Luigi III presents a novelization of the flash series by Alvin-Earthworm.

SUPER MARIO BROS. Z

Episode Three:

A New Threat

(part one)

After leaving the Nintendo Stadium, the Mario Bros, Princess Peach, and the two hedgehogs all headed to Peach's castle to discuss what was going on.

"Thanks for letting us stay in your castle, your highness." the blue hedgehog said. "It's roomy. Comfy too. I could get used to this."

"You're welcome." Peach replied. "It's the least I could do after you saved me."

"Quite right." Toadsworth, Peach's butler, added. "We would've been in rather a sticky wicket if you fine fellows hadn't shown up at that moment, eh wot."

"No problem." the blue guy said. "You could say we were just dropping by."

"Jolly good show." Toadsworth said. "Now, what did you say your names were?"

"The name's Sonic the Hedgehog!" the blue one answered. "And the serious guy next to me is Shadow."

"The pleasure is all yours." Shadow said, causing Sonic to cast a frustrated glare at him.

"I see. And what brings you to the Mushroom Kingdom, wot?" Toadsworth asked.

"Actually, we need a small favor…" Sonic said.

"This matter doesn't concern them, Sonic!" Shadow cut in. "This is our problem, and only us two should deal with it."

"No, Shadow!" Sonic exclaimed. "You know very well we can't do this alone. Besides, these guys know this world better than we do. We're gonna need their help if we ever want to recover the Chaos Emeralds!"

"Chaos Emeralds?" Peach repeated confused. "Do you know what a Chaos Emerald is, Toadsworth?"

"I haven't the foggiest idea, your majesty." Toadsworth replied. He looked at Mario. "Master Mario, have you heard of a Chaos Emerald?"

Mario and Luigi tried to think of what they could be.

"That's because they're from an alternate dimension." Sonic explained. "The same dimension that me and Shadow came from. We made a mistake and accidentally transported them here. And now we need your help to get them back."

"Fascinating!" Toadsworth said.

"Indeed. Tell us more about these Emeralds." Peach requested.

"Care to do the honors, Shadow old buddy?" Sonic asked Shadow in a less-than-serious voice.

"Never call me 'buddy'." Shadow threatened. "The Chaos Emeralds are mystical gemstones of unknown origin and unlimited power. They have existed for generations and are linked to many ancient races. Alone they can be used to power machinery and unlock special abilities for those who are able to harness their power. But if someone were to collect all seven emeralds…the user will gain ultimate power and will be unstoppable."

"Oh my goodness!" Peach gasped.

"Good gravy!" Toadsworth shouted. "Do you have any idea what could happen if that overgrown brute, Bowser was to get his filthy claws on them? The results would be catastrophic!"

"The mushroom dude is right, Mario." Sonic said. "The longer those emeralds remain in this world, the greater the risk of them falling into the wrong hands. I know defending this world is your responsibility. Will you help us out?"

Mario and Luigi both agreed.

"Thanks guys." Sonic said. "I knew I could count on ya."

"Take Yoshi along with you too, Mario." Peach suggested. "I'm sure his sensitive nose will be able to sniff them out."

"Then what're we standing around here for?" Sonic asked. "Let's get moving!" he shouted as he ran off. Mario and Luigi followed him out.

Shadow sighed. "I'm getting sick of doing things his way…" Shadow followed the others out.

Peach and Toadsworth left the room, but that didn't leave the room empty.

Two familiar characters had been spying on the conversation.

Wario and Waluigi.

Wario suggested to his brother that they follow the Mario Bros. around and steal the emeralds as they find them, then sell the emeralds to the highest bidder. Waluigi loved the idea.

Wario left to follow the Mario Bros. Waluigi, however, stayed behind. He was thinking of the money they'd get. He didn't even notice that Wario had left until he called out telling him to hurry up.

to be continued…