The Draconian Star

An Original Concept of Laserai

Revised and Created By: Mistress Kasumi

Legal Notation: This Fanfiction makes use of story elements that belong to NINTENDO Co., SQUARE-ENIX Co., and other copyright holders and are being used for strictly creative means. We only lay claim to the original storyline itself.

Author Notes: This story borrows elements from all over the Mushroom World and its many games. This is in no way to be taken as canon. I have no idea or intent on debating what Nintendo's true designs are for many of its characters and is an artist's interpretation of events in the games or storyline. It is in no way to be taken as fact or regarded as such. If you disagree or think it all to be tripe then please move on and disregard the story completely. However, if you're willing to open your mind to a new idea then stay on for the ride.

Story Dedication: The original concept of this story was dedicated by Laserai to another fanfiction author, sparklespepper whose Luigi/Wendy fanfiction story Change, inspired him to return to writing the concept that is now this story. I see no reason to retract this dedication and hereby reinstate it. She is a very talented author and damn near prodigy in my opinion. Honestly, I wish she was writing the cannon game stories for the Mario games instead of whoever Nintendo is using at the moment. But enough about that. Enjoy and be sure to stop by and take a look at the above mentioned story. If you're a fan of the green thunder or Mario stories in general you won't be disappointed.

Life Is Never Predictable

Everyone is still reclining in the pipe area which connects Toad Town with Luigi's house conversing about their plans for the future. It's a suitable place as it's quiet and dry since this area of pipe was closed from the rest of the town's sewer system since the Mario Brothers use this pipe to get to their home. Because of this the area is quite well maintained and lit by lighting along the dark brick walls.

It had actually started to get really quiet as the conversation had started to decline for a brief moment. This doesn't last long as Kammy clears her throat causing everyone to look at her.

"Ok, we need to have a plan but for the moment we don't really know anything."

Luigi shakes his head slightly. "Ye of little faith."

Wendy smirks at this but remains silent as it looks like he has more to say.

"Yes, it is true we have little to go on but it's something at least. Based on what we have, we know the X-Nauts and Tatanga are involved. You two also said that before you evacuated the Badlands a report was received of Smithy's Blade craft arriving there. That can only mean Smithy has returned. It stands to reason his Gang is probably with him. I don't really know how he could have survived after the beating Mario gave him and his cronies though. It seemed in the field reports that Smithy and his gang were put out of business for good."

"Your right. Something isn't adding up here." Geno scratches his chin irritated. "He should not have survived. Something extremely unusual is responsible for the re-spawning of that . . . wait."

Luigi and Kammy both look up at Geno mentioning re-spawning.

"Is it possible someone could have re-spawned or regenerated him?" Kammy glances toward Geno curiously.

"Well it's not unusual for game characters to re-spawn. It's not impossible but usually certain circumstances are required before that can happen."

Toadette resumes pacing nervously at the idea that defeated villains could be re-spawned or regenerated forcing a confrontation once again.

"This is bad. If whoever it is re-spawned Smithy and co and also convinced Tatanga to join their cause, who else is working with them."

"Indeed. And I agree. We can't count on this being ordinary." Luigi leans against the wall and glances at Wendy who frowns and shrugs.

"We can't be seeing the entire picture. What kind of being is even capable of reviving defeated villains? I am fairly certain Smithy and his ilk were defeated as in to the point of a game over. What kind of evil are we dealing with is even capable of such a thing?" Peach glances at everyone's face with deep concern.

No one has a response to that question though it is a good one to think about and ponder on.

"What I don't understand is why this happening to us now?" Luigi looks up at the ceiling of the underground dim lit cavern there in lost in thought.

It is at this moment Kammy looks up as she remembers their discovery not too long ago just before their home was lost. "It may have something to do with this."

Kammy then reveals the golden star shaped box of lore as she had honestly forgotten about the discovery what with the invasion of enemies and being recently made refugees. Geno is the first to look upon the box and recognizes it immediately. "Well that explains the hidden agenda of why the star spirits sent me down here on a permanent assignment. "They vaguely mentioned the mother star had lost her way and needed to be restored. I didn't know what they were getting at until now that is."

"The mother star?" Wendy looks at the star warrior with a questionable look.

Kammy nods at this assessment. "Yes, the draconian star also called the Alpha Star, the Omega Star and in addition, the mother star is supposed to be the anchor for all star energy. Its power is near limitless and there is rumor there is a presence to it though much and more is lost to legend and folklore. Regardless, the X-Nauts and Smithy and his crew arrived shortly after I was selected to be the star's emissary. The selection process will explains my appearance and age reversal for those who are wondering about that."

Toadette snaps her fingers as she had been meaning to ask about that. "So that explains it. So this isn't just an illusion. You really have reversed in age." Kammy nods at this but sighs sadly.

