Chapter 55: The Most Dangerous Show on Earth
Worry is a normal emotion to experience. It shows how much someone cares for another's well-being. But lingering for too long can be a detriment, like stepping onto a pothole, hindering progress in helping that person in distress.
Mario knew that all too well. Wallowing in a cold, viscous marsh of grief wouldn't solve any problems. Like many of his quests, Mario needed to spin that negative thread into a shimmering resolve.
Thankfully, he wasn't alone in this venture. Fable showed her support (even if she was still struggling to understand the concept of social interaction), and Sora's incredible fighting abilities proved useful against the threat of De Void and the Heartless. So why was there reason to worry?
If anything, De Void should be the one plagued by the adverse effects of worry. She'd never have the encouragement of friends orbiting around her like two waxing moons – illuminating with intense valor.
Right now, Mario needed their help if they were going to unravel the unexplained, alarming return of the black paint. And hopefully he'd find Huey within the shambles of this dilemma, unharmed. Everyone took shelter underneath an archway located at the bottom of the red building, position in the middle, as the sky continued crying malevolent black tears on the ground.
If they didn't act soon, Port Prisma's vibrant visage would fall ill before the infectious disease of darkness; and its contaminated tendrils would spread across Prism Island, silencing those boisterous colors forever.
After some brainstorming, Sora managed to scavenge an idea from his free-flowing thoughts. "Hey, Fable. Why don't you try floating up to see where the paint's coming from?"
"Guess it wouldn't hurt to try," Fable said, though there was a hint of hesitation in her eyes. She wasn't thrilled with the prospect of pernicious paint seeping into her delicate cover like mercury. But her greatest contribution to the group so far was slinging insults at people. Which was about as effective as a slap on the wrist. She wanted to be more helpful, solidifying their union with the strength of a diamond.
After peeking out from the archway, she began ascending into the sky; but progress came to an abrupt halt when another blotch flew right her with the speed and vehemence of a ravenous crow. She avoided it just in time, retreated into the archway in fear, and hid behind Mario; her trembling pages bellowed in their ears like frantic waves in a storm.
"Yeeeeeeaaaahh, not happening," Fable said, leaning out from behind Mario.
Sora placed both hands in his pockets, disappointed, letting the failed idea drop like a rock towards the seabed of his subconscious. "Well, we have to figure out something."
"Perhaps I can be of assistance," someone said.
Everyone looked to see a Toad approaching them. He wore sunglasses and a white bandana. Unlike the other Toads that evacuated the vicinity, this one exhibited confidence through his beaming smile; even the shadows turned meek before its overwhelming might.
Fable flew out from behind Mario. "Well, if it isn't another generic"—she stopped, noticing Sora and Mario giving her stern eyes, readying a bow of verbal reproof if she made another impolite remark. Time to work on those social skills— "Erm…I….mean… hello good inhabitant who I share this space with. How is the atmosphere of this world treating you today?"
Sora and Mario exchanged a glance with each other from that forced greeting. Mario responded with a shrug.
"Eh, it's a start, I guess," Sora said.
"Um, fine," the Toad said, confused by her statement. Which he then chose to ignore for the sake of his sanity. "Anyways, Mario it's good to see you again. You remember me, right? The Chief of the Rescue Squad."
Paper Mario hopped up and down in excitement. The Rescue Squad proved invaluable during his last adventure on Prism Island. There was no doubt they were here to expedite the group's mission in abolishing the black paint.
"Rescue Squad?" Sora asked with intrigue. "Are you some sort of special police force?"
The Chief crossed his arms, letting out an arrogant guffaw. "Kid, we are better than the police. Better than the fire department. We've got it all in one pack. Ain't need no fancy guns or loud cars. Not when we've got moves, style, grace, and the real superpower of teamwork," he finished by giving them the 'peace sign.'
Sora and his friends stared in dumbfounded silence over what they just heard.
"Please tell me that wasn't uttered out by another person," Fable said.
Sora concurred. He was getting Team Rocket flashbacks, and wasn't in a particular mood for an encore performance of flashy, superfluous introductions.
"As soon as the calamity started, I sent the squad out to locate the source," the Chief said. "It's coming from Emerald Circus."
The uplifting news smacked the trio out of their stunned state of mind, assailing them with a strong sensation of delight.
"Alright!" Fable said, cheerful. "Now that's what I'm talking about. Finally, some sense to this madness!" Unfortunately, Mario planted weeds of bad news in the flourishing garden of progress. Fable moaned in aggravation. "You mean it's a long walk? We don't have time! Who knows what'll happen if we linger!"
The Chief adjusted his sunglasses, undeterred from the setback. "Not to worry. We, the Rescue Squad, are prepared for just the occasion. If there was trouble, we knew Mario would come. Our boys have something prepare to help you on your way. I'll let the squad leaders explain it." After taking a big inhale, he cupped his hands, shouting, "Rescue Squad Roll Call!"
Mario rubbed his forehead in aggervation. He knew what was about to ensue. Sora and Fable were hit by a sharp wind of dread; they were about watch an overblown, time-consuming show, weren't they?
"Oh, no," Fable said, whispering in horror.
Their suspicions were confirmed true as a Toad dressed in all red, with white spores on his cap, leaped off from the balcony, landing with perfect grace (there wasn't even a hint of clumsiness), and spun around to face everyone.
"I burn with a fiery passion!" the Red Toad said with unwavering enthusiasm and sincerity. "How am I going to pay medical expenses for my third-degree burns?" He curved one arm over his head, and threw a punch straight out with the other. "Rescue Red!"
Fable looked up at the red building, then back at the Toad in disbelief. "Was he waiting to jump off this whole time?"
