In the throne room, the Mushroom King was busy reviewing laws and seeing what would suit his kingdom best. He was aware that the kingdom had been doing far better over the past few years, his hired warriors had been doing a fine job at stopping troublemakers from harming innocent citizens. Due to it, the kingdom's reputation has been on the rise. He hadn't felt this relieved in so long. But even with all of this, he still felt as if something is missing. Something that he can't fill on his own. He tries to ignore this since he believes there are more important matters to worry about. He begins to wonder on how Toadsworth is dealing with the children. Surely the two new boys couldn't be that much trouble. However, he ends up getting his answer immediately as Toadsworth enters the room while Mario and Luigi closely follow. Peach is also going with them, but she is quieter and more cautious. She didn't know what was going to happen, but she also didn't want to lose her new friends despite how dangerous their playtime ended up being. They seemed genuinely nice and she believed that Mario didn't mean for it to happen. Regardless, Toadsworth decided it was best that the king hears what had happened and he may decide what to do.
"Pardon me, my king. While the children are safe, there was a dreadful incident that happened within the princess's room. So suddenly, a fire had broken out within the room. I did what I could to assure no one was hurt but there was some damage caused to our pillows, some were ruined by the flames, including the one you use for lounging your back on, I am certain you're familiar with the one. Although it was the princess's request that all our pillows be in her room, likely to play with, I agree to pay for replacements for them. But one more thing. When I was dousing the flames, I noticed that some were on Master Mario's hand, yet he didn't seem to be in pain at all. When it did go out, there were not a single singe on him. I think it's best if he describes how this happened to him. Mario if you may," Toadsworth described the situation the best he could. The Mushroom King is amazed by all of this. While he is glad no one is harmed, he is also unsatisfied that his pillows were burnt. He had never would have imagined that Mario would catch on fire like so. He needed to know more.
"Mario, is all of this true? Do tell me, I will understand," The Mushroom King didn't make himself seem upset but rather interested and genuinely willing to help Mario. But he couldn't help him if Mario remained silent. Mario knew this and he also believed that he'd only be skating on thinner ice if he didn't cooperate with the king himself. With a sigh, Mario began.
"Ever since I was little, I've always had this power to obtain and launch fire from me. I never understood it, so I just ignored it. But sometimes it comes back, and I never know how to control it. I didn't mean to burn the pillows in the princess's room. I just got frustrated and the rest is all a big mess," That's the best he could do. He hoped it was enough since he was almost as confused as everyone else was. He just hoped that everything would be okay despite what he had done.
"So that's what's going on. You have some sort of mystical power that you don't understand. I've heard and witnessed such a scenario many times through my life," The Mushroom King is glad that he was starting to get an idea of what was going on here.
"You're…you're not going to throw us out and fire our papa. Right, Mr. King?" Luigi asks worryingly. He really liked it here and was afraid that they caused a mistake that was unfixable.
"Of course not, Luigi. It's clear to me that nothing too valuable was lost and that your brother genuinely feels bad for what he has done. Because of it, I forgive him and am surprised to have met someone like him. It's exceedingly rare, to hear of someone to own the ability to control fire, let alone at a young age. Perhaps with time he'll learn more about it, how to use it well without destroying anything and possibly how he gained it in the first place. As for now, perhaps it'll be best if you play outside but near the castle, while we clean up the mess that has happened," After hearing this, Mario was mainly relieved that things weren't as bad as he would have guessed them to be. Perhaps playing outside would be for the best. After all that has happened in such a short time, he needed fresh air. But one more idea popped into his mind.
"May we bring Peach with us? We'll have more space to do fun things with her," Mario hoped the king would agree with him. Considering the first time they played with her didn't end in a way he'd hope for it to, he wanted a chance to change that.
"Very well. If my dear Peach wants to play, I'll allow her to. There won't be need for Toadsworth to protect you this time since the royal guards should be able to keep an eye on you if you truly are going to be near the castle. I trust you boys and be sure to come back in when you're ready. For now, Toadsworth and I have more work that needs to be done," Peach who is nearby, would agree to come with them. Meanwhile, the king had something to think about. About all of this, this situation was more familiar to him than anyone knew.
