Hello, all. Man, has it been a crazy week for me. First, I got surgery for my eyes of which I'm still recovering from. Also, the whole pipeline in the east has shut down because of a cyber attack, and now I'm seeing lines of cars just to get gas. (sound familiar from last year? If not, here's a hint: paper towels.) Hopefully, this all will blow over soon. Anyways, craziness aside, this week we'll examine the inner thoughts of the rest of the cast and the effects the return of the Luffs have on them to help shape their character development. Also, with this chapter, we officially hit 100,000 words! What an accomplishment!
Disclaimer: Paper Mario belongs to Nintendo and Intelligent Systems.
Chapter 25: Fight or Flight
Jazzafrazz Town
Hayzee cowered behind a crate as the Luffs marched into the town one-by-one. He had been lucky to land in his hometown, but at the wrong time when the Luffs first invaded a day ago. As quickly as they came, the town became theirs. They had no intention of hurting any of them unless they rebelled. The leader behind this division, Coatlicue, a white Luff with black eyes and had snakes in her hair, had been very calming during the invasion.
"I pray that we be friends," she had said. "Let us not fight, for I believe in the goodness of this world. Whiro can restore the goodness it deserves, so let's not squabble but become life-long friends." She bowed her head. "I do not wish ill will for anyone. I pray we can get along together until the necessary execution of her Highness. Though you might not agree, this is the will of the world bestowed onto us."
She walked to Hayzee and rested her hand on his face. "I recognize you."
He gulped as he avoided eye contact. "You do?"
"Yes. You're one of the people who traveled with Luigi. Poor boy. It must've been tough seeing his death, but don't worry. Though he might have a funny way of showing it, Whiro cares for the world. He wishes to mend the broken wounds, and I support him whole-heartily, so you should, too." She walked away.
He should? He snorted. No. Hayzee was mutual on how his friends felt about the situation with the Luffs. He shuddered. The memory of Luigi's death entered his mind. Why did he feel so powerless? He always loved everything that went into a play: the action, the drama, even the lessons that could be learned. Even though he often wrote and dreamt about it, he never thought he would face actual danger. He only went with Luigi so he could write everything that happened. It would've been about a boy's journey to save a poor soul who was distressed. It was supposed to be a tale of everything he loved about theater, but now that the danger came head-on, he didn't know how to react. How was he, a person who fantasized about stuff like danger, be as strong as the one person he admired? How was he supposed to be as strong as Luigi when he couldn't even find the strength to look a Luff in the eye, even when he found her the least scary? How? That seemed to be like an answer he thought he would never find in his lifetime.
Torque rubbed his sore legs as he stood up. He gazed at the beach, the waves brushing against the sandy shore. He scratched his head. Where was he? He walked around in the jungle, shouting the various names of his friends. The heat became unbearable to the buzzy beetle as he walked past the jello pudding. He walked for the next several hours for any signs of them, but he ended up short. He worried the most for Screamy. For someone as lost as he was when finding his way around the world, the blob lacked the common sense necessary to survive at all. Having the Luffs around just made things worse. What if they somehow captured him? What if he was eaten? What if-
He shook his head. No. Now wasn't the time for those thoughts. He had to survive. Screamy had to. Perhaps maybe one of his friends found him. Perhaps someone stumbled upon him. He nodded. These were much better thoughts to have. It would be bad to assume the worst. It was best to keep the faith. Perhaps, even Luigi was still alive, but he didn't know. That was the worst part. He couldn't confirm anything, but still. Better than to assume the worst. He sighed with relief as a village came into view. Finally, something that seemed familiar. Mrs. Tumbleton walked to him. "Hello. Oh, you look exhausted."
"I am," he said. "I've been trying to find my friends. Have you seen them?"
"Well, tell me what they look like." He gave her a rundown of their physical descriptions.
"So, one of your friends is Blooey. How is he? Is he doing well with Luigi?"
"Honestly, I don't know. I was blasted away by some man named Whiro."
She nodded. "I see. You don't know where he went. I hope he's OK. That blooper's been on a journey to find his parents. I hope he might have success this time around." Torque nodded. He heard the tale the night he joined Luigi on his quest. He sighed.
"Help! We need help!" Voices rang out as villagers entered through the gate one-by-one as they carried a body on a raft. "Someone get Mr. Tumbleton!"
