Disclaimer: All assets of the Mario Movie belong to Nintendo and Illumination.

Chapter 17: Bonds

"This is all your fault!" Donkey Kong hissed, throwing various kart parts at Mario as they fell towards the ocean.

"Ugh, there you go again!" Mario scoffed. "Always pinning the blame on me! How about you look at the true reality of this situation! I never wanted this! So, stop pinning the blame on me! You really think I thought that dumb Koopa was gonna retaliate like that?! No!"

"It doesn't matter! You should've just stayed away in the first place! Now, we're gonna freaking die because of-" The two crashed into the ocean. Mario struggled to regain his composure when the Kong disappeared from his sight. He glanced around to find him drowning, mostly from the tire that hit him a moment ago. Mario swam to him and grabbed his fur as he pulled him up to the surface, albeit a bit slowly since he was heavy, unbeknownst to them of a giant eel as it swallowed the kart whole. The two regained their breathing as they floated above the water. Donkey Kong shoved him off. "Get the heck off me!"

"I saved your life. You can at least say thank you."

"No! We're gonna die because of you! I never asked for any of this! You should've never come! To hell with you!"

Mario grabbed him by the scruff. "You can curse and hate me all you want, but let me tell you something, you dumb monkey. I did what I had to do. Complaining isn't gonna help our situation, so drop your damn attitude!" He released him. "Now we need to find a way out of here."

"You mean you." Donkey Kong began to swim away. "Like I'd ever help you. I'm absolutely done with everything having to do with you."

"Oh, yeah?! And where the heck are you gonna go, huh?! As far as I'm concerned, we're nowhere near land! Where are you gonna freaking go?!"

"I don't care! As long as I'm nowhere near you, then I can be at-" There was a rumble in the ocean, causing the two to freeze.

"Um," Mario said, "What was that?" A giant creature popped out of the ocean as it opened its jaw. They tried to swim, but it was all for not as they were swallowed whole.

Mario groaned, rubbing his head as he sat up. What happened? Where was he? He glanced around at his surroundings. Was this some sort of stomach? That wasn't too far off considering he was staring at a dark membrane that stretched for miles. Was he swallowed? Where was Donkey Kong? He had to stop asking and start getting answers. He walked around, the squishy membrane rubbing against his feet with every step, but he kept walking. "Donkey Kong?"

"Oh, great. You're still here." Mario glanced at the Kong as he fiddled with parts of his kart, most likely to fix it to escape, which seemed a bit weird considering he couldn't just drive out of whatever creature they were trapped in. "And here I thought I was gonna get a moment of peace, but nope. You ruined that just like everything else. No surprise."

"You know what?" Mario hissed. "I've had it with you. You always put the blame on me, and I'm tired of it!"

"Well, I'm just saying what's right. Everything that's happened has been your fault. For crying out loud, we're in a dumb eel slowly about to be digested, and who got us here? You! So, yes! I am in the right to blame you for where we are!"

"But clearly this goes beyond this. Ever since I arrived on the island, you've been nothing but a pain in my neck. You give me the death stare 24/7 without ever explaining why, and you've been dodging my questions left and right, and I deserve to know why you harbor so much hate towards me. Is it because of what happened during our duel? Tell me what it is!"

Donkey Kong snorted. "Like that'll do any good. We're gonna die, anyway, so what's the point?"

"A couple points to mention. One, we aren't gonna die, and two, I am obligated to know why. We aren't exactly going anywhere, so tell me why. I'm only gonna keep asking."

"You know what?! Fine! You wanna know why I hate you?! It's because you won that damn match! That's why!"

"But it was only one loss. It's not that big of a deal."

"Not a big deal? Not a big deal?! Of course it is! That duel meant everything to me! It was my one chance to prove my worth to my dad, and you took that away from me! Do you have any idea how it feels like to have your own dad hate you and think you're not good enough?! Everyday, that freak treats me like I'm a child and tells me of how I should be running the kingdom his way when I have my own way! He just doesn't understand me at all! I care for my freaking kingdom, but he acts like I don't! He acts like I take everything as a joke and constantly lectures me of the way I should be acting! It's always, 'Donkey Kong, you have to stop being so nonchalant about this and take things seriously.' or 'Donkey Kong, enough with the childish attitude. A real king doesn't act like that.' Well, maybe I have my own way of being king!" He paused. His breathing became heavy as he screamed, whacking his arms on the ground. "He just doesn't understand me at all!"

