Hello Everyone!
I am not sure if anyone is going to read this but it's nice getting back to my roots to when I mostly wrote fanfiction for videogames.
For context, this fanfic has been in the works since 2019 when I first played New Super Mario Bros Deluxe and played as Toadette.
Oh my gosh, I absolutely loved it! Playing as a female character in a sidescrolling Mario game felt good! And Toadette became one of my favorite characters.
So I wanted to write a fanfic with Toadette as the hero, and add other awesome female characters like Goombella and Bombette from the Paper Mario series. It's gonna be awesome!
Also another character that plays an important role is Prince Mush alongside his sister Jolene. For those of you who don't know Prince Mush and Jolene are minor characters from Paper Mario the Thousand Year Door. But you'll see Prince Mush's role once you read.
I hope all of you enjoy it! Surprisingly enough writing for the Super Mario series is one of my favorite things to write about! Now without further ado...
Disclaimer: The Super Mario characters belong to Nintendo, this is just a fanfic written by a fan.
When Toadette was 10 years old, she would play in the Mushroom Kingdom castle with her best friends Bombette and Goombella while their parents worked at the castle.
The castle was always fun with the girls bouncing on trampolines in the gym and playing with rubber hammers while the maids and butlers glanced at them while they worked. The three little girls always made sure not to cause too much trouble, though. Since they adored Princess Peach and didn't want Toadsworth to blow up.
Today the maids and butlers were extra busy making the castle look nice because of the arrival of Queen Jolene and Prince Mush from a tiny sub-kingdom a reasonable distance away.
"As long as I have my best friends beside me, I will protect the kingdom and the handsome prince," Toadette cried.
"We are powerful!" Bombette and Goombella cried triumphantly.
Toadette, Bombette, and Goombella circled around the room and twirled around crafted star rods that glittered.
A toad maid with a purple mushroom cap groaned under her breath, and another toad maid with a periwinkle mushroom cap, her twin sister, smiled at the young girls playing.
"Oh Betty, they are so adorable. I wish we had that much fun when we were kids," said the periwinkle toad.
"It's not fun when stuff gets broken, Sally," Betty said coldly.
Toadette, Bombette, and Goombella grabbed their rubber hammers next and made large squishing sounds as they hit themselves and the marble floor. Betty groaned under her breath again.
"Toadette, someday you will make a nice maid for the princess," Betty said sternly.
Toadette giggled. "I don't want to be a maid. I want to learn to fight."
Bombette nodded. "We don't want to play second fiddle."
"I want to be a scholar who can also fight," Goombella said.
Betty sighed and went back to dusting a vase.
"That does sound adventurous," said Sally. "As opposed to being a maid."
The three girls went back to playing with their hammers, and the squishing noises continued.
"Being a maid is much quieter," Betty whispered in her sister's ear.
One of the male toad servants frantically headed into the room. "Princess Jolene and Prince Mush have arrived! Everyone hurry and hustle."
All the maids and servants finished their work quickly and left for the main hall.
"Come on, Sally," said Betty.
Sally smiled at the three girls before leaving with her sister.
"Have fun, girls, but also remember we have visitors," Sally said.
The door closed behind them, and the three girls sat down for a rest.
"It isn't as fun without the servants and maids," said Bombette.
"I wanted to go to the library anyway," said Goombella.
"Ugh! Not again!" Bombette cried.
Toadette stared at the door. "Maybe we could say hello to the Prince."
Goombella flipped through her tattle log.
"Prince Mush, a shy Prince from a small kingdom, he's the same age as us," said Goombella.
"His talents include fighting."
Toadette smiled. "Now, I am a bit interested."
The three girls headed down the hallway to see if they could befriend the young prince and welcome him. Of course, royal visitors are an important event. They couldn't upset Toadsworth.
In the throne room, a 14-year-old Princess Peach awaited alongside Toadsworth and some royal advisors for the arrival of Princess Jolene and Prince Mush.
The big doors opened, and a tiny, slender female toad bowed while her younger brother held on to her arm and stayed closer.
"Welcome, welcome. Young Lord and Lady" said Toadsworth.
"Welcome to the Mushroom Kingdom," said Princess Peach.
"Thank you for your hospitality," said Jolene.
Prince Mush nodded.
"Thank...You…" Prince Mush said softly. "It's wonderful to meet…." Prince Mush paused. "Princess Peach…"
"Such a timid young master," said Toadworth. "No need to be shy young one."
Jolene patted her brother in the head. "I thank you for helping us with our small kingdom. Things haven't been the same since our parents died."
"The pleasure is all ours, your highness," Toadworth said triumphantly. "You are a fine young ruler, but Prince Mush is so young."
"Perhaps he would like to spend time at the spa, or the library, or the gym," Toadworth said.
Prince Mush smiled slightly when he heard about the gym.
"My brother is powerful. He is showing a lot of talent for his age," said Jolene.
"Prince Mush could spend time with Toadette and the girls," Princess Peach suggested.
Toadsworth looked flabbergasted. "Spending time with Toadette…There are better ways for the young master to spend his time."
Princess Peach hushed Toadsworth. "As princess, I don't get to spend time with my friends often. I barely get to see Daisy…."
Toadsworth cleared his throat. "Anyway, will the guards take the young master to the gym?"
As Prince Mush was escorted by the guards, he couldn't help but stare at the castle in awe, but he didn't notice Toadette and her friends looking from the hallway corner at the toad prince.
"He is being guarded strictly. We shouldn't bother him," said Goombella.
"I wanted to spend time in the garden anyway," said Bombette.
Toadette didn't stir a bit.
"Toadette?" Bombette said.
