Paper Mario
By: ~*Brittney a.k.a Hoshi Mizuriu*~
Disclaimer: Hiyo's, ppls! Jus' wanted to say that I don't own nothing but my life, my pillow, and this story. Nothing else. And please don't sue. I got no money. I'm only 14. Period. If anything it's like maybe 15 cense, or maybe a little more but I know it's not even making a quarter. Again, all rights are reserved on the characters of Yu-Gi-Oh!, and also the story plot line and most of the characters I'm using from Paper Mario. I only own one character in here and the other one is owned by my friend, but who they are, well, I can't tell you that now can I? *winks* Another surprise to expect. How I was inspired by this idea and when, I'll tell at the end of this chapter because I'm pretty sure you want to get on reading, ne? ^-~*
~*~
Chapter 1: Get the Game on for Prologue Part I of Confusion
Started: February. 21, 2004
Finished: February. 22, 2004
~*~
He shifted and tossed in his bed before settling back in after finding a comfortable spot, drawing the red covers over his head to block out the shining afternoon sunlight from the window. The top bunk bed creaked as the boy faced the light blue wall. Birds were chirping in the many trees outside as a warm gentle breeze gently rustled the leaves, making him shift again until he suddenly froze, his purple eyes snapping open wide and he sat up with a bolt, only for him to tumble out and land on the ground with a rather loud thud on the wooden floor.
Yugi rubbed his head and looked around and blinked where he fell from, "Wait a second! Since when did I have a top bunk!?"
A tall person dressed in blue overalls over a green shirt with white gloves on his hands came into the room, fixing his green trademark hat with the green letter in the shape of an "L" in the middle of a white circle on it, back unto his head. The black mustache was also something recognizable, "Mario, what's wrong?"
Yugi blinked at him, "You're the game character Luigi!"
The character blinked again, "Brother, what are you talking about? Of course it's me."
The shorter boy sweat dropped as he stood and dusted himself off, ". . .why are you calling me 'Mario'? I'm not him!"
"I think you fell a little harder than I thought. . ." Luigi said as he tilted his head and studied the boy, ". . .but you do seem different. . .or I could be imagining things."
"My name is Yugi Mouto, not Mario. I go to Domino High School in Domino, Japan." Yugi explained, trying to suppress the many questions that were beginning to pop into his mind, but the biggest question was, where is everyone?
"Don't know where that is. As far as I know is only the Mushroom Kingdom."
Yugi sweat dropped and stared before he shook his head, "I-I'm sorry. . .what? Did you say the MUSHROOM Kingdom?"
Luigi raised a brow and crossed his arms, "Boy, I think that fall really did something or you really are this Yugi person."
"That's what I've been trying to say! My name is Yugi, not Mario!" Yugi was getting clearly frustrated with all this, especially when he didn't know where he was or his friends.
"Whoa, then, take it easy there. . .Yugi. Don't need to get upset." Luigi said as he put his hands up in defense, then he put them down and looked over at Yugi, "Okay, say I believe you, why are you here?"
The purple-eyed boy blinked and thought for a moment, trying to think back on what he could remember, from the time he was at school, to meeting his friends and Mai at Kaiba Land. . .then a sudden void of darkness and then nothing. His voice was now quiet with his brows furrowed a little in confusion, "I. . .I don't know. I can't remember. . ."
"Then what do you remember?" The digitally made up character asked.
". . .I was at school, but then I got pulled out with my friends because we got a note from someone who owns a business company to come to one of their theme parks for something, only there was no one there and the place was dark. After that, it's pretty much a blur. . ." Yugi then looked up at Luigi with a start as it dawned on him, "My friends! Where are they?"
Luigi scratched his head with a questionable look, "Well. . .we have no neighbors. . .and we're pretty much isolated out here by ourselves, so I don't know."
There was the sound of fluttering wings, then a ring outside the house that advert both their attention before a voice came from outside the door, "Mail call!" Then another set of fluttering before it faded and then there were only the sounds of the birds outside.
Luigi then turned back to Yugi, "Come on into the living room and sit down and make yourself comfortable while I go outside and get the mail, then we can talk this situation over, okay?"
"Alright. . ." Yugi nodded quietly and followed him into the small wooded living room.
When Luigi went out, Yugi looked around. There was a three shelved bookcase with books filling up most of the spaces in them as there was a table also made of wood with two chairs. A plant was set in the middle of the table to add some decoration as everything sat on a green carpet. A classical simple type of home setting with a window sitting right next to the door to look out.
Yugi then absentmindedly reached to fiddle with the Millennium Puzzle, his old habit since he had completed it about some ways back. He remembered how he had got it from his grandfather and started right away on it, wanting to know if what his grandfather said was true, that the puzzle will grant any wish the owner desired. He then remembered how he suddenly assembled almost all the pieces together, only to find one important thing missing, the Eye. But then his grandfather came in and gave him the last piece, letting Yugi have the power of the Millennium Puzzle, and through that, he met Yami, and even more is that he got his wish: to have true friends, which were of course Joey, Tristen, Téa and Ryou.
He smiled a little at the memory, but then it faded when he realized that the puzzle was gone from its place around his neck. Yugi also felt the absence of not having Yami fill his other part, yet he still can't remember where it went. He contemplated this and was about to sit down when Luigi came bursting into the blue painted door, startling Yugi and making him fall on the floor for the second time that day, "AGH!"
The green and blue dressed individual blinked then smiled a little in apology, "Sorry, Yugi. But I think I have an answer to your problem right here!" He said as he held up a letter.
Yugi slowly stumbled to a stand, rubbing his sore head with a wince, "What is it, Luigi?"
Luigi came over and looked back down at the paper, "I'll read it to you:
I'm throwing a party at my castle today! Mario and Luigi, I would be honored if you both would attend. Many guests from distant towns are hoping to meet you. There will be tasty sweets and all kinds of entertainment! I hope to see you there soon.
Sincerely,
Peach."
Yugi blinked in confusion, "What? I don't get it. . ."
"It means that if we go to the party and see the Princess, she'll know what to do about your problem and how to help you."
"Really? She would know?" There was now hope imbedded in his voice as the pain from the two falls was being long forgotten.
Luigi nodded, "Yeah! She's got to, I mean, she is the Princess Peach of Mushroom Kingdom after all. And with so many subjects and scholars, not to mention all these people that's going to be there, at least ONE of them has to know what to do."
Yugi straightened with a broad smile on his face, "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" He then dashed for the door, but then was gently yanked back by the collar.
"Hold on a minute there, Yugi. This also came in the mail." The tall male said as he placed something inside of the boy's white-gloved hand.
Yugi stared with wide eyes in horror and devastation as he trembled a bit at the site that lay in his palm. A jagged gold piece connected and structured by smaller golden pieces gleamed up at him. It was a small broken section taken apart from the Millennium Puzzle!
'. . .no! Yami!' No wonder there was a void in the connection that the two shared besides the separation with him and the puzzle. Yugi's voice shook a little as he continued to gape at the site, ". . .h-how did this happen. . .?" Then he looked up at Luigi frantically, almost near tears at the thought of not being able to see his other half again, "Where are the other pieces?! I have to know!"
"Whoa, easy. Look. I can't answer any of your questions. Just calm down and gather yourself together, then when your ready, we'll go see the Princess, alright?" Luigi said, placing a hand on the shorter boy's shoulder in comfort.
Yugi shut his eyes tightly, trying to will himself not to cry and he closed his hand over the Millennium piece. Not only did he not know where any of his friends are, but all the hard work and the heart he put into making the puzzle seemed it was for nothing as well. He felt almost completely empty and helpless inside, something he had feared about feeling for a long time for as long as he could remember. It seemed he was all alone with no one to help him and he bit his lip.
The puzzle piece that was so cold in his hand then suddenly became warm against his skin, and if paying attention enough, it would softly pulse like a slow and sleepy heartbeat. Yugi then opened his eyes to the ground. No. It shouldn't be like this. He shouldn't give up so easily, give up on his friends. For all he knew, they could still be out there, waiting. This piece of the puzzle proved it. It didn't matter how long Yugi put it together, but what mattered is his reason why. He wanted true friends and each piece showed it completely.
