Welcome to yet another chapter of Game Jumpers. In the last chapter, our heroes jumped into the universe of Paper Mario, a world where everything is made out of paper! After socializing at Peach's party and meeting the legendary Mario and Luigi, the group quickly finds themselves caught between Mario and Bowser's rivalry when Bowser attempts to steal Peach. However, Bowser possessed an ace up his sleeve. The legendary Star Rod, a mystical item that was capable of granting wishes. With this, Bowser wished to be unstoppable and effortlessly defeat not only Mario but also the heroes, scattering their power and scrambling their thoughts! After waking, Mario quickly learned that Bowser held the Star Spirits and Peach captive and needed his help freeing them. However, He wasn't alone, as Kimani had also landed near him and received the same message. With the two joining forces, they quickly found themselves on a wild goose chase for a hammer, falling off a cliff, fighting a Koopa Kid, and eventually coming face to face with King Goomba, one of Bowser's followers. With the path clear, the group consisting of Mario, Kimani, a spunky Goomba child named Goombario, and Kimani's spirit, Firebrand, find themselves heading to Toad Town to continue their quest!
(Long summery aside, I hope you guys are enjoying the story so far! As I mentioned before, the Game Jumper stories shouldn't be as long as SSU or as convoluted, so they should come out faster. Unless stated otherwise, I'll aim to drop a new chapter every other Friday. (I missed this past Friday.) Either way, be sure to R&R, and I'll see you guys at the end of the chapter!)
Chapter 2: A Plead From The Stars!
Once the group of four arrived in the town, a Toad immediately approached them.
"Mario! I'm so glad you're OK!" He exclaimed. The other three informed him that they were OK as well. The Toad didn't even look in their direction, causing them to sweatdrop. Mario asked if he was OK, causing the Toad to rapidly shake his head.
"No! The town is in an uproar! The princess kidnapped! The very castle up-rooted! It's bedlam!"
"Huh, nice vocabulary," Kimani commented. Goombario nodded as well. Mario tried hard to ignore them as the Toad then asked him to save Peach before he ran off, yelling, "Boo hoo!" and "What are we going to do!?" Ironically, no one else seemed to be as distraught as he was, causing a second wave of sweatdrops to appear. Mario shook his head before he pointed toward a building with a Fire Flower sign on it.
"Shopping, huh? Good call, Mario! We should get stocked up on some items!" Goombario said as the two of them made their way towards the shop. Kimani and Firebrand shared a look before they followed after him. Once they entered the shop, the ShopToad greeted them and allowed them to browse their items. Mario checked his pockets before he nabbed a Fire Flower, two Pow-Blocks, two Mushrooms, and some Jar.
"A Fright Jar? You think we'll need it?" Goombario asked. Mario simply told him they could never be too careful before he led his party back outside and went towards the right. The group's eyes were drawn to a roof with a spinning roof decorated by stars. Kimani took his eyes off the roof before he noticed a nearby tree holding a Star Piece. He ran over and kicked the tree, causing it to fall into his hands. He tossed it to Mario, who gave him a thumbs up before he headed towards the gate that led to Peach's Castle... or at least where her castle was. Mario sourly looked at the hole, being reminded of his past failure to stop Bowser. With a twitch of his mustache, he upped his step and headed towards the right. The others followed after him until the ground turned purple and the sky turned starry. Countless stars fell from above, connecting with the ground with a soft tink sound. One even bonked Firebrand on the head, but he didn't take damage from it.
"Well, I can see why they call this place Shooting Star Summit..." Kimani deadpanned.
"Yep. It's constantly raining stars here, so it's a popular spot to come to when you want to make a wish," Goombario explained. The group had jumped up some small ledges before they entered a new area with a large mountain in front of them.
