Disclaimer: See the prologue for my disclaimer
Super Mario RPG:
Legend of the Seven Stars
Chapter 2: The Frog (?) and the Crocodile
"All right, we're ready for takeoff," said a red humanoid creature holding an axe. "It's time for our invasion of this planet to begin." The many mechanical creatures, which include four different colored humanoid creatures similar to the red one, a creature wearing a red mask and riding on what seemed to be a mix between a sword and a pogo stick, a red-haired, cross-eyed creature shaped like a bow, a gray spear-headed creature wearing a red cape, and several lesser creature loaded onto the airship that was shaped like a giant axe before it took off toward a hole in the sky, which was a gateway from their world to Mario's world. As they flew through the dimensional gateway, the red humanoid put the airship on autopilot and began to address its fellow creatures.
"Our leader, the great Smithy, has given us these assignments, based on the description of the other world that Exor has given us. Mack," it addressed the creature on the pogo stick "You and your men will go for the kingdom closest to us. Bowyer," it spoke to the bow-shaped creature, "Your group will take the forest in the southwest. And Yaridovitch," it told the spear- headed creature, "You will secure the town in the southeast coast of this continent. The Axem Rangers and I are to ." it couldn't believe what its group's assignment was "take over the volcano just to the east of our base?! As well as take the others to their assigned locations and pick them up when they're done?!" The others laughed.
"What's the matter, Axem Red? Don't think you can handle such an easy assignment?" Mack taunted.
"Especially since greatest warriors in Smithy Gang, you claim to be?" Bowyer added.
"Yeah, everyone knows that I'm in highest esteem of our lord," Yaridovitch said.
Their teasing made Axem Red lose is temper, as he was known to do, but then his comrades spoke up for themselves and their leader.
"More like you are Lord Smithy's biggest brownnose, Yarid," the black Axem Ranger, who always wore sunglasses retorted Yaridovitch's remark.
"And unlike the rest of you, we have never failed to conquer a planet," a female Axem Ranger, clad in pink said.
"And besides that, we've always saved you whenever you have failed your assignments," the skinniest Axem Ranger, the one in green added.
"And besides, the five of us are a lot stronger than you, anyway," the second female Axem Ranger, the fattest one, clad in yellow, boasted. (Author's Note: in my story, Axem Yellow is female.)
"Stronger, eh?" challenged Mack. "You wanna try to beat me?"
They were about to fight when Axem Red spoke up. "Don't waste your energy fighting each other! We've already crossed the dimensional gateway. Mack, we'll arrive in your assigned area in just a few minutes. Prepare your troops and-"
"I don't need you to tell me what to do," Mack interrupted Axem Red. "Your group may be stronger than mine, but we have more experience, I'll show you how a REAL general of Smithy's army invades a world." With that, he signaled the smaller creatures on pogo sticks and jumped off the airship.
******************************************************************
It was nighttime when Mario and Toad finally arrived in the Mushroom Kingdom. The townspeople had gone home for the night. Mario and Toad went straight to the castle. Toad told Mario to wait while he told the Chancellor that he had arrived. As soon as he came back, he led Mario down the hallway to the throne room. "Mario, so nice to see you," greeted the Chancellor, "Sorry about my being nervous, but I had heard a huge noise earlier today. It was so loud I almost dropped my spores. Oh, by the way where is Miss Toadstool? She was supposed to return hours ago!" The Chancellor always referred to Princess Peach by her last name. Mario explained to him that Bowser had kidnapped her again.
"He has? Then you must go and rescue her immediately!"
"I can't," Mario replied sadly. He went on to explain that he had already went to Bowser's castle and defeated him, but as he was about to untie her from the ceiling, a giant sword crashed into to the castle; the great force of it ejected him from there. He had tried to enter the castle again, but the sword broke the only bridge. It was a sight to see as Mario somehow changed into Bowser and Peach and acted as they would.
"You mean that Bowser's Keep is inaccessible now? This is terrible! What can we do?"
"Wait a minute, you don't suppose that the force of the sword crashing into the castle also ejected Bowser and Peach?" Mario suggested.