He closed his purple eyes again and drew in a deep breath before glancing up at Luigi and nodded, now determined, "Alright. I'm ready."
"Good. Let's go then!" Luigi said in agreement and lead him out into the yard.
There was a dirt pathway in the grass that lead pass a blue and white painted mailbox to a rather large green pipe sticking out upwards from the ground and they stopped in front of it.
Yugi blinked and pointed, "What's that?"
"That? That would be our transportation into Toad Town. The only transportation besides taking the long way walking." Luigi answered as he stopped in front of it.
The high schooler came over beside him and leaned over, looking into the black darkness inside it as he drew a gold bang away from his face so he could get a better look, ". . .looks kind of dark in there. Are you sure it's safe?"
"Sure I'm sure! Now come on. Let's not keep the Princess waiting!" And with that, the taller Mario brother gently pushed Yugi in headfirst, catching him totally off-guard again, before Luigi jumped in himself.
~*~
Luigi climbed out of the pipe and stood on it before jumping down, blinking when he saw Yugi face-flat on the ground, "You okay?"
"Ugh. . .I seem to be falling a lot today. . ." Yugi tiredly said as he got up slowly, rubbing his sore head that was hurting for the 4th time that day.
Then he blinked a few times at his surroundings. There were buildings not higher than a two story house and not wider than one either except for one that had a cardboard sign on the short green grassy lawn that had a tulip- like flower with an orange bloom, but it had two beady eyes to go with it, like all the rest of the characters so far that he's seen. Not far off to his right, there was a big pond of water with a monument of a kind with another pipe on a white platform that also had grass bordering around the base of the green pipe.
The path that he and Luigi stood on was light and dark brown in stone, making into the shape of a mushroom head, but it also had eyes. There were also some people a little shorter than him walking around, but they wore different colored sleeveless jackets for clothes, and they had rather large heads, like that of a mushroom head as well, and the colors were red spots and white decorating the head. Only then did Yugi realize something. . .everyone and everything was 2D, or seemed was like they were cut out of paper.
"Welcome to Toad Town, Yugi. A place where many of the people are friendly." Then Luigi looked over at the stunned growing teen, "This town isn't so bad, but it tends to get busy every once in a while. That's why my brother, Mario, and I live on the countryside of the kingdom where it's nice and quiet." Then he walked forward, looking back at Yugi, "Come on. We should hurry to the castle."
Yugi blinked back and nodded before hurrying after him, taking long glances at the buildings he passed by. Several of the small characters passed smiles at him while some said greetings along with the name Mario. He then came next to Luigi and whispered the question that was nagging his brain, "Who are these people?"
"Well, they're not actually people. They're called Toads and are the many residents that live in this world, along with other characters that you will see at the party. As for us humans being here, so far I only know is my brother, me, and the Princess. I haven't seen anyone else."
"I see. . ." Then Yugi blinked and stopped in front of a building painted in a scenery of a clear night sky with stars that almost looks like its actually twinkling, making it look seemingly real. But that's not what caught his eyes and he rubbed them before looking again just to make sure he wasn't hallucinating before sweat dropping, ". . .is it just me or is that roof spinning!?"
"Hmm?" Luigi stopped and looked up before smiling, "Oh no. It's spinning alright."
"What?! How?!"
Luigi shrugged, "Who knows. This is the fortune-teller's place in Toad Town. His name is Merlon, and his whole family is dedicated to the usage of the power of the stars, message bearers from beyond, and all that magic stuff. I'm not into it." Then looked back at him with a smile, "Now, if there is anymore questions, let the princess answer. She knows a lot more than I do."
Yugi finally tore his purple gaze from the unbelievable house and nodded, following the younger Mario brother to a large and heavy metal gateway painted in blue with a large gold star with the same small black eyes covering most of the door. He and Luigi went over to it and it opened right down the middle, letting them pass through.
It was tall and huge, bigger than any building he's seen. The castle walls were painted in a gentle creamy beige with a type of dull pinkish brown for the pointed roofs that reached to the sun and sky. Many windows made of rich wood dotted around the palace with glittering crystal glass and made a way to see inside the persons walk around and talk and laugh at the festivities that were going on that day. Some of the visitors took to the natural surroundings and stood outside near the beautifully sculptured water fountain while they chatted away, but resembled more to animals then anything else while some are hard to describe.
Yugi couldn't find his voice as Luigi lead him through the large mahogany front doors. Inside the place was brightly lit as they walked on a velvet red carpet that settled on a black and white checkered tile floor. There were a few round tables with white sheets covering them with sweets and drinks placed on it in an arrangement. Walking around were more Toads and other characters from noticeably far off places due to how they dressed, "Whoa. . ." He finally said.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. What a magnificent castle! I never get used to this place. It looks like lots of guests are already here." Then Luigi looked at Yugi and smiled apologetically, "Sorry to do this to you, Yugi, but I have to do something, so sit tight and I'll be right back as soon as I can, alright?"
"H-huh?" The boy stuttered but then he nodded slowly after closing his mouth, ". . .a-alright, Luigi."
"Hey, don't worry! I know this is a big place but there's nothing to be scared of. Oh, and that gold thing I gave you from the mail looks like it has a loop where you can string something through it and hang it somewhere, so here's a chain." Luigi said as he handed the linked silver ovals to Yugi, "It's small, but it'll hold strong through heavy weights. I should know. Mario taught me that. Anyways, I'll see ya. Be right back!"
"Thanks, Luigi!" Yugi called after him with a bright smile before he looked down at the chain and took out the piece of the puzzle from his pocket in the plumber's outfit. Indeed, this piece did have the loophole that enabled him to hang the Millennium item around his neck and immediately Yugi threaded the chain through and placed it around his neck. He then smiled a little in relief as he felt a bit better at having at least a part of the puzzle.
A few moments later, one of the Toad characters dressed in a guard-like manner with a spear in hand came up to him, but he seemed to be trembling a little, "M-m-mr. Mario s-sir. . .?"
Yugi blinked down at him and knelt so he'd be at eye level with the guard, then he thought a little and bit back the thought of giving out his real name, not knowing what would come of it since this guard held a weapon and nodded, ". . .yes? What's wrong? Why are you shaking?"
"W-w-well. . ." The guard tried to clear his throat, but that didn't help much and he looked down, "I-I'm a trainee, and th-there's just so many p- people. I guess I'm a bit s-scared. . .pretty pathetic of me, h-huh?"
Yugi blinked as a memory passed through his mind and then he smiled a little at it. This Toad reminded so much of himself when he was in school where he had no friends or anyone to talk to and turn to or hang out with. Just unsure, uneasy, and even frightened. So he placed a hand on the trainee's shoulder and he shook his head, "No, of course not. When we first get into new things with no one to really talk to, it's not pathetic for someone to feel scared, because everyone eventually feels like that every time, no matter what they do or who they are. I was like that when I was in school and I had no friends while being constantly teased and picked on. But the best part about it is that you can learn from it and grow, and with people that care about you to encourage you, then you won't need to be afraid and then you can be the best that you can, as long as there will be someone there to help you along and be there for you. You have someone, right?"
The Toad blinked and then blushed a little at a passing character through his mind and he nodded slowly, ". . .yeah, I do. And then there's also my buddies here on guard duty too, and they encourage me a lot. They're the ones who talked me into becoming a guard for the castle. . .and they were there for me through everything too!" He then stood straight, a broad smile crossing his face, "Hey, now I don't feel like a scaredy-cat anymore! Thanks, Mr. Mario!"
Yugi nodded with a smile of his own, trying to suppress screaming out that his name was 'Yugi', "Your welcome. Is there anything else you need?"
The mushroom character blinked again and then thought, trying to think back, "What was it. . .oh yeah!" Then he looks up at the teen, "I was to come here and look for you and to tell you that you are to meet with the princess as soon as possible, and only you."
Yugi blinked then nodded slowly, the questions from ever since he came here began popping back into his mind, "Okay. . .where is she?"
