Hi everybody! To think that this was my first fan-fiction story; quite a bit has happened since then! I've just been going through it and I'm making some editing changes so do not be alarmed. If you are a first-time reader of this account, then by all means, please enjoy reading it. If you are reading this again, thanks for returning. :)

Chapter 1: The Conference Hall

On that night, a full moon ascended into the starry sky dispelling the few wispy clouds hanging around it. There were, however, dark clouds lurking near the old building. Its silver light illuminated a cobbled path below in which a number of Boos were floating along. They were all headed to an elegant mansion that now served as the headquarters of the Booish community. They knew the building well. To many, it was home, but they had been away on certain missions and visiting the other Booish communities with messages they were required to deliver. Now they were back and glad to be so. For the purposes of secrecy, the building was in a different location than it was previously.

Many were already there, impatiently waiting in front of the closed iron-wrought gates. A light drizzle began causing the nearby crows to voice their grumbles. In the meantime, the Boos whispered to each other, wondering what this special meeting was called for. The glow from their bodies seemed somewhat fuzzy owing to the rain.

It was nearly midnight, the proposed time for the urgent meeting. Although the details were a little hazy, the Boos could not help but feel excited about it for they had their theories and there was no doubt about one of the topics that they would cover. Clearly, one important note about the meeting would be about revenge.

The clamour and buzz of the Boos influenced and perked up those that were just arriving at the end of a long and difficult journey. Many had come from afar, from dilapidated mansions across the kingdom. Even members of respectable Booish families had showed up. Aside from curiosity, they wanted to please their liege and perhaps ask for his guidance in the running of their community. After all, their liege was wise and knew the order of things; this was why he was their monarch.

However… there was one lonely Boo there tonight who would have preferably been somewhere. Treated as somewhat an outcast, this particular Boo could not understand the typical Booish ethics and the traditional code of their livelihood. Why, for example, did they shun themselves from civilisation and from the mortals? Why did they seek ownership of the Mushroom Kingdom when it was already ruled by another family? Why did they delight not only in the darkness but the dark?

The Boo knew that the current monarch of the Mushroom Kingdom was named Princess Peach. She was famous for being constantly kidnapped by the ferocious Koopa King but despite these niggles, she ran the kingdom effectively and the citizens were in peace. She did not deserve to be overthrown by his fellow Boos. The Boo saw her once and had great difficulty in describing her dazzling appearance, her intoxicating beauty. After that chance sighting, the Boo immediately consulted a dictionary in order to be more prepared for any future meetings. Sadly, they had not yet materialised.

With a resounding creak that could be heard even above the loud chimes of the dark bell tower, the intimidating gates slowly opened causing a great excitement in the Boos. Sighing heavily, the outcast Boo followed his cohorts into the building but not before he was forcibly stopped by one of the guards on duty, an Atomic Boo who demanded to see his pass, just to make sure that he wasn't one of those from those 'wrong' communities. Oh, yes, they wouldn't want any of them here...

The Boo clenched his teeth; this giant Boo was just toying with him because he could. This one already knew him anyway since he belonged to the biggest Booish community, the one residing with their liege. However, he just loved intimidating the little Boo; it was excellent fun. He saw that the noble families had already passed through with no such problems. The Boo showed his pass and the Atomic Boo swiped it just to get a closer look before grudgingly admitting him through. The Boo snatched it back and fled inside before something happened to him.

They filed along the candle-lit corridors and as they passed along, the Boo noticed the oil paintings that ran along the walls in their golden frames. The Boo stopped to examine one and he noted its use of rich, vivid colours and the deft brushstrokes here and there. Perhaps though, it would have been even better if the figure was looking in this particular direction and not that particular direction. An art critic such as he picked up on all those miniscule details.

They floated above the faded ruby carpets and ignored most of the maple doors. Then, as a continuous line, they turned right, down a wider corridor and at last, entered the Great Hall. One time, the Boo would have pointed out that this would have been used for hosting balls and just imagine the costumes that those people wore!

Not today though.

Most of the floor had been taken by velvet-cushioned seats all arranged into neat rows. The rows nearest to the stage were of course reserved for the noble, upper-class families. The Boo took a seat nearest to the back reasoning that the further he was away from their king, the better. Not that he was worthy enough to be near the front anyway. Their king was not there at the moment but upon the stage, a projector and screen had been set up with several slides resting on the table next to the machine. Also, a large painting of the Booish king hung upon the wall, staring menacingly at his subjects. A pair of Atomic Boos flanked the equipment and stared oppressively at the crowd before them. Despite the large distance between them, the Boo could not help but flinch and sink into his chair.

