(Paper Mario ost - Star Spirit Requests)
"That is all I will teach you if you need help in battle." Eldstar said. "Remember that you all must save the other Star Spirits quickly. If all seven of us come together, we'll be able to bestow upon you a Star Power called the Star Beam."
"The Star Beam?" Emma asked
"The Star Beam is the only thing that can counter the Star Rods power, isn't it?" Levi asked
"It is as you said. Of course there are some other ways but at the moment, that alone is enough to Counter the Star Rod that Bowser wields." Eldstar answered
"I see. We'll remember that." Rean nodded
"For now, I have to go back to Star Haven. We shall meet again. But I'll always be watching you. Please, save us all." He said and took off.
"By watching over us, he doesn't mean like spying on us, would he?" Linhardt asked
"Linhardt that's a creepy way of putting it." Leonie sighed. "What he means is he'll be watching over us like the goddess is watching over us. You know, spiritual way. Still, this has got to be the most interesting I've ever seen."
"So then Professor, what will we do now?" Felix asked.
"We will join the Mario bros and Class VII to rescue the Star Spirits." Byleth answered. "It's not only a good opportunity to learn about the outside world, but to get stronger and learn to survive. In addiction to a sense of adventure."
"I'm down with it. Plus we made some new friends too." Leonie smiled.
"And learn something that doesn't bored me I suppose. Especially when it comes to fighting strong foes, new forms, etc. etc . And learn there are other people who are cut from the same cloth." Felix nodded as he turn to Laura. "And worthy rivals, swords and all that."
"We'll we're glad to have you on board. The More friends the better." Alisa smiled
"And as fellow students, even from different schools." Laura nodded
"Right, it's always heartwarming to have more friends joining us." Rean smiled. "All right, shall we get going?"
"Yep, let's-a go!" Mario said as they nodded.
"Wait a moment. What exactly are we gonna do with the Koopa Bros anyway?" Fie asked
"Oh, don't worry… I have a few friends that'll take care of them." Bombette chuckled darkly.
"Uhh… what do you mean by that?" Emma asked
"And what's with the smirk on your face?" Celine added
"So, I say that we-"
BOOM!
"What the?!" Luigi jumped as they turned to see a mushroom cloud of what remained of the fortress and the Koopa Bros were flying high into the sky.
"WE'LL BE BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!" Red yelled as there was a star shining brightly in the sky.
All eyes turned to Bombette. "Pretty neat friends, huh?" She asked innocently.
Levi burst into laughter and collapsed into the ground. "Oh, that was priceless! BAAAHAHAHAHA!"
"You Bom-ombs may be adorable, but you scare me sometimes." Alisa sweatdrop.
"Someone pull Levi so we can get moving." Fie said
The Party nodded as Rean and Sara drag Levi who is still laughing.
(BGM ended)
(Paper Mario ost - March Ahead)
"So while we're walking. Why did you call yourself the Ashen Demon?" Rean asked
"I have to admit. I'm quite curious about that as well." Sara nodded.
"It's a long story about my past." Byleth said. "I believe I told you guys I was originally a mercenary before becoming a professor at the Officer's Academy. My childhood is mostly a mercenary life. I know little information about the world. Never knew the name of my birth as well."
"Wait, you never knew? You never celebrated your birthday?" Machias asked
"Nope. My father, Jeralt claimed I was born after my mother who died of an illness."
"Oh…" Elliot sadden.
"Most of my life, my father train me in combat, and eventually joined his band of mercenaries. And through countless battles. I gain a reputation for my unflinching courage in battle. I have never shown any emotion in battle, as I cut down enemies without any sense of hesitation. Even with blood stain on my clothes, my face, my skills, and my strength. Almost like I'm a doll. And that's how I got the name Ashen Demon."
"Byleth…" Sara trailed off.
Fie close her eyes because she can symbolize with him.
