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Chapter 15:
The Legendary Weather Nimbus
-Ace Rimmer-
"Are we there yet?"
The five heroes have been trudging through the mire
that was Bean Valley. So far, the vine leading up to
Nimbus Land is nowhere in sight. The group has been
stepping through the swamps for a few hours, and fatigue
is taking its grip on everyone.
"We're almost there, just hold on." Mario
responded the Princess' question, "Keep an eye out
for that vine, it's gonna come up any time now."
"Are you sure we're going the right way Mallow?"
Peach asked.
"Uh, yeah. No problem." Mallow said. "I
know exactly where were going, I mean it's my home."
"He's following his instincts," Geno said,
"And his instincts seem to be right. I've been
navigating by the stars, at least what I can see from
here, and we're headed in the right direction."
"Phew, that's a relief." Mario said, "I'll
be so glad to get off this soggy ground." Indeed his
italian loafers were not meant for walking through a
swamp, so his feet were soaked.
"Hey guys! Look!" Luigi said, as he pointed
to a place on the dark horizon.
"What is it Luigi?" Peach asked, "I
can't quite see..." But just then she did. It was a
faint green meandering line going straight up into the
heavens. The only thing preventing the five from running
with all their power towards it was the sticky filth that
glued them to where they stood. "Ugh, so close, and
yet so far..."
-Masamune-
"How are we going to get through!?" Luigi
cried out in annoyance. "I can barely move my feet!"
"... hey, wasn't that vine lower?" Yoshi
observed.
"Yeah... wait, we're sinking!" Peach yelled
out, we've got to get out of this stuff!"
"Calm down" Geno responded calmly, "I
believe I can remove us from this little situation..."
The group nodded, as Geno focused quietly, he
suddenly began to levitate out of the muck. He then made
his way to the vine, leaping as his levitation powers
faded out. He clutched the vine before he fell, then
quickly climbed up. He returned a minute later with a
vine, which he tossed down to his comrades. One be one
they climbed out until they all made it safely back on
the cloud.
"Whew..." Mallow mumbled, "How did
Bowser do this? Only the 'Legendary Weather Nimbus' had
that kind of power!"
-Ace Rimmer-
Mario turned to Mallow. "What was that? What'd
you say?" he said.
"What, the Weather Nimbus? He's the guy who
makes the weather." By now, Geno was busy
straightening out his tunic, Luigi and Yoshi were resting
on a nice fluffy piece of cloud, and Peach was trying to
get a smear out of her dress. This information managed to
get all of their attentions.
"Makes... weather?" Peach said stunned.
"Wait, the Star Road doesn't know about this
Weather Nimbus!" Geno said.
"What? I thought you guys knew everything."
Mallow said.
"Mallow, you said only this guy can make this
kinda weather, right?' Luigi asked.
"Uh, yeah. So?"
Mario's eyes widened. He looked around at the group,
making eye contact with each of them. One by one, they
came to the same realization he had. At last, he looked
straight at Mallow. "Maybe, just maybe, Bowser has
taken over Nimbus Land."
-lzn64-
"We can't just barge right in, if that's the
case!" Peach replied to Mario's latest insight,
shaking her head.
"We can't just leave my people in there, either!"
Mallow said adamantly.
"We don't even know for a fact if Bowser has
taken over Nimbus Land," Luigi said reasonably.
"I'm telling you," Mallow said forcefully,
"The Weather Nimbus is the only one with the power
to flood this entire Kingdom!"
"But we saw Bowser conjure the rains up with his
wand at the castle, remember?" Yoshi pointed out.
"I don't know about that," Geno said
quietly, "but I do know that even if Bowser has
taken over Nimbus Land for the powers of the Weather
Nimbus, he wouldn't have placed very much security here."
"How do you figure?" Mario asked, raising
his eyebrows. "I would think that he would want to
keep the power of the weather under lock and key....and a
couple thousand guards, too."
"The people of Nimbus Land are naturally very
docile and not inclined to fight-"
"That doesn't mean that we're stupid enough to
let Bowser take over our land!" Mallow interrupted
angrily. He crossed his arms and glared at Geno,
obviously less than happy with his analysis.
"As I was saying- and I'm sorry if it insults
you- The Nimbians would not pose a terrible threat to
Bowser, and it would be pointless to waste his soldiers
here when he could be using them to increase his holdings.
Bowser can be a bit dull at times, but you'd be a fool to
think him stupid."
"We still must use caution while entering the
kingdom. There may not be a lot of them, but I hardly
think we will be welcomed by those that are there,"
Peach said, with a worried expression on her face.
