Life has been busy, but I'm still around. Here's a new chapter to tie everyone over!
Chapter 9: Journey
A month had passed since the "sleeping" argument. Both Rosalina and Zion had gotten into a good schedule. In the morning they would have breakfast together. Then, while Rosalina observed the cosmos, Zion would learn more about the observatories' systems and mechanisms. After lunch, they would often spend time in the library or garden together. Eventually they would stop for dinner and simply enjoy each other's company before Zion went to sleep. This pattern had gone unchanged for the entire month. However, Zion would come to Rosalina with an inquiry, and a request.
They were washing the dishes after dinner. While it would certainly be faster if Rosalina used her magic, they enjoyed doing such simple tasks together.
"I want to get my weapon systems up and running."
Rosalina stopped drying the plate in her hands and looked to Zion with a questioning look, "Weapons? Oh, you mean for your suit?"
Zion answered, "Yeah. I was serious when I said I'd protect you and our home. While I'm more than capable of fighting hand to hand, having my weapons functional again would be a great boon in times of danger."
She nodded in understanding, "Alright, I'll do what I can to help." She finished drying the plate and placed it down. "What type of weapons did you have?"
"I have two primary weapons," Zion explained, "A blade system, and a laser system. To be fair, both are laser based, but one forms swords while the other shoots."
"Hmm," Rosalina put her hand to her cheek in thought, "Do the systems not draw their power from the core? There must be a reason they're not working."
"Well they definitely draw power from the core to function, but they also utilize plasma and stuff to generate heat for things. I never got around to learning the finer details on how it worked, I just fought. Didn't give it too much thought before, but it's been bothering me lately."
"'Plasma and stuff? Such sophisticated words coming from my knight." She teased him.
"Oh shut up," he said jokingly, "You know I'm practically learning how to be a mechanic on the fly."
She moved over slightly and embraced him from behind, "And I thank you for all the effort you've been putting forth. Since you've been taking your job as my knight seriously, I too shall take aiding you seriously. As such, I already have an idea for your weapons."
"Really?" Asked Zion, "What do you have in mind?"
Rosalina let go of Zion, who turned to face her, "In the books you've been reading, have you come across something called a 'Fire Flower'?"
"Yeah, I did. Do you think it would work as a substitute?"
"Perhaps, but all fire flowers don't last very long. Plus, the ones growing around this part of the universe are weak and don't last long."
"I'm guessing you already have a possible solution?"
Rosalina smiled, "I believe it's time for you to take a field trip to the Mushroom Kingdom."
While there were many words that could describe the Mushroom Kingdom, Zion settled for two: strange and weird. After their discussion in the kitchen, he spent an entire week in the library reading and learning about the Kingdom. From the currency to Toads, to the Goombas and Koopas; while he didn't know it all, he knew enough to get by. His goal was simple: find a fire flower that wouldn't run out.
"Easier said than done," Zion was talking aloud while walking down the dirt path towards the Castle, and subsequent Toad Town. "Nothing in any of the books I read said anything about a permanent fire flower. They all dissipate once they're used up."
'Well, Rosalina never explicitly said I'd find one. Just sent me on my merry way. Ah well, ya never know. I might find SOMETHING useful if I look hard enough.' He thought to himself.
After a few minutes, Zion finally made it to the gates of Toad Town. Knowing his armor would most likely terrify the population, he stored it inside a rolling suitcase that he took with him. Regardless of that fact, he still got many curious and frightened looks from the nearby Toads once he entered.
'Rosalina wasn't kidding, they're real scaredy cats. Then again, I'd probably be scared of most things twice my size if I were in their shoes.' Walking down the road, the Toads continued to either stare at him, or take every measure possible to remove themselves from the vicinity. Eventually, he saw a building that would make an excellent first stop. 'A shop, the best spot for digging up info. Unless I find a bar, then it's second best. Hehe.' He chuckled to himself.
Due to his size, he cleared the steps to the shop door in a single step, opened the door, and ducked under to avoid hitting his head. Much to his chagrin, the shopkeeper's back was turned. 'Oh boy, this outta be good,' he thought sarcastically. He strode towards the shopkeeper. "Excuse me?"
"Oh sorry, I can I he-ghsufkdnsiajuf!" The obvious sounds of panic from the shopkeeper made Zion sigh aloud.
"Talk about cliché," he mumbled under his breath, "I was if you could help me out? I'm looking for a fire flower."
It took a good few seconds before the shopkeeper came to his senses, "Oh, err, right. We carry those. How many ya need?" There was still some fear in his voice.
"Just one, thanks. How much do I owe you?" Zion asked.
