QUICK AUTHOR RESPONSE
*A few of you readers out there gave me some energy to throw into this next installment... hope it's worth the wait – lot of things are going on right
now for me. I tried to make this one a bit longer to make up for the annoyances I caused all you guys with my horrible erratic schedule. I've decided something about this story. After getting Mario Kart: Double Dash a few days ago, I've decided this story needs an update or two. They won't
happen in this chapter, but I'm slowly altering the mood of this to fit
some aspects of Double Dash that I liked. I might introduce one or two
characters in each chapter, just do what I can to make this story as
enjoyable as I can for you! Don't worry – for those of you who haven't
played Double Dash yet, I won't do anything that you wouldn't already understand. Really, really sorry it's taken me so long...I'd decided that I really needed to play Double Dash before I updated. Writer's block got the best of me too, and I'm deeply sorry for the inconveniences. Maybe you thought I'd died, who knows – maybe I should have. An explanation is in order as well. I was very strange indeed the night I decided to write that Mailbag entry...but hey, what's done is done! Actually, Luigi Mario: KOG, I did get your name – that was another aspect of my strangeness the night I decided to write that... I read one of your stories and it was very good! Thanks for the reviews, all you people out there! I really appreciate it,
even those who gave me "constructive criticism"... (although I would
appreciate it if you told me what it was that really sucked about the chapter so I can improve...) Speaking of improvement, I reread the first episode of this story and realized that there are many things I can do to make it much better. My next update will be to fix Episode I in entirety.
After that, I'll work on Episode VII (because I have overcome writers block)! All right, here IS... (dah dah DUM...) The moment you've been
waiting for for, oh, what is it now... three or four months?? EPISODE
SIX!!!*
KART CHAMPIONS
EPISODE VI
"THE GRAND PRIX: PART 2 - DEEPFREEZE"
*They head out to the beach where everyone is waiting in a large group, next to the Nimbus Land Bus*
Mario: The bus AGAIN?
Lakitu: Yeah, they're the cheapest, and plus your price isn't included – for some reason
you can ride it for free...besides, the company just pays for all our fares anyway.
Luigi: Hmm...oh well. At least they have in-flight movies.
Yoshi: Luigi, think about it. The kind of movies they have in there – remember? Just
last month they showed "Plan 9 From Outer Space," and that was rated "Bob-
omb" in Paragoomba Digest Ratings last year – they normally don't rate a movie
that low...
Mario: Luigi! Plan 9 From Outer Space! We were there when they played that!
Yoshi: Huh. So how was it?
*Mario just stops and looks at Yoshi*
Luigi: Yoshi, I think you can kind of guess the answer to that on your own. At least I'm
finally used to this thing – I was really afraid of heights for awhile...
Mario: We noticed...
Yoshi: C'mon now, gimme a break. You're still afraid of heights!
Luigi: Yoshi, you know what? I think you...
*His argument is cut off by Lakitu*
Lakitu: All right you guys! Board the bus. One at a time, please! *He says this as DK
and Yoshi start pushing each other forward*
*The bus lifts into the sky and the driver turns North. They are in for a long, cold ride to Frappe Snowland for their next race*
*All of Toad's excitement instantly evaporates and he becomes extremely bored*
Yoshi: Aww, c'mon Toad! We JUST lifted off!
*Toad ignores Yoshi and attempts to look pitiful so that someone might help him*
DK: Toad, I'm gonna throw you off this bus if you don't wipe that look off.
*Peach, on the other hand, becomes instantly sympathetic*
Peach: Aww, poor Toad...all you guys are being so mean!
*Toad's expression brightens when he sees he has won Peach's sympathy*
Luigi: Peach, don't do that – that's exactly what he's trying to get from you!
Peach: Actually, Toad, it might not be such a good idea to do that – it is sort of ticking
everyone off...
Toad: Hmph... *Toad sees he has lost Peach on that aspect, and returns to whining.*
*Everyone just sighs and shuts him out.*
*A little while later...*
Yoshi: Hey, Mario!
Mario: ZzzzZZzZZZzzz...
Yoshi: HEY, MARIO!!
Mario: ZzZZzzz... *Snort* ...zzZZzzzZ
Luigi: Don't even try. The only thing Mario values equal to food is sleep.
Yoshi: Huh, I guess you're right – I'd never really thought of it that way...
*Peach is looking at Mario with slight amusement on her face. Wario is greedily counting pocket change, and Bowser is sharpening his claws. Toad and DK are fast asleep, DK snoring loudly enough to wake the dead.*
*Lakitu and the Bus Driver are in the front in rapt conversation about an old episode of the Johnny Carson Show.*
*And a shadow, on the ground far below, watches the floating bus high in the sky. It laughs with malice and fades into the darkness.*
*Time passes...*
*It is now pitch-dark outside, save for the sparkling white flakes of snow drifting by the bus. The cold finally wakes even Mario, too uncomfortable to be comfortable any longer. Peach is shivering, and Mario comforts her. Yoshi, Bowser, and DK, however, are all perfectly warm and comfortable. A quivering Toad watches them.*
Toad: How can you guys be fine in this cold?!
Yoshi: I dunno, I guess for me and Bowser, it's cause we've got protection from cold.
Hey, DK, what's your story?
DK: I had to spend, like, two months up on this summit with Diddy a while back...and
we didn't have any shelter or anything. Who knows, maybe I've just built up
immunity to cold?
*Wario is still grinning and counting now snow-covered coins.*
DK: Now, for HIM, I don't really know.
Wario: You really don't know, do you?
Bowser: It's probably all that blubber you got there.
*Wario raises his hand and makes a rude gesture to Bowser.*
*And they arrive!*
Lakitu: All right, you guys. We're here!
Toad: How do you know? Can you SEE?
Lakitu: *Ignores Toad, and decides not to tell them that the front cabin of the bus had
heating pads.* Right this way, that's it...
*The shivering group approaches the "Snail Stop" down the road. Everyone is overjoyed to step inside and smell hot cocoa and a small buffet. They are not so overjoyed when they find out there are only three rooms available.*
Lakitu: *Looks at group sheepishly.* Well, er...looks like we're three to a room...
Everyone: WHAT?!
Lakitu: Hey, it's not like it's my fault! There's only three rooms, there's nine of us, and
there's no other place for miles. Unless you'd prefer to get back on that bus?
Peach: No! But...I really have to have my own room!
Toad: Me too.
DK: Same here.
Lakitu: Well, looks like you don't have much choice. Now get into groups of three, and
whoever is left over will stay in my room.
*Everyone trades looks of disgust.*
Mario: Well, uh, Yoshi? Wanna stay in our room?
Yoshi: I kinda wanted to share a room with DK...
DK: Well, I sorta wanted to stay in Bowser's room...
Bowser: Well, um, I'm with Wario...
*Peach realizes that if she doesn't find someone fast, she will be stuck in a room with Lakitu and Toad, and she really doesn't want to room with either of them. Lakitu would just be weird, and Toad would call her 'majesty.'*
Luigi: Well, Mario...I don't really know this time...
Toad: Mistress Peach, do...
Peach: Toad, no. Just no.
Toad: Well, then... *Turns back and pouts.*
Lakitu: Everyone quiet down!!
*Everyone stops bickering and turns to Lakitu.*
Lakitu: It looks like you just can't do this like civilized people, so it looks like it'll have
to be randomized.
Everyone: NO!!
Lakitu: *Grins* Too late.
*Lakitu takes out a sack of papers. One by one, groaning, everyone draws. Amazingly, everyone ends up in even divisions of three, so three people will be in each room.*
*Here is how the rooms ended up. Room 1: Wario, Toad, Mario. Room 2: Peach, Yoshi, Bowser. Room 3: Lakitu, DK, Luigi. Needless to say, no one but Lakitu is happy with the arrangements.*
Lakitu: You are to STAY IN THESE ROOMS, and you CANNOT FIGHT with each
other. Come on, now – this is easy. Be civilized.
*Everyone, grumbling, enters their rooms.*
*20 minutes have passed. Let's see how they're doing in Room 1.*
*Toad suddenly discovers that there are only two beds in the room. He also discovers that Mario is in one of them, and Wario is on the other.*
*Toad walks up to Wario.*
Toad: Hey, Wario...er...I just noticed there's only two beds.
Wario: Buzz off, little prick.
*Toad backs away, and walks to Mario's bed.*
Toad: Hey, Mario...
Mario: ZzzzZzZZzZz.....
Toad: MARIO?
Mario: zzZZZzZZzzzzZ...*snort*...zzZZZzz...
Toad: HEY!
Wario: Toad, leave the fat idiot alone. He's trying to catch some sleep, and for once, I
don't blame him. *Reaches up, tries to switch off lamp. Misses, and
accidentally breaks it. Falls asleep seconds later.*
Mario: ZzzzzZZZzZZzzz...
Wario: ZZZZZzZZZZzzz...
*Toad is standing in the darkness between what are most likely the loudest and deepest sleepers in the entire world.*
Toad: Uh...
*Let's check on Room 2*
*There is momentary complete silence in Room 2. A red-faced Peach is glaring daggers at a sneering Bowser. Yoshi is off to the side, looking nervously between the two.*
*Yoshi knows that Bowser is a tough brute, but Yoshi has known Peach for a long time and realizes that she is holding herself back from leaping up and slapping Bowser across the face. Peach's temper is rising, but not simply because Bowser is Bowser. It's because, during a heated argument between the two, Bowser made a particularly nasty remark about her grandmother that cannot be written in this story for rating reasons.*
Peach: Don't you DARE speak that way!
Bowser: Hah ha ha hah! Y'know, you're a lot more...amusing when you get mad. Hard
to believe you and the Chancellor are actually running the Mushroom Kingdom,
with all the time you spend working on...shall we say...plumbing.
*Peach is so angry, her next statement comes out slightly garbled.*
Peach: You...you sick, perverted...how could you even THINK...Mario...
Bowser: What? Not sure what to say next? Startled you, didn't I? C'mon, we know
what you think of him. But don't try to protect him, it'll just make you look
worse than you already do.
*Peach is stunned that Bowser actually has the nerve to say something like that. On top of that, Bowser has never once invented a good comeback to anything.*
Yoshi: Uh, hey...guys... *Really nervous* I...um...brought a deck of...cards...
*Neither Peach or Bowser pays Yoshi any mind*
*In Room 3, all are fast asleep. DK wakes, needing a quick drink. Suddenly, he feels as if he is being watched, and spins to see an evil face staring him in the eyes. The face chuckles and disappears. DK, petrified, wakes Luigi. Back to Room 2.*
*Bowser chuckles and leans back in his bed. The needle-like spikes on the back of the shell on his back impale the fresh bed covers, and several springs crack under his massive weight. He switches off the light.*
*Moments later...Yoshi feels footsteps, and shortly thereafter hears a yell.*
Peach: DON'T YOU DARE COME ANY CLOSER!!!
