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

[Koops]

Spoiler: Interlude 2

“After Mario had arrived to Hondon and set out to look for the second code star, with the help of his new friend Penny, they stopped a force that was about to take over what wasn’t going to collapse from the world. They had stopped Harry and saved Hondon from his sinister plot. This secret will stay covered, though, but still making sure Harry wasn’t going to attempt another plan. Where would Mario and Co. go next?”

We’re in the computer world again.

???: So tell me, did you find out something new about a code star?
Hector: Nah, not really! We’re busy taking care of the princess, and the code star too!
Victor: And to be fair, they’re not exactly keen on staying in the cell so they tend to try and escape.
Hector: We need to just settle our minds on thinking that no matter what happens, they’ll stay in there.
???: Hmmm... let the princess wander around the fort, but the code star should stay in at all times!
Hector: Yeah that sounds good! Go tell her the news Victor!
Victor: On it!
Hector: But hey, anyway, Count Hackula... don’t you think you better not challenge this guy? I mean he’s got some serious power! He could destroy you!
Hackula: Let him come. Let him do whatever he wants, he will be stopped eventually. But now our focus is the Code Stars! Find as many as you can and get them here! They are vital to my plan!

Meanwhile, in the cell, Peach is hanging out with the code star. This code star is Evilness, who is the evil one between the bunch. He will go to destroy the world if it meant his own good.
Evilness: The Vampire tricked me... even now I can’t believe it. I’ll smash him to bits if I ever manage to get out.
Peach: Yeah right.
Evilness: Shut up, princess! At least after this is over, you’ll be back where you started, but me, nothing!
Peach: If you just decided to not lead anyone into my castle so that they could kidnap me, none of this would’ve happened in the first place. By the way, after this is over, the world will likely belong to this demonic Hacker, so going back to my castle wouldn’t be of any help since there will be no freedom. So that means we’re even.
Evilness: *Grumble*

He begins sleeping. The princess is now on her own... well, Victor just showed up.
Victor: Hey... um... Princess! The Count says you can get out of the cell and wander around the fort, but don’t even try to escape. That’s what he said.
Peach: Myeah, thanks anyway.
Victor: You know I have no personal problems with you, but you see, it’s all business, so I hope you get me.
Peach: Yeah whatever...

She begins hanging out in the Fortress. Nothing seems special, but at some point, a glitch is seen having a conversation with another one.

Glitch: Dude, this job is pretty bad should I say. I got hammered in the face by that guy!
Glitch 2: Really? Man, I can’t believe the count is making us work like that! All this for these code stars! Couldn’t there be just one so that we all go home already?
Glitch: Dunno, but I do know that however created the world was not alone. Read it in some book I found in Hector’s room.
Glitch 2: You snuck up to his room?
Glitch: Well yeah. I can get you something too if you want.
Peach: Maybe I should tell Mario that, it could help him!

She doesn’t have a phone, let’s say it got confiscated so that she wouldn’t tell any enemy forces to come storm the fortress.

Peach: What to do?

She looks at the sleeping Evilness and suddenly she gets an idea.

Back at Timberland, King Pen and President Squeezee are seen next to each other.

Squeezee: And by cutting this line that separates us from the train station, and from Hondon, I declare the rivalry between our two nations over, and the beginning of a new era of friendship!
King Pen: Couldn’t have said it better myself!

The red line is cut, and Squeezee shakes hands with Pen.

Cathy: Well, Mario, looks like we misunderstood these guys. By the way, do you know that Penny and I were friends since our childhood?
Penny: Yes that’s true, but since the conflict, we got separated! It’s good to know though that it was just mix-up!
Pen: So Penny, the celebration is over, we’re going back!
Penny: Umm... about that, sir, I might want to still hang out with Mario... I bring something to the party, so I guess it’s important.
Pen: I won’t stop you. As young as you are, it is important to have such activity.
Penichard: Beware, however. It’s a dangerous world out there.
Harry: It would be better to prepare yourself first. Like a good friend of mine once said, in two hours, sharpen your axe in an hour and swing it for the other hour. I really don’t want anything to happen to the likes of you.
Penny: Thanks everyone! You’re the best! So Mario, what is our next step?
Alliance: Our next step is, well, install my data to the cave of functions so that I can lend you my power!
Penny: Hmmm... you gotta explain everything.

Suddenly, Peach’s voice began resonating in the party’s ears.

Peach: Mario!_____You remember those guys in the cloaks who blew up the castle? I learned that there is information about some pretty deep things in one of them’s room! I’ll provide you with more in the future!

~ Peach

Goombeddy: That sounds like something! But how can she speak to us? And how are we able to listen?
Kooplea: I don’t know, but it sounds more serious than it was at first!
Penny: Then what’re we waiting for! Let’s move it!

Get back to Champs-Eclypsees and install the code star into the cave of functions. Now all you need to do is talk to Merlon.

Merlon: Hoho! It seems we got another one! Great job, people! And it seems you have a new friend!
Penny: Penny. Pleased to meet you...?
Merlon: Merlon. That’s my name. Now, come closer. I found out something rather interesting! This book, which dates from the years of the 15th century states that a code star was sealed in a kingdom stuck in the past so that enemy forces would never find it! And from my own knowledge...
Goombeddy: That’s my part here, if you are speaking of a kingdom stuck in the past, then the Bobley Kingdom comes to my mind! Is that what you were thinking?
Merlon: ...
Goombeddy: I’ll take that as a yes!
Kooplea: But if this kingdom’s stuck in the past, then how can we get there?
Goombeddy: Come on, it’s obvious, he gotta... wait no I don’t know how!
Penny: Then why aren’t we looking for a way?
Goombeddy: Penny you don’t just look for ways like that, it doesn’t work for anything... but in our case now yeah you’re right! We must look for a way!
Penny: Goombeddy, something tells me you really need to think before you speak.
Merlon: I know professor Majimi actually used to study time travel, so maybe going to visit him would be a good idea!

That’s what ya do! You go to Majimi’s house, and tell him.

Majimi: Hmm, I see. Well, I used to study it, but unfortunately I never got to figure out how tine travel was possible, other than vehicles that go so fast they pierce time itself. That’s why I quit by the way, the world is just not ready for that! Maybe one day, but now, forget it! Why do you want to know though? Please tell me it’s not the location of a code star that was sealed in the past.
Kooplea: You guessed right!
Majimi: ...
Snifle: Hey pards! Didja find that treasure?
Mario explains everything.
Snifle: Well glad to know I could help, you darn toot’n would be toast if I wasn’t there! And that’s good, because I feel somethin’ NEW!
Kooplea: Really?
Snifle: Yeah! I picked up some weird vibes near these woods northwest of town! I believe there once was a kingdom there, but it only exists in the past! Lucky for ya, Snifle is up to the task!

He begins running ahead once again. Follow him until he stops, past some creepy woods, and a seemingly deserted and ruined town.

Snifle: Yup, t’is definitely here! Okay, now I believe that if you manage to get to the top of all four of these towers, you can adjust the wind measurer thingies to cross over the center of this place, and then, a portal appears that will take you back to when this place truly shone! And there ya have it, pal! See ya around!

And he flies away.

You do just like Snifle told you, and while climbing these towers, you fight some ghost enemies known as Ghalts, who wear knight helmets and hold a spear with their invisible hands. But here, the point is to cross those "wind measurer thingies" into an X sign. After doing so, a platform appears in the middle.

Goombeddy: Heyyy... wonder what this is?

Step on the thing. A gigantic paper tornado appears around our friends and spins around frantically. Mario and Co. seem to be transported by it and begin spinning in the area it engulfs.

To be continued...

By the way, there’s an emoji there, so the text is visually slightly more appealing than on any device that’s not a phone. Anyway, See Ya!

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Chapter 3: Honorably yours

Goombeddy: What... is this place?
Penny: Um, weren’t you supposed to say that is the Bobley Kingdom or something? I mean, you’re the smart one!
Goombeddy: No one said I was the smart one! We may still get a partner than can be smarter, even though that’s most unlikely to be case, but I prefer calling myself the bold one!
Penny: Anyway, do you know where we are, if not the Bobley Kingdom?
Goombeddy: No, Penny, we’re not in the Bobley Kin...... wait we are in it! Who knew Snifle was right? Hmm... pretty solid Pixl, must I say.
Kooplea: You said that he was good material to be trusted! What happened to those words?
Goombeddy: I just had a feeling, that’s all. ANYWAY WHAT ARE WE STILL TALKING ABOUT?! COME ON SLOWPOKES! LETS LOOK FOR THE CODE STAR!

So, here we are in the Bobley Kingdom, or at least how it used to look like in the Middle Ages. The place is exactly the same as what the ruined town looked like, except it was an actual kingdom. And those four towers that were on each corner of the area are still there, but they look more recently built. The platform you’re on is no different though. An intro cutscene plays introducing you to the place. Then suddenly:

???: Oh look! People have appeared out of thin air!

It was a wizard who said that! He looked like Merlon, but much, much older. And taking in consideration the fact that we’re in the past, this guy’s dead in the present. But let’s not let complicated things like that mess our brains! His name is Merlen.

Merlen: I have to ask, how did you do this? How did you appear?
Kooplea: Um... we didn’t, we just came here now...
Merlen: I swear the platform you were on was clear just moments ago! Could you be the ones whose arrival I predicted?
Kooplea: Wait, you knew we were coming?
Merlen: Well, I knew SOMEONE was coming to get that code star thing, but never did I know that they would come this way...
Goombeddy: Wait, did you say CODE STAR? Where is it?
Merlen: So you really do seek it. Well then, I guess I’ll have to tell you where to go. See that castle over there? It is the main landmark of the kingdom, Bob Castle ! There awaits King Bobthur, who rules over this land! I believe he was the one tasked with guarding the star. And I should know, I was the one who trained him! He became the king he is today thanks to me!
Goombeddy: That’s great and all, so we just gotta go there?
Merlen: Well, yeah, sure that’s what I indirectly told you to do! Hurry there, because your arrival means that the worlds are really in need of these code stars! If I were you, I would do anything to stop this unfolding tragedy, even abandoning drinks, money, fame, princesses... drinks money and fame! So I beg of you, save the world!
Penny: That sounded oddly deep, but yeah, that’s what we were gonna do!
Merlen: May bravery illuminate your path!

So we met a crazy old man who references the same guy referenced by Merlon. This is definitely "the legend of Arthur"-ish. Have I even mentioned Bobthur’s name? So yeah, that’s a guy who was mentioned by Merlen just now. You must go speak to him in the castle. It is closed at first.

Goombeddy: Aww, what? How’re we supposed to get in?

Look for something. If you find a lever switch, activate it and the door falls down. And it’s paper-thin, also. You enter Bob Castle, which is a castle filled with Bob-ombs guards and more of the Ghalt enemies. There’re also some Goombeetles here. They work like regular Goombas but have high defense. Navigate your way through this place and get to the gathering room. There is seen a table shaped like a star, with some chairs on each of its arms. At the end of each arm, sits a Bob-omb knoght, but one of them seems superior to the others, and portraits of him are hung up everywhere in the castle. So maybe this is Bobthur? The one we were looking for?

Bobthur: My dear fellow knights, it is today we begin our quest to find the precious artifact we always dreamt of! One sip from it, and we are GODS!
Knight: Your Majesty, my memory fails me! What is this artifact we seek again?
Bobthur: Boovin, the artifact we are after is of course the one, the only, and most divine Master Chalice! One sip from can grant us anything we ever dreamt of! This is ultimate power we are talking about here?
Knight 2: But, your wittiness! We already have the Master Sword! Why do we need such equipment as the Master Chalice?
Knight 3: Bombellinord, do not question his respectfulness’ intentions, for the king has his own reasons of wanting the Chalice!
Bobthur: Thank you, Lancebob, But Bombellinord is right to ask this question! See after I drink from the Master Chalice, I will wish to make the Master Sword even MORE powerful than it godly is now! Think about it, my knights, this would send an entire ARMY to the Underwhere in a single blow! We’ll be unstoppable! Just imagine!
Knight 4: But your trustiness! It’s dangerous! We can’t go there unless we are willing to die! I know it, since...
Bobthur: Shut it, PercyBomb! You were there, with Hunter! He let you in his castle and the Master Chalice was right in front of you, but you didn’t get it! We wouldn’t have to do this if you had just grabbed it and fled!
PercyBomb: But I didn’t know it was the Master Chalice!
Bobthur: Anyway, my knights, the time has come for me to choose the two that will accompany me throAHHHH! Intruders! Get them!

All four knights look at each other with hesitation, but attack anyway. And Bobthur too attacks for the sake of protecting his castle.

Bobthur: Gah! No more! Stop it! Take away everything! The castle, the Kingdom, the Master Sword if you will it, but do not take away any of our lives.
Boomievre: Oh dear Bobthur! Do not settle your mind so quickly! These kind people are no intruders! For I can sense a powerful aura of pureness coming from these overalls!
Bobthur: Boomievre... my sweet Boomievre! Get out of this room, they may... wait, you said they’re not intruders?
Boomievre: Why do you have to be so worried? Do you even know who they are?
Bobthur: Ok, boys, if my wife tells us they are friends, then I guess it’s ok to assume her words as truth. Anyway, who are you, my fine man?
Mario: It’s-a me! Mario!
Bobthur: Mario? What kind of name is that? I have never heard such chime in one’s most treasured piece of identity! Where do you come from?
Goombeddy: Actually, he comes from the 21st century!
Bobthur: What? I fail to believe THAT! See, this is the 15th century! It’s purely impossible! *He points his Master Sword towards the party* I conclude that you are liars!

Then, PercyBomb runs behind Mario and grabs hold of his Mailbox SP, which he doesn’t use much in this game, not as much as in TTYD.

PercyBomb: But your innovativeness! These beings have bizarre complicated devices on them that have buttons beyond understanding! I mean, what’s even a button?
Lancebob: Stand back, everyone! They might be explosive! Wait, what does explosive mean? How do I know this word?
Bombellinord: It must be these gadgets! They seem to give us a look at the future! I mean, let us examine a little, no one would wear clothes like these people are! They must be telling the truth!
Boovin: Your capacity-of-understanding-quickly-ness! They really DO come from the future as they say!
Bobthur: I cannot believe that! We are being visited by GODS OF TIME TRAVEL! My crazy minded of a tutor was right!
Penny: Uh, no need to get hyped, we are here because we needed to be here for something called the code star! Do you have it?
Bobthur: Code Star? What does CODE mean?
???: I am ready, knights! Where do we begin with yon quest?
Goombeddy: That! That is a code star!
Honor: Yea, I am a code star as thou can see! Yon gentlemen hath let me in here and toldest me about their quest to get the Master Chalice! I could not but accept accompanying them to get this legendary artifact they speaketh so much of! And I will not fulfill my role of saving the world until I hath completed this quest!
Kooplea: Great! So I guess there’s no other way than coming with you!
Honor: Yes! That is yon best idea! Leteth us set off!
Bobthur: That’s the enthusiasm! For this quest, I shall choose... Lancebob! You are my best knight!
Lancebob: Exquisite! You have done an excellent choice, your greatness!
Bobthur: And I’ll choose PercyBomb because his weapon is shiny and only he knows how to use it!
PercyBomb: Sorry fellows, I really wished it could’ve been one of you.
Bombellinord: That’s ok, for what the king says is always the wisest!
Boovin: Go run wild, young PercyBomb! Not too wild though.
PercyBomb: Thank you, my brothers!
Bobthur: Do not get too excited, kid!
PercyBomb: So, Sir Mario! Even though you come from the future and that by the time your era arrives, our fuses will already be gone and our windup keys will stop spinning, I already feel like it is an honor to be alongside you on this quest!
Lancebob: Anyway, Sir Mario, if you ever feel the need to call for me, I’ll be right with you! I am the bomb!
Bobthur: Oh yes, indeed, Lancebob is the bravest of all of us! He will put his life on the line for the sake of justice! I highly advice of you that you take him as a companion!

Lancebob, the intrepid and daring Bob-omb joins your party! He’s da bomb! He blows up next to cracked walls, which (Orly?) destroys them. You can access areas previously inaccessible! Hurray!

Lancebob: Let us stop blabbering and start trekking, friends! We have a journey to accomplish! A Chalice to find!
Honor: Master Chalice, here come forth us! You thinketh you canst hide from us forever? Well we thinkst not that!
Bobthur: Ok now seriously we shall actually begin!
Merlen: Wait!
Bobthur: Oh, here comes my tutor! What does he want?
Merlen: Be careful! Hunter’s castle is filled with traps and trials that test your noggin to the top! You will have to prove yourselves worthy of the Chalice to earn it!
Bobthur: Worry not, frail wizard! We will be back with the blink of an eyelid!

Bobthur: Ok, that wasn’t what I literally meant.
Lancebob: Follow me, everyone, I will guide you to the castle!

While first entering the castle’s courtyard, a human is seen on top of the towering silhouette of a castle, standing next to some sleeping Bob-ombs.

Hunter: Well, look who has come back! The knight! You may want this Master Chalice I guard with my life, but now it is too late to hide your desire from me! You will NOT get any closer!

And a scene reminiscent of a scene in Sticker Star plays: Hunter grabs a trumpet to wake up the Bob-ombs, who even have the same wake-up animation (getting startled and moving their feet like crazy) and they get into some Bill Blasters (looks like these cannons have found themselves a new job), and then they are blasted into the air, and use parachutes to fall down safely. A scene I liked from such a hated game, a game that would not have been hated if it weren’t a Paper Mario game.

Anyway, now you can use the parachuting Bob-ombs to blow up some walls that obstruct your path, but when you don’t feel like it, you still have Lancebob! Just traverse the courtyard and get the to the inside of the castle.

DUNGEON 3: Hunter’s castle

Enemies:
-Koopatrol
-Spiny Paragoomba (Ya can’t jump or hammer them, so they’re quite formidable, so it makes sense if I put them here. Plus, they have HP)
-Ghalt
-Shy Guy
-Knight Guy
-Sodory (Those sentient swords from Kirby?)
-Beezo
-Starriors

Rooms have trials that are choice-based, but the place is also beautiful. Pieces of verrerie everywhere, those glassy window things... I forgot how you call those. ROSE WINDOWS! Yeah those! Anyway and the castle is full of blue lights. Sorry I can’t provide an example of what it looks like physically, but hey, maybe I’ll do some drawing on Paper some day. Anyway, after a big amount of rooms, and this amount makes up for the seeming lack of story compared to other chapters, you see...

Bobthur: Wait, is this?
PercyBomb: The Master Chalice?
Lancebob: But that is impossible! This isn’t the last room! And Hunter is nowhere to be found! It must be a trap.
Bobthur: The Master Chalice!
PercyBomb: Your Highness! No!
Bobthur: It’s mine!

He steps on a button on the floor.

Hunter voice: FOOLISH! YOU WERE SO EXCITED TO GET THE CHALICE YOU FORGOT TO PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS! You are not worthy of possessing it!

The room begins to crumble and you must RUN B**** RUN!

Goombeddy: What? No! It can’t be! At least we got out in one piece!
Penny: Wait, where’s the code star?
Lancebob: I lack the sight of the star fellow, he must still be stuck inside!
Goombeddy: Nice going, your idiotness! We lost the code star, and now you doomed the world of tomorrow!
Bobthur: WHAT?! You dare insult me! *He goes ballistic and runs in Goombeddy’s direction, but the knights hold him back* I’ll have you hung up in the middle of town, until your neck becomes thinner than paper and make you eat these eyebrows! And I am still talking E rating language here! (NB: This line differs from versions of the game. Example, you can have PEGI 3 in the european version)
Goombeddy: Oh yeah! I’d like to see you try!
Lancebob: Your calmness! Calm down!
PercyBomb: Maybe he comes from one of these democratic regions where you are free to think whatever you want of the ruler! Do not unleash your horses on him!
Kooplea: Look, this isn’t getting us anywhere. Is there another way around things?
PercyBomb: Let me think. *He releases the king who is now only held back by Lancebob, and he is seen struggling to keep him from getting a piece of Goombeddy’s glorified facial hair* I was once in this place, lost. Hunter let me in, and told me... OH I KNOW! He showed me a secret entrance to the castle! It leads to his dining room! If we get there, we might be able to get the Chalice! I know it will make us confronted with Hunter, but it’s the only way!

Sure enough, you follow him to the secret passage. You are presented with pieces of extravagant glassware and a nicely dressed table, with silver plates and all. Plus a chandelier and some candles on a candlestick. It could’ve been the perfect setting for a haunted mansion, but oh well.

Hunter: You are some tough souls! I admire that! If you want the Chalice or the code star I am holding as a hostage, you will have to get through me!
Honor: Friends! Thou hath to win! Saveth tomorrow!

BOSS CHAPTER 3: HUNTER.

Tattle: That’s Hunter, guardian of the Master Chalice! Max HP is 20, ATT is 3 and DEF is 2. His HP may look weak, but he’s stronger than he sounds like. He can either jump high and throw his spear at you -By the way, what kind of spear is this? It’s like a sword and a spear at the same time?- or he can also use it as a javelin and jump super high to ground-pound you after that, which deals 5 HP of damage. He can also well, boost his defense or attack. He’s strong. He will also just attack you normally, but I didn’t have to mention it, obviously.

Once his initial HP is depleted:

Hunter: No! It won’t be so easy! I am not giving up!

His HP is full again. Now once it is brought down to 10 HP, his weapon breaks, and will be open for attacks, but once only 5 HP remains:

Hunter: No! Please! I implore you! You have bested me, but let me live! You win! I surrender!
PercyBomb: Mario! Rule #1 for knights to follow, do not attack an unarmed enemy who demands grace! We should leave him alone!

The fight is ended.

Hunter: Thank you! Thank you very much! Here, take the Chalice, the Code Star, you are worthy to possess such things!
Honor: Thine heart is pure, Mario! And I certainly wouldn’st forget young PercyBomb’s here!
Lancebob: Great job, kid! One day, you’ll be as great and respectable as the king is!
PercyBomb: Thank you Lancebob! Wait till the king sees this!
Penny: I’ll have to admit, having you around is better than having Bobthur! And yes, democracy lives in Hondon! Too bad that by the time it was founded, this kingdom was already in ruins.
PercyBomb: You’ll take me to visit your era one day though, right?
Kooplea: Sure! But speaking of which, where IS Bobthur?
Honor: Who carest? For now, time hast come forth to me to fulfill mine duty as code star! Taketh me with you Mario!

This is Chapter 3, new and Improved! Still same story of going from castle to castle, except the main new thing here is the fact that the code star itself won’t join until something is done! Neat?

Anyway, Interlude 3 next time, and also I’ll update Kooplea’s bio, which I forgot to update before! See Ya!

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Interlude 3

At Fort Hackula:

Hackula: So, underling! Speak! Is there any code star which’s location you uncovered?
Glitch: No sir, sorry sir, we’re still researching sir. Our scientist DID discover some strange super weird type of activity in some circus, but aside from that, nothing really!
Hackula: Gaaah! You pathetic morons! Shake your useless empty brains for a second! What’re you still doing here? GET BACK TO WORK!
Glitch: Yes sir, sorry sir, you’re my hero sir! Sirry sirry sir si...
Hackula: Don’t "Sir" me, I’m a count! Scram!

The glitch runs away in fear.

Hackula: Grambi! Who am I supposed to find these code stars when I’m working with these walking disasters! At least I still got the evil one, but still! I need the others in order for my plan to work!

Meanwhile, in Peach’s room.

Evilness: PRINCESS?!!!
Peach: ???
Evilness: TELL ME! WHAT WERE YOU DOING?
Peach: What was I doing?
Evilness: You sent a message to someone! Don’t tell me it’s that Mario guy who keeps busting you out of your cage!
Peach: I don’t know what you’re talking about...
Evilness: *A screen appears on his face, showing the message she sent.* And with a little heart too! Someone must miss their boyfriend!
Peach: Hey, wouldn’t YOU do anything so that you could get to what you want? That’s exactly what I’m doing!
Evliness: ... Princess, I am considering an alliance. We team up to get out of here and destroy this fool Vampire. Deal?
Peach: ... Whatever, deal!

They shake hands, and the princess agrees to go look for something. Remember that thing about Hector’s room? Find some signs that indicate to there, and go there. You find an open book on his desk. You read it.

"It is set in motion. We discovered something that works like a power source is hidden somewhere next to a circus, and it must be the one that’s located next to Champs-Eclypsees. Due to how hyperactive the circus is, it can be assumed that a code star hid there recently. But even before that, it was already crazy for a few years, and that might be because of something else powering it up. A case of a kidnapping was reported a few years back just before it happened though, but I fail to see the connection, or do I? I did say something was set in motion..."

And suddenly.

Hector: Hey! What’re you doing in my place?
Peach: ... reading books.
Hector: Look Princess, I don’t have anything against what you’re doing, but I simply can’t let you stay in my room.

Peach goes back to her cell and tells Evilness everything.

Meanwhile, Back at the Bobley Kingdom, more precisely Bob Castle’s courtyard:

Merlen: So I get that the young PercyBomb has been of use? That is good news, even though I see myself being like that when I was his age, but still alright!
Lancebob: *whispers* He’s usually drunk! If he ever says something that doesn’t make sense, you’ll know why!
PercyBomb: You know, it wouldn’t be this way if not for my lucky lance! It made the king choose me!
Bobthur, who has just entered the room: My knights, it is with the biggest regret that I announce you that our expedition to get the Master Chalice has failed!
Boomievre: But Bobthur dear! It is right there! Thanks to PercyBomb’s efforts!
Bobthur: Wait? Do you speak true words? It’s right there! Quick! I must sip from it!
PercyBomb: It’s all yours, your godliness!

Bobthur drinks from the Chalice.

Bobthur: This is it my knights. Key to ultimate power! And we’ll use it for justice! Now... I WISH FOR THE MASTER SWORD TO BE THE MOST POWERFUL THING IN THE UNIVERSE!

*Nothing happens*

Bobthur: Hmm. Maybe I should test it. Master Sword! I command you to break this window from afar!

*Nothing happens*

Bobthur: Wait... the legend was false?
Hunter: Exactly. The purpose of the legend was reason enough to make you hunt for the Chalice, and go through the trials I prepared!
Lancebob: You know, I enjoyed this quest!
Bombellinord: I don’t think his burliness likes it very much though...
Boovin: He’s short fused... and for a Bob-omb like us, that means literally AND figuratively!

At the time they are speaking, Bobthur is seen about to explode.

Lancebob: Everyone! Get out of the room!
Honor: Saveth yonselves! A Bob-omb holding his breath is no good sign!
Lancebob: That’s what I was going to say!

They get out of the room, and Bobthur explodes. Not permanently though.

Bobthur: I can’t believe I had to go all this way to get a fake chalice! At least we got a rare piece of jewelry now!
PercyBomb: That’s the way to see things, your positiveness!
Lancebob: Anyway, FELLOW BROTHERS! I have news! I am going away to journey with Mario in his brave quest to save the world!
Bobthur: Then go! We have already found the Master Chalice! That was our goal, so go free!
Lancebob: Thank you, your easygoingness! Bombellinord, be strong! Boovin, don’t let your age determine your capacities! And PercyBomb... I am proud of you and am most certainly happy to call you my brother.
PercyBomb: That’s literally the nicest thing anyone ever said to me! Now go Lancebob! Go save the world! For us!
Merlen: And remember! Stay on your guard at all times!

Lancebob: So anyway, Mario? How did you get here to this era? Get me to the future!

Same thing: Turn those weathercocks to make them cross in an X sign an step on the platform.

Lancebob: What? This is what the world looks like in the 21st century?
Goombeddy: This is what the Bobley Kingdom looks like in the 21st century, but not how the entire Mushroom Kingdom looks!
Lancebob: Mushroom Kingdom? I thought ours was the only one!
Goombeddy: Well no. This entire mushroom-shaped landmass is the Mushroom Kingdom. And now we’re headed to a town called Champs-Eclypsees! It’s beautiful!
Lancebob: I hope so!
Merlon: Mario!

He comes running in your direction.

Merlon: I thought that tornado killed you! But it turns out you’re alive?
Penny: Well, the tornado took us back in time. It’s what we wanted!
Honor: Now where is this cave of functions? I wantst to go there!
Kooplea: Anyway, we met a guy called Merlen, and he looked a lot like you! Do you know him?
Merlon: Do I know him? Of course! I’m his descendant! A direct ancestor of mine! I was even named after him at birth, but someone thought Merlon was better than Merlen! Anyway, I came here to tell you Snifle is detecting some weird things! He even passed out because of how powerful was the energy he sensed!

Suddenly, Peach’s voice resonates once more in Mario’s ears.

Peach: Mario, I read a book from that hooded guy’s room, and found something rather interesting. It says that there is a circus next to some place called Champs-Eclypsees, and that it’s going crazy! It says that it might be this way because of the code star, but it also says there may be another reason. And a kidnapping was even mentioned! If I’d known about that, I could’ve done something about it!

~Love, Peach

Merlon: That didn’t sound so good! But, it further proves the point of that power Snifle sensed! It indeed came from a circus! It’s right in the middle of the creepy woods! So what do you say you go there next?
Honor: I wouldst say "Leteth us-a go!"

To be continued...

Everyone knows about that "kidnapping" thing and probably you are not hyped for the next chapter or its partner, whose redesign you however like. But I promise, I deeply promise, cross my heart, that I will do my very best to make this chapter memorable, and I mark my words!

Also, you’re gonna see way too many Super Paper Mario references here because I absolutely love the game. There’s so many good things about it, we got Gloam Valley, Bowser’s (and his arms if you know what I’m sayin’), Fracktail, Bleck’s minions, World of nothing and last but not least Bonechill. No reason to think it’s bad at all.

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Chapter 4: Unhappy twists at the Happy Dome

Penny: So this is the circus that was mentioned?

The camera shows the circus while an introductory theme plays.

Goombeddy: You know it’s funny! This place is called the Happy Dome but right now it doesn’t look happy at all! Wonder why it suddenly became so creepy.
Kooplea: Remember this "case" the princess told us about? Maybe that’s the reason!
Lancebob: Whatever the case, I am in an urge to enter!
Goombeddy: You can’t go anywhere! The door is locked! We need to get us the turnkey!
Lancebob: A turkey? Why should we ever see one of those?
Goombeddy: Wait, don’t you use this word in your era? Anyway let’s just go in their house, explanations later!

The turnkey’s house is pretty dull from the outside, and it doesn’t get better in the inside: Just as if it was haunted. You fight boos, invisighouls, and ghost enemies alike. The turnkey is found on the balcony.