A Blue Toad jumped out from a large, ornate fountain located in the yellow district, ran over to stand to the right of red one, and shook the water off him like a dog.
"I have the rage and power of the strongest waves!" The Blue Toad said, basking in the passion of performance with his partner. "The metaphorical surfboard will break in two against me!" He pressed both fists against his cap, forming horns. "Rescue Blue!"
There was an uncomfortable silence for a few moments. Despite being two candy coated statues, the Red and Blue Toads darted their eyes around, as if in search of another team member that missed his cue. The utter stillness expanded into an awkward balloon, until it was popped by the sound of a toilet flushing.
A Yellow Toad opened the door to a bathroom located at the red building, scurried over to his companions (whose stomachs were churning with a concoction of embarrassment), and stood to the left of the red one.
"The only thing more yellow than me is the coward that crosses my path!" The Yellow Toad said, trying his hardest to alleviate the sting of his poor entrance. "Should've worn your brown pants!" He thrusted one arm upward, and the other downward. "Rescue Yellow!"
But the Rescue Squad extravaganza hadn't quite reached the climax yet (in Fable's mind, it was ascending a steep mountain with the efficiency and velocity of an eighty-year-old tortoise). A nearby sewer lid was pushed open, revealing a Purple Toad, bathed in the divine cesspool of the town's underbelly.
The other Rescue members held their breath as Purple Toad joined them; they would not let the repugnant stench of sewage water breach their nasal cavity. Not unless they wished to forsake their hearty lunch.
"Color related pun!" Purple Toad said. He swung both arms upward towards the right. "Rescue Purple!"
The last member (A Green Toad) made his embarrassing debut by falling out of a square shaped tree, scrambling to stand up, and then joining the others. He began his catch phrase, but words were obstructed by the coarse pillow of grass in his mouth. Zealous, incomprehensible noise greeted the audience instead.
Feeling a nettled mosquito bite of shame, the Chief walked over, smacking Green Toad on the back, forcing him to expectorate the grass onto the ground. Instead of restarting his catchphrase, though, Green finished with a pose, saying, "Rescue Green!"
"And together we are…" the five said in perfect unison. An explosion of each Toad's color ignited behind them, forming a massive Peacock tail-like cloud that represented their strength and teamwork. Despite the deafening roar of the explosion sending chills throughout the town, the Toads remained still, as if their desire to perform muffled all noise. "…Rescue Squad V!"
However, one of the citizen's didn't have that improbably luxury of sound protection. "My ears! Who leaves dynamite in the middle of the street!?"
In an instant, the noise down, being replaced by the held breath of the wind, not sure whether an uncomfortable sigh was an appropriate response for what just ensued. The group agreed with that sentiment. Although, both Sora and Mario did find ludicrous preparation and showmanship admirable.
But Fable wasn't even tickled by a lick of amusement. Every page in her body struggled for a proper amalgamation of words for what was just witnessed.
"Even Cirque du Soleil wouldn't take them as a budget act," Fable said, inexpressive.
Sora elbowed her in the spine. He was in no mood for her sarcasm to create friction in the Rescue Squad's generous offer of assistance.
Red Toad turned to his teammates with authority in his eyes. "Now then – purple, yellow, call in your teams!"
"Fall in!" Purple and Yellow said.
Sora and Mario felt a light rumble tap dance against their feet from the ground. Another crowd of Toads – donning the same yellow and purple outfits – swarmed the vicinity like excitable cats being summoned for a meal. They were prepared to complete the task at hand, with that same beaming enthusiasm.
"Form, giant slingshot!" Purple and Yellow said.
On command, the Purple Toads formed the "Y Shaped" frame, while the yellow ones form the band. A leash of amazement yanked at Sora's jaw, causing it to drop. Perhaps he was wrong for misjudging their inane antics earlier.
"No way!" Sora said.
The Chief crossed his arms, giving himself an embrace of pride. "See, kid? When you have the Rescue Squad on your team, you're always a winner! The boys here will fire you right to the circus!"
Mario hopped up and down in delight, letting any unnecessary flakes of anxiety drop from his body. They were on the right track now. Hopefully, an answer to their problems would await them with open arms at the circus (with Huey also being there, untainted by skeletal fingers of afterlife).
"The sounds highly improbably," Fable said, floating around the slingshot, scrutinizing it through a dubious monocle. "And I'm a talking book!"
The Red Toad turned to her, placed both hands behind his back, and gave her a firm, assuring look. "Rest assured, ma'am. We have done our calculations, and you'll precisely land outside the entrance. My crew is ahead. I'll radio for them to form a trampoline."
"I don't know," Fable said, refusing to withdraw the tentative monocle.
"Look, we won't have any other choice," Sora said, with a serious expression. "Besides, I've been in crazier situations. They seem confident in what they're doing here. Let's give them a chance."
She was still unsure. Given her isolated status in the observatory, Fable had never needed to take a risk before. Her mind was locked in a padded room of security. But then she faced Mario for a second opinion, who responded with a simple, assuring nod. The door became ajar.
"Well, they have helped you out before, Mario," Fable said, as her reluctance started eroding to the size of a tennis ball. "If you two trust them, I will, too."
The Chief smiled. "Alright! Go ahead and board the slingshot, if you please."
The trio lay against the yellow band of the slingshot. To their surprise, it was comfortable against their backs, like resting on a bag of feathers. Or, maybe that was an excuse Fable fabricated to take her mind off the imminent, dangerous ride they were about to take.
"The things I do to keep this book safe," Fable said with a sigh.
As the Chief began a countdown, Sora and the others felt like a giant fist of nervousness tightened their bodies. Breath was padlocked behind intense anticipation. Regret started swarming around Fable's mind like hornets. But it was too late to backpedal this decision into a safety net.
