An Unexpected Development
Finally free from the confines of a crate, Toadette is now hiding behind a statue of Antasma. She had successfully sneaked aboard the pirate ship and made it to Pi'illo Island. There were a few close calls with the captain, but they never noticed she had stowed aboard. The pirate ship now departs from the beach and slips into the fog. As Toadette takes in her surroundings, Antasma's servants arrive to seize the packages. She stays back some distance before following them.
Eventually, the servants are confronted by a band of koopa troopas from the island's tower. They begin to inquire about the content of the boxes. But a hammer bro marches up explaining to the koopas the shipment is from him. He claims they are for the future villa. The koopas accept his explanation with a laugh and return to their patrols. Toadette knew the man was lying. Contained in the crates were the poison shrooms Antasma ordered Toad to grow. Why is the hammer bro protecting the cargo? Toadette concludes that he is in on the scheme to assassinate Bowser.
While debating whether to follow the hammer bro, Toadette feels a light buzzing in her pocket. She realizes Toad is texting her.
Toad: Made it?
Toadette: Yeah. But there are more people in on this than you.
Toad: (Frowning face.) That's not our concern if they keep the fight between themselves and Bowser alone. We just need to know what happened to the previous monarch.
Toadette: I won't let you down!
Toad: I know you won't. And I'll do what I must to make sure Antasma doesn't come back soon.
Toadette frowns as she read the ominous message. Is the captain about to do something reckless? Her phone buzzes again before she can inquire what he means. It's Peach.
Peach: Call now.
Toadette gulps. She peeks around and once she knows she is alone; she dials for Peach.
"I'm in trouble, am I?" she asks sheepishly.
"Toadette! I came home and Toad told me you are on a business trip, for our kingdom! Alone!"
"Peach, I'm not a kid! I can handle myself!"
Peach sighs "…. sorry. I sound like the toad elders, huh?"
"It's okay. Besides, Toad is meeting up with me after his assignment."
"Yes, Antasma had a trade deal and Toad said he would go on my behalf. Stay close to him, please."
"O-Okay. Love you."
"Love you too."
Toadette ends the call and hangs her head. She feels bad for lying. She and Toad are not meeting up. In fact, Toad should be in the Desert Kingdom by now. Pushing down the guilt, Toadette stands to peek around town. The citizens walk around quietly with their heads down. Peach mentioned it before they acted strange. Toadette wonders if it was just them being reserved. Her thoughts are interrupted by robotic garble and Toadette ducks behind a bush. On the road winged statue-like creatures patrol. They look ancient but the eyes indicate they are robots. Each one have Antasma's insignia craved into them. Toadette groans. Not only does she need to avoid koopa patrols but these guys. She clinches her fists. She can't fail.
In another part of the world, Captain Toad is currently traveling across the desert in a small blue kart. Sweat falls down his face and he dabs his face with a towel. Even though it is night, the heat is unbearable. Right now, his people are harvesting the medicinal mushrooms for trade. Toad breathes heavily. He should be there supporting the princess. When kids they were nearly inseparable. They played together. They even argued and got into trouble together. The two along with his biological sister, Toadette, were like siblings. Toad feared for the kingdom when it came under koopa occupation. But Peach has handled everything in strive. Thanks to her leadership, the kingdom has been surviving. What should have been a harsh life, was turned into opportunity. Other kings and queens have been opening to Mushroom Kingdom for business. More trade and improvements in infrastructure for the kingdom. And as for King Bowser … Larry was right. Peach has Bowser wrapped around her finger. She'll be alright.
Suddenly, Toad jumps from his phone ringing. Speaking of Peach …
"Yo!"
"I talked to Toadette. You two better not be long with that trip."
Toad laughs nervously and stops his kart. "We have this. You've had a lot to do. So, this is our way of helping. Mushroom Kingdom's peace depends on it."
Peach goes silent, Toad braces himself. Peach sighs, "You've been so quiet since we left the Darklands, Toad. I … I know you have a lot on your plate."
Toad clears his throat. He debates asking about her feelings for Bowser. "Peach …"
"Thanks for your help. I-If there's anything you want to talk about, let me know."
