Chapter 10: Birthday Blow-up: Part 2
Swordfighter ran through the hallways like a speeding jet; the scenery brushing past him faster than he could blink. The mii kept sprinting until he came to a halt when he saw Lucario, along with some of the Smashers lean up against a door. With soft sobs coming from the wall.
"I heard what happen; came here as fast as I could." Huffed the blond, taking in breathes from his reluctant exercise. "How's he doing now?"
The jackal was the one to speak, moving away from the wooden surface. His attention now focus on the fighter. "Villager has calmed down a bit, but I still sense sorrow in his aura, he will only get worse later on if this continues."
"Well it's not going to under my watch!" Said Swordfighter. "Just tell me what to do and I'll follow."
"Alright then. Listen to my instructions carefully, and we might break Villager out of his depression before supper." The Pokémon gestured to the door. "First. We need to inform him of our presence. Just knock on the door and speak from the heart; he will allows us entry with the sound of your voice alone."
"Ok!" said Swordfighter. He knocked on the door with his right hand. Getting the attention of Villager.
"Who is it?"
"It's me, Swordfighter."
"Swordfighter?!" exclaimed the voice from inside. "What…What are you doing here?"
"Lucario told me you were in great pain, and I want to help; we all do. Please Villager. Let us in."
There was silence; no noise came from the room. The team thought they had failed until they heard the sound of the knob unlocking. The door opened outwards-revealing the Smasher with red eyes and dried tear stains.
"Hello Sword." Choked the trophy, he looked towards the rest of the group and continued speaking. "Lucario, Mario, and umm…"
"Dr. Mario" said the Mario look-alike. "And these are Kirby and Pikachu."
"Can we talk?" the sword wielder questioned, being absolutely sincere. "I can tell this is bothering you tremendously."
"I…sure, come in." Said Villager. Allowing them entry.
The Smashers went inside; it was mostly clean except for the large amount of tissues that littered the floor of the room. The boy sat and slumped against a nearby couch, Cleary drained physically and emotionally from his breakdown from earlier. "So…What do you want to talk about?" Said Villager, his tone barely coming out as a whisper.
"As we mentioned before, we want to help you get through this." Lucario said to the child; relaxing on the couch as he put a paw over his shoulder. "This is taking a toll on you; tearing your soul from the inside. It's not healthy keeping your feelings bottled up. Just speak your mind, let your frustrations out. We won't judge you."
Villager looked in the Pokémon's eyes before sighing. Swallowing his spit before speaking to the fighters. "When…When I heard you say that I wasn't real; that I'm just some trophy. I was shocked." Continued the boy. "But that was nothing to compare to what you said next: "I'm sorry to tell you this Villager but, you can never return home." I practically lost it when you said those words; bolted out of the door and wallowed in my own misery."
The entire team began to hold their breaths, the child's explanation wincing them to despondency. "And now everything I loved is gone." Explained Villager, sniffing in between breaths. "Separated in another universe, which I can never see again. Trapped in a strange hostile world where everything wants to kill you. And to top it off, I'm an imposter. My real self-having the time of his life back in town, whiles I'm stuck here for all eternity. I've got nothing else left. Life will never get better.
"You're wrong." The Lucario said in a serious empathic tone, looking in his eyes in a meaningful way.
"What?"
"You're wrong." Repeated the jackal. "Villager. I know it may not seem like it right now, but there is a life worth living here. We were just like you: Born in this strange world with nothing to our names except our memories and the clothes on our backs. We lost everything that was so dear to us but we prevailed. We relied on each other. Cared for one another. Helped our fellow fighter!"
"Eventually we found new things to fight for, enjoying what this life has to offer; from saving the entire realm to having long walks on beach. I assure you Villager, there is something for you here. You just need to search for it.
"He's a right!" said Mario, standing in front of the couch. "I used to be a hero back in my a world. Now I spend my a time helping my friends and protect the world!"
