StarlitDuck
I'm thinking about some space terms to use throughout this story. "Light years" was one of the first to come to mind. So I decided that the number of stars required to unlock a galaxy should represent the distance of said galaxy in light years from the Observatory.
I also added that Luma bit for the sake of cute humor.
breath20k
Actually, the second. Because Mario got the Grand Star back in the Gateway Galaxy. Though it is the first REGULAR Power Star if you put it that way.
nintendoscript15
Well, my main goal throughout my stories is to look into Mario's perspective. How he'd react to his surroundings if he weren't just a static video game character. I usually tend to think about how I would react, and then make that into Mario's reaction.
That's why he was so awestruck by the Galaxy select screen, because it really immerses you into the vast void of outer space.
I just thought of the opportunity to compare Petey Piranha with Dino Piranha, since they seem to be distantly related. There's another Petey Piranha doppelgänger in Super Mario Galaxy 2, but we'll get to that much, MUCH later.
We'll see how the escape plan turns out. Don't get your hopes up, though.
Nataly Guardado
Heh! Maybe it was making a lifetime supply of evil yogurt for Bowser. Or maybe it was cake frosting for Bowser's galaxy-sized cake that Peach would supposedly be making for him, since in Galaxy 2, Bowser mentioned wanting a cake at that size.
Either way, the so-called future emperor of the universe has got to have a lifetime supply of evil sweets.
Amethyst Goldenwind
Yeah, the gravity is kinda awkward and disorienting the first time you play, but I adapted to it over time. Good Egg Galaxy is indeed giving off those "first level" vibes. And to believe that Mario has perhaps his biggest adventure ever ahead of him.
You only started playing the game LAST YEAR?! Well, it's been out for 13 years, but better late than never, I suppose. Walnut does sound like a funny name for the Dino Piranha! Clever!
LiamTheYoshi
Hit his tail! You'll defeat him that way! And if you thought this guy was bad, just wait until we reach Melty Molten Galaxy MUCH later in the story. I'm sure those of you who've played and beaten the game know where this is going.
Nintengamer55
Well, we won't be tackling King Kaliente in THIS chapter, but I appreciate your enthusiasm!
Now, here's now it's gonna work. Currently, Mario's alone and is gonna tackle one galaxy at a time before moving on to the next (though he won't be getting the secret star yet, since Luigi finds it later in the game. However, I plan on Luigi joining Mario, just as he did in "The Power of the Stars" and "A Sprite of Light". So someone else will take his role on that front.)
However, Mario's party will grow over time, (in fact, it'll be even bigger than the ones in the previous two stories I mentioned.) and there will be a point where the party splits up to cover multiple galaxies at once. By then, I'll go back and forth between galaxies.
I am DEFINITELY excited for the collection since we'll get to play three masterpieces on the go! Though, I wish Galaxy 2 were in the collection as well. C'mon, Nintendo! Add it in! DLC? Update? I DON'T CARE! ADD IT!
Chapter 8: A Snack of Cosmic Proportions
[BGM: Danger Approaching Boss - Kirby: Triple Deluxe]
Luigi was sneaking out of the castle, as Peach said, clinging to the walls in order to avoid looking down to the abyss of space below. For all he knew, there could be a black hole down there. And he definitely would NOT want to experience spaghettification! (It's not delicious. Trust me.)
"Oh God… Why did I agree to do this?" Luigi thought to himself, whilst trembling in fear. "I wish Peach had at least given me a fire flower or something…"
As Luigi cleared his throat, he came to an airship with a koopa pilot driving it. The ladder to get up to it was just within his reach.
"Okay Luigi, you can do this. Just get the pilot out and fly the ship to the balcony. This is for your brother."
Luigi grabbed the ladder and climbed up. The anxiety was increasing as he got higher up, as he had a feeling he'd get caught and it would be over for him. But, he knew it was too late to turn back now.
Climbing onto the deck, the pilot was just cleaning up the control panel while keeping an eye out for intruders. Luigi slowly snuck up on him.
