Chapter 2: Tabuu's Trap Has Sprung
(Back in the forest in the Mushroom Kingdom)
Mario, Luigi, Pit, Shantae, and Professor E. Gadd were continuing to move through the forest while Professor E. Gadd was looking at his radar.
Professor E. Gadd- The signal is back again and it appears to be stronger than ever.
Luigi- Must be one of Tabuu's lackies about to make the next drop off.
Pit- Then let's jump them as soon as they come out and force them to tell us what Tabuu is up to!
Viridi (telepathically to Pit)- Not to be rude or anything, but don't you think you might be jumping the gun there?
Pit- What the? Viridi? Oh, what now?! Come to be a pain in our ass again?
Viridi (telepathically to Pit)- How rude of you, Pit! You know, Icarus spoke to me the same way and his rash behavior led Marco and the others in pretty hot water multiple times.
Shantae- It is true that Viridi usually likes to trigger you, Pit, but her tone this time seems a bit more serious for something like that. Like she really is trying to warn us about something.
Viridi (telepathically to Shantae)- At least you had the brains to know when to listen. A trait you and Azra share. But yes. I was trying to warn you.
Mario- Warn us? About what?
Viridi (telepathically to Mario)- Don't you think that Professor E. Gadd picked up the signal from Tabuu opening portals from Subspace a little too easy? Think about it. Tabuu always manages to keep himself hidden until it's already too late. He's always made sure we never find out about his plans until after all the preparations are complete and ready to move out. I mean, remember the Kalos League when Tabuu worked with Team Flare and how bad things got before you realized it? Or how about when Tabuu hired the Deadly Six and you didn't find out until after they began draining life from your worlds. And let's not forget about all the times Tabuu and his followers were releasing the pieces of Tabuu's missing soul during most of season five.
Pit- Is there a point to this?
Palutena (telepathically to Pit)- Actually, I think Viridi has a point. Tabuu knows how to remain completely undetected even to our senses. And sure, you do have that radar in Smash City that can detect Tabuu's power, but after Tabuu damaged it, they can still remain undetected if they keep the amount of Tabuu's power they use real low.
Viridi (telepathically to Mario)- And now that silly human scientist somehow manages to trace a portal from Subspace being opened…
Mario- You're right. That is strange. Professor, how did you managed to pick up the signal of Tabuu's portals?
Professor E. Gadd- You know…I'm not sure how either…especially since the last time my machines tried to analyze Tabuu's power, they overloaded and nearly exploded.
Luigi- You mean we're walking into a trap?!
Before Luigi knew it, someone appeared behind Luigi and wrapped their right entire right arm around Luigi's neck. It was Hades.
Hades- Indeed, you were! Too bad Viridi had to spoil the surprise. But you really should've told them sooner. Like during the previous chapter.
Pit- Hades!
Hades- Good to see you again, Pitty Pat.
While Hades was distracted, Luigi tried to stomp on Hades' foot, but Hades moved it before he could. This made Hades tighten his grip around Luigi's neck.
Hades- Not the best move to be making in your position, greenie weenie.
But suddenly, Hades felt something strange. It was as if something was crawling around in his pants. Hades quickly let go of Luigi and began wobbling around as he was trying to see what was causing this. Then a mouse that had Shantae's hair popped out of an opening in Hades' clothes and bit at his skin.
Hades- Ow! Why you little…
Hades tried to swat at the mouse, but it jumped out of Hades' clothes and caused Hades to hit himself before the mouse turned into Shantae. Revealing that Shantae transformed into a mouse to mess with Hades there.
Shantae- Consider that payback for that little body switching mess you caused!
Hades- Come on! You're still mad about that? You had to at least admit that it was funny. Even the readers of this fanfiction series enjoyed it.
Mario- Still doesn't mean we did, Hades! Sonic had to see the doctor about his nose after all the times I crashed his face into the walls after you stuck me in his body. And Sonic sent me the medical bill.
Pit- But you're an idiot for thinking you can take us on yourself!
