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peanut-tyrug · 6 days

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Superstar Saga AU: Long Live the Wicked

Chapter 4: All in at Joke’s End

The Bros. And Prince Peasley begin their next bout in Joke’s End… until a sudden and unexpected visitor comes along. A plan to defeat Cackletta is finally coming underway.

—

Most characters/ideas featured in this story belong to Nintendo and AlphaDream. I don’t take credit for Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, or the aforementioned characters/ideas within it.

I would like to thank my co-writer, Luigiman64, for assisting me with character writing/characterization, keeping things consistent and accurate to the game , and coming up with ideas for this project.

— Joke’s End —

The Mario Bros. and Prince Peasley stand before their next foes, Fawful and the Koopalings… only three of them, for most were missing.

“Foolish Prince of beans!” Fawful chastises, referring to Prince Peasley. “You are weak and unarmed like a sandwich that is only made out of the bread of your doom!”

“I may not have my sword, but I can still fight!” Says Prince Peasley. “We will defeat you!”

“Then Fawful will let you commence the attacking first!” Says Fawful.

The Bros. turn to the Prince, and begin to ponder their options... just as Prince Peasley scurries away and snags an icicle.

“You call me defenseless, do you?” Prince Peasley asks. “Well, now I have a defense!”

Prince Peasley holds his icicle forward toward Fawful and his troupe. The villains scoff at the Prince’s pathetic attempt at trying to make a comeback.

“You have patheticness!” Says Fawful.

“Try me, fiend!” Says Prince Peasley.

The Prince lunges forward toward Lemmy and repeatedly picks at him with the icicle. Despite him no longer wielding his sword, he was just as agile as he always was. His attacks can’t be beat.

Prince Peasley moves back, and Lemmy scowls. “Hey! That hurt!” Says Lemmy.

“Hah!” Prince Peasley bellows. “How is that for defenseless? Ah heh heh heh!”

“Your attacks are flat like a paper sheet that is bland and flimsy!” Says Fawful.

The Bros. then initiate another Bros. Attack… Chopper Bros., they called it. Mario swings his hammer directly across Fawful’s face.

“Gah! I have fury!” Says Fawful. “Minions! It is time for the attacking of the fink-rats!”

“You’re quick, but I’m quicker! Lemmy quips. “You’ll never get me!”

The small Koopaling reaches for his wand, and holds it up. At his left, right, and front, clones of him appear. They all spin in varying directions, however the effort to disorient the trio seems to fall flat.

“It’s the one up front!” Says Prince Peasley.

The Bros. then initiate another Bros. Attack. Prince Peasley watches in silent awe as he gazes upon the chain reaction of Super Bounce Bros. as the Bros. land directly onto Lemmy’s head.

Lemmy falls to the floor, dizzy. He holds onto his head. “…Ow… my head feels funny…”

“I have fury!” Fawful suddenly exclaims. “Fink-rats! You will not have the beatings of Fawful again!”

“So you losers wanna show your moves too, huh?” Roy questions. “Well, get ready for a smackdown! Bahaha!!”

Roy reels back, and begins shooting fireballs from his maw. Each one hits the Bros., and they dodge with precision, either jumping or using their hammers. The last fireball aims for Prince Peasley, and instinctively, he holds his icicle up in defense.

The fireball hits the icicle, causing it to dissipate… but Prince Peasley quickly notices that the icicle has completely melted. He quickly scurries away for a moment and snags another one.

“Ah… ahem,” Prince Peasley stammers. “Maybe I will stick to evading.”

The Bros., without Prince Peasley looking, initiate another Bros. Attack, aiming directly for Roy. Luigi makes Mario tiny with his hammer and smacks him in the Koopaling’s direction.

Roy quickly becomes disoriented, and holds onto his aching head. “…Stupid punks…”

“Nnrrgh-GACK!!” Fawful exclaims. “You minions have uselessness!”

“…Insolent cretins…” Says Ludwig. He then turns to the Bros. and Prince. “Let’s see you handle me, insects! I’m going all out! It’s Ludwig Time, baby! Bwahaha!!”

Ludwig brings out his wand, prompting a slo of magic to appear. He brings his wand up into the air, and a large ball of pure magic hovers above the trio.

With a flick of the Koopaling’s wand, more magic shoots for the heroes. Each of them dodge, even Prince Peasley. Rather than use the icicle though, he jumps.

