My eyes were wide awake. Yet all I saw from the instant the book sucked me in was a blinding white, to a wooden ceiling of a different house.
I'll be honest, when I first entered the comic for Power Ponies, I was kinda excited. But now, it felt like my heart was beating out of my chest.

When I sat up to look around the room, I was able to calm down seeing how the room didn't seem to be scary looking, if anything... It seemed kinda cozy...

Getting out of the bed, I then was able to see a small dresser with a red and green drawer. I was also able to see some sort of box in the middle of the room.
Opening the box, I was able to see that it had letters stored in it. But I chose not to look at them so I wouldn't get in trouble.

It then occurred to me that I might be playing a characters role in this story book, so I started to look at myself to see if anything changed...

It's this next point that I noticed something shocking...
Something... Life changing...
I had...
A mustache... And it felt awesome!!!

I no longer cared about what character I was playing as, I was already the best one because I had a sweet mustache!

I heard a voice at the other side of the house. I chose to walk out of the room at this point to see who that was... (I also may of been twiddling with my mustache but that's not important.)

Taking a quick look around, this was clearly the living and dining room. There was a basic oak table with matching chairs, a furnace by the doorway I was in, and a nice tall plant that tied the room together.

It's then at the other side of the room, the front door opened. Entering the room I saw a... Bipedal? Is that the word for it?
... I saw a thing with white skin walking on two legs come into the house. It wore a green shirt, a green hat with an L on it, some white gloves as well as some brown shoes and some blue overalls that had two yellow buttons on them.
Oh it also had a 'not as cool but still kinda cool' mustache on him.

It was walking into the room while reading a letter before it looked up and saw me, I must of looked weird to him because he had a disgusted sorta look on his face.

He then gave a quick throat clearing cough before saying. "Hey Mario... We uh, got a letter from Princess Peach!"

Princess Peach? There's a Princess here! Oh that's a relief, maybe this world isn't as weird as I thought it would be.

I wonder if I did anything weird because he looks really uncomfortable right now...

He then quietly said to himself. "Alright, let's see..." Before continuing on saying.

"I'm throwing a party at my castle today! Mario and Luigi, I would be honored if you both could attend.
Many guests from distant towns are hoping to meet you.
There will be tasty sweets and all kinda of entertainment! Hope to see you soon!
Sincerely, Peach

After he finished reading the letter there was an uncomfortable silence in the room.

It was safe to assume at this point that my characters name was Mario so I replied saying. "Is something wrong?"
"Well-a, Mario, I know that we're bros and all, but... Well... I'm not exactly comfortable with you wearing no clothes and... Seeing your Mini-Warp Pipe..."

I looked down to see what he was talking about, but nothing looked different. My purple scaly body was still the same it's ever been.

At this point, I just played it off saying. "Oh uh sorry, I'll uh just go uh, get dressed!" I said, pretending to understand the problem.

I then preceded to walk into the other room and started to head towards the drawers. Since my supposed 'brother' wore green, I assumed that my stuff was in the red drawer.
Opening it up I saw a red hat with a M on it, a red shirt, white gloves and blue overalls with two yellow buttons. Basically the same thing that my brother was wearing but with red instead of green.

"Hey Spiiiike!"
"Where are you?" Weird... He usually either calls back or runs up to me by now.

Looking around I couldn't help but notice the box I gave to him earlier today was only partially emptied out. That and a book was lying on the floor.
"Spike's never usually this sloppy unless he's tired." I then levitated the book that was on the ground up to my face to read the title.
"Paper Mario? I don't remember ordering a book that's called this..."
Opening it, I was quickly surprised to see it was a pop-up book. I haven't read from one of these in quite some time. This almost brings back memory's of when I was first learning how to read.

I started to silently skim through it while turning the pages and saw a weird thing taped onto the page.
I was almost annoyed at the fact that someone would vandalize a book like this, but was quickly relived when I saw that it was just part of the story.

A few more page turns later though is what really caught me off guard.
Not only did I find Spike but EVERYTHING WAS MOVING!
It's like a little puppet show was being played on the page! But all the puppets were as thin as paper and Spike was part of the show!

"Alright, I should be ready now." I said to myself, over all, I looked like some sort of mascot plumber you would see standing infront of shops. But that doesn't matter, maybe it's just how everyone dresses in this story.

