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“Military reports have stated the primary nests within the city have been eliminated,” the newswoman’s voice came through the radio.
Larry set down the pen he was using to circle names and dates and sat up. “Squishy, turn it up so everyone can hear.”
“I’m already on it,” Squishy turned up the dial to near max level.
“I am here with General Bossanova,” the woman introduced her first interviewee. “General are we certain the nests have been cleared out?”
“That is correct,” a gruff voice answered. “We have been to all the primary suspects. Every last walking corpse had been eliminated, every ghost vanquished and every vampire staked.”
“Do you suspect there was more than one leader?”
“I think there may have been several sects or nests that were all lead by a different head vampire, but they all belonged to the same family.”
“And the leader was found in city hall?”
“Bzzt wrong,” someone shouted from the first floor.
“Many have assumed that,” The general said. “But they were all wrong.”
“All wrong?” Avery sat back in his chair and scowled. “How about we were all wrong, because you simply had no idea where they were.”
“Shhh,” another hunter brought her finger to her lips.
“It was actually in the grand theater house.”
“How can you be so certain?” The reporter asked.
“Two reasons. There was a grand casket that was set apart from the others, and the other reason is the dead wolf dragon.”
“Wolf dragon?” Larry repeated. He knew they meant the hell beast.
“What is a wolf dragon?” The reporter asked.
“A large monster, covered in fur with four long necks and wolf like heads. Someone or something had cut off the heads. We also found dust and ashes in the other coffins, and there were several piles of dismembered zombie and dead harpies all around on the ground.”
“Are you saying that someone beat you to the nest?”
“The correct response is that it was several someones,” Avery shook his head. “And that we have worked together and did a better job than you, because unlike you we knew what we were up against.”
“Amen,” Howls nodded.
“We are uncertain if they have killed the leader,” the general said.
“Why would you say that?” The reporter asked.
“As I have said earlier, we have found the remains of the other vampires in coffins, their dust and ashes, along with a bit of soil. We found nothing in the grand coffin, not even a little bit of soil.”
“He knows more than we thought,” Squishy gave the radio a light tap with his finger.
“What is your next move?” The reporter asked.
“We plan on continuing with the cleanup and then we will be speaking with President Maestro about bringing the people back inside.”
Howls slammed his fist down on the table. “Why doesn’t anyone ask the important question?”
“What about the vampire leader?” The reporter asked. “If he isn’t dead will he have moved onto somewhere else?”
“About damn time,” Howls grumbled.
“We are speaking with neighboring cities and even neighboring nations,” the general said. “Nearly all responded except for Sugar Land, and those that have responded have said they haven’t seen or heard anything, but will keep their eyes open.”
“Thank you General, this is Claire Annette with KZMB. We will be back with you after the commercial.”
“That’s it?” Squishy lowered the volume once the commercials started. “We still don’t know anything that we already knew.”
“We do know from one of his vampire bimbos that he left a few days ago,” Howls said. “If she wasn’t lying then how far could she have gone?”
“Within this radius,” Avery drew a large circle on the map. “Now he could have just gone into one of the other cities in Harmony Land.”
“He wouldn’t,” Madam S spoke up. “I have faced this one before. His ego is too big for any other city, it must be the capitol for him, or nothing.”
“Then that will certainly narrow it down to two places,” Avery drew two smaller circles. “We just need to divide everyone up. Some will stay here of course.”
“One of those places is Sugar Land?” Larry asked. He remembered a few people from that nation had tried to contact Morton through his webcam show. “I heard they were not letting one in or out. My brother does this Internet Show and I was a guest a few days before I left for Tempo Town.” He had never thought much of it before.
“I have heard the same,” Hoodie said. A few others have also confirmed it.
“If we have to, we will sneak in,” Howls said. “The same way we got here.”
-
Luigi felt something wet and a bit sticky brush against his forehead. He swatted at the feeling and rolled over onto his side. He was still sleepy. He just needed a few more minutes. He felt himself drift off again when he felt a finger poke him in his side.
“Wake up Weege,” Mario poked him again. “We are here.”
“We are here?” Luigi opened his eyes in time to see something long and pink lash across his face. “Ugh, Yoshi stop. I’m awake.”
“I’m sorry,” Yoshi slid back in his seat. “We have been trying to wake you.”
“Sorry,” Luigi robbed the top of his head before he replaced his hat. “I guess I haven’t been sleeping well. It has been a while since I have been on an adventure. I’m not used to sleeping on the ground.”
“You can sleep again,” Mario stood up. “If Peach and Daisy use their diplomacy powers again then we might be allowed to spend the night in a nice guest room.” A familiar growl erupted from his stomach. “After we get some food first.”
“At least you have your priorities in check,” Luigi yawned again before he stood up.
Luigi wasn’t sure what he was going to expect from the castle. He had only seen a few and they were starting to blend together in his mind.
“Wow,” Iggy gasped when they had reached the gates. The bars looked like the fruit striped candy canes and were topped with sparkling colorful spheres that resembled gumdrops. The two main gateposts were rainbow spirals and brought images of the unicorn horn shaped lollipops to Luigi’s mind.
