Chapter Text
Mushroom Kingdom, Peach's Castle
Inside a room that is full of wedding ceremonial decorations, the curtains are white and the windows are open as the sun shines the brightest.
Bowser is now in a groom's suit while the back of his shell is exposed, even putting on a white top hat, sorting out a tie and holding out a bunch of roses with a few Piranha Plants on them.
“Y'know, Peaches. The moment I first met you, you really made a man come out of his shell. It's obvious that you're the most beautiful woman in the world. So if I may, will it be okay if you could kiss me?” Bowser asked meekly while he handed the flowers over.
In front of Bowser is Luigi, who appears in a best man's suit without a cap, but was in a green tie, nervously chuckles while pulling his collar as he's reluctant on carrying plants that'll bite him.
“Um… Aren't we both guys? So…”
“No no no! You're doing it all wrong! You're supposed to rehearse as Peach, so I can boost my confidence!” Bowser whined.
“Ugh… Fine. I will…” Luigi grumbles, failing to act as Peach.
“WRONG! You're supposed to act feminine! A beautiful woman always shows her vulnerability towards the king!”
“And there he goes with his dumb lectures.” Luigi sighs and then leans closer to a Hammer Bro. “Does he always do that, Marcus?”
“Oh absolutely. All the time. He never shuts up about women. That and our work.” Marcus the Hammer Bro answers as he groans.
“My lord! The wedding will start in fifteen minutes!” Kamek called while raising his finger.
“Good. Alright, Luigi, make your new king proud, unless you want an instant thousand degree sauna!” Bowser growls as he's closer to Luigi's face.
“N- No, Mr. Bowser, sir!” Luigi stutters with fear and then looks out of the window, worried that his brother will never come out and save everyone.
After Bowser stands back up, he then holds the flowers again and hands it over to Luigi in order to rehearse for his and Peach's marriage.
In Peach's room, Peach is still in grimace after being forced to marry the monster that harmed innocent people, even Pauline is miserable after the events in the Darkland.
“I wish we could leave, but…” Pauline is eyeing on a couple of Koopa Troopa guards, realising there's no way out, not even the widow is safe for them to get out.
“Pauline. Thank you. You've always been a big sister to me.” Peach turns around with a depressed smile, reminding herself that Pauline also needed some support like her brothers.
“Peach…”
The worst part about it is Peach looks good in a bride's dress and Pauline is dressing in a bridesmaid's dress.
“If I delay this wedding for you, maybe we could spend the last of our days with you. I was thinking if we rekindle our childhood along with Mario and Luigi.”
“But how would you do that?” Peach asked.
Silent, Pauline is out of options after knowing there's nothing she can do to get out of the situation.
“Princess! The wedding is in fifteen minutes!” Kamek called.
Ignoring Kamek, Peach is leaning onto Pauline's shoulder.
Is this what family felt like? Something Peach has craved for since she was a child.
As for Kamek, he's walking through the corridor, only for him to look out of the window.
To his shock, the military air forces are coming and Mario is one of them.
“What!?”
Outside, the plane and jets are moving at max speed, even those above are charging towards the airships, alerting the Koopa Troopa to sound the alarm.
As the alarm blares, the Koopa army are arming themselves with cannonballs and Bullet Bills as they're firing their airship turrets at the pilots.
[We've been compromised! Petal Human 2, Petal Shy Guy 6, guard the outsider towards the pipe!] Petal Human 1 orders as he and his crew are boosting forward by avoiding cannonballs and bullets.
[Sir!] 2 jets are moving closer to Sky Pop as the 3 of them fall down and zooms above the sea with Sky Pop's wings creating small waves.
[Outsider, Princess Azalea is ready to give you directions.] Petal Human 2 said as the speaker changed.
[Mario. The pipe is straight ahead. Make sure you and the jets are still at the surface.] Azalea called.
“Okie dokie.” Mario nods while increasing the speed of Sky Pop.
“Go up.”
“Huh?” Mario halts.
Who is that voice?
“Please. Go up.”
Reluctantly, Mario lifts Sky Pop up until a massive splash has Mario and Toadsworth exclaim.
Even worse, more Bullet Bills are firing downwards as Mario exclaims out of shock, even Toadsworth makes a high pitched shriek.
“This way.” A similar voice called, but this time it's a humanoid woman that is glowing.
“Wait! Who are you?” Mario is not only confused, but is thinking it's another one of Mushroom Kingdom's otherworldly feats.
“Follow me.” Without answering, the woman is leading Mario to his left, making his speaker buzz.
“Master Mario!? Where are you going!?” Toadsworth exclaimed as the direction they’re heading is not what was planned.
[Outsider! What are you doing!? You're supposed to get into the warp pipe!] Petal Koopa 4 yelled.
[Mario! That's the wrong way!] Azalea shouts after seeing Mario going off course.
[Oi oi! What are you trying to pull!?] Daisy is wondering what's going on in Mario's head.
Ignoring orders, Mario turns while following a woman's spirit as the Bullet Bills miss.
“Dang it! Don't let the plane get past us!” A Goomba barks while bouncing on one of the airships.
