Disclaimer: I don't own any characters from Kingdom Hearts, Sonic the Hedgehog series, Pokemon, Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, Power Rangers and others from the owners that belonged to them. I was inspired them and their great works.
Chapter 31 - The Arc of Mushroom Kingdom Part 1: Return to the Mushroom Kingdom! Mushroom Melee Battle's Commencement!
(Ocean Between)
The two ships traversed through the vast space between the worlds they have arrived in the floating universe of the Mushroom Kingdom.
(Stardash Ship - Cockpit)
Both Luigi and Yoshi happily inhaled, running to the cockpit's window and placing their hands on it.
"At last, we're returning to the Mushroom Kingdom." Luigi replied.
"It's so long since we started our first time journey." Yoshi gleamed.
Mario looked over to his two friends. "Yeah, I started to feel like I'm coming home."
Natus walked over to Luigi and Yoshi before looming at the spherical world of the Mushroom Kingdom.
"Magnificent." Natus breathed. "It's beautiful."
Taiyo sat down on the seat, looking down to his feet.
"Dylan. We're so close to seeing each other again. You're being manipulated by Ganondorf and treating you like a puppet. I am starting to worry that I almost lost you, but this time I can look forward to getting your half of heart."
Venus, Zillian, and Goku are coming out of the automatic door. The former is getting thrilled by the Stardash Ship's surroundings.
"This ship tech is amazing! And brilliant!" Zillian exclaimed. "I wish my friends can see this."
"I loved this new kind of spaceship. I was dreaming of this when I was little. Ooh, Billy would be so jealous when he finds out I was on this ship." Venus replied.
"Sure it is, Venus. I remember the first time on the adventure with Senris. We both did save a couple of worlds many times. You probably remember me when you're little. Is your memory is back?" Goku replied.
"I even don't know. I never felt how empty I was. It is still distant away from my head. But I'm believed that I can remember you, Dylan, Senris, Tsuki, and Taiyo." Venus said.
Zillian looked over to notice Taiyo was upset desperately about Dylan. He walked over to Taiyo and leaned his left arm against the seat.
"Taiyo. I know you looked pretty sore; I get it. It will be a chance to get the half-heart back to Dylan. I'm just counting on you." Zillian encouraged. "Like I always counting on Jackson Wells."
"Jackson Wells?" Taiyo asked.
"He's a nice jackal demon with bad luck. It put him through a lot of pain in his life. I was trying to help him, but he never wanted me to get hurt. Until his good luck charm only to save his own life." Zillian replied. "And because of him, I never gave up on you."
Taiyo is easily surprised by the Elite Demon's words, forming a sincere look on his face.
"You see? Don't stop giving up on Dylan." Zillian smirked, elbowed to him.
"Geno. Any signs of threat?" Mario replied.
Geno looked through the monitor, scanning any threats in the Mushroom Kingdom.
"No. Nothing's a threat in the homeworld." Geno responded.
"We made sure the bad dudes can't disrupt the peace in the Mushroom Kingdom." Yoshi said.
"If the enemies are bringing chaos, we can stop them." Natus added.
The monitor has picked up a screen to show Yixato and his crew.
"Taiyo, we'll be your support after Utopia has left from your team. It was up to us to deal with all kinds of threats." Yixato replied.
"The Mushroom Kingdom is sure has...slightly accurate and weird-looking mushroom heads." Chopsuey replied.
"It doesn't matter when something bothers us." Blanca said.
"As much as the clowns." Verta scoffed.
Taiyo raised from the seat before going over to the control center.
"We soon arrived at Princess Peach's Castle. Somehow you sound a bit older of being a leader. So, I take it you know about Princess Peach." Taiyo said.
"That's right. She is one of the Spirit Princesses and superior to the Princesses of Heart. Try to behave yourself when you see her, okay?" Yixato spoke.
"Don't worry. He's only met her once and that's all you want to know. " Mario murmured. "And besides, you guys should do the same too."
"We'll do." Sean replied.
(Outside of Princess Peach's Castle)
Taiyo, Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Geno, Goku, Venus, Natus, Zillian, Yixato, Blanca, Verta, Sean Xu, Chopsuey, and Trug were at the front entrance of Princess Peach's Castle.
"That castle looks so cool!" Goku said.
"It's huge!" Natus added.
"Look at the size of the palace." Verta replied.
"Peach will be happy to see me alright." Mario murmured.
"Do you think she will bring you something surprise?" Luigi asked.
"I know. It was always baked in a cake." Mario said.
"Was Peach always made the cake?" Taiyo asked.
"Yeah. Peach has baked a ton of cakes to celebrate his victory when she is rescued by Mario." Yoshi answered.
"Isn't Bowser always kidnapped her all the time?" Zillian asked.
"Mm-hm. It was pretty annoying when Bowser and his goons tried to take over the Mushroom Kingdom. It makes us very exhausted after the fights, continuing to capture the princess like ticking tocking around the clock." Luigi replied, gesturing to make a clock pose.
"And we're doing the same thing, again, again and again!" Yoshi finished the last part with his troubled look and stretched his cheeks in frustration.
"Geez, you've been done this for thousands of times." Chopsuey muttered.
"I am Trug." Trug added.
"Really, guys? But that was all in the past. Nothing is wrong with me. Do you honestly think I am gonna be number one hero in the Mushroom Kingdom along with you and Yoshi?" Mario asked.
"Are you kidding? We proved to be the best heroes on Taiyo's team, and we all done of fixing the problems in every world!" Luigi stressed.
"Time needs to rest after every victory." Geno replied.
"And what did you guys do after settling down?" Venus asked.
