A/N: Merry Christmas, everybody! It's time for Luigi and the gang to enter the Treacherous Mansion to find Shadow, Silver, and the Chaotix. But there will be more than just that as the Oblivion continues to grow larger, thus getting closer to consuming all worlds…
Disclaimer: I only take credit for the story and my OCs. Mario and Sonic belong to Nintendo and Sega, respectively.
Chapter 44: Painted into a Corner
Location: Evershade Valley
Inside the bunker, in the shape of E. Gadd's head, the red camera made some small movements to aim at the open space. Pixels of blue and yellow exited out of the Pixelator, allowing Sonic and Tails to land. Once they did, they placed their moon fragments on a small table.
Sonic whistled. "The Professor wasn't kidding when he said there isn't much space in here. I hope it doesn't get too cramped with the six of us."
"This place makes the Storage Room look like the real deal when it's only a replica at a larger scale," Tails looked around. He found himself admiring the large Pixelator screen that E. Gadd used to transport Luigi to the neighboring mansions. "Man, the Professor really knows how to set up his equipment, though. It's all so clean and efficient. My workshop is filled with just a bunch of scattered blueprints and outdated inventions."
"But hey, at least they helped us in the past against Egghead, am I right?"
"True, but I don't want to be too boastful about it."
Later, the Pixelator shot out Mario and Colombo. "Whew, just made it," sighed the plumber.
"So now it's only E. Gadd and Luigi we have to wait for, right?"
"That's what the plan was. But if anything happens to Luigi again, I'll be a bit concerned," he mentioned, placing his moon piece next to the other two.
Sonic didn't feel like talking to Mario after his rude comment he shared at the professor's main shelter. He turned away, pretending to inspect one of Gadd's inventions.
"I'm still worried about our friends. They've been trapped over an entire week, and we haven't spoken to them since the party."
"Don't worry, Tails. We'll be sure to rescue them, right Sonic?"
"Maybe, especially with Tails and Luigi. They must be smart enough to traverse us through the mansion."
Mario frowned when he heard emphasis on that word. "Sonic, if it's about what I said earlier, I was only kidding."
He sent a cold stare to him. "Kidding? The way you said that shit to me didn't sound sarcastic."
"I'm sorry you felt that way. I didn't mean to offend you or anything."
"Oh, I'm sorry, too. Sorry that you had to drag your fat ass all the way to help your brother when you've done almost nothing."
Mario narrowed his eyes. "Excuse me?"
"Yeah, you heard me. This may be revolved around Luigi, but I bet you'll find a way to take credit for everything he's done, just like how it's happened many times in the past!"
Tails sweated from their confrontation. They were supposed to be best friends. Everything was supposed to be fine. But now it's like they're rivals all over again. He looked down at the Polterpup, to which he did the same. Colombo slightly whimpered to see them verbally fight.
Mario came face to face with the fiery Blue Blur. "You're really going to bring that up to discussion? Since when have I ever wanted to steal the spotlight from my bro? I don't do it intentionally! I even said this back at the clinic! And don't say I didn't do anything!"
"Okay, fine. You fought some ghosts and a few enemies. But what else have you done? Get yourself captured?"
"That's happened to you, too! So what? We may be heroes, but not everyone is perfect. That applies to both of us and everyone else who contributed their share to this journey!"
"And you harshly criticized me for rushing by and accidentally burning Luigi? It was a mistake I couldn't handle! You probably made bigger mistakes that make you look more stupid than what I did!"
"Mistakes, yes. But in terms of stupidity, probably not on your level."
"What is that supposed to mean?!" Since they were inches away from each other, Sonic was on the verge of tackling him. Before he could dare himself to do it, he was interrupted by a scream.
"GUYS! STOP IT!"
Sonic and Mario turned their heads away from their vendetta to see an exasperated two-tailed fox.
"What the hell is wrong with you two? We're supposed to be working together to find our friends, save them, and oust the final Possessor to restore the Dark Moon. We did not come all this way just to get into the middle of some more useless bickering. I'm ashamed to witness you guys acting like a bunch of four-year olds. And yet, I'm only eight, acting like the mature one here."
The two remained silent, yet shocked to see him so livid.
