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CrystalPhoenixBlader here, bringing in another chapter to the fanfic! I’m just starting things off in the battle, though getting caught was a little unexpected. This is just the icing of the cake, since we haven’t gotten to the full course yet! SO just stay tuned! Oh, by the way, I do not own any of the Mario characters or the iDOLMASTER characters; the Mario characters belong to Nintendo and the iDOLMASTER characters belong to Namco Bandai. So with that, let’s return to the scenario at the Center of the Universe!
..Oh, and this chapter will have a tear jerker for those who have played the first “Super Mario Galaxy”, so you are warned. So... don’t say I didn’t warn ya...
*Opening Theme: “Baby’s Tears” by Riyu Kosaka (Sky Girls / Dance Dance Revolution)*
**Mario & iDOLMASTER Party**
Chapter 39
The Battle for the Universe Part 2: Chihaya and the Story of Rosalina
*Center of the Universe ~ Bowser’s Throne*
*Insert Theme: “Neo Bowser Castle” (Mario & Luigi: Dream Team)*
Kamek was in a very good mood as he was putting away his walkie talkie. His turned to the Koopa King, Bowser, without hesitation, “Your Cosmicness, Corporal Paraplonk has confirmed that Mario is cooperating peacefully. He has not engaged our troops in battle like you wanted. They'll be here in a moment's time.”
Bowser, relatively pleased with this news, smiled. “Perfect. Mario, you finally show some mercy to my troops... but I, however, will not...!” ..However, Peach, now tied up, overheard the large Koopa’s rant.
“Was there a need to talk to yourself? And was there also a need to tie me up?” The Mushroom Kingdom princess frowned.
Kamek twitched in embarrassment as he looked at Peach, “Keh, you know this method is the only way to keep you out of trouble here.”
“And Peach, this time's going be different with the Mario Party going and such, he won't be fighting his way to get here this time for once.” Bowser smiled as he picked up a piece of Bone in Cut steak from his butler. Peach began to leer at Bowser for a moment, “You're not letting Mario FIGHT his way here to save me?”
Bowser simply sat down on his throne holding his meat as he spoke, “Hey, you know well we have GUESTS here... Cute, beautiful AND famous ones. And I can't have my men bringing me damaged goods to me. I HATE damaged goods.”
Peach completely frowned at Bowser, knowing where this conversation is going, “Just as I am? You are a crude and cruel monster like always, Bowser. But you're a different kind of beast when it comes to beautiful and cute young girls.”
Bowser sighed, trying to keep himself in a good mood with Peach, and as he stood up, the Koopa King raised a finger, “Hmph. Lemme tell you something... I've got me a new awesome strategy that will keep Mario from ruining my plans this time, though I must admit, I prefer power in strength over than might in magic. Because I get vexed that almost every hex is so complex so they make me perplexed.”
Dumbfounded at the thought of someone like Bowser using magic AND the goofy rhyme he just made, Peach responded in a deadpan, “You? Using magic? You make Mario and Luigi look like stableboys in a unicorn pen, you're too ignorant to be using magic!”
Bowser defended with a countering statement, “So? Anything to get those two out of my life for good. But as for the rest, Junior will handle them... while I ground the Super Mario Brothers into galactic powder!” The Koopa King turned his throne around, wanting to refocus his thoughts on what he felt should be important at the moment. “So as we wait, let's look at the countless stars and watch my galaxy grow larger in number, shall we?”
Peach went quiet, hoping for Mario and Luigi, as well as the Idols, to make it out of this predicament alright. Bowser, however, smirked as he looked at his growing empire in the stars. “All according to plan. Yes, all according to plan, indeed.”
*End Theme*
Meanwhile, at the Comet Observatory and the Starship Mario...
*Starship Mario ~ Koopa Airship Armada*
*Insert Theme: “Attack of the Airships” (Super Mario Galaxy)*
Mario and Luigi stood quietly; their faces grim as the caught vessels were escorted to Bowser’s location. The two brothers had already decided to put their own attacks on hold... however, two anxious cohorts were not wanting to just stand still...
“Bah, when will we bring the smackdown to that doofus Bowser?! I’ve already tried that Hammer Suit that that sidetailed Idol tried earlier, and let me tell you... I’ve got one hankering for a king sized hammering!!!” Wario, changed into Hammer Wario, grumbled as he swung his large hammer wildly into the air, enough to annoy Hammer Bro and Blooper, who were passing the time by playing cards.
“I’d have to agree! Remember that Chain Chomp earlier? I already feel like doing some kicking some shell!” Waluigi agreed, showing off his long legs, to which Luigi just ignored without saying a word.
“Wario, Waluigi, calm down!! Jeez, ME being the voice of reason here!” Daisy frowned, having to take Peach’s place for the moment. Lubba grew concerned as he turned to the two brothers. “Captain Mario. Captain Luigi. What are going to do once we get there?”
“Don’t-a worry, Lubba. Bro and I planned this out! Right, Bro?” Luigi looked at his brother as he handled navigation... not that there’s much to navigate at this point.
