//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 Part 3 // Story: Paper Mario: The Land of Harmony // by Blade Squall //------------------------------// Foal Mountains— Hollow Shades Base Camp By the time the tour group reached Cranky’s old base camp, the sun was beginning to set. It was a good time to end the tour for the day, as the yawning of the twin foals in Cup Cake’s saddle pouches seemed to indicate. The camp spot was actually well structured, featuring a few wooden cabins being manned by a few Donkeys and Piantas. Diggsie looked at the campground, surprised. “Wow… I almost forgot this campsite was here!” “Well, here we are,” Cranky commented. “Don’t worry, everypony… we’re safe here during the night and there are enough beds to bunk the lot of us. If there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my travels, having a roof over your head at night is a luxury you aren’t guaranteed. I suggest we take it. I’ll go ahead and talk to the managers and get us situated. You all stay here.” After Cranky walked away, Spike turned to the others in Mario’s team. “So, we only have the Hollow Shades to deal with, right? That shouldn’t be too hard.” “Not sure about that,” Diggsie interrupted. “Hollow Shades is rumored to be cousin of Everfree Forest, which is an already monster-filled forest. It always dark in Hollow Shades and easy to get lost if you don’t pay attention to certain signs. Furthermore, ever since Mushroom Kingdom and Equestria open trade routes, creatures like Piranha Plants, Fuzzies, and Piders make home in Hollow Shades. Also, local creatures are dangerous if go on wrong path. More big Gangster Spiders, Sparkasprites, and Owlbear Cubs, for instance.” “…Owlbears?” Mario asked. “That’s… weird.” “Oh, the Owlbears,” Spike sighed. “And here I was hoping those didn’t exist.” “Well, we ain’t got much further to travel if Mario’s map rings true,” Boomregard commented, holding up said map. “We should be able to git to Fillydelphia an’ our next Element by lunchtime if we set out real early.” “Why in such rush?” Diggsie asked. “Because we only have so much time to save the world?” Spike offered. “We have to get the Elements back to my friends in only a short month or the world plunges into chaos and eventually destroys itself. Princess Peach and Discord, the only being who has ever actually STOLEN the Elements single-handed, were kind of specific.” “Couldn’t Princess Luna fix the lunar cycle so the next full moon is delayed?” the Boomerang Bro suggested. “That way, we could have more time on our hands to round up all o’ the Elements.” “Did you two forget Princess Luna is locked up in Canterlot and the princesses are barely able to keep control of the sun and the moon?” Spike retorted. “Not to mention that even if Princess Luna WAS able to control the moon’s rotation and orbit sealed inside Canterlot,” Prosperous added as he trotted over, “it is not exactly in our best interests for her to do so, even if it was buying you all time. If Sirius Nebula really wishes for nighttime eternal, then forcing Princess Luna to hold the moon in place would ultimately end in his victory… and our world freezing.” “The world freezing?” Spike asked in genuine shock and horror. “I often forget, Spike, that despite how adult your concern is to this situation, you are but a child,” Prosperous shook his head. “As you are no doubt aware, I myself have heard the stories surrounding the legend of Nightmare Moon, and how she was what become of Princess Luna when she let her jealousy of how Celestia’s days had more attention given to them than her nights. Luna, in her rage and anger, vowed to make a world of eternal night… eternal darkness. It would be a world where ponies' nightmares could be given flesh. However, a world of eternal night would slowly lose heat… our world would soon turn to snow and ice… locked forever in an eternal winter. Just like the legend of the Windigoes in the ancient Hearth’s Warming long before Celestia and Luna came to power.” Sighing, Prosperous added, “Princess Luna can be excused for her actions due to how angry she was and how she only wanted her subjects to appreciate the night. But this Sirius Nebula? …He has to be a monster, almost as wicked as the blasted Crystal Usurper King Sombra!” “Wow,” Spike breathed. “And to think a long time ago before Twilight and I came to Ponyville, I doubted the truth about those stories and legends.” Shaking his head, he scowled, “I can’t believe Sirius Nebula thinks making a world like that is okay! And he plans on using Twilight, Rarity, and the others to do it…!” “We’ll stop him, Spike,” Mario vowed, calming the little Dragon down. “But right now, we need to focus on getting the five remaining Elements and their temporary Bearers before we can risk taking on Sirius to get the real Bearers back.” “…Right,” Spike sighed. “Hey, cheer up little guy!” Beeatriz smiled. “You’ll find those Elements in no time!” Soon enough, Cranky walked back over. “Okay, everypony,” the old Donkey nodded, “We’ve just been given the okay. Matilda and I will hand out information on your bunks, and lights out is in a few hours. Grab something to eat before you go to bed. If you need to stock up on supplies for the final leg of our trip, there’s a small shop being run by one of the Piantas, but it’s closed right now. You’ll have to try in the morning.” Turning to the