"The point is, this is not the time to be arguing, especially when we're days away from potentially dying at the hands of a crazed villain with the seven Chaos Emeralds, need I remind you. And worst of all, we won't make any progress whatsoever if you continue this for no fucking reason. Can you please take five seconds to relax and calm yourselves down? I don't care if you have to sit in the corner or twiddle your thumbs. Just as long as you aren't spitting words or looking at each other for Chaos' sake. You two need a break. And I hate it when I see you like this."
The hedgehog blinked before speaking in a hushed tone. "Tails… We never meant to make you mad this way." He tried to put his hand on the kit's shoulder, but he shifted away.
"Don't. I'm just saying, focus on what matters the most right now. I need some fresh air," he walked out of the bunker.
From there, Sonic felt guilty for making his friend upset. He turned around to see Mario. They remained silent for quite some time. The hedgehog, however, was not in the best situation right now with the red clad man. He folded his arms, closed his eyes, and shifted his head.
Mario, however, had a face riddled with self-reproach. Looking back, he grimaced for mentioning those insensitive words back at Boo Woods. He was about to say something, until the Pixelator moved. It soon spawned Luigi and E. Gadd's pixels. The professor conveniently landed in his chair, but the green man fell onto his bottom like he usually does whenever he was sent here.
"Ouch… Why do I always land in the most uncomfortable way possible?" he scratched the sore spot while getting up.
"Eh, don't sweat over it, sonny. I see that the others have placed the other fragments on the table. Thank you for that."
"Hey, where's Tails?"
Sonic showed his emerald pupils. "He went outside to get some air."
Luigi discerned how Sonic was a bit tense when he said that. "Is something wrong?"
"Nah, it's nothing," he fibbed, waving it off. "We were just waiting for you to arrive."
"Ruff!"
"Well, based off Colombo's body language, that doesn't sound like the truth."
"I rather not speak of it. Let's just get to the mansion already. I'll go get Tails so we can leave soon."
Sonic left the shelter, leaving the professor, the Polterpup, and the Mario Bros. alone. While E. Gadd typed on his keyboard to set up the Pixelator, Luigi whispered to Mario.
"Did something happen between him and Tails?"
Mario leaned back on the wall and dragged his body down. He sighed once he reached the floor. "It's not about them. But it does involve Sonic."
"And you, I suppose?" He was given a nod. "What happened?"
"We got into another argument."
"Why?"
"Because of my remarks to him before we came here. There was some bad blood here and there, then Tails basically told us to man up. He was disappointed to see us fight when we were going back and forth at each other." Mario shook his head in disapproval, towards himself that is. "Go ahead."
"What?"
"Go ahead. Say that it was wrong of me for what I did."
"Mario… I can't say that."
"Why not? It's that easy."
"It's not about that. Remember we had a verbal argument at the hospital, and I was the one who started it? It took me a while to realize what I did was wrong. And so, I apologized. You did the same thing. I think it's best if you both apologize to each other to break the tension apart."
"But if what if he doesn't accept my apology? What if we continue to have bad chemistry with each other? I'm actually concerned he's willing to spin dash me unexpectedly."
"Then for now, once we get to the Treacherous Mansion, we'll just split you two up so that it won't be awkward. But I'm sure Sonic will say sorry back to you eventually. Maybe not now, but I bet he will soon."
"You think so?"
"Yeah."
Mario felt a little better, but he kept a neutral face. "Thanks, Luigi."
"You're welcome, Mario. You are my older brother. And I don't like it when I see you upset."
"You know, that's one reason why I like you. You're so unselfish and you think others' concern."
Luigi blushed at his compliment and pulled him up so he was standing. Afterwards, Sonic and Tails returned to the interior.
"Alright, boys. My Pixelator should be set up to send you to Treacherous Mansion. I hope you are ready."
"I'm pretty sure we are. Are you two ready?" Luigi asked the fox and the hedgehog.
After eyeing at one another for a quick second, Tails responded, "Yeah, we're good to go."
Mario gave a glance at the blue hedgehog, who didn't say anything. He just had a small smirk on his muzzle. While he was confused, he heard Colombo growling lowly behind. Luigi noticed this, too.
"Colombo, what are you doing? It's only Sonic and Tails. We ventured with them for the past week."
The Polterpup disregarded his owner's words and dared to show his teeth.
"What's up with him?"