Toad turned and pointed to the large staircase, "There's about two of these large ones you need to get to. . ." Then points to the door, "And 3 of these doors. The princess needed a break from talking with so many of the guests so she's waiting where it's quiet."
"Alright. Thank you."
"No, thank you for helping me." And with that, the trainee guard went off back to his place with now confidence in his stride for he no longer shook with uneasiness.
Yugi smiled a little with a chuckle before he stood and then looked around carefully for any sign of a recognizable green hat before he sighed, finding none, '. . .sorry, Luigi. . .' Then he went off himself, steering himself where the guard told him to go.
~*~
The last thick wooded door opened slowly with a loud creak, revealing a slightly wheezing and winded young Yugi Mouto, '. . .this is why I hate stairs. . .!'
He rested for a bit, catching his breath before he stood straight and walked more through the door before he stood still, frozen and his eyes wide with his mouth hanging open. Even the sound of the door slamming a little behind him didn't make him blink.
It was a rather large and long hallway with the same wide royal red carpet on the checkered floor. There were sweet smelling plants lining up against the wall where there were windows almost reaching up to the ceiling and just a door wider than the royal entry doors, and it revealed the vast landscape. Outside were the rise and fall of small mountains and forests before the seemingly endless horizon. The sun was still at its afternoon phase, letting its warm rays pass through the glass in the hallway and lighting the floor, creating a gentle serene atmosphere with the stillness of the room.
But that's not what made him go still. There not far off was a figure clothed in an elegantly long and fitting light pink dress that outlined a form that only a dancer could have, but what caught him off guard the most was the familiar shoulder length brown hair.
The person turned slowly and the blinking blue eyes are what gave it away, "Who is it?"
Yugi shook his head and blinked many times with his mouth still gaping open, ". . .T-Téa!?!?"
"Huh? Yugi!!" Téa Gardner cried as she ran to him, but picked up her dress a bit so she wouldn't trip and came in front of him, placing her long white gloved hands on his shoulders, her eyes shimmering with both shock and relief as she trembled a bit, "I can't believe it! Is it really you!?" She then couldn't help it anymore and hugged him, her arms wrapping around him as she rested her chin on his shoulder, "Oh, gosh, Yugi! You don't know how glad I am to see you!"
Yugi blinked then blushed hotly before he tried shaking it off and let his own arms hug her back briefly before he pulled away, much as he felt that he didn't want to but smiled a little, also relieved, "I'm happy to see you too, Téa. But what are you doing here?"
"I don't know. I can't remember much after we got into Kaiba Land. . .all I saw was darkness, and before long, I woke up and found myself here. And then all these strange looking people who kept calling me Princess Peach! Just who is this princess anyway? And I certainly don't fit the description!"
". . .well, from what I know, Princess Peach was the ruler of this land called the Mushroom Kingdom." Yugi answered.
Téa raised an eyebrow and sweat dropped, "Sounds like something my grandmother would make for dinner." Then she shook her head and a serious look came over her face that mingled with worry, ". . .but, where are the others? Didn't you see anyone else? Joey, Mai, Tristen, and Ryou?"
The boy shook his head solemnly and looked down a bit, "No, no one."
"Oh. . ." She looked down as well, hope starting to leave her before she caught site of the separated piece of the puzzle around Yugi's neck and she stared, ". . .that's. . .that's NOT what I think it is, is it?"
When there was no answer, Téa looked up at him, and she finally saw the devastation the missing whole puzzle along with a missing half of himself, setting deep within his innocent purple eyes and she felt herself feel what Yugi was going through and her voice became soft, "Oh, Yugi. . ."
Yugi flinched a bit, starting to feel the tears burn and bite at the corner of his eyes and he bit down on the inside of his lip. He was separated from Yami before and he never liked the feeling of the cold emptiness moving around inside him and he never ever wished for this to happen again. . .but it did, and that dealt a hard blow to his heart. At that, he shut his eyes tight to keep the tears from coming, but the trembling couldn't be helped.
What she saw landed a pain in Téa as well to see him in so much despair. She hated to see anyone, especially her friends, go through a hard time in their life, but there was a special place for the young Yugi boy, yet she couldn't tell what. Even though it was on her mind, she shook it off. No. This wasn't the time to be thinking.
Téa was about to draw Yugi into another hug when there was suddenly the sound of soft rumbling before it eventually got louder and louder and then the whole castle began to shake violently, startling the two as well as all the guests within the walls.
"Wh-wh-what's going on!?" Téa cried, trying to stand before she fell back hard, the crown that was on her head that came with her attire dropped and began to roll away as the tremors got worse, "Ow!"
Yugi snapped his head up and came over to her quickly, looking her over as he tried to speak over the unbearable noise, "Téa, are you okay?"
"I think so! But what's with all the shaking!?"
"I don't know, but I think it's best if we just stay down and not try to walk during an earthquake!"
"Well, this feels stronger than an earthquake!!" Téa cried as she covered her ears with Yugi following her example. It sounded more like a civil war indeed than a normal earthquake.
After a while, the tremors slowly ceased and then disappeared, just as quickly as it had started up. Only then did Yugi stand and helped Téa to her feet, but supported her for a little while because she was still a little shaky from the ordeal. He looked up at her with deep concern as he held onto her hand for a bit, "Are you okay now, Téa?"
Téa put her free hand to her head, trying to wait for the headache to lessen up, "Ugh. . .I think so. . ." Then she shook her head and smiled down at him, "Thank you for helping me, Yugi."
The boy blushed again and looked away shyly, "Y-Your welcome."
She smiled a little more with a giggle before she blinked, her eyes on the floor, "Hey, wait a second. . .why is the room seem so dark all of a sudden?" Then she looked out the window and gasped, "What the-!? Why is it nighttime!?"
Before Téa could say anymore, Yugi saw something coming towards them and grabbed her, pulling her towards the ground with him as the tall glass window that they stood by suddenly shattered into countless small and piece shards and pieces alike flying everywhere. Then in dashed two figures, one rather over-sized turtle or dragon with the colors of red brown for hair, green for his large shell with sharp and long yellow spikes protruding from it as his horns were noticeable too. Two heavy black wristbands are located where his razor-like clawed hands were as his skin was a dull golden yellow as he snorted through his big round and stout nose.
The second character was smaller, if not very much older. It looked like a turtle dressed in purple with matching purple-rimmed glasses along with a purple hat. It also had a little bit of long white hair as well to complete the old look, but what was odd is that it was riding on a broom stick, or maybe even a mop that also had purple on it, only lighter.
Téa blinked and stood as she dusted the bits of glass from her hair and body, careful not to cut herself.
"Gwaa ha ha ha ha! Long time no see, Princess Peach!" The great big dragon said with a hardy laugh.
Startled, she jumped a bit before rubbing her ears from the boom of his voice and she sweat dropped, "Who the heck is THIS creep. Looks fat enough to be the one responsible for the earthquake."
"Gwa ha ha ha! Yeah, that was me! I've lifted your castle up into the sky! It's sitting on my castle now. Weren't expecting that, huh?" The dragon sneered a toothy sneer at her, "Ha! This castle is under my control no, my dear! Now you will obey ME!"
Téa gave him a funny look, sweat dropping more, and then began to get mad, ". . .I don't obey NO one, y'hear, you big lug!? I don't even know who you are!!"
"My, my, aren't you a bit feisty today, princess. And how you mock me by forgetting that I am the one and only Bowser! You wound me, Princess Peach." The dragon, or, Bowser, said in sarcasm, making the girl twitch twice.
Yugi, after seeing and heard what's going on, he steps out from behind Téa and stands in front of her in protection, his feet planted firmly on the ground. He was not about to loose anyone close to him without a fight. He did that once, not ever again will he do it.
Bowser blinked, "Huh!? What? It's. . .Mario!! What a shock!" Then he smirked, "Ha! Not really. I expected you to turn up, right on cue. You're just annoying as ever. Unfortunately for you, there's nothing you can do this time."