“Yep! We just-a havta be-a patient! Hoo hoo!” Mario smiled as he drove the ship, making to be as quiet as to not attract Corporal Paraplonk’s attention needlessly.
*Rosalina’s Comet Observatory ~ Main Deck*
Meanwhile, back at the Observatory, Rosalina and Benjamin kept a few straight faces as the vessel inched closer to Bowser’s domain. However, all of the Idols, as well as Producer-san and Ritsuko, seemed very intimidated to the impending threat that seemed to be unavoidable.
“What do we do now, Ritsuko?” the black haired Producer asked as a drop of sweat rolled off his face.
“For once... I really don’t know...” RItsuko frowned, somehow bringing up any hope. Suddenly, the Lumas rescued by the Idols, wondering how to use the time began to head toward one room, with Chihaya noticing.
“H..Hey!! Where are you all going?” The blue haired Idol called out as she chased them, with iori and Yukiho following. For some reason, the Lumas ran into a dimly lit room. One of Corporal Paraplonk’s crew, a Paragoomba, alerted the captain. “Corporal, three of the Idols and the Lumas they have wandered off into one of the rooms! By the schematics Iggy gave us, they seem to be heading to the.... library?”
“I checked the schematics earlier before the ambush, Private. Nothing but books, books, and what do you know.. MORE BOOKS! Nothing of the threatening type either, otherwise we would already have them in our possession!” Corporal Paraplonk groaned as he returned to his commanding duty.
*End Theme*
*Rosalina’s Comet Observatory ~ Library*
*Insert Theme: “Library” (Super Mario Galaxy)*
The trio of Idols wanders quietly into a library with cases full of books and a warm fireplace. One thing of significance was a brown book with golden lining and a Star on it that the Lumas are curiously peaking into left on a small table near a chair.
“What.. is this?” Iori looked at the book in confusion.
“It... looks like something important...” Yukiho answered, also gazing into the book’s cover with pure curiousity etched on her face. The Lumas then turned to the blue songstress, pleading to her apparently with coos.
“You all... want me to read this?” Chihaya asked, pointing at herself in bewilderment. Seeing no ther answer to be had, Iori sighed, “Go ahead...”
“Okay...” The blue songstress gulped as she sat down on the and opened the book. What was written in its pages were about to raise the three Idols’ eyebrows.
*End Theme, Insert Theme: “Luma” (Super Mario Galaxy)*
“Our story begins a very, very long time ago with a young girl. One day, this girl spotted a rusted spaceship holding a small star child.”
“’What’s your name? Are you lost? ’the girl asked the star child.”
“’I’m Luma, and I’m waiting for Mama. She’s coming for me on a comet!’ said the star child, who had been waiting day and night.”
“’Don’t worry. I’ll wait with you.’ the little girl promised Luma.”
“At nightfall, the little girl borrowed her father’s telescope and peered into the sky. She looked and looked, but she saw nothing. Hours turned into days and then years, but still the sky revealed nothing.”
“Finally, the little girl said to Luma, ‘If we stay here looking much longer, I’ll be an old lady soon’
..But then, she had an idea..”
“’Why don’t we go out there and find your mother ourselves?’”
“The girl and Luma fixed up the rusty spaceship, and then the two set sail into the starry sky.”
“Oh, wow... this is starting to become quite a story..” Iori commented, surprised that she even paid attention.
“I know... a search for this star child’s mother...” Chihaya gasped quietly, surprised that story like this one only existed in this library.
“Um, Chihaya... do you think you can continue?” Yukiho quietly asked, to which the songstress, seeing the Lumas’ interest, decided, “I’ll see what I can do...”
From that point, for a couple of long minutes, Chihaya continued to read the book to the Lumas, with Iori and Yukiho quietly listening with interest. Her long practices with practicing songs had somehow served a strong purpose in continuing the chapters of this strange book. But then...
*End Theme, Insert Theme: “Sad Story” (Super Mario Galaxy)*
It was around Chapter 7 that the songstress’ mood began to change...
“Zooming even closer, a terrace on the hill came into view.”
“’I used to go stargazing there when I lived on my home planet.’”
“She remembered rubbing the sleep out of her eyes as she followed her father up that hill to look at the stars...”
“She remembered how she and her brother would sled down that hill...”
“She remembered having picnics with her mother on that hill on bright and windy days...And...”
When she turned that very page, Chihaya looked at the picture of the next page of the very girl fallen to her knees and crying in pure sorrow, with the many Lumas worrying for her with a look of frozen shock. Fearing what might happen next, Chihaya gulped for a moment before her trembling hands continued to grip the book.
“’I want to go home! I want to go home right now!’”
“The girl burst into tears, and the Lumas didn’t know what to do.”
Tears began to fall from the blue haired Idol’s eyes as she tried to keep hold of the book...
“’I want to go home! I want to go back to my house by the hill! I want to see my mother!’”
“The girl was shouting now, her face wet with tears.”
“Hey, uh, Chihaya??” Iori began to notice the saddening change in the Idol’s face and the sorrow in her tone.
“’But I know that she’s not there! I knew all along that she wasn’t out there in the sky! Because... because...”
The next page she turned gave the answered she dreaded that she would not read...
