A tale that had been misinterpreted for many years was due to result in utter chaos. It was bound to happen; the elders were well aware. Conflict is an inevitable misfortune that curses every species on the planet. It brews in places one may least expect it, between people you could never imagine would clash, and all because of one sole impulse no mortal can overcome: greed.
Our story, technically speaking, begins eighty years ago, within the tranquil Kingdom of Spirteland, home of the Star Sprites. Unlike most places, Spriteland was located high in the skies, engulfed by clouds giving it the vibes of a spectacular afterlife, which it was typically compared to. It was the place to be for anyone who needed to reflect, regard and relax. In the eyes of the residents, there were absolutely no problems facing them in their soothing homeland. All thanks to their benevolent elders, who watched over them with sympathy, and responded with guidance and support; any problem was dealt with swiftly. However, the elders grew aware of the problems below them too; with their power, they could only help so much. Many troublesome events were erased by the effective elders: from the great Sarasa plague, to the mishap of the Dark Star. Even the toads of the Mushroom Kingdom were the doing of the elders. However, all good things eventually come to an end, with the Pionpi of Sarasaland being resurrected as zombies rather than their normal selves, the Dark Star being used by Fawful as a destructive recipe to his plan of revenge and the Toads of the Mushroom Kingdom constantly failing their own leader. It came to the point where the elders agreed to cease interference with the world below them – to settle as silent spectators. With the increasing issues of the lower lands, many began moving to Spriteland to live their lives with more ease.
The cost?
Very high. To live in such an easygoing place was not cheap, and therefore the only people fit to afford it were the wealthy. Ironically, those who needed a break the most were never granted it, and the cycle of injustice continues throughout the Mushroom World.
One of the lucky souls to spend their life in Spriteland was known as Tolstar, the son of Mr and Mrs Spikegold. He was a healthy, baby Spike born there after his parents made the decision to move to a better land in hopes of escaping the tension between their bothersome families. Tolstar spent the duration of his childhood attending a school among Star Sprites, with large expectations from his parents to become an important figure in Sprite government. It was something Tolstar was highly interested in and endeavoured dearly to, however, it did give him an inflated ego above all things. Not only was he one of the most successful students at the school, he was the biggest bully there. Anyone with sense knew to keep clear of Tolstar; he was an independent intimidator who felt no one was worth his time. With the direction he was heading, he was going to represent the entire Kingdom of Spriteland, which was an incomparable title – apart from being an elder, of course. No question about it, Tolstar graduated from school and proceeded to peruse a twenty year course in the highest ranking university there was. This course was going to guarantee his position in government – he just knew it would. However, what Tolstar was not expecting was his dreams to be crushed right in front of his shook-stricken eyes. Twenty years of training, for nothing. The spot was taken by another, and her name was Glowla, the young enthusiast everyone in the kingdom fell for. Tolstar had to settle as the Minister of Starcross Castle, the place holding the key to the Stardust Chamber. Out of pure spite, Tolstar used the key to open the chamber with an army of Fighter Flies by his side – on his side. Tolstar promised them a better wages and much more freedom, which they could not resist. The plan was to take enough Star Dust, resulting in the Kingdom's downfall (literally) and flee before the entire continent fell from the sky without the powers of the Stardust (keeping it from being pulled down by gravity) and sunk to the bottom of the ocean, becoming nothing but a watery wasteland. The group of traitors had collected one third of the Stardust before the elders grew suspicious of their whereabouts and sent a search party of Star Sprites to the Stardust Chamber, to find Tolstar and his recruits there. The Fighter Flies naturally managed to fend them off, allowing Tolstar to take off to the skies with the sack of Stardust, along with the Fighter Flies support underneath the load. The tyrant Spike had gotten far enough with the Stardust, and no Star Sprite would dare to challenge him and his army of prior Starcross guards. The elders had no way of overpowering Tolstar, as they were merely spectators, not powerful gods. They tried seeking help, but had no luck in doing so; other Kingdoms had their own problems to deal with, and now for the first time, they did too.
