Mario and iDOLMASTER Party Chapter 89 Part 1

CrystalPhoenixBlader here, bringing in another chapter to the fanfic! Behold, what with the dilemmas HairyBlob was facing, and the latest with me, of all people, getting caught in a car accident, as the victim this time, the hiatus has ended! So, back to the old grind!

Oh, and it’s disclaimer time again! I don’t own any of the Mario characters or the IDOLMASTER characters; the Mario characters belong to Nintendo and the IDOLMASTER characters belong to Namco Bandai. SO, shall we return to where we left off in the story?

...Oh, geez Louise, on the disclaimer bit I just went and sounded like Cilan... meh...

*Opening Theme: “KI-SE-KI” (by BeForU) (Dance Dance Revolution)*

**Mario & iDOLMASTER Party**
Chapter 89
"Saya, no swipin'!" Theft of the Crystal Coconut! A Secret Exposed!*

*Donkey Kong Island ~ Jungle Japes*

*Insert Theme: “Id ~ (Serenity)” (Fire Emblem: Awakening)*

"You know, there are better places than the ground for you to lie unconscious. Gimme your hand.”

These words still rang a bit in Producer-san’s mind as Benjamin picked him up and had him standing on the ground once again.... only for Miki to dash straight for the man for a hug, all teary eyed, yet happy that her Producer is well and healthy. “HONEYYYYYYYYY!!!”

“GWAH! M-Miki-chan...!” Producer-san yelped from the impact from the blonde Idol’s body as he fell on his back. And she wasn’t the only Idol who ran to him out of worry...

(Yukiho) “Pro-Producer...!”

(Ami & Mami) “NII-CHAAAAAN!”

(Haruka & Chihaya) “PRODUCER!”

“Producer's awake, Takane-san! He's regained consciousness!” Azusa alerted the silver haired Idol as they both walked to Producer-san with a smile. Takane too looked at Producer-san with a smile as she sighed a breath of relief. “Yokatta...”

"You alright?" Benjamin simply, yet clearly, asked the man, who responded with a smile and thanked the mysterious paragon. “Hai. Arigatou, Benjamin-san.”

“Haaaa, you're awake. So you're the reason for commotion.” Ritusko turned her attention to the awakened man, but then Iori had to make a quick remark right there! “About time you woke up, Baka Producer!”

“Grrgh...!” Producer-san sweated as that remark felt like salt on an open wound.
Mario, overhearing the conversation, walked past Ritsuko and smiled to see the man awake. “Well-a whaddya know?! How's-a it going? You feelin' better?”
The man looked at Mario’s bright blue eyes as he began to get himself together and spoke. “Mario-san... Mm... yeah, I am. What did I miss...?”

*End Theme, Insert Theme: “Run! Run! Run!” (Klonoa 2: Lunatea’s Veil)*

Kotori, quick to respond, went to Producer-san and explained what happened... in a very haphazard manner, as she was babbling in such an excited manner that everyone in the area just up and stared at her!

“Well, if you must know, after you went unconscious: Benjamin-san saved Krusha from drowning then D.K. broke the barrel holding Tiny Kong. After getting introduced, we found you lying unconscious on the ground, Benjamin-san sensed it was due to a traumatic memory snapping your awareness out to sleep...”

Producer-san winced as the words “traumatic memory” caught him off guard, but sure enough, before he could say a word, she continued her excitement filled banter...

“..And then five of these Cultists from the monster-summoning Cult appeared and summoned Ghosts to attack us and we got to fight back as Solbert-san carried you through the entire battle...”

“The Cultists attacked us?! And Solbert-san carried me while I was conked out?” Producer-san dropped his jaw to the floor at the mention of the Cultists. The man then picked up his jaw and put it back into place as he looks at Solbert, which the elder gentlemanly violet-skinned demon butler scoffs and looks away as his response. He decided to ask the butler later as his focus was back on Kotori, who was still chatting away.

