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@mechanintendomaster
New year, new blog name and look!
For any new followers this is a reminder that most of my content is now on my website, mechas64castles.net! There's music, links to my fanfiction, articles, Nintendo Adventure Book guides, A Charvel and Jackson model database and more!
Name: Koopa Kid
Debut: Mario Party
This is… surreal, isn’t it? Almost unnerving. It’s ALMOST Bowser Jr. or Baby Bowser… but it’s not! It’s Koopa Kid!
Koopa Kid is a relic of a time long past, an age before Bowser Jr. existed. But you just gotta have a small version of Bowser! So Koopa Kid happened. He showed up. There were a bunch of them. They did some shenanigans. They danced.
They appeared in every Mario Party game until 7, and were even playable sometimes! I guess it’s the next best thing to playable Bowser? But then after that, poof! Gone forever. It took them long enough, really. Mario Party 7 came out five years after Bowser Jr.’s introduction, and I think we can all agree that Junior is pretty much everything the Koopa Kids were supposed to be, but better. It’s canon, even! In Mario Party: The Top 100, the minigame “The Final Battle!”, which originally featured two Koopa Kids causing trouble for Mario, sees them replaced with Junior. See? He’s as good as TWO Koopa Kids! At least!
But like… what ARE they? Are they Bowser’s kids? Clones? Color-coded mystery-solving nephews? Sometimes they call Bowser “Dad” and he calls them “Son”! Other times they just call him “Mr. Bowser”, and imply that he’s paying them for their work. Were they really supposed to be his kids? Or does Bowser just have an incredibly close relationship with his lackeys that they’re like family?
These are all hypothetical questions. We don’t need to think about Koopa Kid anymore, and we shouldn’t. Koopa Kid does not exist.
Me when quarantine ends and I have to remember how to drive
Rare Miiverse Posts #1, #2, #3 and #4 - September 11th, 2015
I actually had a lot of fun on Mario Kart ‘til I started losing points constantly. during that time after, I highly suspected the waves were being rigged from Japan because the players from that region drove faster than anyone else which was weird. and they made sure I was 8th place every single time and I’m usually a really good racer, no joke. unfortunately, I can’t prove it since nobody cares. it was a turn off to play M8 after that so I quit later on in the months.
Mario oddities, write ups and editorials, obscure comparisons, links, pictures, tier lists, and more. Exclusively hosts Nintendo Adventure Book guides. Constantly updating. No ads.
This is my website that I’m posting to. Some articles here if you dig back were tumblr articles here, but rewritten. Check it out.
(Draft) Luigi is Mario’s Queen...
...According to Mario chess at least, and Bowser Junior is Bowser's queen according to the same board game. But no, this isn't that kind of story. Or is it?
“Wait,” Luigi called as his brave and fearless brother rushed into battle. This time against the savage evil Bowser Koopa.Mario turned around and something was placed on this forehead, his own red M emblem cap.
“Thanks, bro. If not for you, I’d forget my head.”
“You did,” Luigi smiled. “Leave those detachable skeleton powerups alone.”
Mario shrugged his broad shoulders. “That was Cappy’s fault, and besides I paid a lot of coinage for that. Well, I’m off.”
Mario would return to Mario Castle beaten and bruised, but victorious. He had a slightly twisted ankle, numerous cuts all over, burnt marks, and even somehow ringing in one of his ears. However, if not for his hat, the double damage would have done him in. Luigi had yet again saved his brother in a small but monumental way….
To SPM haters..
My unpopular opinion:
Super Paper Mario, while somewhat mediocre in ways is still a 'true' Paper Mario game. In fact, my issues with it aren't even the change to platformer but rather the underutilization of partners, 3D flipping, and art direction that while very unique made it a little removed from 'Mario.'
If you forget the platforming and lack of turn based battle, it still has:
1. A story and a decent one at that...
2. A hub world(s) with elements to explore and unique characters inside. (Sticker Star and Color Splash has a hub, not nothing to explore and no really unique characters in it)
3. Lots of unique characters!! (A BIG ONE) with personalities and backstories.
4. Elements like shops, places to make recipes, badge shop equivalent in form of catch cards, and an inn. (SS and CS only have SOME of these things and they aren't all that needed.)
5. Mario has Partners in a really loose sense of the word. 6. References to previous games. (scarce in SS and CS) 7. Has Pit of 100 trials, and even adapted it in a way that was fun and made sense. (yes they make you have to play it twice but that's a different issue.) 8. Unique bosses that aren't normal enemies but bigger. (I'm looking at you in particular Sticker Star!! Color Splash has Koopalings which is better, but they are main series so it only gets half a point.) 9. A Tattle system from your partner and in form of catch cards. Like in TTYD, these told you stats and gave descriptions of foes. Unlike in previous PM, these even had a function in battle by doing extra damage. They even had cards for normal characters, making them also a collectable and they could be found, bought, or acquired as you played the game. 10. Action commands, though rare, they did exist. (in SS and CS 'action commands are basically pressing the a button, so I don't even count that) 11. The worlds you travel in, while not at good as the first two games, still have 'lore' to them. 12. My final point, the game as a whole still has relevance to the fandom. People still discuss and reference things from SPM. Fanfiction is still made. What about Sticker Star or Color Splash? Even if you enjoy those games, what is there really to discuss other than the controversy? SPM was controversial, but people still discuss the characters and story they liked, just people discuss things about PM and TTYD.
Mario and Bowser: Frenemies Forever Remake Draft
Draft: 3/12/18
The friendly (and not so friendly) rivalry never ends between Mario and Bowser. Reimagining of Freneimes Forever. Shorter. Sweeter. New content. New surprises. How far will they go? And yes, they will go farther than before. Genres: Friendship/ Adventure
Author note: A new story that happens to have a same basic plot as Mario and Bowser: Freneimes Forever but unlike that story where the plot went all over the place, this one will actually make sense. There will be MANY changes, which is why I don’t consider it just a rewrite. If you liked the original, you will love this. If you didn’t like the original, I might have fixed what you didn’t like. Either way, please check it out.
Zoom! One racer used a mushroom to fly off a ramp, clear the one-thousand foot drop below, and land in third place. The racer in eighth was unfortunate enough to overshoot a tight curve. They flew off the track and fell into a worse position as Lakitu ‘fished’ them to safety. The first place racer used their Koopa Troopa shells to block the perfectly aimed red shell barrage from the disgruntled second place racer.
This was a Mario Kart race (SPONSORED BY FUNGUS UP. The drink that ‘Springs up overnight!’), where Mario Mario, famed hero, and his diverse acquaintances routinely took it to the streets, dirt tracks, underwater, whatever Rainbow Road is supposed to be, or anything else to win the gold. Speaking of Rainbow Road, this race took place on the floating, ever dangerous track. Being the last course in the circuit, placement here mattered the most.
“Mario, you’re an idiot..” King Bowser Koopa growled as he trailed a few yards behind in his kart. His massive clawed hands griped the steering wheel tighter.
Mario ignored his greatest rival. There was one lap left and he was still first place. The cool wind blew through Mario’s hair and mustache. An item box gifted him a single banana, immediately deployed behind his kart as he saw Bowser approaching in his rear view.
“Caught up with ya, plumber boy!” Bowser laughed. The two where now side by side, taking turns glaring at each other before bringing their attention back to the daring curves of Rainbow Road. “Just wait until I get a Super Leaf!” Bowser veered into Mario’s path, bumping the plumber almost off the edge. Mario did the same only to barely nudge Bowser.
“Bowser,” Mario spoke conversationally, “that item’s only in Mario Kart 7.”
“Huh?”
“Yeah.”
“Which one is this?”
“Eight. I think?”
“...I knew that!”
“Cut that act. I hardly keep up with the games myself.”
“A ‘game’?!” Toad, the head Castle Adviser to the Princess said. “My life is on the line here!”
His small fame was completely engulfed by the shadow of a looming Thundercloud, revealing that both Mario and Bowser were wrong about the game they’re in. Zap! Toad was shrunk, allowing Yoshi to take his place in third.
“Yoshi! Yoshi” Yoshi cheered, speaking in his native tongue. He got triple shells from the item box, but held on to them. He was a few yards behind Mario and Bowser who tied for first.
“Good riddance. These losers were getting too much narration,” Bowser said. “This is about OUR rivalry. Now watch this. I’ve done all of the calculations and this will hit you smack in that stupid plumber face!”
Bowser threw a green shell at a barrier with ‘FUNGUS UP’ on it. The shell ricocheted backwards but instead of heading towards Mario it zoomed right past Bowser, narrowly missing.
Mario stifled a laugh. “Bowser? Er, what grades did you get in math again?”
Bowser’s vision went red but then he took a deep breath. His doctor had been getting on him about his blood pressure after all.
Meanwhile far up in the heavens, even farther than Rainbow Road, the Great Eldstar’s pager went off. This typically indicated that some divine lightning was needed somewhere on Earth. In fiddling with the pager, Eldstar dropped the star shard he was polishing and the priceless artifact made a loud clink on the marble floors of the Star Temple.
“Is everything fine?” Twink’s childlike voice echoed from across the hall.
“’S Fine,” Klevar spoke up from a pile of ancient books. “Boss’ got a message. Probably a Mario Kart. Did you know that the thundercloud item has 7,000,000 bolts of electricity? I read it right here-”
Eldstar, the great all powerful one, finally read the message from the pager. The ever brainy Klevar was correct. Eldstar’s powers were for judgment, not amusement and fake gold trophies. He’d do the strike just this time, but if these loony racers kelp pushing it…
...Back on earth:
“Gah! I hate you!” Bowser screamed at no one in particular as he spun out on a banana. In a matter of a few minutes the competition got fierce with most of the twelve racers, Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Peach, Daisy, Toad, Bowser, Donkey Kong, Koopa, Toadette, Junior, and Birdo being in one massive group.
Mario collided with a fake item box and finally surrendered first place. Mario felt his heart race as the prize slipped out of his hands; the final lap was almost over. It would take a miracle to-
ZAP! Everyone except for Donkey Kong in 12th place were reduced to wimpy toy sized karts. It happened so suddenly that where was mass confusion. Koopa, Toadette, and Birdo fell off the edge. Junior, Daisy and Peach collided with loose items already on the track. Yoshi, that crazy dinosaur, didn’t care and drove merrily as ever in fun-size. Toad’s brain was already kind of fried from the previous thunder strike to he was fine. Maybe.
Donkey Kong silently thanked the Crystal Coconut for whatever had just happened. He barged through everyone and was about to get first.
“Not if I have anything to say to that!” Bowser threw a ‘clutch’ banana ahead of himself. The discarded fruit bounced off of a ‘LICHEN COLA’ barrier and straight into Donkey Kong’s face. The ape howled and veered to the side, ramming into the same barrier and making it spell ‘--HEN COLA’, which sounds perfect if one is in the mood for ‘chicken’ flavored soda.
Mario pushed the pedal to the metal at the opening for first. Bowser saw this and slammed the gas as well. The finish line was only a few meters away and the two gunned it past all remaining racers. Both hero and villain crossed the line in miniature form. As usual, they would have to wait until they were back into the racer’s lobby to know how their collective points added up over the cup and what place they made.
.....
Lakitu pounded the keys on his laptop in an effort pull something up. All twelve racers eagerly gathered around in the lobby to see if they would be in the winners circle, reserved for the first three placements or the loser circle for everyone else.
“Whatever place I get I just want you guys to know that I love you all and most importantly...” Toad paused suddenly. “Dfkd s flksdj f lksdfe wr!”
Everyone stared back at the castle adviser until Lakitu cleared his throat loudly.
“Okay, I finally got this blasted thing to work. I mean seriously, we have new Rainbow Roads constructed in space but I’m stuck with the same stupid computer I’ve been using since Mario Kart Double Das-”
“Get on with it!!!” Bowser said. Bowser Junior, Birdo, Donkey Kong, Koopa, and Daisy starting hooting and hollering in support.
Lakitu groaned. “Okay okay. Third place.. Yoshi. Yay...”
“Yoshi!” Yoshi said as he accepted his bronze medal. He marched right over the winner’s circle which was just nicer area of the lobby with drink machines full of all of the popular sodas, a large couch, and a big TV showing replays that most racers would rather not relive.
Lakitu continued unceremoniously. “Second… Toad.”
Toad spun in circles, bowed, and then said, “Asdkfjsdl lksdrlfk slkfsdl sldkfjsdl kdk lskdj lskdfj llk!” He placed the silver medal around his neck and did back flips to the winners circle. No one questioned anything.
Lakitu cursed under his breath as he squinted at the screen. “Umm. Wierd. Huh...”
“WHO WON ALREADY?!?” several racers screamed.
Lakitu rolled his eyes. “I’ve never seen this before but like, I don’t really care. First place in the cup with the highest score is….Mario-”
Mario jumped in the air.
“-and Bowser with a score of 50 points. The rest of you? You lose, go home!”
Mario froze in the air. Bowser cheered as everyone else dispersed. Mario kart races were so frequent no one really had hard feelings of losing. Regardless, participants that didn’t win anything tended to bypass the loser circle and leave quickly. Mario zoned out as most of the racers disappeared from the lobby. He didn’t even notice when Lakitu shoved the fake gold trophy in his hand, only for it the slip out and fall to the ground.
“Yeah! Got ya Red!...” Bowser waved a claw in front of Mario’s face. “Moron, hello? I know I’m awesome but you can stop drooling..”
“But but- we both won?”
“Hey- I had mercy on you today. Do NOT get used to this!”
Mario sighed heavily. “Eh, whatever. You’re gonna call me for round two, right?”
“Well OF COURSE. Obviously I’m the pursuer here. Whatever. We’d better win together again.”
Mario raised one eyebrow. “What do you mean?”
Bowser flashed his sharp teeth in an expression that could vaguely be described as a ‘smile’. “Oh you forgot? The tennis match. It’s tomorrow and you’re my partner. Play well, or E-”
“Hold up! You chose me?!”
“Well duh! Biggest rival and stupidest plumber or not, you are the best player. I’m not gonna shackle myself to any of these other losers ‘round here.”
“Even your own son?” Mario asked quietly, his eyes darting over to where Junior was in the losers circle. Said ‘losers circle’ was a dingy couch, small screen TV and worse of all, just a water fountain!
Bowser held back what he was about to say. "I have my reasons.. I'm getting a drink. Want something?"
"No. I don’t trust these soda corporations. Like, Luigi bought a Lichen Cola once and when I saw the ingredients I wasn’t sure what kind of-”
Bowser tapped his foot impatiently.
“Okay fine. What are you getting, Fungus Up?"
Bowser shook his head as he observed the drink machine. "Ha, no. That garbage tastes like Putrid Piranha. I'm a Morel Moxie kind of koopa. Erm, I left my wallet in my other shell. Give me five coins."
Mario reluctantly gave him the money. “Hey wait. I see that those drinks are only one coin.”
Bowser flashed him that ‘grin’ again. “I know! Thanks for the cash!” Bowser ran off without even entering the winners circle. The sudden loud rumble of an Airship confirmed that the (Koopa) King had left the building!
Mario sat next to Yoshi as Mario Kart TV continued to play in background.
“Good game?” Yoshi asked.
Mario smiled.
Yoshi nodded. “Yeah, I thought so too.”
“Asdfsdaf saldkfjsd lkasjdfl lkdjfs,” Toad, who sat opposite added. Mario and Yoshi had to agree, that was the truest most profound statement they had ever heard from Toad. It would be on their hearts always.
The rest of the day moved on but Mario as kelp a close eye on his phone. That night, he collapsed in bed. The race was the highlight of his day and excitement in his life was for better or worse tied to Bowser. What did that mean, he wondered as he dimmed the lights, Luigi long asleep in his own bunk. Well, he supposed that the mix of annoyance and excitement he felt was what frenemies were supposed to do. He could get used to that. Maybe forever even...
