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s-creations · 2 months ago

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Excavation - Chapter 3

Now that everything's calmed down slightly, Daisy explains why she's there. Mainly looking for the heroes' help in solving a problem that's coming from deep in one of her Kingdom's temples.

The group divides into two parts: One to solve the temple issue while the other tries to convince the Desert King to join forces against Bowser.

To everyone's surprise, it doesn't quite go according to plan.

Fandom: Super Mario & Releated Fandoms Rating: Teen and UP Audiences Relationship: Mario & Luigi & Wario & Waluigi Additional Tags: Pretty Much Everyone's Here, Named OCs - Freeform, world building, lore building, sometimes in the most painful way, Treasure Hunting, another mural to worry about, Mentions of Blood, we have a lot of people opening up in this one, cursing, heavy cursing, like I haven't used this heavy of cursing for this story for quite a while.

A/N: Hello! I wanted to leave a quick message for you all before the start of the last chapter. This is the last part of Season 2 of 'Yellow, Purple, Red, Green'! That being said, I'm going to be taking a break from this AU for a bit. Mainly so I can have the next Season fully written and ready to be published so I don't have a long break between the Season, like this one.

Another reason is due to the fact of how much time this final half of Season 2 took. I really want to focus on my other stories and projects, and I can't really do that if I'm forcing myself back into this AU.

Therefore, this AU will not be returning until Summer of 2025. I know it's a long break, but I do feel that it's needed. I just need a moment to breath. So I apologize now for the long wait, but it's for a good cause, I promise!

Even with how long it had been since his last visit, Toadsworth was able to traverse the hallways easily. His cane gave sharp ‘plinks’ as it hit the ground as he quickly moved through the castle. Reaching this kingdom’s Great Hall in almost no time.

If it had been a few hours before, Toadsworth would have been worried with how empty and quiet this place was. Wondering where the citizens were as the castle was supposed to be open for conversation to be held at this time. Now, however, he couldn’t find the reason to worry. He walked down the large room, ignoring the tall windows on either side that showed off the colorful gardens. The billowing curtains from the gentle breeze offered nothing to the old Toad. Nor did the mosaic of blue that was beneath his feet that gave the appearance of moving water thanks to the parts of sunlight that were able to sneak in.

It was all lost on him as Toadsworth focused on the lone figure slumped over in the throne. Only stopping when he’d reached the foot of it. Pointedly giving the ground a sharp tap to indicate his arrival to King Olivine. Who, up until that point, had been staring into the distance, chin resting on one of his hands. Moving slowly to face Toadsworth, who glared up at him.

“...Well, to think such a day like this would arrive. A time where old Toadsworth darkened my hall once more. You seem to be getting on well.” Olivine’s voice was dull. Nothing like the previous confrontation, when it held concern and anger. Even Olivine’s form gave off an air of defeat that had been missed.

It gave Toadsworth nothing as his stance remained impassive. “You and I are long overdue for a chat, child.”

“Oh, is that so? I thought you were supposed to be the right hand to the Mushroom Kingdom. I don’t recall asking for such a need. Although your residence seems to have created a bad habit of offering help when it’s not been asked.”

“And you seem to be stuck in your selfish ways,” the old Toad snipped back. “Look at you, you’re a shell of your formal self. How are you living like this-”

“I didn’t ask for a consult. If you only came here to mock and belittle, I suggest you go on your way.” Olivine stood from his throne and walked past. Clearly not having a destination in mind as he simply meandered towards the exit. Toadsworth close behind.

“Is this what you do, day in and day out? Close yourself away in hopes that everyone’s just fine with the idea of being sedimentary?”

“I have no words for you Toad, I suggest you save your breath.”

Letting out a huff, Toadsworth picked up his pace to halt Olivine’s progress. Who showed annoyance for the first time. “I saved my breath last time on behalf of my king, and I’ve lived with that regret every day since then. Do not act high and mighty. You and I both know that this world is heading towards something dark that will consume us if we’re not careful.”

“No, I had that worry far before this little session.” Olivine spat out, a deep frown forming. “It was your king that didn’t want to listen to the truth.”

“We were all ignorant to Kong’s warning-”

“Yet I listened faster!” Olivine toward over Toadsworth, the once calm winds now picking up. “I took in the warning signs and begged for Matsutake to help me create a plan of attack. Or at least something to help defend our kingdoms.”

“So, you’re really just fine with the idea that you abandoned your friend during his darkest time.”

“I never said that.”

