mt. Funji...
Rockbert: I was half right.
Nina: I used to play there with my brother...
Rockbert: You have a brother?
Nina: Yes...
Rockbert: What happened? You seem to be concerned about something!
Nina: It's nothing... Really, sweetie.
Block: Oh, guys! Look! The buildings! It's as beautiful as I ever remembered it! Yay!
Penny: You sure still are attached to it... I wonder how's everything going at Hondon...
Block: You know, it's weird that you come from a British-looking place but don't have the accent!
Penny: Is... there a problem in that?
Block: No, absolutely not.
Penny: For a guy with a lot of feelings, it's hard to see you as a robot...
Block: Technically, I'm not. Just a sad brain in a metal shell!
Stayzee: Oh, Miiyoto! It must be a great tourist destination! I might consider singing there and get myself some attention!
Goombeddy: That would be a good idea, but it would also mean that a lot of people would have bad taste!
Kooplea: Goombeddy, we get the fact that you're not exactly digging the fact that she's with us, but can you conceal it a little? It's only been six chapters!
Goombeddy: Already?
Lancebob: I want to get there as soon as possible! I see from here that it is far different than my century!
Chilliana: And I'm finally getting to see someplace besides Gryztal Plains!
Luna: Eh, can't be better than the Observatory.
Bootrus: Let's see what humans have done here! I haven't watched over this part of the kingdom... ever!
Blind: Hopefully the fact that a Code Star is there is true...
Snifle: Stay relaxed! I sense a code star! But I also sense something... dark! Pards... I'm not sure 'bout this! For me, it looks like... like...

And he passes out.

Goombeddy: Oh not again!
Kooplea: Thing must be really dark! What could it be?
Blind: There's only one way to find out... but for the time being we must take good care of him and make sure nothing happens to him. He's a precious artifact.
Driver: Master Mario, Master Luigi, and all other passengers... we have arrived at your destination!

Mario pays the guy with the money lent by Toadsworth.

Block: Strange, there's even more lights here than before... but I'm not complaining, everything looks better that way!

As soon as the party gets out, they gaze upon the flashing lights, stores, hotels, cars... you name it!

Lancebob: This is... too much... all of a sudden! It's like I'm in your future! By which I mean the future relative to this era, not mine!
Bootrus: People have done some work here, but everything has a dark side, so... let's just discover whichever's dominant!
Luigi: Ok guys! Me and Mario know a great five stars hotel around here in which we always stay on our visits! Follow us!

Mario and Luigi automatically run ahead as the partners follow close behind. At the entrance of the hotel, a Cappy (the mushroom from Kirby) greets them.

Cappy Receptionist: Welcome to the Mushroom Hotel, five stars for this gorgeous building, a pool, free access to wifi, an indoor golf court, refined cuisine and a relaxing spa for your conveniences, all of these combined make for the best hotel in the world!
Mario: Hey! (We would like to reserve... ??? Luigi how many of us?)
Luigi: Let me see... me and you... that's two... Goombeddy... 3... 4... 5... 6... with Lucifer we got 7... and Blind, that makes 15! (Depends though, if you had Golitter at this point, it would be 16) Fourteen rooms, please! I'm staying with mah bro!
Receptionist: Yes, right away, sir... fourteen rooms... we don't have that much vacant rooms for the moment, we're almost full, however, we have a few customers who are departing today, so please, come back in the evening and your rooms will be ready!
Stayzee: So much for a five stars hotel!
Goombeddy: Ok, I know this is not perfect, but we're on a quest here, so can you stop ranting? After all, we still can explore around, we never went here, and Mario and Luigi know the place!
Kooplea: Come on, this city is great, they said!
Stayzee: I guess that's true! Haha! Silly me! I need to discover the city in which I will become an idol! Familiarize myself with it! Oh, I'm so proud of you, Goombeddy, you never let me down!
Goombeddy: That really wasn't intentional!
Luigi: Anyway! We're more than happy to show y'all around! You know, we should take a break from this adventure today and just enjoy what we have at your disposal!
Lucifer: I'm down for that! Luigi rules!
Block: Yes! I wanna see if anything else changed!

From now on, you can do anything you want. The hotel has the stuff mentioned by the Cappy, and outside you got shops, a bakery, and many city things, including the mayoral building. There's even a hot dog stand in the city, and I will put the dialogue of the merchant here for entertainment purposes.

Hotdog Merchant: Oh hey! Look! A customer! That usually means good stuff, because apparently customers give money if they're satisfied with their services, do you know that?

Anyway, I have a bunch of hot dogs for you to pick from. So Pick One!

—>Regular Hotdog (60 coins)
—>Spicy Hotdog (120 coins)
—>All-Stars Hotdog (???)
—>Nothing

If you pick nothing—>
Hotdog Merchant: What?! Nothing! So why didja talk to me anyway!
It's either you pick one or you die! PICK OR DIE!
...
Just kidding, I like it when people come to me just to look at me!Even though money is better
...
No I'm not giving a free hotdog or discount for that, still gotta buy it full price!

Coming back to the hotel after a while, which includes going in some stores and talking to the Hotdog guy, causes a new cutscene to play, as well as making it become nighttime.

Receptionist: Hey sir! I was just waiting for you! A few rooms just cleared up! Now you can enjoy the comfort our hotel offers! Please make yourselves at home everyone!

From now on, you get separated from your partners, who will be minding their own business, and sometimes even stumble upon each other and interact. Some of these interactions actually hint at upcoming things. Going to bed makes you go back to daytime. That's a mechanic I never mentioned: much like many zelda games, sleeping lets you make time pass until day or night. But in this chapter, you can only sleep when it really is necessary.

Anyway...

Luigi: Hey guys! Ready to move on to the code star finding?
Goombeddy: Do we really haaaaaave to?

Goombeddy was still in his bed, ranting through the door.

Goombeddy: This place is great! The world can wait a few spare days before it ends, right?
Stayzee: Oh please! Stop ranting already! Look at the bright side of things! You're traveling with me! Not always do you get the chance to do so!
Goombeddy: Yeah ok, let's go and finish our adventure as soon as possible! I can't wait to get back home for good!

He gets out of his room pumped up.

Rockbert: Where should we look though, this city is HUUUGE! We might roam around it endlessly if we just look without rime or reason! Blind, do you know any possible place where the army could've hidden their secret base here?
Blind: It could be anywhere! The guy Klein entrusted is a smart and tough cookie! I have no real clue!
Bootrus: I have an idea! Let's just do it the long boring way, we ask anyone about anything weird they spotted.
Goombeddy: Might as well just ask the mayor! He's gotta have some witnesses that go report sightings to him!
Lucifer: That's really one of the smartest thing you've ever came up with... proof is, I can't say anything to contradict you!
Goombeddy: Progress!

Go to the mayoral building. Talk to a few guards and they will lead you to the mayor's office.

*Knock Knock*
Mayor Tadaomi: Yes, enter!

In front of the party was a Mii, (no wonder the city is called Miiyoto) with a slim mustache, black hair and a suit.

Mayor Tadaomi: Oh, Mario and Luigi! Our number one visitors!
Luigi: We are? That's great! Wow what an accomplishment!
Tadaomi: Anyway, what is the meaning of your visit?
Mario: [insert quest here]
Tadaomi: Woah! I swear I almost slept through that, but lucky for you I didn't! Anyway, tell me them, does that mean there is one of these... macguffins here in Miiyoto?
Blind: Yes, precisely! The army of the former Swordsville hid one somewhere in the city!
Tadaomi: So that's why I have been receiving from witnesses that they are spotting some weird-io things in the sewers!
Blind: The sewers?
Tadaomi: Yes, actually... they said they saw people going in and out of the sewers as if they were doing something there, but there is still one problem: If their base is behind a set of pipes, it will be kinda... difficult to get them out of the way without sacrificing some of the citizens' needs in water! So I say it would be better to locate the base before we start looking!
Goombeddy: Yeah, makes sense. Anyway, thanks for the info!
Tadaomi: Anytime, gentlemen, you are always welcome at my office! Oh! And also, you, the yellow one!
Kooplea: Which one? There are more then one yellow person here, including me!
Tadaomi: I'm talking to Mr. Robot here! I used to work for Miiyotech, and they once did some project of implanting a human brain into a robot, and you look just like that robot!
Block: Wha... was that guy the son of a scientist?
Tadaomi: Yes. He was my colleague, but since that experiment happened, he quit the company with some taste of bitter on his tongue, because his son was turned into a robot, and he even thought he was dead at some point! Boy, I feel bad! I had a proposal to work on that same project, but I refused, and after it happened, I quit too, and here I am!
Block: Could you give us the address of this scientist?
Tadaomi: Sure! Professor Valldo still studies science, but only for his own discoveries, with his... "sentient" droid. They both live out of town in an isolated lab. Can't miss it, it's in the southern west. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll just sit on this chair for the rest of the day hoping I get some info.
Block: Guys! Let's go to this Professor Valldo!

And he runs ahead.

Penny: That was weird... you think this Valldo person is his father?
Tadaomi: He looks identical to the result of the experiment I mentioned. Might as well be the same guy. So, yes.

You too now go to that same lab. You see Block in front of it.

Block: Man, I'm nervous! What if I go there and find nobody?
Penny: Hey, calm down, Block! Behind this door is your past!
Block: I guess you're right... I got this far... can't turn back, nope.

He opens the door, as the house... or rather lab turns out to be dark... lights are out. They are eventually turned on by a robotic female... anthropomorphic dog?

Cybelle: Welcome everyone! I am Cybelle, Professor Valldo's personal robotic assistant! Please wait here for him if you wish to see hi...
Block: Oh. My. God... CYBELLE! OH I MISSED YOU SO MUCH!

He rushes towards her and hugs her so hard he almost squeezed the living daylights out of her.

Cybelle: You... know who I am?
Block: You probably don't recognize me, see, I'm... Gary? That's even what the G in Block G stands for, not General! Piece of info for you guys!
Cybelle: Gary... as in... the boy the professor adopted?
Block: YES! YOU DO REMEMBER ME! OH I'M SO HAPPY!
Cybelle: OH I AM TOO SUDDENLY! WELCOME BACK, GARY!
Luna: Uhh, don't wanna be rude here, but you're a robot, how are you happy?
Cybelle: I don't know, maybe I am programmed to have feelings. *She hunches over sadly* I just don't know. I feel alive, but I'm probably just a useless pile of metal...
Block: Great going Luna, you made my adoptive sister sad!
Cybelle: It's ok... I'm a robot anyway, not like I forgot about that... anyway, the professor's out right now, but he'll be back in no time!

Just as she says that, the door opens again, and a scientist just dropped his jaw.

Valldo: I... I was there that day... I was there the day they took you... the day they made you into a machine... the day I freaked out, injured my superior and got my parental authority to removed... and after all this time... You're here, alive!
Block: D... Dad? DAD?
Valldo: GARY?
Block: DAD!
Valldo: GARY!

They run towards each other, but Valldo hits himself hard on Block's shell and falls down to get back up and greet him the way he's supposed to.

Valldo: How did you find us?
Block: These guys helped.
Valldo: Wait a minute... You're *goes crazy* YERR THAT MARIO GUY EVERYONE'S TALKN ABOUT! DUH MERIO! COLLECTIN CODE STARS! I WILL GET MY OWN ONE DAY AND KEEP IT AS A PET!
Cybelle: Ok, professor, that's enough swearing you will get a code star for today... you need to get some rest!
Valldo: YA HEAR ME! I'M KEEPIN IT!

*Cybelle pushes... well carries him and puts him in his bed*

Cybelle: He's been researching code stars lately, please apologize for his strange behavior! He found out about how much power they have, and has been wanting one ever since! He's not brainwashed by them, don't get it wrong! He's just... mesmerized!
Block: Same old dad... still the same... oh man, all this time I didn't know what became of you! I'm so relieved to know he didn't go to jail or you weren't sent to the dump or anything!
Cybelle: Say, what if we all team up to find that code star!
Luna: That's one intelligent robot That's what Mario has been doing for I don't know how long!
Block: What can you do to help us? The quest we're on is dangerous, and I don't want anything to happen to you!
Cybelle: I don't know, but I'll figure something out...
Penny: You know, for a robot, you're such a sweetheart!
Cybelle: Really? Thanks!
Penny: So it's true that you do have feelings if that made you happy!
Block: Anyway, I say we go back to the city to see what we can do there!

You get out of the house, but by entering the city, a cutscene is initiated. Some kind of red smoke... mist... is attacking, and the TV crew is here too, including our friend the Lakitu Cameraman. From TTYD, not Mario 64.

Tadaomi: Mario! Luigi! You're just in time! This thing showed up and started terrorizing us!
Bootrus: Hey, no jumping to conclusions! Are you sure it's bad?

The red mist then activates a car that tries to run over him. The Angel dodges it with prowess.

Bootrus: Ok, please continue!
Tadaomi: Some people are trapped inside of it, and I am too weak to venture in myself!
Goombeddy: Pfft! That kind of stuff must be a piece of cake for Mario, right?
Bootrus: Yes, I suggest you go with him in there.
Goombeddy: Uhh... um. Didn't say anything here!

Mario and Goombeddy get inside the infested area.

Goombeddy: I hate it when people are willing to put my 'stache on the line!
Mario: (Yeah, you were the one who wanted me to get in!)
Goombeddy: Ok, I know! I wanted you to go there, true, but take it as compliment! It does mean in some way that I'm saying you're tough!
Mario: (Let's-a just go!)

The mist does at some points summon enemies to attack the duo, and form thorny vines to block your path. You save a bunch of people. There's a list of them:

-Hotdog Merchant: Oh! Hey! It's you! The buyer from earlier! Your pockets sparkle with the reflection of money, so... think about it?
-An Oaklie with... well... distinct hair?: What am I doing here? What's this twisted thing? Thanks for guiding me out, friend!
-Birdo herself she's an actress at the local theater: M-Mario? I... I think I should've seen you coming...
-And some guy with weird eyes that remind you of some car brand: This... This is not understandable! How could such smoke be formed? Anyway, you did this guy a favor. Thanks!

Goombeddy: Ok, that's all of them! ... hopefully!
Tadaomi: Thank goodness! Are you alright everyone?
???
And who are you? The guy who reminds me of a car brand?
Daewand: Oh me? I am Daewand! Result of a brilliant experiment! Look at me! These metallic muscles! Don't say you're not jealous!
Tadaomi: You seem new here... anyways, if so, welcome to our wonderful city!
Daewand: Oh... and you... what is your name mustache man?
Goombeddy: Well, I...
Luigi: I think he's talking about Mario!
Mario: It's-a me, Mario! (You know, this guy who saves the princess, all that crap?)
Daewand: I... I see! I have been looking for you, Mario! I heard of your heroic adventure! To collect the code stars!
Crowd: *Gasp*
Goombeddy: And how exactly do you know?
Daewand: I was told! Word spreads quick around the Mushroom Kingdom! And I have been looking for you to help you!
Hotdog Merchant: WOAH! THE CODE STARS? THOSE SHINY STARS? YOU HAVE SOME?
Luna: Great, now everyone's gonna want to have a look!
Hotdog Merchant: These code stars... they must be worth a fortune! Yes, I will be rich if I get my hands on one of them... Allow me to present myself! I am Blurgrr, as hinted by my card here, your local hotdog merchant, works for the Burger Mafia, and I would like to assist you! And when I say that, it means that you will acquire the power of FIRE! FIRE, I say! So, make room, everyone, but just don't get all cuddly!

Blurrgr, the greedy but open-minded stubborn Blurrn joined the party! He can produce fire with his own body and ignite scrap paper, wood or other burnable materials! Fire may also set a campfire somewhere, allowing you to pass the time at will!

Favorite partner in the game in terms of character.

Block: Woah, who said we were accepting you anyway?
Bootrus: If his goal is to bring the world at peace, then let him! We don't have any fire-breathing people on board!
Blurgrr: That's the angle from which you gotta look! Nice of you to do that, Angel guy!
Daewand: And so, you seem to be a magnet for people, Mario, because you got quite the team! You can actually pull it off, but not without my help! At night, <whisper> Look for me in the studios! I will be waiting there!
Blurrgr: Yeah, that's cool!
Block: Umm... guys... I don't know if you're conscious or anything, but a guy shows up with a creepy face and tells us to go somewhere AT NIGHT! NIGHT! It's probably not business to get mixed into! We can't trust him!
Daewand: What?! You doubt me? But what have I done wrong? I told you who I am! You have every reason to trust me... please? *makes cute puppy eyes... eyes are big...*
Rockbert: There's really no reason to distrust him! He's just trying to help!
Mario: Hey! (I propose we accept, because progression in the story.)
Block: Ah great! Mario's lost his brain now! I'm the guy who's had his own brain held by human mitts, but I'm the only one actually using it here!
Blurrgr: Hey, stop it, it's for the greater good! And my money!
Kooplea: Can we just stop whispering? It's getting annoying! </whisper>
Blurrgr: Yes, Mr. Day one or whatever your name is, you can help us! Okay, people. Gotta meet back up at night! Okay? In your hotel's lobby! And with that, I'm gone selling a few hotdogs!

Everyone goes back to the hotel and wakes up at night... and then Blurrgr kicks in.

Blurrgr: Great! You're all here!
Rockbert: No! We're still waiting for someone! Nina didn't wake up it seems!
Blurrgr: You mean the ninja girl? She ran across the city, almost tripped me off! You should tell her to be more careful!
Luigi: So that means we can go! Come on, everyone!
Rockbert: But what could she be doing?
Bootrus: We can't worry now! We need to advance! In dire times in which the world is in danger, you can't stop at all times!
Goombeddy: Also, she's probably alright... although her behavior was pretty weird as of late...
Blurrgr: So we're going or what? Come on, Mister Mario! Show us the way!

...

I divided that on purpose. Didn't actually finish, just split it here because it makes sense to do so.

Besides, can't unleash the beast in one go, right?

Tomorrow, prepare to look at something new... and different.

 

[Koops]

SURPRISE!

YES! IT'S THIS FANFIC'S FIRST ANNIVERSARY! It’s already been a full year since this Paper Mario fangame has seen the light... on the internet... that is. They grow up so frikkin' fast, these fangames, don't they?

So here we have Lucifer, dressed for the occasion, the situation is so glorious she can’t help but let go a tear of joy. I spent time making that dress work... it came out pretty nice. She’s the sparkling star of the group, and while being mean in occasions, if she feels she offended someone or that someone is nice to her, she turns into the sweetest girl in the universe. She cares deeply about people, and her story is so deep and sad (even though saddest story goes to Blind for me) I can’t help but just... I love Lucifer.

And then we have Antonimus on the other side! Strong, serious, seductive,... but he’s the life of the party! Look at that he brought a bottle of "Mushroom Ka", a refined brand of wine here in the Mushroom Kingdom! He’s 18, don’t worry... he can drink. You may notice some details have been added to him... he has some hair sticking out of his cap and he has a pendant with the Egyptian symbol of peace. Now he looks distinctive as an Ant Trooper! He’s strong, burly, and also the best psychologist after Startacus, but the latter died so... you know! I love Antonimus too... and yes you know where this is going, these are my three favorite partners here.

Oh, speaking of which... here comes the star! The best... of the best! Put your hearts and souls into these applause people, here comes Blurrgr! Who would’ve known the partner with the least screentime got so much time for character development? Yeah, piece of trivia here: aside optional partners, Blurrgr is the one who appears the least in the game, and that’s because Antonimus has his own story arc, remember? For those who don’t know, Blurrgr is your everyday hotdog merchant on the streets, fighting... bankruptcy. He has a deeper past that I will share at some point. His character is this of a greedy and selfish guy who does things for money, but in the few... like what, four chapters? So in the four chapters (and that’s like just a quarter of the game) in which he accompanies Mario, he learns that in order to achieve things, he needs the help of his friends. He is short fused and is capable of killing if things get in his way. His character is the one that changes the most out of all characters in the game, and that’s why he’s number one.

Man, this brings back so many memories from before this thing was as it is today... let’s take a look at my first roster after the placeholders were gone!

So here’s the current roster:

-Goombeddy
-Kooplea
-Penny
-Lancebob
-Lucifer
-Rockbert
-Nina
-Stayzee
-Bootrus
-Luna
-Block
-Chilliana
-Blind
-Blurrgr
-Antonimus

+Our optionals Golitter, Cybelle and Paci. T.

So you love these guys? Well, they weren’t always part of the game... heck, none of my three favorites were... let's look at that famed first beta roster.

-Goombeddy
-Heroshi
-Antina
-Lancebob
-Kooprima
-Rockbert
-Blackie
-Stayzee
-Spike
-Penny
-Block
-Picky
-Blind
-Fry Bones
-Magiblood

+Plus a partner I killed off instantly because I don’t know. His name was... Mike? Or something like that?

A very different roster indeed...