In BeanBean mythology, it is said the King Beannor, the first ruler of the BeanBean Kingdom, used the power of the Stardust to bring the beans to life, renaming them as Beanish. The land they built to be the BeanBean Kingdom was home to that of exclusively green beans, the only race of Beanish. New towns and villages emerged, such as HooHoo Village and Little Fungitown, inhabited by foreigners looking to settle elsewhere. King Beannor sealed the Stardust underneath the Stardust fields, fearing these new faces may try to take the magical dust to use for themselves; it is said King Beannor put Tolstar, King of Stardust Fields, under the supervision of the sealed away Stardust. However, this is all rightfully myth. Before Tolstar landed in the land he named 'Stardust Feilds', his grip on the sack of Stardust slipped, releasing a good amount of Stardust onto the soon to be BeanBean Kingdom. The land this Stardust fell onto brought to life the beans growing within the soil, marking the beginning of the Beanish species. It took a while for Tolstar to acknowledge the society he mistakenly created and the Kingdom they had constructed. There was already an ecosystem developed, and many Beanish, as well as foreign, residents. Upon realising this, Tolstar knew the Beanish would quickly die out without more Stardust to bring the unborn to life. So, he made a deal with their King, who was overjoyed to discover the way a bean was granted a soul. The power of the Stardust amazed him and he promised to pay many coins in exchange for Tolstar's Stardust. As a result, the deal was made and the BeanBean monarch continued this deal up to the current ruler, Queen Bean. However, over the fifty years Tolstar had been providing, it began running out more and more every day, while the money he received grew in turn – more of a reason for his Fighter Fly minions to stay loyal to him. The system began to bend in his favour and he charged more due to lower supplies, where the Beanish were forced to pay if they wanted to survive as a species. With time, the elders took notice to this scandal and feared for the Beanish, as well as themselves.
The sooner the Beanish ran out of Stardust, the sooner they would turn to Spriteland in search of more, which they could not provide.
Present Day
On her throne per usual, Queen Bean was filing her nails rather than filling in the paperwork piled up beside her. It casted a slim shadow, preventing the any light from reflecting on her stubby red nails. She pouted, wanting to see how the light glistened on them.
"GAURD!" She bellowed, receiving an immediate response. Her royal guard gave a one-knee bow, facing her, "Her majesty called?"
"Yes, I need you to move me away from this pile of paper. I can't see the light sparkle on my glamorous nails with that thing blocking the window!"
The guard looked toward the tower of paperwork, then back to the queen, then to the paperwork, then to the queen again, "May I suggest moving the papers instead, your majesty?"
"NO! Do as I say or you'll regret it!" She threatened, checking her nails for the hundredth time.
Already felling the ache in his arms and the strain of his spine, he let out a hard sigh before speaking, "Of course, my Queen." He mumbled, grabbing the back of the throne and barely lifting it off the ground before taking a few agonising steps backwards, releasing the chair before he gave in and met a swift end. The room shook upon impact of the Queen's throne returning to the surface, with her still sat in it. It was like the Queen to show complete arrogance toward her own guards – she did not even thank him.
"Now get along."
Upon leaving the room, the guard ran into a small Beanish woman, her curved nose always being the feature to catch his attention first, "Lady Lima, good day to you."
She appeared panicked, racing toward the entrance to the throne room without responding to the guard. He stared for a brief moment, then shrugged and got back into position.
"Your majesty! Your majesty! I beg for a moment of your time!" Lady Lima cried, wheezing as she tried collecting her breath. The Queen stopped filing her nails and brought her attention to the elder, not too amused, "Whatever you have to say make it quick!" The queen ordered, "I'm not in the mood today." She added in a lower voice.
Lady Lima nodded, speaking up, "Oh goodness, you highness, I hate having to say it's so! I could not even believe it myself when I first heard! The most dreadful, terrible, appalling, unfortuna-"
"OUT WITH IT!"
