Hey everyone! What's this? A chapter in LESS than a month?! (Actually this was SUPPOSE to be posted Yesterday...But as most of you know...Fanfiction was having issues...)I didn't think something like this would happen again, but it looks like I got that boost of motivation, PLUS school didn't overwhelm me completely to get some writing done. ^.^ Oh and by the way….You all may have noticed that the scroll bar (thing) is a LOT smaller than usual…. :D !WARNING! I present to you all the LONGEST chapter of A Complicated Destiny (6619 words to be exact :P )Think of it as my way of making up for ALL those short chapters I plagued you all with! XD Without further ado…Chapter 51 COMMENCE!
3rd Person POV
A bright light engulfed the room as Bowser, Kamek and their captives stared in complete awe. Yoshi despite being in the painful grip of Bowser opened his eyes and stared at the unexpected sight in front of him. Birdo let out a weak breath as she too stared at the sight that seemed too illusory to be real.
"What in the eight worlds is THIS?!"
The awe induced silence was suddenly interrupted by a deep growl. Bowser glared angrily at the sight in front of him. Hovering a few feet above the ground glowing in a luminous light of hot pink, red, purple and yellow was Shelly, her eyes were closed as if she were in a deep sleep, her angel-like wings remained motionless as she hovered as if by magic. A few moments of silent went by before Shelly's eyes slowly opened, everyone held in a gasp of shock as Shelly's usual purple eyes were now a translucent variation of the 4 colors that illuminated off of her. Slowly Shelly turned her head towards Bowser.
"Bowser Koopa….."
Quiet gasps of shock from the 6 parents could be heard throughout the room as 4 familiar voices simultaneously escaped Shelly's mouth. However one of the voices was much different than the others. Yoshi and Birdo felt their eyes tear up as Shelly's voice as a toddler rang alongside the voices of her friends instead of her present voice.
"THAT'S KING BOWSER KOOPA TO YOU!"
Bowser suddenly roared at Shelly threateningly, a hateful look in his eye. Shelly stared back at Bowser, her eyelids slightly lowered in a calm stare, as if not phased by his threatening response.
"You have brought upon this world nothing but great fear and misery, in an attempt to seize Powers that are not yours….And in doing so have compromised the lives of the innocent…How do you justify yourself?"
Both Kamek and Bowser glared fiercely at Shelly, as she stared at them a firm expression on her face.
"I DO NOT HAVE TO EXPLAIN MYSELF TO THE LIKES OF A PITIFUL FREAK LIKE YOU!"
Bowser bellowed angrily, clenching his teeth, his face in a vengeful glare.
"KING BOWSER IS THE RIGHTFUL RULER OF THIS WORLD AND NOTHING NOT YOU OR THESE FORMER HEROES HAVE THE POWER TO OVERCOME HIM!"
Kamek suddenly laughed, his voice obviously angry, as he pointed his finger smugly at Shelly. A sadistic smile quickly crept onto Kamek's face. He turned toward Bowser.
"Leave this to me, your Gnarliness….."
Kamek quickly turned his attention back to Shelly, his scepter began to radiate with energy.
"I shall take great pleasure in this….."
Yoshi and Birdo felt fear take over their entire bodies, as Kamek's gaze briefly fell onto them.
"Disposing of the little Whelp ONCE AND FOR ALL!"
Kamek's insane cackle rang throughout the room as he suddenly sped towards Shelly, his scepter generating a large energy ball. Bowser let out a chuckle as he looked on, eager to watch the mage dispose of the brat that had long outlived her worth in this world. Yoshi and Birdo watched helplessly as Kamek closed in on their daughter…Their only child. Yoshi wriggled desperately to free himself, Bowser paid no mind and simply chuckled at Yoshi's useless attempt, grinning mercilessly as Kamek was merely feet from Shelly. Both Yoshi and Birdo squeezed their eyes tightly shut, whimpers escaping both their throats.
"PLEASE NOT OUR BABY!"
Both parents pled deeply inside their heads. Suddenly a loud painful screech caused both parents' eyes to shoot open. Kamek was merely inches from Shelly, suddenly Shelly's wings spread open as she quickly dodged Kamek's aerial assault, immediately swerving behind him. Shelly's wings suddenly spread open again, before sending a powerful wave of energy at Kamek. Caught off guard Kamek let out a painful screech as he was knocked to the ground.
"WHAT?!"
Bowser growled, completely stunned that his most loyal and powerful minion had been dispatched so easily, by a mere child. Before Bowser could say more, Shelly suddenly flew towards him, stopping right in front of him.
"It is time you stopped tormenting the pure hearted and innocent!"