"Then that would mean that the Princess is out there somewhere," the Chancellor said. "Please, Mario, go out and find Miss Toadstool. But before you go, please rest for the night in our guest room to the left of the entrance to the castle. You may also take whatever you may need in the vault in the morning."
Mario nodded, and began to leave. But the Chancellor called out his name, and he tripped on the stairs and took a tumble all the way down to the door. "Forgive me Mario, but please take this map. I don't know if it will be of any use, but take it anyway."
Mario turned toward the door, but the Chancellor said his name again. "I'm sorry, but it's just that I'm so worried about Miss Toadstool." With that, Mario went out the door and headed to the guest room. The servant inside told him to sleep well for his journey the next day.
The next morning, Mario woke up, showered, got dressed, and went straight down to the vault across from the guest room. The guard told Mario about the Flower Tab and Flower Jar he had found earlier, and that they were used to increase his Flower Points, used for his jumping ability. He also told him that groups of people used the same Flower Points when they travel together and had special abilities. Mario took a huge coin worth ten small coins, a Mushroom that healed him immediately, and a Flower from the treasure boxes. Finally he left the castle and heard someone yell, "Come back, here!" Mario saw a purple crocodile carrying a bag running away from a white puffy person. The crocodile skillfully jumped down from a small ledge, but the puffy guy fell on his face. The puffy guy continued to chase the crocodile, yelling, "Come back here!" The crocodile jumped back on the small ledge. The puffy guy tried to do the same, but failed miserably. When the puffy guy got back up and realized he had lost the crocodile, he started to cry; as soon as he did, suddenly, it started raining.
Needless to say, everyone outside, including Mario, got wet. Mario decided to talk to the puffy person and try to get him to stop crying. When the puffy guy stopped crying, the rain stopped.
"Geez, you're soaking wet, aren't ya mister?" The puffy guy said. "Nothing beats a good cry, but why was I crying?" Mario facefaulted.
"Oh, I remember! I was going to the store to buy some things for my grandpa. Oh, yeah! That thief stole my grandpa's rare coin! I tried to catch him, but he's way too fast." Just then a woman walked up to Mario.
"Show me how you're going to beat Bowser," she asked. The plumber jumped into the air, and the puffy guy was surprised.
"You're THE Mario?" he yelled. "I've heard of you. You can jump better than any frog I know. Will you please help me catch that thief?"
"Yes, I will," said Mario. "By the way what is your name?"
"My name is Mallow. I'm a frog; but, can you believe it, I can't jump too well."
Mallow didn't look like any kind of frog Mario had ever seen. He was white except for a single strand of purple hair, while most frogs were green. Mallow's legs didn't look like they were made for jumping like a frog, either. But Mario didn't tell Mallow that, and the two of them went on their way.
They decided to go to the store to tell the owner what had happened. The storeowner saw Mallow and greeted him. "Oh, hi, Mallow! I've been expecting you. I've already heard from your grandfather that you'd be arriving to pick up this pie."
"I'd love to," said Mallow. "But this thieving crocodile stole my grandpa's coin. But Mario's going to help me get it back."
"Crocodile? You mean Croco the thief? I heard he's been stealing all sorts of stuff from town lately. He's hanging out at Bandit's Way. But before you go, take one of these. You should also buy any other items you may need with any regular coins you may have." The storeowner gave Mario a brown bottle with a star on the label. The item was a Pick Me Up. Mario bought a shirt for himself, some pants for Mallow, and as many Honey Syrups, Pick Me Ups, Able Juices and Mushrooms as he could afford.
When Mario and Mallow left the store, a guard was calling to Mario. "I've seen the thief just a minute ago! He zoomed right past me."
Mallow asked the guard, "Why didn't you stop him?"
"Because I left my bazooka at home! Sheesh, gimme a break here!" replied the guard, and both Mallow and Mario facefaulted. A voice came from behind them "Come back here!" it yelled.
Croco taunted the men chasing him. "Har! Har! Har! Youse mugs'll NEVER catch me! A snail could outrun youse morons! Lata!" then he ran past Mario, Mallow and the guard, causing them to spin.
Mallow was the first to stop spinning. "Hey! That's HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIM! C'mon, Mario, let's catch him!" and they chased after Croco.