Koopister: So many years past, so many years on the same chair. So many years with no job.
Kooplea: And you are...?
Koopister: AAHH! Don’t scare me like that! I’m over 200!
Kooplea: Sorry, didn’t mean to. And are you the turnkey of the circus?
Koopister: WAS! Because of that case about a kidnapping though, this place is now a crime scene since the police are investigating, and people stopped coming! It’s already been seven years since that happened!
Penny: Ok, but we really need to get it. We got an investigation on our own!
Koopister: Sorry peops. Only investigators and circus personnel are allowed! Nobody else!
Lancebob: Then let US investigate this kidnapping too! We won’t come out of here until we do!

Everyone looks at Lancebob.

Koopister: Sounds like a fair deal to me. Here, take this key and go through this gate!

You got the key.

Goombeddy: What was that?
Lancebob: Look, it came out of the big blue, but was there any other way you would suggest? I think we better do it just like that!
Penny: You know, he’s right. It can’t be that bad! By the way, this kidnapping is a crime in itself! We can’t just let it go like that!
Mario: Oh yeah!

You go through the gate. You run face-to-face with a clown. He appear to be human-ish and well, his hump on his back is pretty huge.

Giggles: Hey, what do you know? Visitors! Get out of here, you are not welcome!
Goombeddy: Listen, Funny Face, we’re here for business! To investigate!
Lancebob: And that is truer than true, we are going to mop this circus-floor with investigation!
Goombeddy: Wait, you have mops in the dark ages?
Penny: Anyway we’re not here for that, but we heard of some problems regarding the circus and we’d like to investigate them!
???: Mister Giggles! It’s a disaster! More performers have gone missing!
Giggles: Who now?
Dooplay: Shimon is nowhere to be found! At this rate, we’re gonna lose everyone!
Giggles: Well, that’s great, because these kids say they wanna investigate. Show them around.
Dooplay: So you here for investigation? Great, we can get this whole thing squared up faster now! Lemme show you around!

So this is the Happy Dome! It used to be a great and prosperous circus, but ever since this place is a crime for a reason you probably already heard of, it’s been in this state. Weirdly enough, it’s been going crazy for some reason. Anyway, here’s the pit, our performers perform here. And...
???: HEY EVERYONE! Look! It’s Mario!

A bunch of Koopas from various types approach, lead by a Hammer Bro.

Hammer Bro: I can’t believe that I’m actually properly meeting you now, Mario!
Mario: ???
Hammer Bro: Oh yeah, surely you don’t remember me! Let me introduce myself. I am Hearl, and you might not notice this, but I’m actually the very first Hammer Bro you ever fought!
Goombeddy: Really? Is that so?
Hearl: Yeah! See, after you defeated me, I was the first in Bowser’s army to realize that it was pointless to protect the Koopa King’s castle, and that no matter how annoying Hammer Bros are to bypass, Mario would still make it! So I said "why not use these hammers I have for something I like doing?" And here I am!

Mario is surprised and shakes hands with the Hammer Bro.

Hearl: And you know, maybe I should introduce you to all my comrades! All previous Koopa warriors!
Penny: That’s nice... but we have some investigation to take on.
Hearl: I understand. I can look for clues if you want... I’ll help you as much as I can!

And he runs ahead.

Kooplea: Does he even know what we’re looking for?
Dooplay: I can still show you around if you want y’know.
Lancebob: We’ll take it from here! Thank thee!
Dooplay: Oh, and one last thing... the manager’s office is that way. Just in case you want to know. *He tosses the keys to all the doors to Mario* Welcome to the Happy Dome!

You begin investigating. Also, since you got the key to Giggles’ office, you can go there now. But Hector and Victor are found in there looking at some papers.

Victor: Hmmm... you think he’ll be able to understand that?
Hector: Of course! He’s no idiot! I know it’s perfectly understandable! *Sees Mario* AAAAAHHH! That’s why we have to hide it!
Victor: You could’ve said that normAAAAAAHHHHHHlly! Yeah you’re right!
Lancebob: Who are you two?
Goombeddy: These are Hector and Victor, we’ve met them before! They’re nasty!
Lancebob: Dare make one more step in our direction, fiends, and you will be entering a world of pain with which you are not familiar!
Hector: Hey we’re not looking for trouble!
Victor: We’re looking for the Code Star too! Wanna help us look?
Hector: But now that I’m thinking of it, we SHOULD get rid of you to make sure you don’t get it first!

You are hit by a mandatory first strike. First time that happens. Anyway, they’re still not tough, but tougher than before. Improvement.

Hector: Owww! What is the meaning of this! I thought we got better!
Victor: Come on, let’s get out of here!

They leave the paper behind.

Kooplea: Look! They dropped something!
*Check*
Penny: That’s weird! This paper shows some machine located somewhere near the circus! What could it be for?
Giggles: Ummm... Mister Mario... what’re you doing in my office?
Goombeddy: Investigating?
Giggles: Ok. And I see you got hold of this paper here! This is the power of the circus! You thought I’d run one that has no electricity? What kind of idea is that?
Goombeddy: But why have it outside the circus?
Giggles: And why not having it outside the circus?
Goombeddy: ...
Giggles: Anyway, Good luck cracking the case Mister Mario!

And he walks away.

Goombeddy: You know, I feel like we should investigate some other place. I don’t think we’ll find anything else here!

You do that. There is a caravan outside. It even circles the area and you can’t leave here. In the middle though there’s a Haharlequin (Dimentio’s species) who is seen practicing some kind of magic trick.

Magino: Yesss! It’s working! One more time now!
Barbahayra: You’re doing a great job, Magino!
Magino: Thanks Barbahayra, but wait until the audience comes back and sees this! Mind Blow! The circus is going to explode in awe!
Barbahayra: Sure it will, Magino!
Magino: You just wait, my assistant! Soon, this case will be cracked and the circus will become a circus again! We just gotta wait a bit more!
Mario: Hi!
Magino: Hey there, fellow italian! You came to see this magic trick?
Lancebob: We do not have time for such nonchalance! We’re on a quest to discover what caused this circus’ remarkable downgrading!
Magino: Great! Can you believe it, Barbahayra? Finally, everyone’s gonna see my magic trick!
Penny: Anyway, if you know anything sketchy about this place, could you please tell us?
Magino: I do know for a fact that you can find some pretty weird things behind the caravan, but the way’s blocked, unfortunately.
Kooplea: Hmm... what to do.

Wander around a bit, and Mario’s mailbox SP begins ringing. It’s Merlon!

Merlon: Mario! My granddaughter, Merlee has learned of your quest and would like to see you for a second!
Goombeddy: Hmmm... if Merlon sent us that message, that means it’s okay to look! But problem is, we can’t leave before having cracked the case!
Penny: Yeah, Lancebob did get us stuck right here!
Lancebob: How could I have predicted it anyway?
Kooplea: Mario, what if you alone go to see what this Merlee wants? We’ll stay here and investigate a little more.

God I hate that character limit. I wanted this time to cut from the half of the chapter, because it would be better than cutting away just the end. Anyway, part 2 coming right up!

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Chapter 4, Part 2

So now you control Mario, but don't have your partners, so battles be harder and you gotta take alternate routes if there is a path that requires a partner. If you want, you can ask Merlon where the house is located.

Merlon: You want to know where Merlee's house is? It's located at the entrance to a place called the Dried-out Valley! It's somewhere north-east from here! Good luck!

So yeah, right now, it's easy to know how to get there. In front of the house, a skellobit, and the very first one in the game, greets you, and he has braces on and apparently glasses.

Skullonard: Oh! Look! It's Mario! Hey! Lady Merlee! That Mario person you requested has arrived!

He runs inside the house to go tell Merlee.

Merlee: Oh my! Oh Dear!
Is this Mario I hear?
Skellonard: Most definitely!
Merlee: That is really pleasant to see!
Yes, truly, when I see you I go WHEEE!
Now sit down, have a rest,
All this walking sure is a pest!
I have developped, a spell!
That is some worthy note to tell!
Stay still, don't move, not a muscle,
At the moment, nothing's a hassle!
Clear your mind, this spell is one of a kind!
It will make you penetrate narrow paths,
It doesn't require any much maths!

*Spell*

Now, with the press of a button, test it!
Let's see if, through a narrow wall, you fit!

Yippee! Hurray!
What a day!
Now you are truly prepared!
Go, and all your enemies shall be scared!

You now have the ability to turn sideways to go through narrow paths.

After that, you're back at the Happy Dome! And your partners are waiting for you.

Goombeddy: Oh! Mario! Perfect timing! We lost Kooplea!
Mario: ???
Lancebob: She was right next to me, but just as I looked to ask a question, she had disappeared!
Penny: Anyway, what did this Merlee say?

Mario showcases his new ability.

Penny: Woaw! That's new! Maybe now you can get past the caravan!

Sure enough, you can!

Goombeddy: That's good! Now can you come back and hold on to us so that we could get through with you?

You do that. Now you're on the other side of the creepy woods. You can fight more ghosty enemies there, but now there are Masked Ghouls, Dry Bones (who rise from their graves in this area), Dead Hands (which act like floormasters from Zelda this time around if they manage to grab you) and a new enemy, the Clawple Tree, another of the rare good puns in the game. Also Bone Piranhas, basically Piranha plants that reappear after battle like a Dry Bones. You walk a distance. There are branching paths. The paths all lead to different things, most of which you can't do anything about yet. One of these paths lead to a pothole. Nothing seems wrong at first, but a voice calls out from it.

Kooplea: Hey! Over here!
Goombeddy: Kooplea's voice! She must've fallen here! But how?
Lancebob: That is mysterious must I say!
Kooplea: No mystery here! A hand just dragged me!
Penny: Ok! Hang on, Kooplea, we're getting you out of here!
Kooplea: No! You come in! I found something!
Goombeddy: If you say so! Goomba-ball!

And he jumps into it. Mario and Lancebob are both carried down by Penny, and see Goombeddy landed face first into the floor.

Goombeddy: Quite a fall, must I say!
Penny: You could've hopped on my back or anything, you know.
Goombeddy: Nah! It's ok! Anyway what is this place?
Kooplea: Look!

Before the party stands a humongous machine. It seems to provide electricity.

Penny: So, such a thing is powering up the circus? No wonder it's going crazy! No circus uses that kind of machine to get power!
Lancebob: It must contain evil things! We must destroy it!
Kooplea: How are you ever going to be able to destroy it? With that tiny sword you have?
Penny: Look, guys, let's just mark this as noteworthy. We'll get back to it later! But in the meantime, what should we do?
Goombeddy: We already visited Giggles' office, how about we pay a little visit to our friend Dooplay?
Lancebob: I am guessing everyone's a suspect, as long as our lead is still weak!

Once you get back from the woods, a conversation is happening:

Magino: I swear! She was right here!
Dooplay: Who are you talking about?
Magino: Barbahayra! My assistant! She disappeared all of a sudden! But why her? I need her for my tricks!
Dooplay: Hmm... a lot of performers have gone missing. Can't let this happen any longer.

He walks away in a suspicious manner.

Goombeddy: He just gained suspicion points to me! Definitely suspicious!
Penny: It's like the guy's assistant disappeared because of him! We should go inside his wagon.

That's what you do, and you find some things in it. In a drawer. There's a paper that shows some experiments done on other bodies.

Kooplea: YUK! Why would he have such a document in his drawer?
Goombeddy: Do not tell me this is why performers are disappearing! If that's the case, then I am just disgusted!
Dooplay: HEY! What're you doing in MY wagon?
Lancebob: Investigation investigation!
Dooplay: Woaw! Not in MY wagon! Get out!

He slams the door! On Mario's nose.

Penny: Something tells me he's our guy! He refuses to let us look!
Giggles: Oh there you are! Mister Mario, how's everything going?
Goombeddy: It would be better if things didn't keep going in our way!
Penny: What have we discovered again? I keep getting lost!
Kooplea: Basically, we've seen a machine somewhere underground. We don't know what it's for, but it definitely looks big, and we wouldn't think it's the one that powers the circus at a normal pace! We also saw some pretty weird papers about some experiment! Gross, but interesting!
Giggles: Wow... you guys sure do catch lots of things! Well, I won't keep you any longer, I gotta make sure everything's A-OK!

And he once again walks away.

Magino: Hey! Mario! May I speak to you a second?
Mario: listening...
Magino: Hearl told me to give you this earlier. He said he was gonna look for more things, but I never heard of him since... you think he's alright?
Kooplea: We sure hope so, unless he too disappeared, like your assistant and that other guy who got mentioned.
Magino: You mean Shimon? Yeah, he too disappeared mysteriously, actually. Last time I saw him was in the woods. He told me he was going to some place with some out of place wooden panel! I heard you can break those with a Ground Pound! But you gotta have some bulky and sturdy boots to do so! And I think there must be some in the performers' wardrobe.

Well, two new abilities in one chapter! And that's not even counting this chapter's new partner (who you all know btw). You indeed find some Super Boots in the wardrobe and now go to another of the branching paths. You find a wooden panel. You are this time in an underground tunnel area with some remixed SMB music.

Goombeddy: Hmm, this place looks like a good place to hide something in! Let's press onward!

You find on the way, some trap on the ground, but it's locked. And there is no key for that. If you continue deeper into the place, you find the other end of the machine, so you are right underneath the area with the pothole, except you are on the other side, which wasn't accessible then.

Penny: Hey! That's the machine we discovered earlier! It looks like it can be opened from here, but we some crowbar to do that!
Lancebob: That is true! Let's go back to the circus to look for such a thing!

You do so, and you actually find one in front of Dooplay's wagon. But when you get back, two mermaid-like guys are here now.

???: Hunnnnnnnnnnnngh! It won't open!
???2: Look, I know it's sad and all, but you really think this is the right place?
???: Paymon, you know me too well! You know I know what we're looking for, is right here!
Paymon: Look, Vice-Prince Asmodeus, I know you have one of these senses of feeling things, but that just doesn't sound right! Maybe we should look elsewhere!
Asmodeus: No! I am not giving up until I open this thing!

Paymon turns around and sees Mario.

Paymon: Oh MY.... WHAAAA? Look, Asmodeus! It's Mario! THE MARIO! I really can't believe it! The only person in this world who I love more than Egyn! Such an honor to meet you, Mister Mario!
Asmodeus: What? That's impossible! What would he be doing here?
Paymon: I don't know, but maybe we can talk him into helping us! He's a nice guy!
Asmodeus: I don't trust anyone, you know. Even Mario. This is business with King Sataneel, and King Sataneel is more important than hanging out with your idol! If he too is looking for what we're after, ten we must not let him!
Paymon: Okay, fine, you're right! Sorry Mario!

A battle is engaged with these two. Their stats are now identical to any other enemy of their species, but for the moment they're pretty strong for you, so two of them can work as a miniboss.

Asmodeus: ARGH! Forgive me, my king! I failed you!
Paymon: C'mon, man, don't say that! You just shouldn't challenged Mario! He's the real deal!
Asmodeus: Why do the heroes have to always win, damn it! You be sure I'll come back, Mario!

And he swims away.

Paymon: Yeah, about him. Sorry, sometimes he can't control himself. I totally get that, I mean none of us Puzzeeles are exactly perfect, so I hope there's no hard feelings! Anyway, bye Mario! I'm the president of your fan club by the way!
Lancebob: Well, that was certainly something odd! Let us open this machine!

The machine is open, but a strong beam blinds the entire party at once. Once you can see again...

Kooplea: What was that?
Goombeddy: Everyone! Look!

A girl was in there, and she appears to be just like these two mermaid guys, or Puzzeele now that Paymon did say they were from that species. The girl wakes up.

???: W____what is this place? I don't remember a thing of anything in my entire life! Who are you people?
Mario: It's-a-me! Mario!
???: Mario?? That's a nice name. But what is mine then? It should be nice too, right?
Penny: Can't say being in there was so good for you...
???: In where?

She looks back at the machine.

???: Oh, there. Why was I put here? WHO put me here?
Goombeddy: Wait a minute everyone, just a quick Google here... Oh! It's all clear now!
Kooplea: Then what?
Goombeddy: Remember circus hyperactivity and kidnapping? Well, apparently this girl, whatever her name is, is a Puzzeele, judging by what she looks like, and these guys are electric eel mermaid people. And if she is the one who was kidnapped, it means SHE was the power source for the circus, and thus this is why the circus was crazy, and thus that means we just saved her life, which she doesn't have a single clue about!
Lancebob: It all makes sense now!
???: Then thank you so much! But I really need to remember! I do have a very faint memory of what happened! And I know this tunnel! I must get out!

She runs... or swims whatever ahead. Follow her. She seems to be going through the creepy woods and seems to also know where she's going. At some point, she abruptly stops.

???: I remember something...
Kooplea: What is it?
???: It all happened here! I was eight years old! I was happy, and then someone took me into this circus and trapped me inside that machine! It's been an eternity!
Kooplea: Yeah, judging by your looks, you look waaayyy past eight years old! That must've been really painful.
???: Well, I was in a state of paralysis of sorts, I guess... I didn't exactly feel like years past, they felt more like hours, but still pretty long. But thanks anyway!
Kooplea: Do you remember your name now?
???: Do...??? OH YES I DO! My name is Lucifer! And I'm exactly what you would expect from a kawaii gal!
Lancebob: Kiwi gal?
Goombeddy: We need to explain some modern vocabulary to this guy!
Lucifer: Oh sorry, I kinda sometimes overestimate myself, so don't judge me...
Kooplea: No it's ok!
Lucifer: Anyway, thank you soooo much, Mario! You're so sweet!

She blows a kiss on his cheek, and Mario bluuusheeees!

Lucifer: But aside my own name, I remember nothing!
Goombeddy: Do you at least have a memory of who kidnapped you?
Lucifer: Of course...






not! How am I supposed to remember that when I couldn't remember my own name? But I know for a fact the guy hid a key under a mat!
Goombeddy: Well, you know what, that's something! Let's get that key!

Lucifer will be following for now. When you get back to the caravan area:

Magino: Mario! It's seriously starting to get creepy now! No one is here! Not even the manager, or Dooplay, NO ONE! They all disappeared!
Koopister: Yup, and I don't think that without anyone to investigate, this case will ever go smoothly!
Lancebob: Let your hearts be set at peace, for we found the missing person in question!
Koopister: Oh, it's true that there is new face I never saw before! All you need to do now is find the culprit!
Lucifer: And I know just where we can look next!
Goombeddy: "We"? Look, young lady, I know you probably love us for saving you, but you're not supposed to come with us, I mean if you don't want to!
Lucifer: ARE YOU KIDDING? You saved me, my entire existence! Plus, I almost don't remember anything, so I have no other thing than tag along you guys! Trust me, you'll need me! It's okay to stare at someone as beautiful as I am! Oh sorry, did I overdo it again?
Kooplea: We'll work on that later! Welcome to the team, Lucifer!
Lucifer: Thank you! You're all nice!

Lucifer, the sorta pretentious but lovable Puzzeele joins the party! With her ability to produce electricity, you can turn machines on or make them run faster, or you can also shield yourself from incoming projectiles or bring light to dark areas!

Lucifer: C'mon! Let's go!

You get the key, and now you can actually open the trap in that underground tunnel, which leads to the Heart of the circus.

DUNGEON CHAPTER 4: Heart of the Circus.

Enemies:
-Boo
-Dead hand
-Dry Bones
-Masked Ghoul
-Monocycle guy
-Juggler guy
-Shy Guy
-Boomerang Bro
-Bloodling
-Ghoul and chain
-Sawsage

The place is an area that looks like people have been tortured there. There are chains, bars, and some deadly traps such as saw-blades. Some windows show glimpses of a red, convulsing thing, that looks like a heart of some sorts. At the ned of the dungeon.

???: Welk, I see you cracked the case Mister Mario!
Lucifer: That voice! It's familiar!
Giggles: Truly bravo! You have outdone yourself! You truly found out who was kidnapped, and found her! Except, do you want to know that it doesn't end so well?
Dooplay, who was standing there: Look, Mister Giggles! Can we just settle it the better way? The girl did nothing to you, and your reason for making everyone disappear is not convincing enough!
Goombeddy: So HE's the one making everyone disappear! I did sense an eerie vibe or two coming from you anyway! I knew it was you! Just needed evidence!
Penny: Anyway, surrender, Giggles! You are outnumbered here!
Dooplay: Wait guys! I can talk him into not doing anything! But do not dare to challenge him! Trust me, you will regret it!
Kooplea: What now? You knew it all along and kept it a secret!
Giggles: Oh, I understand! They want to see what I've been working on!

He pulls a lever switch, and some changes begins moving, as a convulsing living heart slowly gets closer to the ground. A Chained heart in a Mario game, I actually went there.

Lucifer: GROSS! If I was giving power to that inside this machine...
Giggles: Actually that's what you've been doing the entire time! And now the circus is powerful, all thanks to you! I can use this to take over the world!
Goombeddy: Why does everyone want to do that anyway?
Giggles: Also kill whoever stands in my way! Anyway, this is the last thing you'll see, so prepare!

BOSS CHAPTER 4: THE HAPPY HEART

Tattle: So, this is the surprisingly disgusting Happy Heart! It's an actual heart... genetically engineered! I think that with the disappearance of the performers, he used them to make this heart! I think I don't want to know what happened! Max HP is 40, ATT is 4. It will shoot blinding beams at you, or hit you with a chain. It can also heal itself on occasions, and it can be pretty annoying. You gotta kill it, don't focus on Giggles!

That's Giggles, the evil manager of this circus, and creator of the Happy Heart! Max HP is 20, ATT is 2. He doesn't deal much damage, so don't worry about taking him out!

After the fight, Giggles runs away in fear, while the heart starts convulsing uncontrollably, and at some point a rip appears in it, ripping the entire heart in half, with all the missing people inside.

Hearl: Ugh! What happened? Why am I covered with this icky liquid?
Barbahayra: (sob) I remember a hand reaching for me and dragging me down, I thought I was done for!
Shimon: Perhaps this hero here saved us!
Hearl: Oh hey! Mario!
Goombeddy: Ok, what happened?
Hearl: Apparently, Giggles created this heart with... I'll lead you to know how, but to give it more power, he put this girl in a machine, and put us in it because we were discovering his secret plot! That's why people were disappearing!
Dooplay: Mario, I'm sorry I hid this from you, but he forced me to stay silent! I couldn't speak!
Goombeddy: So that's why you chased us out of your wagon?
Dooplay: Yeah! However I did help you secretly get there! I put that crowbar in front of my wagon so that you could open, ...
Lucifer: ... Lucifer...
Dooplay: So you could open the machine where Lucifer was held in! I planned to release her a long time ago, but I was afraid Giggles would do something terrible to me! I apologize!
Lucifer: Awwwww! You don't need to apologize! You did the right thing anyway, you're such a sweetheart!
Hearl: So hey Mario, anyway, inside the heart, we found something else that made it powerful!
Shock: Hey Mario! Kind of a thrill to discover what that guy was up to! Yeah? Yeah? Anyway, I am Shock, and well, you need to take me with you, cause come on you can't save the world without me!
Lucifer: Wait, you're on a quest to save the world?
Shock: Apparently. Some other code stars that have already found Mario contacted me about him, and so I waited here impatiently! Because as you can see, I AM a code star, and you sure lucky I said that!
Lucifer: Mario, take me with you too... I have nothing besides that to do...

YOU GOT A CODE STAR! Now read this in Chugga's voice.

A real pain in the neck to erase the entire part I wanted to port to this part. God do I need some positive feedback after that!

Also, this chapter is now way better! It's now once again among my favorites! Not my favorite, there's still Miiyoto, but hey, improvements!

Anyway I sure hoped you enjoy that! I put my heart and soul into this like I put them in Lucifer's redesign. See Ya!

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Interlude 4

Bowser: BWAHAHAHAHA! I'm back!
Says he before opening his front door's castle. He looks rather sure of what he's thinking about.
Kammy: OH MY! LORD BOWSER! You have returned! How did the raid go?
Bowser: These two mustachioed plumbers got in the way and some weirdos destroyed the castle, something awesomer than me and my actions combined! But I haven't said my last word!
Kammy: Sure you haven't, your awesomeness!
Bowser: But for now, I'll just have a good ol' five year long nap on my comfy throne!

He jumps on his throne, and directly gets to sleep.

Kammy: Well, Good night, your handsomeness!
Sergeant Guy: Lord Bowser, Sir! We have received a message, and it is requested you come NOW!
Kammy: Not now, idiot! The King's having a nap! Come back in five years!
Bowser: Kammy you hag it was just an expression! NOW I'M READY!
Sergeant Guy: Yes, sir! Follow me sir!

You control Bowser right now and follow the Shy Guy. There are NPCs on the way, which are also present if Mario ever wants to visit the castle. You can talk to them, but, during Bowser's time, they're no important.

Corporal Paraplonk: Great! Lord Bowser, you're here! Look at this!

He turns on some hologram. Some ghosty figure is talking, but you can see some flames coming from its hood.

???: King Bowser Koopa... I have a rather... exciting proposition for you! Do not worry about two clowns called Mario and Luigi... soon, but not too soon, I will appear in front of them and destroy them! But do not ignore this message, because if so is the case, I will find you, Koopa.
I want you to work with the Glitch rebellion. Get your army to team up with their forces! Such is my request! You have 48 hours to reply. This message will self-destruct now...

"Boom"

Bowser: Urgh!
Private Goomp: This guy looks scary Lord Bowser! What if he really has the power to destroy you?
Bowser: I dunno. I need to think about it...
Corporal Paraplonk: It's okay, LB, 48 hours is plenty of time! By the way, I advise you do reply and accept, because who knows what can happen!
Bowser: Ugh... I really need, another nap... Umph!

Who was that mysterious guy? And why did he want to destroy Mario and Luigi? And where was Luigi anyway?

At Fort Hackula:

Evilness: Hmm... another code star spoke to me about that Mario... your plan is actually going smoothly. You're not as dumb as you look. You're still dumb, but just not that dumb.
Peach: I guess I can take that as a compliment. Seeing it comes from an evil being.
Evilness: It is true that I am evil by nature, but there are two sides to every story, princess!
Peach: Yeah, ok, I'll just look for more stuff!

She wanders around the fortress, and spies on Hackula doing something... unusual. He stands in a circle of candles.

Hackula: Ô, great destructive spirit! Come to me! Come to hear my demand!

The candles start spinning, and merge together, and a scribbly figure is created.

???: At last, you have summoned me, but this was not the form I expected to take! You should have greater respect for someone such as I!
Hackula: Wait, how come you are informed that I was going to bring you back?
???: Perhaps you do not know who I truly am, Count Hackula! In that case, may it be better that I do not reveal my identity! Call me Shadoodle!
Hackula: Of course I know who you are! And that is why I summoned you! You know, I can even write your true name on this piece of paper, and you tell me if it's your true name.

He does so. "Shadoodle" is impressed.

Shadoodle: You are a clever soul. I am ready to fulfill your command! And by the way, I knew you were going to summon me because you need my power!
Hackula: Mario. Find him, and kill him! No Mercy!
Shadoodle: But we DO have a deal! If this succeeds, we rule together (and then, I eliminate him and rule myself! Might as well destroy the world while I'm at it!)
Hackula: Yes, of course.
Shadoodle: Pleased to hear that.

He warps away.

Peach Tells everything to Evilness.

Evilness: Hmm... I have a fear of who that might be...
Peach: Is there something wrong?
Evilness: No, nothing. I was just... in deep thought. Good Night princess, sweet nightmares!

In another place, somewhere on the Mt. Vesuvi Bro, a place that is a site where slaves are put to work, dig for treasures, or build stuff. A quite rebellious slave exists among these slaves, and his name was...

Imperial Koopatrol: Startacus! Stop slacking off! You got these rocks to carry to the chariot!
Imperial Hammer Bro: Forget it, man. This guy'll never learn.
Imperial Koopatrol: I know that, but that makes me more determined to beat him up until he does!
Startacus: You will never see me carry these rocks! You took away my freedom!
Imperial Hammer Bro: Look, dude, we know you hate us and all, but you haven't seen what others do with slaves! You're lucky you got me and Koopsparagus to supervise you, or else you'd be dead by now!
Koopsparagus: Chuck's right! We don't have any personal hate for you, Startacus, but we simply need slaves to do the hard work while we fight! I call that teamwork to help the Empire grow stronger!
Chuck: All true! Emperor Brassus said that! He loves everyone, but loves his Empire more! You get that, right Startacus?
Startacus: Why do you listen to this fat loser? He has brought us slaves nothing but pain! Don't you see it? Don't let yourselves get fooled by his smile!
Koopsparagus: Chuck? Ya think he's in violation of code 394?
Chuck: Yeah, I think. Sorry, Startacus, but here comes the whip!

Some trumpets begin sounding. It's Blargtiatus, slave merchant and owner of the most prosperous gladiator school of Brome.

Koopsparagus: Sure is your lucky day, though! Blargtiatus might select you to become a gladiator! Sure, you won't be free, but at least you won't have to work!
Chuck: I'd say nice change! You with me Startacus?
Startacus: How can you be sure he's going to take me?
Chuck: I mean, LOOK AT YOU! You have muscle, you are gorgeous, you are bulky! You're the whole package! Blargtiatus will take you if it kills him!

Blargtiatus approaches the three.

Koopsparagus: Ô Blargtiatus! What brings you here?
Blargtiatus: I am here for him, soldiers! I have been told he is quite strong! He'll make for an excellent fighter!
Chuck: Ya hear that, Startacus? You're officially a gladiator! That's great for a slave!
Koopsparagus: Congratulations, bro.
Blargtiatus: I'll have him for 500 coins! Take these!
Koopsparagus: Oh my WHAT? You can buy five lives with that! Chuck, we're rich!
Chuck: Thanks Startacus!
Blargtiatus: By the way, this money is this site's master's, so hand it out to him when he comes back!
Chuck: Aww man! Well, bye Startacus!
Koopsparagus: We sure will miss those good times! Stay cool!
Startacus: Farewell, hard work!

Startacus gives a last look at the two soldiers, and how they were brainwashed into not thinking what it is like to be a slave. He has never looked at Bromans with such warmth before, yet, he never liked Bromans. He was transported to the gladiator school.

With those intermissions over, let's get to Mayro's!

Dooplay: So now that we got Giggles outta here, and he's probably being pursued by the police right now...

*A police car passes by*

... And has been caught by now, I will make this circus great again! And I won't need any electrical girl imprisoned in a machine to do that. So Thanks Mario, for solving this case! These doors are officially... OPEN WIDE! Open' em, Koopister!

Koopister opens the door, and a crowd of people enter.

Magino: Oh, joy! I can showcase my magic trick!
Barbahayra: That's great, Magino! Let's go in there and practice just a little more!
Hearl: Thanks Mario for everything! See you around!
Shimon: Look, just now we met, but hey, good job on doing this!
Dooplay: Safe travels Mario! And you too, Lucifer!
Lucifer: Thank you! And thank you too Mario! I was starting to think I'd be stuck here forever! Can you believe that because of that clown, I lost my entire childhood?
Goombeddy: Pretty cruel world, I say to that! Anyway, let's get back to Champs-Eclypsees!

