-Chapter 22-

Adventure Party

Toad Town

Just outside the town limits on the road to the Grassland Province, Toad was going over his provisions.

"Alright, one last check before Mario and Luigi get here. Lantern? Check. Pickaxe? Check. Atlas and compass? Check and check. Enough food and water to last us two weeks? Super check. And of course…" He pulled out a frying pan, twirling it. "The old trusty Cast Iron. Yeah… this is gonna be great!"

"Hey, Toad!"

Toad turned to see the Mario Bros. approaching.

"Hey, Mario! Perfect timing, I was just finishing going my stuuuuuuuuuu..." he trailed off as he saw Yoshi. "Uh… what's that green thing doing here?"

Yoshi leaned over to Luigi. "Yoshi think he's talking about you."

"No," Luigi said flatly. "He's not."

"This is Yoshi," Mario introduced. "It's a long story. We'll explain on the road. But he'll be coming with us."

"Kinda wish you'd run that by me first." Toad looked Yoshi up and down. "I'm sorry, but the position of lovably annoying, but funny, non-human partner character has already been taken."

"Yoshi knows that's a reference. Yoshi not remember what reference, though."

Toad just mumbled to himself.

"Look, he wants to help, and we can use all the help we can get," Mario cut in.

"Well, what exactly can he do? This is an adventure to save the world, not a road trip."

"Yoshi can jump. And run."

"Wow, impressive," Toad deadpanned. "I'm sure you'll be great if there's a triathlon. News flash; Mario and Luigi can do that too."

"Can red and green men do this?"

Yoshi jumped into the air, rapidly kicking his legs and flapping his arms like wings until he appeared to float and "walk" on air. Toad and Luigi's jaws dropped as the dinosaur landed on his feet like a cat.

"Yoshi can help you," he promised. "Fight Koopas and bad guys on Dinosaur Land all the time."

"He just...with his arms...just like in the cartoons!" Luigi stammered.

"I didn't know he could do that…" Mario shook his head to clear it. "Okay, let's focus. Peach mentioned a leader the Koopalings would be targeting?"

"Right, Baron Bello," Toad nodded. "He's the head honcho in the Grasslands. Nice guy, good with kids."

Mario nodded. "Lead the way."

"Right!" Toad pointed dramatically. "Onward to adventure!"

He headed off.

"Grasslands in that direction." Yoshi pointed in the opposite direction Toad went running. Toad skidded to a stop.

"I'm sorry, but are you from around here?"

"Yoshi knows Grasslands. Big fields, fun to run. Also, Yoshi can read." Yoshi pointed to a signpost, which was clearly pointing in the direction Yoshi was gesturing to. Toad blinked.

"Ah. So I see."

"Uhhh…" Luigi cut in. "Onward to adventure!"

He dramatically pointed and ran off the right way. The others followed while Toad glared at Yoshi behind his back. Yoshi didn't seem to notice.

"Toad, you coming?" Mario called.

Toad snapped to attention, following them.

Meanwhile…

Onboard Larry's airship, the Koopaling was nursing several bruises.

"Stupid mustaches and their stupid anime power-up leaves..."

Two Koopatrols stood at attention before them.

"Prince Larry, we've spotted the Mario Bros.," one reported. "They're making their way to the Grassland Province as we speak."

"Already?!" Larry shrieked, growling. "If those idiots manage to get to the castle before the spell finishes taking hold, they'll know how to stop us! We gotta do something. But what…?"

He tapped his chin in thought, before perking, an evil grin slowly spreading across his face (1).

"My Prince?" the Koopatrol asked.

"Grab the elevator keys and some snacks, soldiers. We're going down to the holding bay."

The Koopatrols looked at each other in confusion.

-X-

They headed down to the holding bay. The Koopatrols stopped short at the sight of a large metal-reinforced box marked with signs reading "Mad Koopa" and "Danger- Keep Out!"

"Sir, with all due respect, isn't setting him loose just to deal with the Marios a little, well…?" one Koopatrol began.

"No," Larry replied. "It's a lot."

"But sir, he's a complete lunatic! There's a reason your father locked him up."

"We're just letting him stretch his legs for a little bit." Larry tapped the crate. "Boom-Boom?"

