Chapter 1: Victory in Castle Peach Toadstool

Five years had past since the defeat of Smithy, the mechanical monster that came to conquer the Mushroom World. The Mushroom Kingdom was in an uproar, preparing for the big victory celebrations held around the kingdom and in the castle. Princess Peach has announced that there would be a big party to be held in honor of the Mario Bros., specifically Mario who had saved the world yet again.

"Toad please send out the invitations to the party to everyone in the kingdom," said Peach. "Right away Princess," said Toad. "Oh and Toad,

please take this special invitation to the Mario Bros. too, thanks," said Peach as she handed the letter to him. Meanwhile, Mario and Luigi were at home resting after a long hard day of plumbing.

"Ah life is a good," said Mario as he stretched on the couch. "Yes it is Mario," replied Luigi. "It's a great to have things back to normal." "The whole

kingdom is celebrating your victory over Smithy."

"I know, but it is too much, I just a did what a hero is supposed to do," said Mario.

"That may be my brother but still, you did save the world again so you do deserve to be honored for it," added Luigi. "Now how about some

lunch?"

"Ok let's a have some pasta I am a bit hungry," said Mario as he lazily sank deeper in the couch.

"Ok Mario lunch would be ready in a little while," said Luigi as he headed towards the kitchen.

It was indeed a great day to be in the Mushroom Kingdom. Almost everywhere you look the Mushroom citizens were busy decorating their houses, the streets and other buildings for the big awaited celebration. The defeat of Smithy was the biggest crisis the Mushroom World had yet to experience so it was understandable that everyone would be in a festive mood.

The destruction cause by Smithy took nearly 5 years for the Mushroom World to recover, but little did the people of the Mushroom Kingdom and especially the Mario Bros. know that on the other regions of the world, Kooledge's minions have begun to wreak havoc preparing for their master's return. Even now, Kooledge is planning his final scheme to gain revenge, and his next target is the Mushroom Kingdom. At about 12:30 P.M. Mario and Luigi were sitting at home eating their well prepared and delicious meal of pasta when there was a knock at the door.

"Someone's at the door," said Mario.

"I wonder who that could be?" said Luigi. "I'll be right a there," said Mario as he got up. When he opened the door Toad was there to greet him.

"Greetings Mario, I just came here to deliver this invitation to tonight's big victory party and you guys are the guests of honor."

"Ok thank you Toad," said Mario as he held the invitation.

"Now don't be late you guys the party starts at 6 P.M. with the arrival of our other guests and it will conclude at midnight with the Mushroom Fireworks Spectacular."

"The Princess is looking forward to your arrival Mario and Luigi, I will see you guys later."

"Thank you Toad we will be a there," said Luigi. As soon as Toad left, the Mario Bros. were ecstatic for they were the guest of honor for the victory party. So they opened their invitation to read the letter from the Princess.

Dear Mario Bros.,

I here by invite you to be the guests of honor for the big Victory Celebration held in the castle. By now you have received this letter from Toad and no doubt to be very excited to go. As you may already know, the party will commence at 6:00 P.M. followed by a grand ball dance along with all the other guests, which I know you will be glad to see again. The party will also include games, drinks, conversing with old friends and a speech by you Mario. The night will end at midnight with the Mushroom Fireworks Spectacular. Everyone we've ever met will be invited and yes, I can't believe I'm saying this; even Bowser is invited since he did in his brutish and moronic ways helped us defeat Smithy. Though I wish he didn't so I don't have to invite Him to the party, who knows what he might do there or to me (you know what I mean). Anyway, I hope we can finally have some time for us since we never get a chance to just be together, he, he, he. Well, hope to see you guys there soon I'll be waiting.

Love,

Princess "Peach" Toadstool

After reading the letter they couldn't wait to go and see all the friends they had met and to party all night.

"Wow a party for us and the whole kingdom is invited," said Luigi.

"I know, I can't a wait," added Mario.

"We need to get ready for the party later on tonight."

So Mario and Luigi quickly finished their lunch and got started on getting ready for the party. They swept and cleaned the house from top to bottom, put away their plumbing tools, took a shower, and got into some new clean trade mark plumber clothes. By the time they finished it was nearly 6:00 and they had no time to spare.

"Be better hurry or we'll be late," said Mario as he and Luigi scrambled to the door.

"Come on Mario turn off the lights and let's a go," shouted Luigi up the road.

