Disclaimer: I don't Mario or Sonic as they belong to Nintendo and Sega. I only own the story plot and my OCs.
Chapter 18: Preparations
It only took five minutes for Luigi to take a refreshing shower, the first one in three days' time since the morning of his birthday. He and Mario spent the night in the hospital beds, Sonic and Tails once again slept on the couch while Professor E. Gadd and Zephyr slept on the two chairs. Colombo joined the green-hatted man in his bed as the gang set off for some well-deserved rest.
It was now the following morning and the first thing they woke up to was Dr. Toadley heading inside Room 206. And after checking up on the patients' progress, he was happy to announce that the two were permitted to be excused from their injuries. Luigi remained strong and healthy while Mario was fully healed from his own wounds. Even Tails' hand that was burnt during the night of the invasion was already better, and the other guys were relieved that their friends were going to be okay.
Courtesy of the Toad doctor's helpers, the plumbers were given a fresh set of clothes of their respective colored shirts, overalls, gloves, socks, and boots. After getting into uniform, they smiled at one another and responded with a loud high-five. The Mario Brothers were back in action!
Location: Boo Woods
It was overcast in the Mushroom Kingdom on a mild Tuesday morning. The party of seven walked through Toad Town where most of the buildings have been repaired and the pathways have been clear of leftover rubble, debris, and broken glass. As they made the long trek to Boo Woods, a couple raindrops fell from the gray clouds that hovered over the forest. A few minutes later, a drizzle poured down on the heroes.
"Man, I hate rain," grumbled Sonic. "Having to dry my quills and fur is such an annoyance, especially after I go for a run."
"At least you don't have that much fur. I get completely soaked every time I get wet," said Tails.
"Yeah, but it doesn't keep me warm like your tails do. I'm jealous for that. If it gets cold, I'd have to wear a jacket." Normally, Sonic only wore gloves, socks, and shoes as his attire; the same applied for Tails, too. Occasionally, he'd wear some warm clothing to bundle up from the rain, snow, or freezing temperatures. The only complaint he had was having to buy new clothes if the old ones got ripped from running too fast.
"I mean, it is summer, so usually we wouldn't have to think about the cold that often. I just hate it when it gets humid. Nothing makes me sweat more than hot air," tagged Luigi.
"I believe you mean atmospheric moisture," corrected the fox.
"Do we really need a lesson on what humidity is? I just want to get out this freaking rain!"
"Worry not, Blue Blur. We're almost back at my garage," notified the Professor.
"I sure hope it doesn't rain too hard anytime soon," Mario commented.
As the light rain continued to descend, the gang made it back to the lab in the deepest region of the spooky woods. Gadd unlocked the front door and allowed everyone inside first before heading in himself. When they reached the main hub of his lab, the professor went straight to his swivel chair and began typing on his computer. While Sonic and Tails dried their fur and Mario drenched the water from his hat, the man in green walked up behind E. Gadd.
"What are you doing now, Professor?" he asked.
"The same procedure I did when I asked for your assistance. I'm trying to locate the whereabouts of the Dark Moon pieces."
"Don't we know that already? In Daisy's message, she explained that everyone was trapped in Vanilla Dome and they got word from Eggman that the other pieces are with Edge in his headquarters. Let's just go there right now!"
"Now hold on there, Mario. I recommended we would go here first to help you prepare. For you and Luigi, you should stock up on your usual power-ups: Mushrooms, Fire Flowers, Power Stars, etc. The usual stuff that will help you in the long run. And for Luigi specifically, I should have the Poltergust 5000 with me, but I decided to create a brand-new model with some slight modifications!"
"Let me guess, it's called the Poltergust 6000, isn't it?"
"It's like you read my mind, sonny!" E. Gadd chuckled. Luigi, however, rolled his eyes. "Anyways, I can almost guarantee that the Dark Moon pieces are going to be separated and protected by the Possessors. Edge might have used an opportunity to send them to various locations throughout the Mushroom Kingdom. So we can't say for sure that all five fragments are held within Vanilla Dome."
"Of course. What kind of adventure is it if the items we need are conveniently in one spot?" Tails groaned.
"One that would be easy, but completely stupid to even happen. No adventure is that easy to complete. But seriously, where's the fun in that? A simple quest is not as exciting as traveling through many lands and battling foes!" answered Sonic.
"Why can't we catch a break for once?" the green-clad man complained to himself.
"Eureka! I've got a reading on my computer right here! Let me just get a better look at the map and…" A notification sound alerted from the computer, showing the gang what they were looking for. "Bingo!" exclaimed the professor.
On the large screen, a map of the kingdom and its neighboring realms were shown. As the professor typed up more commands on his keyboard, the screen magnified to reveal some significant signals. And those signals were the locations of the Dark Moon pieces.
