Battle of the Empires

His jaw hanging, Roy stares at his ship's monitor. Morton's ship was slowly descending into the planet's atmosphere while on fire. Roy pulls his shades off and rub his eyes. "Morton, I have no time to be saving your hide," he moans.

Morton is quick to express displeasure over his communicator. "Do you think I want to be in this situation!? I'm trapped under debris! Are you going to let me die!?" he complains.

"Of course not! It's just I'm supposed to back up Wendy!"

To Roy, his plan has been derailed. After Bowser departed, Sir Grodus rolled in a massive ship, revealing a cannon rivaling Ludwig's. Half of the koopalings' space fleet was either shot down or damaged. Not wanting to drag this out, Wendy and Roy opted to attempt boarding Sir Grodus' ship. So, after Iggy shorted out the vessel's systems (at the cost of his EMP cannon), Wendy left before Sir Grodus got the ship back operational.

"I expect twenty pecan pies out of this! And don't use premade crust," Roy demands.

Bewildered over the number of pies, Morton shouts, "You shouldn't need food as payment to save your own brother!"

From his ship, Ludwig tugs at his hair. Roy was getting increasingly frustrated with the enemies. But there was no time for this so Ludwig interrupts his brothers' argument. "Enough! I know you're both stress but Junior and Apricot are safe for now."

"I'm not worried about them….," Roy lies.

Ludwig rolls his eyes and releases his hair. "Of course, you aren't…. But our priority is defeating Sir Grodus. And keeping each other alive."

Though accepting Ludwig's direction, Roy folds his arms and grumble. He then orders his ship to rescue Morton. Now breathing a sigh of relief, Ludwig turns to his crew for an update.

"Wendy successfully entered the vessel, Lord Ludwig. She's on her way to the main command room," a koopa states.

"Tell her Roy will be on his way. Iggy and Lemmy will keep the fleet distracted."

As the lights to the ship come back on, Sir Grodus realizes Wendy has boarded. "How did you get in here, girl?" he inquires while brandishing his scepter. A group of x-nauts form up behind him to back the warlord up. Wendy pulls out a pair of golden bracelets and throws them at the crowd. Sir Grodus forms a shield but the soldiers sidestep to dodge.

"You have bad aim lady," one mocks. But the bracelets bounce off the walls and hit him from behind. Wendy hurls more, taking out the rest of the guards. Sir Grodus burns the projectiles before they hit him. The koopaling then leaps at Sir Grodus, pulling out another bracelet. In response, he raises his scepter and lightning shoots out. Wendy takes a bolt to the stomach and falls to the ground. She must then roll to dodge another strike. To avoid his attacks, Wendy starts bouncing herself off the walls. Frustrated, Sir Grodus struggles to aim at her. "You are as persistent as that buffoon of a king," he bellows.

Wendy's persistence comes from her need to be back on the planet…

"I finally finished, Apricot! A new dress! I spent hours making it!"

"Goo!"

"AWWW! You look so adorable! King Dad will cry when he sees it! Well, he'll cry when no one is looking…"

"Wendy!"

"Ludwig?"

"There you are! You're hogging Apricot again! She was supposed to sit in on my piano lessons."

"You had her earlier, Ludwig! I don't get enough time with her!"

Wendy grits her teeth. With Apricot being a newborn and the arrival of war, the koopalings haven't spent a lot of time with their new sister. And that crybaby Junior….no doubt he is a wreck right now from worry. He needs to be comforted. Wendy vows to get back to them.

Sir Grodus stops moving to wave his scepter in a circle. Seeing an opening, the koopaling goes for it. Wendy flashes her fangs as she aims her claws at Sir Grodus' dome head. "I have somewhere to be, Moon Man! So, I need you to fall already!" she roars.

But in her rage, Wendy fails to notice a transparent orb sailing towards her from the left. She is unable to avoid it and becomes trapped. "What is this!?"

Sir Grodus releases a hacking laugh. "Foolish girl. Always be aware of your surroundings! But you are so nice to me…. Just imagine Bowser's despair when he learns of his little princess' death!"

"…..!"

Back on the planet's surface in the Darklands, citizens are sheltering in the mountains. A shy guy guard, with a telescope, scans the surrounding area for danger. Spotting encroaching vines, he worriedly calls the eye-patch wearing koopa to report the sight. They have been growing from the crash site, of the comet that fell in the Darklands.

The koopa sighs, "Those again?"

"Should we burn them, sir?"

"Burning keeps them at bay but only for a moment…."

As they plan whether to evacuate the citizens, Antasma broadcasts a message to the world. His robots in different locations project an image of him on his throne. Also present and trapped in Antasma's grip, Peach sits on his armrest. Her stare is vacant. Some of the koopa viewers shake their fists at the screen.

"It's Vassal Antasma!"

"How dare he show his face again!"

"Queen Peach! That fiend has her!?"

