Mushroom Wars

by Kaiimi

When the world is at threat of being taken over by an old villain, it is up to a group of people to work together and travel through familiar places to collect various items to help them win the war for justice. However, with brutal injuries and much drama happening at almost every moment, will anyone make it through this mission alive?

132. Ready For It?

Adventuring Group: Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, DK, Dixie, Toadette, Goombella, Kooper, Parakarry, Spike/Paper-Yoshi, Vivian, Bowser, Larry, Bowser Jr., Wario, Pauline, Mona, Starlow, Grodus, Lord Crump, Boshi

Hospital group: Bleck/Blumiere, Toadsworth, Fly Guy, Morton, Lemmy, Ludwig, Kody, E. Gadd, Clawdia, Toodles, Petey Piranha, Rosalina, Monty Mole, Mimi

Mushroom Corps.: Toadari, Tadano, Paraklyde

Island group: Tatanga, Beldam, Roy, Doopliss, Dimentio, Diddy, Fire Bro/Konnor

Moon: TEC

MOON/X-NAUT FORTRESS

Mario opened his eyes and there he was, back in the X-Naut Fortress on the moon. He, Peach, Grodus, and Crump were transported into the entry room to the fortress. Mario was taken aback, memories of he and his partners adventuring for the Crystal Stars to save Peach and save the world from the Shadow Queen had flooded into his mind. It felt strange being back here after all this time…especially being back with two former enemies of his.

"Damn, Mario. Don't look too unhappy to be back here!" Crump joked, noticing the plumber's disdained facial expression. Mario then looked annoyed and rolled his eyes.

"Let's…let's just get this done, okay? Come on!" Mario impatiently responded, and the four walked down the hallway to get to the elevator.

"Hey, you can't blame him for not being too thrilled about coming back here! Especially since this is where you two kidnapped me!" Peach came to his defense. Grodus felt sick being reminded of that.

"Yes, sorry. Crump, bite your tongue please. Now's definitely not the time to be making light of this situation," Grodus added, hoping to settle the matter before it got any more heated.

"...Sorry…" Crump hesitantly and quietly replied, giving a dirty eye to Grodus. "But yeah, let's get this talk with TEC done…and you and I, Grodus, also need to have a talk!"

"I know, Crump. We'll talk while Peach and Mario are in TEC's room so we can give them their privacy too," Grodus replied tiredly, knowing that the talk wasn't going to be easy. The four reached the elevator, went inside, and Grodus selected sublevel 4, making the elevator go down.

Mario tried to ignore the flood of memories that were still streaming through his mind about the time he was here. The flood of memories then brought him back to memories of his room in the tower. He faced his past in that tower…and in a way, he was doing it again here too. He felt his breathing become heavier, looking at the backs of Grodus and Crump, feeling an unsteady rage boiling within him, balling his hands into fists. He hated being here. He hated being reminded of what he went through. He hated losing Koops, plus even more of his friends. He hated this. A tiny part of him wanted to speak to TEC to truly say goodbye…but his desire to just go back to the hospital before he felt like he was gonna suddenly go off the rails was stronger.

"Heeeere we are!" Crump announced, the elevator coming to a halt at sublevel 4, and the doors opened. Mario let out a loud and heavy exhale and unballed his fists.

Peach looked at him and saw he looked incredibly distressed. "Mario! Are you okay!? What's wrong!?"

Mario paced himself and stepped out, nearly pushing aside Grodus and Crump who had also stepped out and looked at him strangely. He responded to her, "Nothing…just…just felt claustrophobic. Let's go see TEC now."

Peach definitely wasn't convinced by that answer, but she decided not to push it since she knew these were still very trying times. She and the three walked to TEC's door, but Peach briefly turned her head back to the door on the other side of the hall, the door leading to her room where Grodus and the X-Nauts kept her. She shuddered in disgust, also getting memories flooding back to her of how frightened and alone she was during her capture. It made her feel awkward teaming up with Grodus and Crump, but she had to try her best to push that aside until after Tatanga is gone.

The four entered TEC's room. The room immediately lit up and the four faced the giant screen.

"Sir Grodus and Lord Crump, you have successfully returned! And…with Mario and Peach!" TEC exclaimed with an undertone of surprise. Peach smiled brightly upon seeing him once again.

"Yes, TEC, told you I wouldn't be back empty-handed! I told them about what you and I had planned before I left for Blackstone Tower. We're all here to say our goodbyes before you go," Grodus announced, feeling saddened from the fact that this is the last time they'll ever see Grodus again.

"TEC…" Crump spoke in an annoyed tone and walked closest to the computer. "...this is really what you want? You both discussed this and came to an agreement that this is the best option? Really?"

"I can sense your frustration and skepticism, Lord Crump. Yes, this is indeed what we both decided in the end. The facts are all there: I exist…but for what purpose now? I've been alone in this fortress for years. This fortress isn't being used anymore for any such thing. There is no point to my existence if this place is no longer going to be of service. So, I shall aid in the destruction of Tatanga. The fortress will detach itself from the moon and target his island, thus crashing and killing anything that's on the island…including myself," TEC explained, confirming that this was already a done deal.

"Really. So…did Grodus mention that there's also a fucking magical BARRIER surrounding that island!? If you crash into the island and we can't make that barrier go away, all of this would've been for nothing! I mean, come on! Grodus and I can remain up here and hang with you, TEC! We don't even have a home to go to besides here! There's some part of you that has to admit that this is beyond INSANE!" Crump angrily shouted.

"Should we leave you guys alone so you can talk this out in a hopefully quick manner?" Mario impatiently asked, already wanting to leave.

"No. Crump and I will exit so you and Peach can say your goodbyes. I need to talk with Crump privately anyways," Grodus responded with a sigh, not having the energy to get into a heated debate about all of this.

Crump glared at Grodus and looked like he really wanted to say something to the dome-headed bot, but decided to just quickly walk out of the room with Grodus slowly following him.

The doors to TEC's room closed and the pair began.

"Crump, I know you don't like this, but you must admit that this is the right thing to do. TEC is right; what the hell is the point of this place anymore? If it's gonna be unused for years to come, then there's no point in keeping TEC here all by his lonesome. An existence with no one to talk to for possibly forever? Sounds like hell to me! And, again, like I also said before, even IF the barrier can't be broken, it'll serve as a distraction for Tatanga for when we go and defeat him and his cavalry. What are you not understanding about this!?" Grodus explained to Crump, trying his best not to let it become a shouting contest.

"Grodus…I KNOW that part. What I'm trying to say here is that you and him just jumped to getting rid of this place forever without properly thinking it through! You and I have no place to go back to on that planet! THIS was our place! We are protected here and we have all the damn technology to keep us occupied until the day we die! And you're just gonna let that go!? THAT MAKES NO SENSE!" Crump yelled, sounding panicky now.

"Are you suggesting we remain in this fortress for the rest of our lives? Just…you…and me…and TEC? Really, Crump? You wanna live out the rest of your days here in an isolated location, cut off from all civilization? In this place where we did all our horrible planning to destroy the world?" Grodus questioned his logic.

"Okay, you know damn well I don't mean be up here 24/7! We still have that teleporter that takes us back to Rogueport here, right? We can just use that for when we need a break from this place! Come on man…this is for sure what you want? To get rid of everything you've built and accomplished?" Crump retorted. Grodus shook his head and looked away from him, feeling himself becoming more emotional from this subject.

"What I built and accomplished here, Crump…I used for evil purposes. Being here is going to constantly remind me of that, and it sickens me. That's a part of my life I have no desire to go back to in any way, shape or form. And since I was the main person who made this place, I feel like it should be up to me to get rid of it, no?" Grodus explained, standing his ground.

"Wow. So just like that, huh? Grodus…come on. Even if you nuke this place, what you did is still a part of your history. Mine too! We're always going to be those guys who tried to destroy the world, even if it was a long time ago. A lot of people are gonna think that too…especially Mario and his fucking gang!" Crump was astounded by how defeatist Grodus was coming off to him about the whole thing.

"I don't care what other people think. Crump…I'm just done. Once Tatanga is dealt with, I want to start my life over entirely. And I want you there with me, if you want to be of course," Grodus affirmed.

"I mean, looks like I don't even have a damn choice in the matter considering I have no place to go once this place is gone! For fuck's sake, Grodus, I KNOW you were the main guy behind building this place, but you also should know that you're being selfish right now. I want this place to stay. You don't need to stay here, but I want to!" Crump demanded, then Grodus shook his head again, ready to reveal to him an important thing that contributed to his decision.