To be continued.
Mario and Bowser Overview Part 6: The Final Stretch Completed: 3/5/18, 3/6/18 Chapter 24: Battle Royale Created: 6/23/17 -25 Author notes speak about the rapid fire uploading of Bridging the Gaps Saga. I realized that I might have thrown off a few followers. Luigi and gang and successfully sp...
Final part. Thanks to all readers of this and the original story. A rewrite is planned. Check C. Mechayoshi on FF.net for more!
Mario and Bowser Overview Part 5: Darker and Edgier Created: 9/16/17 2/20/18 3/1/18, 3/2/18, ¾, 3/5 Chapter 19: Power of Friendship Finished 6/10/17 This has a content warning, mild violence! Oooh! As of the chapter title, the focus here is on mending a few friendships. Let’s see how that goes. ...
The second to last overview of fanfiction: Mario and Bowser: Frenemies Forever! Check it out!
Mario and Bowser: Unused Scraps 2
Mario and Bowser Scraps 2
-Labeled: Future Mario and Bowser, this was some early thinking on my part of the climax of the story. As we all know, I didn’t have the plot points involving the conspiracy thought out and nothing like this, (aside from Bowser actually appearing in a dungeon) happened. Enjoy.
May 21, 2017(?) typos included ^_^
Future Mario and Bowser
"But I do enjoy his company... in a weird way." (Mario speaking)
"Yeah, this plumber's dumb antics do amuse me...sometimes," Bowser said.
"Sometimes?" Mario teased.
"Umm, well a lot. But don't get use to it!"
"Enough!" Ludwig yelled. "So, I bet you are wondering why I, Ludwig Von Koopa, would devise such an plan?"
"Because you are a spoiled brat?" Bowser spat.
"-Actually, because you clearly want us apart," Mario answered.
Ludwig put his heads behind his back, ignoring their responses. "This is why: if you two are friends, then what is good and evil?" Ludwig said matter of factly. "The despicable term that has came up in recent years, what is it? Frenemies? That is cheating. Having your cake and eating it too, as they say. There is no room to be on the fence; the 'hero' and the 'villain' must be opposed. You either hate each other or you don't-"
"Prince Ludwig," Mario interrupted.
"What."
"Why do you feel that way?" Mario asked honestly.
Ludwig seemed to be caught off guard for a moment, but then regained his arrogant composure. "Because, my friend, and I use that term ironically of course, that is just the way it works in our world!"
"Yes. It does. It does work that way, doesn't it Bowser?"
"Huh?" then Bowser caught the hint, "Yes, that is how it goes...in VIDEO-GAMES."
Ludwig huffed. "Do you think I'm stupid? What are you two getting at?"
"This is what we're getting at, Ludwig," Mario said, "We know how things work with heroes and villains in our games, but the point is this: there's nothing wrong with hanging out otherwise. It's all an act!"
"All an act?!" Ludwig raised his voice slightly. "You are implying that the rivalry between one of video game's most iconic hero and villain is an act?"
"No, our rivalry is real alright, kid. It's just the wanting to kill each other that's fake," Bowser said.
"Excuse me?" Ludwig was in disbelief.
"Well I mean, we want to hurt each other a lot," Bowser clarified. "But not..you know! Am I making sense? I'm not used me being the kidnappee, work with me here!"
"Well said, Bowser. I'd clap if we weren't tied up," Mario snarked.
"He he he," Ludwig laughed unexpectedly "Of course it is an an act! He he he!"
"You alright, son?" Bowser asked seriously.
"It's all and act!" Ludwig repeated. "All an act!! We've known this since Super Mario Kart, of course. No matter, there is nothing I can do now."
"Ludwig," Mario spoke cautiously, "This isn't your idea, is it?"
Ludwig smiled and hastily exited the dungeon, without a response.
"Well, he always was a weird one." Bowser said as soon as Ludwig was out of earshot.
"Yeah, and?"
"What ever?"
"Because, this plan is silly. I'm not a villainous mastermind, but I can easily think of some easier ways to bring us apart. Somehow I just know your step children didn't come up with this themselves..."
"Hmm. Okay, next question: How would you rate this experience?"
"What are you, the back of a restaurant receipt?"
"You'd sure know about that, wouldn't you plumber? No, I mean how was he as a villain. I'm just curious of what you think," Bowser nudged Mario.
"First of all I sure you eat more than me! Secondly, he was too eager to reveal his plans and too quick to leave once we apparently insulted him. You for example would have said what you wanted up front to make the final showdown quick. But then again, in some of our games you don't have lines at all. Besides, not enough trash talking, I'm not even mildly offended. I give it 2/10 and only because he went for the Jelectro Bond villain aesthetic."
"Ha ha, what? Do you write for IGN? I didn't ask for a comprehensive review!"
"Well you asked," Mario said annoyed. "Anyway, shift over a bit. I have a wrench in my back pocket. See if you can grab it."
"What?" Bowser jolted. "You want me to- What?!"
"Bowser, just do it!"
"You REALLY owe me now, Red!"
- Scrapped dialogue. May 21, 2017?
Eventual Mario and Bowser
-
"So uh, Wiggs it is?" (Luigi speaking)
"Affirmative."
"I saw how you took a beating yesterday. Why do you act like a robot?"
"..."
"Huh?"
"Does not compute."
"What?"
"Just kidding. I am just always this way. Very stern parents. Must always make straight As."
"Oh so-"
"-Ranked #1 in all of Yoshi's Island until detestable rival, Rexinator showed up."
"Uh-"
"Then went on mission to eliminate rival by usage of self aware artificial intelligence. There were no survivors!"
"What?!?"
"Just kidding again. I am just weird like that." Wiggletron smiled.
"Okay then.." Luigi walked away slowly.
-----
"When did all this happen?" Bowser grumbled. "It's the extra characters stealing the spotlight all over again!"
---
-May 30, 2017 (??) Author notes on story planning. Props to whomever can see what was and wasn’t accurate!
Mario and Bowser future ideas
toad will instantly be sympathetic to Mario's friendship because of his own with Larry.
Kamek is the master schemer. He will get everyone in the MK to hate Bowser and then brainwash bowser to before his Mario friendship. Things will be "normal" again
Boo will convince Luigi that Mario and Bowser's friendship is real based on the fact that their relationship can exist.
. Buckenberry come back to castle. Yoshi to house.
Nass . She called the MKDCU because she knew they'd reveal. That it was MF. She did this as a way to do the right thing while covering her own involvement. She was initially working with Dr. Professor to lie to all about those that were sick before Bowser threatened Peach. Her calling them the day before is why people like Bond and Kylie were able to piece things together.
Larry and Wendy first to deviate
Ludwig is conflicted because jealously. Wants todo right thing but He has no rival/frenemy of his own.
Kamek had no friends and wants Bowser is he lonely like he was. Uses expired FingusUo to appeal to nostalgia. Because kamel is nostalgic.
Bond is Kameks long lost.....second cousin
Secret agent D. (Dr. Mario)
Toadsworth will recognize Doctor Professor
Mario and a Yoshi will reconcile. Yoshi help Mario sir zimmy.
Mario and Bowser: Unused Scraps 1
Mario and Bowser: Unused Scraps (unused works I have, too brief to get it’s own entry)
Compiled: 12/20/17
- Would have been part of the epilogue maybe…
Mitch smiled genuinely. "I'm happy for you, Kylie. You got a real catch." Kylie's frown melted. "Thank..you? Wait, are you feeling okay?" "He is fine, darling. (Jelectro Bond speaking)
- More epilogue stuff. Created May 30 2017? (Yes I had end story stuff planned that early)
"He is legit," Bond assured her. "What??" Kylie blinked in disbelief. "Yeah babe, I can publish a truthful article once in a while! I might enjoy gossip, but I couldn't have everyone killed off by MF!" Kylie huffed. "Well Mitch old buddy, you were a sneaky horrible boyfriend, but I guess you aren't the devil like I thought before, so you got that going for ya I guess." Mitch smirked. "It's alright babe. I've moved on too. Handsome noki you got there, by the way." Kylie scowled. "Don't you dare comment on Bond's looks, ya jerk- wait..." Mitch and Bond shared a laugh, to Kylie's confusion. Mitch noticed her look and pointed to her. "Mitch used confusion! It's super effective!... Ouch!" Kylie punched Mitch, knocking the Toad to the ground. "Calm yourself, Kylie," Bond said playfully, "some of us have too much fun with our gifts." Kylie rolled her eyes. "Sure, whatever. I guess I've learned that the popular choice isn't always the evil one."
-Alternate excerpt from Bridging the Gaps, part 3 (Chapter 22). Made possibly June 21, 2017
The metallic Mario stood behind Dr. Mario in a close protective way. Mario gave them a strange stare, prompting the doctor to shrug. "Sorry you had to see this. He's been with me since the accident and I can't shake em'! So what's with you?" "Too much to go into now. Toad and Daisy in particular have been sick for three days so know there can't be much more time left!" "Well why didn't you say so??" Dr. Mario gasped. "Umm, I did in the letter.." Doctor Mario covered his face. "Of course! I knew that...Let's get started , I just need my lab and my equipment and a good night's sleep and-" "Doc," Mario interrupted, "your lab was rented out since you left us. In fact, you're the one who gave up the lease!" Doctor Mario stared blankly. "Of course! I knew that too..." Mario now had a bad feeling about this. He knew his educated alternate self could be absent minded but...
-How Epilogue 1 was going to end. Made August 15, 2017
Ludwig handed a tattered red notebook to Kylie. “I figured you might want this. It was found after some extensive clean up at the castle.” Kylie graciously accepted the gift. It wasn’t often that you got presents for royalty! But when she looked at the title, her heart skipped a beat. It was titled, “Zoo Diddley’s Diary”...
-An author note to myself and possibly what would have been part of Chapter 25: Escape from Special World Hospital. Edit June 27, 2017, typos intact ^_^
*Ludwig will stand up teh hospital after they refused to hand over the cure. Dr Mario and Metal Mario will assist. * "Well, you are a Princess, are you not? Last I checked, I rule nothign but the underpayed workers my father scrapes up. You on the other hand rule a kingdom somehow." (Ludwig talking to Peach) Peach scoffed. "Some how?!" *Parabilly will return at some point. *
-Author notes from Jun 25, 2017 talking about how Zoo Diddly’s influence affected characters, something I would better address should I do a rewrite.
Mario and Bowser, despite questionable decisions were never affected. Junior and Peach never affected. Peach's suspicion was a natural feeling. Which is why she quickly got over it the second day. Luigi by second day. Feelings before then were natural like with Peach. Z did play on this insecurity. Boo calming him down kelp it in check often. Kamek was controlled full force. Insecurities were played up like with Luigi but unlike Luigi no one kelp him in check and lost of sanity ensued. Iggy was mildly affected before. Z played up to feelings and he became complete insane like Kamek at end. Morton, Roy, and Lemmy. We're passively affected. Ludwig, Wendy, and Larry were at some point before suspicion or some other emotion broke them out. Ludwig and particular caught on. Buckenberry had his anger issues amplified. Toadette was completely sane until the second day were she was put in charge of the hospital. Jimmy was affected by pride, refusing to admit he was wrong. Used as vessel by Z. Rest of MKDCU unaffected.
-Unused Epilogue 1 Dialogue. Last edited August 18, 2017
“Thanks hun, but what sickness?” Kylie asked after she blew over the hot cup.
“The Mushroom Flu,” Bond replied, a rare hint of confusion in his voice.
Her eyes skimmed over a copy of an article she had posted on her cork board. “Oh yeah, excuse the scatter brain. I just have so many adventures, they all kinda blur after a while.”
“Maybe you would have remembered if your paper sold better.. Why are you looking at me like- Help!!-” Kylie grabbed Mitch by the collar in one swift motion.
“Ah, and look who else has arrived!” Bond spoke, turning away from the asault.
A Mega Goomba and Wiggler, both wearing black ties, came from around the corner holding a drink each.
Unused Mario and Bowser: Frenemies Forever Ep 1
Mario and Bowser: Frenemies Forever
Epilogue 1 Unused.
Author note: A cut portion of Epilogue 1: The Missing Piece. I decided to just have Bond explain for the sake of brevity. Not much else to say. Enjoy!
…..
Doctor Professor Koopa spent his break time in his office filling out more prescriptions for Dr Mario’s new Mega Vitamin X, specifically designed to treat the new strand of Mushroom Flu. Since there were unaccounted for cans of FungusUp still around, such precautions were what he and most of the other medical staff occupied themselves with. Of course doing such a thing had a very special meaning to him. He had been in his MK Hospital East office for five days now, no question asked. That was fine, he’d ask no questions either..
His attention was suddenly brought to a dark silhouette of someone lingering outside the translucent door window. A second later, they knocked and door creaked open to reveal Nass T. She gently closed it behind her and clutched the manila files close to her body.
Doctor Professor slid back from the desk. “Yes, dear?”
“How are you holding up?” she asked quietly.
“Fine… How is your daughter? After...you know...” What a bad conversation starter, he thought. He prepared for the enviable blowup. But instead, Nass sat the files off to the side and leaned on his desk towards him with a smirk.
“My daughter fine, and we decided to put that all past us, remember? We're both free, and the Mushroom Kingdom is so drab sometimes.”
Doctor Professor slicked the few strings of gray hair on his head back with a wide grin. “If you say so dear. Wait. You’re thinking about...Leaving?...Together?”
“Well you know, there's a special word for that..” she purred.
His eyes lit up as he reached in his right pocket was a small black case containing something that was very valuable to him and would be even more to its receptionist. Having found the case, he cleared his throat. “Nass..You've been a wonderful woman to me. You've stuck by my side even in my darkest hours and-”
The phone rung.
“Hello?! Ah…” He motioned for Nass to get up. “Oh it can't wait? J-just a moment-!” He slammed receiver down.
“What-”
Immediately after, Bond and Kylie stepped in office to get a perfect view of the compromising situation. Kylie gasped. Her skin was crawling at the implications of what was happening. Bond was calm, amused even being a Frenchman. “Quel beau couple! But you know why we are here, do you not?”
Nass jolted up straight and flattened out her hiked up skirt while Doctor Professor continued to stare blankly like a petrified Whomp.
“We have nothing to tell you annoying reporters. That’s what you are right?!” Nass spat.
“Is that really so?” Bond asked conversationally. “It is such a shame how little we really know about the tragedy from a week ago. Is it not, darling?” He turned to Kylie.
“....H-huh? Oh sure, Bond…” she stammered.
“I'm calling security!” Nass said, grasping the desk phone, but another hand immediately covered hers.
“Don’t, dear. They have a point…”
Nass faced Doctor Professor sharply. “What do you mean?!”
He smiled weakly. “It's no good to leave secrets behind, like he said…”
“I agree, mes chers amis. I am Jelectro Bond, and this is Kylie Koopa by the way. Would not the wedding be ever more esteemed if there are no more secrets between you two? That is something to consider before eloping to Diamond City!”
Kylie could have snapped a photo of the look on Nass’s face, definitely one thing she enjoyed about a boyfriend like Bond. Mitch would also “shock” people with his powers occasionally and the reactions were equally hilarious though she wasn’t sure why she was she thinking of a sneak like him all of a sudden...
“Okay fine. I don't know how you journalists do it,” Doctor Professor muttered. “But my sad story goes that, well, I was abused by the system long ago and...The doors are shut tightly, right?” Once Kylie and Bond assured him, Doctor Professor explained the situation behind how he got involved in the Bowser conspiracy including the conversations he had with Bowser in the dungeon. The only part he couldn’t explain were the details on how the MKDCU were called.