Some words escaped from the Boo's mouth. His acquaintance (for that was the best word for him; the little Boo had no true friends) seated next to him turned around and stared.

"Seriously?" he asked. "And you call yourself a true Boo…" He shook his head in disgust.

"And what is the problem exactly with feeling fear?" the Boo challenged. He sounded braver than he felt. "If we didn't feel fear, Taboo, then what are we as p-creatures?"

Fortunately for the Boo, Taboo missed the word that he was almost going to say. People. That suggested that they were one of the mortals. But Boos did not stay on the earth forever. Surely that suggested that they were, in fact, mortal?

Taboo laughed and said, "Fear doesn't master us. We master it." He then turned away and began speaking with a neighbour.

Everybody began talking once they made sure they were comfortable and were settling in. For a Booish Mansion, the place was also surprisingly warm as roaring fires were lit on either side of the Great Hall, letting their welcome heat spread about sufficiently. It was also a nice contrast against the thunder and rain outside; here they were quite snug after such a long journey. Early into the journey, they had amused themselves by scaring passers-by then rushing off cackling menacingly as said passers-by fainted with fear. They had been hoping to pass by Toad Town but found out that the quickest route did not go by that place. What a shame for there were ripe pickings to be had there. (Some of them did remember however, that those two humans lived there as well. Bleh.)

What was it about people that all the Boos he knew seemed to dislike? He wasn't particularly sure; perhaps some were jealous that death was an easy choice to take for the mortals; they had the ability to be free of the world in an instant when the time was come. Boos had a different sort of life to the mortals; they didn't just simply disappear and lose all their life energy. No, they were ghosts. Or was it that the Boos felt they had greater hardships than the mortals? To the little, lonely Boo, he couldn't quite understand it. How peculiar that mortals wanted eternal life and immortals wanted death. Was he naïve? Perhaps, but he was compassionate.

"We can't be in control all the time!" said the little Boo, interrupting the conversation. "Everything else gets scared, why can't we?"

Taboo gave a laugh that sounded like a hiss. "Our enemies feel fear, we are there to direct that fear. If I didn't know anything better, I would say that you are the ghost incarnation of your namesake."

The Boo was about to say that he was proud of his namesake but decided against it. After all, he had got into trouble over his unusual views before and he had still not entirely cleared his list of demerits from the last time. But really, there was nothing wrong with his namesake. He had heard all the stories just like the rest of the Boos had and he couldn't find anything to criticise about, only admire. True, he had never seen that person but maybe one day…

"Look, he's here," Taboo whispered.

The lights above began to dim and there was a raucous sound of applause as their king waltzed onto the stage wearing his most impressive crown and a self-assured smirk. The Boo stared at the faraway figure and shrank even more. Why did they adore him so much? Kings could be tyrants when they wanted to be and theirs positively rejoiced in such a role. He was easily scared and this figure gave him a good enough reason to be so. Then, their king began to speak:

"Friends, companions, it seems to have been a long time since we were last gathered here and I thank you most heartily for making the effort to come here. Many moons have also passed since we were last here in the Mushroom Kingdom. We shall be residing here for some time now. But now, we have important matters to discuss for they concern the matter of our enemies, one in particular as he is of extreme significance to us. I hope that you shall be listening carefully."

The hall was deathly silent as they hung onto every word that their king would speak. The Boo let out an inaudible sigh; he knew what was coming. This was their so-called leader: King Boo, the greatest wielder of Booish magic; the strongest and most devious of the lot. Now he was playing his audience again, playing them like an orchestra on a mere whim.

"Last time we were here, we were to aid Bowser, King of the Koopas in a plot to not only take over this kingdom but eventually the rest of the world. It is a matter of serving the world, not letting the world serve you, though, if we are to be seen as harmonious, respectable citizens. Our law would be just and there would be no questions of leadership. We merely need to set things in order for there can be such corruption on this planet, can't there? Everybody would know their place and wars would cease to exist. Surely we could run the world with the wisdom and judgement that is demanded of a king. Indeed, there must be some of us required to direct that wisdom. To turn this incomplete world into one that is ours, full of vitality and spirit…" The Boos laughed on cue at his little joke. "… is a dream of mine. And it is one I shall share with all of you faithful Boos. Because I plan to dispose of the Koopa whom I once considered an ally. He is merely a spanner in the works.

