Let's Play: Paper Mario! part five
And coming soon: Interactivity! Tell your friends!
Last time, Mario and his becapped shroomish friend had arrived in Toad
Town, talked to people, talked to more people, etc. and determined that
Shooting Star Summit was their next goal.
Beyond the spot where the castle had stood, the land is strange and
coated in an odd purple sort of grass. Even Goombario thinks that it
looks weird.
If we go east from here, we'll eventually get to Shooting Star Summit.
As they continue forward, the sky darkens and the music changes, and
stars begin to fall from the sky, bouncing on the ground.
By the time they reach the fork in the path, the sun has set. A sign
points to a place spoken of often in Toad Town:
True enough, just beyond they find the house:
Merlow, who collects Star Pieces, also lives here.
This house pulses with psychic power. Can you feel it?
It feels...weird. It feels like I'm floating on some sort of spiritual
cushion.
Mario is startled to find a piece of the Triforce floating a few inches
above the hooded woman's table.
Goombario: She's a gorgeous lady named Merluvlee. I can't believe
I'm in the same room with her!
She forsees events and uses her magic powers to find what you're looking
for.
She's very accurate.
I think I'm in love... She's incredible!
Pinch me, will you, Mario?
Mario speaks to her.
My name is Merluvlee.
I'm a stunning fortune-teller.
My noble calling is to read fortunes while looking absolutely ravishing. I
can help you find what you seek.
My twinkle star here will show me all that's hidden.
My, my...<3
Mario asks for her to read his fortune.
Merluvlee: Waaaa--------!!
Twinkle light!
Twinkle bright!!
Waaa------pang!!
Woooo-----poy!!
Wa, waa, waaaaa...!!!
Uh huh...!
Oh yeah...! <3 Master Star! Fill my eyes with the light of that which I
seek!
Moments later, she tells Mario where he can find a Star Piece.
After thanking her, he goes to the other door in the house, and up the
stairs to where her brother lives.
Mister!
You have any Star Pieces?
If you do, I'll swap some cool Badges for them!
Mario takes a look at his collection, and decides to save his Star Pieces
for now.
Goombario: He's Merlow.
He's about the same age as I am.
I wanna play with him when we finish our adventure.
I guess he trades Star Pieces for Badges.
Merluvlee, who's downstairs, is his sister. He's so lucky!
Mario and Goombario return to the road and take the higher path, which a
sign tells him will lead him to Shooting Star Summit.
People say that this place, like no other, reaches up and embraces the
sky.
Rather than ascending the hill immediately, he turns northward, and...
Just as Merluvlee predicted, he finds a Star Piece.
At the top of the hill, on a plateau, he sees a ghostly vision:
Goombario: He's an old Star Spirit.
His name is Eldstar.
He reminds me of my grandpa.
He's a revered person who lives in Star Haven, way up beyond the sky.
Uh...a revered star, I mean.
I wonder why he's here.
He should be in Star Haven.
And why does he look so...dim?
I can see right through him.
Eldstar: Welcome Mario...
We've been waiting for you.
The other six spirits appear around Mario.
BEGIN WALL OF TEXT
Eldstar: We're the 7 Star Spirits.
Our job is to grant the wishes of good people from our home in Star Haven,
a place high beyond the sky.
We're going to tell you something incredibly important.
Please listen carefully.
The other day,
Bowser and his followers invaded our peaceful Star Haven.
They stole our prized treasure, the Star Rod, which we've cared for since
the beginning of time.
Bow star: The Star Rod...
...is powerful beyond belief.
It can grant any wish.
For as long as we can remember, Bowser has been making wishes like, for
instance...
"I'd like to trounce Mario" or "I want Princess Peach to like me."
Of course, Stars ignore such selfish wishes.
As a result, his wishes were never granted.
Glasses star: Bowser...that fiend...
When he found out that we were ignoring his wishes, he came and stole the
Star Rod so he could grant his own wishes.
He seems content right now, mainly because he defeated you and captured
the Princess.
Soon enough, though, I fear he will wish for more...and then terrible
things will happen.
Sailor star: It is the responsibility of the 7 Star Spirits to keep
the Star Rod safe and use it properly.
We must get the Star Rod back from Bowser and return it to its rightful
place!
In order to do this, Mario, we need your help!