Téa blinked at Yugi's back in surprise and the way his body was positioned, "Yugi. . ." Then she finally realized it and she gasped a little, "No, Yugi, don't do this! How are you suppose to fight him when you don't know how!"
"I'm sorry, Téa, but I'm going to have to try." Yugi said in determination, "I stood by once and watched someone else protect you guys, but now it's my turn!"
Bowser let out another laugh and stared them down, "Funny names you two call each other. A game, I suppose. A lame game of confusion." Then he smirked at the short boy mockingly, "Okay, tough guy! Let's go!"
"But. . .Yugi. . ." Téa began to say.
"Don't worry, Téa. I won't let anything happen to you." Yugi gently interrupted as he looked at her over his shoulder with a something strange reflecting in his eyes, "Let me protect you." And with that, he walked forward to meet the towering beast.
The scenery suddenly seem to change and in appeared three bubbles floating just an arm span above Yugi, though there were two that were blank, and one that had an image or a picture in the shape of the brown shoe he was wearing while there was a single word under it that said "jump". Without a thought, he reached up and grasped that bubble, then it disappeared, but then a white glow surrounded his feet and Yugi walked forward. He crouched a bit and then jumped, but he jumped high, higher than Bowser and landed square on his head.
Bowser yelped a bit and rubbed at his head from the pain.
As if he came out of a trance, Yugi blinked a few times in shock and looked at both his hands, "Wow, I actually hurt him?"
"Good ol' Mario. . .always a thorn in my side. But today, your pathetic little attacks won't beat me!" Bowser said as he reached behind him and brought out a short hand-held staff with a gold star atop it and laughed, "Take a look at this! Look what I stole from Star Haven! It's the Star Rod! This fine piece of work has the power to grant any wish in the whole wide world! And when I use the Star Rod to increase my strength, even you can't beat me, Mario!"
The room suddenly was lighted up as rays of light shot out from the Star Rod before the light went to Bowser and soon made him glow all the colors of the rainbow, a sign that he was powering up and it was being clearly noticed. He laughed and the Star Rod disappeared from his hand as he grinned down at Yugi, "Gwa ha ha ha ha ha! How do you like that, Mario!?"
Téa, speechless, she watched as the big dragon walked on casually towards the much smaller and shorter boy, and then she covered her face as Bowser's claws came slashing down on Yugi, knocking him back.
The teen winced, feeling the blow really get to him and he shook his head from the daze. His vision was beginning to blur, and that wasn't good, but he got up anyway as the three bubbles appeared again on his side and he took to the "jump" option again. Yugi jumped at Bowser, but this time it didn't phase him at all, and Yugi stumbled back a bit in disbelief, having a hard time standing, '. . .oh no, I can't do anything!'
"Yugi!" Téa cried out, "Yugi, please stop! Don't do this! It's not worth it if you get hurt!"
"Gwa ha ha ha ha! Is that all you've got? How sad! You'd best take some vitamins 'cause that didn't hurt at all!" Bowser snorted with that same toothy smirk, ". . .but maybe I should spare you the torture since I know you are no match for the new me. It's not even worth my time to toy with you anymore, Mario. It's time to end this! Here we go! Good night, Mario!"
The large brute inhaled a deep breath, his head raising as he took in air then he looked straight at Yugi and opened his mouth wide, unleashing a torrent of hot blazing and bright fire in the young Mouto's way, completely engulfing the boy After the blaze subsided and extinguished, it left a burnt and unconscious and seriously injured body in it's wake on the ground. He didn't seem to be breathing.
Téa stared in horror for a long while before she trembled and ran over to him, gently trying to make him come to, all the while terror and fear gripping her heart tightly, "Oh no, Yugi, Yugi! Yugi, wake up! Yugi!!"
A loud laugh of triumph came from the pits of Bowser's throat, "Yes! Oh, yeah! I did it! I finally did it! I beat my rival Mario! Yessss!"
Finally, the turtle he came with, spoke up in a cracking cackling voice, "Congratulations on your victory, Your Viciousness! That's why you're the king!"
"Why, thank you, Kammy Koopa." Bowser said before he turned to her with the Star Rod in hand, "As long as I have this Star Rod, everything I wish will come true! No one can stop me now!" He then turned back when the sounds of Téa's desperate attempts reached his ears and he chuckled darkly, raising the stolen rod, "Well, well, well. . .I guess I might as well get rid of Mario. He's no good to anyone now, that's for sure."
Another glow and a single bright yellow lightning bolt shot out of thin air and crashed down on Yugi, hurling his body into the air and out the window. The blue-eyed girl gasped and stood, running to the jagged opening, almost near tears as she watched him helplessly drop into the dark sky below until he could no longer be seen and her heart sank, "No, Yugi!!!!"
Kammy Koopa turned to the end of the hall behind her and called Bowser's guards, which were also turtles, only heavily armored for combat, but the armor also had spikes on they're silver armored shells while their helmet had a single sharp prickle of it's own to prevent being stepped on and turned over on their backs.
The guards came over and surrounded Téa, coming and closing in on her, and with a few difficulties from the struggling girl, they manage to pin her down and tie her up tight in a few ropes so she wouldn't move and hefted her up above there heads and marched.
"Put me down, you freaks!!" Téa protested as she tried to squirm out of her bonds, even though she knew it was no use, but she kept trying.
"Stop wriggling, princess. We're not gonna hurt you." The turtle witch, Kammy Koopa cackled and then made a dry laugh as she watched the girl be carried off.
"Just you watch, you jerks! When Yugi finds my friends, they're going to kick all yours butts!!" Téa yelled back.
She then quieted as they began walking through a door, and moved this way and that so she could look one more time at the window where she saw Yugi plummet out of and she bit her lip, '. . .Yugi. . .' Then the door heavily closed behind them with a loud slam. Then there was only silence.
To Be Continued. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oh my GOSH was this thing LONG!!! Never ONCE did I write in ANY of my stories 10 pages! (okay, technically it's a little on the 11th page but I'm leaving out this long A/N, so it doesn't count) And in two days! I must be crazy, because now I have to do a crap loada homework. I was sick since Feb. 18 up till now because of a bad stomach flu virus and stayed home from school, but during those times I was busy planning this story. I had a slight inspiration when Paper Mario first came out, but I wasn't sure if it wasn't going to work. After a time I forgot about it, but then I picked up playing the game again and finished it how many times, and then I thought, hey, why not do it already? At least give it a shot and see what'll happen, so here I am. I'm guessing each of the upcoming chapters will be long so it will need a lot of time and dedication. Geeze, who knew making a chapter let alone a story would be so hard, ne?
Well, this chapter I would say had a lot more feelings than humor, and was more on the darker side of me, but I promise this depression cloud won't last too long. There's bound to be at least some humor to make you guys even smile, fake if anything. There was also some action in here, and I'm glad I got some of it down. I cut some of the things I planned out because I didn't want you to sit too long on your butts so it'll fall asleep and you'd get bored with my story. Not like it already is, right?
And, ooooo! I think you all hate me too for what I did to the Millennium Puzzle and poor Yami! Heh, sorry. Musta been a short span of insanity, or I'm just giving you guys something to hold against me with all the rest of your grudges. Where are all the pieces your wondering? Hmm. . .well, let's see. . .you'll just going to have to work with me because I'm just making this up as I go along.
Also, I used mostly what the characters said in the battle part of the chapter, so I hope no one sues me for it since I have no brain and it can't function properly on it's on unless it has something to work by. Just something so none of you guys can kill me, yet! I have chapters to do and schoolwork and graduation and maybe college to do, you know! Or is that just a poor excuse? And as for where all the rest of the Yu-Gi-Oh! Co. went, you'll just have to wait and see too. So, yeah. ^-^*
Oi. . .it's 11:56 p.m. my time. I better get going on my Science homework since I have odd periods at school tomorrow, then maybe I'll start a little on my algebra. Yay. Well, leave a review please, and I hope I didn't put you all to sleep! Thanks a bunch! Bye!
P.S: FLAME ON! Get your flames and flame the author for her lame story! Get your red hot flames!! And I'll try to get the next chapter out as soon as possible, if that's what you guys want.