A loud bellow in pain shook the room as a powerful wave slammed into Bowser. Taken aback by the pain, Bowser's hands unintentionally unclenched, releasing Yoshi, Mario and Luigi. The 3 heroes promptly collapsed upon hitting the ground, due to falling from such a high height. Birdo, Peach and Daisy immediately rushed towards their injured husbands. Birdo took Yoshi into a tight hug, she let out soft sobs as she rubbed her cheek against his, grateful that her husband was now free from Bowser's vengeful clutches. Peach and Daisy also held onto their husbands tightly, Peach had her face pressed against Mario's chest, while Daisy gently help Luigi to sit up. The 6 parents suddenly froze as they heard growling from above them.
"You little brat…."
Bowser whispered furiously, as his attention immediately fell onto Shelly. Shelly simply stared back at Bowser her expression showing no fear, her wings occasionally flapping to keep her airborne. After a moment of silence Shelly glanced towards the 6 parents, her attention particularly on the 3 injured males, before returning her attention to Bowser.
"You cannot win a battle with dishonorable tactics…."
Shelly spoke, her eyes closed as if pondering something.
"Many years have long past and you still do not understand this…"
Shelly suddenly opened her eyes, an angered expression now etched on her face.
"And it is that way of thinking that will ultimately lead to your inevitable downfall…"
The momentary silence was quickly interrupted by a deep chuckling. Bowser was rubbing his temple with his right hand, shaking his head.
"You seriously think that you have any chance at overcoming ME Little Whelp?"
Bowser removed his hand from his temple, immediately he locked his gaze onto Shelly.
"I am the GREATEST evil these worlds have ever known….
I have evoked terror amongst all corners of the world!
And yet you have the AUDACITY to THINK you stand ANY chance against me…."
A merciless smirk spread across Bowser's face.
"I was greatly mistaken for granting you any form of mercy…."
Bowser's eyes suddenly darkened and his expression matched that of a vengeful, sadistic maniac.
"I should have granted Kamek his desire to torture the LIFE out of you, the MOMENT you became of no use to me!"
Yoshi and Birdo felt fear pulse down their spines, as suddenly the ground began to rumble, quickly turning their heads the two parents saw that their friends were also frozen in fear.
"You have taken your last breath on this earth LITTLE SPAWN!
YOU DIE NOW!"
The 6 parents and even the Hammer Bro suddenly found themselves covering their ears as Bowser's bellow echoed within the room 10 times it's usual volume. Without hesitation Bowser began to generate a massive ball of light, the air in the room seemed to get heavier almost smothering as Bowser's attack grew larger…As if the attack were absorbing all the energy in the room, causing the space within the room to collapse in on itself. Yoshi, Birdo and the others almost found it hard to breathe as it felt as if something heavy were weighing on their chests. Bowser suddenly let out an loud insane laugh, as he pulled the ball of energy towards his face. Locking his eyes on Shelly, Bowser held the ball of energy as if it were a bowling ball.
"YOUR BLOOD IS MINE LITTLE SPAWN!"
Shelly remained in place as the massive ball of energy sped towards her. Yoshi and Birdo found themselves gulping as they stared at their daughter, her firm expression making her intentions clear…That she had absolutely no intention of moving from her spot. Yoshi clenched his fists in fear and Birdo grasped her husband's shoulder in that same fear, as their premonition was proved correct as Bowser's attack was merely inches from Shelly, the shadow from the attack lingering on Shelly's illuminated body.
"SHELLY!"
"BABY PLEASE GET OUT OF THE WAY!"
Both parents cried out at the same time. Yoshi's voice despite his fear held a commanding fatherly tone, while Birdo's held a desperate pleading tone. Shelly's eyes seemed to quickly fall upon her parents, before she suddenly lifted her hands out in front of her. Instantly a large ball of energy consisting of the 4 colors illuminating off her appeared in her hands. Bowser's attack suddenly collided with the energy ball in Shelly's hand, before quickly being absorbed into it.
"IMPOSSIBLE!"
Bowser roared, staring unbelieving at the energy ball in Shelly's hand.
"THAT ATTACK WAS PERFECT! YOU SHOULD BE DEAD!"
Bowser's entire body was shaking in rage, not taking his eyes off of Shelly.
"You're forgetting that you're fighting the Power of 4!"
Shelly suddenly spoke, the voices of her 3 friends more prominent than ever.
"We're not going down when we have loved ones and innocent lives that are depending on us!"
For a brief moment Shelly glanced at Yoshi and Birdo, she stared at them lovingly, before turning her attention to Mario and Peach then finally Luigi and Daisy, to the shock of the last 4 Shelly stared at them in the same loving way that she had Yoshi and Birdo.
"You tried to separate us…To increase your power for your own selfish desires…"
For a brief moment Shelly seemed to be scared.
"Had you succeeded…You would have taken the life of the Fourth…"
Yoshi and Birdo blinked in surprise as Ilario, Angela and Azalea's voices were more prominent than Shelly's for the first time, in fact Shelly's voice had been almost completely absent. For the first time ever since assuming her mysterious form, distress seemed to plague Shelly. She grabbed her arm with her hand and squeezed it uneasily. Almost instantly the red, purple and yellow lights illuminating off Shelly grew stronger, slowly the uneasiness on Shelly's face faded and instead returned to it's firm state.
