Phoenix Gang: Separate Ways

FEATURED CHARACTER: Olga Koopa

Tokyo, Japan

GENERAL CHAPTER

The dust danced in the sunbeams as Olga Koopa, the aspiring photographer and former Phoenix Gang dragon user, swept through the grand halls of Bowser's Castle. Her siblings, the Koopalings, were scattered about, each attending to their chores with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Olga, however, moved with purpose, her mind already wandering beyond the stone walls and lava pits that had confined her for so long.

Taking a brief respite, Olga approached the window, her gaze drawn to the sprawling kingdom beyond. The terracotta rooftops of the Koopa villages, the verdant hills rolling into the distance, and the glinting waters of the moat captured her imagination. She fumbled for her camera, a modest device that had been her constant companion, and began snapping photos, each click capturing a fragment of her dreams.

As she adjusted the lens for another shot, the imposing figure of Bowser loomed over her. "Olga!" he bellowed, "Enough daydreaming. Back to work!"

"Sorry, Father!" Startled, Olga tucked her camera away and resumed her cleaning duties, her heart sinking slightly. But as she polished the ancient armor and dusted the towering portraits, Bowser's stern expression softened.

"Olga," he said, his voice uncharacteristically gentle, "let's talk about your passion."

Olga paused, her rag hanging limply in her hand. "My passion, Father?"

Bowser nodded. "Photography. I see the way you look at the world—like it's a canvas waiting for your lens. Tell me, what is it you dream of?"

Olga's eyes lit up. "I want to be the best photographer out there," she confessed. "To capture moments that tell stories, to show the beauty and the chaos of life."

Bowser regarded his daughter with newfound respect. "Then it's settled. You'll go to Tokyo, Japan. A city of contrasts, where tradition meets modernity. Perfect for honing your craft."

Olga could hardly believe her ears. Tokyo—a place she had only seen in magazines and on the internet, a city teeming with life and endless subjects for her camera. She accepted the invitation without hesitation and began to pack her belongings, her heart racing with excitement. Bowser smiled upon seeing Olga very content with the opportunity. "Go make me proud, Olga."

Upon hearing the news about departing to Tokyo, Wendy Koopa, ever the social butterfly, sidled up to Olga as she prepared for her journey. "So, sis," Wendy began, flipping her hair, "ready for the big city? Living alone, trying new foods, maybe finding a cute partner?"

But Olga was only half-listening, her thoughts consumed by the images she would capture, the stories she would tell through her lens. Wendy's words were a distant buzz, like the sound of a bee outside a window. "I'm sorry, Wendy. I'm quite distracted by the thought of taking beautiful landscape pictures of Tokyo. It's been the place I've always dreamt of going to when I grew older, and now the chance is here!"

"I'm very happy to hear that, sis," Wendy smiled. "Seriously though, are you getting a partner there?"

"I'm only going to be there for photography purposes, sis," Olga chuckled.

"I know," Wendy said jokingly.

The night before her departure, the Koopa family gathered for a feast in Olga's honor. The table was laden with exotic dishes, and the air was filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses. Olga smiled, her heart swelling with gratitude and anticipation.

"Everyone, let's congratulate Olga and wish her the best of luck in pursuing her dream as a professional photographer in Tokyo!" Bowser chanted while raising a glass of wine; in response, the Koopalings raised their cups of water, cheering for the many great things that will occur in Olga's life away from Bowser's Kingdom.

"Cheers!" The Koopalings chanted.

Olga smiled then sighed a bit, knowing she won't be seeing them for a while during her stay in Tokyo. "Hope everything goes well."

The following morning, as the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Olga set out for Tokyo. The castle gates opened, and she stepped into a new chapter of her life, her camera slung over her shoulder and her dreams as vast as the sky above.

The hum of Tokyo's heartbeat was a symphony to Olga's senses as she stepped onto the bustling streets, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Tokyo, most beautiful city," Olga chanted with a big smiled. "I can feel my career about to grow in here."

