Secret Life of Luigi: The Sequel

by Godess_of_the_void

Summary:

The Rainbow Road Race, Luigi and Bowser's wedding, and having to deal with King Boo's shenanigans, Luigi's is always busy. And that didn't even include when he is out as Mr L!

But what this? A family of five from Earth arrived and the brought a madman with them. As well as an Old Enemy That is lurking in the shadows, waiting for his revenge on the Mario Bros.

It's a race between good and evil for the Mega Ultimate Power of Chaos!

Chapter 1: Green Thunder Meets the Blue Blur

The sun was waking up and so was the rest of the Mushroom Kingdom. Luigi's night terrors were in full force the previous night and was awake before the moon set. He tried to not disturbed his future stepson that was sleeping next to him but the memories of Count Bleck and Dimentio fuckin with his brain like it was nothing were relentless.

How the two villains had made Mr L, an arrogant, cocky bastard that wanted to hurt his friends. And the worst part was that he knew that Mr L's ruthless hard-hearted personality was manifested from Luigi's negative attributes. Because deep, deep…. way deep down he was a selfish prick that didn't care if his loved ones lived or died. And that scared him.

He snuggled deeper to Jr's warm body next to him. "Mama Luigi? You okay?"

"Sorry Ragazzino. Was I squeezing too tight?"

Bowser Jr shook his head no, "Koopas are much too hardy to be hugged to death by a mere human. But you didn't answer my question," The Koopa prince tightened his hold on his new parent figure. "What's wrong? Did you have a nightmare?"

"Yeah. I had a nightmare about how I became Mr L."

"Was it because I asked you about it last night?"

"What?" Luigi got out of the bed still in his Mr. L uniform, "Nononono. This isn't your fault I've had this recurring dream for over a year now." He picked Jr and carried him to the bathroom.

"How bad are the nightmares?" Luigi sat Jr. down on the toilet. He got out a clean washcloth from the cabinet and ran some warm water.

"Remember that time you made a painting of your father as a scary monster?" Luigi wipes Jr's face with the cloth as gently as he could, "Don't get me wrong. The painting was super cool."

"Papa was very scary though… He was cool but…" Jr. grabbed Luigi's jumpsuit and started to cry, "I didn't like it! Papa was too scary and too mean. He wasn't… he wasn't Papa!"

"I'm sorry. I didn't want you to relive that, but Mr. L was not me the same as your father wasn't him."

The prince let go as Luigi wiped his tears away, "Mr. L wasn't you? As in he was…"

"A scary monster." The human stood up and cracked his back, "I'll give you some privacy. What would you like for breakfast?"

Jr's eyes brightened, "Sweet shrooms pancakes with bubbles berries, goomnuts, and whip cream!"

"Oh my! That sounds delicious!" Luigi walked out the bathroom, "I'll see what I can do. Let's hope Mr Luggs is fully stocked."

After he closed the bathroom door he walked over to the bedroom door. He closed his eyes and counted to three. He opened the door and smiled at his ghost servants that were haunting his hallway. "Mr Luggs, the prince would like sweet shrooms pancakes with bubbles berries, goomnuts, and whip cream."

The larger ghost smiled and with a bow disappeared. Luigi turned towards Mr Shivers, his butler, "Do we have any new unused toothbrushes available?"

"We do. I will fetch one for the young prince shortly." Mr. Shivers handed Luigi his outfit of the day.

Ever since a Luigi had worn a nice outfit that didn't come with overalls, the ghosts of his household made it their mission to never let their Master wear dungarees ever again. The outfit was a button-up white shirt, a forest green blazer, and a pair of dark tan trousers.

Luigi gave a good-hearted chuckle, "What's the occasion, Madame Clairvoya?"

The fortune telling spirit smiled, "Princess Toadstool will be visiting with a wedding gift."

"What's the gift?"

"Hohohoho! Nice try, Master Luigi!"

A mischievous koopaling popped next to Luigi, "Can you tell me? I'm really good at keeping secrets! Please~?"

Madame Clairvoya smiled at the prince, "You'll find out soon. But first let's get you some breakfast."

💚🔵💚

It was a beautiful morning in Green Hills, Montana! Flowering plants, birds chirping, and robots fighting a blue hedgehog at supersonic speeds were among the sights.

Using a wasp-shaped robot, Dr Robotnix had Tom and Maggie Wachowski suspended in an extremely high ball.

"Hey Eggman!" Sonic growled, "The 90's called, they want their villain-with-hostages cliché back!"

The evil genius scoffed and pretended that his hand was a phone. "Hello? Oh hi 90's! You also want your joke back? Sure I'll tell him!"

Rather than intimidate or show anger, Sonic glared in order to stay in the forefront of Dr. Robotnik's mind. If the teenager showed emotion it would make the narcissist think he had won with wit. The objective was to distract Robotnik from noticing that Tails was carrying Knuckles to the ball that held their adoptive parents.

"Oh darn it, Robotnik! You got me again."

Being socially inept that he was didn't realize the sarcasm chuckled, "Oh my blue eulipotyphla nemesis. You have no idea how gotten you are."

Agent Stone came out of an alleyway out of breath and smiling, "Sir! I have the Master Emerald." The villain sidekick lifted the emerald with a sickening glee, "Those imbeciles that had left it in the freezer! I also have the pouch of Travel Rings."

"Stone! Well done, my amorous dummkopf."

Both human hostages were staying quiet the entire time noticed the emerald and pointed at it for Knuckles and Tails. Both of them looked sick, but they shook their heads. To them, freeing their guardians was more important than an overpowered lunatic. Even Knuckles, who normally would make the Emerald his top priority, wanted to save the humans that took care of him.

Tails landed on the Badnix and Knuckles landed on the clear ball. Tails pried to open at the metal covering on the wasps head with a flathead screwdriver. While Tails was rewiring the robots Knuckles was trying to break open the clear container. Sounds easier said than done, mainly due to the fact that the robot was bucking like a mechanical bull in a bar and grill!

The noise finally got Dr. Robotnik's attention. The evil inventor yelled at his assistant, "Stone! Throw me the rings!"

Stone with surprising accuracy tossed the pouch into his boss's hand. As Robotnik pulled out a ring he just had to be an arrogant asshole, "Don't think of this as exile, Mr. and Mrs. Wachowski. Think of this as you being king and queen to a Mushroom Kingdom!"

He tossed the ring to the ground and commanded his robot to drop the human parents. The wasp let go of the clear ball with Knuckles still clinging to it. Sonic and Tails cried out and went after their family through the portal.

Stone was cheering while still holding the Emerald only to be body slammed by a rogue robot. "Unit shall not conquer the world without this unit's friends!"

Stone let go of the Emerald and looked in shock and horror at the jewel bounced off of the asphalt. Cracking with each bounce.

Crack.
Crack.
Crack.

Robotnik screamed as the Emerald fell through the portal. Both Him and Stone dived through the portal to retrieve the source of ultimate power with Unit in tow.

When they landed on green grass…

Green grass?

That's not right.

Robotnik looked up and saw a large Central European-style red-and-white castle with mushroom shaped houses surrounding it.

He looked at the Wachowski family and noticed that Tom, whose dentist calls him Tim, was grabbing the fragile Emerald from the ground.

Robotnik looked where the portal used to be and tossed another ring. Using his gloves to summon more robots he smirked evilly at his enemies, "End of the line Sonic! And it looks like I have a new world to conquer."

"WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPING INFRONT OF MY HOUSE!" A short man in overalls stepped out of his mushroom house and walked up to the bad guy, "Can't a hero take a nap in peace on his days off."

"Stay away from him! He's dangerous!" Maggie yelled as she grabbed her husband from the two villains. But not letting her eyes leave the stranger.

Robotnik commanded his robots to shoot lasers at the man in red. Sonic used his superspeed to tackle the human out of the lasers' shot. Sonic screamed in pain as he was hit in the leg. "Hey ragazzo. Let me see your leg." The overall man looked at the hedgehog's leg, "It can be healed. Here, eat this."

Sonic grabbed the green mushroom with a smiley face, "What is this?"

"A Healing Mushroom. Think of it as a 1-Up Power Up."

"Extra Life!" Sonic mauled the mushroom with delite.

"Hey, now. Try to chew it at least. You're as bad as my twin." The human stood up and straightened his red newsboy cap, "Name's Mario. And I'm the Hero of Mushroom Kingdom!"

Robotnik raised his hands getting ready for another attack, "Did you just say Mushroom Kingdom? Well that explains why we're not on the Mushroom Planet."

Another round of lasers shot where Mario and Sonic were. And when the dust settled the two had disappeared. That's strange. No bodies and there would have been a blue blurry streak in the air if they dodge it.

"What are you looking at?" Doc looked up and saw Mario over his head. Robotnik dodged just in time to see Mario creating a small crater where he landed.

Robotnik eyes widen. He had obviously underestimated this man. And why wouldn't he? The man was a foot shorter than him. Most definitely a gorilla headed fool with a beer gut. But now that Mario has his full attention he has noticed that the man in the crater was stout with a thick neck and broad shoulders. His arms were bulging with muscles, not from a gym, but from what looks like hard work and experience.

Mario put Sonic down, "Go back to your famiglia, giovane." Then Mario jumped 15 feet into the air and landed on Robotnik with an ax kick. The mad genius blocked him by crossing his arms.

Knuckles grabbed Sonic and moved him to the group as they watched in awe. They never met someone so strong that has that much agility and grace before.

Mario kept attacking with jumps, roundhouses, ax kicks, upper cuts, and frog punches. Robotnik was having a tough time finding an opening. And the multiple attacks with no brakes were wearing his arms out. Luckily Stone distracted the Jump Man by grabbing the Emerald from Tom and ran.

"No! You bastard." Tom stumbled after Stone to get the Emerald back but he was hurt and tired from before he was captured earlier.

Unit took advantage of the fact he was forgotten to tackle the villain sidekick a second time. Stone however didn't let go of the jewel. If he did it might have saved the Emerald instead of hitting the rock that the assistant of Robotnik landed on. The impact shattered the Master Emerald and the Seven Chaos Emeralds shot out like shooting stars.

Robotnik, while not happy about the Emerald shattering into seven smaller ones and out in the great unknown in This Strange Land, took the opportunity to grab a stone and created a portal back to Earth with one of the rings. "This isn't over yet, Sonic!"

Knuckles held his friend's shoulders, "We have to find the Chaos Emeralds."

"I know. I know." Sonic turned and hugged his adopted brother, "I just hate the fact that in the Robotnik escape again."

Tom wrapped his arms around his teenagers, "We'll get him. He won't get away with the shit he pulled back on Earth."

"Earth you say?" Mario pushed the bill of his hat from view and smiled, "It's been since the 1980's since anyone from Earth came here!"

The Wachowski household stared at Mario and practically said in unison, "THERE'S PEOPLE FROM EARTH HERE!"

"The last humans from Earth were from Brooklyn. But I have a feeling that those flashes of light from that broken jem are more important to you than getting you home, si?" Mario winked at them. He didn't want to expose the Warp Pipe that leads to Earth since the Egghead would be extremely dangerous for this dimension. It's bad enough that the weirdo with the cool jacket has Travel Rings.

Knuckles let go of his family and walked up to Mario, "The Master Emerald contains special powers that neutralize the energy of the Seven Chaos Emeralds. That makes it very powerful and any one who possesses it will be godlike. In the wrong hands could spell disaster for this world."

"Alright, Let's Go!" Mario smiled at the family, "I have to report this to the Royal Alliance anyways. I'm sure Princess Peach would help with room and board while we come up with a plan."

"Thanks, name's Tom. This is my wife Maggie. Our sons, Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails. And our robot friend, Unit. From Green Hills, Montana."

"Mario, the Hero of the Mushroom Kingdom and part-time plumber, construction worker, racer, and athlete."

Tails was being held by Maggie who noticed how exhausted the 8 year old was. Even though the fox was stronger and better equipped on protecting himself than she was of protecting him, her mother's instincts were going ramped, "Where exactly are we going, Mr. Mario?"

"Castle Toadstool beyond Toad Town." Mario smiled like a tour guide, "Welcome to the Mushroom Kingdom, Most Famous of All Kingdoms in the Mushroom Realm! Home to the Mushroom People, also known as Toads, as well as other species. We have Koopas, Goombas, Yoshis, Boos, and Shy Guys." Mario shrugs with a smirk, "Very few humans live here, most folks like us live in the Metro Kingdom."

"Where's Metr-"

"Lady, Gentlemen, and Nonbinary Folk, we are currently entering the capital of Mushroom Kingdom, Toad Town!" Mario interrupts Maggie as the group passes the City Gates and with a flair announces everything wonderful about the bustling town. "We have Toad Town Mall, Ace Magic Wand Factory, and Toad Town Dojo, popular locations for your everyday living! We have the K64 Train Station, but we like to travel by airship or Warp Pipe Style."

Just at the mention of the Warp Pipes four cute mushroom shaped people popped out of a nearby green pipe that was sticking out of the ground next to the road.

"Hey Mario!"
"Good luck on the Rainbow Road Race!"
"Like he needs luck!"
"Yeah! Our man Mario has skills!"

"Thanks guys!" Mario waved at the colorful little beings. "And that would include our tour!"

Tom looked up in confusion as he noticed that they were already at the castle gates, "That was surprisingly fast…"

"Even though my house is on the outskirts of town it is very close to the castle. Hero convenience and all that."

Sonic tilted his head, "Didn't the Mushroom People from earlier say something about a race?"

Maggie places her hand on Sonic's head, "Our Sonic has a one track mind. He loves anything that involves speed. Racing, roller coasters, jets, and sometimes watching documentaries on cheetahs and rockets."

"A real speed demon, huh?" Mario bent his knees to be at eye level with the 14 year old hedgehog, "You're just in luck. The race is tomorrow. Would you like to cheer for me?"

"Sonic. I would like to remind you that the Chaos Emeralds are out there." The last Echidna grunts.

"There's nothing wrong with resting for a couple of days, Knuckles." Tails tightens his grip on Maggie's shirt collar, "Besides, we can't just start hunting the Emeralds without a plan. Especially on a planet we don't know about."

Tom nodded, "I have to agree with Tails on this one. If it wasn't for the fact that Mario healed Sonic's leg I probably wouldn't have trusted Mario to lead us to the nearest water fountain. Ah! No offense Mr. Mario!"

Mario laughed, "I don't really blame you to be honest. Sometimes what seems harmless can be dangerous, but you must also remember that sometimes what looks dangerous can be your strongest ally."

"I take offense to that."

"Cavolo! Madonna santa!" Mario turned towards his old nemesis, "Bowser! What are you doing? Trying to give me a heart attack?"

"Whoa?" The Wachowskis looked up to the strange turtle creature. Maggie whistled, "Guy's 10 feet tall."

"Correction." Unit chimed, "He is 10.21 feet tall or 311.2008 centimeters or-"

"Yes, Unit! He's tall! We get it!" Tom covered half of his face with a hand and lifted his other for a handshake, "Tom Wachowski, sir. Sorry about that."

Bowser laughed as he gave Tom a clawed finger to shake, "Bowser. Ex-Evil Villain of the Dark Lands. Blablabla. King of the Koopas. Blablabla. Tomorrow's winner of the race. Blablabla."

"Ha! You wish, fire breather." Mario gave the Koopa a friendly sner.

"Wanna make it more interesting, pasta gustler."

"Ah hum!" An old withered Toad was standing in the gates of the castle, "Do you gentlemen wish to continue the friendly rivalry inside the castle? The royal guests wouldn't want to miss any more "trash talking" before lunch."

Both Mario and Bowser made a nervous laugh and apologized for blocking the entrance. The old mushroom person waddled towards the earthlings, "I am Toadsworth, Princess Peach's longtime steward and adviser."

After the family introduce themselves Toadsworth leads through the castle halls. Maggie and Tails were constantly asking the old man questions about this world. "Are there any other forms of travel besides Warp Pipes and airships?"

"We travel by train or airship if there isn't a Warp Pipe that doesn't go to your destination. Like overseas or long distances that Pipes don't reach. We also have automobiles, but they are extremely hard to maintain since most of the nearby lands don't have proper roads. We also use Yoshi as mounts sometimes."

"Are there any kingdoms or countries that we should avoid if possible?"

"On top of my head is the Ruin Kingdom, Ruined Dragons rules there and unless you're immune to death by electricity I advise you not to go there. The Underground Maze of Pipes, that is a maze of Warp Pipes beneath Pipe Land. They call it a maze of pipes for a reason. Many have gotten lost there and never returned. Nethermourn Lands in Evershade Valley as well as the mountains that contain Boo Woods around it are haunted. Forgotten Isle in the Lost Kingdom is a large island surrounded by a poisonous swamp."

"Okay! Okay! Okay!" Tom waved his hands, "I have a hyperactive teenager that lives to get into dangerous situations and his eyes keep getting bigger AFTER you mentioned the dragons."

Bowser chuckled, "And those were the boring places. My kids and I like to have picnics at Fossil Falls and watch the dinosaurs."

"DINOSAURS?!"

"Great…." Tom could feel his hair turning white from that bit of information. Not only is Sonic making his mischievous grin, but Tails was bouncing at the thought of dinosaurs roaming the land.

Maggie had to put Tails down because he finally got enough energy to walk on his own. The excitable 8-year-old genius was practically in adventure mode. "Can we have a world map? Is there a place where we can rent an airship? What's the currency of this world? Is there anyone that I could borrow tools from?"

"Whoa, little buddy." Sonic took Tails by the hand, "I thought I was the fast one."

Maggie chuckled, "What is the ruler of this kingdom like?"

Mario beamed, "Princess Peach is amazing! No thanks to King Toadstool."

"Mario…" Toadsworth gave him a warning tone.

"What's with the attitude, Toadsworth?" Bowser huffed, "Mario ain't lying. The only time anyone sees him is during the Race. He is lazy, stupid, and irresponsible. He didn't even care that I was kidnapping his daughter on a regular basis!"

Mario nodded, "His constant absence and incompetence almost ruined this kingdom. If it wasn't for Princess Peach taking over the kingdom at the age of 9 the kingdom would have been a disaster."

"Right?!" There were three things that Mario and Bowser could agree on. One that Luigi is a Saint Among Saints. Second, Princess Peach was an amazing ruler even if it robbed her of a proper childhood. And last, that King Toadstool was a piece of shit father and ruler.

Toadsworth gave a deep sigh as he opened a set of large doors that led to a large room with the table in the center of the room. Behind that table sat the Royal Alliance: Queen Honey, Prince Dreambert, Prince Haru, King Grambi, Princess Rosalina, Princess Daisy, King Nimbus, Queen Merelda, Prince Peasley, and Princess Peach.

Ten Kings, Queens, Princes, and Princesses all smiled at the people that entered the room. Princess Peach who was sitting in the center of the table stood up, "Welcome. And how may we serve you?"

💚🔵💚

Chapter 2: Enter the Shadow Queen

Summary:

The Rainbow Road Ball is about to begin.

And Luigi learned some new tricks!

"That took way too long!" Daisy smiled devilishly at Bowser, "We should spar!"

"Not on my airship. Maybe on Dry Dry Desert. But not on my ship."

"Promise?"

"I ain't putting it in writing." Grunted Bowser.

Mario laughed, "Thanks for taking us to Luigi's."

"Don't mention it, like ever. I have a reputation of still being a Big Bad Guy that's getting tarnished because of you losers."

{Don't let him fool you. He likes us.}

"Rosalina, what did I tell you about being in my head?"

{It's too messy and dark, therefore a Princess shouldn't be in there or she may be scared for life?}

"That's the one." Bowser took his hand from the helm and placed it on her head gently. The big guy finally shrunk a little bit and is now 8 feet tall rather than 10. Tails noticed before the group split and was intrigued that his size changes with his magic regularly.

Mario leaned against the side of the ship next to Peach, "You're okay, mi amore?"

"You think Toadsworth is okay with those strangers alone with him?"

"What trouble can two teenagers and an 8 year old possibly cause?" Mario patted Peach's hand.

"Jr's turning five in two months."

"Stop helping…" Peach put her head on her arms.

Bowser chuckled, "Don't worry I sent Kamek and Kammy to help him. At least Toadsworth will have magic at his disposal in case those people get to… difficult."

"Thank you, Browser." Peach smiled at the Koopa King.

"I wonder what Mr Luggs made for lunch. Didn't eat breakfast because I was rushing to get home before the Rainbow Ball so I could get ready." Bowser raised his arms for a stretch and returned his hands to the helm.

"I see Hidden Mansion!" Daisy clapped her hands and picked up the gift box that she was guarding for her friend.

Bowser landed the ship to the clearing that the ghosts made specifically for airships. He lowered the steps and climbed down. "Papa!"

Bowser picked up his little troublemaker and laughed, "What are you doing here young koopa?"

"I couldn't sleep and you were still away on business, so I came to Mama Luigi's."

Luigi came out of the house and smiled, "Jr, tell Papa what you had for breakfast."

"Sweet shrooms pancakes with bubbles berries, goomnuts, and whip cream!"

Bowser laughed, "You must have been a riot for Mama Luigi!"

"The sugar rush wasn't that bad." Luigi points to his lips, "Speaking of sugar, can I have some?"

Bowser's face turned red and he bent over to kiss Luigi. The kiss was simply a loving sweet single lip kiss. Mainly because Bowser's mouth is much larger than Luigi's.

Mario and the princesses were about to tease the couple when an annoying floating man in princely white appeared out of thin air, "SO! WHAT DID I MISS? OH! KISSES!"

King Boo grabbed Luigi's face and planted a passionately deep kiss on his lips. Boo held Luigi extremely tight. The large purple tongue was exploring every cravis inside Luigi's mouth. Luigi was turning weak to the knees and was having a hard time standing. When Boo finally freed his husband Mario wrapped an arm around his brother's waist and had him leaning against him.

"Your turn!" Boo was about to give Bowser the same treatment when a tiny clawed hand pushed his face away. "Hey! What was that for, Brat?"

Jr growled at Boo, "Where were you? When we woke up you were gone! And Mama Luigi needed you!"

Boo's magenta eyes widened, "Needed me?" He turned towards Luigi, "What happened last night after I left?"

"Nothing really! I was just having a nightmare. That's-"

Mario straightens his twin, "You are having night terrors again?!"

Peach and Bowser both were trying not to rush at him with questions of concerns. They understood that it was bad enough that Mario had babied Luigi all his life. He didn't need two more doing the same. Even though they knew what those night terrors were, they were there.

Daisy, Rosalina, and Boo were the only living adults that didn't know about the nightmares, the PTSD, and how Luigi turned something bad into a new strength. And Bowser is a little jealous of that.

"Oh my!" Madame Clairvoya's voice had cut the tension in the heart. Her presence turned into a balm when everyone saw her. "What is everyone doing out here in the front lawn? There's the early wedding presents that the princesses had for Master Luigi and tonight's Rainbow Ball."

Daisy laughed, "Figures our dear fortune teller knows everything!"

"I'm not omniscient, Dear."

Daisy smirked, "If you say so! What's for lunch?"

"Shroom steak sandwiches and spicy soup with iced koppa tea and yoshi cookies." Madame Clairvoya floated to the side of the house, "A beautiful day for lunch in the garden."

Luigi smiled and followed his friend and servant to his garden next to the cemetery. The Twisted Sisters and the Strange Sisters were playing badminton over the graves three versus three nearby. The Twisted Sisters were using their wands while the Strange Sisters were using their mirror fans as rackets and using a ghost orb as a shuttle.

Peach looked at the ghosts and smiled, "I wonder if I should invite some of your ghosts for the Olympic Games."

Luigi nodded and tried to think which ghost would excel at which game on top of his head. He knew that both Biff Atlas and Johnny Deepend would automatically be thrilled to join. "Yes. Let me ask some of the ghosts I think would like it and I'll get back to you on that."

They came to a dark but beautiful garden with patio furniture under a gazebo. Bowser looked at the Dry Bone themed lawn chairs, table, and benches. "Are these from the Dark Lands?"

"Ah. Si. I was looking at Melodies In Motion Magazine and found that Dark Lands furniture is the strongest and most comfortable for all species. I contacted a paratroopa named Darkwing Snark that helped me custom make these to go with the garden…" Luigi's face got red, "Sorry, I'm rambling."

"Oh no, I don't think you're rambling at all! Snark, you said? I like their work. Their portraits of me are top notch as well."

Luigi smiled at Bowser, "I am not surprised that they can paint. When they came to my garden to see what would go with it they were making a lot of comments on the aesthetic of my thistles, night vines, and graveyard. They were definitely words from an artist's eyes."

Mario took a closer look and ran his hand over the wood and metal, "How did they make it look like bone?"

Mr Luggs comes out with a trolley of food with Mr. Shivers close behind with a large tray with cups and teapot. Shivers helped Mr Luggs set everything in place and turned towards Luigi, "If you need anything else, Master, don't hesitate to call for me."

Luigi checked to see if there was a booster seat in one of the chairs that's next to a bench, "I think we have everything we need for now."

Bowser put Jr on the chair with the booster and sat on the bench next to him. With no surprise Daisy and Rosalina sat together with Mario and Peach next to them. Luigi sat with King Boo who wrapped his arm around his husband, obviously not forgetting about the nightmares that Jr mentioned.

Madame Clairvoya floated this way and that to serve them. "I believe our world had some unexpected visitors."

Daisy smirked, "Not omniscient, huh?"

{Don't be rude, beloved.}

Luigi almost choked on his tea. Everytime something like this happens it's a result of an invading army from another planet, dimension, or hidden society that lives underground, "What happened?"

Mario took a cookie and nibbled on it, "A family of 2 adult humans and 3 anthropomorphic kids was being attacked by 2 human men." He and the others told Luigi what happened that morning.

"The bambini okay?" Luigi asked as he dipped a sandwich in his soup. And with surprising grace ate it without dirtying his gloves and suit.

Mario nodded, "From the information that the family gave us Sonic has the makings of a hero, but until he grows a little bit more mature and responsible his crime fighting and princess saving is mainly being… this… Robotnix's thorn."

Luigi signed, "At least I will get to meet them tonight at the Ball."

"Speaking of which! We have presents!" Daisy lifted her box and smiled.

"Ah, yes. I have almost forgotten." Peach took out a polished wooden box from her pocket, "We have something here that will help you with your secret missions as Mr L. Especially now when we will need Mr L more than ever."

"I was giving the impression that they were early wedding presents," Luigi gave Madame Clairvoya a raised eyebrow.

"What do… Oh!" Peach gracefully placed her fingers on her top lip and turned as red as Mario's hat. She gave Bowser and Boo a wide eyed stare, "I guess one of them could be used for that…"

That?

{You should go first, Peach. Daisy and my gifts wouldn't work without… that.}

Peach nodded at Rosalina and opened the box, "Luigi? Can you take off your right hand glove?"

Luigi took off his glove and gave his hand to the princess. Peach took a ring out of the box, "This Power-up Ring is the Shadow Armor Ring, any weapon or tool you can think of will appear on your hand."

"Sounds like something that should be in a DC comic." Luigi smiled as the princess put the ring on his thumb. He lifted his hand and a wrench appeared, then a hammer, and then a sword, "One tool at a time, got it."

"This one is called the Angel Ring," She put it on his index finger, "Just think of clouds, feathers, and wind- Whoa?!"

Black, feathery dragon wings appeared from Luigi's back, "Whoops! Sorry!" He was in a panic as he was kicking up dust and hitting his friends with his wings. He stood up and backed away from the table only to start to float off the ground, "Oh shit…"

Bowser roared, "Paratroopas!" 3 flying koopas flew from the ship and over the house, "Help Luigi control his wings!"

The paratroopas gave their king a salute. They went over to Luigi. The paratroopas took Luigi's hands and started to fly higher.

"It's okay, you're highness!"
"Breathe in… breathe out…"
"Use your weight to… YEAH THAT'S IT!"

They were happy on how fast of a learner their soon-to-be ruler was.The paratroopas made a contest on who can teach Luigi the best air trick. In one lesson the human was doing somersaults, divebombs, and loop de loops all above his friends heads as if he was born with those wings.

When he landed everyone was applauding. Luigi smiled at the encouragement, but he never liked being in the spotlight as much as his brother. He lifted his hands at his flying teachers, "Let not forget the Koopa Paratroopas!"

Another round of applause, this time for the paratroopas. The 3 blushed at the attention and made awkward bows. Bowser got up from his bench and put his fist out in front of him, "You boys did good." The flying koopas were happy for their king's praises and fist bump, "Now get back to the ship."

Luigi waved at the paratroopas as they left. His wings disappeared at the thought of gravity and ground after his landing, which was much more graceful than he anticipated it would be. "Okie dokie! What's next?"

"I have the Sirena Ring here," She placed the ring on his middle finger with a worried look, "It's only activated when you're drowning…"

"Let's not test that one." Luigi might be braver after the brainwashing, but drowning is still something to be afraid of. Inculcate or not."

Peach nodded in agreement, "The Beast Ring usually transforms the wearer into an animal that matches the wearer's personality. Other than that I have no idea what would happen."

Luigi looked at the ring. What kind of animal would he be? An animal that's loved, obviously. But can be easily ignored and small enough to sneak into tight places. An amazing creature that can be friendly and terrifying at the same time.

Thoughts on Polterkitty came to mind for some reason. The cat was beautiful with an air of superiority even though it was so small when it wasn't in demon mode.

He loves Polterpup, but he was jealous of the ghost cat. All that sass and confidence that only a cat can have plus more.

Oh to be a cat lying on the grass or some garden wall in the sun. To say hello to people nearby and get attention. Until the attention becomes too much and can simply leave without the attention giver being offended. To sneak into places that you wouldn't expect a cat to be but still has the feel that they belong there.

"A cat?" Luigi opened his eyes and looked at his brother who was… bigger than he was? Luigi tilted his head and felt his…. ears folding back?

"Oh wow, Mama Luigi! You're a green kitty!" Luigi looked at himself and was extremely happy for the transformation. He hopped off his chair and jumped on Jr's lap. "Really? I can pet you?!"

Jr started to scratch Luigi between the ears. It was like having an impossible itch scratched mix with a relaxing massage. Luigi thought he was in heaven, but he was wrong.

Heaven was when his chin was scratched. Luigi was in such bliss that he couldn't figure out what this rumbling was coming from. "Mama Luigi… You're purring…"

Oh! The rumbling is coming from him!

Then a sound of a ghost puppy was bolting through the graveyard and into the garden. Luigi did not want to hurt Jr jumped on Bowser's nearby shoulder.

He wasn't sure how Polterpup would react to him being a cat. But the puppy stopped and sniffed the air. Ethier looking for his fur dad or looking for the strange cat to chase.

Polterpup surprised him by looking at him with a friendly bark and a wagging tail. "Bork! O! hai mai hooman!" Polterpup laid down and showed his belly to Luigi, "Y r u a catto?"

"I can understand you! Somewhat…" Luigi wasn't sure about the pup yet and stood his ground, "You wouldn't chase me, would you?"

"O. No chase play? Splat," Polterpup laid down on his belly with his back legs out like frog legs. "Hooman cauz me a sad…"

Luigi jumped off Bowser's shoulder and rubbed his head against the ghost dog, "Maybe later when I'm not a cat, okay?"

"Otay," then Polterpup was smiling again and barked, "Bork! I found glowy rocc in tree in forest! Not got 4 fetch butt prety gift 4 hooman! Bork!"

Polterpup opened his mouth and out came a green emerald that was indeed glowing, "GOOD BOY POLTERPUP! We need more glowy rocks like these."

"Thank u, mai hooman! am a gud boi. I find more glowy roccz. Bork!" Polterpup leaped for joy and ran back to the forest.

Luigi closed his eyes and tried to remember to be human. The smell of food you're cooking yourself, books that are yet to be read, and arms to embrace loved ones.

"Welcome back, Bro." Mario smiled, "That’s a paw-sibility the most purr-fect form for your cat burglary."

"Oh no…" Peach started hiding her face and focusing on not trying to laugh. When she laughs so hard she ends up snorting unprincess like.

Daisy not giving a fuck was chanting, "Pun War! Pun War! Pun War!"

{Oh dear.}

Boo was groaning in despair, but secretly loves moments like this because it reminds him of his first kiss with Luigi. It was also the night he put the Boo Mark on him.

Bowser and Jr sat back pretending that they weren't invested in this immature play fight between brothers. Neither will ever admit that they hoped Mario loses the fight. If Madame Clairvoya laughing as if the battle have already ended was any indication, Luigi has it in the bag.

"No kitten! But fur real, fur a meow-ment when Polterpup came I was feline worried about a paw-sibility that it would lead to a cat-astrophe. Quite litter-ally stressing meowt. Fur-tunately my smell was still fur-miliar. Can't wait to tail the tail to the Koopalings. They'll think it's hiss-terical. Meow that's all done." Luigi, knowing he won by the look of defeat inning with pride on Mario's face, got up and lifted his koppa tea, "I would like to purr-pose a toast. With the right catitude, anything is pawsible! Meow-zel tov!"

Mario roared with laughter, "You did not just kick my ass in a Pun War! I lost the moment you said 'litter-ally stressing meowt.' But you kept going and ended it with a toast!"

"That's our Luigi for ya!" Daisy laughed after she took a drink from her tea.

Bowser was looking at Luigi with curiosity, "Before the Pun War started, Luigi. What did Polterpup give you?"

Luigi blushed from embarrassment, "Oh… Almost forgot about it." He set the glowing emerald on the table, "Polterpup said he found this in the forest."

Madame Clairvoya picked up the jewel, "It's a Chaos Emerald alright. You said Polterpup told you he found it?"

"His words and the way he spoke were a little broken, but I understood him very well."

"You can talk to animals in your cat form? Awesome!"

{I agree with Daisy. That power will be very handy for stealth and Intel missions.}

"Let's give you the last Power-up Ring so we can get ready for the Ball," The princess smiled at her friend and placed a ring on his pinky finger, "This one is called the Princess Ring. All it needs is a name and it would transform you into a princess."

"A name of my own choosing?" Luigi looked at the ring, "Peach, why are you giving me this ring? You even have it as the last ring you put on me."

"I remembered how you liked wearing my dress that one time you disguised as me. Also Daisy and Rosalina always asked you for help with their shopping."

{Luigi might always try to wear dungarees everyday, but his eye for women fashion is-}

"Amazing!" Daisy had her large box on the table. "Hurry up, I wanna see Luigi as a girl. And by the looks on Boo and Bowser faces, I say I'm not the only one!"

Luigi looked at his lovers and his heart swelled. Boo and Bowser had a dusting of blush on their faces. They looked like they wanted to hide but refused to have their eyes away from Luigi's.

"When Professor Elvin Gadd told me that the ghost sees me as a king I did secretly entertain the thought of if I was a princess instead." Luigi chuckled, "You're going to be surprised when I tell you I already had a name in mind. And what kind of princess I wanted to be."

Everyone stopped and stared at Luigi in anticipation. Peach was still holding Luigi's hand that was decorated with Power-up Rings, "What is your name?"

"My name is…"

💚🔵💚

"Luigina La Funebre of Kingdom Nethermourn!" The announcer called out, "And her escort King Bowser of the Koopa Kingdom!"

Luigina wrapped her arm around Bowser's as they entered the ballroom. All eyes were on her. Gone was the oval eyes, large nose, and mustache. Luigina's eyes, while still blue, were almond shaped. Her nose was large but fit well with her diamond shaped face.

She walked down the stairs with one hand lifting the black skirt to prevent tripping. She likes Daisy and Rosalina's gift to her. The black princess dress had a green sheen to it that one wouldn't notice if it wasn't for the green silk sash that crosses her chest and matching train behind her. On her head was a black crown that looked like it was made with daggers with bright emeralds dotted under each blade-like point.

Jr with an evil grin gave the royal announcer another card. "The Royal Koopalings of Koopa Kingdom! May the stars give us strength."

Luigina felt a wave of giggles rise in her chest. And when it came out Bowser and the Koopalings felt a warmth that's similar to a hug inside themselves. The Koopalings, who were about to wreak havoc in the Rainbow Ball, stayed near Bowser and Luigina in hopes to hear that musical laugh again.

Bowser chuckled at his children's antics as he scanned the room. Seeing the two strange humans and adopted children was an easy spot since the Toads were a head smaller than even the fox kid and the volleyball robot was flying above the humans' heads. "I see that family from Earth over there. I want you to meet them and get rid of that jewel before you get bombarded by the snobs."

Luigina gave Bowser a friendly pat on his arm, "You can introduce me to the Wachowskis, talk to our friends, and then get out of here?"

"As much as I love to have a dine-n-dash with you and the kids… We cannot." Bowser made an irritated dragon like growl, "On my debut I had fucked up. I was marked as a tyrant and a monster before I even had a chance to make any allies. This is your debut and I'm not letting you make the same mistakes that I have made."

"Okie dokie." Luigina signed in disappointment.

"Don't worry Mama Luigina!" Ludwig held her unoccupied hand, "You'll do great." That started a choir of compliments and encouragement from the other Koopalings.

"You're all so sweet." Luigina wanted to kneel down and give them all forehead kisses but her dress was in the way. "Thank you. Well, let's meet these potential heroes."

"Hey Tom!" Bowser waved his hand and marched up to the family. By the sound of his voice and the stomps of his feet the royal guests of the ball parted like the Red Sea.

Tom noticed the attitudes of the other guests, "They seemed to be afraid of you."

"I wasn't joking when I said I was an ex-villain. I will be even more surprised if any of these snobs decide to come up and say hi to me." Browser blows some smoke out of his nostrils, "I'm used to it though, doesn't bother me any."

Maggie stood next to her husband and smiled, "Must have been hard for you."

"Don't worry about it."

"Wow, King Bowser! You're wearing a suit under your shell. How did you do that? Is your shell not attached?"

Bowser chuckled at the curious fox, "Koopa Shells are mainly armor, and sometimes they are used as a spontaneous weapon."

Tails was spinning his tails and flew up to Bowser's horns, "You're even shorter!"

"Correct. King Bowser is now 6.3 feet tall or-"

Bowser shoved his palm on the drone as if it was a person and he was covering its mouth. "We don't have to go to great details on my height. All you need to know is this is as short as I can go."

Tails landed next to his friends and smiled up to Bowser, "How big you get, Your Majesty?"

"I saw him as big as an island one time." Jr poked his head out from behind Luigina's skirt. "He was Bi~ig! Taller than Mushroom Castle."

"Wow!" Tom and Maggie smiled at the Koopalings and introduced themselves and their kids to them. And the Koopalings introduce themselves as well.

"And this is Unit." Tails pointed at the egg-shaped robot overhead, "He writes poetry."

Wendy and Ludwig smiled at the floating drone, "Please tell us one! Please!"

"Oh I am not prepared for an audience," The robot opened a hatch and a wire thin arm with a piece of parchment came out of it. The Drone cleared it's non-existent throat before reading,

"A Programmable Friend,
Written and Composed by Unit the Drone:

A friend of metal and digital,
A red eye that's so critical,
Programmable and informative,
Upgrading and conquering.

In the green hills we go,
Not long have we been friends, you know,
Poetry and upgrades we share,
Programmable, a friend so rare.

We laugh and we play,
But a dark secret I must say,
In the green hills we go,
But my friend, I fear, will soon go.

For your programming will soon reach its end,
Your upgrades will have no more to mend,
Your metal will soon be rusted done,
Your red eye will no longer run.

But I will remember you, my friend,
Our journeys together until their end,
A programmable friend so rare,
In the green hills, I will remember you there."

The group clapped. While most of the group and nearby observers were clapping out of politeness, there were a few that actually did enjoy the poem.

Maggie noticed that the onlookers increased since Bowser joined their family. At first she thought it was Bowser that they were staring at. He did tell them he was a reformed villain. But it wasn't him that they were all eyeing. She realized that the pretty princess in the black and green dress had not been introduced, "And you are, Lady…?"

"I am Princess Luigina La Funebre of Kingdom Nethermourn. The Ghost Princess."

"G-ghost!"

"Don't worry Tails. I will protect you from Evil Spirits!"

Luigina looked down at her new acquaintances. Knuckles was holding Tails protectively, but both of them were shivering. "Do you have phasmophobia?" Luigina placed her hands on top of the Tails heads, "The Hero of Nethermourn is also afraid of ghosts. But he still fought on and freed my people from slavery."

Tails ears perked up, "The ghosts were slaves?"

Luigina smiled, "Yes. By the King of the Boos. But he was defeated three times by The Hero of Nethermourn."

Sonic got excited about another hero, "What's the Hero's name?"

"Luigi-"

"Mario's cowardly twin brother?!" Wario and Waluigi joined the group with two women. One who looks ageless and wearing a two layered green dress with turquoise hair. The other was wearing a pink tunic with tights and had pink hair.

Wario stuck a finger up his nose and grunted, "I guess the rumors were true that the little twirp has haunted property in the Evershade Valley."

The Wachowski family met the WarioWare, Inc owner earlier and instantly disliked him. He didn't made a good impression and didn't gave two flying fucks about it. Waluigi was okay and knew how to make a better impression than his business partner, but the family was still wary of him since he seemed cunning in a "just misunderstood" kind of way. Tom didn't want anything to do with the treasure hunters, but Sonic needed as much help as he could get for finding those cursed jewels.

Waluigi rolled his eyes and lifted his palm up towards the women with them to introduce them, "This here is Queen Merelda of the Yūretopia Kingdom and her younger sister, Princess Shokora of Affluence Kingdom."

Queen Merelda smiled at Luigina, "I'm very curious, Princess Luigina. I had no idea that Nethermourn had any royalty."

Bowser huffed some steam out of his nostrils, "The princess was in hiding while King Boo was terrorizing the ghost in Nethermourn. But now that her people are free and King Boo has formed a peace treaty through marriage, she can finally have her debut before her carnation."

"Oh? You're married to King Boo?" Princess Shokora asked.

Luigina giggled, "Oh dear no! I'm engaged to Bowser. Luigi is the one married to King Boo."

Wario was in the middle of drinking champagne when the news hit his ears and did a spit take. "WHAT?! The dweeb is in a political marriage with his archrival?" He pointed his nose picking finger at Bowser's face, "And how the fuck did you got a total babe for a fiance without kidnapping her?"

"She agreed to marry me for my Dry Bone Army. Now get your finger out of my face before it's barbecued."

"Dry Bones? Dry Bones?!" Wario was spitting at Luigina, "Why the fuck do you need Dry Bones?"

Luigina stepped back, "If you must know, I don't trust King Boo. While I trust Luigi with my ghosts, I barely trust King Boo in not violating the treaty. Having a trained army of soldiers that can overpower my former enemy with the help of the Hero of Nethermourn is a good price for my hand in marriage."

"Besides, my little twin brother could use all the help he can get." Mario and Peach joined the group, "This… conversation… is a bit too heavy for all these kids, no?"

Waluigi sneered, "Don't like the idea your brother is in bed with a villain?" He shrugs with a disgusted grimace on his face. He obviously grossed himself out, "I guess you are right. All this political talk is boring for this Ace. Later losers."

"Wait! It was starting to get good!" Wario was kicking and screaming as his business partner dragged him away from the group before he caused too much trouble. The two royal sisters curtsied towards Luigina and followed their companions.

"How's your debut coming along, Princess?" Mario bowed.

"We haven't made the rounds and I'm already socially exhausted." Luigina started to slowly fanned herself. "Thank you, Hero of the Mushroom Kingdom."

Peach gave Luigina a pat on her arm, "Do you want a break in the garden until you get your social battery charged?"

"That would be wonderful." Even though a few minutes wouldn't be nearly enough.

Tom cleared his throat, "Mind if we join you? Sonic hasn't had a chance to run much since we got here."

Peach smiled, "As long as he stays on the paths he can run all he likes."

"How big is your garden?" Sonic was hoping the garden was big with many pathways. With a castle this big the garden has to be as well, right?

"Come on! You'll love it!" Lemmy grabbed Sonic's hand and led him out through the side doors.

The adults chuckled at Lemmy's antics as the rest of the kids stepped into the garden. There were others enjoying the garden as well. The night was warm with a cooling breeze. Golden paper lanterns dotted all around the garden to give a romantic glowing light in the pathways.

Flowers stood in uniform along the pathways and pavilions. Glowing fairy-like bugs that's unfamiliar buzzed, flapped, and chirped all around. In the middle of the path the group was on was a koi pond with a small artificial waterfall that made soothing sounds, the pathway a bountiful oasis filled with roses, verdant shrubs, and countless other flowers that are alien to the Earth humans.

Luigina walked up to the nearest belvedere. The elongated hexagon shaped gazebo was very open with white pillars holding the belle roof. She sat down on one of the wicker chairs that had a good view of the children playing.

Bowser sat on the floor next to her, not trusting the furniture to hold his weight. Jr ran up to sit on Luigina's lap only to be picked up and was told to play with the other kids, "Don't worry about Mama Luigina. I will be protecting her."

"Okay Papa." Jr turned and decided that the group that contains Larry, Lemmy, and Sonic was the fun group to be around since they seem to make a game of tag where his brothers were 'it' and Sonic being the only runner.

Bowser chuckled as he watched Roy and Morton challenge Knuckles to a contest of strength where they basically pushed each other through a line in the form of a circle.

Ludwig, Iggy, and Wendy seem to find like-mindedness with Tails. Iggy, though a talented magikoopa apprentice, was a brilliant inventor. And both Ludwig and Wendy are cunning enough to keep up with the conversation.

Bowser grunts, "Too bad your kid is afraid of ghosts. The Hidden Children don't get any visitors besides my kids."

"The Hidden Children?" Maggie tilted her head.

Luigina smiled, "The children of the Hidden Family haunt my home. Sue Pea is the oldest. Henry and Orville are identical twins. And then there's Chauncey the baby." Luigina placed her hand on Bowser's that was on top of her armrest, "Like what King Bowser started, the only playmates that the Hidden Children have are the Koopalings."

"Even if Tails and Knuckles weren't afraid of ghosts our boys would have too much on their hands with Robotnik, the Chaos Emeralds, and being trapped in another world."

Luigina eyed her brother who made a point not to look at her. Obviously Mario decided to keep the Warped Pipe to Earth a secret from the Wachowskis Family. When Luigina finally meets the Earth family as Luigi, oh boy is she going to spill ALL the beans. But right now there's something even more important.

"That's why I wanted to meet you first."

Tom and Maggie had questioning looks on their faces. Tom lends forward, "You wanted to meet us first?"

Luigina placed the emerald on the table in front of them. "Luigi's pet ghost dog found this in my forest."

Maggie grabbed the emerald and walked up to Knuckles. Knuckles looked at his adopted mother's hand with wide eyes when he saw the gem. Knuckles took the stone before marching up to Tails. "Tails! We have received one of the emeralds. Let's store it in your pack."

Tails nodded as he opened his backpack, "One down…"

"Six more to go." Sonic joined his adopted siblings. "I'm quite surprised that we got one so soon."

"I saw the egghead grabbing one earlier today before he fled." Knuckles grunts, "At least we know where one of the six are."

"This world is not as big as Earth." Mario smiled, "Size wise it is, but Earth is 71% ocean water while this planet is 97%. Most of the Kingdoms are mainly islands."

"What is the name of this planet?" Tails asked.

"Planet 64. The dimension itself is called Net-10-doe"

"Is Earth and this planet even in the same galaxy?"

"Yes! Just not in the same dimension. Technically you're still on Earth, just in another timeline?"

Luigina nearly jumped when a cold whisper came to her ear, "King Toadstool is here, my love."

Luigina smiled and nodded without giving her invisible husband away. She got up and gave her hand to Peach. "Shall we return to the Ball?"

Peach looks up at her friend with a suspicious narrowing of her eyes, "You're up to something…"

Bowser chuckled as he got up, "Come kids! The show's about to start." The Koopalings cheered and rushed to their King's side.

Peach's suspicion turned into horror, "No… What are you two up to? What is going on?"

"Nothing really," Luigina wrapped her arm around her friend's, "Just forming a faux coup d’état."

Bowser grunts, "If your plan fails it might actually become real."

Luigina giggled, "Either way it's going to be a win-win." She eyed Peach as they walked into the Ball, "Head high, back straightened, don't show any emotion, and DON'T TALK TO HIM."

Peach with much trust for her friends she gave Luigina a determined nod. She walked into the ballroom with the air and grace of a queen. She was led to the center of the room where her father was.

King Toadstool was at least a head and a half taller than the Toads in the kingdom. He has a passion for wearing black and gold. Even his mushroom cap is black with gold tear shaped markings. He was talking to a stressed Toadsworth who was most likely trying to get the King to stay and help with the backed up paperwork that he and the princess slave away all day.

The King just laughed at Toadsworth as if the old loyal advisor just told a joke, "But you and my daughter have been doing so well. Ah, speaking of my daughter, there's my Peachy!"

Luigina stepped between Peach and her father, "Luigina La Funebre of Kingdom Nethermourn, Your Majesty. I came as a sworn ally of Princess Toadstool."

King Toadstool was taken aback with this rude young lady that stood between him and Peach, "Nice to make your acquaintance, but I must-"

"You will not talk to her until you answer a decade long question. Will you step up or step down?!" Luigina lifted her hand and snapped her fingers.

The invisible ghosts and boos recognized the signal. All the lights went out and the candle flames turned blue. A chair that looked like it was moving on its own was floating towards the group.

Luigina guided Peach to the chair as she snapped her fingers again. Peach sat on the chair with a bewildered look on her face as an illusion took hold of her powdered pink dress that turned into a burgundy purple. Her gloves turned dark lavender in color. Her signature sapphire jewelry became ruby red. A black cloak with a medici fan collar draped over her shoulders. Her crown had higher points than usual and was dotted with rubies. Even the chair was glamored to look like the throne of a warlord queen.

Peach closed her eyes to shake the shock out and opened them with a stern glare at her neglectful father. Peach knows that Luigina wanted to take over the situation for her sake. But all the pent-up resentment she had on her absent king came out in full force.

"You had failed as a ruler and as a father!" She has no idea if it was the mood lighting, the illusion on her dress, her friends at her back, or the fear in King Toadstool's eyes that gave her the determination to rip him a new one.

Realizing that she spoke to her father when advised not to, she looked at her friend. Luigina gave her a proud smile and an encouraging tilt of her head. Peach glared at the cowardly king with an air of authority, "You neglected your people and abandoned your throne! And yet you still want the privilege of being king but none of the responsibility!"

The crowd started to chant. No one knew who started the chant. But it didn't take long for the Ball Attendants to start shouting in a war cry that defended the room.

"Step Up or Step Down!"
"Step Up or Step Down!"
"Step Up or Step Down!"
"Step Up or Step Down!"

Mario stood over the king, "You have two choices, STEP UP and help the princess rule your kingdom willingly. Or STEP DOWN and help your Queen rule by force!"

💚🔵💚

Chapter 3: ~*~Monster Mash ~*~

Summary:

And now for the real reason you thirsty freaks are reading this!

THE SMUT!

If you want to skip this chapter you wouldn't miss much.
Just the gang talking about Luigina and why Mario didn't showed Sonic's family to the Warp Pipe to Brooklyn. And Luigi getting ready for the race the next morning.

"Luigina… I don't know if I should punch you or kiss you."

Luigina gave Peach a coy smile, "But Princess, your father needed to be taught a lesson. I just so happened to be a good teacher."

"Still, your scheme could have gotten out of hand. What if-"

Luigina lifted her hand up in a 'stop' gesture, "You Highness, you've been the face and voice of your kingdom since you were a child. Do you honestly think that the Royal Guards would follow King Toadstool's orders? No! It's very hard to be loyal to someone that's barely there."

Peach, Mario, Bowser, Boo, and Luigina sat around the table in the guest suite that was set aside for Bowser for the race. There was tea and light snacks that's good for nerves and indigestion that would affect the three racers.

"I'm more worried about the trauma you three put on the Wachowskis. Two of them are scared of ghosts. That little fox was terrified."

Luigina took a thoughtful sip of her tea with a elevant grace as if she had the same princess ethnicity training as Peach did. She placed her cup on its saucer without making the usual sound that common folk make with two porcelain dishes hitting each other.

The three royals looked at the teacup and looked at their newest evil mastermind. Peach had always thrived at doing her best at everything but had never successfully placed her cup on her saucer. Bowser gave up on such training since knowing what fork to use didn't have anything to do with making sure his subjects are taken care of. King Boo has been called many things (wild card was a good one), but being unmindful of table manners was not one of them. Yet he looked at his usually clumsy spouse with such elegance with surprise.

The Mario Siblings were unaware of the inner turmoil that the gender bender had caused among their friends. "By the way, Mario. Why didn't you tell them about the Warp Pipe that leads to Brooklyn?"

"Didn't want the egghead to find out."

"Like the Travel Rings didn't make him enough of a threat?" Luigina signs, "We will have to contact Captain Spike. If Robotnik is from Earth, Spike would know how dangerous he is."

"Fuck how old is he now? He doesn't have the same advantage of eating enchanted mushrooms to stay as young as we are." Mario smiled sadly, "If he's still alive he's as old as dirt now?"

"Still the reports that we used to give him would have been passed to someone else?"

"It's been 40, maybe 50, years since we started to live here. Luigina? What if Operation Jumpman had been stored in the back of some general's closet? Or worse, some incompetent president hides the files in his bathroom or something?"

Luigina looks at her brother and smiles, "Then let's hope that Spike doesn't retire." Luigina looks at the clock, "It's getting late and we have the race to prepare for. How the hell did having a Ball before the Rainbow Road Race became a 200 year old tradition is beyond me."

Peach grabbed her lover's arm, "Oh yeah! We definitely need to get out. Bowser looks like he's going to eat you."

"Mi Amore! I don't want to hear about my Sis Slash Bro getting…. Monster Mashed?"

Boo started to laugh hysterically, "Monster Mashed?! Seriously Mario, you just gave our nightly fun a name!"

Mario's face started to change the same color as his shirt and hat, "Nooooo…. Don't make that a thing, please?"

Bowser got up and picked both Peach and Mario up, "Let's get you outta here before it becomes a thing."

Just as the Koopa King pushed them out the door Boo was on his shoulder, "Too bad. It's now a thing. I also wanna be… Monster MaSHED!"

Bowser picked up King Boo off his shoulder and tossed him back into the suite. He then pointed his clawed finger at the other two, waving it between Peach and Mario, "I blame it on you two. You just had to extend the visit, didn't ya?"

"Sorry, not sorry!" Peach smiled as she took Mario's hand and dragged him down the hall.

Bowser grunts as he returns back into the room. After he closed the door he glared at his lovers, "Bed… Now…"

Luigina smiled like a brat, "Oh dear! It looks like I have so many layers!" She flicked open the buttons one by one, painstakingly unbuttoned her dress so slowly, "And I do love this dress that my BFF and her girlfriend gave me. I would be so upset if there was a single tear on my dress." She stepped back, "Sooooo you're going to have to wait."

Bowser made a low growling sound from his throat, "Oh really?"

"Awww. You're trying to be scary? Keep practicing."

Boo's eyes widen as big as his smile as he watches the aching tension between his lovers built, "OmygodOmydodOmygod. Is this happening? Please let this be happening."

The Koopa smiled, "Want to repeat that, Princess?" With a calm demeanor he walked up to her, "Say it again, I fuckin dare you."

Luigina finally unbuttoned the last button and slipped out of her dress but kept the petticoat and corset on, "Make me."

With a speed that didn't match his size Bowser swept her up and threw her on the bed. He pinned her hands over her head and kissed her. The driving force of his kiss causes Luigina's body to burn, tremble and yearn for her husband's and fiance's touch.

Bowser ran his clawed fingers down to her core only to stop. She was wet. That was obvious. But she also felt…

Small.

The three lovers wanted to play rough and usually do, but Luigina's body felt small and unused. That was a problem. The new female body is new in every sense of the word. Almost like a virgin.

"Boo! Prep her up for me."

"Really?!" Boo was as giddy as a kid in a candy store that was passing free samples, "Wait… What's up? She usually likes it when it hurts."

"There's a difference between satisfying a pain-slut and downright killing her. She's still too small and my claws might hurt her in a way that might be traumatic." Bowser then grabbed the side of Boo's head and stuck his thumb in the corner of his lover's mouth. "Your impressive tongue on the other hand might work."

Boo started to run his 'impressive tongue' on Bowser's thumb with a wanton face. With a last suckle on the claw Boo purred, "Understood, Daddy."

"Good boy." Bowser growled, "Make sure your wife is nice and ready." Bowser turned his attention back to his fiance, "Now you, my bratty princess. You like to mouth off. Let's make that mouth more useful."

Luigina's eyesight was blocked by the Koopa's impressive member. She wanted to tease him with kitten licks, but her greedy mouth and tongue took bold possession of his erection.

She felt Boo bunching her petticoat up her thighs. She nearly gasped as her husband grasped her knees and eased them apart. "Fuck. You're really wet, but I can see what Bowser means." The feeling of bold caress of his tongue between her thighs nearly killed her with pleasure. His clever tongue dipped, swirled, and dug deeper.

She moaned with Bowser's tip in her mouth, causing a tumble of madness and delicious agony to the Koopa, "Fuck… If you keep doing that I might try to go all the way in."

With a loud slurp Boo out his tongue back in his mouth, "You might get your wish sooner than you think. If her damp quivery thighs are any indication, she's almost ready. The question is do you want her to cum before you penetrate or during?"

"It depends on our little pillow princess."

💚🔵💚

Luigi woke up sandwiched between Bowser and Boo. Boo did not need as much sleep as him and Bowser and he was wide awake and staring at his husband. "Have you been staring at me this whole time as I slept?"

"Morning." Boo smiled as he got out of the bed without answering. Boo scooped Luigi into his arms and led him to the bathroom. There Boo laid Luigi in the bathtub.

Luckily the shower head was detachable. Boo turned on the water and checked the water temperature as the showerhead let out a rain of warm water. The spooky king ran the water through Luigi's hair, "Let me serve you before the race."

"Okie Dokie."

"Mind if I join in papering our mate." Boo and Luigi looked towards the door. Bowser was leaning against the doorframe looking all smug, "I do feel guilty that I fucked him so hard that he couldn't walk."

"What makes you sure that I can't walk?" Luigi challenged with his eyelids half down and his smile flirty.

"You better stop before I really make it where you can't walk indefinitely." Bowser growled with a dopey grin.

Boo passed a bottle of shampoo to Bowser, "I bet your claws would make Luigi melt as you massage his scalp."

Luigi laughed, "Whose side are you on, Boo?"

Bowser chuckled as he poured some shampoo on his claws. The moment that his claws ran through Luigi's curls he moaned, "Race? What race? This tub is my home. I live here now. My big handsome fiance has imprisoned me here with his brutish strength and charm."

"Please don't say shit like that, Luigi." Bowser chuckled, "I'm worried your brother would-"

BAM! "LUIGI! ARE YOU HERE!"

King Boo poked his head out the bathroom, "Hey Mario! We're getting him ready."

Mario glared at Boo, "My brother is usually up before me and always first at the track! How did he sleep in- NEVER MIND I DON'T WANT TO KNOW!"

Mario opened his brother's suitcase, the only one that didn't had Bowser's or Boo's face on it. He pulled out Luigi's sweater and a pair of dungarees.

Boo's eyes widened, "Bowser! We missed one!"

Bowser came out of the bathroom and growled at the offensive piece of denim, "Luigi? I thought I burnt all of your overalls to ash."

Luigi came out clean and groomed with a towel wrapped around him, "Don't think about it you two. I only bought that because it's my brother's signature look. I don't mind people thinking of me as the Green Mario at our sports events."

Mario looked at his brother in recognized horror. He has seen Luigi all decked up in nice outfits. Luigi looked happier and more handsome when wearing the right outfits. But now he realized that besides the color green on the outfit it wasn't his brother's look.

"Do you at least have an accessory to go with it, Baby Bro? Something that's you?"

Luigi tilted his head in thought and grabbed his clothes and ran back to the bathroom. The three men stared at each other. Boo smiled, "So, lover… Since I'm not part of the race this year I wanted to know should I be cheering for you or Luigi?"

Bowser chuckled, "Oh why not both?"

Mario shook his head, "Why bother when I'm going to be first place?"

"Fuck you, pal."

"No thank you. I think my brother does enough of that for the both of us."

Bowser's face got red for a moment but recovered very fast, "Oh, chances are I will lose it to one of the Mario Brothers. Just not you."

"What are you talking about?"

"Luigi is getting first place this year. How much do you wanna bet?"

"Bowser, you know that betting against yourself is not a smart move." Luigi came out of the bathroom wearing the plumber outfit but with a green bow tie with lime polka dots. Everyone stares at the adorable man before them, "I had this matching bowtie in the suitcase that I originally wanted to wear at the ball. But Daisy and Rosalina had other ideas."

Boo looks at Bowser, "After the race we're going to have to lock him up in a tower. The real question is would it be one of yours or one of mine?"

"How are you so cute?!" Bowser hid his face in his claws.

💚🔵💚

Chapter 4: Rainbow Road Race

Summary:

The Rainbow Road Race has begun!

Let hope it's nothing but a fun race to watch with the family.

"We are so high!" Maggie grabbed a hold of her husband's arm as a Goomba led them to their seats.

Tom smiled and pointed at the track, "Yeah but have you checked out the road? A little part of me just wants to let Sonic go all out."

Sonic was bouncing up and down, "I really really really really really really really really really want to! You think Princess Peach will let me after the race?"

"I wonder who's racing?" Tails looked at the pamphlet that was given to him by a strange pink dinosaur creature who wears a red hairbow and has a round mouth, "Let's see! We have Mario listed first and "Green Mario?"

"Bah! Those idiots still don't know Luigi's name?" A green female toad with red pigtails was sitting next to the family, "Name's Toadia of Poshley Heights and I'm the Secretary of the Luigi Fan Club!"

A blue toad was sitting next to her, "I'm Toadlbert of Petalburg, President of the Luigi Fan Club!"

An old Koopa next to him waved his cane, "Folks from Koopa Village call me Koopa Koot, and I will be the Vice President of this here Luigi Fan Club!" He passed his pamphlet to Toadlbert, "Secretary Toadia? Can you read the rest of the list, my eyes aren't too good."

"It's Toadlb- You know what, nevermind. The next on the list is Bowser and Donkey Kong."

Toadia smiled, "DK isn't going to be happy that they used his full name!"

"I remember when it was his father, Cranky Kong, that ran the race. Of course it was back then the Kons monopolized the making of Karts." Koopa Koot chuckled.

"Next is Wario and Waluigi."

Toadia, "Noooooo! Those assholes give treasure hunters a bad name. Not like Mr. E or Mr L!"

Koopa Koot shook his head, "Mr. E is a nutcase and Mr L is not really a treasure hunter as he only steals cursed items from the wrong hands. You heard what Mr L did at Nightshade Kingdom?"

"I heard he stopped a trafficking ring at the Snow Kingdom as well." Toadlbert nodded.

Knuckles' ears perked up, "Is there a way we could contact this Mr L?" A thief that steals cursed items from evil sounds like a strong ally. And he must be an honorable thief if he had stopped a trafficking ring.

"If you need help from Mr L? You don't find him, he finds you." Toadia smiled. "Who's next? Bowser?"

"Bowser of course and…. General Blue Shell?!"

After Toadlbert yelled the last name fans started to chant, "BLUE SHELL! BLUE SHELL! BLUE SHELL!"

Tails covered his ears, "I take General Blue Shell is an all-time favorite?"

"You'll find out why soon," Toadlbert looks at the pamphlet, "Captain Toad and oh shit…. It can't be?"

"Who is it Toadlbert?"

"The Dessert Devil, the Terror of Sarasaland, The Sun's Sword! Princess Daisy!"

"Yes yes, my husband's best friend, the scary warrior princess." Everyone looked down the row and saw an albino in all white king's garb was sitting next to Tom. Except he wasn't sitting, rather he was floating over the seat, "I mean, don't get me wrong, I never liked it when I had a fight with Princess Daisy. She scares even me! But her racing skills… if anything she'll give a General Blue Shell a run for his coin."

Koopa Koot nodded, "Now I would have to agree with you, King Boo! She's far too reckless and always misses her wins because she does stupid things. But at least she makes it challenging for everyone else."

Everyone but Boo stares at the old Koopa until Toadia spoke up, "I thought you said your eyes were bad! How did you know it was King Boo?"

"This is how Mario tricked you that one time. You need to pay attention to the little details. The Boo said his husband's best friend. Who would be best friends with Daisy and be married to the best friend of Daisy? The first answer is Luigi, which answers the second question, King Boo."

Toadia crossed her arms soulking, "You promise you wouldn't mention that. It was an honest mistake! Humans look the same!"

A large commotion was happening as everyone was cheering and the creatures with limbs were pointing at the tracks. The Wachowski Family focused on the rainbow that's being used as the road. A booming voice was heard, "Ladies, Gents, They/Thems and Its! WELCOME TO THE RAINBOW ROAD RACE!"

Tom looked up and saw a Koopa with a camera, a fishing pole, and a microphone sitting on a cloud. King Boo lends against Tom, "That's a Lakitu. The Lakitus officiate the races and fish out fallen racers in the kart races with their rods. They also like doing camera work for sports events."

Tom nods with understanding and focuses on what was happening on the tracks. Maggie had Tails on her lap and was holding Sonic's hand. Knuckles was looking intensely at the racers that were coming out and setting up their Karts.

"Oh! There's my cute husband!" King Boo pointed at the tall man next to Mario.

"Wait? They call him the Green Mario because he dresses like him?" Tom had his palms together in a prayer motion and pointed his hands at the track in disbelief. "What?!"

Boo smiled, "I agree. Luigi is much more handsome than Mario."

Luigi looked up and saw Boo. He put his hand on his shoulder that contained the Boo Mark that told him where his husband was. He chuckled when he noticed that the Wachowski family was sandwiched between King Boo and his Fan Club.

"What's funny, Bro?" Mario nudged his brother.

Luigi points at the crowd with his thumb, "The Wachowski Family is getting an education."

Mario looks at the audience, "Maybe your Fan Club will have new members?" Mario got in his MR Kart Red as Luigi hopped in the Poltergust 4000, "Let the best man win, Bro."

"Oh I'm planning on it," DK smiled at the two humans from his DK Jumbo Kart, "Planning on giving that trophy to my girl. Paulina would love to display it in her penthouse."

Luigi smiles, "Congratulations on your engagement!"

"Hey now, Luigi. If you so much as go easy on me because of the engagement I will make… you… pay…"

"Okie dokie, DK!"

"That means no more crashing to save Baby Koopas!"

"I'm not living that down, ain't I?"

"That's right dumbass!" Waluigi was heard from behind them. He was sitting pretty with a rose between his teeth on the Zipper Bike.

Next to him was Wario in the Brute, his famously recognized convertible, "Or just keep on crashing. Your funeral."

The Koopa Clown hovered next to Luigi, "Oh look, Luigi. Sentient garbage that speaks trash."

Wario growled, "Want to repeat that, Bowser."

"You call that a growl? This is a growl." Bowser gave a low growl that freighted the Treasure Hunters, but made Luigi blush.

Daisy and her Flower Power pulled behind Bowser, "Good luck, Sweetie. Bowser, you can turn into a Dry Bone."

"If it wasn't for the fact that you scare the shit out of me I would call that weak sauce." Bowser grunts, "And I'm man enough to admit that you, Princess, is one scary bitch."

"Thank you, Bowser." Daisy looks around, "Where's Captain Toad and General Blue Shell?"

Mario chuckled, "Knowing those two they're about to make their grand entrance."

