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[sub][b]Direct Mentions:[/b] [@DracoLunaris] [b][color=fff200]Bowser[/color][/b][/sub]
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[b][i]~: Star Road - One Hour Prior :~[/i][/b]

The star-shaped citizens would wake at early dawn to the sound of an echoing choir spreading their melancholy song across the world. Amongst them, Geno was the first to exit the Floating Castle to bear witness to this strange phenomenon. He expected to hear the majestic singing of star-children or the arrival of beautiful angels blessing the heavenly Star Road of their magnificence. But as he glanced to the morning sunrise, it would be eclipsed by something far bigger than he could've ever anticipated.

It was the largest living being that he had ever laid eyes upon. Blocking out the sun's natural light, it's ball-shaped core radiated the area with its own source of divine light, while it's rainbow-colored wings slowly waved in the wind. But its majesty was not alone. For not only did it command the light, it was surrounded by an army of armless, figureless, white hands, escorting the core towards their destination. Geno would've expected to be welcomed by this marvelous spectacle, but rather he had felt a feeling of absolute dread. And it would be confirmed by an old star-figure floating beside him.

[b][i][color=fff79a]"And so it has come..."[/color][/i][/b] the old bearded star spoke somberly, colored deep crimson of age, [b][i][color=fff79a]"The prophecy has finally come to pass."[/color][/i][/b]

The wooden doll would look upon his superior with worry in his eyes.

[color=6ecff6][b]"W-What do you imply, sire?"[/b][/color] Geno asked fearfully. 

Then the floating hands would come to a slow halt, still floating ominously over the town. They would slowly begin to shed their white glove-like shells, revealing glowing energy-like forms within, as they began to return back to their master's radiant form. The old star quickly began to panic as he looked down at the wooden doll.

[b][i][color=fff79a]"There's no time for me to explain,"[/color][/i][/b] he bluntly stated with building tension, [b][i][color=fff79a]"You have to go. Run!"[/color][/i][/b]

Geno seemed to be roughly confused at this statement as he continued standing his ground.

[color=6ecff6][b]"No."[/b][/color] he states firmly as he points his sacred hand, [url=https://www.mariowiki.com/images/c/ce/SMRPG_StarGun.png]the Star Gun[/url], towards the divine beings, [color=6ecff6][b]"Not if I have to say anything about it."[/b][/color] 

[b][i][color=fff79a]"Are you mad?!"[/color][/i][/b] the elder-star pleaded with the armed enforcer, [b][i][color=fff79a]"You can't! Not against him! I beg of you! You must flee for the sake of our people!"[/color][/i][/b]

[color=6ecff6][b]"You've said that it's my duty to protect Star Road from all hostile threats."[/b][/color] Geno continued with absolute sterness, [color=6ecff6][b]"I will not let these things come any closer!"[/b][/color]

With that, Geno's boots suddenly flare up as the wooden doll flew towards the seraphim's forces.

[b][i][color=fff79a]"GENO! NO!"[/color][/i][/b] the elder star cried out in aguish as he watched their people's only hope head straight towards the hands of a god.

The wooden doll climbed towards the floating core, using all the fuel that he can muster, while charging up his hand cannons to issue the blow that should save the day. The essence formulated into long strings as they let themselves become consumed by their master's core. Geno was already quickly closing the gaps between him and the enemy. There was a chance that he could succeed! 

But then the ball of pure energy began to collapse in on itself, replacing the radiant dawn into a void of blinding twilight. Time and space began to warp as colors became more distorted the closer one got to the black hole. It would only be then when Geno finally began to regret his decision to face against the Lord of Light - but by that time it was already too late. The last thing he'd see was a sudden burst of blinding light - comparable to a supernova - as it mercilessly engulfed the doomed warrior into its gaze of divine judgement. 

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The wooden doll's frail body slowly rose as he found his entire face covered in wet mud. The instant Geno confirmed this through touch, he realizes that he isn't back on his beloved Star Road. He proceeded to wipe the remaining mud on his face before checking that his wooden joints were in proper working condition. Yes, each joints happened to be working as intended. However, he was soon quick to realize that his hand no longer bore the symbols and details of the "Star Gun". His hand was simply back to it's original state - the state when he first inherited this doll of a body.

Quickly realizing this, Geno took a long glance at his surroundings. 

[color=6ecff6][b]"W-Where am I...?"[/b][/color]

He found himself to be upon a grassy hill, with his surrounding environment having desolated within a brutal apocalyptical-event. Yet he couldn't remember what he was doing here. He only vaguely remembered being engulfed by a bright light, only to now find himself here. And surrounding him, he can see several figures also rising from the ground. He notes armored warriors brushing the first off their armor, mechanical beings testing their joints, a giant turtle demanding where he is, and~

Wait.

Geno's glance immediately focused on the giant turtle. Could it be? Was this the infamous King Bowser - the same King Bowser - that he had helped alongside Mario, Mallow, and Princess Peach all those decades ago to defeat the vile Smithy Gang? How could he possibly have found himself here as well? Considering he's the only being on this hill that he can immediately recognize, the wooden doll quickly flew over to the Koopa King and waved to his old ally.

[color=6ecff6][b]"King Bowser!"[/b][/color] Geno called out as he levitates in front of him, [color=6ecff6][b]"It has been far too long time since our initial meeting. Do you remember me by any chance? Does the name "Geno" ring any bells?"[/b][/color]

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