Chapter 13 - The Mark of Courage

The week soon ran it's course, and the time everyone was waiting for had finally come. Sure enough, on the assigned day, one of Mario's black ships emerged from a wormhole over the skies of Hyrule, looking as menacing as ever. The Knights of Hope, however, had no need to worry just yet, since their ship was safely hidden from sight. The only ones with reason to sweat were the Hyrule citizens below, who awaited Link's final decision. Krystal had actually opted to stay with Link to help him should the need arise.[br]
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All eyes of Hyrule seemed to be focused on the heavens as the black ship hovered over them, casting a dark ominous shadow over their homes. To be sure, there were those who felt the urge to run, but all in all, the entire populaces, the Gorons, the Zoras, and the denizens from the smaller villages throughout Hyrule, stood their ground, showing the same courage as their hero.[br]
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Just then, large, rectangular, metallic, plates were launched from the ship and decended towards Hyrule, one plate for each town or village. When they reached their destinations, each hovering with the flat side facing the crowds, the plates then began to project images for them to watch the events as they unfolded. To be sure, the people were amazed by this display of, what they saw as, magic.[br]
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The plates showed them Mario, the virtually unchallenged leader of the Mushroom Empire, decending towards Hyrule Castle Town on a giant platform, with three other figures: his three strongest fighters. First was a short, mammalian creature, with blue fur, and wearing white gloves and red shoes. The second was a much taller man, taller than even Mario, dressed in a blue suit and wearing a bright red helmet. The third was also non-human, like the first, with traits similar to that of a monkey. He was wearing a white jacket with black pants and boots. The denizens watched in fear and wonder as the four figures made their way down through the skies.[br]
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***[br]
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Back in the Mushroom Kingdom, the capital planet for the Mushroom Empire, the citizenry, a race consisting of beings called Toadstools, gave wild cheers as they watched their leader decend angelically towards the castle town below them. The decision that was to be made by the warrior named Link was widely televised throughout the Kingdom, and they were most sure that Link would be a wise fellow and join their beloved Mario in his mission to spread peace throughout the universe. Thousands of the on lookers kept buckets of confetti in their hands, ready to throw into the air at the moment Link and Mario shook hands.[br]
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The event was televised in the Pop Star Dimension as well, and many of the slaves of Pop Star were given a break to watch this supposedly momentous occasion. Meta Knight and his men, who was still on the run, were also able to catch the televised event. They all watched their miniature screen, some dreading the answer Link would give. Meta Knight, of showed no emotion, and simply sat there, patiently awaiting the moment of truth.[br]
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In the Lylat Dimension, the citizens of Corneria, who were all confined to their homes, were also given the opportunity to witness this event. Although none of the citizens said so, most Cornerians only saw this as further evidence of Mario's arrogance, and that this was probably meant to break their spirits. And even though some spirits were already broken, there were those who resolved to remain vigilant, and resist the Mushroom Empire in whatever way they could.[br]
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Meanwhile, from their hidden space station in an asteroid field at the far corner of the Lylat system, the Star Wolf team was also bearing witness to the event. Wolf O'Donnell, the leader of the group, laid back in his chair and watched along with his team-mates, Panther Caruso and Leon Powalski.[br]
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"Heh," Leon scoffed, "to think this entire kingdom left it's fate in the hands of that hairless ape-boy. It's laughable really."[br]
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"Figures a reptile like yourself would miss the symbolic romantacism behind such an arrangement," Panther replied.[br]
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"Then, I should be thankful for that reptilian heritage," Leon shot back as he took a swig from his can of beer.[br]
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"Will you two butt-heads shut up, already?" Wolf barked in an annoyed tone as he raised the volume on the display, "I can barely hear with you guys yapping at each other."[br]
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Panther immediately became silent, but Leon couldn't help but shoot out one last remark, "You still pissed off that Fox got smoked?"[br]
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Wolf said nothing, but glared back at Leon with his good eye, after which Leon said hardly a word. It was true, Fox's demise was hard for Wolf to bare. He felt that the relationship they shared was one of rivalry, and Wolf still had a score that went unsettled. Because of that, he now made it his personal mission to exact Fox's death and utterly destroy the ones who took his life; not so much for Fox's sake, but rather to prove, once and for all, who was the better pilot. But for now, he'd just settle for watching this televised announcement.[br]
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Let's see what this chicken boy says.[br]
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***[br]
