Welcome one. Welcome all. To a story I randomly thought of after getting another urge for a crossover. And once again losing my marbles and write another story
And for a long time. I've specifically wanted to write a story involving Shadow in a way that's similar to how SA2 portrayed him and to an extent, Shadow 05
Where rather than being found first by an evil force. He is found by good guys. And after watching Sonic 3 in the movies and he was portrayed amazingly especially with Keanu Reeves doing an unexpectedly passionate portrayal (Keanu went out of his way to learn about Shadow before auditioning. Which is something more actors should do)
I thought "damn" why not try something similar but different?
Special shout out to my friend FanFicHazza. For being the guy that's patient enough to listen to my babbles on anything Sonic related
You should check out his stuff if you feel interested in reading a crossover between Sonic and Kingdom Hearts
So now, unto thine story
Play: RED – Intro (Canto III)
Deep in the vast emptiness of space, Bowser trudged through the jagged terrain of a desolate, ominous planet. His heavy steps left deep impressions in the cracked surface, and the air around him seemed to warp with the sheer heat of his rage. His sharp claws clenched tightly into fists as his grumbling voice echoed across the eerie landscape.
"Stupid plumber," he growled. "Always meddling… Always ruining my plans. I'll crush him next time, no matter what!"
The dark creatures lurking In the shadows of the alien landscape dared not approach. Even the planet's natural predators, hulking monstrosities of fang and sinew, shrank back from Bowser's furious presence, retreating into the darkness
At first, Bowser didn't even notice the strange behavior of the creatures. His mind was consumed by thoughts of vengeance. But as he continued, a strange sensation washed over him—a pulling, almost magnetic force, drawing him toward a small object embedded in the ground. A faint glow emanated from the object, a scepter adorned with intricate, dark designs, pulsating with a strange, eerie energy
Bowser stopped, his fiery eyes narrowing as he approached. The dark creatures around him scurried even farther away, avoiding both him and the strange artifact. Bowser's lips curled into a toothy grin
"What's this?" he muttered, his clawed hand reaching out toward the scepter. "Some kind of magic stick? Hah, don't mind if I do—"
The moment his claws brushed the scepter, a sharp cracking sound filled the air. Bowser recoiled slightly, watching as fractures spread across the scepter's surface. Dark, shadowy energy began to leak from the cracks, twisting and writhing like smoke
Before Bowser could react, the energy coalesced into a dark figure. A voice, deep and chilling, echoed across the landscape
"I am free…"
The figure took form—a creature of pure shadow with piercing, unblinking eyes. It looked around in confusion, its gaze scanning the alien planet
"Where… is the Chaos Energy?" it muttered, its voice laced with frustration
Bowser, undeterred, stepped forward and snarled, "Who the heck are you? And what's this about Chaos Energy?"
The shadowy entity turned its gaze toward Bowser, its expression shifting to one of intrigue. "Ah… You. The one who freed me." It paused, as if calculating something. "You are powerful… and angry. You seek revenge."
Bowser's nostrils flared. "Yeah, so what? What's it to you?"
The entity's eyes gleamed with cunning. "I am… a being of immense power…. And you, mighty beast, have freed me. In return, I can offer you power beyond your wildest dreams. Power to destroy your enemies... to crush this 'plumber' who haunts you… for I… am… MEPHILES.."
Bowser stared at Mephiles, his scaly lips curling into an ominous grin. "Power, huh? And you'll serve me?"
Mephiles chuckled darkly. "Serve you? If you see it that way… hehehehehe… But I will grant you the strength to make your enemies cower. Should you accept…"
Bowser's grin widened as a wicked laugh rumbled from his chest. "Heh heh heh… Fine. You've got yourself a deal, shadow freak. Let's see what you've got!"
Mephiles extended a shadowy hand, and dark energy swirled around Bowser. The ominous alliance was forged, and a new, terrifying force began to take shape in the cosmos
Meanwhile elsewhere
Play: Super Mario Galaxy OST - Luma
It began with bright lights, so piercing they burned into my vision. I could not see beyond them, only feel the sharpness of their radiance. They surrounded me, suffocating yet cold, as though they were not meant to illuminate, but to expose
And then came the pain. A deep, throbbing ache spread through my entire being, as though my very existence was being torn apart and stitched together again. My chest felt like it would burst, my head swam in agony. I wanted to cry out, but no sound came.
Faces followed. Blurred, indistinct, but eerily familiar in a way I cannot place. Were they people I once knew?
I saw one face linger longer than the others—a girl. Her lips moved, as if she were saying something, but her voice was drowned in an overwhelming silence. Her eyes, however, pierced through the void. They looked at me not with fear, but with… sorrow.
There was another. A figure towering over me, watching, scrutinizing. His 3 eyes—red like blood—seemed to see through me, as if he knew me better than I knew myself. His presence was suffocating
And then I fell. Or perhaps I was pulled. I spiraled downward, the bright lights fading into an endless black void. The pain ebbed away, replaced by an unsettling numbness
Who are these people? Are they figments of my imagination, or echoes of a past I can't remember? The girl—her sorrow felt… personal. And the towering figure… I can still feel his gaze, even now, as if he's watching me from somewhere beyond this world
Then, like a whisper, the world crumbles around me, collapsing like a shattered mirror
The silence mocks me, but the ache isn't going away…
In the eerie stillness of the dark field, a figure lay unconscious amidst the gently swaying grasses. The night sky above was dotted with faint, glowing lights, and faint whispers of the wind carried an otherworldly chill. The figure—a black hedgehog—was motionless, save for the subtle rise and fall of his chest
In the recesses of his mind, a soft, almost pleading voice echoed
"Are you alright? Do you remember…?"
The voice was young, full of concern, but without context. It faded as quickly as it came, leaving an emptiness that felt somehow heavier
Other, more distant voices began to murmur faintly
"Who is he?"
"He's a scary-looking fella, isn't he?"
"Should we check if he's okay?"
"He's clearly alive… I wonder what he's thinking"
The black hedgehog stirred, his eyelids fluttering before finally opening. His crimson eyes glowed faintly in the dim light as he pushed himself up to a sitting position, one hand on his forehead
Play: Super Mario Odyssey OST – Cap Kingdom
When he looked around, he froze. The surroundings were unlike anything he'd ever seen. Darkened hills dotted with odd, hat-shaped structures loomed in the distance, and a strange mist clung to the ground. Small floating ghost-like beings, with eyes protruding from hats, darted away and hid behind rocks and shadows the moment he looked their way
His gaze swept over the strange land with a mix of confusion and intrigue. His head throbbed faintly, a dull ache that brought no clarity to his thoughts
"What is this place…?" he muttered under his breath
One of the ghostly beings, trembling but resolute, slowly floated toward him. Its faint, glowing eyes studied him carefully as it gathered the courage to speak
"E-excuse me, sir," the small figure said, its voice timid but polite. "Who… who are you?"
The hedgehog turned to the little being, his expression softening slightly. He hesitated, his mind racing for an answer that wouldn't come
"I…" He paused, searching for a memory, a name, anything to grasp onto. The emptiness was suffocating. "I don't know. I don't know who I am… or how I got here."
The ghost-like being tilted its head, its expression shifting from fear to curiosity. "You don't know? That's strange… Maybe you fell from somewhere?"
The hedgehog frowned, his hand resting on his temple as he tried to focus. The ache in his head persisted, and the fragments of the voice he'd heard earlier flitted through his mind again
"Are you alright? Do you remember…?"
"No," he finally muttered, shaking his head. "..I…I don't….."
The ghost floated a little closer, its fear slowly ebbing away. "Well, you're in the Cap Kingdom," it said cautiously. "Maybe someone here can help you figure things out?"
The black hedgehog looked out over the strange, misty landscape again, his crimson eyes narrowing slightly as a determination flickered within him. "…Maybe," he said quietly, standing to his height
He then heard a noise making his gaze upward as faint shapes appeared in the overcast sky, growing larger and clearer by the second. They were figures riding broomsticks, cloaked in vibrant colors, their glowing wands crackling ominously
The reaction among the ghost-like beings was immediate. the Bonneters scattered in all directions, their frightened murmurs echoing across the Cap Kingdom
"They're back! Everyone, hide!"
"They'll zap us for sure!"
The black hedgehog turned to the bonnet that had spoken to him earlier. "Who are they?"
The bonnet, trembling but trying to stay brave, stammered, "T-they're magikoopas! A whole squad of them!"
The black hedgehog clutched his head as a sudden sharp pain surged through his mind. A fragmented memory flashed before him—an image of himself protecting a pink hedgehog from a swarm of mechanical foes. The vision faded as quickly as it came, leaving him with only the echo of his own voice: "Get behind me!"
Shaking his head to dispel the lingering haze, he looked at the bonnet "…I'll handle this."
The bonnet's eyes widened. "You will? But they're dangerous—"
"I said I'll handle it."
High above, the magikoopas cackled amongst themselves as they soared through the sky
"The Grand Star is secure," one said, twirling his wand lazily. "What now?"
"Now?" replied the ringleader, a magikoopa clad in a deep crimson cloak. "Now, we have fun. Let's show these little ghosts what happens when they don't pay their dues!"
Their wands lit up with crackling energy, and they began zapping indiscriminately at the fleeing bonneters below. The magical bolts left scorch marks on the ground as the magikoopas laughed gleefully
The black hedgehog's eyes narrowed as he instinctively dropped into a fighting stance. Without hesitation, he zoomed forward, a streak of black slicing through the misty air. In one swift motion, he leapt high into the sky and delivered a powerful kick to one of the magikoopas, sending them spiraling off their broomstick
The remaining magikoopas stopped in midair, stunned
"He's not Mario," one muttered, glaring at the hedgehog. "But maybe he's one of Mario's friends?"