"Any reason why the stars fall in the particular area?" Firebrand asked. Mario explained that the area is the spot that connects the world to Star Haven, the resting place for the Star Spirits. While Mario got more in-depth with the lore, Firebrand noticed another Star Piece to the north under the spiraling ledges that led to the top. He slinked over and nabbed it real quick, flinging it to Mario. He caught it without looking or breaking stride, causing the others to give him an impressed look. Mario hid a grin from the gang as they finally reached the top of the hill where a phantom star with a mustache was located. Mario and Kimani recognized it as the star that appeared during their coma. Once the star noticed them, he nodded. It was then that six other stars appeared, each with their own unique look.
"Welcome Mario... We've been waiting for you," Eldstar started.
"What about me? You appeared in my dream as well!" Kimani exclaimed. Both Mario and Goombario hit him in response.
"I did. I sense great power within you and believe you'll be a great asset to Mario here,"
"That's what I'm here for,"
"Anyway, We're the 7 Star Spirits. Our job is to grant the wishes of good people from our home in Star Haven, a place high beyond the sky. We're going to tell you something incredibly important. Please listen carefully," He started. Everyone looked at Kimani, who sweatdropped and promised to stay quiet during it. Mario wasn't sure he'd keep his promise, but he decided to give him a chance as the Star Spirits started talking again.
"The other day, Bowser and his followers invaded our peaceful Star Haven. They stole our prized treasure, the Star Rod, which we've cared for since the beginning of time," Eldstar started. The star with a pink bow floated forward next as Eldstar backed off.
"The Star Rod... ...is powerful beyond belief. It can grant any wish. For as long as we can remember, Bowser has been making wishes like, for instance... "I'd like to trounce Mario" or "I want Princess Peach to like me." Of course, Stars ignore such selfish wishes. As a result, his wishes were never granted,"
"I'm guessing he didn't like that and decided to take matters into his own hands?" Kimani asked. When he received a few side-eyes, he quickly raised his hands in defense, muttering that it was an honest question. Luckily, they didn't seem to mind it. The star that wore glasses and had a respectable mustache and matching eyebrows floated forward next.
"That's very astute of you. When he found out that we were ignoring his wishes, he came and stole the Star Rod so he could grant his own wishes. He seems content right now, mainly because he defeated you and captured the princess. Soon enough, though, I fear he will wish for more...and then terrible things will happen," He responded. Mario and the gang nodded before the next spirit floated forward. This one wore a sailor's cap and felt physically more robust than the others.
"It is the responsibility of the 7 Star Spirits to keep the Star Rod safe and use it properly. We must get the Star Rod back from Bowser and return it to its rightful place! In order to do this, Mario, we need your help! You too, Boyo!"
"Sadly..." The pink star with a yellow ribbon started, floating forward, "...right now you are not strong enough to challenge Bowser...he has made himself all-powerful by making wishes with the Star Rod. He is terrible to behold!"
"Uh... sorry, but another question came to mind," Kimani interrupted again, raising his hand this time. She nodded while Mario raised an eyebrow.
"Yes?"
"Do you know if the Star Rod can take people's powers away? Also, their memories because my head's been fuzzy ever since..."
"Hmm... It's not out of the realm of possibilities. Do you think you were a victim of this?" She asked. Mario and Kimani nodded. Mario explained their fight with Bowser beforehand and how they had gotten zapped once, sapping them of their strength. However, he wisely left out the part where he had gotten too lax from the lack of trouble. He then mentioned the star points and how they gave them back a portion of their strength whenever they gathered 100 of them. The star listened to him closely, nodding once he was done.
"Very interesting... I wasn't aware that the rod could be used in this fashion... Regardless, I believe we can repair any and all damage once we have the Star Rod in our possession. For right now, the Star Points will have to do,"
"Even with your powers restored, Bowser won't be a plausible fight. Once we 7 Star Spirits are reunited in Star Haven, we can give you the power to fight Bowser even with his newfound strength. With our help, you can prevail!" The Star carrying a book said next. The next spirit, which was a yellow one with a small mustache, floated forward. While small, Mario could see the years and years of care and love for it, causing a smile to appear on his face.
