I loved the Mario Movie. Absolutely adored it. I have seen it three times in theatres and am conspiring for a fourth. My problems with the film lie in the pop/rock songs (World 1-1 and Drivin' Me Bananas were so much better suited for their respective scenes), and I do agree that the pacing is too fast. I don't mind the pacing so much; I can keep up and the film is just a wonderfully fun ride the whole way through. It hurts the characters more than anything, and ten extra minutes would've been better for developing relationships and touching on already established ones.

This story takes a moment for poor Mario to really know what's going on. He understands less than the audience does, being from Brooklyn and having no knowledge of the Mushroom World. There will be spoilers for the movie, obviously. Please watch it at least once.

This also ties into my other Mario Movie story, 'Keys'. Not required reading, but I just want to point that out. I'm sure the new series name gives that away, though.

I'm talking too much. I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: Rated K-plus for talk of killing and injury without description, and one implication that you'll know when you read

Mario had never seen more stars in his life.

New York of course had plenty, but Mario knew the aurora of artificial light smothered out the view of the sky. It was nothing for him to complain about; he loved the city. The hustle and bustle, the noise, the people, and the liveliness of it all.

Out here… with nothing but the soft glow of the orange flowers around them… There had to be ten times more, spraying across the sky in waves. The stars nestled close in deep tones of blues and purples. Some flickered. Comets blinked by in a slash of light.

"Pretty, right?"

Peach was sitting besides him, gazing up at the same night sky. Her dress was still white and red from the orange flowers. Her blonde hair, which honestly looked like it was made of silk, flowed in the gentle wind.

"Very," Mario said.

She met his eyes. He grinned, his cheeks flushing at being caught… not gazing at the stars. She chuckled, but noticeably shifted away. She did not make eye contact again, but she threw him little glances that made his stomach heavy. Maybe he shouldn't be staring…

Behind them, Toad played a soft melody on a flute he'd probably kept at the bottom of his backpack.

Mario turned his attention back to the stars. Luigi would love this… He loves nature… Always wanted to rent a place in the middle of nowhere… Can he see the Stars, too?

Judging by what Peach and Toad have told him… which was very little— Luigi was probably locked up, if this Bowser had him. That would be the best, probably. Bowser was, supposedly the evilest, vilest creature in the world. A complete psycho who could eat Mario without even noticing. He wasn't sure if she meant that literally, or if it mean he… was a good fighter, or something… If he was really so bad… would he hurt Luigi just for the fun of it? Was his little brother being tormented while he stared up at the sky?

"What's… what's on your mind?" Peach asked.

"Me?" Mario jumped, his head whipping towards the princess. She nodded. She held eye contact. Mario rubbed the back of his head. "I was just wondering how my brother's doing… I mean, if this Bowser is… anything like you say he is…"

"He won't hurt your brother," Peach said. She reached out, patting the back of his hand. "So long as your brother plays it safe, Bowser will not hurt him. Not unless Luigi gives him a reason to. Does… does he tend to pick fights or insult anyone?"

"No! Luigi would… never…" Mario frowned. "How would you know that?"

Peach blinked. "Know what?"

"That Bowser won't hurt him. You're the one who told me he's a monster."

She shifted, snatching her hand back. She folded them in her lap.

Toad's flute fell away. The little mushroom-man scurried up to Peach's other side. He gazed up at her with his little beady eyes, his hand twitching towards her as though he wished to comfort her.

Something felt… off.

Everything had been thrown at him rapid-fire since he arrived here. A Mushroom World, filled with little mushroom people, ruled by a human princess likely from Earth. This Bowser, who was evil, had his brother, and had to be stopped, and they were going to get the help of the 'Kongs', or whatever they were.

It might be simple, but the details were all missing.

The Mushroom World— Kingdom, with little fungus folk. Sporting mushrooms that made you stronger, flowers that gave you fire powers, and probably so much more. That was pretty easy to understand. Strange to see, very strange and quite possibly still a dream, but nothing overly crazy.

This Bowser… who was he? What had he done? Why was everyone so sure he was a psychopathic monster? For that matter, what was he? Another mushroom? Something else? Was the 'monster' label literal? Mario had seen a few other creatures wandering around…

And these Kongs. Who were they? Peach had mentioned in passing that they'd be hard to recruit. Why? Did they have a disagreement or prejudice towards the Mushroom Kingdom? A past squabble?

Were the brothers caught up in a fantastical war between several Kingdoms?

"Mario?" Toad quietly asked.

Mario lifted his gaze. Peach was focused on her lap. "I want you to explain everything— both of you."

Toad grimaced.

"Everything's been thrown at me all at once, and nobody's bothered to explain any of it. All I know is that this Bowser guy's evil, the Kongs—whatever they are— probably won't say yes, and my brother's in danger. Now you tell me he's not? What is going on?"

Toad skirted around Peach, thrusting his face close to Mario's. Their noses would be touching had Toad possessed one. "Listen up, bud, you might be my new best friend, but that doesn't mean you can just pry into—"

"It's okay, Toad." Peach put a hand on his shoulder, causing him to jump and look back at her. Her eyes rose to meet Mario's "He's right. He deserves an explanation."

