The 'Shroom:Issue 173/Palette Swap

Director's Notes
Written by:

Welcome, all! It’s the August ‘Shroom, coming at‘cha!

I’ve settled in at my new job! I don’t have a permanent desk, but they have given me a laptop instead of a desktop and a really nice backpack to carry it in. Plus it’s just an all-around nice place to be. I’m so much happier than I was at my old job, and I’m glad to be in this position. It’s my first time on second shift, so it’s nice to be able to sleep in a little, and I’m not going to bed at an unreasonable hour. They’re also paying me more than my old job did, as a cherry on top of the sundae.

I’ve finally finished Nocturne! At points I wasn’t sure that I was ever going to get this far, but I managed to get through it and it was such a fun (if depressing) game. I went the way I usually do- grind up so much that nothing gives you trouble anymore. This time, though, I finally had a reason to- snagging my favorite demon in the series, Seraph Metatron, requires you to be at level 95 to fuse properly. Once I had my grimy hands on him, nothing in the game really stood a chance against me and my overleveled party anymore. I even went through a round of bonus bosses on Hard mode just for a challenge, and I can’t wait to do a NG+ file to explore some of the other endings. I’ve also worked on the DLC for New Pokemon Snap as well, and that was a lot of fun, too. I wish we had gotten more new Pokemon in the two new areas, and both of them feel maybe a little bit shorter than the rest of the stages. What do you think? Either way, I’m happy to have this content without having to pay for it, and I’m looking forward to the fall for a repeat of this post: more Shin Megami Tensei and Pokemon.

Unfortunately due to Awards this month, we are missing a lot of our regular content, but that just means you should go watch the Awards presentation to see the work of the writers who are missing this month. But, we do have two new sections: is starting a new story, GoldenMario 007, starring Mario as the next Bond, James Bond, and Booguette is also starring a new story, Koopamon, where Mario takes center stage in the world of Pokemon Red and Blue. Please give their sections a read and let us know what you think! Next month, we’ll be back to normal, but for now, please enjoy the sections we do have for you this issue!

Happy reading!

~FunkyK38

Section of the Month We had a couple ties this time around- you all liked our fan works last month! First things first- we have a tie for first between ’s Super Mario Maker Showcase featuring Donkey Kong-themed levels and ’s Site Seeing looking at the new website for Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope. Following up in third is ’s latest chapter in World of Plight, where Terry and Ryu were our featured characters. Our next tie is a three-way tie for fourth, between and the first installment of his new section Shmaluigi, Private Investigator, ’s new chapter of The Devious Workings of Phineas J. Shoe involving the inventor selling questionable inventions to Wart and Captain Syrup, and ’s What’s on the Box? analyzing the boxart of WarioWare, Inc: Mega Party Game$. Congratulations to our winners this month, and a big thank you to everyone who voted! Keep it up for this month as well!

What's on the Box?
Written by:

Hello readers, and welcome back to What's on the Box.

The past few weeks, the world has been enjoying the Olympic Games and all the glory that the athletes were able to come home in. And so, this month I decided to take a look at a Mario & Sonic Olympic Games game, even though general consensus is that these games aren't often covered in glory.

But I do feel in the case of 2012 Olympic Games, the same can't be said for the game's boxart, which is pretty exceptional. Not only does it manage to get a good load of characters into the forefront, but it also manages to give a decent portion of the sports available within the game.

We've got Mario and Sonic (surprise, surprise) and joining them are Luigi, Bowser, Princess Peach, Tails, Amy and Dr. Eggman. And between them all, they're participating in 100m, equestrian, BMX, tennis, hockey, rhythmic gymnastics and even weightlifting – though why Bowser decided to do it on the tracks, I have no idea!

However, it does look like Bowser and Dr. Eggman are the only ones taking the competition aspect of the games seriously, everyone else looks like they're just there to have a good time, and while that's fine for the school sports day, when you're at the Olympics you're going for glory and we know it! Although it's cool if you don't come home with a medal.

