Super Mario: Apocalypse

[WildGamer]

Yeah, here's the thread when you can read and comment on it.

Chapter 1: The Final Battle, A New Life (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3421691/1/Super_Mario_Apocalypse)
Chapter 2: Revelations and Premonitions (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3421691/2/Super_Mario_Apocalypse)
Chapter 3: Battle Aboard the S.S. Water Lily! (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3421691/3/Super_Mario_Apocalypse)
Chapter 4: Invasion (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3421691/4/Super_Mario_Apocalypse)
Chapter 5: Retaliation, the Means of a Struggle (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3421691/5/Super_Mario_Apocalypse)
Chapter 6: Defeat, the Stain of Pride: L-Type (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3421691/6/Super_Mario_Apocalypse)
Chapter 7: Defeat, the Stain of Pride: X-Type (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3421691/7/Super_Mario_Apocalypse)
Chapter 8: Truth Revealed (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3421691/8/Super_Mario_Apocalypse)
Chapter 9: The Great Star (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3421691/9/Super_Mario_Apocalypse)
Chapter 10: Celestial Red, Twilight Green (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3421691/10/Super_Mario_Apocalypse)
Chapter 11: MISTER L (http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3421691/11/Super_Mario_Apocalypse)

Enjoy.

[Rocket Leader Giovanni]

YAY IT'S HERE!!

I must finish reading this sometime.....

[WildGamer]

Chapter 9

The Great Star

In the darkness of a mysterious room, the being War marched up to Oblivion – who was lounging in his golden throne - and bowed down respectfully.

“You called for me, master?”

“War!” The figure shouted, unamused. “Where is the Un Guerrier?! He’s supposed to arrive with the Treasure of the West!”

Toxic, beside him, snickered lightly. War answered quickly.

“Smithy, the Un Guerrier, currently has his most trusted men securing the Sarasaland. They are still looking for the Demon’s Star, and Smithy promises that he will arrive there himself and find it.”

“Tch…do you know how it feels to lie here, a shell of my old self, waiting to become powerful enough to even manifest in a physical body!? I grow tired, War! I’ve already gone to Demon’s Peak and found a suitable body to form into, now I just need the Treasure of the West to do it!”

“My deepest apologies, master,” War quickly said, humbling himself. “If it will quell your anguish, Wart – the Quatre Guerrier – has seized the Beanstar Castle and is able to access the Bean Pendant, he just needs to unlock the Beanstar to do it.”

“And the Treasure of the East?” The figure said, slightly calmer.

“The Treis Guerrier’s – Grodus’ – forces were unable to capture Rogueport, but are currently heading toward Isle Delfino to obtain the Grand Shine.”

“Hmph…”

“Thankfully, though,” War continued, “Cackletta, the Duex Guerrier, has reported a success in the retrieval of the power stars. Soon she is to storm Star Haven and unlock the Great Star.”

Toxic snarled lightly in disappointment. “I dessspise when I have to rely on others to take care of things for me! War! Tell those fools in Sssarasaland to hurry up, or I’ll make sure they’ll never sssee the new era that we’ll bring!”

“Toxic!” War snapped quickly. “Watch your tongue!”

“Heh…” Oblivion said quietly. “Leave him be, War. Like me, Toxic grows impatient. See to it that The Un Guerrier receives his message.”

“As you wish.” War left the room as quickly has he had entered.

Oblivion rested his head in the palm of his hand. He smirked.

“Can you feel it, Toxic? Our time grows close. Soon, this world will be ours!”

-

An anxious Mario could only watch the time as day turned into evening, promising to darken into the unmistakable night sky. No matter how much he willed it, the plumber couldn’t make the ship go any faster, and was left to sulk indefinitely until he arrived to Peach’s castle.

Bored and needing something to take his mind off of home, he cracked open The Book of Infinite Truth. Nothing had changed since he reviewed it in Rogueport, but he decided to study it again for the sake of it.

“Let’s see here…” he mumbled to himself as he read the information on the Great Star.

-

The Great Star, the source of massive strength in all fields, was used by the hero to increase his offensive abilities so he could stand toe-to-toe with Oblivion even in the final hours of war. Anyone who holds the item, no matter how evil or good, would feel their powers and abilities multiply many times in effectiveness. Created from most of the world’s power stars and star men, it is an effective tool. Sealed away in star haven – for each generation of star spirits to keep it secret and protect it – it can only be unlocked by someone who wields the star rod and at least 150 powerstars. That person must also be fairly strong, both realistically and in will.

