Chapter 7: Heroes on Thin Ice
Sora, Mario, Donald, Goofy, Goombario, Kooper, Parakarry, Bow, Watt, Sushie, and Spike continue moving through Toad Town while finding out any more clues regarding the seventh Star Spirit.
"Does anyone have an idea of where the last Star Spirit could be?" Sora asked.
"Hmm, Twink hasn't shown up to tell us about it." Kooper said.
"I know, maybe we should ask Merlon. He might have an idea." Goombario said.
"That's a good start as any, I suppose." Bow said.
"Okay, then off to Merlon's house." Bombette said and Mario nods.
The group go to Merlon's house and meet with Merlon.
"Hi, Merlon." Goofy said.
"Oh, you're all here! Your timing is impeccable!" Merlon said.
"Huh?" Watt asked.
"There's a guest waiting for you." Merlon said addressing a black clad figure.
"Who're you?" Donald asked.
"Hi, nice to meet you. I come from Starborn Valley. It is in the Shiver region, a chill place far to the north, at the very end of the earth. Merle, who hails from there, said that he had something important to tell you." The black clad figure said.
"Merle?" Parakarry asked.
"Merle of Starborn Valley is my son. He seems to be calling for you. If he is searching for you, then you can be sure something important is afoot." Merlon said.
"Then I guess that means we gotta go to Starborn Valley." Sushie said.
"Yes, now hop to it!" Merlon said.
"Yes, please hurry! I will run ahead and take tidings of you to Merle." The black clad figure said leaving.
"Um, we don't know WHERE Starborn Valley is." Donald said.
"Merlon, you said it's at the Shiver region, right? Do ya know where it's at?" Goofy asked.
"I think somewhere deep below Toad Town is a pipe that is connected to Shiver City. Starborn Valley is located quite near there. Now, hurry to my son. He waits in Sstarborn Valley." Merlon said.
The group leave Merlon's house.
"So now we have to go to Starborn Valley at Shiver City?" Bombette said.
"We just gotta find a pipe underneath the place." Kooper said.
The group find a pipe and use it to take them somewhere below the town.
(Toad Town Sewers)
The pipe takes the group to a sewer with green water flowing.
"Ugh, it smells bad!" Donald said.
"Oh, deal with it. We gotta find that pipe leading to Shiver City." Goombario said.
The group move through the sewers while dealing with enemies such as Heartless and Koopas and as they keep moving through the sewers they find a chest and so Sora opens it revealing red boots.
"Hmm, I think these would fit better for you, Mario." Sora said giving Mario the red boots.
(Obtained: Ultra Boots)
The group keep moving through the sewers with Mario using his new ultra boots to jump high in the air revealing blocks and so the group use the blocks to get across and they find a door taking them to a pipe.
"Will this pipe take us to Shiver City?" Spike asked.
"Only one way to find out." Sora said as they get into the pipe taking them somewhere else.
The pipe takes the group to a different sewer where there's ice all around and the air is cold.
"Brrr... So COLD!" Sora said shivering.
"Huh, a frozen sewer?" Kooper asked.
"Well, we should keep going unless we want to freeze." Sushie said.
The group move through the frozen sewer and find a pipe taking them upward and somewhere else.
(Field Theme: Shiver City)
(Shiver City)
The pipe takes the group a town full of snow and there are penguins walking around.
"Still cold!" Sora said.
"This has to be Shiver City, right?" Goofy asked.
"Looks like it." Goombario said.
"Well, let's ask around and see if anyone knows where Starborn Valley is." Parakarry said.
The group move through Shiver City and they find a house with a penguin.
"Um, excuse me. Do you know where Starborn Valley is?" Sora asked.
"Starborn Valley and Shiver Mountain are both near here. You should dress warmly if you wanna reach them." The penguin said.
"Well, that was helpful." Donald said.
"Let's keep asking." Bow said.
The group continue to move through Shiver City and find another penguin.
"Hi, do you know where Starborn Valley is?" Bombette asked.
"Oh, sure. Go east from this city, but be careful. There have been scary monsters around recently." The penguin said.
"What do they look like?" Watt asked.
"Well, black, and they have those creepy yellow eyes. Just thinking of them makes me shiver... What's Shiver City coming to?" The penguin asked.
"Heartless." Sora said.
"Of course." Bow said.
"Still, we can take 'em." Kooper said.
The group keep moving through Shiver City and arrive at the next part of town where they find a green penguin.
"Hello." Sora said.
"Not now, young man. I'm the city guard here and I'm investigating a report of a suspicious character wandering around here. You're not him, are you?" The green penguin asked.
"No, we just got here." Goombario said.
"Still, I have my eye on you." The green penguin said.
The group keep exploring Shiver City and they find a gate but it's guarded by a penguin.
"Can we get through please?" Sora asked.
"Sorry, but we're on alert because a stranger appeared in the city. You can't pass unless you have permission from the Mayor." The penguin guard said.
"Aww, phooey." Donald said.
"Guess we better find this Mayor and ask him." Sushie said.
"So not cool." Spike said.
The group find a different part of Shiver City to find the Mayor and they find a house and enter it where they find a purple female penguin.
"Um, excuse me." Sora said.
"Oh, we have guests! Welcome. Oh, you poor kids! You're freezing! If you want to see my husband, he's in the next room." The female penguin said.
"Thank you." Goombario said.
The group go for the next room where they find a male penguin on the ground but not moving.
"Ummm..." Goofy trails off.
"That doesn't look good..." Watt said.
"Hey, take a look." Donald said finding a memo that says 'Herringway'.
"Herringway?" Kooper asked.
"What's that mean and what happened to him?" Bow asked.
Just then the female penguin enters the room.