"Mario...we are..." He started, his body fizzing slightly. The other spirits did so as well, "Alas... We've nearly exhausted our power to talk to you. Although it looks like we're there beside you, it is only an illusion. We're using all of our strength to communicate with you over a great distance. But even now, our strength is fading..."
"Wait, what? What happened to you guys!?" Goombario panicked.
"Oh my young child, we've been caught and are being held by Bowser's followers in different places throughout the Mushroom Kingdom. Please, Mario... and friends, first of all, you must rescue us!" He finished. Eldstar floated forward one last time, their forms almost gone.
"In order to take the Star Rod back from Bowser... and save Princess Peach... we need your help... Please, Mario... you are our last hope... and we will..." Eldstar tried to get out, but his power was too weak, and with that last part, they faded away, leaving the four there in silence for a few moments. Goombario turned to Mario afterward.
"Mario... It looks like things are a lot more serious than I thought... Do you think the princess is going to be all right? I'm really worried about her..." He asked. Mario's head lowered. He wasn't so sure himself. This wasn't the first time Bowser had taken Peach hostage, but he never showed signs of hurting her, at least to his knowledge. Dark thoughts started to plague his mind, but before they overwhelmed him, a hand was placed on his shoulder, snapping him out of it.
"Hey, relax. Like I said, I'll help you get her back as well as my friends... when we find them, that is..." Kimani told him, fading off with that last part.
"Smooth..." Firebrand inserted.
"Oh shut up!" Kimani snapped, causing Firebrand to snicker. Mario looked at the two before he nodded. He thanked Kimani for the pep talk before confidently pointing back toward town. The other three threw their hands (Goombario simply stood on his tiptoes) in the air before they followed Mario, who leaped off the mountain towards the exit. The others shared looks before they also launched themselves off the mountain. They landed next to Mario, who was stretching his legs. When he turned to the others, who were also reeling from the drop, he snorted.
"...why did we do that..." Kimani moaned. Mario simply twitched his mustache as the party continued towards the exit. But before they could exit, a fast star clonked Mario in the back of the head, knocking him over. Kimani stifled laughter but stopped when Goombario stomped on his foot. Mario picked himself up and dusted himself off before eying the twitching star on the ground. When the group got closer, it sprung up, scaring everyone before it looked around.
"Ouch!" The star whined. Mario agreed with him, causing the star to look at him. The star noticed Mario's hat was slightly slanted, and he was rubbing his head. He then put two and two together.
"Oh, sorry, sorry, so sorry! I'm in a huge hurry!" He explained.
"What for?" Firebrand asked.
"I'm on an important mission right now! I have to find Mario and deliver something to him!"
"Uh... You realize you just bludgeoned him, right?" Kimani pointed out. Mario flourished his cap for dramatic effect. The star looked dumbfounded for a moment before he started spazzing out.
"Oh...it's...!? You're Mario, aren't you!? Thank the Stars I found you!"
"We just to-"
"How do you do? I'm Twink. Princess Peach asked me to bring something to you," Twink told him. From just the mere mention of Peach, Mario rapidly jumped in front of him, eager to receive any news about Peach. Twink reached around in his... pockets before he pulled out a necklace with a star pendant.
"Ahhh... Yes, here it is! Here, this is it! Take it!" He said. Mario eagerly took the pendent, looking at it in interest.
"That's the "Lucky Star" from Princess Peach. Now that it's yours, you can use the "Action Command,"
"Action Command?" Kimani asked as Mario placed the necklace around his neck, feeling some power flow into him. Kimani and the others strangely felt it as well.
"Mmm-hmm! Want me to explain what an Action Command is?"
"If it'll help us, sure," Firebrand said. Twink nodded before Twink caused the group to enter battle. Mario and Kimani were on one side, while Goombario and Firebrand were on the other side. Twink floated above Mario.