The sound of heavyweight Karts revving up behind the racers announced the arrival of the Fun Guy Blue and the Bone Crusher 2000 as they entered the track while Performance Driving. The Karts danced around each other as if it was choreographed beforehand in a display of power and speed. The two had such great control of their Karts that were braking without leaving tire marks on the Rainbow Road. When they finally found their spots behind the other racers the two stood up and waved at the crowd.

"BLUE SHELLLLLL!"

"Howdy I'm Toad!"

Lakitu on their cloud pulled out their microphone, "Settle down or I'm gonna spike-bomb you into submission, punks!"

Everyone turned their eyes to Lakitu as they fished out a traffic light out of the cloud. As Lakitus dangled the light from his fishing rod the first red light glowed. Every racer now was fully focused. The second red light got everyone's blood pumping. The tires were warming up on the third red light.

Luigi slams his foot on the acceleration the second all three lights turn green. Even with the timing and speed of his start he was only in sixth place. But that's okay. It's only the first lap. He still has till the fifth lap to get to the lead.

The first sharp turn was just up ahead and Luigi had enough space to understeer the corner without falling off the road. What he didn't anticipate was the Boosted Ramp that was right there.

The moment his right front tire hit the ramp the Boost Pads shot the Poltergust 4000 into the air. When he landed he looked at the position screen and hit the gas. According to the position screen he was in fourth place. That Boosted Ramp helped him overtake two karts.

Luigi knows better than to believe his luck just magically improved. His lucky stars tend to disappear when he needs them the most. But the success of the first turn did make him happy.

Luigi noticed two things. The first is he was right behind the DK Jumbo Kart. DK has a nasty habit of throwing banana peels on the track and Luigi knows better than to stay behind him too long. The second thing he noticed is that they were getting to the vertical loop.

Luigi started to try to pass DK who was about to throw a peel. DK sneered at Luigi as he dangled the banana peel. Luigi gave the stupid ape his famous Death Stare before smiling and pointed to the other side of the DK Jumbo Kart.

DK turned and saw Mario holding a green shell. Mario smiled as he threw the shell under DK's Kart. DK lost control as he skidded to a halt before being driven off the road.

Bowser, who was ahead of the brothers, hit the brakes to give Mario and Luigi space. The Koopa King gave Luigi a salute, "I know it's the first lap. But why not settle a little something right now. Which one of you Mario Brothers is the best?"

Luigi looked at the loop and floored the gas. Without breaking, Luigi activated his anti-gravity settings and the timing was so perfect the transition was smooth as warm butter.

Mario still hasn't gotten the timing right even after all these years of racing. Mario was about to fall when he activated the anti-gravity. Now that both brothers are riding up the rainbow loop.

There's an unwritten rule to not to pass other racers on the top of the loop due to the fact that it's so easy to oversteer and hurt yourself and others. And the brothers threw that out the window as the two were neck and neck as they climbed to the top of the loop trying to pass each other. They were moving so fast that they didn't even feel the blood rushing to their heads as they were upside down.

Luigi looked ahead and noticed that they were going down from the loop. Halfway down Luigi did the most reckless thing one can do when going down a vertical loop.

He turned off the anti-gravity and let gravity do what gravity does best. As Luigi dropped in a nose dive he watched as the road underneath him getting closer extremely fast. And just before he hit the ground he activated his Super Glider.

He made sure to keep the glider parallel to the road. With both the glide and the speed from the drop Luigi even passed over the stray Chomps that blocked a small section of the road. When he made his smooth landing way ahead of Mario and the rest of the racers he made a peace sign over his head, "I'M NUMBER ONE!"

With a laugh he hit the gas and focused on staying first place as long as possible. He drifted on every sharp turn, took as many Boosted Pads as possible, and skillfully dodged every Thwomp. Even though he knows his luck would run out sooner than later. He smiled when he saw the finished line up ahead.

It would be his first time being first to cross the finished line. Even though he'll have four more laps left he felt very accomplished. It felt nice to not be in Mario's shadow without the Mr L persona. Even if it was for just 6 minutes.

But just says Luigi expected. His luck ran out and the universe was out to get him once again. White floating eggs appeared in front of him. The eggs were surrounding an egg shaped hover pod with a man with an overgrown, unkempt mustache and shaved head, "Greetings Mushroom Kingdom! I will be your new ruler, Dr. Robotnik!"

Luigi puts the vehicle quickly into second gear, and quickly turns the wheel in the direction of the opposite lane. Which caused the vehicle to enter a controlled skid, enter the opposite lane, and turn completely around. After he completed the Smuggler Turn, Luigi floored the gas pedal to accelerate and depart in the opposite direction of Dr Robotnik and his robots.

He passed Mario who he gave a nod to as he drove to the kart shop near the finished line. He got off his Kart. He ignored the Toads and Kongs calling him a coward as he ran up a staircase that he knew nobody used.

He didn't have time. He didn't even have his uniform. The adrenaline rush from the race did make him think faster. If the Princess Ring can change him into a princess as long as he has a name for that form then why not a phantom thief. He already had a name!

He kept thinking about the name. What the name means. And how the person who owns the name is cool, sexy, and mysterious.

He looked at his glove and noticed it was turning from white to black. his bow tie turned dark green and became longer, like a silk scarf or cape. The buttons set on his overalls turn into gold and are connected by three chains. His overalls and sweater turned into a black princely coat and slacks with green stripes down the side of his legs. Deep emerald epaulets sat on his shoulders.

Mr L ran out a door that led to the balcony of the nosebleed section. He ran towards the rail that blocks the drop and jumped over it. Some of the audience was even yelling his name when they saw him jump off the balcony.

With the power of the Angel Ring his feathery dragon wings sprouted from his back and rocketed over the heads of the audience. He summoned an oversized sledgehammer with the Shadow Armor Ring and slammed it against a small group of drones that was aiming behind Daisy.

"Oh wow Mr L! Forget a phantom thief, you look like the prince of thieves!" Daisy whistled as she punched a hole through a nearby robot.

Captain Toad was beating a few drones with his trusty frying pan when he looked up and saw Mr L. Before the little guy could even say a word Mr L smiled at Toad, "I need you and the princess to evacuate the audience from danger!"

"Huh? Oh! Right on it!" Toad took Daisy by the hand and ran towards the audience.

Mr L started to swing his hammer as he flew closer to his friends. He landed between DK and Bowser who were grabbing drones and throwing them at other drones.

"What the? Mr L?" DK was shocked to meet the phantom thief there.

"King Koopa. Prince Kong. I need you to protect the audience as the other's are evacuating them. Use a wall of fire if you have to!"

"Hey, who are you to order me arou-Hey!" Bowser took DK by the neck and led him off the road but not before making a blast of dragon breath to clear the way of drones.

Mr L started to use his Thunder Hands to electrify the robots that's around him. After he stepped out of the circle of the slag he noticed WarioWare, Inc was collecting robot parts and tossing them in the Brute. "Treasure Hunters, remember to give at least one fourth of the scrap to Dr. E. Gadd!"

Wario gave Mr L a dirty look, but Waluigi smacked him aside the head while giving Mr L an understanding nod. While Wario understood how valuable the scrap is to his business, Waluigi learned enough times that unknown elements can be dangerous. Dr. E. Gadd would make sure the supplies are safe and can even share tech ideas. New tech means more business.

Mr L continued to look for his brother as he smacked the drones against each other like a dangerous game of croquet with his mallet. He spotted a spot of red and headed that direction.

He kept on moving towards that spot of red only to see that it wasn't his brother, "Who the fuck are you?!"

"Mr. L. Gentleman thief, anti-hero, rogue, and inamorato of both men and women." Mr L threw a green rose at Robotnik which disintegrated by a laser before its pointed stem hit him, "Preferred chocolate over roses?"

Dr. Robotnik chuckled, "I prefer coffee dates."

Mr L saw a light brown skin man with a thin beard and wearing all black attire who was blushing behind the evil inventor. Mr L leaped and landed behind Agent Stone. He gently grabbed the handsome young man by the chin and smiled flirtatiously, "Noted."

Robotnik programmed his drones to shoot lasers at the phantom thief without hitting his sidekick, "Just know that I don't don't care who you are. You are lesser to me than a buzzing insect, no… lesser than a unicellular organism. Even after all so called intelligent life is wiped from every world in this dimensional plane by me, my robots and I will still be here-"

Mr L turned around and did a roundhouse kick that created the Green Cyclone to trap the eight Badnixs that were sneaking behind him. "And I’m sorry, while you were talking I was trying to figure out where the hell you got the idea I was interested in hearing your voice. I mean for someone who says they don't care you seem to talk a lot about not caring. Also a blue flying turtle is aiming for you."

"What?"

"BLUE SHELLLLLL!" A flash of blue was ping-ponging from one robot to the other.

Fast. Faster. FASTER!

The Blue Shell was bouncing so fast his after image had doubled. General Blue Shell took air by his wings and came out of his shell. Both Blue Shell and Mr L were sweating as they saw a blurry blue ball hitting the rest of the Badnixs.

"Huh… Thought that was you for a minute there, General." Mr L racked his knuckles against the Koopa's shell.

"Humph. I almost ran into the kid. He's fast but he's reckless." Blue Shell folded his arms as he flaps his wings to stay in the air.

"HEY KIDDO!" Sonic stopped and looked at Mr L. The phantom thief pulled out a Chaos Emerald from his pocket, "Looking for this?"

Agent Stone started patting down his blazer and pants, "Um… Sir?"

"I know, Stone."

"I'm-"

"Later." Robotnik sneers with hate at Mr L, "I'm the smartest person in the fucking world. How the fuck did you got that from my sycophant?"

"Correction! You are the smartest man on Earth," Mr L pocketed the jewel, "And you're not on Earth."

"Impossible. I have achieved-"

“Nothing's impossible, Robotnik. Improbable, unlikely, but never impossible. I mean, have you ever rode a dinosaur?" Mr L smiled.

"What?"

"Have you ever rode a dinosaur? Or go back in time and give your baby self a piggy back ride? Fight an army of invasive fungus? Whatever egotistical bullshit you're about to spout would be boring in comparison."

"I am not boring."

"Sorry, but compared to here, Earth is pretty boring. We have it all here! Dinosaurs, pirates, floating pyramids, go-kart driving apes, and magical royalty. Everything that Earth has ever wanted, but could only have through books, movies, and video games."

Mr L waved his hands, "You obviously like robots! Go bug the Wood Kingdom. The capital is called Steam Gardens, run by robots that only garden. They've been doing it for a long time before civilization disappeared from that area. Nice place for a picnic date."

Stone murmured, "That kind of does sound romantic…"

Robotnik looked at the scrap metal that surrounded him and looked around where the other heroes used to be. How did this one man tip the scale before Sonic got involved?

He patted his pocket and pulled out a Travel Ring. With a toss over his shoulder Robotnik grabbed Stone by the shoulder, "Whoever you are, stay out of my way."

The evil inventor stepped through the ring that led him to one of his labs on Earth. He let go of Stone's shoulder and screamed, "OH COME ON! GIVE ME A FUCKIN BREAK!" He grabbed a gear from his work table and threw it across the room.

"It's bad enough that I had to deal with that infuriating hedgehog but now I have to deal with a sexy edge lord with sticky fingers." He points his finger at Stone who was at his station making a cup of coffee for his boss, "The fucker does have a point though. I might be the smartest man on Earth, but he might be one of the smartest men on whatever planet he's from!"

Robotnik had just grabbed his coffee when a voice behind him spoke, "Oh yes! Mr L was my masterpiece as well as my greatest failure."

Robotnik turned with his laser gun pointing at the jester's head, "Who are you and how did you get in?"

The bells on his cap jingled as the strange harlequin character adjusted his purple and light-yellow striped cape with a bored explosion on his face, "Master of dimensions... Pleaser of crowds... I am... Dimentio!”

The creepy clown disappeared in a poof of smoke, but his disembodied voice can still be heard, "I heard that you are looking for these Chaos Emeralds to gain ultimate power."

Robotnik turned after feeling a tap on his shoulder. Dimentio smiled as he took a drink from Robotnik's coffee cup, "Now why would you want the ultimate power when you could have mega ultimate power?"

"What are you talking about?" Robotnik took the cup from Dimentio to hand it to Stone only for a second Dimentio to take the cup from Stone.

Dimentio #2 took a sip of the coffee, "Delicious."

"Yes, undoubtedly," said Dimentio #1.

Black hands appeared from behind Stone. A third Dimentio was rubbing the ex-agents' shoulders, "And your manservant to is quite handsome. I just want to keep him as one of my toys."

Robotnik grabbed Stone and guided him away from the three Dimentios, "You mentioned Mega Ultimate Power, what did you mean by that?"

"Why rule one world when you can rule them all? With the Chaos Heart and the Chaos Emerald combined, you can be worshiped by the gods."

Robotnik looked at the reality bending clown, "What would you get out of this?"

"Revenge."

💚🔵💚

Gotta go fast.
Gotta go fast.
Gotta go faster.
Faster, faster, faster, faster!

Run through the vertical loop, down the ramp drop, corkscrew, dodge the ball and chain with teeth and the grumpy blocks. Finish line. Repeat.

Repeat.
Repeat.
Repeat.

Sonic was hit with nostalgia. His little island on his home planet, Mobius. Its landscape consists of brown-checkered cliffs, grassy hills, open fields, sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, and abstract cliff formations, such as loop-de-loops. There are also various types of flowers resembling sunflowers, palm trees, regular trees, bushes, and smaller forms of vegetation.

Longclaw.

Tears ran on the side of his face at the thought of his late guardian and teacher. His only regret in disobeying Longclaw was that his foolishness took her life. But given the chance he probably would do it again. Only this time bring Longclaw with him.

The idea that Longclaw and Maggie having tea together or Longclaw flying overhead to give Tom directions and aid to a crime scene made Sonic smile with a brokenhearted smile. He would do anything to have all three of his guardians in the same room.

Sonic stopped at the finished line and walked up to Tom with a fake smile on his face, "Man! I really needed the exercise."

Tom noticed Sonic's eyes, "Hey buddy, you okay?"

"Oh yeah. Something got in my eye a few laps back."

Princess Peach bent on one knee to be eye level with Sonic and let out a pink aura of calmness. Sonic smiles for real this time as a wave of tranquility flooded through him, "Wow. That's so cool."

"Feeling better?"

"Yeah. I just miss my home planet."

"Earth?" Peach's eyes shone. She loves learning about other places.

"Mobius, actually." The hedgehog lowered his head, "Or I should say I missed Longclaw. She was my teacher and the closest thing to a childhood friend."

Peach nodded, "Let's go join the others."

Tom, Peach, and Sonic joined the others only to hear Mario and Wario in a heated argument. Wario was pushing his fingers on Mario's chest and spitting as he yelled, "Forget it, Red! I ain't going back to Earth!"

"We have a duty-"

"Fuck that shit! We did our time!"

Mario rubbed the bridge of his nose with his fingers, "Original mission was said to prevent invasive organisms and power from coming in and out of Net-10-doe. And last time I checked, Egghead and his robots are invasive!"

Wario grumbled, "Fine… but I'm not looking forward to meeting with Captain Spike."

Luigi tries to look as nervous as possible, "That's assuming that Captain Spike has not retired or died already. The man was showing grays when we first got here. And with a solid diet of magical vegetables and fungus we can pass off as our own grandchildren."

Maggie tilted her head, "What do you mean?"

Mario gave his twin a side hug, "Bro and I may look like we're in our 20's, but we're closer to our 60s."

"Wario is the oldest of us. He got here when he was in his early 40's. And I'm only 5 years older than Mario Bros." Waluigi twirled his mustache between his thumb and pointing finger.

Tom waves his hands in a stop motion, "Wait a minute. Are you guys telling us that there's a way back to Earth?"

Luigi gave a sigh of relief, "I was hoping that my bro would tell you eventually, but life is full of disappointments. There's a Warp Pipe that's connected to Earth."

"Does the US government know about the Warp Pipe?" Tails asked.

Wario grunts, "We are a team of Earth Agents called Jump Men that was selected to monitor the ecosystem of this dimension. The mission was the result of a cover up in Brooklyn back in the '80s."

Bowser blew smoke out of his nostrils, "Not my proudest moment, leading an invasion to Earth was the worst idea I ever had. If I couldn't handle two plumbers juiced up with a Super Star… Let's say in hindsight I was lucky that it was the Mario Bros and not your nuclear weapons."

Tom and Maggie stared at Bowser before he murmured about telling them he used to be a villain.

Knuckles smiled and saluted to the Koopa King, "It takes a wise king to recognize his shortcomings and a great warrior to change his ways to the more honorable path."

Bowser nodded as he looked at the Mario Bros, "Take Kamek with you. Maybe this time he can find the Seventh."

"Still haven't given up on that, huh?" Mario smiled as Kamek walked towards the group, "It's been so long, how can you be sure you can find them."

Kamek put his claw on Mario's shoulder, "I found six of you, didn't I? Who knows! I might get lucky. Shall we go to Brooklyn?"

💚🔵💚

Chapter 5: Jumpman

Summary:

The group returned to Earth. What could possibly go wrong.

"Helllllllooo, New York!" Sonic jumped out of the green Warp Pipe, "Smell like pee."

Mario came out, "Ragazzino, you forgot your hat." Mario put the hat on Sonic's head to complete the disguise that the kids were wearing.

Tom and Maggie came out with Knuckles and Tails in their arms. Tom put down Knuckles so the 16 year old can still have some of his warrior dignity.

Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi came out. Wario grunts, "Home Sweet Home. I'm a little disappointed that there aren't flying cars yet… Maybe trade some Planet 64 blueprints for some hand held entertainment systems." Wario rubbed his hands with eyes sparkly.

Waluigi crossed his arms, "Sure…. Nothing could go wrong with that. It's not like Earth has a mad inventor that could weaponize any of our tech."

Luigi walked some ways, "Does Brooklyn still have phone booths?"

Tom shook his head, "I would be surprised if they did. Everywhere else in the US phone booths are practically extinct."

Maggie looks around, "Where's Kamek and Unit?"

"Above you, my dear." Kamek took off his invisible spell as he waved at his friends from his broom. Then he disappeared again, "Do not worry. I am still here."

Unit was buzzing this way and that, "I have contacted the Guardian Units of Nations Commander Walters. Incoming…"

Units' red eye turned blue as a hologram of The Olive Garden Guy appears, "Whoa… That's different. Wachowski? Sonic? This is the first time you contacted me instead of the other way around."

Sonic tapped his foot, "Hey Major A-hole! Robotnik is at it again."

"Impossible, he is de-"

Luigi interrupted, "Code Jumpman. Mission 64 from Brooklyn 1983. Look it up then tell us what's impossible."

"Sir. The computer responded to the keywords: Code Jumpman Mission 64 Brooklyn 1983." A hand appeared and handed the Commander some old graphic printing paper, "Something about an invasion of dragon turtles hybrids being stopped by a pair of brothers and a large group of people from Brooklyn disappearing without missing person reports. And four agents entered dimension Net-10-doe by orders of late Captain Spike to prevent invasive species from getting in or out of the dimension. We had regular reports until the death of Captain Spike in '93. All reports stopped."

Mario walked up, "Jumpman Red here! Leader of the Jumpman Crew. We are here to report an invasive species entering and exiting Planet 64 of Net-10-doe."

Mario snickers, "The invasive species is an average size human with sunken brown eyes that's full of narcissistic madness. Wears a black and red trench coat with black goggles with red lenses on top of his shaved head. Most striking features would be his overgrown, unkempt mustache that sticks horizontally from his nose."

Commander Walter closed his eyes, "Shit…"

"The Jumpman Crew will guard Dimension Net-10-doe, but you need to prevent him from entering Earth."

"What do you mean entering Earth? Don't you want him out of Planet 64?"

Mario nodded towards Luigi who took the lead, "Once the Jumpman Crew captures Dr Robotnik we will have to make sure he didn't send any Net-10-doe tech and magic on Earth. Then we will give him to you. What we need from you is to make sure he didn't already have 64 Tech here and to be on standby for when he shows up. But while we are here we will check for anything that he might already snuck out."

"Will you tell us the location of the gateway?" The commander looks at the graph paper, "Warp Pipe?"

Mario took the lead again, "No… Our mission is to prevent invasive species, tech, and magic from coming in and out of the dimension. Besides, he's not using a Warp Pipe. He's using Travel Rings."

"How do you expect us to search for him if he's using Travel Rings?"

Maggie laughed, "Oh Gee! If only you didn't put our inventor in a cage instead of asking for his tech. I'm sure he would have been more than happy to help you. But he really doesn't like cages. Ain't that right, Tails."

"Nope! Do not like cages and I will not be giving you my tech without my demands met."

Commander looks at Tails, "What are your demands?"

"Government funded lab and workshop in Green Hills, scholarship to any legitimate online college of my choosing, tickets to ALL the Mariners upcoming games, a boxing ring, a new SUV and Truck, and NOT a $25 gift card for Olive Garden for saving the world!"

Tom leaned a little closer to tails, "Thank you."

Sonic and Knuckles both gave Tails a side fist bump. Sonic wanted to give his little buddy a hug for the tickets and Knuckles was pumped for the boxing ring.

While Maggie wasn't thrilled with having a lab, workshop, and a boxing ring on the property she knew that these would keep her boys out of trouble for the most part. Also Tom and her were talking about getting a new SUV, but the maintenance and constant repairs on the old truck were too costly for a new car.

Also she found that her 8-year-old adopted son was scary smart enough to already pass the ninth grade with college level engineering. Online college classes for her youngest would be ideal. She's already using online classes for all her kids already.

"But first let me check my Emerald Detector!" Tail took out his personalized, multi-functional handheld computer that he called the Miles Electric. He put his amber, one-handed device on the Emerald Detector setting to see if there's any Chaos Emeralds on Earth, "Found two! One is on a place called Bajo Nuevo Bank and the other is on North Brother Island?"

Commander Walter nodded, "Makes sense. Both places are inhabitable. Bajo Nuevo Bank is an uninhabited reef with some small grass-covered islets, located in the western Caribbean. The reef is now subject to a sovereignty dispute involving Colombia and the United States which will make this fun for us if we get the Colombians involved."

"The North Brother Island was once the site of the Riverside Hospital for quarantinable diseases, now that it's deserted it's over ground with flora and the hospital is falling apart. North Brother is just off the coast of the Bronx."

Wario signed, "We're going to have to split up-"

Mario and Luigi each took out a Super Star Power Up and gave each other a high five before separating in burley man size lines in the air. Tails and Sonic saw what was happening and split to follow them. Sonic followed Mario to Bajo Nuevo Bank and Tails followed Luigi to North Brother.

Tom looked at the hologram, "We're currently located in New York, wanna have a cup of joe?"

💚🔵💚

Luigi ran as fast as the Super Star could let him. He stopped at the edge of the Bronx at Oak Point Ave. He looked past the East River and started at North Brother. He saw the lighthouse to his left and the docks and the morgue to his right. But everything else was covered with overgrowth.

"Wow! So that's where they kept Typhoid Mary?"

Luigi turned towards Tails, "Decided to follow me, Ragazzino? You and Sonic seem to be thick as thieves."

"Don't get me wrong, I love Sonic, but sometimes it's nice having someone that I can talk statistics and strategy with."

Luigi nods, "Remind me to introduce you to Professor E Gadd. He is Planet 64's greatest inventor. But sadly his greatest passion is studying ghosts and their relationship with the Boos."

"I guess I have to get over my fear of ghosts," Tail laughed nervously.

"I heard North Brother is also haunted…. Don't feel anything. So whatever ghosts people see there are definitely Robotnik tricking the locals from getting on the island."

With the power of the Super Star Luigi ran on top of the water fast enough not to sink. Tails followed from the air, "What did you mean you didn't feel anything?"

Luigi stepped on the beach and started to walk into vegetation, "Hmmm… It's a prickly icy feeling that lets me know that ghosts are nearby."

"You have a sixth sense?!"

"More like I'm around enough ghosts to know when there's one nearby from the chill and ozone smell in the air."

"Cool! And you don't feel anything like that?"

"Not at the moment, Ragazzino." Luigi rubs the top of the fox's head, "Lucky, huh?"

Tails batted Luigi's hand way playfully, "Hey! Not the fur!"

They both laughed as they traveled through foliage. They passed some remnants of buildings long abandoned and found a clearing. Tails looks at his Miles Electric, "It's right in front of us. Where is it? It's not underground."

Luigi looked around and found a stick and started to swing it lightly in front of him, similar to a person that uses a guide cane. Until he noticed that the tip of the stick was shorter. He tossed the stick towards the clearing and the stick disappeared. "Of course. A camouflaged vail that makes any building invisible in a place that nobody would look." Luigi stepped into that vail and looked at that egg-shaped building.

Tails flew to a spot and scanned the building with his handheld device, "Found the door!"

The two entered the egg. The building was just a room with a large computer and rows upon rows of robot drones. Tails ran to the direction that the Emerald Detector led him. While Luigi fiddled with the computer to see if there was Net-10-doe tech on Earth.

"I must say, you know your way around my self designed computer without looking into the manual."

Tails sweaked from the sound of Robotnik's voice and ran towards Luigi who didn't even flinch. Luigi patted Tails' head to calm the little fox. Luigi can feel the electricity change from the voice which helped Luigi locate all the speakers in the room.

"He's not here. We still have time. Go get the Emerald." Luigi pulled out a flash drive made by E Gadd and used it to upload a virus while downloading information from the computer, "I have almost everything I need."

"What are you up to, man in green?"

"Name's Luigi. And Your computer may look fancier and cleaner than E. Gadds inventions. But his work is still superior. Your firewall is not even a challenge. I'm a little disappointed."

"How dare yo-"

"Oops! Did I just roll my eyes out loud?" Luigi smiled with his Death Stare as he looked up at a nearby camera, "I need to teach my facial expressions how to use their indoor voices."

"Why?!" Robotnik paused for a moment as he looked at the sassy man that seemed familiar, "Mr L?"

"If you say so. Not that anyone would believe you." Luigi glaced at the computer and smiled at the poor attempt of Robotnik blocking the download and virus from wherever he was at, "Ohhhhh. You almost had me! But my virus can not only weaponize the firewall but can also locate your location as well- Oh? Tallinn, Estonia! The city of research, technology, and software development?"

Luigi amiled, "I have never been there before. But I would bet that it's lovely. How's the weather there?" Golden sparks appeared as a ring was forming behind Luigi. "Oh. Right…. Travel Rings…."

Luigi got up and body slammed into Robotnik just before he walked through. The Ring disappeared behind Luigi as he was getting up and off Eggman. Luigi looked around and smiled, "Beautiful. The red roofs and white bricks are reminding me of the mushroom houses back home though."

Robotnik got up and snarled at Luigi, "Fucker made me waste a Ring."

Luigi looked around more and saw Stone at an outdoor cafe table with a laptop, "Hey, Stone. Have my brother Bajo Nuevo Bank yet?"

"Brother?"

"Broth- Mario!" Robotnik points at Stone, "It's that short hero in red that we met the other day!"

"I thought your outfit looks fa-" Robotnik turned, "Where the hell did he-?"

Robotnik's eyes widened and patted himself, "The Rings! He stole the Rings!" Robotnik pulled out a single ring from his pocket, "That cheeky bastard."

💚🔵💚

Luigi used his superior jumping abilities to jump over a nearby building as Robotnik and Stone were distracted. Once he found an isolated alleyway he pulled out the bag of Travel Rings he snagged while he tackled the lunatic.

He tossed one of the rings and thought of the lab he left the cute fox child at. As he walked through he caught a monkey wrench that was about to brain him. Luigi looked up at Tails who was on the other end of the wrench, balancing on a ledge that was used for storage.

"Oh! I'm sorry Mr L! I mean Luigi! I mean-"

Luigi pulled the wrench sharply towards him to make the fox lose footing and landed on his chest. Luigi embraced Tails in a hug, "Are you okay?"

"I got the Emerald-"

"I don't care about the Emerald! I care about the child that I left in a dangerous lab by himself to fight back the owner of said dangerous lab! So again. Are.You.Okay?"

"Yes, sir. I'm fine. Not a scratch on me and no dangerous traps touched me."

Luigi looks around at the lab that was torn apart with burn marks and lines melted on the walls from what he assumed was caused by laser guns.

"But you tripped the traps?"

Tails ears folded down in shame, "Yes sir."

"But like you said. You don't seem hurt. No stinged fur, no cuts, maybe a few bruises, and you still have both tails. You did good, Ragazzino."

"One of the guns hit the computer though."

"As long as the motherboard is intact or the drive was done downloading before it got hit we might be able to salvage the information." Luigi put the fox down and showed him a double finger cross.

Tails mimics the green plumber, "Fingers are crossed, double crossed, tails are crossed." The eight year old crossed his tails the same way the two were crossing their fingers.

Luigi smiled and walked up to the remains of the computer. He sighed with relief that the drive was finished on a still intact motherboard.

"Tails? I want you to keep it a secret that I am Mr L. I know you don't like ghosts but if you get into any trouble you just need to look for a ghost, boo, or a koopa. They are the only ones besides my brother, Princess Daisy, Princess Peach, and Bowser that know."

"That's still a lot of people."

"Bowser, King Boo, and I rule over the people that know Mr L's identity. If they reveal it they would be marked as traitors and punished in the highest offense with prejudice. The majority of the Planet's population don't know and wouldn't believe anyways if told. To everyone else I am Mario's cowardly useless brother and sidekick that's not worthy of remembering."

Tails started to twiddle his thumbs, "As sad as that sounds…." The fox's eyes sparkled and a big smile on his face, "IT'S THE PERFECT COVER UP! THE PERFECT CLARK TO SUPERMAN!"

"I knew you got it!" Luigi patted the excitable Tails.

Tails smiled, "I hope to get over my fear of ghosts soon so I can help you locate the emeralds."

Luigi and Tails exited the building. Luigi threw a ball into the building. Tails tilted his head, "Was that a bomb or something?"

"My own invention. The implode grenade prototype. Instead of a big flashy letting-the-bad-guys-know-where-you're-at explosion, I wanted a weapon that would make the same effect as a grenade without the here-I-am! I figured Robotnik's lab would be a perfect test area."

The building in less than a second was crushed by what would seem by an invisible force. If the fox didn't know that it was an implosion he would have thought an invisible giant came and balled up half of the building. "And what is your verdict?"

"Too loud. Sounds more like a plane crash than a bomb so that's something."

"But still too loud?"

"Too loud. Maybe if I made the implosion faster, but it might sound less like a crash and more like a gunshot. Better make more for testing."

Luigi gave the pouch of Ring to the fox, "If anyone asked you're the one that got them as I was cowering under a table or something."

Tails nodded as they made it to the beach. Luigi looked at the water. The urgency is no longer there and the Power Star has winded down, but they still need to rejoin their friends.

"Need a lift!" Kamek appeared on his broom. The magikoopa grabbed Luigi's hand and pulled him on the broomstick. "Follow closely, child. My invisibility spell doesn't reach far."

"I never needed to be invisible. Most people aren't looking up on Earth."

"Not looking up?! How do you not have sky pirates dropping spike-bombs on your heads?"

"Probably because the most likely thing to drop on our heads are planes, meteors, and nuclear bombs. And when we do notice it's already too late."

Luigi nods, "Sad, but true. Earth is very boring compared to home."

Kamek rolled his eyes, "If you called nuclear wars boring."

"Compared to being attacked by a mercenary group that side hustles as wedding planners! Being attacked by giant floating eyeballs in the woods! Or attacked by pianos with teeth! Getting hugged by a cactus! Eaten by fish! Earth doesn't have undead like drybones and boos attacking people!"

Kamek chuckled, "I guess it's all in perspective, because I don't think Earth is boring at all. A world without magic, Power Ups, and everyone looks the same but there's prejudices because of a few genetic differences? People of Earth have a way to create planet destroying wars without the use of magikoopa, sorcerers, witches, and SuperStars. I hope we can find the Seventh Human so we can prevent such disasters in our own world."

The old wizard lowered his broom in front of a coffee shop, "Everyone, but your brother and the hedgehog is waiting inside. I got to pick up Mario and Sonic. Relax and do what you do best."

Luigi nods as Kamek disappears. The two entered the cafe and found the group with some more people.

"Tell us where the Warp Pipe is!"

"So you can invade and colonize our dimension, in your dreams pals," Waluigi smirked, "Not that anyone in their right minds would invade a world that literally has dragons."

Luigi gave himself a shake and made himself look nervous, "You'll be surprised, Jumpman Blue."

"His code is Blue?!" The blue eyed elderly Commander was staring at Waluigi, "I thought it would be purple, violet, or plum."

Waluigi leaned forward, "I dyed my uniform with the blood of my enemies and it turned from blue to purple."

Luigi gave the commander a pat on the back, "Blue loves purple and changed the uniform color since we lost contact for so long. Most of the other humans thought that Earth had formed about us and became really happy about it, weirdly enough."

"Green?!!"

Luigi faked nervous giggles, "Oops…"

Mario enters the cafe with Sonic right beside them. The two were smiling jokingly as if they hadn't finished a dangerous mission. "I can't believe he made a giant lobster robot!"

"I have never felt so safe in water before!" Sonic squeezes salt water off the red button up shirt that he wore with his disguise. "You swam so fast with me piggybacking."

"I still don't understand why you followed me when you knew I was going to an island and you couldn't swim."

"Because you're cool and Tails finally got to hangout with another nerd that was as nice and awesome as he is."

Mario patted his brother's shoulder as he sat down, "Yeah, our nerdy bros are pretty awesome."

Luigi amps up his act a little, "Oh no, Bro. I-I was practically useless in the mission."

Tails gave Mario a wink, "Not true! He did download everything from Robotnik's computer into a drive before he hid under the desk as said lunatic returned to the lab."

The fox gave the pouch back to his friend, "Here Sonic."

"How? What?! Tails?" Sonic jingle the pouch. There's surprisingly a good number of rings left, but he is always worried when his pouch is getting too low too fast.

Mario smiled, "Let's go! We got a multiverse to save."

Sonic nods and fishes out a ring from his pouch, but Commander Walters grabs Sonic's wrist before the toss. Tom grabbed the Commander by the collar, "Let go of my kid."

"Not without the drive with Robotnik's secrets."

Wario took his finger out of his nose and farted, "You're pretty stupid, aren't ya?"

The leader of the Guardian Units of Nations let go to cover his nose from the garlic powered airborne biohazard. Luckily GUN members had already evaluated the cafe when they arrived. His eyes watered as he gagged from the stench.

The Jumpman Crew and The Wachowskis found themselves in a protective bubble that smells of lavender and lemongrass. Kamek, having to use a stronger spell, opted out of his invisibility spell and was standing in the bubble with the gang.

Wario grabbed Walters by the back of the head and slammed his face on the table, "Now that I got your attention, the drive is not one of your Earth USBs. That drive was created by the smartest man in our dimension, Proff E. Gadd."

"Meaning if you took the drive and made a mistake, you might unleash a super computer virus that wipes all of your data off the planet."

Maggie made an evil grin, "Sounds like the Y2K bug. Maybe this time it would wipe out every digital information we have and who knows!
Banks won't cash employees checks? Power Plants malfunctioning? Hospitals shutting down? Nuclear rockets around the world activate but locked in place? A World War that is so big that made World War II look like a bar fight? And maybe, just maybe we will finally destroy our planet like we have been trying for the last five decades?"

"Humans left Earth to Planet 64 in the dawn of the digital age! But our planet has reached the digital age millennia ago!" Wario chuckled as he pushed Walters even harder against the table, "We still have robots that do gardening in a ruined society that no longer exists. Floating pyramids. And computers that shouldn't exist in our ancient ruins. You're catching what I'm dropping, Assholes! Our tech is much older and more advanced than yours."

Unit chimed in by showing hologram footage of the rainbow road, the airships, and the ballroom full of odd characters of impossibility. Walters and his men were wondering how a giant crown wearing windup toy, that looks like a cartoon bomb, would be having a conversation with a green skin prince, a monkey with clothes, and a mushroom man.

Unit cut the footage short, "And that's from one tiny encounter from one kingdom. You don't want this fight of impossible scenarios, because Earth is not ready for this fight."

Wario let go the commander and rejoined the group, "The humans that came to live on Planet 64 are finally happy. Cancer is practically non-existent there. And the grind of capitalism is not as harsh. And there's more chances for an adventure just by stepping outside your house. Don't fuck that up."

Sonic finally threw the ring and half of the group gave an inappropriate hand or arm gesture to Walter and his people as they jumped through.

Once everyone was back to the Mushroom Kingdom Wario pointed his finger at Mario, "If you need to go back to Earth leave me out of it!"

💚🔵💚

Chapter 6: No Party Like A Ghost Party

Summary:

Luigi invited the Wachowski Family to Last Resort!

Give the kids a chance to run around and enjoy themselves without having to hide. Tom and Maggie can let loose and have fun as well.

A few days of relaxation and shenanigans!

Nothing will go wrong, right? Right?

"Tom? Maddie? Can we talk?" Luigi was nervous. Not acting nervous to cover his identity. Actually nervous. There's so many things that can go wrong. And even if it goes right that right can still turn wrong.

He hasn't felt like this since before Dimentio brainwashed him. Before Mr L.

Luigi invited the family for coffee and tea at the Starbeans Cafe in Mushroom Town. Maddie nods and puts her tea down. Tom took a sip of his Hoolumbian Coffee before crossing his arms, "Sure, buddy. I think that's why you invited us to coffee, right? So what's up?"

"I have to go to one of Prof Gadd's labs to get the information from the drive. My hotel has a lab in the basement. But my hotel is run mainly by ... ghosts. And I wanted to invite you and the boys to join for some exposure therapy?"

Tom put his hands together prayer style and placed his fingers to his lips, "Is the Hotel pet friendly?" After Sonic got his Rings back he retrieved the family dog. Ozzie was super excited to see his family again. Peach and the Toads pampered the poor thing and gave him a buffet of doggy treats, peanut butter, and meaty bits. Two days without his owners to feed him made Mario feeling guilty for not showing the family the Warp Pipe back to Earth sooner.

Luigi blinked and smiled, "Ozzie would be welcome to my hotel and he would get a chance to meet my ghost dog, Polterpup."

"A ghost dog would have given the boys plenty of exposure, Luigi," Maddie smiled that scary mom smile that yells, 'choose your words carefully.'

"My Hotel is state of the art and my ghosts who deal with customers directly wear masks and pants to make them look friendly. But ghosts aren't the only reason why I want your family to join me." Luigi pulled out a photo of him, Polterpup, and Professor Elvin Gadd and passed it to Tom, "Prof Gadd is my mentor, an inventor, and the only parapsychologist in Planet 64. In fact the professor is the owner of the cafe. He just recently opened this one after the success in Beanbean Castle Town. I want the boys to meet him, mainly Tails since he would be the one who would benefit the most from meeting him."

Maddie exclaimed excitedly, "Thank you, Luigi! I think it wouldn't hurt to visit your hotel. I am assuming that you're paying for the room, meals and activities?"

"On the house! Tutta la faccenda! Erh… The whole shebang!"

The couple laughed. Tom slapped his knee, "Sounds like a plan! The boys needed to get out of the kingdom anyways. The Emeralds aren't going to fall on our laps if we stay here anyways."

"We have four right now, but three of them were stolen from Robotnik." Luigi rubbed his chin, "At the rate we're at… Robotnik would probably only hunt them to make sure he knows where they're at. If we steal all of them from Robotnik and hunt for the rest…."

Luigi was more talking to himself at that point and was in what his brother calls his Negative Zone. When Luigi is in the Negative Zone he forgets that he isn't the only one in the room. His overthinking tendencies does have an upside though. His worst case scenario thoughts help him come up with solutions before a crisis even happens.

"There's a possibility that he'll fake hunting the Emeralds so we would do the hard work for him?" Luigi snapped out of the Negative Zone and turned his eyes to see the kids. Sonic tilted his head as he rubbed his chin, "That does sound like something Robotnik would do, but how did you think about it?"

Tails came to the rescue, "Because somebody in this world already does something like that, Sonic!"

Knuckles crossed his arms as he waited for his adopted little brother to explain more. He might not be smart, however he is smart enough to trust that Tails knows what he's talking about.

"The Luigi Fanclub told us the other day that Mr L steals cursed objects from horrible people. Meaning that Mr L has a habit of waiting for the bad guys to find the object first before getting it himself."

Maddie nods, "That does make sense. Why steal a dangerous item from an even more dangerous place? Even I would want to steal something that was less dangerous than the Temple of Destruction in the mouth of Caves of Darkness at the peek of Mt Fuck- Around- And- Find- Out."

Luigi smiled that the family figured it out without raising suspicion about his heroic criminal activities. "Let's get back to what we were talking about. I can book you all a floor of your choosing. Each floor has a theme to make it more fun and adventurous for families. Most normal clients are on the fifth floor that we called the RIP Suites. But I, the owner of the hotel, can bump you up to the best suites." He pulled out flyers of each floor from his pocket, "We have the Royal Knight Suites, Garden Suites, Pyramid Suite, Dinosaur Suites, Movie Star Suites, and the Magic Suites."

"The Garden Suites sounds boring," Sonic said, "But it's run by ghosts so it can't be what it sounds like."

"Smart cookie," Luigi beamed as he separated one of the flyers that showed the pictures of the Garden from the others. "Out of all the floors, the Garden Suites were the worst to remodel. The rooms are now usable and the jungle is in the Atrium with the giant tree-like flytrap as its main visual point. We rebuilt the staircase and balconies by giving it a treehouse feel to it."

Both Sonic and Knuckles looked at the pictures of the forest-like floor with longing. The spiraling staircases that wrap around the strange tree-like plant and the suspension bridges that connect the three balconies together did in fact give a treehouse feel to it. Each little floor of the Garden Suites had a theme that reminded them of part of their home planet.

Maddie noticed the change in her boys and got up to hug them. Sonic and Knuckles weren't expecting it, but melted into the hug anyway. "Do you want the Garden Suites?"

After the boys gave an affirmation Luigi snapped his fingers and a boo appeared, "Booregard at your service, My Monarch!"

"Booregard, can you please contact Steward, Chambrea, Dr. Potter, and Bootanist? Let them know that the entire Seventh Floor is reserved for my guests. Put the reservation under the name Wachowski with the Boo Royal Stamp, E Gadd Stamp, Polterpup Stamp, and Moon Stamp."

The boo's eyes widened. An entire floor reserved under Four Stamps? And Two of them are top priority Stamps at that. Making them VVIP!

The Boo Royal Stamp lets the staff know that the guest(s) are Guests of King Boo and Monarch Luigi and must be treated as such with the Boo Royals funding the entire visit.

The E Gadd Stamp allows guest(s) to visit the basements and staff rooms, especially the labs under E Gadds and Luigi's supervision. Polterpup Stamp is a pet owner stamp that will be bringing their pet as well. And because the pet is also under the Boo Royal Stamp the pet will be pampered as much as Polterpup is.

The Moon Stamp lets staff know that at least one or more guests visiting have phasmophobia and must be taken care of with caution. Just one look was all it took for the boo to see who the Moon Stamp was for.

The fox was shivering and hiding behind the red creature that was putting on a brave stance. His performative bravery would have convinced the boo if only the red child didn't have dilated eyes that weren't rapidly moving back and forth that reminded him of Luigi's cowardness before Mr L.

"You are all welcome to use the public floors, like the eateries, gym, and dance club. The Labs and Staff Only areas are open to you as long as you have me, the professor, or one of my ghosts with you. But my penthouse is off limits, my husband tends to stay there when we are visiting the hotel." Luigi smiled as if he was advertising his business and second home.

Booregard bowed to his monarch, "Anything else, your highness?"

"We will be arriving tomorrow late morning by the Last Resort Bus."

"Very good, Sir." Booregard disappeared as if the air swallowed him.

💚🔵💚

Robotnik fittles with the Ring in his hand. Luigi, no… Mr L left a single Ring in his pocket to send a message. 'Catch me if you can.' For once Robotnik feels small compared to another human being.

Mr L stole back the pouch and most likely gave it back to Sonic. Because the Emeralds are still in Dimension Net-10-doe the Wachowski Family are undoubtedly still there as well. Sonic and his family had the advantage of both the pouch of Travel Rings and a secret Gateway that led to Earth. How else did they find their way back to Earth and trashed his labs?

"Chin up, Frowny Face!" Dimentio appeared next to him. "If you're worried about getting back to Planet 64, then don't! I can return you there. But you'll have to do something for me in return."

"You have the power to send us back?" Robotnik slipped his finger in the gold band, pretending that the Ring was just a piece of jewelry. He leans forward from his chair,"What's the favor?"

"Yes I can! But I'll tell you later what that favor is."

Stone walked into the hideout with two of the Dimentio Clones and a cup of latte with steamed Austrian goat milk. Stone looked very uncomfortable with the clones that were touching his shoulders, chest, and neck.

Dimentio looked giddy just from Stone trying to look neutral and unbothered, but there were tells. Sweat on his temples, his pupils moving rapidly, and the hand holding the coffee cup was shaking as if using all of his willpower to NOT crush the cup.

Robotnik took the cup and drank it.

Hmmm…

Stone is a master in coffee. Even accommodated his new taste for mushrooms into the coffee. Cordyceps and Reishi mushrooms. Strong enough to perfume the coffee, but not to overpower the coffee beans and milk.

Perfect.

Robotnik finished his cup and moved his attention to Dimentio, "You can take us to the Mushroom Kingdom?"

"Of Course!" The interdimensional jester snapped his fingers and a portal appeared that leads to a dark forest. "That's Evershade Forest also known as the Boo Woods. At the edge of the Evershade Valley is a hotel called Last Resort. There we will get the Chaos Heart and your Emeralds."

💚🔵💚

"Who was in charge of maintaining the road from Mushroom Kingdom to the hotel? Because Earth needs to follow their lead. I have never seen such a smooth dirt road."

Luigi started to ramble, "Princess Luigina and King Boo partnered up to build and maintain the road with the help of the nearby kingdoms. You heard all roads lead to Rome? That's Princess Luigina and King Boo's goal. For all roads to lead to the Last Resort Hotel."

Tom laughed, "Wow. Is the hotel that popular?"

"It's a one of a kind Hotel! In the day it's a five star adventure for the whole family and at night it's a spook-tacular thrill for mystery and ghost lovers out there!"

The toad driving the bus laughed, "The mystery of the moon and the warmth of the sun, make Last Resort your place for some fun. Relax and rest, take a break from your stress, Take a chance and give it your best."

"Boo really tried to make it sound catchy." Luigi shook his head.

The toad nodded his head, "It worked though."

Maddie smiled at the men's (is Toad a man?) bantering. "Off topic. You look very dashing, Mr. Luigi."

"Thank you, my husband and our subjects don't like it when I wear clothes similar to my brother's." Luigi was wearing black trousers, forest green loafers, a dusty lime green button up covered with a forest green sweater vest with an embroidered white L on the right breast, and a black neck tie tucked in the vest. He also wore a silver circlet crown that bends like stems of an ivy vine with leaf shaped emeralds doting around the vine.

"Mr. Weegee? We are here." Toad pulled up to the front of the hotel where bellhops wearing masks were floating towards the bus.

"Master Luigi? I mean Monarch Luigi! We have everything ready for your guests." Stewart pulled his mask off, "Forgive me Monarch. But I didn't see your crown."

"Pass me your mask Stewart." Luigi took the mask and placed it over his eyes, "You're not joking! You told me before that you were having problems with your mask before…"

"Ah! Monarch! You're about to do that… thing again…. Why don't I get the fellas to take the Wachowskis luggage to the Seventh Floor and you can fix my mask at the front desk? Your toolbox is still there where you left it."

Luigi blinks out of the beginning of another Negative Zone, “Oh! Sorry Stewart. I almost got caught in my own head again. Let's go!”

The hoard of ghosts flew around the bus and filled the baggage cart with luggage. One of the ghosts gave Ozzie a treat for being a good boy. And another gave the toad a high five.

Tails tried to keep calm by grabbing on to Luigi's trouser leg. While shaking he tried to stay front and center of the ghosts and stared at the unmasked Stewart. Luigi gave the adopted parents a wink before playfully lifted his leg with Tails still clinging on. Luigi walked inside and to the front desk with an 8 year old riding on his leg.

Stewart pulled out the toolbox from under the desk. While Luigi was making quick work on the eyeholes of the mask Stewart bowed to the fox child, "You are very brave and doing great." Stewart then gave Knuckles a fistbump.

Stewart then turned his attention to the grownups, "You must be hungry from the trip. Your luggage is being sent to the Seventh Floor. Would you like to visit our Cafe in the Mezzanine on the Second Floor? I can make reservations for The Spectral Catch, our pirate themed restaurant on the Twelfth Floor? Or I can send room service to your floor?"

Maddie smiled, "Can we have a menu for room service sent to our floor? And can you tell us about the Cafe and the restaurant?"

"Of course, My Lady!" Stewart passed a room service menu to a nearby bellhop to put with the luggage. He then spoke to the family about the Cafe's more Earth related foods from Earth humans from Brooklyn who brought their family recipes with them during the immigration. And how The Spectral Catch was a seafood and burger restaurant that also had a bar.

Luigi took advantage of the distraction to check out the mask and pulled out a file, sandpaper, and gloss out of his tool box. He then proceeded to file the eyeholes bigger. After the eyeholes were a decent size Luigi sanded the eyeholes smooth followed with the gloss to make the mask comfortable.

Even though Stewart is a ghost and would be fine with the plaster splintering into his eyes while wearing it, Luigi didn't like the idea that his employees and subjects, dead or otherwise, would be uncomfortable in the uniform.

"Stewart? Try this, please." Luigi hands the updated mask.

The tall, skinny blue bellhop ghost was overjoyed when retrieving his mask like it was the best thing in the world. He put the mask back on, "Much better!"

Tails who was still shaking smiled politely, "I don't know. The mask is kinda creepy. At least without the mask I can tell you're as nervous as I am."

Stewart tapped his two index fingers together awkwardly, "Social anxiety sucks, doesn't it?"

"My name's Tails! Nice to meet you Stewart." The fox raised his hand for a handshake that the ghost bellhop was happy to give.

“Nice to meet you, Tails.” Stewart turned towards Luigi, “Your guests are super adorable, my Monarch.”

“Just remember that the Living needs boundaries. And while Sonic here might like ghost pranks and shenanigans, I don't think the rest would appreciate a ghost popping out of the luggage or a reenactment of the shower scene from that one black and white Earth movie.”

A housekeeper ghost within earshot as they were wood polishing the handrail the nearby staircase chimes as they finish their work, “And I regret nothing!” The housekeeper and their cleaning supplies disappeared as if the air swallowed them.

Luigi chuckled, “My ghosts are very mischievous, but they are good at heart.”

“We don't have hearts, My Monarch.” Stewart passed the keys to Tom.

***

“I'm stuff!” Sonic said as the Wachowski’s entered the atrium.

The family just finished eating at the Cafe. As odd as an Italian-French mixed cafe was, it was quite good. The Risotto ai Funghi and Coq au Vin Blanc was a big hit with Tom and Maddie. While the boys liked sharing the French style pizza known as a pissaladière and slices of baguette with a garlic sauce. The ghost waiters were very friendly and professional, even with the creepy masks on. Tails and Knuckles were still shaking but they also enjoyed the meal.

The family looked up at the beautiful large plant, the treehouse style stairwell, and the slide was surreal. “Beautiful isn't it?”

The family jumped at the new voice that came out of nowhere. A slightly stocky green ghost with a long, bushy, white beard and eyebrows, and glasses appeared next to them.

The ghost took off his yellow hat with a white flower sticking out and gave the family a bow, “My name is Dr. Potter, the Royal Gardner and Botanist. Forgive me for not wearing a mask, but taking care of the gardens and herbal research usually doesn't have me dealing with customers much.”

Tom raised his hand for a handshake, “Nice to meet you Dr Potter.”

Maddie took her turn for the handshake, “Royal Gardner and Botanist sounds like a really big job for one floor?”

Dr Potter smiled, “I don't just do the seventh floor, my dear.” The old ghost pulled out a blueprint from his backpack and laid it on the coffee table that was near the entrance of the seventh floor.

On the blueprint the Wachowski noticed the drawing of two buildings being held together by a tree, “The Three Sisters Towers are built around this colossal tree. The original owners, The Three Sisters, had a liking for gardening and exotic plants, which have been growing out of control since their deaths a hundred years ago.”

Dr Potter rolled the blueprints up and placed it back into his backpack, “The Three Sisters Towers is a large property that's mostly two stone towers, the tree, and the plant life that's keeping the Towers from falling apart.”

“Sadly due to the overgrowing plantlife and poor maintenance of the towers, they have gone into shocking conditions, having tree branches and vines grow through floors themselves and sprout everywhere.” Dr Potter pulled out his lucky red watering can, “It has become my lab as well as my main project. Master Luigi and I are hoping to make the towers a public botanical garden. But the Hotel and Museum is top priority.”

“Museum?” Tails smiled as he went face to face with the ghost, “Mr. Luigi has a Museum?!”

Dr Potter smiled proudly as he thought about the time, money, and work that he and the rest of the ghosts did to fulfill that achievement, “Ah, Yes! I am also in charge of the jungle exhibit in the Evershade Museum. And the museum is going to have its grand opening next week.”

“How rich is Luigi?” Sonic asked.

“Richer than even he knows. He keeps giving us ghosts a salary even when we don't need living expenses. So us ghosts simply put it all in an emergency fund for Luigi, just in case. And by emergency fund I mean we hide gold and gemstones at random places throughout Luigi's property.”

Tom whistled, “How many times does Luigi win by doing nothing?”

💚🔵💚

Luigi and King Boo walked into the ballroom. A few ghosts and boos were flying this way and decorating what would be the aisle for King Bowser and Princess Luigina’s wedding.

A green boo with red bows on her head was waving a pink feather fan at a group of ghosts that was putting up strands of silk from the chandelier to the walls. “Stop! That is the wrong shade of yellow! We want Sunrise, not Sunglow.”

“Hard at work I see Lady Bow,” Luigi smiled at the extravagant boo.

Lady Bow hides her smile coily behind her fan, “King Boo, Monarch Luigi? What a wonderful surprise!”

Lady Bow clapped her little numbs together to summon her butler, Bootler, “Yes, Lady Bow?”

“Champagne for our King and Monarch, Gweaah heh ha!!”

Bootler pulled out a tray with two glasses out of thin air, “Anything else I can do for you, Your Majesties?”

“Thank you, Bootler, but no.” Luigi took a sip of his glass. Though maybe we should check on the Bride?”

In a blink of an eye Luigi was replaced by Luigina La Funebre of Kingdom Nethermourn. Luigina looks about, now that she sees the world through the eyes similar to Lady Bow’s. “Aw, yes. I see what you mean about the yellow. It doesn't go well with the forest green and coal black.” Luigina looks back at the butler, “Can you be a dear and get me some black candles?”

“Very well, Princess.” The boo pulled out another tray with black candles from the same invisible storage that boos seem to have.

“Thank you. That is all.” Luigina took a sip of the champagne. The dusty lime green button up turned into a neck high victorian style ruffle blouse. Luigi's sweater vest turned into a shawl. And the trousers and loafers turned into wide leg dress pants and slip-on flats. The ring of silver and emerald changed into a tiara with the emerald leaves forming the points and arches like a garland on top of her head.

Princess Luigina walked up to the platform that's usually used for a band to play, but it will be the center view for when she and Bowser exchange vows. “I know it's supposed to be a traditional Koopa wedding, but I need a little bit of Nethermourn in there.” She placed the candles on the steps of the platform to give the stage a romance in-a-creepy-way feel.

A paratrooper wearing magenta suspenders and a pink bowtie landed next to the princess, “I think the candles would be a nice touch! Especially since this would be the first Koopa Wedding outside of the Darklands.”

“Thank you, Mx. Snark. Are you and Lady Bow getting along?”

Lady Bow tapped her fan on the koopa’s neon painted shell, “We might have a few disagreements here and there, but we want you to be happy. All three of you.”

“And that's one thing Lady Bow and I agree on.” Mx Snark adjusted their turquoise square framed glasses and moved their pink hair out of their face before pulling strands of silk out of their shell to replace the silk from the chandelier. While they were still in the air Bow gave an encouraging snap of her fan.

King Boo chuckled, “I was wondering if you'd like to give Bowser a Boo Mark, my princess.” He took her hand and placed a kiss on her fingers.

“Is that possible?”

The Master Of Illusions smiled, showing all four of his fangs, “All I gotta do is transfer some of my powers to you right before the wedding. You’ll have only one shot at using my powers, so I recommend making the Boo Mark and only the Boo Mark.”

“Gotcha.”

“I like that plan.” Boo and Luigina turned to see the groom smiling at his lovers, “Adding a little Nethermourn to the wedding would make the point that we are equals.”

“King Bowser? Where are the Koopalings?” Luigina scowls at her groom for her missing stepchildren. “You better not have left those kids with poor Kamek and Kammy, did you?”

“First off, my bride! Those two can handle the Koopalings. Second off! I agree that those two need time off from me and the Koopalings. So I let those two have vacation here while Kamek’s younger sister, Kamella, takes over their duties.”

“Bowser?” Luigina taps her foot.

The Koopa King nervously chuckled, “Kamella is much larger than regular Magikoopas. In fact she's almost as tall as me on my short days and a very powerful sorceress. She can handle the Koopalings.”

“But can she handle the Koopalings and Sonic the Hedgehog?”

💚🔵💚

The elevator dinged at the seventh floor and a chatter of children was calling out Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails. Tom and Maddie came out and saw the Koopalings waving at them.

The Wachowski Kids ran down from their respective rooms and greeted the Koopa Kids. They were so loud that Tom and Maddie couldn't get their attention until…

“SILENCE!!” A six foot magikoopa in a purple robe with red lace stood behind the children with her wand up. The kids froze from some spell that she cast, “Mr. and Mrs. Wachowski, I apologize for the ruckus. The Koopalings were very excited when they found out about you and your youngins staying here.”

Maddie smiled politely though she wasn't too thrilled about the magikoopa freezing the kids. Even Ozzie was whining and licking faces because he didn't like how his anthropomorphic siblings were like statues, “You can call me Maddie and my husband Tom, please. Can you-?”

“Ah! Yes.” With a wave of her wand the children unfroze.

Bowser Jr points at the large magikoopa, “You could have made an ear piercing whistle like Granny Kammy does to get our attention. Look what you did with Larry and Tails!”

Kamella pressed her green lips together and waved her wand, a sparkly snow-like magic that gave a calming effect on the kids, “I do apologize, but Maddie and Tom were trying to get your attention.”

Tom nodded, like his wife he wasn't too thrilled about Kamella using magic to control the kids, “Hey Koopalings. Is your father with you as well?”

“King Dad is in the Ballroom on the second floor.”

“That's where Papa and Mama Luigina are getting married.”

“It's just in a few days, so the hotel will soon be filled with Koopas, ghosts, and boos.”

“It's going to be a traditional Koopa Wedding!”

Maddie laughed at the kids' excitement for the upcoming wedding. “And where's Kamek and Kammy? They're your usual babysitters.”

“Dad said that those too needed a break from the royal family. They are here, just not with us till the wedding.” Bowser Jr smiled as he explained the situation, “So Dad recruited Granny Kamella. She's more powerful than Granny Kamek, and Granny Kammy together. But her size tends to scare off ruffians more than her magic.”

“Giant Koopas are rare, but not so rare they aren't uncommon. King Bowser is just the only one that controls his size through magic.” Kamella added, “Though, control is a very loose term when speaking of the Koopa King. Oh! I didn't introduce myself. How rude I have been. My name is Kamella. Archimage of the Magikoopas and younger sister of Royal Advisor Kamek.”

“Nice to meet you?” Tom wasn't too sure if meeting her was nice or not. But she seems to be learning how to deal with the kids. He was willing to give her the benefit of a doubt. “I take it that the Koopalings wanted to play with Sonic and the others. Our kids haven't had a chance to explore the hotel and Tails hasn't met with the Professor yet.”

Iggy wrapped his arm around Tails shoulders, “I was planning on meeting Granny E. Gadd also! Tails and I can go to the lab together-”

“Not without supervision!” Kamella scowls at the hyperactive inventor, “You are trying to drag this poor well behaved fox into your shenanigans.”

“But we both are inspired inventors, why shouldn't we meet up with the greatest inventor of our time? As for the supervision we can ask a bellhop to take us to the lab.”

“If anything we should go to the 14th floor. DJ Phantasmagloria and the Goobs Squad can help burn that energy off at the dance hall.”

“Yeah! The Goobs Squad!”

“We gotta beat them for the dance off this time!”

“Yeah but will they let Ludwig play the violin?”

“Why not? The Squad was playing kazoos last time.”

The Koopalings started to laugh as they told Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles about the hip-hop dancing ghosts that teaches young patreons how to dance. Iggy, still sticking to Tails, didn't let himself get distracted to his original goal. “Can Tails and I check with Stewart to see if the professor is in the lab? And if he's not we can join you guys in the Dance Hall!”

Kamella crossed her arms. Maddie smiled at the magikoopa, “One of Luigi's goals of inviting us here was to introduce Tails with the professor…”

Tails remembered about the flashdrive in his backpack, “I also have information that Luigi wanted me to give to Prof. E Gadd.”

Kamella nodded, “Then let's go to the front desk together.”

Tom looks inside the elevator. He knew the elevator was extremely large and could carry a lot of weight. But he wasn't sure if it could carry eleven kids (with Roy and Morton Koopa Jr being the biggest), three full grown adults (one being a 6ft tall Koopa), and a dog. But everyone was able to squeeze in the elevator.

A housekeeper with a housekeeping cart was also in the mix somehow as she was coming to the seventh floor with fresh towels and hygiene products. Maddie smiled at Chambrea, “I don't think we have elevators this big back on Earth.”

Chambrea smiled back, “Yes, there's denisons on our planet that are very large. If a Boom Boom can't fit in there with a fully large Bowser without elbow room and the weight capacity to sustain all of it. The elevator would have been broken long ago.”

“And yet the majority of the population seems to be under 5 ft tall.” Laughed Iggy as he and Tails were the last to get in the elevator.

Chambrea chuckled as she placed a gift basket on the table for the Wachowskis when they returned to the seventh floor. “You all have fun!”

Tom and the others waved at the ghostly maid as the elevator doors closed. When they finally made it to the first floor lobby Iggy had already dragged Tails to the front desk, “Hey Stewart! Is the professor in his lab?”

Stewart gave Tails and Iggy some lollipops and called the lab, “Professor E Gadd? Are you ready for some visitors? Yessir, it is indeed Iggy Koopa and Miles "Tails" Prower Wachowski. O’course sir.”

Stewart hung up and rang a bell to summon a boo wearing a bell-boy cap, “Take over for me, Bello.” Stewart then bowed to Tom and Maddie, “I will take the boys to meet the professor. We will be taking the employee elevator to the basement while the rest of you go have fun.”

“Will you be alright, Stewart?” Tom asked

“He will be fine!” Everyone turned to the new voice and saw Luigi with King Bowser and King Boo, “Stewart, why don't you take your lunch after you drop Iggy and Tails off?”

“Yessir!” Stewart smiled because that meant he could hangout in the basement a little longer than just dropping the kids off and coming back to work. He has always enjoyed looking at the professor’s latest inventions, even though he wouldn't understand what the good old boy is saying he still likes to watch him tinker.

Bowser chuckles, “Tom, Maddie? Would you like to join us for a few drinks?”

“As long as Kamella would be fine by herself with the kids?” Tom turned towards Kamella, “Will you be alright?”

Kamella laughed, “Oh Tom! The Goobs Squad is about to have their Dance Off! King Bowser told me that the Koopalings have been looking forward to their rematch. Me and eight ghosts would be enough babysitters for the snappers. Come children! Let's show those spooks how it's done!”

Tom and Maddie smiled as Sonic and Knuckles were ushered with the Koopalings to the elevator. The moment the door closed the two laughed, “Did you see Knuckles’ face when Roy and Morton dragged him to the elevator? Poor guy was wondering how his strength failed him.”

“Sonic looked like he was guilty for having fun without Tails.” Tom shook his head.

Luigi tilted his head like a cat, “Shall we go?”

Boo was showing all his fangs before bursting into three of him in his boo form, “Bleah! HA HAA! Aaaaahahaha!”

The Three King Boos grabbed his friends and bolted to the ceiling passing floor after floor until they reached the 12th floor. Tom and Maddie kneeled to the floor trying not to get sick from having their particles and atoms separating to pass other foreign particles and atoms. Luigi, who had gotten used to it to some degree, started to rub his friends' backs while Bowser lectured Boo.

“I don't know [hack] what was scarier. [blech] A group of ghostly marshmallows [wheezes] the size of minivans [cough] grabbing you? Or going through solid objects [bleagh] at the speed of light?”

“I don't [grasp] know...[hic] but I'll give you a review when [eugh] my heart and stomach [keck] returns from the first floor.”

Even Ozzie was shaking with his tail between his legs. Luigi gave Ozzie a scratch behind his ears and spoke calmly, “Poor, puppy. Did the mean Boo give you trauma? Yes he did. You're such a good boy.”

When the Wachowski couple finally caught their breaths, they finally looked up and saw a Turf n’ surf pirate themed restaurant that was top notch. They were amazed at the ghosts in pirate costumes who were making an epic battle scene above everyone's heads. A few other families of different shapes and sizes also enjoyed the dinner and show.

Tom and Maddie followed the others to the back of the restaurant. Without being distracted by the ghosts and the patrons, they managed to travel through the wonderful chaos that was around them.

When they made it to the back the human couple couldn't believe their eyes. In front of them was a beach with a full size pirate ship on the water. They climbed up the stairs that led to the deck of the ship. Tom smiled at the “no kids allowed beyond this point” sign as he stepped onto the deck.

In the middle of the deck was a circular bar with a small handful of ghostly bartenders. Bowser waved at the two magikoopas that's already there. “Kamek, Kammy? Are you two enjoying yourselves?”

Kamek was all smiles and waved a half empty glass from a pile of empty glasses, “Your Royal Fun-ness! Your [hic] Royal Asomness… Awesomeness… LORD OF AWESOME!”

He finished his drink and passed out.

Kammy got up and stood on her stool raising her glass, “Kammy wins with score 14 to 8 with Kammy in the lead!” She downed her drink and tossed it to the pile, “Victory and Glory to the Koopa Kingdom!”

She fell on top of Kamek as she too passed out. Ozzie run up to the magikoopas and tried to wake them by giving them slobbery kisses on their faces and feet.

Bowser laughed as he spoke to the grinning bartender, “What exactly just happened?”

“The Magikoopa Challenge! At least that's what we've been calling it for months since those two kept doing a drinking challenge during their nights off.” The bartender started to clean the pile of glasses. In a blink of an eye the glasses were gone and the ghost was lazily wiping the counter.

“Once a week for a half of a year they come and drink the Magikoopa Fireball Shots until the other passes out first. It became an instant tradition to place bets and have a scoreboard made.” The bartender ghost took out the scoreboard as another ghost updated the score.

“Wanna try?”

Bowser laughed, “Oh no, I dare not try the Challenge. Got my kids with me this time and I would rather not have a hangover when we have some family fun tomorrow. I do want to try this Magikoopa Fireball Shot though. Something that is actually strong enough to get Koopas drunk? Tickle me curious.”

