"Do not think you have won so easily, fool!" the second golem underling retorted. It wasted no time in stepping forward for the second battle. Bowser smirked, chuckled, and stepped up to face the golem as well. Without waiting for a signal to start, the golem extended both of its arms into the air. Bowser expected a transformation from this one too, but he didn't have the slightest idea what he was going to be up against.

The golem's arms extended outward a considerable length, but thinned out along the way. The ends sharpened and the golem had formed two stone lances. It scraped the two thin rock blades together a few times, then thrust them at their target. Bowser jumped, ducked, and leaned backwards to avoid several of their pursuits. But even if he were in better condition at that moment, Bowser was sure that evading all of these attacks was going to be difficult.

Countering was next to impossible. The lances had driven Bowser a considerable distance away from his opponent. They moved swiftly and accurately. Bowser tried to keep up as best as he could, but he was cut and scraped in several different places along the way. One lance was swung directly horizontally to Bowser's chest. The Koopa King responded by jumping backwards. But now he was cornered as the golem had pressed him up against a rock at the edge of the arena. With nowhere left to go, the golem launched its other lance straight at Bowser with blinding speed.

Bowser tried to catch it with his claws, but he wasn't quite fast enough. Thanks to its tremendous range, the lance still managed to reach its target as it stabbed Bowser directly in the chest. Thankfully, Bowser's grip managed to stop the weapon from digging too deeply to inflict a fatal blow. Junior winced when he saw his father cough up a bit of blood. There was no doubt about it in Bowser's mind. This opponent was definitely more difficult than the first. To make matters worse, Bowser felt another surge of pain in his back. Even though the lance wasn't quite pinning him to the rock behind, the Koopa King couldn't get his legs to move him out of the way.

Bowser did have one idea, but he knew it would come at a cost. Bowser took a deep breath and blew a stream of fire at the lance that was penetrating him. Then, he gripped the lance where it was burned between his claws and squeezed it as hard as he could. The rock was immensely hot from his flame breath, so Bowser's hands blistered from the direct contact. But the Koopa King fought through the pain. With enough pressure, the lance softened, cracked and eventually crumbled within Bowser's grip. He was free and capitalized on his newfound opportunity just as his back pain subsided.

The golem froze as it tried to process what had just happened. Bowser charged forward towards his opponent to close as much distance between the two as possible. By the time the golem saw Bowser's approach, it was too late. It tried to retract its remaining lance arm to defend itself, but Bowser tackled the creature to the ground. Wasting no time, Bowser cupped his hands together and slammed his combined fists down directly onto the golem's face; shattering it with ease. Without uttering a word, Bowser staggered to his feet as he stood over his second victim. Bowser lifted his head and glared at the single remaining golem.

"I commend you for making it this far," said the lead golem as it slowly approached from the sidelines. "Few challengers have." Bowser had no snarky comeback this time. He wanted to end this as quickly as possible. "However, you will meet your end here."

"Let's get this over with…," Bowers replied. The two combatants met in the center of the ring. To Bowser's surprise, the lead golem did not transform its limbs into any kind of weaponry like the previous two. It simply stood by and waited, mockingly; as if it was allowing Bowser to make the first move for a change.

Bowser didn't hesitate. He swung one hardy fist directly at the golem. With precise timing, the creature lifted its hand to block the attack. The hand transformed into a large, flat shield. Bowser's fist made contact, but had no effect. The Koopa King wasn't too startled by this. What kind of shield would it be if it couldn't handle a single attack? He swung a similar attack with his other fist, and the lead golem countered in an identical fashion.

So…two shields. That's this guy's quirk, huh? Bowser gathered. But something about this didn't seem right. Sure, shields were good for blocking and defending. But what about offense? What exactly was this king golem planning?

The golem thrust both of its shields towards Bowser and shoved him backwards. Bowser tried to stand his ground, but could feel his feet slipping as he moved. This golem was much stronger than the previous two. The golem hunched over Bowser as he overpowered him. Was he trying to smother the Koopa King into the ground? Bowser tried to fight back but was forced down onto one knee. Not….good…, Bowser commented to himself as the pressure from the golem grew stronger. His arms were giving out again and his back was acting up once more. This was the mallet situation all over again. The difference however, was that Bowser was now in even worse shape than before. He was much more tired and he wasn't sure if willpower alone would get him out of this.

Soon enough, Bowser was on his back with the golem continuing to pressure him from above. His hands were under so much pressure from the shields that Bowser couldn't retract them. Not to mention the pain he was feeling in them from the earlier burns. He was now completely pinned to the ground. Thinking quickly, Bowser pressed his feet up against the golem's chest to try and give himself some added support, but his opponent continued to bear down on him, unfazed. Frustrated, Bowser kicked the golem as hard as he could. He could feel the creature back off ever so slightly. This was it, his chance. Bowser kicked the golem once more, but harder. He continued to kick the golem over and over, forcing it back a little bit each time. Finally, Bowser managed to push his opponent off of him entirely. Bowser tried to climb to his feet, but stumbled a few times. His entire body was going numb. Now was not the time for it to start quitting on him. Finally, Bowser worked up enough adrenaline for one final confrontation.