“We thank you, but is that all?” Bond asked. Behind his thick sunglasses, his eyes were focused on Nass, who grew more agitated as Doctor Professor recounted his story.
“That's all, Mr. Bond,” Doctor Professor said.
“Cut to the case! Nass, what part do you have in this?!” Kylie piped up.
Nass pouted in defeat. “Okay fine!!! I needed that money but… I just couldn't do it! I thought of my daughter and the example I set. What kind of mother would I be to hurt so many innocent ones over a quick paycheck?” Her question made the room silent and Doctor Professor stared at her as though he’d been stabbed.
“…Dear, y-you called the MKDCU?!?” the doctor finally spoke.
She avoided his gaze. “I had to try to stop this without making it too obvious to our ‘employers’. We had to keep the sickness a secret, right? But if they got involved the news would have to come out. I'm sorry, baby!”
Doctor Professor shook his head. “What am I doing? How can I judge you when I dragged you down this path in the first place? To think I’d make myself an enemy of both Kingdoms!”
“Yoiks! Two traitors in Peach’s hospital? You don’t find that everyday!” Kylie butted in, unaffected by the melodrama. She glanced to her side however and saw that her boyfriend was wiping tears away from under his sunglasses!
“I understand mademoiselle, and we will not judge, in fact we thank you,” Bond said after sniffing a bit. “Calling the MKDCU started a train of events that brought Kylie and I, to this very issue. And of course the agents themselves, they made it interesting to say the least.”
“Uh, right. Now behave y'all selves, hear? Oh, and does Emery even know about y'all two running off?”
“She will, but that’s OUR business. Don't you have somewhere to be?” Nass replied. “We have uh, planning to do.”
Kylie was about to tell her off when Bond gently lead her out. They left with Nass still hopelessly red in the face and the koopa doctor giving them one last apologizing but demure glance.
Kylie and Bond departed after leaving the hospital. Bond had ‘duties to attend to’ and Kylie hated to admit that it was the same for her. Bond only had his superiors to reply to, being a spy, but Kylie was a reporter ‘for the people’: And there were quite of bit of people obligated to get this news... She briefly stopped back at the press to edit her notes into an outline, warned Dick that playing Crysis on office computers was a bad idea, and explain to Wiggs that twenty sheets of paper posted up on a cork board was way too many. There was a note from Sebastian of the Toadley Clinic to the trio saying that Parabilly Koopa, who only Dick and Wiggs were familiar with, might drop by town in a few days, but no one had heard from James Monty, the MKDCU leader. Kylie didn’t really know the full story involving all that, but she was happy the ‘friends’ would be reunited soon. Finally by evening time that day, she was on the bus to two very important locations.
Unused Mario and Bowser: Frenemies Forever 27
Unused Mario and Bowser 27
Chapter 27
Author note: Would have been in the place of what is actually Chapter 26. Mario, instead of Kylie would have done some recapping and reflection before the race which is part of the actual story’s Chapter 26: More Karting With Bowser (The End?). I thought about it for a while and eventually the whole thing was done over with more emphasis on Kylie and her ‘detectives, spies, and plumbers’ tieing any loose ends. This version, while introspective just went on too slow. Enjoy!
8.00 am.
Mario slung his arm on the clock to end it’s torturous alarm. What day was it, he thought? Oh yeah, the of the next Mario Kart... He finally leaned up, feeling like an invisible weight was pushing him back in bed, and his covers became ever more inviting all over again. It had been an exhausting week after finding the cure, and now it had caught up to the seasoned hero. He gently sunk back down, on the verge of visiting Subcon again….
...Someone tall and slender crept through the bedroom door, holding a bowl of some steaming hot substance. With the other hand, he flicked on the light switch without hesitation. “Hey bro, you're up?!”
Mario yawned as he squinted to see his younger brother. Luigi was fully dressed and smirking for some reason. “Say, I didn't get hit by the Mushroom Bus last night, did I?” Mario mumbled.
“Umm...no? That’s what you get for staying up all night with Peach!”
Mario jolted up. “Luigi?! We were in a MEETING!”
Luigi flushed. “Did I say otherwise, bro? Either way, I got a good night's rest and you didn’t!”
Mario hopped out of bed. “Please, don’t act like I wanted to only get one measly hour of sleep. Besides, you didn’t come home with me and last I heard, you were with Boo. What’s with that, little brother?”
Luigi dashed out of the room. “Not telling!’
Mario sat back down on the edge of the bed. “You win this time, Weegee…”
Rejuvenated by….whatever that was, Mario did his habitual morning stretches. Passing by the kitchen to go the the bathroom, he noticed Luigi at the table and the enticing smell of apple flavored oatmeal. Weird, he thought. Luigi said they were out of the oatmeal yesterday, or maybe he said that to keep him from eating it all, as Luigi often did when he didn’t want Mario eating up food in the house before their ‘shopping day’. “You got me again…” Mario mused.
Luigi looked up. “Huh?”
“Nothing…”
Next it was time for shower, shave, fix breakfast. Just for himself, rather. Mario found it weird not be the first person up, but in all fairness it had been a busier week for him than Luigi. After delivering the cure to the Toadley Clinic, things progressed even faster than the two days before. The cure was rushed to Mushroom Kingdom Hospital East by Dr. Toadley’s associates and by the next morning, everyone had the cure. Toad and Daisy recovered just fine despite being the worse cases and they were back in their respective castles two days later. Toad was lively as usual, but when no one heard from Daisy, it was assumed she was making a quiet recovery, especially since calls to her phone went straight to voicemail. Imagine their surprise when they found out that she’d been practicing non stop for the next tennis game. Her weary but relieved father spilled the beans once Peach got her own father to check up on the neighboring Sarasland. A direct quote from her was, “The next time I face Mario and Bowser, they’re going down!!” Reportedly, even Bowser shuddered at the thought.
Back on a serious note, Peach allowed Bowser make a new “message” briefly explaining that he was NOT the cause of the Mushroom Flu but that he was definitely still their number one nightmare and would be definitely be ruling the kingdom in the next decade or so. The general public were not surprised.
Other than that, Mario had to spend long meetings with Peach other officials discussing legal matters, criminal activity, and ways to prevent such a thing from happening again in the oft used castle courtroom. Larry Koopa was an unexpected (to Mario) guest, representing Bowser’s household as the public face of Koopa relations. Mario could definitely sympathize with him, as they were both kind of hanging around for arbitrary reasons. Larry’s cool and casual attitude didn't stop him from being helpful however. Since he was one of the few ranking members of Bowser’s Castle who never came under complete control of Z, he had a lot to reveal, though never enough to satisfy everyone. Everyone knew the culprit was Zoo Diddley, but since he’d disappeared it seemed that parts of the conspiracy would never be revealed, not that every local paper and news station didn't try to decode it anyway.
Mario also had to survive countless interviews once details of his adventure were leaked. Before long, the public had heard it all, even parts of his adventure that didn’t happen in public eye!
Maio finally set down at the kitchen table with a plate of bacon and eggs in hand as he dwelled on something. Wasn’t there someone at the hospital who telepathically communicated with Z? What if they just hired him?
Luigi got up and placed his empty bowl in the sink. “I have an uh...appointment. I’ll meet you at the track bro!”
Mario squinted at the tiny digital clock on the microwave. “But the race isn't until-” Luigi was off before Mario could say another word.
Now alone, Mario checked his cellphone to see a text message from the Koopa King himself, dated that morning..
“You’ll be dead meat at the race, plumber!!! (Followed by a ridiculous amount of ‘evil’ emojis such as skulls, devils, fire, and... clowns?)” Mario smiled weakly, the threat bringing back a warm sense of familiarity. Going through his contacts, he caught an idea. After a moment Peach answered the phone, and the two spoke for a while, sounding equally groggy.
“Yes. That's a great idea!” Peach spoke, livening up. “I'll tell him, and please come over this morning. Some people would like to speak to you before the race today.”
“Oh sure... Princess,” Mario answered. He just hoped he wasn't going to get rushed by reporters for the twentieth time that week.
………………….
At 10 am, Mario pulled up to Peach’s Castle on his Mach Bike. The entire area was quiet, no yard workers even in site. Alagold was yet again on the front porch with the Nintendo DS playing teenaged ‘guard’ not far behind.
“Hey buddy,” Mario greeted slyly, “are they gone?”
Alagold shrugged as he approached the motored bike. “Who?”
“Eh, nevermind. Guess I was paranoid over nothing. Who wanted to see me?”
“Oh that...Nobody!” Alagold chuckled. “Peach just wanted to get you over here for another cake. I can’t believe you fell for it!...”
Once inside, Mario saw that his yellow capped friend was right and everything was normal inside Peach’s prestigious abode. His boots squeaked on the shiny floors and there was no dust on any of her decor, opposite of the dilapidated appearance from a week ago. Mario followed an enticing smell to the dining room were yet another cake awaited him on the long table. This one had white icing with light blue details, but Mario noticed something interesting. One might even say unusual. Something Peach would never do...
Bake a normal sized cake!
“Teehee, Mario! Over here!!” Peach called from behind it.
“This cake talks again,” Mario replied teasingly, even though he could clearly see her.
“Mario! Get over here!” she replied in kind.
Mario stopped in his tracks as he had an epiphany. Why recreate that morning?
Peach frowned. “What’s wrong, Mario? We have a busy week and now my presence palls you?”
“Of course not! I haven't rested well lately and then you call me here and do...this…” Mario sat down next to her.
“The cake? You know how often I bake my cakes,” Peach said with a hint of self awareness. Her radio started buzzing but she ignored it.
“But why a normal cake?”
Peach neatly cut herself a slice, revealing the chocolate inside with white cream filling. “I can't bake a petite version of my world famous, hand made cakes?”
“No…” Mario crossed his arms. “Besides, didn't you admit to following an old recipe?”
Peach swept her hair back and glanced away, as if a plan of hers had been foiled by whatever Mario said. “Okay fine. I didn't have time for a giant one. I do have to prepare for the race after all..”
“Now that I believe,” Mario chuckled, finally grabbing a slice for himself. “Don't ever get job where you have or lie, like a used kart salesman. Or a buffet waitress...”
Peach rolled her eyes. “Same for you, Mario… Wait, waitresses lie?”
Mario swallowed another mouthful of cake. “Mm hmm, or the buffet ones at least. They'll say I've been through the buffet line five times when I know it's only been four!”
Peach giggled before covering her mouth in a discreet princess like fashion. Mario was tickled by her prissy ways and joined her, their laughter echoing in the room before the doors abruptly swung open.
A green capped Toad in a dark blue business suit got pushed in with Buckenberry and Toadette close behind. Buckenberry looked normal but Toadette was dressed up in a burgundy colored dress suit. They followed the green Toad, who strolled casually closer to Peach and Mario, even idly swinging his small briefcase as he took in the sights of the castle dining room.
“Princess, you didn't answer your radio! This is the guy that just marched right in here!” Buckenberry barked.
Toadette nodded, trying to keep up in her matching burgundy high heels she clearly had little experience with. “Yeah, and he claims to be ‘important’!”
“This is Mr. Mitch Toadstool, who helped chase Z from the hospital a week ago. Don’t you remember, dears?” Peach reminded them gently.
“Rrrright...” Mario droned. “Well what’s he doing here?”
“It was your idea, silly! He’s going to be one of our new guiance counselors since he can detect extrasensory disturbances! Oh, and I just love his Mushroom Enquirer magazine!”
“Yeah, what the Princess said,” Mitch finally spoke, his voice deeper and raspier than what one would expect from a Toad.
Mario gave the dapper gentleman a once over again. He could understand the swooning, or was that jealousy, from everyone? “Oh yeah. Pleased to have you at the castle. Emery told me all about uh, whatever happened on the roof. Welcome aboard.” Mario got up and held out his hand.
Mitch shook it firmly. “Thanks, hotshot. I’ll root for you at the race, from the comfort of my jacuzzi that is. You have that here, right?”
“No!” Buckenberry answered.
Mitch helped himself to a slice of cake that was pre cut on a plate. Behind it was a plaque labeled “Toadsworth”. “Fine fine. Say, great cake you got here!”
“Hey that slice is reserved for-”
Peach cut Toadette off. “Thank you, tee hee! And maybe we should add a jacuzzi, hmm…”
Toadette and Buckenberry’s jaws dropped to the ground.
Mario picked up his own slice to go, seeing how this was about it get ugly. “See you later guys.” Mario left the dining room, no one even noticing his departure. As he was leaving, he saw Toad waiting around near the entrance wearing a red fancy looking tie.
“There you are!” greeted Toad.
“Hey. You’re racing too, right?”
Toad nodded. “And I’m coming with you because we need to talk,” Toad said in a more serious manner.
The smile dropped from Mario’s face. “Uh, okay..”
Toad lightly punched his shoulder. “Lighten up, I don’t mean like that. I just want to get caught up a on a few things. Like, we've barely even spoke in the past week!”
“Okay, but I was heading to the Kart garage.”
“Well you wouldn't mind giving an old pal a lift, right?”
Mario smiled. “Fine, but next time I’m charging! By the way, what’s with that tie?”
Toad rubbed the silky dress accessory between his fingers as they left the castle. “This stupid thing? Mr. Toadsworth convinced Peach to change some policies and so now castle advisors and management have to ‘dress up’.” He unloosened it from his neck and instead tied it around his head like a bandana. “But screw that! We’re off duty during a Mario Kart, right? Oh, neat. You brought the Mach Bike!” Toad ran up to the parked bike, leaving behind Mario on the bridge over the moat. By the time Mario had reached it, Toad was already in the passenger side cart making playful engine noises.
“What would we do without ya, Toad?”
……….
Unused Mario and Bowser: Frenemies Forever 26
Unused Mario and Bowser 26
Author note: Part of unused chapter 27. In this scenario that was somewhat quickly scrapped, Mario would have woken up to reflect on all that had happened during the events of the main story, and the upcoming race, which became Mario and Bowser’s actual Chapter 26. Here, Mario was just called to Peach’s castle where a cake awaited, paralleling Chapter 15: New Day, New Problems. Oddly in this old version, Mitch still comes of the castle though the reasonings behind it are different.
“But wait, our guest is here,” Peach said.
Mario turned towards the dining room door just as a green capped Toad in a slim tailored business suit strolled in. He carried a small briefcase and his shifty eyes darted around the room with an unreadable expression until he locked eyes with Toadette. “Hey, babe. Just show me where the office will be and I'll show you-”
Buckenberry coughed loudly. “Who is this freak?” Toadette shared his disgruntled look.
“He helped chase Z from the hospital a week ago. Don’t you remember dears?” Peach reminded them gently.
“Rrrright...” Mario droned. “Well what’s he doing here?”
“It was your idea, silly! He’s going to be one of our new guidance counselors since he can detect extrasensory disturbances! Oh, and I just love his Mushroom Enquirer magazine!”
“Yeah, what the Princess said.” Mitch beamed proudly at Peach’s admiration as Buckenberry and Toadette looked even more miserable at the news that he’d be a new co-worker.
Mario gave the dapper Toad a once over again. He could understand the swooning, or was that jealousy, from everyone? “Oh yeah. Pleased to have you at the castle. Emery told me all about uh, whatever happened on the roof. Welcome aboard.” Mario held out his hand.
Mitch shook his hand firmly. “Thanks, hotshot. I’ll root for you at the race, from the comfort of my jacuzzi that is. You have that here, right?”
“No!” Buckenberry answered.
Mitch helped himself to a slice of cake that was pre cut on a plate. Behind it was a plaque labeled “Toadsworth”. “Fine fine. Say, great cake you got here!”