"I don't know, Tails. I've never seen him act like this towards you before. You've been here for so long that he's used to seeing you two. Now it's like you are total strangers to him."
"Whatever his problem is doesn't concern me. We gotta save our friends and stop Edge as soon as possible!" Sonic exclaimed.
"Hey, Sonic, are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm alright. Why you ask?"
"Because I felt guilty for arguing with you. I just want to say that I'm sorry I butted heads with you."
Sonic stretched his lips before he went back to a grin. "Nah, it's fine."
"So, do you forgive me?"
"Yeah, sure."
Mario blinked for a second. He noticed how Sonic just took the situation casually. Did Tails say something that changed his attitude prior to him leaving the bunker? Was Sonic really that forgivable? He thought heavily about it, but decided to leave it as is. There was no point on trying to interrogate him.
"Here, Luigi," E. Gadd tossed him a green key. "That's a spare to open up the front door, just in case it's locked."
"Got it," he stuffed the item in his pocket.
"This time, I'll send the Mario Bros. and Colombo out first. Sonic and Tails, you'll follow after them."
"Okay," the fox understood.
"Let's get this over with," Luigi prepared for another uncomfortable transport.
"Good luck out there!" E. Gadd pressed the joystick, and the large screen pulled in the plumbers and the Polterpup. Once there were gone, he was about to transport the Mobians through the Pixelator, but not before he received a small farewell message.
Location: Station Square
"Amy. Amy! Do you read me?"
The pink hedgehog answered her communicator. "Knuckles, what's the sitch?"
"I got another warning from the Master Emerald. Myster Edge should be sending his robots soon to attack."
"We already got that, Knucklehead," Rouge said over Amy's shoulder.
"Rouge, would you lay off of me?"
"Not even in your dreams, enchilada."
"I'm a freaking echidna, you dingbat!"
"Just give us more information about their arrival," Blaze urged impatiently.
"Ugh, the robots are warping to the zones wherever the black holes of the Oblivion are found. That includes not just Station Square, but also Chemical Plant Zone and Emerald Hill Zone like you mentioned to me before."
"So what do we do?" Cream asked.
"I want the five of you to split up into two groups. One team will leave for Emerald Hill while the other remains behind to protect Station Square. However, one of you must get in contact with Eggman, as much as I regret to say. And if possible, get some backup from anyone who's willing to fight alongside with you. I am aware that there are more areas to cover, but we can't defend all of them. We just have to deal with what we got."
"Are Eggman, Orbot, and Cubot still in Chemical Plant?" Blaze raised an eyebrow.
"Seems so. And even though they'll be reluctant to join forces with us, or rather just Eggman, we have no choice but to warn them."
"We understand, Knuckles. But what about you?"
"I'll do my best to summon the Master Emerald's powers to keep the robots at bay. I suspect some will be coming my way to try to destroy the Emerald or, in general, invade Angel Island. But don't worry about me. Just do as I say."
"Might as well go with it," Rouge shrugged.
"Do you want us to tell Peach and our friends in the Mushroom Kingdom?" Amy questioned.
"Yeah. It'd be important for them to know about this, too."
"Gotcha. Thanks for the update."
"No problem. And stay safe," Knuckles disconnected the call.
"I'll go with Rouge to Chemical Plant to convince Eggman to fight with us. If it works, we'll be off to Emerald Hill."
"Okay. Cream, Cheese, and I will stay behind and warn the others."
"Please be careful, guys," Cream begged.
"We'll be sure of it," Rouge winked. She then went off with the purple cat to return to the toxic zone.
Subsequently, the hedgehog activated her communicator. "Peach! We just came to warn you about something."
"Yes, what is it?" she replied.
"Knuckles gave us a quick word of what's about to happen." She explained everything the echidna told her.
"Oh my! That's terrible!"
"I know! So tell the others about this. Daisy, Yoshi, the Toads, and just about everybody!"
"I'll address it immediately. Thanks for telling me."
"Anything to help out. Good luck and kick some butt."
"You too, Amy," she ended the call.
"So where do we go now?"
"Let's see if we can find anyone who will help us take down those Shadelings. Let's head that way."
"Chao!" Cheese yelled as he, Cream, and Amy ran off in the city streets.
