Paper Mario: Equestrian Folds

Chapters

Prologue: The Origami King
Chapter 1: Folded Soldiers in the Everfree Forest
Chapter 2: Ruined Ghost Town
Chapter 4: Shrine Tours
Chapter 5: The Earth Vellumental
Chapter 6: The Monster of Overlook Tower
Chapter 7: The Missile Maestro
Chapter 3: Treasure Hunting for Shell Stones

Prologue: The Origami King

The sun was shining brightly as Mario and Luigi drove down the dusty path on their way to Ponyville. They had recently received an invitation for a nice vacation ever since Mario's last adventure on Prism Island.

"Are you excited bro?' Luigi asked as he drove down the path.

"Wha oh yeah i guess I am," answered Mario slipping the invitation back into his pocket.

"You're thinking about Peach again aren't you?" asked Luigi. "Don't worry she'll be fine, after all she's got two unicorns protecting her,"

"I know that," said Mario.

"Well then lighten up, it's vacation time, you were looking forward to this weren't you?" asked Luigi.

"Yeah," answered Mario.

"Don't worry bro, Bowser doesn't know about this so we should be fine," said Luigi. "Oh there it is," The two looked up as a small village slowly appeared over the horizon. "Alright, time to pump the gas!" Luigi exclaimed excitedly. "Hang on bro," Mario adjusted his hat as Luigi stepped on the gas and sped towards the small village. "Well here we are, Ponyville," Luigi announced upon arrival. Mario inspected his surroundings as Luigi slowly drove down the streets of the village. The first thing he noticed was that nobody had come to greet them upon arrival.

"Huh strange are they holding some kind of festival or something?" Mario mumbled to himself. He noticed that the village houses were covered with multiple colorful origami and bright streamers hung from the roofs. As they entered the plaza, Mario jumped out of Luigi's cart and looked around.

"Huh where is everybody?" asked Luigi. "I was sure that at least one would be around to say hello," "Mario check the invitation, when are we supposed to be here?" Mario reached into his pocket and pulled out the small beige colored scroll.

"Hmm it's the right day," mumbled Mario. "But I don't see anyone around here,"

"They're not here eh?" asked Luigi, Maybe we should go check the castle," Mario nodded as he jumped into his cart. As he continued to drive down the empty streets, Mario noticed that several large holes on the walls of the houses. The cart carrying the two drove out of the village and made it's way to the large castle in the distance. As they drove, Mario continued to inspect the his surroundings.

"This is too weird," he mumbled. "Ever since we arrived, we haven't seen a single pony what's going on?"

"Well here we are," said Luigi. After a long drive the two finally arrived at the entrance of the castle. Surprisingly the gate was wide opened, as if the guards knew they were coming. Mario jumped off and turned to Luigi. "Alright I'll go park the kart, won't be too long," Mario nodded as he watched his brother drive off. He looked up and examined the castle, much to his surprise, not a single guard could be seen walking around.

"What is this, doesn't this castle have any guards?" Mario asked to himself.

"Sorry for the wait bro, let's go check out the castle," Luigi said walking up to him.Mario nodded as he began walking. As the two walked in they stopped. Not a single pony was there to greet them, just empty and dead silence. "Kinda spooky isn't it, I'd figure we'd meet SOMEBODY by now,"

"Something's not right, I don't know if it's just me, but I suddenly have a feeling that we shouldn't be here," Mario mumbled. His thoughts were interrupted by Luigi's gasp.

"Mamma mia, I forget our luggage in the kart, hang on bro, I'll just go grab them real fast," Luigi turned around and began approaching the large double doors, when they suddenly closed shut on their own. "Huh?" He grabbed the handle and pulled only to find the doors had locked them in. "Ok, I don't like that,"

"What is it Luigi?" asked Mario.

"Uh I think we're locked in," answered Luigi.

"If we're locked in we just have to find a key right?" suggested Mario.

"Oh of course, I knew you'd be smart enough to figure that out bro!" exclaimed Luigi. "Alright I'll go find us that key, if you happen to run into Peach or any other princesses be sure to tell them hi for me," Mario nodded as he watched his brother dash off in search of a key. Mario looked at the double doors behind him.

"I suppose I should go find the Princesses for now," Mario said to himself. He was about to go look for them when a familiar voice called out to him.

"Mario, is that you?" Mario turned around to see a familiar woman walking slowly walking down the stairs. "How good to see you," she said.

"Princess?" asked Mario as he walked up. He noticed that she looked different. Her body wasn't slim and smooth, but rather rigged. Her soulless eyes staring at him.

"It's not just me Mario," she said in an emotionless voice.

"Huh?" Mario looked at her with a confused expression. At that moment three ponies slowly flew down next to her. One was white with a pink, green, and sky blue mane, the second was dark blue with a navy blue mane that seemed to sparkle, and the third was a bright pink pony with magenta and pink curly mane. All three had wings and a large pointy horn. Just like Peach, their bodies seemed rigged and off and had soulless eyes like Peach.

"I want you to meet the royal sisters and the princess of the crystal empire," said Peach. "Princess Celestia, Luna, and Cadence,"

"You must be Mario, we've heard a lot about you," said the white pony.

"It's a pleasure we get to meet like this," said the blue pony.

"A nice opportunity indeed," agreed the pink pony.

"Um it's an honor to meet you too, your majesties," said Mario taking off his hat. "This is strange they don't look normal," he mumbled to himself.

"Mario we wish to ask you something," said Peach.

"Hmm?" asked Mario.

"Shouldn't the Mushroom Kingdom and Equestria be unfolded and be refolded unto glory?" asked Peach.

"Um I don't really know what that means but, no?" Mario answered in a confused voice.

"And what of those Toads and ponies, shouldn't they be silenced for all eternity?" asked Peach.

"What is this, this is starting to creep me out," Mario mumbled to himself. He nervously shook his head.

"Last question, will you crease yourself and be reborn like us?" asked Peach.

"Ok, something is definitely wrong, what's going on here?" Mario asked himself as he shook his head.

"Wrong answer, right answer, it matters not, your replies are all paper thin," said Peach.

"Paper thin?" he asked himself. "What does she mean?"

"Goodbye," said Peach. Suddenly there was a loud bang as the floor underneath him gave out, revealing a trap door.

"Oh come on," Mario whimpered as he fell in. It seemed like an eternity but eventually Mario crashed on the ground as multiple voices yelped.

"Mario!?" Mario groaned as he slowly go to his feet.

"Ouch," He looked up to see Bowser's minions standing in front of him. Next to them though, were strange black ponies were glowing green eyes and black scales. Holes were punched out in their hoofs and transparent green wings flapped on their backs. "Huh?"

"Always gotta make a flashy entrance huh?" asked a Koopa.

"Wha, what are you guys doing here?" asked Mario. "And what are THOSE things?" he asked looking at the strange black ponies.

"Oh these guys?" asked the Hammer Bros. "Apparently they're called Changlings,"

"Changelings?" asked Mario. "Never heard of them,"

"Never mind that, you ain't seen Master Bowser or Mistress Chrysalis anywhere have you?" asked the Koopa. "It ain't like the big lug to leave us minions hangin and the same goes for the changelings apparently,"

"Yeah, our Queen never usually leaves us for this long," added one of the changelings.

"Well I haven't seen anybody since I arrived so I don't know where either of them are," answered Mario.

"Whoa Mario you're here!?" a voice gasped from behind. Mario turned around to see a lone Goomba staring at him in awe. "I'm a big fan-er I mean....I've always wanted to battle you!" he corrected himself. "Even if I get stomped, it would be an honor!"

"Um glad you think that way of me?" Mario chuckled nervously.

"Wow this is so exciting, first I see the not just Peach, but the Equestrian princesses and now YOU!" said the Goomba. "Although I will say that the princesses looked a little different from what I expected, less um lifelike," Suddenly the door behind them opened as three figures walked out. A red Shy Guy, a Changeling, and a yellow Shy Guy.

"Come with us," the red Shy Guy moaned loudly.

"Yeah what's next I've never seen a Toad before or a pony, please tell me it's either one of those!" beamed the Goomba. He waddled past Mario and followed the other minions and changelings into the room.

"Guess I should head in as well," Mario mumbled. He began following in after the Goomba but the red Shy Guy stopped him.

"Not you," he moaned.

"Aww I hope you don't have to wait too long Mario, I'll say hi to Toad for ya, or a pony, or maybe both," said the Goomba. Mario watched as the Goomba and strange Shy Guy walked in, closing the door behind them.

"Huh, what was that all about?" Mario asked himself. His thoughts were interrupted by a timid female voice that seem to be coming from within the castle dungeon.

"Mario is that you?" Mario looked around. He was the only one in the room now.

"Who's there?" asked Mario.

"I need your help, I'm.....I'm.....I'm in a very strange place," explained the voice. "It's cramped and dark, almost like I'm in between dimensions or something,"

"In between dimensions?" asked Mario.

"I'm not sure if i should be amazed or scared, but I'm kinda both?" continued the voice. "Anyway, if it's not too much trouble, I'd like to get out now, please, is there anyway you can help?"

"I'm not sure what I need to do but I can try," answered Mario.

"Well for starters you can try and walk around, maybe follow my voice?" suggested the voice. Mario looked around and pinpointed the voice near the wall.

"Here?' Mario asked as he walked over. He didn't notice the strange mark on the ground until he walked over it and it began to glow. "Whoa what the?" He looked down at the now glowing mark on the ground. A large white hand symbol spun around an orange circle

"What was that, did something light up at your feet, is it a Magic Circle?" asked the voice.

"I don't know what a Magic Circle is but it definitely seems like it," answered Mario.

"That's good, I think, I mean, I'm not really sure what you're supposed to do with it," said the voice. "But can you try to use it somehow?"

"I'm not sure how, but yeah," answered Mario. He walked over it and felt a surge of new power flowing through his body. "Whoa what's happening!?" He pulled in his arms before stretching them out only to find that his arms had now turned into large accordion style appendages with origami hands. He looked at his arms in awe

"That sounded good, are your arms all big and foldy now?" asked the voice.

"Yeah I guess you can say that," answered Mario.

"I've heard about this, I think those are called 1,000 Fold Arms," explained the voice.

"Huh no kidding," said Mario.

"Try feeling around a bit, maybe you can help me escape from this strange dimension," suggested the voice.

"Alright," said Mario. He put his hands up against the wall and began to feel around for a bit. Eventually he was able to grasp onto what felt like a flap on the wall. "There," He grabbed the flap and tore it off, revealing and empty space and a small yellow figure stuck against it. Once the part of the wall fell to the ground, Mario's arms returned to it's original state, and the Magic Circle beneath his feet vanished, leaving only a faint mark on the ground. He looked up as the strange yellow figure pulled itself from the wall.

"Wow I'm free from that weird in-between dimension!" she gasped. She turned around to face the wall she just popped out of. "Oh was I just stuck in that wall?"

"Yeah pretty much," answered Mario.

"Ah!" She quickly turned to face him. "You must be Mario," He nodded. "Well nice to meet you Mario, my name is Olivia, you'd probably like to know a lot more about me and why I was trapped like that huh?"

"I guess?" Mario answered in a puzzled tone.

"Well sorry to say, but I don't think we really have time for that now, maybe we should just get out of here," Olivia suggested. "There's just one thing, I'm not exactly fleet of foot, mind if I hitch a ride?"

"What?" asked Mario. Olivia didn't respond and quickly folded herself up before jumping into Mario's overall pockets. "Huh guess that works," He looked up and around the dungeon. "Guess I should find a way out of here," He was about to start looking for an exit when he noticed something sticking out from behind the large boxes. "Huh what's that?" Curiously he walked over and found a large wooden hammer lying on the ground. "What's this doing here?" he asked as he picked it up.

"Whoa what'd you find, it looks big and smashy, maybe try it on something around this room?" suggested Olivia. Mario looked around and walked over to a couple of large boxes and began smashing them with his hammer, revealing a small hole.

"Nice work Mario, I knew you'd be able to find us a way out of here!" said Olivia. "Oh by the way, I just came up with a great idea,"

"A great idea?" asked Mario.

"Yeah, I don't know how useful it will be but if you ever get stuck just let me know and I can try and come up with something witty," explained Olivia. "Maybe we can get to know each other a bit more,"

"Sounds good," said Mario.

"Great but, first let's get out of here," said Olivia. She jumped back into Mario's pockets as he walked out. They came from in between two walls as Olivia cautiously looked around. "Ok I'm getting my bearings, I think we might be in the castle dungeon," "Dungeons smells like this place smells right?"

"I'm not exactly sure, but I guess?" asked Mario. He walked out into the open and began searching for an exit when a familiar voice boomed throughout the dungeon.

"Hey knock it off!" Mario jumped and began checking his surroundings.

"What was that?" asked Olivia. Before Mario could respond another voice followed the first.

"Yes what he said, put down my changelings!" Mario quickly followed in the direction of the two voices. He soon found a small opening where he can look through and walked up. Upon looking through he noticed two folded paper beings hanging from the ceiling. One of which was Bowser. The other had black scales and glowing green eyes with small fangs.

"Bowser?" asked Mario.

"I can see what you're about to do to my minion, and I order you to cut it out!" Bowser roared. Looking to his left he could see the silhouette of a rigid Shy Guy and something large. As Bowser thrashed about trying to escape, two more shadows appeared from the right carrying what appeared to be a paper Koopa.

"What's going on?" Mario mumbled. He watched as the two Shy Guys approached the large object and stopped. The third Shy Guy raised his arms as the paper Koopa started levitating. Suddenly the large object opened up like a large mouth as the third Shy Guy began folding up the paper Koopa before throwing it into the large object. The top of the object slammed down with a resounding snap as Bowser furiously thrashed around. The top of the object slowly rose up as the paper Koopa slowly rose to it's feet. The silhouette looked more rigid than before and walked away in a zombie like fashion. The two Shy Guys from before later returned carrying what appeared to be a changeling.

"Stop, I order you to stop!" hissed the second voice. Just like with the Koopa, the third Shy Guy folded up the changeling and hurled it into the object as it snapped shut. Mario backed away as Olivia jumped out of his overalls.

"What did you see, nothing terrifying I hope," she whimpered.

"That was the last of them" a familiar voice moaned. Mario and Olivia turned around to see the two Shy Guys from earlier along with the rest of Bowser's minions and changelings.

"Except for the mustachioed one," moaned the second Shy Guy. Mario watched as the two wandered off with the rest of Bowser's minions and the changelings.

"Ok, maybe I have time to explain one little thing, those stiff-looking guys are called Folded Soldiers," explained Olivia.

"Folded Soldiers?" asked Mario.

"Yep and I don't want to scare you but they're unbelievably dangerous, I think we should try to avoid them," said Olivia. "What do you think they meant by That was the last of them anyway, the last of what?" "Oh well we should probably find a way out of here," Mario nodded as he continued to search for an exit. He was about to go back the way he came from when a voice spoke up.

"Um excuse me, is somepony there?" Mario looked around but saw that nobody else was in there with him.

"Who's there?" asked Mario.

"Um sorry to bother you but, I kinda need help," said the voice.

"Help where are you?" asked Olivia.

"I'm not sure, it's dark and it's kinda hard to move but you're close, I think," answered the voice.

"Keep talking maybe we can find you," said Olivia.

"Oh, ok," answered the voice.

"Alright Mario, let's find whoever needs our help," said Olivia. Mario nodded as he walked around.

"You're close, I think, I can hear your footsteps," said the voice. Mario managed to pinpoint the voice to a nearby crate and walked over. He knocked on the crate. "Is that you knocking?" asked the voice.

"Yeah," answered Mario.

"Please can you help me?" asked the voice. Mario pulled out his hammer and smashed the box as a small creature fell out. "Hey thanks, I can see a little better now," Mario walked over and took a look at the creature. His head was the only thing visable, the rest of his body was covered in a yellow tape with a strange purple mark. "Hey can you get this thing off of me?" he asked. Mario grabbed a loose end of the tape and pulled. He somehow managed to tear the strange tape off of the creature without ripping apart it's body. "Phew thanks for that," Now that Mario pulled the tape off of the creature, he could get a better look at him. The thing had a small purple scaly head with green spines running down it's back and tail. It had a lime green underbelly with two small wings on it's back.

"Oh so you're a lizard," said Olivia.

"What no, well kinda, I'm a dragon," he answered. "My name is Spike,"

"Oh well nice to meet you Spike, I'm Olivia and this is Mario," she said introducing themselves.

