Countdown to Panic

It was one thing to declare that he would rescue a royal, but it was another entirely when he was faced with the reality that he could not proceed with his usual brand of heroics. Mario had to eternally curse his willingness to take the position of Lord Regent as it would do no good to have an envoy of the Crown, a Mushroomer no less, taking reckless actions against would be revolutionaries. Sighing, Mario strummed his fingers along the desk and frowned. The Council had devolved into pointless bickering with no solutions being laid bare. Even Terrapin looked perturbed by the turn of events.

Standing, the plumber raised his right hand and clenched it into a fist. A thunderous boom echoed throughout the room as his fist collided into the table, "That's enough!" He barked out glaring at the Councilors. Exhaling, he began again in a softer tone, "We're all bickering over simple solutions, but does anyone care to know what I'm trying to do right now? I'm trying to avoid making eye contact with the Spy Master and the Inquisitor…"

"Your Excellency…" Johann began only to be met with a cold glare from the plumber.

"Between the two of you, this Kingdom has the best security apparatus on the planet. I can't scratch my nose in the Mushroom Kingdom without someone here knowing about it." The Regent muttered, "So how is it you people have missed some terrorist cell moving in Westria!?"

"We dropped the ball, my Lord…" Caretta replied, having the decency to look ashamed.

"Pick it up – would you please?" Mario asked with false pleasantness in his voice. He glanced at Galapagos, "Lord Commander, what do you know about the Banished?"

"They were led by a noble family during the reign of King Bowser's predecessor," Galapagos explained cautiously, "They considered the Duke, Wart Clamitans to be a much worthier successor to the throne than King Bowser. As if that frog was worthier than the Koopa King."

Mario's eyes narrowed, "And what is the probability that the Duke is making a return now?"

"Unlikely, given that King Bowser executed him personally." Galapagos explained, "This is too sloppy. I would guess Mouser; an old lieutenant of the Duke's is behind this attack."

The Regent sighed, "Alright. Have we received a list of demands from them yet?"

Terrapin snorted in derision, "Nothing more than the release of all political prisoners affiliated with the Banished and a total of twenty million drakes as recompense for the death of their Duke."

Galapagos sneered, "How about it, Lord Regent? Feel like offering a copper penny to these animals?"

"I don't intend to give them one copper." Mario stated frankly, "However, I think we have plenty of steel to give them." He stood up taking some pleasure in Galapagos' wide-eyed expression, "I want troops mobilized and ready to storm the museum at my command and not a moment before. I will be heading to Westria myself to discuss things further with Viceroy Ludwig."

"Where shall I be, Excellency?" Terrapin asked cautiously.

"You'll accompany me, Colonel." Mario glanced at the room, "If we move swiftly, we can avoid this becoming a bloodbath."

Without waiting for further comments, the Regent exited the room with Terrapin hot on his heels. This had to go off without a hitch, the thought of that boy's blood being spilled made him nauseous. The Colonel had been barking orders at staff members within the palace as the two moved towards what he could have only assumed was the royal hangar. Glancing to Terrapin, he could only frown.

"You should look more optimistic, Excellency." Terrapin chided gently, "The people do need a leader that they can have faith in."

Mario snorted and shook his head, "Too true, if I'm going in, then I need all of the information on Mouser that you have." He clicked his tongue as he looked at the massive airship sitting in the hangar, "And what on earth is that?"

Terrapin only smirked, "That would be the Nostramo, King Bowser's flagship." He crossed his arms, "Though… I suppose for this particular thing, it's your ship."

Mario whistled in appreciation, "I can certainly see what the King doesn't use this one very often." He mused softly, "Come, let us get on board and make haste for Westria."

It had been some time since he had found himself paralyzed to act. Ludwig von Koopa, Viceroy of Westria was helpless, and he hated it. His claws raked across the wood of the table, and he frowned. Turning, he glanced to a computer screen situated on a wall in his office and waited. Waiting for his… father, to make contact was slightly unnerving as the Koopa King was usually very expressive with his anger, yet there seemed to be an audible pause in a fiery condemnation being delivered through a video conference.

Straightening his coat, he stood up and began slowly pacing across the room. His little brother had been doing rather well in their regular lessons of statecraft and a moment's reprieve surely wasn't too much to ask. Yet, here he now sat waiting for the inevitable condemnation from their father, or was it their mother now? Ludwig shook himself and braced for the inevitable.

As if on cue, the screen blinked to life revealing the now familiar blonde locks and blue eyes of Queen Bowsette, "Ludwig…" She muttered tonelessly.

Ludwig blinked, "Your Grace…" He bowed back. This was peculiar, "Apart from the obvious, are you well?"

Bowsette's eyes seemed to flare to life, "No. What happened?" She asked in an icy tone. "My son was to be protected at all times. Why wasn't he, Viceroy?"

Ludwig swallowed hard, "Your Grace, the Prince was under protection when he went to the museum. The Prince was also wearing a disguise to help further conceal his identity." He swallowed hard. Hating how terrified he sounded. "It is perhaps because of that, it's why the Banished haven't discovered his identity."