Walking out of the bedroom again, I see my brother standing by the front doorway, probably waiting for me.
"Hey bro, is something wrong? You took an awfully long time to get dressed."
"It's ok uh Luigi. I'm ok."
Giving a shrug, He replied. "If you say so bro. Anyway let's head to the party! We shouldn't keep the Princess waiting any longer!"

I could hear the excitement in his voice. This must be some sort of extra special party!

"Well let's get going then!"
Giving a quick nod, Luigi exits the door with me following behind him.

We then walked out into the yard only to be greeted by some sort of green pipe that's sticking out of the ground.
Luigi then shouts "Let's-a go!" Before jumping into the pipe!
I quickly jumped on the side of the pipe and looked down it to see if I could see Luigi, but The only thing I saw was a seemingly endless darkness.

Taking a quick gulp I closed my eyes and jumped into the pipe!
It felt like I was in some sort of dark tunnel sliding on my back.
It's then I get slowly risen out of the pipe into some sort of town. Looking down I was standing on the pipe I just took...

"How did I come out head first? I thought I went in feet first." I quietly wondered to myself.

I guess I'll just save that question for later. For now, I have a party to attend!

I quickly opened the door as me and the girls all ran into the library. Quickly looking to where I left Spike I pick up the book with my magic and say.
"Ok, here's the book that Spike's in!"

The book showed a pop-up empty house with only a few small sentences to read. Upon seeing this, I turned the pages until Spike was visible. He seemed to be following something through a town... In a weird outfit.

Rarity then spoke up saying. "Twilight, not that I'm doubting you or anything but are you sure that's the same Spike that we know and love?"

Spike in the book though, while he was following the green mustached animal thing, stopped and looked into the pond. The girls could clearly hear Spike say. "Haha my mustache sure does look good."

Looking over to Rarity, I see her mindlessly say. "Yep that most defiantly is our Spiky-Wikey"

"I don't know! That why I went to get all of you! Oh I hope nothing happens to him." I said starting to get nervous.

Spike's a strong dragon, but he's still a baby dragon! Unless it's a desperate situation like in the Crystal Empire. I could never ask of him be in some sort of new world alone.

"Well, can't you just pull him back out with your magic or somethin?" Rainbow Dash asked trying to throw out ideas.

"I could, but not only could I easily mess up the process, but if I damage the book while I do that, Spike could get seriously hurt, or worse! Sorry girls, but that's a risk that I just don't think I would want to take." I said while trying to think of something else I could try.

My ears twitched trying to hear Fluttershy's soft voice. "What was that Fluttershy?

"I uh, said that maybe we should just wait... After all! Didn't that comic book bring us back after we completed it?"

Fluttershy had a point there, If this was anything like that Power Ponies comic, he should be able to come out of the book after he finishes it.

"That is true, but what if he finishes it and he doesn't come out?" AppleJack tried to gently ask Fluttershy.

I made a slightly saddened sigh at this. "It's not the best idea, but I guess it's the safest idea we have so far..."

I then looked back over to the book only to see it placed onto a table with Pinkie Pie sitting on a couch watching it while eating popcorn. "Come on! I think this is starting to get good!" Pinkie said before eating a hoof full of popcorn.

This castle is really neat to look at! Granted it doesn't quite match the beauty of Canterlot Castle or the Crystal Empire Castle, but it was still something to behold.

"Come on bro! You've been acting weird lately." Luigi said walking behind me to push me ahead.

As I was being pushed ahead by Luigi, I couldn't help but notice a house with a spinning roof on it. I was about to ask about it, but Luigi cut me off saying. "Ok bro let's head inside now" he said with more excitement.

The gate to the castle court yard was blue with a picture of a yellow star with eyes on the front. Luigi walked up to the gate and pushed it open with ease. "Let's head inside!"

Walking to the front doors, I couldn't help but notice that there was some sort of bridge with some sort of pathway leading to it.
But I didn't dwell on it as I entered the castle. Luigi and me stopped at the entrance to take in the scenery of the huge room.

Luigi then speaks up saying. "Wow, what a magnificent castle! I can never get used to this place."

Looking at the guests here, I could see penguins, turtles and the little guys with huge spotted hats that I saw in town. However most of the little guys had a variety of outfits, like some wrapped in scarfs and others in a toga of some sort while holding a spear.