-

That was the core information. Everything else was just pointless explanations on Power Stars, star men, and Star Haven – background information. He had a feeling that much more would be explained later on.

As for the Grand Shine…well, he knew virtually nothing. All that was shown was that “The Grand Shine is located in the Island of Delfino”, and that was it. However, Mario didn’t worry, for he wasn’t focused on it yet.

The plumber pondered. Star Haven was close to the castle. Should he visit the star spirits first and learn about the Great Star? Or should he continue with his original plans to see Peach? Luigi was hurt, and his big-brother mentality instantly kicked into play. But with villains like Cackletta and the X-nauts on the loose…it was only logical that he’d go to Star Haven first.

He sighed. Racking his mind would do him no good, especially when he couldn’t act on his decisions. He would figure out what to do before he hit land.

-

As Peach sat in her chair - tired, but too worried to sleep - she gazed upon Luigi’s resting form. The medical toads had since left to give him his rest. She could only hope that the younger brother was okay, and would come back in one piece. She sighed. The castle was being repaired very quickly, and she was sure that E. Gadd was making excellent progress on his experiments, but all of the positive energy from the success was effectively inefficient because of Luigi’s condition. Slightly pale, with beads of sweat treading over his face, his eyes were peaceful but closed. His breathing was so light that Peach strained to hear it.

Suddenly, he stirred. The princess eyes snapped open, surprised.

“Luigi…” she whispered, in disbelief. The younger brother did not move again.

“Please…wake up…”

-

It was all white. Everything was white. Luigi was in this limitless, lawless zone with absolutely no grasp on where he was and what to do. The last thing he remembered was fighting Cackletta, before falling into a deep, deep sleep - swallowed by the black pit that was unconsciousness.

He had never been to such a place, yet it emitted an aura of familiarity. What was he to do? Was he dead? Where was the Mushroom Kingdom he knew and loved? The room was eerie to him, and-

“Hey, champ.”

Luigi swiveled around to come face-to-face with his sneering counterpart, who had not been present moments ago. In this encounter, Mr. L. was wearing a dark suit with a green bandana and black mask that covered his eyes. He had a belt and the “L” emblem on his hat was reversed.

And in that moment, as if his appearance had triggered it, the white room began to drip away into black excess. The setting darkened slowly as it closed him in with his dark half.

Mr L. gave Luigi an ominous smirk, the chilly smile creeping down the plumber’s spine.

The worst was soon to come.

-

It was night time now, as stars glittered and shined with relative beauty in the entrancing sky.

“Mistress…” Fawful wondered as he and Cackletta strolled up the path of Star Way, “why couldn’t we have the using of Starmen instead of the Power Stars of much trouble? I have the thinking that they would have the easiness of obtainment…”

“Fawful, Fawful,” she chided, “It’d be better if you knew these things. You see, there is a significant difference between the two stars. Starmen increases one’s physical fortitude, making them superior in strength, defense, and other outward skills. Power Stars, on the other hand, power you up spiritually. Any mystical powers you may have will be dramatically boosted. How do you think Bowser managed to transform parts of Peach’s castle into his own realms when he took it over that one time? The stars. And because of them, we will be able to unlock the doors that have concealed the Great Star for years.”

The two finished the trekking up Star Way, stopping before a large, sparkling French door. It stopped their progression into Star Haven.

“Yes! I have understanding, O great Cackletta!”

“Excellent. Now, are you ready? The real battle starts once we go past this barricade.”

Fawful nodded, with an eager, sinister smile pasted over his face. “Let the destruction have beginning…”

Cackletta grinned; waving her hand in a lax fashion as lightning struck and blasted the door to nothingness. The stars ahead instantly turned towards the intrusion, only getting a glimpse of the enemy before they were struck down by electricity and energy blasts, tasting quick death.

“Intruder alert! Intruder alert!” Screams of warning echoed throughout the haven, stars desperately trying to convey and control the situation before it could get out of hand. Many tried attacking the duo, but were completely shut down by Fawful’s headgear. The crazed mouth of the machine curled upwards in anticipation, releasing attacks like a mini-turret to remove them from the sky.

Their attacks were fruitless. Each star was not nearly as powerful as the Star Spirits, and had no chance against the two villains. They knew this yet continued fighting, hopeful that a miracle would occur, and refusing to let evil prevail.

Hands lying under her robes, Cackletta hummed as she traveled the stairs towards the Star Spirit’s lair.

