Author's Note: I've been playing Mario games since he was "Jumpman" in Donkey Kong, so there's a lot of info from the games, books, toys, and anything else Nintendo makes with him. I understand the Super Mario Movie and cartoons are not canon, but I do use some of the cartoon lore in here for filler info. Also, according to Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario's creator, Mario is 5'1'' and 25 years old, such info I have used to make more sense of less profiled characters. So knowing this, please don't freak out about certain characters being so-so feet tall and so-so years old. I mean, if that stuff freaks you out then, spoiler alert, Mario is not a plumber anymore and I will make note of it in the story. Timeline wise, I'm placing this before the Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions, Super Mario Odyssey, and Mario Party: The Top 100 games, those I have yet to properly think of ways to intergrade into this story, plus most of those games haven't even been released yet. But enough of me rambling, you want to lose yourself in a story, so here it is. Enjoy. ^_^
The boys and I soon return to the others as they are in the progress of playing charades with big bad boss Bowser, King of the Koopa. Immediate flags go up when Bowser sees how chummy I am with Roy. It actually kind of makes me feel good. Seeing someone, anyone, let along the mighty Bowser, getting jealous of the boy on my arm...It makes me feel pretty and wanted. Of course, Jr. isn't pleased that Roy is sticking so close to me, but he has to deal with it this evening. I'm Roy's means of calm in the sea of his bubbling rage. One wrong move and this tough guy will explode worse than a wild Banzai Bill that managed to hit King Bob-omb, just bad news man, really bad news. I can't risk Bowser accidentally setting him off if he tries to make some sort of move. Dear lord, how did I go from caretaker to a member of the bomb squad?
This was proving a bit of a distraction for the Koopa King. Hard to pay attention to the kids guessing what he's supposed to be when his mind keeps getting lost on why his spitfire was staying so close to Roy. Not only that, she was allowing him to paw at her like it wasn't a big deal. What was she up to? Was this part of her little game? Was she still secretly mad and this was her way of punishing him? No, none of this made any sense. Maybe...Maybe this is just a tease? Yeah...Tease him to rile him up. Make his blood boil. Make him want her more. Oh, well played, girl. Fine. Two can play this game. If she wants his attention so badly, then it's only fair to deny her the satisfaction. Kings don't surrender so easily. Not without putting up a hell of a fight.
Roy is oblivious to anything else that wasn't currently tucked under his arm. While she may have taken her arm off from around his neck, he was more than comfortable keeping his draped around her like a muscular brace. In a way, this was a huge score for him. Sure, he knew Lynsie was sticking around to keep him in check, but it's not like he can't enjoy it as a perk. So if he were to, let's say, take advantage of the situation by getting as much affection as he can while rubbing it in his old man's face, well...heh...Then he guesses them's the breaks. Yeah, how do ya like it now, old fool? This is MY girl. She always was MY girl. Ain't nothing ya can do to take MY girl away from me. See how she lets me be so close? How she lets me put my hands on her. How she lets me drive her crazy.
"*flustered* R-Roy...*whisper* Please don't mess with my neck. It's sensitive."
Yeah? See, old man?! She tells me things like that! She trusts me with her secrets! Me! Not you! ME!
"Roy?"
His grip is getting stronger on me and he keeps looking at Bowser who just so happens to not be doing so well. Oh, come on. Is he really doing this right now? I bump Roy's gut with my elbow.
"Yeah sugar?"
"*whisper* Don't start trouble."
"Babe, I'm not."
"I'm not blind. You're teasing him and using me to do so."
"What? That ain't what I'm doin' at all."
"Oh yeah? Then what are you doing?"
Roy grins mischievously.
"Well, since ya asked..."
He nibbles my ear.
"I'm letting everyone know just who ya belong to~."
His tone is deep yet hushed. I do what I can to fight the blush that threatens to come to my cheeks. And even though I know I shouldn't say anything, my mouth asks the million coin question.
"And just how are you doing that?"
His grin widens and he moves to stand in front of me.
"Like this!"
Roy takes hold of my shoulders then chomps his mouth down on my neck and I flinch hard before needing to bite my lips before any sound escapes. Seeing this, Roy smirks and drags his tongue slowly across my skin. I try not to squirm. I try not to make a sound. I try not to pull any unwanted attention. But this is not what happens. Especially when Roy decides to bite down and sucks on a particularly sensitive spot that has me come undone right there. All eyes are on us when the most embarrassing noise comes out of me. Yet for Roy, this couldn't be more pleasing. I'm putty in his arms and grasping at his shell harshly, causing Roy himself to produce a rather deep rumble that shakes me to my core.
"Roy!"