"Crump…listen to me. When I searched for you in that tower…I saw my past again. I saw stuff that…ooh…can I just…can I just tell you what I saw please? Maybe then you'll understand my stance more," Grodus explained, his breath becoming shaky and his tone becoming more emotional. Crump noticed this and figured it'd be fair to hear him out, especially since he saw some dark things from his own room in that tower.

"Alright. Yeah. Go ahead. I'll tell you mine afterwards," Crump said, wondering how intense and crazy the experience must've been for Grodus compared to him.

"Okay. So…I went into that room…and I swear I heard your voice calling for me! You yelled my name. But I'm sure it was the tower playing tricks on me because you couldn't have known I had arrived at that point in time…"

Crump shook his head. "No, I don't ever remember calling for you when I was in the tower."

"Yeah. Damn. That place knew exactly what I came in there for right from the start. Well…anyways…I opened the door and saw a bright light…and…"

FLASHBACK

Grodus saw his past self in a laboratory. There were a few scientist Toads and Koopas surrounding him, looking at him in admiration.

"And there we have it, folks! The creation of what I call the robot 'Grodus' is now complete! What do you think?" excitedly asked one of the toads.

"Very impressive, Toadekko! Wow…kind of a big dome head you made there for him, but hey, he definitely stands out among the rest, haha!" commented one of the scientist paratroopas.

"Heh, yeah, especially with those clothes you put on him? What gives with that style? He looks like he's from the Medieval era!" asked another scientist Toad, noting the 'royal-like' clothing that was put on him; he was dressed as if he was a gothic prince.

"Well, like Paraklyde said, I made him stand out! Heh. I wanted to put a stylistic twist on his appearance, you know, make him think he's a king, because, I mean, he technically is! He's one of the better robots we've created! Responds to every command flawlessly, has his own chill personality but also thinks highly of himself, and is extremely intelligent. This might be THE one, guys!" Toadekko cheerily explained.

"Yeeeeaaaah, you say that but we need to see that for ourselves. Is this thing already on!? HELLO!?" said the other Toad scientist and thwacked Grodus' head with his hand.

"HEY, EASY THERE, TOADISON! I'll do it…Sir Grodus…ACTIVATE!" Toadekko shouted and Grodus lit up and activated.

"Hello. I am Sir Grodus. It's a pleasure to meet new faces," Past Grodus spoke.

"Hello! But, wait, SIR Grodus? Not King? Thought you wanted him to be all royal-like?" Paraklyde asked confusedly.

"Yeah, I keep forgetting to input his introduction as King Grodus as opposed to Sir Grodus. But you know what? Sir Grodus rolls off the tongue better…I might keep that!" Toadekko responded contently.

"Sir Grodus indeed feels more natural to my state of being rather being named King Grodus. I am not a king. If I was a king, I wouldn't be a robot. I am not a ruler of a country," Past Grodus responded, impressing the others with his self-awareness.

"Woah! Love the humbleness there! Alright, SIR Grodus…what is 344,789 times 500,096?" Paraklyde asked.

"172,427,599,744!" Grodus answered immediately, impressing the others again.

"Hmph. That's nothing…Sir Grodus, who was the FIRST ever ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom!?" Toadison asked skeptically.

"The first ever ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom was King Toadelstan Toadzurasky in the year 1064. The king's reign had followed The Great Shell War where the Toad species barely won against the Koopas from invasion. The current princess of the Mushroom Kingdom, Princess Toadstool Peach, is a descendant of Toadelstan's bloodline, daughter of King Toadrimo Toadstool and Queen Plum Toadstool, both of whom are recently deceased," Past Grodus answered immediately as well. More impressed expressions were seen, although Toadison didn't look as impressed.

"Wow! He's quick! Talk about a walking encyclopedia. Sir Grodus, can you bring me that water bottle on the other side of the room, please?" Paraklydei asked.

"Of course I can," Past Grodus replied and walked normally to the other side of the room, snatched the water bottle and walked back and handed it to Paraklyde.

"Thanks! Okay, Toadekko, this is awesome. He responds so casually and naturally. Can he do other things like…uhh…clean?" Paraklyde asked in excitement.

"I can most certainly clean. Just hand me the proper materials and I will complete the objective!" Past Grodus confidently responded.

"Oh? So you're saying he doesn't come with cleaning materials already?" Toadison snarkily asked.

"Oh come on now, man! Quit being so negative. Enjoy Sir Grodus for who he is as of right now: a robot who acts exactly like how we as a living species do! Conversating, doing chores, solving problems…he's a genius-level being. If you're expecting MORE than that, then, well, we definitely aren't there yet since technology just isn't that advanced, as much as I wish it were. Give it another 10 years and I bet we'll be seeing robots like Sir Grodus hover in the air and mowing criminals down with arms that mechanically form into a gun!" Toadekko laid down the reality of things given the older time period this was taking place in.

"Or, worse! The robots could rebel and take over the world like in the movies! I mean, if they ARE super smart like you say…they could be smart enough to do THAT!" Toadison cackled, clearly intentionally trying to start a conflict.

"My purposes for existence are not to instill chaos and destruction, rather, it is to help provide dutiful assistance in the world however needed," Sir Grodus responded in a professional manner.

"Oooookay, and on THAT note, thanks guys for checking this out! I'll be showing this to the big boss tomorrow and then…we make history!" Toadekko tried to brush off his colleague's prissiness and shut off Sir Grodus.

"...I was back at the spot where I was 'created.' A laboratory called 'HAL Incorporated.' This was…was where I was 'corrupted' and…I was made to look like the bad guy…"

Toadison and Paraklyde snuck into the room where Grodus lay.

"Dude, are you sure you wanna do this? I feel like you're taking this too far!" Paraklyde nervously spoke as the pair approached the deactivated Grodus.

"Oh shut up, Toadekko's way in over his head if he thinks a robot doing the bare minimum is gonna be headlining global news. Other robots have been made, this is nothing new, you know!" Toadison spat.

"You make it seem like there's sooo many others that have been made, though. Only a small handful, Toadison…" Paraklyde pointed out.

"Even so, we need this robot to stand out from that 'small handful.' Because if we do, our company will be talked about for DECADES to come. Damn Toadekko played it WAY too safe with this one. You'll understand when you're older, Paraklyde. You are a fresh college graduate, after all, haha!" Toadison teased as they walked up to the deactivated Grodus.

"Really? Still with those 'fresh college graduate' comments even though it's been a year since I've graduated?" Paraklyde annoyedly responded.

Toadison ignored him and he thwacked Grodus on the head then yelled, "SIR GRODUS, ACTIVATE!"

"Toadison…seriously. You don't need to hit him," Paraklyde said while rolling his eyes.

"He's a robot, he can take it!" Toadison commented as he observed Sir Grodus light up and activate.

"Good evening…Toadison…and Paraklyde! How can I be of service to you?" he asked.

"Hello, Grodus. Wanna know how you can be of service to us? Do you know how to fight at all? Or, rather, got any weapons installed on you?" Toadison asked with a smirk.

Sir Grodus was slower to respond than usual. "...No. I am not programmed for violence. Only to be of assistance with daily activities, among other select, non-combative things."

"Pffft! Seriously!? What good is a robot if you can't attack and protect people!? Toadekko did the bare damn minimum on you!" Toadison scoffed.

"Are you implying that I, as a robot, should also be destructive when necessary? That's…not what I was programmed to be…" Sir Grodus responded with a hint of upset.

"That's exactly what I'm implying. Come on…as a robot, you'd be more powerful than the average living being when you have the proper tools. You'd also be a great protector when innocent citizens are being attacked! You'd be the one who'd get nuked instead of, say, a little kid, but that wouldn't even be a big deal in the end because you'd get fixed right up!" Toadison clarified with a cheeky grin.

"I…suppose I'd be of great use during times of violent conflict…but again, that's not what I was programmed to do. No weapons of any kind were installed into me. I was created to be of assistance to living beings, discarding any violent encounters!" Sir Grodus adamantly responded.

"Grodus…I'll tell you this right now for your benefit: you were created to be powerful AND be of service to all living beings. You answer to us! No questions asked! You were made to have a one track mind, and I actually hate the fact that Toadekko tried to make you, a robot, have an individuality and various personality traits just like us regular beings! Robots and regular beings…not at all the same species. Toadekko may as well have tried to just make a Toad clone if he's gonna give a damn robot layers!" Toadison ranted to both Grodus and Paraklyde.

"Hmm…I mean…that's a fair point…say, speaking of clones, is the company working on that too? Are you allowed to reveal that info!?" Paraklyde asked with a little excitement at that subject.

"Enough. I was not created for what you want me to be. This discussion is over!" Sir Grodus stated.

"Really? So…if someone comes at you…you're not gonna do anything!?" Toadison asked with a wicked smirk now, as he quickly grabbed an empty beaker and threw it at Grodus' arm, shattering it upon impact.