"Huh?" Toadette said.
Toadette quickly shook her head. "Yeah, let's go."
Goombella giggled. "I think Toadette is interested."
Toadette looked away. "Maybe a little."
"Well, we should at least say hi," said Goombella.
Bombette jittered. "We can't get in trouble with Toadsworth."
Goombella shook her head. "But I heard Princess Peach suggest we keep him company and become friends."
The girls thought for a moment and smiled at each other before heading to the gym. Their beloved Princess did make the suggestion after all.
Prince Mush had to admit that Peach's castle had a nice big training gym that had a relaxing feel to it.
The prince got on the gym mat and stretched a bit before doing some fencing stances and jabs. Then he let out a sigh.
"I wish I had someone else to play with," the prince said.
The three girls cracked the double door slightly and peeked at Prince Mush practicing his fighting stance.
Toadette blinked a few times. Her black eyes glowed.
"Wow…" Toadette said softly.
"Toadette, you know he's a prince," Goombella said as she stared at her friend in bewilderment.
Toadette gave a sideways glance. "And?"
"You should go talk to him!" Bombette said, a bit too loud.
Toadette was a bit flustered and shushed Bombette. Then the pink toad sat by the door.
"But he's a prince. We're just normal kids," Toadette whispered. "It may not matter if Toadsworth gets grumpy again, but I wouldn't want to disappoint the princess."
The girls took another glance at Prince Mush, who swung a toy sword around quietly.
"He looks a bit lonely, though," Bombette said.
"So we should at least say hello!" Goombella said with enthusiasm. "The prince won't be able to resist spunky, pretty girls like us! Especially you, Toadette."
Toadette blushed, but then she shook her head and tried to lead her friends in the other direction. The pink toad grabbed Goombella by the foot and Bombette by her winder.
"Come on, you two, the library sounds nice right now," Toadette said.
"No! We are girls of courage!" Goombella cried as she tried to resist Toadette's grip.
"I think we need a fun party!" Bombette cried.
Bombette broke free and gained control of her winder.
"Wait, don't!" Toadette cried.
Trouble like this was a way for Bombette and the other girls to get disciplined quickly. The pink bob-omb wounded up quickly until the braided rope on her head sizzled to nothing.
Bombette flew up to the ceiling in an explosion of smoke and confetti that caused the double doors to fly open loudly enough for servants to hear.
"Wooo-Hooo!" The pink bob-omb cried in triumph as she spun in the air and struck a pose.
Toadette froze in horror. She was covered in puffy white smoke and confetti as Goombella jumped around cheering.
"Yeah! Now that's a way to make an entrance!" Goombella cried while jumping for joy.
Bombette fell to the ground with a plop as Goombella continued to happily jump around.
"That was fun!" Bombette cried. "Let's do that again but with a canon!"
"The entire Mushroom Kingdom will be surprised!" Goombella said.
Prince Mush was stunned to see a random confetti explosion from a female bob-omb.
Toadette snapped out of it and quickly brushed away smoke and confetti.
"We're really sorry!" Toadette cried. She waved her hands so the Prince wouldn't get upset.
But Prince Mush started laughing, which stunned the three girls. He laughed as if he was at a circus performance enjoying his time.
"Don't be sorry, that was fun!" Prince Mush said.
Toadette couldn't help but smile at the prince's laugh. It was a cute laugh. He also had a cute blonde hair curl and pink polka dot mushroom cap and wore dark blue, royal attire.
"Toadworth might just throw a fit!" Bombette cried.
Just then, Toadette snapped out of her trance. "Oh no! What if Toadsworth throws us in prison?!" She cried.
"Don't worry," Prince Mush insisted as he walked closer to the girls. "I can help!"
The guards, Toadsworth, and Queen Jolene, rushed into the gym when servants cried for help.
Toadsworth was frantically asking what happened to disturb the peaceful castle, but Prince Mush was calm and collected.
"Miss Bombette was just welcoming me with confetti. It was very thoughtful," Prince Mush said.
Toadette couldn't help but notice how polite he was for a young prince.
"She and Miss Goombella and Miss Toadette just wanted to make sure I am welcomed. The Mushroom Kingdom is such a thoughtful kingdom," Prince Mush said.
Toadsworth sighed. "Alright then, but the mess should be cleaned."
The servants got on that immediately.
Toadsworth turned to the three girls. "It appears that you decided to keep the young Prince company. I hope you realize what a big responsibility that is."
"The prince should have fun with kids his age," Toadette said.
"Yes," Toadsworth said. "But this is also a responsibility I give to you girls. Since as rambunctious as you young misses are, the three of you have big noble hearts."
Goombella smirked. "We won't let you down, Toadsworth!"
"We never let Master Toadsworth down!" Bombette said with a determined look on her face.
Toadsworth wiped the sweat off his forehead.
"Not when it matters!" Bombette added.
"Maybe the mature prince will be a good influence on you girls," Toadsworth muttered.
Prince Mush gave a reassuring smile. "I am sure they will be great friends, Master Toadsworth."
"You are a very kind young Prince," Toadsworth said. "Now, if you may excuse me!"
Toadsworth and some servants rushed out on other business, and the three girls and the prince were left in the gym while the servants continued cleaning up.
Toadette smiled at Prince Mush.
"Thank you for covering for us," Toadette said.
"It was my pleasure," Prince Mush said.
Toadette was stunned to hear the young prince speak in such a polite way as an adult would. Yes, he was a prince, but he was also the same age as her.
"So, would you like to play with us?" Bombette asked. "The gym isn't fun by yourself."
"But there is also the library," Goombella said. "The Mushroom Kingdom Castle Library is the best in the world."