"However, I failed to get any further with the late king on what I found when I opened the box." Kammy looks down briefly the loss still fresh as it was only hours ago.

Wendy looks over at her master puzzled. "What do you mean? After all of this trouble, there is a star or something in it . . . . right?"

Silence. Kammy says nothing and Wendy is starting to get irritated. After losing so many over this thing surely there was something in the box. All of their sacrifices had to be before some reason.

"Right?!"

"No!"

"There was nothing. It was empty. The box is apparently the only means to safely transport the star as it cannot be handled directly by anyone except the chosen one. That alone makes it priceless but the star itself is not normally kept in it."

"The chosen one? Well that's wonderful. How do we know the X-Nauts didn't just wipe this chosen one out in this worldwide attack?"

"We don't know. The inside of the box did have a number of inscriptions but I can't decipher them. It's in a language even I don't recognize which says a lot."

Geno walks over to Kammy and sits near her. "Allow me to examine it please, Master Kammy."

Kammy shrugs and hands the box to him after opening it. Geno takes one look at the inscriptions and recognizes the writing immediately. "This is the language of the stars. My true name is also written in them though I adopted the name Geno since it's not translatable for mortals to understand. Needless to say I can read it myself but translating its meaning will be difficult but not impossible. Fortunately, there isn't much written here."

"Well what can you determine?"

Geno glances over at Kammy at her question before closing his eyes briefly. "Apparently, the chosen one you mentioned is described as a maiden of the heart. Once she and the star are one the balance will be restored. Our goal appears to be to first locate the star and make sure we have the maiden of the heart with us. Beyond that I do not know."

"Well, that doesn't tell us much of anything. Why is this maiden of the heart even important? Is she perhaps a key to stopping whatever is responsible for attacking us earlier?" Toadette runs her hands down her face in irritation.

"Calm down, Toadette. I think we're all trying to figure out how any of this has any bearing on our current situation." Peach places a comforting hand on her best friend's shoulder before looking over at Luigi who rises from his seat.

"Hey, guys let's take our conversation back to my house. It should be at least more comfortable then staying here." Luigi looks around at everyone who nods in agreement.

Fortunately, the nearby Warp Pipe takes them right in front of his house. Whereas it was once the home of the Super Mario Brothers now it is just Luigi's House.

Everyone takes a seat around the living room while Luigi fetches some coffee and soon everyone is sitting around conversing among themselves quietly. They have only been home an hour or so when a knock is heard at the door.

Luigi looks up at the sound curiously. "Odd. I wonder who that could be." Luigi gets up while gauging everyone's reaction.

Kammy and Wendy shrug whereas Toadette and Peach aren't really paying much attention as their caught up in their own discussion. Geno is laying on the floor looking over his star cannons having disassembled them for cleaning and maintenance afterward he will start to put them back together. Luigi puts his mug down and heads to the door to see who it could be.

Opening the door, Luigi finds barely standing is a ragged looking elite hammer bro with a shell black as night though covered in scratches in various places struggling to hold himself up with one of his hammers.

In fact, the operative upon seeing the door open sighs in relief but suddenly finds his legs giving out and falls forward fully expecting to hit the ground in an ungainly heap. Luigi and Geno who had completed his earlier task arrive in time to catch him at the shoulders and bring him into the house. Finding a place for him after putting some blankets on the floor, they begin administering to them

Kammy and Wendy provide water for the parched and tired hammer brother, as Kammy looks over the koopa operative curiously.

"Why have you come here? You look as though you have the weight of a thousand fates on your mind."

The operative reaches for one of his hammers and opens a hidden top in the handle pulling out a small letter. He then hands it to Kammy. "My lady. Your highness, The entire Koopa household is lost. My squadron searched far and wide across the vast Darklands territories and determined all were taken down in the alien ray attacks."

Kammy shakes her head and drops to her knees in anguish. "So my worst fears are true then."

"I am afraid so, my lady. We were never able to find hide or scale of any of the Koopa clan. We could not locate any of the castles intact either. It would appear they even hit those of our allies outside the Koopa Klan. Surviving paratroopa patrols report that all of them are just gone. Many of the various cities throughout the Darklands are on fire with no end in sight. Civilians in the cities were in full panic. What few forces remain are trying to restore order but honestly it's a mess."

The hammer bro shakes his head disbelievingly at what he was able to witness during his tour of duty only moments ago.

"It was a nightmare, my lady. If I hadn't seen the devastation with my own eyes I would not have believed it. Fear is causing the Darklands to tear itself apart. Anyway, along our final patrol we stumbled upon a shroom intelligence squadron near the heart of the Darklands under heavy fire from what looked like Smithy's strange tank apparitions."

