Paper Mario X: The Thousand-Year Door

Chapter 51: Men Overboard! Ship Down! Stranded!

Month * Day XO

Over the protests of my crew-er, just one, to be in fact, the S.S. Flavion has set sail. Is this voyage as reckless as they say? Ah! I must scoff! Flavio will show them guts!

Month * Day XX

Another day of good wind. White clouds, they dazzle me. It is as if they are blessing our voyage! Flavio thanks them, most heartily!

Month * Day X(weird music note thing)

Things are going smoothly…yet I am filled with dread…At this speed, we should reach our destination by tomorrow's sunrise.

Ahem, after reading the long, boring words out of a wanna-be pirate's diary…let me shorten things up by saying the gang has been at sea for three days now, and is quickly approaching a fourth. The days have been fine, and Sonic has even calmed down quite a bit…but not completely, for sure. Kirby and Vivian have gotten closer, and the entire crew is just bursting with excitement! But unfortunately for the ship, it seemed as if they would never see the final sunrise before the cursed isle…

In the final night of the journey, the Shop and Inn Toads sat on the highest deck, orange Overalls and Sailor (blue Bob-omb) were next, Mario, Link, Kirby, the partners, Green Worry, "Four Eyes", Pa-Patch, and Bobbery were on the main deck, Sonic was (not very) alert as the look-out, and Flavio was at the helm…singing very off key.

"Skull captain casts his gaze! Red jewel shines and plays! Boom-bassa-boom festival! The 'Stache Brothers, best of friends! 3 times Red 'Stache lands on his end! Blue 'Stache's belly 4 times is whacked, so let's hear those fireworks go BOOM! At the boom-bassa-boom festivaaaaaaal!"

"OH YEAH!" wailed Kirby, getting into the song.

Mario: Strums guitar dramatically again and does splits.

"Yes! Now we are talking! Flavio told you, did he not? Nothing to fear, no!"

"Except all the water…"

"We're almost there, Sonic! After all, you're the guy with no worries, remember?"

Flavio pointed forward, to where the shadow of an island could be seen in the distance. "The island is right before our eyes! Do you not see it? It is a mountain of treasure! Oh ho ho ho! I feel fabulous! Shall I tell you one of my many tales of raw bravery?"

Everyone groaned.

"Please, no…" begged Koops.

"No, it is no trouble at all! There I was, locked in deadly combat with a sea serpent…yes, but even then I smiled! For I knew I'd prevail!"

"Great. He's started again…" complained Pa-Patch.

"I had the beast licked…for I am Flavio!"

"A 'tale of bravery' right? I heard this one yesterday…"muttered Sailor.

"So did we…" everyone else chanted.

"Not me-I fell asleep," admitted Link.

"He was giant, massive…a huge drink of man-eater! But even now, you know…I could take him! Yes!"

"There's no where to escape to…We just have to listen until he's finished…" Bobbery groaned.

"Yeah, if you interrupt him in midstory, he absolutely loses it too…" grumbled Kirby. "I tried the second morning."

"….Errrrrr…Where was I?"

"In the middle of an ocean?"

"Oh yes, yes. But even then I smiled!"

"Oh God- he hit the endless loop point!" "Why'd you have to say something?!" "He's boring me to death!"

"…uh, why is the…What? Wait, what's going on here? The ship's stopping!" Goombella gasped.

"Not cool…" "Screwed!" "Surrounded by water! The pure HORROR!"

"Oy! Master Flavio! Awful sorry to interrupt that wicked story…but the ship's stopped…" Pa-Patch began.

"It's wicked all right…"

Flavio opened his eyes to glare at the purple bomb.

"Ah? Stopped, you say to me, after interrupting a story of passion and fury?" he exasperated. "Well, it is your job to keep the ship moving yes? So take care of it!"

"Oh, aye aye, Flavio! I'll get on it, right quick! Wait a tick!"

"I thought Bobbery was the navigator…"

"Yeah- he navigates, not necessarily drives ships!"

"Duh! That's how you navigate- by moving the boat!"

"Quiet you two! My job has no effect on the likes of you scamps!"

Pa-Patch climbed up into Sonic's territory, the latter lying down trying to sleep.

"Ow! What the…"

"I'm trying to see what stopped the boat…" Pa-Patch explained while darting from side to side. Sonic stood up and folded his arms.

"Well I'm look out, and I haven't seen anything!"

Pa-Patch ignored him and kept looking. Sonic was about to make another retort, until an Ember came out of nowhere and poked the bomb in the back.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm workin' on it! Just wait a Goomba-stomping minute, ya scallywags…"

He turned around to see Sonic's eyes widened, his mouth dropped speechless, and sky suddenly lose its bright stars and moon. He looked puzzled, but turned back around for the Ember to poke him again.