It made sense for Mario. That was why he took the loss personally, because Cranky Kong thought of him as childish and everyday, Donkey Kong had to do everything to prove his worth to him. That sounded familiar. Mario's dad was like that, too, always setting certain expectations and making every decision for him because Mario couldn't be trusted with his own, just like how Cranky Kong lacked faith in his own son because of a simple lack of understanding. That was what the issue boiled down: just a different viewpoint from people of two different generations. "I understand now."

"I hope you are so freaking satisfied. You got your dumb answer. Now, leave me the hell alone while I find a way out of this dumb place." The Kong went back to fiddling with his kart. Mario had to say something. He couldn't just let things end like this.

"I can understand where you're coming from."

"Oh, like I'm in the mood for your pathetic sympathy. Keep that to yourself. No one wants to hear it."

"But it's true. My father treated me like a child, too. He couldn't trust me with my own decisions and always forced me to abide by his rules. That's one thing we have in common."

"Yeah, well, your dad's right!"

"The heck is that supposed to mean?"

"You might as well give him the Dad Award of the Year because he sounds so brilliant and correct for that matter!"

Mario stood up. "You know what?! I'm done talking to you! Just go in a corner and smash some stuff, smash monkey!"

"I! AM! MORE THAN A GUY! WHO SMASHES THINGS!" Mario blinked in surprise from Donkey Kong's rage earlier as he huffed in his face. "Do you really think that's all who I am, just nothing but a guy who throws temper tantrums all the time?! Well, news flash, I'm not!" He huffed. "I'm done looking at your stupid face. I'm getting out of here, and when I do, I'd better not see you again." He climbed on his kart and attempted to start it up.

Mario just sat in silence, pondering on the Kong's words. A lot of that anger revolved around Mario and Cranky Kong. That much was obvious, but he did mention being his own kind of king, but what kind of king was he? One moment that did seem a bit peculiar was when he first met the gorilla. When he entered the arena, he was flashing off his muscles, something Cranky Kong was quick to interject about, but Donkey Kong didn't huff and roar like an ordinary, angry gorilla would. He seemed happy and joyful, but ever since their conflict arose, Donkey Kong's anger became ingrained in Mario's mind. Clearly, there was more to the Kong than he was letting on, and yes, Mario did say he was done talking to him, but circumstances changed, and despite their rocky relationship, Mario was determined to make some sort of relationship with him to mutualistically benefit him in some way.

"Wait!"

"I thought you said you were done talking to me. Listen to your own words for once."

"I'll be quiet. Just answer one question."

"No." He tried to start it up once more, but the engine stalled as gas spewed from it. He whacked the steering wheel in frustration. "Oh, come on! You just worked! Dang it!" He sighed and hopped off. "At this point, why should I bother with this piece of junk? It's too damaged beyond repair. Now there's no way of getting out of here." He glanced at Mario, who was staring at him. "What? Do you have anything better to do than to make my fur rise? We're not getting out of here. Find your own freaking space and leave me alone."

Mario sat next to him. "I guess we really are trapped in here. I'm never gonna see my brother again or Peach and Toad. When I came here, I didn't know where I was or anything about this world. I've made so many friends that I might not even be able to see again." He sighed. "Why did I make all those promises?" The two sat in silence for the next few minutes, just staring at the space that would become their tomb. "Since we're gonna die soon, can I ask you a question?"

Donkey Kong scoffed. "You might as well since you won't stop harping on it, so go ahead."

"What kind of king do you want to be?"

"Why does that matter to you?"

"Well, it doesn't in the short term, but I remember the moment I first met you."

"And?"

"Back then, you seemed so happy. You were flexing your muscles without a care in the world. The crowd went wild for you, but it ended as soon as it started. Cranky Kong was pretty quick to harp against it."

"So, you noticed."

"I mean, it was pretty hard not to notice, but that's the only time I've ever seen you happy. Every other moment besides that was the way you are now: angry, exasperated, irritable. The list goes on."