It's kind of a shame that the Olympic Games games aren't usually that good, but the boxarts are generally amazing. On a shelving unit alongside many different games or many different genres, this boxart absolutely stands out and makes me take notice. It looks engaging, it looks fun, yes, it has a lot on it, but it doesn't feel cramped because of the large stadium surrounding our characters and the space on the right. The boxart alone could definitely convince a kid to pick it up and become interested, and that is almost its job.

Shmaluigi, Private Investigator
Written by: Hidden Mansion: Part 2

Ever since I decided to investigate the Killing Games, I've been doing my own research on the ones of the past. After all, it's probably a good idea to know what I'm getting into. And wow, it's really a headache. Okay, some of them are well-documented and from verified sources, including one that happened right here in New Wikisburg, at The 'Shroom HQ of all places! But then once you dig deeper you end up going down a rabbit hole of conspiracy theories that keep yacking about "bad futures" and "alternate timelines". Eh, probably better to just stick with the credible sources for this one...

But enough about catching up on the past, it's time to get back in the present. I think I've finally got a good lead on when and where the next Killing Game will happen. In fact, it's almost time for me to meet with my contact. I better get going.

I walked into the alley where I was supposed to meet the informant, only to find it completely empty. I kept alert, fully aware that I could be walking straight into a trap. To be honest, I don't exactly like having to deal with these back alley meetings, but when you're in my line of work, sometimes you just have to do what you have to do. Suddenly, a Spike came dashing into the alley, running out of breath. It didn't take someone with my investigative ability to know that he forgot he was supposed to meet me here until the last minute and ran over here as fast as he could.

"Hey... You, you're Shmaluigi, right?" the Spike asked, still trying to catch his breath.

"Yeah. Shmaluigi was told you have information about the next Killing Game?"

"Oh, yeah, it's happening tonight," he told me.

"Tonight?!" I blurted out, a bit louder than I intended.

I was shocked. I certainly didn't expect it to be happening already, and I wasn't entirely sure if I was fully prepared. Nevertheless, I paid close attention to the directions he gave me as I wrote them down in my notebook. I thanked him for his help and quickly began heading there so I could arrive as early as possible. The way these things go, once they start, no one's getting in or out of that place.

Following the Spike's directions led me to what seemed to be a warehouse of some sort, but something seemed very off. My initial observation was that it would be far too small to host an entire Killing Game, and as I got closer, I saw a line of people waiting to enter. This couldn't possibly be the Killing Game, this was all wrong! But if not, then what was it? Even if this wasn't what I was searching for, I at least had to take a closer look.

I got in line and paid close attention to what was going on. The other people who were waiting were quite chatty, though I wasn't quite sure what they were talking about. "I hope we see Sombrero Guy tonight!" "Nah, it's gotta be the flying egg." "You're both wrong, it's going to be Mr. Eraser, no doubt about it." My eyes wandered toward the front of the line where I noticed the people were handing tickets to a Chargin' Chuck in a suit. Tickets... Questioning who would show up... That's when it hit me - this was Mushroom Kingdom Smackdown! Sure, it can get violent, but it certainly wasn't one of the Killing Games Ms. Skye was hoping to investigate. That Spike obviously had no idea what he was talking about.

I left the line, frustrated that my only lead turned out to be a total red herring. I started wondering if maybe trying to investigate something I didn't even have any reason to believe would happen was a terrible idea. As I walked back to my office lost in thought, I accidentally bumped into a strange Goomba in a shoe dressed like an artist. Before I could apologize, he started bellowing in a voice that seemed very loud for someone of his size.

"YOU BUMBLING FOOL, YOU DARE STRIKE THE GREAT PAINTER MICHELANSHOEGO? YOU'RE LUCKY I AM IN A HURRY OR YOUR INSOLENCE WOULD BE FATAL. COME ROSE, WE MUST MAKE GREAT HASTE TO MUSHROOM KINGDOM SMACKDOWN," he yelled, then hopped off followed by the poor sap with him who was carrying way too much stuff.

