Author's Notes: I'm sorry for the late update. There were some problems going on with the Internet connection.
By the way, Madz the Penguin, thanks for giving the first review. I'll make sure to keep the POVs less confusing this time by labeling each POV. I did it with this chapter and I'll be updating the 2nd and 3rd chapters with the labeled POVs.
Have a nice time reading!
Chapter 4
"Take this Chance"
It is currently 3o'clock in the afternoon and all of Toad Town was preparing for their princess's birthday party. They were running around like headless chickens trying to get everything done in time in a surprising orderly fashion. The party is going to start at 6pm this evening, and many important people will be of attendance.
There was going to be a parade before the party starts and everyone scrambled to sweep up the streets clean. The streets were now lined with colorful banderoles that waved in the light, comforting breeze. Colorful balloons big and small were strapped everywhere ranging from random poles to the town's walls. Everyone that had houses that lined the parade route did their best to make their homes presentable.
The scene wasn't any different inside Peach's castle. Banners were being raised on the walls and tables were being set on the main hall. The many of the best cooks around Mushroom kingdom were preparing the meals for tonight's birthday. Every nook and cranny of the castle was swept clean. A special seat was being prepared for the princess in the main hall were the party would be held.
There was a very festive mood indeed. But under the joyful and lively streets of Toad Town, there was one exception. It was dark, damp, and cold inside the Toad Town Caves where the Dark Star was currently being held prisoner.
At the main gate towards the Dark Star's chamber, loyal and hardy guards were patrolling the area to ensure that the ancient relic wouldn't escape. They wouldn't be attending the party, but they would still be celebrating in their own way. Be it greeting the princess with cards, sending gifts, or having a special meal between the guards, they were contented with just that. They didn't want to leave the evil ancient alone; they wanted to ensure the safety of their homes, family, and fellow people on the aboveground world.
Deeper into the caves and inside the Dark Star's prison chamber, Princess Peach was trying to bring up a conversation with the Dark Star. It was a dumb thing to do; who would want to have some time alone with an evil relic that wants the whole world destroyed, anyway? Apparently, the princess felt the need to give the Dark Star some comfort and provide company at the same time; even though it was a such a stupid and dangerous decision.
She had dismissed Mario, Luigi, and Starlow back to the aboveground wishing to have some privacy. Besides, they would think she was crazy for what she was about to ask the ancient relic
...(Dark Star's POV)...
It was awkwardly quiet between the two of us. Both of us just stared into each other trying to read each other's faces. The princess wore a thoughtful expression and I was wearing a blank expression as always. This continued on for a few minutes before the princess finally decided to break the ice.
"Um, I guess no one wants the first word so I'll take it... My name is Princess Peach, the princess of the Mushroom kingdom. You can just call me 'Peach' or 'princess'; call me whatever you like", She introduced herself with a smile.
I had expected to be assaulted by questions of how I was still here or where the dark power had gone the moment she opened her mouth. Things happened so fast in so little time; of course she would question me. But she didn't ask exactly in that way.
Even after everything I've done.. I have put her people in danger and threatened to destroy everything she holds dear. Other numerous kingdoms around the world were also at stake in my reign of darkness. I am a devastator; something to be feared of and blamed at. Yet here she was, introducing herself like I was some approachable stranger.
She was trying to be nice.
I was confused. She was showing me kindness even if I'm considered an enemy of the world. I had expected something harsh or angry... I guess she was just more composed than I thought...
...(3rd POV)...
The princess was trying to make a conversation with the ancient relic. She didn't know what came over her; it was as if something inside her nudged her to talk with the ancient relic. It wasn't a necessarily important conversation nor was she trying to get on the Dark Star's nerves.
"Um... How are you feeling?" She asked.
The Dark Star didn't respond but it did give her a look that said 'what kind of question was that?'. She had said that out of habit from talking to some royals and others who visited the castle when she needed to tend to them. The ancient relic is imprisoned in a dark, damp, and cold cave; of course it wasn't feeling exactly well.
