COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: All respective characters, enemies, attacks, and setting belong to Nintendo and Shigesato Itoi.
This chapter is the debut of the Shailai Royal Family, although Krysler introduced in Chapter 4.
(This series is dedicated to a wonderful friend named Tony (alias J) who loves EarthBound, as well as I do. You've gifted me with a wonderful friendship, now it's my turn to gift you.)
CHAPTER 9
LIFE FORCE
SEPTEMBER 5, 199X
11:43 AM
Shailai Country, Far East Chommo
In this land where flowers and trees bloom, life here seems peaceful and citizens in straw hats are working in the rice fields as people are fishing for a rare dinner that they could eat tonight. A country in the Far East of Chommo here lies the country of Shailai. Farming is not about this country is about, what the true meaning of this land's values are Honor and Victory. In the capital of this country, Chamas, people are dancing in the streets, celebrating the victory of their Crown Prince with street food being given out for free and traditional music being played in every corner you find. A pink cloud from another country in Chommo is seen floating above the air and it lies the Crown Prince sitting down in peace with his servant and the King amongst him.
"CROWN PRINCE KRYSLER!" The whole city of Chamas was in a cheerful mood.
"Father, when will I inherit your crown?" The Crown Prince asked.
"Soon. You must be patient. Just because you won a battle doesn't mean you will earn my rank in royalty right away."
"Yes, father."
The cloud was located above the Chamas Royal Kingdom where many people crowded by the main gate. The drawbridge began to lower and lower until all citizens could see a pink cloud that bestowed three people on top of it. Most importantly, the kingdom's brutal forces, the Colossal Knights, were ready to strike any invaders or any citizen who was beyond the limit of greeting their Crown Prince. Finally, the drawbridge was connected to the concrete of the central streets of the capital and many people walked together in a crowd to honor their winner. Everyone came to the main entrance of the Chamas Castle and took a halt where the leader of the Colossal Knights stood at.
"No one shall pass this line, as where I am standing right now, do you hear me?"
The whole crowd nodded. "Yes, Your Highness."
"May I be pleased."
This person was a powerful knight as known as Dammes, the leader of the Colossal Knights which consisted of 2,000 soldiers who are trained every day to fight, defend, and taste for blood whether they're in a war, invasion, or destruction.
"Dammes, you may step aside," said the King.
"Yes, Your Highness," said Dammes.
Dammes stepped aside and two Colossal Knights in gold armor began to play the fanfare of the Shailai Country as Krysler began to exit the cloud and walk toward the crowd.
"When the sun rises on this land,"
"It is a new beginning, a promise,"
"In this blooming country where we all unite as one..."
"We smile, we shine, we hold our hearts to our mighty, King!"
"O Shailai! O Shailai!"
"May we fight for victory,"
"and never shame our ancestors,"
"Until, the end of the battle,
"The one who rises is the Shailai!"
The fanfare of the trumpets are finally over and Krysler bowed to the crowd in front of him. All citizens in the crowd bowed back at the Crown Prince.
"Hello, my wonderful citizens, you have been waiting for me," said Krysler.
"Yes! How did you defeat Crown Prince Poo of Dalaam?" A lady called out in the crowd.
"That is easy to answer," Krysler pledged his hand over his heart. "I brought all of my energy until that moment, and I had to do what I do. I fought for this country and honored my ancestors. I didn't need to train, it was all in spirit."
The crowd began to cheer for the Crown Prince's magnificent answer. Everyone was smiling, hugging, and even clapping at the royalty to honor their victory.
"Although, I must say," Krysler interrupted.
The crowd was silent again.
"It was not easy, as I must say Crown Prince Poo was a very admirable opponent I could respect. His strength was very crucial to my spirit and it almost fell apart, but here, my sword, it brought down a defeat to the people of Dalaam. You see, he is dead, but we should not forget how important it is how we all should honor our ancestors and our spirits of the dead, and to also praise my father, who had supported my royalty and fighting all over the years, and I would like to say kudos to you all also."