"Wait, YOU'RE Mario?" Spike asked looking at him. Mario nodded. "Oh wow, I've heard a lot about you from Twilight, but I didn't think I'd meet the actual thing," "Ah no time for that, I need to go find my friends!"

"You're friends?" asked Mario.

"Oh right I suppose I should explain," said Spike. "You see, the truth is I'm actually the assistant of one of six ponies that I'm friends with," he explained. "They have this responsibility to protect Equestria and spread the word of friendships to other ponies and creatures, but they also have close relationships with the Princesses,"

"Princesses huh?" Mario repeated. He recalled seeing the three ponies that were hanging around Peach.

"Well they were until Equestria was attacked," he continued. "The royal sisters asked my friends and me to go talk with them about our mission but when we arrived, they suddenly sent a horde of changelings at us, or I think they were, I don't know, they looked kinda strange almost lifeless and stiff,"

"Hmm sounds like Folded Soldiers to me," said Olivia.

"Anyway, my friend Twilight told me to run and seek help while they held off the changelings," continued Spike. "I somehow managed to run back to ponyville and tried talking to this large brown mushroom that was walking around, but then I realized he looked way too big, not only that but it's body almost looked like it was made out of paper scraps,"

"Large brown mushroom, sounds like a Goomba, but it's body was made out of paper scraps?" Mario mumbled.

"Anyway I decided maybe it wasn't a good idea to talk to that thing cause it was eating the walls of one of the houses, but then after that I got hit in the head and when I woke up I found myself tied up in that dark place, which I guess only turned out to be a crate," explained Spike.

"Oh you poor thing, Mario don't you think we should help him out?' asked Olivia.

"Huh?' asked Mario.

"Oh yeah, I was gonna ask, do you think you can help me find my friends?" asked Spike. "I heard they were captured, but honestly I still believe that they're out there, I just wanna find them before anything bad happens,"

"Well what do you say Mario?" asked Olivia. Mario nodded.

"Really you'll help?" asked Spike.

"Seeing how these friends are really important to you, I can't just leave you be, besides if more of those folded soldiers come by, I can't leave you walking around alone, it's too dangerous," said Mario.

"Oh wow thank you, I'll try to help out anyway I can, but first let's find a way out of here," said Spike. Mario nodded and began walking back in the direction he came from. He stopped as he past by the door that the folded Shy Guys came out of earlier and walked up to it.

"This looks like the door that leads into the room Bowser was in earlier, maybe I should try and go help him," Mario opened the door and walked in with Spike following behind. Upon entering he noticed how bright the entire room was. he looked over and saw Bowser and the other figure hanging from the ceiling. "There he is," He walked up to the two and immediately caught Bowser's attention.

"Mario you're here too?" asked Bowser. "Well what are you waiting for get us down from these things,"

"Us?" Mario looked over at the other figure.

"Huh who are you?" she asked.

"Eep Mario, that's Chrysalis, the Queen of the changelings," whimpered Spike.

"Oh great Twilight's pet is here too," she groaned.

"Hey Mario are you listening?" asked Bowser, "You should know that this is no way to treat royalty,"

"Royalty?" asked Olivia. "Ooh nice to meet you both, is everyone in your kingdoms a face too?"

"Pfft you wish, those folded jerks just bent us into these abominations," cackled Chrysalis.

"Never mind that, just get us down from here, we demand to be set free and unfolded," growled Bowser.

"Ugh I don't like that attitude, can we just go Mario?" asked Spike.

"Hey Mario how about you ignore your two friends there and get us down from here?" asked Bowser. "If you do, we'll tell you a secret, no one can resist a good secret,"

"Yeah what he said," agreed Chrysalis.

"Well Mario, what do you want to do?" asked Olivia.

"Honestly, I don't want to trust these two, but seeing how we're in the middle of a crisis, i think we should set our differences aside for now," explained Mario.

"Ha that's more like it, I knew you'd come through Mario!" laughed Bowser. Mario walked up to Bowser and began pulling. "Ow, ow, ow!" After a couple of good hard tugs, Mario managed to pull Bowser off the clip. "Oh, kinda thought I'd just unfold or something," he said.

"Great you got him down, now come over here and help me!" said Chrysalis. Mario nodded as he pulled Chrysalis off of her clip. "That's better, kinda,"

"Well anyways, that secret I promised to tell you, there's a secret exit in this room," explained Bowser. "We heard those jerks talking about it, lousy, no-good, body folding jerks,"

"A secret exit huh?" asked Olivia. "Mario let's find that exit quick and get out of here," Mario nodded as he began searching. He looked around and noticed that a couple of crates in the back corner looked ajar. Curious, he walked over and began smashing them with his hammer to reveal a hidden Magic Circle. "Ah another Magic Circle, Mario you know what to do," said Olivia. Mario walked on top as he unleashed his 1,000 Fold Arms and noticed that the right side of the wall seemed to have a loose flap. He reached over and tore the flap to reveal a hidden exit.

"Hey that must be the secret exit he mentioned earlier," said Spike.

"You're really getting the hang of those 1,000 Fold Arms Mario!" cheered Olivia. Mario and Spike began making their way up the steps with Bowser and Chrysalis following behind. After climbing a long flight of stairs, and listening to Bowser and Chrysalis rant, Mario and Spike finally reached the balcony of the castle, where they were met with a yellow folded Shy Guy, Peach, Celestia, Luna, and Cadence.

"Eep, she can't see me like this," said Bowser.

"Why are you still so flat?" asked Peach. "Why haven't you joined us in folded glory?"

"I don't like where this is going," Mario mumbled.

"Come we can reshape you," said Peach.

"Patience your royal majesties, this will do just fine," said the folded yellow Shy Guy. "So you're Mario, Princess Peach's hero right?" Mario nodded. "Yes you'll do quite well, very crisp, bright colors, I can see it now,"

"Hey I'm crisp!" growled Bowser.

"Will you shut up?" hissed Chrysalis.

"So what do you say, will you volunteer your paper body to the cause?' he asked. "Or will we have to get crumply, join us yes or no?" Mario shook his head without hesitation. "So you refuse eh, take a good look at the princesses, their better this way don't you think?" Mario once again shook his head without hesitation. "Hmph very well, you'll soon feel the power of origami for yourself," he sneered.

"Uh I don't like the sound of that," whimpered Spike.

"Folded Soldiers, come forth!" exclaimed the folded Shy Guy. The doors to the balcony swung open as two folded red Shy Guys emerged along with a folded Goomba.

"I've never seen a folded soldier like that, Mario, does it look like one of your flat paper friends?" asked Olivia.

"I never got to see Toad or a pony," The Goomba moaned as he approached the group.

"Oh dear, it's you isn't it friend?' asked Mario. The Goomba stopped in front of them and looked at them with soulless eyes, before screaming excitedly. "PREPARE TO BE FOLDED!" Suddenly the ground began to shake as Mario, Olivia and Spike were tossed in the center of a massive ring surrounded by a bunch of empty bleachers. As Mario looked around confused, four folded Goombas appeared an walked on top of four panels on the rings

"Wha what the?" yelped Spike.

"Oh no, I'm guessing this your first time facing folded soldiers Mario," whimpered Olivia. "Once these flat paper folks have been turned into folded soldiers, we can't turn them back!"

'Seriously!?" gasped Spike.

"Look I know it seems cruel to fight them, but if we don't they'll try to fold you into origami too!" explained Olivia.

"Tch great," said Mario.

"I'd help you attack but my tiny arms don't pack much of a punch, I don't want to get in your way," said Olivia. "So I'll cheer you on, but you'll have to do the heavy lifting yourself,"

"It's fine I can handle this," said Mario. "I've done this before, how hard can it be?" But just as he said that a loud mechanical whirring could be hear coming from underneath them as a small control panel popped up in front of Mario and the third ring turned four rows to the left, scattering the Goombas and seperating them from the line.

"Hey what's that control panel that appeared in front of you?" asked Olivia. Mario looked down to find a joystick, and three large buttons, one with an R, one with an S, and one with an OK. "Ah we can figure this out later, let's focus on the enemies for now, Mario," said Olivia. "Speaking of, you're surrounded by four folded soldiers, where did the other three come from?" "If they all attack at once, you could get a real pummeling, this looks rough,"

"Wait maybe that's what the control panel is for?" asked Spike.

"Huh what do you mean?" asked Olivia.

"I'm not sure but, I have a feeling this control panel has something to do with the rings, maybe if Mario lines up the enemies using this,"

"Hey great idea Spike!" cheered Olivia. "Mario do you think you can use this?" Mario looked down at the joystick and the buttons. "if you want to line up the enemies, you'll have to chose which ring to move, maybe you can use that stick to select the ring?" Mario grabbed the joystick and tilted it down, as he did one of the rings on the field lit up. "I knew it, you use the stick to select the ring, and I bet the OK is for confirming," exclaimed Olivia. "Alright Mario, go ahead and select the ring you want to move and hit OK," Mario tilted the joystick down making the third ring light up and hit OK. "Alright now I bet you tilt the stick left or right to move the ring," said Olivia. "Go ahead Mario, give it a try," Mario tilted the joystick to the left, causing the third ring to move left. Mario nodded as he lined up the Goomba with the others an hit OK. All four rings flashed in a green light and the control panel retreated into the flap on the ground.

"Hey he did it!" cheered Spike. "Way to go Mario!"

"Not only did he successfully line them up, but if you get a perfect lineup, your attack power increases by 1.5x!" exclaimed Olivia. "That means your attack power will be precisely... oh gosh, I um forgot how to multiply by a point,"

"It basically means he'll do more damage right?" asked Spike.

"Yeah basically, so keep lining up those enemies!" cheered Olivia. Mario quickly turned his attention towards the four Goombas "Now you can stomp these Goombas, go get 'em Mario!" Mario nodded as he jumped up and began stomping on them like usual, going down the line, and making their paper bodies explode into a pile of colorful paper scraps. "Wow those world famous Mario jumps don't disappoint!" cheered Olivia.

"Yeah no kidding, that was awesome!" said Spike. But their celebration was quickly interrupted when the rings began flashing red followed by an alarm and four folded Shy Guys appeared. Standing in a group instead of a line. The trap door opened and the control panel once again popped out in front of Mario.

"Argh more folded soldiers!?" yelped Olivia. "I guess some battles are gonna have enemies attacking in waves, hang tough Mario!"

"Hey you had a hammer didn't you, show me what you can do with your hammer Mario!" said Spike.

"Good idea, I want to see your hammer attack too!" agreed Olivia. The two Shy Guys in front quickly moved to the left, breaking the group. "I'm guessing because you can't hit very far with your hammer, it'll be great for attacking enemies in a group like these, you know the drill Mario, line them up and let them have it!" Mario nodded and grabbed the joystick like before. he tilted the stick down and selected the first ring, then tilted the stick left to line up the Shy Guys and hit OK. The rings flashed green and the panel retreated into it's compartment, leaving Mario to face the folded soldiers. Mario pulled out his hammer and ran up to them, holding the hammer in the air. He waited for a few seconds before jumping up and slamming the hammer down creating a small shock wave that instantly turned the folded soldiers into more colorful scrap paper. "Did you see that, blop ah what a satisfying attack," giggled Olivia.

"That was awesome I love that hammer of yours Mario!" cheered Spike.

"Couldn't be more right Spike!" cheered Olivia. Mario adjusted his hat and gave the two a thumbs up before the ring and bleachers disappeared returning the three back where on the castle balcony.

"Hmph so you defeated the first Goomba, bravo, I assure you it is far from the deadliest creature in this realm," said the folded Shy Guy. "I suppose there's no point in maintaining this charade any longer,"

"Charade?" asked Mario. Suddenly the Shy Guy began levitating before it unfolded and refolded itself into a new form, this time taking on a similar figure as Olivia but with a purple outfit with yellow colors instead of yellow like Olivia's. the figure had yellow hair that covered it's right eye and a shiny golden crown that sat on top of it's head.

"Brother!" Olivia gasped.

"Brother!?" Spike yelped.

"Now THAT is dysfunctional," whispered Bowser.

"Quiet, what if they hear you?" hissed Chrysalis.

"No it can't be, I didn't want to believe it could be you," whimpered Olivia. "How many times have I told you to stop, please you have to stop now!"

"Why couldn't Mario have simply left you in that wall where I put you?" groaned the origami figure. "Sister, if you stand in the way of my ambition, I'm afraid you will not share in my glory as family," "Oh and by the way, I am no longer your brother Olly," he said flipping his hair. "I am King Olly!"

"King Olly?" mumbled Mario. He watched as the Origami King slowly rose to the top of the castle.

"By the time I am done, all of those miserable toads and ponies will be folded, the flimsy paper minions of Bowser and the changelings of Chrysalis shall be reborn as loyal folded soldiers-serving me!" he proclaimed. "And I shall fold, crease, and bend the entire paper world to my whim, the birth of a new origami kingdom!" Suddenly his body began to glow in a purple light as five colored streamers of red, blue, yellow, purple, and green began wrapping itself around the castle.

"Over here!" roared Bowser. Mario and the others looked up as a paper Shy Guy piloting Bowser's clown car emerged from the distance and flew towards them. Mario grabbed Spike and jumped over the streamers with Olivia and Chrysalis following behind them. They jumped off the balcony as the Shy Guy swooped in and caught the group before maneuvering around the streamers and out to safety. Upon looking back, the streamers wrapping around Celestia's castle tightened its grip and tore the entire castle out of the ground and into in air. The group looked down to see a familiar green hat with an L float down and land in the rubble where the castle used to be. Mario looked at Bowser and nodded, allowing him to make an escape. But before they could get far, they collided with the red streamer, knocking Mario, Olivia, Spike, Bowser, and Chrysalis out of the clown car. The Shy Guy quickly turned around and snatched both Bowser and Chrysalis before taking off leaving Mario, Olivia, and Spike falling. the last thing that Mario saw was the castle being carried and dropped on top of a snowy mountain, and the vanishing purple light from Olly.

Chapter 1: Folded Soldiers in the Everfree Forest

Mario, Olivia, and Spike tumbled down from the sky as they were knocked out of Bowser's clown car by the red streamer. Luckily Spike quickly swooped in and snatched Olivia then quickly followed after Mario. Fortunately for him, Mario had fell into one of the trees, breaking his fall.

"Hey Mario you alright?" asked Spike

"Mmph!" Mario yanked himself out causing a shower of colorful paper rain down. Mario landed swiftly on his feet and adjusted his hat as Spike flew down with Olivia still in his claws.

"Wow I never thought you were so good at landings Mario," said Olivia.

"Well technically the tree helped with that," he answered.

"Sorry Mario, guess I'm not fast enough," apologized Spike.

"Eh it's fine, don't worry about it, I've experienced worse," said Mario.

"Well then I can thank Spike in you're place Mario," said Olivia. "After he did save me,"

"it was nothing," said Spike.

"By the way, where are we?" asked Mario.

"Huh?" Spike looked around his surroundings. "Hmm I think we're in the Everfree Forest,"

"The what now?" asked Olivia.

"The Everfree forest," repeated Spike. "It's pretty big so it's really easy to get lost, but I've been here a couple of times so I'm used to it, I think"

"Well I think it's best if we find a way out of here before the sun goes down," suggested Olivia. "I don't want to get stuck in a creepy forest at night,"

"Hey I know somepony that might be able to help, follow me I'll take you to her," said Spike. Mario and Olivia looked at each other before following after the baby dragon.As the navigated through the dense forest, Mario had noticed several large holes in the ground and in the environment, that made for dangerous pitfalls,after nearly falling into three large holes,they came out into an opening where a small lone hut stood in the center. "Well here we are"

"Whoa what a cute little place,I wonder who lives here," chirped Olivia.

"Oh you'll see," Spike lead Mario and Olivia as a Zebra emerged from the hut. "Hey Zecora!" the Zebra looked up as a smile formed on her face.

"Spike, it's been a long time, it's nice you're doing fine," she chirped as she walked over. "And I see you have guests, definitely the best,"

"Zecora, this is Mario and Olivia, they're here to save my friends and Equestria," Spike waved the two over as Zecora examined them.

"Ah yes a friend of Spike is a friend of mine,I would love to chat but I'm afraid we don't have the time," she said waving her hoof.

"I suppose you've seen how bad things are out there judging by that statement," said Mario

"So do you think you can help us miss Zecora?" Olivia asked

"I can show you a safe route, but first you should take this in case you find holes on our way out," Zecora hands Mario a small empty bag as she says this.