Yeesh, what was his problem?

I returned to my office a bit dejected, but still unwilling to give up. I didn't have any leads, but I thought I knew someone who might, so I picked up my phone and called one of my contacts.

"Detective Fulbright, agent of justice speaking!"

"Hello Detective Fulbright, this is Shmaluigi."

"Ah, Shmaluigi, my mysterious companion! To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"Well, here's the thing. Shmaluigi was hoping to investigate this thing called the Killing Games, but he doesn't exactly have any leads on it right now, and he doesn't even know if one is going to happen. Shmaluigi thought that if anyone might know anything about it, it would be you."

"Hmm, so-called Killing Games, eh? To be honest, ever since the Rogueport case, I've been busy tracking down that rogue cereal magnate, which was made infinitely harder after all those copycats decided to flood the market with even shadier products. So, I'm afraid I don't have very much useful information to aid you in your pursuit of justice. That being said... I can't shake the feeling I've heard of this before... the Killing Games..."

Detective Fulbright paused in thought for a bit. "It was Ms. Skye," I reminded him, "she said something about hoping to investigate them."

"Ah, yes, that Skye girl from Rogueport... She mentioned something like that, didn't she? That's why you're looking into this, is it? Ha ha ha! I see you still have a soft spot for her even now, despite all that she did. Well, whatever happens, make sure you look out for yourself. I heard what happened to you during the FP-3 case... and investigating shady business like this seems to me like your dangerous history is waiting to repeat itself. But, if that's where your sense of justice is leading you, then I won't do anything to stop you! I'll let you know if I come across anything in the meantime."

"Thank you for your help Detective Fulbright, Shmaluigi will definitely try to be more careful this time. Shmaluigi will let you get back to your work now."

"Best of luck, my old friend. In justice we trust!"

"Indeed."

Well, that was a bust. If Detective Fulbright didn't know anything about it, then there was a very good chance I was on a wild goose chase with a goose that doesn't exist. Hm, that reminds me, I should catch up with Mr. Goose sometime...

There was only other one thing I could think of doing now. It was my last resort, but at this point, I was desperate.

I walked down the sidewalk before stopping outside of the headquarters of the New Wikisburg Police Department. I always feel awkward coming back here, since they keep sending me paychecks even though I barely do anything for them anymore. Although in my defense, if they needed me, they could just, you know, call me. But I digress. If Detective Fulbright didn't have any leads on this, the only other person I could think of who might would be Chief Palmer. I stepped inside and I soon encountered one of the last people I actually wanted to see here... Good old Shmue Toad.

"Oh, look what da Cat Goomba finally dragged in! Hey Sham-luigi, how's dat whole 'Killin' Games' shindig goin' for ya? The suspense is really killin' me! Haha!"

I rolled my eyes in response. This guy always got on my nerves more than anyone else I worked with here. I don't really care for most Toads in general, but he's definitely near the top of my list. He's pretty weird looking too, I've never seen any other Toad with a nose.

"Well, don't get too excited. Shmaluigi's just here to talk to the chief about something," I told him, brushing him off and continuing ahead to the chief's office. After I finished dealing with the chief's secretary, I came face to face with Chief Palmer himself. I have to say that as far as Piantas go, he's pretty imposing. I've worked for this guy for years, but somehow I still can't help but feel a little intimidated by him whenever we meet.

"Ah, Shmaluigi, it's been a while. Haven't seen you since you ran off to that port town," he said.

"Heh heh, yeah," I replied, a little bit embarrassed.

"So, do you have any updates for me on case LT-5?"

"Er, not exactly," I told him, thinking about how the case file was still gathering dust on my desk, "Shmaluigi came here for something more important."

