Chapter 4:
-
“This is kind of ironic,” Maria said as she and Kammy flew through the abandoned castle, or what was an abandoned castle. It had been recently taken over and given booby traps. The lava from beneath the stone floor made the whole place feel like a furnace. Her skin tightened from the heat and her clothes were plastered to her by sweat.
“That is right,” Kammy nodded. “You have fought through here before, or actual someplace similar.”
“I went through the same traps,” she watched as her husband leaped over the gaps and dodged the fire chains as they circled around.
“Uh oh,” Kammy pointed to the group of X-nauts that was racing straight towards Bowser.
“Don’t worry,” Maria had saw the light from the multitude of flames reflect on the brass like covering of a question block. “We got some help.” She pointed towards it. “Just fly me close.”
“Hold on,” Kammy had said for what seemed like the hundredth time and brought her broom towards it until it is was right under the block.
Maria punched it. The chunk of meat popped up and fell of the edge. She caught it. “Bring me to my husband.” She placed the meat under her arm and clung to Kammy’s back as the Koopa witch made a u-turn. “Bowser.” She threw the meat at her husband.
Bowser leaped and gobbled up the meat. He grew till he was twice his original size and grinned at the enemy. “Guess what guys. It’s clobbering time.” He roared and jumped and flattened several of the enemies before he released his fire on them.
“That’s it your highness,” Kammy cheered. “There is no one who can stop you.”
“That is the sexy reptile I fell in love with,” Maria added. She and Kammy continued to cheer as they followed after Bowser until they cleared through the castle. There was no star to be found.
“What the hell?” Bowser stomped his foot. “We have been through all of this and we still haven’t found one?”
“I wonder if we are going about this all wrong,” Maria had climbed off the broom and leaned against the wall. “The only one we were certain about was the one in Glitzville.”
“We mustn’t give up,” Kammy said. “My son has been collecting the stars.” She held up one of the letters she had received at Rogueport from Mario. He has found at least five of them. He may have found the other.”
“I just feel so useless,” Maria closed her eyes. She wasn’t sure about the role of a hero in the past. The constant cheering of her names and her fans mad her blush, the enemies were tough, but she had always won in the past. “Maybe it would have been if I just stayed at home and sat on my throne and watched TV all day.”
“No,” Bowser pointed a claw at her. “That’s not my Maria. My Maria never gives up. She has this spark about her that is ready to take on any challenge. My Maria was able to negotiate with a pirate captain, fought against a team of robotic brats. She is able to make discoveries, and my Maria has kicked my ass several times. That is the Maria I fell in love with.”
“You are right,” she grabbed his hands. “Because of this adventure I have been to places I never been before, found the Mushroom World equivalent to a New York hot dog, I got to watch my husband become a wrestling star and we got to lounge on a beach.” She rested her head against his chest.
“There is my Maria,” he licked her cheek. “Now I have something that will make us all happy.” He held up a pamphlet. “I just found this.”
“Poshley heights?” Maria read the title. “Elegant apartments for those who have a fine taste in life.”
“Keep reading, or rather look at the pictures.” Bowser told her.
Maria stared at the pictures. They were similar to pictures in several pamphlets and brochures on various apartments, hotels, gated communities and other subdivisions. Only one picture caught her eye. It was of a crystal star in a glass case.
“We’ll stop by Rogueport for a few days,” Kammy said after she saw the picture. “Then we will check out this place.”
-
Maria had a bad feeling about the place. Most people had looked down their noses at the three of them once they had arrived in the town. She knew to ignore people like that. She had plenty of experience from her high school days, and she got stared down by the girls from richer families and some of the cheerleaders, especially that one girl who believed everything in high school had to follow the clichéd archetype seen in movies and actually gotten in her face and told her that the football players only dated cheerleaders, and not members of the girl’s softball team. Too bad for her that Chuck actually thought on his own.
Even the lady behind the desk at the sanctum looked down on them through the pair of half moon shaped glasses on her nose. “Can you cover the fee?”
“Of course we can,” Bowser growled and held up a bag full of gold coins.
“Wow, I wonder how you were able to aquire all of that money,” she said in a tone that implied they had stolen the money.