Toadette thought for a moment. "I think we should go to the garden."
Prince Mush smiled. "I like all those ideas."
"Hold on," Prince Mush said as he raised his hands up. "I forgot to introduce myself formally."
Prince Mush bowed. "My name is Prince Mush, Prince of Tinyshroom Kingdom."
Goombella took out her tattle log and flipped through the pages.
"The Tinyshroom Kingdom the little sister kingdom to the Mushroom Kingdom. Young Queen Jolene and Prince Mush are rulers," Goombella said.
Prince Mush was stunned, and Toadette and Bombette giggled.
"Goombella is the best student," Bombette said.
"I am always here to help," Goombella said as she raised up her tattle log and winked.
Bombette did an excited bounce. "And I am always here for parties."
Toadette smiled at her two best friends before wrapping her tiny hands around both of them.
"And I am going to be a fighter someday, who can go on adventures and save people," Toadette smiled.
Prince Mush was glowing, something that enchanted Toadette just a bit.
"That's great!" Prince Mush said.
Toadette smiled. "Really?" He actually thought that being a female fighter wasn't an outrageous idea, unlike all the adults.
"Yes, Really," Prince Mush nodded.
Toadette was too surprised to speak. Bombette and Goombella whispered and giggled from behind.
"My favorite TV show is Magical Princess Fighter," Prince Mush.
Toadette, Goombella, and Bombette gasped all at once.
"It's my favorite show as well!" Toadette cried.
"Our favorite show!" Goombella cried.
"We should watch it together at one point!" Bombette said.
Prince Mush was overwhelmed by the fun options to play with his new friends.
"Well, first I would love to look at the castle library if you girls will join me," Prince Mush said.
Toadette smiled. "Sure, that would be great."
The girls were overjoyed, and Toadette's heart fluttered as her black eyes had a new sparkle in them, something that didn't go unnoticed by Goombella and Bombette.
Goombella and Bombette playfully pushed Toadette's shoulders before turning back to the prince.
"I am glad you asked!" Goombella said. "You'll find the best books there!"
As the girls and the prince walked out of the gym, the servants noticed the kids' lively conversations as they headed to the library.
The librarian finally shushed them as they walked into the royal library, and the children got into their own personal space and whispered. Sure it was the royal library, but it was open to the many visitors that would come in.
Toadette read books about heroes saving the day. Bombette sat beside Toadette and read comic books.
Goombella read books about science, and Prince Mush sat beside her to read books about botany.
Goombella was hooked on the science book but seeing Prince Mush read about Piranha Plants fueled her urge for more knowledge.
Goombella scooted a bit closer to the prince.
"Why are you interested in Piranha Plants?" Goombella asked.
"I never saw one up close," The Prince said as he flipped a page. "I wonder if I could be friends with one and learn new things."
Toadette and Bombette walked over.
"There are a bunch of piranha plants in the garden," Toadette said.
"They aren't the friendliest piranha plants, though," Bombette said.
"The gardeners have tamed them, though. They couldn't even hurt flies," Goombella said.
"Besides, the Prince said he wanted to see the garden, right, Toadette?" Goombella said slyly.
Toadette was slightly upset Goombella was putting her on the spot. The pink toad girl held her action book in front of her face. Only for Prince Mush to walk to her.
"I would love to read one of those books as well," Prince Mush said.
Toadette slowly removed the book from her face and was bashful at the Prince's smile. The prince smiled as if everything around him looked colorful. She shut the book and placed it down, now being too distracted to read.
"I would also love to read that comic as well, Bombette," Prince Mush said.
"Let's get some fresh air in the garden first. 35 species of flowers and plants, I counted them all!" Goombella said.
"I'm ready to go!" Bombette said. "I am sure many more flowers have bloomed now."
Prince Mush smiled, a smile Toadette couldn't help but feel was incredibly charming.
"I would love to see the flowers," The Prince said.
Toadette nodded. "Ok, your highness." Toadette looked away in embarrassment when she realized she referred to the prince in such a formal way.
The Prince did react to what Toadette said, but then he smiled and seemed to shrug it off.
"Alright!" Goombella jumped. "I am the best at being a tour guide! Follow me!"
When the four friends finally got to the garden, the spring breeze and lovely scents greeted them. It was much different than being inside the castle because there weren't any servants around here right now, and the gardeners seemed to be taking breaks as well.
Toadette, Bombette, and Goombella were in awe.
"Wow, Bombette, you were right!" Toadette cried. "The flowers really are blooming!"
It was like the first day of spring. Today truly was a special day. For some reason, the flowers looked even more happy and healthy today.
The hedges were big enough to make labyrinths, and the flowers were pink, orange, blue, and purple.
The pansies grew in bushes and bloomed in multiple pastel colors.
"Let's go!" Goombella cried as she jumped into action.
And Goombella ran with Bombette following after her. Toadette stayed behind and reached out for them. "Whoa, you two!"
Prince Mush stayed beside her and chuckled.
Toadette sighed. "We shouldn't get in any more trouble. And I wouldn't want to ruin the flowers."
Toadette and the prince walked around the garden taking in every flower blowing in the breeze. They followed Goombella and Bombette as they walked toward the fancy hedges. The two girls turned back and giggled playfully. Toadette raised up her hand in protest.
"Let's not hurt the flowers ok," Toadette said.
Goombella smirked. "It feels good to walk through endless flowers."
"And these flowers smell so nice!" Bombette added.
The two girls giggled and walked into the flowery hedge. The hedge shook with the two little girls enjoying themselves.
Toadette sighed. "Never a dull moment with these two."