“Hey that slice is reserved for-”
Peach cut Toadette off. “Thank you, tee hee! And maybe we should add a jacuzzi, hmm…”
Toadette and Buckenberry’s jaws dropped to the ground.
Mario picked up his own slice to go, seeing how this was about it get ugly. “See you later guys.” Mario left the dining room and didn’t think anyone even noticed. As he was leaving, he saw Toad waiting around near the entrance wearing a red fancy looking tie.
“There you are!” greeted Toad in his usual strident tone.
“Hey. You’re racing too, right?”
Toad nodded. “And I’m coming with you!”
“What? This isn’t Double Dash...is it?”
“Ha. No, I mean I want to ride with you. We need to talk,” Toad said in a more serious manner.
The smile dropped from Mario’s face. “Uh, okay..”
Toad playfully punched his shoulder. “Lighten up, I don’t mean like that. I just want to get caught up a on a few things. Where you heading?”
“The kart garage, and I plan to stay there until the race starts.”
“Great, me too. You would mind giving an old pal a lift right?”
Mario smiled and shrugged. “Fine, but time I’m charging! By the way, what’s with that tie?”
Toad flicked it around as they left the castle. “This stupid thing? Toadsworth convinced Peach to change some policies. Now ‘Castle Advisors’ have to dress up.” He unloosened it from his neck and instead tied it around his head like a bandana. “But screw that. We’re off duty during a Mario Kart, right? Oh, neat. You brought the Mach Bike!” Toad ran up to it, leaving behind Mario on the bridge over the moat. By the time Mario had reached it, Toad was already in the passenger side cart.
Unused Mario and Bowser: Frenemies Forever Chapter 17
Mario and Bowser 17
Noon of the restless Mario Characters (Chapter 17)
Created: like a month ago -5/16/17
Disclaimer: Why do I bother? I don't own Mario and co.
Author note: Long chapter, go!
Real note: Last edited May 18, 2017. Not technically unused since this was the original draft of this chapter. Still, the current one was edited down making this version ‘lost’.
Mario strolled into the bustling Toad Town. This was going to be a beautiful day, he thought. The weather was warm and the sky blue, the only thing ruining it was the frequent smell of exhaust fumes. The town really had urbanized in recent years with more and more people owning their very own kart to drive around. Mario could even spot a Mercedes-Benz or two pass by. Foot traffic wise, Toad folk and other local Mushroom Kingdom species went about their daily business, going up and down the sidewalks in waves not entirely different from what Mario would see back in Brooklyn. The Usonian resemblance didn't stop there; recent structures and vehicles were designed to be sleek and modern and only a few buildings still shaped like the mushroom structures of old.
After a moment, Mario approached town square to meet a bigger crowd. Men and women in business suits, parents with children, and teenagers on cellphones among them, no one seemed to care that Peach had put the Kingdom in a state of emergency not long ago. In the past, such an announcement would shut up the citizens in their homes until the moment Mario and his brother saved the day. Now it was like any other day. Just another Bowser attack. Mario wasn't entirely surprised, because Peach wasn't actually kidnapped in this "emergency", and she also omitted the fact that Mushroom Flu was apparently being spread by secret agents, for the sake of avoiding panic. For all the kingdom's citizens knew, the emergency involving Bowser could have been him invading a land on the other side of the globe. Still, the change of social climate from what he used to remember made Mario feel older than he was.
After waiting forever to finally be able to safely cross the street, because he refused to jay walk like everyone else, Mario made his way to the post office. Despite recent developments surrounding the humble wooden structure, it hadn't changed a bit on the outside. As he entered, he was greeted by the aged but active Postmaster, a Paratroopa with a busy grey mustache and thick glasses.
"Long time no see. You have no letters, guess no body's worried about you!"
"Oh I just have a little something to send off," Mario said walking up the counter. He noticed that the inside changed either. Same wooden floors, yellow walls, and fake house plant. "And you know, a lot of people don't really get written letters anymore."
"That's tomfoolery!" the Postmaster exclaimed. "I get letters all the time, son! You need more friends!"
Mario laughed at the irony as he handed him a letter labeled for 'Smash Mansion'. "I need first class mail. I have the money."
"Mario, it's on the house for you. No need to fret, we deliver no matter what, remember? Who's it for?"
"Can't say. It's a secret," Mario said with a wink.
"Ah, fair enough. Whatdaya think of this Mushroom Flu issue?" the Postmaster chucked.
"What..was that again?" Mario asked, trying to hide his surprise.
The Postmaster put a label on the envelope. "Mushroom Flu. You heard of it, right?"
"Yeah, but why would you bring that up?"
"It's all over the papers. See here?" The Postmaster pulled out a drawer and gave Mario the day's paper. This particular one was 'The Kingdom Enquirer'.
The headline read: MK citizens struck by 'MF'!
Mario gasped and immediately read out loud front page article. "According to rich entrepreneur 'James Monty', the president of the ministry of health, Toad Toadstool and Princess Daisy Bloom were stricken by Mushroom Flu, known as MF. According to him, he has no idea where it could have came from, but he suspects aliens. Citizens of MK, watch out for aliens! Suspects include Tatanga, Shroobs, Kirby....." Mario stopped reading and looked up confusingly.
The Postmaster smiled. "I know Mario, that was my reaction as well! Completely idiotic, right?"
"Well," Mario muttered, taking another glance at the headline, "it didn't sound like they knew what they were talking about...At all."
"Right. Tomfoolery as well. I caught wind of people being sick at the hospital but that's just crazy. These journalists really think we'll believe anything, except Kylie of course."
"Kylie...Koopa?" Mario mused.
"Right. You getting sick of me saying 'right'? Anyway, she's the writer of the Koopa Kronicle, and a darn good one. That's the only paper I trust now a days. So anyway, I'll have this sent out right away. That all?"
"Oh yeah. Thanks…"
"Right. See you later, Mario!"
Mario left and stood on the street corner, deliberating on his next course of action. It was clear to him now that mass hysteria wasn't about to spread just yet. Peach was wisely discreet with the state of emergency warning, and horrible journalism had diluted any sense of panic that could come from the surprisingly correct assumption of Mushroom Flu, apparently revealed by MKDCU agent Jimmy M., assuming he was that supposed "rich entrepreneur president of health" person quoted in the paper, and Dr. Mario would have the letter by tomorrow for sure. Considering the situation, things we're going as well as they possibly could.
But wait, he thought. He still just need to get to Bowser before Luigi! How would he pull that off, considering they would have already gotten an hour head start on him? There were no shortcuts he knew of that Luigi didn't, and his Sky Pop plane had been out of service for ages. Mario would just have to hope Buckenberry could slow them enough. The thought of the young hero brought up his spirits up a little. If Buckenberry could humble himself and get it together, he could too. He was just disheartened that he couldn't reveal to him that he DID know of Dr. Mario's whereabouts. Mario had promised to keep it a secret for the doctor, and Mario knew he couldn't afford to break anymore promises.
Just then, Mario gasped as someone rounded the corner to met him. "What are you doing here??" Mario asked.
The person beckoned him to follow them to a more secluded area.
=======
At the Mushroom Press, Jimmy continued to entertain the reporters with stories of his past misadventures. After the coast was clear of Richard and Wiggletron, he'd slipped back in. He couldn't let the offer of free coffee go to waste!
"-And I said to em 'he's red as the dickens! Just dunk the guy in the cream', and they did! You haven't lived until you've seen an 300 pound Toad jump in a giant tub of anti-itch cream!"
The Toad next to him, Mitch, laughed harder. "Aww man! This is going into the Mushroom Enquirer next! Hear that, Kylie?"
"Kylie? The girl's been gone ages ago," the desk receptionist said restlessly, putting some more hot water in the coffee maker.
Mitch looked around a bit. "Oh. Ah-hem, I knew that! Well anyway, how long are you sticking around? I uh...." Mitch suddenly stopped and put some sunglasses on.
"What?" Jimmy asked.
"You should probably go outside," Mitch said with sudden seriousness.
Jimmy stop lounging on their chairs and looked at the wall clock. "Oh! Didn't realize I'd been here so long! Guess I should go, ladies and gents, the work of a MKDCU agent is never done!"
The writers and reporters clapped as he got up and proudly marched to the door.
The moment he exited, he was greeted by Sebastian and Parabilly on the sidewalk, both shooting daggers at him.
"Boys? What's happenin? And where's the- Whoa! Stop!" Jimmy yelled.
"No can do sir," Lakitu said. He had the van secured with a giant fishing hook to an oversized cloud. On the side of the cloud, it was printed, "Lakitu's Independent Towing Company".
"Shouldn't you be fishing up go-carts or something?!" Jimmy screamed up to him.
"Sucker, this is my day job. What else I'm gonna do? Not like we'll be having any sports games any time soon by the looks of it. See ya!" The cloud began to float away with the van.
"First the hospital, then the coppers, now the towing companies?! I hate the Mushroom Kingdom!!!" Jimmy yelled at one in particular.
Sebastian crossed his arms. "What did you think was going to happen?!? I'm I still in Subcon? Because this a nightmare, and I'm sooo tired!"
"Me too!" Parabilly piped up as Lakitu took off, "He said this was the most illegalest parked car he ever done seen! All I'll have you know that we're tired of it!"
"What? You twos gonna quit too??" Jimmy asked harshly.
"Well....maybe! Ain't that right?" Parabilly asked, turning to Sebastian.
"Uh huh. Why did we make you leader anyway? Your actions have just made everything worse. We could have been at the bottom of this yesterday, and why aren't we finding a cure for their disease? Aren't we the health experts?"
Jimmy threw his hands up. "We ARE! Do you really think you can lead a disrespectful team while dealing with a deadly plague better than me? Cause this is a severe violation of protocol and I can fire you all right now!"
"Then do it. There's only five dern dollars at stake!" Parabilly spat, making Sebastian look to him questionably. "I quit myself! I ain't learned nothing and we ain't done nothing. We got em all locked up somewhere and we can't even help em. We might as well have never showed up! I got a home, a family to feed, and real job opportunities down home, and you can't keep me here any longer!"
Sebastian gasped. "Billy? You-"
"I already said It! That's it!" Parabilly threw his badge to the ground. "I'm outta here!"
Jimmy fumed. "You know what? It don't matter, you're right! We gotta get em to the Special World hospital but that's it. It's done, and I don't need you all anymore anyway! Get outta here!"
Parabilly wordlessly flew down the sidewalk and disappeared around a corner. Jimmy turned around and went the opposite direction, leaving Sebastian forlorn in front of the Mushroom Press entrance.
*tap tap*
He turned around so see someone peering through the glass door and knocking. When their eyes met, the person motioned him to come inside. He brought Sebastian to his office space and told him to take a seat.
"So you're Sebastian Bullet of Subcon, right?" Mitch asked.
Sebastian nodded.
"I still got!" Mitch said with a twinkle in his eye. "By the way, I'm Mitch T., writer of the Mushroom Enquirer, most famous newspaper ever!" He reached out to shake Sebastian's hand. "Okay, so you got towed by Lakitu. Right?"
"Uh yeah??" Sebastian responded.
Mitch leaned back in his comfy office chair and put his arms behind his head. "Great, well not for you I guess. Sorry I didn't see it sooner." he said somewhat flippantly. "I've gotten so used to blocking it out now, but never mind. James was full of crap anyway, you probably won't miss him."
"Now that I can agree on!" Sebastian said.
Mitch then leaded towards Sebastian. "Listen, I put out a nice fairytale for the paper but I know is really a big deal. I need you to me what really happened," he whispered.
"Well..." Sebastian hesitated.
"I'll pay ya!" Mitch added.
"Sure thing! And I have lots to tell." Sebastian started from the beginning and Mitch wrote down his account studiously. Sebastian felt better about getting fired now that he'd met Mitch, though he still had an odd feeling about him.
***
Outside, less than five minutes later, Jimmy took a wrong turn, being unacquainted with traveling on foot, and hit a dead end in a dark alley.
"Well this is just great. No van. No equipment. No agents. No directions! No respect! The Mushroom Kingdom can kiss- what the?!"
WhoooOOoooosh!
In the darkness, Jimmy saw a cloud of some sort stirring up in front of him, coming up from the ground. He was about to turn back to run when he was frozen in shock by a wicked laughter.
"Hehehehehehehehehehehehe! Stop right there!" someone cackled. "I've been looking for you!"
"I'm sorry! P-please Eldstar, no!" Jimmy bawled.
The cloud settled down to reveal a dark Boo, its face twisted in a psychotic smile. "Stop crying! Laugh, or else you fool! Hehehe!"
"A Boo?! W-what do ya want with ME?"
"I saw the whole thing in front of that Mushroom Press place, hehe. You must feel sooo sad.."
Jimmy didn't respond and continued to shake in fear and hold back tears.
"I said, LAUGH OR ELSE!" the Dark Boo barked.
"Ha ha ha ha haaaa!" Jimmy cried.
"That's better, hehe. They call me Z by the way. Let's have some fun!" Z moved closer. "You hate the Mushroom Kingdom, I hate the Mushroom Kingdom, we're a perfect match. Yaayy!" Z hugged Jimmy. "Come with me, buddy!"
"Hold on, now!" Jimmy said, pushing Z away. "I have a job to do. I ain't no Boo Hunters candidate. What's the meaning of this?"
Z scowled at him briefly, flashing some sharp teeth in the process, then went back to a smile. "Aww, not scared anymore? Well good, maybe we can talk, hehe. You are James Monty of the MKDCU."
"Uh huh? And?" Jimmy crossed his arms, trying to seem unafraid.
"Well, I'm only your biggest fan! We're both from Donut Plains, and I've followed all of your medical journals. I've always admired you more than the others and well," Z looked away bashfully, "I just really wanted to work with you. Please let me help you!" Z latched on to Jimmy again in a tighter hug.
"Alright, alright! Uh, you can help, uh somehow!" Jimmy yelled, his voiced muffled by the bigger Boo's embrace.
"Great," Z said flatly, "but first I need you to help me, hehe. Let's go on a little trip..."
"What? Let me go you- Ahhhhh!"
A Purple cloud engulfed them as Jimmy screamed, unable to get out to Z's grasp. His screams died down as the two disappeared into the shadows...
***
On another street, Parabilly waited at a bus stop. He had already phoned his relatives down in Southern Mushroom Kingdom. The 'city folk' life and the stress that came with it wasn't for him after all, he had resolved. He'd be better off as the local prairie physician like he always was. Soon the bus pulled up and he hopped on. He was heading out of Toad Town, possibly forever...
======@@@@@@@@@@@
Toadsworth knocked on Peach's door. After a moment it opened, revealing Toadette, who was wearing an apron and holding a feather duster.
"Mr. Toadsworth? What's wrong?"
"Princess? Wait, what were you doing in here?" Toadworth asked.
"Uh...I was just cleaning."
"And why, young lady? Where could she be?? She isn't OUT is she?" he asked harshly.
Toadette was about to remind him that she was authorized to clean Peach's room when ever she felt, but she held her tongue.
"Is she out?!" Toadsworth repeated.
Toadette kelp silent. When Luigi texted Peach an hour ago that Mario was put out of the mission, Peach immediately made plans to meet him. She had some unresolved feelings about Bowser's message and wanted to speak to Mario about it. Toadette didn't know what she meant by that, but she promised to keep Toadsworth at bay in the mean time. Still, she didn't feel good about lying to the oldest and loyalist servant in the castle...
"Answer me! This is no time for childish games!" Toadsworth scolded her.
"Umm, so why do you think she's out, Mr. Toadsworth?" Deflection, maybe that would work, she thought.
"I have been all over our dear castle, except for her room of course, which brings me here. Is she inside?"
"What do you need, sir?"