******************************************************************
The two pursuers caught up with Croco at the entrance of Bandit's Way, where he was digging in his bag of stolen valuables. Mallow whispered to Mario that his coin was likely in the bag, but Croco heard him and turned around.
"Hey! Yer that kid I stole that weird coin from!" He said. "So you think you can catch me? Better go home to yer mommy before ya get hurt, kid!" As he said that, he snapped his fingers and two Spikies and a Frogog walked up from behind him and he ordered them to attack. Mario grabbed his hammer and pounded the Frogog, while Mallow punched a Spikey. The Spikies rolled into balls and both ran into Mallow. The Frogog opened its huge mouth and bit Mario. Mario tried to pound the Frogog but missed. Mallow threw his hands in the air, his upper body separated from the lower half, and suddenly a bolt of lightning came down, electrocuting the three foes. Mario stood there in shocked before asking, "How did you do that?"
"I don't know. It's just something I can do," Mallow answered. Then they realized that Croco had escaped during the battle. Fortunately, there was only one path along the way and they followed it to where Croco was yet again digging in his bag of loot. When Croco saw them again, he jumped on a hill and taunted them.
"You can't jump to save yer life, kid. And this cliff is to high for even Moustache-face to jump upon, so I guess this is goodbye!" Not wasting time, he ran onto a floating platform and grabbed a coin floating high in the sky. Mario spotted a spinning flower and grabbed Mallow as they jumped on it. When they were pointing to the hill Mario carried Mallow on his back and jumped. Then, when they jumped on the floating platform another platform circled it. They jumped form platform to platform, collecting the floating coins. They made it to another hill where they could jump down and follow the path.
Croco was surprised and angered to see them again. "Persistent little buggers, ain't ya?" He snarled. "But I'm 100 miles ahead of youse." He then ran away as fast as he could. The two ran after him, losing him in a crowd of Goombas, Spikies, and K-9s. Whenever they caught sight of Croco, he kept running. They chased him down the path until the saw him on a floating platform with another slowly circling it. They noticed that he was trying to reach a floating treasure chest. When Croco saw them He said to himself, "they just won't give up, will they? That treasure chest looks tempting, but I can't waste time trying to get it." With that, he got off the platform and ran, past a pack of K-9s. Mario wondered what was in the chest, and so he jumped onto the floating platform and waited until the other platform was under the floating chest. He jumped onto it, and grabbed an invincibility star form the chest. The K-9s, being attracted to Mario's flashing, ran towards him. Mallow was going to warn Mario, but was surprised to see the K-9s bounce off of Mario. More K-9s came, but each time one came close, it bounced off of Mario's body. This continued until the invincibility wore off. Mario and Mallow ran past the piles of unconscious K-9s and to where Croco was hiding. This time Croco had run into a dead end.
"Guess I have to go into hiding." He said when he saw his pursuers. He then ran behind a small hill.
"Let's sneak up behind him. We should be able to catch him," Mallow whispered. Mario nodded silently and they quietly walked around the hills until they saw Croco. Unfortunately he saw them first.
"What's this? You guys couldn't chase down a pumpkin," he taunted them before running behind another hill. Mario and Mallow walked quietly until they could sneak up on Mario. This time Croco didn't see them. But as soon as he felt something touching him, Croco turned around.
"At this rate, it'll take ya 100 years before you catch me," he said before he ran off. Mario and Mallow followed him silently, and almost caught him, but when he felt something touch him, he turned around.
"At this rate, it'll take ya 50 years before you catch me," he taunted them before he dashed off. Mario and Mallow decided to split up.
Mario found Croco and waited until he wasn't looking his way before trying to grab him. When Croco felt Mario touch him, he turned around and said, "You again? This is getting old. It'll still take ya." Just then Mallow came up from behind him and grabbed him.
"All right! All right! I give up! I'll give you back your coin."
Mario and Mallow looked at Croco as he dug into his bag to get the coin. But Croco sneered and said, "Did you really believe I would give you the coin back? I was lying!" Then he attacked them.
