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Quick Author's Note:

I just been inform that some of you readers probably don't have an official Fanfiction account so you can't vote on my poll. In that case, you may leave your opinions in your reviews.

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Anyways, Enjoy The Chapter :)

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Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the story idea and any OCs.

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Chapter 36:
The Plan

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Once Kalvin and the others got to the throne room, the Trio hanged the cage next to Bowser's chair. After that was done, the three were dismissed and left to help the king. Now alone with the princess, Kalvin turn to her and grin. Princess Peach shivered in fear as the black koopa approaches her in an intimidate matter.

"You know, princess," said Kalvin. "All this could have been avoided. All you had to do was surrender your kingdom to the Koopa Klan. You probably wouldn't be in a cage if you had done so in the first place." He smirked, "Then again, may you would have been. After all, the King could always use a little play thing."

Princess Peach whimpered in fright and coward back in her cage fearfully. Kalvin smirked, amuse by her fear. He would continue terrorizing the princess if someone didn't come to her rescue.

"Leave her alone, Kalvin, she's scared as it is."

Kalvin turned around and glared. Luigi had entered the throne room and he did not look please with what he was doing to the princess.

"What are you doing here?" he demanded.

"I came to check on the princess and see how she is faring," Luigi answered.

"Well, as you can see, I'm on the task of taking care of her."

Luigi snorted. "Yeah, but not very well; you're scaring the living daylights out of her."

He scoffed. "She should be... After all, the Koopa Klan is a powerful force everyone should fear." He turns to her. "I don't know what the King sees in her…she's nothing but a weak human. Plus she's not even that pretty."

Peach 'humph' and turn her head. Kalvin shrugged and turn away from her. Luigi frowned,

"Regardless if she's pretty or not, she's still a princess and therefore, she must be treated with respect."

Kalvin laughs. "Respect? Oh Kasanova, your sense of humor is most charming."

Luigi cross his arms and raise an eyebrow. "Is that what you think of Wendy?"

Funniness died down quickly. Kalvin turn back at the green koopa and send him a heated glare. "The princess is not a joke."

"And either is this one."

Kalvin 'humph' and step away from the cage. "You seem to care a lot for this human, why don't you take care of her?"

Luigi blinked. "What? Why me?"

"Because I could care less about her well-being and I'm not going spend my precious hours just to guard some feeble human."

"But didn't you promise the king that you'll keep an eye on her?"

"I did but it doesn't take both of us to do that. Besides, she isn't going anywhere. She's trap inside a cage with no ways of escaping. Nothing to worry about,"

'I wouldn't say that,' Luigi thought.

Kalvin turns and heads for the door. "If you want to continue watching her, then be my guest. I got no problem with that."

Luigi puff and watch the black koopa leaves the room. He waited until the door shut close before letting out a relief sigh.

"I really don't like that koopa," He mumbled. He turned to the prisoner in the cage. "Are you alright, princess?"

Peach backed away from him from fright. Luigi frowned to see his friend so afraid of him. "Please, don't be afraid. I promise I won't hurt you."

"You…won't?" Peach asked cautiously.

Luigi shook his head. "Of course not; I am only here to ensure your safety."

Peach looked doubtful and Luigi couldn't really blame her for that. But he'll need her to listen if he'll have any hopes for his plan to success.

"Look, I could help you escape," Luigi said, gaining the Princess' attention. "But I'm going to need you to coöperate with me, okay? Otherwise, we both could be in trouble."

Peach frowned. "Why should I trust you?"

"Well, for one thing, I'm not a jerk like Kalvin is. And another, if I wanted to hurt you, don't you think I would have done that already."

Peach didn't say anything to that, mainly because he had a point. "Why are you helping me?"

That was a good question, one Luigi couldn't reply without revealing himself. "I have my reasons…but I will tell you that I don't agree with what Bowser's doing."

Peach became skeptical. "If that's true, then why are you working with him?"

"Because, princess, it's the only way for me to see Wendy."

She blinked. "Wendy?"

Luigi nodded. "We only been dating for a short time now but even so I really love her. If I don't get her father's approval, then she might end up with that other koopa you saw earlier. You got a glimpse of how he is and hopefully, that's all you'll ever see of him. I'll accept if Wendy doesn't love me back but I won't let someone like him take advantage of her."

Peach thought about it for a moment. The koopa in front of her was very polite, serene, and actually cared about her welfare compared to that black one. In fact, he sort of remains her of a certain green man who she hasn't seen in the last few days.

"Alright," she said "I'll trust you,"

Luigi beam and bow to her in respect. "Don't worry, your Highness; if my plan works, then you'll be back to your rightful place before you even know it."

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For the next few hours, Princess Peach was under the protection of the green koopa who kept her safe and provided her with some much need (although slightly awkward) friendly company. To pass the time faster, the two would engage in some light conversation. Even though she didn't talk much, the green koopa was happy to fill the void in between them, anything to keep her mind off things.

He often talked fondly of Wendy which was something that was hard for her to believe in. She had only known of the pink Koopa to be deceitful and spoiled rotten. But judging from the tender, loving words her boyfriend was giving her, she could only guess that there was more to the Koopa princess than meets the eye.