"Okey Dokey I just have to get the present for the Princess out of the closet," replied Mario as he quickly put on his coat.

Mario was in such a hurry to leave that he forgot the gift for the princess on the table as he turned off the lights and headed out the door. Back in the Mushroom Kingdom, guests were already arriving and assembling towards the main gate of the castle. Peach's castle was an awesome site to behold. The castle marveled with its high jewel colored pink walls and sapphire towers. The main gate was huge made of the finest wood on the land and joined by many sturdy iron bars to protect it from invading intruders. Once inside they walked through the castle courtyard filled with lush gardens and flowing fountains of every size. Also in the courtyard you could see the many different holdings the castle had such as the servant's quarters, the storage house, the army barracks, the castle's sky balcony, and Peach's famous Royal park raceway. Everywhere you look there were royal guards ready to protect the princess in a minutes notice.

As the guests moved on to the inner gate the royal announcer was busy announcing the arrival of the guests as the time of the party to begin approached.

"Your royal highness, I present to you our first guest, Goombario."

A few minutes later more guests began to arrive and they were greeted to a royal welcome.

"I present to you your highness their royal majesties from the outlined provinces, King Rufushroom of the Grassland kingdom, Sultan Fungilini III of the Koopahari Desert kingdom, King Marionito of Island World kingdom, King Kalamaha of the Sky World kingdom, King Grongolas of the Giant Land kingdom, King Simbolar VI of the Winter Wonderland kingdom, and last but not least King Jaarone of the Pipe Maze kingdom," continued the royal announcer.

As time went on more people came and the announcer kept on reading out names, "Your highness, Prince Mallow with King and Queen Nimbus,"

"Madame Bow and Sir Bosly." "The wise Frogfucus and the people of Tadpole Pond," continued the announcer.

"Adm. Bobbery and Madame Flurrie have just arrived your highness."

" Capt. Johnathan Jones is here your majesty." Finally, as most of the guests have already made it Mario and Luigi made their grand appearance to the party.

"Your great majesty, distinguished guests, members of the royal court, and citizens of the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond, I here by present to you the most honorable Mario Bros."

There were cheers from all the people in the castle when Mario and Luigi entered the grand hall. The inside of the castle was huge, colored in smooth pink marble just like the outside. The walls were littered with pictures of the royal family and above the pictures were countless stain glass windows that glittered like jewels whenever the sun shown through them. It was an amazing spectacle to be standing inside the castle like something from a fairytale. There were banners and streamlines in the ceilings and walls too showing the Mushroom kingdom seal. Balloons hung from every room showing the festive atmosphere the castle had. As Mario, Luigi and the other guests moved to the Great Ballroom they were at awe with what they saw. In the far corner of the room there was a large table glittered in gold and topped in jewels and on that table were every kind of food one can think of. Such delicacies as Mushroom Mint Pies, Blue Berry and Raspberry Paradise Cake, Goomnut Stew, Koopasta, Shroom Steak, Peach Tart Dumplings, Keel Mango Pudding, Turtly Leaf Tea, Jelly Ultra Sandwiches, Cricket Pie, Potato Kerokero salad and of course Spaghetti and meal balls.

On the ceiling there was a large sparkling disco ball filled with the many colors of the rainbow all showing off its shades to passer byres. The lights were turn a bit low as to illustrate the sight of twilight in the castle like the stars in the night sky. A D.J. box stood near the middle of the hallway ready to play music. There were also some chairs scattered about the room and in the middle of the floor was a red flowing rug with the insignia of the Mushroom Kingdom. On either side of the room was a pair of winding staircases leading up to the balcony and to the throne room in which Princess Peach now stood, ready to announce when the start of the Mushroom Formal Prom Dance would take place.

"Welcome my distinguished guests, citizens of the Mushroom Kingdom and the surrounding lands near and far, and of course our guests of honor

the Mario Bros., please enjoy the party and have fun," said Peach.

"The start of the Mushroom Formal Prom Dance which is a dance that will celebrate our victory over Smithy will begin shortly, until then please feel free to mingle with each other and eat some food, thank you all for coming."

Mario and Luigi saw many of his friends from his past adventures such as Koops and Kooper, Ms. Mowz , Vivian, Yoshi and the Yoshi clan, the people of Rose Town, Monstramama, Jinx, and the monsters of Monstro Town. They saw the people of Marrymore, Moleville, Twilight Town and even Booster and his Snifts 1, 2, and 3. The pirates of Keelhaul Key were there and so were the fighters of Glitzville who came to the party as well.