"3…2….2…fire!" The Chief said.
The group was launched high into the air, flying across buildings, pathways, and trees. Perpetual, freezing air hit their faces with livid lashes. Below them, the world looked like a muddled conveyer belt of various colors. Sora and Mario kept the faith of a safe landing latched to their chest like a keychain.
Unfortunately, Fable's hysterics was causing that latch to slide loose. "I knew this was a bad idea! Why'd I let you two talk me into this!?"
Trying to ignore the pessimistic background noise, Sora focused ahead, fighting against the constant bluster to keep his eyes open. Coming into view was a forest. Towards the end of its lush thick hair was a bald spot, with an unsightly wart in the form of a circus tent. They started descending right towards the entrance. Everyone shut their eyes, not keen on witnessing the dirt ground's personal space invaded by their faces.
The circus itself was located on an elevated level in the forest; one would need to traverse up a slant pathway to the left. Then, they would make a right to reach the entrance. Nearby the lower end of the ridge, a group of Red Toads had assembled, and formed a giant trampoline, catching the group just in time before leaving minuscule indents on Prism Island's scalp.
After the group bounced upward from the impact, they fell back into the safe makeshift mat of the trampoline.
"W-We made it!?" Fable asked, looking over herself, making sure every page inside was intact. "We're not actual crumbled up pieces of paper?"
Sora and Mario exhaled, letting their rattled emotions escape into the thick air. After sitting up, Sora chuckled in relief. "Looks like it!"
"Oh, thank Star Haven!" Fable said, overjoyed. "Who knew Toads had soft heads."
The trio disembarked from the trampoline, and watched the Red Rescue Squad disassemble. Each one rubbed their head to alleviate the headache playing inside like a guitar solo.
Sora was grateful for their assistance, but felt guilty for causing any pain. "You guys alright?"
"No problem," one of the Red Toads said, recomposing himself, standing tall and firm with his companions. "All in the line of duty."
Relieved of that guilty pang, Sora smiled. "Well, thanks for your help."
Mario raised his hand, also exhibiting a thankful smile. He was glad that, despite the turmoil plaguing this world with fear, there were still people willing to help in saving it. Unity was going to play an important factor – sometimes a single loose chain couldn't repel a threat. Connections would make that chain stronger, having the power to match the opposition.
"Now I'm excited!" Fable said, on the same wavelength as Mario's philosophy. She focused on the tent with confidence. "With an army of Toads by our sides, we'll stop the Black Paint in no time!"
However, she received a regretful tap on the spine from Mario, and spun around to see the Toads had evacuated the premise, along with her aspirations.
"Oh, come on!" Sora said, aggravated. "Seriously!? After all that? Not even a good-bye?"
Fable shook her entire body in disappointment; her faith in humanity just tapered off a few pounds. "Man, Mario. You are the most patient man in the world. I don't know how you've put up with these Toads for years. I'd have lost if after that one told you, 'Our princess is in another castle.'"
Realizing that complaints about the past were boarded shut, all they could do was move towards the future. Sora took a moment to familiarize himself with the area. This place was anything but suitable for a fun, extravagant place like a circus – about as lively as a cemetery during a dreary, rainy day.
The forest was enveloped in a thick veil of fog. Trees and bushes appeared as rough silhouettes; only a small fragment of their green color was visible. Sora focused his attention on the circus. It was abandoned. Time's merciless vines had festered within the tent; small tears had tarnished its red and yellow skin. Some lights stitched to the top and bottom of the tent were still glowing, albeit they were eroding from continuous exertion.
Others had gone out completely. There were some that flickered on occasion, as if trying to muster what little energy remained. Above the entrance, a sign read, 'Emerald Circus;' unfortunately it fell over the side, dangling for dear life. Any day now, it would fall onto the ground, taking the last vestiges of the tent's identity.
While the ambiance was beyond unsettling, the trio had to look through it with a lens of courage. Nothing would stifle their attempt in saving the Paper World. Before they could ponder their next move, the tent's entrance expelled a cough of rough, unnatural dark wind. The curtains flailed in dismay. A speech bubble appeared from within, with text indicating a cry of pain.
Mario somehow recognized the voice through the text. With a rising indignation discarding any rational plea for a plan, he hurried towards entrance of the circus, with the others following behind him, confused by his action, but still prepared to help without being hindered by a hesitating thought.
The inside of the tent also found itself at time's beckon and call. Cobwebs have nestled themselves in like a content bird to a nest. Decorations such as flags found themselves dangling from the air. However, there was a new renovation to the circus after being neglected for so long; a dark core located towards the back of the stage, where it stood in front of a large red curtain. In which it was guarded by De Void.
She pointed her scythe at a silver anthropomorphic paint can, who lay on the floor, exhausted from the dark paint that thrashed within his metal body. This was Huey; and although fatigued and defenses, he kept his resolve aloft like a polished sword gleaming in the confident sunlight. He would not let the paint escape. Not again. He had seen the damage it caused before. History would not receive a horrific reprisal.
De Void stood over him with her dominating presence, bathing in every scrumptious moment of power. "Impressive for a little can. But you can't fight the darkness forever. Let its warm embrace sooth the pain. You and I both know this world is worthless."
"No…it's not," Huey said, struggling to stand on his base. A dark aura started surrounding him, but he forced it away, refusing to submit. "People's lives will be silenced. Clearly you haven't gotten outside lately to notice how beautiful it is. A friend showed me that once. I kept all this black paint inside of me to give others a chance to live."
"How cute," De Void said in a derisive manner. "Deluded from the delusional. Your heart is strong. Even the darkness struggles to eclipse it. No matter. You will give in eventually."
