12/11/2020: Well, looky here! Two updates in the same year? It's like I feel like writing this again or something! :P This is a chapter I have wanted to write for a long time, as we get lots of villains, and I love them! Mwa ha ha! This, along with the next several chapters are real turning points for this story, so I really hope to be able to work on this more in the near future, as I think some exciting stuff is coming up! As always, thanks for reading, and keep those follows and nice comments coming! I have received a few and they are always very inspiring and make me want to keep going!
Chapter 17: Dark Plans
Toadsworth was cold, and not just physically. He shivered in the dim light of the dungeon corridor, terrified out of his wits. He jumped forward, missing a step as something hard-the blunt end of a weapon-hit him in the back, knocking the wind out of him. Toadsworth looked behind himself at the huge, burly axe-like creature that was responsible. It was nearly twice his height and to Toadsworth's horror, it had no visible eyes, and when it gave him that dark smile filled with sharp, serrated teeth it was the stuff of nightmares.
My land. He thought. What are these creatures?
He was shoved forward hard by the creature, and picked up his pace. Who knew what the horrible thing was capable of? He tried to compose himself, but found it nearly impossible to do. He wondered idly how Mario had always managed to put up such a brave face in the midst of danger. Mario could look any foe in the eye, could take on any challenge without even a flinch. Toadsworth sure couldn't. Although age had gifted him with knowledge, wisdom and patience, he was severely lacking in the courage department. Life as a retainer, steward and part time scholar, while rewarding, didn't offer the opportunities that adventurers like the Mario brothers were afforded. Sure, Bowser and his cronies more than once caused havoc throughout the land, and even brought it right to the castle itself, but Toadsworth had lived a mostly quiet life, and was completely ill-equipped for this current horror.
Toadsworth glanced to his right, and watched the tall, dark figure of Waluigi being led by three more of those creatures. A full guard of at least ten more trailed them. Apparently, Waluigi's display with their comrades earlier had caused them to take the lanky man as a serious threat. Toadsworth shivered thinking back to the cold brutality in which Waluigi had killed them. He had absolutely no love for these creatures, but he could almost feel a dark aura emanating from Waluigi, like a fog of wrongness shrouding the man. Waluigi looked straight at him, giving him that dark, devilish grin and Toadsworth was sure that this time the man's eyes glistened with a dark purple light, like embers reflecting on two deep, purple opals.
There's more to him than meets the eye. He thought. Something deep down. Something dark.
They approached a very long set of spiral stairs going upward, lined with lit torches. Toadsworth cursed the fact that he didn't have his cane, and gripped the cold, iron railing. Fortunately for him it was enough to keep him balanced, and at a perfect height for his reach. The castle was, after all, built to accommodate Toads above all else. Certain fixtures and furniture were a bit more balanced to the height of a human, but when the palace servants and guards were essentially all Toads, it just made practical sense to make something like a hand railing to suit someone of his stature. He took the stone steps carefully, one at a time and was once again knocked in the back. This time he nearly fell, but caught himself on the railing. He turned back at the axe creature and shook his head.
"I'm going as quickly as I can." He pleaded. "Please, I'm not a young Toad any longer."
The axe creature said nothing, but lifted its weapon: a smaller, but Toadsworth noticed in horror, a very sharp and deadly looking axe that glistened in the torchlight. He yelped and bolted up the stairs and hardly noticed the mechanical laughter that echoed up the stairs behind him as he stumbled.
Up they went, and it was exhausting. Toadsworth hadn't been to the dungeons in years. They were far below, underneath the castle, and had hardly been used in the last several decades. The staircase seemed to go on forever for his old bones, and by the time the group approached a large, wooden door at the top, Toadsworth was winded, sweating and exhausted. He wondered how long he had been imprisoned in his cell. Two days? Maybe a week? It all felt like a blur to him. A weapon at the door-what appeared to be an arrow like creature-threw open the door, and Toadsworth was momentarily blinded. Light. White hot, burning light. A brightness Toadsworth had never known flooded his vision and he quickly covered his eyes with his forearm. How long had he sat in darkness? He once again felt a nudge from behind and moved forward blindly. He could hear Waluigi's voice echoing from the staircase behind him, quickly gaining as he tried to cautiously and quickly make his way forward.
"This dirty rat is going to get it when I get ahold of him!" Waluigi growled.
"Just keep moving." One of the weapons nearby him screeched. "And shut up."
Toadsworth heard a loud smack, and then a yell as something tumbled down the stairs. He heard Waluigi laughing soon after.
"Serves the moron right." Waluigi snarled. "He was asking for… UGH!"
Waluigi's words were cut off by what sounded like to Toadsworth a punch in the stomach. He turned and tried to look behind him, but the brightness was still too much for his vision. He could hear the sounds of smacking, grunting, and Waluigi shouting, until the guard next to him-he guessed the horrid axe creature-shouted.
"Enough!" It screeched. "The boss said he wants him alive and unharmed."
The scuffle soon ended, and the party continued to walk on, climbing stairs which Toadsworth ascended gingerly. They were fortunately in the main foyer of the castle, and Toadsworth had been through these halls, chambers and staircases so many times over the years that he could have done it blindfolded. Well, he almost was at that. By the time Toadsworth's vision had finally cleared, they were ascending a staircase high on the third floor of Princess Peach's castle. Toadsworth recognized the seemingly endless crimson carpet that covered the stairway and stretched out all the way down the long corridor. Oil paintings of Princess Peach and distinguished Toads like the Chancellor, previous kings and other dignitaries lined the gray stone walls, and the horrible axe creature that was his guard snickered at him after gazing upon a painting of Toadsworth himself.
They paused before a room with a huge blue door encrusted with two large golden stars, a door that Toadsworth knew all too well. Toadsworth's guard stopped him just short of it, and told him to wait as the other guards and Waluigi approached, then it slipped into the door. Waluigi caught up to him and nodded.
"Well, you're still moving old coot." He mused. He dabbed at his left eye with a gloved finger, then glared back behind him towards the guards. Toadsworth noticed it looked a bit puffy, and that some of Waluigi's clothes were slightly torn. "I guess that's something."
