A/N: Don't worry, everyone. This isn't a belated April Fool's Joke. This is a real chapter. I haven't done an April Fool's Chapter since this one chapter of Awakened. I would have done another, but I wasn't in the mood. With that being said, thank you all for reviewing the last chapter of this Mario story. I was going to have this one out by the end of March, but I wanted to focus on my health and keeping my family safe. I'm sure you all understand. A Response to the Guest who left that "When's the next chapter" note: I accept your apology. Just don't do it again. A response to the other Guest who thinks Pauline's hat is Cappy's mother: I cannot confirm nor deny that you're on the right track.
Suggested Music:
(1) Broodals Battle - Super Mario Odyssey OST
(2) Tostarena: Night - Super Mario Odyssey OST
(3) Ice - Super Mario Odyssey OST
(4) Knucklotec Battle - Super Mario Odyssey OST
Without further ado, enjoy the show!
The Fists of Knucklotec
"Grrrrr! Where is this stupid thing!?"
Topper searched on top of the Inverted Pyramid with a map in his hands. He and the Broodals spent a majority of their time searching for the Binding Band: a magic ring that Bowser needs for his wedding with Princess Peach. However, they were experiencing a problem. One that may or may not cost them dearly.
They can't find the Binding Band.
The green-hatted rabbit snarled and checked the kingdom's map one last time.
The Binding Band's location was revealed at the center of the pyramid, but given the frustration expressed by the bounty hunter, he didn't see any magic ring in sight.
"Where is it?" Topper grunted again. "It says it's on the top of this pyramid! Well, I don't see no stinkin' ring! Do you guys see a stinkin' ring!?"
Hariet rolled her eyes and yanked the map from her leader's hands. "You're probably reading it wrong. Which would make sense considering how stupid you can be."
"Shut up, Hariet! I know I'm not reading that map wrong! It clearly states that the Binding Band is hidden on the top of this Inverted Pyramid, but I can't see squat! Unless you have some magic X-Ray vision that can find the stupid ring, then go ahead, Hariet-"
"Uh, guys?" Rango pointed upward. "It looks like we got some company."
The Broodals looked to their right and watched a Clown Car land on top of the pyramid. There, Bowser Jr, Wendy, Morton, and Roy hopped out and approached the rabbits. Chain Chompikins snarled at the four Koopas, but Madame Broode kept her pet calm.
Topper, Hariet, Spewart, and Rango were confused.
Junior approached the rabbits and yanked the map out of the girl's hands. "I should've known you'd screw this up! Good thing my dad sent us here to help you!"
"There's no way your father sent you guys!" Spewart chuckled. "He sent us! Da Broodals!"
"The Broodals?" Wendy raised an eyebrow."
"No, no, not the Broodals. DA Broodals."
"Whatever."
"I don't have time for this!" Topper snarled at the Koopa prince, taking the map back. "Scram, kid! Go find someone else to bother!"
"No way, Fur-Ball!" Junior retorted. "I'm here to show my dad I'm not just some idiot who plays video games and slacks off all day! I'm gonna get that ring for him whether you like it or not!"
"Not a slacker, huh?" Hariet smiled evilly. "Didn't he yell at you for making a mess in the kingdom instead of helping get the supplies? Hence the reason why he hired us in the first place. From the way I see it, you're still a slacker."
All five rabbits shared an evil laugh.
Junior's face turned his red and steam poured from his ears.
"It's true," Roy whispered to his brother. "We did make a mess of the lair."
"Quiet!" Junior snarled, whipping out his magic paint brush. He held it up to Topper's neck. "Listen… Topper, was it? My father doesn't know I'm here and I want it kept that way. Why? I want to make amends for my actions and make sure he and Mama Peach have a good wedding. So, you can either let me take over this whole operation, or… we can settle this like gentlemen if you know what I mean by… gentlemen."
Inside of the pyramid itself, Mario and Luigi were inside of a two-dimensional realm. The pixelated brothers were riding on a platform, avoiding Bullet Bills as they came. Luigi captured a few missiles with his Poltergust 5000 and fired them back. The Bullet Bills were moving so slow, the brothers would watch a marathon of movies by the time the missiles hit the walls.
Mario looked up at Cappy, who sat on top of his head.
The Bonneter was angry for what happened earlier. Mario carelessly used his powers to captured Wario and Waluigi's vehicle and crashed it into a wall. If the plumber wasn't careful, he and Cappy could've been severely maimed.