"And perhaps you would have achieved your victory…And created the dark world you set out to create…"
Bowser let out a growl as he clenched his fists at Shelly's words, however he remained in his spot.
"However thanks to the Courage, Love, Determination and Loyalty of these pure hearts…Our Essence of being has been snatched from your clutches and it is your victory that cannot be seen!"
"WHAT?!"
Yoshi suddenly felt his heart stop, as he felt familiarity from Shelly's last words.
The Essence of Being
May already be in Great Jeopardy
For if there is no Essence
In these last Chosen 3
The Remaining 1 will cease to be
And Victory cannot be seen
A tingle ran down Yoshi's spine, as suddenly the Star Gate's words back at Star Shrine played through his head.
You're forgetting that you're fighting the Power of 4!
Had you succeeded…You would have taken the life of the Fourth…
Fear suddenly took over Yoshi's body.
"…..The remaining 1 will cease to b-be…."
Yoshi gulped as he recited Star Gate's words inside his head.
"Sh-Shelly….Y-you are the 4th…."
Yoshi felt his heart race as realization struck him.
For 4 Stars of Light
Have the Power to vanquish the Darkness
…
"W-we were wrong ALL this time…."
His heart still racing Yoshi turned his head, glancing at Mario, Peach and Luigi.
"Th-the Prophecy….
It WAS referring to 4 Star Children…..
…..
The NEW Star Children…
Ilario, Angela, Azalea a-and….Shelly…"
Yoshi quickly turned his head and stared at his daughter, only now he knew exactly what was going on within her heart.
"It was THEM the ENTIRE time….
And Bowser KNEW the WHOLE time!"
Yoshi glared harshly towards Bowser, his eyes almost watering with hatred.
"Not only that they were Star Children….
But that they were the ONLY ones that could ultimately STOP him…
OUR role was simply to STOP Bowser from obtaining their power…."
Yoshi turned towards his 4 friends staring at them before his gaze finally fell upon his wife. Worry and fear filled Yoshi's heart as he stared at his wife.
"There's nothing else we can do now…Birdo…."
Taking a deep breath Yoshi looked up at Shelly, he also acknowledged the red, purple and yellow lights. Knowing now the 4 hearts combined within 1 body.
"This is THEIR fight now…."
Letting out a strained sigh Yoshi nodded at Shelly.
"We all believe in you Shelly….Ilario…Angela…Azalea…"
Yoshi was suddenly thrown from his thoughts as cries from Birdo, Mario, Peach, Luigi and Daisy rang throughout the room as the ground suddenly began to shake and rumble.
"THAT POWER SHOULD BE MINE!"
Bowser bellowed furiously as he suddenly lunged towards Shelly, extending his hand to grab her.
"MOM! DAD!"
Not only did Yoshi and Birdo freeze but Mario and the other 3 Royals as well, as suddenly the voices of all 4 children called out to them. Yoshi and Birdo were dumbfounded as only Shelly's voice had called out to them, however this had not been the case for Mario, Peach, Luigi and Daisy…For they instead only heard the voices of their own children escape Shelly's mouth. Shelly hovered in the air, she stared at all 6 parents.
"Our powers alone are only enough to subdue him…
We CANNOT take him out completely unless we take back the power he stole to obtain his current form…."
Yoshi and the others stared up at Shelly, what did she mean? The Prophecy stated that only the 4 Stars of light *the children* could inevitably defeat Bowser…Why wasn't their power enough?
"Do as the children say!"
Yoshi jumped as Birdo's voice suddenly ordered. She quickly turned towards Yoshi and the 4 Royals.
"The Prophecy was informing us of 2 possible outcomes…." Birdo spoke quickly, her voice urgent. "Bowser WASN'T suppose to obtain power from Shelly's Star….The Prophecy ONLY spoke of the outcomes of Bowser either obtaining ALL the power or NOT at all…." Birdo looked up at Shelly. "We may have stopped him from becoming invincible….But we DIDN'T secure the power to defeat him…." Everyone seemed to understand the situation. "However we DID obtain another power during our adventure…."
"Of course the power of the Stars we collected!" Luigi suddenly spoke up, nodding at Birdo.
"Yes, we can transfer what's left of our powers to the children."
"That should be more than enough to stop Bowser." Mario agreed nodding.
"But how do we transfer the powers?" Daisy asked, her voice concerned.
"Yes, we can't afford to mess up and possibly harm the children…" Peach spoke nervously, nodding at Daisy.
"The same way Bowser did…" Yoshi quickly spoke up, everyone looked at him.
"We need to trust the children, they know what to do." Birdo spoke. All 6 parents quickly turned to face Shelly. Bowser's hand was almost upon her, however she smiled at the 6 parents.
"NOW!"