Ribbon star: Sadly...
...right now you are not strong enough to challenge Bowser...
...he has made himself all-powerful by making wishes with the Star Rod.
He is terrible to behold!
Book star: Once we 7 Star Spirits are reunited in Star Haven,
we can give you the power to fight Bowser even with his newfound strength.
With our help, you can prevail!
Mustache star: Mario...we are...
Alas...
We've nearly exhausted our power to talk to you.
Although it looks like we're there beside you, it is only an illusion.
We're using all of our strength to communicate with you over a great
distance. But even now, our strength is fading...
We've been caught and are being held by Bowser's followers in different
places throughout the Mushroom Kingdom.
Please, Mario,
first of all, you must rescue us!
Eldstar: In order to take the Star Rod back from Bowser...
and save Princess Peach...
we need your help...
Please, Mario...
you are our last hope...
and we will...
The stars vanish back into the aether.
Goombario: Mario...
It looks like things are a lot more serious than I thought...
Do you think the Princess is goign to be all right?
I'm really worried about her.
Are you still with us? Okay. More text dump coming up.
Almost before the words are finished leaving Goombario's mouth, the scene
changes to Castle Bowser.
Within, Princess Peach paces back and forth fretfully.
Mario's probably hurt...
Everyone's in prison...
The Mushroom Kingdom will be destroyed if things continue the way they're
going.
Something must be done...
If only somebody could help me...
!
Bowser enters the room, followed by Kammy.
Kammy Koopa: It's no use waiting for Mario this time, my dear!
We're soooooo high above the sky right now.
Even Mario doesn't have a chance of reaching us up here!
Bowser: (holding the Star Rod) You know, Princess, as long as I
have this Star Rod, no one in the Mushroom Kingdom can touch me.
You know the power that grants everyone's wishes? It's mine!
Isn't that just wonderful? (puts it away)
Kammy Koopa: Nyeah hee hee hee!
Imagine what it's like down in your kingdom! Your subjects must be so
upset because their wishes aren't being granted!
Oh, how delightful!
They deserve it for the way they've treated us Koopas over the years!
Maybe if you didn't invade the kingdom and turn people into plants and
bricks and whatnot every couple of years, they'd like you better.
Bowser: If you, you know, want anything, all you need to do is
ask me, Princess. I can grant wishes.
Of course, I'll only grant requests that I like...
Anyway, think about it.
You take care, Princess Peach! Enjoy your stay here!
Kammy Koopa: You better watch yourself, Princess. You'd better not
cause trouble.
Bleah heh heh ho ha ha...
They leave Peach alone to fret and pace.
Peach: Oh... Please...
If only somebody could help me...
Her reverie is broken by the sound of tapping, as if someone were rapping
gently upon her chamber's glass door.
Peach: ?
Huh?
My name is Twink.
Peach: But you're...
You're a Star Kid, aren't you?
How'd you get here?
Twink: I came from Star Haven to grant your wish!
It's our job to grant wishes, you know.
Peach: Oh! You came because I wished that somebody could help me?
Twink: Yes, of course!
Peach: Oh, that's just great!
Thank you so much for coming!
Here's my wish: Go right now and take that Star Rod back from Bowser, OK?
Think you can do it?
Uh...sorry...
That's a little much for a novice Star like me...
Maybe one of the honorable Star Spirits from Star Haven could grant a wish
like that.
I'm so sorry.
Please, ask for something easy, something a small Star can do.
Peach: Then... Can you take me away from here?
Everyone in my castle has been captured and I have to save them all as
soon as possible.
Twink: ...Oh...I'm sorry.
I can't grant that wish either, I'm afraid.
Actually, I just got called up to the sky a day ago, so I can't do big
wishes yet...
If I were a more splendid Star, maybe I could actually help...
Peach: It's all right...
Don't be sad, Twink.
Mario will definitely do something to save us all.
He's probably coming right now!
!
Oh! Twink!
Do you think you can find Mario?
I want you to give this to him.
Twink: This is a Lucky Star, isn't it?
OK! I'll do it! Princess Peach, I'll fly to the Mushroom Kingdom just as
quick as I can!
Twink starts to fly away, but Peach calls him back.
Peach: Oh! Wait, Twink!
Wait one second! Can you also...
Please tell Mario that...
I'm fine and he shouldn't worry...
