When Mario was able to open his eyes again, the song that he was singing with L was still in his ears. Even hummed it to himself. He had a big smile. He couldn't believe how well he was bonding with L. The hero of the kingdom had a feeling that he could ask L for anything and he would do it. That's when he noticed a journal on the desk. He took it and read it to himself.
He whispered, "Archaeology Log, Day XX. At long last, a clue! This may unlock the secrets of the Ancient Ones... I've recently discovered an ancient treasure. An item that could prove key in my research. I've loosely translated its name as 'Sun Incense' and it appears to play a role in ancient ceremonies. Archaeology Log, Day XX. I have obtained the Sun Incense from the Snifit for a 'fair price'. My preparations are complete! I now make for the Sun Altar."
Olivia rubbed her eyes, "Sun Altar...?"
Violet groaned, "Is that where we go next...?"
Luigi woke up, "And why do I have a song stuck in my head?"
To that, the red clad plumber said nothing. He added, "Yeah, says here he went for the Sun Altar. Let's go ahead and head out there."
"Right," everyone else agreed.
Before they left, they check with the Snifit. The Snifit told them that he felt bad charging Professor Toad for the Sun Incense. So he gave them another one for free. Taking their Boot Car, they went back to the Sun Altar. They put the Sun Incense in the pot there. It had started to smoke. That's when the sand started to kick up oddly.
Olivia blurted out, "What the...?"
Mario stated, "Looks like a sandstorm!"
Luigi pointed at the swirl of sand, "It - it's coming this way!"
Violet advised, "Brace yourselves!"
Before they knew it, they wound up in swirl of sand.
Olivia asked, "What happened...?"
Mario answered, "Looks like we are in the eye on the sandstorm."
That's when a giant cactus came out from under the sand.
Luigi stammered, "A - ah! C - cactus!"
Violet stated, "We got to take care of this thing!"
They went for the Boot Car to run down sections of the giant cactus. It took a while but they managed to beat the giant cactus. It burst into confetti and released Professor Toad.
Mario commented, "So that's what happened to the Professor!"
The professor stated, "I'm saved? Oh, thank you!"
Olivia asked, "So you were eaten by a cactus! What was that like?"
The professor started to answer, "Well, all things considered, it could've been worse..." That's when he realized that she and Luigi were origami. He added, "Wait! I've never seen the likes of you before! Are you two one of the Ancient Ones?"
Luigi chuckled, "Ancient Ones? No, I'm Luigi and this is Olivia."
Violet asked, "Professor, are you okay? How long were you in that thing?"
The professor admitted, "I'm not sure, deary. But one thing is for sure, something is going on. Like what's happening with the altar? Who did this?"
Mario explained, "We did this, professor. To try and find you!"
The professor nodded, "Mhm." He knelt down to the shrine and said, "Hmm, it seems the ancient rituals were observed correctly."
Olivia repeated, "Ancient ritual?"
The professor replied, "Yes."
Luigi responded, "Wait you can read those?"
The professor confirmed, "Well it is my job, son. It's written in the language of the Ancient Ones."
Violet asked, "Then maybe you can tell us what this all means? I mean, who are the Ancient Ones?"
The professor explained, "The Ancient Ones are a people who existed in this geographical region a long time ago. Legend has it that one of these Ancient Ones is still alive today. I've been seeking this person for quite some time! You see, I've dedicated my career to learning more about the ancient civilization based in this desert. One day I hope to unearth a legendary figure for those times. In the ancient texts, he is known simply as...Khap'taan Teeowed."
Violet repeated, "Khap'taan Teeowed?"
Mario mused to himself, "That sounds familiar."
Olivia asked, "Well, maybe you can translate that altar back there?"
Luigi explained, "We need to get rid of that streamer."
The professor thought for a moment, "Well, according to my research, there may be extensive evidence about Khap'taan Teeowed hidden in the desert... As a matter of fact, I was conducting research on this very altar when I was consumed. There is a nonzero chance that I may be, er, consumed again if I continue alone, and not just by my research. Ah, but with the heroes by my side, my survival might be more assured... Oh, I digress and blather! I accept your offer. Perhaps together we shall yet solver the mystery of the...er...mysterious Khap'taan Teeowed!"
Olivia cheered, "That's the best news we've heard all day!"
Mario stated, "And besides that, Luigi and Violet are the best assistants."
Both of them blushed out of modesty.
Violet admitted, "Well, more Weegie than me."
Luigi replied, "Oh come on, you love to help Professor E. Gadd as much as I do."
The professor chuckled, "I know Elvin very well. He's spoken of all of you quite highly. Especially you, Luigi." Luigi turned red with a blush. He further added, "That aside, much of our time is merely spent uncovering incredible ancient relics and being chased by adversaries."
Mario joked, "Sounds like a day at the beach for us."
Olivia giggled, "It does sound like fun!"
Luigi stated, "It'll be a lot of fun."
Violet replied, "Let's get to work then!"
Everyone nodded, this was going to be great.
...
Wishmaker1028: This chapter is a bit short but we get it done! This chapter is in dedication to TimPrime's Christian Aunt Suzanne. We had attended the funeral for her today. Please read and review! And always think outside of the box!