“Cory! The Banzai Bill is ready to fire in 10 minutes!” A Hammer Bro salutes while bringing both Koopa Troopas there after they carry a large turret.
“10 minutes!? Make it 5 or less! We can't let the outsider and the Sarasaland people in the castle!” Cory orders his troops after a turret targets Sky Pop.
On Mario's side, he's still following what's in front of him as he's high up in the sky, alerting the jets to charge before a horde of comically large bullets with white arms charge towards Sky Pop.
“Now, go down. Into the warp pipe!” A voice shouts, making Mario set his controls as he pushes the lever, causing Sky Pop to fall as it moves faster than any bullets that are grazing the plane.
As Toadsworth screams, Mario growls while gripping the lever, pulling it as the propeller spins and finally, Mario zooms through his group with increasing amounts of speed.
“Wh-... Where did the outsider go!?” Cory exclaimed.
“Forget about him. It's the Sarasaland jets we're dealing with. Boys! Fire your cannonballs and Bullet Bills! Don't let them go until we get the outsider!” A Hammer Bro shouts as the Koopa Troopas and Goombas salute.
As the jets are regrouping, Petal Shy Guy 6 groans whereas Petal Human 2 sighs.
[I just don't get outsiders. Yes, I'm Human, but the outsider's logic is just baffling to me.] Petal Human 2 said out of frustration.
[His mindset is different to ours. Remember, we're only there to distract the Koopa army.] Petal Toad 3 added.
[Petal Toad 3 has a point. Remember, we need to save the princess of the Mushroom Kingdom.] Petal Human 1 said calmly.
[Um… Guys, what about the warp cave?] Petal Ninji 5 asked.
[Like Petal Toad 3 said, his mindset is different. I'm sure he's got a plan. I was told by Princess Azalea that outsiders think differently through knowledge and experiences.] Petal Human 1 explained.
With the jets charging, they're up against the Koopa guards that are on different airships, firing everything at will.
Underground
“He’s here! Go go go! Fire the outsider!” a red shelled Koopa Troopa shouts as other Koopas are running and then fly as their wings are open and dash before Sky Pop shows up.
Bursting out of the pipe like a bullet out of a barrel, Sky Pop is sliding on the water while charging towards the next pipe as the spirit is inside Sky Pop near Mario and Toadsworth.
“Huh?”
“Keep going. Don't move left and right. Go straight.” A woman said while pointing forward.
“Okay. Let's-a-go!” Mario charges forward, even avoiding so many bullets that are left and right.
“Master Mario! What on earth are you talking about!?” Toadsworth yells while grabbing Mario's seat, only for him to make another high pitched squeal after Bullet Bills are grazing Sky Pop.
Mario growls as the Paratroopas are surrounding him and Toadsworth.
“Old man, do you have any power ups!?”
“Oh! Um… Will this fire flower do?” Toadsworth asks while holding an orange flower with eyes, the very thing Mario used against Donkey Kong a while ago.
“Fire flower? Hm. Okay.” Mario takes the flower, bites it and changes his overalls to red as his shirt becomes white.
After that, the cockpit is open as Mario raises a fireball on his hand and looks at the Paratroopas around.
“They're open! Get ‘em!” A Paratroopa and his army are diving towards Mario, making Mario smirk.
Mario then fires his fireballs all over as the Paratroopas are burnt all over with the wings to their faces as they scream and fall down into the water, splashing everywhere as explosions are coming from behind knowing they all failed to capture Mario and Toadsworth.
After the cockpit closes, Mario and Toadsworth have made it through the pipe.
Mushroom Kingdom
Appearing in the battlefield, Mario and Toadsworth are finally out of the cave and are close to the castle, meaning there's a chance to stop the wedding before it starts.
That is until the spirit gasps and pushes Mario to turn around as she yells “Dodge!”
After Sky Pop spins around, it luckily misses, but was not so lucky to come across an impossibly huge Bullet Bill, looking at Sky Pop as it found its target.
“No… Banzai Bill… Master Mario! Fly! Fly before it turns around!” Toadsworth shrieked.
“What in the world!?” Mario is overwhelmed by the massive Bullet Bill that'll cause enough damage to a single continent, causing Mario to dash and turn around the castle.
As Mario turns around near the castle, so is the Banzai Bill, causing Mario to look behind and turn on the speaker.
“Guys. I'm in a situation where there's a giant fugly missile on my tail.” Mario speaks out of nervousness while still speeding up.
[Drat! We’re also in a similar situation. Outsider, we’ll assist y-] A buzzing noise has cut off Petal Koopa 4 as if something has happened.
[Petal Koopa 5!] Petal Human 2 exclaimed.
[We’re being cornered! Everyone! Spread out!] Petal Human 1 yells as the jets are splitting with one of the jets’ wings being shot by a cannonball.
[Uh oh! Mayday! I’m going down!] Petal Toad 3 is next in line after failing to escape.
“Master Mario, what are we going to do?” Toadsworth grunts after realising Bowser outsmarted the Sarasaland pilots.
Before Mario says anything, a similar spirit of a woman places her hand on Mario’s hand as she’s assisting Mario to avoid a Banzai Bill.
