Author's Notes: Here's chapter 12! I'm sorry that I'll have to move the details about the Macabres to the next chapter. But don't you worry! This one wouldn't disappoint. This has some really big character development with Scuro, so expect some fluffy stuff.

Honestly, I think it's kinda rushed. But maybe that's just in my head...

Please READ and REVIEW!

Chapter 12

"Saltwater Phil"

The white beach sand scrunched under the brothers' feet as Mario and Luigi made their way through Plack Beach. Starlow and Scuro floated obediently alongside them in silence. Occasionally, they would hike when they come across a wall of rocks that resembled teeth with cavity and plaque.

Again, there weren't any monsters around. According to Scuro, they might have sensed the dark power on him and hid themselves.

The sky turned orange as the sun began to set. What remained of the sunlight filtered through the trees of Dimble Wood just beside the beach. The warm glow could make anyone feel comfortable. The cool coastal breeze and rhythmic splash of the waves made it even more appealing. The group even caught Scuro make a satisfied sigh.

But it would be dark soon, and they needed to hurry up. More monsters would appear at night.

To the group, nocturnal monsters were worse. Dark power didn't scare them, but instead, helped them in the form of camouflage. The group could easily be ambushed and caught off guard when they can't see. At least they already found the boat, which was anchored just along the shore. It was a blue fishing vessel, as the princess had said to expect.

It had been a little while since they encountered those undead trees. Some time passed since they had a fight other than with Bowser. It was challenging fighting multiple giants like that. But at least they won the battle with Scuro smashing through the lead tree.

After the fight, the Dark Star had been noticeably quiet...

The boat was now before them as the captain leaned on the railing and waved. "Took ya long enough." Scuro, who looked up expectantly, eyed the captain and took in his appearance.

He was a relatively old Toad. He wore a navy blue and white, mushroom-like hat, a white captain's jacket, a blue undershirt, a brown leather belt, dark blue pants, and brown shoes. He had a bushy and grey mustache that would occasionally tickle the man's nose, causing him to wrinkle his face. His bushy eyebrows were contracted into a light frown that creased his forehead. His green, aging eyes scanned them, especially the Dark Star, with a hidden wisdom.

"Um, sir? Are you our captain? Princess Peach said we would expect you." Starlow asked politely.

"Aye! The one and only! But please call me Saltwater Phil." The man proudly introduced himself.

"Saltwater Phil... Is that your real name?" Luigi asked with a confused frown.

"Hohoho! Of course not, laddie! But mind you, I prefer the nickname." The man then invited them towards his boat. "C'mon! Ye can't keep this girl waitin', now do we?"

...

The boat rocked softly as it propelled through the waves. Saltwater Phil was on the cockpit, steering the boat lazily. The waters here weren't dangerous and didn't need much attention, leaving the captain to do nothing but stare out into the sea before him. It became boring after a few moments, so he decided to observe his passengers.

The Mario brothers were talking at the prow. He already knew about them; everyone knew them. They were very famous for saving the princess countless times and on most occasions also save the whole world. He held a very high respect for them, not only because they were heroes, but also because they knew how to look out for each other.

He saw the star sprite floating alongside the two brothers, joining in their conversation. He knew she was some guide figure to the group. To him, the star sprite was also the cheer of the group, keeping in mind how much she talks and brings up conversations.

Meanwhile, he saw the weird, black and purple fireball that loosely resembled the star sprite staring at them blankly. He was floating some meters away from the group, just beside the boat's railings. Phil had no idea who the strange being was or what his role was in the group. But apparently, he knew he was some loner that hid in the shadows and only revealed himself when he was called upon.

The captain didn't want the weird being to be left out, so he decided to have a little talk with him.

He didn't need to steer the ship, anyway. The waves were too soft that the boat wouldn't veer off coarse. He also managed to install an autopilot feature into the cockpit. It wasn't very reliable, but it'll have to do. He didn't remember where it came from, but he could've sworn he salvaged it from a crashed ship... All in all, there was nothing to worry about.

