Chapter 2: The Star Spirits

If Luigi could put a word to Shooting Star Summit, that word would be "stunning". As they approached the mountain, the sky grew darker, despite it being merely three in the afternoon. As the sky became gradually darker, glittering stars became visible to the adventurers, illuminating what would otherwise have been a dark blue-washed mountain.

The mountain wasn't particularly large, but it was spectacular nonetheless. Star-shaped crystals adorned the hill, and the dirt itself was a glistening purple. Small shooting stars fell out of the sky and onto the ground every few seconds, but didn't seem to cause any harm to the travelers. Though the Mario Brothers has never been there before, they were filled with a sense of being somewhere otherworldly.

"Shooting Star Summit may be beautiful," Peach said, having noticed the amazed looks on the Mario Brothers' faces, "but that isn't what it's most famous for. Like Merlon mentioned earlier, Star Spirits appear to those standing at its peak and speak to them."

"Who are the star spirits, exactly?" Mario asked. "I've heard a few things, but I was never a big reader…"

"I'd like to know, too," Luigi added, as they started climbing the spiralling path up the hill. "I've read a few of the legends, but they don't agree on much. What are they like?"

"Well, what I can tell you depends on what you know," Peach said as she adeptly navigated the path, lifting the hem of her dress slightly to prevent it from slowing down her climb. "The Star Spirits are in charge of wishes for all of Mushroom Kingdom. There are seven in total, and for the most part they're pretty laid back...except for Eldstar, of course, but he [i]is[/i] the oldest in Star Haven..."

"I've heard they have a magic rod-thing that can grant any wish. Is that true?"

"Yes, and that magic rod-thing is called the Star Rod." The group was now a little more than halfway up the hill.

"Amazing…" Luigi said. Mario nodded in agreement.

The brothers didn't say anything for the rest of the walk up, too lost in thought. Before long, they reached the top. The Mario Brothers were in awe - From the top of the hill, the entirety of the Mushroom Plains could be seen, and even a bit of the rest of the kingdom. If Mario squinted, he could even see the island he was born on, far on the horizon.

Peach stepped towards the center of the peak, and cleared her throat.

"Eldstar! Mamar! Klevar! Those other ones, too!" Peach called out. "I wish to have a word with you."

Seven flickering forms appeared around the group, coming more clearly into focus as the seconds ticked . One, a yellow star-like creature with a truly impressive white moustache and matching eyebrows, began to speak.

"Hello, Princess. To what do we owe this… Honor? And, how many times have I asked you to not address us informally when you bring guests? Nine times?"

Peach nodded.

"Aw, come on, Eldstar. Give her a break," a blue star wearing a sailor's cap cut in. "She's got spirit, and I like that in a princess!"

"Yes, Muskular. I know. Onto business. Who are these two you've brought before us?"

"I'm Mario," Mario said. "And this is my little bro, Luigi."

"Little? Ha! hardly anything-"

"Muskular!"

"Shutting up."

"... Anyway," Mario continued. "We're here to learn more about a prophecy? Concerning four humans? Merlon thinks we're three of the four."

Muskular, who until now had been grinning quite widely, suddenly adopted a somber expression. The five Star Spirits who had been talking among themselves suddnely stopped as well, and all stared at the group.

"... This is quite serious, then," said a star with a small, black moustache. "... In truth, we hoped that this day wouldn't come."

"The prophecy," started the next star, a rather young-looking one clutching a book, "States that four humans, raised in the Mushroom Kingdom, will bring great change to the world… There will be a turning point in the history of the Koopa Kingdom."

A purple star with an odd brown moustache and glasses continued where the last had left off. "The turning point could either lead the world to a long era of peace and prosperity…"

"Or plunge it into chaos for many decades," a pink star with an orange ribbon around herself said.

"If all four heroes aren't present at the time of the turning point, it will fail," an orange star with a bow finished.

