Super Mario: Galaxies Finest

Chapter 8

Croc Hunting

They drove down the dark roads , a seemingly endless path. Wario sipped on some hot tea as a method to keep himself awake.

"How much longer until we arrive?" Waluigi asked from the passenger seat.

"Patience my brother, we will be there soon enough."

"Good, I think it's long overdue we took care of our feathered friend."

With that the two brothers laughed on as they made their way down the dark dirt roads.

The whistling of the air could be heard creeping through the cracks in the wall. Luigi shivered at this. They walked on as the water beneath them splashed on. Suddenly they began to hear other things peering through the walls. And it wasn't just air.

"What are those sounds?" Detective Razar exclaimed.

"I'm not sure." Robin said.

They continued to walk on as they headed down a dark tunnel. The sounds got louder and louder. Was it a car? A Truck? Construction? A City? Suddenly they could see light up ahead. They were all surprised at this. Robin switched off and tucked his mini flash light away. They slowly made it to the end of the tunnel and when they did they became wide eyed. They looked downward to find a whole new city below. Robin looked up to see that there were bright lights installed in the rock ceiling many miles up to light up the city.

Many were driving around in cars and trucks, not to mention bicycles. There were many constructed buildings as well. The lighting in this city had a yellow red effect to it.

"What is this place?" Robin asked not expecting an answer.

"Oh dear." Luigi whimpered to himself.

"I've never seen anything like this." Detective Razar said.

"Where do you think Killer Croc is?" Yoshi asked.

"That's a good question, one thing is for sure he wouldn't be out in the open." Robin replied.

"This might take a longer than we originally thought." Luigi said.

"Can't disagree." Yoshi said.

"We're going to head down there if anyone asks we're from around here, got it." Robin said.

"Got it, captain." Yoshi said.

Robin pulled out a long cord as he hammered it into the ground. One by one they climbed down to the city below. It was a long trip down but they all made it in one piece. The four of them jumped over a small ditch which had water running past it. They made it over to the streets, still overwhelmed by the sight.

"So where do we go from here?" Yoshi asked.

No one replied. Robin walked forward as he made his way across the street. The others looked at each other, then resulted to follow. Once on the other side some koopa's and toads dressed in black leather jackets approached them. They surrounded the four of them with grins on their faces.

"You folks from around here?" One of the toads asked.

"Yes." Robin quickly replied as he continued to walk on.

Before he could get far the toad stuck a long staff in front of him.

"You sure yall is around from here?" He asked.

"They don't look like it." Another laughed.

"We are from the east end." Yoshi said with a smile.

With that one of the koopa's pulled out a device as he began to shock Yoshi with an electric device.

"This is the west end, you should know better than to be up here!!!" The koopa yelled.

With everyone's attention on Yoshi, Robin slid his staff out as he quickly knocked out all the koopa's and toads that surrounded them. Luigi jumped back in shock, it happened all so quickly.

"On second thought leave all the talking to me." Robin said.

"Yes sir." Yoshi said in a drowsed out tone.

"Where do you a think Killer Croc would be hiding?" Luigi asked.

"Hiding, no. He's not one to hide, just someone who wants space." Robin replied.

"In that case our best bet would be to ask someone around here where we might be able to look." Detective Razar said.

"You might be right, we wouldn't want to walk in on Croc."

"Why is that?" Luigi asked.

"He'd smell us coming, a good time before we even arrived." Robin replied.

"Now the only question remains, who to ask." Detective Razar said.

They all looked around. No one caught their eye. They began walking down the street looking to see if they could find someone. After about another minute goes by Luigi jumps up.

"She looks like she might be able to help." Luigi pointed.

They looked over at the end of the block to see a woman standing alone in a dark corner. Robin rose a brow as he looked over at Luigi.

"Are you sure?" Robin questioned.

"You three stay here, I'll a work my magic." Luigi said as he walked over confidently.

The three of them watched as Luigi engaged in conversation. It didn't take long as he made his way back over.

"Anyone got fifty coins?" Luigi asked.

"What for?" Razar asked.

"She requires fifty coins for her services." Luigi replied.

Tim Drake put a palm to his face as he shook his head.

"Let's go, she's not the kind of person we want to do business with." Robin said as he walked in the opposite direction.

Detective Razar chuckled at this as he followed. Yoshi shrugged as he followed as well.