“You didn’t have to. Your actions have said enough.”

“What would you want me to say? Tell me, oh wise Toad. What could I possibly say to make you understand my position?”

“Why did you not come back?” Toadsworth let the words hang in the air. Unwavering in his stare even as Olivine backed off a little. The king clearly confused by the question.

“...I don’t understand.”

“When you left…” The elder Toad cleared his throat. Shaking his head slightly before continuing.

“When you left, Matsutake was beside himself with guilt. He knew that danger was awaiting us, but was overwhelmed with it all. What king would just look past that and not feel worried. But you can’t stand there to say that was the only thing he had to worry about. Dahlia’s illness… Grambi keep her soul, she withered away before our eyes and there was nothing we could do about it. Not even our mushrooms could get rid of what ate away at her. All we could provide was a comforting numb so she could pass away as peacefully as possible.”

“When she passed, Matsutake gave up on life. I have never seen a Toad wither away so fast… Less than two months, we lost both of our rulers, one right after the other… Can you imagine how quiet it was? The castle had become a living tomb with how dark and cold it had become.”

“Why are you telling me this.” Olivine snapped out, voice wavering near the end. “Is this your attempt to pile more guilt than I already feel? Do you think I never once wished I had not said what I did, or that I’d gone back?”

“Then why? Why didn’t you? You left your friend to deal with such a horrible situation then allowed a child to be raised without her parents.”

“Because I was a coward!” The words rang out, echoing in the empty hall. Olivine’s exhausted demeanor turned to one of fear. Said king faced away from Toadsworth as the years of sorrow and loss seemed to pull him down. Soon enough kneeling on the ground as he attempted to control his breathing.

Toadsworth, on his part, allowed Olivine a few moments to collect himself before quietly walking over. The elder Toad sitting down to address Olivine.

“Talk to me, Olivine. You’ve clearly been holding this in for quite some time…”

“The moment I arrived back here, I knew I had done the wrong thing,” Olivine started. “I was terrified with the possibility of having to face Bowser and his army. We’re not fighters, you know this. When Cranky Kong left, I knew that was the signal that we were running out of time. I marked the end for us. Cranky may be crazy. But he doesn’t mess around.”

“I begged, begged, Matsutake to start thinking outside of his kingdom. Outside of the castle walls. I knew Dahlia had not been her bubbly self. We could all tell. But I also panicked when she was the only thing Matsutake felt the need to talk about. Any time I tried to pull it back to the approaching danger, he would become distant. I was…angry. Furious. I demanded to know how a king could show no interest in keeping his lands safe. He never gave me an answer that satisfied me. So I left….”

“The further away I traveled, the more of what had happened weighed on me. But I couldn’t push my ego to the side and return to make amends. I had assumed whatever bridge had been there was burning and no matter what I did to rid those flames, it was too far gone. I let my stubbornness control my actions, deciding to hide away and worry about my kingdom. To prepare for…”

Olivine shook his head as it hung lower. “Hearing Dahlia and Matsutake’s passing… Peach being kidnapped and the heroes… Bowser’s constant attacks… I didn’t want to see what had happened. I wanted to stay in this…bubble that didn’t have any of this happening. It’s a coward's way out, but I didn’t know how I could face anyone again. I just wanted to remain in my kingdom, stuck in a time where Bowser was not a threat. I don’t deserve pity for my actions, but I don’t want to face the consequences, not yet.”

“When was the last time your citizens have seen you? Physically, being in your presence, seen you?” Toadsworth asked.

That answer was a wet snort with a short, “Years.”

Taking a deep breath, Toadsworth steeled himself before speaking once more. “You’ve damaged yourself enough, it seems. Whatever ‘punishment’ that you believe the Mushroom Kingdom would bestow upon you is not going to happen.”

Olivine’s head shot up, a look of confusion and anger written on his face. “I was not-”

“Then why did you hide away for so long if not to avoid retribution that you believe you deserved.”

“I-”

“There was no reason for this Olivine. Other than a self imposed isolation because of your fears. You did this to yourself and only you can break yourself from this. Princess Peach is looking to unite our kingdoms once more. We already have the BeanBean Kingdom on our side. Now, we plead for your help in this war as well. You don’t have to be a fighter. You just have to be there for us. Can you do that?”

Head hanging once more, Toadsworth could only wait for Olivine’s response. Seconds ticked by until the king began to slowly move. Getting back onto his feet, standing tall, even with his face a blotchy mess. As he opened his mouth, there was the sound of scampering feet.