*End Theme*
“’She’s sleeping under the tree on the hill!’”
*Insert Sound Effect: “Piano Low Key”*
The book fell out of Chihaya’s hands with a soft thud. As it lay there, the Idol was greatly saddened, having complete reminders in her mind of that very traffic accident that claimed the life of her brother, Yuu Kisaragi.
“C..Chihaya-san!! Are...are you okay??” Yukiho ran to the despairing Idol, who was now down on her knees in tears.
“WHa..HEY!! Chihaya, what happened?!” Iori jumped up and rushed to the saddened Idol. The Lumas began to worry as they looked at Chihaya....
“So this has happened...”
*Insert Theme: “Grief and Sorrow” (Naruto)*
Yukiho and Iori turned to see Rosalina walk into the room. With the two Idols stepping aside, the cosmic princess looked at the crestfallen Chihaya. “I’m sorry if my story brought back memories you did not wish to remember.”
Chihaya , looking a very tear-ridden “You mean... the girl in the book...”
“Yes... it was me in my younger years. I was devastated when my mother passed away, but it seems my pain could not compare to what you had to endure.. Mario told me in secret of the conversation you had with one of his old friends... Bobbery, was it?”
“Bobbery?” Chihaya realized who the cosmic princess meant when she remembered a conversation she had with the seafaring Bob-omb at Isle Delfino.
“We all cannot escape the pain of losing a loved one. I was blind to the truth of that for a time till I began to remember the days on the hill where I was raised. I was just a little girl then; I could not comprehend the gravity of the situation. But the Lumas, my dear children, they were there for me when I needed them. Their love for me had told me I had to look out for them, no matter what may happen in my life. Remember, Chihaya Kisaragi, you are not alone in the universe. You have friends who will help you every step of the way.” Rosalina gave her words of wisdom, spanned from years of looking after newborn Lumas in the role of a beloved mother, the decision she made of her own will.
Right behind Rosalina, Haruka appeared to comfort her friend, as well as Producer-san, who walked in and placed his hand the blue haired Idol’s shoulders to assure her. Chihaya wiped the tears off her face and gave the two a gentle smile, assuring the ribbon weaing Idol and their Producer that she’ll be alright now.
*End Theme*
Just then...
*Insert Theme: “Desperate Situation” (One Piece)*
The voice of Corporal Paraplonk reverberated around the area. “Everyone, we are nearing the Center of the Universe, Lord Bowser’s domain. Please prepare disembarking soon and follow the orders of the guards. This is not a drill. Repeat, this is not a drill.”
“Sigh.. looks like this is our stop... Chihaya, are you going to be okay?” Producer-san asked the blue haired Idol, who calmed down with a few deep breaths. “I’m good now, Producer-san. Thank you.”
‘Alright, let’s go meet up with the rest!” Haruka asked before she, Chihaya, and Producer-san leave the library. Yukiho and Iori look at each other before joining Rosalina back to the main deck.
*Center of the Universe ~ First Cluster*
*Insert theme: “Battlerock Galaxy” (Super Mario Galaxy)*
Team Mario, as well as the Idols, were all given a first look view into the new Center of the Universe, an unbelievable plethora of different environments ranging from a planet of swampland, to planets near a visible bright sun full of volcanic activity, similar to Melty Molten Galaxy, which Mario and Luigi explored in their first run in space, a frigid galaxy with endless blizzards with water so cold that anyone who fell in would have instant frostbite in mere moments, or even be instantly frozen for years. Also, within sight, was a familiar spiraling pathway known to Mario and Luigi that had pools of lava, as well as Bullet Bill Blasters and Banzai Bill Blasters, while at its left was a familiar planet with endless pools of quicksand. Bowser’s own throne was situated in the far off middle of the area, surrounded by multiple, with a large planet currently being created. Before the place was an immensely large labyrinth of electrical energy that housed battalions of Koopatrols and their Dark counterparts, as well as Fire Bros, brothers of Hammer Bros that specialize in spitting out hot fireballs, and Boomerang Bros, relatives who specialize in boomerangs. A lone figure, who was near to Bowser Jr. also was on sight simply on standby, though neither of the brothers seem to recognize the creature at all. Nearing to the right of the area was a lone haunted mansion with a ghastly atmosphere, similar to Ghostly Galaxy, and an aquatic stronghold with water as its basis, similar to Buoy Base Galaxy. Overall, the place, glittering with the many stars in the sky, was a rare beauty.
“Mama mia... Bowsa was-a busy!!!” Mario gaped as he looked at his surroundings.
“Using my children for such an arrogant purpose...” Rosalina frowned as she stared at the location.
“Bah, I kinda wish there was a garlic shaped galaxy, though...” Wario shrugged, with Waluigi staring at the tub of lard.
The two vessels, escorted by the airships, began to near the dock for all the airships.. which somehow, by some crazy twist of luck, just so happened to be on the way to the throne room!