Toad decides not to ask. "It's nothing, Peach! I gotta go!" He hangs up and restarts his engine. Before he drives off again, Toad looks through his phone contacts. When he sees the one, he wants, he begins tapping.
Toad: King Koopa! I know what's going on between you and Peach! You better not break her heart! Please take care of her.
Toad hits send and ignores the angry texts, demanding to know how he has his number. The captain hits the gas pedal and speeds off to his destination. Toad's phone rings like crazy as a temple comes into view. Antasma was in front of the temple, staring at a wall. Toad parks and contemplates his next move. He readies a syringe in his pocket, laced with poisoned shroom extract.
This is the stupidest thing I will ever do. But I gotta do it. I gotta take him out!
But as Toad runs up to stab Antasma with the syringe, the bat turns in fury. His yellow eyes are glowing, his claws shaking. Toad falls on his backside - happy he didn't have the syringe exposed and that he didn't stick himself, by accident. Antasma hurls the repaired warp pipe, shattering it on the ground. Toad's courage to attack Antasma has come and gone.
"Dude! Didn't that take months to rebuild!?" Toad cries out.
Antasma grabs Toad by the vest, pulling him to eye level. The bat then turns him to look at the wall. Where the old warp pipe was is a new one in place.
"All that work! All that work, and there is a new one!? I tell the truth! King Bowser is pulling my leg!" Antasma shouts and begins choking Toad. Toad panics and struggles with all his might to break free.
"You don't have any legs!" He chokes out.
With a growl, Antasma tosses Toad to the ground. The captain grabs his throat, catching his breath.
"Figuratively. Figuratively, my dear captain." Antasma retorts while dusting his cape off. He clasps his claws together at the waist. The pose eerily reminds Toad of Peach's mannerisms. To be honest the creepy bat has done this before. Toad shakenly stands back up and looks at the newly placed pipe. "How do they work?"
"They're connected to a vast space. A space that simply allows you to travel between worlds. But I want to know who put this one here." Antasma examines it. "Someone on the other side destroyed the original pipe. Now a new one is in place. This can't be good."
Unexpectedly, the pipe glows and the two move backwards. A large glowing ball exits the pipe, ascending into the sky. Toad and Antasma stare up at it, mouths agape. The object reforms into a giant metallic flying disk with a blue dome. Below the disk, a compartment opens revealing a pair of cannons. And the cannons begins to indiscriminately fire! Antasma turns into a flock of bats to dodge. Toad screams and runs for his kart. He hops in, frantically driving away before the spot he was in turns into a crater. Toad looks over his shoulder, witnessing the disk firing at a town in distance. In moments, the town erupts into flames. Toad turns around and maneuvers his kart behind a large boulder, narrowly avoiding a laser. He steps out and presses against the boulder, grabbing his chest, not noticing Antasma hiding alongside him. The two peeks around the boulder once the firing stops. Instead of advancing, the disk stays hovering over the pipe guarding it.
"This isn't good. I think that's a scout. They may be planning to invade this world." Antasma says as he rests against the boulder. "This won't do. It'll ruin everything."
Antasma then points at Toad. "Contact the koopas using '3760.' It's their emergency number for any rouge warlords invading Bowser's turf. We need to get the general over here, now. I'll do the talking."
Toad stares at the burning town. "You don't have to tell me twice."
The next day, a caravan of bullet bill tanks and soldiers led by the Koopa General marched into the Desert Kingdom. Two airships were following behind to provide backup. The general then orders his men towards the temple. Having spent the night next to the boulder, Antasma met them to explain the situation. He huffs in annoyance as he does so. Toad took the risk of making it to the town to help the locals. The measly toad nearly got blown up and he got caught in the crossfire. But it works for the bat as he does not want the general to know Toad was here.
"So, the UFO came out and started shooting?" the general muses while observing the disk.
"It won't let anyone near the portal." Antasma says leaving out the part of Toad being present.
The Koopa General signals for the airships to move in. "It's hostile. I want it destroyed."