"There's hardly any Stardust left, My Queen! We're almost out, completely! Woe is me!" Lady Lima bawled, shaking her head to the floor.
Queen Bean's glare intensified, "What do you mean 'we're almost out'." She hissed in a stern voice, "If you are playing a joke on me I'll-"
"No! It true! I wish it weren't so! Ooh woe is me!" Lady Lima wailed, facing the ceiling in distress.
Queen Bean landed with a thud, stomping out of the room, "It cannot be." She told herself, finding the same guard standing at his post, "You. I have a job for you."
"Again..." The guard thought, saluting her.
"I command you to see that Tolstar is standing in this throne room by noon, got it?" She spat, causing the guard to flinch slightly, "O-of course, my Queen!" He stuttered, before dashing out of the castle with his order.
Queen Bean pinched the bridge of her forehead, already stressed over the situation. Why did this have to happen during her reign? Why did it have to happen at all? This was the kind of problem that could wipe the Beanish species of the face of the earth, and she could not just stand by and let that happen. Suddenly, a light tap on her shoulder snapped her out of her thoughts. She swerved around to see her son, Prince Peasley, looking rather curious, "Whatever is all the commotion about, mother dearest. I could hear you from the far end of the hall scolding the guard."
She swallowed, unsure what to say, "Peasley, you're up early. Have you had breakfast yet? No questions before breakfast!"
A strange requirement. Nevertheless, he complied, "If that's what you wish, mother." He shrugged, heading for the kitchen. Peasley was a respectful boy; if someone did not want to talk about something, he would not insist that they should. However, it was not going to stop him from hightailing that guard. He summoned his winged bean and soared out the kitchen window, skipping breakfast. Once he was up high enough, he immediately spotted the guard sprinting off into the distance, and with a flick of his golden hair, he was following him with a distance between them.
Starlow was the only one absent. Peach's eyes wandered across the room, but did not catch any sight of the small, yellow Star Sprite. Softly, she sighed, directing her attention to the two Mario brothers sat either side of her, "Starlow will join us when she feels like it." The princess stated, clasping her hands together. She returned to her seat, noticing Luigi's eagerness to eat as his wide eyes marvelled over the vast amount of foods sprawling across the narrow table. Peach kept eye contact with the plumber, and when he turned to look at her she nodded, indicating he could begin eating. The green clad plumber flashed a smile before grabbing the nearest foods he could see. Mario lifted up his cup to request some tea. Peach smiled warmly, filling his cup with the kettle held in both gloved hands. Before taking a sip, he blew the steam trailing up from the surface of the beverage, cooling it down slightly.
The only noise in the room was that of the two brothers, eating and drinking.
With her hands still clasped, Peach watched her two heroes enjoy the work of her chefs. She would have baked a cake, however, it was not suitable for breakfast – even she knew that. For a while she just sat in silence, only plucking a sandwich from its dish to nibble at it. Not that the princess was unsure of what to say, she just wanted to wait until the two missing links had made themselves present.
The creak of the main entrance doors parting grabbed the attention of all three of them, simultaneously turning their heads. First, it appeared to be a lone Toadsworth, but soon trailing behind him was one of the people Peach was anticipating to arrive. She stretched her arms and involuntarily yawned; her eyes still considerably droopy from just waking up. The woman's orange-brown hair was battered by the pillow, many ends sticking out in their own direction. However, she was in her formal attire, the large frilly dress covering up her sluggish footwork toward the table.
She revealed a friendly grin, "Morning you guys." She greeted casually, automatically sitting next to Luigi.
Mario perked up, "Good-a morning Princess Daisy!"
Luigi, with his mouth still full, followed up his brother, "Good mornnigfh, Daifhhy."
Daisy giggled at his muffled speech, giving him a pat on the back. Peach was delighted to see Daisy up earlier than usual; "I was expecting you to sleep in a little longer." she told her. So was Daisy. She shrugged, not sure herself why she decided to be an early bird – she was more of a night owl.