*Center of the Universe ~ Airship Docking Bay*
The head Airship docked at the landing pad where many more airships were dock. The layout of the place just screams “futuristic” with the reflective coating on the walls and floor, except that the wall panels were a swampy green color. Many engineer Koopas were hard at work doing maintenance to the many airships’ hull and weapons systems like they had to live to do it. How Bowser’s troops managed to give the docking bay an expensive looking sci-fi look was anyone’s guess.
“Okay, EVERYONE off.” Paraplonk gave the order, to which everyone aboard the Starship Mario and the Comet Observatory agreed without question... although Wario and Waluigi were grumbling in an inaudible tone that one would understand. However, Birdo was poked in the behind by the spear that one of Paraplonk’s subordinates, a red shelled Paratroopa. “Hey! Watch that thing!”
“Just move it!” Yhe Paratroopa shouted, enough to make the pink creature honk. Afterwards, the way to the throne room was was more filled with sound of constant yelps, whines, and pouts.
(Iori) “Ow! Watch where you’re pointing that, baka!”
(Yukiho) “Aaahh!! Pro..Producer-san...!”
(Wario) “Grr! Watch it, wing tips!!”
(Mario) “Whoo-hoo-hoo! We’re-a going! We’re-a going!”
(Waluigi) “Grr, you don’t want me to break that thing, would ya?”
(Chihaya) “Ow! The nerve!”
(Yoshi) “EEP!!! ..Ack...bit my tongue...”
(Daisy) “Whoa! Well, I never!”
(Yumeko) “Hey! Watch it, pointy!!”
(Ayane) “Ow! I just cleaned this!!”
(Boo) “Spears don’t work on me, you know..”
(Hibiki) “You’re so lucky, Boo...”
(Producer) “Ow!! Hey!!”
(Benjamin) "Geez, give them a break- we're going!"
*End Theme*
*Center of the Universe ~ Bowser’s Throne Room*
After much walking down a long singular walkway the group of Team Mario and the Idols make it to the Koopa King's throne with the very tyrant facing the vast view of space as the captive princess, bound in rope and guarded by Kamek and Kammy, looks along with him...
“Peach... PRINCESS!” Mario shouted out, getting the princess’ attention.
Hearing the familiar voice of the red plumber, Peach turned and noticed the whole group in one place. “Mario! Luigi! Everyone!” However, unsurprising to the two plumber brothers, the throne turned around to reveal Bowser in all his frightening glory, surprising the Idols into a scare.
*Insert Theme: “Bowser Appears” (Super Mario Galaxy)*
“Ha hahaha! My idols... I feel so much glee to see you all standing here before me. And I've been patiently waiting for you most of all... MARIO.” Bowser roared with delight, eyeing all the people in group, especially the heroic plumber.
Mario glared and pointed at Bowser in an unintimidated tone. “Bowsa... I know what-a callous evil plan you're-a planning here and I'm-a tellin you; you won'ta succeed! 'Cuz it's-a gonna' fail like da otha two...!”
“You know what they say, third time's the charm.” Bowser smirked, which did not seem to impress Luigi.
“Yeah, dat's-a what you said da last time back on-a Dinosaur Island. Now WHERE'S-A MAKOTO!?!” The green plumber, who’s right now clearly had run out of patience out of worry of the boyishly handsome Idol. Fortunately for the group, Ryou was the first to spot where Makoto would be...the Idol’s jaw was left on broken hinges. “Urf... Guys... up THERE!”
Yukiho was the first to look up as a response right on top of the throne. Her pupil shrink down and tears emerge.; her skin becomes pale as she clasped her hands on the sight of the still crystallized Idol. “MAKOTO-CHAAAAAN!!!”
*End Theme, Insert Theme:
“WOO-WOO-WOOF! WOO-WOO-WOOF!” The voice of the Chain Chomp from earlier echoed with hearts in its round black eyes as it wants to give the bob haired Idol a good ol’ lick after just hearing her voice!
“KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!” Yukiho screamed as she jumped onto Ryou’s back, unintentionally crushing the poor Idol while holding on to dear life! “Y-Yuki... ho... can't... gh...” The poor Idol gasped as she struggled to get up.
Iggy quickly grabbed the Chain Chomp’s chain with help from Lemmy, “No! NO! BAD CHOMPLEX! BAD CHAIN CHOMP! NO!!! NO BITING THE GUESTS! No!”
The Koopa King himself watched as Yukiho slumped over to the ground in disbelief and looked at Iggy, “IGGY! Keep that mutt UNDER CONTROL!” ..Although one thought lingered in the gigantic Koopa’s mind as a readtion, “What's up with her?” (Clearly, Bowser is completely unaware of Yukiho’s cynophobia..)
“Oofff... Sorry...” Iggy apologized as he and Lemmy leave to take the Chain Chomp elsewhere, much to the creature’s disappointment and Yukiho’s relief. Benjamin, however, had a thought as he raised an eyebrow, “He left her on top of the throne in plain sight as a decoration? I'm getting Deja Vu from this... and this is going to be very easy...”
*End Theme*
That’s the end of another chapter! I’m still scratching the surface of the scenario as the battle is getting close, so I thought I’d add a drama segment once more. More stuff will come in the next chapter, so stay tuned!
..I swear, this is turning into one really long arc.....