Pit tried to charge for Hades with his Palutena's Bow, but a large spiked club appeared in Pit's way and almost crushed him. When Pit looked to the left, he saw Fredrick was holding that giant ice club that almost beaned him. Even stranger was Marx was standing on Fredrick's Viking helmet.
Marx- Actually, Hades isn't alone.
Lord Fredrick- You think you would've learned by now.
Then Fredrick swung that ice club again, but Pit managed to dodge by dropping to the ground and rolled underneath it. After Pit dodged, he aimed his bow to shoot a light arrow at Fredrick and Marx. However, what appeared to be a laser of some kind hit Pit in the left arm and completely petrified it. Pit looked up and saw Poke'mon Hunter J riding her Salamence and pointing her laser at him. To make matters worse, Zero2 was floating right behind her. Zero2 fired a beam from his eye while Poke'mon Hunter J's Salamence fired hyper beam at Pit. Luckily, Palutena unpetrified Pit's arm and Pit managed to dodge both attacks. Shantae readied herself to casting a lightning spell while Professor E. Gadd pulled out a laser and they were both about to fire at Poke'mon Hunter J and Zero2. However, a large steel cage appeared out of the ground and trapped both Shantae and Professor E. Gadd inside of it.
Professor E. Gadd- Great Scott! Where did this come from?!
Shantae- It apparently came from an illusion turned into reality.
Shantae pointed towards the left side of the cage and Professor E. Gadd saw Infinite and Vaati standing next to the cage.
Infinite- True, this cage might just be an illusion, but under the Phantom Ruby's spell, the effects will be the same as if it were real.
Vaati- And Link's not here to use the Master Sword to cut through Infinite's illusion. Good luck getting out of this…
Before Vaati could finish, Mario and Luigi hit Vaati and Infinite from behind with a jump attack and knocked them to the ground. This also shattered the illusion of a cage surrounding Shantae and E. Gadd.
Luigi- Is that all Tabuu decided to throw at us today?
Black Doom's voice- Oh…not even close!
Then Black Doom and Fawful emerged from Mario and Luigi's shadows on the ground as Black Doom grabbed hold of Luigi's leg. Then Black Doom tossed Luigi into the air where the mouth of Fawful's headgear swallowed Luigi before spitting him out like a cannonball and into a nearby tree.
Fawful- HAHAHAHAHA! I have fury!
Mario was about attack Fawful and Black Doom, but a cannon fire exploded in his path. When Mario looked up, he saw the Pirate Master riding the Quinking while the Pirate Master pointed his cannon at him. The Pirate Master was about to fire at Mario again, but something like an arrow being fired struck the cannon on the Pirate Master's shoulder and caused him to point it downward at the Quinking's head before firing. After the Pirate Master accidently blasted the Quinking in the back of his head, the two of them collapsed to the ground.
Quinking- Hey! What's the big idea, you idiot?!
Pirate Master- I don't know. Something just struck me cannon and shifted it's position out of place.
Suddenly, they were both blasted with a light arrow and knocked a few feet away. Then we see Pit flying just above them with his Palutena's Bow.
Pit- Guess you forgot that I was still a factor in this…
But before Pit could finish, a pair of Princess Peach's panties was flung into his face and knocked Pit to the ground.
Hades- And that's why I made a quick stop to Peach's room. To pull a surprise for Pitty Pat, knowing that would throw him off guard.
Fawful folded his arms and gave Hades a glaring look.
Fawful (sarcastic tone)- Oh sure, Hades. Fawful believe 100%.
Hades- I was being serious, Fawful!
But then a laser struck Hades knocked him to the ground. Fawful looked and saw Profess E. Gadd with that laser gun of his. But before Fawful could react, Luigi got in close and struck with a perfectly timed Super Jump Punch from behind, sending him flying and crash on top of Hades.
Luigi- That was payback for earlier!
Then a barely noticeable box that looked like it was camouflaged to be part of the background appeared behind Luigi as a hand was about to reach for him. Luckily, Shantae fired a bolt of lightning and electrocuted Dimentio before he could attack Luigi and exposed his hiding spot.
Luigi- Yikes! How about a warning next time, Shantae! I thought I was going to be zapped!
Shantae- I'll apologize after we're done here.
