Mario, Luigi, Toad, and Princess Peach found themselves huddled around a flickering campfire in the secluded depths of World 5-3's subspace. Save for the warm crackle of the fire, the subspace exuded an eerie darkness and a profound stillness. Their arduous journey had taken its toll on their spirits, casting a shadow of weariness over the group. Princess Peach gazed into the dancing flames, her thoughts drifting to the chilling image of Karyme, who had stood before the ominous Hawkmouth in that icy, long corridor. As she closed her eyes, a solitary tear traced a path down her soft cheek.
Mario reclined on a makeshift log, his gaze fixated on the vast expanse of the night sky. His mind wandered back to the treacherous encounter with Mouser within the perilous factory. Luigi, meanwhile, leaned against a sturdy tree, his knees drawn close to his chest. His thoughts revolved around Tryclyde's haunting final words: "...I thought you would never come." In stark contrast, Toad inhabited a different realm altogether. Unaffected by the turmoil of Subcon and the Dream Machine's dysfunction, he slumbered soundly, his mind weaving dreams in the midst of this otherworldly sanctuary.
A vast chasm stretched for half a mile, cleaving through lush grass beneath the starry expanse of the night sky. Bathed in the ethereal glow of the moon, the chasm's many levels were lined with towering bookshelves, each emanating a warm and inviting yellow light. Amid this otherworldly library, a colossal Shyguy made its ponderous way through the chasm, its tall, slender frame resembling a roaming twenty-story building. Each step sent minor tremors rippling through the surrounding grasslands. A rectangular medallion hung from its neck, bearing the inscription: "Shyguy; Job Class: Sorcerer; Rank: First Sergeant."
Beside the enigmatic sorcerer, Toad followed closely, the two engaged in a friendly conversation. An Albatross soared alongside Toad, its wings casting a magnificent, phoenix-like shadow in the moonlight. Just like the sorcerer, the Albatross bore a medallion, which read: "Albatross; Job Class: Barbarian; Rank: Lieutenant." Curiosity got the best of Toad, and he asked, "What is this place?" Puzzled about how he had come to be here, he sought answers.
"You are in a subspace of my creation. Right now, you are sound asleep, nestled with your friends," the sorcerer replied, his voice carrying a hint of wisdom and warmth, reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh. The Albatross responded with a series of shrill notes, its inability to converse in English evident. Toad's next question was one of genuine inquiry, "Why did you do this?" The sorcerer's answer was tinged with melancholy, "Because both of us are ensnared by Wart's malevolent spell. We are the guardians of Clawgrip, tasked with our sworn duty." Perplexed, Toad asked, "So, we cannot be friends, can we?" With a sigh, the sorcerer responded, "No, no, I"m afraid not, though I wish it were different."
Confusion etched across Toad's face as he pondered their predicament. "I don't understand. Both of you seem so kind." The Albatross voiced its sentiment through another series of inscrutable shrieks. The sorcerer met Toad's gaze, his eyes filled with resolve. "Toad, I am a wizard. I can sense when I am being manipulated. I am resisting Wart's spell, but my strength is limited and fleeting." At that moment, the Albatross took flight, soaring into the distance until it perched at the end of the chasm, its unblinking gaze fixed upon the two as they continued their fateful conversation.
It appeared to be a standoff, and Toad couldn't help but frown. As they continued their journey, a brief silence settled in, and for a moment, passing clouds veiled the moon's radiant glow. The sorcerer spoke, seemingly ignoring Toad's previous comment, "You have no concept of how vital you are to your friends and the success of this mission." Toad, his patience wearing thin, interrupted the ponderous sorcerer, saying, "It sounds like you're talking down to me now." The sorcerer posed a question with a tone of subtle challenge, "Recall what you said in World 2-3? You claimed to be the strongest member of the party, ready to contribute your part."
Toad's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he recognized the weight of his own words. "You have a point," he conceded with a sense of dejection. The sorcerer continued to probe, "Did you truly believe in yourself, Toad?" With candor, Toad replied, "No." The sorcerer pressed further, "And why is that?" Toad blurted out his reply, "Try being a captive Mushroom Retainer in seven different worlds; it"s not exactly confidence-inspiring." As they neared the end of the chasm, the sorcerer assumed the role of a mentor, his tone transforming, "Today, you will surpass yourself."
