I woke up to what sounds like maniacal laughing, and it's coming from no one other than Iggy. I know he's crazy and all that, but why is he laughing like that right now?

"Why are you laughing?" I asked as I stretched my arms.

"I just did something correctly," Iggy told me before maniacally laughing once more. "I'm sorry if I woke you up."

"It's okay." I said and stood up.

"Bark! Bark!" A chain chomp crashes through one of the lab windows. Glass broke, making me flinch. I don't really like loud, startling noises.

"Iggy Jr.!" Iggy screeched. "How did you escape?!"

Iggy Jr. simply hopped over to Iggy and barked at him repeatedly. I held in my laughter. It looks like Iggy Jr. is scolding his owner.

"Iggy Jr.!" I clapped. "Come here!"

I'm thinking that chain chomps are the Mushroom World equivalent of dogs in my home planet. Plus, I love dogs and I have 2 dogs back on Earth.

Iggy Jr. glanced my way and soon started barking at me.

"Iggy Jr.!" Iggy exclaimed. "Go back to your chain chomp house! You're grounded!" Iggy Jr. whimpered before taking a giant leap back out through the previously broken window.

"He's cute." I commented.

"She, you mean," Iggy corrected. "She's a female."

"Then why is she called Iggy Jr.?" I questioned.

"I don't know!" Iggy throws his hands up in the air. "Don't question my names for my pets." Iggy's crazy, alright.

"You have more pets?" I asked.

"No," Iggy responded. "Iggy Jr. is all I want and need for a pet."

"Oh, by the way, when will I meet your dad?" I decided to change the subject.

"I can tell Kamek to bring you to him after breakfast," Iggy suggested. "That means about 9:30."

"Okay." I said.

A few hours had passed and I'm about to meet the person I defeated in quite a few Super Mario games, or should I say, Bowser. Once again, I feel a little nervous. I really hope this plan goes well.

Kamek dropped by Iggy's room to lead me to the throne room, where Bowser is waiting for me. A 5 minute walk there. Gosh, the residents of this castle probably get a lot of exercise every day just by walking.

Soon, we arrived at the throne room. I've never been here before. Practically everything in this room is massive and enormous.

"So, you want to be an apprentice for me." Bowser's voice echoed throughout the room as he glanced down at me from his throne.

"Yes, sir." I tried to sound confident.

"And what is your name?" Bowser questioned.

"DJ." I stated.

Bowser asked me a few questions and I answered them without messing up on anything. He turns to Kamek.

"Kamek, take DJ to one of the guest rooms," Bowser said before shifting his gaze back to me. "Tomorrow, at 9 A.M., you will go and spy on those Mario Brothers and Peach. You must be back in 2 hours or less with your observations and a plan if you have one in mind. That will be your test. By the end of tomorrow night, you will be informed if you are an apprentice for me or not. Is that clear?"

"Yes sir, I know." I quickly bowed my head.

"I will now direct DJ to his room, your surliness." Kamek also bowed.

"Good. Both of you are dismissed." Bowser replied. I had a question and I'm a bit nervous to ask it. However, I gathered the courage needed to ask my question.

"King Bowser?" I asked.

"Yes?" Bowser responded.

"If I'm accepted as an apprentice," I took a deep breath. "Can I meet the Koopalings?" I secretly already met them, but I didn't want to say that I already have because I know Bowser would ask me more questions; how I met them and where I came from, for instance.

"Hmm..." Bowser rested his chin on one of his hands. "If you're officially a spy, then you may. But make one mistake and you're out of here."

"I understand, sir." I replied as Kamek and I leave the throne room.

I have no experience at all when it comes to being an apprentice. But I have to pass or I'll lose what might be my only chance of going back home.