“It looks yummy,” Yoshi licked the bars. “Tastes yucky.” He shuddered.
“Those aren’t candy,” Daisy gave the dinosaur a small pat on the head.
Luigi stared through the bars. There was a path that resembled several cookies cobbled together lead to a tall and dark brown castle with white trim and brightly colored stained glass windows. The white turrets were rippled like soft serve ice cream.
“We are the ambassadors King Nougat is expecting,” Peach said to the Beezo by the gate.
The Beezo flicked its glossy clear wings and opened the gates.
“I do have to admit this place is aesthetically pleasing to the eye,” Iggy said as they walked through.
“It’s as pretty as I remembered it.” Daisy said.
Luigi had to agree. The castle and courtyard was beautiful. Flowers were grown into rings in the grass and shrubbery that has been trimmed and sculpted to lollipops and cupcakes.
“I almost feel like I’m on a life size board of that game,” Mario whispered to Luigi. “The one we played when we were kids, ya know. The one where I always won.”
“I remember that game,” Luigi nodded. “I used to beat you at Chutes and Ladders though, and Christina used to beat us at both.” He felt another twinge of pain at the memory of their cousin. “Try not to eat the castle.”
“Very funny,” Mario rolled his eyes.
“I do not wish to alarm anyone,” Kammy spoke up. “But I am sensing a dark aura about this place.”
“Yeah,” Mario nodded. “It does seem very grim.”
“Mario,” Luigi covered his eyes. “That was awful.”
“I couldn’t resist bro,” Mario smiled.
There were two more Beezos guarding the front gates. Peach curtsied before them. “Good evening. I am Princess Peach of the Mushroom Kingdom. King Nougat is expecting us.”
“Someone will take you to him,” one of the Beezos said after they opened the doors.
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The interior tiles of the castle floor were in different shades of pastels that contrasted with the walls that were painted in a shade of brown, similar to milk chocolate. Even Luigi felt sharp hunger pains everywhere he looked. Both Mario’s and Yoshi have drowned his growls out.
“The king is in here,” The Beezo guide opened the two tall doors into the throne room.
There were two men inside. The older of the two was a tall and plump man with tan skin. He wore a suit that was the same color as the outside walls with bright pastel colored buttons. His hair was similar to Gadd’s, only thicker at the bottom.
The younger of the two was a teenage boy with hair the color of caramel and the texture of cotton candy. His large eyes were the color of cinnamon and he had noticeable gray shadows under them. He was dressed in a red satin shirt covered in small yellow dots and accented with a green tie. His jacket and slacks was white with red and pink stripes. His cloak was the same gold and glossy like a butterscotch wrapper. A golden crown rested on top of his head.
“Your majesty,” the Beezo bowed before the two. “I have brought the guests to see you.”
“Thank you,” King Nougat said in a tired voice. “You are dismissed.”
The Beezo bowed again before he left the room.
“Good evening,” the older man greeted them. “I am Mr. Gingerbread, chief advisor of young King Nougat.”
“Good evening,” Peach curtsied to Mr. Gingerbread before she bowed in front of the King. “My name is Princess Peach Toadstool of the Mushroom Kingdom.”
“I am Princess Daisy of Sarasaland,” Daisy repeated Peach’s gestures.
“Prince Ignatus of Dark Land,” Iggy bowed. “But you can just call me Iggy.”
“I’m Mario Mario the fiancé of Princess Peach.” Mario bowed. He had to make himself seem a little more important to King Nougat than just to the Captain.
“I’m Luigi Mario,” Luigi bowed. “Husband to Princess Wendy of Dark Land.”
“Kammy Koopa, appointed guardian of the Dark Land Princes.”
“I’m Yoshi the Yoshi. I’m the ambassador from Dinosaur Land.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you all,” King Nougat nodded at his guests and bowed before the princesses, Iggy and Luigi.
“I do not suppose if you remember me,” Daisy said. “You were a child when we have last met.”
“Princess Daisy,” Nougat rubbed his chin. “I do remember you. It was the one time my family went to visit your kingdom. Our parents went to a formal event and you babysat me.”
“That was right,” Daisy closed her eyes and smiled. “We made mini-forts and attacked each other.”
“And I got lost playing hide and seek,” Nougat smiled. “But you did find me. I apologize for being such a brat back then.”
“You were not a brat,” Daisy assured him. Maybe he wasn’t a brat back then, but from what his people have said he had become a brat now.
“Your words are too kind,” Nougat grasped Daisy’s fingers and placed a kiss on the back of her hand.
Mr. Gingerbread coughed into his hand. “Sir, I am certain our guests haven’t come all this way to reminisce with you.”
“But of course,” Nougat released her hand and stepped back. “Where are my manners?”
“We have come on the behalf of your people,” Princess Peach said. “We have received messages that they are feeling oppressed.”
“I’m afraid you may have been misinformed,” Gingerbread said. “The people are not oppressed at all.”
“Then why won’t you allow anyone to leave or enter?” Mario asked.