Cappy had his eyes turned away from Mario, hoping this interminable platform ride would end.
But the plumber's mind was focused on apologizing.
"Cappy," he spoke softly. "Listen, I know what I-a did was wrong and I'm truly sorry."
"That's twice you did that now," Cappy replied with a snarl. "First, you captured the T-Rex without my consent. And now, you do the same thing with that fat guy's car."
"I'll admit, my mind was more focused on getting that Power Moon. I want to collect all of the moons so we can save Peach."
"I hate to sound selfish, but she's not the only one that's in danger, you know? My family is captured with her. You have to be more considerate and acknowledge that this whole adventure isn't about you. It's about us working together getting what we want… I thought you would've understood that."
Mario lowered his head in shame.
Soon, the travelers exited through a Warp Pipe and came across a set of stairs. Stairs that lead to a massive light at the top. Just as Mario and Luigi walked upward, the latter turned around, scanning his environment. He whispered to Egon and the Polterpup walked forward, sniffing the air.
"What's the matter, Luigi?" Mario inquired.
"Egon's checking to see if Wario and Waluigi are following us."
"Hopefully, not. I knocked them out real good."
"Don't get cocky, Bro. Knowing the Wario Bros, we'll probably see them again… and call me pessimistic, but we'll probably see other 'friends' of ours as well."
"What do you mean?"
"King Boo, King Bob-Omb, Tatanga, Petey Piranha, Popple, other villains we've fought against are probably after Power Moons. We have to make sure we're ready for anyone who stands in our way."
"Right you are, Luigi. But let's-a worry about getting those Broodals first. I know they're close by."
"I'm also sensing a Multi-Moon up here," Cappy said. "Watch out, guys."
Mario and Luigi exchanged a nod before they went up the stairs.
When the travelers arrived on top of the pyramid, they were met with a gorgeous view of the entire Sand Kingdom. To their left, they could see the village they ventured through as well as the other buildings they just passed. If they weren't running out of time, they'd sit back and soak in the summer sun. But of course, the temperature was freezing cold and there was a Multi-Moon to be found. So, the heroes saved their sight-seeing for later.
Once they walked up a set of steps, they heard voices in the distance.
"Settle this like gentlemen?" Topper chuckled. "Come on, kid. Tell me you're not serious."
Mario and Luigi ducked below the platform and gently peeked upward. From there, they saw the Broodals having a dispute with four Koopalings.
"Great," Mario whispered. "I should've known Bowser sent four of his idiot kids here with the Broodals."
"I don't know if they're working together, Bro," Luigi replied. "Listen."
"I'm warning you, rabbits! Back off!" Junior spat.
"Oh, yeah! I'm gonna squash some rabbits!" Morton clapped his fists.
"Hold on a second, Junior," Wendy interrupted the possible quarrel. "Look, I just tagged along just to get out of the house for a bit. But this is ridiculous. Junior, there's no need for a fight against these guys."
"Listen to your sister, kid," Spewart nodded. "Even she knows she's too chicken to beat us."
Wendy's eyes widened when she heard that last remark. "What… did you say?"
"I said even you know you're too chicken to beat us," the blue-suited rabbit repeated.
The female Koopaling tightened her head-bow and flicked her earrings. She suddenly took out her magic wand and snarled at all five rabbits. Her brothers smiled in a sinister fashion, as they jumped down into battle positions.
"Oh, it's on like Donkey Kong!" Junior cheered happily. "Get em'!"
The four Koopalings jumped on top of the four Broodals. Madame Broode and Chain Chompikins jumped back, not wanting to be part of the fight that was happening. Topper punched Junior in the nose, Hariet flicked Wendy with her hair, Rango slapped Morton across the face, and Roy body-slammed on top of Spewart's chest.
Mario and Luigi watched the donnybrook in amazement.
"Wow, if I had some popcorn, I'd say we could have dinner and a show," the ghost catcher joked, nudging his brother.
"Cappy, where's the Multi-Moon?" Mario inquired, ignoring Luigi's joke.
"Not sure," Cappy replied. "Usually it appears whenever we defeat a Boss Battle."
"Huh, the same thing happens with-a Power Stars."
"I guess we're going to have to take these guys out if we want to find the Multi-Moon, but we gotta be smart about this. I don't know if the three of us… sorry, four counting Egon, can fight all of these guys at once."
Junior slashed against Topper with his paintbrush.
Spewart smacked Roy across the face.
Morton fired a magic spell at Rango.