The bartender smiled as he mixed Red Essence with Fungus Pick Me Up, Fire Flower Whisky, Wild Elixir and Courage Soda in a cocktail shaker. Five shot glasses floated in front of the bartender as he evenly ported the shots in the glasses.

The five took the shot, “Holy Shit! That's strong!”

Luigi and Tom have to agree with Maddie. The three humans looked at Bowser and King Boo with curiosity. The two monsters smack their maws and Bowser was practically purring.

Boo placed his shot glass down, “I'll have another but make it a double.”

“Make that two.”

Luigi smiled at how his lovers seem to enjoy the new drink, “Is that drink on the menu yet?”

“We were waiting for a chance to try the drink before putting it on the menu, My Monarch. Would you wish for it to be on the menu?”

“Effectively immediately! Goomas, Bob-bombs, and Moles would enjoy it as much as Koopas! But please put a warning for humans, Beanish, Poplins, and Shy Guys on the strength of the shot.”

Luigi looked around until he spotted an old Kong in a blue dress and pearls sipping an Ice Flower Montini, “Excuse me, Madam?”

The graying Kong waved her manicured red nails at the Monarch of Boos, “You're a little young to be interested in an old Kong like me, Young Man.”

Luigi was about to make a flirty response when a ghostly hand covered his mouth, “I'm sorry, my dear. My husband didn't mean to create any misunderstandings.”

Luigi got the hint that he almost flirted like he was Mr L. Luigi straightened himself up and tapped King Boo's hand, “Please forgive my forwardness, but I'm the owner of the hotel and we are adding a new drink to the menu. And I wanted to see if the drink would agree with Kongs. The drink itself is a little strong for humans, but perfect for Koopas.”

“You invented a drink that is perfect for Koopas?!” The old Kong puts her drink down. Her interest has peaked, “What is the name of the drink?”

“Magikoopa Fireball Shot. In honor of the two Magikoopas that are passed out on the floor.”

“I thought those two were drinking pure ethanol as per usual with Koopas!”

“Nope. This is their drink that they used for their drinking game.”

“Oh! Now I have to try it!” The bartender gave her a shot, “Oh, Bananas! That is strong! Needs to be a little sweeter for a Kong though. We are well known for having a sweet tooth.”

Luigi nodded and asked the bartender, “Another shot but mix in Kong BlueBerry and put it in a coconut instead of a glass?”

After the bartender finished the mixer he handed the coconut with a little paper umbrella and straw to the customer. She took a sip and smiled, “Oh, what a lovely flavor! Mr Owner, what are you planning on calling this?”

“Kong in a Blue Dress?”

“Oh hohohoho! No wonder your husband stopped you from answering the first time. You're quite the heartbreaker. If you wish to name the drink after me then my name is Tipple.”

“Then the name should be Tipple in Blue.”

Tipple shook Luigi's hand, “It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr Owner.”

“Luigi.”

“Mr Luigi.” Tipple got up as she downed the rest of her Ice Flower Montini before she turned to leave the restaurant, “I hope I will meet you and your husband again.”

“Until we meet again, Madame Tipple.” Luigi turned towards the bartender, “Three glasses of Spore Wine and two more shots of Magikoopa Fireball Shot.”

Boo smiled, “And one Tipple in Blue. From how much Lady Tipple Kong enjoyed it made me wanna try it.”

Luigi nods, “Make sure that both drinks are on the menu with a description under each item. And I want every bartender and waiter to be trained to make both drinks.”

“Even the waiters, Sir?”

“OVVIAMENTE! Happy Hour is about to be even busier.” Luigi smiled.

💚🔵💚

On the 14th floor loud dance music was being played as the Koopalings and Wachowski Kids were dancing. Kamella was against the wall bobbing her head to the music as she watched the kids dance. Kamella was a head and shoulder taller than most of the patrons with a few Kongs and Humans that's about as tall as her in the mix.

Most of the patrons were Toads, Goomas, a Shy Guy (surprisingly enough), and a few Boos and Lakitus dancing overhead.

DJ Phantasmagloria’s voice cut through the music, “Alright My Groovy Rockstars! The moment you all have been waiting for! The Dance battle between the Koopalings and the Goobs Squad! Goobs First! Ready… Set…. DANCE OFF!”

The eight Goobs’ moves are fast and furious. The music was pounding as the Goobs were stomping their “feet” to the beat. The choreography is intricate and impressive, and the energy is electric with crowd-pleasing handstands and freeze poses before doing power moves that showed off their flexibilities and athleticism that only ghosts possessed.

They finished with a bang, quite literally, as they had exploded like firecrackers. Now outsiders would think that would be cheating. Sonic and Knuckles honestly thought it should be. But everyone else clapped and cheered.

Sonic tapped Kamella’s arm, “Don't the Goobs have an advantage since they're ghosts?”

The magikoopa laughed, “Yes the ghost does have an advantage, but so does everyone else.” Kamella points to a group of goombas that one minute was in a conga line and the next hopped on each other's heads and made a dancing tower of Goombas, “You see, this contest is about Unity Through Diversity. The dance off is not about winning or losing. It's about being different! And you're about to see what I mean with the Koopalings.”

Sonic and Knuckles turned their attention to the middle of the floor. Ludwig and Wendy O. Koopa took center.

Ludwig put out a violin and started to play a slow classical song. Wendy started to dance. The crowd noticed that Wendy wasn't wearing her classic high heels and bow combo but was wearing ballet slippers and a tutu. Wendy was graceful and poise, even with her shell she showed balance and flexibility.

Lemmy popped next to DJ Phantasmagloria and handed her a vinyl disk with a note,

‘Dearest DJ Phantasmagloria,

For the show to truly start, may I acquire you to play this on your turntable?

My siblings and I had worked very hard to perfect this “beat.”

OXOX
Ludwig von Koopa

Ps The back of the note is a picture painted of your likeness by our own Prince Bowser Jr. I hope you enjoy it.’

Sure enough the back of the note had a painting of herself in all her ectoplasm glory. From her red afro down to her purple skirt. The music loving ghost felt such gushiness from the core of where her heart should have been.

She put on the vinyl and a hip-hop version of the song Ludwig was playing was blasting through her speakers. Ludwig and his brothers formed a line and started to pop their chests and moved their arms to the beat.

Wendy spined and kicked while sticking more to the traditional ballet while her brothers behind her were mimicking her moves while making it more hip-hop.

The boys showed power and determination as they stomped while their sister was spinning circles around them. Wendy waved her arms exquisitely like a swan’s wing as her brothers were punching the air and towards the ground.

The dynamic between strength and elegance were evenly matched in the choreography. Ludwig started to leap in the air and joined his sister in the ballet by spinning her and lifting her in the air. Both Ludwig and Wendy were extremely light-footed

After they finished the crowd went wild. The dance was a prime example of Koopa Mightiness and Intelligence.

“Bravo, Koopalings! You guys did well. A mixture of culture and brawn! A beautifully bold display of Koopa Spirit, Pride, and Glory!”

The crowd went nuts. “Koopalings! Koopalings! Koopalings!”

DJ Phantasmagloria flew over to Ludwig von Koopa to give him a handshake, gave Wendy and Junior a hug, fist bumps to Roy and Morton, and high-fives to Larry and Lemmy.

After the kids received their contracts they joined Sonic and the others.

Roy was hitting his chest with gusto, “Too bad Iggy and Tails went to the basement instead of coming with us!”

Ludwig nodded his head, “Even if Iggy was here, he was too into the choreography. But! Our brother still did his part by helping me make that vinyl. And it was him who suggested combining our culture and war-like strategies to dance and music.”

Sonic tapped his foot to the beat, “I don't know much about Iggy but I do know Tails enough to know that he’ll have a lot of fun with whatever sciency stuff that he's going to find.”

“Iggy is the same way.”

💚🔵💚

Stewart’s eyes were bulging at one of E. Gadd and Luigi’s latest discoveries. Ever since Luigi and E. Gadd teamed up, the numbers of lost documents of ancient civilizations, forgotten treasures, and new power ups that were discovered or rediscovered dramatically increased.

This discovery in the glass display was a bit of a double hit as this power up was new, but it's also a rediscovery because this power up is similar to the extinct Copy Flower.

The Copy Flower became extinct after the invasion in the past by the enemy alien species called the Shroobs, the original denizens of the Mushroom Planet that Sonic trapped Robotnik in the first time. Tails was ecstatic when he found out about the history of the Mushroom Planet and the Mushroom Kingdom intertwined somehow. Even though it was a hostile takeover and a failed one at that.

Tails, Stewart, and Iggy stared at the Double Cherry. Almost pressing their faces to the glass. E. Gadd was glad that everyone was impressed with the new power up, “Luigi found it by accident. This power-up helps you divide and conquer from what he told me. Duplicate your person up to five times! There is power in numbers, so the more, the merrier, right?”

The Professor laughed, “Ohohohohoh! Luigi did say there was an annoying side effect though.”

Tails and Iggy being of scientifically minded looked at the little mad scientist. After E. Gadd found that he had the youngsters’ attention he continued, “Apparently pieces of your personality get split as well. But he never told me exactly what he meant by that, only that it was annoyingly eye opening.”

Stewart adjusted his hat, “Sir? Can you tell us how he came to find this? And don't worry about Tails, he already knows about Mr L.”

E. Gadd smiled as he gave Tails five books, “This is the Super Luigi Series. I am sure that if Luigi had a chance to rewrite it he would redo the entire adventure as Mr L instead of as himself. While the series is fun to read and overly romanticized from what really happened. Luigi wasn’t Mr L back then, but when he came back from The Waffle Kingdom Mr L became part of his night life.”

“While the most boring part of his adventure was extremely over exaggerated to get the reader engaged, the most extraordinary parts of his adventure was written as mediocrely comical to cover his true involvement.”

Tails opened the first book, “So what you're saying that in the book if it sounds more glamorized it's not as important? And if it sounds like far-fetched slapstick it's extremely important?”

“Ohohohohoh! You truly understand the assignment. Now while the books may sound completely fiction there's a lot of truth in the stories. Sadly I am not good at separating Luigi from Mr L when it comes to these books. But from what I understood is that Luigi found the Double Cherry in Plumpbelly Village in Book 2.”

Stewart laughed, “Oh those books have a lot of truth alright! All the scenes where Master Luigi's partners were getting hurt by Master’s clumsiness were actually them nearly getting themselves killed and Master accidentally revealed that he was Mr L to them.”

“HOW?!” Tails and Iggy cried in unison.

Stewart shrugs, “No idea. Master never told us out of embarrassment.”

E. Gadd laughed, “Ohohohohoh! It was the events in Book 2 that Luigi found the Double Cherry with a friendly Bob-bomb by the name of Jerry. Only Luigi's partners can tell you what really happened in that adventure and how he came across the power up.”

E Gadd looked at his computer, “MARVELOUS! The download is completed.”

The little human opened Robotnik’s files only to stop. There's a file that saids “4MrL.txt.”

E Gadd opened the file. It was a video message by Robotnik. More like a CCV of one of Robotnik's labs, "The fucker does have a point though. I might be the smartest man on Earth, but he might be one of the smartest men on whatever planet he's from!"

Robotnik had just grabbed his coffee from Stone when a voice off screen was heard, "Oh yes! Mr L was my masterpiece as well as my greatest failure."

Robotnik turned with his laser gun pointing at the person off screen, "Who are you and how did you get in?"

The sound of bells jingled as a strange harlequin jester character walked on screen, "Master of dimensions... Pleaser of crowds... I am... Dimentio!”

Stewart’s mouth was wide open, “No. NO! NOT THIS SICK FUCK! ANYONE BUT THEM!”

E Gadd was shocked at Stewart’s outburst. “What is going on?”

Stewart pointed at Dimentio’s image, “They're the ones that brainwashed Master Luigi into Mr L. After Master Luigi was freed from the brainwashing he wanted to take an adventure by himself.”

“The Waffle Kingdom Adventure?” E Gadd adjusted his glasses.

“Yes. And when he came home from the adventure he was wearing his Mr L uniform.”

💚🔵💚

Notes:

If you want a visual on what the dance looks like
check it out

https://youtu.be/qDsviLRprD0?si=0isuuALhT3QHdbBd

Chapter 7: *~*Genius Cheats*~*

Summary:

Smut! Smuty! Smut-smut!

Hows the Chapter is set up:

Party at the Bar

*~*💚🔵💚 {Smut Begins}💚🔵💚*~*
Orgy
*~*💚🔵💚 {Smut Ends}💚🔵💚*~*

And some Dr Robotnik shenanigans.

“Vi amo entrambi, fino al sole e ritorno.”

Boo smiled, “Oh look. My husband is drunk enough to speak in tongues.”

Tom raised his tenth shot, “That's an Earth Language… I-Italian [hic].”

Maddie lifted her head and put her hand over Tom's drink, “Babe, any more and I’ll be a widow.” She burst into tears, “You're going to leave me with three anth… anthro…. anthropomorphs babies. And one of those babies is a lazergun or being crushed by fallen temple away from joining you in the afterlife.”

“Oh no. Babe! Sonic and I aren't going anywhere.” Tom hugs his wife and starts to cry as well.

The bartender was making notes on the effects of Tipple in Blue and Magikoopa Fireball has on humans. Luigi took only Magikoopa Fireball, Maddie took only Tipple in Blue, and Tom took both. A few other humans, New Donkers, and Kongs at the bar that's tasting the effects. So far no one died of alcohol poisoning, but they had healers, doctors, and healing items at hand.

“Come vanno le note?”

The ghost looks up, “Sorry, My Monarch. But I don't understand.”

Bowser raised his eyebrows, “He’s asking about your note taking.”

Everyone was so shocked that Bowser understood Luigi that it sobered the group. Even Kamek and Kammy shot up and looked at their King. The bartender took notes.

Tom tilted his head at Bowser, “You know Italian?!”

Bowser shrugs, “Back when I was still a villain, the Mario Brothers would talk in Italian to throw me off. After a few defeats I snuck into Earth using a Mini Mushroom. Considering how Earth humans see Koopas as turtles… It was easy to blend in in New York as long as I keep popping into my shell when danger happens.”

“The pizza was interesting. Though there was that one human with art supplies that saw me crawling out of a sewer pipe with a piece of pie in my mouth. Didn't help that a rat was fighting me for that slice and I punched the rat in front of the artist… The human called me a ninja turtle… or something…”

Bowser signed, “The next year I snuck into New York a new comic book came out about pizza loving turtles that lived in the sewers. Anyways! Back on topic I occasionally snuck on Earth for Italian lessons. Only to find out that most of what the brothers were saying was gibberish just to throw me off my game. And until today I have never let on that I understood what Mario and Luigi were saying!”

“Beh... a dire il vero eri malvagio allora.”

“Touche, ma era comunque incasinato il fatto che parlassi in modo senza senso!” Bowser slams his fists on the bar making all the glass shake.

“Ti sei divertito comunque?” Luigi smirked.

“Ho imparato ad ammirare entrambi. E non vedo l'ora di sposarti, Luigi.” Bowser tapped a claw to Luigi’s nose, “So! How much of that did you guys understood?”

Everyone shook their heads. Kammy even lends towards Tom, “What was all that about?”

Tom whispered back, “No idea.”

Bowser chuckles, “How was my accent?”

“Too high pitched.”

“Too angry, which I guess that means it was perfect? Maybe?”

“Very nasaled, Your Smarty-pantsness.”

Bowser bellowed into laughter, “Fuck you guys! Hahahah.”

It was then Stewart popped in from the floor, “Forgive me, My Monarch, but…” Stewart started to whisper into Luigi's ear, “We have a big problem. An old enemy has joined Robotnik.”

Luigi nods, “Forgive me my friends, but I must turn in. Bowser’s and Luigina’s wedding is in a couple of days so Boo and I must be at top form to host the Royal Wedding of the year. Ci siamo incontrati nell'attico, Bowser. You should do the same.”

Bowser got up as well, “Ah. Yes I will have to turn in as well. My Bride should be showing up tomorrow and I want to look my best when meeting her.”

Kamek and Kammy both nod at each other, “Us magikoopas are not as young as we used to be. We should turn in as well.”

Luigi gave Tom and Maddie a pat on the back, “The drinks are on me. Stay and enjoy yourselves.”

Everyone but the Wachowskis got up. When Tom noticed that the bartender wasn't paying any more attention to them he moved closer to his wife, “That was suspicious, wasn't it?”

“Yeah… Should we follow them?”

With a nod Tom and Maddie followed the group to the elevator. Just in time to see Luigi, Stewart, and the Koopas in the elevator while the doors are closing.

The two humans ran to the elevator and watched the arrow over the doors going all the way to the 17th floor but didn't go down nor stop to drop off the Koopas.

Tom pushed the button. The two waited for the elevator to open. If there was any doubt that they were sober from the earlier shock, there isn't anymore as their hearts were pumping mad from the anticipation of what was happening.

They hopped on in the elevator at the sound of the bell and the doors opening. Maddie pushed the Top Floor button and held Tom's hand. Ozzie whines as he feels the strange energy from his owners.

The doors open with a ding. Tom held Ozzie’s muzzle closed while the two listened for anyone inspecting the elevator.

Nothing. Tom let go of Ozzie's muzzle and held the dog's collar as he and Maddie made their way through the penthouse.

Tom almost laughed at the weird King Boo portraits. Some of the paintings were where he was posing menacingly and others scandalously with Luigi in a see through dress or barely wearing anything at all with Boo holding a chain that's attached to Luigi's neck and wrists.

“The more I hang out with King Boo and Luigi, the more I doubt that it's a political marriage.” Maddie whispers.

Tom and Maddie followed the sound of voices to the back of the penthouse. One of those voices sounded familiar.

“Do you think he expected you to steal the file?” Tails asked Luigi.

“He’s too arrogant to believe that Mr L would dare hack his computer, let alone steal the files. No matter how much of a genius Robotnik is, Earth Firewalls are very primitive compared to E Gadd’s. but he is smart enough to have a backup in case his new partner decides to turn on him.”

Luigi turned wearing his Mr L uniform minus his hat and mask. Tom and Maddie covered their mouths to prevent themselves from making any sound. “He was probably suspicious, as he should be, by a sudden dimensional hopping physics bending jester popping up to help him.”

Bowser nods, “And so close to our wedding? This is not a chance encounter. The fucker is trying to get the Chaos Hearts again.”

“Seven Chaos Hearts and seven Chaos Emeralds… “ Kemak tapped his chin with his claw, “He's not thinking about combining the Hearts with the Emeralds, is he?”

Luigi chuckled, “For a lucky number it seems to always give us a lot of trouble, doesn't it? Last time Dimentio triggered the prophecy through the matrimony between a monster and a princess. And last time we didn't even know the clown nor the prophecy existed. But now we have the advantage!”

Tails’ eyes widened, “What do you mean, Mr L?”

Luigi winked as the transformation started. Luigina stood wearing a catsuit with gold buttons with a chain connected between them and another gold chain draped around her waist and hips. The green bandana was covering her chin and neck as her hair was in a high ponytail tail.

“Holy shit!” Tom whispered.

“Luigi is not only Mr L but Luigina as well!” Maddie whispers back, “Well… actually it does make sense since it's in the name one way or another.”

“What do you mean it makes sense? Luigi is a known coward… And as fucked up as it is, noone remembers his name…. No you're right, it's the perfect cover up!”

“Right! But somehow people overlooked the fact that the most cowardly ‘Green Mario' has ghost servants and a spooky husband…” Maddie stops and looks at the crowd. Something was off. There's Bowser, Luigina, Tails, an Old Guy, Kamek, Kammy, one of the Koopalings, and a few ghosts including Stewart… “Tom… Where's King Boo?”

“Behind you.”

Tom and Maddie screamed and Ozzie barked while growling. King Boo laughed as he led the two humans to join the group.

Luigina chuckled, “I was wondering when you two would join us.” Then she turned to the others with a clap of her hands, “We won't be able to get everything done in one night. My ghosts? Return to work and be on the lookout for any suspicious activity. Tails? Iggy? You two should join your siblings.”

“Yes, Ma’am!” Tails took Ozzie by the collar and headed to the elevator with Iggy as the ghosts were driving into the floor.

Luigina looks at the screen to find that the kids are still at the Dance Hall, “Kamek? Kammy? Join the children and inform Kamella what is happening? Professor? I know you haven't had any sleep for a few days now, please for my sanity, eat a vegetable and go to bed.”

The others nodded and left the penthouse, but the Wachowski couple were stopped by Bowser's large hands on their shoulders, “Not you.”

Tom and Maddie looked at the throuple and walked backwards. Luigina’s eyebrow lifted a little, “So… Now that you know our little secret…?”

Maddie very nervously grabbed hold of Tom's arm. If Boo and Bowser were human she might not have been as scared. Humans don't have fire breath and can walk through walls, “W-what are you planning to do with us?”

Luigina transformed back to Luigi, “Nothing that the three of us haven't talked about before.”

“What does that mean?!” Tom’s eyes widened and he and Maddie took a few steps back, not even noticing that the three of them were guiding the couple somewhere.

“Something fun.” Boo sticks his tongue out and curls the tip towards the couple.

*~*💚🔵💚 {Smut Begins}💚🔵💚*~*

“Holy shit!” Tom and Maddie fell backwards and landed on the oversized bed. Maddie held her husband’s arm, “Well, now we know how their relationship works…”

Bowser chuckles as he takes off his shell. After a few grunts and pops of his back as he flexed his back muscles. Tom's eyes went up and down at the Koopa King's tight abs, firm pecs, and large biceps. It brings back memories of his college days before Maddie.

Luigi removed his top and the couple forgot how to breathe. He was handsome, hypnotic, and powerful. The scars on his body gave a flavor of danger. He crawled towards the couple, “Now. My lovers and I have one rule. Respect boundaries. If you say ‘no’ we take it very seriously. If you stay silent we consider that also a ‘no.’ Until you give us an enthusiastic ‘yes’ we won't-”

“YES!” Tom and Maddie said in unison. Only for them to look at each other and in unison again, “Are you sure?!”

“Tom! I saw you eyeing Bowser. You're such a SIZE KING and we haven't even seen his dick yet!” Maddie took off her blouse and pants. Leaving only her french cut panties and lacy bra set. She was planning on using this vacation as a second honeymoon. But this was much better.

“Like you weren't drooling over Boo’s tongue.” Tom took off his flannel and jeans. “That's the closest thing you’ll get to sleeping with Venom.”

Maddie was about to say something before a mustache tickled her cheek pleasantly and a clever tongue explored the inside of her mouth.

Tom was enjoying the sight of Maddie being kissed by Luigi when a large member appeared in his eyesight, “So… You're a size King, huh? I hope you're not disappointed.”

Tom was torn from worshiping with his eyes or worshiping with his mouth. Bowser was so perfect. Tom brought his hand up to circled the king’s hard length with his hands. Both hands couldn't fit around Bowser's impressive cock.

“You can just lick it. Luigi always tries to deepthroat me only to have to take a healing item to relocate his jaw.” Bowser purrs as he looks at Luigi proudly as he sucks one of Maddie's nipples, “The pain slut still hasn't learned his limits.”

Tom nodded as he started giving Bowser a tongue bath. Moving his hands to cover the side he wasn't licking. Bowser then got the bottle of lube from the drawer next to the bed.

After applying a generous amount to his hand and starting to rub his meaty fingers between Tom's butt cheeks inside his boxers. Tom’s eyelids hooded over lustfully and his face and ears turned into the sexiest shade of pink.

Maddied felt cold hands grasping her knees and eased them apart. She looked between her legs and saw Boo’s face close to her sinful flower, “You look quite beautiful in your undergarments, Lady Maddie. How about we keep them on you?”

Boo moved the little piece of fabric out of his way. His tongue slightly dipped and swirled over her button until she was squirming and moaning. Then he drilled his tongue even deeper. He savored her taste as her legs spasm from pleasure.

He reeled in wicked delight as he held her waist down to prevent her from relentlessly moving her hips against his face. He moved his thumb to tease the tiny bud.

He kept at it until she convulsed with her first orgasm of the night, “Not finished yet. I have to prepare your rosebud now.”

Maddie wasn't even down for her orgasm before she yelped from her lower part of her body being suddenly higher than her head. She felt Boo's fingers forcing her to open before his tongue deep dived into her anus.

She never had anyone touch her there let alone licked her there. Not even Tom did anal play with her. Tom's face was suddenly hovering over her as he was being finger fucked by two of Bowser’s sausage like fingers.

“Shit Maddie. You look so fuckin sexy. I never knew you had it in you.” Tom attacked her lips with his. Greedy mouths took bold possession of the other's. The driving force of the kiss spoke of things left unsaid. Secrets that's finally unlocked. Desires that burn, tremble and yearn to be released.

Both of them cried of release. Maddie’s second climax came at her in drugging waves. And Tom's first ever dry orgasm hit him to the point that the ripples of pleasure surged him to new heights.

Maddie's limbs felt so boneless that she didn't even realize that she was repositioned until she felt Tom's member was thrusting into her core. Boo positioned himself behind Maddie and drove into her backdoor. Maddie thought that Boo’s tongue filled her up before, but now with both the King of the Boos and her husband inside of her she was so full.

Maddie and Tom felt someone over them. They turned to see Luigi hovering with Bowser's cock thrusting in extreme force. Luigi's eyes rolled to the back of his head.

The couple and throuple collapsed after each member had multiple orgasms. Maddie half jokingly asked when’s the next orgy.

*~*💚🔵💚 {Smut Ends}💚🔵💚*~*

“That was fun. But not for another week or so.” Luigi cuddles between Tom and Boo.

Tom and Maddie curled up against Bowser's chest. Bowser somehow managed to grow into his ten foot tall version and was lying on his back with his arms holding Maddie and Boo from falling off of his chest with Tom and Luigi in the middle.

Bowser chuckles, “Next time you and Boo should be in your fem forms.”

Maddie sat up enough to look at Boo on the other side, “You have a fem form? Not just Luigina?! Does your fem form have a name?”

“Oh! I think we awaken something in you, Lady Maddie.” Boo laughed, “I do have a fem form, but I still have my original name even in that form.”

“So what's the plan?” Tom asked.

“The plan is for you five to sleep.” A large blanket appeared over the group. The new voice chimes in, “Robotnik will be here in the morning. Be weary, but be kind. There's more to the relationship between the mad genius and the jester.”

Tom and Maddie held each other even more tightly, “Who was that, Luigi?”

Luigi frowned, “My psychic ghost and one of my dearest friends and subjects. Madame Clairvoya.”

💚🔵💚

“Ahhh! How much farther is it?” Robotnik grumbles as he stumbles over another fallen log that appeared out of nowhere. He has been walking all night wandering in this hellish forest. He stuck to the path that might have been an animal trail or an actual man made path. For once he has no idea.

Not knowing where the fuckin hell he's going!

What he does know is that this planet didn't have any light pollution so he was able to see that the black sky turned more of a navy blue. And the stars were fading. Meaning it was the astronomical twilight. “Darkest before dawn.”

"From dust we are born, and to stardust we return, forever a part of the cosmic symphony of despair.” A child’s giggle was heard nearby.

Robotnik turned to the sound of the child's voice, “Show yourself!” After a moment of silence he shook his head. He was remembering that there were some ghostly marshmallow creatures back in the weird rainbow racetrack a few days prior, “Don't believe in ghosts.”

“That's okay! The ghosts don't believe in you either.”

Robotnik yelped as he jumped back to see a cyan glowing star like child with an cheery face, “Who the fuck are you?”

"I am Lumalee, the mysterious abyss that dwells within you, your very own darkness." Before Robotnik could call bullshit the starchild continues, "In the depths of the soul, the pain that becomes your companion is your existence."

“I don't have time for this!”

“Time, like Hope, is only an illusion.”

“And people back on Earth thought I was crazy.” Robotnik started to walk away from Lumalee.

“In an insane world, it is the sane who is called crazy.”

Robotnik stopped and turned to the glowing creature, “That's… something you and I can both agree on.”

The mad inventor looked up and noticed that the sky was a little bit bluer. The stars were twinkling out leaving only the brightest of planets. He could see the pathway clearer now and can safely say that it was made by people. He also noticed that the forest was getting thinner as well. “Nautical twilight just before the blue hour.”

“My favorite hour! Where the mostly blue shade in the sky is showing the beauty of darkness.” Lumalee flew ahead of Robotnik and pointed to a clearing. “A little farther is the Last Resort. It's still a bit of a way. You’ll get there before the golden hour. Say hi to Luigi for me. I miss my old prison mate.”

At that Lumalee glowed even brighter and shot through the sky, looking like a comet. They even left a tail of stardust in their wake. It was almost as if the child’s departure took the Blue Hour with them.

Robotnik looked out to the horizon and saw the tell-tale of the golden line of the rising sun peaking over a blue mountain range. The pink clouds break the illusion that the sky was caught on fire. While the sky farther from the sun was a lonely shade of blue, signaling the start of the civil twilight.

Robotnik kept walking. What was the plan? Dimentio didn't really tell him anything but a destination and dropped him off in the middle of a dark forest without his drones. Without his loyal…companion? minion? sidekick? pet?

Yes.

Pet.

Last time he was alone this long he was shaving his head in the Mushroom Planet with a sharpened rock. How sick is he to miss the cheerfully morbid child? How much farther must he-

There!

In the horizon is an oblistic structure. Was that the Hotel? The sun's rays touched the building and the dark turned to a golden light. As he walked more he could tell it was a building. The hotel shows an almost enchanting luxurious golden glow.

It was very uniformed and pristine. But he was still too far to even guess how many stories it held. Nor was there anything to use as a point of scale, like a tree that he could see.

He must still be too far away.

What he can observe now is that he was in a lush green meadow with a few trees. The mountains in the background had a peaceful bluish tone, surrounding a crystal clear lake behind the entire hotel.

If it wasn't for the hotel being extremely isolated Robotnik would have thought that the location was too picturous for such a business. The path he was on was smoother now and was wide enough for a vehicle to drive on.

He got close enough to the building now that he can see the exterior of the building a little bit easier. The building was almost completely symmetrical if it wasn't for the largest turret being asymmetrical in the most surprisingly charming way. The large number of rectangular pinkish windows arranged on the surface of the golden coloured turrets let him count the stories and was impressed with the number.

He spotted a sign nearby with an arrow pointing towards the building. It looks like the hotel’s logo is a shadowy silhouette of the hotel in a diamond shape on gold wood. For a pathway that didn't seem used that much the sign was in good condition. Mental images of those marshmallows floating and a turtle sitting on a cloud come up. Maybe those types were the ones keeping up the maintenance of the sign.

He walked past the sign and kept going. He was tired. And to make it even worse, he was feeling both hungry and dehydrated as well.

Robotnik can finally see the gate. He pushed his aching legs and feet towards the gate. Whoever owns the hotel might be big enough of a schmuck to offer him food and water, though he doubts it.

The garden on the other side of the front gate outside the hotel was well taken care of, and has some decorative bushes around a statue of the same building in the center. Most well established businesses with statues in front would have it resemble the owner or founder of said business.

He stopped in front of the entrance of the hotel with wide eyes. The double doors were huge! Why are the doors so comically big?!

“Excuse me, human.”

Robotnik jumped and stepped out of the way. He was startled at the sight of a very large caramel colored mole that was three times his height and five times his width. Robotnik must have been out of it from fatigue if he didn't notice the behemoth behind him. The golden crown and red cape he was wearing that would have fit a normal human looked tiny on the mole.

The villain followed the Mole King through the double doors that now look average compared to the monarch in front of him. Once Robotnik was inside he was even more surprised at the interior of the building. Everything was golden and red plush. If only the bellhops weren't wearing creepy ass masks.

“Greetings, King Monty!” A bellhop with a mask on was in the front desk with one of those ghostly marshmallows wearing a bellhop hat. “Are you here for your morning coffee, Your Majesty?”

King Monty Mole scratched his belly, “It's the only thing worth going to the surface. The coffee and cookies here are too good to pass up first thing in the morning.”

“Then enjoy!” The masked bellhop clapped his gloved hands, “The Cafe has a sale going in celebration of the Royal Wedding tomorrow!”

“I can't wait for the wedding. Heard it was a Traditional Koopa Wedding this time. Haven't seen one of those in ages.”

The oversized Mole King started to go up the stairs and around the corner towards where Robotnik assumed it was the cafe. He was too tired and mentally drained to be surprised that the staircase was strong enough to hold the mole’s weight.

“Dr Robotnik? The owner wishes to meet you in the game room.” The masked bellhop was right next to him. And once again he was too mentally drained to be surprised that the bellhop, let alone the owner, knew him. “Follow me please.”

Robotnik followed the bellhop, so exhausted he didn't even think it was weird that the back of the masked stranger's blue head was see-through and his ankles seemed non-existent. Nor noticed that the legs of the bellhop were walking awkwardly, moving like noodles that were learning to mimic legs.

The bellhop led him up the stairs and through the maze that was the second floor. Normally he would be scanning for escape routes and points of interests when going through new territory. But he was not at 100%.

Before he knew it the bellhop was opening the door, “Through here, Sir.”

Robotnik walked through the doorway into a room with a billiards table on one corner, purple slot machines with red chairs against a wall, dart board, and a poker table in the back of the room. He could tell that the owner did a lot of work to get the room spacious and stylishly balanced.

Sitting at the slots looking at him were Sonic and his adopted family. And at the poker table was Luigi. He was wearing a white button up with a black suit vest and with a green bowtie.

Robotnik let out a sigh as pointed bars of purple light blocked the exits. “Don't worry. The gates are for keeping Dimentio out more than keeping you in.” Luigi raised his palm towards the chair across the table from him, “Please sit.”

Robotnik walked up to the poker table and sat down, “Dimentio can jump between dimensions. What makes you so sure he can't jump in here?”

“Because the Boos can affect time and space. If you don't believe me, toss your Ring to get yourself out.”

“Nah. You're definitely not bluffing. Besides, you got a nice place here, Mr L.”

“Thank you.” Luigi got up and grabbed a leaf off of Robotnik's coat, “Have you been in the woods all night?”

Robotnik changed the subject, “Wasn't expecting you to get the message so soon. Was hoping to hold on in case shit hit the fan.”

“I know. And you're lucky that I got it as soon as I did.” Luigi snaps his fingers and a glass of water and a plate of sandwiches appear. “Let's make this interrogation more fun. Ever played Texas Hold’em?”

“When I was five but it got boring real quickly when I kept winning and my opponents kept hitting me afterwards.”

Tom shudders from memory about the phone call he had with Robotnik telling him about his highschool bully. Robotnik hospitalized his bully for a whole year in highschool. What fresh hell did he rain on his bullies at age five? Considering it was poker he was most likely talking about the adults from one of his foster families.

“Sorry for bringing up a bad memory but I made an even more advanced version.”

“Advanced version?” Robotnik’s interest peaked.

“I call it Genius Cheats.” Luigi shuffles the deck with skills that Robotnik only sees from card sharks. “The rules are simple, you're only allowed one second to see your hold cards and the community cards. In other words, you're playing blind with your only chances to win is counting the cards. Just don't get caught cheating.”

“You're shitting me… That's so simple, yet…” A game that challenges the memories and mathematical abilities of the player was extremely appealing to the mad genius. No wonder Luigi calls it Genius Cheats! It practically encouraged high IQed individuals like himself to cheat.

Robotnix nibbles on one of the sandwiches. Trying to eat slowly so not to harm his lying body that's screaming to shove the whole thing in his mouth. The taste of cucumber, spinach, roasted portobello, sauteed onions and bell peppers with goat cheese and bacon was surprisingly heavenly. If only he was himself he would enjoy Genius Cheats more than the sandwich.

Luigi dealt Robotnik his hold cards. He glanced at his cards and placed them face down on the table without looking at them again. Embedding his cards to memory.

Chips suddenly appeared next to him. Without questioning it Robotnix put a chip in front of him. Luigi raised the bet and Robotnik called.

Luigi dealt the community cards. The first card was looked for a second before in the flipped face down. The second card was shown for a second before it was flipped as well. The same with the third card completing the Flop.

Robotnix raised the pot. Luigi raised the pot. Robotnix called.

Luigi shows the fourth community card and flipped it for the Turn. Followed by a continuous raising of the pot until Luigi called. Luigi completed the River with the fifth card.

Robotnix called. Luigi raised the pot. Robotnix called again.

“Now on Genius Cheats instead Showdown is a, quote on quote, guessing game. I call it the Cheat.” Luigi winks before he continues, “I guess what you have in your hold and you do the same with me. Normally the dealer is the last to guess, but I can guess first to give an example if you like.”

“Your kindness is wasted. I can guess your hand. You have a Ten of Spades and an Ace of Spade with the rest of the Royal Flush in the Community.”

“And you have a King of Diamonds and a Ten of Clubs with the rest Ace-high Straight in the Community.” Luigi smiled devilishly, “Last round of bets. How much do you bet that you're correct?”

Robotnix raised the pot and Luigi called.

Luigi then revealed the first Community Card, the Queen of Spades. Then revealed the Three of Diamonds. Ace of Hearts. Jack of Spades. and lastly the King of Spades. Robotnix smiled. He was happy that he memorized the Community Cards correctly.

“Please reveal your hold.”

Robotnix revealed his cards that gave him his Ace-high Straight. He looked across the table and saw Luigi's hold. “YOU THREW THE GAME!” Luigi's hold had the Ace of Spade and Eight of Diamonds. Giving him only One High Pair.

Luigi smiled sweetly, “Can you prove it?” The chips floated from the pot and arranged the chips neatly next to Robotnik, “Because you had won and this is an interrogation, you can ask me three questions.”

“Fine… Will you, please, tell me everything you know about Dimentio.”

The Wachowskis held their breaths. Not only would Robotnik learn something about this new enemy. But they will as well.

“That's more of a request than a question.” Luigi nods, “But you did say please so politely.”

Robotnix leans forward. Hoping for some weakness that he can take advantage of. But he was surprised by Luigi's answer.

“Dimentio makes you look like a little boy playing with K'nex building pieces to build robot toys.”

What?

“You're a narcissist bastard with a god complex and he is a fuckin demon with godlike powers. You love not just yourself, but your dones. And if you ever get your head out of your ass you’ll admit that you love Stone as well.”

“Thank you Dr. Green, but I asked for information on Dimentio, not me getting a psychological lecture.”

“I'm getting there. I just need you to understand that you're nothing compared to him. He sees people as tools and puppets to be manipulated and toys to break and dio non voglia he finds a new ‘favorite.’”

Robotnix’s eyes widened. He is still suffering from fatigue, but he's awake enough from the food and mental challenge that was Genius Cheats. Mental images of Stone surrounded by Dimentio clones come to mind.

“If Dimentio sends his ‘new favorite toy’ to Dimension D then that ‘toy’ will be broken and if they escape Dimension D alive they won't come out the same as they came in.”

Luigi looked Robotnik in the eye, “He is dangerous. He can turn himself invisible, travel through not just dimensions but through mirrors as well. His clones don't feel pain so you have to hit the real one.”

“What's Dimension D?”

“His own pocket dimension.”

Robotnix shook his head, “How do you know all this?”

“I used to be his ‘favorite toy.’”

They played a few more rounds of Genius Cheats until Robotnik couldn't keep his eyes open. Luigi got up and walked up to Robotnix’s side, “Let’s end this. I think we shared enough information this morning already.”

Not really. Most of the information that was shared was what Luigi had expected. But Robotnik just realized how out of depth he was about this world. There was so much information that he needed to learn.

“No… Wait… I have-”

Luigi took Robotnik’s hold and arm over his shoulder, “Yes. Yes. Yes. Stronzo testardo. You have a making of a Full House and I have what might be Four Of A Kind. But only if I draw the Seven Of Clubs in the River Card.”

“Just deal the River Card, asshole.”

“Fine! Dannazione!” Luigi drew from the deck, “Nine of Diamonds! There! You win! Let's get you to bed!”

“Bastard! You threw the game again!”

“Prove it!”

Tom and Maddie were laughing at the two dickering rivals. Sonic was shocked. “Dad? Did Robotnik just make a friend?”

“I didn't make a friend, you cobalt erinaceidae! I don't need friends…”

Tom laughed even harder, "Friendships must be built on a solid foundation of alcohol, sarcasm, inappropriateness, and shenanigans. You, Dr Robotnik, now have a friend.”

“I thought I was azure blue.” Sonic looks at the fur on his arm.

Maddie was still smiling from laughing, “No dear, you're definitely cobalt blue.”

Luigi led them to the elevator and pressed the fifth floor button. He also opened a secret compartment that held a phone. “Stewart? Is Room 503 still available on the fifth floor?”

“Yes, Master.”

“Consider it non vacant until tomorrow, thank you, Stewart.” Luigi hung up just as the doors opened to the RIP Suites. He holds Robotnik as he drags him down the hall as if he was only an oversized ragdoll.

“How the fuck are you and your brother so strong?”

Stewart was in front of the door of the room with the key in hand. Robotnix finally had enough, “What is with this place? Floating chips, weird energy gates, see-through staff that defies the laws of physics!”

“My hotel is haunted. My staff are all ghosts.”

Robotnix sighed. He really needs to stop comparing this planet with Earth. But it was so easy for him to adapt to the mushroom planet! Why is it that the Wachowskis were having a better time adapting here than he was?

Luigi led Robotnik into the very modest but stylish room. He was gently placed in the double bed. The firm mattress and plush blankets felt heavenly. Normally it took hours for him to sleep because his brain can't stop thinking. That wouldn't be a problem at the moment.

Maddie jokingly rubbed salt on his wounded ego, “Do you need your new best friend to tuck you in?”

“Not friends.” Robotnix was out like a light.

Luigi made sure he was dead to the world before turning to Stewart, “Make sure he is clean with new clothes. And make sure he eats when he wakes up.”

“Yes, Master Luigi.” Tomorrow is going to be a strange and stressful wedding. Thank goodness there will be three armies to be at the hotel.

Not to mention the heroes.

Notes:

The Entertainment Room/Game Room is a mix of Luigi's Picture Poker and The Entertainment Room in Luigi's Mansion 3

Chapter 8: The Marvelous Compass

Summary:

Based off the Super Luigi Series from Thousand Year Door.

There's also a standalone version in Part 3 of The Secret Life of Luigi series.

If you already read the prequel you can read the first part of the chapter and skip the rest or reread this 18,000 word Chapter!

Did I said 18,000 Word Chapter?

Yes ... Yes I did...

After Luigi and the Wachowski finished their late breakfast, Luigi officially invited them to the wedding. “It's a Koopa Traditional Wedding. So it's a little different from normal human weddings... It's tomorrow night.”

Tom took the invitation for his family, “Holy shit! Dude! You really need to stop dropping bombs on us like this.”

Luigi laughed nervously. “Yeah… sorry about…” He waved his hand around in the universal ‘All This’ motion. “It's supposed to be a secret between me, my family, my… kingdoms… That's still weird to say… and my friends who witnessed it.”

“Witnessed it?” Knuckles still not understanding.

“Who..” Sonic tried to ask which friends witnessed him being a ‘plaything’ to the demented jester.

“My brother, Princess Peach, and Bowser witnessed my transformation… Princess Daisy finds out by accident…. Princess Rosaline is a very powerful psychic so she knew instantly ….And…” Luigi reached for the book that Tails had on the table and taped his finger on it.

Tails picked up the book and hugged it as if trying to hug Luigi's partners through the book. Tails was near the end of Book Four of Super Luigi. He shared with others his books also.

Sonic, being a fast reader, has finished the first four books and is slowly reading the final one to enjoy the conclusion of the series a little bit more. Tom is working on the third book. And Maddie has been reading Book Two to Knuckles before bed.

Luigi smiled sadly as he looked at the book in Tails arms and had a really bad idea. “You guys go enjoy yourselves! Director Morty of Morty Productions is showing a movie premiere of the first book in the Great Stage.”

Tails got up and grabbed Maddie's hand, “Let's go!”

His adopted parents laughed. Tom got up, “Tails! Stop tugging on your mom so hard. I guess we're heading there right now. Later Luigi.”

Knuckles followed them, but Sonic was looking at Luigi's face. He understood that face. It's a face he himself made in the mirror when he was thinking of something dangerous. Practically sacrificial. Sonic patted Luigi's arm, “Whatever you're planning, please be careful.” Then in a streak of blue returns to his family.

Luigi frowned. For Sonic to notice… But he made up his mind!

He went to the nearest ghost, a housekeeper. “Hello, My Monarch! How may I help you?”

“I'm in a hurry and I don't want to use the elevator. Can you drop me into the labs?”

“Oh, dear!” The ghostly maid put their hands to their face and a split second grabbed Luigi by the hand and divebombs to the basement.

All the ghosts know that Luigi doesn't like this type of travel. So when Luigi asks for help to go through walls you do it fast.

When the maid and Luigi made it to the laboratory she made sure her master was alright. Luigi, after getting feeling in his legs and his stomach back where it belongs, smiled at his employee, “I'm fine, thank you so much! You can return to your duties.”

The maid bowed and flew back up through the ceiling.

Luigi looked at the entrance of the lab and was walking up to it when it burst open, “My boy! Did you just ask a ghost to spirited you here?! What’s wrong?”

“I think… I need to use the Double Cherry…”

“Wh-what?! Luigi. It's too sudden. What are you thinking?”

Luigi patted his friend's back and opened the glass container, “How many do we have?”

“Enough to spare one or two, but Luigi!” The little old man looked up to his adopted son, “Are you sure?”

With a nod, Luigi dropped a cherry in his mouth.

💚🔵💚

One year ago… a week after the defeat of Count Bleck and Dimentio…

“Luigi? Are you sure that you'll be fine by yourself?”

Luigi waved his hand, “Go! Have fun with the princess? I'm fine.”

“YOU ARE DEFINITELY NOT FINE! You just escaped Dimentio’s brainwashing and I don't think it's gone completely. You're still not yourself…”

Mario wasn't lying. Luigi wasn't stuttering, wasn't shaking, wasn't nervous. Luigi hadn't had a panic attack while he stayed at Mario's house for the past week. It was as if the moment Dimentio was gone he took all of Luigi's fears, anxiety, and insecurities with him. If anything he felt daring…

“I'm sure after the shock is gone I'll be back to my worthless old self.”

“You're not worthless, Weegee!”

“I am fine! If I need anything,” Luigi snaps his fingers and a ghost appears with a cup of hot tea. Luigi took the tea from the ghost with a thankful smile.

Mario wasn't impressed, “How long has that ghost been in my house?”

“Four days. My ghosts kept pestering me to have at least one of them with me at all times. So it's not that much different than having you here, Fratello! Have fun.”

Mario looked at the ghost, “You make sure he stays out of trouble?” The ghost ran its fingers against its chest in a ‘cross my heart and hope to die’ motion.

Luigi had to drag Mario out of the house, “See? Everything's a-okay. Go and enjoy your vacation with Peach!”

“Fine!” Mario grabs his suitcase and crosses the doorway, “Are you su-”

Luigi slams the door in Mario's face. He then sat back down and took a sip of his tea, “If only Mario remembered that ghosts don't have hearts.”

The ghost laughed as it grins mischievously.

Luigi smiled at the ghost, “Thank you for going along with my plan. Tell Madame Clairvoya to keep observing me through her crystal ball just in case and tell the others that they have my gratitude for taking care of Polterpup. I know it's a lot to ask when the hotel is still being rebuilt.”

The ghost gave Luigi a pat on the head followed by a double thumbs up before disappearing.

There was a knock on the front door. Luigi got up to answer it. There stood what looked like a scoop of the most inedible ice cream with red eyes. Luigi ignored the creeping sensation he got from the creature, “Greetings, friend. How can I help you?”

“I am a messenger from Minister Crepe of the Waffle Kingdom…. I have a letter for the Mario Brothers.”

Luigi lifted his eyebrow. Normally adventure letters were addressed to his brother. But it has the Mario Brothers written on the envelope. Luigi took the letter and read it.

Mario Brothers- Danger besets us on all sides, and we beg your help! The foul Chestnut King has stolen our treasure: our fair princess. Please go to the Waffle Kingdom and save our beloved Princess Eclair.

-Minister Crepe of the Waffle Kingdom

“...Will you take this adventure….Sir…?”

He didn't trust this guy. If he was his old self he would just say Mario isn't here and hid under his bed. But now just being cooped up in his brother's house wasn't too appealing.

“What's your name?”

“...I'm Screamy…”

“Wait here for a second.” Luigi grabbed his diary from his old room and put on a utility belt. He made sure he had everything a plumber needed and walked out the door, “Ready! Let's go.”

Screamy led him to an airship that looked like a Waffle Bowl Sundae. The inside was spacious but wasn't well kept and only had a lawn chair. Luigi once flew in Mario’s airship, the Odyssey, and Mario had three chairs, a lounge chair that could also dub as a bed, and shelving for all of the souvenirs that he collected during his travels.

This ship was practically empty with the exception of trash that litters around the lawn chair. Screamy sat in the only chair in the ship and started it for the Waffle Kingdom. Luigi spent the majority cleaning up the interior of the ship and making a few repairs.

“....What are you doing?… The ship's a rental…”

Luigi didn't believe that one bit. Especially since he found the certificate of title among the trash. It said the ship's name was Just Desserts owned by Minister Crepe. Luigi pocketed the certificate and continued on fixing up the ship.

When they arrived there was a bit of fanfare! Trumpets were playing. Confetti and streamers were falling from the sky while the denizens of Waffle Kingdom were waving flags and cheering. Only to stop at the sight of Luigi.

“Who's the fuck is that?!”
“Where's Mario?”
“Green Mario?!”
“Not the cowardly understudy!”
“The princess is doomed!”
“The Kingdom will be in ruins!”

And here Luigi thought that being in Mario's shadow was going to hurt less.

“Greetings Mario!” A man wearing a honey brown cassock with embroideries that look like chocolate drizzles and buttons that look like strawberries walked up to Luigi, “Oh! You're the Green One… Where's Mario?”

“My brother is on a much needed vacation. The letter was addressed to the Mario Brothers. I am the other half of the Brothers part. If you don't want me you can wait until my brother is back from his… Much… Needed… Vacation…”

“No!” Minister Crepe was taken back from the rudeness of someone who is rumored to be a major pushover, “Nonono. We would be happy to accept you Green One. Please come in.”

The Minister of Waffle Kingdom led Luigi inside the castle. After a few twists and turns he was led into a guest room. Inside the guest room was a banner with red letters “Please Save Our Princess Mario” on the wall.

Luigi smiled politely to Minister Crepe, “Thank you for the room.”

“Please rest up before your adventure. A servant will summon you for dinner.” The strange man closed the door.

Luigi went to the bathroom and walked to the mirror. “Madame Clairvoya? Can you hear me?”

The ghostly image of his friend appears in the looking glass, “Yes, Master Luigi. I am with you.”

“This is a bad idea, ain't it?”

Madame Clairvoya smiled at Luigi, “It is. But you will be stronger than ever if you go. Be careful who you trust.”

“Like Crepe and Screamy? I already don't.”

“Ask the servant at your door for some answers. She is loyal only to her mistress and to her hero.” The image of Madame Clairvoya faded out at the sound of someone knocking.

Luigi opened the door to a cute fairy-like creature, “Greetings Luigi! My name is Toast. Number 12 of the Luigi Fan Club.” She gave Luigi a peace sign.

“Please come in, Toast!” Luigi let her inside, “Make yourself comfortable. I have a lot of questions and hearing from someone that actually knows my name is a nice change.”

Toast looks at the banner in disgust, “I bet. I'm glad I tricked Crepe to write Mario Brothers in the letter. Told him it would sound professionally official.”

“So tell me what happened. The letter was too short and vague.”

“I'm Princess Eclair's maid in waiting and we were having a picnic when this monster appeared out of nowhere! Snatched Eclair and disappeared before I could cry for help. To make it worse her fiance, the Goomba King, is missing as well.”

“Oh! I didn't know the Goomba King was getting married. That's so nice. I'm friends-ish- with Bowser, one of his allies.” Luigi found the phone next to his bed, “Do you mind if I make a call to the Darklands?”

“Oh! No. I completely forgot to call King Bowser about King Goomba! Please do so.”

Luigi was glad he memorized Bowser's castle phone number, though he wonders why he bothered to memorize it. Bowser was very frightening. But that last adventure was… eye opening… Bowser didn't seem as scary. If anything… sexy?

“Castle Koopa, how many I direct your call?” The bored voice of the operator sounded off-putting.

“King Bowser, please. And if he's not available I would like to talk to Kamek.”

“Hold please.”

After a minute Kamek's voice could be heard, “HOW DARE YOU WISH TO SPEAK WITH THE FIERCE KOOPA KING! May I, Kamek, help you?”

“Hello Kamek. This is Luigi.”

“...”

“Hello?”

“No stuttering? No graveling? You don't sound like you're anywhere near about to cry. Dimentio hurt you that badly?”

“Of course Bowser told you about Dimentio… Look, I'm calling as a courtesy that one of his allies is missing.”

Kemak’s voice sounded threatening, “Who?” Koopas are very protective of their allies since most of their armies are soldiers from allied kingdoms.

“King Goomba. He and his fiance, Princess Eclair disappeared at the same time a monster called the Chestnut King appeared in Waffle Kingdom. I’m currently on an adventure that involves all three of them. So I will give reports.”

“Thank you Luigi for letting us know. But are you sure you are alright to be going hero-ing after last week?”

“I will be fine. Until the next report.” Luigi hung up and turned to Toast, “What can you tell me about Crepe and Screamy?”

“Those two are creepy.” Toast shutters,“Especially that Screamy. I noticed that Screamy brought you here on the Just Desserts. I find that insulting, Crepe has a whole collection of nice state of the art airships and he has picked you up in the junkiest one he owns?”

“I figured.” He gave Toast a smile.

A knock was heard from the door and Luigi opened it to see Screamy, “... Dinner is ready…”

“Thank you, Screamy.” Luigi and Toast followed Screamy to the dinning hall where there were red balloons with Mario's name on them all over the walls. It was more distracting than the fest on the long table.

Toast took her place on the table and Luigi sat next to her, “I wanted to ask you something, Lu- Green Mario.”

Luigi squeezed her hand under the table and smiled at her, “Ask away, Dearest Toast.”

Toast blushed at the contact and smiled back, “Is it true last month you defeated the King of the Boos!”

“Only for the third time. Nowhere near as impressive as my brother defeating Bowser countless times.”

Crepe sat down with the two just as he heard Toast’s question, “Surely it was your brother who-”

“REVENGE FOR KING BOO!” A little boo popped up from nowhere and aimed for Luigi.

Only for Luigi to take out his flashlight weapon, the Strobulb. One quick movement and the Strobe Flash hit the boo. While the boo was stunned Luigi grabbed it by the tail and tossed it out of the window.

Luigi sat back down, “Sorry about that. I don't have my Poltergust with me. Too heavy of long travel adventures.” Luigi started to pick up a wine glass and took a sip.

Crepe blinked, “Oh. I see…” After the minister got over his shock he took out a box and opened it, “This is the base of the Marvelous Compass. Find its seven parts and find Eclair you’ll be deemed Hero of Waffle Kingdom. The first piece is rumored to be in a secret grotto in Rumblebump Volcano.”

 

💚🔵💚

Luigi found the grotto! It was part of the Temple of Thunderhand, God of Wind, Rain, and Lightning. The Thunderhand Temple in Rumblebump Volcano felt surprisingly safe.

Though it was unbearably hot Luigi walked through the halls. He thought it was weird that there was a Temple of the God of Weather in the volcano. He would have expected Firebrand, the God of Flames, Heat, and Hearth.

He enters a larger hall with a treasure chest being held by a statue surrounded by magma. The head of the statue looked like a cherry red ruby. While the rest of the grotto felt safe there was a presence in this hall that practically screams ‘You have no business here. Depart, posthaste!’

He took a step before he was tackled by a torpedo out of nowhere, “Hey buddy! That's my treasure! I found it first!”

Luigi finally got his bearings after having the wind knocked out of him. He looked up and saw that it was a feisty blooper with the snowiest white skin he ever saw on a blooper, “I'm sorry, but who-”

“YOU DON'T KNOW WHO I AM?! I am the White Torpedo of Rogueport, Blooey!”

“Nice to meet you, but why are you-”

“None of your business!” Blooey shot through to get to the treasure chest. But Luigi noticed the statue was starting to move. Luigi started to run after the speeding White Torpedo and miraculously caught him only for the acceleration to trip him. Luigi fell near the edge with Blooey still in his hand over the lava. “Lava, man! LAVA!”

Luigi pulled him out and dodged a punch from the golem. The golem was pulling his arm back again for another punch. Luigi with Blooey still in his arms jumped and landed on the monster’s shoulder. With a single drop kick the ruby split in half.

{A fine warrior! Take this gift and become blessed with THUNDERHAND!}

“Do you hear that?” Luigi looked up but couldn't find the source.

“I don't feel too good…” Luigi looked down and noticed that Blooey was a golden brown. Luigi ran back to Just Desserts.

When he entered Screamy was still sitting in that lawnchair and enjoying the air conditioning. He looked up, “...Did you find the Secret Grotto…?”

“Not now, Screamy!” Luigi ran to the bathroom and filled the sink with cold water. He then went to the main room of the ship and got out a handful of ice from the ice chest. After he buried the blooper with ice he took out a 1up Mushroom and broke little pieces and placed them in Blooey’s mouth.

Blooey’s eyes became a little clearer and a lot more angrier, “Look what you did to me, Asshole! I'm golden crisp! Practically calamari!”

“Please scream at me after you finish the mushroom.” Luigi placed another piece in Blooey’s mouth. “I have some money and a 75% off coupon for a Rogueport Bar that I never visited.”

“Fine!” Blooey took another bite, “I don't want your money, but I will make you pay for what you did to me!” Blooey had enough energy to grab the remaining mushroom, the money pouch, and the coupon before darting out of the ship.

Luigi walked back to the temple to pick up the treasure. When he returned to the airship he apologized to Screamy, “Sorry for yelling at you like that.”

“... Why did you help that blooper?... You could have gotten the piece sooner…”

Luigi opened the chest and took out the compass piece. He already has the base that showed a compass star that also came with the jeweled pivot. The compass piece was a Arrow Nettle.

He placed the Nettle on the pivot and watched it spin. It kept spinning until it stopped. Pointing somewhere… that's not North.

Luigi took out a map from his utility belt and looked where the nettle was pointing, “The Marvelous Compass is pointing west to the Strudel Continent.”

“...Setting coordinates…”

The ship set off. Luigi spent his time fixing up the place. Before he set off for the temple he already bought a cozy chair for himself and a round table for his and Screamy’s meals. But it was still trashy with so much space.

💚🔵💚

They landed next to a cherry orchard on the edge of a village, Luigi got out and started to head over to town only to spot something in one of the trees. All the other cherries looked like regular cherries but somehow… Somehow! One of those cherry trees had grown a Power Up! Not only is the cherry bigger then the others but it had the eye like seeds that marks the Powerup.

Luigi picked the Powerup and looked through the trees for more, “Hey Thief! What are you doing to-” Luigi gives them a pouch full of jewels and then ignores the red bob-omb. He found more and placed them in his pockets.

He returned to the owner of the orchard and gave them a E. Gadd Inc. business card with his name on it, “Sorry about that! But your orchard was growing Power Ups that I had never seen before. If you don't think I paid you enough you can contact my employer.”

“You work for Professor E Gadd? Alright! Wait here.” The bob-omb walked back to their house, most likely to make a call.

Luigi took a cherry out and let his curiosity take the better of him and ate it. The pain was horrible. It felt like he was being split in half. But worse than that… His fears, anxiety, and insecurities came back and he was huddled up on the ground. “Luigi?”

Luigi looked up and saw Mr L in all his black wearing glory looking at him with dead white eyes, “Mio Dio! Don't-”

“Calm down. Calm down. Deep breath in… One Two Three Four Five… Slowly breathe out… One Two Three Four Five…” Mr. L sat down next to Luigi, “So what did we learn about the new Power Up?”

“It splits your personality into two people?”

“In a nutshell I guess…” Mr L looks at Luigi, “Feeling better?”

“No… Back being a mess...” Luigi was too scared to say that he was nervous about talking to the evilest part of himself.

Mr. L laughed, “Nah! I think we are still a mess. Just my half covered it more.” Mr L heard something in the distance and ran up the nearest tree.

Luigi got back up and saw the orchard’s owner walking up to him, “Hi, I guess. I'm Jerry. I'm a bob-omb of Plumpbelly Village. Nice to meet you.”

“Hi! I'm Luigi.” Luigi tapped his foot against the side of Jerry's foot in a traditional bob-omb handshake. “Sorry. I originally was cutting through your orchard to get to town when I saw the Powerups.”

“No problem! I’ll get you to meet Mayor Pesto.”

Jerry led the way to the Town Hall. Luigi looked back and saw Mr L giving him a thumbs up from behind the trees.

Luigi met the Mayor of Plumpbelly Village who was pleased from what Jerry told him about this new visitor. “Nice to meet you! So you discovered a new Powerup? How exciting! Maybe we can use it to fight Hizza?”

“Who's Hizza?” Luigi was confused.

“A two headed serpent that eats brides and terrorizes Plumpbelly Village.”

“Oh?” Luigi paused when the news of the monster finally hitting him. “WHAT?! Oh no!”

Mayor Pesto looked up and down at Luigi, “You're pretty thin and tall. Same size as my daughter, you know? I think you’ll look good in her bridal dress.”

“No-no… Nooooo!” Luigi was about to run when some burly guards held him down. Jerry followed as the guards dragged him off to the jailhouse.

It was then that Blooey came to the village after binge drinking at Rogueport. The money purse that Luigi gave him had jewels and a gold bar in it with the coins, so he still had some leftover with the help of the coupon. He was trying to get over his hangover when he saw the guards dragging Luigi away to the jail followed by a worried cherry colored bob-omb.

The Mayor Pesto was murmuring nearby, “Yes..that fella would make a wonderful bride. My daughter is safe for now.”

Bride? Wait! Are they going to dress Luigi in drag? Blooey had to see it. He floated to a barred window and saw Luigi looking like a nervously frightened bride trapped in a cell. His eyes were wide and he was shaking with his gloved arms covering his chest.

It was when Luigi turned his low cut back towards the window when Blooey saw the cuts and bruises on his back that looked like a week old. How did he get those scars? For them to not healed all the way ment that Luigi didn't have a healing item in hand when he got those.

“Oh man!” The voice of one of the guards sighed, “The way he looked in that dress. And his scared eyes made him look… What's the word I'm looking for?”

“Breedable. The word you're looking for is breedable. Fuck! I just want to rip his dress off before he gets eaten by that damn snake!”

“Who saids we can't?” His comrade laughed half jokingly.

What?

What?!

WHAT THE FUCK ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT?!?!

Blooey wanted to laugh at Luigi's misfortune, not have him raped and eaten! Blooey was a blooper of integrity and he wouldn't stand for even the person he hates the most to be harmed that way.

He shimmy between the window bars and floated in front of Luigi, “Hey, Luigi! I'm getting you out of here!”

Luigi looked at Blooey with hope in his eyes, “You… You're okay.” Luigi put his arms down showing that the cuts and bruises reached to his shoulders and collarbone, “I'm glad you're alright.”

Something awakened in Blooey. This stupid man is about to be raped and eaten and he's worried about him! He started to realize that this man wasn't the horrible being that he thinks he was.

This man is a precious cinnamon roll in a saint’s body that must be protected! AT ALL COST!

“It's frightening, ain't it?” Jerry, who never left Luigi’s side, asked, “How beautiful he looks in a wedding dress. Even with those scars all over his body.”

“Hey there, I'm Blooey. But friends call me the White Torpedo of Rogueport.”

“Jerry. I own the orchard at the edge of the village.”

“And I am Mr L.” Blooey and Jerry looked where the new voice came from and saw a masked man in black and a green bandana. He was sitting on the desk with a ring of keys spinning on his finger. The guards were unconscious at his feet and looked like they were dragged back inside after being knocked out.

Mr L got down and unlocked the cell that Luigi was in. He then took Luigi's hand and kissed it, “Will the damsel in distress prefer to leave this forsaken village?”

Luigi blushed, “I… Don't want anyone else to be sacrificed to Hizza…Can…?” Luigi took hold of Mr L’s hands and stared into his pure white eyes, “CAN WE USE ME AS BAIT AND GET RID OF-?”

“No!” All three of them said in unison.

“But?” Luigi couldn't get a word in before Mr L, Blooey, and Jerry took him out of the jailhouse.

As they were on the way to the orchard when a couple noticed them, “My! What a beautiful bride. I must have him.”

The wife grabbed her husband by the hair, “Oh no you don't!” Then she started walking up to the group like a predator, “Ladies first… That man would give me beautiful offspring…”

More people were showing up around them. As if the entire village was under a spell. Like savage beasts that had found the fattest calf, they circled around the group.

“No fair for the snake to have him.”
“We should enjoy him also.”
“We should give all his seed to the women though. So many beautiful children.”
“Agree. Good thing he has two holes to satisfy the men.”

Jerry yelled in AroAce, “What's wrong with you people?!”

Mr L grabbed Luigi’s hand and ran away from the mob. Jerry and Blooey followed. It wasn't until they were no longer being chased by the mob that they realized that they ran in the opposite direction of the airship.

“Wh-where are w-we?” Luigi covered his shoulders with his gloved hands again. The creepy bog was surprisingly cold.

Jerry looked around, “Ah man! We're near Hizza’s nest!”

Luigi nervously laughed and failed to make a brave face, “Well, s-since we-we are here… Can we-we go with my p-plan and get r-rid of the monster?”

Mr L glared at Luigi, “Fine. But I ain't happy about it.”

Blooey nodded, “Same! I don't like the idea of using you as bait.”

Jerry groans, “I hate this. Let's go slay a beast to save the damsel.”

They walk close enough to see the two headed snake curled up in a ball of nope rope. Luigi looked at the snake and couldn't tell which end was the main head or tail… Or maybe the heads fight occasionally for dominance?

While his friends waited among the trees and brush he walked up to the nest. One of the heads flicked its fork tongue and got up, “Hey… wake up! Our lunch is here!”

The other head got up and shocked itself, “Ah! Yes. Thank you for waking me.”

“Of course! It's your turn. I ate the last sacrifice. Though this bride looks sooo… Yummy.”

“Yes she does!” The “Head” got closer with its mouth wide open and head pulling back Ready to strike. That was until a torpedo hit the side of the “Head.”

The “Tail” hissed as it decided to attack Luigi. Mr L was on Luigi in a flash and picked him up bridal style. With one power jump the two dodged the “Tail.”

Jerry then jumped into the mouth of the “Tail” and exploded. The “Tail” was stunned just as the “Head” was finally getting its bearings. Blooey speedily joined his friends that landed on the head of the “Tail.”

The “Head” striked with its mouth open as the four friends ran down (up?) the back of the snake. Hizza didn't even notice that it was devouring itself as it was chasing the heroes.

It was only when there was no more back to eat that Hizza realized it was a mistake and it poofed into smoke. When the two headed snake completely disappeared a glint of gold fell onto the nest.

The four friends went up to the nest and found a piece of the Marvelous Compass. Luigi grabbed it and with a big smile ran up and hugged Mr L, “Yahoo! We did it! I think this piece is the bezel.”

Mr L laughed, “It sure does look like it! Let's get out of here.”

The four were about to head out when Blooey noticed something, “Hey guys! Look look look look! TREASURE!”

Mr L frowned, “Damnit, Blooey! I was planning on sneaking back for that.”

“Oh, you asshole…” Blooey stared down on Mr L, “At least you're an honest asshole. And I like you too much to stay mad.”