The ringleader scoffed, spinning his wand. "Who cares who he is? Just destroy him!"
The air filled with flashes of multicolored magic as the magikoopas launched their attacks. The black hedgehog dashed through the chaos, his speed far outpacing their blasts. He closed the distance, spinning into a tight ball and rocketing toward them, knocking two more magikoopas from their brooms
"He's too fast!" one yelled
The ringleader snarled, "Forget this! Let's show him why we're feared." With a series of incantations, he and the remaining magikoopas combined their magic to summon a massive purple egg, glowing with ominous energy. The magikoopas grinned wickedly
"This isn't over," the ringleader declared. With a final cackle, he and his squad retreated into the sky, disappearing beyond the dark clouds.
As the magikoopas vanished, the black hedgehog landed gracefully on the ground. The bonnet who had spoken to him earlier cautiously floated closer, eyes wide with amazement.
"That was incredible!" it exclaimed. "You were like a shadow—darting around, protecting us from those meanies! A real shadow of justice!"
The black hedgehog froze at the word shadow. It resonated with him, stirring something deep inside. He looked down at his hands, then back at the bonneter
"Shadow…" he murmured. The word felt right. Familiar, even
He nodded, his crimson eyes narrowing with newfound resolve. "Call me Shadow."
Shadow turned to the bonneter floating near him as she hovered closer with an air of newfound confidence
"Well Shadow, My name's Molly," she said, her voice soft but warm. "Thank you for helping us. You're… really brave."
"Molly," Shadow repeated, He couldn't place why, but it stirred something deep within him—a faint flicker of something lost in the fog of his mind. He nodded slightly, his stoic demeanor softening just a fraction. "It's a good name."
Molly beamed, her small eyes glowing with gratitude
Meanwhile, not far from where they stood, two curious bonneters floated toward the massive purple egg that had been left behind by the magikoopas
"Wow, that's one big egg!" one of them exclaimed, circling it excitedly
"Maybe we could make a giant omelet out of it!" the other said, giggling as they hovered closer
Play: Super Mario Galaxy OST – Dino Piranha
As they drew near, one of them couldn't resist the urge to poke it. The moment their small, ghostly tendril made contact, the egg began to tremble
A deep rumble echoed through the area, making everyone stop in their tracks. The bonneters froze, staring at the egg in alarm as cracks began to spiderweb across its surface, emitting a faint purple glow
Shadow's eyes narrowed as he instinctively dropped into a ready stance. "That can't be good," he muttered, his voice low and tense
Molly floated back, her voice trembling. "What's happening? What's in there?"
The egg's shaking grew more violent, and with a loud crack, a chunk of the shell broke away, revealing a scaly surface beneath. A low, guttural growl rumbled from within, sending chills through the air.
The bonneters scattered in a panic as the egg finally burst apart, pieces flying in all directions. Emerging from the shattered shell was a massive, snarling creature—a Dino Piranha. Its fiery red eyes locked onto the surroundings, and its thorny tail whipped around angrily, smashing a nearby hat-shaped structure
Shadow's crimson eyes gleamed as he assessed the towering beast. The Dino Piranha let out an ear-splitting roar, shaking the ground beneath it as it stomped forward, snapping its massive jaws
Molly hovered closer to Shadow, trembling. "W-what is that thing?!"
Shadow stepped forward, his body tense but ready for action. "Don't know," he said simply.
The Dino Piranha's eyes locked onto Shadow, and it charged, its massive body barreling forward with destructive intent. Shadow narrowed his eyes, adrenaline kicking in as he prepared to meet the creature head-on
Shadow darted forward, a blur of black and crimson streaking through the misty air as he launched himself into a spin dash. His curled form slammed into the Dino Piranha's torso with immense force, knocking the massive creature off balance. It staggered, letting out an enraged growl, but to Shadow's surprise, it didn't topple
The Dino Piranha retaliated swiftly, swinging its thorny tail toward him with devastating speed. Shadow narrowly avoided the strike, flipping backward as he analyzed his opponent. His sharp eyes caught the creature's tail swinging back and forth, the length of it seeming elastic
A thought clicked in his mind. If it can stretch…
Zooming in again, Shadow ducked under a bite from the Dino Piranha and delivered a powerful kick to its tail. The tail stretched unnaturally, snapping back like a whip and smacking the Dino Piranha square in the head
The impact sent the creature reeling, its eyes glowing brighter as its body turned a fiery red. With a furious roar, it charged at Shadow, its jaws snapping and tail swinging wildly.
Shadow smirked faintly. "So, you don't like that, huh?"
The Dino Piranha lunged, and Shadow sidestepped effortlessly, dodging a series of vicious tail swipes and ground-shaking stomps. Each movement felt instinctual, as if he had faced countless opponents before
Timing his next move perfectly, Shadow zipped behind the beast and delivered another powerful kick to its tail. Once again, the tail stretched and snapped back, smacking the Dino Piranha in the head with a resounding thunk
The creature let out one final, deafening roar before it began to shimmer and dissolve, disappearing in a puff of smoke and leaving behind only a faint glow that quickly faded
Shadow straightened, brushing himself off as he watched the spot where the Dino Piranha had vanished. "Hmph. That was easier than I expected," he muttered
Molly flew over to him, her wide eyes filled with awe. "You did it! That was amazing, Shadow! Thank you for saving us again!"
Shadow glanced at her, his expression softening slightly. "It wasn't a big deal."
"But how were you able to fight like that?" Molly asked, her curiosity evident. "You were so skilled! It was like you've been fighting your whole life."
Shadow looked down at his hands, flexing his fingers as if trying to grasp an elusive memory. "I don't know," he admitted, his voice low. "It came naturally, like… like I've done it a hundred times before."
Molly tilted her head. "…You don't remember those either, do you?"
Shadow shook his head. "No…"
Molly floated closer, her voice gentle. "Well, whatever you've forgotten, you're still a hero to us. Thank you, Shadow."
Shadow then nods to her and turned his gaze through the misty expanse of the Cap Kingdom, his crimson eyes scanning the strange, surreal landscape. Besides the ghostly bonneters, he noticed massive frogs, each of them wearing a small, stylish top hat perched atop their heads
Shadow paused, narrowing his eyes at one of the frogs as it ribbited loudly and hopped away, disappearing into the fog. The oddity of the scene didn't faze him much, but it only deepened the sense of displacement that clung to his mind
In the distance, Shadow caught glimpses of faraway cities—strange shapes of looming towers and twinkling lights barely visible through the haze. He wasn't sure what to make of them, or of the endless fog that stretched out beneath the kingdom like a bottomless abyss
He clenched his fists as a slight headache pulsed through his temple again. Fragments of thoughts danced on the edges of his mind, just out of reach
"Shadow?" Molly's voice brought him out of his thoughts. She floated near him, her small form radiating concern. "Are you alright?"
Shadow hesitated, his gaze still fixed on the fog below. "I don't know," he admitted, his voice quiet but tense. "This place… everything about it feels strange. But I can't say why."
Molly hovered closer, watching him carefully. For a moment, she seemed unsure of what to say. Then, as if struck by inspiration, her eyes lit up
"I know someone who might be able to help!" she exclaimed
Shadow turned his head toward her, his interest piqued. "Who?"
"There's this one I know—an archeologist named Stephen," Molly explained. "He's super smart and always curious about things from other kingdoms. If anyone has a clue about where you might've come from, it's him!"
Shadow listened silently, his gaze drifting over the peculiar sights around him. The kingdom was bustling with bonneters working diligently to repair various hat-shaped ships scattered across the land. Most of them appeared broken down, their once-pristine exteriors scuffed and battered
One ship, however, stood out. Unlike the others, it remained upright and seemingly intact, its structure gleaming faintly even in the dim light. Molly led Shadow straight to it, her enthusiasm to anyone else would've been infectious
"This is Stephen's place!" Molly announced as they reached the door. She floated up and gave it a firm knock
Play: Sonic Unleashed OST – Apotos (Night)
After a moment, the door creaked open, revealing a bonneter with a pair of round spectacles perched on his face. His hat-like form was slightly tilted, giving him a scholarly yet quirky appearance
"Oh, Molly! And… who's this?" Stephen's voice carried a tone of curiosity as his gaze landed on Shadow. His eyes widened, and he floated closer to inspect him. "Fascinating! A visitor from… somewhere else, I assume?"
Molly smiled nervously. "Hi, Stephen. We need your help. This is Shadow, and, well… he's lost. We were hoping you might know something that could help him figure out where he's from."
Stephen's interest visibly piqued as he eagerly gestured for them to enter. "Come in, come in! This is most intriguing!"
Inside, the ship's interior was cluttered with scrolls, maps, and strange artifacts. Stephen floated over to Shadow, circling him with a scrutinizing gaze
"Hmm… most unusual," Stephen muttered, adjusting his glasses. "You don't look like you're from the Mushroom Kingdom—or any of the other kingdoms I've studied.".
He paused, tilting his head. "Tell me, Shadow, what do you know about yourself? Anything at all?"
Shadow's expression darkened as he shook his head. "I don't remember anything," he admitted. "It's all… blank."
