The X-Nauts Strike Back

[The Blue Toad]

I have a few things to say before you start reading this.  Firstly, yes I am already writing the story Mario's Murder Mystery on the Excess Express, but since no one is really reading that one too much, and I ahve another idea for a story, I'm going to be writing two!  Yes, this obviously means not as much updates considering there will be two, and I'll try not to let one die out.  This story has a spoiler for those of you who have not beaten Paper Mario 2 and do not want to know what happens.  It is basically like a sequel to Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.  Here it is...

Prologue:  They’re Back ~ Last time on the awesome adventures of Mario:  You would think that Mario would have defeated Bowser and his minions, got the Princess, made like hokey and got the puck outta there, but last time he didn’t…no no…last time he did not.  In Mario’s last adventure the enemy was none other than the highly intellectual group of strange species, the X-Nauts.  The X-Nauts are a group of strange little men in hardly any physical condition for fighting.  But when they lack in bronze, they make up for in cool gadgetry (and brains, yes).  They wear hats and scarves to cover their faces (or some even just have really large facial hair) and have small goggle-like glasses peeking out from their scarves or mustaches.  On their clothing they wear the large sign of an ‘X’ no, not an ‘M’ or a ‘Z’. ‘X’!  Hence the term, X-Nauts.  These people live in hiding, and have only made their huge debut when they randomly attacked and tried to take over the world by awakening a demon!!!  They had asked for the help of Shadow Sirens, and with their help they were able to kidnap Peach, and bring her behind the Thousand-Year Door and awake the terrible shadow queen!!!  The demon then possessed Peach, who had a pure heart and was the only one who could….be…..possessed….yes.  Unfortunately, the ruler of the X-Nauts, Sir Grodus, thought that since he provided the victim for the Shadow Queen, she would obey him.  The Shadow Queen was angered by Sir Grodus’ attempt to command her, and destroyed the X-Naut ruler!  The Shadow Queen was now free to destroy whatever she pleased, and the world was now in peril!  Luckily, Mario charged in, and destroyed the shadow demon; bringing peace to the Earth once and forever more……Yes that was what he did, basically.  Anyways, the X-Nauts somehow survived (including Sir Grodus who had practically been taken apart) and decided to live a more peaceful life, away from danger and evil…OR DID THEY???  Well, yes, actually they did.  So nothing much was ever heard from the X-Nauts again…never ever again…nope…never.  These X-Nauts who had begun their peaceful life on Earth suddenly disappeared one day.  No one really cared though, considering…well, just considering no one really cared about the X-Nauts.  The X-Nauts were gone, and that’s all there was to it……

“Lord Crump, come to me……” said a dark, old voice.  A short, fat X-Naut entered the room.  He wore a purple uniform and wore a purple Vikings helmet atop his head.  His face was hidden behind a large, prickly red mustache.  He walked across the cold, metal room and towards a desk at the very end.  It was dark gray, and behind it he could see the back of a tall black chair.  Behind the chair was a huge glass window which was filled with water, sort of like an aquarium.  Black fish, with huge sharp teeth swam left and right in the aquarium, bighting at bubbles and fighting with each other.  On the desk was a black laptop computer, a remote control, and a few floppy disks.  Lord Crump gulped as he waited for his master’s reply.
“What is it Sir Grodus…sir?” he asked.
“Is it ready?” the voice demanded.
“....What-the…the pizza?  Because, no it still has twenty minu-“
“Pizza?  What?  No not the pizza!!!” the voice cried angrily.
“Then what?!?”  Lord Crump asked bluntly.
“My BODY YOU NINCOMPOO…..P!”  The black chair suddenly swirled around, revealing the head of former, great leader, Sir Grodus.  The blast from the Shadow Queen left only his head, the rest of his body had been destroyed.  His head was simply a large, round blue sphere that looked robotic (probably because it was), and a pair of goggle-like spectacles.
“…OH!  Your body, yes, yes, no.  It’s not ready yet,” Lord Crump said.
“Bah!” Sir Grodus said loudly, “If I had a hand I would smack you…hard!” the head of Sir Grodus said.  â€œThat stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, STUPID, STUPID, STUPID SHADOW QUEEN!!!  She was the one that made me what I am…It was her who made me nothing but a head…”  Lord Crump felt a tad awkward.  He looked down at his boots and said;
“But, Sir Grodus, you used to be fine with just being a head.”  Sir Grodus looked away.
“I know, my dear servant, I know…but I realized how much of a nothing I was on that day…that day we went to the movies…”
“You mean when we went to see Madagascar?” Lord Crump asked.
“Yes…that movie with those stupid animals…You see, I was hopping along to get some popcorn, when some person stepped on me!  I asked if she would apologize, and she just said that I was a creepy head, and didn’t disserve it!  I!  The greatest genius in the world did not disserve an apology!  It was then that I realized what I truly missed was technology.  What I truly missed was power.  What I truly missed was my body!  It was then I pulled the X-Nauts away from that movie, and ordered you all to build the ship we fly in as I speak…and I have a plan, Lord Crump…Oh, I have a plan...”  Lord Crump was drooling at the mouth as he examined a lady bug crawl across the floor.  â€œâ€¦â€¦LORD CRUMP!”
“WHA?  Oh, *clears throat* yes sir, plan plany plan, of course,” he said, sadly watching the little lady bug crawl away.
“I have a plan to get back at all those people in that world over there, AND FINALLY RULE OVER THEM!!!”
“Really?”
“Yes, okay.  See, look at that Lord Crump, you just ruined a perfectly good ‘evil laughing’ time…it was there, we could’ve grabbed it, but you missed it Lord Crump, way to go,” said Sir Grodus, his large cranium bouncing up and down, spinning the chair back around so that Sir Grodus could look at his little swimming pets.  He was angrier now than he had been when he had a body.
“Oh, well, sorry.  I have a feeling that in this particular story there will be plenty of room for evil laughing, sir,” Lord Crump said.
“Shut up.  Tell the X-Naut Scientists to hurry up on my new body!....And the pizza!”  Said Sir Grodus as his head slumped down in his chair (creepy, huh?)
“Yes sir.”  Lord Crump made the sign of an ‘X’ with his arms (the X-Naut signal) and began to leave.  â€œOh, yeah…by the way…I was wondering…when you eat, where does the food…you know…go???”
“Shut up and get the pizza, Crump.  After that I will tell you, and all the X-Nauts, my absolute genius plan!  The plan that will make the X-Naut clan the greatest clan in the world...a plan that shall not fail to put us X-Nauts on the top...Now go get that pizza!”
“Yes sir!”
To be continued...
 

[The Blue Toad]

Chapter 1:  The Brilliant Plan ~ Sir Grodus sighed as he watched his fish swim back and forth.  He was an old X-Naut, and used to be very powerful.  With his staff at hand, and intimidating look, he was the best X-Naut leader ever!  His plan had been simple.  He would find all seven of the legendary Crystal Stars, and use their magic to open the great Thousand-Year Door!  There he would awaken the great and powerful Shadow Queen, an evil demon that had amazing power.  He would command this Shadow Queen, and rule the world!  He had well-trained X-Nauts, and excellently built robotics, but this was not enough.  He was chasing perhaps the most powerful seven objects in the world!  He needed help.  It was then that Sir Grodus was greeted by a trio of strange creatures.  They called themselves the Shadow Sirens and proved to be powerful.  The Shadow Sirens consisted of Beldam, Marilyn, and Vivian; together they could summon the elements ice, lightning, and fire.  They also hand the power of shadow, and they were just what Sir Grodus needed to make sure his plan worked.  He then discovered that the Shadow Queen was cursed.  She could not move from her coffin, and needed a sacrifice for the Shadow Queen to possess!  He needed someone with a pure heart, and Beldam said she knew just the person.  Beldam, the evil Shadow Siren began telling a rumor about a treasure behind the Thousand-Year Door, and found a princess to be the bate.  She was the perfect victim, and Dir Grodus was pleased.  He was sure this plan would work.  But, once he heard of a man named Mario, everything went wrong.  This Mario person had the map that showed wear the Crystal Stars were located!  And he was getting the Crystal Stars before the X-Nauts could!  Sir Grodus panicked and sent the X-Nauts, Lord Crump, and the Shadow Sirens on him, trying all he could to stop Mario.  He failed miserably.  Somehow, Mario was able to get by all of Sir Grodus’ plans.  But, finally, in the end it worked.  After tricking Mario, he made it to the Shadow Queen first.  He was too excited for words.  He awakened the Shadow Queen, and gave her Princess Peach.  But when Sir Grodus tried to command the Shadow Queen, she destroyed him.  She left him in pieces the only surviving part being his head.  The Shadow Sirens had just used him to awaken their queen!  He was like a pawn in their plan.  The Shadow Sirens ended up getting all the glory, and were thanked dearly by the horrid Shadow Queen.  Mario would not stand for this, though.  He fought the shadow queen, and with the help of the Crystal Stars, and all of his friends, he defeated her.  Afterwards, Sir Grodus realized his wrong doing and decided to turn good.  He tried it, and didn’t like it.  Now Sir Grodus wanted one thing, and one thing only: Revenge!
“Pizza time!” Lord Crump said suddenly, causing the head of Sir Grodus to jump.  Sir Grodus spun around in his chair to see Lord Crump holding a steaming pizza.
“Don’t scare me like that you stupid, stupid, foolish fool!” he cried as be bit into the pizza.