Cake family, he said, “I personally saw to setting up a crib for your twins, by the way. I figured you would like that after carrying them up a mountain all day.” “That we would, thank you,” Cup Cake smiled as she looked at the tired Pound and Pumpkin Cake. Soon, Matilda gave everyone their cabins, and sent them off to explore the grounds. After a while, Mario’s team went to bed. --- Hollow Shades Mohan looked at the campsite, scowling in contempt behind his sunglasses. He knew Mario’s group was in there, resting. However, he knew the plumber was not to be trifled with, and he could not afford a direct confrontation with Mario now that Cranky suddenly stepped up and took over the tour. Not to worry… Cranky he still had an advantage over, and he could take Mario in a fair fight. Though the plumber took on pirates, other Monty Moles, Clefts, and Diamond Dogs without stopping… and the fact that Mario had a Dragon, a Boomerang Bro, and a Diamond Dog meant four foes. He would have to be careful in getting the Element of Honesty back… but he lacked a proper means of doing so. An ambush in the forest would be risky by himself, so he had to find allies to help him take down Mario. “I take it you’re still after that Element?” a male voice questioned in a nasally tone from behind the Monty Mole. Mohan, shocked someone was spying on him, turned around to see a short, black cloaked stallion. “What the… who the heck are you!?” Mohan demanded. “Just somepony who happens to know that your plan is doomed to fail,” the stallion quipped, angering Mohan. “You’re just like a mangy mutt I happen to have the displeasure of working with, only he knows when to fold them and heel unlike you. I’d give up now if I were you… let a real mastermind obtain the Elements.” “Are you calling me stupid?” Mohan growled at the cloaked figure. The stallion’s hood made it hard to read his face. “…Maybe.” “Why you…!” Mohan scowled. He then stopped to realize something. “Wait… how did you know about the Element? I’ve never seen you before in my life!” “I was hoping you would ask rather than just swing your arms at me,” the stallion replied. “This proves that you are a reasonable fellow than just some brutish thug who only uses his muscle to solve problems. You see, I work for an organization of what you would call… ‘Believers of a different faith than most of Equestria’. Most of us dread the day, and embrace the night. The sun of Equestria and its Princess of the Day forsake us, and the moon is too weak to stand to the day when it comes. We dedicate ourselves to bringing a night that never ends. My liege has already completed the first two phases of our master plan to make this happen. However, to achieve the next step, we require the Elements of Harmony. This leads to our conundrum, for lack of a better word.” “So we have a problem?” Mohan scowled. “Unfortunately so,” the stallion answered. “I cannot allow you to steal the Element for your own greed… and you probably will not tolerate somepony muscling in on obtaining the Element.” “Finally, you start making sense,” Mohan scowled. “Ain’t no way am I losing that gem to some cloaked cultist!” “I don’t know if you should simply dismiss my attempt to negotiate,” the stallion warned. “Unlike my liege, I rarely offer my enemies one chance to simply walk away before I end their games. You do NOT want to be my enemy, Mohan.” Mohan stared at the stallion saying his name without ever hearing it. “Just let Mario pass through the Hollow Shades and get to Fillydelphia where I will deal with him and his motley crew, and I will put in a decent word for you with my liege and make you an honorary member. Attack Mario at anytime, and you better have a Life Shroom, otherwise your life will be forfeit. This is your first and final warning.” Mohan turned back to the campsite, looking at Mario’s cabin. “…And how will you know that I attacked Mario at all?” He then turned back to the stallion— …only for there to be nothing there. “That was weird,” Mohan shrugged. “…Mario… you ruined my business and stole that gem from me… I’m going to get it back.” --- Hollow Shades Base Camp The following morning after a quick breakfast and a restock of supplies, Cranky gathered the tour group together. “Good morning, everypony,” the old Donkey began. “Glad to see everypony’s up bright and early… I know it was a little hard sleeping with the twin foals.” “We said we were sorry about Pumpkin and Pound Cake getting a little rowdy last night,” Carrot announced. “They’re not used to long trips.” “I suppose we’ll have to live with it,” Cranky shrugged, looking at the two little ones in Cup Cake’s carrier pouches. “Anyways, the Hollow Shades are notably dark. Hence the Lanterns Matilda gave you before. But, lucky for us, there are ways to recharge your battery in the woods.” He then turned his attention to a strange little bug creature that seemed to glow as it fluttered into the campground. “What is that?” Mario asked, looking at the adorable bug, which seemed to chirp. “Isn’t that a Parasprite?” Spike asked before Tattling on it. “Mario, these bugs may be cute to you, but be careful! They'll ram into you in an attempt to steal food items of any type! If they succeed, chances are they'll hack up another Parasprite! We have to take them all down before they multiply!” “Ya may want to change that Tattle of yours, kiddo,” Cranky chuckled. “It’s