“Benjamin-san killed one crazy Cultist, one ran away, while the remaining ones got killed off by their superior who threatened us after he left for whatever hole he crawled out of. After that Benjamin lifted the curse on the castle and we got back to the party!”

*End Theme with Sound Effect: “Ding!”*

Team Mario and the Idols look at Kotori, wide-eyed with amazement at how much of a chatterbox she was in her excitement, heck, even a normal social butterfly would not even compare to her right now! Kotori looked at the group in confusion for a bit before she realized her own goof-up and responded in one way she knew how... apologizing! “S-Sumimassen!”

“What a talkative woman, being named a bird...” Daisy sweated, having to wonder if she even paid attention. However, that was not needed as Peach simply stepped in and spoke. “That's basically the story there, Producer.”
Convinced enough of what just happened, Producer-san wisely decided to just cut to the chase and ask his next question. “What of the party?”

*Insert Theme: “Koopa Tutorials” (Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga)* (A version of the Super Mario Bros. theme used for tutorials!)

“You have been unconscious until the 25th Turn.” Lunabel informed Producer-san, which shocked him so much that his black hair stood on end, as if jolted down his spine by a small spark of electricity. “The- THE 25TH TURN?! What have the Idols been doing on the board?!”

Soon enough, the maid put a fully detailed report in  monotone tone on what had happened after the time in Creepy Castle and what has happened since then... in a manner of speaking. “On Turn 21; Idols Makoto and Yumeko landed on Blue Spaces. Idol Yayoi had landed on the Red ? Space which they call the Disaster Space, causing a Klap Trap to knock her off the bridge was standing on and put her on a different space by the shore. And Idol Hibiki landed on the ‘Bowser Space’ and lost a Star.”

Sure enough, Yayoi sadly pouted as she seemed a little drenched in river water, as Producer-san spoke. “Poor Yayoi-chan... Wait! B-Bowser was here?! And he can steal someone's Star?!”

“Sadly he was...” Ritsuko was pretty much fuming as she answered that question out of the blue. Luigi, remembering how sad Hibiki was, then took his turn to comment on that small fiasco caused by the Koopa King with a clear groan. “And he can steal Stars when Bowsa's Wheels o' Fate picks a ‘Charity’ choice.”

Benjamin too was not pleased, as he was growling at the thought of Bowser having his way with Hibiki against her will. (At least it didn’t get worse...)

“Turn 22; Idol Yayoi found a Hidden Box and earned 20 Banana Coins. Idol Hibiki landed on Donkey Kong's Space and earned a Star to replace the one the enemy, King Bowser, had stolen from her last turn.” Lunabel continued her report on what has happened, which lightened the mood on Producer-san’s face as he looked at Hibiki, who responded with a grin. The man sighed and spoke. “Oh, that's good news.”
“Hey, at least she's feeling better just as you are!” The voice of Donkey Kong echoed through the Producer’s ears as the man saw the necktied ape and Cranky Kong walk close.

“Donkey Kong! Cranky-san!” Producer-san called out to the two apes upon seeing them. Cranky, walking closer to the man, decided to spare the man a good bop on the head with his cane as he smiled. “Had a good nap, I hope. You sure are lucky to survive that onslaught back at Creepy Castle, thanks to your friends and Donkey Kong, youngster. It's really not normal for something like that to happen to someone like you before something dark and violent happens next.”
“H-Hai...” Producer-san sweated nervously, not wanting to give the old ape a reason to give a lecture.

“On the 23rd Turn—“ Lunabel then nonchalantly decided to continue her report, but...

“LUNABEL. That's enough."

“Apologies, Master.” Lunabel stopped her report short in front of Benjamin, who has clearly had enough catching up, and bowed.

*End Theme, Insert Theme: “Newton Belduke ~ Twilight Memories” (Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney)* (I saw the breakdown involved with this theme on Youtube... so sad...)