Both king and advisor turning to the front entrance as a cactus soldier came rushing in. Looking panicked, breathing hard as they attempted to catch their breath.

“What is the meaning of this?” Olivine asked, sounding more worried than angry for the interruption.

“Princess…Daisy, sire.” The soldier panted out. “She’s still at…the temple… But the heroes have not returned. She doesn’t know where they are.”

Toadsworth felt a chill fall over him. Turning his attention to the arched window, now noticing how heavy the shadows were over the lush garden.

It was far later than he had expected it to be. Later than when the group claimed they would be back.

“Then gather those who are available and we’ll march to the temple.” Olivine commanded, fixing his robes before heading towards the doors. Toadsworth and the guard followed quickly.

“What is the plan sir?” The guard asked.

“We’ll dismantle that place, piece by piece, to get them out.”

_____________________________

With how much pain he was in, Mario took it as a small benefit to know that he could still feel something. That didn’t make the situation that better. The hero let out a low groan as he slowly got up. First to his knees, pausing to make sure nothing was broken or at least severely damaged, before sitting up. Deming his body unscathed for the most part, he mustered up the energy to engulf his hand in flames. The light provided enough coverage to see around him.

They had fallen far enough down that the lit portion they had fallen from was not visible. Or, if anything, the darkness was just all that encompassing. Debris from the collapsed track littered the area. Mario silently thankful that none of it had landed on him. Their cart had stopped a few feet in front of the hero. With Wario sprawled out just behind it, faced down and unmoving.

“S-Shit.” Mario hissed as he stood fully. Working out his sore form enough to walk forward and not feel too much pain from the movement.

Upon reaching Wario, the hero tentatively knelt over to shake the other’s shoulder. Giving a quiet, “Come on, get up… Please don’t be dead. I don’t think I’ll be able to carry you out.”

That got a low gruff, followed by a, “You ain’t strong enough for that…”

Mario took a few steps back, granting Wario some move to sit up. Watching as the other made the same faces that he’d no doubt made when doing the same not even a minute ago. Wario, on his part, got to his feet a lot faster. Dusting himself off as he surveyed the area. First looking at the damage that surrounded them, then up to where they had come from. Shoulders dropped heavily as he let out a sigh.

“Well, shit. We’re not getting out the way we came in.”

“So then, what’s the plan?” Mario asked, watching as Wario retrieved his bag.

Rummaging through it, and silently surprised it survived, Wario pulled out one of his many tools. Mario assumed it was something related to a scanner.

“We press on,” Wario eventually answered. “We came here to do a job and I intended to finish it. People know we’re here. They come for us eventually if we can’t find our own way out. So, let’s get moving.”

“Right…sure…”

While Wario took the lead, his scanner held out in front of him at all times, Mario kept the path lit. As they traversed forward, it became clear that they had fallen into some kind of ravin. One that held multiple branches that ended on the path they were currently taking.

“I’m going to assume we’re going the right way?” Mario asked.

“According to this thing, yeah. We’re on the right track.”

They fell silent once more.

“...So, who was that?”

Wario huffed as he looked back to Mario with a scrunched up face of annoyance. “You heard him. Kaptain Skurvy. Not much more I can add to that.”

“I don’t think that’s true. You two worked together?”

“Okay, yeah, a few times. Nothing major. It was at my lowest point in my life and I was desperate for anything. Which, unfortunately, meant working for a deranged king.”

Mario frowned, “You’re not talking about Bowser, are you.”

“Nope. Even with how dangerous that Koopa is, there were other people to worry about long before his arrival. We all just kept to our own little areas of the world. Never really crossing paths until now. Even then…”

Wario let out a low shiver and looked over to Mario. “If you never have to meet King K. Rool, you’ll be the better one off.”

“...Is he worse than Bowser?”

“Worse? Nah. Deranged and a danger to everyone? Yeah. Bowser may be a tyrant, but at least he’s organized and lets you know up front who you’re dealing with. K. Rool is the kind of crazy that hurts everyone. Even people he’s supposed to be protecting. Bowser’s at least nice enough to let you live if you agree with him.”

“K. Rool isn’t?”

Wario shook his head. “I saw a lot of his own people die by his hands. They hadn’t even done anything wrong. He was just convinced that they were going to betray him. So he decided to take that step out and just went straight into trimming the fat.”

Mario looked ahead, letting himself process all of this before continuing. “You and Skurvy went on a few hunts though.”

