Chapter 57: New Leads, New Beings, New… Mayhem?

I eventually was able to catch up to Candace while the others did the same thing as we were now heading towards Sunbeam Plains, the area Princess Peach was talking about. In our current location was a simple grasslands area that consisted of flowers, trees and hills. Just like where we were when we first got here.

It really seems more simple than it was in Primp Town. But it doesn't really matter because this is my only opportunity to do something special.

"This area feels really simple, don't you think?" Blue asked.

"Yeah, I'm surprised there isn't anything suspicious." Darius said. "We were just mentally and physically prepared for anything and there's no foes to mess with."

"Forget that." Kinsley said. "We have better things to do so it's not something we should worry about. But we do need to stay alert at the same time."

"So I've been meaning to ask. Do you all really come from different dimensions?" Princess Peach asked. "Because the more I'm looking at you guys, the more I'm guessing you would come from a different world."

"It's kinda cliché, but yes we're from different dimensions." I said.

"One of those dimensions is filled with buildings, bridges, rivers… the other is just futuristic." Scarlett said.

"F-Futuristic?" Princess Peach asked looking confused.

"A-As in there are things that look like they're from the future." She added with a sweatdrop.

"It's like Science Fiction. Or Sci-Fi. That future type of stuff." Alexis said.

"Oh ok. That makes sense."

"Hey, Princess Peach. I don't know if you want to talk about it, but are you sure you feel ok with protecting your world without Mario?" Blue asked.

"Well… I would say that I'm honestly disappointed in seeing Mario leave on the inside since he was my rescuer and my number one hero in saving me from Bowser…"

Princess Peach then took the time to hold back her tears and remained silent on what she wanted to say. I could tell she was heartbroken on seeing Mario leave.

This hurts a lot for her. I totally understand.

"...But at the same time, *sniff* I was fathoming what he was saying. The truth was written all over my face. I was getting kidnapped often and I never had the opportunity to channel what he does despite me having to save him once. So after Mario left, I decided to be more confident and brave and started to gather more reinforcements to make my kingdom more robust. Sorry if I'm getting emotional. It was difficult to see Mario go back home to his world."

"No, we understand. Parting ways with someone who you know for a long time is very hard to do." I said.

"Yeah… but… now that I'm looking at you guys… you don't really have to do this for me. I could stop Bowser myself and find that–"

"No, please. Let us help you."

"Huh?" Princess Peach asked, looking shocked at what I said.

"We want to help maximize your defenses and yourself. You may be looking for reinforcements in advance for stopping Bowser yourself, but we want to help too. We're also the ones who are the fighting types. We can definitely do it all."

"Kaze is right, Princess." Kinsley said. "I don't like working with people that I have no business with, but after hearing you out, it sounds like you're in a dire need of help. And you going out by yourself to do everything explains why. We want to do everything to help."

"Yeah! Just like Toadsworth, Starlow, Yellow Toad and everybody else, with us on your side, you will have LOTS of resources! You can use us for anything! We're here to help!" Gemma explained.

"They are right, Princess, so you don't have to feel petrified that you don't have anyone else to rely on anymore. You have us." Scarlett said.

"Everyone…"

Princess Peach then took a minute to think about what we said. And after what she took, she gave a bright look on her face.

"I understand. I have to thank you both for the nice and encouraging words." Princess Peach said with a smile on her face. "Those words helped me be more motivated. Since you guys kindly accepted to help defend my kingdom, I'll work even harder to help find the stone for you guys. It's a deal."

"Great. I'm glad that you are moved by this." I said with a smile.

"Yup! We're glad to see that Princess Peach is happy! If you're happy then I'm happy!" Gemma said with a grin on her face.

"Uh, guys I'm feeling something dangerous on the DSS." Zack said as he was trying to alert us.

"Someone dangerous? It's Bowser, isn't it?" Scarlett asked.

"Bowser? Stay alert, guys." Darius said.

"Where do you feel it coming, Zack?" I asked.

"On our right. I think it's Bowser. He might be a dangerous species." Zack said.

"Remain calm. There's no threat as of now."

This was actually said by a male voice who soon popped up from behind. But it wasn't actually a male person, nor Bowser. But it was someone new.