Antasma snickers and rest a claw on his chin. "This is your new emperor speaking. Do not be alarmed. I'm sure some areas are seeing the advance of strange vines. A little terraforming is taking place on a grand scale. It is part of my vision for this world. Soon you will all be one with me," he announces. "Every moment of your life will be spent in fear."

The koopa citizens murmur words of defiance, they have no intention of being under anyone except the royal koopa line. And Antasma knows this. "Some of you are reluctant to accept the new changes."

The crowd goes silent.

"Therefore, you will see the public execution of Toadette, loyal attendant to Queen Peach."

In the Shiver Region, Wario is on his back after being thrown by Dark K. Rool. "Toadette!? Oh, no," he bewails. Vines enter the building he is in and wraps around his arms. Immediately, Wario feels himself going unconscious. Soon he will be forced into the nightmare world. But Waluigi enters with an axe and using his uninjured arm, Waluigi hacks into the mess to free his partner.

"Weren't you telling me to focus earlier, Wario?"

Wario breaks out of the vines and rolls his sleeves up. "You're right…. I've had enough of these guys!"

Meanwhile, on Kong Island, the toads are in a frenzy over the announcement. The locals try to calm them down to no avail. "But we have to save Toadette and Peach!" Ms. Truffle complains as a kong, wearing shades, holds her back.

The island's king, Cranky Kong, slams his cane down to get the toads' attention. Once they pause, he shouts, "What are you going to do? Ask that windbag to stop?"

The toads looked at each other, that is exactly what they were going to do. Cranky Kong hobbles away, still fussing, "We made a deal with your leader. So, none of you are leaving!"

Filled with helplessness and despair the toads begin to cry. The koopas, from Mushroom Kingdom's tower, escort them back to the huts they are sheltering in. "You're helping them by staying put."

Far from Kong Island, Bowser watches the broadcast from his airship as it travels over the ocean. His arms folded, he growls at the image of Antasma and Peach. Peach's vacant stare was ripping his heart apart. What has happened to Peach since his separation from her? And where were the children?

Antasma continues, "Toadette's painful death will send a message: all who continue to defy me will meet with the same fate. That includes you, Bowser."

The transmission ends and Bowser spits a fireball out. His eyes shift and he notices a distant ship crashing into the waters from above. He is agitated, but Bowser trusts the koopalings have the sky under control. Trying to keep calm Bowser goes to harass his helmsmen. "Come on. Come on! You're going too slow!"

The general shouts to them from the airship's crow nest, "We're now approaching the Mushroom Kingdom's borders."

Pleased, Bowser puffs his chest out and the helmsmen breathes a sigh of relief. As they close in, Dreambert becomes concerned as he spots the wall of purple storms. "That's the hurricane from the news coverage King Bowser," he remarks.

In that moment, a fellow airship approaches, informing the team of earlier efforts to go over the hurricane. But every time a ship tried; enemy ships were waiting. And a Tanger gone mad was also spotted wandering around. In response, Bowser stomps his feet, "I don't have time! We'll go through."

"But the winds are high."

"I'm not letting that stop me!"

The crew of the other ship relents, and escorts them into the hurricane.

Bowser immediately notices this hurricane is different from a typical one. A feeling of malice fills the air along with the high winds. Dreambert and some of the soldiers are gagging on the air. Masks are retrieved for them. Shortly after, the ships crash after traveling a few miles in. Undeterred, Bowser exits his ship and marches forward while shielding his face with his arm.

"Think this will stop me!? This is just a breeze, Antasma! I'm on my way, Peaches!" he yells. Bowser's men stay behind him, holding on to each other in fear of getting loss. After covering some distance, Bowser pauses feeling fatigue. The general notices and grips his spear.

"Sire?"

"I'm good."

Despite being healed, the nutrients and water Bowser lost while poisoned were not replaced. His body is strong but he is still recovering. He feels he could use another Dark Star shard…. But the longer he is idle, the more time Peach must wait. And he will not keep her waiting. Feeding off his rage, Bowser pushes against the winds. There is no way he is backing down now!

After what seem like hours, the general shouts to the king. "Did you hear that?"

Bowser turns around and snaps, "I don't have time for this!"

"No! Listen!"

The king reluctantly pauses. Against the howling winds he strains his ears. Soon he makes out a high-pitched cry for help. "Toad!?"

A sobbing Toad was being carried by the winds, clutching a shawl over his shoulders. Bowser rushes to save him but a tentacle snatches the mushroom.

"Tanger!" Bowser growls.

Still healing from extensive lava burns, the drooling madwoman attempts to devour Toad. "You made it…"

"It's her! She's the one that's been downing ships!" a koopa from the escort ship declares. Dark Tanger multiplies and rushes at the group, knocking out soldiers to get at Bowser. But Bowser drives a fist into the real Tanger, sending her flying. She crashes to the ground and throws up a shard. The king stares at his hand in shock, observing the black mist emitting from it and closes his fists with a smirk. He HAS gotten stronger. Bowser rushes to pick Tanger's shard up and the general cringes again. "Don't eat it!" he begs.