The Albatross ascended into the night sky, its wings slicing through the air and creating a growing wind that swept through the moonlit grasslands. Toad, a creeping realization dawning upon him, expressed his concern, "These aren't fair odds." At the end of the chasm, the trio locked eyes with one another. The sorcerer's voice deepened, now tainted with a sinister edge, as he revealed his true intentions, "I am your adversary, Toad. I didn't bring you here for a fair fight." Toad gazed up at the towering visage of the Shyguy, a tear glinting in the moonlight as it rolled down the sorcerer's left cheek. An exceedingly tall staff materialized in the sorcerer's right hand.
"Toad, listen closely," the sorcerer commanded, his voice firm and resonant. "The dreams of the entire universe originate from this world." Suddenly, massive Nintendo Entertainment System game boxes materialized behind the sorcerer – RC Pro Am, Top Gun, Tiger Heli, Ghostbusters, Tetris, and Back to the Future."'
Mario shook Toad repeatedly, but Toad remained in a deep slumber. "What's happening to him?" Peach inquired with concern. "He's engaged in a battle against the mid-bosses of World Five," responded the Dream Machine, its speech becoming clearer as they drew nearer to World 7. Mario's face took on a look of stark realization. "But we're already in subspace. I thought we were safe here?" Luigi walked up behind Toad, sitting down and embracing him, providing whatever comfort he could. "I think this is all we can do, Mario," Luigi said somberly.
"My friends, my apologies," the Dream Machine interjected, "but Toad has been challenged to a duel by a sorcerer and a berserker." Peach couldn't hide her frustration. "More of your creations." "No," the Dream Machine retorted, its voice becoming sharper and clearer. "I am but a tool; they are Wart's will."
Toad shook his head, struggling to grasp the sorcerer's intentions. "Each of these game boxes represents the collective dreams of many programmers," the sorcerer explained. The boxes began to radiate with a brilliant white light. Toad responded, rolling up his sleeves, "I don't understand what you're talking about. If you came here to fight, let's get it on," The sorcerer grew impatient, "You do not comprehend the gravity of this situation. Without dreams, no one can enter the stage of sleep known as Rapid Eye Movement (REM). In essence, the four of you are the last in the universe capable of dreaming."
Toad's eyes widened as the realization washed over him. Electricity surged up the sorcerer's staff. "There are two of us," the sorcerer announced, "but you, Toad, possess great power. Surpass your limitations and show me your true strength... or meet your end here, only to awaken in the Mushroom Kingdom with no way to aid your friends," he declared. Several objects materialized before the sorcerer – a fiery red race car with a sleek rear wing, a battered F14 fighter plane, a white military helicopter, the unmistakable ECTO 1, a massive pair of multicolored square blocks arranged in a straight line, and the iconic 1985 DMC DeLorean. Each of these objects levitated around the sorcerer, an unsettling sight.
Toad stood frozen, uncertainty coursing through him as he awaited the sorcerer's next move. The Albatross, meanwhile, let out a piercing shriek as it soared into the distance, performing a wide U-turn behind the sorcerer in the faint sky. Toad wasted no time, swiftly extracting vegetables from the earth and flinging them at the sorcerer's midsection. However, each vegetable simply ricocheted off, leaving the sorcerer unfazed. The sorcerer, in turn, turned his staff horizontally and launched his created objects at Toad. First in line was the race car. Toad sidestepped as the vehicle's tip crumbled into the earth, seriously damaging its suspension and front wing. The uncontrolled F14 followed, careening through the air, but Toad leaped over it.
The helicopter, meanwhile, zoomed recklessly towards him, and Toad managed to roll out of its path. However, one of the rotor blades grazed his mushroom head, causing a superficial but painful cut. Translucent yellow fluid spilled from the wound, streaming down his face. Before Toad could wipe it away, the imposing Ecto 1's grille loomed before him. Toad embraced the Cadillac's bumper, clenching it with both hands and holding the massive vehicle aloft as it tilted toward him.
Toad's muscles bulged and strained as he gradually lifted the Cadillac over his head, his gaze now locked with the sorcerer's. "You underestimated me!" Toad declared triumphantly, holding the vehicle with one hand. "Did I?" the sorcerer inquired before directing the huge Tetris block and the DeLorean towards Toad. But Toad responded with a nonchalant shrug, swaying to the left and then to the right, gracefully dodging both objects while still carrying the Cadillac with a single hand.