"My apologies for eavesdropping on your discussion. I found out that what you were talking about seemed a little sad in my honest opinion."

It was a strange species that was wearing a silver-colored mask along with white and black patterns in his ears. His red eyes were visible, but his left eye was patched with a black lightning bolt-shaped piece. Reminiscent of an eye patch. He also wears silver and black boots which were really pointy in a way.

He looks very intimidating. What's with that?

"Sad? Who are you supposed to be?" Kinsley asked, looking suspicious.

"I am named "Infinite". I overheard you are looking for assistance in maximizing your defenses so I came to offer your support."

"R-Really?! You were eavesdropping on us the whole time?!" Candace shouted, looking shocked and annoyed.

"It was only for a little bit. It was a little worrying to hear a princess not having reinforcements to help unlock her confidence. So I figured why not turn that around."

"Th-Thanks for your concern about me, but I'm fine now." Princess Peach said to a strange figure named Infinite. "These people just moments ago were able to help me build my confidence, so there's no need to help me now."

"Ahh… Very well then. It looks like you don't need my help." Infinite said.

"Actually, we do, since you just came." I said.

"Wait, Kaze. You can't fall for it again." Kinsley said. "This guy seems like a threat in my eyes, the more I look at it. I'm pretty sure he's gone through a lot."

"Please don't label me as a threat." Infinite said. "I mean no harm to innocent people like you all, so it would be best if you take a chance on me."

"Why do you want us to trust you, looking at who you are?" Scarlett asked, looking concerned as well.

"I've helped people before in the past. In fact, I was a leader once in my past and helped my army. But they were gone and perished by some fool I've encountered with and all that's left was me. That's why I'm ready to finish what I've started and help some citizens who are in dire need of assistance."

"By some… "fool"... do you happen to know the name of "Bowser" if I may ask, Infinite?" Princess Peach asked.

"Bowser… I do not know of him or her. It seems new to me."

"Ok. I was only asking because we're here to find out whether or not he not only was the one that caused the source of light, but to find this legendary stone we're looking for."

"Hmm… A legendary stone, you ask? In fact… I actually heard that these green monster-like creatures were on their way to finding that stone as well."

"Green monster-like creatures?" Blue asked.

"Perhaps they both had capes on. One red. One purple."

"One red? One purple?" I asked.

"Green Creatures… one red… one purple… *gasp* It's them again! Possibly." Princess Peach said, looking shocked after trying to process what Infinite said.

"Them again? You know them, Princess?" Zack asked.

"Yes. The ones with the capes. I remember them clearly. It's Cackletta and Fawful. I'll get into more detail about them later, but… I don't know how they got resurrected in this world."

Cackletta and Fawful? Why does this sound like a villain laughing maniacally?

"Oh, so one knows about them. Then does that mean you trust me now?" Infinite asked.

"It depends on what more you can give me. Do you know where they were heading?"

"They said they were heading to a place called "Gloomy Woods" first. They also mentioned they were going to take down anything that stands in their way until that stone is found."

"Take down anything?" Scarlett asked.

"No way! That cannot happen!" Princess Peach said. "The wigglers are always happy about their food and the land there. Oh dear… massive chaos is about to approach."

"Do you know that place, Princess?" Gemma asked.

"It's up north from where we are. The area is dark when we approach it. However, as of now, there are friendly creatures that live there."

"And they want to hurt these innocent creatures without hesitation?! All just for that stone that they don't know?! No, forget that! I'm going there right now!" Alexis shouted with an angry look.

"Well, there's no point in arguing about it now. We'll have to trust Infinite for now." Zack said.

"Alright, Infinite. We'll go to the place that you mentioned. Are you going to come with us?" I asked.

"You needn't worry about me. I'll make the search easier by going alone and finding it myself." Infinite said.

"But you aren't from this world, so how are you gonna find that stone all by yourself?" Kinsley asked.

"I'll figure it out on my own. But you guys have a mission to do, correct? Take care of it." Infinite then disappeared in our sight, leaving us back to what we were doing.

Infinite seems very serene about this. But at the same time, I find him a little uncanny.

"Well… At least we were able to gather some information from Infinite. So, Cackletta and Fawful are aggressively after the stone." I said.