"Seeing as they were engaged with a common enemy, we allied with them in hopes the odds would turn in our favor. Our intelligence regarding the last time we faced these hostiles was grossly insufficient however. In short, they kicked our arses, my lady. I can't really recall how I made it out of the Darklands. I really should be dead."

Wendy walks over to the soldier and lock eyes with him with a genuine smile on her face. "Your loyalty to the Koopa clan will be rewarded. I am grateful for your efforts and for returning alive. You are ordered to rest. You have done your duty. You have earned it, soldier." The hammer brother though still hurting smiles grateful for his princess's praise glad to have been of some use.

Kammy places a gentle heal on the operative which relives him of his pain. At this the hammer brother succumbs to his exhaustion and allows himself to fall fast asleep.

Kammy assesses the hammer bro and determines he was shot multiple times by heavy grade ballistic fire which matches up with his story. Fortunately, he was lucky as they all impacted his shell which as everyone knows is darn near indestructible. Their shells like their helmets are designed for strength and capable of withstanding powerful blows and impacts. After all, their weapon of choice are hammers. Still, even with strong armor, how long can one survive against close fire from tanks.

After a comfortable silence, Wendy sighs audibly clearly bored and rises to her feet.

"Listen, I am going to go out into town for a bit. I will meet back with ya in a lil bit." Wendy looks over at the others who nod.

Toadette rises up at that. "Hey, do you want some company? I actually need to go see if any of the shops are still open. I need to pick up a few things."

"Sure. I am in what was once enemy territory. I don't want to cause any trouble here." Wendy waves her hands.

"I heard that. With all the emotions going around it's probably better if we stay together for a little while." Toadette pats Wendy's shoulder as the two girls head towards the exit pipe for the area upon walking out the door.

"You two be careful up there. With the government in shambles right now, the rouges are bound to try to take advantage." Luigi chimes up just in case but convinced the two can handle themselves.

"No worries, leader. I will look out for our princess." Toadette mock salutes with a smile causing Wendy to laugh and Luigi and Geno to smile shaking their heads. Kammy scratches her head but figures her protégé will be fine.

After all, their just visiting Toad Town of all place. What could happen?

In the meantime in another plane of existence. . . .

The sky is black as obsidian and lightning and thunder dominates it. In fact, the lightning arcs across the sky as though it is alive and its companion thunder rumbles its fury in a never ending cycle of intimidation and all manner of clamor. An ominous red moon can also be seen whenever the clouds part on occasion to reveal it but for the most part it remains dark. There is no rain to be had as this storm is strictly about the thunder and lightning.

The plane of existence is barren in every direction with only a thick impenetrable gloom in every direction. Only the inside of an open roof cave is visible in this plane of existence. A single open portal of sapphire seems to be the only way out of the dimensional plane.

A raging wild fire pit burns fervently at the center of the cave and crackles angrily as glowing hot embers occasionally rise up to the ashen sky. The fire in the pit burns fervently with an odd crimson red and black fire that casts eerie shadows on the cold stone walls as it licks the air above it wildly raging on with no end in sight.

The fire pit however is unusual in design as the rocks lining the pit having unusual symbols and calligraphy written all over them that glow soft white in a pulse. The pulse is steady much like that of a heart beat but every couple of hours gradually increases in speed. The fire pit lights up the dark and dry cave with a natural view to the open sky.

A pack of black bats beyond number fly in a circle orbiting the fire circling around the large open expanse that makes up the open roof of the cave staying quiet though the flapping of their wings is audible.

This isn't the only unusual element of this fire pit cave however. Etched into the air is a ring of transparent glowing white symbols that levitate above the ground completely level with the natural opening in the roof of the cave. At its center is a large perfect emerald glowing translucent sphere. The sphere itself appears to be a vessel of its own right for at its center is a single black flame shaped like a human levitating in place. The orb itself pulses in step with the unusual glowing symbols which gives the impression the pulse likely belongs to the omnipotent fiery being forming in the gemstone like object levitating above the fire pit.

What is more is what appears to be the faint outline of a set of tall white large closed doors. As it stands, the doors are heavily transparent but as the pulse of the glowing writing etched throughout the cave grows stronger, the doors seem to be slowly becoming more solid with time.

The bats aren't the only beings alive in the cave as it soon becomes apparent that there are four robed individuals of varying heights completely shrouded in mystery facing the fire at the four cardinal directions: north, east south and west. Because the individuals also have their faces covered it is impossible to determine exactly who or what they are. It is certain from the dark auras emanating from them that they are likely evil in some form or another.

"Phase one has been completed." The robed individual standing at the north corner states with calculated malice.

"Very good. Everything is proceeding according to the plan." The robed individual standing at the east corner chimes in with a sinister smile.

"I would have never known this is all it was going to take to get rid of that meddlesome plumber." The robed one at the west corner scratches his head in puzzlement.