Description
CrystalPhoenixBlader here, bringing in another chapter to the fanfic! I’m just starting things off in the battle, though getting caught was a little unexpected. This is just the icing of the cake, since we haven’t gotten to the full course yet! SO just stay tuned! Oh, by the way, I do not own any of the Mario characters or the iDOLMASTER characters; the Mario characters belong to Nintendo and the iDOLMASTER characters belong to Namco Bandai. So with that, let’s return to the scenario at the Center of the Universe!
..Oh, and this chapter will have a tear jerker for those who have played the first “Super Mario Galaxy”, so you are warned. So... don’t say I didn’t warn ya...
*Opening Theme: “Baby’s Tears” by Riyu Kosaka (Sky Girls / Dance Dance Revolution)*
**Mario & iDOLMASTER Party**
Chapter 39
The Battle for the Universe Part 2: Chihaya and the Story of Rosalina
*Center of the Universe ~ Bowser’s Throne*
*Insert Theme: “Neo Bowser Castle” (Mario & Luigi: Dream Team)*
Kamek was in a very good mood as he was putting away his walkie talkie. His turned to the Koopa King, Bowser, without hesitation, “Your Cosmicness, Corporal Paraplonk has confirmed that Mario is cooperating peacefully. He has not engaged our troops in battle like you wanted. They'll be here in a moment's time.”
Bowser, relatively pleased with this news, smiled. “Perfect. Mario, you finally show some mercy to my troops... but I, however, will not...!” ..However, Peach, now tied up, overheard the large Koopa’s rant.
“Was there a need to talk to yourself? And was there also a need to tie me up?” The Mushroom Kingdom princess frowned.
Kamek twitched in embarrassment as he looked at Peach, “Keh, you know this method is the only way to keep you out of trouble here.”
“And Peach, this time's going be different with the Mario Party going and such, he won't be fighting his way to get here this time for once.” Bowser smiled as he picked up a piece of Bone in Cut steak from his butler. Peach began to leer at Bowser for a moment, “You're not letting Mario FIGHT his way here to save me?”
Bowser simply sat down on his throne holding his meat as he spoke, “Hey, you know well we have GUESTS here... Cute, beautiful AND famous ones. And I can't have my men bringing me damaged goods to me. I HATE damaged goods.”
Peach completely frowned at Bowser, knowing where this conversation is going, “Just as I am? You are a crude and cruel monster like always, Bowser. But you're a different kind of beast when it comes to beautiful and cute young girls.”
Bowser sighed, trying to keep himself in a good mood with Peach, and as he stood up, the Koopa King raised a finger, “Hmph. Lemme tell you something... I've got me a new awesome strategy that will keep Mario from ruining my plans this time, though I must admit, I prefer power in strength over than might in magic. Because I get vexed that almost every hex is so complex so they make me perplexed.”
Dumbfounded at the thought of someone like Bowser using magic AND the goofy rhyme he just made, Peach responded in a deadpan, “You? Using magic? You make Mario and Luigi look like stableboys in a unicorn pen, you're too ignorant to be using magic!”
Bowser defended with a countering statement, “So? Anything to get those two out of my life for good. But as for the rest, Junior will handle them... while I ground the Super Mario Brothers into galactic powder!” The Koopa King turned his throne around, wanting to refocus his thoughts on what he felt should be important at the moment. “So as we wait, let's look at the countless stars and watch my galaxy grow larger in number, shall we?”
Peach went quiet, hoping for Mario and Luigi, as well as the Idols, to make it out of this predicament alright. Bowser, however, smirked as he looked at his growing empire in the stars. “All according to plan. Yes, all according to plan, indeed.”
*End Theme*
Meanwhile, at the Comet Observatory and the Starship Mario...
*Starship Mario ~ Koopa Airship Armada*
*Insert Theme: “Attack of the Airships” (Super Mario Galaxy)*
Mario and Luigi stood quietly; their faces grim as the caught vessels were escorted to Bowser’s location. The two brothers had already decided to put their own attacks on hold... however, two anxious cohorts were not wanting to just stand still...
“Bah, when will we bring the smackdown to that doofus Bowser?! I’ve already tried that Hammer Suit that that sidetailed Idol tried earlier, and let me tell you... I’ve got one hankering for a king sized hammering!!!” Wario, changed into Hammer Wario, grumbled as he swung his large hammer wildly into the air, enough to annoy Hammer Bro and Blooper, who were passing the time by playing cards.
“I’d have to agree! Remember that Chain Chomp earlier? I already feel like doing some kicking some shell!” Waluigi agreed, showing off his long legs, to which Luigi just ignored without saying a word.
“Wario, Waluigi, calm down!! Jeez, ME being the voice of reason here!” Daisy frowned, having to take Peach’s place for the moment. Lubba grew concerned as he turned to the two brothers. “Captain Mario. Captain Luigi. What are going to do once we get there?”
“Don’t-a worry, Lubba. Bro and I planned this out! Right, Bro?” Luigi looked at his brother as he handled navigation... not that there’s much to navigate at this point.