Bowser reluctantly pockets the shard instead. "Secure Madame Tanger and make sure she doesn't get away," he demands and then reaches for Toad. "Toad, I know you're an adventurer but this is not the time…."

Toad screams and runs away. Bowser stares stunned for a moment before chasing. As he pursues, the winds carry Toad into the air again. "Toad, get back here!"

"It's another monster! Help!"

"Toad, it's me you little fungus!"

The general flies, catches Toad, and soars back to the group - dropping the mushroom into Bowser's claws. Toad is shivering from the conditions but he squirms. "Let me go! Help!"

Bowser holds him close to warm him with his inner fire. Shocked, Toad's shivering stops and he leans into Bowser. The king keeps him in his arms for the rest of the journey. Once they exit the hurricane into a field, Bowser must pause to catch his breath again. He uses this time to ask Toad, "Toad, what were…"

"I didn't do anything! Don't eat me!"

"What are you talking about!? I'm not playing games, Toad! Where is Peach!?"

Toad's eyes widen and he looks around. "Peach? I … I remember she's the angry lady from the hospital."

"Angry…lady….?" Bower whispers. He turns to Dreambert. They both know something is wrong, especially Bowser. Despite his fear, Toad always gives the king a glare of defiance. All he sees is fear right now. And Toad would never refer to Peach as an 'angry lady.' Bowser calmly sits the mushroom down.

Toad eases up when Dreambert approaches. The prince bows before Toad and speaks gently, "Sorry we scared you. My name is Dreambert and this is King Bowser. We will not hurt you in any way; in fact, we know you personally. We're on our way to save some friends. What are you doing out here?"

Toad looks at them suspiciously. He then confesses, "I got a clean bill of health from the doctor and he was sending me home."

"All alone?"

"No, I was with one of his staff. Then that fang lady attacked."

The mushroom focuses his gaze on the ground. "You look like you know me…" Shame and panic begin to fill his eyes.

With a groan, Bowser bends down to look at Toad, "I'm going to be blunt with you Toad. No sane doctor sends a patient in your condition out like that."

Toad looks away ashamed. "I accepted because the guy scared me…"

"It's alright. I would not have stayed either. By the way, you're looking at your brother-in-law."

Toad's eyes widen and he whimpers, "B-brother-in-law!? No way!"

"Yes, and you thought I was awesome."

Dreambert slaps his own face. But Toad now stares at Bowser with a skeptical glare. "I think you're pulling my leg."

"I am."

"W-what!?"

"You actually hated my guts."

Toad looks down bewildered as a small smile tug at his mouth. "Oh…but I appreciate you not hiding the truth…"

Dreambert breathes a sigh of relief. Bowser now stares at Toad with furrow brows. "I can't tell you everything but there is a war going on Toad. Where did you see Peach? She is my wife and Toadette is my sister-in-law." Bowser pulls out his wallet to show a picture of Peach.

Toad grabs the picture and examines it. To Bowser's despair, Toad looks at his wife with a blank look. But he runs his small fingers over the picture.

"That's the lady… The doctor brought her in to see me."

Bowser grimaces.

"I felt terrible. She was insistent she knew me but I didn't…I wish I knew what was going on…everything is out to kill me!" Toad croaks and wipes tears from his eyes. He then points forward. "The facility where I was treated at is that way, mister. You have to get pass the wall of vines."

"So, the execution is taking place at the castle," Bowser mumbles. He motions towards a small farm home. "Toad, I want you to hide in the hut over there until I come back, okay? I'll have a guard stay with you to keep an eye on this criminal."

"Y-yes sir!" Toad nods and runs for the hut.

"I was hoping he would yell at me…" Bowser bemoans while kicking at the ground. The general growls, "Madness. Antasma practically killed him…"

Bowser turns to Dreambert with hopeful eyes. "Can it be reversed?" he asks.

"No."

Steam escapes Bowser's snout and he orders his troop forward. Eventually, they reach the wall of vines. Bowser reaches forward and the general puts a claw on Bowser's arm.

"Sire?"

"I want Antasma to come to me now," he lowly grumbles. The king can't imagine how Peach must be feeling. Before he entered the picture, Peach was often with Toad.

But Dreambert gets in Bowser's way. "But you must know where Peach and the others are located. No doubt the enemy knows you broke through the hurricane. So, hide and I'll have Antasma focus on me!"

Bowser reluctantly obeys but orders a group of koopas to stay with the dream prince. Then the koopas hide in nearby woods. Dreambert hesitantly touches the vines and forces them to pull back. A moment later, soldiers are swarming Dreambert. Dreambert and his group leads them away. Bowser and his men then jump through the opening, making a mad dash for Toad Town.

As night falls, Dreambert finally loses his pursuers. With no enemy in sight, he reaches for a vine.

"What now, prince?" a koopa inquiries.