"Are you okay, Master Waluigi?" Toadsworth replied with as calm of a voice as he could muster. "Did they hurt you?"
Waluigi's eyes blazed for a second and he spat in their direction.
"Those dirty rats are a bunch of pansies." He emphasized the word. "Took six of them to bring me down, and even so they fought like cowards!" He shouted the last loud enough for the guards to hear, and they stared daggers back at him. Toadsworth studied Waluigi again, noticing that his overalls and hat were still white, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
"So you still have the power, then?" Toadsworth whispered.
"SHHH! Old coot!" Waluigi whispered in a voice much louder than Toadsworth's. "You'll ruin it!"
"Ruin what?" Toadsworth inquired. "What exactly are you planning to do?"
"A lot more than just huddle in a corner like a scared little Cucco." His stare indicated just exactly who he was referring to, but Toadsworth didn't take the bait. There was no sense in arguing with the one person who could actually help his situation. He felt utterly useless, and frustrated with himself. He spent so much time excessively worrying about difficult situations like this instead of actually doing something to help prepare himself for it. He felt like a rat in a cage, helpless to the will of his masters. He hoped that Waluigi had some kind of plan, although that also worried him. The man was reckless, selfish, rude, and Toadsworth had no doubt in his mind that if push came to shove, Waluigi would leave him behind in a heartbeat if it helped him escape. The thought both chilled him and angered him, but what was he to do about it?
"We need to work together." He finally replied. "Like back in the cell."
"I don't need your help old man." Waluigi said, waving him off. "The great Wauigi can take care of himself! Just stay out of my way and I might just help you too."
Oh, this is very bad, indeed. Toadsworth lamented to himself.
He shivered as he heard footsteps approaching from behind the door, trying not to panic.
"Well, who is it?" Bowser demanded. "I'm busy right now!"
The Lakitu adjusted its large, round rimmed green glasses and shifted in its cloud uncomfortably.
"He said, umm…" It murmured nervously.
"Well, out with it!" Bowser growled in annoyance.
"Erm, yes sir!" It anxiously replied. "He called himself an.. err.. emissary? Or perhaps it was an ambassador…"
Bowser growled to himself and shook his head.
Can't anyone in this blasted kingdom do ANYTHING right? He thought to himself.
"Yes, but who is he?" Bowser repeated, now growing agitated.
The Lakitu shifted again uncomfortably in its cloud and shrugged.
"I... I'm sorry your vileness, I didn't think to ask and I…" The Lakitu stammered but was cut off by the sound of Bowser slamming his fist down on the hard stone throne. Though both likenesses of his hands on the throne had broken off by the last two times he slammed them, he heard a crack on what remained of the arm rest.
"Useless!" He shouted, punctuating his words with a swipe at the air. "This whole cursed troop is USELESS! Send him in and let's be done with this!"
The Lakitu yelped and withdrew, flying out of the chamber and Bowser put his clawed hand to his head in agitation. He regarded Kamek, who had returned to his place at Bowser's side. The old Magikoopa still looked disheveled, his robe and hat torn and tattered from his fall, his glasses still cracked.
"Sire," The old Magikoopa spoke up, pointing at Bowser's hand. "The Star Rod."
Bowser started, realizing that he was still holding the Star Rod in a tight grip in his right hand. Did the star-shaped head suddenly glow just a bit brighter then? He quickly tucked it behind him in his spiked shell and nodded to Kamek.
"What do you make of this?" Bowser asked. "First the Star Road and the vision, then a truce with my worst enemy, and now a visitor. I'm almost half expecting it to be the princess in shackles she put on herself, begging me to keep her as prisoner!" If only. He thought at that last.
Kamek shrugged and looked puzzled. "I haven't the faintest, your viciousness."
Suddenly the large, gray steel door burst open again and the Lakitu floated over the narrow bridge over the lava pool back to Bowser's throne. The Koopa King raised an eyebrow and noticed a figure just beyond his view in the doorway, shrouded in the shadows behind the door.
"Your wickedness, may I present: Tatanga." The Lakitu announced.
Suddenly a large, purple-skinned figure stepped out of the doorway and Bowser gaped. It had pointed ears that rested atop its bald head and wore a pitch black leather uniform and matching cape. Bowser had never seen any creature like it before in his life. It grinned, showing razor sharp teeth, and strode forth confidently, hands clasped behind its back with a commanding, almost military-like presence. Two creatures followed on its heels that Bowser could only describe as translucent, living weapons-sword and drill bit like creatures-that flanked him on both sides. The creature Tatanga nodded to both Kamek and Bowser in turn and spoke.
"That's Master Tatanga Starstorm." The creature corrected in a deep commanding tone, raising a finger at the Lakitu. It bobbed nervously and took its place at Bowser's other side as Tatanga continued. "And you are King Bowser Koopa, I presume? Leader of the Koopa Troop?"
Immediately Bowser detested the creature. His arrogance and his tone of command were completely misplaced in his castle. Who did this Tatanga think he was bursting into Bowser's throne room out of nowhere and expecting an audience with him?
"Maybe I am, maybe I'm not." Bowser growled, leaning back in his throne and crossing his arms. "What's it to you?" He glanced at Kamek who gave him the slightest nod of approval. Kamek was the only creature in the entire kingdom who would dare to even think of giving him a look like that, although Bowser had to admit to himself if to no one else that the old Magikoopa's approval was reassuring.
Tatanga gave that arrogant toothy sneer again, looking around the large chamber. No doubt he was gazing at the many portraits of Bowser on the hard stone walls. His gaze lingered a moment on the portrait of Princess Peach that Bowser had been looking at earlier, then he continued.
"I'll get straight to the point." Tatanga said matter-of-factly. "My master wishes to meet with you to form an alliance. He says that you were once adversaries, but believes with your combined strength… our combined strength, that we could own this world." As if to punctuate the point, Tatanga made a wide gesture around himself as his two weapon companions hopped up and down gleefully, laughing with a high pitched mechanical screech.
Bowser paused. His master wanted an alliance? What was this purple idiot going on about, and why were those creepy looking creatures so gleeful? It made Bowser want to kick them into the lava pit.