The airships move into position to fire on the target. Once they begin another disk appears out of the portal shooting. The laser fire cuts through one airship igniting it in the sky. The original disk joins in the battle, its lasers sweeping across the desert. Bright rays cut through a section of the army, instantly killing the koopas caught in the crossfire. Only their shells are left behind. The general's cool composure breaks for a millisecond, and he orders the foot soldiers to fall back. Usually, he would want them to endure no matter who fell. So, they obey without delay. The tanks move forward enduring the onslaught.
Meanwhile, Toad runs into Kylie Koopa in the town. Currently, she is taking pictures of the scorched buildings. "Kylie? You shouldn't be out here!"
Turning to Toad she taps his mushroom cap. "I should be asking why you are here, Captain Toad. I came with the soldiers. Can't miss a big story!" She begins to interview the locals for their accounts. Suddenly, the sound of battle catches everyone's attention. The civilians run, fearing the lasers will come their way again. But Kylie grabs her camera and begs Toad to drive her over there.
Back at the battlefield, soldiers are running to escape the death rays. Spears, helmets, and jeeps are left in the confusion. Meanwhile, the general leaps into a tank and rushes one of the disks - screaming in rage. It fires at him charring the tank, but the structure holds against the intense heat. The general then unloads his entire arsenal at the disk's dome. A few brave koopa troopas back him with bazookas, aiming for the cannons. But a shield is absorbing the blows.
"Keep at it!" The general shouts.
The shield begins to change colors under fire and it finally gives in. An explosion rips out from the dome as the UFO hits the ground. Even though it is down the general rams into the vehicle and orders two other tanks to keep shooting it.
The other flying disk pursues the fleeing foot soldiers and is confronted by the surviving airship. The UFO's lasers cut through it but the airship intentionally crashes into it, slowing its movement to buy the soldiers time to run. Finally arriving, Toad and Kylie come to a stop on the battlefield. Kylie's excited smile is now gone. She jumps off Toad's kart and begins recording.
"Kylie, we need to get out of here!" Toad cries out.
She keeps recording. "The king will want to see! Get out of here, Toad!"
Toad leaves her but spots a few injured soldiers on the ground. Using his kart Toad drives the troops back to the town. He returns to help more flee as lasers and bullet bills fly overhead. As he does so, Toad spots Antasma floating along the battlefield. Despite the chaos, he is examining the empty shells. Toad covers his mouth realizing the fate of those koopas. But Antasma is smiling, with a hint of glee in his eyes. Toad feels rage build up in his heart. He doesn't like the koopas but they are being slaughtered! And Antasma is standing in the battlefield not caring. He seems to be enjoying it, despite feeling the disks were a nuisance.
He's insane.
The last UFO hovers, bypassing Toad and firing ahead. Toad spots the warp pipe. A new plan quickly forms in his head. Now is the time. Toad throws his bag into a pile of flaming wreckage. He then jumps into his kart.
"Peach, Toadette, everyone. I'm sorry!"
Toad slams on his gas pedal, speeding around fleeing soldiers and laser fire. Knuckles white from gripping the wheel, Toad smashes into Antasma, speeding towards the pipe.
"What are you doing!?" the bat screams, trapped against the hood. Toad enters the pipe and they are engulfed in a blinding light. Toad shields his eyes with a free arm. Once the light subsides, Toad reopens his eyes to see if he had died yet. Instead, they are traveling through a clear tunnel. The space surrounding the tunnel was a mass of multicolored clouds. He could spot multiple warp pipes in the distance. No time to admire the view. Toad does not let up on the gas even though the large tunnel is dragging them along. Antasma hangs onto the hood of the kart, recovering from the shock of Toad's betrayal.
"Why!? Do you know what you've just done!? What I will do to you, Captain!?"
"I hate Bowser! He's selfish! Evil! But he doesn't hide who he is. And he has some standards! I trust Peach with him more than you! There's something about you! Something horrible! I won't let you hurt my family!"
Antasma breaks apart and reforms behind Toad. He pulls a knife out and holds it to Toad's small neck. "You'll suffer for this, fungus!"
"No, we go together!"
I'm gonna die!
