Battle at Bowser's Castle

All but four of the Merry Men remain. And they have not faced the final huddle to save King Penguin. But the intrepid Wario pushes his team forward to finish the mission. Leaping across flying Bullet Bills they cross over the moat of the enemy's castle. While airborne, Waluigi looks at the toads behind him. "I'm surprised you lasted this long, Toad!"

The captain grins cheekily. He still has a lot of doubts about his ability to be of help to Peach. But that 'pep' talk with Bowser was what he needed. And he can't forget the slap from Washingtoad. "We're gonna win this together!"

"Don't let your guard down, guys." Toadette shouts. "We're not functioning with an army here!"

Landing on the other side, Wario plays down their predicament. "Come on Toadette, we lasted this long! What could they…"

At that moment, the castle gate opens and waves of koopas swarm out! The four poises for battle. But Yoshi angerly drops from above in front of the enemies. With lightning speed, he gobbles up koopas and lay them as eggs. He then hurls the eggs at his victims' comrades. The eggs explode on impact releasing the trapped koopas, turning them into flying projectiles.

Yoshi hands some of his unorthodox ammo to the four and rushes ahead. Toad stares squeamishly at the wiggling egg in his hands. "A little morbid if you ask me," he says while chucking it at a hammer bro.

"But it gets the job done!" Wario replies and elbow even more enemies into Yoshi's mouth.

After eating more soldiers, Yoshi tries to explain to them that Peach has been kidnapped. He groans once he realizes they don't understand him. Yoshi then positions his fingers over his head like a crown. Wario gives a thumb up.

"Lizard breath kidnapped his own wife and we gotta save her!"

Yoshi nods enthusiastically. "Yoshi!"

Toad's eyes bug out. "He did what!?"

"You should be used to his antics by now," Toadette deadpans and drags Toad along. As they move ahead the floor crumples. Everyone falls but Yoshi escapes by flutter jumping.

Koopa General talks over an intercom as the four are descending. "I'm impress you survived this long, chumps …. and Miss Toadette."

Toadette angerly looks around for the man. "General! Show yourself! You'll pay for what you did to Washingtoad!"

Toad adds, "And release Peach at once!"

The general chuckles. "You're wasting your breath. I will be taking home the win! And you'll never see Her Highness again!"

Waluigi protests, "Has everyone forgotten about King Penguin!?"

The group shortly collapses into a moving mine cart, full of coal, traveling through an lava-filled mineshaft. Rubbing his head, Wario notices the cart's coal-powered engine. Meanwhile, Toadette and Toad scan their surroundings. Soon, insane laughter echoes throughout the mineshaft. The toads look behind and spot a monstrous, skeletal looking vehicle pursuing them. The general is piloting it while laughing madly.

"It feels so good to cut loose again!" he declares. He pulls a lever and mecha koopas are fired from cannons. The small bots land in the cart and nip at Toad's feet.

"Hey I need those!" he whines. Waluigi notices they are turning red and quickly kicks the mecha koopas out. They explode midair.

The lanky plumber glances at Wario. "Wario! Can this thing go any faster!?"

"We need to feed the engine…"

Before Wario can finish, the general opens the front of his vehicle, exposing a row of spinning spikes.

"Is that allowed!?" Toad bewails.

Unnervingly cheerful, the general chuckles. "It's perfectly safe!"

"Chancellor! Over here!"

Vert moves in the direction of Gold's voice. He already knows what this is about. The area around him is familiar, a place he used to visit frequently. Under a canopy of mushrooms, Gold and Prince Dreambert stand before a glowing warp pipe. It is the one Peach walked out of. Once again it is back active and the old toad sighs. Fear of the unknown prevented him from using it in the past. But Vert held hope Peach's parents would arrive and take her home.

Dreambert shakes his head and approaches Vert. "I know it holds sentimental value to you, chancellor… but…"

"I know…." Vert motions for Berry to come close. "Call the koopas over, please. They are to destroy it."