When he got no response, Larry scowled, knocking harder. "Boom-Boom! Wake up!"

A grunt sounded, followed by the crate thrashing around violently as high-speed gibberish sounded from within.

"Welp, he's awake." Larry got behind the soldiers. "Give him the stuff."

"Uh... no thanks. I choose life."

Larry glared at him. "Then I suggest you do what I told you."

The Koopatrol groaned before walking over to the crate, reaching into a brown paper bag.

"Uhhhh...Boom-Boom? Look what I got." The Koopatrol pulled out a small, star-shaped candy. "Candy..."

That got Boom Boom's attention. The Koopatrol slid open a slot in the door, cautiously sticking his arm in. Immediately, rapid babbling and snarling sounded, the Koopatrol being repeatedly yanked and slammed against the door.

"HE'S GOT MY ARM!" the Koopatrol shrieked. " HE'S GOT MY ARM! "

A tense moment passed before he was released and stumbled back, looking over his hand. Slowly, he unfolded each finger.

"One... two... three... four... oh, thank Grambi. They're all here." He wiggled his fingers, sighing… only to realize that all the flesh on his arm was gone, leaving Dry Bones. His jaw dropped before he screamed in horror.

"Oooh!" Larry winced. "Yeeeeeah...get him to the med bay."

As the screaming Koopatrol was escorted out, Larry grimaced.

"Perhaps I should rethink this course of action..." he furrowed his brow in thought. "Nah! Boom-Boom! You want more candy?"

He got an affirmative grunt.

"Well then, I have a job for you."

Back in the Grasslands, the Bros. took in fields of grass and plants as far as the eye could see.

"Look at this place," Luigi said. "Have you ever seen this much green?"

"All time on island," Yoshi replied. "Also red, blue, yellow, pink, purple, orange, brown..."

"We're city folk, Yoshi," Mario said. "The greenest we've ever seen was Central Park."

He blinked, seeing several hills and mountains in the distance that had beady black eyes. "I've heard of The Hills Have Eyes, but that's just ridiculous."

Luigi rubbed his eyes before looking. "Oh wow... they do have eyes." He looked around. "And so do the flowers and clouds!"

"No way…" Mario also rubbed his eyes.

"Tourists," Toad scoffed. "If you think that's out there, you should see what they've got in the Rare Archipelago. Especially the Isle O'Hags. That place is weird !"

"I'll take your word for it," Mario replied.

Yoshi's stomach rumbled. "Yoshi hungry."

"Already?" Luigi asked. "You just ate a whole basket of fruit less than an hour ago!"

"Yoshi need big food. Yoshi has big meta... meta-bowl-ism."

"You mean metabolism?" Mario offered.

"Yeah, that."

"Well, lucky for you, I've been working on my cooking skills at Tayce T.'s restaurant," Toad boasted, dramatically setting up a cooking fire. "Gentlemen, prepare to be amazed!"

They watched as Toad got to work.

"This here's a Toad Town favorite, Tayce T.'s signature Shroom Fry. All you need is one - four in this case - mushroom, and chop it up into pieces; be sure they aren't too small. Add some brown sauce and some spices…" He added some spices before sniffing. "Little more spice." He added some more. "Coat and fry evenly..." He tossed the shrooms around a bit. After a while, Toad whipped out four plates and poured the shrooms onto each one. "And...BAM!" Four helpings of Shroom Fry. Delicious, nutritious, and only twenty coins to make."

Mario smiled. "Those smell delicious."

"Don't mind if I do!" Luigi declared.

They took their plates, everyone taking a bite before their eyes opened wide.

"Mamma mia!" Maro exclaimed.

"How can sauteéd mushrooms possibly taste this heavenly...?" Luigi pondered.

"When they're made by yours truly, that's how." Toad chuckled with pride.

Yoshi lashed out with his tongue, swallowing his mushrooms, plate and all.

"Mmmm! Yummy!" Still hungry, he inhales Toad's plate too. He rubbed his belly, smiling. "Mmmm...so good!"

"Hey!" Toad shouted. "That was mine, you…hogasaurus rex!"

