How are you everyone? We have reached the conclusion of Story B, which means after this chapter I'll start on story C. Peach and her escorts have made it to the Sorbit Heights where the only relic that can counter the Ztar curse lies. In Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon, the main hero Marth carried the Fire emblem throughout the whole game and in the sequel he also hangs on to it but needed 5 sphere orbs in order to turn it into the legendary binding shield (Which is needed to get to the true ending of the game). In this story, there will be something similar to the orbs; only that there are seven of them and they are more used like Mario's special moves from the first two Paper Mario games. The details on these orbs will not be revealed until at some point after Story A begins again. Until then please enjoy the chapters I'll be writing for now. Wonder what will happen now?

Support:

Koopra and Youra 2

Koopra: Hey Youra! Did the moderator send us any check for the photo we sent to him?

Youra: Oh he sent us something alright, but it's not the check.

Koopra: What is it then?

Youra: It's our photo, with details saying how the photos I took for him were invalid and it didn't pique his interest.

Koopra: What? Let me see! (Koopra looks at the document), are these what I think it is?

Youra: Yeah, and I was afraid of it. The mysterious silhouettes on those photos were just some everyday objects I mistook them for something else. The glowing eye that appeared on the tree, turned out to be a cat that got stuck in the tree branch. The UFO at the Moonview Highway turned out to be from a picture of an UFO printed on a glow in the dark Kite someone lost. And remember the mysterious statue from the museum that mumbled? It was the sculptor who accidentally got his whole body cemented when he tried to get them from outside. The poor guy was unfortunate enough for that to happen on a sunny day.

Koopra: Geez, it must have been sucked to be stuck like that for days. He had been declared missing for two days straight. I was working on that mystery so I know about it.

Youra: They managed to chisel him out. That's good news for him. The bad news for us is the moderator is going on a vacation for few weeks, so we won't be able to post stuff for him. There goes our paycheck for the rest of the week.

Koopra: So, we are broke till then?

Youra: I am afraid so. Unless I find some stocks to broke, but I am not really into doing something that might jeopardize our career.

Koopra: Hey, maybe we can take some photo for some coins. The newspaper office is hiring anyone that can find interesting pictures for big cash; do you think we might be able to do that for a while?

Youra: I might be able to contact them, but taking it would mean I have to get more films for my camera and those films costs a lot.

Koopra: Then we are gonna have to make every photo count, they won't buy them if they don't find them interesting.

Youra: Heh, I never fail when I take my job seriously. I am sure we can do it.

Koopra: Okay, let's take the job. I am counting on you, partner.

Koopra and Youra support reached flower rank

Viola and Dedre:

Viola: …Ah….AH…..oh…ah….

Dedre: Tuning your singing voice Viola?

Viola: Yes, if I don't tune my voice once in a while my vocal cord will mess up.

Dedre: Thankfully, the voice of crazy dayzee is naturally graceful. It is also our greatest weapon and our only defense mechanism. Ah, I wish to sing.

Viola: Mind your voice. Every time you sing close to someone you either put them to sleep or give them a headache. If you wish to sing, please do so elsewhere.

Dedre: Ah, you sadden me. I am aware of the tragic side effect for hearing my charming voice. I want to show them off, but those who listens to my voice always falls into deep agony. Oh, what I would give to be able to sing along with someone. Am I to be doomed with the life of a lonely voice of melancholic drama?

Viola: I pity you. It would be nice to sing a duet with you. You are tired of dancing every time we perform on stage, do you?

Dedre: Sometimes, if only if I can sing without the usual consequences. I wish for it every time I throw a coin on the wishing fountain, when I blow the candles on my birthday cake, and when I see a shooting star pass by. But I stopped dreaming as I matured. Oh well. I shall leave you now fair lady. You should enjoy the solitude of being able to listen to your beautiful singing voice every day. Adieu~. (Dedre leaves)

Viola: Oh Dedre. You should not feel remorse over not being able to sing for us. Your voice may be a curse to us all, but at least it is mightier than a sword. And in our circumstances, that is enough for me.