"But compared to the you now, you change a lot, didn't you?" Gaius asked
"I have." Byleth nodded. "After spending some time with the students, teaching them within my abilities. I slowly felt a change in me." Byleth touch his chest. "The bonds I spend with my students… slowly change me for the better. I even like my emotion have awakened because of them. I felt happiness for the first time. As well as other emotions… like vengefulness, sorrow…"
"Why? What happen?" Levi asked when he finally stop laughing.
"Levi, when did you stop laughing?" Elliot asked
"When Byleth was talking about his past."
"You should have said something then just letting us drag you around." Sara pouted and she and Rean let go of his trousers. Then Levi got back up and dust off some dirt.
"Sorry, sorry. So… why did you felt those emotions… if you don't mind me asking?"
"That's actually a bit sensitive topic…" Leonie sadden as she look down.
"Leonie?" Laura asked in confusion.
"Hold it right there Mario!" A voice called out and stop everyone on their tracks
"Who said that?" Luigi wondered
(BGM ended)
(Paper Mario ost - Jr. Troopa)
Then suddenly, Jr. Troopa popped out of a bush. "SURPRISE!" He yelled… only to realize he launched a little further than he thought as he was above the river. "…Uh oh." He said and then fell into the water.
"Well… that killed the tension." Leonie said. "You think he's okay?"
"Nah, probably dead." Bombette said.
But that was proven wrong when Jr. Troopa climbed back up and shook all that water out.
"I… uh… meant to do that! Yeah!" Jr. Troopa said, causing them to sweatdrop. "Anyway, I've been waiting for you!" He said. "Remember me? Because I bet you will never forget a face!"
"…Who are you again?" Mario asked causing Jr. Troopa to jawdrop before anime falling.
"How could you forget me?! Especially you with the Glaive!?"
Levi title his head and rub his chin and then click. "Ohhh. Now I remember you. You were that brat that bully the Goomba Village. And the fact you call me an Old geezer because of the color of my hair."
"Yes! Finally! That's right, you were that ol…d… Wait why are there more of you?!" Jr. Troopa asked.
"Um… we just join them awhile back so we don't know who you are." Leonie said. "So who are you?"
"The name's Jr. Troopa and I have come here for revenge!" Jr. Troopa said with a smirk. "And this time, I've got a new skill that I've worked on!"
"And that would be?" Felix cross his arm.
"This!" Jr. Troopa said… and ducked into his shell, closing it as well. "Ha! You can't even touch me in this! Come on! Give me your best shot!"
"Seriously? THAT'S your-" Levi interupted Felix with a hand and then bring out his Glaive. "Wait are you actually gonna test it out."
"Pretty much." Levi answered as he begin to point at the tree from the distance, then study the meters of Jr. Troopa and Glaive strength. "Can you step one foot forward?"
"Of course I can." Jr. Troopa answered as he step one foot forward. Levi then got behind him and begin to use his Glaive as a golf club. "Well? What are you waiting for?!"
"Okay, ready?"
"What do you think, you idiot? Just hit me!"
"Okay." Levi respond and then use his Glaive and launch Jr. Troopa away.
"Ha! You see?! That was-" Jr. Troopa then popped out of his shell, only to realize he was sent flying instead. "OH, THAT WAS A-"
*Crash*
Jr. Troopa crash into a tree from the meter Levi predicted.
"All done." Levi smirked and then he burst into laughter while everyone sweatdrop again.
"Was that really necessary? Don't you think that was a bit too far?" Leonie asked
"No, he deserve it. Trust me. Plus if you known what he did, you would understand."
"And what did he do exactly?"
"He's a bully who been harassing a peaceful Goomba village and claim everything is his. He even stole a little kids doll."
"Wait. You serious." Leonie blinked as Levi nodded. "Okay… I take it back."
"All interest as that sound. Can we go?" Linhardt asked
"Yeah, let's go before he comes back." Machias sighed and then walk towards Toad Town and arrived.