Bowser's disapproving voice does little to stop Roy. In fact, it does the opposite and makes him bite harder, really sinking his teeth in me for more of a better lasting mark.
"Roy Koopa!"
A parent using a full name is always a red flag warning. Feeling he's done a fine job, Roy detaches from my neck with loud wet pop and the biggest cocky grin smearing his face.
"Somethin' the matter, pops?"
Roy doesn't even look at Bowser. He's having too much fun looking at the mess he's made me into. My face is flush, mouth open and panting, knees so close to buckling it's pathetic. Bowser is not happy.
"Roy...Step away from her."
"Heh...Now, why would I do that?"
"I'm not going to tell you twice. Get away from her. Now."
"That's a bit rude, pop. Shouldn't ya ask her if she wants me to go?"
Roy nuzzles my cheek and along under my chin.
"Go on, sweetheart. Tell the old man if ya want me to stop."
My head is so frazzled I can't even begin to think of words I'd say at this moment. I feel so damn embarrassed and ashamed by my weakness. I just want to get away but I can't make my legs move. All I end up doing is trying to hide in Roy's chest. Roy smiles and strokes my head affectionately.
"I think ya got your answer, pop."
Bowser begins to growl and the others in the room start to worry.
"Brother...It would be wise of you to do as Father wishes and not provoke him."
Roy smirks.
"Ask yourself the question...Why does he want me to back off?"
That got the others, except Jr., to look at their dad with inquisitive eyes. Now Roy looks over his shoulder to see the look on Bowser's face.
"Ya wanna tell'em or should I, old man?"
The King wavers in his stern expression.
"What are you talking about?"
"Ya know...I've always thought you were the most awesome person for takin' us in and makin' us your kids. We had nothin'. Then one day, ya come along and give us everythin'. I looked up to ya, old man. So for you, of all people, to stab me in the back..."
Bowser flinches. The room has a sense of dread. I know what's to come and act on instinct.
"Bedtime, everyone! Now!"
Roy jumps from my outburst.
"But Mama..."
"I SAID, NOW!"
I've never raised my voice to them before or had this tremble that made my voice crack. So this was a BIG uh-oh cue to get out now, even though they didn't want to miss what was going on. Slowly, seven leave the room but most likely are on the other side of the door and listening in, while three remain. Bowser, Roy, and myself. The tension only feels heavier now that it's just us. The first to speak is Bowser.
"Boy...How much do you know?"
Roy turns fully around to face him.
"I had my suspicions. But she filled me in on what you've been up to."
Bowser's gaze falls on me.
"You told him?"
I fiddle with my fingers nervously.
"Hey! Don't put this on her like she did wrong! Do ya even know how messed up it was for her to tell me about this? But still, at least she had the guts to tell me."
"The things I choose to do don't concern you, boy."
"*snarl* Like shell! You have no right to..."
I put my hand on Roy's shoulder and he huffs through he nose to calm down.
"Bowser...I...It wasn't right to not tell him. You can be mad if you want. But he needed to know. He's been after me since day one. As his father, you do owe him an apology because you knew this. Heck, you were there when he came to me with a box of chocolates. I don't even blame Roy for how he feels. He has every right to be upset. You both need to talk about this. And we all need to come to an understanding on this before it tears us, this family, or even the very Kingdom apart. That's something I can't in all good conscience be able to live with if I end up being the cause of so much pain."
That makes them soften their expressions.
"She makes a point, pop."
Bowser sighs and rubs his face.
"I know. I was hoping to do this under better circumstances."
"Can I...Can I at least ask ya why? Why are ya interested in her when ya already got Peach?"
Bowser sits down on the floor.
"I don't have Peach. I will never have her."
Roy and I are confused.
"Hold up...I thought she was in her room?"
"Don't tell me that cheeky shrew escaped. I will personally beat the snot out of Boom-Boom and Pom-Pom if they allowed that woman to get away."
"...Sugar, I know you're not tryin' but that was freakin' sexy as hell."
"Not now, Roy."
Bowser coughs to get our attention again.
"Princess Peach is still in this castle. So do try not to be so overly dramatic."
"I promise nothing."
"Anyway...What I mean is, I can capture Peach and even marry her...But I'll never truly have her. I see it now. All my effort has been wasted on that infernal woman. Even now..."
Bowser looks at his hand.
"Even now that woman is still in my heart. After so many long years, the torch I carried for her no longer needs the flames to be tended. I can't put it out even if I try. And believe me, I have been trying. Ever since..."
He looks at me.
"Ever since you opened my eyes."
I hang my head down. I so fucking knew this was my fault. Can't I do anything right?