Stephen hummed thoughtfully, both puzzled and intrigued. "Curious… very curious indeed. Amnesia, you say? That makes things tricky, but not impossible!"
Turning to Molly, Stephen asked, "Where did you find him?"
Molly pointed back toward the fields. "Out in the open, near the edge of the fog. He was just lying there, unconscious."
Stephen stroked his nonexistent chin, his eyes gleaming with a mix of confusion and excitement. "Very peculiar. Shadow, you're unlike anything I've ever encountered. There's something extraordinary about you… I can feel it!"
Shadow remained silent, his gaze steady but unreadable. Stephen, undeterred, began rummaging through his collection of maps and documents, muttering to himself
"Well, we'll start with what we can," Stephen said. "If you're not from any known kingdom… perhaps… maybe somewhere undiscovered?"
Shadow crossed his arms, glancing at Molly. "Looks like we're not done yet," he muttered
Molly smiled encouragingly. "Don't worry, Shadow. We'll figure this out together!"
With Stephen's help, a new thread of possibility had been uncovered, and Shadow felt the faintest flicker of hope amidst his uncertainty
"Say… I don't hear the commotion of those ruffians.. why did it stop?" said Stephen
"Well you see, he went ZOOM! And knocked out a few of the magikoops and then they left a monster egg. And when it hatched Shadow kept kicking its tail and WHAM! It went poof" said Molly excitedly
"Wait, wait!" he said, adjusting his glasses. "You're telling me that Shadow drove off the Magikoopas and defeated a monster? That's extraordinary!"
Molly nodded eagerly. "It was amazing! He was so fast and strong—zooming all over the place and knocking them out like it was nothing! You should've seen him spin into that Monster. It didn't stand a chance!"
Shadow crossed his arms, his expression unreadable, though he way Molly acted seemingly brought something in his mind
"You're so cool Shadow! I hope you can do more tricks like that!" said a feminine voice in Shadow's mind
Stephen, however, was practically vibrating with excitement. "Fast, strong, and capable of taking on creatures like a Dino Piranha? Fascinating! Absolutely fascinating!" He floated over to a cluttered corner of his home, where stacks of scrolls and books teetered precariously. "Let me see... where did I put that chart on creatures associated with speed?"
He rummaged through his collection, unrolling scrolls and flipping through pages with a practiced, if chaotic, flair. Molly and Shadow exchanged glances as Stephen muttered to himself
"Aha! Here it is!" Stephen pulled out a large, detailed map depicting various creatures from across the kingdoms. He began pointing out figures, each labeled with notes. "Let's see... there's the Cheep Cheep, known for its swift movements underwater. Then we have the Para-Biddybuds, rather quick on their feet... and of course, the iconic Yoshis, who are famously speedy runners."
Stephen glanced at Shadow and shook his head. "But you're nothing like any of these. No fins, no wings, no resemblance to a Yoshi... hmm."
He floated back to the chart, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Could you be some sort of rare offshoot? Or perhaps... something entirely new?"
Molly's eyes widened. "You think Shadow might be a new species?"
Stephen turned to her with an excited gleam in his eyes. "It's possible! He doesn't resemble any known creature in the Mushroom Kingdom—or any other kingdom, for that matter. And that speed you described... it's unlike anything I've documented before."
Shadow frowned slightly, glancing down at his gloved hands. "I'm... not a species," he said slowly, his voice firm but uncertain. "I…I don't think…"
Stephen tilted his head curiously. "Oh? What are you, then?"
Shadow hesitated, the weight of his amnesia pressing down on him. "I don't know," he admitted
Stephen hummed thoughtfully, his enthusiasm undeterred. "Well, whether you're a new species or something entirely unique, one thing's for certain: you're extraordinary, Shadow. And that means you might hold secrets we've yet to uncover."
Molly floated closer, her smile reassuring. "Don't worry, Shadow. We'll figure it out together. Right, Stephen?"
Stephen nodded emphatically. "Absolutely! Why not stick around here for a bit. Maybe looking through some of my things may ring a bell to you"
Stephen floated over to one of his shelves, his stubby arms scrambling to pull out various scrolls and notebooks. "Perhaps, Shadow," he began, "looking through some of my research might jog your memory. I've compiled notes on countless creatures, legends, and anomalies from the kingdoms. There's bound to be something that resonates with you."
Shadow gave a small nod, his crimson eyes following Stephen as he darted about, muttering to himself while gathering materials
Meanwhile Molly perked up. "That's a great idea! While you two go through all that, I'll make some coffee. It's been a long day already, hasn't it?"
She zipped over to a corner of the room where a small coffee-making station sat. However, as she reached for the bag of coffee beans, she miscalculated her grip, and the bag tumbled to the ground, spilling beans everywhere
"Oh no!" Molly exclaimed, trying to gather the beans
Shadow, observing the commotion, crouched down and picked up a single bean. He sniffed it curiously, tilting his head. The scent was rich and earthy, strangely appealing. Without hesitation, he popped it into his mouth and chewed
Molly froze, wide-eyed. "W-wait! You're not supposed to eat them like that!"
Shadow raised an eyebrow, ignoring her protest. "It's edible." He reached for the bag, lifting it effortlessly with one hand, and began casually eating the beans straight from it
Molly blinked in disbelief. "You like them? Just... plain like that?"
Shadow nodded. "They taste fine."
Molly let out a bewildered laugh. "Well, that's one way to enjoy them, I guess!" She quickly turned back to the coffee maker, starting a fresh brew for herself while shaking her head in amusement.
Stephen, meanwhile, had created a chaotic pile of documents and books on the table. "Alright, Shadow!" he called, waving a scroll in the air. "Take a look at these! I've got records of ancient warriors, mythical creatures, and even stories of visitors from beyond the kingdoms!"
Shadow, still munching on coffee beans, walked over to the table and gazed down at the haphazard display of research. His eyes scanned the sketches and notes, occasionally landing on a word or image that seemed vaguely familiar, though nothing clicked
Stephen observed Shadow curiously as the hedgehog sifted through the documents with surprising focus. "You're quite the enigma, aren't you?"
Shadow didn't respond immediately, his attention caught by an old, faded drawing of a figure surrounded by sparks of energy. He stared at it, the image stirring something deep within him, though it remained frustratingly out of reach
Molly returned with her steaming cup of coffee, floating beside him. "Find anything interesting yet?" she asked, taking a sip
Shadow didn't answer right away. He placed the bag of coffee beans down and tapped the drawing with a finger
Shadow frowned, his gaze darkening. "I don't know," he said quietly, his voice tinged with frustration
Molly set her cup down and placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "We'll figure it out, Shadow. Step by step. You've already come this far."
Shadow looked at her for a moment before nodding slightly. Though he didn't say it, he appreciated their determination to help him, even if the answers remained elusive for now
Stephen adjusted his monocle, floating closer to Shadow with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You know," he began, "perhaps a bit of treasure hunting might help jog your memory. Exploring ruins, uncovering ancient artifacts—it's invigorating work! You'd be surprised how much history can stir up buried thoughts."
Shadow glanced at him, skeptical. "Treasure hunting?"
Molly, sipping her coffee, narrowed her eyes at Stephen. "Oh, come on, Stephen. We both know what you're really after. You just want someone to help you lug around those heavy excavation tools and dig up artifacts for your research."
Stephen gasped in mock offense. "I would never!" He floated up dramatically, clutching his chest. "I am merely suggesting a mutually beneficial endeavor! Besides," he added, floating back down, "we might stumble upon something that's actually connected to Shadow. It's a win-win!"
Molly rolled her eyes, smirking. "Sure, let's keep that idea as a 'for later' thing, then. For now, maybe we should focus on helping Shadow settle in."
Stephen sighed, realizing she wasn't entirely wrong. "Fine, fine. We'll table the treasure hunting for now. Speaking of which," he turned to Shadow, "do you have anywhere to stay?"
Shadow thought for a moment before shaking his head. "No. Nowhere."
Stephen's eyes lit up. "Excellent! Er, I mean, not excellent that you don't have anywhere to stay, but excellent that I can offer you a place! I have a perfectly comfortable chair right here in my study—it's practically an armchair! Perfect for a guest."
Shadow glanced at the chair, noting its well-worn but cushioned appearance. "It'll do," he said simply.
"Splendid!" Stephen said, clapping his stubby hands together. "Make yourself at home, my enigmatic friend. We'll sort out this mystery of yours in no time."
Molly floated toward the door, stifling a yawn. "Well, I'm off to bed. You two don't stay up too late with your 'mystery solving,' alright?" She winked at Shadow. "See you tomorrow."
Shadow gave a small nod in response. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Molly," Stephen chimed in, watching her leave before turning his attention back to Shadow. "Now, if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. We'll start fresh in the morning."
Shadow sat in the chair, its softness surprising him. As the room quieted, his gaze drifted to the flickering candlelight and the stacks of books surrounding him. Though he didn't say it aloud, the small semblance of comfort felt… welcome
The next day
Shadow sat in the dimly lit room, the moonlight filtering through the cracked shutters slowly dimming as clouds passed over the sky. He leaned back in the chair, his arms crossed, staring at the faint light with a heavy expression
Despite the quiet of the room, sleep eluded him. He closed his eyes, but his thoughts churned relentlessly
"…Just Who am I?"