At the front door, the Pixelator spewed out pixels of Colombo, Mario, and Luigi. The first two landed cleanly on the stone surface. Luigi, however, fell on his bottom yet again.
"Oof! Seriously, why do I always land like this?"
Before Mario could say something or get him on his feet, Tails appeared and landed on top of him.
"Ugh!"
"Ooh, sorry about that."
"It's okay, Tails. I didn't expect you to drop in on me, literally."
And before either of them could stand, Sonic materialized in his full form, above the fox and the green plumber.
"Look out bel-"
"OW!" the two grunted.
"Mamma Mia," Mario cringed and brought everyone up.
Sonic dusted himself off. "Well, that was not the kind of landing I anticipated."
"At least you fell on your stomach. Otherwise I would have had quills to the face," Tails groaned.
"Here we are, Treacherous Mansion." The five viewed the entrance to the humongous residence. After a while, Mario walked up to the door and tugged at the handle. "Seems to be locked."
"Maybe. But you're supposed to push the front door instead," Luigi mentioned.
"Oh. Well I didn't know! I've only been here while I was stuck in a painting."
"It's alright, Mario. I'll check it out." Luigi stepped forward and pushed. The doors were locked, so he grabbed the key and turned it in the keyhole. He breathed in deeply before he opened the entryway. Inside was the Front Entrance. He led the group and browsed the area. "Huh, the E-Gates are deactivated for some reason."
"E-Gates?" Sonic reiterated.
"They're basically shortcut portals that send us to the exhibits found throughout Treacherous. But last time I was here, they were all working, because I was the one who activated them!"
"Do you think the ghosts have done something to make them not work?" Mario wondered.
"Maybe, but I don't know. Looks like we have to do this the long way."
"Luigi! Behind you!" Tails shouted.
He rotated to find a Strong Greenie. He was just like any ordinary Greenie, but with lines that gave him a cracked appearance, just like the Possessors. He reacted with the Strobulb and sucked up the ghoul.
"Whew. Thanks, Tails."
"No problem."
"Do you remember where the paintings are, Luigi?" Sonic asked.
"Yeah, I do. Vector is in the Jungle Exhibit, which is east of this area. Silver is in the northwest where the Ice Age Exhibit is located. I know Shadow is trapped in the Ancient Exhibit, in the northeast portion. And on the second floor, Charmy and Espio are stuck in the Train and Space Exhibits, respectively."
"So, what's the plan?" Tails scratched his head.
"Well, the paintings should be the same as the one I was trapped in. And the only way out is if he shines his Dark-Light Device at the frame. Maybe we should all go together," Mario reasoned.
"I can agree with that," Luigi nodded. "In case we encounter any ghosts, we can try to fight them while Colombo and I will provide most of the defense. Plus, I also have the Strobulb to reinstate the portals."
"Actually, I prefer if we split up. Tails, Mario, and I can find some of the paintings and bring them back here to free our friends."
Mario turned to Sonic. "But wouldn't it be better if we all went together?"
"I just thought we can retrieve the paintings faster, you know? We don't have to rescue them one-by-one. We can release all five at once, and they can help us find the Tough Possessor that way."
He then looked at the fox. "Tails, didn't you say you want us to be split up after what when down in the bunker?"
"Did I?"
The red plumber raised an eyebrow in suspicion. "Um, yes..."
"Huh. I don't remember saying that. But if I did, just ignore it. Maybe you two will be okay since you apologized earlier."
Mario was perplexed. Things were very awkward between them after the heated confrontation. Then all of a sudden, Sonic wanted to split up into groups, yet join his side. And now Tails was fine with the two of them being in the same team. Mario had the urge to inquire on what their beef was. Yet, he didn't want to argue with either one.
Mario wasn't the only one who was bewildered. Luigi stared at his friends with a strange glance. For the same reason, he wasn't sure if this plan made sense.
"Trust me on this. We can save them faster by going to the exhibits and having all the paintings at once. After all, 'fast' is my middle name.
"I thought it was 'the'," Luigi tilted his head.
"Eh, you know what I mean."
"You know what? Whatever. Let's just follow his plan."
"Are you sure, Mario?"
"Honestly, I don't want to cause another stupid quarrel. I trust you and Colombo since you're the expert ghost hunters."
Luigi wanted to rethink their approach, but Tails spoke up for reassurance.