"Alright, Mario, go ahead and Jump on Goombario!"
"Are you sure about that?" Kimani asked.
"Don't worry! I can take it!" Goombario ensured. Mario looked a bit guilty but nodded and leaped anyway. Just before he connected, Twink yelled, "HOLD IT!" causing Mario to somehow freeze in the air.
"Now, right here. Press A now!" Twink told him. Mario had no idea what he meant by that. Still, he decided to think of the letter "A" at that moment, causing him to bounce off Goombario, coming down with one more jump attack. Twink cheered.
"That's it! Uh, you! You try next! Attack the dragon with your Strike attack!"
"It's Kimani, and sure," Kimani told him, coming after Firebrand with a fist. Before he connected, Twink froze time again and told him to "press A now,"
"Uh...A!" Kimani said out loud, following up with another punch to Firebrand. Twink froze time again.
"Oh, your fighting style allows you to input another command here! Try and press A again!"
"A!" Kimani shouted again, delivering a side kick to Firebrand.
"Great job guys! Now it's time to defend! Mr. Goombario, attack Mario!"
"Right! Here I come, Mario!" Goombario exclaimed, charging towards Mario. He leaped up and tried to bonk Mario in the head. Before he connected, Twink interfered with his time powers again, stopping Goombario a second before impact.
"Alright, Mario! Push A here!" Twink instructed. Mario mentally "pushed A, "causing him to duck and tightly grip his hat, causing Goombario to bounce off him without damaging him.
"Nice guard! Mr. Dragon! It's your turn now! Use your Fireball attack!"
"Sure," Firebrand answered. As he inhaled, he got stopped by Twink.
"For this move, hold your control stick back until the last second!"
"Uh..." Firebrand droned for a second before he mentally thought of a meter being shown, which signaled his breathing. Just before Firebrand couldn't inhale anymore, the meter dinged. Also at that time, Twink stopped him again.
"OK now! Let go of the stick!" He exclaimed. Firebrand took that as code for exhale, sending a ball of fire at Kimani. Before it hit him, Twink stopped time one last time.
"OK, Kimani! Your guard is different! Press A now!"
"A!" Kimani shouted again, blocking the attack with the back of his arm. He then darted over to Firebrand and popped him in the nose with a palm strike. Firebrand guarded it, however.
"Oh right, my Counter,"
"Yep, instead of guarding, you counter attacks! However, the timing is a lot stricter than everyone else, but on the plus side, a successful Counter negates all damage, and you even damage whoever hits you! The Counter works if you use the Guard command, but you'll still take damage,"
"Sweet,"
"Mario, your hammer will work the same way as Mr. Dragon's Fireball. Hold your control stick until the last second, then let it go!" Twink finished explaining. Mario flashed him a thumbs-up. He then told Kimani that thinking about the commands was enough and that he didn't need to actually say them out loud.
"...Oh, whoops," He sheepishly muttered. Everyone laughed at him, much to his displeasure, before Twink floated around them.
"Once you understand how to use the action command properly, you'll be even more powerful!"
"Terrific! You'll be much tougher in battle now!" Goombario exclaimed. Mario and Kimani both grinned before the sound of someone flying caught their attention. Floating there was a Magikoopa.
"What!? It can't be... Were you following me!?" Twink came up with. The Magikoopa laughed at him.
"What a foolish Star Kid! I knew that if I followed you, I'd find Mario!" The Magikoopa exclaimed. Mario wasn't entirely sure about that logic, but he chose to stay silent.
"If I defeat Mario right now, I'll be famous. I'll tell Kammy Koopa! She'll shower me with praise! She'll give me a raise!"
"Wait, you get paid?" Firebrand questioned. He looked at Kimani afterward.
"...No, I'm not going to start paying you!" He instantly told him, causing the fire on him to dim slightly.
"Here I come!" The Magikoopa exclaimed as he flew towards them, starting the battle. Once they were in battle, Firebrand idled behind Kimani.