"Well, we'll never know if we don't go and see,"
Yoshi replied, standing up. "I say that we just
climb up there and see for ourselves what's going on."
"All right. Let's go; and don't worry, I'm sure
everything will be okay." So saying, Mario grabbed
hold of the vine and started climbing, followed by his
friends. They reached the top without any problems, and
entered the Kingdom of Nimbus without challenge. The
Nimbians certainly looked like they were enjoying
everyday life, but Mario couldn't help remembering that
everything had seemed normal when Valentina had been in
charge, too.
"So, Mallow, where does this Weather Nimbus
live?" Luigi asked nervously.
"He lives inside the castle, of course,"
Mallow replied, heading toward the unguarded gates.
"I think we can relax, though," Mario said
softly. "After all, it's never been one of Bowser's
strategies to leave his stronghold unguarded and the
people unoppressed, you know."
"Yeah, sure, but it's also never been his
strategy to take over the Mushroom Kingdom by changing
the weather, either," Yoshi said.
With that, they followed Mallow into the Palace of
Nimbus Land and began the trek toward the chambers of the
Weather Nimbus.
-Sapphire-
"Wait." Luigi's voice echoed through the
empty corridors after they had gone scarcely 20 feet. The
others now halted in place.
"What is it?" Mallow snapped, somewhat
annoyed, staring at him fixedly.
"Maybe it's not a good idea for all of us to go
tramping up there all at once."
They all stood a moment in the surrounding silence.
"And what makes you think that? Everything will be
okay, there is no need for worrying." Barked the
young prince defensively.
Luigi frowned. "I've been doing some extensive
thinking about this, especially throughout our initial
discussion, even though we all followed you willingly, we
didn't stop to think. What if there is a trap, and we
walk right into it?"
"Good point." Peach said softly as she
pushed back an annoying strand of golden hair which made
it's way to her face. "Besides, if there is a
problem, don't you think it's good to ask around, at any
rate? Something feels horribly wrong about this place,
and I can't put my finger on it."
Mario got angry, and two bright spots of red appeared
on his face. "I thought we had this all settled back
at the entrance!"
Geno shook his head. "Shh, Mario. They may have
a point. Some of us should go back and see if there is
anything we can figure out back there."
"Okay," Mario agreed sullenly. "I will
continue to go forward, and since it was Luigi's idea, he
will go back outside. Now the rest of you can decide what
you want to do, and we can meet back here later." He
turned away so he was facing down the dark corridor.
"Well, I'm going with you, Mario!" Mallow
chirped, and hopped next to him. "This is after all
concerning my people."
Geno cleared his throat. "I will be going with
you as well," he said, "For that was the
original plan. Now, let's hear what the other's have to
say." he turned to face Peach and Yoshi.
"I'll go with whoever needs me," Yoshi said.
"It really doesn't matter, as long as we accomplish
something."
Peach sighed. "I really don't want to go looking
for trouble, and I hope you guys look after yourselves.
I'm staying."
Silence.
"I guess it's settled." Mario shrugged.
"Be careful, and see you later."
"Good luck, then." Luigi said, and he and
Peach turned away and started walking back down the
corridors that lead to the exit. Mario looked at Yoshi.
"Well?"
"You should go with them, and if you find any
news or hints, come back to us right away." Geno
said, slowly. Yoshi nodded. "Will do." he said,
and began trotting down the hallway behind the two
departing figures. Mallow turned to Mario and Geno.
"Can we go now?"
"Yes," Geno said finally, and once again
they continued their trek, wondering if they were making
a mistake after all...
-Masamune-
Ahh... this truly is the life, those Stupid fools
are climbing to their doom... And those Mushroom people
stand no chance against my Transakoopas... Ahh, I can
only marvel at my genius.
Bowser's train of thought was interrupted as Ludwig's
voice over the com port. He seemed to be trying to
contact Bowser.
"Alpha Koopa, this is Beta One... are you there?"
Bowser looked at the communications port, Ludwig had
designed it and he always had a time figuring it out. He
finally found the 'Speak' button and pressed it.
"Ludwig you moron, why are you using code names?
We only did that for preparation."
"S-s-sorry da- err sir, Kamek just came in with
a message. He wants permission to enter."
"Fine, send him in...", Bowser muttered to
himself. That old vegetable always had something to
report. He worried far to much, like with Wart, the
mushrooms and everything. He was perfectly capable of
destroying them, after all he was using this new
'teamwork' concept. Kamek suddenly appeared in the room
and approached Bowser.