Every once in a while, he would pause and ask her if she wanted anything. Food, water, a pillow – anything that will help make her more comfortable. But it was kind of hard to get comfortable when you're stuck in a cage with the only key to unlock it in the possession of the Koopa King.

At one point she did asked for some water. The green koopa didn't leave the room. He was worried someone might come and do some harm to her while he was away, so he politely asked one of the passing guards to run the task for him. No one questioned him, for they knew better than to mess with the boyfriend of Wendy O. Koopa. The pink Koopa will throw a tantrum in her father's ear until he agrees to dish out some punishment to anyone who harasses with her mate.

More than once the green koopa had reminded her about a certain green clad plumber. Mario had told her he had left to meet with Lady Fettuccine's parents. But that was four days ago and they had yet to hear from him since. She was worried that he and possibly Lady Fettuccine were both stuck somewhere in Bowser's dungeon, being held as his prisoners he could probably use as ransom or bargain. Then again, the large Koopa haven't talk about such thing so she could be wrong. Even so, it doesn't hurt to make sure.

"Excuse me,"

The green koopa pause mid-speak. He was talking about something else now but she hadn't been paying attention. "Yes, princess?"

Another reminder ran through her head. Princess…. That was what the green plumber will always address her as, never once calling her by her first name even after she told him he could. Mario does that sometimes but for the most part he just goes by her actual name.

"If you don't mind me asking," she asked. "But have Bowser captured any prisoners lately?"

Luigi blinked in confusion and tilt his head slightly. "No, not that I'm aware of; are you worried about someone?"

She nodded. "My friend, Luigi; he's Mario's brother. He left to visit his girlfriend and we have yet to hear from him. I was worried that Bowser may have taken them both prisoners."

Luigi smiled slightly. It was nice to hear a friend concern about his wellbeing. Too bad he couldn't reveal to her right then and there that he was actually the koopa who's been protecting her all this time.

"I can ensure you, princess, if your friend was imprisoned, Bowser would have discussed about it. I was there when he was conversing about his plans and he hadn't mentioned one word about any prisoners whatsoever."

Peach nodded, some of her fears being put to rest. Suddenly, the throne room door opened. Luigi jumped away from the cage to appear less suspicious as Kalvin re-enter the room.

"You're still here? I thought you would have left by now."

Luigi puffed and crosses his arms. "Well, someone had to stay here and do your job."

The black koopa sniffed. "I didn't ask you to watch her for me. That was all on you. And look,"

He hit the cage, causing Peach to flinch and Luigi to hiss angrily. "She's still stuck in a cage. Looks like you spent all those hours watching her for nothing."

"I won't say for nothing," he mumbled under this voice.

The throne door opened again, this time Bowser and Kamek were the ones that enters with a few guards following behind them. Both Luigi and Kalvin step aside as they made way for the Koopa King.

"Aww, Princess Peach, my soon to be wife,"

Peach began to shiver in fear again, remembering the comment Kalvin made earlier. Luigi stood in the sidelines; he wanted to help but he couldn't interfere without raising suspicion. Bowser grins and turns to the black koopa besides him.

"How did things go, Kalvin?"

Kalvin shrugged. "Pretty well, my king, I ensure no harm came to the princess under my watch."

"Excellent,"

Luigi rolled eyes. He was use to having people take credit for his work. It happens all the time between him and Mario. The only difference is that Mario doesn't do it on purpose.

Bowser walks over to the cage and pulls out a key. He unlocks the cage door and reach inside to grab the princess. With nowhere to run, she was easily grabbed around the waist. She struggled, desperately trying to free herself from the koopa's grasp. Bowser turns around and passes her over to the guards.

"Carry the princess to my chambers," he orders. "I want her as far away from the plumber as possible until I finish dealing with him."

The thought of that send a shiver down Luigi's spine but he tries his best to ignore it. The guards nodded and walked out of the throne room with Kamek following behind them. As they pass, Peach sends a pleading look to Luigi for him to help. What she got was an apologetic look for he could do nothing to help her at the moment.

Kalvin yawn, looking tired even though he hasn't done anything strenuous. "If I may, my lord; I would like to return to my chambers. Watching the princess had left me pretty weary."

Bowser nodded. "Good ahead, Kalvin, you deserve it."

"Thank you, my lord."

Kalvin turns and gave Luigi an arrogant smirk as he pass by him. The green koopa just glared at him, not noticing the King's attention was now on him.

"So, what are you doing here, Kasanova?"

Luigi jumped and look up to the king of koopas. "Oh, I, uhm, wanted to know... if there's anything I could do to help."

Bowser grins, please to hear the green koopa wanting to get involve. "So you decided to get in on the action, uh? Alright then, let me think...I'm sure there's something out there for you to do."

As Bowser tries to think of something, Luigi tries to figure out a way to get into Bowser's bed chambers. He knew the door would most likely be lock by a key so maybe he could convince the king to lean him a spare.

"I have a suggestion," Luigi said, getting Bowser's attention. "Maybe you could put me in charge of your key."