And Wendy tussled with Hariet.
Mario and Luigi exchanged a nod before they leaped onto the battlefield.
"Hold it right there!" Mario snarled.
The donnybrook between the supervillains stopped.
"Mario!" the four Koopalings gasped.
"You again!?" Topper grunted. "I don't have time for you today! You've already beat me once; I won't be beaten again! Hariet, show these plumbers who's boss! And while you're at it, put these brats into a time out!"
With Spewart, Rango, and Topper retreating back to their ship with Madame Broode, Hariet released a soft giggle before something spawned on the end of her ponytail: a massive ball of spikes. She tipped her metallic hat before she snapped her fingers. The entire arena was suddenly surrounded by fire. The four Koopalings gasped and leaped out of the way, burning a singe of their skin in the process.
Luigi startled and gripped his vacuum.
Mario and Cappy exchanged a glance before they got into a battle position.
Hariet was ready to fight. (1)
"Cappy, may I?" Mario inquired.
Even thought he was slightly angry at the plumber, Cappy nodded. Mario grabbed his new companion and threw him forward, but to his surprise, Hariet shielded herself from Cappy's attack. It was all thanks to her metallic hat. Cappy came back to Mario and both he and Luigi were stunned. Hariet cackled before she whipped her ponytail around, swinging her massive spike ball at the brothers.
Like a pair of acrobats, Mario and Luigi performed multiple backflips and side flips, making sure they're not penetrated by the golden spikes.
Suddenly, Hariet chucked the spike ball forward and it exploded, knocking Luigi back a few feet.
"Luigi!" Mario exclaimed.
When the green-hatted hero woke up, he saw that a large puddle of lava sat in front of him.
"Mama Mia!" he gasped. "Be careful, the girl's hair makes lava!... Wow, that can come out in so many different ways!"
Mario evaded another attack from Hariet and rolled to the side.
He attempted to hit her again, but she shielded herself once again.
Suddenly, the purple-dressed rabbit twirled her ponytail around and around at a rapid pace. She suddenly raised another spike ball in the air and slammed it towards Mario. Luigi tackled his brother, pushing him out of the way, as the spike ball landed on the ground. Both brothers tumbled across the ground and Mario quickly fired Cappy forward. The Bonneter smacked the ball of spikes, which caused the rabbit's ponytail to spin around until it hit her in the chest, knocking her metal hat off her head.
"Now's our chance, Mario!" Cappy shouted.
Mario and Luigi nodded, as the latter raced forward and cupped his hands together.
Pushing his brother into the air, Mario jumped on top of Hariet's head. Then, Luigi did the same thing. Suddenly, both brothers jumped up, grabbed each other's hands, and performed a double ground pound on Hariet's head.
"Come on, Hariet!" Topper exclaimed.
"Do not disappoint me!" Madame Broode scoffed.
"Show them who's boss!" Spewart snarled.
"Gawrsh, we could go down there and help her, you know?" Rango rubbed his head.
"Nah, the plot doesn't require all of us to attack at once," Topper replied.
Mario and Luigi landed on the ground, exchanging a fist-bump.
Hariet screamed at the top of her lungs. "You're gonna pay for that, runts!"
"Bring it on!" Mario grinned.
As the Mario Brothers continued their battle, the four Koopalings sat and watched. Junior helped Wendy and Roy on their feet, as Morton struggled to figure out how he can attack the heroes. He stroked his chin, patted his head, and tapped his toe.
"What should we do, Junior?" Morton asked.
"Morton, you and Roy take care of the plumbers," Junior ordered. "Wendy and I will find the Binding Band."
"Don't gotta tell me twice," Roy smirked.
The two powerhouses of the Koopalings rushed into battle, but all they did was get tackled by Egon. The Polterpup growled at the Koopalings before he turned his attention to Junior and Wendy. Both of them gasped, as they retreated to their Clown Car. Egon growled again and chased after them, barking loudly.
Mario and Luigi dodged more of the Hariet's attacks before the rabbit did the same procedure as before, twirling her spike balled ponytail into the air before slamming it on the ground. Mario whacked it back at her and knocked off her hat once again. With more ground pounds from both brothers, Hariet was close to being defeated. But she had one trick up her sleeve. Rolling up her sleeves, she suddenly went inside of her hat, which levitated in the air like a flying saucer. She maneuvered around the environment, spitting chunks of spike balls that exploded into puddles of lava. Mario and Luigi gasped, as they ran around the area, not wanting to be burned to a crisp.