The Koopa King stood up at last and charged at the golem. He struck each shield multiple times with his fists. He didn't care how hard or how many times he had to punch them. Bowser was determined to break through no matter what. He had come this far already. He was not about to lose now. But the king golem was not willing to admit defeat so easily either. It continued to block Bowser's advances and push back with fractions of its full power. The two had practically reached a stalemate.

This was all getting too much for Junior to watch. He couldn't sit by and witness his father struggle and suffer so much anymore; all for the sake of getting the right to make the rest of the journey home. The little Koopa hated feeling so helpless. There had to be something he could to help Bowser; anything at all. At one point during the battle, Bowser had butted heads with the king golem. His horns managed to scrape the crown and create a crack. A small light crept out from this newly formed opening. The Koopa King failed to see this development in the heat of combat, but not Junior.

His crown…, Junior thought. That's gotta be a weak spot…The little Koopa's mind raced as he desperately tried to piece together a strategy somehow. But what could be done?

"Dad!" Junior called out. "Hey, Dad!" Bowser didn't respond. He didn't even turn to acknowledge his son. He was too busy delivering jabs and fighting off the golem's shields; too wrapped up in his battle to stop for even a second. Junior figured his father was too exhausted from the previous two battles. Trying to get his attention now was pointless. But still, the little Koopa knew he had to do something to help. There was no way Bowser could keep this up forever. But how could Junior possibly help from the sidelines? Suddenly, an idea came to him. "The cannon!" Junior exclaimed.

He hurried around to where he found the weapon previously. He had an idea, but now he just needed his body to be strong enough to make it happen. Junior lugged the cannon over to an opening between two rocks at the arena's boundaries. Struggling but remaining ever persistent, Junior managed to lift the cannon up with one arm and angle it in the opening. The king golem was now directly in the cannon's line of fire.

Junior huddled down behind it, gripped the chain in his hand, squinted his eye, and waited for the perfect moment. Bowser and the golem continued going at it. They moved back and forth, pushing forward, then retreating back. Neither one was willing to hold still in fear of giving the other a chance to overpower. Junior had to wait for just the right moment to strike. With only one cannon ball, he had to make this shot count. If he missed, Bowser would be doomed.

Junior's hand was practically trembling as he gripped the chain. Not yet…not yet….not…yet….NOW! Junior screamed in his mind. He pulled the chain with every ounce of energy the little Koopa had left. The cannon fired with an echoing boom as the ball rocketed into the arena. The golem was too distracted to see it coming. The canon ball crashed into the golem's crown, shattering the outer stone shell to pieces. A radiant light poured out. Bowser backed off to shield his eyes until the light faded.

"Dad!" Junior beckoned to him once more time. This time Bowser responded. He looked over at Junior and tried to piece together what had just happened as soon as he saw the cannon poking through. "Look!" Junior directed. "On the monster's head!" Bowser's eyes rushed to the destination. Nestled in the golem's crown was….a power star!

No wonder my attacks haven't been doing a thing! Bowser realized. This coward's been hiding behind a power star to make himself invincible! Wasting no more time, Bowser sprinted towards the golem to end this battle. He tugged at the glowing treasure and removed it from its stone prison before the golem could stop him. With the creature now powerless, Bowser delivered one final punch and smashed the golem's face into pieces. The battle was over.

The rocks around the arena shattered into rubble, freeing Junior to approach his father at last. Bowser stood completely still for a moment as he stared blankly at the power star in his hand. His vision was fading and he began to rock back and forth.

"Dad!" Junior exclaimed, now at his side. "…Dad…Are you okay…?" At that moment, Bowser released the power star and collapsed to the ground on his chest. Junior called out to him a few more times in vain as he tried to usher some kind of response. Bowser was out cold. Junior pressed his head to his father's in silence.

The star Bowser had been holding flew up into the air and glowed brightly enough to get Junior's attention. A ray of light descended from the heavens high above as it cut through the clouds and showered the wasteland in radiance. Junior witnessed this desolate world around him become transformed in an instant. The rocks and rubble disappeared out of existence. The barren soil became populated with plentiful fields of grass and flowers stretching onward for miles. Trees populated the now lush, colorful landscape. Junior witnessed a large chunk of land behind him sink as a body of sparkling water emerged from a hole in the center and filled the indentation in the earth. At last, the source of all this light and magic presented itself before Junior.

Hovering just above him was a personified yellow star with a large, snow white mustache and eyebrows; as well as bold dark green eyes.

"Greetings, Prince Bowser Jr.," the star spoke in a deep, elderly voice.

"You…know me?" Junior responded.

"You made your presence known to us earlier this day when you ascended to Star Haven in search of a means to a certain end," the star elaborated. Junior blushed.

"Oh…right," he replied awkwardly.