*At that moment, Yoshi decides this is definitely not the room he wants to be in. He crawls to the door so he will not make any noise, slowly creaks it open, and steps into the dimly lit hallway. Only the humming of the heater can be heard.*
*Yoshi enters Room 3 and slowly shuts the door.*
*Once inside, all three lower their voices greatly*
DK: How're we gonna get out of here?
Luigi: I dunno...hey, it's Yoshi!...
Yoshi: Hey guys.
DK: Shh...Lakitu's asleep, and we've gotta get out of here!
Yoshi: Why's that?
Luigi: Haven't you heard what's going on? Someone's sneaking around here! I dunno
who...DK says he woke up 'cause there was this face RIGHT THERE in the
window staring at him! We think that whoever it is is coming this way now!!
Yoshi: Oh, geez...we do have to get out of here...
*And indeed, the dark figure from the resort now sneaks through the snow- covered bushes outside, not making a noise.*
*In the meantime, Wario and Peach have switched rooms.*
Toad: Welcome, mistress Peach.
Peach: Oh, dear god...what're YOU doing here...?
*Toad is slightly offended and sniffs.*
Toad: Well, I happen to be assigned to this room!
Peach: Yeah, well, you might as well get some sleep.
*Before Toad can stop her, Peach gets into the bed Toad had been meaning to take from Wario, and he is once again left in the darkness in silence.*
*Minutes pass...finally, all but Luigi, Yoshi, and DK are asleep. Even Toad has found some spare blankets in a closet and is sleeping on the floor.*
DK: I'm gonna go scout around – try to find another exit!
Luigi: Gotcha. We'll meet you here in a minute.
*DK leaves and shuts the door. Yoshi quickly discovers a vent that leads directly to the main check-in area, and motions Luigi to it.*
Luigi: Dunno how DK's gonna fit, but there's our exit...
Yoshi: Yeah – speaking of which, where'd he head off to?
Luigi: He said he was gonna "scout around," or something. But it's been about 10
minutes...hope nothing happened...
Yoshi: Yeah, really...
*In the hallway...*
*DK takes a few tentative steps forward. The lights are very dim, and the heater continues its constant humming. It is pitch dark outside, so although the windows are uncovered, they appear to be black. The heater is relatively quiet, but not quiet enough to reveal the approaching footsteps or the quick, dull thud as a swift uppercut sends DK to the floor. A figure snickers and steps over his fallen body towards the door of Room 3.*
*Yoshi and Luigi have managed to crawl through the vent shaft and return the cover to its original placement just seconds before their door is flung open.*
*They emerge into the check-in area to find the manager bound and gagged behind the counter. Luigi and Yoshi quickly untie him. The mushroom man quickly stands up and holds his hand over his bowler hat. He snatches a phone and dials the police. In the few seconds before he receives an answer, he stares wide-eyed at Luigi and Yoshi and motions for them to run.*
*They decide to take him up on his offer, and run outside to take shelter in the bus from some of the snow. It has stopped snowing and is now raining. It is not five minutes later that 3 armed guards show at the entrance to the Snail Stop. However, a fourth person accompanies them. Luigi and Yoshi both sit straight up when they realize who it is.*
Luigi and Yoshi: TOADSWORTH?!
*Princess Peach's personal assistant holds a pink umbrella as he approaches the two of them. He walks to the large bus to talk to them. It is obvious he has become spoiled from the attention of Mushroom royalty. The three Mushroom Retainers surround him.*
Toadsworth: There will be time enough for greetings later – I am here strictly on
business. The Kingdom and I have agreed not to disturb this activity, but
this is the point where I'm afraid I must intervene.
*The plumber and dinosaur share a look.*
Toadsworth: Toadstool, that is, Princess Peach, is in danger, and I'm afraid I cannot
allow her to stay any longer.
Yoshi: *Narrows eyes.* Really?
Toadsworth: You're all actually in danger, but I am simply her advisor...
Luigi: Yeah...?
Toadsworth: Yes – anyway, you see, the escaped convict Waluigi has been tracked to
this facility. We do not know what he intends on doing – only that it
involves your little...excursion to this place.
Luigi: My COUSIN WALUIGI?!
Yoshi: Wario's BROTHER WALUIGI?!
Toadsworth: One and the same. Quite a crafty fellow, I must admit. However, I must
return our dear princess before anything might happen. And it's funny you
should mention Wario...he and Bowser are here as well, and my guards and
I plan to take them into custody as well. They have committed too many
crimes against our kingdom to count.
Luigi: But that'll only leave 5 in the running!
Toadsworth: Quite right – but nonetheless, the Princess, Wario, and Bowser must leave.
Lakitu: Afraid I can't allow that.
*Yoshi, Luigi and Toadsworth spin to find Lakitu near the entrance with his arms crossed. Toadsworth's eyes narrow.*
Toadsworth: Now, you just hold on a darn minute...
Lakitu: No. Our contestants will stay until they decide they will leave.
Toadsworth: You are all in danger! You've gone too far. I MUST intervene!
Lakitu: Well, I suppose you can certainly try...
Toadsworth: I'll have you know you're speaking to the highest ranking official in the
Mushroom Kingdom's royal guard, and the chief of the Mushroom Police!!
Lakitu: Wonderful. Quite frankly, I don't care what you are. In case you've forgotten,
you have no jurisdiction here.
*The three retainers, Yoshi, and Luigi step back slowly as Toadsworth's face turns red.*
Toadsworth: You...you're nothing...but a simple camp counselor! I have a higher rank
than you could ever dream... *Stops as he is interrupted.*
Lakitu: It seems you have also forgotten about THIS. *Thrusts a paper into
Toadsworth's hands.*
Toadsworth: *Skims through the document* "The undersigned hereby...all rights and
privileges...joining this organization...follow all rules set by the director
and his affiliates." *Skips down several lines* "I have read and
understood the previous document and fully agree to all rules and
obligations set by the coordinator of this six month event."
*Eight signatures follow – even one from Wario and one from Bowser.*
Toadsworth: "I have read and understood the previous document and fully agree not to
allow the Mushroom Kingdom to interfere in this event."
*The Chancellor's signature follows.*
Toadsworth: W, what? The Chancellor?! I...all right Lakitu, I fully understand.
Lakitu: *Nabs the paper back from Toadsworth.* No harm done. Now, I'm trying to get
them a good night's rest – they race tomorrow. Take Waluigi and do whatever
you like with him...I don't really want him nosing around here either.
Toadsworth: *Nods* I'm sorry to have interfered with your actions. Now, we must find
Waluigi quickly. I can still protect the princess from harm by locking him
away. Lakitu, do you know why he's here?
Lakitu: *Gets a puzzled look.* In truth, I'm not sure. I'd imagine he's here to find
Wario and maybe cause a bit of trouble...he's probably out around there,
*points to the bushes* or maybe in the restaurant area inside.
*Toadsworth and the Mushroom Retainers give their goodbyes. But Toadsworth's face betrays his words of apology, as he still has something of a mix of rage and bitterness on his face, giving only a glimpse of it before disappearing around the corner. The Mushroom Retainers quickly follow, leaving a puzzled Yoshi and Luigi still in the bus.*
Yoshi: Isn't it funny how one signature can change everything?
Luigi: Yeah...I never knew my cousin too well, y'know...about the only time we've seen
Waluigi was during that tennis tournament...I guess he joined the golf club
recently too...I forget if he showed up?
Yoshi: Well, trust me, no matter what he's up to – he's a pain in the neck.
Luigi: I mean, do we have anything in common at all?
Yoshi: Well, he's kinda tall, and he looks sorta like a weird mix of Wario's face and
yours. I suppose he kinda sounds like you...
Luigi: No! I mean, where'd he come from?
Yoshi: Y'know what? I have absolutely no idea. Don't think anyone does. He's kind of
an outcast, you know...not really friends with anyone other than Wario...he's just
about the arch-enemy of everyone else...
Luigi: Sounds about like what I expected...
Yoshi: He may be a troublemaker, but he's really a lot worse. He's got this evil
mentality towards everything. He could just punch someone's lights out for the
heck of it, or kick an animal because it was in his way. Dunno what's wrong
with him...and he's really smart. He loves pulling pranks on people with Wario
as well. I can only guess why he came here...
Luigi: Well, we'd probably better head in before this gets worse...
Yoshi: Good idea.
*They go inside. Minutes later, a tall, dark figure stalks into the covering darkness of the forest and disappears.*
*5 hours later in Room 1...*
*Because of the night events, Peach was in fact the one that slept the longest. She is also the first to wake up to the chilled breath of morning. The second race looms ahead, but about 5 hours still remain before it would begin. Peach becomes restless, not really knowing what to do. At last her eyes rest upon the snoring Mario, and she thinks about how much he means to her. He was a bit distasteful, but always funny. Always so kind to her. The countless number of times she had been kidnapped by that fool Bowser, and the countless number of times she had been saved by the faithful Mario and Luigi.*
*She remembers when she had sat sobbing in the darkest dungeon of Bowser's Castle, had felt a hand on her shoulder, and turned to see Mario's worried face. All of her thoughts are melted away in an instant as Toad approaches.*
Toad: Good day, your majesty.
*Peach is about to scold Toad, but something comes over her.*
Peach: ...Hello, Toad.
*Toad is shocked. This is the first time Peach has responded reasonably to Toad in a long long time.*
Toad: H, hello. Shall I serve breakfast?
*Peach knows Toad is pushing his luck, and that he understands she hates being "served" when she can handle herself. But once again, something comes over her.*
Peach: That would be wonderful. Thank you, Toad.
Toad: I...well, then...I...I'll be off, then! *Bows, and rushes to the door. Before leaving,
however, he gives a worried glance at Peach.*
*Peach now remembers something. Back in the old days, years ago, she acted exactly like this. But the day she was first captured and rescued had changed her. After, she had almost wished to give up her royalty. She never knew why she would want that. The fact was, she did. Still does. Peach suddenly realizes what is happening. The first kidnapping had made her wish to be independent, to take care of herself. To defy her own royal heritage, and be what she wanted, instead of what the Chancellor wanted. And – when Mario had rescued her, she not only had feelings for Mario, but felt anger toward him as well. Was it because she felt as if she was being pampered once again? Her independence refused because of Mario?*
*But Peach realizes that Mario is her best friend, and more. She takes another look at Mario before deciding to help Toad with breakfast.*
*4 hours later...*
*The group has hastily eaten a large breakfast buffet in silence. Everyone is slightly nervous about the upcoming race – even Wario and Bowser, who never had the chance to come up with a plan to cheat.*
*And they have reason to be nervous...*
*After 12 minutes, Lakitu emerges from the staff room and tells everyone it's time. The group, still in silence, puts their plates on the wash counter and enters the wall of cold outside. Luckily, everyone who needed a coat or jacket managed to get one back at the resort the previous day.*
Lakitu: All right. The racetrack is about a quarter-mile to the north, so we'll have a short
hike before we're there. I don't need to tell you that this is one of the most
important races you'll face – the second race in the grand prix is always the
best opportunity to get ahead in the standings. Good luck.