"Still, ya knew I was makin' my move on her. It's a cheap shot on your part to mack on my girl when ya know I called dibs."
Okay...That sounded less than charming.
"You can't call dibs on a person. Besides, I outrank you, boy. If anything, I get the first choice of females."
Yeah...Not liking how this is starting to sound.
"That's a load of bull and ya know it. You're just being a selfish jerk."
"Mind your tongue, boy."
"No! You're just cheesed that the girl ya always wanted is a total #%*&$ like everyone already knew and ya just wanna replace her with someone we all know is better!"
"I know that! Why wouldn't I want someone better?! At least she actually likes me!"
"Ya can't have her!"
"And you can't stop me if I try!"
"CUT IT OUT!"
I snap.
"Both of you are out of your minds if this is supposed to make it easier to choose. You're talking like I'm not even here or like I'm not a person. I'm not a freaking object! You can't own me!"
I don't know what's gotten into me...but I like it.
"Sugar, that's not..."
"No! Don't sugar me. And you, no spitfire either."
"What did I do?"
"None of you have any idea how all this insanity is affecting me. It's all about you and if you get the girl. Well guess what, that's not how it works! I decide whom I like! And you know what else...I can't do this anymore. I'm done. Heh...Yeah...I'm done."
Bowser is stunned and Roy begins to panic.
"S-Sugar...Ya can't mean that. I love..."
"Don't...Don't utter those words. You do care about me, that much I know. But if you did love me, you wouldn't have used me for that shameful display. And for what? Just to tick off your dad and give me this hickey?"
He flinches and a guilty blush colors his face.
"And you..."
Bowser gulps.
"Telling me you love me yet still marrying Peach and saying I'm all yours...Greedy boy. You can't have me and Peach at the same time. I will not play second fiddle to no third-rate royal. You want me? You go after me and me alone."
"B-But the Mushroom Kingdom..."
"You want it so badly, take it. I don't care. I just don't care anymore. *sigh*"
I pull my shell off.
"As annoyed as I am right now, listening to you two fight a stupid tug of war with me as the darn rope. I will be clear that I care about you dunderheads. I want to make sure you're happy. I want all of us to be happy. But I can't do this if all it does is cause fights and other pointless drama."
I drop the shell.
"I'm going to bed. Not like I'll sleep anyway. Not with all this crud running through my head."
"L-Lynsie...Hold on and let's talk this out."
Bowser attempts to stand and come to me, but the stern glare I give him makes him freeze.
"I am going to bed. I am going to evaluate my life choices. You two are the ones going to talk. And if I open that door and see any of you kids scurrying away like mice, I am going to be even more UPSET! You have five seconds!"
There's a lot of scuffling sounds behind that door and I fling it open harshly.
"Well? Why don't I hear anything? Talk!"
I leave and slam the door hard. I am in a bad mood. I won't be sleeping, at least, not sleeping well. I can't face Jr. while I'm like this. I think tonight I'm going back to the closet. But first, maybe a snack.
Roy just stood there with his hands balled into fists, mentally fighting his need to chase after her and not doing that to avoid getting his butt whooped by a ticked off girl. Damn it! He hates feeling so weak.
Bowser just stared at the floor in guilt. She's right. She's right about everything. He didn't once think how this was for her. He just expected she'd be his, and why? Because he said he cared? He's such an idiot!
"Are ya happy now? She's had enough and it's all your fault!"
"Roy..."
"I can't even go after her because it'll only make it worst...*weakly* Do ya even see how messed up this is? I love her...and I...*whimpers* I can't even..."
Oh crap, is he...Dad mode active! Bowser gets up and goes to his son, trying to give him a parental hug of comfort. However, Roy ain't having none of it and thrashes. Bowser takes the hits. He refuses to let go. This was his fault and he needed to make it right.
"Roy...I'm sorry. I know you care about her. I do too."
"*sniffling* Ya got no right! Ya have no right to say that!"
"I know. I broke your trust. You have every right to hate my guts. I hate myself because of this."
"*weak crying* It's not fair...You already have a girl...She's total scum, but ya got her...Sugar...Lynsie...She was mine...She was the first thing I got on my own that you didn't give me or set it up to make it look like I did it myself..."
"What do you mean?"
"Oh come off it, old man...Ya give us everythin', even if we fail. I'm not sayin' we don't appreciate it, but...Havin' her, knowing I was earnin' her on my own...It made me...*choked up* It made me feel like I was my own man and not just the entitled son of the King."
Bowser can feel his heart breaking.
"Roy...I didn't know you felt that way."
Roy's thrashing and crying were subsiding. The confession talking was really taking loads off him.