"I was well-respected doctor back home." Said Dr. Mario "Now I practice medicine in the comfort of my a room-aiding any a Smasher that desires my help." He gestured an arm towards Kirby and Pikachu. "And they missed their friends a dearly, and they still do. But they moved on and made a new ones. There hasn't been a day when haven't seen them a smiling!"
"Pika!"
"Poyo!"
"And I too when through heartbreak and loneliness." Replied Lucario. "I used to be partnered with a human. We did everything together from fighting intense battles to watch Saturday-morning cartoons on a flat-screen tv. He was more than a friend to me; He was family."
"When I was reborn into this world, and learned about my situation. I had a nervous breakdown. I shut myself off from the world, reminiscing about the old life I had. How I will never get it back ever again. But one day I had enough of the self-hatred and bitterness, and broke out of my cold hard shell. I started caring for others, forming new bonds whiles I practice on my new fighting techniques. Eventually I emerged from the sea of depression and took my first breath of the joyful air; and I loved every second of it".
"And you too can heal and become happy in this new world. You just need to give it a chance."
The boy was stunned by the impressive speech so much that he froze in amazement, trying to form words in his head to respond. "That's…whoa…I…I"
"Lucario's telling the truth Villager." The boy heard a voice to his left, he rotated his head to see Swordfighter, standing a couple of feet from the couch. "When I came to the WOT, I had no recollection of my old life, heck I don't even know my original name; I just myself by the word etched on the bottom of my sword." Said the fighter as he unsheathed his sword to show the imprint on the handle.
"Like you I also learned of my predicament. I felt that everything was over, that was nothing for me here. But Lucario took me out of that mindset and showed me the true path. It was painful not knowing who I really was. I'll probably never know for the rest of my existence. But I'm eternally grateful that I had my friends to bear through this pain. You don't have to go through this alone Villager, we're always here for you."
Swordfighter extended a hand to the boy, expecting him to hold his hand. Instead the boy pulled the mii closer to his body. Wrapping his arms around his torso for a comforting hug.
"Thank you…just…thank you." Said Villager, snuggling against the blonde's chest. The sword wielder responded by hugging him back. Patting the boy lightly on the head. The rest of the team moved in to join the embrace. Giving each other a group hug.
They didn't dare to move away from the couch. The Smashers continued holding one another. Letting their body heat warm of their spirits, as the sadness that plagued their hearts moments ago began to melt into nothingness.
Peach was washing the dishes; scrubbing the porcelain with a soapy sponge as the rest of the team conversed in the kitchen. Killing time as the cake continued to bake in the oven.
"*Beep boop boop beep beep*" said the 2D man, relaxing on the ground in exhaustion.
"I agree Mr. Game and Watch. That cake did take a lot of effort than expected." Replied Meta Knight.
"It sure did, but it sure was worth it!" Said Peach. "Just imagine how spectacular it'll turn out when it's done. Villager will sure be happy!" The princess look towards the oven before turning to R.O.B. "R.O.B., when will the cake be done baking?"
"[According to my scanners, the cake is baked over 50%. It will be finished very soon.]"
"Good! Will may have enough time to top it off with frosting and candles. Things are looking up!"
Right after she was done talking, the door to the kitchen opened. Revealing Brawler, with a tried look on face. He walked to the fridge and its contents for any desirable food.
"Or it did a second ago." Peach whispered to herself, keeping a watchful eye on the fist-fighter. "Hello Brawler! What brings you to the kitchen? Are you here to help us bake a delightful treat for the birthday boy?"
"Pfft! As if!" Answered the mii, getting a cold canned soda from the refrigerator. "I'm enjoying my free day off, not going waste it on a stupid party," Paused the Smasher as he took a sip of the fizzy drink. "Besides I hate cooking; takes to damn long to get a simple meal ready as it is. Especially when it comes to baking. Not only is it boring and overrated, it's absolutely ridiculously stupid! Only a brain-dead fool would consider taking baking as a hobby."