Without hesitation, Toad flung the Cadillac straight at the sorcerer's chest. Yellow fluid gushed from the Shyguy's mouth and stained his garments as he recoiled from the impact. The sorcerer was wounded, and the Ecto 1 plummeted into the chasm below with an explosive clamor. Toad took heavy breaths as he watched the Albatross, Lieutenant, approaching from behind the fallen sorcerer. The Albatross emitted a piercing shriek, heralding her One-Shot Kill Move. A vibrant blue aura enveloped the bird, creating a brilliant V-shaped pattern over her body. Glittering trails of light followed in her wake as she homed in on Toad, who stared up at her with widened eyes.
In that critical moment, Toad harnessed all the pain, frustration, and determination that had been fueled by Wart's actions against his friends, Subcon, the dreaming universe, and himself. The Albatross descended, aiming to deliver crash damage, but Toad executed a flawless backflip, landing firmly on the bird's back. He clutched the feathers at the nape of her neck, a fiery determination in his eyes. "I may not have to win, but I can prevent the two of you from causing more harm!" Toad roared, his grip on the bird unwavering. The Albatross shrieked in fear, realizing the power of Toad's resolve.
Toad yanked back on the Albatross's feathers, guiding her in a sharp U-turn towards the menacing spellcaster. "Super Toad, it's now or never," the sorcerer declared, raising his staff and preparing for another assault. With unwavering determination, Toad shouted, "It's now!" He clung tightly to the Albatross's feathered neck as they streaked towards the Shyguy, leaving a dazzling trail of striking blue light in their wake against the starry backdrop. The Albatross (Lieutenant) impaled the Shyguy (First Sergeant) directly in the chest, leaving behind a gaping void. Toad was left to soar through the air, battered and bruised, during a brief yet seemingly eternal moment that spanned just a few seconds. The Albatross's disintegrated and burnt feathers scattered through the air. Circulatory fluid gushed from the spellcaster's chest, cascading into the chasm below. The Shyguy paused, and its massive mask swung open, revealing a Tweeter seated behind a complex array of cockpit controls.
"You've defeated me, but you'll never stop my friends," Toad shouted through a mixture of anger and tears, beginning his descent toward the yellow river-filled chasm below. The Tweeter slumped over the control panel, his response faint but determined, "No... I won't, and now I'll return you to where you belong, Toad." Sparks flickered, and small fires ignited within and around the cockpit. The surroundings vanished, and Toad was left to fall through a twilight sky adorned with stars.
Exhausted and bewildered, Toad inquired, "Why did you do this?" as he tumbled through the infinite void. The Tweeter activated an internal megaphone, its voice loudly mimicking Luigi's, "You do your part every day, buddy." Toad's eyes widened in astonishment. "Toad, your dreams have always intrigued me," the Tweeter continued, its robes now engulfed in flames. "You're far stronger than you let on." Toad responded, "... you're a part of Subcon, aren't you?" His voice became faint as he teetered on the edge of unconsciousness. The world around him faded, and Toad succumbed to darkness.
The Dream Machine presented itself as a large, crimson box adorned with three imposing brass horns protruding from its top. The box was meticulously held together by rivets, and its surface was adorned with an array of dials, switches, and joysticks. Each dial was calibrated to measure something different, yet many lay dormant and lifeless. A few switches blinked intermittently, revealing signs of life within.
Wart, the imposing antagonist, extended his clawed hand to grip one of the joysticks, pulling it backward. As he did, the Dream Machine began to stir to life, its mechanisms and gears set into motion. "My encounter with Mario is fast approaching," Wart declared with unwavering determination. "I need you to forge three formidable mid-bosses for me—a Captain, a Major, and a Lieutenant Colonel. I'll take care of Mario, but these underlings must be powerful enough to deal with the rest."
The Dream Machine accepted its task, its internal components whirring and clanking as it complied. Eventually, a Shyguy, Panser, and Hawkmouth materialized before Wart, formed from the very essence of dreams. The Dream Machine fell silent, having completed its creation.
The Shyguy saluted Wart, then multiplied itself repeatedly until there were five identical figures. Each one bore a medallion that stated the same thing: "Shyguy; Job Class: Warrior; Rank: Captain."
The Panser opened her mouth and began to sing a beautiful yet ear-piercing melody. The sheer intensity of her song caused the dials on the Dream Machine to shatter and break apart. The others present hastily covered their ears. A medallion appeared around Panser's neck, indicating her role: "Panser; Job Class: Bard; Rank: Major."
Wart couldn't help but chuckle at the disruption before removing his clawed hands from the location where his ears would be if he had any. The final creation, the Hawkmouth, began to radiate with brilliant, star-like colors. Its eyes sparkled, and a burst of vibrant light emanated from its throat before the newfound energy settled. A medallion materialized over the Hawkmouth's collar, labeling its role: "Hawkmouth; Job Class: Artificer; Rank: Lieutenant Colonel."