"Ya never ask. You're always busy."
"Then you can come to me and I'll make time for you."
"If that was true, then ya wouldn't be hirin' nannies to look after us."
"I didn't...*sigh* I did hire others. Mainly for Jr...But I didn't hire Lynsie."
"Yeah...Ya just made her stick around because of some debut. She told us about that."
"Geez...That girl doesn't keep anything to herself."
"She's not the kind of gal to lie or hide things. When she told me you were hittin' on her, she was cryin'. She felt terrible for not tellin' me sooner."
"Yeah...She's sweet like that. ...So...What else did she tell you about, uh, us? Her and I?"
"That ya recently did somethin' stupid that put ya on thin ice."
"Did she say what that was?"
Please god, please say no.
"Nah. I didn't get any details."
Thank the stars!
"What did ya do anyway?"
Crap! Uh...Think!
"I said some things and did dumb stuff. The whole Peach proposal party tomorrow was just something that got under her skin and I admit it's a dumb thing to do after telling her I love her."
Roy snickered.
"Man, pop. Ya really suck at this whole 'get the girl' thing. But I gotta tell ya, thanks."
"Uh...Why?"
"Heh...Because she said you doin' that made her like me more."
That hit a hard nail in Bowser's heart. He knew she was still mad. That he messed up and would need to earn his favor with her again. But he didn't think he dropped so low. Bowser lets Roy go but now holds his shoulders. This wasn't going to be easy for him. But he made a decision and was going to stick to it.
"Roy...I can't help how I feel about her. But...I will respect you and back down."
Roy finally looked up and met his father's eyes with his own, even if they are shaded.
"W-What?"
"It was wrong of me to try for her while you were courting her. As much as I do care for her, I...I don't want to be a bad father."
Roy's eyes widen.
"Pop...I...I don't know what to say."
"Don't say anything. Just...Promise me you'll take care of her."
"Do ya really think I won't? I'm gonna treat her like a freakin' queen."
Bowser chuckles and pats Roy's head.
"Go get her."
"Ya sure? She might still be ticked. And I don't know if you know, but ya don't want to mess with her when she is in a bad mood."
"How bad can she be?"
"Ya got no idea."
"Still...Man, this is hard...You should go to her. Let her know what we talked about and stuff. She may be mad, but she'll still listen if it's important."
"Alright. Thanks...dad."
Roy hugs Bowser and runs off in search of the girl, leaving the King to think on these events. He looks over at the discarded shell and collects it. Eerily it still felt warm and held her scent. His heart began to beat more and more. Pangs of desire raising in him. He began to leave for him chambers before other feelings start to come to him. Feelings that are not meant to not be seen out of his dreams or bedroom.
"*sigh* This is going to be a long night."
Roy ran through halls like a madman. He honestly had no clue where she was. He had checked Jr.'s room only to not find her there. Tracking was never his strong suit. Think...If he were a pissed off female, where would he go? It comes to him moments later. The one location in the whole castle that is cliché and predictable. And when he gets there, he has to keep his cool when he finds her snacking on a chocolate pudding cup. She doesn't notice him at first. But that changes when he breathes just a little louder than intended. He hesitates when she just stares at him. Time feels slow. Even her eating seems in slow motion. Yet it all speeds up again when she speaks.
"What?"
Okay Roy, you know what you gotta do and say. Just don't back down and let her know.
"If you have something to say, spit it out or go."
"Sug-...Lynsie."
"Yes?"
Damn it girl, why are your eyes so damn intense?!
"Go to bed, Roy. You have stuff to do later."
Now or never, tough guy. Let her know. Do it!
"L-Lynsie...I..."
"Say it already, geez."
This attitude wasn't helping. Time to fix that.
"Hey!"
He shouts and she glares at him until he removes his shades. Her eyes soften but remain strong. He walks up to her and looks her dead in the eyes.
"Lynsie."
"Roy."
"I love you."
"*annoyed* I thought I made myself clear. I'm do-...!"
His mouth on hers cut her words off, but her hands threatened to shove him back. So he pulled away.
"What was that about? Do you really think kisses will make things all better?"
"The old man and I talked."
"Good. So you boys are capable of listening when you want to."
"He's backin' off of ya."
That made her pause.
"What do you mean?"
"We talked. He apologized. Mushy stuff happened. But he told me he'll back off and let us be together."
This has her looking at him funny. She puts her snack down and puts her hands together in a thinking pyramid.
"He's giving up?"
Roy eyes her.
"He talked about how he can't help likin' ya, but yeah. He's gonna leave us alone."
"But...He gave up. Right? Just like that? No fight what so ever? Just...let it go?"
"Pretty much."