Peach was frozen with shock as she cleaned the dishes. Allowing a plate to slip from he hands as it shatter in pieces in the soapy sink with a loud crash. The princess turned around; frothing with a primal rage but still managed to keep a smile as she spoke to Brawler.
"Oh! Is that so?"
"Yep."
"Well I happen to love baking!" Said Peach, pointing to herself. "I practiced the art for years and I became the best in the business. With my name being known by everyone in the entire world. Does that alone make me a brain-dead fool!?"
"Pretty much." The mii answered plainly; taking another sip of his soda.
"Now you listen here!" Shouted Peach, dropping her happy expression. "Baking is very important! Without it, you won't be able to make things like: Cake, pizza, and bread! Not that I expect you care to know about it! Maybe if you pulled your head from your behind, you might-"
Before the princess could finish her rant, the lights in the building went out. Placing them in a sea of darkness; with Charzard's tail flame lighting up a good portion of the room. Peach grabbed a lantern from the cupboards down, lighting it before turning to the rest of her teammates.
"What happened?!" Questioned the rink royal. "Why has everything gone dark?!"
"[My sensors indicated that the entire mansion has undergone a power outage]" Said R.O.B. the red light on his head blinking profusely.
"A POWER OUTAGE!?" Exclaimed Peach. "But that means…" Trailed the princess as she look at the oven. She ran over to the appliance and took out the cake that was on the middle rack-placing it on the counter.
The female Smasher hovered a hand over the meal before facing her group. "It's not even warm; the cake's still raw!"
"*Beep boop beep*" (What are we going to do!)
"Calm down Game and Watch, there is an easy solution to this problem." Said Meta Knight, putting a hand over the 2D man's shoulder.
"And that would be?" Questioned Brawler.
"That cake is still salvageable, just a bit undercooked" explained the creature, pointing to the meal. "We just need to find a source of heat. I propose that we have Charizard warm up the food by using his fire breath on it."
"That's a great idea Meta!" Said Peach. "But, how are we going to do it without burning the cake?"
"Leave that to me, I'll find a way."
"Seems too much work to even bother." Said Brawler, finishing his soda. "Just scoop some ice cream and dump it in a bowl. That ought to cheer the brat up."
Peach frowned tremendously, marching up right towards the fist-fighter. Their faces being very close. "Brawler, I had enough of your attitude! You been here for over a week and I'm already sick of it! What gives you the right to treat others like dirt?!"
"I don't need a right to justify how I treat others, I can make my own decisions and I'll pay for the consequences; and I don't need to be lectured by some stupid old hag!"
The aura in the room was so tense it could be cut with a knife. An uncontrolled fury was bubbling up within the princess. Clenching her gloved hand with intense strength.
"Hey fellas." Said Peach. "Why don't you leave the kitchen and get started on baking the cake. I'm going to have a little chat with Brawler."
"[Peach, please don't-]" Replied R.O.B.
"Just leave!" Shouted the princess, the portal of hell itself becoming visible in her eyes.
"The team grabbed the cake and hurried out of the room; closing the door behind them.
The royal turned back at the mii in disdain. "How dare you. How dare you. We treated you with the upmost of respect and this is how you repay us?! Do you act like this to everyone you meet!? You can't get ahead in life by acting like a complete ass! I ought to slap you silly! Hey are you even listening to me?!" Questioned the princess. Raising a fist in the air.
Brawler folded his arms as he rolled his eyes. "If you're expecting me to listen then I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed. I listen to people I actually respect. People I actually admire. Not some dumb pampered blondie princess who thinks she owns the place; not to mention that she probably gorges herself on loads of cake! I mean look at you! Your ass is bigger than your entire head! That's honestly pretty ridiculous if I do say so mysel-"
Was all that Brawler managed to say before a well-placed frying pan had hit him across the face.