"But Princess—"

"I will tell him what I feel he needs to know."

Ominous. Mario shifted his legs, folding them in the criss-cross applesauce position that had been grilled into him since he was young. He tried to keep his growing worry from leaking onto his face. Whatever was going on, it had to be hard for Peach to talk about. "I'm all ears, whenever you're ready."

She nodded.

Even then, it had to be a full minute before she spoke; a full minute occupied by the light crackling of not just their campfire, but the fire-giving flowers around them.

"We were allies. His kingdom and mine."

"He's got his own kingdom?" Mario blurted. Toad scowled at him. "Sorry, it's a bad habit. I sometimes just talk without thinking…"

"Ask as many questions as you'd like," Peach said. "I understand this might… be hard for you to take in. There might be things I may not think to tell you because it's just something everyone knows." She wrung her hands together. The air simmered around her fingers. "Bowser is the king of the DarkLands."

That I knew.

"He prefers to be referred to as the King of the Koopas. Koopas are… well, basically walking turtles. All scales and shells. The average one is just a little bigger than a toad. Some are bigger than me. Bowser's the largest. He's… do you know what a dragon is?"

"Uh… yeah…" His stomach wormed. "Is Bowser some dragon-koopa thing?"

She nodded. "My head barely comes up to his chest."

The squirmy pit only grew worse.

"And he isn't just tall, he's big. Built stocky. He has spikes on his shell and tail, horns on his head, claws and fangs…" Her head whipped towards him. "You remember that wooden monster at the end of the training course, right?"

"That's him…" Mario breathed. His heart jumped. He hadn't thought much of the creature awaiting him at the end. "And he has…" A lump sprang into his throat.

"Luigi will be okay as long as he doesn't provoke him. I knew Bowser, once. He's… he's short-tempered, yes, but he doesn't hurt anyone for fun. He'll probably just lock your brother up for trespassing. His dungeon isn't pleasant… but Luigi won't be hurt if he behaves."

Knowing him, he will. That helped a little… His shoulders could relax just a smidge. His stomach wouldn't calm down, though. "What happened? Why is he so terrible now?"

Mario couldn't identify the rang of emotions on Peach's face. She was… almost glaring, but something about it seemed… down. Her hands were balled into tight fists, her shoulders lifting.

"He attacked Toad Town," she whispered.

"Oh." That would do it. "But weren't you allies?"

She took in a breath, closing her eyes. "We were. Bowser and I… a problem cropped up. He got mad, and order the attack right in front of me. His troops obey him without question. They ravaged the town. Thank the Stars nobody was killed. Many were hurt, but wounds can be healed. Lives can't be returned." She sniffed. Toad grabbed her hand his his two. "And he didn't stop. Even after I cut ties and sent him away… he kept sending his troops to attack. Distant villages were ravaged, travelers ambushed… he's sent death and war threats… My toads have lived in fear of him for… for years." Her voice choked. She wiped her eyes, blinking fiercely. "I'm sorry, I know if might make you uncomfortable to—"

"No, no," Mario said. "It's okay, princess. You do what you need to." He didn't know if it was appropriate for him to provide some physical comfort. If she doesn't want it, she can tell me. He scooted a tad closer, putting a hand on her shoulder.

He sat with her for the few moments she needed to calm herself.

"Thank you," she said. "I… I think I'll tell you exactly what went wrong. You're bound to find out, eventually. Bowser will probably say something…" She took a breath. Mario gave her shoulder a light squeeze. "He fell in love with me."

Mario pulled his hand away. "He… wait, what?" A turtle… massive turtle… I don't blame him… Wow… "Isn't… isn't that messed up? He's not even the same species. And… um…" God, how on Earth does he expect to… surely, he'd want to— He shook the thoughts out of his head. "Is that even appropriate? A koopa and a human?"

"I'm not sure. It-it didn't really bother me. Not… not until he made it an issue. He wasn't happy I didn't return his affections. I turned his proposals down one too many times."

Mario shook his head. "Doesn't he have any respect for you? I mean, what about your feelings?" I can't believe him… Seriously, if their kingdoms were allies… "He should've taken the 'no'."

"Yes, he should have. I severed our alliance after that. I sent him away, and was hoping to never see him again. Even with all the terror he caused, he never showed his face. He's been quiet these past months, and now we know why." Her head lowered. "I wasn't surprised when the messenger came. Bowser has a Super Star, now. It's a very rare power-up that lets the user become invincible for a short amount of time."

"Then how are we supposed to beat him, if he has that?" Mario asked. His head felt like it was spinning. This Bowser, a demonic koopa-dragon thing— a king, nonetheless— had fallen in love with an undoubtedly attractive woman— human woman—, didn't like hearing the understandable 'no' (that wooden cutout wasn't exactly pretty to look at— Mario couldn't imagine anyone wanting to kiss that), and got a weapon that'd make him indestructible.

"That is why I'm requesting the help of the Kongs. They have the strongest army in the world. My toads are many wonderful things, but a formidable army is not one of them. The koopas would crush them flat, and I can't let that happen." Peach turned her eyes up to the Stars. "It might be hard, convincing Cranky Kong, but I won't accept no for an answer. I'm prepared to do anything to save my toads, make any trade, any deal. Whatever spares them from Bowser's wrath."