As soon as Sir Grodus and Lord Crump finished their pizza, the bouncing head led Lord Crump into the Speech Chambers (yes, the Speech Chambers) so that he could tell all of his fellow X-Nauts his genius plan.
“Hurry up, Crump!” Sir Grodus said as he hoped along, “A frickin’ head can go faster than you!”  Lord Crump panted as he tried to keep up.  Finally, Sir Grodus hopped into the elevator, Lord Crump soon to follow.  The elevator music was the soft sound of Oops I Did it Again by Britney Spears.
“…………”
“………………”
“………………”
“………..I love this song.”
“Shut up………remind me to kill the guy who picks the elevator music.”  Finally the elevator door opened and Sir Grodus’ head quickly hoped out.  There was the sound of talking behind the door they were about to enter.  Sir Grodus hopped through the door to find he was standing on a large stage in front of tons and tons of different types of X-Nauts.  X-Naut Elites, X-Naut Scientists, X-Naut Ninjas, all kinds.
“Lord Crump!” said Sir Grodus, “Put me up on the podium!”  Lord Crump picked up the head of Sir Grodus and placed it on a black podium that was in the front of the stage.  Sir Grodus said into the microphone; “Attention!!!”  All the X-Nauts stopped talking, looked to the front, and put their arms together to form an ‘X’.  â€œGreetings my fellow X-Nauts!  I have gathered you all here to tell you that we are going into action once more!!!”  There was a great cheer from the audience in which Lord Crump stood from the stool by the podium and signaled for them to quiet down.  â€œIt is time for our revenge!”  There was another loud cheer.  â€œI will need each and every one of you for this plan to succeed!  I have been living in peace for longer than I would have wanted, and it is time for a change!  Now I will not waste any time on telling you that this may be our time to rule the World!”  Yes, yes another loud cheer.  â€œIn phase one, I will have all of you fly from the X-Naut Mother Ship, and down towards Earth.  You will try to stay away from any contact with a stranger, but if you find you are, simply show your badge and tell them it is classified business.  In phase one I will first have my revenge on the species that caused my body to be disintegrated.  The Shadow Sirens.  Shadow Sirens are the strangest creatures I know of, and to get a hold of them, you must be very careful.  They lurk in the shadows, and are hiding everywhere.  I want you all to use this special device,” Lord Crump held up a remote control-like item to show the X-Nauts, “to track down the Shadow Sirens.  You see, the radar on the remote shows the dark energy of the Shadow Sirens right on the screen.  When it appears you are directly in front of one, simply press the big red button.  Lord Crump, a demonstration.”  Lord Crump nodded as he stood up once more.  He held the remote in front of him and pressed the big red button.  Blue lightning shot from the antenna and began zapping a nearby X-Naut.  The X-Naut rose into the air, screaming and twitching crazily from the electricity.  The other X-Nauts gasped as he landed back down with a thud.  â€œDo not worry,” Sir Grodus said, “He is not dead, just knocked out, stunned.  That blue electricity is attracted to the Shadow Siren energy, and will go straight to it.  It will force the Shadow Siren out from its hiding place, and will fall to the ground stunned.  This would be when you press the little blue button.  Lord Crump, if you will.”  Lord Crump stood up again.  A number of X-Nauts stepped back.  He pressed the little blue button, and a quick flash of light shot from the attena, hitting the same X-Naut that was electrocuted.  A blue bubble formed around the unconscious X-Naut, and lifted him slowly above the ground, the X-Naut floating around in the bubble.  â€œThis will capture the Shadow Siren so that it cannot escape.  Bring the Shadow Siren back to the Mother Ship where we will absorb the Shadow Siren’s power and use it for our own!!!”  There was a huge applause from the audience, X-Nauts yelling out “Brilliant!” and “Hoorah!” and even “Oh my gosh, where’s his frickin’ body?”  It was true.  His plan was brilliant.  â€œWe will not stop until we have every Shadow Siren in the world!  And as soon as we harness all that energy, we will load it into a giant gun that will be aimed at the Earth.  If the people on Earth don’t obey what I say, then we will fire the gun, plunging them into darkness!”  There was another great applause.  â€œOur weapon is darkness, my felloe X-Nauts!  No one will ever be able to stop us from dominating!  No one!.....Now grab one of those remote controls and a pamphlet labeled ‘The Steps To Domination’ on your way out, and get out there, and CAPTURE THOSE SHADOWS!!!”  And the biggest applause followed that.  â€œOkay!  Any questions?” a hand suddenly shot up.  It was an X-Naut Elite.  â€œOh, uh *clears throat* yes, what is it?” Sir Grodus asked.
“Sir, you went after the power of the shadows before, have you not?” asked the Elite.
“Well…yes I have,” Sir Grodus’ head replied.
“Well, no offense, but that plan went down like an elephant riding a unicycle.  Are you sure this is a good idea?”  A few of the X-Nauts began muttering.
“I’ll tell you what I think. Elite,” Dir Grodus hopped up and suddenly press a button on his podium.  A huge bolt of lightning came down from the ceiling and struck the Elite, leaving only his boots and a pile of ashes.  Everyone gasped.  â€œAny more questions?”  Surprisingly, another hand shot up.  It was just a normal X-Naut.  One of the stupid ones, actually.
“Yeah, uh, sir dude or dude…sir…yeah dude-sir-sir-sir-dude…Okay, anyways dude, or sir, or dude, or sir dude-“
“Shut up…now speak!” Sir Grodus commanded.
“Yeah, um, what do the ‘Shadow Sirens’ look like anyways, dude-sir?” he asked, giving the ‘X’ signal at the end.
“Oh, yes, well…lets see here…Shadow Sirens are purple, and almost appear in a smokey sort of way.  They almost float above the ground, have no legs, and have a dark shadow beneath them…alright any one else?”  No one else raised their hand.  â€œGood.  Then grab a pamphlet and remote zapper, and go capture some shadows!”  Instead of an applause there was a mutters of  â€œOkay”s and “Fine whatever”s.  If Sir Grodus had a body, he would’ve shrugged.
“Fabulous plan, Sir Grodus,” said Lord Crump giving him the ‘X’ signal with his arms.
“Thank you Lord Crump.  Now, make sure all those X-Nauts leave the ship and tell the X-Scientists to hurry up on my new frickin’ body!!!” said Sir Grodus.
“Will do sir,” said Lord Crump as he left to make sure all the X-Nauts were getting in the mini-pod ships that went straight to Earth.  Sir Grodus had a sudden surge of hope.  His plan was going to work!
To be continued...

[Markio]

I soooo want to read this, but because of my lack of Paper Mario 2, I would neither understand half of the stuff/characters, nor would I not see spoilers.

[The Blue Toad]

  Yeah, you should try to get Paper Mario 2 some time.  Great game.

Chapter 2: The Two Not So Bright X-Nauts ~ Cameras flashed wildly, reporters rang out in questions, and fans waved autograph books wildly as the fabulous Madame Flurrie returned from her beautiful stage performance in Gone With the Wind.  Madame Flurrie is a cloud goddess.  She helped Mario out in his last adventure when they collected the seven Crystal Stars.  After the amazing adventure, Madame Flurrie went back to the stage becoming a movie star, diva, idol, lover, and so on so forth.  Her huge stage comeback was a play all about Mario's huge adventure.  It was also when Doopliss, a Dooplighost made his stage debut for the first time!  Though he was popular, he was nowhere near as close to popularity as Flurrie was.  Old fans of hers cheered wildly as the cloud lady came back better then ever!  Madame Flurrie floated through the crowds of cheering fans.  She wore a fancy fur coat, with a matching fur hat.  He strong make-up and bright-red, smiling lips made her very recognizable.
"Madame!  Madame Flurrie!" a reporter cried from the audience, "This is for the Daily Mushroom!  What do you plant to do next?"
"Well, dahling, I plan to steal the spotlight once again, and keep on living the good life!"  Flurrie cried over the loud cheers of the audience.  Madame Flurrie floated over to a black limousine that was waiting for her.  "Good bye!  I love you all!" she cried as she floated into the limousine (her lumpy, round body hardly fitting).  The crowd cheered as the limousine began driving away.  Madame Flurrie was a winner of three Oscars, and had been given one for being best actress!  Flurrie did not only do stage performances, but screen appearances as well.  In The Matrix, she played a smaller role as The Oracle.  In The Lord of the Rings, she lost thirty pounds to play the role of Arwin (but, she gained back the weight as soon as the movie was over).  Flurrie was a very successful cloud.  But even now she missed the old days of traveling with Mario and friends all around the World.  It was really quite exciting, and she missed that feeling.  Flurrie played with her pearl necklace as she watched out the window.  After a while of driving, she arrived in Boggly Woods.  The mysterious forest that was home to strange creatures.  The trees were black and covered in white leaves, and white rings of flowers sprouted from the magical, colorful ground.  Flurrie watched as the limousine drove past the amazing Great Tree.  It was a gigantic tree that was home to tiny creatures known as Punis.  Flurrie got along with the creatures very well.  The limousine came to a halt in front of a large pink house.  This was Flurrie's home.
"Thank you, Jeeves," Flurrie said to her Puni butler.
"It is no trouble, Madame," said Jeeves as he began to park the limousine.  Flurrie now had a large fountain in front of her house and looked up at it in wonder as she floated up to her house.  She wondered what Mario was doing, and whether Princess Peach was doing okay.  The wind howled as she walked up the stone steps to her house.  As Flurrie reached in her coat pocket to find her keys, an enormous gust of wind bellow from the trees, and blew Flurrie's fur hat straight off her head.
"Ah!" she cried as she tried to grab her hat.  The hat blew behind her house, Flurrie quickly followed it.  Flurrie found her hat hung in a large tree at the side of her house.  "Oh dear...that was a very expensive hat," she said as she noticed how high up the hat was.  Flurrie was trying to think of a plan to get her hat back.....

Meanwhile...