"And just who is your master?" Bowser bellowed. "And why didn't he come see me himself if he's so interested in this shared alliance?"
Tatanga paused, but his grin did not fade. Indeed, it seemed to widen, as impossible as that seemed. The weapons continued to bob up and down in excitement.
"The Master is quite occupied with his most recent conquest." Tatanga said conspiratorially. "Quite occupied, indeed."
That was it. Bowser had enough of this cocky arrogance and he stood up and pointed a sharp claw at Tatanga.
"I am King Bowser of the Koopa Troop!" He roared. "I do not have time for games! Stop beating around the bush and state your claim or GET OUT before I THROW you out!" He dropped back down on his throne, and slammed the arm rest again with his fist. It exploded into a million pieces of tiny pebbles, and he heard the Lakitu yelp at the sound. Tatanga's grin wilted slightly, but he stepped forward and put a hand out.
"The Master Smithy said that you might be difficult…" He began, reaching to his side where Bowser noticed a gun-like weapon holstered to his leather belt. Tatanga did not draw it, but merely rested his hand upon the grip. Bowser met the alien's dark, beady eyes and stared daggers at him. He narrowed his eyes as the name that Tatanga gave sunk in.
Smithy. Oh yes, he remembered Smithy.
Smithy, who threw him out of his own castle, making it into his own fortress. The shame of that twisted like a knife into an old wound. Smithy, who forced him to make an alliance with his worst enemy. He gritted his teeth. Smithy, who insulted him to his face. His blood boiled like the lava from the pits before him. Smithy, whom he defeated, pounded into the ground and spat upon. That creature somehow still lived.
"Never." He growled softly, looking away for a moment. Tatanga raised an eyebrow and took a step forward, looking confused.
"I said NEVER!" Bowser roared, getting to his feet. His words bellowed through the chamber, echoing as if through a cavernous tunnel. He punctuated it by breathing fire into the air. The flames danced in the air, floating down slowly like puffs of flaming clouds. The Lakitu yelped, hiding behind his throne, and Tatanga's two companions were at the alien's side, instantly forming an attack position. Tatanga drew his gun, pointing it directly at Bowser in response. His arrogant sneer was gone, and his expression grew dark.
"Don't be a fool!" He shouted. "You squander a great opportunity!"
Bowser, having finished breathing fire, shook his head. "I'll never work with that scum." He growled. "Tell your master to take that giant hammer of his and shove it straight up his own…"
"Just listen!" Tatanga cut in, now visibly angry. "We could OWN this world. We know that that is what you desire as well. My master acknowledges that he may have made a mistake making you his enemy. He is willing to reconcile that."
Bowser exchanged a look with Kamek, who gave a small nod in response. The Magikoopa had been silent, but calm. Bowser had no doubt that the old wizard was taking in every word, weighing it and analyzing it.
"I already have taken what is rightfully mine." Tatanga continued, lowering the weapon. "I now hold Sarasaland."
Bowser gaped internally at this, but didn't let his surprise touch his face. He only sat back down on his throne and crossed his arms.
"And what's that got to do with me?" He asked. By the Seven Shells, this Tatanga was a cocky bastard.
"Everything." Tatanga exhaled, that smug sneer coming back to his lips. "In fact, if my timing is right, we could give you exactly what you desire right at this very moment."
"And what exactly is it that you think I desire?" Bowser retorted. Tatanga nodded to the portrait of Princess Peach, and his grin widened.
"What do we all desire?" Tatanga mused, crossing his own arms. "Power. True, unrelenting power."
"And you think you can just give me power?" Bowser growled. "Do you take me for a fool? What motive could you and your… master…"He spit that last part out "…possibly have for wanting to so generously gift me, an enemy who took him down, such unrelenting power? What makes either of you think I want anything from you in the first place?"
Tatanga turned his back to Bowser, and he could see that the alien had once again clasped his hands behind his own back. They shook slightly. Was Tatanga nervous? The two weapons eyed Bowser darkly, as if ready to pounce on him at any second. Tatanga was silent for a moment then took in a deep breath.
"We have a common enemy. All three of us." He said softly. "My master, in the basement of his factory over a decade ago, me in Sarasaland and…" He cut off briefly, turning his head back slightly towards Bowser. "Well, it was a long time ago. I have grown since then. Oh yes, grown much. And powerful."
Bowser could only see one side of Tatanga's face, but there was a dark cast to the alien's expression and Bowser noticed that those dark eyes seemed distant, as if Tatanga were a million miles away.
"You know of who I speak." Tatanga finally said, turning back to him. "You of all people should know who I'm talking about."
"Mario." Bowser said instantly. Tatanga nodded. Of course, who else could it be? He thought. He turned to Kamek who only shrugged.
"Of course." Bowser finally said. He couldn't help but start laughing.
"What in the stars is so funny?" Tatanga asked, gritting his teeth.
The reaction only made Bowser laugh harder. Everyone in the room stared at him for a moment as he bellowed loudly. The Lakitu, finally coming out from behind his throne, frowned.
"Are… are you okay your horribleness?" It asked hesitantly.
Bowser finally got ahold of himself and cleared his throat.
"You talk about how all powerful you are." He began. "You talk about giving me what I desire. You, you arrogant piece of filth talk as if the very world itself is just out there ready to be conquered. Yet, you and your powerful "master" are frightened…" He gave a small chuckle "…of Mario."
"Don't act so high and mighty." Tatanga spat, his expression growing darker. "If anyone should be afraid of him, it's the moron who has lost to him more times than anyone."
Bowser's temper immediately flared at this and he once again got up.
"What I do is my business!" He roared. "What makes you think you could do anything to stop him anyway?"
"Oh, we can." Tatanga replied. "You don't understand the power we possess!"
"Then why recruit me?" Bowser growled. "What makes you think I want anything to do with you and your master? I have much bigger Cheep Cheep to fry…"
"Like conquering the Mushroom Kingdom?" Tatanga put in, grinning widely again. Bowser started at that. "It's already in progress now. In fact, I believe fire and death were raining down upon the Princess's castle when I left, if I recall."