a Sparkasprite… a cousin to the Parasprite. However, they don’t multiply by stealing food items… but they can still zap you silly if you’re not careful. If you beat them in battle, they’ll charge up your Lantern battery for you.” “Okay, let me try that again,” Spike sighed, reattempting his Tattle. “Okay, these are Sparkasprites… like Cranky said. Yeah, he pretty much covered what these guys can do, and their stats are pretty much ordinary Parasprites otherwise. However, he didn’t mention they can use a turn to charge up a shield of electricity which even I can’t get through without zapping myself, and can discharge it the next turn when they ram you… the ramming doing double damage than when they’re non-charged. Perhaps Boomregard’s Boomerang could damage them while they’re zapped… that or eating a Zap Shroom.” “Always stings my fur,” Diggsie agreed. “I’m only putting that out as a way to recharge your Lantern for free for the more adventurous of us,” Cranky replied. “Anyways, we have a bit of a hike through these woods and we should come to Fillydelphia. Everypony stay close.” As Cranky led the tour into the woods, Prosperous let out a slight yawn. “Tired, Professor?” Boomregard asked the stallion. “Ah know those twins were a little rowdy due to all the travelin’ we did yesterday.” “I’m afraid that I do not get much sleep anymore at night,” the stallion answered. “It is a problem I have had since the return of Princess Luna. Back before this crisis, I taught in the afternoons and evenings at Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, so I had a rather unique sleeping schedule of sleeping during the day. I haven’t grown accustomed to reversing my sleep patterns. I’m normally a night owl.” “I guess that way you called ‘Prosperous Dusk’,” Diggsie interjected. “You work better at night than you do day.” “...I suppose so,” Prosperous shrugged. “Anyways, shall we be off?” Mario’s group soon entered the dark woods. --- Hollow Shades Mario had dealt with his fair share of dark forests in his day. But the Hollow Shades? It may as well have been nighttime with how dark it had become almost immediately after entering the place. The trees in the Hollow Shades were large enough to block out most sunlight, almost bigger than the Everfree Forest’s trees. The Piranha Plants nipping at everyone and the Piders hanging from the trees did not help, either, but Mario took care of them both. The Sparkasprites, however, stung the worst, leaving his mustache in bristles as they traveled through the woods. “Alright, everypony,” Cranky instructed, “the secret of getting through the woods without getting lost is an easy one to remember: Diggsie, aren’t there certain signs to traveling around here?” “Signs?” Diggsie asked, tilting her head. She then realized what Cranky was talking about. “Oh! You mean like certain paths in woods being different from the others? Yeah, that was always useful when I explored through here. Though sometimes I still get lost… lucky it just reach dead end. However, Owlbears. They no like me in their nests.” “Right,” Cranky sighed. “So, remember… we should probably use our Lanterns to figure out which path is correct.” “It is rather dark,” Matilda pointed out. Turning to Carrot and Cup Cake, she asked, “Are you all sure your twins are okay?” “I hope so,” Cup Cake answered, looking at the two foals and the alligator on her. “Don’t worry my little ponies… Mama’s here…” “Well, here we go,” Mario said before turning his Lantern on, casting a light on the background. A few Fuzzies bounced at him, but they were soon swatted away. Soon, however, Mario saw a strange sight of what appeared to be an ordinary bear cub… except for the feathers that stuck out instead of fur, the owl like beak, talons instead of claws, and the overall birdlike upper body. “What in tarnation is that thang?” Boomregard asked as it approached. “That’s an Owlbear Cub,” Spike answered once his Tattle was complete. “In short, a baby Owlbear. While all Owlbears hunt creatures bigger than Squeaks and are naturally aggressive, Owlbear Cubs are more playful and will attack with powerful… hugs. Let’s never give Fluttershy one of these. Since they’re only cubs, rarely will they attack with their beaks, but when they do, they pierce defense. We can still take them down, however… they’re not very tough.” After a short battle which featured Diggsie being hugged repeatedly and Boomregard being beak jabbed twice, the Owlbear Cub ran off, rubbing its head in defeat and crying tears. “We probably should find the exit before its Momma comes after us,” Beeatriz suggested to the tour group. “Can’t argue there,” Cranky replied. “We just need to find the unique sign…” Soon enough, Mario’s light shined on a grey statue of a large, fierce Owlbear. “Ah, there it is… everypony, this statue symbolizes the ancient Owlbear Matriarch, Hootenanny. While many ponies think the Diamond Dogs were mostly responsible for destroying much of the original caravan that founded Fillydelphia… those who perished on the Foal Mountain Trail were lucky that they DIDN’T meet Hootenanny. Legends say that she’s the size of an Ursa Minor and she now hibernates deep in the forest where no ordinary pony can reach her.” “Wait, she’s still alive?” Mario asked. “How long do Owlbears live for, anyways?” Beeatriz questioned. “I’ve heard stories that Owlbears can live up