*Everyone nods, and they begin to hike through the howling wind and stinging snow. Bowser easily stomps forward, but the lighter members have problems. Toad is barely able to keep his balance in the wind.*
*After hiking through several snowdrifts and ice tunnels, they reach their destination. The starting line lies directly after a wooden bridge leading over an ice-water river.*
*The karts lie waiting in formation, a very thin layer of snow covering them.*
Lakitu: All right, you lot. Watch for the special box and map again, and be careful
around the corners! Watch your traction!! That's the most important part of this
race. I would not advise pressing the drift turn button, as you might not be able
to unlock your wheels on the ice. Get ready!!
*They seat themselves in their beloved karts. Mario's new kart gleams under the cloud-filled sunlight. Bowser revs his engine deeply, and Yoshi grips his steering wheel.*
Lakitu: 3!...
Lakitu: 2!!...
Lakitu: 1!!!...
*Lakitu raises one arm before bringing it down sharply before him, waving the checkered flag quickly.*
Lakitu: ...GO!!!!
*Everyone stomps on the gas in unison and a chorus of acceleration is quick to follow.*
*DK takes an early lead, followed closely by Luigi.*
*Toad attempts to pass Luigi, but he is cut off.*
*The group zooms around a corner, but Peach and Yoshi forget the brakes and spin out into a snowdrift. They are quickly passed by Wario and Bowser, who nab the passing item boxes.*
*Mario is in fourth place, in between Toad and Wario. Suddenly, a red shell, shot by Wario, zooms around the track. It homes in on the helpless Mario. Fortunately, Mario has a mushroom. He hits the gas and a stream of flame flares out from the rear of his vehicle, shooting him directly in front of Toad. The red shell remains on trajectory, and Toad realizes he is in the way of the shell about 2 seconds before it slams him off-track.*
Mario: What the...what're all these snowmen?!
*Mario zooms past a group of about 7 snowmen in the right-hand side of the track.*
*The next group of item boxes approaches. Mario grabs for one, but misses. Yoshi comes up on his tail.*
Yoshi: Outta the way!
*Yoshi pulls out two mushrooms and throws them into the item slot in the kart. He rockets past Mario, and pulls out a fistful of six bananas.*
Yoshi: These look good, but I think you'd enjoy them more!
*He begins pitching them at Mario, one by one. Mario swerves and avoids the first two, but the third hits him and he spins out and falls back into fourth place. The other three are avoided by everyone.*
*Mario now prepares to go over the first wooden bridge – only to find that it's gone! He cannot slow himself, so he accelerates and presses the jump button as he goes over the icy chasm. He lands on the other side with two feet to spare and continues on. Mario is getting worried. Those snowmen weren't here when he was last here. And there used to be a wooden bridge over that pit. Something is up, and Mario knows it.*
*Suddenly, a muffled BANG is heard, and Toad is shot 8 feet into the air. The broken remains of a snowman lie on the ice, along with the empty smoking casing of a bob-omb...Mario instantly realizes what's going on. The "snowmen" are landmines!*
*Mario turns the corier to fitd approximately 5m more snowmen waiting for his arrival – a minefield. He also finds a blackened Toad near a hole in the ice.*
Mario: All right, there, Toad?
Toad: *Gets moving forward.* Who the heck mined these snowmen?!
Mario: I dunno...
*Bowser has pulled ahead of Wario, and quickly passes a still-accelerating Toad. He pulls out a red shell and aims for Mario, when a green shell, thrown by Toad, strikes him from behind. He rolls into the snow to find himself in, once again, last place.*
*Peach is now approaching Mario.*
*Mario watches as she raises her arm, a blue object in her hand.*
Mario: Oh...no...
*He realizes too late what is going on, and a spiked shell slams into his kart, blasting apart forcefully. Mario lands awkwardly just outside of the minefield.*
*As he recovers, Toad passes him.*
*Two slippery curves later, icy walls rise high on either side of the racers, and they hurtle forward inside of a twisty, narrow path.*
*Bowser, now gripping three green shells, seizes the perfect opportunity and throws them into the wall of the passage, causing them to reflect wildly back and forth, increasing in speed. He barely makes it through. The ones in first and second will have a nasty surprise...he zooms forward, approaching Wario and Toad.*
*Toad attempts to block Bowser, but the heaviest of the eight and the lightest of the eight collide, slamming poor Toad into the ice.*
*Bowser zooms ahead, and now approaches Wario. They pass a closely-packed group of item boxes, and Bowser manages to snag two against the rules. He ends up with six mushrooms, three per box. He holds down the button with his knee, steers with his left hand, and drops in the mushrooms one by one as he rockets forward at a blinding speed. The boost lasts for 20 seconds, and he manages to pass Wario, Peach, Mario, and Toad.*
Toad: Geez... *Hurls a red shell.*
*Toad's red shell zooms around the corner after Bowser. Peach now comes up on Wario's tail. She uses a Boo caller and shortly becomes invisible. She is now side by side with Wario.*
Peach: Hey Wario!
Wario: Huh? Who is it?! *Makes a wild punch through the air.*
*Unfortunately, Wario's punch connects with Peach's shoulder, and she is knocked out of her kart! She is thrown into the snow, out cold. The kart continues, unmanned, until it buries itself in a drift and winds down.*
Wario: Wah hah hah hah!!! *Disappears around the bend.*
*DK and Luigi continue to fight for first, as the icy walls lower and they approach the bridge to the finish line.*
*Luigi uses a star and rams DK, shocking him and sending him flying off track. Yoshi is quick to pass a rescuing Lakitu and take second.*
*Mario and Toad, in a race to reach the bridge, both turn and throw an object at the same moment. Toad throws a banana and Mario a green shell. Both hit their targets, but Mario is faster to gain control and shoves a tumbling Toad off track. He crosses the finish line just as DK begins speeding up again.*
*Lap two begins with a good start for Toad as he realizes that light- weights such as himself are quite good at jumping over the curves using mushrooms and the jump button, instead of merely driving through them as the others do. He quickly joins Luigi in first.*
*Peach, however, is far from the fast-paced action elsewhere. She is unconcious, in a dreamless sleep. Her kart has long since shut down, and no one seems to notice she is there. She has not yet been lapped by the others, but the cold snow prevents her from waking. She is not injured, although will eventually wake up to a bruised arm and a headache. Elsewhere on the ice, Bowser is frantically attempting to speed up and avoid the incoming red shell. His mushrooms have just worn off, and he weaves back and forth attempting to stop the shell from gaining. Finally, growling, he turns around and blasts flame onto the unsuspecting shell, causing an explosion and allowing Bowser back into the race. No one notices his move, and he speeds up to fight with Toad for second.*
*The current positions, from first to last, are as follows: Luigi, Toad, Bowser, Yoshi, Mario, DK, Wario, and Peach.*
*DK snatches the next item box. He needs to catch up to Luigi and continue the battle. But for that, he'd need a star, and he only now has a single mushroom. Not really good for anything. Except maybe...*
DK: Hey Mario!
Mario: What?
*DK catches up to Mario, tosses the mushroom into Mario's kart, reaches over, and hits the boost button. Mario, not ready for the sudden acceleration, weaves off track and tumbles over in the snow. DK, laughing, zooms ahead.*
*However, unnoticed, Mario continues into the snow and discovers a way to skip an entire curve of the track. He is now in third place, approaching Yoshi. He has one mushroom of his own, and he blasts forward, past Yoshi. Yoshi notices the problem and decides he can't allow Mario forward, so he reaches for the next item box. And misses! Cursing, he lashes out with his tongue, snags a box, and pulls it in. Inside, he finds a single green shell. He carefully aims, and smacks the rear of Mario's kart. Mario falls back into fifth, and continues forward.*
*They now approach the minefield once again. Toad and Luigi are side by side, butting karts. Toad, with a sudden impulse, pulls Luigi's hat down over his face. Luigi swerves into the wall, and quickly gets back on track, yelling at Toad. Luigi snatches at one of the snowmen, and pulls a bob-omb out of one as he passes. He lights the bob-omb's fuse and hurls it at Toad. Toad is blasted into the air for a second time and finds himself in third. Bowser just zips through the mess, chuckling, and gains first.*
*At that moment, Peach wakes up, frost falling from her ruined hair. Silence everywhere. Is the race over? But the sudden whine of distant race karts raises her adrenaline level tenfold. The kart! Where is it?*
Peach: The race is still on...but why was I in the snow? Where's my kart?!
*Peach begins to search frantically until realizing that there are tire tracks leading into a particularly large mound of snow. Peach frantically digs, while the whine of karts becomes louder...*
*DK and Luigi angrily butt karts back and forth, zipping through the mad mess as a hurtling tornado of bananas, shells, and items fly through the air. They expertly zip between two large blocks of crumbled ice, keeping an astounding pace – neither backing down. They squeal around the corner, quickly realizing that Peach is directly ahead of them, driving her kart as if nothing had happened.*
DK: WHAT?! I was SURE we were in first...
Luigi: HEY PEACH! HOW'D YOU GET ALL THE WAY UP HERE?!
Peach: Well, I...
*Peach suddenly stops and realizes that DK and Luigi don't know she's a lap behind them. For that matter, neither does anyone else...including Lakitu*
Peach: I, um, zipped by while the two of you were near the minefield.
DK: Why are you covered in snow?!
Peach: Oh, um...I got hit...by a shell...a while back...