"Darling, would you like some tea?" The female penguin asked but no response. "Hmm? Darling, you know you'll catch a cold if you sleep there like that." The female penguin said approaching the body. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" The female penguin shouted causing the group to shake and then runs out. "HELP! SOMEBODY HELP ME! ANYBODY! MY HUSBAND IS DEAD! HE'S BEEN MURDERED!" The female penguin cried.
"Murdered?!" Sora asked shocked and Mario is also shocked.
"Uh oh..." Donald said.
"What's going on here, madam? You need to calm down. Speak slowly so I can get to the bottom of this." A voice said.
"Why do I have a feeling we're in hot water?" Sushie asked.
Just then the same green penguin guard arrives in the room with the female penguin.
"My husband is dead! Look at him lying there! My darling husband! Someone clipped his flippers!" The female penguin cried.
The penguin guard examines the dead penguin's body.
"By puffin, you're right! The Mayor has been murdered! It's just like a mystery novel, but real! How tragic! Madam, if you don't mind my asking, who would be so cruel as to put the Mayor on ice?" The penguin guard asked.
"Them! Right there! The man with the suspicious mustache and the boy with the suspicious spiky hair!" The female penguin said pointing at Sora and Mario.
"WHAT?!" Sora asked shocked and Mario is also shocked.
"It's a shame I'm right..." Sushie said.
"I told them to stay away from the house, but they barged right in! My husband was alive until they showed up! They're the murderers!" The female penguin said.
"Why you...!" Donald growled.
"Hey, Mustache and Spiky! You listening? This good woman's accusing you two! What do you have to say for yourselves?" The penguin guard asked.
"We didn't do anything! We came in the room and we just happened to find him lying like that!" Sora said and Mario nods.
"And she allowed us into the room too." Donald said.
"She went from being nice to being mean!" Watt said.
"Don't play ignorant with me, pals. I'm a professional and I have witnesses. Right, madam?" The penguin guard asked.
"Yes! They did it in cold blood! I saw with my own eyes! They're the only ones, who came into the room!" The female penguin said.
"That's a lie!" Sora yelled and Mario nods.
"You're obviously crazy!" Donald yelled jumping up and down.
"Yeah, ya think Mario would ever do something like this?!" Kooper asked.
"Yeah and Sora would never hurt anyone." Goofy said.
"Hmm, if that's the truth, then we're dealing with a backroom murder case. Ugh, I was never trained for this. A backroom murder case and a high-ranking penguim slain... Who would do such a horrible plot twist in our peaceful city? Mr. Mustache and Mr. Spiky, just once more for the record, you swear you never did this?" The penguin guard asked.
"Yes, we NEVER did anything horrible like this!" Sora said and Mario nods.
"Okay, I guess I believe you, but now we have to find the real culprit... I'll give you a chance. Since you claim you're not guilty, you have to bring me thr real murderer yourself. Do this and I believe you. It's the only way." The penguin guard said.
"Fine, we'll find the culprit and prove ourselves right!" Sora said and Mario nods.
"Then off with you." The penguin guard said.
"C'mon." Goombario said.
"One more thing; you haven't prove your innocence yet so you're forbidden from leaving this city." The penguin guard said.
"Heh, fine by me." Sora said and Mario nods.
The group leave the house and begin exploring Shiver City for the real culprit.
"Who would attack the Mayor like that?" Goofy asked.
"You think it was a Heartless?" Spike asked.
"That's possible, but at the same time, you remember when those penguins said something about a stranger around here?" Sora asked.
"I guess so." Watt said.
"This is going to take forever." Bombette said.
The group keep moving through Shiver City and they find a locked door of a building and so Sora uses his Keyblade to unlock the lock allowing them to enter a warehouse where they go upstairs leading to a roof of the warehouse and use it to slide across to a different roof and they find a chimney and go down it taking them to a different house where they find another penguin.
"What in the...?" The penguin asked and finds the group. "What are you doing in my fireplace?" The penguin asked.
"Umm, sorry. We..." Sora was cut off.
"You found my secret room...through my chimney...ingenious..." The penguin asked.
"Sorry for breaking in here. Who're you?" Goombario asked.
"Me? My name is Herringway. I'm a novelist. You haven't heard of me?" Herringway asked.
"Listen, we're sorry for busting in here, but the Mayor's..." Sora stops talking.
"Hmm? Speak up. What's happened?" Herringway asked.
"The Mayor's murdered..." Parakarry said.
"What?! Mayor Penguin was murdered?!" Herringway asked.
"Yeah and you might have a connection to that." Donald said.
"You're saying I'm a suspect? I did no such thing! Ridiculous!" Herringway said.
"Well, you just might have a part in it ia all." Bombette said.
"Well, it's natrual to be suspicious. Perhaps I should drop by the Mayor's house. Engage stairs!" Herringway commanded as stairs appear on the floor. "Come, now. Let's hurry to the Mayor's house." Herringway said going down the stairs.
"Should we trust him?" Kooper asked.
"He's our lead for this, Kooper." Bow said.
The group follow Herringway down the stairs and then follow Herringway to the Mayor's house and enter it.
"Let's get to the bottom of this case!" Herringway said as they go to the same room and find the penguin guard and the Mayor's wife.
"Oh, you again. Come up with anything?" The penguin guard asked and sees Herringway. "Hmm, say, isn't that penguin behind you the mystery novel writer Herringway?" The penguin guard asked.
"Yes and get this, we even found the Mayor holding onto a piece of paper that had Herringway's name on it." Sora said.
"Bah, if that were true, I would've noticed it." The penguin guard said and he finds the paper. "Hmm, he is holding a piece of paper. Yes, a message about his death. With his last words, the Mayor told us the murderer's identity!" The penguin guard said.