The question echoed in his mind, gnawing at him. Bits and pieces of sensations flitted by—flashes of a girl's voice, a sensation of speed, a fight against something metallic—but they dissolved like mist before he could grasp them
He sighed, tilting his head back to stare at the ceiling. "This isn't getting me anywhere," he muttered
A soft, rhythmic sound caught his attention, pulling his gaze to Stephen. The Bonneter had slumped over the table, surrounded by open books and notes, his small body rising and falling with every soft snore. A quill dangled loosely from one of his stubby hands, the ink already drying on the parchment he'd been writing on
Shadow found himself watching the eccentric researcher, slightly amused despite himself. He was up late, trying to help me, Shadow thought. The realization brought a faint, fleeting sense of gratitude, though he didn't dwell on it long
His eyes wandered back to the window, his mind heavy. They want to help, but what if there's nothing to find? The thought lingered bitterly. He clenched his fists, trying to dispel the sense of helplessness
Forcing himself to relax, he leaned back into the chair again, hoping—though not believing—that tomorrow might bring some answers. For now, all he could do was wait for morning
Later
Play: Super Mario Odyssey OST – Top Hat Tower
The morning filtered through the shutters, casting soft rays across Stephen's cluttered room. Shadow stirred as Molly knocked on the door, calling out cheerfully, "Morning! How are you two doing?"
Though what struck Shadow is odd is how it's still dark outside. Albiet less dark
Stephen, bleary-eyed and holding a half-filled cup of coffee, grumbled, "Morning already? Nothing new since you left, Molly. My notes didn't magically sprout answers overnight."
Shadow, standing near the window, simply crossed his arms. He glanced over at Molly as she floated in, her energy starkly contrasting Stephen's grogginess
Before anyone could say more, there was a sharp knock on the door. Stephen perked up, Molly turned curiously, and Shadow raised an eyebrow. "Expecting anyone?" he asked.
Stephen shook his head. "Not unless someone's delivering me an epiphany."
When Stephen opened the door, two Bonneters stood there, each holding a gift. One carried a meticulously crafted model of Bonneton Tower, its details intricately painted, while the other held a plush frog with a noticeable top hat
The two Bonneters beamed. "We just wanted to thank the hero for saving us from the invaders yesterday!" one said cheerfully. "It's not much, but we thought you might like these."
Shadow stared at the gifts, unsure how to respond. "Uh… thanks," he said awkwardly, eventually taking them and setting them to the side, unsure what to do with either
Molly immediately snatched up the frog plush, hugging it tightly. "Aww, this is adorable! Shadow, can I keep it? It's too cute to leave here."
Stephen, on the other hand, was examining the Bonneton Tower model with childlike enthusiasm. "Would you look at this craftsmanship! I've been wanting one of these for ages but never had the spare cash. They're surprisingly pricey!"
Shadow watched their reactions with faint amusement
"At least someone's getting something out of this," he thought, glancing at the gifts once more before returning his gaze out the window. Though he didn't say it, the gesture from the Bonneters warmed something deep within him, a feeling he couldn't quite place
"Well," Stephen said, finally setting the model on a nearby shelf with great care, "now that we're up and grateful citizens have stopped by, we might as well plan the day. Shadow, feel free to help yourself to breakfast while Molly and I brainstorm."
Shadow gave a slight nod, though his thoughts were still elsewhere
The two Bonneters, still standing by the door, exchanged nervous glances before one spoke up. "Um, there's actually another reason we came by," he said, shifting uncomfortably
Shadow turned to them, his sharp crimson gaze locking on the floating ghost-like creatures. "What is it?"
"It's Bowser's army," the other Bonneter said quickly, their voice trembling slightly. "They didn't just steal our Power Star… they also took a chunk of our land. They ripped it right off the ground and flew away with it!"
Molly gasped, and Stephen's coffee cup wobbled in his grip. "A chunk of land?" Stephen echoed incredulously. "Like—how much land are we talking here?"
The Bonneters motioned for them to follow, and the group stepped outside. Shadow's eyes widened ever so slightly as they walked to the edge of the Cap Kingdom. There, an enormous crater marred the landscape, jagged edges marking where a sizable portion of the ground had been wrenched away. It was as if someone had taken a massive bite out of the terrain, leaving nothing but mist and emptiness in its place
Shadow frowned, crossing his arms. "How the hell…?" He trailed off, trying to process how anyone could physically lift an entire piece of land like that
The Bonneters floated in front of him, their eyes wide with desperation. "Please, Shadow!" one begged. "We don't have the strength to fight them off ourselves, and our Power Star is crucial to keeping our kingdom afloat. Without it, things could get worse!"
Molly floated beside Shadow, giving him a pleading look. "They're right. We can't just leave them like this."
Stephen, ever the opportunist, clapped his hands together. "Sounds like the perfect excuse for an adventure! Think of the discoveries, the artifacts, the stories we could find while helping them. Shadow, this is fate calling!"
Shadow turned his head slightly, giving Stephen a skeptical look. Before he could respond, Stephen, Molly, and the other Bonneters all simultaneously gave him the most exaggerated puppy-dog eyes imaginable. Their wide, shimmering gazes bore into him, silently begging for his agreement
Shadow sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Very well..."
The moment those words left his mouth, the nearby Bonneters erupted in cheers, their ghostly forms bouncing with excitement. Molly gave an excited twirl, and even Stephen looked pleased as he patted Shadow on the back
"Excellent!" Stephen said. "Let's not waste time, then. We've got land to reclaim, a Power Star to recover, and some bad guys to show up."
Shadow watched the excited Bonneters start preparing for whatever lay ahead.
"Why do I feel like I've done this kind of thing before?" He wondered, his feet already moving forward
Inside Stephen's cozy, cluttered home, Shadow leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "Alright," he said, his voice low and direct. "How am I supposed to find Bowser's army? They didn't exactly leave a trail."
Stephen grinned, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Oh, I've got an idea!" He floated to a dusty corner of the room and pulled a lever concealed beneath a pile of books. With a loud creak, part of the floor shifted, revealing a hidden keyboard console that lit up as Stephen tapped on it
"All the houses here in the Cap Kingdom are also ships," Stephen explained, his enthusiasm growing. "Thankfully, since mine wasn't destroyed in the attack, we can use it to travel!"
Shadow raised an eyebrow, glancing around the room, now vibrating slightly from the sudden activation of the ship's systems. "You're saying this whole house… is a ship?"
"Exactly!" Stephen said proudly
Before Shadow could respond, the house lurched violently, sending a few books and trinkets tumbling to the floor. Shadow had to steady himself against a wall. "This thing's barely holding together," he muttered as the floor beneath his feet vibrated more intensely
Molly floated by, offering an apologetic look. "It's, um, a little shaky at first, but Stephen's house-ship has always managed to hold up!"
Outside, the gathered Bonneters waved enthusiastically as the house-ship began to rise into the air. "Good luck!" one called out
Another Bonneter turned to his companion, whispering, "Y'know, maybe we should've just asked that red hat plumber and his brother to handle this."
"Eh," the second Bonneter replied with a shrug. "They're probably busy at the castle helping the princess again. Besides. They are VERY far away. I doubt they would've reach us in time like that Shadow guy did"
Shadow caught snippets of their conversation through the still-open window and rolled his eyes, gripping a nearby railing as the house-ship surged forward, shakily but surely taking to the skies
But eventually, the house-ship started to wobble through the skies, Molly floated over to Stephen, her expression skeptical. "Stephen," she asked, crossing her arms, "do you actually know where we're going, or are you just winging it?"
Stephen hesitated, scratching the back of his bonnet sheepishly. "Well, uh… I might have a general idea, but specifics? Eh, not so much."
Molly gasped, her eyes narrowing as she scolded him. "Stephen! You mean to tell me we're just flying around aimlessly? What were you thinking?"
Shadow, leaning against the wall to steady himself from the turbulence, let out a frustrated sigh. "I knew this was a mistake," he muttered
Before anyone could say more, a loud clunk echoed through the house-ship, followed by a series of metallic groans and sparks. Stephen darted to the console, his movements frantic. "Uh-oh! Something's wrong—really wrong!"
"Now you figure that out?" Shadow deadpanned
The ship lurched violently, and Stephen shouted, "Emergency landing protocol! Hang on!"
*Pffffff*
The descent was chaotic, but not catastrophic. The house-ship bounced and skidded across uneven terrain, finally coming to a jarring stop in the middle of a dense forest. Books, trinkets, and a few of Stephen's gadgets tumbled to the floor
"…" said Shadow as he looked at Stephen for a moment before shaking his head slightly in mild annoyance
As the dust settled, Stephen floated to a window, peering out. "Phew… that could've been worse." He turned back to the others, rubbing his bonnet nervously. "Okay, note to self: really should've renovated before trying ship mode again."
Shadow stepped outside, surveying their surroundings. Tall trees stretched endlessly in every direction, their canopies forming a thick green ceiling. The air smelled fresh, damp with morning dew. "Where are we?"
Stephen pulled out a map from his collection of clutter, examining it closely. "Aha! I recognize this area. We're in the Forest Maze."
"The Forest Maze?" Molly asked, floating beside him
Play: Super Mario RPG Remake OST – The Forest Maze
Stephen nodded. "Yup, and not too far from here is a large town called Rose Town. It's inhabited by Toads, and if we're lucky, someone there might be nice enough to help fix the ship."
Shadow crossed his arms, glancing back at the now-grounded house-ship. "We'll need more than luck. That thing looks like it's held together with duct tape and hope."
Stephen ignored the jab, stuffing the map into a satchel. As he then began to rummage through a pile of tools and spare parts, muttering to himself. "I'll fix what I can here. You two should head to Rose Town and see if you can find anyone that's a mechanic"
Molly floated closer, her bonnet tipping in concern. "How are we supposed to find our way back? This forest is huge!"