The city was a canvas of neon lights and towering skyscrapers, each corner a potential masterpiece waiting to be captured through her lens. She wasted no time, her camera clicking rapidly as she immortalized the city's vibrant essence.

In her photographic fervor, Olga's world narrowed to the viewfinder, the city's beauty magnified in its confines. So engrossed was she that she hardly noticed the mint green fox that had wandered into her shot until she collided with them.

"Out of the way!" Olga snapped, her focus disrupted. But as the fox's chuckle reached her ears, her irritation melted into embarrassment. "Sorry, I get a bit... intense when I'm working."

The fox's twin tails swished in amusement. "Happens to the best of us," they said, their voice light. "Especially when you're a photographer too."

Olga's eyes widened. "A photographer too? You're a photographer?" she asked, her interest piqued.

The fox nodded, their eyes twinkling. "Indeed. And you're Olga, right? The one with a passion for capturing moments?"

Olga, taken aback by the fox's knowledge, nodded. "Indeed I am, but how do you know my name?"

"I happen to spot a picture of you in one of the magazines, highlighting the top 10 popular photographers in the Mushroom Kingdom, although you made quite the impression in this so-called Phoenopolix city," the fox smiled while shaking Olga's hand. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Olga."

Upon hearing about the picture, she quickly remembered a photograph she had seen, one that had left her in awe. "Do you know Trapper? The artistic photographer who lives in Tokyo?"

With a flourish, the fox struck an elaborate pose, their grin widening. "Look no more, Miss Olga! The artistic and most well-known Trapper the artistic photographer just happens to be me."

Olga gasped, her camera nearly slipping from her grasp. "You're Trapper? Tokyo's most famous photographer?"

Trapper's tails flicked playfully. "Guilty as charged! Then again, I'm not just a photographer. I'm an artistic photographer, and I also play a big role in the fine arts industry."

A torrent of questions poured from Olga, her admiration for Trapper's work fueling her curiosity. "How come you came to be famous? What did you do? How did you do it? What's your secret?" But Trapper raised a hand, halting her mid-sentence.

"What brings you to Tokyo if I may ask, Miss Olga?" Trapper inquired, their gaze piercing.

Olga's chest swelled with determination. "I want to be the best photographer here and around the world. To capture the soul of this city, which will serve as a starting point to taking photography of other well-known cities and landscapes."

Trapper's smile was a silent vow of camaraderie. "Then let me help you. You have quite an astonishing goal."

Gratitude flooded Olga's heart as she followed Trapper through the winding streets, their house a sanctuary of creativity nestled in the heart of Tokyo.

Trapper's studio was a kaleidoscope of creativity, a testament to a life dedicated to the fine arts. Olga wandered through the room, her eyes darting from one masterpiece to another. The walls were adorned with photographs that captured the soul of Tokyo, paintings that told stories without words, and musical scores that whispered of unseen worlds.

"Your work... it's incredible," Olga breathed, her admiration evident in her voice.

Trapper smiled, their eyes reflecting the myriad colors of their creations. "Thank you very dearly, Miss Olga. But tell me, what drives your passion for such a wide world of photography?"

Olga's mind drifted, and she found herself recounting the days of the Phoenix Gang. She spoke of Chiko, the leader who had seen potential in her when she was nothing but a Koopaling with martial arts skills and dragon powers.

"You see, there is this one individual that quite helped me discover my passion..."

[FLASHBACK SCENE 1]

The sun dipped low over the horizon, casting a golden glow on the beach. Olga stood beside Chiko, the sea breeze tangling their hair.

"What will you do when the Phoenix Gang is no more?" Chiko asked, their gaze fixed on the distant waves.

Olga shrugged, her future a murky canvas. "I don't know. I've never thought about it."

Chiko smiled. "You'll find your path, Olga. You always do."

"What if I don't?" Olga wondered while looking at Chiko.

"There's no thing such as don't, Olga," Chiko answered, looking back at her. "In life, there's always this wonder of what we're good for. Forming the Phoenix Gang was an inspired choice. It was not a choice I thought of at first until I heard of a team of superheroes. I got my inspiration from that team to start this team, but as time goes by, and with less amount of enemies in the way, I find no purpose in continuing this team."

