Chapter 15

Return of Prince Mallow

"Where are we heading, Geno?" asked Luigi, following the acquaintance up a tall green vine. The plumber glanced down and gulped. They were already passing clouds on the midair plants and Bean Valley looked tiny from the height the two gained during their long and struggling climb.

"Nimbus Land," answered Geno while he was calculating the distance of the next vine. "The Prince there can help us."

The wooden doll jumped and grabbed hold of the next plant. Luigi copied and he was, too, climbing the slender stem. Geno disappeared over the hovering cloud and waited for his new partner. Luigi hoisted himself onto the cloud and wiped the sweaty brow with the back of his gloved hand. His eyes grew wide in amazement as he realized that they have reached their destination.

It was slightly smaller than the Mushroom Kingdom, but the architecture of the houses were unique, since thorny vines formed the outer walls and the castle was gigantic compared to where Peach lived. The Nimbus castle was a light rose colour and Luigi chucked since he knew the Princess would love to have her castle pink. The thought of his missing friend made him remember why he came here, and his spirits were slightly dampened. Geno let Luigi soak in the sights before heading for the Nimbus palace.

Inside was more impressive, with the endless number of statues of the current king, birds in beautiful cages singing harmonious songs and the rich golden carpets that covered the center of the blue marble floor. The light of the evening sun shone through the west windows and reflected off the polished King statues. Luigi wondered how they would ever find the throne room, but Geno seemed to know exactly where to go. The castle was scattered with funny cloud-like guards, and visitors that came to admire the grand palace. As the plumber was astonished by the city of clouds, something even more interesting came into view. In a room where five statues and he instantly recognized four of them: Mario, Peach, Bowser and Geno. The one in the center was unknown to him, but he guessed it was the Prince the wooden doll mentioned.

"Must have been some adventure," said Luigi, trying to make real conversation with Geno.

"It was," agreed Geno. "The five of us defeated a tremendous foe and saved the Star Road. I know it can happen again if we reunite."

"That's why you were so determined to seek out Mario and Peach," blurted Luigi, and Geno nodded, through puzzled.

"Peach?"

"Princess Toadstool's first name," Luigi explained. "It's ok, we didn't know what her first name was for a long time."

"Well, I would be reluctant to expose my first name, too, if I was named after a fruit."

"It's better than having a name taken off of 'marshmallow'," a voice piped from behind.

Geno and Luigi turned toward the new voice. Beside the center statue was the Prince himself. He looked like a bundle of fluff, and he gave the appearance of a boy who had yet to finish growing. He had oversized hands, pink tuff of hair, and small black eyes.

"Mallow! I'm so glad to see you again!" said Geno happily, and Mallow nodded.

"Likewise, it's been years hasn't it? Wait…" Prince Mallow frowned. "I know this isn't some family reunion. There's another problem with the Star Road, right?"

"Yes," said Luigi, "but there is more to it."

The two explained everything they knew to the Prince, who listened patiently, and when they were finished a long silence followed.

"So," said Mallow finally, "you think I can help you?"

The plumber and the wooden doll nodded.

"Also," said Geno, "I want to ask your father for permission to use the Royal Bus. We need fast transportation, and the first stop is Koopa Keep."

"Makes sense," replied Mallow. "That way we can save Toadstool and Mario quickly, and hopefully convince Bowser to help us."

"Which I doubt," said Geno, "since Bowser only joined us to get his Keep back."

"We'll see," said Mallow, eager to see all five of them together once again. "Come on, my father and mother are in the throne room."

The Prince opened the door and ushered them in. The throne room had a beautiful sky blue carpet, rimmed with gold trimming. The King and Queen were at the top of the small sets of stairs that were evenly divided, and the trio stood before them. Geno and Luigi bowed, while Mallow took a step forward.

"King Dad, we got visitors."

The mustached King peered at them and smiled warmly at Geno.

"My, it's Geno! I'm glad to see you again," he said. "But you're" – he looked at Luigi – "a new, yet familiar, face. Who might you be?"

"I-I'm Luigi," the young plumber answered, then added, "Mario's brother."

"Oh, really? We're always pleased to see well-known people visit our pleasant city, yes indeed," he said excitedly. "By the way, I'm King Nimbus, and this is my wife, Queen Nimbus."

"Such an honor to meet you, King Nimbus," Luigi said politely.

"Please young ones," said the Queen gently, "what plight has befallen our peaceful world now?"

"The Star Road is being drained by an unknown parasite," said Geno. "I came here to ask for the assistance of Prince Mallow and the Royal Bus."

"Request granted," said the King. "Now go on and fix the Star Street, we understand how serious this situation can be."

"Thank you," replied Geno gratefully, not bothering to correct the King and bowed again. Prince Mallow followed Geno down the stairs, Luigi behind them.

"Oh! Wait, Luigi!"

Luigi was in midstep when the King hollered to him, startling the plumber to lose his balance. He toppled down the stairs and sprawled on the floor when the King came up to him.

"I'm so sorry, but I forgot to ask for your autograph!"

"Dad," complained his son, obviously embarrassed, "we have no time for this."

"Not even a little scribble?"

"No, dad, we have to go!"

"Stop embarrassing junior, dear," his wife called to him and the King sighed.

"Fine, fine, maybe later."

Slightly humiliated, Luigi stood up, adjusting his cap before following the doll and the red-faced Prince out the door.

"I'm very sorry for this," apologized Mallow while they retraced their steps through the palace. "My dad gets ecstatic when anyone famous visits him."

"I noticed," replied Luigi. They strolled to the edge of the main cloud that supported the fair city. A bus made entirely of vapors hovered before them. To Luigi, it looked unstable, but Geno and Mallow hopped in without a thought of concern. Luigi, though a little hesitant, joined them and Mallow noticed the plumber's reluctance.

"Never seen a Nimbus Bus before?"

Nodding in agreement, Luigi said, "I'm used to buses with wheels."

The bus ride was a long and silent trip; everyone was in his own little world. Mallow could tell that Geno was worried about the fate of the Star Road, while Luigi was thinking about his brother. When the Royal Bus arrived at their destination, they thanked the bus driver who decided to park outside for them when they returned.

"Are we ready?" questioned Luigi, standing before the Koopa Keep entrance.

"Let's do it!" said Mallow enthusiastically. "The sooner we rescue the Princess – and hopefully Mario if he's also in there – the sooner we can save the Star Road!"

The three entered the keep without another word, determination filled their spirits, the world depended on them, and it was their duty to make sure everyone's wishes would always come true.