Toad looks ahead and sees another disk coming towards them at a fork in the road. It immediately fires at the kart. The explosion rips the two enemies apart from each other, Toad getting slashed along his mushroom cap. The disk continues down the path towards Desert Kingdom. Meanwhile, Toad is sucked down the path the disk was coming from while Antasma is dragged along another - screeching in rage. Due to his injuries Toad is losing consciousness. He sees a bright light again and closes his eyes.
It's up to you now Toadette!
The second UFO is finally down, the tanks swarm it - firing into it without mercy. As they do, the general climbs out of his tank. He spots the captain's burning bag. The general recognizes it belongs to the toad, the one that hangs out with that arrogant Toadette. Bewildered, he walks up to it maneuvering around the chaos. He reaches into the flames and pulls the backpack out. Kylie spots him holding the bag.
She cries out, "Captain Toad!? Oh no! Poor little guy!"
Before the general can inquire why the toad was there a koopa troopa runs up to him, interrupting.
"Sir! Another disk has appeared. And one was spotted in Crystal Kingdom! Another near Mushroom Kingdom! And several by the Darklands."
"How? Only two came out … There are other entrances then. Locate the hidden entrances. Destroy our enemies. Now!"
Peach wakes up to a blaring horn. She knows what it means and hugs her blankets close. It means there is an invasion from a foreign enemy, and all vassals are to report to battle. Peach runs up to a window and pulls back the curtains. To her horror she sees a large grey object laying waste to Town Toad. She quickly ties on a robe. Once outside, Peach leaps off the hill and uses her parasol to slow her descent.
"Everyone hide behind the hills! If anyone trips, pick them up." Peach shouts at her fleeing citizens. As Peach runs towards the disk, bullet bills fly overhead at the monstrosity. The princess pauses, spotting Larry riding one of the bullet bills.
"Larry!?"
Larry jumps as the bullet bill explodes against the UFO. He lands with a loud bang and inhales. He expels fire against the glass dome until he breaks through its shielding. The UFO wobbles and shoots off a stray shot. Fortunately, the laser only hits one of the castle's towers. The disk makes a rapid descent as Larry holds on. They crash into a supermarket and Larry is sent flying into the cash registers. As Peach approaches, a small purple creature rises out the UFO. He has purple skin, a black beard, sharp ears, and fangs. The creature was injured from Larry's attack and moves with a limp. He angrily shouts, aims a laser gun at Larry and fires. The koopa tucks into his shell to avoid danger. The creature turns to fire at Peach, grazing her shoulder.
"Die human scum!"
Shaking off the pain, Peach speeds out of the creature's view and comes behind him - delivering a swift kick to the back of his head. The creature falls over and Larry tackles him.
"Not so tough without their tech. Peach! Get me some rope!"
She runs to the back of the store to locate the requested item. The alarm was still blaring. Peach returns with the rope and Larry grabs it.
"Larry, what's going on!?"
"You're not safe here human! You'll die a miserable death, maggot!" The creature shouts causing Peach to jump back.
Larry scowls at him. "Shut up!" He then turns to Peach as he roughly ties the man up. "Peach, the UFOs are appearing all throughout the empire. Keep an eye on the sky."
Peach instantly worries. "Toad! Toadette!"
"You can't leave! We're in lock down! And they can handle themselves."
Peach moves to look inside the damaged disk. The interior was otherworldly, lights fading in and out. "Your right. Antasma is with them. They're safe." She mumbles.
In the Darklands, several UFOs are wreaking havoc. One razes a town to the ground. As it hovers about, the soldiers coordinate evacuations. But the UFO is immediately grabbed by a magmaargh and dragged into a nearby lava river. The soldiers cheer realizing Bowser is here. Bowser drops down among them ordering the magmaarghs to attack. One UFO narrowly dodges a magmaargh and shoots at a crowd of soldiers. They tuck into their shells, knowing it will be useless. But Bowser leaps in front taking the full brunt of the attack. Horrified the men come out their shells, fearing their king just died.
"Your Evilness!"
The dust settles revealing Bowser still standing. His scales are scorched but his is alive. He gives a boisterous laugh while wincing in pain.
"Gwa ha ha! What was that? A flashlight!?"