"I guess the scent of this awesome breakfast buffet raised me from my bed." She joked, reaching out for hash brown.
"Ah ah! Daisy!" Peach interrupted, Daisy's hand freezing in place. The mushroom princess pointed at the napkin beside her friend, "Use a napkin to pick that up Daisy. You'll get grease all over your gloves." She instructed. This was no coincidence; Peach knew Daisy loved hash browns, and had that napkin placed purposely for her royal companion to use.
"Ugh, alright Peachy." Daisy complied, cooping the napkin in her hand and scooping up a pair of crispy, thin hash browns. Her mouth watered at the sight, taking a bite in both at the same time.
Peach took a whole bite out of her sandwich now, still pondering over her Star Sprite friend. She had seen Starlow earlier, entering her guest room before Peach could say anything. It was out of Starlow's social nature to keep herself in her room for that long, and it could only get the princess wondering about it.
Recognising Peach's zone-out face, Mario gave a polite shake on the arm, "Earth to-a Peach. Do you-a read me?"
Her pupils shrunk for a second, shifting to Mario. Peach breathed out and chuckled, "I'm fine, Mario." She assured him, standing up, "I'll only be a second." She informed the group, before turning to leave. They watched her briefly before facing each other again, returning to their breakfast. Toadsworth caught up with Peach, his fast pace barely matching her walking speed, "Princess, do you require any assistance?" He inquired, receiving a small shake of the head from her, "None, Toadsworth. No need to follow me, I'll be alright."
Toadsworth obeyed, allowing Peach to navigate the castle independently. Constantly accompanying the princess would surely bother her, so why should he? It would be rude to leave the guests completely unattended to, after all – turning, he sauntered back to the dining room. As for Peach, she had somewhere in mind to be. Like she had predicted, Starlow's door was still shut when she arrived; Peach knocked twice, waiting for an answer. Not completely, the door opened with Starlow peering out the crack she made, "Hello? Yello?"
"Is everything okay, Dear?"
Starlow responded by fully opening the door, exposing her room with a grin. Peach's first instinct was to look around, and surely enough, there was something different about the room. The interior was completely spotless – cleared out. Everything Starlow had once placed in the room was now out of sight: posters, knick-knacks, books, utensils. All that stood out was the single blue suitcase, about three times the size as the Star Sprite herself. Starlow flew over and emitted a glow around the rectangular suitcase, bringing it off the ground and by her side, "I'm all packed up Peach." She chirped. Peach raised her eyebrow, double taking the scene, "Are you going somewhere, Starlow?" She asked, unsure what the suitcase was for.
Starlow headed out of the room, keeping her eyes on the princess, "I'll tell you all at the dining room, follow me!" She said, hovering down the hall.
Peach obliged, following Starlow.
Before Luigi could finish off the rest of the buffet, Daisy reminded him that Starlow had not had breakfast yet. A small blush appeared on his cheeks and he laughed sheepishly, "Oh yeah, heh."
"You can't eat so much at once, Luigi." Daisy warned him, "Your stomach will ache for the rest of the day."
"That wouldn't be the first time, you-a know." Mario commented, causing Luigi's face to redden further, "One it-a got so bad he could not even move from the-a couch."
"Mario!" Luigi exclaimed, furrowing his brows.
Daisy laughed at Luigi's protest, "Aw Luigi! We're only messing with you." She piped up, waving her hand. From behind them, Toadsworth tittered to himself; Daisy had always been more expressive than Peach, not to mention louder. Seemed the Mario brothers were just as radiant around her, whereas reserved around Peach. While he had Peach on his mind, she suddenly appeared along with Starlow, stopping to close the doors behind her.
"Ah, Princess – you brought Starlow with you."
Starlow looked down to Toadsworth, "Well I was just about to come here myself; I have an announcement!"