"Hey, Firebrand. Just like me and Mario, you and Kimani can swap places in battle! Just press the Z button during your turn!" Goombario instructed. Firebrand nodded as Mario used his Power Jump. Once he hit his Action Command, he dealt a whopping 3 damage to the Magikoopa. He even knocked him off his broom. Goombario did his thing, tattling on the Magikoopa.
"This is a Magikoopa. Magikoopas use magical rods. Max HP is... 16? That can't... well, OK. Attack is 3, and Defence is 0. Magic attacks are no joke, guys. We'd better take these guys seriously,"
"16!? Yeesh, that's a lot of health for a normal enemy!" Kimani exclaimed.
"Maybe it's because there's four of us?" Firebrand deducted.
"What would that have to do with anything?" Goombario asked as the Magikoopa blasted Mario with some magic. He guarded it, but he still took 2 damage from it, reducing his health to 8.
"Nothing, just spitballing," Firebrand said as Kimani used his Power Strike. When he did his Action Command, he followed up with a swift kick, dealing another 3 damage for a total of 6. However, it did cost him 2 more FP to do the follow-up.
"Oh wow! You're really strong!" Goombario exclaimed.
"Yeah, well, this isn't my first fight," Kimani said as Firebrand Swiped at the Magikoopa twice, dealing 2 damage. The Magikoopa fired a volley of magic at Kimani, but he wasn't used to the timing and got whacked in the face, taking 3 damage for his troubles, leaving him with 7.
"Shoot! The timing is harder than I thought..." Kimani muttered. Mario simply gave him a thumbs up. He knew Kimani would get it in no time. Mario performed another Power Jump, but he blotched the command, only doing 2 damage. Goombario followed up with a perfect Headbonk, leaving it at 3. Mario got blasted again, but he guarded it, leaving him with 6, which allowed Kimani to end him with another Power Strike. The gang did their win animations, which included Firebrand giving the camera a smug look as he raised his eyebrows rapidly before Twink cheered.
"Well done, Mario! You're as strong as they say. I know that you'll be able to defeat Bowser! Especially with Kimani and Mr. Dragon's help!"
"Speaking of which, has Peach or anyone mentioned anything about my friends by chance?" Kimani asked.
"Um... No, I can't say. What do they look like?"
"Well, for starters, they're human like me and Mario. One of them is...uh, chubby, another one is about the same build as me and the last one is pretty tall."
"That really isn't the best description..." Firebrand told him.
"I'm working with literal paper here; cut me some slack!"
"Hmm... actually, now that you mention it. I did see someone fitting that description on the way here!"
"Wait, really!?" the two of them exclaimed and muttered simultaneously. Mario was eager to hear about this as well.
"Yeah! The big one! I caught a glimpse of him in some village near here actually. It seemed to be in a bit of a jam, however..."
"Dude, you're awesome! Thanks for the info!" Kimani exclaimed. Mario couldn't help but smile at Kimani's delighted expression. He honestly wasn't sure he was capable of smiling that hard... then again... he only met him a few days ago.
"I am? Well, shucks... Thanks! Well, I'm going to return to Princess Peach's side. I'm not strong enough to really help her, but at least I can tell her you're OK. Well, Mario... And Kimani... see you later!" Twink said before he floated off. The group shared looks before they took a step forward... and was immediately stopped by Twink again.
"Oh dear! I almost forgot to tell you the message from Princess Peach. "I'm all right, so don't worry about me..." That's exactly what she said. I get the feeling, though... that she's very lonely. Anyway, I'll do my best to help the both of you! But please be brave! You must save Princess Peach!" Twink told the group before he disappeared into the sky again. Mario tightened his fist for a second before he relaxed slightly. Part of him was happy to at least know Peach was safe, but that still didn't stop his brain from immediately slapping "for now" on the back of that statement.