Prince Mush gave Toadette a smile that showed he wasn't bothered.
"I am having a lot of fun," Prince Mush said.
Somehow Toadette's heart was happy to hear that.
Prince Mush went ahead to walk beside the hedges as they were designed like the mature prince that he was. He turned back and smiled at Toadette, gesturing her to follow him and Toadette's heart thumped as she agreed to follow him.
Walking under flowered plant arches was magical. Toadette and Prince Mush admired the delicate flowers, and at some points, the relaxing fragrance made them stop and sniff.
Prince Mush seemed happy to see more flower bushes and a beautiful fountain at the end of the arches. He also saw the piranha plants that appeared to be enjoying the breeze and the sunlight.
Prince Mush looking so overjoyed, made Toadette feel overjoyed.
"You look happy," Toadette said.
Prince Mush nodded. "It may not be something for boys, but I like flowers and gardens."
"Really?" Toadette said.
"Yeah," Prince Mush said. Shaking a bit as if he still felt a bit insecure.
The two of them ran to a patch of cosmos that they admired, but Toadette was a bit concerned by seeing a few cosmos that were torn from the patch and thrown on the ground.
"Oh no! The flowers!" Toadette cried.
This was incredibly strange to Toadette because the gardeners wouldn't leave discarded flowers on the ground. Prince Mush stroked the patch gently as if caring for the plant. Toadette took the discarded flowers in hand, knowing that they were free to take since they were on the ground.
Toadette turned to Prince Mush as he was getting a good look at the plants. She couldn't help but wonder. The pink toadstool girl shyly presented the baby blue and baby pink cosmos to Prince Mush.
And the prince certainly seemed thrilled as his face was beaming.
"You're giving me flowers, Toadette?" The prince asked.
Toadette shook a bit. "Uh...Well...Maybe!" She said.
She thought that she was just trying to be thoughtful. Maybe she was just being weird.
"That's a very thoughtful gift," Prince Mush said. He took the flowers from her hands and admired them. Toadette was stunned to have her hands touch his briefly.
And she was very surprised to see how much Prince Mush enjoyed that unexpected gift of flowers.
Just then, they heard Goombella and Bombette appear out the hedge covered in leaves. Toadette and Prince Mush turned to them, and Goombella and Bombette smiled.
"You two were missing out on the fun!" Bombette said.
Toadette looked at the flowers she gave to Mush. They had to be extra careful because somebody was tampering with the garden when nobody was around.
"Look at those puffy white flowers!" Goombella cried.
Goombella and Bombette rushed to the snowy white flower bush, and Toadette and Prince Mush decided to join. It was a lovely little bush, but multiple puffy white flowers were scattered on the ground.
"We didn't do that!" Bombette cried.
Toadette placed a hand on Bombette's head. "I don't think you did."
Goombella was starting to seem a bit more concerned as she looked at the flowers and then around the rest of the garden to check for anything unusual. Then she took a book out of her pack and flipped through some pages, scanning through some passages and then closing the book with a sigh.
"Well, since the flowers are on the ground, they are free for the taking," Goombella said. "These are perfect for making flower crowns. We could make one for Prince Mush as well."
Prince Mush smiled without objection or disdain, and to Toadette, that was totally cute! She imagined the prince laying in a field of flowers looking positively radiant.
The amount of snowy white flowers were very abundant for making necklaces and crowns. Even if they weren't picked and discarded so carelessly, the girls agreed to alert the gardeners and Toadsworth later.
Goombella and Bombette tied the tiny white flowers to broken stems. The blonde-haired goomba placed a white flower crown perfectly on Bombette's head, and the pink bomb-omb made a lovely flower necklace for Goombella.
On the other hand, Prince Mush couldn't seem to tie flowers to a stem at all. Toadette was just about finished with her flower chain.
"I guess I still need to learn," Prince Mush said.
"Here I'll help," Toadette said as she took Prince Mush's stem.
Prince Mush watched as Toadette turned his pitiful stem into a chain of flowers while giving him tips on making a flower crown or necklace.
Toadette presented the flower chain to the prince. "Here you go!"
Toadette got behind Prince Mush and tied the flower chain around his neck.
The toad children smiled at each other.
"Thank you," Prince Mush said.
Toadette had a goofy smile on her face. "Oh, you're welcome!" She cried. Honestly, she considered it a pleasure to make a flower necklace for the prince.
"We shouldn't forget to see the piranha plants!" Goombella said.
Toadette snapped out of her bashful state.
"Oh, I would love to!" Prince Mush said.
Prince Mush followed Goombella and Bombette to the piranha plants. Toadette stayed behind for a moment to pick up a white flower.
Prince Mush was very enthusiastic alongside her two best friends. After a moment of watching them at a distance, Toadette ran after them.
The piranha plants were calm today. Some were simply resting, and others were enjoying the peaceful day. Prince Mush etched a bit closer in curiosity.
"Careful! The adults always tell us to be careful!" Bombette said.
Prince Mush turned back and smiled. "My sister always taught me to be respectful to all moving plants."
One of the piranha plants looked at the prince curiously.
"Hello there!" The prince said with a wave.
The piranha plant responded with just a grunt.
Prince Mush nodded politely and turned to another piranha plant which looked at the prince in a more friendly manner.
"How are you?" The prince asked.
"Mmm! Can't complain!" The piranha plant said.
The piranha plant even offered for the prince to touch their leaf with his hand.
The girls were in awe of how gently the prince treated the plants. Soon they walked up behind him, and the prince turned back at them, looking pleased.
"I wish I could make these wonderful plants a delicious compost drink to promote healthy growth," Prince Mush said.