"I'm here!" The old man sighed as he walked out. "What happened?" he asked as the villagers laid the body on the ground.
"We found him unconscious," one of the villagers said. "We were on a fishing expedition when we stumbled across this blob of some sort. He's unresponsive. I think he swallowed too much water." Torque's skin quivered. He gasped. No. It couldn't be. He rushed to the body and screamed as he glanced at the unconscious body of Screamy.
"No! Screamy, wake up!"
"He's not gonna respond! He's unconscious!" Torque scoffed. He didn't care. Screamy had to stay alive, at all costs. Nothing else mattered to the buzzy beetle as he cupped his hands and began compressions on his chest. Maybe he could force the water out. Nothing happened.
"S-Screamy! Please! You have to wake up!" Desperation kicked in as he increased the speed of the compressions. Minutes later, the blob coughed out the water as he sat up. Torque hugged him as he continued to cough. Finally, he was awake again. "Screamy! You're alive!"
The blob coughed. "I am," he wheezed. They hugged each other for a long time. Torque never felt so relieved. He thought he lost the one person he cared for the most, but thanks to a miracle, all ended up well for the two of them. Mr. Tumbleton smiled. He clearly saw a deep and intimate relationship between the two of them. It reminded him of him and Blooey a little, though their relationship wasn't as cut and dry as theirs. He sighed. Hopefully, Blooey was out there safe. Perhaps he might've found his parents by now, though that seemed to be a bit of a long shot.
Screamy sighed as he was held in Torque's hands. The thoughts of the drowning flashed in his mind. He whimpered. Having a near-death experience traumatized the blob as he cried in Torque's arms. "Hey," Torque said. "It's OK. I'm here. I promise to never let you go." The warmth of his hands gave a soothing comfort to Screamy as he calmed his breathing. He had forgotten what it felt like to be safe in someone's arms. He never shared that feeling with Cranberry. Screamy could tell Torque cared a lot for him.
"I can tell you two are close," Mr. Tumbleton said.
The buzzy beetle nodded. "We are. We both joined Luigi on his quest to find Princess Éclair." Mr. Tumbleton nodded. He remembered that tale. A sad look crept on his face. "But then-"
"The child of fate died!" Screamy yelled, the tears coming. "He who was the child of fate died by he who is Whiro!" He cried Torque's arms. The villagers gasped. A lump formed in Mr. Tumbleton's throat. Luigi died? Even though that man seemed to have a cowardly side to him, he had a hero's heart. He was determined to save Éclair, and now he was killed by some odd third party?
"Who's this 'Whiro' person?"
"A monster," Torque growled. "He killed him in cold blood! He was family! I'll kill him!" He sighed. "Look. Whiro is the leader of a dangerous race called the Luffs. His people's coming to destroy any and all governments in existence because of the crap that they went through. Screamy here is a creation of the final Luff who ended up trapping his own race in a black hole. Well, they're back again, and they're out for anyone who supports Éclair. They're coming and they won't stop. They conquered the world, and they'll do it again."
"But they won't hurt us, yes? I support Éclair through-and-through, but I'm the mayor. I will not stand to have my people hurt in a war that'll get them killed. I will not allow them to drag us through the mud. How do we know that if we refuse their orders, they won't pull the plug and kill us all?"
Torque sighed. It was hard to tell. Whiro's change felt like it happened in an instant. One moment ago, he was ranting about the good he could spread to the whole world if he could let him become the hero, but now, he did a complete 180. Does he still care about saving the world? Honestly, he didn't think so. He saw the Luff kill him in cold blood. He shivered. No. If the Luffs found out they supported Éclair's ruling, they wouldn't hesitate to kill them. They must've planned to take over the areas for the least amount of resistance possible before the princess's execution, but in the end, all that Whiro cared about was killing Éclair. Now, it didn't seem to matter who he dragged through the mud. As long as he accomplished his goal, he would be happy.
"They will," he said. "You all are in grave danger. Do all of you support Éclair?" All of the villagers raised their hands.
"You will find Rumblebump Village as one of the most loyal villages to the crown," Mr. Tumbleton said. He sighed. "I suppose we are in grave danger. Well, it is best to surrender. They'll never know our thoughts and my people won't get hurt. Though I wish I could do something to save the princess, alas I cannot, thus I have made my decision on the matter."