To be honest Bowser is shocked he jumped in the way. Usually, he would not care about what happens to his men. They can handle themselves. But word of casualties in Desert Kingdom has brought out his protective instincts. The soldiers he rescued cheers and Bowser basks in their attention. The UFO backs off, intimidated by the tyrant.
"Alright, I got a job to do."
Bowser leaps at the fleeing UFO, causing it to sway on impact. Within moments it is brought down by his fire breath. Invigorated by the king's presence, the soldiers take down one utilizing bazookas. But more UFOs are appearing.
"How are they getting here so fast?"
"King Bowser! It's not just the desert one. A soldier spotted a pipe just beyond the Lone Woods that they are using."
"Destroy it! I'll lead the charge." The king orders.
As they battle to get to the location, five disks appear. Bowser punches his fists together, preparing to fight. But the UFOs are blown up from a long-range laser. They turn into bright balls of fire and the sky lights up. The koopas turn and see a flying fortress approaching, Ludwig's superweapon. In the commanding deck, Ludwig orders another shot and the pipe is destroyed. The koopas cheer and celebrate protecting the Darklands. But Bowser isn't resting and locates Mouser.
"This isn't their main force. I think they are testing us. No doubt they realized they underestimated us." He tells his right hand.
"We aren't certain we found all the pipes either, Boss."
"I want a team on that. Only leave the Desert Kingdom wrap pipe active." Bowser feels anger welling up. "Any prisoners?" He darkly asks.
Mouser adjusts his shades. "The general in his rage didn't spare any. But Larry and Peach captured one. He is being transported this way as we speak."
"Are they okay?"
"Larry and the princess? Yes."
Bowser's eyes glow. "Bring me to him, now."
The purple creature was under heavy guard on the ship. Bowser meets the ship and boards it. He demands for the prisoner and the soldiers comply without delay. Once he is brought up Bowser marches up to him.
"You are in the presence of King Bowser Koopa. King of the Koopas. Emperor of the world. I only want to know a few things. Who is your master?"
The man gives no answer. Bowser yanks man off the ground into his claws. He angerly begins to apply pressure, threatening to crush him. Unable to endure, the creature cries out, "Tatanga!"
Bowser tightens his grip.
"What is his objective?"
"Expanding his empire!" The man is in pain but he manages a cocky grin. "We've taken down an emperor already. You'll be no different."
Bowser's face goes blank as he is about to slowly crush the man. Mouser excuses himself as the man begs for mercy. Before he can go through with it, Bowser imagines Peach's face. A burst of despair than anger rushes through him and he throws the man to the ground.
"Hand him over to Tryclyde. I want information out of him."
As the man is escorted away, Bowser leads against a wall. Smoke steams out his mouth.
I would not have hesitated earlier. Peach, what are you doing to me?
The next day, Bowser's broadcasts a message to all his territory. Every kingdom has a projected screen for the citizens to view. The king is at Desert Kingdom, in front of a field of empty shells now on poles.
"You know what's going on. So, I'm getting right to the point. This means war. I'm going to the source! All admins, vassals, and tower captains are to be on alert until my return. Any UFO spotted is to be shot down with prejudice."
Bowser cuts the video feed and turns to his general. "King Bob-omb needs to work overtime to supply my army. Also, summon the Crystal King and the koopalings. All my most loyal servants. They are to guard my son until my return."
The general nods. Bowser spots the burnt backpack in the general's hands. Bowser groans recognizing who it belongs to. Is this why the measly mushroom was texting him? How will he tell Peach about Toad?
Koopa General's focuses his eyes on Bowser. "I felt you needed to see this. Antasma also is missing in action while installing the pipe."
Bowser notices the general's wandering eyes. Meanwhile, a growing terror fills Koopa General's heart. Antasma was in the area to do his job, but what was Toad doing here? The general never trusted Antasma with Peach. He knew he was scheming on the king and warned Bowser. What was his plan? And Toad's discarded phone contained an interesting conversation. Toad is not alone in what? Was he conspiring with Antasma? But he seemed desperate in his conversation with Toadette. Was he being blackmailed? What is Toadette doing? And are there more involved with Antasma? There is a crisis with the invasion, but the safety of the king and prince is at stake.
