Authoress' Notes: Okay, now this is where the story really takes off! Enjoy!
Better Off Alone
Chapter 6: Decisions
Ages ago, a city flourished in peace and splendor, but it was destroyed in a single day by an unknown force of darkness and despair. Historians claim a great calamity befell the city, but nay, 'twas a demon. The city sank below ground, and one-quarter of the old city became the demon's den. This demon put fear into the hearts of all men and sent out minions to take the land.
In order to increase its already formidable power, the demon created the Crystal Stars to hold the essence of the heavens. One of these stars was placed in each country to exert the demon's influence.
Each star was also a harness to hold the spirits of the demon's seven servants. With its three dragon pets, Hooktail, Gloomtail, and Bonetail, the demon sought to spread fear and sorrow over all. Even now, the mere mention of a dragon is enough to give some the terrors.
The demon's remaining servants were unlike anything from this world, created with the wicked abyss of nature's elements. Tundra, Lightning, Flora, and Ember were what they were referred to, as no person knew their true names. They were all unknown beings from another world. "Shadow Sirens", they were called, each with a special power. Tundra could cast a daunting array of spells with ice, Lightning had her strength from the thundering sky, and Flora used miasmas from her acidic plants to allure opponents to their grave. Unlike her other sisters, Ember was merely an infant, born near the end of the demon's dark reign. Because of her immaturity, no one was sure of her unique ability.
Rumor has it that their spirits of the four Stars are the ones that cursed the four brave heroes responsible for destroying the demon. Many a people claim there was an eighth Crystal Star created before the demon was overthrown, but none have ever looked upon it.
Amongst the Crystal Stars, those of Sapphire, Gold, Emerald, and Ruby were said to be the most devastating of all...
...Vivian awoke with panicked start, feeling something freezing on her head. She looked to see Koops holding a cold cloth.
Her surroundings seemed different, putting her in more of a panic. "W-where am I?"
"We're in the Rogueport Inn," Koops spoke. "You've been sleeping for almost three days..."
Shock could be seen on Vivian's tired face. "T-three days?"
"Yeah. I really thought you were in a coma, or something..."
Vivian groggily rose from her bed. "No, I was just tired. I think it was the poison."
"...Working its way out of your system? Yeah, Goombella said that was probably it. That and stress."
"How're the others?"
"A little worried, but that's expected. They'll be happy when they see you're feeling better."
"...Okay, but..."
"But what?"
"...No offense or anything, but... I need to be alone for a little bit..."
"Oh... I understand," Koops started to leave. "I'll just tell the others you're up."
As Koops walked downstairs, a familiar face came up with a refreshment. Vivian beamed, as it was the friendly innkeeper from last time.
"Hi there... Vivian, was it?" she said. "Great to see you again."
Vivian smiled. "Hi."
The innkeeper Toad set a glass of Fresh Juice on the nightstand and sat on the bed. "I'm really happy you've got some nice friends."
She took a sip. "Yeah... They're all really sweet..."
"They sure are, especially the Koopa."
A grimace appeared on Vivian's face as she choked on her juice. Fortunately, the innkeeper didn't seem to notice.
"You two seem really close," she went on. "He talked about you at the bar the other day."
The straw slipped out of Vivian's mouth. "He did?"
"I'm not one for eavesdropping, but I heard him talk about how much he liked your hair and your smile. It was really precious." the innkeeper sighed dreamily.
"Oh... What else did he say?"
The Toad shrugged. "Like I said, I don't like to eavesdrop, so I'm not sure--"
Their conversation was suddenly interrupted by Goombella, convinced that Vivian was now awake. "We're taking a train to Poshley Heights and it's leaving in an hour, so try to get ready."
The Shadow Siren smiled. "Okay, I can go by then."
"Well," the innkeeper stood up. "Time for me to get back to work. I'll see you later."
"Okay..." Vivian finished the rest of her juice.
"And before I forget..." she placed a Peach Tart on the nightstand, then quickly dashed back downstairs to resume her chores.
Smiling, Vivian decided to put the treat away for later...
Not too long after, she came downstairs, afraid she was keeping everyone waiting. She expected them to be irate at her for holding them up. She could already hear their angry gripes...