Berry looks at the pipe and back at the chancellor. "A-are you sure!?"

"As we have been doing with any we find in the Mushroom Kingdom, this must also go."

Obeying, the younger toad leaves to get assistance. Vert turns back to the warp pipe. Peach had ordered them to destroy any pipe found in their kingdom, based on discussions with Dreambert. Mushroom will be targeted when the bat king returns. But if Antasma was coming back to harm them, he was going to have to work for it. Vert sighs, recalling her words at the last meeting before she left for Bowser's Island.

"Antasma is angry with me. And you will not suffer because of that. I will protect all of you! I promise!"

Vert closes his eyes and whispers, "No Peach…we will protect you…."

A desperate Wario shoves coal into the engine to make the mine cart go faster. Eventually, the cart hits a curve and nearly derails. Thinking quick - Waluigi, Toad, and Toadette get on one side to correct the cart.

The chase continues down a deep slope and back up with the mine cart narrowly avoiding the spikes. Soon, the rails lead into a dark tunnel. Toad reluctantly turns around to see the glowing lights of the general's vehicle. He turns back around and hides behind Toadette. Once out of the tunnel, the general is now right on top of the mine cart.

"Do I hear a surrender?" the koopa mocks.

"We're running out of coal!" Wario looks ahead and sees a fork in the road. At that moment, Yoshi reappears and runs along a ledge. He points at a lever at the fork.

"Yoshi!"

Yoshi jumps toward the lever and clutches it. Once the mine cart passes, he switches the track. The general goes the other way, shaking his fist at the dinosaur. Yoshi is then ambushed by a gang of mecha koopas.

"He brought us some time! Any ideas?" Wario yells.

Toadette folds her arms, deep in thought. "If we could get ahold of some dynamite, we could derail that fiend."

Toad looks around and shrugs. "But we have none, sis."

"The general has some in his shell," Toadette remembers.

Waluigi smiles evilly as a plan is formulated in his head. "Toad! Do you have a rope in that bag of yours?"

"I always have rope."

"Good, now get your plunger ready!"

"Huh?"

The lanky human picks up Toadette in one hand and bends his arm back.

"What are you doing!?" she demands. Waluigi gleefully twirls his mustache in response. The two paths reconnect and the general is behind them again - only inches separating them. But Waluigi hurls Toadette at the koopa! On reflex the general catches her and falls on his back.

The small toad furiously shouts, "That Waluigi…. I'll shave his mustache …!"

Realizing she is on top of the general, Toadette pauses and bites the inside of her cheek. Even more nerve wracking for her is his reaction. He makes no cutting remarks, his eyes wide with shock. Noticing her braids surrounding him, his eyes soften. The general then nuzzles his snout against a braid and inhales, mesmerized by Toadette's sweet scent. When she tries to get off, the general holds her in place. A blush grows on his now angry face.

Toadette turns red in the face. "W-What…"

"Toadette…I…will you…"

Not thinking straight, the general pulls her towards him to attempt a kiss. To his delight she leads forward. But she reaches into his shell and pulls out a stack of dynamite!

"I-I got it!"

Toad fires the plunger (connected by rope) and nabs Toadette, pulling her to safety. After Waluigi retrieves the dynamite from her, he lights them and hurls them behind him. The rail tracks blow up and the general's vehicle derails. It slams into a wall and spins in circles. Still lovestruck, the koopa remains still as the vehicle falls into a ravine and blows up. Horrified, Toadette beats Waluigi. Wario joins in for him endangering his friend.

"Oh no…!" Toadette bemoans. "You turned me into a monster!"

Waluigi curls up in a corner, covering his head with his arms. "No, I didn't! You were the one to suggest it! And Bowser said we could do whatever it takes to win!"