Mario, Luigi and Daisy were all giving the Star Sprite looks of interest; if that was the first thing on her mind then it must be important. Daisy called out to her, "What's up Starlow? Come and tell us!"
Starlow flew to the end of the table, waiting for everyone to take their seats. Once all eyes were set on her, she took a deep breath – countless possibilities of how to begin racing through her mind, "As you all know," She started, "I'm a Star Sprite."
"Could've fooled me." Daisy teased, earning an amused look from Starlow, "Hey, I'm talking here! Anyhow, I've stayed at the castle for quite a while now and it's been a great experience." She continued, looking them all over, "Therefore, I want to return the favour!"
Peach tilted her head, "Hmm?"
"As the representative of all Star Sprites, I managed to get us all tickets to the one, the only..."
Everyone leaned in.
"...SPRITELAND!"
Daisy seemed quite thrilled at the announcement, bouncing out of her seat, "Wooo! I've always wanted to go there! Star Sprites have some interesting history with Sarasaland!" She cheered, placing a hand on Luigi's shoulder, "Isn't this great, Luigi?"
The green clad plumber was still trying to process the situation, along with Mario as they exchanged looks of puzzlement.
"Um, I-a don't suppose that's where you-a live, Starlow?" Mario asked, hoping he did not come across as rude.
Mildly bothered by the silly question, Starlow answered with a hint of annoyance in her voice, "Well, duh Mario! Where'd you think I came from, the Darklands?"
He gave a light chuckle at the rhetorical question, "Right, sorry."
Turning to check out the pink princess' reaction to the news, Daisy was thrown off by Peach's doubtful expression, "Yo, Peach? Is there something wrong?"
Peach was expecting anything but this. She had also been dreaming of one day being able to visit Spriteland, but now it seemed she only got the chance when it did not suit her. This week would be the Toad Town festival, where the history of the Mushroom Kingdom would be celebrated in the town square, with the princess, being Peach, to host it all. Now she was torn between two different events, wanting to attend both – that would be impossible.
Miserably, she shook her head, "Aw, I'm terribly sorry, Starlow. I must stay behind for the Toad Town festival. Historically, there has always been an important royal figure to the Mushroom Kingdom attending it, and...and I simply cannot break tradition."
Everyone listening could detect a sense of heartbreak in her tone – this was really hurting her to say.
Starlow drooped lower, hovering just an inch above the table, "That's a shame Peach, but I completely understand." She said.
Mario and Luigi murmured in agreement with Starlow, nodding their heads simultaneously.
Princess Daisy, however, kept her eyes on Peach – her gaze sympathised with her. Daisy knew Peach had not had any vacation in quite a while, whereas she has had quite a few; last week she finished her tour of Metro City, becoming acquainted with the mayor, Pauline, and went bungee jumping at Sweet Sweet Canyon the week before. Now, another opportunity of fun had graced her, yet, Peach had not caught a break all month. Dealing with Bowser was also going to be a problem now that the Mario brothers were leaving. Who would Peach rely on if King Koopa attacked?
"Then I'm staying."
Daisy's announcement surprised everyone, including Peach.
"But, Daisy-"
"But nothing Peach!" She sharply cut in, "If you can't join us then I'm just not going. The reason I came to the Mushroom Kingdom was to spend time with you, and I don't ditch anyone like that."
Rising from her seat, Peach wrapped her arms around the orange princess in joy, "Aww, Daisy – you're simply the best friend I've ever had!"
They waved the two brothers and the Star Sprite goodbye, staying put at the entrance as their friends disappeared into the distance. The trio all had their suitcases in hand, or in Starlow's case, on foot – they were heading to Sunshine Airport, where they would catch their flight to Spriteland. Starlow was viably the most thrilled out of the three, speeding ahead of them; Mario and Luigi had a little trouble catching up, but it sure gave them a work out.
Out of the blue, Starlow whirled around and initiated conversation, "Isn't this great? Like old times, just the three of us!"
"Yeah, but-a all we're missing is-a Bowser." Mario commented.