"Thanks so much, come on Yo-" When Mario is calling for Yoshi to come with them, he sees that Yoshi isn't there at all. He was so worried about what the Mushroom King would think of him, that he didn't notice that Yoshi had stopped following them. Where could he have gone?
"He couldn't have gone far. I'm sure you'll find him. Best of luck," The Mushroom King had given them his wishes and Mario also believed Yoshi would be found before too long. As they were walking back to the entrance of the castle, he tried to think. Just where could Yoshi have gone, where is the place he is most likely to go. Mario pondered this hard and quickly. He didn't want to start playing as long as his Yoshi friend is lost somewhere. He could be getting himself into trouble for all he knew. But after a little more thinking, he had a thought. The three of them had skipped breakfast that morning and Yoshi had been craving fruit all morning because of it. Mario had reason to believe that Yoshi had wandered off to the kitchen. Perhaps he caught whiff of something yummy that he didn't. When they were near the main floor, Mario peeks at the kitchen which has its door open. There had been sounds of commotion and sure enough, Yoshi happily walks out of there.
"Oh, there you are, Yoshi!" Mario calls out and Yoshi walks up to him and stares before saying "Food!" out of joy.
"Well, that ends my worry. Why'd you wander off? We were worried about you," Mario lightly scolds, and Yoshi scratches the back of his head nervously. But then Mario gently smiles in response, claiming that he isn't upset.
"Let's get going, Yoshi. Let's come up with a game or something to do," Mario insists, and Yoshi joyfully agrees to it. It wasn't long until they reached the castle's front door. A few things were going through Mario's head. He wondered how his father had been doing. Would he be upset with him and Luigi because they went outside the castle without telling him? Surely the Mushroom King would be kind enough to inform him what had been going on. When exiting the main door, Peach informs the guards that they are only playing for a short time and that she'd be back before too long. They understand and happily let them go off. Luigi was glad to get a breath of fresh air. It had been a peaceful day today, which is what he enjoys best. The world is filled with intense and crazy days. Sometimes it's best to take the slow days as they come and appreciate what you have. That's why Luigi was perfectly fine with taking things easy with his friends and brother. Mario however was still in his thoughts. The last things he wonders is just how more unusual can this day become. Considering he wasn't expecting to come to a castle today, it was far from what he is used to. He didn't know what to expect anymore. His thoughts are interrupted when he suddenly feels his body being tackled down. It only hurt slightly since he was surprised more than anything. The others are startled when it happens but once Mario starts to regain his focus and gets up, he realizes that it was done by his good friend, Wario. He happened to notice Mario wandering about and decided to play a quick joke on him as a result. Wario looks a little similar to Mario, especially in fashion sense, but he prefers to wear yellow and his size was almost twice that of Mario.
"Hey there, Mario. It's been some time since we've seen each other. How have you been?" He asks. Mario ends up wiping some dirt off his shirt before replying to that.
"I've been fine as ever, Wario. Well, I was until I almost ate dirt right now," Mario is still a little shaken. Despite how strong and sturdy Mario may be, Wario is undeniably bigger and tougher than he is. Peach watches Wario for the time, she is uncertain of what to think of him and doesn't exactly get the impression that he is kindhearted. She hoped her first impression would soon turn out to be incorrect. Until so, she remains quiet.
"Anyway, what are you to doing so near the castle. I was going for a stroll and possibly a snack for mushrooms and apples within the forest," Wario says, now that he thinks about it, he is getting hungry.
"You won't believe it, we have permission by the Mushroom King to stay at his castle for a while and do things," Mario admits.
"It's a surprise from our papa. Now we're looking for a fun game," Luigi chips in and Wario is both surprised and impressed to hear this. He could only dream of such a thing ever happening for him.