Team Gift was getting in position into the town square, readying their camera for the golden swarm that has yet to come. "I'm really not looking forward to this." Said Sonic, feeling uncomfortable about the situation. "Are we even sure it's even coming this way?"
"I'm certain of it" Said Zero Suit, powering up her device. "I conversed with many of the villagers in this town and they said the butterflies always come to this spot."
"Yeah they seemed really jittery when we asked them about it." Said Gunner. Looking over to the near empty streets. "It was like they we're going to pass out in a heartbeat."
"Well I would be a nervous too if a bunch of killer butterflies visit my a town every so often." Replied Luigi, looking over his shoulder nervously. "Heck, my a heart is beating a 1000 times per minute. Oh Mama Mia! Why did we choose to go on this a mission!?" Whimpered the green plumber.
"Because we don't have any other choice." Said Zero. "The store suffered too much damage for a simple fixer upper; and there's no way we can pay for it. This is the only option we have left. Perhaps if some people just kept to themselves and didn't cause a mess; this would've gone without a hitch!" seethed the blonde; eyeing the Pokémon and the turtle.
"God! Will you stop placing the blame on us!? We said were sorry!" Shouted Bowser.
"Oh! You better be sorry!" Yelled back the fighter. "We have to go through all this because you two just had to roughhouse! You know what happens if we fail do you!? We-"
"Hey guys. They're here!" Sonic called to his teammates, pointing at to the town's water foundation. The group stopped what they were doing and looked at what the blue hedgehog was warning them about. Their mouths were open agape to what they saw.
It was the Golden Butterfly Migration: They were packed into large groups of 12; the insect's wings sparkled into the glow of the afternoon sun; and sounds of cello music could be heard from the swarm. It was the most peaceful sight they ever saw. Perhaps the only one they'll see in their entire existence.
"These are so beautiful!" Exclaimed Gunner. "It's hard to imagine that these creatures are actually deadly."
"But they are indeed." Said Samus. "Otherwise people wouldn't be scared to death over these things. We have to be careful."
"Yeah, not doubt about that." Chimed Luigi.
As the Smashers were formulating a plan on how to snap some photos without being harmed. An anthropomorphic bear came into view, walking on the dirt road. She glance towards the swarm and smiled as she pulled out a camcorder. "Oh this looks splendid! I must record this!" The mammal said in a monotone voice, raising her thumb to press play.
"Oh no!" Said Zero, now noticing the bear. Realizing what she's about to do. "Miss! Don't do that; get away from there!" Shouted Zero. Extending an arm to the animal. If she heard the fighter, she wasn't showing it. The villager pressed the red button on her device; with the lens of the camera opening wide.
This sparked an immediate reaction from the insects. The cello music became distorted; the sparkles had shimmered down; and the butterflies were moving erratically. They all immediately flew straight to the bear. Covering every inch of her being with their shiny wings.
The mammal moved her body frantically, trying desperately to get them of her. She slowed down before he body came to a complete stop. After a moment or too, the butterflies flew away from each other. Revealing a golden statue of a panic villager.
"Yikes!" Exclaimed Gunner, tripping on a rock and landing on her rump.
"So that's how it a works." Said Luigi, his voice shaky from the traumatizing act.
"Did you see how fast they turned her?!" Replied Bowser. "How are we going to out of this unscathed?! They'll turn our asses to gold in seconds!"
"That's not possible." Responded the blonde fighter. "A Smasher's form stays the same no matter what; that includes transmutation. At worst. These insects can turn us back to our trophy states!"
"Okay that's somewhat reassuring, but how are going this?" Questioned Sonic. "The moment we start taking photos, they be on our tail!"
"Hmmm" Thought Zero. Until a thought popped into her mind. "We can take pictures of them from a far distance; we'll have a head start if we do that. After we shake them off our trail; we can go back to Tom Nook and hand him the photos. Then get some presents, and head back to the mansion. What do you guys think?"
"Sounds risky, but I suppose it's the best option we have right now." Answered the shooter.