Mario began the battle by raising his arms in the air to gather power. Then he balled his right hand into a fist and fireballs shot from his hands. Croco yelped in pain as the fireballs slammed into him and burned his skin. Mallow followed up with a Thunderbolt. It didn't affect him as much as the Fire Orb attack, but he was still trying to put out the fire on his tail and unable to attack. Mario and Mallow used Fire Orb and Thunderbolt again. Croco recovered from the attack and threw a bomb at Mario. Mario was barely able to get back on his feet and was about to reach for a Mushroom, but he realized that a little rain cloud was floating in his direction. The little cloud rained on Mario and his wounds were healed. Mario then used another Fire Orb attack. Croco dug into his bag and pulled out a Mushroom. Some of his wounds healed. Mario attempted another Fire Orb attack, but suddenly couldn't. Then he remembered what the vault guard told him about how groups of people drew magic power from the same Flower Point supply. So he drank some Honey Syrup. Mallow used his Thunderbolt attack. Croco tackled Mallow. Mario used his Fire Orb attack while Mallow drank another bottle of Honey Syrup. Croco grabbed a bomb out of his bag and threw it at Mallow. Mallow healed himself with his rain cloud as Mario used one last Fire Orb attack. Mallow ran towards a very tired Croco.
"Give me back my coin or I'll belt you again!" the odd looking frog demanded before punching Croco. That caused Croco to drop the coin, as well as some other items.
"I'm gonna pay ya back in spades, kid!" Croco responded as he tackled Mallow. "Go ahead! Keep the grubby coin! I'm outta here!" After that, the thief ran away.
Mallow turned around and grabbed the coin. "We did it! We got my grandpa's coin back!" he said happily.
"He also dropped these," Mario added as he picked up a wallet and a Flower Tab.
"Anyway, I can finish my errand. Let's go back to town so I can buy that pie for my grandpa."
Suddenly, a trampoline fell from out of nowhere. They concluded that it was safe and used it to go back to the entrance of Bandit's Way and back to the Mushroom Kingdom.
******************************************************************
A group of mechanical monsters, which looked like Shy Guys, riding on pogo sticks, arrived in the Mushroom Kingdom. Lead by a huge monster, wearing a red mask, and riding a sword like a pogo stick, they wreaked havoc upon the town and the castle. Coming from Mushroom Way, they brought a shiny light blue star-shaped object with them as they went into the castle and took over.
Super Mario RPG:
Legend of the Seven Stars
Chapter 2: The Frog (?) and the Crocodile
"All right, we're ready for takeoff," said a red humanoid creature holding an axe. "It's time for our invasion of this planet to begin." The many mechanical creatures, which include four different colored humanoid creatures similar to the red one, a creature wearing a red mask and riding on what seemed to be a mix between a sword and a pogo stick, a red-haired, cross-eyed creature shaped like a bow, a gray spear-headed creature wearing a red cape, and several lesser creature loaded onto the airship that was shaped like a giant axe before it took off toward a hole in the sky, which was a gateway from their world to Mario's world. As they flew through the dimensional gateway, the red humanoid put the airship on autopilot and began to address its fellow creatures.
"Our leader, the great Smithy, has given us these assignments, based on the description of the other world that Exor has given us. Mack," it addressed the creature on the pogo stick "You and your men will go for the kingdom closest to us. Bowyer," it spoke to the bow-shaped creature, "Your group will take the forest in the southwest. And Yaridovitch," it told the spear- headed creature, "You will secure the town in the southeast coast of this continent. The Axem Rangers and I are to ." it couldn't believe what its group's assignment was "take over the volcano just to the east of our base?! As well as take the others to their assigned locations and pick them up when they're done?!" The others laughed.
"What's the matter, Axem Red? Don't think you can handle such an easy assignment?" Mack taunted.
"Especially since greatest warriors in Smithy Gang, you claim to be?" Bowyer added.
"Yeah, everyone knows that I'm in highest esteem of our lord," Yaridovitch said.
Their teasing made Axem Red lose is temper, as he was known to do, but then his comrades spoke up for themselves and their leader.
"More like you are Lord Smithy's biggest brownnose, Yarid," the black Axem Ranger, who always wore sunglasses retorted Yaridovitch's remark.
"And unlike the rest of you, we have never failed to conquer a planet," a female Axem Ranger, clad in pink said.
"And besides that, we've always saved you whenever you have failed your assignments," the skinniest Axem Ranger, the one in green added.
