PHASE 24

Desert Travel

(The heat is incredible. It is burning Cel's skin. Sweat is everywhere. Cel suddenly realizes that she is still in the Dry Dry Desert…she is still on an insane mission…she is still hiding from her own kingdom and government…she is still-)

Kan: She's…she's opened her eyes! Get over here you stupid turtle!

Wes: (Glares for a second, but quickly runs over) Cel…Cel? Cellllll!

Celistar: Get off! (She gets up; sweat continually pouring down her face.) How…How long have I been asleep?

Kan: Princess…it must've been…been four hours now…hasn't it?

Wes: Yeah. Not too long. Otherwise, we would've abandoned you. (Kan glares) It's called a joke!

Kan: This is no time for joking…we have to continue towards that infernal Koopa Kastle.

Celistar: How close are we now, Wes?

Wes: Too close for comfort. …Well, about another three miles.

Celistar: WHAT? We're that close?

Wes: Well, actually, that'll get us to the Barren Lands…and then about another day's travel to Koopa Kastle.

Celistar: Oh. Well, we better start now, then.

Wes: Yes…

(They start walking in silence. The hot sun slowly starts to lower.)

Celistar: (Sweating furiously now.)

Wes: Um, I've got to tell you, I've traveled this route, and as long as we continue in this direction…we'll hit an oasis.

Celistar: You've traveled this way before?

Wes: Yeah… (Wes looks down, so Cel stops talking.)

(More Silence.)

Wes: Hey…Cel.

Celistar: What.

Wes: What…are you going to do after all of this is over?

Celistar: Over?

Wes: Yeah. Let's say everything actually works. You break into Bowser's Castle, save Toadbert, maybe deplete the amount of soldiers there…and escape. Safely. What then?

Celistar: Oh…um…I guess I'll get Toadbert back to the castle…and then…they'll know I'm back…I…maybe I'll just stay quiet for awhile, until Bowser attacks. (Or maybe find Penter?)

Kan: What! Princess! You can't! It's too dangerous to fight Bowser! It's-

Cel: I have Mario's blood in me. I am his daughter. And-

(Cel looks at Wes. She thinks of being a MOD. She thinks of Wes being a MOD as well. She knows that there is more in store for her then simply saving Toadbert. But can she tell Wes yet? His destiny?)

(Kan and Wes watch Cel)

Wes: Yes?

(Cel quickly looks down.)

Celistar: Never mind.

(Wes stares for awhile.)

Wes: Cel…do…do you remember what happened right before you…collapsed?

Cel: Yes. You wouldn't stop arguing, and it just must have been the sun…I couldn't stand the heat. Why?

Wes: Well…you…um…never mind.

(Cel glowers for a bit, but the walk simply continues, until they spot the oasis in the distance. Switch to Mushroom City. Two Toads' are walking side by side through a dark alley. They are looking for Koopa's that are hiding, to capture them, and get a reward from the government. However, something much different is lurking there. The Toad on the right suddenly screams, as a dark figure leaps on him, and a long, sticky tongue shoots out…right into the victim's mouth. The other Toad stumbles back. His face whiter then the cap on his head.)

Toad: No…oh spirits…no…it's…it's a YOSHI. (The Toad nearly trips back, but turns and runs. The sound of organs being ripped out through the mouth sounds through the alleyway. The Toad runs to the Castle…he has to tell the Royal Guard…quickly…but the claws of insanity scratch at his head…)