“All right snobby,” Bowser dropped the sack on the corner of his desk. “I am sick of how you are treating my wife, my advisor and myself. Do you even know who I am?” He leaned over the desk.
“If you don’t want me to call security I suggest that you leave,” the woman said.
“Let me handle this sire,” Kammy held up her passport. “I am sorry for my King’s behavior. We have been traveling for a while and are in the middle of an important quest.”
“So?” the woman did not change her bored tone.
A gray penguin dressed in a suit walked past the desk, only to pause to stare at the passport. His eyes nearly fell out of his head. “That it is one of the royal seals.” He put on his glasses. “This is the royal seal of Dark Land. That means this is King Bowser Koopa and I believe this young woman is his new wife, Queen Maria.”
“That’s us,” Bowser folded his arms and never stopped glaring at the woman behind the desk.
“I am so sorry,” the old penguin turned to the secretary. “Janice prepare some coffee, tea and biscuits for our guests.”
“I can’t really have anything with caffeine,” Maria said. That was pain at first when she had to give up on sodas and coffee. She had several headaches from the withdrawl and instead drank water, milk, juices, and caffeine free coffee, tea, and soft drinks like 7up and root beer. “It’s not good for the baby.”
“We have some nice herbal tea in the café,” the penguin said. “Janice brew the queen a cup of the citrus blend, and prepare refreshments for our guests.”
“Yes sir,” the woman behind the desk stood up and left.
“I am so sorry about that. I am Paul Rockhopper, one of the curators here. I’ll give you a tour.”
“Thank you Mr. Rockhopper, but we just came to see the crystal star that is on display,” Maria said.
“It’s part of our mission,” Bowser said.
“I see,” Rockhopper said. “Follow me.”
“Kammy,” Maria whispered to the elderly woman. “Why didn’t you show your passport to Grubba?”
“I would have,” Kammy whispered back. “But your husband had already agreed to wrestle to the top.”
“Oh.”
Mr. Rockhopper lead them down to the long winding halls till they entered a room filled with various precious stones, and jeweler on display. A bright red gemstone that was carved into the shape of a star was displayed on a black velvet cushion under glass, and placed on a white marble podium and was surrounded by a velvet rope.
“This rare jewel has been a part of Poshley Heights Sanctorum for several years .It was found by the explorer team of Kolarado and Lord Fido Koopa.”
“I think my brother had mentioned finding something like this,” Bowser scratched his head.
“This one looks authentic,” Kammy said as she examined the jewel from various angles. The other one did appear glassy and fake while this one had multiple facets.
“It is authentic,” Rockhopper said. His smile faded after a few seconds. “What do you mean the other one?”
“We came across a fake crystal star,” Maria explained. She should be the one to ask if they could have it.
We are collecting the seven crystal stars to open the Thousand-Year door in order to stop a threat and we need this star.”
“I see.” Rockhopper rubbed the area under his beak with his flipper wing. “On one wing I know that I cannot allow this to happen,” He held out his left wing. “On the other wing I can under understand the need to stop a threat, not to mention you are royalty and this is the great and heroic Maria.”
“Heroic or not they cannot have the garnet star.” A blue penguin wearing a cap waddled up to them.
“Pennington,” Rockhopper gasped.
“Why not?” Bowser asked.” Because you are too late, the new penguin said and tapped the display case. “ A red shelled Koopa and his friends have already acquired it.”
“Then what is this?” Kammy pointed at the display.
“A red herring,” Pennington said. “To throw off would be thieves and other sorts that would qualify as the wrong hands.
“great,” Bowser threw up his hands. “This has been one wild goose chase after the other.”
“Stop,” a screech brought their attention to the Paragoomba that was flying towards them and being chased by the haughty woman behind the desk. “You have to pay the fee.”
“Your majesties,” the paragoomba said when he was near them. “I have been informed that Mario and his friends have returned to Rogueport. They are on their way to the thousand-year door.”
“He doesn’t know about the threat,” Maria said. Her brother is going to accidentally unleash h the shadow Queen, and he is not aware of how dangerous she was
-
The three of them were greeted by Peach’s scream when they had reached the outside of the throne room of the shadow palace. Peach was being held by an X-naut dressed in blue with a large round transparent hat with gear inside.