"It looks like there are a lot of guests here already. You should go see the princess! I'll stay here and mingle for a little bit, ok?"
I give a quick nod before I start walking up some stairs to an upper floor with bigger doors that would lead to another room with more guests.

The room looked a lot like the room I was just in so I went up another set of stairs to see two guards guarding the next door.
"Oh, hey Mario, the Princess is just up ahead." One said stepping out of my way.

I wonder what I am to the Princess to this world? Am I a close friend? Did this character do something that deserves her respect?
I'm gonna have a lists worth a questions by the time I'm done with this story...

I went through the door to find yet another set of stairs with a door at the end.
"Yeesh, just because you have a big castle doesn't mean you should have stairs everywhere..."

Entering the last door I see a creature that's similar to my brother with the exception that she is clearly a girl.

She has a brown mane while waring a pink dress, blue pearl earrings, long white gloves and her royal crown.

Approaching her I get on one knee and respectfully bow before her.
She giggled as a response to this but said afterword. "You can stand Mario."

After getting permission to stand in front of her she continues.
"I'm glad you came to the party to see me! You can be so sweet! Thank you!" She said with a sincere smile on her face,

"I don't mean to be rude now Princess, but shouldn't you be out there greeting the guests?" I asked with curiosity.

If this really was anything like Equestria, the Princess would be out there welcoming the guests, especially if they had to travel a long distance to get here!

"Oh but I was! I've just been resting for a bit, you of all people should know that it can get tiring greeting all those guests out there."

"But anyway, nobody should bother us up here. Shall we relax and chat, just the two of us?"
She then started to lead me to a balcony window.
"It's a lovely day today, so I'm sure that it's comfortable on the balcony right now, would you like to accompany me, Mario?"

It's then that the ground started to violently shake! Vases were falling off tables, paintings were coming off the wall! I even lost my balance and started to sit on the ground.
However the princess started to panic and ran back and forth until the quake began to die down.

After the trembling finally stopped. I couldn't help but notice that the room got much darker.

Princess Peach then looked out the window saying "You're right! You can even see the stars out and everything!"

It was then from the same window we were looking out, that the Giant Turtle in what I called the Reverse Clown Helicopter and the Witch that I think I remember being named Kammy, broke in the room! Right after the window broke I quickly dove behind the Princess for protection... I'm not gonna lie when I say that it wasn't a very heroic moment.

From inside the story book this thing didn't look all that big. But now that I'm in the same story as it, it's completely double my size!
It's at this point that I started to lose my cool and starts to get scared.

"...Bowser! But this can't be!" Looking over to her, I noticed that she seemed to come to a realization to something.
"It was you who made the ground shake now wasn't it! What is it that you did!?"

"Gwa ha ha! Yeah that was me! I've lifted your castle into the sky! It's sitting on my castle right now! Weren't expecting that, huh?
Well now, this castle is under my control, my dear! Now you will obey ME!"

It's at this point I was able to gain enough courage to jump from behind the Princess to in front of her.
"Not if I-I h-have something to say about It!" I say ready to try to protect her.

"Huh!? What? It's... MARIO!! What a shock!!
...Heh, not really. I expected you to turn up, right on cue."

I couldn't help but gulp at this. I honestly had no idea how I would fight this guy.

"You're just as annoying as ever. Unfortunately for you, there is nothing you can do this time.

The Princess then spoke up saying. "Haven't you learned your lesson my now, Bowser? You can never defeat Mario! Why don't you just give up already?" She said not really impressed with Bowsers boasting.

"True, true, I have had my problems in the past... But this time is different!
This time I'm gonna win!
Ok tough guy! Let's go!" Bowser finished while marching straight to me.

I started to consider my options here, I doubt any kinda of punch would work on something bigger then me... I doubt my fire breath would do much to him...

"Mario! Just jump on his head like you always do." The Princess whispered into my ear.

I still didn't know much about this Mario character I was playing as, but I trust the Princess about what I should do.

So jumped for all it's worth and landed straight on his head! From the looks of it, it seemed to hurt him a little bit.

He then walked up to me and did a quick swipe at my face. I couldn't help but grab my head at the hit, but I was able to shake it off and jump on his head again! But it's at this point though he starts to laugh to himself.

"Good ol' Mario... Always fighting. You're a thorn in my side.
But today! Your pathetic little attacks won't beat me!"

