Paper Mario the thousand-year door
Welcome to a novelization of the game paper Mario: The thousand-year door. I'm a big fan of the paper Mario series and I'm really happy that I have the chance to write aboutit myself.
Prologue
A rogue's welcome
A long, long time ago there was a very happy and prosperous town where all people leaved peacefully. However, one day a great cataclysm of unknown origin struck the town and its people. Darkness filled the skies and the earth roared and shook. It was like the world had come to a violent end, and in but a single night, the town sank into the depths of the earth. Many years passed. Stories of the town passed into the pages of legends and fairy tales and when the town's site no longer held relics of its past, people gathered at that spot and built a new town. Soon word spread among the people who moved in about an ancient city that lay deep underground and about a magnificent treasure that rested there. This is the story of the quest for the legendary treasure of Rogueport and the thousand-year door.
…
It was a peaceful morning in the sea town of Rogueport. Many people were crossing the streets, going to work or simply taking a walk. Suddenly a young girl in a pink dress appeared in the main plaza. We all know that girl. Its princess Peach. The princess of the Mushroom kingdom.
"Finally," She said. "I have a minute without Toadsworth watching all over me. He's so paranoid. I come all the way to this place on holiday only to be stuck with Toadsworth. It's so stifling."
Suddenly Peach heard a strange voice. "Oh missy. Missy." She turned around and saw a mysterious merchant that was entirely covered with a hood. "You mean… me?" She asked.
"Yes, you missy." Replied the merchant. "Won't you buy anything. I have a lot of souvenirs for sale."
Peach took a look at the stuff the merchant is selling, but didn't see anything interesting. Suddenly, she noticed a little wooden box which she liked.
"That's quite a nice box." she said. "What's inside it?"
"Well" replied the merchant. "this box is said to contain the map that leads to a legendary treasure."
"Really? But then why…"
"You're wondering why I don't use it to find the treasure myself." Replied the merchant. "Well, the box has a magic lock that can only be opened by someone with a pure and noble heart. Consequently, it will not open if someone such as me tries to open it." The merchant tried to open the box but it didn't even budge.
"Oh. I'm sorry. I..."
"It's okay. Do you want to take it?"
"Me?" Asked Peach in confusion.
"Yes. If you can open it you may keep whatever is inside. I'm sure that it won't be of any use to me."
"O… okay." Replied Peach. "I'll give it a try."
She tried to open the box. It immediately opened and a huge glow came out, making Peach and the merchant to cover their eyes.
…
The next day we arrive at a wooden house deep in the woods with a giant "Mario" sign on it. That's right. It is the house of the super Mario Bros. Soon Parakarry, the postman of the Mushroom kingdom and one of Mario's partners from his last adventure when he saved the star spirits and foiled Bowser's plans for world domination, appeared outside the house.
"Mail call." Shouted Parakarry as he left a letter in the mailbox. He then left to deliver the rest of the mail. Soon the door of the house opened and a fellow dressed in green came out. It is Mario's younger brother, Luigi. He took the letter from the mailbox and returned home.
"Bro." he said." You have a letter. It's from princess Peach."
Mario, dressed in his classic suit with blue overalls and a red cap, came out of the bedroom.
"Really?" he asked. "What does it say?'
"I don't know. I haven't opened it yet." Replied Luigi.
Mario opened the envelope, took the letter and begun to read." Now let's see." He said
"Dear Mario,
I am now on holiday travelling in the Mushroom kingdom. In my travels I came in possession of a mysterious map. A treasure map actually. It was inside a box I got from an old merchant in a place called Rogueport. But since it would be too dangerous to go and look for treasure all by myself, I thought you might be able to help me. You will of course, won't you? I've included the map with the letter so please bring it with you when you come. I'll meet you at Rogueport. (That means you MUST come.)
Peach."
"Well what do you know?" said Mario as he finished reading the letter. "There really is an old map here."
"Let me have a look." Said Luigi.
They both looked at the map which was filled with different places like plains and towns.
"Looks like our next adventure." said Mario.