“Yeah. Skurvy works for K. Rool, or did if that comment from before was anything to go off of.”

“Were you…friends?”

Wario let out a laugh before wrapping an arm around Mario. “What’s the matter Mini-Me? Worried you have competition for my attention?”

“Would you get off! Why do you smell so bad!” Even with the sharp words, Mario couldn’t stop the smirk from forming. Eventually pushing himself free and landing a punch on Wario’s arm with his unlit hand. “I’m serious! You always made it sound like it was just you, Waluigi, and Peach growing up. …And Daisy too, I guess, to a point.”

“Well, don’t you worry your pretty little head. Skurvy and I were just hunters on the same mission. Granted the end goal was different. I wanted payment. He just needed to make sure his king was appeased.”

Mario watched in worry as Wario’s face shifted from a smirk to a heavy frown. The other looked over the scanner again.

“What’s wrong?”

“Skurvy said he wasn’t working for K. Rool,” Wario muttered. “So, why is he here?”

“He’d be working for someone else, right?”

“Yeah, but who? Skurvy’s not one to just take jobs. If he and his crew are on hard times, they’ll steal. For him to be here… It’s either a major discovery or a major payout.”

“He seemed pretty upset about you being here… What happened the last time you two met?”

The conversation came to a halt when they heard the familiar barks of a spectral pooch. Mario let out a sigh of relief as he rushed forward. Wario right behind him.

“Polterpup!” Mario called out, “Here boy, over here! We’re right-”

“HERE!”

Mario had just enough time to fall back. Barely avoiding the sword that had been aimed for his neck.

Skurvy let out a low growl as his sword was buried into the rock face. Yanking it out after a few seconds while Polterpup nipped at his ankles.

“Enough with ye, mutt!” With a swift kick, the pirate launched Polterpup a few feet away. The spectral pup landed hard and gave a small whine.

“Polterpup!” Turning to check on the other, Mario’s progress was halted again when the same sword was brought down. Again, just barely missing the blade as Skurvy stared him down.

“Ye annoying pest!”

The next attack was blocked as Wario got between the two. His hammer blocking Skurvy’s sword, resulting in them being at a temporary stalemate.

“Wario-”

“Check on the dog!” Wario called back. Baring his teeth as he glared back at the pirate. Skurvy’s anger just seemed to grow at the other’s attention. Mario didn’t need to be told twice as he rushed over to Polterpup.

“Heard ye be talkin’” Skurvy spat out. “Goin’ on a little trip down memory lane, eh? Did ye tell yer wee partner what happened the last time?”

“You sort of interrupted our conversation. So, I’m going to say no, I hadn’t gotten to that part.” Wario hissed back. He grunted as he was suddenly pushed back. Recovering fast enough to use his hammer’s handle as a staff to keep Skurvy’s attacks at bay.

“Well, don’t let me stop ye. Why don’t ye tell the lad how you abandoned us?”

Hand resting on Polterpup’s back, Mario turned to watch the duo trade blows.

“I didn’t abandon you,” Wario snapped back.

“Ye were the best hunter I had ever held the pleasure of workin’ with. We were goin’ to go on our biggest job. Would have paid a fortune, and I know ye like yer payments hefty. We could’a live like kings! We would’a been safe!”

“Not when it comes from the price of destroying a village! You don’t get to be pissed with me from not fulfilling your crazy king's demands when you’ve clearly left him! What happened? Did he push you just a little too far the last time? It wasn’t a village you had to burn down, but an entire fucking city!?”

“Don’t ye act high and mighty!” Skurvy snapped, Wario just able to avoid the sharp teeth aimed for his arm. “Ye didn’t have a crew relying on ye! That was supposed to be the last mission we ever needed with him. I needed yer wit and tools to help us and you said no!”

“A crew who willingly put themselves in dangerous and stupid situations are not above innocent lives! They didn’t have a choice, we did, I walked away!”

“Ye act as if we had such luxury back then. We needed ye-”

“I was not going to become a murderer for you!”

Wario’s breath caught in his throat as something collided with his foot. The uneven terrain caused him to stumble back until he was on the ground. Collecting himself fast enough to bring his hammer up to impede Skury’s sword. But it was an awkward position, one that left Wario not in the most stable positions. Feeling his grip slowly failing.

“Then ye be nothin’ more than dead weight.” Skurvy hissed back.