“The screams of innocent lives are a great way to cheer me up,” she cackled to herself as Fawful began to shoot the defenders down with his Fink-Rat-Zapper. One star actually managed to slip past the toady and closed into the witch, but was immediately killed with lighting. She didn’t even look.

Approaching the temple of Star Haven, her entertainment was cut off by a sudden blast of light energy, in the form of a wave of stars. Dodging to the left quickly, she growled as the hem of her cape was almost singed. In front of her, impeding the path to the star rod, were the Star Spirits.

Eldstar glared at the mistress. She countered with an equally ferocious gaze, while Fawful continued battling the other stars. Instantaneously she disappeared, the Spirits only catching blurs of her as she twisted her hands to conjure attacks.

The spectral entities dodged the incoming wave of lightning and bats, returning fire with their own otherworldly techniques.

Cackletta announced her presence with an ear splitting laugh before appearing behind Muskular and attempting a stab, but the blue star dropped the strength of the strike with his ability, “chill out”. He smiled as he was softly pushed away.

The villain grunted before raising her cape to shield a rain of stars from Skolar. Klevar, the studious star, tried to slow down the time around her, but she resisted it with her will alone. Hitting him with a sharp gust of wind, she sighed irritably as Misstar healed him.

“I grow tired of this. Prepare yourselves – I end the game now.”

Focusing as the Power Stars revolved around her and illuminated her, she took in their power. Before the Star Spirits could act, she was covered in a golden hue and above them, dropping gravity holes that trapped them and limited movement.

“Fawful, now!” Her sudden shout caused her servant to jump from the shadows and hit each star with a binding net from his headgear.

“Defeating of the enemies who are fools complete, mistress!” the toady replied happily.

“Eeeyah ha ha ha ha! Now, you all have front row seats to the rise of greatness! The Great Star will be mine!”

Mamar gasped in fear. “N-no! You’ll overthrow the balance in this world! The power unleashed will bring about the destruction of us all! You can’t-“

“Silence!” Cackletta said abruptly. “You know nothing of our plans! The Four Treasures of the Mushroom World will be ours, and a new era of darkness will begin…”

Eldstar screamed at the two. “Do you have any idea of what you will revive?! Those artifacts hold the spirit of Oblivion! They’re awakening will-” his ranting was quickly replaced with an agonizing struggle for breath. Fawful had shot him.

“Have the shutting up! We are knowing the effects that is to happen.”

“Then why…”

“Because we are not fools,” Cackletta answered. “We know what we are getting into.”

She slowly advanced towards the glistening star rod, laughing the whole way through. Grasping it by the hilt and feeling the power, the woman raised it over her head, summoning all 150 Power Stars to gather around it.

“No, she is fulfilling the requirements!” Mamar screamed before stopping in a fit of coughing.

The amount of bright energy protruding from the items was so grand, only the witch’s gleaming teeth was viewable.

“A step for the oncoming revolution…” she muttered eerily. Clenching the star rod, she boasted, “I DEMAND THAT THE GRAND STAR BE REVEALED!”

-

A moment.

That’s all there was for the fearful faces of the Star Spirits before the Haven was overwhelmed with a growing white light.

-

Instantly, a large rumbling in the sea was felt. Waves thrashed around, violently slamming the ghost ship. Mario was tossed around the deck.

“What ‘n the name of Blooper is goin’ on?!” Cortez shouted amongst the roaring sea. “The sea was calm an’ then she jumps around suddenly! What’s the disturbance?”

-

“Ahh!” Princess Peach screamed as the castle rumbled without stop. Smaller pieces from the ceiling were falling, and she threw herself over the pained Luigi in hopes of protecting his vulnerability. She heard screams in the distance and questioned their current predicament; the Mushroom Kingdom rarely had earthquakes. What was going on?

-

Goombella fell from the bookshelf ladder as a sudden earthquake removed her balance. Books dropped freely as Frankly grabbed her and moved in a corner.

“A quake!” he screamed to her above the noise. “Keep your ground!”

-

Oblivion felt a tremor flow through his veins.

He laughed.

-

The light was gone.

In the temple of Star Haven, one stood above all else.

Cackletta dropped the star rod and Power Stars, as they were completely devoid of power. They did not glow anymore, and were coloured a stony grey.

No one noticed it. They were looking at the behemoth of a star over Cackletta’s head, shining flawlessly with a perfect gold hue and silver linings. The tips, instead of being regular points like a normal star, or spherical bulbs like a grand star, were triangular prisms jutting out of the artifact.