"OY! Quit shoving', eh?!? I'm workin' over 'ere!" he shouted to Sonic. "I said quit SHOVIN'!

"I-I didn't do that…!"

"Well if you didn't then-"

He turned faced to face with the fire ghost, his expression now perfectly matching Sonic's.

"UH…ARGGH!!"

"HOLY RINGS!"

As Pa-Patch climbed back down the mast, Sonic just took a daring leap off the side and landed on Flurrie.

"Sorry 'bout that…thanks for cushioning my fall though!"

"Hmph! What's the matter with you two?!"

"…Th-Th-They're here!!!!" Pa-Patch wailed, his voice high-pitched.

"What is this ruckus now? Who's here? Will someone tell me what's going on?" complained Flavio.

The boat was suddenly enveloped in fog, and Embers followed with it.

"…OOOoOOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo…" they moaned.

"N-N-No…they're upon us! The p-p-pirate…GHOSTS!" screamed several people in unison.

"ENGAGE HORRIFIC SCREAMING!!!!"

"AAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!"

Everyone started running around in frightened circles, except Sonic who felt he was safer in the crow's nest and Mario who just danced around frantically.

"All them rumors were true!" "We've gotta get out of here!" "We're gonna die!" "MOMMY!" "AAAIIIGGUUH!"

Flavio's face was frozen in fear. "D-D-Do not panic yourselves…this is all just a dream…that we are all having…awake!"

"DON'T PANIC!? YOUR VOICE IS SHAKING!!!"

"N-N-Now…q-q-quickly…m-m-move the b-boat…"

"WE CAN'T MOVE IDIOT!"

"…OOOoOOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo…"

Even more Embers surrounded the ship, making moving even more impossible. One appeared in front of Flavio…and it was the end of them all.

"Oh…ghostly oohing thing! Are you…really…the savage pirate king?" he face went blue when the flame on a sadistic grin. "AIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!! HEEEELP MEEEEE!!"

"WE'RE GONNA FLIPPIN' DIE MAN!"

"TELL BOW I LOVE HER!"

"LINK, I'M SORRY I ATE THE ULTRA SHROOM YOU FOUND IN THE TREE!"

"Wait…YOU DID WHAT GOOMBELLA!?!?!?!!?!?"

"I WAS HUNGRY!"

"I'LL KILL YOU BEFORE WE ALL DIE!"

"Buck up, everyone!" Bobbery called. "Remain civilized! Relax! Don't panic! Relax, relax I say! You simply must take it easy!"

"Then why are YOU still running around like an idiot like the rest of us!?!"

Bobbery didn't answer because he was pulled away by the ghosts. Orange Overalls decided to speak up.

"Listen everyone, if we could form an orderly line without shoving…forget that! MAKE A PATH!"

While he was speaking Green Worry and "Four Eyes" was taken too.

"Bobbery! Look alive man! We must get out of here!" shouted Flavio.

"Bobbery's gone, man!"

"ABANDON SHIP! Every rich, marvelous man for himself!"

He jumped into Mario's arms as the ship started to sink. The winds blew wild, and the mast started to creak.

"That's not a good sound…" gulped Sonic. Right after he said that, the entire thing snapped and he started to fall into the ocean. "NOT AGAIN!"

"SONIC!" Link exclaimed, running over and catching his best friend. "I'm not losing you this time!"

A large fraction of the Embers floated over to tug Sonic into their grasps, but Link certainly wasn't giving up without a fight.

"LET GO! LET GO! LET GO!" he roared to the Embers. Sonic glanced down at the water and instantly shivered. Link looked over his should to see Mario still dancing around with Flavio, and Kirby trying his best to keep at the partners and then some safe. More Embers were added to the other side, tugging and pulling on Sonic with everything they had. Not even Link's strength could outmatch their numbers. He felt his hands get sweaty on Sonic's gloves.

"I can't hang on much longer buddy…" Link strained to say, afraid any words would break his concentration. Sonic blinked and hid a gulp.

"…let go then. Save yourself!"

"WHAT!? Like I'm really going to do that, Sonic!"

"C'mon! I've managed to be hung and beaten above a bubbling volcano and still outrun the explosion with two heavy people in my arms! I think I can get out of this one!"

"You're the one freaking out over the water!" Link howled.

"If you don't let go you'll be dragged down with me!"

Link's face softened ever-so slightly. "I'd almost rather have that…"

Sonic blinked, recalling the very same words he said about one of Link's situations.

"…well if I go down, you're not coming with me!"

"NO!"