Goombeddy... same Goombeddy as always, only difference is, he doesn’t have a slight British accent anymore.
Heroshi the Yoshi had the ability to both run over spikes and speed up movement, now done by Block and Luna respectively. He had a cape and wanted to be a superhero.
Antina was just a normal ant... she had three body segments and was pretty tall, with two bows on the sides of her head, and four arms. She had the ability to suck electricity and put it somewhere else. But no personality and... was dull in comparison to other people. So dead.
Lancebob is still the same Lancebob, the one we all know and love, and as long as I remember, there wasn’t any changes in which he went through, so he’s cool.
Kooprima, she’s still in the game, but as a very minor character... to the main story, but plays a bigger role in the post-game. At first, she just had a purple shell, a diamond pendant to stand out as a different Koopa Troopa. Then she got wings... and kept them until she grew herself some hair and became what she is today.
Rockbert was called Rocky back in the day... and he was the resident "neglected person from the group" in Dried-Out Valley. After that, he became a student, and stayed like this forever.
Blackie was from an entirely different species, had a bandana and eyepatch. Not much can be said, but now she’s a Shy Gal...
Stayzee was called... Rosy! Or maybe... Flower...y? I don’t know, I forgot, but she wasn’t a Crazee Dayzee and her design was rather creepy. Goombeddy would’ve died if he saw it.
Spike was always there, always the same guy too, but now he got replaced by Bootrus! Spike is still in the game as an NPC though.
Penny was... in space? That’s a weird place to put her in. Also, she had a different outfit and a flower instead of her hat for which she is known now. She also got herself a dress, a scarf... and some wings, dear god! How would you plan on being a bee without wings? I was stupid back then...
Block! Yes his ability was to spawn Blocks... literally.
Picky is now in the game as a dungeon accompaniment.
Blind didn’t have a mustache.
Fry Bones was the hotdog merchant.
There was no chapter 14 partner as long as I remember...
Magiblood was a violent Magiblot from a volcanic area that is now nerfed and became chapter 15 and was the responsible for the creation of the chapter boss, who was basically a business man who was pushed into the lava by yours truly.

Also, did you know Lucifer’s very first design was just a downscale proto-Sataneel? Then I had to make her a crop top to wear, then I made her face more tolerable, and gave her feminine hair... then made her the abomination you can still see on this very thread on the second post of the second page if your forum settings are set to default, until I made her the beauty you see here and in the OP. Doesn’t she look cute? Or is cute not the good way to say it... nah, she is... it’s just that there’s another partner or two I would call cute too.

I still can’t believe Antonimus used to be the conducter of the train that goes from Green City to Hondon! It feels like he changed his culture! I mean, he just had a conductor hat before, that’s all! Then I gave him that cap, and then his hair, and then his pendant!

And Blurrgr... used to have visible legs... and a cap... but he isn’t much different.

Anyway... this is 23 of April, my fanfic's birthday. It’s a year old now!

See Ya next time!

 

[Koops]

To those of you who are not on DA.

This is the Champs-Eclypsees icon I made for the world map.

There are still way too many locations to draw though, I’m not done yet. In fact, I’m not even close. This thing needs some time.

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Chapter 13, Part 2

You get to the studios, where you meet back up with Nina.

Rockbert: Nina? What're you doing here? We were worried... again!
Nina: No reason... just out for a walk. Nothin special.
Blurrgr: Well yeah, you know, I almost fell to the floor because of that no reason, so make it quick and get back with us!
Rockbert: Yeah, you know, you got used a little bit too quick to the team.

Navigating your way into the studios, you gotta avoid the Toad policemen while fighting Shy Guys, Bob-ombs, Rocky Wrenches, and Ninjis. At some point, you will come across a little shack. If you try to enter it...

???: What's the secret password?
Goombeddy: Secret password?
Blurrgr: Hey, stop toying with us you didn't give us a password to begin with!
???: ...
Just say please!
Goombeddy: Then... please?
Daewand: BEHOLD! It was me, Daewand! The whoooole time! Get inside!

And everyone piles themselves inside.

Block: This shack is too small for all of us!
Lucifer: Oh you think? I'm not even levitating right now, I'm kinda sitting on something... someone?
Luigi: Yes... ow... you're actually heavier than I thought you'd be... Can we make it quick, Mr. Daewand?
Lucifer: Hey I'm not heavy. You just got a lot of people on you, that's all!
Daewand: Well, what you're looking at right now... Welcome to my secret hideout!

...
*Crickets sounding in the distance*
...

Lancebob: Sorry to disappoint you, friend, but this is just a shack!
Daewand: This is the part where I start pushing random buttons!

He opens a trap in the wall and presses a bunch of buttons in an order that almost looks random to the point where you'd think he's making it up now.

Penny: Soooo......... that's it?

Suddenly, a trap opens up below the party and they all fall in, even Penny was so surprised she didn't bother flying. As they are falling, Daewand slowly descends, his cape flying through the wind. Block bounces heavily on the floor, Mario lands safely but gets flattened by Rockbert falling above him, Lancebob lands on his feet, and vibrates from the impact, Kooplea ducks in her shell, Lucifer loses a few limbs and instantly regenerates them, Nina... no problem, and the list of reactions differing from partner to partner goes on...

Daewand: Impressive isn't it? Anyway, now's the right time... Ahem! Welcome to my secret hideout!
Stayzee: Impressive, but it would have been better to drop us here in a more... gentle way!
Goombeddy: Yeah, can you get off of me? I kinda need air to breath!
Daewand: Anyway, follow me!

As you follow him, he will open a series of metallic doors.

Daewand: Everyone, meet the gang! Here's Hinn, Span, Loak and our newest guy, Lil' Mike! (Him being a giant fatso shy guy)
Lucifer: How did he fit in here?
Lil' Mike: *Groan*
Lucifer: *Steps back with a look of fear in her eyes*
Penny: Shouldn't be yourself too much in front of the bulkies, just a piece of advice!
Loak: Wait a sec! You're the guy who saved me from the red smoke earlier! I appreciate your help sir!
Goombeddy: Anyway, what's the deal here? You a gang of outlaws or something? Just sayin' not judgin'!
Hinn: We're here because the big guy convinced us we should be!
Span: And if yerr wonderin whah, then he'll tell ya everythin, in tew bloody seconds!
Daewand: See, the deal here is, we heard the soldiers of Swordsville have a secret lair too, and apparently they're using alien stuff to try to take over the world! And, trust me, I mark my words, I don't work for them!
Hinn: Yeah, ok, that may sound like he's lying, but we know too!
Span: Ye can bet yerr souls on dat wun! He's tellin the truth!
Lil' Mike: You not believe, I smash you!
Loak: No need to act all tough now Mickey Mouse! We went through this already! Remember?
Daewand: In fact, we want to save the city! By infiltrating the base of these freaks! And when I heard you were zipping all over the place to find those code stars, I thought you had a lot of experience! So I said why not ask him to help me? So what do you say? You in?

Mario... slept through that block.

Luigi: Mario... we're waiting for an answer!

Bootrus slaps the plumber and wakes him up.

Mario: Ho!
Daewand: You're not a good listener, aren't you? I guess I gotta go through that again!
Mario: No no! (I get it man, besides, don't want me to sleep through it again, right?)
Daewand: So tell me! Will you help us? Please?

OH NO! HE'S MAKING THE CUTE PUPPY EYES AGAIN! Man, his eyes are big, and he makes big use of that, geez!

So what Mario do? Accept!

Daewand: Oh! Joyful! Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!
Goombeddy: Eh, we need these code stars, so if joining forces with you means getting our hands on them, then ok! Also, I'm ok with basically anyone who's not a blood-colored polluting flower! Anyway, you have a plan!
Daewand: ...
Loak: Yeah, that, we're still working on it. But it will be done! Eventually...
Daewand: It's okay! I have an idea myself! Why don't you, in the day, gather information, and then come to us so we can work on it after you tell us everything you know! I know people like you, so they will no doubt help you. See, these gangsters are outcasts, rejected by people... especially Mister Mikey here! So if you help us, it can make us look like heroes! Please, don't fail us, Mario!

And Mario tells them not to worry. Mario sure is not taking his partners as an excuse not to talk this time around, isn't he?

Anyway, back to the hotel, your partners leave you once again and progress is done by sleeping. Also, have I mentioned you can go out while it's night during this chapter? Most buildings are closed, but you can still do stuff!

Anyway, back to daytime. You advance a little, and here come some of your partners... in pajamas! (How cute!) (Well, except then ones who don't look decent in them)

Penny: Mario! Something's happened!
Rockbert: Nina's gone again!
Mario: Wha?! (AGAIN?! Wow this is Peach getting kidnapped all over again!)
Lucifer: Let's not panic, probably just like every other time she's just... somewhere? Right guys?
Block: I say we go to Valldo's though! They may have some sweet news for us! Plus, I wanna go back there a little... you know... say hi to the old gang!
Goombeddy: Best option we got there! I say we do that before anything else!
Luigi: Then what're we waiting for? Assemble everyone and meet us in the lobby!
Lucifer: Sir yes sir!
Goombeddy: You... should really stop acting like the crazed Luigi fangirl, Lucifer...
Lucifer: But I AM the crazed Luigi fangirl! It's my job!
Blind: Everyone! Listen to these news! I received a call from Shwartz and Bobwitz, and they said that thanks to their computers back at Area 64, they managed to get some bad news... the soldiers know we're here and are after us now...
Luigi: Well, at least we stayed two days here undisturbed, so no biggie!
Blind: We must stay vigilant at all cost though, remember just that!

With that outta the way, your partners are gathered at the lobby, and Blurrgr joins in at the entrance. On the way to Valldo's, you meet back up with Nina.

Rockbert: Nina! You're here! What were you still doing?
Nina: I... felt like I had to come here...
Rockbert: Stop scaring us like that, Nina! For the love of rocks, I never get used to things like that!
Nina: I'm... sorry...
Blurrgr: Hey, y'know what, as long as you're not a hurdle to our adventure, you're alright! Just be careful not to lay down on our way!
Rockbert: Umm... look, can you just not be as blunt for some time?
Block: Anyway, no time to waste, we still got a scientist and his cute robotic assistant to see ok?

Sure enough, you get to the lab afterwards.

Cybelle: Hello everyone! I've got something new!
Block: Really? What is it?

He can barely hide his excitement. Cybelle gets hold of a plug, plugs it into her head, and then another on a wall-sized screen, as her face appears on the screen.

Cybelle: Tada! I can control computers! Isn't that great? Tell me it's great! Pleaaase!

She squealed. Goombeddy is clearly impressed, even for a genius like him.

Goombeddy: WOAH! Amazing! That means this will be great for us if the enemies... have computers with them I guess.

Block's eyes on the other hand got brighter than the fire of a red giant.

Block: ARGH CYBELLE YOU'RE BRILLIANT I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!
Cybelle: Glad you liked it! I spent hours working on a way to make it work overnight! I hope this will be of great help for you!
Block: This is great, don't you see! We can hack into the enemies' main computer and control everything! I'm sure Dad was proud of you when you showed him that!
Cybelle: I... didn't get to show him...
Block: What?! Did something happen?
Cybelle: Yes...
Block: Oh no! Did he die? He died, don't lie to me!

*He started shaking his metallic sister*

TELL ME THE TRUTH! WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM? DID THE SOLDIERS KILL HIM?
Cybelle: No, he just went scaling Mt. Funji before I woke up... I couldn't stand a whole day without recharging... I'm still at 17%... I need to rest...
Block: ...
Bootrus: Way to jump to conclusions, young one. Just like I do! I'm telling you now, you better not become like me!
Luna: What're we waiting for, then? Let's go to that Mount Fun Gee or whatever it is!

Mt. Funji is sorta like a mini-dungeon to this chapter. You scale it, fighting mountain enemies on the way. There are Treezards, who camouflages themselves like a tree's leaves, Ninjis, Kappa Troopas, and lastly, an enemy that appeared in Bowser's Army but only make their debut here, Porguipines! These Porcupine-like Koopas use the strings on their underbellies to send some of their spikes to attack. Once out of spikes, they start ramming you with their shells... anyway, the mountain in an aesthetic approach has some japanese decorations all over, like red gates per say. At the end of the scale, you come across a ledge... followed by a japanese-styled temple. Entering it, you start a cutscene... (why did I mention the ledge? It has a reason to exist actually.)

Sensei Nyung: Concentrate, everybody! To be able to complete your training of the mind, you will need to learn how to use it to be able to defeat your enemies. Let your spirit grow! Concentrate on your mi—
Valldo: Uh... Excuse a scientist!
Nyung: AH! Oh, it's you. Let me guess, what did you do? Your "sentient" robotic assistant now feeds on croquettes?
Students: *ear-splitting laughter*
Valldo: Yeah, very funny, but this is rather... serious! Also, Cybelle doesn't eat croquettes!
Nyung: What do you want? Such is my question!
Valldo: This... code star thing!
Nyung: Pfff... WAHAHAHAHA! I'M SORRY! EVEN I CANNOT CONTAIN MY LAUGHTER! Please continue, your jokes are amazing!
Valldo: I said this was serious! These code stars are real! The world-renown Mario is after them for crying out loud! And he's probably got himself a stock of them! What I want you to do, locate the code star in the city!
Nyung: ... Ok that sounded serious, but without proof of the code stars existing, I can't do anything for you!
Block: We have evidence! We have evidence! Make way people!
Valldo: Gary! Perfect timing!
Block: Here, there are your code stars!
Ignorance: Happy now?
Alliance: We're real! Realer than real!
Nyung: Hmm... so the legend is true! Well then, assemble, Ninjis! We need to concentrate to be able to locate that code star!

...

Hmm... I sense one near... but where...

A bubble with his vision in it appears on top of his head, and the code star is seen in a rather creepy place that looks like a mad scientist's lab.

Curiosity, inside the vision: Hey! Any of you dudes! I wanna know what's cooking!
???: You will not escape, code star! We learned that Area 64 has been stormed and emptied from its code star!
Curiosity: Ain't that interesting!
???: Shut up! No one will be able to get you as long as I have this thing right here!

He shows the code star some red smoke.

Block: So that's what that smoke was!
???: With this, no one shall get you!

He faces the camera, revealing he's a Ninji. For some odd reason, Nina falls unconscious after seeing this.

Rockbert: Oh no! What happened to Nina?
Goombeddy: That can't be good... at least we know the code star is underground, because I don't think it would be so dark anywhere else! At least not in this city!
Nyung: Hrm... this is darker than I thought! I sense that this red mist you just saw wasn't any normal kind of smoke, and considering these warriors have contact with Area 64, I can only fear the worst! This smoke is probably alien!
Penny: Great, we only needed that now! I hope they don't plan to infest the city with it again!
Kooplea: But if it's us they're after, then why would they do such a thing?
Penny: See, Kooplea, their incentive is put people in danger to put the hero in danger! That's basically bad guy logic! But I don't understand what just happened? Why is Nina on the floor?
Rockbert: She must've seen something we didn't! I'm worried about her, what could that thing be?
Nyung: I lack answers. Now at least, you know that what you want is in the sewers! It's been confirmed!
Valldo: Great going, Mario team! That brings us one step closer to finding that code star!
Block: So you're helping us too?
Valldo: Yes! Cybelle told me what she was up to! Just if you need anything, uncle Valldo is here for you!
Bootrus: Anyway, we should go tell the mayor! He'll know what to do! And about Nina, we better get her somewhere...

Nina jumps back into consciousness however.

Rockbert: Nina! What happened?
Nina: Nothing... I was just... startled. Don' worry, I'm... I'm fine! Let's just go!

Go back to Tadaomi.

Tadaomi: Hey, it's the Mario bros and their team again! So, what's up? What happened?
Goombeddy: We confirmed the location of the base... it's in the sewers!
Tadaomi: Crud! That's not so good. Anyway, I was willing I would give you... wait... what? Why isn't it...?
Goombeddy: Great, what now?
Tadaomi: Someone... someone stole it!
Goombeddy: Stole what?
Tadaomi: I was willing to give you the latest in hammer design technology, but someone stole it from my code-locked drawer! I couldn't have lost it myself anyway, it was locked tight!
Goombeddy: Here's hoping it's not one of these hammers we always come across and make use of just after the discovery!
Tadaomi: That was what I was worried about!

Suddenly, an alarm rings in the distance, and the party look from the window to see the hotel on fire, with the Cappy receptionist outside, panicking. They rush in his direction!

Receptionist: Customers! Stand back! We're getting the firefighters don't worry! I just hope they can make it before it burns down entirely, the staff is still inside!

And being the heroes they are, the party jump into action (Although Blurrgr is basically mostly fire so maybe letting him inside isn't a great idea)

You save the staff, fighting... soldiers(?) Along the way... Ninjis, Shy Guys, Bob-ombs, and sometimes now, a TIME BOB-OMB may even make its way into a battle! You know, it has a timer on, and once the timer hits 0, it instantly kills you! Thankfully, it has HP so you can kill it, but it's always behind all the other enemies, so it's hard to do so without going through the others. Anyway, by getting close to Blind's room, on the way to save the owner of the hotel, a Ninji is seen peculiarly looking through the drawers. It's the same Ninji from Nyung's vision, with a cyborg eye.

Nina: You again...
???: OH! OH! Look who shows up! Look who decided to come back after all these years!
Rockbert: What's he talking about! Nina... you know this guy?
Nina: He's... mah brother...

Everyone is shocked...

Nina: Yang... I know what happened that day, and I still feel sour 'bout it, but please... forgive me!
Yang: Too late, sis! Now that I'm working for Fuhrer Klein, there ain't any turning back!
Nina: We 'ready beat this loser, there's still a chance! We can fight 'im, together!
Yang: Not a chance!
Blind: So you were the one entrusted with the second code star?
Yang: Oh, and another Area 64 guy, must be a traitor! Prepare to face my instant gameovering fury!
Nina: He's mine, peops...
Rockbert: But this guy won't hesitate to kill you!
Nina: He's my brother... I don't want any of you to get mixed into this!
Yang: Ha! So now you want some private time? You'll get some!

You fight as only Nina. However, halfway through...

Yang: Man, is this taking too long for my appreciation! I guess I gotta unleash the big dude!

He releases some red mist on Nina, as it adopts the face of a Gyigas-like... face. It hits Nina hard, and she is knocked out of the battle.

Yang: Thought you could best me so easily, right?
Nina: Yerr... yerr too admiring of yourself... it's not ending this way... I will win next time... and hopefully... you'll learn your lesson!
Yang: No... you'll learn yours!

He gets out some paper from Blind's drawer.

Yang: HA! I knew you had the blueprints for the weird cannon Fuhrer made! Imma use it to make my own erratic stuff! Take care, everyone, I still need to kill you myself, so please don't die before then!

He jumps backwards out of the window. Nina falls to the floor.

Bootrus: She needs to rest! We all do. Today was exhausting!

Later, Nina opens her eyes, in her bed, surrounded by the party, who have saved the owner of the hotel and it seems it didn't burn down to a pile of ash.

Rockbert: Nina... what happened?
Nina: ...
Blind: Don't stay silent in front of us!
Kooplea: They're right Nina! We're your friends! And almost all of us had a tragic story before joining the team.
Rockbert: So please... tell us what went wrong... we care for you...
Nina: ... 'Ts a hell of a long story... but Ah'll tell ya anyway...

"A few years ago, when we were still innocent children, we lived here on Mt. Funji, with our mother. She didn't care about us, and father was never at home... so we decided to come out since mother wouldn't care anyway. The world we wanted to discover was hostile, but luckily, we had each other. I... always got myself in trouble, and my brother would always come for me to help me out. It was all well, until... that one day. We were celebrating our birthday, near a lake... but a monstrous turtle came out of it and tried to drag my brother into the waters... I was so foolish, I ran away... but he has helped me so many times before, and not a single time did I reach my hand out for him! He felt used... and since then, he left me for good, but I never thought he'd go as far as to become a soldier in this wretched army!"
Rockbert: That was deep... I'm sorry about that!
Nina: You don't have to be...
Bootrus: Everyone, we better prepare ourselves! Tomorrow, I say we pay a visit to the Daewand guy again, tell him everything we know!
Goombeddy: Still surprised we forgot about him in the span of a day, makes me feel like I have the memory span of a Chimpanzee!
Lucifer: Then let's all go to bed... I feel pretty sleepy!
Luigi: Sheesh, this is getting more and more tense! I can't blame you! Come on, Mario, we're going!

Luigi presses on forward. By sleeping, yet again, you make progress.

Luigi: Hey Mario! All's well?
Mario: Ha! (You know, it's a shame the soldiers tried to burn down the hotel yesterday!)
Luigi: Yeah! I know! You'd have to be a psychopath to do such a thing to an amazing hotel in an amazing city!

Bootrus suddenly opens the door. (And he has ancient pajamas... loveleh)

Bootrus: Mario! Luigi! Come at once!

They rush outside the room, the find the owner on the floor, and some partners surrounding him.

Stayzee: Oh dear lord! Who could have done such a thing?
Goombeddy: Come on now! If they're after us, then going for this guy is cowardly, I say!
Kooplea: But why even? What horrible crimes! First, they run illegal experiments, second, they murder anyone trying to find out about them, and then try to burn down the hotel, and now THIS! When will they stop?
Blind: They... they won't stop. The scars of war are too deep for someone to resign from it! Only a man willing to commit suicide can escape it, which explains my case! If anything's stopping them, it's us!
Chilliana: That's so horrifying... what do you think they are planning?
Blind: Not only war is unstoppable, but it's also unpredictable, so I cannot say for sure!
Luigi: Woah! He looks like he's been through a lot!

Nina looks at the body and curls herself up in a ball, knowing her brother is capable of such crimes.

