Mario & Clarise: The Heroic Legacies
Prologue- "A Battle of Destiny"
"Mario has just reached the dark castle's throne room."
Koopas have always had a thing for medieval architecture. Many cracked gargoyles line Bowser's home. Outside, large machinery helps to guide the lethal magma flow away to prevent it from getting out of control. Although this dangerous region has no official name, it's commonly known as Koopaland.
"I can't take you any longer! Our kingdoms have been at war for years." Mario states in frustration.
They stand in battle form. This long-running feud can no longer be contained by threats alone.
"Yeah?" The sarcastic reply of Bowser's, hiding how tired he is. "Small talk doesn't stop me!"
After only a moment of silence, their fight is quick yet furious.
"How could he..." Bowser states in disbelief.
"You're not worth the trouble." Mario is panting while exhausted. "Go away!"
"I can live?" In a rare moment of actual surprise for him, Bowser says this while thinking out loud.
Unsure what to do, both people pause a few moments.
"I'm not an assassin." Mario declares. "Get out of my sight!"
"There's no other way, a miracle leap is the only chance." Bowser tells himself.
He goes behind his curtains. What remains of them, at least. The ancient building is in total disrepair due to erosion and countless battles.
"Geez, what is he doing?" Mario asks in confusion.
Just then, part of the floor collapses.
"Whoooa!" Mario's unable to reach solid ground.
He lands on top of various sized bricks. This landing is rough, luckily his brother soon catches up.
"Are you alright?" Luigi looks worried now.
"Sure. A little bump and some fighting isn't much." Mario's response.
"Did something happen to Bowser?" Luigi inquires curiously.
"I don't know. I'd ordered him into exile, then fell while he was behind a curtain." Mario replies with little emotion.
"You're not the King. He will return." Luigi says.
"Let's get back home!" Being worn out from combat, Mario doesn't hear him.
The two heroes return to the Mushroom Kingdom, relaxing without an care. They have no idea what evils lurk about.
Chapter 1- "The Adventure Begins"
Our main story begins several days afterward. Mario's currently on a visit to the King's royal castle. However, he has been lethargic as of late... Luigi is nowhere to be found too. This castle greatly contrasts with the one now abandoned since Bowser's disappearance.
"Mario?" Princess Peach asks.
As a kind hearted lady, her manners and dress are quite popular. Everything is decorated pink inside the room.
"No answer from Mario. He's in bed, not moving at all."
"Mario! Wake up!" Peach is also frustrated by his recent state.
He rolls over. A giant blanket covers him.
"What's wrong? You've been half asleep the last week." Peach questions him a bit.
"I'm not done resting." Mario's not happy to be talked to, his face slides out from underneath.
"Well... My father doesn't like it." Peach says coldly.
"Oh!" Mario tries to hide how much he dislikes the King.
He goes into a dressing room, coming out in some overalls he's owned for ages.
"That was fast. I'm impressed by your abilities." Peach's beautiful smile is back.
"Hey, it's my job." Mario claims with heroic charm, then walks into their land's throne room. It is also spotless like the rest of this castle. A powerful man is sitting down, his regal attire shines from the polished floor's reflected light.
"What did you call me for?" Mario's trying to not show displeasure.
"I'll overlook the informality." The King tells him. "Your slothful behavior has spread so wide that our citizens refuse to work at all!"
"He is an honest ruler, despite the attitude at times."
"Save everyone from evil and..." A visibly annoyed Mario turns away.
"You should respect me, King Hector Lazarus Pecheti." He isn't pleased either.
"Am I supposed to do anything without opponents to challenge?" Mario asks intelligently.
"The royal mushroom knights will defend us at home. You'll head out to strike down enemies abroad." The King commands.
"I was about to ask that." Mario's expression is of relief.
"Very well. Leave at your own pace." While walking toward another room, the King says this.
Mario heads out into the nearby village. It has many mushroom people, and they are generally fun natured. One of them comes up to him.
"Mario? Are you going somewhere?" Toad thought he was defeated by Bowser.
"Sure." Mario's in a hurry to get away, so his speech is quick.
"There's a letter with your name on it." Toad, who's reaching for an envelope.
"Found anything?" Mario asks impatiently.
"Ah ha!" Toad exclaims.
He hands the item over. It doesn't have a return address.
"No address. How strange is that? I'll read the document before I go." Mario's looking at it.
Letter: Dear Mario, we'd like your help. A large green creature was seen arguing with two men wearing purple. One is short, the other tall. I fear their dispute could ruin our peaceful ways. All of them appear to be obnoxious, loud, and just plain irritable. I'll give any new details that come up when you arrive. Thanks. Yours truly, Clarise.
"Well, do you believe the message?" Mario isn't impressed.
"It's a girl, I think. Seems fine to me. What's with the drawn heart though?" Toad has a confused tone.
"No idea. The green man can't be Bowser, he's exiled. Those other guys are probably Wario and Waluigi." The ever-smart Mario had to say. "They're a bother, yet not really dangerous."
"I wouldn't get too confident. They could've killed me in that last tennis match." Toad's face is of worry.
"Since when did you play?" Mario seems rather shocked.
"Last week. I begged them after being excluded from the tournament." Toad explains.
"OK, what type of game?" Mario says in agreement.
"I, uh, had to give up my stash of super mushrooms." Toad's expression is odd.
"Ugh. Now they'll be a problem. Stay off the court unless there's staff to enforce rules." Mario commands him.
"Will do, just get my stuff back." Toad nods while saying it.
Mario soon remembers his orders.
"I'm running late." He says. "Thank you for your help."
The valiant hero walks toward a big horizon, unaware of his upcoming adventure.
- As this series' title indicates, Clarise costars in it. She's an original creation. Most chapters will have either Mario or her leading, occasionally others may have a temporary role important enough to focus on. Have fun reading!
Credits
Nintendo, etc: Universes which provide inspiration.
Text Editors: The draft is written in Notepad, formatting done with OpenOffice.
FanFiction: Publishing. I do host fiction myself, yet this community may allow significant works to reach a wider audience.
Myself: Original characters. Many hours of typing. Of course the plot-line too.
Readers: Word of mouth, satisfaction from reader comments, and more.