"There he goes—back to Bowser's Castle. What a brave little guy! OK, guys, let's get down to business!" Goombario ordered.
"Right!" "Mmm-hmm!" The teen and dragon exclaimed. Mario looked at the three before he smiled again. While the circumstances could have been better, he was glad he met these people. With a determined look, Mario pressed on as his posse followed him.
Toad Town
The gang arrived back in Toad Town, which seemed to have calmed down from last time. By that, it meant the one Toad had finally calmed down. As a matter of fact, the same Toad came up to the group.
"Oh hey! Calmed down finally?" Kimani asked. The Toad gave him a sheepish look.
"Apologies for that. I was having a panic attack..."
"Hey, no problem, man,"
"Anyway...Merlon was looking for you. He lives in that house with the spinning roof," The Toad told them. Mario raised a hand, asking if he knew what for.
"He asked me to tell you to go meet him at his house. I was just about to go look for you, but here you are! It's rare for Merlon to call somebody over to his house..."
"Is he shy?"
"He's a bit eccentric, if anything. Even when he has visitors, it's rare for him to come out of the house at all," The Toad told them. Mario and the gang shrugged in response before they walked over to the door. Mario ushered towards the door, allowing Kimani to knock on the door rather loudly.
"...What!?" He responded to the looks.
"Merlon is out!" A voice rang out. The group shared looks before Mario tried, knocking a bit nicer than Kimani did. He sent Kimani a snide look. It's all about the presenta-
"Why do you keep on knocking? I'm telling you he's out!" The voice yelled back. Well, so much for that. Kimani was just about ready to make fun of Mario when the door flew open, knocking Kimani and Mario over. Firebrand and Goombario were able to dodge the door, however, as a man wearing a star cloak walked outside and looked around. He eyed the two humans on the ground afterward.
"Eh? What the...? Why is someone sleeping in front of my house?" He muttered. He looked closer at Mario before an exclamation point popped up over his head.
"Wait a minute... That face seems verrry familiar to me... Oh! Maybe... No... Yes! It must be! You're Mario!"
"I'm Kimani, by the way..." Kimani moaned as he was sprawled on Mario. Mario shifted Kimani off of him softly before he stood up, helping Kimani as well.
"Ah yes, Kimario as well! I've been waiting for you two! You should've come earlier! Well, you're here now. Come in."
"Did he just?" Goombario started before Kimani stopped him, sighing loudly.
"My name is exotic but it's not that hard to pronounce..." He deadpanned, walking inside with Mario snickering up a storm behind him. Firebrand and Goombario followed them as well with varying expressions. Once they were inside, they saw Merlon standing behind a table that had a crystal ball.
"Where to begin...? My name...is Merlon. When I was reading the stars the other day, an oracle came to me. What I discovered is very important, and it concerns you. But, before I tell you about it, there are other things of which I must speak." He started. Kimani and Mario shared a look before he started getting deep into his backstory. About two sentences in, Kimani and Firebrand had already fallen asleep while Mario stayed strong. Goombario was somewhat interested but he was also dozing off slightly. Mario tried his hardest to pay attention, but he underestimated how boring the story would be. He passed out moments later.
"...That is all that matters. Huh?! Hey, Mario! Were you listening to me?" Merlon finished, startling everyone there. Mario immediately nodded as Kimani flashed him a thumbs-up, yawning afterward.
"Uh, yeah. Loud and clear. Interesting backstory you got," Kimani lied. Merlon squinted his eyes at this but dropped the subject.
"...So, anyway, that is why I am able to help you. If you get lost during your adventure, you can come to me. I can predict the path you should take for a small price,"
"Damn. We can't get the heroes discount?" Firebrand asked.
"No,"
"Aw..." He moaned. Mario swatted in their direction as Merlon continued.
"Right now, your main goal must be to save Princess Peach as quickly as is humanly possible, but... according to my second sight, your path must first take you to the great fortress of the Koopa Bros,"
"Sounds simple enough. How do we get there?"