By: ~*Brittney a.k.a Hoshi Mizuriu*~
Disclaimer: Hiyo's, ppls! Jus' wanted to say that I don't own nothing but my life, my pillow, and this story. Nothing else. And please don't sue. I got no money. I'm only 14. Period. If anything it's like maybe 15 cense, or maybe a little more but I know it's not even making a quarter. Again, all rights are reserved on the characters of Yu-Gi-Oh!, and also the story plot line and most of the characters I'm using from Paper Mario. I only own one character in here and the other one is owned by my friend, but who they are, well, I can't tell you that now can I? *winks* Another surprise to expect. How I was inspired by this idea and when, I'll tell at the end of this chapter because I'm pretty sure you want to get on reading, ne? ^-~*
~*~
Chapter 1: Get the Game on for Prologue Part I of Confusion
Started: February. 21, 2004
Finished: February. 22, 2004
~*~
He shifted and tossed in his bed before settling back in after finding a comfortable spot, drawing the red covers over his head to block out the shining afternoon sunlight from the window. The top bunk bed creaked as the boy faced the light blue wall. Birds were chirping in the many trees outside as a warm gentle breeze gently rustled the leaves, making him shift again until he suddenly froze, his purple eyes snapping open wide and he sat up with a bolt, only for him to tumble out and land on the ground with a rather loud thud on the wooden floor.
Yugi rubbed his head and looked around and blinked where he fell from, "Wait a second! Since when did I have a top bunk!?"
A tall person dressed in blue overalls over a green shirt with white gloves on his hands came into the room, fixing his green trademark hat with the green letter in the shape of an "L" in the middle of a white circle on it, back unto his head. The black mustache was also something recognizable, "Mario, what's wrong?"
Yugi blinked at him, "You're the game character Luigi!"
The character blinked again, "Brother, what are you talking about? Of course it's me."
The shorter boy sweat dropped as he stood and dusted himself off, ". . .why are you calling me 'Mario'? I'm not him!"
"I think you fell a little harder than I thought. . ." Luigi said as he tilted his head and studied the boy, ". . .but you do seem different. . .or I could be imagining things."
"My name is Yugi Mouto, not Mario. I go to Domino High School in Domino, Japan." Yugi explained, trying to suppress the many questions that were beginning to pop into his mind, but the biggest question was, where is everyone?
"Don't know where that is. As far as I know is only the Mushroom Kingdom."
Yugi sweat dropped and stared before he shook his head, "I-I'm sorry. . .what? Did you say the MUSHROOM Kingdom?"
Luigi raised a brow and crossed his arms, "Boy, I think that fall really did something or you really are this Yugi person."
"That's what I've been trying to say! My name is Yugi, not Mario!" Yugi was getting clearly frustrated with all this, especially when he didn't know where he was or his friends.
"Whoa, then, take it easy there. . .Yugi. Don't need to get upset." Luigi said as he put his hands up in defense, then he put them down and looked over at Yugi, "Okay, say I believe you, why are you here?"
The purple-eyed boy blinked and thought for a moment, trying to think back on what he could remember, from the time he was at school, to meeting his friends and Mai at Kaiba Land. . .then a sudden void of darkness and then nothing. His voice was now quiet with his brows furrowed a little in confusion, "I. . .I don't know. I can't remember. . ."
"Then what do you remember?" The digitally made up character asked.
". . .I was at school, but then I got pulled out with my friends because we got a note from someone who owns a business company to come to one of their theme parks for something, only there was no one there and the place was dark. After that, it's pretty much a blur. . ." Yugi then looked up at Luigi with a start as it dawned on him, "My friends! Where are they?"
Luigi scratched his head with a questionable look, "Well. . .we have no neighbors. . .and we're pretty much isolated out here by ourselves, so I don't know."
There was the sound of fluttering wings, then a ring outside the house that advert both their attention before a voice came from outside the door, "Mail call!" Then another set of fluttering before it faded and then there were only the sounds of the birds outside.
Luigi then turned back to Yugi, "Come on into the living room and sit down and make yourself comfortable while I go outside and get the mail, then we can talk this situation over, okay?"
"Alright. . ." Yugi nodded quietly and followed him into the small wooded living room.
When Luigi went out, Yugi looked around. There was a three shelved bookcase with books filling up most of the spaces in them as there was a table also made of wood with two chairs. A plant was set in the middle of the table to add some decoration as everything sat on a green carpet. A classical simple type of home setting with a window sitting right next to the door to look out.
Yugi then absentmindedly reached to fiddle with the Millennium Puzzle, his old habit since he had completed it about some ways back. He remembered how he had got it from his grandfather and started right away on it, wanting to know if what his grandfather said was true, that the puzzle will grant any wish the owner desired. He then remembered how he suddenly assembled almost all the pieces together, only to find one important thing missing, the Eye. But then his grandfather came in and gave him the last piece, letting Yugi have the power of the Millennium Puzzle, and through that, he met Yami, and even more is that he got his wish: to have true friends, which were of course Joey, Tristen, Téa and Ryou.
He smiled a little at the memory, but then it faded when he realized that the puzzle was gone from its place around his neck. Yugi also felt the absence of not having Yami fill his other part, yet he still can't remember where it went. He contemplated this and was about to sit down when Luigi came bursting into the blue painted door, startling Yugi and making him fall on the floor for the second time that day, "AGH!"
The green and blue dressed individual blinked then smiled a little in apology, "Sorry, Yugi. But I think I have an answer to your problem right here!" He said as he held up a letter.
Yugi slowly stumbled to a stand, rubbing his sore head with a wince, "What is it, Luigi?"
Luigi came over and looked back down at the paper, "I'll read it to you:
I'm throwing a party at my castle today! Mario and Luigi, I would be honored if you both would attend. Many guests from distant towns are hoping to meet you. There will be tasty sweets and all kinds of entertainment! I hope to see you there soon.
Sincerely,
Peach."
Yugi blinked in confusion, "What? I don't get it. . ."
"It means that if we go to the party and see the Princess, she'll know what to do about your problem and how to help you."
"Really? She would know?" There was now hope imbedded in his voice as the pain from the two falls was being long forgotten.
Luigi nodded, "Yeah! She's got to, I mean, she is the Princess Peach of Mushroom Kingdom after all. And with so many subjects and scholars, not to mention all these people that's going to be there, at least ONE of them has to know what to do."
Yugi straightened with a broad smile on his face, "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" He then dashed for the door, but then was gently yanked back by the collar.
"Hold on a minute there, Yugi. This also came in the mail." The tall male said as he placed something inside of the boy's white-gloved hand.
Yugi stared with wide eyes in horror and devastation as he trembled a bit at the site that lay in his palm. A jagged gold piece connected and structured by smaller golden pieces gleamed up at him. It was a small broken section taken apart from the Millennium Puzzle!
'. . .no! Yami!' No wonder there was a void in the connection that the two shared besides the separation with him and the puzzle. Yugi's voice shook a little as he continued to gape at the site, ". . .h-how did this happen. . .?" Then he looked up at Luigi frantically, almost near tears at the thought of not being able to see his other half again, "Where are the other pieces?! I have to know!"
"Whoa, easy. Look. I can't answer any of your questions. Just calm down and gather yourself together, then when your ready, we'll go see the Princess, alright?" Luigi said, placing a hand on the shorter boy's shoulder in comfort.
Yugi shut his eyes tightly, trying to will himself not to cry and he closed his hand over the Millennium piece. Not only did he not know where any of his friends are, but all the hard work and the heart he put into making the puzzle seemed it was for nothing as well. He felt almost completely empty and helpless inside, something he had feared about feeling for a long time for as long as he could remember. It seemed he was all alone with no one to help him and he bit his lip.
The puzzle piece that was so cold in his hand then suddenly became warm against his skin, and if paying attention enough, it would softly pulse like a slow and sleepy heartbeat. Yugi then opened his eyes to the ground. No. It shouldn't be like this. He shouldn't give up so easily, give up on his friends. For all he knew, they could still be out there, waiting. This piece of the puzzle proved it. It didn't matter how long Yugi put it together, but what mattered is his reason why. He wanted true friends and each piece showed it completely.
