And now, a story from Golden Mushmo’s past…

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Mushmo sobbed into Gala’s shoulder. It was his 21st birthday, not at all a time to be crying. Even so, Mushmo was weeping. Every time his birthday came, it was a fresh reminder that his mother was gone. She had died long ago, but the wound of loss had never healed. Gala patted the giant shroom as best she could. “Mushmo, you need to be strong today. You father will ask you to do something very important. He loves you very much.”

Mushmo straightened and looked down on the small Albonian woman. She had been kind to him when his mother died. Essentially, she had become his mother. He loved her very much. “Yes ma’am…”

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Gala gave him a warm smile. “Now head out there. Today is a day to celebrate.”

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Mushmo sighed and looked to the ground, “Ok. I’ll make you proud!”

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Gala swatted him playfully, urging him to leave. Mushmo exited her chambers to find his buddies waiting. There were twelve in all, each looking very similar to himself. Some saw the shrooms as bodyguards, but they were more like a goofy circus troop. Booger-picking Mushmo was…namesaking… when Golden Mushmo exited the room. “Ok buddies! To the party!”

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The troop clapped excitedly and bustled after their creator. They were a unique lot. Some completely ridiculous and others downright dangerous. Prickly Mushmo was the perfect example of this. His entire body was covered in sharp spikes. The shroom loved to hug attackers to death.

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Mushmo and his crew moved toward the party room. Several servants flung open the doors welcoming the troop. The party room was more of a giant amphitheater than anything else. Hundreds of guests awaited him, cheering with thunderous applause. Mushmo loved this sort of thing and began blowing kisses to the guests. His troop immediately copied him, clumsily blowing kisses.

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Mushmo’s father, D, stood on a raised stage waiting with arms spread wide. The crowd cheered as the two embraced. “Son! I am so proud of you!” D yelled over roars of excitement.

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“Aw, thanks dad…” Mushmo said blushing.

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D guided him to the table of honor. Below, sat his siblings. Several waved excitedly, but others met him with cold stares. Mushmo loved them all, though Gala’s three children, Hendel, Ghenna, and Garrison, were closest to him. Shirash gave him a kind nod and Mushmo blew a kiss.

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“Now quiet down everyone!” D yelled. The assembly fell silent as a grave. D looked on in shock. “I just meant be quiet, not shut up… You people are weird.” A few chuckles came from the audience, but most were confused and afraid. D continued, “Today is the most special of days…right behind new weddings and my birthday.”

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The guests cheered. “Today the best of my children has finally become a man!” The audience roared in approval. D held his hands out for silence. “And so, I must test you son. I must ask you to do something that only you can do.”

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Mushmo looked to D’s wives to the side of the platform. Gala had just arrived and gave him a reassuring nod. Mushmo’s Buddies waited below the stage jigging in anticipation. “What do I need to do?”

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D smiled. “Son, for the longest time I’ve had a thorn in my side. I need you to remove it.”

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Mushmo’s face scrunched in concern, “You should see a doctor…”

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D smiled. “Furdy has been up to mischief again. He’s killed someone important to the Suva-lyn. I want you to track him down and kill him.”

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The room was silent. D’s face became serious. “He is dangerous beyond any of my children. Ruthless and…savage. Only you are strong enough to kill him… Your siblings would die if I sent them…”

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Mushmo could feel the molten animosity pouring from his siblings, but ignored them, instead looking to his mother Gala. Her face was horrified. She shook her head in warning, but Mushmo didn’t understand. “I’ll do it.”

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D smiled, “Well good—”

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Mushmo interrupted, “But, I will do things my way.” He turned to his siblings, “I’ll protect you all.”

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D’s smiled broadened. “That’s my boy…”

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-End