"What's this?" Mario asked looking into the bag.

"I call it the Confetti bag,use it to fix the holes in your track," Zecora explained.

"Holes? Oh you mean the giant holes that were all over the place on our way here?" asked Olivia.

"They did look pretty dangerous but isn't confetti used for parties?" asked Spike.

"Confetti are scraps of paper littered in our world, as such they are like a piece of our world," explained Zecora.

"Guess that makes sense," Mario said sliding the confetti bag into his pocket.

"Now then, let us make our way out,come and I'll show you to my secret route,"Mario,Olivia, and Spike follows after her as she leads them through the dense forest.Along the way Mario noticed several more holes in the environment, making it extremely dangerous to walk.

"Ah too many holes," groaned Spike.

"Mario we should try using that Confetti Bag Zecora gave us," suggested Olivia.

"But where do i even get confetti?" Mario asked.

"Maybe try the tree? I think I saw a bunch of colorful paper fall out when you landed on one earlier," suggested Spike. Mario walks over to a nearby tree and smacks it with his hammer and sure enough a pile of colorful paper scraps begins raining down.

"Good call Spike," Olivia cheered.

"But I don't think I have time to be collecting every scrap," said Mario.

"Worry not, as that bag is imbued with magic, allowing you to suck up confetti so you don't have to get frantic,"explained Zecora. Mario holds up the bag and opens it as it begins to suck up all the nearby confetti like a vacuum.

"Wow that's pretty handy," Olivia said excitedly.

"Zecora may not be a unicorn but she has her own ways to create spells and magic, that's why she's able to survive in the Everfree forest on her own," Spike boasted as Zecora chuckled.

"And I'm guessing I just cover up the holes with these?"asked Mario.

"One way to find out," said Spike. Mario walked over to a large hole before reaching in and throwing a handful of confetti, within seconds, the hole in the ground vanished as the confetti melted into the ground fixing it.

"Whoa, so cool!" Olivia cheered. "Now we can fix all the holes we find!" Zecora continued to guide them through the forest, along the way, Mario patched up any holes they found using the confetti he collected.

"We'll be out very soon, regardless be careful of those origami goons," Zecora warned. At that moment, the four heard a loud scream ringing out from somewhere in the forest.

"Uh what was that?" Olivia asked nervously.

"Sounds like somepony's in trouble," said Spike. Without hesitation,Mario began running in the direction of the screams as Zecora, Olivia, and Spike followed closely behind. The screams eventually led Mario to a small opening to find a group of Toads and three small ponies, being harassed by a pack of large origami wolves.

"What in the world?" Mario stopped in his tracks as Zecora,Spike, and Olivia caught up with him. The pack of origami wolves turned their attention towards them, glaring with glowing green eyes.

"Oh no," Spike swallowed hard as he took a step back.

"Um what are those things?" asked Olivia.

"They're called Timberwolves, they're dangerous predators that lurk in the Everfree forest and attacks anypony on sight," explained Spike. "But it's strange they look a lot different from what I remember,"

"My brother must've folded them, if they're as dangerous as you say they are, they're definitely not monsters we'd wanna mess with!"

"Spike is that you?" the small yellow pony asks.

"Applebloom?" Spike looked towards the group of Toads and ponies in the center. "What are you doing here?"

"No time Spike here they come!" Mario drew his hammer as the origami Timberwolves charged at them. Mario and Spike braced themselves as they were dragged into another battle.

"Whoa,it's been a while since that first battle hasn't it?" asked Olivia.

"Um it's only been like a couple of hours," Spike chimes in

"Has it? Well regardless I think I remember how everything works, do you Mario? Let's give it a shot!" Mario nods as he examines the panels. "All right, this seems familiar,you're gonna line up these folded soldiers remember?"

"Sure do," Mario nods.

"These Timberwolves look like they can be arranged into a single line, remember how to move the rings? You just uh...hmm...I'll let you figure it out," Mario quickly lines up the Timberwolves with little to no hesitation. "You got them all lined up! Nice work Mario! If you can do this every time,you'll be good to go!"

"Yeah go get 'em Mario!" Spike cheers. Mario rushes in and jumps on each of the Timberwolves causing them to burst into a pile of confetti.

"Yes! A perfectly lined-up jump attack is soooo satisfying!" Olivia giggles as she flies around him. However her celebration was short lived as another group of Timberwolves appeared. "Ack another wave of folded soldiers came out of nowhere!"

"Wait there's more!?" Spike yelped.

"Huh they're spread out a little differently this time aren't they?" Olivia points this out as Mario examines the panels. "We need to line them up a certain way,you know what to do right?" Mario nods as he rotates the first row of folded soldiers counterclockwise until they're in a group of four. "They're all in perfect position, nice work Mario, you're such a pro!"

"Now you need a weapon to flatten out these Timberwolves Mario!" Spike chimes in.

"Hey that's usually MY line," Olivia pouts. This causes Mario to chuckle slightly in amusement as he rushes up and forcefully slams his hammer down on the four Timberwolves, smashing them into confetti. "Ahhhh, that was a thing of beauty, you smashed all four Timberwolves with a single swing!"

"And he got a massive pile of confetti to boot keep it up Mario!" Spike adds in. Mario flips his hat as Applebloom,Sweetie Belle,Scootaloo and Zecora claps as the Toads cheer him on from a distance. Mario quickly vacuums up the pule of confetti as the victims walk over to them.

"Hey are you guys alright?" Spike asks.

"Yeah thanks to you guys," Scootaloo nods her head.

"That was definitely close what exactly happened?" asked Olivia.

"Ack, the princesses tried to turn us into origami so we fled the castle and ran into these three ponies along the way, those foldy guys managed to catch up with us and chased us into this forest and while we were hiding we were spotted by those monsters and well you know the rest," sighed one of the Toads. "Why were the trying to fold us? What do they have against ponies and Toads? It's not fair, we have rights! This is Toad and pony abuse!"

"Stop it Chip you just retraumatized us again!" a second Toad screeches.

"Sounds like my brother's doing alright, I know we got a few other things on our plate but you'll help any Toads and ponies we find, won't you Mario?" Olivia asks as the six turns towards him.

"We heard that, and we're holding you to that affirmative gesture Mario!" Chip exclaims happily.

"Hey since he's helping us why don't we do the same for him?" suggested Sweetie Belle.

"Great idea Sweetie Belle, helping IS part of our talents!" adds in Applebloom.

"Mr. Mario right? If you ever need our help just call us, we'll be watching from the side! We'll be cheering you on" adds Scootaloo.

"Hey that's another reason to help us, the more of us cheering, the more help we can give you, good things will happen we promise!" added Chip.

"Sounds like a good deal to me right Mario?" Mario nods as Olivia asks him.

"Oh uh hate to break it to you, but we WILL charge you a modest fee for cheering, should mention that," Chip adds in.

"Are you serious?" groans Spike. "I guess it must be THAT good of aid if they're charging us for it,"

"Shrewd one he is, but he does know a sense of business," Zecora chuckles.

"Well let's get out of here," Olivia chimes in.

"Hey if you're planning on getting out take us with you!" Sweetie Belle pleads.

"We don't mind but just stay away from the center during battles ok?" asks Olivia.

"Don't worry we'll be careful!" adds Scootaloo.

"Then let's get out of here," Spike sighs. With that Zecora continues to lead the group out avoiding folded soldiers and patching up holes along the way.They even managed to help several Toads and ponies who were in trouble. Eventually they finally managed to make it to the entrance.

"Ah finally sweet freedom!" Applebloom sighs in relief.

"Thanks for the help Zecora," Spike turns towards the Zebra as she waves her hoof.

"No need for thanks, instead go out and save Equestria and I'll be sure to join your ranks,"

"Huh are you going to join our adventure miss Zecora?" asks Olivia.

"From the side yes, I'll be cheering you on, it's for the best," chuckles Zecora.

"That'd be helpful Zecora thanks again," said Spike.

"Come on let's get out of here," said one of the Toads.

"Not so fast!' the group stops in their tracks as a horde of folded soldiers jump out from behind several bushes.

"Wha where'd they come from!?" Applebloom yelped.

"Guys get back!" Mario jumps in front of them as the folded soldiers charge at them, dragging them into another battle.

"Hey look," Mario looks up as Spike points towards the bleachers to see, Applebloom,Sweetie Belle,Scootaloo,Zecora,Chip, and the other two Toads cheering for him. "Guess that's what those bleachers are for," Mario smiles a bit before turning his attention back to the fight.

"Oh no, the folded soldiers are spread out all over the place!" Mario looks at the panel and sees that she was right, unlike the other times, two Goombas were out of line instead of one. "There's no way you can line them up in a single move, we'll be crumpled before our adventure has even begun, that's just mean!"

"We just have to line them up right? Then who says I can't use two moves?" asked Mario.

"Huh oh uh I guess I didn't think about that, I guess it's worth a try," said Olivia. Mario quickly lines up the Goomba with no consequences. "Huh I guess it worked, well then you know what to do Mario!" he nods and jumps up stomping the line of Goombas leaving a trail of confetti behind.

"Yeah nice going Mario!" Chip cheers from the bleachers. But the fight was far from over as another swarm of folded soldiers appear. But Mario had seemingly become numb to their presence and lined them up without hesitation, creating not just a line but also a group of Goombas.

"Whoa there are a lot more folded soldiers, this time," said Olivia. "We'll never hit these enemies with a single attack, is this really the end? Is this our final battle? It's been an honor to fight alongside you Mario,"

"Sheesh over dramatic much? He just needs to attack twice doesn't he?" Spike sighs as he shakes his head in disbelief.

"Huh oh uh I guess I didn't think about that, I guess it's worth a try," says Olivia.

"I'm feeling Deja vu here," Mario mumbles to himself. He quickly charges in and stomps on the line of Goombas before quickly pulling out his hammer and pounding the remaining four turning all of them into confetti.

"Hey I guess it worked, you're almost unstoppable with two attacks Mario!" Olivia chirps. "With a successful lineup and multiple actions, we can take out a ton of enemies in a single turn!" The ponies and Toads in the bleachers cheer as Mario successfully claims another victory.

"Hey nice going Mr. Mario!" said Applebloom.

"That was so cool, I didn't know you could fight like that!" added Scootaloo.

"That's our Mario for ya!" exclaimed Chip.

"Celebrating is nice and all, but we should probably get out of here before more folded soldiers show up," says Olivia.

"Good idea,let's head back to ponyville for now," suggested Spike. The group thanks Zecora before making their way towards ponyville. Now armed with more battle experience and help from the Toads and ponies, Mario was far stronger than he was before. But his adventure is just starting, with Olly still on the loose, Mario's adventure will surely become more dangerous as his journey progresses. Thankfully with Olivia and Spike by his side, things are definitely looking bright ahead for him, maybe just maybe he'll be able to reach the end and get his long awaited vacation he's been looking for.

Chapter 2: Ruined Ghost Town

Mario,Spike,and Olivia made their way into ponyville to find a quiet and dead town. As they walked through the streets they noticed that not a single pony was in sight, and most of the decorations that were used to celebrate the origami festival littered the ground around them.

"Hm it doesn't look like there's anyone here," said Olivia.

"Probably because those scary Origami freaks trashed the place," Scootaloo chimed in. The group continued walking until they found another massive hole.

"Hey look at that big hollow spot over there, that means my brother might have been here already, and I'm sure he was up to no good," Olivia sighed as she shook her head in disbelief.

"Y'all's brother did THAT?" asked Applebloom.

"It's a long story," said Spike.

"Hold on there IS someone here," said Olivia looking in a certain direction. The group turned towards the same direction as Olivia and noticed a giant paper mache Goomba standing near a building.

"Hey, that's the thing! That's the thing I saw before I got knocked out!" said Spike.

"What IS that thing?" asked Sweetie Belle.

"Well it's way WAY too big to be real that's for sure," said Olivia. "It's not like any origami I've seen before, but what exactly is it doing to that building?" Then, just as if it was one cue, the giant paper mache Goomba slowly turns around revealing a giant hole in the building and a mouthful of confetti. "It's eating it!? Eww, it's eating that building, I can't imagine how yucky it must taste,"

"I don't think I wanna know," Spike says trying not to vomit.

"These macho papery things must be the source of all the holes we've been seeing everywhere, UGH!" The Paper Macho Goomba turns back around and continues eating away at the building revealing a small seal on it's back. "Wait look at that thing's back, that's a seal of my brother's face!"

"You mean your brother made this monster!?" Sweetie Belle whimpered.

"I mean it's a possibility which means that he must be powering it somehow, if that's the case the seal could be some kind of weak point!"

"I suppose I could hit it and see what happens," said Mario.

"Be careful that thing looks dangerous," Spike swallowed hard as Mario sneaks up behind the Paper Macho Goomba and smacks the seal off it's back with his hammer. He steps back as the Paper Macho Goomba immediately turns around and charges at him only to miss him by a few inches. Mario takes this opportunity to hit it again causing it's gigantic body to start breaking down into confetti.

"Hey it's working!" cheered Applebloom. As the Paper Macho Goomba charges at him again, Mario sidesteps and smacks it with his hammer two more times before the monster explodes into a pile of confetti.

"Yes that did the trick,so the weak point on that Paper Macho soldier was my brother's seal, you should remember that!" said Olivia. "Now what were we doing here? i got turned around after all that excitement,"

"Well we WERE originally going to check up on the state of the village but seeing as how there's nopony here, I was thinking we head over to where the castle was to see if anypony's still needs saving," suggested Spike.

"Oh good idea, but how do we get to the castle?" asked Olivia.

"The castle is in Canterlot but it's a pretty far walk from ponyville," explained Spike.

"Well we got nothing better to do so we might as well check it out," said Mario.

"I agree, oh and Mario maybe keep that hammer ready in case we run into anymore of those huge monsters," suggested Olivia.

"You guys are going to Canterlot? Good luck," said Scootaloo.

"You're not coming with us?" asked Spike.

"We'd rather stay here instead of having to go out where more of those origami freaks are wandering around, don't worry we know the perfect hiding spot if somepony comes after us," said Applebloom.

"Well in that case, be careful," said Olivia. "Alright Spike, lead the way," With that, Mario, Spike, and Olivia make their way towards Canterlot while the cutie mark crusaders stay behind in ponyville, along the way, the three run into more Paper Macho Soldiers, thankfully Mario's experience in combat was more than enough to dispose of the monstrosities. Several minutes later, the three finally make it to the gates of Canterlot only to find themselves with another problem.

"What the gates are broken!" Olivia gasped as they study the pile of rubble blocking the entrance leading into Canterlot. "Great now how are we supposed to reach the castle?"

"Spike is there any other entrances?" asked Mario.

"Not that I know of, this is the only one," answered Spike.

"Guess there's no point in staying here, we should probably head back to ponyville to see what we're going to do from there," suggested Mario. Spike and Olivia nod in agreement as the they make their way back down to the village. Upon reaching ponyville, they noticed that the cutie mark crusaders had run off somewhere.

"Huh where did Applebloom and the others run off to?" Olivia asked scanning the area.

"Maybe they're hiding?" suggested Spike. At that moment, a panicked Applebloom came rushing towards them.

"Oh thank Celestia, y'all are back!"

"Applebloom? What's the rush?" asked Olivia.

"Big trouble, we need y'all's help, follow me!" Mario looked at Spike and Olivia and hurried after Applebloom, she eventually leads the three into the plaza where a single unicorn with a pinkish purple coat and mane with two tones of purple. She was in a defensive stance with her horn glowing in a light blue aura and was being harassed by a group of folded soldiers. "There! That unicorn there, her name is Starlight Glimmer please help her!" Mario nods as he rushes in.

"Applebloom!? Why did you come back!?" Starlight gasped upon seeing her.

"Don't worry Miss Starlight, ah brought help!" Applebloom announced.

"Hey stop bullying that poor pony!" Olivia shouted gaining their attention.

"Fresh paper alert!" one of the folded soldiers hissed.

"Let's fold them up!" Mario braced himself as the group of folded soldiers charged at him.

"Look more puny little Goombas, this'll be a piece of cake, line 'em up, and take 'em out with a quick jump attack!" exclaimed Olivia.

"Uh Olivia I think we have a problem," said Spike.

"Huh?" Olivia takes another look at the field and realizes that he's right. "Wait, no matter which ring you turn, that one Goomba won't fall in line!"

"How are we supposed to line them up then?" asked Spike.