"WOAH! DUDE, THAT'S TOO FAR NOW!" Paraklyde shrieked in surprise.

"You…you just…attacked me…" Grodus spoke, also in surprise, but also with a hint of anger.

"Damn right I did! C'mon, Grodus, don't sit there and just let that happen! You are a ROBOT. You weren't meant to be some dainty maid!" Toadison confidently answered and now threw another beaker at his arm.

"Okay, Toadison, c'mon! I think you've made your point already!" Paraklyde yelled, now getting nervous for what might happen next.

"Toadekko will thank me later for opening up Grodus' eyes to see that he's meant to be a goddamn machine, not some metallic clone of a person!" Toadison yelled to Paraklyde, then when he looked back, he saw Grodus right in front of him…and he had no time to react. Grodus stabbed him in the heart with a glass shard of the beaker.

"OH SHIT! TOADISOOOON!" Paraklyde screamed and backed away from the scene.

"Ohhhh…you…fu…" Toadison muttered while gripping his wound as he stumbled around a little bit and fell to the floor, landing on top of another glass shard which pierced his lower back, making him shriek.

"You…threatened me…is this…what you meant, Toadison?" Grodus asked, coming off as if he was in a state of shock himself.

Toadison gurgled on his blood, unable to speak properly.

"You're…you're suffering. Let me end your suffering," Grodus said then bent over and put his hand over Toadison's mouth and nose, suffocating him now. Within seconds, Toadison stopped moving and his eyes closed.

Grodus was then startled by the sound of alarms blaring throughout. The ceiling lights flashed red continuously.

"Emergency…? Wait a minute here. For me…?" Grodus whispered, quickly realizing that it was meant for him.

The sounds of frantic running were heard behind Grodus. He turned around and saw Paraklyde, Toadekko, and some armed security guards run into the room. They all gasped in horror at the bloody sight of Toadison's body.

"WHAT IN THE HELL!? GRODUS, YOU DID THIS!?" Toadekko screamed.

"No. No! Toadison threatened me! He hurt me. I…I felt…I felt in danger…so I had to stop the danger! Ask Paraklyde! He saw the entire thing unfold!" Grodus yelled in defense. Everyone else looked to Paraklyde for an explanation.

"I…no. That's not what happened, Grodus. We…we came in here because I was helping Toadison look for his badge and he thought he left it in here! But…you, Grodus, suddenly woke up and totally out of nowhere, you just completely went out of control and killed my friend for no reason! It's like a switch flipped and you turned into a homicidal bot! It all happened so fast, I barely got out alive to tell you guys!" Paraklyde wailed while seeming to be on the verge of tears. Grodus was beyond shocked at his lying.

"You…YOU…LIAR! That is most certainly not what happened! I was in danger and I responded appropriately!" Grodus yelled angrily.

"Oh my goodness…this…this is all my fault! It's a flaw in his design somewhere! I…ohhhh my god…I was afraid that this may happen…I designed you to be a pacifistic robot, Sir Grodus! But…I failed! I FUCKING FAILED!" Toadekko cried in defeat.

"YOU DID NOT FAIL, MY CREATOR! I was tricked and trapped! Paraklyde is the liar here!" Grodus yelled as his whole body started shaking.

"STOP CALLING ME THAT, YOU PSYCHOTIC SCRAP OF METAL! Guards, look at him! He's shaking! Do something before he kills us all!" Paraklyde roared.

"Toadekko, do you know how to safely deactivate this robot!? If not…we'll have to take measures into our own hands!" said one of the security guards.

"Y-Yeah, he's voice activated…SIR GRODUS, TURN OFF!" Toadekko shouted in great stress.

But Grodus was still activated.

"YOU…YOU CANNOT DEACTIVATE ME WHILE I'M FEELING SUCH A WIDE RANGE OF EMOTIONS. YOU DESIGNED ME THIS WAY, TOADEKKO…YOU MADE ME POWERFUL ENOUGH TO OVERRIDE A DEACTIVATION!" Grodus shouted as he walked closer to the group.

"WHAT!? N-NO! I designed you to have personality traits like a living being and…that's it! OH GOD, WHAT THE HELL HAVE I DONE!?" Toadekko cried.

"HE'S GETTING CLOSER! SOMEONE FUCKING DO SOMETHIIIING!" Paraklyde screamed in fear.

"Guards, gun him down! NOW!" yelled one of the guards and they all cocked their weapons and began firing.

Grodus felt in extreme danger now. He jumped out of the way as a few bullets hit his body, grabbed a bunch of chemical-filled beakers from the counter and threw them all with all his might at the group. Some of the men yelled as the chemicals burned and singed their skin. Grodus then made a jump out of the window, falling a story down to the ground, further damaging his body, but he was still capable enough to run for his life.

Alarms blared throughout the complex now and he booked it to a tall metal fence that surrounded the place. He used all his might to separate the fence bars and managed to squeeze through the opening he created.

He ran and ran and ran and ran through the field, not looking back even once. The world passed by him as he kept looking and running forward. Present day Grodus found himself running into the woods, realizing he was now exactly where his past self was, but he couldn't control his body, as if he was just a passenger in his past self's body.

"Toadekko had done exactly what he sought to do when he made me. I was created to be a robotic version of your typical living being that came with my own personality traits, flaws, and quirks. It was genius. Making me a more powerful and more indestructible version of a living being…but it came at a cost. My trait of being highly intelligent became a flaw…because back then, when I detected a threat, I went into fight mode. That's why I killed Toadison. And I couldn't stop myself after that…because that's when I used my intelligence to build an army, build the X-Naut Fortress and attempted to take over the world…I loved the power that I gave myself…I wanted more…"

The woods became darker and darker and darker…until everything became pitch black.

"Muh huh huh huh huh huh…" laughed a familiar, feminine voice.

Candles lit up the vicinity now. Grodus gasped, seeing that he was somewhere different now, in a place he knew. A place he thought he'd never have to experience again. A place where his original diabolical plans of ruling the world crashed immediately before him.

It was the room in the Palace of Shadow where he resurrected the Shadow Queen using Peach's body as a vessel. Before him stood a possessed Princess Peach, staring him down and smirking.

"Hello, Grodus. Bet you thought you've seen the last of me, huh?" 'Peach' teasingly asked.

"No! NOOOO! THIS ISN'T REAL! THIS IS ALL…IN MY HEAD!" Grodus yelled, backing away from her.

"Ohhh, knock it off, you waste of scrap metal. You know damn well this is as real as real can be. Poor little robot…betrayed by the very beings who created him…went off the grid and enacted a vengeance plot to destroy those same people…and look at that, it was a success!" 'Peach' spat and gestured to Grodus' left. He looked left and saw a giant window that definitely wasn't there a second ago, and it peered out to HAL Laboratory going down in flames. Screams echoed and filled his head, as if he was right there in the midst of all the dying and chaos.

"NOOOO! STOP IIIIIT! I-I REGRET IT! I WANNA TAKE IT ALL BACK!" Grodus screamed and cried.

"Poor baby boy! You can regret and want to take it all back all you want…but that doesn't change the fact that you're a cold-hearted murderer. And, oh! You didn't stop there, of course! Your thirst for blood grew more and more, so you found your recruits over time and made an army that would dominate the world using me. But…muh huh huh huh huh…we all know how that went, don't we?" 'Peach' mockingly spoke, walking over to him, enjoying his suffering.

"I-I'M NOT LIKE THAT ANYMORE! IT WAS ALL A FUCKING STUPID MISTAKE AND IF I COULD TURN BACK TIME, I WOULD NEVER EVER HURT ANYONE!" Grodus screamed, feeling so emotional that he fell to his knees.

"Stop saying that junk about turning back time, you fool! You can't erase your misdeeds! Isn't that right…TEC!?" 'Peach' shouted and looked behind Grodus with a smirk. Grodus jumped at the mention of TEC's name and turned around, jumping again to see the giant computer screen behind him upon the wall.

"Precisely, my queen. You, Grodus…you conniving little hypocrite. You sit there and cry and whine about how you regret everything bad you've done…but do you really? You're stuck in a cycle. Those people at the laboratory put you in a box and made you think you were the villain. And look at what happened…you became one because you weren't strong enough to repress your design flaw. Then you took your issues out onto me: put ME in a box and told me I only existed to serve you.

And look at how well that went. There was a flaw in my design, something you couldn't possibly have ever imagined in your thirst for power and vengeance: me developing feelings for Princess Peach, a woman with a heart of gold, someone whom I connected with on a level so deep that I had no choice but to rebel against your heinous black-and-white type of thinking," TEC spat and laid the hypocrisy of Grodus' actions down unto him, making the robot feel even worse for his past misdeeds.