He closed his purple eyes again and drew in a deep breath before glancing up at Luigi and nodded, now determined, "Alright. I'm ready."
"Good. Let's go then!" Luigi said in agreement and lead him out into the yard.
There was a dirt pathway in the grass that lead pass a blue and white painted mailbox to a rather large green pipe sticking out upwards from the ground and they stopped in front of it.
Yugi blinked and pointed, "What's that?"
"That? That would be our transportation into Toad Town. The only transportation besides taking the long way walking." Luigi answered as he stopped in front of it.
The high schooler came over beside him and leaned over, looking into the black darkness inside it as he drew a gold bang away from his face so he could get a better look, ". . .looks kind of dark in there. Are you sure it's safe?"
"Sure I'm sure! Now come on. Let's not keep the Princess waiting!" And with that, the taller Mario brother gently pushed Yugi in headfirst, catching him totally off-guard again, before Luigi jumped in himself.
~*~
Luigi climbed out of the pipe and stood on it before jumping down, blinking when he saw Yugi face-flat on the ground, "You okay?"
"Ugh. . .I seem to be falling a lot today. . ." Yugi tiredly said as he got up slowly, rubbing his sore head that was hurting for the 4th time that day.
Then he blinked a few times at his surroundings. There were buildings not higher than a two story house and not wider than one either except for one that had a cardboard sign on the short green grassy lawn that had a tulip- like flower with an orange bloom, but it had two beady eyes to go with it, like all the rest of the characters so far that he's seen. Not far off to his right, there was a big pond of water with a monument of a kind with another pipe on a white platform that also had grass bordering around the base of the green pipe.
The path that he and Luigi stood on was light and dark brown in stone, making into the shape of a mushroom head, but it also had eyes. There were also some people a little shorter than him walking around, but they wore different colored sleeveless jackets for clothes, and they had rather large heads, like that of a mushroom head as well, and the colors were red spots and white decorating the head. Only then did Yugi realize something. . .everyone and everything was 2D, or seemed was like they were cut out of paper.
"Welcome to Toad Town, Yugi. A place where many of the people are friendly." Then Luigi looked over at the stunned growing teen, "This town isn't so bad, but it tends to get busy every once in a while. That's why my brother, Mario, and I live on the countryside of the kingdom where it's nice and quiet." Then he walked forward, looking back at Yugi, "Come on. We should hurry to the castle."
Yugi blinked back and nodded before hurrying after him, taking long glances at the buildings he passed by. Several of the small characters passed smiles at him while some said greetings along with the name Mario. He then came next to Luigi and whispered the question that was nagging his brain, "Who are these people?"
"Well, they're not actually people. They're called Toads and are the many residents that live in this world, along with other characters that you will see at the party. As for us humans being here, so far I only know is my brother, me, and the Princess. I haven't seen anyone else."
"I see. . ." Then Yugi blinked and stopped in front of a building painted in a scenery of a clear night sky with stars that almost looks like its actually twinkling, making it look seemingly real. But that's not what caught his eyes and he rubbed them before looking again just to make sure he wasn't hallucinating before sweat dropping, ". . .is it just me or is that roof spinning!?"
"Hmm?" Luigi stopped and looked up before smiling, "Oh no. It's spinning alright."
"What?! How?!"
Luigi shrugged, "Who knows. This is the fortune-teller's place in Toad Town. His name is Merlon, and his whole family is dedicated to the usage of the power of the stars, message bearers from beyond, and all that magic stuff. I'm not into it." Then looked back at him with a smile, "Now, if there is anymore questions, let the princess answer. She knows a lot more than I do."
Yugi finally tore his purple gaze from the unbelievable house and nodded, following the younger Mario brother to a large and heavy metal gateway painted in blue with a large gold star with the same small black eyes covering most of the door. He and Luigi went over to it and it opened right down the middle, letting them pass through.
It was tall and huge, bigger than any building he's seen. The castle walls were painted in a gentle creamy beige with a type of dull pinkish brown for the pointed roofs that reached to the sun and sky. Many windows made of rich wood dotted around the palace with glittering crystal glass and made a way to see inside the persons walk around and talk and laugh at the festivities that were going on that day. Some of the visitors took to the natural surroundings and stood outside near the beautifully sculptured water fountain while they chatted away, but resembled more to animals then anything else while some are hard to describe.
Yugi couldn't find his voice as Luigi lead him through the large mahogany front doors. Inside the place was brightly lit as they walked on a velvet red carpet that settled on a black and white checkered tile floor. There were a few round tables with white sheets covering them with sweets and drinks placed on it in an arrangement. Walking around were more Toads and other characters from noticeably far off places due to how they dressed, "Whoa. . ." He finally said.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. What a magnificent castle! I never get used to this place. It looks like lots of guests are already here." Then Luigi looked at Yugi and smiled apologetically, "Sorry to do this to you, Yugi, but I have to do something, so sit tight and I'll be right back as soon as I can, alright?"
"H-huh?" The boy stuttered but then he nodded slowly after closing his mouth, ". . .a-alright, Luigi."
"Hey, don't worry! I know this is a big place but there's nothing to be scared of. Oh, and that gold thing I gave you from the mail looks like it has a loop where you can string something through it and hang it somewhere, so here's a chain." Luigi said as he handed the linked silver ovals to Yugi, "It's small, but it'll hold strong through heavy weights. I should know. Mario taught me that. Anyways, I'll see ya. Be right back!"
"Thanks, Luigi!" Yugi called after him with a bright smile before he looked down at the chain and took out the piece of the puzzle from his pocket in the plumber's outfit. Indeed, this piece did have the loophole that enabled him to hang the Millennium item around his neck and immediately Yugi threaded the chain through and placed it around his neck. He then smiled a little in relief as he felt a bit better at having at least a part of the puzzle.
A few moments later, one of the Toad characters dressed in a guard-like manner with a spear in hand came up to him, but he seemed to be trembling a little, "M-m-mr. Mario s-sir. . .?"
Yugi blinked down at him and knelt so he'd be at eye level with the guard, then he thought a little and bit back the thought of giving out his real name, not knowing what would come of it since this guard held a weapon and nodded, ". . .yes? What's wrong? Why are you shaking?"
"W-w-well. . ." The guard tried to clear his throat, but that didn't help much and he looked down, "I-I'm a trainee, and th-there's just so many p- people. I guess I'm a bit s-scared. . .pretty pathetic of me, h-huh?"
Yugi blinked as a memory passed through his mind and then he smiled a little at it. This Toad reminded so much of himself when he was in school where he had no friends or anyone to talk to and turn to or hang out with. Just unsure, uneasy, and even frightened. So he placed a hand on the trainee's shoulder and he shook his head, "No, of course not. When we first get into new things with no one to really talk to, it's not pathetic for someone to feel scared, because everyone eventually feels like that every time, no matter what they do or who they are. I was like that when I was in school and I had no friends while being constantly teased and picked on. But the best part about it is that you can learn from it and grow, and with people that care about you to encourage you, then you won't need to be afraid and then you can be the best that you can, as long as there will be someone there to help you along and be there for you. You have someone, right?"
The Toad blinked and then blushed a little at a passing character through his mind and he nodded slowly, ". . .yeah, I do. And then there's also my buddies here on guard duty too, and they encourage me a lot. They're the ones who talked me into becoming a guard for the castle. . .and they were there for me through everything too!" He then stood straight, a broad smile crossing his face, "Hey, now I don't feel like a scaredy-cat anymore! Thanks, Mr. Mario!"
Yugi nodded with a smile of his own, trying to suppress screaming out that his name was 'Yugi', "Your welcome. Is there anything else you need?"
The mushroom character blinked again and then thought, trying to think back, "What was it. . .oh yeah!" Then he looks up at the teen, "I was to come here and look for you and to tell you that you are to meet with the princess as soon as possible, and only you."
Yugi blinked then nodded slowly, the questions from ever since he came here began popping back into his mind, "Okay. . .where is she?"