The Embers gave another sharp tug, and Link felt even more of Sonic be pulled away from him. Both knew this wasn't going to end well…

"Link…" Sonic started. "…take care of Spike for me…"

He ended up wrenching out of Link's grasp and allowed himself to be swallowed up by the sea of flames and, well, sea. Link flew backward and crashed into Kirby, Koops, Goombella, and Spike, and the ship sunk dramatically into the water…

No one knew if they would see the sun rise once more…

Month * Day X*

Fortune from disaster: the kindly sea washed us ashore. What strange irony that this island was our intended destination all along, no? And yet, we mourn. We have lost four crew members, including Admiral Bobbery and my look-out. It pains me to think they were taken by the pirate king, that ghostly thing… What happens to us now, ah? We may be lost without hope, stricken in the wilds…

Month * Day X 3

We have made a semblance of civilized life here. The ship's flotsam washed in, and we now have salty bread and other salty things…we can live for some time on this salty bounty of the sea…but then what, I ask?

Month * Day OO

We have built a few huts from the washed-up timbers…Ah, poor, sweet, S. S. Flavion! At least the shanties keep out the wind and rain. We still have no sign of Bobbery, Sonic, and the others, and my heart, she doubts…still, despite my fears, we must continue to hope that they are still alive somewhere.

Month * Day OX

Three days on the isle now, and the huts are all finished. We have carved a life out here, though we all dream of a return to Rogueport…

It's been three days since we've lost Sonic…and Team Mario longs to have him back. Kirby has even taken the position of being optimistic, but dismay still clouds his face…and the next move is unknown. Clothes tattered, all of us tainted with the scent of salt, and not a Shroom to eat…oh, the horror…maybe the lush green isle will put us out of our misery-

"Don't speak so negative Link…" scoffed Goombella, sitting next to him and listening to him rant. "…it'll be okay!"

Link just grunted in response. The gang was peering over the edge of the island, Mario scouting anything worth scouting while the partners sat and waited, Kirby attempted to make them laugh, and Link never let Spike out of his sight. At the moment, the young Yoshi kid was resting in his lap. It was Sonic's latest, and hopefully not last, request, and he certainly wasn't going to disrespect it. Mario knew how bad Link must've felt, but didn't want to provoke him into a rampage and simply stuck with his job.

"Oy! Captain 'Stache!" Pa-Patch's voice called out. Mario blinked and turned around to see said bomb strolling up. "It ain't much, but we finished a wee hut for you to rest in! Come 'ave a look!"

Mario: Oh!

He instantly trotted back to the main beach, the dreary partners following after.

"Oh mercy me! My make-up must look horrible!" gasped Flurrie.

"I'm almost sorry I came now…" muttered Ms. Mowz.

"Too late now, Floozy!" Goombella exclaimed in a fury.

"We're gonna die here!" wailed Koops.

"Come Vivian! We can take a nap!" Kirby cried, pulling his partner forward.

"Why are you so peppy?"

"Well, Link's going to be in a very bad mood, and Mario can't even talk, so it's up to me to keep up the pep!"

Vivian shrugged. "Glad to see someone's smiling…"

As they followed Mario, Spike tugged on Link.

"C'mon Link! We can finally get a decent rest! I bet they even have a store!"

"Who cares?"

"Wow. That's…you're really upset…"

Link just gave a nod and a sigh. Spike groaned and folded his arms.

"Listen Link! As his Soul Partner, I can tell you that Sonic would want you to carry on! He's still out there, I feel it! He knew what he was doing, after all, he's the one who let go in the first place!"

"Can we please not talk about it?"

"Fine, fine, but I'm going to sound like you when I say I need a Super Shroom…"

Spike trotted off, and Link wanted to just sit at the ocean, but somehow he found himself starving also.

Civilization-

The moment Mario and the group arrive at the site, everyone was already lunging at each other's throats. Orange Overalls came running up to them.

"Captain! Please, help us! Flavio and Pa-Patch are in a huge fight!" he squealed.

"Aw yeah! Some action!" Kirby cheered, pumping his fists. He glanced at a drooping Link. "C'mon Link! Celebrate!"

"Woo."

Kirby smacked his head. "Well I'M excited…"

Everyone gathered around the bickering idiots.

"…and what about you, Squinty? You turned to jelly when you saw all those ghosts!" Flavio retorted to some previously said statement.

"What're you talkin' about?!? You were the one quakin' in 'is boots, fancy pants!"

"Fancy Pants!?" Link couldn't help but blurt out. Kirby gave an annoyed gasp.

"After all my sweat-and-tear attempts, you chuckle at Fancy Pants! Ugh, I'm feeling like you with my efforts going to waste!"

Flavio was smacked flabbergasted. "Wait…wait a moment. Did you just call the great Flavio "Fancy Pants"?!"