"I guess no one has a fifty coins." Luigi said as he followed after them clueless on what Robin meant.

They continued down the street as they looked around looking for someone who may be able to help them find Killer Croc. As they continued down the block a large jeep pulls up in front of them as the door slides open. Three men hop out as they hold guns to the four of them. They stand silently. Yoshi closed his eyes not sure how much longer he'd be alive. He slowly opened them to still see the three gun men pointing their guns at them.

"What are they waiting for?" Yoshi whispered to Luigi.

"Orders." Robin quickly replied.

Suddenly they heard a door swing open on the other side of the car as foot steps headed their way. A man came from the jeep as he walked up to Robin and held a machete to his face.

"Are you and your friends from around these parts?" He asked.

"No." Robin replied.

"Than what brings you here?" He asked.

"I'm looking for someone, he's also not from around here." Robin informed.

With that the man dropped the machete from his face.

"Are you friends with this person you are looking for?" He asked.

"No, he's a very dangerous guy." Robin replied.

He then began to pace as he looked over at the other men as he signaled for them to lower their weapons.

"This guy you're looking for wouldn't happen to be Killer Croc, would he?"

"That's a him alright." Luigi said entering the fray.

"Gentlemen it seems we're all on the same page. I'm Black Scar, this is Star Dust and Killer Shark, and that's Red Ant."

"Code names I presume?" Robin asked.

"Yes."

"This is Luigi, and that's Yoshi and Detective Razar." Robin said.

"And You?" Black Scar asked.

"I'm Robin."

"A code name, no doubt."

"Exactly." Tim said.

"So what is your history with Killer Croc?" Black Scar asked.

"It's to long of a story to tell." Robin said.

"Bastard killed five of my men, we're going to get him."

"You know where he is?" Detective Razar asked.

"Of course, it's located that way."

"What do you mean it?" Detective Razar asked.

"His lair." Black Scar replied.

Luigi and Yoshi both gulped at this.

"You four get in, it's a long way there."

Robin shook his head in agreement. The eight of them got into the van as Black Scar put it into gear. Robin sat in the passenger seat as they drove on, hitting multiple bumps. He looked to the side of his seat to see a map. Robin picked it up as he looked to see there was yet another large city far away in the sewer. He looked on as he found an empty looking spot on the map which wasn't labeled.

"Croc's lair must be somewhere in there." Robin thought to himself.

They continued to drive on but came to a stop as they came upon a large tube.

"Alright everyone out, we walk from here." Black Scar said.

"Why's that?" Detective Razar asked.

"It gets really bumpy and wet from here, plus we don't want the creature to know we are coming." Killer Shark said.

The eight of them climbed up into the large tube which was a couple feet off the ground. Once in they slid into a dark hall. The walls were made up of stone, as was the floor.

"Everyone stick together." Red Ant reminded.

They slowly made there way down the dark hall. It had a slight sewage scent as well as that of dirt and grass as they pushed on. As they walked on the ground below them gave off cracking sounds. They ignored this as much as they could, moving along as quite as they could. As they got deeper into the sewer they started to notice little paintings on the sides of the wall. Luigi looked over his shoulder as he saw a painting of a fearful bull. This brought chills down his spine. Obviously people lived in these halls long ago. Suddenly Star Dust stopped as he leaned up against the wall. It was pitch dark, so Robin and Black Scar shined their flash lights on him to see what was wrong.

"What seems to be the problem Star Dust?"

"We coming up to some water Cap, I'm just rolling up my sleeves." Star Dust replied.

"How do you know?" Yoshi asked.

"He's right, you can hear it echoing through the walls." Robin said.

After that they continued to walk on. After about another ten minutes water began to flow underneath them. After another minute it rose up to their ankles. They slowly made their way along trying not to make many splash noises. Several minutes later they came between two paths. Straight or right. It was pitch dark going straight, and to the right there was green lighting to guide their way. Black Scar looked over at Robin who pointed right. Robin led the way as he tucked his mini flash light away. Yoshi's legs began to sway back and forth. Luigi noticed this as he patted Yoshi on the back.

"Don't worry I'm sure we don't have to much longer to go." Luigi said as he looked over at his tired friend.

Robin stopped in his foot steps, as did everyone.

"What's wrong Robin?" Red Ant asked.

Robin grabbed two rocks as he tossed them to the sides of them as they sank deep into the water.