Toad turned and pointed to the large staircase, "There's about two of these large ones you need to get to. . ." Then points to the door, "And 3 of these doors. The princess needed a break from talking with so many of the guests so she's waiting where it's quiet."
"Alright. Thank you."
"No, thank you for helping me." And with that, the trainee guard went off back to his place with now confidence in his stride for he no longer shook with uneasiness.
Yugi smiled a little with a chuckle before he stood and then looked around carefully for any sign of a recognizable green hat before he sighed, finding none, '. . .sorry, Luigi. . .' Then he went off himself, steering himself where the guard told him to go.
~*~
The last thick wooded door opened slowly with a loud creak, revealing a slightly wheezing and winded young Yugi Mouto, '. . .this is why I hate stairs. . .!'
He rested for a bit, catching his breath before he stood straight and walked more through the door before he stood still, frozen and his eyes wide with his mouth hanging open. Even the sound of the door slamming a little behind him didn't make him blink.
It was a rather large and long hallway with the same wide royal red carpet on the checkered floor. There were sweet smelling plants lining up against the wall where there were windows almost reaching up to the ceiling and just a door wider than the royal entry doors, and it revealed the vast landscape. Outside were the rise and fall of small mountains and forests before the seemingly endless horizon. The sun was still at its afternoon phase, letting its warm rays pass through the glass in the hallway and lighting the floor, creating a gentle serene atmosphere with the stillness of the room.
But that's not what made him go still. There not far off was a figure clothed in an elegantly long and fitting light pink dress that outlined a form that only a dancer could have, but what caught him off guard the most was the familiar shoulder length brown hair.
The person turned slowly and the blinking blue eyes are what gave it away, "Who is it?"
Yugi shook his head and blinked many times with his mouth still gaping open, ". . .T-Téa!?!?"
"Huh? Yugi!!" Téa Gardner cried as she ran to him, but picked up her dress a bit so she wouldn't trip and came in front of him, placing her long white gloved hands on his shoulders, her eyes shimmering with both shock and relief as she trembled a bit, "I can't believe it! Is it really you!?" She then couldn't help it anymore and hugged him, her arms wrapping around him as she rested her chin on his shoulder, "Oh, gosh, Yugi! You don't know how glad I am to see you!"
Yugi blinked then blushed hotly before he tried shaking it off and let his own arms hug her back briefly before he pulled away, much as he felt that he didn't want to but smiled a little, also relieved, "I'm happy to see you too, Téa. But what are you doing here?"
"I don't know. I can't remember much after we got into Kaiba Land. . .all I saw was darkness, and before long, I woke up and found myself here. And then all these strange looking people who kept calling me Princess Peach! Just who is this princess anyway? And I certainly don't fit the description!"
". . .well, from what I know, Princess Peach was the ruler of this land called the Mushroom Kingdom." Yugi answered.
Téa raised an eyebrow and sweat dropped, "Sounds like something my grandmother would make for dinner." Then she shook her head and a serious look came over her face that mingled with worry, ". . .but, where are the others? Didn't you see anyone else? Joey, Mai, Tristen, and Ryou?"
The boy shook his head solemnly and looked down a bit, "No, no one."
"Oh. . ." She looked down as well, hope starting to leave her before she caught site of the separated piece of the puzzle around Yugi's neck and she stared, ". . .that's. . .that's NOT what I think it is, is it?"
When there was no answer, Téa looked up at him, and she finally saw the devastation the missing whole puzzle along with a missing half of himself, setting deep within his innocent purple eyes and she felt herself feel what Yugi was going through and her voice became soft, "Oh, Yugi. . ."
Yugi flinched a bit, starting to feel the tears burn and bite at the corner of his eyes and he bit down on the inside of his lip. He was separated from Yami before and he never liked the feeling of the cold emptiness moving around inside him and he never ever wished for this to happen again. . .but it did, and that dealt a hard blow to his heart. At that, he shut his eyes tight to keep the tears from coming, but the trembling couldn't be helped.
What she saw landed a pain in Téa as well to see him in so much despair. She hated to see anyone, especially her friends, go through a hard time in their life, but there was a special place for the young Yugi boy, yet she couldn't tell what. Even though it was on her mind, she shook it off. No. This wasn't the time to be thinking.
Téa was about to draw Yugi into another hug when there was suddenly the sound of soft rumbling before it eventually got louder and louder and then the whole castle began to shake violently, startling the two as well as all the guests within the walls.
"Wh-wh-what's going on!?" Téa cried, trying to stand before she fell back hard, the crown that was on her head that came with her attire dropped and began to roll away as the tremors got worse, "Ow!"
Yugi snapped his head up and came over to her quickly, looking her over as he tried to speak over the unbearable noise, "Téa, are you okay?"
"I think so! But what's with all the shaking!?"
"I don't know, but I think it's best if we just stay down and not try to walk during an earthquake!"
"Well, this feels stronger than an earthquake!!" Téa cried as she covered her ears with Yugi following her example. It sounded more like a civil war indeed than a normal earthquake.
After a while, the tremors slowly ceased and then disappeared, just as quickly as it had started up. Only then did Yugi stand and helped Téa to her feet, but supported her for a little while because she was still a little shaky from the ordeal. He looked up at her with deep concern as he held onto her hand for a bit, "Are you okay now, Téa?"
Téa put her free hand to her head, trying to wait for the headache to lessen up, "Ugh. . .I think so. . ." Then she shook her head and smiled down at him, "Thank you for helping me, Yugi."
The boy blushed again and looked away shyly, "Y-Your welcome."
She smiled a little more with a giggle before she blinked, her eyes on the floor, "Hey, wait a second. . .why is the room seem so dark all of a sudden?" Then she looked out the window and gasped, "What the-!? Why is it nighttime!?"
Before Téa could say anymore, Yugi saw something coming towards them and grabbed her, pulling her towards the ground with him as the tall glass window that they stood by suddenly shattered into countless small and piece shards and pieces alike flying everywhere. Then in dashed two figures, one rather over-sized turtle or dragon with the colors of red brown for hair, green for his large shell with sharp and long yellow spikes protruding from it as his horns were noticeable too. Two heavy black wristbands are located where his razor-like clawed hands were as his skin was a dull golden yellow as he snorted through his big round and stout nose.
The second character was smaller, if not very much older. It looked like a turtle dressed in purple with matching purple-rimmed glasses along with a purple hat. It also had a little bit of long white hair as well to complete the old look, but what was odd is that it was riding on a broom stick, or maybe even a mop that also had purple on it, only lighter.
Téa blinked and stood as she dusted the bits of glass from her hair and body, careful not to cut herself.
"Gwaa ha ha ha ha! Long time no see, Princess Peach!" The great big dragon said with a hardy laugh.
Startled, she jumped a bit before rubbing her ears from the boom of his voice and she sweat dropped, "Who the heck is THIS creep. Looks fat enough to be the one responsible for the earthquake."
"Gwa ha ha ha! Yeah, that was me! I've lifted your castle up into the sky! It's sitting on my castle now. Weren't expecting that, huh?" The dragon sneered a toothy sneer at her, "Ha! This castle is under my control no, my dear! Now you will obey ME!"
Téa gave him a funny look, sweat dropping more, and then began to get mad, ". . .I don't obey NO one, y'hear, you big lug!? I don't even know who you are!!"
"My, my, aren't you a bit feisty today, princess. And how you mock me by forgetting that I am the one and only Bowser! You wound me, Princess Peach." The dragon, or, Bowser, said in sarcasm, making the girl twitch twice.
Yugi, after seeing and heard what's going on, he steps out from behind Téa and stands in front of her in protection, his feet planted firmly on the ground. He was not about to loose anyone close to him without a fight. He did that once, not ever again will he do it.
Bowser blinked, "Huh!? What? It's. . .Mario!! What a shock!" Then he smirked, "Ha! Not really. I expected you to turn up, right on cue. You're just annoying as ever. Unfortunately for you, there's nothing you can do this time."