"Don't tell me you're handing in your resignation..."

"Oh, no, no, nothing like that. Um, do you know anything about something called the Killing Games?"

His face turned grim at the mere mention of it. "Yes, I'm aware. That's how I got this position, actually. One of those happened here in the city at The 'Shroom HQ. My predecessor was in charge of the investigation afterwards, retired not too long after that. I guess it was just too much for him. Why do you ask?"

"Oh, you haven't heard? Well, Shmaluigi was kind of hoping to investigate one, and-"

"WHAT?" the chief cut me off in shock, which caught me off guard. That wasn't very characteristic of him. "Shmaluigi, these things are brutal..."

"Yeah, Shmaluigi knows, he's done research on these things. It's a bit of a personal matter. To be honest, Shmaluigi doesn't even know if one is happening, he was kind of hoping you would have some helpful information."

The chief hesitated for a bit, then sighed. "I shouldn't do this, but if anyone can sort out one of these messes, it's you. There's nothing that I know of that would point to another one of these things happening, but if you're looking for information, you might want to try this place downtown. Despair Pub. A bit seedy, but we've got some good informants there."

"How did Shmaluigi not know about this?" I asked him.

"Well, that's what happens when you're out of the loop for four months," he replied.

"True, true. Alright, thanks for your help, chief. Shmaluigi will let you know how it goes."

I visited the Despair Pub later that evening. The chief wasn't lying when he said this place was seedy, though oddly it was almost nostalgic for me because it reminded me of my time in Rogueport. I wasn't quite sure who to talk to, so I went straight to the Hammer Bro. tending the bar. From my experience, bartenders always seem to know exactly what's going on in places like this.

"Hello sir, what can I get you?"

"Shmaluigi needs some information, if you know what he means."

"Ah, I get ya. That's gonna cost ya, though."

I should have seen that coming, honestly. I pulled some coins out of my wallet and handed them to him.

"Pleasure doing business with ya. See that Pokey sitting over there in the corner? The one wearing the fedora and the trenchcoat that's got sleeves on it even though he's got no arms? That's Pokerface. The dude's kinda fishy but he knows about basically everything. Makes me wonder what kind of connections he's got..."

"Thanks."

I went over to talk to Pokerface, wondering exactly why he wore a trenchcoat with sleeves despite having no arms. He looked up at me as I approached.

"Can I help you?" he asked.

"Shmaluigi was told you have a lot of information. Do you by any chance know anything about a Killing Game?"

He gave me a knowing smile. "Oh yeah, I got the goods."

To be continued...

Thanks for reading the continuation of Hidden Mansion! Next month we wrap up this story arc with an exciting conclusion, so be sure to tune in for that. Special thanks to Shoey, Reverse Input, and Roserade for writing the dialogue for Michelanshoego, Detective Fulbright, and Shmue Toad, respectively. It was a lot of fun getting to work with them and bring their characters into the story. I'd also like to thank Hooded Pitohui for help with additional lore, as well as give a shout out to The Pyro Guy, as his article Killing The Killing Game from Issue 165 was very helpful to me while writing this.

Interested in an audio version of this story? Check out Magolor04726's Shmaluigi, Private Investigator YouTube channel! The first part of the Hidden Mansion arc is already up and the second part will be uploaded shortly after the release of this issue.

World of Plight
Written by:

(Special thanks to Waluigi Time for helping with ideas for this story!)

Magolor04726

I woke up staring at the ceiling. Blinking the sleep from my eyes, I rolled over and looked at my clock. 8:27. As good a time as any to get out of bed, I suppose. I threw the covers off me and lie in bed for a moment, trying to get my thoughts in order. Aside from scheduled fights, nothing had happened in quite some time. Trust was slowly, surely, and shakily rebuilding itself among the Fighters, but the air was certainly still tense. I got up and changed into my clothes before grabbing a notebook and several pencils. I walked out of my room and headed down a few halls before approaching the cafeteria. Several Fighters were there, eating breakfast. Link was attempting to cook some meat with an apple and Bokoblin guts in the middle of the room, Sephiroth was munching on a pear, and Min Min was serving several others ramen.