"I'm entering Antasma's nightmare world. Guard my body as long as you can."

"You do know what will happen if we fail to protect you?"

"I'm aware."

"Well, then...for the King!" The koopas stab their spears into the ground, forming a circle around Dreambert. Dreambert turns back towards the vines. He reaches but hesitates again, his hand shaking. Summoning his courage, Dreambert grabs the vine to enter the world. In the blink of an eye, he is in new surroundings. A hazy world of darkness and of fire. He then spots yellow eyes floating in the sky, glaring at him. Antasma knows he is here.

"DREAMBERT!" he shrieks.

The sight of Antasma's eyes brings Dreambert back to his time of imprisonment. He feels his legs trying to lock up. Yet, the dream prince forces himself to talk to his former captor. "I should have never taken you in, brother," he sighs.

The eyes close in on Dreambert, revealing Antasma's face and the pi'illo creates armor over his own body. Antasma's eyes slit as he speaks, "Oh, don't give me that. You had no way of knowing who I was. Wait…why am I even trying to reassure you? You are responsible for me losing the princess!"

Dreambert pulls up a shield to block a wave of darkness. He struggles to keep the shield up. "I just don't understand what drives you to hurt others!? What happened to you?" the prince pleads. A screeching laugh destroys Dreambert's shield and the prince finds himself being pulled underground. Dreambert begins to breathe rapidly, his mind going back in time. He doesn't want to be imprisoned again...

"Seriously, Dreambert. You don't need to experience a rough life to be driven to do evil…. I just love it. But for the moment I simply want revenge. Now I need you to leave, you're interrupting my time with Peach."

Dreambert wails as Antasma laughs at his impeding defeat. "No! Antasma!"

Before he is buried alive, Dreambert spots a thousand light arrows going into Antasma's face. The bat screams but then he gives a dark chuckle, "Are you still mad, Peach?"

Dreambert yells as the ground closes over, but he finds himself in Peach's arms. "Your Highness!?" Dreambert gasps.

Peach jumps into a tunnel as Antasma shouts, "Peach, don't you go anywhere with him!"

The tunnel turns into a winding slide leading into a dark abyss. As they descend, Peach tightly hugs Dreambert. "I'm so glad to see a friendly face! Even if it is not in the real world!"

Comforted by her hug, the prince looks around. "Where are we going?" he inquires.

"To my fortress!"

When the slide stops, Dreambert and Peach appear inside Peach's place. Dreambert looks around at the boarded windows and gated doors. "Peach…you have been through an ordeal."

Peach hugs herself and stares at the bars. Dreambert senses sadness, despair, and rage in her. So much rage... Seeing her like this, Dreambert knows he must be brief and not bombard her with what has happened. And there is one thing that may lift her spirits. "Bowser is alive."

The way her eyes light up, Dreambert knows that was what she needed to hear. Peach holds her heart and a sob escapes her lips. "Bowser…"

Dreambert continues, "Yes...But Antasma, he's been keeping you in this world?"

Composing herself, Peach speaks, "Yes, to ensure I'm not escaping until Toadette is …but I've been working on a plan." Peach turns towards her Inner self who is hugging her legs, hunched over in a corner. "A being from my past has been attacking as well, the Dark Star. I can only resist for so long."

Dreambert rubs his chin, "So Wario's intel was correct. We need to take it out to defeat Antasma."

"Yes, I've been trying to save the trapped ones, it is using as a fuel source but…" Peach points to Inner Self. "This form represents my true self, the one entrusted with knowledge of where Junior and Apricot is. And she is terrified. She can't move and won't let me go far."

Dreambert notices Peach's hands shaking and admits, "She is scared, because there is a risk that you'll lose yourself in your desire for revenge…opening your mind to the Dark Star." Peach's eyes soften and she hangs her head. After patting her back, Dreambert approaches Inner self. "I'll go with her," he assures. Inner self looks at him and nods. At once, she snaps her fingers and Peach and Dreambert are teleported to a beach near rough seas.

Peach materializes a telescope for Dreambert to look out. "While fighting, I've been determining where everyone is. And our focus should be on Yoshi. If we can wake him up, he will cause havoc in the castle." Peach reveals.

Dreambert spots purple clouds hovering among the normal storms. "I think I have an idea how to do that…"

Currently, Yoshi's nightmare involves him being trapped on a board, in the middle of the ocean. Weak, he is struggling to hold onto it. "Yoshi!"

But Peach comes in on a boat and pulls him out. Thrilled to have been reunited, Yoshi rubs his head against Peach. This earns a giggle from her. After their reunion, Peach makes a request, "Yoshi, I have a job for you. Once you wake up, I need you to get to this door." She forms an image of said door; Yoshi nods, memorizing the design. "If you free the captives behind it, we will cripple Antasma's operations."

"Yoshi!"

Dreambert reaches out to Peach and requests, "Your hand, please."

Peach extends her hand and he grips it. "I need you to focus on all your good memories. It'll fuel me for what I'm about to do."