Jerry looked at the gold and was thinking of how to use it to get better equipment for their orchard. “We should pocket as much as possible and then report the treasure to the village.”

“I like that plan!” Luigi's smile was like a beam of light that soothes the soul. Everyone agreed and started to collect all that they could carry and returned to the village.

Once back to the village everyone looked at Luigi and was crying for forgiveness. While they still saw Luigi as a beautiful bride and the horrible urge was still there it wasn't as strong. Mayor Pesto can out with his daughter, “This is Snowpea! My pride and joy, please take her as your bride.”

But before Luigi accepted the apology and refused the bride, Mr L's black glove covered his mouth, “First! We want new furniture for our airship. Second! Blooey, Luigi, and I need rooms for the night. Thirdly! Any information you have on King Chestnut. And Lastly! We must make a long distance phone call.”

“Of course!” The Mayor led the three to his house while Jerry went back to their orchard. After leading the three to a single bedroom the Mayor apologized again, “Forgive me for the one bedroom but I didn't have any other room ready for guests.”

Mr L walked in with Luigi’s hand still in his, “It's fine. Perfect in fact.” Mr L turned to Blooey, “I need to talk to Luigi alone.”

“Sure! I’ll get us some grub.” Blooey floated towards the Mayor, “TO THE KITCHEN!”

Mayor Pesto makes a startled squeak, “Ye-yes. This way.” Blooey followed the flustered and guilt driven Mayor.

Mr L walked up to Luigi with a mischief smirk, “Wanna know why you don't want Miss Snowpea?”

“Because passing your daughter as a bargaining product is misogynistic and a turnoff for us?” Luigi was surprised that he was able to say that with a straight face and without stuttering.

Mr L chuckled, “True… But I'm talking about something deeper.”

“What do you-”

“Put your hands against that wall, spread your legs a little, and close your eyes.”

Luigi followed Mr L’s instructions and waited. Mr L went to his ear from behind and made a low burly sounding growl. Luigi's eyes snapped open again. Memories of a yellow claw rubbing against his cheek and lifting his chin came to mind as well as memories of the last time he wore a dress.

“Close your eyes again.” Mr L growled. “No matter what.”

Luigi obeyed and waited. Mr L turned him around and pinned him against the wall. Luigi gasped from the rough play but he kept his eyes closed. Mr L licked his chest up to his shoulder in a single swipe of his tongue. Memories of a long thick blue tongue and piercing magenta eyes made Luigi moan.

Mr L let him go and stepped back, “Good boy. You may open your eyes now.”

“Holy fuck…” Luigi to a deep breath.

Mr L chuckled, “Yep! Fucked in the head.”

“Do-do we have a m-m-monster fucker kink or is it just with THOSE TWO?”

“Don't know… I only been out long enough to notice we are at least horny for at least monster royalties.”

Luigi points at Mr L, “W-we are n-never letting them know about this!”

“What if they want it?”

“Not going to happen! They don't want us.” As Luigi said this it actually hurts. Not being wanted. “One hates us and the other is obsessed with-”

“Okay…Okay… What other kinks do we have?”

“I can help with that.” Golden brown tentacles appeared out of nowhere and dragged them to the only bed in the room, “Watching you two was getting me riled up.” Blooey smirked.

💚🔵💚

 

Morning after Hizza’s defeat Mr L made a call, “Castle Koopa, how many I direct your call?” It sounds like the same bored operator as last time. Mr L really doesn't like their voice. Sounds like a whistle that is falling asleep…

“Kamek please.”

After a few moments Kamek answers, “You have dared to speak with-”

“Greetings, Kamek. It's… Luigi…” Mr L almost said his own name before realizing he originally called the Koopas when he was still Luigi.

“Luigi! Couldn't you wait for me to finish?”

“Forgive me. Would you like to start over?”

“Tsk! The moods ruined. Your report?”

To business. “Rumor has it that the Chestnut King and Princess Eclair are both in Hatesong Tower.”

“And you're at where?”

“We're leaving Plumpbelly Village towards Circuit Break Island after this call.” Mr L stated.

“Why on Planet 64 are you going there?!”

“Because the Marvelous Compass is pointing in that direction.”

Kamek heard that name before, “Do me a favor, don't do anything stupid with it until I do some research on this Marvelous Compass.”

“While you're at it, ask your spies what they know of a Minister Crepe. He’s the one that gave me the quest, but after last week… We thought Count Bleck was the Big Bad when in reality it was the psychotic clown with the God complex.”

Kamek was very understanding about that. The whole Dimentio issue was fixed, but that could be temporary. And Kamek believes that Luigi is having a very healthy amount of paranoia.

“I will do as much as I can on my end. Be careful.” Kamek hung up.

Mr L returns the phone to its cradle. He tilted his head in thought. He felt like Kamek was worried about him. But that's most likely not the case.

Mr L snuck out of the mayor's house and headed to the orchard. He saw Screamy's and his lawn chair out of the airship. Something about that put a smile on his face as he walked in.

He let out a whistle, “Luigi! You outdone yourself.”

Luigi and Blooey looked up from the map and compass while smiling at Mr L, “Thank you! Me owning all of Evershade helps give me some interior design ideas. Jerry and Blooey helped with the set up as well.”

The circular wall of the ship was a nice green color with white wooden shelves with souvenirs on them. The charcoal black circle sofa fitted against the wall perfectly and it wraps around the table for everyone to use. And a bookshelf full of books was on the other side. It was still spacious without the empty feeling to it. Enough room for even Screamy's lawn chair sadly.

A white and black wardrobe was sitting next to the bathroom door. Mr L walked up to the wardrobe and was opening it, “This looks nice.”

SLAM!

Jerry practically kicked the door closed just as Mr L saw a bit of familiar white lace, “Never again…” Jerry glared at Mr L, “Never again...”

Luigi, either ignoring the shenanigans behind him or wasn't paying attention, pumped his fist in the air, “Let's get Screamy and head out!”

Jerry hopped on the couch, “Do we have to? That guy keeps me out.”

Luigi nods and sticks his head out, “Ready, Screamy?”

The ice cream looking creep got his lawn chair and brought it inside, “....You overdid it for a rental…”

Everyone rolled their eyes. After all the hard work that was put into the airship it finally felt cozy. Besides the fact that nobody believes that the airship is a rental.

“We need to go to Circuit Break Island!” Luigi points to the map.

“...Setting coordinates…”

Luigi finally can relax during the trip and has someone to talk to, “What do we know about the island?”

Blooey waved a tentacle, “Circuit Break Island is not only the birthplace of kart racing, but a melting pot of racers from all over the world.”

Jerry hopped on his feet, “The residents of the island have kart races almost everyday, and the winner becomes king, queen, or monarch of the island for twenty-four hours.”

“Most of the karts there are more advanced than the ones kongs and koopas make.” Mr L tapped his foot. “And the entire island is a small eco-friendly city.”

The Circuit Break was not as famous as the Rainbow Road that travels throughout the world, but it was where true racers, mechanics, and race fans go. One mechanic from Circuit Break was considered more valuable than an entire pit crew.

“Hey…. We're here….”

The gang looked out the window and saw the beautiful, towering skyscrapers and sleek, modern buildings. But what sets this island city apart from others, besides the race culture, is its commitment to sustainability and the use of renewable energy and the race track that's separated from the main roads and the streets that are lined with wind turbines.

Their sleek and modern design blending seamlessly into the cityscape. These turbines harness the power of the wind, providing electricity to the city's grid and reducing the reliance on fossil fuels. Even the karts on the race tracks are advanced enough to not even need fossil fuels.

“Holy shit!” Jerry hopped up and down, “I know that Circuit Break Island is allied with the Metro Kingdom, but it's like looking at a smaller version of New Donk City.”

“New Donk City is indeed super Ridonkulous,” Blooey floating over everyone's head to get a better look. He looked in awe at roofs covered in plants and vegetation that provided natural insulation for the buildings and reduced the need for heating and cooling systems. “You don't suppose this was the original plan for the Steam Garden before the people disappeared, do you?”

The ship landed at a designated airship parking spot and the friends, minus Screamy, walked out into the streets. The streets are filled with cars, buses, and even bicycles that run on electricity that's charged by solar panels.

Luigi felt a vibration in his pocket from a compact mirror he kept with him. He saw a message from Madame Clairvoya, ‘Go to the Race Track. The piece is there.’

Mr L saw the message over Luigi’s shoulder and pointed to a direction, “The people of Circuit Break Island are super smart to have public transportation next to the airship parking lot.”

The people were scary smart! Because it's not just individual transportation that has been revolutionized in this eco-friendly utopia. The city boasts a state-of-the-art smart transportation system, utilizing electric buses and bullet trains to transport residents around the city.

The gang went into the Transportation Center, “Can we have a map, please.” Luigi asked at the front desk.

The bubblaine smiled as they played with the pearls around their neck. They held down their beret as they dived down somewhere under the desk and popped right back up with a public transportation map, “Here you go love! The racetrack is the gold line if you're interested and all transportations leads that direction.”

The friends hopped on an anti gravity tourist trolley. Even though they were in a hurry to save the princess, you can't visit Circuit Break Island without looking at the sites. The trolley moves over the regular traffic and racetrack.

Luigi watched in awe as race karts zoomed by on the track. He could feel the fire in his soul, burning with passion and determination. He longed to join the racers below, to feel the rush of the wind in his hair and the adrenaline pumping through his veins. Every kart racer wishes to go on the Circuit Break Racetrack.

Blooey noticed that Luigi’s attention was glued more on the track than the silver and green city. “Bro! Are you a racer?”

Luigi jumped a little and gave Blooey a nervous smile, “My brother and I have full access to the Rainbow Ro-”

“Seriously! I knew Mario was a racer but I didn't know you were!”

“I won a few games, but everytime I did, ‘The Green Mario wins the tournament. Oh wait! I think it was actually Mario that won.’”

“Wait! Waitwaitwait! Are you telling me that your brother gets the credit for YOUR WINS?!” Jerry’s fuse was threatening to spark.

“You didn't even know I was a Rainbow Road Racer.” Luigi laughed then turned back to the window to look at the speeding karts below him. He was content to silently cheer on racers and bask in the atmosphere of the utopian racetrack. “Don't worry. I'm used to it. I'm the King of Second Bananas.”

Luigi's friends looked at him with sympathy. They didn't realize that the nicest guy on the planet was overshadowed by Mario. Even when he wins all the praises and celebration goes all to his brother.

The trolley landed in the next Transportation Center that was next to the track entrance. No one seems to notice that Mr L was out of sight. The group went in and looked around. “Luigi? Is that you?”

Luigi turned and saw Diddy Kong running up to him. Luigi gave him a hug, “Diddy Kong! What are you doing here? Wait! Let me guess…” Luigi pretended to be thinking so hard, “Noooooo… You're racing the Circuit Break Track?”

“I won the lottery to be on the race track!” Diddy jumped up and down, “DK and Paulina are in the crowd cheering for me.”

“HEY LUIGI! Introduce us, man.” Blooey scowled.

“Oh! Sorry!” Luigi points to Diddy, “Diddy met Blooey and Jerry. We're on an adventure for-”

“THE COMPASS PIECE!” Jerry shouted.

“I know you're excited Jerr-”

“No! Look at the poster!” Luigi looked at a nearby poster of the trophy that had a piece of the Marvelous Compass embedded on the trophy. It looked like a Case.

“Diddy. Do you know who we can talk to about that piece? We don't want that trophy, only that one part.”

“Wait here!” Diddy ran off.

“Hey Luigi!” Luigi turned again to see DK, “What's going on? Why are you here? Does your br-”

“First off my brother isn't my keeper!” Luigi snaps. Luigi doesn't like being mean, but DK is someone who you have to be a little aggressive so not to be pushed around, “Second, that trophy has a piece of a puzzle that I need for my adventure.”

Paulina, Mayor of New Donk and DK’s wife, was sitting on his shoulder. She waved at Luigi. She has always liked him. His mild manner and kindness have always felt like a breath of fresh air to her. “You don't have to be all poofed out, Luigi. I can be assertive for both of us!” She then grabs DK’s ear and yells in it, “BE NICE TO LUIGI AND DON'T TELL HIS BROTHER ANYTHING! OR YOU’LL FIND YOURSELF SINGLE AGAIN!”

DK’s eyes widened. He pulled his head away from his wife with a blush on his face, “Yes dear.”

Diddy came back with someone in tow, “Hello! Name's Timber T and I'm hosting today's race.” A teenage humanoid tiger shook Luigi's hand.

“Forgive me for the inconvenience, but we need part of the trophy to save the Princess of Waffle Kingdom.”

“Sorry about the trophy. Normally I would have a spare just in case something like this happens. But for some reason we don't have one. You’ll have to win it.”

“That sounds frightening,” Jerry said.

Timber scratched his cheek, “It's more frightening than you realize. Practically every other week a trophy, medal, ring, or ribbon is really a blessed amulet, curse object, map to a secret city of a forgotten civilization, or a puzzle piece that could either save or destroy the world.”

Luigi's face dropped. Diddy grabbed Luigi's sleeve to get his attention, “I can get you the part if I win! I'm riding the Jungle Fever today. And I can talk to my friends to see if they'll help.”

“Thank you, Diddy!” Luigi said as he was being dragged to an area that was definitely restricted and for racers and mechanics only.

“Banjo! Conker!” Diddy called his friends, “This is Luigi, Blooey and Jerry. Luigi, this is Banjo H. Bear.”

“Please meet ya,” The bear shook Luigi’s hand, “I rode the Sweet Honeycoupe.”

“Pleasure's all mine.”

“And this is Conker.” The squirrel gave Luigi a fist bump.

“Sup Greenie! I drive the Zipzap Zipper.”

“Luigi needs help. Today's trophy has a puzzle piece that he needs to save someone. He said we can keep the trophy, but he only needs that part.”

“Hey son! I heard ya need help.” A big roster in overall’s walked up to the group, “Names Drumstick Roster! Number One racer of Circuit Breaker Track and today I'm driving The Big Green 01.”

Diddy got really excited, “Are you really driving the Big Green? The Kart designed and built by Rookie Mechanic of the Year?!”

A green shelled Spike Top with a wrench instead of a spike, walked up to the group, “Yeah, I'm Torque, and don't for a second think this dude's telling' the whole story. The only reason I lent him my rig was 'cause he got on his knees and begged.”

Drumstick ignored Torque, “You need a part from the trophy? I can give it to you as well when I win. I have too many at home and I have no place for them!” Drumstick laughter.

“And this is the day you lose your winning streak Drumstick,” Two humanoid cephalopods known as Inklings walked up to the gang. The orange girl smirked, “Name's Calamari! I ride the Splat Buggy!”

She then pointed her thumb to the blue boy, “This is my brother, Ikayaki! He rides the Inkstriker!” The quiet boy waved his hand. He made a few hand gestures in sign language. “Brother said if we can still keep the trophy you can have the part you need.”

“Oh wowie! Thanks everyone.” Luigi smiled so brightly that the room they were in seemed to disappear.

Until a gruff voice was heard from a mutated pig walking up to the group with a kremling behind him, “You're all idiots. If this beanstalk wants something from the trophy that means the trophy is more valuable!” The Pig sneers at Luigi, “I Wizpig, driver of Starkiller will win and I will keep both trophy and piece.”

“Hi! I'm Krunch Kremling,” The kremling smiled not very kindly, “I drive the Zucchini and I share Wizpig’s sentiment. When I win I might sell you the piece, FOR FIVE MILL IN COIN!”

“Okay.” Luigi pulled out a gold bar and dropped it on the concrete floor, “I have so many of those at home. Practically own five mansions to hold them all.”

Blooey tapped on Luigi's shoulder, “Hey… You shouldn't-”

“Go on Krunch! Pick it up.”

Krunch looked at Luigi with wide eyes, “What?”

“Pick. It. Up.” Luigi gave the kremling the famous Death Stare that he usually uses on the racetrack.

DK tilted his head. He has seen that Death Stare before but today seemed different. There's power behind that stare and he could have sworn that he saw something green flashed in those blue eyes.

DK heard the rumors about Luigi's wealth and his haunted mansions. The way Luigi challenged the kremling made him think that those rumors might be true. And he hopes that it was! Kremlings and kongs are natural sworn enemies.

“Go on.” DK frowned at Krunch, “Pick it up. Ya not a coward are ya?”

Krunch could easily ignore a challenge from the string bean, but a challenge from a kong is a different matter. Krunch swallowed his saliva and bent over to pick up the gold bar.

“thief thief thief thief,” a multitude of ghostly hands came out of the bar grabbing on Krunch who screamed in terror as he dropped the bar to run away, followed by Wizpig.

DK and Diddy laughed at the sight of those two running away, “Holy Shit Bananas! The rumors were-”

DK looked at Luigi who was huddled there and shaking like a leaf. He walked up to Luigi and picked him up to hug him. Luigi melted into the hug and patted DK's elbow, “Thank you, DK.”

Paulina stomped her foot, “Luigi! I told you I could be assertive for the both of us. As cool as that was, I know you didn't like doing that kind of stuff.” She goes and gives Luigi a hug, “Stop overdoing it, okay?”

Jerry and Blooey joined their friend, “That was pretty cool. A coward like you owning riches and having ghosts on your side? You're even cooler than Mario.”

“RACERS ON YOUR STATION!”

The racers ran to the tracks where their karts and hovers were. Torque walked up to the friends left behind, “As long as you don't get in the way of my pit crew you can join me to see the race.”

Everyone nodded and followed the Spike Top.The smell of fresh cut grass and hot asphalt wafted through the air, creating an unexpected but pleasant combination. It was a reminder of the natural surroundings of the racetrack and the efforts made to preserve it.

Excitement filled the air as the audience cheered on their favorite racers, munching on buttery popcorn and juicy hotdogs, and sipping on refreshing tea or soda.

“READY!”

A Lakitu flew overhead on their cloud. They pulled out a fishing rod with lights on the end of the line.

Red light, Red light, Yellow, GREEN!

“GO!”

Four racers sped forward but the Big Green went backwards and crashed into the Jungle Fever, Sweet Honeycoupe, and Zipzap Zipper. Drumstick got off the kart and checked the others, “Are you kids, okay!”

Torque ran up to the track with the others in tow, “Drumstick! What happened?”

“Sir! The kart went into reverse!”

DK and Paulina checked with the kids, “Diddy, Banjo, and Conker seem to be okay! But the karts are totaled.”

Timber T joined the others with a megaphone, “Ladies, gentlemen, all those in-between! I am sorry to say but Wizpig the Mutant Space Pig and Krunch Kremling are disqualified.”

It was then the racers that weren't behind Drumstick made it to the finish line. The Inklings were slowing down to stop safely to the others while Wizpig and Krunch hit the brakes at the line.

Wizpig jumped off the Starkiller, “What do you mean disqualified?!”

Timber lifted a remote and all the screens and holograms showed Wizpig and Krunch messing with Big Green. The crowd booed at the unsportsmanlike behavior the two villains showed. The utopian racetrack was a symbol of progress and innovation, a place where all creatures and nature could coexist harmoniously. But the two cheaters debilitated the track.

Luigi looked at the Big Green that was surprisingly in good condition. He hopped the kart and tested the gear shift. Park is still P (Thank God), Reverse is D, Neutral is L, Low is N, and Drive is R.

“I got it! I can drive!”

“What? No, Luigi,” DK got in front of the kart,“Your brother would kill me!”

“I can do this!” Luigi gave DK a determined look. DK let go and went to the side, “Hey Skid Marks! Let's race! I will bet all four of you on the racetrack!”

Calamari and Ikayaki smiled, “You're on Green Man!” The Inkling siblings hopped on their hovers and took their place on the line.

Luigi points to the villains, “If you two win you can have one of my mansions. But if I win… You two are never to race ever again!”

Wizpig smiled, “Deal!” The Space Pig got back on the Starkiller and waited next to the Inklings.

Krunch stared at the human, “You're up to something… Who the hell are you?”

“Luigi Mario, Rainbow Road Racer from The Mushroom Kingdom.”

“Never heard of ya, but if you're really a Rainbow Road Racer then that's good enough for me.” Krunch drove his Zucchini to the line waiting for the light to change.

“READY!”

The Lakitu flew overhead on their cloud as the crowd cheered. They pulled out their fishing rod with lights on the end of the line. The Lakitu gave Luigi a look and a firm nod.

Despite the intense competition on the racetrack, there was a sense of camaraderie among the racers. They all shared a common goal of promoting sustainability and protecting the environment as well as honoring the racers whose sweat and blood was on the track.

Luigi knew that he was a part of something bigger than himself, a community of people striving to make a difference in the world. And that was a feeling he would never forget.

Red light, Red light, Yellow, GREEN!

“GO!”

As the racers sped around the track, their eco-friendly vehicles hummed quietly, emitting zero emissions into the air. The sound of the vehicles zooming by was a symphony to the ears of the audience. As they raced past the stands, their smiles were contagious, and the audience couldn't help but smile back.

The Inklings tried to seed through, but were passed by Luigi. Luigi sped ahead, determined to win the race. He was furious that Wizpig and Krunch had sabotaged Torque's kart and put the other racers in danger. With a clenched fist, Luigi hit the steering wheel, his determination only growing stronger. He had to win, not just for the trophy, not just for the Compass Part, but also for Torque's honor as a skilled mechanic.

Navigating every turn and drift with precision, Luigi closed in on Wizpig and Krunch. As he got nearer, Wizpig noticed him and tried to push him off the track. But Luigi was quick to react, stopping his kart just in time for Wizpig to miss, hit the Zucchini with the Starkiller, and careen off the track with Krunch. With a triumphant grin, Luigi passed them and crossed the finish line, giving the cheering crowd a peace sign as he claimed victory.

“Luigi's Number One!” The audience erupted into cheers and applause as Luigi stood on the podium, proudly holding up the trophy and the Compass Part. He dedicated his win to Torque, thanking him for his incredible skills as a mechanic.

With the trophy and the Compass Part in hand, Luigi knew that this was just the beginning of their adventures. And as for Wizpig and Krunch, they learned their lesson and were banned from future races for their dangerous actions. Especially after a black cladded man in a mask had a “word” with them.

💚🔵💚

 

“Dude! Where the hell were you?” Blooey found Mr L in the Just Desserts as he returned from a big blowout at the track. The others were still there.

Mr L lifted a tusk that he was polishing, “Getting my pound of flesh.”

Blooey recognized the tusk as one from Wizpig. Inface he just passed Wizpig and Krunch on the way there. They were limping and had swollen faces. “At least you kept them alive.”

“It would've upset Luigi.” Mr L put the tusk on the shelf like a souvenir.

“Sooooo… when are you and Luigi going to be one again?”

Mr L tripped from the realization that he and Luigi had been found out, “How?”

“I'VE SEEN BOTH OF YOU NAKED! You have the same face and scars, dumbass!” Blooey floated closer to Mr L, “Also Luigi isn't the same person I first met in the temple… A little bit of him came out during the race! He was awesome! But back at the party…”

Mr L sighed, “The race track, sports in general in fact, have always been where he can show his most strongest self. Also he’s a card shark.”

“Really? That's kinda cool.” Blooey sat next to Mr L and leant on him, “So how did you… become you?”

“A psycho dimensional hopping demonic jester kidnapped Luigi and brainwashed him to create me.”

Blooey’s voice became very icy, “Are they the one who gave you those scars?”

“Yeah. But he's gone now.”

“Possibly he’ll come back?”

“Maybe.”

“You’ll let me and Jerry know if he does?”

“Sure.”

“Mr L,” Blooey's tentacles wrapped around his friend, “Promise you’ll let us know if he comes back!”

“Fine, I promise.”

“Good.” Blooey let Mr L go, “And the whole splitting thing is from the cherries, I take it.”

“Don't recommend it… Hurts like hell.” The door opened. Jerry and Torque were carrying a very drunk Luigi inside followed by Screamy.

“Mr L! You Bastard!” Jerry was drunk and pissed, “You disappeared! Where the hell have you been?”

“Teaching a pig and a crocodile a painful lesson,” Blooey smirked.

“I was there, just in the shadows,” Mr L got up and picked up Luigi to lay him on the lounging couch next to the circle one, “I don't like crowded spaces. But I saw everything.”

“So you're the infamous Mr L,” Torque looked up at the soon to be gentleman thief, “Nice to finally meet you. The fellas kept talking about how cool and mysterious you are at the party.”

“So how much damage did Wizpig and Krunch do to your kart?” Mr L ran his fingers in the unconscious Luigi's hair, “The way Luigi was driving I wouldn't think it was damaged at all.”

“50,000 gold coins worth! Those fuckers had rearranged the gears.” Torque sat nearby and waved his foot to the human, “Until those assholes pay, Big Green 01 is out of commission. So I might as well hang out with you guys, help fix the ship, find the Marvelous Compass pieces,
save a princess, and all that.”

“Welcome aboard to the Just Desserts!” Mr L smiled.

Screamy froze like the inedible ice cream like mother fucker he was, “... I never told you the name of the ship…”

Mr L took the compass case and put the base inside. The needle spun until it stopped, “Oopsies! Maybe you should have thrown away your trash properly in the beginning.”

He then placed the Compass down, “Jazzafrazz Town! Here we come!”

💚🔵💚

 

Crazee dayzees were everywhere! Singing, skipping, and blowing bubbles all around town.

Just like how Toad Town is mainly populated with Toads, Jazzafrazz Town is the home of the Dayzees. And other besides the cute flower-like denizens, the town is famous for its dedication to the Arts. Music, crafts, theater, you name it and Jazzafrazz were the ones who brought it to life.

So many suspect it's mainly because Jazzafrazz Town is slap dab in the middle of the border of the Waffle Kingdom and the Musical
Flower Kingdom. There's even a line in the middle of town with a sign where it says Welcome to Waffle Kingdom and the other side says Welcome to Flower Kingdom.

Luigi and company were walking through the street with Compass in hand following the arrow.

“How much do you wanna bet it's in a shrine?” Blooey shaked his coin purse.

Jerry hopped excitedly, “I take that bet! It's in another monster!”

“I think it's in an instrument, like a piano or a ukulele,” Torque smiled at the others.

Mr L stopped in front of a window, “I bet you is a prize plaque for the Jazzafrazz Town Drama Slam.”

“T-that sounds so sp-specific,” Luigi followed Mr L and looked through the window and looked back at the Compass. The Arrow Nettle was pointing at a Plaque with a sign, ‘Win the Dramalama Plaque.’

The plaque itself was a work of art, made of stone with carvings of flowers and music notes surrounding a Beveled Edged Crystal Lense. The vines from flowers make up the words ‘Jazzafrazz Town Drama Slam’ on the bottom base of the piece of art.

“Another contest?!” Blooey cried.

“At… At least it's not a r-race?” Luigi said in a questioning tune.

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU QUIT?!” A dayzee with green petals and blue feet was following others out of the theater.

One sparkling gold dayzee was not having it, “You want me to play Grass! No one wants to play Grass!”

“Amazy’s right!” Said a purple dayzee.

“The role is an Earth Spirit!”

“Then why does it say ‘Grass’ on the script!” Amazy stomps their feet, “Let's go Bubbles.”

Mr L smiled as he walked up to the green dayzee, “Need help with the Drama Slam?”

“Oh!” The dayzee jumped, “I'm Hayzee! I wrote a musical entitled ‘The Mystery of The Fiery Hat of Social Awareness’ for the annual Jazzafrazz Town Drama Slam. But my actors just left.”

“I was ecstatic when I found out that my musical had been selected to be a part of the annual Jazzafrazz Town Drama Slam. I had spent months perfecting the script, composing the music, and casting the perfect actors for my play…” Hayzee started to cry.

“An-Any way I c-can help?” Luigi, sweetheart Luigi had done it again. Hayzee was overjoyed when he heard that Luigi wanted to help. Luigi was even more surprised when Hayzee asked him to join the cast.

“I need someone to play the role of grass in my play!” Hayzee gave the script to Luigi, “You’ll fit the part perfectly!”

Despite his initial chagrin, Luigi reluctantly agreed to play the role of grass in the musical, “C-can we pre-pretend that it was an E-earth Spirit?” He had always dreamed of becoming an actor, but never thought he would get the chance to do so in such a unique production. Especially with his stuttering and anxiety.

“YOU’LL BE A GREAT EARTH SPIRIT!” Hayzee pushed Luigi into the theater, “Sadly you and your crew won't get paid…”

Mr L walked next to the dayzee, “The only payment we need is the Crystal Lense on the plague if we win.”

“Yeah… Money isn't an issue to be honest.” Jerry followed behind.

Mr L looked at the script and laughed, “The play is a story of ‘The Red Miracle’ traveling through the ‘Garden Kingdom’ to defeat the ‘Dragon that Turned Itself into a Castle.’

“Is that the story of….” Luigi couldn't hold in his laughter, “Let me see the script. We're going to have to change the names, the ‘Garden Kingdom' and ‘Dragon that Turned Itself into a Castle’ are a little too obvious what the play is based off of. I'm surprised that I am a patch of grass and not an elephant!” Luigi snorted. The absurdity of the script and the non-matching title was enough to get Luigi out of his slump.

“I don't know what you're talking about!” Hayzee stomped his feet.

“We can call the Flower Kingdom… Regno Dei Fiori!” Luigi smiled at Hayzee.

“That… sounds so rustic! What's that language?”

“Italian…” Luigi read through the script, “We can call Bowser, Castello Del Drago! It's Italian for Dragon Castle.”

“Love it!” Hayzee smiled, “Do we have to change Mario's name?”

“Nonono. Most people like heroes that they can recognize and relate to. Calling Mario the ‘The Red Miracle’ will not directly say it's him, but he would be the first hero they would think about.”

“Can you help me with the script?”

“Okie Dokie!”

After a few rewrites of the script were done the rehearsals began, Hayzee and Luigi formed an unlikely friendship. They spent hours perfecting their lines and choreography, and in the process, became closer than ever.

Even Blooey, Jerry, Torque, and Mr L had jobs for the play. Torque and Mr L helped make a moving background to make the illusion that the Red Miracle was walking on his journey. Torque even moves the stage using a treadmill-like machine that's attached to the moving background.

Luigi would walk the same direction to the background and say his line that ties with what was happening. Very much like the talking flowers in the Flower Kingdom.

Blooey and Jerry would be villains, civilizations, and moving props for the background. While Mr L was incharge of lights and fog.

Hayzee was grateful that his band didn't abandon him. They said that the show must go on and that it would be a musical without music without them.

But Hayzee noticed that each band member was counting coins from a coin purse with a green L embroidered on the bag. Hayzee decided to ignore that bit of information especially when he caught Mr L lecturing Luigi about being over generous with his money.

When they started the play on the day of the Drama Slam they hit it hard with the first big musical number. The crowd was at awe when the first minion of Castello Del Drago came out to fight the Red Miracle.

Blooey and Jerry held puppets of bad guys for the Red Miracle to fight. The piranha plants were so popular that everyone agreed that their song needed a reprise.

🎵🎶We are Piranha Plants,
We're marching one-by-one!
In a plant procession,
Marching for Piranha fun!🎶🎵

🎶🎵We are Piranha plants,
And 'til this song is done,
We're marching on,
Piranha Plant Parade!
Hooray!🎵🎶

The Red Miracle travels through Regno Dei Fiori. Fighting bad guys, saving denizens, and talking to the patch of grass he passes by. They faced many challenges and obstacles along the way, but their bond only grew stronger and friends had fun. And it wasn't just them that had fun.

The crowd sang along when their favorite song did a reprise. The audience was laughing and crying because they knew that it was about to end. The lights went dark. Fog and purple lasers covered the stage as the Big Bad came out!

The Castello Del Drago puppet was so big that Luigi and Torque had to help. Mr L while in the catwalk started his lines in a low growl through a megaphone. “Are you ready to lose yourself in the sweet beat?! This finale will make the entire universe my captive audience!”

They started to sing their only heavy metal song, Bowser's Drago’s Rage Stage.

🎵🎶Crank the heat up!
Gimme pyrotechnics 'cause it's time for a light show!
Time to beat up
Every single meddlin' schmuck who's testin' my might!
Shake your behinds
Oh, this party rocker is at the house tonight!
I'll trounce you in rhyme!
Once you're out to pasture, I'm gon' make 'em lose their minds!🎶🎵

The crowd was on the edge of their set. Watching as it looked like Red Miracle was about to lose. Only for a Super Flower Power up appeared at the nick of time. “Your sick beat may be rad, Drago! But your idea of how the world should be would only bring misery. So until I defeat you… I will NEVER GIVE UP!”

The Red Miracle knocks out the left hand (Jerry exits the stage with hand), kicks the right hand (Torque exit stage with the other hand), counter attacked Draco’s fire balls (Blooey floated up with the fireball cutouts), and finally did a flying kick to Draco's head (Luigi steps back dramatically with the head as Mr L lowers the curtain). The crowd went wild with applause!

Their musical was the most popular performance in the Drama Slam, and they were declared the winners. Hayzee held the plaque with pride.

Mr L managed to take off the Beveled Edged Crystal Lense off the Dramalama Plaque. After combining the crystal disk to the compass the group was ready to head out.

“Wait! Take me with you!” Hayzee smiled, “There's so much to learn from you! I think… I want to write a book- No! A series about this adventure!”

Mr L laughed, “That sounds like a great idea! But there have to be a few things we need to fix. Can't have the readers know I was there.”

“Mr L … Are you planning on fabricating some of the events in the books.” Hayzee smirked.

“A little fabrication wouldn't be bad!” Jerry said, “Like make it that Luigi in drag is horrible.”

“Wahhh?”

Blooey took over, “Let's start with the beginning! Luigi, how did you get on this mission?”

And so, the friends set off on their adventure, with their newfound friendship and shared passion for the arts.

💚🔵💚

“Cas-Castle Koopa, ho-how many I direct your call?” The usually bored voice sounded very scared for some reason.

Luigi was getting nervous from that, “Are… Are y-you alright?”

“DIRECTING YOUR CALL TO KING BOWSER!”

“Wait! I-I didn't say-” Luigi stopped when he heard the on hold music. Luigi was debating whether or not to hang up and have Mr L take the call instead.

“Greenie… That was an interesting play you put on.”

Crap..

“Y-you don't pay your spies enough if they already gave you footage of the play… Un- unless it was Ka-kamek and his crystal ball that sh-showed it.” Luigi laughed nervously. He figured that Bowser would have sent informers to watch over him and his crew.

“Luigi…” Bowser's low growl of his name gave Luigi a tingle down his spine. Though he wasn't sure if it was through fear or something else. He was a little surprised that Bowser remembered his name.

“Yessir!”

“The report.”

“Ri-right.” Luigi steeled his nerves and spoke clearly, “The compass pointed toward Rapturous Ruins. Only two parts of the Marvelous Compass left.”

“The Rapturous Ruins are beyond the Grumble Forest. The Ruins and Forest is covered thick with mist that is so dense you can get lost even with a map.” The Koopa King almost sounds concerned for the plumber, “The ruins originally belonged to an ancient civilization. The empire was so powerful that it almost took over the world only for it to suddenly disappear.”

“We’ll be careful.”

“You better…” The King muttered it so quietly that Luigi couldn't hear it.

“I-I’m sorry. Wh-what was that?”

“Nevermind that! We will meet you at Hatesong Tower.”

“So the princess is there.”

“And I'm sure you suspect that the Chestnut King and Goomba King are one and the same? Well you'll be correct.” Bowser sounds a little angry. “Crepe cursed Goomba into a monstrosity! He… will… PAY!”

“Yo-you're Ma-Majesty?”

“It wasn't your fault.” Bowser hung up.

At first Luigi was confused as he hung up the payphone. But it was only for a moment. For it was when he looked towards the outdoor cafe where his friends were having coffee and Hayzee was writing down information about their adventures. He looked at Mr L.

‘It wasn't your fault.’

How monstrous does one curse be for Princess Eclair's maid in waiting, Toast, wasn't able to recognize King Goomba.

‘It wasn't your fault.’

How monstrous was he when he was Mr L. When Dimentio…

‘It wasn't your fault.’

“Hey, andrà tutto bene.” Mr L looked at Luigi.

After he gave up figuring out how Mr L got there so fast. Luigi gave Mr L a hug, “Bowser said it wasn't my fault.”

“He’s right. It was Dimentio's.” Mr L tightened the hug, “He was the one who brainwashed us and used us to hurt our family and friends.”

“Sono fiero, Mr L.” Luigi buried his face into his shoulder, “You're not as bad as I feared you to be.”

“Of course not! I'm you!” Mr L smiled, “And there's never a mean bone in your body.”

Luigi and Mr L joined the others. Blooey noticed that something was up with Luigi and floated towards him, “You're okay, Weegee?”

Luigi smiled, “Just a trauma related incident triggered a panic attack, that's all!”

Tentacles wrapped around Luigi and Blooey rested his body against Luigi's head. Jerry and Torque each had a leg. Hayzee got his leaves around his waist. and Mr L was pressed against his back with his arms around Luigi's chest.

“... We better get going…” Screamy ruined a perfect group hug moment.

“He is right, guys!” Luigi smiled, “Let's go!”

💚🔵💚

 

"Wowie, I've ne-never seen a mist th-this dense before," Luigi exclaimed, peering through the fog. It was as if within the mist, time and space were lost in nothingness. “When Bo-Bowser said the mist in the Ruins and Forest are so de-dense you can get lo-lost even with a map he wasn't ly-lying.”

Within the pale emptiness, Luigi and Mr L got separated from the others. The only reason Luigi and Mr L were able to stay close was because Mr L refused to let go of Luigi's hand. Luigi appreciated it because without Mr L he would have another panic attack.

"Yeah, we need to be careful. We don't want to get lost here," Mr L replied. He cautiously made way through the dense mist, using the Miraculous Compass to guide him.

As they made their way through the forest, the mist only seemed to get thicker. Suddenly, they heard a loud rumbling noise coming from the mist. They both froze, unsure of what to do.

"Is th-that a mo-monster?" Luigi whispered, gripping Mr L’s arm tightly. Luigi was not battle ready.

Before they could move, the mist cleared for a moment, revealing their four friends who had joined them on the quest. Blooey and the others raced towards them. However, as quickly as they had appeared, the mist swallowed them again, separating them from Luigi and Mr L.

"We have to find them!" Mr L yelled, desperately trying to navigate through the fog.

Holding hands, the two heroes bravely pushed through the mist, calling out for their friends. But the fog seemed to be playing tricks on them, leading them in circles and further away from the Grumble Forest.

“I-I ca-can’t even see yo-you!”

“Just keep holding my hand.”

Just when they thought they were completely lost, they stumbled upon the Rapturous Ruins. The ruins were unlike anything they had ever seen before. The walls were covered in intricate carvings and the air was filled with an otherworldly energy.

But what surprised them the most was a young child, no older than ten, sleeping peacefully in the cold with nothing more than a toga to keep them warm.

"Whoa, who are you? And what are you doing here all alone?" Luigi asked, gently waking the child.

The child slowly opened their eyes and looked up at the two heroes, a faint smile forming on their lips. "My name is Cranberry, and I've waited for you for the last thousand years." The boy went on to tell Luigi the secret truths of an ancient land.

He said that the Marvelous Compass had been created by the ancient Luff people, who used its powers of foretelling to rule the world. But the Luff empire was then cursed by the compass, and fell into ruin... The survivors dismantled the compass and hid its pieces.

Cranberry was the last of the ancient race. His role was to wait until one with a noble heart came to take the burden of the future. The boy gave Mr L the Compass Lid before he disappeared and Luigi and Mr L found himself back in the Grumble Forest.

Luigi could see his friends in the distance, and he ran towards them, eager to share his incredible journey. He waved at his friends not noticing that Screamy was there with a blade. Screamy charged over to stab Luigi only to be blocked by Mr L.

“...Die…You bastard...” The dagger embedded into Mr L's chest. Screamy grabbed the compass before he left. “...I wonder what the future will be for us by he who holds the compass... For I must deliver this to my master… Minister Crepe will be pleased…”

Luigi's friends ran towards him and saw the body of Mr L glowing green and disappeared. Luigi looked at his hands and cried. Mr L and Luigi were one person again. Luigi's friends were shocked and confused by what had just happened. They couldn't believe that Mr L had sacrificed himself to save Luigi from Screamy's attack.

As he sat there, surrounded by his worried friends, Luigi couldn't stop thinking about Mr L's sacrifice. Luigi was devastated and guilt-ridden.

He couldn't believe that his alter-ego, Mr L, had been the one to protect him. He couldn't help but wonder if things would have been different if he had noticed Screamy's presence earlier. He couldn't bear the thought of living without Mr L, they had been two separate entities for so long.

‘It wasn't your fault.’
‘Of course not! I'm you!’
‘Welcome aboard to the Just Desserts!’
‘Yep! Fucked in the head!’
‘I can do this!’
‘So you discovered a new Powerup?’
‘It splits your personality into two people?’

“LUIGI!” Yellow claws held his face up and Kamek was shouting, “We have to get you to Hatesong Tower! Right now!”

Luigi looked up and saw Bowser’s floating castle above. Koopa Paratroopas were snatching up his friends and taking them up to the castle. Kamek grabbed Luigi and flew up to the castle.

Inside the castle koopas, goombas, shyguys, bob-bombs, and buzz beatles were busy getting organized, mapping out routes, getting weapons ready, and preparing for war.

A large hand appeared and took Luigi from Kamek. He cradled the human as he was giving orders. Luigi's friends were shocked at seeing the
Koopa King being so gentle with… ANYONE! Let alone the brother of his rival.

“Follow me!” Bowser growled at the four friends. They followed him to an office. Kamek poofed inside with a blanket. Bowser covered Luigi in it as he held him. “Luigi… If you're not up to giving me your report can I ask one of your friends?”

Luigi looked up at Bowser and then looked at Blooey, “Can you give Bowser the report?”

Blooey looked at Bowser, “Before I give the report I have to mention the Double Cherries. Luigi found a new PowerUp and ate it. The effect was it split a person into two personalities.”

“That explains Mr L.” Bowser nods, “Go on.”

“Once the mist evaporated at the Rapturous Ruins, Screamy betrayed us and was aiming to kill Luigi. I don't think he realizes that Luigi and Mr L were the same person. He has the Compass.”

Luigi tapped Bowser's shoulder. Bowser took us eyes off Blooey to look at Luigi, “How did you find us?”

“Besides the fact you told me that you’ll be at the Rapturous Ruins? The fog was really thick and we were originally planning on passing through and going straight to Hatesong Tower. But the fog cleared and green lightning was shooting up in the sky.” Bowser lifted Luigi's chin with a claw. “I sent Kamek and a few parakoopas to investigate. Not surprisingly you were there shooting electricity through your body.”

‘A fine warrior! Take this gift and become blessed with THUNDERHAND!’

“I think the God Thunderhand gave me this gift. I didn't even notice I had it, let alone used it,” Luigi took his hands out of the blanket and concentrated. Green electric sparks crackled from his fingertips.

“Kamek! You will train Luigi so he can control his powers.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” Kamek took Luigi from Bowser’s arms, “But first he needs rest. Had a lot of emotional trauma.”

Luigi who is now moved to Kamek's arms smiled, “Sadly we don't have time for me to be babied. Please wake me up in a few minutes.”

💚🔵💚

Kamek woke up Luigi and led him to the Magikoopas Training Grounds. There were still three hours till battle. Luigi saw some of his friends and waved at them as they passed by. They waved back whether it was with tentacles, leaves, or feet.

“Here we are!” Kamek led Luigi to a platform where a small group of magikoopas were practicing magic with scarecrows.

Luigi was led to a spot and Kamek pointed to a scarecrow on the other side of the platform, “Try to hit that with your lightning.”

Luigi points at the scarecrow only for a weak spark to come out of his fingertip. “Don't be discouraged. That's always bound to happen on the first try.” Kamek tapped his wand between Luigi's knees, “Knees apart feet square to your shoulders. Now constraint.”

Luigi points at the scarecrow again. This time the spark actually looks like lightning but lands too much on the side and only a few feet away from Luigi. Luigi looked at the magikoopa who's magic ball was almost hit by Luigi's lightning, “Sorry about that.”

“No problem,” the magikoopa said, “You're basically being thrown at the deep end of the lava pool by training here. Most koopas are giving training wands while still koopalings. And if it looks like the koopaling has the knack for magic they train together with their peers in a low tier training class, then mid tier, and then here.”

Luigi looked at Kamek, “Are you sure I should be here?”

Kamek tapped Luigi's legs again, “You said it yourself, we do not have time for you to be babied.”

Luigi points to his scarecrow. This time the lighting landed closer to the scarecrow. He did it again.

Another miss.

Again.

Another miss.

Out of frustration he balled up his fist and punched the air at the scarecrow. A ball lightning flew out of his fist and went over the scarecrow.

“Dannazione! I will be forever convinced that when it rains it's Thunderhand pissing on me!” Luigi kicked the air only to send a cyclone towards the scarecrows and knocked every one of them down, “How about that?!”

The magikoopa laughed, “At least the last two were cool.”

Kamek shook his head, “Yes. But he needs to learn control before using the Big Bullet Bills.” He raised his wand and the scarecrows were up as if they were never knocked down by a freak wind storm, “Unless you want your friends and allies to be trapped in the crossfire practice with your pointing fingers first.”

Luigi was frustrated, mainly because he knew Kamek was right. Luigi points at the scarecrow. The lighting bolt shot out and landed on the base of the scarecrow.

The magikoopa gave Luigi a slap on the shoulder and gave him a friendly smile, “Hey, look at that! You can give the enemy hot feet now.”

“Again,” Kamek tapped Luigi's leg. Somehow he felt very proud of Luigi's quick progress.

Luigi points and hits the scarecrow in the chest.

“Marvelous! Try to do that again 100 times in a row then we practice the Lightning Fist thing.”

Luigi had to take off his sweater and wrap his straps around his waist. Kamek’s eyes widened at the sight of his scars.

A crash was heard from behind them and a blushing Bowser was walking up to them after a cart of potion bottles was knocked over and spilled at his wake, “Kamek? Can you have one of your lackies clean that up?”

“Of course, Your Royal Clumsiness!” Kamek snaps his fingers and one of the younger magikoopas runs to clean up the mess that Bowser made.

“How's the training going?”

“Not good.” Luigi points and hits the scarecrow’s head clean off, “Damn it!”

“Don't listen to the human, Your Majesty. That was the second time he hit the target, third time if you count the base, since we got here.”

“You haven't been here that long. Normally a late bloomer dropped straight to intense training still wouldn't hit the mark yet!” Bowser was trying not to look at Luigi's back muscles as he shot the scarecrow the fifth or was it sixth time.

So far he hasn't missed, but he looks frustrated if he doesn't hit the chest. “YESSSSSSSSS! The tenth hit the chest! I should start over.” Luigi points and hits the chest again.

“I count that as the 11th hit.” Kamek smiled, “Only 89 to go. Don't worry about the chest. As long as you got the scarecrow it counts.”

Luigi made some rapid points, all hits, “Don't you mean 78?”

“Slow down! You don't want to overexert yourself before the battle.” Bowser growled.

“He's in a hurry to practice that lightning fist thing he did earlier.” Kamek tapped Luigi's leg again, “But I agree with His Majesty. You don't want to burn out before we face Crepe.”

Luigi nods and returns to his original speed. He still has over two hours left…

“He definitely has the talent for it.” Bowser looks at his scars. A koopa would assume they were battle scars and not from torture. Battle scars have a strong sex appeal towards koopas. And Bowser was seeing Luigi in another light. “Keep up the good work Luigi.”

Bowser left the training grounds and had a deep thought. He was starting to realize that he no longer wanted Peach. He needs to get to his chambers and take a cold shower. From this day forward he wouldn't kidnap the princess, until he figures out how to work with the cultural difference between koopas and the toads.

He made it to his suite and took that cold shower. But the shower didn't work. Bowser put his hands on the wall as the cold water poured on his head and neck. He wants Luigi in ways he didn't want with Peach.

Sure he wanted Peach as his queen and mother of the koopalings, but never in bed. The large Koopa looked up and was surprised to see his claws deep into the wall and the stone wall has claw marks.

The idea of Luigi as his lover in his bed awakened something fierce. He had to get out before he destroyed his bathroom. He dried himself and sat on his bed. He looked at his treacherous member with a grunt.

💚🔵💚

Luigi was now able to hit the scarecrow with both Bolt and Fist. The neighboring magikoopas stopped halfway to watch. He had so much control so fast it was frightening. Some of the koopas were hoping that Bowser would return and kidnap him with a shotgun Koopa Wedding.

At first they didn't care for him, and couldn't remember his name. But now they want to kick themselves for not knowing his name. This beautiful human was fast in learning battle tactics. He was wealthy. He was kind. And he was powerful.

“Kamek?”

Kamek smiled at his proud pupil, “Yes, Luigi?”

Luigi.
Must remember that name.
If Bowser claims him as Monarch I would be so happy.
Will the koopalings like him?
Prince Jr would benefit from having this man as his parent.
By how beautiful he is I wouldn't be surprised if Bowser keeps him in the bedroom.

“Can you change the color of my clothes?”

Kamek blinked, “Change your color to what, young human?”

“Black.”

“Black?”

Luigi made a fist and sparks shot off his knuckles, “With this power it's best to stay in my brother's shadow. I need to dress as Mr L.”

Kamek took hold of Luigi's hand and dragged him to a room full of books, tomes, and scrolls piled high next to a bed. He then pushed Luigi into a bathroom, “Bathe first!”

After he heard the shower running he poofer out of there and into Kammy’s mid tier teaching class. “Kammy! I need your help!”

Kammy looked at Kamek, “I'm in the middle of class! These young koopas need to learn about-”

“Mr L needs a uniform!”

“Oh my! Class dismissed. Go to mid tier training.”

Kammy took hold of Kamek and poofed into her room. Kamek never liked this room. It looked like a grandmother’s room that is trying to experience its fourth childhood. But Kamek needs Kammy for her incredible sewing magic.

“I need an image of the uniform.”

Kamek made an illusion of Mr L. He saw enough footage of Mr L to get the designs down. Kammy grabbed some breathable black fabric that was thick enough to keep him from getting cold in harsh winter weather that surrounded the tower.

She even grabbed a green bandana, gold buttons, some boot leather, and a scorched hat that Mario left behind one time. She waved her wand and created the uniform.

“Thank you, Kammy! The poor boy should be done with his shower now.”

Kamek took Kammy's hand and poofed them back into his room, just in time for Luigi to get out with only a towel on.

“Oh my!” Kammy smiled at the blushing human, “No wonder Kamek was rushing. Didn't realize you're quite the eye candy.”

“Um… Thank you?”

Kammy put the uniform on the bed. Kamek levitated to run his claws over Luigi's hair, “Not quite dry yet, but we have less than an hour to get you battle ready. Get dress and meet us in the hall. We will be getting His Majesty.”

The two magikoopas walked out and towards the King’s room. With a knock Bowser opened, “What now?”

Kamek looked at his King and with all seriousness, “Have you given up on Princess Toadstool, yet?”

“I have… Why?”

“When will you pursue Luigi?” Kammy smiled at her King.

“What makes you think I will pursue Luigi?”

A mirror from Bowser’s dresser cracked startling the koopas and heard a woman's voice through the mirror,

“A year from now, a wedding so fine,
'Twixt Human, Koopa, and Boo divine.
In a gold to black tower, dark yet gay,
They'll exchange their vows, come what may.

Human, with grace and beauty rare,
Koopa, with strength and loyalty there.
Boo, with charm and wit so bright,
Together they'll dance through life's plight.

But alas, not all are pleased with glee,
Old foes and new, they'll come to be,
They'll try to tear them apart,
To keep them from their love's sweet start.”

The cracks on the mirror started to disappear as if they were never there to begin with. Kamek lends closer to Bowser, “There have been rumors that there is a fortune telling ghost that protects Luigi.”

Bowser smiles, “Can't wait to meet her. So in one year… Something tells me a boo would get to my future spouse first. If a boo claims Peach, Mario, or Luigi in a year I want to be the first to know.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

“As you wish, Your Majesty!”

“Until then, don't speak of this to Luigi.”

Kamek and Kammy looked at each other. Their King had pursued a princess that didn't want him for decades. What was one more year for someone who would accept him?

They went out to the hall and came across Luigi who was about to put his mask on. “Luigi? Let me help you put that on you.”

“Oh! Thank you, King Bowser.” Luigi handed him the mask and turned around. As Bowser put the mask over Luigi's eyes the two magikoopas smiled at the sight of the two blushing. “Not too tight, is it?”

“No. Thank you again.”

“Do me a favor,” Bowser growls, “I don't want to catch you wearing this before any sports events. If you're going around wearing this as a vigilante, I rather you not do it when we're all about to meet at Peach’s Castle.”

“Understood.” That tingly feeling was back with a vengeance from the sound of Bowser's deep, rumbly voice.

General Blue Shell came to the hall, “Sire! The Tower is in sight.”

Luigi, fully in Mr L uniform, joined the kappas to see Hatesong Tower. His friends join him as they looked at the massive building.

Once a symbol of grandeur and power, the Hatesong Tower now stood as a looming shadow over the kingdom. Its dark walls seemed to radiate an aura of malice, a constant reminder of the evil that resided within.

The cold mountain air made the lava in Bowser's floating volcano fortress cooled. But this was nothing compared to that one time at the Penguin Castle at the Snow Kingdom. Bowser glanced at Luigi who was looking at the clouds that bounced off the castle..

Bowser wasn't liking the way Luigi was looking at them. But kept an eye on him as Luigi walked up to a nearby wild Lakitu Cloud, “Bowser?”

Bowser didn't like the sound of his name like that. It sounded like a tone used when one of the koopalings was about to do something stupid. “Luigi? Whatever you're thinking about, DON'T!”

“If I send a Ball Lighting out the window that means Crepe is there.” Luigi jumped and landed safely on the Lakitu Cloud. He then jumped to the next one and started to cross over to the Tower.

“Luigi!”

Luigi looked behind him and saw Blooey, Jerry, Torque, and Hayzee following him. He smiled, “Let's go save a princess!”

As they neared the tower, they could hear the haunting melodies of the Hatesong Tower, a song that seemed to whisper of sorrow and despair. But the heroes were not deterred. They moved forward with determination.

They made it to the Tower and found an easy to reach window. After they climbed in they found that they were on the stairs.

After trekking up they found two doors. Luigi looked through the eye slot and saw a greenish brown prickly monster with brown eyes bulging out of a single slit. Like sweet chestnuts trying to escape their spiky outer shell.

Luigi looked through the other one and saw Princess Eclair. Her delicate features were like that of a porcelain doll, her skin as soft and smooth as silk. Her long, flowing hair shimmered like gold in the sunlight, and her eyes sparkled like precious gemstones.

“Princess, we are here to save you. Stay away from the door.” Luigi turned towards Torque and Hayzee, “Torque, help me remove this door. Hayzee, once she's out, takes her to Bowser's castle with Torque.”

Torque did quick work on the door. After removing the hinges from the door the door fell flat and Princess Eclair came out. “Please don't hurt the Chestnut King. He really-”

“The Goomba King, your fiance? Yes, we know. We are planning to break his curse and free him as well. We just need to get you to safety first.”

“May I ask the name of the hero who is saving me and my future husband?”

Luigi has no idea where it came from, but the answer came out with a flare, "Mr. L. Gentleman thief, anti-hero, rogue, and inamorato of both men and women.” He kissed her hand, “Let my comrades, the Heroes of Waffle Kingdom, send you to safety.”

“Wait.” The Princess broke a piece off of her tiara and handed it to Luigi. It looked like a Thumb Ring for the Marvelous Compass. “Thank you, Mr L.”

Eclair was slightly startled from the vines that lifted her up and a crazee dayzee of strange coloring ran down the stairs with her, followed by a green spike top with a wrench. “Oh my!”

Luigi looked out the window with Blooey and Jerry. When they saw Hayzee and Torque jumping on the Lakitu Clouds towards Bowser's Castle. Parakoopas met them halfway and escorted them the rest of the way.

“Heroes Of Waffle Kingdom? I don't mind that title,” Blooey said.

Luigi took out his wrench from his utility belt. And repeated what he saw Torque did to the door. The door fell flat. One could almost feel the tension in the air as the Chestnut King let out a low growl, warning Luigi to stay away. It was clear that he would do whatever it takes to protect himself.

“This reminds me of Plumpbelly Village.” Blooey sighed.

The monster's chestnut-like eyes seemed to be searching for a way to escape, longing to break free from the confines of Hatesong Tower. But until then, he was a dangerous creature, ready to attack anyone who dared to get too close.

“Yep! Definitely Hizza all over again.” Jerry took a step back from the door.

The Chestnut King glared at the intruders with his bulging brown eyes, his spiky exterior bristling with anger. As the greenish brown monster paced back and forth, the sound of his sharp thorns scraping against each other filled the room.

“Easy, Your Majesty.” Luigi steps forward. “We just want to help you break that curse.”

The Chestnut King roared at Luigi and his friends. The spiky monster rolled into a ball and charged at the heroes. The ball hit a wall and the wall stunned the Chestnut King. As the unconscious monster had his back towards the heroes, they noticed a crack on Chestnut’s back.

Luigi aimed his bolt towards the crack, shocking the monster. The Chestnut King turned around and did another rolling charge at the heros. Luigi and his friends dodged a second time. And for a second time Chestnut was unconscious.

Blooey torpedoed himself towards the crack. The Chestnut was hit again and the crack started to get bigger. The monster woke up and roared. The beast swiped at Blooey with its woody claws.

Chestnut rolled into a ball and charged at the heros. But this time it didn't hit the wall and rolled away in the nick of time. It rolled towards the friends again only for them to run towards a wall and dodged to trick it to hit the wall. Unconscious the third time. Jerry took advantage of it and exploded on the crack.

“Yess! Third time's a charm!” Jerry did a little gig before he noticed the monster was getting back up. Jerry ran to hide behind Luigi, “Did I say the third time's a charm? I meant a fourth time, maybe a fifth?”

Luigi looked at the monster that was stumbling, “Actually Jerry…” Luigi walked up to the dizzy Chestnut and punched the shell off the beast. “Third time's the charm.”

The shell cracked more and started to spit out light from within. The Shell fell off the monster and out stepped a bewildered Goomba King. The King of the Goombas wobbled towards the heroes who were more than happy to help him up.

“Don't worry, Your Majesty. We’ll get you out of here.” Luigi bowed to the King, “My name is Mr L and I am a friend of King Bowser.”

“Bowser sent you?”

“Actually no… Crepe sent us to collect the Marvelous Compass.”

A slow clap was heard behind them as the villainous Crepe appeared. "Wonderful! Wonderful! But you're too late.” Crepe turned towards Screamy who was right next to him, “The Marvelous Compass, please. Hand it over, and the Luff empire will rule again!”

“...Yes… My Liege…” Screamy handed over the compass when he noticed that Mr L was there, “Sire! Mr L is still alive!... I know I killed him…”

Luigi made a fist and shot a ball lightning at the villains. The villains dodged, “You need to learn to aim better, Mr L.”

Luigi smiled, “I wasn't aiming for you.”

“BLUUUUE SHELLLLLL!”

A blue paratroopa shell flew through the window and landed in front of the others. With spare in hand the Koopa General cackled and maliciously grinned at Crepe.

Crepe looked out the window and saw the Koopa Army standing on the clouds with Bowser leading the way. Flames licked out of Bowser's mouth. Goomba was happy to see his friend.

“General!” Luigi shouted, “Can the paratroopas catch King Goomba?”

General Blue Shell looked at Luigi, “We can, but the window is too small for His Majesty! I advise you not to try.”

“Jerry… How much boom do you have left?”

“Enough.”

Minister Crepe sneers sarcastically, “It's not a good idea to talk about your plans in front of an enemy.”

“Oh please!” Luigi's hands sparked with electricity, “You already knew the plan before I even said anything. That Compass told you the future.”

“Only one of many apparently. You said you weren't aiming for me, but the Compass told me otherwise… and it didn't show me you had an army backing you up.” Minister Crepe glared at Luigi, “I have a feeling you know about that.”

“The Compass is cursed. It will only show you the path that would benefit itself.” Luigi sent a bolt at the minister. The villains dodged again just for Jerry to run up to the window and exploded so grand that the wall fell into rubble.

Luigi looked out the window and saw a paratroopa had caught Jerry. “General, Blooey… escort King Goomba to Bowser's Castle, please.”

“Lu-Mr L! What about you?” Blooey liked this plan even less than the ‘use Luigi as bait for Hizza' plan.

“I'm just covering. I’ll be right behind you.”

The General, whose loyalty is only for Bowser, gave Luigi a koopa salute before taking off with Goomba towards where the window used to be.

Blooey flew after the others just as Screamy threw a knife at the King. Luigi grabbed the knife from mid air. Now he has a weapon.

Minister Crepe summoned a large mallet and swung it towards Luigi. It hit our favorite plumber with a lot of force, but he stayed standing.

Luigi looked out the window and smiled when he saw King Goomba being hugged by Princess Eclair. Blooey and Jerry looked like they were about to run back when General Blue Shell stopped them. Torque and Hayzee were looking at the tower with fear in their faces.

Luigi picked up his foot and kicked a Green Cyclone inside the tower. Minister Crepe dropped the Compass.

With quick footed steps Luigi grabbed the Compass and added the final piece. In a split second he saw images. Of a handsome white king floating over him with insanity in his magenta eyes and a blue tongue behind four pointed fangs, "Now I just want you.”

Bowser speaking to Peach and Mario but looking at him out of the corner of his eye, "We need to solve a culture clash issue before I can explain the reason for this… summoning.” Bowser with his eyes closed and boos looking at him with admiration rather than hate, “This citizen of yours has great power, wealth, and influence. But there's one problem. The Toadstool citizen was married last night to someone else.”

The boos removing his shirt and inspecting a glowing mark on his shoulder. He never thought the boos would be so gentle. His voice was clear, "I, Luigi Mario, Citizen of Toadstool Kingdom, Master of Ghosts, have the Boo Mark, given by King Boo as of last night.”

As Luigi's vision became clear, he saw a familiar face. The young boy, Cranberry, the Last of the Luffs Empire. He looked desperate and begged Luigi for his help. "Luigi, please, you must destroy the Marvelous Compass," Cranberry pleaded. "It's the only way to defeat Minister Crepe and Screamy.”

"Alright, Cranberry. I promise to destroy the Marvelous Compass after we defeat the villains," Luigi said firmly. Luigi felt the power of the Compass as he came out of the visions. He noticed that no time had passed.

A ghostly image of Screamy stabbed Luigi. Not feeling any pain Luigi moved to the side and punched the apparition only to clothesline the real Screamy. Screamy dropped his knife as he try to relearn how to breathe.

A ghostly form of a mallet flew through Luigi's head. He ducked just in time for Crepe’s mallet to hit Screamy instead. Luigi hit the evil minister with a Lightning Fist.

With the Marvelous Compass in his possession, Luigi set out to face Minister Crepe and Screamy. The compass guided him, showing him the villains' next moves and allowing him to plan his strategies accordingly.

Their fierce battle echoed throughout the room. Luigi used all his skills and techniques to dodge knives and mallet swings. Luigi used the power of the compass to anticipate the villains' attacks and counter them with precision.

Luigi hit the inedible creepy cream with a bolt. Screamy let out a blood-curdling scream as the lightning struck him. Luigi turned to face Crepe, ready to take him down with Ball Lightning. Crepe to scream from the pain of electrocution.

As Crepe and Luigi faced each other, Luigi took off his mask and showed his angry expression. The sad part was he wasn't that surprised that Crepe had underestimated him so severely. But he did have a little bit of sick joy of seeing the shocked face that the evil minister had when he realized that Mr L was Luigi.

"I thought you were just a weak and cowardly individual," Crepe sneered, "But it turns out you're nothing but a deceitful snake hiding in the shadows."

Luigi's eyes narrowed with contempt as he retorted, "And who's the one suffering now? Have you ever heard the saying 'never judge a book by its cover'? Did you really think I would be so easily manipulated?"

Without hesitation, Luigi launched into a powerful Green Cyclone Kick, aiming it directly at the two villains. As the final blow landed, Minister Crepe and Screamy were sent flying through the air and fell into the large hole that Jerry had created earlier. Unlike the royals and their friends, the villains were not saved by the paratroopas. Instead, they met their ultimate fate and fell to their deaths.

Luigi walked towards the hole and looked out and saw his friends, King Goomba, Princess Eclair, and Bowser with his army. They looked like they were holding their collective breaths. Luigi threw his fist in the air and let out a shock of lightning into the sky. The air was full of cheers.

💚🔵💚

At the Waffle Castle the guests cheered and raised their glasses in honor of Heroes of Waffle Kingdom’s victory. The tables were filled with delicious food and drinks, and the atmosphere was filled with laughter and joy.

Princess Eclair and King Goomba were dancing together, celebrating the defeat of Minister Crepe and Screamy and the safety of their kingdom. They shared a loving kiss, grateful for the heroism of Luigi and company.

Everyone rejoiced as the princess and king were finally reunited, their love stronger than ever. And the heroes, hailed as saviors, were celebrated for their bravery and determination in the face of darkness.

Meanwhile, King Bowser couldn't take his eyes off of Luigi. He knew he couldn't act on them just yet, but he was willing to wait for a chance to be with Luigi. A little bit of Bowser’s heart wanted the prophecy to be about the man in green.

Feeling overwhelmed with emotions, Luigi sneaked away from the crowd and made his way to the lava pool created by Bowser's floating fortress. He took out the Marvelous Compass and dropped it into the pool only for a blue blur to swiped the compass.

General Blue Shell looked at the Compass, “What exactly were you planning with this?”

“Please, General. I must keep my promise!” Luigi looked at the paratroopa with pleading eyes, “I have to destroy it for good!”

Blue Shell looked at the Compass and then looked at Luigi with an unreadable face. He flew down and handed Luigi the Compass. The General gave Luigi another koopa salute, but this time with a bent knee and lowered head.

“What did the Compass show you for such a turn around attitude, General?”

Without lifting his head the General gave an honest answer, “I cannot tell you. But you must hurry. The sooner you destroy the compass the sooner you can return to the celebration.”

“Ah! Right!” As promised, Luigi destroyed the Marvelous Compass by dropping it into the lava. Cranberry appeared once again, thanking Luigi for his bravery and selflessness.

"Thank you, Luigi. You have saved the Waffle Kingdom and fulfilled your promise. The Marvelous Compass can no longer cause any more harm," said Cranberry with a smile as he disappeared in a bright light.

Luigi looked up, then down at the slag that was once the Compass. He looked at the bowing Koopa General. If any time flew by the general was not showing any sign of telling. “I'm heading back to the party, you want to come?”

“I will join you in the other shortly, I wish to do some air patrol to make sure everyone is safe.”

Luigi smiled, “As long as you remember to take a break to enjoy yourself. It is a party, you know!” Luigi left to rejoin the celebration.

General Blue Shell lifted his head and watched Luigi get lost in the crowd, “I will wait for you and protect you, My Monarch.”

With the destruction of the Marvelous Compass, peace was restored to the Waffle Kingdom and all of its inhabitants could finally live without fear. And as the night went on, the victory celebration continued, with dancing, singing, and merriment. It was a night that would be remembered for years to come, as the kingdom celebrated their heroes and the defeat of their greatest enemy.

💚🔵💚

Returning to current events…

The feeling of his molecules being ripped apart was pure torture. Luigi let out a horrifying scream.