The large magic orb then hangs just above the Bros. Prince Peasley, without much of a defense, scoots backward. He leaves the Bros. to handle the orb… since he couldn’t.

The Bros. then smack the magic orb back at Fawful and his troupe. The impact of the orb leaves them all winded, and momentarily knocks them out.

Joke’s End is then filled with a deafening silence. The Bros. and Prince slowly move toward the enemies before them… as they all suddenly come to.

“…Owie…” Says Lemmy.

“…Ugh… what happened?” Roy questions.

“…And what were we doing?” Ludwig asks.

The Koopalings all get up to their feet and group up, and then turn back to see Fawful still laying on the ground, still winded but slowly getting up.

…The Koopalings are then suddenly filled with rage.

“YOU!” Roy exclaims. “You’re the stupid punk who attacked us!”

“And brainwashed us!” Says Lemmy.

“What have you done with Lord Bowser, insect?” Ludwig asks.

“NOOOO!!” Fawful exclaims. “Fawful will not embrace the defeating! You fink-rats WILL soon drown in your mustard of doom!”

“Give up, lackey!” Says Prince Peasley. “You have fallen!”

“I HAVE FURY!!!” Says Fawful. “Fawful will defeat you fink-rats! You will soon eat back the defeatings you have forced-fed Fawful! FAWFUL WILL BE SUPREME LIKE A KING THAT IS GRAND AND SPARKLING!!”

“Hey! You down there!” Suddenly yells a bellowing voice. “STOP FIGHTING!!!”

…Everyone suddenly comes to a pause. They all turn back and look upward to where the voice had come from. Everyone but Prince Peasley seems to recognize the voice.

Lemmy gasps. “It’s him!”

“Lord Bowser!” Roy announces.

From the clouds above Joke’s End, various silhouettes blurred and clear begin to appear. The most obvious shadow being that of a flying ball… the Clown Car.

The Clown Car is the first to exit the clouds. Within the Clown Car, the minions’ leader, Bowser, sat. And at Bowser’s side was a tied up Popple…

Bowser’s Clown Car descends onto the icy floor of Joke’s End. The Koopa King leaps from the Clown Car and stomps toward Fawful, completely ignoring the Bros. and Prince Peasley.

Bowser was practically fuming as he approached Fawful, smoke flowing out from the edges of his mouth.

“GWAAAAARGH!!” Bowser roars. “You got a lot of nerve, you little punk!”

“Fawful has the nerve that would have brought you your defeating!” Says Fawful. “The defeating that Fawful will never have!”

The Bros. and Prince are all suddenly confused… so much had happened. What was Bowser doing here? Wasn’t he with that thief? Why was the thief tied up in the Clown Car? …So many questions…

Mario then jumps upward, alerting Bowser, who turns back to face the red plumber.

“MARIO!!” Bowser exclaims. “What have you been doing!?”

“I believe we must ask the same.” Says Prince Peasley.

“I WASN’T TALKING TO YOU!!” Bowser yells.

As Bowser scowls at Prince Peasley, another small set of minions appear. The four minions; a Goomba, Koopa Troopa, Boo, and Shy Guy all had small flags on their heads.

The flagged Goomba gasps. “Mario!” He exclaims. “I’ll take care of them, Lord Bowser!” He then tries to rush forward, before being stopped.

“Captains! Stop!” Bowser declares. “Can’t you see what I’m doing?”

Captain Goomba then moves back, ashamed. “…Forgive me, Lord Bowser.”

Bowser then turns back to Mario. “…What’ve you been doing, plumber?”

Mario explains everything to Bowser… all the fights they’ve had, places they’ve been, people they’ve met… and asks Bowser the same thing. Just what on Earth was he doing here?

Bowser takes a step back, trying to put his thoughts into words. “…We’re still in an alliance, so I’ll just tell ya all of it. Your ears better be clear!”

—

— Chucklehuck Woods, after Popple and Rookie’s rematch with the Bros… —

It had been hours, and the Prince was still nowhere to be found… he was either still lost in the woods or he fled somewhere else.

Popple and Rookie, but mostly Popple, began to care less and less about the Prince… making the Shadow Thief finally snap.

“Bah!” Popple exclaims. “That palooka Prince ain’t here anymore, see?”

“….But we haven’t looked everywhere, boss.” Says Rookie.

Popple is completely gobsmacked, turning to Rookie with wide eyes. “What!? These woods are huge, see? There ain’t any point in looking anymore, see? We can always find that green thing on our own terms.”

