Chapter 6

Mario to the… Rescue?

"Do you think something happened to him?" asked the Princess, filled with worry. What did Bowser mean by that? Where was Mario?

"I don't know," answered Toad.

The words were barely finished w hen the bedroom door flew open. Everyone turned to see who it was. Blue overalls, red shirt, the unmistakable M in the hat…

"Mario!" Peach yelled out happily. Hope quickly returned, but something wasn't right…

Koopa never pointed or shouted, "Get him!" The Magikoopas did not attack, or even raise their wands, and Mario never called to her to ask if she was ok… He didn't make a move.

In fact, Bowser smiled.

"Ah, Mario," Bowser said calmly, as if he was merely discussing the weather, "please escort this lovely peach blossom and this fungus freak to our castle suites."

What is he talking about? Thought Peach, turning to Mario, who only nodded obediently.

"Mario! Don't follow his orders!" she cried out, her voice on the edge of hysteria. Mario? Betray her? This could not be. She would not believe it, it's impossible… he would never do such a horrid thing… right?

Mario strolled up to her, and she was shocked by how frightening his eyes were. They weren't filled with compassion, or kindness, instead they were pure black, like dark whirlpools that threatened to pull her in. She shivered from the cold light that reflected off them. He seized her wrist, dragging her toward him. She struggled, and she was surprised by how strong he was.

"Mario! Let her go!"

"Toad, don't!"

The brave and foolish retainer jumped and punched the back of Mario's head. The plumber paused, and his head twisted slowly to face Toad. The fungus gulped, and never had a chance to run. Quicker than the eye, Mario's hand was a blur, and Toad was knocked back, unconscious on the castle floor.

"Toad!" Peach called to her fallen friend. She mustered up the strength to look at Mario in the eye.

"You monster! You're not Mario at all! He would never do such a terrible thing! Let me go this instant!"

Not far away, Bowser was clapping, enjoying every minute of it. Mario forced the Princess to come with him, and stood behind her, holding her arms back. Bowser walked up to Peach, his face twisted into a grimace that was his smile.

"Well, well," he said smugly, "without your precious Mario fighting on your side, you're helpless!"

"What have you done to him!?" she demanded angrily, but the only reply she received was cold laughter. Bowser took command of his flunkies.

"Ok, we got the Princess. Teleport us back to Sky Castle. Take this fungus with us, too. He could leak our Mario secret if we leave him here."

"Right!" yelled the Magikoopas, and they all gathered around their captives, chanting low spells and holding their wands. The light emitted from the wand blinded Peach, and she had to blink a few times before her vision cleared.

She was not in her bedroom anymore, but stood in the centre of a cold stone room. A fireplace was burning in the background, but provided little warmth or comfort. Mario's grip on her didn't loosen and it was cutting the circulation in her wrists. Two of the hooded sorcerers picked up the unconscious fungus and dragged him roughly out of the room. Bowser stood tall and proud, gloating over his victory and turned to his new prisoner and helper to bark an order.

"Mario, take Princess Peach to her room."

"You won't get away with this, Bowser!" she shrieked, struggling madly against Mario's clutches. The overgrown turtle laughed at her pathetic attempt to break free.

"I already have, Princess," he said. "I hope you enjoy your stay here, because it's permanent!"