Yoshi looked embarrassed. "Oh... Yoshi sorry. Food so good, Yoshi wasn't thinking."

Toad growled. Yeah, well don't make a habit of it, got it?"

"Yoshi promises."

The brothers laughed.

"Man, Mips would like this guy," Mario mused.

"Yeah, she wouldn't need to give me all her mushrooms," Luigi agreed.

Yoshi blinked. "Who Mips?"

"Our sister," Mario replied.

"She absolutely despises mushrooms," Luigi added. "Also pickles…and shrimp."

"Mushrooms are the main thing, though," Mario recalled. "Ma puts them in a lot of dishes, and she's always passing them to Lu, or me."

"But there no sister girl at house."

"Yeah," Luigi rubbed his neck. "Well she… She's not here."

Yoshi winced. "Game over?"

"No, no!" Mario shook his head. "She's just... in another world. We left her in Brooklyn."

"Brook... Lyn?"

"Our home before we ended up here. We haven't seen her in... well, a while.

"Man...she must be worried sick," Luigi sighed. "I know you were able to talk to her in her dreams, but still..."

Mario managed a smile. "Well, whatever she's going through, I hope she's happy."

Bowser's Castle - Infirmary

On her bed, MP was looking over a book about the Mushroom World's history.

"Whoa… this world is crazy…" she mused.

There was a knock on the door. She grabbed a bookmark and stuck it in place. "Come in!"

The door opened, revealing Kamek with a trolley and a steaming cup of tea. "Miss Mario, it's time for your medicine."

"Right, thanks." She set her book down.

"I see you've been enjoying the history books from the royal library," Kamek said as he handed the cup to her.

She nodded. "Yeah, this world is crazy, but at the same time, really interesting." She took the cup.

"Mayhaps you'd like to see more of it once you've recovered."

"Hopefully, that'll be soon. I'm growing stir-crazy."

"I can imagine. Plus, I'm certain this is your twelfth cup. Normally it takes three to four for a full recovery."

"Well, I'm just a normal human. You're probably used to Koopas and whatever healing factor they possess."

"This is true." Kamek nodded sagely. "Did you know that we Koopas can continue moving and living even after sustaining mortal injuries through sheer willpower?" Kamek perked. "Oh wait...I forgot about your encounter with the Dry Bones."

"Oh yeah, that nightmare." MP downed her tea.

"Well, you don't need to worry about them," Kamek assured. "Lord Bowser won't let them hurt you. You can trust him."

MP smiled, her pupils red. "I know I can trust him."

"Good." Kamek perked, then pressed his finger to his temple. "Yes?" He paused for a moment. "He what!? Oh, dear..."

MP blinked. "What's going on?"

"One of my men suffered a serious injury, my dear."

"Oh no… Is he okay?"

"He'll live. I just need to restore the flesh to his arm. He will be out of commission for a few weeks though."

"What happened to him?"

"Well..." Kamek thought for a moment before nodding. "Tell me, Miss Mario. How much do you know about magic?"

"Not much. Only what I've read in that history book." She sat on the bed, crossing her legs and looking genuinely curious. "I'd love to learn though."

"Well, magic in our world, as I'm sure you've noticed, is rather commonplace, compared to others. Nearly every person here has at least a little mystical potential."

That got MP's attention. "Everyone?"

"Everyone. Though without proper training, most are just capable of things like conjuring a tiny ball of light in their hand or levitating small objects no bigger than a pencil to them. Parlor tricks. Real magic requires training. Especially healing magic."

"Is that why Kammy's still in a coma? Because you don't have a healer powerful enough?"

"Indeed. Additionally, healing magic is risky. If the caster isn't careful, they could damage the subject further. Especially if their injuries are extensive."

"Which is why you're relying on potions for me."

Kamek nodded. "As for what this has to do with my subordinate… Well, to put it bluntly, his arm had been stripped to the bone. A simple fix.

MP gaped in shock. "That's a simple fix?! Just how powerful are you?!"

"Enough that I can revive the deceased," Kamek replied. "Assuming their passing was recent and their bodies were in sufficient condition. Otherwise, they end up like poor Boom-Boom."

MP raised an eyebrow. "Boom-Boom?"

