Chapter 14-Princess Peach-Back in Action
Soshi's flight was erratic. The skirmish with Kaller had weakened him a bit. Still, he had to get back to Toad Town, and soon. Soshi was panting, and didn't know if he would make it. If he could, he'd be in no shape to face Koujin for at least a day. Something dawned on Soshi, however. Looking down at the magical weapon, Soshi wondered aloud, "Toadsworth said something about…does this thing have healing powers?" On the word "heal", a red light sparked from the core of the ruby and enveloped Soshi. He was so surprised, he nearly dropped the wand into the water. The light cloaked him, seeming to seep into his body, mending his wings, stitching together his cuts, and restoring his strength. When it faded, Soshi stared in awe at the magical instrument. He noticed, however, that the red stone in the center wasn't glowing quite as brightly as before. "It must have limited powers. Which means I need to get this to Peach right away." Soshi dove toward the Mushroom kingdom's capital, which was poking up from below the horizon.
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"Oh, dear, oh dear." paced Toadsworth. "We have tried everything, and still the princess will not wake up." The doctor walked into the sitting room outside Peach's room. Toadsworth lost his sanity and grabbed the Toad by his collar. "Well! Is she alright? Speak, man!" The confused doctor blubbered a bit before saying, "All her vital functions are fine, we have a pulse, breathing, everything. I'm not sure why she's not awake yet. But the mental shock was worse than he physical, as I have already said."
"Blasted Sky Yoshi." fumed Toadsworth. "If it wasn't for him…"
"If it wasn't for me what?" Soshi walked up the steps with a grin on his face.
Toadsworth nearly fainted. "You're alive! How? That…thing should have killed you. Or at least, the volcano-"
"Take it easy, old-timer. I told you, I don't want any trouble. I'll explain everything later. Right now, we have to get this," he brandished the Radiant Ruby "to the Princess." Toadsworth watched in silent stupor as the dragon calmly walked into the Princess's room, and closed the door.
In reality, Soshi wasn't calm at all. His hand was trembling as he walked over the Peach's still frame. He looked at the Radiant Ruby. The stone was still glowing. That meant it still had magic left. Soshi waved the wand over Peach. "Heal." he said. The red light shone again, surrounding Peach this time. After a much shorter time than Soshi's healing, the light faded, the gem stopped glowing, and the Princess opened her eyes.
"Where…am I?" she moaned. Upon looking at Soshi, she jumped and began a barrage of questions. "How did we escape? Where's Koujin? What am I…?" Soshi resisted the temptaion to slap her. "Peach, calm down. You're in your castle. Toadsworth is right outside. You made it." Peach got up, and started for the door. "Did you…save me?"
Soshi gritted his teeth and turned away in awkwardness. "Yeah. I suppose."
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Once again, Soshi was standing before Peach, but this time, on much different terms.
"Soshi, Sky Dragon." Peach began. "I thank you for saving my life. Now, tell me. Why did you come here in the first place."
Soshi began to tell his tale. He told of his father, Proarctica, his mother, King Toukee, Yoshi, and Koujin.
Peach started out mildly interested, then grew horrified. "That's just awful. We have to do whatever it takes to-" Peach didn't bother finishing her sentence. "Since you are obviously the next target, I am placing you in charge of the Mushroom Royal Army, along with Sergeant Strobel." A purple-shelled Koopa stepped out of the double doors behind Peach. "Formulate a plan of attack. I will contact the Yoshis and we will all storm Koujin's stronghold."
Soshi knelt before the two high-ranks. "Thank you."
Peach went back to her quarters, leaving Soshi with the Koopa alone. She descended down the steps. In her military uniform, she looked very official and business-like. But as soon as she spoke, she seemed as normal as anyone else.
"So, this Koujin character. How dangerous is he?" she inquired.
"Very. He kidnapped my mother. She's probably already dead. We'll need every ounce of strength we've got to beat him."
Strobel nodded. "I'll get the ships ready. The infantry has gathered outside. Instruct them to do whatever is necessary to defeat Koujin. Most importantly, we must have the element of surprise on our side."
The uniformed Koopa quickly climbed the steps to the second floor. She paused and turned to Soshi. "See you around…Corporal." And disappeared beyond the doors.