Peach's voice here again.

Peach: Mario! Be careful! I saw... wait I haven't even told you about that Hackula guy! He's the owner of the fortress I'm trapped in! Anyway, I saw him bring to life an evil spirit! He is coming to get you! Stay vigilant, you never know how bad it can be!

~Peach

Penny: Hmm... things are not going so well... we should be careful... like she said.
Kooplea: Let's go to the cave of functions and put the code star where it belongs!
Shock: I'm ready! Come on, let's strike that opening in it!

You learned a new move by doing that, like with any code star. Go to Merlon's house.

Merlon: Good! Great job everyone! And I see the team is increasing largely in numbers!
Lancebob: Yes it is! We shall be strong for the future!
Merlon: Anyway, I got yet another call from Merlee telling me she wants to see you again! She has something in reserve for you!

Go to Merlee's, which is easier to do this time since you have your partners. When the house is entered...

Merlee: Oh hello again!
Oh, does not seeing you bring me pain!
I have developed another ability!
It lets you fly to the depths of infinity!
Goombeddy: Something's odd with her... her eyes aren't normally red!
Merlee: What do you mean?
How dare you be so mean?
I AM Merlee, sweet and beautiful,
Adorable and helpful!
My eyes don't define me!
I'm still as kind as can be!
Don't believe my voice?
You leave me no choice!

She casts a spell on Mario, which supposedly makes him gain a new ability, but it turns out... Mario passes out. Something to panic about.

Whatever partner's active: Woaw! What just happened?

???: HAHAHAHA! I gotcha good!

It turns out it was that Shadoodle guy. He was disguised as Merlee.

Shadoodle: Let me first introduce myself! I am Shadoodle, an evil spirit, the incarnation of hate! And bad things... and game overs... or even... many, many bad things... you know, there's these Hammer Bros guys, the Minus world? Yep, all of it!
Goombeddy: Shadoodle? What kind of name is that?
Shadoodle: Name of a god, that is! Where's Mario now? Sorry, no more! He's not waking up in 1000 years! See you when the world ends!

He warps away.

Goombeddy: Oh no, Mario!
Lucifer: What should we do with him?
Goombeddy: I am certainly NOT carrying the corpse, that's for sure! Penny, you do it, you can carry him across gaps!
Penny: It's not the same thing on land!
Lancebob: Stop the quarrel! I'll do it!
Lucifer: You sure he's not too heavy?
Lancebob: Do not worry, Lady Lucifer! I am a knight, I do things like such!

*He is crushed by Mario's papery weight.*

Merlee (the real one): Oh no! What a tragedy!
That sure was a bad baddy!
He locked me in my basement,
Not the best place for entertainment.
The curse he did on Mario,
It is known to me though,
And I know a cure,
And he'll be back pure!
However, I do not know how much time it takes!
For this to work, it's really not like eating cakes!
Goombeddy: WHAT?! We don't have time! We must hurry to get the code stars!
Kooplea: We need someone to lead us! Mario's made all the decisions so far!
Lucifer: Ok, guys, let's not panic. We're just gonna wander aimlessly trying to find someone else!
Goombeddy: That's literally the worst idea I ever heard... in... my... entire... existence!
Lucifer: I know, but what do YOU propose we do?

Meanwhile, somewhere near the town, is a man dressed in green.

Luigi: Hey, look! A town! Maybe I will find some information on where Mario went!
Merlon: Oh! Luigi! Thank heavens you're okay! When Mario said you got separated, I got worried about you!
Luigi: Nah, I was worried about Mario! He was blasted by an explosion! But what are you doing here, Merlon?
Merlon: I live here now! And Mario's on a quest to save the world once again!
Luigi: Wait a sec! You know where he is?

Merlon tells Luigi the location of Merlee's house. Luigi runs there.

Kooplea: Look guys, can we stop arguing about that and actually try?
Lancebob: A little help here? Mario's still on me!

*Door opens*

Goombeddy and Kooplea: Luigi!
Luigi: Goombeddy? Kooplea? What're you doing here?
Kooplea: Same to you!
Luigi: I was looking for Mario! Do you know where he is?
Lucifer: Wait, LUIGI?! As in, Mario's brother? So that's where I remember Mario from before! Oh Luigi, I'm so happy to see you again!

*And she hugs him, but Luigi's expression does show some awkwardness*

Lucifer: I once met you when I was a kid! You're such a great guy to hang out with!
Penny: Ok, Lucifer, but can you let Luigi actually go find Mario?
Luigi: Nah, it's ok. What she said is true, a few years back, I did meet with a mermaid girl. And seeing she remembers me, I guess it was the same girl. And it's good to know that there are some big Luigi fans out there! Anyway, where's Mario? And who're you?
Penny: I'm Penny, this is Lucifer, you know her already, and Lancebob's over there, crushed by Mario's body.
Luigi: Ok thanks... AHHH! *his reaction pushes Lucifer away* What happened to him?
Goombeddy: Some bad guy made him sleep for 1000 years, but Merlee here will be curing him, but for the time being, we need someone to lead us, so that we can find the Code Stars!
Luigi: The WHAT stars now?

Insert quest explanation here.

Lancebob: Ok, and now, can someone help me out? I'm choking down here!

They go to Merlon's house, and tell him what happened.

Merlon: I see... now go, Luigi, with your new partners, and go to Professor Majimi's house over there. Once inside, Snifle may tell you the location of a code star! Good Luck!
Luigi: Thanks Merlon! Come on guys!

You can now take control of Luigi! In battle, his jump attacks are stronger than average, but his hammer is weaker than Mario's. He doesn't have any new field ability, except that it is slightly easier to land jumps with him.

Snifle: Hey again, pardner! What's with the green clothes? Ya decided to dress up as an elf?
Luigi: No, you're mistaking me for Mario! I'm his brother, Luigi!
Snifle: Huh, two Marios? That's great then! And I'll tell ya, that energy the circus passed on to me made me pass out! Super powerful I tell ya! And I also felt somethin' new!
Penny: Really? Where?
Snifle: You know that place near Merlee's house! Dried-Out Valley? There's seriously a code star there, no denying it! And it's easy to get there too! You'll be there in no time!

To be continued...

So yeah, the Startacus story arc now starts here. So does Shadoodle, in order to make him a bigger antagonist of the game. Also, those who read before know who he is. And you're gonna see many obsessed Luigi fans among the Puzzeeles. Anyway See Ya!

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Chapter 5: The Rock and the Shadow

Goombeddy: We’re here! Let’s look for the code star!

You are now in Dried-out Valley. It’s the place with the lowest life rate in the Mushroom Kingdom, simply because it’s a completely inhabitable place. It’s like Death Valley here. It’s a desert of rocks, a canyon that feels never-ending. It is the death of everything that walks there. Well, except well prepared explorers and species that naturally live here, so anyway. You’ll be fighting Bald Clefts and Clefts, also fighting Buzzy Beetles on the way. Plus, there are new enemies called Deweedraters. Basically Dead weeds. But you can also find Bone Goombas and Dry Bones. Dead stuff. Anyway, you can come across some Skellobits on Campfires, and if they see you, they WILL attack you. The first time a group of them attacks you, this occurs after the battle transition screen:

Skellobit 1: [insert pretty much any incomprehensible word you can think of here]
Goombeddy: Oh! I get it! He says we are invading his territory! Let me talk to them!

But as he gets closer, he gets a taste of the Skeleton’s spear.

Goombeddy: Oww! Ok, people, let’s kill these stupid things they don’t have any sense of understanding!
Skellobit 2: [same incomprehensible words here]
Goombeddy: ???
Skellobit 3: [Y’know what]
Penny: Can you tell us what they’re saying now?
Goombeddy: They say they think we are friends with a certain rock that has been attacking their village earlier today. Few minutes ago, to be precise.
Lancebob: Arbitrary! Do they even know why we are here?
Kooplea: I don’t think it’s good to judge them just yet. Maybe they’re ignorant?
Luigi: Well, whatever they think, we must still go! We got code stars to find!
Lucifer: Haven’t I told you Luigi’s such a nice guy?
Goombeddy: Well, seeing he’s Mario’s brother, we already know that.

After that rather pointless dialogue about who between Mario or Luigi is better, you can continue moving. There is a gimmick: Because of how hot the place is, you can’t stay in the open like that... you gotta look for shadow to hide in constantly. There is a temperature meter showing wether you will take damage or not, like how BoTW does it for extreme temperatures. Once in the shadow, wait till the meter goes back to the normal temperature, then go. But in battles, time is still present, and this time the meter grows higher with every turn, at some point, you will start losing HP every turn, so try to beat your enemies fast. With some rare badge though, this temperature should be no problem.

Anyway, you fight enemies and do stuff, puzzles whatnot. At some point, you come across some giant rock. You must go on it because there’s a large wall which you must go over. However, upon jumping on it, this happens:

???: WHO DARES STEP ON ME?

The rock begins shaking and twitching, until some eyes appear. Also a red headband.

???: HOW DARE YOU CHALLENGE ONE SUCH AS I?
Lucifer: You’re a rock, how can you feel our feet?
Kooplea: Lucifer, you don’t have any.
Lucifer: Oh yeah.
Kooplea: Anyway, we didn’t know you were a living rock, so sorry to step on you, but we need to get to the other side of this wall.
???: You will go nowhere. Unless you somehow manage to overpower me!

He engages a battle, and you must beat him (ORLY?). However, your attacks don’t do anything.

Luigi: Wait... our attacks are useless against him?
???: NYAHNYAHNYAH! Who’s stepping on who now? I told you it wasn’t a good idea to challenge me!

The big Rock sends our heroes flying away... right over the wall.

???: Crud... I think I helped them. Whatever, not like they could have survived that! I’ll just go back to look for that code star in that village! By the way, not like I wasn’t invincible in this hard bad boy! By the other way, terrorizing that village was fun, let’s do it again... after I rest a little more.

And the rock flies away... for some reason, the heroes feel like they heard that voice before... who cares?

Kooplea: A village? There’s a village here? But HOW? This place is inhabitable!
Goombeddy: I think he must be referring to those Skellobits... maybe they have a village for themselves. For what I know, they kinda are stuck in the stone age, they’re a pretty laid-back civilization. If their village has the code star in it, then we should look there!
Lucifer: But where can such a village be located?
Goombeddy: Does it look like I know? I’m not the brightest brainiac in the whole world you know!
Lucifer: Gee, sorry! I was just messing with you because there’s a village right here!

Goombeddy looks behind him and discovers an entire village... or group of houses more like.

Goombeddy: I can’t believe it............................. I WAS BURNED BY A PUZZLE-ASSEMBLED ELECTRICAL MERMAID CHICK! Man, I had a streak! I lost it!
Lucifer: Sorry, then... again...
Lancebob: Anyway, didn’t this rock mention it was going to terrorize this village? We must hurry to prevent all the villagers!
Penny: That sure is priority over roasting Goombeddy, now come on, let’s go!

The village is however deserted. Nobody’s here, seemingly, but someone is heard meditating. Follow these noises to get to a guy sitting next to some circle that looks like it was cut in the ground. After all the world IS cardboard. Talk to this guy.

???: Ommmmmmm... Good to see some non-skellobit people here! We don’t get many visitors!
Luigi: Who’re you?
Skiller: I am Skiller, chief of this village you see and only member of the tribe who knows how to speak your language.
Goombeddy: So this IS a skellobit village. But where’s everybody?
Skiller: You see that cut through the ground? Here used to stand a tower on top of which sat Eewakk, our god protector. He’s a giant rock, but something seems to have possessed him and now he turned against us. I guess that’s not that much of a big deal, since us Skellobits are already undead, but we do have some problems rebuilding the village, and in extreme cases, the village AND the villagers. So it would be of pretty cool help if you do help us get rid of him.
Penny: That’s not happening... we actually ran into a giant rock earlier and it was invincible... that’s assuming we’re talking about the same rock!
Skellobit: [incomprehensible words]
Skiller: What? Is that so? This fellow here says they caught Eewakk wandering around the village and are executing him at the moment... Maybe that’s why nobody’s here!
Penny: What do you mean, "execute"? He’s invincible!
Skiller: My Skellobits never lied to me! Maybe you should see for yourselves! [incomprehensible words addressed to the Skellobit] Skullkull here will show you the way to the Killer rock, our sacrifice spot. We never use it, but we figured it would be nice to have one anyway.

"Skullkull" shows you the way, you must follow him. Sometimes, enemies will be attacking him, so you gotta save him, and even if you know where to go, the door is locked, and he has the key, so better keep him "alive". The Killer rock is a giant rock with a red skull painting on its walls. Skullkull opens the door, and a ridiculous amount of Skellobits are seen screaming one word, and this word is "KILL! KILL! KILL!". Sadly, that’s the only modern word the know. So they live to kill, but well people from the stone age were hunters, so yeah ok.

There is a pyramid like structure in the room, and on top is seen a giant rock that was carved to look like Eewakk, hanging on a rope, held by three Skellobits standing on the foot of the pyramid. So presumably the accused would be crushed by the "Eewakk"-like rock, but the Skellobits said they were executing Eewakk... well, wrong, t’wasn’t Eewakk. It was another rock, but it was way too small to be Eewakk. It was a Rocky, and he was apparently chained in place for him not to move, and he really sounded like he didn’t want to be there: "PLEASE! NO! I’M NOT THIS EEWAKK GUY YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT! I’M WAY NICER, I’M NO BULLY! PLEASE! LET ME OUT! I’LL DO ANYTHING! CLEAN YOUR CAR, KISS A DEAD FISH, SHOWER MYSELF WITH GARLIC OIL! MARRY YOU! ANYTHING, BUT LET ME OUT!"

Goombeddy: That doesn’t look like that Eewakk guy... we should help him.
Luigi: Finally! Something for Luigi to take care of! I’ll show you how I save the day!

To progress in the area, you gotta get the amount of NPCs that prove the system’s processing powers outta the way. So you basically whack them with your hammer.

Goombeddy: Get these guys holding the rock!

A single whack of a hammer takes them out, but Goombeddy’s idea wasn’t that good, because since they were holding the rock, that means the rock fell down on the poor guy.

Goombeddy: Darn it! Again! I burned myself!
Kooplea: Should we check on him?
Lancebob: It’s the right thing to do, onward!

You get on top of the pyramid-like rock, and find out the Rocky’s still here, unharmed, with the giant rock standing still on his head.

Rocky: I’LL SIGN MY SOUL TO THE DEVIL, EAT A PIECE OF PAPER WITH EGGPLANT SAUCE ALL OVER IT, POLISH YOUR MUSTACHE! ANYTHING, BUT PLEASE DON’T KILL...
Luigi: It’s alright little guy, you’re not dead!
Rocky: Hey, you’re right! Did you save me?
Luigi: Well, no, but the rock didn’t hurt you anyway. It’s still on you.
Rocky: Oh... Yeah I tend to underestimate my shell’s hardness... I thought this thing was gonna flatten me... they’re not gonna try executing me in another way, right?
Luigi: We don’t know, but we won’t let it happen!
Rocky: Thanks. My name is Rockbert, and I’m a student at Dreamland university. I came here to research the lifestyle of these Skellobits, but as soon as I got here, they grabbed me and put me here! They said I was some guy called Eewakk!
Penny: Myeah... y’know... their chief told us that this Eewakk got possessed or something earlier today, and... OH NO! We forgot! Wasn’t he gonna attack the village?
Lucifer: Memory’s not exactly my thing, but yeah, you’re right. We should head back there.
Rockbert: WHAT?! THEIR VILLAGE IS GONNA GET ATTACKED? TAKE ME WITH YOU, MISTER...
Luigi: Luigi.
Lucifer: Wait... you’re telling me you don’t know Luigi?
Kooplea: And also why do you want to save the village? They wanted to kill you!
Rockbert: It’s nothing personal you know... It’s just... think about it... these skellobits may evolve one day undisturbed from any presence of already advanced civilization. What if they evolve in a different way we did? Interesting things right there! We can’t let them disappear in history! We gotta help!
Goombeddy: Well SOMEONE’S interested in knowledge! You’re in!

Rockbert, the forgiving and soft but not so self-confident Rocky joins the party! Seeing how hard he is, Mario or Luigi can step on him no problem, and get to areas that are too high to jump to normally. You can also use him to avoid some obstacles or first strike airborne enemies. Basically anything that requires height.

You go back to the village, and it is indeed being attacked. And this time, the actual Eewakk is seen stomping everywhere.

Eewakk: HEEHEEHEE! This is way too fun! I’ll be doing this all day! And who cares if I stomp on the code star by accident, my goal is to destroy it! So win win!
Skiller: Master Luigi! Help us! Eewakk is attacking the village! (If Skawo was playing this game, I expect the orly owl to show up here)
Rockbert: Yeah, we can see that, let’s get him Luigi!
Luigi: But he’s invincible! Ask my friends, they’ll tell you!
Eewakk: HEY LOOK! These guys from before! So you’re not dead! Good for you! But now I gotta make you suffer my rocky body again!

Another battle is engaged. And again, he’s invincible. However, at some point in the fight, Skiller jumps up with his spear and dives into the rock, sending it flying away. But the spear breaks after the impact.

Skiller: He’s gone for now, but he’ll be back. There is a way you can penetrate him.
Luigi: Then tell us! We need to know!
Skiller: See, this isn’t the first time Eewakk turned against us... once, before he became our protector, he was a savage beast. That was about 1,500 years ago... the Skellobit intellectuals created a spear so hard it was able to tame the rock... it came to be known as the Silex spear, and it was used by me, and I was a young warrior back then, to calm Eewakk down and make him our guardian. The Silex spear was put in his tower in case it would be used again. Now I’m old and weak myself, and as you can see, Eewakk’s tower is engulfed in the ground. Go to the cave east of here to go underground, and seek out the tower. In it, find the Silex Spear and use it to get Eewakk to our side again. And if you are after the code stars, then I highly suggest you do that, because he’s the only one who knows its location.
Rockbert: We’ll do just that, Mister! Thanks for the information, should be great for my research!

DUNGEON 5: The cave.

Enemies:

-Bald Cleft
-Cleft
-Buzzy Beetle
-Spike Top
-Dry Bones
-Bone Goomba
-Brolder
-Grock
-Gargoil
-Bulsh

The cave is a dark place, and some rooms are so dark, you need Lucifer’s ability to see where to go. A lot of Buzzy Beetles and Spike Tops will be hanging on the ceiling and dropping down from it, and also, Thwomps are here, and this is the first of many areas where they appear. They will deal a lot of damage, and by a lot, I mean how much damage you can take in games like Color Splash or Sticker Star (they deal 10 damage ok). Thankfully they’re easy to avoid, and pretty predictable as to where they will appear.

At the end of the cave, the last room you’ll encounter is really, really high of ceiling, and inside of it, a tower that reaches the ceiling.

Goombeddy: A tower under the ground. We must be right under the center of the village.
Rockbert: And the Silex spear should be here!

As soon as the Rocky approaches the tower, it opens a small door with the Silex Spear inside.

Rockbert: Yay! Guys! We did it! Let’s go back to the surface!

Just as that is said, a hologram of Skiller appears in front of the party. A faint hologram that is, in the vein of Merlee’s in Super Paper Mario.

Skiller: Master Luigi! Hurry! The village is being attacked by Eewakk again!
Luigi: ALREADY? Man, now I understand how annoying it is for Mario to having to rescue the princess so many times!
Skiller: I hope you found the Silex Spear by now, because if all of us get destroyed by Eewakk, our entire civilization will stay in ruins... forever! Only you can put an end to this!
Goombeddy: Great! How’re we supposed to go up quick!
Lucifer: Uhhhh.... Goombeddy, I don’t want to burn you again, but...

She points at a pipe that goes upwards.

Goombeddy: COULD YOU STOP DOING THAT?! I AM ALREADY ASHAMED!
Lucifer: On the bright side, that’d do great for another streak.

Everyone goes through the pipe, and they end up on the roof of a house. So the pipe is basically a chimney. Eewakk is waiting for the team in the center of the village, where the tower should be.

Eewakk: At last you show up! I wanna rematch! And I want rematches until you die! C’mon now! LETS DO THIS!

BOSS CHAPTER 5: EEWAKK

Tattle: That’s Eewakk, formerly the protector of this village. And now something’s messing with his brain apparently. Max HP is 40, ATT is 4. Eewakk is one tough fighter, and his best move is stomping on you, which hurts quite a bunch. In fact, it’s his only attack that surpasses his stats: 10 DAMAGE! You gotta be sure you use the Silex Spear correctly when he’s flipped over. That’s his weak spot. He can also ram into you or increase his defense stats. And that’s not all, because once you empty his HP bar, he might revive, because he’s immortal! Our only hope is make him a good guy again, then.

That fight is very tough, but hey, look at Macho Grubba who has 60 HP and can deal up to 8 damage while you are still in Chapter 3. Anyway, this happens.

Shadoodle: GAAAH! That hurt! How could you beat me inside of this rock?!

He is revealed to be the one who has controlled Eewakk against the latter’s will.

Shadoodle: This is not over. Maybe I didn’t defeat you because of that stupid rock here! I will crush you in this basic form! And if I ever retrieve my true form one day... you’ll see the pain that makes you wish the world never even existed.

During his speech, Eewakk is seen behind Shadoodle slowly approaching, and at the end of the speech, he kicks him out of the multiverse.

Eewakk: ___ h_v_ s_v_d m_. _ _m gr_t_f_l.
Skiller: You hear that, Master Luigi? You are being thanked by a god! (And quick editor note, you know that there is another god in the game if you read it before) I must thank you too for saving our village.
Eewakk: Th_ c_d_ st_r _s j_st b_n__th m_. _‘ll m_k_ _t _pp__r f_r ___.

As he says these faint words, he jumps on the placement of the tower, as it rises entirely out of the ground, and is even kinda propelled like a rocket, and is shoots the code star to Luigi.

Justice: Good afternoon, gentlemen! I remember the code stars telling me of some mustachioed man dressed in red, but why do I see him in green? That probably doesn’t matter, for my motto is "Equality" that’s the entirety of it. So I guess you get the picture of me wanting this world to be a better place, isn’t it apparent? I mean tell me you too want that all over...........
Goombeddy: He’s not gonna stop talking isn’t he?
Penny: That’s what it looks like... how many code stars have we found already?
Lancebob: Since I was here, this is the third one, but ask Goombeddy about the whole number.
Goombeddy: 5. This is actually pretty fast, even though we still got 11 to get.
Rockbert: You know guys, I think I’ll stick with you then, because it sounds too important to ignore.
Goombeddy: No one ever objected that! You’re free to stay or follow us whenever you like!
Rockbert: I mean I got my research to complete, but I see that code star thing as priority over other things.
Lucifer: How cute! Don’t worry, I promise this won’t be as bad as it first sounds like! Just look at how the fact that this quest exists saved me!
Rockbert: Yeah ok, that makes me question how everyone ended up joining here... perhaps you can y’know, tell me?
Kooplea: Well, here comes a block of storytelling! Speaking of which, has that code star shut up already?
Justice: ... and that is why you must hurry and place me in the cave of function, and save the world! Wait... YOU WERE SLEEPING?!?!
Luigi: ... wh... what! No! I’m friends with birds! That’s why it’s on my nose!
Justice: Truly, enough talking. Take me with you!

A big improvement over the original I say, even this chapter didn’t really need it. I’ll repost Chapter 6 just for the sake of keeping things straight, but I won’t change anything from it except minor details.

See Ya!

 

[LED42]

Will this ever have a demo?

 

[Koops]

I don’t know how to program stuff but whenever I learn I’ll see if I do anything.

I really hope I can make it happen one day if possible.

 

[Koops]

Ok guys small location update.

Thanks to Super Mario Odyssey, for a long time we now know that Isle Delphino is right next to the Mushroom Kingdom. But isn't Sulahfat island right next to it? Well I figured it wouldn't make much sense that there are two islands like that, so from now on, Sulahfat Island is Isle Delphino!

In other words Sulahfat Island basically doesn't exist anymore. But that's ok, because there are no story changes.

 

[Koops]

Posting this now because I’m switching phones.

Spoiler

Interlude 5

Kammy Koopa: So, Sergeant? Did you get any information on our anonymous message?
Sergeant Guy: No, ma’am! We’re still looking! However, I strongly advise that you do follow the orders that were spoken by the shady person in question!
Kammy Koopa: We don’t take decisions until Lord Bowser wakes up, so keep looking!
Sergeant Guy: Sir yes Sir! I mean ma’am!

In the other room:

Private Goomp: I think it’s best for Lord Bowser to grant the wish of that ghosty thing... he looks pretty scary to me!
Corporal Paraplonk: Yeah, you know what, we should talk some sense into LB before he replies to the message. For his own good!
Private Goomp: Anyway, I heard from him that Mario has vanished because of some explosion. Can you believe it?
Paraplonk: If It’s coming from Bowser, then I wouldn’t doubt it’s true, but that’s weird, cuz I heard someone else say that he was looking for something called "code star". What’s a code star?
Goomp: How should I know? Ask Mario! Speaking of him, if what you say is true, what if these code stars are super important world saving tools? And what if killing Mario would mean putting the world in danger? I mean I remember it didn’t go so well when Lord Bowser tried to kill Mario while that Grodus guy took Peach somewhere.
Paraplonk: Excellent point here, my friend. Better not tell Bowser about these code star things. He’d want them at all cost and lose control!
Goomp: Come to think of it, what if that guy who sent us the message is related to them? What if his goal is to lure us in?
Paraplonk: We have no choice anyway, otherwise we’re doomed! We’ll just have to hide it from him!
Goomp: I like your thinking. We got ourselves a goal!

They shake hands. Meanwhile Bowser wakes up from his throne. He looks as ready as he ever was.

Bowser: HELLOOOO COOLNESS! I feel RICH in coolness! I only need wind blowing through my hair, and I’m all set!
Paraplonk: Lord Bowser! You’re finally awake! So, have you decided of what you will reply?
Bowser: To what? Oh yeah, that creepy squirt! I’ll just say yes so he doesn’t cry, but it doesn’t mean I’m taking it seriously. I only work for my own men, forget these glitch things! As soon as I get the chance to overpower them, it’s flailing arms everywhere!
Paraplonk: With all due respect, Milord, I don’t think BoomBoom’s battle style is the best choice we have! But do as you will!
Bowser: Ya hear me, Glitches? You better cry, you better run and I’m telling ya why! Santa "Claws" is coming to town!

At Fort Hackula:

Shadoodle: Phew... This Luigi guy, and his friends. They’re too strong!
Hackula: Don’t take that as a valid excuse! We know... wait, who’s Luigi?
Shadoodle: You gotta be the only guy who doesn’t know him. He’s Mario brother!
Hackula: WHAT?! THERE’S TWO MARIOS NOW? It can’t be! Get rid of him at once!
Shadoodle: Um... I couldn’t... I mean, I just tried. I need time to prepare!
Hackula: No breaks! Go confront him now!
Shadoodle: Count, we had a deal, and I work with my own conditions! It’s or that or I bail! You won’t ever hear from me ever again! And then, chances of Mario and Luigi coming here and destroying you and your stupid dreams become more 100% than they already are! So you shut your mouth and sit back or do something yourself or just suck your own blood but I’m staying to prepare! Understood?
Hackula: Just don’t play like that with me, you underestimate my power!
Shadoodle: Just you wait, Count! You know who I am, you know your fate is in my hands. You just can’t admit it, can’t you? I know it. Even fearless sorts like you have these kinds of mental weaknesses! Adios, Vampire!

Hackula is left in deep thought. What is Shadoodle talking about? Who is he?

Evilness: Hmm... Mario’s pretty efficient... I feel another code star! Looks like our deal is pretty much secure for the moment.
Peach: Great! I knew he could handle it! It’s not the first time he goes on to save the world!
Evilness: I can see that... I guess I should’ve trusted you since the beginning.
Peach: I’m gonna look for stuff. See what Mario should know.
Evilness: Yeah ok...

You once again take control of Peach. There’s nothing really worthy to note. So go to Hector’s room again, except... he’s not in the fortress so you probably won’t get interrupted. Cool. There’s another open book on the desk. Your intuition tells you to read it.

"Well, all went as predicted... Mario’s boots aren’t as rusty as we first saw them... he might even actually do it, him and his friends. And to anyone besides me reading this, these words may sound incomprehensible but maybe they’ll learn with time. But no one could be reading this at the moment, right? Come on, if it were true, then how would I risk writing that there is a secret passage here under the desk, huh?"

Peach: A secret passage?
Glitch: Yeah right, I’m gonna secret passage you outta here Princess! Go back to your cell! Or I smite you!
Peach: ...
Glitch: Yeah sorry ‘bout that, just tried to not be like those random enemies that talk once in the game and are pretty forgettable characters in the game, sorry.
Peach: O..... kay? Should I go to my room?
Glitch: You probably should...
Peach: Yeah ok...

Peach goes back to her room. She tells Evilness everything.

Evilness: WHAT?! You got spotted again?! That sucks! You’re useless!
Peach: Hey have you tried sneaking out? Plus, I’ll go to that secret passage next chance I get! Don’t worry, shouldn’t be a long wait!
Evilness: Ugh... each time I think we did something, it turns out it’s a useless something that won’t lead us anywhere. I’m sick of it!
Peach: Like you can do any better!
Evilness: Are you taking this as some sort of challenge? Then I’m in! I’ll sneak out everywhere in the fortress and bring useful information! Ha! Why haven’t I thought of this before? I’m so lucky I got this idea.
Peach: How unstable... anyway it’s getting late here.
Evilness: Yeah whatever Good night Princess!

In another country, in Brome to be precise, a slave arrived at a gladiator school.

Blargtiatus: Welcome to my school, Startacus! A new life begins here for you!
Startacus: I’ll judge for myself if this life is good!
Blargtiatus: Anyway, here’s your instructor, Coach Broscelus.
Broscelus: Welcome, slave! Follow me to your cell! In five minutes, we will begin training! Emperor Brassus is coming tomorrow to see a show and you should be ready in case he chooses to see you! Now move!
Startacus: Something tells me that guy’s not gonna make it so good!

Broscelus, who is btw a Hammer Bro but with a whip, a Whip Bro if you will, whips Startacus.

Broscelus: Quiet, you slave! Now MOVE IT!

In his cell, Startacus meets a Dark Bones, different of skin color from any other Dry Bones.