Poke'mon Hunter J- Salamence, hyper beam!
Salamence- (Roar)
Salamence fired at Pit, but Pit managed to dodge and get back into the air and get the panties off his face.
Pit- Lady Palutena, I could use some assistance here, please!
Palutena (telepathically to Pit)- Power of Mega Laser!
Then a large laser was fired at Poke'mon Hunter J. Her Salamence blocked with hyper beam, but Zero2 flew behind Pit and tried to attack while he was distracted. But before he could, a large fireball struck Zero2 in the eye and made him drop from the sky. Turns out Mario had turned into Fire Mario and launched a fully charged fireball while Zero2 was distracted.
Poke'mon Hunter J- Darn that Mario! Better take him out first.
Poke'mon Hunter J aimed her petrifying laser at Fire Mario from above, but she stopped when she felt someone tap on her shoulder. When she turned around, she was very surprised at who was standing behind her and on her Salamence.
Luigi- Excuse me, but is this seat taken?
Poke'mon Hunter J- What the…
Poke'mon Hunter J tried to hit Luigi, but he blocked and also kicked her laser off of her hand. Then her petrifying laser shattered when it hit the ground.
Poke'mon Hunter J- How did you even get up to Salamence while we're up this high without a flying power?!
Luigi- Actually, jumping is one of the few things I surpass my brother in.
Then Luigi hits Poke'mon Hunter J in the gut with a perfectly timed Super Jump Punch and knocks her off her Salamence. Luckily, her Salamence rushes to catch Poke'mon Hunter J before she crashes to the ground. Luigi also jumped off of Salamence's back before that happened too. Meanwhile, Lord Fredrick was shooting ice blasts at Shantae who was using her dance moves to dodge. Black Doom was about to try and insnare her in one of his shadow traps, but a bright light shined one that shadow from above.
Black Doom- IT BURNS! IT ****ING BURNS! WHAT IS THIS LIGHT?!
Viridi (telepathically to Black Doom)- Power of Heavenly Light. Palutena isn't the only one who can cast magic spells of the gods.
Eventually, Shantae got in close enough to Fredrick, turned into Elephant Shantae, and rammed Fredrick to the ground.
Marx- Wow! Even when there are only four Mario's and a nutty professor, we still have so much trouble taking them down.
Jayx's voice (in Marx's head)- All the more reason why you're on the wrong team…
Marx- You again…?! Seriously? And during an inconvenient moment of all times to bother me?!
Before Marx knew it, Fire Mario had placed his palm directly in front of Marx's face.
Fire Mario- I don't know who you're talking to, but the middle of a battle is a bad time to be talking to imaginary friends, Marx.
Then Fire Mario blasts Marx in the face with a fully charged fireball and knocks him to the ground.
Marx- I swear, Jayx…if Mario knocks me out because of you…I'm going to punch you in the face before you try to give me another lecture…
(Tabuu's palace in Subspace)
Tabuu and Grodus were at the keyboard of Tabuu's computer and were working the controls for something.
Sir Grodus- Even with so few at the moment, everyone is still getting their ass kicked.
Tabuu- Well, they're not supposed to win. They're supposed to stall Mario long enough for Kyrin to realize what we really have planned and rush to try and warn Mario. But that shouldn't be long. According to this radar, Kyrin is on his way as we speak.
Sir Grodus- By the way, Marx was acting strange there. Who is this Jayx he thinks he's talking to?
Tabuu- A jester who used to work for me during the time of Marco and Loewy who also betrayed me after I took him. That is strange how Marx keeps bringing up that traitor, but nothing will matter soon, once I regain 100% of my full power…
(Back in the forest in the Mushroom Kingdom)
It had appeared that Fire Mario, Luigi, Pit, Shantae, and Professor E. Gadd had beaten all of Tabuu's followers.
Luigi- That wasn't too bad.
Pit- You're seriously slacking, Hades!
Fire Mario- I'm not sure this is really our victory.
Shantae- Huh…?
Luigi- Something wrong, Mario?
Fire Mario- Like Viridi said earlier, this seems way too easy. Not once did they try to use Tabuu's power. It was as if they were actually just trying to stall us.