"Alright, dude...It says that there is a Shadow Siren somewhere over here, dude," an X-Naut said as he aimlessly walked around Boggly Woods.
"Where???  I don't see anything!" said another X-Naut beside him, checking his Remote Zapper's radar.
"There, dude, don't you see it, dude?" the X-Naut said.  He pointed a stubby, gloved finger towards a large pink house.  "The radar says that there's a Shadow Siren next to that big pink house, dude."  The other X-Naut looked at his radar again.
"Oh yeah...you're right.  Finally!  We haven't caught a single Shadow Siren all day!" the X-Naut said as he followed his friend, beginning their way to Flurrie's huge house.
"I know, dude, it's embarrassing.  I hear that we are the only X-Nauts so far not to have been able to catch one, dude.  I mean, who knew there were so many of these things, you know, dude?"
"Yeah, I know.  I wish we were assigned to Twilight Town.  I hear that Twilight Town is like a gold-mine of Shadow Sirens!"
"Yeah, dude...look we're getting closer!"  The two rather stupid X-Nauts stopped in front of Flurries enormous house.  On their radars was a purple dot that seemed to be located on the right side of the house (where Flurrie was at the moment).  "This is an awesome house, dude."
"Yeah, I know.  I wonder who lives here...but that's not the point.  Come on.  The radar says that the Shadow Siren is over here."  The X-Nauts made there way to the side of the large pink house.  As soon as they turned the corner, they stopped in their tracks.  Flurrie had her back towards them, and was jumping up and down, waving her fur coat at her hat, trying to knock it down.  One of the X-Nauts checked the radar.  It appeared that Flurrie was that purple dot!
"There it is dude!" the X-Naut whispered.  The two X-Nauts snuck behind a bush, not to be seen.
"Are sure that's a Shadow Siren?" the other X-Naut asked.
"Of course I'm sure, dude!" the other said, "She looks just like Sir Grodus said!  Floating above the ground, no legs, the color blue, and look!  There's a shadow under her!"  The other X-Naut looked around the bush.  Flurrie had almost managed to get her fur hat out of the tree.
"Wait...didn't Sir Grodus say that the Shadow Sirens were purple?" he asked.
"What?  No!  Sir Grodus said that they were blue, dude," the other said.
"No, he said purple!"
"Blue!"
"Purple!"
"Blue!"
"Purple!"
"Blue, dude!"
"I'm telling you, its purple!"
"She's a Shadow Siren get her!"
"No she's not!"
"But she's blue!"
"It's purple!"
"Can I help you?"  Madame Flurrie was floating just above the two X-Nauts.  She had been able to get her hat back, and heard a strange sound in the bushes.  The X-Nauts gasped.  One of them pulled out their remote and zapped Madame Flurrie!  Flurrie became unconscious as she fell to the ground, her hat falling to the ground next to her.
"Ha!  See, dude, I told you!  She floats, has no feet, there's a shadow, and she's bluuue!" he said, as he pressed the little blue button, capturing Flurrie in a blue bubble.
"Alright, alright...but I still think they're purple!  Maybe...maybe this one was just a weird blue one...Lets just get out of here!"  The two X-Nauts carried the bubble cage back to their mini-pod ship, Flurrie as their hostage.  As soon as they left, a little Shadow Siren poked her head up from the shadows of the tree by Flurrie's house.  She was a small, petite Shadow Siren, and wore a striped dark green witch’s hat.  Her hair was put up in pig-tails, and was the strange color of a light, minty green.  He loopy bangs covered her eyes, and her cheeks were rosy pink.  She had a worried look on her face as she looked up into the sky.  The small mini-pod of the X-Nauts’ flew up into the air, and disappeared into space with Flurrie onboard.
“Oh no…Flurrie…” she said in her small voice.  The small Shadow Siren looked over at Flurrie’s fur hat on the ground, and was about to pick it up when Jeeves came running around the corner.  The Shadow Siren quickly hid in the shadows once more.
“Madame?” Jeeves asked worriedly, “Madame Flurrie?  Where are you?”  Jeeves circled the house several times, looking for his dear mistress.  He couldn’t find her.  Madame Flurrie had been mistaken for a Shadow Siren, and taken to the X-Naut’s base.

[minkbob]

This story is hiarious! :D
Good job, Blue Toad.

[The Blue Toad]

Thank you minkbob!

Chapter 3:  Mario’s Discovery ~ It was everywhere.  No one wasn’t talking about it!  The mysterious capture of the famed movie star Madame Flurrie.  It was all over the front page of the Daily Mushroom as well.  â€œFlurrie, Gone Like the Wind?”, “Kidnapped Cloud”, “Disappearance of a Star” and more roamed the news.  Mario sat on his comfortable couch, watching the news with interest.  It showed a news reporting Toad lady interviewing a Puni.  He wore a fine black suit, and had a stiff, pointed mustache.  Apparently, known as Jeeves, Madame Flurries’ long time butler.
“Tell us again how it happened,” said the news reporter as the camera turned to the rather shocked looking Puni, fumbling with his bowler hat.
“Well,” he said with a gulp, “Madame Flurrie had asked me to go and park the limousine.  I had done as she told me, like a good butler should.  After I parked, I began…I began walking back to the house.  When I tried to open the door, however, it appeared to still be locked…So I tried calling out her name and looking for her, and when I turned the corner, I found her hat lying on the ground…There has been no sign of her since…” Mario watched as the camera turned back to the news reporter.  She pushed back her blonde hair and said,
“And there you have it, ladies and gentlemen.  A famous actress gone.  This may be one disappearance from the stage that won’t have a comeback.  This is Julie Imahore, signing off.”  Mario turned off the T.V. as another news reporter started another story about a certain Goomba infestation in Mushroom Kingdom sewers.  He lay back on the couch and looked out the window.  Where could she have gone?  Mario thought back to the days of their travel.  She had helped him out through many a times.  Flurrie’s hat was all that was left of her.  It was the only trace.  Mario closed his eyes, tipping his red cap over his face, and relaxed in the silence.  The birds sang happily outside the window.  It was rare when Mario got the entire house to himself.  Normally Luigi was always here, talking on and on and on and ON AND ON!!!  He never usually stopped until it was time to go to bed, which was still annoying.  Luigi was off on an adventure, or something.  He started this morning, and hadn’t been home since.  It was about time Luigi had his own fun.  Suddenly, Luigi burst into the room, panting for air and carrying a white box.
“Luigi!” Mario said as he rushed over to his brother, “Where were you?…What’s in that box?”  Luigi stood up and said,
“I’ve been all the way into Koopa Kingdom…Just to get….The greatest donuts known to man!”  Luigi held up the box proudly.  It was true.  The greatest donut shop was not in the Mushroom Kingdom, but in the Koopa Kingdom.  Luigi and Mario went over there every once in a while (if they really wanted a donut).  They happily ate the donuts at the table, Luigi blabbering on and on about his little donut adventure, and Mario gazing out the window thinking about what could have happened to Flurrie.  Mario had enjoyed watching her plays and movies.  She really was a good actress, and they say that her play The Adventures of Mario was arguably her best performance yet!  Who could have kidnapped her?  Mario thought that she was a pretty good fighter, and that she could easily take care of herself.  Mario hadn’t really gotten out much lately, and really wanted to just go and stretch his limbs, feel adventure seep into his skin, and danger pound at his heart.  Something inside of him told him to go back to Rougeport again, and visit Flurrie’s house.  It seemed to be the least he could do.
“And then I ran into Piantina, and MAN was that awkward, but luckily I just decided to-“
“Luigi,” Mario interrupted, bringing his gaze back to Earth and looked at his brother (who was finishing his third chocolate donut).  â€œI think I’m going to go to Rougeport.”  Luigi swallowed and hung his mouth open, his eyebrows raised.
“Again?!?” he said, brushing donut crumbs off his green shirt.  â€œWhy is it this time?”
“Haven’t you heard the news?”  Mario put down his donut and stood up from his chair.  â€œMadame Flurrie has randomly disappeared!”  Luigi took another bight of his donut and lazily chewed while squinted off into space.
“…Madame Flurrie?…Who is that again?”  Luigi looked up at Mario who seemed to be quickly packing a bag for his trip to Rougeport.  Mario never really waits before going on adventures and such.  It has always been rather fast pace for this plumber.
“Madame Flurrie, the cloud goddess, remember?…No?…She’s an actress.  The…well…the fat one,” Mario said, ashamed of himself for saying such a thing, but realizing that was the only way Luigi would remember.
“Flurrie!  Ah!  Yes!  I remember her…yes, she reminds me of my dear Piantina sometimes…So, where did she disappear to?”  Mario gave his little brother an annoyed looked as he quickly grabbed a chocolate éclair.
“If we knew where she went, don’t you think someone would’ve found her by now?” Mario asked sarcastically as he made his way out of the kitchen, swinging his bag around to his back.  He could fell mushrooms jutting from his bag and into his back, being slowly squished by the pressure of his hurriedly packed overalls.  Mario waved farewell to his young brother, and made his descent out the door.  Mario thought that this would just be a quick, enjoyable trip to Rougeport, nothing more.  He expected that perhaps some low-life Goombas had kidnapped Flurrie.  They would be easy to beat.  Hopefully it was just that and nothing too serious.  Mario opened a gate in the brothers’ front yard that led to a warp pipe that rested in the shade of two tall tress.  Mario secured his hat and made a jaw-dropping jump into the warp pipe, sliding down.  The next moment, Mario had leapt from a different warp pipe that appeared to be positioned right in front of a dock that extended out to a sun drenched sea.  The morning was bright and friendly, and Cheep Cheeps could be seen happily jumping in and out of the water at a far distance.  The ferryboat should be arriving at the Mushroom Kingdom docks any time now.  It often only made to stops.  One in the morning, and one in the evening.  Mario was a little disappointed that he wouldn’t really be able to see his old friends in Rougeport right away, but he had to go straight to Boggly Woods, the home of Madame Flurrie.  After all, this trip was all about her.  Mario would most likely search for clues around her house first, perhaps question a few people as well.  Maybe he could even ask the local Punis if they had seen anything out of the ordinary.  Hopefully he would be able to track down the missing actress, and hopefully this trip wouldn’t be for nothing.  Mario looked out to sea just in time to see the ferryboat coming just off the horizon, seagulls circling the mast.  Mario’s stomach churned with excitement.  Off to Rougeport!