Yoshi and Birdo shouted at the same time. All at once all 6 parents' bodies began to glow, all of them holding their hands out. A ball of energy about the size of a standard fireball formed in each of the parents' hands.
"LET'S-A-GO EVERYONE!"
Mario's voice suddenly called out, his eyes fixed solely on Bowser, a firm, determined expression etched on his face. Immediately Yoshi and Birdo launched their attacks, followed by Luigi and Daisy and finally Peach and Mario. To the shock of each parent their attacks suddenly changed form. Yoshi and Birdo blinked amazed as suddenly their attacks took the shape of a green Yoshi egg and a pink bow, before combining. Luigi and Daisy's attacks took the form of a green fireball and yellowish orange flower, before also combining as Yoshi and Birdo's did. And finally Peach and Mario's attacks took the form of a large pink heart and a red fireball that also combined like the others. Shelly smiled as the attacks sped towards her. Glancing one last time at Bowser, Shelly quickly held her arms out, a familiar ball of energy forming in her hands. All 6 parents held their breath as their attacks made contact with Shelly's energy ball. A huge smile spread across Yoshi's face as suddenly their attacks were absorbed into Shelly's just as Bowser's had.
"Yes…."
Yoshi gave his attention directly at Shelly his eyes locking with hers.
"Go and get him Shelly!"
A smile also spread across Shelly's face as she acknowledged Yoshi before quickly turning her attention to Bowser.
"BY THE POWER OF THE STARS WE SHALL VANQUISH YOU!"
All 4 children's voices echoed in the room, Bowser's massive hand suddenly seized Shelly. All 6 parents stared in fear. Bowser laughed insanely, before his laughter was suddenly cut off. Without warning a bright light erupted from inside Bowser's hand, causing him to let out a cry of pain, as the entire room was engulfed in a bright light. Yoshi, Birdo and the 4 Royals shielded their eyes with their arms, as the light only got brighter.
"YOU CAN'T DO THIS!"
Bowser's voice while obviously in pain bellowed angrily.
"MY PLAN WAS FLAWLESS!
I WON'T BE DEFEATED BY THE MERE SPAWNS OF MY ENE-GAAAAAAAH!"
Yoshi and the others flinched as Bowser's voice echoed loudly. However suddenly everything became silent. Yoshi and the others remained in their positions, the room still bright and neither of them entirely sure if it was safe. Yoshi felt nervousness pulse through his body as the silence ensued for several minutes, not a single noise was audible.
"Mama….Daddy…."
Both Yoshi and Birdo felt their hearts stop as a familiar voice suddenly broke the silence. While hesitant Yoshi and Birdo slowly removed their arms from their faces and turned their heads towards the origin of the voice. Birdo felt a whimper escape her throat, even Yoshi couldn't prevent himself from letting out a weak gasp as he stared at the sight in front of them. Shelly still in her mysterious form hovered above them, however her head was bowed, her eyes closed shut, it was as if she were sleeping…However that wasn't what had the 2 dinosaurs' attention. A bright hot pink light glowed above Shelly's head, within that light a small toddler hot pink Yoshi stared playfully at Yoshi and Birdo.
"We did it Mama, Daddy…."
The toddler Yoshi giggled, her feet hopped and tail wagged excitedly. For a moment Yoshi felt his heart begin to race, like it had back on the ship to Yoshi's Island. However, instead of dread and urgency plaguing him…Relief and excitement overtook him.
"Thank you for saving me Mama, Daddy…."
Suddenly the small Yoshi's enthusiastic face turned slightly fearful.
"I-it was so scary being in that e-evil s-scary dragon's container…."
The small Yoshi shivered, Yoshi and Birdo blinked in confusion, the same thought ran through their minds.
Container?
Before Yoshi and Birdo could ponder more, quiet sniveling caught their attention.
"A-and being separated from my friends….*sniff*"
Trembling again the small Yoshi sniffed a few times.
"But we're together again now!"
Yoshi and Birdo felt their bodies flinch as a cheerful kind voice echoed in the room, however it hadn't come from the small Yoshi. Startled gasps erupted from behind Yoshi and Birdo as Mario, Peach, Luigi and Daisy had gotten to their feet, however their faces were dumbfounded as they stared towards where the small Yoshi was hovering. 3 bright lights suddenly illuminated off of Shelly's seemingly sleeping body and appeared next to the small Yoshi. Immediately the 3 lights took shape. Mario and Peach stared as a red light slowly took the form of a teenage boy, while a purple light took the form of a teenage girl. Luigi and Daisy stared as well as a yellow light with a faint green hue took the form of another teenage girl. The small Yoshi's distressed demeanor suddenly changed to excitement, as she stared happily at the 3 figures, to which the 3 smiled back at her. Finally the 4 gave their attention to the 6 parents, the boy turned to Mario and Peach a confident smile on his face.
"Hi Father…Mother…"
Mario and Peach blinked shocked, the boy's voice didn't hold it's usual timid tone….No this boy spoke in a calm, confident manner.