Nougat sighed. “It is quite complicated.” He placed his hands behind his back. “And I know I shouldn’t keep things from my people, but this is for their own protection.”
“Protection from what?” Luigi asked.
“Something dark, and something quite evil,” Nougat answered. “It will take a while to explain everything and I know you have traveled for a while. Would you care to discuss this over dinner? The royal chefs have prepared several shadow boars in different glazes.”
“Shadow boar?” Iggy asked. “I’m afraid I’m not familiar with that species.”
“They are an aggressive kind of boar found in the forests within the kingdom and outside.” Gingerbread explained.
“You mean those large ones with the manes and spikes?” Luigi wondered how they were able to take one of those things down and admired the bravery of the hunting team that had accomplished such a feat.
“Those are yummy,” Yoshi licked his mouth and rubbed his stomach. “I wonder how they taste cooked.”
“They are quite delicious,” Mr. Gingerbread assured.
“Dinner sounds like a good idea,” Peach nodded.
“We will tell the serving staff to set seven more places tonight,” Nougat nodded. “Mr. Gingerbread, I need to have a small word with you.”
“Finally this guy is singing my song,” Mario said once the King and his advisor were out of earshot.
“I know we are hungry,” Kammy said. “But do not eat or drink anything until I nod my head.”
-
Luigi stared at the spread before them. There were several hams, larger than the ones he was used to and each had a different aroma. There were several silver covered dishes set around the hams. The plates were white and square shaped and the napkin rings reminded him of Life Savors.
“Care for some wine?” Gingerbread asked as one of the serving Beezos had removed the cork from a bottle. “We have our own vineyard as well as husbandry.”
“I would assure you the flavor if I was old enough to drink it myself,” Nougat smiled weakly.
“I also have to decline,” Iggy said after he had received a look from Kammy.
“The wine sounds good,” Daisy said.
The lids were removed from the dishes, revealing dressings made from apples and cranberries, steamed multigrain rice, mashed turnips, sweet potatoes, flaky golden rolls, asparagus spears and broccoli, both covered in a cheese sauce, and a salad
“What kind of ham would you like?” One of the Beezos addressed Luigi.
“I’m not sure,” he kept his eyes on Kammy who was still staring at her wand. “What kind isn’t too sweet?”
“I would go with the hickory smoked kind,” The Beezo pointed at one ham. “And it tastes even better with the spiced apple dressing.”
“Sounds good,” Luigi said. Kammy nodded her head. They can eat and drink. He took a sip from his wine. There was a robust bit of berry flavor, but it wasn’t too sweet. “This is good.”
“We need to discuss why you are drafting children,” Peach said. “And trying to keep the information from everyone.”
“If Nougat can rule at the age of fourteen then boys can fight at that age,” Gingerbread said.
“But why only boys?” Daisy asked.
“Mr. Gingerbread and I have had long discussions involving that,” Nougat ripped one of his rolls in half. “We are not exactly forcing everyone by that age and we are not denying women to have a chance to enlist. Many older sisters have asked if they can be drafted instead of their brothers once they have received the letter and we accept.”
“But why the need for a draft at all?” Daisy asked. “Is there a bordering country that is threatening you?”
“No,” Nougat frowned. “It is something much worse.”
“You said it was something dark and evil,” Mario brought up. He had passed on the asparagus and accepted the broccoli.
“It is. They are the legions of the undead.”
Iggy nearly spat out his drink. “The undead?” He cast a wary glance towards Kammy. “You mean like zombies.”
“Zombies, vampires, evil spirits, harpies and demons,” Mr. Gingerbread listed on his fingers. “I have seen some of the evidence myself.”
“They killed my father,” Nougat stared at his plate. “My mother too.” He closed his eyes to force back the tears. “We think they are trying to take over Harmony Land.”
Luigi dropped his fork. “Harmony Land?” He turned to Kammy. “Isn’t that where Larry went?”
“Yes,” she rubbed the top of her wand. “They are probably far away from the worst part of the invasion. Kamron would have let me know if they were in serious trouble.”
“Why don’t you tell your people that is why you raising an army?” Daisy asked.
“Because they will either disbelieve, or worse they will panic,” Nougat took a sip of his juice. “Mr. Gingerbread told me about the great earthquake in Symphony City.”
“It happened thirty years ago,” Mr. Gingerbread explained. “Several buildings fell beneath the surface, lost forever, other buildings collapsed, several lives were lost in the quake, but it was the outside cities and towns and other parts of Symphony were the worst. People broke into stores, got into fistfights with others over supplies, many were trampled to death, all because the panicked.”
“I want my people to be safe,” Nougat said. “I want them to know the truth, but I do not want them to hurt each other out of fear.”
“We also do not want information to leak out to Harmony,” Mr. Gingerbread added. “We do not want those demons to know what we are planning.”
“I wish I handled things better,” Nougat shook. “I wish I could be more like my father. He would have known how to handle this.” He continued to tremble until Daisy placed her hand on his shoulder.
Luigi stared at his plate. They were wrong about Nougat. He wasn’t a tyrant, just a frightened kid with a lot of responsibility.
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