"Wow, you were right about Edge splitting up the ghosts in different regions, E. Gadd. At least we know where they are now," said Mario.
"Based on the map, there is still one residing in Vanilla Dome, which is where your friends are held captive. I spot the others in Kongo Jungle, Sparkling Waters, and Evershade Valley. But I can't seem to pinpoint the last one."
When E. Gadd mentioned their original residence, the Polterpup and Greenie reacted quickly by making audible ghost screeches.
"Colombo, Zephyr! Calm down!" The Greenie and Polterpup stopped their actions and behaved under Luigi's command. "I know, I'm surprised too that one of the Possessors would head back to Evershade. Probably for a good reason just to spook me."
"Don't worry, Weege. We can save that place for last if you want to," Mario comforted him.
"I would like that, thanks."
E. Gadd put a hand to his chin and rubbed it. "Hmm… it's peculiar that the map presented four locations when there are five missing fragments. Either the last piece is somewhere outlandish that I can't get a signal, or maybe there are two pieces in one area. Otherwise, I haven't a clue to describe this discrepancy. But for starters, I suggest that you two brothers head over to the Vanilla Dome first since that place is a given. You can retrieve the Dark Moon piece and rescue your friends. Maybe they can offer some help as well."
"But if you want Mario and Luigi to go there, what can Sonic and I do to help?" asked Tails.
"It's probably best that you should return to your home world. Likewise, you can grab any power-ups that may benefit you two, especially those rings you love to collect. Not only that, try to find the other Chaos Emerald. There's no doubt his minions are searching frantically to help him find it. We can't afford that shadow figure to get his hands on six of them. Then again, all seven."
"Sounds like a plan to me," smirked Sonic. "We gotta make sure they don't find the last Emerald and the one we have. Come on, Tails. Let's go! The faster we get away from the rain, the less damp we'll be and the quicker we'll get back!" And off he went, leaving a blue streak in front of the gang.
"Sonic, wait!" It was too late as said hedgehog already flashed out of the laboratory. Tails let out a dissatisfied sigh. "Sometimes I wish he could be more patient. Not only because he left me behind again, but I was going to ask him if he actually had the Chaos Emerald."
"I'm pretty sure he kept it with him," remarked Mario.
"Oh yeah? Look right there," he pointed to the ground where the yellow Emerald laid in front of the red man's feet.
"What the hell? How did that get there?"
The kitsune shook his head disappointedly and picked up the shiny stone. "It fell out of his quills as he sped off, and here I thought he secured it in there. Sometimes he doesn't pay attention to his surroundings, and that's one of the few damn things he doesn't learn: always make sure you have everything before you leave. And don't rush things too quickly."
"Sadly I make the same mistake when I forget our house keys," grumbled Luigi.
"I'll go give this to him. If he has trouble finding it, which he will no doubt, I'll rub it in his face. Nonetheless, we'll try to find the other Chaos Emerald as soon as possible. You still have my contact, Luigi?" Tails asked as he stuffed it in his fluffy appendages.
"Right on my 3DS."
"Perfect. I'll call you if anything important happens. Good luck, guys." With that, the twin-tailed fox ran off to the Mushroom Warp Pipe in Toad Town to catch up to his blue brother.
"So Sonic and Tails are heading back to Mobius. Luigi and I will travel to Vanilla Dome. What about you, Zephyr, and Colombo?" questioned Mario.
"I'm going to need Zephyr's assistance to help me locate the final Dark Moon piece. I still have the restored one and I'll keep it safe in my bunker. Colombo can join you gentlemen on the journey. He is a talented tracker so he could find the Possessors and the other ghouls very quickly." The Polterpup performed an enthusiastic back flip and barked happily while the Greenie pouted, disappointed he was told to stay behind. "Sorry Zeph. But I'm going to need an assistant for my research. Maybe you can help me build some new inventions for Mario and his friends." Now with that comment, Zephyr was intrigued and was on board with a cheeky smile. "Hohoho! That's the spirit, literally!" Mario rolled his eyes at his pun while Luigi frowned, but the professor didn't notice. "Anyways, follow me for one quick second."
E. Gadd hopped off his chair and strolled over to a brown vintage cabinet with the Mario Bros. and the ghosts following from behind. Opening the large cupboard, he revealed his latest installment of the original vacuum: the Poltergust 6000. Just like the two versions Luigi used in his previous adventures, the 6000 was a red vacuum with brown durable straps for portability, two metal wheels, and a flexible hose with an interchangeable nozzle. With the push of a red button, it allows the Poltergust to switch between a flashlight for a source of brightness and a vacuum with quality suction and blowing properties to catch ghosts. (Do NOT take that out of context.) Similar with the most recent model, it contained a Strobulb to stun paranormal entities and the attachable Dark-Light Device to uncover invisible objects or paranormal footprints… that is if ghosts, other than Polterpups, had feet. It also consisted of a second button, this one being green, and a metal switch on the retractable hose.