"It is so good to see you again."
This time it had been the girl illuminated in the purple light who had spoken, she smiled brightly at Mario and Peach. Both parents weren't as shocked as they had been with the boy's voice, the girl's voice sounded more like her usual voice…However it did hold a heartwarming tone, neither parent could explain why but the voice didn't have the same tone as the girl usually had. There was a bit of silence, Luigi and Daisy stared at the girl illuminated in the yellow light. The girl fiddled with her hands nervously for a bit before slowly looking up to face Luigi and Daisy.
"W-we m-missed so m-much…"
Luigi and Daisy, particularly Luigi watched dumbfounded as the girl stuttered in an unconfident, timid manner. Luigi and Daisy both stared at each other, Luigi feeling his heart race slightly.
"We never doubted you…"
Everyone stared as the boy spoke up, he smiled at Mario and Peach before giving his attention to the other 4 parents. Silence plagued the room for a while, endless thoughts flooded in all 6 parents minds. Yoshi and Birdo were the most baffled of all, they were most definitely staring at their daughter, albeit as a toddler…However their friends' children were their current and correct ages…Even if their personalities seemed a bit off. Why was it that their daughter wasn't her correct age like the others? And why were Ilario, Angela and Azalea's personalities off?"
"YOU ALL DID A SPLENDID JOB!"
Yoshi, Birdo and the 4 Royals jumped startled as a voice suddenly broke the silence. The 4 children suddenly turned their heads, elated expressions on their faces, although Azalea seemed a bit timid. A bright light suddenly shown down from the center of the ceiling, immediately 7 star-like figures appeared before Yoshi, Birdo and the others. Mario and Peach being the first to catch their breath as they stared at the recognizable figures. The 7 star beings situated themselves so that they were all aligned with each other. The star waiting in the middle gazed upon the 6 parents, obviously the eldest of the 7 he was the first to speak.
"You have yet again saved the world from peril…."
The elderly star beamed at the 6 parents again before a star with a pink bow nodded in agreement.
"Not only that but the lives of these little ones as well…"
As the star finished her words, Shelly, Ilario, Angela and Azalea turned towards Yoshi, Birdo and the others giving them appreciative nods. For a moment nothing was said the 6 parents simply stared back at the 7 stars beings. Finally Mario decided to speak up.
"Thank you for hearing our prayers and granting our wishes Star Spirits…"
Mario spoke bowing his head in respect, Peach, Yoshi, Birdo, Luigi and Daisy quickly following suit.
"*Chuckle* It wasn't us, your courage, determination and love for your children made this victory happen…."
A star with a brown mustache responded, as his gaze fell onto the unconscious Shelly, Ilario, Angela and Azalea.
"We simply watched over you, although you all seemed to handle yourselves quite well on your own."
A pink star with a yellow ribbon spoke, she nodded at the other Star Spirits. The elderly star glanced at his fellow Star Spirits before giving his attention to Yoshi and the others.
"However, as all of you may have pieced together by now…We did have some influences on your adventure…"
Silence plagued the room for a few minutes.
"As all of you know…One of your trials during your adventure was much different from the others…."
This time a star which held a book and wore a pink bowtie on spoke. The 6 parents turned to each other, realization on their faces. Peach looked up at the Star Spirits.
"My star was the only star that didn't require fighting someone we feared…" Peach's voice slightly shook as she glanced at each of her friends before her eyes fell onto her husband.
"That is correct…."
The elderly star responded, his eyes shut, in fact all of the Star Spirits held a slight hint of sadness on their faces.
"Peach…Your star technically wasn't suppose to be the only star obtained in such a way…."
This time it had been a purple star with glasses that had spoken.
"What do you mean Skolar?" Yoshi suddenly spoke, his voice desperate.
"As you witnessed from this battle…Bowser was nothing like he was 20 years ago…."
Skolar responded, he gave Yoshi a sympathetic glance, the female star wearing the pink bow spoke up.
"Both he and his minions mad beyond belief…."
"We knew this long before the 6 of you started your adventure…"
The pink star wearing the yellow ribbon spoke immediately after the other.
"We feared that the sights you all would see upon arriving here would be too much and that Bowser would use that terror and despair to his advantage…Much like he tried to do…."
Before either of the parents could speak, a blue star wearing a sailor hat spoke.
"So we created illusions to protect the remaining stars of your journey…"
All 6 parents held their gasps of shock in as the Star Spirit continued.
"We wanted to make sure we prepared you all for the horrors you were going to see once you made it to Bowser's keep….Despite the unpleasant challenges you all were faced with you ALL pulled through…"
Seeing the shock upon the 6 parents faces the elderly star spoke up.
"As you all remember….Those battles affected you all not only physically….But also emotionally….Very much like how this battle did…"
All the 7 Star Spirits stared at the 6 parents apologetically.
