Chapter 3: The Dark City
After sneaking through a few dark hallways, they arrive at the center of the castle. Mario is at once intimidated, appalled, and saddened by what he sees before him. What appeared to be a giant castle on the outside actually contained an entire city within. The buildings contained hundreds of toads, goombas, and koopas, all packed into tiny cells. The only creatures that could be seen outside of their cells were bound by a ball and chain, preventing them from running away.
MARIO: This is a' terrible!
Mario notices one group of toads being led by koopas in one direction, while another group is being led towards a dark corridor.
MARIO: Where are all those toads a' going?
BOWSER: That group over there is being led outside. They have been selected to retrieve more blocks to continue the construction of this city. That group over there...
He points to the group heading down the dark corridor.
BOWSER: ...have been selected to be future meals of that stupid King. They will be forced to wait in their own personal cells, in silence...only to be killed and eaten.
Mario is speechless.
BOWSER: I know. Even I think that's a bit over the top.
Just then, Bowser spots two koopa guards not too far away, and quickly grabs Mario and runs to a nearby hallway.
MARIO: But 'a why do you have to hide from these koopas? I thought they were your minions!
BOWSER: They were, but now they are under the rule of the Lizard King. Some of them are treated like toads, and some were chosen to work for him personally. As long as he is in power, they will do whatever he says, even if it means seizing me. I could easily handle them, but all it takes is one to report back to the Lizard King, and I'm as good as dead.
MARIO: Not just you...me too!
BOWSER: Yeah...whatever.
They slowly work their way through the dark corridors, with Bowser leading Mario through it's maze-like layout.
MARIO: You sure know your way around here.
BOWSER: I've snuck around here a few times...I'll show you the spot where I spy on the King.
Bowser grabs Mario and lifts him up into a small crawlspace in the ceiling, then climbs up by himself.
BOWSER: This is the air tunnel for the furnace that provides fuel to heat this place for the King's comfort. It's powered by toads...if you hadn't guessed already.
MARIO: HE BURNS TOADS FOR –
Bowser cuts him off.
BOWSER: Listen, every few minutes fire bursts through this passageway at thousands of degrees. If we don't hurry up, we're toast. Now GO!
He shoves Mario forward, and they quickly approach a nearby exit. Soon they feel an intense heat.
BOWSER: That's the fire! It's coming! Hurry up you stupid plumber, cause I'm not dying in here with you!
Mario claws his way to the exit, and thrusts his body through, into another dark crawlspace. Bowser follows right behind him, but has some trouble fitting through the opening. Mario pulls him out just as the flames rip through the air duct, singeing Bowser's feet.
BOWSER: YEEEOOOWWWW!!! BLEEP BLEEP #$!$2 !$#!$!%&%^$.
MARIO: Oh quiet you big 'a baby.
Bowser gives him an evil glare that quickly turns into one of pain as he holds on to his feet. Eventually he continues, squeezing by Mario.
BOWSER: Follow me...
They continue on through the hidden passage, crawling for what felt like hours, until they reached another small opening. This opening, however, poured light into the crawlspace.
Bowser whispers...
BOWSER: This is it. Now keep quiet and look through this opening.
Bowser moves aside, and Mario peers through the screened opening to the large room below. The evil Lizard King sits triumphantly in his throne, taunting Peach and Luigi.
LIZARD KING: You know, Peach. You don't have to stay in that cage forever. Just accept me as your husband and we will rule over this Kingdom together.
He gives her a suggestive smile.
PEACH: UGH! Never! I wouldn't marry you even if I was faced with death!
LUIGI: Be careful with a' what you a' say Peach!
LIZARD KING: Yes, for once listen to that worthless green-clothed idiot. I could throw you in the furnace right now. You'd keep me warm for a little while.
He grins evilly.
LIZARD KING: However, it is only a matter of time until Mario...that pathetic excuse for a man...shows up to try and save you. I think that would be the best time to do it...so he can watch.
Mario gasps quietly.
The Lizard King stands up and walks over to Peach's cage.
LIZARD KING: Although...it's been a long time. Maybe he's abandoned you all? HAH! Some hero he is. Maybe I shouldn't wait for him...
He shoves the cage to intimidate Peach.
LUIGI: HEY! S-s-stop....d-don't a' h-h-h-hurt her!
The Lizard King slowly walks over to Luigi's cage.
LIZARD KING: What was that you worthless pile of flesh?
He shoves his hand into the cage, grabbing Luigi by the neck. He then raises his scepter, preparing to unleash it's fury. At that moment, Mario can't help but gasp loudly. The Lizard King stops...
LIZARD KING: Did you hear that?
He quickly glares around the room.
LIZARD KING: I think we may have a visitor...