"He he!" The two weapons giggled in unison, hopping up and down. "So many corpses!"
Bowser felt a sudden spike of adrenaline rush through him, like a bolt of lightning. That tears it.
"NOBODY!" He roared, breathing fire as he jumped back out of his throne. "Attacks the Mushroom Kingdom BUT ME!"
Bowser threw himself at Tatanga who reached for his gun and the two tumbled onto the hard stone ground. Chaos erupted in the chamber as Bowser pinned the purple alien down, his gun skidding across the floor down the narrow path between the lava pits. Instantly Bowser felt a stab of pain in his right shoulder, as the two weapons jumped on his back. He could feel what he thought was a sharp knife break the skin of his shoulder and he roared. He looked over his shoulder to find the sword's tip-also the top of the creature's head-stuck about an inch into his shoulder. Without thinking he ripped the creature off of him and threw it across the room. He reached for the other one as it bounced up and down on his shell, only to find it suddenly encased in a block of ice. He could see Kamek walking over, his wand glowing in a multitude of colors.
He turned back to Tatanga who promptly headbutt him square in the snout. He shouted, grabbing his nose, and the alien wriggled free somehow, although Bowser's weight was at least double that of Tatanga's. Tatanga ran for his gun, only to trip over a yellow block that appeared right as he reached the narrow path between the lava pits. He yelped but hit the hard stone ground, almost falling into the lava. Bowser recovered and lunged at Tatanga, just as he reached his gun. Bowser slammed down on top of him and heard a crunch. Tatanga moaned, losing grip of the gun again, and Bowser grinned.
"Tell your master." Bowser whispered to him, grabbing the gun that was just out of Tatanga's reach and tossing it into the lava pit. "To BITE. MY. SHELL!"
Bowser reached his claw up over his head and slashed Tatanga across the face, who screamed in agony. The soft purple flesh felt to Bowser like he was cutting through clay, and he could feel the alien's flesh rip underneath his sharp claws. It was satisfying. As he pulled it away he noted three long gashes oozing blood across Tatanga's now ruined face. Bowser's attack would leave deep gouges and lasting scars. He balled his fist and promptly punched him in the face as hard as he could. Tatanga's head slammed back into the hard stone floor, and he wavered. Tatanga looked momentarily dazed, and Bowser hauled him to his feet, throwing him towards the large steel door.
"Now, GET. OUT." Bowser roared.
Tatanga wobbled, one hand holding his bloody face, his left leg limping. That must have been the crunch that Bowser had heard when he landed on him. The alien gave Bowser that dark expression, that vacant, far away stare that Bowser now recognized. Like cold steel: empty and ruthless.
"You will pay for this!" Tatanga hissed. "I will KILL you for this!"
Bowser breathed fire again and charged down the narrow path toward Tatanga. The alien rushed out of the door, slamming it behind him. Bowser stopped right at the door and stared for a moment, then gave a satisfied shake of his head. He turned back to Kamek, who stood at the foot of the throne, just staring at him. He noted the Lakitu as it pushed the frozen drill bit weapon into the lava. The ice slowly sank into the pool, causing steam to emanate, and billow throughout the throne room. By the time Bowser reached Kamek it was gone, and Bowser saw no sign of the other weapon, the sword.
"Well, I think I handled that one quite well." He remarked to the old Magikoopa, crossing the narrow pathway over to where he stood by Bowser's throne. Kamek just shrugged.
"Sire." He said. "I take it that the truce with Mario is for real, then?"
Bowser paused for a moment, then nodded.
"Yes," He finally said, sighing. "For the time being."
Kamek simply nodded, and Bowser turned to the Lakitu.
"You!" He shouted, pointing at it.
"Y-yes your viciousness?" The Lakitu sputtered, straightening in its cloud.
"Tell my children to rally the troops!" Bowser commanded. "Tomorrow, we attack!"
"Where, sire?" Kamek cut in.
"The Mushroom Kingdom!" Bowser exclaimed. "We march for the princess's castle!"
"Yes, sir!" The Lakitu replied, saluting. It zipped out of the room, slamming the door shut.
"Are you sure about this, your vileness?" Kamek asked.
Bowser contemplated a moment, weighed what Tatanga had said, then reached his hand back into his shell and gripped the Star Rod, which was still hidden there, safely tucked away. After a moment he eyed Kamek, still wearing his torn and tattered hat and robe, his glasses destroyed. He nodded to the old Magikoopa and cleared his throat.
"Yes." He finally said. "And Kamek."
"Yes, sire?" The old Magikoopa replied.
"Go clean up already. You look awful."
Waluigi wasn't just annoyed. Oh no, it was way worse than that. He wanted blood.
He stood in the hallway of Princess Peach's castle. Psh! Princess Peach. He'd never met someone with a Piranha Plant shoved so far up their own backside. Waluigi never did like her, no matter how hard she tried to come on to him. No, Daisy was more his type. The brown hair, tough look, and those legs! Waluigi had noticed them a time or two while playing tennis against her. It would be satisfying when he eventually swept in and stole her from that idiot Luigi. Then Waluigi would show her what a real man was like. He grinned to himself as he took in his surroundings.
He'd wandered this hall a few times before during various tennis or golf tournaments or the occasional party-Waluigi rarely attended the latter these days-so the setting wasn't completely foreign to him. It did feel different though, although Waluigi couldn't explain why. Perhaps it was because the hallway behind him and the old coot was filled with those weird translucent creatures. He turned and glared at the one closest to him-a knife-and gave it the rudest gesture he could think of. He heard the old coot gasp beside him, but ignored it. The living weapon moved to engage him, but was stopped by a sword creature who put its arm out to block it.
"Don't bother." The sword said in its high pitched scratchy voice. "The boss will take care of him."
Waluigi immediately spat at the sword creature who grit its sharp teeth in anger. Waluigi gave that creature the same rude gesture as well, and both creatures looked ready to pounce on him.
Good, let them. He thought.
Waluigi was about to attack them himself when he felt a tug at his overall strap.
"Master Waluigi!" It was the old coot, annoying as ever. "Please, let's not provoke them!"
Waluigi turned to the old man and shrugged.