Wart gazed upon his new allies with a devious smile, confident in their abilities and the role they would play in his grand scheme.
Toad slowly opened his eyes, finding himself cradled within Luigi's warm embrace. With a serene and reassuring tone, he spoke, preempting the inevitable question, "I'm... okay." Peach, with a mix of curiosity and concern, inquired, "What was the duel like?" Mario, leaning over them, his hand gently caressing his chin, listened attentively. "They're all on our side, even if they can't show it," Toad began, his words thoughtful and measured. "Every masked and robed individual wandering this land grapples with Wart's spell. No matter how evil, deranged, or malicious they may seem, at their core, they are all citizens of Subcon, each responsible for safeguarding the dreams of countless entities across our entire universe."
Toad halted abruptly, suddenly realizing the significance of what he had just revealed. Throughout this exchange, the omnipresent Dream Machine remained silent. Mario pointed at Toad's right hand, which held a brown and white mushroom. Two small eyes on its shaft blinked. "They left you with a gift, Toad," Mario remarked, directing Toad's attention to the sentient 1-UP Mushroom. It behaved similarly to a Starman or Fire Flower, ready to provide immediate support upon request.
Luigi rose and extended a hand to help Toad up. "We need to continue following Clawgrip's tracks," Mario declared, a sense of determination in his voice. Peach, now on her feet and brushing off her dress, added, "I'm feeling much better, Mario. We just needed a brief respite, but we know what we must do." Luigi chimed in with confidence, "We know our mission. Let's get moving." Mario nodded and opened the nearby door, leading them into a massive, hollowed sequoia tree. Clawgrip's tracks led down into the tree's various inner surfaces. The party hurried through the door and descended through the intricate structure, bypassing roaming sparks along the way. Mario, glancing at one of the Sparks, couldn't help but wonder aloud, "Why would Wart employ a being I once used to thwart Donkey Kong's son?" The Spark remained silent, offering no response.
Peach, now further down the structure, called back to Mario, "Don't stop!" Shyguys sprang from a nearby vase, each landing in an attack stance. "You'll never reach Clawgrip!" one of them shouted. "Face me, Mushroom Retainer!" yelled another. Toad, undaunted, quipped, "It's alright; this will all be over soon," before decisively grabbing the first Shyguy and slamming it into the second, sending both adversaries into oblivion. The 1-UP Mushroom, nestled in Toad's front pocket, blinked, bearing witness to the unfolding events.
Further down the sequoia, the party reached the base of the tree. A solitary Spark patrolled a levitating platform. Mario's gaze followed Clawgrip's tracks, which stretched across the cavernous room and up into the open ceiling on the opposite side. Out of nowhere, a raspy voice emerged, catching everyone by surprise. "The four of you sure are determined." Toad's eyes widened as he looked down at the brown and white mushroom. "You can talk!"
"Of course, I can. All power-ups can communicate in some form or another," the sentient 1-UP Mushroom responded. Mario slowed to a halt and turned halfway around, intrigued by the unexpected conversation. "Wait a second, are you saying Starman and Fire Flower can talk?" Peach inquired. "Yes, Fire Flower? I haven't encountered that entity before, but Starman symbolizes love and determination. He seldom communicates, but when he does, it's telepathic," the 1-UP Mushroom clarified. Luigi jumped into the conversation, asking, "What is your gift?" The 1-UP Mushroom responded solemnly, "Well... let's hope that you never need my gift."
The Dream Machine chimed in, addressing the entire group. "I created him and the other power-ups in this world to assist you." Its voice was clearer now, and it carried a sense of gravity. Mario turned forward, and his eyes followed Clawgrip's tracks as they led upward into the open ceiling on the other side. The Dream Machine issued a warning, "Mario, I believe you are being lured into a trap, but it's different from what happened with Fryguy." Mario inquired, "Different how? Was Fryguy stronger than Clawgrip?" The Dream Machine responded solemnly, "I do not know, but remember that not all traps have the same purpose. You might not encounter unrivaled strength but rather a mind game...or both"
Before it could elaborate further, the Dream Machine fell silent. Mario acknowledged the warning with a nod and then ascended, wall-kicking his way through the open ceiling. The rest of the party joined him. As they progressed upward within the sequoia, they traversed from one levitating platform to another. Two Bob-ombs awaited them mid-way. "Clawgrip will exact his revenge," one of the Bob-ombs declared. Both extended their gloved hands and erupted in a brilliant white light. Shrapnel and splinters from the tree scattered in all directions as each member of the party quickly dodged.