“Truly majestic…” she whispered, as she grabbed it and it magically shrunk down to a palm-sized treasure. “This power…I feel invincible!”

Unknown to her and Fawful, Eldstar had somehow escaped his net during the flash of light, and charged at the witch.

‘I won’t allow you to take that!’

Without even turning, Cackletta stopped the momentum by grabbing his body with the palm of her hand. Her bony green fingers curled around his frame before she slammed him into the ground with enough force to crack the pillars holding the temple. Releasing her grasp, she smirked as Eldstar was put into a coma.

“Physical and spiritual strength…I have it all!” she proclaimed before looking at Fawful. With a wave of her right hand, the toady was enveloped in a protective green shield.

“I grow bored of this place,” she noted as her left hand was raised upwards. A deadly red sphere of energy grew above her fingers, hissing and cackling with dark electricity.

“And now,” she shouted, “Star Haven and its populace becomes a memory!”

The dark sphere of energy, now the size of two basketballs, was thrown into the ground.

From a far distance, one could see the haven glisten in thin, dark sparks, before it exploded in a vicious blast of sinister energy.

Star Haven and its inhabitants ceased to exist.

[dorko4u]

http://i29.tinypic.com/11b251l.jpg

[Dimentumn]

^

[dorko4u]

Nice post instruction book. We would have died without it.

Anyway WG, I was catching up on your story and, besides the new chap, I wasnt really caught up. Its good. Especially how Wario-tastic Wario is!

[WildGamer]

Chapter 10

Celestial Red, Twilight Green

“W-what was that?” Mario asked Cortez as the reddish sphere of energy that exploded moments ago started to fade away. Mario had a bad feeling run down his spine the moment he felt the attack go off in the distance, and was afraid. From his distance at sea, he couldn’t tell, but he knew it was in the Mushroom Kingdom…but where? He gulped in fear as the target could have been the castle. There was no other place to attack, right? Anxiety overcame his impatience to reach the island, as Mario felt time constrict around him like a thick noose.

“Oi, Mario! We’ll be hittin’ land soon enough! Prepare to drop anchor an’ open the sails!” Cortez shouted from above. The plumber nodded, prepared.

-

“A quick return…” Toxic muttered as Cackletta and Fawful emerged in the room before Oblivion in a flash of light.

“I was able to teleport all the way to this base from Star Haven in only one casting!” She murmured astonishingly. “The Great Star only continues to amaze! And to think, I had only used a fraction of the possible power back then to destroy the Haven!”

Fawful stammered in agreement. “E-Even I had the c-chills of a fink-rat who is weak! That treasure of power is truly a weapon of much fear!”

“Did you make sure to destroy all of it?” Oblivion asked, slightly agitated.

“Of course,” the witch responded coolly. “I made sure that the Power Stars and the Star Rod were destroyed, too. No resealing the Great Star.”

“Tch…you probably didn’t silence the Star Spirits. With their powerful auras, they’re sure to retain some form of themselves after death…

No matter, the Prophecy cannot stop me either way.”

“Have the others managed to take their designated treasures?” Cackletta asked.

“Not yet,” Toxic responded in an annoyed tone. “I hate relying on fools…”

“Really? They’re just as slow as they are stupid,” she muttered. “I gave them the information they need, yet there is no progress.”

“Yes…” Oblivion noted, “The knowledge you held about the Treasures is invaluable. To think you had so much knowledge about the upcoming revolution when I found you in the Underworld…it was only more reason for me to add you to our ranks!” His face twisted in thought for a moment. “You never did explain how you obtained that information…”

“Ah, yes” Cackletta responded without worry.” To do that, I’d have to go back all the way to when I fought the Mario brothers…”

-

“You see, one time I plotted to take over the Beanbean Kingdom with the help of the Beanstar. When those meddlesome Mario brothers intervened, things didn’t go as planned. Our final battle ended in my defeat, sending me to the Underwhere. There, Jaydes gave me one of the capital punishments available, for those who were prime offenders of injustice. I was sentenced to a land with nothing but darkness, with no sense of ground or physics. I was to walk amongst nothing but the shadows, alone and with no understanding. I could not sleep. I could not eat. I could only wander forever with no vision. It was like being blind. I wished I could have gone insane…but that is something left for mortals.”

“A punissshment worse than death…to be left with an everlasting uncertainty…” Toxic muttered with a smirk.

