Reunited
Chapter 16- Everlasting
"So, spill," Goombella tells Eggo as the group walks through the streets of the Dry, Dry Outpost while heading to the Warp Pipe in order to get back to E. Gadd's lab quickly. Goombella has the map in a small knapsack on her back, along with some items. "Tell me about this Glitz Pit promoter. Who is he?"
"I don't know," the Yoshi answers, "He's pretty new. The guy who replaced Jolene retired just over a month ago, and this fella just came in and is going along with what he originally came up with. What I do know, however..."
All attention turns to the Yoshi as he says this, "... is that the guy knows the entire story of what we're dealing with. I listened in on him once and heard him talking to someone about all kinds of things: the crystals, Cackletta, and some interesting comments about the Gate. At the time, I had no clue what he was talking about with all of this, but now I wonder what he has to do with it all."
Just then, Koops spoke up, "You know what? We should stop in at Koopa Village real quick and let everyone know that our quest is going well and all is fine. And of course, check in on my wife and egg."
"Sounds good," Goombella answers, "but we can't stay long. You know Cackletta likely has someone on the trail of one of the crystals by now."
"Actually, I'm quite surprised that no one has been sent after us yet," Vivian tells the rest of the group, "You would think that Cackletta would have sent after us by now."
"Maybe she doesn't know about our efforts?" Ms. Mowz suggests.
"No, she knows. Trust me, with the particular magic being used to keep her spirit bound to Plit, she has to know that we're getting involved in her affairs. The question is, what does she have to gain by not harming us?"
"Maybe she has a deal with someone," Goombella states, "Think about it: someone would have to be doing the work for her, and that someone would want something out of it. Could be that we're the payment."
"Seems plausible," the Koopa responds to the Goomba, "But I'm sure that there is likely something else she could get someone to do work for her using."
"Power, money, revenge, it could be anything. Could be that whoever is doing her work for her gets the crystals after she is done with them," Ms. Mowz points out. The conversation continues until they reach the warp pipe, where everyone jumps in. They all jump into the pipe, and there see the other two pipes as well as three ghosts: one enormous Boo, one ghost resembling a human man and dressed much like a Frenchman, and the last a normal Boo with a blue tongue hanging out of his mouth, glowing red eyes, and a crown made of gold. All three disappear upon being seen.
"Weird," Vivian says to her friends as the five enter the warp pipe. They come out in Koopa Village, and look around to see that all appears to be peaceful. They go inside of Koops's house and there see Koopie Koo looking depressed, though she immediately perks up upon seeing the heroes, or more specifically, her husband. She rushes over and gives him a hug excitedly. The heroes then begin to explain to her what is going on with their quest before Koopie Koo begins to explain what's been going on with her.
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Popple and Peasley jump off of the lift, and immediately notice that very few buildings in town are not in pieces. Before them, they see Beldam fighting Wendy's vehicle.
Great, of all the luck, Peasley thinks before withdrawing his rapier and leaping into the battle himself to help out Beldam not because he knows her (he doesn't) but because he wants to stop any and all Koopalings he runs into. Popple does the same, and soon all three are working together against the Koopa.
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"I have fury!" Fawful screams out as he enters a small cave just outside of Smithy's factory. There, upon a stone chair, he sees a white-faced, blonde-haired human-looking creature.
"Cackletta was telling of me that you were having a jewel of helping to the cause of ours," the bean tells Deathnify, who chuckles in response.
"Of course I do, but I am not ready to part with it just yet, my strange talking friend. Instead, I have a preposition for you- if you help me with what I need, I'll cut you in on all the more... unnecessary fruits of my labor."
"What is this business of which you are speaking?"
"Simple. I have had for years a most fantastic greatest desire- namely, I wish to have all this world has to offer, and see all there is to see! How could this be done in even a lifetime as long as a demon such as I? Very easily, that's how. You see, there is an ancient legend that I believe could help me gain the immortality that I so desire! Do you understand? I want my hands on the ancient piece of history that all deep down inside in places not realized desire. I want the one thing in this world that will give me endless life and unabridged power. But I have no need for this item's other ability, namely to transform metallic materials into solid gold. Do you know what I am asking? You can have an unlimited supply of a most precious substance if you can find and supply me with..."
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"Well, I guess we'd better be leaving," Koops says, starting to get a bit emotional as he says this to his wife, "We'll try to stop in after we get the next jewel."
After everyone gives their goodbyes, the five heroes leave, and outside immediately see that Ludwig stands before them with an enormous army of guards behind him, all with weapons drawn.
"Thought you could get away with helping one of my criminals hide, did you?" Ludwig asks, his voice as though he's on the edge of sanity, "Guards, arrest them. If anyone resists, have their head."