"You don't have to use a thousand synonyms for one word."

"But you understand what I mean, right?"

"Yes."

"You even said it yourself that your own way of being king differs from your father. So, in your eyes, what is your way of being king?"

Donkey Kong sighed. "I want my people to be happy. It's not like I act like I don't care for my people because I do. I will gladly lay down my life for them, but I don't want to have every moment of my life to be serious. There are moments where I just want to have fun, and to spread that fun to my people. I can be serious when the moment calls for it. Heck, you've seen that multiple times, but I don't want to take things seriously all the time. Sometimes, I want to forget about life for a while. There's nothing wrong with lifting my people's spirits, especially if some of them are depressed and lonely, and with a little humor every now and then. I put on my shows mainly for them. That's my way of being king."

Mario nodded. "Have you communicated this to your father?"

"Of course I have. Multiple times, and yet he still acts like I don't care. Why do you think I have to strive to be the best everyday? I have to show Father that I care, and the only way to do that is to be the best, especially since I'm the prince. His way of thinking is totally different from mine. That's why it's so hard to tell him this, because he doesn't understand, and I don't know how to change his mind."

"But that doesn't mean you should stop. You need to keep going. Just be honest with him.

Donkey Kong snorted. "You make it sound easier than it actually is."

"Look. I have problems with my father, too. Heck, I have problems with my whole family."

Donkey Kong's eyes perked up. "Really?"

"Yeah. My uncles love to tease Luigi and I when things don't go our way, and you already know about my father. The only one who's been supportive of me has been my mom, but even then, sometimes her 'support' isn't even support. She gives me lots of hugs and kisses and coos to me like I'm a baby."

"But it sounds like she does love you, unlike mine, who isn't even around anymore."

Mario was taken aback. "I'm-a sorry to hear that."

"You know? You mentioning your mom brings back memories of mine. She was a lot similar to yours when she would hug and kiss me and tell me that she loved me." The Kong sniffled. "That was when Dad's attitude turned serious. I was only ten when she died, but her death changed Dad for the worse as he got more serious about his teachings and set higher expectations. You're lucky in that aspect."

Mario sighed. In some ways, he was luckier than Donkey Kong. Even though his mom supported him in her own way, she still cared for him. Donkey Kong didn't even have someone to support him ever since his mother died, and when he was very young, too. "I truly am sorry."

"And you know what's worst of all? I hate having to deal with this relationship we have. I just want a normal father/son relationship, but I can't even have that! And to see you get more praise in a few hours than I ever did my entire life irked me even more! I hate it!" Donkey Kong sighed. "I've been having to deal with this issue for over twenty years, and still, nothing's changed. I don't get it."

"Well," Mario said, "How about trying to understand it from his point of view?"

"What?"

"That's what the issue boiled down to, a lack of understanding. Like you said, your way and his way of running the kingdom are different. Even though your views clash, try to see it from his point of view. For starters, even though Cranky Kong has thoroughly adopted his namesake personality, his actions still share an abundant amount of his character that goes beyond the surface. He deeply cares for his country. That's why he's so deeply involved with his army, making sure they're properly trained and why he has expectations of them, because to him, the people come first. That's why he's always so hard on you, because he wants to make sure that when he leaves, the kingdom will be in good hands. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"

"You really think I don't know all of that? He's given me countless lectures about the safety of the people, but can't spare a few seconds to say something like, 'I'm proud of you.' or 'Good job, son.' I haven't heard him say anything akin to that ever since Mom died. He doesn't acknowledge my effort or even say thank you." Mario blinked. "And now you know why our relationship is so sour."

"Then tell him that." Donkey Kong glanced at him. "Have you told him that, about how underappreciated you feel? Well, have you?"

The Kong stayed silent then sighed. "I guess not enough."

"Well, that's your solution. You need to tell him specifically that: that you're not happy that he doesn't treat you like an actual son. Heck, that's a conversation I need to have with my father, too. Look. I want you to make me a promise." The Kong glanced at him. "Clearly, staying in here isn't gonna solve anything in regard to our fathers. If I get us out of here, then you must promise me to address this to your father. Tell him how you feel in regard to your father/son relationship. I will make that same promise. I'm not having things end here. There's still time to mend your relationship. Will you do it?"