"A wagon full of pamcakes?  In the Champeenship?!  I''d like to see ya try!" - Homestar Runner

[The Blue Toad]

Chapter 4:  Old Friends and a Gray Warp Pipe ~ Mario breathed in the fresh, salty sea air as the ferryboat to Rougeport sailed onward.  The sky was a beautiful light blue, as was the ocean.  It had been an hour now since Mario left the Mushroom Kingdom dock, and the sun was shining in the sky merrily as the seagulls flew in circles cawing loudly.  Mario could see the city of Rougeport just in head of him.  The blimp rested in the sky, and the tall brick walls were clear.  Mario’s mind kept slipping on the thought of Boggly Woods and Flurrie.  Who would want to kidnap her?  Why?  He would have to go straight to the crime scene to figure this one out.

A little while later the ferryboat arrived at the long dock extending from the brick roads of Rougeport.  Mario thanked the driver, and exited the boat.  The ferry driver bid his farewell as Mario watched the boat sail off into the sea.  Rougeport seemed the same as it had last time he visited.  Run-down and dirty, with questionable people around and about.  But, Mario had become friends with these people once, and as he walked through the harbor there were waves and friendly greetings.
“Mario?” said a sailor bom-omb behind him, “You’re back to Rougeport!”  Mario had gone off to sea the last time he was here at Rougeport, and this bom-omb had been one of the crew.
“Yeah, hi there!” Mario said politely, though he definitely could not recall his name.
“Welcome back!  Welcome back!” the bom-omb said.  â€œâ€¦Why are you back here anyways?”  Mario explained to him the relationship between him and Flurrie, and how he had to at least try to figure out where she had gone.
“Ah, yes, she helped you quite a bit, didn’t she?” the bom-omb said, looking off to see.  â€œIt’s a shame, really.  These things happen to celebrities though, you know.  She’ll probably be back in a week or so though, you know, get even more popular…but if you think its serious, I guess it would be good to check out the crime scene…”  Mario nodded and said goodbye.  The plumber headed up the stairs and into the town square.  A rather unorganized little place, and at the center of the square were the gallows.  The rope hung from the wooden branch lazily, as if it hadn’t seen a good neck in years.  It all seemed very familiar to Mario.  The graffiti markings, the old battered signs, and the local Inn and Shop.  Mario waved to a few more people as he walked into the east side of town.  It was here Mario would talk to Professor Frankly, and use the warp pipe to get into the underground city of Rougeport.  Mario didn’t waste any time to greet his old friends.  He quickly walked up to the house to the right of the old fortunetellers’.  This was the house that belonged to his old friend.  Mario knocked at the door three solid times.  There was a bit of rustling about, and the door swung open revealing a little, old Goomba.  He had white hair sticking out from the sides of his head, and round, thick glasses.
“Mario?” said the old Goomba as he looked up to see who was standing at the door.  Another Goomba quickly came to the door.  She had a rosy pink face, and wore a miner’s helmet with a blonde ponytail coming out the back.  It was Goombella, the Goomba girl who helped Mario out in his last adventure.  She was very smart and adventurous.  She devoted her time with Professor Frankly after the adventure was over.  Her eyes lit up at the sight of Mario.
“Mario!” she said.
“Come in, my boy, come in!” cried Professor Frankly.  Mario happily entered the old house that was crammed with books and pieces of parchment.  Mario, Goombella, and Professor Frankly all greeted each other happily after such a long time of not seeing each other.
“So, Mario,” Professor Frankly said, “why are you back in Rougeport?”
“Well…Have you heard the news about Flurrie?” asked Mario.
“Oh, yes…tragic…” Goombella said honestly, “She was always a very good friend…”
“…Who?” Frankly asked.
“Flurrie…” Goombella replied, though the professor still looked confused.  â€œYou know…Madam Flurrie…” Professor Frankly seemed to have the same memory problem as Luigi.
“Did she help you two out with the Thousand-Year Door?” he asked.
“Yeah!” Goombella said, “Flurrie!…The one who could blow wind!…The cloud goddess!”
“OH!  The lumpy one!” Professor Frankly cried.
“Professor!” Goombella said angrily.  â€œShe was kidnapped!”
“Really?” he said, a puzzled look on his face, “…Hmmm…So, Mario, you’re in Rougeport because Blurrie was kidnapped?”
“It’s Flurrie, and yes,” replied Mario, “I’m going to try to see if I can solve anything about her disappearance.”  Mario had a feeling that he was defiantly not going to be able to find her, or even find any clue about her disappearance, but it was worth a shot.  â€œI was headed to Boggly Woods as we speak, but I had to visit you guys first.”
“Well that was very kind, Mario,” Frankly said, “I appreciate it.”  Mario was happy to see his friends again, but knew that it was it me to reluctantly say goodbye and make his way to Flurrie’s house.  He bid goodbye as he got up and began to leave.
“Goodbye, Mario!”  Goombella said, “Come back and visit again soon!”  Mario nodded and waved goodbye.  He opened the door and stepped back out into the sun.  The warp pipe was directly across from Frankly’s house.  Mario took a large jump, and plummeted down into darkness, slipping and sliding down the green pipe and appearing in the underground city of Rougeport.  It was damp, and dark.  People still lived down here, but most of the houses were deserted.  Luckily, Mario knew exactly where to go.  He traveled his way through the dark, stony place, and a couple of warp pipes later, Mario found where he needed to be.  He climbed up a small flight of stairs in an empty gray room.  He went through a door that led into a dark hallway, and traveled down it.  At the end of this hallway he found another opening.  A gray warp pipe stuck out from the wall in another, smaller, empty gray room.  Mario walked over to the gray warp pipe that led to Boggly Woods, and felt a sudden pulling feeling.  He entered the warp pipe and made his way to the mysterious and magical place called Boggly Woods, the home of the famous actress, Madam Flurrie…


“A wagon full of pamcakes?  In the Champeen ship?!  I’d like to see ya try!” ~ Homestar Runner

“A wagon full of pamcakes?  In the Champeen ship?!  I’d like to see ya try!” ~ Homestar Runner

Edited by - The Blue Toad on 8/2/2005 12:26:50 PM

[The Blue Toad]

Chapter 5:  A Little Friend ~ Mario’s whirling sensation suddenly came to an end as he came out from another gray warp pipe.  The gray warp pipe that lead to Boggly Woods.  Mario leapt from the pipe and landed on the soft ground.  The Woods were just as Mario remembered.  Tall, black trees rose out from the beautiful Earth, pure white leaves swaying on the branches.  The sky was a misty purple, and white flowers rose from the pitch-black soil.  Mario breathed in the fresh, soothing air around him.  It was a very peaceful place, with not many people around.  Boggly Woods was the home to Madam Flurrie, and the Punis.  Punis are tiny, gray creature, with small stick-like legs and large, round eyes.  They are peaceful creatures, and are said to live in a gigantic tree known as the Great Tree.  Mario loved the beautiful sound of the wind through the trees and the mysterious silence.  He slowly began his descent through the forest.  As he walked through, he noticed that there seemed to be more trees around, and it seemed more scenic and peaceful.  Boggly Woods was truly a wondrous place.  Suddenly he heard a small sound beneath him.
“No!  AHH-” cried something.  Mario felt his foot land on something lumpy.  He quick jumped up and looked down to see what he had stepped on.  It was a small Puni with a green bulb dangling off of his antenna.  It was Mario’s old friend, Punio!
“Punio!”  Mario cried at the little thing he had just stepped on.  Punio was trying to catch himself as he stumbled about.
“Ugh…Hi Mario,” Punio said, finally getting himself upright, recovering from Mario’s foot.  â€œIt’s so good to see you again!  But, what made you decide to come back to Boggly Woods?”  Mario explained to Punio that he was off to try to figure something out about Madam Flurrie’s sudden disappearance.  Punio seemed very happy to hear so.
“All the Punis are in terrible sadness about this…It is very tragic for us,” Punio said.  â€œFollow me, Mario, the Elder and Jeeves are discussing Flurrie’s kidnapping right now over at her house!”  Mario was happy to follow the little Puni.  They crossed through the mysterious forest, stumbling over black tree roots every so often, and warding off terrible Pale Piranha Plants.  They walked past the Great Tree.  It was magnificent.  It stood extremely tall, its long braches and thick, white leaves swaying in the wind.  It was where the Punis all lived happily and peacefully.  Finally, after many more steps, Mario could see it in the distance on tall, black, mountainous hills.  Madam Flurrie’s large, pink house.  Mario and Punio found a gray warp pipe that led there, and jumped inside.  Mario felt the same whirling sensation, but the quickly appeared in front of the house of Flurrie.  It was bigger than Mario remembered, and now it had an elegant fountain in front.  Mario could spot the Puni Elder and Flurrie’s Puni butler Jeeves in front of the house talking away.  The Puni elder was very old and had a low purple bulb dangling from her antenna, as where Jeeves had a blue bulb.  Jeeves looked as fancy as ever once again.  Mario and Punio walked over to the two as they both looked up.
“Hello again Marty-O!” the Puni Elder said after a short while of trying to remember who this was.  Jeeves looked at Mario with a rather frightened expression.
“Who the heck are you???” Jeeves asked.  â€œYou’re tall!  Tall!  Tall!  Too tall!”
“Oh shut up, Jeeves, this is just Marty-O!  He rescued the Great Tree, ya know.”  Jeeves looked from Marty-O – er…Mario to the Elder.
“Oh…well, that’s always good…”
“Elder,” Punio said to the old Puni, “Mario came back to help with the search for Flurrie.”  The Elder nodded.
“That is very kind of you Marty-O.  Yes, we do wish Flurrie would show up any time now, but we simply can’t find any clues…” Mario felt his heart drop slightly.  Could this really be the end for Madam Flurrie?
“Wait…Elder,” Punio said again, “what about that remote-ee-o-thingy?”  Mario looked confused as he looked from Punio to the Elder.
“The wha?…Oh yes!  The remote-ee-o-thingy!  Jeeves, go fetch the remote-ee-o-thingy!” said the Puni Elder.  Jeeves quickly walked over to the right side of the pink house and came back hold a…well…a remote-ee-o-thingy.  It looked like a remote control with a thick antenna and strange buttons on it.  There was also a screen on the remote-ee-o-thingy that had a sort of radar like design with a purple dot on it.  Jeeves held up the remote-ee-o-thingy for Mario to take.  He examined over it a bit, and saw that as he moved the purple dot on the screen got farther away or closer.
“What is it?” Mario asked.
“We have no idea,” Jeeves said.  â€œPerhaps a video game?”  Mario began moving toward the purple dot.  It got closer and larger as he approached it.  What could it mean?
“Where did you find this?” Mario asked as he began to walk to the right side of Flurrie’s house still going toward the purple dot.
“We found it in the bushes there,” Jeeves said pointing to bushes that were now right next to Mario, “next to her hat…oh…my poor, dear Flurrie…” Mario continued to follow the dot until he was directly on top of it.  He was now standing in the shadows of Flurrie’s beautiful garden beside her pink house.  Her flowers grew enormously and gave off a beautiful scent.  Whatever was on this radar was right in front of Mario on this radar.  Mario stared at the large red button in the middle of the strange remote control.  Without thinking, he pressed it.  Blue lightning suddenly shot from the antenna, straight into Flurrie’s garden!  The Punis gasped as a shadow siren suddenly appeared.  Mario gasped as well.  She was a small, petite Shadow Siren, who was a beautiful shade of purple.  She had mint green hair put in pigtails; loopy bangs covering her eyes, and a green-striped witch’s hat.  Mario had seen Shadow Sirens before, but had no idea that they were hiding right under our noses.  The small Shadow Siren began panting as she looking up at everyone.  She rubbed her nervous, gloved hands awkwardly.  There was a long moment of silence when Jeeves suddenly cried out,
“What did you do with Madam Flurrie!?!?!”  The Shadow Siren looked very scared as she said,
“I did nothing!” her voice was small, and quiet.  She slowly began lowering back down into the shadows.  Mario looked over at the Punis and then back at the frightened Shadow Siren.
“Who are you?” Mario asked.  The Shadow Siren hesitated a bit.
“I…I am a Shadow Siren…” she said, shaking a bit.  â€œMy name is Lily…who are you?”
“My name,” he said, “is Mario.”