Shadow glanced over his shoulder at the faint trail of smoke rising from the battered house-ship. "It's not exactly subtle. We'll just follow the smoke trail back."
Molly hesitated but eventually nodded. "Okay… if you're sure."
With that, the two of them set off. Shadow's stride was calm and purposeful, while Molly flitted nervously beside him, glancing at every shadow and rustling leaf
After a few minutes of walking, Shadow stopped and turned to Molly. "Do you even know which direction Rose Town is?"
"Uh…" Molly looked uncertain, then floated up above the treetops to get a better view. From her vantage point, she spotted a clearing in the distance with buildings dotting the landscape. She descended quickly, pointing in the general direction. "That way! I think."
Shadow sighed, his tone dry. "You think."
"Hey, I found it, didn't I?" Molly defended herself, though she stuck closer to Shadow as they moved deeper into the forest
Shadow pushed aside a low-hanging branch, the dappled light of the forest playing off his crimson streaks. "Let's hope Stephen is right about finding someone who can help. If not, we'll just have to hope we run into someone a bit more… reliable."
Molly hovered close, her nervous energy palpable. "I don't like this forest. It's too dark, and everything feels… spooky."
Shadow glanced at her, his expression softening slightly. "Stick close. Nothing's going to happen while I'm here."
Molly gave a small, grateful smile, her confidence slightly bolstered by his words. As the two pressed on toward Rose Town, the forest seemed to grow quieter, Shadow glanced over at Molly, breaking the silence. "So, is this your first time going on an adventure like this?"
Molly gave a light chuckle. "My first? Oh, no, this is my third adventure with Stephen. He's always dragging me into something. I'm practically his assistant at this point."
Shadow raised a brow. "And you keep going along with it?"
Molly shrugged. "Well, someone has to make sure he doesn't get himself into trouble."
Before Shadow could respond, they both froze at the sound of a frightened voice nearby. "H-hello? Is anyone there? Please don't hurt me!"
The two exchanged a glance, and Shadow motioned for Molly to follow as he silently moved toward the voice. They pushed through a thick patch of undergrowth to find a young toad boy trembling near a tree. His wide eyes lit up with amazement as he took in the sight of Shadow and Molly
"Whoa!" the boy exclaimed, his fear melting into awe. His gaze locked on Molly. "Are you… the ghost of my mom's old hat?"
Molly blinked, then laughed softly. "Oh no, I'm not a ghost! I'm a bonneter."
The boy tilted his head, fascinated. "What's a bonneter?"
"We're like… magical hats," Molly explained. "And yeah, we all look kind of like ghost hats. It's just how we are."
"That's so cool!" the boy said, his fear completely gone now. He turned to Shadow. As he gave him a good look at his appearance "And what about you? Are you, like, some kind of superhero or something?"
Shadow crossed his arms, his crimson eyes narrowing slightly. "Not exactly. What are you doing out here?" feeling a little cautious
The boy hesitated, his excitement dimming. "Well… I saw something fall out of the sky, and I wanted to check it out. But, uh… I got lost in the woods. If I don't get home before night, my parents are gonna totally ground me!"
Molly floated closer, giving the boy a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. We'll help you get home."
The boy's face lit up. "Really? You will?"
Shadow nodded, his tone firm. "Yeah. Stick close to us, and don't wander off again."
The boy grinned, his fear completely replaced by a newfound sense of adventure. "Thanks! My name's Gaz, by the way!"
"I'm Molly," the bonneter replied warmly.
"Shadow," the hedgehog added, as he uncrossed his arms as Molly began to lead the way With Gaz now in tow
After a little bit of walking. Gaz couldn't stop giving quick looks to Shadow with full curiosity and fascination
"Hey Shadow?" said Gaz
"?" said Shadow
"Do by chance you shoot lasers out of your eyes?" Gaz asked eagerly.
"No." said Shadow slightly caught off guard by the question
"Can you fly?"
"Not really."
"Do you… have metal claws?"
"I don't think so"
"What about spider powers? Like shooting webs?"
"What?"
"Do you have super strength? Like, can you lift a tree?"
Shadow sighed softly. "I don't know."
Gaz tilted his head, undeterred. "You've gotta have a cool superhero name, right? What is it? Shadow? Or is it something cooler, like 'Batman' or 'Venom'?"
"…are those actual superhero names?" said Shadow curiously
"I dunno. I just made them up?" said Gaz shrugging his shoulders
Shadow glanced at him, unsure how to respond. Molly floated over, smirking. "He may not have a superhero name, but he did defeat a giant ferocious Dino Piranha all by himself."
Gaz gasped, his jaw practically hitting the forest floor. "WHAT?! That's so cool!" He looked up at Shadow, his admiration growing by the second. "You are a superhero! You're like another Mario!"
Shadow raised an eyebrow. "Who's Mario?"
"You don't know Mario?!" Gaz looked absolutely shocked. "He's the hero of the Mushroom Kingdom! He fights bad guys, saves his girlfriend Princess Peach, and stomps on evil turtles! He's super famous! But the Mushroom Kingdom is…. really, REALLY far away from here."
Before Shadow could process this, a rustling sound caught his attention. The group froze as multiple Piranha Plants sprouted from the ground, their snapping jaws and thorny stems blocking the path forward
Gaz screamed, "Oh no!"
"Stay back," Shadow ordered, stepping forward without hesitation
One of the plants lunged at him, but Shadow sidestepped with lightning-fast reflexes, delivering a spinning kick that sent its head snapping backward. Another tried to bite him, but Shadow leapt high into the air, slamming down with a powerful punch that uprooted it completely
A cluster of smaller Piranha Plants surrounded him, but Shadow crouched down and felt another instinct kick in. A spin dash as he zoomed at a the Piranha plants in his wake. Within moments, the clearing was silent, the once-menacing plants reduced to harmless debris.
Gaz's mouth hung open in astonishment. "That. Was. AWESOME!" He ran up to Shadow, practically bouncing with excitement. "You're like a ninja superhero or something!"
Shadow shook his head, brushing off his hands. "…I'm not a superhero."
Molly chuckled. "Could've fooled me."
Gaz looked up at Shadow, his awe unwavering. "You might not think you're a superhero, but you're my hero now!"
Shadow blinked with slight confusion. Its not that he had a he problem with what Gaz said.
But he felt like someone else said someone similar to him. But he just couldn't remember
"You're my hero Shadow"
Shadow shook off the thought and then turned back toward the path. "Let's keep moving. The sooner we get out of this forest, the better."
Gaz eagerly followed, practically buzzing with excitement. Molly floated alongside Shadow, whispering with a grin, "You've got yourself a fan."
Shadow sighed but couldn't entirely hide the faint amusement in his expression
Later
Play: Super Mario RPG Remake OST – Rose Town
After what felt like hours of trekking through the dark and eerie forest, the group finally emerged into the bright, lively town of Rose Town. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting warm light over the quaint houses and bustling streets
Toads of all shapes and colors wandered about, going about their daily routines. But as soon as they spotted Shadow, their curious gazes locked onto him. Whispers of intrigue spread among the townsfolk, their wide eyes taking in his unfamiliar appearance
"Is that a new kind of creature?" one Toad murmured
"He doesn't look like he's from around here," another whispered
Unfazed by the attention, Shadow followed Gaz, who excitedly led him and Molly through the town. "Come on! My house is just over here!"
They soon arrived at a cozy-looking house with flowerpots lining the windowsills. Gaz threw the door open and called out, "Mom! I'm home! And I brought friends!"
A kind-looking Toad woman stepped out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on an apron. She smiled warmly at Shadow, though her expression briefly turned to surprise when she noticed Molly. "Oh my! I've never seen a… uh, floating hat like you before."
Molly smiled politely. "I'm a Bonneter, ma'am. We're from the Cap Kingdom. It's a pleasure to meet you."
The mother tilted her head curiously but quickly regained her composure. "Well, it's nice to meet you too! I'm Gaz's mom. Thank you for bringing him home safely."
Molly floated closer. "It's no trouble at all. Actually, we're hoping you could help us. Is there a mechanic in town? Our ship needs some repairs."
"Oh, yes, we do have a mechanic!" Gaz's mom said, pointing toward the eastern part of town. "Head down that way, past the bakery, and you'll see a workshop with a big wrench sign. That's Tinker Toad's place. He should be able to help."
Molly beamed. "Thank you so much!"
Gaz's mom then clapped her hands together. "But before you go, you must stay for lunch! It's the least I can do to thank you."
Shadow opened his mouth to politely decline, but Gaz's mom interrupted. "Oh, and Shadow, would you mind playing with Gaz for a bit after we eat? He doesn't get to play with many new people."
Shadow hesitated, unsure of how to respond. He looked down at Gaz, who was grinning from ear to ear, clearly excited at the idea.
For a moment. Shadow saw another person with a similar grin in Gaz's place. Someone familiar but still cannot recognize
"…I don't see any harm in it," Shadow finally said
Gaz cheered, and his mother clapped her hands. "Wonderful! Now, sit tight while I whip up something delicious!"
