Piloting the Plot
Author's Note: Welcome viewers to K-MUSH T.V.! We have a wonderful program instore for you tonight! Tonight's 10 o' clock movie is SuperCube64's Mystery Block T.V.! Don't touch that dial as we begin on our featured presentation, all completely commercial-free! :)
Mystery Block T.V.
"We're live in 10 seconds Luigi!"
"Let's do this!", he replied before walking out onto the stage. The crowd cheered as he paused and turned at the center of the stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, Toads and Goombas, have we got a special show for you! As you may know, tonight is a very special night as right now, we're broadcasting live to the world, the first ever episode of Mystery Block T.V.!", The audience cheered again. "For those of you who don't know, this show is a little different than most, there will be two teams who are both searching the studio and surrounding property for…", the lights dimmed, "The Mystery Block!", Once again the audience cheered. "What is this mysterious prize and where is it? Well, only those who find it will know. So, does that sound like fun?", again, the audience cheered. "Let us bring out the teams!" The lights in the room went out as a sole spotlight shone on the curtains which had yet to rise. "On team one", Luigi announced with great enthusiasm in his voice, "Mario, Princess Peach, Toad, and Yoshi!" The curtains opened and out walked the group. They waved towards the audience. Though blinded by the spotlight, Peach squinted and caught sight of a shadowy figure passing in the hall behind the studio doors. "On team two", Luigi started. His voice changed into a quieter, more shaky tone as if he was scared of what the next cue card said. "On t-t-eam two", he repeated, "We have Bowser, Wario, Waluigi, and the…", at this point, Luigi's face tensed up and beads of sweat rolled down his face. He shot a glance at his brother who was completely oblivious to the fact that his brother was having a panic attack on live T.V.! The audience shot each other puzzled looks because of the interruption as Luigi motioned for Lakitu to cut to commercial. "We'll be back in a few minutes!", he said before running backstage. Mario followed close behind.
"Luigi!"
"Y-y-ess Mario?", questioned Luigi,
"What was that all about."
"I rather not say."
"Luigi, you're my bro, we got each other's back! If something is scaring you, let me know. Besides, this is your time to shine!", responded Mario while patting Luigi on the back.
"Okay Mario. Well, as I was reading off the teams I uh, stumbled upon a questionable name."
"Who was it?", Mario asked. "We've beaten Bowser many times and the Wario bros. are just two goofballs!", he laughed.
"The Shadow Queen." With this statement, Mario's expression turned from laughter into terror as he stumbled backwards, almost tripping on a crate in the process. After regaining his balance, he questioned Luigi.
"Is this some sort of prank?"
"No Mario!", tears starting to form in his eyes. Seeing the genuine fear that his brother was expressing assured the authenticity of the statement.
"You evacuate the crowd, I'll get the princess!", yelled Mario. With that, the bros parted ways.
"Attention everyone!", Luigi stated, "Due to some unexpected circumstances, we will unfortunately have to ask you to leave, however, K-MUSH Television will fully reimburse all of your tickets." A groan arose from the audience as they picked up their things and shuffled out of the studio.
"I think you're both just overreacting!", Peach exclaimed with a hint of annoyance.
"But Princess, we both know how dangerous she can be!", reasoned Mario.
"Hmph! If you insist!"
"That's everyone, the building's all clear!", stated Lakitu. "Say, why did you cut the show early?"
"It's a long story.", Luigi said as he walked toward the group.
"I'd love to stay and chat, but I best be off. This wife will be wondering why I'm home early.", Lakitu explained before heading out of the studio. The group stood in silence for a moment, the A.C. buzzing in the background.
"Shall we be off?", asked Mario.
"Not so fast!", yelled an annoying voice and out of the shadows stepped the Wario bros. and (sigh) Bowser.
"Hey green stache, why'd you cut the show short? I wanted some treasure!", growled Wario.
"I'll explain on the way.", sighed Mario as the group headed for the exit. Before the group stood the glass doors of the exit, the exit sign glowing a dull red.
"So, let me get this straight.", said Wario. "You cut the show because of a stupid haunted notecard! You just said you sealed away that crazy witch!"
"Who's the crazy witch?", said a sweet voice. At that moment, the whole group got goosebumps. Waluigi bolted for the doors, but alas, it was locked.
"Haha!", laughed the voice. "You thought you could seal me away, but I'm back for my revenge! I despise each and every one of you, but I especially hate you MARIO!" Beads of sweat rolled down the red clad plumbers face. "But don't worry princess, I'm coming for you too, so don't fret your little royal head, though when I'm done with you, it'll be my crown. However, like I did last time we met, I'll give you a choice. You can either be my faithful servants, or die like the fools you are! It's your choice…" The group exchanged worried looks as they all knew the dire situation they were in. "If you choose to defy your queen, you'll have to be punished like your friend, Toad was his name, if I remember correctly?"
"You monster, what did you do to Toad!?", yelled Peach. A bloody knife flew through the hall and stabbed the wall, nearly missing the group. The group had no time to mourn, as they had to process what was happening.
"The queen chuckled. "You will all suffer this fate unless you serve me, but for now, I'll leave you to think about it, but don't try to escape, because I'm not alone, and neither are you." The group just stood there in silence, even Bowser seemed frightened. After a couple minutes, Mario broke the silence.
"I destroyed her once and I can do it again."
"I'm with you, bro!", Luigi responded.
"I know this isn't the smart decision, but I'm with you Mario.", Waluigi murmured.
"Wario always wins, so ima be with you guys!", Wario stated.
"How is it that I always must team up with you guys?", growled Bowser. "But, my kingdom is at stake so for this one time, I'll do it. Besides, it's not like were going anywhere anyways."
"So, I guess that's everyone.", whispered Luigi.
"Not me.", said Peach quietly.
"Well, we already know what your decision is going to be.", Mario replied.
"It's just that she killed Toad and heaven knows whatever became of Yoshi,", she sobbed. "I don't want to see you get killed too."
"She could just be bluffing, that "blood" might not even be Toad's.", reasoned Waluigi.
"I won't let you guys be killed by that monster.", cried Peach.
"What will that do Peach?", argued Mario. "Even if you joined her, she'd still kill the rest of us!"
"Not if you join too."
"She still would kill everyone Peach!", Mario yelled.
"That wasn't me.", Peach whispered. The group's blood turned ice cold as they realized who just spoke.
"I overheard your little conversation, it's cute how you all act so tough, "I never loose" and "I'll beat her again", yet when I speak, you act terrified. That's a good quality for a servant to have. So, I gave you time to think, now what's your answer?
"Did I hear correctly that you would spare the rest if Peach and I became your servants?", Mario asked with a shakiness in his voice.
"Perhaps", she responded. Mario looked at Peach, then at Luigi. Seeing a tear fall down his brother's face, he responded, "I'll join you because I would rather die than see harm come to my bro."
"MARIO, NO!", cried out Luigi.
Before he could respond to his brother's cries, Peach yelled, "If Mario is going, then I'll go too." The queen laughed as a cloud of purple smoke filled the room. When the room cleared, the two were nowhere to be seen.