"You're late!"
"Vivian, why are you so slow?"
"If you can't keep up with us, then maybe you should just stay here!"
"What kind of a wuss sleeps for three days?"
"Why'd you have to come down here so early? We were gonna leave without you!"
Nervously, she continued downstairs, expecting annoyed glares from everyone in the room. In spite of her assumptions, she was actually welcomed.
"You're looking a lot better, Vivian I think that Tasty Tonic did the trick," acknowledged Goombella.
"I knew it would and I'm glad it did," Koops added, smiling.
"Hello, precious, I'm glad to see you're all right." Flurrie spoke.
"Sheesh, you're worse than Rip Van Winkle. Anyway, it's good to have you back..." Waffles grumbled.
"Ah, Vivian! Feeling better, I presume?" Bobbery saluted.
Mario cheerfully waved at Vivian from across the room.
There were no grudges, no complaints, not even the slightest bit of hostility in their voices. Was it really ture? Instead of turning against her, had they actually accepted her as their true friend? Vivian wasn't sure... But if they still considered her their enemy, they were doing a good job of hiding it.
Later on, everyone followed Mario outside and to the west of Rogueport in order to ctach their train to Poshley Heights. Goombella was in front, then Waffles, Flurrie, Bobbery, Koops, and Vivian hanging behind, as usual.
Not five minutes into their trek, a pair of large hands grabbed Vivian from behind. A small yelp escaped her mouth before one of the hands clasped her mouth shut, pulling her into the shadows. Reappearing in a dark alley, she tore away form the offender, only to see it was...
"Marilyn?"
Before she had a chance to further question her sister, Beldam threw her against a wall. "Where have you been?" she fumed between clenched teeth.
"...Something bad happened on Keelhaul. I couldn't get them..." Vivian knew Beldam wouldn't have cared about her being poisoned, so she tried to avoid it.
A sour frown darkened her sister's face. "I knew you couldn't do this by yourself... That's why I got this freak. At least he's worth something..." She gestured towards a strangely familiar foe.
Vivian recognized him almost instantly. He was Doopliss, the same 'monster' Mario had fought to get his identity back.
"Really, I'm trying to get the--"
Beldam looked at Marilyn. In one swift motion, Vivian suddenly fell to the ground grabbing her stomach in pain. She gasped for breath, her eyes tearing up from a forceful blow to her abdomen.
"You will speak when spoken to!" Beldam growled, an apologetic Marilyn looking away from her crippled sister.
With an aching wheeze, Vivian coughed up small drops of blood, watching in disgust and defeat as they dotted the cold, hard ground. Glancing at her hefty sister, Vivian realized the miserable look on her face and knew that Beldam had ordered poor Marilyn to hit her, as she didn't have the physical strength to do it herself.
Doopliss looked nervous. "Did you really have to...?"
"Shut up!" Beldam snapped. "I've had it with your stupid excuses, Vivian! If you don't get those Crystal Stars, do you know what's going to happen?"
Vivian gasped quickly to catch her breath, struggling to answer before Beldam became even more enraged. Unfortunately, she was too late; a forced grunt was strangled out of her, as she felt Marilyn's fist smash into her vulnerable back. Exhausted and throbbing, she fell to the ground in front of Beldam.
"I'm warning you, Vivian; you've got four days! Not one, not 12, FOUR! Freak-in-a-sheet here already though up a plan to stop Mario from getting to Poshley Heights. A sticky, yummy threat or something... But if you don't get those Stars, you will be severely punished," Beldam threatened for what seemed like the millionth time.
Grabbing a wall, Vivian forced herself up and leaned against it for support. She placed a hand over her wounded stomach, trying to quell the pain of air squeezed out of her lungs. She took soft, feeble breaths to regain her composure... Unfortunately, she was cut short as Koops happened to appear around the corner. By that time, Marilyn, Beldam, and Doopliss were all gone.
"Hey, I was wondering where you got off to," Koops looked at Vivian worriedly. "...Are you okay?"
Still holding her stomach, Vivian painfully nodded. "...It's just a cramp..."
Koops pulled her up. "C'mon, the others are already getting on the train."