"C'mon Weegie, it's just a Koopa Troopa. Take him out and be over with it."
But somehow, Luigi couldn't find himself to take out the Koopa. Instead, he just tapped it on the shoulder.
"Um, excuse me Mr. Koopa, sir? Bowser says you're fired," Luigi lied.
The Koopa doesn't recognize Mario's green hatted brother and SOMEHOW believed him.
"WUT?! MAH CAREER?!" he yelled in a hillbilly accent. "WHO'S GUNNA FEED MAH CHILDREN?! I'LL GET 'IM!"
The Koopa jumped off the airship, and into the castle. Luigi just stood there, dumbfounded.
"Huh… Well, that was easy." Luigi noted "Now I just gotta drive… this… thing…"
He looked to the control panel, and it looked a lot more complex than he initially thought.
"Oh brother…"
[BGM end]
Meanwhile…
[BGM: Observation Dome - Super Mario Galaxy]
Mario arrived back in the Terrace. The star he collected flies off to an unknown location.
"Welcome back!" Polari greeted. "So, how was it in Good Egg Galaxy?"
"Oh, you know. Flew around through space, explored planets, collected Star Bits, and beat up a giant mutant dinosaur plant." Mario explained, saying it as if the last part was totally normal.
"Must be quite the adventure for you." Said Polari with a slight chuckle. Then he thought of something. "Hey, speaking of Star Bits, you mind feeding me a few of those you got?"
"Oh, uh, sure."
Mario takes out some of his Star Bits and feeds them to Polari. Luma comes out and eats a few as well.
"MMM! Mmm!" Luma drooled.
"Thanks! To us Lumas, Star Bits are the tastiest, most delectable treats imaginable! If you ever run into a Hungry Luma, be sure to give them Star Bits. You're certain to get a very pleasant surprise in return," Polari started.
Mario nodded and used the Pull Star again. He was a bit overwhelmed by the vast void of space a second time, but kept his cool as his selected Good Egg Galaxy, and blasted off towards it.
Good Egg Galaxy
[BGM: Course Intro - Super Mario Galaxy]
This time, Mario had to go to a planet that resembled a Sling Star. It has something to do with a pink Luma holding sticks with Star Bits at the end.
[BGM: Good Egg Galaxy - Super Mario Galaxy]
Arriving at the starting planet, Mario couldn't help but stare at the house that had that rude message written on it once again.
"You okay, Mario?" Luma asked.
"I'm fine, just…" Mario paused for a moment. "I have a weird feeling about that house. Is the person really not home, or are they just grumpy and want to be alone?"
"No idea. But maybe it's best if we just leave them alone for now."
"You're right."
Mario took the right path this time, which was made of stone. It once again led him to the gloomy side of the planet, but this time on a new path with some steps and an Octoomba, which he took out. Then it led to a path which twisted itself sideways, yet Mario was still standing on it because of gravity physics.
A blue Luma was awaiting him at the end.
"I've got a hungry friend up ahead… You don't mind sharing your snacks, do you?" the blue Luma asked before transforming into a group of Pull Stars leading up to a Launch Star.
"A hungry friend? What does that have to do with the mission?"
Luma peeped out of his hat. "You'll see."
Mario concentrates once again, and lets the Pull Stars pull him right to the Launch Star.
This takes him to a pear-shaped planet with lots of spiky plants and Goombas. He uses the stretchy plants to destroy the spiky plants and claim their Star Bits before using another Launch Star.
Next, he landed on a red rocky planet (NOT MARS!) that had boulders rolling around. He figured the red jeweled spots on them were weak spots, and spun on them to destroy them.
The next Launch Star took him to the Yoshi Egg shaped planet. This one had the Hungry Luma Polari mentioned earlier, inhabiting it.
"Hey, you!" the Luma shouted.
Mario pointed to himself. "Who, me?"
"Yeah, you! Got any tasty Star Bits?"