I'd do the same for Luigi… The toads were incredibly lucky to have Peach as a ruler. Even without this conversation, from what Mario had seen with her interactions with them… She meant every word. "You're a great leader," he said.

Peach gave him a tight smile.

"Uh, what are the Kongs?"

"They're a clan of apes," she said. "They rule the Jungle Kingdom. Cranky Kong is their leader. He's… very stubborn. His name suits him. He's unwilling to help other Kingdoms or let other Kingdoms help him. Nobody's really sure why. It's just how he is. I have to convince him. Not just for the Mushroom Kingdom, but for the whole world. Bowser's talked about ruling the world. I… worry he wasn't joking. I can't say for sure he will… but it's better to be safe than sorry."

"Yeah, but him even attacking or taking over your kingdom isn't okay," Mario said. "Taking over any kingdom isn't okay…" He frowned. Something still doesn't add up… She didn't say that just to make me stop worrying, did she? "And you're sure he won't hurt Luigi?"

Peach nodded. "Positive."

"The way you both— yes, you too," he pointed at an appalled-faced Toad, "the way you have been talking about him, you make him sound like he's some bloodthirsty killer. Hmm… 'most evil, wretched guy in the world', I think it was? 'Psycho', 'lunatic'. Would eat me without noticing— but that implies that he would eat me. You," he jabbed a finger towards Toad, "made a whole scene about how he was going to kill my brother. Why would you make all that up? Just to scare me?"

"No, Mario. Bowser… he really is psychopathic. He's not a murderer, exactly, but…" Peach sighed. She rubbed her arm. "I know it doesn't bother him. He'll do it if he has to, or if he feels it's convenient. He's very selfish, and short-tempered. No is something you do not ever want to have to say to him. He's terrifying when he's angry. And violent."

A shudder seized Mario's shoulders.

"But I do mean it when I say Luigi will be okay. Bowser would have no reason to care enough about your brother to kill him. So long as Luigi keeps quiet and doesn't annoy him, he'll be safe. You know your brother. Would he talk back to or insult Bowser?"

Mario shook his head. "Luigi frightens easily, and he isn't brave… Not without me." He drew his legs close to his chest. "He's terrified right now… He's probably waiting… for me… wondering when I'll come and help him." He sniffed. His eyes tingled. "I can't let him down."

A hand rested on his shoulder. "Honestly… I think you have a chance. If you keep that same fighting spirit… if you refuse to give up… Luigi's really lucky to have you."

"Th-thank you…" I hope that's true… Oh, Lu… Please, be safe. Bowser… don't you dare hurt even a hair on his mustache, or I will kill you myself. Somehow.

"Do you have any more questions?" Peach asked.

Questions… "No. Not right now." Luigi's scared. Luigi needs me. He better be okay.

"Get some rest," Peach said. She rose to her feet. "We still have a long ways to go."

Mario bit back a sigh. Toad's backpack rattled as he took it off. Mario watched as he pulled a little blanket out of it. He curled up in it. He caught Mario's eye and grinned.

"Good night," he whisper-shouted.

"'Night," Mario mumbled.

He flopped onto his back. He was gazing up at the stars again. He pulled off his hat and hugged it tight to his chest. He tried to find the famous big dipper amongst the ocean overhead. It was nearly impossibly, but he'd take anything to keep his thoughts out of the dark pit of what-ifs and maybes.

(all the horrible things his brother could be going through—)

Mario shook his head. He had to believe Peach. Luigi would be okay… He could handle being scared, right? He battled anxiety on a daily basis, surely this… He'd be fine. He would not evoke the wrath of a giant turtle-dragon. He would not be killed by said turtle-dragon. He'd be waiting patiently for Mario to come and save the day. Just hold on. Just a little longer. Got it, Lu?

It was all too easy to imagine what Luigi's reply would be.

"Oh o-okay, Mario. I-I think I can. I know you'll come for me."

Good. Just remember that.

"And you remember to take care of yourself, got it? I… I think I'll be okay? Bowser's pretty terrifying… but I'll be okay as long as I don't make him mad, right? You make sure to get some sleep. You can't help anyone if you're falling asleep on your feet."

Yeah, you're right. Mario shut his eyes. Sleep would be a hard time coming, but he had to try. And who knew? Maybe he'd wake up in his bed in Brooklyn, and leave this whole place behind him. Tio amo, Lu. Sei il mio mondo.

"Aww… E tu intendi lo stesso per me. You just get ready to come and be my hero again, okie dokie?"

Mario chuckled. It'll be a piece of cake. Good night, Luigi.

"Good night, Mario."

He was hardly aware of the smile the had settled on his face. He curled on his side, nestling his hat close. Things will be okay… The moment we're together again, everything will be all right.

The Italian so you don't have to translate it:

Mario: Tio amo, Lu. Sei il mio mondo: I love you, Lu. You're my whole world.

Luigi: E tu intendi lo stesso per me: And I feel the same way.