Just then, Kyrin appeared in the area and he had a worried look on his face.
Luigi- Kyrin?
Pit- Sorry, but we took Tabuu's losers down before…
Kyrin- Now's not the time for that, Pit! Don't you realize this was a trap?!
Professor E. Gadd- A trap?!
Kyrin- No time! Mario, Luigi, you need to get out of here! Like now!
Fawful grins and he lifts his head from the ground.
Fawful- Hehehehe…bit late for that…now that guest of honor as arrived to party…
Dimentio- And now, Master Tabuu can spring his trap…
Suddenly, a large mechanical tower shot out of the ground from an area near the forest but could be seen from where they were. But there were more mechanical towers that shot out of the ground and from all over the Mushroom Kingdom. But before anyone could wonder what they were or what was going on, sparks of electricity were fired from the tips of each tower and they all struck Fire Mario and Luigi.
Fire Mario- What…what's happening…
Luigi- My body…it's going numb…
Shantae- Mario! Luigi!
Pit- Lady Palutena, what the hell is happening to them?!
Viridi (telepathically to Pit and Shantae)- Oh dear…that was Tabuu's game…
Shantae- I don't like the sound of that…
Palutena (telepathically to Pit and Shantae)- The power Mario and Luigi have that allows them to use those countless powerup item…somehow Tabuu has managed to pinpoint the source in their bodies and are setting that power to overload!
Pit- Uh…could you simplify it?
Viridi (telepathically to Pit)- How's this for a moron like you, Pit? Tabuu has just messed with whatever is inside Mario and Luigi that lets them use their super powers and has just turned the Mario Brothers into living bombs that will turn the entire Mushroom Kingdom into dust and take another country with it if they go off.
Then a portal opens up in front of them and Tabuu and Grodus were seen on the other side of it.
Tabuu- Sorry bro, but you're too late to warn the Mario stooges.
Pit- Kyrin…you knew about this?
Kyrin- I only recently discovered the towers Tabuu planted all around the Mushroom Kingdom. I tried to warn you as soon as I found out, but Tabuu had already lured you to the center of his trap.
Tabuu- And even if you had Sonic with you, you still wouldn't be able to destroy them all before I push this enter key on the keyboard and set Mario and Luigi off. But I have something else in mind, big brother. I'll be more than happy to permanently deactivate the towers before Mario and Luigi blow up the Mushroom Kingdom. But only if you are willing to surrender yourself to me!
Professor E. Gadd- All this to capture your brother?
Tabuu- Oh, it's much more than that. Kyrin has something I want. That's right Kyrin, I found out where Marco hid it.
Kyrin grit his teeth after hearing Tabuu say that.
Fire Mario- Kyrin…what is he…
Kyrin- Marco hid the final missing piece of Tabuu's soul…inside my body…
Tabuu- And I want it back. Now then, this is the last time I will ask…surrender yourself to me before I turn the power you gave to the Mario Brothers to vaporize the Mushroom Kingdom.
Kyrin turned to look at Fire Mario in the eyes. Instantly, Fire Mario knew what Kyrin was going to do.
Fire Mario- Kyrin…you can't…
Kyrin- I'd be breaking my promise to Marco if I didn't. The tool you'll need…lies within the center of Mushroom King Forest and is placed in the knight's grave…
That last line was confusing to Mario, but before he could ask, Kyrin walked into the portal to Subspace.
Tabuu- Wise decision, Kryin. Grodus…
Then Sir Grodus pushed a key on the keyboard and the towers were deactivated. Fire Mario and Luigi returned to normal, but the portal to Subspace closed. Tabuu's other followers were also pulled back to Subspace, leaving Fire Mario, Luigi, Pit, Shantae, and Professor E. Gadd alone.
Shantae- This is bad…
Pit- Don't need to remind me of that!
Luigi- But that last thing Kyrin said…the tool we'll need…what was that about?
Fire Mario- Mushroom King Forest…I know that place. That's an ancient forest a few miles north of where Peach's castle is located. But we need to figure out how to save Kyrin before Tabuu extract the final piece of his soul and Tabuu regains his full power!