Block: We should go to Daewand though. If he's gonna work on a plan, then he's our best way to infiltrate that base and successfully stop this once and for all!
Penny: But what did that Ninji steal yesterday already?
Blind: I was entrusted with the blueprints of that alienated cannon we fought back at Area 64, and trust me, while the cannon is a beast that looked strange and bizarre, the blueprints are very easy to remake on a life-sized scale! With this at hand, he will master the creation of who knows what!
Penny: Ok, that's terrible. We should do this as fast as possible.

... What is gonna happen next?

Next time, we finish up this chapter! Prepare for a great ending from the best chapter, no less.

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Chapter 13, Part 3

Daewand: Well, hello again, Mario gang!
Luigi: Since when were we referred to as the Mario gang?
Daewand: Anyway, you seem to have something rather important to tell me! Tell me now!
Lucifer: If knowing that the leader of the base is a psychopathic Ninji helps, then there’s that!
Lancebob: He's the one behind the red smoke! If anyone's tried terrorizing the people it’s him!
Blind: And he has blueprints of an evil cannon!
Daewand: And... anything about where it could be located?
Goombeddy: It’s in the sewers! We just need to look somewhere there!
Rockbert: Shoot! Didn’t the mayor said it might be behind important pipes not to be messed with?
Goombeddy: Well, yes, but it might not be! We just gotta look first, that’s all there is to it!
Daewand: HOT DIGGITY! You just made my day! I have an awesome plan working now! Just come back at night, I'm thinking of something! That was great information, you guys are the best!
Blurrgr: Eh, we know, who are we to need someone to tell us that?
Loak: Wow, you really made the boss happy! You’re alright, people!
Hinn: I don’t get impressed easily you know, you got my respect!
Span: Ah'd almost go ez far ez to sey yerr too gewd for meh!
Lil' Mike: Me like you!
Daewand: Come on, now, gang! Let’s work up those brain muscles! Think very hard of a plan!
Block: And we, guys, are seeing what Valldo and Cybelle have in store for us!
Lucifer: Wow! I’d say this is going uphill crazy right now!
Penny: You said it! Just two seconds go the hotel was getting burnt down!
Mario: Hey! (Oh yeah, tell me about it! Anyway, Let’s-a go!)

Getting to Valldo's house, however, the red smoke is once again attacking, but this time taking possession of everything on its way that includes cars, lights, are dangerous things that can kill people.

Luna: ARGH! WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE?
Chilliana: Oh no... they’re at it again!
Lancebob: We will not let them do this anymore! There must surely be a way to defeat it somehow!
Bootrus: If you count that face its weak spot!

He points at the Gyigas-like face from before. The party attacks.

Red Mist: I... AM THE SOUL OF AN ALIEN! I AM SEPARATED FROM MY BODY BECAUSE OF SOME BAD SONG, AND I WILL CONSUME EVERYTHING I SEE!
Chilliana: That's... sad!
Red Mist: WHAT?! WHO TALKS? YOU WILL BE MY NEXT KILL!

It attacks the team. It seems to have to power to render itself invincible at will... for one turn. After the fight...

Red Mist: AHHHHHHHHHHH! CURSE YOU, HUMANS!
Goombeddy: Human, as in human by race, or mentality? Because I think the latter suits us best!

And the red mist disappears as everything goes back to normal.

Block: Come on, it’s probably coming back! We need to go to the lab as quick as possible!

The tension... it’s building up... At Valldo's things pipe down a little.

Valldo: Oh hey! You’re here again! What seems to be the hurry? You look like you ran there!
Block: There is no time! We need to act! More and more crimes are being made!
Cybelle: That’s terrible! Lucky for you, I did investigate the sewers last night!
Block: Oh Cybelle, you’re just so amazing, like, you know that?
Cybelle: Commend me only after I’m done explaining!

She plugs herself into a projector, and presents a slideshow on a screen.

Cybelle: So yesterday, in the sewers, I saw a group of suspicious looking people enter a trap somewhere! Apparently, it can only be opened if you are proven part of the army! For that, they use a scanner!
Block: Great! We gotta camouflage ourselves as soldiers now!
Luna: Ugh... sends chills down my tiny spine!
Cybelle: Wait! There’s more! That scanner they use is embedded into an old model of a surveillance camera! It can’t capture clear images of the soldiers so that it is clear they’re from the army, so instead, they all have to be using some kind of identical identity card that’s easily recognizable! I myself scanned the scanner, and thing is, I was even surprised to see no one went after me! Which further proves the point that they can’t recognize people (or any life form-like thing perhaps) through said camera! But the sheer presence of a camera still confirms that the enemy have some things to be hacked into! And I am a skilled hacker, so you have nothing to fear! So, how was it? Was it good?

Says she as her eyes sparkle in excitement. Everyone stare at her questioning how she managed to get all of that.

Cybelle, tilting her head: C...Can I take that a yes?
Valldo: My little girl is such a genius! I wouldn’t have done that myself!
Block: You know, we got ourselves a plan!

At night, the party heads for the sewers.

Blurrgr: Bleh! Man, water! It turns into stone every step I make!
Goombeddy: That’s interesting! Let’s note this too! "Blurrns are beings of lava, not fire!"
Penny: Pretty surprising none of us got burned! In a good way!
Luigi: Ok, we’re here! They told us to wait here!

Just then, someone is seen walking in your direction, his cape floating through the air, followed by his followers.

Daewand: So it’s here, right?
Mario: Hi!
Daewand: Alright! What’s the plan? We cooked our own part, but tell us what you’ll be doing!
Block: Simple! We’re going through with a... friend of mine who knows their way with computers, and while she hacks we infiltrate even further into the base, and look for that code star!
Daewand: Well, I decided to go in too! Guess we’re helping each other! Hinn and Span will be here on the lookout, while Lil' Mike goes in first to pack the first punch into the enemies and knock them out so that we get the first room as our "hub"! And Loak will alert us if anyone approaches!
Blurrgr: Sounds like a nice plan!
Cybelle: Hey everyone!
Valldo: Who are these people, Gary?
Block: These are with us! They’re gonna help!
Cybelle: Ok, so first, you need to get your hands on an identity card! If you come across a soldier in these sewers, he will most likely have one!

Look for a soldier. Some Fuzzies are on the way, but they’re not soldiers. There are even Buzzy Beetles, and Lil' Sparkies. However, there are Ninjis, and if you find one, you can get their card, and enter the base.

DUNGEON 13: Alien research lab

Enemies:
-Ninjis
-Bob-ombs
-Xelians
-Roguentists
-Kenters
-Snifits

Lil' Mike: EAT FIST, BAD GUYS!
Daewand: Yeah! I like myself this hub! It’s got a computer too! Blocky dude, tell your friend to hack into it!
Cybelle: I’m on it! Now I can control everything in this place! Go, Mario, Gary!
Span: Well stay heer for deh lookowt!
Hinn: Do not fail, boss!
Daewand: I won’t! Come on, Mario, let’s go in there!

So this is pretty much a secret mad scientist lab. There are aliens, as usual, and those other enemies too. This dungeon contains the final hammer upgrade, the Thing Hammer. It gets its name from the things in CS/SS, because it’s one of the only things in the game not made of paper or cardboard.

Goombeddy: Hmm... you think this is the hammer the mayor meant to give us?
Bootrus: Yes, surely! It was stolen by these soldiers so that we don’t advance in our quest! I see what they were doing!

However, the gimmick here is: once you obtain the dungeon map, you can tell Cybelle to control any computer-controlled gadget. Example: You have an immobile surveillance camera, and you can’t turn invisible to get through because it doesn’t move, and so can’t you because you’re invisible! Instead, tell Cybelle to turn it away, and you can get through! If you activate it, though, enemies will begin swarming the room. So be careful. Also, Daewand acts as a bonus attacker in battle, so he’s pretty good. Makes battles easier, cause that guy is powerful.

Anyway, at the end of the dungeon...

Yang: So, sis? You decided to come sneak into here?
Nina: Look... we can still do this... there is still time. Just join me!
Yang: Yeah right! Like you care!
Nina: Look, I was a foolish child back then, and I know I used you as a meat shield, but it’s all over now, I am ready to do anything to protect you! I... can’t fight you anymore!

She lets go of her blade.

Yang: Aww! Now she’s acting sweet! Give up already! I can see what you’re playing at here!
Nina: Why won’t you understand? I changed! The world changed! And I have to save it, so you have to help me... and I’ll protect you!
Yang: Oh, now you want to save the world that brought you so much pain?
Nina: It’s a harsh place, yes, but it is where I met my brother!
Rockbert: Uhh... Nina... you ok? Your voice changed! But do you still think he’s worth?
Yang: Hey, y'know what? Why do I bother?

He kicks Nina back into some damaged wall, and gets wounded.

Rockbert: Oh no! What’re you doing?
Yang: Oh so now you defend her? Pathetic! I’m always to her dismay, and never did she stand up for me! I had to revolt one day!
Rockbert: That’s not true! Nina is the nicest person I ever met, and true, she was a jerk at first, but the more I knew her, the more she seemed kinder and friendlier, and the more close she grew to me! If she didn’t help you that one time you were helpless, then you deserve it!
Blurrgr: Woah, there, Rock! Calm down a little!
Rockbert: I can’t just... "calm down!" This guy deserves to be left alone! He’s that bad!
Yang: Well, sucks, because I’m not alone! Not with my Red smoke!

He reveals he has a japanese gate-like machine with a red orb in the center. He gets under, and then, he turns into a super soldier, grows muscles, as his ninja garment rips under the size of the guy. He still has pants on, no worries.

Yang: HAHA! TASTE MY BURLINESS! I AM UNSTOPPABLE NOW!
Daewand: This is it, Mario! Give it all you got! I’m still with you!
Rockbert: Now that, is creepy!

BOSS CHAPTER 13: SUPERSOLDIER YANG.

Or is it?

After the battle, which looked like it would be the chapter boss, Yang turns back to normal and falls to the floor.

Yang: Curse you... curse you all...
Valldo: Gary! Are you alright?
Block: We did it! Look! He’s down!
Cybelle: Yay! Great job, everyone!
Span: Yerr impressive, partners!
Hinn: And I am more than impressed now! Great work!
Loak: The code star is now all yours for the taking!
Curiosity: Yeah! Take me with you!

Mario gets close to the code star, but a sudden laser beam strikes him. He turns around, and notices the code star disappeared.

Curiosity: HELP! MARIO!
Loak: What is happening?
Hinn & Span: Boss?

Daewand was the guy with the lasers.

Daewand: Thank you Mario! Now I can bring this code star back for my master, and destroy you all!
Block: Ok, what’s the meaning of all of this?
Blurrgr: Yeah, what he said!
Daewand: Don’t you see, I’m not actually trying to become a hero... I was sent here by the master of evil himself! I used your plan to get here, and thanks to you, I have now my code star!
Lucifer: Ugh! This is annoying, we got backstabbed!
Loak: But... boss!
Daewand: I AM NOT YOUR BOSS! I AM DAEWAND, MESSENGER FROM THE DARK REALM, AND MY DUTY? DESTROY THE CODE STARS! Starting with this one!
Curiosity: Oh no! Don’t! The world would end!
Daewand: This is my objective you see! Now, Mario, dare make a step further, and I end your game!
Cybelle: You will not get away with this! You can’t destroy the world!
Valldo: Yeah! She’s right, now you give Mario what he so greatly looked for!
Hinn: We trusted you boss, we liked you!
Daewand: And what are you going to do about it?

Cybelle then kicks in, and proceeds to attack Daewand in an attempt to take the code star. Daewand however, with his bare hand, impales the robot girl with his fingers, and plunges it into her systems, and gets his hand out with a metallic heart, showing signs of fainting life. He tosses it alongside Cybelle, and inserts the code star into the star-shaped hatch on his chest.

Block & Valldo: NOOOO! CYBELLE!
Cybelle: Professor... Gary... I’m sorry..............———————
Block: Why’d you do that to such an innocent thing? And what was that heart thing Dad?
Valldo, sobbing: It... it was an artificial heart I crafted with my former colleague... it was... alive...
Block: Wait, you mean, Cybelle is...
Valldo: *nods*

Some tears start falling from the Blockbite's eyes. He readied his fists for battle, as his father, and the gang watched, horrified.

Block: Guys... let’s show him who he’s messing with!
Mario: Oh yeah!
Penny: I’m in!
Goombeddy: Something about him is unsettling, so be prepared!
Daewand: Take your friend's advice at heart! You will not get out in one piece, and will end up like the useless robotic puppy I just demonstrated my strength on!
Block: Don’t you dare call her useless!

BOSS CHAPTER 13: SUPERSOLDIER YANG DAEWAND

Tattle: This is Daewand, and he claims to be the servant of the master of evil himself! The devil? Bowser? Shadow Queen? I don’t know... but we probably shouldn’t care, but maybe we should! Max HP is 180, ATT is 15 and Defense is 3. He will use laser beams, transform into a car, or even use the code star to bring us down! His most signature move is using his camera-like eyes to blind us, and can even turn himself invisible using his cape! That cape looks cool though, makes him look like Superman or something! But let’s kill him already, those last few minutes with him are enough to make me want to murder his entire family tree!

Daewand: What?! No! I... I lost! Mario! You are a truly formidable foe, but wait till master takes care of yo——

Suddenly, his eyes turn red and he seems to be possessed by some sort of... thing.

???: Stop playing heroes, fools! You are underpowered here! You know me, but I have yet to reveal my true identity! We will meet someday... the day of your funerals!
Daewand: Master... will... get you!

As he says this, he starts exploding, falling apart, and a final explosions sent him flying to bits, leaving only his head as a trace of his existence... and the code star.

Curiosity: Gosh... that was horrifying... I’m sorry, I’m probably the cause of that... but it’s okay! We can save the world! She helped you do that, don’t let her sacrifice be in vain!
Block: Thanks, code star...
Valldo: Oh Gary... how are we gonna fix this?
Block: There’s probably a way... but we must save her memory, that is what matters most!
Loak: People, take this code star far away!
Hinn: Yeah! And we’re on our own now! We’ll try to help the people as much as we can!
Span: Det Daewand was a real jerk'ole!
Lil' Mike: Me not like him anymore... me want to help people and become nice!

But out of nowhere...

Klein: Well, I would love to know how you got here, Blind!
Blind: Klein! What are you doing here?
Klein: What does it look like, smart guy? I came here for the code star, and I find you littering by business! It is time... to die!

He holds up a giant bazooka, filled with a killer bullet-bill. He fires it at Blind... but it hits something else.

Nina: Ow... mah head... ??? NO!

She runs up to her brother, who acted as a meat shield for the group to prevent Klein from killing them.

Klein: What?! No more bullets! It can’t be!

He runs away.

Yang: That’s it for me, sis...
Nina: NO! I failed you! Please don’t go! I need to repay you!
Yang: No need to... just knowing that you actually defended me... I thought about it, and... I’m sorry, I was such an idiot!
Nina: NO! Don’t say that! You’re not an idiot! You’re better!
Yang: I... can’t go on.

His HP counter is set to 1/75, and then a small pebble falls on him and drops it to 0.

Nina, crying: NOOO! I’M SORRY, I COULDN'T FULFILL MY PROMISE!
Rockbert: Hey... Nina...
Nina: ???
Rockbert: I was wrong about him... like I was wrong about you the first time I saw or heard about you... please... don’t cry! I’m still here! I’ll be your brother!
Nina: snif... snif...

And here comes the emotion train. Chu! Chu! Nina hugs Rockbert to the point he is almost crumpled, and Rockbert would’ve done the same if he had arms...

Curiosity: It’s sad around here, but I am not the saddest code star! With that out of the way, take me with you!

Here it is... and that, ladies and gentlemen... is the greatest of all chapters. And the boss is one of the best, and Blurrgr is the best partner (although he shines most in the next chapter) and the story is just wow...

See Ya next time...

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Interlude 13

"Ok, where are we now?"

Said Chuck, confused. He didn't know where he was anymore.

Chuck: Well, we're lost! I don't know, we like went through eight chariots, twelve horses died, and we shipwrecked 15 ships! And we even went on five boats! We're lost!
Koopsparagus: Told you we should've brought a map!
Chuck: Hey, at least Brassus is nowhere near here! I mean, he wouldn't be in a desert like this!

They are actually in Dried-Out Valley, but it's nighttime. They venture further, past Boned City.

Chuck: Ooohhh... it's THAT place!
Koopsparagus: Let's move it a little more! We can find a place further!
Antonimus: I don't know why, but this place looks familiar!

After a while, the chariot starts rolling on some golden plates. It stops in front of a giant coin, standing upward.

Chuck: I can't believe it! It's... the golden temple!
Koopsparagus: We must be in Geldgypt! I can see the Ankhalace from here! See the giant Ankh?
Chuck: What's an ankh?
Koopsparagus: It's the thing Antonimus is wearing. It's supposed to be the symbol of eternal life or something!
Antonimus: I always wondered what it meant honestly, thank you!
Nebula: Oh Startacus! Where are you?
Goomda: We're probably too far from him at this point, but at least there are no signs of the Bromans!
Antonimus: Wait! I know what this place is!

He jumps off and runs towards an oasis he knows.

Antonimus: This... this is where I was born! My egg hatched here! I can still see the marks on the boulder!
Koopsparagus: Wait, you were born on a boulder?
Antonimus: Nah, as far as I remember, the egg kinda rolled off the oasis and hit itself on the boulder, so I was born with my face in the wall!
Chuck: Hmm... maybe this place ain't so bad! It seems like the guy knows his way around!
Brassus: Oh yes, this would be better to keep him captive here!
Everyone else: ???!!!

Brassus comes closer to the group.

Nebula: You... how did you find us?
Brassus: I own a home here, and you are welcome... to work for me here, that is!
Antonimus: What?! Come on, why would you care for three slaves? You got bazillions of them! And in fact, none of them are yours, they all deserve to be free!
Brassus: And who are you to command me?
Antonimus: And who are you to enslave us?
Brassus: I didn't come here for you anyway! I only came here for these two traitors here! So what, I promoted you to be my imperial guards, and it doesn't matter? You run away like that with MY property?
Chuck: Hide, people!
Koopsparagus: We'll take care of him! We're trained for this sort of situation!
Brassus: I will dispose of you for not only violating code 394, but also all of the Broman law! Being imperial guards, you are supposed to stay by your Emperor's side! Enslave! Kill enemies! Not sympathize with them!

Says he as he starts readying his fire to fire at the guards, but Antonimus runs up with a spear and scars his cheek. Brassus is badly hurt.

Brassus: How dare you? Ouch...
...
...
I SHOULD EXPOSE YOU TO A RAIN OF NUCLEAR BOMBS!
Antonimus: YEAH, I'D LIKE TO SEE YOU TRY! YOU'RE IN THE MUSHROOM KINGDOM HERE, YOU WILL BE ARRESTED BY THE PRINCESS HERSELF!
Brassus: Oh, so you don't know... she has been kidnapped by a being of weird occurrence, and she is not likely to get out of her cell!
Antonimus: Oh for the love of...
Brassus: But I got a better idea! I will make you fight someone to the death!
Antonimus: That's great! Guys, I am not gonna win! Simple as that!
Nebula: But... doesn't that make you the dead one?
Antonimus: Exactly. Once dead, I will finally be as free as the soul I will become... Thanks for everything though!

Brassus grabs Antonimus by the arm and drags him into a Coliseum... so it was in Dried-Out Valley, that's interesting!

Brassus: Here! Your opponent is in there!
Antonimus: Ok... and... *gasp*... no...

Everyone else gasps too, because it was none other than...

Startacus: We meet again, Antonimus.
Antonimus: You're still alive?
Startacus: They figured they had do hold on to me... and I must kill you, or you will be enslaved again!

A tense sword-fight starts. You play as Antonimus, and you're supposed to press the buttons shown on screen to progress in the cutscene.

Antonimus: No! I'm killing you first! I need you to be free!
Startacus: So? You fought against your own will, I forced every man to fight! What you did was more than enough, and now I have to end your pain and suffering!
Antonimus: But you are the reason why these people were so close to becoming free! You deserve to be free more than I do!

Startacus pushes Antonimus back on his back. He is about to finish him with a thrust of the sword. But before landing, Antonimus rolls away, and jumps on his friend, and holds his sword against him.

Antonimus: I'm sorry Startacus!
Nebula: *gasp*

And the sword is completely thrust into the Star's body.

Startacus: Oh, Antonimus... thank you...
Antonimus: I love you Startacus, like my own father I never saw!
Startacus: And I love you, Antonimus, like my son who I will never get to see! Goodbye... cruel world... Nebula...

And explodes into a bunch of Star bits.

As Antonimus, Nebula, Goomda, Chuck and Koopsparagus hunch over in a saddened way.

Chuck: Farewell, old friend!
Koopsparagus: You were our slave, but now, you are free with our respect!
Goomda: We will never forget you...
Nebula: Always... Goodbye, Startacus... we got to see each other again!

Antonimus stares at his work of art blankly, not caring about the imperial guards grabbing the group and dragging them somewhere...

Meanwhile, At Fort Hackula...

Paraplonk: Who would've thought he'd go the extra mile and sacrifice himself for the princess?
Sergeant Guy: At least he's still a code star who has the power to save the world.
Goomp: Gotta look at the bright side of things!
Hackula: WHAAAT?!

He kicks in various doors, making glass-breaking noises.