"Just hang on, I'm getting dizzy,let's stop rotating those rings and think about this," said Olivia. "I think there's some other way to move enemies around,"

"Like what?" asked Spike. "This whole time Mario's beaten enemies by rotating rings,"

Wait I think I know, it's slipping? No wait sloughing? Striding? Line dancing?" Olivia mumbles to herself as she's trying to figure out the word. "Oh I remember, it's sliding! You can rotate each of the rings, but you can also Slide the panels in a row!"

"How though?" asked Spike.

"Mario take a look at the control panel, see anything that might tell us how to slide the rings?" asked Olivia. Mario looks down at the panel and noticed the large green S button and quickly pushes it. As he does, the lights on rings turn off and the lights on a row turns on. "There you go! The area of control has changed from a ring to a row! Now we're ready to slide!" Mario wastes no time in lining up the Goombas and goes in to attack like normal, leaving a trail of confetti in his wake.

"Hey it worked!" cheered Spike. But the fight wasn't over as four more folded soldiers hops into the fray.

"Looks like rotating the rings won't do the trick in this last wave, in that case let's try sliding the panels into place again!" Mario hits the S button to switch from rotating to sliding and lines up the Goombas again before pressing the OK button, once the line was created he rushes in and jumps on their heads taking them out one by one and leaving a trail of confetti as always and successfully claiming another victory. "Great job Mario, you're becoming a pro at sliding and rotating rings!"

"He's such a fast learner almost like this isn't his first time adventuring," added Spike.

"Well I DID have a run in with loads of baddies in the past but nothing of this caliber," Mario explained.

"That was close, you really saved my flank right there thank you," Starlight walked over to them.

"Glad to help!" cheered Olivia.

"Allow me to properly introduce myself, I'm Starlight Glimmer, Twilight Sparkle's student,"

"Twilight is one of my friends or rather I'm her assistant," added Spike.

"Spike!?" Starlight gasped upon seeing the baby dragon.

"Yep it's been a while since we split off, glad to see you're doing well Starlight,"

"That's MY line, I was so worried!" Starlight argued.

"I apologize if I made you worry, but don't worry now that Mario is here I'm sure that everything will be alright!" Starlight looked up at the human with the overalls and mustache and his origami companion.

"Nice to meet you Miss Starlight I'm Olivia and this is Mario,we're on a quest to stop my brother so just like Spike said, everything will be alright!" Olivia chirped.

"Well that's a relief, if there's anything I can do, please let me know, I owe you one after all," said Starlight.

"Well in that case do you think you can help us find a way into Canterlot?" asked Mario. "We want to get into the city but the front gates have been done in,"

"I don't have a problem with that, I was on my way there myself before I was attacked by those creeps," explained Starlight. "Lead the way," And so with Starlight in their group, Mario, Spike, and Olivia head back towards Canterlot.

"I'm surprised you managed to escape Starlight, what exactly happened?" asked Spike.

"Well after the origami king attacked, Twilight and the girls stayed back to hold him off with the princesses, while Discord,Trixie, Thorax and I escaped, but we got separated in the process," explained Starlight. "After I heard that Twilight and her friends got captured along with the princesses, I started making my way back and that's when I saw Canterlot castle being lifted in the sky by all these streamers, I managed to make it back to ponyville a little while ago and that's when those Origami freaks attacked me,"

"I'm sorry to hear that you got separated from your friends, but don't worry I'm sure we can find them now that Mario's here!" Olivia chimed in.

"I really can't thank you enough Mario," Starlight said as they continued walking.

"Don't mention it," he said,

"Hey we're here," said Spike. Starlight walks over to survey the damage.

"It seems like a bunch of rubble is blocking the path, thankfully it's nothing I can't handle, although I do hope Celestia can forgive me for destroying her gate," Starlight said as she backed up. "Everypony stand back this is going to get a little crazy," Mario and co. stepped back as Starlight began charging up her horn before firing off a massive laser the blasted away the rubble blocking the entrance.

"Wow that's some really powerful magic you got there Starlight!" Olivia happily giggled.

"Right? She's pretty strong when she wants to be," added Spike.

"Aw stop it, you're making me blush," Starlight giggled. Mario made his way inside the ruined city with Starlight, Spike, and Olivia to see the quiet streets with not a single soul in sight.

"Canterlot too," Spike said in a nervous tone. The group begins to walk around and sure enough it's eerily quiet.

"This is really creepy, Canterlot is supposed to be bustling with ponies, but to see it this quiet," Starlight swallowed hard.

"Just comes to show that the origami's king is not to be underestimated, this much destruction to a single city cannot be possible unless he was that powerful," said Mario. "Hm?" he suddenly stopped in his tracks.

"Mario?" Starlight turned towards him in confusion. They watched as Mario walked over to a pile of rubble and picked something off the ground. As the group got closer, they realized it was a green hat with a letter L imprinted on the front similar to Mario's hat.

"Who's hat is that Mario?" Olivia asked curiously. For a moment he remained silent. "Mario?"

"It's....my brother's," Mario responded after a while and for a second it sounded like his voice quivered.

"Oh sweet Celestia," Starlight gasped.

"Oh Mario I'm so sorry, if only we could stop my brother in time then maybe..." Olivia tried to comfort him as the grim reality revealed the possibility of Luigi's fate.

"Help me!" Spike walked over to Mario and gently placed his claws on his shoulders.

"I don't know if I'm going insane but I can almost hear his spirit reaching out to me," Mario gripped his hat as Luigi's voice cried out.

"You're not going crazy bro, I'm all folded up somewhere! Help!!!" Mario immediately perked up upon hearing those words.

"Huh Luigi are you alive?"

"Yes, maybe I think so, I can't really move can you try to find me?" Luigi asked.

"Where are you bro?" asked Mario.

"I heard him too so he has to be close by," said Starlight.

"Try walking around for a bit, i let you know if you're close," said Luigi. The group begins to walk around for a bit until Luigi calls out to them. "Wait I can hear your footsteps! It sounds like it's coming from below me though!"

"Below him?" asked Spike. The group looked around but the only thing they could see was a bunch of houses and more piles of rubble. "

"Could it be he's stuck inside the walls?" suggested Starlight.

"If that's the case then there has to be a way to get him out," added Olivia. "Mario try to find a way to help him!" Mario began walking around in the vicinity but couldn't figure out how to save his brother. As he was pacing, he accidentally knocks over a vase, breaking it.

"Oops," As Mario bent down to clean up the shards something flew out and over to where Starlight, Spike, and Olivia was, and melted into the ground to reveal a magic circle.

"Hey nice going Mario, we haven't see one of these in a while!" said Olivia. "You remember how to use one right?" Mario walked over and stood on top as his arms extended into the 1,000 fold arms. He began feeling against the side of the house until he felt something loose in the top right corner and grabbed the flap before pulling it down. As he did, a folded up Luigi falls out and lands on the ground.

"Am I saved? I feel weird," he jumps up clearly trying to move around.

"Well we saved him but he's all folded up," said Olivia.

"I got this," they watched as Mario lightly smacked his brother allowing him to unfold.

"Whew, that's-a more like it,thanks bro," Luigi said adjusting his overalls. "Oh and you have new friends?" Mario quickly introduces his new companions to his brother. "Well it's-a nice to meet you all, I'm Luigi, Mario's little bro,"

"Nice to meet you too Luigi!" Olivia chirped.

"Say bro how'd you end up in the wall anyway?" Mario asked.

"Let's see a Shy Guy put me there, but not a regular shy guy, it was thick and edgy,before I knew it, it had folded me up and tucked me away in there, said it'd come back for me later," Luigi explained.

"Hm sounds like the work of those folded soldiers," Olivia sighed in disbelief. "At least you didn't get turned into one, thank goodness,"

"By the way where are we? My memories are kinda fuzzy," Luigi looked examined his surroundings and yelped. "Mama mia I remember but what happened to the city!?"

"It's kinda of a long story, but say bro if you could hear us talking through the wall, did you perhaps hear anything else before we came here?" asked Mario.

"Huh? Oh well actually I did, but I couldn't hear them really well,something about a streamer and how they have to protect it, I don't know why though," explained Luigi. "Speaking of castle's and streamers I need to find that castle key, sorry bro I would like to help you out but that key isn't going to find itself, see ya later bro!" They watch as Luigi dashes off in a random direction.

"Huh such a outgoing guy, I really wish my brother was like him," Olivia sighed.

"Anyway he said something about a streamer," said Spike.

"Oh that's right, Mario don't you remember how my brother summoned all these streamers and took the castle somewhere?" asked Olivia. Mario nods as she brings up the terrifying event from several hours earlier. "So maybe if we can get rid of those streamers we can not only find the castle but we'll be able to get inside, save the princesses, and stop my brother, the question is where do we even start?"

"Olivia you might wanna look above you," said Starlight. She looks up to see a large red streamer snaking around in a certain direction.

"Oh how did I not notice that before?" she murmurs to herself. "Well anyway we should probably follow it to see where it leads to right?" Everyone nods in agreement as she chirps. "Then let's go, adventure awaits!"

"I'm coming along too," said Starlight. "I really owe you guys one after you saved me and I'm pretty sure it'll be better if we stick together considering the current situation, plus I'm really worried about Twilight,"

"Sounds good to me what about you guys?" Olivia turns to Spike and Mario.

"I like the sound of that," said Spike.

"No objections here," said Mario.

"Great then onward on a quest to stop my brother!" Olivia exclaims enthusiastically. And so Mario and his new companions set off, on a new adventure to stop Olly on his path towards world domination. In order to do so they'll have to travel the entirety of Equestria in order to rid the streamers hindering their progress, with that they begin their adventure by following the red streamer.

Chapter 4: Shrine Tours

As Mario, Starlight, Spike, and Olivia entered the shrine, they found themselves in a dark cavern lined with several donation boxes and a path leading deep into the heart of the shrine.

"Huh not really expected," said Olivia. Mario walked over to the first donation box and read the sign attached to it.

Earth Vellumental Shrine Path 1: Shrine Origins (10 coins)

"What is this?" asked Spike.

"It looks like some kind of tourist trap," said Starlight.

"It says Shrine Origins, do you think it's some kind of history lesson?" asked Olivia.

"We're about to find out," Mario said as he threw 10 coins into the box. Upon doing so, the lamp above them lit up as a catchy tune began to play accompanied by a voice over

"Legend says the spirit of the dirt known as the Earth Vellumental, lives in this very cave. It is a mighty spirit, imbued with the power to lift the very ground! It is no wonder that the meek and modest Koopa Troopa venerate it so,via pilgrimage and gifts.

"Sheesh if it's a powerful as they say it is I wouldn't want to make it mad," said Spike.

"Looks like it keeps going," said Starlight. They move to the next donation box and throw in 10 more coins as the voice over begins to play.

"To one with a creative mind, these fortuitously formed formations may resemble the Earth Vellumental.Indeed, one may pay respects to it's hallowed shell in this very spot, as many Koopa Troopas do.Notably, the Earth Vellumental's shell is even stouter than this rock, which is itself impervious to damage.

"So it has a sturdy shell that protects it against all attacks, if Twilight were here she would definitely would want to study the Earth Vellumental," joked Starlight. The move to the third donation box and throw in 10 more coins as a spotlight shines down on a massive gouge on the wall.

"It's said this claw shaped gouge was created by the Earth Vellumental in an epic battle, wait Mario?" They all stop and look at each other before turning back towards the donation box.

"Did that thing just talk to you?" asked Spike.

"Hey if it's really you,Mario you've gotta help me! I'm stuck in here!" they all step back as the box begins to shake.

"What the!?" Spike yelped. Suddenly a pair of feet pops out and fails around.

"Mario help!" the Toad screams. Mario sighs as he grabs the Toad by the feet and yanks him out. "Whew thanks, I thought I'd never get out of there,"

"Hey Toad what were you doing in there?" asked Olivia.

"I was in here doing some maintenance when all these folded Goombas showed up and stuffed me inside, honestly it was terrifying!" the Toad explained.

"So not even the shrine is safe from the folded soldiers, man they really do just go wherever they please," Starlight let's out a sigh of disbelief. Suddenly the box begins to make some weird sounds before it breaks down.

"I didn't do it!" the Toad yelped.

"Are you sure?" asked Spike.

"Alright it, it was probably me. I ripped out a bunch of gears and wires and stuff while I was in there,"the Toad admitted. "Just put some coins in there and I'll give you the spiel,"

"But we just did," said Spike.

"I know but, you'll have to do it again if you want the history lesson, sorry we're trying to stay in business," apologized the Toad. Mario sighs as he throws in another 10 coins. "Let's see where was I? Oh yeah. They think that this giant gouge in the wall was made by the Earth Vellumental. But! This part is important, they also said that it's claws were like it's weakest attack. The attack that will really get you is when it launches rocks out of it's mouth, so uh watch out for that I guess,"

"So you're telling me that the claws were it's weakest attack but it's strong enough to gouge out a piece of this wall?" asked Spike.

"Hey I'm not an expert on this kinda stuff, if you wanna know the truth I guess you'll have to watch the documentary," chuckled the Toad. Mario and Starlight looks at each other before shrugging it off and making their way down to the fourth box. Once again, they toss another 10 coins inside as the voice over begins and the line of lamps hanging from the wall turns on.

"The following section of the path has been left in it's historically authentic uneven state. Please watch your step," This time, the music continued to play even though the voice over ended. Mario and co made their way down the path until the reach the last donation box.

"So this is it huh, the last box?" asked Starlight.

"Psst hey Mario is that you?" a voice asked. They all stopped and began scanning the surroundings.

"Olivia did you say something?" asked Mario.

"No," Olivia answered shaking her head.

"Psst Mario over here!" the voice whispered. Mario turned around towards the giant rock as a Toad popped out from behind. "Oh thank goodness it IS you,I thought it was more of those origami freaks,"

"Wha where'd you come from!?" Spike yelped.

"Oh sorry I was hiding behind the rock to avoid getting crumpled up, but anyway since you're here this is perfect, I run the shop outside the shrine, it's the local Fun, Funky, and Functional Accessories Outlet, if you decide you need some accessories come see me Ok? I got some things that might prove useful on your adventures," the Toad quickly ran past them and made his way out out the shrine.

"Accessories, well I'm not sure what he's selling, but he said it might prove useful so maybe we should pay a visit after we've finished up in here," suggested Starlight. The others nodded in agreement as the approached the final box.

"What the heck, this one costs 50 coins to listen to?" Spike groaned.

"Well it'll probably give us more info on the Earth Vellumental so we might as well do it," said Olivia. Mario throws in 50 coins as a spotlight shines down on the altar in front of them revealing a crudely drawn image of the Earth Vellumental.

"You are looking at a holy image representing the full, glorious form of the Earth Vellumental itself. Although the spirit is fully invincible, kindly direct your attention now to the beast's great tail. In certain tales, the spirit's still formidable hind portion is described as less than 100 percent invincible. It is this combination of great power and weakness that has endeared the Earth Vellumental to so many! This marks the last spot on the shrine tour. Consider donating generously and frequently,"

"Huh is this the end? it's kind of a letdown isn't it?" asked Olivia.

"And we still haven't figured out how to lower that tower," said Spike.

"Hmm, this might be silly but maybe it's worth a try," Olivia floats up to the Earth Vellumental's image and begins praying. "Dear Earth Vellumental, if you're there please find it in your heart to lower the rocky pile keeping us from the streamer, lastly thank you for all of your generous gifts and umm turtley goodness," Mario, Spike, and Starlight all stare at her completely dumbfounded as she turns around looking extremely flustered. "Well that did nothing, now I'm all embarrassed for trying! Mario do something, please!"

"What do you want me to do?" asked Mario.

"Anything, just to kill the tension!" pleaded Olivia. Mario sighs as he walks up and forcefully kicks the wall.

"Happy?" he asked. But before she could answer the wall suddenly gives way and falls back revealing a path behind.

"Whoa you knocked the Earth Vellumental completely over! Um do you think we'll be cursed now? What's the usual punishment for messing up a divine site?" asked Olivia.

"Um Olivia, you might wanna turn around," said Starlight. Confused, Olivia turns around to see that path keeps going.

"Ah the cave keeps going!" she exclaimed. "Ooh I can't wait to see what's ahead. it's like a behind-the-scenes tour, so exciting," Mario, Spike, and Starlight look at each other and shrug as they continue deeper into the caverns. However not too long after they knocked down the wall, they finally come across a large gap in the path.

"Oh wow that looks pretty far, I'm not sure you'll be able to make it even with your jump," said Spike.