...OK? Can you tell him that?
Twink: Of course!
I'll tell him your exact words, Princess Peach! Definitely!
Now, don't despair...
I'll be back soon, so stay safe until I return, OK?
Twink leaves, and Peach walks out onto the balcony to play a wicked
guitar solo watch him fly away.
At that very moment, Mario is on his way back from Shooting Star Summit,
pondering what the Star Spirits told him, when...
Mario gets conked on the back of the head by a falling celestial object.
Twink: Oh, sorry, sorry, so sorry!
I'm in a huge hurry!!
Oh...it's...!?
You're Mario, aren't you!?
Thank the Stars I found you!
How do you do?
I'm Twink.
Princess Peach asked me to bring something to you.
Ahh... Yes, here it is!
Here, this is it!
Take it!
I hate to disappoint any of you, but no, they don't break out into a crazy dance involving school uniforms.
Unfortunately, Mario barely has enough time to put it on before...
Twink: What!? It can't be...
Were you following me!?
Magikoopa: What a foolish Star Kid!!
I knew that if I followed you, I'd find Mario!
If I defeat Mario right now, I'll be famous!
I'll tell Kammy Koopa!
She'll shower wme with praise!
She'll give me a raise!
Here I come!!
And with that, he attacks!
Magic attacks are no joke, Mario. You'd better take these guys
seriously.
Mario makes short work of the Magikoopa, with the help of the Lucky Star.
I know that you'll be able to defeat Bowser!
I'm going to return to Princess Peach's side.
I'm not strong enough to really help her, but at least I can tell her
you're OK.
Well, Mario...
...see you later!
He barely gets a yard away before he remembers the other part of his task, and returns.
"I'm all right, so don't worry about me..."
...that's exactly what she said.
I get the feeling, though...
...that she's very lonely.
Anyway, I'll do my best to help the both of you!
But please be brave!
You must save Princess Peach!
So saying, he flies away, leaving Mario and Goombario to return to Toad
Town...
Another wall of text update...
How will Mario free the Star Spirits?
How will he get those dark Toads out of his way?
How many identical pink gowns does Peach have, and will she run out of
clean ones before this ordeal is over?
Find out next time!
Last time, Mario and his becapped shroomish friend had arrived in Toad
Town, talked to people, talked to more people, etc. and determined that
Shooting Star Summit was their next goal.
Beyond the spot where the castle had stood, the land is strange and
coated in an odd purple sort of grass. Even Goombario thinks that it
looks weird.
If we go east from here, we'll eventually get to Shooting Star Summit.
As they continue forward, the sky darkens and the music changes, and
stars begin to fall from the sky, bouncing on the ground.
By the time they reach the fork in the path, the sun has set. A sign
points to a place spoken of often in Toad Town:
True enough, just beyond they find the house:
Merlow, who collects Star Pieces, also lives here.
This house pulses with psychic power. Can you feel it?
It feels...weird. It feels like I'm floating on some sort of spiritual
cushion.
Mario is startled to find a piece of the Triforce floating a few inches
above the hooded woman's table.
Goombario: She's a gorgeous lady named Merluvlee. I can't believe
I'm in the same room with her!
She forsees events and uses her magic powers to find what you're looking
for.
She's very accurate.
I think I'm in love... She's incredible!
Pinch me, will you, Mario?
Mario speaks to her.
My name is Merluvlee.
I'm a stunning fortune-teller.
My noble calling is to read fortunes while looking absolutely ravishing. I
can help you find what you seek.
My twinkle star here will show me all that's hidden.
My, my...<3
Mario asks for her to read his fortune.
Merluvlee: Waaaa--------!!
Twinkle light!
Twinkle bright!!
Waaa------pang!!
Woooo-----poy!!
Wa, waa, waaaaa...!!!
Uh huh...!
Oh yeah...! <3 Master Star! Fill my eyes with the light of that which I
seek!
Moments later, she tells Mario where he can find a Star Piece.
After thanking her, he goes to the other door in the house, and up the
stairs to where her brother lives.
Mister!
You have any Star Pieces?
If you do, I'll swap some cool Badges for them!
Mario takes a look at his collection, and decides to save his Star Pieces
for now.
Goombario: He's Merlow.
He's about the same age as I am.
I wanna play with him when we finish our adventure.