"Mama Mia, what's-a wrong with this person!?" Mario exclaimed.
"Just keep running!" Cappy warned.
"What are we going to do about the Koopalings!?" Mario added.
"Don't worry, Egon's got them!" Luigi motioned to his Polterpup, who was throwing Junior around like a chew toy. "Mario, can't you throw Cappy at the hat? See if that will knock her down!"
"Give it a shot, Mario!" Cappy nodded.
"Are you sure?" Mario inquired. "I don't want to make the same mistake I made twice."
"Just do it!"
"Okie-Dokie!"
And just like that, Mario threw Cappy into the air and he knocked Hariet out of the sky. Once she landed on the floor, she shot more spike balls from her hat. Suddenly, she twirled her ponytail around and smacked both brothers in their chests. Both of them fell against each other.
"Now I got you right where I want you!" Hariet cackled. "Say goodnight, heroes!"
With her ponytail shooting into the air, Mario and Luigi evaded to opposite sides, letting her ponytail slam onto the ground. Gripping Cappy, the Mushroom Kingdom's hero smacked the lava bomb back at her, which knocked her hat off again.
Mario ground pounded on top of her head.
Luigi did the same thing.
And then…
…both brothers landed one final blow. (1s)
With her head ringing like crazy, Hariet became dizzy and she tipped over the side. She quickly fell unconscious and a green-colored Multi-Moon came out of the ground. Egon slammed Junior and the others into the Clown Car before he ran back to his owner. Mario and Cappy nodded before they grabbed the Multi-Moon, performing a victory pose.
Topper shook his fists, jumped down, and grabbed Hariet. "You numbskull! I knew you couldn't do it! This ain't over, plumbas! Da Broodals will be ba-"
RUMBLE! RUMBLE! RUMBLE!
The Inverted Pyramid started shaking as if an earthquake was happening. But what was weird was that the rest of the desert wasn't shaking as well. Both heroes and villains toppled over their feet, feeling the ground shake below them. Mario and Luigi grabbed onto a ledge, feeling the ground push against their stomachs.
"Is it just me or does the ground feel like it's moving up!?" Luigi shouted.
"I don't know!" Mario replied.
Suddenly, a dark voice spoke to everyone on the pyramid.
"Stay… away."
"What was that?" Topper asked.
"Stay… away… Get… away…"
"What's going on!? Who is that voice!?" Luigi gasped.
"Get… away… from… RING!"
The last thing everyone on top of the Inverted Pyramid saw was a flash of white light. (2)
Mario and Luigi were found unconscious on the sand near Tostarena.
It didn't take long for the red-hatted plumber to open his eyes and find Cappy laying down on the side. Luigi's face was buried in the dirt and Egon was struggling to pull him out. Mario rubbed his head and shot sand out of his nostrils. Rolling his eyes, he looked up at the sky and noticed something different.
It was nighttime and stars illuminated the night sky.
Egon finally pulled Luigi out of the dirt and the ghost catcher screamed, shooting awake in an instant. Shaking his head, Luigi wondered what was going on until he felt a cold chill run down his whole body. He felt like he was just sprayed by liquid nitrogen, so he shivered heavily and felt two icicles grow out of his nostrils. Wrapping his arms around his body, he shivered heavily and so did his brother and the Bonneter. Both of them approached Luigi.
"Mama Mia!" Luigi said. His teeth jittered as he spoke. "Now it's really cold!"
Mario nodded in agreement and looked around his environment. There were icebergs earlier, but now, there were more of them. More pedestrians were frozen and so were Purple Coins and other Power Moons. Mario didn't know what to do until he looked to his right; a strange, purple gas was forming beneath the surface. Suddenly, a supernatural creature popped out of the ground, scaring both brothers.
The creatures resembled animated skeletons and they creeped upon the heroes.
But as if things weren't weird enough, Cappy pointed to the horizon…
…the Inverted Pyramid was floating in the air.
"Odd, the pyramid is floating," he said.
"That's your focus right now?" Mario asked confusingly. "Not the skeleton ghosts or the freezing cold temperature!?"
"I got them!" Luigi smiled, as he aimed his Poltergust 5000 at the ghosts. He thought he could suck them up, but when he did, he realized they remained in their exact positions. He gasped and tried it again, but nothing worked. Thinking third time's the charm, he did this one more time, but was met with the same result.
Then, he screamed and jumped into Mario's arms.
As the heroes found themselves surrounded by ghosts, they heard a voice calling for them.