Toadsworth pouted. "I need to speak with her about a private matter. You are a higher level servant and I appreciate your hard work, I really do. I am sorry, my dear, for yelling so much. These are just dreadful and stressful times, you understand?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Indeed! What I have to say involves her safety. You know, with secret agents of Bowser running amok and whatnot."
Toadette shook her head. "I understand, but you can't come in!" Toadsworth looked to her surprisingly. "-Because...she isn't dressed! And..she's in the bath!" So much for not lying, Toadette thought. "Besides, the water was taking a while to heat up, but if you must tell her something now, you could just tell me." Toadette smiled sweetly which mollified Toadsworth further.
"Hmm...Thank you dear, but I will just come back at a more appropriate time." Toadsworth smiled. "Good day for now, Toadette."
Toadsworth walked back down the stairs, relieving but also disappointing Toadette who was very curious about that info. She retreated back inside the room and collapsed on Peach's bed, letting out a deep breath. Now she'd just need to keep this charade up for the entire day!
---------@@@@@@
The Mushroom Bus stopped at the Peach's Castle stop. This bus stop was usually used for castle tours or employees but the locals also used it to get to the the lake near Peach's castle or the private racetrack. A group of fifteen or so people exited, including Jelectro Bond, Kylie, Dick and Wiggletron. There was now only a short walk to the castle up a sandy rural path.
"Have y'all ever visited this place before?" Dick asked, breaking the silence that been between the four since getting on the bus.
"Yes, as an young child," Wiggletron answered. "Have heard that it has not been redecorated since."
"Well I haven't been inside but I've heard it's drab. You know, empty rooms with only giant paintings in them and a flooded basement and an endless staircase?"
Kylie, who was leading the way, suppressed a laugh. "Who told you that? Super Mario 64?"
"Umm, yeah? You're trying to tell me that game isn't accurate? What ever..." Dick looked to Bond. "Hey Bond? You alive?"
Bond mumbled something and walked along in the rear, deep in thought.
Kylie glanced back his way and then looked ahead again quickly. "Stay focused, brother. The game plan is this, when we get there, let me do the talkin'. First, we tell them a little of what we know. Make them think we know a lot, okay? Then we get them to tell us what they know. Easy as pie.. or cake considering where we are. Think Peach ever made pies?"
Dick rolled his eyes. "You must be hungry, girl. Anyway, I thought you and Bond knew everything by now!"
Kylie took a quick glance at her phone. "Yeah and no. It came up on my phone that Peach has put the kingdom in a state of emergency-"
"What is that?"
Kylie pouted. "You don't know?!"
"We are not natives to the Mushroom Kingdom," Wiggs reminded her.
"Oh yeah. Sorry bout that, brother," Kylie said apologetically. "Peach does that when there's trouble. Back in the day, this would put everyone's lives on hold until we knew we were safe. I would know, I've time traveled. Now? Pffft! So since she has the emergency out, Mario and the rest must know on some level that trouble's a brewin'. But we still don't know a few key points, okay?"
"What would those points be?" Wiggs asked.
"Well my main one is why Bowser would think he could get away with this. I know he can be more shortsighted than a Bob-omb with a one inch fuse with his plans, but this is so obvious it's stupid!"
"Oh of course you meant that!" Dick said, thinking he was sounding smart. "Yeah, that must be why he was helping Mario earlier at the hospital. You know, be all involved so you can claim it couldn't be-"
"What?!?" Kylie gasped. "Bowser was helping Mario?? When??" She stopped and turned around to face the rest.
"Yes! When?" Bond piped up from behind Dick and Wiggletron. He joined Kylie standing in front of them. Dick gave them a confused look.
"That was yesterday? I thought I told ya? He was confused and junk and he was there when Toad and Daisy when wild. Mario dropped to the floor and he was all about to cry in stuff-'
"Agent Richard and Wiggletron," Bond said sternly, "this changes everything!"
"I should have mentioned it also," Wiggs said, avoiding their gaze. "I apologize as well. The over abundance of new information we have acquired along with the frequent separation of our team has made it difficult to remember who possesses what knowledge..."
"Uh..okay? Well, that's why you record everything in a notebook!" Kylie groaned, scribbling a few more notes down. "Well it's game time now 'cause here's the guard. Everyone stay quiet like I said."
They approached the front castle guard. He was a teenaged red capped toad holding a spear under his arm playing a Nintendo DS. "Halt! All tours are prohibited in times of emergency!" he said in a rehearsed fashion without looking away from the game.
"We aren't here for tours, friend. We are umm, the plumbers that were called!" Kylie said. Even she wondered where she got that excuse from, she had a feeling she had heard it before somewhere...
The guard closed the DS and stared for a moment. "Oh, like Mario or something?"
"Yeah. Just like em. We need to fix that leak!"
"Huh?"
"You know, that leak y'all have? We need to fix it. Right guys?" She pointed back to the rest with her thumb.
"Where is Princess Peach?" Bond asked, not bothering playing along. Kylie shot him an annoyed look.
The guard shrugged. "Inside I guess. Look, as long as you guys aren't Bowser, you can come in or whatever. I really don't care." He pulled the door open for them and went back to his game.
"Perfect, young man. Thank you," Bond said genially. When everyone entered, they were then in the castle main room and mezzanine, an open checkerboard tiled area that connected to all of the parts of the castle. The decor was pretty, with lots of flowers and glass ornaments but there was also a lot of dust and dirt pulled up, making the place look slightly unkempt.
"Welcome to the castle- wait. Aren't visitations over?" A purple capped Toad standing at a podium asked them.
"Where is Peach, mon ami?" Bond asked.
"I can't tell you exactly but she's definitely home. We can't have her running around with Bowser's secret agents spreading the Mushroom Flu!"
Everyone looked to the worker surprisingly. Kylie also wrote something in her notebook.
"Do you at least have an idea?" Bond asked hurriedly.
"I'm sorry, who are you?" The Toad asked with sudden suspicion.
"...Plumbers."
The toad smiled instantly. "I'm so sorry, hon! Plumbers are always welcome here! Just go on up the stairs when you get to the room behind me. If anyone asks who you guys are, just tell them that, okay? Have a wonderful day!"
They went to another room that had stairways going up and down and halls leading to other ground level portions of the castle. The room was deserted of anyone except for a Toad that was vacuuming the carpet while wearing headphones. Said Toad glanced their way exactly once and then proceeded to ignore their presence.
Bond turned around to face everyone. "A little lonely here, is it not? Okay mes amies, I have appreciated all of your efforts until this point, but now that we all have the same knowledge, it is not necessarily for all of us to be present when we meet the Princess. It might look suspicious if we are all here and do no plumbing work at all, so-"
"I see," Kylie said, glancing towards the ex-MKDCU agents. "Why don't you two wander around and find something to fix?"
"Ugh, seriously?" Dick whined. "You mean like the flooded basement?"
"Again, the basement isn't- never mind... y'all keep busy okay?" Kylie took sides next to Bond, who was also looking to them expectantly. It irritated Dick when they used their "team power" against him and Wiggs, like they were their employers or something, he thought. Well actually...
"Sure," Wiggs said, pulling Dick closer to him, which made Dick look to him indignantly, "I would like to explore anyway so as to discover what has or has not changed since my childhood visit. You can count on us to assist you in your operation, right Richard?"
"Wiggs, lay off! Okay whatever. We'll give you love bugs some privacy, alright?"
Kylie did her signature finger snap. "Great brother, we'll just-"
"Hold up 'sis', I'm not done. Bond said he appreciated us and junk, and we have done a lot for you two, so I say we make it clear that we expect compensation! We are for hire agents remember?"
"What? Y'all want pay?!" Kylie put her hands on her hips. "Is the experience of true justice in action not en-"
"-No," Dick interrupted.
"I uh, agree to Richard's preposition," Wiggs added bashfully.
"Hold on," Bond muttered while digging in his wallet. He pulled out a couple of American hundred dollar bills worth 10,000 coins each and handed them out to Dick and Wiggs. "You are right, how could I have been so stingy before? Help yourself, mes amies!"
Dick jumped up and down like an excited little girl. Wiggs gawked at the amount of cash in his hand, the most he'd ever held at once actually. Kylie was surprised and jealous and babbled about how they hadn't really done much. Bond just stood back amusingly.
"Let us go," Bond said finally, grabbing Kylie's arm to lead her away. After Kylie could finally pry her eyes away from their cash, they made way upstairs. They were silent as they went up the steps, but Kyle noticed that Bond seemed to be in a particularly good mood now.
"Hey, what are you so jolly about?" Kylie asked.
"The joy of giving!"
"For real though, what is it?" Kylie asked seriously.
"Ha. Clever as always. Actually it was previous events. You see, you used my idea!"
"What? The- oh! That's where I got the plumber thing from? Yeah that was gonna be our disguise at Bowser's place at first. We discussed that in your car or something, right?"
"Something like that, but I am glad you bought it up. I would not have remembered it otherwise. Excellent work from you as usual."
"Oh yeah, thanks." Kylie said, trying not to smile.
"What is our plan exactly? Your idea that they know something we don't was correct. I suspect Bowser sent them a message."
"I guess so. Secret agents? That sounds like fear mongering. It's all because of stale soda, for pete's sake. Don't eat stale food!"
"Don't underestimate the power of nostalgia, mon ami."
Kylie looked to him solemnly. "Right...So I'm sorry too about last night. I blew up on you like twenty-five Bulky Bob-ombs and I shouldn't have. I've just been having a hard time."
Bond shrugged. "It's okay. This is a dire situation, after all."
"No not that." Kylie stopped on one of the steps. "It was because of you."
"Me?"
"Well, not you. I really do like you. It was just...your abilities..."
Bond's head sunk. "Ah. I see..."
"I guess I should explain. Back when I was new on the reporter scene, I dated this Toad guy who was a fellow reporter. His name was Mitch. He was real nice and stuff and he had powers similar to you which I thought was cool at the time. Well..after a while I realized he was stealing my scoops for the Mushroom Enquirer and was just a jerk overall. Worst thing is, I still have to work with him! Again, I'm sorry. It really wasn't personal but when you told me about yourself last night, it all came back to me..." Kylie was starting to tear up.
"Mon ami," Bond said, grabbing her shoulder, "I am very sorry you had to contend with someone who would abuse their power like that. You say you still work with him? Was he not reported?"
Kylie sniffed. "Yeah actually, but it's hard to provide evidence of mind invasion. It didn't really matter, he realized that his paper could get way more hits if he ignored the truth all together and published exaggerated bogus garbage that people eat up. So he just kind of quit doing it and is more of an annoyance than anything now."
Bond grabbed her hand as they started climbing the steps again. "You have to give me another chance, mon ami. You know I'd never invade your mind...At least not on purpose...." Kylie looked at him. "Uh yeah, it can't always be controlled. I subconsciously followed you this morning..."
"You did??"
Bond looked away awkwardly. "You were on my mind...Literally. I mean, you know what I mean. Listen, I'm decommissioning myself after this ordeal and incidents like that will never happen ag-"
"-You are?? Why??" Kylie demanded.
Bond looked back her way, surprisingly. "Because it isn't allowed according to Super Spy HQ. I mean, I theoretically could if I behaved normal but I clearly can't."
"Don't say that, Bond," she plead as they made it to Peach's room. They stopped outside the door.
"What do you mean?" Bond asked.
Kylie crossed her arms. "I mean, don't let silly ol me and my personal issues take that away from you. We don't do the same bring, but we both work for truth and justice, don't we? I wanted your help in the first place because I knew you were the best of the best. The top dog! And you mean to imply that you could keep this under control then but not now? What's really the issue, Bond?"
Bond took a deep breath as Kyle stared him down.
"-And don't even think about lying to me, Bond. I might not have your gift but I know a fib when I see one!" Kylie said jokingly, trying to lighten the mood. Bond chuckled slightly, then took off his glasses to look her in the face. Kylie was once more surprised and at his unusual eyes and found herself gazing back with the same intensity.
"Kylie," Bond said softly, "you are aware that our abilities may be affected by our emotions, correct?"
"Uh huh...." Kylie mumbled.
"Well, I guess there is no other way to say this." Bond grabbed her hand. "Kylie Koopa, I l-"
The door to Peach's room opened, revealing Toadette who was holding some dishes. "Who are you guys??" she gasped. Bond threw his glasses back on and Kylie snapped out of it. They both froze up for a moment.
"Well?? I'm calling security!" Toadette warned, putting down the dishes and grabbing her radio.
"We're plumbers!" Kylie and Bond blurted out.
Toadette let out a deep breath. "Oh why didn't you say so!....Wait, dang!" Toadette stepped forward and closed the door behind her. "I'm Toadette by the way. Did Mr. Toadsworth send you guys up here because I said something about the water taking a while to heat up? I shot myself in the foot with that excuse," she huffed.
"So is there a problem then?" Bond asked.
"No. I just needed to get him away. The bathroom is fine, sorry you guys had to go up all of these steps for nothing," Toadette said sympathetically.
"Oh the trip was no issue," Bond assured her.
"Hmm. Really now? Because there's like a thousand steps from top to bottom, and I know you plumbers don't get paid much to deal with this. I'm kind of tight with the Marios you see. Who are you guys anyway? The Noki Bros?"
"I'm a girl, sister," Kylie said, mildly offended.
Toadette flushed in embarrassment. "Oh I knew that. I guess I was just thinking about like, Smash Bros or something. You know, they have female fighters too. I mean, never mind..." There was an aura of awkwardness in the hallway after she said that.
"..So can we speak to Peach, Toadette?" Bond asked.
"No. She's away- but not OUT! Don't tell Mr. Toadsworth I said that!"
"You mean she is not here at all??"
"That's not what I said! I just can't bring her to you, okay? Bye!" Toadette put her hand on the door knob, ready to retreat.
"Toadette, wait, mon ami. We are not really plumbers, I'm Jelectro Bond, a secret agent and this is Kylie Koopa, a reporter, and we have very important information that the Princess needs to hear. We have been on the case since yesterday and I assure you we know more about what's going on that anything you heard so far." Bond spoke quickly in his signature low but authoritative voice.
Toadette frowned at them both. "Excuse me?? Our Kingdom is at stake and we are at war! Prove to me that you really know what you're talking about. And yes, I'm aware of that stupid story The Mushroom Enquirer put out earlier today. If you even bring that nonsense up, I'm calling security immediately!" Toadette spoke authoritatively as well. Bond immediately thought about how she should have been the one guarding the front doors.
Kylie fumed. The moment Toadette had mentioned the Mushroom Enquirer, she blocked out the rest and got red hot. "So Mitch really did it! He put out a half baked-baloney-sorry excuse for a-no journalistic integrity-"
"What's wrong with her?" Toadette snapped.
"Never mind. Just listen to me. Here is the proof. The Mushroom King is now showing symptoms of Mushroom Flu. You can prove this by checking with MK East hospital. Emery T., the rooftop ems can verify everything. What else do you need to know before we can see the Princess?" Bond asked impatiently.
Toadette went pale and speechless for a moment. "HOW?-" she finally gasped.
"The secret is FungusUp, mon ami!"
"Bowser used that? But he said he used air pollutants and- well that message was confidential but-"
"We need to see that message! That's the only way we can solve the missing pieces. Is Peach here or not?"
"No, she's gone to see Mario!" Toadette admitted. "And our King is sick too? I hate Bowser so much!"
"Maybe Bowser ain't totally in hot water," Kylie said, recovering herself, "he was helping Mario all the way last night. Now show us this message!"
"I know Bowser WAS helping Mario but, I can't show the video...it was a onetime broadcast but I can describe it in full I guess. In fact, I might never forget it.." Bond and Kylie, who were growing impatient with her until that point, toned things down.
"Take your time, mon ami," Bond said softly. Kylie nodded and got her notebook ready.