"Now you figure it out?" Donald asked.
"Mr. Herringway, you cold-hearted murderer! No wonder your novels are so exciting and suspenseful! You live out your own plots!" The penguin guard said.
"You poor man, do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound? You really think I'd do this to the Mayor? He's a great friend of mine!" Herringway said.
"Hmm, yes. You were good friends... But, I'm certain it was just a cover so no one would suspect you of this heinous crime! Yes, it must be it! I have solve the mystery!" The penguin guard said.
"Oh, really! You simple-minded penguin! I would never be so predictable! I'm completely innocent! I've been working in my house on my new novels for weeks! I didn't have time to sneak over and kill Mayor Penguin." Herringway said.
"I'd just like to say that I still think the man with the mustache and the boy with the spiky hair are the murderers." The Mayor's wife said.
"No one CARES what YOU think!" Donald yelled.
"Hmm, this penguin murder mystery is getting more intruiging all the time..." The penguin guard said.
Just then the Mayor's body starts moving and the Mayor opens his eyes.
"Oh, my aching...ouch..." Mayor Penguin said.
"WHAT?!" Sora asked shocked.
"EEEEEK! MY HUSBAND'S A GHOST!" The Mayor's wife cried.
"Oh, good gracious me! Hello, everyone. Just what's going on here and what are you all doing in my house?" Mayor Penguin asked.
"M-Mayor?! We thought you were dead!" The penguin guard said.
"What? Dead?! No, I remember going to the shelf to get a souvenir for Herringway. I reached up, slipped, and then whacked my head on the floor. It really hurt." Mayor Penguin said going for a blue box and gives it to Herringway. "Here you are, Herringway. This was what I was reaching for. Toad Town was fun and full of interesting sights. Wish you were there." Mayor Penguin said.
"Uh, well, thank you. That's very thoughtful of you." Herringway said.
"But, we were thinking you were murdered! The whold city was up in arms! Do be more careful next time!" The penguin guard said leaving.
"Oh, yes. Sorry for giving you all quite a scare." Mayor Penguin said.
"I, for one, thought it was rather entertaining. Everything should be okay now. Glad to see you fine. Now, I must go home. I have a new idea for the sequel to my new novel." Herringway said leaving.
"I have such good intentions, but for some reason, I always end up causing ruckuses." Mayor Penguin said and turns to the group. "Sorry for the scare there. Say, you're Mario?! On behalf of everyone, welcome to Shiver City! Jewel of the north!" Mayor Penguin said.
"Nice to meet you, sir. Um, if it's not too much trouble, we gotta get to Starborn Valley." Sora said and Mario nods.
"Oh, a nice hike there, eh? Of course, I'll tell the gatekeeper to allow you out of the city." Mayor Penguin said.
"Thanks, sir." Goofy said.
"Make sure you're all prepared!" Mayor Penguin said.
"Hey, you owe Sora and Mario an apology!" Donald said to the wife.
"Um, I'm sorry. I just...overreacted." The Mayor's wife said.
"It's okay. I'm just happy things cleared up." Sora said and Mario nods.
"C'mon, we gotta head east to Starborn Valley!" Spike said.
The group leave the Mayor's house and go through Shiver City to reach the gate and they leave Shiver City to go to the next place.
(Field Theme: Shiver Mountain)
(Shiver Mountain)
The group arrive at the outside of Shiver City and start moving through the snowy trails.
"Hey, hey, hey, hey, HEY!" A voice called.
"Now what?" Bombette asked.
"Oh, no. That voice..." Donald said and Jr. Troopa arrives.
"Brrrrrrah ha ha ha! Brrrr! I've been waiting for you, Mario and Sora! I've been here FOREVER! I thought I was gonna FREEZE! This place is freezing, cold, nasty, and icy! I hate it! I can't take it anymore!" Jr. Troopa said.
"We don't have time for you! Go run!" Sora said.
"I need to get outta here! I'm gonna beat you in record time and then go somewhere warm!" Jr. Troopa said.
The group confront Jr. Troopa.
"This brat does NOT learn!" Bow said.
"I told you to give up, Jr. Troopa." Sora said.
"Shut up! I've been busy training! Check THIS out!" Jr. Troopa said as he takes out a staff. "I've been training a little magic. You're my final exam!" Jr. Troopa said.
"You want magic?! I'll give you magic!" Donald said.
Sora casts Thunder on Jr. Troopa while Mario attacks with his hammer while Donald casts Fire but Jr. Troopa unleashes a magic attack at Mario but Goofy uses Charge while Goombario uses Headbonk while Bombette uses Bomb but Jr. Troopa retaliates with casting Blizzard at Sora but Watt uses Electro Dash while Spike uses Spiny Toss while Bow uses Fan Smack but Jr. Troopa casts Thunder getting the group but Kooper uses Dizzy Shell to make Jr. Troopa dizzy while Parakarry uses Sky Dive while Sushie uses Belly Flop but Jr. Troopa casts Fire but Mario uses Power Jump while Sora uses Strike Raid and throws his Keyblade four times and then delivers the final Keyblade throw and they finish off Jr. Troopa.
"Looks like you're on thin ice, Jr. Troopa!" Sora said.
"Noooo!" Jr. Troopa cried.
"Now stop wasting our time! We have somewhere to be!" Donald said.
The group keep moving and later arrive at an area with different snowmen and then later arrive at a different part of the mountain while dealing with Blue Rhapsody Heartless as well as Frost Piranhas and continue moving but then something starts shaking.
"What?" Sora asked.
"What's going on?" Parakarry asked and something appears from underground.
Coming from underground is what looks like a giant Heartless with yellow eyes, a pure white and pruple crystalline body with black cyan ice spikes on its back and arms, black and cyan crystalline claws, black cyan crystalline razor teeth, and a Heartless emblem on its chest and it roars.