“…Yeah! We don’t need him!” Says Rookie.

“Now ya see what I’m gettin' at!” Says Popple. “I’ve gotta base in Teehee Valley, so how about we just mosey on down there, and come up with a plot ourselves, see?”

“…What’s a Teehee Valley, boss?” Rookie asks.

Popple looks to Rookie, confused… was he not from here? Not like he really knew a lot of people anyway, though. He ignores the question and gives off a smile. “I’ll show ya, Rookie. Follow my lead, see?”

“Sure thing, boss!” Rookie obliges.

The two set off to approach the edge of Chucklehuck Woods, which thankfully lead to Teehee Valley… they’d likely be there by morning, giving them all the time they needed to plan.

—

— Teehee Valley —

Popple and Rookie roam through the dry and hot desert that was Teehee Valley. The sand was never ending, and was crushed underneath the duos’ feet. The lands were covered with cacti and fossils… and Popple resided here? In this blazing heat?

Despite the heat, the two kept on… although, Rookie was starting to get tired.

“…I’m tired, boss.” Says Rookie. “How far is your base?”

“Ah, somewhere at the deserts edge, see?” Says Popple. “You’ll make it.”

“But my legs hurt, boss…” Says Rookie. “Red and Green must’ve gotten me too good… I can’t go any further…”

Rookie then falls forward onto his stomach, tired and winded. He remains barely conscious as he lays there. Popple looks back, and becomes slightly concerned.

“Rookie!” Says Popple. “Come on, get up, ya big lug!”

“…I can’t, boss…” Says Rookie, voice dry.

Popple pauses, considering his options… he then groans and pulls out his burlap sack. He digs through it, and pulls out a Mushroom he had stolen from a market.

“Here. Take this, see?” Says Popple. He then opens up Rookie’s maw and places the Mushroom in his mouth.

Rookie closes his maw, and eats the Mushroom in one bite. He seems to become more conscious, and slowly rises to his feet.

“Thanks, boss.” Says Rookie.

“Don’t mention it.” Says Popple. “Now, come on, see? Let’s keep goin'.”

The pair only progresses a bit further, before a voice suddenly stops them in their tracks.

“Lord Bowser!” The voice exclaims. “We’ve found you!”

Out from a fair distance ahead, a whole troupe of strangers appears. At the front was a group of four; a Goomba, Koopa Troopa, Boo, and Shy Guy. The four all bore a red flag on their heads. Behind the flagged minions was another group of four, each baring spiky shells and wands.

“Who’re you palookas?” Popple asks. “Rookie ain’t got business with ya, see?”

The Goomba is immediately appalled at Popple’s words. He gasps. “How dare you!?” He says. “That’s Lord Bowser! King of the Koopas!”

“…King of the hoo-has?” Popple asks… he didn’t know much about anything that wasn’t some treasure.

“Do you live under a rock!?” The Goomba asks. “…No, stay on track… Lord Bowser! Shall we, your minions, take care of this fellow here? Take him as prisoner?”

“…Huh? What are you on about?” Rookie asks. “Who’s Bowser?”

“…Y-you are, Lord Bowser!” Says the Goomba. “Don’t you remember? All of us are here! Even the Koopalings! …We don’t know where Roy, Ludwig, and Lemmy are though…”

Both Popple and Rookie look extremely confused. What were these people on about? Koopalings? Minions?

“Cut the blabberin', see?” Says Popple. “I already said Rookie ain’t got business with ya! Scram!”

As Popple looks on to the strangers, he spots that the four shelled children behind the Goomba all had wands of their own… he’s immediately intrigued.

“…Actually,” Popple begins. “I think you shelled palookas back there got something I want.”

…The shelled children, or Koopalings, seemed to know what he was after.

“Get away from my wand, half pint!” The glasses-wearing Koopaling, Iggy, demanded.

“GUY TOUCH WAND, MORTON PUNCH!” Says the big-mouthed Koopaling, Morton.

“Ah, c’mon!” Says Popple. “I ain’t gonna do nothing, see?”

Popple pauses for a moment… before suddenly charging toward the Koopaling with a bow on her head.

“Eugh!” The bow-wearing Koopaling, Wendy, exclaims. “Get away from me, ugly!”

Popple is shoved away by Wendy. He lands on the ground back first, and almost immediately gets back up to his feet.

“You mess with one Koopaling, you mess with all of us!” Says the blue-haired Koopaling, Larry.