The pirate’s bravado was quickly washed away when a flaming fist collided with the side of his face. Wario watched in silent fascination as Skurvy was practically launched into the same rock wall he’d not too long ago stuck his sword into. There was no pause before Mario landed another heat filled punch, this time to the reptile’s stomach. Causing the disoriented pirate to now double over in pain. Letting out a wheezed grunt as he fell to the ground.

“Not so easy when you don’t have your stupid crew for back up, huh?” Mario panted out. Taking a few steps out, just in case Skurvy recovered faster than expected, bringing the fallen sword along with. Polterpup joined at the human’s side, growling darkly at the tense pirate.

“Little…pest… Wasn’t warned about ye…”

“Yeah, well, now you get to deal with me.”

“Okay, hold up,” Wario placed a hand on Mario’s shoulder to calm the hero down. Taking the sword from the hero to point it at Skurvy. “Before you continue on with that brilliant smack talk, I have a few questions for the dear captain.”

“I ain’t answerin’ anything for the likes of ye.” Skurvy hissed.

“You’re not in the best place to make demands. You’re outnumbered, out-powered, and you’re suck down here with us. Unless you want to try and make your way around here in the dark. I’d be more than happy to leave you to whatever demise awaits you down here.”

That got Skurvy’s resistance to falter a little. The pirate let out a grumble before properly sitting down. “Ye drive a hard bargain… Glad ta know I taught ye somethin’.”

“Ye didn’t teach me nothin’.” Wario said right back with a mocking tone.

“Ye wanted answers. So, out with the questions.”

“Who sent you.”

“Can’t tell.”

“Need another reminder as to where you are?”

“Need ye be reminded of the pirate oath?”

Mario looked over to Wario when the other gave a snort and rolled his eyes. “I don’t think ‘client confidentiality’ really works here, Skurvy.”

“Fine, ye bugger. I don’t technically know me client.”

“How the hell do you not know?”

“All that was given ta me was a letter with a strange symbol, the details of what I needed ta get and where ta go once I got the goods. Nothin’ else. Was told this would be an easy job.”

“Um, I’m not sure if this is going to be an insensitive question. But aren’t pirates sort of confined to the sea and seaside towns? You seem a little out of place.” said Mario.

“Ye can’t be the picky type lad. Ye take jobs where ye can get them.”

“...You know what, fair.”

“Where’s the drop off point?” Wario asked.

“Rogueport.”

“Which would be…”

“Not on yer maps.”

Wario blinked. “How?”

Skurvy laughed at that. “Ye shouldn’t be that surprised about how little yer little kingdom knows. Speakin’ of. How are the Boos? Heard ye lot had a grand time with them.”

From the corner of his eye, Wario could see Mario reaching for the scarred arm. “Shut it. Did your mysterious client tell you what the item here is or what they want with it?”

“No.”

“Well, how wonderful. You’re just as lost as we are on this.” Wario grumbled as he turned away.

Still keeping an eye on Skurvy, Mario said to Wario, “There’s not much we can worry about now. Our plan hasn’t changed, we just have an extra passenger along for the ride.”

“Eh?” Skruvy raised a brow, “Ye best not be talkin’ about me.”

“Do you want to be left down here?”

“Ye think I’m really that terrified of a little darkness.”

“Probably not. But this place looks and feels like a maze, and who knows how far down we actually are. You’d be lucky to make your way out of here on your own. Your best bet is to stick with us for now.”

“And what of me crew? Leavin’ them ta rot? Ain’t the way of a captain.”

“Once we get out of here, we can start a search for your crew.”

“Mario, don’t make promises like that.” Wario said sharply.

“I’m not happy about any of this. But I’m also not going to just leave people down here to die.”

“Even if they were more than happy to do the same to you?”

“Yeah, well, maybe I’m so used to it at this point in my life, I’m a little hopeful that being nice would have a better pay off than just believing souls were lost. They attacked us, so what. We lived, we’re going to get the job done, it’ll be fine. The less blood on my hands from just giving up, the better I’ll be able to sleep at night.”

Mario turned to Skurvy, who was still heavily eyeing the human. “If you cross us again, I won’t feel remorse for leaving you behind. But…I’d rather give you the chance to do so. Makes my consciousness feel better. So…truce? You can try and kill us another time?”

Skurvy’s eyes darted away from Mario’s face to the hand not being offered to him. There were a few tense seconds that passed before the pirate let out a huff and took it. Silently surprised when he was rather easily helped back onto his feet. “Tis a bitter pill to swallow… But choices be limited down here.”

Just giving a small nod, Mario looked back at Wario. “Can I ask you to be on your best behavior for the moment?”