“A wagon full of pamcakes?  In the Champeen ship?!  I’d like to see ya try!” ~ Homestar Runner        

[The Blue Toad]

Chapter 6:  All Coming Together ~ The Shadow Siren became a little more braves as she slowly rose out of the dirt.
“…Mario?” she said slowly.
“Yes,” replied Mario.  Lily the Shadow Siren looked over at the Punis standing behind Mario.
“Why did you hurt me?”  Lily asked suddenly, turning to Mario.  â€œYour using that same device the men did on Flurrie!  You’re not…One of them…Are you?”  Mario became confused.
“One of what?  One of whom???  I was just experimenting with this remote-ee-o-thingy, pressed a button, and apparently a strange surge of power forced you out of the ground…but, who are you talking about?”  Asked Mario.  Lily looked around a bit as if to expect someone to tell her not to say anything.  When nothing happened she slowly said,
“There…There were these two strange men…They had the remote control thing…Madame lost her hat and was trying to get it back…The two men were arguing in the bushes, and when the Madame got her hat back, she went to see what all the commotion in the bushes was about…She politely asked them if something was wrong…and they…they…they shocked the Madame!  She was knocked out!  The strange man made a force field like bubble go around Madame, and they carried her off to their little ship to fly back into the air…” Mario thought of this for a while.  One of those men must have accidentally dropped their remote control in the bushes where they were hiding.
“…Lily, what did these men look like?” asked Mario.
“Well,” she replied quietly, “they were both in a strange, red uniform…scarves around their faces…spectacles, and-and gloves…they also had a symbol on their chests…a large letter ‘X’.”  That struck Mario’s mind in an instant.
“The X-Nauts!”  The Punis had said the same thing at the same time as Mario.  The X-Nauts had attacked the Great Tree before, something that would never be forgotten.  But more to the point, what would the X-Nauts want with Flurrie?  Mario thought that they were laid back now any ways.  They had decided to give up being evil once Mario thwomped them the first time…Mario looked down at the remote-ee-o-thingy.  The purple dot on the screen was apparently sensing Lily the Shadow Siren.  Was that the X-Nauts’ major target and they just ended up getting Flurrie by a mistake?
“Please believe me,” Lily said, “I would never do anything to harm the Madame.  It…It really did hurt me to see her being taken away like that…”
“Wait a second!”  Jeeves suddenly said, “How do you know Madam Flurrie???  What are you even doing in her garden in the first place???”  Lily shrunk down a little.
“Actually…I know the Madame…but the Madame just doesn’t know me…” Lily slowly said.
“What???” Jeeves asked.  â€œExplain yourself you…you…Shadow Whatever!”  Lily cleared her throat.
“Well…You see…Most Shadow Sirens like to cause havoc, it is just in our nature as living shadows…But I did not like the life of crime…at all…I gave it up and decided to live in a more peaceful place.  I came to Boggly Woods.  I truly love this forest…It’s home to me now…” Lily said, blushing a little.
“Yes…well…that’s all well and good, Lily, but why are you in Madam Flurrie’s garden???” Jeeves asked again
“Shadow Sirens have special powers over the elements, you know…” said Lily, pausing for a moment.  Mario had already known this, for when he went on his last adventure with a Shadow Siren named Vivian; she amazed him with her miraculous power over fire.  Mario also had a strange feeling Vivian was in trouble, but he ignored this feeling to listen to Lily.  â€œSome Shadow Sirens have power over ice, some over water, some over fire, lightning, wind, any element!  I have power over plants and nature…I came to Boggly Woods because it was home to some of the most beautiful plants…I helped the trees and flowers grow beautifully…I loved putting my powers to use…Then I found the Madame’s house.  Her gorgeous garden inspired me, and so I decided to live there!  I live in Madame’s garden to make her flowers grow better than ever, and to live a more peaceful life, away from shadow……”  Lily reminded Mario of Vivian now more than ever.  Vivian had also given up a life of crime, her two strange sisters following after a bit of persuasion.  The Punis were looking over at each other in confusion.  Mario looked back down at the remote-ee-o-thingy.  The purple dot was indeed Lily.  Somehow, this remote was able to track down Shadow Sirens…It was getting more obvious now.  The X-Nauts were capturing Shadow Sirens!  But Mario had no idea why…He suddenly remembered Lily saying the X-Nauts took Flurrie up into the air in their ship…Where were they?  Mario now knew where Flurrie was.  Mistakenly kidnapped by X-Nauts and taken somewhere in space.  Perhaps the moon, again?  Mario was not sure.  HE needed someone who knew, someone who could find out this strange mystery…suddenly, Mario knew of one person who could help him with this, and he lived in Rougeport next to Professor Frankly…


“A wagon full of pamcakes?  In the Champeen ship?!  I’d like to see ya try!” ~ Homestar Runner        

[The Blue Toad]