"Well." said Luigi. "I would really like to come but I must here and look after the house. After all, you're more than enough to find that treasure."
Okay." replied Mario. "I'll go to pack my luggage. Then I'll go to the docks to take a ship for Rogueport."
Mario then went to the bedroom and started packing. He then noticed his hammer on the table.
"I'd better take it with me.' he thought. "You never know what can happen in a treasure hunt."
When he packed his suitcase, he said goodbye to his brother and left the house. He then arrived at the docks and took a boat for Rogueport. And so, begun Mario's next adventure.
…
The next day, Mario was sleeping in his cabin when suddenly the door opened and the captain entered.
"Excuse me sir." he said.
Mario slowly opened he eyes.
"I'm sorry to wake you up but we're reaching our final destination. Take a look. This is Rogueport" said the captain
Mario got up, looked out of the window and saw a town with many houses and streets.
"As you can see, we'll arrive shortly." Said the captain. 'Please prepare to disembark.
A few minutes later the boat stopped at Rogueport harbor. Mario was holding his luggage and was ready to go and seek the legendary treasure.
"Now sir" said the captain. "Are you sure you want to disembark here? I did tell you all the sordid tales about Rogueport on our way here, did I not?"
"Yes,' replied Mario." but don't worry. I can handle anything. Besides, there's a princess waiting for me here."
"Really? Well if that's what you think then I won't hold you. Just be careful sir. Don't say I didn't warn you."
Mario disembarked on Rogueport and immediately after, the captain turned the ship around and left. Mario started looking for Peach at the harbor, but she was nowhere to be found.
"Strange." he thought. "She said she would be waiting for me here. Where could she be?"
Suddenly Mario's thoughts were distracted by a female voice which said: "Hey, what do you want? Get away from me freak."
Mario looked and saw a young female goomba that had been cornered by three suspicious guys. Two of them were small and dressed in red and white suits and wore masks that hid their whole faces. The third guy was bigger and wore a black suit and a red cape and had a purple head. All three of them were wearing glasses.
"Oh, come off it you airhead. I know it's tough for you but don't play it dump with me. I know you've been walking all around town asking about the crystal stars." said the big man who appeared to be the leader. "So now I'm doing the asking so be a good girl and tell what you know right now!"
"Never." replied the goomba. "I don't have anything to say to you freak."
"Hmm. I suppose it wouldn't be nice if a sassy little lad like you met with an untimely demise." Said the man and after thinking for a few seconds he added:" Buh. Buh buh buh buh. Boys, we're taking this firebrand to our fortress."
"As you command lord Crump." replied the two other two guys." We're on it."
And with these words they both started moving towards the girl.
"No" cried the girl" Stay away from me. I'll scream. Really."
Mario looked around. He was the only one who was paying attention to what was going on. Everyone else at the harbor was busy doing something else. Probably these things were normal there. He decided to go and find out what was going on. As he approached, the female goomba noticed him and hid behind him.
"Ha" she said "like I'd go anywhere with smelly lunatics like you. Not likely.
"Hey" said lord crump "What are you doing? You think you can screw up my plans?"
"What? I don't... "tried to explain Mario.
"Guh. It's always something." said lord Crump. "I guess I'll have to give a taste of the old Crump-a-bomb.
"You must be mistaken." said Mario. "I…"
But before he could finish his sentence lord Crump attacked him. Mario had no other choice. Lord crump jumped and tried to land on Mario. Mario narrowly avoided his attack and kicked him in the butt. Lord crump angrily got up and tried to attack Mario again, but Mario took out his hammer and hit him in the stomach causing him tο lose his balance and fall down. Mario then noticed one of the other guys trying to attack him. He kicked him in the face and threw him unconscious. He then grabbed the other guy and threw him on lord crump who was trying to get up. Both lord crump and his henchman were launched into the air and landed on the other henchman.
"Wow" said the female goomba. "Τhat was incredible. You sure kicked their ass."
Suddenly lord Crump and his men got up.