*Luigi realizes that something is up, but doesn't say a word.*
*The icy walls rise beside them once more and they hurtle through the confined, narrow canyon. Suddenly, three green shells, thrown by Bowser the previous lap, appear in front of Peach. She deliberately slows and allows Luigi and DK in front of her – all three shells send them tumbling. Peach, hardly believing her luck, zips ahead toward the wooden bridge. A furious Toad and Yoshi are quick to follow.*
*After this group passes by, Bowser rams Wario off course, and a cursing Wario is passed by DK and Luigi, determined to regain their original placement.*
*And so begins the third and final lap. Elsewhere on the course, a certain individual hides in wait behind the rocks. His gloved hand is poised upon a hidden lever. He snickers and falls silent.*
*DK gets a double mushroom, and rockets forward to pass Bowser. He does so, and Bowser begins to notice. He positions himself directly behind DK and slowly accelerates. Bowser remembers that his kart is slightly faster – this shouldn't be a problem. And yet, DK slowly accelerates as well, to escape Bowser. Both max out their engines, and eventually meet Toad, Yoshi and Peach in second. A furious battle ensues between the five of them just as they enter the minefield.*
*Bowser rams Yoshi into Peach, who throws a green shell over Bowser's head to Toad. Toad zips out of the way and the shell collides with DK, who slides into Peach's path. Both karts, uncontrolled, slam Bowser's into the wall. Bowser slams on the gas and collides with the back end of Toad's kart. Unexpectedly, Toad drops a banana directly into Bowser's path at the same moment as Yoshi drops a banana into Toad's path. DK hurls a red shell, and it collides with Yoshi, who tumbles into Peach. Peach slides into one of the snowmen – she and large chunks of snow fly into the air.*
*After this sequence of events, the placement is as follows: Toad, Bowser, DK, Peach, Yoshi, Mario, Luigi, Wario. All eight racers end up being extremely compacted to each other – wheels are within 3 feet of the others.*
*And it is also that moment that the gloved hand pulls the hidden lever, and its owner flees, chuckling madly.*
*Bowser hurls a red shell at Peach, who ducks and forces it to collide with DK. However, DK activates a star just in time, and the shell is deflected to the side to crash into a wall. And at that instant, everyone becomes very quiet when they discover a faint rumbling reverberating through the mountains.*
*Just like that, all of the blurred, confusing motion comes to a halt as a white cloud appears in the distance. As it dawns upon Lakitu exactly what is going on, his eyes go wide in horror.*
Lakitu: A...AV...AVALANCHE!! GET MOVING!!! GO GO GO!!!
*Suddenly, it is as if a large hand has slapped everyone in the face. Focus is turned away immediately from the other players in the race and instead to the course itself.*
*Mario immediately slams on the gas – a foolish move. The kart spins its wheels for about two precious seconds before it begins to pick up speed – slowly...slowly...and the cloud grows larger.*
*Toad zips around Luigi in a panic, using mushrooms to accelerate as he goes. Unfortunately, instead of a mushroom, he accidentally drops a shell inside, and the kart's fuel ignites the shell's explosive outer layer. Toad flies into the air yelling, while the icy cloud consumes the hills.*
*Bowser watches the scene in amusement. He decides to take advantage of the situation. As Peach passes, Bowser tosses a red shell onto the road, and it soon collides with her. She screams, and tumbles far behind. Bowser realizes that, whether anyone likes it or not, the ending placement is still a factor.*
*All animals in the area grow silent, and a low rumble is somewhat muffled by the snow. An eerie vibration reverberates through the karts as the drivers attempt to save their own lives. They now enter the most dangerous part of the stretch – the ice canyon. Tiny chunks of ice now rain upon them as the cold walls rise up. The vibration increases in intensity...the bridge is finally visible in the distance. However, an eerie shadow now crosses their path, and Toad wildly brakes and spins out to the right as a massive boulder smashes into the snow in front of him. The spray of ice scratches his paint and his face, but that is the least of his worries.*
*A white, massive enemy approaches the ice canyon's edge. The ice chunks falling into the crevasse quickly become heavier and heavier, and the light pattering noise now turns into large snaps and pops as the sharp crystals barrage the ground and the drivers with immense force. Every second, they increase in intensity. Wario is knocked to the side by a large rock, but he regains his composure and again begins driving. Peach's kart is dented twice as two more icy needles batter it.*
DK: Bowser! MOVE!!!
*Bowser is deliberately blocking DK's path, still intent on getting a higher place than the others. DK swerves, and Bowser swerves to block him.*
*The pack zips across the bridge just as the full force of the snow tumbles into the canyon, rapidly filling it to the brim.*
*The final placement is, from first to last: Luigi, Bowser, Yoshi, Wario, DK, Mario, Peach, and Toad. Lakitu quickly takes note of the standings. Even as they cross the finish line, the group continues to hurtle forward until they are far away from the mess that was the Frappe Snowland racetrack.*
*An hour later...*
*Mario wakes up. He has a horrible headache and his arms and legs are numb. Banging is heard from the back of the room, which doesn't help his pain one bit. He does, however, turn to look, and he sees a mechanic working hard on the partially ruined karts. The mechanic's large, toadstool-like head turns and faces Mario, and he drops his wrench and runs to what appears to be some sort of office room. Mario is woozy and confused.*
Mario: That's weird...that man...he ran from me...I scared him...heh heh... *Falls onto
bed in a clumsy stupor*
*Mario is awake, but he still needs rest. He slowly becomes more and more oriented.*
*In the office, the auto mechanic rushes inside and searches for someone.*
Mechanic: Lakitu! LAKITU!!
Lakitu: Huh? Oh yeah – is anyone awake yet?
Mechanic: Just Mario.
Lakitu: Okay, just let me finish up here and I'll be right there. You go back to work.
Mechanic: Got it. *Walks out and shuts door*
Lakitu: Now I just have to finish these plans...
*A brief glimpse is captured of the plans. They depict the white training kart. The only difference is that it has a thick, curved metal bar attatched to the back of it. Lakitu holds it up to the light and chuckles. Then he adds a stick figure hanging onto the metal bar with one hand. The other hand holds a green shell that is dropped onto the road behind the kart. Lakitu, satisfied with the final result, files the paper away and leaves the office.*
*By this time, the whole group has at least somewhat awakened. Lakitu opens the door and claps his hands together.*
Lakitu: Well guys, the second race is done and over with – and I've gotta say, I was
really disappointed in it. This whole thing was a disappointment. Even you.
Don't act shocked that I'm saying this. I know that each and every one of you
cheated at least once during this race. You know you did, don't deny it. Last
night to this very moment – I don't think there was one satisfying climax to it
all. You never found the Special Box and Map. The avalanche really sealed the
deal on making this what will probably be the worst day of your racing careers...
*Yoshi and DK share a look.*
Lakitu: ...And I loved it.
Toad: WHAT?!
Lakitu: Indeed, this was not only your worst race ever, but I loved it. Here's the deal.
You guys came up with it, and I liked it. *Grinning evilly* Scrap the rules.
DK: What do you mean?
Lakitu: Do whatever you wish to try to get ahead. Sure, the basic rules still apply, but I
think it's about time...we started training for the championship.
Peach: The...CHAMPIONSHIP?
Lakitu: *Smirking* Yes. The championship. As in the Global Federation of Karts
International Grand Prix.
*There is dead silence for approximately 10 seconds.*
Lakitu: Yes, you guys are GFK level at last, as I realized while watching you race today.
The Mushroom Kingdom has never once had a team enter. I think it's about
time we showed them our stuff. Who's seen the GFK on television?
*Only Toad raises a quivering hand.*
Lakitu: Well then you know full well that these are the experts. We're dealing with the
serious players. The GFK generally has from between five to twelve members
per team, and each race always has about fifteen teams total. Any math
whizzes in here will easily figure out that that equals about a hundred and twenty
members in a race. You guys are ready, no question. But first, you've gotta
break out of these rules you've raced by. It's time you've stopped these pitiful
beginner races and started the big leagues – the REAL big leagues. You just
needed the opportunity. This raises the stakes – we'll still have our little Grand
Prix here at the Mushroom Kingdom – the winner will still get the trophy and
the 8,000 coins...but that's small potatoes in comparison to the GFK. I believe
the team that gets first prize recieves over 200,000 coins, new karts, and funding
for future programs.
*At that moment Wario closes his mouth, realizing he'd been drooling again.*
Lakitu: You guys aren't in it yet, though. I'm going to train you. I'm going to train you
until you fall down from exhaustion. I'm going to train you because the other
teams are doing the same. Now, you must understand that I'm telling you this
now so you know in advance, so we can change the rules of our races to prepare
for this, and so any of you can drop out if you really want to – but I don't expect
that from any of you – it's time you realized your full potential. I believe our
team will be the only new addition to the race this year – which means we will
be able to know who exactly WILL be involved. When we get back to the resort
I'll paste the full list in the lobby by the scoreboard. We can watch a video of
last year's championship to anticipate each team's tactics. However, we will
NOT know the tracks or their locations until the race itself. Guys, you'll build
your own karts, you'll train, and you'll take home the gold!
*At this point DK stands and starts clapping. After a few seconds, Luigi joins in. Then Yoshi, Toad and Mario – finally, the entire group is up from the beds, cheering.*
Lakitu: Let's head back!
*And so they do.*
*Two hours later...*
*The trip back to the Resort is excrutiatingly long. There is much turbulence, preventing anyone from sleeping on the voyage. There isn't as much snow however, and this allows those that don't have any protection (such as Toad) to at least be comfortable. A non-interesting game of Poker begins a while later...courtesy Yoshi's trusty deck of cards. Strangely, the dealer, Wario, repeatedly wins every time, until it is discovered that he has stacked the deck in his favor. That quickly brings an end to the game, and the group goes back to trying to find something to do in a space of about 60 square feet occupied by seven others – besides freeze or fall off the edge, of course.*
*At this point, Lakitu comes back with snacks.*
Lakitu: Hey, I picked up a few things to tide you guys over. Gee, it's cold back here...
Toad: You mean it's warmer up THERE than it is back HERE?
Lakitu: No no! Um...no! Of course not! Anyways, eat this stuff for now.
*Lakitu tosses a bag of food to the floor and returns, shivering, to the front cabin.*
Luigi: Let's see...what do we have...some pizzas, some pretzels, some bananas, some
peanuts, and...a few sandwiches.
Yoshi: BANANAS?!
DK: BANANAS?!
*Within moments the bananas are gone. Luigi and Mario each have a pizza, and the rest of the food is passed around. It is only after eating that the group is able to at least try to get some sleep for the rest of the trip back to the resort. A little while later, Luigi notices Mario sitting very quietly and staring at the ground far below.*
Luigi: Hey Mario, whatcha thinking about?
Mario: Just thinking about the last three months. Thinking back on it, every race we do
changes everything a lot. I mean, the first week we stayed at the resort,
everything was kind of...I don't know how to say it...almost corny – systematic...I
dunno, like it was kind of sappy – some of the things we said and did were really
pretty bad. Remember? We came up with all those elaborate plots, we got all
worried whenever something minor happened, and everything – EVERYTHING
– always had that MGM happy ending where all is revealed and life is perfect.
Even our conversations! We even fell to the level of "Hide and Seek" like just a
month ago...I dunno. Everything just seemed pointless.
Luigi: What do you mean?
Mario: Well, think about it. It's like we're completely different people now than we
were just last year. We've all changed in some way...
Luigi: Come to think of it, you're kinda right...for once...
*After this, both fall silent.*
*Later, the bus arrives at the resort island. Not a word is spoken. The eight drivers head to their rooms, shut their doors, and turn off their lights. But not one of them manages to fall asleep...*
*Midnight falls...*
TO BE CONTINUED...