"The piranha plants are always well-fed Prince Mush," Goombella said.
One of the piranha plants cleared its throat.
"I think one of us could use a drink," the piranha plant suggested.
Suddenly there was slight ruffling and discord in the piranha plant area, but the prince didn't pay any mind to it.
"Alright, let's get some compost," the prince said with a smile.
Toadette nodded. She couldn't say no when the prince just wanted to do something kind.
"I am sure there is some left over," Toadette said.
At the greenhouse, they did spot just enough compost drink for a parched piranha plant. They poured it into a cute little bottle with a straw and headed back to the garden where the piranha plants were bustling almost anxiously.
"I brought some compost for whoever needs it," the prince said.
Just then, there was a devious laugh.
The girls and the prince were confused. As they looked at the group, none of the piranha plants looked like they were laughing.
"You're very amusing!"
Suddenly the soil under the piranha plants rumbled, and a bigger piranha plant with a twisted smile appeared. The fearsome plant was able to move by himself with large vines that acted as arms and legs. The piranha plants cried in terror. Prince Mush and the girls stayed by each other out of fear.
"Who are you?" Prince Mush asked, hoping that this piranha plant wasn't a threat.
The piranha plant gave a toothy grin. "I am just a piranha plant who goes my own way." He slivered around the four children and then stopped to grin at the prince. "And collects the most expensive treasures and ransoms."
A large amount of dread filled Toadette as she realized the prince was in danger, and all of them were close range with a dangerous moving piranha plant. And she was a little girl who was just starting to train how to fight, but she had to protect the prince, regardless of how small and young she was.
Thinking quickly, Toadette got in front of the prince and pushed him away even as the piranha plant chuckled.
"Run, Prince Mush!" Toadette cried.
Prince Mush looked a bit hesitant. "Toadette…"
Toadette pushed him again and pointed. "Go now!"
Prince Mush nodded quickly and ran back for the safety of the castle. Toadette turned back at the menacing piranha plant, and Goombella and Bombette were by her side and ready to fight.
The piranha plant laughed again. "So you think you three girls could protect a prince?"
Toadette and her friends stood their guard.
"We know how to jump on enemies, and we are brave!" Toadette cried.
The piranha plant chuckled and took a fighting stance. Toadette and Goombella ran to the plant and jumped as high as they could. But the piranha plant did a swift dodge and caused the two girls to land on their feet. Bombette was right behind them, ready to charge on a boom to attack the piranha plant.
But the piranha plant used one of its vines to grab Bombette by the foot and lunge the bob-omb at her friends and cause both of them to get hit by her explosion.
The piranha plant laughed. The three girls saw stars as they were outwitted.
"That was too easy!" The piranha plant said. "Now for the prince!"
Toadette snapped herself out of her daze. She could only hope the prince ran back to safety.
"Leave them alone! They are my friends!" Prince Mush cried.
Toadette gasped and ran for the piranha plant. She heard the plant chuckle and saw Prince Mush was still there, ready to fight himself.
"You're making this too easy," the piranha plant said.
Toadette grabbed onto the plant's vine and tugged, but the piranha plant still used his front vines to grab hold of Prince Mush.
"No use struggling!" The piranha plant cried as Prince Mush tried to free himself, but the devilish plant threw the tiny prince in its carnivorous mouth.
Prince Mush screamed as the piranha plant turned to Toadette. The fearsome plant had the beloved prince in his jaws, and Toadette was horrified. The piranha plant showed no remorse.
"Let him go!" Toadette cried as she punched the piranha plant's snout multiple times. On the other hand, Prince Mush tried to break himself free numerous times. He managed to get the piranha plant's mouth to open a few times, and Toadette could see her friend was still alive.
Instead, the piranha plant spit out Prince Mush's flower necklace into bits.
"Disgusting!" The piranha plant scoffed.
Toadette's black eyes shook in anger and fear. Still, if there was anything the heroines from Magical Fighter Princess did, it was to be brave even when you were filled with fear. If anything, this was the most crucial time to be brave.
Toadette put one stubby foot down and glared. "Let go of the prince!"
The piranha plant was about to leave, but he turned back at Toadette and scoffed.
"And what would a little toad girl like you do about it?" The piranha plant asked.
Bombette and Goombella finally pulled themselves together to fight alongside Toadette again. The three girls did their best heroine formation.
Inside the piranha plant's mouth, Prince Mush was punching. The piranha plant was clearly bothered.
"Stop it! You naughty prince!" The piranha plant cried.
It was clear the ruffian piranha plant wasn't invincible. The girls were ready to give it their all.
"We are a team of girls," Bombette said.
"And we are capable of fighting," Goombella said.
"That is reason enough to fear us!" Toadette cried.
Toadette and her friends charged after the vicious plant, even if that plant wasn't going to give up without a fight.
This time Toadette grabbed onto the monster's outstretched vine and pulled so she could knock him back. Although the beast was too heavy and Toadette was too small, she left the piranha plant vulnerable enough for Goombella to jump in the air and bonk the plant square in the forehead a few times. The piranha plant growled in pain a few times but didn't let up just yet.
Toadette kept her hold on the vine. Even if she was still a little toad girl, she wouldn't let the piranha plant take Prince Mush away.
"Bombette! Behind!" Toadette cried.
"Huh?" The piranha plant cried as he turned briefly only to have a glaring pink bomb-omb girl headbutt his backside a few times. Prince Mush managed to free his hand a bit.
"Toadette!" Prince Mush cried as the piranha plant closed his mouth again.
"Ack!" The piranha plant cried as he tried to compose himself again. "You girls sure know how to punch!"
