Disclaimer: I don't own Mario, the Paper Mario games, or any of the characters from them. They belong to Nintendo and Intelligent Systems. I do, however, own all the original characters in this story.
There might be some who remember my "Pokemon Quest" story. I wanted to create an "epic quest" kind of story, but I deleted it, because while I liked the concept, it was starting to become cliché. This story, however, I have had relatively unchanged in my mind for a while. It will be similar in structure to the Paper Mario games, but with a different main character.
I hope you all read this story and enjoy it!
Paper Mario: A Goomba's Tale
Once Upon a Time
Well now, gather 'round! Today, I'm going to tell you about the ancient Kingdom of the Goombas!
It is said that long ago, there lived a Kingdom composed of Goombas—yes Goombas, the lowly stepping-stones of today. It was known as Goomiam, and it was a civilization of untold wonders. The Goombas who lived there had used a strange kind of magic to create technology beyond imagination. It was said that they could heal the sick, (even those near death), sail the stars, and even halt time itself. Indeed, so advanced was their civilization—nay, utopia—that they had put an end to war, to suffering, and even to classes of rich and poor. Yes, Goomiam was a wondrous place…
And yet, their time on our world came to an end. Their civilization had created jealosy and unrest among other kingdoms, fearing that the Goombas of Goomiam would try to seize their thrones. Others were greedy for the treasures, both riches and technology, that that great kingdom held. Perhaps fearing that its continued presence would cause war, one day, the great kingdom…disappeared.
No one knows what happened to that great utopia, and time has reduced its wondrous tales to myth. But this is where our story begins…in the great kingdom of Goomiam.
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Somewhere, in a place beyond reckoning, beyond imagination, in a place thought only to be a myth, two armored figures sat in a large room, sitting in front of a large glass case.
Sitting…
Sitting…
Sitting…
"ARGH!" one shouted as he jumped up in aggravation. "I can't take it anymore! I'm SOOOO BORED!!!"
The other snorted. "You think I'm enjoying this? Not like we have a choice you know—it's orders directly from His Majesty himself."
"Tonight's crème de la Goomba," whined his companion, not seeming to hear him. "I should be at home, eating the best cooking Ma has to offer after a hard day of work. Instead I'm stuck guarding a stupid rock!" He glared at the case behind him. "What's so special about this dumb rock anyway?"
"Didn't you pay ANY attention to Lords Goominton and Goopone, Gooaurel?" the other one snapped. "This 'dumb rock' is supposed to locate the treasure that the King's so obsessed with. They finally found it yesterday, after years of excavation in the mines. It must be on hand, and kept safe from rebels."
"Oh yeah—the 'Seven Star Gems of Goomia,'" said Gooaurel, with a snort. "Honestly—no one even believes that stupid story anymore. Why's the King even care—eh? Who are you?!" He pointed his spear towards a small figure that had somehow evaded both of their attention (not really an impressive feat).
"Er…hello my good guards!" squeaked the small Goomba. He had upon him an orange baseball cap that was turned backwards, a rich green robe that spoke clearly of his importance, and wielded an immensely long and thin black mustache that swept the ground as he spoke. "I am Sir Goomfrey…I believe Goominton and Goopone told you of me, eh what?"
The other guard jumped. "Sir Goomfrey!! A thousand apologies m'lord—put that spear away you idiot!" This second statement was directed towards his partner, whom he bonked with his head for emphasis. "This is the one Goomba we're supposed to give the stone to! He's the noble who'll take it to the King!"
The Goomba blinked, and looked at the noble doubtfully. "I don't know Gooardy—he's kinda runty. Plus, he sounds like a ki—URK!" He was unable to finish his sentence as the other guard had kicked him in the stomach.
"Please forgive my rude companion m'lord," he said to Sir Goomfrey, bowing many times. He then walked over to the glass container, unlocked it with the key around his belt, and handed over its contents to his superior. "Please, take this with my apologies, and please, no need to mention such a thing to the King, is there?"
"No, no of course not, old bean," blustered Sir Goomfrey, the ghost of a smirk playing across his face. "Now, if you'll excuse me—important noble type business and all that." He walked away, as the guard turned to glare at his partner, still wheezing from pain.
"Moron!" he shouted. "He'll probably have us BOTH beheaded for our insolence!"
"B-but," the injured Goomba gasped in protest, "how do ya know that was Sir Whatsist? He m-might have been a fake."
"Nonsense!" Gooardy puffed his chest out in pride. "One thing I pride myself on is my judge of character—now what?" Now another Goomba, this one completely naked, had suddenly rushed in, and the guard thrust his spear at him in warning. "Who are you, buddy, and what's your business here?"
"Remove that weapon you fool!" shouted the Goomba angrily in a deep voice. "I am Sir Goomfrey and I require the Compass Gem at once! AT ONCE, YOU HEAR?!"
The guard laughed. "Yeah right, pal. For your information, Sir Goomfrey's already been here, and he's taking the Gem to the King as we speak. I'd know that fake mustache anywhere."
"YOU USELESS EXCUSE FOR LACKEYS!!!" bellowed the Goomba in a voice that made them both jump. "That was an IMPOSTER you NITWITS!!! I was attacked by a young street urchin and stripped of my clothes!! He even took my mustache—WHICH IS NOT FAKE!!!"
The guards stared at each other, and went pale. "I-I-a-a thousand pardons, m'lord," Gooardy blubbered. "I, I deeply regret any rash—
"THERE'S NO TIME FOR THAT!!" shouted the enraged noble, his face actually turning a brighter shade of brown from anger. "By now, the brat's probably taken my ship!! Fortunately, I have a spare, so let's get after him! If we lose that Gem, the King will have ALL of our heads!!!"
He dashed off, and as the two guards followed in hot pursuit, Gooaurel smirked at his companion.
"Told ya so."
"Shut up."
Hope you enjoyed! There's plenty more where this came from. Don't forget to review!
By the way, the two guards' names are taken from the famous comedy pair, Laurel and Hardy.