"But I love this team," Olga sighed. "They welcomed me with open arms, we get along, and we would always help others in need, even if it's not battling enemies like that team you speak of."

"Building a team is not my purpose, Olga," Chiko answered with a stern voice. "Neither am I saying that I regret starting the Phoenix Gang. You guys have been amazing so far, and I'm forever grateful for the teammates I made you become. You've proven to be quite powerful, even without powers. We may be portrayed as weaklings, but remember that strength does not come from the body alone, but rather from the soul and the heart. Take our minds, for instance. They're quite unique in handling complex situations."

"What do you mean by that?" Olga asked while relaxing on the sand.

Chiko looked down then back up at the horizon. "Not many are fortunate with having a strong mind... I had a friend whom I loved dearly, but they took their own life. Their mind was weak, at that point of ending all suffering once and for all. It affected me dearly, but I carried on. Crying isn't always the best solution, but no one ever said to never express those weak feelings of yours. I've been at that point like them. I've always thought of ending it all as well, but life taught me many valuable things. There's more to live by than die early and never experience the beyond of this world."

"I didn't know that..." Olga said while looking up at Chiko as she sat down still. "But then how are you still alive? How did you overcame such challenges? What makes you happy?"

"Lots of questions run through your mind. Don't they, Olga?" Chiko smiled. "Then again, it's the soul and the heart that count, for they make up the body. The body's our shield, but the soul and the heart are the ones that carry on pain and stay strong. Whenever I feel like a weak leader, like I'm not at that level yet, I always remind myself that nothing is perfect in this world. That's how I stay positive and happy."

Olga sighed a bit again then looked at the horizon with Chiko. "Speaking of interests, what is your main interest?"

"I always wanted to become a teacher," Chiko smiled. "I want to teach the future generations, not just the common core courses, but also the beauty of this world, appreciating what this world has to offer, whether it's opportunities or achievements. It's my philosophy as a future teacher."

"I know you'll be a great teacher," Olga smiled back.

"Thank you, Olga. Think about the future, but don't try to rush it. Take your time," Chiko said then left back to the Phoenix Hideout.

Olga sat still for a bit then decided to walk around the beach. Later, as Olga wandered the shoreline alone, her camera found its way into her hands. She snapped a photo of the sunset, the colors bleeding into each other like a painter's palette. It was only when she reviewed her gallery, filled with landscapes and cityscapes, that she realized her calling. "Now I know what I want to do with my life..."

[END OF FLASHBACK]

Trapper wiped away a tear, moved by Olga's story. "It's beautiful, Olga. To find your purpose in such a way..."

Olga nodded, a bittersweet smile on her lips. "I miss them—Chiko and the gang. They were my muse."

"Let's capture some of that inspiration," Trapper suggested. "Go outside and take some pictures for me."

Olga's heart leapt at the challenge. She stepped into the Tokyo streets, her camera at the ready. The city unfolded before her, a living, breathing entity. She clicked away, each shot a piece of her heart.

When she returned, Trapper examined the photos with a critical eye. They sighed, their expression thoughtful. "Keep practicing, Olga. In photography, quality breathes life into the picture."

Olga frowned, confusion clouding her features. She tried again, her fingers trembling slightly as she adjusted the focus, the aperture, the exposure. But Trapper's sighs grew heavier, their disappointment a tangible weight in the room.

"Olga," Trapper began to say, "never stop practicing. You'll get better."

Defeated, Olga slipped away to an alleyway, her dreams suddenly as gray as the concrete around her. Was photography truly her calling, or had she been chasing a phantom all along?

In the shadowed alleyway, Olga's tears were silent witnesses to her frustration. The camera hung heavy around her neck, a symbol of her dreams and now, her doubts. Trapper's approach was soft, their presence a quiet comfort in the dimming light.

"Olga, what's wrong?" Trapper's voice was gentle, coaxing Olga's gaze from the ground.