This time the taunting piranha plant glared from being battered so much.
"But I can still defeat all three of you!" The piranha plant scoffed.
The piranha plant pulled his own vine that Toadette was holding and launched her into the air.
"Toadette!" Goombella and Bombette cried as their best friend seemed doomed.
Toadette did scream in shock, and she could've ended up seriously hurt. But she flailed in the air and found out she was almost right above the devilish plant. With all the strength her little body could muster, she threw her weight and kicked her feet to fall right on top of the evil piranha plant to make a perfect hit that squished his body.
The piranha plant cried out before spitting Prince Mush out and launching him in the fountain. Toadette fell backward on impact.
"Toadette! Prince Mush!" Goombella cried out.
Toadette was in a daze from falling flat on the ground, but she managed to lift her head up. "Forget me. Is Prince Mush ok?"
Prince Mush appeared from the water fountain. He was a bit roughed up, but he smiled and waved. "I'm alright!"
Toadette laid back down in relief. Goombella ran to Toadette's side to check for injury.
They didn't realize that while the piranha plant saw stars, Bombette walked over while charging up her bomb blast.
Just when the piranha plant snapped out of its daze, it panicked.
"Wait! Don't!" Cried the piranha plant.
Bombette was ticking rapidly, and her rope hair was sizzling.
"Eat this!" Bombette cried.
Bombette let out the most powerful explosion she ever did at her young age, and the piranha plant cried hysterically as he launched straight over the castle wall.
Bombette blinked a few times and grinned triumphantly. "And the day is saved!"
Prince Mush got out of the fountain and shook off the water as he ran to Toadette's side. Goombella gave her friend a worried look, and Bombette ran to Toadette's side as well.
"Toadette, are you alright?" Prince Mush said as he took her hand.
Toadette gave Prince Mush an ashamed look as she and her friends were tasked to take care of the prince, yet he was nearly kidnapped.
"You're the one who was captured," Toadette said. "You got hurt, and you could've gotten kidnapped."
Prince Mush smiled down on the toadstool girl. A smile that may have caused Toadette's face to glow red, but she was too exhausted to hide it.
"I'm fine, thanks to you and Bombette and Goombella," Prince Mush said.
"Really, the three of you were amazing." The prince rejoiced. "Like fighter princess girls!"
Toadette managed to smile, feeling proud of her achievement. Goombella and Bombette grinned triumphantly, feeling a bit of hero's pride.
"Prince Mush!"
The quiet moment between the four of them was interrupted by the sound of one of the servants. A bunch of other servants flooded in and took note of what went down.
"What is going on over here?!" Toadsworth cried.
Servants and nurses huddled around the children. Prince Mush raised his hands up to show he was just fine and tried to calm everyone down.
"I'm fine! I'll explain everything in detail in a moment! Just please give some medical attention to Toadette, Bombette, and Goombella!"
The nurses were already providing a stretcher for Toadette and attending Goombella and Bombette to the doctor's office as well.
"Prince Mush!" Queen Jolene cried.
"Sister!" Prince Mush gasped as his older sister wrapped her arms around him.
"Your highness! I told you to stay inside where it is safe!" Toadsworth said.
Queen Jolene looked sternly at the older toadstool. "My brother was attacked. I can't just sit inside a castle!"
Prince Mush hugged his older sister back, relieved to be safe in his sister's arms. Even if Prince Mush didn't want to be treated like a damsel, this traumatic event warranted spending time safe in his sister's arms.
A stretcher was also provided for Prince Mush, which the nurses insisted the prince get on. Prince Mush agreed, knowing he should probably get medical attention and hoping he could be with Toadette again.
Prince Mush was checked and bandaged for a few bruises and cuts. He was also scrubbed clean with the help of servants when he mentioned a piranha plant had him in its clutches.
Afterward, he pleaded that the piranha plants in the garden would be unharmed as the villain that attacked them was not a part of the royal garden.
Toadsworth, Princess Peach, and Jolene agreed with the frantic prince. Still, they also decided that the young prince was targeted, and they couldn't let another threat get to the prince.
Prince Mush crossed his arms. "I don't want to be treated like I am fragile!"
Queen Jolene gave her younger brother a stern look. "We are all worried about you, Mush, and I can't lose you."
"Well, don't blame Bombette, Goombella, and Toadette," Prince Mush cried. "They saved me!"
Prince Mush turned to Toadsworth. "They aren't rambunctious girls! They are heroines and should be treated as such!"
Toadsworth made calming hand gestures to the prince. "Settle down, son…." Toadsworth paused. "I am very grateful for the bravery of the girls, and they will be treated like heroines."
Just then, there was a knock on the door which a female toadstool servant opened. Prince Mush was pleased to see Goombella and Bombette at the door.
"The Prince needs to rest," the servant said.
"Let them in! They are my friends!" Prince Mush insisted.
Goombella and Bombette promptly walked in.
"Miss Goombella and Miss Bombette," Toadsworth said.
The goomba and bob-omb quickly turned to Toadsworth, taken aback by being referred to in such a formal way.
Toadsworth gave a pleased grin that the two children usually don't see, ever.
"The two of you and Toadette have shown great bravery and saved the prince. I am very grateful."
"Yes, my brother has made some amazing friends," Queen Jolene said, a bit pleased herself.
Goombella and Bombette gasped. "Queen Jolene!"
The queen giggled as Bombette and Goombella greeted the queen with bows. They were happy to finally be acquainted with the queen of Tinyshroom Kingdom. Prince Mush was still concerned, though.
"Is Toadette ok?" Prince Mush said.
Goombella and Bombette turned to him, both looking a bit troubled.