Torque couldn't believe his ears. "You want to surrender? What about Éclair? You just said-"
"I know very well what I said, but we can't fight back. I doubt you and your friend know how to either. There's no need for useless bloodshed. I shall prevent many deaths from coming to fruition. My decision is final."
"OK. I understand why you made your decision the way you did, but what about after? How do you know they won't kill you after they kill Éclair?"
"What?"
"I've seen how dangerous the Luffs are. Whiro used to be about freeing the people from governmental corruption, but now, he stands on getting revenge and nothing else. How do you know he just won't wipe out the people that don't join his forces? The best way to guarantee your people's safety is to flee. We have to leave."
"And go where? We're probably bound to run into them again soon. It makes no difference whether we run or not. They're bound to find us, and then we'll be dead meat!"
Torque sighed. "I get it if you don't trust me; we only just met, but I care for your people. I saw their tale. Prolonging their arrival is the best option that we have. We don't have any other choice. We'll find some place to give your people shelter. I'm sure my other friends are out there. Blooey. Hayzee. Jerry. Hershel. Even the Chestnut King. We have other allies who can keep up the fight to stop the Luffs while you're safe. We have to do this."
Mr. Tumbleton sighed. He certainly knew that they would run across them even in a different country. The Luffs wouldn't stop. Was it even possible to prevent their deaths? He had been the mayor for many years. He was holding their lives in his hands with this decision. Who knew how far away the Luffs were. Heck, they could arrive any second. He nodded. He needed to see his people alive. He couldn't bear to lose a life based on a decision that he hesitated to make. "OK. We'll go with your plan. None of us know how to fight, but we have other allies, like you said. They can do the fighting for us. People of Rumblebump Village. We're in grave danger no matter what choice we make." He glanced at the sailors. "Can I rely on your help?" They nodded. "Good." He glanced at Torque. "Do you have any place in mind where we could go?"
"I don't know," the buzzy beetle said.
"It was your idea."
"I know!"
"What about the Chestnut Kingdom?" one of the sailors said. "I know there might be tensions between the Wafflers and Chestnuters, but maybe we might have a shot if we go there. We can even gain more allies against the fight against these Luffs."
Mr. Tumbleton nodded. "That seems sound. Do we know where said kingdom is?"
"Why would you think I suggested the idea if I didn't know where it was?"
"I can appreciate the thought without your sass. Well, you heard him. Pack a bag or two. Make haste. We have no idea when they'll be here." The villagers scrambled into their houses. He glanced at Torque. "Thank you." He nodded.
Minutes later, the village became empty as by the time they sat sail, the Luffs arrived. The leader, a black Luff with long white hair and a scruffy beard, sniffed the air. "Mister Crnobog," one of the Luffs said. "No one seems to be around."
"Of course," he scoffed in a deep, muscular voice. "Those scamps must've known we would be coming. We mustn't let them escape. Whiro would be angry if we let a group of outliers evade our grasp." He glanced at the Marvelous Compass. "Show us where they're going." The compass flashed as an image of boats appeared in his mind. "So, they wanna be rude and not greet us. Very well. We shall catch them." He teleported with a snap, followed by everyone else.
Jerry moaned, every bone in his body aching as he struggled to stand on his feet. He sighed. He was lucky to survive that blast. Various images flashed through his mind. Luigi's death. The demonic laughter of Whiro. The Bob-omb hadn't imagined the Luff would do a complete 180 and decimate the plumber. What was he gonna do now? He always looked up to him despite his anxiety. With him dead, who would hold the mantle as defenders of the kingdom? Would he? He didn't know. Throughout his journey, there always seemed to be a lingering feeling of helplessness. He questioned whether he was capable of leading and becoming courageous in the heat of battle. He sniffled. Now, without anyone to guide him, everything felt hopeless. The one person he looked up to was gone, and he didn't even know the fate of his family. Was Barry even alive? He didn't know. He laid on the ground. What should he do? Run? The Luffs would definitely come after him, especially considering he traveled with Luigi. What should he do?
"Keep moving!" a female voice hissed. "Line them up for the general!"
"Quit shoving!" Jerry sat up. It seemed the Luffs had already arrived. He hid behind a bush as the Luffs shoved Wafflers in chains as they walked in a line. He sighed. What could be done to save them? He couldn't rush in; he learned that lesson the first time Luigi was around. He had to wait. He followed them as they lined up the Wafflers in front of Kali. She smiled.