I guess he trades Star Pieces for Badges.
Merluvlee, who's downstairs, is his sister. He's so lucky!
Mario and Goombario return to the road and take the higher path, which a
sign tells him will lead him to Shooting Star Summit.
People say that this place, like no other, reaches up and embraces the
sky.
Rather than ascending the hill immediately, he turns northward, and...
Just as Merluvlee predicted, he finds a Star Piece.
At the top of the hill, on a plateau, he sees a ghostly vision:
Goombario: He's an old Star Spirit.
His name is Eldstar.
He reminds me of my grandpa.
He's a revered person who lives in Star Haven, way up beyond the sky.
Uh...a revered star, I mean.
I wonder why he's here.
He should be in Star Haven.
And why does he look so...dim?
I can see right through him.
Eldstar: Welcome Mario...
We've been waiting for you.
The other six spirits appear around Mario.
BEGIN WALL OF TEXT
Eldstar: We're the 7 Star Spirits.
Our job is to grant the wishes of good people from our home in Star Haven,
a place high beyond the sky.
We're going to tell you something incredibly important.
Please listen carefully.
The other day,
Bowser and his followers invaded our peaceful Star Haven.
They stole our prized treasure, the Star Rod, which we've cared for since
the beginning of time.
Bow star: The Star Rod...
...is powerful beyond belief.
It can grant any wish.
For as long as we can remember, Bowser has been making wishes like, for
instance...
"I'd like to trounce Mario" or "I want Princess Peach to like me."
Of course, Stars ignore such selfish wishes.
As a result, his wishes were never granted.
Glasses star: Bowser...that fiend...
When he found out that we were ignoring his wishes, he came and stole the
Star Rod so he could grant his own wishes.
He seems content right now, mainly because he defeated you and captured
the Princess.
Soon enough, though, I fear he will wish for more...and then terrible
things will happen.
Sailor star: It is the responsibility of the 7 Star Spirits to keep
the Star Rod safe and use it properly.
We must get the Star Rod back from Bowser and return it to its rightful
place!
In order to do this, Mario, we need your help!
Ribbon star: Sadly...
...right now you are not strong enough to challenge Bowser...
...he has made himself all-powerful by making wishes with the Star Rod.
He is terrible to behold!
Book star: Once we 7 Star Spirits are reunited in Star Haven,
we can give you the power to fight Bowser even with his newfound strength.
With our help, you can prevail!
Mustache star: Mario...we are...
Alas...
We've nearly exhausted our power to talk to you.
Although it looks like we're there beside you, it is only an illusion.
We're using all of our strength to communicate with you over a great
distance. But even now, our strength is fading...
We've been caught and are being held by Bowser's followers in different
places throughout the Mushroom Kingdom.
Please, Mario,
first of all, you must rescue us!
Eldstar: In order to take the Star Rod back from Bowser...
and save Princess Peach...
we need your help...
Please, Mario...
you are our last hope...
and we will...
The stars vanish back into the aether.
Goombario: Mario...
It looks like things are a lot more serious than I thought...
Do you think the Princess is goign to be all right?
I'm really worried about her.
Are you still with us? Okay. More text dump coming up.
Almost before the words are finished leaving Goombario's mouth, the scene
changes to Castle Bowser.
Within, Princess Peach paces back and forth fretfully.
Mario's probably hurt...
Everyone's in prison...
The Mushroom Kingdom will be destroyed if things continue the way they're
going.
Something must be done...
If only somebody could help me...
!
Bowser enters the room, followed by Kammy.
Kammy Koopa: It's no use waiting for Mario this time, my dear!
We're soooooo high above the sky right now.
Even Mario doesn't have a chance of reaching us up here!
Bowser: (holding the Star Rod) You know, Princess, as long as I
have this Star Rod, no one in the Mushroom Kingdom can touch me.
You know the power that grants everyone's wishes? It's mine!
Isn't that just wonderful? (puts it away)
Kammy Koopa: Nyeah hee hee hee!
Imagine what it's like down in your kingdom! Your subjects must be so
upset because their wishes aren't being granted!
Oh, how delightful!
They deserve it for the way they've treated us Koopas over the years!
Maybe if you didn't invade the kingdom and turn people into plants and
bricks and whatnot every couple of years, they'd like you better.
