Insanity (Mario)

Chapter 12

"Kaira, I have a proposition for you," Pauline purred. "And I think you'll like it."

"If it has anything to do with you, I'm not falling for it again," Kaira muttered. "Until Saiko comes back, I'm not going to obey you at all."

"Well lucky for you, this idea is about her."

Kaira's eye shot open. She eyed Pauline suspiciously.

"Your lies mean nothing to me."

"I admit, my last trick wasn't the nicest," Pauline mused.

"Yeah. You only made me train Daisy for two weeks and when she won, you didn't fulfill your end of the promise. And then, you took my eye. So yeah, your last trick wasn't exactly the nicest." Kaira glared at Pauline.

"Careful. With that attitude, I won't give you what you want," Pauline threatened. "So I'd be careful what you say around me."

"Yeah, right," Kaira shot back. "You need me
just as much as I need you. So you can stop pretending you have this superior air over me. We all know he would kill you if you didn't do what he said."

"I do hold authority, you know," Pauline answered, annoyed. "We work together. He listens to most, if not all, of my suggestions even if they disobey his own."

"Yeah, but the leader wants us together, doesn't he?" Kaira sneered. "And you can't disobey that order."

"Hmpph..." Pauline growled. "Yes, you're right, but I always have the authority to take more of your body parts, you know..."

"You could, but then who's going to be your precious Bloody Hell member then? I thought you wanted me to own up to the meaning of my true name?"

Pauline slammed her hand down on the table.

"Fine. I guess I do kind of need you," Pauline grit her teeth. "But if you want Saiko back, you're going to have to do this."

"Oh? Do what?" Kaira sneered. "Do another one of your stupid tricks?"

"In fact, yes," Pauline regained her composure. "And if you fail, or choose to decline this request, not only do you remain separated from Saiko... But the newbie will die."

<><><>

"Good! I will admit that you're getting much better at this," Toadette complimented as the two sparred. "Congratulations."

"Th-thanks-"

Toadette blocked the incoming slash from Daisy's holographic rapier with her fan quickly. In a quick motion, Toadette had swept Daisy's feet out from her. Pointing her holographic fan at Daisy, she sighed.

"But you're still extremely predictable-"

Toadette was interrupted as a flower wrapped around her, and giving Daisy time to get up.

"Predictable? I don't really know about that anymore," Daisy laughed. "I think I'm getting the hang of this!"

"I think not," Toadette's muffled voice came from within the flower as she easily sliced herself out. She blew and in an instance, Daisy was blown against the cage. Her fan twirled in a circular motion to keep the wind going, and Daisy struggled to find a way out.

"that's unfair-" Daisy complained.

"So is what you did," Toadette countered as she stopped the wind. "People don't play fair often."

"Fair enough," Daisy agreed. "Well played."

"You're learning quicker than most," Toadette told her. "Most don't even make it past the second battle."

"Well, I'm glad I did!" Daisy panted.

"Me too. You're... Interesting to have around."

"Uh... Thanks?" Daisy questioned.

"You're welcome-"

"Daisy..." Rosalina entered the training stadium. "I have something... To tell you..."

"It's so important that you have to interrupt the training section?" Toadette asked. "If you could wait, that'd be really helpful-"

"It's pretty important..." Rosalina stated. "...Pauline plans on capturing you..."

"What? I'm already in her prison, so I don't really think she can capture me anymore than this," Daisy laughed. "I mean.."

"No... I mean she wants to... Capture you..." Rosalina explained lamely. "...I had a dream..."

"Yeah, that was a dream though..." Toadette said. "Probably more of a nightmare."

"No... I get... Premonitions.." Rosalina told them. "Daisy... Please be careful of Pauline.."

"Uh, okay. Thanks," Daisy smiled, not intending to be condescending. "But I think I'll be okay."

"No... " Rosalina was growing impatient. "You have no idea what... Pauline and him are capable.. Of.."

"Him? Who?" Daisy questioned. Rosalina looked away. Something had happened to her- and Rosalina didn't want to talk about that. Daisy respected that. "Uh, never mind. How can I defend myself from someone if I don't know, though?"

"...Pauline's presence is menacing.. I'll do my best... To protect you... But if I can't... I apologize in advance." Rosalina said.

"That... Kinda scares me," Daisy admitted.

"Good," Toadette cut in. "Be careful. You never know when they'll be there. Stay on alert."

"Do your best to avoid her... She's dangerous.."

"Okay. Thank you, Rosalina."

Guys-

Hi.

I've got nothing to say on this authors note, um.. OC submissions are still welcome, please don't kill me if your OC doesn't get in. 😞

Thanks for reading.