Luigi made a low grunt before responding to her. "Fixing the toilet's pipes. Mario kept me doing the job for him while he was gone a visit to Peach."
"I haven't told you before." Mario said teasingly.
"Yes, you are, Mario!" Luigi retorted. "Don't tell me what to do anything!"
"Hey! Mario Brothers! Don't be like that!" Taiyo said, breaking up the two brothers.
"Whatever there's a problem, we can save your time by helping you out. Dig?" Zillian smiled.
Mario and Luigi sighed themselves and said at the same time. "Deal."
"Thank you." Zillian sounded better.
Blanca has sensed the five strange individuals other than Peach who lived in a castle.
"I have sensed five more people in there." Blanca uttered.
"I wonder who they are here at the castle." Verta spoke.
The entrance door has opened by Toadbert as he saw Mario amongst the group.
"Holy smokes! Mario!" Toadbert smiled.
"Toadbert. I come back." Mario smiled.
"I knew you have returned with Taiyo and his companions! I'm going to tell Princess Peach a good news about you. Come on!" Toadbert said, rushing into the castle.
"Here we go." Goku murmured.
Taiyo and others have gone into Princess Peach's castle.
(Princess Peach's Castle - Throne Room)
The group has entered Princess Peach's throne room, and they noticed Princess Peach sitting on the seat.
"Your Highness, Mario has returned to the Mushroom Kingdom." Toadbert announced.
"Mario!" Peach gleamed at him.
"Peach." Mario replied, walking over to her.
Peach rushed over to the short plumber and hugged him.
"You came back." Peach spoke. "It was such a long time ahead of your journey."
Mario pulled away from the princess. "Sorry to keep you waiting so long, princess."
"It's good to have you back." Peach delighted before turning to Taiyo, Yixato, and their teams. "And bringing your friends here too."
Luigi and Yoshi took a bow to Princess Peach in respect.
"We have returned, your Highness." Yoshi said.
"There is no need for the formal address. You may only called me Peach." Peach replied.
Taiyo and Yixato are stepping forward to Peach.
"It was great to see you again, Peach." Taiyo replied, gesturing to Yixato. "This is Yixato. A Nobody version of me."
"Oh yes. I know who is he." Peach said.
"You do know me?" Yixato asked.
"Rosalina spoke everything about you and your team including Xiao Bai, Xiao Qing, Sean Xu, Chopsuey, and Trug." Peach answered and gazed at Venus. "And who is she?"
"My name is Venus and I am another Keyblade bearer." Venus answered.
"Oh, terrific." Peach giggled.
"You almost forget about me. I am Experiment 628, created by Dr. Jumba Jookiba. And you should call me Natus." Natus replied.
"Did Rosalina told you—" Taiyo began before confusing himself. "Wait. My Mom is here?"
"Certainly, yes. She's been here before you and others came." Peach responded.
"Where is she now?" Mario asked.
"She's in the dining room, having a tea with Lucifer and Lilith." Toadbert said.
"Lucifer? Lilith?" Mario asked. "Are they here too?"
"Why, of course. Lucifer couldn't helped to be happy to see you return to this beloved kingdom." Peach said.
"Oh, it sounds great! I gotta meet them! I always served the king and queen of Hellish Demons." Zillian excited.
"Um... Who are Lucifer and Lilith?" Yixato asked, looking back at the puzzled team. "How come we didn't hear of them?"
"According to the former, Utopia Magus. Lucifer and Lilith are the King and Queen of all Hellish Demons. Suggesting that Lucifer is the very powerful demon king that most of the others can't seize his domain. By the tell of the looks from them, they weren't being evil anymore." Geno explained.
"He's got that right. Both demon rulers were the ones involved in the recent crisis." Zillian responded.
"Recent crisis? What do you want to talk about?" Sean asked.
"I'm talking about the two travelers, Votus and Senris. They are the ones who saved me to overcome my fear and helped me to save the demon's home." Zillian answered.
"Oh, yeah. I almost forgot I've been in the place called Pentagram Island, the Hellish Demon's island." Goku mentioned.
"Wait, hold up there. Have you been there? What is your name?" Zillian asked.
"I'm Goku, a new name I picked for myself. You may only called me Votus." Goku said, gesturing himself.
Zillian took a long gasp in a thrill, putting his hands on his shoulders.
"I knew it was you! It was so happy to see you again, Votus!" Zillian said, changing the subject. "And how in the inferno world did you become an ape?"
"It's a monkey, that what I looked like. But that's a long story." Goku answered.
"Wait. Where is Senris?" Zillian asked.
"Senris stays in Mobius and others called him Makaque." Geno answered.
"Makaque? He sounds like a macaque. Do you know what happened to him?" Zillian asked.
"It's a funny story to tell. Senris' memory has been erased when he sent himself into Mobius." Luigi said.
"What? Oh, right. Lucifer already told me what happened in Land of Departure. Ganondorf almost destroyed your world." Zillian said solemnly.
"Yeah, we all heard what happened to Goku and Makaque." Chopsuey replied.
"Speaking of Lucifer, we're about to go meet him." Yixato said.
"Lucifer and Lilith were in the dining room, drinking the afternoon tea with Rosalina and... There's one itsy bitsy problem." Toadbert said, taking a long breath. "Bowser enjoyed himself too."
"What?!" Mario gasped, grabbing Toadbert by the collar. "You're telling us that my sworn enemy, King of the Koopas has enjoyed in the tea time with Rosalina, Lucifer and Lilith?!"
"Yes, Mario. It is a difficult time to tell everything—" Before Toadbert began his sentence, Mario rushed out of the throne room at a dashing speed.
Everyone took surprised reactions until Natus spoke out to them.
"What's happening to him?" Natus asked.