"Yes, the great hero of the Mushroom World is officially out of the way. We can proceed with our plans without hindrance. Now nothing will stand in opposition to her goals."

Finally, the robed one at the south joins in the conversation.

"Speaking of which has she emerged just yet?" The robed one at the north looks to the omnipotent black fire being currently suspended high in the air in the perfect emerald.

"No, her shadow has not completely revived yet. She is still gathering energy from the negative emotions coming from the loss of the world sovereigns and in general worldwide. Her life pulse is strong and growing faster by the day which is good news."

"We shouldn't have to wait long. All of this wouldn't be possible without your help. I understand she will never admit it to you but we are grateful for your intervention."

At this a fifth figure emerges almost as if from the dark walls of the cave itself and bows low before the other four figure reverently.

"I live to serve, my mistress. As she would say if she was here, we have only just begun. Let's proceed to the next phase of our operation."

Returning to the Mushroom Kingdom.

By now several hours have passed and it is starting to get dark outside as the others sit around leisurely sipping their coffee, talking casually or lost in their thoughts.

Kammy had stooped on the floor to observe the hammer brother once more to ensure he is still alive and stable. After that she inspects the soldier more thoroughly to ensure she didn't miss an injury when she discovers what appears to be a folded note clutched tightly in the hammer brother's right claw.

However, as though an alarm goes off in her head she suddenly becomes aware of how much time has gone by and notes her student and ruler hasn't returned. After taking the small note from the hammer brother, she looks wearily at the front door to the house with a face of growing concern.

"Where is Princess Wendy?"

The question comes out of nowhere like a freight train impacting a stalled car on the tracks in Kammy's mind but she voices it anyway. It was a valid question. Wendy should have returned by now. There is no way she could have gotten lost not with Toadette right there with her. Luigi looks up at the question and also notes the time.

The town shops should have closed hours ago and it was starting to get dark. They should have come back by now. Even if they stopped to get something to eat most of the places should have closed early due to what happened to Princess Peach's castle hours ago. Luigi wants to get anxious but withholds doing so as he knows he must set a calming example as the leader.

"It's probably nothing but let's go and look for them. Geno, you're with me. Everyone else, take five."

"But I should accompany you as well. Her safety is my responsibility." Kammy voices her opinion of her missing disciple.

"Perhaps, but your concern is unwarranted. How much trouble can she get into in Toad Town of all places? Besides we need someone with medic experience to look after our two injured soldiers here at least until we can transport them to the Toadley Clinic. Princess Peach is here as well I know but its best their care is left to the both of you. In fact, I will be sure to stop by there on the way back after we find Wendy and Toadette." Luigi shrugs his shoulders attempting to walk out of the house with Geno in tow once more but now finds Peach standing in front of it.

"Princess, please. I am sure their is no reason to be concerned. Geno and I can take care of this. Have faith."

Peach doesn't say anything but her face still shows deep concern for her new princess friend and her best friend.

"Please return Princess Wendy and my best friend, Toadette safely to us. I can't afford to lose any more friends or family today. We clear?" Peach locks eyes with Luigi and Geno who nod solemnly before she steps aside so they can pass.

Geno and Luigi exit the warm confines of the house into the cold of the evening. The sky is clear and the rapidly darkening sky is illuminated by stars and the moon is already starting to trade places with the sun that is rapidly receding out of view but Luigi's only concern is Wendy's welfare. Under normal circumstances, Toad Town would be normally one of the safest places in the kingdom. However, taking into account the recent total loss of government leadership may have caused criminal elements to gain momentum and power. Geno picks up on Luigi's unspoken vibe right away.

"Something tells me you are more worried then you let on, Luigi-san."

"Uhm, yeah. With all the craziness and the absence of Peach's Castle and Mario, the criminals who normally lie low may become emboldened seeking trouble. Wendy is a koopa and all but she is not invulnerable and despite it all she is still a princess as well. You wouldn't believe it but the Mushroom Kingdom has its share of criminals as well though they generally hang around the port towns and occasionally near the Toad Town harbor near the shipyards."

Geno looks over at Luigi then looks at the starlit sky before entering the nearby warp pipe. "I think your over concerned, Luigi. It seems that though the loss of Peach's Castle, the government and Mario has hit the kingdom pretty hard, the people have generally kept themselves in check for the most part. Not to mention there are still some royal guards that weren't taken with the castle. Surely, they can manage the safety of the town."

The two of them exit the pipe into Toad Town and look around the softly lit town noting the street lights are now on illuminating the paved paths through town. "I hope your right, friend. There aren't many of them left. Eh, you know I always worry too much about things or at least I used to. I am trying to break that habit as of late."