"Mis amigos!"
Everyone looked and saw a Tostarenan waving towards them. "This way! Come towards the light!"
"I thought the expression was don't go into the light!" Luigi exclaimed.
"Let's make an exception!" Mario huffed.
Carrying his brother, the plumber stormed through the army of ghosts before he made his way towards a small shop in the hub of the town.
He leaped forward, opened the door, and was helped inside by the civilian. As soon as the pedestrian closed the door, Mario placed Luigi down and the two brothers looked around their shelter. It was a white walled environment with the cash register being split into two sides. One was yellow and the other one was purple. Then, there was a sign on the top that read, Crazy Cap. Mario and Luigi saw two cashiers behind the register and shared a glance. Cappy leaped off the former's head and approached the register, analyzing the signs.
"These places are still open?" he inquired.
"What places?" Mario asked.
"When my mother was around, she opened up a series of establishments called Crazy Cap. They're little shops that sell collectibles from different kingdoms. I didn't think these were still open."
"Welcome to the Crazy Cap, my friends!" A pink-skulled Tostarenan smiled. "What can I get for you?"
"Could you tell us what's going on here?" Luigi asked.
"Our guardian, Knucklotec has initiated some kind of defense on our kingdom. He did something like this earlier, but it wasn't this bad. Something must've angered him, and he won't stop until whatever's causing this is abolished!"
"He probably did this because the Broodals and those turtles are here to steal the Binding Band," Cappy said to the plumbers. "We have to protect that ring before the villains get to it!"
"Be careful around Knucklotec," the pink-skulled cashier warned. "He doesn't like it when strangers visit the kingdom. But he'll relax if you're dressed like us. I'm not sure why that works, but it does. Here, take these costumes free of charge. Trust me, they'll work."
The cashier took out a pair of green, blue, and pink ponchos. He handed them to the brothers, and they nodded. Suddenly, Cappy transformed into a sombrero and landed on top of Mario's head. Both plumbers exchanged a fist bump before they marched on their way.
"Let's-a go!" both of them shouted. (2s) (3)
Moments later…
Both Mario Brothers were deep underground. With the help of Jaxi, they discovered a secret passageway inside the hidden base of Knucklotec. The place was no colder than it was up above, and the environment has completely changed. The base was split into multiple platforms that were covered in ice and snow. Surprisingly, Goombas trailed across the ice with ease thanks to their feet. Mario and Luigi approached the stone pathway before they gently stepped onto the ice.
Since they needed a way to appease the guardian, they were dressed in different attires.
The two of them wore sombreros and they had green, blue, and pink colored ponchos. Part of them regretted putting them one because their arms were exposed, which made them exposed to the cold wind. Mario and Luigi exchanged shivers before they ice skated across the ice.
Thanks to his newfound power, Mario captured a Goomba and took control of it.
"Show off," Luigi rolled his eyes. "Lucky for me, I always keep some of these wherever I-a go."
Taking out his penguin suit, the plumber placed it on and got down on his chest. With Egon jumping on his back, the hero rode down the ice and made it onto the next platform. Mario walked after him as a Goomba. To his surprise, he made it across without slipping.
"Hey, the feet of these creatures don't seem to be affected by ice," Cappy acknowledged. "This could be useful."
"I just-a hope we don't-a visit more cold kingdoms like this," Mario gulped.
Cappy nervously chuckled. "Um… funny you should say that."
"What!?"
Mario and Luigi made their way through the platforms.
"Hey, Bro," Luigi looked over his shoulder, seeing that Mario was jumping on top of other Goombas, forming a Goomba Tower. They approached a female Goomba and flirted with it to a point where it gave them a Power Moon. "Are you sure this is going to work? I don't know if dressing up like the common folk is going to make this Knucklotec like us."
"We have to hope for the best, Luigi," Mario replied. He and his brother hopped across several rotating platforms before they made their way to a higher ledge. Luigi removed his penguin suit and Mario released the Goomba. "As much as I want to get a move on and rescue Peach, something tells me getting pass Knucklotec isn't going to be that easy."
"When is getting past a guardian ever easy?"
Mario and Luigi came across a vast bottomless pit and saw multiple pillars with Bullet Bills shooting out of the top. The former simply captured a Bullet Bill and allowed Luigi and Egon to jump on his back. He drove himself across the pit before he landed on the other side.
There, the heroes were greeted to a large door that lead to darkness.
"I'm-a little scared, Bro," Luigi gulped.