“Yes,” she solemnly agreed, before continuing. “With no sense of time, I couldn’t tell you how long it was, but one day I found a book. I don’t know how it got there; it must have been fate. I had heard rumors about the book in my studies…and when I opened its pages, I learned about it all…”

Oblivion’s eyes flashed. “You don’t mean…”

“The Dark Prognosticus,” she whispered darkly. “The revolution, the Treasures, Ocular…everything. It told me what I needed to know. However, some information is not as detailed as others. It continues to reveal more as time passes. Soon after, you arrived. You told me what I already knew, and offered me a way out. To ally with you. So I did. And I gave you the information you needed.”

“What about betrayal?”

“I don’t see the point. Betraying you will only hamper you minimally and can end in my death. Not only that, but I can trust that you will need me in your time of ruling; you won’t run out of use for me.”

“How do you know that?” he asked with a smirk.

“A dictator is only effective when he or she has suitable influence over what they lead. Such influence is most effective when one has many soldiers and attack force in which they can terrorize. With your dark army gone, who is to stop the world from working secretly working against you, doing things under cover from your eyes? With strong, loyal minions like us, you can amass complete control over the world.” Her eyes gazed back and forth from Oblivion to Toxic.

“However, if you are defeated and/or unable to succeed, and everything is available for me to rise and take power, I will not be afraid to remove my services.”

Silence, for a moment. Then laughter.

“Ha! An intelligent one, you are. I like my soldiers like that; loyal, but willing to take advantage of a situation. It means that you’re not a pushover. It’s good to know that at least one of you is planning for the future.”

“Ah, so you also suspect that the other Guerriers plan to betray you?”

“Obviously. It is unfortunate, because I am in need of good men, but they are foolish to even hope of opposing me. I will destroy them the moment they get me what I want. Even with one of the sacred treasures, they are no match. I fished them from Underwhere, and I can send them back just as easily…”

“With the Dark Prognosticus, we now know how to unlock the Bean Pendant, and the location of the Grand Shine. Even with limited information on the Demon’s Star, we’re sure to succeed.”

“Stay here and wait for further ordersss…” Toxic muttered. “Wart should sssoon arrive with the Bean Pendant...”

-

The moment Cortez’s ship hit shore, Mario bounded off the ghostly rails with a mighty leap and onto familiar mushroom ground.

“I owe you one, Cort!” Mario shouted back as he continued his dash towards the castle. He didn’t hear the reply the Ghost gave.

It seemed like ages as he ran, full of worry. He finally reached into view of the castle, far away. It looked fine, but the plumber wasn’t satisfied. Continuing his run, but at a slightly slower pace, he finally reached the front doors of the castle. He realized that at this distance, the castle was actually slightly battered and parts of it were being reconstructed. Ignoring this, he burst in, finding a slightly destroyed and empty lobby.

‘Where is everyone?’ he asked himself. He investigated the room without luck, eventually deciding to continue on in the next room, when it happened.

“Mario!” a toad shouted. Snapping his head back, the plumber realized that the mushroom had just come through the front doors.

“Mario, where is she? I need to talk to the princess!”

“I need to know myself! I just got here!”

“T-the base of Star Way! It’s ruined! Pieces of architecture are everywhere! It’s like a tornado hit the place!”

“What?!” Mario snapped. “Has anything happened to the castle?!”

“Not that I know of…after the attack I heard of, at least. But, oh! There was this really big explosion of red energy a little while ago, it really gave me the creeps…I wonder if it has anything to do with Star Wa-?”

Mario had rushed out of the castle before the Toad could finish the question.

-

Rubble. Ruins. Disaster.

The three words perfectly described the area around the beginning of Star Way. Pieces of Star Haven architecture lay around the area. Looking, he could even find the center pedestal lying in the corner, cracked and disgraced.

“Mario…” the voice was faint and crackled. Mario’s head swiveled towards the centre of the pedestal, the beginning of Star Way. There, a hazy, cackling apparition of Eldstar took form. Soon, the forms of the other Star Spirits manifested beside him, fading and reappearing quite quickly.

“What happened here?!” Mario asked exasperatingly.

“Cackletta…” Klevar whispered. “She…attacked…”

“We were no match…” Misstar continued. “She used the Power Stars to overwhelm us…and unleash the Great Star…”

The plumber’s eyes widened. “No…it’s too late?! She killed you all?! That monster!”