Olga's voice trembled as she spoke. "I can't seem to capture what you're looking for. I'm trying to meet your expectations, but..."

Trapper sat beside her, their tails curling around their feet. "Expectations can be towering walls, Olga. Let me tell you a story."

[FLASHBACK SCENE 2]

"When I first held a camera, I was clumsy. My fingers fumbled with the buttons, and my eyes couldn't find the right angles." Trapper's voice was distant, lost in memories. "I was a beginner in every sense—photography, music, art. Each piece I created, I did so with a hopeful heart."

"But the world... it can be unkind. My bosses, my teachers—they saw no potential in my work. 'You have no future here,' they said. 'Your art, it lacks... everything.'"

"Boss, I tried meeting your expectations. The beauty in this picture-" A young Trapper said, but was cut off by their photography boss.

"Bullshit is what I hear!" The photography boss yelled. "You have no shit in this business. Get lost!"

"That was my first job..."

"You call that art? My 12-year-old son can do better than that mere garbage!" Trapper's art boss chuckled in a mean manner. "Go away, and never return!"

"My second job..."

"Do you even have taste for music? This sounds like a cluster of bass boosted sounds! You're fired!" Trapper's music boss yelled angrily.

"And thus, the last one... since then, I thought I had no talent for the fine arts. I could have given up. But instead, I tried. Again and again. With each rejection, my resolve grew. I honed my craft, I learned from my failures. And now, here I am."

[END OF FLASHBACK]

Olga listened all the way until the end, her heart aching with a familiar pain. Trapper's eyes met Olga's, fierce and proud. "You see, Miss Olga, becoming the best isn't about pleasing others. It's about surpassing your own limits."

Olga wiped her tears, Trapper's story igniting a spark within her. She stood, her resolve returning. "I'll try again."

But as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with strokes of orange and purple, Olga's attempts fell short. The pictures she took were good, but not great. Not what Trapper wanted.

With a heavy sigh, Olga wandered to the hills of Tokyo, the cityscape sprawling before her. The sunset horizon stretched wide, a canvas of colors that whispered of endings and beginnings. It reminded her of the Phoenix Gang, of Chiko, and of the dreams they had inspired in her.

Without thinking, she raised her camera and captured the moment. The shutter clicked, a sound that felt like coming home.

Trapper's applause broke the silence. "Bravo, Olga! You've passed the test."

Confusion furrowed Olga's brow. "Test?"

Trapper's smile was warm. "I wanted you to take a picture of what sparked your inspiration. This... this is it. This is where your journey begins anew."

Olga looked at the picture, the beauty of the scene mirrored in her own eyes. Trapper was right. This was her inspiration, her passion, her art.

"You're ready to grow as a photographer, Miss Olga," Trapper said, their voice filled with certainty.

In that moment, surrounded by the hues of the setting sun, Olga and Trapper hugged—a bond forged through art and understanding, a promise of the growth to come.

As soon as both Olga and Trapper returned back to Trapper's place, Trapper considered a decision for Olga, one that would changed her life forever. Trapper saw good potential in her as a photographer, even believing she could take their place one day. With a smile, they turned to Olga.

"Miss Olga, I have quite a fascinating offer for you that I'm sure you won't pass," Trapper cheerfully said.

Confused, Olga was willing to hear their offer. "What's the offer?"

"How would you feel about working for me as my assistant? And I can help you improve and achieve your goal as a professional photographer, not just in Tokyo, but around the world as well," Trapper smiled.

The camera shutter's click was the only sound in the quiet living room where Olga and Trapper stood, her heart torn between two worlds. Trapper's offer lay before her like a golden path to her dreams, yet it branched away from the family she held dear, reducing her chances of ever seeing them again. She needed a moment, a breath, a second to think. "Is it okay if I think about it for a bit?"

"Take your time, Miss Olga," Trapper said, understanding in their eyes. "This is your life, your choice. Photography's your vocation, your calling."

Olga nodded and retreated to a quieter room, her fingers trembling as she dialed the familiar number that connected her to Bowser's Castle. The line crackled, and then Bowser's deep voice filled the silence.