He set the boat to autopilot and typed in the coordinates on the control panel. After that, he slid out of his cockpit and went to greet the strange being. He was eager to know who the strange being really was, but something in the back of his mind nagged him to be careful. The being looked very malignant, but he seemed to get along fine with the group... at least, that's what he thought. Phil didn't think he had anything to worry about, but it wouldn't hurt to be extra cautious.

...(Scuro's POV)...

I watch the trio before me chatting casually with each other. It didn't seem very important, since they were laughing and grinning as they talked. They would occasionally glance at me as if I would suddenly disappear. I ignored the looks they gave me, already getting used to the askance they always showed towards me. They already seem to forget the battle from earlier... Were they celebrating? I don't see why not, but it just seems so soon to rejoice.

Back at the forest, I was eager to finally fight and destroy something. When I battle, I more than usually do not think straight. I had concluded that it was out of lust for destruction that I go berserk every time I recognize the opportunity to do such. The adrenaline also affects me in the same way.

During the battle, both factors acted on me, making me forget that I do not have the dark power anymore. I have scolded myself fiercely for that and I even used that rage to attack the remaining trees.

And during that battle, I and those three... we actually worked together. It does not seem very difficult to do, but there were many reasons that oppose it. We are enemies, and the only reason I trust them was because I held respect for their capabilities to get things done for me. I know they don't trust me. They have engraved it on my mind for me to always remember.

But we have the same reasons...the same mission. The same mission to restore balance and keep the world fair. Although my main goal is to regain the dark power through the Shade Crystal, I couldn't ignore the fact that I might also save the world... be a hero. Things may not have appeared to be serious yet, but I know this would escalate soon. And soon may even be tomorrow...

Somehow, thinking of myself as patriotic was... pathetic. I'm comparing myself to these weak plumbers and star sprite. I'm comparing myself to people that... were capable of defeating me. I huff in defeat.

Who am I to say these plumbers were weak? They were very worthy of my respect. I can also say the same for the star sprite. They have showed great power and sheer determination during our battle years ago. Even now, they still had that powerful fire. I admire power, and the trio possessed plenty of it.

Recalling out our teamwork from earlier today, I can't help but mentally smile. We did something that we deemed impossible. We cooperated with each other without any form of resistance or hesitation... We have proven ourselves to be capable of adapting to situations.

We worked better as a team, and I can't help but want that team to stay.

"Hey, laddie. What's your name? I didn't get to know ye much." I hear a rough and Scottish-accented voice behind me.

I turn around and was greeted by the captain of the boat. He gave me a sincere smile that I wouldn't have thought someone would give to me. Judging from his question, he didn't recognize me or probably never heard of the legend of the Dark Star.

I was torn between letting him know that I'm really the Dark Star from a legend that depicted mass destruction, or hide the secret from him. I didn't want to risk the secrecy... I understood the reason behind keeping things hidden. The group didn't want to let anyone know about me. So did I.

"Scuro." I simply state my name and observe the captain. I watched his every move, curious as to what his reaction was in interacting with me. He fiddled with his jacket, letting his fingers tangle the fabric... He was nervous. But surprisingly, he kept himself look calm and collected.

"Oh, that yer name? Anythin' else ye mind to tell ol' Saltwater Phil?"

"Sorry, captain, but I do not wish to tell you more. I do not feel very comfortable in discussing this matter." I try to sound as polite as I can.

"I understand, lad. But may I ask ye somethin'?" A hint of concern flashed across the old man's eyes. I was vaguely reminded of the princess by this, but I chose to tolerate this man. I hold in my irritation as best as I can, not wanting to make a scene. I nod at him, allowing him to continue.

"Why aren't ye' hangin' out with yer friends? You're a pretty lonely lad, and I don't want anyone on my boat to feel down."

My throat tightened at the mention of 'friends'. Those plumbers and star sprite weren't my friends... Although I want to try to consider them other than an enemy, a friend is something that comes last on that list.

"They are not my friends. We are simply on a mission that deems an alliance between us a necessity."

"So... Yer not exactly chums. So this be a business matter, right?"

"Yes. But to put it bluntly, we are enemies with the same goal."

"I see, lad. But ye don't seem to think differently of them now that ye put yer differences aside, don't ye?"