Hackula: I can't believe she escaped! Who is responsible for this, I don't care!
Glitch: However sir, it seems the code star lost its sentience, so you are free to do whatever you want with it I believe!
Hackula: But I need the princess! She is crucial to my plan!
Bowser: Hey! What's the matter big guy?
Hackula: Oh... Mister Bowser! Well... thing is...
well...







THE PRINCESS ESCAPED FROM THE FORT!
Bowser: No biggie! I'm great at kidnapping her, even though I did fail last time! But who cares? You're the almighty Count Hackula, you don't need the princess to do things!
Hackula: No I do! She has the power to control the mind of a code star and she escaped! If my creator finds out about this, he'll kill me!
Bowser: Not if I'm here!
Kammy: Lord Bowser! Your responsibleness! Everyone at the Koopa Kingdom is suffering! They sent me this letter!
Bowser: WHAT?! How long have I been here?
Hackula: I'd say about two weeks...
Bowser: Drats! My subjects! They've been without a king for two whole weeks! How did this happen?
Kammy: It seems that made a few glitches appear, they said! They even sent an attached picture depicting the situation! Look!
Bowser: Creating glitches... I'm starting to have doubts about the guy who sent me here!
Hackula: I only fear the worst...

Paraplonk and the trio were overhearing...

Meanwhile, at Back-Laid Grove, in Valldo's house, things are not going at best...

Valldo: I don't know if I can do it again! Making the heart, it was hard, and even though I managed to do it, I didn't know how I did it... it may be impossible! I'm so sorry Cybelle! I can't bring you back.
Lil' Mike: Sad... robot gurl braver than me... me sad...
Hinn: It's ok, Mister Valldo! I'm sure she'll come back one day!
Span: Yup! Just lah'ke dem ol' days!
Loak: In fact, we wanna do anything we can to help!
Valldo: You guys... you're alright, kids! Thanks...
Block: Dad... don't give up... please... she is important to us!
Valldo: Wait... you're leaving?
Block: I promised to follow Mario! I need to save the world! I can't back away!
Valldo: I... I understand... don't worry... I'll do my best to fix Cybelle! I know it's possible! I'm determined to do it! That's it, I feel slightly better now!
Hinn: That's the spirit!
Loak: Go, Mister V!
Span: Go get 'em!
Lil' Mike: Me support you!
Valldo: Yeah! Come on boys! I got a job for you! We're bringing every material we got to make that heart again!
Gang: GO, GO VALLDO!
Block: Say, where are three of us? I can't see Rockbert, Nina or Blurrgr!
Bootrus: The first two are climbing Mt. Funji to maybe bless Yang or something like that. And the last one said he'd help us get one code star, and then bid us farewell...
Blurrgr: Heyyyy... everyone! I knew I'd find you here. Sorry to interrupt your grieving ritual here. But I decided I would stick with you! It would bad to leave the fire behind!
Bootrus: Welcome back to the team!
Mario: Ho! (Is there a particular reason?)
Blurrgr: What?! No! There's no real reason, just you know... empty life... need some shaking in it... besides... my boss in on a business trip, so I can slack off a little! And you probably still need me!

On Mt. Funji...

Rockbert: We should be on the top in no time! We've been climbing for an hour already!
Nina: We're here!

...

Nyung: Hmm? Aren't you some of this Mario guy's partners?
Rockbert: Yes sir, but we're not here for code stars... Nina...

Nina puts her brother's body on the table in front of her... Nyung looks unsettled.

Nyung: No... I sense that this... is my son!
Nina: Your son?
Rockbert: YOUR SON?!
Nyung: Yes... little did I know about his past, I was always in the temple, but I never visited my family... but him... he was the last one I touched before I left, and since then, I have been able to identify him!
Rockbert: Then why didn't you identify him in your vision?
Nyung: ... He was not in front of me!
Nina: But if he's your son...
Nyung: What is it then?
Nina: I... I am your daughter...
Nyung: Now that I take a closer look at you... you are! I never could have erased your golden hair from my mind! My dear Ying...
Rockbert: Your name is Ying? I thought it was Nina!
Nina: It's only... my real name!
Nyung: I will send your brother to the afterlife he deserve. NINJIS! ASSEMBLE! This will do great for their training of the mind!

A group of Ninjis assemble around the corpse and send it disintegrating skyward.

Rockbert: I guess you will always remember him...
Nina: Rocky...
Rockbert: Hey, you called me Rocky!
Nina: You're my best friend... please promise me I don't have to worry about losing you, and vice versa.
Rockbert: You've changed a lot! And yes. I promise. You don't have to worry about me!

Back at Miiyoto, Mario and the team are about to leave.

Luigi: Man, that was bad at the end, but the rest was fun!
Block: Here's hoping Cybelle is still fixable... otherwise, I don't know what I'm gonna do!
Penny, patting him in the back: She'll be fine, I'm sure of it! Besides, we still need to save the world! We need you, G!
Lucifer: These bad guys we're fighting are getting gradually more merciless than the other! I can't imagine what can happen next!

And suddenly, Rockbert comes rolling into town with Nina on his back.

Rockbert: Objectively the best way to climb down the mountain!
Nina: Yahaa! I feel alive!
Goombeddy: Now ain't that just cute! It's a new couple in formation!
Rockbert: What?! No! It's not like that! We're just best friends!
Lucifer: I'll admit, it wasn't funny...
Goombeddy: Yeah you, I can already ship you with Luigi!
Lucifer: |: (
Goombeddy: Don't look at me like that, you know it's true!
Luigi: Is it true?
Lucifer: DOES IT LOOK LIKE IT? Oh... sorry Luigi!
Mario: Hey! (Why not stop the goofing around and actually progress!)
Kooplea: Mario is motivated to get this thing squared up!
Lancebob: Yes, Sir! Driver! Take us to Champs-Eclypsees! I want to see even more awesome locations like this one! Still can't believe I'm actually in the 21st century!
Blurrgr: So, I guess let's go? We probably should... as quick as possible!
Lucifer: Say, what got YOU so excited?
Blurrgr: Come on, princess! We got the quest to get through.
Lucifer: Ok, 1... how do you know I'm a princess? And 2... you were never that excited to begin with, but whatever works!
Penny: You better not trigger him you know... I heard people like him can burn down an entire city if they wanted to... do not mess with the bulkies, Lucifer...
???: MARIO! LUIGI!

It's Skullonard the Skellobit! Who knew he was gonna make a second main game appearance?

Snifle: What?! What is it?
Luigi: Hey Snifle, you're awake at last!
Snifle: That was nasteh! I sensed alien souls getting put into orbs to possess things and kill people!
Luigi: It's ok! We stopped that! You can stop worrying! In fact, I think that's why you just woke up!
Skullonard: Come to Chanps-Eclypsees as quick as possible! We need you!
Lancebob: We were just getting to that!
Snifle: Sounds pre-tty important! Go, Mario!

The limo that took the party to Miiyoto gets them back to Toad Town.

Toadsworth: Hey, Master—
Luigi: No time, Toadsworth! We need to be quick!

All of the partners run towards the train station and get the next train for Champs-Eclypsees. Inside the train.

Goombeddy: Hey... Skullonard... did you go through all these transports to get us?
Skullonard: Yes, the situation is this awful!

The train arrives, and the run continues... until you get to Merlee's house.

Merlon: Mario! You're just in time!
Merlee: Oh... Mario! Your presence makes me happy
I am very ill as you can clearly see!
How fortunate you came here fast,
This illness was started in the past...
I know not of anything about this event
But I do know that its history is bent
Bent in a twisted and unknown way
At this point, I am at the plague's dismay.
I think it fully touched the eastern part of the kingdom
However add the word code star to the sum...
What if it is the reason?
From that, rises a beacon!
Merlon: Really? You think a code star is nearby? That's at least some good news... but whatever is there, Mario, please, you must go where the plague was released and save Merlee!
Merluvlee: Yes, you most certainly must! She was even planning on casting a new spell that would give you a new ability!
Merle: Indeed! My dear daughter told me she developed one just yesterday, and it allowed to turn into some spinning weapon!
Merlon: Wait! Mario! Before you go! I need to show you something!

Merlon gets out of the house... You follow him to his house... there...

Luigi AND Mario: PRINCESS?!
Peach: Mario! Luigi! Thank goodness you're ok!
Luigi: Oh, Peach, we were so worried about you!
Mario: Mama Mia!
Merlon: I found her just next to the cave of functions... she does not know how she got here!
Peach: And... you must be their friends!
Goombeddy: Goombeddy, pleased to meet you! And these are Kooplea, Penny, Lancebob, Lucifer, Rockbert, Nina, ... Stayzee... Bootrus, Luna, Block Gary, Chilliana, Sergeant Blind, and Blurrgr... quite the team... almost flawless if you ask me... almost...
Peach: I can't believe how hard you must have gone through to progress that much! I used the power of a code star to send you these messages!
Mario: Oh!
Luigi: So that's how we could hear you!
Peach: ... Yes... but unfortunately... snif...
Kooplea: What's wrong, princess?
Peach: It's just... I wonder how are things back there at Fort Hackula!

"Mario! The princess escaped the fort, and she's probably somewhere safe now! We're talking through the code star, if you still don't know that! Anyway, Bowser works with Hackula because a guy threatened us if we didn't join forces with him... but it seems their intentions are something... dark... we can't help you mire than that... for now!

~Your truly, The elite trio!

Peach: It's good to know Evilness is still physically a code star!
Goombeddy: Why do you say that?
Stayzee: Oh dear! Did something no so pleasant happen?

Peach looks with saddened eyes. The party responds in the same way...

Snifle: Sad and all, but come on, Mario! Let's go find the source of that plague!

And you set off to...

Peach: WAIT! Before you go, please! Take this with you!

You get the Princess's badge! It looks like like her brooch. If equipped, Mario will glow if he is near any dangerous hazard.

Peach: I know, it's not much! But I don't have anything else at the moment!
Merlon: Princess... it might please you to know that you can use the train station and go to Toad Town if you need to take some rest! This is your kingdom, so the people won't mind giving you a free ride... if I manage to convince them!
Peach: Really? Great to know! Be careful, everyone!

NOW we set off to Dried-Out Valley once again!

To be continued...

So... notice the depressive tone this is taking? Well, with the next chapter... it's even worse... but it's a pretty cool chapter nonetheless!

Notice this... if the best chapters are Chapter 7, 12, 13, 14 (there are others but let's look at these particularly!), notice how they all have something depressing... right?

Anyway, See Ya!

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Chapter 14: The curse of the Doomed king.

Talk about depressing tones! This title is pretty eerie...

Anyway, not knowing where exactly to go, you first reenter Boned City... there, the plague managed to strike... going to the HAG...

Tacky T: This... is torture, boys!
Zoops: I can't take it anymore!
Shylink: I'm right there with ya!
Flameron: We gotta do something... and before that, we need to be able to move!
Goshi: ! Hey look everyone! Nina's back!
Nina: What... happened?
Tacky T: Plague... it seems to have touched everyone in the city! It paralyzed most people here... so we can't move!
Nina: That's horrible!
Rockbert: Don't worry, guys! We're here to stop that plague! This is why we came in the city, we want to ask for what could possibly have caused that plague!
Tacky T: No clue! However... I know of a legend... but I forgot how it goes!
Zoops: It is said that if the old King of Geldgypt were to wake up once, he would claim the whole Dried-Out Valley as his territory!
Shylink: Seeing that said king is a twisted guy with no remorse for killing or doing any... bad things... he might have woken up and plagued the entire valley!
Kooplea: Who exactly IS that king?
Flameron: Really wanna know who he is?
Shylink: We don't want you to go to him he's dangerous, something could...
Blurrgr: Yeah, well the heroes are supposed to handle it for your information! That's what heroes are for, do stuff normal people wouldn't!
Goshi: He does have a point... after all, they also got Nina with them!
Shylink: Well ok... his name... is King Tuphantamon! Or at least he was known as that after he died! The King was put in a deadly place. None know what deadly place, but I assure you, he is pretty well-guarded!
Zoops: If you go a little further to the north, you will find yourself in front of the Broman Coliseum, gateway to Geldgypt, land of gold!
Tacky T: Be careful, everyone! Don't die!

You do as instructed. You reach the Broman Coliseum. It's kinda destroyed on one side, just like the real Coliseum in Rome. In it, you find lotsa Bromans... as soon as you enter...

Hammer Bro: Hey, dude! You won't believe it! I heard two soldiers betrayed Brassus and tried to get away with some slaves!
Hammer Bro: Sick! Man, how stupid! Betray the Emperor and get away with it, must be the joke of the millennia!
Hammer Bro: !
Hey look! It's the legendary thief from Boned City!
Hammer Bro: And Mario! Let's get them!

Easy peasy lemon squeazie.

Kooplea: It can't be good... I think they're all after us!
Goombeddy: We should find our way quick! Before the entire building notices we're in!

You go deeper into the Coliseum, fighting Imperial enemies, such as Hammer Bros and Koopatrols. Strong versions of them.

Anyway, as you are about to get out, you can see some golden sand past the exit.

Snifle: Everyone! Listen! I feel a code star in this place over there! We should get outta here!

Try to get out though, and two sand creatures, taking the form of legless humanoid silhouettes with a spear, emerge and block the path with their spears.

Brassus: HAHA! I got you! These Sand Guards have never failed me!
Rockbert: It's... it's the Broman Emperor! What do you want, scoundrel?
Lancebob: You rascal! You will never be the reason of the Bobley Kingdom's downfall!
Brassus: So, you're Mario... I heard you destroyed our black flower... and things don't allow me to stay silent about it!
Nina: *Spits on Brassus' foot*
Brassus: And the legendary thief seems to be with you at the moment! Glad I can take care of you at the same time!
Lucifer: Ha! We'd like to see you try!
Lancebob: Villains like you and your ancestors deserve to be utterly destroyed! All you brought to the world was madness and war!
Brassus: And the tension is building up... oh... but what's that! It seems some of my soldiers are behind you!

And the soldiers all grab our heroes.

Stayzee: Oh, get your grubby hands off me!
Goombeddy: What're you doing with us?
Brassus: I will decide of it myself tomorrow... but in the meantime, I will throw you with the other insect!

Who is this insect? Well, he's literally an insect!

Kooplea: Aww... that was unexpected... there are more people here too!
Chuck: Hey look! It's Mario!
Koopsparagus: AND the legendary thief! Never thought we'd meet again, especially not here!
Luigi: You? Why are you in this cell?
Chuck: We decided to help, and you know by now that Brassus is not fond of that!
Koopsparagus: Then he threw us in here with these nice people you see!
Goomda: You look strong... and nice... and you're a full team! Maybe you can get us outta here!
Nebula: Goomda... do not insist on getting them to do that... you don't have to...
Mario: Hey! (You know, we're heroes anyway, so we should get ya out in order to avoid any bad judgments!)
Nebula: Really? You will do it? For us?
Chuck: Oh yeah! We should break out together! Besides, we're a group of muscles! We can bring this door down!
Antonimus: You're way too optimistic...

The group looks away to the depth of the cell, to find an ant trooper they didn't notice before.

Antonimus: The Broman army is the most powerful one in the world, you try to escape, your heads are on the stakes! No need to thank me for that mental image, I know...
Blurrgr: Well... aren't YOU just a big party pooper!
Antonimus: Hey... I know what it's like! I used to be this optimistic guy who thought that even after 18 years of being enslaved, I could still be free. But now I failed... there's nothing I can do! I escaped once, but I can't escape twice!
Nebula: Antonimus... I know you feel horrible about Startacus... I do too, more than you, believe me, but you need to see the future in front of you!
Antonimus: No! You don't get it! It's over!

Meanwhile, Mario, Luigi, Chuck and Koopsparagus break the door.

Nebula: Antonimus... these people seem to know what they're doing! And it also sounds like they have been through a number of challenges!
Antonimus: Go ahead! Do whatever you want! I am not risking anything! I'm staying here like a good boy!
Goomda: Uhh... look, little guy, I think you're overreacting here... it can't be that bad!
Antonimus: You're blind in front of the situation... do what you want, I'll be chilling here in this cage! You wanna go out there and die? Whatever suits you!
Kooplea, approaching the ant and sitting next to him: Don't take it so badly... what happened? Your name is Antonimus right?
Antonimus: You guessed right. I've been fighting for freedom since the beginning... but every time I thought I was close, I would get caught and enslaved again. Last time it happened, not only did the same thing occur, but I also lost my friend... both of my best friends... snif... snif... wait! I feel something... you! The one with the red shirt and overalls! What are you carrying with you?
Mario: *Shows a code star*
Snifle: We have code stars, lil' squirt! And we're planning on finding all of them to save the world!
Antonimus: C... C... Code... Code star? Wait, do you have a golden one with a cross symbol on it?
Mario: No no!
Antonimus: ... Oh... what am I gonna do... ok, Mister...
Mario: Mario!
Antonimus: Ok, Mister Mario, and all of you people with him... I need you to let me look for these code stars... it's a matter of sentimental value, so... please?

Antonimus, the strong and thoughtful Ant Trooper joins the party, and is the last of all 15 required partners! An ant can lift things 100 times its own size, and thusly Antonimus has the ability to lift extremely heavy blocks and carry them on a distance, without breaking a sweat! He can also push them, just whichever works for your conveniences.

Antonimus: Ok... let's get out of here now... if it is to save the world, then I'll help you!

On the way, Antonimus is explained the situation, as you make it out of the Coliseum again, only to get stopped by the Sand Guards... again.

Chuck: People, let us take care of it! We're Bromans, the Guards will let us through!

The Sand Guards dematerialize into the sand.

Antonimus: We actually did it! We escaped without getting killed! This is great!
Koopsparagus: Ah! First time we successfully guided a slave to freedom! How absolutely adorable to see them go!
Chuck: We would've let go of Startacus if we knew the satisfaction!
Nebula: Thank you so much, Mister Mario!
Goomda: And to all of you folks too of course! Without you, Mario would be useless!
Luigi: Heh! Good to know you're happy!
Antonimus: Anyway, just ahead is the Golden Temple. It is the gateway of the capital of the Dried-Out department, Geldgypt, known for its wealth in gold! From the discoveries made here, the entire kingdom made money and became what it is today!
Goombeddy: ...I was gonna tattle it myself, but I guess you know about it better than me!
Kooplea: For a guy who was held captive for his entire life, you sure know a lot!
Antonimus: Anyway, the temple growls with monsters, such as mummies and cursed things! So you have to be careful!
Blurrgr: What?! No one warned me there would...
Lucifer: What did you expect? It's a quest! We've been through even worse than that too!
Rockbert: You wanna stay with us, you gotta accept these challenges!
Blurrgr: I guess... ok...
Nina: I sense that he is not into the team...
Rockbert: Something tells me that too! But as long as he accepts to help, I'm ok!

Anyway, the Golden temple is... an outdoor place... it's a temple in ruins, but in gold... the floor is covered with golden plaques, alongside crystal plaques, assembled in a checkerboard-like pattern. There used to be a ceiling, but the remnants of it say otherwise for the present. There are lotsa golden pillars too... this place is in a desert, but it doesn't feel as much as a desert than Dried-Out Valley. Enemies here are Pokeys, Mummy Koopas, Stableetles (stone tablets with the eye of Horus and six feet), and you can find Golden Thwomps as hazards too. This time, these Thwomps deal 25 damage, so be careful around them. Not the right guys to hang out with... Get past the temple and you are greeted by an imposing building... The Ankhalace, palace of the local ruler.

Lancebob: That castle looks gorgeous! The king here must be a noble man!
Chilliana: Wait... I feel a magic force surrounding it! Maybe... maybe we shouldn't go in there!
Goombeddy: What kind of magic? Dark or Good?
???: NYANYANYANYAHA!

A ghostly figure, garbed in a kilt, Osiris' crown, and golden rings around his wrists appears in front of the party...

???: Beware where you step, beware the decisions you make... you might take care of yourselves now, but I see that soon, you will perish!
Luigi: Hey, who are you?
???: I don't give my name to mere mortals... yet... you will find out later! I'm telling you... LATER!

And he disappears.

Chilliana: Oh no! His aura is very menacing! Maybe he sees the future? Maybe we will die?
Blurrgr: Nonsense! We ain't dying! That guy is clearly loony! Plus, he's probably just an illusion, there are no such things as ghosts like him!
Goombeddy: For the record, we have Boos, Dry Bones, Mummies, and Bootrus, and you're going to tell me ghosts don't exist?
Blurrgr: I meant ghosts like that! I forgive Boos and Bootrus, but this guy is on another ghost level!
Rockbert: Goombeddy! He's enthusiastic! Don't ruin it! He'll want to quit!
Chilliana: Hey! Guys! The magic is gone! There's just good magic I feel! These people must be skilled at the use of magic! We can go inside!

And you proceed to do that.

Inside, you find Swishes. They're basically little embodiments of gusts of wind. Sand wind to be precise. They're small and look like they are hooded. If you ask them for direction, they will tell you how to get to their king. They don't seem to be touched by the plague despite being in the same region where it originated... perhaps this magic is really something handy. Anyway have I mentioned that the palace is beautiful, but not as beautiful as Gryztal Town? I mean, pillars are gigantic, the ceiling is sky-high (but you can still see it if you look up, it's just higher than your everyday ceiling) and also gold. And hieroglyphs are also drawn on the walls, the most prominent one being the Ankh symbol. It looks like this if you don't know what it is...