"Consider yourself fortunate…" She replied angrily, "…Because that is the only reason you haven't lost your head, my son or no."

Ludwig exhaled slowly, "I understand." He replied numbly, "I assume there is a plan in motion?"

Bowsette nodded, "Yes. I am sending the Lord Regent to assist with this. I would venture to guess that the Banished would be quite keen on meeting the Hero of the Mushroom Kingdom." She explained, her gaze hardened once more, "You'll be helping him secure the release of the hostages."

Ludwig's eyes widened slightly, "O-of course, Majesty." He stammered. "With his help, the Prince should be back home in time for supper." He swallowed hard.

"For your sake, I hope so." Bowsette replied, "The Nostromo should be there within the hour. Do be sure to give him a proper welcome."

The video feed was cut while Ludwig let out a shaky sigh of relief. The Queen seemed to be restraining the bulk of her fury for the most part, but he could tell that she was itching to kill someone over the misfortune that befell the Prince. Ludwig stood up and looked out of the window if he weren't careful then it would his head rolling. Spotting a small series of dots, his eyes widened before the Viceroy grabbed an earpiece and a phone. Dialing a set of numbers, he sat back in his chair and waited while the phone rang.

"C'mon… pick up the bloody phone…" He growled irritably.

"This the Lord Regent speaking," came the voice of the very man he wanted to speak with.

"Your Excellency," Ludwig replied with more energy than he thought he had, "Am I correct in assuming that is your ship on the horizon?"

"It is," Mario answered. Ludwig breathed a sigh of relief, "Is something wrong, Viceroy?"

"No, no my Lord." It was strange how the title of Lord didn't taste so bitter when addressing the plumber, "I merely wish to divert the Nostramo to my own personal hangar, here at my office. There we can meet face to face and formulate a plan to rescue the Prince."

"Of course, Viceroy." The Regent replied, "Have the Banished made any new demands?"

"No, Excellency. I believe that time is still on our side for now." How long though? That was the real question. "Yet… the longer we dawdle then, the longer we give them time to discover my brother's identity."

"Fully agreed. We can discuss a course of action once I'm ground side." Mario ended the call while Ludwig sunk into his chair.

From the plumber's tone, he certainly was acting concerned about the Koopa Prince's wellbeing. What struck him as odd was that Mario sounded far more like a regal lord than a plumber thrown out of his element. Maybe the Jade Summit wasn't a fluke after all. Sighing, the Viceroy stood up and began walking towards his own personal hangar and stood to wait for the arrival of the Regent himself.

"My Lord, are you sure we can trust him?" An aide asked.

Ludwig chuckled and shrugged, "At this point, I have no real choice in the matter. His Majesty has chosen to name the plumber to the highest office in the land. In short, Mario is second only to the Koopa King in terms of political power." He smirked, "Besides, the plumber has a knack for rescuing royals, or have you forgotten?"

The hangar doors while the Viceroy stood with his arms clasped behind his back. The Nostramo began its approach to the hangar, it was slightly unnerving as he waited for the dreadnought to land. The ramps descended as several black-clothed soldiers exited with the Lord Regent himself exiting. Mario was wearing the attire he wore during the Jade Summit, though he now had an overcoat on likely to compensate for the colder climate of Westria.

Walking towards the man, Ludwig proceeded to bow at the waist, "Welcome to Westria, Your Excellency."

"Thank you, Viceroy." Mario replied evenly, "Though I wish the circumstances were better."

Ludwig nodded empathetically, "As do I, my Lord." He gestured for the Regent to follow him. "Come, I'll take you to the museum, I have the City Watch currently surrounding the building and are awaiting your orders."

"Excellent, Colonel Terrapin," Mario called out, "Take your men and assist the City Watch, I believe the captain is named Remus Gallardi. If the building plans are accurate, then we could get some of our men in there and begin exfiltration of the Prince. After that, we can begin a process for getting the hostages home safely."

"It will be done, my Lord." A koopa, presumably Terrapin, called out. Ludwig's eyebrows rose while Mario only chuckled softly.

"I didn't spend all that time before the Summit resting on my laurels." He mused good-naturedly. "I take it the King has spoken with you?"

Ludwig nodded, "He is… rather displeased with the turn of events." The Viceroy ran a hand through his unruly hair, "Truth be told, I honestly regret letting my brother out of my sight even for a moment."

"It'll only be regret if he dies, and we're both going to make sure that doesn't happen." Mario returned firmly.

The Viceroy led his guest towards the front of the building where an armored, black car had been waiting. Climbing in, Ludwig exhaled and placed his head in his hands. A hand on his shoulder jolted him from his melancholy as he gazed up at the plumber looking at him with worry.

"My apologies, Mario… this hasn't been an easy time for anyone. I can't even begin to imagine how… fa—mother? Well… Bowsette is taking this sordid affair." Ludwig began softly. "I mean… our conversation amounted to her basically warning me that if something happened to my brother that my head would soon follow."