"I didn't expect you to get up so quickly. "said Mario "You are tougher than you look."
"Well,' said lord Crump "you have one or two skills I'll give you that. Unfortunately for you that means... IT'S GO TIME"
Suddenly thirty or more soldiers appeared and surrounded Mario and the goomba.
"Punish him" shouted lord Crump.
Immediately all the soldiers attacked Mario and the goomba. Suddenly the goomba escaped.
"Come on." She said. "this way."
Mario followed her and together they ran away.
Meanwhile the soldiers were still fighting. Suddenly lord Crump shouted: "STOOOOP."
All the soldiers stopped fighting. Lord Crump looked around and realized that Mario and the goomba had escaped.
"Where are they? Did someone see them? Anyone?" He asked.
Unfortunately for him, no one had seen a thing.
"Oh, crud. They bolted. Now Grodus will get so mad at me."
Later Mario and the goomba arrived at the Rogueport main Plaza.
"Thank you" said the goomba. "you are a hero. You deserve a little reward."
And with these words she kissed him on the cheek.
"My name is goombela "she added. "I'm a student at the university of goom. And who are you?"
"I'm Mario." replied Mario
"Really? The famous one. Wow. I can't believe I met you here." said Goombela. "Anyway, it looks like you just arrived, huh?"
"Exactly. And what are you doing here?" asked Mario
"Me? I already hate it here. There are freaks and criminals everywhere." replied Goombela. "For a place called Rogueport I should have expected it, but come on. I would never have come here if there wasn't a legendary treasure here."
"what? You're looking for the treasure as well?" asked Mario in surprise.
"Yes. You are looking for it too?" asked Goombela
"Of course." Replied Mario as he took the map out of his pocket.
"Hey. What do you have there? Asked Goombela.
"take a look" said Mario and showed Goombela the map. As goombela looked it a big smile formed on her face.
"Is it what I think it is?" she asked
"It's the map to the treasure."
"You have to tell me where you got that." said Goombela
"It was sent to me by princess Peach." replied Mario
"Princess Peach? Really?" asked Goombela in shock
As Mario was about to answer, he heard a familiar voice behind him.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't master Mario"
Mario turned around and saw Toadsworth, the Prime minister of the Mushroom kingdom.
"It's good to see you again." said Toadsworth. "However, I can't help, but asking what in the world brings you to this place."
"Princess Peach told me to meet her here. She had sent me a treasure map and she wanted my help to find the treasure." said Mario.
"Hmm. That is really interesting." Said Toadsworth.
"So," asked Mario "where is she?"
"Erm... I was about to ask you that." said Toadsworth
"You don't know where she is?" asked Mario
"Unfortunately, no. We stopped in this town to acquire some fuel for our ship. I only took my eyes off her for a second, but as soon as I did, she disappeared."
"Are you serious?" asked Mario in shock. "You're her Prime minister. You're supposed to always be with her."
"You know how stubborn she is Mario." Toadsworth justified himself. "I assumed she'd be back immediately. But at this point I fear we must embrace the possibility that we'll never see her again. I've been worried sick. I've been at a loss, but now that you're here, I feel safe. I'm sure you'll find her. As always.
"What about you?" asked Mario
"This task is too hard for an old toad like me. I'll leave it to you. I'll relax at the Inn and wish you all the best."
And with these words Toadsworth left, leaving Mario with the task of rescuing the princess. Again. After he had left, Goombela turned to Mario and said:
"Peach? Did he mean Princess Peach? The princess of the Mushroom kingdom that always gets kidnapped by the evil koopa king, Bowser? The one you rescue again and again?"
"Exactly." Replied Mario
"Wait? Princess Peach sent you the treasure map?"
"Yes." replied Mario "But I don't know where she is"
"Strange." said Goombela "If she wanted to look for the treasure with you, she'd be on time. Do you think she got bored of waiting and decide to go and find the treasure herself?'
"Maybe, but this is highly unlikely." said Mario
Suddenly Goombela said: "I got it. We have to take the map to professor Frankly."