“Nobody messes with Lord Bowser’s minions!” Says the flagged Goomba.

“Ah, so you wanna tussle, see?” Popple asks. “Well, we’ll give you a tussle, see? Let’s show ‘em what we got, Rookie!”

“Sure thing, boss!” Says Rookie.

The marvelous duo swiftly notice how offended the flagged Goomba appears after he hears those words come from Rookie’s mouth. He then shakes it off… and another battle begins.

“Time for you to get royally clobbered! Bahaha!!” Iggy declares. “Give us back Lord Bowser, thief!”

Iggy then spins, practically a tornado. He spins over to Popple and Rookie, and the thieving pair keep their eyes on him. They both quickly become dizzy and disoriented, not prepared for any other attack.

“Get 'em, Larry! Bahaha!!” Says Iggy.

“For Lord Bowser!” Says Larry. He then pulls out a tennis racket, and unveils a fireball from his maw.

Larry hits the fireballs with the racket, shooting the pair with blazing fire. The duo scowls as their behinds are quickly set ablaze… although, Popple’s taking the worst of it.

“EE-YOUCH!! Hey!” Popple exclaims. “We weren’t ready, see?”

“You aren’t SUPPOSED to be ready!” Says Larry.

Rookie then slowly gets up to his bottom, rubbing his behind to soothe the burning… he seemed as if he wasn’t in immense pain like Popple was, for his behind still stung.

“…You good, Rookie?” Popple questions, confused.

“I’m alright, boss! It’s just a scratch!” Says Rookie. “…My heads feeling funny though…”

The flagged Goomba gasps. “Our attacks are jogging his memory! He’s gotta remember something now!” He says. “Keep attacking! …Even if we’re hitting Lord Bowser, it’s all worth it, right?”

“…I’m surprised I didn’t need to tell you that…” Says the flagged Shy Guy. He then turns to Rookie. “Lord Bowser! Whether you’re hungry or not, have a turnip!”

The Shy Guy then readies a load of turnips, and throws them to Rookie in complete succession. All of the hit Rookie, bonking him directly on the head. He then readies one large turnip, and chucks it to Rookie.

Rookie then falls to his behind, dazed. “…Ow… stop! You’re not helping my headache!”

“Get up, Rookie!” Says Popple. “I’ll land a hit on 'em, see?”

As he looks up, he only sees seven Minions… weren’t there eight?

“Hey, where’d that ghostly fella go?” Popple asks himself.

Just as Popple finishes his sentence, he feels something hit his back. He is leapt into the air before falling back down on his feet.

“Hey!” Popple exclaims. “What’s the big idea!?”

“Give us back Lord Bowser, thief!” Says the flagged Boo, who has now reappeared beside the Minions. “He’s our boss! Our King! Not some rookie!”

“Enough with the 'Lord Bowser' junk, see?” Popple demands. “Let me show ya what real 'Lord' can do!”

Popple then pulls out a burlap bag and digs through it. With a large and cheeky grin on his face, he begins throwing hammers at the Minions. Just as the hammers edge to the Minions, the flagged Koopa Troopa stands before the group, and takes the hits.

As Popple ceases his hammer throwing, he stares at the Koopa Troopa with wide and confused eyes… how could anything take a blow like that?

“You may hit me bit by bit,” Says the Koopa Troopa. “But you will never land a proper hit!”

…The air goes silent… and the wind softly blows. The tension around everyone seems to have suddenly faded.

“…That rhyme stinks, see?” Says Popple, breaking the silence.

Just as Popple finishes his sentence, two rounds of rings appear around the pair. The rings close in, hitting and damaging them both.

“HA!” Wendy bellows. “You better learn to pay attention next time, thief!”

Popple and Rookie slowly get to their feet, dazed. Popple turns to Rookie, giving an angry and fierce glare.

“Rookie!” Says Popple. “Come on! Hit 'em while we’ve got the chance, see?”

Popple then notices how… confused Rookie looked. He appeared as if he was having some epiphany or enigma… like he was slowly recognizing something…

“Rookie!” Popple calls. “What’s up with ya!?”

“…I don’t know, boss.” Says Rookie. “I feel weird… my head feels weird… I can’t think right…”

“Well, ya better think right now, see?” Popple demands. “We’re sittin' ducks!”

“He’s starting to remember!” Says the flagged Goomba. “Come on, everyone! Keep at it!”

Just after those words slip from the Goomba’s mouth, Morton suddenly dashes toward Popple, becoming a blur to the other Minions.