“Yep! We just-a havta be-a patient! Hoo hoo!” Mario smiled as he drove the ship, making to be as quiet as to not attract Corporal Paraplonk’s attention needlessly.
*Rosalina’s Comet Observatory ~ Main Deck*
Meanwhile, back at the Observatory, Rosalina and Benjamin kept a few straight faces as the vessel inched closer to Bowser’s domain. However, all of the Idols, as well as Producer-san and Ritsuko, seemed very intimidated to the impending threat that seemed to be unavoidable.
“What do we do now, Ritsuko?” the black haired Producer asked as a drop of sweat rolled off his face.
“For once... I really don’t know...” RItsuko frowned, somehow bringing up any hope. Suddenly, the Lumas rescued by the Idols, wondering how to use the time began to head toward one room, with Chihaya noticing.
“H..Hey!! Where are you all going?” The blue haired Idol called out as she chased them, with iori and Yukiho following. For some reason, the Lumas ran into a dimly lit room. One of Corporal Paraplonk’s crew, a Paragoomba, alerted the captain. “Corporal, three of the Idols and the Lumas they have wandered off into one of the rooms! By the schematics Iggy gave us, they seem to be heading to the.... library?”
“I checked the schematics earlier before the ambush, Private. Nothing but books, books, and what do you know.. MORE BOOKS! Nothing of the threatening type either, otherwise we would already have them in our possession!” Corporal Paraplonk groaned as he returned to his commanding duty.
*End Theme*
*Rosalina’s Comet Observatory ~ Library*
*Insert Theme: “Library” (Super Mario Galaxy)*
The trio of Idols wanders quietly into a library with cases full of books and a warm fireplace. One thing of significance was a brown book with golden lining and a Star on it that the Lumas are curiously peaking into left on a small table near a chair.
“What.. is this?” Iori looked at the book in confusion.
“It... looks like something important...” Yukiho answered, also gazing into the book’s cover with pure curiousity etched on her face. The Lumas then turned to the blue songstress, pleading to her apparently with coos.
“You all... want me to read this?” Chihaya asked, pointing at herself in bewilderment. Seeing no ther answer to be had, Iori sighed, “Go ahead...”
“Okay...” The blue songstress gulped as she sat down on the and opened the book. What was written in its pages were about to raise the three Idols’ eyebrows.
*End Theme, Insert Theme: “Luma” (Super Mario Galaxy)*
“Our story begins a very, very long time ago with a young girl. One day, this girl spotted a rusted spaceship holding a small star child.”
“’What’s your name? Are you lost? ’the girl asked the star child.”
“’I’m Luma, and I’m waiting for Mama. She’s coming for me on a comet!’ said the star child, who had been waiting day and night.”
“’Don’t worry. I’ll wait with you.’ the little girl promised Luma.”
“At nightfall, the little girl borrowed her father’s telescope and peered into the sky. She looked and looked, but she saw nothing. Hours turned into days and then years, but still the sky revealed nothing.”
“Finally, the little girl said to Luma, ‘If we stay here looking much longer, I’ll be an old lady soon’
..But then, she had an idea..”
“’Why don’t we go out there and find your mother ourselves?’”
“The girl and Luma fixed up the rusty spaceship, and then the two set sail into the starry sky.”
“Oh, wow... this is starting to become quite a story..” Iori commented, surprised that she even paid attention.
“I know... a search for this star child’s mother...” Chihaya gasped quietly, surprised that story like this one only existed in this library.
“Um, Chihaya... do you think you can continue?” Yukiho quietly asked, to which the songstress, seeing the Lumas’ interest, decided, “I’ll see what I can do...”
From that point, for a couple of long minutes, Chihaya continued to read the book to the Lumas, with Iori and Yukiho quietly listening with interest. Her long practices with practicing songs had somehow served a strong purpose in continuing the chapters of this strange book. But then...
*End Theme, Insert Theme: “Sad Story” (Super Mario Galaxy)*
It was around Chapter 7 that the songstress’ mood began to change...
“Zooming even closer, a terrace on the hill came into view.”
“’I used to go stargazing there when I lived on my home planet.’”
“She remembered rubbing the sleep out of her eyes as she followed her father up that hill to look at the stars...”
“She remembered how she and her brother would sled down that hill...”
“She remembered having picnics with her mother on that hill on bright and windy days...And...”
When she turned that very page, Chihaya looked at the picture of the next page of the very girl fallen to her knees and crying in pure sorrow, with the many Lumas worrying for her with a look of frozen shock. Fearing what might happen next, Chihaya gulped for a moment before her trembling hands continued to grip the book.
“’I want to go home! I want to go home right now!’”
“The girl burst into tears, and the Lumas didn’t know what to do.”
Tears began to fall from the blue haired Idol’s eyes as she tried to keep hold of the book...
“’I want to go home! I want to go back to my house by the hill! I want to see my mother!’”
“The girl was shouting now, her face wet with tears.”
“Hey, uh, Chihaya??” Iori began to notice the saddening change in the Idol’s face and the sorrow in her tone.
“’But I know that she’s not there! I knew all along that she wasn’t out there in the sky! Because... because...”
The next page she turned gave the answered she dreaded that she would not read...