"Who?" asked Mario
"One of my professors." explained Goombela. "He is the one who told me about the treasure. If we start looking for the treasure, maybe we'll be able to find princess Peach."
"Good idea." said Mario
"come on. We need to find professor Frankly. I know where he lives, but since I just got into town myself, I haven't had the opportunity to visit him. Let's go."
Mario and goombela left the plaza and went to find professor Frankly. As they were walking a passer-by bumped on Mario.
"Oops. Sorry sucker." He shouted as he ran away.
"Hey, watch where you're going." Shouted Goombela.
" This guy stole my wallet." Said Mario. "this place gets on my nerves."
And with these words, he started running after the bandit. Soon he caught up to him and cornered him.
"There is nowhere left to run." said Mario
" I won't run away." Said the bandit. "I'll teach you a lesson. Prepare to…"
Before he could finish his sentence, Mario hit him in the face with his hammer, knocking him out.
"Okay. It's over. Let's go." Said Mario taking back his wallet.
"What about him?" asked goombela, who had just caught up to Mario.
"Leave him here. He won't bother us again."
Mario and Goombela left the unconscious thief and carried on. Soon they arrived outside a small house.
"This is where professor Frankly lives?" asked Mario.
"Yes. It's not very comfortable, but I think professor Frankly likes it."
Mario tried to knock the door, but as he touched it, it opened.
"Classic professor Frankly. He always forgets the door unlocked." said Goombela.
They entered the house which was filled with piles of books. Suddenly an old goomba with glasses and white hair around his head came into the room and looked at Mario and Goombela.
"Who are you and what are you doing in my house?" he asked. He then looked at Goombela and said: "Wait a minute. I know you from somewhere. He then turned around and started talking to himself "Er… It's not Goombriel. Umm… it's not Elizagoom. Hrmmm…" He suddenly turned around and said: "I got it. You 're Goombela. You were in my archeology class last year."
"That's right." said Goombela.
"Well," said professor Frankly. "and who is this guy with you?"
"I'm Mario." replied Mario
"Who?" asked professor Frankly
"Mario." said Goombela "You know, the famous one? Who constantly saves the world?"
"Oh, I'm sorry." replied professor Frankly "I don't keep up with the latest celebrities. Anyway, what are you doing here?"
"We want to find the legendary treasure. You know about it, right?" asked goombela.
"Of course." replied professor Frankly "The only reason I came here was to find about it. However, why do you want to know about it? You know most people believe it's just a little more than a fairy tale, right?
"Archeologists and historians have to search for the truth in these stories though. I believe that the treasure really exists and I really want to find it." said Goombela.
"Good point and well made." said professor Frankly "In that case, I'll help you any way I can. First of all, about the treasure, there are many mysteries surrounding it. Some say it is an infinitely vast treasure hoard, while other believe it is a magical item. Some claim it's a monster while some books suggest it is an empty chest. So many theories. Obviously, it's impossible to tell the truth from the lie. However, they all agree on one point. To find the treasure, one must have the crystal stars."
"To find the treasure of yore, take the crystal stars to the thousand- year door." said Goombela. "You mean the crystal stars in that old saying that super-elderly people pass down?"
"Indeed, the same." replied professor Frankly. "As the saying goes if you want to find the treasure you must first collect the seven crystal stars."
"Hold the map aloft before the entrance to the thousand-year door. Then the stars will light the way that leads to the stones of yesterday. Yeah" said Goombela "So if we take that magical map to the thousand-year door it will show where to find the crystal stars."
"Excuse me." Said Mario
"Correct" replied professor frankly. "And the thousand-year door is supposedly deep beneath this town."
"About the map…" said Mario
"Yet." added professor Frankly. "the critical piece of the puzzle. The map. Is still missing."
"But..." tried to say Mario.
"If only we had that map." said professor Frankly
"But we do have it." Said Goombela "Well, not we exactly. Mario has the map."
"What?" asked professor Frankly
"That's what I've been trying to tell you." Said Mario
"You have the map? May I take a look at it?" asked professor Frankly.