Bowser frowned and looks at him with a raised eyebrow. "Why would I do that?"

"Well, think of it as insurance," Luigi explains. "In the off-chance that the plumber does defeat you, he'll have to go through the stress of searching for the key. In that time, you could probably come up with a counter-attack before he could even reach the princess."

Bowser places a hand on his chin in thought. All in all, it wasn't a bad idea. Every plan needs a safety net, and the green koopa in front of him just provided him with one.

"You know what Kasanova, I like the way you're thinking." He said. "It never hurts to be too careful and you sir got that idea covered."

The Koopa King reached behind him and pulled out his key. "This is my bed room key, Kamek has the spare. I'll just tell him to hide it someplace before that troublesome plumber arrives."

He tosses it to Luigi who caught it mid-air. "Make sure you don't lose it, otherwise I won't be able to get inside my room."

Luigi salutes to him. "Don't worry, your Highness, I'll guard it with my life."

~XXX~

After tossing the princess in the Koopa King's bedchambers, Kamek close the door behind her and lock it with the spare key. Once secured, he ordered the guards to return to their station post.

Hiding behind a corner was Luigi. Now that he had Bowser's key to his bedroom, he could free the princess and lead her out of here. He waited patiently for Kamek and the guards to leave the area. When the course was clear, he quickly made his way to large wooden door.

Bowser's master bedroom – the number one room he said he'll steer clear of. Once the door was unlocked, he slowly opened it and pecked inside. The room was dark and he couldn't see any figure.

"Princess?"

No reply. Quickly, he enters and closes the door behind him. He turns back to the room and tries to search for the Princess.

"Princess?" He called out. "Princess, where are you?"

Silence was his answer. Having no choice, he started searching further. . Bowser's bedroom was three times bigger than Wendy's room which is expected for the King. He too had a private bathroom, a walk-in closet, and a very large bed, just big enough to support his large frame.

His blues eyes scan the room thoroughly, looking for the slightest sign of pink. He found some hiding in the farthest corner in the room. He dash over to see the Princess press against the wall, trying to make herself as small as possible. The green koopa grew sadden as he was able to see her body fearfully shaking out of the darkness.

"Princess,"

She cringes and pressed herself even further. "G-Go away,"

Luigi frown. "I can't do that, Princess, not until I get you out of here."

Cautiously, Peach glances over to look into the green koopa's eyes. To her, they were exactly like the green plumber's; bright blue, full of kindness and courage with a hint of fear.

She blinked when she saw a claw hand being offered to her. She look pass the offer to see a soft smile matching those blue eyes. With slight hesitation, she took the hand and was carefully help back on her feet. Even though she was capable to stand on her own, Luigi continue to hold her hand as a sign of support.

Suddenly, a loud noise could be heard in the hall way as well as the sound of heavy footsteps. Luigi grew tense, fearing that he had been discovered and the guards were coming for them. Instead, they ran right pass the door, completely unaware he was in there in the first place. As soon as the sound of footsteps fainted, he relaxes and let out a sigh of relief.

"What do you think that was about?" Peach asked timidly.

Luigi didn't reply to her right away. He too had mentally asked that question and was trying to think of an answer. It came to him less than a minute later and he smiled inwardly to himself.

"Mario's here,"

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Ending Note:

I decided to give you all a little sneak peck of what's going to be in the next chapter. Keep in mind that these are only small fragments of the whole thing...kind of like they do at the end of Naruto.

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Next Time:

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"Your Highness," pants the Goomba. "There's...an emergency."

"Great," Bowser groans. "What is it?"

"We found Kasanova Koopa, sir... and he appears to be injured."

"What?!" Wendy pushed whoever Koopa was in front of her and leap in front of the Goomba. "What happened to him?"

The Goomba jumped back from her in fright. "Uh, Mario, mistress... we think the plumber got to him."

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When they got to the sight, they saw a small crowd had gathered around. In the center of their attention was Luigi who was leaning against the wall with Kamek standing beside him.

"Kasanova,"

Upon seeing Wendy and the others, the small crowd step aside to create a path for them. Once she saw her boyfriend, Wendy ran straight towards him and kneeled by his side.

"Kasanova, sweetie, are you okay?" she asked as she looked him over.

Upon closer examination, she was about to see where his injuries lay. He had a bruise over his left eye and another one on his forehead. Other than that, he seems alright.

"I'm fine," Luigi smiled. "Just a little head-ache is all."

"What happened, Kasanova?" Bowser asked him.

"Mario, sir," Luigi explained.

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"How you're doing, Kasanova?" He asked.

"Fine, my lord, the tea has helped me out a lot."

"That's good,"

"If I may, sire, I wanted to apologize again for failing you and losing the princess in the process."

"Nah, you did what you had to do. It's that blasted plumber that needs to be sorry." Bowser growled. "And enough of that sire crap; you're one of us now. Call me Bowser,"

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Final Ending Note:

I hope those little fragments got you guys excited for the next chapter which will be up by Sunday.

Oh, and don't forget to check out my poll if you haven't already.

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Please... Review :)