"Heartless!" Watt said.
"I knew it!" Donald said.
"We'll have to take it out to press on!" Sora said and Mario nods.
(Boss Theme: Shrouding Dark Cloud)
The group confront the giant Heartless known as Frost Bite and Sora delivers three attacks at the giant Heartless with his Keyblade while Mario uses Quake Hammer while Kooper uses Fire Shell to deal burning damage but Frost Bite attacks Sora with its crystal claws and then delivers a slamming claw attack but Donald casts Fire while Bombette uses Power Bomb while Watt uses Electro Dash but Frost Bite unleashes tiny crystals and sends them attacking the group but Bow uses Fan Smack while Goofy uses Tornado while Spike uses Spiny Surge but Frost Bite unleashes giant ice crystals from under the group to do damage but Parakarry uses Shell Shot while Sushie uses Squirt but Frost Bite attacks with its crystalline claws and then stomps its foot unleashing giant crystals underneath but Sora uses Blitz and attacks three times while Mario uses Hammer Throw while Donald casts Fire but Frost Bite unleashes crystal needles and sends them to attack but Bow uses Outta Sight to make the group invisible to keep the crystal needles from attacking while Kooper uses Power Shell while Watt uses Electro Dash but Frost Bite slams its crystal claws on the ground unleashing more crystals but Parakarry uses Sky Dive while Bombette uses Super Bomb while Spike uses Spiny Toss but Frost Bite attacks with its crystalling claws but Goofy uses Rocket while Goombario uses Multibonk but Frost Bite prepares an attack.
"Look out!" Goombario said as Frost Bite unleashes an attack and creates icy shock waves freezing the group and take damage.
"That was dangerous." Donald said casting Cure and so does Sora.
Mario uses Power Bounce and jumps on the giant Heartless many times while Sora uses Sonic Blade and dashes all over many times and delivers the final dash attack but Frost Bite unleashes giant crystals from under the group dealing damage but Goofy uses Tornado while Kooper uses Fire Shell while Spike uses Spint Toss but Frost Bite attacks with its claws and then stomps on its foot unleashing giant crystals but Watt uses Power Shock while Bow uses Smack while Donald casts Fire but Frost Bite claps its claws together to unleash an icy gale causing icy damage but Parakarry uses Shell Shot while Goombario uses Headbonk while Bombette uses Bomb but Frost Bite unleashes tiny crystals and sends them to attack the group but Sushie uses Squirt while Sora aerial attacks with his Keyblade but Frost Bite prepares its freeze attack but Bow quickly uses Outta Sight to make the group invisible and Frost Bite unleasjes its icy shock waves but nothing happens and Bombette uses Super Bomb while Goofy uses Charge but Frost Bite unleashes giant crystals from under the group but Spike uses Spiny Surge while Parakarry uses Shell Shot while Donald casts Fire but Frost Bite attacks with its claws and slams its claws to unleash crystals but Mario uses Quake Hammer while Watt uses Electro Dash while Kooper uses Power Shell but Frost Bite unleashes giant crystals under the group but Sora casts Fire and delivers the final attack finishing Frost Bite who collaspes into crystal pieces while a giant heart flies out and the crystal pieces disappear.
Just then many little stars appear after the Heartless' defeat.
"Huh?" Sora asked.
"Star children?" Goombario asked.
"Did the Heartless capture them?" Goofy asked.
"Thank you for saving us!" One of the star kids said as they fly off.
"Come on." Sora said as they follow.
(Field Theme: Starborn Valley)
(Starborn Valley)
The group arrive at a village and they find a robed figure who looks like Merlon.
"Merlon?" Kooper asked.
"Ah, you must be Mario and Sora? Thank you for coming. I am Merle. I care for the Star Kids born here in Starborn Valley. There are many things I must tell you. Come to my house." Merle said.
The group follow Merle.
"By the way, thank you for saving those Star Kids. They were playing when that awful monster appeared and ate them. Thanks to you, they're now free once more." Merle said.
"No problem." Sora said and Mario nods.
The group follow Merle to his house and they enter.
"So, what is it you wanna tell us?" Goofy asked.
"Listen well. Heed what I'm about to tell you. You see, Starborn Valley is named because it is where Stars are born and raised before rising to the sky. Now that Bowser has stolen the Star Rod, the power has weakened and the Star Kids have found themselves unable to fly into the sky. I sent Ninji to my father, hoping to bring you here. It just so happens I know where the last Star Spirit is being held." Merle said.
"Really?!" Sora asked.
"It came to me in a dream... A vision of the last Star Spirit begging for help. The vision speaks truly, then the last Star Spirit is being held atop Shiver Mountain, which lies to the north. Up top sits the Crystal Palace, where the Star Spirit awaits. The Crystal Palace was built to honor the Stars, but time passed and it slowly fades from the memories of local people...now no one can remember how to reach the palace. There is a way, though, and it involves items that have been passed down in these lands. Take this." Merle said giving Mario a scarf.
"A scarf?" Donald asked crossing his arms.
"It's no ordinary scarf, for it has been passed down through many generations in Starborn Valley." Merle said.
"Do you know how to use it?" Sora asked.
"Alas, I do not, but according to legends, you must use this and another item that has been passed down in Shiver City if you hope to open the way to the Crystal Palace. That is all I know." Merle said.
"Okay, thanks, Merle." Sora said and Mario nods.
"If things remain as they are now, the Star Kids will never again be able to rise to Star Haven. Such a fate will be awful." Merle said.
"We'll help 'em and teach Bowser a nice lesson." Sora said and Mario nods.
The group leave Merle's house but Merle follows them.