There were the sailors of Seaside Town, Goombella, the citizens of Boggly Woods, the people of Shiver City and Poshley Heights. The bomb-ombs of Fahr Outpost made it too and so did the ghosts of Gusty Gulch. There was Lakilester, and the people of Koopa Village and the people of Rogue Port. There was Paracarry, Bombette and Watt too. Of course there were a few that couldn't make it such as Princess Daisy and her royal retainer Toadette due to domestic problems but other than that, mostly every else showed up. While Luigi mingled about with the other guests Mario headed up the stairs to the room's balcony to talk to Peach.

"Mario I'm glad you came to the party," said Peach. "Isn't this celebration wonderful?" "Yes it is my Princess," said Mario

"It has a been a long time that things where normal." "I am happy to be a here with you."

"You know Mario beating Smithy has been the hardest thing we have ever done, said Peach. "I'm happy it is all over and thanks to you, our world is safe again."

At that moment Peach and Mario shared a kiss and a hug while also holding each other's hands. Soon some royal music played to signal the start of the dance. Both Mario and Peach took center stage as they slowly walked down the stairs and on to the dance floor below. Soon everyone in attendance took each others hands and they too walked to the dance floor in orderly fashion. Like graceful swans, each of the guests and their partners took turns swinging and twirling across the floor in procession, bowing to each other, turning around and starting over again. It was a magical moment like something out of a dream. The glittering of the disco ball and the evening moonlight shining through the stain glass windows; seemed like everybody was dancing in space filled with stars all around them. The soft music like the sound of birds fill the air as the dancers moved to and fro across the dance floor until the sound of the final score was heard and the end of dance came with the lasting swirl of Mario and Peach at the center. As the dance came to an end Mario thought to himself this was the best time he has ever had in his life. After the dance everybody got seated in the royal dinning room to eat the delicious food that was prepared for them. Everybody enjoyed the party so far with the dance, the food, and the great time they had catching up with old friends.

While everybody else went their separate ways in the castle taking part in various games made for them, Luigi decided to go on his own to the castle gardens to stare at the sky and take in the beauty all around him and talk to some more friends. Mario went with Peach to the northern tower of the castle to give her a present he had bought for her.

"Princess this has been the best time I have ever had," said Mario. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself Mario, you know that you deserve some relaxation for all you have done for us," said Peach.

"I know Princess, we've been together for a long time and I would like to give you something that shows how much you mean to a me," said Mario. "What is it Mario? I hope it's something pretty."

Mario dug into his pocket to take out a box when he realized there was nothing there. "Ah oh, I forgot to get the gift," cried Mario. "I must have a left it at a home." "Oh dear," said Peach "Its ok Mario you didn't have to get me anything, as long as you're here with me, that's all that matters."

"Are you sure Princess?" asked Mario "I think I better go and get it because I think you would really like it." "Well if you want to then its ok for you to go and get it, said Peach. "Just don't be late because the fireworks show will start soon and you are going to make a speech to everyone." Mario feeling a bit embarrassed that he forgot an important gift to the princess got up and left to go get the gift.

"Hey Mario where you a going?" asked Luigi as he saw Mario heading to the gate. "I'm a going to get my gift to the princess back a home I'll be right a back." "Ok Mario don't be a late," said Luigi and with that Mario left to go get the gift he bought for Peach. Luigi continued his stay in the party and was greatly enjoying himself.

He played many games, talked to some friends, and ate some more food. It was growing dark and Mario had yet to come back to the castle. Luigi was starting to get worried that his brother would miss the fireworks display but then thought maybe he is just running a bit late and he'll be back in no time so he thought nothing of it. As time went by and still no sign of Mario, Luigi decide to talk to Peach about the situation. "Princess did Mario come back to the castle by any chance?" "I don't think so Luigi," said Peach.

"And I'm starting to get worried I mean the fireworks spectacular is about to start and he needs to make a speech." "Well then I'll go home and see what is taking my brother so long," said Luigi. "Thanks Luigi," said Peach. So he headed home to find Mario and find out why he is taking so long to retrieve a gift and come back. "This is not like my brother be a late to a party in his honor," thought Luigi as he strolled down the road to his home. "Hmmm I wonder what that smell is?" wondered Luigi as he approach the corner of the woods leading to his home. As he got closer he then realized that the smell was smoke coming in the direction of his house. "Oh no my home is on fire I hope Mario is ok," said Luigi.