*End Theme*
“’She’s sleeping under the tree on the hill!’”
*Insert Sound Effect: “Piano Low Key”*
The book fell out of Chihaya’s hands with a soft thud. As it lay there, the Idol was greatly saddened, having complete reminders in her mind of that very traffic accident that claimed the life of her brother, Yuu Kisaragi.
“C..Chihaya-san!! Are...are you okay??” Yukiho ran to the despairing Idol, who was now down on her knees in tears.
“WHa..HEY!! Chihaya, what happened?!” Iori jumped up and rushed to the saddened Idol. The Lumas began to worry as they looked at Chihaya....
“So this has happened...”
*Insert Theme: “Grief and Sorrow” (Naruto)*
Yukiho and Iori turned to see Rosalina walk into the room. With the two Idols stepping aside, the cosmic princess looked at the crestfallen Chihaya. “I’m sorry if my story brought back memories you did not wish to remember.”
Chihaya , looking a very tear-ridden “You mean... the girl in the book...”
“Yes... it was me in my younger years. I was devastated when my mother passed away, but it seems my pain could not compare to what you had to endure.. Mario told me in secret of the conversation you had with one of his old friends... Bobbery, was it?”
“Bobbery?” Chihaya realized who the cosmic princess meant when she remembered a conversation she had with the seafaring Bob-omb at Isle Delfino.
“We all cannot escape the pain of losing a loved one. I was blind to the truth of that for a time till I began to remember the days on the hill where I was raised. I was just a little girl then; I could not comprehend the gravity of the situation. But the Lumas, my dear children, they were there for me when I needed them. Their love for me had told me I had to look out for them, no matter what may happen in my life. Remember, Chihaya Kisaragi, you are not alone in the universe. You have friends who will help you every step of the way.” Rosalina gave her words of wisdom, spanned from years of looking after newborn Lumas in the role of a beloved mother, the decision she made of her own will.
Right behind Rosalina, Haruka appeared to comfort her friend, as well as Producer-san, who walked in and placed his hand the blue haired Idol’s shoulders to assure her. Chihaya wiped the tears off her face and gave the two a gentle smile, assuring the ribbon weaing Idol and their Producer that she’ll be alright now.
*End Theme*
Just then...
*Insert Theme: “Desperate Situation” (One Piece)*
The voice of Corporal Paraplonk reverberated around the area. “Everyone, we are nearing the Center of the Universe, Lord Bowser’s domain. Please prepare disembarking soon and follow the orders of the guards. This is not a drill. Repeat, this is not a drill.”
“Sigh.. looks like this is our stop... Chihaya, are you going to be okay?” Producer-san asked the blue haired Idol, who calmed down with a few deep breaths. “I’m good now, Producer-san. Thank you.”
‘Alright, let’s go meet up with the rest!” Haruka asked before she, Chihaya, and Producer-san leave the library. Yukiho and Iori look at each other before joining Rosalina back to the main deck.
*Center of the Universe ~ First Cluster*
*Insert theme: “Battlerock Galaxy” (Super Mario Galaxy)*
Team Mario, as well as the Idols, were all given a first look view into the new Center of the Universe, an unbelievable plethora of different environments ranging from a planet of swampland, to planets near a visible bright sun full of volcanic activity, similar to Melty Molten Galaxy, which Mario and Luigi explored in their first run in space, a frigid galaxy with endless blizzards with water so cold that anyone who fell in would have instant frostbite in mere moments, or even be instantly frozen for years. Also, within sight, was a familiar spiraling pathway known to Mario and Luigi that had pools of lava, as well as Bullet Bill Blasters and Banzai Bill Blasters, while at its left was a familiar planet with endless pools of quicksand. Bowser’s own throne was situated in the far off middle of the area, surrounded by multiple, with a large planet currently being created. Before the place was an immensely large labyrinth of electrical energy that housed battalions of Koopatrols and their Dark counterparts, as well as Fire Bros, brothers of Hammer Bros that specialize in spitting out hot fireballs, and Boomerang Bros, relatives who specialize in boomerangs. A lone figure, who was near to Bowser Jr. also was on sight simply on standby, though neither of the brothers seem to recognize the creature at all. Nearing to the right of the area was a lone haunted mansion with a ghastly atmosphere, similar to Ghostly Galaxy, and an aquatic stronghold with water as its basis, similar to Buoy Base Galaxy. Overall, the place, glittering with the many stars in the sky, was a rare beauty.
“Mama mia... Bowsa was-a busy!!!” Mario gaped as he looked at his surroundings.
“Using my children for such an arrogant purpose...” Rosalina frowned as she stared at the location.
“Bah, I kinda wish there was a garlic shaped galaxy, though...” Wario shrugged, with Waluigi staring at the tub of lard.
The two vessels, escorted by the airships, began to near the dock for all the airships.. which somehow, by some crazy twist of luck, just so happened to be on the way to the throne room!