"Everyone stay in the middle of the pathway, that water is about ten feet deep. Wouldn't want any of you to fall in." Robin said.

With that everyone was cautious to stay in the middle of the pathway. As they moved on the green lighting turned into orange lighting. Some of the lights were giving out as they blinked on and off.

"Where exactly are we now?" Yoshi said.

"In the middle of nowhere." Killer Shark commented.

They made their way deeper and deeper into the sewer. As they did it really did feel like they really were lost. After a long time of silence they began to hear noises. It wasn't just any kind of noise, it was that of talking.

"Which way is it coming from?" Red Ant asked.

"That way." Star Dust pointed.

"Don't let the sewers fool you, it's a coming from the left." Luigi said with confidence.

They slowly headed left as the voices got louder and louder. They took another left as the voices got even louder. They moved with stealth as they headed forward as they peaked around the right corner to see four men talking in what appeared to be a nice set up. Robin reached down to his to reach for something in his utility belt as Black Scar and his men walked right into the room.

"Nice, what a way to blow our cover." Robin said.

Robin, Razar, Yoshi, and Luigi followed as they enterd the room as well. The four men who sat in the sofa in the room sat up as they tossed on some lizard looking masks and pulled out some guns.

"We're only here to talk." Black Scar said.

"When you enter the Montler lair uninvited, death is all you receive." One said as he began to fire off along with the others.

They all ducked for cover behind some of the sofa in the room.

"We're not here to fight, we're looking for a creature by the name Killer Croc!" Black Scar yelled.

The shooting instantly stopped. Luigi and the others slowly looked up to see the gun men laughing.

"What's so funny?" Black Scar asked.

Suddenly Robin and Yoshi heard a sound, that of bubbles. They turned around to see the water bubbling as something slowly came out of the water.

"Killer Croc." Robin said.

"Hey boss we got some trespassers." One said.

Black Scar slowly reached for his gun as Killer Croc lunged forward knocking it to the ground. Using his claws he sliced Black Scar's neck open as he fell to the ground gasping for air. Before anyone could respond Killer Croc raced over as he slammed Killer Shark up against the wall rendering him unconscious.

"Open fire!" Killer Croc yelled.

Star Dust and Red Ant fell to the ground rained down by bullets. As did Detective Razar. Killer Croc jumped over as he grabbed Luigi and Yoshi by their necks and held them high into the air. Luigi and Yoshi both tried to kick free.

"What do we have here?" Killer Croc said.

"Croc!"

Killer Croc slammed Yoshi and Luigi's heads together as they fell unconscious. He dropped their bodies to the ground as he sniffed the air.

"That scent, that voice." Killer Croc said as he turned to see Robin.

"So you followed me here."

"And I see you're back into the mob biz." Robin said as he jumped into the air kicking Killer Croc to the ground.

Killer Croc quickly got to his feet as he punched Robin up against the wall. Then Killer Croc walked over as he picked up and body slammed Tim through a table.

"Sweet dreams bird boy." Killer Croc said as he knocked Robin out with one last punch.

He felt his muscles pushing in, tensing up. He felt weird, almost as if he was turned inside out. Not quite. His eyes slowly opened. He felt very strange. It wasn't long after that he realized he was hanging upside down. He looked to the right to see both Yoshi and Robin were hanged upside down as well. He then looked to his left to see Killer Shark. Where were the others? All this ran through Luigi's mind as Killer Croc came into view a few feet away.

"So it seems one of you has awaken."

"Why are we hanging up like this?" Luigi asked."

"Don't worry about that, that is for me to know." Killer Croc replied

Luigi slowly began to maneuver as he tried to reach for a key which was in his left glove. If he could get to it he may be able to cut himself free.

"Where are your a friends?" Luigi asked trying to start conversation.

"I sent them out to do something for me." Killer Croc explained.

"What about the others?" Luigi asked

"Don't worry, I cried a crocodile tear for all of them."

Luigi tried not to show much emotion as he finally got to the key. He quickly started sawing away. Minutes passed by as Robin awoke as well.

"I see you're up bird boy don't even think of trying to escape, besides I've got your little gadget belt right here." Killer Croc said as he held Robin's utility belt up.

"What is the meaning of this Croc, what do you have in mind?" Robin asked.

Killer Croc slowly walked up to Robin as he stared at him.