"However, despite the difficulty these battles proved for all of you…They also made every single one of you stronger…"
The star with the pink bow smiled warmly at the 6 parents.
"Despite your fear…Every single one of you confronted your fears and triumphed!"
The pink star wearing the yellow ribbon smiled as well.
"You all should be very proud of yourselves!"
Without words Yoshi and the others turned towards each other. For a while they simply stared at each other, however slowly smiles spread across their faces.
"YOU'RE THE BEST HEROES EVER!"
The silence was broken by 4 voices, the 6 parents turned their heads, smiling brightly at them were the 4 children.
"Shelly…." Yoshi spoke, his voice failing him, Birdo couldn't speak her eyes tearing up slightly. Shelly suddenly giggled.
"I'm not Shelly, Daddy!"
Yoshi and Birdo blinked, they both heard but didn't believe.
"What?" Yoshi asked, his voice slightly weak from shock. Mario and the other Royals also stared shocked by the young Yoshi's words.
"I'm not Shelly…..Don't you remember Daddy?"
Shelly spoke again, this time her voice sounded a bit sad. Ilario, Angela and Azalea looked at Shelly before turning to face their parents.
"And I'm not Ilario…."
"I'm not Angela…"
"A-and…I'm not Azalea either…"
Silence plagued the room as the 6 parents were in a state of shock. None of them understanding what was going on. After a long silence a meek sigh sounded.
"Shelly is right here…"
Looking up Yoshi and Birdo saw toddler Shelly nod at the unconscious Shelly below her.
"I am only part of Shelly….The part that was taken from her…"
"The same for us….."
Ilario's voice suddenly sounded as he nodded at Angela and Azalea. The 6 parents stared silent for several minutes, Yoshi stared at toddler Shelly before looking down at Shelly. As he looked back up at toddler Shelly, he felt his heart begin to race. Glancing at Shelly one last time, he gasped as realization struck him.
"Star…." Yoshi muttered, as he stared at toddler Shelly. As Yoshi spoke Ilario, Angela, Azalea and toddler Shelly smiled.
"It is time to show them your true forms little ones…."
The elderly star's voice suddenly spoke, without hesitation the 4 children nodded respectfully at the Star Spirits and instantly their bodies began to glow brighter. Slowly their bodies shrank. Yoshi and the others gasped as 4 small stars were now before them. However a translucent image of the form they had originally been in remained above them.
"These are the Stars that live within your children…"
The elderly star spoke, nodding at the 4 small stars before turning towards the parents.
"Much like the Stars that live within you…Mario, Luigi, Peach…Yoshi…"
Yoshi stared at the 4 small stars before giving his attention to the elderly star.
"Eldstar…" Yoshi hesitated for a minute, however a question that had been plaguing his mind since he first "met" Shelly's star. "I have a question…."
"What do you wish to know Yoshi?"
Eldstar responded with a warm smile and a nod.
"If the stars that live within us are suppose to be representations of us….Why is it that Shelly's star takes the form of Shelly as a toddler and not her current age?" Mario and the others stared at Yoshi before turning their attention to Eldstar, their expressions obviously letting the elderly Star Spirit know that they too were curious about their children's stars.
"That is a very reasonable question Yoshi…"
Eldstar's attention fell onto Shelly's star before returning his attention to Yoshi.
"As you all are aware…Every Star Child in this world was given their status at birth….No Star Child obtains this gift later in life…."
Eldstar stopped speaking as the Star Spirit wearing the pink bow took over.
"Since the Star Child is born with their gift, the star that resides within their heart grows with them…Their personalities synchronizing with each other…Becoming one."
The female Star Spirit known as Mamar paused for a moment before continuing.
"20 years is a long time…However I shall use Yoshi as an example….Yoshi what your personality was like before your daughter's birth?"
Yoshi was taken aback by the question, he was silent for a moment.
"Energetic, brave, carefree, loyal and naïve." Birdo's voice suddenly giggled, as she affectionately pressed her face against her speechless husband's. Mario and the others laughed as well, as Yoshi's face grew a slight tint of red.
"Yes, so it's safe to say that your personality changed a bit once you became a father?"
"Yes Mamar." Yoshi responded with a nod.
"While not always the case…Most new Star Children inherit their gift from a parent….However, sometimes that's not the only thing that can happen…"
Mamar smiled warmly at Yoshi and Birdo.
"Sometimes the parent's star can pass on traits to it's offspring as well…."
Birdo looked at Mamar confused.
"You mean the stars themselves pass traits to the new stars?" She asked slowly, Mama responded with a smile.
"Correct, since Yoshi's original personality before becoming a parent was naïve and innocent…His star passed on those traits to his daughter's star, hence why Shelly's star's form is that of a young child rather than a teenager."
The 6 parents stared, still trying to absorb the information that had been given to them.
Immediately all attention fell onto Ilario, Angela and Azalea's stars.