"Yeah, plenty. Want some?"
"Yes, please! If you feed me a bunch of Star Bits, I'll burst with snacky happiness, and give you something special! I'm famished! I need 100 Star Bits to curb the hunger pangs!"
"Alright!" Mario fed the Hungry Luma 100 Star Bits to fill him up. Once he was full, the pink Luma burst with excitement.
"You full?" Mario asked.
"That's it… I'm stuffed! THANK YOU! Now, for your reward… Here we go!"
The Hungry Luma glowed and spun around several times. Mario knew this would be good and took out 3d glasses and some popcorn. Luma got some too.
[BGM pause]
"TRANSFOOOORM!" he screamed at the top of his lungs. Then the Luma flew over to a nearby location where a blinding light occurred. The plumber closed his eyes up until the light diminished. Opening his eyes, what was once the place where the Hungry Luma went to was now a beautiful green mountain planet with Goombas, and spiny plants inhabiting it.
A new planet was born!
Mario was surprised, confused, awestruck, and horrified at the same time. He couldn't find the right words to say within his intense feelings, so Luma came out of his cap.
"What do you think? Cool, huh?"
Mario was still speechless.
"I guess I should tell you," Luma began. "The reason we Lumas crave Star Bits so much, is because they give us the energy to fulfill our destiny."
"Your… destiny…?" Mario slowly asked, still confused.
"Yes." He nodded. "Our destiny as Lumas is to transform into different things. Stars, comets, planets, even galaxies! We can turn into all of these things!"
"Wow…" Mario was astonished, for sometimes when he was in grade school, he wondered how the Mushroom World came to be. Now, he finally had his answer.
"So that's how planets are formed? I always thought they came from rocks in space clumping together with gravity."
"No, no," Luma denied. "You must've been reading lots of space novels. Those are inaccurate. Anyways, let's get going."
Mario wasn't moving, though. He ended up lost in thought.
"Mario? You okay?" Luma floated over and waved in front of his face. "Hello? Space to Mario!"
Mario shaked his head, knocking him back to his senses.
"Sorry, Luma. I was just thinking. Well, here we go!"
[BGM resume]
Luma goes back in the cap as Mario takes a Pink Launch Star where the Hungry Luma was to the newly born planet. For this planet, Mario scaled up the mountain, taking down Goombas along the way, and avoiding the spiky plants. At the top of the mountain awaited a Launch Star.
[BGM: Space Fantasy - Super Mario Galaxy]
The next planet was a gigantic pill-shaped planet. It was the biggest planet in the galaxy, and was also transparent, with an inside consisting of platforms with red and blue walls. The blue walls had arrows pointing downward while the red ones had upward arrows. The shape of it sort of reminded him of the mega vitamins from his part time doctor job. Mario had a feeling he had to get in there, somehow.
"There must be an opening, somewhere. Try getting rid of those crystals," Luma suggested.
Mario proceeded to smash some of the crystals. One of them happened to be covering a hole leading inside the planet. He jumped in. If he thought the gravity was weird before, this took it to the next level. The arrows actually represented the way the gravity was shifted. Blue pulled Mario towards the core, while red pushed him away. The constant shifting between gravity forces was really disorienting to the poor plumber, and made him feel nauseous.
Finally reaching the top of the planet where the Launch Star was, Mario was so relieved that he practically hugged the Launch Star.
"Thank… Grambi! I thought… I was gonna… throw up in there," Mario said between breaths.
"Sorry if that was uncomfortable," Luma apologized. "But you might have to get used to it. I can see more sections like this in the future."
"I'll… try…" Mario sighed before flying over to the final planet.
Finally, Mario reached the Sling Star planet. The Star was in sight. However, it was out of reach, up high above the planet's non-existent center.
"How are we supposed to reach that?!" Mario complained. Luma tried looking around for a solution. Luckily, it wasn't hard to find.
"Mario, look! There's another set of Star Chips on this planet. But this time, they're BLUE! These must be for Pull Stars. We could use those to reach the Power Star!"