(BGM ended)
(Paper Mario ost - Toad Town)
"Alright, let's try to find the next Star Spirit… wherever they might be." Mario said as they all nodded.
"Hey guys, wait up!" A voice said as they turned to see Twink coming toward them.
(BGM paused)
(Paper Mario ost - Twink)
"Phew, glad I caught up with you!"
"Aww, who's this little guy?" Leonie asked.
"He's name is Twink. He's Peach, Elise and Alfin's little helper. Twink. These are our friends. Byleth, Felix, Linhardt and Leonie." Levi introduce.
"Nice to meet you guys!" Twink cheered.
"So what brings you here Twink?" Millium asked
"I heard that you guys saved the honorable Star Spirit who was captured by the Koopa Bros and defeated an Enforcer name Bleublanc! Bowser and his gang are so angry about it."
"Which is to be expected." Jusis cross his arm. "If I had to guess, I'm guessing you're here to tell us you found something important?"
Twink nodded "That's right! We found the next Star Spirit located."
"Already? Wow that's fantastic!" Alisa cheered
"And where is the next Star Spirit?" Byleth asked
"One of the Star Spirits is being held in Dry Dry Desert. Bowser wrote it in his diary in some place called the Dry Dry Ruins." Twink answered
"Bowser has a diary?" Mario asked
"And you guys read it?" Elliot asked
"Well Princess Peach and Princess Alfin got too curious about it. But that's beside the point. Both the Princesses and Lady Elise brave the castle to find clues for you guys." Twink explained.
"Then it seems we owe the princesses and Elise a big thanks." Gaius smiled
"If we find out anything else, I'll hurry back to tell you guys. I better get back to the princesses and Elise. They're so brave! I hope this news helps"
"Oh it helps us a lot! Thank you. Please tell them thank you for the information and we'll get right on it." Emma smiled
"Will do! Cya!" Twink wink and then took off.
(BGM ended)
(Resuming Toad Town)
"Well that was certainly unexpected but easy." Leonie smirked.
"But we got a problem… The next place is a desert. I did not sign up for that." Linhardt frown. "The desert is too hot. It's not the best place to take a nap."
"Are you always thinking about naps?" Bombette asked
"Of course. Without naps, life is nothing but work."
"You're certainly unique Linhardt…" Laura sweatdrop.
"I'm surprised you're even a noble to begin with." Jusis sighed.
"It's not like I was asked to be born into the nobility." Linhardt said
Jusis sighed. "Oh never mind. We should make haste to Dry Dry Desert."
"Your right. However, there is a bit of a problem…" Byleth said.
"And what could that be?" Emma asked.
"Well I'm wearing black armor and Linhardt is wearing his full uniform, which is dark color. And dark clothing absorb dark sunlight. Which makes you hot really fast, but if you were light clothing, it'll reflect the sunlight and not make you extremely hot. Plus, someone has to carry Celine since she will be walking in the sands."
"How very thoughtful of you. And you're right. If I even THINK about the torture I been through in the desert, it will be the end of me." Celine muttered
"Okay so these guys are screwed then." Bombette said.
"So what should we do?" Millium asked.
"Lots of water bottles just in case if we have to cross the desert again." Mario said. "Speaking of which, we might need to get some for those two."
"Actually, you can leave the cooling to me. I got a spell that can work." Levi wink.
"You do?" Byleth asked.
"Yep. Once we head to the desert. I'll set it up."
"Alright, so I guess we're walking to Dry Dry Deser-"
"HEEEEEEEEEEELP!" A voice screamed interrupting Mario as they turned to see a Toad running toward them. "Big! Huge! Blooper… in the sewers!"
"What's a Blooper?" Linhardt asked
"A squid-like monster." The Toad answered
"Well, that's a shame. Have fun with that." Luigi said, but Mario grabbed his arm as soon as he started walking away. "…One of these days, I'm gonna get away with it." He sighed.
"You and me both Luigi… You and me both." Linhardt sighed as well when Byleth is grabbing his arm.