"And besides, the five of us are a lot stronger than you, anyway," the second female Axem Ranger, the fattest one, clad in yellow, boasted. (Author's Note: in my story, Axem Yellow is female.)
"Stronger, eh?" challenged Mack. "You wanna try to beat me?"
They were about to fight when Axem Red spoke up. "Don't waste your energy fighting each other! We've already crossed the dimensional gateway. Mack, we'll arrive in your assigned area in just a few minutes. Prepare your troops and-"
"I don't need you to tell me what to do," Mack interrupted Axem Red. "Your group may be stronger than mine, but we have more experience, I'll show you how a REAL general of Smithy's army invades a world." With that, he signaled the smaller creatures on pogo sticks and jumped off the airship.
******************************************************************
It was nighttime when Mario and Toad finally arrived in the Mushroom Kingdom. The townspeople had gone home for the night. Mario and Toad went straight to the castle. Toad told Mario to wait while he told the Chancellor that he had arrived. As soon as he came back, he led Mario down the hallway to the throne room. "Mario, so nice to see you," greeted the Chancellor, "Sorry about my being nervous, but I had heard a huge noise earlier today. It was so loud I almost dropped my spores. Oh, by the way where is Miss Toadstool? She was supposed to return hours ago!" The Chancellor always referred to Princess Peach by her last name. Mario explained to him that Bowser had kidnapped her again.
"He has? Then you must go and rescue her immediately!"
"I can't," Mario replied sadly. He went on to explain that he had already went to Bowser's castle and defeated him, but as he was about to untie her from the ceiling, a giant sword crashed into to the castle; the great force of it ejected him from there. He had tried to enter the castle again, but the sword broke the only bridge. It was a sight to see as Mario somehow changed into Bowser and Peach and acted as they would.
"You mean that Bowser's Keep is inaccessible now? This is terrible! What can we do?"
"Wait a minute, you don't suppose that the force of the sword crashing into the castle also ejected Bowser and Peach?" Mario suggested.
"Then that would mean that the Princess is out there somewhere," the Chancellor said. "Please, Mario, go out and find Miss Toadstool. But before you go, please rest for the night in our guest room to the left of the entrance to the castle. You may also take whatever you may need in the vault in the morning."
Mario nodded, and began to leave. But the Chancellor called out his name, and he tripped on the stairs and took a tumble all the way down to the door. "Forgive me Mario, but please take this map. I don't know if it will be of any use, but take it anyway."
Mario turned toward the door, but the Chancellor said his name again. "I'm sorry, but it's just that I'm so worried about Miss Toadstool." With that, Mario went out the door and headed to the guest room. The servant inside told him to sleep well for his journey the next day.
The next morning, Mario woke up, showered, got dressed, and went straight down to the vault across from the guest room. The guard told Mario about the Flower Tab and Flower Jar he had found earlier, and that they were used to increase his Flower Points, used for his jumping ability. He also told him that groups of people used the same Flower Points when they travel together and had special abilities. Mario took a huge coin worth ten small coins, a Mushroom that healed him immediately, and a Flower from the treasure boxes. Finally he left the castle and heard someone yell, "Come back, here!" Mario saw a purple crocodile carrying a bag running away from a white puffy person. The crocodile skillfully jumped down from a small ledge, but the puffy guy fell on his face. The puffy guy continued to chase the crocodile, yelling, "Come back here!" The crocodile jumped back on the small ledge. The puffy guy tried to do the same, but failed miserably. When the puffy guy got back up and realized he had lost the crocodile, he started to cry; as soon as he did, suddenly, it started raining.
Needless to say, everyone outside, including Mario, got wet. Mario decided to talk to the puffy person and try to get him to stop crying. When the puffy guy stopped crying, the rain stopped.
"Geez, you're soaking wet, aren't ya mister?" The puffy guy said. "Nothing beats a good cry, but why was I crying?" Mario facefaulted.
"Oh, I remember! I was going to the store to buy some things for my grandpa. Oh, yeah! That thief stole my grandpa's rare coin! I tried to catch him, but he's way too fast." Just then a woman walked up to Mario.
"Show me how you're going to beat Bowser," she asked. The plumber jumped into the air, and the puffy guy was surprised.