"Wahoo!"
The Star Chips were on each of the five corners of the Star. Some on top, some on the side, and some on the underside. With all the Star Chips found, five Pull Stars appeared above the five corners, and Mario used them to reach the Star.
[BGM: Power Star Get - Super Mario Galaxy]
YOU GOT A STAR!
"WAHOO!"
[BGM end]
Meanwhile at Peach's Castle…
Alex, Leah, and Peach stood at the balcony with all the food supplies they needed. They just had to wait for Toad and Luigi.
"This plan is really risky, guys. I hope you know what you're doing," Leah worried.
"I promise you. We'll be okay. Luigi should be here with our ride any moment…" Peach paused. "At least I hope…"
"We're here!"
[BGM: Title theme - Kerbal Space Program] (requested by nintendoscript15)
The three turned around and were actually surprised. Toad and his friends were all souped up in special gear. Toad wore a headlamp on his cap, an explorer's vest, red shoes, and a large backpack on his back. The blue Toad had big glasses, the green one had a backpack full of Star Bits, the purple one had a letter mail bag on his arm, and the yellow one was dressed in… pajamas…
"Whaddaya think? Toadette always wanted be to be braver. So I strived to do so by forming a team of my own!" Toad announced. "From here on out, we are known as the Toad Brigade! Heroes of the galaxy!"
"Now to introduce our team members! First up, our blue member, Dylan T.! He's the know-it-all of the group, but take his glasses off, and he's blind as a bat!"
"Next up, our green member, Jeff T.! He's our official bank Toad! Got any Star Bits that you need to deposit or withdrawal? This is your Toad!"
"Thirdly, our purple member, Seth T.! He'll receive and deliver any mail throughout the Galaxy! Don't ask how he does it. It's top secret."
"You got mail!" Seth shouted.
"Finally, our yellow member, he's by far the best member of the group! He's mysterious, he knows all, he can see your past, present, and future! Ladies and gentlemen, I give you…"
*drumroll*
[BGM end]
"Bob!"
The last yellow Toad named Bob T., was just sleeping… spreading confusion among the kids and Princess.
"I know what you're thinking. 'What's this guy gonna do? ZZZ Bowser to death?' Well, that's where you're WRONG! Whenever he talks in his sleep, he predicts the future. He's basically a fortune teller in disguise!"
"Ooh! Ooh! Ooh!" Alex pleaded. "I got something. Um… Bob? What will my future career be?"
"Zzz… Video game… streamer… zzz…" Bob said in his sleep.
"Woah…"
"Okay, I've got us a whole bag of supplies that should last us a while." said Peach. "Bowser's guards don't seem to be around this part of the castle, so nobody knows you guys are here. We SHOULD be able to pull this off!"
Peach looks through the bag and finds that something is missing.
"Oh, wait! I forgot my photo album!"
"Why do you need that?" asked Seth.
"It has all my memories in there. I'm not leaving without it!" Peach runs off. "Just give me two minutes!"
"Okay! But hurry before Bowser sees you!" warned Jeff.
As Peach was looking for her album, Luigi arrived with the airship.
"Guys! Guys! I did it! I found a real airship! It even came with an instruction manual! Thank the heavens for that!" He set down a ladder. "Now let's-a get outta here and find Mario. Where's Peach?"
"She went to look for something. She'll be here in a minute." Leah said as she and the others climbed in.
Peach arrived and put the album into the supply bag.
"Guys! Wait for me! Catch!" Peach three the bag and Alex caught it.
"Got it, Princess!"
"Alright, Peach. Let's-a go!" Luigi said as he held out the ladder for her.
"Okay. Don't worry, Mario. We're coming!"
But just as Peach was about to grab the ladder, a clawed hand grabbed her arm, making everyone gasp.
[BGM: Catastrope - Super Mario Galaxy]
"NO!" Alex screamed.
"AHH!" Peach wailed.