"Don't worry, Luigi. We'll watch out for Mario, and each other as well. You and the dog can start your search in the Jungle Exhibit while the three of us head off to the Ice Age Exhibit. And since the other paintings are on the second floor, why don't all meet up at the Terrace once we recover everyone?"
"Okay…. I guess I'll also go to the Ancient Exhibit to take Shadow's painting."
"When we do get to the second floor, we'll find Espio and you two can save Charmy."
"You linked my communicator to your 3DS, right?" reminded Mario.
"Yes, I did."
"Okey-dokey, then. We'll see you at the Terrace."
"See you guys soon."
They all went their separate ways. Going down the East Gallery, Colombo trudged on the carpet with a frustrated frown. Luigi could hear him grumble.
He stopped walking in the middle of the hallway. "Colombo, what's the matter?"
The Polterpup halted and turned to face him. "Grr…"
"Did I do something wrong?"
He shook his head.
"Was this about Mario's earlier outburst?"
Another shake of the head told him 'no'.
A light bulb lit up in Luigi's head. "Did it have to do with Sonic and Tails?"
"Arf! Arf!" he responded with a gruff bark.
"I remember you acted angry in front of them before we got pixelated here. And apparently, you're still not happy with them. What's the reason behind it? Months ago, I introduced you to them, and you all got along-" he snapped his fingers, "-just like that. Now it's like you think they're strangers or something."
The two remained still in the hallway without making a sound for a few seconds.
"Colombo, is this an instinct you have that I can't perceive?"
Without hesitation, the dog softened his expression and nodded.
"Unfortunately, I can't read your mind, so I have no idea on what you're thinking about. But I'll make a note of it. If Sonic and Tails are hiding something, which I have no idea why if they're our best friends, maybe we'll figure out why they wanted to separate us from them. Believe me though, it did sound a bit fishy to me."
They strode down the hallway before making their way into the next location, the Jungle Exhibit.
In the West Gallery, Mario, Sonic, and Tails strolled past two suits of armor and a gargoyle statue. Opening the next door, they found themselves in the Dark Age Exhibit. The room boasted some large bookcases, as well as some more knight armor and relics that represented the time of the middle ages.
To the north was another door that reached the Grand West. The large corridor led to an intersection where the Inner Courtyard was to the right and the Ice Age Exhibit was several feet ahead. And luckily, not a single trace of a ghost or a robot encountered the trio.
Entering the freezing room, there were holes with fish in the snowy floor, an igloo that had an E-Gate, a realistic-looking mammoth standing on a wooden stage, a ventilation duct with some air conditioners, and a dark cave. While Sonic and Tails inspected the igloo, Mario peeked through the hole of the ice wall that blocked the cavern and saw Silver trapped in a frame. (1)
"Hey, guys! I found Silver!"
"That's good," said Tails, picking up something.
"Now that we found him, how do we get him out of there?"
"I think a better question is, how are you gonna get out of here?"
Mario scrunched his eyebrows when he heard Sonic ask that. "What? What do you mean-"
He turned around and was met with a spray cloud of gas. Mario's eyes widened before shielding them. He covered his mouth and nose. But that didn't stop him from smelling the noxious odor.
He coughed, starting to lose balance and vision. "What the heck was tha- OW!"
The next thing he felt was something hard. Something as hard as a shovel to the head. He fell onto the ground as unconsciousness took over his body.
Sonic and Tails stood over him. Without speaking, the hedgehog held him from the underarms while the fox carried his legs. They promptly departed the exhibit, leaving the silver hedgehog behind.
END OF CHAPTER
What the hell just happened? Sonic and Tails are turning their backs against Mario? Why? Will Luigi and Colombo learn about this?
This chapter was anything but holly or jolly. However, I wish everybody a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and a safe break. Hidden Bravery will continue in 2018, one week after the start of January. And from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everybody for reading and leaving me nice reviews because this is basically the one-year anniversary since I published this fanfiction. Without your support, I wouldn't have made it this far.
Happy Holidays! This is TGN, signing off.
Post-Chapter Notes:
(1): The way Silver was stuck in the Treacherous Mansion was the same as the Purple Toad when he was imprisoned in Dark Moon. But it will take some time to rescue him based off the cliffhanger.