Unexpectedly, the mine cart flies over an incomplete railing and into a pit. But Yoshi, swinging from a chain, pulls them to safety. They drop in front of a large door with Bowser's insignia. Without hesitation, Yoshi angrily rushes in.

Toadette pauses and looks back fiddling her fingers. Wario notices and calls out to her.

"Toadette?"

"Guys! I'm going back! I can't leave him like that!" Toadette grabs the chain to swing back over.

Wario closes his eyes smiling. "She has a temper but a soft heart…"

"Are you serious!?" Toad complains. "Please tell me I'm not losing another sister to a koopa!"

"We have to let her go, Toad." Wario utters.

The mushroom huffs, "Right…. we have a mission to complete!" The group presses forward to follow Yoshi. As they enter the new room, Toad is picked up by a buzzard.

"Oh, come on! I know this is your doing, Bowser!" Toad whines.

Waluigi jokes as they watch the bird fly away. "Bowser must be in trouble with the Mrs."

The trio push forward arriving at pillars rising out of a lava pool. Cautiously, they navigate while dodging spinning spiked clubs. But a hammer nails Waluigi in the badge.

"WAAAAAAA!"

"Waluigi!"

He falls off a pillar and burns his bum on lava. Screaming in pain Waluigi leaps around the room. Down to two, Wario and Yoshi do battle with a pair of hammer bros.

Eventually, the path leads them through a hall of collapsing platforms. But at the end is a wide chasm between them and Bowser's throne room. Since Yoshi's first visit, Bowser's minions have blown up the pathway. It's too far for Yoshi to clear with a jump. And the platform they are on is beginning to drop!

"Yoshi!" The dino cries out in distress. He is so close to saving his friend! Though he doesn't understand him, Wario can see his expression. "You really want to win, huh?"

Yoshi balls his fist up and nods emphatically.

"But only one of us can make it!" He picks up Yoshi and hurls him over the chasm.

"Yoshi!?"

"FOR THE BONUS!" Wario yells as the platform collapses. Yoshi uses his flutter jump to reach the edge. He pauses to look down and vows not to let Wario's sacrifice be in vain.

The last of the Merry Men, Yoshi proceeds to the boss room. He pushes on the doors to open them. His eyes narrow as he stops at the bridge leading to the King Koopa. The one responsible for everything that has happened today. Currently, the "vile" villain has Peach in his grasp, covering her face in kisses.

"Don't be like this, babe! Forgive me!"

Peach stomps her feet. "Bowser, I'm not up for your antics today! You said you had everything under control! But I've seen Mouser drown in quicksand, my toads nearly die, Waluigi burning his backside, Wario ending up who knows where, and the general blowing up!"

Bowser hangs his head. "Are you leaving me? Nobody is dead! I swear!"

"What are you talking about!?" Peach gasps. "I just…"

"Yoshi!"

Peach looks in his direction. "Yoshi!"

Bowser frowns and releases Peach. "You ain't even on my payroll and you made it through again!?"

Yoshi angrily points at Peach. He demands her freedom. "Yoshi!"

"Alright, I'll admit you're pretty good." Bowser slams his fist together; Peach elegantly walks to the side. "But I'm never letting her go, you green apple head."

"Don't let him bully you, Yoshi." Peach mumbles.

"Yoshi!"

Bowser spits out fire balls. "Prepare to DIE…I mean get beaten."

Yoshi rushes at the Koopa King skillfully dodging the fire. But he is met with Bowser's fist. His eyes bug out from the pain. Yoshi goes flying and skids along the bridge, eventually landing on his back. Bowser leaps into the air and dives down, aiming his elbow at Yoshi's stomach.

"BWAHAHA! This is going to hurt … a lot!"

But Yoshi out-speeds his attack. Bowser's weight makes the bridge sway and Yoshi struggles to keep standing. The king leaps at the dino again with a flying kick but Yoshi avoids it. Frustrated, Bowser pulls hammers out his shell to hurl. But Yoshi eats the projectiles. Converting them into eggs he throws them into Bowser's face. The distracted king fails to see Yoshi rushing towards an ax. Yoshi jumps and kicks the ax downward, splintering the rope holding the bridge together. Bowser's weight doesn't help and the bridge collapses. A stunned Bowser falls into the lava!