"Trust me, you don't want to know about their feuds." Yoshi responded.
"Let's go to the dining room before Mario suffered his panic attack." Peach said.
"What's the catch, anyway?" Sean asked.
"Don't know. Let's just go, okay?" Luigi said.
(Peach's Castle - Hallway)
Taiyo and Yixato slowly walked to the door that led to the dining room and kneeled to the ground. Yixato motioned the others, and they hurried over to them.
"Well, did you hear a yell from Mario?" Goku asked.
"Come here, little man!" Bowser's voice said.
"Ooh! Stop! Stop!" Mario's voice exclaimed in pain, growing the group's concern except for Peach and Toadbert.
"Mario's been attacked!" Blanca urged.
"He's in trouble. We're going in." Taiyo replied.
Taiyo, Yixato, Luigi, Goku, and Yoshi stand up. "Ready? Set!"
They all burst through the doors and made it to the dining room.
(Peach's Castle - Dining Room)
Taiyo and others see Bowser was hugging Mario tightly. Then the whole group stared at them awkwardly as Bowser spun around to them in surprise and accidentally dropped Mario to the floor.
"Oof!" Mario uttered, getting a thud on the floor with his butt before rubbing it gently.
Luigi and Yoshi rushed over to Mario.
"Are you alright, Mario?" Yoshi asked.
"I'm good. Man, I had never gotten a bear hug from Bowser. He is really on good terms now." Mario muttered, stretching out his back.
"Taiyo." Bowser growled softly as he walked over to him. "Long time no see."
"I see your bad self never triggered itself from your mind, huh?" Taiyo smirked, remembering that King of the Koopas was turning over a new leaf.
"Well, I'm still proving to be one of the good guys." Bowser replied.
Yixato remained too skeptical at his glance. "What's he doing here?"
"I am Trug." Trug sighed.
"That's the question which doesn't imply." A gentlemanly voice called out.
Both teams looked over to Rosalina, Lilith, and Lucifer at the end of the tall dining table. Lucifer held out his cup of tea, gazing towards the heroes.
"My, my, we have wonderful guests." Lucifer grinned as he took a sip from the tea.
"It's him!" Geno said.
"The one and only, Lucifer Magne!" Luigi, Yoshi, and Zillian shouted together.
Luigi, Yoshi, Geno, and Zillian quickly dashed over to King of Edin.
"We have humbled your demon presence. Being grateful to the King of Edin himself." The three Mushroom Kingdom's heroes and Zillian replied in unison.
"Charm. I haven't seen you, lads, for a long distinctive time." Lucifer said. "And it's great to see you again, Zillian."
"Thank you, Lucifer." Zillian smiled.
"And your son is here as well. Isn't he quite stunning in that appearance?" Lilith asked.
"Taiyo's growing a lot faster." Rosalina sighed, rising from the chair.
Blanca and Verta take a bow to the King of Edin.
"Demon King Lucifer." Blanca and Verta murmured.
"Ah. Blanca and Verta. You two are reunited again. Your mother would be happy to see you girls." Lucifer chuckled.
Taiyo walked over to his mother as Rosalina gently caressed his hair a bit.
"Taiyo, how far did you go finding the Star Spirits?" Rosalina asked.
"I have six of them and there's one more out there." Taiyo answered.
"Oh, my. You're getting the last one, right?" Rosalina questioned.
"Yeah." Taiyo nodded before wanting to tell his mother. "There's more to tell you to need to know."
Venus and Goku stepped towards Rosalina.
"We all manage to save Dylan but his heart is split into half so we have to find it. It was the only way to awake him." Venus informed.
"It should be around here in the Mushroom Kingdom." Goku said.
"I'm afraid the half of Dylan's heart isn't here." Roslina responded.
"Huh?" Taiyo confused.
"When you all fought Dylan in the Great Maw, Lord Fawful has already stripped the half from Dylan's heart and made it to escape." Roslina said in concern, placing her hands onto his shoulders. "I'm truly sorry about your friend."
"We got to get it back from Fawful. We leave from here right away." Venus said.
Lucifer slammed his apple cane softly, caught the group's attention.
"Rush off like that won't help it." Lucifer replied, walking over to Taiyo. "Taiyo, I heard a lot about you. Rosalina tells me everything. Your Keyblade is truly remarkable to defend many worlds."
"Okay, first off. Let's go ask with Bowser." Luigi said before abruptly gesturing to Bowser. "WHY IS HE DOING HERE TO INVITE HIMSELF AT THE TEA PARTY?!"
"Luigi, try to relax. I told Bowser to come over here to my castle. You wouldn't think he gonna kidnapped me and ruled over the Mushroom Kingdom?" Peach asked.
"Or maybe he could erase your memory completely since 1985 when the video game came out." Yoshi pointed out in a bit of panic.
"Guys, guys, guys. I know he's gotten off with his bad vibes. But he's different now and giving me a big hug. Turns out he's not going taking over Peach's castle." Mario answered.
"Despite his villain nature. Look, he's eating the piece of cake." Peach gestured to him.
Bowser held up a plate of a slice of vanilla cake with strawberry filling. "See? I'm enjoying in the afternoon tea time."
"He really becomes sincere since the last time." Rosalina added.
"And I teach him to knit the cotton sweater, it's one of my daily hobbies." Lilith showed the bright red cotton with Bowser's friendly face.
Both Luigi and Yoshi widened their jaws in surprise before turning around to each other as they passed out in a faint.
"Oh my." Blanca sighed. "These two are getting stressed themselves."
"What about your kids?" Mario asked. "Are they still good?"
"Yeah, they can get used to it. I let my wife to look after them." Bowser answered.
"You got your wife?" Sean asked.