Vivian was about to respond, when she was unexpectedly cut off by a sudden desire to cough. Koops stopped and looked at her, seeing bloodspots splatter on the pavement.
"...Are you bleeding?"
She hastily wiped the blood on her arm and shook her head. "No, it's nothing... Forget it..."
The Koopa nodded, despair evident on his face. Vivian was a terrible liar and they both knew it.
"Well, let's go. They're waiting for us."
"Okay..."
That being said, Koops led her to the train station in the northern division of the west side. Goombella and Mario stood near the train's door, waiting for the two's arrival.
"Where were you guys?" Goombella asked.
"She just got a little lost..." Koops answered for Vivian.
She seemed skeptical. "Okay..."
Upon boarding the Excess Express, Vivian followed Koops and Goombella to a room. Walking in, shenoticed that Mario had another member on his team. It was a small, white mouse-like creature, wearing a flashy, red mask and high heels; her slender tail was unintentionally curled into a heart... or, at least, Vivian assumed it was...
"Oh, yeah. You didn't meet her at the inn, because we couldn't find her..." Goombella eyed the mouse. "This is Ms. Mowz, our new partner... But to keep an eye on her... She's tricky..."
The mouse ignored her. "Vivian? I must say, what a delightful name. I wonder if you live up to it."
Vivian was at a loss for words. "Um..."
"I've gotta admit; this place ain't half-bad!" Waffles said, changing the subject.
"I totally love the wallpaper and the carpet is first-class," Goombella complemented, eyeing the fancy interior.
Ms. Mowz stood on the couch. "Are we all supposed to sleep in here? I don't think there's enough room."
"The conductor said there were more cabins, but we'll have to room together. I'm with Mario," Goombella quickly explained.
Waffles frowned. "Why do you always room with Gonzales?"
"Because I called him first."
Bobbery stepped up. "Well then, I'd like to share rooms with Flurrie, if you don't mind."
"Yes, I think we'll get along very well together," Flurrie nodded.
Ms. Mowz shrugged. "I really don't care who I stay with; I'll probably be gone for most of the trip anyway."
Waffles turned his head. "Gone where?"
"Hmm... Well, that's for me to know and you to not find out."
"If no one cares, I'll take the mouse; At least she won't be in my way," decided the Yoshi.
"Koops and Vivian are the only ones left, so they'll have to room together... That's okay with you guys, right? We can switch if you want to," Goombella offered.
Vivian nibbled her glove, unsure of what to say in her opinion. "Um..."
"That's not fair! I thought it was 'first come, first serve'!" Waffles butted in.
"I never said that," Goombella snorted.
"Then, let me room with Gonzales!"
"I'M rooming with Mario!" Goombella retorted, leaping off the bed.
"Gonzales is the leader of this group, not you!" Waffles spat, inching closer to her.
Koops held the two away from each other. "Calm down, guys. Is this really something you should be fighting over?"
Amongst the confusion, Mario picked up a slip of paper on floor and handed it to Goombella, who scowled at it.
"A 'yummy, sticky threat'? What's that supposed to mean?"
Vivian flinched, suddenly tensing up at the revealed plan of the note. Koops took note of her strange behavior, but decided to keep his silence.
Waffles scratched his head. "Uh..."
"Oh, what's all this, now? I thought this was supposed to be a relaxing trip... We haven't been here for five minutes and somebody's already threatening us," Flurrie sighed.
"I think we should tell the conductor. He might know something about this," suggested Ms. Mowz.
Goombella pouted. "Hey, I'M the one who comes up with all the ideas..."
Despite Goombella's casual bickering with Ms. Mowz, the team traveled to rear of the train to inform the conductor about their threat. The Toad told them not to worry, as he would keep a lookout for any suspicious activity or, as the note said, 'a yummy, sticky threat'. Knowing the threat was Beldam's doing, Vivian tried her best not to seem suspicious, but she found it to be vexing and unnerving every time someone mentioned it. On their way back to the cabin, couldn't help but notice a small squabble going on in the dinning room, as many of the passengers seemed to be in a serious debate over something. Upon closer inspection, and a bit of gloating from Detective Pennington, the penguin with the improbably large brain, the chef's pot had been stolen from the kitchen. With a little help from Goombella and Ms. Mowz, who seemed to be competing against each other, Mario and the gang found the empty Gallery Pot in a nearby occupant's room. After the culprit confessed to his 'heinous' crime, Pennington immediately decided to make Mario his assistant.