The peppy Star Sprite rolled her eyes, "I doubt we'll run into that jerk. If we do, you can handle him."
Mario nodded at this, with Luigi shuffling his shoulders around uncomfortably – Starlow quickly took notice, "Won't you, Luigi?"
He tensed up, "U-um, yeah, I-a guess."
"He-a means 'yes'!" Mario chimed in.
Starlow flashed a pearly white smile, "Great! Then let's get going!"
Before long, the three heroes were standing in line to register for the flight. It was a real test of patience standing in such a crammed up place all the while listening to every bratty bunch of siblings that decided to pick a fight with each other; the two brothers handled it quite well, being instigators between each other countless times when they were young – even to this day. However, Starlow slowly felt herself growing in frustration as the wailing of the children behind them continued to grow in volume.
Her eye twitched twice.
Suddenly, she flew behind Mario, to where the mother was standing, reading a travel guide. Upon closer inspection, she appeared to be a middle-aged Toad, with early wrinkles from her nose, travelling down to the sides of her mouth and a dull, indigo spots as her signature cap colour. Starlow eyed her severely, before completely changing her expression to match her tone, "Pardon me Miss, but your children are giving me a terrible headache and I'm sure everyone here would appreciate it if you calmed them down."
Luigi glanced back, exchanging a look of concern with Mario.
The Toad took a brief moment to finish the sentence she was reading, then pulled a face at Starlow, snapping the book shut, "Ya know it's rude tah interrupt someone when dere readin'."
Starlow gave a light glare, "And I suppose you're screaming kids weren't distracting at all?"
The two smaller Toads beside them began rolling across the floor, neither of them letting go of the other, with the baby Toad in her stroller was bawling loudly, kicking her legs about. Their mother only sneered, shrugging, "What do ya want me tah do 'bout it? Kids will be kids."
"What?!" Starlow exclaimed, "What kind of attitude is that for a mother to have?! Control your children for crying out loud!"
The argument had gained more attention around the airport – more looks being thrown their way. Not wanting this to escalate any further, Mario intervened, "Um, Starlow, let's-a calm down for a-"
"I'd love to!" Starlow cut in, "But some people can't keep their children in check!"
The gruff voice to the mother spoke up again, "Why don't cha mind your own business? You's jus' as bad as dhe children."
Gritting her teeth, Starlow knew there was no way she could win this. Mario was still giving her a serious stare, that in itself advising her against anything she was planning to say. Against her will, she turned her back to the Toad and back to her spot, however, something was wrong. It caught her off guard; with the mood she was already in, this new problem was one step closer to tipping her anger off the edge.
"Hey!"
Both Luigi and a face she did not recognise turned to her; they were both previously talking.
"You're in my space!" Starlow scolded, scowling at the stranger.
Before she could speak, Luigi quickly spoke for her, "Oh! She-a didn't mean it Starlow. She-a saw me and just came to-a talk, that's all!"
Looking over the girl, whom Luigi apparently knew, she appeared to be in her late teens, along with some very odd features that made her stand out significantly. Above all, the bright yellow eyes focused on the star sprite was by far the most notable feature this girl had to offer. However, Starlow took more interest in her odd choice of clothing: a massive metal belt, two glowing yellow amulets and a full-body jumpsuit - looked like something out of a superhero comic.
"Yeah, sorry, I guess I'll have to move to the very back…" The unintended intruder sighed, giving a look of dread down the line of people she would have to walk by. Her eyes shifted back to Starlow, who seemed to be having a conflict of thoughts. Luigi looked just as worried, scared she would tell the teen to beat it - Starlow was all about first impressions, and this was anything but that.
However, the Star Sprite rolled her eyes in defeat, looking deflated with bitter exhaustion, "Fine. Only because I can hover over you." She muttered, doing just that.
"Phew, that's a relief." Luigi said, giving a cheery smile to warm up the atmosphere, "So, uh, Gabby, where are you-a headed?"