Geno shrugs and chuckles a bit. "Some habits die hard, right?" Luigi kicks a rock with a foot as they look around. "Yea."

It doesn't take long however for the two to notice that something is wrong with the usually quiet capitol city of the Mushroom Kingdom.

Luigi and Geno look around and note that the streets are completely empty. This is slightly unusual as there should be at least people walking about even if the shops have closed for the evening. It's possible everyone has just retired early in light of the disturbing events of the day.

This line of reasoning is tossed into the nearby lake as the real cause becomes rapidly clear.

As they start leaving the main portions of Toad Town and expand their search closer to the shipyards and ports of Toad Town, they immediately note an increasing number of ruffians loitering about. In fact, it almost looks like many of them came from the port towns.

Luigi mentally chides himself at this development trying to curb the concern growing in the back of his mind.

As they head closer to the harbor seeing everything else is closed, it looks like the concentration of ruffians in the area is rapidly increasing. At some point they realize that it appears all the action is centered on Club 64, a popular pub in Toad Town. The cozy famous stop is normally low key with a quiet and peace loving clientele but tonight it seems the ruffians having taken over. Typically, the criminal element keeps to the shadows and is rarely seen on the boardwalk preferring to stay closer to the shipyards and port itself where the seedier pubs and bars serve them.

Tonight however with the instability of the government it's clear they have become downright brazen choosing to take advantage of the situation.

Many of the outside patrons outside are scuffling and fighting among themselves or deeply engaged in illegal gambling with cards and dice right on the street and many cast an evil eye at Luigi and Geno promising pain if their fun is interrupted.

Luigi silently prays to the stars that Wendy isn't here as things could turn ugly fast. Just then Luigi realizes where he has seen these rough looking customers before.

Rougueport.

It was no secret that many from the port towns were ex-soldiers and caretakers who once labored in the Darklands. These ones held no love for the Koopa Clan. Many of them left the kingdom unappreciated for all that they do. Of course, it was generally well known that the majority of them were slackers who couldn't cut it with the way of life in the Darklands and washed out or were dismissed.

Sometimes you just can't please them all.

Anyway, the ingredients for a recipe for disaster are all in place.

Luigi and Geno deciding caution will get them nowhere enter the busy Club 64 like men with a purpose.

Immediately their senses are overwhelmed by cigar smoke, oak, beer and wine which is a welcome and inviting odor. However, the two begin to frown rather than relax when their eyes catch sight of the last thing on their minds. It a sight that causes Luigi to stiffen up in anxiety if only temporarily and sigh irritably at the same time.

Despite the chaos that is the drunken patrons in the now dimly lit restaurant who are either fighting fiercely with each other or cussing with each other, the hero pair's eyes lock on to the source of their worry.

At the center of the room under dramatic stage lighting, on stage surrounded by a large crowd of wild and drunken patrons who are whooping, hollering and jumping about is none other than Wendy herself. It is clear to the two right away that something is seriously wrong with the princess as they note she is dancing around very suggestively. As they catch a glimpse of her face, Luigi's frown becomes that of alarm as he notes her cheeks are red and flushed and her eyes are fixed in a dazed far off expression.

Luigi and Geno also notice Toadette standing off to the side just outside of the ring of drunken onlookers shifting in place while biting her nails nervously not sure what to do.

Luigi hasn't known the Princess that well but even a blind man can easily tell what they were seeing was way outside of her normal behavior. Luigi gives a discreet signal to Geno who heads toward Toadette to figure out what has happened. The Green Thunder continues forward working through the drunken crowd determined to get to Wendy to assess her condition directly.

"Geno. Thank the user you're here. Is Luigi with you?" Toadette smiles gratefully seeing Geno walking up to her.

Geno points to Luigi pushing through the crowd then looks back at Toadette. "Yeah, he is going to see what is going on with Princess Wendy. What happened? Why is she acting like that?"

"I . . . I don't know. We only had one drink at the bar about 30 minutes or so ago but after she impressively downed her drink, she started stumbling around like that. Before long she ended up on stage despite my attempts to control her and has been like that ever since." Toadette continues to look around shiftily at the rough looking characters who would occasionally leer or glance suggestively in her direction.

"This is most unusual. From what little I know, a Koopa's metabolism is quite different from a human. One drink could not possibly have this kind of effect unless something else was added to it. You didn't see anyone add anything to her drink?" Toadette shakes her head as the drink seemed to come directly from the bartender and no one even had access to it prior.

Geno doesn't need to hear her voice her thoughts as he casually looks towards the bartender who at his earlier words looks around more nervously then he should for someone innocent. In fact, his actions are damn near suspicious and the star warrior intends to get to the bottom of it as he strolls over to the bar.

Geno leans forward gently grabbing the cloth of the man's shirt in his hand ever so slowly pulling him forward so as not to make a scene and elicit a drunken brawl. At least not yet.