"We're on it!" Mario said as they ran off and went into the Warp Pipe.
(BGM ended)
(Paper Mario ost - Sewer Entrance)
As soon as they arrived at the sewers.
"Ugh… The sewers… So nasty. The smell I can't stand it." Linhardt said as he covered his nose.
"That's the point of the sewer Linhardt." Leonie stated.
"I guess but Abyss smells better than this."
"The Abyss?" Laura asked as they walked further while taking care of some Galoombas and Buzzy Beetles
"It's an underground town that Professor Byleth along with the Imperial Princess, The Boar, Ashe, Claude and Hilda discovered in Garreg Mach Monastery. The Abyssians there don't interact with the surface world since many people who are living there are shunned or scam by the nobility, merchants or looking for a place for peace." Felix explained
"That's awful…" Alisa sadden
"Tch. Typical nobility." Machias muttered
"Here here." Levi nodded
"Don't place me like those nobles in Fodlan." Jusis said. "But what is this Garreg Mach Monastery?" Jusis asked
"It's the location of the Central Church of the Church of Seiros, which runs the Officers Academy." Byleth answered.
"And despite all that. Even the church see those who are from Abyss are a nuisance. Many within the church want to see Abyss purged." Linhardt said
"That's rather dark for the Church of Seiros, don't you think?" Emma asked
"It was dark of those within the church to think such thoughts." Byleth nodded. "Honestly, I find them…untrustworthy as people. I don't like it when people talk trash to the Abyss like that."
"But the bright news is now that Sothis has returned. There have been a lot of changes within the church." Linhardt smiled.
"Who's Sothis?" Elliot asked
"She's the goddess of Fodlan."
"Hold up! You saying an actual goddess is living within the church instead of the heavens?!" Machias exclaimed
"That's right. Sothis was very displeased with how the church is acting. Both with the problems with Abyss but also some other private matters. So she's making the church a better place with some help from those she can trust. Like me, and a few of my students. She even mends the relationship of the Abyss with supplies, food, and water. Even hearing their complaints about the church."
"That's very benevolence of her. Though perhaps is what you expect from a goddess." Emma smiled
"But shouldn't the gods be watching over humanity from the heavens instead of living with them?" Celine asked
"Celine!"
"I understand your question. However, there are many reasons why Sothis is living with humans. The problems with the church are one of them." Byleth answered
"And the others are?" Gaius asked.
"Let's just say there are problems that need to be solved." Byleth said. "Still, I wonder how the Abyss is faring. And… Wonder if Yuri and the others are doing?" Byleth then smiled as he mention Yuri.
Then the group stop as they pass through pipes to get across. Once reach the end.
(BGM paused)
"BLOOPER!" A screech cried out and appeared over was a large Blooper.
"Ugh! What is that?" Leonie exclaimed
"I think that's the Blooper." Felix said.
(Paper Mario ost - Hey You!)
"Excuse me, pardon me!" Goombario popped out. "Let's see here… this Blooper has an HP of 30, with Attack Power of 3 and no defense. They seem pretty unremarkable but you have to wonder how they are able to float in the air like that. Okay, it also says here that it attacks by spinning at you or-" The Blooper interrupted him by shooting ink at him. "ACK! …Spitting ink at you…" He groaned. "Ugh… that's nasty!"
"Oh, go jump in some water!" Bombette said, kicking him in the water as Mario and Luigi both jumped up and hit the Blooper a few times before jumping back as the Blooper flew over to them and spun over to Rean, who countered by landing some slashes from different angles and follow up with Alisa's archery.
Goombario popped back out and shook the water off. "Geez, you could've drowned me!"
"Oh, relax… I could've exploded on you." Bombette said as Goombario grumbled and hopped back in Mario's pocket.
"Dude! You smell horrible!"
"Don't remind me, Kooper!"