"One of my...other subordinates. He was...well is, I should say, my greatest failure."

"What happened?"

"Are you sure you want to know?" Kamek asked.

MP shrugged. "I mean, I'm bored out of my skull, and it's clear I'm not going anywhere anytime soon. I'd like to know more about the Demon King's domain. Also, whatever happened to this Boom-Boom, it sounds pretty big."

"That's…one way to put it." Kamek sighed. "Very well, I shall tell you."

And so, Kamek took a seat and began his tale.

Grasslands

Meanwhile, Mario and the others had just finished eating.

"Okay, now that that's taken care of, let's get-" Mario was cut off as the ground started shaking.

"Uh, Toad?" Luigi began. "Are earthquakes common in the Grasslands?"

Toad shook his head. "No."

"That no earthquake," Yoshi perked. "That… stampede!"

The group turned to see a slew of animals fleeing in terror.

"Whoa! What the-?!" Luigi jumped into Mario's arms with a shout.

They ducked to the side, Mario trying to get the attention of various fleeing critters to little avail.

"Hey, excuse me! What's going on? Uh, hello? Could you please tell me-? Pardon me, sir, would you be so kind as to-?" With a sigh, Mario set Luigi down before stepping in the path of a gray-and-white rabbit in a top hat. "What is going on?"

"The Koopas' Boom Boom monster is on the loose!" the rabbit shrieked. "Run! Run! RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!"

He took off at that. Toad perked.

"Boom Boom?!"

Mario raised an eyebrow. "Boom Boom?"

"Oh, this is bad!" Toad gasped. "This is really, really bad! We need to run, like, now!"

"What's going on?" Yoshi asked. "Who Boom Boom?"

Toad was spared an answer as loud babbling and growling reached their ears. Luigi gasped.

"Yoshi, I think that's Boom Boom!"

The group heard loud stomping, turning to see something knocking down trees and tearing up bushes. Eventually, the cause burst out of the foliage, and the group took in the sight of a large, muscular Koopa with features similar to that of Bowser and the Koopalings. He had a beige-colored muzzle around his mouth and nostrils, a large mouth with two protruding teeth, a round snout, thick legs, and padded feet with three claws. He also had round white eyes with black pupils and thin black eyebrows. His most distinguishing feature, however, was his large, muscular arms, his fists balled up and flailing maniacally as he babbled and snarled. Toad stiffened, while Mario just looked confused as Boom Boom rambled on, beating his chest like an angry gorilla.

" That's Boom Boom?" Mario asked.

"Uh-huhhhhh..." Toad gulped.

"I was expecting something horrific and nasty-" Mario was cut off when Boom Boom suddenly uppercut him into the air before rapidly pummeling him, keeping Mario in the air at fist level while he was being punched. Luigi repeatedly winced, cringing and covering his eyes with his cap. He cautiously peeked out as Mario was sent flying into the ground, careening through it and carving a trench in the grass as he skidded over to them.

"Ow…" he wheezed.

Boom Boom panted, breathing heavily before beating his chest and screeching more.

"What the holy-?!" Luigi exclaimed.

"RUN!" Toad screamed.

Yoshi grabbed Mario and slung him over his shoulder as they fled. Boom-Boom let out a roar before giving chase.

Bowser's Castle

"Boom-Boom was originally Boomer, one of the Koopa Troop's more promising soldiers. He was strong, valiant, and fiercely loyal. And a terror to face in battle."

"Did something happen to him? Usually in stories like this, such vassals are rewarded, or honored."

"Yes. Boomer was powerful and brave, but he was also reckless. His go-to tactic was overwhelming the opposition with an impressive display of force, planning or finesse be damned. He got through battles through guts, determination, and sheer, dumb luck. Well, one day...Boomer's luck ran out."

"How bad was he hurt?"

"One of our fortresses collapsed during a battle in Giant Country." Kamek lowered his head in shame. "He was buried under the rubble. Broke every bone in his body. We're not sure exactly when his game ended, but that's not relevant to the story. What is, is what happened after. Boomer was one of King Bowser's finest men. He was well on his way to joining his Elites. He was a valued ally and a powerful asset."

MP connected the dots. "When you said his game ended, you mean he…?"