"So, as you see," Eldstar said. "It is of utmost importance that you find the last master… Which ones are you?"

"Mario and Luigi are Fire and Air," Peach said.

"So that leaves Earth…" Eldstar said.

"Do you know who it is?" Luigi asked hopefully.

Eldstar closed his eyes, looking a bit downcast. "No… None of us know who the last master is… But now that we know all three of your elements, we should be able to determine where he or she is. All together now..."

All the star spirits closed their eyes, concentrating, and began to glow. Their power seemed to reach out to each other, and combine in the very center of the air above the peak. Within the glow formed an image, of a field full of orange flowers. Just as soon as the image appeared, the spell broke, and the star spirits opened their eyes, clearly weary.

"Flower Fields. The last of the four is in Flower Fields."

"... Whoa," Luigi said. "That was… wow. Can you see everywhere?"

"Just in the Mushroom Kingdom," Muskular said. "Except Forever Forest. That place freaks Skolar out."

"Does not!" the purple star yelled.

"Yes it does," the other six said in unison, even Eldstar.

"So, we should head to Flower Fields?" Mario asked. "When should we leave?"

"Well, certainly not before a good night's sleep," the orange star with a bow said.

"Mamar is correct. We also have some gifts that may come in handy somewhere down the line," the book-holding star said. "We'll get them to the castle by the morning. You all should be on your way for now, though."

"Adding to what Klevar said," the calm-looking star spirit with the black moustache began, "you should be sure to go shopping before you set off. You never know what you'll need."

"And if you ever need our help," the pink star said, "just call our names. We might not always be able to provide what you need, but we'll always help in any way we can. I am Misstar, and that was Kalmar. I believe you've heard everyone else's names now, right?"

Mario and Luigi nodded.

"Good. If you forget, ask our darling princess; she knows all of us by heart. Now, off with you - the princess does need her beauty sleep."

[break]

The Mario Brothers slept in the castle that night, for a combination of security reasons and because it was simply more convenient.

After a quick breakfast, Toadsworth informed the three that there was, in fact, something for each of them in the lobby. The gifts turned out to be backpacks, red for Mario, green for Luigi, and blue for Peach, along with a package for each of them.

Peach opened hers first, and found within a pink parasol. There was a note with it, explaining that it was called a "Sneaky Parasol" - It could be used to disguise the user as anybody, and on top of that was nearly indestructible. The note also went on to say that the backpacks had nearly limitless capacity - and that hers also had a special compartment with a large supply of water in it, so she wasn't limited by a lack of liquid.

Mario and Luigi's first gifts were identical - They each had received a large black mallet and a new pair of boots. Mario also received a yellow cape, and Luigi a green boomerang. Unlike the princess, they did not receive notes along with their gifts.

Mario immediately put the cape on, posing like a superhero. Luigi and the Princess laughed at the sight. They put all their new equipment away for the time being, and went to say goodbye to Toadsworth, Russ T, and Merlon.

"Well, we'll be heading out now then," Peach said to the three that they were leaving behind at the castle. She was sure that Toadsworth would be able to keep the castle running smoothly while she was gone, so she didn't see any reason to worry about their adventure.

"Be safe, princess," Toadsworth said. "If you ever need anything…"

"Find some new reading for me, will you, Luigi?" Russ T asked.

"Of course."

"Mario," Merlon addressed the man in red. "I… You are to be the leader. I have foreseen this. It's a great responsibility. Take care of your friends, they need you, and you need them. Never give up, for if you do…"

Mario nodded; no words were needed.

"Good luck to you all," Merlon said. "Now, it's time to go… I bid you farewell."

[end chapter 2]

jakeroo123: It may not be as long as the last chapter, but I don't think it really needed to be. I mean, we could have described their shopping, but, really, was there a point?

elisheva: I had a little bit more influence in this chapter and my parts ended up being a little longer...thanks for reviewing and stuff.

j: Until next time! (which probably won't be quite so fast.)