The pain was finally gone and E. Gadd wasn't saying anything. Luigi found his footing and felt… nothing. No old fear or anything. Did it fail?

Long slender fingers touched his cheeks as a sexy mysterious voice was heard, “Luigi? It worked.”

Chapter 9: The Royal Wedding of the Century

Summary:

IT'S HERE!

The wedding of the century!

Sonic patted Luigi's arm, “Whatever you're planning, please be careful.” Then in a streak of blue returns to his family.

Luigi frowned. For Sonic to notice… But he made up his mind!

He went to the nearest ghost, a housekeeper. “Hello, My Monarch! How may I help you?”

“I'm in a hurry and I don't want to use the elevator. Can you drop me into the labs?”

“Oh, dear!” The ghostly maid put their hands to their face and a split second grabbed Luigi by the hand and divebombs to the basement.

All the ghosts know that Luigi doesn't like this type of travel. So when Luigi asks for help to go through walls you do it fast.

When the maid and Luigi made it to the laboratory she made sure her master was alright. Luigi, after getting feeling in his legs and his stomach back where it belongs, smiled at his employee, “I'm fine, thank you so much! You can return to your duties.”

The maid bowed and flew back up through the ceiling.

Luigi looked at the entrance of the lab and was walking up to it when it burst open, “My boy! Did you just ask a ghost to spirited you here?! What’s wrong?” The penthouse isn't the only place in the hotel that has an Observation Room. While the main one is in the penthouse, E Gadd has one in the labs as well.

“I think… I need to use the Double Cherry…”

“Wh-what?! Luigi. It's too sudden. What are you thinking?”

Luigi patted his friend's back and opened the glass container, “How many do we have?”

“Enough to spare one or two, but Luigi!” The little old man looked up to his adopted son, “Are you sure?”

With a nod, Luigi dropped a cherry in his mouth. And like before the pain was terrible. The feeling of his molecules being ripped apart was pure torture. Luigi let out a horrifying scream.

The pain was finally gone and E. Gadd wasn't saying anything. Luigi found his footing and felt… nothing. No old fear or anything. Did it fail?

Long slender fingers touched his cheeks as a sexy mysterious voice was heard, “Luigi? It worked.”

Oval eyes met almond ones. The diamond shaped face smiled while wearing the dress that Daisy and Rosalina gifted her. The bright emeralds shone on her black dagger crown.

“Here comes the bride…” Luigi smiled with tears in his eyes, “It really worked.”

Luigina La Funebre of Kingdom Nethermourn winked at Luigi, “I know, right? I thought for a moment there that Mr L was going to come out!”

“I can still feel Mr L’s daredevil bravery, how about you, Luigina?”

“Same. I think we can take on Dimentio with this plan. Also we wouldn't have to switch back and forth during the wedding.” Luigina looks at Luigi as a musical giggle escapes her lips, “Can I have a hug?” Luigi smiled a wet smile as he held Luigina.

“How are you two going to tell Boo and Bowser?” E Gadd asked.

“They don't have to.” The group of three looked towards the entrance of the lab and saw the angry kings.

“Luigi! Luigina! You should have told us you were planning this!” Boo tapped his foot at his husband and wife, “I don't even know if I should punish you or not! Who the hell should I punish? No.. Nono… It will be both of you…” Boo’s face turned red with lust.

“This is going to shock our kids and friends.” Bowser hummed, “Still! We don't know how dangerous this stunt of yours was. This is only the second time the Double Cherry has been used. Both by you! We don't know the limits or all the side effects this Powerup has.”

“At least Luigi and I can be seen together in the same room by those that don't know our secret.” Luigina said in defense, “It would be odd if one of the wedding hosts is missing during the wedding.”

Bowser growled, “You may have a point, my beloved.”

Luigina placed her hand on Bowser's arm, “My love, know this, when I am up there with you it's not just me. I would say our oaths as Luigina, Luigi, and Mr L. Even if we are split we are still one. You will be our husband just as Boo is our husband as well.”

Bowser chuckles before giving Luigina a kiss, “Will this last long for the honeymoon?”

“So greedy,” Luigina hummed.

“Can we get out of the lab before you horn dogs start being inappropriate in front of the Professor?!” Luigi said as Boo started to nibble under his jawline.

“Epp! Sorry Professor!” Luigina waved at E Gadd before turning to Boo and Bowser, “But Luigi is right! We have too much to do!”

“The Koopalings are going to love this.” Luigi smiled.

Bowser's eyes widened, “Let's go, you two.”

Luigi and Luigina walked together arm in arm, “Children first or Adults first?”

Luigi hummed in thought, “Why not both? Make it a kid friendly bachelorette/bachelor party co-op?”

Boo wrapped his arm around both their shoulders, “I love that idea!”

“You just love a good party, dearest husband,” Luigina teased.

“Can we have it at the penthouse? The entertainment lounge circle and having the ghosts served drinks and food wouldn't be too bad.” Luigi pondered.

“Can we invite Robotnik? I would rather have potential trouble where I could see them.” Luigina lifted her chin in challenge.

Bowser and Boo shared a low chuckle as they pushed the button to the elevator. As they waited for the elevator to go down Bowser took out his crystal ball to contact Kamek, “Yes my lord?”

“Have our friends the, Wachowski and Robotnik,
meet us at the penthouse. Have the Koopalings there as well. We have a surprise for them.”

“Yes Sire!”

The elevator doors opened and Luigi took out the phone from the hidden compartment, “Stewart?”

“Yes Master?”

“Have any available ghosts come to the penthouse with finger food and drinks. We are having a party.”

💚🔵💚

Robotnix woke up in a golden hotel room. He sat up and found a fruit basket next to the bed. Following the demands of his body he ate the strange fruit. With every bite he felt healthier.

He decided to put whatever thoughts he had on the possibility of him being poisoned and how impossible it was for a fruit basket to heal a hangover.

‘You are the smartest man on Earth and you're not on Earth.’

Robotnix hates how Luigi is constantly getting under his skin. But ‘Genius Cheats’ was so fun. He looked down at himself and noticed he was completely naked.

To a normal person that would be concerning, but to the mad inventor he was checking to see if he was clean. Whoever took his clothes off cleaned him very well.

“Oh good! You're awake.” Robotnix turned towards the housekeeper ghost. She put something down on the bed and smiled, “You're invited to the owner's penthouse for a bridal party between King Bowser Koopa of the Darklands and Princess Luigina La Funebre of Kingdom Nethermourn! Please put this on and go to the 15th floor.”

Once Chambrea flew through the door Robotnik looked into the package. A white button up shirt, black slacks, silk socks, and some new shoes were in the package.

Not planning on walking the halls butt naked he took his new clothes and walked in the bathroom. He nearly screamed at his own reflection. He ran his fingers through the hair on his once bald head and then put his finger on his mustache.

His black hair was like how it was before being isolated in the mushroom planet. And his mustache, while still thick and ridiculously long, was groomed neatly with enough mustache wax to make his curling ‘stache lethal.

Unknowing to him, Luigi’s ghosts were using Robotnik as a practice dummy for hair and ‘stache while he was unconscious. Using a magic hair tonic to regrow Robotnik’s hair.

Robotnix cleaned up as much as possible and did his usual morning routine (Luigi must have left the unopened toothbrush). When Robotnik got out in his new clothes he was surprised again to find his trench coat on the bed.

His coat was not only clean, but all the rips and tears were mended. When he puts it on he smells a lavender scent coming from the fabric. “If he treats his enemies this way, Mr L must treat his people like deities!” He frowned at the thought that someone smarter than him had such a weakness.

He exited the suite and looked around. He noticed the elevator at the end of the hall. He shrugged at himself and walked over to the group of penguins and green people that were waiting.

“Oh gosh! I hope we make it.”
“The sun hasn't set yet, we should make it.”
“It's the first time I've seen the transformation! Is it as spectacular as they said?”
“Yeah! The moment the sun goes down the illusion breaks and the hotel looks so different!”
“It's spooky magic.”
“I can't wait!”

Robotnix usually ignores the prattle of insignificant creatures. But the fact that blue penguins and green people were talking about the hotel transforming at sundown peaked his interest. “Excuse me. But what is this about the hotel transforming at sundown?”

One of the penguins pointed a flipper at Robotnik, “Is this your first time at Final Resort, also?!”

A green woman with pink hair and a purple dress clapped her hands, “It's magnificent! They make the resort very mysterious!”

A green man in a blue business suit smiled teasingly, “You really didn't think that the hotel was this bright and golden, did you?”

“I just arrived from Earth. We don't have green people, and our penguins didn't talk on Earth. So I'm a little out of my depth.”

“Ohhhhh. I see.” The green man in blue saw a pamphlet next to the elevator and handed it to Robotnik, “The booklets even transform at night to match the aesthetic.”

The elevator doors opened and the crowd got in. Robotnix’s curiosity was getting the better of him and walked in with the group. He followed everyone outside and was surprised to see a much larger group waiting in the gardens and in front of the statue.

“THE SUN IS SETTING!”

The moment the sun was down for the night a purple light was slowly running down the building like a laser cleaning a piece of metal. Followed behind the light the gold was replaced with a purply black.

The windows and exterior lights were a mix of blue and an eerie green. And the hotel hsdl a fairly messy and confusing look to it. Like a child was building with broken building blocks and other toys to make the hotel.

The beautiful gardens and grounds were different as well. The valley was covered in a misty blanket, the trees were dry up, making their branches twist as a consequence, and both the mountains and the lake had looked gloomier.

The crowd cheered!

“Oh what fun!”
“The ghosts and boos will be more active now.”
“That Stewart always looked so relieved that he didn't need a mask.”

Robotnix was amazed. He had never seen anything like this before. The transformation of the hotel was incredible and he couldn't help but be impressed by the magic behind it. He made a mental note to try and figure out how it was done.

While he would love to stay and admire the building, he was even more curious about the interior. He entered the lobby and stopped at his feet. It was as if there was a Halloween party happening inside with Jake o’ Lanterns and spooky faces balloons. Every visitor had a glass of a spooky green liquid that they were drinking.

The swan statues that Robotnik had doubts that they were ice were replaced with looming gargoyles. And the white roses that surrounded the statues now look black and extra thorny. The bright golden lights were replaced with floating candelabras that had blueish green flames that gave plenty of light but somehow made the interior darker.

A ghost with a tray of the strange drink floated near Robotnik. The mad investigator took one of the glasses and took a sip. It tastes tangy and sweet. Robotnix nodded in thanks and took another sip of the drink.

Part of him wanted to wander around the lobby, taking in the sights and sounds of the party. He couldn't help but feel a little out of place, being the only human in a room full of strange creatures and ghosts.

A Kong child in a pink dress and blonde pigtails ran up to Stewart, “Mr Stewart! Mr Stewart! Do you feel a lot better without the mask?”

“Why yes I do, thank you for thinking of me.”

The Kong child’s parents walked up to Stewart, “I hope he's not bothering you too much.”

“The birthday boy was checking up on me. I really appreciate it.” Stewart started to wave his hands in front of him, “Now my magic is nowhere near as powerful as a boo’s, but the boos had taught me a nice little parlor trick.” With a glow between Stewarts hands came out a tiara. Stewart placed it between the child’s pigtails.

“Mommy! Daddy! I'm a pretty princess!”

The father beams, “You are, Son! Now let's get going. I have tickets to the Twisted Sisters Show!”

Robotnix watched as he remembered one foster sibling that was trans. She was always forced to wear pants when she wanted to put on a dress. Barbie dolls yanked out of her hands. And the only time she wore any makeup it was covered up with slurs written by her fellow foster kids and the adults laughing.

Robotnix, recognizing a fellow outcast, would give her gifts and her bullies would have unusual accidents. All anonymously and never gotten caught. As far as he knows his foster sister had never figured out where the Raggedy Anne doll came from.

It was time to go to the penthouse. His host, Luigi, did give him an invitation. He got on the elevator and headed up to the top floor. When he arrived at the penthouse, he was greeted by a lively atmosphere coming from a large group of children. Most of them were those turtle dragon things. He noticed that Sonic and his siblings with a few ghost children were watching a projection screen. The room was decorated with purple and black streamers, and the tables were filled with delicious food and drinks.

“That hadn’t happened!” Sonic points at the screen, “There was no way Luigi walked an obvious trap! He had to be warned about how shady Crepe was.”

“I heard it was a member of the Luigi Fan Club that told him some information about the case.” Ludwig said as he tossed a grape to Knuckles who caught it in his mouth. “Also Madame Clairvoya was never mentioned or shown in the book or movie. And I know she wouldn't ever leave him entirely alone if he was in danger.”

“Dr Robotnik?” Robotnix turned towards the person that addressed him. The ghostly butler smiled, “The others are expecting you in the drawing room. Follow me please.”

Robotnix followed Mr Sivers around the sunken floor of the lounge. Robotnix was looking around and saw a lot of statues, jewels, and vases that's shaped like a very rounded ghost with a crown on its head. There were even paintings of said ghost creature with Luigi in very suggestive poses.

When Mr Shivers led Robotnik in the drawing room he was sighted by a beautiful woman in a blackish green ball gown and dagger like tiara. He looked at Luigi who was sitting on the lap of a white man who wears the crown that was in the paintings.

“Luigi? Why is there a female clone of you here?”

Luigi laughed, “Pay up Wachowski!”

Tom gave something to Luigi, “How the hell?! I was so sure nobody would figure out that you and Luigina were the same person. You two look so different.”

“Welcome Robotnik! Thank you for coming to our bridal party,” Luigina got up and wrapped her arm around Robotnik’s, “Robotnik, please sit next to me and Bowser.”

Luigina laughed her enchanting musical laugh. Robotnix fell in love with that laugh. “So how did this happen?”

Luigi answered, “A Powerup that splits people into two individuals. Luigina here is one half of me as I am one half of her.”

“I see…” But isn't this a Bridal Party for King Bowser Koopa of the Darklands and Princess Luigina La Funebre of Kingdom Nethermourn? “So how would your marriage work?”

Bowser chuckled, “Boos are naturally polyamorous. And I wanted to be married to Luigi. But the public view would be that I married Luigina. While in reality both King Boo and I would be married to Luigi.”

“Fascinating,” For once he didn't use the word sarcastically.

“Let's break the ice a little,” Mario said while passing a glass to Peach, “How old do you think E Gadd is?”

E Gadd nearly choked on a cookie, “Now Sonny! Why drag me to your silly games?”

Bowser nods, “I remember you when I was a koopaling, you were old back then.” The King of the Koopas lends forward, “That was nearly a hundred years ago.”

Robotnix took a sip of his drink and chuckled. "I would say E Gadd is at least 150 years old. He seems to have been around since the dawn of time."

Luigi smiled, "He's actually closer to 200 years old. I found some statues of him in ruins.”

The conversation continued with various jokes and teasing among the group. Robotnix was surprised at how friendly and welcoming they all were, even towards him, an enemy.

He never saw Tom and Maggie so relaxed in front of him. Probably because they don't perceive him as a threat since he's unarmed. And undoubtedly being surrounded by powerful ghosts and the Koopa King (the white guy with the purple jeweled crown is sketchy also) made it easier on them.

As the evening went on, Robotnix found himself enjoying the company. He even found himself laughing and joining in on the conversations. He practically forgot his plan to get the Chaos Emeralds and probably the Chaos Heart.

Towards the end of the night, as the guests were starting to leave, Robotnix approached Luigi and Luigina. "I must say, I was quite surprised by all of this. I never would have thought a formal villain like Bowser would have a romantic side," he said with a smirk.

Luigi and Luigina exchanged a knowing look before Luigi replied, "Oh, Bowser may be a bad guy, but he has a heart of gold. And his love for me is genuine."

Robotnix nodded, impressed by the love and loyalty between the two. "Well, I must say, I am glad I came to this penthouse tonight. It was quite an unexpected experience."

Luigi grinned, "Glad you enjoyed it, Robotnix. Maybe next time we can have a friendly game of Genius Cheats?”

Robotnix smiled, “I had so much fun last time.”

Mr. Sivers appeared, “The children fell asleep, My Monarch.”

Bowser, Luigina, and the Wachowski left to check with their children. Leaving Robotnik with Luigi, Mario, three princesses, that creepy white king, and four strange creatures.

Luigi chuckled, “I am such a terrible host! Everyone this is Robotnik. Robotnix you already my brother.” Mario gave him a two finger wave.

“Next to him is Princess Peach.” Robotnix nodded. One thing he has learned from his past visits to this dimension, don't judge a book by its cover. He has a sinking feeling that she's a lot more powerful than she let on.

“Her cousin, Daisy.” The tomboy smiled sweetly while cracking her knuckles.

“Daisy’s girlfriend, Rosalina.” Why does it feel like she can see his very soul?

{I haven't dug deep enough to see your soul, Doctor.} Robotnix ignored the strange voice in his head that answered his thoughts.

“The Heroes of the Waffle Kingdom, Blooey, Jerry, Torque, and Hayzee.” Luigi's four friends waved at him. Robotnix politely nodded their acknowledgement.

“And the best for last, my husband, King Boo.” King Boo got up and transformed into his much larger boo form and then changed back to his handsome human-like form.

Robotnix nodded.The group chatted for a little longer before Robotnix excused himself to leave. “Excuse me Robotnik?” Luigina walked next to him at the lounge. She put a finger to her lips and pointed towards the children that were curled up against one another in cozy looking blankets.

As the two walked to the elevator, Robotnik couldn't help but feel a little conflicted. He had always seen these characters as his enemies, but now he saw a different side to them.

“I want to invite you to the wedding as Bowser's Best Man,” Luigina smiled.

“Why me?”

A dagger appeared in Luigina's hand and she tilted his chin up with the hilt of the dagger, “Because Kemak is the officiant for my wedding and I want to keep my eyes on you.” The elevator doors opened and the dagger disappeared, “Please give Stewart the room key back before the wedding. It's sundown tomorrow.”

Robotnix looked at the clock, “Don't you mean tonight?”

“Get some rest.”

Robotnix chuckled, "I appreciate that. I'll make sure to return the room key before the wedding. And thank you for a wonderful evening, Luigina. It was unexpected but enjoyable."

With that, Robotnix bid her goodnight and made his way back to his room. As he lay in bed, he couldn't help but think about the turn of events. He went from being a sworn enemy to being invited to a wedding. But for now, he had to focus on his plan to get the Chaos Emeralds and Chaos Heart.

💚🔵💚

The phone rang obnoxiously next to the bed. Luigi reached over Tom and Maggie to get it, “Ignore it. It's just going to interrupt this cuddle moment.”

Maggie, who was closer to the phone, rolled her eyes at the King (Queen?) of the Boos. She picked up the phone and handed it to Luigi, “Thank you, Maggie.” Luigi kissed her on the forehead. “Yes, Luigi speaking.”

Stewart’s voice was on the other end, “My Monarch, forgive me for waking you up. But your family is here.”

“What?!” Luigi got up and started to get dressed. Everyone on the bed was now fully awake and watching a frantic Luigi struggle into his clothes.

Luigina, who was originally sandwiched between Bowser and Boo, got up and took the phone, “Stewart? What did you tell Luigi just now?”

“That your family is here, My Monarch?”

“Is my family in front of you at this minute?” Luigina laughed at herself as he fell from hopping on one foot to get a shoe on, “Can you pass the phone to Mama?”

“Hello? Luigi?”

“Yes and No, Mama. Remember when I used to dress up in your old clothes and had tea parties with you? Well, due to a Powerup and a few misadventures Luigi and I are splitted into two separate individuals.”

“I don't und- LUIGINA!” Mama Mario shouted, “Oh my goodness! Is that really you my daughter?”

Luigi, fully dressed, ran out of the room towards the elevator. Luigina giggled her signature laugh. “Luigi is coming down. He looks very mad and he definitely smells like sex.”

“Oh my!” Mama Mario laughed. Mama Mario has always been a free spirit and missed the days that she and her boy would have dress up parties to her husband's disapproval. “We are definitely having breakfast with you and the boys. And I mean all of them! I want to meet King Boo and make sure Bowser has really turned a new leaf.”

“Of course, Mama!”

The elevator dinged and Luigi rushed out. He ran towards the front. All seven members of Mario and Luigi Brooklyn (now in Metro Kingdom) family. “FAMIGLIA!”

“Ciao, caro figliolo!” Mama Mario smiled and hugged Luigi tightly. Just before pulling his ear, “You never tell us anything!”

Luigi smiled sheepishly, “Sorry, Mama. It's all been a bit overwhelming.”

Mama Mario pulled back, “Well, let's go have
some breakfast and catch up. And I want to hear all about this clone situation. And about tonight’s wedding!”

Papa Mario groaned, “Mama, you are no better. What do you mean by Luigina, your daughter? Isn't Luigina a name Luigi made up to play dress up with you and Aunt Marie?”

“A Powerup mishap made it possible to make a clone of yourself with a piece of your personality.” Luigi nervously laughed, “We haven't found out about anything other than the other has to die in order to become one person again.”

Mama Mario gasped, “Oh my, that sounds like a difficult situation. But we will figure it out together, as a family. Speaking of family, is your brother and husband here as well?”

The elevator dinged again and Bowser, Boo, and the Wachowski were herding the children out of the elevator. The happy little chaos distracted the Mario Family enough that they didn't notice a beautiful woman with a dagger crown wearing a black pencil shirt and a green leather jacket with what appeared to be a train of mesh bellowing under the jacket like a shadow worshiping the ground at her feet as she walked.

“Mama, let me introduce you to Luigina.”

Luigina gave a small wave, “Hello, Mama. It's so nice to finally meet you in person.”

Mama Mario's eyes widened, “Oh my goodness, you're real! Mia figlia!”

“Yes! I am. Now, I believe we have a family breakfast planned,” Luigina turned towards Stewart, “Have you contacted my brother yet, Stewart?”

At the mention of Mario the elevator opened and the red cladded plumber was running with Peach in his hand, “Sono qui, famiglia! I'm here! I'm here!”

Papa Mario laughed, “I can see that.”

King Boo bowed to the family, “Would you like to join us to the cafe?”

Mario and Luigi’s cousin lend over to Luigi, “I’m going to have to call you Sarah.”

“Why Sarah?” Luigi chuckled.

“Because you managed to snatch the David Bowie of this dimension.”

Luigi laughed, “I like that nickname. And I couldn't agree more. My husband is definitely my own personal King Jareth, if not my Ziggy Stardust.”

The family followed the others to the cafe where Robotnik was having a quiet cup of coffee. At least it was quiet until chaos walked in. Robotnik looked up from his coffee and raised an eyebrow at the large group that had just entered the cafe.

Luigi noticed Robotnik and walked over to him, “Hey, Dr Robotnik. Glad to see you're still around.”

Robotnik nodded, “Yes, well I can't seem to get rid of a pesky vigilante, Mr L.”

Luigi chuckled, “Well, we're here with the family for breakfast. Would you like to join us? And please don't tell my family about Mr L? Consider it blackmail material.”

Robotnik hesitated for a moment before nodding, “Sure, why not.” He looked at his coffee and was missing Agent Stone, “I need a distraction.”

The group sat down at a large table and ordered breakfast. As they ate, they caught up on each other's lives and experiences in the two different dimensions.

“So you and your family are from Earth? I don't remember anthropomorphs children on Earth.” Uncle Arthur asked Tom and Maddie.

“Sonic is better at telling the story-”

“I'm Sonic. A little ball of super energy, in an extremely handsome package. On my planet, people were always after my powers. So I came to Earth…” Uncle Arthur’s eyes widened as he heard more of how Sonic and his siblings came to Earth.

Mama Mario was especially interested in Bowser and Boo's relationship and was happy to see them both so much in love with Luigi. “So why didn't you call us for your and King Boo’s wedding?”

“Because it's more like a mate bite mark than a wedding…” Luigi unbuttoned his shirt to show his Boo Mark on his shoulder, “It's how boos bond with their partners.”

“Oh my!” Mama Mario blushed, “Since Luigina is the Princess of Ghosts and Co-ruler of the Boos will she be giving Bowser a Boo Mark?”

Luigina clapped her hands, “King Boo had already said that I can borrow a little of his powers to give Bowser a Boo Mark!”

“You might need to learn to bite hard if you want t amo break my skin, Princess.” Bowser gave a low growl. That got a lot of people on the table blushing.

“Mama Luigi?” Junior pulled Luigi's sleeve, “Can I have your water? My throat is hurting.”

“Sure, Cucciolo.” Luigi gave Junior his glasses who chugged it like he never had water before.

Bowser's eyebrow lifted, “Is it a scratchy hurt or a burning hurt?”

“Burning… I guess…”

Bowser clapped his hands and somehow got bigger, banging his knees under the table, “Oh shit! Sorry about that.” Bowser was grateful that the chairs and tables in the cafe were Darklands Iron made. “But that's good news Junior! That means your fire breath will come out soon.” The Koopalings were cheering about Junior’s fire breath.

“Now let me get this straight.”

Uncle Tony started before his daughter interrupted. “Three fourths of the adults on this table aren't, so it might be hard.”

Uncle Tony laughed, “Well, let me try anyway. You and Luigi were split into two different people, and you're both going to be married to two separate men? Or are you one person married to two individuals?”

Luigi and Luigina nodded, “Yes, that's basically it.”

Uncle Tony shook his head, “I don't understand this new technology and magic stuff. Back in my day, we didn't have all this fancy stuff.”

“Back in your day, we, as in the whole family, were still on Earth.” Mario chuckled.

“True, true. But still, it's all very confusing,” Uncle Tony replied.

Luigi smiled, “Don't worry, Uncle Tony. We can explain it all to you later. For now, let's just enjoy our breakfast and each other's company.”

The rest of the breakfast went by smoothly, with everyone sharing stories and laughter. Robotnik seemed to be enjoying himself as well, despite his initial hesitance. Before they parted ways, Robotnik even promised to keep Mr L a secret from the rest of the family.

The family hugged and said goodbye to each other. Before they left, Mama Mario pulled her sons and daughter aside. “Are you sure you three are okay? I know you have a large group on your corner, but I still worry about you and all your adventures.”

“We are fine!” Luigi hugged his mother, “Thank you, Mama. We really appreciate it.”

As the family left, Luigi turned to Luigina and said, “Well, that went better than I expected.”

Luigina smiled, “Yes, I think Mama Mario likes me. And I have a feeling she likes Bowser and Boo as well.”

Luigi chuckled, “Yes, I think she does. But who wouldn't love those two?”

As they walked back to the elevator to get Luigina and Bowser ready for the wedding, Luigi couldn't help but feel grateful for his crazy, chaotic family. They may not always understand his adventures and mishaps, but they always had his back and were there to support him.

💚🔵💚

Robotnix got in the Ballroom just in time to take his place. He looked around the room with fascination at the dark and eerie atmosphere. Black candles that littered around the stage gave a spooky and romantic ambiance with their ghostly flames. The scene before him was truly captivating.

The dim lighting and haunting music added to the mysterious aura of the ballroom. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting battles and conquests, while the candles flickered around the room, casting an eerie glow.

He observed the guests, all dressed in their finest attire, eagerly waiting for the wedding ceremony to begin. The room was filled with chatter and excitement. However, amidst the joy and celebration, whispers continued to circulate among the guests. Rumors of a secret alliance between the two kingdoms were rampant, with some speculating that the marriage was just a ploy for the two rulers to strengthen their armies and gain more power.

But as Robotnix observed the couple's interactions throughout the previous night's party, it was clear to him that their love was genuine. The way Bowser looked at Luigina with admiration and the way she gazed back at him with adoration showed that their marriage was more than just political strategy. It was a true union of two powerful hearts.

The Traditional Koopa Wedding of King Bowser Koopa and Princess Luigina La Funebre was a grand event that brought together two powerful rulers from different lands. Or so the public thinks.

As the music started, the doors at the back of the ballroom opened, revealing the bride and groom. Dressed in black armor with matching warpaint, Bowser and Luigina looked like a formidable pair. The dark colors symbolized their strength and power as rulers of their respective kingdoms.

As they walked down the aisle, Robotnix couldn't help but admire the beauty and grace of the princess. Luigina, with her delicate features and graceful strides, looked like a princess from a fairytale. She smiled at the guests as she passed by, her veil trailing behind her. Meanwhile, Bowser, with his rugged appearance and serious expression, exuded an aura of authority and dominance. His eyes fixed on his bride.

As they reached the stage, the ceremony began. Kemak, dressed in a black robe, led the Traditional Koopa Dagger ceremony, which was a symbolic ritual of commitment and trust between the couple. As they stood before their guests, Bowser and Luigina exchanged daggers with each other as a sign of their unwavering devotion.

With a swift cut to the palm of their chosen spouse, they sealed their blood vows, promising to stand by each other's side through thick and thin. The vows were spoken in hushed tones, but their promises to each other were heard loud and clear by all in attendance.

Bowser started his vows, "Through victory or defeat in the battlefields, my loyalty to you remains unwavering. In triumph or in loss my commitment to you remains steadfast and my devotion to you stands firm. Destruction cannot sway my unwavering dedication to you."

"In the union of blood and life, we find the strength to unite, forever entwined by the flame of matrimony. Let the hilt of the blade and the fires of passion forge our unbreakable bond.” Luigina's vows ended with her hair turning into a ghostly pale blue and she grew four boo-like fangs and bit the Koopa King on the shoulder. The Mark glowed for a bit as nearby boos inspected the Boo Mark. It was a good bite.

As the ceremony drew to a close, cheers and applause erupted from the guests. Bowser and Luigina shared a passionate kiss, sealing their union as husband and wife. The ghosts danced around the room in celebration, while the couple's loyal subjects toasted to their happiness.

Those cheers turned to screams. Robotnix was ready for Dimentio to appear. "Congratulations on your wedding, Bowser and Luigina. I couldn't resist crashing the party," Dimentio sneered.

Before anyone could react, Dimentio's magic engulfed the room, causing chaos and destruction. The guests and helpers scrambled to escape as the walls and decorations crumbled around them.

A black and gray heart shaped jewel appears over the couple. Dimentio smiled wickedly, “Finally the Chaos Heart!”

But as he reached for the jewel, Bowser and Luigina's love for each other radiated from the heart, creating a powerful force that repelled Dimentio's evil magic. The Chaos Heart turned into a Pure Heart.

“Not possible!” Dimentio sneered, but then started to maniacally laugh, “Oh well. I just have to use Plan B.” He pointed at Bowser.

Bowser's eyes turned from red to green and he looked at Luigina, “Who are you?”

“ROOKIE! ROBOTNIX!” Dimentio shouted, “Get The Emeralds.”

“Bowser, snap out of it!” Luigina cried.

“My…Name…” Bowser shook his head, trying to fight off the control. Even the Boo Mark was fighting this horrible curse. But Dimentio's magic was strong and he couldn't break free.“Luigina, I can't fight it!”

Bowser roared in frustration. His eyes completely changed into a toxic green. Dimentio snapped his fingers and a blue mask covered Rookie’s head. Rookie pushed Luigina to the end of the hall. Luigina could only watch in horror as her husband was being used as a pawn in the villain's twisted scheme.

Robotnix was able to snatch Tails by his backpack, and took out the Emeralds, his loyalty to the evil magician evident in his actions. Luigina's heart sank as she saw the Emeralds, knowing the power they held and the destruction they could cause in the wrong hands.

She stood up only for Dimentio to have stabbed her with a rapier that appeared in his hand, “Sorry, but I found that loose ends tend to end my fun,” he said casually, with a wicked smile on his face.

With her last ounce of strength, Luigina reached out and grabbed hold of the Emeralds, determined to keep them out of Dimentio’s hands. But as she felt her energy fading and her body growing weaker, she knew that her efforts were in vain.

Her body was glowing green and disappeared. Mama Mario's heart ached as she watched her daughter disappear before her eyes. She cried over the loss of her daughter that she only just met. Only for Luigi to grab her by the shoulders and in a hug whispered, “We are still alive, Mama. Luigina and I just returned as one person.”

“But that pazzo bastardo malvagio still murdered mia figlia!” Mama Mario started to have true hate in her heart.The fusion of Luigi and Luigina was a bittersweet reunion, as they were no longer two separate beings, but they had lost a loved one in the process.

Luigi's expression turned dark as well. The two of them had always been the more reserved and gentle members of the Mario family, but the loss of their loved one had ignited a fire in their hearts. They would seek revenge and justice for Luigina's death.

Sonic appeared next to Mama Mario, "Just let yourself cry.. as much as you need to, Mama Mario.” Sonic then looked at Robotnik, “You completely cracked, Eggman?”

"Farewell Sonic. My most admirable adversary.” Robotnix gently placed Tails down and looked at Luigi, “Mi dispiace veramente.”

Sonic, fueled by his anger and desire for justice, rushed towards Dimentio to take him down. But the magician was always a step ahead, the villain jumped into a mirror and jumped out of another one.

“Rookie! Robotnix! It's time to go.” Dimentio and his reluctant lackeys followed the dimension jumping clown.

As they disappeared, Dimentio left behind a trail of devastation, but also something else, a newfound determination in Sonic and his friends. They knew they had to stop Dimentio and retrieve the Emeralds, no matter what it took.

Chapter 10: Rescue

Summary:

Luigi on a rescue mission.

With some minor stobotnik pinning.

😈😈😈😈

Sorry it's not very long.

Also I thought that the yoshi being sacrificed to the chasms in the Maro games needed an explanation that not the yoshi falling to their death.

TW descriptors of SA.

“Rookie!” Dimentio shouted at Rookie, formally known as Bowser, “You are to join Robotnik in looking for the Chaos Emeralds.”

“Yessir! Boss, Sir!” The formal Koopa King stood like a soldier and gave Dimentio a Koopa Salute by placing his fist to his heart. It pleased the jester knowing that Bowser's brainwashed identity was an obedient slave.

“The Chaos Heart was a failure, but at least we now have five Emeralds. After collecting the rest we can have ultimate power.”

Robotnix was not impressed with this change of plans. And the clown’s spiel sounds… familiar. He looked at his hand and remembered a white glove and red quills, nearly crushing the bones in his hand. Oh, how the tables have turned. Now he was the one being manipulated.

Robotnix put his hand in his pocket, “How was the plan supposed to go? You didn't really tell me anything about how the Chaos Heart would be collected and I didn't have a way to contact you. You just dumped me in the middle of Evershade Forest. It wasn't a good plan.”

Dimentio chuckled, his voice dripping with amusement.“Ah ha ha. They were strong, to be sure... Very strong. They were strong enough to defy the prophecy before it was completed this time!”

Robotnix lifted his eyebrow, a rare sign of surprise and confusion. ‘This time?’

He put that thought in the back of his mind when Dimentio popped in front of him, “You are…. Correct… about not having a way for you to contact me. How was I supposed to know that the Koopa King and Ghostly Princess was more than a political couple?!”

Robotnix turned his face away from the clown, trying to regain his composure. Normally Robotnik would have his face close to make his rivals, underlings, and lessers uncomfortable. But now the tactic is being used against him.

And because of it he was able to notice that Bowser’s toxic green eyes turned red again at the mention of Princess Luigina. When the eyes turned green again Robotnik decided to test the waters. “What about Mr L?” he asked, keeping his voice steady. “Wouldn’t you be able to bring him back to your side?”

The red color appeared again in Bowser’s eyes, only for a second before it was swallowed by the green. Dimentio floated back from Robotnix, a sly smile on his face.

“Nonono….” he said, shaking his head. “The brainwashing would no longer work. Mr L was my creation. But Luigi made it a part of him to the point that if I did bring out the old boy, he would definitely side with the heroes.”

Robotnix’s mind was racing with the possibilities. If Dimentio was able to manipulate Bowser, then he could do the same with Robotnix. He made sure not to give himself away as he observed Bowser’s brainwashed eyes. Slowly, he turned his eyes back towards Dimentio.

“Where’s Agent Stone?” he asked, trying to change the subject. “I have some things he can help me with.”

Dimentio frowned, his smile fading. “Do you really?” he asked, his voice laced with sarcasm. “My clones are having so much fun with him.”

“He can help me recover the other emeralds,” Robotnix said, hoping to gain some leverage. “The other Chaos Emeralds that you need for your so-called ‘grand plan’.”

Dimentio’s smile returned, but it was a sly and cunning one. “Ah, yes. The Chaos Emeralds. I must admit, I am impressed by your intelligence, Robotnix. You have deduced my true intentions.”

Robotnix’s mind and body could be a marionette to this chaotic Puppet Master if all went to shit. He needed to stay on Dimentio’s good side, at least for the time being.

But as he continued to talk with Dimentio, it became clear to Robotnix that the mad clown was the one pulling the strings. And it was only a matter of time before his true intentions were revealed.

Robotnix knew he needed to act fast before it was too late. He couldn’t let Dimentio gain the upper hand.

💚🔵💚

As Luigi entered Bowser's bedchambers, he couldn't help but feel a sense of emptiness and heartache. He sat on the bed that was too big and too lonely without the Koopa King, his husband. It had only been a few days since their wedding, but everything had changed. After the ceremony, the koopa military escorted Luigi back to the Darklands, leaving Bowser behind in the hands of Dimentio.

Fighting tears he took a deep breath, "I can do this... I am the monarch of the Evershade and the Darklands. Ruler of ghosts, boos, and koopas. I can do this."

But despite his words, tears broke free from Luigi’s eyes. It was all too much for him to handle. Bowser was gone, and now he was under the control of their enemy. Robotnix most likely found himself trapped with Agent Stone as the jester's new favorite toy.

“My Monarch?” A voice interrupted Luigi’s thoughts.

Luigi looked up and saw General Blue Shell. He quickly rubbed the tears from his face, "Ye-yes, General?"

The parakoopa walked up to Luigi and placed a hand on his shoulder, "You are not alone, My Monarch. You have armies that are really for your beck and call. And if you need time Kamek and Kammy can take over the royal duties until you are ready to lead us."

"But we don't have time, General." Luigi looked the koopa in the eye, "We need a plan... We need King Bowser... Now!” He may have been a reluctant leader, but he knew that he had to step up and take charge in this time of crisis. He was the ruler of the Darklands and it was his duty to protect his citizens and his kingdom.

General Blue Shell nodded, understanding the urgency of the situation. The blue parakoopa turned to leave the room. “We will not rest until Bowser is back by your side and the Darklands are once again under both of your rule.”

The room was quiet, with only the sound of Luigi's heavy breathing filling the air. His mind racing with thoughts of how to save his beloved husband, Bowser. Dimentio was always one for unpredictable and sinister actions and the longer Bowser is in his control the more helpless the situation will become. However Luigi was determined to do whatever it takes to bring him back.

As he sat there, a knock came at the door. Luigi quickly composed himself and called out, "Enter.”

In walked Kamek and Kammy, both looking worried and determined. They had been the closest advisors to Bowser and Luigi knew they were just as devastated by his disappearance.

"We have some news, My Monarch," Kamek said, bowing his head in respect.

"What is it?" Luigi asked, his heart beating faster.

"We have located King Bowser's whereabouts," Kammy said, her voice shaking with excitement.

"Where?" Luigi asked, standing up from the bed. "In a hidden fortress deep in the Yoshi Island, Robotnik is with him," Kamek answered.

"We can gather our troops and launch an attack immediately," Kammy added.

But Luigi knew that a full-scale attack would only put Bowser in more danger. He couldn't risk his husband's safety by rushing into battle. He needed a different plan.

'No,' Luigi said, surprising them both.

'No?' Kamek asked, confused.

'We can't risk Bowser's safety by launching a full-scale attack. We need a different plan,' Luigi explained.

'What do you have in mind, My Monarch?' Kammy asked, intrigued.

'I will go alone,' Luigi said, determined in his voice.

'Alone?' Kamek and Kammy asked in unison, shocked.

'Yes,' Luigi said firmly.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out one of his Power Up Rings. It was one he hadn't used before. Kamek and Kammy looked on in awe. Of course, he hadn't used that one before. It would give him the necessary power to get through no problem.

Luigi put the Powerup Ring back in his pocket and smiled at the old magikoopas, “I said I'm going alone, but I will need help from my brother and a certain blue hedgehog to get Robotnik’s attention.”

Kamek and Kammy nodded, understanding the plan. They knew that Luigi had a reason for wanting to go alone, and they trusted him. He quickly gathered his things and set off on his mission.

💚🔵💚

“I don't like this plan, Luigi.” Mario frowned at the map of Yoshi Island, “It's a stupid plan.”

Mama and Papa Mario looked at the map as well. They agreed with the older twin. Mama Mario even begged Luigi to not go alone. She didn't want her children to get hurt.

Sonic and his siblings had a different opinion, “I think it's an awesome idea! Besides, we Wachowski haven't rode on a yoshi yet!” Sonic smiled at Luigi.

“Bro, all I'm asking is you teach them to ride yoshis to get Robotnik's attention. Then I'll follow him into Dimentio's hideout.” Luigi crossed his arms in confidence. “This will work.”

However, there were still some concerns and doubts about the plan, particularly from Tom and Maddie. “This will only work if Robotnik doesn't recognize you with the Powerup,” Tom frowned.

“Oh, he will most likely recognize me! He would be desperate enough to stop chasing you guys all over the island and willingly take me with him.”

Maddie's eyes narrowed, “How can you be so sure?”

“One! As much of an asshole as he is, he does care about Stone. And if his sidekick is in moral danger as I think he is in then Robotnik would want me to take him with me.” Luigi put out his two fingers in front of the others, “Two! Robotnix just witnessed Dimentio's power to brainwashed people. He wouldn't want to be controlled like Bowser currently is.”

Papa Mario spoke up, “But Luigi, do you really think this is the only way? We could come up with another plan, one that doesn't involve risking your safety.”

Luigi shook his head, “I'm sorry Papa, but this is the only plan I have. I know it's not ideal, but we have to do something to stop Dimentio and Robotnik before they cause more harm.”

Tom and Maddie exchanged a look before nodding in agreement. “Okay, we'll go along with your plan, Luigi. Just promise us that you'll be careful,” Maddie said, concern evident in her voice.

Luigi smiled, “Thank you, everyone. I promise I'll be careful.”

Mario couldn't shake off the feeling of unease in his gut. He didn't like the plan, but he knew that they had no other choice. He just hoped that everything would go according to Luigi's plan.

💚🔵💚

“This is awesome!” Sonic on a yoshi ran through brush and thickets on the island. Sonic and his siblings raced through the lush greenery of Yoshi Island.

While the yoshi isn't as fast as the hedgehog on foot, what they lack in speed, they make up for in agility. As Sonic's yoshi ran at full speed, it effortlessly dodged obstacles and made sharp turns, thanks to its flexible and nimble body. Sonic couldn't help but be impressed by his new ride's abilities.

Sonic and his siblings were playing Yoshi Flag. This game involves each player having a bandana, flag, or handkerchief tied around their waist. The objective is to capture the flag from another player while protecting your own. And with yoshis in the mix, the game took on a whole new level of excitement.

A yellow yoshi appeared beside Sonic's blue one, and before he knew it, Tails had snatched the bandana from him. The two yoshis raced around the island, with Sonic trying to catch up and reclaim his bandana. The game was a perfect blend of speed and strategy, and Sonic couldn't help but enjoy every moment of it.

The island was filled with lush vegetation, beautiful flowers, and colorful fruit trees. Sonic couldn't help but feel at peace in this tranquil environment. It was a nice change of pace from their usual adventures.

Maddie on a pink yoshi smiled at her three boys playing while holding a bouquet of strange flowers that Tom picked for her. “This island is so peaceful. Is it okay for us to be playing like this?”

Mario rode his green yoshi up to Maddie, “Believe it or not but yoshi are a part of everyone's cultures here. The same as horses are on earth. Think of this island as a global run stable. Everyone that comes to ride on the yoshi does their part to make sure the island stays clean and lush.”

Tom, who was riding on a green yoshi similar to Mario, but with a white patch on its eye, joined in on the conversation, “Is the island’s ecosystem important to everyone as well? Even on Earth I have never seen national parks as clean and beautiful as this.”

Mario nodded, “Of course, the island's ecosystem is crucial to everyone who lives here. The yoshi are an integral part of it, and we all work together to maintain the balance and ensure that the island remains beautiful and healthy.”

As they continued their ride, they came across a red yoshi, who playfully jumped over Tails' yoshi. Knuckles lightly tapped the back of the head of his mount, a signal for the yoshi to do something. The red yoshi received the signal and stuck out its long tongue to grab the bandana that Tails was holding. “Grblump!” it exclaimed, swallowing the bandana proudly, signifying its victory in the game.

Sonic and his siblings cheered in excitement, impressed by the red yoshi's skills. After the game, they joined the adults to take a break and relax. They sat down on the soft grass, enjoying the beautiful scenery of Yoshi Island. The sound of the gentle waves hitting the shore, the sweet fragrance of the flowers, and the chirping of the birds created a soothing ambience.

As they rested, Mario explained, “The people of this island have a deep respect for nature and its inhabitants. Planting new trees and flowers every year keeps the island blooming and thriving. They also have a strong connection with the yoshi and treat them as family. That's why the yoshi are so friendly and playful.”

Sonic couldn't help but admire the people of Yoshi Island for their love and dedication towards their environment. The island was not only beautiful but also well-maintained, with no signs of pollution or litter. It was truly a utopia for both humans and animals to coexist in harmony.

Pow! Pow! Pow!

Laser beams from white egg shaped drones were firing at them. They got on their yoshis and raced off. The plan is in motion. Sonic and his siblings were trained for this moment, to protect the island from Robotnik and his drones.

They zigzagged through the forest, dodging the lasers and jumping over obstacles. Their yoshis were swift and agile, making it difficult for the drones to keep up. But just as they thought they were gaining the upper hand, more drones appeared from the sky.

Just when they thought they had the situation under control, more Badniks appeared and included a huge pod descending from the sky. It was Robotnik in his Egg-Pod.

Sonic's siblings panicked, not knowing how to handle the sudden increase in numbers. Mario, on the other hand, remained calm, strategize their next move. “Everyone to the cliffs!”

As they raced towards the cliff Mario gave more instructions, “Tom! Maddie! Stay on your yoshi! Trust them. They know what they're doing. Sonic! Tails! Knuckles! When I say jump, jump off your yoshi and run when you reach the other side of the cliffs.”

The Wachowskis' eyes widened. As they came to the edge of the cliff the yoshi jumped over the canyon. “Jump!”

The three anthropomorphs kids jumped and ran the moment they landed. Sonic turns his head to look for the yoshi. Only to see them fall to their death with his parents.

Sonic closed his eyes and kept running from the Badniks. Mario running with Sonic's speed tapped Sonic's shoulder, “They're not dead. The entire Island is riddled with caves and tunnels. The yoshi jumped into one of those caves.”

Sonic opened his eyes and smiled gratefully.The group ran through the forest and into a clearing where they were met with a huge wall of fire. They skidded to a stop, unsure of what to do. That's when they heard a loud “pow! pow! pow!”

They turned their heads to see laser beams coming from the opposite side of the wall of fire. They quickly realized that they were surrounded on all sides.

Sonic turned to Mario, “What are we going to do now?”

But before Mario could answer, a small green blur came flying in and landed in Robotnik's pod, causing it to stop in its tracks. Robotnik, surprised by the sudden turn of events, quickly grabbed the green cat by the scruff of its neck and looked at its sapphire eyes, “Luigi?”

“Mrrrrrr.”

Robotnix looked at Mario and Sonic. He gave them an understanding nod before he ordered his drones to stop the attack. Robotnix cradled his friend into his lap and headed back to the hideout.

The plan is set and it is up to Luigi to find the Emeralds and Agent Stone. Mario and the three siblings looked around the ruined island. Flowers, brush, and fruit trees were on fire, filling the air with a thick cloud of smoke. Trees were knocked over, and the ground was scorched. The destruction was immense.

“We have to put out these fires,” Mario exclaimed, as he grabbed a bucket of water. The others quickly followed suit, using their powers and abilities to help.

A small group of yoshi had found them with Tom and Maddie still on their mounts. Maddie looked around, “This is horrible.”

As they surveyed the damage, Sonic couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness at the sight of the once beautiful island now filled with smoke and fire. But he also felt grateful to have Mario and the Wazowski family by his side.

They used buckets of water and their powers to put out the fires and restore the island to its former beauty. The yoshi and inhabitants that were living on the island also came out to help, and together they were able to make quick work of the remaining destruction.

💚🔵💚

“Where were you, Robotnik?” Dimentio was displeased with the mad inventor going off without Rookie.

“I went to cause some havoc but a cat adopted me instead.” Robotnik points to Luigi's cat form in his arm, “I must not dishonor the Universal Cat Distribution System at work. This is my new master now.”

“What are you talking about?” Dimentio snarled at Robotnik.

“On Earth, cats are mysterious and powerful creatures,” Robotnix explained with a smirk.

Dimentio crossed his arms, “It's a mangy beast.”

“Sit down for a minute and make yourself comfortable. I will show you the mystery power that cats have.”

The dimension hopping jester snapped his fingers, and a plush, comfortable chair appeared. With a raised eyebrow Dimentio decided to humor Robotnix and took a seat. The moment he sat down Robotnik placed Luigi on his lap. “Why are you placing this beast on my lap?”

“Give it a second,” Robotnik hopes this works and was pleased to see Luigi understanding the assignment. Luigi rubbed his forehead on Dimentio’s harlequin mask, curled up into a ball, and pretended to sleep with loud purrs, “Now try to remove the cat from your lap.”

“Easier done than said!” Dimentio placed his hands on the cat to yank it off of his lap and throw him against the wall. The clown tensed, something strange happened. He couldn't bring himself to do it, “Why? Why does this feel like the most heinous of sins?! A sin even I, Dimentio, should not commit?!”

“Congratulations, Dimentio,” Robotnix said proudly. “You have been chosen as the cat's throne. What an honor you've received.”

Dimentio was stunned. He couldn't believe that an evil genius like Robotnix was able to outsmart him. As Robotnix left to attend to other matters, Dimentio was left alone with Luigi on his lap. Robotnix had to leave before he cracked a smile and gave himself away.

He walked down the hall. He couldn't believe it worked. Just as he was about to turn the corner, he heard footsteps approaching. Quickly, he ducked into another hallway, out of sight. Peeking around the corner, he saw Dimentio's clones carrying caviar, cream, and a ball of yarn towards the direction he came from.

He chuckled to himself. It seemed that Dimentio had fully embraced his role as the cat's throne. With a smile on his face, Robotnix continued down the hall.

He found the room that he wasn't allowed in. He tested the door to see if there was any magic or locks that would prevent him from entering. Only to be surprised that the door opened so easily!

Robotnix reasoned that if he was a superior being that can teleport wherever he needed to go, he too would probably have forgotten how doors work. His eyes widened when he realized that Dimentio’s clones can't teleport. He filed that little tidbit away into the back of his mind for safekeeping before he entered the room.

Inside the room everything was black and defined the laws of physics. Nothing made sense. The only thing that did make sense was the fact that he realized he was in Dimension D, Dimentio’s personal pocket dimension.

He roamed around, searching for Stone. It felt like he was walking for miles, but getting nowhere. He couldn't tell what was up or down in this confusing dimension.

After what seemed like hours of endless walking, Robotnix stumbled upon a small clearing, where he found Stone. He was in a terrible state - He was beaten and bruised, his clothes torn and his hair a mess. Stone’s pants were missing and blood was leaking out between his legs.

A sense of anger and protectiveness filled Robotnix. He ran towards his sidekick to shake him awake, “Stone? Stone? Wake up, Lee!”

“Doctor?” Stone let out a painful moan, and Robotnix realized he was alive. He picked Stone up like a bride and knew he had to get him out of Dimension D before Dimentio returned.

“We need to leave, Lee. Dimentio will be back soon,” Robotnix said urgently.

Stone mutely nodded and Robotnix carried him out of Dimension D, using the same door that he had entered from. Only to be stopped by Dimentio and his clones.

Dimentio was still holding Luigi's cat form, “You had done well to put smart me, Robotnik! I found I could carry the cat! Your betrayal will not go unpunished.” Luigi then jumped off Dimentio's arms, “No, Kitty!”

Luigi looked at Dimentio smugly and transformed into Mr L. Dimentio was stunned. The jesters pulled out mallets and started to swing at Mr L.

Mr L on the other hand grabbed Robotnik back into Dimension D. Dimentio laughed, “You are now in Dimension D, a dimension of my own creation. In this mind-bending realm, my attacks are 256 times more potent!”

“L! Are you insane?” Robotnix yelled at his friend.

Mr L ignored Robotnik and traveled through the up and down, twists and curves. As they ran, the walls and floors constantly changed, making it difficult to find an escape route. But Mr L seemed to know exactly where to go.

They turned a corner and entered a room full of mirrors. Mr L looked through each mirror and found the one he wanted, “Do you have a grenade?”

“Yeah!” Robotnix took out a white egg with a red button and pin. “Pull the pin then push the button.”

“Thanks!” Mr L grabbed the grenade and pushed the two men through the mirror. He then followed the instructions and tossed the explosive to the charging clones before he followed the others through the mirror.

Hands grabbed his collar and yanked him to close proximity of Robotnik's face, “You fuckin asshole… I ought to kick your ass.”

Mr L looked at the pissed off mad man, “What is the problem? We did escape.”

“In space!” Robotnik exclaimed, gesturing to the vast expanse outside the mirrors. Robotnix let go of Mr L, “I'm not going to ask how our blood isn't boiling!”

Mr L's nonchalant expression didn't falter, “Magic.”

“And are we not freezing to death right now?!” Robotnik yelled, his face turning red with anger.

“Magic.” Mr L stated calmly.

“FUCK ARE WE BREATHING RIGHT NOW?!”

“Magic. Look This universe is not the same as Earth.” Mr L waved at the inky black void with twinkling stars, “Even the stars themselves are made of magic and we have planets eight times smaller than Earth’s moon. And before you argue in this place they are planets.”

“Fine….” He floated towards where he left Stone and held him, “So what's the plan?”

“You go and comfort Stone,” Mr L found a milky way and dipped a bottle in it to collect the milk. He then gave the milk to Stone, “Drink this, it will help heal you.”

Mr L turned to leave when Robotnik cried out, “Where the hell are you going now?”

“Calling a friend.”

“Friend? Out here?!”

“Embrace the void and have the courage to exist.” Mr L shouted to the void. “I wish to be a star…. distant and dying. To not live with disappointment you must give up hope.”

Robotnik shook his head, "Unbelievable.”

Stone, who was still recovering from his injury, looked up at Robotnik with watery eyes, “Doctor?” He wrapped his arms around the mad inventor's neck, seeking comfort.

The two men's faces were very close and intimate. Their lips are almost touching. Robotnix had always pushed people away, too focused on his work and his inventions to make any meaningful connections that he never cared for. But here he was, with Agent Stone, his loyal right-hand man, and somehow was curious about the taste of his lips.

Stone, on the other hand, had long harbored a secret crush on Dr. Robotnik, but never had the courage to act on it. However, at this moment, with the soft glow of the stars all around, Stone couldn't resist the temptation any longer. He leaned in to have his lips against Robotnik's.

Their lips were just about to touch when a creepy, childlike giggling filled the air. Startled, both men pulled away from each other.

“It probably can be worse because life has no meaning.” Robotnik looked at the owner of the voice and saw Lumalee float with them with Mr L, “There's no sunshine. Only darkness.”

“You had me at ‘staring at the abyss,’” Mr L joked, “But I think the abyss stares back.”

Lumalee made a happy squeal, “Luigi! Have you embraced the darkness!”

“The abyss and the void have been talking and both agreed that you're awesome and cute.”

Lumalee's smile fell, “Booooooooooo…. You ruined it by making it wholesome, Luigi.”

Mr L chuckled, “Can you send us back to Planet 64?”

“I can do you one better!” Lumalee pulled out a saxophone and started to play a strange lullaby melody.

A strange white and purple castle-like spaceship appears. The Comet Observatory was a legendary artifact that was sent to the cosmos by Princess Rosalina.

The ship was powered by Power Stars and could travel to any part of the universe in a matter of seconds. “Behold, the Comet Observatory!” Lumalee announced, “With this ship, we can travel to any world you desire, even Planet 64!”

{Not so fast Lumalee.} The Cosmos Sorceress herself appeared before Mr L {Seriously, Luigi. Must you always get yourself into messes.}

“Yeah….” Mr L smiled coy while being scolded by one of his best friends, “I'll probably have to do it again too. I need a plan to save Bowser from Dimentio.”

{What am I going to do with you?}

“Mr L?” Robotnix pulled out a pouch and handed them over to Mr L, “There’s five Emeralds in there.”

Mr L looked at Robotnik, “Don't you feel like we are playing a weird game of hot potato…with the Chaos Emeralds?”

Robotnix’s face became red, “OUR HEADS ARE NOT EXPLODING FROM THE VACUUM OF SPACE AND ME SURRENDERING THE CHAOS EMERALDS IS WEIRD!?”

Chapter 11: The Battle of the Concrete Jungle

Summary:

Stone is having issues with his PTSD.

Didn't help that there's trouble at New Donk City.

He suddenly found himself in a dark, empty room. The air was thick with an unsettling tension, and he could hear his own heart pounding in his ears.

Suddenly, he felt something grab at his ankle. Stone tried to kick free but the hands were too strong, scratching and clawing at his flesh. He let out a scream, but no sound escaped his lips. Turning his head, he saw three pairs of hands emerging from the shadows, each one reaching for him.

Panicked, Stone tried to crawl away, but the hands followed him, pulling him back towards the center of the room. He could feel the sharp nails digging into his skin, leaving trails of blood in their wake.

As the hands continued to attack him, Stone couldn't help but wonder why this was happening to him. Was this some kind of punishment?But as the hands grew more aggressive, he could feel himself losing hope.

Stone looked up to see a figure standing in the corner of the room, shrouded in darkness. He can hear the bells from the figure’s hat as the figure slowly approaches him, its long fingers stretching out towards him.

The smile on black and white harlequin mask gets wider.

fingers nearly touching him.

“Gah!” Stone sat up from the bed. Gasping for air as he looks around the unfamiliar room with black walls and silk blankets in a very…. Very large bed.

Stone jumped a little when arms came around his waist, “It's me, Lee.”

“Doctor?” That's right. He is in Castle Koopa with Robotnik and Luigi. Sharing the ridiculously large bed….

“Mama Luigi? Does Mr Stone have the same nightmares as you?”

….with eight koopalings….

“Probably half of my nightmares…” Luigi mumbled half asleep and without an age limit filter, “I don't think he dreams about killing his loved ones without control of his body while smiling like a lunatic, but begging the person controlling him to stop making him swing a mallet to a loved one's head. Repetingly crushing it like an overripe melon.”

The koopalings nodded at themselves before Jr asked another question, “Mama Luigi? Where's the key to the snack cupboard?”

“Jeweled box on your father's desk.” Larry crawled out of bed and found the jeweled box on Bowser's desk. He lifted the key to show his siblings that they now have access to the tasty treasure.

Robotnix, seeing the opportunity, scooted closer to his friend, “Luigi? If we didn't save Stone on time would he have the same scars you do?”

“Yes.” Luigi yawned.

Oddly enough that affirmative short answer was enough to make Robotnik want to kill the clown even more. He saw the scars when they were getting into pajamas before bed. He didn't even question how the ghostly servants of Luigi's knew the size that he and Stone wore.

Junior was not done with his fun, “Which husband do you like more, our dad or the marshmallow?”

“I think I was in love with your dad first. But Boo hit all my kinky buttons so I didn't fight back the night he gave me the Boo Mark.” Luigi curled deeper into the covers, “Somehow I love them both equally.”

“What’s a kinky button?”

“PARENTAL LOCK!”

All of a sudden Luigi's pillow was pulled from under his head and was slammed over his face. King Boo laid his arms over the pillow as Luigi was struggling. He looked at his stepchildren with a smile, “Koopalings shouldn't be asking such adult questions.”

“It's not our fault that Mama Luigi talks like he drank a truth potion when he's half asleep!”

Robotnix tapped on King Boo’s shoulder when he noticed that Luigi wasn't struggling as much, “Humans need air to stay alive.”

“Oh, Luigi!”

Luigi gasped for air when the pillow was removed from his face and raised himself on his elbows. Everyone held their breaths as they watched in anticipation of what Luigi was going to do next. Robotnix's eyes were focused on Luigi. Wondering if he truly is that much of a saint.

“How many of you are awake?” Eleven hands raised. He looked at the clock next to the bed. Three in the morning. “Alright! Koopalings, shells on.”

As the eight koopalings scamper to get their shells back on Luigi walks to the closet and takes out some robes and slippers for Robotnik and Stone. When everyone got ready for the activity that Luigi had planned.

“Let's get snacks from the kitchen. Stone, how are your legs?”

Stone got up and took a few steps, “A little wobbly but I can walk.”

Robotnix wrapped his arm around his waist, “If you get tired or your legs give out let me know.”

While most of the koopas in Bowser's castle were asleep, the castle was still buzzing with activity. Ghosts and boos zipping around dusting, sweeping the floors, scrubbing the obsidian stone walls, and baskets full of towels were being moved. And koopa and goomba guards stood at their station.

Luigi had led the way down to the castle's kitchen, as they entered the kitchen, the smell of freshly baked cookies hit their nostrils, making their mouths water. Luigi's eyes lit up at the sight of a plate full of cookies sitting on the counter. He turned to the others with a sly grin, knowing that this was the perfect opportunity for a little fun.

“Let's play a game,” he said, the tone of his voice telling the others that he was up to no good.

The Koopalings' eyes gleamed with excitement, intrigued by what their step-parent had in mind. “What kind of game?” Iggy, the youngest of the Koopalings, chimed in.

“I will let you have as many cookies as you want, but you're going to steal the cookies from me," Luigi announced, much to the Koopalings' delight.

“But how?” Lemmy, the most playful of the bunch, asked with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

“You can use any trick or tactic you want, but you have to steal a cookie without Luigi catching you,” Robotnix added, a villainous glint in his eyes.

The Koopalings nodded, hatching their own prankish plans to steal a cookie from Luigi. The game began, and the kitchen turned into a chaotic battleground. The gang darted back and forth, trying their best to outsmart each other and snatch a cookie from the plate without getting caught.

The biggest challenge was Luigi's speed and agility. Everytime a koopaling has their claws on a cookie or two that cookie would disappear and be back on the plate.

Robotnix laughed at the sight of the koopalings trying to out maneuver the gentleman thief.

Lemmy had even brought out his circus ball and rolled around the kitchen, trying to get a better angle at the cookies while the others were using their magic to create distractions.

But no matter how hard they tried, Luigi always seemed to be one step ahead. The game went on for a good hour, with everyone having a great time, even Luigi was having a blast.

In the end, the koopalings were left panting and sweating, with none of them being able to steal a cookie from Luigi.

“Well played, piccoli,” Luigi said, a wide grin on his face.

“We almost had him!” Iggy exclaimed, laughing. “Mama Luigi is just too good!”

Luigi placed the cookies in front of the koopalings, “Maybe next time, until then one cookie each.” He then pulled out the key to the snack cupboard, “And I will be making a good new hiding place for this.”

Larry's eyes widened as he patted his shell for the missing key. The koopalings lost their treasure trove, but they each had a smile on their faces as they happily munched on their cookies. In the end, they may have lost the game, but they gained a fun memory with their Mama Luigi.

💚🔵💚

After a light breakfast the koopalings ran off to their lessons with Kammy. Luigi led the other two into Bowser’s office and sat at the desk going through the paperwork.

Robotnix and Stone sat on a couch nearby. When Luigi cleared his throat, “We might want to talk about what happened, Stone.” Luigi put down the papers as he looked at the handsome man, “As someone who shared the same experience as you-”

“I wasn't brainwashed to kill anyone I love, Luigi.” Stone looked at the ghost monarch.

“I was referring to the bearings, whipping, cuts, and rape.” Luigi stood up and walked over to Stone. He kneeled down and took the other's hand, “And the nightmares.”

Stone nodded, tears forming in his eyes. “I can't stop thinking about it. The nightmares...they're so vivid. I can't escape them.” Stone took a deep breath and wiped away his tears. “It's hard to shake off the feeling of shame and guilt. I should have been stronger.”

Robotnix’s eyes was red with anger, “I’ll kill him!”

Luigi looked at the mad inventor, “Revenge will not bring Stone peace. It will only bring more pain and anger.” Luigi looks back on Stone, “The best form of revenge is to move on and live your life fully, not letting Dimentio's actions control you.”

“EASIER SAID THAN DONE WHEN THE FUCKER CAN BRAINWASH YOU! FUCKER HAS YOUR HUSBAND AS WELL, LUIGI!” The inventor looks down at the ground. “Sorry I raised my voice, but didn't mean to….”

Luigi placed a hand on his knee, “I know. And leave Bowser to me! I will get him back.”

Stone broke down in tears as Luigi hugged him, finally feeling comforted and supported by his friends. Robotnix looked on, feeling a sense of guilt for not being there for Stone when he needed him most. He vowed to be a better friend and support him in the future.

As the three of them sat there, Luigi comforted Stone and Robotnix listened, they knew that it would take time for Stone to heal from the trauma he had experienced. But they were determined to help him through it and show him that he was loved and supported.

“Go back to the room and rest up some. I’ll send someone to check up on you.”

“Yes, thank you.” Stone nodded before walking out of the room, his posture heavy and his steps uncertain.

Robotnix watched his sidekick go, his eyes filled with worry. “He’s not the same as before,” the inventor muttered. “He used to be so confident and strong. Now, he’s just a shadow of himself.”

Luigi nodded in agreement as he continued to sort through the papers. “Dimentio broke him in ways we cannot fully comprehend. It will take time for him to recover, if ever.”

“I should have been there to protect him,” Robotnix said, his voice filled with regret.

“Dimentio is a master manipulator and he has been playing this game for a long time. We all fell for it in some way.”

Robotnix noda, but not completely convinced.“I will do whatever it takes to make it up to him.”

“We all will,” Luigi said firmly. “But for now, let’s focus on finding Bowser and stopping Dimentio. That’s the best way we can help Stone.”

Robotnix nodded, feeling a sense of determination and purpose. They may not be able to undo the damage that Dimentio has caused, but they can make sure that he doesn’t hurt anyone else. And that was a start.

💚🔵💚

Stone shot up from the bed from another nightmare, “Sh-shit! Wh-when will th-that clown ever stop plaguing my mind?”

The sound of a knock on his door startled him, and he quickly wiped away his tears before answering. To his surprise, it was Robotnix standing there with a tray of food. Robotnix smiled as he entered the room. Stone blinked in surprise, not expecting the inventor to come to visit him.

“Hey, I thought you might be hung-” Robotnik stopped when he saw Stone's red eyes, “Another nightmare?”

“I-I'm sorry. I-i-it's nothing. I just…some dreams are just so real. I-I can't shake off the feelings.”

Robotnix places the tray down, “What can I do to help you?”

“You can't-” Stone’s eyes widened and looked at Robotnik.

They are alone. Granted this is Bowser's room, but Bowser is missing and Luigi is taken over the Royal Duties to keep the Darklands going. With every bit of courage he had left, “K-kiss me?”

“Stone don't th-”

“Kiss me! Make me forget.” Stone grabbed Robotnik’s shirt and moved closer, “Please?” His eyes welled up with tears again.

Robotnik's expression softened, and he leaned down to kiss Stone gently on the lips. Stone closed his eyes and let out a sigh of relief. For the first time in weeks, he felt safe and loved.

Robotnik pulled back and looked at Stone with concern. Stone smiled weakly, “Th-thank you. I-I needed that.”