The queen closes her eyes and focuses. Her furrowed brows soften and she smiles. All her feelings of love for Bowser and her family pour into Dreambert. A light begins to form in Dreambert's other hand. "That's it!"

Suddenly, the seas get even rougher. A giant Antasma rises out of the ocean. "Dreambert, get away from Peach! You have no business with her! This is my time with her."

"You're starting to sound like Bowser."

"DON'T SAY THAT NAME!" Antasma roars and turns into a massive tidal wave.

Peach blocks the onslaught with a transparent wall. She turns to Dreambert. "Dreambert!"

Dreambert shapes the light like a ball around Yoshi and shoots him out a cannon into the purple storm cloud. As he disappears into the storm, the other two are overwhelmed by the waves…

Yoshi wakes up in his prison cell and breaks free of the vines holding him. Legs shaking, he grabs the bars to steady himself. Soon he hears the shouts of guards closing in. They have orders to secure Yoshi's cell. Yoshi yanks at the bars to break free. He groans from how it taking to bend the bars. But he notices Lumalee playing with a pinwheel across from his cell. Yoshi reaches out. "Yoshi!"

"You want this? Okay!" Lumalee tosses it to him with a giggle. Yoshi catches the pinwheel with his tongue. Using his hand, he picks the lock on his cell. Once Yoshi opens it, he moves to release Lumalee. The guards enter and Yoshi starts eating some to use as ammo. As he hurls eggs, Yoshi spots the other prisoners. Time is of the essence, and he can't stop to save the others. But seeing the state they are in changes his mind. They don't have long, especially Vert. Yoshi points at Larry's cell and tosses the guard's keys to Lumalee.

"But I don't…"

"Yoshi! Yoshi!"

"Alright, alright. I'll do it!"

Yoshi fights as Lumalee struggles to unlock the cell.

Above in the throne room, a soldier gives an update to Antasma. "After your report of Tanger's knockout we went to the location of the battle. And the wreckage of two ships were found. Dreambert must have been the sole survivor of the rescue crew."

"Keep looking, make sure Bowser is dead." Antasma shouts and frees Peach from his throne. As she wakes up, he grabs her. "Such a stubborn woman. I must keep you awake so you won't free anyone else…. I have guards breathing down Yoshi's neck as we speak. Come on."

"Where are you taking me?" Peach demands.

"Where else? It is only a matter of time before your co-conspirators: Yoshi and Dreambert are captured. All we are missing is confirmation of Bowser's death. So, I'm bumping up the time for the execution."

"No!" Peach shouts in vain as Antasma carries her away.

Toadette is dragged into the castle's covered courtyard by a pair of purple-armored koopas. Observing were rows of koopas and brainwashed soldiers lined up, all surrounding the execution stand. Robots were present to broadcast Toadette's final moments. She didn't have the will to fight. Antasma had allowed her to see Toad before releasing him. And he didn't recognize her.

"I'm back!" A six-year-old Toad announced while carrying a plate of chocolate chip cookies. Peach and Toadette were sitting under a blanket fort, surrounded by toys and book. The two cheered, especially Toadette. But Toad suddenly tripped and the cookies go flying onto the floor.

"Oops…"

Peach moved to pick up the cookies but paused when she saw Toadette's eyes watering.

"Toad!" Toadette screamed and began crying; she was looking forward to the snack! The tears wouldn't stop coming. But Toad ran up to hug her and Peach joined in.

"Give it a break! I'll go get some more, Toadette. It's okay," he comforts.

Now that she is older, Toadette realized it was trivial to cry over spilled cookies. But it is one of her most cherished memories. If something upset her, Toad and Peach were there to assure her everything would be okay. But today is different. And she didn't even get to say goodbye to her brother.

Despite how she feels, Toadette manages to lift her head to look for Peach. The queen is forced to sit next to Antasma to watch the event. Feeling empowered, Toadette makes one last attempt to escape but the bullies force her to move. Once Toadette is brought onto the stand, Antasma rises. "Miss Toadette, you have been found guilty of conspiracy, treason, trespassing, and being related to Toad. Your punishment is a slow death by arrows." A row of koopas pull out bows and aim as Dreambert is dragged in. Toadette gasps.

"Prince!"

"Toadette…"

Antasma taps his chin, "So, they finally found your main body, Dreambert. Good. He will join you right after, Toadette."

Peach breaks out of Antasma's grip and attempts to grab the dragon dagger at his hip. But Antasma pulls out a hidden blade and holds it against her face. "You're wasting your time. The Dark Star will just revive me again."

"Let Toadette go!" Peach cries out.

Antasma laughs and eyes Toadette, "You are trembling Miss Toadette. Are you going to beg for your life?"

"I-I'm not scared!"

Not really believing her, Antasma shrugs, "How boring…Well any final words, Miss Toadette?"