A fireball-streaked past Mario's right side, singeing his blue sleeve as it descended through the levels below. "Die," a Panser declared with a grotesque and gurgling voice, perched on a series of stepped and levitating platforms. "Well, that's... awesome," Luigi retorted, adding a touch of humor to the tense situation. Toad giggled; his spirits somewhat lifted since his encounter with the sorcerer. The malevolent Panser descended the steps, releasing a volley of fireballs toward the party. "She can walk?!" Peach exclaimed, moving to the right with Toad. "Apparently she can!" Luigi called out as he and his brother moved in the opposite direction. The fireballs struck the wall behind them.
Mario knelt and seized a nearby Mushroom Block. The Panser noticed this and halted. Mario stood, casting a looming shadow over the Panser. "Your greatest fear is letting down your friends," the Panser taunted, her lips curling into a sinister grin. "Maybe so, but you'll never live to see that," Mario asserted as he hurled the Mushroom Block, knocking the Panser off the platform and sending it spiraling down into the dark depths below, trailing faint embers in its wake.
Moments later, the party reached a door at the top of the sequoia. They each took a moment to catch their breath. Peach, after gasping for several moments, shared her thoughts with Mario, "Mario, I think the Dream Machine is right. Clawgrip seems out of place for Subcon." Mario nodded in agreement and turned the knob, leading the way with the rest of the party in tow. They stepped out into a warm summer's night under a beautiful starry sky. Mario's determination was unwavering as he moved forward, silently challenging Clawgrip to give it his best shot. A Snifit quickly turned to face them, its mask emitting the faint sounds of gears churning within. The Snifit cried out, "Haikan-kō, kurōgurippu ni chikadzuka semasen! Shinu!" as it unleashed a volley of bullets.
Luigi narrowly avoided the incoming projectiles and couldn't help but quip, "Awesome," as he sidestepped the attack. Toad chuckled, displaying his agility by dodging the bullets. Amid the chaos, a Pidgit dive-bombed the group, only to have its red carpet yanked out from under it by Peach. Unfazed and surrounded by flying bullets, Peach asked with a carefree demeanor, "Mind if I borrow this?" The Pidgit shouted as it plummeted into the darkness, "Clawgrip will avenge me, Mario Brother!" Mario looked at Peach and couldn't help but respond with a grin, "That's a new one; I wasn't aware you were a Mario Brother too."
Mario and Peach hopped onto the carpet, followed by Luigi and Toad. The four of them soared past the damaged Snifit, whose firing mechanism had slowed to a halt, with smoke rising from its hot metallic snout. As they passed by, the 1-UP Mushroom cheekily stuck its tongue out at the Snifit. Mario steered the party into the darkness, passing various clouds and hilltops. Their adventure continued. After some time, they arrived at a mountain where Birdo stood on a leveled-out surface, behind her a Hawkmouth was fastened to the mountain. A calm breeze rustled the feathers on the stoic Hawkmouth.
Birdo observed the party's slow descent and ran her paws down her long, sleek snout. She bore several injuries, including a black and blue left eye and various cuts and scrapes all over her body. Her internal struggles were hidden, as she tried to maintain her standing posture. Mario, the first to step off the carpet, noticed a slight flinch from Birdo. One by one, the rest of the party followed suit. They flanked Birdo as they had done so many times before. Mario spoke empathetically, "Let us pass. You're in no shape to fight us today." Peach joined in, "We don't want to hurt you. You've been through enough." Birdo, still in her fighting stance, winced and let out a sorrowful whinny, torn between her loyalty to Wart and her empathy for the four adventurers.
"Birdo, Wart is not your true leader. You work for all the beings of this universe. This is not who you are. You were not created in the image of a dinosaur, nor were you entrusted to guard Wart's Generals. Deep down inside, despite that menacing exterior, you were and are a being of Subcon," The Dream Machine calmly spoke, its voice resonating in the quiet night. Birdo fell to her knees and struggled with the inner conflict. She confessed, "You're all progressing so fast. I can't keep up. I'm trying so hard to defeat you." As she spoke, her form momentarily became translucent, revealing her true self – a beautiful Subcon with magnificent insect-like wings. Glitter and sparkles scattered from her wings as they unfurled, like they were taking their first breath in years.