???: What’s your name, brother?
Startacus: I’m Startacus, and I have just arrived here.
Dry-ba: My name’s Dry-ba, pleased to see a new face among us. Good luck, brother, I feel our journey together will be harsh.
Broscelus: OK SLAVES! ENOUGH CHATTING! ITS TRAINING TIME, YOU MORONS! You, the black one! Hurry here! I have a special treat for you!
Startacus: Is he talking to you?
Dry-ba: He likes making fun of my pale color.
Startacus: That’s extremely racist! Don’t you get upset?
Dry-ba: I can’t! Or otherwise I’m beaten until next week!
Broscelus: I thought I told you to get over here! Come on, Lazy bones! Or you know the price of disobedience!
Startacus: Something tells me that being transferred to this school is even worse than working on the mountains!
Dry-ba: I thought it would be better, I used to work on the mountains, and there were at least two soldiers that show that they’re not exactly bad guys, since their ignorance lead them to not see their emperor’s intent. Here, it’s way worse.
Startacus: They weren’t wrong when they said they were lucky I had them...

Here starts a series of events to the slave we won’t ever forget. Meanwhile, at the Rocky Desert of Dried-out Valley (plus, now it’s the only desert in the game because the Doom Desert, now renamed Geldgypt, is not a desert anymore but more like a big giant temple-like structure made of Gold.):

Skiller: Sincerely, Luigi, Goombeddy, Kooplea, Penny, Lancebob, Lucifer, and lastly Rockbert, (whisper: weird names here) we are here today assembled to celebrate you, having saved us from a threat! Now go take care of that other threat, the one that menaces the world!
Justice: That’s great! You know, when I hid in this tower, I did it to protect this world that gave birth to all living things. Sure some of them are bad, but the good ones make up for that, and...
Luigi: So guys! How you doin’?
Goombeddy: Thanks for asking, I feel tough!
Rockbert: So anyway, it may seem easy now, even though we had to fight an invincible rock, but I know it will have to get gradually harder! Don’t be afraid to use me as a meat shield!
Lucifer: Are you ok with that? I mean use you to not get hurt?
Rockbert: Don’t worry, I’m a rock-hard type of guy! I feel less pain than other people! All Rockies do! Don’t worry about using me to protect yourselves!
Lucifer: Awww! That’s even more adorable! I love that guy!
Lancebob: Now come! Shouldn’t we place this code star where it belongs?
Penny: That is, when it stops talking.
Kooplea: Judging by the way you said that, I think we all know it’s going to last for some time!
Justice: ...And now, with that, we’ll set off to place me in the so-sought after Cave of functions! Let us go!
Penny: Though that did take less time than before! Great!
Skiller: Be safe on your travels, heroes!

Though before they get the chance to leave, Mario comes in, adjusts his hat and lifts the finger... no not "that" finger, I meant his thumb! Where do you get these ideas? Dude...

Luigi: Mario!! Thank goodness you’re here! I was so worried!
Lucifer: And you’re just in time, Mario! Luigi found a code star! Isn’t he great?

Mario gets closer to Luigi, seems proud and gives him a pat in the back, plus hi fives him.

Kooplea: Anyway, looks like it was a nice move to trust Merlee.
Skiller: So, you’re Luigi’s brother? Pleased to meet someone such as you!
Lancebob: Wonderful I say! But shouldn’t we hurry back?
Snifle: Nah ya shouldn’t, pal!

He comes on screen.

Snifle: That’s right, I didn’t detect ONE code star in Dried-Out Valley, but TWO! There’s one somewhere over this cliff... ya only need teh know how to get there, or else ya ain’t goin’ anywhere! ‘Tis the right way, I tell ya!

Just at that moment, Eewakk jumps high and pounds the cliff, turning it into a slope.

Snifle: Well that was easy! Good luck, pards!

You go the way that was opened to you, fighting Bone Goombas, Buzzy Beetles, Bone Piranhas, until a giant Immobile Dry Bones is in sight...

Here ya go!

 

[Koops]

Soooooooooooooo... Guess this is still a thing...

No, I didn’t forget it existed, I just forgot that thread existed, but I was still drawing stuff... on paper.

Progress...
And Chapter 6 which was supposed to have no changes except some minor tweaking?

Well guess what, you’re gonna have 7 heart attacks in a row each 2.35 nanoseconds due to some slight laughter, but well...
Um...
See...
Well...


I’m rewriting it.

I just started doing that also.

Sorry.

Guess you were looking up to some pretty cool stuff...
Well, I do have some cool stuff, but I’ll post later.

If you wanna know...

You know those guys on Deviantart who draw their own Paper Mario fanfics in forms of scenes, one chapter at a time?

Well I did that to all 16 chapters on Paper! (+Prologue)

Also drew a World Map for once!

Also drew the Pit of 100 trials boss (who isn’t a palette swap of an existing one)

Planned part of the post-game side-stories of some chapters, including their respective post-game bosses.

Antonimus and Blurgrr are now fighting to see if they will stay number one, or conquer that spot respectively. And Lucifer’s digging in there too let me tell ya.

I realized I cared about Rockbert 673948352 times more than I thought. (He appears in 7 out of 17 chapter covers in total surpassing every other partner.)

I also realized I cared more about Goombeddy and less about Kooplea.

I realized Stayzee was actually one of the best partners imo.

Apparently Hunter and Sataneel are both hunk of a man.

Yes, many bad puns of this game remained unchanged, but hey, with the arrival of new good ones...

Paper Mario Color Splash is beautiful.

Why I said that I can never know, I just finished watching a playthrough of it.

Chapter 13 is the frikkin incarnation of amazing... like usual.

I found a good excuse to use the Ruined Dragon as a post-game boss.

Implemented Sataneel’s oldest design and made him a separate character.

So X actually references X-Trullor. Well now we got Dex Arson on the team too.

Dat Final boss is gorgeous.

Waluigi appears... as a minor NPC.

Undergoing some confusion because Puzzeele’s Domain and Brome both contain columns. Gotta know how to tell them apart...

Sir K.-O... Oh yeah he’s that guy in the pyramid.

Penny’s ponytail’s gotta be the most apparent new thing.

Hologram hands for the Blockbites.

Speaking of which, even more references to Geometry Dash.

Wisdom the code star looks like Eldstar.

What am I even saying? Ok, I promise next thing I post in this thread is gonna be a new version of Chapter 6! Until then See Ya!







































































I miss this thread...

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Chapter 6: Pride and Freedom lost

After Mario had recovered from his unconsciousness and reunited with Luigi, the party ventured deeper into Dried-out Valley and a giant inanimate Dry Bones came in sight of the group. Its mouth was open and some structures and lights were seen inside. So obviously the team assumes this is where they need to go.

Lancebob: Whoever had the idea of putting this town inside a skeleton was pretty clever! A rather great spot for hiding from criminals!
Goombeddy: Criminals from the outside, but this city is by itself reknown to be the place with the biggest crime rate in the Mushroom Kingdom! People here steal, injure, die and kill for money! All thieves! This, ... is Boned City! The city of thieves! I do however know some cases of solidarity between some of the people here, and not absolutely all of them are thieves! I wouldn’t say going in is a great thing, but if the code star’s there, then that’s what we should be doing!
Rockbert: Thieves... I never liked them. They are the biggest example of uneducated people!
Goombeddy: Some people tried to decrease that crime rate by doing voluntary work here, but I read somewhere it was so hard and desperate all but one gave up on the task! If we meet up with just the one they might help us though!
Penny: "Read somewhere"... you sure these sources are reliable?
Lucifer: Judging by how I burned him so easily twice in a row, I have doubts!
Goombeddy: Yeah ok, thank you so much for your ability to trust mustachioed Goombas! Now whatever you think, we should head in already!

Inside the Dry Bones is a relatively huge city. I mean who would’ve thought of putting a city in the Skeleton of a giant Turtle? It’s a kinda beautiful place for sightseeing I guess, although I’d say it’s atmospherical, because beautiful sounds weird and inaccurate to say. I mean if you were playing a video game and came across this place, you’d say it’s beautiful... but... what am I even saying?

To cut things short, this is Boned City, city of thieves. People sneak into people’s houses, who went out to steal something themselves, to steal their properties while getting their stuff stolen. That’s regular life in the city. Well, some citizen are trying to stop that, but hey, majority wins. And with only one person doing voluntary work here, we can’t say things are exactly going smoothly.

Tacky T: Hello there, Visitors! Is there anything you need us to do?
Rockbert: Man I really feel bad though. These guys are poor but they don’t take that as an excuse not to help.

Tacky T is a Tacky Toad, because well, that’s his name alright. He’s the representative of Boned City's inhabitants who try to not get their stuff stolen, not like they had many things anyway. He’s the head of the HAG (Help A Guy), an organization of five members, including himself, whose objective is to improve the citizens’ lives.

Goombeddy: That’s weird... Why are there so many Broman Soldiers?
Penny: Broman? Those cruel guys?!
Kooplea: Apparently. No wonder the place looks dull.
Lancebob: Wait, the Broman Empire still hasn’t chuted by this time? Our kingdom lost their bet!
Lucifer: Guys... what is the Broman Empire?
Goombeddy: Oh yes, you spent seven years in a box, now that is being made apparent. The Broman Empire is an Empire led by a merciless Emperor, Brassus! His ancestors were responsible for conquering a large part of their continent, and they even took the north-eastern corner of the Mushroom Kingdom! Brome is a dangerous place for any stranger who dares enter, thankfully, it’s all the way across the ocean.
Lancebob: During my time, us and the Broman Empire are opponents, and we are the reason they didn’t take the entire Mushroom Kingdom! Cherish my existence, I was in that fierce battle!
Rockbert: Not only that though, but all the Bromans follow their leader like a pack of sheep follow their shepherd. They do his evil bidding, not knowing what may be the consequences! Truly terrifying!
Lucifer: Yeah, it’s pretty clear, they’re bad guys!
Tacky T: Yes truly! They invaded 10 years ago after their Black Flower got stolen! It’s a very precious artifact that serves as a weapon AND a way to get money. After Brassus lost it, he went ballistic, and sent cohorts of men to look in the entire WORLD! When he knew that out city was the city of thieves, he threw all of his men here! What’s worse is he’s after our city’s hero, the legendary thief! She’s a pretty skilled one, robbing what the rich people have and distributes it to the HAG, a committee I run. I can present you to my colleagues if you want.
Luigi: Nah it’s ok, I think we better be on our way! We got something to go after!
Mario: Hey!
Tacky T: Your friend here seems to want that though. It wouldn’t hurt to meet them, you know. They might help for what you want!

You enter a sad looking building. Inside of it are a few guys, all presumably from the HAG.

Tacky T: Everyone, meet Flameron, my best friend! He’s fiery, yes, and he’s also warm from the inside!
And here’s Zoops, second in command here. He looks edgy, but he won’t hurt a soul. He was born blind from an eye, but the other one’s fine.
Here’s Shylink. Quite the muscle of the team, and he sometimes goes out to rob others, alongside the legendary thief. He does this for his helpless younger brother.
Meet Goshi. He’s fast, trustworthy and gets the job done well.
Flameron: Heya!
Zoops: Wassup?
Shylink: Hi.
Goshi: How you doin'?
Tacky T: Anyway, what brings you here?
Luigi: We're after some code stars! Are there any here?
Tacky T: Does that ring a bell, anyone?
Flameron: Nope.
Goshi: Not a clue.
Zoops: I think. Shylink did say that word once, I recall.
Shylink: True dat! I was with the legendary thief once, she said she saw in the Broman’s possession some star thing they called a code star. But there’s no getting it from them. They have it in the most guarded place in the world: Brome.
Kooplea: How do you know that though?
Shylink: Ask the legendary thief, she told me just that. But what I know... well, they also have a code star here... they hid it somewhere in this city, so if you want it, you can start digging.
Kooplea: Well that’s good news, what do you say we start looking guys?
Lucifer: Woah Woah Woah... This city’s kinda big, you wouldn’t think we’d just walk around and ask benevolent people about where it could be. Why not excavate it while you’re at it?
Penny: She... does have a point... We need a more reasonable way to find it.
Tacky T: I got an idea.

*Camera pans towards the window to show the trouble center*

Tacky T: That building here is the trouble center. People in desperate need of help come complain about stuff here. If you do what they want you to do, you might gather info on where it is.
Goombeddy: That’s pretty much the same thing but it’s actually slightly better. Plus, these people do need help.
Rockbert: I approve of that.
Lancebob: Well, then, shall we go? Let us put an end to these terrible life conditions!

Aaaaaaaand go!

Queue main story sidequests!

At some point during the solving of the problems though, you might find a mysterious looking paper. It reads:

"Hey you, the guy helping everyone in town as of late? That’s right, I’m talkin’ to YOU!!!

Well, t'would be good if you helped me! Meet me in one of these alleys... what ya think I’m gonna rob you or something? No of course not, I’m not THAT type of gal!

See that alley two buildings left of where you’re reading this? Yeah just come' ere.

~Name marked as private info."

Luigi: I don’t know about you bro, but this letter sounds sketchy to me! Dontcha think, guys?
Goombeddy: Sure thing. We should be careful!

Visit said alley and the obvious happens. A hooded thief jumps at Mario and takes every thing he has, even the code stars!

Hooded Thief: YAHAA! You fell right for it! Boom! Should’ve brought something with ya, though, because that was way too easy! Oh wait, if you brought something to defend yourself, I would’ve took it too! Then wise choice! An’ I even see you got your grubby sausages on the code star things! You thief! I should get them, and the one the Bromans hid somewhere safe. Good thing I found it before you, otherwise, who knows what could’ve happened?
Rockbert: Hey, not cool! Get Mario his stuff back, you disgusting little thief!
Hooded Thief: Oh my darn toot’n gosh! What a pest you are! But granted, I may want to give you the stuff... if you manage to somehow catch me!

And the thief runs away. You give chase after him (her?). At some point, the thief corners themself.

Lancebob: Surrender, Rascal! You are finished!
Rockbert: Now give them back!
Hooded Thief: Or what? You gonna cry? Come and get them! But oh no, there’s still one problem.

*"She" unveils herself.*

You are no match for the one and only me! The legendary thief! Rebel Queen of this city! And guess what, you don’t need to cry, I’m gonna make you do just that myself!
Rockbert: Oh what a brat! She’s even trying to buy us, I think, by shaking this ponytail she has!
Goombeddy: Uhh, no, just you are seeing that!
Rockbert: ...

And the fight begins, and she’s kinda the Midboss of this chapter.

Thief: Hehe... Yerr tough, take back everything. Now I just gotta hope yerr the ons who’re gonna save the world with these. And also the one I have with me.
Impurity: Yes please! The Bromans hid me in this city and then this girl found me, but now, it’s all over, I’m going with the good guys!
Penny: Actually, we are. That’s why we carried all these code stars!
Impurity: That further proves it! That’s it, I’m coming with you!
???: You’re not going anywhere!

That’s a familiar voice... to the player, because we already met these guys before as Startacus. Just as The legendary thief hears these voices, she turns Mario and co invisible. Well, not including Impurity the code star, that is.

Chuck: Looky what jackpot we hit!
Koopsparagus: Didn’t I tell you there was something off about these noises?
Chuck: It’s the legendary thief, trying to make friends with the code star!
Koopsparagus: And, if it is speculated correctly, she’s the one responsible for the theft of the Black Flower.
Legendary thief: The what now?
Chuck: Don’t act like you don’t know, "Nina"! We know it’s you. You know it’s yourself!
Koopsparagus: Umm... Chuck, I don’t think we do have any formal proof of that!
Chuck: Shut up, man! She’s the legendary thief! Who else would dare steal our Black Flower? Well, he’s not born yet, and his mother died, so he’s never gonna get born!
Koopsparagus: Uhh... you seriously mentioned your wife now? And also, who told you you were gonna have a k...
Chuck: Well, the point is, only the legendary thief can do something such as steal the Black Flower! No one else! So she’s our gal!
Koopsparagus: Well, if you say so! But I’m just arresting her for stealing the code star!

They both grab her AND the code star, and take them somehwere. Mario and the others turn back visible.

Rockbert: She... She tried to protect us? After what I said?
Goombeddy: I’ll have to admit that insult didn’t seem to bother her!
Kooplea: What to do now?
???: Oh man! I can’t believe what just happened!

T’was Goshi.

Goshi: Dude! What’re we gonna do? They got her!
Zoops: Hey Goshi, wait for me! I’m not with your speed.
Goshi: They got the legendary thief! It’s Game Over for us!
Flameron: What? They got Nina?
Goshi: My eyes don’t deceive. Ask Mario! He saw the whole thing!
Mario: *Nods*
Zoops: Man this is bad. This is REALLY bad! GET THE POLICE! GET THE DOCTORS! GET PRINCESS PEACH! GET SOMEONE! WE’RE DOOMED!
Shylink: Calm down Z! We’ll get her out!
Zoops: How you gonna do that? Bromans! They see you, they show no mercy! Not the kind of guys to mess with! I’m telling you, we’re goners!
Shylink: Perhaps Mario and his friends are skilled at being stealthy! And they’re a whole team, they can pull it off! Isn’t that right Mario?
Flameron: They sure look like they’ve been through battles!
Shylink: One thing’s sure, we look like we’ve been through worse! And we haven’t done anything yet! So with their help, we can save Nina!
Goshi: You’re gonna help us, right Mario?
Mario: Oh yeah!
Zoops: So, you got a plan?
Flameron: Oh, that part I can take care of! I would make some blueprint, but it'd burn in a second if I manipulated it!
Shylink: Ok then smart guy. What’s the plan?
Flameron: Actually, wait, just a sec. Oh no, that wouldn’t work!
Shylink: What wouldn’t work?
Flameron: I was gonna say we use Goshi's silver retainer as a boomerang to take out everyone instantly, but I just remembered you broke it the other day.
Goshi: You WHAT?! No wonder I couldn’t find it! T’was my most priced possession! What’s in it for my teeth! I need them to eat stuff!
Shylink: Do you really need teeth? I heard you Yoshis gobble stuff up without using them!
Flameron: Then I guess We can only stick with Mario and help him when we can!
Shylink: Sounds good!
Goshi: I’m in!
Zoops: No way am I doing that! I’m not risking it!

And he runs away.

Shylink: So... Mario. You taking us with you or what?
Goshi: Let’s save Nina!

Now these three guys will be following you around, behind your active partner.

Flameron: Now to get in, I know a nice person who can buy us some time. She works for a non-governmental organization. She might distract the guards on the entrance by talking to them about... matters. So find her, and I’ll do the talking! She looks like this! *insert image of this person you probably know about if you check partner histories and NPC lists*

So okay, this is Kooprima. Y’know, that Paratroopa you might’ve read about in another post? Yeah look for her.

Kooprima: What’s that? You say a friend of yours was captured and you need to get inside their camp?
Flameron: Yeah, exactly. Do you think you can do something to distract them while you go in?
Kooprima: Sure, anything! I’ll meet you there!

So that happens.

Dungeon 6: Broman Camp

Enemies:
-Imperial Koopatrol
-Imperial Hammer Bro
-Dooplighost
-Ninji

So yeah, enemy formations are simplistic here, and the dungeon’s pretty straightforward. Only actual challenge are the enemies.

Goshi: Would you look at that! I recognize these guys!
Flameron: All of the renown thieves pf Boned City! That’s where they’ve been!
Shylink: I say we deliver all of them! Mario, go look for Nina, we’re busting everyone out of here! Here in the city, we’re all just one big family! Leave no one behind!

Here at this point they all abandon you to free the others. But when an enemy approaches them, they will call for your help, so be sure to go defeat said enemies to avoid any bad situations.

Once you reach Nina's cell, the two Bromans are interrogating her.

Chuck: Come on, spit it out!!! Where is the Black Flower?
Nina: I told you, I don’t have it!
Chuck: Stop playing nice, sissy! I know you hid it somewhere! And I will find it! And Brassus will let me take his place one day!
Koopsparagus: Yeah this has gone overboard don’t you think? It’s clear she doesn’t have it.
Chuck: But in any case, she still has the code star! Brassus told us that if we ever found anything like it, we should bring it to him! It’s his property he says!
Nina: What?! And you believe him? How do you know he’s not lying?!
Koopsparagus: Ok, she’s in violation of code 394 here, but she’s kinda right!
Chuck: Oh stop defending her! You’re gonna be in violation of code 395, don’t forget that one thing!
Koopsparagus: *mumbling* Gee... shorry, I guessh.
Rockbert: Hey you! Stop that this instant!
Koopsparagus: Well, they look tough, and I’m not risking my life for something that I’m not sire of so bye!
Chuck: You’re not going anywhere, you’re staying to fight for Brome!
Koopsparagus: Well, I guess I’d be executed if I ran away anyway, so yeah you’re right!
Nina: Wait... why’d you come back? I robbed you and fought you, what made you come back?
Goombeddy: See, first of all, since you’re a hero to those nice guys we met in the city.
Rockbert: Second, you saved us anyway, and that makes us look at you with a feeling of friendship.
Goombeddy: Maybe that’s just you!
Rockbert: And also, we need the code star, so y’know we had to come here, we got no choice anyway! And well, I guess the part where I said that we became affectionate towards you, that was just me.
Nina: You’re too sweet! Is there anyone with you?
Penny: Aside some members of the HAG, we got some soldiers on the ground.
Chuck: Yeah, that’s great and all, but we exist! Come fight us, at your own risk!
Nina: Challenge accepted!

Nina, The legendary thief, a stealthy and worthy opponent, joins the party! Being a Ninji, she inherits some Ninja skills that allow her to turn herself or anyone invisible! Use this to hide from enemy attacks or any other dangerous hazards! As long as you are invisible, you can’t move, but can still pass through walls.

Now you fight Chuck and Koopsparagus. Their basic attacks are those of a normal Hammer Bro or Koopatrol, but they can also perform attacks together. They can even boost their defense and attack stats.

Chuck: Ow! You’re tough! How dare you beat us!
Koopsparagus: Told you it wasn’t a good idea to measure yourse-
Chuck: Ok, Ok! I get it! Let’s just go back to Brome and tell Brassus, he’ll figure something!
Koopsparagus: Ok! That’s cool!
Chuck: At least they won’t get the code star, now it’s in the hands of who knows who!

They both run away.

The HAG runs towards the room.

Shylink: Oh my! No way! You saved Nina!
Goshi: Clearly, trusting you was a good move!
Lucifer: Wasn’t there a third guy with you? Where is he?
Shylink: You mean Flameron? He’s he... he’s not here!
Flameron: Nah! I’m here!

The camera shows him running in your direction.

Flameron: I kinda have a problem here! I think I accidentally got the army to corner us!

The camera shows the entire room, so that you can see the Bromans surrounding everyone.

Luigi: Oh no! There’s too many of them! What’re we gonna do?

Just at that moment a black Koopa Shell comes spinning around and knocking out every single soldier it hits. It turns out it was Zoops. Followed by Tacky T.

Shylink: Zoops! You came back!
Zoops: Guys! Get ready to hear this!
Tacky T: On our way here, we spotted two hooded guys with the code star that was hidden in the city!
Lancebob: Two hooded guys?! Perhaps those are the two fellows we encountered in the circus!
Goombeddy: Where did they go?
Tacky T: They climber the trouble center and are now jumping from roof to roof! To catch them, you will need these!

And you get the Ultra Boots!!! Your jump attack power has increased and you can jump high enough to hold on to anything above you, but can’t move horizontally during this sequence.

Nina: So ya say those thieves are on the rooftops of the city? Let’s get 'em!
Kooplea: Never thought I’d see a thief chasing after a thief in my existence if you want my opinion. Anyway, you’re sure you wanna stick with us? I mean it might be dangerous.
Nina: Teehee... you dunno me, sweetie! I’m the legendary thief! I escaped millions of prisons in my life! I could’ve done just fine without ya coming, but since you insisted!

You climb on the rooftops of the buildings in the city. Ninjis may get in your way, as well as Koopa Paratroopas and a new enemy called... um... c’mon Koops improvise... Rooftraps, enemies that appear under rooftop tiles, exclusively in Boned City. Rooftops that is.

At the end of the "chase", you finally discover the thieves.

Victor: Finally! Got my hands on this code star!
Impurity: Put me down, you imbecile! Man is this annoying! You’re annoying, he’s annoying, this is not my day today! First the Bromans, now you! If Mario finds you, you’re gonna wish you were never born, you jerk-wads!
Hector: What’s your name, code star?
Impurity: That’s none of your stinkin' business, freaks! Mind you, I was created by the creators of the world to protect it! Have some respect for me!
Hector: Yep, that’s Impurity alright!
Impurity: Yeah right, that’s not my name! How’d they figure it out?
Nina: Hey you!
Victor: Hector, am I dreaming, or some random girl just called me?
Hector: She’s not random, Victor! She’s friends with Mario!
Nina: Give back the code star, punks!
Hector: Bleck! She talks like the code star! Well, time to bring out "the weapon!"

He shows the Black Flower in his possession.

Nina: *Gasp* The Black Flower! YOU had it!
Rockbert: That thing you were accused for supposedly having stolen? What arbitrary judgement, I thought you were trying to hide it from the Bromans!
Hector: Anytime, people! You don’t want to mess with us now!

CHAPTER 6 BOSS: HECTOR AND VICTOR

Tattles are the same with Hector and Victor, except their stats. Here’s the Black Flower's tattle.

That’s the Black Flower, precious artifact AND weapon that belongs to the Broman Emperor! Max HP is 25. It will boost Hector and Victor’s attack power by 2 which’s kinda a big deal: Hector’s attack power turns to 6 and Victor’s to 4, dealing up to 10 damage in one turn! So consider either beating Hector and Victor fast or or get rid of the Black Flower!

Hector stats: 20 HP ATT 4
Victor stats: 30 HP ATT 2

After the fight, the two run away.

Impurity: Phew! I thought you guys forgot about me for a second!
Goombeddy: 'f course not! We gather code stars! We shouldn’t forget about them!
Kooplea: Also, the whole point of what we just did was to get you back!
Impurity: Yeah, ok, now C’mon, what’re ya waiting for? ... slowpokes... we got a world to save!

Tfw you realize it was a good choice you made to completely revamp the chapter.

See Ya in interlude 6!

 

[LED42]

Zoops... I wonder where did you take it from...

 

[Koops]

He was in another post earlier in this thread, but I just decided to include him as a main story character, as Tacky T was the only one before in this chapter. Glad I’m remaking these.

And yes, Zoops’ name does come from where you think it does.

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Interlude 6

Shylink: Mario!
Tacky T: Thank Goodness you’re safe!
Zoops: We thought you were gone!

The HAG approaches the team right after the obtention of Impurity the code star.

Goshi: We saw these hooded guys talking to you and then they began fighting!
Flameron: But I guess no one’s match for the almighty Mario! Ain’t that right?
Luigi: Hehe! It’s also thanks to his friends, y’see!
Nina: Yeah, ya can’t forget about me! What happened to them Bromans?
Zoops: Oh, them? They lifted their camp and went outside! They stopped looking through the city! Our lives are going back to normal!
Shylink: Not to say that normal is best, but for the best! We’ll still have to try to make life in the city better!
Tacky T: So thank you so much everyone! Have a safe trip back to... outside the city! Wherever you came from!
Nina: Thanks ya peops! Now Mario, what do we do?
Rockbert: Wait, you’re coming with us?
Nina: Let’s be real for a sec. You’d be toast without me! Can’t have that happen, that’s for sure... also... I kinda owe it to ya for saving me... only kinda...
Rockbert: Good to hear! Let’s head back to Champs-Eclypsees guys!
Shylink: Well then, happy trails!
Flameron: Thanks for everything!
Tacky T: Be sure to come visit us someday!
Zoops: Yeah! What they said!

Once you get out of the city, the interlude transition tales place. We are now in Brome. Some Bowser-ish feet are seen stomping the ground in front of a gladiator school we all know.

Broscelus: OKAY LISTEN UP CLOWNS! Today’s the day Emperor Brassus is coming to visit this school to watch a spectacle! We shall please him at all cost! If you fail, guess I’ll just have to bake y’all a deliciously devilish whip cake!
Dry-ba: The Emperor?! Oh no, that’s bad news! They’re gonna make some of us fight to the death!
Startacus: I guess I can only prey they don’t choose me!
Blarghtiatus: Ok places everyone! Emperor Brassus has just arrived!
Broscelus: OH MY JUPITER! Don’t move a muscle, ya little insects! You don’t embarrass your school in front of a lion!
Brassus: BWAHAHAHAHA! This show better be worth it, the trip was tiring! Our horses collapsed in the middle of the road, and I had to order one of my slaves to get me some new ones! I gotta do everything around here!
Blarghtiatus: Make yourself at home, Ô Divine Emperor! Choose two slaves, and they shall offer you entertainment!
Brassus: Hmmm... none look like much... I guess I’ll pick... HIM! The yellow one!
Startacus: ...
Blarghtiatus: You mean Koopa-la-Pooka? Excellent choice, my dear Emperor!
Startacus: Phew!
Brassus: On second thought, I’ll pick the one next to him, he looks ridiculous with his star-shaped head!
Startacus: RIDICULOUS!

...

Sorry, that slipped off my tongue, please continue!
Brassus: He seems oddly polite!
Broscelus: That’s the effect five whips a day does, Ô Brassus!
Brassus: FIVE?! Man, you’re cruel, I should do just the same! I’ll even do six a day, how’s that for the Emperor? Anyway, I’ll also pick the pale one here! His skin color bothers me!
Broscelus: OH YEAH! THAT’S JUST TOO GOOD! THE TWO LOSERS OF THE LOSERS GET TO FIGHT EACH OTHER! THAT’S THE SHOW OF THE CENTURY! SHOULD BRING SOME POP-CORN!

In their cell, the two condemned share their last moments as friends.

Dry-ba: This is it, Startacus. Either one of us, shall live, the other one dies.
Startacus: You’re not gonna kill me, are you?
Dry-ba: Oh, yes, I will. But you will try to kill me too. We both want to stay alive to see what future awaits us... if there is a future to await us!
Startacus: I can’t do it. I can, but don’t want to, but must... what am I supposed to do?
Dry-ba: ...

The horn is sounded... the battle is about to begin.

Dry-ba: Hey... good luck out there!
Startacus: Yeah... thanks... same to you...

Both gladiators get their weapons and start fighting. A tense battle takes place, when eventually Dry-ba knocks Startacus over and points his sword at him. He looks at Brassus to see if he should kill his comrade or not. Brassus does a thumbs-down, indicating that he wants Startacus dead (for entertainment purposes).

Dry-ba prepares to pierce through Startacus' neck... but hesitates.

Brassus: Come on, kill him, you imbecile! What’re you waiting for?

Dry-ba lets go of Startacus and runs in Brassus' direction and throws his sword at him, only for Brassus to avoid it.

Brassus: He... He... HE TRIED TO KILL ME! GUARDS! PUNISH HIM!