She closes her eyes and breathes through her nose. What is she thinking about? This can't really bother her...can it? Don't tell me she actually is upset about losing Bowser's attention. God damn it, old man!
"Roy..."
She keeps her eyes closed.
"Yeah?"
Her eyes open and meet his.
"How do you feel?"
He cocks his head confused.
"Huh?"
"How do you feel now? Having talked with Bowser about all sorts of stuff and junk. Do you feel any better? Like, do you still feel pent up?"
He blushes a little, his mind interpreting that last line differently than what he knows she means. But letting her questions sink in, the realization comes to him and he laughs.
"Heheh...Funny enough...Yeah. I feel great."
She smiles.
"Good. I'm glad that weight came off your soul."
"Ya know...I'd feel even better if I could get a hug?"
He holds his arms out and gives her a cute puppy dog look. She becomes unsure.
"Just because you boys worked things out doesn't mean I have."
"I know. We've been huge d-bags for not takin' your feelin's into account. But that changes now. No more tug of war. No more pressure. It's just us. And we can do anythin' we want. Or better yet...Anythin' you want."
She looks hesitant, so he gives her a warm and charming Koopa smile to encourage her.
"What do ya say, Lynsie? What can I do for you?"
Her gaze goes downward at the floor timidly and she holds her arms in a cautious manner, but he waits to see if she'll accept him. Moments pass. She keeps still, occasionally twitching her fingers to whatever thoughts are running through her head. As strong as Roy is, holding his arms out for so long is beginning to make him sore. He was about to let them fall in defeat when she finally began moving towards him. The moment her form entered his reach, it was like the vice of a Piranha Plant's jaws snapping shut. He held her close and made sure she knew he wasn't letting go unless she said otherwise. But such protests never came. She accepted this embrace and he was grateful to no end.
"Ya okay?"
"I don't know."
"Do ya wanna go to bed?"
"Probably a good idea to do so."
"Want me to escort ya to Jr.'s?"
"...No. I think I messed up when I was mad and I don't want to scare him by creeping into his room."
"O-Oh."
Roy asks a bold question before his brain has a chance to filter it first.
"Do ya wanna sleep with me tonight?"
He was mentally kicking himself for how lewdly suggestive that sounded. No way she was going to...
"Sure."
...Holy shit! Roy's face burned with a blush so deep it threatened to turn into a color to match his shell and his nose began to bleed. This got her attention.
"Oh my god! Are you alright?"
"Um..."
He let her go to hold his snout and she quickly retrieved some paper towels. Not the manliest moment of his life, but on the plus side, he was getting some TLC from his girl. So he called it a win.
"Are you sure that you're okay?"
"*stuffed* Yeah, I'm fine. Just got a little excited is all."
"Why?"
"*stuffed* Uh...N-No reason. Say! I was meanin' to ask...Am I able to call ya 'sugar' again?"
"I don't know. Is my name really so bothersome to say?"
"*stuffed* No. That's not what I meant."
"*snicker* Just messing with you."
"*stuffed* Not cool, sugar."
"Yeah yeah. Come along, tough guy. I'll help you make to your room without you hitting any walls."
"*stuffed* Thanks, sweetheart. You're so good to me."
"I try."
Carefully she guided him to his room. Once there, it was nurse Lynsie that tended to his needs and made sure the bleeding had stopped before allowing him to do anything else.
"How's it look?"
"Seems to be done now. Whatever blood vessel that busted appears to have sealed up. Still, very odd."
He chuckled nervously and rub his head.
"Y-Yeah...Go figure about that."
"Best be safe and sleep laying on your back."
"Whatever ya say, sugar."
His nerves were an absolute wreck. Sure, he had her in his room before. Sure, he was shell-less with her before. But to do so now AND have her in his bed with him? It's almost too much to even picture.
"Coming to bed, Roy?"
Lost in his thoughts, he now finds her already there and waiting under the covers. God how he could feel his nose threaten to bleed again.
"Y-Yeah, sugar. Just give me a sec to get...comfortable."
This wouldn't be so bad if she wasn't watching him. Even though she was being purely innocent, he couldn't help how timid he was getting from her starring. Eventually, his shell comes off and he manages to bring himself to the bed. Placing his shades on a nightstand, he slowly joins her with all the nervousness of a mouse laying next to a snake.
"Are you cold?"
"Huh? N-No. Why ya ask?"
"You're shaking. Here, let me..."
Further adding to his quaking nervousness, she tries to help him warm up by pulling him into a cuddle. At this point, the bad bully Koopa was about to lose his mind. On the one hand, he had just gotten back on her good side and it would be stupid for him to do anything to jeopardize this. Yet on the other hand, she was totally driving him insane and he wasn't sure how much longer he can hold back these urges.