"I... have to stop you," Birdo continued, tears in her eyes. Her body slowly reverted to its bipedal and prehistoric form before them and she fainted. Toad, filled with empathy, wrapped a blanket around her, and the party set up camp around Wart's guardian. Once again, they gathered around a campfire. Mario lay sound asleep, his red suspenders rising and falling with each peaceful breath. Luigi, Toad, and Peach remained awake. Birdo was still unconscious, occasionally jerking in her slumber. The Dream Machine finally spoke up, addressing their questions, "There are some things that you should know," The Dream Machine began.
Peach, staring into the fire, encouraged it to continue. "Do tell." The Dream Machine revealed, "Wart created three indomitable new mid-bosses to counter each of you." Luigi's tone turned cold as he asked, "Why do you let him do that? Why did you let him do any of this?" Peach expressed her frustration, saying, "Yeah, come to think of it, I think we all have a little animosity towards you." Toad, with a frown, added, "I must agree. I've been feeling some resentment towards you myself." The 1-Up Mushroom listened to the conversation, awaiting The Dream Machine's response.
"I am a machine. I am a slave to my master. I create the will and desire of whatever that master wishes," The Dream Machine calmly countered. Toad couldn't help but inquire further, asking, "Then who were your previous masters?" The Dream Machine replied, "Each of the now Generals." Luigi raised an important question, "So why doesn't Wart just cast a spell and make us part of his army?" The Dream Machine clarified, "It doesn't work that way. I can't change someone's free will. I can only persuade and influence it. Your experiences with Bowser have strengthened your constitution beyond any spell that Wart could cast upon you. This was a peaceful land, much like the Mushroom Kingdom. Mouser, Tryclyde, Fryguy, and Clawgrip were shepherds of this land."
Peach questioned the crimson machine, "And what of these indomitable mid-bosses that Wart has created to stop us?" The Dream Machine dropped a disheartening revelation, saying, "No…he's not trying to stop all of you." The party struggled to understand, and Peach shook her head, her confusion evident. The Dream Machine continued, "He desires to use his new soldiers to separate you from Mario and defeat you individually. They are the strongest beings I have ever created. You will not be able to defeat them this time." The sorrow that filled the room was palpable. Tears welled up in Peach's eyes as she asked, "Why... can't we fight them together?"
The Dream Machine provided a sobering response, "Evil is divisive. Wart is evil. He doesn't want a fair fight with Mario." Toad responded with confidence, "You're wrong. We will take them down the same as the rest," The Dream Machine remained steadfast in its perspective. "I am not wrong. Throughout the history of all beings, military leaders have always made sacrifices to win wars. For all his strengths, Mario cannot do this. In order to free this world and restore dreams to all the beings in the universe, you will need to help him with this task."
Toad muttered, "I... hate you," tears streaming down his face. "I know," The Dream Machine responded. Luigi buried his face in his hands, and Peach asked the important question, "So he has to face Wart alone?" Luigi inquired, "What happens if we die here?" The Dream Machine answered, "You wake up in the Mushroom Kingdom." Toad raised another concern, "If we fail as a party, what will happen?" The Dream Machine's response was sobering, "All beings need rest. Without dreams, there is no rest. Without rest…" The conversation was left hanging as the party connected the dots themselves, fully understanding the dire consequences of failure.
Two Beezos descended upon them, clearly there to retrieve Birdo. The Dream Machine issued a final warning, "Remember, Clawgrip has always been here. Despite what form he takes and whatever he says, Clawgrip is under Wart's spell." The party faced the grim reality ahead, grappling with the weight of their mission and the challenges that lay ahead. As the Beezos gently lifted Birdo and flew away into the sunrise, Peach watched with tears in her eyes and said, "Mario is going to set you all free." One of the Beezos responded over its shoulder, "Set yourself free and leave this place. You've already caused enough damage as it is." Mario quietly remarked, slowly opening his eyes, "It's okay. They don't know any better, Peach." He rubbed his face and said, "Let's go, it's time."
Luigi turned to face the Hawkmouth and asserted, "I'm with you guys all the way." The 1-UP Mushroom chimed in with enthusiasm, "Yeah, let's do it, Mario." Peach, despite her inner turmoil, forced a smile and said, "Let's do it, Mario." Toad nodded in agreement, and the party took a collective step forward, entering the Hawkmouth. The fate of Subcon and the dreams of the universe rested on their shoulders, and they were determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead to free this world from Wart's grip.