"Okay, I need answers, chief. Would do you know about the Koopa Princess there? You do something to her drink?" Geno glares down the bartender while talking calmly.

"I don't know anything." The bartender struggles to get free of Geno's grasp but suddenly is free as the star legend releases his grip on his shirt.

Geno then calmly sits down on his stool and breathes slowly closing his eyes for a moment.

Geno suddenly reopens them and continues to stare down the bartender with an expression similar to a lion patiently waiting while staring down its prey as a twitching eyebrow develops on his face. He then sits back with his hands still on the bar while aiming one of his hands at the bartender even while his arms lay on the counter innocently. Then with just a simple flick of his wrist and a balling of the fist, a double golden barrel stock which can only be his signature star cannons are revealed from under his robed arm with mechanical precision all the while staring down the bartender with a genuine smile.

"You want to try that question one more time, chief?"

The bartender immediately notes the star hand cannon aimed in his vicinity and realizes his options are up. Either reveal what he knows or get to discover how Geno's star cannon works.

"Look I didn't put anything in her drink. Someone shot her with a toxic dart. I don't know who it was. I was only told to shut up about it or they would make me sorry."

"You may not have done the deed yourself but refusing to render aid is almost as bad. You might as have done it yourself." Geno starts to reverse the mechanism attached to his wrist seeing no point in questioning the fearful bartender further that is until Toadette starts pulling on Geno's robe to get his attention.

"I think Luigi needs our help."

Geno nods then grabs her hand performing a high jump over the crowd forming around Wendy and now Luigi. Toadette has a dizzy expression on her face for a brief moment not expecting the sudden action from Geno but shakes it off quickly. Before long, the three are standing around Wendy protectively as they look back towards the patrons whose eyes are filled with lust?

Toadette tries to hold back a growl at the lecherous looks the crowd is directing to the drug induced Princess.

Luigi who has been observing Wendy trying to figure out what's wrong with her takes note of some foreign metal object imbedded in her tail and promptly removes it. Wendy is really out of it as she doesn't even notice it as she twirls around and falls on her rump continuing to look around dazed.

"How did we end up in this situation?" Luigi looks around after powering up with a hammer bro power up and taking a pair of hammers in a battle pose.

"I don't know what happened. Princess Wendy only had one drink at the bar then she started acting crazy. I don't recognize the bartender. But I have never been here after dark." Toadette looks around nervously at first then reveals her hidden weapon skills as she pulls out a giant mallet from seemingly nowhere with light wood grain and pink matching the colors of her outfit and shroom cap.

"It would seem the bartender was "nicely" told to look the other way as one of the patrons shot her with a toxic dart. This was an attempt to get revenge on the Koopa clan by humiliating her. It is a good thing we found her. I care not to know what would have become of her had we not arrived when we did. We need to get this done quickly. There is no telling what was in that toxic dart."

Geno activates his other star cannon with the same flick of the other wrist and balling of his fist also taking up a stance. Not wanting to kill anyone but rather subdue the crowd he switches to non-lethal star rounds.

"So, you guys thunk you're gonna interrupt our fun hur wuth lil miss? Guess again, you bitches!" A dirty and drunken shroom with a slurred voice and vacant expression shouts his opinion as many in the drunken crowd reveal weapons, bombs, knives and the like.

"We are only here to ensure Princess Wendy exits the establishment safely. Do not interfere and we will be out of your hair shortly. There is no need to resort to violence. Besides I do not think you realize the situation you're in right now. Stand down while you can." Geno waves his hands about smiling hoping his friendly nature will turn the tide even though his legendary star cannons are still quite visible.

"Go screw yourself, whoever you are! We ain't giving up precious little miss here. We haven't even gotten to the main event and your scrawny arse ain't gonna stop us neither." A larger than normal goomba with an eye patch slams the ground and growls at them. "The Koopa clan are going to pay for all the mistakes they have done over the years and were going to start with her."

"She could probably use a good screwing anyways, ha ha ha!"

A smile is far from Luigi's face as he involuntarily starts to shake all over. For some reason, listening to the way they were lewdly talking about Princess Wendy is causing an unusual feeling to take over. He soon recognizes it as something beyond anger.

Fury.

A raw and intensely hot emotion with few in similarity. It's a feeling he hasn't felt since he was Mr. L.

"Let me get this straight. You guys want revenge and you think the best way to get it is by drugging the Koopa princess here and taking advantage of her in this drugged state." Luigi's hands and hammers become coated in electricity as his eye pupils are replaced by their blue irises with those that are neon blue and gold. "Talking isn't getting the message across. Let's try something else."

"Well come on then ya bloke. She is good for it. Let's get em , guys!" The raucous drunken crowd is not put off by this display of power and take this as the sign to attack.