Anyway, at some point, solving puzzles, you get to the throne room. There, sits a majestic throne made of jewels, with a purple velvet pillow on it... and on it sits a significantly bigger Swish, with two other smaller but bigger than average Swishes beside him, and a giant Ankh behind him.

Akhenoshwep: So you are the wanderers that were mentioned just now by my subjects!
Bootrus: They told you about us? And you must be the king of this place! We are looking for...
Akhenoshwep: Yes, I am the king here! I am Akhenoshwep, pharaoh, ruler of Geldgypt, both Predecessor AND successor to King Tuphantamon, sand wizard, guardian of the Ankh, wise man of...
Luna: Yeah, whatever, we're here for something called a code star. If you're the king, you must be aware of such a thing right?
Akhenoshwep: ...
Dr-Ay: Oh Pharaoh, isn't this code star thing the one the dynasty was given thousands of year ago and lost?
Akhenoshwep: Very likely! My ancestors were foolish and lost this code star, but apparently, it seems King Tuphantamon, whose sarcophagus rests in the All-Seeing Pyramid, is on the verge of waking up and getting the throne back. If so, his cursed powers must have been the cause of the plague we heard about so much...
Chloe: Father... if it really is inside that pyramid... should we let these people go in it?
Akhenoshwep: I do not know, dear daughter, but we don't have confirmation on the fact that it's the code star's work yet!
Dr-Ay: You see, ye wanderers, a few years back, Tuphantamon was a great tyrant, merciless! His reign ended by murder, which is only natural considering the fact that the people feared him, but his dark use of our magic let him discover how he could make everything he wanted a reality. So in fear that he would end our race, we made him a funeral and put him in the safest spot of the All-Seeing pyramid, which is now buried deep in the sand. It is full of deadly traps that are certain to kill anyone who dares to cross however, and three guardians maintain these traps. One needs to face them in order to get to Tuphantamon, and then face Tuphantamon himself! His room contains a galleon-load of treasure, sought after all over the world!
Akhenoshwep: Mere treasure is not really reason to mess with Tuphantamon. I knew him all too well, he does not like it when people disturb him. Even among the dead, he is still aware of his surroundings, and what's happening within the pyramid!
Chloe: Wanderers, don't go in there! It's dangerous!
Akhenoshwep: To be frank, I don't even know where the pyramid is though... I admit I am not as smart as Tuphantamon was... sigh...
Chloe: Wanderers... are you sure what you're looking for is here?

Mario: Oh yeah!

Dr-Ay: Princess Chloe, it is possible that these people need your assistance if they are to know where that code star is!
Chloe: But I can't guide them in there! It's very dangerous, and I am still but a child!
Dr-Ay: Yes, indeed, but you are the only one who still knows what to do in situations like this... Tuphantamon left this portion of his power with you...
Chloe: Yes... I know that...
Akhenoshwep: I wish I had the strength of the older pharaohs... I feel weak by not helping you wanderers... ever since the treaty of peace of the Mushroom Kingdom was signed, pharaohs contributed to help our Fungus island prosper. I... however, am the only king with no real achievements... Dr-Ay here is the one responsible for the burial of Tuphantamon... if becoming a king didn't rely on you being part of the royal family, I would be on the streets right now... please Chloe, get these wanderers to where they want!
Chloe: Yes, father! Wanderers, follow me!
Blurrgr: Ha! Told ya it would be easy!
Rockbert: On second thought that... All-Seeing Pyramid they were talking about sounded deadly!

Chloe gets out of the palace... follow her around in Geldgypt, until she stops in front of the giant coin statue of the Golden Temple.

Chloe: This is the place, but I can't see him anywhere!
Blurrgr: Who's him now?
Chloe: Buzzorus... he lives in this temple. But I can't find him... I don't know why...
Lucifer: Can you sense him or something? The fact that you were entrusted to do this kinda indicating that you have some connection with him!
Chloe: He was said to be a god, but then something put an end to his existence... until I found a mystical coin that was said to bring things back to life... I wished hard for him to come back, and what came was... Buzzorus! The bird acknowledged me as the one who brought him back, and grew attached to me! And here we are! I'm sorry I couldn't help you, wanderers!
Stayzee: Oh do not worry, child! You did well! But let the grown-ups handle the rest, darling!
Chloe: Wait... I can sense him! But he's in pain!
Antonimus: Pain... what kind of pain?
Bootrus: What if Brassus is behind this? It could be! He's done some terrible things, I know it!
Antonimus: That's a stretch, but it IS highly possible! Let's go back to the Coliseum! Maybe the bird is held captive there!
Chloe: Please, bring him back here! His place is on his perch, right here! Without him, you can't enter the All-Seeing Pyramid!
Blurrgr: Yeah ok... that's some serious backtracking there...
Goombeddy: Oh come on now! Miiyoto had more of those, remember?

Anyway, back to the Coliseum... wait, just before the Coliseum!

Chuck: Hey! It's them again!
Koopsparagus: Hey guys! Hey Antonimus!
Antonimus: What are you still doing here?
Nebula: We don't know what we can do!
Goomda: It sure is boring 'round here!
Antonimus: You guys should get to the Ankhalace! It's past the temple ahead! I'm sure the king there will accept you!
Koopsparagus: Thanks! Oh, and I heard Brassus got some bird captive...
Nebula: There were sounds of pain coming from the Coliseum!
Goomda: Pretty nasty stuff if y'ask me!
Snifle: I can confirm! I feel a birdy presence within the Coliseum.
Chuck: Well, hope you guys are doing fine! See ya!

They go to the direction of the Ankhalace.

Meanwhile, you explore more of the Broman Coliseum, and open new paths. At some point, you hear the sound of a screaming buzzard.

Luna: You hear that? Poor thing! It must be this Buzzorus!
Block: These screams sound in pain! We better press onward!

Onward, you will find at some point a squirming bird, with a divine crown and Ankh on his chest (there sure are lotsa Ankhs), attached to chains.

Antonimus: Buzzorus!
Goombeddy: Don't worry, bird! We're getting you out!
Brassus: Well, well. I guess I should've expected you to escape... so you came back for that bird? How pathetic! You need it to get to the All-Seeing Pyramid, where I put a code star myself?
Antonimus: You put it there?
Brassus: Just stole it from the Kappa Pirates and handed it to a ghost...
Antonimus: ...Loss!
Brassus: So that is her name? Well, good thing you remembered! I'm done trying to imprison you! I will take care of you myself!

MINI-BOSS BATTLE!!!

Brassus: I will get you next! Go with the bird though... not like you will survive the pyramid! He he he!

He goes away...

Buzzorus is free from the chains, and shouts proudly spreading his wings. He then looks at the heroes, and offers them a ride back to where Chloe is. When you get there though, not just Chloe is waiting.

Dr-Ay: Tell me, wanderers... how many code stars do you have?
Luigi: 13? I think?
Dr-Ay: Interesting... I must look at you... all of you... yes... oh... uh-huh! Ooo... By Osiris... you are those I knew about!
Chloe: Really?
Dr-Ay: Yes... I saw people just like you collecting code stars... and you, Sir, are Mario! And you, his brother Luigi!
Luigi: You got it wrong! He's Mario, and I'm Luigi!
Dr-Ay: Close enough...
Chloe: Oh... I did not know! Anyway, thanks for bringing back Buzzorus safe!

Buzzorus approaches Chloe and leans his beak towards the girl's palm. She touches it with her forehead.

Chloe: Buzzorus... those who saved you need to get inside the All-Seeing Pyramid... can you open the path?

Buzzorus nods in agreement and lets everyone on his back. They are dropped off near a sand dune. His eye of Buzzorus begins glowing, and as he looks into the dune, a stony, golden structure with a giant eye in the middle rises from the ground.

Dr-Ay: This is it... heroes... the All-Seeing Pyramid, also dubbed the tomb of thousand deaths. It is a bloodthirsty place within which lies a world of traps trying to plunge you into the depths of the undead world! It is said that however dies here has their soul retrieved by Tuphantamon's minions to give him their powers... so the more people die, the stronger he becomes.
Chloe: Stay safe!
Brassus: Well, looks like you made it rise!

He comes on screen.

Blurrgr: Well, whatever's inside, it can't be that bad, right?
Brassus: Oh, you are not making it out alive! Just go in, or the world is going to die!
Blind: There is no other option, friends! We must get inside...

They all go inside, as the door closes behind, so there's no turning back...

Chloe: Please, come back alive!
Dr-Ay: May my wisdom accompany you...

So, the depressing part is in the next part... until then, See Ya!

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Chapter 14, Part 2

DUNGEON 14: All-Seeing Pyramid.

Enemies:
-Sneetes
-Stableetles
-Hashrachnos
-Dead Hands
-Phantos
-Dark Boos
-Invisighouls
-Mural Koopas
-Mural Goombas
-Mural Buzzy Beetles
-Pokeys
-Poison Pokeys
-Firebars

Also, unlike other enemies, Pokeys retain their old Paper Mario design. Just look more like a cactus to me.

Anyway. This dungeon is gigantic, and that’s the reason why there are so many enemies. To start off, the main gimmick here is lowering and raising the level of the pyramid. The sand condition changes depending on how low or high the pyramid is. There is one life all the way down that leads to the top, so you need to find a way there. But it’s waaayyy easier said than done... why?

Well, remember that depressing tone this chapter takes on? Yeah that... those who read this chapter's older version won’t be disappointed, because the same things happen here... well, there are few changes of course, but the gist of it is pretty much the same.

Anyway, all the rooms are square-shaped, to match walls of the pyramid. However, each floor consists of an "outline room", split into many mini rooms in order to vary in content and a larger room inside of it...

Anyway, now for dialogue... as soon as you enter the pyramid.

Brassus, from outside: GAHAHA! Face your fates, maggots! You are ALL going to die. This isn’t just the All-Seeing Pyramid... it’s an ALL-KILLING PYRAMID! GAHA!
Rockbert: Yikes... I have a very bad feeling about this!
Blurrgr: Yeah whatever... place looks haunted...
Luigi: Oh no! It can’t be haunted! Here’s where my weak point kicks in!
Kooplea: Oh... yeah... your fear of ghosts hasn’t dissipated yet...
Penny: Guys... whatever is in there, staying here is not gonna help. We should really move somewhere.

You go on, battle a few enemies, and solve puzzles involving Penny to proceed. All these puzzles lead to the door that leads to the middle room to open. The big room in the middle is almost empty, save for a few spiders and their webs here and there.

Luigi: This place is becoming more and more spooky!
Penny: There’s something odd about this place however... it looks as though something is going to happen anytime now!
Blurrgr: Come on! Get these feelings out! You’re probably having illusions, like that ghost guy we thought we saw earlier!
???: Yes, on that subject...

The ghost guy reappears, and this time, he’s got two friends.

Fifty: I am Fifty, the youngest of the three winds! Your will be underwhelmed by my invulnerability!
Habibtak: I am Habibtak, Ya Habibi, the sister of the three winds! As long as I look you in the eye, you can’t do anything to me!
Sir K.-O.: And I, great wind of Geldgypt, Sir K.-O., will blow you off the face of the earth you’re standing on!
Blurrgr: Hey look! He’s got some unreal ghost friends!
Luigi: *internal purgatory... or should I say Nowhere*
Sir K.-O.: You dare think you’re seeing a mere illusion! We are not the kinds of ghosts that go on crying like "OooOooOOoooO, stop where you are or we eat your brains!" NO! NO! NO! NO! We’re real, physical, almost fleshy ghosts! We serve King Tuphantamon, even among the dead! Prepare to see how real we are!

Mini-Boss battle time.

All three of them have special things. Sir K.-O is the muscle, so his attacks are quite powerful, and his golden rings can trap you motionless. Habibtak is an infatuater, and will hypnotize any male character, because females don’t fall for them unless they’re lesbian. Fifty, the one in the back, is lacking in self-confidence and thinks he is weak. He has a spike on him, so no jumping, and his attacks are the weakest, but involve a lot of magic spells, so status effect infliction.

Sir K.-O: Agh! You beat us! NO! THIS SHOULDN'T HAPPEN! I HAVE AN INTERNAL THIRST FOR REVENGE, I NEED SOMEONE TO VENT MY ANGER ON!

Habibtak hides behind Fifty, who looks nervous.

Fifty: But Sir! The traps will take care of them for sure! Right?
Habibtak: Yes... by the time we meet them again, their number would have decreased at the least!
Sir K.-O: ... perhaps you are right... I just need some time to digest this battle... farewell wanderers. Farewell because YOU WILL MOST LIKELY DIE!

They dematerialize into wind.

Penny: Geez, Luieege! They didn’t look very nice! So they the one harvesting the souls of those who fall?
Kooplea: Must be it! They bring them to this Tuphantamon guy! We should be very careful!

But just then, a trap opens in the ceiling, and an eye is seen.

All-Seeing Eye: I am the All-Seeing Eye! Nothing escapes my sight! Perish now! Be at Tuphantamon's mercy!

The ceiling grows spikes, and it begins falling down! A trap most Paper Mario games use, but yeah why not? At least here it’s pretty climatic to have it. But what's worse? Get to the door on the other side... it’s locked!
Luigi: What?! It’s locked! How is anyone supposed to get past this point?
Lucifer: They don’t intend you to get past this point! We’re doomed!
Blurrgr: Oh no! Every attempt I made about not resigning... lead to THIS?! I should’ve quit, I knew it, but I didn’t!

Penny looks at the eye in a way...

Kooplea: Penny, stop looking at it like that! You’re making me worried!
Lucifer: Yeah, why are you staring at it like it’s some sort of staring contest?

Penny breathes in heavily and says to Mario: Mario... back at Hondon... when I heard about you... I never thought I would be so much of help to you... I’m sorry it has to end now though... Thanks for the adventure, I had lots of fun!
Lucifer: PENNY WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

Penny flies away towards the eye.

Penny: This thing is controlling the ceiling! If I stop it, then you are safe!
Kooplea: Penny! Don’t!

Penny stings the eye hard, and it explodes, but then a cage made of diamond falls on her, and prevents her from doing anything, but the door unlocks.

Penny: Just go! And remember me!

Mario looks sad, and the partners are internally panicking. Mario waves at Penny, who responds in a smile. As they all get out of the door, it closes behind, and the ceiling is heard crashing on the floor.

Goombeddy: Oh no...
Kooplea: NO! Penny!
Lucifer: It’s... It’s alright... don’t cry Kooplea please! I’m gonna cry too!
Kooplea: But I can’t hold it!
Lucifer: WAAAAH! Me neither!
Rockbert: Hey... girls? Think of it this way... if Penny really is dead, then we should just go! Her sacrifice shouldn’t be in vain!
Blurrgr: You guys... you... absolute... maniacs... WE’RE ALL GONNA DIE!
Antonimus: Woah there, Blurrgr. I know this is bad, but what can we do! This pyramid is MADE for killing, it’s natural if some of us die!
Blurrgr: We shouldn't have gone through there! Now I’m cursed to stay with you until I die, while I could’ve stayed at Miiyoto eating my own handmade hotdogs!
Goombeddy: Hey, if you didn’t know that this quest was dangerous, that’s not our concern! Do you even think everyone here joined against their will?
Blurrgr: *Groan*
Block: Come on guys... let’s go and try to forget what just happened to our dear Penny...

So yeah... that’s the other main "gimmick". You just lost a partner! Ok ok, next floor!

This floor doesn’t focus on any partner, because since the last one killed off Penny while it focused around her, then it would spoil events to come here. Anyway, same shit... you do puzzles, and the door opens. Sometimes, you don’t do puzzles, you just advance.

Anyway, in the room of that floor...

Luigi: Hey! Everyone! Look! The door is there! Let’s go quick!

However, the All-Seeing Eye was watching, and directly closed the door.

Kooplea: Hey, didn’t you explode back there?
All-Seeing Eye: As long as you live, my will for murdering does not perish! NOTHING. Escapes my sight!

He lowers the pyramid's level to deep under the sand. The sand pours in from the windows of the room and begin flooding everything...

Goombeddy: Everyone! Find a way out or we turn into fossilized versions of ourselves!
Blurrgr, sitting in a corner: What’s the point anyway... we lost one, and will probably lose another, and then another... until all of us get swallowed by the god-forsaken prismatic nightmare!
Goombeddy: I don’t think pyramids count as prisms...
Blurrgr: That’s besides the point, idiot!

The argument carries on, but soon enough, Block notices a switch on the other side of the room, in front of which is a toxic gas... being a in a robotic body, he can’t get hurt by it, and he runs over to the switch...
Chilliana: Guys...? Block is... going somewhere!
Rockbert: He’s probably pressing that switch over there! Maybe it will raise the pyramid back up!
Block: Come on, Gary, do it! I know you have it in you!

He finally presses the switch.

Block: YES! I did it!

But not realizing that the sand still didn’t stop, he gets engulfed by it, and doesn’t seem to be able to get out. THEN, the sand stops.

Chilliana: Oh no... again!
Luna: Ugh... he was cool too... we can’t keep that up! At this rate, we’re all gonna die at some point!
Blurrgr: GAH! I told you! We’re cursed to stay here! I can’t believe my life is ruined because of some ragtag group I just joined!
Antonimus: Simmer down, man... we can’t give up! The world depends on it!
Blurrgr: You know what I say to the world? I say *glitch covers word*!
Kooplea: I can’t believe how selfish you’re being! Two of our friends have died in front of us, and you’re acting like you’re the unlucky one!
Lucifer: Shame... I thought I was mean as a person myself, but turns out there exist worse.
Goombeddy: Guys... please... let’s just go again!
Chilliana: But... what if he’s still alive?
Goombeddy: Look... I like him too, he’s nice... but we must go on!

And now that murder #2 happened, you continue on. The next room has spikes all over the floor and a narrow path above. That’s the thing about this place. It takes away your partners, and then makes you wish you still had them! It’s like the rooms are being made just as said partner died! It’s pretty creepy but cool in a way! I mean, cool because now apparently the pyramid itself is like a villain, but it’s bad because these characters I created fir you to to know and love are dying... you get my point here, right? I’m not stating utter shit ain’t I?

Anyway, now the layout changes a little. Any room you encounter may lead to a new loss... yeah now this is this chapter's code star, but it wasn’t meant to sound like that... anyway, one room contains... water on its floor.

Blurrgr: HAHA! YEAH! WATER! IT'S MY TIME TO DIE! FAREWELL, LOSERS!

He dives head first into the floor, but he just turns grey, with a rocky skin instead of dying.

Blurrgr: What? I’m still alive?
Goombeddy: That’s funny... I thought I picked up from Miiyoto that Blurrns are made of lava, not fire! You just become stone in contact with water!
Lucifer: What a sad little downer...
Blurrgr: Oh you will see! As soon as I die myself, you will be begging for me to resurrect or something!
Kooplea: Uhh... everyone... what is that?

She points at a group of Sarcophagus, sitting straight along the walls, and four laying down on the moist floor. Suddenly, an arm pops out of one of them, as a moaning zombie yell is heard. A bunch of bandages come out of each coffin, and they turn into snakes made of paper sheets, hence the Sneetes. First ones in the game, and in this whole dungeon. Once you defeat them all, some bandages that were locking the door get released, but are seen crawling elsewhere. They all form a giant mummy, with one, glaring eye...

All-Seeing Eye: I see you! You can’t hide from me!

Suddenly, an arrow strikes him in the eye.

Bootrus: Do not worry, everyone! I got this under control! I will keep him distracted!
Rockbert: But what about you?
Bootrus: I am willing to end my spiritual existence if it is to protect you and honor those we already lost... now go!

Everyone goes out, as the door closes behind, and an ear-splitting scream is heard, as if he was getting chewed by a monster.

Luna: Man... if even an angel just died... I don’t know what the world is becoming!
Chilliana, crying: I... I’m scared! I don’t wanna d-d-die!
Rockbert: I hope we’re almost done with this place!
Luigi: Who is next? Just thinking about it sends chills down my spine!
Blurrgr: Look at these guys mourning their lost friends... shouldn’t have come here, huh?
Stayzee, after slapping him with her purse: You miserable glorified rotten candle, shut your trap for once!
Goombeddy: For this one time, I agree with Stayzee! Stop making fun of us and our friends!
Blurrgr: Whatever...
Goombeddy: And also, jut put it in your mind... the world is gonna end and you wanna slack on it?
Blurrgr: WELL MAYBE I DON'T WANT THE WORLD TO BE SAVED!
Antonimus: What do you mean? Wasn’t that the reason you joined?
Blurrgr: No! I joined your stupid quest all because I knew that it would mean I could keep a code star for myself, sell it at high price and get set for life! That’s why!
Rockbert: Wow, you’re greedy...
Nina: Even I don’t hunt for treasure that much...
Rockbert: You know you should consider yourself lucky that you are still not dead yet!
Blurrgr: Why though? If at some point everyone is gonna die, then why should I consider myself lucky?
Rockbert: ... what a waste of time...

Again, navigate more... the reason why now the layout isn’t like the one of the first floors is because now you actually have freedom to move around, raise and lower the pyramid's level via some switches found all over the place. Some new death traps, but that are escapable will start to appear. Those do cause an instant game over, but like the Thwomps, it’s kinda unlikely that you succumb to them unless you can’t even get past the first Goomba... then again, this is Chapter 14, so the first Goomba is a ways behind us.

