[center][hr] [img]https://i.imgur.com/O6MhssR.png[/img] [b][color=6ecff6]Level 2[/color][/b] - (12/20) EXP [b][color=6ecff6]Location:[/color][/b] 1-1, Sewer Dungeon [b][color=6ecff6]Word Count:[/color][/b] 806 [sub][b][color=6ecff6]Old Friends Collide - Pt 2.[/color][/b][/sub][/center] [hr] Geno waited anxiously for his old friend to respond. Yet as the seconds grew longer the longer he stood there, aiming his cannon straight at him, it wouldn't help to cure his ever increasing wariness towards the situation. Anything could do at this point - a simple nod, a "lets-a-go", or even a "mama-mia", just let it be something! [b][color=6ecff6]"Please..."[/color][/b] Geno muttered quietly while shaking his head shamefully, [b][color=6ecff6]"Don't make me do this, Mario."[/color][/b] But then Mario seemed to respond - however not through the star warrior's directions or hopes. At first, he remained as silent as a statue, looking into his eyes with a harsh-glare through the stale murky air. But then he'd proceed to close his eyes and turned his head to the side. Geno's wooden heart would sink deeply into his body upon seeing such a pitiful sight. Surely his friend was still somewhere inside that cold-metal exterior. He had to be! Yet if he really was his friend, he would've nodded twice like the star warrior asked him to do. While this "Mario" didn't seem hostile to his presence, it certainly didn't seem to recognize him either. Yet that swerve of the head was enough to convince the wooden doll that there certainly was a spark within him. A small and rather insignificant one sure, but it survives deep down within him. That tiny speck of hope must be freed! But in order for that to happen, Geno had no choice but to engage his comrade. He hated the thought stupendously, still struggling to cease fire, but at the end of the day it was the only way to get him out. And once he'd do so, there's no turning back now. [b][color=6ecff6]"Well..."[/color][/b] the star warrior mentioned softly with a wobbly voice, [b][color=6ecff6]"You leave me with no choice... Know only that this will be for your own good."[/color][/b] Geno also proceeded to close his eyes as soon as his beam was fully charged. And with a sudden release, the cannon fired a beam of bluish-light, creating a vicious roar of energy and sound as it echoed throughout the dungeon halls. The sturdy wooden joints were enough to keep the star warrior planted on the ground, but even then the shockwave was able to have him slide back just a smidge. He covers his entire face before the explosive light died down. Thick dust was kicked up into the air, leaving his visibility momentarily compromised from the blast. And for the moment, not a peep could be heard from either side. Geno peered through the dissipating dust as he finally laid his eyes on the corrupted Mario. Not surprisingly, he was still alive and - save for the scorch marks on his overalls - hadn't even moved an inch from where he stood. And he still pierced into Geno's soul with that menacing glare of his. Now he'd done it. With that, Mario quickly freed himself from his captive prison, using an incredible amount of strength that he was so renowned for. Geno watched in horror as he ripped himself from the wall which ensnared him and landed with a thunderous thud. And yet, he failed to break out of his chains - as they still dangled from his wrists, being dragged down by two large stone boulders that once secured him in place. Considering the amount of strength he utilized, the star warrior knew that he'd use these two stone pendulums as miniature wrecking balls. And they'd surely hit him hard once they connected to his rather feebly wooden form. Just shy from successfully dodging them, Geno found himself being tossed back with incredible force. He'd fly back for several meters before violently crashing into the opposite wall. The doll suffered from minor bruises and splinters - as well as temporarily being dazed upon impact - as he kneeled onto the cold pavement. He took a few seconds to gather his belongings as he slowly looked up to see his opponent and his menacing utilities in hand. He's going to have to take care of these restraints first and he's definitely going to keep his distance in this instance. The star warrior's boot thrusters would suddenly spring to life as he began to quickly circle Mario, looking for a potential opening to strike at least one of his chains. He quickly forms two light disks as he carefully eyes his target. Once he found the chance, he threw both disks as they skimmed through the darkness with their powerful radiance. Geno figured that at least one of his disks will be destroyed before it can engage - although that was exactly the point. One disk would surely sacrifice itself to secure the vulnerable opening for the next. And while that is in action, Geno attempts to fire another beam towards Mario in an attempt to punish him for being distracted.