“Producer-san?” This time, it was Xiaomu who asked the question. Producer-san looked at the Sage Fox, who made a serious gaze on the man and asked. “I must apologize for asking this, but... Did anything happen in your sub conscious while you were unconscious? Did you experience any... bad memories?”

...The man did not say a word, giving Xiaomu enough reason to believe that the man may have experienced such memories without even saying a word. Sure enough the Idols turn back to Producer-san, looking very concerned with what may have happened in his past, with Yukiho and Miki at the most-point the most worried; the least obviously was Iori, who still had this skeptical look in her eyes that obviously said “As if this Baka Producer had any bad memories!” ...If only she knew the dark ominous truth behind the man’s memories...

“Xiaomu.” Reiji looked at his partner while crossing his muscular arms, enough to tell the Sage Fox that Producer-san was not ready to tell. The 765-year-old fox girl smiled and reassured the man as she put her hands on her hips. “It's okay. You don't have to tell us right away.”

“Arigatou, Xiaomu.” Producer-san smiled at the Shinra agent and nodded as he got himself back up.

“Well, looks like the last Turn is halfway done!” Cranky spoke as the participants from Team Mario learned that their last turn on this area has come, and that the Idols just made their move. Mario looked at his old former rival and agreed on the spot. “Cranky's right!”

“Let's go back and watch this to the last bit, everyone.” Peach announced as everyone went back to the board to continue what remained of the party... well, almost everyone...

*End Theme, Insert Theme: “The Vaike never forgets! I just don’t always remember!” (Fire Emblem: Awakening)*

Ryou was looking at Producer-san and then turned to her older cousin and spoke. “Ritsuko-neechan, that Producer is really more special than any of us thought.”

“He sure is...” Ritsuko agreed with her younger cousin. But then, as if from out of nowhere, Cranky began to eye Ryou suspiciously, and he taps his cane on her arm to get the 876 Idol's attention.

“Wah?! Cranky-san, what is the deal?” Ryou yelped at the old ape, also getting Ritsuko’s attention as she glared at Cranky Kong. “Cranky-san... are you harassing my cousin?”

“There was always something bothering me, and I'm not talking about my back, it's about you two that's bothering me. Mostly, it's about you, weasel.” Cranky, his eyes actually sharpened despite his old age, spoke as his gaze looked at Ryou, who froze in shock. “Ehhhh?!”

“Now, just hold on a minute, Cranky-san!” Ritsuko tried to protest, but Cranky waved his left hand as he... smiled? “Now, now! None of you are in trouble. Follow me, I know a pathway that can keep us out of earshot. We'll continue our little chat THERE.” Soon enough the cousin Idols follow Cranky to wherever he's leading them. However, what Cranky did not seem to expect was for Eri and AI to spot them leave the scene with pure curiosity in their minds.

“Where is Ryou-kun and Ritsuko-san following Cranky-san to?” Eri asked in confusion, with her pal equally in the dark as she made her suggestion. “Who knows but it looks private. Let's check it out.” With that, the two friends sneak quietly and slowly tailed them..

*End Theme, Insert Theme: “The Hidden Garden” (Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney)*

Producer-san began to stretch for a moment as he had to get himself back together following his fainting.

"Xiaomu's right, Broducer man, you'll have to tell them about those memories, sooner, later or eventually, Little Boy." Benjamin spoke in a soft tone to the man, which at first made the man retort in response before realizing something off. “I'm not a little boy, Benja-- Wait, WHAT?!”

"I've seen your memories, young man. I've seen you before during my visits to your Omnidimensional Universe and your world before... and I remember you now. You were the same young boy who ran out of the cemetery after accidental supposed, quote on 'murder' off quote, death of your best friend who couldn't swim, as well as you bawlin' like the little kid you were at your older brother's funeral." Benjamin sharply pointed out to the man who froze on the spot as he began to sweat and stare at the enigma that is Benjamin. “Sonna... you can't be... that man in black from those times?”