"I don't think he'll have to worry about that," said Starlight looking down. They look in her direction to see four large stone pillars rising and falling.

"Hope you're all good at jumping," Mario jokes as he begins jumping from one pillar to the next. Although slightly nervous, the others summon up the courage to follow after Mario, jumping from pillar to the next. Eventually they reach the other side and walk through the doorway, to another section of the shrine.

"Ooh look at that!" Everyone looked up to see what Olivia was talking about, they could see a large stone gate in shape of a beast opening it's mouth. "That's WAY more impressive than anything we've seen so far,"

"Do you think it leads straight to the Earth Vellumental?" asked Spike.

"Well based on the shape and size I don't doubt it," said Starlight.

"By the way, I hope I don't jinx us, but I feel like we haven't seen any folded soldiers for a while," said Olivia. Suddenly as if on cue, three origami Koopas rise up and turn in their direction. "Eek! It's like summoned them!" Mario quickly jumped up as they rolled towards them in their shells initiating a battle.

"Sheesh they really came after us like that, I thought we were as good as dead," said Starlight.

"No time to complain, let's clean this up quickly," said Mario. Now armed with experience, Mario had mastered the art of sliding and rotating the rings allowing him to solve the puzzles more quickly. With three rows of Koopas lined up, all he had to do now was take them. He quickly ran up to the first row, which already had one cowering in it's shell, and jumped. Much to his surprise the shell he jumped on, sent it flying into the other origami Koopas, taking them out almost immediately. "Oh right I forgot they did that,"

"I wasn't expecting that," said Starlight.

"Yeah that often happens when you jump on a Koopa hiding in it's shell," said Mario. "Anyways your go," Starlight smirked as she rushed up to another hiding in it's shell and hopped on it sending it flying into the other Koopas.

"Now THAT'S actually really fun," she giggled. Mario rolled his eyes as he ran up to the last row and took them out normally by jumping on their heads. Mario vacuumed up the confetti with the confetti bag and they resumed their journey into the cavern, working together they jumped over moving platforms, rescued any Toads or ponies, defeated any folded soldiers wandering about, and patched up holes until they reached the next section of the cavern which consisted of a narrow passage with large blocks moving in and out of the walls designed to push anyone off the edge.

"First jumping on platforms and now this? They really must not want anypony getting through," said Spike.

"Come on it can't be THAT bad," said Olivia.

"I hope not," said Starlight. And so they began making their way down the passage, thankfully they all managed to get across to the other end only to realize the gate was several levels above them and they ended up running into a dead end.

"Ok and how do we get up there?" asked Spike.

"Maybe we should turn back, there's probably a secret path we missed," suggested Starlight. But not even 2 minutes after they walked passed the last block, they found the secret path that Starlight had mentioned in the form of the second to last block which had an opening that allowed anyone to walk in.

"I feel kinda stupid for not being more aware of my environment," said Spike rubbing the back of his neck.

"I don't blame you," sighed Mario as Starlight facehoofed herself in shame. They squeezed into the opening as the block pulled them into the wall. Behind it was a secret path that led up to the gate leading into the next room. Not wanting to say anything out of shame, they made their way up and into the next room. The first thing the came across was a giant rock which Mario removed efficiently with his hammer but also caused the entire cavern to shake upon doing so.

"I did NOT like that," said Spike.

"I really hope we don't get trapped in here," Starlight whimpered. They continued onto another narrow path when they saw what was in front of them, small trap with small bars of flame by their feet.

"Whoa Mario, these traps are actually on fire!" Olivia exclaimed. "Please be careful ok? I don't want you to get hurt or anyone for that matter," Spike and Starlight swallowed hard as the followed closely behind Mario trying to stick to the narrow path while avoiding the bars of flame.

"Uh is it just me or are these fire bars getting bigger?" asked Spike.

"No they definitely are," said Mario. Eventually they came out to a wider path with two large traps on either side with large bars of fire protruding from the indents.

"Oh sweet Celestia help us," Starlight prayed as they slowly made their way to the other side while avoid getting burned. The final trap they came across had taken up the entire space with no path to walk on.

"Ok so now what?" asked Spike. Thankfully Mario was extremely observant and noticed that one of the indents was unoccupied by a fire bar.

"Why don't we try squeezing in there?" he suggested.

"Worth a shot," said Starlight. They walked up to the large cog and wait until they saw the opening and quickly squeezed in. They waited as the trap turned all the way around, allowing them to walk out unscathed onto the other side.

"Thank Celestia we got Mario on our side,his quick thinking saved us," Starlight wiped a bead of sweat as she sighed in relief.

"I think it's a little too early to celebrate Starlight, look," Spike pointed up at another large trap, this time hanging on the wall as it spun around. Starlight swallowed hard as she walked up next to Mario.

"I'll let you decide the timing," Mario nodded as he waited until there was a gap in between the fire bars. Once he saw his chance, he bolted with Starlight, Spike, and Olivia close behind, however their path was blocked off by another rock which he disposed of using his hammer. Unfortunately, this caused the giant trap to come loose and fall onto the path they were walking on before it started rolling in their direction. "Are you kidding me?" Starlight whimpered.

"But the fire bars are gone, we can hide in those indents and let it roll past us!" said Mario. He quickly picked a spot as the rolling shell rolled over him, but as he predicted, he lined himself up so he perfectly fit inside the opening. Seeing this, both Spike and Starlight quickly picked a spot and ducked as the rolling shell rolled over and past them before falling of the edge and landed hard causing the entire cavern to shake. They watched as the large gap from them and the next doorway was filled up by falling debris, creating a path for them.

"That was close! You guys are already pretty flat, but that thing would have REALLY flattened you," said Olivia."Aww but I should have known you'd figure out a way to get past it safely, nice one!"

"And that's the second time Mario saved us with his quick thinking," added Spike who was still a bit shaken up from the experience.

"Hey i think something fell from the ceiling," said Starlight. They all turned around to find a large red heart on the ground.

"Whoa, it's a Max up heart hooray! Incredible!" cheered Olivia.

"A what?" asked Spike.

"A Max up heart," Olivia repeated.

"Well what does it do?" asked Starlight.

"I'm not sure!" she said cheerfully.

"Well that's helpful," said Spike.

"Hey it's gotta be something good right?" asked Olivia. "Hey Mario pick it up and see what happens!" Mario nodded as he walked over and picked up the heart. As he did he seemingly absorbed the heart as he felt a new wave of energy coursing through him.

"Did he just absorb the heart?" asked Spike.

"How do you feel Mario?" asked Olivia.

"Much stronger that's for sure," he answered.

"You got stronger? Wow those Max up heart things are great!" she cheered. "If we find more along the way, we should pick them up. Mario nodded in agreement.

"Alright let's hope that was the last trap we had to deal with, I don't know how much more of this I can take," said Starlight. Now that Mario had gotten an extra power boost, they walked through the final door, which led them back into the first room, the dropped down on the pillar as Mario yanked the piece of tape holding the pillar in place. As the pillar lifted them up, they finally found themselves standing in front of the entryway that led into the Earth Vellumental's lair.

"We finally made it!" said Olivia.

"So it's finally time," said Starlight.

"Yeah," said Spike.

"Ok Vellumental Statue, we're heading into your mouth, I hope you brushed your holy teeth!" Olivia giggled. Mario, Spike, and Starlight looked at one another, took a deep breath, and made their way in. After all the traps they faced, they were finally going to have an audience with the god of the earth. the Earth Vellumental!

Chapter 5: The Earth Vellumental

As Mario and co. entered the lair, they found themselves climbing up steps that led to a massive hole.

"Wait it's just a big empty hole!? How disappointing," Olivia groaned. "Where's the Earth Vellumental? We've come so far to see you,"

"This is weird, surely the Earth Vellumental HAS to be somewhere in here right?" asked Starlight. Olivia hovered over to the edge of the path and looked down.

"Hold on,what's that?" she asked. Curious, Mario, Starlight, and Spike walked over but not before the rocks beneath them gave way, and they fell. Thankfully, Starlight used her magic to break their fall and they landed several inches above the ground before impact.

"Thanks Starlight, you really saved us there," said Mario.

"Heh, guess you could say we're even now," she chuckled. Olivia soon rejoined them with an embarrassed expression.

"So I'm not the best judge of footing as we've just learned," she said. "Sorry Mario I'd teach you how to float if I could,"

"No don't worry about it, Starlight broke our fall it's all good," said Mario.

"Anyway, I was looking down at this odd green spot before you fell down," she said. "What do you think it is?" Mario was about to respond when the ground beneath them began to shake. Mario, Starlight, and Spike quickly jumped away as the dirt and rocks began to crumble as a large turtle emerged from the ground. The turtle looked in their direction and let out an angry roar before shaking off the remaining rocks off it's shell.

"Is that?' asked Spike.

"It's the Earth Vellumental, and it's made of origami!?"Olivia gasped. "Eek it's so cool!" she approached it trying to get a closer look but was immediately pushed back out of fear as he roared at her. "Oh no, I don't think it's very friendly right now, probably because it got all folded up,"

"Oh sweet Celestia, please don't tell me we have to fight it," said Starlight.

"Sorry but i don't think we have a choice right now, here it comes!" Mario braced himself as they were dragged into another battle. However this time, Mario found himself standing on the outside the rings instead of being in the center. The Earth Vellumental stomped it's feet in aggression as everyone watched in awe.

"Wow! This Vellumental looks just as powerful as I hoped it would! That shell looks super sturdy, it's body must be well protected,makes those little legs look kinda vulnerable, doesn't it?" said Olivia.

"Hey doesn't something seem different?" asked Spike?"

"Oh yeah this is our first boss battle, I've been itching to try one of these!" said Olivia. "The Earth Vellumental is in the center this time, your attacks won't reach from way out here,"

"I suppose we'll have to get closer then," said Starlight.

"Hm I can see a bunch of tiny arrows dotted all over the rings, do you think we'll have to use those to move?" asked Spike. As the group is discussing amongst each other,Mario noticed a Nintendo Switch on the ground which displayed a bird's eye view of the arena.

"Where'd this come from?" Mario asked holding up the Switch.

"it's probably used for boss fights,look this time we can see what's going on," said Olivia

"Probably because in regular battles we can just observe the enemies up close and personal," said Starlight.

"Well anyway if Spike's hunch is correct then we'll need to start at the beginning, you know how to slide and rotate, try and place an arrow in front of you Mario!" said Olivia. He nodded as he begin rotating the rings with the joy cons while looking at the screen. Once he placed an arrow the panels lit up showing a red line that indicated the path that was being created.

"I knew it," said Spike.

"So essentially, he'll be moving in one direction after stepping on an arrow until he hits another arrow or reaches the center," said Starlight.

"Well it seems like there's already a path leading to the Vellumental but how are we going to attack?" asked Olivia. Mario looks at the Switch screen again and sees there was a panel with a gloved fist icon on it.

"That looks like an action panel, should we try and place that at the end of the path?" asked Spike.

"Worth a shot!" said Olivia. "Mario try placing that panel at the Vellumental's front feet. He tilts the joycon's stick so that the rings rotate until the action panel was at the end of his path. Upon doing so, the panels lit up as Mario began moving on the path he created until he reached the center. "Way to go Mario you made it to the Earth Vellumental, now it's time to attack let's see, different attacks are probably going to affect different areas,"

"Remember in the tour how it said that the shell is impervious to damage?" asked Starlight.

"Good point, you should know what to do Mario!" said Olivia. He nods as he raises his hammer and slams it down on the Vellumental's claws as it yelps and retracts it into it's shell.

"Haha it worked!" Spike cheered. But the Vellumental instead turns towards Mario angrily as it inhales.

"Uh oh, I think the Vellumental is winding up for an attack, try to guard Mario!" said Olivia. He quickly raises his arms to shield himself as the Vellumental coughs up three streams of dirt. Knocking him back out of the arena. "That's it Mario, you still took some damage but it could've been a lot worse!"

"Pfft, bleh I got some dirt in my mouth," said Mario as he spit off to the side. He quickly got to his feet as Starlight and Spike rushed over to his side. He pulls out the Switch again and sees that the rings have reset.

"Ok let's see, why don't you try aiming for the right front leg?" suggested Olivia. Mario studies the rings and begins forming a path towards the Vellumental's front leg. Once the path was complete, he makes his way towards the center and slams his hammer down onto the Vellumental's leg. After it retracted it's limb it turns towards Mario while inhaling.

"Brace yourself!" Starlight warned. Mario quickly shields himself as the Vellumental coughs up another three streams of dirt knocking him back out of the rings.

"Are you alright Mario?" Spike asked as they rush over to him. He gives them a thumbs off after dusting himself off.

"Great looks like you got the hang of boss battles, remember to think about timing and targeting your attacks," said Olivia. "Those other panels look interesting too, you should see what happens when you walk over them, now let's go win us a boss fight!" Mario was about to continue when he was suddenly interrupted by a voice.

"Hey!!!!" The group looks up as a grey pegasus with cross-eyed yellow eyes flew down to them.

"Derpy!? What are you doing here?" asked Spike.

"Who's that?" asked Olivia.

"That's Derpy Hooves, she's the local mail carrier in Equestria," explained Spike.

"I got a message for a Mr. Mario?" Derpy said holding up an orange envelope.

"We're kinda busy right now Derpy, just drop it somewhere and we'll get to it later!" said Spike.

"Oh ok," she tried to throw to the side but ended up spinning around so much that it landed on one of the panels. Upon seeing this Spike face palmed himself.

"We might as well bring that envelope into the path and quickly skim through it to see what it says," said Starlight. Mario sighs as he pulls out his switch and begins forming a path making sure that the path crossed with the envelope. Once the path was created, he made his way to the Vellumental's hind legs and eventually came across the envelope.

"What does it say?" asked Olivia. "He picked it up and opened it to see what it said.

The Earth Vellumental's shell is super sturdy. Jump attacks will always bounce right off of it

"What the heck?" Is this a hint?" asked Mario.

"Oh wow that's helpful, we should thank Miss Derpy later," said Olivia. Mario continued on the path until he reached the Vellumental's tail. "Alright Mario, you know what to do!" He pulled out his hammer and raised it before slamming it's tail with full force. The Vellumental lets out a pained screech as it leaps into the air and retracts all of it's remaining limbs before it's shell crashes back down. "Whoa it's tail must be SUPER tender!"

"Yeah no kidding that sounded like it really hurt!" said Spike. The Vellumental retaliates by jumping up and crashes down sending a shock wave that knocks Mario back. As he gets to his feet the Vellumental began charging up an attack causing the ground to vibrate.

"Whoa what's going on with the Earth Vellumental?" asked Olivia.

"Well whatever it is, it doesn't look good, we have to finish it before it goes crazy!" said Starlight. Mario pulls out his Switch and looks at the screen to begin forming a path when he noticed something.

"Ooh! OOH! Is that? It is! It's a 1,000 Fold Arms Magic Circle!" exclaimed Olivia. If you can get to that Magic Circle, I can activate the 1,000 fold arms! It probably works the same way as action panels, so try to place it at the end of your route!" Mario nods as he begins forming his path.

"Go get 'em Mario!" Spike cheered. Mario began making his way towards the center, landing on the Magic Circle.

"I'm ready Olivia," he said.

"Alrighty!" Olivia activates the Magic circle as Mario's arms extends. "Now let him have it!" He uses his arms and throws the Vellumental in the air,flipping it onto it's shell. He grips his fists and begins slamming his fists on the Vellumental. "YES! You did it Mario!" Olivia cheers as the Vellumental let's out a pained growl before collapsing. Starlight and Spike rushes to his side as the Vellumental begins to glow before turning into a flicker of light that transforms it into a book, beneath it a new magic circle appears.

"It turned into a book," said Starlight. Mario walked over and took the book before reading the cover.

Earth Bibliofold:How to fold into the Earth Vellumental

"Wait you're telling me you can turn into the Earth Vellumental simply by following the instructions in this book!?" asked Starlight. The Bibliofold opens up and lands in front of Olivia.

"Maybe this is it's way of helping us," she says as she begins reading the instructions. "Let's see, ah yes a mountain fold here and a valley fold there, whoa!"

"What is it?" asked Spike.

"I don't know how to explain it but I just have this strange feeling, like the spirit of the Earth Vellumental is inside me," Olivia explained.They all watch as the bibliofold disintegrates into energy and gathers underneath Mario activating the Magic Circle. "Ah maybe we should try using the Magic Circle,"

"Oh this outta be good," said Spike. They watch as Mario activates the Magic Circle,causing Olivia to unfold and refold herself into the shape of the Earth Vellumental. Within moments,the once tiny Olivia was now standing before them in the shape of the mighty earth beast itself.