For the rest of the day, Vivian and the others followed Mario around, continuously going back and forth through the train, asking questions, getting answers, and occasionally receiving gifts from the other passengers for their completed deed. Even though her time was well-spent with Koops nearby, Vivian was slightly disappointed, as she had been hoping for a relaxing train ride to Poshley Heights. Hours flew by like minutes and it wasn't long before the sun's fading rays dabbled past the distant hills, ending yet another day. After finishing his last generous endeavor of support, Mario and the rest took a break in his cabin.
Waffles sighed. "Gonzales, what kind of a rip-off is this?"
Bobbery flopped down. "Old chap,Waffles is most certainly right; I daresay, we'll continue this for the remainder of the trip?"
Mario shook his head, as he pointed out the window at the already starry sky.
Goombella nodded. "You're right, Mario! They did start serving dinner an hour ago!"
Everyone except Vivian perked up. "Dinner?"
"Don't we have to pay extra for that?" asked Koops.
"I guess not. If we have that glorious ticket, then everything must be free!" Flurrie replied.
Waffles sulked. "Why didn't anybody tell me this earlier?"
Goombella quickly looked around, realizing something. "Hey, where's Ms. Mowz?"
"Why would you care?" Waffles scoffed.
"She could be after the Crystal Stars!" Goombella snapped. "You have to be careful with you trust or they could end up stealing something from you!"
Vivian bit her lip, feeling intimidated from what Goombella said. After all, she was in the same situation with only one disapproving way out...
Bobbery voiced his trustful opinion. "You have a point, my lass, but I trust Ms. Mowz. She may've been a scoundrel prior to my arrival, but she seems like a straight-up ally."
Being the pacifist he was, Koops decided to interrupt. "Hey, why don't we just go and eat for now? I'm sure Ms. Mowz hasn't done anything wrong and she'll probably turn up somewhere."
Koops' relaxed nature seemed to calm the crew down, as all they respectfully agreed with an unexpected 'Well, okay'. With everything settled, Mario left bound for the kitchen.
As Mario and the others walked off, Zip Toad appeared and yanked Vivian off to the side. "Just what do you think you're doing?"
Vivian pulled away. "Um, do I know you?"
'Zip Toad' pulled Vivian close, whispering loudly. "It's Doopliss... Come to Cabin 001... I need to talk to you..."
"...What do you... mean?" Caught off-guard, Vivian pretended to be confused, seeing as she and Doopliss were posing very suspicious to on-looking passengers.
It was at that moment Pennington chose to barge in, waving his magnifying glass around hastily. "You! Yes, you! Why, Mr. Zip Toad wouldn't be over here, plotting maliciously with one of his evil henchmen, now would he?"
"Would it kill you to show a little privacy? We're discussing personal matters over here, so buzz off!" 'Zip Toad' spat.
"Detectives like yours truly don't know the meaning of the word! Especially, when there's an unsolved case at hand!" the penguin with the improbably large brain nagged, eyeing Vivian.
The feigning Duplighost shoved Vivian away in disgust. "Fine, I was done talking anyway!"
"What's that jerk's problem? I'd to Headbonk that creep for doing that..." Goombella growled at Doopliss, standing supportive next to Vivian. "Don't worry about him. Trust me, he's the least of our worries..."
Goombella smiled, walking off to the dinning room with the rest and the Shadow Siren followed. Seeing a few small tables with two chairs each near the window, each partner sat with their respective equal; Bobbery sat with Flurrie, Goombella sat with Mario, and Waffles sat by himself, as Ms. Mowz was missing. Koops was at an empty table, so Vivian sat with him.
The eccentric Toad waitress appeared and handed out menus. "Like, wow! You guys are really gonna enjoy our special today: Shroom Roast! Ohmigosh, doesn't that just make you want to die?"
Waffles slammed his menu down. "Ooh, I want 10 Shroom Roasts!"
