….*Nervous laugh* Heh… *Waves* Remember this person? Well guys I've really got nothing to say but I'm sorry…But school indeed got to me…Boy did it get to me… : ( It looks like I've finally hit the inevitable and passed the month mark… *Looks back at Halloween…* … *sigh* I won't keep you waiting anymore CHAPTER 41 COMMENCE!
The group of 6 stared at the castle, only Mario, Peach and Birdo really understanding the significance of it. For a moment nothing was said or done, before finally Mario glanced over at Birdo and as if on cue Birdo turned to him.
"Its been a while hasn't it?" He asked quietly, his voice having a hint of sympathy in it. For a moment Birdo didn't respond however she glanced sadly at the ground. Yoshi stared at his wife distressed, completely lost as to what ailed her. Finally Birdo looked up, she stared at Mario.
"Since our first encounter….." She answered softly nodding. Yoshi opened his mouth possibly to speak, but to his surprise Birdo simply walked towards the castle. Mario turned to Yoshi, confusion also on his face, but gave Yoshi a reassuring nod and motioned for him and the others to follow. Peach, Luigi and Daisy were immediate in following, Yoshi however, was slow in following suit. He could only look over his friends' heads and stare at his wife who led the group.
"Birdo….What is it, that has you so upset…?"
The group came to a halt at the castle doors. Mario made an attempt to knock on the doors to get the guards' attention.
"Its been a while since I've been here….Maybe Mallow will be able to help us out?" The group waited patiently as many moments of silence ensued and yet nobody came and opened the doors. Curious and confused Mario knocked on the doors again.
Again nothing….
"This is strange….." Peach's voice suddenly broke the silence as the group stared at the door, confused while also plagued by impatience. Finally Birdo came up to doors, tension obviously shown on her face. She slowly rose her hand up to knock on the doors again, before Mario's voice caused her stop in distraction.
"Something doesn't seem right…." Mario spoke, staring at the ground. Silence once again ensued. Birdo completely forgetting that she had been about to knock on the door, clumsily leaned her hand against the doors, only to let out a gasp in shock as the doors unexpectedly opened with ease.
"BIRDO!" Yoshi's distressed voice rang out, as Birdo stumbled a few inches before catching her footing. Yoshi ran over towards Birdo in his worry, however, Birdo simply straightened herself up and stared up ahead, her face held a blank stare, as if she were in some kind of trance. The gentle touch of something grabbing her hand, seemed to snap Birdo out of it. "Birdo…..I…I'm worried…" Yoshi whispered his voice trembling, Birdo blinked acknowledging her husband's words but didn't turn to look at him. When Birdo didn't look at him, it only drove Yoshi's worry even further, however it also strengthened his determination to figure out what was ailing his wife so much. "Birdo…" Yoshi spoke again, his voice desperate, but somehow holding a firm tone. Finally to Yoshi's relief Birdo turned to him, her face held the same look as the last time, a blank stare, trance-like.
"It'll be fine Dear…" She spoke softly, nodding as she took her right hand and caressed his right cheek with it. It was silent for a few seconds before Birdo unexpectedly leaned towards Yoshi, her hand still touching his face. "We're so close Dear…" Birdo whispered her voice sounded desperate, she hesitated for a moment before continuing. "We've got to keep going…." This time Birdo's voice sounded scared, as if following through with her own words was some kind of death sentence. Yoshi jumped startled as he realized that Birdo had removed her hand from his face and was making her way into the Castle. "We've got to keep going…." Birdo whispered to herself as she walked slowly. She hadn't noticed that Yoshi was hastily following behind her, with Mario and the others not too far behind. Finally Birdo came to a halt in the entryway. Birdo took in a deep breath.
"I've got to keep going…."
Finally after moments of silence, Mario decided to speak.
"Peach…..Birdo….Look around does something seem off to you?" Yoshi, Luigi and Daisy having never set foot in the place before simply stared lost, as Birdo and Peach looked around the room confused. Nothing seemed to be off, the castle seemed to be in the exact same state it had been their first time there…..
Wait…..
That was it….The castle was in the exact same state it had been their first time there… King and Queen Nimbus with Mallow soon following would have certainly changed the castle's state, after Mario and his team had kicked Valentina out. Yet the castle remained the same, Valentina's statues still lined the hallways.
"Her statues are still all over the place…." Peach's voice suddenly gasped.
"The layout hasn't changed a bit…." Birdo also gasped. Mario nodded in response, as he looked around.