"Her name is Darlina. She's a quite lovely lady in my life, so we already get married." Bowser murmured.
"It's too bad for me to miss your wedding. Sorry, I missed that." Mario sighed.
"Don't be. You are busy saving many universes with your pals." Bowser responded.
Lilith stood up from the chair, causing the others to gaze at her extremely height in amazement and shock.
"Whoa! She is very tall!" Chopsuey said.
"I know." Zillian muttered.
Lilith gave a light huff before stepping towards the boy.
"You remind one of our children. My son is almost liked you." Lilith murmured.
"You have a son?" Taiyo asked.
"Yes. But unfortunately, we won't talk about him. Care to tell about your wonderful experience on the adventure?" Lilith said, playfully boop on the human's nose, making Taiyo uneased.
"I'll tell the rest of my journey." Taiyo said.
It wasn't long for Taiyo to explain the interests of his journey in the Multiverse but took about a few more minutes to fill out everything.
"Votus is the Monkey King's reincarnation and he is something else. He even wiped all of the Heartless outs." Taiyo uttered.
Lucifer grew his amazement look, glanced at Goku, and stepped towards him.
"Votus. We meet again." Lucifer said, drew closer to him, and examined the appearance from Goku.
"Your characteristic appearance barely resemblance to the Monkey King. You did something peculiar, Sun Wukong."
"You heard of my ancestor?" Goku wondered.
"Why, of course. I have met him in over a thousand years. In some ways, we are different demons. He proclaimed his title, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven. We are evenly matched with our powers and almost comparable. Sun Wukong's rather act mischievous and teased the other demon folks in the city." Lucifer replied as he turned over to Taiyo. "And there is someone who dormant the godly powers within him."
Everyone gets confused as the others gazed at Taiyo.
"It is getting curious that you two have crossed their paths when turns out... You are deity of the Sun, Hou Yi." Lucifer pointed his finger at the Keyblade Wielder.
Taiyo is taken back in disbelief. "What?"
"Don't tell me you forgot when you're young? Hou Yi's spirit lives around you. I can see that." Lucifer replied.
"How could that be?" Mario asked.
"He and Chang'e are giving up their lives to keep the world safe. Ganondorf killed them." Rosalina said. "It is tragic for them."
"You're telling us that bearer is Hou Yi?" Verta uttered.
"Hou Yi has used all of the energy to transfer his soul to Taiyo, and after that, he's still in a dormant sleep." Lilith explained.
"So if Goku is Sun Wukong, then I am Hou Yi's descendant?" Taiyo asked.
"No, it was different before reincarnated. You mortal have a lot going on with you. Your destiny has been fulfilled." Lucifer said.
Taiyo sat down on the chair while Rosalina comforted him.
"Why? Why didn't anyone tells me all about me?" Taiyo asked.
"Son. I was so shocked when you were so little. I let your father has taken care of you. But now, you have the Keyblade to save our worlds from sufferable destruction." Rosalina spoke.
"I could have guessed your friend has the god's spirit." Bowser whispered to Yixato.
"Neither am I." Yixato said.
"And what's that you're saying there's no time to rush?" Geno asked.
"I have something special in mind for Taiyo, Yixato, Mario, Bowser, Zillian, and seven new more volunteers." Lucifer replied.
"Seven volunteers? Who were they?" Yixato said.
"You'll see." Lucifer replied.
"What is it?" Taiyo wondered.
"We have a special event. The Mushroom Melee Battle." Peach said, earning Luigi and Yoshi's excited gasps.
"The Mushroom Melee Battle?" Venus asked.
"It is not a real tournament or earned the championship. It was only exclusively for the fighters to rely on their potential. The first prize for the winner of the match earned 10000 gold coins." Lucifer answered.
"10000 gold coins?!" Goku exclaimed. "That's the tons of money!"
"Yes, it comes with the Mushroom Feast for the winner's honor." Rosalina replied.
"Oh, boy. I am really enjoyed for free food!" Goku replied dreamily as his mouth was watering.
"Why is he drooling like that?" Verta puzzled.
"Since the war's over in Mobius, he ate more than 10 desserts and 20 other kinds of food." Geno responded.
Everyone grew their surprised expressions at Goku.
"Oh, yeah. I'm almost finishing eating every kind of food, sorry. I didn't know it was my appetite." Goku chuckled sheepishly.
"Hm. Make more sense." Verta scoffed.
"Since Bowser had been turned into a good side, he can participate in the ring." Lilith replied.
"Yeah. To prove that I am going to be the strongest fighting machine in the Mushroom Kingdom." Bowser said.
"I love to look forward to seeing you battle at the match." Mario smirked.
"You're on, Mario." Bowser said. "We become friends other than enemies."
"And additionally, the Wild Match is now set." Lucifer said.
"What's the Wild Match?" Blanca asked.
"The Wild Match is pseudo part of the tournament. If any fighters shall not continue on the fight, the first winner of the Wild Match will take over his or her spot as well as the title as the Fallen Paladin." Lucifer murmured.
"The Fallen Paladin, huh? I guess I was interested to sign up. When did it start?" Yixato asked.
"Two days ahead." Toadbert answered. "You all have plenty of time to train."
However, Taiyo rebuffed at this. "Why would we have to waste time on the silly competition? I was on a mission. I can't ignore it. I need some time to think about my friend Dylan."
Taiyo left the dining room, leaving everyone confused and Rosalina sensed his depression before sighing herself.
"What's gotten into him? I never seen him acting like this." Bowser wondered.
Lucifer sighed, knowing well that Taiyo was not going to lose Dylan again.
"It was because he was on important things to save Dylan. He can't lose him again." Lucifer replied.