“It’s too late for us now, Mario. What you see before you is just a sample of our life force, set aside so we can last in the living world for a bit longer. Soon we will become nothing, a fate shared by all.”

“No…no, this can’t happen!”

“We…were watching over you, Mario…we know what you’ve done in Rogueport and what you’ve learned…” Skolar spoke.

“W-why?”

“Merlon’s visions were because of us…we were the ones who planned for you to go there to quell the rising darkness…” Mamar included.

Skolar nodded. “One day, we felt an ominous presence start to grow…a dark, force gaining strength…”

“Oblivion?” Mario asked in hopes of a confirmation.

“We don’t know…” was the disappointing response. “But, we’d think so…Cackletta’s appearance and the X-naut army reformed…such things should be impossible! The characteristics of life and death have been tampered with, and we don’t have that kind of knowledge on the happenings of the underwhere…”

“Mario…” Eldstar repeated. “The Four Treasures are a part of the planet’s life force…do you know what will happen if they are removed from their rightful places? The world will be thrown into chaos! The sheer power given to the wielders will bring devastation! The Earth will crumble without the treasures! Even now, with only the Great Star disturbed…havoc is guaranteed!”

“I understand. I will stop the madness and recover the Treasures no matter what.”

“Thank you…” Eldstar mumbled, relieved. “But don’t think it to be easy. We fear the worst, and if that is what we think it is…then you’re no match for the evils that wait.”

“What can I do? Is there anything that can stand up to the Great Star?”

“Not that we know of. But, we will use the last of our life to aid you…” Klemar noted.

“Our final gift…” Muskolar said.

“We will transfer our remaining essence to you, and forever give you our abilities. The hero of prophecy will command star power.” Eldstar commanded.

With those words, the seven stars started to crackle much more violently. They circled Mario quickly, enchantingly. They faded in and out with a spectacular glow, and he could only catch a few words.

“I believe this was fate…destiny decided for us to give you power…”

“When we disappear, you will gain knowledge of your newfound abilities-”

“-similar to what we used to help you back when Bowser attacked.”

The light continued to shine brighter and brighter, so large it threatened to envelop all.

And then it was over. The light disappeared, and there was only one left, at the base of Star Way.

Mario heard one more voice speak to him before it died; finally destroying what was left of the Star Spirits.

“With the use of this power, you can achieve the unachievable. And you will be known as…”

-

Some time later…

-

Peach hated this. First Cackletta demolishes the castle. Then, Luigi is knocked out for an indefinite amount of time. Then a horrible earthquake. And then, she learns that Star Haven has been wrecked, and reports of Mario returning.

She didn’t know what to do. She couldn’t make sense of what was occurring. Things were going bad, and seemed to only get worse in the future, and she felt powerless.

Luigi lay on his bed unconscious, as usual. She sighed before resting her chin on her palm in thought.

Suddenly, the door opened. Peach’s eyes widened instantly as a familiar red and blue uniform came into blue. Tears welled in her eyes.

“Mario!” She shouted as she ran and hugged him tightly. She was crying freely, happiness enveloping her being as Mario clutched her tightly, happy that she was okay.

He glanced at Luigi, his eyes softening.

“Bro…I’ll avenge you, I swear it!”

Peach let go and stared at the younger brother. “He was doing fine; really…the battle could have gone either way…”

“What happened?” Mario asked.

“Then all of a sudden, he changed! His eyes were grey, he talked differently, and he used guns to fight. He mocked Cackletta and looked down on her. And he called himself by that name again.”

Mario nodded. She didn’t have to say it. That name, the name of the one who had seemingly become the dominant personality of Luigi. The one who was devious. Cunning. Villainous.

“And then?” he asked solemnly.

“He mopped the floor with her and was about to kill her when he thrashed around a lot. Luigi turned back to normal, but Cackletta used the moment to knock him out with a weird attack. They then took the rest of the Power Stars and fled.”

Mario nodded.

“I see. When I went to Rogueport, I met up with my old partners, but we were attacked by a fleet of X-nauts. As we fought them off, I met up with Wario and we assaulted their airship. We rescued Goombella and the hostages, and drove away the legion. Afterwards, we used what we had learned about the Four Treasures - which I will explain later - to predict what was happening. I then came here and found out that Star Haven was destroyed.”

The princess shouted. “What happened? That’s what caused the Earthquake, isn’t it?”

“Cackletta happened. She killed the Star Spirits. But they used some life force to stay amongst the living for a bit longer, before they gave their powers to me.”