Toadette looks at Peach trying to think of the right words. Even if she must die, she doesn't want Peach to give up. "Don't worry Peach! Bowser will come to back you up!"

"DON'T SAY THAT NAME!" Antasma snarls. He demands arrows to fire at Toadette himself. Just as he finishes his demand the seating area explodes, and blue energy fills the courtyard. Shocked Antasma doesn't notice Peach breaking free of him.

Bowser comes out roaring with black mist coming out his mouth. His general follows without his blue shell. Only wearing a t-shirt and strapped with weapons, he puffs his chest out. "My shell is not as effective if unpiloted…. but it got the job done," he brags. He notices the mist seeping out of Bowser's mouth. "You ate the other shard, didn't you!?" Ignoring the complaints, Bowser frees Dreambert from his captors.

"Thanks for keeping Antasma busy Dreambert. The guards thought we were dead."

Dreambert looks up sheepishly at Bowser, "It was Queen Peach that did most of the work…"

On hearing Peach's name, Bowser leaps at the bat. "Where's MY WIFE!?"

"B-Bowser!?" Antasma roars.

Around the world people cheer for the king's arrival. Antasma demands the livestream be cut and builds up an ice wall to protect himself. Bowser tucks into his shell and smashes through the ice with ease; the cold is no longer affecting him.

"Gwa ha ha! We're now even, bat breathe!"

But Antasma slams him into the ground. "Don't get cocky!"

Taking advantage of the chaos, Peach races for the execution stand - jumping and dodging charging bullies. Spotting her and not wanting Peach to succeed, Antasma hurls an ice spike at Toadette. Peach gasps as she sees it sailing past her. Toadette shuts her eyes but the general frees Toadette and dives before they are impaled.

"General!" Peach cries out in relief.

The general hides at the side of the platform to check on Toadette. "Miss Toadette?"

Toadette opens her eyes and mutters, "Where is your shell?"

"I'll regrow a new one. Do I look …weird?"

She begins crying and hugs him. "No…not at all…silly."

The two are quickly found by enemies. Getting up, the general tightens his grip on Toadette as he dodges arrows. "Zephyr…"

"Huh…?"

"That's my name…only you can use it, okay?"

Toadette snuggles into his shoulder and nods. "Okay...Zephyr..."

Peach catches an arrow aimed at the general's exposed back. "Your job is to get Toadette to safety." she orders. Obeying, he leaves but tosses the queen his flamethrower. Using it Peach keeps the enemies away. She pauses seeing Antasma flying over her and crashing into a wall. Peach looks in the direction he came from and shouts, "Bowser!"

Bowser stops his charge to regard his wife. As when he first saw her, time seems to stop. Being separated from her has been agonizing. He feels a storm of emotions churning inside his heart, threatening to burst out. Bowser reaches out and Peach leaps into his arms. Among the commotion he spins in a circle and the two cling to each other like their lives depended on it. Finally coming to a stop, he places a claw on Peach's cheek.

"The kids…?"

"They're safe."

"And how are you holding up?" Bowser asks.

Peach leans into his claw. "You returned, just like you promised," she whispers. Gently, Bowser rests his forehead against Peach's.

Interrupting the reunion is an unearthly screech that echoes around the courtyard. Bowser places Peach behind him and blocks a flying ice stalagmite with his shell. Antasma reenters, his entire body shaking with jealous rage. He pulls the dragon dagger out. "Let go of her …. Bowser…. she's MINE!" Antasma snarls and lunges at the couple.

Being one prone to jealousy and envy, it feels awkward being on the receiving end of it for Bowser.

Man, is this how Yoshi felt?

But Bowser shakes the feeling off and shouts to a battle-ready Peach. "Let's do this."

"Right."

Bowser blocks an ice attack and stops Antasma from charging. Peach uses the flamethrower to slip pass through the wall. As she does so, the bat attempts to stab Bowser with the dagger. Peach comes from behind with a flying kick to Antasma's face. It doesn't do damage but it stuns him momentarily. She immediately retreats to allow Bowser to follow up with a punch.

Back in space, Wendy shouts from the electricity coursing through her. As she struggles, Sir Grodus mocks her, "How long you will last?"

Roaring, Wendy punches through the orb she is trapped in. Sir Grodus takes a step back in shock. Suddenly, a bullet bill collides into Sir Grodus. Rushing in and carrying a bazooka, Roy stops to pick Wendy up by the arm.

"I know you're not sleeping on the job, Wendy," he shouts.

"Give me a break! I almost died!"

Hearing her response, a surge of protectiveness drives Roy to fire more bullet bills at Sir Grodus. The fiend manages to pull a shield up. He then lifts his staff, "I can still destroy the capital ship."

Before he can issue the order, Wendy and Roy both charge Sir Grodus - powering through the shield, damaging his staff and his dome head. As Sir Grodus collapses, Wendy contacts Ludwig, "The main ship is under our control and we've captured Sir Grodus."

