I do not own the lyrics to the song Freak Parade. All rights belong to Big Keny, and John Rich of the disolved duo Big & Rich, and also by Warner Bros. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter Five

Into the Desert

The Blizzards kept throwing snow around until they had recovered their losses. The Goombas dug in the snow until they had recovered the five fire flowers that powered the fire cannons. From there the Goombas had there lunch. Neatly prepared sandwiches. Each Goomba had a different type of sandwich. After they had finished eating they got ready to journey down the other side of the mountain.

"It's time we head out," Josh said.

All the Goombas got up to head out.

"If you guys are leaving," started Freedman, "then take these." He motioned to snowboards piled up on the mountain. If you take that trail that goes entirely strait at a forty-five degree angle downward you will make it to the base in no time. "

"Thank you," Goomba replied.

Freedman nodded his head as the Goombas mounted their snowboards. They lined up single file to head down the mountain. Josh went first, and the rest followed. Within ten minutes they had reached the base.

"Well that was fun if I do say so myself," said Larry

"Not to mention it saved us a lot of time and effort," Josh added. "Now we got to keep moving the hard part is over, and the desert isn't that far. It would be great if we could find the Koopas before night falls."

The others nodded in agreement, and moved out. They walked across a savanna that teamed with wildlife; including Yoshis.

"Be careful," stated Josh. "If they see us we are as good as dead."

After crossing the savanna they arrived in the desert. There were a lot of cacti, sand, and bones everywhere. One Goomba named Steve found himself fascinated with the bones.

"Look at all these bones," Steve started. "They appear to be those of Koopas. I think we've come to the right place, the one thing I am unsure of is whether there are any survivors." He went to pick up the cranium of one of the set of bones.

"Don't touch them!" Josh shouted. "If this was your graveyard you would want the courtesy of not being disturbed."

Steve jumped back. "Right," he said shamefully.

"You know what we need right now?" Bosephus asked as he pulled out his guitar. "We need a little music. You guys will all know the tune. This is dedicated to our great leader Josh."

Josh blushed because he knew what was coming.

"Ready," Bosephus started. "One, two three four."

He strummed the first chord and everybody but Josh started to sing while they continued forward.

Oh, somebody's got to be unafraid to lead the freak parade
Somebody's got to be unafraid to lead the freak parade
Oh, somebody's got to be unafraid to lead the freak parade
To lead the freak to lead the freak to lead the freak parade

"Okay all let's pick up the tempo," hollered Bosephus.

Little did they know who was watching.

Behind a cactus lurked two Dry Bones, each with a radio in hand. They could hear every word to the song loud and clear.

"What do you make of these clowns Derek?" One Dry Bones asked.

"Umm I don't really know," replied Derek. What the hell is up with them anyway? They are like insane."

"Maybe we should just bring in Kelly to take care of them," the other one said, "I mean they are only Goombas after all. They will be easily taken care of."

"I agree," replied Derek as he put his radio to mouth level. "Come in BigBird010 this is Ca01 over."

"This is BigBird010 what's cooking down there," a screeching voice said over the radio.

"We got ten Goombas in our sights heading straight toward HQ from the east, I need you to take care of them," Derek said.

"Ten-four," replied the screechy voice.

To lead the freak to lead the freak to lead the freak parade,
Hey!

"You guys are certainly freaks," replied Josh.

"And you love each and everyone of us," said Larry.

"I don't got much of a choice," replied Josh.

All of a sudden a shadow cast overhead. Josh looked up, and recognized the immediate danger. "It's a Klepto," Josh alarmed. "Get ready for a fight."

The Klepto made a quick dive at the Goombas. Josh jumped, and kicked the Klepto in the face. The Klepto made a heavy impact on the ground. Josh then ran towards it, and put his feet lightly around its neck. "If you don't wish to die I suggest you surrender," Josh said.

"I'm only acting on orders," the Klepto retorted.

"Whose orders?" Josh interrogated.

"Lord Bowser's orders to take orders from our desert scouts," admitted the Klepto.

"So the rumors are true," Josh began. "The Prince who is now King I am assuming survive the war along with some of the Koopa military. We aren't trying to invade, we come seeking assistance from his majesty."

Josh stepped off assuming that he was able to put reasoning to be considered into the Klepto's mind. The Klepto put a radio near his mouth. "Come in your Koopaness," the Klepto began. "This is BigBird010 over."

"This better be good," replied a harsh low scratchy voice.

"I've got ten Goombas here searching for some assistance from you," the Klepto began. "Do I have permission to bring them to HQ?"

"Permission granted," said the voice. "This should be very interesting. Get Birds01 through bird 09 to assist you to get them here quicker."

"Yes sir," replied the Klepto ending the radio call.

"BigBirds01 through 09 meet me down here immediately," began the Klepto. "Lord Bowser's orders make haste."

Within a minute ten more Kleptos arrived.

"Time to bring you guys to HQ," stated the Klepto.