"Umm, how much was it again?" He whispered to himself, "Ah, right, 10 coins."
Zion took some of the coins Rosalina gave him in advance, and gave them to the small Toad. In return, the Toad gave him a fire flower. "Thank you for your patronage"
"You're welcome, while I'm here, mind if I ask you a question?" Zion asked.
"Uh, sure?" The Toad was getting nervous again.
'Better make this quick,' Zion thought to himself, "I'm looking for a fire flower that never runs out. Have you heard of such a thing?"
The Toad blinked a few times, processing the question, "Well, no, I haven't. Even if I did, I'd probably keep it a secret. Such a thing would be bad for my business."
Zion laughed at the Toads honesty, "Yeah, I'd imagine so." He took out another two coins and tossed them towards the shopkeeper, "Thanks for your help!"
The Toad scrambled to catch the coins, but did end up catching them, "Oh! Umm, you're quite welcome, come back anytime!"
'Clearly giving away money works just as well on Toads as it does for humans' Zion thought as he left the building. 'Now, where to next?'
He lost track of time. Had it been minutes or hours? He couldn't tell. He'd just been staring at the oddity in front of him. This building with a spinning roof was just too weird for him to comprehend. What was the point? Keeping off snow and rain? Was it just for show? There had to be better ways of attracting attention. He wondered. Maybe it was related to the buildings purpose? What WAS the buildings purpose…or the roof for that matter.
'Alright Zion, get a hold of yourself. I've wasted enough time looking at this place, time to move onwa-' "GAH!" As he turned around to leave, there was a figure standing there. Covered head to toe in a purple cloak, and a small star orb around his neck, this person fit the very definition of the word "strange".
"Well now, looks like you've finally noticed me. It only took you around two minutes and 47 seconds, but who's counting?...I guess I am. Anyway, please, come inside, I've been eagerly awaiting your arrival." The figure grabbed Zion and dragged him into said building with the spinning roof; not like Zion put up much of a struggle, he was still confused and reeling from the surprise jump scare.
Eventually, the two entered the building. To say it was scarce was an understatement. All that was in the room was a table in the center of the room with a crystal ball on top.
"Now then, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Merlon, and as I said before, I've been waiting for you sir."
Zion shook his head to clear himself of the confusion, "I'm sorry, you've been waiting for me?"
Merlon smiled, "Indeed, in my dreams I saw a figure similar to you carrying a case similar to yours. He was searching for something; a great burning fire. Does that sound familiar?"
While Zion wasn't fully convinced, he was definitely intrigued, "A great burning fire? Sounds a little vague to me. Care to elaborate?"
Merlon wagged a finger, "Ah, not yet convinced I'm sure. I'll have you know I've assisted even the hero Mario before, and all for a meager five coins. Does that not sound like a reasonable price, oh knight of the stars?"
That hit much closer to home. While not one to put too much stake into fortune telling, this universe definitely had magic, so Zion was willing to give it a chance. He quickly took out five coins and placed them onto the table, "I'm looking for a fire flower that never runs out."
Merlon shook his head, "No such thing exists." Zion was about to go off on this guy, "That said, there might be something similar. Let me consult my crystal ball."
While skeptical, the light show that was Merlon "consulting his crystal ball" sure seemed legit.
"I see…a volcano," Merlon started. Zion was paying full attention now. "On an island, full of Yoshi, a burning flame. While the flame does go out, it will eventually burn ever brighter." Ok, now they were getting somewhere. "However, I see danger, a monster guarding what you seek. The flame is…inside the monster? Or is it part of it? This is unclear to me…that is all I see."
Ok, this was worth the time and money spent. "Thank you very much for your help Merlon. I assume I'm heading to an island with Yoshi's and a volcano there."
Merlon nodded in agreement, "Yes, it appears so. The nearest island with yoshis and a volcano is Mt. Lavalava. I'd wager your best bet is to start there."
"Alright, I'll be heading out then. Thanks again for your help Merlon." Zion made his way out of the building. Before he closed the door, Merlon spoke out.
"You're quite welcome, knight of the stars. Please be careful, I can sense you're to play a role in things yet to come."
It felt ominous, "Care to elaborate on that?"
Merlon shook his head, "No dreams or fortune telling, just my gut instinct."
"I see…very well then. Take care Merlon."
"You too, brave knight."
Zion closed the door, his next destination had been decided.
Yes, I'm putting in Paper Mario stuff. Can't help it, I got nostalgia glasses for that game. Well, Zion has a goal and destination. What awaits him at Mt. Lavalava? Find out soon!