*Center of the Universe ~ Airship Docking Bay*
The head Airship docked at the landing pad where many more airships were dock. The layout of the place just screams “futuristic” with the reflective coating on the walls and floor, except that the wall panels were a swampy green color. Many engineer Koopas were hard at work doing maintenance to the many airships’ hull and weapons systems like they had to live to do it. How Bowser’s troops managed to give the docking bay an expensive looking sci-fi look was anyone’s guess.
“Okay, EVERYONE off.” Paraplonk gave the order, to which everyone aboard the Starship Mario and the Comet Observatory agreed without question... although Wario and Waluigi were grumbling in an inaudible tone that one would understand. However, Birdo was poked in the behind by the spear that one of Paraplonk’s subordinates, a red shelled Paratroopa. “Hey! Watch that thing!”
“Just move it!” Yhe Paratroopa shouted, enough to make the pink creature honk. Afterwards, the way to the throne room was was more filled with sound of constant yelps, whines, and pouts.
(Iori) “Ow! Watch where you’re pointing that, baka!”
(Yukiho) “Aaahh!! Pro..Producer-san...!”
(Wario) “Grr! Watch it, wing tips!!”
(Mario) “Whoo-hoo-hoo! We’re-a going! We’re-a going!”
(Waluigi) “Grr, you don’t want me to break that thing, would ya?”
(Chihaya) “Ow! The nerve!”
(Yoshi) “EEP!!! ..Ack...bit my tongue...”
(Daisy) “Whoa! Well, I never!”
(Yumeko) “Hey! Watch it, pointy!!”
(Ayane) “Ow! I just cleaned this!!”
(Boo) “Spears don’t work on me, you know..”
(Hibiki) “You’re so lucky, Boo...”
(Producer) “Ow!! Hey!!”
(Benjamin) "Geez, give them a break- we're going!"
*End Theme*
*Center of the Universe ~ Bowser’s Throne Room*
After much walking down a long singular walkway the group of Team Mario and the Idols make it to the Koopa King's throne with the very tyrant facing the vast view of space as the captive princess, bound in rope and guarded by Kamek and Kammy, looks along with him...
“Peach... PRINCESS!” Mario shouted out, getting the princess’ attention.
Hearing the familiar voice of the red plumber, Peach turned and noticed the whole group in one place. “Mario! Luigi! Everyone!” However, unsurprising to the two plumber brothers, the throne turned around to reveal Bowser in all his frightening glory, surprising the Idols into a scare.
*Insert Theme: “Bowser Appears” (Super Mario Galaxy)*
“Ha hahaha! My idols... I feel so much glee to see you all standing here before me. And I've been patiently waiting for you most of all... MARIO.” Bowser roared with delight, eyeing all the people in group, especially the heroic plumber.
Mario glared and pointed at Bowser in an unintimidated tone. “Bowsa... I know what-a callous evil plan you're-a planning here and I'm-a tellin you; you won'ta succeed! 'Cuz it's-a gonna' fail like da otha two...!”
“You know what they say, third time's the charm.” Bowser smirked, which did not seem to impress Luigi.
“Yeah, dat's-a what you said da last time back on-a Dinosaur Island. Now WHERE'S-A MAKOTO!?!” The green plumber, who’s right now clearly had run out of patience out of worry of the boyishly handsome Idol. Fortunately for the group, Ryou was the first to spot where Makoto would be...the Idol’s jaw was left on broken hinges. “Urf... Guys... up THERE!”
Yukiho was the first to look up as a response right on top of the throne. Her pupil shrink down and tears emerge.; her skin becomes pale as she clasped her hands on the sight of the still crystallized Idol. “MAKOTO-CHAAAAAN!!!”
*End Theme, Insert Theme:
“WOO-WOO-WOOF! WOO-WOO-WOOF!” The voice of the Chain Chomp from earlier echoed with hearts in its round black eyes as it wants to give the bob haired Idol a good ol’ lick after just hearing her voice!
“KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!” Yukiho screamed as she jumped onto Ryou’s back, unintentionally crushing the poor Idol while holding on to dear life! “Y-Yuki... ho... can't... gh...” The poor Idol gasped as she struggled to get up.
Iggy quickly grabbed the Chain Chomp’s chain with help from Lemmy, “No! NO! BAD CHOMPLEX! BAD CHAIN CHOMP! NO!!! NO BITING THE GUESTS! No!”
The Koopa King himself watched as Yukiho slumped over to the ground in disbelief and looked at Iggy, “IGGY! Keep that mutt UNDER CONTROL!” ..Although one thought lingered in the gigantic Koopa’s mind as a readtion, “What's up with her?” (Clearly, Bowser is completely unaware of Yukiho’s cynophobia..)
“Oofff... Sorry...” Iggy apologized as he and Lemmy leave to take the Chain Chomp elsewhere, much to the creature’s disappointment and Yukiho’s relief. Benjamin, however, had a thought as he raised an eyebrow, “He left her on top of the throne in plain sight as a decoration? I'm getting Deja Vu from this... and this is going to be very easy...”
*End Theme*
That’s the end of another chapter! I’m still scratching the surface of the scenario as the battle is getting close, so I thought I’d add a drama segment once more. More stuff will come in the next chapter, so stay tuned!
..I swear, this is turning into one really long arc.....