Chapter 7:  Merlin ~ Mario quickly had a talk with the small Punis, keeping an eye on Lily to make sure she didn’t disappear.
“I’m thinking of finding Merlin and asking him for help,” said Mario.  The Punis seemed a little confused as they looked up at the plumber.
“Who is Merlin, Mario?” asked Punio.  The Elder didn’t seem to be listening and Jeeves looked strangely horrified as if he still hadn’t gotten over Mario’s size.
“Merlin,” Mario said, glancing over at Lily again, “is a wizard…he’s more than that actually, he’s a fortune teller!  He can figure out almost anything!”  Mario looked for astonished reactions from the Punis.
“So, why didn’t you just go ask Earlin where Flurrie was?” asked the Elder.  Mario felt very stupid all of a sudden.
“Oh…yeah…I didn’t think of that…” said Mario.  â€œBut that’s not the point here!  I’m going to ask Merlin how I can find the X-Nauts so that I can try to save Flurrie, and learn what they’re up to!”  Punio suddenly looked excited.
“Mario’s on another adventure!  Mario’s on another adventure!” he said, hopping up and down.  â€œMario!  Take me!  Take me with you!”
“Punio!  SHUT UP!” the Elder cried, “That is very rude to say to Marty-O!  Please forgive him, Marty…. but, are you sure Earlin will be able to do this?”  Mario nodded to her.
“I’ve worked with Merlin before, I’m pretty confidant that he’ll be able to tell me.” Mario took another glance over at Lily to make sure she was still there.  She was, looking a tad awkward as if Mario had just pulled her out of the shower to talk.  Lily was slowly sinking back into the garden (in which Mario noticed the flowers became taller and more lively).
“Mario, you have done this before, correct?” asked Jeeves.
“Yes,” said Mario.
“And you’ve come out on top each time, correct?”
“Yeah, I have,” Mario replied.  Jeeves suddenly jumped into the air and grabbed Mario by the collar of his shirt.
“You better bring Madam Flurrie back OR SO HELP ME!!!-“
“Jeeves!” cried the Elder as she yanked the little Puni down.  Jeeves gasped for breath as he smoothed out his black mustache.
“I’m…I’m terribly sorry about that, Mario…I just can’t bare to loose Madam Flurrie!”  Jeeves said, straightening up himself again.
“I’ll get her back,” Mario said, “don’t you worry…”
“Elder,” Punio suddenly said, “I’ve grown older now…I can handle myself…I can look out for myself now, Elder…I’m more mature-“
“Says you!  No, you are not going with Marty-O!” the Elder said quickly.
“Come on!  Please?”
“No!”
“PLEASE!”
“No.”
“I’ll give you a hard candy!”
“No!”
“I’ll rub your feet!”
“…uhh…NO!”
“I’ll do ANYTHING!!!”
“NO!!!  You’ll just be a little gray annoyance to Marty-O!”
“But-“
Nope!”
“I-“
“Ope!”
“He-“
“Ape!”
“Eh-“
“NO!”  While they had this strange little fight, Jeeves became curling his mustache, which gave Mario the opportunity to talk with Lily.
“Lily, did you overhear the conversation?” Mario asked her.  Lily sank farther into the black soil.
“Yes I did, Mario,” she said politely.
“Good,” Mario said, “Because I want you to come with me.”
“What?” Lily said suddenly, popping out of the soil.  â€œI can’t come with you!  My place is here, in this peaceful forest, in this pleasant garden!”  Mario rubbed his chin.
“Lily, I now you desire peace and quiet more than anything, but I need your help.  You’re the only suspect to Flurrie’s kidnapping.  I could really use your help.”  Lily was silent for a moment.
“Oh…I wish I had found a different garden to live in…” she said.  â€œI suppose it is my fault Madame is gone…I could have saved her…”
“…So, will you help me?” Mario asked.  Lily looked down at the ground.
“Mario…something inside me tells me that I should…” Mario’s spirits rose a little.  â€œI’ve been in this garden too long…I need to see the world…Alright Mario, I’ll come with you.”  Lily glided out from the garden (the flowers drooping a little).  Mario realized that Lily was more beautiful then he thought.
“Excellent,” Mario said.  Just then Punio and the Elder came over to Mario.
“Marty-O, I have decided to let Punio go with you on your adventure…” Punio looked very happy.  Mario was a little surprised.  â€œI think that it is best you take him off my back – I mean…take him on an adventure so that Punio will learn to grow up to be just like you, Marty-O.”
“Um…All right, then,” Mario said.  Punio jumped next to Lily, who hid a little ways in the ground again.
“Punio,” Elder said, “be very careful, okay?”
“I will, Elder, don’t worry!”  Punio replied.
“Mario!” Jeeves said, “Make sure you bring back Madam Flurrie!  Please!…..Until then I think I’ll just clean her house….over…and over…and over again…”

So Mario, Lily, and Punio waved goodbye to their Puni friends and set back off through the gray Warp pipe to Rougeport.  Mario was a little disappointed to leave the fresh, peaceful place of Boggly Woods, but knew that he had to.  Lily was rather hesitant to go down the warp pipe, but finally did after a bit of convincing.  Mario leapt from the warp pipe with Lily and Punio.  They were back in Rougeport sewers.
“Alright, you two follow me carefully.  Rougeport sewers can be dangerous…” They followed Mario through the dark, cold, damp tunnels of Rougeport.  Mario cautiously turned corners and was quiet to go through areas where there might be bats.  Finally, Mario saw the stairs that led to he green warp pipe to Rougeport.  â€œAlright!  We’re almost there…” Mario began the descent up the stairs, Punio close behind, and Lily nervously looking back and forth.
“THERE!!!” Lily suddenly screamed.  Mario and Punio jumped.  In front of them, an ugly looking Goomba came out of a crevice in the wall.  It was only Goombella (just kidding).  The Goomba wore a green cap with a spike coming out the top.
“Hold it right there!” the ugly Goomba said, growling.  Mario took out his hammer, and whacked it over the Goomba’s head.  The Goomba ran away.  Lily had disappeared into the shadows.
“Um…Lily…You can come out now…Mario beat the Goomba!”  Punio cried.  Lily slowly rose up from the shadows.
“Is…is it gone?” she asked nervously.
“…Yes,” Mario said.  â€œUh…Lily…Haven’t you ever used your powers to ward off enemies?”
“Well…No…I never see any enemies in Boggly Woods…I just like to use my powers to help the flowers grow…” she said.
“Uh-huh…Yeah, you’re gonna have to stop doing that.  You need to try using your powers to defend yourself!”  Lily was about to say something to counter that, but then just said,
“…Yes, Mario.”  Mario led the way up the stairs and through the green warp pipe.  Mario leapt up and into Rougeport.  Mario could see Goombella at the door of Frankly’s house, and Merlin’s house next to that.  Punio and Lily were soon to follow.
“Hey, Mario!” Goombella said.  â€œWho are your friends?”  Mario stepped aside to show Punio and Lily (who was hiding behind Punio).
“A-nother-Goom-ba!” Lily whispered, shaking a little.
“What?  No, it’s all right, Lily, this is just Goombella, my friend.  Goombella, this is Lily, and you remember Punio.”  Mario said.
“Yes, hello again Punio.  Nice to meet you Lily.”  Lily got out from behind Punio and shook Goombella’s foot(?)  â€œMario!  I’ve been waiting for you!  See, things have gotten a little boring, and I was wondering…do you think I could come along with you?”  Mario was very happy to hear this.  He could use Goombella on an adventure like this.
“Of course you can!” Mario said happily.  Mario wasted no time telling Goombella about the X-Nauts and how they kidnapped Flurrie.  Goombella appeared very shocked.
“But…I thought the X-Nauts decided to stop being evil…didn’t they?” she asked.
“Yeah, they did,” Mario said, “I don’t know the whole story myself…. But now we’re going to Merlin to try and figure out where the X-Nauts are hiding.”  Goombella agreed and told Mario she would be back in a little bit.  First she had to pack a bag (full of her books, and socks, and undies, and stuff.  Haha, yeah, can you imagine: Goombella: “Mario, don’t worry!  I’ll pull out a book and find out this Goomba’s weakness!” she pulls out her bra by an accident.).  Mario, Lily, and Punio decided to ask Merlin where they could find the X-Nauts without her.  Mario walked to the door (after being forced to hammer a guy who was hitting on Lily) and knocked three times at his door.  There was the sound of rustling inside and someone yelling,
“It’s about time!!!” the door flew open and Merlin cried, “This pizza is over 30 minutes-OH!  Hello Mario!  What a…pleasant surprise.”
“Hey, Merlin,” Mario said.  â€œDo you think you could help us with something?”


“A wagon full of pamcakes?  In the Champeen ship?!  I’d like to see ya try!” ~ Homestar Runner        

[The Blue Toad]

Chapter 8:  The Answers ~ Merlin was a short, old man with a dark blue cloak and glowing yellow eyes.  His face was hidden in shadow, and his long mustache extended from the darkness of his hood.  He always seemed happy to see Mario, and was also a very mysterious person.
“Mario,” Merlin said in his old, slow voice, “I can help you with anything…please. Step inside…” The little old man walked a ways inside his small dark house.  Curtains were swung along the walls, and in the center of the circular room sat a single round table with a large crystal ball sitting on top.  Mario moved inside followed by the excitable Punio, and nervous Lily.  Merlin positioned himself on the other side of the table, looking at Mario through his crystal ball.
“So, Mario,” said he, “what is it you need help with, old chum?” Mario stood across from Merlin.
“Well Merlin, I need you to figure out something for me,” Mario said.
“I will try my hardest to serve you for whatever it is, Mario.  I’m guessing this has to do with a very important matter am I correct?” asked Merlin.  Mario nodded.
“Yes…very important.  Merlin, have you heard about the strange disappearance of Madam Flurrie?” Mario asked him.  Merlin didn’t seem to be very shocked to hear Mario say this.
“Yes, I have.  In fact, I decided to devote some of my time to finding out what happened to her…it was rather strange… ‘X marks the spot, you should always remember.  Find the people that wear and X and find Madam Flurrie you will’…very strange.…that’s what it said to me in my dreams…but now I’m rambling.  What would you like to know, Mario?” Mario thought of the precise question he wanted to ask…but he would have to explain a few things first.
“Merlin, I have figured out that Madam Flurrie was kidnapped.”
“Yes, by people with ‘X’s on them, I suppose?” Merlin asked suddenly.
“Well…yeah.  They’re called the X-Nauts, and-“
“The X-Nauts???” Merlin suddenly interrupted.  â€œI have heard of them!  Those foolish people who tried taking over the world!  I thought they had stopped that evil nonsense?”
“Yeah, so did I,” Mario said, “but we were able to figure out that it was definitely the X-Nauts that kidnapped her…I wanted to ask you…why did they kidnap Madam Flurrie?” Merlin sighed and rubbed his head.
“Mario, that is some heavy meditating…I’m going to have to ask for ten coins for me to tell you that…” Mario reached down into his pocket, pulled out ten shining coins, and laid them down on the table.  Merlin gratefully took them.  â€œAlright, Mario…I’ll try…….hummmmm….mmmmmm……..” The room suddenly became darker as the crystal ball slowly began to give off an illuminate glow.  Lily and Punio gasped.  â€œSHI-BIZZY!!!…..SHA-ZOO!!!….” Merlin cried out, holding up his hands.  â€œShow me what I seek!!!”  The crystal ball gave off a sudden flash of bright light.  There was a bit of silence afterwards as Merlin continued to look at the floor, his hands in the air.
“Two men out searching for a dark power to consume, mistakenly took a fair lady.  Thinking she was the one they needed to capture they took off without another thought, but left quite a clue…” Mario repeated what Merlin said in his head.  It was just as he thought. The X-Nauts were trying to capture Lily (for a reason Mario still didn’t know) but accidentally caught Flurrie instead.  The clue was the remote thing that they dropped by an accident.  That device obviously led them to Lily or other Shadow Sirens.
“It’s all coming together…” Mario said.  â€œMerlin, how much would it cost me to ask you why the X-Nauts would want to capture this dark power?” Merlin looked into the air in thought.
“Umm…about…ten coins,” he replied.  Mario only has six coins left.
“Oh…well…how much would it cost for you to tell me where I could find the X-Nauts?” asked Mario.
“Five Coins,” replied Merlin.  Mario reached into his pocket and pulled out five more coins.  He laid them on the table as Merlin greedily took them.
“Alright, Merlin, tell me where I could find the X-Nauts,” Mario said.  Merlin pocketed the coins and closed his eyes again.  The walls seemed to be spacing out and the room grew darker once more.  The crystal ball glowed brightly as small star like lights buzzed around them.
“Crystal eye…. open wide!!!” Merlin cried as the crystal cast off a sudden burst of light, and became still once more.  There was silence again as light returned to the small circular room.  â€œHigh in the sky on a floating platform, is a battle arena for people to see.   There is a hiding Shadow Siren there, a treasure waiting to be found by the strange X people.  Travel high to this place and you will find what you seek, only in the ring…”  Lily gasped, apparently realizing what was going on with her species.  She had just realized that Madam Flurrie wasn’t supposed to be kidnapped…she was.  Mario now knew precisely where to go, and where he would find the X-Nauts.  But the only way to find what he seeks, was to go back in the ring…