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At the front of the western gates, Link, Princess Zelda, and Krystal waited without showing the smallest trace of fear in their eyes. Above them, Mario gazed down at them with such confidence that things would go exactly as planned. As shaken up as Link was when he left, Mario was sure that Link would come crawling to his side like the pitiful worm he saw him as.[br]
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As the platform finally reached the ground, Mario and his three retainers stepped off and planted themselves right in front of Link's group.[br]
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"Mr. Hero," Mario said, "I didn't think you'd arrive."[br]
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"I think you'll find many surprises about Link," Zelda replied sternly.[br]
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"And who are you?" Mario asked Zelda rather condescendingly.[br]
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"I, sir, am Princess Zelda, Envoy to the Goddesses, and standing ruler of the Hyrule Kingdom," Zelda answered, now switching her efforts to controlling her anger.[br]
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"Perfect, then," Mario said gleefully, "you can officially declare your kingdom's alliance to the Mushroom Empire after your friend here is finished."[br]
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Zelda continued to fight the urge to lash out at him. This meeting alone gave more than enough reason to resist alliance with the Mushroom Empire, but she still had to remember that the decision was up to Link. That was her decree, and she wouldn't dare betray her faith in Link.[br]
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"Oh!" Mario exclaimed, "Where are my manners? Allow me to introduce my retainers."[br]
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He then gestured to the three fighters behind them and declared their names from left to right respectively, "These are Sonic, Captain Falcon, and Dash," then noticing Krystal added, "Dash, I believe you are aquainted with the young, fox maiden over there?"[br]
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Dash nodded solemnly as he looked at Krystal, while Krystal stared back. She didn't say much, but her feelings were evidently clear through her burning eyes.[br]
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"Nothing personal, Krystal," Dash said with hardly any emotion, "I'm fighting for peace now."[br]
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Krystal still said nothing, though her glare spoke volumes.[br]
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"Well, now that all that is out of the way," Mario said in a grandiose manner, "let us get down to the matter at hand."[br]
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The minute he said this, two turtle creatures on clouds, Lakitu, floated down, carrying two recording cameras on fishing poles. Link and Zelda were not knowledgeable about what exactly a recording camera was, but reasoned they were to be used to display the event for the rest of the kingdom, and ultimately, universe, to see.[br]
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Mario then turned to one of the cameras and began speaking to it, addressing the many viewers watching, "My good people. I welcome you all to this, our most celebrated occasion to date. Today, we will discern Hyrule's future, as we humbly offer to these peoples a chance to partake in our glorious utopia!" He finished this statement by throwing his hands into the air for dramatic flare.[br]
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Once Mario threw his hands up, the crowd at Mushroom Kingdom exploded into a roar of cheers as thousands of adoring subjects loudly and ecstatically cheered him on.[br]
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"But first," Mario continued, "we must hear the words of one man. I came to this man not long ago, offering my hand in friendship. Of course, he was suspicious of me, and openly displayed his hostility. However, I forgave his brutish behavior, and presented him with my offer: to partake in the creation of my new empire. And in return, I would grant his land the kind of peace and prosperity that a nation like his most surely deserves. And that is why we are gathered here today: to watch, as this brave and galant warrior, declares to you all, his final decision."[br]
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Once again, the citizens of Mushroom Kingdom roared with celebratory cheers. Of course, everywhere else was completely silent, as they awaited the words that would exit Link's mouth. This silence was no more apparent than on Hyrule.[br]
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Link, in the meanwhile, had to bite his tongue; never before had he heard such putrid lies from a forked and slimy tongue as Mario's.[br]
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"So," Mario turned to Link, "we will now hear your decision, Mr...Link, was it?"[br]
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Link nodded, and stepped forward, clearing his throat. Zelda looked on, clasping her hands together tightly as though she were praying. Krystal took a deep breath, and closed her eyes as she prepared for whatever came next.[br]
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The hush that followed echoed throughout all the universe; the Mushroom Kingdom, Hyrule Castle Town, Corneria, Pop Star; all watching were at the edge of their seats in anticipation.[br]
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"All my life," Link began, "I have fought...to protect this kingdom of Hyrule. Peace is a beautiful thing, and I would gladly give my life to ensure that the peace here in Hyrule is protected."[br]
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The hush became thunderously deafening, and Link swallowed hard as he continued to speak, "When Lord Mario...approached me with his offer, I cannot deny that I was tempted. An empire, with one rule, that would lead the entire universe in an age of prosperity; truly, it seemed like the kind of paradise Hyrule should have. It is, as Lord Mario told me, the easiest and simplest path to a utopia."[br]