Huey closed his white eyes, appearing forlorner. De Void believed that he was prepared to surrender. Just seeing him lose all hope caressed her ego with delight. But, then, to her surprise, his eyes sprung open with hot white determination. "Bite my shiny metal can you pompous primadonna!"
"How dare you talk to a lady with such repugnance!" De Void said, appalled. "Very well." She raised her scythe overhead. "This will be even more painful than I thought."
Huey shut his eyes, letting the darkness of the lids provide comfort for the incoming attack. Just then, salvation set the darkness ablaze in the form of Mario, as he swung his hammer in from the side, knocking De Void into the bleachers. As she struggled to stand up, those once pleasant emotions contorted into a grotesque form of enmity, writhing with shouts of rage.
Before Huey fell onto his back, Mario caught him in his arms. The paint can adjusted his eyes in and out of focus like a lens, as if trying to comprehend the image in front if him. It seemed too good to be true – Mario jumping in at the last possible moment to save the day? Seemed like a contrivance existing on the pages of fiction. But it was real.
"M-Mario?" Huey asked. "Is that you?" Mario nodded. "Still swinging hard with that hammer, huh?"
Mario couldn't help but let out a relieved smile. He was so happy to see Huey again, who shared the same sentiment. But an infuriated fissure caused a rift in the reunion as De Void hovered back on stage, gripping her scythe with both hands, restraining the unrelenting desire to end them both now. But why she did remains to be seen. Was it her familiarity with Mario? Did something within her subconscious awaken to protest?
Still didn't quell her contentment, unfortunately. "What is your problem? Can't that tiny organ inside your thick skull comprehend the futility of trying to save this world? All your doing is making me mad! This world doesn't deserve a future!"
"Aw, what's wrong, princess?" Fable asked in a condescending manner. "Something not go your way, so you decided to throw your temper tantrum onto us?"
Sora and Fable hurried over to join their friends. Huey wasn't sure who they were, but was thankful for their assistance. De Void, on the other hand, felt her composure sinking into a boiling hot pit of impatience.
"Stay out of this!" De Void said with a snap.
Sora drew his Keyblade, impervious to the bite of her threats. "Afraid that's not happening! Not if you plan to bring us all into your little pathetic world of misery."
De Void lowered her head; the anger simmered for a moment, as if ingredients of pain and grief were added to the concoction. "You'll never understand the anger I feel. There's only one way to alleviate it, and that's bringing this world to extinctions."
"Then by all means," Sora said; "let's see you try your hardest to fail."
"Hm, is that a challenge I hear?" De Void asked, smug. "Okay. If you insist. I was going to spread the black paint from this little can to destroy the page. Too bad he's a lot more stubborn than I thought. Looks like I'll have to try somewhere else. But, I still have one trick left."
She pressed the dull edge of her scythe against the ground. A whirlpool of darkness soon manifested, spinning clockwise; it started moving faster as if being stirred with a ladle of unfathomable power.
"Come forth, Darktail," De Void said. "Crush my enemies with immense revulsion we have for this world and its ineffectual inhabitants."
Soon, she faded out of existence, letting fate gamble with their lives. Everyone remained still, waiting in nervous anticipation for their new foe. Silence had suffocated sound into a temporary sleep. But it was then awakened as a giant dark claw reached out from the whirlpool, slamming right on the ground. Everyone watched in terror as a giant dragon with a round nose and cheeks, two white fangs, and a dark blue underbelly pulled itself onto the stage.
A terrible chill rummaged through the group's paper-like bodies from the creature's presence. Its yellow eyes lacked pupils, which pierced through the dimly lit interior of tent, making the shadows retreat in fear. Darktail exhaled hot, putrid air that made everyone's nose squirm from its smell. It then let out a fierce roar, which pushed everyone back towards the bleachers. The entire tent squirmed from the intense air.
His threatening, ear piercing cry escaped into the dour forest, which made the wildlife scattered for any form of shelter. Anything was safer than being near this monstrous dragon. But that would prove futile unless Sora and Mario stopped this beast right now. Forget the paint – Darktail would soar through the island, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. Nothing would survive, except for remnants in the form of lifeless ash.
Knowing what must be done, Sora and Mario nodded to each other, brandished their weapons, and stood against vicious creature. Huey and Fable flew into the bleachers, taking shelter, to offering their support whenever deemed necessary. It was the only weapon they wielded, but useful none the less.
And so, they entered the battle. Sora took his turn first, eager to let his blade taste the skin of darkness.
Mario tapped Sora on the shoulder, grabbing his attention. Fable translated: "He's faced a dragon like this before. You guys need to aim for its front paws."
"Sounds like a plan," Sora said, giving a thumbs up.
The oppression of size didn't matter in this fight. Not when Sora had a strong ally like Mario. He knew their strength would eclipse Darktail like the berating light from the full moon. Sora took his turn by conducting electricity into the Keyblade He then jammed the blade straight into Darktail's right paw like a steak knife. The dragon leaned back, roaring in pain, tickling the tent's roof.
Sora leaped into the air, and clapped his hands together, unleashing a surge of lightning through Darktail's body, making each muscle submit before its numbing power. Mario went next, encasing his hammer in sleeve of fire. It pulsated with flames, cackling with unrelenting power. Mario leaped at Darktail's opposite paw, slamming the head straight down, unleashing an influx of burning pain into its receptors.
"Nice one!" Fable said in exuberance. "That'll show him!"
Despite the intense pain traveling through his body like a racecar, the dragon managed to apply the brakes by somehow ignoring it. Darktail scratched at the ground with its long nails, leaving a permanent mark behind to further ruin the tent's interior. The dragon lowered its head, charged forward, and rammed its nose straight into Sora. He flew straight into Mario, and they both crashed into the wall separating the bleachers.