"Oh dear, he is pretty tensed." Peach expressed.
"We fear he's a failure and I soon kinda feel bad about that kid." Mario said.
"He looks eighteen years old!" Luigi retorted.
"Exactly." Mario murmured.
"Zillian. What did you do something to him?" Lilith asked.
"Please, not to worry, Lilith. I did everything to console him but he's getting more worried about Dylan. I don't think he can't compete in the Mushroom Melee Battle." Zillian murmured.
"Zillian has a point. His motivation and concern are almost losing himself in extreme pressure." Natus replied.
"Then I can help him. He was being stubborn as his father." Rosalina said, walking out to the door and leaving the dining room.
"Shall we go with her?" Venus asked.
"Let her be. She is a mother, she knows what to do with the child." Geno replied.
"I suggest we can make dicussions later." Lilith suggested.
"I am Trug." Trug pointed out.
"Your right. We can stay here for a while." Chopsuey nodded.
"We probably show you guys around in the castle." Mario replied as the other murmured in agreement.
"Yeah, I really like this place." Sean admitted. "We want to explore it."
"We show you to the guest rooms first." Toadbert said.
As everyone is leaving the room, Lucifer made a gesture at his succubus wife to go out.
(Outside of Princess Peach's Castle)
Taiyo has sat alone on the steep hill, looking towards the landscape of the Mushroom Kingdom filled with trees, plains, and rivers.
Rosalina soon found him as she walked over to him.
"I get it now, Taiyo. You desperately want to save Dylan would be more important than staying here. You're just trying not to ignore your mission. But you got to stop feeling guilty about his fate. It isn't just you or your traveling friends." Rosalina murmured, sitting down next to her son.
"I can't let him down or fall into the darkness! Shouldn't you be reasonable enough?" Taiyo asked.
"I was!" Rosalina firmly told him but calm herself down. "I'm sorry. But I try to be your better mother and you act like your father. I know you are like him because he wanted to make sure to keep you safe from the darkness. He said the light will guide and get rid of all darkness."
"Yeah, I heard that from General Eggman. He said my father has an aversion to the darkness, he truly believes the light is pure and ethereal to bring balance to the vast collection of universes. And my grandpa Fusoya refused his beliefs." Taiyo explained.
"Eraqus is always being stubborn just like you, but I don't want you to end up like him. So tell me, have you been feeling anything like happening to you?" Rosalina questioned.
Taiyo sighed, remembering the flashbacks of his memory. "My dad is having a fight with Terra."
"Oh yes, it is awful. I remember what happened to them. Eraqus shouldn't be acting like this. He never attacked his own apprentices including Ventus and Terra. I wished I try to stop him and urge him to find a solution. What else you do remember?"
"I find out that Xehanort isn't going to kill my father." Taiyo answered.
"What?! I thought he ended his life and Fusoya never told me that. What makes you think he hasn't betrayed him?" Rosalina asked skeptically.
"I just don't know why or how. I saw him resisting, he said he was being under the control of Ganon's spell." Taiyo answered.
"Ganondorf used a spell on Master Xehanort? That can't be unless..." Rosalina said, truly realized this. "Of course. Xehanort did tell me the truth that he will find a way to free control of his own darkness. Did your memory corrected?"
"I think so. It might be true but the others won't believe me when I told them." Taiyo said. "But keep my words from them, so they won't know everything."
"Of course. I will cover your secret." Rosalina said.
Lilith came out from the tree behind them. "I do not want to interrupt this mother and son's conversation. But I couldn't help myself to hear."
"Lilith?" Taiyo asked.
"I understand that as well. You can't worry about your mortal friend. The allies in Hollow Bastion are looking after him. Please to be sure." Lilith assured.
Taiyo looked down in shame. "I'm still not sure I'm cut out to be Keyblade Wielder. I'm about to lose."
"I am." Rosalina replied. "Your friends will look after you. If you want your confidence back to save Dylan, you have at least taken a try in the fighting match to prove yourself."
"You decided to join." Lilith said.
"I can try harder whatever it takes..." Taiyo murmured.
The ground began to shake violently, making them all wobble slightly.
"Dear Lumas, what was that?" Rosalina questioned.
Taiyo looked out to see the Demon Wagon that crashed onto the fountain. Some of the Toads stepped away from the strange vehicle.
"Could that be... My daughter is with them in that van." Lilith gasped.
Taiyo ran over to the fountain where the van landed, moved past the Toads. The van was upside down as it was dangling on the edge of the fountain. The backdoor of the van has opened, a hand reaching out and grabbing on the ledge.
It was Ripley Richardson, pulling Charlie with his free hand out of the van and almost slipped over as he hauled the demon princess to himself. Charlie was on his chest before pulling herself back from Ripley.
"Sorry." Charlie giggled, visibly blushing on her face.
"It's okay. We barely got here." Ripley called out.
"Ahem!" Taiyo cleared his throat to get their attention. "Do you mind?"
Before Ripley replied to him, the side door slid open on the right side. Tybalt, Spam, and Dexter tripped over onto the water of a fountain.
"Ugh! I hate being wet." Spam muttered, shaking roughly to dry himself.
"Well, that's stuffed up." Tybalt said.
Millie and Niffty jumped off from the opening slide door.
"It seemed that Zidane ain't a good driver. I guess he was drunk." Millie teased, turning her head at Zidane who was hung on the seat top.
"Hey! I'm doing what Arnold told me! I should let Ripley do it. I was just taking orders from the so-called leader!" Zidane retorted as he hopped down from the seat top and came out.
Ripley hopped down on the ground in front of him.
"Who are you calling so-called? You standing in front of me." Ripley said.