Goombella scoffed his outlandish order. "I'll have the Healthy Salad, please. I've got to watch my figure, of course."
Mario nodded at Goombella, then looked at the waitress.
"And Mario wants some Koopasta."
"The Courage Meal for me," Bobbery ordered.
"Ooh, I'd love to try the Shroom Crepe," Flurrie requested.
"Have any idea what you want?" Koops asked.
Shr nervously looked around on the menu. "Um... I think I'll pass... I'm not very hungry..."
"You're not?" the waitress questioned, sadly.
While Vivian continued to read over the myriad of different meals in a fret, Koops whispered to the waitress, who nodded with a smile.
Her mind not completely made up, Vivian put her menu down, a confused frown on her face. "Okay... I think I know what I want now..."
"Sorry, but she already left," Koops sadly informed her.
"Oh, really? Well, it's no big deal. I wasn't hungry anyway..." Vivian placed her head onto the table, looking offended.
"You can have some of my food, if you want," the Koopa offered.
"Okay..." That made her feel a little better.
A few minutes later, the waitress came back with all of the ordered food, placing each cuisine on its individual table. With a knowing smile, she approached Koops and Vivian and set a strange-looking blue thing on their table.
Vivian squinted at it. "What's that?"
"It's Couple's Cake. I thought it'd be nice if we could share it, since it's not meant to be eaten alone. You didn't know what you wanted, so..." he trailed off meekly, worried about her reaction. "Do you like it?"
She smiled. "That was really sweet... Thank you."
"Sure..." He took a small scoop. "You should try it."
Vivian scooped out a spoonful. "It's really good..."
The cake had a lush, sweet taste lingering around it that seemed to melt in her mouth. She'd never eaten anything so tasty, yet so pleasant and satisfying at the same time. The most Beldam had ever let her eat were scraps, Dried Flowers and the occasional Mushroom, while she and Marilyn ate almost anything they wanted. Although, out of the kindness of her heart, Marilyn would sometimes sneak Vivian one of her more suitable meals.
The rest of the evening consisted of mostly small talk. Stories were shared, laughs were enjoyed, and suspicions as to Ms. Mowz's disappearance were aroused. Vivian eyed the others around her, unfamiliar with such sociability and the chattering noises of others in her presence.
The relaxed conversation was different, almost awkward for Vivian. She'd never been around other people, especially ones that actually tried to talk to her. Before she joined Mario, her frequent isolations were long and forlorn, giving her more time to constantly worry or ponder her existence profoundly... Beldam rarely made any contact with her and Marilyn couldn't even speak, leaving conversations between the three virtually unheard of.
But for once, ever since the last she remembered of Lillian, Vivian felt like she was not only wanted, but loved. Everyone, including the adamant Waffles, had their own special way of showing generosity...
Finishing off her Healthy Salad, Goombella addressed the others. "Hey guys, Mario said he wanted us to regroup in his cabin before we go bed, so try not to forget it."
Mario confirmed her announcement with a silent nod, then followed her back to his cabin.
Eating the last of her Couple's Cake part, Vivian sighed, content of the satisfying meal. Suddenly, as if she just remembered something, she began to leave.
Koops looked at her in bewilderment. "Where are you going?"
"...N-nowhere..."
"Then, why are you leaving?"
"I've gotta go take care of something..." Without another word, she disappeared into the shadows.
Now Koops was really suspicious. 'Take care of something?' What was she talking about?
A few seconds later, Vivian appeared in Cabin 001 and happened to bump into an unexpected Doopliss, starling him.
"Ahh! Haven't you ever heard of knocking?" he asked, slightly annoyed from her unannounced entrance.
"Sorry, I came as fast as I..."
"Whatever... it's obvious you're not doing your share of the work anyway," Doopliss sighed, now exasperated.
Vivian looked like she was about to cry. "I'm trying, really..."
Doopliss cut her off. "No, you're not! I saw you just standing around, acting like you're actually trying to help them!"
"...I... I have to wait until their guard is down, then I'll do it..." Vivian whimpered halfheartedly.