to 1000 years in the wild, much of it asleep,” Prosperous answered. “The expedition was only 400 years ago… she must have been dangerous to all ponies who came through here… we as a race were not ready for her.” “Hootenanny,” Diggsie shivered at the name. “Diamond Dogs named her in honor of our culture’s festivities. She scares me enough as statue. I hate to meet her for real.” Boomregard added, “Somethin’ tells me that when Diamond Dogs name an Owlbear, yer in trouble if it gits loose. What’s stoppin’ her from gittin’ loose an’ gobblin’ up Fillydelphia?” “Besides her long nap?” Cranky answered. “Virtually, nothing. However, there is one thing keeping her asleep… the great Fillydelphia Bell. For some odd reason, Owlbears just fall asleep when that bell rings at night… with it gone, I can’t help but worry about the town should Hootenanny awakens.” “More reason to hurry up and get to Fillydelphia,” Mario concluded. “Let’s-a go.” “Yeah,” Spike nodded. “Before the mother of all Owlbears wakes up.” As the group headed onto the next section of the path, Prosperous looked at the statue, a slight frown as he looked at it. In the next area, after more enemies, Mario’s group came to the relief of a Heart Block, which allowed them to find the next right path (as they were only Item Blocks). In the next area, past Gangster Spiders, and Owlbear Cubs, the trees were the clue… one being a coniferous tree rather than a deciduous tree. However, there were a couple Florie’s Roots near the wrong trees. After Mario whacked them and Spike increased their total Florie’s Root count to six, the group then continued on the path where a glowing Mushroom lit their way instead of sleeping Sparkasprites. In the next area, when Mario’s Lantern almost flickered out, the tour group was blessed with the sight of Sparkasprites that filled up his Lantern. Mario then also discovered the Hammer Throw Badge, giving him a bit of an edge in combating aerial foes like the Piders. Eventually, the group walked into a section of the woods with more statues of Hootenanny. However, the group came to see a giant statue of some weird insect creature with a large purple fluff ball hanging off of its head that most who never had been to the Rogueport region never seen before. Mario was perhaps the only one who knew what it was. “A Puni statue?” the plumber asked, walking over to it. “I’m surprised this is here… could Punies had been to Equestria before?” “Punies?” Spike asked. “What’s a Puni?” “Punies are an insect race who live in this Great Boggly Tree in a monochrome forest called Boggly Woods,” Mario answered. “Until I came around, their race was tasked with guarding a Crystal Star. Ask Goombella the next time we drop by the library to tell you more about the Punies.” “Hey, guys,” Boomregard asked, “is it just me… or is that statue… movin’?” Mario, Spike, and Diggsie all squinted to see it, but on the fluff ball was a light-purple grey Unicorn filly with a blonde mane and tail, gently snoring. “There you are, my little muffin!” a female voice yelled, causing the filly to stir. “What the…?” she asked, looking around at the tour group. Soon enough, Derpy flew over, a stern look on her face. “Dinky, what did I tell you about wandering away from me when you come with me on work?” Derpy asked in a concerned tone. “That it makes mommy worry beyond all rational thought and makes her clumsier than usual?” the filly Dinky answered in an apologetic tone. “Sorry… but I got tired…” “Oh, I can’t stay mad at you!” Derpy smiled, hugging Dinky. She then noticed Mario’s group. “Oh, hi Mario, Spike, Mr. Boomregard! While I’m here, I have…” She then dug into her saddlebags, pulling out two more letters. “Mff frr yoo! (Mail for you!)” “Oh, thanks, Derpy,” Spike nodded after he took the two letters, one from Dr. Karoline in Appleloosa and the other from Magnum in Ponyville. “Hi, Dinky!” “Hi, Spike!” the Unicorn waved. “I heard you were on an adventure with somepony trying to save the world or something like that. Is it true?” “Uh, sure, let’s go with that,” Mario nodded. “So, Derpy, is this…?” “My daughter,” Derpy smiled as Dinky jumped onto her back. “Thanks again for finding her... even though you were never asked. Hey, next time you come to Ponyville, why don’t you trot over to Sugarcube Corner. I’ll be there when I’m not on shift.” “Take care, Derpy,” Spike waved as the two flew off. He then pocketed the letters. “We don’t really have time to read them here. Maybe with better lighting, we’ll have an easier time reading them.” Soon, they saw one of the paths with a Save Block on it revealing daylight, making everyone sigh in relief. “I think we’re through the worst of it!” Beeatriz smiled. Turning to Diggsie and Cranky, she asked, “We ARE through the worst of it, right? I don’t want to push our luck.” “Don’t worry,” Cranky smirked. “We just have a rock farm to walk past, and we should be on the road right into Fillydelphia. We’ll conclude the tour there.” “I don’t think so,” a male voice interrupted. Soon enough, the ground exploded in front of the tour group, revealing Mohan. “Cranky… I’m disappointed in you.” “Mohan…” Spike scowled. “I thought you learned your lesson when Captain Rose Heart shot you in a hole.” “You fools think you can stop me with that!?” Mohan scoffed. “Ha! I’m way too tough for a cannonball to take me out! Now, then… I suggest you hand over