“THIEF TAKE LORD BOWSER! MORTON TAKE BACK!!” Morton exclaims.

Morton brings Popple down to the floor. Popple only lays there as he is suddenly hit by shock waves sent from Morton constantly stomping up and down.

“Rookie! ROOKIE!!” Popple exclaims. “I’m gettin' pummeled over here! HEEELP MEEE!!”

Rookie only stood in his spot, and acted like he blotted out everything and everyone. To him, his surroundings were nonexistent… he was so confused…

As the Minions look on to Rookie, the flagged Goomba seems to have an epiphany.

Their attacks were getting to him, sure… but they’d be here for hours on end, trying to jog their master’s memories back. It would take time that none of the Minions actually had.

The Goomba then puts on a poker face… he reels back slightly, readying his tiny and stubby legs… and rushes toward Rookie like a pint-sized truck.

“Lord Bowser!!” The Goomba exclaims. “I’LL SAVE YOUUU!!!”

The Goomba then bonks Rookie directly on the head with ferocious force. The Goomba bounces off Rookie’s head and lands to the sandy ground with a small thud.

Rookie only stands still, stunned. He was blank not in just his face, but also his eyes… as if everything was suddenly coming back to him.

…Plumbers that wore red and green. A beautiful mushroom Princess, whom he wanted oh-so badly. Breaking into the Princess’ castle only to find her crying. Learning that her voice was stolen. Making an alliance… it had hit him like a truck.

He was no rookie for some lowly thief… and he never was.

Rookie growled, smoke trailing from the edges of his maw. Everyone, including Popple and Morton, looked on at the display as the large shelled Koopa reeled back and suddenly took on a triumphant pose.

“GWWAAAAAAAAAAARGHH!!!” The shelled beast roared.

Out from the beast’s maw came an entourage of fire. The fire rose into the sky far above Teehee Valley, and slowly fizzled away.

“I REMEMBER! I REMEMBER NOW!!” The beast exclaimed. “I. AM. BOWSER!!! KING OF THE KOOPAS!!!”

The Minions all suddenly cheer… all while Popple remained completely awestruck, yet horribly confused.

“Lord Bowser! Lord Bowser!” The Boo cheered. “You’re back!”

Bowser lets out a hearty laugh. “I don’t know what I was doing before, but I don’t care!” Says Bowser. “I remember now! I AM BOWSER THE KING!!! You Minions really have some use after all!”

“It’s Captain Goomba you must thank, Lord Bowser!” Says the Koopa Troopa. “For it was he that gave you your reminder!”

Bowser then raises a brow at the Minions, and turns to his side. He spots Captain Goomba, innocently looking up to the Koopa King.

“…Really? A Goomba?” Asks Bowser.

“Yeah!” Says Larry. “He bonked you right your head!”

“It was pretty courageous… especially for a Goomba.” Says Wendy, mumbling that last part to herself.

“I’m surprised he did it all… such is the way of a loyal Minion, I guess.” The Shy Guy says to himself.

Bowser continues to look on at the Goomba, before straightening himself. “Bwahaha!!” He laughs. “I should promote you, Captain Goomba!”

Captain Goomba immediately seems to become teary eyed. He tries to suck up the tears before his King, and proudly looks away. “…T-thank you, Lord Bowser.”

Bowser nods, and turns away from the Goomba, giving an affirming glare to the Minions. “Now that I remember, where did those plumbers go!? And where’s Roy, Ludwig, and Lemmy?”

“I’ve recruited Minions to help find them, Lord Bowser!” Says Captain Goomba. “…But we don’t know where the missing Koopalings are… or the plumbers.”

The air is silent… before a Lakitu suddenly appears.

“Lord Bowser!” Says the Lakitu. “The Mario Bros. AND the Koopa Cruiser have been spotted in Joke’s End! The missing Koopalings are with some green guy…”

“Great, Lakitu! We can just go over to this 'Joke’s End' place and…” Bowser pauses. “Wait, what did the green guy look like?”

“There were two of them, Lord Bowser.” Says the Lakitu. “One with sparkly hair… and another had some kind of gear on his head…”

“…'Gear on his head?'” Bowser questions. He then taps his foot in thought… and his eyes suddenly widen.