"Bowser" Kamek stated, being the high
Magikoopa and no longer a mere caretaker he was near
equal to Bowser and did not need to speak to him as a
superior.
"What is it?" Bowser asked irritably.
"The mushrooms sir, it... well it appears that
the Transakoopas are failing. And they're already draining
our power supply so much with the fake island."
"Well, just send my elite Hammer Brothers!"
"We already have them guarding Lak."
"Well, YOU handle it, they're not even soldiers!"
"Yes, I would... but I am in the process of
training my own troops. And they have some new ally
helping them it seems."
"Very well, the Iggy, Lemmy and Larry should be
able to handle them" Bowser replied. "Have them
taken there ASAP."
"Very well," Kamek answered, then vanished
once more.
Bowser chuckled darkly to himself. He steepled his claws and smile,
"All is proceeding as I have foreseen."
He then realized he was talking to himself and quickly returned to
what he was doing.
-Ditto McCloaker-
Mario, Mallow, Yoshi, and Geno marched into the main
hallway, and marveled at the silence. Of course, in
Nimbus Land, you did not expect to hear the echo of boots.
The guards were mainly birds, who were much more silent,
and yet, there came no sound of flapping wings, either.
At the end of the Hallway, was the large door leading to
the throne room.
The same question rattled around in each hero's head.
Whomever is in control here should be through that door.
Of course, there were no guards... and it was next to
unthinkable that any of Bowser's minions would be humble
enough to sit anywhere except the throne.
Mario took a deep breath, feeling more tense and
anxious than he had could recall ever having been. He
noticed it, as well. To him, the Mushroom Kingdom, even
in the worst of times, was a place of beauty and
discovery. It was almost never the same twice. Unlike
Earth, you could go almost anywhere, as far as you like,
and not see the same kind of building or road twice.
Magical creatures, items, and places abounded, stretching
the possibilies for adventure and opportunity to almost
infinite boundaries. To Mario, trouble in the Mushroom
World was never more than just another excuse to go
experience more of it. He would just put on his old cap,
stick his hands in his pockets, and head off in some
direction, whistling, knowing that he was in store for
some more fascinating experiences.
And yet... this was different. Bowser was showing
imagination and originality like never before. And Mario
felt... scared. But, like always, he was the leader, and
he knew what he had to do.
He adjusted his cap.
He stuck his hands in his pockets.
He nervously started whistling a tune.
And he walked in the direction of the door.
It gave with a creak, and the double doors split
open, to reveal...
"Hi!" said King Nimbus.
"Hello!" said Queen Nimbus.
The fluffy king jovially stood up and went over to
Mario, extending a marshmallow-like hand. Behind Mario,
Yoshi, Geno, and Mallow walked into the Throne Room.
"Mom? Dad?" said Mallow, in surprise.
"You're... fine! You're fine! I was so worried! I
thought that, with all the trouble, you were-"
"Trouble?" asked the king in surprise.
"Is there some trouble?"
"Excuse me," came the low, whispy voice of
Geno, "But, do you mean to say you are unaware of
the... er, situation, below?"
"Situation? We heard of no situation. Things
have been just peachy today."
Finally, amongst the pleasantries, Mario's fear had
diminished, and he was now feeling a bit impatient. He
was a simple man, after all, a plumber not at all
accustomed to regal protocol, and frankly, he was ready
to get back to having fun. He spoke up and addressed the
monarchs in his most charming manner, "I am-a glad I
have-a returned-a. You see, we were-a expecting to find
some trouble-a. The Mushroom-a Kingdom is being-a flooded
by-a terrible storm-a, and we came up-a here to see if-a
you knew anything about-a it."
"I told them about the great Weather Nimbus, and
Geno told me that no one up in the Star Road knows of him.
They think he... that he's working for... well..."
he felt bad about accusing a member of the Royal
Household.
"What I believe Mallow is trying to say,"
interrupted Geno, diplomatically, "Is that we would
like to meet with this great Weather Nimbus, and clear
him of suspicion."
The royal couple looked at each other concernedly.
"Of course, you may see him. I assure you, we
know of no unusual weather acitivity. Things have, in
fact, been... rather relaxed, since he arrived to help
with things. So much so, that we have even cut down on
the guards, as you may have noticed."
The Queen nodded. "He mentioned that they seemed
to need a vacation, and that from his post he would do
the looking. He seems very friendly, and very
knowlegeable about his work. You shall see him at once."