*A few of you readers out there gave me some energy to throw into this next installment... hope it's worth the wait – lot of things are going on right
now for me. I tried to make this one a bit longer to make up for the annoyances I caused all you guys with my horrible erratic schedule. I've decided something about this story. After getting Mario Kart: Double Dash a few days ago, I've decided this story needs an update or two. They won't
happen in this chapter, but I'm slowly altering the mood of this to fit
some aspects of Double Dash that I liked. I might introduce one or two
characters in each chapter, just do what I can to make this story as
enjoyable as I can for you! Don't worry – for those of you who haven't
played Double Dash yet, I won't do anything that you wouldn't already understand. Really, really sorry it's taken me so long...I'd decided that I really needed to play Double Dash before I updated. Writer's block got the best of me too, and I'm deeply sorry for the inconveniences. Maybe you thought I'd died, who knows – maybe I should have. An explanation is in order as well. I was very strange indeed the night I decided to write that Mailbag entry...but hey, what's done is done! Actually, Luigi Mario: KOG, I did get your name – that was another aspect of my strangeness the night I decided to write that... I read one of your stories and it was very good! Thanks for the reviews, all you people out there! I really appreciate it,
even those who gave me "constructive criticism"... (although I would
appreciate it if you told me what it was that really sucked about the chapter so I can improve...) Speaking of improvement, I reread the first episode of this story and realized that there are many things I can do to make it much better. My next update will be to fix Episode I in entirety.
After that, I'll work on Episode VII (because I have overcome writers block)! All right, here IS... (dah dah DUM...) The moment you've been
waiting for for, oh, what is it now... three or four months?? EPISODE
SIX!!!*
KART CHAMPIONS
EPISODE VI
"THE GRAND PRIX: PART 2 - DEEPFREEZE"
*They head out to the beach where everyone is waiting in a large group, next to the Nimbus Land Bus*
Mario: The bus AGAIN?
Lakitu: Yeah, they're the cheapest, and plus your price isn't included – for some reason
you can ride it for free...besides, the company just pays for all our fares anyway.
Luigi: Hmm...oh well. At least they have in-flight movies.
Yoshi: Luigi, think about it. The kind of movies they have in there – remember? Just
last month they showed "Plan 9 From Outer Space," and that was rated "Bob-
omb" in Paragoomba Digest Ratings last year – they normally don't rate a movie
that low...
Mario: Luigi! Plan 9 From Outer Space! We were there when they played that!
Yoshi: Huh. So how was it?
*Mario just stops and looks at Yoshi*
Luigi: Yoshi, I think you can kind of guess the answer to that on your own. At least I'm
finally used to this thing – I was really afraid of heights for awhile...
Mario: We noticed...
Yoshi: C'mon now, gimme a break. You're still afraid of heights!
Luigi: Yoshi, you know what? I think you...
*His argument is cut off by Lakitu*
Lakitu: All right you guys! Board the bus. One at a time, please! *He says this as DK
and Yoshi start pushing each other forward*
*The bus lifts into the sky and the driver turns North. They are in for a long, cold ride to Frappe Snowland for their next race*
*All of Toad's excitement instantly evaporates and he becomes extremely bored*
Yoshi: Aww, c'mon Toad! We JUST lifted off!
*Toad ignores Yoshi and attempts to look pitiful so that someone might help him*
DK: Toad, I'm gonna throw you off this bus if you don't wipe that look off.
*Peach, on the other hand, becomes instantly sympathetic*
Peach: Aww, poor Toad...all you guys are being so mean!
*Toad's expression brightens when he sees he has won Peach's sympathy*
Luigi: Peach, don't do that – that's exactly what he's trying to get from you!
Peach: Actually, Toad, it might not be such a good idea to do that – it is sort of ticking
everyone off...
Toad: Hmph... *Toad sees he has lost Peach on that aspect, and returns to whining.*
*Everyone just sighs and shuts him out.*
*A little while later...*
Yoshi: Hey, Mario!
Mario: ZzzzZZzZZZzzz...
Yoshi: HEY, MARIO!!
Mario: ZzZZzzz... *Snort* ...zzZZzzzZ
Luigi: Don't even try. The only thing Mario values equal to food is sleep.
Yoshi: Huh, I guess you're right – I'd never really thought of it that way...
*Peach is looking at Mario with slight amusement on her face. Wario is greedily counting pocket change, and Bowser is sharpening his claws. Toad and DK are fast asleep, DK snoring loudly enough to wake the dead.*
*Lakitu and the Bus Driver are in the front in rapt conversation about an old episode of the Johnny Carson Show.*
*And a shadow, on the ground far below, watches the floating bus high in the sky. It laughs with malice and fades into the darkness.*
*Time passes...*
*It is now pitch-dark outside, save for the sparkling white flakes of snow drifting by the bus. The cold finally wakes even Mario, too uncomfortable to be comfortable any longer. Peach is shivering, and Mario comforts her. Yoshi, Bowser, and DK, however, are all perfectly warm and comfortable. A quivering Toad watches them.*
Toad: How can you guys be fine in this cold?!
Yoshi: I dunno, I guess for me and Bowser, it's cause we've got protection from cold.
Hey, DK, what's your story?
DK: I had to spend, like, two months up on this summit with Diddy a while back...and
we didn't have any shelter or anything. Who knows, maybe I've just built up
immunity to cold?
*Wario is still grinning and counting now snow-covered coins.*
DK: Now, for HIM, I don't really know.
Wario: You really don't know, do you?
Bowser: It's probably all that blubber you got there.
*Wario raises his hand and makes a rude gesture to Bowser.*
*And they arrive!*
Lakitu: All right, you guys. We're here!
Toad: How do you know? Can you SEE?
Lakitu: *Ignores Toad, and decides not to tell them that the front cabin of the bus had
heating pads.* Right this way, that's it...
*The shivering group approaches the "Snail Stop" down the road. Everyone is overjoyed to step inside and smell hot cocoa and a small buffet. They are not so overjoyed when they find out there are only three rooms available.*
Lakitu: *Looks at group sheepishly.* Well, er...looks like we're three to a room...
Everyone: WHAT?!
Lakitu: Hey, it's not like it's my fault! There's only three rooms, there's nine of us, and
there's no other place for miles. Unless you'd prefer to get back on that bus?
Peach: No! But...I really have to have my own room!
Toad: Me too.
DK: Same here.
Lakitu: Well, looks like you don't have much choice. Now get into groups of three, and
whoever is left over will stay in my room.
*Everyone trades looks of disgust.*
Mario: Well, uh, Yoshi? Wanna stay in our room?
Yoshi: I kinda wanted to share a room with DK...
DK: Well, I sorta wanted to stay in Bowser's room...
Bowser: Well, um, I'm with Wario...
*Peach realizes that if she doesn't find someone fast, she will be stuck in a room with Lakitu and Toad, and she really doesn't want to room with either of them. Lakitu would just be weird, and Toad would call her 'majesty.'*
Luigi: Well, Mario...I don't really know this time...
Toad: Mistress Peach, do...
Peach: Toad, no. Just no.
Toad: Well, then... *Turns back and pouts.*
Lakitu: Everyone quiet down!!
*Everyone stops bickering and turns to Lakitu.*
Lakitu: It looks like you just can't do this like civilized people, so it looks like it'll have
to be randomized.
Everyone: NO!!
Lakitu: *Grins* Too late.
*Lakitu takes out a sack of papers. One by one, groaning, everyone draws. Amazingly, everyone ends up in even divisions of three, so three people will be in each room.*
*Here is how the rooms ended up. Room 1: Wario, Toad, Mario. Room 2: Peach, Yoshi, Bowser. Room 3: Lakitu, DK, Luigi. Needless to say, no one but Lakitu is happy with the arrangements.*
Lakitu: You are to STAY IN THESE ROOMS, and you CANNOT FIGHT with each
other. Come on, now – this is easy. Be civilized.
*Everyone, grumbling, enters their rooms.*
*20 minutes have passed. Let's see how they're doing in Room 1.*
*Toad suddenly discovers that there are only two beds in the room. He also discovers that Mario is in one of them, and Wario is on the other.*
*Toad walks up to Wario.*
Toad: Hey, Wario...er...I just noticed there's only two beds.
Wario: Buzz off, little prick.
*Toad backs away, and walks to Mario's bed.*
Toad: Hey, Mario...
Mario: ZzzzZzZZzZz.....
Toad: MARIO?
Mario: zzZZZzZZzzzzZ...*snort*...zzZZZzz...
Toad: HEY!
Wario: Toad, leave the fat idiot alone. He's trying to catch some sleep, and for once, I
don't blame him. *Reaches up, tries to switch off lamp. Misses, and
accidentally breaks it. Falls asleep seconds later.*
Mario: ZzzzzZZZzZZzzz...
Wario: ZZZZZzZZZZzzz...
*Toad is standing in the darkness between what are most likely the loudest and deepest sleepers in the entire world.*
Toad: Uh...
*Let's check on Room 2*
*There is momentary complete silence in Room 2. A red-faced Peach is glaring daggers at a sneering Bowser. Yoshi is off to the side, looking nervously between the two.*
*Yoshi knows that Bowser is a tough brute, but Yoshi has known Peach for a long time and realizes that she is holding herself back from leaping up and slapping Bowser across the face. Peach's temper is rising, but not simply because Bowser is Bowser. It's because, during a heated argument between the two, Bowser made a particularly nasty remark about her grandmother that cannot be written in this story for rating reasons.*
Peach: Don't you DARE speak that way!
Bowser: Hah ha ha hah! Y'know, you're a lot more...amusing when you get mad. Hard
to believe you and the Chancellor are actually running the Mushroom Kingdom,
with all the time you spend working on...shall we say...plumbing.
*Peach is so angry, her next statement comes out slightly garbled.*
Peach: You...you sick, perverted...how could you even THINK...Mario...
Bowser: What? Not sure what to say next? Startled you, didn't I? C'mon, we know
what you think of him. But don't try to protect him, it'll just make you look
worse than you already do.
*Peach is stunned that Bowser actually has the nerve to say something like that. On top of that, Bowser has never once invented a good comeback to anything.*
Yoshi: Uh, hey...guys... *Really nervous* I...um...brought a deck of...cards...
*Neither Peach or Bowser pays Yoshi any mind*
*In Room 3, all are fast asleep. DK wakes, needing a quick drink. Suddenly, he feels as if he is being watched, and spins to see an evil face staring him in the eyes. The face chuckles and disappears. DK, petrified, wakes Luigi. Back to Room 2.*
*Bowser chuckles and leans back in his bed. The needle-like spikes on the back of the shell on his back impale the fresh bed covers, and several springs crack under his massive weight. He switches off the light.*
*Moments later...Yoshi feels footsteps, and shortly thereafter hears a yell.*
Peach: DON'T YOU DARE COME ANY CLOSER!!!