Mario suddenly poked his head over his brother's shoulder, curious blue eyes meeting her's, "Yeah, do-a tell!"
Folding her arms and slanting her stance, the girl let her facial features relax as a way of appearing indifferent, "Well, I heard Spriteland is great this time of year."
Peering down in irritation, Starlow barley held back a groan, "Oh? Is that so?"
"Yeah."
That one word response did not seem to settle well with Starlow, as her eyes sharply squinted, "Well then, I hope you enjoy the many wonders of Spriteland alone, since it appears you don't have anyone with you."
Gabby raised an eyebrow to Starlow's response, "I've got Luigi and Mario with me now."
"Yeah, but they're with me! They arrived here with me. You just butted in, and had the audacity to take my place in the line!"
Gabby raised her hands in a gestural defence, "Look, I said I'm sorry and offered to move, okay? Can we just drop it now?"
Starlow huffed, raising her head, "Whatever then."
Mario and Luigi looked in opposite directions awkwardly, both of them staying clear of any involvement.
Gabby soon turned back to them, continuing the conversation, "Anyhow, I could ask you two the same question."
"We're-a on vacation!" Mario beamed.
"Thanks to-a Starlow!" Luigi added, smiling in the Star Sprite's direction.
Starlow looked back to the green plumber, firmly nodding, "Yep, got tickets for the three of us!"
Both Luigi and Gabby could tell what Starlow meant when she said that. Mario, however, did not catch the exclusive tone in her response, "And now-a Gabby's ticket makes four!" He piped up.
Luigi looked frightened, Starlow appeared predictively irritated, and Gabby had a smug grin on her face.
"I'm sure Gabby here has plenty of stuff planned she'd like to experience individually." The Star Sprite said through gritted teeth.
Mario was still unaware of Starlow's message, "We could tag along with-a her - would you mind, Gabby?"
"Not at all."
Starlow tightened her jaws in frustration; she did not like Gabby one bit, and was not about to spend all her time in Spriteland with that pest.
"No Mario, everything I've booked there was for three people."
"We could-a always add Gabby in once we-a get there, I have coins to spear!"
"It doesn't work like that, Mario!"
"All you have to-a do is buy another ticket."
"MARIO!"
Silence.
Many eyes were staring. Apart from Luigi's, they were closed and hidden under his hands in embarrassment.
Starlow immediately realised her mistake, "Oops…sorry."
"Is-a everything okay, Starlow?" Mario asked, concerned.
"Just forget it." She replied, facing forward again.
Heavy footsteps paced back and forth the throne room, the Queen's expression said it all. Her hands gripped onto her head, as if it were on the verge of exploding - that's how it felt, al least. When the grip slipped loose her hands were clenched as she scowled at her guest, "You have to do SOMETHING!"
In the very centre of the room stood an unfazed Tolstar, his nostrils puffing out hot air, acting as a rude sigh, "Maybe if you were paying me with that sweet BeanBean currency I would help you out, but I can't. There no more. What part of that can't you get through your thick skull."
Queen Bean shook her head in distress, leaning against her throne in support of her trembling legs. There was no hope. This was it.
"It can't be." She whispered, loudly enough - Tolstar grunted, "If it makes you feel better, I brought this."
Upon hearing this, the queen laid her eyes on the small sack the brute held up - its content being stardust, the bag was lit up with a warm glow, her pupils glimmering at the sight and she felt herself rise, "Hand it over, subject." She ordered, asserting what she believed to be, dominance.
However, his free hand waged a finger; he tutted smugly, "Not so fast. Everything has a price."
"ABSURD! YOU GREEDY SIMPLETON!"
Her bellowing voice got nothing but a shrug out of him, which she took as a signal to surround his escape with numerous guards, all pointing sharpened spears in his direction.
"You may change your mind." She offered, a stern glare set on him.