The King walked up to the crowd. "Thank you for speaking, my son. It is now a time for celebration and happiness for once again, another victory for our country. Let us be the only one standing!"
Once again, the whole crowd cheered, cried of joy, and clapped in the air. The victory of a battle was a trait that should never be broken in the Shailai Country.
1:34 PM
The Royal Family was having a meeting at the Family Room with all family members present at the meeting.
"Hello everyone, I gather all of you to come forward to this meeting. Today, we present how we could put in a legitimate plan for Shailai to become the most invincible country to ever face, ever, in the world."
"Yes, your Highness," said Crown Princess Zenya.
"Yes, father. As you can see, that Crown Prince's power was incredibly strong. The blast of stars that were thrown onto me, what were they called?"
"That power is somehow connected to aliens who used to exist a few months ago in the past. They are no longer active in this world. It seems that Dalaam's Crown Prince had inherited the aliens' power to defeat them. It was heard that he was able to defeat them with three other people. We do not know their identity, but we must overpower them."
"How do you know this?" The Queen asked.
"We have been attacked too as you can see, but I have been witnessing their mysterious powers and techniques that they use to attack us. There is a possibility that these powers have the capability to destroy this country, and I shall not allow that as I crown our new King of the Shailai Throne soon."
"King- Your Highness, I have the knowledge to help you discover these superpowers," said the Royal Scientist Charng.
"Let's get to the facts right away," said the King.
"We do not know how these humans are able to produce it, as they originated from the alien race. It is like psychokinetic powers that they use with their mind or their will and BAM! A natural element will come out for their offense!"
"Elaborate," said the King.
The Royal Scientist went up to the chalkboard to make illustrations. "As you can see, these powers are used from their will, their heart, to determine how much they fight for their strength, although this goes by a limit. The power that these aliens use are not much and the same goes for these humans. Let us look as I draw Dalaam's Crown Prince using the 'star' attack on Crown Prince Krysler, before using Judgement of Destruction from the battle. Dalaam raised his sword high in the air and used his will to bring down the storm of stars onto Crown Prince Krysler, no? There are other attacks unlike this move, there is fire, lightning, ice, you name it, I will draw it, but I do not know much into the variety of moves. Aliens will use this psychic power for their will too. I think these moves are known as Psionics, the name does sound familiar in my studies. It is commonly known as... PSI."
"Great explanation and I have concluded to a wonderful idea to make our country invincible," said Krysler.
The King had his permission. "May you desire to speak."
"If we want to succeed over any other country in this world, then might as well make our own PSI, like what Charng has stated."
"That is clever, my son. Although, where would we be able to produce such psychic power by using our will?"
Everyone in the room turned to Charng.
"I do not know, because the process of mixing psychic powers and producing elements is such a peculiar mix. I will try my best, but is there another scientist who is such beyond proficient at science and psychology?"
"I know a person," said Zenya.
Charng turned his attention to Zenya. "Who is he?"
"His name is Dr. Andonuts in the island country of Winters. We have to explore to FoggyLand, another region just like Chommo."
"Let's get to it. We can make our own Artificial PSI first before we have the chance to assault Dr. Andonuts into creating our supernatural powers," said Krysler.
SEPTEMBER 6, 199X
4:33 PM
A Land Below The World
"...POO!"
Where was this place? It looks like nowhere that would be located above Earth or not even at the level of the Lost Underworld. There was fire everywhere, burning bodies that take the form of zombies, and lava pits everywhere. There was a person who was resting on the ground with his ripped Cloak of Kings and his sword; it was Poo, unconscious on the ground of this place and it was not a place for him to be. In his mind, his Master was attempting to wake him up from the disaster that would soon take place.
"...POO! IT IS YOUR MASTER! WAKE UP!"
Poo was still asleep and couldn't get his master's message. The zombie-like beings were slowly walking towards Poo.
"YOU MUST FIGHT! YOU WILL DIE! YOUR FRIENDS, YOUR VILLAGE, YOUR WORLD! YOU MUST LIVE!"
Suddenly, both of the Crown Prince's eyelids popped open.
"I MUST FIGHT!"
