Shake and Oddity's CYOA

Khintari Sector Cloud glanced at Auron, “You’re right. We just can’t hunt Bowser down, who knows where he is? He might set up a trap for us. The best choice is to simply let the beast come to us!” “But what kind of trap should we set?” Squall asked. Knuckles spoke up, “Well, I hang around Sonic a lot. It’s no secret that he has the biggest mouth anybody’s ever seen. I pick up things. If you want, I could try calling Bowser out.” Cloud thought it over, “That’s a good idea, Knuckles. I’ve heard Sonic run on a time or two, he could make a block of ice melt in hot fury. Then we’ll just need to find a good location for ambush!.” “Outside this tavern is perfect,” Ken interjected, “That’s the town square. There are many alleys to hide in, he’ll never see us coming.” Embers burned in his eyes. Auron looked at Ken, “Calm her down, we need to go. The sun is setting!” Ken soothed Jill and told her what they were going to do. She nodded with a broken look in her eyes. The party left her to her grief as the solemn warriors headed out to do battle. Outside the Prancing Pony Knuckles was strolling around the square, working his mouth, “Hey, BOWSER! I hear you’re the fat man around here, come on out you chicken**** coward! You know what I heard about your mom, fat head? I heard your mom… “ Cloud let the rave wash over him. They had decided to use two groups for the ambush in alleys on opposite sides of the square. Knuckles’s job was to get Bowser between those two alleys, then the trap would close and he would be slaughtered from all directions. Cloud had to stare real hard to see the outlines of his other two comrades, but he could tell their heads were turned to him, awaiting the signal. It was a simple plan, but simple plans had less ways to screw up. Cloud looked to his partner, Ken, “Not until my order, Ken. Remember that!” Ken was with Cloud because he was a new member to the Alliance. Ken hadn’t yet mastered the hand signals that were used to give silent commands. Cloud turned his full attention back to Knuckles, again, he had to be ready to make his move. Knuckles seemed to be pacing impatiently as he hurled his dirty insults. Although he didn’t look like he was watching every detail around him, he was. Knuckles was just letting his mouth run, not really thinking about what he said, much like Sonic. But he was wary; Bowser could come from any direction. Suddenly, some part of Knuckles’ mind he didn’t fully understand went cold. Knuckles dove to the right suddenly for no reason; he had learned to trust his instincts. Where he had been before was a hellish inferno. Knuckles turned to see Bowser close his mouth, ending the fiery death he had just breathed. He was just what Jill said, a monster. His shell had spikes all over it and his tail had them as well. Seeing Bowser’s horned visage was like looking at cruelty. His voice was raspy, “Close that mouth, rodent! Know your betters!” Knuckles curled into a ball and started revving up, “Betters? You’re not fit to eat with my dog!” Bowser cackled, “Gwahohohohohoho! What are you doing, bigmouth?! Spinning? I’m real scared! Gwahohohohoho!” Knuckles let all the speed go and crashed into Bowser’s hard stomach. Bowser didn’t move an inch as Knuckles rebounded and landed right in front of the beast. Bowser’s fist caught the Echidna right under the jaw and sent him flying through the air. Good, he sent me past the alleys! He has to pass them to get to me. Now if only I can cajole him to come a little closer instead of using that hellish breath he has… Knuckles feigned weakness, “*cough* Did those children offend you too, you bastard?” That nasty chuckle greeted him, “Gwahohohohoho! They were tasty! They were yummy in my tummy! Gwahohohohoh-“ “HADOKEN!” A wave of energy crashed into Bowser sending him end over end. Ken sprinted to finish the turtle off. DAMMIT! Not now, you idiot! That will make it a head on battle! Cloud cursed himself for not keeping better control of Ken. He should have known… In a split second Cloud had evaluated the situation, he made gestures telling Auron and Squall what to do. Auron started sprinting towards Bowser as well, trying to catch up to Ken. “LIGHTNING!” Squall and Cloud spoke at the same time, raining forked bolts on the horrible creature. Bowser was momentarily stunned, both by the suddenness of all these attacks and the lightning. But he quickly recovered and got up, he was ready when Auron and Ken reached him. He used one