"Not gonna lie, Luigi," Mario mirrored his motion. "So am I." (3s)
Entering through the other side, Mario and Luigi discovered the four Koopalings sitting by a shrine in the middle of the room. On top of the shrine sat a giant ring with a jewel sculpted on the top. This was the Binding Band: the ring that will possibly seal Bowser and Princess Peach's love together. But of course, the latter already gave her heart to the hero who prepared to give the Koopalings a pounding. Mario cracked his knuckles and watch the Koopalings tug on the massive ring.
"Come on, guys!" Junior snarled. "Put some back into it!"
"A girl like me doesn't lift as much as Morton and Roy do!" Wendy retorted. "Why are you making me do this!?"
"Oh, shut up!" Roy yelled. "Junior got us into this mess, so you're sticking with us until the end!"
"All I wanted to do was stay home and paint my nails! Why does this have to happen to me!?"
"Ahem!" Mario said. The four Koopalings turned around and saw an aggravated Mario approaching them from behind. "Unless you four want to keep your shells on, I suggest you let that ring go!"
Junior jumped off the ring, placed his mask on, and whipped out his paint brush. "You wanna rumble, old man? Let's go-"
SNATCH!
A pair of stone hands came from above and grabbed the four Koopalings. Then, the left hand stormed over and grabbed the heroes as well. It held them tight, as both hands hovered to a massive field that was covered in white sand and planks of ice. The platform stood over a bottomless pit and it dropped the heroes onto the dirt. The hands suddenly flew up towards the ceiling.
But before they disappeared from sight, Cappy was able to get a good look at them.
They were giant stone hands with a golden plate on each hand and a purple gem in the center. They reached for the top and grabbed something that stuck out. The massive object suddenly crashed into the ground, scaring both the heroes and the villains.
Said object was a giant stone head with a frightening face, closed eyes, and a golden nose ring that mirrored his earrings. On the top of the head was a crown made of ice. The only parts not made from ice were green and blue details made to look like jewels. Inside of the ice crown as another Multi-Moon. Mario and Luigi gasped at the Multi-Moon before the hands suddenly swarmed around the face. The face made a slight moan before he growled.
"You think that's Knucklotec?" Luigi gulped, gripping his vacuum.
"Let's see, giant fists, crown made of ice, looks like he wants to crush us," Mario stroked his chin. "Yeah, I think this is him."
"Thieves… Bad thieves…" Knucklotec scowled at everyone on the field. "Ring stays… You GOOOOOO!" (4)
And just like that, a battle began.
It started once Knucklotec threw his left first forward, throwing a massive punch at Mario and Junior. But the two gasped and moved to the side at the last second. Luigi and Cappy screamed before they joined Mario in running to the right. Junior snarled and took out his paintbrush. He and his siblings shot powerful balls of paint and magic at the guardian, but their hits meant nothing. Knucklotec turned to the side and threw his right hand at them.
The four Koopalings ducked into the shells and dodged to the right.
Mario grabbed Cappy and threw him forward, hoping to capture the guardian, but the Bonnetor bounced off Knucklotec's cheek. The guardian snarled and swung his hands at the heroes, missing them instantly.
Mario and Luigi long jumped forward, avoiding another attack.
The four Koopalings shot their magic spells at the guardian, but like before, their attacks did nothing.
"Forget using magic!" Morton snarled. "I'm gonna sick this guy!"
The brown-skinned Koopa ran forward and fired a punch on Knucklotec's cheek…
…in the process, he injure his hand.
"Ow, ow, ow!" Morton cried, sucking on his fingers. "His head's like a brick!"
Knucklotec roared at the Koopalings and hovered his right hand over their bodies.
"Go, go, go!" Junior hollered, as he and his siblings ran to the right, dodging the shards of ice on the ground. Suddenly, Knucklotec slammed his palm against the ice shard, hurting himself in the process.
"OUCH!"
Cappy widened his eyes once he saw that. "Mario, I have an idea! Throw me at Knucklotec's hand. If we can't possess Knucklotec himself-"
"Say no more, my friend," Mario nodded, as he grabbed his hat and threw it at the jewel on Knucklotec's hand. Once he captured it, he soared towards the guardian's face. Knucklotec panicked and shot blocks of ice out of his free hand. But Mario was moving too fast that the guardian couldn't touch him.
Suddenly, Mario fired a powerful punch against Knucklotec's face.
The collision caused Mario and Cappy to release Knucklotec's hand.