Mario felt like crushed meat between two hard rolls; it was painful. The two fell onto the ground. Aches trembled across Sora's muscles like hooves. The blunt of Darktail's nose delt heavy damage. Slight trembles fiddled with his legs. Sora gritted his teeth, fighting through the pain as he and Mario rose to their feet, prepared to endure another round.
Mario noticed Sora drenched in a cascade of aches and pain. He pulled out one of the kingdom's various mushrooms – one that had a red cap – for unearthing one's stamina from a trench of fatigue. But as Sora took a gander at the mushroom, he noticed the familiar, innocent, beady eyes staring at him with reproach.
Knowing that time would not permit lamenting, Sora shut his eyes, and ate the mushroom, as a mantra of words sped through his mind, saying, "I can't feel guilty if I don't see it. I can't feel guilty if I don't see it."
Once the mushroom landed in Sora's stomach, its nurturing magic spread throughout his body like rays from the rising sun; every ache was bathed within its soothing light. While Sora was reinvigorated, Mario unfortunately used up his turn in the process. Such an annoyance, Sora thought; to be held back by this world's invisible strings like a marionette.
But silent censure was a pointless tagalong they didn't need weighing them down in this predicament. Sora had to let strategy dictate each scrupulous move like a chess piece. As the two focused on Darktail, they noticed the dragon standing on its hindlegs, claws hovering over them, prepared to make them blemishes within the earth's crusty skin.
Sora started to sweat; any one of his attacks would trigger the harrowing prophecy. But an idea soon crooned those woes into a pleasant sleep.
Sora grinned as he raised his Keyblade. "Force!"
Darktail's body was stunned by the boy's spell, and it soon fell onto the ground from a downpour of gravity. Sora couldn't help but feel smug from the accomplishment. Sometimes the mind proved just as sharp as the sword. Maybe even shaper. Darktail tried to stand up, but its body had submitted to the will of the spell. The dragon was forced to forfeit its turn.
Sora and Mario smirked at each other; they had a chance to deal significant damage. Mario leaped into the air, performing multiple jump attacks on the creature, ending with a bellyflop that had the grace of penguin. Darktail roared from the barrage of strikes, as the immense pain sped through a highway of nerves.
Next, Sora delivered a flurry of combos, finishing with a front flip, downward slash. Darktail had received significant damage, but the continuous pain just injected molten rage into its blood stream. It hated being overwhelmed by two insignificant ants. Seething enmity expanded in the dragon's diaphragm like steel, and it released a vehement roar, making the tent shudder in fear.
Sora and Mario braced themselves for its next attack. Every instinct waved a foreboding, flag, prescient that the next attack would be more harmful than the last. Darktail took a deep breath in, feasting on the lackadaisical air that had sat with content in the tent. Then, he exhaled a towering stream of dark fire that circled around the two, growing faster with the speed of an aggervated tornado.
It then moved in close, slithering like a snake against their paper-like bodies, infesting them with flames. Sora fought back the painful tears from leaking out like a lax faucet. Despite being bathed in a stream of inferno, they had to endure. Submitting to their burns would bring an unfavorable conclusion to this battle.
It wasn't long before the flame grew a tail, and surrounded them within a wall of fire. Great, Sora thought. For the first time in his life, he missed the brisk feeling of cold skating elegantly across his skin. The duo did receive some damage from the burns, but they were far from groveling before the feet of exhaustion.
As their turn began, they were still enclosed within the wall's scorching bars. None of their attacks would reach Darktail (not unless they wanted imprudence to take the helm, and thrust themselves through the flaming wall). Escape was the only volunteer keen to assist in this situation. But how could they quell the obstinate flames?
Mario was dazzled with a sparkling light of an idea. He remembered that Sora had the ability to use ice. After a quick rummage through his pocket, Mario pulled out an orange flower, and tossed it to the boy, who stared at it in bewilderment.
"Use it in combination with your ice spell!" Fable said, translating for Mario.
Sora's face discharged a surge of delight upon understanding the plan. He gripped the flower in his hand, which soon dematerialized from existence. His entire body felt like it had snuggled within the safe confines of a blanket. This heat was comfortable – not at all like the ornery flames that continued harassing him.
Sora noticed his clothes had been enveloped in a strobe of black and white flashes. When they ceased, the boy's jacket was coated in a light red, while his jumpsuit became a blinding white. Guess it was part of transformation, he thought. Given how he had been wearing the same clothes for days, seeing them with different colors was a nice respite from the mundane.
It was time for Mario's plan to draw the breath of life. Sora spun his Keyblade around like a pinwheel, infusing them with fire and ice. Particles from both elements poured outward from the overflow of energy. He then thrusted the blade's tip into the ground, releasing a powerful burst of water like a fountain. Mario braced himself as the rampant stream soaked every fiber of his being.
The flames were extinguished, hissing in seething pain from the lethal concoction of hydrogen and oxygen. It remains hovered into the air as helpless smoke, soon to be immortalized within the ceiling as unsightly black residue. Even though the two were free, they wasted their turn, giving Darktail another chance to attack. With even more pernicious results. The dragon swung it giant claw straight for Sora.
Instinct wanted to initiate any form of movement. But the laws of this world kept them shackled together. Immovable. And yet, it continued barking orders, inspiring Sora's body to try harder. At the last second, Sora raised the Keyblade, blocking the strike, startling everyone in the process.
"Sometimes you can get a lucky block," Fable said. She hovered up and down, fervent. "Now's your chance!"
Sora and Mario nodded to each other. They would need to use their strongest attacks to cease Darktai's rampage. Mario held out his hammer, leaped above Darktail, and spun around like a windmill during a hurricane. His body was enveloped in a wheel of orange energy, continuing to spin at maddening speeds, as if a heavy foot were glued to the acceleration.