Bad mistake.

A goomba dives for Luigi and manages to get in a lucky punch which goes right across the Green Thunder's cheek but proves to be ineffective as the tall man doesn't even flinch. The first strike has been cast. The time for peace is at an end.

Luigi's fear inspiring glare at the offending thug freezes those in front of him in place which proves to be rather convenient for what he is about to do next.

Luigi first performs a snap kick from a stand still position as the offending thug is too close for the move he intends to do. The move has the desired effect, checking the goomba right in the face sending him high into the air only to crash back to the wooden floor in an ungainly heap.

With the immediate space in front of him clear, Luigi slams his hammers together in front of him sending a wave of electricity in a shock wave catching all in front of him and pitching them onto the ground as the impact causes them to tumble across the floor boards with a collective groan. Some even go airborne and impact the far wall. All foes hit now have arcs of residual electricity crawling over them. The shock wave works similar to a massive Taser rendering some either unconscious or left motionless in a world of hurt.

Geno simultaneously begins strafing and shooting anyone who enters his field of vision with his star cannons while staying close to Wendy.

Geno not looking to spill the blood of anyone ensures his aim is on target but the ordinance lacks its usual bite as those caught on the receiving end are only hit as if by a physical or kinetic blast sending them through walls, windows or even into others in the angry throng. His cannons remain on auto fire mode as their repetitive clicks can be heard as he continues to bring the rain and the pain.

Toadette isn't left out of the bar brawl as she swings her mallet-sama like a warrior with a mission. Her swipes are slow but sure as several are struck at once but not by the weapon itself. This is made clear when she stops her hammer just short of hitting a particular group of foes directly. Shock is slapped on their faces as they are instantly caught up in an invisible kinetic wave that emanates from the hammer swipe sending the lot of them and parts of the floor out of the front door.

Finally, having a sense of direction thanks to Geno and Luigi she vents her frustrations of Wendy's current state on the drunken brawl taking out swaths of them at a time as they try to crowd and overwhelm them. In the end, the three are victorious but the cost to the club is considerable.

Club 64 is rendered to near scrap as the entire front of the establishment is busted out both windows and walls from bodies of ruffians being pitched through them. The bar is in shambles and the stage has been heavily damaged. Geno and Toadette sit on the floor back to back both leaning back as their chests heave trying to catch their breath. Luigi however has Wendy in his arms as she has fallen into a deep sleep. Luigi carefully looks over the toxic dart that was jabbed in Wendy's tail earlier but can't make any sense out of it but his face changes to determination as he has an idea how he can figure out what to do about the mysterious dart.

Geno rises with Toadette once he has rested a bit. "Let's get back to your house. We need to have Kammy look over her immediately and we need to figure out what was in that dart."

"Yes, let's do that at once. And don't worry about the dart. I think I know just what to do with it." Luigi rises while still carefully holding the asleep Wendy. Geno leads the group and Toadette leads up the rear as they start to exit what is left of Club 64 after the drunken brawl that just occurred. Toadette snaps her fingers and grabs their shopping bags near the door almost forgetting them considering all that just happened.

"Hey, maybe we should take her by the Toadley Clinic?" Toadette chimes in suddenly remembering it.

"No good. It's not like a hospital that is open all the time. They would be closed about now. The closest hospital is in the next town and we don't have time to travel that far especially considering there is no guarantee they even know how to treat Koopas." Luigi continues forward carefully while still holding an unconscious Wendy.

Luigi's POV

We hurry as fast as we can to my house since the local clinic is closed and the General Hospital is just too far away.

I continue to watch Wendy's chest rise and fall indicating her breathing isn't labored. That's a good thing as that means she is stable for now.

Focus, Luigi this is no time to be ogling the princess. Despite the fact that she isn't feeling well doesn't change my perception of her. She maybe a Koopa but she is still beautiful. I need to get a cold shower or something. Geeze. Really?

Well, it has been a while since I have had to fall back on my medical skills as a board certified Medical Doctor.

Surprised?

Don't be.

A lot of people saw my brother Mario become a doctor and just assumed he was the only one. I continue to grow tired of these endless assumptions people make that Mario was the only one of us who actually does anything. Did people just assume I stayed at home doing nothing but sitting on my arse?! The nerve of some people. I hear the rumors people spread about me. Dumb and lazy Luigi with the courage of a mouse.

Pegged right off the bat. I guess my act really had everyone fooled but surely my acting isn't that good is it? Do people really think that is all I have to offer the world?

Sigh.

Anyway.

Well, Mario wasn't the only one to go MD but his expertise only goes as far as an Infectious Disease Specialist which is why he was so effective during that virus outbreak at Mushroom Kingdom General all those years ago. If Mario hadn't have been there I am not sure the Mushroom Kingdom would have survived the onslaught of the Big Three. The Big Three was the name given to the three viruses that Mario had to deal with to curb that viral outbreak from turning into a pandemic.