"Great!" said Sonic. "Now that we have a plan, we should-"
Before he can finish, a large flash of light came blinded them a second-putting them all on edge. The butterflies stop moving; flying in place as they rotated towards the group. The music getting louder than before.
The Smashers turned their heads to the source of the flash; only to see Jigglypuff holding a camera, with a surprised look on her face.
"JIGGLYPUFF!" Yelled Bowser in Anger. "WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!"
"JIG PUFF JIGGLY JGGLYPUFF!" (IT WAS AN ACCIDENT I SWEAR!)
The swarm had sprung to life. Speeding towards them in a frenzy as the sparks glowed with fury.
"Oh god no." Said Zero, she faced the group with panic as she began to speak. "WE NEED TO GO TO THE CRANNY NOW! LET'S GO! DON'T LET THEM TOUCH YOU!" Shouted Zero as she ran, with her team following close behind.
They only ran for minutes, but it felt like hours. The butterflies were hot on their trail and they weren't letting up. The insects refused to go away. No matter how many turns they took, or how far they ran, or how many fireballs and plasma shots they discharged at the horde. They won't escape from this one without a fight.
"Nothing is a working!" said Luigi. "They're still on our trail!"
"Just hold on a little longer Luigi!" Zero Suit encouraged to the plumber. "We're almost to the shop. Tom should know what to do!"
"Hey I think I see it!" said Gunner, pointing with her free hand up ahead. It was the "Cranny". The glass doors open slowly as the raccoon walked outside. He was getting ready to lock up temporary-for a bite to eat, when he heard the sounds of voices coming his way.
"TOM!"
"WE NEED YOU'RE A HELP!"
"JIGGLY!"
The animal barely had any time to react when the Smashers ran into him; the seven of them dogpiling on the floor inside. Sonic quickly separated himself from the manmade hill as he ran to the entrance; locking as the insects gathered near the glass doors outside. "Whew! That was a close one!" Said Sonic. Wiping the sweat from his forehead.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Shouted Tom. "You're supposed to be out there taking pictures!"
"We were trying to do that Nook! However they started to chase us. We ran all the way here, trying to escape the swarm's attack."
Tom rolled his eyes when Zero suit was finished speaking, obviously showing little care for the Smasher's well-being. "Whatever. Anyway, do you have the photos?"
"What?! No! We were too busy running for our lives to take any pictures! They could have got us!"
"That's none of my concern!" Snapped the raccoon, feeling pretty annoyed with the team's behavior. "You been tasked with photographing these butterflies to pay me back for the damages you caused me! You not considering going back on our deal. Are you?"
Gunner was the one to speak next, raising herself off the floor to speak with the shop owner. "No! Nothing of the sort. We just been sidetracked; that's all!"
"Well then get you butts in gear and take those pictures!"
"What?!" Said the turtle with shock. "Are you crazy?! We'll be demolished if we go outside. It's-"
"Who said anything about going outside?"
"What?"
The raccoon gestured a hand towards the door. "Look at them! They're pressed up against the glass. You can easily take snaps at them if you wanted!"
"Yeah. I suppose we can." The shooter said softly to herself.
"Jiggly jig."
"Well what are you waiting for? GET TO IT!" Yelled Tom, who was pointing at the butterflies.
The Smashers-though reluctant-did take pictures of the golden swarm. Not wanting to invoke the wrath of Tom Nook. The flashes of their camera going off faster than they can keep track off. Making the insects more enraged than before.
The butterflies glowed together with light, blinding the area with glowing yellow as everyone covered their eyes. When they looked back, the entire wall had disintegrated into shiny dust. Allowing the winged devils entry inside.
The golden bugs formed a ring around them; getting ready to pounce on the corner fighters. "TOM!" Screamed Gunner. "HELP US!"
"I think I rather not." Said the raccoon, standing on the outside of the circle
"WHAT?!"
