Reunited
Chapter 9: What You Desire
The Apprentice stands in front of the podium, talking to her leader, "And that is what happened."
"So, the real thing wasn't even there huh? Hmm... Well, this is good for us. At the Gateway you should be able to take out both Deathnify and those four zeroes, assuming you arrive late enough."
"Good. Now then, about what I am doing all of this for..."
"Oh, that. Well, my dear apprentice, you will get what you desire just as soon as you finish my resurrection. And you shall have the power as well."
"Added bonus, I suppose. Still, as you know, the only reason I started working for you was to get what you promised."
"I am aware. And judging by how well you've done everything, I can tell that you want this much more than I originally thought."
"And remember, I want to do this alone with none of your minions or you."
"I understand. Don't worry about it, Apprentice. Now then, those so-called heroes should be leaving for the Dry Dry Desert about now. Head for the lab and take it out."
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"Tell me what you know!" Ludwig shouts as he walks into a laboratory in Rogueport, "Whose hand was that who was stolen?"
The Beanbean researchers in the lab gasp and begin attempting to escape, obviously terrified that a large Koopa who happens to be the king of the area they are in has come in demanding they give him top-secret information. As the men run, Ludwig grabs one by the throat and raises him into the air, more than 10 feet off the ground.
"Whose hand was it?" Ludwig asks again.
"I can't tell you that!"
"Wrong answer!" Ludwig yells as the bean's back is slammed into a wall.
"AUGH!" the Bean screams in agony upon impact.
"Wanna try again?"
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Popple and Peasley walk through a hall in the ship when they see an odd creature that looks like Knife Guy, Grate Guy, Cloaker, and Domino all rolled up into one.
"I say, what are you two doing on my ship?" asks the creature of the two Beans.
"Your ship?" asks Peasley, "This is Johnny's residence!"
"It was," replies the creature, "but he recently moved north. I don't know where exactly, but from what I understand Hinopio of the Barrel Volcano has seen him and has an idea of where he may be."
"Ugh," Popple yells, "I can't believe this! Just when I was about to gain my vengeance! Fine, Peasley, let's go."
"Not so fast," the creature breaks in, "Anyone who boards the ship that belongs to me, Gojira, without permission must suffer the consequences!"
The creature withdraws a katana, and Peasley and Popple both sigh before pulling out their own swords.
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Goombella, Koops, Eggo, and Vivian sit at a table inside a restaurant in the Dry Dry Outpost, talking while waiting for the waitress to get their food to them.
"Okay, the Dry Dry Ruins should be easy enough to find," Goombella begins, "but this other pyramid will take a while."
"Right. So, anyone know anything about this Golden Diva?" Vivian answers.
"Well, I know some things," replies Koops, "Apparently she was first uncovered by Wario, who defeated her and stole a ton of treasure."
"Anything about the map?" asks Goombella.
"He didn't find the map. It is apparent behind some type of secret door that is really hard to notice."
"Well, good thing there are four of us," replies Eggo, "Should be easier to find."
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Doopliss is on the phone, talking to Lady Lima once more, "Yes, I understood that Prince Peasley has gone missing. No, I do not think Ludwig's taking him hostage. Hold up, hold up. You think something may have happened to him? Come on. You know he loves adventure and all that. He's probably out looking into this stuff that's been going on with the hand and all that. Yeah, true, he would've called, I suppose. Are you sure you can't at least consider assistance? Well, alright, I suppose I could give you some more time to think about it. Alright, bye."
Doopliss hangs up and sighs, "Peasley having gone missing is horrible to my plan. I hope they find him soon, because there's no way I can stop Ludwig without the Beanbean Kingdom's help."
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The Apprentice moves forward throughout the Forever Forest, looking for E. Gadd's laboratory. "I must find it... I must get this over with... I must have what I desire."
As the Apprentice passes an old mansion(not the one Bow lives in), she hears a voice behind her, "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here merely to destroy E. Gadd's lab, and I'll be on my way," the Apprentice replies, not turning around.
"Not if I have anything to say about it."
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"Tell me whose hand it was!" Ludwig yells, again slamming the Bean's back into the wall.
"Alright! Just stop this, I beg you! It was Cackletta's!"
Ludwig merely chuckles and drops the Bean onto the ground. The Bean begins to crawl away as quickly as possible, as he's taken far too much damage to walk or even stand.
"Thanks for your help," the Koopa King replies as he walks out of the lab.