Without further ado, the monarchs themselves led
Mario, Mallow, Geno, and Yoshi up a flight of nearby
stairs, up a winding staircase, to the highest tower in
the castle, which the queen explained was where the
Nimbus conducted his work.
Part way up, Yoshi was panting. His stumpy legs were
unused to the climb. "How does he manage to go up
and down these stairs?" he panted.
The Queen smiled. "He doesn't. He floats up. On
a cloud. That's how good he is with weather."
Mario stopped, and, for a moment, so did his heart.
Controls clouds? Knowlegeable about weather? Floats?
However, she opened the big, wooden door, and walked
into a cluttered room, followed by the king, and the
other heroes.
"Hello? Are you in here, Lak?"
From a cluttered corner came a grumbling reply.
"Mmmm.. Oh, yes? Yes, your highness, I am here. What
do you wish?"
"We have some guests who would like to talk to
you. They have some questions about some strange weather."
The voice, which to Mario's ear sounded very
familiar, mumbled and muttered to itself, and finally
spoke up.
"Why can't they go away? I choose the weather as
I see it is needed. What would happen if I had to explain
my actions to every one who has a spoiled picnic?!"
screeched the petulant voice.
"He's a bit eccentric, you know," whispered
the King to the heroes. "He's just a little touchy.
Don't take it personally." he winked.
"It's about some strange weather over the
Mushroom Kingdom." continued the Queen.
Instantly, the muttering stopped, and a long silence
followed. It lasted for a whole minute. Finally, came the
creaky voice in answer, "Mushroom Kingdom, eh? What
sort of weather?"
"A flood-a," said Mario, stepping forward.
Under his mustache was a cunning smile. His voice was as
smooth as silk.
"Do tell-a us about it-a, Mr. Weather-a Man. Or...
should I say-a...
...Lakitu?"
Instantly, there was some more muttering, and then,
from behind the giant pile of weather instruments, books,
and charms, a billowy, fluffy cloud rose up. From within,
a tiny, round head popped up, and a large pair of
malevolent eyes peeked out from behind a pair of large,
thick glasses. Three tiny hairs on his large head peeked
out, and a sneer crossed his beak. Not quite a Magikoopa,
Lakitu was nonetheless one of Bowser's more mysterious
and powerful servants.
Despite his scrawny shape and geeky appearance, this
turtle somehow had the ability to manipulate weather to a
meagre degree. In the past, he had used his powers, for
the most part, to pummel the plumbers from above. Never
had he been able to work on quite a level. Lately,
however, it seemed the Koopas had been full of surprises...
-Masamune-
"Well, you found me out, eh?" Lak said. "And here
I was hoping to make a grand show from all this. Quite
a shame I will have to kill you instead ."
"In your dreams!" Mallow exclaimed."You
tricked us into letting you use the Nimbus Tower!"
"Aww... tsk tsk, now I feel really bad now. " Lak said
sarcastically. "This
Nimbus tower provides the power I need. With the power given to me
by Kamek and this tower to multiply my powers, I the
Legendary Weather Nimbus, am indestructable!"
"We'll see about that" Mario yelled,
jumping up ready to slam his fist at Lak. Te cloud riding
Koopa responded by creating a tornado blocking the way.
"Do you not see? You are nothing to me!"
Lak cackled, causing lightning to strike Geno which sent
him reeling into the wall.
"Mama-mia, first Wart and now this?"
Mario mumbled, getting in a defensive pose. "Whatever happened to the
little axe at the end of the drawbridge?"
--------------
Just outside...
"So, what now?" Luigi asked, as he gazed
up the tower that connected to the castle below.
"I'm not sure," Peach answered. "But I
have a funny feeling about that tower. It wasn't here
before."
"That's because that jerk, Bowser stole mine!"
"Who's there!?" Luigi demanded.
"It's me, your old pal Booster," replied a thickly bearded
man. "Like the tower do you? Look familiar?"
Peach nodded.
"Was mine. That jerk Lak took it from me while I was away. With
no tower, Valentina doesn't think I'm good enough anymore..."
Peach cringed as she glanced at Booster, one of many who
had kidnapped her so long ago. Although it was not the normal kidnapping
to be sure. "Why
would Lak want your tower?"
"That jerk said he would use it for his secret
weather plan," Booster
whimpered. "At least my three Snifits pals
stuck with me!"
"We will never abandon you!" Snifit 1
exclaimed.
"Never leave," Snifit 2 added.
"So don't even bother asking." Snifit 3
finished.
Luigi rubbed his mustache then grinned, "Do you
know any secret entrances?"
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