…The guy that destroyed the Koopa Cruiser and caused them all to crashed… he had gear on his head…

Bowser growls, before letting out another mighty roar. “GWRAWR!! The stupid green guy has the missing Koopalings!? …Ohh, when I get my hands on that overgrown weed…”

“Ah, excuse me?” Popple asks from afar. “I still don’t know what a Koopa is, see?”

Everyone turns to the right, seeing Popple still laying on the ground. Bowser walks up to him, fury in his eyes.

“I’M a Koopa, short-stack!” Says Bowser. “…And you got a lotta guts if you think I’m some rookie.” He says with a growl.

“You’ve always been my rookie, Rookie!” Says Popple. “Cut the games, see?”

“I’LL CUT YOUR GAME WHEN I—!” Bowser exclaims; before stopping, taking a deep breath, and calming himself. “…You’re a pain in the neck, you know that? Maybe I’ll just throw you in the Castle dungeon or something…”

Popple recoils at the thought of being put in the slammer. He gets on his knees and begins to plead. “Ah, c’mon, Rookie— AH! I mean, Bowser! LORD Bowser, I mean!” He says. “I gave ya that Mushroom before, see? I helped ya! A-AND!! I helped ya take us to Chucklehuck Woods! Eh? Eh?”

Bowser folds his arms, and begins to consider his options… he turns back to Popple, knowing what he wants to say. “You know what? I’ll spare ya, short-stack.” He says. “Minions! Tie him up and put him in the Clown Car! We’re going to Joke’s End!”

From beside Bowser, the Clown Car suddenly appears. The Minions tie Popple up and head to the Clown Car.

“Wait!” Says Popple. “What’re you tying me up for, see!?”

“So you don’t do anything weird! AND BE QUIET!!” Says Bowser. He then turns to the Lakitu. “Where are the other Minions?”

“They should all be at Joke’s End, Lord Bowser!” Says the Lakitu. “I’ve informed them all of the Koopa Cruiser! It should be half-way done by the time we get there.”

“Then what are we sitting here for?” Bowser asks. “Let’s get moving!”

“Right, Lord Bowser!” Says the Lakitu as he stands beside the Clown Car, awaiting take off.

…Bowser then turns to the Captain Goomba, who is standing beside him.

“Hey, how about you sit with me in the Clown Car?” He asks. “I’m very proud of the work you did.”

Captain Goomba is awestruck by the request. He doesn’t respond for a moment, before shaking off his amazement and giving Bowser a firm glare. “Yes, Lord Bowser!” He says. “I will gladly take the offer!”

“Great!” Says Bowser.

Bowser then jumps into the Clown Car, Popple at his right and Captain Goomba on his left. The Koopalings sat at the back, or wherever they could fit. As the Clown Car slowly hovers into the air, Bowser points forward.

“Lakitu!” Says Bowser. “Take me to Joke’s End!”

“Will do, Lord Bowser!” Says the Lakitu.

The Clown Car soars into the air, with Lakitu and the rest of the Minions behind it. Captain Boo carried the other two Captains, and followed the Clown Car to Joke’s End… which could barely be seen in the distance.

—

— Back in the Present… —

“…That’s it.” Says Bowser. “That’s all that happened… you get all that, plumber boy?”

Mario nods, confirming he got all of it… despite how much it was.

“Good. We’re all caught up to speed.” Says Bowser. He then turns back to the Koopalings. “You lot alright back there?”

“We’re good, Lord Bowser.” Says Roy.

“…My head’s still fuzzy though…” Says Lemmy.

Bowser growls. “…Stupid green guy… messing with MY Minions…”

“The name is Fawful, fink-rat!” Says Fawful, who was now tied up. “Fawful does not need those Minions anyway! They have uselessness!”

“They’re only sometimes like that, half-pint!” Says Bowser.

“Fawful would say otherwise to you!” Fawful quips.

Bowser growls, and turns back to Mario. “You mentioned a 'Cackletta' earlier right?” He asks. “She’s taken over this Kingdom? What about the Mushroom Kingdom?”

Mario explains all he knows… and Bowser grows furious.

“GRAAAAAGHH!! SHE HAS PEACH!? AND THE MUSHROOM KINGDOM!?” Bowser exclaims. “EVEN IF IT’S THE LAST THING I DO, I WILL PULVERIZE THAT WITCH!!! …Matter of fact, why don’t we just go there now, plumbers? Come on, hop in the Clown Car!”

Bowser tries to head back to the Clown Car, stomping with rage… before he’s suddenly stopped.

“Wait! …Bowser, was it?” Prince Peasley questions.