"Wow, I guess it's true that some guys get all the luck. I'll admit it, I've been a poor soul who has suffered from that of being poor. Through my whole life I've been scrapping to get by. My parents work so hard, that's why I've decided to pick mushrooms, that way we have something to enjoy tonight without digging too deep into our budget. It will be difficult to carry too many. Hopefully, I'll be able to bring back enough despite this," Wario says glumly. It seems that life had been hard for him thus being able to do half the things Mario and Luigi could was quite the challenge. The brothers felt sympathetic since they believed that everyone deserves a decent dinner at least.
"Wait a minute. Why don't we give him some of our coins so he can buy a basket to carry those super mushrooms in? I know our parents would understand if we spent our money that way," Luigi suggests to Mario and he thinks of it briefly.
"Well, Wario is our friend and I know some of things he has been through because of the little money he tends to have. Alright, Wario, these are for you," Mario would then reach into his pocket and pull out ten coins ready to go. Wario's eyes gleam in delight at the sight. He was overly impressed by his change of luck. After the exchange, Wario puts them in his own pocket so they'd be safe.
"Well, there goes our chances of buying anything at the pet shop anytime soon," Mario says to himself, sad about this. However, he is also glad to have helped a friend in need.
"Yes, well, thanks. These will do simply fine," While seemingly grateful, Wario doesn't seem interesting in talking about his coins any more than that.
"Anyway, I see you're still playing with your dinosaur friend. Which is good, I always wondered what it would be like to ride on him. But we'll talk about that later," After hearing that, Yoshi contemplates the idea of having Wario ride on top of him and worries about his back. He looked to be as big as Mario and Luigi combined, he feared about living up to that task. After all, he didn't want to worry about having a bad back and walking silly, like his elder, back at his village.
"But Mario, Luigi, aren't you going to introduce me to your new friend? We haven't said a word to her during all of this, it would be rude to keep a girl waiting, you know," They were so caught up talking with Wario that they had almost forgotten about Peach. When they look back, she is still standing there, but then she lightly tilts her head in confusion, wondering where this is all going.
"Right," Mario says in a monotone voice before guiding Wario close to her.
"Wario, this is Princess Peach Toadstool, but we call her Peach. She is nice and does care about everyone. I think you and her will get along just fine," Mario says quickly before he switches the conversation to Peach.
"Peach, this is Wario. He is an old friend of mine who has always been there for me. Don't be intimidated by his size and brash attitude, he is a real fine guy," Mario finishes the introduction but Wario feels a little self-conscious when he tells Peach to overlook his size and attitude. They are what make him feared in the first place. Regardless, he knew that he should at least try to have a decent relationship with the princess of their kingdom. Peach then finally lets up and becomes more open to Wario. She was glad that he wasn't as intimidating as she expected him to.
"A few years ago, I used to be picked on back at the castle town's school because I was small, but Wario stood up for me and since then I was never bothered again. I found his act to be amazing and inspiring," Mario claims which makes Peach think more of Wario. Wario would then feel a little self-conscious
"Bah, it was nothing. All I know is that it's a dog-eat-dog world out there and I certainly wasn't going to let any of them eat me. You can't rely on someone to save you when you're in danger, so you've got to learn how to take care of yourself," Wario gives as piece of advice, one that Mario also believed in. Luigi wanted to believe it as well, but he thought the idea of fighting others all the time sounded scary. He tried not to think about it so much. Wario then remembered one more thing that he wanted to do.
"Now that I found you boys, I wanted to know if you wanted to play a quick game of kick the goomba," Wario had been secretly carrying a goomba within his pocket and had just pulled it out. How he managed to fit in there in the first place is something the brothers would never know. In order to play kick the goomba, all they had to do was pass to one another with kicks. As simple as it may be, it was difficult to keep it within play, especially since it'd usually run off once it gets loose. Mario and Luigi really enjoy this game, they tend to play it, outside of their house. However, Yoshi and Peach sit this one out. Yoshi was never really good at the game. How fast the goomba could go would make his dino head spin. Also, he didn't want to be blamed for losing the goomba. Meanwhile, Peach didn't want to do it since the goombas were still their alleys and she felt as if this game was very rude and unpleasant towards them. She was a little surprised that her new friends played it, let alone often.