Aggie, Crymini, Husk, and Vanexa have already got out of the van.
"Zidane. You don't actually drive the vehicle. And besides, we made it here." Aggie replied, folded her arms, and formed a smirk on her face.
"Easy for you to say." Husk muttered, stretching out his back.
"Well, I gotta do to clean the mess in the van." Niffty murmured.
Arnold flew out of the van, using rockets in his hands and feet in his War Machine form. He pulled down the back of the van to the ground and hauled it away from the fountain.
"There you go." Arnold murmured.
"Who are you?" Taiyo asked.
Arnold turned around to him before dematerializing back to his human form.
"My name is Arnold. I am an enhanced cyborg known as War Machine." Arnold responded.
"Okay..." Taiyo trailed off.
Rosalina and Lilith walked over to see Charlie.
"Charlotte?" Rosalina asked.
Charlie gasped to see Rosalina and her mother.
"Aunt Rosalina! Mom!" Charlie gasped, running over to them and hugging them one by one. "Satan told me to come to the Mushroom Kingdom when all of you are here."
"What did he say to you right before you and your friends left?" Lilith asked.
"He mentioned that my brother Dante was alive." Charlie answered, puzzling Taiyo.
"Are you sure he knows?" Lilith asked.
"I think so." Charlie said.
"And we met his family, Momiji, and Arabella. They are really nice and Kira's the adorable hell puppy." Ripley added.
Dexter looked back at Taiyo and turned to the demon gang.
"Aren't we forgetting to introduce ourselves to this fella?"
"Who? Oh, I almost forgot that unusual dude. Your name must be—" Ripley said.
"Taiyo!" Charlie exclaimed, interrupting her human zing, and rushed over to her before squealing in excitement. "Oh my gosh! Tsuki has actually told me about you!"
"You know Tsuki?" Taiyo confused. "How?"
"This Demon Wagon can travel to many worlds." Ripley answered. "Your little girlfriend said you and pals are traveling the worlds too. It looks pretty much we're in common in things."
"Oh, your reputation has preceded you. That's my daughter, Charlotte Magne." Lilith replied.
"Wait! You're telling me you and Lucifer are her parents?" Taiyo shocked.
"Correct. She is the princess." Lilith nodded.
"Hi! Call me Charlie." Charlie smiled.
"Nice to meet you, Charlie." Taiyo greeted.
Aggie pulled out the harpoon and held it towards his neck.
"Prove it to me that you're one of the Keyblade Wielders."
"Aggie. Please do not kill him." Ripley said.
"Why should I prove it you?" Taiyo asked.
"Just do it." Aggie glared deadly.
Taiyo groaned before utterly summoned his Keyblade, showing it to her.
Aggie lowered the harpoon, giving a teasing smirk to him. "Gotcha."
"What?! That's a joke?! Are you serious to tell me that I am one of the Keyblade wielders?" Taiyo confused.
"Of course you are. You can't expect yourself." Aggie responded.
"Oh, don't mind her. She is very reactive protective in self defence." Charlie said.
Dexter takes an examination on Taiyo and his Warrior's Key.
"Hmm, she's right. You are the Keyblade wielder, and you're getting older."
"That guy is Dexter. He is a brainiac of our team." Ripley said.
Niffty rushed over and jumped onto him, squeezing his face.
"No kidding! Tsuki thinks you're really handsome and strong." Niffty murmured, hopping off from him.
Husk, Crymini, Tybalt, and Millie walked over to him.
"Call me Husk and don't get to call me 'Husker'." Husk muttered.
"Crymini, the hellhound is on the rocking house." Crymini introduced, strumming her electric-ax guitar in response rhythmically.
"It's really an honor to see you, young sir. My name is Tybalt." Tybalt said as his girlfriend Millie bumped into him with her shoulder.
"Well, howdy there, Taiyo! Name's Millie." Millie said. "Me and Tybalt are the imps."
Zidane somersaulted towards Taiyo and stood right in front of him.
"Zidane is my name, I may be stealing all sorts of stuff but I am the good guy." Zidane said.
Spam and Vanexa joined up with him.
"I do recognize you from somewhere, you must be Taiyo. I'm Spam and this is Vanexa." Spam spoke.
"How do you know me?" Taiyo puzzled.
"Some time ago, we saw the ship flying over the city of Reefside." Spam answered.
"Oh yeah. I didn't know you two were there." Taiyo murmured.
"The fact is, we're Zillian's friends." Vanexa uttered.
"Hang on. I heard from Utopia reading the Legendaries and Wonders of the Multiverse's book. These two furries are the Demi Animals. The Demi Animals are created
by high-class demons' essences including royalties and subjects." Taiyo said.
"Ah. I see you got the knowledge of the Hellish Demon's origins, and I'm surprised that someone already knew." Dexter said.
"Whatever." Taiyo dismissed, then talked to Charlie. "You mentioned about your brother, named Dante?"
"Yes. Why?" Charlie asked.
"Lucifer doesn't like to talk about his son when I asked him." Taiyo said.
"We can discuss the importance after the event is finished." Rosalina recommended.
"What's going on out here?" Geno's voice asked.
The group saw Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Geno, Peach, Toadbert, Natus, Venus, Goku, Zillian, Yixato, Sean Xu, Blanca, Verta, Chopsuey, Trug, and Lucifer approach them. The King of Edin becomes joyful to see Charlie.
"Charlie!" Lucifer said, walking over to her and hugging the princess. "My little adorable sweet apple! How come I didn't know you and others are coming to visit?"
"Uncle Satan told us to bring a message to you. So—" Charlie answered before Lucifer shushed her.
"Hush now, my dear. I am aware of that." Lucifer told her.
Goku gasped at her with a shocked expression.