We both became doctors but I decided to go in a different direction becoming an Emergency Doctor. It basically means were on the job all the time either at the ER or on call ready to handle all manner of trauma and emergency room procedures and treatments. However, with all the mages that operate in the Mushroom World, a lot of medical issues are often healed with magic. But the world still has a need for us as not everyone is able to get access to a mage since they usually work exclusively with royalty and rarely are found anywhere else. Not to mention, healing mages are becoming more and more increasingly rare.

I will get into why that is some other time. Let's get back on task here.

My initial analysis of Wendy was anything but encouraging as it definitely looked like the effects of a toxin or a poison however I try not to let my old habits of worrying get the better of me and stay objective. Think back and recall what was going on with her. Besides there is something oddly familiar with these symptoms. I think I may remember studying about them.

Recalling the symptoms of the substance injected into her via toxic dart, Wendy first manifested signs of delirium and dissociation. Curious however without a blood test and a chemical analysis of that compound there could be any number of substances that are to blame. I am not one to shoot in the dark, so it looks like I am going to need to do some work in the laboratory hidden in my house. Mario and I used to practice in our private laboratory when we were going through school.

Were just going to have to triage and treat Wendy inside my house. Kammy spared me the need to medically help that injured hammer bro who came in earlier due to her limited field healing skills. It also helps she is familiar with his anatomy. I vaguely recall the anatomy of the many minions of the Darklands but it wasn't a subject the Mushroom Kingdom University of Medicine really focused on. I intend to take some remedial courses at the Koopa College to remedy that as I feel that is an oversight that needs to be taken care of. That should work out great since I hear they are allowing foreigners to enroll now.

So why don't I just let Kammy examine and heal Wendy once we get to my house? Her condition is not the result of some injury taking in battle or a flesh wound. Something like this would take a healing mage with specific emphasis on microbiological orientation, toxin neutralization and purging and mages of that caliber haven't walked the planet in sometime.

It took them much longer to get back since they couldn't simply use the Warp Pipe to his house since Wendy was unconscious. This meant a 10 minute trip ended up taking an hour to complete. The side trip isn't that far and shouldn't take this long but with Luigi carefully carrying Wendy in his arms the entire way, they needed to take their time. The trip though longer proves thankfully uneventful and Wendy remains in stable condition as she continues to sleep almost blissfully. Whether it's because Luigi is holding her or the effect of the toxin is uncertain. When Luigi and the others arrive, imagine their surprise when they see that there are now two injured soldiers in Luigi's home.

Luigi momentarily looks up to catch site of the new visitor.

Luigi's POV

On the floor on a blanket is also a Toad operative with an odd color of black with white dots. He is also wearing what appears to be tactical gear with various gadgets attached to the vest. Princess Peach seems to be using her newfound healing powers to help the injured shroom. However, I will admit at the moment my only concern is the sleeping princess in my arms which is surprising.

How did I arrive at this point?

I mean seriously no one needs to tell me it's only been a day since we met each other again. Last time, I saw Wendy prior I was with my brother facing her as an enemy yet again this time at Frosted Glacier. I still remember how cold it was there.

So much has changed since then.

I still can't believe my twin brother is gone.

We were supposed to meet up at Club 64 today and just chat and catch up. Maybe that was part of the reason I was so out of control when I was there tonight. Then add in seeing Wendy so vulnerable and fragile made me even angrier that those low life scum would even dare take advantage of her. Wow, it's no wonder I didn't kill anyone tonight. That anger no fury I felt reminded me of when I was my alter-ego Mr. L. That would explain my being able to use those powers again after so long.

Hmm, curious but for another time.

But that brings up an interesting point. How is she doing this to me?

I don't understand these new feelings that I have for the koopa princess. It doesn't make any sense. I was sure I would never feel this way towards anyone ever again. Granted, I would never want even my worst enemies to die. However, seeing her condition touched me in a way I didn't think possible. I think I am really starting to like her and not just as a friend. I am going to take my time on this to try and make sense of this but in the end if it works out so be it.

Right now my only concern is making sure she is safe. I don't know what to make of this toxic dart business. I have never heard of anyone being assaulted with a toxic dart before.

I should have known things wouldn't be the same since the Kingdom Parliament and Admiral Toad was taken out.

The loss of the world powers may have just made are already unusual world even crazier.

I was shooting for 10k but ended up with 8k instead but it will have to do. Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy this special release. Don't be shy and drop up a review, favorite, follow and all that so don't be a stranger. My next chapter release for this story: "March of the Shrooms." Till next time, love and kisses, Mistress Kasumi