"One more thing; there is supposed to be a small shrine somewhere along the path to the Crystal Palace. A legend has been handed down in this valley regarding the shrine's secret: 'Truth lies not only in the eyes. Sometimes, even walls may lie'. Confusing, yes, but you must find this shrine and solve its mystery to reach the Crystal Palace." Merle said.
The group start moving through Starborn Valley and later return to Shiver City and return to Mayor Penguin's house and find the Mayor.
"Hi, Mayor." Sora said.
"Oh, welcome back! Did you make it to Starborn Valley?" Mayor Penguin asked.
"Yeah and we talked to Merle and he said something about an item that's been passed down in this city." Goombario said.
"We wonder if you know anything like that." Bow said.
"Oh, there IS something like that! Hold on, I think I have it somewhere." Mayor Penguin said opening a cabinet and takes out a bucket. "Here it is." Mayor Penguin said.
"A bucket?" Donald asked crossing his arms.
"This bucket has been passed down through the years in Shiver City. As Merle must have told you, there's a legend associated with it. Use this and the scarf together, then the way to the Crystal Palace will open. Who knows what all that means. I don't have the slightest clue as to how to use them together." Mayor Penguin said.
"Guess we'll have to figure it out from there." Parakarry said.
"Thanks, Mayor." Sora said and Mario nods.
"Those poor Star Kids in Starborn Valley are in trouble. Please do what you can for those tykes. Kids like them shouldn't have to go through that kind of pain." Mayor Penguin said.
"Oh, we'll help 'em." Sora said and Mario nods.
The group make their way back to Shiver Mountain and return to the area with the snowmen and they examine each snowmen but then Goofy sees something.
"Hmm, one of those snowmen is missin' a scarf. See?" Goofy said pointing at a snowman with no scarf.
"You're right. Maybe if we..." Sora stops talking as he places the scarf on the snowman.
"Now what?" Watt asked.
"Look, a snowman doesn't have a hat." Donald said pointing at a snowman with no hat.
"Hmm..." Sora places the bucket on the snowman.
"A cool bucket hat! Thank you!" The first snowman said.
"A warm scarf! Thank you!" The second snowman said.
"You're kind people! Thank you! As a reward fr your kindness, we shall tell you a secret." The snowmen said as they bounce making an ice wall disappear revealing a door.
"Whoa!" Sora said.
"Please pass through here, with many thanks and blessings from the snowmen!" The snowmen said.
The group go for the door and they arrive at a different place.
(Field Theme: Crystal Shrine)
(Crystal Shrine)
The group arrive at an icy shrine and they find a switch and use it to take them upward while dealing with enemies and they arrive at a different area where they find a switch and use Kooper to activate the switch but then another Kooper appears.
"What the...?" Sora asked.
"Two Koopers?" Goofy asked.
"What's wrong with my eyes? You look just like me! Impostor! Who are you really?" Kooper 1 asked.
"I'm Kooper! Who are YOU?" Kooper 2 asked back.
"That's impossible! I'm the one and only Kooper!" Kooper 1 said.
"You're talking crazy-talk! I'm the REAL Kooper!" Kooper 2 said.
"This is going nowhere..." Sushie said.
"Mario, Sora, you know I'm Kooper, right?" Kooper 1 asked.
"Shut up, goody-goody! I'm their buddy!" Kooper 2 said.
"That's a lie!" Kooper 1 said.
"Listen, Moron and Stupid, I mean Mario and Sora, you decide who's lying." Kooper 2 said.
"That's easy!" Sora said casting Thunder on Kooper 2 revealing to be a figure in sheets known as a Duplighost.
"Yeeeow! What made you think I was lying?" The Duplighost asked.
"Because Kooper never insults his friends, like you just did!" Sora said.
"Ha! You lost, buddy!" Kooper said.
"How dare to try and trick us like that?!" Bow asked.
"Why you...!" The Duplighost was cut off as Donald casts Thunder on him knocking him out. "Take THAT! Faker!" Donald yelled.
"I guess this place does have illusions. We better tread carefully." Bombette said.
The group keep going through the shrine and they find a pebble and keep moving while dealing with enemies in their way and they find a pedestal with an item and so Sora takes but an ice wall closes but Sora places the pebble on the pedestal making the ice wall disappear and they keep going and they later an entrance to a different area of the shrine where they see an ice wall and go through it and they find a star in ice and just then something appears and it's a cloaked figure.
"What's that?" Watt asked.
"At last...it is Mario! I'm glad you found this place! I've been expecting you. Do you find it strange that I know of you? My name is Madam Merlar. I am a messenger of the Stars. You know Merlon and Merle well. I am their ancestor. The Stars spoke to me of you through my dreams... They said you would come to the shrine on Shiver Mountain. It is here that I guard the way to the Crystal Palace. We have little time to waste, so listen carefully. You may not know this, but the followers of Bowser and the Heartless have invaded Crystal Palace, where stars are honored. Now, what I have to tell you is very important. Listen to every word I say! I can't tell you the whole tale. In the interest of time, I'll be brief, so pay attention to the key points. The story begins a long, long time ago..." Merlar begins explaining her tale but Sora, Mario, and the rest start to fall asleep. ...so that's why you must get Bowser's men out of the Crystal Palace, but..." Merlar stops talking. "Hey! Were you even listening to my story?" Merlar asked and they wake up.
"Huh? Y-Yeah, we were listening." Sora said and Mario nods.
"Oh, very good. As I was saying, you'll need the Star Stone to reach the palace. I shall give it to you." Merlar said giving the Star Stone to the group. "With the Star Stone, you can open the way to the Crystal Palace. Go on, make haste!" Merlar said disappearing.
"Well, we got the key to the palace, let's hurry." Sora said and they nod.