"You're THE Mario?" he yelled. "I've heard of you. You can jump better than any frog I know. Will you please help me catch that thief?"
"Yes, I will," said Mario. "By the way what is your name?"
"My name is Mallow. I'm a frog; but, can you believe it, I can't jump too well."
Mallow didn't look like any kind of frog Mario had ever seen. He was white except for a single strand of purple hair, while most frogs were green. Mallow's legs didn't look like they were made for jumping like a frog, either. But Mario didn't tell Mallow that, and the two of them went on their way.
They decided to go to the store to tell the owner what had happened. The storeowner saw Mallow and greeted him. "Oh, hi, Mallow! I've been expecting you. I've already heard from your grandfather that you'd be arriving to pick up this pie."
"I'd love to," said Mallow. "But this thieving crocodile stole my grandpa's coin. But Mario's going to help me get it back."
"Crocodile? You mean Croco the thief? I heard he's been stealing all sorts of stuff from town lately. He's hanging out at Bandit's Way. But before you go, take one of these. You should also buy any other items you may need with any regular coins you may have." The storeowner gave Mario a brown bottle with a star on the label. The item was a Pick Me Up. Mario bought a shirt for himself, some pants for Mallow, and as many Honey Syrups, Pick Me Ups, Able Juices and Mushrooms as he could afford.
When Mario and Mallow left the store, a guard was calling to Mario. "I've seen the thief just a minute ago! He zoomed right past me."
Mallow asked the guard, "Why didn't you stop him?"
"Because I left my bazooka at home! Sheesh, gimme a break here!" replied the guard, and both Mallow and Mario facefaulted. A voice came from behind them "Come back here!" it yelled.
Croco taunted the men chasing him. "Har! Har! Har! Youse mugs'll NEVER catch me! A snail could outrun youse morons! Lata!" then he ran past Mario, Mallow and the guard, causing them to spin.
Mallow was the first to stop spinning. "Hey! That's HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIM! C'mon, Mario, let's catch him!" and they chased after Croco.
******************************************************************
The two pursuers caught up with Croco at the entrance of Bandit's Way, where he was digging in his bag of stolen valuables. Mallow whispered to Mario that his coin was likely in the bag, but Croco heard him and turned around.
"Hey! Yer that kid I stole that weird coin from!" He said. "So you think you can catch me? Better go home to yer mommy before ya get hurt, kid!" As he said that, he snapped his fingers and two Spikies and a Frogog walked up from behind him and he ordered them to attack. Mario grabbed his hammer and pounded the Frogog, while Mallow punched a Spikey. The Spikies rolled into balls and both ran into Mallow. The Frogog opened its huge mouth and bit Mario. Mario tried to pound the Frogog but missed. Mallow threw his hands in the air, his upper body separated from the lower half, and suddenly a bolt of lightning came down, electrocuting the three foes. Mario stood there in shocked before asking, "How did you do that?"
"I don't know. It's just something I can do," Mallow answered. Then they realized that Croco had escaped during the battle. Fortunately, there was only one path along the way and they followed it to where Croco was yet again digging in his bag of loot. When Croco saw them again, he jumped on a hill and taunted them.
"You can't jump to save yer life, kid. And this cliff is to high for even Moustache-face to jump upon, so I guess this is goodbye!" Not wasting time, he ran onto a floating platform and grabbed a coin floating high in the sky. Mario spotted a spinning flower and grabbed Mallow as they jumped on it. When they were pointing to the hill Mario carried Mallow on his back and jumped. Then, when they jumped on the floating platform another platform circled it. They jumped form platform to platform, collecting the floating coins. They made it to another hill where they could jump down and follow the path.