I didn't want to open up to him and I didn't plan to. He was a stranger and I knew better than to explain to someone I don't completely know what I feel. Some part of me says that he could be trusted and could even help fix the problem. Although, it seems odd... to actually think that someone's is concerned for my own internal turmoil... I guess it wouldn't hurt to explain a few things...

"I... I begin to doubt my reasons for opposing them, admittedly. They are very... respectable, I suppose." I heaved a sigh. "I don't see any true reason for killing them, anymore... Earlier... We encountered some enemies... and we actually, for once, cooperated. Without any complaints or hesitance... we defeated them... I admit, our teamwork proved efficient, and I want to exercise that interaction..."

The man stared at me with that concern of his. For once, it wasn't irritating. This concern was mixed with understanding, and that made us be on the same page. He nodded before asking again. "Wouldn't ye like to give it a shot, lad? Would ye like 'em to be yer friends?"

"I never had friends... nor would I want to... Need I remind you that we are enemies, captain. We fought fiercely years back without any hesitance to kill each other. Our differences have been solved lately, but I know it would only be temporary... The only reason I have not disposed of them was because we still have... business to finish."

The man gave me a disappointed shake of his head. "No, laddie. Ye can't keep on actin' like that. Everyone needs company in this world, and it isn't supposed to be just out of necessity. We all need someone to lean on during hard times, Scuro. Ye can't carry everything on yer shoulders all by yourself... Listen, lad. I don't know if your unsteady relationship-" he pointed to the trio. "-would even hold up for long. But I do know that there's an opportunity to build something out of that."

I look into the green eyes of the old man. They were the same shade as the leaves of the oldest trees. They were old and they experienced a lot during the course of their life. The same applies to the old man's eyes, which held many experiences. Although I am older by a few millennia, I have very little experiences. No one learns a lot when they simply sleep underground.

The man held a great wisdom, and it would be hard to somehow disagree with the man's words.

"I admit that I may not be the wisest, but I know a good and simple advice. Past is past. Everything between ye and them should be left behind where it should. It worked for me every time! What I'm saying is that ye should learn to start anew, laddie."

"But... the past is what makes the future... Everything that happened in the past would still affect everything." I question him.

"Yes, it is. But that's the purpose of the present, lad. The present is neither past nor future and is somewhere in between the two. It is where your decisions are made based on the experiences of the past. The future, meanwhile, is not definite. It has many paths and the path that you choose depends what you decide during the present. I know it's hard to actually understand all this, but to keep it simple, just do the right thing."

"And... You imply that the right thing is to... befriend them?"

"It's for the best. Trust me." He gave me a warm and genuine smile.

He placed a reassuring hand on me. Normally, I would've sprung at him for daring to touch me, but somehow, his words soothed me... I didn't hate this man nor do I dislike him. He is good to me, and I will tolerate him as best as I can. He glanced at something behind me before he chuckled. "Well, perfect timing! It's about time ye give this a shot. Remember what I said, lad."

He gave me a pat before returning back to his post. I wonder what he meant by perfect timing... Was there something that would happen?

I turned around and was greeted by the red plumber.

"Hey, Scuro! I guess I didn't get to thank you back there... So, um... Thank you. You saved our butts when that tree tried to attack us and we even teamed up pretty good! Well, I, uh... yeah. Thanks." He rubbed the back of his neck in a show of uneasiness.

I was beginning to feel uneasy, too. Apparently, captain wanted me to befriend them... I still didn't want to try it. But it wouldn't hurt to interact once in a while with the plumbers or the star sprite without hostility, right?

"You are... welcome." I forced the words out.

"Um... Are you okay? You seem pretty left out..."

I huffed in a reluctant agreement.

It felt odd trying to act friendly around the red plumber. He was an enemy that once killed me. But like the captain said... It was years ago. I should put that behind me now, because the past should stay in the past. I respected the captain's words greatly, and I wouldn't want to dishonor such wisdom with arrogance and stubbornness.

"Hey, why don't you join us?" A smile plastered across his face. It looked very genuine... Is he trying to accept me? Is he actually willing to give this "friendship" a try?

I glanced behind the red plumber and I see the star sprite and green plumber watching me attentively. It wasn't hostile. They looked uneasy, but they also seem to be willing to actually invite me into their little bubble... If that's what I think they wanted.