The group make their way through the shrine and they find a wall with a star shape and so Sora places the Star Stone on the wall and just then something rises which is an ice wall creating stairs leading upward and so the group climb up the stairs taking them to a different place.
The group are now at an icy gates and they find a giant crystal palace and so they go through the doors and go into the palace.
(Field Theme: Crystal Palace Crawl)
(Crystal Palace)
The group are now inside the Crystal Palace and it's full of ice and a giant mirror of the side.
"So, this is the Crystal Palace." Sora said.
"We better find that seventh Star Spirit and fast." Goombario said and they nod.
The group start moving through the palace halls and find a switch and so Mario uses his spin jump to press the switch making the hall rise up to a different level and they find a locked door and so Sora uses his Keyblade to unlock the door and they go to the next room and they find a cracked wall and so Bombette bombs the cracked wall and go through it taking them to a different hall and they find a coin block and so Mario jumps on it but the reflection of the block isn't moving.
"Did you see that?" Goofy asked.
"Yeah, that reflection isn't moving." Parakarry said.
Sora finds something and goes to the other side of the mirror.
"Guys, come here!" Sora said and the others follow.
"Well, another side. I never." Bow said.
Mario finds the next coin block and jumps on it and they find another cracked wall and so Bombette bombs it and they go through only to find another group.
"What the...?" Donald asked.
"Yikes! Mario's here!" The Mario impostor said.
"Let's ge 'em!" The Sora impostor said as the group impostors reveal themselves as Duplighosts.
"Not this again!" Sora said as he casts Thunder on the Duplighosts defeating them.
The group keep going through the halls and they go to a different room where they find a wooden panel and so Mario uses his spin jump to break it open and the group go down and find another room and keep moving while fighting off many Heartless such as Blue Rhapsodies, Air Soldiers, and Large Bodies and continue traversing through the palace and find a different room and find another cracked wall and so Bombette bombs it but then more Bombettes appear.
"Oh, come on!" Sora said.
"This is getting ridiculous!" Kooper said.
"Hey, stop trying to look like us!" Bombette yelled.
"Ugh, this getting annoying!" Spike said.
"Mario, Sora, please tell me you can't tell which is the real Bombette." Bombette said.
"Hey, you're spreading lies!" Bombette 1 said.
"I'm the real Bombette!" Bombette 2 said.
"I-I'm the real Bombette... Pl-Please believe me..." Bombette 3 said.
"Hey, if you hit me, I'll blow you up!" Bombette 4 said.
"Okay, this needs to stop!" Sora said casting Thunder on all four Bombettes exposing them as Duplighosts.
"Hey, we worked hard on those disguises!" Duplighost 1 said.
"Yeah, how can a stupid kid not fall for it?" Duplighost 2 asked.
"This stinks!" Duplighost 3 said.
"You'll pay for this one day!" Duplighost 4 said as they all leave.
"Thanks, Sora. If you attacked me, I woulda bombed you the next time you napped." Bombette said.
"Hey, I know who my friends are." Sora said grinning.
"C'mon, let's go. I'm tired of these annoying Duplighosts!" Goombario said.
"I concur." Bow said.
The group keep moving through the Crystal Palace and they find a red door with a lock and so Sora uses his Keyblade to unlock the door and they go to a different room with a mirror and Clubba statues on the other side of the mirror and they find a white Clubba.
"Who're you?" The white Clubba asked.
"Uh, hi. We're just passin' through." Goofy said.
"Well, the great and honorable Crystal King said I can't let anyone pass. I'm gonna have to hurt you." The white Clubba said.
"Guess again!" Donald said casting Blizzard to freeze the Clubba.
The group keep moving but another white Clubba blocks the way.
"I won't let you pass! You'll have to get past me first!" The white Clubba said.
"Okay." Bombette said as she bombs the Clubba.
The group keep moving but run into a third white Clubba.
"Didn't you hear me?! I'm not budging! The Crystal King'll be mad if you pass!" The white Clubba said.
"Well, tell the Crystal King we're passing!" Spike said throwing a Spiny egg at the Clubba.
"Did you guys notice?" Goombario asked.
"What?" Sushie asked.
"There were statues at the other side of the mirror." Donald said seeing that the statues are now gone.
"And after we beat those Clubbas, they'd gone and disappeared." Goofy asked.
"And look, a door!" Kooper said pointing at a door.
"You know what that means?" Watt asked and Mario nods.
The group go for the other side of the mirror and use the door to take them to the next room and they find a switch and use Bombette to attack the switch making the mirror switch sides and they find a door and go to the next room where they deal with more Heartless and they find a solid wall but Bombette bombs the wall creating a hole and go through but Heartless appear and attack but Sora attacks with his Keyblade while Mario attacks with his hammer while Donald casts Fire while Goofy uses Charge while Goombario uses Headbonk while Kooper uses Shell Toss while Bombette uses Body Slam while Parakarry uses Sky Dive while Bow uses Smack while Watt uses Electroc Dash while Sushie uses Belly Flop while Spike uses Spiny Throw and they defeat the Heartless but then they see a mirror of Sora and Mario using Kooper to use his shell under a small space and so Sora and Mario do the same to Kooper but then Kooper, an elder Koopa, Goompa, Kolorado, and Luigi appear.
"Now what?!" Donald asked annoyed.
"Everyone, I'm the real Kooper! You know that, yes?" Kolorado said.
"Look at me! I'm Kooper!" Goompa said.
"I'm Kooper, sonny!" The elder Koopa said.
"No, bro! I'm Kooper!" Luigi said.
"They're not even trying anymore." Parakarry said.