"Quit whining you old coot." He said. Then gave him a milder, though still quite offensive gesture. The old coot turned as red as Mario's hat, then puffed up, indignant.
"Oh, lighten up old man." Waluigi said with a slight chuckle. "You're most likely going to die anyway, why not try to enjoy your last moments?"
The old coot went pale, then solemn. Waluigi couldn't help but feel slightly bad for him. He'd never seen a creature so completely useless and pathetic. It must be hard to be so utterly helpless. The old man was silent and shrugged, and Waluigi turned back to the weapons. The two he had provoked stood stiffly back into position and shot him glares. They were in the front of what Waluigi guessed was about two dozen other weapons of all kinds with that odd translucent skin. Had more joined them since the dungeons? They varied in sizes and were everything from knives, swords and axes to drill bits, hammers and arrows. Waluigi was surprised to see them in ranks of three as if in an army.
So, they are organized, eh? He thought. This Smithy character at least knows what he's doing.
His eyes drifted down the ranks, and spotted an arrow creature toward the back. Its skin looked bruised and torn-well at least he thought it did with that weird translucent skin-and the arrow shaft that made up its body looking bent, and he glowered darkly at it. It was the creature he had smacked down the stairs. He dabbed at his eye, which felt tender and he could feel the aches and pains all over his body from the other weapons ganging up on him.
It's that dirty rat that humiliated me! Waluigi growled inwardly. I'll make him pay for insulting the great Waluigi! I'll make them all pay!
His blood still boiled at this current situation. It was completely ridiculous! He had almost had those dirty rats back at Wario's castle, until they ganged up on him, overwhelming him by pinning him down. He had only killed, what? Three, four dozen? That huge knife creature, Mack, had personally escorted him with the other insolent bouncing creatures… what were they called again? To of all places this castle! His temper boiled over as he glared at the arrow. He readied a fireball and was about to toss it when he heard the large steel door behind him creek open. He spun and the axe creature that had been escorting the old coot from before gave him a dark look and a creepy grin with those razor sharp teeth.
"The boss will see you now." It screeched ominously.
Waluigi heard the old coot groan next to him, but just pushed his way forward past the axe creature and met his eyes. He felt a wave of hatred surge through him and he scowled.
"It's about time." He said impatiently. "Let's see who the moron is that decided to pick a fight with the great Waluigi!"
He pushed through the door and entered an enormous chamber. The deep crimson carpet that had lined the hallway ran to the very center of the room over a black and white tiled floor. Paintings decorated the gray stone walls of all kinds, hung in golden frames. Waluigi assumed that the people and Toads in the paintings were previous monarchs of the Mushroom Kingdom and of course, Ms. Prissy Princess herself was in a large painting in the center. A high ceilinged roof elaborately painted with tapestries of clouds, blue skies and a dark canvas of stars sparkled in the light of a huge, crystalline chandelier that hung directly above a golden throne elevated on a dais. Waluigi couldn't help but gape at the large creature sitting in a massive, metal throne in front of it.
The creature was huge! At least half again the height of Waluigi, its body was entirely metallic, and shone brightly in the sunlight coming in from the large glass window to the right of it. Its body was shaped like an enormous, metal box and it had a round head topped with a golden crown. Its two massive hands, the right hand holding the largest hammer that Waluigi had ever seen, were attached to the giant box by chains of steel. Its dark, sinister crimson eyes were like two burning coals as they met his, and Waluigi felt the urge to shiver. He heard the old coot groan behind him, and as he stepped up next to him, Waluigi could see him visibly shaking, the old Toad's long, white mustaches whipping around as he shivered like he was naked in a blizzard.
Waluigi was too angry to shiver. This was the creature that was responsible for his pain, capture, and his humiliation. Smithy. He stepped right up to the creature, and as he did, two guards immediately met him, crossing two long spears in front of him, barring his path to Smithy. Waluigi noted that they themselves were also spears. What was with these creatures carrying small versions of themselves as weapons?
"Out of my way!" Waluigi growled as he grabbed one of the spears and jerked it from the guard's hand. As he did he heard Toadsworth gasp and the other weapon raised its spear to stab him, but Waluigi ducked low and kicked the spear's legs out from under it. It dropped, and at the same time, Waluigi leaped into the air and brought the spear down right into the terrified weapon's throat. It gurgled and thrashed as blood spurted out of its neck and mouth. Waluigi could hear the other weapons rushing into the room as the first spear charged him. Waluigi yanked the spear out of the now dying weapon's neck at the precise moment that the first spear closed in on him, and slammed the butt of the spear into the charging weapon's face. It dropped immediately and in one fluid motion, Waluigi twirled the spear around and faced Smithy. He met the crimson eyes and glowered. He was about to curse the creature when he noticed an oddity. The creature had a small smile which quickly became a full grin, exposing incredibly sharp, serrated teeth. Soon it was bellowing a screeching mechanical laugh.
"MWA HA HA HA HA!" It laughed. It slammed the large hammer down onto the floor, cracking the white and black tile, and throwing Waluigi a little off balance as the floor shook. He glanced at the old coot who stumbled and fell on his behind. Waluigi also noticed that the entire guard was now in the room, weapons raised in a tight half circle around him, the old coot and Smithy, who continued to laugh. Waluigi scowled.
"Nobody insults the great Waluigi!" He growled, hefting the spear.
The creature grinned widely at him, and gave a slow nod.
"The guards told me that you gave them quite a lot of trouble." It bellowed in a deep, inhuman mechanical voice. Waluigi thought it sounded like two metal bars grinding together. "But I suppose that should be expected from someone who is obviously related to Mario. Perhaps his brother?"
His. BROTHER?!
Waluigi snapped, screaming as he threw himself at the creature. Raising the spear in his hands high, he leaped into the air and aimed the point directly down at Smithy. "NO!" Toadsworth cried, but it was lost in the mayhem.