Unfortunately, a guard comes into the arena and manages to tear Dry-ba into pieces and kill him for good, while Brassus takes a bone from his body as a trophy. Dry-ba’s a Dry Bones, so don’t get disgusted. Startacus is horrified at the sight of all of this, and his fear is seen in his eyes.

Later, in the canteen, Dry-ba’s inanimate body is seen hung up to the ceiling. Startacus fills his plate with sadness and horror. Noticing he is holding up the line, Broscelus walks up to him.

Broscelus: MOVE IT! SLAVE!

Says he while hitting him with a whip. He seems to be laughing at the incident that occurred.

But Startacus didn’t look happy. In fact he was in rage seeing the look on his face. He wasn’t afraid anymore. He seemed determined to kill Broscelus the next chance he gets.

Speaking of which, what’s that in his pocket? It’s a sword. Go figure what happens next? He impales Broscelus with it. For a moment, Broscelus is seen in a "death animation", left colorless like when you beat an enemy in Color Splash.

Broscelus: ———?

And he disappears.

Startacus: MY SLAVE BROTHERS! THE BROMANS HAVE TOOK IT TOO FAR! THEY’RE TORTURING, KILLING AND MAKING FUN OF US FOR THEIR OWN INTERESTS AND ENTERTAINMENT! I SAY WE START A REVOLUTION AND ALL COME BACK WHERE WE BELONG! WHO’S WITH ME?!

Crowd: YEAH! WELL SAID! LET’S SHOW THEM WHAT WE’RE MADE OF!

They all escape. They destroyed this school that kept them like a prison.

Meanwhile, at Fort Hackula:

Bowser: BWAHAHAHAHA!! (He laughs like Brassus, that’s for sure.) I’m here!
Hackula: What?! How dare you disturb the calm in my lair?!
Bowser: I gotta join forces with you man. Some guy told me to do that, or he’d destroy me or something.
Hackula: Then you’re smart, but how am I supposed to believe this pack of lies?
Bowser: Lies? You think that I, Bowser, would lie to someone?
Private Goomp: We never saw that happening!
Paraplonk: Yup! He’s telling the truth!
Sergeant Guy: We got proof of this, other sir! This message says it all!
Kammy Koopa: Don’t you dare show disbelief to Lord Bowser!
Hackula: Hold your horses I was just making sure for precaution! You don’t just trust anyone who barges in your castle!
Bowser: But you CAN trust Bowser, cuz Bowser is the real deal! The full package! Strong, Burly, Haaaandsome! You break my heart by saying no to such a guy!
Hackula: Well, then, great! Now I can prove the disordered blot he was wrong!
Bowser: Now who’s THAT?!
Sergeant Guy: SIR! I do believe it is the thing standing right behind the count!
Hackula: ARGH!
Shadoodle: I like very much the nickname of "disordered blot"! Keep them coming, I wanna see what else you can say behind my back!
Hackula: ...
Shadoodle: Now I must part from this place! I have something to take care of, unlike this fool here, who does nothing but yell at his minions all day long!

And he flies away.

Bowser: You seriously need something to boost yourself up! See how that guy treated you? With my help, YOU will be the one doing just that to him!
Hackula: That’s kind of you, but I don’t intend to——
Bowser: Queue the Koopas! And Ninjis, and Goombas and whatever else we have!

Bowser’s army makes way into the fortress.

Paraplonk: Well, that oughta do it!
Private Goomp: Oughta do what?
Paraplonk: Oughta start everything, our operation between the three of us begins here!
Sergeant Guy: Yes... umm... inferior sir! Comrade! Or something...
Paraplonk: Whatever remember what we said! And most importantly, don’t screw up!
Kammy Koopa: Screw up what?! You better not be talking behind his handsomeness’ back!
Paraplonk: Just a side-plan Lord Bowser ordered us to prepare, nothing weird here!
Kammy Koopa: Gnu......

In another part of Fort Hackula, Hector and Victor are coming back from Boned City.

Hector: So Victor, you think we looked evil enough?
Victor: Yeah, sure, see how the code star talked to us?
Hector: Yeah, I guess you’re right. There’s no denying the fact that our plan is going smoothly!
Victor: Yup, we got everything under control!
Hector: Except that. Who are these guys?
Asmodeus: COME ON PRINCESS! I KNOW YOU KNOW! JUST WHERE IS IT!
Peach: What are you even talking about? I’ve got no clue of what you’re looking for!
Paymon: She’s gotta be right, Asmodeus. Princess Peach doesn’t have anything to do with this. Neither does Mario! He was there just to investigate some case of kidnapping! By the way, I’m glad he solved it, I was seriously worried that person they found would never see the light again! So he’s a hero! And I knooooow that King Sataneel wouldn’t like it so much if we came back empty-handed but at least we wouldn’t have made any random accusations! Besides, we only searched in like, two areas of the Mushroom Kingdom there’s still plenty of aces where we could find what we’re looking for!
Asmodeus: Don’t listen to him, Princess! I’m not that nice I’m gonna make you spit out everything until your last breath!
Peach: I’d like to see you try!
Hector and Victor: PRINCESS! DON’T!!

Battle as Peach! Her attack stats are lower than Mario or Luigi’s, but she has slightly higher HP and her attacks all pierce in defense, and she also has some defensive moves as well. Also this time it’s only Asmodeus who attacks.

Asmodeus: Not fair! Lose to Mario, OK! But to the Princess who gets kidnapped three billion times a week, NOT OK!
Paymon: Should’ve listened to me, y’know. Would’ve gone better.
Asmodeus: Shut up already! We’re going somewhere else!

Victor: Princess, you alright?
Hector: You know, you better avoid situations like that, who knows what can happen to you?
Peach: What do you care? You’re the reason I’m here in the first place!
Victor: True, but don’t look at us! We’re both inside Hackula’s mouth, so y’know!
Peach: Whatever...

Evilness: So Princess, what happened?
Peach: Got attacked by a fish.
Evilness: Yeah right, a fish can get here without any problem.
Peach: I didn’t mean a REAL fish! A Mermaid... thing! I don’t know, something like half eel half... something else!
Evilness: Ok, I get it!
Peach: But coincidentally, I got hold of this legend here! It says that a code star is hiding in the ocean, somewhere near Isle Delfino!
Evilness: Okay. Great. Now send that Mario some message!

Speaking of Mario, he has just arrived at Champs-Eclypsees.

Luigi: Hey bro! Mind if you go without me a little? There’s something I need to check on!
Mario: Ok!

And they leave Luigi here. He seems to be taking a closer look at the sculptures of the fountain.

Luigi: Hmm! Interesting! These things show someone doing heroic acts! And he looks like me! Could he be an ancestor of me and Mario? If so, I’m surely proud of that he made it to this sculpture!
Asmodeus: You might as well make it to your own tomb you know!
Paymon: Asmodeus, this is going out of hand! You’re not accusing Luigi now aren’t you?
Asmodeus: No I’m not accusing him I’m just saying hi OF COURSE I’M ACCUSING HIM DUMMY! BECAUSE HE LOOKS INNOCENT AND OBVIOUSLY THAT MEANS HE’S NOT!
Paymon: Excuse him. He’s very desperate about finding something. He says his life’s on the line!
Asmodeus: IT IS! KING SATANEEL WILL KILL ME! HE TRUSTS ME! DON’T YOU GET IT? But you don’t know what it’s like because no one ever trusts you outside you own team and you stay in front of your TV playing video games and watching anime! And you spend your free time modeling hug pillows after Egyn!
Paymon, embarrassed: Please, stop talking! Just do whatever you want! I’ll stop stopping you!
Asmodeus: So, Luigi, you’re splitting the beans NOW!

Luigi takes a fighting position.

Luigi: Mama-Mia, I’m going to regret this!

That’s Mario’s queue. He comes in and KICKS Asmodeus in the face, and also Hammers him, and stomps on him! Quite an anime scene.

Asmodeus: Oww! Mario?! You’re here? Man, I would’ve avoided Luigi if I knew that!
Lucifer: STAY AWAY FROM LUIGI, YOU WORM WITH A FISHTAIL!
Asmodeus: ??? Pssst, Paymon!
Paymon: What?
Asmodeus: <whisper>
Paymon: <same>

Both of them nod a second.

Asmodeus: Well, I guess we better be going! King Sataneel will be worried sick!
Paymon: Absolutely! Let’s go, buddy!

They both go away.

Lucifer: Luigi! Are you okay? What’d they do to you?
Luigi: I’m fine, I was about to fight them, nothing really happened before Mario got back!

"Mario, I discovered the location of a code star! There’s one in the ocean near Isle Delfino! It’d be good to make that your next destination!

~Peach"

Luigi: Boy, she must not notice I’m here! Anyway, in the ocean? How are we supposed to get to Isle Delfino OR inside the ocean?
Goombeddy: We’ll figure something when we get there! But if the train station was not in maintenance, we could get to Toad Town easily!
Merlon: Mario! Luigi! Everyone! Guess what! The train station is reopened! You can go back to Toad Town whenever you want!
Goombeddy: Well, that was unexpected!
Kooplea: Oh yes! Finally! I get to go back home!
Penny: Why is she...?
Goombeddy: It’s a long story!
Lancebob: However, I have a concern! Lady Lucifer, these freaks who were about to attack Sir Luigi look just like you!
Penny: He’s right! Take that guy with the mallet for example! Change his hairstyle and clothes, remove his scar on his eye and we got an exact copy of you!
Lucifer: What do you mean? I’d kill myself if I was that ugly! Wait... I can’t even remember what I look like!

Nina takes out some broken glass from her pocket and shows it to Lucifer.

Lucifer: Ohh... well... who is this pretty girl? I really am this cute? On second thought though, you’re right, but come on, not like it was a big deal. I mean I’m not supposed to be the only one from my kind! Goombeddy, there are a lot of Goombas out there, aren’t they?
Goombeddy: Oh, yes! They will take over the world one day or another! But better late than never! But let’s go to Toad Town now! I believe we can get a boat to Delfino Island in Toad Harbor!

Sure enough, you go to the station, pay some cash, and arrive at Toad Town. There, Peach’s castle is getting rebuilt, operation led by Toadsworth, who we haven’t seen in the game yet.

Toadsworth: NOOO! It can’t be! Master Mario! Master Luigi! Thank heavens! When that explosion sent you flying away, Master Mario, I thought he might never come back! I was afraid sending Luigi to find you was hopeless!
Luigi: Eh, no! My bro’s tough! Always bounces back into action!
Toadsworth: But, where’s the princess?
Luigi: We’re on a quest to rescue her! And our next objective took us here, because we need a boat to get to Isle Delfino!
Toadsworth: I see! There is a boat to take you there in Toad Harbor! I’ll talk to the captain, he’ll let you board the next trip! Follow me!

Follow him! On your way to the harbor, you might find some new faces, and some old ones. The old ones include...

Stayzee: Oh dear! If it isn’t Mario and Luigi, and... this other person!
Goombeddy: "Person" really makes me stand out among Mario or Luigi, doesn’t it?
Stayzee: Such a delight to meet you here! Are you going to Isle Delfino as well?
Goombeddy: Yes, but now I am starting to regret that...
Stayzee: Oh what a funny joker you are!
Toadsworth: Master Mario, Master Luigi, and whoever all of you people are, the captain agreed to take you on this cruise so that you can save the princess!
Stayzee: Save a princess, huh? So you are on a quest, aren’t you, dear? And Isle Delfino is the best choice, there is nothing more romantic than a sunset on the beach, which is prominent there!

Mario blushes.

Goombeddy: Hmm... That’s awkward!
Nina: Yup, Mario, ya better hide those feelings of yerr’s!
Passpar T (the captain): Attention, all passengers, the Queen Peach 777 is now boarding! We’re about to kickstart the trip!

All the passengers board the cardboard boat, which then starts moving.

To be continued...

And yes, the Queen Peach IS what you think it is.

In case you don’t know it’s a boat that appears in the harbor of Wuhu Island and it’s supposed to reference Peach. So you can take the one that appears here as a cameo.

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Chapter 7: Seabed Memories

Lancebob: This is quite a luxurious ride! I love your century!
Nina: So with that, ya come from the past? How'd ya get here?
Lancebob: Ask Mario! He’s the one who got to my century!
Nina: Quite the traveler, aren’t ya Mario?
Rockbert: Oh, he’s been through a lot, that’s sure! I bet he’s traveled around the whole globe!
Mario: Oh yeah! [insert a story of an adventure Mario did here]

At some point, Lucifer walks... swims towards the fence and looks down at the ocean.

Penny: Hey... Luce... you ok?
Lucifer: I guess... but that Asmodeus guy... he mentioned the name Sataneel... It sounds so familiar to me, yet, I have no idea what he’s talking about!
Penny: Maybe he’s talking about random things to get your attention... don’t listen to him! Sataneel probably doesn’t even exist!
???: Yeah, he doesn’t... IN YOUR DREAMS, THAT IS!

It’s him again. He jumps out of the water to land on the boat.

Lucifer: YOU!
Asmodeus: What? You miss me? It’s just been like 15 minutes! Or you just so badly want a piece of Asmodeus?
Luigi: Hey nobody messes with a big fan of mine! Back off!
Asmodeus: Oh, and Luigi! What a wonderful surprise! And the whole gang’s here, wow! I need to get the fishtastic quartet! *gets a "shellphone"* Oriens! Amaymon! Egyn! Paymon! Get here this instant! You’re gonna miss the show!

These four, including one who already had some screen time before (Paymon) spring out of the water, land on the boat and pose. Is there a better way for their introduction? Methinks not! And when I say introduction, I mean like the ones in Sticker Star and Color Splash, or even Mario+Rabbids. Yes, some main story characters have these introductions here.

Oriens: I see! These are no ordinary foes!
Amaymon: They honestly look scary to me! But I’m ready!
Egyn: Seems like even those who don’t look like much can be responsible for horrible crimes!
Paymon: Why do you care though? You know the reward for doing that?
Egyn: I have no intent to get rewards! I only want to serve King Sataneel!
Asmodeus: So, Mario, Luigi, all of those listening, you got two choices: You surrender what’s ours and we leave you alone, or we sink this ship to the bottom of the ocean!
Kooplea: What?! That’s terrible! Plus, we really don’t know what you’re looking for!
Asmodeus: THEY CHOSE THE HARD WAY! ATTACK, PUZZEELE FAMILY!

A horde of them begin assaulting the ship from all sides.

Stayzee: Oh dear! What is happening?
Goombeddy: Don’t ask us!
Passpar T: Passengers, remain calm, everything’s under control!

A Puzzeele jumps towards the cabin and takes the wheel.

Passpar T: Ignore what I just said: WE’RE DOOMED!
Asmodeus: Happy now?

Mario jumps towards him and makes a first strike.

Asmodeus: Ow! What’s with you today? You keep hitting me like that!
Paymon: It seems he’s challenging you!
Asmodeus: Ok then! And you know, Paymon, you’re really unstable. Now you’re acting like you’re Mario’s arch nemesis while before you loved him more than Egyn!
Egyn: What was that?
Paymon, rapidly: He’s saying things!

After the battle.

Asmodeus: Everyone! Retreat! As long as Mario’s here, we can’t accomplish our mission without losing men!
Lucifer: Yeah, well, it sounds to me like your mission’s in vain, because we don’t even have what you want... presumably.
Asmodeus: Oh, no, you are deeply mistaken... Lucifer! Don’t bother telling me that’s your name, I know it! See you later!

All of them jump back into the water.

Stayzee: Unbelievable! This villain clearly doesn’t have any manners!
Goombeddy: I know someone who relates to that!
Passpar T: Mister Mario! Mister Luigi! What was that? I guess it’s a good thing you were on this ship, otherwise, we would be sunken to the depths of the sea! Seriously, thank you!
Penny: Luce... you don’t look so good...
Lucifer: OF COURSE I DON’T! He knows my name! Now I am even more conflicted!
Kooplea: Simmer down! I’m sure it’s nothing!
Rockbert: Yeah! Don’t listen to jerks like him! Tsk tsk... they all think they’re cool... especially this one and his mallet!
Goombeddy: I’ll admit it’s a pretty nice mallet! I’ll have to ask him how he does it next time we meet him!
Penny: Goombeddy, no offense, but, it seems she needs to be with... close friends only!
Goombeddy: What?! I am the closest friend you’re all ever gonna get!
Lucifer: Thanks guys... you’re nice... but seriously, I... need some alone time!
Mario: *approaches and asks what’s going on*
Goombeddy: Don’t worry too much, she’s just having some problems. You know. Teens.
Luigi: I sure hope it’s not anything too bad! I love my fans you know!
Mario: *goes like "wow dude you’re different. You not sick or something?"*
Luigi: It’s just... I have never seen anyone who is as faithful in me as you are, Mario! Lucifer is a proof to me that even while being in your shadow, I can still see light! She shows that I’m not a complete waste of paper, that I’m better than what I think I am, that there are people out there who believe in Luigi! I think you get how I feel by now!

Mario pats Luigi in the back.

Passpar T: Attention passengers, we’ll be arriving at Isle Delfino shortly. Prepare to disembark.
Luigi: Well, here’s our stop! Let’s-a go, like we say it!
Goombeddy: Luigi... you sure you’re ok?
Luigi: Why wouldn’t I?
Goombeddy: Just askin'!

You are now on Isle Delfino! No need introduction on this place, you surely already know what it is!

Stayzee: Well, good day, Misters Mario!

She goes away.

Goombeddy: DEAR LORD! FINALLY! I thought I wouldn’t last a whole boat trip with this woman! Especially considering I’m somewhat seasick!
Kooplea: But you didn’t look like you were...
Goombeddy: I said "somewhat", Kooplea! But hey, weren’t you supposed to go tell your father what you wanted to tell him?
Kooplea: Didn’t forget, but he wasn’t here!
Penny: Ok, guys, you gotta explain now...
Goombeddy: It is, again, a long story too boring to take the time to share! We got priorities! Let’s look for the code star!
Kooplea: Goombeddy, that’s literally what I said in Boned City before Lucifer told me how it’s not like that we do things.
Goombeddy: I know, but right now she’s in no state of burning Goombeddies, so y’know, just using that... why not go on the beach for example? We might find something there! After all, it’s the best place from which we can get to the ocean!
Penny: Ok, that’s slightly better!
Goombeddy: Finally, I’m being right again! I feel boosted!

Just then, as he starts to move, he trips.

Goombeddy: Until I get back up that is.

You go to the beach. Just that, and umm... talk to the lifeguard... if you really want to... progress...

Lifeguard: What is it you want? I’m on duty here?

He comes down of his chair. He’s a Ptooie with blue skin. And now he’s unnamed in-game too apparently... which’s ok because his name that was mentioned in the early version of this chapter kinda sounded stupid, especially contrasted with how good this chapter is.

Mario: *explains his quest*
Lifeguard: Pff... pfff... PhhhHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! Code Stars? Don’t tell me that legend’s true now! I heard people talk about one in the ocean, true, but if y’ask me, this whole story is straight out STUPID! There’s no such things as these! All these people and their fever dreams! Oh, and don’t get me started on some Sataneel guy! People talk about him too, some even claim to have seen him, but I say all these are just rumors so that they can scare children who don’t sleep early or don’t do homework or something. People these days just lost it! You might as well try going to the other side of the beach, all the way to the other side of the island! They say there’s a Bubble Amulet somewhere there! They say it lets you breath underwater! Total. Stupidity!
Goombeddy: Ok, we get it, 'nuff said!
Lifeguard: Well, that was a good laugh! Good luck in your... pfff... QUEST! HAHAHAHA!

Rockbert: So basically, we’re supposed to circle the island now?
Goombeddy: If rumors are there is something there that will help us reach the code star, then yes!
Nina: Sounds jewel-y too! I’m definitely not missin' something like that baby!

And now you’re supposed to go through Delfino Plaza to get to the other side of the island. Since we’re in Delfino Plaza, we have to go to *One Google later* Sirena Beach! Nothing special happens. If you want, you can talk to some Piantas or any other NPCs you may encounter. You might also solve some puzzles along the way. Wether be it Hammer Based or partner based.

On Sirena Beach, well, Goombeddy doesn’t look so happy to see a certain someone is staying here, and is currently having dinner in the outdoor cafe.

Stayzee: Oh well hello, there, funny meeting you over and over again!
Goombeddy: You gotta be kidding me! Again? How many times do we have to meet this same pain in the neck?
Stayzee: I’m just pleased to see you here, these waiters STINK at their job! Such a horrible service for such a renown hotel! That’s so very shameful! But your presence here keeps me from tearing this island apart!
Goombeddy: Yeah, good, it would be better if you weren’t here in the first place!
Stayzee: Oh you won’t believe how slow these sloths are! It took them an hour to notice me! Speaking of which, I still need to order my meal! WAITER! OVER HERE! THIS WOMAN NEEDS HELP! See? Nothing! This hotel is unworthy of its reputation! Good thing that’s only the cafe! The rest is fine!
Kooplea: You know, you should really calm down and do something in the meantime!
Stayzee: Whoever you are, you may be right! I’ll get that grilled Porcopuffer meal in a later time!

Just as she says that, a hostile Porcopuffer springs out of the water and starts a battle with Mario and co. After it is defeated...

Stayzee: Oh dear! I thought I was going to get eaten by that thing! And to think I was going to order one to eat as a meal! It’s like it wanted revenge on me! Thank you, Mario!
Lifeguard: Ha! There you are! I’ve been looking for you! Which wasn’t hard knowing you’d come here!
Lancebob: What’s with the justice rangers? Are you arresting us?
Lifeguard: No, just Mister 'stache here!
Mario, Luigi and Goombeddy: Which one? (Very rare image of Mario actually talking)
Pianta Cop: You, the red one! You are under arrest! For thievery, kidnapping AND making fun of the police!

He is taken to the court. And we’re on Isle Delfino. Definitely Sunshine-ish. Goombeddy and Lancebob are supposed to be the attorneys of Mario.

Pidante: So, concerning Mister Mario here, he has apparently done some pretty bad acts! As long as otherwise proved, you are responsible for dragging a ridiculous amount of people underwater, stealing some gold that was to be donated for a humanist cause, and making fun of a cop, as well as... breaking his car mirror?
Cop: That was my favorite car mirror!
Goombeddy: Objection!
Pidante: Objection denied! Mario, you are sentenced to five years of jail, plus one hour to clean up my car! You will be transported to your cell now!
Goombeddy: What?! No! I refuse to let this happen!
Lancebob: Goombeddy, could you keep calm? You’re going to drag us in there!
Goombeddy: If you get Mario in jail, then you gotta get me in there too! You wanna do that?
Lancebob: Goombeddy, what’re you doing? Get down, now!
Goombeddy: Mario didn’t do any of the "terrible crimes" you listed! It’s clearly a misunderstanding!
Pidante: Officers, throw him in jail with the plumber!

Mario and Goombeddy are thrown into jail.

Goombeddy: My... My hat!?!? Where is it?
Cop: Yeah, see, we gotta take your belongings to make sure you don’t do anything!

The door slams.

Goombeddy: Nyanyanya! Take MY belongings! Oh you know I’d proudly take them myself! I could’ve ripped your mustache off, lemme tell ya!
Mario: *Goes like "dude stop it"*
Goombeddy: You’re right! We should look for a way out! You still have your hammer don’t you?
Mario: ??? *looks in his pocket* OH YEAH!
Goombeddy: Good thing these guys were stupid enough to forget that! Come on, let’s get out of here and prove your innocence!

So now with Goombeddy you labyrinth your way out of jail, fighting monty moles, Bob-ombs and Ninjis. However, at the end, a cop stops you.

Cop: Hey you! What’re you doing out of your cell? Bah! No matter, I was coming to get you out anyway!
Goombeddy: Yeah right!
Mario’s face is frowning.
Cop: Well see, someone paid for your bail. Follow me! By the way, here’s your hat, Goomba!
Goombeddy: Wow! I felt naked without it! Wow, that person who bailed us sure sounds nice! Who did this anyway?

Guess who?

Spoiler

See ya next part. (Not this again!)

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Chapter 7: Seabed Memories, Part 2

Stayzee: Well, that certainly went fast! I told these people that you did nothing wrong! But they insisted on taking my money anyway! And it turned out two of you were imprisoned, so I had to pay double! But it's ok, I already bailed people out of jail before, so this was no problem! And it's good to see that you're out of this pesky grey building, so all the money lost was worth it!
Goombeddy: I take back what I said! Umm... is there a way I can get back in? I actually like this prison!
Lancebob: Sir Mario! We discovered a glassy cube containing the Bubble amulet in it at the beach, and Miss Stayzee got it for us. It was a little painful to the ears, but now we can go in the water!
Luigi: Apparently all this thing does is create a bubble around us so that we can breath underwater! Pretty neat, eh, bro?
Mario: *nods*
Stayzee: Anyway, it would be shameful if our journey together stopped there, which is why I kindly ask of you if I may join your little ragtag group! It would please me to aid you in this... quest you say!
Goombeddy: OH NO! PLEASE SAY NO MARIO!

Mario looks a second at Goombeddy, and then directly says a hearty "yes" to the flower lady.

Stayzee: Splendid! You'll see, you will like my company!
Goombeddy: Why'd you do that Mario?
Mario says that anyone who desires to help is welcome.
Goombeddy: But why her? There are millions of people who like you and like to go on adventures with you! Ok fine, I guess I'll have to get used to it!

Stayzee, the quite cocky, exigent and eccentric, and maybe annoying, Crazee Dayzee joins the party! Her voice is so high-pitched that she can break glass, activate sound switches or also wake up... sleeping things. Her voice may also cause a chain reaction if activated in a specific situation.

Stayzee: So you say you must go in the ocean is that it? Lovely!
Lucifer: Yes! I will finally get to know what it's like to swim in the water! Flapping my tail continuously to keep hovering above the ground is tiring!
Mario: *Goes like "hey, seems like you feel better"*
Lucifer: It's just... I'm not so conflicted anymore... I just want to know who I am... and I might discover just that now, and that makes me excited!
Kooplea: Why didn't you jump in earlier then?
Lucifer: I wanted to wait for the right moment!
Rockbert: Anyway, Mario, let's activate that amulet!

A bubble is created around the party. They go into the water.

Kooplea: Umm... where's Lucifer?
Penny: She wants to dive in "properly", she says. You know, seven years deprived from swimming in water...

And then, well, she dives.

Lucifer: Ahahaha! Yes! Finally! I'm swimming in water again! Wow, I remember now that I actually used to live in the water!
Goombeddy: Ooh! Plot Twist! Never saw that coming! Now sarcasm aside, we should begin looking for...
Nina: Okay! Okay! We got it! We no jellyheads, y'know!

And you start moving in the water. Stayzee's ability will be used for some stuff. Here, though, in the ocean, Penny's ability is useless because you can swim across gaps. Well, you can only swim to a certain height, depending on the altitude of the platform on top of which you were previously on.

In a migration zone for a species known as the Ray-Bans, the crowd is so dense you can barely walk through it. And no, don't hit the NPCs, it won't get you anywhere.

*Squealing noises of fear*

Rockbert: You guys hear that? It's like a baby is stuck in there somewhere! Needless to say, these guys kinda sound insensitive!
Goombeddy: You know, you should stop generalizing so quickly!
Rockbert: Yeah, you're right. Sorry Rays! I take back what I said!
Stayzee: It is however true that these noises sound in inconsiderable pain, right now! Truly a cruel world we live in!
Penny: I do see something that doesn't look Ray-ish, over there!

Kooplea approaches the thing.

Kooplea: Aww! Would you look at that! It's a precious little baby eel! Have you seen anything this adorable in your life?
Lucifer: OH GOODNESS! He's so cute my heart's going to explode of joy! Even though I'm more in the mood of finding out about my origins!

The baby starts crying, not knowing what's happening.

Lucifer: No! No! No! Don't cry! Guys! I think he lost his family! Poor little guy! *Hugs him tight*
Luigi: Yeah that's pretty sad, and considering I lived such experience in my time as a baby, I think I know how it feels! We're gonna save this baby like the Yoshis did to us, eh bro?
Mario: *nods to tell Lucifer she doesn't need to worry about a thing*
Goombeddy: You know, he looks like a Puzzeele. Maybe by finding his family, you will discover yours!
Lancebob: But shouldn't we take care of that later? We can't let the code stars wait for too long!

As Lancebob says the words "code star", the baby immediately gets out of Lucifer's arms and waves frantically and even goes to drag Lancebob to the direction he wants him to go.

Lancebob: I think he knows where the code star is! He seems determined to get me there!
Goombeddy: Well, Let's follow him then!
Penny: Shouldn't we first get out of this crowd?

The baby abruptly stops and nods, so that means he agrees. Find a way to get out THEN he drags Lancebob to where the code star is, if what he implies is true.

You must now follow him for the rest of the travel. If you lose him, ya have to start over from right after the migration area. At the end of the road, the baby stops and drops Lancebob. And then he's like "TA-DA!" In front of the team sits a big dome with a small underwater plaza. However, no one seems to be here. Inside the dome, there is air, so you can walk normally. The houses are locked, all except for one... which is a local shop being run by a Ray-Ban. The far northern part of this wonderful looking place contains a temple-like castle.

Dungeon 7: Flooded Fortress

Enemies:
-Puzzeele
-Beluguard
-Cheep Cheep
-Maw-ray
-Subturret
-SeaPeeker
-Corally
-Spwater

The castle seems to be awkwardly familiar to the baby, as if he even lives here. There are Maw-rays that will come out of the walls to bite at you, so watch out for that. And bizarrely, many Puzzeeles are found here as enemies. That raises a few questions about what this place actually is.

At some point, you will reach a big gate, which presumably is the boss door, but your progress is interrupted by...

Asmodeus: Well hey look! Never thought I'd see you there!

And he jumps into the screen.

Asmodeus: So is that what you want? Still not enough for ya? I thought being in jail would stop you from doing anything!
Goombeddy: Wait, you did that?
Asmodeus: Well, I got some help from a master of disguise! Meet my buddy Planktopus!

And another Mario walks into the screen, spins around and reveals himself to be an octopus-like creature while also being a plankton.

Planktopus: Haha! Like my tricks? I gotcha good, man!
Asmodeus: Should've stayed home and done nothing Mario, because now we're double dipping the pain! I warned you about that, didn't I? Now, Planktopus, what do you say we clobber this guy and his friends?

After the fight...