the gem without a fight. Otherwise… I’ll have to get rough with you.” “You have donuts for brains if you think we’re just going to give the Element over!” Spike declared. “Mohan,” Mario insisted, “you do not want to do this. We NEED the Elements, both this one and the one in Fillydelphia.” “Ya didn’t mention a gem in Fillydelphia, see,” a familiar voice remarked. Soon, a duo of baby wails rang out, causing everyone to turn around to see most of the tour group, Cup Cake, Pound Cake, Pumpkin Cake, Gummy, Matilda, and Beeatriz all webbed up, hanging from the trees. Only Prosperous, Cranky, Carrot, Spike, Boomregard, Diggsie, Mario, and Mohan were unaffected. Skittering next to them on the ground was the same group of Gangster Spiders that ambushed Diggsie. “This here is news information, see.” “Help me!” Cup Cake screeched, struggling in the web. “Cup Cake! Pumpkin! Pound!” Carrot gasped. He began galloping back to save his family, only to stop when webs were shot at his feet. “Not so fast, see,” the leader of the Gangster Spiders scowled. “Make another move like that, slick, and the fat pony gets it!” “Hey!” Carrot scowled. “Don’t talk about my wife like that! She’s more ‘fluffy’ than fat! And I happen to like mares on the fluffy side…” “Thank you, Carrot,” Cup Cake smiled at her husband. “If I wasn’t so distressed and the foals weren’t in trouble, I’d kiss you right now…” “Don’t worry,” Carrot called up, “we’ll get you down!” “Aw, that’s so cute,” Mohan chuckled. Turning to Mario, he smirked, “I hope I got your attention, Mario… now, we can be gentlemen about this and you hand over the gem, make no attempts to follow me or recover it, and I’ll talk my hired hands here into letting them go. If you wanna play rough, still… well I have the poison advantage, the smarts advantage, and the numbers advantage. Isn’t that right, Cranky?” “What’s right?” Cranky asked, nervous. “Don’t forget… you owe me,” the Monty Mole answered. “Or did you forget our little arrangement. Now… take the Boomerang Bro’s gem, please. No heroics from anyone, or the fat lady gets it… alongside Matilda.” “I’m FLUFFY!” Cup Cake insisted. Cranky scowled at Mohan. “I knew you were dirty, Mohan… but threatening an innocent mare, her children, your own customers, AND my Matilda? That’s an all new low for you.” Cranky trotted over to Boomregard. The Donkey whispered, “Mario, Spike, Boomregard, Diggsie… I… I take no pleasure in doing this, you know? But… Mohan has me tied around his claw.” “Why are you helping him do this?” Mario asked as Boomregard removed the Element of Honesty. “He has something that belongs to me,” Cranky responded, taking the Element of Honesty. “Something that means more to me than any amount of Bits. Until I pay off this debt I owe him, he won’t bother letting me go. If I could, I’d quit this right now… but I’m not letting him take your Element. Can I trust you to deal with him after I move? I’ll give you the Element after he’s down for the count.” “…I don’t know,” Mario responded. “Look, just trust me, okay? I can stop him from getting his mitts on the Element, but I need to make it look convincing. I promise you’ll get it back.” “…Okay, fine,” the plumber agreed. “But be careful.” “Cranky, hurry up!” Mohan yelled over. Cranky took hold of the Element of Honesty, and trotted over to the Monty Mole. “Yes…” “Alright, Mohan,” Cranky replied as the Monty Mole held it above his head in victory. Turning away from Mohan in disgust, he said, “Ya got your Element. Now, about everypony… cut them down and give me what I’m owed.” “Yeah, about that,” Mohan replied. “You see, I already promised the Gangster Spiders in exchange for their help, they’d get a fraction of the profits and all of these workers for their gem operations. And since Matilda isn’t going to be around for you anymore, I fail to see what giving back your treasure would do…” “You filthy double-crosser!” Beeatriz yelled. “You sold us all out!” “And I’d do it again,” Mohan grinned. “It doesn’t matter what happens to anyone else as long as my wallet is fat at the end of the day. Now… you can go ahead, Spider Boys!” “I knew there was something unlikable about you!” Prosperous declared. “I demand full refunds for everypony!” While the tour group was protesting, Cranky sighed. “Somehow, I’d knew you’d pull something like this,” the Donkey said in a calm manner. He then raised his hind legs, and with precise aim, kicked the Element of Honesty out of Mohan’s greedy claws, sending it sailing through the air. Before anyone could register what had happened, Cranky dashed past Mohan at speeds one thought difficult for a Donkey Cranky’s age, grabbing the Element in his mouth before galloping back to buck the lead Gangster Spider in the face. When the Gangster Spider boss got up to retaliate, he was grabbed by Prosperous Dusk’s magic and thrown into his fellow Gangster Spiders and towards Mohan, who realized what had happened just in time to get buried in Gangster Spiders. “Mario!” the teacher instructed, “I’m sure you want revenge against that Monty Mole! Now is the opportunity!” “Hit him four times for me, my wife, and my children!” Carrot Cake instructed Mario as Mohan pulled himself out of the mess. “We’ll get the others!” The Monty Mole scowled as Mario’s group sank into fighting stances. “So, this is how it’s gonna be?” he asked. “Please… you’re gonna be ruing messing with