“...Yeah, whatever. Happy truce and what not, play the joyful music. Let’s get this over with.” Without a look back, Wario picked up his fallen tools and bag. Heading the same directly they’d been on before. Mario followed soon after with Skvury bringing up the rear, Polterpup keeping a close eye on the batter pirate.

Picking up the pace a little, Mario fell in step with Wario. “Hey…you okay?”

“...I liked it better when I was just a con artist to you.” Wario muttered back.

“Look, I’m not going to assume I fully know what you went through growing up. But I know what it’s like to have to defend yourself during your lowest point. Luigi and I were stuck working for a shitty boss right after we got out of school. Locked working for the lowest pay possible because we didn’t really understand the terms the contract laid out for us. But we were lucky enough to have a stable income. …I don’t know what I would have done to keep us safe. Anything really, now that I think about it.”

“Sure, but there’s a difference between swindling people out of a few bucks and straight up robbing places. I don’t even want to think about the history and material I’ve stolen just to help out some stupid king.”

“Wario, I don’t blame you. I…I don’t think less of you, if that’s what you're worried about.” Mario frown fell further when he didn’t receive a reply back. Facing forward on their dark path as the quiet pressed down. “...At least you have a boundary that you weren’t willing to cross for any situation.”

“Yeah…I just stole in hopes it didn’t horribly ruin someone else’s life.”

“I’m trying to make you feel better.”

Wario sighed as the tool was dropped to his side. “I know, I get it. I just hated the idea of you going back to your original thought of me. A low life worth nothing because of my actions.”

“If I still thought that way, we wouldn’t be in this situation.”

“Does…that make it better or worse?”

Mario laughed, playfully elbowing Wario’s arm. “I’m saying that if I hadn’t changed my view on you, I wouldn't have a mentor helping me out with this and I’d be in a much worse situation. I probably would have spontaneously combusted under the Mushroom Kingdom, to be honest.”

“That’s ridiculous… You wouldn’t have made it out of that Boo town.”

“Oh…oh yeah, that’s true.”

“Sorry, didn’t mean to drag up bad memories.”

“You're just pointing out the obvious. A Shroom-Shake is all it takes to be forgiven.”

“Be forgiven- Oh, I’ll give you a shake!” Being mindful of the hand engulfed with flames, Wario pulled Mario into a loose headlock. His free hand ruffling the other hat, Mario laughing the entire time.

Polterpup panted, happy in seeing their carer’s brother and the larger brother back in high spirits. They turned their attention to the newcomer, expecting to see a look of content as they were currently feeling. Only for their happiness to falter seeing how…neutral the pirate looked. Not angry, nor confused. Polterpup couldn’t quite place it, but the best they could describe it was contemplative. Clearly Skurvy was mentally battling over something. They just weren’t quite sure what it could be.

The calm was broken when Wario’s device started going off. A red light at the top flashing in time with a short beep. Before anyone could question what was going on, a bright light appeared before them, one that eventually illuminated their surroundings. Danger was further added when the ground began to shake. All hunkering down in hopes of avoiding any debris that was possibly falling. It only lasted for a few seconds, all faded back quickly. Leaving the area as quiet and as dark as before.

“...Well, I think we’re close.” Wario muttered softly. Helping Mario back onto his feet and making sure Skurvy was still in one piece. There was a silent understanding and they pressed on.

Their long straight path finally began to curve, shifting their progress to the right as the high walls started to come down. Leaving broken pieces of rock to litter the floor, which in turn slowed their progress as they now had pieces to climb over. Upon reaching the last few rows of standing rock, Wario held his hand up to halt progress. Silently pointing out in front of them towards something resting in a shallow crater.

It appeared to be some kind of sun shaped stone. Smoothed and carved out perfectly to show two wide eyes staring up at the ceiling. It stood out from its surroundings due to how perfectly intact it was, even with how destroyed the rest seemed to be.

“What is it?” Mario asked, voice low.

“No idea,” Wario replied, shaking his head. “I’ve never seen anything like it before.”

“Do we just…go and grab it or-”

“Hold on lad,” Skurvy reached out to grab hold of Mario’s shoulder. And immediately took it off when Wario gave him a hard stare. “Unclench yer britches, I ain’t hurtin’. But ye need ta be smarter about this. We just saw a part of what it can do. Ye really want ta be touchin’ that?”

Mario frowned softly before turning back to the object. “It seems harmless for now.”