Asmodeus: Ugh... you guys always manage to impress me, but no matter, King Sataneel will take care of you for sure! He's right behind that door! He's got this Code Star, makes him powerful!
Goombeddy: Really? Then we're in the right place! Let's go!
Lucifer: Wait! We're not done yet! Hey, Buttmodeus!
Asmodeus: It's ASmodeus!
Lucifer: Like that's any better! Tell me! How do you know my name?
Asmodeus: Oh, so it IS Lucifer, then. I got it right! I kinda saw it in your character, man what a guesser I am! Wanna know though how I know you? Everything's behind that door! Go in, be Mister Sataneel's guest!
Luigi: Lucifer... If you feel like this is too much... I beg of you, don't go in there!
Lucifer: Luigi... I gotta discover who I am! I mean , I just remember... being myself, but I don't remember where I live, who's my family, who do I like! I did only remember you because the first time I met you I saw the love you reserve to your fans in your eyes. You don't care about the fame, but about the ones who love you! So, I'm sorry if that doesn't please you, but I'm going in!

Luigi: Boy, she sure sounds different now doesn't she?
Penny: I noticed that too. She's so moody lately.

Behind the door is seen a code star in a Hallway-like room with a red carpet. Next to an oversized Puzzeele, who is with no doubt, Sataneel.

Sataneel: Tell me, Code Star, will my men be victorious?
Love, the code star: I told you, I do not see the future! Us Code Stars aren't capable of doing anything you know!
Sataneel: So many years past and I'm still looking!

*Turns his back, intro plays*

Sataneel: But I spoke too soon! I found it at last! The cure to my sadness!
Lucifer: So you're this Sataneel guy everyone of these snakes talk about? Tell me! From where do I know you?
Love: Sir... you think she might be...
Sataneel: Yes, FINALLY! MY HEART IS REPLENISHED WITH HAPPINESS! BUT WHO ARE THOSE FOOLS WHO DARE PUT THEIR FEET ON MY GROUND! I SHALL ERASE THEM FROM EXISTENCE!
Lucifer: What do you mean by "You found the cure to your sadness?"
Sataneel: So with that, you don't remember anything, don't you? T'was a sad story. One day... it was the day my daughter first went out to discover what was the world of the surface like. She ran... or rather swam all over the place investigating anything she could possibly find. A sight truly delectable and adorable to look at. She even stumbled upon a human and made her very first interaction with an inhabitant of the land! But sadly, just after that, while she was gazing upon a bizarre structure, she disappeared, never to be seen again! It tore me apart... not literally... the incident was so tragic that my beloved wife, most beautiful woman the world has ever known, decapitated herself out of depression and sadness. You could see in her eyes the horror a mother lives after losing a child that meant the world for her. Since then, things got a lot worse for me, as I lived with my remaining son whom I sent to get you here! And I see he hasn't failed.

At this very moment, the baby looks at a family portrait and then at Lucifer, only to get shocked in the process and passing out.

Lucifer: I don't understand, why did you want to find me?
Sataneel: Isn't it obvious by now? All these other Puzzeeles out there, turning the world upside down to look for you, as I promised that the one who succeeds gets to become my son-in-law. In other words, that meant that they would become the husband of my daughter... and my daughter... she is the very person unaware of being what she is... YOU!!!
Lucifer: !!!
Sataneel: Oh, Lucifer, my little princess, you don't know how much we had to suffer without you! Just me and Berith, alone here. When I learned you were alive, a spark of hope shone in my heart, and I immediately sent all my soldiers to look for you! And you have finally returned! But first, I must destroy these inhabitants of the land, who caused all of my chagrin in the first place!
Lucifer: No wait! Don'—
Luigi: Oh no!
Mario: *Shocked*

She is zapped by Sataneel... well, her father... so that she stays out of the way. Berith then wakes up and freaks out, as he watches a battle in which his father he shares with Lucifer might face his last breath...

Sataneel: I will teach you beings how to mess with the King of the Puzzeeles!

BOSS CHAPTER 7: SATANEEL

Tattle: Sob... that's Sataneel, King of the Puzzeele race, and as he just revealed us... sob... he's Lucifer's Daddy! Sorry, but that was a super sad story! Max HP is 80, ATT is 7. The Code Star he uses is actually against us, so expect him to get healed occasionally! He will also divide his body by three, creating clones of himself, and attacks with lighting! The worst part is, he may electrify himself, at which point you are forced to attack him from a given distance. I feel bad for doing this, but... WE GOTTA KILL HIM! BOOHOOHOO! I CAN'T HOLD IT ANYMORE!

After the boss is defeated, he falls to the ground.

Lucifer then wakes up at that exact moment, and hurries to her father's body.

Lucifer: NO! DADDY! PLEASE DON'T DIE NOW, AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!
Sataneel: At least I got to see you again and protected you form these people.
Lucifer: No! You don't get it! They didn't do anything bad to me! It could've gone better!
Asmodeus, from behind the door: KING SATANEEL!
Fishtastic quartet: KING SATANEEL!

All of the five slam the door open and discover what happened.

Asmodeus: No! King Sataneel! What happened? Did this bad guy try to kill you?
Sataneel: It was my own mistake. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions this early. I misunderstood terrestrials.
Paymon: But King Sataneel... who's gonna be king now, if you die?
Egyn: Who's gonna make all the encouraging compliments? I NEED YOU IN MY LIFE!
Oriens and Amaymon: Who's gonna notice our hard work?
Sataneel: I'm afraid my life now is dangling on the edge of a cliff. Asmodeus, I want you to stay strong. You are my most inspiring man, I am proud of you, don't let my death affect your work. And all four of you. You must keep Puzzeele's Domain safe at all cost. Don't fail your King!
Paymon: Yes, King Sataneel!
Egyn: We'll gladly do that!
Asmodeus: Thank you, my king! I just wish you were our size so that I could give you a hug right now...
Sataneel: Lucifer... you are next in line for the throne. As the princess of these people, they all loved you, but all of their love combined did not match how much I loved you. Your mother loved you just as much. When Berith, your younger brother, becomes of age, he will become Vice-prince and rule by your side, but until then, you can choose who is really worthy of the title. Now... finish me!
Lucifer: But after all these years!
Asmodeus: There's nothing you can do Lucifer... Mario really swung that hammer on the king.
Lucifer: But it can't end like...
Paymon: No-one likes bad endings, princess! Not even the most evil and heartless beings in the universe: they all fear something bad may happen to them!
Egyn: It's too late to help your father now. Finish him, with a little smile saying a last goodbye... sob... GOODBYE, KING SATANEEL! I LOVE YOU TOO!
Lucifer: Farewell, dearest father... I wish we could've spent more time together!
Sataneel: Mario, Luigi, please... take good care of my daughter...

He says these last words as Lucifer zaps him, and Sataneel explodes into pieces (the Puzzeele's body parts being puzzle parts opens up some creative ways to make them die, whattaya want!)

Lucifer: *intense crying*
Luigi: I'm sorry... He was a good man!
Luigi opens his arm wide, this time himself welcoming a hug from Lucifer. She responds by wrapping her arms around Luigi, with some mixed tears of sadness and joy.
Love: I'm... I'm sorry Mario! It turns out you were not a bad guy after all! Please! Take me with you!

This chapter right there... that's why Lucifer's my third favorite partner! No one tell me to change my mind on that! What a great chapter! Even though it had the flaw of being divided into two parts. But whatever works. But it's 3 AM here, I really need to get some sleep. See Ya!

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Interlude 7

At Fort Hackula:

Paraplonk: Ok, you two! The coast is clear! Hurry!
Private Goomp: Why are we here again?
Sergeant Guy: Paraplonk said he suspected that the "disordered blot" might have a connection with the message Lord Bowser received!
Paraplonk: Shh! He's here! Don't make any noises!
Private Goomp: You sure that's him? It looks more like that vampire guy!
Paraplonk: Oops... my bad!
Sergeant Guy: We can still get some info from him, guys!
Paraplonk: You sound... different!
Sergeant Guy: I'm... just too used to saying Sir all the time!
Hackula: What have I done? I made a terrible mistake bringing him back!
Paraplonk: Bringing who back?
Sergeant Guy: I think he's talking about the disordered blot!
Private Goomp: Yeah we gotta find him a better name...
Paraplonk: Then why did he bring him back? And what does that mean? Did he die before or something?
Sergeant Guy: Possibly, that's the best theory we can come up with!
Kammy Koopa: What're you doing here, imbeciles? Get back to work!
Private Goomp: Sheesh, what a hag! Truly a party pooper I tell ya!
Sergeant Guy: Yes, Ma'am! We're just in the middle of something important here!

She leaves.

Paraplonk: Wow... it sounded like a bad excuse, but it worked anyway! Way to be a rebel, man!
Sergeant Guy: I... am... changed...
Paraplonk: Haven't seen Lord Bowser anyway... where is he at?
Sergeant Guy: He told me he went to the sky to go do something! Hackula told him that there was something he needed to get from there!
Private Goomp: Oh no! You think he's talking about one of these code star things?
Paraplonk: Probably! Come on guys! We'll have to track him and stop him before he gets ahold of it!

Meanwhile, Princess Peach is going out of her room to look for stuff.

Peach: I better check that secret passage again, I might find more interesting details. Hopefully that... thing that attacked me last time won't show up!

You get her there. You go in the secret passage. This time, you gotta fight some enemies. At one point, on the walls, you see something written.

"The arrival of Shadoodle, that guy who gets fancy with the glitch powers he possesses, is somewhat of a threat. We do not know why, we don't have any proof why, but something deep down tells us he is the one we feared would come back!"

Peach: Come back? That doesn't sound too good if true! What could he have been before though? Is that why he is so feared by that Hackula person?

Suddenly after that, the door locks behind her.

Peach: What?! What's happening?
Glitch: I'm afraid I'm going to have to make you stay in there, princess! Order Shadoodle gave me in case you were to sneak in there!
Peach: Why?
Glitch: How should I know? He just told me to do that! Before he left to the Cloudy Courts!
Peach: Ugh!

Now she's trapped here for some time.

Meanwhile, at Brome.

Blarghtiatus: Ô Brassus! I am terribly sorry for what happened back there in the show! To compensate for that, I brought a selection of personal slaves I own! Take Shlorent, for example. He's weak, and small, but indestructible! And Antonimus, he's an ant see! He can lift 100 times his own size! And here's...
Brassus: I appreciate the gesture, but really, you don't need to! But I guess since one of my slaves died the other day, I'll take the ant! Probably best at fork-lifting rocks!
Antonimus: I'll forklift you into the abyss of my fury, gladly would do that!
Blarghtiatus: What was that, Antonimus?
Antonimus: Nothing!
Blarghtiatus: Look, I know it sounds like a bad thing, but trust what I'm doing! Brassus takes better care of slaves than a lot of other people! You'll be fine! You get it! Besides, I really need to satisfy him so he doesn't do anything bad!
Antonimus: ... myeah, 'k, I guess.
Brassus: It's a deal then, here are 50 coins! Go buy something with that!
Antonimus: So basically now Imm getting sold?
Blarghtiatus: I wouldn't say that! I say I'm placing you under the custody of the emperor while he gives me a reward for that!
Brassus: Yes, right! You can go now!

He pushes him out of the front door.

Brassus: Ok, Antoodibus! You're mine now! You do MY evil bidding! And with these slaves ravaging everything on their way after having destroyed their gladiator school, you be sure you will regret being a living being!

But you also gotta learn how to love Brome! (Says he as he turns his back) Brome is your mother! And I am married to it, so that makes me your father! You must show devotion to help your mother prosper as a continent! You know, before you start, I'm gonna let you have a five minutes break, because I feel like I wanna be nice and cool.

He is locked up in a room.

Antonimus: At least I still got you, Starr!
"Starr": I'll have to remind you I am Loss.
Antonimus: I just like to call you Starr, because you're a star.
Loss: CODE star! Very important! If the world was ever in peril, I and my brothers and sisters will have to save it!
Antonimus: Like the world needs saving! Can't you just save me and all other slaves like me? *He turns his back on the window.*
Loss: Uhh... Antonimus... you might wanna see that!
Antonimus: Not now, Starr. I'm having a moment with myself here.
Loss: ANTONIMUS!

She throws a rock at him to get his attention. Then another. Then, a hand is on Antonimus' shoulder.

Antonimus: Why won't you leave me alooooooooooo... oh! Who are you?
Startacus: Come with me, friend. Come with me to the future!

They go away. Brassus just then opens the door.

Brassus: Come on, Platonymos, break time's over! Come into the real world! Hey, where'd you go? Rats! Gotta buy another one now!

Now finally, back with Mario. There's a funeral. Because come on, a king died! A good one too!

Asmodeus: King Sataneel, remember this: You will ALWAYS be remembered! None of us will ever forget what a great king you were, but at the very least, you got reunited with your daughter! She and her younger brother shall let this place be a great place for all of us. Let them finish, WHAT YOU STARTED!

*Applause*

Love: Mario, Luigi, I'm just gonna go straight out and say it. If you're here, that means the world is in danger. By taking me with you, you get one step closer from saving the world and preventing anyone else from feeling this sadness I lived of losing my guardian. I was entrusted to Sataneel a long time ago, I... loved him... he was such a nice guy. So do whatever you must with me!
Luigi: That's no problem for us, right Mario?
Paymon: Allow me to apologize too Mario, when I saw the princess with you, I directly changed my mind on you and thought you were a bad guy.
Egyn: What's important though is that all's well that ends well, ... even though... you know... what happened...
Oriens: Asmodeus looked super serious about all that too, you know. We respect him, he's our leader! We just directly assumed wrongly...
Amaymon: Will you forgive us?
Mario: Oh yeah!
Goombeddy: It's ok, we get it too!

Asmodeus comes towards the party with Lucifer.

Asmodeus: Lucifer, princess, wether you choose to stay with these guys or stay here, well... your choice says it all!
Lucifer: Thanks everyone! I'll stick with Mario and Luigi, but I'll always be with you too! Take care!
Asmodeus: And please... come back in one piece!

Berith comes closer to Lucifer and expresses himself by sobbing tears of joy and making random noises.

Lucifer: Aww! Berith! You're the cutest thing to walk... swim on this planet! Come give your sister a hug!
Stayzee: So anyway, Mario, what should we do next?
Mario: *Insert directions*
Stayzee: I see, I hope it's not too far, it would be good to come back here in case we'd want to enjoy Isle Delfino!
Goombeddy: Yeah, great idea, then we look for code stars!
Mario: *looks at Goombeddy and tells him to chill out*
Goombeddy: Come on Mario! How can you not be annoyed?!
Kooplea: Goombeddy, he's right, you might come off as annoying yourself if you keep complaining! Come on let's go!
Lucifer: Wait! There's still one thing! Asmodeus, what was my mother's name?
Asmodeus: Oh yeah! I completely forgot about that! Her name was Lucifaguis. She kinda named you after her for what I can deduce. Despite that name, she wasn't afraid of the sun. She loved to go to the surface, just like you before the incident happened.
Penny: Luce, how do you feel? You look... like you're going to explode.
Lucifer: Of course! I know who I am! Bye, Asmodeus, everyone! I'll miss you!

Asmodeus takes this as a sign that Lucifer at least cares for him. We all know something about him if you know what I'm saying.

On your way back to Champs-Eclypsees, a voice calls for you just as you are about to get outside the ocean.

Planktopus: Hey Mario!
Penny: Oh, it's you! You live here?
Planktopus: Yes! I mean look at me for a second, I'm not a Puzzeele! I don't live with them! But you must come with me, I need to show you something!

You must follow him through a new path that he opens, past his house. At some point, you come across a gigantic white towery structure that seems to go up endlessly.

Planktopus: This tower here is the Skyggurat, it goes higher than the clouds! In fact, it was built on the clouds! The Cloudy Courts, to be precise! It's just above us!
Rockbert: How do you know that? I mean, I don't judge you, but such info seems to be difficult to acquire!
Planktopus: My cousin lives there! He dedicated his life to help who he says is our Lord and Savior, Merltue! Or so he says he's called! But I know for a fact that from the top of the Skygurrat, you can see the entirety of the Mushroom Kingdom, which's a good way to see where you should go next!
Rockbert: Ok that makes sense. But how do we get up there?
Planktopus: Don't ask me, I don't know anything about that stuff! There used to be a vine here that you could climb to get there, but some weird things came and destroyed it not long ago! You gotta find another way around!
Rockbert: Well that sucks! What should we do?
Nina: Take it easy, all you need, ya got it right there!
Rockbert: Wait, you mean you're gonna get us there?
Nina: Well, kinda. I know how to go there!
Lancebob: Yes, me too! Believe it or not, in my kingdom, we all believed in this sacred tower! By the way, this is why our kingdom is next to the part of the ocean where it sits! I just need to get my sacred book!

He gets out a book that looks like the one in the intro of TTYD. Only here, it serves as a Bible.

Lancebob: It says that the Skygurrat was built when a brave man died and ascended to the sky. He built the tower so that anyone who dies in this region find themselves in the Cloudy Courts, basically a heaven-ish field of clouds that is the definition of paradise. That is, if the religion is true, but the Skygurrat is real, so I guess this book can come in helpful!
Penny: So that basically means we gotta ascend like that guy?
Nina: Nah, not necessary. You just gotta use some hidden block. There exists a vine in it. Somewhere around the beach of Isle Delfino, I've already been there. I'll tell ya where it is.

Follow Nina's indications and you will be lead to a dark alley behind a building.

Nina: Yup, block's somewhere here. Just jump anywhere aimlessly.







...ok it's in the center. Just go on that little platform and hit the thing with yerr noggin.

Sure enough, if you do just that, a ? Block appears. Hit it again, and it opens, is revealed to be full of dirt, but nothing happens. A sprout gets out.

Luigi: Eh? That's it?

Just after that is said, the sprout all of a sudden grows up into a gigantic beanstalk, the piranha plant-like head of the vine grabs... eats Mario and co. to get them to where they would go next...

To be continued...

That was it for this interlude. Had to come up with some previously unexistant names. See Ya!

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Chapter 8: Everything has a soul.

The vine eats the party with its piranha plant-like head and spits it out after piercing through the clouds.

Goombeddy: What a ride!
Rockbert: And you said you’ve already been here before! Did you have to do this every time?
Nina: No, I used the other vine! I just know about this bigger one! Never would’ve expected it to be so brutal though!
Lancebob: This is it! It really exists! The Cloudy Courts! I’m actually here! When you read books about religions, you’d doubt if some of these stories are actually true, but who knew? And there, in the distance! No way! Could it be? It’s the Skygurrat! Its trajectory towards the sky truly does end above the clouds! It’s just as I ever imagined it!
Goombeddy: It seems like you know more about this place than anyone else here, so go take on the Tattler role. I could use a break now that we have an ear-wilting annoyance with us!
Stayzee: I don’t see anything matching your description for an annoyance! You must be seeing things!
Goombeddy: ... Take it away, Lancebob! I’m just gonna stop talking from this point onward.
Lancebob: Ok! As long as I have my sacred book, I will be able to guide all of you through this maze of clouds!

Just as he says that, he raises his arm, empty. Apparently he lost the book.

Lancebob: My book! Where did it go?
Lucifer: Unless butterflies here have flat rectangular wings and pages in this place, there it is!
Penny: Hey! You’re back to normal! I was starting to think you weren’t yourself anymore!
Lancebob: It must not fall down! Quick! After that thing!

He begins running towards the direction of the book, while jumping and clapping his hands to catch it. Yes, Bob-ombs have hands, but are only visible when they’re actually using them. Just like in the credits of the original Paper Mario.

Lancebob: Finally! I thought it was gone!
???: Who are you people?

Lancebob looks up and finds a winged creature that looks like Planktopus, but... angel.

Lancebob: AHH! Who are YOU?! You startled me!
Plangelus: I am Plangelus, and don’t get any quick wrong ideas, I just live here! I help the master of the Skygurrat to change our world! We’re indirectly trying to save it, in some way!
Lancebob: Really? Then you must know about code stars!
Plangelus: What are code stars? Some world-saving tools I presume?
Rockbert: Yes, that’s right! We need them to save the world!
Plangelus: Oh! Well that’s something else! But why? Is the world really in danger?
Rockbert: You... don’t know? You said your job was to help save the world! How can you not know about that? Isn’t it your duty to know?
Plangelus: Thing is, a little while ago, the clouds began blocking our lines of sight! We can’t watch over the Mushroom Kingdom for now! One of our cameras was still working though, as if all the others were made before it and that this one was an improvement over those, and it detected some random sets of sprites and shapes.
Lancebob: That is most definitely a Glitch! Yes, actually! It and its companions may be behind the corrupting of your sight! Don’t worry, friend of Justice, we will find out what happened and fix it!
Goombeddy: That guy. Is good!
Mario: *Asks Lancebob what he wants to do first*
Lancebob: You’re asking me? Oh Sir Mario, there’s so much I want to do! Let’s first go into the Skygurrat! It’s the best thing we can do!

On your way, you will fight aerial enemies (Koopa Paratroopas, Flopters) as well as army skellobits, for some reason. Basically the blue skeletons of SPM. You will also find Drizzies, enemies who pierce through the ground to attack you. Finally, there are also Ruff Puffs and Lakitus. The gimmick of the chapter isn’t here yet, but you’ll see later. There are some platforms that seem to be propelled by puffs from the clouds, and you must step on them with timing.

You arrive at the Skygurrat, and even from here, it looks huge. A guy is seen on the top of the tower.

Plangelus: Master Merltue! These people need to see you!
Lancebob: Master Merltue? Quick! Must prepare a speech.
Nina: You know, for a guy who never came here, you sure are a big fan of this place!
Lancebob: Of course I am! Since I was born, my parents were trying to convert me to this religion! But now I should call it a fanbase, because now that we know it’s real, it’s not a religion anymore!

The guy descends from the top of the tower. He looks like a white Shaman, with a long hood and a staff.

Merltue: Well, Well! What is the meaning of your visit, friends from the Mushroom Kingdom?
Lancebob: It means so much, my Lord! It means so much indeed!
Nina: Here’s the deal: we’re here for these code star thingies! We heard that from the top of the tower, ya can see all the Mushroom Kingdom!
Merltue: A group of heroes, huh? That’s very delectable! You are welcome to do whatever you should to save the world! Unfortunately, these creatures destroyed all our methods of watching over the world, so we need to fix that first!
Nina: How come 'twasn't fixed by now, though?
Merltue: When you got a world to watch over, taking care of things is not easy! I need to stay here at all times, otherwise the whole tower would crumple and crash into the Mushroom Kingdom! But you are free to access the first floor of the Skygurrat to look for what you can use to stop this madness!
Lancebob: We will do that, my Lord and Savior! We shall not disappoint you!
Nina: Ya sure are a fan of the guy! That also may mean that you’re gonna be too serious doin' this!
Lancebob: Exactly!
Kooplea: Anyway, shouldn’t we be going inside already? We’re wasting time here!

Inside the Skygurrat, the place looks like a modern office. With cameras (which were destroyed) and whatnot. Some Ascitizens, the local species, work here to help protect the tower and watch over the world. What’s funny is they have computers. And yes, they are made of cardboard. I guess you can take it like how you can see some super advanced technology with the Nimbis in the Overthere of SPM.

Lancebob: Hmm... this place is equipped with technology... I guess time here matters too...
Mario: *Asks Lancebob something*
Luigi: Oh yeah, he’s right! Tell us!
Lamcebob: Let me see here... Overthere... Underwhere... apparently, the Overthere is part of the Cloudy Courts too, but is in another region of it. Why’d you ask that specifically? Did you go there maybe once?
Luigi: That’s besides what we’re talking about, but it’s cool to know! But hey is this place jam-packed with cool things! What should we check in there?
Lancebob: I’d say let us ask someone here, they all seem like they might want to help us!

Ask some Ascitizens. They may give you hints about things. Wander around a bit though and an alarm will get triggered.

Lancebob: What’s that?
Plangelus, running: The Skygurrat is being attacked! It’s been a while since it happened, but I bet it’s these Skellobit freaks!
Kooplea: These Skeletons we ran into outside? What do they want?
Plangelus: We don’t know, but it must be something recent has happened to them and they want us to pay for it! But I don’t know what we did!

A bunch of Skellobits break the doors and invade.

Bone Leader: I’m inside, troopers! Bone Leader, checking in, with a bunch of guys too! Bone #1 to 12, to be precise!
Bone 13: Bone 13, checking in!
Bone 14: Bone 14 checking in!
Bone 15: Bone 15 checking in!
Bone Leader: Nice! Bone 13, what was your part again?
Bone 13: I’m going with 14 and 15 inside from any random secret entrance we may find! Then we get to the top while no one looks! That way we destroy this tower! Just gotta hope no one just heard that!
Bone Leader: Don’t worry, I had my earphone on low speaker, speak what you want!
Bone 13: Cool. 14, 15, follow me!
14 and 15: We’re followin'!
Bone 13: Yeah ok... Bone Leader try to hold the guys off if anyone tries to get us!
Bone Leader: That’s what I was gonna do, why’d you think I even came here!
Bone 13: Dunno, maybe you just wanted to hang out or watch me do the stuff with prowess?
Bone Leader: I’m your leader! I’m supposed to lead the operation!
Bone 13: Yeah ok sorry 'bout that!
Bone 14: So what do we do already?
Bone 13: Again?! We went through this like 64 times on the way here!
Bone 14: Sorry, my brain really doesn’t wanna work! And my noggin's got a crack in it too, so I can’t say I’m the best guy there is in the remembrance department.
Bone 13: Ok, but it’s the last time I explain. We just need to get to the top somehow and destroy this thing. Is that so hard to remember?
Bone 14: Ok, I think I gotcha!
Bone Leader: Ok good! Now let us actually get everyone out of here so that nothing bad happens to us... wait, where’d they go?
Bone 13: What’s that, Bone Leader?
Bone Leader: Two seconds ago, this place was full of people, but now there’s no one!
Bone 13: I think I found them, and they’re kinda after us!
Bone Leader: Crud... stay where you are, we’re coming!
Bone 13: We can’t stay where we are, they’re after us! It’s a fat guy with a mustache and his brother. There’s also their friends!
Bone Leader: I just got embarrassed by that greasy dude? Give me a break!

Indeed, Mario is chasing after Bone 13. In circles.

Kooplea: Mario, stop running around like that, you’re not getting anywhere!
Bone 13: Listen to what the chick is saying! You’re gonna get tired!
Bone 14: I don’t know how long his endurance goes! He doesn’t look undead!
Bone 15: He sure has a point, for once.
Bone 13: You know what, you’re right!

He stops and turns his spear backwards, and Mario runs dumbly into it. He first-striked himself. As the battle begins, he loses 3 HP.

Kooplea: Should’ve listened to me right Mario?
Goombeddy: That’s what I always tell everyone!
Bone 13: You’re screwed, people! You don’t know how many of us there is!

Just then, Bone Leader comes in with 12 skellobits, all in one battle.

Bone Leader: So, Mister Monkey? I believe that’s what the M stands for! Who’s laughing now?

Just then, one Ascitizen, who looks like a leader pops in.

Bootrus: Fear not, heroes! Bootrus' got your back! Come to me, Ascitizens!

An army of 12 Ascitizens joins the battle. Just defeat the first few skellobits and they will do the rest for you. If there are 12 skellobits remaining.

They all run away.

Bootrus: That was a close one!
Lancebob: Who are you exactly?
Bootrus: I am Bootrus, most dedicated servant of Merltue. It’s been a pleasure making your acquaintance! What is the reason you’re here though?
Mario: *Tells the story*
Bootrus: Heroic! You truly ARE heroes as I suspected! I don’t know about such a code star thing, sadly, and apparently, to get on top of the tower, you will have to wait until our system is back up to speed. It is an honor to have you here among us, however!

As he goes away, he remembers something.

Bootrus: Oh, and also, I believe the Skygurrat once was entrusted with a code star! So to get it, you may need to help us fix this issue!

*camera pan*

Bootrus: Your first step could be finding out what’s the problem with the undead people! Normally, they don’t attack us, except when they want something from us. They live in Nowhere, a place just like the Cloudy Courts, but... different. You can get there via this big door over there! However you need a key to get in... we got no idea how the undeads get past it. It’s supposed to act as a barrier between our world and theirs. They have done terrible actions in their lifetime, so they are stuck there until they redeem themselves. Anyway, you will find that key somewhere... Where? No idea, we never use it! I wish I could join you, but I can’t be absent when Master Merltue needs me... thing is, we were alive at the same time, and he taught me the ways of life... I can never turn my back on him!
Lancebob: I would’ve done just the same if I were you!
Lucifer: You’d be happy to know that thanks to the internet, you can create a fanbase for this Lord and Savior, Lancebob, if that would make you like this era better!
Lancebob: Of course that would! Didn’t I already tell you I was brainwashed by this religion? And now I find out it’s real!
Luigi: Well then, let’s go find that key then!
Bootrus: Good luck, friends! If the undeads show up again, we’ll be ready to fight them off!

You get out of the Skygurrat, and try to find a key. Well, the key. You’ll find it with a group of skellobits. Precisely...

Bone Leader: So, 13, go hide the key somewhere else now, so that we know where it is.
Bone 13: Yup, sure thing!
Bone 14: Didn’t we hide that thing in the bushes over there before? I think it was a good spot!
Bone Leader: We just hid a shard of it there, the one that makes it work. But we gotta hide the key itself somewhere too.
Bone 13: Better not hide it in 14's skull like last time, his brain is already damaged as it is now.
Bone 15: Why don’t we give it to anyone and force them not to talk about it... like this dude over there!

He points at Mario, and Mario jumps backwards, landing on Goombeddy.

Goombeddy: Now I know how other Goombas feel.

Bone Leader: Wait a sec... that’s the mustache guy from earlier! He heard what we were saying! We must not let any trace of our conversation in the hands of our enemies!

After that fight, which was like the other one, seeing only these four showed up, they run away, but they leave behind Bone 14, still lying on the floor.

You will have to find the things, and the dialogue hints at where they are.

After that is done, you open the door to Nowhere...

These chapters should be shorter. And yes... the other part is long enough to make this entire chapter altogether two posts big. This forum should update the character limit if this keeps up.

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Chapter 8, Part 2

But what meaning would that big door have if there wasn’t our favorite Dorguy in it?

Danus: You ain’t goin' anywhere! Looks like your luck is in another door!

His face gets drawn.

Danus: How you doin' folks? Wether you like it or not, I’m doing fine, and that means I’m in the mood of asking questions!
Kooplea: You again... it’s you isn’t it? Danus?
Danus: Well looky who’s here! It’s the blonde turtle, the squishy mushroom and last but not least, Mister Smart-io! It’s been a while since I saw you!
Lancebob: How do you know them? I demand answers! I can’t allow such insolence to happen on this sacred...
Danus: Woah woah, pipe down, feather-head! I just met these guys in another place, but you look new!
?
And so do all of you! There were only three of you before! And you, Green Mario, you look like Mario!
Luigi: What is it you want anyway, why can’t we go through?
Danus: I you knew me, you’d know I’d ask you a couple of questions... but since you don’t, I’ll just tell you that I’ll have to ask you some questions! This time, you gotta look at stuff you did before! You’re quite the video game mascot, Mario, so the gallery I had to look through in case we would meet again was wiiiiiide open, let me tell ya! I figured what questions I would ask in like three quarters of a microsecond!