"You aren't going ANYWHERE! You miserable mushroom monarch…" Bowser roared.
"LET HER GO!" Leah ordered.
"Bowser, STOP THIS! Leave her alone!" pleaded Luigi.
"Oh, what a nice surprise. It's GREEN STACHE!" Bowser sneered. "Were you in this castle the whole time? I'm a busy koopa. I've got no time for visitors. You guys had better get going. I have a universe to conquer, you know. You're lucky I'm letting you use that airship. I've got plenty more where that came from, anyways."
"Just… go… F-Find… M-Mario…" Peach barely spoke due to Bowser holding her by the neck.
Alex couldn't take it anymore, so he stood up to the king.
"BOWSER, TAKE ME INSTEAD!"
Everyone gasped again, this time at Alex, for they were in disbelief at what he just said. Even Bowser couldn't believe it.
"S-Say that again?"
"I said take me instead!" Alex begged. "If you let Peach go, you can have me! Please! I'll do anything! I'll clean your windows, I'll be a castle guard, I'll play with your son, I'll serve you dinner! ANYTHING!" Alex broke down into tears. "P-Please, Bowser! J-Just let her go!"
"Alex… no…" Leah was crying as well. Not wanting her brother to make such a commitment, even if it was for a friend.
"Don't you dare Alex!" Luigi stepped in. "You've got a life to live!" He turned to Bowser. "Bowser listen, I've been a foil to your plans just as long as Mario has. You may not have noticed it, but I've always been there! Watching you fall off the bridge into a boiling pit of lava, throwing you into spiked bombs, knocking you and your son out of a hot tub. I was there the whole time! And Alex only knew you for like several months. I'M THE ONE YOU WANT! TRUST ME, I TASTE BETTER THAN PEACH ANYWAYS!"
"Wait, you thought I was gonna EAT her?!" Bowser himself was trying to process all this, for he certainly didn't expect it. Meanwhile, everyone else stared at Luigi.
"Well... I... No no! I didn't mean to say that, I just..." Luigi paused. "I didn't plan this out..."
Bowser just chuckled.
"Well, I respect your bravery, and that is such a kind offer for you two to make. Unfortunately, I'm not the kind of guy who's willing to make compromises. Or give up a free sacrifice. Oh Kameeeeek!"
"No… NO! NOT KAMEK!" Peach panicked. Speak of the devil. The very wizard himself showed up.
[BGM: Peach's Castle is Stolen - Super Mario Galaxy]
"I'm baaaack!" Kamek announced teasingly. "Ah, more intruders to send away, I see? So long ay, plumbers!"
Kamek used his magic spell and blasted the poor kids and Luigi away.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" they screamed as they disappeared. The Toads in particular were terrified.
[BGM end]
"LUIGI! ALEX! LEAH!" Peach screamed. "What did you do to them?!"
"Well, I just sent the kids to random locations throughout the universe, since I don't care where they go. As long as they don't get in Bowser's way." said Kamek. "But as for the green one, I sent him to a place where no man has ever returned! A place where all sorts of monsters and ghouls alike roam. He'll be in GOOD hands. Keh heh heh…"
"Oh no…" Peach muttered.
"Gwahahahaha!" Bowser laughed. "Well done, Kamek! Not only did you get rid of that pesky plumber, Mario, but you also got rid of his annoying brothers and sister. I oughta give you a raise for that!"
"Just doing my job, your Burliness!"
"And as for you fungus freaks, get out of my sight before I use your lungs as burger patties!"
Bowser punches the ship to break it down, and the Toad Brigade is sent plummeting down to a nearby galaxy.
"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!
"NOOOOOOO! How could you…?"
"Guards, take the princess away to her room and lock her in! After you're done, fortify the castle and block all possible exits. I don't want this to be just like the last time!"
"You'll never get away with this, Bowser!"
Once the door slams, Bowser just gives off an evil chuckle.
"I already have… Now that they're gone… GWAHAHAHA!"