Chapter 2: Old enemies become new allies

Mario continues across the wasteland, passing various groups of miserable toads, goombas, and koopas along the way, all carrying blocks of stone to the kingdom. They all cheer upon the sight of Mario, but he knows he has no time to stop. In the distance he spots a rather husky looking creature, carrying a larger block than the others. As he gets closer, he begins to see horns on the creature's head and back, and immediately realizes who it is.

MARIO: Bowser!

He catches his breath.

MARIO: Stop, Bowser!

Bowser turns his head to see Mario running towards him. He drops the block to the ground.

BOWSER: Well, look who it is. Do you see what your precious land has come to? This wouldn't have happened if you let me take over.

Mario rolls his eyes

MARIO: Now isn't the time! What are you doing here? Is this'a...Lizard King more powerful than you?

BOWSER: He is more powerful than anything I've ever seen. I was the first to approach him after he arrived, and all he did was raise his scepter at me. There was a flash of light, and the next thing I knew, I was buried eight feet into the rock wall of a mountain that was practically a mile behind where I was first standing. Now I'm being forced to help build his fortress like all these other pathetic citizens.

MARIO: Where did he come from? I heard he's a' half koopa and half human.

BOWSER: I don't know. I've never seen anything like him before. He looks pretty stupid actually, with his fake scale-skin suit and whatnot. All I know is I would do whatever it takes to grind that koopa wanna-be into mush.

There is a small pause as Mario and Bowser glare at each other.

MARIO: I guess this a' means we're kind of on the same 'a side...

Bowser cringes at the thought.

BOWSER: Listen. I don't like you. I never have, and I never will. But...I have to admit, you've overcome everything I've ever thrown at you. So I guess...if you're already on your way and all...that I could come with you. No matter how much I would love to hear that you have been disposed of, I would rather destroy that Lizard King.

Mario is unsure whether or not to take Bowser's words as a compliment, but is willing to accept his offer. Together they slowly and silently continue on towards the kingdom in exhaustion. Finally, they reach the main gates.

Two koopas stand in two separate windows on either side of the main entrance.

KOOPA GUARD 1: Where are you're respective blocks? You cannot re-enter unless you have returned with what the great King has ordered.

KOOPA GUARD 2: Wait a minute...

He rubs his eyes

KOOPA GUARD 2: Don't you realize who that is? It's that Mario guy! Bowser! What are you doing with him?

BOWSER: I know this is pathetic...but if anyone can defeat the evil King, Mario can. I don't want to hear ANYTHING about us being allies. Now let us in before I crack your own shell over your head. Just because that idiotic King has taken over all of the Mushroom Kingdom, doesn't mean I don't still have my power over you!

The two guards look at each other, thrilled at the chance of getting rid of the evil Lizard King. Even though they know the chances of success are slim, they decide to open the gates.

KOOPA GUARD 1: The Lizard King will kill us in a second if he finds out what we just did...but honestly...I wouldn't mind that compared to this terrible excuse for a life.

KOOPA GUARD 2: Good luck you two, but we don't expect to see you again.

Mario and Bowser enter the dark Kingdom.