“It’s LORD Bowser, half-sized beanpole!” Bowser grumbles.

“…Yes, Lord Bowser.” Says Prince Peasley, ignoring his insolence. “If we are going to beat Cackletta, we need a plan. We can’t just barge in.”

“…Ah, I get it. You want in on our alliance.” Says Bowser. “Well, I’m not having it!”

“Lord Bowser, if you just go in the castle, it won’t be an easy fight.” Says Prince Peasley. “…I feel it would be better if we joined forces. We all want to defeat Cackletta, correct?”

…Bowser grumbles, left without an argument. He turns to the Prince, defeated. “Fine. I’ll let you join our alliance.” He says. “You better not turn your back on me!”

“I would never.” Says Prince Peasley. “We all have the same motive. I’d gain nothing from it.”

“…Yeah. You better not do anything weird.” Says Bowser.

“My ears are not crazy, correct?” Fawful asks. “It would be best to have the regroupings to give Cackletta the tasty and sweet defeatings?”

“Why do you ask?” Prince Peasley questions, turning back to Fawful.

“Yeah!” Bowser butts in. “Don’t you work for that old hag?”

“…Fawful used to.” Says Fawful. “The hag-rat threw Fawful out like garbage that had laid in the sun to grow in stink… her stabbing of Fawful’s back brings me fury! I have fury!!”

The Koopa King and Beanish Prince consider Fawful’s words… Cackletta had just let him go? Felt she no longer needed him? How cruel…

“She just booted you?” Bowser asks. “I’d never do that to my Minions! …Even if I kinda want to sometimes…”

“…I see… just as unjust as she’s always been.” Says Prince Peasley. “If you wish to fight alongside us, I need you to actually help… no leading us to our doom.”

“…Fawful may not like you fink-rats, especially the Koopa-rat… but Fawful also has geniusness. Fawful knows how to play his cards.” Says Fawful. “Fawful will not have the schemings against his allies.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, Fawful. We’ve reached a compromise.” Says Prince Peasley. “Now, all we need to do is devise a plan to sneak in and snag the Beanstar and captured Royals…”

“What'cha got, beansprout?” Bowser asks.

The Bros. and Prince Peasley all become deep in thought… before someone interjects.

“You’ll need someone to teach ya the ol' Shadow Thief way, see?” Says Popple, popping out from the Clown Car. “I can help you get in. And! If there’s a lock, I can unlock it, see?”

“Fawful can do the same!” Fawful interjects. “Fawful knows the castle like the front of Fawful’s beautiful face! …Fawful can also take care of foes like a fox that is sly and in the shadows.”

“…You are not planning are killing the guards, are you?” Prince Peasley asks. “Don’t kill the guards.”

“Fawful will do no such thing!” Says Fawful. “…Fawful can have the confirming, no kill havings of the guards.” He says in a stern tone… he was being serious, oddly enough.

…Prince Peasley nods to Fawful, then turns back to the group. “Does anyone else have intel, or is that it?”

Bowser steps forward, and takes a triumphant stance. “Minions!” He declares. “Once the Koopa Cruiser is fixed, all of you will head back to the Mushroom Kingdom, and defend it from whatever Cackletta’s thrown at it!”

“Really, Lord Bowser?” Asks Captain Boo, who stood off to the side with the other Captains.

“Yes!” Says Bowser. “…I’d rather Peach’s Kingdom be nice and pretty than in ruins.”

“Will do, Lord Bowser!” Says Captain Goomba. “We’ll defend the Princess’ Kingdom, and it’ll look good as new!”

“Oh, and I’m putting Captain Goomba in charge of this mission.” Says Bowser. “I’m certain he’ll be capable of it.”

Captain Goomba can barely contain himself after he hears those words. “I will fulfill your orders until the very end, Lord Bowser!”

“Lord Bowser!” Calls a voice from inside the crypt, Lakitu. The Lakitu exits, and reveals himself before his master. “The Koopa Cruiser is almost complete!”

“Good work!” Says Bowser. “Tell the Minions to head straight to the Mushroom Kingdom when it’s done! I need Peach’s Kingdom defended!”

“On it, Lord Bowser!” Says the Lakitu. “I’ll show you where the Koopa Cruiser is held.” He then rushes back into the crypt, everyone else following him inside.

—

Everyone laid dormant just near the exit to Joke’s End, the late afternoon sky made everything feel deeply peaceful… despite everyone’s circumstances.

