The Rise of Antowser, King of Nightmares Ch. 8

Chapter 8
Message from the Stars

Days and days had passed since the Dark Invasion had taken place. Everyone was attempting to clean up the mess that was caused by King Antowser and his army. It was going to be quite a long while until it was finished. The once beautiful skies were still covered with the malevolent clouds that came from Dark Land. Mario and Luigi were in the hospital recovering from their brutal beating.

Sora T. had come into their room and saw they were on beds, parts of their bodies covered in bandages and hooked to a few machines giving them medicines. “Hey guys…”

“Mmmph…hey-a…Sora..” said Mario in a weak tone.

“How…are you doing…?” replied Luigi.

“I’m doing okay. I’m really sorry you guys got beat up by Antowser… I wish I could do something about it…” Sora said about to burst into tears.

“No dude…you’re okay. It’s not your fault…” Luigi said.

“We’ve got-a to stop Antowser at…all costs…” Mario said.

“I know, but you two are seriously injured… Here, I had gotten you two these to help you get better.” Sora gave them both a 1-Up shroom shake. “They’re full of healing nutrients. You’ll get better soon.” He gave a sad smile.

“Thank-a you, Sora. I just…need to rest for now…” Mario said as he fell asleep.

“Hey, Sora. Mind if you can help me drink it…? I can’t move my arms…”

“Sure, man. No problem.” Sora assisted Luigi in helping him drink with a straw.

In Mario’s dream, he was drifting into the vast sky. He opened his eyes to see light blue clouds were passing by as he floated along. They had glowing stars embedded in them.

“Woah…where-a am I?” asked Mario. He then landed onto a quite large cloud. It was sturdy enough for him not to fall right through.

“Mario…” said a heavenly voice.

“Hello? Is-a anyone there?” Mario looked around and saw no one. “Hello?” A glowing light soon appeared in front of him along with seven different colored lights. They grew brighter until the beings in them were shown to be Princess Rosalina and the Star Spirits.

“Princess Rosalina? Star Spirits?” Mario was surprised to be able to see them within his dream.
“Mario, do not be alarmed, my boy.” said Eldstar. “We are contacting you through your dreams to tell you of an important matter.”

“Oh?” replied Mario.

“Yes, it seems the Mushroom Kingdom has been taken over by the dark one known as Antowser. Before that, he was able to exist as just a spirit known as Antasma until the nightmares of this world were able to recreate the Dark Stone. He has also taken over the Koopa King’s body in revenge for his past actions.” said Rosalina. “He intends to spread his darkness around the entire world and has taken your special one.”

“He’s horrible to behold!” exclaimed Mamar. “He seems to be getting his strong powers from the Dark Stone!”

“As of right now, we are unable to even get close to the Mushroom Kingdom due to his darkness barrier blocking out the starry sky.” said Skolar.

“It is our job and responsibility as the Star Spirits to protect this land from evil and to ensure that the wishes of good people are granted.” said Muskular.

“Even though it seems there is no hope for anyone, there is still a way out of this nightmare.” said Misstar.

“If you recall from your last adventure, there was an item that could counteract the Dark Stone. The Dream Stone.” said Klevar.

“But, alas, the Zeekeeper has destroyed it at the end of your last adventure. Even though this is true, there is still a way to revive the Dream Stone.” said Kalmar.

“There is? How do-a we revive it?” asked Mario.

“You will have to collect the Seven Rainbow Jewels. Once you have all seven, the way to revive the Dream Stone and to penetrate the dark barrier the evil king has over his castle will be opened. Only then will you be able to save your special one, Mario.” said Rosalina.

“I understand-a, but where will I find the first jewel?” asked Mario.

“You will find the first jewel, the Passionate Ruby, in the home of the Bob-ombs, but you must be careful, for the dark king will be watching your every move. I do recommend that you revisit the Pi’illo Prince and inform him of these matters first.” warned Rosalina. “There is one more thing.”

“Yes-a?” said Mario.

“You won’t be able to fight the dark king with the Dream Stone alone. You will need the power of light. One being in this universe does possess such a power. You will meet him in the future.” said Rosalina.

“I see. Thank-a you, Princess Rosalina. Thank-a you, Star Spirits.” said Mario with a determined look.

“You’re welcome, my boy. We will always be watching over you.” replied Eldstar.

“May the stars shine down on you and your friends, Mario.” said Rosalina with a smile as she and the Star Spirits slowly faded away. The whole area grew brighter, and soon Mario awoke with his body all healed up.

“Woah, I feel-a great!” exclaimed Mario. He jumped out of bed in his clothes ready to go. “Luigi?”

“Mario, the same thing happened to me! All of our wounds have been healed!” Luigi got out of bed as well.

“You guys started to glow with light, and all the wounds had faded away!” exclaimed Sora.

“Mario, how could that have happened?” Luigi said looking at himself to check for any injuries.

“I think we were somehow-a healed by Princess Rosalina and-a the Star Spirits.” said Mario. “They spoke-a to me in-a my dream, and told-a me how we can-a defeat Antowser.”

“R-really?” Luigi looked surprised.

“Yes. We have to find-a the Seven Rainbow Jewels. Once all seven of them-a are collected, the way to revive the Dream Stone and to break-a through the dark barrier will be opened.” said Mario.

“Ohhh boy. I feel an adventure’s about to start soon!” said Luigi feeling energetic.

“Yes, but first, we have to go to Pi’illo Island. We need-a to inform Prince Dreambert about-a what has happened.”

“But how do we get there? The skies are covered by Antowser’s dark lightning clouds. We can’t take a zeppelin out into that.” said Luigi.

“I got it!” shouted Sora. “I know of a warp pipe that can take you there. There’s one to the far left of the hospital. It’ll take you there in a second.”

“Alrighty, thank you, Sora!” shouted Mario.

“No problem. I hope you two will be safe.” said Sora.

Mario & Luigi soon checked out of the hospital, went to the store to stock up on some items and headed towards the warp pipe on the left side of the hospital. Just before they went in, someone called out to them.

“Mario! Luigi!” shouted Daisy who spotted them. “Where are you two going?”

“Oh, Daisy. We have an-a adventure to go on. We need-a to go to Pi’illo Island.” said Mario.

“Oh, could I please come with you? I want to help.” Daisy said with a sad expression.

“I’m sorry, Daisy, but you should stay here with the citizens. They need your help.” said Luigi.

“I know, but…I wish I could do more to help you guys out…” Daisy started to cry a little.

Luigi went to hug her. “You are helping us out, Daisy. You’re here with everyone else helping clean up and keeping things in order. Peach isn’t here. They need someone to help lead them.” He then kissed her.

Daisy felt a warm spot in her heart and kissed back. “I understand. I hope you two will be safe.” she said.

“We will. See ya later.” Luigi said as he and Mario went into the warp pipe.

“…be safe.” Daisy said with a smile.

The Mario Bros. traveled down the pipe towards the island they remember being on some time ago. They still had thoughts going on in their heads about what had happened. Maybe the Pi’illo Prince will be able to help them out…