me in a few minutes, tops!” Turning to the Gangster Spiders, he yelled, “Get up, you worthless bugs! It’s high time we taught Mario a thing or two!” Spike Tattled on Mohan to begin the Battle. “Okay, do I need to say his name? It’s Mohan, the Monty Mole ‘leader’ of our Equestrian Adventure Tour, revealed to be a conman with a bad attitude and worse luck: he has to deal with us! However, he’s quite strong for a Monty Mole. Not only can he throw several rocks at us in rapid succession, but dig underground to avoid attacks that don’t shake the ground AND dig through tree roots to get to higher ground beyond your jumps and my own. When he’s up there, he’ll dive-bomb us! Boomregard and Diggsie can hit him, though… or we could shake him off if we can shake the ground. Can I say this is going to be satisfying with how big of a nuisance he was getting here?” “Definitely,” Boomregard agreed, brandishing his Boomerang, which he tossed at Mohan. The Monty Mole took it in the head, flinching in agony. And that was before Diggsie and Mario both stomped on him. “Why you…!” Mohan grunted. “Okay! No more Mr. Nice Guy!” “You were never a nice guy, Mohan!” Mario pointed out. Mohan answered that by pulling out a ton of rocks, and quickly throwing them at Mario, bonking him three times. And that was before the Gangster Spiders rushed at them, attempting to poison them. After the attack was done, Diggsie was poisoned, but Mario was also wounded. “Great,” Boomregard groaned. “Gonna have to rely on our Items fer this rodeo to heal.” Diggsie, meanwhile, took one of the Tasty Tonics they bought and healed her Poisoning while Mario whacked the Gangster Spiders with his Hammer and Boomregard and Spike took two out of the fight. Mohan then dug underground, somehow popping out of a tree. “Can’t hit me from up here!” “Oh, really?” Mario asked. WHAM! One thrown Hammer certainly caused Mohan to eat his words. Boomregard added to it by using his Boomerang Toss, hitting Mohan twice while Diggsie and Spike either pounced or burned the Gangster Spiders, taking two more out of the fight, leaving Mohan and the boss Gangster Spider left. “Alright, see,” the leader of the Gangster Spiders growled, “it’s time to play rough, see!” He then shot webbing upwards, climbing it to avoid the regular ground attacks. Mohan, meanwhile, jumped off the tree, and drilled down, slamming into Boomregard, doing a lot of damage. “Ow…” the Boomerang Bro groaned. “Okay, we all know THAT was comin’, but still…” “Had enough, yet!?” Mohan asked in a taunting tone. He was answered by Boomregard whacking him twice with his Boomerang. “You are going to regret that,” Mohan scowled. Spike and Diggsie, meanwhile, both attacked the boss Gangster Spider, knocking him out of the fight. “Ow… see…” he groaned before collapsing. “You really want to keep doing this?” Mario asked the Monty Mole. Mohan, answered him by digging underground, popping up near the trees again. “Okay, fine… time to bring you down.” He then held up his Hammer and brought it down, shaking the ground and causing Mohan to fall out of the tree. Between Diggsie’s Pounce, Boomregard’s Boomerang, and Spike’s Jackhammer Tail, Mohan collapsed in a heap, a jewelry box falling from his person alongside the money he had robbed the tour group of with his greedy tour. “You… you cheated…” Mohan groaned in defeat. Soon enough, the last members of the tour group were brought down between Beeatriz and Prosperous. The Gangster Spiders, sensing they were beaten, skittered away in an attempt to save themselves, leaving Mohan at the mercy of his victims. “Mohan,” Cranky scowled, “I have never been so disgusted with somepony in my life before I met you. Sure, I have been annoyed with ponies, but I never flat-out HATED somepony before you. You are dishonest, selfish, and a cheat. Be happy I’m refunding everypony’s tour funds that I can… you’ll have to pay off Beeatriz’ 1,400 Coins on your own.” “Actually, I’m fine,” Beeatriz smiled. “You see, my Queen pays quite well for hard labor. I was more than happy to depart with that money, especially if it helped keep pirates at bay.” “You are very generous,” Diggsie told Beeatriz. “Not to mention really kind.” “Aw, thank you, dear!” “Guys,” Mario asked, “as much as I’m proud to see you two getting along very nicely, we still have to do something about Mohan.” “Don’t worry,” Prosperous Dusk spoke up. “We’re not very far from Fillydelphia, yes? Don’t worry... I can make sure he doesn’t bother anypony again. Besides, I may have dropped something back in the forest.” “Are you sure you can deal with him on your own?” Cranky asked. “I’d be more than happy to hoof him over to the proper authorities. Not to mention its dangerous being in this forest alone.” “I insist, Mr. Donkey,” Prosperous answered. “I am more than capable of handling myself, and I know my way around the forest, now. Consider me disciplining this fool as my way of thanking you for the tour.” Cranky sighed. “Well, don’t take too long,” the male Donkey replied. Cranky walked over, picking up the jewelry box before turning to the group. “When we have proper light, everypony will get their money back.” This caused everyone to cheer as they left Mohan and Prosperous alone in the forest exit. Mohan got up, seeing the group walking away. “Drats,” he groaned. “I had the Element in my claws again… and I let a Donkey kick it away