hand to grab Ken’s fist and the other to grab Auron’s sword. Any normal sword Bowser would have been able to catch, but this sword was none other than the legendary Murasame. It severed three of Bowser’s fingers. Bowser howled in rage and swept his body around at incredible speed. His tail swept the two warriors’ feet right out from under them bringing them to the ground. Then he quickly sidestepped and put his massive paw out in the air. He caught Knuckles in midair, who had been charging at him in an attempt to put pure speed behind a single punch to the face, and used the Echidna’s speed as momentum to spin the animal around. Auron had just gotten up when the Echidna’s head bashed into his own with incredible force. Both warriors were out cold. “SHORYUKEN!” Ken cried as he performed a flaming upper cut into Bowser’s jaw. The turtle flew up into the air but landed on his feet, using his good hand, he grabbed Ken by his training uniform and lifted him off the ground only to bring the warrior crashing back into it face first. Cloud and Squall had finished storing their energy “FLARE!” Both Flares hit the dinosaur at the same time and he screamed in agony. Bowser could feel the flesh peeling off of him because of the heat generated by these devastating spells. He retreated into this shell in order to protect himself from the burns. By the time the spells were finished, Bowser’s shell was black and starting to curl from the incredible heat. Squall looked at Cloud, “I’m glad that’s over! Ken shouldn’t have broken cover!” He spoke too soon. “YOU WANT TO USE MAGIC!?” A voice screamed from inside the shell! “LET ME SHOW YOU MY MAGIC, WORMS!” Bowser’s shell rose into the air. “WALL!” Both warriors shielded themselves at once, though neither had known what the other would do. His shell began to spin, faster and faster. The warriors began to get anxious wondering what horrible spell was coming their way. In an instant the gargantuan twirling horror sped towards Squall at an incredible speed. Squall’s mind was in shock, but his instincts were true. At seemingly the last second he tried to leap out of the way. Unfortunately, he wasn’t quick enough. A spike raked across his chest and such was the speed and angle that Squall was sent flying into the building immediately behind him. He did not rise. As soon as Cloud had seen the spinning shell move his sword was out. When Squall was sent flying the monstrosity veered towards him. Cloud readied his trusty buster sword. Cleave Cloud swung his mighty blade with all the might he had and for the first time in his life, the blade failed him. It was jarred from his fingers as the unstoppable momentum of Bowser crashed into it. Luckily for Cloud his strike partially deflected the monster’s course, otherwise his head would have found a new home on Bowser’s shell. As it turned out, only the smooth underbelly of Bowser struck his head, and then Cloud knew only darkness. The destructive twirling of Bowser’s shell finally stopped and finally the fell titan dared to come out. His extremities were badly burned and blackened. Skin was peeling off of his monstrous face. He grinned. “Why are you here!?” A voice shouted. Bowser turned to face the challenger, “What are you talking about, pretty boy?” Ken’s nose was broken and he had two black eyes, but he was still standing, “WHY DID YOU COME HERE!? WHY DID THESE PEOPLE DESERVE THIS!?” Bowser simply laughed, “Gwahohohohohoho! Alright, you’re about to die anyways so I’ll tell you. When Master Link rose to power, he started the Consolidation. He sent troops all across the city to bring order to the chaotic masses. When the troops of order came to this city, they were slain by that stupid ape you undoubtedly saw on your way into town. The townspeople should have rightfully stood up against this Ape who dared to disturb the peace. But they did nothing, even celebrated him as a hero. Master Link could not afford to show his displeasure at that time, he had far too many other problems on his hands. But he remembered. He commissioned Sigma to create me, the ultimate killer. I am the punishment this sector must face for its sins. Like a divine fist I have brought Master Link’s judgment to these people. Now, you have lived entirely long enough! Come face me, maggot!” Bowser blew fire at the haggard warrior. “SHIN HADOKEN” screamed Ken and a massive ball of energy surged through the flames, coming for Bowser. The monster sidestepped at the last possible