You come across a room with cobrats statues on the ceiling. They look menacing. A problem here is the labyrinth in front of you. Just then, one of the SMB2 vases next to you begin moving, and a cobrat sticks himself out of it.

Cobrat: Oh, look! Travelersssssss! You here for the treasssssure? Anyway, thisssssss room isssssssss dangerousssss, because those sssssssssstatues up there will try to shoot you as sssssssoon as you get the key in the middle. First, it issssssssss better to find the exit, then get the key! Hope that helpsssssss!

As instructed, you find the exit.

Blind: Wonderful! We found it! Let’s find that key now! I will stay here to guide you! I can sense secret passages in the walls!
Luna: Great! Thanks, Blind! We’ll come here running as fast as we can!
Kooplea: Yeah... these snakes up there look like they will not hesitate to go for the kill!

Once you get the key, though, the snakes' mouths begin accumulating fire and fire them into the maze... at some point, the whole rooms will catch on fire... Blind, desperate, manages to guide you all out, but as the fire calms down, all but one have made it out alive...

Luigi: Uh... guys, where is Blind?

Everyone looks into the door, only to find that nothing in the room is left... it’s like it all turned to ash.

Chilliana: He... he made sure we all got out safely... before worrying about himself!
Lancebob: You fought well soldier! You fought well indeed!
Blurrgr: Eh... why are you even surprised?
Antonimus: Ok, Blurrgr, you’re starting to annoy us!
Goombeddy: "Starting..."
Antonimus: Yeah whatever... you’re annoying us! You wanna give up, ok! No one here will stop you... but we are not, so please if you'd excuse us, we still need to continue! Ok?
Blurrgr: Look, face it, we’re cursed to wander around this pyramid if it doesn’t kill us! It’s over! Nothing will ever be on our side!
Stayzee: All I hear is a jumble of noises! Your words mean nothing to mine ears!
Goombeddy: We can’t lose anyone anymore, though! Let’s be more careful from here!
Lucifer: That is easier said than done, we’re doing our best here!

Anyway... you see now how big of a character development Blurrgr is getting... now it seems like he’s helping you just because it won’t make a difference! Ya see?

Boy, that was abrupt, but unfortunately I gotta cut this here for... reasons you all know and hate by now... anyway, conclusion right in next post!

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Chapter 14, Part 3

You come across a dark hallway... you almost can’t see anything... just two parallel rows of golden pillars.

Rockbert: Yuk! This is eerie... It feels like the world has just ended...
Nina: Wait... I hear something...
Rockbert: I don’t hear anything!
Nina: Ya don’t have my ears, Rocky... I really hear something...

*the sound of speeding swinging giant axes intensify*

Mario jumps back in horror... he could’ve almost been ripped to pieces.

Lucifer: Ok, be careful you guys! These blades look sharp!
Goombeddy: Well you’re one who doesn’t need to worry!
Rockbert: Wait, are these axes moving ONLY in horizontal patterns?

As he advances by one step, an axe swings in all its might to his direction, slashing him in... wait, no, he’s made of rock...

Rockbert: Oh no... they’re everywhere!

Some axes are seen coming out of nowhere, trying to slice through you. Controlling Mario, you need to get outta here!

Luigi: Agh! Help! I’m stuck!
Mario: Oh no!

He tries to jump into action, but an axe speeds just in front of him and sends him back unconscious outta the room.

Rockbert: Ok, Nina, follow me! My rocky nature prevents me from getting hurt by these!
Nina: Nice thinking!
Lucifer: Wait... Luigi?
Luigi: Oh no! This might be the end for me!

Lucifer's inner beast kicks in and grabs Luigi to get him out... sure she gets a part of the tail cut off, but regeneration...

Luigi: Oh! Thanks, Lucifer!
Lucifer: Hey, it’s in my blood to help you!

But Blurrgr comes in and ruins the operation: he pushes Lucifer into an axe as she gets separated from the lower half of her body, and pushes Rockbert outta the way, making him lose time as the door starts closing slowly.

Blurrgr: Outta by way!
Lucifer: Don’t worry about me! Run Luigi! Save yourself!
Nina: ROCKY!

She looks at the door a second, and tosses him across the room, leaving her on the ground after lifting such weight... while an axe cuts the rope of another somewhere above Lucifer's neck.

Luigi: Oh no! Hang on!
Lucifer: Luigi! Go! The door is closing!
Luigi: No! I can’t leave you here to die!

The axe falls down towards Lucifer.

Lucifer: Luigi... please... go... I’ll be there with you! And thanks for supporting your biggest fan!

She snaps her fingers as a bolt of thunder strikes the plumber, sending him flying across the room into the still half-open door, while the sound of a blade cutting through Lucifer's throat is followed by a high-pitched scream that will forever resonate in Luigi's mind...

Mario can still see through the door, now close to closing in, as he gets a glimpse of what happened. Even though the player can’t see it... it is apparent through his eyes what happened. Nina, still on the other side, seems to now be stuck alone with the decapitated mermaid. Mario tries to reassure his partners that everything will be fine.

Luigi: No... this can't be happening!
Mario, with a saddened expression, trying to calm Luigi down: Hey! (Luigi! I know, it’s horrible... but)
Luigi: There’s no but... Mario... WHY DID YOU DO IT, YOU LITTLE PIECE OF USELESS PAPER?
Blurrgr: Hey, I didn’t do anything!
Luigi: Stop lying, I saw you!
Blurrgr: Errrrrrrrr... okay! I did it, I killed your girlfriend...
Luigi: And she's not my girlfriend!
Blurrgr: Yeah whatever she is. I killed her, yeah, but not like she wasn’t gonna die!
Rockbert: Wait... guys... did Nina make it?
Mario: ...
Rockbert: Oh no! Not her too!
Blurrgr: Oh no, he’s gonna start crying now?
Kooplea: Nina meant the world for the little guy, so yes!
Rockbert: She’s stuck in there because you simply HAD to get your way, and pushed me back so Nina had to go back to toss me out of there! Who knows what will happen to her!
Blurrgr: There are as much people who know as to how much people care about both your girls...
Luigi & Rockbert: ............
BOOHOO! What’re we gonna do without our friends?
Stayzee: You deserve to be hung up, fiend!
Goombeddy: Honestly, I am so annoyed I actually am starting to tolerate you!
Antonimus, getting in front of Blurrgr: Guys! Progress now, fight later!
Kooplea: Wow... you’re so reasonable... reminds me of Bootrus...
Goombeddy: I won’t forget the sight of Penny trapped helpless...
Luigi: Lucifer's scream before... you know! It’s like it was shoved in my brain forever.
Lancebob: And we will dearly miss our resident soldier Blind...
Antonimus: Look... I know... our friends are dying, and maybe one of us last ones standing will die too... but they all did for a reason... we should save the world, and by doing so, we honor our fallen friends by making it clear that their sacrifices were not in vain! And that is why we can’t give up! Now who's with me?

Everyone, including Mario, raise their hands... except Blurrgr of course. Goombeddy looks at him with anger. Blurrgr then nervously raises a single finger slightly.

Blurrgr: You... you win... let’s just go!

Then, comes the bottom room, which is more spooky and haunted than anything else. However, no one dies here. Instead, you are greeted with a door that looks like a Phanto mask, surrounded by golden ornaments.

Danus: Hey! HEY! You’re back! I was worried I wouldn’t see you again, but boy was I wrong again! Isn’t it cool to meet up with old friends!
?
But, you seem to be missing a handful of people here... did you lose them to the pyramid?
Kooplea: Oh... don’t remind us... please!
Danus: I’m... I’m sorry! Man, I am so sorry I am obliged to ask questions!
Chilliana: Why?
Danus: Well...

*Whip*

Danus: OW!
Sir K.-O: Oh, what’s that? Did some of your friends die? Very pathetic! I feel like my anger has finally calmed! Such a satisfying feeling!
Rockbert: Don’t you dare make fun of our partners!
Sir K.-O: Come on, now, door spirit thing... ask questions, and I will set you free!
Danus: I’m sorry! I’m at this guy's mercy! Forgive me!
Sir K.-O: SHUT UP AND ASK QUESTIONS ALREADY!
Danus: You want questions... is it ok if don’t ask a question though?
Sir K.-O: ...
Danus: What? That counts as a question right? See the interrogation mark?
Goombeddy: If we count these two, that makes four questions!

*Whip continuously*

Antonimus: Hey, stop it! Let him go!
Sir K.-O: Not until you pass the quiz... only then will I acknowledge you as being worthy of facing the king!

Anyway, this third quiz is rather simple, but if you fail at it, you die!

Sir K.-O: WHAT?! YOU DID IT? YOU PASS THE QUIZ! NO! NO! NO! NO NO NO! You were supposed to fail and die!

He points at a pile of skulls.

Sir K.-O: As you can see, you are the first ones to ever get this far AND get to the King's chamber! But you will face your end in front of him!

He teleports away.

Danus: Guys...

He gets out of this last door all happy and begins cuddling the party.

Danus: THANK YOU! A BIG THANK YOU TO Y'ALL! I am finally free!
Snifle: Mario! The code star is at the top of the pyramid, and this door takes us up there. It’s an elevator of sorts.
Danus: Good luck, guys! You will need it! Now I’m gonna make some trouble outside! Hope you beat that Tuphantamon guy!

You enter the Phanto door. You end up in a pretty bright room. The three winds are here, spinning around a golden, heavily decorated sarcophagus.

Fifty: You should have gave up, wanderers!
Habibtak: You and your souls will be consumed by the odious King Tuphantamon!
Sir K.-O: Perish in front of his wrath... his awakening!
Fifty: You will be sorry you ever... wait, what was next again?
Habibtak: Oh come on!
Sir K.-O: FIFTY! We prepared for this for years!
Fifty: Sorry, it escapes me! That part always freaks me out...
Sir K.-O: Anyway, wanderers... you are the first ones to witness Tuphantamon's awakening!
Habibtak: Oh great monarch, arise from the fallen and destroy these fools!

Then, the lid of the coffin slowly slides sideways, opening it. A bandaged hand reaches out, and another, as the mummy lifts itself from the tomb. It faces the party, looking at them with two, purple glowing eerie eyes, and a mouth full of blood, wearing golden accessories all over his body. He lets out a roar and starts climbing the walls like a spider to reach the top floor, which is in the glassy top of the pyramid. As that happens, the Phanto door behind begins cracking, as a hoard of Phantos begin flooding the room. Climb as fast as you can, because if the Phantos catch you, it’s game over! At the top, Tuphantamon is seen carrying a set number of orbs, all sporting emblems that match each of your lost partners.

BOSS CHAPTER 14: KING TUPHANTAMON

Tattle: This is King Tuphantamon, the last pharaoh of Geldgypt before Akhenoshwep! He was buried in here so that no one could ever get to him... and unlike our case, no one ever did get to him... Max HP is 200, ATT is 16. He can use most of our partners' moves, since he has their souls. Look at these orbs! Without them, he’s nothing, but now, it’s like our friends are fighting us! Do not fall, Mario, Luigi, because beating him would mean avenging our dear lost ones! He can also heal himself, as an enduring spirit who has not disappeared after death! Anyway, this is a life or death situation, you get me?

The fight ends with Tuphantamon’s ridiculous amount of HP dropping to 0. Tuphantamon screams a fierce yet desperate zombie scream, as the mummy begins turning to turn into stone, and suddenly becoming inanimate. The small gust of wind then blows through the small openings and turn him into ash, taking him away into the large void that is the entire Dried-Out desert.

Loss: Oww... what happened?
Antonimus: ........................ STARR, YOU'RE ALIVE!
Loss: Antonimus?

Antonimus jumps on the code star, clutching her with all his strength.

Antonimus: I thought I’d never see you again!
Loss: Oh Antonimus! I knew you’d come for me!
Antonimus: How did you end up here, though?
Loss: I was handed out to a ghost by Brassus! He summoned him and told him to hide it from anyone!
Sir K.-O: What the star is saying is true... an individual summoned me to give it to me! I did not know of his intentions, but it seems that it is important to save the world, so take it, heroes!
Habibtak: You have successfully reached the end of the All-Seeing Pyramid and... oh wait!
Fifty: Here are your friends! Resurrected like new!

And in the snap of two fingers, Tuphantamon's orbs break one by one, releasing the respective partners.

Penny: Ugh... wait... I’m alive?
Lucifer: We are! But how?
Nina: They must 'ave saved us somehow...
Bootrus: Yes they did! Look! They’re right here!
Block: Oh my goodness! Guys!
Blind: You saved us!
Kooplea: OH MY GOD YOU'RE HERE SAFE AND SOUND!
Luigi: We thought you were gone forever!
Chilliana: Phew! What a relief!
Rockbert: Come here everyone!

And the partners celebrate their victory and share their emotions. Meanwhile, Blurrgr contemplates the scene sadly...

Blurrgr: We... we actually did it... yaaaay...
Antonimus: Blurrgr... didn’t I tell you? We never lost hope, even when Luigi and Rockbert started crying! Thing is, together, nothing could stop us! We stuck together, and we wouldn’t have done it without you! Thanks for not giving up on us Blurrgr... I know that on the way, you were secretly hoping for us to get back out of the Pyramid alive... and look... not only did we survive, but we got our hands on the code star, AND our friends came back!

Blurrgr looks at Antonimus with warth, as he approaches the group...

Blurrgr: Guys... look... I know I was a major jerk back there, and that I even killed two of you on purpose, but... I’m sorry... please... forgive me... I promise I’m gonna help you for real now... not for money... for us... so, do you accept my apology?

A bunch of people get close to him and Mario silently forgives, as some of the others hug him lightly.

Luigi: Apology accepted...
Rockbert: Yeah, just be sure not to kill anyone of us ever again and you’re alright!
Blind: You have my honor!
Penny: Wait, he did what? I’m pretty sure by the time I zoned out, he was totally normal!
Loss: So, You’re Mario right? I... I heard about you! So you’re the one who’s collecting us to save the world right?
Antonimus: Wait... that means that you won’t have to leave me again!
Loss: Oh yeah! Mario, I made up my mind! Take me with you!

So yeah, depressing, but the end is heart-warming. And yes, I know this fangame generates some Luigi x Lucifer theories at this point, but what can you do, that’s how a crazed Luigi fan interacts with Luigi. Also, we still gotta roast Rockbert x Nina.

Also, sorry about the length again, there’s just so much to tell!

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Interlude 14

Shadoodle: YES! FINALLY! That’s it! This is what I would’ve ever hoped to achieve!

The camera changes directions to show a tank containing lava.

Shadoodle: It’s still weird that an all powerful being like me is actually resorting to technology, but until I become myself again... if this machine doesn’t do it, I might be able to do it after though, because they’re gonna come back here anyway to claim their code star!

Hector and Victor are spying on him.

Victor: Dear lord! He’s actually done something useful to himself!
Hector: Yeah... I’m pretty sure it won’t be enough to bring them down though... according to Evilness' readings, they found one inside the All-frikkin-Seeing Pyramid!
Victor: Woah! They are NOT to be taken lightly those guys! What happened to Evilness though? It seems like he doesn’t exactly... "look alive"...
Hector: No... he sacrificed himself to save the princess!
Victor: Wow, him? I would never have expected it!
Hector: I know, especially considering who we are! Speaking of which... I guess the time is getting closer... personally, I’m worried! It might not go as planned!
Paraplonk: What are you two talking about?

Hector and Victor are startled.

Victor: Umm... nothing!
Hector: Nah, let him know!

The camera zooms out, as the two are seen explaining the situation to Paraplonk, who seems to understand. He goes back to the rest of the trio... pretty short Elite trio interlude...

Anyway, let’s see what’s with Hackula!

???: My child! You have failed me! That Mario has got all of the Code Stars! Lucky for you, I have already assumed my original form again! Step aside and watch and learn from your creator!
Hackula, waking up: OH SON OF A... again!? These nightmares are more and more frequent! I should really find a way!
Bowser: What... just happened?
Hackula: Were you stalking me while I was daydreaming?
Bowser: I needed to pick up as much info on you as I can to improve you, so yeah?
Hackula: I appreciate the gesture, but this is not helping! Mario and Luigi found yet another code star! They are only two stars short! And one of them is with us!
Bowser: Anyway, what are these code stars anyway? I kept hearing you talk about them... but what are they?
Hackula: Devices that keep the world what it is... without them, everything becomes all messed up! And that, is my creator's goal!
Bowser: But you said you didn’t exactly like him!
Hackula: Yes... and I really want to prevent the world from ending... but I can’t! At this very moment... no, all this time... he’s been watching me! Yet, only I know where he really is... If I resign, he will kill me!
Bowser: Well, wow! You’re not a traditional kind of villain, that’s for sure!
Hackula: Yes, Mister Bowser!
Kammy Koopa: Lord Bowser! I have received another mail from the kingdom! They’ve been all imprisoned! By these glitch things!
Bowser: What? Aren’t the glitches YOUR side? Wait a minute... I see! You sent me here to get me away from my kingdom and take it from me! I see it all now!
Hackula: No! I swear! I never wanted you here! Believe me! It must have been someone else! Or maybe that someone is none other than... him!

The screen fades to black as Bowser crosses his arms...

Back at Geldgypt, the party just got out of the All-Seeing Pyramid after a dramatic trip that ended well however.

Chloe: They’re here! They’re alive!

She runs up to Mario, hugging his leg.

Chloe: I always believed you would succeed! Teehee!
Akhenoshwep: And that is saying a lot...

He was there, which was surprising, because when we first got into the pyramid, he wasn’t there.

Akhenoshwep: I knew Tuphantamon... when my time as Pharaoh ended, he got hold of the throne... but his intentions were dark, and he used our magic in a dark manner... you already know that... still, I feel mad at myself for not confronting him again myself.
Dr-Ay: In a more serious matter, I received word that the plague of the desert is gone! And it is all thanks to you... no one else could’ve really stopped Tuphantamon, so if you hadn’t gone there, the people of the desert would’ve been cursed forever!
Buzzorus: *Eagle yell*
Chloe: He says that now that Tuphantamon is completely dead, the pyramid can be ridden of its traps! It’s now a lot safer!

Buzzorus spreads his wings wide, along a battle cry, as an upside down stone ankh comes out of the All-Seeing Pyramid's eye, flips, and gets back in, as the eye gains a blue colored iris, instead of the previous red.

All-Seeing Eye: Greetings, heroes! I am the Ancient Spirit, and I was a god once. I have guided you into this pyramid, and now, I present you with your next trial!
Penny: Wait... weren’t you the one in the pyramid murdering all of us?
Ancient Spirit: It is true, in the end, I am still the All-Seeing Eye you fear, but I have been consciously knocked out and got substituted by an evil force... this of the pharaoh who slept within the pyramid... I feared that it would happen one day, so I created a bird being to carry part of my essence... and that was how Buzzorus was born... and thanks to the little girl you have in front of you, it managed to fulfill its purpose...
Chloe: You were Buzzorus? So there are two of you?
Ancient Spirit: Yes, and I must thank you, child... But now, I am to tell you, that you need 15 code stars to access the last one, as it is difficult to locate it!
Loss: He’s telling the truth! Even though we are now 14, there is only one I can sense!
Ancient Spirit: To access the next star, you will need to gather the six sages! In all the lands in which you have travelled as of now, in six of them you will find a wise person. Bring them somewhere in the ocean, and they shall open your path... I will see you again... at Parallel Island...

And the voice fades away, as Buzzorus proudly flies away to the Golden Temple.

Chloe: Six sages...
Dr-Ay: It’s a true story, mind you... I know the sages all too well, for I am one of them! I will hand you this tablet now... it gives you an idea of what the sages look like! And it also shows which ones you found!

Mario opens the tablet, and a circle of six outlines representing some already seen characters appears, one of them being Dr-Ay, already fully colored.

Dr-Ay: If you have travelled all across the Mushroom Kingdom, then surely some of these are known to you!
Akhenoshwep: Now go, heroes! And protect the world!
Merlee: OH WEE!
Here comes Merlee!

She comes in running.

Merlee: How wonderful, you did it!
You stopped the plague, oh so dreaded!
I am here to give you one last spell,
It’s great, trust me, there’s not much else to tell!

She casts a last spell on Mario... he can now turn into a Shuriken to rapidly travel horizontal distances and climb up ropes easily! You can also use this as a corkscrew...

Merlee: This is my last one,
Now I’m done,
And with that, I’m gone!

Good luck, Mario!

FINALLY! I DON'T HAVE TO COME UP WITH RIMES ANYMORE!

...for a while at least... but seriously it’s torture.

Anyway, if you dare go back to Champs-Eclypsees, you are greeted by a glitch invasion.

Merlon: Argh! Mario! Luigi! Help! The glitches are attacking!

And you fight every single one.

Merlon: Phew... that was close! These things must have covered the whole surface of the Mushroom Kingdom! Be careful!

Anyway, first sage is located in Dried-Out Valley... and it’s Skiller!

Skiller: Hey! Weirdos! You’re back! What is it you want from me?
Mario: Hey!
Skiller: I see! You need the six sages? Then I should be on my way! Let us meet in Toad Harbor! Eewakk... did I need to shake myself a little, I’m tired of sitting here by your side all day...

Next one is located in Puzzeele's Domain... well, at least it is suggested so because the outline on the tablet does indicate a Puzzeele. Getting there...