Mario then slammed the hammer straight onto Darktail's nose, knocking its head straight into the ground, leaving the earth with an unflattering indent. Intense pain ran rampant throughout Darktail's body. It once again let out an agonizing roar. This time, the damage was severe, as Darktail grappled against fatigue. Joints found themselves trudging in a bog of weakness, struggling to help Darktail rise to its feet.
With opportunity giving a welcoming gesture, Sora summoned all the strength from within, leaped into the air, and finished off Darktail with one focused slash. Darktail flailed around in anguish, screaming at the top of its lungs, until exhaustion's elongated fingers wrapped themselves around the creature. It fell onto the ground, causing the entire tent to tremble one last time. Darktail was shrouded within a light purple mist, which consumed its form into a state of oblivion.
Not a single piece was spared.
Agreeing with the group's mindset, the tent let out a sigh of relief in the form of wind rushing through the exit. Peace had befallen the circus again. Although it would continue existing as an inoperable spectator in the everlasting momentum of time. Mario replenished his and Sora's health with another mushroom (how many things does he keep in his pockets, Sora wondered. They were about as endless as Kirby's stomach).
Fable and Huey hovered over to join the two. But enervation forced the paint can to the ground faster than the merciless force of gravity. Mario hurried over as concern huddled around his head, squeezing against it like a vise. He leaned over, placed a supportive hand around the paint can's back, and brought him up to eyelevel. Mario thought he'd lost Huey once. He was determined to not let misfortunate cast that somber shadow again.
"Way to go!" Fable said, hovering over to Sora, jubilant. "You two are outstanding together!" She cleared her throat. "But let's not be negligent and forget how my encouragement instilled you with the confidence to overcome that beast."
Sora rolled his eyes with a playful smile. Considering books had a wealth of knowledge, it seemed natural that a tiny fold of narcissism would be on a page or two.
Fable spun around to notice something. Her eyes beamed with the blinding flash of emergency warning lights. "Look, there's the core! C'mon! We have no time to lose!"
She hovered over to the core, which pulsated from the never-ending flow of darkness, like a heart during exertion. She waited for the others, but was surprised that a trail of hurried footsteps didn't follower her. Turning around, she saw Mario continuing to cradle Huey, giving him a gentle nudge, hoping to see a glimmer of life shine like a young, vigorous star.
Sympathy sank to the bottom of Sora's stomach like a boat. He knew what it was like to have a friend in trouble. All too well. Kairi being a prime example. Everyday he was reminded of her in that listless state – unable to laugh, unable to talk. Not even a small smile creaked through that pallid, impassive expression. Just a shell.
Sora tried cramming the dispirited thoughts back into his subconscious like a suitcase, locking the latches, trying to forget the thought for now. He wanted to assist Mario, but given Huey's condition, wasn't sure how to proceed.
Unfortunately, Fable's sheltered life caused her sense of empathy towards others to derail off the track of normalcy. Nothing else seemed to matter except stopping De Void. It was the only thought that played on a continuous loop, like a record.
"What are you doing?" Huey asked Mario, growing a bit impatient. "I'm sure he's fine."
"Doesn't look that way," Sora said, appearing solemn.
Fable started to panic. "But who knows what De Void will do if we don't…."
Hearing Fable's blatant disregard for Mario and Huey set off a buzzsaw of displeasure in Sora's skull. He could hear the grinding grow louder, bordering on anger. It was the same callous attitude Riku had towards him and everyone else – a one track mind that blocked out the considerate noise around him.
"That doesn't matter!" Sora said, snapping at her. She jumped back in surprise. "Can't you see how concerned Mario is for his friend?"
Fable was taken aback by the small spittle of venom that flew out of Sora's good-natured mouth. A feeling of uneasiness rattled between her pages. She didn't mean to cause discourse between the two. A wrinkle of guilt formed on some of her pages. And yet, she couldn't fully comprehend why Sora was upset with her.
"I-I..I didn't mean any offense," Fable said, flustered. "It's just, I fail to understand his worry over one individual when the entire world is in danger."
Sora took a deep breath, letting the grinding come to a slow halt. Just like with Isabelle, perhaps he was too rash. He remembered that Fable spent her whole life secluded from society; her reaction seemed natural. Riku's actions still hurt. Sometimes it was hard to let them go. Like with Kairi, he had to cram Riku's words into his subconscious, too.
Finding himself within a tranquil dome, Sora opened his mouth to help Fable understand. Yet, only hot, silent air pranced out in confidence. He closed it, trying to hang up the appropriate sentences on a clothesline of thoughts.
"It's not always easy to explain," Sora said, a bit contemplative. "When our closest friends are in danger, logic means nothing. The stronger connection we have, the more we feel it out weights everything else. Trust me – finding my friends took priority when I began my journey."
Fable turned back to see Huey had opened his eyes. He was exhausted, but alive. Mario could feel relief loosen around his chest like a truss; he was delighted to see his friend again. That look of content radiated onto Fable; it was a wonderful sensation. She then remembered when Mario was sad earlier. It was starting to have a different meaning as she reflected on his expression: grief, pain, heartache.
Emotions are contagious. It's something that connects people together like blood vessels. When something happens to one part, the other feels the repercussions. Fable flipped the record onto the other side, seeing a different perspective. And now the wrinkle of guilt started scrunching together.
Energetic light reflected off Huey's eyes. The smog was starting to clear. He stood up onto his base. "Don't worry, Mario. I'll be okay."
But Mario continued expressing worry.