“Please, don't give up. Luigi is waiting for you.”
“Luigi? You mean…” Mario halts as he witnesses a woman smiling and then lets go of his hand.
After that, Mario smirks and then presses some buttons as well as pushing the lever that controls the propeller power.
As the Sky Pop lowers itself and splashes the waves on both sides, even the Banzai Bill is at the surface while chasing the Sky Pop.
[Outsider, reinforcements have arrived! They're from the Flower Kingdom!] Petal Shy Guy 6 called with an excited tone.
[That's right. The SEED Squadron has arrived. Outsider, bring the bullet to us.] A deep voice called, making Mario nod and lift himself up.
Mario accepts as he leads Banzai Bill towards the sky and sees more jets, giving him the opportunity to charge towards the SEED Squadron.
With the airships in-between as they're firing everything, they halt as Sky Pop is heading straight towards them as a self sacrifice.
“Wait! What is he doing!? The Banzai Bill!” Cory exclaims after seeing what's coming towards the airships.
“Retreat! Retreat! Get out of here before the outsider-”
Interrupting the Hammer Bro's orders, Sky Pop zips through the airships which causes Cory to squeal.
“Wow. You scream like a little girl.” The Hammer Bro covers his mouth while trying not to laugh at Cory's embarrassing moment.
“Oh shut u-” BOOM!
Finally, an explosion that is the size of Bowser's Castle has erupted as the airships are caught through a nuke, leaving Mario to rise towards the sky with the jets.
As for Kamek, he was pushed towards the castle wall as he shrieks and gasps after witnessing the plane and jets circling around the castle.
“Oh no… Lord Bowser! Bowser!” Kamek yells while rushing towards the main hall.
In the end, the koopa guards are no longer in service as they caused a friendly fire and a self firing moment that ended with the Mushroom Kingdom being open.
“Whew… Thank goodness that's over. When we're done with Bowser, I need a drink.” Toadsworth is relieved that the stress of being chased by a bullet is over.
“Don't worry, old man, there's plenty of time once we'll free Peach.” Mario turns Sky Pop towards the castle and lowers the plane towards the surface.
[Geez… Next time, let us know where you're going, will you?] Petal Toad 3 sighs after surviving the attack he went through.
[Well, that's Mario for you. He's just an outsider with an extraordinary mindset.] Daisy said as she and Azalea giggled.
As Mario chuckles, he lowers Sky Pop down towards the ground near the castle.
[We'll meet you at the wedding ceremony. Good luck.] A SEED Squadron pilot called, giving Mario the luck he needed.
“Thank you.” Mario finally hangs up, takes off his helmet and puts his white cap back on and hop off the plane while catching Toadsworth from falling.
Afterwards, Mario pulls out a medallion out of his pocket, realising that someone is saving him and Toadsworth.
“You're the one that helped me, huh?”
“Of course. It was to protect you as I did with your brother.” A voice called and this time, Toadsworth can hear it.
Appearing, a young blonde woman in a white dress opens her blue eyes, approaching Mario and Toadsworth as Mario is speechless to see who the voice is from.
“Long time no see, Mario Mario.” A young woman speaks out a soft voice, giving Toadsworth the impression that someone familiar is there to see him and Mario.
“Who are you?” Mario is unsure who this humanoid being is, making him stare into her eyes.
“Endless.” Toadsworth reveals the name as Mario halts with surprise.
“Endless?”
“She’s the holder of the Sunstar that was given to Master Luigi.” Toadsworth explains the immortal being that had Mario stare back towards Endless.
“That is correct. I was the one who raised Luigi ever since he was a baby. When he’s back to his brother and reunited with their family, I was wondering what'll happen to them in the next 20 years.” Endless is reminiscing about the days she spent with Luigi as a baby.
Mario looks back at the Sunstar and then looks at Endless with a calm look.
“Thank you for raising my son. Although he was Luisa's second twin, I still see him as my son.” Endless bows, thanking Mario for the things he did for his little brother. “I saw everything. You pushed yourselves through hardships, but you've never given up. Still, thank you.”
As Mario approaches Endless, he pats her shoulder and smiles.
“It's okay. I'll let him know that you're still out there for us. Not just you, but Kinosen, Goro and others. They're still out there watching us. I'll save him and give back the medallion.” Mario flips the medallion and puts it back in his overall pocket.
“Master Mario.” Toadsworth called as he's waiting for Mario to get in the castle.
“Oh. Gotta go. Everyone's waiting for me.”
“Of course. The princess needs saving. You're her knight in shining armour.” Endless shows Mario a warm smile, knowing he'll do his best to stop Bowser.
Mario is glad to hear more praises from others, making him feel like he truly belongs in this world.
Mario waves with a grin and runs into the castle.
“Let's-a-go.” Mario said while sparking his fingers with fire coming out.
“Of course. Let us go.” Toadsworth accepts as his role this time is to rescue the person he raised for decades.
After the castle door closes, Endless smiles as she closes her eyes, fading as she's waiting for the next outcome from a human outsider and a native toad.
“Good luck, my child…”
The sun is rising as the sky slowly becomes blue, meaning the wedding has already started.