Popple and Fawful were dawdling around, Fawful picking at his headgear and Popple pacing back and forth. Bowser stood a fair distance away, giving orders to his Minions. Things like 'You better come back safely!' or 'Show me that I can count on you!' were said and discussed.

As the Bros. turn around, they notice something… Prince Peasley seemed to be missing.

He wasn’t near anyone else, and as Luigi turned his head over to one of the small ice pillars, he spots the Prince. Prince Peasley appeared deep in thought… almost troubled.

Luigi steps away from Mario, heading to the Prince. Mario notices his brother’s departure and follows close behind. It doesn’t take long for Prince Peasley to notice the Bros. as they sit themselves beside him, and give him a concerned look.

…Had something happened?

Prince Peasley could tell what they wanted to know. He didn’t even have to ask. He takes a deep breath, and sighs.

“You weren’t there to see it, but you probably noticed anyway. My bout with Cackletta… it did not go very well.” Says Prince Peasley. “…It’s beginning to eat at me…”

The Bros. couldn’t help but wonder why. They continue to give the Prince that same concerned look… and Prince Peasley quickly seems a bit upset. He takes another breath in attempt to calm himself.

“…I-it is a long story. A complex one.” Says the Prince. “But I know I can trust you both with this knowledge.”

The Prince schuffles a bit in his spot, moving slightly to face the Bros… he takes another breath, and begins his tale.

“…The Beanbean Kingdom had a King once. He was a fine, upstanding man. The perfect ruler for a fair Kingdom such as this.” Says Prince Peasley. “Years ago, my mother and father were going to have a child… and just days before I was born, my father was killed… I never met my father…”

Prince Peasley then becomes strained… just speaking of it made his heart ache. He turns away, and calms himself before continuing.

“My family has been in constant mourning since his death. I am no exception.” Says Prince Peasley. “…You can likely see where I’m getting at… Cackletta killed my father.”

The Bros. are quickly taken aback. As if she couldn’t have stooped lower… the very person that caused a whole family to be in constant mourning… if this was how Prince Peasley was handling it, then how did Lady Lima and Queen Bean take it…?

“…It never helps that Cackletta…” Prince Peasley stops for a moment, scowling at the simple thought of what he wanted to say next. “…Cackletta is my mother’s sister. I’m her nephew. We are related by blood.”

…This simple piece of the puzzle only made it all hurt more… Prince Peasley’s very aunt was responsible for his father’s death?

“Cackletta taunted me about it for most of our fight. She knew she could use it against me, and swiftly took that opportunity when she was losing.” Says Prince Peasley. “I could’ve fallen to her tactics… but thanks to you, I didn’t… but I still scowl at her foul and sick ways she taunts my family and I…”

Prince Peasley then gets to his feet and stands before the small ice balcony. He stares out into the land and sky, his hair and cape swiftly blowing in the wind.

“…No matter what it takes, her venomous and sickly words will not taunt me again. I will not fear her, for she will fear me.” Says Prince Peasley. “I will avenge my father, if it’s the last thing I do…”

Prince Peasley’s tightens his grip on the wall as he stares out into the distance toward the Beanbean Kingdom’s mainland. The Bros. step to the Prince, and Luigi squeezes his shoulder slightly.

The Prince sighs, and turns back to the Bros. “…I thank you both for your compassion… I’m somewhat glad I’ve gotten that off of my chest.” He says. “You both truly are saints.”

The Bros. look back at Prince Peasley, genuine smiles on their faces… then, the sound of the Koopa Cruiser starting up knocks them out of their heads.

The trio turns back, and sees the Koopa Cruiser begin its journey to the Mushroom Kingdom. As they watch the Cruiser leave, Bowser turns back to everyone else.

“What’re you standing around for?” Bowser asks. “You chumps ready or not?”

“I’m ready, see?” Says Popple. “I’m just itchin' to break into somethin'!”

“Fawful is ready to have Cackletta’s doom crash onto her like an intimating and doom having wave!” Says Fawful. “I have vengeance!”

“Oh yeah!” Says Mario, triumphantly holding up a fist.

“Let’s-a go!” Says Luigi, also bringing a fist up.

“As if I wasn’t already.” Says Prince Peasley.

The group then prepares their ploy to sneak into the Castle… it’d be awhile until they’d get there, but they were ready.

Cackletta wouldn’t know what hit her.

- END OF CHAPTER 4 -

~~~

Next Chapter: TBA

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