The professor removed the invention off the dresser's hooks and handed it to Luigi. "Look alive, sonny. Introducing the Poltergust 6000! It's got all of the main materials and tools you used with the 5000, but this one is slightly different, yet more powerful than the older versions."
He rotated the vacuum in his hands and inspected its features. "What's so different about this model other than the aesthetic improvements? I mean it does it look much shinier and sleeker than the previous Poltergust vacuums, but I don't see much else."
"Hohoho! But this model can capture ghosts much faster than an upgraded Super Poltergust 5000. I made tons of modifications with the new technological advances they put out to make this baby more efficient. Not only that, but it has a new feature. Do you see the metal switch next to the green button?" Luigi nodded at his question. "Well, go ahead and flip it!"
Luigi raised an eyebrow, but didn't hesitate. Pushing the switch to the 'up' position, the next thing that he noticed was a green barrier that popped out of the Poltergust and surrounded his entire body. Taken back by the surprise, he turned off the switch and the barricade disappeared.
Mario was dazed. "Whoa, what the heck was that?"
"That was the Shriek Shield: an impenetrable safeguard to protect the one who wields the vacuum. (1) But it can also form barriers for your allies. If the switch is still in the up position, just aim at someone, hold down the green button, and use the blow function to shoot a Shriek Shield! The moment it hits that person, they will be instantly shielded from anything. The best part is that you guys can still fight while you're protected. And to your benefit, Luigi, you can still suck up ghosts through the shield. But be careful, you only get about 30 seconds of invincibility."
"Is the Shriek Shield of limited use? wondered Luigi.
"Unfortunately, the design could only last for such little time to defend yourselves. Not only that, but you can only use up to ten Shriek Shields before it needs to be recharged."
"Recharged? Since when does the Poltergust need to be rechargeable?"
"Well almost anything these days have a rechargeable battery, Mario," E. Gadd explained. "And it's only for the Shriek Shield exclusively. The vacuum itself always works unless there's some odd malfunction. But I've tested it out like the last two models and I've had little to no concerns or breakdowns from these machines."
"Touché, but I think that's inconvenient if you could only use up to ten barriers in one stint of ghost catching and battles. And it could probably take an hour to charge up one shield."
"Actually, it takes 30 minutes to charge for a 30-second barrier. It may not be that efficient, but I'll see if I can make some upgrades to it later. Nevertheless, I'm sure Luigi can plan accordingly and use them wisely to your advantage. By handling the Poltergust tactfully, you should be suck-cessful! And don't let your guards down. You don't wanna blow this opportunity up! Hohoho!" Mario facepalmed, Colombo and Zephyr groaned, and Luigi lowered his right brow, unamused. "What?"
"First of all, Professor, I don't even play strategically in Mario Party. Regardless if I do anything or not, I either surprisingly win or look like a fool. And if I screw up, then I'm going to cause trouble. And second, we're in the middle of a fucking crisis where someone is hellbound on destroying all worlds and you think it's appropriate to cheer us up with vacuum puns? You've already made bad ones involving ghosts and clock hands."
"Hey, I'm just trying to lighten up the mood for you," he jokingly countered by shining a flashlight in his face. Luigi, however, was more frustrated than fazed by the light. "Ehh… tough crowd," he huffed as he turned off the device and put it away. "But I'm sure you'll be okay, lad. After all, with your… ah… your bushy mustache..." Luigi slouched at E. Gadd's repeated, pathetic compliment. (2) "You and Mario should be strong enough to take down the Possessors and any of Myster Edge's goons. And like I said earlier, you should prepare yourselves with some healing and attack items."
"Toad Town has been repaired, so I bet they should be back in business. Come on, Luigi. Are you ready to go?"
"Almost, Mario. I just have one more question to ask, specifically to E. Gadd. Do you mind if I have some privacy?"
Mario raised an eyebrow in suspicion. Whatever Luigi had in mind, it must be personally related to Gadd in some way. However, he didn't want to make him uncomfortable, so he left the lab. After Mario was gone, the plumber in green turned to the ghosts and asked them to leave too. Likewise, Colombo and Zephyr were confused, but didn't hesitate as they literally went through the walls.
"What do you have in mind?" the professor spoke as the two were the only ones left.
In a calm, whispering tone, Luigi responded. "Do you think that the power of the Chaos Emerald and the Dark Moon piece had something to do with what Edge is planning?"
Elvin frowned at his concern. "At the moment, my friend, I still don't know what happened back at the hospital. I was going to research any specs or anything out of the ordinary from the moon fragment to see I could uncover the reason for that incident. But why are you nervous about this now?"