"Olga? What's happening?" Bowser's tone was a mix of pride and concern.

"Father, Trapper, Tokyo's famous artistic photographer, offered me a job... as their assistant. It means staying in Tokyo. Growing as a photographer. But it also means..." Olga's voice trailed off, the weight of her decision pressing down on her.

Bowser's sigh was heavy with emotion. "Olga, my daughter, I've always known you were destined for great things. It saddens me to think of you so far away, but I cannot chain you to us. Go, pursue your dream. Remember, you are a Koopa by heart—strong, brave, and unstoppable."

Tears blurred Olga's vision as she whispered her goodbyes to Bowser and the Koopalings. With each farewell, a piece of her heart remained with them, a promise to never forget where she came from.

Steeling herself, Olga returned to Trapper and accepted the offer. "I'll do it. I'll stay," she declared, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions within her.

Trapper's smile was like a beacon. "Welcome to your new beginning, Olga. Let's get you settled."

The days that followed were a whirlwind of change. Olga moved into a new house, a quaint place with a view of the city that never slept. Together with Trapper, they set up her photography studio, a room filled with light and possibilities. Adjusting to life in Tokyo was a challenge, but Trapper was there, guiding her through the maze of streets, culture, and language.

One evening, as the city lights twinkled below, Olga stepped outside. The full moon hung in the sky, a celestial witness to her new chapter. She raised her camera, capturing the silver orb that had watched over her since her days in the Phoenix Gang. It was a sign, she felt, of a new beginning.

But unknown to Olga, in the shadows, Tangie—or rather, Sugo within Tangie's form—watched with a smirk. The possessed animatronic's eyes glowed faintly as they kept a vigilant watch over the unfolding scene. Each member of the Phoenix Gang was preoccupied, their attention elsewhere, perfect for Sugo's sinister plans.

With a final glance at Olga, Tangie (Sugo) turned away, their steps silent as they made their way towards Phoenopolix. The time for revenge had come, and Sugo would not be denied. The night air was cool, the city oblivious to the darkness that crept through its streets.

Olga, unaware of the lurking threat, looked once more at the photograph of the moon. She tucked it away, a keepsake of this momentous night. Her journey had taken her from the shores of the Koopa Kingdom to the bustling heart of Tokyo, and now, it stretched out before her, vast and filled with light.

Minutes later, Olga returned back inside her new place, went to the studio room, and sat at her new desk, the glow of the Tokyo skyline filtering through her window. The evening was quiet, save for the distant hum of the city. A soft knock at the door broke her concentration, and she turned to see a postal worker holding out an envelope.

"For you, Miss Koopa," the worker said with a bow.

Olga took the envelope, her name written in a familiar scrawl. She recognized the handwriting immediately—it was Brando's, a friend and former teammate from the Phoenix Gang. Her heart fluttered with anticipation as she opened the letter and began to read.

[BRANDO'S LETTER]

Dear Olga,

I hope this letter finds you well in the bustling city of Tokyo. Don't ask how I know where you're at now. A friend you met happens to be the one who offered me an opportunity as well, but in Australia. It's been a while since we've seen each other, but I wanted to share some exciting news, not just with our former teammates, leader, and aides, but also with you.

I've accepted a contract to grow as a music artist. It's a big step, letting go of my Heeler family and embarking on a tour that will take me around the world. I'll be releasing hit songs and performing at big concerts—can you believe it?

I owe so much to you, Olga, and the rest of the Phoenix Gang. You all inspired me to chase my dreams, to reach for the stars, and to never look back. The memories we made, the challenges we overcame, and the bonds we forged have been the driving force behind my music.

As I stand on these stages, under the bright lights, I'll carry a piece of our shared past with me. It's a bittersweet symphony, this life of music and travel, but it's the path I've chosen to tread.

Thank you, Olga. Thank you for being a part of my journey. Here's to new beginnings and to the dreams that lead us forward. Good luck with photography, and I hope we reunite again as a team, you, me, Chiko, the other teammates, and the team aides.