Viola and Dedre support reached mushroom rank

Chapter 4B

Even though it's only afternoon, the sky was getting darker as they went up the long stairs of Sorbit Heights. The sky was ambient with mix of indigo, violate, and blue made into the gradient patterns in the sky. Everyone was getting tired; some even had to take short breaks before they went up again. But Peach never rested, she was determined to get to the ancient sanctuary and get the Star Emblem at all cost. Losing a single second might doom the world she loved. Markay knew this, and decided to keep up with her to stick close to her. Even though he remembered Peach's counsel perfectly telling him that she didn't need protection all the time, he still couldn't stop feeling insecure when leaving her side. It took some time, but they all managed to make it to the top of the Sorbit Height and right in front of them, stood the ancient sanctuary. The sanctuary was made out of marble and its colorless textures made it feel eerie.

Ikki: That's the sanctuary? I thought it would look more majestic.

Chaz: This place has been empty for years now; I am not surprised that the structure would still be vacant. But I agree with you, I didn't think it would appear so empty.

Markay: Don't forget what Queen B told princess Peach, this place is fortified with hostile sentries to prevent any intruders from approaching this place. So once we enter, we are most likely going to end up in another battle. Let's prepare for battle just in case.

Aira: This place may have been unused for a long time, but the sentries are still operational. It would be wise to plan a strategy upon entry. Even I am not aware what kind of trap is in there so proceed with caution.

Binx, one of the three loyal guards of the Honey kingdom, approached the gate to get it opened. As he opened the gate, he noticed that the door was a bit easier to open. That was strange, because if the structure hasn't been used for a long time the gate would be harder to open. But the gate was opened very easily; it was as if it has been used a lot often; like someone used it very recently. Aira then noticed Binx stopping momentarily while he was opening the gate.

Aira: Binx, is there something wrong?

Binx: This gate shows sign that it had been opened very recently.

Everyone was shocked when they heard that.

Aira: What!? But that's impossible! No one has ever entered this place for years, and our guards have constantly guarded the gateway and they made sure that it was locked. If anyone got past the gate somehow, we should have noticed it long ago!

Binx: Someone must have warped straight in here then. It could have been a Boo, or someone who can fly, hell even a shadow siren could warp to this place.

Aira: Well it doesn't matter. The fact that the gate has been used means that someone's definitely in there waiting for us. The question is whether he is a friend or foe. Either way we may want to be battle ready.

Markay: She's right. Stick close to us Princess Peach. Let us use ourselves as cannon fodder to check for traps.

Peach: Thank you Markay, but please be careful.

Peach's escorts took precaution before entering the structure. The interior didn't look any different from the exterior, walls were all colorless and dusts were everywhere. But it was even darker in here than out there, and the atmosphere felt very ominous and very unpleasant. As they went deeper inside, Markay stopped everyone from advancing any further.

Markay: Everyone, stop!

Aira: What is it?

Markay: Someone's here, and he's coming in front of us.

As he told them that, they were all in their battle stance. Someone was coming towards them. They tried to confirm the trespasser but their front was too dark to see anyone coming. But the footstep made it clear; someone was walking towards them slowly. They remained in their fighting stance, just in case the person in question was hostile. But wasn't long before his image was becoming clear as he came out from the darkness. Then they saw him, the person who appeared before them came into clear. He wore a Black and yellow hooded robe concealing his whole body. His face was also concealed, just like the shamans were back at the old days, and just like those shamans his glowing-red eye was visible. But the question remained, was he hostile or was he their friend?

Binx: So you must have been the one who recently went through that gate to come in here. Tell us, why are you here?

The robed assailant kept silent. He didn't respond for some reason. Aira approached him closely in a threatening manner.

Aira: You better answer us or we'll consider you a threat!

But he still refused to respond, and it didn't look like he was even fazed by her tone.

Peach: Please wait a moment. Allow me to persuade him somehow.

Markay: But princess, we don't know if he's dangerous or not.

Peach: Don't worry; I don't sense any malevolence in him. I am certain that he'll cooperate if we use a nicer approach.

Markay: Then I shall stick close to you just in case your judgment is incorrect.

Peach approached him, because of his hidden face it was hard to tell, but it looked like he was willing to listen to Peach as she got closer to him.

Peach: Hello there, can you tell us who you are?

Luster: I…am….Luster…..

His voice was scrambled, but Peach understood completely to his words. As long as she heard a response, she didn't really care about his voice.

Peach: Can you tell me why you are here Luster?

Luster: I…was….waiting….for….you….

Peach: What? You knew I was coming?

Luster: …he's been….waiting for you….I'm here….to guide you….to him…

Peach: Guide me to who?

Luster: You heard his voice…in your dream…

Peach then understood what he meant. He was referring to the mysterious voice in her dream back at her castle, the voice that told her to meet him once she obtained the star emblem.