"I promise I'm not lying this time," Huey said, reassuring him. "That woman was nothing more than a big baby. She couldn't take control of me. Like I said when we first met: I'm more than just some paint can. But whatever she's planning sounds serious. Destroying this world with a royal temper tantrum might end this day on a bad note. Go and stop her."
"Are you sure?" Sora asked.
Huey gave Sora a curious look. "Positive, completely random stranger. Leave me to take care of the Black Paint. I'm not going to let it tarnish this island again. You guys focus on the bigger picture. I leave Mario in your hands."
Mario raised an eyebrow.
"What?" Huey asked, with a cheeky look in his eyes. "Someone's gotta make sure you don't get into any trouble while I'm not around."
Sora chuckled. "Sounds like you're doing a lot better."
"A few minor dents won't slow me down." Huey floated into the air. "Mario, you and your friends take care. Go teach that royal pain in the butt a lesson she'll never forget."
Everyone said good-bye, and Huey departed from the circus. Although hesitation was still stuck to the bottom of Mario's feet like Velcro. He just reunited with his friend, and now they had to go their separate ways again. It was disheartening. Plus, he was a frail paint can meandering through an ominous forest. Danger could be peeking out from the smallest, darkest crevasse.
But Luigi and Peach were possibly in a similar morass. With Huey in adequate health, he knew it was imperative he returned to the bigger picture.
Sora smiled, glad this chapter in their adventure had a somewhat positive resolution. "Glad your paint can friend is okay." ("I shout write a whole novel on sentences I thought I'd never say," Sora said in his thought. "Would take me a lifetime to write."
"I am too," Fable said, approaching the group with remorse. "Mario, if you overheard what I said….I didn't mean to sound insensitive. Being cooped up in an observatory hasn't done me any favors."
She didn't know how he'd respond. Would a grotesque grudge take form? She drifted into the court of her mind, already expecting a negative verdict. But Mario responded with a forgiving smile, and raised his hand. Guilt had been evaporated into a relaxing vapor of relief.
"Thanks," Fable said. "I promise to help your friends out next time."
Sora rubbed his head. "Sorry if I got snippy. What you said just triggered a bad memory."
"No worries," Fable said, understanding. "Friends?"
Sora gave a thumbs up. "Friends. Let's not waste any more time."
"Then do your thing, Sora," Fable said.
Sora destroyed the core with the Keyblade. Once again, their vision had been swallowed by an endless maw of darkness. Memories in the form of speech bubbles once again took center stage in front of the black curtains. It appeared to be the same father and daughter from before. Although a mother had been inserted into the conversation. Unlike last time, however, the words spoken were not fitted with candy coated halcyon.
"W-Why not?" the daughter asked, shocked. "I have been waiting so long! Being cramped up here for all these years starts to catch up with you!"
"We know how badly you want to go with your father," the mother said. "But we need to cancel the trip. Especially with the concern about this Koopa Army that has been forming. The Toads have too much on their minds."
"Perhaps I should go, anyways," the father said, after careful consideration.
"Don't be foolish, dear," the mother said. "It's too dangerous."
"But maybe the Toads need a few hours of peace," the father said. "A time to clear their minds of all the fear and hatred that is consuming their world. I don't want to hear another word; I'm going! Even if it's just for a few minutes. Sometimes bringing just a little joy can make a difference in someone's life."
There was a pause. Darkness dominated everyone's vision. The speech bubble of the mother returned. "Stubborn as always. Alright. Take some of our best soldiers with you just in case."
"What about me father?"
"I'm afraid you're forbidden to accompany me this time around."
Disappointment found itself struck by a rusty nail of anger, which began spreading like wildfire in the daughter. "That's not fair! You promised when I'm old enough!"
"I did," the father said. "But this will be a dangerous visit. Too dangerous for you."
"You told me a long time ago I'm supposed to grow as a person! I can't do that if I'm stuck up here! Experience is important, isn't it?"
"Yes. However, experience is not gained all at one time," the father said, trying to keep one foot in sympathy, while the other dragged in authority. "It's done in increments. My heart is saddened that you can't come with me. But it would weep for eternity if something horrific were to happen."
Any control of her emotions had been lost in rockslide of heartbreak. "I'm not your little girl anymore! I don't want to wait any longer! You taught me about love and respect! Where's your respect for me?"
"Darling!" the mother said, intervening. "You're blowing this out of proportion!"
"Just…leave me alone!"
Darkness once again became the intermission screen amongst the drama. For a while, nothing. Not a sound was uttered. Darkness' enigmatic visage continued starring. Until light weeping was filled the void of absent noise.
"How could father do this to me?" the daughter said. "I'll prove to him I'm ready. I'm going to sneak aboard with him. I'll finally be able to see the kingdom of my dreams."
And with the plan set in motion, the memory once again ceased, returning to the darkness, leaving behind a foreboding warning of the daughter's choice.
High above the clouds, looming over them with glamours superiority was Glitzville – a city located on an artificial island in the sky. A blending of old world and new world conflated in matrimony to create this vibrant place.
Once an excited tourist stepped foot onto the main square, they were bombarded by these visual contradictions. Some buildings such as restaurants, gift shops, and hotels were sleek, modern, and rectangular in design; while others basked in the nostalgia of beautiful Chinse buildings of yesteryear, colored with elegant strokes of red and gold paint, and overhanging roofs, adorned with décor such as lanterns and door couplets.
But the real attraction could be found in the heart of the city, which was engraved with a golden star that rested inside a hexagon. More gift shops (including a hot dog stand) were available for the consumer, but standing tall and firm between them was the Glitz Pit – a fighting arena that pitted the toughest combatants against each other.