The Blooper retaliated by shooting ink at them, but Byleth dodge and counter with a reverse grip, following with Leonie leap over and jab attack it. Then Linhardt throw white orbs at the Blooper with the help of Emma's fire Orbal Arts. Then Gaius Gale Stringer push it back with Machias gun firing, and Felix attacks it next and slash through it before jumping back with Elliot's Mid-Water Arts.
"Blooooop!" Blooper went over to them and quickly spun towards them, but Luigi jumped up in time and landed on top of him to have him faceplant, then Mario charged up a hammer attack and sent him flying toward the water.
"Allow me!" Byleth said, as he cast thunder into the water and electrifying the water.
"BLOOOOOOOOOOOP!" Blooper screamed before disappearing.
(BGM ended)
(Resuming Sewer Entrance)
"Well that was easy." Fie said.
"Probably because-" Levi nodded… and then a treasure chest fell on his head. "Ack!" Levi fell onto the floor with the treasure chest fell in front of him.
"Levi, you okay?!" Rean exclaimed as he help him up.
"I'm fine… Stupid treasure…" Levi muttered as he rub his head.
"Let's see what we got here." Mario said and opened it up… to see a Shrink Stomp. "Pink shoes badge?"
"Oh, I think that's Shrink Stomp where you shrink your enemies when you stomp on them." Luigi said. "…I could be wrong though."
"Well now with the Blooper situation has been dealt with. Let's return to the surface and head to Dry Dry Desert."
"But shouldn't we take a shower first? I mean being here probably make us smelly." Leonie asked
"I gotcha covered. But first, let's get out of here." Levi said as they nodded and then head back to the pipe and return to the surface.
(BGM ended)
(Paper Mario ost - Toad Town)
"Okay, now that we're back." Levi said and then snap his finger and a breeze of magic swirl the party and then faded.
"What was that?" Linhardt asked then he sniff himself. "Oh, what do you know. The stench is gone."
"What was that, Levi?" Emma asked.
"It's a spell called Cleanse. Think of it as taking a shower. And you smell fresh too."
"That's an amazing spell!" Rean praised.
"Can you teach me that, Levi?" Emma asked
"Sure." Levi chuckled
"Wait!" Goombario pop out of Mario's pocket. "Can you cleanse me too?" Levi snap his finger and cleanse Goombario. "Woohoo! Thanks." Then he jump back into Mario's pocket.
"Now you smell like yourself."
"Wait, what do you mean, MYSELF?"
"So how do we get into Dry Dry Desert?" Leonie asked.
"Dry Dry Desert is one of the deserts in the Mushroom Kingdom right?" Fie asked
"That's right. Unlike the Desert we went last time, there's a train station nearby that can take us to Mt. Rugged, which is close to Dry Dry Desert." Mario answered
"Woohoo! It's better then walking!" Sara cheered as they walked over toward the train station. But by the time they arrived there. There has been a commotion going on. "What's seem to be the problem here?"
"There's a rock blocking the railroad that leads to Mt. Rugged. And few people who want to go there are unable to." The Toad answered. "Although there is this one girl with a creepy guy trying to break the rock."
"A girl and creepy guy?" Byleth title his head then click. "Wait… are they?"
"Huugh!" A voice shout out as they turn to see Edelgard who is trying to break the rock with her Axe. "Phew. I must admit, I never expected this rock to be this difficult to crack."
"A hammer or a bomb would be more efferent I'm afraid. Sadly, there isn't someone with a strong hammer to pull this off." Hubert sighed
"Ah, so here you two are." Byleth said as he and everyone approached them.
"Ah, Professor! We were looking all over for you." Edelgard smile then notice Class VII. "Oh and if isn't Class VII, and Instructor Sara. It's wonderful to see you all again. And is this with you?"
One introduction later...
"The pleasure is mine, Bombette, Kooper, and Goombario. My name is Edelgard von Hresvelg, House Leader and student of the Officer's Academy in Fodlan." Edelgard introduce herself.