Just as I got in line for food, a voice came through the speakers that were in the ceiling. It said something in Japanese, and then an English translation played: “Will all Mario series Fighters and Magolor please report to Mr. Sakurai’s office?”

I sighed. Stepping out of line, I joined Mario and walked toward Sakurai’s office. “What do you suppose he wants?” I asked.

“I-a wish I knew,” he sighed. He’s been sort of depressed ever since Luigi went missing.

As we approached the door of Sakurai’s office, we met up with Peach, Bowser Jr., and a Luma.

“Anyone know what this is about?” Junior asked. “I was working on an art project!”

“You’re into art?” I asked.

“Sure! All the dirty words, late-night outings, and running from the cops is fun!”

Mario rubbed his forehead. “Graffiti?”

“Duh!”

“Old habits die hard,” I muttered.

Soon, Bowser and Daisy joined us along with Piranha Plant, Rosalina, and Yoshi.

“Is this-a everyone?” Mario asked. After general mutterings of “I think so,” he knocked on the door.

There was a pause.

“Come in!” a voice called.

“Why am I here?” I whispered to Rosalina.

“You are the reporter,” she answered. “Anything important that may happen will most likely be relayed to you for the public’s awareness.”

I nodded before looking at Sakurai. What we all saw shocked us. There, in a chair in front of the desk, sat a tall, thin man in green. Mario stood stock still, staring in shock.

“Mario!” the man exclaimed, leaping from his chair.

“L- Luigi!” Mario cried, rushing to his brother and wrapping him in a hug. “Luigi, is it-a really you?”

“Yes! It’s-a-me!”

“What-a happened? Did someone kidnap you?”

“I- uh-.”

“Unfortunately,” Sakurai said from his side of the desk, “he doesn’t know.”

“Doesn’t know?” Daisy asked.

“He doesn’t know- no, more than that, he can’t remember.” He took a deep breath before continuing. “Luigi has amnesia.”

We all looked in shock from Sakurai to Luigi.

“You’re kidding.”

“Sadly, Magolor, I am not,” Sakurai replied with a sad smile on his face. “It is fortunate, that we have him back with us, but unfortunately, the last thing he remembers is the Halloween party where he went missing.”

Luigi nodded. “I’ve been-a tested and the doctors confirmed it.” He squinted at the ceiling and put his hands close to his stomach and fanned his fingers out. “It’s like… I can-a remember everything up to the party. Daisy and I went outside… and then- it just goes blank.”

“That’s awful!” Peach exclaimed.

“I bet,” Junior said, standing on a nearby chair so he could be on the same eye level as everyone else, “someone snuck behind him in the night and then WHAM!” He pulled his paintbrush out of nowhere and swung it down on Sakurai’s desk, sending papers everywhere. “His memory gets knocked clean out of him!”

“Junior…” Bowser groaned, wrestling his son off the chair.

“I didn’t bring you here to figure out what’s been going on,” Sakurai explained. “I simply wanted to put your minds at ease about his disappearance. Unfortunately, this mystery is far from over. We need to find the other Fighters, and Ganondorf is still incredibly weak. There doesn’t seem to be any way to bring his power back. But I digress.” He stood up from his chair. “I must ask you to keep this amongst yourselves, at least for the time being. We don’t want to over stimulate him right now. If others knew, they would certainly bombard him with questions. For now, you can all go, except Magolor. I have one other matter to discuss with you.”

As the Fighters filed out, I sat in the chair Luigi had been in while Sakurai examined a shelf with a collection of games and amiibos. “Nnnothing’s wrong, right?” I asked cautiously.

