Author's Notes: It's about time Scuro gets to see the outside world again. The last chapter was the end of the introduction phase so this chapter would be the start of the more relevant side of the story plot. This one is short and sorta filler, but it still has some of Scuro's character development.
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Chapter 10
"Rocked"
"I'm afraid I cannot do that so easily, Starlow..."
"As much as I really hate the idea, princess. I think we need to bring him with us. He says he can help us make this job easier, but all we need is your permission to release him. We'll be sure to keep an eye on him... Under strict supervision, of course."
Starlow didn't like the idea. In fact, she hated it. She didn't want the Dark Star to be part of this mission. Yet ever since asking for the ancient relic's advice and theories, she had a feeling he would be needed.
Yesterday, when Scuro had suggested he come with them, she had declined fiercely out of reflex. They argued, much to the dismay of the two accompanying Mario brothers. She was confident the ancient relic won't do any physical resistance, keeping in mind he was immobilized and secured. She could boss him around all she wanted.
She didn't keep in mind that he pioneered this mission.
"Listen... As much as I want Scuro to open up and uncover a gentler side of him, I don't want him with you. He still cannot be trusted... much." The princess frowned disapprovingly, but Starlow could see her fighting away the urge to allow this.
Starlow huffed. "Yes, princess... I get that. Really, I do. But we really need his help. We'll keep an eye on him, we promise."
"Yeah! Besides, if he does anything fishy, we'll be there to stop him once and for all!" Mario exclaimed confidently.
Princess Peach made a displeased face. "I cannot let you destroy him, Mario." Her voice was firm and commanding, demanding all within earshot to listen to her authority. "He didn't get the chance to live a normal life... He deserves a try at it. Yes, I understand that all of you dislike him, but please give him this last chance at redemption."
Starlow wanted to argue that the Dark Star doesn't deserve another chance. He was meant to destroy everything with darkness. She wanted so bad to rub it in the princess's face that she herself said that the Dark Star needed to be destroyed. Now here she was ordering them not to destroy him. She decided against it, though. As much as she favored arguing, she knew it wouldn't get them anywhere else.
"...Fine... But are you going to say yes or no? You didn't make it quite clear." Starlow asked with a hint of disagreement.
The princess hesitated, trying to weigh out her thoughts carefully. "Bring the Dark Star. If you say that he would be of help, then I wouldn't be against you. But please do not destroy him..."
...(Scuro's POV)...
This is what I like about meditation... Nothing bothers me inside my own consciousness. Everything is so calm and empty... It reminds me of the Void, though. But meditation is different. I can rest without a worry of being held back by a prison.
The only problem with meditation is that it is easily disturbed. Sounds and the exterior environment threaten to interrupt such a pleasing pastime. But centuries of dormancy allowed me to ignore these factors. Nothing dares disturb me...
I feel so light... Perhaps I'm going far too deep into sleep. I feel that it isn't the right time to sleep just yet... I open my eyes slowly and find something that jolted me awake in surprise.
Theres was no warm orange light that once bathed the room. Low hums that i always hear emanating from the force field-like prison were silent. I scan the orbs that generated energy and find them dimmed. I take a moment to realize that my prison is now deactivated. I'm free.
"Don't do anything fishy."
I readjust my gaze back to someone before me. The star sprite had a hard expression as she observed me. The two plumbers flanked her sides, wearing the same attentive expression. The guards were watching from the chamber entrance. They looked uneasy, but I could feel their reassurance that the Mario. brothers are here to protect them.
I returned my attention back to the star sprite as she spoke again. "Can you move? I mean, like float and stuff. It'll be a real problem if you can't." She asked me while still holding that attentive gaze.
I nod, and it felt more alien now that there was no resistance. I can move without trouble. But I can't seem to float very well... I struggle to lift myself out of the air. I activate my mobile form. Instead of ray-like spikes, an unstable and shadowy haze engulfs me. It resembled fire in appearance, the only difference that it was black and dark purple instead of bright shades of red and yellow. I resembled a fireball in shape instead of the sun-like appearance I always had.
I rise a foot above my platform. I move a little to the left, testing my mobility. It worked, but it was quite difficult. I spring to the right, and test if I still have fast agility. It was slower, but it would still suffice. I nod to the trio before me, confirming that I still have the ability to move.
They nodded back in reply. The star sprite spoke again. "Follow us. We're going into one of the pipes and sneak you out of Toad Town."
I wanted so bad to leave and forget about my promise to the trio. I could fly away as fast and far away as I can and leave them to deal with the problem themselves. But then that would just destroy my plan to reunite fully with the dark power in the first place. Besides, I keep promises. I do not know very well how to break them.
I float towards them. My movements were now wispy and phantom-like opposing to the fluid and powerful motions I once had. It didn't bother me much, though. I could still move, but could I still attack? I relied on dark power to inflict damage. It would be better not try it now... I'd be back in my prison before I even destroy something.
The red plumber turned around and walked towards the exit, followed by the star sprite. The green one stayed until I floated past him. We were positioned were I was the center of the group. The red plumber and star sprite would lead the way, and the green plumber would keep an eye on me as I followed their lead. I was annoyed with how cautious they were, yet at the same time approving at how they made sure everything should be in their control.