Téa blinked at Yugi's back in surprise and the way his body was positioned, "Yugi. . ." Then she finally realized it and she gasped a little, "No, Yugi, don't do this! How are you suppose to fight him when you don't know how!"
"I'm sorry, Téa, but I'm going to have to try." Yugi said in determination, "I stood by once and watched someone else protect you guys, but now it's my turn!"
Bowser let out another laugh and stared them down, "Funny names you two call each other. A game, I suppose. A lame game of confusion." Then he smirked at the short boy mockingly, "Okay, tough guy! Let's go!"
"But. . .Yugi. . ." Téa began to say.
"Don't worry, Téa. I won't let anything happen to you." Yugi gently interrupted as he looked at her over his shoulder with a something strange reflecting in his eyes, "Let me protect you." And with that, he walked forward to meet the towering beast.
The scenery suddenly seem to change and in appeared three bubbles floating just an arm span above Yugi, though there were two that were blank, and one that had an image or a picture in the shape of the brown shoe he was wearing while there was a single word under it that said "jump". Without a thought, he reached up and grasped that bubble, then it disappeared, but then a white glow surrounded his feet and Yugi walked forward. He crouched a bit and then jumped, but he jumped high, higher than Bowser and landed square on his head.
Bowser yelped a bit and rubbed at his head from the pain.
As if he came out of a trance, Yugi blinked a few times in shock and looked at both his hands, "Wow, I actually hurt him?"
"Good ol' Mario. . .always a thorn in my side. But today, your pathetic little attacks won't beat me!" Bowser said as he reached behind him and brought out a short hand-held staff with a gold star atop it and laughed, "Take a look at this! Look what I stole from Star Haven! It's the Star Rod! This fine piece of work has the power to grant any wish in the whole wide world! And when I use the Star Rod to increase my strength, even you can't beat me, Mario!"
The room suddenly was lighted up as rays of light shot out from the Star Rod before the light went to Bowser and soon made him glow all the colors of the rainbow, a sign that he was powering up and it was being clearly noticed. He laughed and the Star Rod disappeared from his hand as he grinned down at Yugi, "Gwa ha ha ha ha ha! How do you like that, Mario!?"
Téa, speechless, she watched as the big dragon walked on casually towards the much smaller and shorter boy, and then she covered her face as Bowser's claws came slashing down on Yugi, knocking him back.
The teen winced, feeling the blow really get to him and he shook his head from the daze. His vision was beginning to blur, and that wasn't good, but he got up anyway as the three bubbles appeared again on his side and he took to the "jump" option again. Yugi jumped at Bowser, but this time it didn't phase him at all, and Yugi stumbled back a bit in disbelief, having a hard time standing, '. . .oh no, I can't do anything!'
"Yugi!" Téa cried out, "Yugi, please stop! Don't do this! It's not worth it if you get hurt!"
"Gwa ha ha ha ha! Is that all you've got? How sad! You'd best take some vitamins 'cause that didn't hurt at all!" Bowser snorted with that same toothy smirk, ". . .but maybe I should spare you the torture since I know you are no match for the new me. It's not even worth my time to toy with you anymore, Mario. It's time to end this! Here we go! Good night, Mario!"
The large brute inhaled a deep breath, his head raising as he took in air then he looked straight at Yugi and opened his mouth wide, unleashing a torrent of hot blazing and bright fire in the young Mouto's way, completely engulfing the boy After the blaze subsided and extinguished, it left a burnt and unconscious and seriously injured body in it's wake on the ground. He didn't seem to be breathing.
Téa stared in horror for a long while before she trembled and ran over to him, gently trying to make him come to, all the while terror and fear gripping her heart tightly, "Oh no, Yugi, Yugi! Yugi, wake up! Yugi!!"
A loud laugh of triumph came from the pits of Bowser's throat, "Yes! Oh, yeah! I did it! I finally did it! I beat my rival Mario! Yessss!"
Finally, the turtle he came with, spoke up in a cracking cackling voice, "Congratulations on your victory, Your Viciousness! That's why you're the king!"
"Why, thank you, Kammy Koopa." Bowser said before he turned to her with the Star Rod in hand, "As long as I have this Star Rod, everything I wish will come true! No one can stop me now!" He then turned back when the sounds of Téa's desperate attempts reached his ears and he chuckled darkly, raising the stolen rod, "Well, well, well. . .I guess I might as well get rid of Mario. He's no good to anyone now, that's for sure."
Another glow and a single bright yellow lightning bolt shot out of thin air and crashed down on Yugi, hurling his body into the air and out the window. The blue-eyed girl gasped and stood, running to the jagged opening, almost near tears as she watched him helplessly drop into the dark sky below until he could no longer be seen and her heart sank, "No, Yugi!!!!"
Kammy Koopa turned to the end of the hall behind her and called Bowser's guards, which were also turtles, only heavily armored for combat, but the armor also had spikes on they're silver armored shells while their helmet had a single sharp prickle of it's own to prevent being stepped on and turned over on their backs.
The guards came over and surrounded Téa, coming and closing in on her, and with a few difficulties from the struggling girl, they manage to pin her down and tie her up tight in a few ropes so she wouldn't move and hefted her up above there heads and marched.
"Put me down, you freaks!!" Téa protested as she tried to squirm out of her bonds, even though she knew it was no use, but she kept trying.
"Stop wriggling, princess. We're not gonna hurt you." The turtle witch, Kammy Koopa cackled and then made a dry laugh as she watched the girl be carried off.
"Just you watch, you jerks! When Yugi finds my friends, they're going to kick all yours butts!!" Téa yelled back.
She then quieted as they began walking through a door, and moved this way and that so she could look one more time at the window where she saw Yugi plummet out of and she bit her lip, '. . .Yugi. . .' Then the door heavily closed behind them with a loud slam. Then there was only silence.
To Be Continued. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oh my GOSH was this thing LONG!!! Never ONCE did I write in ANY of my stories 10 pages! (okay, technically it's a little on the 11th page but I'm leaving out this long A/N, so it doesn't count) And in two days! I must be crazy, because now I have to do a crap loada homework. I was sick since Feb. 18 up till now because of a bad stomach flu virus and stayed home from school, but during those times I was busy planning this story. I had a slight inspiration when Paper Mario first came out, but I wasn't sure if it wasn't going to work. After a time I forgot about it, but then I picked up playing the game again and finished it how many times, and then I thought, hey, why not do it already? At least give it a shot and see what'll happen, so here I am. I'm guessing each of the upcoming chapters will be long so it will need a lot of time and dedication. Geeze, who knew making a chapter let alone a story would be so hard, ne?
Well, this chapter I would say had a lot more feelings than humor, and was more on the darker side of me, but I promise this depression cloud won't last too long. There's bound to be at least some humor to make you guys even smile, fake if anything. There was also some action in here, and I'm glad I got some of it down. I cut some of the things I planned out because I didn't want you to sit too long on your butts so it'll fall asleep and you'd get bored with my story. Not like it already is, right?
And, ooooo! I think you all hate me too for what I did to the Millennium Puzzle and poor Yami! Heh, sorry. Musta been a short span of insanity, or I'm just giving you guys something to hold against me with all the rest of your grudges. Where are all the pieces your wondering? Hmm. . .well, let's see. . .you'll just going to have to work with me because I'm just making this up as I go along.
Also, I used mostly what the characters said in the battle part of the chapter, so I hope no one sues me for it since I have no brain and it can't function properly on it's on unless it has something to work by. Just something so none of you guys can kill me, yet! I have chapters to do and schoolwork and graduation and maybe college to do, you know! Or is that just a poor excuse? And as for where all the rest of the Yu-Gi-Oh! Co. went, you'll just have to wait and see too. So, yeah. ^-^*
Oi. . .it's 11:56 p.m. my time. I better get going on my Science homework since I have odd periods at school tomorrow, then maybe I'll start a little on my algebra. Yay. Well, leave a review please, and I hope I didn't put you all to sleep! Thanks a bunch! Bye!
P.S: FLAME ON! Get your flames and flame the author for her lame story! Get your red hot flames!! And I'll try to get the next chapter out as soon as possible, if that's what you guys want.