*At that moment, Yoshi decides this is definitely not the room he wants to be in. He crawls to the door so he will not make any noise, slowly creaks it open, and steps into the dimly lit hallway. Only the humming of the heater can be heard.*
*Yoshi enters Room 3 and slowly shuts the door.*
*Once inside, all three lower their voices greatly*
DK: How're we gonna get out of here?
Luigi: I dunno...hey, it's Yoshi!...
Yoshi: Hey guys.
DK: Shh...Lakitu's asleep, and we've gotta get out of here!
Yoshi: Why's that?
Luigi: Haven't you heard what's going on? Someone's sneaking around here! I dunno
who...DK says he woke up 'cause there was this face RIGHT THERE in the
window staring at him! We think that whoever it is is coming this way now!!
Yoshi: Oh, geez...we do have to get out of here...
*And indeed, the dark figure from the resort now sneaks through the snow- covered bushes outside, not making a noise.*
*In the meantime, Wario and Peach have switched rooms.*
Toad: Welcome, mistress Peach.
Peach: Oh, dear god...what're YOU doing here...?
*Toad is slightly offended and sniffs.*
Toad: Well, I happen to be assigned to this room!
Peach: Yeah, well, you might as well get some sleep.
*Before Toad can stop her, Peach gets into the bed Toad had been meaning to take from Wario, and he is once again left in the darkness in silence.*
*Minutes pass...finally, all but Luigi, Yoshi, and DK are asleep. Even Toad has found some spare blankets in a closet and is sleeping on the floor.*
DK: I'm gonna go scout around – try to find another exit!
Luigi: Gotcha. We'll meet you here in a minute.
*DK leaves and shuts the door. Yoshi quickly discovers a vent that leads directly to the main check-in area, and motions Luigi to it.*
Luigi: Dunno how DK's gonna fit, but there's our exit...
Yoshi: Yeah – speaking of which, where'd he head off to?
Luigi: He said he was gonna "scout around," or something. But it's been about 10
minutes...hope nothing happened...
Yoshi: Yeah, really...
*In the hallway...*
*DK takes a few tentative steps forward. The lights are very dim, and the heater continues its constant humming. It is pitch dark outside, so although the windows are uncovered, they appear to be black. The heater is relatively quiet, but not quiet enough to reveal the approaching footsteps or the quick, dull thud as a swift uppercut sends DK to the floor. A figure snickers and steps over his fallen body towards the door of Room 3.*
*Yoshi and Luigi have managed to crawl through the vent shaft and return the cover to its original placement just seconds before their door is flung open.*
*They emerge into the check-in area to find the manager bound and gagged behind the counter. Luigi and Yoshi quickly untie him. The mushroom man quickly stands up and holds his hand over his bowler hat. He snatches a phone and dials the police. In the few seconds before he receives an answer, he stares wide-eyed at Luigi and Yoshi and motions for them to run.*
*They decide to take him up on his offer, and run outside to take shelter in the bus from some of the snow. It has stopped snowing and is now raining. It is not five minutes later that 3 armed guards show at the entrance to the Snail Stop. However, a fourth person accompanies them. Luigi and Yoshi both sit straight up when they realize who it is.*
Luigi and Yoshi: TOADSWORTH?!
*Princess Peach's personal assistant holds a pink umbrella as he approaches the two of them. He walks to the large bus to talk to them. It is obvious he has become spoiled from the attention of Mushroom royalty. The three Mushroom Retainers surround him.*
Toadsworth: There will be time enough for greetings later – I am here strictly on
business. The Kingdom and I have agreed not to disturb this activity, but
this is the point where I'm afraid I must intervene.
*The plumber and dinosaur share a look.*
Toadsworth: Toadstool, that is, Princess Peach, is in danger, and I'm afraid I cannot
allow her to stay any longer.
Yoshi: *Narrows eyes.* Really?
Toadsworth: You're all actually in danger, but I am simply her advisor...
Luigi: Yeah...?
Toadsworth: Yes – anyway, you see, the escaped convict Waluigi has been tracked to
this facility. We do not know what he intends on doing – only that it
involves your little...excursion to this place.
Luigi: My COUSIN WALUIGI?!
Yoshi: Wario's BROTHER WALUIGI?!
Toadsworth: One and the same. Quite a crafty fellow, I must admit. However, I must
return our dear princess before anything might happen. And it's funny you
should mention Wario...he and Bowser are here as well, and my guards and
I plan to take them into custody as well. They have committed too many
crimes against our kingdom to count.
Luigi: But that'll only leave 5 in the running!
Toadsworth: Quite right – but nonetheless, the Princess, Wario, and Bowser must leave.
Lakitu: Afraid I can't allow that.
*Yoshi, Luigi and Toadsworth spin to find Lakitu near the entrance with his arms crossed. Toadsworth's eyes narrow.*
Toadsworth: Now, you just hold on a darn minute...
Lakitu: No. Our contestants will stay until they decide they will leave.
Toadsworth: You are all in danger! You've gone too far. I MUST intervene!
Lakitu: Well, I suppose you can certainly try...
Toadsworth: I'll have you know you're speaking to the highest ranking official in the
Mushroom Kingdom's royal guard, and the chief of the Mushroom Police!!
Lakitu: Wonderful. Quite frankly, I don't care what you are. In case you've forgotten,
you have no jurisdiction here.
*The three retainers, Yoshi, and Luigi step back slowly as Toadsworth's face turns red.*
Toadsworth: You...you're nothing...but a simple camp counselor! I have a higher rank
than you could ever dream... *Stops as he is interrupted.*
Lakitu: It seems you have also forgotten about THIS. *Thrusts a paper into
Toadsworth's hands.*
Toadsworth: *Skims through the document* "The undersigned hereby...all rights and
privileges...joining this organization...follow all rules set by the director
and his affiliates." *Skips down several lines* "I have read and
understood the previous document and fully agree to all rules and
obligations set by the coordinator of this six month event."
*Eight signatures follow – even one from Wario and one from Bowser.*
Toadsworth: "I have read and understood the previous document and fully agree not to
allow the Mushroom Kingdom to interfere in this event."
*The Chancellor's signature follows.*
Toadsworth: W, what? The Chancellor?! I...all right Lakitu, I fully understand.
Lakitu: *Nabs the paper back from Toadsworth.* No harm done. Now, I'm trying to get
them a good night's rest – they race tomorrow. Take Waluigi and do whatever
you like with him...I don't really want him nosing around here either.
Toadsworth: *Nods* I'm sorry to have interfered with your actions. Now, we must find
Waluigi quickly. I can still protect the princess from harm by locking him
away. Lakitu, do you know why he's here?
Lakitu: *Gets a puzzled look.* In truth, I'm not sure. I'd imagine he's here to find
Wario and maybe cause a bit of trouble...he's probably out around there,
*points to the bushes* or maybe in the restaurant area inside.
*Toadsworth and the Mushroom Retainers give their goodbyes. But Toadsworth's face betrays his words of apology, as he still has something of a mix of rage and bitterness on his face, giving only a glimpse of it before disappearing around the corner. The Mushroom Retainers quickly follow, leaving a puzzled Yoshi and Luigi still in the bus.*
Yoshi: Isn't it funny how one signature can change everything?
Luigi: Yeah...I never knew my cousin too well, y'know...about the only time we've seen
Waluigi was during that tennis tournament...I guess he joined the golf club
recently too...I forget if he showed up?
Yoshi: Well, trust me, no matter what he's up to – he's a pain in the neck.
Luigi: I mean, do we have anything in common at all?
Yoshi: Well, he's kinda tall, and he looks sorta like a weird mix of Wario's face and
yours. I suppose he kinda sounds like you...
Luigi: No! I mean, where'd he come from?
Yoshi: Y'know what? I have absolutely no idea. Don't think anyone does. He's kind of
an outcast, you know...not really friends with anyone other than Wario...he's just
about the arch-enemy of everyone else...
Luigi: Sounds about like what I expected...
Yoshi: He may be a troublemaker, but he's really a lot worse. He's got this evil
mentality towards everything. He could just punch someone's lights out for the
heck of it, or kick an animal because it was in his way. Dunno what's wrong
with him...and he's really smart. He loves pulling pranks on people with Wario
as well. I can only guess why he came here...
Luigi: Well, we'd probably better head in before this gets worse...
Yoshi: Good idea.
*They go inside. Minutes later, a tall, dark figure stalks into the covering darkness of the forest and disappears.*
*5 hours later in Room 1...*
*Because of the night events, Peach was in fact the one that slept the longest. She is also the first to wake up to the chilled breath of morning. The second race looms ahead, but about 5 hours still remain before it would begin. Peach becomes restless, not really knowing what to do. At last her eyes rest upon the snoring Mario, and she thinks about how much he means to her. He was a bit distasteful, but always funny. Always so kind to her. The countless number of times she had been kidnapped by that fool Bowser, and the countless number of times she had been saved by the faithful Mario and Luigi.*
*She remembers when she had sat sobbing in the darkest dungeon of Bowser's Castle, had felt a hand on her shoulder, and turned to see Mario's worried face. All of her thoughts are melted away in an instant as Toad approaches.*
Toad: Good day, your majesty.
*Peach is about to scold Toad, but something comes over her.*
Peach: ...Hello, Toad.
*Toad is shocked. This is the first time Peach has responded reasonably to Toad in a long long time.*
Toad: H, hello. Shall I serve breakfast?
*Peach knows Toad is pushing his luck, and that he understands she hates being "served" when she can handle herself. But once again, something comes over her.*
Peach: That would be wonderful. Thank you, Toad.
Toad: I...well, then...I...I'll be off, then! *Bows, and rushes to the door. Before leaving,
however, he gives a worried glance at Peach.*
*Peach now remembers something. Back in the old days, years ago, she acted exactly like this. But the day she was first captured and rescued had changed her. After, she had almost wished to give up her royalty. She never knew why she would want that. The fact was, she did. Still does. Peach suddenly realizes what is happening. The first kidnapping had made her wish to be independent, to take care of herself. To defy her own royal heritage, and be what she wanted, instead of what the Chancellor wanted. And – when Mario had rescued her, she not only had feelings for Mario, but felt anger toward him as well. Was it because she felt as if she was being pampered once again? Her independence refused because of Mario?*
*But Peach realizes that Mario is her best friend, and more. She takes another look at Mario before deciding to help Toad with breakfast.*
*4 hours later...*
*The group has hastily eaten a large breakfast buffet in silence. Everyone is slightly nervous about the upcoming race – even Wario and Bowser, who never had the chance to come up with a plan to cheat.*
*And they have reason to be nervous...*
*After 12 minutes, Lakitu emerges from the staff room and tells everyone it's time. The group, still in silence, puts their plates on the wash counter and enters the wall of cold outside. Luckily, everyone who needed a coat or jacket managed to get one back at the resort the previous day.*
Lakitu: All right. The racetrack is about a quarter-mile to the north, so we'll have a short
hike before we're there. I don't need to tell you that this is one of the most
important races you'll face – the second race in the grand prix is always the
best opportunity to get ahead in the standings. Good luck.