With gratitude and fond memories,

Brando Heeler

[END OF BRANDO'S LETTER]

Olga set the letter down, a smile spreading across her face. She wasn't alone in making sacrifices to pursue her dreams. Brando, too, had taken the leap, embracing his passion for music just as she had embraced photography.

She gazed out at the night sky, the stars twinkling like distant flashbulbs, and felt a kinship with Brando and all those who dared to dream. With a smile, she said, "I'm glad I'm not alone in this."

TIKTOK TIME

TikTok Title: Literal Quotes

[Scene: Olga's Tokyo Studio, camera facing her with a backdrop of her photography]

Olga (smiling at the camera): "Hey TikTok! It's Olga here, and today I'm going to read 10 random quotes from the internet and act them out... literally. Let's see how this goes!"

Quote 1: "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."

Olga (holding up a lemon): "Alright, life gave me this lemon, so let's make some lemonade!"

[Olga squeezes the lemon into a glass, grimacing at the sourness, then takes a sip and smiles.]

Quote 2: "Break a leg!"

Olga (looking confused): "This one's for all the performers out there, but... do I really have to?"

[She gently taps her leg with a fake theatrical expression of pain and laughs.]

Quote 3: "You can't have your cake and eat it too."

Olga (with a small cake): "But why not? It's my cake!

[She takes a bite and then looks at the cake, pretending to be shocked that it's gone.]

Quote 4: "Go the extra mile."

Olga (putting on running shoes): "If you insist!"

[She jogs in place, counting each step exaggeratedly until she stops, panting.]

Quote 5: "Hit the books."

Olga (with a book in hand): I'm sorry, book. I don't mean it.

[She lightly taps the book with her fist and then gives it a hug.]

Quote 6: "Let the cat out of the bag."

Olga (holding a bag with a plush cat inside): "Time for your freedom, little one!"

[She opens the bag, and the plush cat 'jumps' out.]

Quote 7: "Bite off more than you can chew."

Olga (with a giant sandwich): "Challenge accepted!"

[She takes an enormous bite, then chews comically, cheeks puffed out.]

Quote 8: "Hit the nail on the head."

Olga (with a toy hammer and a plush nail): "Precision is key!"

[She gently taps the plush nail with the toy hammer, then nods in satisfaction.]

Quote 9: "Shoot for the stars."

Olga (with a toy bow and star-shaped targets): "To infinity and beyond!"

[She 'shoots' the stars with the toy bow, making 'pew pew' sounds.]

Quote 10: "Catch some Z's."

Olga (yawning): "After all that, I think I deserve a nap."

[She lays her head down on a pillow and pretends to snore, then pops up with a smile.]

Olga (laughing): "And that's a wrap, folks! Remember, don't take everything you read on the internet too literally. Until next time, keep snapping those pics and chasing your dreams!"

[Caption: "When quotes get real 😂 #LiteralQuotes #OlgaKoopa #PhotographyFun"]

Made by @/olgakoopaofc

SONG COVER REMIX

Trapper - This Town by Kygo & Sasha Sloan (Song Cover Remix) ft. Olga Koopa

[OLGA]

All of my friends are settling down

They're only kids but they're married now

Let's follow the lights, follow the crowd

Baby we got to get out

Let's get out of this town

I want an ocean view, somewhere

As long as I'm next to you, I don't care

I don't wanna live my life in circles

I just wanna find an empty road

Let's get away from here, let's go

All of my friends are settling down

They're only kids but they're married now

Let's follow the lights, follow the crowd

Baby we got to get out

Let's get out of this town

Nothing ever changes here, I know

Another day, another year, same old

I don't wanna live my life in circles

I just wanna find an empty road

Let's get away from here, let's go

All of my friends are settling down

They're only kids but they're married now

Let's follow the lights, follow the crowd

Baby we got to get out

Let's get out of this town

Let's get out of this town

Let's go

Let's go

Let's get out of this town

Let's go

Let's get out of this town

Let's get out of this town

Let's get out of this town

Let's get out of this town

END OF CHAPTER