…will anyone read this?…


“A wagon full of pamcakes?  In the Champeen ship?!  I’d like to see ya try!” ~ Homestar Runner        

[The Blue Toad]

Chapter 9:  The Cheep Cheep Blimp ~ Mario thanked old Merlon for his wisdom and advice.  Mario now knew that he had to go to Glitzville!  The town in the sky!  Glitzville was a fun place to go to see totally exciting fights in the Glitz Pit, along with getting a famous, great tasting hot dog.  Mario had been there before, and fought his way up to the championship!  He had fought a spine tingling battle against the ferocious Rawk Hawk and made his victory for the belt!  Mario loved going to the Glitz Pit for a good fight now and then, but since he hadn’t been in the ring for so long, he was sure that his files were long lost.  Mario stepped out into the sun of Rougeport where he found Goombella waiting for him outside.
“There you are, Mario,” Goombella said.  â€œI didn’t want to interrupt you guys, so I waited out here for you…what did he tell you?”  Mario explained to Goombella that the X-Nauts capturing Flurrie had been a huge mistake, in fact, they meant to capture Lily.  Then Mario told her that Merlon said they could find the X-Nauts if they went to Glitzville and returned to the ring.  Goombella was shocked.
“Return to the ring?!” she said, “Mario!  Do you know what the fans would say?  That’s bigger…that’s bigger than Hulk Hogan returning to the ring!”
“Who?” asked Mario.
“Uh…No one.  But, anyways, Mario this is huge!  The only way you can find the X-Nauts is to get in the ring…Hmmmmm…I wonder what that’s all about…”
“…I can’t believe they wanted to capture me,” Lily said suddenly, changing the subject.  â€œâ€¦Why me?” Everyone turned to Lily.
“Those X-Nauts are weird guys…” Punio said.
“Yeah…they seem to like messing with the power of Shadow, don’t they?  Like last time, when they awakened the Shadow Queen…man, she was hard to fight,” Mario said.  Lily suddenly looked up.
“You mean…those…those X-Nauts….THEY awakened the Shadow Queen???” Lily asked quickly.
“Uh…yeah,” replied Mario.  Lily seemed slightly nervous as she tugged at her pigtails.
“Oh my…I could feel the Shadow Queen’s awakening that day…I hid in the garden until I knew she was gone…Oh my…That day when she returned was the worst day of my life…”
“Wait…you hated the Shadow Queen…But aren’t you her species?” Mario asked.
“Yes, Mario, I am the same species as the Shadow Queen…but I despised my ruler…” Lily said, looking almost ashamed as she said it, “All she wanted was darkness and pain…when I knew that she was trying to cast the world into complete shadow…I prayed that a miracle would happen…and apparently, Mario…That miracle was you…”

Meanwhile, in the X-Nauts base…….

“Lord Crump!  Lord Crump!  LoooOOOOOOOoord CRUMP!!!” cried Sir Grodus angrily as his head rested in his chair.  Sir Grodus was not very patient at all since he lost his body.  The squat little Lord Crump rushed into the room, making the sign of an ‘X’ with his arms.
“Yes, sir, what is it Sir Grodus…sir?” Lord Crump asked.
“Yes, it’s about time Lord Crump…now… I would like to ask you, Lord Crump…is my body ready yet?”
“No, sir.”
“Shoot, shoot, dangit, shoot, dang, drat, dangit, shoot, mother fuh-“
“Sir Grodus!” Lord Crump quickly interrupted before something happened that would get The Blue Toad booted.
“What?!” Sir Grodus asked angrily.
“Well…sir…there’s something I would like to tell you…” Lord Crump said slowly.
“Okay………” sir Grodus said, waiting for a reply from his fat assistant.  Lord Crump scratched the back of his neck as he stared over at Sir Grodus’ fish tank, in which giant, big-teethed black fish swam around.  Lord Crump suddenly wanted to go swimming…then he decided that no he did not…
“Lord Crump…” Sir Grodus said.
“What?” asked Lord Crump.
“WHAT IS IT THAT YOU WANT TO TELL ME!?!?”
“Oh, right!” Lord Crump said.  Lord Crump had grown quite forgetful over the lazy period of the X-Nauts.  It was probably from the lack of evilness.  â€œSir Grodus, sir, two of my men accidentally kidnapped someone who…well…who is not a Shadow Siren…oh crud, please don’t hurt me!”  Lord Crump swooped his arms up over his head as if he was going to be hurt badly.
“What?  Okay, you need to stop saying ‘oh crud’ because that is just getting a little annoying.  Now, why should I be mad about you kidnapping someone?  Bring this not-a-shadow-siren-but-we-still-captured person in!” Sir Grodus’ head commanded.  Lord Crump nodded as he made the ‘X’ sign to him once more and left the room.  A little while later as Sir Grodus just sat in his chair, wishing so that he had a body so he could do stuff on his computer, Lord Crump finally reappeared.  Behind him were two X-Nauts.  They were each holding an arm of the luxurious Madam Flurrie, who was looking angrily from Sir Grodus to Lord Crump.
“Sir, this is the lady we accidentally captured,” Lord Crump said, showing Sir Grodus Madam Flurrie.
“I see…a cloud lady, eh?  Yes…I believe I have seen one of her movies…yes…wait…NO!!!  Lord Crump you idiot!!!” Sir Grodus cried out loudly.   “Lord Crump, did it ever strike your mind that perhaps in kidnapping a movie star we might just MIGHT draw attention???”
“…oh yeah…oh…oh crud,” Lord Crump said.
“Yes, Lord Crump!  Crud!  Now there are probably people down there looking all over the place for this lumpy cloud lady!” Sir Grodus said angrily.
“I beg your pardon!” Madam Flurrie interjected.  â€œYou, sir, are the rudest head I have ever met!  None should talk like that in front of a lady you awful, awful head!”
“I WILL HAVE A BODY SOON!” Sir Grodus cried.  â€œGrrrrrrr…you two!  Take Ms. Flurrie back to her room!”  The two X-Nauts holding Flurrie made the sign of an ‘X’ and left through the door once more.  Lord Crump turned to Sir Grodus for further instructions.
“Lord Crump, when will my friggin body be ready?” asked Sir Grodus.
“Um…we think that it will be done in about…actually sir, I have no idea.  So far, all the X-Naut scientists have done is the feet,” said Lord Crump.
“The feet?  Oh…well that isn’t very far at all, now is it?  Go tell the X-Naut scientists to hurry up!  Be gone with you!”  Lord Crump made the sign of an ‘X’ and left.

Back at Rougeport…

Mario, Goombella, Punio, and Lily told Professor Frankly that they were now headed off to Glitzville.  Luckily, Goombella still had the blimp ticket that took them there.  The four of them headed into the west side of town, and took a right down a long tunnel.  As they entered, they could see the blimp just off the horizon.  The blimp looked like a giant, orange Cheep Cheep.  With the ticket, they could fly to Glitzville.  The Cheep Cheep at the gates asked to see Mario’s ticket.  And with that, the four of them were off.  In the Cheep Cheep Blimp, they were flying to the floating town of Glitzville.


“A wagon full of pamcakes?  In the Champeen ship?!  I’d like to see ya try!” ~ Homestar Runner        

[The Blue Toad]

...read...me...