Shadow then sat down, observing the warm, homey atmosphere of the house. It felt strange, but something about it felt oddly comforting. As Molly floated to his side
"Cmon guys! Let's play!" said Gaz hopping in excitement gesturing for both Shadow and Molly to follow into the living room. "I know exactly what we can do!" he said, pulling out a small box from a shelf. Inside were four dolls: one of Bowser, one of Peach, one of Mario, and a wooden one with a blue cloak and hat
"Lets see, we got Bowser" said Gaz holding up the Bowser doll, "Then Mario" as he then held up the Mario doll "And Princess Peach!" as he held up the Princess Peach doll, but he didn't introduce the fourth doll
Gaz placed the dolls on the table, then picked up the wooden one. Shadow leaned forward, intrigued. "Who's this supposed to be?" he asked, pointing at the wooden doll
Gaz shrugged. "I'm not sure, really. It was a gift from someone who visited Rose Town a long time ago. But it's cool, right?"
Shadow nodded slightly, then watched as Gaz handed him the Bowser and Peach dolls. "Here! You can be Bowser and Peach. And Molly can be Peach"
Molly's eyes lit up as she took the Peach doll. "Oh, how fun! I'll be Peach!" she said, floating slightly higher as if assuming a royal air
Shadow, now holding the Bowser doll, looked at it awkwardly. "What exactly am I supposed to do with this?"
Gaz grabbed the Mario doll, striking a dramatic pose. "You're Bowser! You're trying to kidnap Peach, but don't worry—Mario's here to save the day!"
Shadow raised an eyebrow but decided to play along. "Right…"
Gaz grinned. "Here, I'll give you some villain quotes! Say stuff like, 'You'll never see her again!' or 'Mario is no match for me!'"
Shadow hesitated, holding the Bowser doll stiffly. "Uh… you'll never see her again?"
Gaz burst into laughter. "No, you have to sound meaner! Try it again, but louder!"
Shadow sighed and adjusted his tone. "You'll never see her again, Mario!"
Molly giggled as she held the Peach doll. "Oh no! Someone save me!"
Shadow glanced at her, then back at Gaz. "Mario is no match for me," he recited awkwardly.
Gaz cheered. "That's perfect!"
Shadow couldn't help but feel slightly out of his element, but seeing the joy on Gaz's face—and Molly's enthusiastic participation—made it less unbearable. "So, what happens now?" Shadow asked
"Now, Mario saves the day!" Gaz declared, leaping onto the table with the Mario doll. "Take that, Bowser!"
Shadow gets an idea and moved the Bowser doll to dodge. "You'll have to do better than that, plumber!" he said, his tone gaining a bit of playful confidence
Shadow suddenly paused. A vague flashback flickered in his mind
He saw himself, smiling without restraint, sitting on the floor with a stuffed toy in his hands. Beside him was a blonde girl, laughing softly as they played. He couldn't recall her face or her name, but the feeling of familiarity was almost overwhelming
"Oh Shadow. I'm glad you like the bear"
"Shadow?" Molly's voice snapped him out of his reverie "You ok?"
He blinked and turned to her. "I'm fine," he assured her, though his tone carried a faint hint of distraction
Molly tilted her head curiously but didn't press further. "Okay… if you say so."
They continued to play with Gaz for a while longer, with Molly eagerly diving into her role as Peach, much to Gaz's delight. Shadow, though still awkward, found himself growing more comfortable with the playful atmosphere
After some time, Gaz's mom entered the room with a tray of sandwiches. "I thought you all could use lunch," she said with a warm smile
"Thanks, Mom!" Gaz exclaimed, hopping up to grab a sandwich
Shadow took one as well, nodding politely in appreciation. As they ate, his gaze drifted to the wooden doll. "What does this one do?" he asked, gesturing to it
Gaz's eyes lit up. "Oh, it's super cool! Watch this!" He grabbed the wooden doll, pulled a small mechanism on its back, and aimed it at the Bowser doll. With a soft click, a tiny rubber ball shot out, striking Bowser squarely in the chest
"Whoa," Molly said, impressed "I've never seen anything toys do that"
"I can even aim it!" Gaz said proudly. He adjusted his aim, but as he pulled the trigger again, the ball bounced off Shadow's face instead
"Oh no!" Gaz gasped. "I'm so sorry, Shadow!"
Shadow didn't even flinch. The rubber ball had harmlessly bounced off him without leaving so much as a mark. He looked at Gaz, his expression calm. "I'm fine."
Molly, however, couldn't hold back her laughter. "The mighty Shadow, defeated by a toy ball!"
Even Gaz giggled nervously, realizing Shadow wasn't upset. "It's supposed to shoot bad guys, not you!"
Shadow rolled his eyes and had a slight hint of amusement as he then grabbed one of the sandwiches "Its fine Gaz. I know you don't intend" making both Gaz relax
Shadow glanced at the wooden doll again, curiosity lingering in his mind. There was something oddly familiar about this kind of play, and though the memories remained fragmented, he felt a small sense of peace he hadn't experienced in a long time
As he, Gaz and Molly started to finish their sandwiches
"Say, you said you were looking for the mechanic guy right?" said Gaz "I can lead you there if you get lost. This town can get confusing by the way"
"Sure" said Shadow making Gaz excited
"Just don't take too long to come home. Ok honey?" said Gaz's mom
"Yes mom" said Gaz "Cmon guys let's go" as he leads Shadow and Molly out of the house
As they made their way through Rose Town, Gaz cheerfully skipped ahead, leading Shadow and Molly to the mechanic's workshop. However, upon arrival, they found the shop empty, a note pinned to the door reading: "Out of town for a week. Will return soon."
Gaz pouted in disappointment. "Aw, he's not here! Guess that means we can't fix your ship yet."
Molly sighed but tried to stay positive. "Well, we'll just have to wait until he gets back. Maybe Stephen's made some progress by the time we return."
Gaz perked up. "Hey, maybe it's not so bad! We can keep playing while we wait!"
Molly chuckled softly. "We'll definitely play again, Gaz, but not right now. We have to check on Stephen and the ship."
"Promise you'll come back soon?" Gaz asked, looking up at her with hopeful eyes.
"Absolutely," Molly assured him with a warm smile.
As they walked back toward Gaz's house, Shadow glanced at Molly. "How good is Stephen at repairs?"
Molly hesitated, thinking. "Stephen's capable, no doubt. But he's only one person. It might take him a while to get everything fixed."
Shadow nodded, his expression thoughtful
When they reached the house,
"Welcome back! Was the mechanic there?" said Gaz's mom
"Sadly he wasn't, it said he's out for the week" said Molly
"I'm so sorry to hear that" said Gaz's mom disappointedly
Gaz looked at them curiously "So, what are you gonna do now?"
Shadow folded his arms. "Depends on how much progress Stephen's made. If the ship's ready, we'll go flying. If not… we'll figure something out."
Gaz hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Shadow, can I ask you a favor?"
Shadow raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
Gaz held out the wooden doll, his expression earnest. "Can you bring this with you on your adventure? And when you come back, tell me all about it? I want to know everything!"
Shadow stared at the doll, uncertain. It felt strange to promise something so sentimental, yet the genuine hope in Gaz's eyes made it hard to refuse. After a moment, he nodded. "Alright. I promise."
After all. He could've sworn someone else gave him those eyes in a similar context
Molly smiled at the exchange. "That's really sweet of you, Shadow."
Gaz's face lit up with joy. "Thank you! Oh man I can imagine what it'll see with you guys"
Shadow held the wooden figure, inspecting it curiously. "What should I call it?"
Gaz grinned, thinking for a moment. "How about… Geno?"
Shadow glanced down at the doll, the name feeling oddly fitting. "Geno it is," he said, tucking it carefully into the crook of his arm.
Gaz beamed. "Take good care of him, okay?"
"I will," Shadow promised. Though he still didn't entirely understand why he agreed, something about the gesture felt… right. As they prepared to leave, Shadow couldn't help but feel a faint warmth from the small wooden figure, as if it carried a presence of its own
Later
Play: Undertale OST - Snowy
As Shadow and Molly trekked back through the Forest Maze, the eerie sounds of rustling leaves and distant chirps surrounded them. Molly stayed close to Shadow, nervously glancing around, while Shadow kept his usual stoic demeanor, clutching the Geno doll in one hand
When they finally emerged into the clearing where Stephen's house-ship stood, they saw him hard at work, fiddling with various tools and components. His face was smudged with grease, and he seemed lost in concentration
Stephen looked up as they approached. "Ah, you're back! Did you find the mechanic?"
Molly sighed. "No luck. He's out of town. We'll have to wait for him to come back."
Stephen groaned, leaning back against the ship. "Figures. Guess it's all on me, then."
As he wiped his hands on a cloth, his eyes caught sight of the wooden doll Shadow was holding. "What's with the doll? Did you pick up a souvenir or something?"
Molly grinned. "Oh, this isn't just a doll. Meet Geno! He's our new friend who's tagging along with us."
Stephen tilted his head, studying the figure with a curious expression. "Huh… Geno, huh? This thing gives off some real 'old friend not seen in nearly 30 years' vibes."
Molly raised an eyebrow. "That's… oddly specific." She tilted her head. "Do you know something about it?"
Stephen scratched the back of his head, looking genuinely puzzled. "Not really. Just a weird feeling, I guess."
Shadow, holding the doll firmly, gave him a flat stare. "You're basing that on a 'weird feeling'? Really?"
Stephen shrugged. "Hey, sometimes my gut is right! Besides, this doll's got a presence about it. Maybe it's special."
Molly chuckled. "You're such a mystery, Stephen. But at least we've got Geno with us now!"
Shadow sighed, shifting the doll under his arm. "As long as Pinocchio here doesn't start talking, we'll be fine."