"Okay," Toadette muttered, holding back tears, "this is a safe place by the way. Trust me, no one else is up here. So this Dark Boo messager sent it and it was a video of Bowser himself but kind of vacant looking. Like, I didn't see the video, I only heard the message, but that's what everyone was saying later. Anyway, he started talking about how he had given Toad, Daisy, and everyone else sick the Mushroom Flu. He said he had deployed some secret agents here in the Kingdom to infect them by airborne viruses and if Peach didn't surrender in a day, he'd infect more. And so Mario and the rest went off to fight and Peach put the Kingdom in a state of emergency but she wasn't specific about anything. She figured it would be better to keep quiet about it and hope that the Mario brothers could take Bowser out in the one day than cause mass panic, you know? But Mario had put Luigi in charge or something and then Luigi put him off the team so it was just Luigi, Buckenberry, Alagold, and Yoshi on the mission now I think. Peach went off to talk to Mario because of reasons she didn't go into with me, but she said to not let Mr. Toadsworth know she's out."
Kylie put her pen down and reread her notes, Bond seemed to be thinking about the recount.
"Hmm. A clone. No.. coercion .." Bond spoke to himself.
Kylie thought of something as well. "And you say Bowser's message seemed fishy?"
"Well they said it was kind of stilted and just off in general. I guess we were so distracted by the fact that he was threatening to change all of our lives forever that we forgot about his weird delivery. Why?"
Bond clasped his hands, pleased. "Mon ami? It's all figured out! We have cracked the case, of at least the main parts of it!" Kylie and Toadette gawked.
"Bond," Kylie exclaimed, "I kind of knew you were getting at something but you lost me!"
"Bowser did not do it. In fact, he is completely innocent likely. Someone has forced him to threaten the Kingdom and throw in a red herring with the method of infection. The whole point is to move the kingdom to immediate war, and the targeting of close friends along with innocents with a virus is to sever any chance of a peaceful relationship afterwards."
"Ah ha!" Kylie said triumphantly. "That's probably why they intentionally used a disease that everyone knows could only come from Bowser's castle. It was always meant to lead to Bowser.."
"Sharp as always, Kylie." Bond smiled. "Still I wonder where the MKDCU come into the picture. We know that they were called to the hospital, but not who called them exactly."
"Yeah, me too. Hmm. Their meddling is the only reason why word of MF got out. Obviously MK East was wholly unequipped with mad doctors and all. Why would anyone call em unless they were in on the scheme?...Unless someone was sabotaging it! Now that I think about it, I wouldn't have showed up if not for the crowd they caused."
Bond nodded. "I sort of stumbled into this because of the MKDCU's incompetence at the hospital as well. Still, those are secondary points, we know what we have to do."
"What?" Toadette asked. "If there something Peach needs to know, I can contact her."
"Tell her to warn citizens of drink any FungusUp, and instead turn them in at the the Toadley Clinic, NOT the MK East hospital or here."
"Why not here? MK East is Peach's official hospital and our infirmary here is great too!"
"A cohort to Bowser's conspirers is still at MK East. The other must have been the doctor that jumped out of the window, and I don't want dangerous cans of FungusUp anywhere near this castle. Now, you need to tell her this, Bowser isn't to blame, and there are no air pollutants, but his threat still stands."
Toadette, still overwhelmed by the information they were spewing, gave him a worried look. "What do you mean? Even after that, we'd still be in danger?"
"Yes. You can bet that after today something will certainly happen, even if Bowser is not the one to do it. Mario, or Luigi I mean, and his group DO need to reach Bowser today, but they need to take out exactly who is the cause of this. We can't know their exact mindset, but it has to be those in high ranking league with him. Then of course, there the matter of getting in contact with Dr. Mario before those currently sick go off the deep end..." Bond's voice got quieter as the gravity of the situation sunk in.
"I'll get on it, Eldstar be with you guys," Toadette said determinedly, pickup up her dish and retreating inside Peach's room again.
Kylie turned to Bond. "Zoinks! The truth is out! Guess our part in this skirmish is over?"
Bond turned to her regrettably. "I am afraid so, mon ami. We are just the justice seekers, not the justice enforcers. It is in the hands of Mario and the rest now that they know the truth, or at least enough truth."
"Yeah, and I gotta get on the scoop of the century back at the press. I suppose it's early on the draw, but after the journalistist garbage Mitch put out, I'd better counter it with the light of justice, ya know?" Bond laughed out loud at Kylie's eagerness, his baritone voice echoing slightly in the hallway. Kylie started to giggle too. "We have no business being this giddy. The show ain't over yet! Guess we'd better round up those other two. By the way, where we going for our next date?" She noticed Bond's look. "Yeah I know what you were gonna say, it don't take a psych to know when a guy likes ya!"
Bond flushed. "So it is a date then, my lovely Kylie!"
Mario and Bowser 17 continued
Toadette texted Peach with shaky hands. Explaining the whole deal went past the maximum amount of characters per text so in the end she sent off five or six. Bond and Kylie's revelation made her feel better and worse in ways. Before at least, she had a single person to blame and hate. Even through her sadness and anger, she could feel like she did know what was going on. Now though, she didn't know what was really happening. Who exactly coerced Bowser? Did they now have to deal with an even bigger villain? Then there was the fact that the plan wasn't even into motion yet. Now that Peach hopefully understood the situation, it didn't mean they were going to be successful. Knowing the truth now didn't help Toad and Daisy much, after all. The damage had been done for them.
Only one thing could comfort her now. She opened her messenger and scrolled through the contacts.
------
Luigi, Boo, Yoshi, Buckenberry, and Alagold stoped at a Water Land Toad House to check the map again. It was empty, surprising no one, but they found a mushroom left behind to add to their inventory. There were now six mushrooms, three fire flowers, one cape feather, two Tanooki suits, and one starman in their arsenal.
Meanwhile Alagold clicked on a YouTube video called "Mario is a sociopath". First there was an advertisement with a scene at a park. A hipster looking Yoshi wearing a scarf and holding a cell phone addressed the camera. "Can you hear me now? Oh right, with your phone plan you don't have the range that YoshiMobile has. You could be getting full coverage in all of the Mushroom Kingdom for twenty percent less than those other guys!"
"Yeah right," Alagold mumbled, furiously tapping the "skip ad" prompt that was still counting down. "I should have installed that ad block!"
"Alagold, stop!" Luigi said sternly, looking up briefly from the map he had pulled out .
"Yeah," Boo, who was just standing around, added, "content creators need that ad revenue!"
Luigi shook his head. "Actually I meant that just because Bowser didn't capture any fortresses, it doesn't mean we can have our guard down. Bowser could have deployed soliders, or worse, secret agents to stop us." Saying it out loud sent shivers down Luigi's spine. That, and the fact that this was his first hero mission without Mario in a long time.
"Right, gotta stay focused! Got ya Weegee! ...Hmm, wonder when I should drink this fungus up?" Boo pulled it out of the bag.
"Gross. Never liked that crap, stale or not..." Buckenberry said, looking out of the window in boredom.
"Different strokes," Alagold teased. "When will you learn that?"
Buckenberry looked to him and rolled his eyes, incidentally catching a peek of what Alagold was trying to look up. The video title made him gasp, "How dare you, Gold!"
"What? I know that's a stupid game theory but I'm so bored! We haven't fought anything yet and we'd been walking for almost an hour!"
Luigi shot Alagold another glance, which made him finally put the phone away. Buckenberry noticed that Yoshi was extremely quiet off in the corner of the house.
"You okay?" Buckenberry whispered.
Yoshi nodded silently. Just then Buckenberry felt his phone vibrate.
"Umm, I have to go to the bathroom. That okay?" Buckenberry asked.
Luigi looked to him disappointedly. "Have we not forgotten that we're on short time? Hey, where are you-"
Buckenberry entered the stall quickly and checked the message.
Toadette texted, "Hey baby. How r u?"
Buckenberry replied, "Okay. We've made some progress. Is it better at the castle?"
"Not really. I've just got news from a spy and journalist."
"???" Buckenberry would have added an emoji, but he wasn't hip enough to know which one to use.
"Uh huh. They say Bowser is innocent. *crazy emoji* I think we can trust them tho. They know that our King is with MF too now!"
Buckenberry almost dropped his phone in shock. His sweaty hands from Water Land's humid sticky weather weren't helping. "!!!!" He managed to text.
She replied, "Yea. I know."
"Toadette. Right after Mario was kicked off the team, I spoke to him and he had a theory like that."
"Really? Get this. you do need to get to Bowser still."
Buckenberry debated. Should he let his girlfriend in on the secret? Wouldn't hurt. "Toadette, Mario told me to stall our team. He said he needed to get to Bowser before us!"
After a moment, she replied, "Peach went out to talk to Mario! She was doubting something too. Guess what MF comes from?"
Knock knock knock! Splash!
There was a loud rap on the door, making Buckenberry actually drop his phone this time, and in the toilet!
"AAAHH WHAT?" Buckenberry screamed. "My brand new on contract phone from MushroomWireless!"
"What's wrong? Did you fall in??" Luigi asked from outside the door.
Buckenberry dunked his hand into the tank to retrieve his phone.
"What?" Luigi repeated.
Buckenberry kicked the doors open, narrowing missing Luigi. "I dropped it in the toilet!"
"And you say that I'm on the phone too much!" Alagold, who was also standing near the stall, mocked. Buckenberry shoved him hard and he fell to the ground.
Luigi immediately stepped in between them and he had to pull the Toads away from each other. "Stop this right now! Blue, you can get another phone later!!!"
Buckenberry stopped trying to strangle Alagold but was still seething. So much in fact, that he'd practically forgotten Toadettes's message. What was it? Something about needing to still get Bowser? Close enough, he thought.
"On the plus side guys, we found a warp pipe that will skip a world!" Boo said excitedly.
"Oh no!" Buckenberry exclaimed. "...I mean okay, but where is that FungusUp?"
"I thought it was gross to you," Alagold teased, this time cautiously standing behind Luigi.
"Shut up! Where is it? I need to see it!" Buckenberry demanded.
"Okay okay, here it is?" Boo pulled it back out of the paper bag. Buckenberry snatched it quickly.
"What's with you all of a sudden, Blue?" Luigi asked, approaching him again. "We need to move on, not fight over phones and soda!"
"I need a drink, okay? I'll even drink this garbage."
"But I found it!" Boo moaned, reaching for it back.
Buckenberry hid it behind his back. "But-"
Luigi suddenly snatched it from Buckenberry. "I will just hang on to it. Okay?? Any further objections? And I don't want another outburst from you, Blue. I don't want to have to dismiss you too."
"...Whatever," Buckenberry muttered, on the verge of tears.
"No need to be so angry," Luigi said delicately, "It'll all be over soon. Let's just work together this time. Okay?"
Everyone got silent. Luigi shook his head as he lead them to the pipe. Buckenberry followed as well, with his head sunk low, disappointed at himself yet again.
--------
******
Dick and WIggletron were in the torch lit basement. The downstairs area of Peach's Castle was just storage area and sleeping quarters, and the two had toured the whole little area in just a few minutes.
Dick yawned as Wiggs turned to him. "Well it is just as musty and banal as I remember. Let us explore on the ground level-"
"Halt!" a Toad said to them as they rounded the corner leading to the stairs. "State your authorization!"
"Okay 'pipsqueak the second'. We're plumbers and stuff. In fact, we were just leaving.." Dick said insultingly, but without passion. He felt like he might fall over sleep any moment.
The Toad crossed his arms and continued to block the stairway "Plumbers? Name please?"
"Richard. Call me Dick. And my friend here is Wiggs. Now let us up the stairs, or will I have to walk over you?!"
The Toad, ignoring the threat, pulled out a radio. "I'm going to need to verify your name and occupation for security reasons. Hold on."
"No, you hold on to your face!" Dick charged forward, only to be pulled back by Wiggletron.
"Security!" the Toad screeched.
"What is the meaning of this?" A British voice called from up stairs. After the sound of a few more footsteps, Toadsworth appeared.
"Mr. Toadsworth, these suspious people are down here and they attacked me!" The Toad said, pointing to Dick and Wiggs.
Toadsworth raised his hand to to silence the servant. "This is just a big misunderstanding. These must be the plumbers that were sent here, right boys?"
"Right, Mr. Old Toad Person. We were just fixing your moldy old pipes!" Dick said, winking to Wiggs.
"What? You called plumbers?" The servant asked in disbelief.
"Actually, I thought someone else called them! That is what the servant stationed at the podium told me.."
"No, Mr. Toadsworth. If you didn't do it, no one has that I know of. We've had no outcalls on our castle's phone line." When he said this, he and Toadsworth looked back to Dick and Wiggs suspiciously.
"-That is because the call was made from a cellular telephone," Wiggs spoke up, "but I can assure you that we were called and did not enter the castle under our own intuition or anything!" Dick looked to him with an expression like, 'you've just saved our tails'.
Toadsworth had a hearty laugh. "Of course! I always forget about those newfangled doohickeys! Carry on gentlemen!"
Toadsworth went back upstairs, making the Toad scoff. Dick smirked and lead the way upstairs, purposely brushing past the annoyed Toad and Wiggs waved in a friendly gesture.
Upstairs, it was still empty looking but they saw Bond and Kylie talking in an obviously romantic way on the freshly vacuumed carpet.
"Wow, I'm so surprised you two are dating at just one day!" Dick greeted them sarcasticly. Kylie and Bond turned to them.
"Oh, you're back...well how long have you known Wiggs, brother?" Kylie asked defensively.
Dick thought for a moment. "A month. Why?"
Wiggletron suddenly had a fit of laughter. "Ha ha ha! You are under the assumption that we are-"
"-Business partners! Are you not?" Bond asked.
Wiggs flushed. "Uh, no?"
"What is going on?" Dick asked, confused.
Bond leaned in to whisper to Wiggs. "You know what I mean, mon ami...." he leaned back. "Anyway, we can leave now. Our mission is over, everyone is paid, the proper authorities know the situation-"
"And you have a hot date now, yeah yeah," Dick interrupted. "So it's time to finally split? Well at least we got our highest pay ever. What now?" He turned to Wiggs. "Buy one of those new Mercedes-Benzs that everyone has now? Hang out with 'Munchie'? I mean that Yoshi guy?"
"I am not sure about that last option, Richard," Bond added amusingly, "Yoshi is off with the Marios to fight Bowser. Or one of them."
"Huh?"
"Bond is talkin about that green guy...what's his name again?" Kylie pondered for a moment.
"Luigi Mario?" Wiggs answered.
"Ooooh him?!" Dick exclaimed. "Mr. Green leading the assault against Bowser? Anything really can happen in the Mushroom Kingdom!"
Bond glanced at his Rolex Submariner. "Look at that! Lunch time already?" He looked to Kylie slyly will Dick rolled his eyes. "Let's bail."
@@@@@@@@@
At Bowser Castle
Kamek ran around Bowser's private quarters, relentlessly opening every dusty file cabinet and going through every file of Bowser's that no one had went through in years. After two knocks on the door, Ludwig and Iggy stepped in the room to find a massive mess.
"Gramps! Whatareya doing making this mess?" Iggy asked. "We don't have a maid anymore, remember?"
Kamek grunted without pausing.
"It's alright gramps, really!" Iggy said quickly, about to approach before Ludwig stoped him.
"Iggy. Let Kamek continue, we can tell him our news while he works. Ah hem!" Ludwig paused to retrieve a note from one of his jacket pockets. "As you know, Prince Bowser Junior's location is unknown, and we also know he spoke with Father before leaving. This being the case, we sent an agent specifically for him."
"Ah, our secret agents?!" Kamek exclaimed, still completely occupied in his file searching. "Which one of you useless brats chased after him?"