*Proceed with the quiz. You’re gonna watch footage of previous Mario games and the questions asked will be related to the respective footage.*

Stayzee: Oh, how satisfying it is to hear you answer these questions like they were no-brainers!
Goombeddy: It would be more satisfying if it was the only voice I was hearing aside some exceptions that don’t include some ffffffff- I was gonna say it, but I’m not making this game’s age rating lie!
Lucifer: Apparently, if you’re gonna be like that, it would give more chances to...
Goombeddy: I know! Get burned by fff-same word- eels with a heart-shaped pendant and a pink top that spend their time looking at their own blue hair with nothing else being their business like any other sissy princess!
Lucifer: I was gonna say more chances to not getting understood, what’s wrong with you?
Danus: Guys, finsih this conversation when you get past the door!

He turns into his spirit form.

Danus: I’m pretty darn sure we’ll meet again once, though! I know a lot of doors! I can be hiding in any of them! Till then, see ya!

The door is open to you now. Go in it. Go to Nowhere.

It looks just like the Cloudy Courts, but, it’s not the Cloudy Courts. Basically because it’s like, an inverted image of the Cloudy Courts, but it also looks like a purgatory place of suffering. Instead of the sea of clouds, a sea of lava. Instead of the ground, well, it’s still ground, but damaged and black. It has holes in it instead of the usual round symbols frequently seen in the Cloudy Courts. But interesting things are if you do something here it affects something there, say break a part of the floor in Nowhere to reveal something buried in the same place in the Cloudy Courts. These kinds of puzzles. There are also Soulaments, the equivalents of the Ascitizens. And there’s even an equivalent for Merltue, but he’s not important to the story. Where the Skygurrat should be though, there’s some ruins. No tower. It looks as though it serves as a hideout for the Skellobits. The area is open, though, so it’s not hard finding them.

Bone Leader: So 13, got a new plan? Ever since I’ve been assigned to be Leader of this team, I’ve never had any, so it better be good!
Bone 13: Bone Leader, there is no plan. We just attack this thing! In one way or another! But we attack it! If you can remember just that, it’s win-win... most likely... it just seems that even though probability of mission success is 300%, the other -200% is still overpowering!
Bone Leader: At this rate, we’re just as well doomed... if redoing this over and over again doesn’t get us anywhere.
Bone 14: Umm... guys?
Bone 13: What now?
Bone 14: I get the feeling we’re being watched...
Bone Leader: *Looks around, Mario and friends directly stack themselves up behind a pillar.* This is Nowhere... you’re gonna get that feeling whenever there’s an awkward silence. And most of the time these "glances" you talk about come from Nowhere.
Bone 14: It’s just so BoneChilling! You feel like something is gonna spring at you outta Nowhere!
Bone 13: Wether the word you used was a pun on you-know-who or just that you did it by accident, you’re right, it kinda does get creepy! But if you’re gonna be a bad guy who has to redeem himself in Nowhere, you gotta learn to get used to it!
Bone 14: But we CAN’T get used to the recent persecutions they inflicted on us! We gotta do SOMEthing!
Bone 13: Love the enthusiasm here, but we gotta plan it out smartly...
Bone 14: You just said there was no plan! We just have to smash anything and everything! And my memory just this one time
doesn’t fail me!
Bone Leader: I’m pretty sure that’s true!

Suddenly, the alarm is sounded.

Bone Leader: Someone’s intruded our not so well hidden hideout! Defense positions everyone!
Luigi: What? How did they see us?
Goombeddy: *Looks left and right*
Lancebob! What are you doing? You’re getting us caught!
Lancebob: Don’t you worry, but there’s something super important back there!

A pillar falls in front of him, preventing the Bob-omb to get back to the group.

Bone Leader: Oh it’s you! Still wanna piece of us? Do it as you will, we regenerate anyway!
Lucifer: What a show off, Puzzeeles do that too!
Penny: What you said made you look like more of a show off though.
Lucifer: Just sharing that one fact. Anyway, why did you attack the Skygurrat?
Goombeddy: Yeah, what she said, which would’ve sounded better if I said it instead.
Bone Leader: That’s nunya business!

They charge at the heroes and as Mario swings his hammer...

Bone 14: Wait! Everyone! Stop!

Mario is stuck at the beginning of his Hammering animation.

Bone 14: Same fight same outcome. We are not going anywhere and they are going to smack us! Which is why, I have a great idea that’ll literally blow your minds away, all of you! In fact, you better put on some helmets so prevent your brain from flying!

How about we TEAM UP?!?!
Bone Leader: Wait a sec... if the guy agrees, we win! Cause he’s always in the winning team, and if he’s in ours, that means we’re the winning team!
Bone 13: Brilliant really! It’s a shame none of our brain cells moved however... anyway, what do you say, guy? Well, guys... will ya join the next winning team?

——>Oooh yeah!
——>Hell no!

——>Hell no!
Bone Leader: Aww... well, if ya change your mind, you can still talk! We won’t be attacking!

——>Oooh yeah!
Bone Leader: Yay! It’s working!
Bone 14: Hooray! I did it! I brought them to our side! Call me Spike! T's a pleasure to work alongside you!
Plangelus: Wh... whaa? How dare you, Mario? After I trust you? You asked for it, I’m telling the master! You’re not gonna hear the end of it, traiter!
Penny: Wait, what’re you doing here?
Plangelus: I was sent to spy on you, by the big boss himself, Merltue! He wanted me to make sure you were good! And he was right to send me, or otherwise, it would be surprising to see two plumbers heading towards the Skygurrat with a bunch of creeps, plus Skellobits! Shameful!

He grabs a sort of phone and sends a message to the Skygurrat headquarters.

Plangelus: See you there, where we’ll send you to Nowhere! And no, I don’t mean throw you in there, but killing you then having spend your afterlife there! Trust me, it’s not like the Underwhere... it’s way worse!

And he swims away.

Bone Leader: That doesn’t sound too good for you! That’s why having us by your side is cool!
Kooplea: Anyway, what’s the reason you attacked the Skygurrat in the first place?
Bone 14: Let me explain! Violence! Hits! Bombs! Invasions! We want to put a stop to all that and actually let us redeem ourselves in the afterlife! We wanna show them we’re the real deal!
Kooplea: What?! I thought the angels were innocent! If what you say is true, then there must be something wrong with THEM!
Bootrus: Yes indeed it is...

The party is surprised to see that guy wasn’t against them.

Bootrus: As much as it pains me to do this, I must team up with the undeads... it’s the only way we can stop it!
Kooplea: Why are you not with the Ascitizens though?
Bootrus: Some time after the glitches took over, Merltue started acting weird... he wasn’t himself anymore, which led me to think that not only did the glitches assault us, but they also took control of the Master... he started to inflict pain and suffering to everyone in Nowhere while also looking for the code star... the only way to save him is to make allies with the undeads, but the task was too dangerous for me to go alone... so with you here, I can hope for a better result!
Kooplea: That also explains why he didn’t bother repairing everything. It all makes sense now!
Penny: You know, the weird thing now is that we’re seeing the "good" guys as bad guys. This is confusing!
Bootrus: Anyway, we shall press onward without too much delay! The Skygurrat needs to be saved!
Bone Leader: We’ll gladly go with you, pal. After that, everything can go back to normal!

A stack of Skellobits joined you!

And also...

Bootrus, the reasonable and eagle-eyed Ascitizen joins your party! His glances are literally sharp! Use this to cut cuttable materials like paper! With his bow, he can also aim at distant switches or ropes to be interacted with!

And yes, I know Spike was supposed to be there but, I took the decision of replacing him with a somewhat more meaningful character.

Lucifer: Where’d Lancebob go?
Luigi: Behind that thing, but it doesn’t look like we can anything about it now... we better worry about it later.
Goombeddy: Well, I guess I gotta take back the tattler role. I’ve got my break anyway!
Bootrus: Let us not delay though! We got a Skygurrat to save!

Go back to the Skygurrat, where you will be greeted by Plangelus.

Plangelus: Welcome back, "heroes!" We beat these Skellobits before, so this time'll be no different! And I see Bootrus even joined you! That’s even more unexpected but it’ll be twice as satisfying to get rid of you! Ascitizens, to me!

An army of Angels ascend next to him.

Plangelus: ATTAAAAAAACK!

The Ascitizens charge down at you. You can fight them this time. In fact, you need to defeat them all.

Plangelus: What?! How did you do that?
Spike: Ha! Your angels are no match for all of us, especially since we got the winners! They never lose!
Bone 13: You can’t run!
Bone Leader: Bones, I suggest we go inside!

DUNGEON 8: The Skygurrat

Enemies:
-Ascitizens
-Paratroopas
-Ty-Foos
-Spinies
-Ascitizen Archers
-Angiabolics
-Skweels

Ty-Foos will try to make you fall down, and this is a vertical scrolling area, so watch out for those. You got to find ways to make pillars of light go up: this is how you fix the Skygurrat which no one bothered repairing before. These pillars make you ascend to another room. At the top of the tower...

Bootrus: At last! We are at the top! Master Merltue should be here!
Merltue: ... Bootrus... don’t stay here! Flee as fast as you can... with the heroes!
Bootrus: Master Merltue! Have you regained consciousness, should there be a Grambi?
???: Well, we meet again, Mario!

*Shadoodle theme plays*

Shadoodle: Yes! Once again, it was me all along! The power of the glitches maid this old man go cahoots! We just released him, simply because I can take better care of you in this form!
Penny: You again!
Goombeddy: What is your goal? Wasn’t your humiliation back at the Dried-out Valley enough to make you quit?
Shadoodle: When it comes to business like that, I don’t tolerate quitting!
Stayzee: Oh gracious! Who’re you?
Rockbert: The baddest guy we know as of yet! But we’ll get him for sure!
Shadoodle: You seem oddly self-confident now... unlike before! You’re gonna be tough to beat, but it’ll be worth it!

He takes a giant brick and throws it at the party...

Penny: Ah! I don’t know about you, but it might be the end of it!
Lucifer: Definitely with you on that one.

But someone comes in and slashes through the block.

Lancebob: It’s ok, ladies, you can let go of each other now!
Spike: Go, Mario! We’re gonna fight off everything trying to stop you!
Bootrus: Have at us, brute!

BOSS CHAPTER 8: SHADOODLE

Tattle (this time provided by Lancebob): This is Shadoodle, a master of shape-shifting into things. Also a massive glitch! Max HP is 100, ATT is 5. He will shoot shockwaves at you and inflict some various status effects! His attack power can sometimes be different than 5, because... glitches... ok, it’s just that he can boost his attack power! You know, I am making great use of these modern words! I’ll come back to the Bobley Kingdom rich in vocabulary!

After the battle:

Shadoodle: GAAAAHHH! STOP IT! IT HURTS! HOW COULD YOU BEAT ME AGAIN?! I’ll have you crushed, smitten, torn apar—

At that moment a horde of Ascitizens haul him off the Skygurrat, and the disordered blot falls through the clouds.

Plangelus: I’m sorry guys... I thought you became bad guys... I guess we also...
Merltue: Heroes... Bootrus... we owe you a huge debt of gratitude... as well as you Skellobits! You saved the Skygurrat!
Bone Leader: All thanks to Mario and his team!
Spike: Yup, couldn’t have done it without them, that’s for sure!
Bootrus: Mario, you truly deserve your title as hero! And so do all of you, don’t think I’m forgetting the help you provided!

Just then, From the sealed top of the tower, a code star emerges.

Wisdom: Huh? Who awakens me? Is the world in a dire situation?
Lancebob: Yes it is! We came here in search of the code stars!
Wisdom: Then let me assist you in finding the others! Use the binoculars here to look at the entire map!

You can indeed see the Mushroom Kingdom, but can’t see the areas you haven’t unlocked yet. Except for one. Point at it, and this happens.

Bootrus: What is this metallic structure you’re gazing at? It looks as though it’s located in space!
Goombeddy: Something tells me this is the Lumenvia System, a stellar System which houses the brightest stars! It’s amazing that we can see it from here if it really is it!
Wisdom: Oh! I sense Code Star power from there! You should make it your next destination! But as it is now, place me in the cave of functions before anything else!

And Wisdom the code star who looks like Eldstar is obtained... by you!

And yes, Spike got replaced by another guy... but he’s still here... in a role that suits him more because he’s just as notable as he was before. It’s still sad to see him go since he was one of the very first partner ideas I had for this game, but it’s great to see a good addition to the group. Whenever I get to draw Bootrus, you will see what he looks like (which is mandatory for the OP).

 

[Koops]

Oh, and also, quick update. I finally did a Penny redesign! Go check it out in the OP!

 

[Koops]

Oops started working on Chapter 9 while I haven’t posted the eighth interlude.

Spoiler: Interlude 8

Merltue: Now go, heroes! Save the rest of the world!
Plangelus: Make sure no one mistakes you for bad guys!
Spike: And thanks for cooperating!
Plangelus: Oh yeah, on your account, Skellobits... since you saved the Skygurrat, it seems you redeemed yourselves!
Merltue: Yes! Truly! You will be promoted to guards of the Skygurrat!
Bone Leader: Oh Grambi! So much great stuff in one episode! Never saw that coming!
Bone 13: It’s okay to cry my man. It’s okay to cry!

As Mario starts to move...

Bootrus: Mario! Wait!

Mario trips and face-plants into the surface of the Skygurrat.

Bootrus: You must take me with you! I can’t stay here when the world is in danger! I desire to help you in finding the code stars!
Lancebob: You are welcome to stay! You know, I am a big fan of the religion that stated facts about this place! And I even read about you!
Bootrus: Yes! I was his very first follower! I helped spread his belief of the possible existence of a Grambi! That’s how we are connected to the Overthere! Also, I know Master Merltue since before we ascended here, which means that believing our calendar I must be at least 2000 years old! But I still feel young!
Lancebob: Save your exciting stories for a later time! Let’s get moving!
Merltue: Go long, Bootrus! Go save the world. And let the Skygurrat's power accompany your heart!

But from a distance, a Koopa we all know and love watched the whole scene!

Bowser: Well, I should get moving as well! It’d be so much cooler if I just jumped from here and landed where he’s headed, but it'd be wiser not to, I mean I’m in the sky! We’ll meet there, plumbers!
Kammy Koopa: Wait for me, your ferociousness!
Bowser: Kammy?! What’re you doing here! I thought you were back at the fort!
Kammy: I just had some free time, so I said, why not assist him? It would be shameful not to provide you any help!

Meanwhile, somewhere in Brome, a horde of Yoshis are seen transporting people. They’re no slaves anymore... if they manage to reach the coast and flee with a boat, they’re free.

Antonimus: So remind me... what’s your name again?
Startacus: I am Startacus, and with me, you’re safe! You’re going back to your normal life!
Antonimus: You mean being a slave?
Startacus: No... being free!
Antonimus: I don’t qualify that as a normal life. I’ve always been a slave! Freedom for me means luxury! I dream of being free like a man dreams of becoming a billionaire!
Startacus: Then your dreams won’t be disappointed!
Antonimus: Thanks... what am I riding on exactly?
Startacus: That’s a Yoshi. After we’re done with them, we’ll release them in the wild, and make them free like we will be!
Antonimus: I always wanted to ride a Yoshi!

...

You sound like a nice guy... Can we be... like you know... friends? I always wanted one of those!

Loss comes out of his pocket.

Loss: Am I still not your friend? All of a sudden you forgot all about me!
Antonimus: Oh yeah, sorry, Starr.
Loss: It’s LOSS!
Antonimus: Don’t you like a nickname?
Startacus: Anyway, on our way, we will be freeing every slave we can find, and we will also be "borrowing" some money from the people so that we can arrange a deal with the Pirates of Kappa Ocean to ensure we get a boat to freedom!
Antonimus: I like your plans! You’re so ambitious!
Startacus: Don’t compliment me yet! Do it after our victory!
Loss: ...
Antonimus: What was that, Starr?
Loss: ... I feel something... yet it’s so faint I can’t tell what it is!
Antonimus: Probably nothing! I always feel things too, but it just turns out I have ants in my feet!

After that "amazing" pun, let’s switch over to Peach!

Peach: It’s getting dark in here! Is there a match or something?

Suddenly, the door opens.

Paraplonk: Woah! Guys! Check out this place! It’s a secret passage!
Sergeant Guy: I am almost dying to say that something is definitely fishy!
Goomp: Hey guys! Look over there! Is that who I think it is?
Paraplonk: I see some glitches, but nothing too notable!
Sergeant Guy: Could it be the disordered Blot?
Goomp: No! I’m talking about the girl with the dress!
Paraplonk and Sergeant Guy: ??? PRINCESS PEACH???!!! What’s she doing here?!
Peach: Wait, you?! Are you not Bowser’s minions?
Paraplonk: Yes we are! But we never knew you were here Princess! We were just asked to come by some fiery hooded dude!
Sergeant Guy: He threatened to kill us if we didn’t follow his orders! Looking at what he might be, it wasn’t wise to take risks!
Goomp: Yep! The kind of guy you don’t wanna mess with!
Peach: A fiery guy...? Is Bowser with you?
Paraplonk: Not at the moment! He went out to the sky!
Peach: The sky? That’s where the Shadoodle guy was headed!
Goomp: So he’s called Shadoodle! Nice! We can use that instead of disordered blot!
Peach: Anyway, do you know where Mario is?
Paraplonk: Word is, he’s collecting Code Stars!
Peach: I know about that!
Paraplonk: Then I don’t know, maybe he too is in the sky!
Sergeant Guy: We also got the other Star guy. He’s been talking about weird stuff when we found him!
Evilness: Princess! Listen to this last bit of news! Mario found another code star in the Cloudy Courts! He’s halfway done through this quest!
Peach: That’s something! Do you know where he’s headed next?
Evilness: How am I supposed to know THAT!? We code stars are not fortune-telling macguffins! Why doesn’t anyone get that?
Paraplonk: That’s good to know for us! So Princess! Wattaya say we get you outta here!
Peach: Ok, but get me back to the cell! I still need to gather info to aid Mario!
Sergeant Guy: Yes ma'am! ... I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist saying that!

...

And over with Hackula now!

Hackula: Have I made a mistake bringing him back? It can’t be too good for me... What’s the worse that can happen?
Hector: Pull yourself together, Hackula! Maybe you can do something about him!
Victor: Yeah! Like I don’t know, sealing him back? I mean that could totally work!
Hackula: What are you two doing here lamenting me? Leave me alone!

Hector and Victor teleport away.

Hackula: Ugh... what to do! Without him, I can’t get rid of Mario or Luigi or these clowns that accompany them!
Glitch: Count! A report! Mario and Luigi arrived at the Skygurrat and successfully stopped Shadoodle! They got another code star!
Hackula: ... you know, I think I’m not in so much of a bummer than I thought! Yes actually! I have something new in mind!
Glitch: Can I get hold of it sir? I wanna know what’s going on! I really don’t want to be that kind of character who appears once in the entire game! Which is why I even am hanging out with you here!
Hackula: You got your screen time, minion! Get back to work!
Glitch: Yes sir!

And he goes away.

The interlude switches back to Mario as he arrives at Champs-Eclypsees.

Wisdom: So the Cave of Functions is somewhere there isn’t it? Let’s do it then!

???: Not so fast there, Chippy!

And Bowser lands on the ground.

Bowser: Hey Mario! Guess what! I’m working with the same guy who’s trying to kill you! So I guess it’s not so good for you!
Goombeddy: Bowser?! What in the...
Bowser: Shut it, nerd! You’re on the list as well!

*he realizes how big the group has become*

In fact, you all are on my menu!
Lancebob: Who is this fiend?
Lucifer: Neither do I know, but based on what I was told, I’d say it’s Bows...
Goombeddy: Not this time! Imm the tattler! This is Bowser! Mario's arch-nemesis!
Lancebob: All the more reason to clobber him!
Stayzee: You weren’t so good of a gentleman back then when you invaded Toad Town! I'll let you know the fury of an experienced singer!
Goombeddy: She’s right Bowser! She almost killed me with her voice!
Bowser: Bah! What’re you even talking about? Let’s get to the fight already!

The battle starts, and...

Kammy Koopa: Here, Lord Bowser! Take this spell! It will make you stronger!

This time, Bowser has 60 HP and has some attacks involving the Koopa Clown Car. In fact, the second phase of the battle revolves completely around it!

Bowser: Urgh! How could you beat me again! I feel weak! Kammy! Did you use the right spell?
Kammy Koopa: Yes, your tyranny, but it seems Mario is just as strong!
Bowser: Nah! Mario knew I was strong! That’s why he got himself all these friends! I’ll get you next time, just you wait!

He jumps into his clown car and they both go away... I’m overusing this one sentence aren’t I?

Merlon: Woah! What just happened?
Goombeddy: Apparently Bowser's after us! We should be careful!
Merlon: Anyway! It seems you have gathered yet again another code star! You seem really efficient in progressing!
Bootrus: Oh trust us! With a team like we are, everthing's achievable!
Merlon: Ho ho! It is true that the team has yet again increased greatly! I wonder how many of you will there be by the end of your quest! Anyway, where do you plan on going next?
Wisdom: I have sensed the aura of another code star in the starry system of Lumenvia!
Merlon: But how will you get there? You can’t go to space just by climbing a sky-high tower!

!

Oh but wait! I know an astronaut who plans to go there! His house is the most noticeable one in the neighborhood, so you’ll find it easily! Just look for a house that seems out of place!

That’s what you do... get in the house, and a beetle with a space suit should be visible.

Eleetle: What? What is it you want? You can’t barge into someone’s house like that you know!
Mario: Hey! (This hey is worth more than a thousand words)
Eleetle: Wait, come again?
Luigi: We need to go to space! To the Lumenvia system!
Eleetle: Well, you’re in luck, and so am I! I too plan on going to the Lumenvia System! Some say it is where the Chozos, a race of bird people still live! Their technology let us transform the world into what it is today! It’s thanks to them we got our everyday materials! Which is why I’m going there! Apparently, they used to live on a closer planet, but they unfortunately went extinct after a Zebesian Pirate attack... until we recently... well, 20 years ago, discovered proof of their existence in, you guessed it, the Lumenvia System! I am more than happy to get you there!
Luigi: So how ARE we gonna get there?

Eleetle inserts a card key into a scanner and reveals an elevator which goes underground. They all go in. As the elevator is descending, Eleetle explains:

Eleetle: I’ve spent 20 years working on a rocket which's power is good enough to get there, because it’s pretty far! If we had Chozo technology it would be easier, but thanks to my skill and leadership of a handful of scientists, I pulled it off! It’s an achievement of planet-wide proportions, I know, but don’t credit me so much! We had hurdles on the way, and some stuck for a few years, but I never gave up! I fought till the very end, and now here I am! I’m about to launch the rocket, and reach the Lumenvia System! And with some people accompanying me there, it’ll be an even more enjoyable experience!

*The elevator stops.*

But, before you go to space, you need to step in this scanner over there. It will instantly make a space suit adapted to your body shape and size! Another thing I worked on while building the rocket!
Goombeddy: You sure sound like the inventor...
Penny: And I thought it was only possible in science fiction! Not even!
Goombeddy: What, that a rocket could get you places? But Penny, it ha...
Penny: No, that such a scanner was possible to make! What kind of a dumb person you think I am?
Eleetle: Anyway, come in, everyone! Come experience a flight in my rocket!

They all go inside a SMB2 rocket that’s waaaaaayyyy bigger than the one in SMB2...

To be continued...

There... See Ya!

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Chapter 9: A star in the Starry system

Eleetle: Please sit down all of you! We’re ready to take off! Johnson! Get with the countdown!
Johnson: Yes sir! You will be taking off in... wait a second here... it seems there is a problem in the rocket's engine! Shouldn’t we...
Eleetle: Come on now! You’ve waited 20 years for this! Just launch us already!
Johnson: As you wish, sir... taking off in 10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... Are you really really sure you...
Eleetle: JUST DO IT!
Johnson: Blast off!

And the rocket shoots into space without any further ado! The plaza in Champs-Eclypsees opens up as all NPCs run to a safe spot and the rocket rises!

Johnson: Operation complete, sir, you are now confirmed to be in orbit!
Eleetle: I can’t believe I’m actually doing it!
Lancebob: What is this place? Why is it nighttime at noon?
Goombeddy: Lancebob, that’s because we’re in outer space! We live on this blue planet in the distance! The Bobley Kingdom is all too small from here!
Lancebob: What a breath-taking view! I thought the Earth was the only place there existed!
Goombeddy: Ah! If there weren’t a certain someone with us, it would be more beautiful to me, but unfortunately...
Stayzee: Oh my! This vehicle is speedy! We might make it where we need to go in no time! And to think we’re going to explore what’s out there! Our adventure really goes out to open the universe, I guess I can say!

However, outside the rocket, on a tiny asteroid...

Hector: Ok, now on my signal, you burst the egg, ok?
Victor: Got it!
Hector: They’re getting pretty close! Prepare! I might tell you any second now!
Victor: Yeah ok! I got it!
Hector: Just don’t panic...
Victor: Yeah, yeah, I’m cool... zen...
Hector: And remember, it’s just the egg, not the entire rocket.
Victor: Oh boy, I’m not sure about that...
Hector: NOW NOW VICTOR NOW! IT'S TIME!
Victor: OH GOOD LORD!

He does something and a side hatch of the rocket explodes.

*Alert*

Eleetle: What?! What’s happening?
Goombeddy: We’re gonna die! That’s what!
Eleetle: But my rocket’s impenetrable! I even made a few checks on the engine! It can’t get damaged! How did this happen?
Penny: Whatever reason it happened, can’t you find a way to fix it?
Eleetle: I have no other option than stop the engine from functioning!
Goombeddy: What? Are you crazy? We’re gonna get stuck here forever!

He bites the beetle's arm, preventing him from pulling a lever.

Eleetle: Ow! You wanna live? It’s the only way!
Goombeddy: You know what I say to pulling this lever? NAY!
Penny: Goombeddy! Let him do whatever he has to!
Goombeddy: But...
Lucifer: Or I’ll find a way to roast you again!
Goombeddy: Even that’s not going to make me budge on that!
Stayzee: You don’t want to hear me shout, don’t you?
Goombeddy: ...
...
...
Fine... I guess so...
Stayzee: Well, that worked! That was easy!

Eleetle pulls the lever and the rocket stops speeding. Suddenly, it becomes in the gravity pull of a planet. Into which it crashes.

Eleetle, coming out of the rocket with a space helmet on: No no no no no no no no NOOO! This can’t be happening! My ship... my beautiful ship... she’s down!
Goombeddy, with also a space suit and helmet: Should’ve not pulled it!
Kooplea: Oh Goombeddy, stop it! Is there a way we can fix it?
Eleetle: This thing took me 20 years to build! Of course not! It would take something like a Chozo technology-made engine to...

!

Wait a second! We’re on Tallon V! It used to be the sanctuary of the Chozos! We may find something here!
Mario: Hey! (So we’re supposed to find this engine, correct?)
Eleetle: Great idea! You look in the area to see if you can find something, while I examine the engine we have here closely... to make sure if I can do anything... or protect it... protect the rocket...
Goombeddy: Yeah, it would be wiser not to let you come alon...
Kooplea: We’ll take it from here! <whisper>Goombeddy stop it! What if what you’re saying makes him want to abandon us the first chance he gets?</whisper>
Goombeddy: Sigh...
Kooplea: Anyway, we'll gladly look for anything that might be of interest to us!
Penny: Goombeddy, it looks like you might want to quit on this whole thing...
Goombeddy: I mean, up to Delfino Island I was doing fine! But then some evil soprano had to ruin it for me! The thing is, we met at Toad Town before you knew it, and it wasn’t a very pleasant experience! But don’t worry about that, I’m doing fine otherwise! Let’s just look for anything of use we can find in this dreaded place!

On your path, you will encounter Worker Bots, a sort of forgotten robot that wakes up if you get close to it. They are based off of the Work Robots of Super Metroid, except these lift cubes and try to smash you with them. Use these cubes to climb on them a la Stairface Ogre and get to high places. In this mini-dungeon, (kinda weird to have it at the very start of the chapter) you will find the Ultra Hammer that lets you breaks blocks you weren’t able to break before! Additionally, you got some new hammer attacks in battle, like the Hurlhammer. You will fight alien enemies, like the new Ostraliens (excuse the pun that makes them sound like they’re Australian), Zebesians, and yet again a returning enemy from SPM, Fotons. There kinda is a gimmick to this place. Some items are held by Chozo statues... or at least what remains of them. If you grab said items, said statues will attack you. But that’s not all. You will notice that with each item you get, the more enemies will spawn in the rooms. The area is atmospheric and gives out that feeling that this was once a thriving place, until it became this pile of junk. The Worker Bots don’t look like they’re having their best day ever either. You will eventually stumble upon a room in which Chozo relics are stored, and among them is a Chozo-tech powered engine! But wait, you can’t have it yet.

???: Well, never thought I’d see YOU here, but here we are!

A Snifit with a bow tie appears from behind the window. He has a sort of rocket-powered desk this time. Of all things making a comeback, I had to have this:

Sinfit Or Whiffit host: Welcome! Welcome Ladies and gentlemen, to the gameshow that’s shall we say... out of this world!
Mario: Oh! Hey!
Snifit: So you do remember me, huh? I’m your host, Snifit! Well call me Snifit host if you count me as a distinct character. Yes! Welcome, Mario! The man we realize we don’t actually detest all that much! You’re gonna be our contestant for the day, alongside your friends here, who are all very welcome! So if you noticed, we've been in places where you can’t really breath... in a swamp, the bottom of the sea... well now we’re in space! Us Snifits don’t need air to breath, so we can hold this gameshow anywhere! And guess what, this piece of advanced machinery here... is the prize for making it through our show! Be warned though, it’s a tough cookie. Everyone, give it to Mario, the man who’s gonna prove to us that there is every reason in the world to like him!
Goombeddy: Huh... quite a celebrity, am I right?
Snifit: Anyway... during your adventure so far... you probably heard of the Friend Paper Toss? No? Well, for your information, it’s just a little technique that stacks all of your friends up in a pile and let you throw them at some target! Pretty cool, huh? Try it on this thing over here!

Step into a compressor-like platform. Mario backs out, as all the partners stand up one in front of another.

Goombeddy: Boy, that might feel awkward...
Rockbert: Don’t be so pessimistic! It can’t be that bad!

The compressor compresses all the partners together.