Sakurai scoffed. “Oh, of course not. I simply have my Fighters going missing, dropping like flies. But no, you are not in trouble.”

I breathed a sigh of relief.

“I wanted to ask you about several things, all pertaining to the events that have transpired here.”

“Uh, OK.”

“Now, you’ve investigated this story for quite some time, correct?”

I thought for a moment. “You could say that.”

“What are the facts of what has happened so far?”

I blinked. “Do… you not know what’s happened?”

“Of course, but I’m wondering if there’s an angle we’re missing, and I think your perspective would be helpful.”

“Hm, OK, so here are the basics:

“Four Fighters have gone missing: King Dedede, Isabelle, Luigi, and Alex. Luigi’s shown up again, but without his memory. Ganondorf has also lost some of his powers and is now in the hospital. Hospital equipment and garlic burritos were going missing for some time, but we found both in that secret tunnel. What they were being used for though, we don’t know. Additionally, Black Shadow and Blood Falcon have gone missing.

“We’ve got some mystery person behind all this. We know that Waluigi is working for him, as well as two mysterious characters: The Magic Master and a human-like robot, as well as a fourth unknown person who was talking with Waluigi in the hall at one point. Colonel Pluck managed to get tangled up in this, but I think he was hypnotized. Oh, and during that fight with the Magic Master, I think… I’m not quite sure, but I think R.O.B. and Mario somehow managed to combine their Final Smashes. I’d like to see if we can get some research done on that.

“Finally, Wario drank a weird green liquid that was found in the main room of the hidden passage and he suddenly became faster and was able to jump higher. But… I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something much more sinister than kidnapping the Fighters at work here, but I can’t put my finger on it.”

Sakurai nodded. "Agreed... I understand you have contacted some of your friends about this?”

I shrugged. “They’re as much in the dark as I am. We couldn’t figure anything out.”

He sighed. “Very well. Oh, I also heard you hired a detective?"

I hesitated. "Yes and no. I didn't hire him, but he's agreed to come out here when he gets a chance, but he's the best of the best."

"Very well. Lastly, do you have any theories at all as to an explanation for all of this?”

I thought for a moment. ''Should I tell him…? It’s an insane theory, but…''

“No, I don’t.”

“Ah. All right then. You may go.” As I stood up to leave, he said, “I hope you’ll report anything you find to me."

“Oh, yes sir, of course. I’ll let you know if anything comes up.”

“Excellent. Go enjoy your breakfast. Better eat before Wario gets into the garlic burritos again. The stench that was present when he had them last was unbearable.”

Hey guys, thanks for reading World of Plight this month! As you can tell, we have Luigi back with us! Unfortunately, we don’t have his memory, so we’ll have to wait and see if we can bring it back.

If you have any leads for me to follow, or if you have suggestions for who I should interview, contact me on the Mario Boards!

From Smash Bros. campus, Magolor04726, Respectfully Writing Reporter

GoldenMario 007
Written by:

PROLOGUE
A mustached man walked through the halls of the base with gusto, as if he was the ‘big man on campus’, so to speak. His name was Broski, Mario Broski. M16’s number one operative, as such, his agent number was 001. He eventually came to a stop in front of a door labeled ‘Starcoin’, the code name of his boss. He knocked on the door.

“Come in!” Said Starcoin.

And so Mario did.

“Ah, Mr. Broski,” She said, “I’ve been expecting you.”

“I know,” responded Mario, “Honestly, If I-a didn’t know any better, I’d-a say you have-a crush on me or-a somethin’”

“Don’t get funny, Mario. Anyway, M16 has confirmed the existence of a secret chemical warfare facility at the Byelomorye dam in Russia. Its heavily guarded location and workings are a cause for major concern. Nerve gas produced there has been turning up in the hands of hostile regimes around the world and deals with international terrorists are rumored. This facility should be destroyed with extreme prejudice.”