"Is this better?"
Unsure of anything clean would come out of his mouth, Roy went with a safe move and nodded yes.
"Good."
She leans in and kisses his cheek.
"Sweet dreams, Roy."
He bites his bottom lip hard.
"*muffled* 'Night, sweet cheeks."
"Heh...Been a long time since you used that one. *yawn* Feels good to hear it again."
If this behavior struck Lynsie as odd, she gave no sign. She merely snuggles him and settles in for some rest. Roy was now regretting this as he did his best not to fidget with her nestled so close against him. Sure such cuddles were okay with a kid like Jr., Larry, or even Lemmy. But for someone like Roy, this was making him want to do things, things he didn't fully grasp and that she'd probably smack him for. What was worse was that the naughty devil on his other shoulder was reminding him that she had promised to do anything he wanted with her with no questions asked and it was getting harder not to bug her with some seemingly random thing just to make it stop. After about half an hour of him laying there, he heard the sounds of sleep next to him and it made him relax. At least if she's sleeping he can't mess up so bad.
"*sigh* Ya have no clue how hard this is right now."
The innuendo escapes him at the moment.
"Maybe if I do this...?"
Turning on his side to face her, he wraps his arms around her and holds her to his chest, his head nestled above hers.
"Mmmm...Much better."
He rubs her back a little bit and she nuzzles him softly.
"*purrs* That's my girl. *coo* I love ya too~."
This was nice. This was something he could get used to. Her soft warm body all pressed to his scaly form. Oh yeah, this is definitely how it's supposed to be. No one else earned this more than him. The old man better keep his word. This is his girl. His! No one else. Still, he needed to keep his guard up. Bowser may have backed off, but that didn't mean there weren't others. There was still Ludwig. Maybe even Morton too based on how he tends to act with her. And he isn't going to let her go without a fight. Geez, being a boyfriend can be so exhausting. But in the end, to have her like this was so worth it.
[Meanwhile: At Castle Five]
Over so long, with so much going on inside, the castle began to crumble in on itself. Fire of many different colors. Poisonous fumes. Bones of many sizes. Random boots and hammers. All sorts of crazy things break their way out of the stone fortress as the sun made its way across the sky. By the time all goes quiet, about 75% of the castle had caved in. The exit door was open, but if there were any onlookers they'd have no clue if it opened because of the damage or the people inside. Soon, however, two world famous brothers stampede out of there for their lives. The reasons for this make themselves known in a big way. One by one, the three dragons smash their way out of the ruined castle and give chase. Hooktail and Gloomtail take the sky, leaving Bonetail charging on the ground behind the Mario Brothers. All three take turns bellowing deadly breath attacks at the humans.
"This is madness!"
"How do-a we get out of this?!"
"The trees! Head into the trees and zigzag!"
They think this plan will work because of the massive sizes of the dragons. If you chase a mouse into bushes, you can't keep track of it because it's so small. This might have been a good plan to avoid the two in the air and maybe even the one still grounded. But they didn't take into account one of them having a really annoyingly strong sense of smell and a big mouth that told the others where they were.
"This is ridiculous!"
"We won't-a last long like this!"
"I don't-a want to die, Mario!"
"At this rate, they'll torch us and this jungle before-a they can get us! We need a distraction!"
"Oh yeah! Like-a someone is going to willingly come between us and these guys!"
"Then why not you-a come with some ideas instead-a of shooting down mine!"
"*roaring*"
"Not good! Not good! Not good!"
Mario is at a lost. Stamina for him was beginning to get low after all the fighting, lord knows how much Luigi has, but certainly not enough to carry his fat butt and outrun three pissed off dragons. Nothing short of a miracle, divine intervention, or sheer dumb luck was going save their souls now.
"*pain roars*"
"What on earth are you doing, you fool?!"
This made the brothers turn around to see what the commotion was all about. Seems fate spun the wheel of destiny and it landed on random dumb luck. For in the distance, the guardian Bone Dragon the boys had "befriended" was now coming up the rear of this chase and spitting fireballs at the trio. It appears a little kindness goes a long way and the Bone Dragon was in their debt.
This attack didn't go without consequences. The Trio, under this new bombardment, turned their attention to the Bone Dragon. A fairly even match, three dragons versus a three-headed dragon, simple really. Yet there was one flaw that gave the Trio the advantage...They can fly and go after each head at once.
"Holy cow..."
"We should-a help it."
"We couldn't even if we tried."
"But they'll kill it!"