“So,” the alien with the round hat said. “More of your friends have decided to try and rescue you..”
“Maria?” Mario was in front of the same group o friends as before in Glitzville. There were a few new friends. One was a shadowy spirit with a feminine shape, long pink hair and a pink and white striped witches hat. Another was a large bomb-omb with thick white eyebrows and a patched up admiral’s cap. The last member was a white mouse with a bright red mask. Maria recognized her as the shop owner of the Howz of badges.
“Mario we came to warn you.” Maria ignored his disapproved expression. “The shadow Queen is here.”
“I’ve already told him,” the shadow girl said.
“Bowser, Mom,” Mario clenched his fists. “You shouldn’t have brought her.”
“Stop arguing,” Goombella said. “Grodus is getting away.”
“No,” Koops retracted into his shell and shot forward to the x-nauts leader. Grodus threw small explosive that sent Koops flying into the opposite direction. “X-nauts attack.” Several more X-nauts ran up towards them.
“Stay behind me,” Kammy instructed. Mario and Bowser shot their flames towards the enemy.
Maria gritted her teeth. She wished she had a flower or a leaf, or something that would help them. If she weren’t expecting she would have jumped on their heads. Not that they really needed her. Royster was gobbling down several of the aliens. The large bomb threw himself at they enemy and exploded. Koops shot his shell through more of them. Madam Flurry slammed her body into others.
“We got them,” Mario flexed his arms.
“No time for victory handsome,” Ms Mows pointed to the door. “They have gone in there.”
“What are we waiting for?” Mario asked as he lead the charge.
Peach was seated on a throne inside the room. Dark bands were swirling around her while she was screaming
“It’s too late,” Grodus was dancing around. “The shadow Queen has been awakened and accepted my offering as Peach as a host.” He laughed
Peach had stopped screaming. Her dress had changed from pink to deep purple while her blue brooch had turned blood red. The back of her collar had extended until it was above her crown. There was a long cloak attached to the back. Her eyes had darkened to a cobalt hue. She was smiling, but it wasn’t the sweet and friendly smile Maria had grown to know.
“Princess? Mario addressed her and was responded with very creepy laughter.
“She is not your princess,” Grodus chortled. “She is my Queen and she will help me rule the world.” He continued to laugh until Peach turned to him and shot him with a blast of energy that blew up his body.
“You have outlived your usefulness,” Peach said. Her voice sounded like two voices in one with an echo.
“Peach?” Mario stared at her in shock.
“I am not your Peach,” The posses princess said. “I am the Shadow Queen
“And we have heralded your return,” two more shadow girls appeared. One was thin with a pointy chin and nose. The other was plump. “We have tricked those foolish aliens and others with the promise of treasure to get them to release you.
“Very good work,” Shadow Peach said and narrowed her eyes at the one shadow girl with Mario. “Vivian, your treachery has disappointed me.”
“I don’t care,” Vivian crossed her arms. “I’m much happier now.”
“Happiness?” The possessed princes asked and laughed. “Enjoy it for the next few seconds. That is how much longer you will have left to live.”
“Peach please,” Mario held out his hands. “Fight her. I know you can hear me. Think about our times together. I love you.”
Shadow Peach laughed again. “I know all about you Mario Koopa, and about Bowser and Maria, and I know all about her. Including her secrets. She has done something quite naughty recently.”
“Kammy,” Bowser whispered.
“I know,” Kammy said and grabbed Maria.
“All right,” Bowser growled. “Listen Shadow Queen you either get out of Peach’s body, or I’m going to have to get nasty.”
-
Maria was carried by Kammy until they were well out of the sewers and on the surface. The sky was completely dark.
“I have to go back,” Kammy reached into her robe and pulled out a small crystal ball. She waved her wand over it. You can watch here. “She handed Maria the ball and climbed on her broom and flew away.
“I guess that all I can do is watch,” Maria said and stared into the sphere.