He raced as fast as he could to his home just to find it in a blaze of fire. In shock, Luigi tried desperately to find a bucket to put out the fire. "Where can I find a bucket?" thought a panicked Luigi. Quickly thinking, he soon remembered there was a bucket in the tool shed behind the house. He ran to the back of the burning house to the tool shed and picked up the bucket that was there. Then he ran to the nearest stream and filled the bucket up with water and hurried back to his home.

It took several minutes that seemed like hours to put out the red hot flames dancing all over his beloved home. Exhausted, Luigi sat on the ground for a moment trying to gather his thoughts. "Who could have done this," thought Luigi "Could it be Bowser? Nah it's not his style." He again tried to find Mario in all of this mess. "Mario, oh Mario where are a you." Luigi quietly entered his now chard house only to find no sign of Mario and his very home in ruins. "This can't a be."

Just then he noticed a small letter beneath the rubble that was virtually untouched by the fire. "I wonder what this could be?" as he looked closer at it he realized it was a letter, no doubt explaining what had just transpired. "This should explain what is going on." As he read the letter he grew more in shock as to what he just learned.

Greetings Mario Bros. and the people of the Mushroom Kingdom I am Kooledge Koopa the mighty MagiKoopa of the ages. My minions have taken your precious Mario. He is instrumental for my plans. I demand that you bring the legendary Kroopa Stone and the Quarium Weapons to the MagiKoopa Triangle and to my fortress in Spiral Cauldron. I have given you a map of the Triangle that is found in the outskirts of the Jurassic Region. You have until the full Earth to bring the items to me or else my generals will kill you. Soon I will return to this world to wreak my revenge and conquer all. This will be Armageddon for you all ha, ha, ha.

Signed,

Kooledge Koopa

After reading the letter Luigi needed to get back to the castle and tell everyone what had happened. He raced back to the castle as fast as he could to tell Peach about Mario. When he finally arrived back at the castle it was dark and the Mushroom Fireworks Spectacular had already begun. "Calm down everyone Mario will be back real soon, I'm sure he wouldn't miss something like this," reassured Peach as the fireworks display began. Luigi on the other hand had now reached the castle courtyard where everyone was and shouted at the top of his lungs to tell everyone to stop the celebration. "Hey Luigi's back," said Toad who spotted Luigi coming down to where they were.

"So Luigi where is Mario and why are you covered in dirt?" asked Peach. "Stop, stop the celebration I have a bad a news." "What is it?" said Peach. Luigi went on to tell them about the letter he found. "Oh no my dear Mario, who is this Kooledge Koopa?" "I don't a know he just took Mario and want's some weird items of legend," "Hmmm this Kooledge does sound a bit familiar," said Toadsworth Peach's royal advisor.

"Yes his name is mentioned a little bit in the Mushroom Kingdom Archives." "Let me take you to the Fungi library." So Luigi, Peach, Toadsworth, and Toad went to the library. "Ah ha there it is," said Toadsworth.

Looking at an old book they read a story about a powerful Koopa wizard that helped the Koopa Empire expand. He was so evil that he caused a war between the koopas. After many years he was defeated and cast in stone. It is said that his minions need the legendary items of the ancients and use the power of the full earth which is a phenomenon that occurs every 1000 years in order to return back to the land of the living. Most of the items were lost to history but the Kroopa Stone however was said to still be held by the Koopa Empire.

"That means Bowser must have the stone," said Toadsworth after reading the book. "Well that's some story," said Peach. "According to the book the full earth is when the sun , moon, and the earth align exactly in a straight line and the sun's power is magnified creating a powerful beam of light that can be used by magic to do almost anything," said Toadsworth.

"Then we need to pay Bowser a visit," said Luigi. "But you know he won't give up the stone to just anybody especially to you," said Toad. "I know that this why I will go and take it from Bowser," said Luigi. "It looks like the full earth is set to arrive in just 3 years, that is not a lot time," said Toad. Just then a loud BOOOOOM was heard off the distance and Luigi was concerned about what was going on. "That sounded like it came from Bowser's place," said Toad. "Maybe I should check it out," said Luigi. So he headed for Bowser's Keep. When he got there it was a mess as the castle was blown in several places like it was in a war zone.