"STOP IT! PLEASE JUST…STOP! TEC, I'M SORRY, OKAY!? I KNOW NO AMOUNT OF APOLOGIZING IS EVER GONNA CHANGE THE PAST, BUT…GAAAAAAHHHHH! LET ME OUT! STOP THIIIIIS!" Grodus roared while his body shook from the terror and heavy pain.

"Quit your bitching! You got yourself into this mess, so accept it!" yelled another familiar voice that nearly made Grodus freeze.

He slowly turned his head to where the voice came from and saw him. Lord Crump.

"C…Crump…I…no…NO! Y-You're not here! That's not really you!" Grodus yelped, backing away from him a little.

"What the fuck do you mean I'm not here? You're talking to me. I'm standing in front of you, you idiot! Oh man…so deluded in your own world that you can't see what we're trying to tell you. Wanna know why I kept you as a hopping head for so long, Grodus? Because you deserved it for all the hell you put other people through. All the killings, mayhem, treating me and your other servants like this…you are EXTREMELY lucky the Shadow Queen didn't actually kill you when Mario did his showdown with her. Because you deserved the worst death that she could've given you…and it would've been the most tragic death ever! Buh! Buh! Buh huh huh huh huh huh! BECAUSE YOU BECAME YOUR OWN WORST ENEMY!" Crump viciously spoke to the downtrodden robot. Grodus seethed and wept more and more, the constant berating truly getting to his core.

"Muh huh huh huh huh…yes…I really should've done you in completely when I had the chance. But, I suppose it's better late than ever. This time, however, I'm thinking I shouldn't make it quick and painless…we should do it slowly and excruciatingly!" 'Peach' cackled as she walked to Grodus.

Grodus had enough. He had to do something or else he was definitely going to die. All that pain he was feeling…the heaviness and past coming back into the present…he used that to fuel his anger because he knew he needed it in order to escape and not succumb to the madness that this tower had held.

He gripped 'Peach' by the neck with all his might and threw her at TEC's screen, smashing it open and electrocuting her. He then kicked Crump in the stomach, shoving him against the wall, and then proceeded to bash Crump's face into the brick wall repeatedly, splattering blood everywhere.

Grodus dropped Crump's body to the floor and then he fell to the floor himself. He wept and roared and pounded the floor, the guilt and anger crushing him. He didn't want to go on. The past that was merely a haunting memory had been brought forth in person all over again. It was gut-wrenching and he felt like he didn't deserve to go on.

A loud unlocking mechanism was heard, making him raise his head to see a door that wasn't there previously. He then laid fully on the floor and stared at the dark ceiling. He refused to move.

"I didn't think I deserved to continue living, Crump. I've done horrible, destructive things…so why in the fuck was I still alive!? But you know what? That's when it hit me. I was still alive for a reason. I should've died countless times…but I haven't. And now I know why. I remember why! I wasn't created to destroy the world. I wasn't created to be some empty, lifeless shell. I was created to be just like everyone else on this planet and be of help to whomever I can. I was given a life by a wonderful creator. Yes, it may not have been a life that two parents bring into this world…but it's still a life.

I cannot use my one and only life to cause havoc in this vast world. That goes against everything I was made for. That's not what the people on this planet deserve. And because I'm built strong, it only makes logical sense that I don't give up and help our world be saved. Otherwise, my abilities would be a waste. So…I stood myself up and dragged myself through that door back into the tower…and that's when I met with Mario's group…and then you. I was 100% ready to fight with them and destroy Tatanga."

END FLASHBACK

Crump was silent for a moment, taking in his story. He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, looking off into space, then slowly looked to Grodus.

"Grodus…holy hell. I had no idea you went through so much pain. I just realized that you've never told me about your origins when we were working together. I, uhh, I see why now. I'm so sorry you were vilified because of what that asshole did to you in the lab," Crump said.

"Yeah. I refused to revisit that time…but I also knew deep down that I'd have to eventually reface it one day. And it hurt like hell seeing that again, just like how it hurts seeing this place again. I don't want it, Crump. This place needs to go," Grodus urged.

"Yeah. Yeah…I get it. Okay. Well…I'll tell you what happened to me in that tower then…"

FLASHBACK

"So, you already know I went to that tower to find that golden snake relic. Well, now I know that my sources were fucked because there was no damn relic anywhere in that creepy tower! Plus, it makes no damn sense to have a relic of a snake when a fucking dragon inhabits that place. God, that pisses me off so much how desperate I was to do that based off of some flimsy lead…but oh well. At least it brought you and I together again.

Anyways, I followed my map to the tower and entered. Saw a ton of doors in the entry room, which I thought was extremely weird, but even weirder was seeing a drawing of me on one of them! I thought to myself…what the fuck!? Who the hell knows me to draw me on a door in a place that I've never been to before!? It was so strange and creepy. But I felt like I had to go in there. So I did. And….ohhhhhh man…you know, Grodus…I never told you much about my past either…you're about to find out why…"

Crump entered a living room in which he quickly remembered was in his childhood home. His anxiety rose greatly as he saw a child version of him being yelled at by his father while his mother was standing nearby with her arms crossed and had a look of disappointment.

"CRUMP, YOU ARE SO STUPID!" his father screamed to the poor child who was curled up on the floor, crying his eyes out. "THIS IS THE SECOND TIME YOU LET THAT LITTLE PSYCHO KID BULLY YOU! NOW YOU GET PUSHED IN THE FUCKING MUD!? AND YOU DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO GET BACK AT HIM!? I DIDN'T RAISE YOU TO BE A GODDAMN WEAKLING!"

"I-I-I'm so sorry, dad…I-I just didn't wanna hurt him and make things way worse!" cried kid Crump, not wanting to look at his father's livid face.

"What!? Oh my god, son, you are seriously PATHETIC for even thinking that! That little fucker already hurt you, so you should've hurt him right back and show him who's boss! I swear to god…if I see that little demon child's father at school, I'll give him a piece of my mind myself!" his father berated and shouted, making Crump feel even worse about the entire situation.

"Son, please stop crying. You're making yourself feel so weak by doing that. You're not gonna get through life by being a defenseless crybaby. Pull yourself together," his mother scolded.

"Your mom's right. For crying out loud, son, just STOP! Now the whole school is gonna think you're a meek little coward after yet another incident of you getting your ass handed to you. Fuck. I don't even know what else to say, all of this is just embarrassing!" his father spat and walked away into the kitchen. His mother sighed and followed him into the kitchen too. Kid Crump still laid there, crying and feeling so lost, his world spiraling out of control since he wasn't being heard.

Real Crump backed away and cringed and began to cry himself, feeling all those heavy emotions all over again. He backed up against the wall and slid to the floor, crying into his hands.

"My dad and mom were pieces of shit. Everything I did was wrong somehow. But, fuck, man…it was hard as hell seeing all that shit again. Extremely hard. Seeing it from an outsider's perspective this time around though…that fucked me up even more. No child should have to go through what I did…"

Real Crump lifted his head from his hands, wiping them but then gasped in surprise when he saw he was in a different setting now. But he also knew quickly where he was. He sat right in front of his old elementary school and school had just gotten out. Kids were merrily leaving…and then he saw his younger self slowly leaving too. Somehow, Crump knew exactly what he was about to witness. He felt it in his bones and it chilled him to his core, because this was a memory he compartmentalized for years.

But there was no escaping now.

"Hey, Crumpdump! LOSER!" yelled a tall toad kid who slapped Kid Crump on his left shoulder, startling him.

"Oh! Uhhh, wh-what do you want!?" Kid Crump yelped, dreading having to deal with him again.

"How'd that mud taste yesterday, Crumpdump? God, you were so easy to push over! You're as thin as a stick! One poke sends you falling over to the ground, haha!" mocked the toad kid, poking him hard in his side, making him jump. Crump felt so hurt by the kid's viciousness, but then he remembered what his parents were telling him. How weak and pathetic he was, and how he kept letting things like this happen. Crump felt the sadness slowly turn into anger and it began to take over his body. The echoes of his dad yelling at him plus the memory of being pushed down and bullied by the toad kid fueled his anger further. He clenched his fists as his breathing began to shorten and tighten. The toad kid kept saying more stuff to him but it was drowned out by his father's yelling over and over and over. His body shook.

Then he snapped.

Crump swung and hit the toad kid in his jaw so fast that it completely caught him off guard. The kid fell to the ground and cried out as other kids stopped in their tracks to see the commotion. Crump then charged at the toad kid and kicked him in the stomach over and over and over again as the toad kid screamed and started coughing up blood. Kids surrounding the fight screamed in horror and shock as a few staff came running to the scene and pulled Crump away while the toad kid laid there, crying and coughing up more blood.

