CHAPTER 2
UNSEEN STRIKE

It was a fine day in the Mushroom Kingdom. The sky was a sharp blue, the weather was perfect, and everywhere plants were in bloom. Yet at the local plant nursery, an interesting topic was being discussed.

"I just don't understand it! Everything else grows fine but a few things," spouted a stressed toad who had a farm on the outskirts of Toad Town.

The nursery keeper asked, "Oh, like what?"

"You mean you haven't noticed?"

"Not really, no."

"On my farm, I grow a wide variety of plants. I also grow the special items that are stored in the local armories in case Bowser decides to attack us again. You know, to help us, or should I say, to help Mario and Luigi, in their battles against that koopa creep?"

"Oh yes," replied the nursery owner, "the vines, fireflowers and the different kinds of mushrooms."

The farmer, only too happy to complain about his lot to a listing ear, replied, "Oh yes is right. Supplying these things is a heavy responsibility to the Princess, and for some reason, those three things are what I am having trouble growing. They're sickly, yellow and weak. The leaves just crack off, the vines lay limp on the ground, the mushrooms are black, and the fireflowers don't even bloom! And that's if I can get any of them to grow in the first place!"

A third party had now joined the conversation and said, "I can see your plight. But don't they already have all those things in the armories? It's been what, almost five years now since we have heard anything from Bowser? I mean, our spies have reported nothing unusual from Bowser's Dark Land in ages. So what's the worry? I'm sure Peach will understand if your having a little trouble growing a few things."

The farmer felt a little irritated at this newcomers ignorance of basic plant knowledge and yet who was in a nursery. But he let it pass because he realized he was only trying to make him fell better.

"Yes, I'm sure the Princess would be understanding if it was that simple, but these particular plants don't stay alive that long. I am constantly growing these three items to replenish the armories as older plants die off. And now that my crops are failing, the armories are almost depleted because I-or any other farmer who grows these things-doesn't have anything to replenish them with."

The storekeeper butted in, "Yeah, but like my friend Fingle here said, Bowser hasn't done anything in years. What are the odds of him doing something this season while you are having a difficult time? Just relax about it." They were silent for a moment so he went on, "Say, you wouldn't happen to grow all of these things next to each other would you?"

"Well, yes. But I don't see why that would matter. The different species don't affect each other badly," the farmer replied.

"True, but what if the land they're all on is depleted of nutrients. That might explain a thing or two," the storekeeper said.

The farmer sighed, "Yes, I thought the same thing too. But like I said, this is happening to farmers all over the Mushroom Kingdom. I thought that it might be some kind of virus or disease that was going around. But farmers who are on the other side of the Kingdom who haven't come into contact with one another are reporting the same problems. So it can't be a virus."

"Strange," said Fingle.

"Strange indeed," replied the farmer. "Oh well, just load me up with a few loads of plant food. Some things gotta work."

The storekeeper, not wanting to foil a sell, simply replied with, "Yes, some things gotta work."

***

Meanwhile, high above the three toads on the ground, amidst the peaceful clouds, a sinister work was taking place.

"How is it preceding?!" yelled a deep gruff voice.

There was no answer, for the crew of the great glass airship, the Pellucid Poisoner, was hard at work.

"Your king demands an answer from you simpletons!" shouted Kamek.

The crew of Koopa Paratroopas halted in fright as the Paratroopa Commander made his way quickly to Kamek. He bowed and quickly reported. "Forgive me, Kamek. It goes well. So far, we are on schedule with the dumping. With any luck, the other seven ships commanded by the royal children are doing well also."

Pleased, Kamek replied, "Very well. Back to your post, Commander."

Kamek walked back to Bowser who sat upon a glass throne, and said, "It goes well my Lord. Everything is on track."
"Excellent, excellent," nodded Bowser.

"My Lord," Kamek went on, brimming with pride, "This was an excellent idea. Dumping poisoned powder specifically designed for a certain few plants. Why, when you attack again, those red and green wretches won't be able to fight back. No help. No fire for defeating your foot-soldiers, no vines for climbing and advancing closer and closer to you. No mushrooms for more life or increased strength and size. They'll just be defenseless pathetic humans."

"Yes, it is a stroke of genius. I'm surprised I hadn't thought of it before."

Kamek continued, "And this," he spread his arms out wide to encompass the view of the vessel, "constructing the air ship and it's blades out of glass, and dressing us in white and blue garments to conceal our colors so that we could not be seen from the ground! It is brilliant!"

Bowser, gaining great satisfaction from having his ego stroked, purred to himself, and said, "Yes, those, those creatures below will not even know what hit them. And Mario," Bowser said as he slowly shook his head from side to side, "he won't be able to come to the Princess' rescue this time. Finally, the scourge that plagues us will finally be removed and a dark chapter in koopa history will be undone! Yes, finally, I, and I alone shall rule this kingdom, and then, all of Mushroom World. There will be no one to stop us this time!"

Kamek, filled with even more pride and awe, stood tall and said, "Success, my Lord!"

Both were now silent; one swimming in pride, and the other awash in vanity. The only sound now that could be heard was that of the transparent blades spinning overhead and the pouring of the great quantities of poisoned powder onto the ground far below.