Croco was surprised and angered to see them again. "Persistent little buggers, ain't ya?" He snarled. "But I'm 100 miles ahead of youse." He then ran away as fast as he could. The two ran after him, losing him in a crowd of Goombas, Spikies, and K-9s. Whenever they caught sight of Croco, he kept running. They chased him down the path until the saw him on a floating platform with another slowly circling it. They noticed that he was trying to reach a floating treasure chest. When Croco saw them He said to himself, "they just won't give up, will they? That treasure chest looks tempting, but I can't waste time trying to get it." With that, he got off the platform and ran, past a pack of K-9s. Mario wondered what was in the chest, and so he jumped onto the floating platform and waited until the other platform was under the floating chest. He jumped onto it, and grabbed an invincibility star form the chest. The K-9s, being attracted to Mario's flashing, ran towards him. Mallow was going to warn Mario, but was surprised to see the K-9s bounce off of Mario. More K-9s came, but each time one came close, it bounced off of Mario's body. This continued until the invincibility wore off. Mario and Mallow ran past the piles of unconscious K-9s and to where Croco was hiding. This time Croco had run into a dead end.
"Guess I have to go into hiding." He said when he saw his pursuers. He then ran behind a small hill.
"Let's sneak up behind him. We should be able to catch him," Mallow whispered. Mario nodded silently and they quietly walked around the hills until they saw Croco. Unfortunately he saw them first.
"What's this? You guys couldn't chase down a pumpkin," he taunted them before running behind another hill. Mario and Mallow walked quietly until they could sneak up on Mario. This time Croco didn't see them. But as soon as he felt something touching him, Croco turned around.
"At this rate, it'll take ya 100 years before you catch me," he said before he ran off. Mario and Mallow followed him silently, and almost caught him, but when he felt something touch him, he turned around.
"At this rate, it'll take ya 50 years before you catch me," he taunted them before he dashed off. Mario and Mallow decided to split up.
Mario found Croco and waited until he wasn't looking his way before trying to grab him. When Croco felt Mario touch him, he turned around and said, "You again? This is getting old. It'll still take ya." Just then Mallow came up from behind him and grabbed him.
"All right! All right! I give up! I'll give you back your coin."
Mario and Mallow looked at Croco as he dug into his bag to get the coin. But Croco sneered and said, "Did you really believe I would give you the coin back? I was lying!" Then he attacked them.
Mario began the battle by raising his arms in the air to gather power. Then he balled his right hand into a fist and fireballs shot from his hands. Croco yelped in pain as the fireballs slammed into him and burned his skin. Mallow followed up with a Thunderbolt. It didn't affect him as much as the Fire Orb attack, but he was still trying to put out the fire on his tail and unable to attack. Mario and Mallow used Fire Orb and Thunderbolt again. Croco recovered from the attack and threw a bomb at Mario. Mario was barely able to get back on his feet and was about to reach for a Mushroom, but he realized that a little rain cloud was floating in his direction. The little cloud rained on Mario and his wounds were healed. Mario then used another Fire Orb attack. Croco dug into his bag and pulled out a Mushroom. Some of his wounds healed. Mario attempted another Fire Orb attack, but suddenly couldn't. Then he remembered what the vault guard told him about how groups of people drew magic power from the same Flower Point supply. So he drank some Honey Syrup. Mallow used his Thunderbolt attack. Croco tackled Mallow. Mario used his Fire Orb attack while Mallow drank another bottle of Honey Syrup. Croco grabbed a bomb out of his bag and threw it at Mallow. Mallow healed himself with his rain cloud as Mario used one last Fire Orb attack. Mallow ran towards a very tired Croco.
"Give me back my coin or I'll belt you again!" the odd looking frog demanded before punching Croco. That caused Croco to drop the coin, as well as some other items.
"I'm gonna pay ya back in spades, kid!" Croco responded as he tackled Mallow. "Go ahead! Keep the grubby coin! I'm outta here!" After that, the thief ran away.
Mallow turned around and grabbed the coin. "We did it! We got my grandpa's coin back!" he said happily.
"He also dropped these," Mario added as he picked up a wallet and a Flower Tab.
"Anyway, I can finish my errand. Let's go back to town so I can buy that pie for my grandpa."
Suddenly, a trampoline fell from out of nowhere. They concluded that it was safe and used it to go back to the entrance of Bandit's Way and back to the Mushroom Kingdom.
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A group of mechanical monsters, which looked like Shy Guys, riding on pogo sticks, arrived in the Mushroom Kingdom. Lead by a huge monster, wearing a red mask, and riding a sword like a pogo stick, they wreaked havoc upon the town and the castle. Coming from Mushroom Way, they brought a shiny light blue star-shaped object with them as they went into the castle and took over.