"NO NO NO NO NOOOOOO! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! FUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!" Real Crump screamed and cringed at the horrific scene, feeling awful that he did such damage to the kid…especially because he knew what was coming next.

He closed his eyes while crying then opened them to find that he was in another different setting, but once again, he knew quickly where he was at. He was at a place for troubled children. He was in a bedroom, seeing his younger self talking with another kid in there.

"Ohhhh…god! FUCK, WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO MEEEEE!? LET ME OUT OF HEEEEEERE!" Real Crump screamed and booked it to the door, but it was locked shut. He banged and hit the door as hard as he could, but it would not budge one bit. The 'scene' played before him.

"Wooooaaaah, what!? That's super crazy! Your parents sent you here all because you stood up to yourself to some dumb bully…even though that's what they wanted you to do in the first place!?" said a toad kid in bewilderment whom Crump was telling his backstory to.

"Yeah. So stupid and messed up, huh? Apparently the kid's family pressed charges, even though he'd been an asshole to me for so long. But whatever…I'm kinda glad to be away from my parents. They're horrible people," kid Crump said.

"Sure sounds like it. But hey, man, I'm glad we have a room together. I didn't think I'd ever find a friend in this loony bin," said the toad kid with a chuckle.

"Heh, I know right!? Plus, we have so much in common too. You're from the next town over from me, our mothers loved shopping at the same mall, my school's soccer team played against your school's soccer team a couple times…and we both love black licorice, which nobody ever loves! Buh! Buh huh huh huh huh huh!" kid Crump also chuckled, having an unexpectedly swell time with his new friend.

"Oh yeah! I can't get over how weird but so cool your laugh is, haha. By the way, what's the name of this asshole twerp that bullied you? He's the one who should be in here instead of you!" he asked.

"He really should be the one in here. But, uhh, his name is Toadgary. Green-spotted toad with a massive overbite, buh! Buh huh huh huh huh!" kid Crump snickered. The toad kid's face suddenly turned very serious and cold.

"Wait a second. Toadgary. That's…that's the same name as my cousin…" he spoke with his tone also changing to a serious and intense one. Crump's face sank as his nerves rose.

"Wha…huh? Toadgary is your cousin!?" kid Crump yelped, widening his eyes in shock.

"Yeah. Oh…oh my god…so…holy crap, it all makes sense! I-I remember his mom telling my mom the awful news of Toadgary almost getting beaten to death! THAT WAS YOU WHO DID THAT TO HIM!?" the toad kid raised his voice and turned red. Crump began to panic and back away.

"W-w-w-wait a second here! H-He tormented me and made me feel like crap! I WAS JUST DEFENDING MYSELF!" kid Crump cried and backed up against the wall.

"YOU SON OF A BITCH! YOU COULD'VE KILLED HIM! TOADGARY'S LIKE A BROTHER TO ME! FUCK YOOOOOUUUUUUU!" he screamed and began repeatedly punching Crump in the stomach.

"OWWWWWWW! STOP IIIIIIIT! HELP MEEEEEEEEEE!" kid Crump screamed and cried at the top of his lungs.

"NOOOOOOOOOO! LEAVE ME ALONE YOU FUCKER!" real Crump roared and charged for the kid, ramming into him and making him fall to the floor. Real Crump then began to punch the kid in his face repeatedly as his adrenaline spiked. Crump roared and cried like crazy, continuously beating down the kid until he began to tire out.

He caught his breath, then glanced at his bloody knuckles…then glanced at the bruised and battered kid. It wasn't the toad he had beaten. It was his younger self. Crump screamed and backed away from the horrific site.

"WHAT!? BUT…I WAS JUST…NO! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS PLACE!? AAAAAAAAAAGGGGHHHHHHH! LET ME THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!" Crump screamed and began to cry, spiraling into insanity as each second passed.

"Stop crying! I recruited you to help me dominate the world because I knew you'd be a loyal henchmen, but you've gotta stop letting your emotions get to you all the fucking time!" yelled a familiar voice that made Crump stop crying and freeze in confusion. The voice came from behind him. He slowly turned his head back and blinked, and then he was suddenly in Grodus' office at the X-Naut Fortress.

"WHA…huh!? Grodus!? What are you…what!?" Crump stammered, no idea what the hell to even say at this point.

"Did you not hear what I just said!? Lord Crump…my patience with you is wearing VERY thin now. I didn't realize you could be this damn emotional over the littlest things. Is the robot that my X-Nauts built for you, the Magnus von Grapple, not good enough for you!? I mean…you weren't necessarily grateful that we'd given you such a powerful contraption…" Grodus said with a scolding undertone.

"I…Grodus…I-I don't know what's going on here, but…"

"Pah! There's a shock right there. You know, when I found you, Crump, there was something inside me that told me I could count on you for your loyalty. And you've proven that…up until now. So odd because we've just started our plans of dominating this damned world, and now it feels like you're falling apart. Are you…trying to sabotage this mission? Were you just playing me the entire time!?" Grodus raised his voice and stood up to walk over to him.

"What!? NO! Grodus, that's not what's going on here, I-I was just-"

"Need I remind you that THIS is your family now!? You know…because, according to you, you never had a family. You were aaaaaall alone in the world, just barely getting by on the scraps you were given from the lowlives you worked for…until I found you. Then I changed everything for you. Gave you a great place to stay. Friends to work with. Used your smarts to help build this place from the ground up. But now you're backpedaling.

Crump, Crump, Crump…I could easily turn your life back to how it was before we met. A miserable, lonely existence with nothing to live for and no one to turn to. Is that what you want? Because I can make it happen within a blink of an eye," Grodus spat while pacing around him, making Crump feel even more fragile and weak.

"Just…leave me alone! Please, this is enough! I'M TIRED OF THIS!" Crump cried and ran to the door to open it, but wouldn't budge one bit.

"Oh, you incompetent fool. You know it's not going to be that easy. But since you've already made your choice, clearly…time for you to go!" Grodus yelled and looked ready to pounce on him.

"No! PLEASE, GRODUS, NOOOO! I DON'T WANNA DIE! AAAAAAAAGGGGGH!" Crump screamed in horror, then bolted to the opposite side of the room as Grodus lunged at him. Crump snatched the computer from Grodus' desk and threw it at his head.

"Ohhh! You little…this is how you repay me for everything I've done for you!? You sad piece of shit! YOU ARE NOTHING IN THIS WORLD!" Grodus roared, but Crump had enough of this insanity. He grabbed a drawer out from the desk and charged at Grodus, hitting him repeatedly with the drawer, cracking and bending his metallic structure. Grodus kicked Crump in the groin, making him cry out, but he refused to go down that easily. He ran over back to the desk while clutching his groin, got out another drawer and threw it at the tank wall, cracking it and leaking water out.

"Crump, NO! STOP! You do that…and that's it. Everything's over for you. The life you tried to have after all the hell you went through…it'd be all for nothing…" Grodus gave a last warning before Crump would do the deed that would do him in.

"Well…this isn't the life I wanted anyways. I've got nothing to fucking lose at this point," Crump responded then hit the glass again with the drawer, breaking a small hole in the tank wall, letting water out, and due to the pressure release, the hole became bigger, thus releasing more water into the room.

The water reached Grodus, electrocuting him and destroying him from the inside out within seconds. He combusted and dropped to the floor dead.

The sight of killing his friend, even though he knew on a level that it technically wasn't real, distraught him further and he slid down the wall, planting himself in the water, sobbing uncontrollably. His head hurt from all that trauma he had to re-experience and all the ways he had been screwed with upon entering this sadistic place.

A loud unlocking mechanism was heard, coming from the door he tried earlier. He almost didn't want to go out. A part of him wanted to drown in the water, not wanting to deal with all the emotional pain and torment that resurfaced from his past. But another part of him wanted to escape the tower and find what he came here searching for originally.

He dragged himself out of the room and entered a long, wooden hallway stretching left and right. He looked down both ways, a little relieved that he was out of there, but now confused on where to go.

He glanced back and forth, deciding whether to go left or right…but as he glanced to the right again, he noticed something that likely wasn't there before. A black mass from afar. Crump squinted and walked a little closer to get a better look at what was down there.

The black mass got bigger. And bigger. Crump backed away and he felt the adrenaline pumping again. This was no black mass. It was a black creature. One that looked like a dragon. And it was flying right towards him.

"AROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Crump screamed at the top of his lungs and booked it the opposite direction.