The Crown Prince was back in battle with his attack stance that he held his Sword of Kings with. He still had some power in him left.
"YOU MUST BE REPELED!"
Poo started to swing his sword around the places as the zombie-like beings were getting closer to him. The blast of the sword's swing was powerful enough as Poo kept spinning that a huge tornado was forming around in the fiery-blaze around him that the tornado began to strike all of the beings around him, being thrown around in this land and all body parts being torn apart by the blast of the wind.
"Master, am I dead?"
"Poo, my pupil! You've been in a deep sleep for at least four days now! How can you rest in a place like this?"
"Master, answer my question. Am I dead?"
"It seems like you are, but you are in a place of what they call, 'Hell!'"
"Really? I still feel like I have a spirit," Poo rebelled.
"You are in your sub-consciousness. Your actual body had disappeared during the destruction of Dalaam."
"Excuse me, Master? Dalaam has been destroyed?"
"Not quite. Centrally, the coliseum has been destroyed, but your village and the palace are moderately damaged. Part of the village has fallen to the ground ever since the battle has ended."
"Master, does that mean I lost my first honorable battle?"
"Unfortunately, I have to say that you are correct. It's okay, I believe we can overpower them in the future if you two encounter ever again. You are strong, dominant, and you are the future King. I believe you will meet again, but most importantly, you must escape this wasteland."
"Then we shouldn't stop and keep advancing, Master. Guide me through this world and I'll slice all of my enemies apart!"
Poo swiped out his Sword of Kings and prepared to advance in the hot world that he was sent to. Although there is nothing but emptiness, Poo knew that he wasn't dead and there is a possible way to escape this hellhole. The destruction of Dalaam was an impact to Poo as that was his only place where he could train in peace, attract women, and most importantly, honor the land where he was born and grew up in.
"It's hot. There is no water, Master."
"It looks like this is another test you have to go to, but I did not make it this time. Keep advancing, and we will run into something. I guarantee it, my student."
"Yes, Master. I shall take back what is mine: VICTORY!"
5:32 AM
A Random Mountain, Winters
In the island country of Winters, three people in Eskimo sweaters are planning to experiment a deadly situation which turns out to be to people from the Shailai Royal Family: Crown Prince Krysler, Royal Scientist Charng, and Crown Princess Zelma.
"This only took two days, I have good belief that this experiment should work," said Charng.
"Are you sure? Why cannot we do it somewhere else that it is not cold? I am freezing," said Zelma.
"Stop complaining, sister. It is certain that we must perform this at such a place like this because it fits the environment. How about we do it in the city of Summers? Would you like an unexpected blizzard in a city where it is always hot with beaches?"
"Brother, you don't need to be that precise," said Zelma. "I understand what you are saying, so let us get this over with. I would like to see Charng's latest creation."
"What is the time?" Charng asked.
"It is 5:26 PM. Let us get this over with and head back to the kingdom," Krysler answered.
"Here I go, my first Artificial PSI experiment. PSI... SNOWSTORM!"
Charng put his palms together that made a diamond-like shape and closed his eyes. Unfortunately, it was an awkward moment for the three right now.
"Charng, are you sure you are using your will?" Zelma asked.
"Of course I am, it just takes time!"
"I am sure it will work, it just needs a time of processing, no?" Krysler questioned.
From the diamond-shape that was made from Charng's palms, there was a snowflake that was starting to shape in the middle. Afterward, fluffs of snow starting to blow out of his palms but not what he had expected. The snow had been gusted away in the cold and crisp air of Winters and was bound to make landfall on the ground, wherever it goes by.
"That's some progress, alright," Zelma mocked.
Charng was still quiet and waiting for the expected to happen. It was still the same, fluffs and cotton of snow were coming out of the palm but started to blow a bit faster in the air. Hail was soon starting to follow with the snow. Because of the production's time of the snow, the three's surroundings started to get colder.
"I think I am going to get f-frostbite," Zelma shivered.
"Do not worry. Cover yourself. It could get worse!" Charng warned.