"Like I said, I'm here to help make sure that doesn't happen." The Regent replied gently, "Besides you're not giving your brother enough credit. In my name fighting against you lot, I'd say Junior's probably been one of the more dangerous people I've gone against."

Ludwig nodded, "I know, I just can't help but worry."

Bowser, Second of His Name, or rather "Junior" as his father had so fondly called him sat listening to the terrorists make their demands. None of this was right. Princes didn't get kidnapped like this, or at least he didn't. He glanced at the others around the room and frowned, too many people would get hurt if he tried to fight them. He frowned and listened to the barking orders of the City Watch. Glancing at the armed guards, he was astounded at the sight of a frog emblem on their armbands.

The sounds of a crying infant tore through the room as several of the guards turned to a woman holding her child close to her. Junior's eyes narrowed as he began moving only to have his hand firmly grasped by a human woman shaking her head firmly. He gritted his teeth in frustration, "They're going to hurt that baby…" He whispered angrily, "Paloma, you have to let me help that woman!"

The human — Paloma, frowned, "My Prince… I cannot let you endanger yourself."

"Hey! Shut that brat up!" One of the guards snarled angrily while aiming his rifle at the screaming child.

Junior's teeth clenched tighter as he watched the woman frantically try and soothe her baby. Pelome's hand squeezed his tightly as he felt helpless. These would be the people he would rule over someday, and yet he was being told that he couldn't do his job and protect them. Where was the logic in that?

"I said shut the brat up!" The guard reached out with malicious intent—

"Stop!" Junior exclaimed standing up and jerking his hand away from Paloma.

"Oh? And just who are you, kid?"—

"My name is Bowser, Second of My Name, and Prince of the Koopa Kingdom." He gave a soft smile towards the woman, "Don't worry you're alright." He glared at the man.

Tolaris Terrapin despised the situation he was in. Not the actual job itself, but the predicament did not appeal to him. He marched up to a tent where a City Watch officer wearing a captain's brooch sat staring intently at the radio and cleared his throat, "I'm here under the orders of the Lord Regent and will be taking command of the operation here on out." He declared firmly. "Captain Gallardi, I presume?"

"Oh aye, but I only recognize His Majesty, King Bowser." The Captain sneered, "Not some usurping foreigner nor his lapdog."

Rather than rising to the Captain's provocation, Terrapin only sighed, "Captain, I don't have time for your grandiose display of national pride, right now the Prince is among those hostages—"

"Oh? The Prince is among those hostages you say? Well… I'm also a member of the Smithy Gang." Gallardi muttered contemptuously. "But I still have meaty bits on me, so you take your Mushroom loving self away from this operation, or I'll have you clapped in irons!"

Terrapin frowned as he stared at Gallardi with a sense of utter loathing, "Sir, I assure you this is no joking matter!" He snapped. "If the Prince is found, then you will have placed him in harm's way, and I'll make sure His Majesty knows that you were directly responsible for this!"

The Captain rounded on him with venom in his gaze; however, the radio crackled to life, "This is Lieutenant Mouser of the Duchy of Subcon, there is something that I believe will interest all of you within the Koopa Kingdom…."

The Colonel looked behind him noticing the approaching forms of both Mario and Ludwig. Terrapin's glare only intensified as he listened to Mouser's address.

"You see… I realized something, a hostage crisis alone wouldn't spur a kingdom to act. No… I needed leverage. And what better way to secure that than by having the Crown Prince of the Kingdom as one of those hostages. Now… I'm a fairly reasonable man, and Captain Gallardi I know you're listening to this, if my demands are not met then you can explain to King Bowser why his son had to die for a simple trade."

Terrapin approached Gallardi, "So Captain… how about we try things our way now?"

Author's Note:

Y'know I legitimately enjoyed this chapter. Though it was a bit difficult just because it is so radically different from what we've seen so far.

I know most people like to use Wart and Subcon as like rivals for Bowser, but honestly? Wart was only in one game. Not just that but honestly, if I had Wart be the one taking hostages then I'd feel like I'm ripping off Marsthemusiclover's stellar Foe to Admirer: A Lighthearted Bowsette x Mario Fanfic, of which you should totally read! Mouser, on the other hand, I legitimately like the idea of using him as a sort of test for Mario's ability to coordinate a rescue. It's one thing for him to go in guns blazing and try to rescue the kidnapped victim, but in this case, it puts a lot of lives at risk, and that would undo any good will he attained during the Jade Summit.

Ludwig was fun to write if only because he's walking a metaphorical tight rope now and is having to deal with the possibility that not only could his brother die, he could too. Mario caught onto that early on and is currently working to make sure that he saves as many people as he can.

Junior's bit might throw people off, but again remember that Terrapin said that the people of the Koopa Kingdom view Bowser as a hero? The same applies to Junior. So Junior dropping his own name saved a lot of grief and heartache for some of the hostages; however, it's now placed him directly in harm's way. A fact that he is aware of mind you.