"Hello," she said. "Don't you all look like a feisty bunch?"
"What do you want from us?" a teary-eyed Prestige said. "We did nothing wrong!"
The Luff laughed. "Oh, I have never heard such a false statement from someone so innocent!" Her smile turned into a snarl. "Give me a break!" The Wafflers winced from her outburst. "I know what you Wafflers are like just by one glance. You built race tracks on this island." She glanced at Mr. Menace as he had the crown on his head. She took it off and examined it. "Tell me, Waffler. Is this truly the reason why you race? So you can become king and enforce your rule on your own people?"
"Only for a day." Mr. Menace gulped. "Look, if it's any consolation, anybody can become king, or queen. They just have to race."
"Hmm. How interesting, but also self-loathing!" She threw the crown down and smashed it with her feet. She gripped his face. "Let me clarify something. I hate people who would stoop so low for power they aren't worthy of being bestowed onto them. How long has this been a tradition for your people? Be honest."
"I don't know. A long time?"
"That's all I need." She kicked him in the balls and threw him over her head. He crashed through a wall. She scoffed. "Such distaste I feel all over my mouth. Listen up, Wafflers! I hate repeating myself, so don't you dare let me! Everything about this island disgusts me! The racing. Self-empowered Individuals like him! It all makes me sick! Things are gonna change from here on out! This island is under Luff control! I shall implement changes to better change the course this island is heading. That means no races of any kind! I've seen places everywhere like this! The effects are very poisonous! No more! You may think I'm blind to reason, but I'm not! You are! The world is infected, but the Luffs shall be the cure to rid this contagion, starting with Her Highness in six day's time! Then is when you'll learn that lesson. Lock them up!"
The guards grabbed them and yanked them towards any random building to be locked up inside. The Wafflers tried their best to run, but the Luffs overpowered them. Jerry sighed. No more hesitation. He had to stop them. He calmed down his body. Just run and hit them. Nothing else. He ran and started his fuse, causing a massive explosion that shook the ground. Some Wafflers dropped out of their captors' grasp and ran. Kali growled. "Idiots! After them!" The Luffs tried to run, but Jerry made another explosion, this time at them. They flew in the air; some even went in the ocean. He shook his head. He couldn't celebrate yet; he had others to face. "You." Kali pointed at him. "How dare you!"
"How dare I? How dare you! You're taking away these people's rights! You have no right!"
"Oh, I don't?" She charged at him and grabbed him as she slammed him into the ground.
"Kali! Be careful! He's a ticking time bomb, literally!"
"I'm not an idiot. You will be if you don't stop those Wafflers now!" They ran away. "But he's not wrong. You're nothing but a small child. What would you know about people's rights?"
"I saw your tale. I know what you went through. You know the wrong you're doing. You don't-"
"Be quiet!" She threw him into a building. Pain seared his body as he landed on the ground. She walked to him. "I've heard it over-and-over! I've had enough! So, there's no doubt that you're friends with the boy. Shame he died, really. It's best you give up when you can, boy. You may have seen what unfolded, but you're nothing but a weak and innocent-"
"You're wrong!" Jerry ran at her and blasted her out of the building. She landed on the ground as he walked to her. "You underestimate me! I'm gonna be as strong as Luigi! I'll prove how wrong you were about him and me!"
She sighed and lunged at him like a cheetah, nails bared. Jerry tried to roll, but she grabbed him and dug her nails in his skin. He screamed. She threw him and sent an explosion spell that echoed in the sky. He crashed into the ground and heaved, his body now covered in cuts with a dash of pain. "How pitiful. Well, life happens. You're my special prisoner now. Let this lesson embedded in your brain: you are powerless against us. Don't try to pull any kind of stunt or else you will become the ticking time bomb that'll end this island." She grabbed him. "Come." Jerry kicked and screamed, but he couldn't escape her grasp as she threw him in a house and locked the door before wrapping it with a fortification spell. She scoffed as she walked away. "Pitiful."
"No!" He banged on the door. "Let me out! Let me out!"
Man, the tide is never gonna turn, is it? Well, that's for me to know and you to find out. (Wink) Next time, we'll catch up with Luigi, Almondo, and even a certain sailor we haven't seen in a long time, along with a couple surprises. Stay safe!