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Zelda and Krystal began to hang their heads, fearing the implication he seemed to be making. The rest of Hyrule did the same. In Mushroom Kingdom, excited chatterings began to permiate throughout the crowds, as several Toadstools grabbed handfuls of confetti and prepared to throw it high into the air. The rest of the universe exchanged exasperated sighs and disheartened moans.[br]
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Mario, of course, cracked a haughty smile, and was about extend his hand to welcome Link when he started up again, apparently not quite finished with what he was saying.[br]
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"It is the easy way, to be sure," Link's voice was steadily growing in strength, "but...it is not the right way!"[br]
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Zelda's and Krystal's heads both shot back up as if lightning had zapped the back of their necks. Mario's smile became more hollow, as Link's words echoed in his ears. Everywhere else was hushed again.[br]
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"You may believe this empire of yours will bring about peace, but I see your world differently. That dream that you call 'peace'...is nothing more than tyranny! There can be no good to be gained in letting you achieve your ends!"[br]
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Mario's smile had already faded, and was replaced by an increasingly ugly scowl as Link continued on, "This past week, I have found the answer to what true peace is! It is compassion! It is kindness! It is understanding! These are the values that true peace is built upon!!"[br]
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Zelda and Krystal began to feel the flames of hope and courage burning in their chests, as Link's words continued to fuel their fiery hearts, "These are the same values that helped give birth to this kingdom, and the same values that I hold dear to my heart!! And it is these values that will create the peace and prosperity that I have dreamt of my entire life!!"[br]
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Mario had now become so furious that he forgot himself, and neglected to cut the cameras off. Link's message was being broadcast for all to hear as he reached his climax, "And so, as the Hero of Legend, the Guardian of Hyrule, and the Warrior of Courage," he said as he unsheathed his sword and pointed it right at Mario, "I defy your empire, and vow to defeat you with everything that I am!!!"[br]
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Upon Link's finishing that sentence, all of Hyrule erupted into a thunderous malestrom of supporting yells and hollers. Never before had Hyrule known a more wonderous occasion. With their Hero's shining example, they now had the strength to stand up against anything, even the Mushroom Empire. And drawing on this strength, every living being in Hyrule, Goron, Zora, and Hylian alike, shouted their united defiance to the Mushroom Empire.[br]
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Princess Zelda couldn't help but smirk at Mario as she crossed her arms and told him, "I think we all know where Hyrule stands, Mr. Mario."[br]
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Hyrule wasn't the only one celebrating, of course. In Pop Star, the enslaved citizens all cried out in rebellion as Link's words continued to reverberate off the walls in their minds. What would follow would be a planet wide riot that would take days to control. Back in their hiding place, Meta Knight's men were ecstatic with the news, dancing all about and shouting hearty battle cries at the TV. Meta Knight remained silent, but one could still tell, he was just joyous as his men were.[br]
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In the Lylat system, more specifically, Corneria, the cheers echoed out the windows of the captive populace as the Cornerians openly celebrated Hyrule's ultimate defiance. It would take the soldiers here even longer to fully control them. Meanwhile, Wolf's team remained rather reserved, but were openly impressed with Link's speech.[br]
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"Wha'dya know?" Leon commented, "The kid's got balls after all."[br]
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"Indeed," added Panther, "you hardly see courage such as his anymore."[br]
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"I've seen it before," Wolf said. Both Panther and Leon exchanged glances; they both knew who Wolf was referring to.[br]
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Of course, while the rest of the universe celebrated, Mushroom Kingdom became deathly silent, shocked beyond words to what they just witnessed. Whomever happened to bring confetti that day simply dropped them to the ground and stared at the screen, jaw-dropped and bug-eyed. There were those who heard Link's words and saw it as nonsense, but there were also those who listened, and remembered. Compassion, kindness, and understanding; there were those who knew these values, and had heard them before. These were ideals held by their once beloved Princess Peach, and with her memory now in their minds, they began to question Mario's methods.[br]
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***[br]
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Mario had just halted transmission and sent the Lakitus away, but this was too late. With Link's message already transmitted all over his empire, damage control was going to be hectic at best. But that wasn't the least of his concerns. Now, the Knights of Hope had recruited a new ally; one that Mario had only recently learned to fear. This made his completion of his dream all the more difficult, but not impossible. All that was needed now was to kill Link, and stomp out the resistance of the Hylians, and soon. It was then that he gave a thought to the ship above them. It wasn't the gauntlet, but would surely be enough to destroy them.[br]