"This is all a misunderstanding, Guardian Knucklotec!" Cappy pleaded. "My friends and I are here to protect the ring from these guys. An evil man named Bowser wants it for his wedding! Please, don't make us hurt you like this!"
"Thieves… Thieves must GO!" Knucklotec scowled once again, as he shot both of his fists forward.
The tip of the right knuckle smacked Mario across the face, which frightened Luigi and Egon. Junior met the same fate as the plumber. Wendy was worried, Roy and Morton were laughing. Mario fell on the floor and watched Knucklotec return to the arena. The guardian roared and hovered his hand over the heroes' heads. Luigi screamed and grabbed his brother, running down the battlefield for dear life. Junior and the Koopalings watched Mario's attack and nodded their heads.
"We can use that hat to our advantage!" Junior pointed at Cappy. "Grab that hat, Koopalings!"
Morton, Wendy, and Roy rushed towards their opponents before they were suddenly halted by Knucklotec.
"Bandits must GO! Leave Ring alone!"
"Run away!" Roy exclaimed.
"No way!" Junior jumped over the stone guardian's fist. "That hat's mine!"
As Mario and Luigi ran down the battlefield, Junior halted them.
"Hand over that hat, Mario!"
"Get out of here!" Luigi grunted, kicking Junior across the face. "I'll-a take care of the Koopalings, Mario! You try to reason with Knucklotec!"
"I don't-a think he's in the mood to be-a reasoned with!" Mario chuckled worryingly.
"Watch out!" Cappy warned.
Like before, Knucklotec slammed his hand on top of a block of ice, hurting himself in the process. Mario grabbed Cappy and took control of his hand. He performed the same procedure by maneuvering through missiles made of ice until he landed another punch across Knucklotec's face.
Luigi smacked, punched, and kicked Junior before he was ambushed by the other Koopalings.
As the battle raged on, the Broodals snuck inside with their airship and surrounded the Binding Band. Since Madame Broode and Spewart were the strongest out of them, they grabbed the ring and lifted it off the shrine.
"Hurry up, hurry up," Topper exclaimed. "I don't want to be fighting whatever that thing is!"
"Quit your yammering," Madame Broode rolled her eyes. She and Spewart hopped onto the ship and they all took off. But before they flew to the surface, Rango tapped his leader on the shoulder.
"We can't just leave the Koopalings here, Boss," he said. "Bowser will kill us if he finds out his son was killed by a giant… uh, stone thing."
Topper huffed. "Fine!"
The Broodals' airship came down and Hariet held out her hand. Luigi tussled around with the Koopalings until Wendy kicked him onto his side. Knucklotec slammed his fist against the ground, nearly hitting Wendy and Luigi. The female Koopaling fell beside her brothers, as they heard a loud whistle come from Hariet. They turned around and saw that they got the Binding Band in their clutches.
"Come on, ya idiots!" Topper shouted. "We don't have all day!"
"Aww, I wanted to steal that!" Junior whined.
"Shut up, just shut up!" Wendy howled at her brother. "We're already in enough danger, let's get out of here before we're crushed! Come on! Let me go first!"
Wendy shoved her brothers to the side and ran down the battlefield with them following behind. Mario and Cappy dodged to the right and saw the villains making a run for it.
"Hey!" Mario shouted to Knucklotec. "They've got the ring! Aren't you going to stop them!?"
Blinded by rage, Knucklotec was focused on crushing Mario. "You take Ring! Thief must DIE!"
"Yikes!" Mario somersaulted forward, allowing Knucklotec to hurt himself on a chunk of ice. As that happened, the Broodals and the Koopalings regrouped and their airship flew towards a light on the ceiling. Luigi watched them escape, as he avoided a punch from Knucklotec's free hand.
"Hurry, Mario! Finish this off!"
"Will do, Luigi!"
Without hesitation, Mario captured Knucklotec's hand and flew towards the aggravated guardian. Knucklotec gasped and chucked tons of ice missiles forward. He shot them faster and faster, hoping he'd throw the hero off balance. Luigi and Egon watched from below. The former was sweating, and his heart was pounding.
Mario dodged a few more attacks until he landed one last punch until he gave Knucklotec one last taste of his medicine. (4s)
The giant head tumbled across the ground and his ice crown suddenly exploded. The Multi-Moon shot out and rolled on the sand. Knucklotec stopped tumbling and released a loud moan. His hands feel beside him, and he glared at the heroes.