"How do I look? Powerful? Imposing? Magnificent? Maybe even a li'l cute? it's like I'm the Earth Vellumental!" she beams. Mario, Starlight, and Spike all clap in unison at her successful transformation. "I definitely feel powerful, like I could really shake things up in here, actually you know what? I'm gonna dance it out!" As she stands on her hind legs, she produces two pink pom poms and begins to dance causing the ground to shake and the earth to rise towards the top. As they ascended, Mario, Starlight, and Spike joins in on her little performance, as they break out into their own slick movements. As the neared the top, large chunks of stones began to collapse around them even going as far as breaking off a chunk of the wall revealing a large green pipe behind it. "What came over me? It was so fun to wield all of that turtle power," she chirped happily.

"I must admit it WAS quite enjoyable," agreed Starlight.

"Not only that but you helped us back to the top!" said Spike.

"I guess I can use any Magic Circle that belongs to the Earth Vellumental now," said Olivia.

"You know what that means," said Spike.

"Yep, I should be able to lower that tower back to a reasonable but still scary height," said Olivia.

"I suppose we shouldn't waste anymore time then," said Starlight.

"But how do we get out of here?" asked Spike.

"I know a way, just follow me," said Mario. He led both Spike and Starlight over to the green pipe and jumped in. Although a little hesitant, Spike and Starlight jumped in after him. They eventually found themselves dropping on top of the collapsed exhibit wall, where three Koopas were praying.

"Hey didn't anyone teach you not to step on the gods?!" one of the Koopas yelped.

"Oops sorry," Mario, Starlight, and Spike quickly jumped off and made their way out of the shrine. Upon exiting the shrine, Mario and co were immediately stopped by a Toad who came out rushing from behind the nearby stalls.

"Ah Mario glad to see you, i heard you were in the Vellumental Shrine but you never came out so I was worried sick, anyway are you alright? In case you need 'em I have some goods I'd be willing to sell you, hopefully they'll do you some good in future battles," the Toad offered.

"Hm, my current tools HAVE been a little flimsy during recent battles maybe it wouldn't hurt to buy a few supplies," he said.

"Great choice, come along this way, I'll show you what I have in stock," the Toad led them over to his stalls to show off his wares. After looking around, Mario eventually bought some new equipment for the group as well as some healing items. "I appreciate your patron,good luck in future battles Mario!" the Toad waved them off and were getting ready to make their way back to the tower when Mario spotted the same Toad they saved back in the shrine.

"Oh Mario there you are, glad to see that you decided to pay me a visit," said the Toad.

"You said you sold accessories correct?" asked Starlight.

"Indeed are you perhaps interested?" he asked.

"Maybe a little," answered Starlight.

"Ah I see in that case here's what we have in stock right now," he places three plastic containers holding three key chains. One was a bronze Koopa shell, another was a bronze heart, and the third was in the shape of a small white bell "I present to you the Guard Plus, Heart Plus, and Paper Alert accessories, as the name suggests the Guard Plus accessory helps slightly increase your defense during battles, the Heart Plus accessory slightly increases your HP, and the Toad Alert accessory helps track down any nearby toads and ponies that might need saving,"

"Wow they sound extremely useful!" chirped Olivia.

"Unfortunately these are the only ones in stock right now so if you don't buy them here, you'll pretty much miss out on them later down the road, so what do you say?" asked the Toad.

"You know what, it might be worth it in the long run, I'll take all three," said Mario.

"Excellent choice," said the Toad. He popped open the cases and handed the key chains to Mario as he took his coins in return. "Now it'd be a slight pain having to just carry them around so as a gift for being such an amazing patron I'll also give you this free Key chain ring that you can attach to yourself so you can hang all your accessories on it, that way you won't have to worry about losing them," he handed the ring to Mario as he attached the ring to his overalls and clipped the three chains onto the ring.

"You look great in that Mario!" said Olivia.

"There are sure to be more of my buddies out in the world who are also selling accessories so if you happen to see them, stop buy and see what they have, they might be selling some useful accessories," said the Toad.

"We really appreciate it thank you," said Starlight.

"Please do be careful out there folks, with the origami threat running rampant it's only a matter of time before their ruler takes control, I pray for your safety and success," Mario and co. thanks the Toad as they begin climbing up the steps leading to Picnic Fields.

"I suppose it's time," said Starlight.

"Yep, let's go take down that streamer!" said Spike. And so now armed with Olivia's Vellumental power, new equipment, and accessories, the group makes their way back to Overlook Hills to lower the tower, and finally destroy the red streamer, however they will soon find out that a far more dangerous enemy lurks at the top in wait for their arrival.

Chapter 6: The Monster of Overlook Tower

Having defeated the Earth Vellumental, Mario and co. scaled up the hill towards the tower at the summit. Upon reaching the top Mario rushed over to the Vellumental Circle while Starlight and Spike watched form a distance.

"Let's do this Olivia," said Mario. Olivia nods as he activates the Magic Circle. Olivia undergoes her transformation and gets up on her hind legs.

"All right, time to shake it like a piece of outdated photographic paper," She produces her pom poms and waves them around as the pile of rocks and dirt begin to descend back into the earth until the tower's entrance became accessible. "Well, not bad, if I say so myself," she giggled.

"Alright let's head in," Mario opened the door and walked in followed by Spike and Starlight, inside they found the tourist gift shop to be riddled with large holes as well as drawings scribbled on the walls.

"Whoa look at the size of those mushrooms!" Olivia beamed excitedly. "And that banana, that could feed an army!"

"That would be the case if they were actually real of course," said Starlight.

"Oh they're just drawings, flat as paper,sorry if I got your mouth watering guys," Olivia apologized.

"Uh guys can we stop talking about the drawings, we got a bigger problem ahead of us," said Spike. They all look down at the massive hole in front of them.

"Yikes that's one of the biggest holes we've seen isn't it?" said Olivia. "It looks like you'll need plenty of confetti to fix it up I'm afraid," Mario pulled out the confetti bag and began scattering the confetti, eventually he ended up emptying the entire bag to fill the hole. Once the hole was patched up, a massive drawing of Olly appeared in the spot where the hole used to be.

"Is that?" asked Spike.

"Oh my gosh, it's my brother's face!" gasped Olivia. "This one I could tell it was a drawing right away, it is really well done though,it must've been the same artist who drew the banana and the mushrooms,"

But doesn't that mean?" asked Starlight.

"Wait, yeah it means that whoever drew this knows my brother. I don't know how but there's no other explanation," added Olivia.

"But who would draw you're brother's face?" asked Spike.

"Only one way to find out," said Mario. He approached the elevator and hit the button opening the doors and saving a pony that was stuck in the process.

"Whew thanks for that, I thought I'd never be able to escape, I came here because I heard there was a restaurant, but I guess I got stuck as the doors were closing, oh sorry did you want to use the elevator? Don't worry i can wait," the pony thanked the group and stepped off to the side allowing Mario and co. to enter.

"Hey could you guys humor me for a sec?" asked Olivia. She pushed the UP button before puffing out her chest. "Now passing the third floor! Cosmetics, handbags, men's slacks, oranges, perfume, and camping gear," As she continues her impression of an elevator operator, the elevator begins to ascend to the top. "Next stop, fourth floor! Bicycles, mattresses,formal wear, blenders, and comic books," Meanwhile Starlight and Spike are slightly giggling. "How'd I do? I've always wanted to be an elevator operator in one of those fancy department stores, I'm not actually clear about what a fancy department store is,but it sounds fun right?"

"Eh well," Mario chuckles nervously as he recalls past experiences, he couldn't possibly tell her that the only thing that he ever did in one was racing a go cart. Suddenly his thoughts were interrupted when three large objects pierced through the elevator walls, they appeared to be large sticks with sharp tips in a blue, red, and green colors.

"Whoa that was way too close!" Olivia yelped.

"I think I saw my entire life flash before my eyes," said Starlight.

"What are these things anyway?" asked Olivia. "They've positively ruined my department store fantasy unless,"

"Unless what?" asked Spike. Olivia regains her composure as she goes back to her reenactment.

"Dearest elevator passengers, there will be a slight delay, while my friend Mario takes care of this emergency," Mario sighs as he takes out his hammer and dislodges the objects from the elevator. But just when things were looking better, the elevator begins to descend a rapid speeds causing Mario, Starlight,Spike, and Olivia to hit the ceiling due to gravity. "Going down!!!!!!" After falling for what seemed like minutes, the elevator crashes to the ground and sent everyone flying out onto the ground. Everyone collects themselves and dusts themselves off as Olivia continues her impression in a defeated tone. "Oww, first floor, flattened princesses, crushed dreams, broken glass, and ponies and dragons," As the group looks up, they realize, they're suddenly surrounded by folded soldiers who lunge at them.

"Oh come on, attacking us while our guard was down is cowardly!' said Spike.

"I guess the only thing we can do right now is show these folded soldiers that we're not to be messed with," said Starlight. "You know the drill Mario, line 'em up so we can have a swing at them," Mario studies the rings and quickly lines up the Goombas creating two groups and a single row. He immediately takes out a group with his hammer as Starlight follows up by blasting the row with her magic, allowing Mario to finish off the last group with another hammer attack. As Mario vacuumed up the confetti left behind by the folded soldiers, he heard the Paper alert key chain going off and walked around gently smacking objects to save some Toads and ponies who were folded up into origami. As Mario walked over to gently smack what appeared to be a pamphlet, it unfolded itself to reveal a yellow stallion with an orange mane and tail.

"Ah thank Celestia, I thought I'd never be able to unfold myself," he gasped.

"Wha Mr Cake?" asked Spike.

"Ah why if it ain't Spike, what are you doing here?" the stallion asked.

"I should ask the same," he said.

"Spike you know him?" asked Olivia.

"This is Mr. Carrot Cake, he runs the local bakery in ponyville with his wife," Spike explained. "Speaking of which, is Mrs. Cake with you?"

"No she was supposed to be at the bakery, I only came here because I bought some ingredients from the chef here and I came to pick them up, but then this monster showed up and said that he was the new boss of this tower," Mr. Cake explained.

"A monster?' asked Starlight.

"It was horrible, it had this thin rattling body with lots of fangs," he explained.

"That sounds horrible, do you know where this monster is?" asked Olivia.

"He said he had to guard some streamer and went to the top," Mr. Cake answered.

"So that's where he's hiding eh? Don't worry we'll take care of them for you," said Mario.

"I appreciate it, please do be careful," said Mr. Cake. Mario walked over to the hole in the stairs and scattered the remaining confetti in his bag to patch it up.

"Alright the stair is fixed, let's head on up," said Starlight. Mario and co. began ascending the stairs to the second floor where they noticed a sign next to the elevator.

"Ok so the observation deck is behind that small door, that's where we most likely need to go," Starlight said after reading the sign. They head in through the door and find an even bigger hole where the base of the stair is supposed to be.

"Are you serious?" groaned Spike.

"These stairs too,I can't imagine you have enough confetti right now," sighed Olivia. "Where are we even going to find enough confetti to fix this?" As they stand there pondering over their predicament, a Toad in a chef's uniform pokes his head out from behind a pile of boxes and whispers to them.

"Hey uh, I couldn't help overhearing and I might be able to help," They turn towards him as he comes out of hiding. "Something real bad is going on at my restaurant right now, I don't even wanna say it out loud,"

"Something bad?" asked Starlight.

"I'm the head chef, but I really can't show my face until it's cleared up, can you help me? Take care of the problem, keep it on the down low, and I'll make it up to you," he said.

"I guess we don't have a choice, we need to get to the top but we can't fix the stairs without confetti," said Mario. "Alright just hang tight until we return," The chef nodded as he watched Mario and his friends walk out. They made their way towards the restaurant, but the moment they entered Spike stopped as a chill ran up his spine.

"Uh Spike?" Olivia looked at him with a concerned expression.

"I don't know why but I suddenly got chills, the atmosphere in here seems so off," said Spike.

"Must be the problem the chef was talking about," said Mario. Come on let's start searching," The group split up and began searching the restaurant for the source of the problem.

"I don't really see anything," said Starlight.

"We'll know for sure once we find it," said Mario. At that moment they hear Spike screaming from the kitchen and rush in to find him running around in circles.

"Spike what happened?" asked Starlight.

"Get it off, get it off!!!" Spike screamed as he reached behind his back. Mario took a closer look and noticed a tiny origami Goomba had latched itself onto him. He walked over and smacked it off Spike before stomping on it. "Whew thanks Mario, I opened up the fridge and a whole swarm of those freaks jumped out, the scattered but they should still be in the restaurant,"

"Talk about pest control, alright let's split up and take care of those things so we can get to the top," said Mario. And so Mario began exterminating the mini origami Goombas in the kitchen while Starlight and Spike went to handle the pests in the dining area. Despite being folded soldiers, they were extremely weak and not very intelligent making the extermination process very easy, Mario even managed to save some Toads and ponies who were folded up.

"Well that's it for the kitchen," said Mario. He headed into the dining area to see both Starlight and Spike finishing up. "Everything alright?"

"Yep we got the last ones," answered Spike.

"Great, seeing as how the atmosphere changed, I say we finished the job," said Mario. "Let's go collect our reward," They recollected themselves and left the restaurant to report back to the chef who was still waiting for them.

"Hmm, I don't hear the pitter-patter of little pests anymore, you did it!" cheered the chef. "Here as promised, I hope you enjoy this finely chopped confetti, bon appetit,"

"Thanks for your help chef," said Olivia. The chef nodded as he handed Mario the confetti which he used to quickly patch up the stairs.

"Great the stairs are fixed, let's get up there," said Starlight. Mario led the group out onto the outdoor dining area. He walked over and attempted to push the metal door to get into the observation deck's dining area but to no avail.

"Locked out, it doesn't look like pushing will open it," sighed Olivia. "But how can we get to the top if we can't get in there?" As the group are trying to figure out how to get through, they hear a loud bang from above and look up to see another sharp tipped object flying towards them. "Ack another one of those sticks!" Olivia yelped as it began flying in their direction. Starlight and Spike yelped as they jumped over it.

"Yikes we better split up!" said Spike. Mario and Olivia quickly began running counterclockwise while Spike and Starlight ran clockwise around the observation deck while avoiding the missiles flying towards them. After some time of dodging, they finally regroup near a partially broken wall.

"They just keep coming, we've got to get out of here!" screamed Olivia.

"Uh Olivia," Spike stuttered as a reticle appeared in front of Olivia, a clear sign she was being targeted.

"What? Is there something on my face?" she asked.

"Olivia look out!" yelled Starlight. Olivia turned around and quickly dodged as a missile came flying towards her. Mario looked towards the broken wall and quickly stepped in front of it as another reticle appeared on his chest. Then as the missile came flying in his direction, he quickly sidestepped out of the way as the missile destroyed the wall allowing access into the dining area.

"Nice quick thinking Mario!" said Spike. They all rushed in and made a beeline to the ladder. Mario hit the red button, but much to their dismay, the ladder began lowering at a snail's pace.

"Eee come on, come on!" Olivia said in a panicked tone. But their wait was suddenly interrupted as more reticles began appearing all over the ground.

"Ah we don't have a choice, everyone we need to buy some time until we can climb the ladder!" said Mario. The group once again split up as multiple missiles began raining down on them from above.

"Hurry up, please hurry up!" Spike pleaded as he watched the ladder slowly lower down. It was becoming clear now that the more missiles they avoided, their behavior got more erratic as they began to rain down upon them more frequently. Eventually after much dodging the ladder finally came down all the way.

"Now's our chance run!" said Mario. Everyone made a beeline towards the ladder as more and more missiles continued to rain down.

"Come on we're almost to the top, just a bit further," Mario said as he began climbing with Starlight and Spike following behind.

"GO! GO GO!" Spike screamed as a barrage of missiles came flying at them from either side barely scraping the soles of their feet as Mario picked up the pace. Eventually they made it to the top and collapsed on the ground gasping for air, still shaken up by the experience.

"What the hay?" gasped Starlight.

"I never thought that colored pencils could be so deadly," Spike whimpered.

"It looks like we'll be at the top once we climb these stairs," said Olivia looking up.

"Looks like it's finally time," said Mario. "Is everyone ready?" Spike and Starlight got to their feet now that they've regained composure.

"Yeah, let's do this," said Spike.

"I'm ready whenever you are Mario," said Starlight.

