THE HUNT
Chapter 1: Briefing
It was only but mere weeks after Mario and Peach had returned with Peach's clone named Apricot and a converted Hammer Bro named Forge. Apricot had recently started conseling sessions with one Trus T.
Mario, Luigi, and Forge had prepared in the meantime to hunt Belome, the one who made the clone for his own amoral purposes. Due to the true capability of his clones and his ability to brainwash them upon 'birth', our heroes decided he had to be stopped.
"Alright, everyone. Do you know why you're here?" Mario asked.
"To capture Belome," they all answered in unison.
"Correct. He must be captured. Not killed, captured. We'll need him if we want to further understand our new lesser princess's nature as a clone."
In addition to the three aforementioned, Goombario, Kooper, Bombette, Parakarry, Bow, and Yoshi were present. All of them had received messages from Mario asking for help. Since they just happened to be in or reasonably near the neighborhood at the time...
"Now... I suggest we split into three groups while we search the sewers. I will take Goombario and Bow. Luigi, you will take Bombette and Yoshi. Forge, you will take Kooper and Parakarry," Mario commanded.
"Why can't I go with Luigi?" Bow asked. "I'm sure he'd just love my company!"
"You mean you'd constantly scare him to death, right?"
"Aww, you're no fun."
"Anyway, if any of you see Belome, back away carefully and send a message to us on your Mailbox DS. Don't let him leave your sight. Once everyone is present, we will discuss our plan of action depending on the area where he's in. You'll all be given means of tranquilizing him, but we can never be too sure. He is a very formidable opponent, and will try to escape if things start going south for him."
"So, how are we going to get him up here? And where's his cell?" Kooper asked.
"We plan to lock him in the local prison. He'll have to be muted so he can't have a heyday casting Aurora Flash over and over again," Mario said.
And so, after supplying everyone with their equipment, Mario and Friends entered the Kero Sewers on the hunt for the voracious omnivore.