“I’m not picking anything up at the moment as far as energy goes. It might just be dormant for now.” Wario replied.

“Still, I can see the worry about just picking it up. If it’s causing tremors when it’s just resting there, what’s going to happen when we move it? We don’t exactly have an escape plan if this goes south.”

“What if I be pickin’ it up.” Skurvy raised his hands in surrender when his own sword was pointed at him, Wario glaring.

“Why the hell would we just let you pick it up.”

“Becuase, if ye be needin’ a fast escape, I can offer that by movin’ it.”

Mario tilted his head. “Are you…sacrificing yourself?”

“Don’t be soundin’ all sappy on me. I just be offerin’ the best case situation.”

“There’s absolutely zero chance I’m giving you an inch closer to that thing.” Wario growled back. “You’ve caused us enough issues. I’ll go grab it.”

“Wario-” Mario fell quiet as Wario pinned him down with a glare and a shake of his head.

“I’m not arguing on this. Stay here, keep an eye on this ass, and you knock him out the moment he gives you trouble.”

Skurvy huffed, “Last I checked, ye brought me along.”

“No, Mario brought you along. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the idea, but kept my mouth shut. Even if I think you deserve to be left down here… Mario’s the voice of reason for a reason. Now sit down, shut up, and pray to whatever being you believe in that this won’t end in disaster.”

Not waiting for another response, Wario hung the sword from his belt once more and made his way forward. The remainder of the group hunkered behind the closest rock while keeping an eye on Wario’s progress. Who barely made a sound as he closed in.

Soon standing above the crater, Wario felt as if the air around him was vibrating slightly. Not in a dangerous way. But one that gave the underlining warning of things could go bad quickly if there’s just one slip up. Taking a deep breath, Wario shifted to kneel down, getting a better position to pick the object up since he wasn’t able to tell how heavy it was. He attempted to ignore his furiously beating heart as he reached out. Fingers brushing over the smooth stone, mentally taking note that, for how dark and deep they were, the stone was surprisingly warm.

“Okay, okay, so far, so good…” Wario whispered. Getting a good grip, he gave a small grunt as he pulled up. Only to stumble slightly when the stone came out much easier than he expected. Causing him to roll away from the crater.

“Wario!” Mario called out while Skurvy laughed.

“I’m fine! I’m okay, I just thought it would put up more of a fight given how difficult it had been to get here. But I’ll take what I can get at this point.” Brushing off the dust and his embarrassment, Wario turned his attention back to the stone. Besides being lightweight, warm, intact, and seemingly having enough energy to cause quakes, there was nothing overly interesting about the piece.

Mario, having broken away from the coverage upon realizing they were probably out of the danger zone, leaned over Wario’s shoulder to get a better look. “What’s it feel like?”

“Uh, light…and warm.”

“Great description.”

“There’s really not much to it. Here.”

Mario fumbled slightly when the piece was tossed his way, but recovered fast enough to keep himself from dropping it. He turned it over in his hands a few times before pausing with its ‘face’ up at him. “Still no idea?”

“None. Never seen writings or pictures of this before.” Wario raised a brow as Skurvy joined them, Polterpup panting happily at the pirate’s feet. “What about you? You clearly like to taunt the fact you’ve seen more of this world that we have. What do you think it is?”

Skurvy shook his head. “Can’t be sayin’ it’s somethin’ familiar.”

“Great, so we have an ancient paperweight at the moment. Hopefully removing this will stop the tremors.”

“Why do you think they started?” Mario frowned. “This couldn’t have just happened for no reason.”

“If I learned anythin’ from my travels, tis that nature response when it feels in danger.” Skurvy commented. “Somethin’ be must be arrivin’ soon if this piece started actin’ up.”

“Could it be Boswer?”

“He might be planning something. But I have an uncomfortable hunch this isn’t related to him.” said Wario. He finally stood up, popping his back before looking around the cavern again. “Well, any ideas on how we’re getting out?”

“Maybe we could have Polterpup go to the surface and lead someone down? He’ll be able to find us, and nothing besides this thing has really caused us that much trouble.”

“My crew mean nothin’ to ya then?”

“Grambi above, please shut up, this isn’t about you. Are you sure we can’t leave him down here?”

“Wario-”

“It’s just a joke! I’m joking, stop looking at me like that!”

“Ye both argue like a married couple.”

“Shove it, you salt lizard.”