Peach: Where is he now?

Luster: At the sacred alter…but we must get there….carefully….there are enemies within this place…I shall guide you there….but be prepared to fight….

Peach: C'mon everyone, we must do as he says.

Aira: How are you certain that we can trust him? He might try to use us to get to the star emblem.

Peach: I may not believe he's our ally, but he's also not our enemy. If he's willing to help us get to the star emblem then that's all the reason I need to have faith in him. Besides, if his heart was indeed impure, he wouldn't have responded to me and I know he's not lying about someone wanting to meet me in person when we get there. Now we must hurry.

Everyone made their way towards the open area of the structure. The area was brighter here, but it still had that unpleasant atmosphere. It was because of the sentries here were still operational, and as they went into the room, it was beginning to be filled with enemies such as dark wizards, marble whomps, chain chomps, and some bullet bill blasters. The power source that made them all active was at the other side of the room.

Luster: To deactivate the sentries….we must turn down the power core…which is at the end of this room….let us….take them down…

Luster joined their ranks for battle and they were all in position. The power core started to spawn more enemies for them to beat. They were still far from the enemies' reach so they advanced closer to the power core. Some dark wizards got closer to the party units while the whomps and chain chomps stood in place. The bullet bill blasters shot some bullet bills that went straight into the direction the blasters were facing. As one of the bullet bill reached Markay, he engaged it and managed to superguard from its blast. Chaz activated his force barrier move as they got closer to enemy wizards; he received 30 starpoints for raising the party's defensive stats. Youra shutter locked one of the enemy wizards, it was pretty effective since they had big defense. Binx used his mace swing attack on the wizard for the finishing blow and received 60 starpoints and a level up.

HP: 16+3 FP: 8+2 Power: 11+5 Block: 8+2 Technique: 7+3 Magic: 4+1 Immunity: 4+2 Luck: 2+1

Koopra used her attack to deal some damages to the other dark wizard but due to its high defense, she only damaged a little bit. Sorbin and Markay advanced closer to the power core but barely got close to it. Aira got close to the bullet bill blaster, but her aerial dive move was too weak for it to cause actual damage, since it also had big defense. Viola sang for Chaz and gave him an extra turn, and Chaz used his primary spell move to finish off the other dark wizard and gained 60 starpoints. Luster moved towards the marble whomp blocking their path and used a move called fatal shock, which penetrated its defense and dealt critical damages on the whomp; it now had small amount of HP left. Groy moved at the bullet bills' path to block the bullet bills from hurting the friendly units. Thanks to his high defense, he acted like their perfect shield. The dark wizards used their mirage move to create multiple illusions of them spreading them all over the battlefield. Luckily their transparent body made it easy to tell them which was real or not. The whomps got close to each unit and as they stood next to them they fell from their front and landed on the friendly units and the units nearby got hurt from the shockwave. The whomp's attack caused massive damages, even guarding from their attack caused big damages. Groy blocked a bullet bill when a bill blaster shot it towards him. Even though chain chomps couldn't move from their spot, their attack range was very long and they managed to reach each unit with their bite attacks. Ikki healed off the damages all the ally units sustained with her wonder heal and gained 30 starpoints. Chaz lunar slashed the whomp that landed on him and gained 70 starpoints for defeating it. He was also rewarded with a level up.

HP: 16+2 FP: 21+4 Power: 4+1 Block: 4+0 Technique: 11+3 Magic: 18+7 Immunity: 11+3 Luck: 8+3

Markay approached the bill blaster and used charging pike on it with minimal damage of 5HP damage. Youra defeated another whomp with his shutter lock move and gained 70 starpoints. Luster finished a bill blaster off with fatal shock attack and gained 60 starpoints. Petro damaged the whomp with minimal damages. Sorbin approached the chain chomp and string slashed it. It was bulky but it also had low HP. So far all enemy had high attack and defense, if it wasn't for Chaz's force barrier move and Youra and Luster's defense piercers, this battle would have been difficult. The enemies began their assaults on the units but they all managed to survive their attack. Ikki minimized casualties with her healing moves and sooner or later, she leveled up to level 4.

HP: 19+3 FP: 15+2 Power: 7+1 Block: 6+1 Technique: 10+3 Magic: 3+2 Immunity: 6+2 Luck: 7+2

Markay approached the power core and started to attack it with jousting heart. But the power core had massive HP so it would take a while to take it out. Luster fatal shocked one of the two chain chomps and defeated it. He gained a level for the efforts.