The time was 5:32 PM. Snow coming from his palms were now almost spread out everywhere in Winters and clouds also came along with the hazard that the Royal Scientist was creating. It was colder and the wind was furious at this point that the land above them was almost pale white.
"I'm getting tired," Charng started to pant. The power started to get weaker and less snow was coming out, but clouds were still forming on the ground below them.
"Let's stop and reach for somewhere a bit lower so I can produce more snow faster. Come with me."
"Right," said both of the Royals.
The three went down to a mountain slope and proceeded to walk down. Because there was no more snow being made at the moment, it seemed as the weather would become calm as soon as they were able to see Winters. Cautiously, they had to watch every step due to walking through the fluffy and freezing clouds of the sky that Charng had made. As they were walking, Charng slipped on hail and almost fell.
"AGH!"
Krysler came to his aid. "Charng, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, but it seems like we're out of the clouds now. We can see Winters. Look at that tall brick building, it looks like a boarding school."
"Oh yes, I suppose that is Snow Wood Boarding School. It is one of FoggyLand's most prestigious and exceptional schools that a bookworm would attend," Zelma reassured.
Krysler was impatient for the experiment to continue. "Excellent, now let's make more snow-"
Before Charng would make more snow, a voice was heard all over the island country.
"This is a Weather Alert System speaking to wherever you are! Around 5:45 PM, it is unexpected that a snowstorm would hit Winters. I repeat, an unexpected snowstorm is bound to hit Winters! Please take shelter as soon as possible and make sure to take cover! There is a possibility that buildings could be damaged during the process and blackouts, so make sure to prepare some flashlights and hide under a basement to be prepared. Most importantly, be safe and take care of all visitors and citizens of Winters. Be safe and watch out for you and your surroundings."
"Damn it! Have we been caught?" Charng gasped.
"I hope not, but we need to escape as soon as possible," Krysler warned.
"Let's hurry and finish things up, but I want to see what exactly happens at 5:45 PM. Keep making snow," Zelma requested. "We have five minutes left. Continue."
Charng put his hands together with his own will and a snowflake has formed again. The snow was weak as ever and was not blowing as fast as before.
Krysler was worried. "What's the problem? Why is it not becoming furious?"
"I think I'm running out of energy, I must continue," Charng yawned.
"Oh no, he has to finish it up before something bad could happen!"
"Sister, do not worry, people are going in their respective shelters. He can continue without us being caught. It is not like we are producing snow-arson, are we?"
"Snow-arson is not a thing, you imbecile. Try to hold on to Charng, I do not want something terrible to happen to him, otherwise, the King would hold us in jeopardy."
The time was two minutes before 5:45 PM. All of the snow that was coming out of his palms were all calm and coming down like a regular snowfall. The three were not making good progress as they did not expect to, but they were curious about the event that would take place at the promised time.
Tears started to come out of Zelma. "No, it's weak! His energy is critical! He could pass out!"
"We only have a minute left, let him be."
Charng began to pass out and the snow production has stopped. The weather was now calm with a bit of snow swirling around the sky with white clouds still roaming in the air. He barely has any energy left.
"It is now 5:45 PM. I have faith in you. Do what you can do, Royal Scientist Charng," said Krysler with an evil grin.
Charng got up without any sign of injury or harm and gave the two an evil grin.
"Let's begin. PSI... SNOWSTORM!" A star shined bright in the diamond-shape of Charng's palm.
WHOOSH! A giant snowstorm had held the whole land of Winters hostage in a deadly blizzard. It was a full blast that was propelled out of his hands that was swirling around the sky. The sky began to turn dark and the blast was almost over.
Charng began to laugh. "That's enough snow for this place, and soon, the world! BAHAHAHA!"
"We did it, let's get back to our magic cloud, sister. Our mission has been fulfilled. Father would be proud."
"I am right behind you, Krysler."
6:34 PM
'Hell'
"Master, you mean the blonde friend of mine is stuck in a blizzard? How this world is becoming so furious!" Poo shouted in anger.
"Hold on- I feel a force that is about to strike in front of us. Prepare your sword, my pupil."