"As for me. I'm Hubert von Vestra. Lady Edelgard servant." Hubert said.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. What bring you two out here in the station?" Jusis asked.
"We were on our way to look for our classmates. We figured that they might have gotten lost here in town. But also might have enter different areas outside of Toad Town. And I see you found Linhardt. Where have you been Linhardt?"
"I was sleeping in a peaceful place in nature. After that, I ended up in a dungeon filled with Bom-ombs from a group of evil Koopas. Not that I wouldn't mind."
"You wouldn't mind being toss into a dungeon filled with walking bombs, ready to explode? I never took you for the sort to of waltzing into a dangerous situation, Linhardt. How amusing." Hubert said with a grin on his face.
"Trust us, we were surprised that we found him." Leonie sighed.
Edelgard sighed "Honestly, Linhardt… I apologize if my classmate has cause you all trouble."
"It was no trouble at all. He did help us battles we encounter." Rean said.
"I see. So what brought you all here?"
One long explanation later...
"I do remember fighting against King Bowser, Crow, and someone beside them. None of our attacks were able to do any effect." Edelgard hummed. "And the fiend who not only stole the entire castle and launch it into the sky with his, but also imprison all of Princess Peach's important guests, and stolen an artifact called the Star Rod, which is capable of granting wishes to their hearts desire?"
"In addition, he use the Star Rod's power to make themselves invincible, and a group called Ouroboros, also known as the society, allied themselves to his cause?" Hubert continues
"And you're all on a journey to save the celestial brings called the Star Spirits, who are leaders to stars who grand wishes to those with good intentions?" Edelgard finished.
"That's correct. I know it sounds like something from a fairy tale but it's true." Rean said.
"Me, Linhardt, Felix, and Leonie witness it for ourselves. In addition, you all witnessed the castle lifted into the air, and the power of the Star Rod Bowser used in person, right?" Byleth asked.
"I cannot deny that. Still, I must admit, this all sounds so… Unbelievable at best. But we did witness the entire castle being launch into the sky which is impossible in our world. Although we visit the Mushroom Kingdom before, there are still its fairy tales, lores we haven't learned entirely." Edelgard said.
"I get that feeling, trust us, we were like that too when we first got here. So we know how you feel." Alisa giggled.
"Edelgard, Hubert, why don't you two join us? This is also a good opportunity to explore more what this world has to offer while getting stronger at best." Byleth suggest.
"Of course my Teacher. We would be honored to join you. And I can't deny I'm still very curious about this world." Edelgard smiled.
"If Lady Edelgard insists then I shall come along as well." Hubert nodded
"All right! We got some new friends to tag along!" Millium cheered.
"Oh good. And now I can do this now." Linhardt said with a smile and then he hop onto Byleth's pocket.
"What the-! Linhardt, what did you just do?!" Edelgard exclaimed.
"I jump into your pocket in that RPG mechanism Goombario mention. The professor's pocket is surprisingly comfy."
"RP… what? Do elaborate what you mean, Linhardt." Hubert said
"Sorry Hubert, but nap time calls. Good night." Linhardt said in Byleth's pocket as he yawn.
"Why that urchin-"
Edelgard sighed while the rest sweatdrop. "Let him be Hubert. We have more important things to worry about."
Hubert sighed. "As you wish, Lady Edelgard."
"Still, I would like to see part of this legend myself as well. If that's all right?"
"Of course, now, we need to remove this rock and-"
BOOM!
"Wah!" Byleth was interrupt as he and everyone else turned to see the decimated boulder, courtesy of Bombette.
"There, that should do it, Shall we?" Bombette asked.
"Um… right." Byleth nodded and then the group approach the conductor. "Can you take us to Mt. Rugged?"
"Of course! We're back on track! No pun intended. All aboard to Mt. Rugged!" He said as they climbed on board as they took off.
Ah, Linhardt doesn't change lol. Up next we got the desert! Okay, it's official. I'm making two stories at once. Hope everything goes okay.