Kamek nodded.

"And then you…" Her eyes went wide. "You tried to revive him."

Kamek nodded, but much more solemnly. "Yes."

"How badly did it turn out?"

"Well, I succeeded and I failed. I had succeeded in bringing Boomer back, but he came back...damaged. While he'd been perfectly restored physically; mentally, he had undergone significant cognitive deterioration. His mind had regressed to somewhere between that of a beast and a small child."

MP nodded. "I mean, it makes sense. His brain was lacking oxygen for a long time. It deteriorated, taking with it higher functioning, like rational thought and emotional processingl."

"Yes. And Boomer, or Boom-Boom as he's called now, is as wild as they come."

"So all his strength, all his skills, and no rationale to reign him in," MP sighed. "Honestly, wouldn't it have been better to put him out of his misery? To... umm... end his game?"

"We considered it, but none of us have the heart to do it."

"Even after this?"

"Despite everything, Boom-Boom is a powerful asset to us. And, more importantly, there are those in the Koopa Troop that believe it may be possible to restore his mind."

"And what do you think? Brain damage can't be healed."

"Perhaps. But this is a world where flowers produce fire, squid can float through the air, and wishing upon a star is entirely possible."

"Right, that." MP nodded. "I didn't think of that."

"A little something to keep in mind, Miss Mario: In this world, words like impossible and can't tend to have little meaning. It's never a matter of if, only when and how."

"Nothing is impossible, it just hasn't been done yet."

"Indeed. Now then, I have to go tend to my man, amongst other wizard-y duties. By your leave, Miss Mario."

"Bye," MP waved as he walked off and she picked up the book again. "Magic…"

Grasslands

Mario and the others ran for their lives as Boom Boom chased after them like a bull after a red flag, leaping over various trees and obstacles in a single bound.

"How can something that big move so fast?!" Luigi screamed.

A roar reached their ears as they ducked a massive thrown rock.

"Rage!" Toad replied. "Rage is how!"

"How we beat him?!" Yoshi demanded.

"I don't know! Nobody's ever done it before!"

A shadow crossed over them. Luigi perked as Boom Boom landed right in front of them, looking right at Luigi.

"E-e-easy there," Luigi stammered, grinning nervously. "Nice monster…"

Boom Boom grabbed Luigi by the arm and began swinging him around.

"Hang in there, Luigi!" Toad cried. "You can do it!"

Boom Boom started slamming Luigi against the ground, back and forth.

"Or… maybe not."

Boom Boom stopped, holding a pummeled Luigi upside down by his ankle.

"But Mama...that was my cannoli," Luigi managed, dizzy.

Just as Boom Boom lifted Luigi for another slam, a rock came flying in, nailing him in the forehead.

"Hey!"

Boom-Boom turned to see a Toad in explorer gear holding a rock.

"Why don'tcha pick on someone who can fight back, ya big palooka!?" he demanded.

"What the...?" Yoshi managed.

"Aww yeah!" Toad cheered. "It's Migh T.!"

Boom Boom snarled, throwing his head back before letting out a feral roar. Migh T. cringed but stood his ground.

"Whoo!" he waved a hand in front of his nose. "Haaaaalitosis!"

He pulled out a whistle before blowing it. "Toad Brigade! ATTACK!"

Two more Toads - one green and one purple - leaped out of the bushes, each carrying a hammer. They both whacked Boom-Boom on the head. He dropped Luigi, clutching his head with a pained roar.

"Alright, now's our chance!" Migh T. exclaimed. "Grab the humans and let's go!"

"Huthuthuthuthuthuthut-HUT!" the green and purple Toads recited, scooping up Luigi and running off. "Huthuthuthuthuthuthut-HUT!"

"Team B! Let 'im have it!"

Two more Toads - one blue and one yellow - attacked with slingshots. Their shots hit Boom-Boom, trapping him in sticky goo.

"Good job, men!" Migh T. cheered. "Now, retreat!"

"C'mon!" the green one yelled. "Hurry!"

"Ah! Right!" Toad perked. "Move it, dino-butt!"

Toad ran off.

"Yoshi follow mushroom man!"