“So those-a rumors were-a correct”

“Bingo. The area around the dam is well defended against full scale military attack but a lone agent stands a much better chance. The easiest way to gain entrance to the weapons factory will be to get down the face of the dam. Q had an idea about that.”

“Heh, Q always-a knows best.”

“Information concerning shipping and contacts is stored within the dam.”

Starcoin handed Mario a device not too much bigger than a pencil box.

“With this covert modem connected to their satellite link, we can intercept the data when a backup is carried out. As for getting down the dam, use the bungee rope. At the bottom of the jump, use your piton gun. Simple.”

“Hah, sounds-a too easy.”

“Hardly a lover's leap, Mario. Be careful though, I hate to think of you as falling for anyone else.”

“Relax-a. It’s-a no problem for-a Super Mario!”

Koopamon
Written by: Booguette

File 1: The Journey Begins

''A spotlight shone down on a stage. In the spotlight was a little old man in a lab coat with a weird hairstyle.''

"Hello there! Welcome to the world of Koopamon! My name is E. Gadd. People call me the Koopamon professor! This world is inhabited by creatures called Koopamon! For some, Koopamon are pets. Others use them for battle. As for me, I study them. But before we go any further, what is your name? You say your name is Mario (think of Mario in Red's clothes)? This is my grandson (think of Luigi in Blue's clothes.) Now what was his name again? Oh! Now I remember! His name is Luigi!

"Mario! Your very own Koopamon adventure is about to unfold! A world of dreams and adventures with Koopamon awaits! Let's go!"

Mario was in his room watching some stuff on his computer when his mom called him down.

"Mario! I met Professor E. Gadd when I was out, and he said he finally finished that thing he was telling you about."

"He did?" asked Mario.

"Yes, he did and-" Mario immediately ran out of his bedroom and down the stairs.

"All-a right! I've gotta go! See ya!" He said as he ran out the door and down to the professor's lab. Mario's mom sighed.

"Kids these days. Always running off in a hurry without saying goodbye."

When Mario arrived at Professor E. Gadd's lab, he met Luigi there.

"Hey Luigi!" said Mario.

"Hey-a Mario," said Luigi. "Did gramps call you too?"

"He sure did."

"Well... I'm gonna go in first!" And so Luigi did.

When they arrived in the lab, Professor E. Gadd welcomed the boys.

"Hello, Luigi. Hello, Mario," he said.

"Is it really done, gramps?" asked Luigi.

"Yes, it is. This is the Koopadex." said E. Gadd as he handed them each a small device that was colored red and had neat buttons on it. The front opened to reveal more buttons and a small screen. "It automatically records the data on any Koopamon you've caught. It's a high-tech encyclopedia."

"Science is so amazing!" said Mario.

"Mario, Luigi, listen," said E.Gadd, "you each have one Koopadex. And with it, I want you to make a complete guide to all the Koopamon in the world. That has always been my dream. But I'm too old to carry out the task, So I am entrusting these Koopadexes to you with the hope that you will help me with my dream. Can I count on you?"

"Yeah!"

"Now gramps, you haven't forgotten your promise, right? In exchange for us helping you with this?" "I haven't forgotten." E. Gadd said. He motioned toward a table with three Koopaballs (Regular Pokéballs) on it. "As you can see, there are three Koopamon here. I will give each of you one to choose from. We have River Piranha Plant, The plant Koopamon. Fire Bro, the fireball Koopamon. And Beach Koopa, the undershirt Koopamon. You may choose the one that you like." Mario and Luigi looked at the Koopaballs filled with wonder until Luigi said "Well, I don't need to be greedy like you. Go ahead and choose, Mario."

"Hmmmm..." said Mario. "I think I'll go with Fire Bro!"

"Good choice! And what about you, Luigi?" asked E.Gadd.

"I'll go with Beach Koopa. Hey Mario! Now that we have our own Koopamon, want to have a battle?" asked Luigi.

"Ummmm....Okay!"