"Be on alert at all times, I've got a nagging feeling that we're not in the company of friendly faces here….." Mario spoke firmly as he stared straight down the hallway of statues. Everyone nodded and gave mutters of agreement and started their way again. Anxiety plagued everyone's minds as they walked down halls and entered and exited corridors. Everyone was on their guard, though for the most part everyone seemed fairly calm throughout the search. However Yoshi noticed an obvious change in Birdo's demeanor as the group came to a flight of stairs. A look of sorrow etched on her face as Mario, followed by Peach, Luigi, and Daisy started up the stairs. Yoshi felt an uneasy feeling in his heart as he and Birdo also made their way up the stairs. Upon reaching the top the group was met with a door, Mario without hesitation opened the door, which led to a room, with 3 doors. Birdo's attention immediately bolted for the door in the center, this time fear was apparent on her face. At this point Mario had also noticed Birdo's uneasiness, his attention also went to the center door. Giving his friends a simple nod and Birdo a reassuring smile, he headed for the door. Birdo let out a weak gasp of fear as Mario's had grasped the door knob. With one last glance at Birdo, Mario opened the door. Birdo felt her heart stop as an improbable sight lay before her.
"Shelly…"
Birdo was startled as to her shock not only did her voice echo in the room but Mario and Peach's as well.
"What?" Yoshi's voice suddenly echoed as well, however his held obvious confusion. Birdo felt her heart ache as she knew her husband didn't understand what she, Mario and Peach were referring to….They were speaking not of Shelly…Her and Yoshi's daughter….But of herself….Before she was known as Birdo….
Before her existence…
Birdo walked into the center of the room, before her lay the remains of a large pink spotted egg. Birdo felt a weak whimper escape her throat, as she felt her legs give out. Memories swarmed into her head, some that seemed blissful, but in reality they were specious, make-believe, a child's innocent attempt at happiness….Happiness, that was never intended to be given to her. Birdo felt her eyes burn slightly as tears began to form in her eyes, before she briskly wiped them away. Hands trembling, Birdo took a small remain of the egg shell and held it in her hand.
"Its still here? After all these years…."
Birdo felt her body give a slight twitch as a gentle hand touched her shoulder.
"Shelly….I remember now…That's where you got her name from….." Birdo looked up, Peach stood next to her empathy in her eyes. Birdo stared at Peach for a moment before turning to look at her husband.
"Yes, I was born here…..Nimbus Castle…" Birdo replied, she spoke as if she were speaking only to Yoshi. Yoshi's eyes widened shocked, all these years, he had never been able to get Birdo to tell him where she had originally come from. He had always assumed she had come from Subcon. "While I was still an egg, I went by the name Shelly….." Birdo spoke almost in a monotone, as if what she was speaking of was something she wasn't entirely fond of. "I was just a baby…." Birdo gasped, staring at the shattered remains of the egg. "Not even hatched yet…And my fate already decided for me…." Birdo's eyes hardened for a moment, she looked disgusted. "Cared for by a-"
"WELL IF IT ISN'T MY OLD MINION!"
Everyone particularly Birdo flinched as an unfamiliar voice rang in the room. Something suddenly zoomed over everyone's heads causing them all to duck and cover.
"Surprised to see YOU back in this castle!"
Birdo and the others looked up, to see a Red Shy Guy-like creature except it had wings on its back and held a trident.
"SHY AWAY!"
"A BEEZO!"
Two groups' voices rang out at the same time, one group more confused than the other. Birdo, Mario and Peach turned to Yoshi, Luigi and Daisy.
"Shy Away?" Yoshi asked, addressing the confusion amongst his group. Birdo nodded, and provided the explanation for her group.
"In Nimbus Land….Beezos go by the name Shy Aways…..They don't seem to have any other abilities that Beezos don't already have, so we don't understand why they have two separate names…."
"ENOUGH DEBATING ABOUT MY SPECIES' NAME! I'M TALKING HERE!"
An angry voice yelled, causing the room to go quiet for a moment. The group looked up to see Shy Away buzzing irritably over the egg remains.
"AS I was saying…." Shy Away spoke pompously, glaring at Birdo. "After your little disappearing act, Valentina wasn't too happy…"
"Valentina?" Daisy whispered, as to not catch the attention of Shy Away.
"That conceited woman who locked King and Queen Nimbus up and tried to take over their Kingdom….." Mario answered, also whispering.
"ANYWAY!" Shy Away shouted, causing everyone to jump. "Valentina was furious….." Shy Away glared at Birdo. "Especially after she found out you handed over that key to her Throne room, to these….these…" Shy Away pointed specifically at Mario and Peach. "Simpletons…"
"SIMPLETONS!" Daisy suddenly barked. "LOOK whose talkin'!" She retorted. Mario smirked at Shy Away.
"Aren't you that guy who always turned tail and RAN every time he saw us comin'?" The entire group except for Birdo, burst out in laughter, causing Shy Away to scowl.
"Don't think you'll be getting the EASY way out of this castle THIS time peasants!" Shy Away snapped, holding his trident threateningly, causing the group to stop laughing. "After I'm done with my little talk with Bir-Traitor over there, we'll see who'll be turning tail and running!" Shy Away snickered, before turning back to Birdo, who Yoshi took a defensive step in front of. Shy Away snickered again upon seeing Yoshi step in front of Birdo. "Nothing to say? Gonna continue letting your little friends fight your battle for you?!"
"No…"
Yoshi jumped startled as Birdo moved from behind him and stepped up to face Shy Away.