HP: 15+3 FP: 10+4 Power: 7+3 Block: 4+5 Technique: 10+2 Magic: 5+6 Immunity: 7+1 Luck: 6+1

Youra took out another bill blaster and gained 60 starpoints and a level up.

HP: 12+3 FP: 8+1 Power: 7+1 Block: 3+1 Technique: 9+2 Magic: 8+4 Immunity: 10+2 Luck: 12+1

Binx took out the last chain chomp and managed to gain 60 starpoints. Dedre used frenzy melody on a whomp and was put to sleep. It snoozed until Petro shot it down and defeated it. He gained a level

HP: 12+3 FP: 7+2 Power: 9+3 Block: 6+2 Technique: 8+1 Magic: 1+1 Immunity: 3+2 Luck: 6+2

Chaz decided to help his brother and used his spells to damage the power core but didn't made satisfactory result. Ikki also went and healed her teammates with her wonder heal move and gained another 30 starpoints. Binx also joined the battle with the power core and started to attack it but failed to cause fatal damages to it. Aira approached a dark wizard and attacked it. She took it out and leveled up.

HP: 9+2 FP: 4+3 Power: 8+1 Block: 8+5 Technique: 7+1 Magic: 6+0 Immunity: 8+2 Luck: 4+2

Viola used her tender voice to allow Luster to move again. Dedre defeated the last marble whomp and gained 70 starpoints. She got excited as she gained a level.

HP: 13+3 FP: 10+3 Power: 5+1 Block: 4+1 Technique: 7+1 Magic: 11+4 Immunity: 7+2 Luck: 9+1

Luster used his extra turn to critically damage the power core, but it was still active with its remaining 9 HP. Sorbin string slashed the power core with 6HP damage, and it was finished off by Groy with sky tackle attack. Groy managed to level up twice for the deed.

HP: 8+7 FP: 3+6 Power: 6+7 Block: 14+21 Technique: 7+4 Magic: 2+1 Immunity: 8+5 Luck: 9+1

But the battle was not over yet, because of the remaining sentries. Markay defeated the last bill blaster and gained 60 starpoints and another level up.

HP: 17+3 FP: 10+2 Power: 17+5 Block: 9+3 Technique: 13+4 Magic: 2+2 Immunity: 4+1 Luck: 7+3

Binx took out the last enemy dark wizard and gained 60 starpoints. The battle was over at last. All that was left to do was to get to the altar.

Peach went to the next room as her escorts cleared her way there. The room was like a chapel with stained glass windows at each side and the pedestal at the center ahead. Right on the pedestal lays a flat object resting in the small pillar contained in a golden glass. The object was none other than the star emblem, it was flat and round; it was also gold and had a well-designed pattern surrounding the giant star in the middle. Peach approached the star emblem; she was delighted to have finally got to it. But there were two questions in her mind now, how to get the star emblem out of the glass and where was the one who wanted to meet her here.

Peach: Say Luster, where is the one who called me here?

Luster: He is already…here…

Then something came from above, it looked just like the sparkling light Peach encountered in her dream. It spun around as it approached her closer. Finally, it was now facing her while it was hovering.

The light: It's been a while princess…

Peach: Huh? Have we met before?

The light: You don't remember me I see. It's because you hardly knew me when I was in this form. You, Mario, and Bowser have once saved this world once.

Peach was still confused; she recalled her old adventure from the past but couldn't remember anything about her adventure which Bowser was also involved in.

The light: Think back your highness, the world was once invaded by the forces of evil from another dimension and together we restored the corrupted world from becoming the world without any dreams that would come true. Even you were the victim from such crisis, princess Toadstool.

Peach flinched at that name. Toadstool was her old surname which she was referred to back in the day. And she knew exactly when that was, and she exactly knew who she was talking to. Only few characters ever knew her by that name.

Peach: I can't believe it…is that you, Geno?

The light: *chuckle* At last, you remembered. At least you didn't forget my "borrowed" name.

Peach: Oh my goodness! I thought I would never see you again after we took out Smithy and restored the star road! So what brings you back to the world of the living?

Geno: Princess Peach, I have come to this world because the balance of this world was disturbed. When it happened, your world began to slowly fall apart; there were signs such as the releases of evil within recent events. I have come to find the source and fix the balance again, but unfortunately I was too late. The world is being devoured by a dark force.