"Why did he enlist our help in the first place? Because he is incapable of accomplishing even the most simple task of kidnapping a princess! He betrayed us during the Great Revolution and that cannot be forgiven. We are no mere underlings! You do of course remember the Great Revolution, the last attempt upon conquering the Mushroom Kingdom, this pristine kingdom to begin with in the great scheme of things. The Great Revolution would have placed us and the Koopa race within the seat of power and we would be persecuted no longer, we would take control and run things in a much more efficient manner than those foolish Toads could ever have done.

"However, allies that were to be trusted were in reality, fake. Our plans were shattered into countless pieces. That is why we must work only with the other Boos because it is only with other Boos that we shall have complete trust and cooperation. Situations have changed from that previous time however and that is something we can work to our advantage. If we pool our strength together, we can easily vanquish his army! If we are to achieve our plans of world domination, we must stay vigilant and erase everybody who stands in our way!"

The Boo audience floated upwards applauding their king, screaming and yelping wildly at his rousing speech. They praised his words of power. Yet the outcast Boo only curled up in his chair and tried not to cry. In this world of darkness and revenge, he was completely alone.

The Boos sat down again as King Boo placed the first slide into the projector. Two figures flashed on the screen causing the Boos to hiss with fear and anger. Of course, they did not want to admit this fear. They knew these enemies all right. The Boo looked up with genuine interest and gazed closely at the on-screen mortals. He had never seen these people before, at least not for real. He recognised them as humans…

Humans. In this world, there were many Toads, Koopas, Boos, Shy Guys and all the rest of them each with certain characteristics that represented their species or sub-species. But humans… there weren't many of them, not many at all.

"As you all well know, Bowser is not a problem at all for us to deal with. Not a problem at all. Rather, it is these two whom we must thwart." King Boo paced up and down on the stage. "Defenders of the Mushroom Kingdom, descendants of the Ancient Tribe, they are unaware of their own ancestry and nobody knows how their powers were obtained. Yet they are still human... only human, and humans are very rare upon this world which is one of the reasons why they are well-known. Twin brothers… Ah, if we could get them to work for us, oh that worldly dream would almost certainly be accomplished. And yet, they seem very incorruptible so there isn't really much choice for us but to destroy them. How much can two humans take? You may well ask yourselves. They are supposed to be mortal, only mortal and yet..."

King Boo trailed off, leaving the Boos to come to their own conclusion about these twin brothers. The slide was replaced with another showing the red-capped plumber displaying an awesome vortex of blazing fire. King Boo's eyes momentarily flashed red. He hated that figure, that human.

It was strange therefore that those two such humans rose to be the world's defenders from all sorts of evil; two brothers with an incredible bond that could never be broken. It had been an ancient legend, originating in forgotten times that had now come to pass. If the plan to destroy them at birth had come to pass… well, the world would have no shortage of evil. It would be full of darkness and evil but thanks to the courageous brothers' efforts, it was always kept at bay.

There had been stories about those brothers linked to the Ancient Tribe of whose origins and existence were shrouded in deep mystery. The Boos liked telling such stories even though they concerned other species, especially the humans ever since these two, if only to show their own superiority over all the others. It had been said that the designs of all creatures were first drawn up in Star Haven although they were not actually the creators; such a thing happened all by itself after some stardust fell to the earth along with other elements. The humans evolved from the rarest element, the Aurora Dust. That was why there was so few. A select few learned magic, able to control this as it was one of the great properties of the dust. Eventually, most of the humans were split up and the wise Ancient Tribe was formed, somewhere north of where the Mushroom Kingdom was today. They intermingled with the Toads and the Koopas, but some grew into conflict against the Boos, others with other humans. Many it was said, were destroyed, the magicless ones. The Ancient Tribe kept out of sight and vanished into obscurity.

Little was known about them as everybody knew but they did command powerful magic and skills. King Boo was interested in these two brothers of prophecy for that reason. But there were other reasons. He stared at the picture, his lip curling into a sneer.

"You see that this is one of… Mario's most powerful attacks. Do not get in the way of that. Our scientists are working on a potion solution to combat this. Take heed of their powers. They are not to be underestimated. Oh, they may only be human but when you stop to look at them, you see that there is something more. Much more…"

The next slide showed a picture of the green-capped plumber. His hands glowed with the brilliant power of electricity having just unleashed a devastating attack of thunder. This time, the cries of anger from the Boos were even more pronounced. The outcast Boo was even more fascinated with this person. He stared at the picture knowing who it was…

"Yes…" the king whispered softly. "What you are looking at is Luigi. Bleh!" he spat with venom. "We had successfully imprisoned his brother in the painting; there was no chance he could have escaped. Our plans would have run smoothly as I lured Luigi towards the same fate. It should have succeeded… but it did not. Why? Because of that infernal device upon his back! Because he had somehow plucked up the courage to rescue his brother! One by one, our number was picked off by him. He had even defeated my most powerful minion Boolossus!"

