"Killer! We're soldiers now!" Morton exclaimed.

"Um, we won't have to do a lot of running, will we?" Iggy asked. "It could aggravate my asthma."

"You'll do what you're told, sissy!" Roy said.

"Don't call my brother a sissy!" Wendy snapped, hitting him.

"Hey! He's my brother too!" Roy snapped back, hitting Wendy.

"Quiet! All of you!" Larry shouted, then turned to Peach and said, "Well, your Highness, I'm glad you have found it in your heart to trust us."

"Of course," Peach said with a smile.

"Your Majesty," Ludwig said, "We are honored to defend this kingdom, but we can only go so far without means of defense. I suggest that you loan us the magic wands again."

"What do you mean 'again'?" Mario snapped. "You stole them last time."

"Must we argue semantics?" Ludwig said haughtily.

"Semantics?" Mario snapped, standing from his seat. "Who do you think you are!"

"Let it go, man," Luigi said, pushing him back down. Mario sat, but glowered.

Peach thought for a moment. "Well, it's not really possible to gather the existing magic wands by tonight… I suppose I can have our smithy fashion seven new ones, and they'll be done in time."

"Princess, are you sure that's wise?" Mario piped up. "I still find this whole thing very suspicious."

Peach looked at Mario and smiled. "Please, Mario, trust my judgement on this matter, okay?"

Mario grumbled and nodded, but then said, "But then wait. If these terrors are going to be defending the castle, what will you have US do?"

"Ahem," Iggy said, pushing up his glasses. "IF anybody's ready to listen to what I have to say: I think it would be wise for the Mario Brothers to patrol the border between the Mushroom Kingdom and the BeanBean Kingdom, so that they might ambush the Garrison Gang as they approach. Therefore, the full force of them will not make it to the castle, therefore our task will be easier."

"Good try," Mario said. "You want us to be far away so that you can work your mischief!"

"Mario!" Peach shouted. "I asked you to trust me, now please comply."

"No, princess!" Mario said, walking over to her. "These kids are probably still loyal to their father. They've got something planned. You can see it in their eyes."

Peach whirled to face Mario. "You know, you are being really obnoxious, Mario. You're defying me, and that's not something I've known you to do."

"But Princess…"

"No buts, Mario. Now either you listen to me and patrol Mushroom Land's border with your brother, or you can go back to Brooklyn and spend your nights eating take-out pizza and watching old movies on television like you used to."

Mario was stone silent.

"Whoa, dude!" Lemmy said.

"Now, as has been agreed, the Mario brothers will patrol the border." She turned to Toad. "Send word to the magical smithies to have seven Royal Magic Wands crafted by this evening."

"Yes, your Majesty," Toad said, bowing and leaving.

Peach stood up. "In the meantime, we've got a lot of work to do. We've got to rally the other soldiers and get them to their stations, and secure the castle. Meanwhile, Mario and Luigi, I want you two to start heading for the border immediately."

"Yes, your Highness," Mario said, and he and Luigi got up from the table and left the dining hall. "Did you hear the way she spoke to me?" Mario growled to his brother after they left. "I've half a mind to LET those little buggers do whatever they're planning, if anything. I really do think this is all a scam."

"Well, we can't risk doubting them," Luigi said. "We can't hold off a thousand soldiers ourselves."

"I know," Mario said. "That's what I hate about it!"

Luigi patted his brother's back. "Well come on, let's go find us some means of transportation." They walked down to the armory, where several dozen large chests sat. Mario picked out a Super Leaf for him and his brother, and they exited the castle.

"How far a fly is it to the Mushroom/BeanBean border?" Mario asked.

Luigi shrugged. "A couple of hours, I think. We should make good time, though, while the sun is still out."

"All right then," Mario said. "Chow down!" they each took a bite of their Super Leaves, and they grew raccoon ears and tails.

"And we're off!" Mario said, as they ran down an open stretch of road and soared into the sky.

Back at the castle, battalions of soldiers were forming within the inner and outer baileys of the castle.

"Mass all our troops behind the wall," Peach ordered. "Bar the gate, and post watchmen in the lookout towers to monitor the surrounding area."

"Yes, your Highness." Said the Mushroom General, saluting.

Quite satisfied about the outer defenses, Peach walked back into the main hall, where she was met by a Toad who bore a message.

"The wands are finished, my lady." He said, bowing.

"Good," Peach said. "Bring them to me, and have someone summon the Koopa Kids."

"Yes, my lady."

In short order, the Koopalings were gathered in the main hall, chattering amongst themselves. And then, seven Toads entered in single file, each bearing a jeweled box. They opened them and gave the seven wands inside to the Koopa kids.

"Kick ass!" Morton said, swinging it about.

Ludwig laughed evilly to himself.

The Toads left, and Peach said with a smile, "Well, now you guys are all set for this evening, huh?"

The Koopa Kids didn't answer, but they smiled at Peach in the oddest way.

Peach looked at them strangely and then said, "Well, I guess you should get to your stations."

They didn't answer, and continued to grin mysteriously.

"Um… is everything all right?" Peach asked nervously.

Then, the Koopa Kids all simultaneously pointed their wands at the princess.