"Okay, first off, it's already dead. Second, it chose to attack them. It's trying to save us. Let's not-a let its sacrifice be in vain. Because as soon as they beat it, they'll come back after us and even harder."
"B-But..."
Luigi was torn and Mario knew as well as anyone that his brother was softhearted. Even if it meant being killed, Luigi was the kind of guy to do the right thing, even if it was scary as hell. Mario puts his hand on his brother's shoulder.
"Come on, Luigi. Let's-a go."
Luigi balled his fists and swallowed his nerves. Mario is right. He knows this. But it doesn't mean he has to like it.
"Okay."
Reluctantly, Luigi follows his brother and flees. The Bone Dragon put up a hell of a fight despite its disadvantages in speed and mobility. Between snapping bites, fireballs, and whippings of its tail, it gets in a few good shots before the tide of battle turns in favor of the Trio. Hooktail, being the smaller of the three, used its speed to disorientate the heads with impressive aerial maneuvers. Gloomtail, keeping at a close but out of range distance, uses its noxious poisonous fumes to weaken it to the point of crippling it the undead. And mighty Bonetail, the merciless elder, moves in close to deliver the devastating finishing blows and breaks the Bone Dragon's necks in its crushing jaws. And as soon as it all started it was over. The eerie otherworldly light in the Bone Dragon's eyes was extinguished. The beast is dead.
"Foolish idiot. Thinking it could take us on."
"Hush your tongue! It fought us honorably even though it knew it was outmatched. There is no shame in such nobility."
"Why do you think it turned on us?"
"A mystery we have no need to indulge in."
"Either way, it did have a reason for doing so."
"Seems that way. It allowed them to escape."
"Are you sure you don't smell them?"
"*deep sniffing* Nothing. The jungle is too thick and full of other smells. Their scent is in there, but it's mixed deeply with everything else."
"What is our next course of action, elder?"
"*growls* We bide our time. They are headed for the next castle, correct? Then we shall be waiting for them there."
"That's in the sky zone, right? Can we stop for a bite to eat first? I'm starving!"
"*chuckles* There are several villages occupying sky zone. It would be a shame to miss out on such a dining experience, wouldn't you agree?"
Bonetail grins.
"I spoil you two too much."
"I didn't hear a no."
"Today, we feast."
With that, the Trio takes flight, though Bonetail has a bit of trouble doing so since it hasn't flown in eons. They take off into the sky and leave the Mario Brothers for now. Speaking of the brothers...
"Do...Do you-a think it's okay?"
"For a skeleton? Eh...Probably. Heck, we might see it again on the way back."
"Can we...Can we keep it?"
"...Maybe."
"R-Really?!"
"Yeah, sure. Why not? Sure as heck would-a be easier to take care of than a Yoshi. A dragon that doesn't need to eat compared-a to a dinosaur that would eat us out of house and home. It's-a no brainer."
"Oooh...!"
Luigi hugs Mario tight.
"Thank you, Mario! You're-a the best!"
Mario blushes and pulls away embarrassed.
"Yeah yeah. You're-a welcome."
Luigi has a new peppy bounce in his step and one that doesn't sound like a silly noise either. Since they lost the dragons there was no point in wearing the badges. In fact, Luigi is in such a good mood, he gets a stroke of genius.
"Hey, Mario..."
"What?"
"The next castle is in sky zone, right?"
"Yep."
"And to go up-a there, we have to climb up-a a giant seed stalk, right?"
"Yeah...?"
"What-a if...Hear me-a out on this...What-a if we skip it?"
Mario's eyes widen.
"Can we...Can we even do-a that? Do-a we have a Warp Whistle? Is there a Warp Pipe around here?"
Mario sounded more eager than Luigi thought he would be at such news.
"Well...No. We don't-a have a whistle. But that over there looks promising."
Luigi points at a less than discrete sign with an all too familiar purple rabbit symbol pointing into some bushes and Mario just shakes his head.
"Really? Why-a not put up neon lights and air horns while-a he's at it."
Luigi goes over to the bush and moves it aside, revealing a very thin pipe.
"How far do you-a think it goes?"
"If we're lucky, and I doubt we are, then I'd like it if it pops us out right outside that-a lizard's castle."
"Heh...The look on his face would-a be priceless."
"That it would-a. Oh well...Here we go!"
Mario leaps onto the pipe and manages to get stuck.
"Oh, come on!"
"Here, let me try this."
Luigi climbs onto Mario's shoulders and jumps. The force of him pushing down on his brother is enough to shove the portly plumber down the rest of the way down.
"Oh, yeah! Here we goooo! Wheeee!