The Boos that formed the giant Boolossus shifted uncomfortably in their seats.

"He eventually got to me and to my shame, he defeated me." These words he whispered just to show the amount of hatred that he had for that human. "It must have been luck and alas, the fact I had underestimated him. But next time, I would be more prepared. Those brothers have caused so much trouble for us in the past. If we are to ever succeed in our plans, we must defeat the Mario Brothers…"

"Why?"

One word rang out in that hall and that word did not come from King Boo. Eerily, the audience all turned as one to the source of the sound and found that it was the outcast Boo.

Oh, sugar, he thought as he turned bright pink. He forced himself to look at the stage and not turn invisible. He hadn't meant for it to slip out but now that it was in the open, he knew that he was going to be punished for it. Well, he thought. I might as well go for the whole hog now.

"Why?" he repeated. "Why should we defeat them? Over the years, they have only been protecting this kingdom, risking their own lives every time. What right have we got to try and take away that kingdom from those people? Why can't we be satisfied with what we've got?"

With a look of pure hatred on their faces, they all turned back to King Boo to hear his words. To the Boo's great surprise, the king merely grinned.

"So you question my intentions do you? Well, well, well, that does take some courage. Rather like that shown by your counterpart eh, Booigi?"

The Boo audience laughed at his name, that he should be named after such a cowardly, weak mortal and a human at that. Booigi turned an angry red colour and tried to refrain from crying. Truth to be told, he greatly admired the Mario Brothers but he was even more impressed by Luigi. Luigi was often ignored, a man from the shadows despite his kind nature and unnatural power. He was very emotional and harboured many secrets close to his heart. In many ways, they were very similar to each other.

He had heard the stories about the brothers but mainly about Mario. His greater interest lay within Luigi simply because he had heard less of him. Apparently, the Toads often called Luigi a coward. But how could a person be a coward if he faced up against the dark forces of evil of his own will, willing to protect the people despite the great risk towards his own life? Just because he got scared, it didn't mean that he was a coward. So much for gratitude.

"He has shown his power many times before but he is nothing but a pathetic coward. How many times must you be told this?" King Boo wearied at having to say this just as much as Booigi wearied of hearing it. "He is one half of a duo who has subdued us time and time again. You ask why we can't be satisfied. Look around you. We are forced to live in dark woods and forests like wild animals. The Toads think we are wild animals! We have magic and they do not and they fear us for that reason even though the magic can be used for good. We can prove to them that we are capable of so much more. We have had the Age of Toad and Koopa. Now it is time for the Age of Boo!"

"But how can we just steal the livelihood of these people?" cried Booigi over the tumultuous applause of the audience. He chose to ignore the fact that the vast majority of Boos loved dark woods and the like; that was why they lived there. "They have not tried to rise up against us! They haven't have they? Why would they want to? They just want to live in peace! Why can't we do the same?"

"Upon the fringes of darkness? Ever in the eternal night?"

How ironic, Booigi thought considering the typical Booish love of the dark.

"If we just took some time to learn from these people and learn from Mario and Luigi. I would volunteer to venture into their community to find out about them! Don't they say knowledge is power? We are all ignorant! If I could find out what they are like, what they do, perhaps we could change things for the better!"

Booigi flinched from the smile that appeared on King Boo's face. A plan had been forming over the past few days ever since he had found out that… interesting information. Booigi could perhaps contribute to it. Indeed, it would be good to make him useful.

"Why," he said in a warm tone of voice. "You are absolutely right, Booigi. You shall contribute to our understanding of them, especially as you are possibly a Boo that the mortals are more likely to get along with. Indeed, we must learn more of the mortals and overcome our disadvantages, especially shyness. And if we knew more about Mario and Luigi…" He said their names almost venomously. "Yes, that is a most marvellous idea! And you volunteer, Booigi? What courage! You are doing something great for your fellow Boos. Now listen to me."

Booigi floated upwards, entirely focussed upon the king. He could barely believe what he was hearing. "You must set out immediately. I want you to spend two weeks in Toad Town, which is where the Mario Brothers live. I want you to deliver a full report to me at the end of those two weeks. This we may study for future use which can be discussed then. I am expecting several pages upon this. Do you understand?"

Booigi nodded meekly, ignoring the shocked gazes and voices of the other Boos. This he had not expected at all.

"Then what are you still doing here? Go now!"