"You just wait and see."

Not even a second later Luigi sliced his way free as he landed on his feet. Killer Croc turned his way only to be poked in the eyes. He yelled out in pain as he held his face. Using this opportunity Luigi quickly untied Robin who flipped to his feet. By this point Killer Croc had recovered.

"Your dead plumber!!!!!!!!!" Killer Croc roared.

"I'll hold him off, untie the other's." Robin said as he put his utility belt back on.

Robin enterd a little scuffle with Croc as Luigi untied the other two. Yoshi's eyes opened as he jumped to his feet. Not even a second later Killer Shark was up and about. Robin did a spin kick as Killer Croc fell through a glass table. When he looked up he saw Robin smirking down at him.

"You're out matched and out numbered, give it up." Robin said.

Killer Croc jumped to his feet as he ran over to the wall and pressed a large red button. Suddenly an alarm went off as the room turned red.

"This place is about to explode!!!" Killer Croc laughed as he ran out of his lair taking a right.

Killer Shark was about to follow but Robin jumped in front of him.

"We need to see if any of the others are still alive." Robin said.

"We better make it quickly!" Killer Shark yelled over the sirens.

They raced over to the bodies of their fallen team mates to check for any pulse. They checked all of them but only one of them was alive.

"Razar is alive, barely." Robin said as he handed him to Killer Shark who threw him over his shoulder.

"Now lets get out of here!" Yoshi yelled as they raced off in the same direction as Killer Croc.

As they ran the sirens got louder and louder. They finally came to a stop, a dead end.

"Oh dear, we're trapped!" Luigi said in fear.

"But Killer Croc went this way, where did he go?" Yoshi asked in a very panicked tone.

It was to late for them to turn around and go back the other way. Suddenly a count down could be heard going off.

"Destruction in 10.....9......8........7"

"Anytime now Robin." Killer Shark said.

Tim quickly looked around.

"6.......5.."

Robin pressed up against the wall but it didn't budge.

"4......3...."

Sweat ran down his neck as he looked up.

"There, everyone hang on!"

"2....."

Robin quickly shot his grappler up as everyone held onto him.

"...1"

With that an explosion went off as they flew up at top speed. They popped out of a pipe as they landed slam hard onto a city street. The pipe exploded into nothing seconds later along with some of the ground near it. The five of them watched as steam flowed into the night sky.

"So this is the upper world huh." Killer Shark said as he looked up at the night sky.

"You've never been up here?" Luigi asked.

"No, I was born and raised below. Now I see what I've been missing."

"It seems we were down there over a day." Yoshi said.

"Where exactly are we Luigi?" Robin asked.

Luigi looked around. There was no cars around, just roads and hills.

"It seems we've traveled clear across town." Luigi said.

"Where is the closest hospital?" Robin asked.

"Not to far that way." Luigi pointed.

"I could use some medical attention myself." Killer Shark said.

"Luigi and Yoshi I want you to take Razar and our good friend Killer Shark to that hospital."

"What about you?" Yoshi asked.

"Croc's not in the sewer anymore, I've got to plan my next move." Robin replied.

"Alright, we'll meet up soon." Luigi said.

They began to walk off as Yoshi looked back to see Robin was gone. The night went by quite swiftly. Luigi woke up at the crack of dawn. He left Yoshi and the others at the hospital as he caught a bus and headed back to Toadsworth's office. Once he arrived back he caught sight of Toadsworth and the whole department staring up at the sky. It wasn't just them but everyone in the whole city was. Out of curiosity Luigi looked up as he became wide eyed. He saw the sight of a large black hole. Luigi quickly made his way over to Toadsworth.

"What is a going on?" Luigi asked.

"We don't know, that black hole is getting closer and closer to our planet."

Luigi shivered at this.

"Luigi you have to do something about it, you're our only hope."

"I will try." Luigi said.

Many thoughts ran through his mind as he made his way down the block. He knew situations like this were best handled by his brother, Mario. But he wasn't there, all the city could depend on was him. As Luigi carried on he heard a voice speak to him from the shadows of a dark ally. He slowly walks over as a figure comes into view.

"Robin thank a goodness you are here. I see you have cleaned up, your suit as well."

"Luigi what's thing in the sky?" Robin asked.

"We're going to space." Luigi said.

"What?" Robin said.

To Be Continued