Yoshi took off after the Toads holding Luigi. Boom Boom roared, struggling to free himself until Migh. T fired off a slingshot of his own, a cloud of sleeping gas puffing out and knocking Boom Boom out.

"Sleep it off, Boomer," he said before catching up with the others.

-X-

Meanwhile, at Larry's Airship, the Koopaling watched as Boom-Boom lay defeated.

"What!?" he exclaimed. "No way… How did he lose?! He's BOOM-BOOM!"

"It seems Migh T. and his toadies are back in town, Prince Larry," the Koopatrol mused.

"Migh T…" Larry cursed. "That damn interloper… Shouldn't he be off helping treat sick people on Kong Isle or something cheesy like that?"

"We don't know, Your Highness."

"Rhetorical question, shell brain!" Larry threw up his hands. "First those stupid plumbers kick my butt, now they beat Boom-Boom! Can today get any worse!?"

At that moment, another Koopatrol approached, looking pale and holding a phone.

"Um... Y-your Highness? K-King Bowser w-wants to talk to you…"

"Ohhhh...uh-oh…" Nervously, Larry took the phone. "H-Hello?"

" Ah, Larry, " came Bowser's voice. " I'm glad you answered. I just received a rather... troubling report. Come home. NOW. "

Bowser's Castle

Larry manifested on the teleportation array set up in one of the rooms of the castle. The guards were waiting for him, opening the doors for him. Slowly, he entered Bowser's throne room, toying with his wand in fear. The Koopa King sat on his throne, drumming his fingers on the armrest while looking at his son reproachfully.

"You... wanted to talk to me, Dad?" he asked.

"Yes," Bowser replied, keeping his voice level. "Son... would you mind explaining to me why Boom Boom was spotted running rampant through the Grassland Province when he's supposed to be in lockdown on your watch?"

"Well, y'see…" Larry chuckled awkwardly. "There's a funny story about that."

Bowser narrowed his eyes. "Do I look like I'm laughing?"

"Well…" Larry tugged at his collar. "I may have bribed him with candy and set him loose as a means of keeping the Mario Bros. distracted while the transmogrification spell on Baron Bello took effect."

Bowser rubbed his forehead, taking a deep breath before exhaling. "Son, what do the signs on Boom-Boom's crate say?"

"Mad Koopa and Danger: Keep Out. "

"Exactly," Bowser's temper flared, flame glowing briefly behind his teeth. "You know how to read. So please explain to me why you ignored the warnings and LET HIM OUT!"

Larry cried out and hid in his shell as Bowser went on.

"He was contained for a reason! He's feral, out of control, and little more than a monster! And you sicced him on Mario even after he ripped one of your men's arm off?! What in Grambi's name were you thinking?!"

"I was thinking he'd give Mario trouble! End his game!"

"That may be the case, but nothing is stopping him from ending the game of everyone else in his way before he gets to Mario! Or after, for that matter! You need to think these things through! How many times do I have to tell you that?!" Bowser took a deep breath, composing himself before going on. "Now then... this is your mess, and you will clean it up. You are going to track Boom Boom down and re-contain him. I don't care if you have to scour the entire planet for him. Just do it before he hurts anyone else."

Larry nodded. "Y-Yes sir…"

Author's Note:

(1): Grinch smile.

So yeah, our take on Boom Boom channels Taz. And the gray-and-white rabbit is meant to be one of those in Odyssey, not a reference to Bugs Bunny. And we get the intro of the Toad Brigade!

And yeah, as you can tell through Bowser's interactions with his kids, we're humanizing him a bit. For his storyline here, if the Super Mario Bros. arc was the story of the Hulk, this arc is the story of Bruce Banner.

Voice cast for this chapter:

* Boom Boom - Jim Cummings (Taz in Looney Tunes, Dr. Robotnik in Sonic SatAM, Pete from Goof Troop onward, Winnie-the-Pooh and Tigger, Darkwing Duck, Cat in CatDog)

* Migh T./Captain Toad - Keegan-Michael Key (Toad in the 2023 movie, Murray in Hotel Transylvania 2, Kamari in The Lion King 2019, Sebastian St. Clair in BoJack Horseman)

Please R&R. Until next time!