"Courage, Kindness, Friendly yet Timid….Those are obviously the traits your stars chose to pass onto their offspring…Thus those are the forms your children's stars take when forced from their rightful places…."
For the longest time nothing was said, all the parents stood in silence thinking. All these years none of them knew of this information, known that their children were Star Children, had they known sooner much of this destruction could have possibly been avoided.
"I believe you all got the answers you were searching for…"
All the parents looked up, Eldstar stared down at them. Mamar looked at the Shelly, Ilario, Angela and Azalea's stars before turning to look at the parents.
"Your battle is won….I believe this reunion has been postponed long enough."
Mamar smiled at the parents before the 4 children's stars suddenly glowed brightly, all 4 of them looked excited and eager. Simultaneously each of them flew towards their respective bodies. All 4 of the children's bodies were illuminated in their star's respective colors before the light slowly faded. Shelly's body remained illuminated for a bit longer as the wings on her back slowly vanished and she was delicately lowered towards the ground into her parents' waiting arms.
Shelly POV
Everything is dark….
How much time has passed?
The last thing I remember was Bowser turning on the device…
Seeing Ilario, Angela and Azalea fall unconscious…..
I-I hope they're alright…
Wait a second…
My body feels warm…
Wasn't my body a lot colder and weak when all that stuff happened?
I can't quite explain it but I don't feel so empty and alone as I did…
I haven't felt this way since….
That terrible day…
What happened?!
Wait a second….Someone's hand is on my cheek…
Am I asleep?
I have to wake up…
I felt everything in my body slightly ache as finally I could see a bright light through my eyelids. I tried moving my body but everything seems too unwilling to move. I felt the usual burning in my eyes as I tried opening them. To my happiness and slight shock I saw exactly what I had anticipated to see staring back at me. I felt a laugh escape my throat.
"Mom…Dad…" I didn't get out much more than that, as both my parents locked me tightly in a hug. I heard Mother sobbing as she rubbed her cheek against mine, while Father let out a relieved laugh as he rubbed his nose against mine. As we continued our embrace I suddenly heard familiar voices, using my eyes, since Mother and Father had me locked in too tight of a hug for me to move my head, I looked over. I felt a sob catch my throat as I caught sight of an overwhelming sight. All 3 of my friends were no longer unconscious, nor were they trapped within the device, no….All 3 of them were locked into loving embraces by their parents. I immediately felt another sob escape my throat, I couldn't believe it…Was it over?
"We're so proud of you baby!" I heard Mother sob as she kissed the side of my head, as hard as she could. I blinked confused, what were they talking about?
"Mom what are you-….." I suddenly stop mid-sentence as something caught my eye. My eyes shrank in awe as 7 large stars watched my parents and I, they even glanced over at my friends and their parents as well. Suddenly the eldest star's attention fell onto me, I felt my heart stop, not knowing whether to be scared or not.
"*Chuckle* Hello Shelly…"
I heard several squeaks in the room as Ilario, Angela and Azalea were now staring at the stars, having the exact same expression as me. Instinctively I pushed myself closer to Mother.
"M-Mom…D-Dad..Wh-who are they…?" I asked timidly looking up at both my parents. To my confusion both Mother and Father chuckled and smiled reassuringly at me.
"Don't be afraid children…We are the Star Spirits."
I turned my head as this voice was different from the elderly star, a female star with a pink bow smiled at me and my friends. For a moment I said nothing, however finally my voice decided to come back to me.
"S-star Spirits…" I spoke my voice trembling. All 7 stars nodded in response.
"Shelly you showed true loyalty and bravery here today…"
A pink star with a yellow scarf spoke to me. I looked at them, around the room, at my parents, before finally looking back at them.
"B-but I didn't do anything…." I stuttered confused, I had obviously fallen unconscious during the battle and obviously my parents and my friends' parents had saved the day.
"You did a lot more than you think…"
A purple star with glasses spoke, nodding at me.
"If it hadn't been for your determination to save your friends you wouldn't have been able to combine forces with them to defeat Bowser."
My eyes moved over to the star with a book and pink bowtie as he finished speaking. I looked over at my friends, they seemed just as confused as I was.
"We all fought Bowser?" I turned my head as Ilario's voice sounded.
"Indeed."
A blue star in a sailor cap responded. The elderly star turned his attention to me.
"You see Shelly…You and your friends possess an extraordinary gift…."
I turned to stare at my friends.
"As revealed to you earlier the 4 of you are Star Children."
My heart leapt as I heard the familiar term that I had been longing to know the meaning of.
"As Star Children you all hold great importance to the world….All of you having great power….However great evils have constantly sought this power you all hold…Evils such as Bowser…"
I felt fear pulse down my spine as I heard Bowser's name, almost immediately I felt Mother pull me towards her in an attempt to comfort me.
"That device which was stolen from Star Shrine was used to steal your star from your heart…That star, containing the great power Bowser sought…"
I turned towards my friends again, now understanding what had happened that day I was trapped within that device. That's why I had felt so empty and alone once Bowser and Kamek had finished with me…They had literally taken a part of me with that device.