Doopliss pointed out the window at the dusky sky. "In that case, we can do it tonight. Beldam and Marilyn are already waiting at the Riverside Station, so we need those Stars!"
"But... wouldn't it make more sense to... wait until Mario got all the Crystal Stars... then take them...?" Vivian reluctantly said, not meaning her own words.
"We already know where the Garnet Crystal Star is and Grodus has the last one, so that's the least of our worries," Doopliss said.
"Oh..." Vivian sighed, out of excuses.
"Good. Then you get the Crystal Stars from Mario and I'll get ready to blow this train to bits," Doopliss finished.
"Huh?" asked Vivian.
"That yummy, sticky threat I left in Mario's room... I wasn't kidding," Doopliss smirked.
Vivian perked up, a shocked frown on her face. "You're not actually going to do that, are you...?"
"Why not? Even if our plan does work, Mario's not the kind of guy who goes down without a fight. Knowing him, he'll probably come after us, so I'm putting a stop to that!" Doopliss exclaimed.
Vivian shook her head. "But... that might just... hurt Mario... and what about the other passengers...? They're all completely innocent..."
"Sheesh, Vivian... Hanging around those losers made you go soft. Are you on their side now?" Doopliss sighed.
Vivian lowered her head, thoughts of her own treason running through her mind. No matter how she answered, she would be betraying someone...
She could remain loyal to Mario and the others... yet Beldam would find some way to severely punish her for her disobedience. Her worst fear was that the Shadow Siren of ice would seek out Koops and torture him, forcing her to watch.
She could go back to her sisters and carry out the plan, as expected of her... but she would lose the trust of those who dared give her, their former enemy, the compassion of a reliable friend and not the disrespect of a useless object.
"Well?" Doopliss inquired.
"...I'll do it, but only if you promise me not to hurt anyone on the train..." Vivian glowered at the bow-tied villain. If she couldn't stay with Mario, the least she could do was save his life.
"You're not in any position to make me do anything," Doopliss shrugged. "But if it'll get you to do your job, then whatever."
"...Fine" Vivian sighed, as she disappeared into the shadows.
After Vivian left the room, Doopliss smiled. "Everything's going according to plan..."
Back in Mario's cabin, Vivian reemerged almost as fast as she'd disappeared, looking hurt and disappointed.
"It's about time you came back. Where were you?" Goombella asked.
"...I needed to be alone..." she replied.
Waffles raised an eyebrow. "Koops said you had something to take care of."
Stressed almost to the point of tears, Vivian heaved a loud sigh. "Yeah... that, too..."
Eyeing her worriedly, Koops could sense her hostility from across the room. It was obvious that something was wrong; her normally soft-spoken voice seemed harsh with irritation, her hat was turned in an awkward position on her head, and a vague scowl darkened her face...
Goombella changed the subject. "Well, it's getting late. We've all had a busy day, so let's get some sleep."
"How can you guys go to sleep knowing there's some crazy psychopath on the train, a ghost haunting the cabin next door, and Beldam threatening to come after us?" Koops asked, more focused on getting Vivian to say something, rather than what he was talking about.
"I really don't think there's such a daunting thing as this 'yummy, sticky threat', this nameless culprit speaks of," Bobbery admitted.
"What's he gonna do, throw Maple Syrup at us?" Waffles snickered.
Everyone couldn't help but laugh at the idiotic possibility. Even Mario, who usually observed the commotion in silence, chortled to himself. Like an insignificant other, Vivian stood near the door, not finding the joke funny at all...
The smiles on everyone's faces... It made her experience so many hurtful emotions at once. Sadness, confusion, envy, anger, fear, uncertainty... It was the feeling of those emotions that told her she didn't belong here. It wasn't her fate, and nothing could be done to change it. Vivian knew that's exactly what she was trying to do, escape her problems by trying to blend in with Mario and his friends... But no matter how hard she tried, it was inevitable.
She would no longer try to at like someone she couldn't be...
Finished with poking fun at the unknown perpetrator, the Yoshi walked out. "Okay, okay... Seriously, I'm going to bed now. Something tells me I'll need it..."
"Night, Waffles," yawned Goombella.