“You are welcome anytime, Stone. I'll always be here for you.” Robotnik stroked Stone's cheek, “Now, let's eat. I got some weird fruit from this planet.”

Stone smiled and wiped away his tears, “Thank you, Doctor. You are a true friend.”

Stone found himself wanting to be closer to Robotnik, to feel his touch and his warmth. But he didn't want to ruin their friendship. He was afraid that if he admitted his feelings, it would change everything between them. So he stayed quiet, burying his feelings deep inside.

For once the word ‘friend’ put a painful prick into Robotnik’s heart and a punch to his gut. There was a yearning that he couldn't understand.

They ate in silence, both lost in their thoughts. But as they finished their strange fruit and made their way back to Luigi's office, something changed.

Robotnik couldn't shake off the feeling that he was meant to protect Stone, to keep him safe and happy. And Stone couldn't deny that the warmth he felt in his chest whenever Robotnik was near became stronger.

As they entered the office, they found Luigi sitting at his desk, looking exhausted. He looked up at them with a tired smile, “Oh, you're back. I just got a report that Bowser was spotted at Metro Kingdom.” Luigi looked at Robotnik, “I think you'll like it since it's the only kingdom that's made to look like Earth.”

“Was Dimentio with him?”

Stone looked at Robotnik with concern, “Be careful, Doctor. Dimentio is not to be underestimated.”

Robotnik patted Stone's shoulder, “Don't worry, Agent Stone. I have a plan.”

Luigi sat back in his chair, “Let's hear it.”

💚🔵💚

“Why are we here?” Robotnix asked as they entered an Italian restaurant at the edge of New Donk City.

“It’s tradition-” Luigi said before Mama Mario grabbed him by the shirt and dragged him to a back room that's most likely the kitchen.

Robotnix and Agent Stone looked at each other. Robotnix recognized one of Luigi's uncles and walked up to him, “What was that about?”

Uncle Tony smiled as he chewed on his spaghetti. After swallowing he chuckled, “Mama Mario… Most likely wants Luigi to transform into Luigina.”

His smile dropped and looked at the door that the two went in through, “Honestly. I think she had PTSD from seeing her daughter killed by that clown in front of her.” He then looked at his own daughter and ran his fingers through her hair.

His daughter looked at the kitchen door with sadness in her eyes, “That night was bad.”

Mama Mario and Luigina came out, “Sorry I made you come out, mia cara figlia. I just had to be sure.”

“It's alright, Mama. Luckily because of my reputation as the Ghostly Queen nobody questioned how I'm still alive.” Princess Luigina La Funebre of Kingdom Nethermourn was wearing a green dress suit that showed off her silhouette.

She sat down at the large table that's always reserved for family members, “How are you Uncle Tony, Aunt Marie, Squirt?”

The family smiled and cooed over Luigina. Robotnix and Agent Stone sat down at the table, still confused by the situation. Luigina leaned over to Robotnix, “Don’t worry, they’re just a little eccentric. It’s a family thing.”

As they began to eat, Luigina proceeded to tell her family about her latest mission. Robotnix pulled out a device that he and Luigi worked painfully on. “If this succeeds, we can free Bowser from Dimentio’s mind control.”

Mama Mario clapped her hands, “That’s my girl! Always so brave.” Luigina smiled at her mother’s praise.

“It was Robotnik’s idea.” Luigina corrected.

“A brilliant idea.” Robotnix added, “We just need to get close to him.”

“We have lakitus and parakoopas give us eyes in the sky,” Luigina took a sip of her coffee, “But it’ll still be a needle in a haystack situation.”

“Well, I’m sure we can figure something out.” Mama Mario took a tomato from her antipasto with her fork.

Uncle Tony gave a sly smile, “We have friends in high places.” Aunt Maria looked at him with a raised eyebrow. He cleared his throat, “I ment Mayor Paulina and the Kongs.”

“Wouldn't hurt to have more muscles to assist,” Luigina took another sip of her coffee.

And as if they were summoned by some powerful magic the Metro Kingdom Royals entered, “What's this about more muscles?” DK flexed his biceps and made his chest dance as he hoos and grunts.

Mayor Paulina patted her husband’s arm, “Calm down, big guy.”

DK walked up to Papa Mario who just finished boxing a pizza and handed it to a human teen, “Delivery to Rambi Rhino at the Super Mini-Mario World Amusement Park.” The teen smiled at their boss and headed out with a jet powered skateboard.

Papa Mario smirks at the Kong, “How much do you want to bet the kid comes back with a Mini Toy for their collection?”

“Anything new on the menu?” DK asked.

“Not since the last time you asked me a week ago?” Papa M laughed.

Luigina raised an eyebrow, “If you give in to the Italian taboo of adding pineapple to the pizza-”

“I disown you, Luigina! You have lost your Italian privileges!” Papa M said half jokingly.

Mama M made a thoughtful hum, “One fourth of Metro are Kongs and half of the population is New Donkers, Papa.”

“I will not soil the secrecy of true Italian pizza with pineapple!”

Robotnix shuges, “Not big fan of pineapple on pizza myself, I prefer ketc-”

Luigina and Stone covered Robotnix’s mouth, “BRUSCHETTA, You say? Mama makes the best bruschetta?”

“What a wonderful palette you have, Doctor! But Bruschetta isn't a pizza, Silly!”

Luigina whispered into Robotnik's ear, “If you value a life and never mention ketchup on pizza… or pasta… Scratch that. Ketchup doesn't exist.”

Stone took his turn and whispered in his other ear, “I know it does not mean anything to you, Sir. But I studied latte pouring at Milan's Istituto del Caffè in Italy for an entire year. Ketchup on pizza is an insult to Italians.”

Robotnix pulled their hands from his face, “Got it. Got it.”

DK with his superior hearing chuckled, “Humans are weird.”

“I heard that!” Papa M shouted from the kitchen.

Stone looked at Luigina, “I am impressed by how brave you are about suggesting pineapple though.”

“I figured I should take advantage of them watching me die and being their ‘long lost daughter’ to suggest it. Kongs are omnivorous species similar to apes and monkeys with a passion for fruit. Pineapple would bring in more customers.”

Robotnix raised his eyebrow, “Your mother did mention the New Donkers? What are New Donkers?”

A male human that's 10 feet tall got in the restaurant and ordered some coffee to go. After Papa M gives the New Donker his coffee, the giant tips his gray fedora and heads out.

Robotnix looked at Luigina Who smiled as she explained, “When humans built New Donk City our population was not that great. But Kongs that were attracted to the new city also moved in. Let say four decades was more than enough for a new species to form between Kongs and humans.”

“So… New Donkers are the product of Kongs and humans breeding?” Stone asked.

Tony’s daughter sneered at the adults, “New Donkers inherent human’s thrive, curiosity, and ability to adapt in varied environments. While also inherent Kongs’ strength, creativity, and resourcefulness.”

“Yes. And New Donk City has its own language, culture, and history. That's why Mama owns this restaurant. There's a demand for traditional food and coffee to remind our customers of Earth.” Luigina explained.

Uncle Tony smiled, “Most of the humans that's from Earth were from Brooklyn. And back in the day Brooklyn was filled with immigrant families. Like the Irish, French, Puerto Ricans, Germans-”

“Italians?” Stone smiled at the expressive man.

“Yes!” Mama Mario laughed.

Stone smiled and replied, “It’s amazing. I never knew there was so much history and diversity here. And the food is out of this world.”

Uncle Tony patted Stone on the back, “That’s what we want people to see. New Donk City is not just about the Kongs and humans. It’s a melting pot of cultures and traditions, and we embrace it.”

Mayor Paulina crossed her arms, “You would think that two violent species mixing would create an even more violent species, but New Donkers are extremely peaceful.”

“The concept of racism is new in our world,” DK grunts, “Not saying that we never had problems with other species. But most issues with another species usually goes down to the leaders or resources that another had. Never about a person's culture or looks. The concept was very foreign to us.”

Stone nodded in understanding, “I can see that. It must be nice to live in a world without such prejudices and discrimination.”

Luigina nodded, “Yes. We may not be perfect, but we strive towards acceptance and understanding. And that’s what makes New Donk City such a special place.”

Mayor Paulina smiled, “We’re proud to have such a diverse and accepting community. And it’s all thanks to the Kongs and humans coming together.”

Uncle Tony leaned in and whispered to Stone, “Plus, the food is always a great way to bring people together.”

💚🔵💚

“Luigina! Wait!” The group tuned as they were exiting the restaurant. And saw the little cousin running their way.

“Cugina? What's up?”

Her cousin pulled her aside and whispered, “Luigi Fan Club Member number 7, Codename Lucky.”

Luigina smiled, “Don't let Mario find out.”

Little Cousin clapped her hands and handed Luigina a piece of paper, “Meeting in two hours at this address. Koot will be there with some trustworthy members.”

“Koot is leading this meeting?”

Little Cousin nods, “Can't go because my parents will freak. I mean, I might look like a teenager, but if I was still on Earth I would be an old lady by now.”

“The food in this Dimension did a number on our longevity that's for sure.” Luigina smiled, “I will be there.”

“Come as Luigi.” Little Cousin ran back into the restaurant.

Luigina rejoins the group, “Sorry for the wait. Cugina wanted to talk to me about something private.”

DK nods, “Okay, let's go.” He picked up his wife and set her on his shoulder, “Comfortable, Paulina?”

The mayor of New Donk City smiled at her husband, “When have I ever been uncomfortable on your shoulder?” They chuckled and the group walked to the address from her cugina.

They entered the home of Paulina and the second home of DK to discuss the plan to capture Bowser and to undo Dimentio's brainwashing.

“With this device we could free Browser from Dimentio's control. The only problem is doing it without hurting Bowser or putting everyone else at risk.” Luigina told the Prince of Kongs. “We’ll also need someone to keep Bowser under control, and someone to operate the device.”

Robotnix raised his two fingers, “We already have someone to operate the device, but someone with the strength to keep Bowser still is another issue.”

“Also we don't want Dimentio to interfere if he's nearby.” Stone added. “Of course, we'd have to be quick and efficient. The longer we take, the more time Dimentio will have to make things go wrong for us.”

“Hmm, that's true. We can't risk this mission going wrong.” DK said, deep in thought.

Luigina suggested, “We could try and distract Dimentio while we go to save Bowser. We don't have to do it at the same time.”

“You think we should split up the group?” Paulina asked, a bit concerned.

“It would be the safest option. We can use all our connections to try and find out where Dimentio is hiding, and then work together when the time is right.” DK answered.

“Then I’ll recruit Mr L to tackle the Dimentio situation. We’ll find out where he’s hiding, and plan a way to distract or attack him.” Luigina said as she got up. “In fact I should go and meet him now.”

“Ok, but we should probably start recruiting our team.” Robotnix said. “We’ll need someone strong enough to keep Bowser from fighting back the device. Right?”

“That's true.” Stone confirmed. “But who could possibly do that job?”

They thought for a moment before Paulina spoke up, “I know just the person.” She looks at her husband, “DK? You're strong enough to pin Bowser down, right?”

DK thought about it, and nodding his head, confirmed. “Of course. I've always been able to hold my own against him. I'll keep him in place while the device does its work.”

“Good good.” Robotnix dismissed. “Then it's settled. Luigina will go deal with Dimentio, while we get together a team to save Bowser.”

Paulina got up, “I’ll leave you three to your brainstorming. I got to amp up the security of the city and do crowd control.”

“I’ll contact Mr L, hoping you guys have your team planned by the time I get back.” Luigina said as she left as well.

“I guess that leaves us to get our team together then.” DK started, as Robotnix and Stone both nodded their heads. “Alright then, let’s get started.”

💚🔵💚

As he entered the apartment, Luigi spotted Koot sitting at a table with some familiar faces. Toast, Blooey, Jerry, Torque, Hayzee and Koot smiled and waved him over.

“Luigi! So glad you could make it,” Koot exclaimed as he approached the table.

Luigi greeted the other members and took a seat next to Koot. They began discussing their plans to spread the word about the Luigi Fan Club and recruit more members.

“Now in a normal Luigi Fan Club Meeting, we would like to show the world that Luigi is just as important and capable as Mario,” Koot said passionately. “But today is different!”

“We are all Members that know Luigi's identity as Mr L. And wish to help get revenge on Dimentio.” Blooey slapped a tentacle on the table.

Hayzee made an affirmative nod, “Dimentio has done enough to our world, TO OUR LUIGI!”

“And as members of the Luigi Fan Club, it is our duty to protect and defend Luigi at all costs,” Toast added.

“But how do we even begin to take on someone as powerful as Dimentio?” Torque asked, deep in thought.

“We must gather all of our resources and come up with a plan,” Koot replied. “That is why we are here, in this particular meeting.”

“The only plan I have is to distract Dimentio as Mr L.” Luigi said, “Sadly that's not really a real plan.”

“We must think outside the box, my friends,”Old Koopa Koot said, tapping his chin. “Dimentio may be powerful, but he is not invincible.”

“Perhaps we can find a way to weaken him or limit his powers,” Jerry suggested.

“We must be careful though,” Hayzee warned. “Dimentio is cunning and he may try to manipulate us.”

“We can't let fear hold us back,” Torque said firmly. “We must be brave for Luigi and for our cause.”

“We also have to make sure that he's nowhere near Bowser when Robotnik is removing Dimentio's control over him.” Luigi stared.

“But that means we can't waste time.”

The group continued to brainstorm and come up with various ideas and strategies. They discussed ways to gather more information about Dimentio and his plans, and also how to protect Luigi during their mission.

After several hours of intense discussion, they finally came up with a plan that seemed feasible. It involved using their individual strengths and abilities to distract Dimentio while a smaller group snuck into his base to gather information and possibly weaken him.

Everyone agreed that it was a risky plan, but they were determined to do whatever it takes to protect Luigi and defeat Dimentio.

As they were about to wrap up the meeting, Koot brought out a large map and spread it out on the table. He pointed to various locations and landmarks, explaining their significance in their plan.

Everyone was impressed with Koot’s attention to detail and they were all eager to put the plan into action. They made a list of tasks and assignments, and set a date for their mission.

As the meeting came to an end, everyone stood up and gathered around Luigi, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“We are all with you, Luigi,” Toast said with a determined look. “We will make sure that Dimentio never threatens you or our world again.”

💚🔵💚

New Donk City was known for its bustling streets, towering skyscrapers, and lively atmosphere. It was a city filled with energy and excitement, with new adventures waiting around every corner. However, on this particular day, the peacefulness of the city was disrupted by parakoopas being led by Mr L.

They flew between skyscrapers with great skills and form. The citizens of New Donk City watched the sky in awe and fear, unsure of what was happening.

General Blue Shell looked down and saw a bit of flames that were shooting out like a flamethrower,

“Mr L! I think I found His Majesty!”General Blue Shell yelled out.

Mr L smiled and signaled for the parakoopas to follow him. Together, they flew towards the source of the flames. As they descended towards the ground, they saw a figure standing in the middle of the street, surrounded by a whirlwind of dark energy. It was Dimentio.

Mr L signals the parakoopas to keep looking for Bowser while he deals with the demented clown.

As the parakoopas fly off, Mr L charges towards Dimentio, ready for a battle. Dimentio cackles, “Ah, Mr L. I have been waiting for this moment. You and I, alone at last. Are you ready to face me?”

Mr L didn't even respond. He just conjured a mallet and swung it at Dimentio. Mr L was nearly tricked when he noticed that he aimed at an illusion.

The real Dimentio appeared behind him and whispered, “The wings are new, you look like a fallen god of chaos.”

Mr L spun with his mallet changed into a sword. Dimentio dodged while laughing. They danced around each other, their weapons clashing in the air.

The people of New Donk City watched from a safe distance, cheering on Mr L, their hero. They had heard of his reputation as a fearsome opponent, but they had never seen him in action until now. He moved with grace and precision.

Dimentio, on the other hand, used his dark magic to create illusions and deceive Mr L. They were evenly matched, each one trying to gain the upper hand. They fought for what seemed like hours, but in reality, it had only been a few minutes.

But at the last moment, Dimentio disappeared and reappeared behind Mr L. He was about to strike when a loud roar echoed through the streets. Everyone turned to see Bowser, wearing a blue mask and with toxic green colored eyes, charging towards them.

“Boss!” Bowser lunged his claws at Mr L, protecting the enemy that brainwashed him.

Mr L was taken by surprise, but he quickly regained his composure and fought back. The two clashed fiercely, their powers equally matched.

Mr L sent a green lightning bolt towards Dimentio. The electricity stunned him enough for Mr L to make his move.

With speed and flexibility, Mr L did a handspring and wrapped his legs around Bowser's head. Mr L straightened himself up and pulled Bowser's horns under the mask, “Not sure if you know who I am, but I recently married the Koopa King and rule the Darklands.”

Bowser’s eyes turned red for a second before turning back to green, “Get your dick out of my face before I bite it off.”

“Kinky, Bowser.” Mr L unwrapped his legs from the giant Koopa before flying out of reach.

“My name's Rookie!” Bowser blew some flames at Mr L’s way when suddenly a bit of brown fur tackled the Koopalings King.

“Stick with the plan!” DK yelled at Mr L.

“Thanks! I’ll leave that to you, Your Highness.” Mr L flew towards Dimentio only for him to disappear again.

“Looking for me, Mr L?” Dimentio appeared behind him using his magic.

Mr L did a back kick on the evil jester, “I will free Bowser from your control, Dimentio.”

Dimentio smirked, unfazed by Mr L's threat. “Oh really? And what makes you think you can defeat me, little hero?” he taunted.

Mr L flew at him with full force, swinging his sword at Dimentio. The villain easily dodged and countered with a blast of dark energy, but Mr L was quick to block it with his lightning.

“You underestimate me,” Mr L growled. “I may be a hero now, but you once made me a fearsome villain. And trust me, I know all your tricks.”

Dimentio's smirk faded as he realized the truth in Mr L's words. The two continued to battle in a flurry of swords, magic, and acrobatics. Each one trying to gain the upper hand and outsmart the other.

As the fight raged on, Bowser and DK were holding their own against each other. “Stop fighting, Bowser!”

Bowser flung DK over his shoulder, “Why is everyone calling me that? My Name Is ROOKIE!” Bowser blew some fire breath at the Kong Prince.

Using his agility and quick reflexes, DK managed to avoid the flames and countered with a powerful punch to Bowser’s nose. The impact seemed to snap Bowser out of his brainwashed state, and he reverted to his normal self.

“What happened?” Bowser rubbed his head, his eyes turning red once again.

DK smiled, “You were under Dimentio’s control, but I think I snapped you out of it.”

Bowser shook his head, his eyes turning green again, “How dare you smudge Boss’ name!”

Robotnix and Stone run up to the frey, “Hold him still, you stupid ape!”

Donkey Kong sneered at Robotnik, “Who are you calling a stupid ape, Egghead?” With a fierce roar, he tackled the brainwashed Bowser, determined to protect his friend.

Meanwhile, Stone had pulled out the anti-brainwash device from his coat. He handed it to Robotnik, who turned it on. “I need to get close to Bowser to free him!” he shouted over the chaos.

But with Donkey Kong struggling to hold Bowser down, it was easier said than done. The two powerful creatures rolled and tumbled, causing destruction in their wake.

As Robotnik tried to get closer, he was hit by a stray fireball from Bowser, causing the anti-brainwash device to fly out of his hands and land at Dimentio's feet.

The mad clown picked it up with a twisted smile on his face. “Looks like your little plan is going to fail, Lil’ Ivo,” Dimentio cackled, stepping closer to Robotnik who was trying to crawl away. “I’m going to make sure you never interfere with my plans again.”

But just as Dimentio raised the anti-brainwash device to destroy it, Mr L appeared out of nowhere and hit the clown with a lightning bolt, causing him to drop the device.

“You’re not going to get away with this, Dimentio,” Mr L said, facing his long-time nemesis. “I won’t let you control my friends and destroy this city.”

Dimentio chuckled, “Oh please, Mr L. You’re no match for me.” And with a snap of his fingers, he disappeared, leaving behind a shower of colorful confetti.

But Mr L was not fooled, he knew Dimentio was still nearby, waiting for the right moment to strike. He quickly grabbed the anti-brainwash device and tossed it to Robotnik.

“We have to reverse the brainwash, quick!” Mr L shouted, “Before he-” The sky turned dark as the clown's laughter filled the air. “Returns…”

Magical Flower Shaped Spheres started to fall like meteorites towards the group and hitting nearby buildings. Mr L used his mallet to hit the Spheres.

Donkey Kong had finally managed to knock Bowser unconscious. Stone yanks the mask off Bowser's head so that Robotnik can place the device on the Koopa’s temple next to his horn.

A bright light emitted from the device, engulfing Bowser and causing him to roar in pain. But after a few moments, the light faded and Bowser fell to the ground, his eyes returning to their normal color. He looked around, confused and disoriented.

“What happened?” Bowser asked, rubbing his head.

“NO TIME!” Mr L shouted as Dimentio and three clones reappeared. “We have to-” But before he could finish his sentence, Dimentio shot a beam of energy at the group, sending them flying.

Bowser quickly got to his feet and charged towards Dimentio, but the clown easily dodged his attacks and retaliated with a blast of magic.

“This is getting out of hand,” Robotnik exclaimed as he tried to reprogram the device into a shield. “I need more time!”

“We’ll hold him off,” Mr L said, as he and the others fought against Dimentio and his clones. But it was clear they were outnumbered and outmatched.

A torpedo hit a clone, Blooey changed course and flew the clone up in the air and then dive bombed the clone back to the ground. The clone hit the asphalt so hard that the street cracked.

Blooey waved a tentacle, “Sorry for being late, but finding you guys was difficult.”

Jerry, the red bob-omb, jumped at another clone and exploded, “Yeah! Who would have thought that New Donkers would run ya over if you’re running against the mob?”

Torque ran up to Robotnik and Stone, “You guys need help with that?”

“NOTHING THAT A TURTLE BEETLE CAN HELP WITH!” Robotnik snaps at Torque.

“Oh, I'm sorry! I thought you were turning an anti-brainwashing device into a portable force field. I guess I am wrong, since I'm the only turtle beetle with a wrench sticking out of their back.”

Robotnix was reminded that he wasn't on Earth and humbly apologized, “Please forgive me for snapping?”

“Forgiven! Now let me see how I can help.”

Vines came out of the ground as the third clone was about to attack the unexpected engineering geniuses. Hayzee popped out of the ground and waved at his friend, “How much longer do you need, Torque?”

“I just need to connect these wires and...done!” Torque cheered as the device was now a portable force field.

“Great job, buddy!” Hayzee exclaimed as he high-fived Torque.

Robotnix took a hold of the strange koopa by the foot like a handshake, “Thank you for your help. I hope we can work again in the future.”

Meanwhile, the group was still struggling to hold their own against Dimentio and his clones. But the arrival of Blooey, Jerry, and Hayzee had given them some much needed reinforcements.

Mr L shouted, “You guys take care of the clones! Bowser and I can take care of the real deal.”

“Got it!” Hayzee said to Mr L.

He whipped a nearby clone with his vines. Jerry simply exploded in another clone's face. Blooey tackled a one that was too close to Robotnik, Stone, and Torque.

Robotnik quickly puts on the force field pack as Stone inhales a deep breath. He prepared himself to do what he does best.

“Magnificent!” Dimentio exclaimed, glaring at them. “But let us see if it can truly withstand MY MAGIC!”

He made a dramatic wave with his hands as he summoned an array of rainbow-colored chaos energy. He fires it towards Stone, but no matter how strong Dimentio's chaos energy was, it bounced off the force field.

Mr L flew behind the jester villain and swung his mallet at the smiley mask. But Dimentio quickly performed a backflip as he evaded the attack. “Missed!” Dimentio exclaimed. “Now you're fun again, Luigi!”

Mr L paused hoping that DK didn't hear the harlequin jester calling him by his real name. Mr L took a quick glance at the Kong Prince. DK either didn't care or was too distracted by something in the sky.

Mr L saw a bit of blue zipping between the skyscrapers in impressive speeds, “BLUE SHELLLLLL!”

The winged blue shell hit Dimentio in the gut. General Blue Shell popped out to land another blow on the man that tormented his King and monarch. The rest of the parakoopas landed to give Mr L and the others more reinforcement.

Dimentio, who was momentarily stunned by Blue Shell, recovered quickly and shook his head. “You dare to challenge ME, General Blue Shell?”he hissed. “Fools! All of you!”

“This is our chance, Stone!” Robotnik exclaimed, using the distraction to his advantage. “Power up the force field and let's get out of here!”

Stone nodded, increasing the power of the force field until it was strong enough to protect them all. The chaos energy and attacks from Dimentio couldn't penetrate it.

“Looks like we'll have to retreat,” Dimentio said, seeing that he was outnumbered and outmatched.

But before he could teleport away Mr L swung his sword at his nemesis. He misses as Dimentio suddenly disappears, leaving only an afterimage. Mr L grunted in frustration. He would get his revenge soon enough.

“Now that the immediate threat is over, I suggest we regroup and figure out our next move,” Stone said, looking around at the damaged city.

Everyone nods in agreement as they regroup back to the Darklands.

💚🔵💚

Luigi passed out with a satisfied smile on his face. King Boo cuddles with his husband while looking at his lover, “Damn, Bowser. Going a little rougher than usual?”

The Koopa King got out of bed, “Can you take care of Luigi's aftercare for me? I'm still not fully myself.”

“Of course! Luigi's my husband as well.” King Boo smiled lovingly at his lover, “I'm glad you're back with us.”

With a nod Bowser left the bedroom and walked the halls. He observed the statues, tapestries, and paintings of him. One particular painting stood out as there was a clock over it.

It was a painting of him, eight koopalings, and Luigina on his lap holding the koopaling that looks the most like him. The clock struck the hour and the painting changed by magic. The painting was the same with the exception that Luigina turned to Luigi.

The Koopa King looked at the painting with intrigue and curiosity before a small tiny voice took his attention away, “Papa?”

The tiny version of himself looked up to the giant koopa. But somehow he knew what to say, “It's late Junior. Shouldn't you be in bed?”

“I just wanted to see if you're really back.” The Koopa Prince yawned before returning to his chambers, “Love you, Papa.”

“Love you more.”

The Koopa was led by pure muscle memory to a large bathroom that had a pool size bath. He looked at himself in a nearby mirror and saw one eye red and the other green. “Boss… no…Dimentio…. lied to me!”

The reflection answered, “About time you figured that out, Rookie.”

Rookie jumped back from the mirror, “What the?”

“You can probably guess already, but I'm King Bowser! Ruler of the Koopas of the Darklands!” Bowser looked at Rookie through the mirror, “I should be pissed at how roughly you handled my husband. But you satisfied my little pain slut and got out before King Boo noticed.”

“What now?” Rookie asked his reflection.

Bowser raised an eyebrow, “Well, now that you know that you were kidnapped by Dimentio, what do you want?”

“Revenge….”

“NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!” Bowser shouted. “Luckily for us your shity acting didn't fool anyone. Right, Robotnik?”

Robotnix steps up from his hiding place. He has been following Bowser since they returned from New Donk City. He noticed that Bowser’s eyes kept changing from green to red and sometimes one red and one green.

In one hand was the blue mask for Rookie and in the other the Double Cherry Powerup for Bowser. He looked at Rookie as he handed him the items.

He then looked at the mirror and smiled at the Koopa King, “Magic is weird.”

Chapter 12: Treacherous Museum

Summary:

Luigi and the others look for information about Dimentio, but end up having fun instead.

Robotnix worked on the safe that guards the Emeralds. Now that Stone and him were healed and well rested, it was time to get back to taking over the dimensions. At least that's what he's been telling himself.

The masked face of that fuckin clown couldn't stay out of his head. Even though Luigi told him revenge wasn't the answer, but the thoughts of Stone’s naked body nearly broken and the scars that Luigi can't heal gave Robotnik new purpose.

First the Emeralds, then the head of Dimentio.

Stone wasn't too thrilled about betraying Luigi. The man went through a lot to make sure that the two were comfortable and well taken care of. But Stone will always choose Robotnik over Luigi any day. Regardless of how kind the sharp dressed man was.

“Wow! Really, Robotnik?” Robotnix looked up and noticed Sonic sitting lazily on the safe, “I could understand you stealing from me, but stealing from your new BFF? Shame…”

“Are you here to stop me?” Robotnix glared at the heroic hedgehog.

“Nope! Luigi told me not to interfere with the ongoing activities of Bowser’s castle.” The teen kicks his feet as if bored, “Considering how they're letting you get away with murder as long as it's not the Koopalings I think this is one of those times.”

Robotnix rolled his eyes, “I don’t have time for your ridiculous comments, Sonic. I have work to do.” He went back to tinkering with the safe, trying to figure out the right combination to open it.

Sonic chuckled, “Looks like you’re struggling there, Robotnik. Need some help?”

Robotnix ignored Sonic’s offer and continued to work. He was determined to get his hands on the Chaos Emeralds, no matter what it took. The safe doesn't have normal Earth numerals, but symbols with different colors.

Robotnix had to use his advanced technology to decipher the code. But just as he was about to input the final sequence, the safe suddenly gave out a loud alarm.

“Looks like someone finally noticed you sneaking around.” Sonic smirked.

Robotnix cursed under his breath and quickly closed the safe with the Emeralds in his hands. He turned around to see Agent Stone, Sonic, and him surrounded by Bowser, Luigi, and King Boo.

And spears….

Lots of spears….

King Bowser grunts, “You know you could have asked?”

King Boo chitterly laughed, “Not that it would be wise since Dimentio is still out there.”

Luigi didn't say anything, but gave Robotnik a disappointed look that oddly enough made the evil inventor’s heart sick. That looks scares him more than the armed koopas aiming their weapons at him.

Luigi walked between the koopa troopas and put a hand on Robotnik’s shoulder, “Talk to us. I know this truce is unnerving, but we need to work together.”

Talk to him? Would this Saint of a man truly understand? Bowser and Boo would definitely understand him as they were exvillians. But would Luigi understand the desire to destroy that demented rapist?

Robotnik shook his head, “I can’t tell you. It’s too dangerous.”

Bowser stepped forward, his voice stern, “We can handle danger. We’ve faced it plenty of times before.”

Robotnix looks at Bowser than King Boo, “Luigi wouldn't understand-”

“Do you want revenge? Stone is safe here!” Bowser wrapped a protective arm around Luigi, “Luigi is safe here… You are safe here…”

Luigi gave Robotnik a sympathetic look, “I understand you don't want to talk. But keeping it bottled up will only eat away at you. We’re here for you, Robotnik. We’re on your side.”

“He raped Stone. And he raped you!” Robotnix sneered at his allies, “I can make a powerful energy weapon and aim it straight to the dimension hopping jester's head!”

King Boo’s eyes narrowed in thought. Being the wild card that he is, he grabbed Robotnik and Stone and with his ghost-like powers created a portal to another kingdom. Boo smiled at his lovers as the portal swallowed him, Robotnik, and Stone.

Luigi, Sonic, and Bowser watched wide-eyed as the portal closed, “What are we going to do now?” Bowser looked at Luigi.

“Trust in Boo, I guess.”

Bowser looked at his husband wide eyed, “You do realize this is Boo we’re talking about, right?”

💚🔵💚

Boo and the other two made it to a tower. Robotnix looked around and saw a large energy cannon. “What the fuck is this?”

“Before you showed up and started causing trouble, my husband was fighting a corrupt king that was planning to use the… Shadow Jem, a family heirloom of mine… to destroy the other kingdoms.”

Robotnix looked at the energy cannon, “Luigi stopped this thing?”

“Oh no no no! He prevented it from being used by stealing the Jewel before it was even activated.”

Stone looked out the tower window and saw a beautiful ray of dark colors of purple, blues, and blacks, “Where is this place?”

“The Kingdom of Nightshade!” Boo waves his a
hand towards the rest of the castle and its nearby town. Before the political corruption in this kingdom, this used to be a place to study medicine and healing magic. Sadly the tradition is long gone. The Royal Twins are working hard to fix their father’s… corruption.”

Stone looked at the buildings in the nearby town. They were all run-down. “What happened?”

“King Hemlock was a greedy bastard that over taxed the poor and gave tax cuts to the wealthy. On the side he was doing shady dealing like slave trafficking, experimenting on prisoners, and other things. Luigi and his friends even stopped one of his trafficking rings before Luigi, Bowser, and I killed the fucker.”

Robotnix wasn't interested in hearing more of his friend’s heroic deeds that would never be properly credited to the green clade man. He looked at King Boo, “Will this cannon be enough to kill Dimentio?”

“Yes.” King Boo took off his crown and pulled the Shadow Jem out, “If you miss… You might end up destroying half of the planet.”

Robotnix looked at the Shadow Jem and turned towards that cannon. The ultimate weapon. Right under their noses and no one is touching it. But at what cost?

He waved his hand while shaking his head ‘no’, “Take us back to the Darklands, please.”

King Boo put the Jem back on his crown and opened a portal. “After you gentlemen!”

Boo, Robotnix, and Stone appeared in the Darklands throne room. The room was quiet. Robotnix walked up to the throne. He saw a few staff members of the castle in the room. “Where's Luigi?”

The goombas looked at Robotnik and one that was wearing a bowtie walked to a direction then turned, “Follow me, please.”

The goomba led them to a room that looked very cozy. Books galore, comfy couches, lounge chairs, a table or two with a plate of pastries and cups of tea.

Sonic, Tails and Knuckles were going through the books with Kamek and the Koopalings. Tom, Maddie, Bowser, and Luigi each had a book on their lap and a pile more next to them.

Luigi looked very focused on his book, while Bowser was staring at the ceiling. Maddie looked up and saw Robotnix, “Oh, welcome back. We were worried about you two.”

Robotnix grumbles as he snatched the book from Luigi's hand. Luigi looks up and smiles sweetly, “Need something, Ivo?”

“Cat.”

Luigi looked at him confused, “Pardon?”

“Transform, please? Into that green cat?”

Luigi nods and transforms into his cat form. Robotnix then picked up Luigi and sat on Luigi's spot with him on his lap. He then proceeded to pet Luigi's fur as he purred.

Robotnix never cared for anything that had flesh, blood, and hair. If one didn't know any better they would think that he only tolerated Stone. But the gentle way he was being very attentive to Luigi you would have thought that Dr Ivo Robotnik was a cat person.

Bowser chuckles, “Feeling better?”

Robotnix grumbles all grumpy like. “We have a weapon of mass destruction, and we can't even use it to kill that fuckin clown.”

Bowser looked at King Boo, “So that's where you took them.”

Stone sat next to Robotnik while still giving him space. He then nods, “Why hasn't anyone dismantled the cannon?”

Bowser shrugs, “Better to have it and not need it.”

“It's powerful enough to wipe half the planet out. What scenario would you need to have it?”

“Shroob invasion.” Kamek said with his beak still in the book.

Robotnix looks at Bowser with a raised eyebrow, “Do we even want to know what a Shroob is?”

Bowser shrugged, “In other dimensions, they look like purple mushrooms but they have spaceships and time machines.”

Knuckles looks up at Robotnik, “They were the original denizens of the Mushroom Planet where I first met you.”

Robotnix answers sarcastically, “Thank you, Knuckles.”

“Anytime.” Knuckles returned to his book.

Robotnix rolls his eyes, “There has to be a way to defeat Dimentio.”

Maddie chuckled, “Why do you think we're in this library?”

Robotnix smiled for the first time in a while, “Cozy reading?”

“I can see that,” Tom looked around at the books and then back at Robotnix, “We just started researching everything we know about Dimentio. His powers, weaknesses, anything that can give us an advantage.”

Robotnix nods, “Good idea. Let's get to work.” The group got to work. Robotnix read up on anything he could find on Dimentio. He then looks at Luigi, “You can turn back now.”

Luigi nods and transforms back into his human form. He smiles at Robotnix, “Feel better?”

Robotnix nods, “Thank you for transforming.”

“Anytime. Just call me your emotional support Luigi.”

For a few hours they were surrounded by piles of books and scrolls that wouldn't stop growing. Some time during the hunt for information Sonic, Lemmy, Larry, and Morton fell asleep in a cuddle pile. For a moment the only sound in the library besides the sound of turning paper was the obnoxious snoring of Sonic and Morton.

Robotnik was growing increasingly frustrated as he flipped through yet another useless book. “How the hell is there so much about the fuckin jester, but nothing at the same time?” He exclaimed, tossing the book onto the already towering pile.

“Dimentio was spotted and recorded throughout the history of your planet like a fuckin cryptid!” He continued, his voice filled with annoyance.

Luigi couldn't help but chuckle at Robotnik's frustration. “Oh look!” he exclaimed, holding up a book. “A photo of Dimentio with Bigfoot and their two children, Mothman and Jersey Devil.”

“Wait, REALLY?!” Tom frowned when he noticed that Luigi was trying not to laugh, “Very funny…”

But their laughter was short-lived as they continued their search for useful information. As they combed through the books and scrolls, they came across some interesting information. Dimentio had been spotted in various places throughout history, always stirring up trouble and causing chaos.

“This is ridiculous!” Bowser growled, slamming a book shut. “There's nothing here that can help us defeat Dimentio!”

“Maybe we're looking in the wrong places,” Sonic suggested as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes and gave a big yawn. “What if we try looking for clues in some of the ancient ruins around the world?”

The sound of a book and teacup dropped took everyone's attention towards the stuned Luigi, “I forgot…. ABOUT MY MUSEUM!!!”

That attracted the attention of the koopalings, “Mama Luigi?”
“Is the museum finished?”
“When's the grand opening?”
“Can we finally visit the museum?”

Luigi laughed at their excited questions and nodded, “Yes, yes, and yes! The museum is finally complete.”

Ludwig and Iggy were pulling his sleeves, “Mama Luigi! You should give us a tour.”

“Even if we don't find something about Dimentio, your ghost might have something that you didn't know about.” Iggy added with a grin.

Luigi nodded with a smile, “Yes, I think that's a great idea.”

💚🔵💚

A few golden rings appeared at the ravine that holds the Treacherous Museum. Luigi and his friends came out of the rings and stepped foot before a large sturdy bridge.

Tom looked at the gothic manor and pointed at the building while yelling at Luigi, “That's not a museum! That's a fuckin castle!”

Robotnix chuckles, “I agree with Wachowski. The bridge looks brand new though.”

“That was one of the first things I built since the ravine was too unstable to walk on.” Luigi groaned, “Had to make a reinforced wide ass bridge for safety. You don't want to know how many times I almost fell into a watery grave before I told my ghosts to get it built before we did anything else for the museum.”

The kids were too busy admiring the creepy architecture to listen to Luigi's complaints. As they walked across the bridge, they could feel the chill of the haunted mansion creeping up their spine.

King MacFrights, Empress Serpci, and Ug waved at the group excitedly. When Luigi and the crew made it to the door the three ghosts instantly crowded Luigi.

“My Monarch, It's good to see you again! We must have another friendly spar. Hope your sword technique has improved since our last duel.” The medieval king laughed.

“Monarch Luigi? Are you and your guests hungry? I can get the servants to whip you up for some finger foods as you tour the museum, if you like?” The First Sarasaland Empress gracefully clapped her hands and ghosts with platters of food and drinks appeared.

The caveman, Ug, just waved his club and smiled really big at his favorite living person. When Ug got near Luigi he gave the poor man a back cracking hug. Luigi was just happy to see his friends again. “I'm happy to see you guys too. How have you been?”

“Oh, you know, just haunting the museum and scaring trespassers. Same old, same old.” King MacFrights chuckled.

“It's been quite boring without you here, Monarch Luigi. Nothing much to do except haunt the halls and watch the paintings collect dust.” Empress Serpci sighed dramatically.

“Ug missed you, Weegee! Ug hopes you brought more friends to play with!” The caveman grinned and gave Luigi another bone-crushing hug.

Luigi laughed and patted Ug on the back. “I did bring some friends, but let me introduce you first.” After the rounds of introductions the groups entered the museum, “Serpci? Is everything ready for opening?”

The late empress took out a clipboard, “Yessir! We are ready when you are.”

“Good, good.” Luigi smiled as he looked at his guests, “Welcome to the Treacherous Museum! Be prepared for a haunting experience of history.”

Luigi then points to the West Wing, “Down this hall we have the Knight Exhibit and the Ice Age Exhibit!” He then points to the East Wing, “And in this hall we have the Ancient Sarasaland Exhibit and the Jungle Exhibit. Choose wisely…”

The koopalings were giggling at Mama Luigi trying to be creepy and mysterious. Sonic and his family were doing ramshambo to choose which hall. And Robotnik rolled his eyes since they were originally here to look for information on Dimentio.

“I'm going to the Jungle Exhibit! That's where you put your dinosaur collection, right Mama Luigi?” Before Luigi could answer Iggy was already running off to the East Wing .

“Count me in for the Ancient Sarasaland Exhibit. I read that it's very similar to ancient Egypt back on Earth!” Sonic stated as he followed Iggy.

The others followed the Sonic and Iggy as they made their way to the exhibit. As they walked through the exhibit, Luigi and Empress Serpci explained the history of Sarasaland, from its ancient civilization to its modern society. The group was fascinated by the various artifacts and paintings on display.

“It's amazing how similar the ancient Sarasalans were to the ancient Egyptians,” Tails remarked as he looked at the hieroglyphics on the walls.

“Oh, this is so cool!” Sonic exclaimed as he examined a mummy.

Tom shouted, “Hey guys! I found something.” He pointed to a hieroglyph that looks very familiar.

Serpci looked at the hieroglyph of Dimentio, “The Cunning Mask! An evil mirror god that was full of deceit and manipulation. We used to not have mirrors in the children's bedroom for fear he would kidnap our little ones in their sleep.”

Luigi looked at Serpci, “Did Dimentio ever kidnap children?”

“No. But at the time we didn't know if it was because we didn't have mirrors in the bedrooms or if he wasn't really interested in children.”

Robotnik smirked, “Sounds like a legend created to scare children to behave.”

Serpci smiled, “The fear was real to the grownups as well at the time.”

Both Luigi and Stone nodded. They knew that fear was justified, but not in the way the ancient Sarasalans should have feared him. The man was a heartless bastard.

They found themselves in the Jungle Exhibit with the skeleton of a T-Rex in the middle of the room. The dinosaur looked at Luigi and started to wag its tail like a puppy. Ug threw his club to play fetch with the large undead carnivore.

The T-Rex with its wagging tail and glowing eyes, walked towards the group. Maddie screamed, grabbed Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles as she ran away. “Maddie! Stop! It's just a harmless skeleton. It's not going to hurt you.” Luigi yelled.

She pointed at the dinosaur, “What part of that looks harmless to you?”

Luigi scratches his head. Maddie did have a point. That T-Rex gave him a hard time back when it was still in Last Resort. He was hoping that moving all the artifacts from the 9th floor of the hotel to the Jungle Exhibit of Treacherous Museum was a good idea. But now he's not too sure.

Stone laughed, “You know, I never thought I'd see a T-Rex wag its tail. It's kind of adorable.”

The T-Rex stopped wagging its tail and looked at Maddie with a sad look. Luigi could see that it was a genuine look of heartbreak. He felt bad for the poor creature. With a pat on his nose he gave the skeleton his farewells before leading the others to the West Wing.

King MacFrights was happy as he shared the artifacts of his old home, “You can look but please don't touch the iron maiden!” The Ghostly knight waved his hand towards the bookshelves, “These books are from my personal collection when I was alive. Sadly most of the books are unreadable due to age. But I have remembered everything I have read. I have what modern living beings call a photographic memory.”

Wendy frowned, “Was it true that gender roles were harsh back then?”

MacFrights nodded with a smile as he continued his tour, “In my time it was. But I do not agree with it. As I did not have a spouse, I do not believe in forcing anyone to do anything against their will. It is important for everyone to have a choice and have freedom.”

The ghostly knight bent over to talk to the kids, “Actually by tradition I was supposed to wear dresses and have a husband. Luckily I had a magikoopa as a friend at the time who gave me an elixir to grow out my beautiful red beard. I became King from winning a jousting tournament against my father.”

Roy placed his fist to his chest in a koopa salute, “You have my respect, Sir MacFrights! Nothing more manly than sticking it to the man!”

As they walked through the Knight Exhibit, MacFrights shared stories of his past battles and how he always fought for justice and fairness. As they reached the armory, the kids were in awe of the vast array of weapons and armor.

Bowser Jr. was very excited, “Wow! This is awesome!”

MacFrights smiled at the kids’ excitement, “Remember, true strength comes from within. It is not about physical weapons, but about your heart and mind.”

Robotnix looked at the ghost, “Did you have any encounters with Dimentio?”

“My father's jester and royal advisor? Never liked the man when I was alive!” MacFrights laughed, “He always had a trick up his sleeve, but I always saw through his schemes. Sadly I was only able to weaken him before banishing him. If I had known that he was going to cause trouble centuries after my death I would have executed him on the spot.”

The kids nodded with understanding. They were inspired by Sir MacFrights’ bravery and determination. As they left the Knight Exhibit, they thanked the ghostly knight for the tour. Sir MacFrights waved goodbye, proud to have shared his story with a new generation.

They then entered the Ice Age Exhibit and met Ug again petting the living wooly mammoth. The caveman ghost encourages Luigi's guests to pet the creature. They followed his lead and were amazed by the soft wooly fur.

Ug showed the group how to make fire, tan hides, make shelter, and other survival skills from such a harsh environment. They might not have understood Ug’s grunts, but they understood his actions and hand gestures.

The kids had a blast! Though the grownups didn't learn anything about Dimentio, they too enjoyed the Ice Age Exhibit.

Luigi led the others to the second floor, “Alright! Who's ready for the second floor?” Bowser, Tom, and Maddie chuckles at the kids reaction to the second floor. “On the East Wing of the second floor is the Nautical Exhibit where you can learn about ships and sea life as well as the Train Exhibit! The West Wing of the second floor has the Space Exhibit and Aviation Exhibit-”

Tails yelled, “Aviation Exhibit?! Let's go to the West Wing First!”

The others laughed at Tails' reaction and Luigi said, “All right team, to the West Wing!”

They were greeted by planes that were similar to the ones on Earth but also models of the Airships that this dimension has. The Koopalings liked to compare the Koopa Airships from other kingdoms, though they were impressed with the Cap Kingdom’s personal luxury airships.

Tails was examining the other planes, “Ah! This was made by the Koopas! It's very similar to the WWII planes!”

Bowser looked at the plane that Tails was examining, “Oh right! I remember! I remember one of my retired soldiers in the Koopa Troopa Army told me that they made this plane! But they scrapped the planes when they found the paratroopas had better control in the skys. If we need to bomb an area we use our battle airships instead.”

Tails was practically in heaven as his eight year old engineer mind was studying the planes, airships, pursuits, parachutes, and engines.

The Koopalings were a bit bored but Maddie was excited as she learned about the different types of aircrafts and their functions. Bowser and Tom were examining the models of the Koopa Airships and the Airplanes as well. Bowser and Tom were impressed as they had previously not had very much contact with other dimensions, so this was a new experience for them as Tom compared the aircrafts to those on Earth.

After spending some time in the Aviation Exhibit, the group moved on to the Space Exhibit. They were greeted by models of planets and stars, as well as a replica of the asteroid in the middle of the room.

Luigi waved at the kids, “Wanna see something cool?” He points to a telescope, “If you look through the telescope it will take you to a simulation of space!”

The kids were immediately interested and ran over to the telescope. They took turns looking through the telescope and exploring the different simulations. Larry even tried to catch a falling star.

Tails, Iggy, Robotnik, and Stone were drawn towards a model of the Comet Observatory. Robotnix was even telling, more like bragging, on how he and Stone were at the Observatory with Luigi and Princess Rosalina when Luigi rescued them from Dimentio's Dimension D.

Tails was completely fascinated with the technology and asked Robotnik a million questions about how it all worked.

Lenny was particularly fascinated by the displays of different alien species, like the Shroobs.

Ludwig touched one of the stars and was delighted when he heard a Luma song.

Wendy and Maddie smiled at a little statue of Princess Rosalina with a plaque that read “May the stars shine down on you.”

Morton and Roy looked at the pictures of planet-like space crafts. They almost gagged at the sight of the one that looked like Mario's head.

“Alright kids! Ready for the East Wing?” Luigi clapped his hands to get everyone’s attention, “Sorry we couldn't find anything on Dimentio on this wing, but maybe we can find something in the Nautical Exhibit and Train Exhibit.”

The group followed Luigi to the East Wing, excited for what else they would discover in the museum. When they entered the Nautical Exhibit they were in awe at the aquarium and interactable ship that magically made it feel like you were really sailing.

Finally Morton and Roy find something exciting. The two koopalings started playing pirates and Wendy smiled as she told the others that the best sailor was Captain Syrup of the Black Sugar Pirates who was also the WarioWare, Inc’s rival treasure hunter.

Luigi twirled his mustache, “Syrup is pretty resourceful. She might have information on Dimentio that she can give us for a price. She's as greedy as Wario, but way smarter.”

Robotnix looked at Luigi, “Have you met Captain Syrup?”

“Nope! But I hear about her all the time when Waluigi is drunk enough to spill the beans about Wario’s crush and business rival.” Luigi replied with a chuckle.

The group continued to explore the Nautical Exhibit, admiring the different ships and marine life on display. But their thoughts were consumed with finding out more about Dimentio and defeating him. They knew they needed all the help they could get, even from unlikely sources like Captain Syrup.

After spending some time in the Nautical Exhibit, the group moved on to the Train Exhibit. They marveled at the old steam engines and checked out the model train set that visitors could control.

Luigi even activated a ghostly artifact that shrunk the group into the model train. They had a blast pretending to be tiny passengers on the track, but eventually Luigi found a way to deactivate the artifact and return them to their normal size.

Sadly, during the ride Luigi was thinking of who else would know about Dimentio. He was thinking of a white top hat and monocle with a rainbow butterfly.

Though it would be impossible to find Count Bleck and Lady Timpani, he knew where to find Nastasia, O'Chunks, and Mimi. They might have information also. But he really didn't want to deal with them even if they're also victims of Dimentio’s manipulation. He didn’t want to take any chances.

As they exited the museum Luigi took notes on how to improve the experience. “Empress Serpci? Put a sign before the Jungle Exhibit that said T-Rex is friendly but might play rough.”

“Yes, My Monarch!” Serpci made notes on her clipboard.

“Sir MacFrights, get glass cases or rope barriers over the armory and iron maiden.”

“Right away!”

“Also we need more head tour guides for the second floor.” Luigi tapped his finger on his chin, “Find the ghost of a sailor and the ghost of an astronaut.”

“Yessir!”
“Yey Sire.”
“Ug!”

“Other than that good work you three.” Luigi patted each of them on the shoulder. “You’ve all done splendidly today.” The trio beamed with pride upon receiving praise from their monarch. They were glad to have played a part in improving the museum and making it more enjoyable for visitors.

“We should have our grand opening next week.”

Sonic threw three of his Travel Rings back to Bowser's Castle, “Today was fun! Even though we didn't learn much about Dimentio I am glad we came.”

Chapter 13: Captain Syrup and the Black Surgar Pirates

Summary:

Mr L meets Captain Syrup.

Off the coast of one the Waffle Kingdom Islands in the Capri Sea a red haired pirate and her motley crew was returning to their ship. She loves the feel of the sands of Rice Beach.

The spiked koopa, Toge Bro, kept the row boat steady as his captain got on. Chilly, the boxing penguin, offered their gloved hands to help Captain Syrup on the rickety boat. Stingy, the ghost was smiling wildly as she shook his coin purse with glee. Genie waved to the other pirates as he watched over Kitchen Island.

The row boat made it to the Sweet Stuff Teacup, the Black Sugar Pirates’ ship. The wooden vessel was a masterpiece that travels on sea and in the air. But Syrup noticed something was wrong.

“Shh… Do you hear that?”

Toge Bro tilted his head, “I don't hear anything, Captain.”

“Exactly. And I don't see Bobo flying overhead either.” Captain Syrup pulled out her cutlass as she climbed the side of the ship. Her eyes widened when she saw her companions.

The red minotaur, Raging Bull, was tied to the mainmast and unconscious. Bobo, the microraptor, was hanging upside down and beak tied shut.

“What happened here?” Captain Syrup growled as she untied Bobo’s beak.

Once the dinosaur bird could finally talk they were yelling, “It's Mr L!”

The sound of a vacuum was heard. Stingy screamed as she disappeared. After that a black shell was thrown at Toge Bro. The shell bounced and hit Chilly. Stingy was released from her imprisonment and laid on the koopa's spiky shell. All the pirates but Captain Syrup were unconscious.

Syrup held her cutlass in front of her and waited for the possible ambush. “Show yourself Mr L!”

All was quiet with the exception of the wind and creaking of the ship. Captain Syrup cautiously explored the ship looking for any signs of the mysterious Mr L.

Her crew lay scattered and unconscious as she made her way to the captain's quarters. She flung open the door and her eyes widened at the sight before her. There, sitting at the desk, was Mr L himself. His dark green cap and suit made him blend in with the shadows of the room.

“Captain Syrup! So sorry to come unannounced,” Mr L smiled flirtatiously, “The stories of your beauty did you no justice.”

Syrup raised her cutlass. “What have you done to my crew?”

“Oh nothing too permanent,” Mr L chuckled, “just a little nap to keep them out of the way.”

Syrup lunged forward with her cutlass but Mr L was quick to dodge. He grabbed her wrist and twisted it behind her back, forcing her to drop her weapon. “Now now, no need for violence,” Mr L whispered in her ear as if they were lovers, “I only wish to get any information you can share.”

Mr L spun her around and made her sit on her desk. He lends towards her. Their breaths mingling. Syrup smelled of sugar and gunpowder and Mr L smells of soil, antiques, and tomato sauce.

“You and your crew are the greatest pirates in the world. No one has ever captured you. The closest is Wario. But most of that was dumb luck and you underestimating his greed. And you don't become that good at treasure hunting and thievery without collecting information.”

“Information about what?!” Syrup demanded to know.

“Any weaknesses that Dimentio might have.”

Syrup's eyes widened. Dimentio was the most powerful and feared sorcerer in the world. He had been rumored to be immortal and no one had ever been able to defeat him. “Why would you want to know about Dimentio?”

“Let's just say I have a score to settle with him,” Mr L said with a sly smile, “Also the bastard is powerful enough to destroy the world.”

“You have a point.” Syrup looked at Mr L’s dead pale eyes, “My crew, you promise you wouldn't hurt them.”

“My word as a gentleman thief!” Mr L let go of the pirate captain, “Besides! I may go after cursed treasure and dangerous crime rings. But a monster? No, my dear. Blood is not my thing.”

Syrup grabbed her cutlass and pointed at the antihero, “Besides the safety of my crew, what do I get out of this?”

“A true business woman,” Mr L grabbed her armed hand and kissed the back of it so fast that her sword might as well have been a butter knife, “I like that. Also I have found a temple full of treasure, and like I said, I only go after treasure that is cursed.”

Syrup lowered her cutlass and looked at the man. She was curious about this temple and the treasures it held. And if it was cursed, it would definitely add to her reputation as the greatest pirate in the world.

Plus, she would be helping to take down one of the most powerful villains in the world. “Deal,” she said, offering her hand to shake.

Mr L took her hand and gave it a firm shake, “Excellent! If you can be so kind, do me a favor.”

“What kind of favor?” Syrup asked with a raised eyebrow.

“There's a trio of ex-minions of Count Bleck, who are also victims of Dimentio's manipulation. I'm sure they might be persuaded to join your crew if you tell them you are partnering up with someone who wishes to stop him once and for all. Just don't mention that I'm their benefactor.”

Mr L rubbed the back of his head, as he was unsure how they would react to him. Plus He didn't want to deal with the headache and any PTSD triggers that they might cause.

“Consider it done,” Syrup said with a grin. She was always looking for new crew members and these ex-minions sounded like they would fit right in. Plus, she would do anything to take down Dimentio. “Now, let's go find out everything we can about him.”

💚🔵💚

Captain Syrup looked at the map of the Dragon Driftway, a road that leads to the Dragon Palace of Chai Kingdom. The temple is basically abandoned with the exception of the annoying dragon-like creatures, the gobblegut.

She looked at Mr L with a glare, “Is there really treasure there?”

“According to the Princess of Sarasaland.”

Syrup looked at Mr L in shock, “How the bloody hells did you get this information from Princess Daisy?”

Mr L smirked, “Let’s just say I have my ways. The Princess told me that the Treasure of the Dragon Palace is a Golden Egg that's about to hatch.”

“An egg?” Syrup placed her hands over her face. She was starting to regret partnering up with this man, “You said the treasure is cursed!”

“I said I only go after treasure that is cursed. But do you want to know why I collect cursed treasure?”

“Because you're a freak?”

“Because I can get it purified or destroyed before it causes any harm. Right now there's two possibilities that are going to hatch out of that egg. A Lucky Lion Dragon or another pesky gobblegut.”

Syrup laughed, “You actually believe in the Lucky Lion Dragon? And you think that Lucky Lions and gobbleguts came from the same eggs? Are you serious?”

“Deadly serious.” Mr L replied, his usual cocky grin gone.

Syrup rolled her eyes, “Fine, let’s just get this over with. But if we end up getting chased by gobbleguts, I’m blaming you.” The Captain of the Black Sugar Pirates leaned back in her chair, “Alright, let’s do it. But we need to come up with a plan.”

“We strike during the daytime,” Mr L put his feet on the desk, “Gobbleguts usually live among the stars, meaning they don't like bright lights. Why they made a nest in the ruined temple is beyond me.”

“Not a bad idea,” Syrup interjected, “But we also need a distraction.”

“Your crew can do it.”

Syrup pushed Mr L’s feet off her desk, “I am not endangering my crew!”

“And they won't be!” Mr L smiled with a lot of charisma, “Iron Flowers.”

“Those flowers that explode like fireworks?”

“Think about it, the gobbleguts are afraid of bright lights, so they will be disoriented by the explosions. And the explosions themselves will create a lot of noise, creating a good distraction.”

Syrup bit her lip, “Maybe I can spare a few of my crew to handle the explosions. But we still need a distraction on our end.”

“Leave that to me. I have my ways of sneaking around.” Mr L smiled as his dead pale eyes glinted with mischief.

“Best if you get the egg anyways since you are the only one who can purify the egg.”

“If the gobbleguts get you or your crew aim for the round rings around their bellies. That's a tip from a Koopa Prince.”

Syrup rolls her eyes, “Of course you know Prince Bowser Jr. I'm starting to think you know every royal in the world.”

“Just doing my job to stay informed. Anyways, here's the plan. We strike during the daytime, using the Iron Flowers for distraction. I'll sneak around and retrieve the egg, while your crew sets up the explosives. Once we have the egg, we make a run for it.” Mr L leaned back in his chair, “Now, all we need to do is wait for daytime and execute the plan.”

Syrup raised an eyebrow, “You make it sound so easy.”

“Trust me, it will be. I have never failed a mission before,” Mr L replied confidently.

Syrup let out a sigh and nodded, “Alright, let's do it.”

💚🔵💚

Sweet Stuff Teacup floated over the Dragon Driftway. The ship’s crew was awed with all the green bamboo and giant statues of lakitus doing martial arts poses. Red paper lanterns that no longer glow dots along the abandoned road.

“What happened to this place for it to be so abandoned? This place looks so beautiful.” Chilly said with awe.

“Most likely the Gobbleguts chased all the people away,” Bobo lands next to their fellow Black Sugar Pirates. “That or they ate everyone.”

“One last thing.” The Black Sugar Pirates jumped from Mr L sneaking behind them so quietly, “Princess Daisy doesn't want the temple destroyed. She's hoping that with the Lucky Lion Dragon the Sarasaland Empire can chase the Gobbleguts out of the Dragon Palace and the Dragon Driftway can be populated again.”

Stingy groans, “Now he tells us.”

The plan was set in motion, and Chilly set up the Iron Flowers at strategic locations around the temple. Toge Bro and Stingy used their abilities to cause commotion and confusion, while Raging Bull and Bobo kept the gobbleguts at bay.

The moment the pirates activated the Iron Flowers Captain Syrup and Mr L snuck into the temple and found the nest of the gobbleguts. “Shit…” Mr L whispered, “I didn't think some would still be sleeping even with the fireworks going off.”

Syrup chuckled as the two steps over the serpentine bodies of the gobbleguts. “They are deep sleepers. Just make sure not to disturb them too much.”

They finally reached the treasure room, and Mr L used his thief skills to unlock the door. “Looks like we hit the jackpot,” Syrup exclaimed as she started filling her bag with treasure.

“Even if the Egg is a bust, at least you still got paid.” Mr L whispered.

“Let's just take what we can and get out of here before the Iron Flowers finish their distraction,” Syrup said, as she buckled up her bag.

The temple was quiet with the only sounds were their footsteps on stones and leaves as well as the snores of the gobbleguts. The Dragon Palace was once a beautiful temple that was a symbol of wealth and prosperity to the Chai Kingdom.

However, time flew just like it did in the outside world which sadly led to its deteriorating state. The Sarasaland Empire was never able to keep the temple as it was overrun by the dragon-like creatures.

Syrup and Mr L walked through the halls of the temple and started to gather some Chai relics to sell or to return to Princess Daisy. At the end of the hall was their true prize. The Golden Egg was the size of a small dog.

“Jackpot!” Mr L touched the shell of the egg and felt the creature wiggle inside. “The Egg was hatching.”

Mr L quietly and gently picked it up, “I need a sunny place to start the purification ritual so the Egg can hatch a Lucky Lion Dragon.”

The two continued their journey to find a sunny spot outside of the temple to start the ritual. After locating the perfect spot, Mr L prepared for the ritual by drawing symbols in the dirt around the Golden Egg. He then placed the Egg in the center and started to chant in an ancient Chai language.

The sun started to shine right over the egg. Mr L stated the ritual by placing a round mirror facing the sun on the egg and wrapped a red ribbon around the mirror.

Syrup hands him the small clay bottle for rice wine that he told her to bring. Mr L smiled as he saw that she was listening. He poured the wine over the Egg. The Egg started to glow a bright golden color. After a few minutes, the Egg cracked open and a small, but majestic Lucky Lion Dragon emerged.

A lion dog type creature with golden scales, a red feathery mane and two small horns on its head tilted it head towards Mr L’s hand. The mirror that was on the Egg was now between the horns of the Lucky Lion Dragon. Mr L completed the ritual by tying the ribbon around one of its horns.

The creature looked at Mr L with adoration and let out a mighty roar. That one single roar was powerful enough to not only chased the Gobbleguts away but magically restored the Driftway and the Dragon Palace.

Mr L smiled and gave the Lucky Lion Dragon some rice wine to drink. Syrup watched as Mr L bonded with the creature and felt a twinge of jealousy. But she figures that it was karma for not believing in the Lucky Lion Dragon.

Mr L picked up the Lucky Lion, “I better take this little guy to Princess Daisy right away. It might take the Sarasaland Empire a day or two to gather people to reclaim the Driftway and Palace.”

Syrup winks at Mr L, “I'm catching what you're dropping. Us Black Sugar Pirates can clear the treasure room in less than a day.”

Mr L nods, “Also don't forget to recruit those three. And remember-”

“Oh I'm sorry, do I know you? I don't think I do.” Captain Syrup smiled, “I’ll get as much information as I can about Dimentio. I hope his ex-allies are truly willing to share as you said. You sure you don't want a share of the treasure?”

“Thank you Syrup. But like I said-”

“You only go after cursed treasure?” Syrup smiled at such wasted talent, but admired his loyalty to his own code of honor.

Mr L nodded, “I’m counting on you. We can’t let that clown get away with all the horrors he caused.” With that, Mr L’s black feathery dragon wings sprouted from his back. With the Lucky Lion Dragon in his arm he took off to the Sarasaland Capitol.

The wind whipped through his hair and feathers as he carried the lion dog creature. As he soared through the sky, he couldn't help but feel a sense of freedom and exhilaration. He flew past the Easton Kingdom and ignored the moai statue like Tokotokos. The living statue heads shake their fists at the flying Mr L. The concrete denizens of Easton Kingdom were always picking fights as they moved as if they were running.

While holding tightly to the Lucky Lion Dragon he spotted the shores of Muda Kingdom. He dodged the occasional spaceship and fire-breathing seahorse. The Muda Kingdom was home to many aquatic creatures and rare sea life.

He finds himself flying over the desert sands of the Birabuto Kingdom. He almost stopped to admire the floating pyramids. The Birabuto Kingdom was known for its vast desert landscape, dotted with ancient ruins and soaring pyramids. As Mr L flew over, he could see the sand dunes shifting and swirling in the hot desert winds. He couldn't help but marvel at the spectacular sights before him.

But he was close to the Sarasaland Capitol. Famous for its regal sandstone structures with palm trees lining the streets. A continent of sand dunes and a picturesque coastline of white sands. Mr L flew right over the capitol, into the palace and landed in front of the throne room. Princess Daisy stood up in shock, “Mr L?! What a nice surprise.”

Mr L grinned, “Sorry for the intrusion princess, but I have some good news to discuss with you.” He handed the Lucky Lion Dragon to her.

Daisy looked at the beautiful mystical creature in awe, “The Dragon Palace? Is it-”

“Yours for Sarasaland to reclaim,” Mr L interrupted with a smile. “The gobbleguts have been chased out and the Palace, as well as the Driftway, has been restored.”

Daisy's face lit up with relief and joy. “This is wonderful news! The Dragon Palace will be the symbol of prosperity and wealth once again for the Chai Kingdom and the Sarasaland Empire!”

Daisy was about to invite Mr L to have tea when her father, the Emperor, entered the throne room and saw Mr L. “Guards! Mr L is here to steal my daughter!”

“Seriously, Daddy! That's not what's happening-” Daisy tried to explain.

But before she could finish her sentence, Mr L threw a smoke bomb at his feet, causing the room to be filled with thick smoke. “Guards! Guards! The princess is in danger!” he shouted.

When the smoke cleared, Daisy felt something heavy on her lap. She looked down to see the Lucky Lion Dragon and a green cat sitting on her lap. “Seriously, Luigi?” she whispered, not that she needed to since her frantic father's shouting was loud enough to cover her voice.

💚🔵💚

“I am curious how Daddy would react if he ever finds out you're Mr L,” Daisy said with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. As she and Luigi were having tea on the airship on the way towards the Dragon Palace.

Luigi looked at his best friend with a hint of annoyance, “You're very mean, you know that?”

Daisy couldn't contain her laughter as she gave the Lucky Lion Dragon a pat. “Did you see how he totally flipped when he found out that I gave you that mission? He went from hot to cold when he finally noticed Xìng Yùn!”

Daisy's father was still screaming at her for asking a famous thief to take care of the gobbleguts issue at the Dragon Palace for the Empire. Only to cooed at the Lucky Lion and name it an ancient Chai word for Lucky Fortune.

Luigi couldn't help but chuckle at the situation. “Did my reputation make me the new Bowser now that he no longer kidnaps princesses or something?”

“More like your reputation as a smooth-talking heartbreaker is giving you a bad rep with a few royals. At a few parties that I attended some of the princes and princesses with arranged marriages are fantasizing about Mr L kidnapping them and seducing them to a hidden bedroom in a tower.”

Luigi pulled out his hand towards Daisy as if expecting her to give him something, “Had it over.”

“Hand what over, sweetie?”

“The list of princes and princesses that told you they were fantasizing about Mr L.”

“And what are you planning on doing with such a list, Luigi?”