"What if this power that healed me is controlled by some force? Edge told me I'd be the reason for destroying all worlds, the same fate for me when I was Mr. L. Do you think he knows that this combined force is a way to brainwash me and fall under his command? Is there some other prophecy that I'm unaware of that involves me and him? What if…"
E. Gadd put a hand on Luigi's shoulder to comfort him. "Son, not to be a worrywart, but you're probably overthinking the situation a bit too early at this point. We don't have any answers on what just happened, along with how and why it was even possible in the first place. But try not to let it distract you. Also, don't think about the past. Follow your brother's former advice. Just forgive and forget, then move on. Right now, you guys should focus on the main tasks. Find the other Chaos Emerald to prevent Edge from getting close to destruction. Recover the Dark Moon pieces. Save your friends as soon as possible. Try to avoid any danger and harm from himself and his minions. Become the hero you are destined to be, and that requires you to be brave and assertive. Believe me, Luigi. I have confidence in you whether you think you're up to the test or not. Regardless of what happens, I will always be proud of your hard work. Ever since your first mansion adventure, I still think you're a courageous fellow in your way."
"I just don't want to let Mario and everyone else down."
Unbeknownst to both Luigi and E. Gadd, the lab door wasn't closed the whole way. And from the small crease, a blue eye was peering through the opening as the person eavesdropped.
"Why would he think he would let me down?" Mario thought. He grimaced at himself for spying on their conversation, but his stubbornness got the best of the plumber in red. "I wish he could stop putting pressure on himself."
"Whatever you do, he'll be proud of your efforts. You didn't let him down the first two times you saved him, and I'm certain he'll appreciate you for standing up for yourself."
"And I agree. I am proud of you, Weegie."
E. Gadd finished his speech with a genuine smile. In turn, Luigi grinned back. And that made Mario happy from behind the door.
"Thanks, Professor. I feel a bit more confident now. And we'll do our best to stop Edge," he declared.
"That's more like it. Now what are you waiting for? Go put that on your back and catch some ghosts!"
Luigi listened to his words and placed his arms through the straps of the Poltergust. He was prepared for another ghost hunting adventure.
Mario stepped away from the door and stood near the garage entry as if he was still waiting. Well, he was waiting, just not near the front entrance. Nonetheless, he sported a smile as his brother exited the lab with Elvin following behind. Zephyr floated to the professor's side while Colombo leaned his front paws against the legs of Luigi's overalls, panting with anticipation.
Luigi smiled at the Polterpup before turning to his older brother.
"Are you ready to go, Luigi?"
He nodded at him. "Ready as I'll ever be."
"Well then, let's-a-go!" (3)
As Mario, Luigi, and Colombo hiked their way through the drizzling rain, E. Gadd and Zephyr waved them goodbye and went to work on the mystery of the merged powers of the Chaos Emerald and the Dark Moon piece. But as the trio walked through the woods, a figure watched them pass by as he was concealed in a bush. Once they were far enough from the hidden individual, he activated his mobile communicator and whispered into the mic.
"Hello? Do you read? This is Duplimore, reporting. I've got my eye on the man in green. He's walking with a vacuum on his back, a red man in similar clothing, and a ghost dog. I overheard they're heading towards the Vanilla Dome. I repeat, the target is in pursuit of Vanilla Dome. I'll try my best to follow him without getting caught. He is the key to our plan…"
END OF CHAPTER
We got ourselves another mysterious character in the story. Who is this Duplimore, and is he part of Edge's group? If so, what's his role other than stalking him?
Also, Luigi got some more motivational support, this time from the clever professor. Now that he's determined, Mario and Colombo will accompany him to Vanilla Dome to rescue their friends. What awaits them at the caverns? Alongside that, Sonic and Tails will return to Mobius to see if they can retrieve the last undiscovered Chaos Emerald. However, have they forgotten of the fact that Myster Edge ambushed Station Square back in Ch. 5? What will their home look like when they come back? Will they find the emerald before the shadow figure and his slaves get to it first? And where could the last Dark Moon piece be? Stay tuned next Monday for Ch. 19 of Hidden Bravery…
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Post-Chapter Notes:
(1): I decided to upgrade the Poltergust and give it a new accessory. It took me a while to think of something unique, but I came up with the Shriek Shield. Hopefully it sounds interesting and I'll try to exploit it as much as I can when Luigi fends off against the ghosts.
(2): E. Gadd first 'praised' his mustache when trying to think of Luigi's strengths in Dark Moon. To the hero's dismay, it wasn't much of a compliment nor a special quality (but it is a nice mustache).
(3): I remember when I used to add Italian accents in the beginning of my story at first. Then I got rid of those because they started to get annoying as I repeated it while writing. From now on, that will probably be the ONLY phrase I'll ever write in that context for any Mario story.