The general looks up at Bowser, attempting to hide his anxiousness. "Forgive me, King Bowser. I cannot go to war with you. There is another threat that needs to be taken care of. Permission to investigate the deaths of Vassal King Antasma and Captain Toad."
Bowser thinks for a bit. "For you to pass up a chance to fight … You have my permission."
"Thank you. And the princess has been notified of the toad's death."
After getting off the phone with Toadette, Peach had been in bed crying over Toad.
I had just talked to him!
At her request, Larry and the others have been giving her space. She was in shock from the attack on Toad Town. It was not long after that she received word of the captain's fate, shattering her heart. Peach was certain Antasma was dead as well. As she wipes her tears, she hears a knock on her door leading to the balcony. She sits up and sees Bowser standing there. Peach slowly gets up, not in the mood for company. As she closes in Bowser's expression becomes panicked, and he grabs at the handle to yank the door off. He noticed she was crying. Peach runs to open the door before he can. Once open Bowser sweeps her in an embrace. Peach's feels the tears falling again and leans against him. Eventually, he kneels to place his snout under her chin. He doesn't say anything but she now appreciates his company. For once she doesn't feel guilty to be in his arms. Once her crying stops Bowser speaks.
"I won't forgive them, Peach."
Peach grips onto him tighter. "…. It was terrible. They just didn't care where they fired at. Bowser, what have they been doing all this time to the people of Sarasland!?"
She looks at him with pleading eyes. "There are people on the other side. In need of help. Let me come."
Bowser's face hardens and he pulls away to stand up. "No."
Peach pauses, her face full of hurt. "Why won't you let me come along?"
Bower's expression became anguished. She is grieving and still trying to look after others. "You couldn't even handle a harmless civil war between idiots. You're a fighter and not a fighter. I don't want you to see. You'll try to end it peacefully, Peach. I held back on an interrogation because I thought of you."
"I understand you must take them on. You are a king. But you're going to go wild? With that super weapon? What about the innocent people there!? They'll get caught in the crossfire."
Bowser's eyes are angry but he keeps his tone low. "I must avenge my men. I can't let this slide. No matter who gets in the way. You don't understand how things work, Peach. Its eat or be eaten. And these guys are not backing down. My koopas need this. I need to deal with my enemies."
She takes a step back and Bowser reaches out to her. Bowser takes her hand and brings it to his lips.
It's funny. Before all this started, I was just discussing policy changes to my council. Nothing drastic, just something she would be happy with. Bowser thinks miserably to himself.
He continues. "And if something happened to you, I would … Please, I won't be back for a while, I don't want our last conversation to be an argument."
Peach places her free hand on his claws. "I need to stop crying and feeling sorry for myself. I'll mourn my toad later. I'm in charge of the Disaster Division. And there are monarchs that need help rebuilding. I will do what I can on this side, and I'll support Junior as well. Please be safe."
Her eyes becomes fiery as she speaks firmly, "And if you see a Sarasaland civilian, you will help them Bowser."
Bowser slowly raises his eyes to Peach. The audacity to order the emperor around! But her authoritative glare looks attractive to him. He always liked it when she asserted herself. Bowser chuckles and gently kisses her hand again. "As you command my love."
Toadette struggled not to cry after Peach had been on the phone with her about Toad. The princess begged for her to return home, but that was not possible now. Toadette had made it into the castle and is now hiding behind drapes in the throne room. The hammer bro, named Jennen put the town in lock down. He was currently conversing with a woman name Tanger. And they are panicking over Antasma's disappearance.
"He didn't even finish the serum! Clawgrip is already threatening to take control!" Jennen complains.
Tanger folds her arms, equally frustrated. "We must hold the line until we find out what happened. Fortunately, the king going to war will buy us time."
Jennen sits on Antasma's throne, his hand holding up his head. "I'm going to order the tower's captain to lock all residents in their homes."
"Those strange robots are already doing it." Tanger remarks.
Jennen straightens up. "You're serious?"
"Antasma must have a protocol in place if he is missing or dead."
"That's concerning. But never mind that. We keep control of this island until we confirm his death."