Looking up at the empty shrine, he said something before he was down for the count. "Get… get…"
Mario and Luigi listened to what he was saying.
"Get… ring… back…"
Closing his eyes, Knucklotec accepted defeat.
Grabbing the Multi-Moon, Mario and Cappy shared a nod with Luigi.
After getting back above Knucklotec's base, Mario and Luigi spent the rest of their time searching for more Power Moons so they can power up the Odyssey. The two brothers were talking by the Odyssey; they were discussing their next plan of attack and hanging up decorations and collectibles given to them by thankful pedestrians. As Luigi hung up a banner with the Sand Kingdom's logo, Mario was resuming his next plan of attack.
"So, we have to keep collecting all of these Power Moons if we want to keep the Odyssey up and running," he said. "With the Power Moons we've collected from our fight with Knucklotec and the ones we've found from around here, we have a total of eighty-four Power Moons. We should collect more so we can get to Bowser's Castle in time."
"This was so much easier when we traveled through places labeled something dash one or so and so dashed two," Luigi quipped.
"Believe me, Luigi," Mario shrugged. "This is new for me too. But we have to keep moving. We can't give up on Peach and Cappy's family."
"Right. I'll be here if you need anything, Bro."
"Grazie, Luigi."
"Molto prego."
"Hey, Cappy," Mario turned to the left. "May I have a word with you for a moment? Listen, I want to apologize for hurting you when we fought Wario and Waluigi. I shouldn't have been so reckless like-a that. I just want to get out of here, so we can find Princess Peach. But I should've realized that this isn't about me, it's about us. We're in this together because both of our loved ones are in danger. If we want to save them, we gotta work together… and with that being said, I'm sorry for angering you."
Cappy took some time to register all that he heard, and he smiled. "It's okay, Mario. I forgive you. But please, do be mindful of my powers next time."
"I will," Mario winked with a thumbs up.
Luigi placed on the last decoration and wiped his hands. "Okie-Dokie, we're-a ready to go, everyone! All aboard!"
Exchanging a glance, Mario and Cappy entered the Odyssey with Luigi. Together, they drove the ship into the air, and they took to the skies, awaiting their next adventure…
…but down below, they were being watched by Wario and Waluigi.
"Wow, eighty-four Power Moons?" Waluigi whistled. "That's impressive."
"Heh, just wait until we catch up with you, Mario," Wario clenched his fist. "You won't be holding onto those Power Moons for long."
END OF CHAPTER 7
And just like that, the Sand Kingdom arc of this story has been completed. When I originally wrote this story, I gave up before the Sand Kingdom arc could end because I had a serious case of Writer's Block. Then again, my original story was way too cluttered and took a while to get to the point unlike this one, which starts right at the beginning and works its way to where it is now. Speaking of now, we're heading down to the Lake Kingdom. Yep, we're not heading to the Wooded Kingdom for now, we're going to the Lake Kingdom. Why? I have some jokes planned for the Lake Kingdom as well as the arrival of a new character. Stay tuned as Mario and Luigi make their way to the next kingdom in...
"Chapter 8: Just Keep Swimming!"
POST-A/N:
I could have given Bowser Jr, Wendy, Morton, and Roy a bigger role in this chapter aside from fighting against Mario and Luigi, but luckily, I do plan to use the Koopalings more in the future of this story. Even though these guys have some serious one-dimensional personalities, I still like them. My personal favorites are Ludwig, Iggy, and Lemmy. Those three will make an appearance again soon along with Larry.
I love the Sand Kingdom in the actual game. Writing this arc and completing it was such a relief. As I said before, I never completed the Sand Kingdom's rewrite in the original story, so I was glad to complete it this time. Back then, I never knew the definition of keeping things simple, so that's what I'm going to do with this story. Make it simple, but find ways to make it creative and memorable. You all know what I'm talking about, right?
The reason why I'm moving to the Lake Kingdom instead of the Wooded Kingdom is because I have more plans for the former than I do with the latter. That, and I always choose the Lake Kingdom first because of the visuals, the people I meet there, the oceanic environments, and the fact I get to possess the Cheep-Cheep. I've always wanted to take control of those things after they kept mugging me in New Super Mario Bros. Wii. Plus, I have a special joke planned for when Mario and Luigi arrive at the Lake Kingdom.
And that's all I have to say, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you all so much for reading. Don't forget to R&R! I'm The Sensational SpiderDom321 and I'll see you all next time!
~SD321 (SpiderDom321)