The point of the spear struck the side of the creature's head, screeching with the sound of metal meeting metal. Sparks flew as the tip of the spear scraped across Smithy's head, but the creature only bellowed another laugh as Waluigi felt something powerful grip his whole body. The massive, metal hand of Smithy wrapping around his body like a giant vise. Waluigi still gripped the spear, and his rage was absolute. He bashed the spear against the creature's head again and again, sparks flying as the tip slammed into the metal, leaving tiny grooves. Finally, the spear broke, and Waluigi stabbed at the creature with the broken wooden handle. Proving completely ineffective he hurled it at Smithy, and it just bounced off the creature who continued to laugh. He heard the other weapons approaching behind them, but Smithy only gave them a look, and Waluigi could hear them backing off. This creature was toying with him! Waluigi's rage was incredible, and although he rationally knew at this point that he was no match for this creature, he refused to give it the smug satisfaction of giving up. No, if Waluigi was going to die, he'd do it his way. In a blaze of glory!
As if to punctuate his own thought, he charged up a fireball and threw it straight at Smithy's face. He continued to fire barrage after barrage, but they were seemingly ineffective. Mostly dissipating on contact or some even bouncing off of him, setting ablaze some of the paintings on the walls, one setting fire to one of the long curtains hanging from the large window. Waluigi felt his vigor wilt slightly, and ceased the attack.
What is this creature? Such power. He was ashamed, but had to admit at least to himself how impenetrable this creature was.
The throne room was now deadly silent, and Waluigi saw that Smithy only continued to sit there. Holding him in his massive grip. It raised an eyebrow at him.
"Done already?" It bellowed in that mechanical voice. It grinned like an idiot again. Waluigi said nothing, snorted and spat directly at the creature's face.
"Oh, I like this one." Smithy said, grinning. "Oh yes, I like this one very much indeed!"
The guards all looked stunned, and Toadsworth looked about ready to pass out. Smithy regarded him.
"You." Smithy beckoned to him. "Come."
Waluigi watched as Toadsworth slowly approached, practically hyperventilating and shaking like a leaf in a hurricane. One of the weapons-the axe-walked up behind him and shoved him to his knees in front of Smithy.
"You will show the master proper respect." It screeched.
"M… M… Master S… S… S… Sm..." The old coot just couldn't get the words out.
Poor fool. Waluigi thought.
Smithy raised an eyebrow at the old Toad, and narrowed his eyes.
"I have seen your portrait on these walls." Smithy bellowed. "You are clearly an important retainer to this castle."
"Y… Yes.." Toadsworth stammered.
Smithy seemed pleased at that and shook his massive head.
"You will tell me the location of the Princess and Mario." He said, slamming his hammer down on the ground as if to drive his authority home.
"I…" Toadsworth licked his lips. Waluigi shook his head, almost embarrassed for the old coot. Had he no spine at all?
"SPEAK!" Smithy bellowed in a low, mechanical screech. "NOW!"
Toadsworth jumped at that. Waluigi only rolled his eyes and scowled at Smithy.
"I.. I… I don't know!" Toadsworth cried. "Master Mario left the castle hours before it fell and the Princess… well…" He broke off, tears now streaming down his face. "N… No. I can't. I don't know. And if I did, I wouldn't tell you!" He actually seemed to have summoned an ounce of courage at that last.
Smithy only grinned at this, and regarded Waluigi.
"Your name. It's Waluigi, is it not?" Smithy inquired. His voice was quieter, almost calmer and sounded less like a grinding metal sound and more of a… well, it was at least less offensive to the ears anyway. Waluigi was surprised at the tone.
"What's it to you?" Waluigi scowled. Although he couldn't give it the full effect being in Smithy's grip, he tried his best to convey the same rude gesture he gave to the guards earlier. Smithy only laughed at this, and surprisingly loosed his grip on him, and gently put him down. Waluigi was temporarily floored and at a loss on how to react.
"Better?" Smithy said.
Waluigi shrugged. "Why did you let me go?"
Smithy only grinned in response, those razor sharp teeth splitting his massive face.
"Tell me, Master Waluigi." MasterWaluigi? First the old coot, and now Smithy. He could never hear that enough, but what was going on? And why from this creature?
"If you were to have recently acquired a tool, but it was completely useless for the task you needed it for, what would you do with it?" Smithy asked.
What in the… Waluigi gaped. Now the idiot was asking him riddles?! Maybe all of those blows he had given the creature to the head actually did do some damage. Then again…
He glanced at Toadsworth who was still on his knees and trembling, tears streaming down his face. He glanced back at Smithy. Huge, menacing, powerful. Even Waluigi couldn't do anything to hurt this creature. It literally gripped him in the palm of its hand, and could have crushed him in a millisecond.
But it didn't.
Something clicked in his brain, and he grinned.
"A useless tool, eh?" Waluigi mused, stroking his long, pointed mustaches. He thought about all of the people who had wronged him over the years. He thought about all of the opportunities he could have had. He thought about him. Luigi. That dirty rat. Always thinking he was better than Waluigi. Always complaining about how hard he had it. He didn't know pain. None of them knew pain. Waluigi knew pain all too well.
"I'd do one of two things." Waluigi said, raising a finger. "One, I'd try to save it for another task that it could be used for. Or two, I'd just throw it away."
Smithy grinned even wider at this, and those dark crimson coals met the glowing, purple opals. Waluigi felt as if an unspoken understanding had passed between them.
"And, in the case of my latest tool?" Smithy inquired, nodding toward the old coot.
Waluigi turned to Toadsworth, who looked at him with horrified eyes. The old Toad trembled, tears now dripping off of his white mustaches. His eyes bore into Waluigi, pleading.
"P… please… M… Master… Wal…" He cried. Waluigi cut him off and turned toward Smithy, shrugging.
"What do I care?" He said, crossing his arms. "It's not my problem."
Smithy smiled again as Toadsworth screamed. Two guards-the axe and a hammer-grabbed Toadsworth and hauled him up, dragging him away as Smithy bellowed:
"Take him to Exor! You know what to do!"
"NO! NOOOOOOOOOO" Toadsworth screamed as the two large, blue doors slammed shut. Smithy bellowed that awful, mechanical laugh as Toadsworth's screams faded down the hallway. Vaguely, deep down, they haunted Waluigi, but he ignored it. He learned to ignore that feeling a long, long time ago. Smithy turned once to him, that grin bearing those razor sharp teeth splitting the massive, metal head In two. It looked absolutely menacing.