Asmodeus: Oh... Lucifer! Hey everyone! It’s the Princess!
*Applause*
Lucifer: Hey! Thank you!
Asmodeus: Tell us! Did you do it?
Lucifer: Not yet...
Asmodeus: Is everything okay, though?
Luigi: Don’t worry! She’s safe with us!
Lucifer: We need to gather the six sages of the Mushroom Kingdom! And one of them is here!
Asmodeus: Six Sages, huh? If one of them is one of us... then I’d say... Buer! He must be the one you’re looking for! He's at the castle!

...

Buer: What? What is it you want? Can’t you see I am busy trying to find a way to enrich our children?
Lucifer: But Mister Buer!
Buer: Call me Buer short, princess.
Lucifer: Buer... it’s for the sake of the world! It’s in danger!
Buer: OUR CHILDREN ARE IN DANGER! If I do not instruct them on the ways of life and culture, what will become of our home when their generation is the ones in control?
Lucifer: That already happened Buer... I And Asmodeus are in charge here, and we are part of that generation you speak of!
Buer: I am talking about the one AFTER you!
Goombeddy: Hey! If the world ends, there won’t be any children to educate!
Buer: You... you are right! Where should I go? Tell me!
Mario: Ho!
Buer: Toad Harbor you say? I’ll be there in two jiffies! But no promises!

The next sage is none other than Merltue, on the top of the Skygurrat...

Merltue: Ho! It’s the heroes again! Tell me, was Bootrus of great help for you?
Goombeddy: Yes very!
Bootrus: And we need to gather the six sages to get to where we need next!
Merltue: That... is unfortunate... I cannot leave this place... you will need to find another way! Without me, this place would crumble!

So you look for a way... which is just go find the undeads and form them in a minigame-ish way, to become good enough to substitute to Merltue. Heck, they even assemble in a way to mimick Merltue's body shape.

Merltue: Splendid! You’re sure you’re up to the task?

Bone Leader: No worries, big guy! We got it!
Spike: Yeah! Like this, nothing can stop us!
Bone 13: We’re pretty excited anyway, 'cause that was the best job we were ever given!
Merltue: Good to know!
Bootrus... I will be waiting at Toad Harbor!

The next sage is located in Gryztal Town... this time it’s Chillimpa.

Chillimpa: Oh! It’s you! I was waiting for you!
Chilliana: Really?
Chillimpa: Yes! My Crystal Ball showed me! You are looking for the six sages right? Oh the old days! I was bothered by the fact that I was the only girl... we used to hang out, and we then went our separate ways... although I don’t remember there being six, just five! So, where is it I need to go?
Chilliana: Toad Harbor!
Blurrgr: Wait... If you’re omniscient... then how did you not know where to go?
Chillimpa: I know I am the most competent fortuneteller... but I can’t see anything! Now if you excuse me...

And she goes away.

The last sage you wanna look for is in Mt. Funji... and it’s pretty obvious it’s Sensei Nyung.

Nyung: Ninjis... I am proud! You have graduated to the next grade and are a step closer of achieving your training of the mind!
Nina: Father!
All the party except Rockbert: FATHER?!
Rockbert: Yeah Father... what’s so wrong about that?
Nyung: What is it now, people? We are in the middle of a ceremony here!
Nina: Sorry Father... but...
Rockbert: We need you... we’re looking for the six sages...
Nyung: Oh! That changes things! So where to go? Toad Harbor? Ok, Toad Harbor it is! Ninjis, congratulations for your graduation, class is dismissed for the rest of the day!

...

Snifle: Hey Mario! I’m pretty sure ya found all of them sages! Let’s go back to Toad Harbor now!

So back to Toad Harbor, all the sages are assembled in one place.

Antonimus: Ok... you’re all here!
Skiller: Where else would we be?
Buer: This better be worth the time!
Merltue: Heroes... it is with great pleasure that I agree to do this!
Chillimpa: Anyway, so you’re taking us on a boat, right? I know it... just asking!
Nyung: And Parallel Island is an island that was never found! There is just proof that it exists!
Dr-Ay: Nevertheless, whatever you are planning to do, I’m in!

Passpar T: What is it, Mister Mario, Luigi?
Luigi: Hey, you’re just in time! We need a boat to go to the ocean!
Passpar T: Yes right away! This one here! I call it... The Kappassenger!

The camera shows the boat, in kind of a bad state, but it’s habitable. A loose window falls down into the water.

Passpar T: It has seen better days, but better than your average boat!
Blurrgr: Hey, you got a better boat? This one seriously can’t stand my fire!
Kooplea: And it seems like it could sink under all of our weight combined!
Passpar T: Sorry, all other boats are for tourists... good luck!

Everyone boards the boat, as it sets sail... hopefully to Parallel Island... where the Ancient Spirit waits...

To be continued...

Maybe the coolest interlude... I mean you visit many previously visited locations.

Anyway, See Ya in Chapter 15, which has the biggest amount of boss battles out of all!

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Chapter 15: A Weird Encounter

As the boat further navigates into the sea, people are getting worried.

Skiller: Hey... nice people... are you sure we will set foot on Parallel island before we set them in the bottom of the ocean?
Rockbert: We shouldn't worry much! This boat sure is more solid than it looks!

Just then, it hits a rock in the ocean and loses some of its balance.

Goombeddy: You know, sometimes, you can trust looks!
Stayzee: This is ridiculous! The Spirit said "somewhere in the ocean", but is there even a specific location? We may just be steering this boat in circles as well!
???: Not if we help you!

It's the fishtastic quartet! Yeah, their role in Chapter 7 was pretty small, so they get a main story reappearance!

Lucifer: Guys?! What're you doing here?
Paymon: We heard from Asmodeus you were coming here! So we thought maybe we could help you! Whatever you wanna do!
Egyn: Is there anything we wouldn't do for you?
Lucifer: Oh... you guys... I don't think it would be easy, even for you, to find Parallel Island!
Paymon: On that subject! Oriens! You said you've seen the island before, didn't you?
Oriens: Several times! But there is one problem... it's upside down! If I were to guess, it's an island where everything is weird! To begin with, it's still upside down...
Amaymon: So... how do we do this?
Egyn: Paymon! Amaymon! You two scout the area and check all unnecessary parts of the ocean on your maps! Oriens! You're with me, we're locating the island!
Fishtastic Quartet excluding Egyn: Got it!

Paymon And Amaymon swim away, and Egyn and Oriens stay with you to find the way. Even Snifle can beep to indicate how close Parallel Island is. Now things will be pretty simple. Every time either Paymon or Amaymon scout an area, they will call you, as an icon with their respective emblems appears on the part of the screen closest to where they are. You control the boat in a Wind Waker-ish way... you can find small islands with windmills, and make them spin to uncover stuff from the fog. This is integral for Egyn and Oriens to progress in their thing. At some point, you meet up with the first of many boss battles in this chapter: Big Blooper!

Anyway, when you find the island, it seems to be on the ocean... only problem is... well not only is the Island upside down, but the whole ocean on which it is! And even worse, that upside down ocean wasn't even there before!

Oriens: Yup, that's it!
Egyn: Glad we could help, princess!
Lucifer: Thank you so much, guys! You deserve to be the elite guards!
Paymon: Eh, it's our job!
Amaymon: Just... be sure to come back to the domain, ok, princess?
Dr-Ay: Sages! We must focus! Let us get the heroes on the island!
Skiller: It's been a while since we last did this!
Buer: It's not gonna be easy, but we must!
Merltue: Heroes, promise you will succeed in this trial!
Chillimpa: Whatever happens, if you feel unprepared, we can always get you back!
Nyung: Now... we send you with our wishes!

A beacon of light shines down on the party, as they start ascending a little. The world suddenly flips around, and we find ourselves on the island...

So... Parallel Island! Probably the most creative of all locations, because it's got all kinds of weird things, and everyone knows that weird means creative! Ok maybe not that much but it is in this case The island contains magic, a volcano, and remnants of an ancient civilization, shrouded in mystery! Wildlife here is weird, stones look at you, and pretty much all flowers are tiny windmills! And Bushes are... M. Bushes! Yes, that obscure Paper Mario enemy you never hoped to see again!

Lancebob: Such a weird place! It's like the further future here! Or at least how I imagine it!
Blind: Be careful, everyone! I know we got out of the All-Seeing Pyramid, which might just be the most dangerous place in the whole wide world, but that doesn't mean we should let our guard down!
Stayzee: Oh please! What could possibly happen? This place is a paradise don't you see? We might as well find this to be a breeze!

Says she as she turns her face towards the lush jungle, only for a Yoshi to come out and gobble up her necklace.

Stayzee: Oh you little uncivil brat! Come back here! I paid 50000 coins to make that necklace!
Goombeddy: Hey, Mario, Luigi, remember back then when we had to find that thing? Well turns out it was to get it eaten by a Yoshi! And why are there Yoshis on this island? So many mysteries... I LOVE IT! This could advance discoveries in every conceivable way! HAHAAAY!
Lucifer: One thing is sure, I miss burning him... not that I'm complaining but still!
Blurrgr: Uhh... guys? Is it me, or is there an eye staring at us in thin air?
Luigi: It mist be the Ancient Spirit! Let's follow it!

There indeed is the same eye that's on the facade of the All-Seeing Pyramid! Only here, it looks like a ghost. Every time you get close to the symbol, it disappears and reappears somewhere else visible on the map. You must go where it leads. Enemies you fight on your way are going to be Treezards, who this time camouflage themselves in some of the giant leaves emerging from the ground. They are visible however, as the leaves with a specific pattern have a Treezard on them. Others have other symbols, that involve tiki patterns. Anyway, enemies also are M. Bushes, who will of course ambush you, Yoshis, who are wild and will go for the kill here, and Magiblots, for some reason... this place looks magic, so perhaps they have a connection to it?

The Ancient Spirit is last seen in front of the entrance of a volcano, so presumably, you go in there, but surprise! The freaking ENTRANCE is attacking you now! And also, the entrance is a hole, which makes this fight all the weirder. It grows goofy eyes and a fiery mouth, but it's kinda black in itself because it's a whole. It even detaches itself from the volcano to properly fight. After the fight though, it comes back to its place. As soon as you enter, it closes, and starts chewing as if it were eating you. But on the other side of it, everything's cheesy. The volcano seems to be extinct, as there is a lake at the bottom of it, and wildlife everywhere around. A pretty nice change since other volcanoes in Mario games usually are lava-themed. However, suddenly, a lava geyser appears and when it falls back down, a lava guy is seen. He has a mask that is half broken, the face resembling this of a Grrroll. It's like he has a tiki mask though, and he has fiery red hair. His body is rocky, but with magma flowing in between. He also has... a skirt... shaped to look like fire.

Ancient Spirit, levitating next to the guy in the form of a small cloud with an eye: Welcome to Parallel Island, heroes. Here starts your trial! Meet X-Groller, God of fire!
Blurrgr: Hey, there ain't a god of fire besides THE god of fire, and that's gonna be me!

In snap of the fingers from X-Groller, a lava geyser comes from below Blurrgr, and starts juggling him.

Blurrgr: Hey put me down, idiot!
X-Groller: Yeah, ok, like the big boss said, I am X-Groller, but you peops can call me... X!

The lava geyser under Blurrgr suddenly stops, as the Blurrn falls back down.

X-Groller: This island has many gods, and I'm one of them... and I am to tell you on what your trial is...

The camera is now above the scene, and the lake below the bridge the party is on starts making shapes as X sketches.

X-Groller: The island is a magical place that serves as a nature reserve for most things that can't be found elsewhere... or at least not anymore. That is even the reason why this island is tilted upside down, so that no one can ever get there and kill any species. The most notable of these species are the Kitis! They live in a village somewhere in the Super Jungle, which you already went through to get to here! Point is, these Kitis are pretty incompetent as soldiers, and can't do anything! So your trial consists of you finding them and helping them with whatever they want! Or that's the first part! You trial doesn't stop there! Now off with you!

He summons a giant rocky boot that kicks everyone out of the volcano.

Antonimus: That's a very... extravagant way to get us out!
Penny: And not the best one there is!
Rockbert: Where could these Kitis be though? I wonder...
Goombeddy: I guess part of the trial is actually finding them!
Block: What are we still doing here then? Come on, let's go!

So you go back into the jungle, even deeper this time. You gotta find secret routes to actually get where you need to go. At some point, you come across a camp. In it are many Magiblots. But these ones are friendly. And the music here is pretty ominous and "ancient civilization"-like. How I imagine it to be, it's gotta be a great song. There seems to be a Magiblot who is the leader, as he has a leafy crown, unlike all the others.

Spemigo: So you are the heroes mentioned by the Ancient Spirit, I presume?
Mario: ???
Spemigo: I am a friend of this island, and it is my duty to know everything around it!
Chilliana: Why are there Magiblots?
Spemigo: How can you not know? Aren't you one of us?
Chilliana, blushing in embarrassment: I've never been here before...
Spemigo: I don't blame you though, Magiblots here have red as a secondary color, not blue. So, hey, Magiblots are not allowed to not know this or else we give them the ink eraser, so I'm gonna tell y'all real quick! See this puddle here?
Chilliana: It's... made of ink...
Spemigo: Yes... and Magiblots are ink, so the first ever Magiblots emerged from it, and our species was born, dear! This jungle... no this entire island, relies on us, and our magic! And probably the Ancient Spirit brought you because of our newest problem!
Kooplea: What is it then?
Spemigo: An evil force has recently found the island, shortly before you did!
Stayzee: Oh come on now! Don't tell me it's these glitches!
Spemigo: It is! How did you know?
Goombeddy: These things are not just here! They're everywhere!
Spemigo: Ok... that's pretty bad... but our problem is that the glitches have invaded our reserve of magical rocks! These rocks are none other than a material known as... Moon Rocks!
Block: Hey! It's cool you're actually using them! Turns out I'm not the only one!
Spemigo: These Moon Rocks are how we make our inventions... our technology is very advanced... it has even let us create the Ancient Shrine, which we abandoned for reasons... but that's besides the point! Just go north of this place and you will come across a grouping of a large number of Moon Rock totems! Be careful though, one of them is evil, and it will attack you on sight! Oh and I haven't mentioned that these rocks follow you by sight! Don't worry, I know it might give some ghost vibes, but all except the evil one are not dangerous!
Chilliana: So this is how we were made... I honestly am so confused, how did my own ancestors leave this island to come to the Mushroom Kingdom?
Spemigo: Beyond me... but who cares!

So right off the bat, you are given a new objective: go rid the Moon Rocks of the glitches. You need to solve some puzzles, revolving around the fact that the rock totem follow you by sight. Like make one dizzy so that it doesn't block your path or something? Anyway, once you get rid of all the glitches, one of the stone heads begins to shake, as its eyes begin glowing. It's the third boss, Ghoutem! Didn't I tell you there were lotsa boss fights in this chapter? Back to the Magiblot place...

Spemigo: Wow... I saw you back there! Believe it or not, the glitch thing was just an illusion I made so I'd test your strength! You even managed to get past our evil Moon Rock totem! Here, take this as a token of my amazement!

You get a star piece as an attachment with a letter from the Ancient Spirit. And he actually comes out of it.

Ancient Spirit: Great work heroes! You have completed a step in your trial! See, all of this is designed in a way to lead you to do many things! On your way to the Kiti shelter, you will still encounter different new faces... you are halfway done with the trial! Proceed to the Kiti shelter, which I will mark on your map!

And a new level opens up on the world map on this very island. It's the Kiti place. Get there. Once you enter the level, you hear a... cat scream. What is presumably a Kiti then immediately jumps on Mario, ripping his clothes with the use of its sharp claws.

Mario: OWOWOWOWOW!
Luigi: Hey knock it off!

Bootrus, with his ghost hand, slaps the cat away.

Bootrus: Without me, you're toast.
Luigi: What was that anyway? You think it's a Kiti?
Goombeddy: I admit, it took me longer than I am willing to admit to notice the similarities between the words Kiti and Kitty.
Stayzee: Now, of course they would be so savage! Abandoning kittens in a place like this!
Goombeddy: Every single point you made so far about this place being paradise has just been destroyed by that one sentence!
Stayzee: Come on, let us go to where it's going! We might find something interesting!
Goombeddy: Hey I was gonna...
Stayzee: Shut it already!

And with that... the village of the Kitis is just ahead, but it seems they are attacked by ...what looks like the leaves of a Palm Tree? What? Are these even my ideas?

FOURTH BOSS BATTLE! Fight the propeller palm! Once you defeat it, it splits into four leaves, which land on the ground and form a bush. Despite the fact that you just saved the village, two Kitis grab you and bring you to their leader.

Mokitima: So... huff... you are the servants of this monster?
Party: ????????????
Blind: Excuse us, but how could we, a group of good doers who look like they can actually succeed in what they want to do, be the servants of a bunch of leaves?
Mokitima: People say my Kitis are better than me, but they nonetheless are my servants. So if people adopt this logic, then it very well applies to you! This stack of leaves attacked us for no reason! It's foolish!
Blurrgr: Hate to break it to ya then, but this "logic" is just crap... and also, we just killed the damn thing leafyhead!
Mokitima: Do not lie to me! I have the power to destroy you!

He raises his stubby arms and creates an electric orb... well... Fifth boss right after the fourth. Well, including the chapter boss, there are seven in this whole chapter, so hey, we're getting there!

After the fight...

Mokitima: How could I lose to you?
Lucifer: You were playing for lightning... sucks, because I'm one to play at that game too...
Luigi: Just calm down and actually listen to why we are here!
Mario: Hey! Ho! Woah! Haha! Oh Yeah! (All this gibberish is him explaining what we did in this chapter)
Mokitima: I have a hard time believing this... but then again, I am the one who stupidly believed all that talk about the logic I shared, so there's that! So whatever I know, the opposite is true!
Penny: So anyway... we were told to help you...
???: You already did!

It's X-Groller, coming into the room.

X-Groller: By defeating the leaf monster, you helped the Kitis... it was all intentional though...
Mokitima: You stinking gods! Get out of my home!
X-Groller: No need to bother, big baby! We're getting outta here!

X-Groller floods the place with lava, and suddenly everyone but Mokitima is gone... outside.

X-Groller: Well, sorry we had to make ya help these guys... they're not exactly friendly!
Penny: But you're a god! How come they hate you? Shouldn't they worship you or something?
X-Groller: This island is weird, who didn't tell you that? Also, these Kitis are not native to this place, they just got here one day... maybe they were stranded, or forced to come here... whatever it is, they didn't like it because they blamed us for it. And that means they hate us.
???: HEY X!

It's another god. This one has muscles, a leafy skirt, three hair buns, and a mask whose eyes and mouth are strapped. He has a bow and a quiver.

Huitzi: I thought you were back at the volcano! What are you doing here with a bunch of weirdos?
X-Grollers: Haven't you heard? The Ancient Spirit told me to let these guys into some trial... he said they have to do it to save the world!
Huitzi: I heard of it, but I never thought it would be these kids... anyway, I have my part to play now! Follow me!

So X was the God of fire, and Huitzi here is...

Huitzi: I am Huitzi! God of Earth of the island! You disturb me, I WILL CRACK YOU LIKE THIS WOODEN BRANCH HERE!

He fires an arrow at a tree branch, as it breaks.

X-Groller: Woah there, Huitz! These guys are good, not god, but good! They defeated most of the things we had in line for them! Three of them! (Big Blooper And Mokitima are not part of the trial)
Huitzi: ALREADY? Woah! That's almost god tier level! You'd make excellent slaves!
Antonimus: Excuse me... enslave us?
Huitzi, nervously: No! No! Don't get me wrong, I am saying you would make great slaves, but I don't actually plan on enslaving anyone, or anything for that matter!
X-Groller: Anyway, heroes... look here!

He points at a giant stone closed fist.

Huitzi: Oh yes! You get to go there later on! This is the Temple of Weirdness! Inside of it is hidden the code star you are, but before you go in there, we should take you back to the volcano. There is something you need to see!
Rockbert: Woah... that trial sure is well-organized... and it always sounded like a last minute preparation!
X-Groller: It actually is a last minute preparation! When the Ancient Spirit was free, he immediately contacted us and said you were on your way. But hey, we're gods! We pulled it off! But we could've made it longer if anything!

Anyway... back to the volcano... nothing is different... entrance eats you... and the inside has a lake. You start descending the area, fighting magic enemies along the way... this chapter has so many themes... jungle, volcano, magic, weird, and the first part is ocean... and there's still something... as you get right next to the lake...

Huitzi: See ya on the other side! HEEEEEEEYA!
X-Groller: Just jump it! You'll see!

You jump into the lake, and you find yourself upside down (since the island already is upside down, then technically you're not upside down anymore, but weirdness.) not only that, but it's a strange, beautiful parallel place where the gods apparently live.

X-Groller: Welcome to the Land of the gods!
Goombeddy: Woah! Are you guys seeing this?
Kooplea: It's... beautiful!
Chilliana: Who could've known a place like this existed?
Spemigo: Hey, you made it here!
Chilliana: You again!
Spemigo: Yes, on top of being leader of the Magiblots, I am also a loyal servant of the Ancient Spirit, who resides here!
Ancient Spirit: You have done well to come this far! But I have yet to get inquiry on your names!

Mario introduces himself and all of his team.