People from all over flock to obtain the best seats available, and witness the action up close and personal – to see with wondrous eyes competitors perform over-the-top attacks on each other. To shout out the name of their favorite combatant, hoping in a vain attempt for acknowledgement. Yes, it was a spectacle – the pride and joy of Glitzville.
But, right now, every sense of joy had been hoovered up by unexpected visitors, not even leaving a pitiful morsal behind. The glass door in front slid open, and a giant chicken-like creature with yellow feathers and massive muscles (it was like his entire body was injected with protein from the muscle mass) was tossed out like unwanted trash; his backside became quite acquainted with the cobble stone floor.
He jumped to his feet, confused, but irate. Especially for being humiliated just now. After all, he was once the reining champion of the Glitz Pit. Undefeated in his day. Well, until a man with a black moustache chiseled the crippling word of 'defeat' into that title.
"Wait a minute!" the bird said, fuming. "This ain't right! I should be RAWKING you out the door! Not the other way around!"
More denizens of the building were tossed out, including a female Toad who wore a pink business suit and sharp glasses. Another noticeable one was a blue bandit that wore a white mask with a perpetual smile.
The Toad sat up, adjusting her glasses, and then glared at the culprit. "What's the idea!? You can't throw me out! I own this building!
"Sorry, Sweetcheeks," someone said, snickering with a familiar gruff voice. "Royalty trumps everything."
The Toad's expression lowered. "You don't know how to use the proper authority of a monarch, do you?"
"Shut up," the culprit said, after struggling to find an adequate comeback (didn't really pan out). "Last I checked, you're the ones standing outside like some second-rate street fighters. This place is under new management. Go find a cardboard box to hold your tournaments in. Least it'll give you some dignity. Bwa ha ha!"
And with that, he had the last word with a loud slam of the door. Everyone heard a cacophonous choir of power tools begin their work on barricading the doors. The Toad rubbed her forehead, unable to believe they landed in this predicament. She worked hard to keep this place in working order. To provide entertainment for those who seek it. And to help aspiring fighters start their own careers, with the promise of one day making it into that arena, being basked in the heat of tumultuous cheers.
But right now, her ambitions for the Glitz' future was dangling on a thread of failure; she wouldn't let these hooligans cut it with malicious scissors. The bird – known as the Legendary, Stupendous, Astonishing, Uncanny, Dynamite Rawk Hawk – was still writhing from the pain of degradation, and refused to let it settle like sharp rocks within his body.
"Don't think your little barricade can hinder the Rawk," he said, sneering. "I'm come in there, shove that revolting reptile into his shell, and use it as a skipping rock. Over wet cement!"
Foreseeing a worst outcome, the bandit (named Bandy Andy) tried quelling the Rawk's explosive fury. "Attacking again will probably yield the same result. We'll have to think of something else."
"Thinkin'?" The Rawk asked, giving him an incredulous look. "Who's got time for that?" He flexed his muscles. "Jane and Trish are the ultimate problem solvers."
"You actually name your biceps now?" The Toad (named Jolene) asked with a raise eyebrow, feeling her optimism in this situation being chopped in half by that statement. "Please tell me you're trying to make light of our situation."
The Rawk crossed his arms, closed both eyes, and turned away from her in a dramatic fashion. "The Rawk doesn't have time to makes quips. Right now, his fists hunger for a face. And that dumb spiky Koopa will be satisfactory." He cracked his knuckles. "Alright, Ebony and Ivory! Are you ready to RAWWWWKKKKK!?""
"Someone stop him before he starts naming his glutes," Andy said, smacking his masked face.
"Everyone, settle down!" Jolene said in a stern, authoritative tone. "We'll find some way to reclaim the Pit." She adjusted her glasses, letting out discouraged sigh. "I wish I knew how, but we'll think of something."
Deep inside of her heart, she knew of one person that might be able to help. He was the strongest competitor the Glitz had ever seen. Kind, heroic – he may be a shimmering hope in the cesspool of doubt.
And he was known in the circle of combat as the Great Gonzales.
This shouldn't be right, he thought. I'm not supposed to exist. My sacrifice should've made things right. And yet, here I am. But why? Am I forced to live with the remorse? No. I don't want this. I'd rather not exist.
"Poor thing," De Void said, feigning pity. "All you wanted was a heroic sacrifice. To never have to walk through life without your sins crawling on your back. But life is never easy. No one can escape their mistakes forever. Well, not unless you submit to the darkness. It will relieve your suffering."
In the dark, somber world Luigi was trapped in, De Void found a potential recruit towards her crusade in vaporizing the light of the Paper World. She found him all alone, ruminating the state of his existence.
And feeling regret for every unjust action he committed.
He was an origami person with a purple robe, blonde hair, and donned a crown. His negative thoughts acted as a perfect beacon to the darkness. It began eating away at his frail heart, without pause between consumption. He had difficulty breathing; his vision was fading into a dark telescope. And yet, he couldn't stop condemning himself for the past.
"Good," De Void said, growing a stem of intrigue within her form. "Just become one with the darkness. It'll eat away at those sour feelings. Such are unnecessary. Makes you weak."
The origami person rolled over onto his back, unable to keep the darkness at bay. It was like his entire chest combusted into flames. De Void loomed over him, carrying her scythe with wicked delight. This supposed Origami King would be the perfect weapon to dispose of Sora and his friends. His sharp appendages would tear them apart, leaving them as shredded scrapes to decompose within the soil of this lonely world.
A fitting end for a band of nobodies. To be forgotten, along with the rest of the world.
"Let's speed up the progress, shall we?" De Void said, and she tapped the tip of her sphere on his chest.
The Origami King screamed in absolute agony. Not a soul in this dreadful place heard his call. The only response came in the form of an echo, which was the last sound heard before he was wrapped within a linen of darkness.
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