Booigi zipped out of the hall and sped down the twisting corridors before the king could utter another word. King Boo turned back to his minions wearing the same grin from before.

"Like I stated before, he shall contribute to our understanding. He shall improve the plan. And now, let us continue with the meeting shall we? He has heard what he has needed to hear. We have not quite finished yet…"

The Boo audience looked at each other and started cackling triumphantly alongside their king.

"So it seems that you're going to be leaving us for a while," said Taboo as Booigi eventually came into the Drawing Room where the rest of the Boos congregated after the meeting. They glanced over at him before turning their attention to something else again. "Well, I say good luck to you because you're going to need it!"

Booigi sighed and sat himself down for a moment. He had just been given precise instructions on how to get to Toad Town, where to go, what to do, etc. He had only half taken it all in. He wasn't a mere fledging; he knew where it was for heaven's sake! Besides, this was his first chance of independence; he wanted to do this on his own.

"Why do you think I need luck, Taboo?" Booigi questioned as he fiddled with the flowers on the table next to him.

"Because you do. It's as obvious as the night sky being black."

"Actually, the night sky isn't always black such as when the moon is out, it makes the sky surrounding it more of a dark blue colour and in the extreme north and south of the planet, the sun never sinks below the horizon depending on the time of year. So although the time could be what we consider as night, like around midnight, it may not actually be black so your words technically do not suggest my needing of luck as something obvious."

"You always do this!" Taboo seethed. Booigi ignored him; he was used to his anger and so carried on arranging the vase's flowers. "You always try to put one over me because you think you're oh-so-smart!"

"Yes, well, I have to be better at something, haven't I?" Booigi murmured. Taboo excelled at using magic and everybody admired him for it. Booigi had to admit to himself that he was jealous of this fact. Still, at least he could read without having to say the words out loud.

"I suppose so…" grumbled Taboo as he also sat himself down. He moodily stared at nothing in particular and the pair said nothing for a fair while. The tinkle of piano music and laughter could be heard in the background.

Booigi had been having his own private thoughts when Taboo blurted out: "How come you're getting to go on this trip, anyway?"

"I'm sorry?" said Booigi. He put the flowers to one side now that they were to his liking.

"I said how come you're getting to go on this trip anyway? What have you done to deserve it? I managed to get the highest score in the magic exam! You never even sat it!"

"Maybe King Boo doesn't want magic this time," said Booigi patiently. "And besides, he liked my idea; you didn't come up with it. If you have any complaints, why don't you go and tell him?" Taboo blanched and muttered his excuses.

Booigi allowed himself a small smile. That one always shut him up or at least, diverted his attention to something else. Taboo was slightly older than him although both were quite young. But just because of that age gap, he always thought that he could lord it over Booigi.

"Reckon you'll see them then?"

"Who?" asked Booigi, pretending not to know what Taboo was talking about.

"The Mario Brothers of course!" said Taboo. "You've only wanted to see them since like forever! Especially the cowardly one."

"His name is Luigi and he isn't cowardly!" Booigi snapped. "Since when do you risk yourself to save others?"

"Since when did I need to?" Taboo retorted back.

Never, thought Booigi. Who goes up against Boos? They say they all together but I think they are all out for themselves. Otherwise, why was Taboo so eager to get rid of Gameboo when the others were having that competition?

"I think I'll be heading off now," said Booigi stiffly as he floated upwards and towards the door leading out into the foyer. "I'll see you at some point, not for a while hopefully."

He wandered over and was glad to see that the Atomic Boos had left their post. They must have no longer been needed. He was about to head outside when he noticed a glow behind him and was surprised to see Taboo floating there.

"What?" said Booigi glumly. "Come to insult me or gloat or do something else just to make me feel bad? I can't stay to listen, I need to go now."

"Actually, I was going to say goodbye and I was serious about the whole good luck thing seeing that you're helping his Majesty out and all…"

"Oh," said Booigi, now even more surprised. "Well, er… thank you."

"No problem, you're welcome," said Taboo. "Just… be careful. And don't come back home crying because you're all scared by something. That would be a big fail."

Booigi almost smiled. "It would." Taboo looked at him for a moment before taking his leave; his seeing Booigi off his good deed for the week.

Booigi stepped out of the mansion into the pouring rain. Lightning occasionally flashed in the dark sky, closely followed by rumbles of thunder some distance away. Booigi consulted a map that one of the guards gave him and quickly located Toad Town on it. Booigi felt happy, happier than he had felt in a long time. He would travel now, even though he was afraid of the dark and possibly be in Toad Town by the time the sun would begin to rise. As he set off, he knew this would be the start of something new.

Something special.