Welcome to my newest story, my first crossover, my first Mario fanfic, and my first attempt at this particular form of writing! I've had ideas for this bubbling for a while, so it's high time they made it onto here. Have fun, and leave feedback and suggestions for characters from both universes in the reviews.

The shorter of the two brothers wiped a curtain of sweat from his brow. His younger sibling was getting better every day. Luigi may not have been as strong as Mario, but he was easily as fast and could jump more than twice as high.

"How you feeling, bro?" Mario held up one thumb to show he was fine, just a bit winded. They'd been clearing pipes for almost twelve hours straight now, administering a basic check to the transportation system so that it would be sure to work the next time Bowser came around. "I never realized there was so much pipe in the Mushroom Kingdom. It kind of makes you appreciate whoever built all this stuff." Mario nodded. "Hey, what's that one go to? I don't think I've seen a solid black one before." Luigi pointed to a pipe jutting from the ground that was indeed solid black. Mario strolled over to it, staring into it's depths. As usual, there was nothing to be seen within, but the prospect of jumping into the unknown was exciting in itself. "Try dropping a coin down in there, bro. If it comes back up you'll know it's like that Twilight Town pipe." Mario obliged, pulling a golden coin from his overalls. He reached over the edge of the pipe and flicked the coin across, listening for the customary suction sound that stated the pipe had been activated.

Ding. The coin had struck the other side.

Ding. Back again. Still no sign of the pipe activating.

Bloop bloop bloop.

There it was. Mario stood back, waiting on some indication as to why the pipe was black, but none was forthcoming. "Huh. I guess someone just painted it as a joke. Let's go, bro. I'm getting hungry." Mario started to turn, but just as he set his foot down the entire tunnel began to shake. He turned back to the black pipe and saw a huge hand erupt from it and grab onto the side. Cracks appeared in the side of it and green light burst forth from them.

"Ma-Mario! What's going on?" Mario made no reply. He was just as confused as his brother. The cracks in the pipe widened, chipping bits off of the top and bottom until finally it exploded, scattering dust everywhere. When it all cleared, there was nothing left of the pipe except for it's inhabitant: a hulking brute, easily ten feet tall with arms bigger around than Mario's entire body. He screamed, filling the entire tunnel with a deep, rage filled tone.

"KAAKAROOOOOOOT!" His voice caused more shaking to ripple the pipes throughout the room. Luigi was cowering behind his cap now, and Mario had only just retrieved his hammer when the thing stared down at him and began to speak. "You...You are not Kakarot. Where has he gone? TELL ME!" He charged, reaching for Mario's throat. The plumber swung as hard as he could straight down, planning to meet the monster's head halfway. No such luck, as it disappeared a mere second before it was struck. "I will not play games with trash such as yourself. If you truly wish to fight me, then I'll bury you here." Green light gathered in his palm and he raised the hand above his head, sneering down at Mario. The plumber recognized that look. He turned, grabbing his brother by the arm and flinging him down into the nearest pipe. He followed closely, feeling the heat from the ball of energy as the massive man threw it straight for him. He clenched his hat down onto his head as the pipe sucked him in, thankful that sound didn't carry in these things.

The next thing they knew, the brothers were laying on the front courtyard of Peach's Castle, panting their lungs out. "Hah...hah...Ma...Mario?" The red capped plumber rolled onto his stomach, grunting his reply. "What was that thing?" They were both on one knee now, looking back and forth between themselves. Mario shrugged. "Well, whatever it was, we're going to need everything we've got to take him on."

"Master Mario? Master Luigi?" They both turned to check the sound and saw an oddly welcome sight. Toadsworth stood before them, along with a small squad of Toad guards. "We heard quite a racket coming from around here. Are you two alright?"

"Yeah, Toadsworth. We're fine, but the rest of the kingdom might not be if we can't get some help, and fast." The old Toad's eyes bulged and he gestured the bros to follow as he rushed back to the castle.

The plumbers finished dusting themselves off as they marched through the front door of Peach's Castle. Two Toad guards saluted as they walked through. "I believe the Princess is on her balcony, sir." The bros strolled up the stairs, straightening their hats and mustaches. As the first door opened, they were welcomed with the sight of the beautiful Princess Peach.

"Mario! Luigi! It's so good to see you again." Both brothers bowed their heads in respect. "Is something wrong?" Peach was always something of a mind reader as far as Mario was concerned.

"Well, you see...There's something wrong going on out in the plains. Mario and I were just clearing the pipe systems when one of them spewed out a monster...man, I guess. Mario tried fighting him off, but he was too strong even for us. We're going to need a lot of firepower to handle it." The princess placed a hand over her heart.

"My goodness! Well, if that's the case you can have all the help you need. I'd suggest looking through the places you've already gone. I'm sure there you've met a few good fighters in your adventures." Mario rubbed his chin, thinking back through all his adventures. He tapped his brother on the shoulder and jerked his thumb to the southwest.

"You sure, Mario?" The red cap bobbed as Mario nodded. "Alrighty then. Let'sa go!"