He continued on to explain the Four Treasures, The Book of Infinite Truth, and Oblivion. By the time she was done, Peach was ready to break into a cold sweat.

“That’s horrible…” she whispered, afraid. “So many relics of the past are rising again to repeat terrible history!”

“Yes…” Mario agreed. “Peach…the future we promised us, after Bowser died…the happy days together without worry…”

“…” She knew what was going to come.

“What we envision…it will have to wait. With this kind of evil growing, we must think of the world before ourselves.”

“I know…” she finally said after sniffing lightly. She’d finally thought that good times were upon them – and then this happened.

She was about to continue when they were interrupted by a heavy grunt. They darted towards Luigi, who had begun to stir.

“Bro! Weegee!” Mario shouted, clutching the thrashing plumber. Peach had to help hold down the man in green, who was dashing around so violently that he might fall. A few minutes of struggle passed before he pushed them both off of him in a fit of rage. Slowly, he raised - his eyes dashing open in anticipation.

“Lui-” Mario’s voice trailed off as he saw that his Brother seemed unusual. He had a dark aura about him, and silently shivered when his pale-grey eyes darted towards him. There was a moment of silence, before he smiled.

He had returned.

“Finally, I’m back…” Mr. L said defiantly. “Green Thunder has made his appearance, ladies and gentlemen! Where’s the encore?”

-

Sorry to leave a cliffhanger, folks, but you’ll have to wait until next chapter! Things are really going to heat up, now, with Mario regrouping with Peach and Luigi but staring into the eyes of Mr. L! What will happen now? And what will they do about the Treasures?

[Quiet Attrition]

Bringin this back from the dead, eh?

[Sharc]

Weegee

[Dimentumn]

Nice.

[dorko4u]

heh heh, nice update.

[WildGamer]

Chapter 11

MISTER L

“Aaah…” Mr. L exhaled in relief. “Finally, I’m free. The fresh air, the bright sky, a whole world invites my revival!” He put his hand to his chin in thought. “There’s so much to do…where do I start?”

He stood there, pondering, completely ignoring the stunned princess and plumber beside him. “Aha! First, I’ll congratulate myself on my L-ovely plan. That’s what a true mastermind does.” He looked up to the ceiling, cracking a maniacal grin.

“Yes! Forcing Luigi to lose to that hag was the best thing I could’ve done! While he was near death and weak in will, I was given the chance to wrestle control over this body! Finally, that chump moved over for a real man. Now I can go out and show the world that Mr. L is back, intact, and complete with a whole new mean on him!”

Suddenly, he whipped his head towards Mario and Peach. “Well hello, Sirjumpsalot and Pinknfrilly, it’s been a while hasn’t it? No, wait - it’d be crueler for me to address you by your real names, wouldn’t it? Mario and Peach…” The older brother did not move. He was stricken with painful astonishment.

“Y-you…” Peach stuttered as she tried to find her breath. “You’re back…”

“-And better than ever!” The grey-eyed man sneered. He glanced at Mario. “I heard everything,” he spoke with a superior tone. “The Four Treasures, huh? They balance the planet, and this bad guy from years ago is after it? Sounds interesting…I want in.”

“Wh-what?” the princess stammered. “You can’t, that’s…the world is at risk here!”

“Please, kidnap queen! The world will survive! But the prospect of ultimate power is pretty nice…I think I’ll use them for my own devices. L-ater! I’ve got some treasures to catch. Delfino Plaza for the Grand Shine, right?”

Mr. L gave one last smirk before he started to stroll to the door. He only made one step before Mario pounced. The plumber dashed towards the Green Thunder, ducking under his raised arm and grabbing a fistful of his shirt, slamming him into the wall.

“How did you get here?!” Mario shouted, teeth grinding and his irritation obvious. Mr. L smirked, and was pressed harder into the wall.

“What are you talking about? It’s me, your dear brother. I’d expect you to cry in joy, not interrogate your flesh and blood!”

“You’re not him! You’re that monster who invaded his body and you better get out right now! Don’t think I’m not willing to hurt you!” He continued to provoke him by shoving into the wall again.

“‘That monster?’ What could you possibly mean by that?”

“I know you. You talk differently, act differently, and sound differently. I will never mistake that despicable voice of yours.”

“Heh. That’s it, jumpsalot?” the dark being said. “I just sound differently because I’m not used to having control between us. If you want, I can sound just…like…him...”