"I've had it!" Donald yelled casting Thunder on Kolorado, the elder Koopa, Goompa, and Luigi exposing them as Duplighosts and Sora and Mario defeat them. "NO MORE DULPIGHOSTS!" Donald shouted jumping up and down.
"Those disguises were just lame." Spike said.
The group keep moving through the palace and they go to a different room where they find a switch and use Kooper to activate it making a bridge appear and they find a way to go to he other side of the mirror and they find a giant statue and so Mario pushes it sending them down and they find a locked door and so Sora uses his Keyblade to unlock the door taking them to a different room where they come across white creatures blocking the way.
"Um..." Sora trails off.
"You can't pass until you solve this puzzle!" One of the white creatures said.
Mario finds three statues and so he and Sora push the statues making the creatures move as well but also make the creattures move to differen sides as well as the statues and place the statues into their proper places making a door appear.
"A door." Watt said.
"Come on." Sora said.
The group go for the door and use it to get out of the palace where they are now at a snowy mountain and keep exploring.
"So, where's the next Star Spirit?" Bow asked.
"Should be here somewhere." Parakarry said.
"Who dares come to my palace?!" A voice asked and the group see someone appearing and it's a transparent figure with yellow eyes, wearing blue royal robes, and an ice crown.
"Let me guess, you're our enemy?" Sora asked taking out his Keyblade.
"I am the Crystal King! Mario, you and your friends have finally arrived! I know you believe you can save the Star Spirit, but I can't and won't let you! I shall defeat all of you and present Lord Bowser with iced gifts!" The Crystal King said.
"Heh, that is IF you defeat us!" Sora said and Mario nods.
(Boss Theme: Freeze!)
The group confront the Crystal King who conjures three ice minions around him and Sora delivers three attacks with his Keyblade while Mario uses Power Jump on the Crystal King causing great damage while Donald casts Thunder on the Crystal King and his ice minions defeating the three of them but the Crystal King conjures more ice minions only for Kooper to use Power Shell while Goofy uses Charge while Bombette uses Bomb destroying the ice minions but the Crystal King unleashes an ice beam at Mario freezing him but Bow uses Fan Smack while Parakarry uses Shell Shot while Spike uses Spiny Throw but the Crystal King conjures more ice minions but Watt uses Mega Shock while Sushie uses Squirt while Goombario uses Multibonk but the Crystal King inhales his ice minions and throws them at the group but Sora uses Strike Raid and throws his Keyblade four times at the Crystal King and then delivers the final Keyblade Throw while Mario uses Quake Hammer but the Crystal King heals himself.
Mario uses Power Bounce and jumps on the Crystal King many times while Sora casts Fire while Kooper uses Fire Shell but the Crystal King unleashes an ice beam and freezes Sora but Donald casts Fire while Bow uses Fan Smack while Spike uses Spiny Throw but the Crystal King heals himself again but Watt uses Electro Dash while Parakarry uses Sky Dive while Bombette uses Super Bomb but the Crystal King unleashes more ice beams to try and freeze the group but Sushie uses Squirt while Goofy uses Tornado while Goombario uses Multibonk but the Crystal King heals himself but Sora uses Sonic Blade and dashes all over getting the Crystal King and then delivers the final dashing strike while Mario uses Hammer Throw while Bow uses Outta Sight to make the group invisible as the Crystal King unleashes ice beams to try and freeze the group but nothing happens and Bombette uses Bomb while Kooper uses Fire Shell while Donald casts Fire but the Crystal King heals himself but Goofy uses Charge while Spike uses Spiny Throw while Watt uses Mega Shock.
The Crystal King levitates himself and then creates clones of himself but Donald casts Thunder while Parakarry uses Air Raid and flies all over while Spike uses Spiny Surge and throws many Spiny eggs getting the Crystal King and the clones allowing Sora to use Blitz and attacks the Crystal King three times while Mario uses Power Smash but the Crystal King heals himself but Sushie uses Belly Flop while Goofy uses Tornado while Watt uses Electro Dash but the Crystal King levitates again and creates more clones of himself and Bow uses Outta Sight to make the group invisible as the Crystal Kings unleash a powerful gust of icy wind but nothing happens and Sora and Mario both summon Skolar who uses Star Storm to attack the Crystal King and the clones allowing Goombario to use Multibonk while Kooper uses Fire Shell while Donald casts Fire but the Crystal King heals himself but Sushie uses Squirt while Watt uses Mega Shock while Bow uses Fan Smack but the Crystal King levitates and clones himself once more but Spike uses Spiny Surge and throws many Spiny eggs getting the Crystal King and the clones allowing Sora to use Strike Raid and throws his Keyblade four times and then delivers the final Keyblade throw while Mario uses Power Bounce and jumps on the Crystal King many times and they finish off the Crystal King.
"Heh, not as cool as you thought!" Sora said grinning.
"Was that necessary?" Donald asked.
The Crystal King stumbles back upon defeat.
"N-Nooo... The last Star Spirit...! King Bowser...forgive meeee!" The Crystal King said as he disappears into nothing.
Just then something appears and it's another card containing the seventh Star Spirit.
"This is it, Mario! The final Star Spirit!" Sora said and Mario nods.
Sora and Mario go for the card and free the seventh and final Star Spirit.
END OF CHAPTER!
"Sora and Mario have saved the last Star Spirit, Kalmar, from the Crystal Palace at the edge of the world. Now, with the seven Star Spirits together, Mario has the power to challenge Bowser...and the Star Rod, but with Sora and friends, Mario is not alone. At last, it is time for the showdown with the Evil King Bowser. Can Mario and Sora rescuse Princess Peach and recover the Star Rod? Or will wishes forever go ungranted?" Jiminy asked in his journal.
Meanwhile in Bowser's lair and Peach'es castle Peach is outside on the castle balcony looking at the sky.