"Okay... I think that was a very dumb question", she admitted rather sheepishly gesturing at the Dark Star's current state. She continued on.
"Do you want another chance?"
It gazed at her with glowing red eyes that demanded an immediate explanation.
She had a belief that every evil has an opposite; it can either be a defiant hero or the struggle between mind and heart. She knew that every evil person had a good side even if it was rare. She had been given proof of Bowser's good side during the Fawful incident where he had coincidentally helped the Mario bros. save all of Mushroom kingdom and the world. Even during the Olympics or Kart races he decided to play nice. She wished the Dark Star had a good side and she intended to test the waters.
Very deep and dangerous waters.
"I meant a second chance in life. You are sentient, aren't you? You have life. Over the past millennia of your existence, you have only caused much grief and destruction. Do you want to make more from your life?"
The Dark Star remained silent in thought.
...(Dark Star's POV)...
Another chance in life? What was more to life than just power and destruction? Do I have the capability to be different than what I am now? What would I do with this chance? Do I need this chance? Is this chance even worth it? So many questions needed to be answered...
I do not understand this concept of "second chance" nor would I want to try. I don't want to change. I have finalized myself as what I am now and nothing will change that. I have never died and I never had a true second life. The darkness only intends to do one thing... conquer all through fear and destruction; and I am darkness.
I make a disapproving look denying the princess's request for change.
She let out a sad sigh, but she still looked determined.
"You deserve this second chance. Everyone has a right to be happy and you're no different. If you find happiness in the grief of others then you're making a wrong decision. You experienced loss right? The last time you attempted to do that, you lost. This opportunity doesn't repeat itself. And you might not be able to return back here again... This may also be your final chance..."
I pondered this for a bit, taking in every word she said. She is saying she just wants the best for everyone... the best for me. She said I would lose the next time and she is... Correct. I lack the power to even escape. How much more effort would it take to resume my assault? Probably an impossible task.
This chance perhaps, is my only option. Even if I hate it, I can't do anything about it.
...(3rd POV)...
The Dark Star's eyes dimmed into a soft crimson indicating it's reluctant approval. The princess smiled at this. "I'll say you want to accept this chance?"
The ancient relic gave a look of confirmation and finally decided to talk.
"Why? What makes you think this is better for me?"
The princess thought for a moment before giving an answer. "Well... If it wasn't clear enough for you, I care for everything good and bad. I had never intended to destroy you back then, but we didn't have a choice. I just wanted to show you that what you're doing isn't going to be for the better... Besides, I did mean I want everyone here in Toad Town to be happy and that includes you. You are technically under Toad Town after all..."
"What do you mean?"
"It means you are part of this town; albeit as a prisoner. But nonetheless, this is were you stay." The princess saw the Dark Star harden its glare at her seemingly thinking that she was hiding a little something. She didn't see why the dark relic shouldn't know about today's occasion. It wouldn't be going anywhere.
"Everyone in my kingdom is celebrating my birthday today... I don't want anyone left out today. I don't know how to make you happy, though. And I wouldn't let you out. I don't trust you... yet. But I can still spare you from feeling worse, right?"
The Dark Star just gave an indication of understanding what the princess was talking about. It didn't exactly feel touched by the princess's act of kindness, but it was warmed a little bit. It showed in its eyes.
The princess smiled again. She had another thing hanging in her mind while she was talking with the Dark Star. She wasn't sure if she could bring it up now or maybe just later. But she still asked anyway.
...(Dark Star's POV)...
"What's your name?"
My name? I don't know if I have one... A name is an identification of a person right? Is 'The Dark Star' a name? I think it is more of a title than a name... But I am an ancient relic; relics don't have names. Yet I am also considered a sentient being and other sentient beings have names. Is it to be considered a necessity?
"I don't have a name."