Rockbert: Ok, I’ll admit , it feels super weird...
Lancebob: I better not light up my fuse now...
Lucifer: You ok everyone? It’s kinda hard to breath.
Bootrus: All these years of existence and this is the weirdest thing to happen to me... I mean are we even made of paper?
Snifit: Don’t worry. You’re fine! Mario, see this cursor over there? That’s where you’ll shoot your partners! Move it using *Joystick* and then jump to shoot! Simple! You’ll need to know just that to be able to pass the challenge!

Win the show and...

Snifit: Outstanding! Mario, you truly are the best of the best! You truly earned your prize! Here! Take it!

You got the engine!

Snifit: I’ll just be here... if you ever want another go at the quiz, you know who to call! See you then, Mario!

Take the engine to Eleetle.

Eleetle: Oh sweet! You found one! That’s great! We can get the ship back up to speed!
Goombeddy: You do know it’s a rocket, not a ship, right?
Eleetle: I just like calling it whatever I want! Got a problem with that?
Goombeddy: Keep it together, Goombeddy... he's annoying, but there exists worse... No, not at all!
Kooplea: There! That’s the Goombeddy I know since the beginning!
Rockbert: Anyway, how far are we from Lumenvia System?
Eleetle: We shouldn’t be too far. If we had a telescope, we would be able to see it from here! Anyway, enough talking, let’s do it!

He installs the engine into the rocket in the blink of an eye!

Eleetle: 20 years of experience... that was too easy!

And the rocket takes off again!

Rockbert: Hey guys! We’re actually getting there quick!

On the Chozo Sanctuary...

Chozo: Hey man, whatcha doin'?
Chozo 2: Stargazing... I feel the "Chozen" one is coming any minute now!
Chozo 1: Is that legend even real? I mean a human flying on a spacecraft to here doesn’t sound achievable. If it’s ever gonna happen, we'd be dead by now.
Chozo 2: Just checkin'!
Chozo 1: At this point, you’re just staring blankly at the sky like a Goomba walking back and forth while stuck between two pipes!
Chozo 2: What the heck's a Goomba?
Chozo 1: It’s some kind of walking mushroom... whatever is a mushroom!
Chozo 2: Oh hey, look! A shooting star! Make a wish!
Chozo 1: I don’t believe in shooting stars granting wishes, but if it were true, I just wish you’d stop looking at the sky with these binoculars...
Chozo 2: I would wish for the Chozen one to come!

Suddenly, the main pod of the rocket lands on Chozo 1.

Eleetle: Even with all this power, we barely made it... was my engine insufficient? If so, we're lucky we crashed into that other planet!
Mario: Yeah!
Chozo 2: Oh! Did my wish come true?
Chozo 1: If so, mine came true too to some extent: you stopped looking at the sky... And also I’m ok...
Eleetle: This... is a dream come true! I’m looking at two Chozos right now! This is the best day of my life!
Chozo 1: What’s he got though?
Chozo 2: Anyway, welcome to the Chozo Sanctuary, Chozen one!
Mario: ???
Chozo 2: What?! Don’t look all confused! Surely you were informed why we offer you such a warm welcome!
Chozo 1: Might as well not be the Chozen one. Just a regular human!
Chozo 2: You had my hopes high!
Chozo 1: Here’s another shooting star! Wanna try your luck again?

It’s no shooting star, it’s a comet! And it’s no ordinary comet... but it’s the Comet Observatory! It lands next to the group.

Polari: We made it, Miss Rosalina! We’re here! OH SWEET GRAND STAR EVERYONE IT'S MARIO! HE'S HERE!
Luma crowd: -Mario?! -Who’s that guy again?? -Hey! It’s Mario and Luigi! -It’s been a while! -Make way! -I wanna see! -Hey! No pushing!
Polari: Wow, Mario, Luigi, never thought we'd see you here in space again! How’s it going?
Apricot Luma: Look at me, Mario! I’m all grown up now! One day, I’m gonna be as wise as Mister Polari is!
Polari: Anyway, what're you doing here? I thought you were in the Mushroom Kingdom, rescuing the princess... you know, the regular routine!
Luigi: Well, no! We are trying to rescue her, but we need code stars to do so!
Polari: Well what a coincidence! That’s why we’re here! Mistress Rosalina has been chosen by the Chozo people to save them from some plague!

At this moment, Rosalina walks out of the Comet Observatory.

Rosalina: Well, hello, Mario and Luigi! What a nice surprise to see you two here! So you’re once again after your special person, aren’t you?
Luigi: Quite precisely! It’s great to see you here too, Rosalina! Meet our friends here too! They’re helping us on our quest!
Chozo 1: Look, that’s great that you met in a place like this, but, Chozen one, please follow us to our king! He would like to see you!
Chozo 2: He’ll be STOKED to hear that the legend was true!
Rosalina: Let us go then!
Eleetle: And take me with you too! I wanna know everything about you!
???: That is not necessary!

The king is carried by two Chozos in his throne. They drop the throne, seemingly because of how heavy it is. They then get it back up and transport it to the group. The two first Chozos make an X mark with their arms to then open them in a U formation with a hearty "CAW CAW!"

King Chozmo: As soon as heard your... space bus land in here, I ran here as fast as I could!
Eleetle: So you’re the king of the Chozos? How awesome is that? I’m such a fan!
King Chozmo: Chozen one... you have come at the right time! Our city is under bad condition, ever since that monster fly came and started sucking the energy out of our city star!
Rockbert: City Star? What’s that nonsense now?
King Chozmo: The city star is that glowing thing you see in the highest building, friend! It used to be brighter, but a monster we call Flight is taking away its power!
Rockbert: Why is it called Flight?
King Chozmo: Scientists said it would be funny naming it that because the word has both words "fly" and "light". It is true that it has a big abdomen which stores light, but I really don’t think this is the best pun we can come up with.
Rockbert: That makes sense!
Rosalina: So you want me to go in there and stop the monster?
King Chozmo: Exactly! And, in return, I will recognize you as a hero and I can give you this!
Greed: Hey peops! I guess I kinda learned a lesson... if you get too close to the light you so badly want out of greed, you will eventually get grabbed by a bird dude!
King Chozmo: I cannot say that the code star is pleased in my company, so this is all the more reason for you to go defeat Flight and claim her as your trophy.
Greed: Even went as far as to refer to my gender, I don’t recommend getting stuck with this guy!
Rosalina: I will do it... Mario, Luigi, I will be gone for a time. Could you take care of the Observatory for me? It would please me if you accepted... I was originally planning to get a Chozo to do it, but since you’re here...
Luigi: No problem, Rosalina! We’ll do that!
Mario: Oh yeah!
Rosalina: Oh, and since we last saw you, we've had a new one! She, like any other Luma, came to us out of nowhere, but she was a bit shaky and traumatized unlike the rest. I would like you to check up on her. She’s a purple Luma with a hair clip. Easy to recognize! Her name is Luna. Though I have no doubt she’ll find you first! ... Now I am ready! Escort me to this City Star!
King Chozmo: Yes, right away!

They all go away.

Polari: Feel free to explore our home! It’s quite beautiful, and you may find some cool things to do on board! If you wanna see Luna, she likes to blend in with the bedroom! Purple is her favorite color too! But she’s pretty sassy, so be careful while talking to her...

The Observatory is full of many things and the different domes all have different purposes. But the one that’s mandatory to progress in the story now is the Bedroom as stated by Polari.

Luna: Man! Why can’t anyone understand that? I’m just asking one simple thing! Is it THAT hard?
Luigi: Hey there, little Luma! What seems to be the problem?
Luna: Who in the world are you? And how dare you interrupt my moment?
Luigi: We were just here to check up on ya... what’s wrong though?
Luna: That’s none of your business, green guy!

!

Now that I think of it, you’re that Luigi guy mother told me so much about!

She bashes into him and knocks him on the floor.

Luna: Don’t you know what you’re doing by stomping on all these Goombas? These guys have families who will eventually come to their corpses to grieve upon their loss, to get stomped themselves in the process too!
Mario: *Stands up and walks toward Luna claiming he’s Mario and that he’s the one mainly Goomba-Stomping*
Luna: *Bashes him too* Oh, and you! I didn’t even mention you! Good thing you accused yourself and said you were Mario, or I would’ve forgot about you!
Rockbert: Hey! What’s the big deal?
Luna: And I bet all of you were with them this whole time!
Rockbert: ...
Lucifer: Rockbert, you’re a nice guy in general and I like you, a lot, and know you want to take the damage for the team, but let ME handle this, from one girl to another! ... OK NOW WHATS THE BIG IDEA LITTLE BRAT?! YOU CAN'T JUST TALK TO MARIO LIKE THAT, AND ESPECIALLY NOT TO LUIGI!
Luna: Oh so it’s going to be like this, huh? I prefer not fight you, except in case you so desperately ask for a beating!
Lucifer: Oh I’d like a beating... that is, I’d like yours!

Kooplea and Penny hold her from doing anything.

Penny: Luce! Stop it now! Keep in mind she’s a tiny Luma! You can’t just beat her to the death!
Kooplea: She’s right! Think about it that way!

But being the Puzzeele she is, Lucifer's upper half springs ahead to catch the Luma, while she slowly regenerates the rest of her body at the other side.

Lucifer: You don’t know who you’re messing with!
Luna: Woah! Calm down! I can’t breath!
Luigi: Woah! Stop it!

And the girls abruptly stop their pretty one sided quarrel, as Lucifer lets go of Luna, who was crumpled in the process of getting caught and kept between the Puzzeele's hands.

Luna: Ugh! You’re so violent!
Lucifer: I’m... I’m sorry, but I don’t tolerate getting dissed by... well, other people...
Luna: I would do that... if I were you though. I’m sorry for being a jerk!
Rockbert: No need to say sorry, girl! We understand!
Luna: It’s just... how do I put this? I’ve been through a lot... I used to be happy, thinking that the world was perfect... but then I witnessed everything the world was capable of... you see that planet over there? That Tallon V... it used to be the Chozo Sanctuary, but I’ve seen the remnants of it... and it’s just... horrible... I accept that things die... but get killed without deserving it... I think you get it!
Mario: ... *Pushes Lucifer outta the way to apologize the young Luma*
Luna: No, you don’t have to...
Polari: Mario! Luigi! I heard noises! What happened?
Luna: ... where’s mother?
Polari: She went to get rid of this monster the Chozos are talking about... but it’s been a while since she went there... I fear for her... excuse me a second...

Luna: Mother is stronger than what just sounded! Don’t worry, she’ll be fine! Maybe I can show you around?
Rockbert: That’s fine, we've seen it, we got the picture... !
Luna: No really! There’s something I may want to show you!

Follow her around the Observatory, as she activates a warp pad to the Bathroom Dome.

Luna: This way!

Inside the Dome is a group of Lumas, one of which is seen meditating. He’s not an important character, but for the sake of being myself, I’ll reveal his name.

Arctori: Why is it you're here, young Luna?
Luna: Not for me... just want to show some people something... guys, this here is a place where you can see what’s happening with the people you know! You wish to know about someone, you’re in the right place! But first, just to calm Polari down, I’ll check on mother!
Arctori: Very well them, I shall target Miss Rosalina!

A circular rip appears in thin air and while the scene is not visible to the eyes of the player...

Luna: What’s that? It doesn’t look right!
Arctori: My vision never lies, Luna. Even though I doubt it is happening too...
Luna: I... have to go... I need to check!

Arctori: Yes, her mind is quite fragile... she’s always like this... she saw that Miss Rosalina was in trouble, but that outright must be the biggest bag of baloney my vision has ever showed me... however, I see that you too are concerned... my vision indicates that a door is licked in front of the City Star, and to unlock it, one must ask permission from the king of Chozos. Get his word, and the City Star shall be yours for the exploring... Don’t ask me how I know all that, but it’s certainly not that "water" coursing through this Bathroom. I must come from the bloodline of a wise star... if Stars do have blood... except they don’t so I guess I’m just wise by nature. Feel free to contact me whenever you wanna know anything else about someone else.

By going outside, you trigger yet again another cutscene.

Luna: Don’t tell me, Polari! Say something good!
Polari: I... can’t seem to find anything, Luna! She’s most definitely with the Monster!
Luna: But she should've come back by now!
Polari: I’m telling you, Luna, something may have happened!
Luna: So it’s true! Um... MISTER MARIO! Please! Listen! It’s an emergency!
Mario: ???
Luna: Mother is in great danger... we can’t let her die up there!
Polari: If you desire to go inside the City Star, you will have to ask the permission of the Chozo King. Whatever the requirements, you must do it to save Miss Rosalina!
Luna: Will you do it? ... What am I even saying! I should be coming with you! This is MY mother! Wether you like it or not, I will, from this point onward, help you! Besides, my goal is to save anything that can be saved... so I have no choice myself!

Luna, the sassy but peace-striving Luma joins the party! She grants Mario or Luigi the ability to Star Spin! With this, they can use the Spin dash and even spin to hit enemies, blocks and heavy switches, things your hammer can’t do! Except the spin is not a replacement for the hammer, so you still need it.

Luna: Come on, let’s go find that King!

You take control at last. Go to where the king is. He will tell you about some Zebesian thief who steals stuff from them. Use your newly gained Spin Dash to catch him! And with that, you are authorized to go on the City Star.

DUNGEON 9: City Star

Enemies:
-Podoboos
-Chozo Statues
-Ztars
-Pyro Guys
-Space Guys
-Space Fuzzies
-Flame Chomps
-Magma Snakes

So this is the "lava" area of the game, even though Nowhere has some too, but I thought it cool to put a lava area in a dungeon in space... because stars. Anyway these Magma Snakes act more like hostile platforms. They’re made of volcanic rocks and have lava coursing through them. Having one bite you hurts, and if you stay too long on one of them, it will burn you. One of this place's gimmicks. And once again, you will battle Chozo Statues that hold items. Also Lava pillars.

At the end of the Dungeon, Rosalina is seen lying unconscious on the floor.

Luna: Oh no! Mother!
Bootrus: This beast that was spoken by these bird people really does seem savage! Where is it anyway?

Just then, a giant fly jumps out of the lava, flies a bit, and screams at the party.

Bootrus: This should be the monster! Let us slay it!
Goombeddy: You think? According to what I got here, Flight is way different!

As he hears those words, the fly lights its abdomen to reveal the light within.

Bootrus: I knew it!
Goombeddy: Hate it when I’m wrong!

BOSS CHAPTER 9: FLIGHT

Tattle: That’s Flight, a fly monster menacing the Chozos for quite a while now! Max HP is 100, ATT is 7, DEF is 2. It has quite relatively hard shell compared to normal flies, and its beams of light can blind you for one turn, preventing you from seeing what you’re attacking! Aside from that, you can’t use your hammer on it because it’s flying. According to some scientists, it seems this specimen is female... whatever, I’ve always hated flies anyway, they’re annoying!

The Fly, whatever gender it belongs to, lets go an intense scream and falls down, before disappearing in a cloud of smoke. Rosalina is taken to the Comet Observatory.

Heeeeeyyyy! This thing actually fit! I’m happy about that... See Ya!

 

[Koops]

Spoiler: Interlude 9

Startacus: Ah! Rise and Shine like the Star I am (he's literally a star with a humanoid body)! Yet another day of glory! Here’s hoping the pirates accept my deal!
Goomda (one of Startacus' men): Startacus! Startacus!
Startacus: What is it? What’s wrong?
Goomda: ...
...
*music intensifies*

We got a newcomer among us! We found her in some graveyard! She was tasked to bury some slaves, but we got her out of that stinky job!
Startacus: That’s... good news! Where is... "she"?
Goomda: Right outside! She’s still terrified by her experience with Bromans, so you need to talk some sense into her!
Startacus: Right away!
...
What’s the matter, little miss? Have the Bromans caused you so much pain?
Nebula, sobbing: Y... Yes! I... had to bury these dead bodies! I was treated so unfairly!

She unveils her eyes... as soon as she makes eye contact with Startacus:

Startacus: ... N... N... Nebula?
Nebula: Startacus?
Startacus: Oh blimey, IT IS YOU!
Nebula: Startacus?
Nebula: It’s all coming back to me! Before we got enslaved! At school! We used to hang out with each other! We promised each other we'd get married after finishing our studies!
Nebula: Startacus?
Startacus: YES!
Nebula, quickly hugging him: Oh it IS you! I suddenly feel happy now!
Startacus: Oh you can’t believe how happy I am too!
Antonimus: Uh... Startacus?
Startacus: AGH! DON'T DO THAT! I WAS HAVING A MOMENT! WE WERE BOTH IN THE ZONE!
Antonimus: Uh... ssssorry... I just wanted to see you!
Startacus: Antonimus, this is Nebula, my childhood friend... and now my girlfriend!
Nebula: Phew! I was worried you would stop at "friend"!
Antonimus: Pleased to meet you!
Loss: BUT THAT'S BESIDES THE POINT! ANTONIMUS RUSHED HERE TO TELL YOU WE SPOTTED AN ARMY OF BROMANS HEADED THIS WAY! THEY WANT YOUR BITS! (reference Star Bits)
Startacus: Really?

He rushes himself to the watching point, where the watcher is sleeping.

Startacus: Lemme borrow your binoculars... thanks! OH MAN! THEY'RE CLOSE, BUT CLOSE! BUT EVEN CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME, ...?
Watcher: ??? Oh hey StartaCUUUUUUUUUS! RED ALERT! A BROMAN ARMY IS HEADING FORTH! EVERYONE ASSEM...
Startacus: No! I mean yes! That’s what we gotta do! We will not go down without a fight! Antonimus! Get Nebula, the women and children somewhere safe! Then follow me!
Antonimus: Right away!
Nebula: What’s happening?
Antonimus: He's been freeing all slaves he could find! He’s a target now! He’s the boss around here, and he’s serious about getting us to freedom!
Loss: If he manages to even, I might actually be able to lend my services to a certain hero who would save the world one day!
Antonimus: Come on now, let’s get you somewhere safe!
Loss: What?! You need me, come on! You don’t know my power! Never seen it!
Antonimus: You have powers?
Loss: Trust me... you'll win!

Says she as the camera shows a close-up of her face while she winks.

Back at Fort Hackula:

Bowser: Well, that was fast, to be honest! Never thought he'd be able to best me with my special upgrades!
Kammy Koopa: I apologize, Lord Bowser! My spells weren’t enough to do it!
Bowser: Enough rambling! He had his friends with him, it wasn’t fair! I need some good news!
Paraplonk: LORD BOWSER! WE GOT NEWS!
Sergeant Guy: SIR! PRINCESS PEACH IS IN THIS FORTRESS!
Goomp: SHE AND SOME STAR GUY! THEY'VE BEEN GATHERING INFO ON MARIO! AND HE'S IN THE SKY!
Bowser: That’s where I went, but he bested me in combat yet again! So much for almighty King of Koopas!
Paraplonk: Lord Bowser! I can say without a doubt though that Mario is at the moment somewhere around Geldgypt! The Star thing spilled the beans on that!
Bowser: I’m not going there yet! After seeing what that Hackula guy was suffering, I feel determined to help him! Because he’s pathetic!
Hackula: No need to refer to me at the third person, you know...
Bowser: Oh hey! You’re here!

He puts his arm on Hackula's shoulder.

Bowser: Okay, little guy! Now you’re listening to me! I’m gonna buff you up until your jacket rips itself apart! UNDERSTOOD?
Hackula: I really don’t think that would be necessary. Unless you’re trying to make me powerful enough to be able to pound that child's drawing into oblivion!
Shadoodle: Well, if there were contests that revolved around giving me names, then you would be far beyond first place!
Hackula: Would you stop appearing behind me all of a sudden? It makes me feel uncomfortable!
Shadoodle: My goal is to make you feel that way! Even if I don’t succeed in taking over the world, doing just that would satisfy me and my need for destruction!
Hackula: Uggggghhhh!
Shadoodle: Anyway, it pains me to see you like this, so I’m leaving! I got another plan that will take care of the plumbers for sure!

...

Hackula: FINALLY! Ok, Mister Bowser! What’s the first step!
Bowser: First, remember, you’re learning how to become just about less cool than me!
Hackula: Bowser, teach me how to be less cool than you! I want to get rid of this guy! Now that I think of it, whoever sent you here did me grace!
Bowser: That’s the spirit! Hey! Paraplonk! What did you say about Princess Peach already?
Paraplonk: ... she’s here gathering info on Mario! She says he’s in the Geldgypt region of the Mushroom Kingdom!
Bowser: Wait, SHE'S HERE?!
Paraplonk: ... *facepalm* umm... I guess so...
Bowser: I got other fish to fry anyway! Go tell her I won’t be able to kidnap her!

Back to where Peach is...

Evilness: I’ve received word from Greed, one of my sisters, that she is to be obtained by Mario if he defeats some giant fly! That’s another Code Star!
Peach: Cool!
Paraplonk: Princess! Guess what! Bowser doesn’t even want you! He’s determined to do something else! You don’t worry about a thing! Oh, and also, we told him Mario's in Geldgypt, LB trusts me and I know Mario’s not there, so no way he’s stopping him anytime soon!
Peach: That’s good too! Great job!
Paraplonk: So what do you plan on doing next?
Peach: I think I'll just chill back here... there’s nothing I can really do now, if I go back to that secret passage, I’ll get trapped again probably!
Paraplonk: I see... anyway, where is Mario? And is there anything to tell us where will he go next?
Evilness: One more allusion to the fact that us code stars are fortunetellers, you’re dead!
Paraplonk: I think I’ll just tell the rest of the trio everything!
Peach: What everything?
Paraplonk: Actually yeah! I don’t have anything to say! Sheesh! Hopefully nothing happened to Mario!
Peach: I sure do hope so too!

...

Back to Mario! He and Luigi are seen carrying Rosalina back to the Observatory...

Polari: OH! It’s worse than I expected! We need to get the Luma doctors! We’ll see what we can do!

She is placed in the Garden dome where the Lumas will take care of her.

Polari: Doctors said she’ll be fine! But if something isn’t done soon, she’s gone!
Luna: At least we saved her from that thing, didn’t we?
Polari: Yes you did, and I’m proud of you, Luna! Going with Mario and help him save Miss Rosalina, that was a great thing to do!
!
Come to think of it, why don’t you stick with him? It would be a cool thing!
Luna: Really? Of course! It wasn’t so bad I guess, so why not? In fact, you might still need me! Space is not the only place in which you can make use of the Star Spin!
Polari: Exactly! Now go and save the princess with him!
Luna: Bye!
Luigi: Wait! How're we gonna go back to Earth? We can’t just fly there!
Lucifer: Nice observation, good we actually remembered we’re in space! And that the comet Observatory provides air so that here’s the only place where we don’t need these space suits!
Bootrus: Surely the beetle has a way of getting back right?
Goombeddy: You should stop overthinking things!
Bootrus: What if I’m right again?
Eleetle: Hey Mario! Luigi!

...

You probably are wondering how to go back home, right? Well, this’ll blow your minds to pieces! I actually have a thing called the Pocket Rocket! It allows you to go back to any area you already visited! Quite handy right? Anyway, I’m staying here to show the Chozos the inventions we built upon theirs! See you one day!
Goombeddy: Are you kidding me we were just talking about that!
Bootrus: At least now we can go back!
Lucifer: And also, at the other least, now someone else is going to do the burning for me it seems!
Goombeddy: *Groan*

The Pocket Rocket is an item that lets you select any location from the world map, and now shortcuts are created to connect all areas to each other! Quite handy since we’re at about half of the adventure and areas are getting plentiful!

Speaking of which, yes, you go through places via the world map in this game, but at the beginning you can only use one path (with many branching from Champs-Eclypsees and some from areas surrounding others.) I will post a world map someday. Also you can only select major areas, whereas with the Pocket Rocket You can even select the minor areas of each chapter including, in some cases, the dungeons.

Anyway with this new item in hand, you can get back to the rest of the map. Because it wouldn’t make too much sense to come back anytime without a rocket!

Eleetle: Oh, I almost forgot! The Chozo King got word of Flight's defeat! He told me to give this to the space lady, so can you give it to her in my stead?
Greed: Oh finally! I couldn’t handle much longer! Thank you so much, Mario!
Luigi: No problemo! Let’s go back to Champs-Eclypsees!
Eleetle: Good luck!

You get back...

Snifle: 'Ts been a while, partner! I got news, finally! The next code star is somewhere south of Timberland!
Majimi: I can confirm that, it seems something fell into the place there!
Snifle: And based on what I can sense for y'all! It is DEFINITELY gotta be a Code Star!
Majimi: If my sense of geography is not mistaken, the land there is part of Timberland, but it was bought by some robots so that they could build some place... I’m not sure how it worked out, but I guess that whatever the situation, if money's involved, it’s something!
Snifle: And one thing before you go, the only way to get there is via Green City.
Merlon: Hey Mario! Luigi!

...

I just got another call from Merlee! She yet again wants to see you! And rest assured, it’s not this Shadoodle guy disguised as her again!

Luigi: Well, that’s something else! Let’s-a go there!

...

Also, these three dots you see everywhere indicate that the obvious things are happening, so be thankful I’m not being like Fi, here!

Merlee: Oh weeee!
I jump with joy, says Merlee!
Have you any idea how it pains me to see you go?
Indeed, your presence here is quite a good show!
I’m telling you, I, your ally,
Will allow you to fly!
Not only that, but also,
On the water, I’ll let you go!

She casts the spell...

Merlee: Oh joy!
Oh boy!
Guess what you can do now?
When you find out, you’ll say wow!
Step on one of these pieces of ground!
It’s way better than its sound!

...

Now press Z!
Do it for me!

...

YAY! It worked! This is great!
I’m sure this ability you won’t hate!

You can now turn into a paper plane/boat depending on the platform you stand on. With the plane, you can go places Penny can’t, and with the boat, you can sail yourself in the water... whenever it’s deep.

Going back to TimberLand, just in front of Green City...

Squeezee: Gnu! Where is that monster freak! I wanna teach him a lesson for making me look for him!
Penny: Hey! It’s you! What’re you doing outside your city?
Squeezee: Oh hey, it’s— OW MY BACK!— Huh, back so soon, aren’t ya?
Penny: What’re you doing?
Squeezee: Word spread around Hondon that the Monster you sealed came back on his own, and I have a hard time believing THAT! ... although for security measures I thought of looking for him. I was gonna send some people back at the presidential building to go look, but all of them were busy, including Cathy, so I had to come down here myself! Gotta do everything around here!
Penny: Wait, what do you mean, by "That" monster? You mean... THAT... monster?
Squeezee: Yes! THAT monster... We're talking about the same one right? It’s a giant bee, that’s what I know!
Bootrus: Funny you mentioned it, we took out a giant fly earlier!
Penny: Mario! Goombeddy! Kooplea! It’s Honster again! Remember him?
Goombeddy: Not a very memorable guy, lemme tell ya! He must be a piece if cake to take care of now, though!
Penny: Don’t worry, Mister Squeezee, we’ll find the Monster and send him back in his jar!
Squeezee: Thanks, but you really don’t have to! I can do this myself!
Penny: Mario, there should be some place around here we haven’t explored yet. Why not putting your new abilities to use?

Sure enough, there is some kind of pond you wanna get across. On the other end, you can see some kind of construction site made of... squares. But ya can’t get there, the camera zooms out to show the five mystical trees lined up in front of the entrance.

Pine Tree: Huh? Who’s that person trying to get past?
Super Bell Tree: Meow! These guys don’t know what should and shouldn’t be done in the forest!
Illusionary Tree: Oh hey! I notice that three of these individuals are those who played with me before!
Whispy Tree: You mean the ones who we gave our mystical leaves to?
Wario Tree: That means they’re here to save the world!
Kooplea: Yes we are... again! Why're you blocking the way?
Super Bell Tree: MRRRRRAW! Ever since we were informed the monster of Hondon broke free! He’s wandering around here! Can’t have him go through!
Pine Tree: Though if you manage to chase him away, we would gladly open you the way!
Wario Tree: Go give 'im a scare!

You can go to the elevator leading to Green City, but it stops halfway through, and the lights are out.

Penny: What just happened?
Rockbert: Does this normally happen? I doubt so!
Goombeddy: Nah, Green City keeps the elevator running at all times! Something must be wrong!

Then a jar falls on the ground, and breaks, releasing the demonic bee. This time, he’s free to move because of the fact the jar broke, has wings, and a big pen-like sting.

Honster: HAH! I’m free once again... again! Now I can finally overthrow that Pen guy!
Squeezee: I’ve finally found you!
Honster: Wait, who're you? You look ridiculous!
Squeezee: Oh I’ll show you ridiculous, just wait right here for me to charge my super powerful cane attack!
Honster: What a doofus!
!
Oh hey look! It’s that red mustache guy! It’s been a while! I was just looking for you to show up so I could teach you a lesson! I took quite a beating before, but I was just warming up!
Penny: Give up, Honster, you tyrant! You’re outnumbered here!
Honster: Oh, that’s all the better! Try to get to me!

Ironically he has the exact same stats as before, and can’t do his 6 damage worth attack because of the absence of the code star.

Honster: GAH! AGAIN? I was sure I was winning though! Ugh, no matter! I will swallow you all in one swing of a jaw, so don’t waste time cheering the team!
Squeezee: RELEASE THE CANE!

He runs rapidly towards Honster and hits him continuously many times with his cane, bringing Honster down on the ground!

Squeezee: HERE! TAKE THAT! EAT THIS! I’LL TEACH YOU HOW TO MAKE ME LOOK FOR YOU WHEN EVERYONE’S BUSY!
Honster: OW! STOP! OUCH! STOP IT! PLEASE! I BEG OF YOU! MERCY! I... surrender!
Squeezee: Ah finally! You’re a tough cookie, young man, but I managed to calm you down! I’ll let the Hondon police take care of you!
Honster: Yes! ANYTHING, as long as you don’t hit me with that cane again!

During this whole scene some of your partners, including Mario and Luigi, are seen laughing. Unnecessary detail, but just wanted to mention that even the game thought that was funny.

Some bink soldiers, including Harry and Penichard, are waiting at the end of the elevator.

Honster: BOOHOO HOO! TAKE ME AWAY, SOLDIERS! SAVE ME FROM HUMILIATION! SAVE ME FROM THIS LUNATIC OLD MAN!
Squeezee: Heh heh! Ya deserve it, son! Anyway, Mario! Thanks for holding him off, couldn’t have done it without you intercepting! Here, take that!

And you get a coin shower, plus some attack badge.

Squeezee: Tokens of appreciation! See ya when you come back here, 'k?

...

Illusionary Tree: Guess what, friends! We received word from the president that you stopped the monster!
Pine Tree: Therefore, I pronounce this passage clear for exploration! We even added a pin on this place on your map, see for yourselves!

On the map, a pin crashes into the place where you are as a pixelated landmark rises from above the "book". You can now proceed to the next location...

To be continued...

That mental image of an intimidating looking boss getting beaten up with a cane...

See Ya!