from me! Well, not next time.” “There won’t be a ‘next time’,” Prosperous interrupted. He then walked towards Mohan, magically restraining the Monty Mole and picking him up. “Come along… we have something to discuss… and something to find. Perhaps this will teach you to heed warnings.” “Warnings…?” the Monty Mole asked. However, rather than explain, Prosperous kept trotting back into the woods, dragging him along. --- Pie Family Rock Farm “Here we are!” Diggsie cheered, wagging her tail as she looked around her. The tour group had come alongside a rather quaint looking farmhouse. It looked plain compared to the huge farm back in Ponyville… while there were crops and trees on it (with a few Star Pieces, mind you), the main feature was all of the various rocks around it. Small ones, large ones, some the size of a boulder, and some the shape of a smaller yellow block with eyes… as well as a colossal yellow block in front of a silo. Mario was not surprised to see a few friendly Diamond Dogs working the field. “Called it,” Mario silently remarked, remembering how he said there would probably be friendly Diamond Dogs somewhere. Cranky, meanwhile, finished refunding everyone. “Cranky,” Matilda smiled at her lover, “I’m surprised to see you moving like that. As well as you standing up to Mohan.” “I had to do it,” Cranky replied. “He was an absolute jerk. And I wasn’t going to let him do it “Well, this is it,” Carrot sighed. “It’s time to tell Clyde Pie what happened to Pinkie… this isn’t going to end well.” Turning to Mario, he asked, “Mario, you and Spike wouldn’t mind standing next to me when I give him the bad news, do you?” “We have to talk to him, anyway,” Mario replied. “Pinkie is his daughter… and Diggsie is his employee. It will be easier if we take care of this now.” “Before we do,” Spike asked, “shouldn’t we look at the letters we have?” Mario remembered that Karoline and Magnum. He opened the Karoline letter first. Dear Boomregard, I hope this letter gets to you safely. After you left town, things got peaceful again. Bandit attacks are less likely to happen. So far, I’ve been doing my best to spread your good name around. Not everypony in the west believes that Wild Spin Boomregard is a good guy, now… but Appleloosa certainly believes it due to us knowin' you're not the original Boomregard. It’s a start to redeeming your name. Anyways, so far, my attempts to find your name or someone who knows who you were have proven fruitless. I’m sorry… but don’t worry. I’ve dedicated all of my spare time between daily needs and my duty as a doctor into figuring out who you are. It may be a little selfish, but… I hope once we find what you’re looking for, we can still be together. With love, Dr. Karoline Koopa P.S., When I nursed you back to health, I used one of these attached to this letter. I figured it would never hurt to have another. Mario then took out a Life Shroom. “Well, that’s nice for a rainy day,” the plumber smiled, pocketing it in case of emergency. Boomregard, meanwhile, looked genuinely touched. "Shucks... the doc's really trying to git mah memory back. Maybe when this here adventure is said an' done an' Ah know who Ah am... we probably should figure it out later. Spike, ya don't mind holdin' onto it, do ya?" “Not at all,” Spike nodded before tucking the letter away. "Now, about Magnum's..." Dear Mario, I would like to thank you for making the first purchase of our Badge Shop. It helps Sweetie Belle and her friends with their dream, and it’s nice to do something to keep my mind off of the fact that my oldest girl is who knows where. Know that we’re doing this for you hero types, and there is a benefit to this. While my Badge selection might seem random every time you come back into Ponyville, I usually keep what I have in-stock on the shelves. But so far, I’ve only gotten business in Ponyville. If I don’t branch out soon, I won’t be able to keep Rarity’s shop open while she’s gone. However, Rarity has taught me if you want to sell something, you have to advertise it. Mario, you go into battles a lot, right? On your Badge Menu from now on, if you obtained a particular Badge from Carousel Boutique be highlighted with a “CB” symbol. If you perform a Stylish Action Command with Badge moves or KO an enemy with a Badge Move that is labeled with “CB”, that may increase our shop’s popularity with your audiences. If enough ponies like our Badges, we may get more buyers… and that means I can order rarer and more powerful Badges that you won’t be able to get anywhere else. However, remember to switch up your Badge use… a mix of Badges will increase popularity faster. Furthermore, if you do this for me, I’m sure the missus won’t mind if I gave you a discount. Thanks again, Magnum After Spike put away both letters for Mario, the trio turned to Cranky, who was walking towards them. “I didn’t forget about this,” the Donkey said, handing the Element of Honesty to Boomregard. “Sorry ya had to take a few licks. Hopefully nopony else will try to pry it from your wrist.” “Ah hope not,” Boomregard said, looking the Element over before placing it back on. The Element began to glow again, signaling that it had been fully charged by the last battle. “We need to keep this on us if we’re gonna be able to return it to Miss Applejack. Thank ya kindly fer helpin’ us get it back— what in the world?” “What is it?” Cranky