The princess looked on me with pity. I didn't want to think much about it... It isn't too important to me. But the princess seemed pretty sympathetic towards my lack of a name. Is there something wrong with not having names? I guess so.
...(3rd POV)...
She had asked the Dark Star for its name to which it answered that it had no name. She knew that 'the Dark Star' was only a title if it weren't obvious. She felt both pitiful and relieved for the ancient relic. Pitiful because she felt sympathy for the powerful being; everyone deserved a name no matter what. And relieved because she would know where to start with in making it cheer up.
"How about we give you a name?" She tried my best to look patient and encouraging to the dark being. It was looking at her with that permanent, powerful glare that threatened to melt through anyone's head. But its eyes were still a slightly dimmer crimson indicating that it wasn't mad or impatient.
The Dark Star wasn't talking anymore and was giving her a thoughtful gaze. It was obviously wondering if it was okay not to have one.
"I'll take that as a yes?"
The Dark Star didn't respond. It didn't make a disapproved look though, so it must be alright to say it was ok with that.
"Alright... What name would you want?"
"I have no knowledge in naming", it dryly said.
"Um... I guess I'll just pick you a name then..."
She thought for a little while trying to conjure a meaningful name. 'What name would fit a dark, evil, and powerful ancient relic?', she thought. She knows a few foreign words that can describe the dark being or names that relate to the thought. Ancient Greek was her favorite among the ancient languages she studied, and she intended to use that.
"Um... How about we call you... Nyctus. It's Ancient Greek for dark by the way."
The Dark Star stared back at her with a hint of interest. The princess noticed this and asked the dark being about its opinion.
It didn't respond immediately. Its eyes still held that interest, but it was threatening to disappear back into malevolence. She knew that she had to somehow keep this mood up if she were to have a friendlier discussion. She proceeded to think up another name.
"Hmmm... What do you think of... Scuro. It's an Italian term for darkness also. Mario taught me some Italian and I thought it sounded nice so"
The Dark Star was still interested but it abruptedly returned to wearing the threatening glare again; as if suddenly realizing something. The princess was taken aback by the sudden mood change.
"You dare to retreat me like your pet?" Its eyes glowed ferociously successfully intimidating the princess. "You name me like you have every right to do so. I have no name but that does NOT mean a name would be important to me."
She backed a foot away out of instinct. She fought herself not to call for Mario and Luigi knowing that that would only make things worse. She had plans for the dark being and it didn't help that it was being stubborn. She had said she only wanted the best, but she had to admit it really was like naming a dog.
"But you NEED one. Everyone has a name-"
"Is 'the Dark Star' not a name? Is it not something to be acknowledged with?"
"It is. But titles are different than names. Titles are mere inscriptions that describe what you are. But names are power. Names describe who you are and that makes you a full living person. I know you are not just a relic, but someone who deserves an indication of life."
The Dark star remained silent. The malignant look did not subside but a hint of understanding slowly crept into the dark being's eyes. "I... I do not question your plans. But I do not wish to apologize to you."
"You don't need to. Just having you to agree with me is good enough."
The Dark Star fell quiet. It was still visibly enraged by the thought in being named by someone else, but it looked reassured by the princess's words. It calmed down just the slightest before closing its eyes and hissing as if it were sighing.
"Would you still want to be named?" The princess asked thoughtfully at the ancient relic. It reopened its eyes now replaced with irritation and unease.
"Fine." The Dark Star forced itself to give the annoying princess some patience.
"So we had, um... Nyctus and Scuro as some candidates. What name would you like?"
The Dark Star closed its eyes in thought. The princess fidgeted with her dress until the seams were beginning to tangle between her fingers. The relic opened its eyes and looked at the unsure princess who was sweating a little bit. The princess gazed back as the dark relic gave its answer.
So what name do you think fits the Dark Star? Nyctus? Scuro? They both mean darkness or the like by the way. Please leave your answers in the reviews! Chapter 5 will be up once I pick out the name you have voted.