"Alright let's go," With that he led them both up the stairs to the top of the tower. After so long, it was finally time to face off against the monster waiting for them at the top and destroy the red streamer.

Chapter 7: The Missile Maestro

The sun's bright rays hit their face as Mario and co. finally reached the top of Overlook Tower. As they stopped to catch their breath, Olivia hovered over to the safety rails to get a good look at the view.

"Wow this is such a nice view," she said cheerfully.

"The view is nice and all but where's the streamer?" asked Spike.

"Spike? Starlight? What are you two doing here?" a voice asked. They all turned around to see the spool of red streamer attached to the large structure in the center, and tangled up in the streamer was a familiar blue pony with a rainbow mane.

"Rainbow Dash!?" gasped Starlight.

"Yeah long time no see Starlight," said Rainbow Dash.

"What are you doing up there? Where's Twilight and the others?" asked Spike.

"First of all, I'm stuck, second I don't know where they are cause when I woke up, I was caught in this thing," she said.

"The red streamer, and that's my brother's face right in the middle, he's really making sure everyone knows this was him," said Olivia.

"Uh who are those two?" Rainbow Dash asked looking at Mario and Olivia.

"They're Mario and Olivia, they agreed to help us save Equestria, and in turn you and the other girls," said Starlight.

"Huh they look kinda wacky but if they're here to save me then I'm all for it," said Rainbow Dash.

"Mario please, you gotta help her, she's our friend," said Spike.

"Ok but how?" asked Mario.

"What if you tried jumping into it from below?" suggested Spike.

"Worth a shot," said Mario. He ran up and jumped only to hit his head.

"Hm is that the most powerful jump you can do?" asked Olivia.

"Hey mustache origami girl look out!" Rainbow Dash yelled as two missiles came flying in their direction. Olivia quickly tackled Mario out of the way as the missiles bounced off of each other.

"Yikes that was way too close, I wish those sticks would stick to their own business," said Olivia.

"Aw man you were almost out of the picture for good!"

"Oh no it's him," Rainbow Dash swallowed hard. Mario looks up as a large red tin with Olly's insignia suddenly spins out from behind the structure. He quickly grabs Olivia and pulls her away as he crashes down in front of them.

"Mario! Olivia!" Spike and Starlight rushed over to them as the tin rattled and opened up to reveal 12 colored pencils inside.

"I'm sick and tired of philistines like you ERASING all of my hard work man," rattled the tin. "You probably haven't of me right? Figures. When was the last time you even went to a gallery?

"A what?" asked. Spike. But he just brushes off his question and continues.

"Pfft. Don't answer. I'm gonna give you an art lesson for free.

"Did he just ignore me?" asked Spike.

"He did," answered Olivia.

"The name's Jean-Pierre Colored Pencils the 12th I represent the Legion of Stationery, I'll have you know! he said boastfully. "Anyway I'm guarding this streamer and I'll sribble on your flat faces if that's what it takes to stop you."

"Legion of Stationery? Jean-Pi...Pi... that's too long for us to remember!" said Olivia. "I'm just gonna call you Colored Pencils ok? I suppose my brother sent you to try and stop us right?" she asked. "Well, Colored Pencils, you talk tough and you draw really well, but have you even HEARD of Mario?" Colored Pencils simply just stares at them, although he didn't have a face it was clear that he looked dumbfounded more than anything "Yeah! That's what I thought. Mario is tough and he's got a mustache and he's gonna mess you up, along with my friends Starlight Glimmer and Spike the lizard!"

"She means dragon," Spike corrected.

"Yeah dragon, anyways, let's get him!" said Olivia. Thus the battle began. Like the Vellumental Mario, Starlight and Spike were thrown outside the ring while Colored Pencils remained in the center with his missiles at the ready.

"Feast your eyes upon my art-senal! Twelve colored pencils, ready to make your paper bodies my canvas!"

"Ugh seriously with the puns?" Rainbow Dash groaned as she rolled her eyes. As Mario took out his Switch to prepare, Colored Pencils immediately fired off several missiles, soon the field was covered in reticles indicating where the missiles would land.

"Locked on targets!"

"Hm hey Mario you see that Magic Circle?" asked Spike pointing to a magic circle that was yet to be activated.

"Hm that magic circle doesn't look like it has any power, is it on break?" asked Olivia. "Wait what's that? This is the first time we've seen a panel like that, it looks like a switch, maybe it activates something!"

"Hello!" Mario and co. looked up to see Derpy flying down again. "Message for Mr. Mario!"

"Uh sorry Derpy now's not the best time!" said Starlight.

"Do you want me to just leave it somewhere?" she asked.

"Yes, but make sure Mario can get to it," said Starlight.

"Ok," Derpy dropped the orange envelope on one of the panels before flying off.

"Last time she delivered an envelope it was a hint, we should try to put it in your path so we can see what it says. Mario nodded as he began rotating the rings.

"I don't think it's safe to be attacking from the front,there's way too many missiles aimed around that area," said Spike.

"Then maybe I should go around back," said Mario.

"Try to place that panel with the switch in your path, I wanna see what it does," said Olivia. Mario quickly studied the map and formed a path that led behind Colored Pencils. Once he decided on a route, he slipped the switch into his pocket and began making his way towards the center, he eventually came across the envelope and opened it to see what it said.

Avoid the targeted panels, sneak behind the case,then whack the lid with your hammer!

"Ah that's a good point, if we just close the lid, he won't be able to fire them off, go for it Mario!" said Olivia. Mario slipped the note into his pocket and continued on his path until he landed on the switch causing the Magic Circle to light up. As he reached the now activated Magic Circle behind Colored Pencils, the missiles he fired off earlier landed in the targeted areas.

"They ALL missed!? No my missiles are flawless! It's the TARGETS that's all wrong!"

"We'll soon see about that," said Starlight. She and Spike watches as Olivia activates the Magic Circle and Mario uses the 1,000 fold arms to grab Colored Pencil's lid and slams it shut as he rattles on the ground.

"Zut alors! My lid is closed! I can't stop my missiles!" He begins to panic when the remaining missiles go off in his mouth leaving him temporary stunned.

"The missiles exploded in it's mouth! Awesome" cheered Olivia. "I guess this chatterbox's mouth is it's weak spot heh,"

"Nice going Mario!" Spike cheered along with the audience from the bleachers.

"Hey not bad for a human," Rainbow Dash chuckled. Mario backed away from the rings as they reset.

"Now's our chance, let's unleash some hits on him!" said Olivia. Mario nodded as he begins creating a new route towards the center. "Also it might be worthwhile to turn on those Magic Circles again for next time," Mario nodded as he made sure to leave the ON switch in his path once again. Once his route was formed he made his way towards the center.

"I think now would be the time to bust out some of my new equipment we got from the Toad near the Vellumental shrine," Mario said. He reached into his inventory and equipped a pair of brand new shiny boots. "Let's see if Mr. bigmouth can handle this," He performed 4 jumps doing some decent damage but at the same time allowing Colored Pencils to collect himself. Mario quickly raised his arms to shield himself as Colored Pencils snapped at him with his lid.

"Did you enjoy my BITING critique?"

"Ugh not funny," groaned Rainbow Dash. Colored Pencils closed it's lid and rocked from side to side before opening it's lid with a fresh new set of missiles.

"Reload complete! And I have plenty more where these came from!" Mario rolled his eyes as Colored Pencils fired off more missiles.

"Yeah, yeah shoot me all you want," Mario sighed as he takes this time to form another route to the center. Thankfully because he had already turned on the Magic Circle in his previous turn he didn't need to worry about another ON switch this time around. After completing his route, he once again made his way behind Colored Pencils to another Magic Circle. When the missiles failed to hit their target again Mario simply chuckled at the fact the Colored Pencils was starting to get a little desperate. Olivia activated the Magic Circle, allowing Mario to slam the lid shut with the 1,000 fold arms. Everyone watched in satisfaction as Colored Pencils desperately tried to stop his missiles to no avail only to have them go off in his mouth, stunning him once more.

"Sheesh so much for big talk, he's getting beat by the one thing his boss ordered him to stop," said Spike. Starlight snickered hearing Spike talk trash about Colored Pencils.

"Yeah go Mario!" Olivia cheered as he was already making his way towards the center.

"So you think you're all that huh?" Mario snickered. "Well how about you eat my boots first buddy," he says as he jumps on Colored Pencils with his shiny boots for a second time. Colored Pencil growled as he snapped at Mario again knocking him out of the ring before reloading again.

"Ugh. Everyone's a critic. I won't let my work be disrespected like this! Time to roll out my masterpiece, Behold! My Rainbow Roll!" Mario, Olivia, Starlight, and Spike watches as Colored Pencils opens it's lid and the pencils start to glow and spin like a massive drill.

"Um this doesn't look good," said Spike.

"Mario you'll have to finish this fight before he does who knows what," said Starlight.

"Maybe if we close the lid again he won't be able to attack," suggested Olivia. Mario nodded as he forms the route and goes towards the center. As he approaches Mario could feel the gust being whipped up by the pencil's spinning. "As Olivia activates the Magic Circle, Mario reaches over and attempts to close the lid but finds it to be impossible due to the pencils spinning around.

"Ha! Nice try!" the Colored Pencil sneered as he prepares to attack.

"It's no good! Mario defend!" Olivia yelps. Mario quickly raises his arms to shield himself as another reticle appears in front of him. Starlight,Spike,Olivia, and Rainbow Dash watch as Mario is peppered mercilessly by all 12 colored pencils leaving him severely battered. "Oh my gosh Mario are you ok?!" Olivia gasps as he's pushed back.

"Ugh man that hurt," Mario groaned. Colored Pencil laughs as he reloads and charges up another Rainbow Roll attack.

"I'm sorry Mario i could've sworn you would've been able to close the lid," apologized Olivia.

"Ugh it's fine, this is nothing," Mario winces as he clutches his arm.

"If closing the lid doesn't work, then what can we do?" asked Spike.

"Wait, if it's impossible to close the lid because of the pencils spinning, what would happen if you stopped them," suggested Starlight.

"Stop them? how?" asked Spike.

"You could try and grab the pencils instead," Olivia's eyes lit up as she said this.

"Of course, if we grab the pencils he won't be able to use them to attack!" gasped Olivia. "Mario let's try using the pencils against him," Mario nods as he begins forming another path.

"Please Celestia I pray that this works," Starlight murmurs to herself. They all watch as Mario makes his way back to Colored Pencils.

"Let's hope this works," Olivia said as she activated the Magic Circle. This time Mario reaches over and quickly snatches the pencils and raises them with the tips pointing at the case. When Colored Pencils noticed what he was doing, he began to panic.

"Have a taste of your own medicine!" Mario yells as he forcefully slams the pencils into the case. The force was so strong in fact, that it dented the case badly leaving Colored Pencil vulnerable to Mario's attack.

"It's not over let him have it mustache!" Rainbow Dash yelled. As the audience in the bleachers cheered, Mario began slamming the pencils into the case, until Colored Pencil eventually yielded. As soon as Colored Pencil accepted defeat, the pencils in Mario's arm disintegrated leaving a badly damaged case on the ground.

"Yeah it worked!" Spike cheered.

"You did it Mario!" Olivia laughed excitedly. As they regrouped, Mario and co. approached the fatally wounded Colored Pencil who lay on the ground rattling weakly.

"Ugh no way. Defeated by a no-name, no-talent piece of disgusting POP CULTURE!" he groaned. "You were better when you were a sidescroller, man," As he said this, his entire body began to glow before he exploded into a cloud of dust and smoke. Once the smoke cleared, a small flicker of light emerged and sank into the ground revealing a Magic Circle.

"Hey another magic circle appeared!" said Olivia. "It's almost like it came from that Colored Pencil thing you defeated, maybe if we use this, we'll be able to take down that streamer!" Mario walked over as Olivia activated the Magic Circle. Mario gripped his fists and forcefully slammed the seal in the center. As the seal shattered, the streamer began to glow before exploding into a storm of confetti and releasing Rainbow Dash from her prison. They watched as the red streamer that was wrapped around Canterlot castle disintegrate before all the remains began raining down. As everyone cheered the confetti bag in Mario's pocket, began to glow. Mario opened the bag and held it up as it vacuumed every last strip and absorbing it, which in turn caused it grow in size.

"Hey is it just me or did the confetti bag grow bigger somehow, maybe you'll be able to hold more confetti now!" said Olivia.

"Phew man is it good to be free again," said Rainbow Dash zooming around the place. "You have no idea how boring it was to be stuck up there,"

"Hey do you think that maybe Twilight and the others are caught up in the other streamers as well?" asked Spike.

'That's a possibility," said Starlight.

"Well then I guess there's another reason we have to take down those streamers now," said Olivia. "Speaking of which, now that the red streamer is gone, we should be able to take the tram to Maple Canyon now"

"Oh yeah I forgot about that," said Spike.

"Let's not get too hasty, I'm sure Mario's tired after that grueling battle with Colored Pencils, we should let him rest before you head off," said Starlight.

"Ah right," said, Olivia.

"He can stay at Twilight's library I'm pretty sure Twilight won't mind, since he's saving the world and all," said Spike.

"I appreciate it, I'm definitely gonna need it after getting peppered with colored pencils," said Mario. With their next course of action decided, the group head back to ponyville with Rainbow Dash where Mario got some much need rest. His adventure had been long and hard which made it easier for him to fall asleep in bed. The next morning Mario was awoken by the sound of Olivia's voice.

"Hey wake up sleepy head," Olivia cooed. Mario groaned as he sat up.

"Morning already?" he asked.

"Yep, come one everyone's already in the plaza," said Olivia. Mario grabbed his hat and followed her outside where Starlight, Spike, and Rainbow Dash were gathered along with several other ponies and Toads that Mario had saved.

"Ah look who's finally awake," said Starlight.

"Did you sleep well?' asked Spike.

"Out like a light the moment I laid down in bed," said Mario.

"I figured you'd done a lot while you were here," chuckled Starlight.

"Hey Mario right? Thanks again for saving my flank from that whacko," Rainbow Dash said holding out her hoof.

"Eh don't mention it," Mario said shaking her hoof.

"So we're heading to Maple Canyon for the blue streamer next right?" asked Spike.

"That's the plan said Olivia.

"Well then let's get going, we don't wanna waste time right Starlight?" he asked.

"Uh well about that," said Starlight.

"Huh what's the matter?" asked Olivia.

"I decided that I'm going to stay here," said Starlight.

"What why?" asked Olivia.

"Don't get me wrong I really enjoyed adventuring with you guys, but seeing the state ponyville is in after those folded soldiers attacked, the ponies and Toads need help rebuilding the place, not only that but they need somepony to protect them should the folded soldiers come back," explained Starlight.

"I see, yeah that makes sense but are you going to be alright?" asked Olivia.

"Oh don't worry remember those Diamond Dogs that stole the Shell Stones?" asked Starlight. "Well we're making them atone for their actions via community service, in other words, they'll be keeping watch for any folded soldiers that come near,"

"Wow," said Olivia.

"Plus Zecora has also agreed to help us by making medicine from plants found in the everfree forest while the Toad that owned the stall near the shrine will provide weapons for the ponies and Toads i this village, on top of that but the Koopas have agreed to be the first line of defense," Starlight explained.

"Applebloom,Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo said they wanted to help too but seeing as how those origami freaks are dangerous, they're staying in ponyville providing emotional support as mascots for the time being," chuckled Rainbow Dash. "Mr. Cake said he'll be working with the Overlook tower chef to cook meals for the survivors,"

"And to top it all off, me and Rainbow Dash will be making sure everything is in order," said Starlight.

"Well actually you're the leader, I'm simply just your assistant," Rainbow Dash laughed.

"It seems like you got it all planned out," said Olivia.

"it really was an honor adventuring with you Mario thank you for everything, if you ever need help, don't hesitate to call me, I'll be watching your battles from the sidelines like everypony else," said Starlight.

"You did well too Starlight, do stay safe," said Mario.

"Hey Mario, if you happen to find anymore of our friends, promise me that'll you'll save them," said Rainbow Dash.

"I promise," he said.

"Come on Mario let's go, we need to catch the tram to Maple Mountain!" said Spike.

"You should get going," said Starlight. Mario nodded as he followed after Olivia and Spike.

"Stay safe best of luck to you!!!" Mario looked behind to see everyone gathering around to see them off. He smiled and waved back as he made their way back to Overlook Hill to catch the tram to the next chapter of his adventure.