"I ran and ran and ran all throughout that fucking tower. I was chased for hours, Grodus! I just kept going into random rooms, finding some safety for a little bit, then moving on to the next one…then I found the gem. I don't even remember how I found it or where I found it…but it didn't help in protecting me like I hoped it would, but I kept it just in case. I was soooooo exhausted from running so much and being scared. I was trapped, man. Fucking trapped! I kept looking for a way out, but there was none! Well…that is until I found that door that led to that Underworld. But even before you guys came along and explained it to me…I knew that that place wasn't our regular world. The landscapes and creatures there were too radically different to be our own world.

But when I first saw you in that tower, Grodus, I couldn't believe it was actually you. I thought the tower was playing more tricks on me, plus my mind was going haywire from running and hiding so much. But after I calmed down and realized it WAS you, I so badly wanted to be your friend again. Even if you and I are just plain old, boring citizens from this point onward…that'd be fine with me."

END FLASHBACK

Grodus felt deeply sympathetic towards Crump's story. If Grodus could cry right then and there, he would.

"I…my god, Crump. That was horrible what you went through. I had no idea! You told me a few bits about your childhood, but that…wow. You were betrayed by people you thought you could count on," Grodus commented in awe.

"Yeah. And I was SO fucking angry at you for how you treated me, Grodus. I was just doing my best and…you talked to me like I was nothing…but then…I'm not any better. Because when the Shadow Queen turned you into just a head, I did nothing to bring your body back when I easily could've. So, we were horrible to each other, and for what? Because we were on some dumb power trip? We really need a reset, Grodus, if we're gonna actually live normally with the rest of society!" Crump recalled.

"I couldn't agree more. Which is exactly why I'm eliminating this fortress, Crump. This'll be the last remnant of our past that'll cease to exist very soon. Once that's done and Tatanga is finished…our reset will begin. I'm excited to start that new journey with you," Grodus affirmed, feeling hopeful about the future for once in a long time. Crump smiled, feeling the same way.

MEANWHILE…

"TEC, gosh, it's been so long!" Peach merrily explained with Grodus and Crump leaving her and Mario to privately say their goodbyes.

"Yes it has. Many years have passed after the Shadow Queen event that I have been without a being coming into contact with me. I've been all by my lonesome until recently. It's been…quite miserable…having no one to interact with for such a long amount of time…" TEC affirmed.

"Yeah, I can't even imagine! But…we're here now…but unfortunately only to say goodbye…" Peach said, now becoming sad with that revelation.

"TEC, is this what you really want to do? You'll be wiped from existence. We've got the tool right here to kill Tatanga. Our journeying is almost at an end!" Mario asked, showing him the Crystal Star Rod.

"Oh my…such a beautiful item you have there. The legendary Crystal Star Rod…an item so powerful that it had to be sealed away with only the strongest of the strong being able to have access to it in order to prevent the world from succumbing into utter tyranny. Stronger than all the Crystal Stars combined too. I'm not at all surprised that you and your friends were able to obtain that item, Mario. You all have proven time and time again that your courage and strength prevails through the roughest trials. All the challenges and hardships you've conquered from your past and the strength and courage you've garnered from that have led you to this moment.

As for this being what I really want…yes. I know that I'll be wiped from existence. But I am okay with that, because I know it'll help you guys and your world. Such a precious world that deserves to keep on thriving for generations to come. Plus…I am a firm believer that nothing is ever truly gone from this world. Even when one is wiped from existence…energy from one's consciousness will still exist and be spread all throughout the universe, becoming a part of the universe and the worlds that lay within it. I am not afraid. It is not too much different than being stuck up here with no one to converse for years and years," TEC explained his stance on it.

Peach sniffled a little at the mention of TEC's existence coming to an end. "Th-that's a pleasant way to look at it. TEC…I know I haven't been up here in forever, and I'm sorry for that, I really should've visited when I had the chance to! But I just want you to know that I'll forever be grateful for how kind you were to me when I was captured up here. If it weren't for you, I would've gone insane and cried all the time. That's something I'll never ever forget!"

"No need to be sorry, Peach. I know you have a busy life down in your world, a life full of love and joy. Keep on holding on to that love and joy and continue to spread it everywhere you can. It's what the world needs to counteract the darkness and wickedness that seems to creep in so easily. It's what made you destroy the Shadow Queen…your light overpowered her dark…" TEC responded so kindly and understandingly that it tugged at Peach's heartstrings more.

"Oh…thank you…yeah, we came pretty far, huh Mario? We had to see too many of our friends die, though…far too many…" Peach alluded. Mario nodded a little, flashing back to Koops again, feeling his emotions rise again.

"Unfortunately to be expected in a race against time where the stakes are higher than they've ever been before. But your friends would want you to keep going and finish what has been started. I know it's easier said than done…but the heavy emotions must be compartmentalized until the world is saved. It's unfortunate that that must be the method to handle things best in this case…but succumbing to those heavy, deep emotions…especially ones that may be of guilt, where you swear on your life that you could've saved your friends from dying…that's exactly what the villains want you to do. It's a distraction so they can buy more time for what they need to get done. It's such a heinous and cruel way of doing things…but people like that exist and will do the utmost damage if they have the power and resources to do so in the first place," TEC explained.

Mario perked up when he heard that comment about guilt and compartmentalization. "Hmm. Yeah. You're right. It's sickening we have to do that…but it's what has to be done for the time being…then we can mourn…yeah…"

Peach glanced at Mario, noticing his expression being clearly deep in thought, then looked back at TEC. "Alright, TEC…we sadly can't be here too much longer, we gotta get back to our own friends and finish everything."

"I understand. Good luck to you guys and your friends. It's been a pleasure knowing you both," TEC stated with a hint of sadness.

"Likewise, TEC. Thank you for being kind to Peach when she was captured here. That means a lot to the both of us," Mario responded with a small, sympathetic smile.

"Goodbye, TEC. It's been great knowing you too," Peach said, on the verge of sobbing. The pair then exited the room and saw Grodus and Crump talking to each other, both of them seeming emotional.

"Hey, we're done. Please make it quick," Mario stated.

"Oh! Okay. Yes, we'll be quick. C'mon, Crump," Grodus hurriedly responded and walked into the room with Crump.

"Mario…hey. How are you holding up?" Peach softly asked.

"Best that I can. You? I know you had a bigger connection to TEC than I did," Mario pointed out.

"Also the best that I can. I feel so bad for not visiting him after the Shadow Queen stuff…and now he's no longer gonna exist very soon…the misery never ends!" Peach exclaimed, rubbing her head exhaustedly.

"Yeah. But what TEC said about guilt and compartmentalizing…I never thought about labeling it like that before. He means to separate the heavy feelings from the objective at hand until the objective is finished. At least I think…" Mario recalled.

"Because it's soooo easy to separate grief and sadness from what we're dealing with. I think our situation is a special exception to that compartmentalizing rule, don't you think?" Peach asked disagreeably.

"Fair point. But…maybe…would it be to make a wish that…a wish that those heavy feelings can go away?" Mario softly asked with a hint of a smile. Peach looked at him confusedly.

"Uhh…I don't think that's a good idea. Wouldn't that just turn you into a hollow shell of yourself? You need those heavy emotions to keep you going!" Peach answered, surprised that he was going into that territory.

Mario glanced at her, noting her worried expression then looked away. "Yeah. Yeah, you're right. Sorry, I was just…talking nonsense. Saying whatever came to my head."

In TEC's room, Grodus and Crump walked to the center, emotions high as they readied to say their final goodbyes.

"Sir Grodus and Lord Crump…it feels surreal to know that this is the last time all of our paths will cross like this. It's been…well…despite all the hardships we've been through…all the words that were said and unsaid…it's been an honor to work with you both," TEC spoke, making the other two choke up.

"You as well, TEC. You were such a loyal companion and…I'll never regret building you…" Grodus responded, doing his best not to be fully emotional.

"And without your help, TEC, Grodus and I wouldn't have been reunited, so thank you for that. It's also been an honor working with you," Crump added with a nod.

"Of course. I knew the reunification of you and Sir Grodus would serve you both well in your future paths. Now then…no more time shall be wasted up here. You two need to go with Mario and Peach and help them defeat Tatanga. Once that is done…well, that world is yours to explore," TEC advised with Grodus and Crump nodding in agreement.

"Will do. We'll win this war. Goodbye, TEC," Grodus said.

"Goodbye, TEC," Crump said then the pair began to walk out.

"Goodbye, Sir Grodus. Goodbye, Lord Crump," TEC responded.

The two got back out into the hallway. Crump let out a heavy sigh and leaned against the wall.

"Are you two okay? Or…sorry…dumb question…" Peach asked.

"No, not a dumb question. I'm fine. We're fine. It needed to be done. Right, Grodus?" Crump asked, glancing to the robot who seemed stoic and still.