Mario’s eyes flashed. That last word he uttered had an innocent ring to it…exactly like his brother.

He refused to believe that Mr. L existed as more than a negative specter in Luigi’s mind.

“Listen, brother. I am Luigi.”

“YOU LIE!”

“Truth. You remember how I appeared out of nowhere during your adventure in Flipside? I was born out of the darkness harbored in my other side. Every negative emotion built up inside of him was exploited by Nastasia and given life and purpose – me. Even after I was betrayed by that idiot clown, and my chump of a good half took control over the body, I still lived inside of him! I am the manifestation of everything he suppresses!” Mr. L gripped onto Mario’s shoulder.

“I AM Luigi! I am the embodiment of his hate, bitterness and jealously of YOU!”

There was a strong silence between the two. The only thing they shared was the bitter look found in their eyes. Mario whispered.

“You’re wrong. I won’t believe it.” His palm clenched even harder on Mr. L’s clothes. “We’re brothers, we love each other. Family wouldn’t resent each other like that.”

“Ha! What a fool! Nothing is fine and dandy like that!” The brother rebuked. “You’re just a pompous plumber! If we were ever as close as you say we were, why’d you go out and steal the spotlight all the time? We’re the Mario Brothers. We did things together. But who got all the attention? You. Who was lauded as a hero? You. They never even gave me a thought. Now you don’t even bother to bring me along, you just go and do things yourself because you want all the love.”

With that statement, Mario was stunned. Seizing the opportunity, Mr. L smacked away his brother’s arm and shoved him to the floor. He slinked up towards his fallen brother, stroking his own moustache in perverse glee.

“Always remember this, Mario. I despise you.”

Mario was visibly shaken. Mr. L began to walk away.

“You know,” he mentioned as he started walking out of the room, “His consciousness is still there. Currently I’m in charge of the body, but if you were able to suppress me by knocking me unconscious, Luigi will have a chance to wrestle control from me.” He gave his brother a hand taunt, smirking. “If you have the guts, attack me right now. I’ll even give you a free shot! Knock me out and rescue that shell of a personality you love so!”

Peach gasped. Mario trembled, but found that he was unable to move.

“Hah! That’s what I thought!” Mr. L’s hands returned to the stroking of his moustache.

“You’re weak,” he stated. His monotonous voice dripped out of his throat and pierced Mario. “You can’t accept that someone so close dislikes you.”

Silence, again, before Peach tried to interrupt. She could only open her mouth in opposition before everyone’s attention was diverted.

-

“Emergency!” A snifit cried as he bumbled his way into the room, fighting with a beanbean retainer who shouted the same phrases. “Emergency!”

“Sarasaland is in danger! We’re being attacked by-” his shrill voice was cut off when the retainer shoved him to the side.

“My news is much more important! The Beanbean Kingdom has been assaulted by villains! A gargantuan frog and his cohorts’ have-” he too was cut off as he was sent to the floor by the recovered snifit.

“Girls, girls!” Mr. L repeated with amusement. “Don’t get your panties in a twist!” He snatched the diplomatic letter handed out by the Sarasalian messenger. “You said there was a problem going on with Sarasaland, right? Continue.”

The panicked snifit soon calmed down and caught his breath before starting. “The Sarasaland royal palace has been attacked with machine-like abominations! They claim to work for a “Smithy” and is devastating our land in search of the “Demon’s Star”! I don’t know what it is, but they mentioned something about the 4 treasures…”

Mr. L’s eyes snapped away from the S.O.S. letter he was reading, and hoisted up the snifit by the collar. “Is this true?!” He barked, anxious. “Did you hear that?!”

“Y-Yes, I did…!” The snifit stuttered in fear. He was promptly dropped to the floor.

“Excellent!” The villain replied. “This is the perfect chance to grab a treasure and rescue my girl! I’ll just need some good clothes and equipment, and I’ll head down there!”

Mr. L attempted to leave once again, but a gloved hand latched onto his arm. Mario.

“I refuse to let you go…” he muttered.

Mr. L gave him an odd look before breaking into the voice that sounded distinctly like the original Luigi.

“Remember this,” he said in anger. “I will make it my mission to crush you at your strongest, and prove I am the better brother. I’m sick of you taking the light. Next time we meet, I will be out to kill. You’d better be prepared to fight with a harmful intention if you want to win.”

Immediately following that, Mr. L shrugged off his brother’s grip and sauntered out the room, leaving an emotionally shattered plumber and princess in his wake.