Mario yawned as well and sat on the bed next to Goombella. One by one, every partner said their 'Good nights' and 'Pleasant dreams' as they headed off to bed. Koops bid his nighttime farewell and left with a siren trailing behind him.
Vivian felt like she didn't deserve to walk alongside him... not after what she was planning on doing that night. Koops could sense the tension in the air. His conscious gnawed at him to speak, but she probably wanted to be alone...
Getting to their cabin, Koops sat on the bed and gazed out the window at the bright stars. Fed up with the silence, he finally decided to say something.
"Vivian?"
Distraught, she looked up. "Huh?"
"You okay? You're acting a little strange."
Vivian shook her head. "No, I'm okay..."
"I'm a little worried about you."
"Don't be. There's nothing wrong..."
Koops unfolded the covers of the bunk bed as she rose from sitting. "I'll take the bottom, and you can have the top, if you want."
"That's fine."
"Okay. Good night... I hope you sleep well." He pulled the sheets over himself and turned to face the wall, only his arms visible holding onto the pillow.
Vivian sighed sadly, Koops' amiability starting to make her feel guilty. She went over and sat in the far corner of the room to think.
She wouldn't do it Beldam... She'd do it for Koops and the others... To keep them all safe from her burden.
Taking a quick glance at Koops to make sure he was still sleeping, she vanished into the shadows to do her shameful deed...
Emerging in Mario's room, Vivian loomed over the plumber as he slept peacefully in bed. She noticed Goombella was sleeping on the top bunk, meaning she had to be extra careful not to get caught.
Vivian gently shook the snoozing adventurer in detest of disturbing him. It didn't take long before he groggily arose rubbing his eyes. Confused, he squinted at Vivian, her velvet body blending in with the night.
"Um...Mario... I know it's late, but I've got something to ask you..."
Mario turned his head in curiosity, perplexity strewn over his face.
Swiftly, almost as if it were a threat, Vivian yanked her hat off, throwing it to the ground in disgust at what she was about to do.
He raised an eyebrow and scratched his head, confused.
Throwing her hair back, she looked upon a puzzled Mario, blinking her large, crimson eyes alluringly. Almost instantly, a blank look crossed his face, as he fell under a trance.
"Mario..." she spoke seductively. "You know, it would make me really happy... if you could give me the Crystal Stars. I mean... What do you need them for? It's only for a second."
The plumber froze for a moment, charmed by her captivating voice, then slowly nodded.
She smiled slyly. "Good. Just... hand them to me now."
She watched himwalk like a zombie toward a small table in the rear of the room. Opening a drawer, he searched around absentmindedly for what he had been ordered to fetch. Mario soon turned back around with the aged map in his hands.
Vivian picked up her hat and perched it on the side of her head, making sure her eyes were still visible. "That's very nice, but don't you think you could show me the Crystal Stars? Just a peek, really..."
Opening the map, the five coveted stars magically materialized in a cascade of sparkles. Vivian found herself in a silent awe over their rare beauty. She'd never seen them up close before... Their powerful sensation could be felt gracing the air.
Still in astonishment, Vivian went over and grabbed the one closest to her; the Ruby Crystal Star. She couldn't help but tremble from its extraordinary force in her hands. She felt strangely empowered by it... But with that power, came remorse... She looked back at Mario, who was still in a trance, and the other Crystal Stars floating peacefully around him...
She was so close...Yet so far away...
The Stars were there within her reach. All she had to do was grab the map and they were all hers...
But she couldn't do it... Her heart wouldn't let her.
She looked at the Ruby Crystal Star, her face reflecting in its gemstone surface. It seemed to sparkle sadly as it mirrored Vivian's expression of misery, almost like it knew she wasn't doing the right thing...
She slowly let go of it, watching it float in front of her. If she took the Stars from Mario, she'd be acting just like Beldam...
Utterly defeated by her own conscious, she disappeared in humiliation just as Mario came out of his trance.
Reappearing back in her own room, Vivian covered her face in shame.
She hated doing it...
She despised it...
Vivian didn't like acting seductive; it wasn't in her personality and she felt dirty from doing it... Yet, being a Shadow Siren, it was her special ability and last line of defense. Her attempt to take the Crystal Stars had failed and she didn't have the heart to try again.