"I know her! Charlie. She is the demon princess I met in Pentagram City. What the heck is she doing here with her friends and the other guy?"
Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, and Geno bowed down to her in a graceful manner.
"We have humbled of your welcome, Princess of Edin."
"Thanks. But you allowed calling my name." Charlie replied before instantly recognizing the Mario Brothers. "Oh my gosh! The Mario Brothers!"
Mario and Luigi stood up as Charlie hugged them.
"It's been so long to meet you guys!" Charlie excited.
"Yes, Charlie. We have meet before." Luigi strained.
"How did she know them?" Chopsuey asked.
"Because Charlie is the super fan of the Mario Brothers, not really confusion based on the video game characters." Tybalt answered before giving a question to the little alien. "How about you?"
"Just the friendly alien came from outer space." Chopsuey replied, pointing out to Trug. "Along with the tree hugger."
"I am Trug." Trug offered his hand to the imp.
"Yes, yes, yes. That's very kind for shaking our hands in greeting." Tybalt appreciated.
"And I am the alien too." Natus spoke from behind him which startling Tybalt. "Sorry."
Zillian rushed over to his Demi Animal friends, hugging them in his arms.
"So glad to see you two here."
"Such a long time, lad." Spam chuckled.
"Feel the same way, huh?" Vanexa shrugged. "Where's Jackson and Kayla?"
"I contacted them a few days ago. They should be brought here by someone else." Zillian answered.
Niffty was amazed at Geno, thinking he was a doll.
"Ooh! You're the doll! I never actually met the doll person. He looks so cute." Niffty squealed.
"I am the artificial android. I do look like the child's doll." Geno confirmed.
"Interesting." Arnold intrigued, walked over to him. "You must be Geno."
"That I am. I sensed the similar patterns that you looked like the human." Geno responded.
"Positive." Arnold affirmed.
Zidane blew a flirty whistle at the two Chinese snake demons.
"Hello, Chinese ladies." Zidane replied. "Would you one of the ladies go out with me?"
Blanca giggled in amusement while Verta scoffed looking away from him.
"Get lost." Verta groaned.
Yixato pushed him away roughly. "She is my girlfriend, you doofus."
The Sinful Gang became confused while the others were bewildered as Verta turned to him with a disbelief look even though she blushed.
"What?" Zidane asked.
"Just take your hands away from my girl too." Sean warned.
Aggie yanked Zidane's ear, dragging away from Blanca and Verta.
"Stop bothering them. You should at least get a date with Dagger." Aggie retorted.
Charlie, Ripley, Spam, and Vanexa walked over to the girls.
"I could have asked their names!" Zidane protested.
"Sorry about him. He gets it every time he sees a pretty girl. Believe me." Ripley said.
"It's quite alright." Blanca responded.
"And what are you two supposed to be?" Spam asked.
"They are the Chinese demons and they do look like the Chinese people." Vanexa replied.
"Shouldn't take that as the joke." Yixato said.
"Who are you? Another Chinese dude?" Ripley asked.
"Yixato. You have assembled your own team?" Yixato asked.
"Yeah, I have. The team of demons and a robot." Ripley said.
"Your names' Blanca and Verta, right? Dad told me about both of you involved in the Legend of Madam White Snake." Charlie uttered.
"And we've been expecting to meet you in person, demon princess." Verta spoke.
"Our mother has recently spoken of you and your family." Blanca said.
"We can talk to each other later." Charlie said.
Goku paced towards the Princess of Edin. "Charlie. Did you meet me before?"
"Do I know you?" Charlie asked.
"Look, I know you see me I was weird. You should remember me as Votus the guy who saved the day in Edin." Goku responded.
"No way!" Charlie gasped. "Are you really Votus?"
Aggie, Niffty, Husk, Crymini, and Dexter overheard him before shouting in alarm.
"Votus?!"
"You guys know him?" Yoshi asked.
"Yep. He's been here on the Edin along with Senris." Husk uttered.
"They are both saving everyone from Sir Pentious." Aggie reminded.
"It's been a long time since." Crymini said.
"So you have encountered the Keyblade wielders, correct?" Geno asked.
"Yes, they are hailed by demons as the heroes." Aggie murmured.
"I was in Transylvania and hadn't heard them." Tybalt said.
"And I spent my family in Texas, avoiding from the humans." Millie added.
"Hello there, new fellas. My name is Venus, I too wielded the Keyblade." Venus greeted.
"Very pleased to see you, Venus." Tybalt said.
"Hey, everybody!" Bowser called out, approaching the group. "What did I miss?"
Charlie and her demon friends are utterly taken back.
"Bowser?!" Charlie asked.
"Isn't that bad Koopa taking over the Mushroom Kingdom and kidnapped Princess Peach?" Ripley asked, sharing the familiarities from Mario's games.
Aggie growled in response as she raised her harpoon defensively and pointed at him.
"You come here to kidnap the princess again?!" Aggie glared.
"Oh, about that. I wasn't trying to kidnap Peach, not anymore." Bowser protested.
"Liar!" Aggie snarled.
Mario confronted her. "Do not engage the fight! Bowser isn't going to do his evil deeds. He's no longer one of our enemies."
"Mario's right. He seemed getting hanged on his good terms. You should be happy about him." Luigi pointed out.
"Why should we believe you two? He still remains loyal to Ganon." Dexter scoffed.
"I have no intention to bring trouble to everybody. All I want is to give power to my own kingdom. You can trust me." Bowser pleaded.
Aggie snorted as she slammed the harpoon on the ground.
"If you pulled out your stunts, I slice a mincemeat out of you." She warned him.
Lucifer stepped to inform about Bowser's redemption.