The guards escorted us towards a large and yellow pipe at the far end of the cave. I guessed it would lead straight into Toad Town. But before I could ask how I am supposed to sneak out of town, they stopped and halted me.
The red plumber took a step towards me, pulling out a large blanket from his front pocket. I stare at it curiously, not because the plumber just pulled it out from his pocket that couldn't have possibly fit. I was curious with what they were going to do with it. The red plumber explained to me with his prominent Italian accent. "We're going to have to put this over you, so that no one could see you. You're going to have to stop floating so it seems that we are carrying you. But please just don't make it hard on us; help us a little so we don't have to carry much weight."
I comply and drop down. I made sure to float a few centimeters off the ground, so they wouldn't have a problem lifting me. The red plumber draped the light blanket over me. I closed my eyes making sure their luminescence doesn't pass through the cloth.
I felt hands lifting me up from below me."Please don't mess this up..." I hear the green plumber mutter under his breath. I wasn't sure if it was directed towards me or himself, but I obeyed nonetheless.
I rocked back and forth as the strangely synchronized footsteps of the two brothers told me we were moving. Moments later, I felt the familiar sensation of warmth from the sunlight. Light filtered through the blanket. Even when my eyes were closed, I was blinded by the sudden brightness. I was too accustomed to the dark and cold underground environment and the change took me by surprise.
The sudden glare mellowed into a warm and comfortable light. The filtered sunlight and constant yet steady rocking lulled me to sleep . I didn't fight it, though since I would still have to wait until the star sprite and plumbers get me away. I don't see any problem with it, so I take a small nap.
...
"Hey! Wake up!" The star sprite nudged me with her foot as I willed my eyes to open. Normally, I would be mad at her for interrupting a god sleep. I decided to tolerate it this time. There may have been a problem and she woke me up to help. But instead, I find ourselves resting under the shade of a tree.
The blanket was off of me already, yet I don't see it anywhere. I assume it was tucked away back into the red plumber's pocket.
I take in the surroundings and was bombarded with a lively mix of greens, reds, yellows, and blues. We were on top of a relatively small hill overlooking a shimmering lake and a lush forest. Flowers dotted the entire area, providing life and color to the scenery. There were some trees here, and we were situated just below one. The breeze that would occasionally whistle through provided a cool and relaxing feel that bribed me back into sleep.
We were somewhere quite far from Toad Town. I could see the castle in the distance to my left. We were far enough that no one would be able to see us. I don't know exactly where we are, though. "Where are we?"
The green plumber answered me. "Oh, that's Blubble Lake!" He gestured towards the mass of water before us. "And over there is Dimble wood!" He pointed at the forest. He looked very happy and satisfied as he enjoyed the scenery and refreshing environment.
The red plumber was leaning on the tree trunk. His legs were crossed as he gazed at the scenery with admiration. The star sprite floated beside me, also admiring the serenity and peacefulness of the lake and forest.
"We're taking a little rest by the way." The star sprite explained to me.
"I see..." I answer, not seeing the point how this is relevant to the mission. "Why are we resting? We should not waste time."
"Well, for one, you're pretty heavy when you're asleep. And two, you got to sleep and rest for the past two hours while we struggled to sneak your butt out of town and drag you here!" She snapped back.
I ignore her crankiness and take in the scenery for myself. I couldn't bring myself to ignore the beauty of this place... It's beautiful, admittedly. I never got to admire such things... I was always busy destroying everything. I never knew how to appreciate these kind of wonders, but now that I have the chance to experience it, it felt... strangely good.
I had a feeling this would be a fair day. That was until I felt a rock connect with my back. I jump in surprise. It didn't hurt, but it bothered me.
I float and turn towards the source, only to get hit again by a rock to the face. I shake the bits of soil from me and see a yellow, little creature. It had glasses that reminded me of the scientist-bug and it wore what looks like a green helmet. It was squeaking humorously like it was laughing. I felt insulted that this puny thing challenged me by throwing rocks at my face. Not only that, it also dared to laugh at me!
I growl menacingly, grabbing the little creature's attention. It noticed my enraged gaze and it squeaked fearfully before disappearing back into the hole it came from.
I heard giggling and found the star sprite stifling a laugh. "Tee Hee Hee. Those are Mawful Moles by the way. They just want to mess with you. But they aren't a threat to us since you're here. They're afraid of anything as big as you." She explained.
A rock hit my back again, causing the star sprite to burst into laughter.
I seethed and shook in anger. I turn towards the Mawful Mole and growl menacingly. That little pest! It wants to play a game? I know what to play! How about 'skin the pipsqueak and crush its bones'?! Or maybe we can count how many stabs it would take to kill a mole! How about we-
The little rat wasn't where I expected it to be. The hole was still there, but not the annoying runt. Where was it? I still wanted to play a game of skinning it alive! Perhaps this is not going to be a fair day... It didn't help that the star sprite was still laughing her little star off.
I look towards the star sprite, intending to glare daggers at her. It was just in time to see her laughter get cut off by a direct hit. The rock bruised her cheek as it connected with a sickening crunch. I look towards the rock thrower and find the mole peeking from another hole. It laughed with glee as the star sprite muttered an 'ow'. Hmmm... the mole has found a new playmate... Perhaps this wouldn't be such a bad day after all.