"But I've tried so many times! He won't listen!"

"Hey." Mario placed a hand on Donkey Kong's shoulder. "You're not alone. I'll be there right with you. You tell me this is something you've wanted for a long time, and partially why it hasn't worked is because of the anger you share. But don't give up. I can be a mediator of sorts and can lay the groundwork, but you can't give up. OK?"

Donkey Kong sighed and nodded. "I suppose you're right. To be honest, Dad's an inspiration. His dedication towards his people is something I can admire about him, but I just hate how twisted our relationship has become." He smiled. "But you're right. I'll do it. I'll tell him these feelings and be truthfully honest." He hugged the plumber. "Thank you, Mario." He smiled. "Now, you better keep your end of the bargain. You promised you would find a way out of here, so keep your end of the bargain."

"Right." Mario glanced around. The only thing they had that could provide some sort of chance of escaping was the kart, but Donkey Kong struggled to get it working. He began scrutinizing it. Was there something salvageable that they could work with? There had to be.

"Why are you even bothering with that kart? It's worthless, anyway."

"Maybe there's something we can use to help us escape. We don't have anything else to work with." Donkey Kong just shrugged. As the plumber examined the kart, there was something that was in acceptable condition. The kart had an extra blaster that wasn't totally damaged, unlike the rest of the kart. It was decently sized and could theoretically carry both of them, but that was up in the air considering the Kong must've weighed a hefty amount. But what other choice did they have? "Help me take this thing off."

"A Rocket Barrel? You wanna use that?"

"Well, maybe it could fly us out of here. There aren't any other options, and I know you must weigh a ton, which could throw the whole thing off, but it could propel us to the Mushroom Kingdom. These things do have a lot of firepower."

"Thank you so much for the compliment." Donkey Kong walked over and yanked the Rocket Barrel as he glared at Mario. "If you hadn't helped me earlier, I would've beaten you to a pulp for calling me fat."

"That's not what I meant, and you know it!"

"Does it look like I care?! You insulted me with a fat joke, and you will face the consequences when this is all said and done! Mark my words!" He hopped on the rocket.

"But I thought we were best friends now."

"You're out of your damn mind," the Kong hissed. Mario couldn't help but chuckle. "Yeah. Keep up that cheery attitude. You're not gonna last long against me. Touch the button on the kart and let's go." Mario nodded and ran to the kart, pushing a button as the Rocket Barrel came to life as the fuse lit. Mario quickly hopped on as he grabbed onto Donkey Kong. "And clearly you don't know how to respect one's own space."

"Will you just shut it?"

"I cannot." The Rocket Barrel took off with blistering speed as Mario held on for dear life. Donkey Kong aimed the vehicle upwards as he dodged any obstacle in his way. After a couple minutes, they made their way outside as the fumes exerted from the rocket had caused the maw ray to jump out of the ocean, opening its mouth for a brief second.

"Now's our chance!" Donkey Kong kicked the rocket, its speed increasing as they finally escaped the maw ray as it collapsed back into the ocean. Mario cheered. "Yes! We did it!"

Donkey Kong smirked. "I must say, mustache man, you're pretty good. You do have brains after all."

"Well, that was how I did beat you, after all."

"I take back my compliment."

"Come on! No! It was only a joke! You can call me scrawny to make up for it! How about that?"

"I'll create my own insults on my own time. Keep your lousy ones to yourself." Mario huffed. They took off towards the horizon as they flew towards the Mushroom Kingdom.

"Or maybe-"

"Shut it."

Thanks to hecate-19 for favoriting this story!

I hope you all enjoyed that ending because rereading it while editing this chapter made me laugh out loud, more specifically the ending. That just goes to show how much potential for growth there was between these two characters in the movie, and it was a shame to see how rushed that scene was, but you all know me. I quite enjoyed exploring the relationship of these characters and going into depth of Donkey Kong's background, even mentioning the death of Wrinkly Kong, another Nintendo character faded into obscurity. Regardless, we're slowly approaching the end of this because after the wedding is the final fight then the resolution and epilogue begins. I hope you look forward to seeing how this story ends.