She sat huddled in the corner of the room, a thousand thoughts running through her mind. What would happen now? Doopliss would probably tell Beldam about her cowardice. Maybe she could tell Mario about their plan and he could do something about it. She suddenly cringed, as she remembered Doopliss could take on the form of anyone he wanted and that she might be next...
"I see you're having a hard time with your unusual predicament. Poor thing..."
She whipped around. "What?"
Distinguished by her remarkable night vision, Vivian spotted Ms. Mowz sitting on the couch, her normally white fur almost entirely shrouded in darkness. Only when the moon peeked past the blurring trees outside could she truly see her and even then, it was only for a split second.
"I know everything, darling. About you, your sisters, the Crystal Stars... Everything..." the mouse whispered, holding a Power Jump badge. Its silver image glistened in the fleeting moonlight.
She narrowed her eyes. "...You wouldn't..."
"What? Tell on you? Sweetheart, I may be a cunning badge thief, but I surely don't rat on others. Excuse the pun," she chuckled quietly.
For some strange reason, Vivian felt herself seething. She didn't understand why she felt so angry? It was almost as if Ms. Mowz's knowledge of her situation was actually irritating her.
"You seem annoyed, Vivian. Is something the matter?"
With a defeated sigh, she turned to look out the cabin's only window. "...I just don't know who I am anymore. It's like I was destined to suffer..."
"Well, that's not true, I can tell you that much," Ms. Mowz replied, her voice seemingly coming out of the walls as a simulated conscious.
"How would you know? How would anyone in this life know? I've hurt for over 1,000 years... ever since the day I was born..." she muttered, feeling hot tears in her eyes.
"I know because it's fact. No matter how much you think life's not worth it, it is. That's why you were born... So you could experience it. Life is a precious gift to everyone who's ever had it. There are so many things to do, many sights to see, many sounds to hear, and many foods to taste."
Seeing as Vivian wasn't listening or just didn't care, she pulled her trump card.
"...and Koops."
Vivian suddenly flinch hard, her hair abruptly ruffled at the sound of his name.
"Do you not think of him to be a precious gift, considering how fond you are of him?"
If there was one thing Ms. Mowz was right about, it was that. Saying or thinking otherwise was foolish... Vivian wasn't sure what it was, or even how it started but she was attracted to Koops. Ever since their last night on Keelhaul, Vivian could feel her heart taking on a strange pulse in her chest... Whenever he was around, she had butterflies in her stomach. She felt secure and valued, yet nervous inside...
"And, to answer your question as to who your loyalty should go to... I think this says it better than anyone could."
Vivian turned around, her face flushed. "What are you talking about?"
In the delicate light of the moon, the sparkling Power Jump badge was thrown into her hands. Vivian looked at it long and hard before she heard Ms. Mowz's faint voice again.
"You belong with Mario... He'll never betray you and we'll all stand by your side until the very end. Like true friends should."
Continuing to stare at the silvery Power Jump badge, she quickly turned her attention to the mouse.
"Of course, I can't pick and choose your better interest. The real choice is up to you..." she finished, walking away. Getting to the door, she looked back at a bewildered Vivian. "I really do hope you find what you're looking for in your decision, my sweet... Adieu..."
Then, almost as fast as she'd appeared, Ms. Mowz was gone, the door somehow untouched in the process.
Vivian looked down, ashamed for being so oblivious.
How could she have been so foolish? How could she let herself be fooled so easily? Mario and his friends treated her with honor, dignity, and respect. When she was amongst them, she felt like nothing could hurt her.
Not her painful memories... Not her injured confidence... Not even Beldam...
She looked over at Koops, who was still sound asleep, clutching his pillow in tranquility. Going over to him, she bent over and hugged him, just to feel his warm sensation. Drawing back in embarrassment of doing such a thing, she blushed.
Maybe she wasn't ready for love yet, but at least she'd give it a chance...
Authoress' Notes: How Mario found out what Star to get next and how he got the tickets for the Excess Express and whether or not he went to Hooktail Castle for Ms. Mowz is irrelevant and very stupid, so I didn't include it! Power Jump is one of my favorite badges, FYI.