“A wagon full of pamcakes?  In the Champeen ship?!  I’d like to see ya try!” ~ Homestar Runner        

[The Blue Toad]

Chapter 10:  The Storm ~ Mario, Goombella, Punio, and Lily made there way to the base of the enormous, hovering blimp.  They were all in awe as they looked up at it.  It floated freely in the wind, tied down by ropes.  Mario was sure that if the ropes broke the blimp would float all the way up into space.  Suddenly, a platform began lowering itself to the ground from the small cabin (thingy) that was located at the bottom of the Cheep Cheep balloon.  In the little platform box, basket thing was a purple Cheep Cheep.  He had an orange mustache and beard, with squinty eyes.  He wore a blue captain’s uniform.  The four of them watched as he hopped out from the basket carrier thing and greeted them.
“Hello everyone,” the Cheep Cheep said, “My name is Captain Susho.  Pronounced sue-show.  Now please, follow me.”  The four of them looked at each other and srugged.  The followed Captain Susho onto the little platform thing.  Once all of them got on (and it was rather crammed) Captain Susho pulled a lever on the platform thing and it began to rise.  Lily moved in towards the middle more as they began moving up higher, and higher, and higher.  Punio jumped up to see over the edge.  The town of Rougeport grew smaller and smaller as they made their descent into the clouds.  A bird flew past Mario’s head as he ducked out of the way.
“Your ears will begin to pop now,” said Captain Susho.  Mario felt an itching pressure reach inside his ears.  Apparently so did everyone else.  Finally they made it up to Cheep Cheep Blimp.  Mario, Goombella, Punio and Lily made there was into the little cabin thing that rests under the balloon of the blimp, and were quite amazed.  It was filled with fine furniture and a cool temperature.  Through the windows in the front you could see the clouds drifting lazily and Rougeport below.
“Welcome all to the Cheep Cheep Blimp,” said Captain Susho.  Everyone’s attention turned to him as he continued talking.  â€œOur flight today is destined for the luxurious Glitzville where you can eat their world-famous hot dogs, pick up a souvenir, or watch the exciting battles in the Glitz Pit!  Please enjoy the flight, we should be arriving in an hour.”  Captain Susho flopped up to the front of the cabin thing near the windows.  He pulled back a lever and the blimp jerked free of the ropes.  Slowly, the blimp began its descent into the sky, higher and higher.  Mario sat down in one of the cushiony chairs, enjoying the temperature of the room and the background music coming from the speakers in each corner of the room.  There was a buzzing sound above him.  The blimp slowing began moving, and they were off.  The Cheep Cheep Blimp cut through the clouds, and soared through the light blue sky, making it’s way to Glitzville slowly but surely.  Lily seemed to be getting used to the height as she looked out the window at the ground.  She seemed to be enjoying herself, finally getting out of the little garden and going to see more of the world.  Punio was up at the front talking to the captain.  Susho was showing him what the controls did and how to steer the ship.
“Cool!” Punio said when Captain Susho let him steer the blimp for a while.  Punio dangerously turned the blimp sharply causing it to make a squeaking sort of noise.  Susho quickly got back behind the wheel.
“Alright, little gray thing, that is enough,” he said with a forced chuckle.  Goombella was sitting on one of the couches looking at all the fine decorations and interior design.  She pulled off her backpack that she carried with her and brought out a blue book.  Goombella began to read, as usual.  Mario looked out the window as they continued to sail through the sky like a boat in water.  They were still below the clouds, but were steadily making altitude.  Glitzville was located above the clouds, so it was always sunny, and never rained.  That was probably one of the main reasons it was such a popular tourist attraction.  Mario wondered who the champion in the Glitz Pit was now.  Was it still Rawk Hawk?  Did the former champion, Prince Mush, make a comeback?  Was there a new guy in the ring?  Mario wasn’t really sure, but everyone was going to have to make room for the Great Gonzales.  Then Mario remembered the little yoshi he had befriended at Glitzville.  He was a newborn and very rambunctious.  He was small, green, with spiky red hair.  His name was Yosh and after Mario left the ring, he started making it on his own.  Mario wondered what his status was in the ring, and whether or not little Yosh will like to partner up again, like in the old days.
“Excuse me, Mr. Susho?” Lily spoke up.  She was so quiet, no one heard her.  Lily looked around.  Everyone was simply minding their business.  â€œUm…” Lily looked out the window.  The blimp was slowly approaching dark looking clouds.  Lily looked over at Captain Susho.  He too was staring at the clouds, his face puzzled.
“Captain,” Goombella suddenly said, looking up from her book, “it looks like we have some dark clouds up ahead.”  Captain Susho did not turn his gaze from the clouds, expecting a lighting bolt to come out of them, or something.
“I know…” the captain replied.  â€œThis wasn’t predicted on the weather channel…I thought we were going to have perfectly sunny weather today…” Punio looked out the window as well, everyone growing a little nervous as they approached the clouds.  The sun was now hidden, and the only light came from the illumination of the clouds, and the brightly lit lights in the blimp cabin.
“Er…” Captain Susho said, “Don’t…worry…. everyone…….Hopefully we can just manage to go right under the clouds…” Lily gave a worried look to Mario.  The Cheep Cheep Blimp was never allowed to fly in a storm.  Perhaps Captain Susho was being too dependable on the weather channel…
“Captain, don’t you think we should turn around and head back to Rougeport?…To safety?” Goombella asked.  Susho seemed a tad annoyed as he continued to steer on.
“No, no, my dear…dear Goomba…we must stay optimistic and trudge onward!” he replied.  Goombella looked a little annoyed as well.
“Well there’s being optimistic,” she said quietly, “and then there’s just being stupid…” The blimp continued it’s way into the clouds.  Mario got up and walked to the window.  Down below Mario could see the residents of Rougeport all staring up at the blimp, some waving their arms.  A friendly greeting?  No, that definitely was not the Rougeport way.  They must be signaling something to them…
“Captain, people down there are telling us to turn back,” Goombella said sternly.
“No, no.  They’re just waving to us…they do that all the time…” Apparently, Captain Susho was very reluctant to head back home.  â€œI know what I’m doing, now please!  Go sit down…” None of them budged from the window (except for Lily who budged a few inches).  â€œMove away from the window!” he said loudly.  Reluctantly, everyone sat back down, staring out of the front window.  Susho sighed heavily as he straightened his round back and steered on.
“You could be leading us into danger, captain,” Goombella said.
“I know what I’m doing,” Captain Susho replied quickly.  The blimp was now underneath the dark, gray clouds.  Rain began sprinkling onto the blimp.  Captain Susho quickly turned on the windshield wipers as if everything was calm and normal.  After a minute or so under the dark clouds, the rain grew heavier, nothing more.  Everyone was a little nervous as they continued to fly on.  After all, a blimp was nothing like plane.  One hit to the balloon, and they could all be in great danger.  The soft sound of the rain gently hitting the balloon was rather relaxing, actually.
“See, I told you,” Captain Susho said after while of flying in rain, “there is nothing to be afraid of…now…we will be a tad late for our arrival due to the rain, but once it clears up we can make more altitude…” just as Captain Susho said this a gentle roll of thunder made it’s presence.  Although it was quite clear everyone heard the thunder, Susho pretended he did not and continued steering.  Goombella’s eyes widened.  Suddenly, a long flash of lightning shot across the sky.  Goombella stood up and walked to the window.
“Susho…. This is dangerous weather to be flying in,” Goombella said.
“Well there’s no use turning back!” Susho cried, “We’re already half way there!”  Mario approached the windows as well, followed by Punio.  *BOOM* A huge roar of thunder washed of the blimp as the rain grew even more fierce.  Mario looked back at Lily who appeared scared.
“Back to your seats!” Susho said quickly.  None of them did as he said.  â€œNOW!!!” he cried, as another huge flash of lightning appeared, and another roar of thunder sounded.  Mario, Punio, and Goombella returned to their seats, watching anxiously.  After a while of continuing through the clouds, lightning, thunder, and rain galore, Captain Susho said,
“There is nothing to worry about you know……As long as I am here to steer this blimp, none of you are in any danger.  As long as I’m around, you will all stay perfectly-“ *BAM!*  Lily screamed.  All the lights in the blimp suddenly went out as the blimp dangerously jerked upwards.  Everyone fell out of his or her seat, hitting the floor with a thud.  â€œSTAY CALM!” cried Susho as he jumped back up to the steering wheel, directly the blimp back into flying position.
“Captain!” Goombella cried as she tried comforting Lily, “The blimp was just hit by lightning!”
“OKAY!” cried Captain Susho.  â€œIf you really want me to I’ll turn back!”
“Don’t you dare!” Goombella suddenly shot back as Susho began turning the wheel.  â€œThe storm is now just as worse back there as it is up here.  I’ll be a shorter trip if we just head to Glitzville….and hopefully less dangerous…” Susho turned very pale as he began panting as steadying the blimp.  There was another flash of lightning, and an even louder roar of thunder than before.  Mario’s stomach churned as they headed through the mountain of a storm, rain pouring over the windows like waves.  *BAM!*  Out came another random burst of electricity.  It struck the front of the blimp this time.  The blimp dangerously tipped as everyone screamed, sliding into the front.
“STEADY OUT THE SHIP!” cried Goombella as she flew into a chair.  She looked to the front of the blimp.  Captain Susho had fainted.  Punio slipped and slid all the way to the front of the blimp, running into Susho.  â€œPunio!  Susho taught you how to steer the blimp!  Steady us out!” cried Goombella over the loud crashed of thunder.  Mario was hanging onto the wall.  He looked over to find Lily was nowhere to be seen.  Punio looked pale as he looked up at the controls for the blimp.
“Um…okay…altitude!” Punio jerked a lever of the controls forward.  The blimp dangerously dove upwards.  Susho’s unconscious body rolled to the back of the blimp as Punio tried his hardest to hang on.  Goombella lost her grip and flew back as well, whamming into the wall.  Punio grabbed the same lever and pulled it down farther.  The blimp slowly steadied out back to the way it was.
“Good job Punio!” Goombella said as she regained her footing, panting heavily.  Everyone else was gasping for breath as well.
“Wow,” Mario said.  Punio was now, on the other hand, nervously steering the ship, his tiny limbs shaking and his face very pale.  Goombella waddled over to Susho.
“Hey…Captain…SUHSO!!!” Goombella cried.
“Sushie, hunny buns, I didn’t know you and rabbit-face were playing checkers!!!” Susho cried as he woke up.  Susho looked around, rubbing his head.  â€œWhat…happened?” he asked.
“Just shut up and steer the blimp.”

Come one people!  I don't want to write this story if no one will read it!

“A wagon full of pamcakes?  In the Champeen ship?!  I’d like to see ya try!” ~ Homestar Runner        

[GiftedGirl]

I'm readin' it. It's pretty good. :)

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"Do you know how many of your kind I''''ve swatted with a newspaper? You are nothing but a smear on the sports page to me, pal! Eat me! EAT MEEEE!!!" ~ Agent K, Men in Black