"Your beef is with these shiny creatures, I'm not going to risk my tail for you worthless lads."
"YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO US!" Yelled Zero. "YOU STILL NEED US TO TAKE THE PICTURES!"
"True, but you already have completed you task a second ago haven't you? With your mission complete, I had no further use of you. When these pests are done having their way of you. Not only will I print the photos; but I'll sell your trophies to the highest bidder. A treasure like you will make me rich!"
"YOU BASTARD!" Raged Bowser. "YOU WON'T GET AWAY WITH THIS YOU FURRY FREAK!"
"But I already have, you overgrown turtle." Snide the shop owner. "These monsters will finish you any second now; and I'll be the richest animal in the world!"
The butterflies had overheard his conversation. They felt so upset over the raccoon's evil plan, that they changed their priority over the Smashers to the greedy animal. "What are you doing?!" Shouted Tom. "You're supposed to go after them, not me you little idiots! Wait, No! NO! NO!" Pleaded Nook as they swarmed his entire body in seconds; causing tremendous pain.
The animal howled in agony for several moments before going silent. The insects had gotten off him; revealing of yet another statue made of gold.
When the horde was finished with him, they left the building; flying out of the front door and disappearing in the sunset. Leaving the fighters lone with the petrified shop owner.
"They…they a left us alone?" Questioned Luigi. "But they are a ruthless to anyone who takes a picture of them. Why would they leave us alive?"
"It's best not to think about that; not wise to question miracles." Said Zero as she looked outside.
"Well, what do we now?" Said Gunner. "With the butterflies gone, we can actually find a gift. But the party will start soon; we won't have enough time to scavenge through that mess." The shooter pointed to the fallen shelves, looking much worse for wear.
"Actually." Replied Bowser, stroking his chin as he looked at Tom Nook. "I think we already found a potential gift."
"What do you?...Oh no we cannot do that!" Said Gunner. "We can't give Villager the statue. It's wrong!"
"Come on, Think about!" Argued the turtle. "If we leave it in here; someone will take it anyway. He's already dead so you don't have to worry about him kidnapping charges or coming to haunt you back. Besides, He was going to sell our trophies on the black market! So why would show that monster any sympathy?!"
"It's not that! It's just…just-" Stuttered the shooter, trying to form coherent words in her head. "It's just doesn't seem like the right thing to do! Just sounds like it's the wrong thing to do!"
"Well how about this?" The Koopa took a coin from the casher counter and showed it to the group. "Let's flip over it. If it's heads: we leave it here and find something else to take. If it's tails: we take it with us. Deal?"
"Well…I…actually…" Said Gunner, rubbing to back of her head from indecision. "I still believe we should leave it here but, that sounds like a fair way to settle this." Everyone nodded in agreement; looking at the turtle at what to do next.
"Now that everyone is on the same page. Let's give it a toss!" Bowser flicked the coin up into the air with his right thumb. It floated for a couple of seconds before crashing down to the floor with a quiet whack.
Tails
"Looks like we're taking the shiny bastard with us after all!" Exclaimed Bowser; running over to the statue and holding it over his back with his massive strength. A devilish grin plastered all over his face.
"Now that we have our gift, let's get going. I don't know about you guys, but I don't want to stay here after dark. So let's head back to the ship. Agree?" Asked Zero Suit.
Everyone nodded in almost perfect unison; tired expressions visible on their faces from the hard work they just done.
"Okay then, let's go. We got a party to catch!""
Team Gift ran out of the building with the present in their possession. They sprinted out into the night as the shop became silent. Much more.
That's the end of the 10th chapter right there. The 11th one will be about the actual party itself. I need a couple of days on how to structure it before I can begin to write on it.
The 11th chapter will probably be short, but I'll will make it the best it can be; have it tug on your heart strings. It'll be worth the wait.
Anyway, tell me what you think of this chapter in the review sections on the story. I love getting feedback.
Till next time
-Crystal Brick