"Are you kidding meeeeee!?" He roars.

Yoshi stares at the lava and watches Bowser sink. Pleased with the results, he then happily runs over to Peach. She hugs him. "I'm sorry Yoshi! Did you think I was in trouble? Bowser is my husband! This was all just a game."

Yoshi stares in confusion. Then why isn't she upset over her husband falling in the lava? He shrugs. The important thing is his friend is safe. Peach giggles as Yoshi leans against her stomach. The dinosaur lifts her on his back and goes out the back way. On the way to the village, they encounter Wario, Waluigi, Toad, and an exasperated King Penguin. Toadette joins up with them as well, dragging an unconscious general with her.

The next day, the Merry Men celebrate their victory at the town square. While enjoying food they watch reruns of Bowser falling into the lava. For some this is cathartic for what the koopas had put them through in the past. Yoshi was considered a hero among them for saving the game. But he is too busy enjoying a plate of sandwiches and a slice of Peach's cake. Present also is the general, getting his bandages changed by Toadette.

"Laugh all you want! We weren't taking it seriously! We'll win next time!" he shouts at his rivals.

"Hold still!" Toadette scowls and taps his snout.

"It's because you're too rough!" He complains. Toadette wants to say something but he sighs. "Thanks."

"…. You're welcome."

Their eyes meet briefly but the two nervously look away.

Suddenly, Bowser appears. A penguin scrambles to turn off the tv screen. People get up screaming but Bowser takes a seat on a wooden stool. Peach runs up to him. "Teddy Bear!"

"Now you want your hubby." Bowser mutters and accepts her hug.

"You had to cool off after swimming in lava!"

"Yeah. Yeah." Bowser points at Yoshi. "You tried to kill me in cold blood!"

"Yoshi!"

"Sorry won't cut it! I want a rematch!"

Koopas pile into the village shouting, "Your Sourness, don't switch us with the other group. Give us one more chance!"

"Yeah! We'll win next time!"

"No, you won't!" Hooded Robin declares. "I will lead us to another win!"

Wario complains, "You didn't contribute at all!"

"Can I use real arrows next time?" Toad begs while tapping Bowser's leg.

The scene becomes chaotic. Bowser yells to settle everyone down. Chuckling he motions for a beer. "See what I told all of you! It worked out! Our first game was a success!"

He wiggles his eyebrows at Peach and she folds her arms. Bowser then chugs his drink down and glares at Yoshi again. "I hate to admit it but I respect you for putting your neck on the line like that. Peach, you're keeping him, right?"

Peach smiles at Yoshi. "Only if he wants to be with me."

"Yoshi!"

The next day, Peach helps the penguins repair King Penguin's Castle for the next game. While they work, Penguin King fusses about something random to her. But Peach holds her head and drops her hammer.

"I need to sit down." She admits.

"Okay…"

As she rounds a corner, Yoshi approaches her with worry. Peach suddenly falls but she is caught by Yoshi. He carries her over to a sofa. As he does so, the Penguin King enters.

"What's wrong!?"

Peach keeps her eyes closed and hands the king her phone. "I need a doctor. Could you call my husband, please?"

"R-right!" The king fumbles with it and searches for Bowser's number. "Hang in there Vanessa! I won't let you down!"

Back at Bowser's Castle, Mouser and Koopa General are both seating in chairs, facing a corner. Bowser is marching back and forth grumbling.

"Boss, when can we leave?"

"You can leave when you learn to control yourselves next game! Your antics almost cost me my marriage!"

Bowser hears his phone ringing and answers it, his tail wagging.

"Peaches? How's my lovely wife doing?"

"No, it's me!"