Clawgrip was a monstrously sized crab, his massive pincers guardingly held in front of his face. He slowly opened and closed the pincers, observing the party as they closed the distance in the room. Mario respectfully asked, "You are the General of World Five, I presume?" Clawgrip exhaled steam and blinked through his large spherical eyes but did not answer. Mario and Luigi exchanged quizzical glances, unsure of what to make of Clawgrip's behavior. "Clawgrip, we've freed Worlds One through Four. We're here to free your world too. None of us wants to fight, but that's just what happened when we encountered each General before you," Mario explained, trying to reason with the enormous crab.
"I've been waiting for this opportunity since Brooklyn," Clawgrip remarked, now slowly spreading his claws outward, revealing his crustacean face. Mario's eyes narrowed in response, and he stated, "I already know where this is going." Peach asked, clearly confused, "What's he talking about?" "He thinks he's a Sidestepper from 1983," Luigi stated, aghast. Mario nodded in agreement, staring down Clawgrip. "I'm not having this conversation," he said angrily. "Mario, what's going on here?" asked Toad, who was also perplexed. "It's a mind game; ignore it!" Luigi shouted back. But Clawgrip explained, "Years ago, the City of New York, United States of America, Planet Earth, employed Mario Bros. Plumbing to investigate and eradicate the strange creatures appearing in their sewer system."
"Except you're not a Sidestepper. You're a Subcon imprisoned by Wart's spell!" Mario shouted back, interrupting the General. "Maybe you're right. Maybe I'm engulfed in a Sidestepper's dreams. Or maybe you're wrong. Maybe I am a Sidestepper," Clawgrip banged his right claw down upon the bricked floor, sending cracks spiraling outwards. Bits and pieces of stone flew into the air. "Mario...I can sense his anger and power level. Both are huge..." Peach warned, her voice trembling. "I CHALLENGE YOU TO A DUEL, MARIO BROTHERS!" A bright circle of golden light surrounded Clawgrip, amplifying his presence. "Oh my god... Mario, he's getting stronger..." Peach uttered, her concern growing.
"Get back! This is our fight. We will handle this one!" Mario shouted over his shoulder to Peach and Toad. "What?!" Toad grimaced, surprised by the command. "You heard him! Get back! This is our fight," Luigi affirmed, ready to stand beside his brother. Mario walked up to Clawgrip, standing toe to toe with the massive crab. He looked up into the crustacean's spherical eyes and stated firmly, "I don't know what you are, but you have a Sidestepper's thoughts, recollections, and dreams from a job we finished in 1983. You and your kind were plugging up 7,400 miles of New York City pipes. The Sidesteppers never communicated with us."
Clawgrip retorted, "You and your kind are garbage," retracting his right arm and grating his huge claw across the bricked floor. Mario jumped backward, evading the slow movement, though it didn't appear to be an intentional attack.
"Always tossing aside six-pack rings, Styrofoam, cigarette butts, bags, everything. God forbid anything gets in your way of offloading it to the ocean, especially strange creatures in New York's sewer system," Clawgrip continued to vent his frustrations. "If you don't stop lording over World Five, there won't be any dreams to stop humans from polluting their world," Mario said straightforwardly. "Enough talk. Let's finish this. What I'd give for a POW Block right now," Luigi said angrily. "Yeah, let's finish this. I want to see how you feel now that the tables are turned. You don't have any Shellcreepers or Fighter Flies to kick around," Clawgrip retorted.
Clawgrip swiftly extended his left appendage, thrusting it towards Luigi, who displayed a remarkable agility as he gracefully sidestepped the impending attack. The sheer force of Clawgrip's assault sent bricks spiraling upwards, causing the very room to convulse with a violent tremor. "You're seething!" Mario exclaimed as he nimbly vaulted onto Clawgrip's head. "I'm about to flatten your brother and launch you against that far wall. How does that sound?" Clawgrip's responded, his round eyes fixed on Mario, whose stomp proved futile against the crustacean's formidable, tank-like shell. Sensing the impending peril, Luigi cried out, "Mario, disengage! Let's regroup!" Mario promptly complied, leaping off Clawgrip's cranium, opting for a tactical retreat.