"What do you mean hold-"
Suddenly, the crimson ground in front of them started to shake and a fissure began to form in front of the Crown Prince. A burst of magma had exploded in front of them and was bound to hit Poo. He was able to defend himself by covering his entire body with the Cloak of Kings. There were plumes of magma everywhere, surrounding Poo in red clouds and smoke.
"Smart move, my student."
"Thank you, Master. I'm ready to take the head of this beast!"
A voice came out of nowhere. "Are you sure about that, Crown Prince?"
The magma flow had stopped and a shadow of a specific started rising out of the fissure that was on the ground. Out of all mythology creatures and beasts in all fairy tales that were told, this one was a familiar face to the Crown Prince. He stood up tall in front of Poo and gave an intimidating smile to the person who was ready to strike the enemy.
"Hello, Dalaam's Crown Prince. How are you doing today?"
"Who are you, I must ask?"
"I am a Devil of this world, as you can see, we're the strongest warriors in this land. In fact, I am the one and only Satan's right-hand man. It seems you have brought dishonor to your family. There are plenty of us that can make this your second time, right here, right now."
"I would like to ask two things. One, I want to ask you the process of how did I end up here after my defeat. Two, I'll make sure to cut down your head in the end. You see, my sword is craving for blood," said the Crown Prince.
"Very well," said the devil as he slammed his pitchfork on the ground. "You are still alive in the real world, but your physical body has disappeared meaning your life force is hidden. The reason why your body had disappeared is that you suffered a heavy defeat by Shailai's Crown Prince, no? Because of that, your defeat was almost fatal, but you were brought here to be tested whether you are still worthy of life or not. We saw you battle, yes we did. We watch everyone. I can tell your blonde friend is in danger right now by a severe snowstorm hitting his land."
"Oh no, Jeff! This 'life force' bullcrap is insane, you really sent my life here to risk it all, didn't you? What are your tests?" Poo asked, grabbing out his Sword of Kings.
"Now, before you get rowdy you indecisive piece of scum, you'll have to take on three tests. Would you like me to elaborate?"
"I am curious."
"First off, you'll need to slice an invisible demon in half and to make sure you strike the heart."
"That... is IMPOSSIBLE! I cannot die here, but I need to try."
"No, it is possible, but the survival rate is crucial. I would say the survival rate is 10%. All other warriors and people who tested their strength to this challenge died, while many many few did make it. I am sure you are able to use your senses, can you?"
"Yes."
"If you keep failing to strike the heart, I will send out more beasts to kill you, because someone clueless like you won't even have a chance with the beast. You lost against a Crown Prince of another country, you can't try for crap."
"Poo," said his master. "Remember a Mu Training you previously had! You will survive this test, you shall not worry!"
"That is right Master, I forgot," Poo whispered. Dalaam's Crown Prince began to have flashbacks during his earlier fight with Shailai's Crown Prince where a dark orb was hurled onto Poo, but he was able to use his senses to dodge the attack that was bound to strike him.
"You cannot forget all of your training, how will you become the future King?"
The devil began to laugh."Yes, how can you become the King, Poo?"
"I will become the King after you tell me the second test."
"The second test! Ah! Now, I think this is the one where people who were bound to pass the first test will not pass this one. Keep your ears open. I will not repeat this."
"I am listening."
"The second test is a quick challenge but many die and their life force is expelled from the real world. This is easy. In these tests, I believe this one is the point where you are determined to die most likely."
Poo gulped.
"All you need to do is bend your face down where your head is parallel to the ground. If you fail, this is basically your execution. Now, let me summon my weapon."
"Just listen, Poo! Your fate determines on your choices and behavior," Poo's master reminded.
The devil snapped his fingers and a crimson sword with a pattern of black flames fall onto his right hand.
"I will throw this sword high into the air and the sword will attempt to strike your nape. Many people do die from this challenge. Survival rate is about 4%. This is most likely where you will die, otherwise, you are welcome to listen to the last challenge."
"Invisible beast, nape strike, and what is next?"
"The last one is where you will DEFINETLY die," the devil laughed.