"I am Eldstar, the eldest of the seven star spirits," the star greeted.

"Why are you here?"

"Many years ago, a star fell from the skies en route to Star Haven and descended here in the land around us. However, it was imprisoned by creatures of stone who sought to use the star's power to assert dominance over the land," Eldstar explained. "The star made the leader of this race unmatched in combat to all who opposed it. Our best efforts to free this star were unsuccessful. Even the land wept for the star's suffering as it fell into disarray. We believed the star would remain forever bound to this earth…until today." Eldstar looked down upon Bowser, who was still unconscious in the grass close by. "We never anticipated that someone with wicked intentions such as Bowser would be capable of such heroism."

"We didn't know those guys had a power star," Junior explained. "My dad was just trying to beat them so we can go home."

"Yes, and it is clear to see that his victory did not come without a price, for his wounds run deep and his heart has suffered great turmoil," Eldstar described.

"Please! You gotta help him somehow!" Junior begged.

"Fear not," Eldstar assured. "His efforts have not fallen deaf upon our ears. The stars do not turn blind to those of courageous black hearts in need of salvation." Eldstar turned to Junior. "As a demonstration of my blessing for freeing this power star from its prison, I will grant you one wish." Junior's face lit up.

"Really!? Thanks so much!" he cheered. The little Koopa rose to his feet. Instantly, Junior knew exactly what he wanted to wish for. "I wish me and my dad were home!"

"Alas, this is a request I cannot grant," Eldstar replied.

"Huh!?" Why not!?"

"Bowser's actions and your assistance in this manner are indeed valiant. However, not all can be forgiven so easily," the old star described. "On many occasions, Bowser has thrown the Mushroom Kingdom into a state of disorder. You as well, my boy, attempted to misuse the power of a star in order to bring harm to another not so long ago."

"I'm sorry but…this is different! I promise! Please…we just wanna go home…"

"The stars are reluctant to lend so much power to a wish of those who have a history of causing tyranny and suffering to the inhabitants of the Mushroom Kingdom; especially in the aid of one who once stole our beloved Star Rod to use in committing malicious deeds. I am sorry my child, but I cannot overlook the past. My generosity has a limit."

"If that's how it is, why are you even offering a wish in the first place if I can't wish for anything?"

"I do not wish ill will upon you or your father despite past events. Not while the stars are in debt to you for this one act. I still wish to aid you in your quest, young one. It will be a long and difficult journey back to the Mushroom Kingdom. You and your father will need one another if you are ever to return home safely. If there is another way I can diminish your suffering in your quest, speak now." Junior fell silent. If he couldn't just wish to return home, he would have to think of something else instead. He took a deep breath and faced Eldstar.

"I wish my dad was healed and wasn't hurting so much. I can't make it home without him and I don't want him to be in pain anymore," the little Koopa requested.

"A selfless action from a compassionate young heart," Eldstar commented. "I will make it so." Suddenly, Bowser was enveloped in an aura of light as he was lifted into the air by unseen forces and gently placed into the spring nearby. The body of water emanated its own light as it nurtured the injured Koopa King. Junior stood by and watched, unsure of whether or not this would actually work. Junior had never met one of the star spirits before, and Eldstar's words about limited generosity had him worried that Bowser wouldn't be healed completely without some kind of catch.

"Thanks…," Junior spoke quietly, rubbing his broken arm gingerly.

"I sense that you are hurting as well, young one," Eldstar commented. "I urge you to use the spring for yourself. Your father will need your full strength as equal aid in this quest." Hesitantly, Junior approached the body of water and slowly dipped his arm within the soothing liquid. After experiencing a quick, mild numbing sensation, the little Koopa was amazed to be able to pull his arm out on its own. It was healed after all! He quickly dipped his head under the surface and retracted it a moment later. As he had hope, his black-eye was healed as well and the little Koopa could see again! Bowser was lifted out of the water by a mysterious force again and placed gently in the grass near a tree. His cuts, bruises, and burns from the earlier battles had all disappeared, but Bowser was still out cold. Junior gathered that he was just too exhausted to wake up at that moment.

"It is time I leave, Prince Junior," Eldstar admitted. "I wish you and your father a safe journey home. Despite our history, I truly believe there is good inside Bowser too, just as you have proven that there is good in you."

"Thanks, Mr. Eldstar!" Junior exclaimed as he happily waved to the star spirit ascending into the clear night sky above. After Eldstar was out of view, Junior sat down by Bowser and tenderly rubbed his father's arm. He laid back against the tree and sighed when he heard his stomach grumble loudly. Aww man, he couldn't have given us something to eat too? Junior complained to himself. Suddenly, something fell from the sky above and collided with Junior's head. He sat up, nursing the point of impact and found an apple near his feet. The little Koopa glanced up and noticed that the tree behind him had a plentiful supply of apples growing in its branches. He smiled and took a bite of the delicious fruit. He could've sworn he heard a voice blowing in the wind.

May the stars watch over you and guide you safely back from whence you came…