Peach: It's the Ztar right? Yes, I am aware of what has happened so far. But tell me Geno, how is the world up there?

Geno: It is in chaos, the darkness that came into your world heavily affected the cosmos which created dark matters that is slowly reshaping the universe. The dark matter is expanding each earth days and once it gets big enough it will swallow everything. So far, all I've done is slow down the process, but as I am now my power is limited. The star spirits are working on fixing the balance but the dark half was too heavy and they are succeeding very slowly.

Peach: Is there something we can do?

Geno: Yes there is, that's why I have guided you here. I want you to take this star emblem and present it to the cosmic goddess. She is now holding the relic that could activate it.

Peach: You mean the star rod right? Yes, Queen B told me that Rosalina has it now. Once we get to the Cosmic Kingdom, we will bring the star emblem to the star rod be able to restore the balance again right?

Geno: No princess, having both the star emblem and the star rod will not be enough to counter the Ztar curse. Not especially since the star rod has lost its old power.

Peach: What do you mean by star rod's old power?

Geno: Listen to me, I wish I can tell you everything but we don't have much time. You and I must meet with Mario and then we must head to the cosmic kingdom above. We will need Mario if we are going to activate the star rod once more.

Peach: Why does Mario have to be the one to activate it?

Geno: Because currently, he wields the life essence that can awaken the star rods power. Once we reunite with him, I will explain everything.

Peach: Okay, Mario is heading towards the Dawn kingdom. We can rendezvous towards him there.

Geno: Yes, but until I can find a body I can contain myself in, I must travel with you in this form. It would be nice to get back to the body of that doll again.

Peach: I am sorry to say that the child who owned that Geno doll no longer lives in Rose town. He and his mother moved to another kingdom somewhere, I don't know which one.

Geno: It's a shame I suppose, alright let us leave this place. You must grab the star emblem; I shall penetrate the golden glass for you.

As the sparkling light made contact with the glass, the glass melted away into nothing. The star emblem was now freed to be taken and Peach grabbed it with two hands gently. The Star Emblem was in her possession now.

Geno: We'll need a simpler way to the Dawn kingdom. Can you find a fastest transportation service?

Peach: I used to have a blimp ticket, but I donated it long time ago. And the train services had to shut down because of the comet incident that night.

Geno: Then we'll have to take the long way there. Sooner we begin the better. Luster should be a great asset to our cause since he has studied the land marks on this region.

Peach: Okay then, I'll go and inform my escorts about what we must do.

Peach leaves the chapel to tell them about their new objective. As she left, Geno began speaking to Luster.

Geno: Were you nervous?

Luster: I beg you're…pardon?

Geno: You have waited for very long time for this moment. You have told me your stories with her and so I granted you the best opportunity.

Luster: I don't think…she'll be pleased…to see me this way…

Geno: She spoke to you despite your appearance did she not?

Luster: I do miss her….but perhaps it is not the best time…we…have to…meet with…Mario…don't we not?

Geno: You were always logical, point taken. But you should talk to her before anything disastrous happens. You wouldn't want to lose her again, do you?

Luster: …no…

Geno: I will not pester you on this matter any longer, but just don't wait for too long.

Luster: Of course…I won't…

Peach came back to bring the two back out.

Peach: C'mon guys, you should meet with everyone they are all handful! So shall we get moving?

Geno: Of course.

Peach: Everyone knows our objective now right?

Markay: We are all ready to escort you to Mario ma'am. We will go with you till the end.

Peach: Thank you everyone. Now let's go.

Geno: Of course, let us leave Luster.

Luster: yes…

Everyone all had an agreement about their new agenda and then moves out of the sanctuary; Luster on the other hand was moving out slowly than everyone else.

Luster: It is good to see you again…princess Peach…

At last we have met an old legend of the Mario series. I can't believe that despite Geno appearing only in one game (Not counting cameo from Mario & Luigi superstar saga) he's still one of the popular Mario characters. Anyway who could Luster really be? He seems to have had a past with Peach that's for sure. I was gonna tell you guys straight away but where's the fun in that? Now as I've said before, the story B will end here. Next time we see them will be when Peach meets with Mario's group sometime in the future. Next chapter will be the start of story C, whose story will it be? For those who have read my stories until now and liked it, be grateful that I posted this chapter. I was up until 2 a.m. to get it done. Please comment and look forward to the next chapter. CYA!