Benjamin held out his hand in a way that clearly told the man to stop right in his face before he spoke again. “Stop. ... That accident wasn't your fault and you shouldn't blame yourself for that, forever even above all. All those events were predetermined in the flow of your world's Margin of Fate and one of the endless possibilities that birth other worlds and events leading to more countless possibilities."

“What if they..” Producer-san began to speak again, this time out of fear for what may happen to the Idols if the black hearted, dark-sided assassins of the NAS cult were to interfere again, only for Benjamin to quickly and willfully shoot that possibility out of the sky. “STOP. ... They won't. I promise you that."

“*Sigh* I don't know, Benjamin-san.” Producer-san still seemed a little reluctant, to say the least, but surely the man was NOT ready for what Benjamin had to say next, straight out of the blue.

“Well, they love you, don't they?"

“N-N-NANI?!?!?!” Producer-san was pretty much blushing feverishly as he began to flail in a frantic manner, only to be left vulnerable when Benjamin spoke again. "And you love them too, right? You can't hide it all from me."

“WAAAAAUGH, WHY ARE YOU SAYING SUCH THINGS?!?!?!” Producer-san was in complete panic as his eyes were spinning in circles in a swirl and he was still flailing his arms! And to top it all off, without him noticing, Miki, Hibiki and Takane were just going to get the man, only to stop and overhear the conversation... with a few quiet blushes.

Benjamin then quickly, yet calmly, reverted to his human form and placed his hand on the man’s shoulder. “Just calm yourself, man."

The man managed to calm down a small bit before opening his mouth. “Geez, w-why are you bringing up l-l-l-love out of the blue all of a sudden?!”

*End Theme*

"Why'd be so worried about the best thing life has to offer to every mortal? I swear, you Japanese youngsters amaze with your unadultered, modest shyness or aversion to love. Me, however? I am different. After my lonely voyages as different people at different times and places in different worlds, planets, omniverses and omnidimensions...” The omnidimensional being sighs and paces around Producer-san, his expression changing from bewilderment to a face combined in sternness and sadness. “Why don't I enlighten your spirit and soul with a valuable life lesson I offered to one and many alike... 'The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and loved in return...'”

The enigma then began to whisper in the man’s ear the last piece of important advice he has at the moment, as he felt the time was right for the time being. “That is my piece of immortal wisdom that shall be etched and burned upon your very immortal being... you'd do your best to remember that while there is still time to love them all before you and them bear witness to something you'll both regret..."

*Insert Theme: “Nature Boy ~ Instrumental” (Moulin Rouge ~ 2004 version)*

Without a look back, the enigma that is Benjamin walks away and transforms back into his Mandrill form. Producer-san, still blushing, froze as the words Benjamin spoke chilled his skin to the soul; goosebumps appeared as he watched him walk somberly away, wondering why Benjamin would speak wistfully about love and regretting something that both he and the Idols may decide one day. The man slightly snapped out of his dumbstruck stupor as he uttered these words quietly. “Something me and the Idols... will regret?”

Miki, Hibiki and Takane just stand there blushing from this love-talk, their hearts beating constantly in a ‘doki-doki’ rhythm. Takane, realizing there is a time and place to think these thinks with a more clear visage, decided to shrug it off for now as she continues eating her shrimp ramen... yep, she pulled one out again!

Miki, however, was pretty much in lala-land as she closed her eyes and started swooning with hearts hovering above her. “Nnnnn~...` Honey, how much do you love meeeee?” And soon enough, she began to drool, for goodness sakes! “I lub you dis muuuuch...! Afuu...”

Lastly, Hibiki seemed to be the most concerned as all she could do is watch Benjamin walk away, wondering what he was doing, and, more importantly, why he was upset with love. And as to be expected, these feelings began to tug at her heartstrings like a harp being played with a sorrowful tune of saddened melancholy...