"Yeah, I'm not sure what the hell's about to happen, but we just have to do what Infinite says and focus on what we came here for." Darius said.

"Right. We mustn't stall. Let's get a…"

"Hey, Peach! Hold on a second!"

This was yelled by a woman with orange-brown medium hair, blue eyes, and wearing an orange t-shirt with a big white flower in the middle along with white jeans and orange and white sneakers. She also had a crown on her head, which tells me she's also a princess.

I think. I may be mistaken, in which I don't want to.

"Oh! Princess Daisy! It's nice to see you, but this situation is urgent right now so whatever you want is gonna have to wait."

"Situation? What type of situation?"

"We'll tell you if you come with us."

"Ok, then. Count me in." The woman said with a sweatdrop.

Princess Peach seems more serious now.

"Alright. We're going to Gloomy Woods. Follow me."


We all were now heading north of Sunbeam Plains that leads to Gloomy Woods. There were still no enemies around and just a bunch of flowers, mushrooms, a few rivers, and other sorts. I don't know what's going on, but at the same time, it's perfect for all of us for some reason so we don't have the time for interference.

"So… What are you guys up to?" The girl named Daisy said. "Wait a minute. Are you about to find what caused the bright light that was hurting my eyes?"

"Yes. Did you discover it too, Daisy?" Princess Peach asked.

"That's right. I was about to head to your castle to talk to you about it, but it seems like you're already attempting to take care of it right away."

"Well, I wasn't the first to notice the phenomena. These new people came here to work with me on something that all of us are going to be encountering soon."

"Oh, is that right? You all seem to be the friendly types, I assume."

"Yes, we're no threat." I said. "My name's Kaze Matsuzaki. You can just call me Kaze. I was the one that figured out what was actually going on."

"Wait, really?!"

"Yes. To put it short, there's a legendary stone in this world that caused the bright light. It was burning my eyes as well."

"A legendary stone? Does such a thing even exist here or…"

"Yes. Even the toads reported the source of light only for them to bring these people to me to speak about it." Princess Peach said. "At first I thought it would be Bowser that's causing this mayhem, but it's starting to become doubtful that he's behind this."

"You can't say for sure that's Bowser? I'm not moved by his excessive schemes, Peach. Especially when Mario and Luigi are not in the picture at this time."

"I'm not moved either, but looking at the environment, there's no sign of his minions whatsoever. So it's becoming more clear that Bowser's not around. Not to mention, there's someone in Gloomy Woods that knows where the stone is."

"It's not someone. It's both. Their names are Cackletta and Fawful." Blue said.

"Cackletta? Fawful? I don't remember hearing those names… I think." Daisy said, trying to think.

"You don't seem to remember? They were the ones that also kidnapped me. And took over the world." Princess Peach said.

"My mind is cloudy. I can't tell who they were or what happened."

"Geez. I'll tell you later." Princess Peach said with a facepalm. "Cackletta and Fawful are about to create chaos if we don't hurry. We must go now."

"Ok. I'm following you."

After moving for a couple more minutes, we were nearing these big trees that were making the area up ahead look dark. Mainly because there were a lot of leaves on the trees. I had a feeling that our destination was right up ahead.

"Alright. This dark area that you're looking at straightforwardly is Gloomy Woods." Princess Peach said. The area is meant to be dark and gloomy when you approach, but it's not all bad when you go in."

"Th-This is giving me the creeps. Why is this reminding me of some scary movie or something?" Candace asked.

"I don't know, honestly." I said. "It might have to do something with the trees. But you don't want to think about bad vibes."

"Don't worry, Candace. I'll be in your care if you get scared, ok?" Gemma asked.

"Like I would let you." Candace said in annoyance.

"Look, scared or not, I'm raring to go." Darius said. "I can't wait to knock some evil sense into those… green things. Let's do it."

"Huh. So you're that confident to do this?" Scarlett asked Darius.

"I mean, that's not usually him in a nutshell." Alexis said.

"You gotta have all the confidence in the world. We already unlocked Peach's… excuse me Princess Peach's burning pass…"

"You don't need to be formal anymore and call me Princess Peach. You can just call me Peach." Princess Peach said, cutting off Darius.