He then pulls something out from behind his back.
"Take a look at this!"
My eyes widen at what he's holding.

"Look at what I stole from Star Haven! It's the Star Rod!
This fine piece of work had the power to grant any wish in the whole world!
And when I use it to increase my strength, even you won't beat me. Mario!

He then holds up the Star Rod, it starts to gain energy before breaking out into a shining light, causing Bowser to start glowing from the mystical power.

Taking a deep breath, I go in for another jump, but he doesn't even seemed fazed! He then walks up to me and slashes my face!
He most defiantly hit harder this time! Looking over to him again, he starts laughing.

I then go in for another jump, only for the same thing to happen again with him hitting me.

"Gwa ha ha ha ha! Is that it? You'd best take some vitamins, CAUSE THAT DIDNT HURT AT ALL!"
He was getting cocky at this point... And it was obvious why...

This was it... I was fighting for my life at this point... I went into jump again only for it to still not effect him.

"Yep, just as I expected. Mario's no match for the new me.
It's not even worth my time to toy around with you anymore, Mario. It's time to end this.
Here we go, Mario! Good night!"

It's then he hunched back and breathed a huge wave from his flame breath. The attack was so strong that I couldn't help but fall face first into total exhaustion.

The Princess rushed by my side when this happened and said. "Oh no! Mario! Please get up! Mario!"

"YES! Oh yeah! I DID IT!
I finally beat my old rival Mario! Yesssss.
The Witch known as Kammy even started complementing Bowser by saying. "Congratulations on your victory your viciousness! That's why you're the King!"

To no one in particular Bowser even said. "With the power of the Star Rod, everything I wish will come true! No one can stop me now!"

I then started to look back up at Bowser with fear clearly labeled on my face. He then approached me and said.
"Well, well, well... I guess I might as well get rid of you. You're no good to anyone now, that's for sure!

He then raised the Star Rod and shot a lightning bolt at me causing me to fly through the already broken window... I started falling... In the distance I feel like I was able to hear the Princess call my name, but it could have just been my mind playing tricks on me.

It's safe to say that Rarity and Me had the biggest reactions to Spike flying out of the window.
Although we did scream, I was still able to hear Fluttershy's reaction, which was a large gasp.

While the book was showing Spike fall down to the world, I couldn't help but look over to the other girls.
All of them had some sort or depressed look on their faces, even Pinkie didn't look too happy about what just happened.

I could even see AppleJack started to get a bit frustrated at this point.
"Why, if I was there, I would knock that Bowser guy upside the head so hard, he won't know which way was is up!"

"YEAH! that Bowser guy is a Meany-mc Jerk Pants!" Pinkie then shouted agreeing with AppleJack.

Rarity then sighed before saying. "Girls, as much as I would love to give this beast a thrashing for hurting my Spikey, we really should calm down, for Twilights sake.

Looking back over to her, I opened my mouth to say something, but I couldn't find the words to say.
It's not often that can get lost for words but... I guess this is just one of those times.

I never felt the impact from falling out of the castle.
Instead, I found myself on the ground knocked out... With the sound of voices bickering over me.

"Oh thank heavens! He's gravely injured, but I think he'll recover." I could hear a girl voice say.

"But Bowser has the Star Rod! And he is mightier then Mario!
It's hopeless! All is lost!" I could hear a more middle aged voice say.

It's then a more older, more insightful voice spoke up and said.
"Everybody just calm down. As long as we keep it together, there's always hope. Now...
Our fates are in Mario's hands. We must try to revive him. Gather around everyone."

It's then I felt tingles run down my body, not like I was getting stronger mind you but... Like I was holding a great power, of some kind.

After the tingly feeling leaves my body, the same older voice from earlier then spoke up yet again saying.
"...That's it... That's all we can do right now.
Mario... Please get up... Please."

I then started to feel alone, like all of them disappeared... I wanted to open my eyes and get up but... I just couldn't do it.

The same voice then got louder saying.
"Oh, who could that be?
This red shirt, this hat and this mustache... Yah know, this really looks like the one and only Mario!

I then felt something start poking at me. "Hey, hey! Wake up!!" She even went as far to slap me across the face once. Trying to wake me up.

I then heard the same pony start running away from me while yelling.
DAD! GOOM-PA! GOOM-BA-RIO!

The Paper Pop-Up Book

by ThegoCarter110

All Books Start With an Intro