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[b][u]Levels:[/u][/b] [color=ed1c24]1 (6/10)[/color] | [color=6ecff6]3 (20/30)[/color]
[b][u]Location:[/u][/b] Scrapyard | Castle Bridge
[b][u]Word Count:[/u][/b] 1,215

[color=6ecff6][b][i]Boost Cool-Down Time (T-5 Posts)[/i][/b][/color]

[sub][b]Direct Mention:[/b] [@DracoLunaris], [@CAWs For Alarm][/sub]

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Geno had listened to the other Bowser's explanation as to who he really was. No doubt that the flying one is indeed some incarnation of Bowser, for all of his mannerisms are in place, if not more exaggerated than usual. However, with Mario's reincarnation back from his possession, all the fears that clouded the Star Warrior's judgement had melted away. No doubt with his help, alongside their own Bowser and the other fighters within their rag-tag group, he had the up-most confidence that they could win.

Mario's face didn't falter at the flying Bowser's query on how he escaped his dungeon. The plumber could only imagine what had happened, but nonetheless it didn't matter anymore. And in addition to his courageous and no-nonsense demeanor charging his fiery spirit, he could feel the effects of Din's dance enhancing his capabilities even more! He was ready to kick some major Koopa tail!

Geno could sense this significant power-spike as well, although it was slightly weaker than the "Boost" he used when he knocked the plumber out cold. He attempted to activate his Boost, but unfortunately to no avail. He'll have to wait awhile before he can use it again. So as long as the other fighters could keep him busy, he'll buy his time to gather his strength and officially join the battle in style.

But before everyone could engage with one another, a giant floating white hand descended towards the ground with ominous intent. Both Mario and Geno looked up to witness it hover over the ground - seemingly allied to the flying Bowser as he asked what it wanted. The wooden doll instantly recalled that floating glove to be one of Galeem's pawns that were about to assault Star Road before he got assimilated. What was it doing here? Or more accurately, what is it going to do? 

When the toad that popped out of the hand rushed down to whisper to Bowser about the events that took place in the castle, the Flying Koopa King addressed the group once more about his departure, beckoning for them to reach his throne room once they were done here with a nasty sneer. Mario's stance tensed up as he attempted to make a running start in order to capture the fleeing turtle. He was not going to let him get away! He ran quickly, shifting all of his strength towards his legs, before issuing a powerful leap towards the flying koopa. The plumber extended his arms towards his tail, however he was nowhere close to grabbing it before flopping back down to the ground. 

[color=ed1c24][b]"COWARD!"[/b][/color] Mario yelled with seething rage as he punched the ground in defiance, [color=ed1c24][b]"COME-A-BACK AND FIGHT-A-US YOU OVERGROWN FLYING MEAT-A-BALL!"[/b][/color]

His gaze towards him would quickly shift towards the hand in the sky, with Geno also doing the same. After hovering idly for a few seconds, they could hear a voice pierce into their consciousness.

[i]”Seekers of restoration, you have demonstrated strength. But you do not yet understand the scope of your mission. It will leave you hollow. It will take all you have to give, and then more. And in the end, you will give your lives.”[/i]

The Star Warrior figured that this no-doubt came from Galeem's influence - as if it was trying to talk them down and have them submit to the world around them. Still he was curious to look on as the glove snapped its fingers to reveal seven particular objects form right in front of them. They looked as if they were trophies, one Geno didn't remember Mario telling him before. 

But the veteran plumber knew all too well what they were. They were assist trophies - each harboring a fighter's soul from within. The third Smash tournament was the first to introduce this concept, as any fighter who picked up these trophies would have a random ally that was within to assist them in battle (hence the name "Assist" trophies). Most of the fighters were picked either solely as honorable guests that didn't make the cut towards the official roster, or solely as a random pick from a selection of different worlds. Amongst the characters of his own universe that had popped out of these collectibles, Hammer Bros. chain chomps, and spiny-chucking lakitus were the most common, each being fairly decent in their respected jobs as fodder.

And of course, no one could forget about Waluigi - nor the infamous controversy as how the higher ups would never allow him ascend to official fighter status for unknown reasons. But that's another story in of itself.

[i]”It is never too late to give in. The light waits patiently for your embrace; you need only turn away. In this paradise, you can live with your friends and families once more. But if you continue, your hearts will be broken before you even reach that King. Behold.”[/i]

And just like that, the seven trophies shattered suddenly as they revealed the seven fighters opposing them. Both Geno and Mario couldn't recognize any of the opposers as anyone they recognized, but alas they didn't fight them right away. However, a few of the other fighters did recognize several people from their ranks. Rachet was the first to submit as he reunited with a particular-looking robot, only to reimburse its fate back with Galeem. Even the Master was ultimately taken back by how easy it was for one to become influenced by their ominous aura.

[i]”These spirits will not attack unless you do, but they will not move from this spot. If they do fight, they will do so with three times their usual resilience and power. If you do not embrace the light, you will die here, or be forced to kill them. This is the first toll to pay.”[/i]

The rest, however, continued to hold their guard as they were successfully able to recruit the hat kid within their ranks. They may have lost one partner, but they've gathered up another to replace the fallen. Even after listening to the hand's words, both Mario and Geno refused to bow to Galeem. For such disruption of their lives, both would fight until the bitter end. They would fight to save their kingdoms and their friends from this unceremonious lie.

So once one of the maniacs started chunking bombs at the group, both fighters prepared themselves and began to engage into battle. As Mario prepared to advance, the "real" Bowser stomped towards him and dryly remarked on their situation with a chuckle and welcoming him into "his" army. The plumber would playfully scoff at that notion with a vague smirk.

[color=ed1c24][b]"Like this is the first-a-time,"[/b][/color] he mentioned as if try to jog his old frenemy's memory, [color=ed1c24][b]"I'll stay far away from you as-a-possible."[/b][/color]

He joked on this premise before proceeding to officially engage into battle himself with hands ablazing.

Meanwhile, Geno's arm cannon sparked into life as he proceeded to lock onto one of the opponents. The first person to have caught his eye was a pale boy holding a purple book in his hand. Something about him seemed even darker compared to the other opponents - which made him all the more worthwhile to eliminate first. Without further delay, the puppet fired several shots towards the opponent from a safe distance.