With lightning speed, Clawgrip swiveled his right appendage, capturing Mario between his colossal claws. "MARIO!" Princess Peach's terrified cry pierced the air. Luigi delivered a resounding punch to Clawgrip's left pincer, causing a network of hairline fractures to spiderweb across its surface. "Heheheh..." Clawgrip emitted a sadistic, guttural laugh as he swept his right claw across his own visage, with Mario still ensnared within. The crimson-clad plumber gritted his teeth, striving mightily to push outward with his forearms, desperately endeavoring to extricate himself from the General's vise-like grasp. "It's time to bid adieu, Mario. Subcon's salvation will remain an elusive dream for you, now and for all eternity. PREPARE YOURSELF!" Clawgrip thundered, hurling Mario against the distant wall, where he collided with the bricks in a thunderous impact. Luigi, his gaze filled with horror, beheld his brother's slow-motion descent, as he crumpled lifelessly to the ground below.
"You're up next, little one!" Clawgrip cackled, the amalgamation of anger and malice in his voice apparent. The General's circular irises locked onto Luigi, whose clenched fist remained connected to the crustacean's left pincer. "You... What have you done...?" Luigi whispered, though Clawgrip's audial sensors caught every syllable with eerie precision. "You are acutely aware of the havoc I have wrought. Several lunar cycles ago, King Wart, the sovereign of our cosmic domain, Planet Subcon, enlisted four commanding generals to investigate and obliterate the humans infiltrating their dreamscape..." Clawgrip delivered this account with biting sarcasm, now raising and retracting both of his gargantuan claws, casting Luigi's silhouette in his foreboding shadow. The General pivoted to face Luigi, engaging him in a chilling stare-down, and intoned with disconcerting confidence, "Let us cease this charade and bring this to its grisly conclusion."
Princess Peach and Toad frantically shook Mario, but their efforts proved futile as a pool of yellow, life-sustaining fluid seeped beneath him, spreading across the brick floor. As the room descended into a deafening silence, a subtle, ominous breeze infiltrated the chamber. Luigi locked eyes with Clawgrip, and the two beings faced each other with a palpable malevolence. "Now, Subcon's gentle breeze of finality will carry you away along with your brother," Clawgrip declared, driving both of his massive claws toward Luigi's face with the force of excavator's arms. The green plumber extended his hands, blocking each claw. The appendages quivered and strained in the intense struggle. Clawgrip grunted, resembling a stubborn piece of construction machinery battling frigid ground.
Luigi's expression remained unwavering. His blue suspenders transformed into a vibrant green, while his hat and shirt turned pristine white. Flames encircled him, and fiery embers drifted from his impeccable attire. He clenched his teeth, anger etching across his face. Luigi spoke with quiet determination, "I'm going to fulfill my mission. We'll free this world, and your reign of terror ends now." Luigi's movements stilled, his grip solidified, and his resolve intensified. Peach watched in awe as his power surged rapidly.
"Super… Luigi…." Clawgrip took a step back, his claws struggling to contain the fiery plumber. Cornered, he resembled a misplaced German tank in the wrong place and time. Yellow fluid sprayed from Clawgrip's arm segments, and cracks raced up and down his chelipeds. A painful cry escaped him as Luigi advanced, wrenching both pinchers from Clawgrip's body, leaving exposed joints and flesh. He dropped the pinchers, looming over the defeated crustacean. Clawgrip collapsed, defeated, unable to continue. Luigi gazed down at him as his attire gradually reverted to its familiar blue and green.
Turning his attention to his lifeless brother, Luigi remained determined. The Dream Machine, which had remained eerily silent until now, crackled with a slightly distorted audio signal, "You can still help him." Toad cradled Mario, unable to locate the source of the Dream Machine's voice, and pleaded, "How?" Luigi approached, golden fluid trickling off the steps from Clawgrip's still form. Subcon's deadly wind intensified in the confined chamber, threatening to claim both the red plumber and Wart's final general.
The 1-UP Mushroom floated from Toad's pocket, solemnly stating, "I must depart now." A radiant green aura enveloped the room as it levitated.
Peach, teary-eyed, asked, "What are you doing?"
"My power is to restore life where it has been taken," replied the 1-UP Mushroom. Luigi looked from his lifeless brother to the 1-UP Mushroom, then upwards as if seeking the ever-elusive Dream Machine, which remained silent. Toad acknowledged the power-up, saying, "You're a true friend." The 1-UP Mushroom descended upon Mario, its translucent body merging with him. It responded to Toad, "You're an exceptional team."
"Don't go," Peach sobbed. The 1-UP Mushroom faded from view, entering Mario's chest, and its words echoed, "It's alright, Princess. We will meet again, in some form or another." With that, Mario's eyes slowly opened. Luigi wiped sweat from his brow and withheld tears as he observed the heartwarming scene. Behind him, a familiar melody played, and a door materialized.