Stephen smirked. "Don't jinx it, pal. You never know with how weird this world gets."
Shadow rolled his eyes, turning his attention to the ship. "How's it looking? Are we going to be able to fly anytime soon?"
Stephen looked at the mess of wires and panels with a sheepish grin. "It's… a work in progress. But hey, I've got a good feeling!"
Molly and Shadow exchanged a glance. Molly sighed. "Let's hope that feeling is better than the one you got from the doll."
Shadow added, deadpan, "Otherwise, we're stuck here forever."
But then, there was a loud rumbling sound which caught them off guard as Shadow dashed outside to see what was going on
The rumbling in the ground grew stronger as Shadow stood by Stephen's makeshift ship, his ears picking up distant screams and panicked shouts from Rose Town. Molly floated nervously by his side
Play: Super Mario Galaxy – Attack of the Ariships
"Do you feel that?" she asked, her voice trembling. As she then grabbed his hand. And for a moment it felt familiar "They are being attacked you have to help them! Please!"
"Shadow they are coming!" said the feminine voice as Shadow could see silhouettes of glowing red optics running in their direction
"!" said Shadow shocked for a moment "…." He then looks looking into her pleading eyes "…I'll handle this,.. just wait here" as he then let go of her as he turned to the direction of the attack
Shadow narrowed his crimson eyes, the rumbling now accompanied by ominous shadows darkening the forest. Without a word, he zoomed off, leaving Molly behind with Stephen
To Rose Town
Rose Town was in chaos as Bowser's fleet descended from the skies, darkening the sunlit day with massive airships. Shy Guys and Snifits leapt from the vessels, pouring into the peaceful streets. The streets were filled with fleeing Toads as the invaders wreaked havoc, overturning carts, smashing windows, and capturing townsfolk in cages.
Explosions rocked the cobblestone roads, and the air filled with cries of fear and the relentless stomping of Bowser's army
Among the chaos, a black blur zoomed into the town, faster than the eye could follow. Shadow skidded to a stop, his crimson eyes narrowing as he took in the destruction. Shy Guys wielding spears charged toward him, with a grimace, Shadow dashed forward,
Spin dashing into them scattering the Shy Guys like leaves in the wind
A group of Snifits opened fire, their pellets whizzing through the air. Shadow spun into a homing attack, ricocheting off their masks with precision, leaving them sprawled across the ground.
One particularly brave Shy Guy lunged at Shadow, spear raised high. Shadow caught the weapon mid-thrust and snapped it in two before delivering a swift kick that sent the attacker flying into a group of his comrades
Then Shadow heard a voice
"Get away from us!" yelled a child voice Shadow instantly recognized as Gaz making him snap to his direction
Gaz clung to his mom as the two huddled near the corner of their home
The boy's heart pounded as a group of Shy Guys armed with spears and slingshots approached, their menacing forms silhouetted by the fires burning in the distance
Gaz's mom, trembling but determined, stepped in front of him, shielding her son with her arms outstretched. "Stay back!" she shouted, her voice wavering but filled with resolve. "You won't hurt my son!"
The Shy Guys hesitated only for a moment before advancing. Gaz clutched his wooden toy sword, his eyes wide with terror
Before the Shy Guys could strike, Shadow streaked through the air and landed between them
"Shadow!" said Gaz happy to see him as he now can tell the shy guys were toast
The Shy Guys charged, but he darted through them landing very quick punches knomcing them all down
A Snifit fired a pellet from its mask, but Shadow sidestepped with ease, delivering a spinning kick that knocked the enemy into a stack of crates. Shadow dashed forward, taking out the last few Shy Guys with a series of quick strikes and leaving the ground littered with their defeated forms
Gaz's jaw dropped as he watched the battle unfold. When the dust settled, he let out a cheer, his fear replaced with pure excitement. "I knew it! You really are a superhero Shadow!"
Shadow glanced back at him, his expression softening just slightly. "….I'm really not.."
Gaz beamed up at him. "Well, you're still my hero. Since that makes two now!"
He looked to Gaz's mom. "You both need to find somewhere safe"
Gaz's mom nodded, gripping her son's hand tightly. "Thank you… and please, be careful."
Gaz waved enthusiastically. "Good luck, Shadow! You've got this!"
Shadow gave them a curt nod before zooming off, a streak of black and crimson disappearing into the chaos ahead. Gaz and his mom watched him go, their hearts filled with hope as they hurried to safety
Behind an overturned cart, a trembling Toad peeked out, his mushroom cap bobbing in fear. Shadow approached quickly, but his tone was calm. "What's going on here?"
The Toad stammered, pointing a shaky finger towards the town square. "Th-they're after the Grand Star! It's the pride of Rose Town—they must be trying to steal it!"
Shadow's gaze followed the direction the Toad indicated. In the middle of the square, a group of Shy Guys was swarming around a glowing golden star encased in a pedestal.
Above them, a Shy Guy in a rather poorly designed bulky mech suit directed the operation, barking orders to his underlings as they loaded the Grand Star into a heavy metal cage
Shadow's eyes narrowed. As he let out a slight growl
He zoomed forward, As he reached the mech suit, he launched into a spin dash, slamming into the mech with incredible force. The machine crumpled under the impact, sparks flying as it collapsed into a heap of scrap.
The Shy Guy inside scrambled out, his mask quivering in fear. He squeaked in panic, scurrying away as fast as his tiny legs could carry him
Shadow stood amidst the wreckage, facing the remaining Shy Guys who began regrouping, readying their weapons
But before they could attack, a deep, monstrous voice echoed across the square, shaking the very ground
"STAND DOWN, YOU FOOLS! I'LL DEAL WITH THIS CRETIN MYSELF!"
The Shy Guys immediately froze, stepping back in unison as a massive silhouette emerged from the shadows. The shape grew larger, the light of the Grand Star reflecting off his sharp teeth and armored shell
With a thunderous leap, Bowser landed in the square, the ground cracking beneath his weight. He stood tall, towering over Shadow, his fiery orange mane and fierce eyes glaring down at the hedgehog
Play: Sonic Lost World OST – Boss Rushes
"Keep moving the Grand Star!" Bowser barked at his minions, not taking his eyes off Shadow. The Shy Guys scrambled to obey, working quickly to secure the star
Shadow and Bowser locked eyes, the tension between them palpable
Bowser's fiery eyes narrowed as a sly grin spread across his face. His booming voice echoed through the square.
"Well, well… so it's you," Bowser growled, pointing a clawed finger at Shadow. "I've heard all about you, hedgehog. You're a… 'friend' of my new partner."
Shadow's crimson eyes widened briefly in surprise. His fists clenched, and he took a fighting stance, glaring at the Koopa King
"What did you just say?" Shadow demanded
Bowser laughed, a deep, rumbling sound that shook the air. "Oh yeah, my new partner told me all about you. He said you're quick, tough, and—" Bowser's grin grew wider—"a real pain to deal with. He even told me what you're capable of. Sounds like a lot of fun to me!"
Shadow's mind raced, his stance faltering for just a moment. Who is this 'partner'? He couldn't shake the familiarity of Bowser's words, as though they were tied to the cryptic flashes of his past
"Tell me what you know," Shadow demanded, his voice cold and steady. "Who's this 'partner'? What did they tell you about me?"
Bowser's grin turned into a mocking smirk as he cracked his knuckles and took his own fighting stance, his massive frame casting an intimidating shadow over the hedgehog
"Oh, I'll tell you, alright," Bowser said, his tone dripping with arrogance. "But only if you can earn it. Let's see if you're as good as my partner says."
Shadow's eyes burned with determination as the tension between the two reached its peak
"Fine," Shadow growled, his voice low and dangerous
as the two fighters prepared to clash, the Grand Star still hanging precariously in the background as the Shy Guys worked frantically to secure it, Shadow and Bowser charged toward each other, raising their fists
Bowser roared as he lunged forward with a mighty swing of his claws, aiming to crush the hedgehog with his brute strength. Shadow dashed to the side, narrowly avoiding the strike, before countering with a spinning kick to Bowser's chest. The blow sent the Koopa King sliding back a few feet, but his grin never wavered
"Not bad, hedgehog," Bowser growled, dusting himself off. "But it's gonna take more than that to beat me! HAHA! SHOWTIME!"
Shadow didn't respond; instead, he rushed forward, launching himself into a spin dash aimed directly at Bowser's midsection. The Koopa King braced himself, catching Shadow mid-spin with his massive claws. With a heave, Bowser hurled Shadow into a nearby building, the impact leaving a cloud of dust and rubble
Now a bit more enraged, Shadow zoomed out of the debris and lunged at Bowser unleashing flurry of very fast paced punches. Bowser laughed as he blocked them with his spiked shell
"You're tough, I'll give you that," Bowser muttered, his voice low and steady. Before resuming a grin
"Hmph" said Shadow with a grimace
Before they could clash again, the ground beneath them rumbled violently. A massive flying saucer descended from the sky, its underside glowing with ominous red energy. A sudden laser shot from the saucer, striking the ground and creating deep cracks that radiated outward. Shadow momentarily glanced up at the saucer, his sharp mind quickly analyzing the situation
"?" said Shadow
That brief distraction was all Bowser needed. With a booming laugh, he lunged forward, slamming a massive fist into Shadow and sending him skidding across the ground
"What's the matter, hedgehog?" Bowser taunted. "Losing focus already?"