Luigi shoots down the pipe with ease and the adventure only continues from here on out. For them anyway. For in the air, gazing from a pair of binoculars, is a Lakitu with a Paragoomba on its head that's holding a walkie-talkie.
"What did you see?"
"Plenty. Best call it in."
"Understood."
It turns on the walkie-talkie.
"PG Scout #360 calling Base Commander. Come in base command...The Mario Brothers have escaped Castle Five and the dragon siblings are also loose. They appear to be heading for Castle Six. Mass casualties are presumed to be imminent. I repeat...The Mario Brothers have escaped Castle Five and the dragon siblings are also loose. They appear to be heading for Castle Six. Mass casualties are presumed to be imminent. Over."
There's a buzz on the other end before a click is made.
"PG Scout #360, this is Base Commando #630. We have received your report. Can you confirm where the targets are heading? Over."
"*whispers* Hey, did you see where they went?"
"*whispers* Looked like a Warp Pipe. No clue where it goes."
"*whispers* Gee, that's helpful. *normal* Sir, it would seem they found a Warp Pipe in the jungle. I am unable to tell you where it leads. Over."
"Are you able to confirm the interference of secondary target? Over."
"*whispers* Did you see Nabbit?"
"*whispers* Nope. But that is definitely his logo."
"Affirmative, sir. Target Nabbit has once more aided the Mario Brothers. Over."
"Understood. Oh! What is the status report on the forest fire? Over."
"Sir. The flames have been extinguished, sir. Over."
"Where reinforcements able to reach the castle? Over."
"Affirmative, sir. Wario and Waluigi engaged the Mario Brothers but were unsuccessful in defeating them. Over."
"Where are they now? Over."
"Other operatives report them heading away from the castle and into a near by town. Presumably to lick their wounds. Over."
"Understood. Go find them and report they are to head to Castle Seven ASAP. Over."
"Yes, sir. Any further orders, sir? Over."
"Negative, PG Scout #360. Proceed with the task at hand and continue to follow the targets. Over."
"Roger that. PG Scout #360 ending communication. Over"
The line goes back to dead buzzing and the Paragoomba leaps off of the Lakitu.
"Follow them down the pipe. I'll catch back up after I get those two morons."
"You don't have to tell me twice."
The Lakitu hurries after the Mario Brothers while the trail is fresh and the Paragoomba heads towards any of the neighboring villages. Hopeful it won't take long to find some loudmouth human jerks bragging about how awesome they are.
Just in case there is still some questions to my logic, I'll help clear up a few things. Using the Official Nintendo chart (google super mario bros size chart and it's the first image you see) we can see how tall a lot of them are, though I had to guess height for the Koopalings based on screen images of them next to each other, plus Mario and Luigi. Now the Nintendo-approved statue poster claims it to be "life-sized", thus putting Mario's height at 155 cm (5'1"). Using that information along with this universal size chart, it's possible to estimate the height of all of the mainstays of the franchise. From shortest to tallest: a Goomba is 72 cm (2'4"); a Boo is 79 cm (2'7"); Baby Mario is 89 cm (2'11"); Baby Luigi is 90 cm (2'11"); a Shy Guy is 100 cm (3'3"); Toad, Toadette, and Toadsworth are 103 cm (3'5"); Diddy and Dixie Kong (on their knuckles) are 113 cm (3'8"); a Koopa Troopa is 120 cm (3'11"); a Dry Bones is 124 cm (4'1"); Bowser Jr. is 131 cm (4'4"); a Hammer Bro. is 142 cm (4'8"); a Bullet Bill is 148 cm (4'10") long and 96 cm (3'2") in diameter; a Wiggler is 159 cm (5'3") tall (not including the flower) and who knows how long; Wario and Birdo are 170 cm (5'7") (Birdo is 196 cm [6'5"] if you include her bow); Luigi and Yoshi are 175 cm (5'9"); Lakitu (including cloud) is 179 cm (5'10"); Daisy is 180 cm (5'11"); Donkey Kong (on his knuckles) and Peach (!) are 186 cm (6'1"); Waluigi (with his knees bent a bit) is 216 cm (7'1"); Bowser is 262 cm (8'7"); and Petey Piranha is a whopping 389 cm (12'9"). Normal Piranha Plants seem to vary in height depending on how long their bodies are, but the diameter of their heads is about 111 cm (3'8"). Now for the even harder part, character ages. When it comes to Jr.'s age and that of the Koopalings, I used their first game appearance as their birth year and added till now, this is why Jr. is 15 as Super Mario Sunshine came out 15 years ago and it's his first game. I'll explain why his age and his appearance don't seem to match later on, but after words I hope it'll make sense to you like it does to me.
If there are any questions, feel free to ask.