The battle had appeared to have ended. Bowser, Mario and his friends were a little worn, but they were still standing. Shadow Peach was on her hands and knees and was gasping. The shadow behind her was thicker and more defined. It was also kneeling forward with it’s hands on the floor.
“Weak,” the ghostly head behind Peach said. “This body is to weak.” She stood up to her full height. You will all die by my real power.” She waved her hands and sent everyone flying backwards.
Mario and Bowser attacked the queen but their attacks proved to be useless, while the queen battled them around as if they were made out of paper.
“Bowser,” Mario Maria cried out and held the sphere to her chest.
“No,” the Shadow Queen shook her head as she loomed over the two Koopas. “These thoughts.” Seven crystal stars appeared around her before they disappeared.
“Mario,” Peach crawled over to where Mario was. “I’m sorry,” a tear formed in the corner of her eye. “I love you.” She kissed him before she collapsed again.
“Peach?” Mario whispered and sat up. He stared at all his friends and the princess. “You, “ Mario pointed at the Shadow Queen. “You engulf my world in darkness, attack my friends and hurt the woman I love.” He growled and opened his mouth wide. A wall of fire leapt from his mouth and engulfed the shadow queen causing her to scream.
“Nice,” the shadow Queen hissed once the smoke had settled. “Not enough.” Her hands glowed.
“Don’t you dare touch my son, you bitch!” Kammy flew into the room and fired a blast from her wand. “Sire wake up we need you.” She waved her wand over Bowser and glitter rained on him. “Wake up Princess.”
Bowser and Peach opened their eyes. “What”? Bowser looked up. “Kammy? Where is <aria?”
“Safe,” Kammy said. “I want to keep it that way.”
“Attack at once,” Mario said as he and Bowser released their fires, while Kammy shot a steady beam from her wand and even Peach radiated a light towards the Shadow Queen.
The energy was enough to shrink back the Queen until there was nothing left.
-
Maria had wondered if she had walked in a the wrong moment. Everyone had gathered in front of the palace and Ms Mows was kissing her brother on the cheek.
“Um?” Maria blinked.
“Don’t worry,” Madam Flurry had her arms crossed. “she was just kissing goodbye.”
“I had enough excitement for a while,” Mowz said. “I have to get back to the shop.”
“I have to get back to Petalburg,” Koop’s blushed. “Koopie Koo is probably worried sick.”
“What about the rest of you guys?” Mario asked.
“the sea be calling back to me.” The admiral said.
Royster struck a menacing pose. “I’m gonna be a champion at the Glitz Pit, I will be the Great Gonzales jr.”
I should try and jumpstart my TV career again,” Madam Flurry said.
“I’m not sure,” Vivian shrugged. “I guess I’ll stay here until I find my own place in the world.”
“Good,” Mario gave her a part on the shoulder.
“I better get back to professor Frankly,” Goombella said. “There are probably more archiving we have to do a the dig site.”
“You should get in touch wit my brother,” Bowser said. “He’s an archeologist.”
“I met a student of his,” Mario nodded. “Prince Peter and I saved him and his fiancé from a pack of Fresh Bones.” His face fell “ Oh no. I can’t believe I forgot.”
“Peter,” Peach’s eyes widened. “Where is he?”
“I left him at Ashley’s garage,” Mario smacked his face.
“Poor Peter,” Peach looked guilty.” I came here to get the True form mushroom.” She turned to Mario. “I heard what she said. I was the one who turned Peter into a Koopa.”
“Wait,” Maria’s eyes widened. “Prince Peter is a Koopa?”
“That arrogant snot?” Bowser asked.
Peach nodded. “What he said about Mario made me angry. Grandma suggested the Dratuga leaves. I ground it up and put in his special spice mix.”
“What are Dratuga leaves?” Maria asked. It might be something she would have to avoid or something might want to try.”
“Dratuga leaves are special Koopa spice,” Kammy explained. “It transforms those who are not Koopas into Koopas. The Trueform shroom can undo all non permanent transformations.
“We better get back,” Mario said. “Make sure he is okay change him back.” He turned to Maria. “And get you to a doctor.”
“Okay,” Maria nodded before she hugged him. “Glad you are safe. She turned to Bowser. “Glad you are also safe.” She hugged him.