Then. The flying saucer proceeded to shoot 3 lasers into the ground. And Shadow could only watch as they spun around in a circle creating large cracks in the ground
Then above them, Bowser's fleet began firing massive harpoons into the ground. The chain cables attached to the harpoons tightened, and with a deafening creak, the land began to rise into the air. Chunks of land splintered away as the saucer's laser continued to carve through the terrain
"This is my kind of chaos!" Bowser roared as the land beneath their feet began to lift higher into the sky
Shadow wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his crimson eyes blazing with fury. Without a word, he dashed toward Bowser, his speed leaving a trail of golden light. With unrelenting force, Shadow delivered a ferocious spin dash directly to Bowser's face, the impact reverberating through the battlefield
Bowser stumbled back, shaking his head to recover from the blow. "RAAAAAGH!" he bellowed, flames spewing from his mouth as he charged
The two traded blows with ferocity. Shadow darted around Bowser's massive swings, landing precise strikes to wear the Koopa King down. Bowser, in turn, used his sheer strength to keep Shadow on the defensive, his massive fists creating shockwaves with every punch
The Shy Guys and Snifits that surrounded the battlefield watched in awe, their cheers and chants firmly in Bowser's favor
"Go, King Bowser!"
"Crush that weird hedgehog dude!"
Shadow felt the ground beneath him lurch violently upward as the harpoon ships continued to pull the massive landmass into the sky. His senses detected the tension in the cables, and he realized their best chance of stopping this was to sever the harpoons
Wasting no time, he dashed toward the nearest harpoon, his speed creating a blur of gold and black. With a powerful spin dash, he aimed to dislodge the massive metal spear embedded in the ground. Sparks flew as his attack struck, causing the harpoon to groan and shift
But before he could finish the job, Bowser launched himself into the air with surprising agility, spinning into his shell attack. The jagged spikes glinted menacingly as the Koopa King spun toward Shadow with incredible force
The collision was brutal. Shadow was knocked off his trajectory, tumbling across the fractured ground as Bowser landed with a thunderous crash. The ground quaked beneath the Koopa King's weight as he emerged from his spinning shell, laughing triumphantly
"Nice try, hedgehog!" Bowser sneered. "But you're not stopping my fleet that easily!"
Shadow pushed himself up, his body aching from the impact. His crimson eyes narrowed as he glared at Bowser
Bowser stomped forward, flames licking at the corners of his mouth. With a burst of speed, Shadow dashed toward Bowser, the ground cracking beneath his feet. Bowser swung his massive claw, but Shadow ducked under it, countering with a swift kick to Bowser's jaw
Bowser staggered back but quickly retaliated with a powerful swing of his tail, forcing Shadow to leap away. The two combatants clashed again and again, trading blows with unrelenting intensity. Each strike sent shockwaves through the battlefield, and the rising platform tilted precariously under their combined power
The harpoon cables creaked and groaned as the ships above continued to pull the landmass higher. Shadow felt himself the ground shake
With a roar, Bowser charged, breathing a stream of fire that forced Shadow to zigzag to avoid the flames. "What's the matter? Losing your nerve?" Bowser taunted
The chaotic fight escalated as the massive platform of stolen Rose Town land was pulled higher into the sky by Bowser's fleet. Shadow and Bowser's relentless battle rocked the unstable ground, with each attack shaking the very foundation they stood on
Bowser inhaled deeply, unleashing a torrent of fire breath that scorched the air. Shadow dashed to the side, narrowly avoiding the inferno, the heat singing the edges of his fur. Bowser roared in frustration, his anger mounting with every missed attack
"You're quick, I'll give you that!" Bowser growled, charging at Shadow. The two met in a fierce clash of fists, their strength causing a shockwave that pushed the nearby Shy Guys stumbling back
As they grappled, Bowser suddenly paused, his expression shifting to a sinister grin. He appeared to hear something—a voice only he could hear. Shadow noticed the change, his instincts immediately on edge
Bowser's grin widened as he spoke, his voice dripping with malice. "Once again, hedgehog… you let your little blonde friend down."
Shadow froze, his eyes widening in shock. The words hit him like a freight train, leaving him momentarily defenseless. Bowser seized the opportunity, grabbing Shadow by the quills and slamming him into the ground with devastating force
Shadow groaned in pain, his vision blurring for a moment. As he lay on the cracked ground, a flash of memory burst into his mind—a fleeting image of a young blonde girl, her face obscured but her presence deeply familiar. She smiled warmly at him as she seemingly pet him
"Who… who is she?" Shadow muttered, clutching his head in confusion
Bowser loomed over him, his massive shadow falling across Shadow's battered form. "Struggling to remember? I don't think you're ready for the truth."
Shadow, gritting his teeth, pushed himself onto his hands and knees, his crimson eyes blazing with determination. "Tell me what you know!"
Bowser let out a mocking laugh. "Not a chance." With a powerful swing, he hurled Shadow across the battlefield, sending him skidding to a halt near the edge of the rising platform
As Shadow struggled to rise, he noticed a figure stepping toward him, a Magikoopa, one looking significantly older than the ones Shadow fought earlier. raising its wand as a glowing spell formed at the tip
"Lord Bowser sends his regards," the Magikoopa sneered, aiming the wand directly at Shadow
Shadow barely held his ground as the Magikoopa's magic blast struck the crumbling edge beneath him. The force shattered the platform, sending chunks of debris spiraling into the void of space. Shadow felt the pull of gravity as he began to free-fall, the ground vanishing beneath him
Wind whipped past his face as he tumbled through the air, the stars above blending with the chaos of Bowser's fleet. Just when it seemed all hope was lost, Shadow managed to spot Stephen's hat-shaped ship beneath him. With precise timing, he twisted mid-air and landed hard on the ship's metallic surface, grabbing onto the rails to steady himself
From inside the cockpit, Molly's voice called out, determined yet frantic. "Shadow! Don't worry! We'll get him!"
Shadow tightened his grip on the rails, glancing back at the stolen landmass as Bowser's fleet dragged it farther into the cosmic abyss. Bowser, standing triumphantly atop the terrain, turned his gaze toward the pursuing ship. His sharp eyes gleamed with amusement
"You're persistent," Bowser growled, his grin widening. "But not for long!"
He inhaled deeply, releasing a torrent of scorching fire breath toward Stephen's ship. The flames struck with devastating force, causing the ship to lurch and groan as critical parts of its structure were melted away. Shadow braced himself against the railing as the ship buckled under the assault
Inside the cockpit, Stephen's voice rang out urgently. "OH NO HOLD ON!"
Molly held onto the ship's interior frame "Shadow! Stay with us!"
As Bowser let out a triumphant roar of laughter, the ship began to descend, its damaged thrusters unable to keep it stable. Shadow could only watch helplessly as Bowser's fleet grew smaller and smaller, vanishing into the distance with the stolen landmass
Shadow's grip on the railing began to weaken, his energy fading from the relentless battle. His eyelids grew heavy as the stars blurred into streaks of light. The last thing he saw before his vision darkened was the faint glow of the mysterious presences closing in around Stephen's ship, their light gently enveloping the falling vessel
As the ship continued its descent into the void, Bowser's victorious laughter echoed faintly, growing distant as Shadow's world faded to black
Unbeknownst to anyone, small, glimmering presences began to gather nearby, drawn by the ship's plight. Their curiosity beckoned them as they flew closer to the ship
To Be Continued
Trivia
1: There are 3 main inspirations for this. And they are. Super Mario Galaxy 1, Sonic Unleashed, and Super Mario RPG
2: This story isn't really intended to follow Super Mario Galaxy lore 1 to 1. Though anyone knowledgeable on Mario Universe lore would've noticed pretty quickly. BUT
My intention is primarily cherry picking enemies, characters, and locations throughout the Mario games that I personally think are cool to have around
So like an amalgamation Id say. In the style of the Mario Galaxy Games of course
4: Super Mario Galaxy. Was my first major Mario 3D game I have ever played. And I remember
From what I can recall, I never got past the level Battlerock Barrage. And what sucks is I eventually lost the game so I can't replay it. Oh well. Good thing YouTube exists
4: in my opinion. Geno deserves more love as, while his copyright status is joint ownership with Square Enix and Nintendo. I find it a shame that the right status is why Geno never really had a direct appearance anywhere else for a little over 20 years since he had a cameo in Superstar Saga
Considering how well Super Mario RPG remake did, and how successful Nintendo is lately. I wouldn't be surprised if they decide to bring him back for more projects
Hell I can even potentially see a Kingdom Hearts style expansion or something. That'd be nice though unlikely considering how Nintendo wants the main Mario Universe to be a bit more sanitized
MORE GENO PLZ NINTENDO
5: Considering Sonic Unleashed is still trapped in old gen. I hope they do with Generations and have an expansion with the 2003-2010 Sonic cast
I love hearing Jason Griffith as both Sonic and Shadow. But eh. I can dream
6: The story is named after my favorite album of all time. "Innocence & Instinct" by RED
Not just because it's my favorite album. But I think such a title fits Shadow very well within the context of this story
Lucky 7: my favorite character in Mario is Rosalina. Not just because she's top tier waifu material. But the fact she is amazingly written in Mario Galaxy 1. And while she has been relegated to Spinoffs nowadays. I still hope that she will get another eventually
Fun fact. Miyamoto is notoriously picky on who gets to return in a Mario game. It's why we haven't seen Toadsworth in years and definitely why Rosalina hasn't had a major role since her first appearance (unless you count 3D world as another major appearance)
AH well. Rosalina is best girl in my opinion
So like it? Hate it? Got anything else to say?