"R…right. Yes. Let's head back now please," Grodus replied bluntly, seeming as if he didn't want to discuss it right then and there.

"Alright. Crystal Star Rod…take us back to St. Toadofsky's Hospital!" Mario yelled, gripping the rod tight and visualizing the hospital. The rod glowed bright and a flash was seen.

---

ST. TOADOFSKY'S HOSPITAL

The four were brought back to the courtyard of the hospital. No one was outside with them, but they did hear sounds of shrieking and yelling coming from inside.

"What the…something…is off," Mario said, feeling it in his gut that something bad happened while they were gone.

"Oh no, what could possibly have happened now!?" Peach yelped and ran to the inside with the other three following. They bolted down the hallways and noticed some smoke coming from where the entrance to the cafeteria was, along with a large group of people yelling over one another and some crying.

"Oh, Mario, you're back! You…you wouldn't believe what just happened here…we lost more people…" Luigi shouted, embracing his brother with a tight hug. Mario couldn't even hug him back because that horrible news angered him immediately.

"WAIT, WHAT!? HOW!? LUIGI, WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED!? TELL ME!" Mario yelled into his brother's face.

"It was Tatanga," Daisy said with a distressed look, walking up to him along with some others. "He…I don't know how, but he snuck into the cafeteria with some of his koopatrols and…and killed so many people…just look in there, Mario…so many fucking bodies again…"

Mario and Peach were horrified and livid at this disturbing news. The pair peered into the cafeteria and were disgusted and further horrified by the amount of dead bodies that piled the room along with the amount of broken furniture and scorched walls.

"OH MY GOODNESS! H-He came in here while we were gone!? All that happened in, like, five minutes!?" Peach shrieked.

"Yeah. All while you were gone. Pretty damn inconvenient, wouldn't you say?" Dixie affirmed, crossing her arms, and giving a dirty glare towards Grodus and Crump.

"My sons almost got killed in there. I know what happened in the cafeteria couldn't have been entirely prevented…but it just seems too damn coincidental that you have this plan to leave to say goodbye to your computer pal right as soon as shit hits the fan in there," Bowser stated with an angry undertone, also giving a dirty glare to the aforementioned two.

"Wait…w-wait a second here! Please tell me you're not saying that we had anything to do with this!? BECAUSE WE DIDN'T! I SWEAR!" Crump yelled defensively, anxiety rising from how many people looked like they wanted to kill them.

Mario gripped the Crystal Star Rod tight and pointed it directly at Grodus and spoke, "You wanted us to come with you right when Tatanga struck. That's…no way that that was just a fucking simple coincidence. People died while we were gone and I could've prevented it! I COULD'VE PREVENTED IT!"

"Also the fact that you were working with Tatanga anyways right at the start! This was just one huge ploy to get our guard down around you!" Yoshi angrily yelled, prompting more murmurs and gasps amongst the crowd.

"M-Mario, please! LOWER THE ROD! We had no idea this was going to happen, HONEST! We are so sorry more of your people died, but we didn't plan this! PLEASE DON'T DO THIS!" Grodus pleaded for mercy.

Rosalina touched her hand on Mario's shoulder and calmly spoke, "He's telling the truth. I know it. Don't do it, Mario…or else we'll have more blood on our hands."

"Wait a second, this guy WORKED with Tatanga!? Why in the hell is he here then!? WHAT IS GOING ON!?" frantically yelled a male toad, prompting some agreeing yells from the crowd.

"It's…well, a pretty complicated story…" Goombella responded awkwardly.

"Yes, Mario, please lower the rod. Please! I promise you all, I AM on your side! After we defeat Tatanga, that's it, you won't have to see me and Crump ever again! We'll be out of everyone's way for good!" Grodus pleaded with Crump nodding.

Mario slowly lowered the rod while still giving the pair a dirty glare. He sighed frustratedly and looked to the crowd.

"Yes, it is a long story with Grodus. But I also think he's telling the truth. Because if he actually wasn't…him and his buddy know that we can wipe them out easily with the Crystal Star Rod," Mario announced. Some expressions of surprise and hope were seen amongst the crowd along with more excitable murmurs.

"Wait a second! That's the Crystal Star Rod!? So you got all the gems now! So you can officially destroy Tatanga!" yelled a koopa woman, providing major relief to everyone.

"Where were you at, though, when Tatanga came!? Imagine how much help that would've been! Imagine how many people could've been saved, Mario!" yelled a noki woman, prompting plenty of nods.

"I was…we were…look, everyone, I am deeply sorry for not arriving here on time. Tatanga must've snuck in well and did what he did incredibly quickly. I, unfortunately, can't reverse what he did with the Crystal Star Rod. Once something is done, it can't be undone. That is, unfortunately, the only limitation that comes with this rod…" Mario explained, understanding everyone's plight and anger.

"To be fair, it DID happen so fast. One minute that one doctor was talking to the whole cafeteria about…" Toodles was about to continue to reveal that Dr. Nokano was missing and that's what that doctor made an announcement, but felt it would just create higher tensions. "...uhh…something…I don't remember now what he was saying, but then Tatanga interrupted and before we knew it…bullets went flying and things were being set on fire and people were electrocuted. All that must've been in a span of 5 minutes!"

"Yep. Sounds about right. Too fast for the whole thing to have been prevented, unluckily," E. Gadd added, trying not to get too into his head about the whole Nokano thing now.

"Okay, seriously!? How can you call that rod the most powerful weapon ever if it has THAT limitation!? We're completely screwed, aren't we!?" yelled a koopa man in which followed some moans and shouts of protest.

"DON'T SAY THAT!" Peach shouted, startling some people. "This, right here, is the weapon that is the key to saving everyone. From the bottom of our hearts, we are so very sorry that we didn't make it in time to stop Tatanga, but I promise you, we are almost done! The next step is…to get to Tatanga's island with the rod and destroy everything there! We are asking you to hold on a little longer! I know it's hard, especially right after this disaster happened…BUT PLEASE! Just a little bit more!"

The room fell silent upon her urgency but also were taken aback from how stern she was.

"Exactly. Which is why we need to get a move on now…especially because he killed Timpani," Bleck stated with an undertone of anger, walking up to Mario and Peach. Bleck looked as if he was ready to kill.

"Oh my goodness! Bleck, I-I'm so sorry! Not Tippi…Timpani…" Peach shrieked and hugged Bleck.

"Damnit…okay. Yes, Bleck is right. We are getting a move on now and finishing this. I'll transport my group to the island with the rod and we'll take it from there. We're gonna win this, everyone. I know it. And as Peach said…hold on a little bit longer. Please. Thank you," Mario stated confidently. Some people nodded, others cheered, and a few were neutral about it.

"I want to come with!" Boshi announced as he walked up to Mario, provoking some disdained expressions from the others. He continued, "Seriously, before you reject me, let me just say this: I was in there when that shit went down there. I helped kill one or maybe two of Tatanga's lackeys and helped get Bowser's ex-wife, Clawdilia or however you say her name, out of there before that fucker electrocuted the floors. You KNOW I'm tough as hell. Yes, you have that mystical item that you've all been adventuring for, but you can't get cocky with just that in your possession. You still need all the manpower you can get for the final battle. Come on…please let me help."

Mario looked even more annoyed now and rolled his eyes a bit. "Really, Boshi? Come on, now's not the time for this crap!"

"Okay, to be fair, he DID help out in the cafeteria when shit hit the fan. I saw it. So make of that what you will, I guess…" Morton confirmed with a shrug.

"There you go! BOOM! Evidence! Well!? Come on, guys! It'll even be the same as robot man and his chief there: once the battle is over, I'll be gone forever. Promise. I'll go live off the grid or something. I'll find a way!" Boshi pleaded further, also annoying everyone else further. Mario sighed and looked to Yoshi, who also looked ready to kill.

"You know what? I'll make this easy on all of us," Yoshi said while stomping towards Boshi. People were ready to see Boshi get potentially pounced. Yoshi stopped his tracks mere inches away from the blue dino and harshly spoke, "You can join us…but after that, yes. Screw off to whatever hole you wanna put yourself back in. And you better stay the fuck out of my way…permanently." He then bumped shoulders with Boshi as he walked past him to go outside.

"Well…got your answer," Mario snarled with a shrug. Boshi huffed and walked off.

"So, are we doing this now, Mario? Because you know we have to make that 'pitstop' before we actually get to the island…" DK quietly alluded to combing through Mushroom Corporations before facing off with Tatanga.

"Oh yeah, I haven't forgotten. We're doing this now," Mario quietly replied then faced the crowd. "ALRIGHT, EVERYONE! We're leaving to finish this. Anyone who wants to join us in the final fight, come now, but if not…we'll be back and things can finally be at peace again. It'll be a long recovery, but we got this."