"Ok fine… We already unlocked Peach's burning passion. Now we gotta use that to our advantage." Darius said.

"We still need to be wary at the same time. I have a feeling this Cackletta and Fawful people are the types that can bring you down in an instant." I said.

"She's right. I would rather be courteous than to be overconfident. Although you do have a point on the confidence part." Blue said.

"Wait, so it's all of you that are providing the support for Peach?" Princess Daisy asked.

"Yes. We promised to help give her an extremely great amount of support for Peach because, as she quoted, her heroes are gone, so we decided to fill their shoes and help rescue Peach's world from an apocalypse." I explained.

"Wow, that's amazing! It sounds like we hit the jackpot on that one!"

"Yes, I'm glad they decided to offer our help. Anyway, let's head to Gloomy Woods." Peach said.

"Sure thing."

I'm not that powerful as a HCU.


We've reached the entrance of Gloomy Woods and the area itself looked dark and more importantly… there were buildings and other things that looked like they were broken into. There were also objects on the floor that were dropped.

Wh-What happened here? Why is this place a mess?

"*gasp* Oh no. Look at this place." Peach said, looking at the environment.

"Why are there a bunch of items on the ground?" Zack asked.

"It could be signs of robbery." Kinsley said as she was picking up an item. "Maybe they were rampaging in and destroying things until that stone was found."

"It would've been better if that Infinite guy came along with us." Alexis said. "He was a witness, so he should be the one guiding us."

"As much as I would agree with you on that, Alexis… I think it's better if we let him scout the entire world for the stone. Unless we need him, we can figure it out on our own."

"So, where should we look first, Peach?" I asked.

"Hm… let's head north. We may get other clues of this mess." Peach said.

"Wait, should we ask some locals along the way about this incident? It could lead us to Cackletta and Fawful." Kris asked.

"We will. The first person I see, I'll speak with him or her."

"Ok, perfect."

"Stay alert, everyone. This place is dark and gloomy, like I said, so we won't be able to discover who or what's there."

"Jesus, I hate this feeling." Candace whispered with a hand in her face.

I might have to give her support since she's getting a little scared.


As we were moving deeper into the woods, there were more items and objects on the ground as the area was getting more and more mysterious. I thought this place wouldn't be all bad, but this place was a wreck. Not to mention, there wasn't anyone in the area either which makes things more concerning. I was hoping there would be locals, but all I was seeing was nothing but objects.

Maybe there were locals.

"Why is it everywhere that we go, there's no one around? This is weird." Darius said, looking disgusted.

"Yeah, this is really weird. Almost as if we're hallucinating." Kris said.

"Well, I don't see Bowser's gang members." Daisy said. "So that is a good thing. Just… I don't know what's up."

"Oh, guys. I see a local up there." Gemma said as she pointed up at the branch of a tree. There was a little girl up there.

"C-Come on! Why did you have to ruin the special surprise?!" The little girl said as she jumped off the branch safely for some reason.

H-How is she… fine?! She could've broken anything doing that!

Looking at the girl, she had white skin, green pigtails and green eyes. She was wearing a yellow dress with yellow polka-dots and white sneakers. She also had a bow on her dress as an accessory. She looked shorter than all of us which is hardly surprising.

"I was supposed to be giving you all a cute little surprise introduction, but since you ruined my chance, I guess I won't do it again the next time I come."

"Hey, kid. What are you doing in a dark place like this? Should you be getting to safety?" Kinsley said.

"Don't call me a kid!" The girl yelled. "I don't act like one for the record! My name's Mimi. Former servant of Count Bleck. You should remember it well."

"Wait a minute. Mimi?" Princess Peach asked, looking shocked at who she was seeing at this moment.

"Oh, Golly! Peach! Long time no see! Well… you look a little different in that outfit, but it's still a surprise to meet you. Mimimimimimimimi!"

Th-That's creepy.

"Mimi. What are you doing in this world? Please don't tell me you're causing this ruckus." Peach said sternly.

"Ruckus? Before you start blaming me at a time like this, you should know I got bullied earlier by meanies."

"Bullied?"