"That's right, Fancy Pants! Fancy Pants! Fancy Pants! Fancy Pants! Fancy Pants!"

Flavio made a face and rapidly shook his arms. "Why, you little CYCLOPS! Flavio demands satisfaction! You! Me! Hammers! At dawn!"

"Squinty was a much better insult…" Ms. Mowz pointed out.

"Or Ol' Patchy!" chuckled Spike.

"Oy, that's right fine by me!" the bob-omb continued. "I can't wait to put a few dents in those fancy threads!"

They ran off to fight, only to scream and dart behind Team Mario. "THEY'RE HEEEEEEEEERE!!!!!!"

"What's here?"

"C-C-Captain 'Stache…them ghosts are back!" quivered Pa-Patch. A trio of Embers floated into the site, looking ready to burn it down.

"M-Mario! This is an o-o-order! Take care of those ghosts!" demanded Flavio.

"Man! You wusses are BOTH scared!" Spike taunted. An Ember landed by his back, causing him to cry out and jump behind Link. Link was ready, shield and sword brandished.

"Stay away from the Yoshi!"

He jetted forward, jabbing the first one and KO-ing it with a perfect action command. He then hurled Koops at the remaining two, leaving both with only 4 HP.

"For the record, these things a very vulnerable to Ice Effects!" Goombella called out.

"Too bad I don't have one!" Link yelled back, ducking under a puff of flame and blocking a burn.

"I am SO snagging their ability!"

Kirby opened his mouth, swallowed an Ember, then spat him out. He now had a blue flame flying out of his head to show he was Ember Kirby.

"Oh yeah! I'm hot now! I'm on fire!"

Link clapped his hands. "I am impressed…"

Vivian sighed in fear. "Oh, what can I do? Fighting fire with fire won't exactly work in this situation…I'd hate to say it, but it's more of a job for Beldam!"

Kirby patted her shoulder. "S'okay! Just pull us into the shadows then!"

Vivian nodded, and her move prevented either one of them from being hurt by the Embers' powerful moves. Now with Mario's turn, he pulled out his Ice Smash, slammed it into the first one, and did two stylish backflips while doing extra damage-killing it.

"Go Mario!" cheered Goombella. She pulled out an Ice Storm to finish the ghost off without hurting herself.

"Yes! Yer a bloomin' beast, Captain 'Stache!" rejoiced Pa-Patch.

"Too early to celebrate, no? There are surely more of them elsewhere, ah?" Flavio added. "…someone must investigate the rest of the island. Yes. That is what it must be. As leader of this expedition, I, of course, should stay here. On this, I brook no argument."

Mario, Link, Kirby, Goombella, Koops, Flurrie, Spike, Vivian, and Ms. Mowz all raised their hands and stated. "We do though."

"Ah yes! Of course! Mario! Perhaps you could handle the expedition of this island?"

Mario's eyes widened as groans emitted from his team.

"How come you have to pick on ol' Captain 'Stache over here, eh?" complained Link, standing defensively at his side.

Mario: They're not going to take no for an answer…

"That's my boy! I knew you would go forth with boldness! We count upon you!"

"But I don't wanna chase after creepy fire ghosts!" whined Kirby.

"You'll be fine! You already snagged their ability anyway!" Vivian pointed out. Kirby nodded.

"Yeah, but I don't see why we have to do all the work and exploring the useless, cursed island that stole a fraction of our crew and-"

"-We might find Sonic! Onward!" Link shouted, instantly sprinting into the east. Everyone gulped and ran after him.

"Link, you don't know what lurks out there!"

"AUGH! GREEN FUZZY!"

Link pulled out his sword and held up his shield in defense to the terrifying creature before him. Kirby caught up with him and stood in front.

"Step aside and let a pro handle this!"

He took a deep breath, then blasted a beam of flames out his mouth, scorching the Fuzzy for 5 damage and defeating him. Kirby did a little dance around Link.

"That's what I'm talking about! Whoo hoo!"

As Link sulked, Mario trotted by them and picked up a Head Rattle hammer badge, but it didn't appeal to him so he threw it in his storage. After the mini Fuzzy fight, the group continued to make their way into what was unknown to others before…


What are the odds? Another Chapter 5, another Sonic-gets-in-deep-trouble event. but luckily this time isn't life or death! :D Though I do think his return is a little on the lame side...but that's not for another while now!

And just about everyone who has reviewed has asked the following quote: "What would Samus want to do with Ms. Mowz" or something alongs those lines. Well, you're not finding that out for awhile either! *grins evilly, gets shot by Samus*

Samus: My return shall be epic...but my intentions...maybe not so much.

Yeah, well you've got a few chapters to go until you show up again.