"I can ensure all of you this King of the Koopas has no longer dominated the Mushroom Kingdom. Please make peace with him." Lucifer replied, patting Bowser's left shoulder.
"Thank you, Lucifer." Bowser said.
Taiyo waved at the group dismissively.
"Look, we all run into each other. Does any of you heard about the Key of Destiny?"
"The Key of Destiny? Hm. Nope, we don't know what it is." Ripley said.
"My files aren't finding the source of the Key of Destiny. But apparently, it is beyond of my knowledge." Arnold explained.
"How did you find out, Taiyo?" Rosalina said.
"We just find out one of the creeps said it." Luigi said.
"Perhaps, we can go back to the castle and explaining the important matters." Lucifer replied.
"Oh yes. I also have important thing you have to know." Mario pointed out.
All of a sudden, the ground has shaken violently.
"What was that?" Venus concerned.
"An earthquake?" Millie asked.
"Or rather worst." Niffty said.
Taiyo has observed the Toad Town that has been invaded by an unknown force.
"Better gear up and find out what's out there in Toad Town." Taiyo said.
"Sounds like fun to me." Yoshi said.
"Come on! I am so tired of fighting, not like in this video game world." Sean retorted.
"Don't be like that. Stick to my team." Yixato said
"We're in the game, man. Time to fight in the next level." Ripley smirked.
"Are you sure you and your new team knows how to fight?" Taiyo asked.
"We got a lot of things happened in Transylvania, we did it before." Ripley answered.
"I heard you, bud." Zidane said, drawn-out his Mage Mashers.
"No matter of what those freaks get in our way, we can beat them." Goku determined.
"I can come to help too. Sign me up." Bowser spoke.
"Whatever." Husk muttered.
"Risk is what matter to take to save the citizens." Arnold replied.
"Yay! Team up is very good idea." Charlie cheered.
"Very nice, Charlie. Now, let's-a go save the Toads." Mario said.
Having said that, Taiyo, Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Bowser, Geno, Natus, Goku, Venus, Yixato, Sean Xu, Blanca, Sean, Chopsuey, Trug, Ripley, Arnold, Charlie, Aggie, Dexter, Niffty, Crymini, Husk, Tybalt and Millie hurried over to the Toad Town on the trail.
"Three teams were very much capable of battle strategies and skills." Lilith commented.
"Indeed, my dear." Lucifer said, taking her hands and holding them together. "We have the heroes in our hands."
"I knew his responsibility would change if he want to restore Dylan." Rosalina sighed.
"Should we go followed them?" Spam asked.
"Nope. We'll watch them fighting. I loved to see them fighting, it would be great." Zillian said.
"Sounds approval." Vanexa commented.
"I don't suppose they don't have any battle plans?" Toadbert asked.
"I bet they can." Lucifer affirmed.
(Dark Fortress - Throne Room)
Fawful, Wario Brothers, Ramthar, and Zant are watching the holographic magic to see the heroes advancing towards the Toad Town.
"The scumbags aren't dealing against the Kraangdroids before. Who ordered those pink brained aliens?" Ramthar demanded.
"No need to ask a formal question." A figure walks out of the shadow, revealing Doctor Starline and adjusting his glasses.
Doctor Starline is the right-hand associate of Dr. Eggman. He is an anthropomorphic platypus with white fur that covered most of his body. His beak is black-colored and narrow with nostrils on the front, and he possesses red eyes, black eyelids, and a thick tail. He also has three thick hair turfs on his head that are combed over the right side of his head. His front hair turf also possesses a gray highlight.
For attire, he wears a purple and red-violet satin tuxedo with golden cufflinks, a red-violet t-shirt underneath, orange pince-nez glasses, and two gray webbed gloves. Starline also wears a webbed brown glove on his left hand with a gold insertion clip and golden-tipped fingertips. A darker brown ring can be seen on the palm of the glove. Starline bears the Tricore in the glove. He also wears brown boots with golden buckles, red-violet soles, medium-high heels, the Multi-Tool Heel Spurs, upward-turned pointy toes, and light red-violet socks underneath.
"I told the Kraang Prime to let me borrow of his reinforcement. And I dispatch Saïx to help them destroy the team." Doctor Starline smirked menacingly.
"You made an idea of opportunity yourself, Doctor Starline." Zant admitted.
"Wait a minute. Isn't he one of Eggman's associates?" Waluigi said.
"You supposed to find the chubby egg guy." Wario argued.
"Nah. He is on his own schemes somewhere around in Mobius." Doctor Starline declined. "Leave that to me."
"Doctor Starline. I have something for you to work on the project." Fawful responded.
"Do tell, smiley bean." Doctor Starline said. "Which is..."
"The Replica Program. Should you succeed in the masterpiece of our group, Ganondorf will be pleased." Fawful replied.
"I have certain of you do something pretty useful. How much time do you require?" Zant inquired.
"Soon. I can start immediately." Doctor Starline stated.
Author Notes: Taiyo and others went to the Mushroom Kingdom to hear the announcement from Lucifer to propose the event of Mushroom Melee Battle, even redeemed Bowser shall joined in the fighting event. Soon, they encountered the new team led by Ripley Richardson who have possessed the Excalibur and his girlfriend Charlie Magne along with Aggie, Husk, Niffty, Crymini, Dexter, Tybalt, Millie, Zidane and Arnold. Don't forget to review after this!
Trivia:
1) I have put Ripley, Sinful Gang, Zidane and Arnold in this chapter. One of them is going to be the volunteer for the Mushroom Melee Battle, you would find out in the next chapter.
2) Doctor Starline would be first appeared at the end of the chapter, helping Fawful to create the replica of Dylan using the half heart from his original self.