moment. The martial artist charged the beast and utilized every formidable move he knew against the turtle demon. But Bowser was too fast, dodging the blows in defiance of simple physics. In an abrupt move Bowser’s good hand shot out and grasped Ken’s throat. The monster squeezed as he lifted the battered combatant off the ground. Ken struggled to remove the beast’s powerful hand, but he was losing strength too fast. Things were fading to black. A shot rang out through the air and Bowser’s grip loosened. Ken’s gaze never left Bowser’s face. He watched as Bowser’s eye and a quarter of his face erupted in blood. “It wasn’t … supposed … to be like this!” The monster gasped. And then he collapsed to the earth, his once mighty body now lifeless. Ken was shocked to see Jill Valentine, standing at the entrance to her tavern, a smoking gun in her hand. “Is he really dead, Ken?” The rest of the party was stirring and regaining consciousness. Ken merely glanced at the corpse before telling her, “There’s no way he’s alive, Jill…” Jill looked into his eyes, “Good, now I can rest in peace...” “Yah you can… WAIT, JILL NO!” Ken screamed. Jill put the gun to her mouth and put her lips on the muzzle. The world stood still for the deafening sound of thunder. GOD JILL NO! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?” Ken sprinted to her now prone body, tears flowing freely from his eyes. He cradled her body in his arms, “What did you do, Jill? WHY!?” He noticed the rest of the party recovering from their injuries and their shock. “Cloud, Squall! You guys know magic, HEAL HER, PLEASE! I BEG OF YOU!” Cloud walked up to him and put his hand on Ken’s shoulder, “I’m sorry, Ken. Nothing can heal death.” “But… SHE WAS INNOCENT! GOD, JILL, WHY!?” Ken looked into her face and his tears fell on her cheeks. Cloud wanted to help him, but nobody in the party had known him long enough. “I think we should leave him to his grief… Let’s get some rest guys. I know me and Squall are exhausted from all the magic we’ve used.” Before he went in Cloud healed Ken’s face. “I’m truly sorry Ken.” The part filed into the tavern, each touching Ken on the shoulder in turn, showing their support. As they passed Ken could only gaze up at the unforgiving sky. The Next Day Cloud and the rest awoke the next morning, discovering that Ken had never come in. “I didn’t think he would…” commented Knuckles. They all walked out of the tavern to find Ken asleep with his legs crossed, looking up at the sky, and with Jill in his lap. He had crossed her arms over her chest but disturbingly had left her eyes wide open. Cloud didn’t like it, but they were on a mission, “Ready to go, Ken?” Ken opened his eyes and looked at the party leader. Cloud’s eyes widened, his gaze quickly darted to Jill and then back to Ken. … No difference… Their eyes are exactly the same… Ken’s voice was hollow, “Will it bring us any closer to killing Link?” Cloud considered the man in front of him, “Yes.” “I’m good,” and with that Ken gently closed Jill’s eyes, put her on the ground, and started trudging towards the Western Border. “Squall, talk to him. There’s something in him that is gone now. I need you to try and find whatever that is…” Cloud hated himself, “We need him.” Western Border Territory Squall had been talking with Ken but to no effect. He seemed to be dead to the world. No sooner had the party entered the Western Border Territory than two warriors leapt out of the shadows. One of them had a strangely simian face as well as a tail. He wielded two long blades, but for the moment they were both sheathed at each hip. The other wore a white cape and a shroud covered his face. He carried a katana on his back. “Who are you and what business do you have in the Den of Thieves?” The simian one’s eyes danced mischievously. Cloud introduced the party’s members and told the thief they were envoys of the Alliance. “And who, may I ask, am I addressing?” The simian spoke up, “Heh. I’m Zidane. That’s Edge, a ninja.” The other warrior nodded his head. Knuckles inquired, “Who’s the third?” Edge looked at him quizzically, “What third?” Auron nodded towards the shadows, “The one with the hat.” Zidane smirked, “Oy, Vivi! Our friends don’t seem to appreciate your hiding. Come on out!” A new warrior stepped into the light. Everybody was taken aback at the sight of Vivi. He wore a black coat and carried a staff, he was also extremely short compared to everybody else. He wore a large, pointed hat that covered