"Bowser hoped to steal all of your stars to combine them and absorb them into his body…."
I saw Ilario, Angela and Azalea's faces blanch.
"However Bowser made a mistake…He didn't realize that only ONE star can reside in ones body…."
Feeling my heart race, I gasped, now knowing what had happened to me.
"When you selflessly tried to help your friends, all 4 of your hearts became one…Thus all 4 of your stars combined as one and your heart no longer holding a star, absorbed the power….Thus you were able to assume the legendary Superstar Dragon form…"
"Superstar Dragon form…" I muttered, blinking I felt my heart begin to race. So it hadn't been a dream! The illuminating light…Those wings…They were real! I couldn't believe it, I had somehow taken another form. But why couldn't I remember anything?
"But how did we help defeat Bowser?" Angela's voice suddenly drove me from my thoughts.
"Although it was Shelly's body, all 4 of you were in that form….Speaking as one being, but with 4 voices…"
"We're all so very proud of the 4 of you!" I felt my eyes tear up as Mother's voice sounded, she rubbed her cheek against mine.
"You were all very brave!" King Mario's voice suddenly sounded, he nodded at me, before giving his attention to Azalea, Angela and Ilario.
"Thanks to you the world has been saved from a terrible fate!"
The elderly star spoke, smiling at my 3 friends and I. The female star with the pink bow suddenly turned to the 4 of us.
"You children have probably been waiting a very long time to hear this…It's time for you to return home!"
Involuntarily I felt a whimper escape my throat, I wasn't the only one, whimpers from Ilario, Angela and Azalea were also audible. Instantly I felt both Mother and Father take me into a tight hug again.
"It's time to go home baby…" Both of them spoke simultaneously, sounding just as happy as me. All 7 of the Star Spirits began to glow, a bright light engulfed the room.
"MAY THE STARS SHINE UPON ALL OF YOU!"
DANG…I gotta say this is the ONLY downside to writing 6619 word chapters….SO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT! (And not enough time/space).
We finally hear of Shelly's mysterious form…The Superstar Dragon, which much of you probably know is a reference to Yoshi's Final Smash Super Dragon. ^.^ Why Superstar Dragon? Well I recall ALL of those Mario Party Games and several other games where we hear about the Legendary Superstar (or Superstars) of course a LOT of people seem to refer to the Star Power-up as "The Superstar" but honestly I never really made that connection…I've always called it the "Star" and so the Superstar term to me sounded like something a LOT more special/important than simply a power-up (especially considering ALL those arguments Mario and friends had in the Mario Party games about "Who was the greatest Superstar" Another "hint" I remember in the Mario games was in Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga (heck the name Superstar Saga first of all) but also a little tidbit I remembered from the game came from None other than Birdo…After she and Popple are defeated by Mario and Luigi (and Birdo outright PWN's Popple) Birdo says the following "Clearly this is a test for me. Yes, the powers-that-be want me to go out on my own. Once I overcome many hardships, I shall be one step closer to superstardom!" Again Superstar seems to be some kind of Status the characters of the Mario world hope to achieve, not an item…Of course words can have several meanings, that's just what I got out of it. : ) Although I did use a bit of "Superstar Mario" from Yoshi's Island DS as inspiration as well, mainly the "Name/title" part.
And here we have a surprising appearance by the Star Spirits (aka as Star Guards in Mario Party 5) from Paper Mario. I apologize for the possibly confusing introduction/description of each of them…I wrote this assuming that quite a few people probably didn't know their names (or even who they were), so I do apologize to those who have heard of them and found the introduction of them a bit dragging at some points. We even learned that they were the ones behind the boss battles the entire time...Wanting to ensure all 6 parents were physically and emotionally ready for the final fight they were soon to fight. And from the Star Spirits we learn of the reasoning behind Shelly, Ilario, Angela and Azalea's unusual Star personalities, particularly Shelly's Star and "her" Toddler appearance…Btw this explanation is actually important to another point of the plot/story that some of you may or may not remember…Which part/place am I speaking of? Well I leave that for you all to find :D (Wow SO much information! I hope you all were able to understand most of it ^^; This is definitely a downside to long chapters.)
Well it looks like FINALLY after SO many trials and hardships Bowser has been defeated… :'D Shelly, Ilario, Angela and Azalea getting that reunion with their parents they so desperately wanted and waited for…Yoshi, Birdo, Mario, Peach, Luigi and Daisy have been through a lot to finally save their children and it looks like their adventure is finally over….
But we're not through with Shelly's story yet ^.^ We still have one chapter before we finally reach the end of this long journey…..See you all then everyone!
Mario related material Property of Nintendo
Story and FC characters (meaning Shelly, Dash, Ilario, Angela, Azalea, Koop, Parry, Surge, Lilli, Phoenix and Karrie) Property of MCGoldYoshi