"I believe you and I have much to discuss, Master Waluigi."
High above the early morning skies of the Mushroom Kingdom, a massive airship cruised through the dissipating clouds. Like a castle in the air, the floating mini-fortress was made of brick and steel, with two huge guillotine-like blades hanging from the port and starboard sides of the massive vehicle. They swung from side to side from two huge, steel chains attached near the top by the main deck. The bow was a massive half-moon blade that made up almost a quarter of the ship's size and a single massive eye stared straight forward as the ship broke out of the thick, foggy clouds. The main deck, made of brick and wood planks, stretched from the massive blade to the stern and was fortified with various canons, guns and other artillery. Two more decks towards the back rose up like stairs going upward. On the highest level, at the very back of the stern, a small, brick spire like the tower of a castle rose up as the very tallest point on the massive ship. A figure in a black leather uniform, with a matching black cape that fluttered in the wind clutched the brick railing as he looked down upon the land.
Master Tatanga Starstorm surveyed the land far below him. They were sailing high above the Mushroom Kingdom, and as the ship, Blade, emerged from the dissipating clouds he noticed that it cast a large shadow on the green land below. He grinned as they passed over a small town-he thought it was called "Rose Town"- and he noticed several civilians pointing upward. They were quite high up in the sky, and the people looked like ants, but he knew how imposing of a vehicle Blade was, and he felt proud to instill some awe into these ants.
His grin quickly turned into a scowl however, as he grimaced in pain.
He dabbed at several parts of his face and winced. He turned to one of the massive blades protruding from the side of the tower he was on, and gazed upon his reflection in the stainless steel. In this bright, early morning sunlight he had a perfect view of his ruined, purple face that now bore three deep slashes from just under his pointed ear on the top left side of his head, all the way down to his right chin. That insolent turtle had hacked his face up pretty good, and he was very fortunate that the attack hadn't take out his right eye.
The rest of his face was a mess however, and it wasn't lost on him that he would look menacing looking down on someone in the darkness. His grin, showing his razor sharp teeth, his bushy black eyebrows, dark eyes and punctuating it all, the three long slashes across his face that would eventually scar over looked intimidating. Tatanga grinned again, and this time, forced himself to hold it through the pain.
The next time I see that bastard turtle. He thought. I'll be standing over him with this very grin, and he'll understand just exactly how much power I wield. And how little time he has left in this world.
Tatanga hated... No. Hated wasn't a strong enough word. He loathed that filthy creature. He would crush him, like a little worm wriggling underneath his foot. He would kill him slowly, stretching out his last hours of life with agonizing torture and pain. He would…
"Hey! Boss!" A voice shouted from just below the tower. Tatanga looked down and saw a short, red creature. Tatanga always thought that he looked like a Snifit, with his circular mouth and beady eyes, but he had a metallic body that was almost tube shaped with stubby limbs and a single triangular point, like a small tip of a spear on the top of his head. He carried a short axe that was the same red coloring as him, and leaned on it. Red was the leader of the Axem Rangers, who owned this vessel. Well, the Master Smithy really owned it, but in the four years that Tatanga had been with the Smithy gang, he'd never seen anyone else use it; aside from himself of course.
"What do you want, Red?" Tatanga asked in a no nonsense tone.
Red shrugged and twirled his axe around him like a baton. Tatanga had to admit that he, as well as the other Axem Rangers, were absolute masters at wielding their axes.
"Just came to tell ya that we saw somethin' funny is all." Red said casually.
"I'm not in a humorous mood." Tatanga growled. "Out with it."
"Oh, let me tell him about it!" A female voice suddenly chimed in. Pink entered, a thinner version of red, only pink with prominent eye lashes. She batted her eyes at Red who just shrugged it off. "Oh please, Red! Let me tell the news!"
"I don't see what the big deal is." Another voice added. A figure walked out from the shadows below deck, another of the Axem Rangers. He was all black but otherwise looked exactly the same as Red, only he wore dark sunglasses. He leaned on his axe nonchalantly.
"Oh, Blackie!" Pink pouted. "I just want to impress Master Tatanga with my observational skills!"
"Eh, who cares?" Black said, waving a hand.
"Oh, Blackie!" Pink said, fawning a bit. "You're so… Lawless!"
"Enough of this nonsense!" Tatanga barked, now getting annoyed. Honestly, the Axem Rangers were very good minions for Smithy, but they acted like children half the time, which annoyed Tatanga to no end.
"We saw another army!" Another voice yelled from the lowest deck. It was Green, looking like a taller, almost stretched out version of the others who stood beside Yellow, who nodded as he stuffed a sandwich in his mouth. He was the portliest of the bunch, and Tatanga wasn't sure if he'd ever seen him do anything but eat.
"An army?" Tatanga said. "From where?"
"Coming from the north." Red replied. "Probably several hours away from the castle, on foot."
By the void and stars, No! This is not what I need right now! Tatanga thought desperately.
When he had come to this land with the rest of the Smithy gang, Tatanga felt exhilarated, confident. Taking Sarasaland had been his first goal, the prize with which Smithy had tempted him into his services in the first place. Taking Sarasaland had been incredibly easy, though he still lamented Princess Daisy's disappearance. When he had originally tried to conquer those lands all those years ago, it had been a lot more difficult than it had this time. Of course, circumstances were different then. Tatanga was different.
It had all fallen apart for him when that meddling plumber had swooped in and single handedly undid all of the work he had done to conquer Sarasaland. Tatanga's former boss had not been pleased, and Tatanga took to the stars once again to find a less difficult conquest. It was only by chance he had run into Smithy, and had heard about his troubles with the same man. Mario, of course. When Smithy had laid bare his plan to take revenge on Mario, Tatanga couldn't resist the opportunity to join him, particularly with the prospect of retaking Sarasaland.