"To reach the Koopa Bros. Fortress, head east on the road in front of the Toad House,"
"Alright. Let's get moving!" Goombario exclaimed, hopping down from a chair he found and rushing towards the door. The others waved goodbye before they followed the hyperactive Goomba child. It didn't take them long to catch up, especially since Goombario was standing in front of 4 Toads of various colors. The weird thing about them was that instead of white, they wore black. When Mario asked if they could pass, they shook their head.
"You don't wanna go out there. It's way too dangerous," The red one coolly told them. Kimani stepped up.
"Yeah, well. We're tough. Plus, we gotta head towards some fortress anyway,"
"Going to Koopa Bros. Fortress would be a huge mistake." The next Toad, which was green, told them. Mario raised an eyebrow. How did they know whose fortress it was? They didn't say anything beforehand... Firebrand asked to pass once more, but the yellow Toad spoke up.
"Definitely. Definitely don't go," He nervously told them. Before anyone had the chance to say a word, the black Toad stepped up.
"Most of all, though, you shouldn't go ask old man Merlon for help. That would be really bad news for us...I mean, for you! Don't even think about it!" He bluntly told them. There was a moment of silence between the two groups as they exchanged looks, most of them looking toward the black Toad.
"...Oh yeah, I'm telling. MER- Umph!?" Kimani deadpanned before he started calling for Merlon, but the black Toad rushed forward and placed his hand over his mouth. Mario gasped before he stepped forward to assist him, but the red Toad got in his way, informing him that he wasn't the brightest bulb and that he meant no harm. Goombario wasn't buying it so he slinked off while Firebrand distracted the yellow and green one.
"Mf yoo donph..." Kimani growled as he activated the aura around his hands and feet. He socked the black one's arm, but he felt like he punched a rock. Kimani was just about to Power Strike him when a loud "AHEM!" rang out, catching everyone's attention. Behind the heroes was Merlon with a smug Goombario peeking behind him.
"Hmmmm! You aren't Toads, are you?!" He sharply asked, pointing a finger at them. The black one let Kimani go, who stumbled back and rubbed his jaw in minor discomfort.
"Um...we don't know what you're talking about," The green one said, sweatdropping.
"Yeah, what gives? Ask anyone! We're just cute, ordinary Toads hanging out!" The black one spoke up again, causing his friends to facepalm heavily. Merlon squinted his eyes as his hands sparked with magic.
"Reveal your true selves!" He shouted, raising his hands and striking them with a lightning bolt, changing them back to their true forms which were... the Koopa Bros!? Who would have seen that coming!?
"AGH!" The Red Koopa yelled.
"Hmph! Just as I thought. You're the Koopa Bros.!" Merlon exclaimed again. Goombario gasped while Mario, Firebrand, and Kimani were neutral, already knowing this.
"How... How'd you guess it was us? We were perfectly disguised! Shucks! Black! Yellow! Green! We retreat... for now..." Red told his team, throwing a smoke bomb down and taking off with the others. The gang of heroes coughed and hacked before they looked again, not seeing the team.
"Mario, those imposters were none other than the Koopa Bros. You must pursue them to their hideout, the Koopa Bros. Fortress." Merlon told them. Mario nodded before he got ready to take off after them, but Merlon stopped them again, causing Kimani and Mario to fall over.
"Oh, Mario, there's one part of your fortune I haven't revealed. To get to the Koopa Bros. Fortress, you'll need help from a blue-shelled Koopa. This is a strange portent. In Koopa Village, you might find something that will clear it up,"
"Nice!" Kimani exclaimed. Merlon turned to Kimani before he shut his eyes slightly.
