(Mushroom Kingdom- Mae's Castle)

Peter walked into the castle and headed out to the garden. Mae was out there on her knees, digging a hole in the ground to start planting a new row of pink roses. Peter snuck up behind her and covered her eyes.

Peter: Guess who!

Mae: I know it's you Peter. You're the only person who still does stuff like that.

Mae removed Peter's hand off her eyes and stood up. With his hand still in Mae's, Peter leaned in and kissed Mae hello.

Mae: Are you hungry? I can make you something if you want.

Peter: Nah, I ate while I was out.

They two headed through the white-washed doors that entered into the castle and walked into the living room. Peter's face became more concerned.

Peter: There is something you need to know though.

Mae's stomach seemed to jump. Peter's sudden change of mood scared her; she didn't know what Peter was thinking, but she definitely didn't want to know what is was.

Mae: Do I really have to know?

Peter: It's not that bad. Well, depends on how you look at it.

Mae then noticed the medium sized white sack in Peter's hand. Does it have to do with that? She wondered. Peter followed Mae's gaze and held up the bag.

Peter: These, um...I walked by the post office today, and...they were given to me.

Mae reluctantly took the bag and walked over to one of the pastel pink leather couches. She loosened the string and opened the bag. Mae reached in and pulled out a letter. It was a letter Mae had sent to Bowser. Jr., Bowser's son. However, it wasn't recent; this was one she had sent to him two years ago. Peter followed Mae and sat down. Mae looked at him, confused.

Mae: Peter, what is going on?

Peter scratched his head and looked away. He wasn't quite ready to tell Mae what the issue was. Mae grabbed his arm to gain Peter's attention back.

Mae: Look at me. Why do you have this?

Peter looked back at Mae and took her hand.

Peter: Mae, honey...none of these letters were delivered to your friend, and they just concluded today that they can't.

Mae ripped her hand away from Peter and grabbed the bag. She dumped out a plethora of letters out the bag and onto the couch. All of them were letters she had written to Junior.

Mae: What do you mean they can't deliver these? Did Bowser send them back?

Peter: Well, Mae….you see, Junior isn't at home anymore.

Mae: Then where is he? Don't tell me… he's isn't dead right? Please don't tell me he's dead-

Peter: I don't think it's like that Mae.

Mae: You don't think? Then what do you think?

Peter: Well, from what I know… Junior moved out years ago. Nobody knows where he is. Not even his family. Basically, he dropped from the face of the earth.

Mae was dumbstruck, her eyes were locked on the letters. She picked up a few of the letters and looked the dates: August 5th, 2023, December 25th, 2021. She found one she sent last month; May 1st, 2025. She couldn't stop wondering what happened to Junior; did his dad kick him out? Did he just walk out? Maybe he was offered to live with someone? Or maybe his dad locked him up? Or was he actually dead?

Peter: Mae? Are you taking this OK?

Mae: Peter, we have to find him.

Peter: What? Mae, I don't think that's possible-

Mae: He's a friend of mine Peter, I've at least need to know if he's OK.

Peter: What if he just wants to be left alone?

Mae: That is crap; nobody wants to be left alone.

Mae stood up and tossed the letters on the couch.

Peter: Mae, don't get me wrong, but you're acting like a teen. I think you need to handle this a little more professionally.

Mae whipped around and glared at Peter in disbelief. She almost gave into her urge to reach out and slap him.

Mae: Excuse me? Is that how you feel? That's how you're gonna talk to me Peter?

Mae paced off as she called back to Peter.

Mae: He needs people like me- apparently adult-aged teens like me- because there are so many other people out there like his siblings, his dad, and you and everyone else who doesn't give a shit.

Peter sighed and laid back in frustration as Mae stormed out of the room.

(Dark Lands- Bowser's Castle)

Wendy opened a door into Junior's old room. A good amount of the items were gone; seeing how empty the room was made Wendy depressed. His room reminded her of the day she discovered he had left; she had walked in the room to tell Junior goodnight and discovered that he had escaped through his window. He didn't leave a note or say anything or act differently; he just left without warning. Wendy walked in slowly and observed the room. I hate to admit it, she thought. But I do miss him… Wendy opened Junior's nightstand and pulled out 3 yards of rope. Out of nowhere, somebody's voiced had chimed through the room.

Voice: Where's dad?

Wendy looked at the doorway. It was Ludwig, holding a large brown box. Wendy turned back to the rope and started rolling up the rope.

Wendy: Cellar.

Ludwig frowned at her cold tone. Ever since the incident with Princess Mae, Wendy and Roy hadn't been on good terms with Ludwig. He figured they would've gotten over it weeks ago but neither of them seemed willing to forgive.

Ludwig: Well if you miss him so much why didn't you run off with him?

Wendy scowled at Ludwig.

Wendy: Why didn't you just go to college instead?

Ludwig: Obviously, because I had a better future waiting for me. Anyway, why do you have that rope?

Wendy: Dad is preparing another kidnapping and he wants me to get more rope to tie people up.

Ludwig chuckled and patted the box in his arms.

Ludwig: Well, once he's see what I have in mind he won't need that rope.

Wendy: What the hell are you talking about?

Ludwig walked away from Junior's room, with Wendy following behind him. He headed down the stairs and down some more stairs, which led into the cellar. Bowser was down there, lining up minions. Ludwig walked up behind his dad.

Bowser: Alright, I'm going to do a quick roll call, and then-

Ludwig: Dad, I got something for you.

Bowser: Not now Ludwig.

Ludwig: You're really going to want to see this now.

Bowser rolled his eyes and turned around. He crossed his arms and looked into his son's eyes, clearly annoyed with the interruption.

Bowser: What is it son?

Ludwig smiled and opened the box. He reached in and removed a wand, which had been revised to partially look like a firearm. Bowser was confused.

Ludwig: I had Iggy make this for my plan; and trust me dad; he's definitely able to do more than this.

Bowser: Ludwig….what the hell is this thing?

Wendy: And what is this plan?

Ludwig: This is my wand with a few upgrades. As I said father, I was going to come up with a different plan from your usual kidnappings. With more wands like mine, we can go and attack the Mushroom Kingdom until they give in and hand it over! It'll be like a war!

Bowser: War?Attack?

Ludwig: Yeah, you know, burn down some buildings, steal some things, and maybe kill some people. Mae will be too busy trying protect her townspeople and will grow frantic. Then, when the time is right, you can jump in and kidnap whomever you please! Mae simply won't be able to handle the pressure, and she'll have a meltdown with those trying to help her and eventually give in!

Wendy: What? You are insane! Dad, don't tell me you're OK with this, this is extreme!

Bowser glanced from his son to the wand. He smiled deviously. He is right, he thought. Mae's still very young. She won't know how to properly deal with the situation. It's perfect! I'll have th Mushroom Kingdom in no time!

Bowser: Son, why didn't you think of this before!

Wendy: What?! Dad-

Ludwig: And I can use the minions, right?

Bowser: Of course! You're the Prince; whatever you want, you get!

Wendy was dumbstruck. She back out of the room and went upstairs. This will not end well at all. She thought.