Ludwig hesitated, thinking about his next choice of words too deeply to even notice the insult. Iggy spoke up.
"We sent Z after him. Don't worry, Z won a track in field race in high school of something and will definitely catch up to-"
"You WHAT?!" Kamek screamed, tossing a few papers up in the air at his disturbance.
Ludwig covered his face. "I was GETTING to that! Yes, we have ally from out side of our dynasty assisting us for-"
"-Who is it? Z what? Who did you tell?!" Kamek asked, startling both Koopa princes.
"Just 'Z', gramps!" Iggy cried. "You know, Z the Dark Boo garbage collector?"
"But why, you idiots?!?" Kamek marched up to them in a conniption. "Don't you know what will happen if others know of our plans???"
"Because," Ludwig quickly interjected, "Z got in on our plans due to a completely random and unavoidable accident. Z just happened to be in the garbage room and, as we all know, our garbage shoots transfer sound much like the horn of a phonograph. You are familiar with the things, no doubt. Anyway, a message was heard, a conversation ensued, and we decided to take Z into our confidence rather than punish a servant who was only doing their job and was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I rest assure you, Z is without pretense and is nothing but an asset to us in our objectives."
Kamek stared at them for a moment lost in thought. "Those good old phonographs," he mused, returning to the mess of papers he'd made. Iggy and Ludwig gave each other a glance and left the room.
"I've never seen gramps so...frantic, angry, absent minded. Really he had a bit of everything going on. He had to have set a record for strange behavior," Iggy whispered as they distanced themselves from the room.
Ludwig pouted. "Also notice that we failed to bring up our original inquiry!"
Iggy threw his hands up. "Dang! You're right! Now what?"
"I will put up a line of defense. Nothing too crazy, but enough to not make it too easy for Mario."
"You think gramps will mind us taking all of these liberties? It can't be good for his blood pressure to blow up again like that."
"True, he has been disturbed lately. Don't want to send him over the edge, do we? I AM the army general however," Ludwig said with some importance, "and I believe I am authorized for such small scale endeavors. Tea?"
Iggy shook his head. "I'm gonna do something else instead. By the way, you heard of Peach's emergency call? Mario and the rest are definitely gonna get here today."
"Yes and? Better to get this over. See you later I supose." Ludwig waved as the separated from Iggy to head for the kitchen.
Back inside Bower's private quarters, Kamek almost jumped for joy. He held the paper close to his face, so as to read the small print. After heading a few lines, he folded it up, satisfied, and left the room, not bothering to tidy up.
"Just in case..." he said to him self.
Unused Mario and Bowser: Frenemies Forever 14
Unused Mario and Bowser 14
Mario and Bowser: Frenemies Forever
Night of the restless Mario characters (Chapter 14)
Originally Created: 4/5/17 -4/8
Disclaimer: Mario and co. Belong to NIIIIINNNNTTTEEENNNDDOOO (Woohoo!)
Author note: Can events ever stop happening all in one day? Well they will after this chapter. The main part of this was written in one day, rest was editing and etc. etc. you get the point. ^_^
Author note: Chapter 14 as it was originally written. The final version has a date two days later than the one here so do the math. I go over slightly in my overview for this chapter the changes I made and why I made them but now you can see exactly what I mean. I don’t think my final version is the best either, but I do think it was better than this. Enjoy.
-----
The streets of Toad Town were quiet. Shops were closed and the town's residence slept peacefully at home. The few citizens that were adventurous however tended to flock to one place, Club 64. A nice and friendly little restaurant/cafe in the day, nightclub and bar at night.
Jelectro Bond's silver Aston Mushroom pulled by. Kylie Koopa's face was practically glued to the window, she could hardly contain her excitement. Bond pulled into the crowded parking space. Kylie even recognized a few license plates of past trouble makers she'd had encounters with on the job. A B Dasher kart that belonged to a venomous Pokey she'd exposed for conspiracy to gameover? A Barrel Train that belonged to a mentally unstable Shy Guy who was convinced his life was a video game? A Power Flower kart that belonged to a con-artist Princess Daisy impersonator? Someone's oversized Koopa King kart that seemed strangely familiar?
"Is everything okay?" Bond asked, cutting off the ignition.
"Uh, sure..." she replied.
"Do not worry. This is safe, despite the occasional seedy customer."
Kylie was impressed, he'd noticed the cars too? "Well this sure is a different place at night! "Shame I'm not dressed for the special occasion!"
"You are stunning as you are, mon ami. Take my hand." Bond gave her his hand. Kylie's heart raced. She's never thought she'd meet a true gentleman in a two in a half foot Noki! She gladly took it and they walked from the parking lot hand in hand. Booming bass could be heard through the walls. The neon lights, including a now vintage Nintendo 64 sign, were displayed in the glass window, which had its shutters down to block any view inside. Despite the uncharacteristically rowdy aura that surrounded the club at this hour, this was still the relatively safe Toad Town, so they went inside with no harassment from bouncers or security.
Suddenly an unmarked white van screeched to a stop straight in front of the door.
"Think they'll let us park here?"
The rest of the MKDCU agents groaned at Jimmy. His past attempts at illegally parking too close to buildings to save a walk (though he always argued it was for everyone's benefit) always turned out badly.
"You imbecile, haven't you learned anything? We just got towed for this today!" Dick snapped.
"Just get out, Richard. Wiggs, you too!"
"Whata 'bout us?" Parabilly asked.
"You and Sebastian get to stay and watch Toad and Daisy! We gots to get them at the Toadley Clinic in another hour, or we will loose our commission. By the way, they are awfully quiet now…"
"Patients have went into a unconscious state. Do we exit now or later?" Wiggs asked.
"Now! Are...are those flashing blue lights back there? Uh oh!"
Dick and Wiggletron were pushed out of the van forcibly. The van sped towards the parking lot right as a Mushroom Police car passed by.
"Gotta love Jimmy, eh?" Dick said sarcastically.
Meanwhile at Peach's Castle
"Oh Mario! I'm so glad you're here," Princess Peach exclaimed the moment Mario entered the room. Toadette came in as well, holding his hand.
"I'll uh...leave you guys alone now," Toadette said ackwardly. She slowly backed up and closed the door.
"I'm so sorry Princess," Mario apologized, looking towards the ground.
"It's Peach, remember? But anyway, what happened??" Peach asked impatiently.
"Daisy and Toad are still in the 'care' or should I say, clutches of the MKD-whatever.." Peach gasped and instinctively clutched her hands together. Mario told her about the crazy events that happened at the hospital. Peach was on the edge of her seat.
"This is terrible! But Mario, that part isn't your fault!"
"I know, but everything else is...I'm sorry that I've been so wrapped up trying to be Bowser's friend that I've pushed you all away. I'm sorry that I've came up with plans without you guys. I'm sorry that I've broken my promises. And I'm sorry to.....Luigi!" Mario suddenly remembered something. "Princess, I mean Peach, I have to get home."
"Fine Mario. But...at least tell me something first." Peach got from her seat up to approach Mario. "Is it real?"
Mario scratched his head, "Is what real?"
"You and Bowser?" Mario continued to look confused.
"Umm. Yes? Why, Prin- Peach?"
"I don't know. Just...are you sure Bowser can be trusted?" Mario was silent for a moment.
"Yes," Mario said determinedly, "Bowser isn't the nicest guy in the world, but he knows to not cross the line. Bowser has never tried to hurt us outside of our games has he?"
"Yeah, I guess so. Listen Mario, I believe and trust you, but you can't expect everyone else to. If this information spreads…"
"I know, I know. People will always judge others, but you can't please everyone either. The only thing you can really worry about is making things right with your friends and family, that's why I have to get home to my brother. I'll talk to you tomorrow, Princess. Good night." Mario turned away.
"It's Peach!" Peach called out, "And one more thing!" Mario turned around. "Where do you think those agent people are taking Daisy and Toad?"
Mario shrugged. "I'd check out the Toadley Clinic tomorrow for a start. Hopefully though, we can plan something out tomorrow. Together, I mean!"
Peach smiled until she thought of something. "Yes, it would be nice to have some team work for once, but what about Bowser?"
"Oh about that...We can always meet outside somewhere to not scare anyone. Either way, we'll think of something. I won't even bother to call him tonight. He has enough worries with the kind of people that live at his castle!" Mario and Peach laughed.
"Okay Mario, so long," Peach said, giving Mario a hug.
"So long...Peach."
As Mario left, Peach felt a lot better about the whole situation. Yes, despite the dire circumstances she knew Mario could accomplish anything with the help of others.
Club 64
The Dance music was loud, dancers danced (or stumbled around) on the dance floor, and the more subdued customers sat at the tables, eating and drinking.
Emery sat that the bar, watching the late night Japanese game shows on the TV screens. She sipped on her Strange Fruit Juice. After work, she had sped to there in her prized (and unpopular among her peers) Koopa King Kart. Across the room, she spotted someone she could swear she'd seen before. A sunglasses wearing Noki? Also, was that her friend Kylie Koopa? She watched them seat themselves towards the back and order something.
Feeling brave and curious, Emery got up to set down in an empty bench directly behind them, carefully escaping their notice. Since when did Kylie have a boyfriend? They were definitely into each other, holding hands and what not! Wasn't she married to the job, like she insisted when Emery had tried to hook her up with a cute Doctor she knew? No matter, Emery would finally get to snoop on the master snooper!
Dick and Wiggletron entered the club and went straight for the bar.
"Hmm. Wonder what they serve at night like this? I've never been the clubbing type," Dick yelled over the music.
"I just want a cup of ice actually," Wiggletron said wearily.
"What's with you?" Dick asked genuinely.
"I am not well. I did not want James to know of my condition."
"Why not?!? He is not really really our boss."
"Correct. We must however communicate respectfully to him regardless."
"Well aren't you an sweet angel? I'll call the fool out any time."
"Yes," Wiggs said mischievously, "But look at where you are now!"
Dick looked back in annoyance and confusion. "Wiggs, what is with you? Seriously!"
Wiggs pointed. "I will be honest with you. You are my friend, correct?"
"Uh...sure...You ARE the only person in the world I don't hate right now.."
"Do you wonder why James tolerates your rambunctious and unpleasant attitude?"
"Because he'd better??" Dick huffed.
"Because he's going to fire you when when we drop off our patients. He will do so before the commission as a final 'screw you' so to speak. He explained this to us all before we picked you up for the mission." As Wiggs explained this typical monotone, Dick's eyes were popping out of his head in anger.
"WHAT?!" He screamed, louder than the dance music. Everyone nearby stared at the Mega Goomba and Wiggler like they were freaks. Wiggs continued.
"It was the plan all along, Richard. He wanted to work with you no longer. He hates you actually, as does the rest. Please calm down."
"That mouser!! I knew he was taking my insults a little too well. He just couldn't wait to get rid of me! And the rest agreed? I knew they were idiots but...hey! Did YOU agree???"
Wiggs chuckled slightly. "Of course not! You know I have affection for you."
"Oh, okay. Wait what???"
"What would you two like?" the morbidly polite bartender, who had been listening to the whole asked.
"Ice only," Wiggs said.
"The strongest thing you got!" Dick ordered." I'm as good and fired and I needed this money! Why did we ever let Jimmy handle the commissions?? What am I gonna do??"
The bartender sat down a cup of ice and some Root Beer. Dick chugged the whole root beer and Wiggs looked on amusingly.
"Let me join you," Wiggs said vaguely.
"*hic* Join WHAT?"
"I knew the Morse code from the BooTracker you suddenly acquired. Your secret is safe with me. By the way, James is here."
Jimmy M. walked up to the agents in his usual pompous way.
"What are you twos havin? What?" Jimmy noticed Dick's hateful look. "What's gotten into you?"
Dick breathed deeply, as if holding himself back from doing something. "I quit," he said simply.
Jimmy gasped. "What? Why?"
"Besides...I found a better agency! Yeah!"
Jimmy gave him strange look. "Better than the MKDCU?"
"Yes. Why do we call ourselves that way? None of us are even from the Mushroom Kingdom."
"I'm...telling boss bout this!" Jimmy shot back in a slightly whiny way.
"Tell him. Tell your rich Mole Mafia daddy! And tell him that you were gonna fire me anyway!"
"What?!?"
"I told him." Wiggletron admitted.
Jimmy crossed his arms. "Both of you twos are fired then! Yeah, who's boss now?"
Wiggletron sat continently, as if he expected this. Dick got up from his seat and approached Jimmy, towering over the Monty Mole. "You'll never be the boss of anything, you coward. You care more about following arbitrary protocols then getting work done. Do you even know what's going on right under your furry little nose?"
"Back off you! You think that I? Ugh, whatever! You twos planned this didn't ya? Enjoy your adventure together!" Jimmy turned around. "MKDCU, out!" He announced to himself as he scurried out of the door.
"HAHAHA...wait. Did he just say that??? And you're fired too now?"
"It appears so. So unfortunate. I could have really used that five dollars."
"FIVE DOLLARS??? That was our commission money? I earned more money scrubbing pipes during the summer. What a waste!"
"Who is your agency now?" Wiggs suddenly asked.
"Hm. Well I guess it's now this Bond pipsqueak and annoying reporter girl. In fact, I think I see them in the back. You should join me and we can maybe get some money out of them for helping them out."
"You would like my assistance?"
"Well what else are you going to do? You still live with your parents back on Yoshi's Island, right? Besides, I don't hate ya, like I said before. Pals?"
Wiggs responded by unexpectedly patting him on the back. This knocked to the breath out of Dick slightly.
"Sorry. What information do they possess?"
Dick quickly explained Bond and Kylie's hypothesis to Wiggs. He suddenly sat up and grabbed his cup of ice. "Let us go."
At the Mario bros. House
"Got you!" Luigi said excitingly to Boo.
"Have mercy, Weegee. It's not like I have fingers!" Boo and Luigi were playing Smash Bros 4 on the WiiU. Mario entered, surprised at the house. Candy wrappers and soda cans were on the floor and games were strolled everyone. Boo and Luigi were on the floor playing video games.
"Hello Luigi..and Boo?" Mario greeted.
"Hey bro!" Luigi perked up, giving him a hug. "Sorry I got carried away this late at night. Wow! 1 a.m already?" The younger brother looked around embarrassingly.
"Er, it's okay Luigi. You seem happy tonight!"
"Because he's beat me every time in Smash Bros," Boo said. "I have the species disadvantage here!"
Luigi pretended to be annoyed. "Yeah but you can do all sorts of cool stuff we can't. I think that makes up for not having fingers!"
"I'd better go. As much as I love nighttime, I know it's important for you humans to sleep," Boo said, heading for the door.
Luigi yawned. "Yeah I guess so. Talk to you later, Boo. You can call me on my own cell phone by the way."
Luigi winked and Boo did so back. Mario was confused at this, but let it go. This wasn't the atmosphere he thought he'd come home to so he wasn't going to complain. Still, he had to get something off of his chest.
As soon as Boo left, he turned to Luigi. "Bro. I have to apologize...again. I-"
"I know. You got so wrapped up in trying to be a fair and good friend to Bowser that you forgot about us for a moment. You promise to keep your promises from now on and not be a 'tuna head' so much." Luigi said matter of factly.
"Umm...Yeah. That's exactly what I was going to say. Wait, you guys think I'm a 'tuna head'?"
"Yeah sometimes you are, but it's okay bro. I know you area only human. It was about time Mr. Perfect screwed up."
"Who's that?" Mario asked.
"You?"
"Oh? People really see me as that way?"
Luigi looked at Mario funny, but then realized that he was genuinely surprised. "Of course they do! You aren't just the hero, you are their savior, local celebrity, leader...well you get the point."