"Hmmm... I'm getting another fortune for you, Kimario. There's a potential ally there for you as well. A rather plump human alongside a large Viking. You'll need their strength as well,"
"OOH! That's for sure, Jordan! Mario, we gotta make tracks now!" Kimani borderline hollered. Mario laughed before he nodded. He was glad Jordan's whereabouts were known. Now, if only they knew of Austin and Dylan's, then part of Mario's worries would be quelled, along with Kimani's. Merlon nodded before he turned around.
"I must return home now," He simply said, waltzing into his house and shutting the door afterward. The group shared looks before they nodded. Mario slapped the Save Block near them before they headed towards the path leading to the Koopa Bro's fortress.
File Saved!
Notable changes from Main Game
-Twink teaches the other heroes about their unique commands! Kimani can't Guard naturally, but he can Counter attacks by either using his Guard Command or the Guard Action Command! (Superguard timing from TTYD) He can even spend extra FP to repeat a move!
-Magikoopa put down the books and picked up the weights! (+8 HP)
-Twink has some information on Jordan's whereabouts!
Current Party Status:
Mario:
Starting Stats: 10 HP, 5 FP, 3 BP
Current Stats: 10 HP, 5 FP, 6 BP (Level 2)
Equipped Badges: Power Stomp (1), Hammer Throw (2), Close Call (1)
Main Partners: Goombario
Items: Fire Flower, Pow Block x2, Mushroom x2, Fright Jar
Current Star Pieces: 5
Current Badges: Power Stomp (1), Hammer Throw (2), Close Call (1)
Kimani:
Area of Expertise: Grounded Combat, Single Target Damage, Countering
Starting Stats: 10 HP, 10 FP, 3 BP
Current Stats: 10 HP, 15 FP, 3 BP (Level 2)
Equipped Badges: None :/
Main Partners: Firebrand
Idle animation: Crosses arms after a moment and looks around. Will keep arms crossed until input is pressed.
Battle Stance: Mix of a Boxer's stance and his own improv stance. Occasionally throws a few jabs and bounces on his feet.
Battle Talent: Stronger Attack Action Commands (can input one more action command, dealing more hits/damage) but stricter timing on ALL Action Commands. (when they become available)
Field Actions: Can strike enemies in the field with his fist, allowing him to perform his action commands for Strike early. (Basically, his first strikes have the potential to do 3 damage should he time the commands right) He can also help Mario break Super Blocks on the field.
FP Moves:
Strike: (0 FP) Strikes a foe with a punch or kick. Pressing the A button with correct timing allows up to 2 follow-ups. Pow: 1 (up to 3). Style: Timed. Can hit Top-Spike enemies, can't target flying enemies
Power Strike: (2 FP) Strikes a foe with a stronger punch or kick. Can press A at the right time to execute another Power Strike, but it will cost an additional 2 FP. Pow: 3, Style: Timed: Can hit Top-Spiky enemies, can't target flying enemies
Focus Blast: (3 FP) Charges up a devastating energy blast. Gets stronger with each turn spent charging. Maxes at 12 damage. Pow: 3, (1 turn) 6, (2 turns) 12 (3 turns)
Passives:
Counter: Can't guard normally but can Counter attacks. Has stricter timing than the regular guard but will null ALL damage and damage the attacker for 1 damage.
Firebrand:
Area of Focus: Versatile, Ice Enemies, Single Target
Field Actions: Can spend 1 FP to launch a fireball. Fireballs will ignite flammable sources and can First Strike enemies at a distance.
Idle Animation: Firebrand raises his body to the tallest height and looks around momentarily before slinking back down to normal height. He occasionally makes his mohawk flare up.
Battle Stance: Draconic Stance (just think of some kung fu type of deal)
FP Moves:
Swipe: Lashes out with a quick claw swipe. Pressing the A button at the right time launches another swipe. Pow: 1 (2), Style: Timed, Can't target flying enemies. Can hit Spiky Enemies.
Fireball: (2 FP) Launches a fireball at an opponent. Can hit all enemies. Deals double damage to Icy enemies but will heal Fiery enemies. Pow: 3, Style: Charge