*Everyone nods, and they begin to hike through the howling wind and stinging snow. Bowser easily stomps forward, but the lighter members have problems. Toad is barely able to keep his balance in the wind.*
*After hiking through several snowdrifts and ice tunnels, they reach their destination. The starting line lies directly after a wooden bridge leading over an ice-water river.*
*The karts lie waiting in formation, a very thin layer of snow covering them.*
Lakitu: All right, you lot. Watch for the special box and map again, and be careful
around the corners! Watch your traction!! That's the most important part of this
race. I would not advise pressing the drift turn button, as you might not be able
to unlock your wheels on the ice. Get ready!!
*They seat themselves in their beloved karts. Mario's new kart gleams under the cloud-filled sunlight. Bowser revs his engine deeply, and Yoshi grips his steering wheel.*
Lakitu: 3!...
Lakitu: 2!!...
Lakitu: 1!!!...
*Lakitu raises one arm before bringing it down sharply before him, waving the checkered flag quickly.*
Lakitu: ...GO!!!!
*Everyone stomps on the gas in unison and a chorus of acceleration is quick to follow.*
*DK takes an early lead, followed closely by Luigi.*
*Toad attempts to pass Luigi, but he is cut off.*
*The group zooms around a corner, but Peach and Yoshi forget the brakes and spin out into a snowdrift. They are quickly passed by Wario and Bowser, who nab the passing item boxes.*
*Mario is in fourth place, in between Toad and Wario. Suddenly, a red shell, shot by Wario, zooms around the track. It homes in on the helpless Mario. Fortunately, Mario has a mushroom. He hits the gas and a stream of flame flares out from the rear of his vehicle, shooting him directly in front of Toad. The red shell remains on trajectory, and Toad realizes he is in the way of the shell about 2 seconds before it slams him off-track.*
Mario: What the...what're all these snowmen?!
*Mario zooms past a group of about 7 snowmen in the right-hand side of the track.*
*The next group of item boxes approaches. Mario grabs for one, but misses. Yoshi comes up on his tail.*
Yoshi: Outta the way!
*Yoshi pulls out two mushrooms and throws them into the item slot in the kart. He rockets past Mario, and pulls out a fistful of six bananas.*
Yoshi: These look good, but I think you'd enjoy them more!
*He begins pitching them at Mario, one by one. Mario swerves and avoids the first two, but the third hits him and he spins out and falls back into fourth place. The other three are avoided by everyone.*
*Mario now prepares to go over the first wooden bridge – only to find that it's gone! He cannot slow himself, so he accelerates and presses the jump button as he goes over the icy chasm. He lands on the other side with two feet to spare and continues on. Mario is getting worried. Those snowmen weren't here when he was last here. And there used to be a wooden bridge over that pit. Something is up, and Mario knows it.*
*Suddenly, a muffled BANG is heard, and Toad is shot 8 feet into the air. The broken remains of a snowman lie on the ice, along with the empty smoking casing of a bob-omb...Mario instantly realizes what's going on. The "snowmen" are landmines!*
*Mario turns the corier to fitd approximately 5m more snowmen waiting for his arrival – a minefield. He also finds a blackened Toad near a hole in the ice.*
Mario: All right, there, Toad?
Toad: *Gets moving forward.* Who the heck mined these snowmen?!
Mario: I dunno...
*Bowser has pulled ahead of Wario, and quickly passes a still-accelerating Toad. He pulls out a red shell and aims for Mario, when a green shell, thrown by Toad, strikes him from behind. He rolls into the snow to find himself in, once again, last place.*
*Peach is now approaching Mario.*
*Mario watches as she raises her arm, a blue object in her hand.*
Mario: Oh...no...
*He realizes too late what is going on, and a spiked shell slams into his kart, blasting apart forcefully. Mario lands awkwardly just outside of the minefield.*
*As he recovers, Toad passes him.*
*Two slippery curves later, icy walls rise high on either side of the racers, and they hurtle forward inside of a twisty, narrow path.*
*Bowser, now gripping three green shells, seizes the perfect opportunity and throws them into the wall of the passage, causing them to reflect wildly back and forth, increasing in speed. He barely makes it through. The ones in first and second will have a nasty surprise...he zooms forward, approaching Wario and Toad.*
*Toad attempts to block Bowser, but the heaviest of the eight and the lightest of the eight collide, slamming poor Toad into the ice.*
*Bowser zooms ahead, and now approaches Wario. They pass a closely-packed group of item boxes, and Bowser manages to snag two against the rules. He ends up with six mushrooms, three per box. He holds down the button with his knee, steers with his left hand, and drops in the mushrooms one by one as he rockets forward at a blinding speed. The boost lasts for 20 seconds, and he manages to pass Wario, Peach, Mario, and Toad.*
Toad: Geez... *Hurls a red shell.*
*Toad's red shell zooms around the corner after Bowser. Peach now comes up on Wario's tail. She uses a Boo caller and shortly becomes invisible. She is now side by side with Wario.*
Peach: Hey Wario!
Wario: Huh? Who is it?! *Makes a wild punch through the air.*
*Unfortunately, Wario's punch connects with Peach's shoulder, and she is knocked out of her kart! She is thrown into the snow, out cold. The kart continues, unmanned, until it buries itself in a drift and winds down.*
Wario: Wah hah hah hah!!! *Disappears around the bend.*
*DK and Luigi continue to fight for first, as the icy walls lower and they approach the bridge to the finish line.*
*Luigi uses a star and rams DK, shocking him and sending him flying off track. Yoshi is quick to pass a rescuing Lakitu and take second.*
*Mario and Toad, in a race to reach the bridge, both turn and throw an object at the same moment. Toad throws a banana and Mario a green shell. Both hit their targets, but Mario is faster to gain control and shoves a tumbling Toad off track. He crosses the finish line just as DK begins speeding up again.*
*Lap two begins with a good start for Toad as he realizes that light- weights such as himself are quite good at jumping over the curves using mushrooms and the jump button, instead of merely driving through them as the others do. He quickly joins Luigi in first.*
*Peach, however, is far from the fast-paced action elsewhere. She is unconcious, in a dreamless sleep. Her kart has long since shut down, and no one seems to notice she is there. She has not yet been lapped by the others, but the cold snow prevents her from waking. She is not injured, although will eventually wake up to a bruised arm and a headache. Elsewhere on the ice, Bowser is frantically attempting to speed up and avoid the incoming red shell. His mushrooms have just worn off, and he weaves back and forth attempting to stop the shell from gaining. Finally, growling, he turns around and blasts flame onto the unsuspecting shell, causing an explosion and allowing Bowser back into the race. No one notices his move, and he speeds up to fight with Toad for second.*
*The current positions, from first to last, are as follows: Luigi, Toad, Bowser, Yoshi, Mario, DK, Wario, and Peach.*
*DK snatches the next item box. He needs to catch up to Luigi and continue the battle. But for that, he'd need a star, and he only now has a single mushroom. Not really good for anything. Except maybe...*
DK: Hey Mario!
Mario: What?
*DK catches up to Mario, tosses the mushroom into Mario's kart, reaches over, and hits the boost button. Mario, not ready for the sudden acceleration, weaves off track and tumbles over in the snow. DK, laughing, zooms ahead.*
*However, unnoticed, Mario continues into the snow and discovers a way to skip an entire curve of the track. He is now in third place, approaching Yoshi. He has one mushroom of his own, and he blasts forward, past Yoshi. Yoshi notices the problem and decides he can't allow Mario forward, so he reaches for the next item box. And misses! Cursing, he lashes out with his tongue, snags a box, and pulls it in. Inside, he finds a single green shell. He carefully aims, and smacks the rear of Mario's kart. Mario falls back into fifth, and continues forward.*
*They now approach the minefield once again. Toad and Luigi are side by side, butting karts. Toad, with a sudden impulse, pulls Luigi's hat down over his face. Luigi swerves into the wall, and quickly gets back on track, yelling at Toad. Luigi snatches at one of the snowmen, and pulls a bob-omb out of one as he passes. He lights the bob-omb's fuse and hurls it at Toad. Toad is blasted into the air for a second time and finds himself in third. Bowser just zips through the mess, chuckling, and gains first.*
*At that moment, Peach wakes up, frost falling from her ruined hair. Silence everywhere. Is the race over? But the sudden whine of distant race karts raises her adrenaline level tenfold. The kart! Where is it?*
Peach: The race is still on...but why was I in the snow? Where's my kart?!
*Peach begins to search frantically until realizing that there are tire tracks leading into a particularly large mound of snow. Peach frantically digs, while the whine of karts becomes louder...*
*DK and Luigi angrily butt karts back and forth, zipping through the mad mess as a hurtling tornado of bananas, shells, and items fly through the air. They expertly zip between two large blocks of crumbled ice, keeping an astounding pace – neither backing down. They squeal around the corner, quickly realizing that Peach is directly ahead of them, driving her kart as if nothing had happened.*
DK: WHAT?! I was SURE we were in first...
Luigi: HEY PEACH! HOW'D YOU GET ALL THE WAY UP HERE?!
Peach: Well, I...
*Peach suddenly stops and realizes that DK and Luigi don't know she's a lap behind them. For that matter, neither does anyone else...including Lakitu*
Peach: I, um, zipped by while the two of you were near the minefield.
DK: Why are you covered in snow?!
Peach: Oh, um...I got hit...by a shell...a while back...