"Well, C'mon!" The red plumber invited me, and gestured for me to follow him. I reluctantly complied.

The green plumber gave me a shy wave, as if we've never met before. The star sprite only smiled at me. Though it seemed forced, it still had that sense of trying to invite. I snort back softly, unsure what to say or do. This wasn't like any of our formal discussions where we would debate and discuss serious matters. This was supposed to be light-hearted. Neither of us didn't have the cheer to start a conversation, and this threatened to end up becoming an awkward situation.

What seemed like hours waiting for someone to speak up, was actually just a few seconds of awkward silence. Thank the star sprite for breaking the ice, she finally began to talk. "Well, it's getting kinda silent around here. I could've sworn there would be crickets chirping in the background."

"There aren't any crickets out at sea, star sprite." I point out to her.

"It's just a manner of speech, Scuro." She gave me a flat look.

Mario chuckled. "Well, you can't really blame him! He just hadn't caught up yet with the modern world."

"Modern... World?" I repeat.

"Yeah. I mean, it's been a long time since you've been born or something. Wait, is it made or born? Because since your an ancient artifact I'm starting to think you're created." Mario mumbled and rubbed his chin in thought at the pointless question.

"I don't see how that is supposed to bother you, plumber."

"You really need to stop calling us like that, Scuro." The star sprite told me.

"Call you what, star sprite?" I ask her.

Instead, the green one answered my question. "Well, you always keep calling us "plumber", "green one", "star sprite", and so on. We've got names too, Scuro!" His voiced was raised, but it wasn't out of exasperation. He smiled too, just to prove that point.

The red plumber continued. "Why don't you call us by our names? You have a name and we address you by that. It's just fair that you do the same with us!"

"What... are your names?"

"Well, I'm Mario." The red plu- I mean, Mario pointed to himself. He pointed to the green one next. "That's Luigi." Lastly, he pointed to the star sprite. "And that's Starlow."

I nodded, and to confirm this, I called out their names. "Mario..." Mario nodded with a smile. "Luigi..." Luigi beamed at me. "and Starlow..." Starlow smiled, this time less forced.

Mario, Luigi, and Starlow resumed talking to each other. I look up at the cockpit, expecting the old captain to be watching. Indeed, he was, and he had an approving smile on his face. The twinkle in his eyes showed how much he was proud of my willingness. He gestured for me to go on with a wave of his hand. I nodded and smiled up at him genuinely.

I return my attention to the trio before me. They were laughing again and chatting light-heartedly. They smiled not only at themselves, but they also gave their attention towards me. They invited me into their company and now they had me as a member of their team, albeit temporarily.

I am a dangerous being that possessed the power to plunge the world into the darkness. Or at least, I had been. But I am still dangerous and untrusted. Yet the trio was willing to accept me, and try to let me fit in. It felt weird having to be this close to them with such friendly terms... Yet it also felt natural.

I can't help but wish that we shouldn't have been enemies. I didn't lie about never having a friend, and it somehow disturbed me. I am supposedly a social creature, and it isn't healthy for me to be isolated for so long.

I am willing to build such an interaction between us, and I would not abandon that promise. I am not supposed to carry everything on my shoulders. Captain taught me that in his brief moment of wisdom, and I am thankful that he showed me that.

What I do now affects me in the future. I lost in the past because I was blinded by power and unable to foresee the consequences. Now that I have been given a second chance, I'm not afraid to step into new grounds.

Yes, we'd still not trust each other completely. But that time would still come. We aren't enemies anymore... And I'm not afraid to admit that I don't want to be just a being of destruction anymore.

I need to do what's right.

Pretty cheesy... But it was fun to write.

Well, what do you guys think? And yeah. Phil is an OC I came up with just to fill in the role of the guy who would take the group to the next island. While I was writing this, I realized he should be given more character. Now I think he has potential, and I'm considering about giving him a bigger role in this story.

And to clarify, Scuro is not friends with Mario, Luigi, and Starlow yet. He just doesn't want any hostile intentions towards them anymore.

Tell me what you think about this chapter in the reviews!