Elsewhere in the Desert Kingdom, Daisy is riding Biokinton as he weaves around the tendrils stabbing at them. On the ground, Hiyoihoi is nearly stepped on but Daisy has Biokinton shove him out the way. As Dark Clawgrip pursues, Dragonzamasu is on the ground recovering from an earlier blow to the head. He had been staying near the enemy to provide illumination for Daisy. Spiteful, the seahorse spits fire at D. Clawgrip's underbelly as he passes over. The crustacean roars in pain. Before a leg can crush the seahorse, the flying duo swoops in and grabs him. Biokinton is now sweating from all the extra weight. But Daisy is busy studying D. Clawgrip's reaction.

"He didn't like that…His soft underbelly is the weak spot!"

Daisy flies to Totomesu to tell him her plan as Dragonzamasu distracts D. Clawgrip with more flares. On Daisy's command, Totomesu rushes and grabs one of Dark Clawgrip's legs and lifts to throw him off balance. Hiyoihoi picks up Daisy and hurls her at the enemy. Daisy readies her fist and connects with the exposed underbelly, forcing the giant onto his back.

"You little GNATS!" Dark Clawgrip screams as he thrashes wildly at the group. The Sarasaland kings are knocked out by the frenzied attack but Daisy manages to dodge the blows and deliver another hit. Almost immediately, D. Clawgrip coughs up his shard. Stunned Daisy watches as Clawgrip returns to normal, eyes now swirling. After she doublechecks he is unconscious, Daisy shouts into the air.

Back in the Shiver Region, Wario and Waluigi are again laying on the ground exhausted. Dark K. Rool lumbers over to them. "You could be useful later. How about we pay you to turn a blind eye and leave it at that?"

Wario sits up and looks at him with disgust. "If this offer was from anyone else, I would accept. But you mess with the wrong people!"

Waluigi adds, "I don't want any of Antasma's money. Not after the drama he put me through!"

As D. K. Rool powers up another mouth beam, Wario plots, "He's been taking damage but his hide is too thick…DK you still with us!?"

Donkey Kong staggers in after being thrown some distance. "Never…. felt better…."

"Good I want you to throw me into K. Rool's mouth."

Waluigi grabs Wario's shoulder. "Wait!"

"We don't have time for this Waluigi!"

"If you want to be barbecued by his beam, be my guest! Just give it a minute, garlic breath! We only have one chance!"

The group runs to avoid the beams of death. The instant it stops Waluigi gives the word. DK gets dangerously close to D. K. Rool's mouth and throws Wario into it. Before Dark K. Rool can crush DK, the kremling begins thrashing and roaring. The Merry Men run to dodge the giant as he rolls into buildings. Soon he is foaming at the mouth. Wario then walks out of the mouth with the Dark Star shard and K. Rool returns to normal.

King K. Rool staggers up to do a dramatic bow and then falls over unconscious. But before he can be arrested, a group of kremlings carry him away. Too tired to pursue, Wario and Waluigi watch DK chase after them.

In Mushroom Kingdom, Yoshi runs through the halls of Antasma's castle, carrying Lumalee. (After being freed, Larry was put in charge of carrying the traumatized toads to safety.) Ultimately, Yoshi locates the room he has been seeking for on Peach's request. Once he takes out the guards, he realizes they were guarding Power Stars. The elusive creatures look at Yoshi with their black eyes and the dino stares back.

Lumalee enters and speaks, "So, this is where you guys been. Oh, he ate a few of you too…."

"Yoshi?"

Lumalee approaches the glass, containing the stars, and starts ramming into it. "That batty guy kidnapped them and I tried to stop him. Are you here to free them Mr. Dinosaur?"

Yoshi grabs a chair and slams it into the glass. Freed the stars pour out of the containment and hover around Yoshi. Unexpectedly, the Dark Star itself bursts in. "Back off from my food source!"

Yoshi falls over choking from the poisonous air the Dark Star is unleashing. But the power stars gather around Yoshi and Lumalee to shield them from further harm with their energy. Furious, the Dark Star unleashes a burst of dark energy, destroying the room.

Back in the castle's courtyard, Antasma lays before Peach and Bowser, defeated. All his ice spikes have been severed and he can no longer stand. But he keeps them at bay by expelling sheer cold. As he does so, Antasma hears the Dark Star's thoughts and knows Yoshi succeeded in his objective.

Everything is ruined.

Antasma fires off a few icicles into the pillars dotted around the area. Suddenly, the roof of the courtyard caves in. Bowser rushes to shield Peach from harm.

After a moment, Peach opens her eyes and realizes she can't move. She twists her head, trying to find a way out only to see she is under Bowser. Assured, Peach relaxes and wraps her arms around his neck. He stirs and smiles at her while lifting an eyebrow. "Well, hello there Miss…Are you alright? I'm not crushing you, am I?"

Peach slowly shakes her head and giggles. Leaning in, Bowser gazes into her eyes - his eyes now serious, "Toad is safe, Peach."