Bowser: If you, you know, want anything, all you need to do is
ask me, Princess. I can grant wishes.
Of course, I'll only grant requests that I like...
Anyway, think about it.
You take care, Princess Peach! Enjoy your stay here!
Kammy Koopa: You better watch yourself, Princess. You'd better not
cause trouble.
Bleah heh heh ho ha ha...
They leave Peach alone to fret and pace.
Peach: Oh... Please...
If only somebody could help me...
Her reverie is broken by the sound of tapping, as if someone were rapping
gently upon her chamber's glass door.
Peach: ?
Huh?
My name is Twink.
Peach: But you're...
You're a Star Kid, aren't you?
How'd you get here?
Twink: I came from Star Haven to grant your wish!
It's our job to grant wishes, you know.
Peach: Oh! You came because I wished that somebody could help me?
Twink: Yes, of course!
Peach: Oh, that's just great!
Thank you so much for coming!
Here's my wish: Go right now and take that Star Rod back from Bowser, OK?
Think you can do it?
Uh...sorry...
That's a little much for a novice Star like me...
Maybe one of the honorable Star Spirits from Star Haven could grant a wish
like that.
I'm so sorry.
Please, ask for something easy, something a small Star can do.
Peach: Then... Can you take me away from here?
Everyone in my castle has been captured and I have to save them all as
soon as possible.
Twink: ...Oh...I'm sorry.
I can't grant that wish either, I'm afraid.
Actually, I just got called up to the sky a day ago, so I can't do big
wishes yet...
If I were a more splendid Star, maybe I could actually help...
Peach: It's all right...
Don't be sad, Twink.
Mario will definitely do something to save us all.
He's probably coming right now!
!
Oh! Twink!
Do you think you can find Mario?
I want you to give this to him.
Twink: This is a Lucky Star, isn't it?
OK! I'll do it! Princess Peach, I'll fly to the Mushroom Kingdom just as
quick as I can!
Twink starts to fly away, but Peach calls him back.
Peach: Oh! Wait, Twink!
Wait one second! Can you also...
Please tell Mario that...
I'm fine and he shouldn't worry...
...OK? Can you tell him that?
Twink: Of course!
I'll tell him your exact words, Princess Peach! Definitely!
Now, don't despair...
I'll be back soon, so stay safe until I return, OK?
Twink leaves, and Peach walks out onto the balcony to play a wicked
guitar solo watch him fly away.
At that very moment, Mario is on his way back from Shooting Star Summit,
pondering what the Star Spirits told him, when...
Mario gets conked on the back of the head by a falling celestial object.
Twink: Oh, sorry, sorry, so sorry!
I'm in a huge hurry!!
Oh...it's...!?
You're Mario, aren't you!?
Thank the Stars I found you!
How do you do?
I'm Twink.
Princess Peach asked me to bring something to you.
Ahh... Yes, here it is!
Here, this is it!
Take it!
I hate to disappoint any of you, but no, they don't break out into a crazy dance involving school uniforms.
Unfortunately, Mario barely has enough time to put it on before...
Twink: What!? It can't be...
Were you following me!?
Magikoopa: What a foolish Star Kid!!
I knew that if I followed you, I'd find Mario!
If I defeat Mario right now, I'll be famous!
I'll tell Kammy Koopa!
She'll shower wme with praise!
She'll give me a raise!
Here I come!!
And with that, he attacks!
Magic attacks are no joke, Mario. You'd better take these guys
seriously.
Mario makes short work of the Magikoopa, with the help of the Lucky Star.
I know that you'll be able to defeat Bowser!
I'm going to return to Princess Peach's side.
I'm not strong enough to really help her, but at least I can tell her
you're OK.
Well, Mario...
...see you later!
He barely gets a yard away before he remembers the other part of his task, and returns.
"I'm all right, so don't worry about me..."
...that's exactly what she said.
I get the feeling, though...
...that she's very lonely.
Anyway, I'll do my best to help the both of you!
But please be brave!
You must save Princess Peach!
So saying, he flies away, leaving Mario and Goombario to return to Toad
Town...
Another wall of text update...
How will Mario free the Star Spirits?
How will he get those dark Toads out of his way?
How many identical pink gowns does Peach have, and will she run out of
clean ones before this ordeal is over?
Find out next time!