Tolstar tittered despicably, his lips curving into a dangerous smile, "If you're not willing to pay my greed, I'll just have to pay my curiosity, like how I've always wondered what this tastes like." He said, hoping the bag of stardust in his clammy palm.
"Fool." She hissed, "We'll remove it from your stomach."
Tolstar gave a disapproving frown, "Hmm, you seem to underestimate my metabolism, your highness."
To this her eyebrows raised - he made a good point. A creature like him must contain some lethal stomach acid; the Spike species are infamous for their unpredictable eating habits, so they must have an efficient way of digesting whatever they chose to ingest, with Tolstar being no exception.
Reluctantly, she raised a hand, causing the guards to lower their weapons, "Very well." She muttered bitterly, "What will the charges be?"
"A good sum of money!" He laughed wretchedly, "I'm sure you can provide!"
From behind the door, Prince Peasley leaned, eyes shut and mind elsewhere. Unlike his mother, he was forming an idea in his head with this new-found information, "So, the last of the stardust is within the castle…"He thought to himself, "Despite the cost of securing it, there is surly a way we can produce more."
As far a Peasley was aware, the Beanish were experienced with magic to an extent, but had no recorded nor practicable spell to duplicate material. He was thoroughly searching for an answer; a way to take the little stardust they had, and find a way to magically produce more.
There was always Darkland magic, the most powerful magic to exist, however, if Peasley knew Tolstar, practically all of their money would be spent on obtaining the stardust, and they would hardly have any left in order to bribe Bowser's assistant, Kamek, to lend them a hand. It was a shame the BeanBean kingdom and the Darklands had little to no diplomatic relationship with each other. Peasley was now stuck with the only kingdoms who would want to help: Mushroom Kingdom, Sarasaland and New Donk City - they held a postive relationship with the three leaders of each of these kingdoms, and could access them easily.
New Donk City, unfortunately, did not practice magic, ever. Mayor Pauline strongly believed that influences such as magic could lead the city into turmoil and strictly condemned it among the citizens. Science, however, was a progressive method used in medical, mechanical and industrial fields. All in all, New Donk City was swiftly crossed of Peasley's list.
Now, Sarasaland is known to hold some talented wizards and witches, however, these acts of magic are exclusively drawn towards the environment. Even Princess Daisy herself posses spectacular flower powers. This did not include standard spells, such as duplication. Peasley had to dismiss that one as well.
Finally, he wondered if the Mushroom Kingdom could help in any way. He was a little unsure whether there were any toads who could be of service. After all, the Mushroom Kingdom was not known for much else besides being vulnerable to attack. The thought of the Mushroom Kingdom lead him to think about the Mario brothers. Peasley was good friends with Luigi, and had just saw him two weeks ago. He recalled, Luigi was discussing power-ups with him, mentioning the many power-ups he had collected on his journeys; from mushrooms, all too common, to the rare and exquisite double-cherry.
Peasley stopped.
"A double-cherry? In Luigi's possession?"
Abruptly ripped from his thoughts, Peasley was sent flying to the ground as Tolstar burst through the door, a now much larger sack in his grubby hands, "HAHAHA! Nice doing business with you!" He barked gleefully, his stubby little wings beginning to flap as he took out a large open window, briefly blocking the showers of light coming through it. The royal Beanish could still hear him cackling as he flew further away, tears pricking in her beady eyes as she gave a watery glance toward her son, who was picking himself up.
"He took at least three quarters of our loot…" She muttered lowly, "And this…this is all we got from it…"
Before she could break down into a mess of ugly tears, the reassuring hand of her son made contact with her shoulder, "Worry not mother!" He chimed, his voice perfectly positive, "For I have an idea!"
I know some of you may be wondering why Mario and Luigi already know who my OC (Gabby) is, but I'll explain that by chapter two ^^
I wanted to take another shot at making a Mario fanfic, and I think this idea will pay off. It may take a while to finish but I intend to write still story welll, like an RPG storyline. I'll accept any constructive criticism on this! Feel free to leave a review~