Mario showed him the map. After looking at it for a few minutes he exclaimed:
"That's it. This is definitely the real thing." He then turned to Mario and said: "You son are my hero. You are incredible, amazing, wonderful even. Now we can find the crystal stars just by holding this before the legendary door."
"Right on professor" said Goombela
"What are we waiting for then?" said professor Frankly "We have a treasure to find. Follow me.'
And with these words he left the house, followed by Mario and Goombela. He crossed the street, opened a wooden door and reached a pipe.
"Come on." He said. "This way."
As Mario and Goombela were about to enter the pipe professor Frankly stopped them and said:
"Mario, Goombela. Something just occurred to me. There might be a few hoodlums down there so keep your guard up."
"Okay." replied both Mario and Goombela
Then all three of them went down the pipe. A few moments later they arrived in the sewers.
"Here we are. If the door exists it must be somewhere around here." said professor Frankly.
As they were looking, a goomba, a spiny goomba and a paragoomba appeared and blocked their way
"You are so cute." Said the goomba to goombela
"What is a little lass like you doing down here?" asked the spiny goomba
"Perhaps you can hang out with us. We would definitely enjoy your company." Added the paragoomba
"It's really nice of you guys, but how shall I put this delicately? Forget it. No way. Get out of the way." said Goombela angrily.
"You're so rude." Said the goomba
"We'll teach you a lesson." Added the spiny goomba
"Get them." Shouted the paragoomba
With these words the three guys attack Mario and his friends.
"You seriously need to learn how to control your temper Goombela" said professor Frankly.
"I'll handle them." Said Mario "Mario to the rescue. Again"
Mario kicked the goomba in the face and it landed on the spike of the spiny goomba. It screamed in pain and fell on the floor.
"You use our own weapons against us?" shouted the paragoomba and tried to attack Mario. Goombela jumped on his head knocking him out.
"Time to end this." Said Mario. He took out his hammer and hit the spiny goomba in the face throwing him away. He quickly got up and started running away and was soon followed by the other two.
"The girl is tougher than it looks" said the paragoomba.
"And so is the plumber." replied the goomba. "Now I won't be able to sit for a month."
"That was easy." said Mario
"Yes. Now they'll never get in our way again." replied Goombela
"Come on." said professor Frankly
They followed professor Frankly and kept looking for the thousand-year door. Suddenly they entered a big chamber and saw a giant door with seven star-shaped holes on it. It was the thousand-year door.
"That's it" exclaimed professor Frankly. "the thousand -year door. It's real. My theory has been correct all these years."
As they approached the door, Goombela noticed a stone pedestal in front of the door.
"What's the deal with this weird pedestal, huh?" she asked
Mario looked at the pedestal. For some reason he had a desire to jump on it. Suddenly he did and some strange light stared shining on the pedestal and on Mario.
"Professor, what's going on?" asked Goombela in shock.
"Mario. The map." Shouted professor Frankly.
"Alright." replied Mario
Mario took the map out of his pocket and as he did, it rose in the air and started shining. Soon a big castle appeared on the map and on it appeared a white crystal star. Soon the flashing stopped and the map automatically returned to Mario's pocket.
"That was weird." said Goombela "What was that?"
"I'm not sure. It appears that information related to the crystal stars appeared." replied professor Frankly. "One way or another, we should return to my place and study the map."
Later, after Mario, Goombela and professor Frankly had returned to Frankly's house, Professor Frankly studied the map for a few minutes and then said:
"Hmm. Aha. I see."
"You understand it professor?" asked Goombela.
"Of course, I do. My dear"
"Then what does it say? "asked Mario
"It's ingenious" said professor Frankly "This map has radar-like functions. It shows the exact locations of the crystal stars. And according to my reckoning, the first crystal star is to be found in a place called Petal meadows."
"Petal Meadows? "asked Mario and Goombela at the same time.
"Yes" replied professor Frankly. "The whole place is a vast meadow that lies to the far east of Rogueport. To tell you the truth I've always thought that place was a tad suspicious. The name Petal Meadows did come up from time to time in my research."