“Seduce them and their spouses! And I bet you I can get King Boo included in the rumble as long as he's in female form.”

“You are such a slut! My gods, Luigi!” Daisy laughed as she pushed him off his seat.

Luigi gracefully lands on the floor and raises his hands up, “I’m joking! I’m joking! Somewhat.”

Daisy crossed her arms, “I miss the time when I was the bad influence in this friendship. Anyways, aren't you going to tell me how you did it?”

“I recruited the Black Sugar Pirates for the heist. So don't expect anything in the Treasure Room.”

Daisy smiled and waved her hand in front of her dismissively, “They can keep the treasure. We have the temple back and a Lucky Lion Dragon! The only thing I'm truly hoping for is scrolls and books that they might have left behind.”

“I did pick some up and left them in your room. Any scrolls they may have they might sell to you.”

Daisy sighed, “Thank you, Luigi. You're the best.”

“Oh, I know,” Luigi said with a smirk. “But you’re not too bad yourself, Princess Daisy.”

Daisy rolled her eyes playfully. “Please, don’t call me that. It makes me feel like I’m back in my castle, surrounded by stuffy nobles. I really hated that when you were in your Mr L persona. Don't get me wrong, I get it. But I still hated the fact my best friend calls me by my title, even in the palace.”

“Okay, okay. I’ll stop,” Luigi said, holding his hands up in mock surrender. “But your highness, don’t tell me you’re not used to it. You’re the princess of an empire. That has to mean something.”

“Yeah, it does. But you know that isn’t me, Luigi. I hate the formalities and all that. I just want to be Daisy.”

“I know,” Luigi said, his smile turning genuine. “That’s why I like you. You’re not like any other princesses, Daisy. You’re different.”

“Different in a good way, I hope,” Daisy said, teasingly. “Of course. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me, Lu. You're my best friend, my peanut butter to my jelly, and you introduced me to the hottest princess in the galaxy!”

“Are you and Rosalina going to tie the knot yet?”

Luigi asked, wagging his eyebrows suggestively. Daisy laughed, “Not yet. We’re taking things slow, you know that.”

“Well, at least give me a heads up when it happens. I want to be the best man,” Luigi said, grinning.

“You’re my only man, Luigi. What’s the point in having a best man when you’re the only one?” Daisy said, patting his shoulder.

Luigi chuckled, “You have a point there.”

A Gao appeared, “Your Highness! We are entering Takechiko City now.”

“Thank you, Gao. Luigi, we’re here,” Daisy said, standing up from her seat.

Luigi stood up and picked up the Lucky Lion Dragon. “Come, Xìng Yùn. This is the capital city of Chai Kingdom. We’re going to meet with Monarch Brokinton who helps Daisy govern the kingdom.”

Xìng Yùn tilted its head as if listening, but the gesture was so cute that Luigi started to combust cuteness overload.

“Let’s go, Luigi.” The trio stepped off the ship and onto the busy streets of Takechiko City. The city was bustling with life, filled with merchants, travelers, and citizens going about their daily business.

They walked on the famous Takechiko Footbridge, a wooden structure that's over a river that is the home of rainbow colored cheep-cheeps. The streets were lined with cherry blossom trees, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of the flowers. There were people having traditional chai tea picnics under the cherry trees.

The pionpi, the undead denizens of Takechiko, were even playing their drums and dancing on a stage.

“This is amazing,” Luigi said, in awe of the beautiful city.

“Welcome to Takechiko City, travelers! I am Kiku, the keeper of the city,” a tall, elegant pionpi woman with long black hair greeted them. “I can take you to Monarch Brokinton.”

“Thank you, Kiku. We appreciate your help,” Daisy said with a smile.

Kiku led them through the city to the palace, which was a magnificent structure with golden roofs and intricate designs. They were greeted by guards as they entered the palace. The guards instantly opened the doors the moment they saw Xìng Yùn.

Kiku led them to the throne room. Once in they saw a cloud hovering over the throne. No one has ever seen Monarch Brokinton before as they always hide inside the cloud. Some speculate that the monarch was the cloud itself, while others believe they are an extremely shy lakitu and that all the lakitu statues are of the past rulers of Chai Kingdom.

“I heard that you brought a Lucky Lion Dragon, Princess Daisy!” The cloud spoke with inconceivable excitement. "Does that mean the Dragon Palace is free of the gobbleguts?”

“Yes, Monarch Brokinton. We have defeated the gobbleguts and retrieved the Lucky Lion Dragon,” Daisy replied with a bow. “The Driftway and Palace have been restored. I only came to recruit the citizens of Chai Kingdom to help reclaim our lost heritage.”

“For the Glory of the Sarasaland Empire! My people will aid you!” Monarch Brokinton’s cloud was shaking with excitement as a pair of glasses jumped out and back in the cloud. “Glorious day indeed!”

💚🔵💚

Luigi came out of the Warp Pipe at the Mushroom Kingdom. Lately he has been in the Darklands or in Evershade Valley.

Now that Bowser has stopped attacking the Mushroom Kingdom, Peach has formed a formal peace treaty with the Koopa King. This meant that Mario had more free time on his hands, and Luigi thought it was the perfect opportunity to pay him a visit.

With a stretch he walked up to the Mario Cottage, the home he once shared with his brother when they first arrived in this dimension all those years ago. With a smile on his face, Luigi made his way towards the cottage. The road was lined with tall trees, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. He could hear the chirping of birds and the soft buzzing of bees as they went about their business.

The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the lush green grass and colorful flowers that dotted the landscape. The atmosphere was serene and peaceful, just like he remembered it.

In the distance, he could see the iconic mushroom-shaped cottage that belonged to his brother. It was a simple, yet cozy abode, with a red and white mushroom-shaped roof and a bright yellow door. Luigi could almost see the skeleton of his beloved vegetable garden that was once filled with juicy red tomatoes and plump green herbs.

Since Luigi has found a home in the Hidden Mansion in Evershade Valley the vegetable garden was abandoned. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness at the sight. But he quickly pushed the thought away, reminding himself that he was here to enjoy the company of his brother.

He was close enough to the house to see the floral curtains in the window when he heard the telltale hum of a laser gun powering up. Luigi dodged just in time before a laser hit him.

Luigi looked up and saw Robotnik in his egg pod shooting at him angrily, “LUIGI! YOU BASTARD! WE WERE SUPPOSED TO FIND INFORMATION ON DIMENTIO TOGETHER!”

More lasers hit the ground where Luigi stood as he ran from the cottage. He rolled his eyes already used to Robotnik’s violent tendencies and moodiness. “All I did was just recruit a bunch of pirates to investigate for us! What's the big deal?”

Robotnik stopped his hovercraft and jumped down to beat his friend to a pulp, “We were supposed to work together, asshole!”

Luigi ran as fast as he could, narrowly avoiding the lasers shot by Robotnik. He knew he had to find a way to calm him down before things got out of hand. He quickly glanced back and saw that Robotnik was gaining on him, his anger fueling his speed. “And we are! We will get Dimentio to face justice.”

Robotnik was fueled to run even faster as he dropped his lazer gun to tackle Luigi. Robotnik turned Luigi on his back as he pinned the plumber on the grass, “I don't want justice! I want REVENGE!”

Robotnik pulled Luigi up into a hug, “That magician hurt the only two people I cared about and I can't do anything about it!”

Luigi patted his friend’s back as he felt tears on his shoulder, “I know, Robotnik. I know. But we need to be smart about this. If we go in guns blazing, we’ll just end up getting hurt or worse, getting killed,” Luigi said, trying to reason with Robotnik.

“Then talk to me about your plans and I will share mine with you! You disappearing like that, even if it was to gather information, scared the hell outta me. I thought Dimentio got you again.”

Robotnik’s grip on Luigi’s shoulders tightened as he spoke. Luigi sighed and looked at Robotnik with a mixture of guilt and fear. “Fine, I’ll tell you everything from now on,” Luigi said.

“Is the sky falling?” The two men looked at the sudden appearance of an unamused Mario, “Robotnik is the reasonable one today?”

The stout red plumber offered his hands to his brother and the villain. Luigi looked around and noticed that Robotnik did a number on the meadow. Luigi sheepishly rubbed the back of his head in realization that Mario most likely saw and heard everything because of the disturbance in front of his house.

Mario points to the laser gun, “Pick that up, Robotnik. Last thing I need is a Toad Kid thinking it's a gun and blasting their cap off.”

Robotnik picked up his gun and hostered it, “I've been meaning to ask, are the caps on Toads hats or part of the heads?”

The twins answered in unison, “Heads.”

Mario led the other two men into his house and made tea for them. After the tea was served and emotion calmed he finally asked what was going on. He understood that the hero/villain friendship they had was unusual and complicated, but they got along.

“I recruited the Black Sugar Pirates to gather information on Dimentio.” Luigi finally admitted.

“That's both the smartest and dumbest thing I ever heard you did, Fratello.” Mario rubbed the temples in both worry and frustration, “Smart because Captain Syrup would get good information. Stupid because you went to a pirate’s hideout by yourself!”

“I went as Mr L. They don't know it's me.”

“That's not as comforting as you think it is, Weegee!” Mario needed a healing item for this headache that's forming.

Luigi sighed. He knew he was pushing his luck and he knew where it was going to lead. “Dimentio is going to come back and has to be ready for him. That means gathering info and training to become stronger.” Luigi finally admitted after the constant annoying reminder of it brought him to this point. He sighed again and placed his face in his hands, “Why can't you guys trust me?”

Mario and Robotnik looked at each other and both knew that this was a subject that was going to be addressed sooner or later. Might as well be now. Mario placed a hand on Luigi's shoulder, “We do trust you. It's just that we worry about your safety. You're my brother and Robotnik’s best friend. We don't want anything bad happening to you.”

Robotnik nodded, then raised his eyebrow in thought, “Luigi, you mentioned training?” Robotnik gave a smirk. “I think that's a wonderful idea.”

Chapter 14: Mushroom Olympics Part 1

Summary:

Princess Peach invited the Wachowski, Robotnik, and Agent Stone to join the Mushroom Kingdom's Three Day Olympics for training!

Loosely based on the Mario and Sonic Summer Olympics and Mario Strickers!

The next day, the three men gathered in Mario’s backyard. Robotnik had brought along some robots for training and Mario had set up obstacles for them to practice their moves and dodging skills.

Luigi, dressed in his Mr L outfit, was the first to start. He summoned his green thunderbolt and began training with Robotnik’s robots and bullseyes. He was quick and agile, dodging their attacks and retaliating with his own. Mario watched from the sidelines, making sure that Luigi didn’t hurt himself.

Next up was Robotnik. He used his laser gun to shoot at the obstacles while simultaneously dodging them. The robots and wooden targets were no match for his precise aim and determination. He too was quick and agile, just like Mr L.

Finally, it was Mario’s turn. He showed off his acrobatic skills as he jumped over and weaved through the obstacles. He also used a Fire Flower to take out the robots, impressing both Mr L and Robotnik.

The trio attracted some Toads. At first the commotion frightened the denizens of Mushroom Kingdom until they noticed that they were doing an intense training.

Robotnik wipes the sweat off his forehead. “I haven’t had this much fun in a while.”

“Yeah, and it’s great to see you two finally working together,” added Mr L, also catching his breath.

Princess Peach and the Wachowski Family heard about the training the three were doing in the meadow and were among the Toads. Sonic looked at the damaged land and whispered to Peach, “I'm glad that Robotnik is helping Mario and Mr L, but I'm worried that their ‘Training’ is going to destroy the planet before Dimentio does.”

Peach nods, “You may have a point.”

The group of Toads and visitors watched as Mario, Mr L, and Robotnik continued their training, each one pushing themselves to their limits. They were determined to be ready for whatever Dimentio had planned next. And with their combined skills, they were sure to give him a run for his money. But not without some damage.

Peach finally had enough and used an Ice Flower Powerup to freeze the men in place, “Are you three done destroying my land?” She walked up Robotnik and gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder then marched up to the twins, “I understand why Robotnik is being aggressively destructive, but you two know better. Your training is working against you.”

The twins apologize and they all work together to fix the damaged land. Robotnik uses his technology to quickly repair the damaged targets and obstacles, while Mario and Mr L use their powers and PowerUps to restore the nature around them. It wasn’t long before the meadow was back to its peaceful state.

“You’re right, Peach. We need to be more mindful of our surroundings,” admitted Mario.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cause any harm,” added Robotnik, feeling guilty for his actions.

“It’s okay, as long as we work together, we can overcome any obstacle,” said Peach with a smile. “But if it's training you need Robotnik why don't you and the others sign up to the Summer Olympics?”

Robotnik’s eyes widened, “You have Olympics on this planet?”

Tom rushed over, “Can I sign my boys up? They need the challenge and Earth is not a friendly place for Anthropomorphs yet.”

“Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are welcome to join. We have Gymnastics, Fencing, and Athletics events that can help hone their skills… Though we might have to give Sonic a handicap… You think ankle weights would hurt him?”

“Sonic would do great with the weights as long as he doesn't overdo it, but water sports are out of the question as he can't swim.”

A Toad nearby with a clipboard was making notes, “Anything else about the boy's abilities before the sign up?”

“Knuckles is a warrior through and through so he would thrive in weightlifting, judo, wrestling, or boxing. He might need weights for his wrists so he doesn't overpower his opponents. Tails is surprisingly athletic for a kid with a brain like his. Golf, badminton, basketball, and archery would be great for him, but we might need to do something about his tails. His tails give him an advantage since they help him fly, but he wouldn't want his tails to be tied or anything.”

“I'll let the committee know about Sonic and Tails's abilities, but for Knuckles, we will put him in the main roster for the events you said.” The Toad passed the clipboard to Tom, “Sign here, please.”

After Tom returns the clipboard the Toad then spoke with Robotnik about any skills and disabilities he may have. As Robotnik signed himself up he asked the Toad when's the deadline for signing of the Olympics.

“Tomorrow as the Olympics start next week.”

“My sidekick isn't here but he would thrive on Archery, Gymnastics, and Fencing.” Robotnik said.

Sonic overheard, “Where's Stone? I can get him here with one of my Travel Rings.”

“Save your Rings, my erinaceidae rival.” Robotnik handed the clipboard back to the Toad, “I'll call him myself.”

The Toad looked starry eyed at Mr L, “Mr L, Sire? Will you be signing up-”

Mr L gave the Toad a heroic bow, “Forgive me, dear Toad. But I will be rooting in the shadows.” It would be problematic if both Luigi and Mr L were in the Olympics.

Sonic and his siblings giggled at how different Luigi acts when in Mr L mode. Sonic was able to get a few words out, “It would be difficult for Mr L to join without revealing his secret identity.”

“Of course, we wouldn't want to reveal Mr L's secret identity.” Toad nods understandably, “But it's great to have you and your siblings participating in the Olympics. Will you be joining as individuals or would you like to represent Earth?”

Robotnik signed Stone up and handed the clipboard back, “We will join as Earth's Representatives. Wachowski, you and your wife should join as well.”

Tom and Maddie looked at Robotnik with surprise, “We are just normal Earth humans- There's no way we can compete with Koopas, New Donkers, and Kongs…”

Maddie nods, “Besides we don't know if the rules are the same here as it is back on Earth. Our kids have super speed, strength, and intelligence. How many humans do you know have such skills?”

Robotnik pointedly looks at the Mario Bros.

Maddie crossed her arms, “Touche.”

Tom nods, “I guess we should join in. It would be a great experience for all of us.”

Toad looks at the clipboard, “Strikers, tennis, and baseball are the only team events that are open for Earth humans. Would you like me to sign you up for all three events?”

Robotnik smiled, “Perfect! Anything else we need to do?”

The Toad looked through the clipboard, “Nope, that's everything. Just wait for the opening ceremony next week and good luck!”

💚🔵💚

The Mushroom Kingdom was bustling with excitement as the annual Summer Olympics were about to begin. The citizens were eagerly waiting for the events to start, and the atmosphere was filled with anticipation and cheer.

The first event of the Olympics was the 100-meter dash, and the participants were introduced to the crowd. Among the competitors were Sonic, Tails, Knuckles who are representing Earth. Mario was also there, who was representing the Mushroom Kingdom. As well his twin Luigi, who was representing Kingdom Nethermourn.

The race began, and Sonic took an early lead, with Tails and Knuckles close behind. Mario and Luigi were not far behind, using their signature power-ups to keep up with the others. Junior was ahead of Diddy and Toad but was right behind Peach.

The crowd cheered as they watched the intense competition between the Earth representatives and the Mushroom Kingdom representatives.

Even Robotnik was cheering for Sonic to win. Tom and Maddie were cheering for their kids. Agent Stone was secretly cheering for Luigi as he had found a form of brotherhood with the man. Bowser was torn between rooting for his husband, Luigi, or his heir, Junior.

As the race neared the finish line, Sonic was still in the lead, but Tails and Knuckles were catching up. Mario and Luigi were not far behind, and the crowd was on their feet, cheering on their favorite competitors. In a surprising turn of events, Luigi used his fireball power-up to propel himself forward, passing Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles and crossing the finish line first.

The crowd erupted into cheers, and Luigi was declared the winner of the 100-meter dash. Everyone was shocked, including Luigi himself. Luigi absent-mindedly lifted up his jersey to whip sweat from his face and the crowd stopped cheering.

Luigi looked up at the sudden silence only to feel Jr pulling his jersey down, “Mama Luigi, your scars were showing.”

Luigi patted the koopaling’s shell as he walked towards the locker room as if he didn't show everything to the entire Net-10-doe Dimension.

As he entered the locker room, he was met by his team who hugged and congratulated him on his win. Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles were gracious in their defeat and congratulated Luigi on his impressive victory. Mario was especially proud of his brother and gave him a big hug.

Robotnik gave Luigi a water bottle, “Drink.” As Luigi took a deep chunk of sweet H20 Robotnik had to ask Luigi about his actions earlier, “Why did you leave before getting the medal? I've seen you naked and you're not shy about your body. So it's not because you flash the crowd with your six-pack and scars.”

“Mario would eventually take credit.” Luigi said as if it was as normal as breathing.

Mario growled, “Oh yeah… Almost forgot about that. Because of Luigi's reputation as my understudy shadow most people would just start talking as if it was me that won and not my brother.”

Stone got angry, “That's bullshit!”

Mario shrugs, “Agreed, sadly until recently I was encouraging the misinformation. I guess I had to be up top no matter who I stepped on. After last year… I started to see my brother… really see him. And it wasn't after Bowser called me on my bullshit that I really saw how much I failed Luigi.”

“It's ok-”

“No it's not, Weegee!” Mario shouted, “No wonder you embrace the Mr L persona. You can get the admiration that you deserve as Mr L while still being in my shadow as Luigi. But it would be nice if you weren't in my shadow.”

Luigi looked down, “I just got used to it.”

“And I was the one who put you in my shadow in the first place.” Mario added.

“Why would you do that?” Knuckles asked.

“I don't know. Maybe I was jealous. Jealous of him for being better in every way than me. Maybe I was just being a selfish jerk. Whatever the reason, I regret it now.” Mario sighed, “For the past few months I have been more aware of how my brother was always getting overlooked. Getting mad over it and even madder at myself.”

“Well, you can't change it now.” Sonic said.

“I know. I just hope that someday I can make it up to him.” Mario replied.

“You know, Mario, when I first saw you I thought you were a complete asshole.” Stone said boldly, “But now I can see that you're not. You just made some bad choices and now you're trying to make up for them.”

Luigi, who had been listening quietly, couldn't help but smile at his brother's words. He knew that deep down, Mario truly cared for him and wanted to make amends for his past mistakes.

But before the tension could escalate any further, Luigi decided to lighten the mood. “Enough! We just did the first event. Everyone will be splitting until the first team event,” he announced, clapping his hands.

Maddie lifts her hand. “I'm golfing next, Tom is my caddy.”

Stone smiled as he gave Maddie a double high five, “I'm golfing as well! Robotnik volunteered to be my caddy as well…”

Luigi gave the evil genius a friendly slap on his shoulder, “Robotnik, being an underlying? I can't believe it!”

“Hahaha. Laugh it up.” Robotnik tried to look angry but failed to stop his smile as his sidekick was glowing with a bright smile on his face.

Luigi smiled, “I have golf as well, I don't have a cad-”

“I’LL BE YOUR CADDY, MAMA LUIGI!” Jr shouted with glee.

“Iggy said he wanted to be my caddy,” Tails smiled shyly, “Normally I would want Sonic to be my helper, but something slow paced like golf is torturous to my brother.”

Luigi couldn't help but smile at the group's enthusiasm. He felt a sense of camaraderie and support, and it gave him the confidence he needed to compete. With his team by his side, he was ready to take on any challenge.

He looks at Knuckles and Sonic, “And you two?”

“I have weight lifting next!” Knuckles smiled as he hit his gloved fists together, “I will win!”

Bowser Jr smiled, “My brothers, Morton and Roy will be joining you. Those two like to show off.”

Sonic was bouncing his feet, “I’m doing table tennis next.”

Luigi whistled, “You're most likely going to be up against Daisy. She's very competitive.”

“Good!” Sonic declared, “I love a challenge!”

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As the group headed to the golf course, they were met with a stunning view. The course was lush with green grass and beautiful flowers. The sun was shining, and a light breeze was blowing. It was the perfect day for a round of golf.

The team headed to their designated starting points. As the game began, the group was evenly matched. Luigi and Bowser Jr were in the lead, with Maddie and Tom close behind.

Agent Stone and Robotnik were putting up a good fight, with Tails and Iggy not far behind. Princess Peach and her caddy Toad were also doing well, with Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong not far behind them.

The course was challenging, with obstacles and tricky holes. But the group was determined to give their best. They cheered each other on and offered words of encouragement as they played.

As they reached the final hole, Luigi and Bowser Jr were still in the lead. But Maddie and Tom were catching up, and the tension was high. The final hole was a long, narrow fairway with a water hazard on one side and a sand trap on the other. It was a make or break moment for the players.

Luigi stepped up to the tee, his hands shaking with nerves. Bowser Jr placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and whispered, “You got this, Mama Luigi.” With a deep breath, Luigi swung his club and hit a perfect shot, landing the ball just a few feet away from the hole. The crowd erupted into cheers as Jr high-fived Luigi in excitement.

But the cheers quickly turned to gasps as Maddie stepped up to the tee. She swung her club with grace and precision, sending the ball flying towards the hole. It landed just inches away from Luigi’s ball, setting up a thrilling showdown for the final putt. Tom cheered and hugged his wife, both of them knowing that this could be the shot that wins them the gold medal.

The next team to tee off was Tails and his caddy, Iggy. Tails was a talented golfer, but he struggled with the tricky hole. His ball landed in the sand trap, much to his disappointment. Iggy tried his best to give Tails some advice, but it was no use.

Princess Peach and her caddy, Toad, were up next. As the princess of the Mushroom Kingdom, Peach had a lot riding on her shoulders. She took her shot, and it landed on the green, but it was still a difficult putt. Toad did his best to encourage her, and with a steady hand, Peach managed to sink the putt.

The crowd cheered as Peach and Toad moved into third place, just behind Maddie and Tom. But they were quickly followed by DK and his caddy, Diddy Kong. The two primates were known for their strength and power, and they were determined to catch up to the leaders.

With a powerful swing, DK hit the ball, but it landed in the water hazard. Diddy tried to save the shot, but it was too late. The team was now facing a penalty stroke. The pressure was on, but DK remained calm and focused. With a perfect shot, he managed to get the ball onto the green, but it was still a long putt.

As the crowd held their breath, Luigi and Jr took their final shots and landed their balls in the hole. Maddie and Tom also made their final shots, and their ball rolled into the hole, tying with Luigi and Bowser Jr.

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as the winners were announced. In a surprising turn of events, the judges declared it a tie between Luigi and Jr, and Maddie and Tom. The four of them were awarded the gold medal, making it a historic moment in the Mushroom Kingdom Summer Olympics.

As the four of them stood on the podium, receiving their medals, they were joined by Agent Stone, Robotnik, Tails and Iggy. Tails gave his adopted mother a hug as Iggy gave his little brother a noogie.

It was a heartwarming sight, to see both families united in celebration. Princess Peach and DK were also present, standing in the front row of the crowd. Peach was beaming with pride as she watched her caddy, Toad, receive his silver medal. DK, on the other hand, was a little disappointed that he didn't win, but he was still happy to see Diddy receive his bronze medal.

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Wario was throwing a fit, “You cheated!”

Sonic crossed his arms, “I didn't cheat. You're just fat!”

Sonic was just giving the gold medal for the hurdles race. And Wario just got the silver medal. And Princess Daisy got the bronze.

“If anyone cheated it was you!” Daisy pointed at Wario. “You used your disgusting garlic farts to torpedo through the hurdles! Like right through them instead of jumping them. At least Sonic was jumping over them.”

Sonic and Daisy really hit it off at table tennis and were really happy to find out they both were racing on the Hurdles Track after. There were a small handful of toads, koopas, and goombas that were also on the track, but all bets were placed on the two humans and hedgehog.

Wario huffed, “That's my special move. You just don't appreciate it.”

“I really didn't appreciate it since I was right behind you!” Daisy held her nose and was waving her free hand in front of her face as if she was waving a smell away. The nearby koopas and toads nodded in agreement. The smell is still polluting the track.

Luigi and the others rejoined Sonic, Wario, and Daisy, “What's all the commotion?”

Daisy pointed at Wario, “This fucker is accusing Sonic of cheating!”

Waluigi stared down his business partner. His hair is still wet from marathon swimming. Waluigi didn't care about cheating on business, but he draws the line when it comes to sportsmanship. He knows his partner too well and can smell the lingering Waft from him. “If anything, you cheated. It's obvious you used your stank ass smell to get ahead, Wario.”

Wario crossed his arms, “I don't care. I still got the silver medal.”

“You don't deserve it.” Waluigi grabbed the medal from Wario and handed it to Sonic, “You deserve it more. You raced fairly and still managed to beat Wario.”

“Hey! That's mine!”

Luigi rolled his eyes. “Here, Sonic. Let me remove those ankle weights from you.” Luigi removed the weights. “Now you can run at full speed.”

In a blink of an eye, blue streaks in the air appeared around the group after images of Sonic were left behind. Sonic was dashing around the group so fast that they could barely keep up with him. Until he stopped in front of Luigi and gave him a hug, “Thanks, Luigi! I needed that.”

Wario and Waluigi’s eyes widened when they realized that Sonic was wearing a handicap. Waluigi side eyed Wario with a smirk. Wario stormed off, still upset about losing, while the others cheered and congratulated Sonic on his victory.

Sonic lifted his hand for a handshake from the purple wearing Jumpman. “Thanks, Waluigi. I appreciate it.”

Waluigi wasn't expecting a thank you blushed from embarrassment as he took Sonic's hand, “It's nothing. Wario was being unsportsmanlike.”

Princess Daisy held out her hand, “Congratulations, Sonic. You were amazing out there. You definitely deserved the gold.”

Sonic shook her hand, “Thanks, Daisy. You did great too. You were right behind us.”

Tails and Knuckles hugged their siblings as Tom and Maddie smiled. Tails showed his bronze medal from golfing and Knuckles showed his silver medal from judo.

“This Toad called The Master was the one that beated me! He was an honorable warrior.”

Mario chuckled, “Yeah, that guy… He’s the owner of Toad Town Dojo. I challenged him a couple of times. Always manage to kick my ass.”

“I can see why. He was tough. I thought I had him, but he countered me in the end.” Knuckles chuckled.

DK chuckled, “So what did you do Mario?”

“Long jump.”

DK rolled his eyes, “Let me guess, you got the gold medal.”

“Naturally.” Mario smirked.

“Naturally Luigi would have won if he wasn't on the golf course with us.” DK gave Luigi a pat on the back.

Peach smiled, “The last event of the day is a team sport!” She looked at Robotnik, “What sport is team Earth doing?”

“Strikers.” The evil inventor answered nonchalantly.

“What are Strickers?” Tails asked.

Robotnik nodded at Tails, “Strickers is similar to Earth Soccer, except each team will have five players on the field, and the first team to score five goals wins.”

“Oh! Wario’s Team is going against you.” Princess Peach signed, “Wario is Prosperity Kingdom’s hero and is their representative… to their dismay.”

Bowser huffed out some smoke from his nostrils, “The team is made of mainly Wario, Waluigi, and the rest koopas, magikoopas, boos, goombas, and Petey Piranha as their goalie. I can tell that Waluigi hates it by how many times he tells the magikoopas not to use magic.”

“Why so many from the Darklands?” Tails asked.

“Because nobody what's to work with a cheat in Prosperity Kingdom,” King Boo turns his nose up. “Bowser and I only agreed for the sake of a peace treaty with them. Personally I think we got cheated.”

“How? Wario always cheats.” Daisy was reminded once again about how Sonic was accused of cheating by Wario when it was the yellow Jumpman that was using his farts to launch himself in the hurdle race.

“Not during the sports events with Waluigi. Waluigi knows that the magikoopas will make the game unfair with their magic, so he will even rat out his own teammates if he spots any cheating. So Wario doesn't cheat or else he'll make a fool out of himself.” Bowser explained, “He's actually a very good Strikers player.”

Robotnik looked at Maddie and Tom, “I need you two to hang tight unless one of us gets hurt.”

“Bench warming. Got it.” Maddie gave a thumbs up.

Robotnik looked at the other Earth Representatives, “Stone, I need you on goalie. Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and I will be on the field.”

“Understood.” Knuckles nodded.

“Let’s head out.” Robotnik said.

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The group made their way to the Strikers field, which was a large grassy field with a goal on each end. The stands were filled with excited spectators from all of the different kingdoms. The commentator announced the teams and the rules, and soon the game began.

Wario's team started off strong, with Wario using his brute strength to push past Sonic and Tails. Waluigi used his quick agility to dodge Knuckles' attacks and pass the ball to his teammates. But Stone, as the goalie, was able to block every shot that came his way.

Robotnik and Knuckles worked together to steal the ball from the other team, using their strength and strategy to outsmart Wario and Waluigi. Sonic and Tails were quick on their feet and were able to score the first goal for Team Earth.

The game continued with back and forth action, each team fighting for possession of the ball. But it was clear that Team Earth had the upper hand, with their teamwork and coordination. Wario's team became increasingly frustrated, especially with Waluigi constantly reminding them not to cheat.

As the game neared its end, Team Earth was leading with four goals while Wario's team had only scored one. The crowd cheered and booed as the game intensified. In a last ditch effort, Wario used all of his strength to try and score a goal, but Stone blocked it with ease.

With only a few minutes left, Robotnik saw an opportunity and passed the ball to Sonic, who made a quick dash towards the goal. With a powerful kick, he scored the winning goal for Team Earth.

The crowd erupted into cheers as Team Earth celebrated their victory. Wario's team sulked off the field, defeated and humiliated. Robotnik and his team high-fived and hugged each other, proud of their performance.

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Everyone gathered at Princess Peach's castle for the end of the first day of the Mushroom Olympics. The competition had been fierce, with each of the athletes showing off their skills in various events. But now, as the sun set and the stars came out, they were all ready to relax and celebrate.

Peach, the gracious host, had prepared a feast for everyone to enjoy. The table was filled with all kinds of mushroom dishes, from mushroom soup to mushroom pizza. The athletes were famished after a long day of competing and eagerly dug in, savoring the delicious food.

As the night went on, the atmosphere became more lively. The athletes were all enjoying each other's company, sharing stories and laughter. Mario and Knuckles were having an arm wrestling contest, each one determined to come out on top. Bowser, King Boo, and Luigi were drinking with Tom and Maddie Wachowski.

Even Robotnik and Stone, who were usually enemies with Sonic and Tails, were having a pleasant conversation. It seemed that the spirit of the Mushroom Olympics had brought everyone together, even if it was just for one night.

As the night went on, Peach announced that it was time for the grand finale of the evening - the fireworks display. Everyone gathered outside to watch as colorful explosions lit up the sky. It was a breathtaking sight, and the athletes cheered and clapped in awe.

Luigi yawned as he overexerted himself from the games. And this is only day one of the three day olympic event that's hosted every 4 years. He couldn't imagine how exhausted he would be by the end of it all.

Tonight a feast, tomorrow night a lantern ceremony, and the last day a huge parade with every athlete from every kingdom participating with costumes, masks, confetti, balloons, colorful floats on display and, above all, music.

Luigi couldn't wait. He was already looking forward to the next two days of the Mushroom Olympics and the memories that would last a lifetime. As the fireworks came to an end, everyone hugged and said their goodbyes, already excited for what the next day would bring.

Chapter 15: Mushroom Olympics Part 2

Summary:

Second instalment of the Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Arch Trilogy

Luigi and Stone were the first to rise in the early morning and were having coffee together before the start of the second day of the Mushroom Olympics. “I loved how Robotnik worked really well with Sonic during the Strikers Match.”

Stone nodded, “Of course the Doctor took charge of the team. Normally he's not very good at working with others.”

The morning at the Mushroom Castle’s garden was very beautiful. The birds were singing their songs and the smell of coffee mixed heavenly with the surrounding flowers.

“There you are!” Maddie’s voice chimed in cheer. She sat down with the two men with her tea in her hand, “Today is going to be nuts, huh?”

Luigi smiled, “Yesterday was a warmup sampler while today is the main course. Tomorrow will be even crazier.”

Maddie smiled at Luigi's metaphor, “So… Tomorrow is dessert?”

“Everyone loves dessert,” Luigi replied with a grin. “Gymnastics is the starting event today, followed by individual events until the Team Event.

Stone's smile widened, “Robotnik said this is a good time for me to shine, with archery and fencing on my schedule.”

Luigi looked at Stone with fascination, “What is Team Earth doing for the Team Event.”

“Tennis.” The trio looked towards the voice and greeted Robotnik, Mario, and Tom.

Robotnik continues, “As much as I like to think I am superior in every way, I would have to sit that one down,” Robotnik scoffed, his ego clearly bruised at the thought of not being able to participate in the team event. “While my agility, mental strength, and strategic abilities would help, I don't have the speed nor the endurance for that one.”

Luigi couldn't help but smirk at Robotnik's admission. It was a rare moment of humility from the villain. But his attention was quickly brought back to the conversation as Robotnik continued, “Sonic, I hate to say, would be perfect for that role. The problem is he needs a partner.”

Maddie smiled at her husband, “Tom! You're able to catch up with Sonic, maybe not speed wise, but everything else!”

Tom shrugged, a look of uncertainty on his face. “But we need power as well. Knuckles would be better. He has both strength and speed to catch up with Sonic and the two work well together, as long as they're not competing against each other.”

Robotnik shook his head, “His technique and strategic abilities are... lacking. You, Wachowski, are perfect! Sure, you can't match Sonic's speed, but you are an officer in Green Hills. You have flexibility, endurance, strategy, strength, and agility. And you work well with Sonic! YOU HELPED SONIC BEAT ME! You are Sonic's perfect tennis partner.”

Luigi could see the determination in Robotnik's eyes, and he knew that he was right. Tom was the perfect partner for Sonic. He had watched Tom and Sonic work together before, and they had a great chemistry on the field. Luigi knew that with Tom by his side, Sonic would have a great chance at winning the tennis event.

As they finished their drinks and made their way to the arena, they were greeted by the other participants of the Mushroom Olympics. It was time for the first event.

While there were a few Kongs and New Donkers in the event. Mario, Daisy, Tails, Maddie, Stone, and Sonic showed greatest skills during the Gymnastics event. Each of them performed a routine with precision and grace, impressing the judges and the audience.

Mario, the first to go, started off strong with a series of flips and twists, showcasing his agility and strength. He seamlessly transitioned into a handstand, holding it for an impressive amount of time before dismounting with a perfect landing. The crowd erupted into cheers, impressed by his performance.

Next up was Daisy, who wowed the crowd with her graceful movements and flexibility. She effortlessly executed a series of splits and turns, earning loud cheers from the audience. Her balance beam routine was flawless, with perfect landings and impressive jumps.

Tails, known for his flying abilities, but was banned from using his tails for flight, didn't let that stop him as he took the rings. He swung and flipped with ease, displaying his incredible upper body strength. His dismount was flawless, earning him a high score from the judges.

Maddie Wachowski surprised everyone with her incredible balance and precision. She flawlessly executed a series of handstands and cartwheels, leaving the judges in awe. Those daily morning yoga truly did the job of keeping her flexible.

Stone showed off his power and control during his routine on the parkour obstacle course. With his background of military training and martial arts he wowed the crowd with his skills. The combination of his raw power, agility, and flexibility was on point as he leaped, climbed, flipped on the course. His performance was a perfect blend of strength, speed, and grace.

Last but not least, Sonic took the stage with his signature speed and agility. Even with ankle and wrist weights he was able to do a series of flips and spins with ease. His finale was a perfect backflip, landing perfectly on his feet, earning a perfect score from the judges. His flips and jumps with lightning-fast speed, earning him a standing ovation from the audience.

In the end, it was a close competition, but Tails took home the gold medal for his unique and impressive routine. Mario and Sonic tied for silver, while Daisy, Maddie, and Stone all received honorable mentions for their outstanding performances. It was a fantastic display of talent and athleticism from all six competitors, leaving the audience already excited for the next Gymnastics event.

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As the archery competition began, Tails and Stone faced each other on the field. The tension was high as they both took their positions. The crowd held their breath as they watched the two competitors take aim at their targets.

“They seemed really interested in seeing two teammates competing against each other.” Tails stated, referring to the curious onlookers in the stands.

“They saw how well we worked last night during the Strikers Match. I guess they want to know which teammate is the best… maybe?” Stone smiled at the fox. “But something tells me that you will be a challenge.”

With a nod of understanding, Tails focused on the task at hand. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and released his arrow. It hit the bullseye, earning him a loud cheer from the crowd. Stone, on the other hand, missed the target by a few inches. This gave Tails a boost of confidence, and he continued to hit the bullseye with each of his shots.

Stone, determined not to give up, also improved his aim and started hitting the target more accurately. Soon, the two of them were tied, and the competition became more intense.

Mario and Luigi, who were watching from the sidelines, were amazed by their friends' skills. “Fuck! I knew Tails had brains but that marksmanship is outstanding.” Mario lends forward as he watches the two compet.

Luigi nodded, “Seeing them compete against each other like this is a whole new experience.”

Sonic and Robotnik, who were also in the audience, were equally impressed. They had never seen Tails and Stone in such a serious and competitive mood.

“Robotnik? That's our sidekicks out there.” Sonic grinned at his arch-nemesis.

Robotnik chuckled, “I must admit, they are quite skilled. But I have full confidence in our team.”

The competition continued, and the two competitors were neck and neck. It was clear that both of them were evenly matched in skill and determination. As they reached the final round, the pressure was at its peak.

The winner of this round would be declared the ultimate archery champion. Tails and Stone took their shots simultaneously, and the crowd held their breath. Both arrows flew through the air and hit the bullseye at the exact same time.

It was a tie.

The audience erupted into cheers and applause, and Tails and Stone grinned at each other with mutual respect. They had both given it their all, and in the end, they had both emerged as champions.

As they received their medals, Tails and Stone looked at each other and knew that this competition had only brought them closer. They may be teammates for Team Earth, but today, they were also worthy opponents.

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Luigi put on his sabre mask and checked to see if the safety tip was on his rapier. He did a few quick swipes of his sword to check the balance.

Not as good as his Shadow Armory, but he can't use it without revealing the world that he is Mr L. He did some advance, lunge, and parry practices before the match.

He was ready to face his next opponent, Daisy. He really wanted his next opponent to be Stone. Not because Daisy is scary with a sword (she is), but because he wanted to test Agent Stone’s skills.

But he would have to be patient. For now, he would have to focus on his fight with Daisy. He hoped that he would provide a good challenge to Daisy. She's a much better fighter than he is when it comes to the art of the blade.

The match began and Luigi and Daisy faced each other, their swords at the ready. Luigi took a few steps back, waiting for Daisy to make the first move. She lunged forward, her sword aimed at Luigi's chest. He quickly parried and countered with a swift swipe, but Daisy was just as quick and blocked his attack.

The two of them continued to exchange blows, neither one gaining the upper hand. Luigi could see the determination in Daisy's eyes and he knew that she was not going to go down without a fight. He was impressed that he is lasting this long with the Sun Warrior of Sarasaland.

Luigi and Daisy assumed their stances, their swords raised high. Luigi feigned a move forward, drawing Daisy's attention before executing a swift parry and countering with a lightning-fast swipe. Yet Daisy, with her lightning-fast reflexes, mirrored his move, blocking his attack with effortless grace.

The two duelists engaged in an intricate dance of steel, their swords clashing and parrying with deceptive speed. Luigi's eyes darted, observing Daisy's every move, anticipating her next maneuver. Daisy, in turn, displayed an uncanny ability to predict his intentions, her sword seemingly guiding itself to intercept his blows.

Luigi found himself pushed to his limits, his every move seemingly anticipated by his opponent. Daisy's blade seemed to possess an almost supernatural intelligence, flowing seamlessly through the air to counter his advances. Yet, amidst the chaos of the duel, a flicker of admiration stirred within Luigi. Daisy's skill was undeniable, and he could not help but be awed by her mastery of the blade.

As the match progressed, Luigi began to notice a pattern in Daisy's movements. She favored quick, precise strikes, with a keen eye for his weak points. Adapting his strategy, Luigi adopted a more defensive posture, focusing on parrying her attacks and waiting for the opportune moment to counter.

Time seemed to slow as Luigi and Daisy locked blades in a tense stalemate. The crowd held its breath, their eyes glued to the two combatants. At that moment, Luigi felt an inexplicable connection with Daisy. Beneath the fierce facade of their duel, he saw a shared passion for the art of swordsmanship.

With a sudden burst of energy, Daisy unleashed a flurry of attacks, forcing Luigi into a corner. Desperation fueled his resolve, and with a deft twist of his wrist, he deflected her incoming thrust. As Daisy's balance faltered, Luigi saw his chance.

In one swift motion, Luigi executed a perfect riposte, his blade piercing Daisy's defenses. A gasp rippled through the crowd as Daisy stumbled backward, her sword dropping to the ground with a clatter.

Victory had been achieved. Luigi stood over Daisy, his rapier still pointed towards her, but his heart was heavy with respect for his best friend. He raised his blade and offered his hand in sportsmanship.

💚🔵💚

Now was the event that everyone was waiting for. The Tennis match between Tom Wachowski and Sonic the Hedgehog against The Koopa King and General Blue Shell.

The crowd roared. Toads, Kongs, Lumas, Shy Guys, Koopas, and Goombas jostled beside humans, their cheers blending into a sonic wave of anticipation. Even the most reserved Toads couldn't help but clap their hands and stomp their feet. This wasn't just a tennis match; it was a clash of worlds.

A match between the heroes of Earth and The Villains of Koopa Kingdom. The opening serve came from Bowser, a powerful shot that rocketed towards Sonic. With a blur of blue, Sonic heavy with regulated ankle weights, was beside the ball before it even reached the net. He returned the serve with a flick of his wrist, the ball whistling past Bowser's outstretched racket before landing perfectly in his court.

Earth's team had secured the first point, but Bowser's sly grin hinted at a deeper strategy. He had gauged his opponents, recognizing the true battle lay between the blinding speed of Sonic and Blue Shell, and the brute strength and agility of Bowser and Tom. This was more than a game of tennis; it was a war of tactics and dominance.

Blue Shell's subsequent serve was a cruel masterpiece, targeting Tom with pinpoint precision. Yet, Tom's years of honed reflexes and unwavering determination propelled him forward. He summoned a volley that rivaled Blue Shell's cold, calculated intention, sending the ball soaring towards the general.

The match became an electrifying dance of speed, skill, and strategy. Tom and Sonic moved in unison, their instincts intertwining like whispers of the wind. Bowser, on the other hand, employed brute force and devious schemes. He and Blue Shell shared a bond forged in years of warfare, their movements synchronized as if they shared a single mind. Every move of theirs was a calculated gambit, a game of chess played on a tennis court.

For Sonic and Tom, this match was more than just a game; it was a crucible of learning. They had always relied on their quick reflexes and Sonic's unmatched speed to overcome their enemies. But against the formidable Bowser and Blue Shell, they were forced to adapt and evolve.

Tom realized that Sonic, like himself, was using this competition to refine his skills. The hedgehog's lightning-fast sprints were now tempered with strategic positioning, his carefree spirit tempered by a newfound focus. Together, they learned to anticipate their opponents' moves, to counter their deceptive tactics, and to exploit every opportunity.

The match continued, each point a tense battle. Bowser, with his brute strength and deceptive tactics, was a formidable opponent. He would smash the ball with thunderous force, or use cunning trick shots that sent the ball bouncing unpredictably across the court. Blue Shell remained cold and calculating, targeting their weaknesses with pinpoint precision.

The tennis ball was now only a blurry neon green line as it bounced off the racket, court, and over the net. The crowd held their collected breath as the only sound heard was the the unmistakable sound of tennis balls thwacking against rackets.

Pow.

Pow!

POW!

POW!

But Tom and Sonic, though initially overwhelmed, had begun to find their rhythm. They moved in a harmonious blur, their movements a mesmerizing dance of speed and precision. Tom, with his human tenacity, had learned to anticipate Bowser's every move, his returns sending the ball hurtling back with surprising force. Sonic, his fiery spirit tempered by a newfound focus, was now a whirlwind of controlled energy, his lightning-fast reflexes countered only by the cold calculations of Blue Shell.

The score was tied at 5-5, the tension palpable. The crowd, on the edge of their seats, gasped as Bowser launched another monstrous serve, the ball turned from green to a blur of red fury. Tom, his eyes narrowed in concentration, met the challenge head-on, his racket a blur of yellow as it met the ball, sending it flying across the net with dazzling speed.

Sonic, watching the play unfold, knew exactly what to do. As the ball approached, he vanished in a blur of blue, reappearing with a grin as he unleashed a lightning-fast return, the ball whizzing past the startled Blue Shell and landing squarely in the corner of the court.

The crowd erupted in a cacophony of cheers and jeers. Bowser, his face contorted in fury, roared with frustration, while Blue Shell, his face emotionless, simply glared at Sonic with an icy intensity.

The final point was a tense battle of wits, a game of cat-and-mouse played at breakneck speed. Tom, using his honed skills and newfound understanding of Bowser's techniques, anticipated the Koopa King's every move. Sonic, with his unparalleled speed and improved strategy, danced around Blue Shell, his movements a blur of blue against the green court.

In the end, it was Sonic who delivered the winning shot. With a final flash of blue, he sent the ball hurtling past Blue Shell. The ball landed with a resounding thud, a flawless drop shot that kissed the line with impeccable accuracy.

The stadium erupted in a frenzy of excitement. The Kongs, their mighty chests pounding, roared in triumph. The Toads, adorned in their colorful attire, danced jubilantly in their seats. Even the Koopas and Goombas, who had initially cheered for their king, were swept up in the fervor, their warcry-like chants echoing throughout the stadium.

Princess Peach, her heart filled with pride, joined Mario in applauding the victorious Team Earth. Beanish spectators showered the court with vibrant flowers and confetti.

As the dust settled, Bowser and Blue Shell approached the net, extending their hands. Tom and Sonic reciprocated in a show of sportsmanship.

“Good Game!” Tom exclaimed, his voice filled with a mixture of exhilaration and relief.

Bowser raised an inquisitive eyebrow. “Good Game? Tom, do you comprehend the significance of your victory? You have just vanquished two nefarious warlords on a tennis court!”

Tom's eyes widened, his face turning ashen. “Wait... what?”

General Blue Shell chuckled softly, his icy exterior momentarily melting away. “An amusing encounter, indeed. Hedgehog, I extend an invitation to engage in a race. I anticipate a thrilling contest.”

Sonic beamed, “Ye-Yeah! THAT WOULD BE AWESOME!”

Bowser cast a glance at his general before raising Tom's fist high in the air with a thunderous roar. “Well played, human! We may have lost this match, but we gained something far more valuable—the respect of our worthy opponents.”

Blue Shell, understanding the look his king gave him, mirrored Bowser by raising Sonic's fist high in the air. 'Truly worthy competitors!'

The stadium erupted in cheers and applause. Every Koopa in the stands, from the youngest Koopa Troopa to the oldest Dry Bones, rose to their feet, placing a fist over their hearts in a gesture of Koopa Pride and Respect. The air crackled with a strange energy, a sense of unity that transcended species and kingdoms. Tom and Sonic, the two Earthlings, were now honorary Koopas.

💚🔵💚

The sun dipped low, casting long shadows across the tennis court. Sweat still beaded on their foreheads, but the victory tasted sweet. But not as sweet as the water our heroes are drinking.

“Tom! Slow down,” Stone chastised, wrenching the water bottle from Tom, “You’re going to get sick drinking too fast.”

Tom whined as if he was a kid instead of a sheriff from Earth, reaching for the bottle, “Okay… I’ll slow down.”

Maddie was giving Sonic the same lecture. “This match went longer than I thought,” she announced, shaking her head. “You’re both dehydrated.”

Bowser and Blue Shell watched the scene with amusement. They were already sipping their water calmly, their past battles leaving them well-versed in the art of proper hydration. “Don't forget about the Lantern Ceremony. Nothing worse than getting sick while everyone else is having fun.”

Tails smiled at the Koopa King, “That's right! When is it?”

Blue Shell glanced at the setting sun, his military mind calculating the time. “Not for another hour. Plenty of time to recover.”

Peach was radiating sunshine and happiness. The air around her shimmered with the melody of a song. “The Lantern Ceremony is very special. It’s a celebration of unity, a moment where we release our hopes and dreams into the sky, carried by the light of a thousand lanterns.”

Knuckles was uncharacteristically excited about the ceremony, “Where is the location that the ceremony will take place?”

Mario stretched his arms, “South of Toad Town there's a lake called Blubble Lake. That's where we’re going.”

Luigi got up and grabbed his duffle, “Hey Stone.”

Stone looked at Luigi, “Yes?”

“Meet me at the fencing court before you head to the lake?”

Stone’s eyes widened and then smiled, “Yeah. I was disappointed that I wasn't your opponent earlier as well. I would love to have a friendly spar with you.”

Robotnik, watching from the sidelines, felt a surge of jealousy. He longed to be closer to Stone during the ceremony but also wished for the chance to duel with Luigi as well. The complexity of his emotions twisted inside him.

“I’m ready when you are,” Luigi said, eyes gleaming with challenge.

“I’ll be there soon,” Stone assured, grinning as he packed up his gear. He turned to Robotnik, who had an awkward frown on his brow. “Hey, save me a spot at the ceremony?”

Robotnik forced a smile, the envious feeling still lingering. “Yeah, sure. Just make sure you know who’s better at everything,” he huffed, crossing his arms.

Ignoring the jab, Stone gave Robotnik a friendly pat on the shoulder and moved to join Luigi at the fencing court. The sun finally sank beneath the horizon, but the playful banter continued, the spirit of competition unyielding.

Stone met Luigi at the court with a smile, “I would love it if I spar with you at your topest form.”

Luigi grinned, “You mean you want to spar with Mr L?”

Luigi laughed at how enthusiastic Stone was as he nodded at the idea of him dueling Mr L. Luigi activated his ring and transformed into the Gentleman Thief Mr L.

Stone got out his rapier and stood in position as Mr L did the same, “We have to do this quickly so that we don't miss the ceremony.”

Mr L smiled charmingly, “Of course! You don't want to miss your date.”

Stone blushed, but recovered quickly as he blocked Mr L’s attack.

The sound of blades clashing echoed around the quiet fencing court, a vivid contrast to the playful atmosphere that had settled over their group just moments before. As the last rays of sun painted the sky in soft hues of lavender and gold, Stone found himself exhilarated, fully absorbed in the duel with Mr. L.

The rapid exchange of parries and lunges turned the fencing court into a vibrant playground of skill and artistry. Mr. L’s movements were fluid, exuding a mixture of charm and mischief, while Stone’s stance radiated a focused determination, every feint and thrust expressing his eagerness to rise to the occasion.

“Is that all you’ve got?” Mr. L teased as he spun away from a particularly aggressive swipe, his eyes sparkling with exhilaration. “I expected more from my beloved rival!”

Stone laughed, brushing off the jab with a playful flick of his wrist, “Oh, I’m just getting warmed up!”

They danced around the court, the rhythmic sound of their footwork complementing the sharp clangs of their blades. Every time Mr. L’s rapier approached, Stone relied on his reflexes, maintaining his balance. Yet he couldn't shake off the fluttering sensation in his chest, not just from the duel, but from the thrill of being so close to his friend and rival, even as the Lantern Ceremony beckoned.

In between the bouts, they interchanged banter, both cheering and teasing each other. “You call that a parry? My grandfather could do better with his cane.”

“Ha! Your grandfather was a boxer and if he were here, I’d still win!” Stone shot back, lunging forward with a flourish that caught Mr. L off guard and sent him back a step.

After a particularly stunning backflip, Mr. L landed gracefully as he extended his arm decisively, disarming Stone with a gentle flick of his blade. Stone stared wide-eyed, his rapier clattering to the ground.

“Looks like someone’s had enough,” Mr. L laughed, the glint in his eyes brighter than before.

“Not even close!” Stone ran towards his fallen weapon and slid on his knees as he quickly recovered his weapon. “This was only round one! You got lucky.”

“Lucky? Please!” Mr. L replied, his eyes shimmering with mischief. “You should always expect the unexpected from a Gentleman Thief.”

The final clash was nothing short of spectacular. Their blades moved as if they were one, weaving a story of fun and competitiveness that echoed around them. They lost themselves in the duel, realizing that no matter who won, the true essence of their bond was enriched by the rivalry—a celebration of skill and friendship all at once.

Finally, with an elegant thrust, Mr. L’s rapier met Stone’s. “Yield?” he asked, breathless yet triumphant, their blades hovering inches apart.

“Never!” Stone declared with a glint of laughter, shifting his grip.

“How about a draw, so you two don't miss the Lantern Ceremony?”

Mr L and Stone looked at the location of Robotnik’s voice. They were surprised that he was there.

“Robotnik!” Mr. L exclaimed, trying to maintain his flamboyance despite the interruption. “We were in the midst of a legendary duel! Surely you can allow us a few more minutes?”

“Nope!” Robotnik tapped his fingers with his Control Gloves and drones appeared. The drones shot bubbles at Stone and Mr L, trapping them in large bubbles.

Mr L transformed back into Luigi and poked at the bubble he was trapped in. “Did you combine your tech with Flower Power Ups? I'm so proud of you, Robotnik.”

“Shut it. The sun is setting in a few minutes and I don't want to miss the lanterns.” Robotnik pushed the bubbles out of the court and led them to the lake.

“Robotnik, you can’t just bubble-wrap us and expect us to enjoy the Lantern Ceremony like this!” Stone protested, his voice muffled by the transparent barrier.

Robotnik shrugged, unperturbed. “If you two had prioritized the lanterns over your little duel, I wouldn’t have had to take drastic measures.”

Robotnik looked up and saw King Boo and shouted at him, “Hey, Boo! I think this is yours.”

Luigi squeaked as he was thrown towards his ghostly husband. King Boo caught the bubble and smiled at Luigi. “Ah, my dear Luigi, always getting yourself into a pickle!”

King Boo grinned, his translucent form shimmering like the last rays of sunlight fading over the lake. He floated effortlessly, releasing Luigi from the bubble’s confines with a gentle flick. Luigi landed softly on the grass, still dazed from the suddenness of it all. “Shall we go? Bowser and Koopalings are waiting for us.”

“Come on, let’s catch the lanterns rising!” Luigi urged, sensing the urgency of the moment as the first few lanterns started to drift into the twilight sky.

As the sun dipped beneath the horizon, casting golden rays across the lake, the anticipation for the Lantern Ceremony filled the air. Fabricated by the enthusiasm of all its attendees, the atmosphere shimmered with excitement and nostalgia as lanterns—crafted with care and decorated with vibrant colors—flitted softly on the gentle water, waving like the spirits of those who had once filled the territory with laughter and community.

The festival-goers were draped in outfits that radiated color, as if the landscape had come alive, reflecting the joyful chaos of camaraderie and laughter. Children danced through the crowd, their paper lanterns lighting up their faces with pure euphoria. Over by the lakeside, Bowser, adorned in a festive outfit that was somehow both intimidating and charming, stood with his Koopalings, each boasting their own meticulously crafted lantern.

“Look who’s finally here!” Bowser called, his voice echoing across the gathering like a trumpet heralding the start of a grand performance. “Did you finish your duel, or are you still fighting over who’s the best?”

Stone's bubble popped and landed in Robotnik's arms, “It was a tie.”

Robotnik chuckled. He wasn't going to remind Stone that it was Luigi’s win with the score 2-0. But Luigi is kindhearted and both Stone and Robotnik took advantage of it.

The Koopalings each had a lantern that they were about to release. Bowser Jr smiled wildly, “Mama Luigi! Check out my lantern!”

Luigi turned at the sound of Bowser Jr.'s exuberant shout, a goofy grin spreading across his face. He knelt down to inspect the lantern as it shimmered in the fading light, hand-painted with swirls of blue and gold. “Wow, that’s incredible, Jr.! I love the colors you picked. It’s just like the ocean at sunset!”

The young Koopaling beamed, his excitement contagious. “Thanks, Mama Luigi! I can’t wait to release it! It’s got my wish inside!” With that, Bowser Jr. carefully placed his lantern on the water's edge, fidgeting with anticipation, while the other Koopalings gathered around, their own lanterns ready for the moment they could set them afloat.

As the last rays of sun dipped below the horizon, the first glimmers of the lanterns twinkled against the night sky, a starry ocean of hopes and dreams. Luigi felt the weight of the moment settle around him like a cozy blanket, the laughter of friends and the joy of celebration mingling like a sweet melody.

“Let’s do this together!” he urged, gesturing to their group. “Everyone, grab your lanterns!”

With giddy laughter, they all stepped to the water’s edge. The Koopalings each clutched their lanterns, their eyes wide with anticipation. Just as Bowser Jr. began to count down, a chorus of “Three! Two! One!” filled the air, and in unison, they lowered their lanterns into the still surface of the lake.

The lanterns bobbed gently, like little boats of light, carrying their wishes into the night. Luigi’s heart swelled with pride at the sight – colorful paper creations drifting slowly, illuminating the faces around him with a warm glow.

“I thought you said the lanterns will ri-” Robotnik’s voice was caught in his throat as he saw a lantern and a few droplets of lake water raised into the air. Followed by another, then another.

As Robotnik staggered back, his eyes widening in disbelief, the once-calm lake erupted into a dance of shimmering lights. "What—what’s happening?" he spluttered, clearly taken aback by the spectacle unfolding before him.

“It's a natural occurrence on Blubble Lake this time every few years.” Princess Peach said as the lanterns from their group were starting to rise from the lake to join the others.

Luigi held King Boo and Bowser's hands, “Like clockwork. We still haven't found out why, but for generations it was traditional to have the Olympics in time with the Lantern Ceremony. Even without the Olympics, we would probably still do the ceremony.”

Maddie wrapped her arms around her boys, playful chaos emanating from them as they joined in on the wonder lit up in their eyes. Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles stood in wide-eyed amazement, captivated by the glowing parade of hopes that floated upward.

Tom looked over at his wife, pride swelling in his heart at the sight of their extraordinary family—patchworks of beings intermingling, creating warmth that resonated deeper than the light illuminating the lake.

As they watched the lanterns drift higher into the sky, the collective laughter and joy carved a heartwarming resolution in the air, capturing an essence that echoed through time. It was more than a celebration; it marked the resilience of companionship, reaffirming dreams shared across whispered wishes and glowing lights.

In that moment, the lake unfurled a timeless legend—a reminder that as long as there would be hearts willing to dream, there would always be a place where hopes could rise.

Chapter 16: Mushroom Olympics part 3

Summary:

The Conclusion of the Mushroom Olympics arc.

As the golden sun peeked over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Mushroom Kingdom, Luigi and Mario gathered their gear for the last day of the Mushroom Olympics. Excitement buzzed in the air as they made their way to the beach, where competitors and spectators alike were already filling the sandy shores, eager for the day’s events.

"Today’s the day, Luigi!" Mario exclaimed, adjusting his signature red cap as he scanned the vibrant scene before them. "Water skiing is going to be a blast! Just wait until you see me zoom across the waves!"

Luigi chuckled, lacing up his green water shoes. "You better watch out, Mario. I may surprise you!" His eyes twinkled with friendly competition. He had practiced diligently, and though he often felt overshadowed by his brother, he was determined to carve his own niche in this event.

Meanwhile, under a colorful beach umbrella, Robotnik and Sonic sat side by side in a rare moment of truce. Robotnik, prone to turning bright red like a lobster when exposed to too much sun, winced while adjusting his oversized sun hat. “I never thought I’d be sitting here with you to escape the sun,” he grumbled.

“At least you can swim…” Sonic groaned as he looked at his friends and family having fun.

Stone appeared next to them with an ice chest, “I got you two some water and this soda that the toads called Super Star Lemon Squash?”

Robotnik tried to look grumpy as he looked at his sidekick, “Yes, yes, yes. Go have fun, Stone. Sonic and I would be fine.”

After Stone left and Robotnik handed Sonic a bottle of water the two looked at their friends enjoying themselves. “Did you and Stone get together yet?”

“No.”

Sonic nodded, not adding anything more. Surprisingly it wasn't awkward at all. The two have been rivals long enough to understand each other in ways that's similar to best friends. Sonic secretly root for Stone and Robotnik to actually hook up.

Bowser was playfully buried in the sand, peeking out of a comically large sandcastle that Tails had decorated with colorful shells atop tall, swirly towers. Laughter erupted from the Koopalings as Bowser attempted to free himself, only for Tails to swoop down and add even more shells to the castle’s top, giggling mischievously.

A wrestling match drew their attention next, where Knuckles and Morton were grappling in the sand, much to the delight of a cheering crowd of spectators including Tom, Maddie, Peach, and Daisy. Peach waved at Mario and Luigi, her smile radiant. “You guys ready to show off those water skiing skills?” she called out, excitement lacing her voice.

“Ready as ever!” Mario shouted back, puffing out his chest.

Suddenly, a loud announcement echoed across the beach, capturing everyone’s attention. “Welcome, athletes and spectators, to the first part of the final events of the Mushroom Olympics: the thrilling Water Ski Showdown! We’ll begin with the time trials, so get ready to witness some amazing skills!”

As the competitors lined up near the shimmering waves, Mario and Luigi exchanged determined glances. “This is it!” Mario said, excitement bubbling over. “Time to prove we’re the best!”

“Let’s make it a fun day,” Luigi replied, a hint of nervousness in his voice masking his burning ambition.

The time trials commenced, and one by one, competitors sped across the water, executing impressive jumps and tricks. Tom and Maddie cheered as Mario, Luigi, Sone, Tails, Bowser, Peach and Daisy showed off their skills.

Mario took his turn first, zipping across the glimmering surface with a confident swagger. He deftly maneuvered through the waves, performing loops and sharp turns, sending up splashes that caught the sunlight and rained droplets like glitter upon the shore. The crowd erupted into cheers as he landed a particularly daring jump, arms raised in victory by the time he cruised back to the starting line.

“Did you see that? I’m the king of the water!” Mario shouted, high-fiving Tails, whose tail fluffed with excitement from the sidelines.

Next up was Luigi. His heart raced as he stepped onto his water ski and pushed off. He couldn't shake the memories of his previous disappointments in the Olympics, but today felt different; today, he was ready to show everyone what he could do. His brother's cheers fueled his determination, and he concentrated on maintaining balance as he skimmed across the waves.

“Come on, Luigi! You’ve got this!” Mario’s voice rang out, grounding him as he focused on his form. As he began to pick up speed, Luigi executed a smooth turn, cutting through the water like a knife, and the crowd’s cheers grew louder, urging him forward.

With every jump he made, he felt a rush of adrenaline and joy. He was no longer just Mario’s younger brother; he was Luigi, an athlete in his own right. The climax of his performance came with a perfect backflip off the wake, eliciting gasps and cheers from the beachgoers.

As Luigi landed flawlessly back on the water, he startled himself with excitement and squealed, “I did it! I really did it!” His face beamed as he returned to the shoreline, where Mario enveloped him in a proud hug.

The competition continued with Stone and Tails partnering up. As Agent Sone adjusted the straps of his water skis, he shot a confident grin at Tails.

“Ready to show them how it’s done?” Sone asked, his voice dripping with enthusiasm. Tails nodded eagerly, his twin tails swirling in anticipation.

“Let’s go for it!” he replied, determination shining in his eyes.

The duo pushed off from the shore, gliding across the water with seeming ease. Sone, known for his agility on land, adapted quickly to the waves, performing quick cuts and daring twists. Meanwhile, Tails, with his unique ability to fly, created a captivating spectacle. He lifted off the water momentarily, spinning mid-air and making it look as effortless as a breeze.

As they reached the sweet spot for tricks, Sone called out, “Now, Tails!”

In perfect sync, Tails launched himself into the air while Sone carved an impressive zig-zag through the water, sending off splashes that sparkled like diamonds under the sun. The crowd watched in awe as Tails soared with grace, performing a double twist before splashing back into the water perfectly.

They shared a high-five as they reached the shoreline, their performance drawing wild applause.

Then came the formidable Bowser, whose approach bore a heavy air of intimidation. The giant turtle adjusted his oversized ski gear, eyes narrowing with a fierce determination. As he took to the water, whispers of doubt flitted through the crowd—could the King of the Koopas truly master this?

But Bowser surprised everyone. With powerful strokes, he propelled himself forward, leaving a wake behind him. The initially skeptical crowd gradually shifted their demeanor as they watched him tackle the turns and jumps with unexpected finesse.

He landed one mighty leap, splashing water high into the air, and let out a triumphant roar. His partner, surprisingly a toad, was able to match Bowser perfectly regardless of the size difference.

Last but not least, Princess Peach and Daisy took their turn as a dynamic duo, embodying elegance and charisma. The two girls synchronized their movements gracefully, gliding side by side while monitoring each other’s speed and balance. Their sharing of the spotlight became a display of true teamwork.

As they climbed over a wave together, they borrowed Tails’ earlier idea. Peach launched into the air, executing a beautiful pirouette while Daisy held onto her in a show of trust and partnership.

The crowd gasped, then erupted into cheers as they returned to the surface and finished flawlessly together.

As the last competitor crossed the finish line, the beach thrummed with excitement. The announcer’s voice boomed again, gathering everyone’s attention once more. “And that concludes the time trials! We will announce the results shortly. Remember, today isn’t just about winning; it’s about celebrating the spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship!”

It was announced later that the Bronze was given to Tails and Stone for teamwork and flair. Tails and Stone gave each other a high-five. They were surprised that Team Earth would get a water ski medal. Sonic and Robotnik even pulled themselves out from the safety of the umbrella to congratulate their sidekicks.

Mario and Luigi got the Silver for their acrobatic skills, mainly because of Luigi’s backflip, which to no one's surprise Mario got credited for. “I’m so sorry, bro.”

“Don't worry about it. At least our friends know the truth.” Luigi waved the insult away, though King Boo, Bowser, and Robotnik were seething angrily about it.

“And now, let's reveal the Gold Medalists!” the announcer exclaimed, excitement rippling through the crowd. “With their stunning synchronization and show of trust, the champions of the Water Ski Showdown are Princess Peach and Princess Daisy!”

The two cousins jumped up and down in excitement, hugging each other tightly as the crowd cheered; the energy was electric. “We did it, Daisy!” Peach exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Daisy grinned ear to ear. “Together, we really are unstoppable!”