"Oh, Mario... I wonder what he's doing now? I wish I knew if I was helping him at all..." Peach said.
"Of course you are! Mario will be fine with Sora helping him! You should be proud of your efforts! Mario knows what you've done. Don't worry, Princess! You'll be able to talk to him before you know it!" Twink said.
"I hope you're right, Twink. Thank you for cheering me up. Let's go back in." Peach said as they go back into the room.
Just then Bowser enters the room.
"Oh, Princess! Your cuddly old Bowser's here!" Bowser said approaching Peach as Twink hides. "Let's have a nice chat for a change? I wanna see a smile." Bowser said.
"I have nothing to say to you!" Peach said looking away.
"Oh, don't be such a pill. You're stuck with me forever and ever! Get used to it." Bowser said.
"Mario is coming, Bowser. You can't stop him." Peach said.
"HAHAHAHA! You poor silly girl! I'm invincible with the Star Rod! Mario's no match for me! Not even that stupid kid Sora stands a chance! Mario's history. Get over it." Bowser said.
Just then Kammy Koopa arrives.
"Your Raunchiness! We have bad news!" Kammy informed.
"Ugh, this better be important! I'm in the middle of having a friendly chat with the Princess!" Bowser said.
"Uh, Mario and Sora have now saved all seven Star Spirits. There IS a chance they could come here using the Star Spirits' power. We must be ready if they show up." Kammy said.
"WHAT?! GAH! MARIO! And if that wasn't enough, that stupid kid is STILL HELPING HIM?! GAAAAH, STUPID SORA!" Bowser shouted. "Okay, listen, Kammy Koopa, send everyone to their posts! That includes the Heartless! We'll ambush 'em the second they enter my castle!" Bowser ordered and turns to Peach. "Princess Peach, why don't you come with me to watch. You can have a front row seat to see Mario get CRUSHED! Hey, idiots, tie up the Princess now! If she gets out one more time, heads will roll!" Bowser commanded as the Koopatrols arrive and start tying up Peach.
"Hey, you big ugly...Koopa! Show the Princess some respect!" Twink said coming out of hiding.
"What is that whiny glittering thing? Confetti? Ugh, buzz off!" Bowser yelled swiping at Twink and knocking him out of the castle.
"TWINK!" Peach cried.
"Take the Princess NOW! MOVE IT!" Bowser commanded as the Koopatrols escort Peach out of the room.
"I guess you need some help still?" A voice asked and Riku comes in.
"Oh, you. Listen, kid! Mario and Sora are comin' to the castle! Tell ya what, since you know Sora more, get rid of him and I'll use this Star Rod to grant whatever wish you want, even finding that lost girl's heart or whatever." Bowser said.
"Fine by me. Leave Sora to me. You can do what you want to that plumber." Riku said.
"Glad we understand each other. Get outta here." Bowser said and Riku leaves.
"Soon, Kairi, soon." Riku said leaving.
Meanwhile the group leave the Crystal Palace and are talking to Kalmar.
"My name is Kalmar. Mario, Sora, you have done well. Thank you for coming. You have saved all the Star Spirits. We are in your debt. Now all that's left is for you to challenge Bowser. My power will help you stop Bowser and recover the Star Rod and save Princess Peach." Kalmar said granting Mario and Sora a new Star Power.
(Learned new Star Power: Up and Away)
"Thank you." Sora said and Mario nods.
"Mario, Sora, you must return to Shooting Star Summit. From there, we'll prepare the route to Star Haven. The name of the route is Star Way. Once you travel the Star Way, you'll finally reach Star Haven. My only wish is for you to save this precious world. You can do it, Mario, Sora. Goodbye for now." Kalmar said flying away.
"We did it! We saved all SEVEN Star Spirits!" Goofy cheered.
"Hey, we're not done yet!" Donald yelled.
"Yeah, now we gotta get back to Shooting Star Summit and get to Star Haven." Goombario said.
"There's no more time to waste, everyone. Let's return to Toad Town and posthaste!" Bow said and they nod.
The group make their way through the Crystal Shrine and later return to Shiver Mountain and make their way back to Shiver City and find the pipe and use it to return to Toad Town.
The group are back in Toad Town's sewers and use the pipe to take them back to Toad Town itself and they make their way for the Mushroom Castle gates.
"Well, here we go, Mario. Time to head back to Shooting Star Summit." Sora said and Mario nods.
The group open the gate taking them back to the castle crater and make their way for Shooting Star Summit and begin climbing their way to the top.
"This is it. Just like before." Goombario said.
"Mario, Sora, can you hear me?" Eldstar asked.
"Yeah, loud and clear, Eldstar." Sora said and Mario nods.
"I'm going to open the entrance to Star Way. Enter this path without fear. The Star Way continues all the way up here to Star Haven. We seven Star Spirits will be watching for you here. We wish to give you our remaining Power. With this Power, you will be able to stand up to the Star Rod Bowser holds." Eldstar said.
Just then the pedestal starts glowing as a pillar appears.
"We await you, heroes! Mario, Sora, make haste to Star Haven!" Eldstar said.
"Ready?" Sora asked and everyone nods. "Let's go." Sora said as they for the pillar as it takes them upward from Shooting Star Summit.
Well, there's the seventh chapter for the story and I hope you liked this one. Well, it looks like we're getting to the final stretch of the story, so I hope you're looking forward to the endgame. I really appreciate the support for the story and I hope it continues while I'm still working on more chapters. Will Sora and Mario be able to reach Peach's castle? What will try and stop them from getting to Bowser? Will Bowser finally defeat Mario once and for all and Sora and win? Will the Star Rod be recovered or will all wishes remain ungranted? I'll see you in the next chapter. Goodbye for now.