A sniffle escapes from Peach and Bowser nuzzles her face. He grits his teeth while asking, "Did Antasma hurt…"

"I'm fine," she answers shortly. "We need to find everyone."

Bowser grunts and lifts the pillar to free them from the rubble.

But waiting for them is Yoshi and the Power Stars.

"Yoshi! These were the prisoners?" Peach asks.

"Yoshi!"

The stars hover towards Peach and hold an animated telepathic discussion with her. Curious with what looks like a staring contest to him, Bowser turns to Yoshi, "What are they doing?" Yoshi shrugs in response.

"Talking." Lumalee says. "You shouldn't ease drop on private conversations!" Bowser sticks his tongue out and goes to dig for Antasma.

Meanwhile, the stars thank Peach for hearing them. They are overjoyed to see a human from the blue planet. But they refer to her as a runt. Hearing the words, Peach looks at them curiously. "Runt?"

"You left your home world before your star ability manifested. You had no interaction with stars nor a diet of star bits since then. That stunted your gift."

"Ability!? Can I access it now?" Peach pleads with them. The stars look at her with a deadpanned look.

"You can't just learn something so complex instantly…" But they suddenly hide behind Peach. "Don't let him take us again!"

The Dark Star glares at Peach as it descends. Peach shakes from seeing it but she and Yoshi refuse to move.

"Child. Without them I'll fall apart."

Peach motions for the stars to run. The Dark Star slowly approaches and Bowser gets in front of his wife.

A weak voice calls out, "Then use me fully then..." Pulling himself out of the wreckage. Antasma raises his palms. "My vassals are down; my war fleet is weakened. The vines… I have nothing left," he bewails. Antasma gestures at Bowser and Peach, "I don't care what happens to me now…. All I want is to see you dead Bowser!"

"Yes. We'll take them with us!"

The Dark Star knocks back Peach and Bowser from attacking Antasma. It then shines a ray down on Antasma and his body melts like ice. Antasma shrieks in pain.

"This form was meant to counter Bowser. But it was far too limiting."

Despite the agony, Antasma agrees, "Yes. YES! A new form is needed!"

The bat reforms into a dark mist and many chokes on the air he dispels. Bowser covers Peach's mouth. Antasma then opens a rift into the air behind Bowser and Peach. He rushes and pulls them in. Yoshi attempts to pursue but the rift closes. "Yoshi!"

The rift reopens near the pipe to Peach's home world and Bowser protects Peach as they fall out of it. The mist then approaches the pipe. In what should take months of work to repair the pipe, Antasma fixes it in an instant with the Dark Star's power. Once the pipe is activated, he enters. "My dear, sweet, and adorable Peach…. The storm outside the border will enclose and kill everyone in this kingdom. It is my goodbye to you …. unless you kill me."

A furious Peach immediately gives chase but Bowser stops her. Peach stares at him stunned, he is usually the first to rush at a problem. "It's a trap, he may cut the connection once we enter and leave us stranded."

She rubs the back of her head, "You're right. I need to calm down. Good thinking."

Bowser chuckles and lifts an eyebrow, "I learned from you."

Peach turns back towards the pipe. "But if what he said is true, we have to beat him before the storm engulfs the area."

The Power Stars catch up to Peach. They had located her by sensing her. "We'll make sure the pathway doesn't close and that you reach the correct pipe."

"Thank you…" Peach looks to the ground. "And are you sure you can't help me learn a new skill?"

One hovers forward toward the queen and answers, "There is not enough time. But… I will give you a minor boost. The koopa is already juiced up so you should be too. We're not like a super star that grants invincibility for a time, but you will not die from one powerful hit."

Peach looks at the being. "This won't hurt you in any way, right?"

Its eyes close to indicate a smile, "I will die. But I will be reborn one day. Stars always return. Please accept my help."

"Alright…"

It enters Peach and her body glows briefly. Not knowing what is going on, Bowser looks at her with concern, "Peach?"

"I'm fine, I think." Peach doesn't feel much of a difference but she feels a surge of courage. The other stars look at Bowser and warn Peach, "Watch out for him, he ate Dark Star shards to save his life."

Now Peach looks at Bowser with worry. He frowns, "Are you guys gossiping about me!?"

Despite her concerns, Peach gives him a warm smile. Bowser is still himself, she is certain he will be okay. "Bowser, they'll help us reach Antasma."

"Then let's go! We can't wait any longer, Peaches."

Taking each other's hand, the couple enters the pipe as the remaining power stars protect it. They continue to hold onto each other as they travel. Eventually, Bowser looks down at Peach and runs his claws through her hair. Peach laughs feeling less tense, "We're in a fight for our lives and you have time to flirt!"

"I always find time...," he whispers. He looks ahead and back down at her. "Looks like we're getting to visit your hometown…"

Peach grips his claw and the king continues, "But no matter what you find out on the other side, I'm with you okay?"

Smiling, Peach gives him a small kiss on the snout, "I know."