Of course, destroying the Star Road and taking the Mushroom Kingdom itself had also been quite simple, though it seemed as if Tatanga were finally meeting some resistance. Smithy had been very patient, and observant of the activities of this land for a long time, and that insolent turtle, Bowser, was supposed to be the final piece in the puzzle. Smithy hated Bowser, but had been willing to form a coalition to defeat Mario once and for all, and when he learned that Bowser had not been a true ally, in fact, he was Mario's greatest adversary, it seemed the prudent thing to do to recruit him.
But, Bowser was a no-go now, and Tatanga didn't care. He would kill that piece of filth. He'd smash his face into the ground, destroy his castle, make him pay. Oh yes, he would make him pay dearly for what he had done to Tatanga.
"YO!" A voice shouted. (It was Black) "You alright up there, Space Man?"
Tatanga shook his head and composed himself, spinning away from the Axem Rangers. He looked east, the direction they had come and gazed at the horizon to Sarasaland, which he could just make out in the distance. He had finally done it. He had Sarasaland again. The failures of the past were far away, but he refused to let history repeat itself. After his meeting with Bowser last night he rushed back to the castle in Sarasaland and made sure to double, no triple his efforts there to establish the new army and secure the kingdom. Bowser had been his first failure since his return, and the prospect terrified him. However, it was a new day, and Tatanga had to report back to Smithy eventually.
And with this new army marching…
"Set a course and take us back to the castle." He ordered. "We must go see the Master Smithy."
About an hour later, Tatanga entered the large throne room of the castle. Blade, with the Axem Rangers, hovered around the castle outside, waiting to take him back to Sarasaland. He passed by a few guards: a sword and arrow and barely paid them heed as he approached Smithy's steel throne. He got to one knee and bowed his head.
"Master, I have some bad news." Tatanga said bluntly. Tatanga learned a long time ago not to beat around the bush with Smithy. It was best to just get straight to the point and move on.
"Well, out with it." Smithy said in that mechanical bellow.
"The Koopa King has refused our offer." He looked up at Smithy, revealing the gashes across his face. Smithy showed almost no reaction, aside from raising a bushy eyebrow.
"So, you have failed then." He said in a soft voice. Or rather, a mechanical grind. He slammed his enormous hammer onto the tiled floor. "Why did you not come to me immediately? You left last night."
"I…" Tatanga licked his lips. He almost never got nervous anymore. But when Smithy got quiet like that, it was beyond unnerving. "I was ashamed and needed to recover, so I went to Sarasa…"
"You FOOL!" Smithy bellowed as he slammed the massive hammer down again. It caused long cracks to spiderweb around the floor by the hammer. "You let him beat you and then you RAN?!"
Tatanga's lips went dry and he searched for something to say. Those crimson eyes bore into Tatanga, and although he was ashamed to admit it, he was intimidated.
"I.. It doesn't matter now." Tatanga said, trying to hold his ground. "I come with urgent news. An army is marching this way."
Smithy paused at this and seemed to be contemplating on what to do next. Suddenly he raised a finger, and Tatanga was lifted into the air. Smithy's gaze followed him as he was lifted up a few feet. Smithy then moved his huge hand into a grip, and Tatanga felt panic flood through him as if Smithy's hand had just grasped his throat. He choked and thrashed as his air was cut off.
"You are very fortunate." The soft mechanical grind screeched. "That I am in a good mood today. Yes, good indeed. You see, we have a new member of the Smithy gang."
Suddenly the grip loosened, and Tatanga hungrily sucked in air. Sweet, delicious air. He looked to his right as he heard the sounds of footsteps coming from the side. A tall, lanky man dressed in purple strode up to Smithy's side and crossed his arms. Tatanga couldn't help but notice the dark purple eyes that shined like glowing opals.
"Eh, I say kill him." The man growled through his nasally voice. He crossed his lanky arms and stared directly at Tatanga. Smithy grinned at this, but put Tatanga down and shook his head.
"I'm afraid I still have a use for this one." Smithy said regretfully. "Tatanga, meet Master Waluigi."
Tatanga gaped. Master Waluigi? Who was this mysterious man, and why did he suddenly have Smithy's ear? It had taken Tatanga two years before Smithy called him "Master". Tatanga was about to speak up when Smithy turned to the man.
"Master Waluigi" His master said. "I have just received some urgent news. Are you ready for your first mission?"
Tatanga just stood there dumbfounded as Smithy relayed his plans to the newcomer.
"Oh, and Tatanga." Smithy said after a time. "I'll need to send you to Nimbus Land. Do not fail me again."
The view of Toad Town only added to the despair that had completely taken Toadsworth. As he stood on a floating platform with both the huge axe and hammer flanking him, he sobbed as he took in the devastation. He had thought that his imprisonment had been days, weeks even, but was shocked to find out that it had only been a single night. In a single night, his home had been destroyed, the castle taken, the princess vanished. And now Toad Town. Oh, by the heavenly stars above, it was in complete ruins.
Not a single house still stood, every building was charred black with soot. Corpses littered the streets, and in a lot of places, residual smoke still rose from where fires had been burning the night before. Toadsworth just stood there, sobbing. Utterly defeated. In contrast, the mid-morning sunlight shone brightly, and he stared blankly at the enormous blade that appeared as they ascended higher and higher above the castle.
After several minutes, the platform stopped and Toadsworth's jaw dropped as he gazed upon the sight before him: It appeared to be a massive, pale sword hilt with a face. Two enormous eyes, Toadsworth thought that each were at least half the size of a house, stared blankly at him, while two sharp teeth protruded over its upper lip. At the top, a smaller-though still massive-skull-like head stared forward with glowing orange eyes, like orbs of fire. The two were linked by a long, black and red shaft that could have only been the handle of the sword. A handle for a giant's hand, maybe.
"Got another one for you, Exor!" The axe creature screeched.
Toadsworth suddenly felt himself lifted bodily as both weapons grabbed him under his arms. He flailed and shouted, but it was no use. With horror he watched as the bottom face of the sword-the larger part-opened its massive mouth. Toadsworth could see nothing but pitch blackness from inside.
"NO!" He screamed as he felt himself being swung. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
He then felt himself being tossed into the air, the world spinning as he was flung up, then everything slowing down as he started to fall…
…into the gaping mouth.
His terror was extreme, but as he fell his screams were lost in the darkness.