*End Theme*

Deciding for now to refocus her attention for the time being, Hibiki began to holler out to the man. “Producer!” Sure enough, she succeeded to get his attention. “The Last Turn is almost over! You don't wanna miss out!”

“I'll be right over there!” Producer-san hollered back to the Idol from Okinawa as he began to contemplate on what Benjamin said, feeling this is very important.. at least to the adventure in the entirety.

*Insert Theme: “Going My Way” (Fire Emblem: The Blazing Sword) ( I don’t have the game, and Serra is cute... but she won’t shut up. Found out through the fanfic “Whom She Found” by Assassin of Shadows by the way. Nice fanfic.)*

Roy Koopa and Morton Koopa Jr. wait in the shrubbery by the side of the path at the time. Roy decided to have a quiet conversation with Bowser Jr. through his walkie-talkie, while Morton... was just taking the time napping, dreaming about delicious delicacies, the gluttonous brute...
“Let the next chocolate cake have strawberry icing and cream... Mmhrgh...” And sure enough, here is the proof of Morton’s appetite in his dreams!

“Cut us some slack, Junior! This ambush will go off without a hitch as—“ Roy tried to reason with a peeved Bowser Jr.. who did NOT seem to believe that the two Koopalings even know what the concept of stealth even means as his cute yet menacing glare was easily seen on the communication screen.

“Roy! This ambush is stale as my last bag of evil cookies from 3 days ago! Stale as it is STUPID!”
Sure enough, the Koopa Prince’s remark sent Roy boiling mad. “GRRRRGH... I swear... if you NEVER were born, your King Dad would NEVER have put YOU in charge of ME and the rest of the Koopalings... And when I get back--!”

*Bowser’s Castle ~ Throne Room*

Sure enough, the threat did not phase Bowser Jr. one bit as he made his counterstrike. “Hey. Before you go and make up nasty hurty things you could do to me, my papa is right next to me with Kamek and Kammy.”

Sure enough, the devious Koopa Prince was telling the truth as Bowser is present just sitting on his throne with Kamek on his right and Kammy on the left, tapping the chair arm with his sharp claws, an eyebrow raised as the other is locked in his personal trademarked evil scowl as he eyed the screen.

*Donkey Kong Island ~ Jungle Japes*

Back to Roy and Morton, Kamek this time had his two Coins to say his comment to the pink headed Koopaling. “Master Roy, you weren't thinking of giving a beatdown upon the Future King of the Koopas. HMMMM?” The Magikoopa then raised his eyebrow as he finished his sentence. “Surely you have been taught better.”

“Ahh... Uhm..” Roy began to stammer and sweat like silly at how serious the conversation has gotten. “I-I WON'T forget you when I get back...” Afterwards, Roy gave a slight growl, thinking personally that Kamek may have gotten a bit pig-headed...

“Master Morton, Master Roy, we confirmed visual of targets heading this way.” A Crystill Koopatrol alerted the two Koopalings, having to wake up the snoozing Morton by shaking him!

“Snrk... Wh-Wha...?” The dark brown Koopaling was startled awake from the shaking as his snot bubble on his nostril just popped and he had a bit of drool leaking from his mouth, only for Roy to silence him. “Huh? Quiet...” With that they look at the side and see Cranky walking their way with Ritsuko and Ryou behind him.

“Mwa huhuhuhuhuh, will you look at that...” Morton whispered with glee to Roy, who returned his smile with one of his own. “It would be even better if the rest could come, but... Hehehe...”

“Yeah, this will be easy... but we'll take what we can get. Silence, everyone!” Morton silently gave the order as the Koopa Troop present in the area went on watch.

*Bowser’s Castle ~ Throne Room*

Bowser was pretty much pressing buttons on his throne as he asked Kammy. “Remind me who these two are?”
Kammy began to recall from the files obtained about the Idols in general as she gave her answer. “If I recall from the files, the one young lady in green is 765 Producer and Idol; Ritsuko Akizuki. And the other one next to her is her cousin, Ryou, from 876 Pro and member of Dearly Stars.”