"Whoa what a happened here?" said Luigi. "Ah, oh my head," said Bowser. "What happened?" "YOU what are you doing here?" "My castle is under attack and I don't have time for this." "No Bowser I'm a here to help you." "I DON'T need your help," yelled Bowser. BOOOOOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Another blast took down much of Bowser's throne room. "Ah fine! If you want to help find out who or what is doing this to my home." Luigi quickly searched through the rubble and crumbling castle of stone and lava. In the treasure vault he saw what was causing all the problems. It was a big mean looking bird with yellow feathers and a flaming red hair. He had a powerful razor like beak and strong muscles. "Hey you there stop what you are a doing," said Luigi.

"Huh! No way I Grawk Hawk will beat you down." With that the beast charged at him with full force trying to hit him with its strong arms. Luigi jumped in the air with his strong legs and stomped on the head of the power bird. "Ouch my head!" cried Grawk Hawk. The bird used his arms and swung at Luigi knocking him to the ground. "Oof that a hurts," said Luigi as he hit the ground.

"Ha now to finish you," Grawk Hawk again charged at him but he jumped again and gave the bird two more strong stomps on the head before finally knocking the bird out. "There that's should do it," said Luigi. "Now what is he trying to get?" There in the vault was the Kroopa Stone the legendary item Kooledge wanted to get. "So that is the stone Kooledge wants," said Luigi.

Then an Albotoss out of nowhere swooped down and took the stone right in front of him. "Oh no that bird has the stone," cried Luigi. He quickly ran to the hallway and tried to catch the bird before it could get away but it was too late and the Albotoss was gone.

Back in the throne room Bowser was busy gathering his troops to put out the fires and move the rubble away. "So Luigi what is going on who attack me?" Luigi told Bowser all about the letter, Kooledge, and the beast in the vault, "Hmm so Mario is kidnapped and this Kooledge wants to rule the world and he needs my stone to do it," said Bowser. "If you need to know more about Kooledge just follow me." Luigi cautiously followed Bowser to his now smoldering library.

"This Kooledge Koopa dates back to the beginning of the Koopa Empire." "What you have learned so far is true he is evil and must be stopped at all cost." "If anyone should conquer this world it's going to be me." "Get Mario back he is the only one who can stop him." "Now the Magikoopa Triangle is dangerous so you will need some help I guess." "Go visit my 7 kids living throughout the islands there they may help you out or not." "And take my best soldier Jagger on your so called quest." "Thanks Bowser," said Luigi.

"Yeah right don't think for a minute I'm going easy on you," said Bowser as Luigi and Jagger headed back to Peach's castle. By the time he got back to Peach, the party had ended and most of the guests had already left for home. "So Luigi what happen?" asked Peach. "A monster attacked Bower and took the Kroopa Stone." "This is dreadful news," said Peach. "Who is this," said Toad looking at the other figure next to Luigi. "This is Jagger one of Bowser's best troops he's a here to help."

"But Luigi can we trust him after all he does work for Bowser," said Toadsworth. "Hey I'm here to get Kooledge as much as you ok I don't want the world to end either too you know," said Jagger. "Fair enough, welcome to the group," said Peach. "Now what can we do about our predicament?" said Toad.

"Well it's a bit late to decide what to do next, we should all get some rest before we continue on," said Toadsworth. "Good idea let's get some shut eye and we can figure out what to do in the morning," agreed Peach.

With that said everybody went to their rooms provided by Princess Peach to get some sleep. As everyone went to bed, Luigi however could not sleep because of the thought of all that had happened. He couldn't believe that Mario is gone and he now must be the one to save the world all on his own. Many things flooded his mind; what if I can't save the world? What if I can't find Mario?, what if I fail to defeat Kooledge and his generals?, what if the world comes to an end? Oh Mario what should I do? With these thoughts it was going to be a long night for him. Meanwhile back at Spiral Cauldron Kooledge was finishing up his final plans for world domination.

"What is going on a here let me a go," said Mario. "Now, now Mario you will be my instrument of destruction to bring this world to its knees for me," said Kooledge in his stone like prison. "No way whoever you are I will not do it," fired back Mario. "Oh yes you will ha, ha, ha, ha." One of Kooledge's men cast a spell and turned Mario into his mind slave. "Now MY Metal Mario go forth and secure MY new kingdom." "Yes master I will a go." "HA, HA, HA, HA! This world will soon belong to me."