Ancient Spirit: These names generate some very beautiful chimes resonating in my spirit! Truly deserving of your characters!
Spemigo: Speaking of which, I sense that I already heard your names telepathically... is it possible that you met with one of my relatives?

There are even more gods here...

Zleuth (God of thunder): So these are the dudes that're gonna save the world? Talk about doofuses! They look like they're gonna get eaten by a fly out there!
Herman (God of wind): Quite frankly, I do think they possess power close to this of us gods... now is our time to be the judges.
Posa (Goddess of water): I'm sure they can do it though! They're a full team of 17 people! It's like an army, it's sooo amazing, like OMG!
Ancient Spirit: Now, heroes, I test your strength, myself!

Says he as his eye begins floating in the air, and some blue energy begins forming around him, creating a humanoid body frame, with one, glowing eye.

Ancient Spirit: You must best me in combat, and I will open you the way to the Temple of Weirdness!

And the first to last boss of the chapter, the Ancient Embodiment!

Ancient Spirit: You... have succeeded!

Posa: Yay! You're the best! Way to go! Go, Go, heroes!
Herman: Very spectacular way of proving yourselves, I must hand that out to you!
Zleuth: That's... unthinkable! INCREDIBLE! AGAIN! I loved it!
Spemigo: Truly, it was pleasant to watch you win!

Ancient Spirit: This show is not to be repeated!

Says he as he turns back to his normal self.

Ancient Spirit: Huitzi... X-Groller... come with us! Your help is needed!

The Ancient Spirit gets out of this weird realm. Huitzi and X follow behind him. You go too... back to where the temple was.

Ancient Spirit: I will open the door for you to go in! The code star sits in the darkest of rooms!
X-Groller: I'm going in there with ya! They say a god must put his fist on some pressure plate to keep the path open!
Huitzi: And in case I'd have to swap out with X, I'll be with you too! We're gods, we gotta do things after all!

The ability to use either X-Groller's lava pillars or Huitzi's Punch has been attributed to the *down* button of the D-Pad!

Ancient Spirit shoots the temple with his eye, as the previously closed fist begins reopening.

Ancient Spirit: It's all you now!

DUNGEON 15: Temple Of Weirdness.

Enemies:

-Tragicians
-Roscals
-Time Voyagers
-Magiblots
-Dead Hands
-Ancient Patrollers
-Forest Fuzzies
-Embers
-Putrid Piranhas
-Spunias

So this dungeon's gimmick is, you have two gods at your disposal. X-Groller summons lava geysers, which can raise platforms or do other things, and Huitzi has a wall-breaking punch. Also, Tragicians, Four-armed tiki masks with legs, can be found hurling spells at you from the background. Use you friend toss to take care of them. And yes, that ability is still a thing. You can also find many illusions and weird things. This is the temple of Weirdness for a reason right?

Anyway, here's what happens in the end, after the second god puts his fist into a second pressure plate to open the boss door, because only the hero has to go inside.

Hatred: How desperate the life of a code star is... you just wait... wait... and wait until some random guy comes in and takes you away to save the world! I need to let loose on someone! I can't take it anymore!

Mario approaches the star.

Hatred: Hey! Is that... it can't be! It's... it's that Mario other code stars never stopped yapping about! I'm finally free!
Antonimus: Heh! I know that feeling all too well!
Luigi: Wa-hoo! And with that, we're only ONE code star short!
Lucifer: Yeah! Woohoo! I'm... gonna miss you though!
Rockbert: Look guys... after that, we're almost done... I just wanted you to know...

Suddenly, the ground shaking kills the mood.

Penny: That almost went too deep!

Two stones appear next to Hatred the code star, as the stones crack open to reveal two green fists, with golden bracelets, and eyes in the middle. You may have killed him in Mario 64, but...

BOSS CHAPTER 15: EYEROK

Tattle: That's Eyerok! First guardian of the shifting sands land, and now residing in Parallel Island... how exactly did he come here? Max HP is 200, ATT is Twen. Ty! 20! Very powerful! He must really want his revenge because you once took his power star Mario! Couldn't you get another one? Anyway, he will try to push into the abysses, and do hand stuff! The only way to beat him is aiming for the eyes, otherwise he's invincible! I know you have it in you to beat him again!

After the fight, one of the fists fly off to the ceiling, as part of said ceiling falls on the eye of the other hand, and the fist comes back down right into the eye, as Eyerok painfully groans and explodes.

Hatred: Seriously, damn that thing! It almost killed me! Anyway, take me with you, Mario! And let's find Evilness!

Next time, we take on the final interlude. See Ya then!

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Interlude 15

Paraplonk: Guys... Mario may be coming any minute now! We must be careful about Lord Bowser! If he tries to attack him, it wouldn’t be so good!
Sergeant Guy: Why not just tell him that we need the code stars to save the world? He has already joined forces with Mario, he can do it again!
Paraplonk: I’d prefer not taking risks like that... he’s grown closer to Hackula... it seems he is desperate to help him!
Goomp: Man! It’s almost like they are best friends!
Paraplonk: You know, if Evilness were there... spiritually, he would’ve known what to do...

Says he as he looks at the Code Star, still inanimate on a pillow.

Paraplonk: What we just learned... we might use it to our advantage though... Shadoodle is headed to Parallel Island with his invention! If Mario succeeds this time, he might put an end to all of this!
Sergeant Guy: We should plan something out, tho... Mario might need it!
Goomp: Yeah! I prefer playing safe like that! What're we gonna do then?
Sergeant Guy: Let Paraplonk decide... he's been the mastermind behind everything we did so far!
Paraplonk: Look guys... at this point, we should just protect Evilness from anything and then give him to Mario!
Sergeant Guy: Sounds better than any plan we ever had on our own!
Goomp: I'm nervous about this! Who knows what can happen?
Paraplonk: I really... hope we can make it work... it’s our only chance!

Wait... why Shadoodle exactly? Why do people refer to him like he’s the supreme being of the universe or something?

Anyway, the screen fades away, as we get back to Parallel Island. Mario and the Gang just came out, and they only have one code star left to find... oh the excitement!

Goombeddy: Mario... we can now locate the final code star! What do you say? Let’s do it now!
Mario: Oh Yeah!

But just as Mario makes that decision, Shadoodle floes by and steals all code stars.

Hatred: ARGH! WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN TO SHINY MACGUFFINS LIKE US?
Impurity: I’m there with ya, pal.
Ignorance: Why are you so mad? I don’t see anything happening now!
Loss: WE'RE GETTING STOLEN! THAT'S WHAT!
Love: Do not panic guys... I’m sure Mario will get us before it’s too late right?
Destruction: You’re too optimistic girl, that guy is a lunatic, I can feel it...
Shadoodle: What’s this? One of you is STILL missing? Ugh... you heroes are highly unworthy of the trust you get nowadays... Code Stars... prepare to meet your demise in my hands... literally!

He holds the Code Stars, and begins squeezing them to death.

Honor: RASCAL! Thou willst never geteth away with this!
Shock: MARIO! DO SOMETHING!
Loss, in tears: AHHH! ANTONIMUS!

Luigi: Hey Shadoodle!

He steps in front of the whole party, his fists cackling.

Luigi: Let them go! Or the only thing you’re gonna grasp is the rage of the Green Thunder!
Mario: Oh Yeah! (It’s-a Time-a to f**k-a some b***hes!) (PS. Mario never actually says these words, it’s just how I translate his onomatopoeias. This game is already above the bar of E10, you want it to be rated M now?)
Goombeddy: Yeah, you said it Mario, although next time try not to talk that strong! (Even Goombeddy acknowledges the swear words)
Kooplea: Be careful, guys! He's got something to show us apparently!
Shadoodle: YES! Behold! My... lava tank! Couldn’t find a more fitting name, but it’s the product itself that counts... Anyway... you want these so badly? Then you gotta get through me!

He transports the group to the top of the Volcano.

X-Groller: AH! Oh no! The heroes! I saw them get taken to the top of the Volcano!
Huitzi: WELL LET'S NOT STAND HERE! We should go smack that guy!

Anyway, now you’re on top of the volcano.

Shadoodle: With this thing, I will burn you to Paper crisps! I will disintegrate you to ensure that none ever have any memory of you, HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
X-Groller: Not so fast, ghast-man!
Huitzi: Prepare to feel the punch!
Shadoodle: Oh how pleasant, I got more company... WHATEVER IT ENDS NOW! LET'S DO THIS!

Fighting Shadoodle, for presumably the last time. He has 150 HP this time because of his tank, and has 4 points of defense. Additionally, his attack power is now 12. Still nothing compared to this game's version of Eyerok though.

During the fight, X is seen in the background (the other side of the crater) playing on Bongos that look like a DJ set. His music has positive effects on your stats. Meanwhile, Huitzi releases a battle cry every two turns, affecting Shadoodle's stats negatively. He can also punch the guy real hard.

Shadoodle: What?! How did you do this! It’s like I’m weaker with this machine! Anyway, it still has enough juice to finish you off! And then, after that, I destroy the code stars and finally sport my true identity!
Lucifer: Hey, here's a two-worded response to that!
All the Party altogether: Nobody. Cares!

Seeing the whole team, assembled and saying these words is genuinely funny and leaves out a feeling of emotional thoughts... throughout this adventure, we grew to know and love our partners... it all leads to this hearty moment right there... it feels like they’ve become a family...

Shadoodle: Play that game all you want, I’m not getting annoyed!

His machine turns off instantly.

Shadoodle: Wha?! What happened!

All the code stars are assembled around the tank and have sucked the codes out of it.

Block: You know, seeing as you are a glitch, we can’t say that your inventions don’t have any... they’re just like you in the end...
Nina: Useless...
Blind: Notorious...
Rockbert: All Messed-Up!
Blurrgr: And outright of extremely poor quality!

As Huitzi punch the tank into the crater, and X-Groller snaps his fingers to bring a Lava Geyser, the volcano erupts on Shadoodle, truly never to be seen again. Those were his last words...

Shadoodle: GAAAAAAH! I WILL GET YOU IN ANOTHER LIFE, WRETCHED HEROES! CURSE YOUUUUUUU!

His voice slowly fainted...

X-Groller: Now, it’s made sure he will never bother you again!
Huitzi: And if he dares return, we’ll welcome him the same way we parted him now!
Ancient Spirit: Mario... Luigi... I will teleport you back to where you came from for you to continue your quest... I give you this medallion though... whenever you wish to come back, use it. Farewell.

From the distance... on a lone rock in the ocean... a caped Hackula watches, as the music takes on an ominous tone.

You are back on the boat where the sages are waiting.

Skiller: Hey! You’re back again!
Buer: How did it go? Did you find it?
Merltue: I feel it... you now have all but one code star!
Chillimpa: Your journey is almost complete now...
Nyung: Yes... indeed! You must go back near the cave of functions and see what you should do!
Dr-Ay: Whatever awaits... you should be prepared. The world depends on that!
Lancebob: Come on, everyone! Let us be on our way to Champs-Eclypsees!

When you arrive there, a lot of people have come to make amends before you go face the fate of the world.

Merlon: Here it is... this will be the end... Heroes... your time has come to finally go to Fort Hackula!
Peach: Mario... Luigi... everyone! Promise you will come back safe! Be careful! Everything in there is not to be taken lightly! I send with all the hope in my heart... I believe in all of you!
Merle: It is true that you have overcome many, many hurdles on the way... but you must not let your guard down, and you must not give up!
Skullonard: As Lady Merlee always told me... without rimes: "Whenever you set yourself a goal, you may stop, you may go at full speed to try and reach it, but never ever back away from it, because it’s not gonna make progress!"
Majimi: It is great to know that I was able to help you... even though I wasn’t very active, I’ll admit, but every step you made on your way lead to this very moment! It wouldn’t have been the sane without any of your friends!
Snifle: I must part from you pard! The world you wanna enter is too dangerous for me! Plus, you have almost all code stars, so I hope it’s no big deal! Should we meet again, it must be after you save us all!

All code stars assemble in a circle. They start sensing...

Hatred: I can sense him... he is out there...
Loss: Me too! But it seems he lacks any sign of life!
Curiosity: Evilness has perished as a living being, but is still a code star!
Destruction: You will encounter many trials there, but let’s open the path for you.
Difference: It is the only way. Life is hard, but you gotta get used to it!
Revolution: Don’t cower! Everyone will be fine as long as you all advance together.
Greed: The best part about this team is that all of you are loyal to it, and will do anything to succeed.
Wisdom: Never in my existence have I seen such power emanating from mortals!
Love: Please! Do not fail! We’re counting on you!
Impurity: Evilness needs your help... we need him to restore the world in its former glory!
Justice: And to do that, we will send our powers to you!

They all begin holding chips.

Shock: They don’t look like much, but our abilities are stored in these chips! Don’t lose them!
Honor: We knoweth they will be of assistance to thee!
Alliance: In all sincerity...
Ignorance: May you triumph over the forces of evil... such is our wish for you.

You got the Code Star chips, and All the Code Stars open a hole underground to the Cave Of functions... inside of it... where the final code star is...

Everyone jumps in...

Merlon: Good luck... Mario... Luigi... Goombeddy... Kooplea... Penny... Lancebob... Lucifer... Rockbert... Nina... Stayzee... Bootrus... Luna... Block G... Chilliana... Blind... Blurrgr... Antonimus... good luck...

To be continued...

So that oughta do it for the last Interlude...

I wonder... should I put the optional partners in the Finale? Or nah?

Time to actually create a poll... would be a fun thing to see how much people will vote...

So poll is up!

 

[Koops]

So... let's see what the people think.

...

Yeah...
Guess I should've seen that coming... that one vote is me...

I mean I don't get as much likes as I used to, but still, if I hadn't thought about moving on myself, I probably would've been here forever just because people either ignored the poll or just completely didn't notice it...

Not that I'm forcing anyone to vote, don't get me wrong, but it's still sad to know that almost nobody cares about this thread anymore... but am I gonna let it die? No!

This is still my own fanfic that I am sharing because I wanna feel free to express myself and my vision of the "perfect Paper Mario game"! It is still the thing I love doing on the internet.

According to the OP, I was doing this for fun... I still am, but now it's a bit more serious, even though I don't exactly intend for this game to become real, (although if possibilities open up why not) and this is the place where I feel like I can post anything I want without anyone actually criticizing. Well, here and Fantendo which I just joined I guess.

Even if no one voted, I am going for the one option that actually has a vote: Include Cybelle And Golitter in the Finale.

Spoiler: Golitter joins the party

So how you obtain Golitter? Remember Picky in Chapter 11 was looking for the Glitterfoots? (Feet?) Well, we all know he doesn't manage to discover them, but by initiating his sidequest, which is available just after the chapter is completed, you go back to the Gryztal Gove. In this icy dungeon, there is an extra well-hidden secret passage which leads to an empty room that looks like it once has furniture. In the corner are two ice cubes piled on top of each other, and they can be interacted with. Just in front of them, is a Woodpecker. The Woodpecker would attract your attention over the cubes. The bird flies over to them and starts pecking, waking up a chubby, but relatively tall ice golem who... glitters. Meet Golitter, the Glitterfoot.

Golitter: Uhh? Whhhh are?
Kooplea: Poor little guy! Sitting alone in this place with just a bird as a companion!
Goombeddy: Might still be an enemy!

Battle transition.

Goombeddy: Ok, this guy looks tough Mario! Give it everything you got! Show no mer...
Woodpecker: Scraw!

He hovers in front of the party trying to peck them off. He then slowly goes back to his Gorilla-like friend, sitting on his shoulder.

Golitter: Hhrrrm?
Kooplea: Way to go Goombeddy! You made us look like bad guys in front of him!
Goombeddy: Hey! Precautious measures! Don't blame me!
Golitter: Yyyyyy... you... people?
Penny: Hey look! He talks!
Golitter: Me... talk... again!
Block: This guy has clearly been alone... for years!
Chilliana: That's sad! What's your name... guy?
Golitter: My name? Me Golitter... this Mr Peck! Us best friends!
Lucifer: Aww... that's cute!
Luna: Almost makes me wanna hug the thing!
Golitter: You needing something?

He stands up, walking over to some pedestal with a pickaxe on it, and picks it up.

Golitter: Golitter happy to help!
Lancebob: I am not sure he is very... smart though.
Golitter: Yes... Golitter dumb... Golitter last Glitterfoot! Golitter... lonely!

He starts tearing up.

Penny: What is it with you two? You're making him feel bad!
Lancebob: Was it something I said?
Goombeddy: Maybe he's oversensitive! How could've we known that?
Golitter: No... Golitter ok... Golitter need accept truth. Glitterfoots gone, but Golitter stay. Golitter doing something useful in life. But Golitter too weak! (ironically, he's the strongest partner in the game)
Chilliana: Don't take it like that... it's... it's okay!
Kooplea: Yeah! What happened anyway?
Golitter: Golitter here... and everyone here... then everyone gone, but Golitter still here... so now Golitter alone!
Mario: *actually sobbing, and consoling the dude*
Golitter: Golitter... think... you... nice... you... friends of Golitter?

You are given a choice of dialogue, not that any of the options make a difference, but one of them has a pretty humorous outcome.

—>Yeah, sure...
—>Ugh... friends with some kind of freezer monster...

Pick the second option:

Everyone except Golitter: MARIO!
Mario: WOWOWOWOW!(Sorry, just slept off my tongue!)
Golitter: Mm... mmm... mmm
Lancebob: Oh no! He's about to explode! Take cover everyone!

He starts running away and hiding behind a crystal.

Golitter: MMM... PHAHAHAHAHA! You funny! Golitter like you! You... true friends of Golitter!
Penny: Oh hey look, went better than expected!
Golitter: Golitter think Golitter be great help for you whatever you doing! Golitter be your friend!

And Golitter, the warm and sensitive Glitterfoot joins the party! He brings incredible strength to the group. His pickaxe also allows him to dig under the ground, allowing access to places never reachable before, and can also find buried treasure!

The other option just takes you to the same outcome. Not gonna keep a lonely guy like that lonely. He might kill us if we do even though he wants us to be our friends. Or maybe not, but hey...

Anyway, let's move on to Cybelle.

Spoiler: Cybelle joins the party

So if any of you saw Chapter 13, you know that she basically died, as she was violently killed by Daewand, who just with his bare hands grabbed her metallic heart and threw her against the wall. And Block's reaction is just enough to prove how rude this particular scene is.

Anyway, after Daewand's defeat, Cybelle is transported back to the lab, but Valldo is convinced that her heart is irreplaceable, and can't fix... that is, before the warm words of Daewand's ex-gang. He then tells them that if they get him what he needs, he will actually try to fix her. By the end of the game, she is fixed, but you can speed up the process simply by bringing Valldo what he wants yourself.

Valldo: Really? You brought me the things? You didn't have to!
Block: Anything for her... you think you have it in you to fix her?
Valldo: I'll try! I'll try my very best!
Hinn: Yeah! You can do it, mister V!
Span: Ye gat it in yerr blood! She's yerr daughter, can't give in nehw!
Loak: That's it! You're doing it!

Valldo starts implanting the heart he just made into Cybelle. A period of time that lasts 10 seconds, which seemed like 10 hours, follows, as Valldo and everyone else's hearts begin beating faster. Just after these 10 seconds...

Valldo: I knew it... she's gone... we have to accept...

Suddenly, Cybelle slowly wakes up, remembering the horror she went through.

Cybelle: How could this happen? Why did it happen? And how do I feel... alive?
Block and Valldo: CYBELLE!

Block runs up towards his sister again like the first time you entered the house.

Block: You're alive!
Valldo: I... I did it! Again! It's a miracle! I don't know how proud I am of myself! Of course, I couldn't have done it without all of your help guys!
Mario: Ho! (No probs, docs!)
Luigi: Hey! We're heroes! It's what we do!
Cybelle: But... what happened? I remember getting killed...
Lil' Mike: Nice people helped you recover! Say thanks to the people!
Cybelle: Is... is it true?
Block: Truer than true! We all did this!
Cybelle: ... Mister Mario... and Luigi... I... thank you so much!
Valldo: Great! Now we can go back to our normal life!
Cybelle: No... professor!
Valldo: Excuse me... WHAT?!
Cybelle: This team of nice people just revived me... I can't turn my back on them, or the world! I know I already helped... but I should go... discover the world! I promise I'll come back in one piece!
Valldo: You sure about it?
Cybelle: I... I made up my mind! I'm going with them!
Loak: Let her do it, sir... she is well aware of the dangers ahead.
Hinn: And she's right in any way!
Span: Ye gatta letter gew, man!

Valldo looks at Cybelle for a while, while she tilts her head, waiting for a response.

Valldo: I hate to do this... but yes... you can go! Just... Mario, Gary... everyone... please... don't let anything happen to her!

Cybelle, the animatronic dog joins the party! She can hack into machines, and control them, allowing many things to be done! She can even reprogram robotic enemies to become her allies in battle! Quite a useful tool... uh gadget? Nah, we'll use the word girl... she IS sentient after all...

Anyway, if you choose to not fix her and wait for the Finale, to obtain her, you need to solve some trouble of hers from the Trouble Center (yeah, even Miiyoto has one). It still is something, except dialogue won't be shown because it's pretty easy to imagine... (HEY MARIO HELP!
-No probs! I'll do it!
-Thanks Mario you're my hero! Let me join your party!)

Anyway... again... probably not a lot of people are actually reading this... but hey what the heck...

See Ya next time...