"Toadette will be fine," Bombette said, prompting some relief from the prince. "But we were told to let her rest for a few hours."
"The good news is that the chefs are going to make us a nice dinner," Goombella said. "The chefs always make the most delicious food."
"Wait a moment," Princess Peach said as she stood up. "I should make a cake as well," the princess said with a wave of her finger. "Heroines deserve a cake."
"Really?" Goombella and Bombette said with sparkles in their eyes.
They were so happy to reach such a hero status which meant one of the Princess's famous cakes. They could get used to being heroines, and Toadette could as well, as soon as she woke from her rest.
Prince Mush was still concerned, but Goombella and Bombette eagerly rushed to his side.
"Well, we should head to the dining room Prince Mush," Bombette said. "You wouldn't want to miss Princess Peach's cake."
"And we all need our strength back," Goombella said.
Prince Mush smiled and nodded as he got off his seat.
Goombella winked at him. "Don't worry, Toadette just needs rest."
"Yes, son, go and have a delicious meal," Toadsworth said. "If there is anything undeniable, it's that young Toadette is a fighter."
Prince Mush's smile grew. "Yes, she is…."
Queen Jolene walked to her brother's side and took his hand. "Come on, let us be grateful for the feast.
Toadette felt nothing but gentle darkness for a while, and her memory was a blur. Although the toad girl had the biggest urge to open her eyes, and when she finally did, she was surrounded by a calming sapphire blue night sky and shooting stars. She thought she was on top of Shooting Star Summit. Toadette was surprised that she was here as she always wanted to catch falling stars on Shooting Star Summit. But then the young toad girl started to question how she managed to wake up and end up here.
Toadette walked around aimlessly, not sure which direction was which. Goombella never said anything about Shooting Star Submit being like this.
"Hello! Is anyone there?" Toadette cried.
And then, as if Toadette said some magic words, a strange door appeared behind Toadette that she felt she had no other option but to open. Inside the door, Toadette could see a meadow and a sword in a carved stone.
Having no other options, Toadette walked through the portal and got a feel for the meadow around her. The sweet smells and the gentle sounds. Then there was the sword her size in a stone.
Toadette had the biggest urge to pull it just like a hero but try as she could, she couldn't.
Toadette tried to pull one last time, but then she released her grip. She knew she was tiny, but she figured a sword her size would be easy enough to grab.
Toadette felt a bit discouraged, but then everything around her started to fade away, and she realized she was being teleported again. She was on the balcony of a castle, and she saw an audience of citizens cheering, but for what?
This dream was starting to get weird, but then she heard a familiar voice.
"Praise now our hero Lady Toadette!" Toadsworth cried.
"Lady Toadette!" The citizens roared.
Toadette was overwhelmed and not in a good way, but then she heard another familiar, gentle voice.
"You don't have to be so modest, Lady Toadette. You are a hero."
Toadette turned to see Prince Mush smiling behind her.
"Prince Mush!" She cried.
Prince Mush took her hands in gratitude, his smile unwavering.
Toadette would be happy about this, but she was just a little girl. All she did was save the prince from being kidnapped; she wasn't a hero with a sword.
And then the cheers finally cleared out, and she woke up in the nurse's room. Even though she saw shooting stars outside the window, she was frantic, knowing she slept until evening.
"Toadette," the nurse cried. "Please be still!"
"Where's Prince Mush?" Toadette cried.
The nurse frowned.
Back at the entrance of Mushroom Kingdom castle, the carriage was readied for Prince Mush and Queen Jolene to leave.
"Prince Mush, please come back soon," Goombella said.
"Toadette would be heartbroken if you left without a goodbye," Bombette said.
Prince Mush frowned. "The three of you are my friends. I won't lose any of you."
Prince Mush looked at a distance for a sign of Toadette and then turned to Queen Jolene, who gave him a stern look.
"Sister," Prince Mush cried. "Please let me wait a little longer."
Queen Jolene said nothing. But Prince Mush was an obedient boy, and he would wait a bit longer before following in his sister's orders.
Prince Mush wondered if the falling meteors above him would grant him this one wish.
"Wait!"
From afar, Toadette hastily ran for her friends and the prince.
"Toadette!" The three of them cried.
The three of them met her halfway. Prince Mush ran to her even if his older sister would insist not to. When they met, Toadette caught her breath as she ran through the entire castle just to get to the entrance.
"Toadette you made it!" Bombette cried.
Toadette heaved again. Prince Mush smiled at her as she lifted her head.
"Sorry!" Toadette cried.
Prince Mush shook his head. "There is no need to apologize."
Instead, the prince kneeled for the toadstool girl.
"As Prince of the Tinyshroom Kingdom, you have my eternal gratitude Lady Toadette," Prince Mush said.
Toadette was overwhelmed. She honestly didn't think she needed such a formal thank you. And to be called "Lady Toadette," that was far too much of an honor.
"Don't mention it!" Toadette cried. "I was just being like a hero. Like I always wanted to."
Prince Mush took her hand. "Well, you are a hero."
Toadette blushed. The handsome prince held her hand and called her a hero!
"Well…" Toadette paused. "Every Prince needs a knight? Right?"
Prince Mush grinned. "I am lucky to have you as a knight."
Goombella and Bombette huddled by the two toads and grinned in unison.
"You two are so cute!" Goombella said.
And with that, the two toads released each other's hands, and Queen Jolene walked up to the two toad children.
Surprisingly the queen smiled.
"Mush, I am so happy you made some wonderful strong friends during our visit, but we really should return to our kingdom now."
Prince Mush was usually a very obedient young prince, but he was having a hard time agreeing.