"Yes! Bullied! Attacked even! I couldn't breathe a single second! All because I refused to hand over these rubees that got stolen from me! I wish I could teach these nobodies a lesson!"

"Ok, ok, settle down." I said while trying to calm the girl down. "So… who are these "nobodies" that attacked you? Do you know?"

"*sigh* I think their names were… Cackletta and Fawful or something. They attacked me and took away my rubies like they were in a criminal organization."

So Infinite wasn't kidding when he mentioned this.

"Do you have any reason they would do such a thing?" Peach asked.

"It was the stupidest reason I've heard in my entire life, just so you know. They noticed that the rubee I had in my hand was a… legendary stone. I was convincing them that this was a rubee and they couldn't have it, but they just wouldn't listen and stole it from me anyway. This is why I don't give anyone my rubees! They are not for free and they know that!"

"Your rubee was a legendary stone in their eyes?" Blue asked.

"Yes. And just so you know, this is not some hoax. People who touch a cutie pie like myself get smashed to little pieces by yours truly. And they had the audacity to touch me without any care in the world."

"So why didn't you hit back?! You could've teached them a thing or two about messing with girls!" Daisy shouted with disgust.

"I would hit back! But… they looked strong so I wasn't going to risk dying. If you were there, you can see why." The girl named Mimi said with guilt.

She's in the same scenario I was back in Primp Town. I was losing so badly that I nearly lost the red stone twice. But with the help of the others I completely took advantage. Now I'm hearing that Mimi was attacked by Cackletta and Fawful. I know that's something that she's gotta take advantage of, but there may be a possibility that Cackletta and Fawful may also be working with Satan and Ecolo in finding those stones. Thanos even. So they are likely going to target me as well.

"Well… Why don't you come with us, Mimi?" I asked.

"Huh? Join you? Mimi does not "come" with strangers like yourselves." Mimi said.

"I know but we're the ones that are hunting them as well and we don't know where they might be so we might need your assistance as well."

"I was going to consider it as well." Peach said. "I usually don't prefer to work with you after all the trouble you've caused in our world, but I will give you permission only because you got attacked and got your rubees taken away. Do you have any idea where they went now?"

"Well… I saw them move straight up ahead and made a left. I have no idea what they are up to, but ever since I've changed my ways, I'm about to witness something very dangerous happening."

"Well… they are about to do something dangerous, Mimi. Don't worry. We'll keep you safe, no matter what happens."

"Wow, that's honestly the first time you're willing to help me after what I did to you a long time ago."

"You were in danger, Mimi. I had to do what I could. You just didn't want to accept it." Peach said with a sweatdrop.

"Alright, we can't waste time. We have to catch up to Cackletta and Fawful before they create more chaos." I said.

"She's right. Let's move on." Kinsley said.

"Right." Peach said.

And so, with Mimi on our side, we all were moving in the direction that she told us to go. Thanks to her help, we were now able to gather more information on Cackletta and Fawful and their location. We were one step closer to stopping their evil deeds and finding that red stone. We just need to stay focused and it'll be no problem for all of us.

Author's Note: Three new characters (kinda) are in this story! What a surprise! Let's give a little breakdown, shall we?

Infinite: He gave some background information on Cackletta and Fawful and stated that they were on their way to Gloomy Woods and started wrecking some havoc. Now he is stating that he will go alone to find that yellow stone also.

Princess Daisy: She wanted to check on Princess Peach, only for her to get dragged into pursuing Cackletta and Fawful. However, after some understanding, she will actually help Kaze and Princess Peach in finding the yellow stone before it falls into the hands of Cackletta and Fawful.

Mimi: I wanted to add her into the story because why not. I know she's evil, but… I wanted to take a chance on her by taking part in this story. But you'll never know if she's good or bad. You may not know. Anyway, she was attacked by Cackletta and Fawful and got her rubee taken away all because they figured the rubee that she had in her hands was a legendary stone and she refused to give it up so she wants vengeance, but not without the help of Kaze and Peach, so that's the backdrop.

With that being said, with Daisy and Mimi's help, Kaze herself now has the biggest support so far in this story. Will this work against Cackletta and Fawful? You may never know.

If you guys are enjoying this story so far, make sure you favorite/follow/review this story, and I'll see you in the next chapter.