"Yes….I gave the key to Mario, Peach and the rest of their friends when they came to my room….They were the ONLY ones in that castle who showed me any kindness! I was a child….'CARED' for by the likes of YOU! As ordered by Valentina…" Birdo spoke, her monotone returning, although venom was apparent in her voice when she spoke the two last parts. However to Yoshi's shock Birdo's eyes filled with tears.
"They intended to use me as a weapon against Nimbus land…." She whispered softly, tears threatening to spill down her face. "Use me as a TOOL for DESTRUCTION…."
"AND you would have made a DARN GOOD one had that STUPID plumber not stuck his big nose into everything! Birdo felt her cheeks burn as she squeezed her eyes shut, as Shy Away's voice rang out.
"HOW DARE YOU!"
Birdo's eyes shot open as her husband's voice rang out, she had never heard such fury in his voice before. Yoshi quickly stepped up to her side.
"How DAREyou and that-that CREATURE treat my wife so despicably!" Yoshi snarled, he was breathing heavily in his fury. "Using people as TOOLS to harm others…..You and that 'woman' DISGUST ME!" Yoshi spat.
"Yoshi, no….." Birdo whispered, shaking her head and grabbing his shoulder. Yoshi responded by taking her hand in his own hands.
"MY wife is the kindest, gentlest, and most beautiful person on this earth…" Yoshi spoke his voice softening a bit. "She means everything to me…." Yoshi's voice cracked a bit, he turned to look at Birdo, her eyes were teary. "Everything…" He whispered to her. Yoshi turned back to Shy Away, all the softness in his face was now gone, replaced with anger. "And YOU and that 'woman' use her as a TOOL…." Yoshi growled. Without warning Yoshi's tongue lashed out and grabbed a nearby statue, he swallowed it turning it into an egg. "YOU want a FIGHT?!" Yoshi snarled, his eyes glowed with danger and hatred.
"Well YOU GOTONE!"
Well NOW you all know where Shelly got her name from! ^.^ Yep the inspiration came from Super Mario RPG Legend of the Seven Stars. You fight Birdo in Nimbus Castle (however you fight her as an egg first and she goes by the name "Shelly" :D ) Some of you may ask…
"Why would Birdo name her daughter "Shelly" after the childhood she obviously didn't look fondly on?"
Well I decided to have Birdo name her daughter "Shelly" despite her childhood, to reflect on the good that came out of her childhood (meeting Mario/Peach (plus his group) thus later meeting her future friends and eventually her future husband) If Birdo hadn't met Mario (and his group) she probably would have been used as a tool of war/destruction and probably wouldn't have had a very happy life… :( Thus despite its shortcomings it did have its glimmer of hope.
Also some of you may be asking why I used the name "Shy Away" instead of "Beezo" in the chapter…Well while Beezo is a more common/recognizable name, Shy Away was the name used for the game this Chapter is based off of (and written in honor of ^.^ ) and I wanted to stick to the original material so I went with "Shy Away" (And besides…Until I looked it up I had NO idea that Shy Aways and Beezos were suppose to be the same thing ^^; ) That's why I decided to add that little episode of confusion between the characters XD when they first meet "Shy Away". I thought it was an interesting fact *shrug*. And while we're on the topic…I realize that in the last Chapter I mentioned that only Mario and Birdo "recognized" the Castle…I mainly put that there due to the fact that in the original game, Mario is disguised as a golden statue and brought into the castle (alone?) to which he searches around the castle, I realize its Video Game Logic but technically only Mario was snuck into the castle, Peach and the other party members somehow magically appeared after Mario removed his disguise. Yeah as I said Video Game Logic but I find it weird how ONE person is snuck into a castle and somehow (10 *exaggerating lol* ) people magically appear outta nowhere XD. So just to be clear I focused the Nimbus Castle bit more on Mario and Birdo because…Mario was the one initially brought into the Castle and Birdo was already there in the first place.
And also…Today marks a momentous occasion….Though you all may not know this…Today marks the 2 Year Anniversary of "A Complicated Destiny" (Yes I started writing this back on December 28, 2012 *phew* ) I can't believe its been 2 YEARS! Again I want to thank ALL of you who have been with the story and showed support all this time! :') I'm gonna be honest I have NEVER spent THIS much time on a project let alone a WRITING project before and I wouldn't have come this far without ALL of your support so I personally THANK YOU!
I want to apologize again for the long wait…..I'm sorry I really am…I will try REALLY hard not to make you all wait this long again…Originally this chapter was planned to be a lot longer….But unfortunately things cut into my time and my deadline ran out…I didn't want to make you all wait any longer, plus I wanted to post a chapter on the story's 2 Year Anniversary :'D But on the upside I DO have written material for the next chapter so you all probably won't have to wait more than a month again! *phew* Again THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF "A COMPLICATED DESTINY" SEE YOU ALL NEXT CHAPTER! ^,^
Mario related Material Property of Nintendo
Story and FC Characters (meaning Shelly, Dash, Ilario, Angela, Azalea, Koop, Parry, Surge, Lilli, Karrie and Phoenix) Property of MCGoldYoshi (aka ME! ^.^ )