_____________________________

Rescue came in the form of multiple bi-pedal mice burrowing their way down, being led by an over excited Polterpup. Upon reaching the surface, Mario had a few seconds to quickly pass the stone back over to Wario before his arms were filled with an anxious Luigi. The older twin more than happy to keep the other close while the others discussed.

While Olivine was not overly thrilled to know that his kingdom had been temporarily invaded by pirates, he didn’t seem to have the energy to care much past that. Instead, after promising to uncover all they could of Skurvy’s crew, the desert king merely asked that they not return. Otherwise they would be treated as hostels.

Wario was a little concerned with how quiet Waluigi had been. Even the normal quips were kept to a minimum as they talked. But every eye catch was ended with a small shake of the head from the younger brother and Wario didn’t feel like pushing back. Deciding whatever Waluigi was going through right now was best left for him to deal with alone until he decided to open up.

“Oi, lad.”

Pulled from his musing over his brother’s rather grim stance, Wario turned to face Skurvy. Before he questioned what the other wanted, the pirate held out an envelope. One that held an interesting symbol: a large circle with a flat bottom ‘U’ chunk taken out from the top with two smaller circles appearing below the bottom one. Wario mentally noted it looked like a simplified version of someone’s face.

He was pushed on from Skurvy’s grunt. Wario pulled out the letter and read it over. It offered very little information, mainly the items that the pirate had discussed before. No name, overview of what they were supposed to take, and where to drop said items once it was in their possession.

However, near the bottom of the letter is what caught Wario’s attention. Mainly seeing Mario and Luigi’s name listed and a warning offered to Skurvy of the twin’s abilities.

Wario dropped the hand holding the letter to stare as Skurvy. “You knew… You knew of Mario’s powers, and that he would be here.”

“Aye.”

“Then…why did you act surprised?”

“One part, I didn’t believe it. I thought the client be messin’ with me. But…now that we’re out of this mess and I be thinkin’... It be a test.”

“For who, you?”

Skurvy shook his head. “Be for yer little champions over there, tis my assumption.”

“Test for what?”

“Yer guess be as good as mine. But…I suggest ye watch yer backs. Between yer little recovered trinket and this letter, I feel somethin’ bad be comin’ for them. Ye need ta prepare them for the worst.”

“Worse than Bowser?” “Aye, believin’ so.”

Wario turned back to the letter, bringing it up to read over once more. As if hoping he’d overlooked something that would offer up some leading clue. But it offered the same information as before.

“Keep it,” said Skurvy, “I ain’t have a use for it now. Ye might need it for somethin’.”

“Yeah, thanks… You know this doesn’t change anything, right? I still think you’re a piece of shit.”

“Then it best I ain’t be doin’ it for ye. I be doin’ it for him.” Skurvy nodded over to Mario, who was still comforting a shaken Luigi. “Ye got a good one there, Wario. Make sure ye keep ‘em safe. I can see how much ye already care for ‘em.”

Wario didn’t say more on this, merely offering a nod. Seeming rooted to the spot as Skurvy walked off to check on his own crew.

Miles away, hidden under the heavy shadow of the approaching night, watchful eyes monitored the progress happening at the ruined temple. One eventually lowered their scanners to activate their communicator.

“Ground to Lord Crump, come in Lord Crump.”

“This is Lord Crump, what is the status?”

“Sir, Kaptain Skurvy and his crew have failed their mission. Possession over the Sun Sprite has fallen to the Mushroom Kingdom. Along with the issue of uncompleted readings. We weren’t able to pull enough from Mario to determine strength.”

“What of Luigi then?”

“He was left behind at the castle. Mario and Wario were the ones who retrieved the Sun Sprite.”

There was a heavy sigh that sounded over the radio. “What a waste. No matter, we have other means to achieve the data. Collect what you have and report to base for further instructions.”

“Yes sir, over and out.” The communicator was clicked off and returned to their belt. The hooded being turned to the rest of their team. “You heard Lord Crump, we’re packing up and moving out. This was a wash.”

“At least we have enough of a reading to determine Luigi’s strength.” Another member said.

“You know better than to assume one reading is enough to determine any sort of outcome.”

“...Just trying to stay positive.”

“I’m positive we’ll be in serious trouble if we don’t report back in an appropriate amount of time. Let’s get out of here. I’m over the heat and the sand.”

“I hate sand.”

“Same.”

#s-creations #mario #luigi #mario and luigi #wario #waluigi #wario and waluigi #princess peach #princess daisy #fanfiction #yellow purple red green #yprg #super mario bros #named ocs #more about the past talk #some interesting plot points and a cliffhanger!

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