"Ok." said Goombela. "Then we'll go there. Does anyone know how to get there?"
"I'm fairly certain that somewhere beneath the city is a pipe to Petal Meadows." replied professor Frankly "So if you can find it, you'll get there instantly. Pipe travel is efficient." Professor Frankly paused for a while and then asked: "By the way Mario, I'm kind of curious. Where did you get that map anyway?'
"It was sent to me by princess Peach." replied Mario.
"Princess Peach? "asked professor Frankly In surprise "Her highness sent this to you?"
"Exactly "said Mario "But we don't know where she is."
"Perhaps I can be of some help." said professor frankly
"How?" asked Goombela
"You know, your princess came to see me the other day. She wanted to learn about the treasure. I told her about the crystal stars and my suspicions about Petal Meadows. It doesn't seem likely, but perhaps she tried to go Petal Meadows on her own."
"You know professor." Said Goombela "There was another suspicious group asking about the same thing."
"Hmm. But I can't imagine princes Peach getting involved with them." Said professor Frankly.
"So, what do we do?" asked Mario
"It's settled." Said professor Frankly. "Off to Petal Meadows you two go. If princess Peach indeed went there your first priority must be to catch up to her. Collecting the crystal stars is a means to an end. And that end is princess Peach."
"Aren't you coming professor?" asked Goombela.
"No." replied professor Frankly. "I'll stay in town and ask around about princess Peach and that suspicious gang. Besides, I doubt a shriveled old goomba like me could handle the trials of the road. Of course, if anything happens and you need some advice, come and see me, ok?"
"You got it professor" said goombela.
"Come on Goombela. We've got a job to do." Said Mario.
With these words, Mario and Goombela left professor Frankly's house and took the pipe to the sewers. After wandering for a while, they came across an old sign.
"What does it say?" asked Goombela
"This way to Petal Meadows." replied Mario "And I think it refers to that pipe."
He points to an old grey pipe on a reef on the water.
"Let's go" said Goombela.
However, as she was about to jump on the reef, a blooper jumped out of the water and stopped her.
"Bloopp bloopity bloop?" Said the blooper.
"What?" asked Goombela in confusion
"He asks who dares trespass into his territory." replied Mario
"How do you know?'
"After all these years of fighting against Bowser and his minions, I have got used to it."
"Bloooooop. Blooop. Bloppoop." Said the blooper
"He now says he's going to teach us a lesson and that we have entered a world of pain." Said Mario.
"We'll see about that" said Goombela and got ready to fight.
The blooper raised his tentacles and tried to catch Goombela, but Mario got in the middle and hit the tentacles with his hammer. Then Goombela jumped on the blooper's head and hit him. The blooper caught both of them and threw them against a wall.
"Our attacks are not doing anything.' said Goombela
"We have to hit him in his weak spot. Between his eyes." replied Mario.
"Throw me in the air. I'll land between his eyes." Said Goombela
"It is very dangerous. Can you do it?" asked Mario
"Trust me"
"I trust you, because you're my friend."
Mario threw Goombela in the air and she hit the blooper right between his eyes.
"Blooooooooooooooop. Bllooooppp." Cried the blooper
"He is crying because we hit in his weak spot." Said Mario
"blopopo. Bllloop." said the blooper and then disappeared into the water."
"What did he say?" asked Goombela
"He said that next time he is going to over-crush us." replied Mario
Mario and Goombela jumped on the reef and reached the pipe.
"This is it" said Goombela "Our adventure starts here. I'm so excited"
Mario didn't reply
"What troubles you?' asked Goombela
"I don't know. I don't think it'll be that easy. Who knows what awaits us?"
"Whatever it is, I'm sure we can handle it." Said Goombela
"of course. Come on."
With these words, Mario jumped into the pipe, shortly followed by Goombela
So, I am done with the prologue. Soon I will write the rest of the chapters and the interludes which will serve as separate chapters. Next will be chapter one. Please write reviews to let me know what you think of my work.