his whole head—if that is, head was the word that was needed. Beneath the hat was only darkness and two yellow orbs that were probably his eyes. Zidane turned to Cloud, his eyes were hard, “I’m impressed. Not many people see our little buddy here.” His words were nice but his smile seemed forced. Auron just stared Zidane right back in the eye, “So can we see Ganondorf?” Zidane gripped the hilts of his blades tightly. Vivi stepped forward and put a hand on his arm. Zidane looked down at Vivi and his manner softened, he turned back to Auron, “Yah, sure. Everybody knows the boss hates Link!” Zidane and his entourage lead the party through the endless maze of buildings. Eventually, they entered a building and started climbing stairs. Eventually they reached the roof, where a cold eyed man, also with two blades at his hips, conversed with a bearded, white-haired old man. An extremely muscular man stood with his arms crossed by the man with two blades. Zidane came fully up on the roof while the party stayed behind on the stairs, Zidane’s comrades stood on either side of him, “Oy, Boss—“ “Shut up, Zidane, I’m in the middle of a meeting,” The man with cold eyes responded. Knuckles watched as Zidane’s smile turned steely, obviously trying to conceal his true emotions, “But, Boss, these are GUESTS! Requested to see you, I might add!” Ganondorf raised his eyebrows, “Guests? We don’t have guests you stupid lout! We have victims!” Zidane’s eyes were hard, “These guys are envoys of the Alliance. I thought you might make an exception…” “The Alliance?! Heh…. let them come the rest of the way up!” Cloud could immediately see that Ganondorf was a harsh master, he hadn’t even apologized for his wrongful tongue lashing. Cloud and his compatriots stood before Ganondorf and introduced themselves. “Heh. So you’ve finally come, I was wondering if you would. I see you’ve already met my worthless second-in-command Zidane. This fellow here may look frail, and old, but he possesses powerful magic,” Ganondorf nodded to the old man he had been discussing things with, “His name is Tellah. He is my oldest friend, we learned magic together, you know. Now, he is my closest advisor. And this man over here,” Ganondorf gestured at the brawny man, “Is my hatchet man, Sabin. He’s extremely useful to me. He does most of my dirty work.” “He’s also our resident musclebrain!” Zidane snickered. Sabin glared at him, “Shut up Zidane! Nobody asked you!” Edge put his hand on the hilt of his blade, “Silence your tongue, Sabin. Remember who you’re talking to!” Vivi turned his orbs on Sabin as well, and somehow managed to radiate an aura of menace. Tellah’s eyes flitted back and forth between the arguing thieves, “Yes, why don’t we put this off till later? So, Cloud is it?” Cloud nodded, “Have you come to ask our help, then?” Cloud looked at Ganondorf, “Yes. Will you help us? I know you have no love for Link.” Ganondorf grinned, “Finally, the Alliance realizes that it is worthless without us. Yes, we will help you, I will see Link dead.” Zidane spoke up, “I’m not so sure about this, boss. We hardly know these people how can we trust—“ That wiped Ganondorf’s smile right off of his face, “Silence!” he bellowed, “You are my dog, Zidane! A dog’s place is not to question, it is to obey!” Zidane let his grin fade. For an instant his eyes cut to Tellah, and then quickly darted back to Ganondorf, “You might want to reconsider your choice of words, Ganondorf!” Ganondorf’s eyes widened, “DID YOU JUST CALL ME BY MY NAME!? SHUT YOUR DAMN TRAP, ZIDANE! DON’T YOU KNOW WHEN TO BE QUIET!?” Zidane boiled with rage, “I think your time as Leader of the Thieves is done, Ganondorf!” With those words, silence fell. In an instant the challenge had been raised. Tension hung thick in the air as the two parties squared off. Zidane, Vivi, and Edge stared across the roof at Ganondorf, Sabin, and Tellah. An ominous wind fell from the sky and ruffled everybody’s clothes. Ganondorf laughed, “Heh… the wind… it is blowing…” Choice 1: What should the party do? 1) This is Thieves’ business. Leave them to it and then try and ally yourself with the winner. 2) Try to forge an alliance between Ganondorf’s faction and Zidane’s in the interest of defeating Link. CHOSEN 3) Hang back and let them start fighting. When a winner becomes clear, side with them and finish it, hopefully the winners will be grateful and will ally with you. 4) Stand beside Zidane. 5) Stand beside Ganondorf. Author: Shake Back Home