*Luigi realizes that something is up, but doesn't say a word.*
*The icy walls rise beside them once more and they hurtle through the confined, narrow canyon. Suddenly, three green shells, thrown by Bowser the previous lap, appear in front of Peach. She deliberately slows and allows Luigi and DK in front of her – all three shells send them tumbling. Peach, hardly believing her luck, zips ahead toward the wooden bridge. A furious Toad and Yoshi are quick to follow.*
*After this group passes by, Bowser rams Wario off course, and a cursing Wario is passed by DK and Luigi, determined to regain their original placement.*
*And so begins the third and final lap. Elsewhere on the course, a certain individual hides in wait behind the rocks. His gloved hand is poised upon a hidden lever. He snickers and falls silent.*
*DK gets a double mushroom, and rockets forward to pass Bowser. He does so, and Bowser begins to notice. He positions himself directly behind DK and slowly accelerates. Bowser remembers that his kart is slightly faster – this shouldn't be a problem. And yet, DK slowly accelerates as well, to escape Bowser. Both max out their engines, and eventually meet Toad, Yoshi and Peach in second. A furious battle ensues between the five of them just as they enter the minefield.*
*Bowser rams Yoshi into Peach, who throws a green shell over Bowser's head to Toad. Toad zips out of the way and the shell collides with DK, who slides into Peach's path. Both karts, uncontrolled, slam Bowser's into the wall. Bowser slams on the gas and collides with the back end of Toad's kart. Unexpectedly, Toad drops a banana directly into Bowser's path at the same moment as Yoshi drops a banana into Toad's path. DK hurls a red shell, and it collides with Yoshi, who tumbles into Peach. Peach slides into one of the snowmen – she and large chunks of snow fly into the air.*
*After this sequence of events, the placement is as follows: Toad, Bowser, DK, Peach, Yoshi, Mario, Luigi, Wario. All eight racers end up being extremely compacted to each other – wheels are within 3 feet of the others.*
*And it is also that moment that the gloved hand pulls the hidden lever, and its owner flees, chuckling madly.*
*Bowser hurls a red shell at Peach, who ducks and forces it to collide with DK. However, DK activates a star just in time, and the shell is deflected to the side to crash into a wall. And at that instant, everyone becomes very quiet when they discover a faint rumbling reverberating through the mountains.*
*Just like that, all of the blurred, confusing motion comes to a halt as a white cloud appears in the distance. As it dawns upon Lakitu exactly what is going on, his eyes go wide in horror.*
Lakitu: A...AV...AVALANCHE!! GET MOVING!!! GO GO GO!!!
*Suddenly, it is as if a large hand has slapped everyone in the face. Focus is turned away immediately from the other players in the race and instead to the course itself.*
*Mario immediately slams on the gas – a foolish move. The kart spins its wheels for about two precious seconds before it begins to pick up speed – slowly...slowly...and the cloud grows larger.*
*Toad zips around Luigi in a panic, using mushrooms to accelerate as he goes. Unfortunately, instead of a mushroom, he accidentally drops a shell inside, and the kart's fuel ignites the shell's explosive outer layer. Toad flies into the air yelling, while the icy cloud consumes the hills.*
*Bowser watches the scene in amusement. He decides to take advantage of the situation. As Peach passes, Bowser tosses a red shell onto the road, and it soon collides with her. She screams, and tumbles far behind. Bowser realizes that, whether anyone likes it or not, the ending placement is still a factor.*
*All animals in the area grow silent, and a low rumble is somewhat muffled by the snow. An eerie vibration reverberates through the karts as the drivers attempt to save their own lives. They now enter the most dangerous part of the stretch – the ice canyon. Tiny chunks of ice now rain upon them as the cold walls rise up. The vibration increases in intensity...the bridge is finally visible in the distance. However, an eerie shadow now crosses their path, and Toad wildly brakes and spins out to the right as a massive boulder smashes into the snow in front of him. The spray of ice scratches his paint and his face, but that is the least of his worries.*
*A white, massive enemy approaches the ice canyon's edge. The ice chunks falling into the crevasse quickly become heavier and heavier, and the light pattering noise now turns into large snaps and pops as the sharp crystals barrage the ground and the drivers with immense force. Every second, they increase in intensity. Wario is knocked to the side by a large rock, but he regains his composure and again begins driving. Peach's kart is dented twice as two more icy needles batter it.*
DK: Bowser! MOVE!!!
*Bowser is deliberately blocking DK's path, still intent on getting a higher place than the others. DK swerves, and Bowser swerves to block him.*
*The pack zips across the bridge just as the full force of the snow tumbles into the canyon, rapidly filling it to the brim.*
*The final placement is, from first to last: Luigi, Bowser, Yoshi, Wario, DK, Mario, Peach, and Toad. Lakitu quickly takes note of the standings. Even as they cross the finish line, the group continues to hurtle forward until they are far away from the mess that was the Frappe Snowland racetrack.*
*An hour later...*
*Mario wakes up. He has a horrible headache and his arms and legs are numb. Banging is heard from the back of the room, which doesn't help his pain one bit. He does, however, turn to look, and he sees a mechanic working hard on the partially ruined karts. The mechanic's large, toadstool-like head turns and faces Mario, and he drops his wrench and runs to what appears to be some sort of office room. Mario is woozy and confused.*
Mario: That's weird...that man...he ran from me...I scared him...heh heh... *Falls onto
bed in a clumsy stupor*
*Mario is awake, but he still needs rest. He slowly becomes more and more oriented.*
*In the office, the auto mechanic rushes inside and searches for someone.*
Mechanic: Lakitu! LAKITU!!
Lakitu: Huh? Oh yeah – is anyone awake yet?
Mechanic: Just Mario.
Lakitu: Okay, just let me finish up here and I'll be right there. You go back to work.
Mechanic: Got it. *Walks out and shuts door*
Lakitu: Now I just have to finish these plans...
*A brief glimpse is captured of the plans. They depict the white training kart. The only difference is that it has a thick, curved metal bar attatched to the back of it. Lakitu holds it up to the light and chuckles. Then he adds a stick figure hanging onto the metal bar with one hand. The other hand holds a green shell that is dropped onto the road behind the kart. Lakitu, satisfied with the final result, files the paper away and leaves the office.*
*By this time, the whole group has at least somewhat awakened. Lakitu opens the door and claps his hands together.*
Lakitu: Well guys, the second race is done and over with – and I've gotta say, I was
really disappointed in it. This whole thing was a disappointment. Even you.
Don't act shocked that I'm saying this. I know that each and every one of you
cheated at least once during this race. You know you did, don't deny it. Last
night to this very moment – I don't think there was one satisfying climax to it
all. You never found the Special Box and Map. The avalanche really sealed the
deal on making this what will probably be the worst day of your racing careers...
*Yoshi and DK share a look.*
Lakitu: ...And I loved it.
Toad: WHAT?!
Lakitu: Indeed, this was not only your worst race ever, but I loved it. Here's the deal.
You guys came up with it, and I liked it. *Grinning evilly* Scrap the rules.
DK: What do you mean?
Lakitu: Do whatever you wish to try to get ahead. Sure, the basic rules still apply, but I
think it's about time...we started training for the championship.
Peach: The...CHAMPIONSHIP?
Lakitu: *Smirking* Yes. The championship. As in the Global Federation of Karts
International Grand Prix.
*There is dead silence for approximately 10 seconds.*
Lakitu: Yes, you guys are GFK level at last, as I realized while watching you race today.
The Mushroom Kingdom has never once had a team enter. I think it's about
time we showed them our stuff. Who's seen the GFK on television?
*Only Toad raises a quivering hand.*
Lakitu: Well then you know full well that these are the experts. We're dealing with the
serious players. The GFK generally has from between five to twelve members
per team, and each race always has about fifteen teams total. Any math
whizzes in here will easily figure out that that equals about a hundred and twenty
members in a race. You guys are ready, no question. But first, you've gotta
break out of these rules you've raced by. It's time you've stopped these pitiful
beginner races and started the big leagues – the REAL big leagues. You just
needed the opportunity. This raises the stakes – we'll still have our little Grand
Prix here at the Mushroom Kingdom – the winner will still get the trophy and
the 8,000 coins...but that's small potatoes in comparison to the GFK. I believe
the team that gets first prize recieves over 200,000 coins, new karts, and funding
for future programs.
*At that moment Wario closes his mouth, realizing he'd been drooling again.*
Lakitu: You guys aren't in it yet, though. I'm going to train you. I'm going to train you
until you fall down from exhaustion. I'm going to train you because the other
teams are doing the same. Now, you must understand that I'm telling you this
now so you know in advance, so we can change the rules of our races to prepare
for this, and so any of you can drop out if you really want to – but I don't expect
that from any of you – it's time you realized your full potential. I believe our
team will be the only new addition to the race this year – which means we will
be able to know who exactly WILL be involved. When we get back to the resort
I'll paste the full list in the lobby by the scoreboard. We can watch a video of
last year's championship to anticipate each team's tactics. However, we will
NOT know the tracks or their locations until the race itself. Guys, you'll build
your own karts, you'll train, and you'll take home the gold!
*At this point DK stands and starts clapping. After a few seconds, Luigi joins in. Then Yoshi, Toad and Mario – finally, the entire group is up from the beds, cheering.*
Lakitu: Let's head back!
*And so they do.*
*Two hours later...*
*The trip back to the Resort is excrutiatingly long. There is much turbulence, preventing anyone from sleeping on the voyage. There isn't as much snow however, and this allows those that don't have any protection (such as Toad) to at least be comfortable. A non-interesting game of Poker begins a while later...courtesy Yoshi's trusty deck of cards. Strangely, the dealer, Wario, repeatedly wins every time, until it is discovered that he has stacked the deck in his favor. That quickly brings an end to the game, and the group goes back to trying to find something to do in a space of about 60 square feet occupied by seven others – besides freeze or fall off the edge, of course.*
*At this point, Lakitu comes back with snacks.*
Lakitu: Hey, I picked up a few things to tide you guys over. Gee, it's cold back here...
Toad: You mean it's warmer up THERE than it is back HERE?
Lakitu: No no! Um...no! Of course not! Anyways, eat this stuff for now.
*Lakitu tosses a bag of food to the floor and returns, shivering, to the front cabin.*
Luigi: Let's see...what do we have...some pizzas, some pretzels, some bananas, some
peanuts, and...a few sandwiches.
Yoshi: BANANAS?!
DK: BANANAS?!
*Within moments the bananas are gone. Luigi and Mario each have a pizza, and the rest of the food is passed around. It is only after eating that the group is able to at least try to get some sleep for the rest of the trip back to the resort. A little while later, Luigi notices Mario sitting very quietly and staring at the ground far below.*
Luigi: Hey Mario, whatcha thinking about?
Mario: Just thinking about the last three months. Thinking back on it, every race we do
changes everything a lot. I mean, the first week we stayed at the resort,
everything was kind of...I don't know how to say it...almost corny – systematic...I
dunno, like it was kind of sappy – some of the things we said and did were really
pretty bad. Remember? We came up with all those elaborate plots, we got all
worried whenever something minor happened, and everything – EVERYTHING
– always had that MGM happy ending where all is revealed and life is perfect.
Even our conversations! We even fell to the level of "Hide and Seek" like just a
month ago...I dunno. Everything just seemed pointless.
Luigi: What do you mean?
Mario: Well, think about it. It's like we're completely different people now than we
were just last year. We've all changed in some way...
Luigi: Come to think of it, you're kinda right...for once...
*After this, both fall silent.*
*Later, the bus arrives at the resort island. Not a word is spoken. The eight drivers head to their rooms, shut their doors, and turn off their lights. But not one of them manages to fall asleep...*
*Midnight falls...*
TO BE CONTINUED...