"That is enough! Just tell me the procedures and we shall begin."
"Alright, then. It seems like you will be cocky in this challenge. Anyways, you will be set in a large maze of Hell. There are many obstacles and traps that you will hit and you can use the only weapons you have on your body to advance within. Your objective is to get to the center, where I am. That is where we battle. We will fight until one will die."
"I battle you in the end?"
"You were not listening, but I will answer once. In the center of the maze, I will be standing as I await for our battle."
"I get it, we're going to battle."
"Yes, finally knocked in sense in your bald head, eh?"
"You too, red head."
"The third challenge is limited. If you run out of time, I'll seal the top of the maze and fill the entire space with the lava below. You only have five hours to finish. Although, since it is hot, I might as well spare you, so I'll give you a drink and allow you to rest a day before the final challenge."
"You're too kind, devil," bluffed the Crown Prince.
"It will not be easy, do not take it in as a compliment! Even though I will supply you with drink and let you rest, I'll still look out for underlings to execute you anyways."
"Poo, focus on your strength. There are many things happening at this moment," his master warned. "Your friend is in danger in a snowstorm, your life is in the balance, and you do not have much energy at the moment!"
"My condition is proficient, master. I will ensure you that at the end of these challenges, I'll walk out of the ring alive."
"I decide that I will not do it now because it's beautiful looking at your friend suffer at the snowstorm. Where do I recall, the city of Winters?"
Poo grabbed his sword out and rushed towards the warrior of from Hell.
"I WILL NOT LET MY FRIEND DIE IN SUCH A SITUATION-"
Although he was about to land a strike on the devil, Poo was about to get the hit until he was grabbed by his neck by the red-being in front of him. His sword had dropped on the ground, leaving him hopeless for air.
"I told you not to get cocky, nuh-uh-uh!"
Poo attempted to gasp for air. "Leave me... BE!"
"You are that eager to start this challenge, are you? If I say no, then your request has been declined. I could just kill you right now!" The devil laughed in his enjoyment.
"I want to test... my strength... against you, now!"
"You are really getting on my nerves," the devil laughed off. He began to throw Poo's helpless body onto the ground.
"Your poor Cloak of Kings is ripped and your sword isn't sharpened enough. How are you going to fight in that condition?"
"Like what you said, use the only weapons I have on me!"
"You actually did listen, huh. Alright then, I accept your challenge," said the devil with an evil grin on his face. "You hear that, my fellow devils? He's going to do the three trials!"
In the back of the flames, there were shadows of more bodies that was similar to the devil that Poo has encountered. They began running towards the two as they shouted and ranted about the current situation. Things were about to get tense as an entire army of devils came.
A voice shouted from the crowd. "He's going to face Satan's right hand man!"
"That bald kid is going to die!"
"Crown Prince of Dalaam? Never heard of him, but I suspect he is too weak for these challenges!"
Everyone was surrounding Poo and the powerful devil of all that he was face to face with. All of his equipment that was fit for a King was still intact with Poo; his sword, his cloak, his bracers, and proud diadem. Poo was in a battle stance with his sword, ready to strike whenever the devil was.
"I guess it's time to test my strength all of you!"
"Pass my trials, and you remain victorious, Crown Prince. This is your only shot, so be wise and face the fatal consequences!"
"I defy you, devil. I will slice all of you down in the fires of this place!"
"So then... be it."
There was nothing else but shouting and cheering for the devil that was about to bring devastation, dishonor, and pain to the Crown Prince of Dalaam. This was his final chance to determine whether if he should continue to live or die, where his fate was in the hands of the devil. Poo was defeated in Dalaam for nothing, but in this moment where the fires are strong and hot, he was prepared to protect his life force no matter what it takes for his friends and to protect the upcoming evil that will soon surround the planet that they love and live in.
The time was 7:00 PM.
CHAPTER 9: LIFE FORCE
END
Next Chapter's Preview: "I wonder where all of my friends are right now. I'm still worried about Poo though."
"You saw your girlfriend in that restaurant recently though. Hit her up whenever she's available."
"She's not my girlfriend..."