Chapter 3: Treasure Hunting for Shell Stones

it's been several minutes since Mario and co. had left Canterlot to follow the red streamer and now they found themselves walking down the path of Picnic Fields. Along the way the took out any folded soldiers that were patrolling the area as well as saving Toads and ponies threatened by the origami threat.

"Ah it's such a nice peaceful place to take a stroll if only my brother wasn't causing trouble," sighed Olivia.

"I know what you mean, this place is usually bustling with ponies, pegasi, and unicorns who come here for a picnic but now it's overrun by these folded soldiers," Spike explained as they walked.

"I suppose that's enough of a reason to stop your brother Olivia," said Starlight.

"Don't worry, as long as I have you guys, I'm confident we can do this!" she cheered as she twirled. "Oh wow so many beautiful flowers,"

"Come on Olivia, let's not get too distracted," said Mario. "Hm?" They group stopped to see a paper Koopa standing in front of a small sign. "Huh it's nice to see someone other than the folded soldiers," The Koopa turned around and walked over to them.

"Ah Mario, I didn't know you were one of the faithful, have you and your companions come here seeking shellvation like us?" he asked.

"Faithful? Shellvation?" asked Mario.

"That's right, if you just go down those stairs you'll be standing in front of the alter leading into the Earth Vellumental's shrine," he explained.

"Earth Vellumental? Is that like some kind of god?" asked Starlight. The Koopa was about to explain when a panicked voice interrupted him.

"SITUATION!!!" the group turned towards the stairs leading to the shrine to see another Koopa running up looking desperate. "Situation! Situation! We got a situation here!"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa calm down! What kind of situation? Is it a good situation or a bad one?" asked the first Koopa.

"Bad of course, never mind I'll explain just come down to the shrine entrance!" the second Koopa exclaimed. Mario and co watched as the two Koopas ran down the stairs leading to the shrine entrance.

"Wonder what that was about?" asked Olivia.

"They said it was bad situation, should we go take a look?" asked Spike.

"Guess it wouldn't hurt to go check it out," said Starlight. With that, Mario and co. began heading down the stairs to find both Koopas in a panicked state.

"It's a real bad situation Mario!" exclaimed the second Koopa.

"Whoa there calm down, what happened?" Mario asked.

"The door to the Earth Vellumental is sealed! No one can get inside to pay tribute," the Koopa explained. "The door will open only when all five holy Shell Stones are placed in the Shell Stone receptacles, but four of them are gone and that heathen is trying to steal the fifth right now!" he points to a folded soldier trying to pry the stone out."We'd try to stop him, but y'know we're Koopa Troopas, what are we going to do, walk into him slowly?"

"Seriously? All that fuss for nothing?" groaned Spike.

"Hey, don't be like that Spike, we've been helping out Toads and ponies all this time, I think it's only fair we do the same for these Koopas," said Mario. "Don't worry I got this,"

"We're counting on you Mario!" Mario nods as he runs up and hits the folded soldier on the head with his battle initiating a battle.

"Oh Starlight are you going to help us?" Olivia asked. Mario looks to his left and noticed that Starlight was with him this time around.

"I can't let you do ALL the work now can I? Plus I want to get in on the action too," she explained.

"Fair enough, let's do this," Mario quickly lines up the origami Shy Guys into two rows before hitting the OK button on the control panel. He then takes initiative by jumping down a row and taking out a line in one attack. Starlight then follows up by firing a blast of magic at the remaining origami Shy Guys and finishing them off. As they explode into confetti the two Koopas run up to them clearly impressed by their battle prowess.

"Whoa! I haven't seen power like that since I watched a documentary about the Earth Vellumental itself!"

"Are you going to watch it? I don't want to spoil anything for you," the first Koopa sighed.

"I'll uh consider it," said Mario. "By the way you said the other four stones are missing right? Do you have any idea where they are?"

"Actually yes, I saw a group of dogs snatch up three of the stones and ran off with them!" said the second Koopa.

"A group of dogs huh, and what about the fourth one?" asked Starlight.

"Unfortunately I don't have a clue, I tried chasing after those animals but I ended up losing them and when I came back the fourth was missing, I'm guessing one of those origami freaks took it while I was away," sighed the Koopa.

"So three of them were stolen by a group of dogs and one went missing, I guess we have our work cut out for us," said Mario. "Though it wouldn't do us any good if we just stood here twiddling our fingers, we can start with those dogs, do you know where they ran off to?"

"They were headed towards the caves on Overlook hill," answered the Koopa. "I would go in to find them myself but I'm afraid I might end up lost if I tried,"

"Caves on Overlook hill, got it," said Mario. "Let's go guys,"

"Be careful you guys!" The Koopas saw them off as Mario and co made their way towards Overlook hill. After a couple minutes of walking the group finally makes it Overlook hill where a large red tower stood at the summit.

"So this is where those dogs escaped to after they snatched those stones eh?" asked Mario.

"Hey look!" Spike pointed towards the large red tower. "That's where the red streamer leads to!"

"Hey Mario, I know we agreed to help out those poor Koopas but do you think we can wait after we take down that streamer?" asked Olivia.

"I suppose the streamer IS priority," said Mario. "Ugh fine,"

"Great let's get up there then," Olivia cheered. So the group began their climb towards the summit, defeating any folded soldiers and Paper a couple Paper Macho soldiers that were wandering around, halfway through the climb, they passed by a Monty Mole holding an auction for a group of Koopas but shrugged it off and continued to climb. Near the top of the summit, they noticed a Toad wrapped up in the red streamer.

"Look there's a Toad playing around with the streamer up by that tram," Olivia turned towards the Toad and called out to him. "Hey uh Toad? Can you stop playing with the streamer now? It's dangerous just pop on out ok?

"Pop out, just pop out Toad. OH SURE DON'T MIND IF I DO!" he responds sarcastically. "I'm trapped in this thing lady! You think I want to be gumming up the works like this!?" he shakes his head in disbelief. "No one can get to Maple Canyon because of me, and boy do they enjoy reminding me of that!" The group looked out into the distance towards a large rocky mountain, and winding in that direction was a bright blue streamer.

"Oh so this could take us to Maple Canyon? If you weren't all tangled up I mean," Olivia asks. "That's good to know, it must be those large rocky cliffs over there right?" sigh takes a deep breath as she admires the view. "Ah the blue streamer fluttering with that red mountain in the background is so cool looking,"

"Wait blue streamer?" asked Spike.

"Yeah the blue streamer," Olivia repeats before catching herself. "Wait, there's that blue streamer Mario! It was so pretty I almost didn't recognize it for what it was!"

"I guess that's our next stop, after we take care of the red streamer, we should stop by here and follow it," suggested Spike.

"Good idea!" Olivia agreed before turning back towards the Toad. "Just hang tight Toad! Uhh you know what I mean, stay loose? Ooh, that's worse, we'll be back probably!" Toad lets out a sigh of disappointment as Mario and co. continues making their way towards the top. They stopped to catch their breath upon reaching the summit.

"Sweet Celestia what a climb," gasped Starlight.

"You all did great hopefully you're not tired yet," Olivia chirped.

"Easy for you to say," Starlight gasped.

"Alright let's get into that tower and take down the streamer!" They walked over but noticed something was off. "Uhh Mario Is this what doors normally look like? It isn't right? How do we get in!?" Starlight walks up to the giant pillar and taps it with her hoof.

"Huh this seems to be a pillar of dirt," she said.

"A pillar of dirt?" asked Olivia. How's that possible?"

"Uh guys you might wanna look up," said Spike. They all took a step back and looked up to see that the tower was standing on the top of the pillar.

"Who on earth put the door up THAT high? I can't even float up there, and how are you going to get in Mario?" Olivia asked. "Wait earth! That's it!"

"So you figured it out too huh?" asked Starlight.

"Yeah, something happened to the earth here to make it like this, it's not supposed to be so high up!" exclaimed Olivia.

"So then how do we get in down?" asked Spike.

"Maybe the Earth Vellumental can help us," Olivia suggested.

"But the shrine is closed, does that mean we HAVE to find those Shell Stones just to get the Earth Vellumental to lower that tower?" asked Spike.

"I suppose it's the only way," said Starlight.

"Ah phooey," said Spike.

"Hey let's not get discouraged so easily, we just have to find those dogs and take back the stones right?" asked Olivia.

"Yeah but what about that fourth stone?" asked Spike.

"I think I recall seeing a group of Koopas surrounding a table halfway down the hill, maybe they might know something?" asked Starlight.

"Worth a shot, let's go," With that Mario began leading the group back down the hill to where the group of Koopas were. They finally reached the location and were lucky enough to find the group of Koopas still huddled around the Monty Mole.

"Um excuse me but we were wondering if you could help us with something," Olivia said approaching the group.

"Oh what do we have here? More bidders!" the Monty Mole cheered.

"Bidders?" asked Spike.

"That's right, step right up! Calling all savings seekers,coupon clippers, and thrifty types alike!" he waved them over with an excited look. "You there the one with the mustache, do you and your companions fancy a deal?"

"Uh what?" asked Starlight.

"Confused I see, well then I'll get straight to the point, what I'm offering today is a once-in-a-lifetime deal, a real bargain in the rough!" he announced. Starlight's ears perked up when he says this.

"Once-in-a-lifetime?" she asks. The greedy mole snickers as he pulls out a large stone with large green indents in the center.

"Feast your eyes on the Miracle Orb, it slices, it dices, it purees and it's a one of a kind!" the mole announces.

"Hey Mario isn't that?" asked Olivia.

"Yeah no doubt about it, that's one of the Shell Stones," Mario whispered back.

"So this guy is one who stole the fourth stone?" asked Spike.

"Most likely," answered Starlight.

"Now then let's start the bidding at 10,000 coins, just 10,000 coins for this unique, absolutely necessary item!"

"10,000 COINS!?" Starlight and Spike stare at him in complete disbelief.

"That's right, what do you say?" the mole asks. Mario watches as all three Koopas shake their head, complaining about how expensive it was.

"Sorry no can do," Mario said shaking his head.

"No takers eh? I see, I see, but we can't let this serendipitous situation go to waste, I've got an item, and you've got coins, so let's see if we can't make the magic happen eh?" the mole says rubbing his paws together. "Now then this hurts me deeply, but I'm going to offer you the discount of a lifetime, for an extremely limited time, you can purchase this fine item for the low, low price of 5,000 coins, we got a deal?" Starlight and Spike's eyes widen as they both look at Mario while the Koopas contemplate on whether to take the deal or not.

"I'll pass," said Mario.

"I see, I see, now this IS a slippery situation we've got developing here, I'm lookin to sell and you're lookin to buy,surely we can meet in the middle, just like your mustache, I'm just gonna put this out there, 3,000 coins, that's it that's the offer, take it or leave it!" Starlight and Spike once again turns towards Mario waiting for his answer.

"Negative," At this point both Starlight and Spike look at him in disbelief.

"Hoo boy, I didn't wanna do it, but you're forcin' my hand, at this price it's as good as a highway robbery, all we need is a highway and 2,000 coins, how about it?" the mole asks.

"Mario come on, it's only 2,000," said Spike.

"Not interested," Mario answers.

"You're kiddin' me you STILL won't buy it?" the mole grumbles in frustration. "I'm losin it! You want the shirt off my back too? take this thing away from me for 1,000 coins will ya?"

"Nope," Mario shakes his head.

"I don't even wanna sell it now, at this price maybe I'll keep it, ahh but you got me on the day my rent's due, my loss your gain 500 coins, take it or leave it!" the Monty Mole was clearly getting desperate now.

"No can do buddy," said Mario.

"Mario how cheap can you be!?" Spike asked.

"Oh boy I was hopin' it wouldn't come to this, the bank's gonna send me a letter, I just gotta get 300 coins outta this thing at a minimum, please I'm beggin' ya!" Finally Mario smiles as he pulls out 300 coins.

"Deal," he said sliding the 300 coins towards the Monty Mole.

"Finally about time you took the stupid orb you cheapskate," he grumbles as Mario takes the Shell Stone.

"Nice doing business with you too buddy," Mario chuckles as they walk away leaving three disappointed Koopas and a frustrated mole.

"You really had to do it to him didn't you?' asked Spike.

"Eh what can I say? I'm just naturally good a dealing with greedy people," Mario chuckled as he slipped the stone into his pocket. "Now then let's go get the remaining three stones,"

"For someone who just haggled that poor mole to death, he sure does sound confident," Starlight sighed as they followed after him. Now that they got their hands on one of the Shell Stones they begin searching for the cave where the thieving dogs took the remaining three. However after searching for some time with no luck they decided to stop and formulate a plan to find them

"Any luck?" asked Starlight

"Nothing," answered Spike.

"This is going to be much harder than we thought it seems," said Starlight. "I thought that maybe it would be easy to spot a cave simply just by wandering around for a bit, but it seems like our thieves are much smarter than we imagined,"

"Hey do you guys hear something?" asked Olivia. Starlight stopped talking as she listened in, from what she could hear, it sounded like someone was snickering.

"Where's that coming from?" asked Spike. They immediately began walking in the direction of the laughter which leads them to a small bush nearby. They all peeked over to see three dogs snickering and talking amongst each other while admiring three large stones with red,yellow,and blue indents on the center. The dogs appeared to be wearing different colored vests and spiked collars with two of the three dogs having grey fur with the third having mud brown fur.

"Haha, that was surprisingly easy!" the short one cackled.

"Shut your twit idiot, what if somepony hears us?" the average sized dog hisses.

"Oh great it's them," groaned Spike.

"Them?" asked Olivia.

"They're called Diamond Dogs, as their names suggest, they have an insane obsession with gems, I can understand why they would go after those Shell Stones,"explained Starlight.

"Well at least we found the remaining three, now the question is how do we get them back?" asked Olivia. "Should we try asking them to give them back?"

"Highly doubt they'd listen, once they get their claws on something, they almost always refuse to give it back, they're pretty tough nuts to crack," explained Starlight.

"Guess we're just gonna have to do this with force then, you ready Starlight?" asked Mario.

"Guess it's the only way," she sighed. Mario and Starlight brace themselves as they slowly approach them.

"I still can't believe we managed to nab these, stealing it from those turtles, we must be geniuses!" the short Diamond Dog cackled.

"More like dumb thieves who can't shut up for more than 5 minutes," the Diamond Dogs all turn around as Mario and co. walks up to them. "Alright you stupid mutts, playtime is over hand them over," Starlight demanded.

"See I told you that somepony would hear us you brainless twit!" the average sized Diamond dog hissed.

"Who are YOU calling brainless? You're just as dumb as me Rover!" the short Diamond Dog bites back.

"Shut up Spot!" Rover hissed back.

"Looks like they started arguing amongst themselves," Spike sighed in disbelief.

"Well at least they're distracted, maybe we can sneak the stones back from them," suggested Olivia. Starlight rolls her eyes as she takes the three stones back with her magic while the Diamond Dogs argue with each other.

"Uh guys," the big Diamond dog tries to speak up.

"What do you want Fido?" both Rover and Spot growls at him.

"They're taking our treasure," Fido says pointing at Starlight as she passes the stones to Mario and Spike.

"Hey give those back, we stole it fair and square so they belong to us!" Rover growled.

"If you want them back why don't you take 'em from us?" Spike said taunting them. The Diamond Dogs growl as they charge at them, but not even two minutes later they end up sprawled out on the ground having been beaten senseless by Mario and Starlight.

"Ow," Spot groans as he lays on his back.

"Well that was easier than expected," said Mario.

"Now that we got all the stones back, let's head back to those Koopas and return the stones to them," said Olivia. With the Shell Stones in possession, Mario and co. make their way back to the Vellumental shrine. Upon returning, they find the two Koopas waiting for them.

"Hey welcome back! How'd it go?" the first Koopa asked.

"It was easier than we expected, we got them back almost easily!" Olivia chirped.

"That's great, now we just need to put them back where they belong!" said the second Koopa. Mario and the others walk back over to the entrance and slowly insert the stones into their respective holes. Once all the stones were back, the wall begins to shift revealing an entrance leading into the shrine.

"How cool those shell stones did the trick!" cheered Olivia.

"Guess it's time then," said Starlight.

"Yep, let's go meet this Vellumental, I'm so excited I've never met one before!" Olivia said excitedly. Mario takes a deep breath as he slowly makes his way inside with Starlight, Spike, and Olivia following closely behind. This was both an exciting and important moment for the group as they were about to meet the god of the very earth itself and ask for it's help. It was time to meet with the Earth Vellumental.