asked, looking at the Element. “It sorta… vibrated…” Mario, curious, touched the Element himself… and was shocked when he felt a light rumble. “Ya see? It ain’t done that ’fore.” “You don’t think it’s reacting to the Element in Fillydelphia, do you?” Mario suggested. “Maybe this is the Element’s way of saying we’re close.” “Hope it don’t rumble my arm off. Ain’t there an off switch somewhere?” “It’s not like somepony put an Options Menu where you can control Rumble settings as well as Sound, Voiceovers for text, and Music Volume somewhere,” Spike shrugged. “If there was one, it would probably be in the same Menu Screen as Mario’s stats, Partners, Items, Badges, Adventure Journal, and Elements.” “Uh, guys?” Carrot Cake interrupted. “Shouldn’t we get this out of the way?” “Oh, right,” Mario remembered. “Let’s get started.” “We’ll wait for you here,” Cranky nodded. Mario, Spike, Boomregard, Diggsie, and Carrot Cake began the short walk onto the property. One of the Diamond Dogs spotted them, and saw Diggsie. “Oh, there you are, Diggsie!” he waved as she approached. “We get worried. You gone full day… what happened?” “Funny story,” Diggsie laughed. “You remember funny Hoohoo Stone? I accidentally lost it in Foal Mountains. Found it again, only got attacked by Gangster Spiders. Don’t worry… I get rescued by these guys!” Pointing to Carrot, she corrected, “Well, he did not rescue me, but he has story to tell Mr. Pie.” “Oh,” the Diamond Dog sighed. “Well… about that, Diggsie. Mr. Pie went into town to look for information on you on top of errands. He and Mrs. Pie won’t be back until end of day.” “Well, that’s slightly inconvenient,” Carrot remarked. “I was hoping to talk to him about this thing… sooner. Did he say where he was going?” “Most likely going to see that silly unveiling of thing to replace Fillydelphia Bell,” a second Diamond Dog replied. “We no care… no matter what it is, it never replace the bell. Better to work now… find gems in rocks. You, Mustache Man… I smell Hammer on you.” Mario took out his Hammer, letting the Diamond Dog observe it. “Hmm… Hammer too weak to break bigger rocks for gems. Perhaps Mr. Pie could make you stronger Hammer for smashing rocks. Maybe even for big yellow block some idiots put in front of silo other day.” “We said we sorry!” two Diamond Dogs interjected. “Oh, right,” Diggsie remembered. “We need in silo. There is weird Gray Key we found inside of it among other things.” “Well, it looks like that’s where we’re gonna find him and our Element of Harmony,” Mario said after the two Diamond Dogs walked away. “You think the Element is with the unveiling?” Spike asked as the group walked back to the main entrance. “It’s one of the few places that would make sense unless the city’s Mayor has an idea where it would be,” the plumber reasoned. “And we would have to convince the Mayor to hand it over to us. We’ll find their office, and talk to them before attending the ceremony.” “We probably catch Mr. and Mrs. Pie at unveiling,” Diggsie commented. “We tell them what going on there.” “Sounds like a good plan,” Boomregard shrugged. “We ain’t got a lot o’ time, though, if the unveiling is ’round sundown. Fillydelphia is a big place.” “That’s true,” Carrot Cake sighed. “I was kind of hoping to get this off my chest now… and hope Pinkie’s father is an understanding stallion. Well, we probably should get to Fillydelphia.” The five, upon rejoining the tour group, nodded at the others. “So, he’s not there?” Cup Cake asked her husband. “Nope,” Carrot answered. “Sorry for wasting your time, Mr. Cranky…” “It’s alright,” Cranky smiled. “You guys make the best Couple’s Cake I’ve ever tasted. Not to mention other things. Also, I couldn’t have taken my treasure back without your help.” “So, Cranky,” Matilda asked, “what exactly is this treasure that Mohan had taken from you?” The male Donkey sighed as the crowd displayed curiosity. “Well, Matilda, I wanted to surprise you…” He then opened the jewelry box, revealing a heart-shaped locket with a light blue sapphire gem in the middle, along with a diamond engagement ring. Everyone gasped in surprised. “Matilda, you know I love you with all of my heart, but we have never actually made it official. So, I had these made especially for you to prove that point. They cost me just about every Bit in my pockets before Mohan stole them from me. He then forced me to begin working to get every Bit back to pay for them. I was an idiot to let him trick me into that deal. So, Matilda… will you do this old fool the honor of marrying him?” “Say yes!” Beeatriz and Diggsie cheered, both of them practically giddy for their own reasons. “…Cranky, I think you know the answer,” Matilda replied, tears in her eyes. “Yes! A thousand times yes!” The female Donkey trotted over and kissed her lover. After the two broke the kiss, Matilda nuzzled Cranky, practically in tears. “Aww, that’s so sweet!” Cup Cake cooed. Pound and Pumpkin looked at each other, genuinely confused about what was going on. They also wanted to see the funny pirate mare again, but were too young to voice that in a full sentence. “Alright,” Cranky stated as he turned towards Fillydelphia. “I believe I have a tour to finish! Come on, everypony! Fillydelphia and whatever you all want to do there await!” The group cheered for their tour guides’ engagement before they set off on the trail towards Fillydelphia.