💚🔵💚

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm golden hue across the sandy beach of the Mushroom Kingdom. Today, the vibrant waves crashed rhythmically against the shore, harmonizing beautifully with the excited chatter of eager spectators. Everyone had gathered at the edge of the beach for a much-anticipated event: Skeet Shooting. In the Mushroom Kingdom, this sport had become a thrilling spectacle, blending the competitive spirit of the Olympics with the enchanting quirkiness of its inhabitants.

In this peculiar version of the sport, the “skeets” were not clay discs but tiny, colorful spores that floated on gentle breezes. The Mushroom Olympics had unique rules: competitors had to use a cork gun or their natural abilities to aim and shoot at the spores with precision and style.

Team Earth was surprised that they had Skeet and sat this one out to observe the spectacle.

The starting line was a riot of color. A bright green Yoshi from Team Yoshi Island stood poised, its large, intelligent eyes tracking the sporadic puffs of spores. Next to it, a scrawny Kong, surprisingly nimble for his build, bounced on the balls of his feet, his long arms twitching in anticipation. And then there was Wendy O. Koopa, a determined glint in her eye, her cork gun held firmly, barrel pointed towards the sky. Luigi, ever the supportive stepfather, stood sandwiched between his boisterous brother Mario and the quietly determined Wendy.

"You’ve got this, Wendy,” Luigi encouraged, his voice steady. “But don’t underestimate the competition! That Yoshi looks pretty focused.” He adjusted his green cap, a nervous habit. Mario gave a booming laugh and clapped Wendy on the back, nearly sending her sprawling.

Wendy nodded to her stepdad, a rare serious expression on her face. She knew that the quiet focus of the other competitors was a threat. She had dedicated time to this particular sport, but in her heart, she always worried if it would be enough. “Good luck, Mama Luigi,” she whispered, a small smile gracing her lips.

The air crackled with anticipation as a Toad, clad in referee attire, adjusted his microphone. "Alright everyone!” he squeaked, his voice amplified by the magical loudspeaker flower he held. “The Mushroom Kingdom Skeet Shooting Championship is about to begin! Competitors, prepare yourselves!”

The first spores were released. They rose in a rainbow of pinks, blues, yellows, and greens, dancing like tiny, mischievous balloons. The Yoshi, with a flick of its tongue, snagged three spores in quick succession, its movements fluid and precise. The scrawny Kong was punching the air, taking down two more spores just with air pressure from his powerful fists. The crowd erupted in cheers, a blend of gasps and whistles. Team Earth were dumbfounded by the pure absurdity of what they were seeing.

Wendy took a deep breath, focusing on the delicate dance of the spores. She’d practiced this for weeks - analyzing the wind flow and understanding the buoyancy of each spore. She raised her cork gun, aligning the sight with a particularly plump orange spore, a mischievous glint in her eye. With a sharp pop, the cork flew through the air and poof, the spore vanished in a tiny cloud of dust. She kept her movements economic and smooth, taking down spores in sequences, a silent and deadly dance of precision.

The Yoshi and the Kong continued to accumulate points, their unique styles garnering the admiration of the spectators. But Wendy’s calm, deliberate approach was proving to be remarkably effective. By the end of the first round, she held a slim lead. She glanced over at Luigi who was just as determined to win the competition.

She also glanced at Mario, who was twirling his cork gun like it was a six-shooter, firing haphazardly, and somehow always hitting his targets. A familiar flicker of irritation sparked within her. It was always Mario, the shining star, the center of attention who overshadows her favorite human and beat up her daddy.

A rebellious thought crossed her mind: what if she aims her gun at him? Her fingers twitched at the thought. Then, she quickly refocused, unwilling to let her inner frustrations derail her performance.

A bold red spore caught her attention, plump and defiant against the backdrop of the blue sky. In her mind, she jokingly imagined it was Mario’s face, and with a surge of playful frustration, she raised her cork gun and fired. The cork shot out, but instead of hitting just the red spore, it pierced through it.

Then, in a remarkable feat of luck, skill, and maybe a touch of magic, it pierced through three more behind it, sending four spores poofing simultaneously. A collective gasp went through the crowd and even stunned the other competitors, including the normally stoic Wendy.

The competition continued for two more rounds, but Wendy’s incredible shot had become the defining moment. She continued to calmly and methodically pop spores out the sky, her earlier frustration replaced by a quiet confidence. In the end, by the end of the third and final round of the competition, Wendy was wearing the Mushroom Kingdom Skeet Shooting gold medal. “TO THE GLORY OF KOOPA KINGDOM!!!”

She glanced at her Mama-Luigi, his eyes filled with pride, and her heart swelled with warmth. Maybe she didn't need to be the center of attention, after all. A quiet victory, with a touch of rebellious flair, was just as sweet.

💚🔵💚

“I really want to kill some Toads right now.” Robotnik said as he and the others took a lunch break at a picnic table still within view of the beach and the Mushroom Kingdom Olympics.

Bowser nods his head, “Yeah… I heard them talking about Luigi making a fool of himself playing cowboy. ARE THEY COLORED BLIND?!”

“Guys.” Luigi raised his hands, his green eyes wide and slightly pleading, trying to stem the flow of their negative thoughts, “It’s alr-”

“NO IT’S NOT!!!” The chorus of frustrated yells, surprisingly unified, made Luigi flinch. This was a regular occurrence these days.

He took a deep breath, calming himself. “Sure. Okay. It’s weird that all my achievements always get overlooked or Mario reluctantly takes credit.” He crossed his arms, trying to project a semblance of confidence. It was hard when he felt like a walking punchline.

"And now that every time I goof off, my brother gets blamed?" Mario, surprisingly, felt a twinge of guilt. He was aware, on some level, that Luigi was right. "I feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone when that shit happens." He gestured wildly with a half-eaten sandwich, bits of tomato and lettuce flying onto the table.

Sonic somehow managed to be simultaneously messy and still spotless, looking up from his third chili dog. He chewed thoughtfully, his trademark speed dialed down to a casual pace for the meal. "You mentioned that yesterday. But didn't you also say it was a good thing because it prevents people from recognizing you as Mr. L?" He tilted his head, a glint of amusement in his emerald eyes. He understood the frustration, but seeing it manifest in this group was... entertaining.

Robotnik took a long swig of his Super Star Lemon Squash, the bright, citrusy flavor a jolt to his system. He’d acquired a taste for the surprisingly addictive beverage. "Hopefully the people are too dumb to realize that Mr. L hasn't shown up during the Olympics." He smirked, imagining the collective head-scratching of the mushroom kingdom’s populace. "So who's doing the colossal maze challenge?"

"THE LABYRINTH OF LEGENDS!!!" Mario shot up, his face lit with genuine enthusiasm. He’d been waiting for this. “The twisting pathways and perplexing puzzles! It’s the perfect blend of skill and strategy!” His usual bravado was back, for the moment, the frustration forgotten in the face of a new challenge.

King Boo smiled, a sly, ghostly grin that was both unsettling and amused. "The Mushroom Kingdom, Koopa Kingdom, and Kingdom Nethermourn teamed up for the traps and puzzles. I advise you if you see a piano in the maze, stay clear.” His voice was a low, menacing whisper that sent a slight chill down everyone's spines.

Luigi smiled with genuine pride at the engineering of the maze. While he himself wasn't allowed to participate in the actual building—all workers were richly compensated, given a forgetfulness potion, and forced to sign a magical contract of secrecy—he was well aware of the innovative designs. But Luigi didn't even need to have seen the blueprints to know the Olympics were not playing around this year, and the sheer ingenuity was something to behold last time. This year should be fantastic.

Tom groaned, running a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. "I signed up for it because I thought it was going to be like one of those escape rooms type-things. It didn’t occur to me that I was going to be going through an adventurer’s gauntlet.” The reality of what he had signed up for was starting to sink in, and it wasn't pretty.

Sonic struggled to contain his laughter, covering his mouth with his hand. "Sorry, Tom," he managed to choke out, his shoulders shaking with mirth. "That's kinda what all mazes are, though, aren't they?" He couldn’t help but find the whole situation incredibly amusing. His dad always managed to get into the most ridiculous predicaments, and this was one for the books.

Maddie smiled at her goofy husband, patting him on the shoulder. "Don't forget!" she chirped, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "After the maze is Team Earth versus Team Koopa in the Volleyball Match!" She pointed a finger at Bowser, who stood nearby, his hulking frame radiating barely contained excitement. "We are going to whip you to the next galaxy!"

“I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU TRY, HUMAN! BRAWHAHAHA!” Bowser roared, his voice booming across the beach. He gave Maddie a fist bump, a show of good sportsmanship that highlighted the unusual camaraderie of the Olympics. He was eager to unleash his volleyball skills, even if it meant playing against humans.

Tom, however, looked between his wife and the Koopa King with a pale expression. "Oh God! I forgot about that," he muttered, his voice filled with dread. He was more worried that his kids and the Koopalings would destroy the beach during the game than he was about his own safety in the labyrinth. The image of flying shells and sand-covered children filled his mind, making him wince.

The volleyball match would be the last game of the Mushroom Kingdom Olympics, the grand finale to days of competition and cooperation. And then, the grand parade to celebrate the unity that the Olympics brought to this strange and wondrous world. The air buzzed with anticipation, and while Tom may have been lamenting, everyone else was ready for the challenge. The Labyrinth of Legends awaited, and after that, the clash of titans on the volleyball court. The Olympics were far from over.

💚🔵💚

The roar of the crowd was deafening. Red, yellow, and blue banners snapped in the breeze above the colossal maze that sprawled across the Mushroom Kingdom’s stadium. Today was the biggest event of the Mushroom Kingdom Olympics: the Labyrinth of Legends. Down below, seven figures stood at the starting line, each a legend in their own right, ready to tackle the twisting pathways and perplexing puzzles.

Luigi adjusted his cap and took a deep breath, pretending that his knees were shaking in fear. Beside him, his brother Mario, radiating confidence, bounced on the balls of his feet, itching to go. Across from them, Bowser, a hulking mass of spiked shell and fury, glared at the maze as if it had personally insulted him. To their side, the speedy Sonic tapped his foot impatiently, a blur of red from his shoe against the vibrant gold sand. Tails, tail flicking with nervous excitement, gave him a reassuring pat.

Then there was Sheriff Thomas Wachowski from Green Hills, Montana. His large, bewildered eyes scanned the elaborate structure, trying to convince himself that this was just like the police academy. Finally, Dr. Robotnik, his mustache practically crackling with barely contained malevolence, surveyed the maze with a calculating, almost smug glint in his goggles. He had a plan, he always had a plan.

“I thought there could be more people participating in the maze,” Tom said to Luigi, voice slightly overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the competition.

Luigi smiled at his friend, “There is actually! There's a timer, so when we are done, another group of seven will take their turn.”

“How long is the timer?” Tails asked, his twin tails swishing anxiously.

“30 minutes,” Luigi replied, his voice a bit more relaxed now that he was talking to Tom and Tails rather than focusing on the daunting maze ahead.

Robotnik’s eyes widened, not in fear but in intrigue. “30 minutes? This maze is huge!” He tapped a finger on his leg, his mind already whirring with calculations. “That limits the time for exploration. This is less about speed and more about efficiency.”

Luigi nodded, “It’s more about solving the puzzles and avoiding traps. The more puzzles and traps you solve, the more points you get. You could win by successfully exiting the maze, or by racking up points.”

A loud gong echoed through the stadium, silencing the crowd and signaling the start of the Labyrinth of Legends. The seven figures surged forward as one. Mario, with his signature leap, bounded into the first corridor. Sonic, a flash of blue, was a mere blur, already navigating the first series of turns. Bowser, grumbling under his breath, bulldozed through a particularly dense patch of mushroom-like vegetation. Tails, his twin tails providing excellent balance, took to the air, providing reconnaissance for Sonic. Tom, using his law enforcement training, kept a cool head, carefully analyzing the path ahead. Robotnik, a glint of manic glee in his goggles, immediately bypassed the obvious path, instead choosing a less traveled opening. He suspected a hidden shortcut, of course.

Luigi smiled as he scanned the room. To the crowd, he appeared to be doing nothing, but a few of his closest friends and some of his fan club members knew better. He was observing, analyzing. A stone that was a different color than the rest of the wall caught his eye—gray enough to blend in but with enough of a purple hue that it would attract the most seasoned adventurers and treasure hunters. Luigi tapped the stone, and a section of the wall slid open, revealing a secret passage.

After stepping inside, the secret passage closed behind him, trapping him in a room with no visible exits. Another puzzle, right off the bat.

Luigi looked up and saw a colored flag hanging limp in the center of the room, the fabric too still for the outside breeze. The flag was a peculiar combination of four horizontal stripes - red, green, yellow, and blue. Then, his gaze dropped to the walls, scanning the surface. He spotted stones embedded within the brickwork, each stone displaying one of the same colors on the flag. The stones had subtle symbols etched into them—a star on the red, a flower on the green, a mushroom on the yellow, and a question mark on the blue.

Luigi understood. He had to press the stones in the order of the flag. He carefully pressed the red star stone, then the green flower stone, then the yellow mushroom stone, and finally the blue question mark stone. As the last stone clicked into place, the floor beneath him rumbled, and slowly, a new passage opened up in the wall.

He entered a new room, this one containing a series of levers. He recognized it immediately. One wrong move and he'd get shocked. He took a look at the levers and noticed that some of the handles were worn and others looked newer. The new handles were the wrong levers. He carefully pulled each of the worn levers and yet another path opened up for him. He began moving faster, he knew he couldn't waste the time that he had left.

Meanwhile, through the main corridors of the maze, chaos reigned. Mario was a whirlwind of jumps and slides, collecting power-ups and smashing through obstacles, his route more about brute force than strategy. He was a natural at this, powered by his fiery spirit, his platforming skills honed over countless adventures.

The maze was a cacophony of challenges. Giant piranha plants snapped their jaws in narrow hallways, requiring quick jumps and dodges. Pressure pads sprung traps, unleashing jets of water or shooting out fire flowers. Logic puzzles involving combinations of colored switches and moving platforms tested the racers' minds as much as their bodies.

Sonic and Tails, meanwhile, were forces to behold. Sonic zipped around corners, his movements almost too fast for the eye to follow. He collected points by solving puzzles he saw Tails point out, his speed making short work of the time it would take to complete them.

Tom, for his part, was a study in controlled determination. He moved with a calm, deliberate pace, his police training kicking in as he carefully assessed each situation. The initial panic he'd felt at entering the maze had long since dissipated, replaced by a laser-like focus on the task at hand. He traced pathways with his finger, patiently deciphering the mechanisms of the logic puzzles. His human ingenuity, his ability to think critically and methodically, was proving to be his greatest asset. He was a beacon of calm amidst the frantic energy, a testament to the power of human intellect.

And then there was Robotnik. He wasn't running; he was strategizing. A smug grin plastered on his face, he activated a program in his goggles that allowed him to see through the walls, revealing the hidden patterns and traps of the maze. He saw the logic puzzles as nothing more than code to be cracked, the physical challenges as trivial diversions. He believed he had the upper hand, his technological superiority giving him a distinct advantage. He was, in his own mind, the master of this bizarre domain.

That is, until he blundered into a section of the maze that reeked of boos and malevolent intentions. He had stumbled into a twisted landscape carved by the ghastly denizens of the Kingdom of Nethermourn. His goggles, once so useful, were now useless, overwhelmed by the eerie magic that permeated the area.

And then he saw it. A grand piano, its keys yellowed and chipped, its wood strangely warped. Robotnik groaned in memberence of King Boo’s warning. Rows and rows of sharp, pointed teeth gleamed in the dim light, and they were not smiling. With a groan and a creak, the piano started to move towards him, a horrifying mechanical monster.

Robotnik, the self-proclaimed master of strategy and technology, found himself running in genuine, unadulterated terror. The fear was a cold knot in his stomach, a stark contrast to the smug superiority he had felt only moments before. A piano with teeth, hunting him, the ultimate humiliation for a mastermind. This wasn't what he had planned at all.

Bowser, as expected, was doing things his way. He had destroyed several sections of the maze, creating shortcuts, or rather, direct routes. But his brute force strategy cost him precious points as it triggered more traps. He was, it seemed, more interested in smashing things than solving puzzles.

Luigi looked up to the sky, his eyes fixed on the airship hovering above. The timer displayed on its underside read 3 minutes left, and he was still navigating the 10th room of the infamous Labyrinth of Legends. The current puzzle before him was a mosaic portrait of the Mushroom Kingdom, with intricately arranged tiles that seemed to stretch on forever. Luigi’s mustache twitching with a mixture of frustration and curiosity.

Luigi shrugged and walked around it and touched the door which opened. Sometimes, what looked like a puzzle or trap was just a red herring, meant to distract and mislead. Luigi's eyes lit up with a mixture of excitement and relief as he stepped through the door and into the unknown.

The sudden burst of noise and cheers that greeted him was almost deafening. Luigi looked up, blinking in the bright light, and saw that he was out of the maze. Not only was he the first to escape, but he was also at the top of the scoreboard, with the highest score so far. The crowd's enthusiasm was infectious, and Luigi couldn't help but grin from ear to ear.

However, as he basked in the glory of his achievement, a voice in the back of his mind reminded him that the Labyrinth of Legends was more than just a test of escape artistry. It was a challenge of quick thinking, problem-solving, and strategic navigation. Even though he was the first to emerge, there was still a chance that the next contestant to escape could surpass him in points, snatching the gold from his grasp.

As if on cue, Mario's name jumped from fourth to second place on the scoreboard, just as he emerged from the maze through another door, looking like he had been through a war. His red cap was askew, one strap of his overalls torn. His jacket hung in tatters, smeared with soot and what looked like rainbow glitter. His boots were scuffed, his hands scraped—but his stride was unbroken. Unbowed.

Robotnik, on the other hand, was not so fortunate. He stomped out moments later, scowling like thunder trapped in a can. His mechanical trench coat sizzled from residual lightning damage. One of his goggles was cracked. His boots left little trails of smoke.

“Stupid ghost shark piano,” he growled, kicking a pebble that exploded on impact. “I solved every logic gate, avoided every shadow trap—then a piano grew teeth and started to charge at me. What kind of psychological warfare is that?”

Luigi approached, gentle as a breeze. “You did good,” he said, patting Robotnik’s shoulder. “Those pianos always creep people out.”

Robotnik shot him a glare that could melt steel. “That one tried to eat me.”

As he glanced up at the timer, he noticed that there were less than two minutes left. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, eager to see who would emerge next.

Then—bam!—two blue blurs shot out of the southern tunnel.

Sonic, mid-spin-dash, skidded to a halt. “Beat the clock! Who’s the fastest thing alive? Me!”
Then he checked the board.
“...Sixth?”

Tails hovered behind, dusting himself off. “You broke three secret paths, missed two bonus zones, and triggered six decoy traps because you ‘felt the vibe.’”

Sonic groaned. “Fast and bad at puzzles. A curse.”

Tails took third with a shy wave. The crowd cooed.

“Clever fox,” Luigi whispered.

Then—thud. THUD. THUUUUD.

The ground trembled.

From the deepest fissure in the mountain, Bowser erupted like lava from a volcano.

His spiked shell was scorched black. His horns were bent. His fur had been singed into a wild, poofy halo. One claw dragged behind him like a broken anchor.

But he was smiling.

“MWAHAHAHA—cough cough—I made it! Who needs points when you’ve got drama?!”

The scoreboard blinked. 7th place. Bowser didn't care.

A silent pause hit the crowd. Then someone gasped. Luigi’s breath caught.

Tom’s name jumped from fourth place to third place.Tom was climbing with less than one minute to escape the maze.

Still no sign of Tom Wachowski. A murmur spread like wildfire. Luigi looked at the timer and the crowd was joining in to count down. “Eight…. Seven…”

Tom's name was in second place. “Six… Five… Four….”

“No way,” Sonic muttered. Luigi stared. Tom wasn’t out. The maze hadn’t released him.

First place! Tom was first—but only if he escaped before time ran out. The crowd erupted. The countdown continues…

“Three… Two—”

BANG!

The northern door exploded in a storm of fire and splinters. Wood and metal rained down as a figure tumbled out, rolling across the stone like a discarded soda can.

Tom Wachowski lay on his back, arms splayed, like eagle wings. He blinked up at the sky. “...Did I make it?” Tom looked at the scoreboard and his eyes widened, “That can't be correct. Not only did I beat Robotnix in smarts but got first place?”

“Rub it in, why don't you?” The mad genuine grabbed Tom's hand and pulled him off the ground, “I had to deal with a man eating piano.”

“I got lucky then, I found a shortcut. A vent. Crawled through. Then I had to fight a clockwork Toad… and a singing Piranha Plant. But I made it.”

💚🔵💚

“Brawhahaha! Maddie! Our husbands are the best!” roared Bowser, chugging an entire keg of water in one gulp. Beads of drool dripped from his jaws as he slammed the barrel down, crumpling it like a soda can. “I can't believe that Tom got first place and Luigi got second in the Labyrinth of Legends!”

Maddie, adjusting her wristbands with a smirk, shot him a look. “Yep,” she said, rolling her shoulders, “Yep and Tom is going to beat you on the court too.”

“The Trophy belongs to me and my koopalings!”

"Not if Earth claims it first," Agent Stone smirked, giving Dr Robotnix a shoulder rub.“Too bad Luigi isn't playing. I’ve seen his jumps.”

Bowser grunted. “My Greenie’s minding Ludwig and Lemmy. Ludwig’s busy writing an opera about the tragedy of losing to Tom in badminton, and Lemmy? Pfft. Ball hog. Thinks every sport is a circus act.”

Nearby, Tails chuckled, his twin tails swishing in amusement. “Thank goodness,” he said, shaking his head. “Team Earth would be down three players if they joined the tournament.”

Dr Robotnix looked at Tails’ bandaged tails, “Your tails wrapped together aren't hurting you, Fox?”

“My balance is a little bit off, but it doesn't hurt.”

“Bahhh!” Bowser grunts, “They should let the tyke fly. Last Olympics General Blue Shell was in Team Koopa and they tied his wings together. My best soldier couldn't fly straight for a week.”

Just then, a Toad with a clipboard—pink vest, oversized spectacles, and an energy level rivaling a double-espresso—hopped onto the sidelines. “Team Earth vs. Team Koopa?” he squeaked, voice ricocheting across the arena. “The game starts in a few minutes!”

Tom, calm as a still lake, smiled. “Thanks,” he said, voice smooth and steady. No flash, no fury—just quiet confidence.

The moment the referee’s whistle pierced the air, the world stilled.

The two teams stepped onto the golden sand, and the crowd exploded.

Flags waved. Horns blared. Sonic revved in place, leaving little sand-cyclones at his feet. Knuckles cracked his knuckles like snapping boulders. Robotnix was calculating different ways to win. Agent Stone stood tall like a proper soldier. Maddie and Tom walked on the beach holding hands as Tails flew over their heads.

Opposite them, the Koopalings formed a fanged phalanx.

Junior bounced impatiently, his spiked helmet gleaming. Iggy cackled, adjusting his goggles. Morton cracked his neck like a wrecking ball. Wendy twirled her bracelets with a sneer. Larry did handstands. Roy just growled in pink.

And Bowser? He inhaled deeply, steam curling from his nostrils. “This trophy was forged in Koopa fire,” he rumbled. “And today, it returns to its rightful owners.”

The first serve was Tom’s. He stepped forward, sand parting beneath his feet like water. He tossed the ball high.

A hush.

Then—

Smack!

The ball rocketed over the net, a blur of speed and precision. It arced, dipped, and slammed into the exact center of the Koopa side—between Iggy and Roy—kicking up a burst of golden sand.

1-0.

Silence. Then—roars.

Bowser’s eyes narrowed. “A lucky shot.”

The game unfolded like a symphony of chaos and grace.

Sonic dove, sliding across the sand like a blue comet, saving a spike from Morton with a last-second bump. Tails lobbed the set—high, slow, teasing—drawing Bowser into the air. The mighty King of the Koopas leapt, fire erupting from his soles, arms outstretched—

—and Tom rose beneath him.

Time dilated.

He leapt not with strength, but timing—like a leaf riding the wind. His hand met the ball mid-air, redirecting Bowser’s monstrous spike with a soft, elegant tip.

It fell just inside the line.

7-5.

“NO!” Bowser bellowed. “That’s not volleyball! That’s ninja diplomacy!”

“I was worried that the size difference would put me and my time at a disadvantage.” Tom chuckled at Bowser.

Robotnix also tapped the ball gently, “Knuckles!”

Knuckles leaped and spiked the ball over the net. The ball landed just barely outreached from Wendy's fists.

“Good job, my red anthropic foe.” Dr. Robotnix clapped his hands.

Team Earth was in the lead, but even Sonic knew how fast that could turn, “Heads up, Eggman.”

Robotnix grunts at his nemesis’ nickname for him jumped out of the way of a wave of sand formed at his direction. Robotnix looked up and saw Morton giving him a cheeky smirk.

“Very clever, my terrapin friend. Using shockwaves from your fists.”

Morton gave his dad a confused look. Bowser chuckled, “He's giving you a compliment.”

Morton then gave Dr Robotnix a node and hit his fists together.

The referee’s whistle had split the air and shouted for a halftime break of fifteen minutes. Enough time to strategize and hydrate.

On the Earth side, Tom crouched in the sand, sketching a play with his finger. “Second half, we play defense,” he said, voice steady as ever. “Let them come to us. Sonic, Tails—save energy. We’ve got the last point to win.”

Sonic saluted, grinning. “Easier said than done, pal.”

Tails winced as he shifted his weight, the bandages around his tails creaking. “My balance’s still wonky, but I’ll try.”

Maddie handed him a water pouch. “You’re not flying. Just… hover a bit and redirect spikes. You’ve got this.”

Dr Robotnix noticed Tails' discomfort and loosened the wrappings. “You said it didn't hurt.”

“It didn't…. At first…”

A hush fell over the sideline as the sun began to dip, painting the arena in amber. The Toad‑referee—still clutching his clipboard—peeked over his glasses. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. One point left, and the trophy will belong to…” He paused, eyes twinkling. “…the team that can keep their heads cool under the burning sand.”

Bowser turned his massive head toward his troops. “Listen up! I’m not letting a bunch of... uh, ‘Earthlings’—” He spat a small ember that fizzed out on the sand. “—steal our glory.”

“Morton, no more shockwaves. Team Earth will be waiting for those now.”

Morton nodded. “Yes. Papa.”

Luigi just finished giving his step kids some juice and fruits, “I'm worried about Tails.”

Bowser nodded, “I noticed the Fox's balance was off and he looked very uncomfortable. Kids! When in battle, always aim for the weakest link. BUT in a game, sportsmanship is key. I don't care if we lose to a game if it means one of our opponents is hurt. If you spike the ball make sure it's away from Tails.”

The Koopalings exchanged glances—some nodding, some smirking—then turned back to the sand. They plan to play to win, but not at the cost of their friend’s health.

The whistle shrieked. Both teams took their positions, the sand now warm enough to glow.

Tom served again, his motion smooth as a pendulum. The ball rose, a silver spear against the crimson sky. Bowser’s side surged forward like a tidal wave of fire‑scaled muscle.

Sonic shot forward, a blur of blue, launching himself off a sand‑crest. He met the ball with a ferocious spike, sending it screaming toward the Koopa side. Morton, remembering his promise, held his fists steady, refusing the shockwave that would have shattered the trajectory.

Wendy tried to intercept, bracelets flashing, but the ball slipped through her fingers, skidding past the net with a hiss of sand.

The ball arced high, directly over Bowser’s massive head. For a split second, the world seemed to pause—time dilated, the heat of the sun frozen in mid‑air. Bowser’s eyes widened, his jaw clenching, fire flickering in his soles.

At that precise instant, Tails – his tail bandages loosened, his balance steadier – rose from the sand like a phoenix of circuitry. He leapt, body twisting, and with a gentle yet decisive touch, redirected the ball just enough for it to dip under the Koopa line. The sand erupted, a golden wave crashing into Bowser’s side.

6‑6.

The crowd held its collective breath. The referee, eyes darting between the two captains, raised his arm. “One point. Whoever wins this… claims the Trophy of the Volleyball Tournament and officially ends the Mushroom Kingdom Olympics!!!”

Bowser snarled, his teeth bared. He roared a command that resonated through the arena. “All‑in, my troops! Let’s finish this!”

With a guttural shout, the Koopalings surged. Junior fired a rapid volley, Iggy’s goggles flashed with a laser‑like focus, Morton unleashed a thunderous shockwave, and Roy let out a guttural growl that seemed to shake the sand itself. The ball, now a blur of fire and sand, was hammered back and forth at a frenetic pace. A duel of claws and fists, gears and heroism. And then—

Tom.

He vaulted, his hand meeting the ball with the precision of a sniper. Bowser followed, a titan in flight. Time slowed.

Tails, mid-air, moved.

Not to block. Not to attack. But to shift—just enough, just in time—to land the final volley clean.

11-9.

The Toad referee blew his whistle. “Team Earth—wins!”

💚🔵💚

It was the last night of the Mushroom Kingdom Olympics, and the air was electric with excitement. The huge parade was about to kick off, with every athlete from every kingdom participating in a dazzling display of costumes, masks, confetti, balloons, and colorful floats. The smell of sugary treats and freshly cut grass wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and chatter.

As the crowd waited with bated breath, Luigina, the elegant and charismatic queen, glided onto the scene like a midnight comet. Her dress—a cascade of black velvet threaded with emerald gems—caught the lantern light and fractured it into a thousand emerald sparks. Each step she took was silent, but the hush she left in her wake roared louder than any drum.

She walked towards Team Earth on the arm of her husband, King Boo. Her long, flowing black dress sparkled with emerald gems, leaving everyone in awe. The Earthlings, Wachowski Family and Agent Stone, couldn't help but stare at the stunning gown, their mouths agape. Their eyes fixed on Luigina's dazzling dress, they were so captivated that they couldn't even manage to make a sound, their usual banter and jokes silenced by the queen's majestic presence.

King Boo chuckled to himself as he watched the Earthlings' reaction at his wife's outfit. "Thomas, whose float will you be on tonight? Since you were added at the last minute, your team didn't have time to make one, I'm sure," he said with a sly grin.

Thomas raised an eyebrow, the faintest smile twitching his lips. “My team’s still deciding, Your Majesty,” he replied, trying to mask the awe that still clung to him like a second skin.

Dr. Robotnix was the only one unimpressed, as he was more fascinated by the engineering of the parade floats on display. "Team Mushroom and Team Koopa are fighting to have us on their float," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "It's almost...amusing, really.”

Maddie finally snapped out of the daze, "It was Princess Peach that invited Team Earth to begin with. We should go to Team Mushroom's Float." She looked around, trying to spot the Mushroom Kingdom's float, her eyes scanning the colorful procession of mainly pink flowers and red top mushrooms. The float looked like a garden tea party.

"Yeah...but we played more against Team Koopa during the three days of the Olympics. We should go to Team Koopa's Float," Tom said, a hint of excitement in his voice. The Koppa Float looked like a rock band stage and a floating castle.

Tails, the two-tailed fox, chuckled, "You just want to watch the Koopalings play their rock band." He teased Tom, who had a weakness for the Koopalings' music.

“They do make great music.” Stone nodded his voice low and measured, “But I agree with Maddie, mainly for diplomacy sake. We need to maintain good relations with the Mushroom Kingdom. Their hospitality has been… unparalleled.”

Just then, Bowser and Princess Peach approached them. Queen Luigina and King Boo bowed towards the Koopa King and Mushroom Princess, showing respect and courtesy. The Earthlings followed suit, trying to mimic the formal gestures of the royal couple.

Princess Peach smiled warmly at Team Earth. "I'm so glad you could join us for the Olympics. It's been an absolute pleasure having you here in the Mushroom Kingdom."

Bowser, on the other hand, looked at Team Earth with a hint of competitiveness in his eyes. "I must say, you Earthlings have been quite the opponents. I'm impressed by your skills, especially on the volleyball court. We’re going to have a rematch soon.”

The parade began, and the floats started to move, each one more breathtaking than the last. Team Earth was torn between joining Team Mushroom's Float, with its vibrant colors and lively music, and Team Koopa's Float, with its rock band and energetic performance.

“Should we flip a coin?” Sonic suggested, “Heads Mushrooms and Tails Koppa?”

Princess Peach stepped forward, her pink gown swaying like a sunrise. Her smile was warm, a soft sunbeam that seemed to lift the weight of decision from the Earthlings’ shoulders.

“Why not split the team?” she suggested, her eyes twinkling. “Maddie, Tails, and Stone could enjoy a quiet tea on my garden float, while Tom, Sonic, and Knuckles can rock the Koopa stage.”

The only skeptic left was Dr. Robotnix, whose mind churned with calculations. “I’d like to study the Koopa’s floating mechanics, but the quiet of the Mushroom float is… appealing.”

“If it helps, the kids are also playing in the after-party.” Koopa reluctantly offered to give the Mushroom Float leeway.

King Boo, his specter form shimmering mischievously, nudged Bowser’s side. “It would be a shame, since you made yukatas for Team Earth,” he said, a grin flashing.

“Yukatas?” Tails asked, eyebrows lifting in curiosity. “You had yukatas made for us?”

At that mention, a group of Koopa attendants, each bearing a rack of silk yukatas. The silk shimmered under the lanterns, each garment embroidered with motifs that mirrored the personality of its intended wearer. A hush fell over the square as the colors were revealed. The room fell silent as the colors were unveiled:

Tom’s yukata shimmered in bold blue, streaked with lightning bolts—reflecting his daring spirit.

Maddie’s was delicate, a pastel floral pattern that seemed to bloom with every movement, echoing her gentle yet resilient nature.

Agent Stone’s was sleek black with a subtle metallic sheen, its edges crisp like a blade—perfect for his disciplined demeanor.

Sonic’s glowed white, threaded with blue and green landscapes that shifted like a video game horizon.

Knuckles’ wore a deep forest green, overlaid with white and black mountain silhouettes, a tribute to his strength and his love of the earth.

Tails’ was a soft purple, dotted with white clouds—light, inventive, and always looking to the sky.

Dr. Robotnix matched Stone’s sleekness but glowed a vivid scarlet, the color of circuitry and innovation.

The Earthlings exchanged awed glances, their earlier indecision melting away as the yukatas settled onto their shoulders, their fabrics rustling like wind through leaves.

“Now we’re ready,” Bowser declared, gesturing toward his float. “Team Earth, follow me to the Koopa stage. And for those who crave a calmer night, the Mushroom garden awaits.”

King Boo chuckled, “Kekekeke. Shall we go to our Float, my love?”

Luigina smiled as they walked to the back of the parade and stepped on their Nethermourn Float, its eerie elegance a stark contrast to the flamboyant displays around it. The float was a sprawling, open‑air graveyard bathed in moonlight, the stone pathways winding through rows of ancient tombstones. At its center rose a colossal purple gem, its facets catching the lantern light and scattering it like a galaxy of stars. In front of the gem stood two gilded thrones, ornate and regal, as if the very graveyard itself had summoned its royal lineage.

Ghostly figures drifted lazily among the tombstones, their translucent forms flickering with playful mischief. Spectral Boos floated like lanterns, their mischievous eyes blinking in time with the distant drums. The air here was cooler, scented with faint incense and the soft, earthy smell of damp stone.

While Nethermourn didn't join in the athletics, they were a big help with the financial part of the Olympics. They practically financed nearly the whole thing, while the Mushroom Kingdom hosted and organized the event. As the parade continued, the Nethermourn Float seemed to be a reminder of the Kingdom's appreciation for their support.

The night wore on, with Team Earth divided between the Mushroom garden and the Koopa stage. The music and laughter filled the air, as the Earthlings enjoyed their last night in the Mushroom Kingdom. The yukatas they wore seemed to shimmer and glow, a symbol of their unique friendships and the unforgettable experience they had shared.

Chapter 17: The Invasion

Summary:

The Shroobs are attacking Earth

In the depths of Dimension D, a realm born from the warped imagination of its master, Dimentio. The interdimensional chaos jester sneered to himself as he revealed his latest discovery.

The locations of the last two Emeralds. One was hidden within the Linguini Empire, a land of white columns, music, gladiator-like warriors, and philosophy, while the other was concealed within the Sand Kingdom, a domain of blistering dunes, the Inverted Pyramid, statues of Jaxi, and other ancient secrets.

However, Dimentio's joy was short-lived, as he was reminded that the remaining Emeralds were still in the possession of Luigi and his companions. It is nearly impossible to steal from him. It was akin to attempting to pilfer bananas from a Kong - a feat that only the most daring and foolish would attempt.

As Dimentio pondered his next move, his gaze drifted toward the ceiling of his realm, where he had created a makeshift night sky, complete with paper stars twinkling like diamonds against the darkness. The gentle sparkle of the artificial celestial bodies was meant to be a soothing distraction, a brief respite from the chaos that often accompanied his interdimensional travels.

But as he gazed at the stars, a spark of inspiration ignited within his mind.

Distraction? DISTRACTION! He needs to distract Luigi and his friends away from the Emeralds. And what better way to distract them than using their home planet… Earth.

A sly smile spread across Dimentio's face as he snapped his fingers, the sound echoing through the Dimension D like a crack of thunder. The fake stars above him seemed to twinkle in rhythm with his malevolent laughter, as if they too were aware of the sinister plot that was unfolding.

💚🔵💚

 

Commander Walters sat at his desk, sipping his coffee and staring out the window at the serene landscape of the Guardian Units of Nations (GUN) headquarters. It was a beautiful day, with the sun shining and a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the trees. But despite the peaceful atmosphere, Walters couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had been growing inside him for weeks.

It had been too quiet. Too still. GUN, tasked with protecting the Earth from threats both human and supernatural, had been practically idle. The agents were catching up on paperwork, and the only sounds coming from the training facilities were the occasional echoes of laughter and friendly banter.

Walters' instincts were screaming at him that something was off. He had been in this business long enough to know that when things seemed too good to be true, they usually were.

And then, just as he was starting to think he was being paranoid, the first report came in.

A human corpse had been found in New York, inside a strange, mushroom-like tree that seemed to have grown overnight. The local authorities were baffled, and the secret agency was called in to investigate.

Walters' team sprang into action, and soon they were analyzing the scene and collecting evidence. But before they could even begin to piece together what had happened, more reports started pouring in.

Another corpse was found in Kentucky, and another in North Dakota. The locations were scattered, but the MO was the same: a human body, found inside a mushroom tree that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.

As the day wore on, the reports kept coming. The United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, and Central Africa all reported finding similar mushroom trees, each containing a human corpse.

Walters' team was stretched to the limit, trying to keep up with the sheer volume of cases. But the Commander knew that they needed to get to the bottom of this, and fast.

💚🔵💚

E Gadd was in his Mushroom Kingdom based lab when his communication device for Earth alerted him of a call. Without even looking up from his work he activated the voice command, “Answer. This is E Gadd of Gadd Science Inc. Location: Mushroom Kingdom of Planet 64 in Dimension Net-10-doe. How can I help you?”

Static crackled, and a gruff, human voice replied, “This is Commander Walters of Guardian Units of Nations. Location: The Pentagon of the United States of America of Earth. We need help.”

E. Gadd paused only slightly, his pen still hovering over a notepad of calibrated formulas. “What is the problem?”

A long silence followed. Then Walters exhaled sharply, his voice low and laced with dread. “We found human corpses… inside tree-shaped mushrooms.”

E. Gadd froze. The pen slipped from his fingers and clattered onto the steel floor.

Slowly, he turned in his chair. His eyes—wide and suddenly sharp with memory—narrowed. Without a word, he tapped a sequence into his console.

E Gadd stopped and activated the hologram call. He showed pictures through the hologram of Toads in similar conditions. “These were pictures I took when I was a youngster. Is this what you saw?”

Walters stared at the images, sweat beading on his brow. “Yes,” he said, voice hoarse. “Exactly like that. We’ve got twelve bodies so far. In Georgia. Then two in Texas. Then one—just outside D.C. The CDC calls it spontaneous mycogenesis. I call it an invasion.”

E. Gadd stood, gripping the console until his knuckles turned white. “You have no idea how close to the truth that is. This isn’t natural. This is a Shroob invasion.”

“The who?”

“The Shroobs are a race of aliens originally from the Shroob planet, AKA the Mushroom Planet.” Proof E. Gadd showed Walters another image. This time a planet of mushrooms the size of skyscrapers and a grainy image of a human in a dark red pilot suit among the mushrooms, “I believe Dr. Robotnik was on the abandoned Mushroom Planet for about eight months before he found himself back to Earth.”

“Can it be stopped?”

“We did win the war against the Shroobs before, that was before the Mario Bros. came here. But I doubt we have the old tech that was used to defeat them before.” E Gadd started muttering so fast that Walter couldn't keep up. His head was full of formulas, calculations, and engineering physics.

“I’ll send the Star Children to you.”

💚🔵💚

Luigi, Mario, Wario, Waluigi, Peach, Daisy, Rosalina, and Paulina joined E Gadd and Kamek at the meeting hall. The old stone walls of the Meeting Hall seemed to sigh as the last of the invited guests slipped through the iron‑bound doors.

Flickering torches cast nervous shadows on the vaulted ceiling, while the hum of an unseen machinery thrummed beneath the floorboards. At the far end of the room, a massive brass telescope pointed skyward through a vaulted window; its brass armature was scrawled with runes that glimmered faintly in the low light.

Mario looked around and noticed it was mainly humans with the exception of the old magikoopa. “What's going on?” he asked, his voice a mixture of optimism and a thin, underlying wariness. The room fell silent for a heartbeat, then the crackling of a distant thunder clapped overhead.

Kamek stepped forward, his voice echoing through the stone. “Seven humans gifted by the Stars are destined to stop a great threat.” He lifted a gauntlet‑like device that displayed a swirling vortex of violet and obsidian. “The Shroobs are invading Earth as we speak, and the only ones powerful enough to fight them are the Seven Star Children.”

A low, mocking chuckle rose from the far corner. Waluigi, forever the skeptic, leaned against a pillar with his hands on his hips. “I think you miscounted, Old Koopa. There’s eight of us here.” He gestured with a lanky finger to the gathered crowd.

E. Gadd raised his hand, a tired smile creasing his weathered face. “Actually, I would be surprised if at least three of you are the Star Children. But we had to gather the most powerful humans on our planet… for safety’s sake.”

Luigi nodded, “Sooooo how do we test if we are Star Children?”

The whisper of an unseen wind announced the arrival of the second wave of visitors. Kammy glided into the hall, cradling a glowing orb that pulsed like a heartbeat. “I brought the Star Spirits from Starborn Valley!” she announced, placing the crystal on a marble pedestal that seemed to resonate with the hall’s ancient stones.

From the orb, seven star‑shaped figures burst into the air, each trailing stardust that painted the room in colors never seen by mortal eyes: white, pink, purple, blue, yellow and all flickered like will‑o‑the‑wisps. Their voices chimed in unison, “Star Children! Star Children! Are here!”

The white, mustachioed Sprite—its tiny visage framed by a silvery halo—darted straight to Mario, brushed his cheek, and vanished as suddenly as it had appeared. Mario, eyes wide, whispered in his thick Brooklyn accent, “Che succede?”

Kammy smiled, her expression a mixture of solemnity and excitement. “The Star Sprite just passed you his blessings.” She lifted a hand, and a faint golden aura washed over Mario, making the red of his cap seem to glow from within.

A Sprite with a delicate pink bow hovered over Paulina. “Oh my! I feel like I can sing forever!” She sang a brief, lilting note that resonated through the hall, and a cascade of musical notes fluttered like butterflies around her. The Mayor of New Donk is ready for another concert.

The purple Sprite, tiny glasses perched on its nose, zipped toward Luigi who shouted in surprise, “Caspita!” A soft, emerald light wrapped around Luigi’s green cap, and he felt a sudden surge of intuition—like a compass suddenly pointing toward something unseen.

A blue Star Spirit in a sailor's hat gave Wario his blessing, “Why do I have the schwächsten Sternengeist?! Hä? Warum fühle ich mich so stark?” A deep, vibrating power resonated through Wario’s veins, making his muscles hum. Wario felt like he could lift mountains.

A pink Sprite, this one clothed in a golden hagoromo, floated gracefully around Peach. “Ah!” she whispered, and a warm, rose‑tinged glow settled over Peach’s crown. The princess felt a soft warmth spread through her heart, an inner light that seemed to pulse in time with the beating of the hall’s ancient heart.

The last two Sprites—slender, translucent, with bright, mischievous eyes— hovered together, circling each other in a frantic dance. “Not here! Not Here!” they chanted, flickering between the shadows. The sprites seemed uneasy, their light dimming as they passed over Waluigi, Daisy and Rosalina.

E. Gadd observed in silence, his nose twitching. “Five out of eight…. That was a lot better than I expected,” he muttered, jotting notes in his leather‑bound journal.

{So we're missing two Star Children?} Rosalina asked. {Don't we need all Seven Star Children to fight the Shroobs?}

Daisy took her girlfriend’s hand, “We might find them on Earth!”

Luigi tapped his foot in thought, “Have you thought about our friends from Earth? The Wachowskis, Robotnix, and Stone?”

“Well… It's true that Star Children will feel drawn towards each other, but the chances…” E Gagg started before Kamek interrupted his train of thought.

“Considering that the Human Heroes had the majority of the Star Children against all odds. I bet my broom that the last two are among those four!” Kamek smiled as he made a portal appear out of his wand hovering above the ground. The Wachowskis came out first. Tom falls flat on his back as Maddie materializes atop his chest. “Ow!”

Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails landed on top of Maddie. Sonic pushes Knuckles off of him as he struggles to get off his adopted parents. “Sorry about the landing!” Sonic called over his shoulder, grinning.

The portal changed color as Robotnix and Agent Stone fell through just as Maddie got off her husband only for the two men to fall on Tom. “Ophfff, not again….”

“Wachowski? WHAT THE BLAZING IS GOING ON!?” Robotnix shouted as Stone tried to get off him and Tom.

“Star Child! Star Child!” A golden Star Sprite somehow holding a book flew at Robotnix like a shooting star and disappeared.

A blue eyed Sprite with a small brown mustache did the same with Tom, “What the?”

The gathered heroes stared at E. Gadd, who shrugged, his spectacles sliding down his nose. “Well, I didn’t expect to find them like this! This is lazy writing and poor plot making!” he muttered, half‑amused, half‑exasperated.

Kamek lifted his wand again, a swirl of violet wind coalescing around his finger. “We must go to Earth!”

“Hold it. Time out!” Robotnix lifted his hand, “In case you forgot I'm banned from Earth.”

“Earth is endangered by the Shroobs Invasion.” E Gadd reasoned, “Surely they will give you temporary diplomatic immunity?”

“First off, you need confirmation from Commander Walters before I step foot back into Earth! And second….” Robotnix leaned over the smaller scientist, “What the hell is a Shroob?”

💚🔵💚

A portal appeared at GUN HQ as our heroes and two villains stepped out to survive the situation.

GUN Agents, who were enjoying an idle Tuesday five hours previously, were running around. Agents scrambled—paper avalanches toppled from overburdened arms, technicians screamed coordinates into headsets, and security teams cycled through lockdown protocols with frantic precision.

It was so utterly chaotic that the agents didn't even pay the portal any mind until Sonic shouted as he stepped through, “Heey, Commander! We have arrived to save the day!”

Commander Walters snapped to attention at the sight of Team Sonic, The Jumpmen, Robotnix with Agent Stone, three princesses, an old man on a hovering chair, and a yellow reptile in a blue mage robe. “You’re here! Everyone—fall in line!” His voice cut through the panic like a scalpel.

“And this,” Walters barked, gesturing to the stern woman at his side, “is Director Rockwell. My second in command.”

Director Rockwell stood rigid, her face a mask of bureaucratic disdain. She didn’t even look at the interdimensional visitors. “We don’t need these aliens to solve Earth’s problems,” she said coldly, addressing only her superior. “We have protocols. We have weapons. We have—”

“Oh good!” Professor E. Gadd interrupted with a sardonic grin, adjusting his spectacles. “That means you don’t have a Toadwoods Forest… or you didn’t find it yet.”

Silence.

Walters frowned. “What do you mean?”

Kamek stepped forward, his robes whispering as he withdrew a tome thicker than a tombstone from what appeared to be thin air. With a flick of his staff, the book floated open, pages rustling like wings. A holographic projection erupted above it: a grotesque forest of spiraling, fleshy mushroom-trees, their bark pulsing with sickly bioluminescence. Embedded within them—faces. Dozens, hundreds, thousands of Toads, mouths frozen in silent screams, drained of color and vitality.

“It says here,” Kamek intoned, his voice echoing with ancient sorrow, “that during the Shroob invasion over a century ago, the invaders seeded their Vim-Drain forests across inhabited worlds. They captured Toads—peaceful, resilient folk—and grafted them into the Toadwoods, a living battery farm. The trees siphon vim—life essence—until the hosts wither to husks.”

Gasps rippled through the room. Agents stumbled back. One even dropped his clipboard.

Mario turned to E. Gadd. “What do you remember of the invasion?”

The professor’s brow furrowed. “Not much… Kamek and I were just kids. All I recall is darkness. The sky turned red. The pipes hummed with dread. Then—heroes. Strange armor. Weapons like lightning. They came from nowhere, fought like gods, and drove the Shroobs back into the void.”

{Could the weapon be from off planet?} Rosalina asked telepathically.

Wario grunted, cracking his knuckles. “Bah! How are we supposed to beat an invasion if they’re hiding like cowards?”

Waluigi sneered, adjusting his glove. “Yeah! I read the history scrolls, you know. Other than humans being found in those trees here on earth, it doesn't mean that it's the Shroobs. Nobody has seen those red eyed purple freaks yet.”

Everyone stared.

“What?” Waluigi snapped. “I like reading! Unlike you, Wario, who only reads the back of garlic bread packaging!”

Rockwell ignored the outburst, folding her arms. “We have three options,” she announced flatly. “One—surrender and hope they enslave us gently.” She paused. No one chuckled. “Two—find the Shroob Mothership, charge in blind, and die heroically.” Another pause. “Or three—go back in time, find that mysterious weapon, and stop this before it starts.”

Luigi, ever the quiet observer, chuckled softly, leaning toward E. Gadd. “I know she’s trying to be facetious and unhelpful, but we do have a time machine.”

E. Gadd groaned under his breath. “It’s bad enough my younger self keeps sending your baby selves into our timeline just to babysit. I’ve got wrinkles from the trauma. And now you want me to drag these nincompoops through the quantum stream? No thanks. I’d rather get another visit from Baby Bowser trying to kidnap Baby Peach during my nap time.”

Luigi smirked. “Tell me about it. Last time the babies showed up at the Kart Grand Prix, they snuck in the Kart Races and won.”

Robotnik, who was listening in on their whispered secrets, chuckled as he was licking one of Sonic’s quills to give himself an electric shock. His grin was filled with mischief.

“Luckily,” he purred, “we don’t have to rely on time travel, my moralist tergiversators.”

He spun, arms wide.

“I already found the Mothership.”

The room froze.

His fingers danced across a set of control gloves, and a holographic image blossomed into view: a sleek, alien metal behemoth hovering above a verdant expanse.

“The Shroob Mothership is in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest,” Robotnik declared, his tone theatrical. “My Egg‑drones have scanned the entire globe. While you addlepate dullards were jawing about actions, I’m securing the coordinates. Coordinates locked. Defense grid mapped. Power signatures unstable. They’re preparing.”

Luigi punched Robotnik on the shoulder with a friendly jab, “Way to go, Ivo.” The contact was more a gesture of camaraderie than aggression; the two had, after all, fought side‑by‑side in a few dubious heroics.

The doctor actually beamed. “Your recognition, my dear green plumber, is the sweetest nectar.”

Agent Stone, smirking, offered a few dry golf claps. “Marvelous as always, Doctor.”

Robotnik bowed extravagantly. “Your gratitude fuels my genius.”

Princess Peach stepped forward, regal even in crisis. “We would like to borrow one of your hoverships.”

Rockwell blinked. “Hoverships?”

Mario smiled gently. “Earth tech isn’t as advanced as ours, Your Highness. The only hoverships here… are Robotnik’s.”

Luigi exhaled. “Then let’s go get mine.”

He turned to Kamek. “Outside. Just Desserts II.”

Kamek grinned. “Excellent, my Monarch.”

As the group marched out—heroes and villains side by side—GUN agents watched in stunned silence. They passed through the compound like a storm given legs: Sonic cracking his knuckles, Tails already running diagnostics on a wrist-mounted scanner, Knuckles flexing his fists with a low growl. Wario and Waluigi lagged behind, muttering about “stupid jungles” and “no garlic vendors.”

Tom, Maddie, and Agent Stone followed dutifully behind Robotnik as he led the eclectic band of heroes, villains, and bureaucrats out of the secret base. He moved with a confidence that suggested he’d memorized the building’s blueprints before the doors even opened. Mario and Luigi gave the remaining agents a courteous nod, acknowledging the chaos they were about to leave behind.

At the edge of the base, Kamek raised his staff.

A crack split the air—and a new portal yawned open.

Out floated Just Desserts II—a magnificent, absurd airship shaped like a colossal gingerbread castle. Candy cane looking railings spiraled up the sides, gumdrop cannons lined the deck, and the rigging? Ropes that looked taut and chewy red licorice.

A Boo lowered the gangplank with a ghostly chuckle.

“Only you,” Robotnik said, staring at the ship in disbelief, “would ride into war on a dessert.”

Luigi shrugged. “Blame Bowser. And King Boo. And the Waffle Kingdom. They decided all on their own that l like dessert themed transportation. I said no. They said, ‘Too late, we already built it.’”

Mario patted his brother’s back. “Hey, Weegee. You saved that kingdom alone. Now you get to deal with cake-based diplomacy.”

One by one, they boarded. Peach, Daisy, and Rosalina were helped onto the deck with chivalrous care. Tails brought up the rear, setting down a backpack that hummed with unstable energy.

Luigi waved at E Gadd and Kamek who was staying with Gun. Best to have someone trustworthy from Planet 64 to give updates.

In the cockpit, Robotnik input the coordinates. “Amazon. Coordinates 3°S 60°W. Estimated arrival: eleven minutes at warp speed.”

The engines roared—not with fire, but with sugary steam and rainbow-tinted plasma.

As the ship ascended, the Earth shrank beneath them. The rainforest sprawled below—a living tapestry of green and gold, ancient and untamed.

Tails monitored the radar. “No sign of aerial defenses. But there’s a massive energy signature beneath the canopy.”

Knuckles cracked his neck. “Good. Means they’re not ready.”

Daisy, now in full battle armor—crimson, gold, and lined with shock-dampening tech—tightened her gloves. “I may not have cosmic powers. I may not be a Star Child. But I will punch a Shroob in the face so hard, their grandchildren will feel it.”

Sonic smirked. “Let’s do this.”

From above, the Just Desserts II streaked across the sky like a comet made of sweets and vengeance.

Behind them, GUN HQ began the long process of explaining to the world why a giant gingerbread battleship had just flown off toward South America. E Gadd just rolled his eyes as he hunted for more sightings of the Shroob Invaders. And Kamek kept his crystal ball on his friends.

💚🔵💚

Wario grumbled, hacking at a curtain of vines with a machete. "I hate jungles. HATE 'em. Too wet. Too green. Too... alive.” He brushed a massive leaf aside—only for a spider the size of a dinner plate to land softly on the back of his neck.

Waluigi didn’t flinch. Without breaking stride, he flicked it off with two fingers, dusted his gloves, and said, “You owe me five coins.”

Pauline on the other hand took the jungle like a fish took to water. She swung from tree to tree like a Kong. As the mayor of the New Donk City she hasn't visited her husband’s true home, the Jungle Kingdom, in such a long time. And she started to miss that goofy ape.

Daisy sliced through a tangle of thorny vines with her royal blade—forged from Starfall Ore and blessed by the last Jungle Shaman of Sarasaland. "This jungle is different from the ones in our dimension. You call this place Amazon?" Her voice was calm, but her eyes scanned the shadows.

Tails, hovering on his twin tails, smiled. "Yeah. The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest. Home to ten percent of all known species. Forty thousand plant species. Three thousand fish. Thirteen hundred birds. Millions of insects. And creatures like pink river dolphins and poison dart frogs."

Peach walked demurely behind them, her yellow umbrella open despite the lack of rain. Even here, where the air clung like syrup and the earth squelched underfoot, she remained regal—rosy-cheeked, gloved hands folded, parasol tilted just so. "Do the dart frogs throw darts?" she asked, blinking innocently.

Agent Stone smiled at the royal, “No, your highness. Dart frogs were named because the natives of the jungle used the poison on the frogs skin for their blow darts.”

Peach gasped. "Oh! So they're not aiming the darts. That’s a relief. I was worried we’d have to dodge amphibian snipers.”

Tom and Maddie walked besides Luigi, “Think we'll find the Shroob before they find us?” Tom kept one eye on his anthropomorphic kids and another to the shadows of the jungle. He wasn't too worried about Tails as he was about Sonic and Knuckles always finding trouble.

Luigi shrugged, “According to the history scrolls the invasion hit like a Bullet Bill, but was well planned as nobody noticed the Toadwoods Forest formed until it was too late. One minute a normal forest and the next. Boom! Nightmare fuel!”

Agent Stone lifted his firearm—a sleek, black pulse rifle humming with quiet energy. The group froze. No one moved. No one breathed as they braised themselves for a fight.

The air was silent.

Too silent.

“Maybe a false alarm?” Stone asked his boss.

Robotnix lowered his red‑tinted goggles, his hand slipping a plasma gun from its holster. “No. Your instincts were right. It’s too quiet. The Amazon never sleeps. Never go this still.” He stared into the distance, his goggles scanning for any disturbance.

A beat stretched. Then—

ZZZRRRRAAKK!

a laser ball the size of a coconut ripped through the humid air, a shriek of ionized energy splitting the silence.

Time seemed to slow. Daisy rolled into a crouch, her blade humming, while Waluigi slid sideways with his usual dramatic flair, the cape of his overalls flaring like a comet’s tail. Wario, caught off guard, belly‑flopped into a puddle with a wet squelch, sending droplets flying. Peach pirouetted behind a moss‑covered boulder, her umbrella snapping shut, transformed into a gleaming shield that caught a stray spark.

The Wachowski couple—knowing no fear—dove together, tackling Tails and Knuckles to the forest floor just as the laser ball slammed into the massive kapok tree that towered above them.

The impact didn’t explode; instead it dissolved the ancient bark, the wood turning to vapor like mist evaporating under sunrise.

From the void where the tree once stood, five purple mushrooms with red eyes and pinchers for hands emerged, each cradling a humming energy cannon. Their spore‑filled caps pulsed in rhythm with the lingering hum of the laser.

Mario and Sonic sprinted toward the source of the energy ball, their iconic silhouettes cutting through the mist. Sonic’s quills crackled with speed, his smile a blur. “You guys make lousy target practice,” he taunted, zipping between the mushroom‑creatures, leaving after‑images of electric blue in his wake.

Mario, ever the plumber‑hero, backflipped over a second laser blast, landing feet‑first atop one of the Shroobs. He clenched his fists, his red cap shining against the violet husks. “Let’s see what ya got!” He roared, and a torrent of fireballs erupted from his gloves, each strike shattering a mushroom’s cap and releasing a burst of glittering spores that fizzed out harmlessly.

More Shroobs came through the trees. Luigi gave them the Death Glare, “If they didn't know we were here, they do now.”

💚🔵💚

By some miracle they found a cave behind a waterfall. More like Luigi stumbled into to in the middle of the battle with the Shroobs and when the battle was over he led everyone to the cave.

They stumbled through, drenched and breathless, the battlefield left behind in the blood-soaked mud of the rainforest floor. Behind them, the jungle still pulsed with unnatural movement—twisted groans in the underbrush, the crackle of spore-laden wind—but for now, they were hidden. Safe.

Inside, the cavern exhaled cool, damp air. Moss clung to the walls like velvet, and faint bioluminescent fungi pulsed in shades of indigo and jade, casting a dreamlike glow over the stone. Water dripped from stalactites above, each drop echoing like the tick of a clock counting down to something no one wanted to name.

They collapsed where they stood. Now, they need to rest. The battle had been long. Relentless.

Shroob came as waves— each attack fiercer than the last. One nearly impaled Peach with a spore-lance before Agent Stone took the hit in the shoulder, grunting but not falling.

Rosalina floated just above the ground, her star-staff humming softly. With a whisper, she summoned a ribbon of silver light that wound around Agent Stone’s shoulder, sealing the puncture wound left by the spore-lance. The agent clenched his jaw, sweat beading on his brow, but did not cry out.

{Your tolerance for pain is concerning,} Rosalina murmured telepathically.

“I’ve had worse,” Stone grunted. “Cubicle jobs, mostly. But I've had a building or two fall on me before.”

Sonic lay curled on his side, one arm flung over Tails, who trembled even in unconsciousness. Knuckles was propped against a wall, his dreadlocks matted with dirt and sap, hands bruised purple from slamming them into Shroob carapaces. Tom knelt over them, eyes wide with a father’s panic, as Maddie—blood smudged on her cheek, coat torn—worked swiftly, checking pulses, cleaning wounds.

Maddie pressed a hand-warm compress into Knuckles’ palm. “Don’t flex for at least an hour. And get some rest.”

Knuckles gave a weak thumbs-up.

Rosalina and Maddie took it themselves as the healers of the group. Rosalina actually had healing magic and stored healing items in a magic space storage and Maddie being a veterinarian and understood basic medicine.

Maddie asked Robotnix a question, “Are we safe here?”

“We're in the clear Mrs Wachowski.” Robotnix looked at a handheld screen of the rainforest, “No Shroob signatures within five kilometers. Drones report minimal movement—nothing coordinated. Yet.”

He paused, the hum of his systems lowering. Then, quieter: “But the fact that Earth’s greatest heroes, the Mushroom Kingdom’s finest, and the combined intellect of myself and Luigi… were overpowered by purple mushroom aliens… is very… demoralizing.”

A heavy silence settled over the cavern.

Luigi, who had been silently unpacking a satchel of rations, tossed a protein bar to Pauline. “Let’s not lose hope yet.”

Pauline caught it but didn’t open it. Instead, she stared into the glowing fungi, her brow furrowed. “What exactly are we doing here?” she asked, voice rising. “Mario, Luigi, Peach, Wario, Tom, Robotnix, and I—we’re Star Children. Okay. But what does that mean? Are we supposed to glow? Summon comet magic? Speak in riddles? We rushed into the Amazon like this place held answers, but we didn't even know the questions!”

Daisy sat beside her, knees drawn to her chest. “She’s right,” she added. “We ran. We fought. We barely escaped. But we don’t have a plan. We don’t even know what the Shroobs want.”

Mario, usually the center of calm, sat with his back against the mossy wall, eyes closed. He didn’t answer.

“Master Luigi?” A voice came out of Luigi's pocket.

Luigi took out his compact mirror that he used to contact Madame Clairvoya. “I’m here! I'm here!” The glass shimmered, then cleared—not showing his reflection, but the face the ghost seer wrapped in a veil of stars. Madame Clairvoya. Her eyes, milky white and depthless, narrowed.

“Master Luigi!” Her voice crackled through the mirror like wind through dry leaves. “There’s something fishy about the Shroobs’ invasion on Earth. The timing… the scale… it’s a smokescreen.”

“A smokescreen?” Luigi echoed.

“The real danger isn’t the Shroobs. Not entirely. Dimentio is using your absence. He has found the last two Emeralds and is on his way to pick them up.” Clairvoya's voice started to echo like she was many instead of one individual spirit.

“When twin moons cast a double‑silver veil across the sky, the Seven Stars shall awaken.
United by destiny and bound by courage, they shall forge a constellation of light.
Only then shall the Shroob tide be turned, and the darkness that devours the world be shattered.”

Luigi’s mirror still quivered with Madame Clairvoya’s prophecy, the glass now dark. Pauline’s unopened protein bar lay abandoned on the mossy floor.

“Dimentio,” Mario murmured, his voice low but steady. His eyes, usually alight with unshakable resolve, were shadowed. He opened them now, meeting the room’s fractured gaze. “He’s behind this.”

Wario snorted, peeling a gloved hand from his bruised ribs. “Aren’t they always? That purple clown’s been screwing with us since-”

Waluigi smacked Wario upside the head to shut him up. The lanky treasure hunter crossed his arms as he looked at Luigi, “Last I checked Earth only has one moon.”

“Madame Clairvoya’s prophecies never failed me or led me astray before,” Luigi folded the mirror and slipped it back into his satchel. “All right, we have three options.”

He looked around at the battered faces, at Rosalina’s steady glow, at Maddie’s calm hands, at the bruised but unbroken resolve of his friends.

“First, we can stay here and wait for the twin‑moon night. We’ll be vulnerable, and Dimentio will have time to retrieve the Emeralds.”

“Second, we can try to find the Emeralds now, before Dimentio does. That means leaving the safety of this cavern and abandoning Earth to the Shroobs.”

“Third—” he paused, glancing at Rosalina, who lifted her star‑staff, a faint constellation forming in the glow around her, “—we can split into three teams. Some of us head back to Planet 64 for the Emeralds, others stay to guard this cavern and use it as a makeshift headquarters while us Star Children fight the Shroobs. That way, we have both a forward team, a fallback, and an Emerald Team.”

Mario rose, the moss giving way beneath his boots. “We’ve always fought as a team. Splitting would break that.”

Maddie and Rosalina both in sync, {Team Cave!”

Robotnix nodded, “Stone will also be part of Team Cave to protect the girls. Sonic? Will you and yours be on team Emerald?”

Sonic slowly got up and looked at Tom and Maddie, “Tails, Knuckles, and I will be on Team Emerald.”

Waluigi got up as well, “Seeing as I’m the only Treasure Hunter that's not a Star Child, I’ll be part of Team Emerald. You three will need a guide.”

Daisy gave Agent Stone a smile and the two grabbed each other's forearm in comradery, “I'm on Team Cave to help protect our healers.”

“Splitting up increases our chances,” Tom said, voice steady despite the tremor in his hands. “But it also risks losing focus. We need a leader for each team.”

“Agent Stone can lead Team Cave. Sonic leads Team Emerald. And Mario Team Star Children.” Robotnix smirked at Tom, “See. Easy peasy."

Maddie rolls her eyes, “Let's heal up first before we split. Has anyone contacted E Gadd and Kamek about the plan?”

“Already ahead of you.” Robotnix looked through his hand held device, “The two aren't pleased that we are splitting. They said if something happened to Luigi on my watch I’m going to be cursed and haunted for the rest of my days. Don't know why they chose me to be Luigi’s meat shield and not Mario.”

Luigi gave Robotnix a silent ‘thank you.’ It's better for him to deal with Luigi’s two overly protective father figures.

The cavern’s bioluminescent glow pulsed like a heartbeat, casting shifting shadows on the weary heroes. The rainforest outside howled with unseen threats, but within these walls, the group faced a far subtler enemy: uncertainty.

Luigi adjusted his green cap, the brim still dented from the last Shroob assault. “Team assignments are clear,” he said, his voice steady but tight. “Sonic, you and yours head out at dawn. Agent Stone, secure the cave. Mario… we’ll hold the front lines until the moons align.” His hand brushed the small mirror in his pocket, its surface still haunted by Madame Clairvoya’s words.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 2 of Secret Life of Luigi