Mario sighed. "You know, I love to help everyone, but that can come with a lot of pressure too. It's a lot to manage at times..." Mario then explained the day's earlier events to him. Luigi went pale at the mention of Toad and Daisy's attack. "And so you see, I just got so carried away in the situation. But it WILL change now. We will all meet up tomorrow and discuss how we should do things together."
"Discuss what? Isn't this out of our hands, now?"
"It's whatever you want to discuss."
"Huh?"
"You are the leader now!" Mario explained warmly.
"Me??"
"Yes. All I've done is mess up. I am a tuna head I suppose. You are just as passionate about our friends and you have patience and delicacy that this situation needs. My biggest mistake was to think that we needed brawn to handle this but look at where we are now! I know you can do this, bro. I believe in you." Mario put his hand on Luigi's shoulder.
"But...what will everyone?-"
"They will accept you as the leader for now, I'll make sure of it. Now we'd better settle down if we want to be any good for tomorrow. This mess can be cleaned later." Mario went into the washroom as Luigi stood speechless.
He was prepared to forgive Mario and be content with that but not for Mario to elect him leader of their little mission. Where to start? Would this mean that Mario would take orders from him now? What about Bowser and the rest? Luigi didn't know what was happening, but he was eager to find out how this would turn out.
At Peach's Castle
After leaving Mario and the Princess, Toadette got ready to head home. Since this was school season, she was staying on campus at Mushroom College instead of the castle. There was one thing, she hadn't seen Buckenberry since her arrival! She checked his post inside the castle but he wasn't there. She asked other staff but they hadn't seen him either. She knew something was wrong, Buckenberry only disappeared like this when he was in one of his "moods". And by disappear, she meant he went to set on the lake shore to brood. Sure enough, she spotted him outside staring into his reflection in the water.
"There you are! What's up?" Toadette greeted.
Buckenberry jumped. "Toadette?"
"Um, who else? Anyway, why are you upset now? There hasn't been a New Super Mario Bros game in forever, you know. Get over it!" she teased.
Buckenberry continued to look in the water. "Do you know something?"
"What?" Toadette sat beside him.
"It's about Toad Toadstool."
Toadette shifted uncomfortably. When she and Toad went out, Buckenberry rarely if ever interacted with them. After their breakup though, Buckenberry randomly asked Toadette out and she said yes for the fun of it.
They hit it off to her surprise. He was less bombastic for starters and Toadette appreciated being with someone who wasn't a celebrity. She also liked how Buckenberry was kind of mysterious. He showed up out of nowhere as castle employee, and then immediately volunteered to help the Mario bros. on a dangerous mission. He was brave, educated, and hardworking, but he had one problem.…
"What about him? He's in horrible shape! Haven't you heard about them being taken by some special agents?"
"I know that!" Buckenberry snapped. Toadette frowned.
"Well excuse me! I sort of care when people I know and love are sick!"
"Do some of those people talk to Larry Koopa on Facebook?! Everyone's favorite castle advisor! The guy that hangs around our dear Princess everyday!"
Toadette's stomach turned as Peach's revelation about Mario and Bowser came to mind. "Umm. He does?"
"Yes! I can't believe it. I told Mr. Toadsworth and he didn't want to do anything about it."
"Well, what do you want him to do?"
"Throw the rotten fungus out of the castle! He talks to Koopalings!"
"And what exactly is wrong about that, huh?!" She asked defensively.
"What's wrong with that? Bowser and his associates are our enemies! Do I need to explain this?"
"Maybe so, but they might not be that bad in real life. There's forces out there more evil than Bowser, you know!"
"Are you defending him?!?" They were now screaming at each other, attracting curious looks from the night gardeners.
"Lots of people may converse with the Koopa Klan occasionally. It doesn't mean it's wrong or evil. Heck, even your idol Mario talks to Bowser!!!" Toadette immediately covered her mouth. Buckenberry's eyes went wide in shock. "Listen, you can't tell anyone I said that! Everyone will freak-they won't understand! Please!"
Her boyfriend then did something unexpected. He broke down and started to cry! Buckenberry, affectionately nicknamed "Cool Blue" by Mario for his stoic and cold demeanor, was cried hysterically.
"I'm...so sorry..." he sobbed, "I just get so jealous sometimes! I can't help it. No matter what I do, it's never good enough!"
Toadette put her arm around him. "Tell me! What do you mean?"
"He gets the credit for everything! I did my very best, risking my life in a way hardly any Toad has ever and I get nothing! Why can't I be the hero for once???"
Toadette shook her head. "What does it matter?? Toad works very hard here. Haven't you seen how things are running with him gone? No one is organized, dust is piling up, and everyone in despair. Would you really be selfish enough to want him gone, because YOU don't like his friends?"
Buckenberry stood silently as he wiped away his tears. Toadette took a deep breath and blurted out, "You know what? I talk to a Bowser minion too! Wendy O. Koopa and I share beauty tips on Instagram sometimes. It's no big deal, we don't talk much but still. I guess that makes me a hypocrite too for judging Mario at first.."
"Y-you did?" he stammered.
"Yeah, I did. I was just sure Bowser must have some evil motives behind it, but the Princess seemed to really believe in Mario. We both know that the Princess has the purest heart in all of the kingdom so she can believe in that a friendship like that can be real, I do to! Think about it. We both love the Princess right?"
"Yes. I would die for the Princess! Why would you ask me that?" Buckenberry asked pointedly.
"Because we need to band together instead of tearing each other apart. It's not about getting a statue made or New-Mushroom Peace Prize, it's doing what's right. THAT'S how you can do a real service…"
They stood for a moment, then Toadette spoke up. "Well I'm going to the dorms. You take care of yourself, okay?" She left, leaving Buckenberry alone at the lake shore.
Club 64
"Wow oh wow! This place is smoking!" Kylie exclaimed. Bond smiled in response. She took another bite of her Koopasta. Since they were in the back, the music was less loud and the place more subdued in general. They talked and ate, though Bond was unusually quiet. But in a hot way! Dick and Wiggletron approached the table to Kylie's surprise.
"Richard! I was wondering when you'd join us," Bond greeted cordially, "And I see Agent Wiggletron Berry of Yoshi's Island is accompanying you. I'm so glad you both knew Morse code."
"Greetings to you, Jelectro Bond," Wiggs said. His voice was flat as ever but he smiled genuinely enough to make Kylie feel at ease with the tall stranger.
Dick didn't bother with a greeting. "We ain't stupid, you know. Now don't give me trouble, I just got fired. Wiggs too!"
Bonds eyebrow raised. "Hm? That is unfortunate! Sit, will you? And tell us what is new."
"Sure shorty!" Dick sat next to Bond, accidentally squishing him against the wall, and then recited the earlier events involving Toad and Daisy, including the fact that Mario and Bowser were there. Kylie pushed her plate aside and wrote the details in her notebook, somehow keeping up with Dick's mildly incoherent and rambly recount.
"What IS the MKDCU exactly? How'd you get into this bucket of Cheep Cheeps?" Kylie asked, too excited to notice that Bond had disappeared.
"I can answer your inquiry," Wiggs said. "We were formally the MKDCU. Independent heath experts that band together in times of crisis for a commission fee. We work according to strict protocols and our exact skills vary. We come from all over and we are the best agents in our lands. Someone from MK hospital called us in, but I am uncertain as to why. James may have that information."
Kylie studiously recorded this info in her notebook too, then her pen died. "Dang, my special glittery pen!"
"Take this," Bond said, handing her a silver expensive looking fountain pen.
"Where were you just now?"
"Being suffocated to death. Richard, please continue."
"Yeah, so as I was saying, 'James' is Jimmy M., the lazy Monty Mole. He was kind of our leader, but really he's just the son of the actual boss. Ya know, dirty sneaks from Donut Plains. What does the have to do with stopping Bowser anyway?!? Hey, where is Bond now?"
"Over here. Where were they taking Mario's friends?" Bond had crawled under the table to Kylie and Wiggletron's side and sat in between the two. Kylie had never been this close to Bond before and was distracted by his cologne. Wow, it smelled expensive!
"It's Demented by Dimentio," Wiggs whispered to her. Kylie game him a weird look.
"How do you keep disappearing? Anyway, the Toadley Clinic," Dick answered. "Then once there was a diagnosis, some special hospital in Special World. Why?"
"Oh this is not good..." Bond said disappointedly.
On the row behind them, Emery couldn't believe what she'd heard. Toadley Clinic? She'd volunteered there and the place was cray cray. They only dealt with the worse of the worse, first of all. Secondly, if Mario's friends were going there, they might get sent off to they maximum severity hospital in Special World. Legend says, patients never leave! She have to do something now! She peeked over the bench seat.
"Emery??" Kylie called out. "Guys, this is my friend. She works at the hospital and she's a crafty one to!"
"I am disappointed in my self," Bond admitted, "You were snooping in on us and I only noticed now.
Someone's wonderful smile must have distracted me!" Kylie flushed.
"Thank you," Wiggs said, grinning.
"I meant...never mind. You are Emery Toadstool of MK East, right?"
"Yes! And...uh I can- I mean...What were y'all talking about?" Emery had been listening at first, but after a moment she had gotten bored spent most of the time playing on her phone . She only had perked up again when she had heard Toadley Clinic being mentioned.
"Emery, do you want to do your country a service?" Bond asked with sudden seriousness.
Emery shrugged. "Sure?"
"Country? Isn't this about Mario?" Dick asked.
Bond dodged the question. "If what I think is about to happen happens, we might have big trouble tomorrow, mes amies…"
"I'm not gettin it, Bond. What do you know that we don't?" Kylie asked with some impatience. Bond motioned for everyone to get up. He lead them to the back stage kind of area where bands would play. At this time it was empty, save a giant fish tank filled with exotic and colorful Cheep Cheeps.
"Everything is as is confidential from this point onward, understood?"
Everyone nodded. Wiggs raised his hand. "Does this mean you consider me to be an assistant in your operation?"
"Of course?" Bond replied curiously.
"Thank you!! It means so much to be accepted by a wonderful Noki such as yourself!" Wiggs affectionately patted Bond on the back, which sent the Noki flying into the fish tank. Water splashed on the floor and Dick laughed hysterically as Wiggs and Kylie frantically ran to his aid. Emery only rolled her eyes unimpressively. This was the least weird thing that had happened all day. No one in the club seemed to notice the commotion either.
Once he was (fished) out, he immediately continued, "These are the facts: Toad and Daisy's coma walking proves that is is Mushroom Flu; we know this had to have originated from Bowser, specifically his castle laboratory; we know they would have had to have been deliberately targeted; we know that all other cases of the T-virus are less severe for an unknown reason; we know Bowser, or someone in his household would have a motive; we do not know how this was introduced. And worse still, all of the has occurred in one day."
Everyone was silent as if taking his statements in. Or maybe cause Bond was soaking wet, his sunglasses were crooked and he and acted as if he wasn't just smacked like Daisy smacked Bowser in Mario Party 3. Wiggs raised his hand.
"Umm, yes?" Bond asked hesitantly.
"You said that Bowser or someone in his household would have a motive, correct? Why would Bowser work with Mario to interfere with the MKDCU? Would he not want Mario's friends taken away?"
"I was getting to that. Yes, my secondary points. These are not yet clear in my head: who exactly called the MKDCU? It is clear that them coming was part of the plan. I would not at all imply that the MKDCU themselves are in on it, but it is obvious now that it was meant to be. Because of the complications that arose from that, Toad and Daisy are now ultimately inaccessible and are in danger of being permanently that way. How does the crazed Koopa Doctor and Nurse Nass T. come into play? Surely they didn't call-"
"Nass T?? My mom??" Emery blurted out.
"Oh yeah! She is your mom. I forget that," Kylie said. "Are you saying she's involved, Bond?"
"Yes. And I say that without a doubt. That is why I ask again, are you willing to fully cooperate?" Bond looked expectantly to Emery.
Emery thought for a moment. Her mom didn't have the best reputation and their family was in debt. If some kind of reward was involved in all of this, she would have to admit that her mom getting involved in the conspiracy was exactly what she'd do.
As if Bond could read her mind, he added, "Listen mon ami, I also know for certain tat she isn't at the head of this. I just want you to find out about all of the circumstances of the victims tomorrow at work. You don't have to turn anyone in or mention anything to anyone else. Here." He handed her a soaking wet BooTracker. "Its water proof, don't worry. Just let me know what you find, okay?"
Emery slowly nodded. She could do that at least, right? And now all of this serious business was making her tired. Emery swept back her black hair. "I'm gonna go, guys," she said.
"Very well. Au revoir!" Bond said, his genially somewhat forced now.
"Stay safe," Kylie said, feeling uneasy about the whole situation again. Wiggs waved. After she left Bond signaled their attention.
"As for the rest of us, well. We will put our infiltration plan on hold." Bond said, seeming mildly spaced out.
"What??"
"Because of this. When the official word of Mushroom Flu gets out tomorrow morning, all Underwhere will break loose. I just can't say what our next move should be.."
"We can tell Mario at least?" Kylie said.
"He will find out."
"How do you know so much??" Dick asked, annoyed of Bond's vagueness.
Bond suddenly slipped past them, away from the back area. He threw some coins on their table for a tip, not bothering to count. "So long gentlemen. We will talk more tomorrow. Let's get you home, Kylie."
"Huh?" Kylie questioned but followed. She grabbed his still soaking wet arm and they left in a hurry.
"That Bond is..!"
"Sauve. Mysterious. Slightly omniscient. A perpetual sunglasses wearer. Handsome?" Wiggs answered. Dick looked at him funny.
"Okay...How dare they bail on us? We don't have a ride...or a place to sleep tonight! Hey...we didn't even discuss our commission!"
Wiggs looked to him and smiled. "Regardless I am extremely glad to be part of his operation. I even forgot about my headache! As for a place to reside, I have provisions for that!"
"Huh?"
"My friend, T. Yoshisaur Muchakoopa lives near here. I am surprised he did not recognize me earlier."
"You mean Yoshi? I know what you and that Bond guy have in common. Y'all are too dang formal!"
Wiggs laughed loudly though no one was joking. "Affirmative, friend!" Wiggs put his hand on Dick's back, but thankfully no one flew anywhere this time.
Later
"What was that about, Bond??" Kylie finally asked as Bond pulled up to her apartment. She lived in a meager complex off of Pleasant Path. Since this was somewhat rural, there were no street lights aside from the high beams of Bond's Aston Mushroom. "We were out of there quicker than a Speedy Comet!"
"You can call me Jelectro. And I didn't want them to know." Bond said apprehensively.
"But why? How do you know so much? Are you that good of a spy?"
Bond seemed disturbed about something. "Don't share this info with others, mon ami, but…"
"What?" Kylie was finally starting to feel creeped out.
"Not all of my spy skills are spy skills. You see, have premonitions," he said simply, "I always have. Sometimes it does not work if I am distracted or caught off guard, as you saw before."
In Kylie's mind, he might as well have told her that he was Santa Claus. His exotic charm on her had worn off. What was he, part Magikoopa? "Oookay. And so you just 'know' something is going to go down tomorrow?"
"Yes. It hit me while we were setting down, what I saw...was bad... What is wrong, mon ami, what are you-?"
Kylie jumped out of the his car, leaving the door open. "I didn't become a reporter and journalist to deal with tomfoolery. What is this? Boo Hunters? How did you really get this info? How did you even know where I lived?"
"I just knew. You have to listen!"
"So you ain't really a spy, just a Magikoopa like freak? You aren't really from Spy Land are you?" she asked accusingly.
"Yes I am! I trained at the Super Spy Headquarters and everything. It's just that, as long as I remember, I have had dreams and visions and..I am adopted you know!" Bond blurted out.
Kylie shook her head and shut the door. She walked to her apartment without looking back.
To be continued.