Bowser's eyes turn fiery. "You ugly penguin! Why are you using my wife's phone!?"

"L-listen to me! Peach is not feeling well! So, Yoshi is taking her to the village doctor! I just wanted to let you know!"

The koopa's eyes light up and smoke escapes his nostrils. "Tell her I'm on my way!"

Bowser hangs up, gnashing his teeth. Mouser and the general turn around.

"What do you need us to do?" the general asks.

"I want a full examination on Peach!" Bowser points at the general. "Call Dreambert. And go to the Sarasaland embassy, via warp pipe, and beg for Queen Lilac. She treats humans."

The two leave immediately as Bowser rushes to reach the village on foot.

Penguin returns to Peach. "B-Bowser is on his way."

Peach slowly nods as penguins lift her onto Yoshi's back. Please don't be him. Please don't be him. Fear begins to cloud her mind and a whimper escapes her mouth. But Yoshi nuzzles her, Peach wraps her arms around him for comfort.

"Thank you."

The village doctor would not allow the king into Peach's room. Later, Lilac and Dreambert arrive and enter the examination room. Bowser paces back in forth in the waiting room, his stomping ruining the floor. Daisy, Yoshi, Toad, Toadette, and the Wario Bros. are also in the waiting room staring at him. None had spoken for the last hour. Impatient, Bowser finally flops onto a chair. The chair couldn't hold his weight, so Bowser fell on the floor. The others wince but they say nothing. Usually, he would be embarrassed over that. But Bowser is only concerned with Peach right now. Placing his head in his hands, Bowser attempts to hide his growing despair.

"Bowser, she's going to be alright. Peach is a survivor." Daisy comforts.

"Y-yeah…"

His time with Peach has been blissful. Sure, he and Peach have arguments. A lot of arguments. But they worked to find common ground. Bowser showered her with attention and gifts and she returned his feelings in like kind. And it was rare for the two to do activities separately from each other. Even spending a day apart from Peach was difficult for him, he loved her. His war game idea was made with her in mind. But now he fears he stressed Peach out with his antics.

"Maybe I did go overboard." Bowser mumbles out loud.

Before Yoshi can say something, Dreambert and Lilac enters. Bowser jumps up and runs over to them.

"What's wrong with her?" He yells.

"King Bowser calm down, "Dreambert insists.

"How can I be calm, you pillow-head!? My wife passed out!"

"She's fine, for now."

Bowser pauses. "Oh…"

Dreambert rubs his neck. "I didn't notice any anomalies in her mind."

A collective sigh of relief sounds throughout the room.

Lilac adjusts her glasses. "I'm glad you called me. I'm not sure how familiar your medical staff are with humans. But she will be seeing me more often."

The Sarasaland Queen walks behind Bowser and pushes him forward. "Peach is waiting for you. Go check on her."

Not needing any persuasion, Bowser races for her room while Lilac talks to the others. He opens the door and yells, "Peach!"

Peach holds her ears and scolds him. "Use your inside voice, love!"

Bowser chuckles and approach her bed. He falls to his knees and lay his head near her face.

"Don't scare me like that again."

Bowser closes his eyes in relief. Peach shakes her head and nuzzles his snout.

"Do you need anything to eat?" he inquiries.

"No, we're fine. But thank you."

He reluctantly leaves Peach's side and walks to the closet. "I'll bring your dress to the village's laundromat."

Peach begins giggling uncontrollably. Puzzled, Bowser turns while folding her dress. She lays back on her pillow, gazing at him from under her eyelashes.

Bowser lifts an eyebrow. "Peach. You sure you're, okay?"

"We're fine, silly." She teases.

"Then why…wait …. why are you saying …" Bowser's eyes widen with realization.

Peach looks down and hugs her stomach.

"P-peaches…"

"Bowser…I…" She jumps due to a loud thud and looks back up. "Darling!?"

Bowser has passed out on the floor.