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"You made a drastic mistake, my friend," Mario said, working to regain his composure, "By siding against me, you have sealed your fate, and your doom has been assured."[br]
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Link drew his shield and struck a defensive stance, "I think you'll find I'm most difficult to kill."[br]
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Krystal and Zelda also prepared for battle, Zelda conjuring a golden bow and arrow set, and Krystal pulling out her blaster. Mario's group also assumed battle poses, ready to attack, but Mario instead held them back, simply saying, "Hold. There's no need to waste our energies."[br]
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"But, sir-!" Dash tried to rebut, but Mario silenced him saying, "I certainly hope you aren't questioning my orders."[br]
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Dash and the others stood down, and Mario turned his attention back to Link's group.[br]
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"You're crazy if you think you can take all of us on your own," Krystal said forcefully.[br]
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"Silly girl," Mario replied calmly, "you forget what's hovering just above our-."[br]
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Mario wasn't able to finish his sentence, for at that moment, a giant explosion caught them all by surprise. At first, everyone ducked down out of instinct, then turned their heads upward in time to see the black ship lurch to the side as it's hull slowly turned ablaze. Mario was dumbstruck at first, but then surmised that the Haldberd had been in hiding.[br]
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Sure enough, not far from the black ship, the Haldberd materialized into sight as if from thin air. At the same time, two more figures became visible on the ground: one of them was Samus, the other was a man with black and grey camoflauge-styled suit and black headband.[br]
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"I have to say, Snake," Samus said as she aimed the gun-pod on her right hand at Mario, "these cloaking devices are pretty handy."[br]
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"Thought you'd like 'em," Snake replied, whipping out his own side arms and aiming right at Mario's head.[br]
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Link wasn't sure of what exactly just happened, but he knew enough to remember that Samus was on their side, so it stood to reason that her companion was with them as well.[br]
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"Looks like the odds are piling up against you," Link retorted.[br]
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Indeed, no truer words were spoken. With their ship no longer available to them, Mario and his men were stuck between the Haldberd above them, and the five fighters in front of them.[br]
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"This isn't over yet, boy!" Mario roared at them, then threw a fireball to the ground, creating a smoke bomb effect that blinded their opponents and gave Mario's group the chance to escape via wormhole.[br]
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After the smoke cleared, everyone scanned the area, and were most aggrivated that Mario escaped.[br]
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"Damn!" Snake cursed, "Should've seen that comin'."[br]
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"Do you think he left us for good?" Zelda asked hopefully.[br]
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"Doubt it," Samus replied, "Mario rarely gives up on a target after setting his sights on it."[br]
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"It doesn't matter," Link said determinedly, "when he comes, we'll make our stand."[br]
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"Jeez, kid, turn down the drama," Snake said incredulously, "I admire your courage, but there's no need to go all kamikaze on us."[br]
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"I think it'd be prudent to evacuate Hyrule before Mario comes back with reinforcements," Samus said.[br]
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"But escape to where?" Zelda asked.[br]
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"Don't worry," Krystal answered reassuringly, "the Knights of Hope were able to find a Dimensional Gap, where they were able to hide and plan their efforts. We've already evacuated one world; There'll be more than enough room to accomidate everyone in Hyrule."[br]
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Zelda remained silent for a while, then said, "I must speak with Princess Daisy if we wish to plan this out well."[br]
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***[br]
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You can imagine the surprise of the Gauntlet's bridge crew when a wormhole appeared and spit out Mario along with his three most powerful fighters. Wario was among those on the bridge, and so was the first to greet them, "Oh! Boss! I didn't expect you back 'til later. How come you-?"[br]
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Capt. Falcon immediately grabbed his throat, cutting him off, "If you wish to keep your neck, you'd better not finish that question."[br]
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Wario nodded frantically, to which Capt. Falcon dropped him to the floor. Mario, meanwhile, had taken his seat in the captain's chair, and barked at Wario, "Report!"[br]
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Wario, still coughing and sputtering, replied hoarsly, "We're *cough* almost done with repairs on the Gauntlet. We also have thirty ships on standby."[br]
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Mario then bellowed his orders, "Double the workload on the repairs! And contact fifteen of our strongest vessels and tell them to prepare for battle! We're going to take Hyrule by force!"[br]

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