“Ritsuko Akizuki, she was that one the ones I wanted from the beginning... and then she sudden started yelling at me at the Center of the Universe..” Bowser began to recall of the bespectacled Idol back in when Rosalina hosted the event in the cosmos... before having a flood of tears from what happened. “My poor master plan... down a bunch of Black Holes!!!”

The Koopa King quickly then snapped out of his crying state as he then thought of Ryou and the fact that there was something about the Idol that confused him. “But... that Ryou... at the previous party, there was something about her that threw me off... Hmmm...”

“Papa? What could it be, Papa?” Bowser Jr. noticed his father scratch his chin in thought, to which the dreaded had decided his strategy for the moment as his focus was now purely on Ryou for the moment. “Hmmmm... We'll have to keep our eyes on her from now on...”

*Donkey Kong Island ~ Jungle Japes*

Back to Roy and Morton, the two Koopalings were beginning to get anxious and excited as the two Idols seemed to be getting closer to the bushes from where they were hiding behind.

(Roy) “C'mon... c'mon...”
(Morton) “Just a little closer...”

Cranky, who was leading the two cousins, stopped a few feet away as he spoke. “Here, this spot should suffice.”

*End Theme*

“Okay.” Ritsuko and Ryou respond at the same time as they face the Kong elder... a couple of feet away from the two Koopalings... not enough range for their ambush!

*Insert Jingle: “Sad Trumpet”*

The two Koopalings drop their jaws at this unforeseen outcome. Morton was unable to pull his jaw from the dirt, while Roy started to have anger veins pop up in anger. “What?! Why'd they stop?!”

*Insert Theme: “The Vaike never forgets! I just don’t always remember!” (Fire Emblem: Awakening)*

Ritsuko began to glare at the old ape and was beginning to lose her patience as she was tapping her foot on the ground. “Alright, Cranky-san. What is the point of bringing me and Ryou to such a secluded space and what does this have to do with Ryou?”

“Well, the kid's your cousin, right? Then you both must know your own family more than your own friends, riiiight?” Cranky spoke, knowing exactly what he is saying to the two Idols, which, fortunately for the ape, Ritsuko paid attention. “Hai.”

“H-Hai! That's true!” Ryou too had piad attention to the Kong elder turned his attention away from Ryou and focused on Ritsuko next. “Then do you think I wouldn't pick a spot away from everyone so that your cousin wouldn't have to share a secret with them that doesn't want to be shared?”
“Huh?” Ritsuko wondered what Cranky was getting at, to which Ryou seemed to get the idea... “You're right, why-- WAIT...”

*End Theme with Record Scratch sound*

“Where are you getting at?” ...Or maybe not!

(Narrator-san) “Cranky, what the *coin* are you thinking?!”

“You know, that Benjamin guy once said the moment that Jump Man-- er, I mean, MARIO! When Mario came by to visit you at work, he realized that both our worlds' timelines separated the moment he arrived.” Cranky pointed out an odd fact he knew, only for Ritsuko to respond by saying what she actually knows. “That was Prof. Gadd's prototype Dimensional Pipe, according to Mario-san, that came first, actually. Why are you changing the subject?”

“Then they still will never know in the original timeline, won't they. After I tell you what I know..” Cranky spoke as he suddenly opened his eyes and pointed his cane at Ryou. “...about you, youngster...”

“Ehh?!” Ryou yelped, but he was left completely off guard for the accusation that Cranky was itching to throw out. “HEY! Did you really think with looks like these, you think you can fool THIS wise old monkey's eyes, young lady?! Or should I say, YOUNG MAN?!”

*Insert Sound Effects: “Explosion”, “Exclamation Point” (Metal Gear Solid)*

(Ryou) “EEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHH?!?!?!?!?!”

(Ritsuko) “N-NANI?!?!?!”

(Narrator-san) “AAAAHHH!!!”

*To be continued in Part 2...*