"Does he have to?" Toadette cried. "The fireworks festival is tonight!"
The queen let out a sigh, but Prince Mush walked toward his sister.
"Big sister, at least let me return sometime soon. That is all I ask," Prince Mush said.
Toadette, Bombette, and Goombella held their breaths wishing for the queen's blessing. But the queen looked uncertain, and Prince Mush knew his older sister's worry.
"I will always be safe with Bombette, Goombella, and Toadette around," Prince Mush said.
Suddenly Toadsworth and Princess Peach appeared before them.
"And these three heroines will be trained in the castle," Toadsworth said.
The three girls gasped. "Really?" They cried in unison.
Princess Peach smiled and nodded. "Yes, so the three of you can become legendary heroines to protect any prince or citizen."
Toadette and her friends were so excited that they couldn't bring themselves to say anything coherent. They all stood before the princess with sparkling eyes.
Prince Mush chuckled. "The three of you will be the most legendary heroines."
Queen Jolene stood before the three girls next. "Alright, my brother will visit the Mushroom Kingdom again. I just worry a lot! But I know my brother has made some amazing friends, and I wouldn't want him to feel lonely."
The young queen had so many mixed emotions of worry and gratitude. Still, she turned to Toadette in particular, and the young pink toadstool stared in bewilderment.
"Please always be there for my brother," the queen said.
Goombella and Bombette quickly huddled with Toadette in their usual trio position. "We will!" Goombella and Bombette cried.
Prince Mush smiled and walked up to the three girls.
"So I guess this is goodbye for now," Prince Mush said.
Toadette grinned. "I will be much stronger by the time you come back." She looked at Goombella and Bombette. "We all will!"
Prince Mush gave a slight bow. "Thank you. I cannot thank you enough for what you did for me."
When Prince Mush raised his head, he and Toadette smiled at each other for a good long moment. They were certainly unconcerned with the time as they seemed to be distracted. Then the two of them took a step closer before hugging each other.
Toadsworth was stunned seeing Toadette make such a bold move on the prince, but Princess Peach patted him on the head, and Toadsworth softened, thinking it was a sweet moment.
And at that exact moment, the first firework of the festival went off. And the night sky filled with rainbow sparkles.
Eventually, Goombella and Bombette joined in for a group hug. Toadette felt a warmth in her heart, and Prince Mush felt the tingling feeling you get when surrounded by friends. After spending most of his life not really knowing what friendship was.
They broke free, and Prince Mush stood at the open door of the carriage to wave goodbye.
"We'll see each other again!" Prince Mush said with a smile.
"We'll miss you!" Toadette cried.
The two toads smiled at each other one last time as Prince Mush got in the carriage, and the steward closed the carriage door.
Prince Mush looked out the carriage window as the carriage rode away. But Toadette and her friends weren't ready to go yet. They ran and followed the carriage as long as they could. Prince Mush got in the backseat and stared out the back window waving at his three new friends. Jolene took notice that her younger brother still stared out the rear window watching the fireworks until they left the kingdom.
The prince gave a happy sigh. "Toadette is great." The prince said.
Jolene raised her eyebrow. "Mush, you couldn't possibly, could you?"
"Hmm?" Prince Mush said. "She's just fun, and strong, and nice."
Queen Jolene smiled. "I understand, younger brother."
Toadette stood on the road watching as the prince's carriage rode away.
Bombette and Goombella noticed her face was a bit pink, even if fireworks were lighting up everything around them.
Toadette sighed. "Isn't the Prince wonderful?"
Goombella and Bombette took a moment to look at each other, and then they looked at Toadette slyly.
"Are you sure you're not falling for the prince, Toadette?" Goombella said, winking at her.
"W-What?!" Toadette cried. "The prince has just been really sweet to us. Sweeter than the guys who bullied us."
Bombette grinned. "I think that's very sweet, Toadette. Much better than that one boy bomb I liked who ended up being mean to us."
Toadette raised her hands up in protest. "We're just friends!"
But Toadette couldn't help but blush at a fantasy of Prince Mush being the handsome prince and Toadette being the charming knight.
Toadsworth and Princess Peach had a feeling, but they didn't bother the young girls about it.
"Goodness! Things are escalating quickly between the young Master and the young Miss," Toadsworth said.
Princess Peach looked down at Toadsworth and smiled. "Isn't it wonderful, Toadsworth?"
Toadsworth thought for a moment, "Yes." He paused. "Well, they are still so young, and Toadette has a lot to prove."
But Toadsworth admitted to himself it was beautiful, like when he was that age.
"Toadette doesn't need to prove anything," Princess Peach said.
Princess Peach, the girl who can call on the power of love, knew. She just knew.
And since tonight was a special occasion, the Princess invited Toadette, Goombella, and Bombette to her room in the tallest tower. The girls ate more cake and got the best seat in the kingdom to watch the fireworks.
Toadette watching the glittering fireworks from the tallest tower made eating the Princess's famous hero cake even better.
It was perfect because the three friends agreed they would need all that cake to start their training tomorrow.
Toadette smiled at the night sky where the fireworks exploded in shapes of mushrooms, hearts, leaves, and stars. She was so excited for the journey ahead. It may just be training, but it felt like an adventure where she was the heroine.
"I will become a heroine fit to protect a prince," Toadette thought.
Not a bad start on Toadette's journey to become a hero, right?
I had so much fun writing this and I look forward to the next chapter. And for a sneak preview the next chapter involves summer fun, bloopers, new characters introduced (one is another character from Paper Mario), and more of our heroes saving the day.
I hope you readers enjoyed!
This is Emiko Gale signing out!