More cheers were heard but some still were feeling and looking disgruntled and incredibly jaded by all the violence and chaos they had to endure, understandably so. Mario didn't take any offense to this since he knew this was the hardest thing that no one should ever have to go through.

As Mario headed for the outside with Peach right behind him, he nearly bumped into Mimi. He did a double take and was stunned to see her.

"WHAT THE!? MIMI!? You're…back!?" Mario yelped with Peach being startled with surprise too.

"Oh yeah, I'm back. Everyone was just as surprised as you were, heh. To give you the long story short version of it, Doopliss and Beldam rebelled against Tatanga and helped Diddy and I out of our cells. We made an escape plan to use the teleporter to teleport back to that Northern Knight's Castle that we were all captured in at the beginning of everything…but only I made it. The teleporter wouldn't work after I made it, so…I assumed Tatanga caught them before they could escape. There was nothing else for me to do besides come back here now and tell everyone what's been going on there," Mimi explained, hugging Peach in relief while Dixie and Vivian were nearby, listening to the conversation.

"Wow. Doopliss and Beldam rebelled against him, huh? Yeah, that's a pattern with these villainous chumps. They get so power hungry and then their underlings grow tired of being treated like crap so they eventually rebel. Big shocker that the big baddie treats their cohorts like dirt! Who would've thought!?" Mario scoffed, making Mimi giggle very briefly but then her expression returned to a worried and saddened one.

"Yeah…but then we lost Tippi…Bleck will stop at nothing now to destroy him. That was his soulmate. I'm just…I'm a little worried he'll go overboard when we get to the island…especially since Dimentio will be there…" she added.

"You should stand by Bleck once we get there in case he actually does anything extreme. And we're making damn sure Diddy is rescued from wherever he's being held captive there. I feel it in my heart that he's still alive!" Dixie declared with Mimi nodding eagerly.

"And as for Beldam…Vivian, you know what we have to do when we arrive, right? She can't be let go after everything she's helped contribute to, especially twice now," Peach asked to the shadow siren, knowing it was gonna be hard to end her own sister.

"Yes, I know. I'll be the one to do it. She betrayed me and the world for a second time, and…a-and she can't ever be trusted again. She can't stay here anymore," Vivian replied while tearing up a little, hurt at the betrayal but also hurt at having to do the deed. She knew it was necessary to carry out, but it was going to be quite the challenge to get there.

Bowser walked outside exiting the lobby to the steps where Clawdia, Larry, and Bowser Jr. were sitting. Larry sat against the rail, holding an ice pack to the back of his head, looking angered, whereas Junior and Clawdia leaned against each other, sobbing.

"I'm so sorry you lost them, mama…so sorry…" Junior whispered while choking up as Clawdia wept and held him close.

"Th-that bastard…he…h-he takes away Iggy…Wendy…and now…Kenneth-th and…Ka…tia…ohhhhh!" Clawdia cried further as her body trembled with pure heartbreak and sorrow.

Bowser's heart broke for her. Despite the heavily checkered past between the both of them, he felt deep sympathy and empathy for her losses…and it even reminded him of his own losses too. He cried for her and slowly walked to the steps and sat down next to them.

"Clawdia…words can't explain how awful this is. All my condolences. Truly," Bowser said through his weeping, staring out into the dark and desolate lot and street.

"Th-thanks, Bowser…I just…I'm n-never gonna get over this! MY DAUGHTER AND HUSBAND ARE GOOOONE! OH GOD, THIS IS KARMA FOR WHAT I DID TO YOU ALL! I'M SO SORRYYYYY!" Clawdia screamed in agony and cried harder into Junior's shoulder.

"Claw…mom…don't say that. Please don't," Larry said, also feeling for her deeply, touching her hand. "This is not karma. This is just the work of a psychopath who gets off on seeing people suffer. You didn't deserve to lose your family. Don't go to that place."

"Larry's right, Clawd. Doing that will just make it all the worse. You've lost way too much…way too fucking much…" Bowser added while shaking his head and continuing to weep, seeing his teardrops hit the concrete.

"You…you guys shouldn't be so kind to me…I destroyed the f-family…I was so stupid and…and…I just…don't deserve any of that…I'm better off joining them…b-because I have nothing left now…" Clawdia said through her choking up, the heavy emotions feeling like they were going to swallow her whole.

"Clawdia, please stop. You don't deserve that pain. You…you deserve your happiness. Yeah…I definitely didn't agree with the way things ended between us and it hurt like hell…but you don't deserve this pain. Don't go down that dark path," Bowser pleaded sternly, meaning every word. Clawdia slowly looked to the koopa king with her teary eyes, seeming a little surprised by his kindness, but also believed in his intentions behind those words.

"Yes, please don't, mama. I want you here. I…I want to know you more and re-connect. I didn't like what you did either, but…like dad said…you deserve happiness! And, um, I wanna be there to help you heal. Please. I don't want you to go away," Junior also pleaded through his weeping, striking Clawdia's heartstrings.

"Th…thank you both…I…I won't go away…I need help to heal…I can't do it all by myself…I have no one now…but I appreciate you guys so much," Clawdia said while wiping her eyes. Bowser and Larry looked at each other, not knowing how to respond to that since they weren't exactly keen on having Clawdia around a lot to 'help her heal,' but it also felt wrong to reject her. Morton, Ludwig, and Lemmy also overheard the conversation and although they felt for Clawdia too, also weren't sure what to say to all of that.

Mario and the gang began to walk outside the lobby towards the steps. Clawdia tried to stop her crying and wiped her eyes some more and moved out of the way so the group could come down.

"Hey, Clawdia, right? I heard about your family! I am sooooo sorry! That's so devastating…I can't imagine how much pain you're in!" Starlow said and gave her a sidehug along with Toadette.

"We'll get him for you. We promise!" Toadette added with a smile and teary eyes, feeling for her too.

"Oh…t-thank you both. That really means a lot! You're so kind!" Clawdia replied with a smile, feeling their warmth and generosity.

"Mario, you're not gonna believe what happened while you were gone. I know there's no time to thoroughly talk, so I'll give you a quick summarization of what occurred: Toadari's assistant, Paraklyde, came to the hospital and he sneakily murdered Dr. Nokano in order stir up more chaos and drama amongst the people. He then slips a note to one of the doctor's offices and tells them to ask me about Dr. Nokano's 'disappearance.' He said it like that because we got rid of the body before anyone else could discover it because we knew it'd rile everyone up. I know, that was a questionable choice on our end, but we had to think fast and that was the best thing we could think of to do at that time!" E. Gadd explained a little frantically. Mario and others near him nearly stopped in their tracks upon hearing that horrifying news.

"Wait…I'm sorry, WHAT!? He did…THAT shit!? WHY!? What the hell did Nokano do to deserve that!?" Wario shrieked in shock.

"Nothing at all! Paraklyde just wanted to start shit and he chose Nokano because his death would cause the most chaos and drama here! It's one of the most psychotically crafty things I've ever seen! Those nutcases knew exactly what they were doing, and they were intelligent about it. That might make them deadlier than Tatanga honestly…I mean, Tatanga has the manpower…but those people have the intelligence and technology," Petey exclaimed, pointing out a very possible fact.

"Yeah…that IS a good point…which means that maybe we shouldn't assume that raiding Mushroom Corporations would be a piece of cake with the Crystal Star Rod. They probably put a ton of barriers and procedural protections in place because they know we have the Crystal Star Rod now and they know we could do so much damage with that," Mona added in annoyance.

"Wait, I just thought of something. Why don't we just nuke the whole place from the outside? Like…just blow it up? I feel like that'd save so much time and energy," Spike questioned.

"Because if we nuke it, that means innocent people die in there…including Tadano, who I just now remembered was captured from the hospital and put in there by Toadari. So, we can't nuke it. We need to destroy it from the inside out. Plus, I can't risk destroying the arwings there too. Some of us can use the arwings to bomb the island from the air, while I, and whoever else wants to come with, destroy the place with the rod on foot. And then we have TEC detaching the X-Naut fortress and launching it at the island. All that right there…that secures our victory.

But we need to get Mushroom Corporations done first and get Tadano out of there. He might be sick in the head, but he's an innocent guy who needs to go back to the mental institution. Toadari and Paraklyde need to die…and whoever else gets in our way or tries to kill us…they will die too. Do not kill anyone else who doesn't pose a threat, guys. We don't kill aimlessly," Mario stated to the others and they all nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, right, that makes sense. Didn't even think about any potential innocent people in there…and Tadano. Okay, so, what's the plan then? Just storm in like an army with the Crystal Star Rod and find Toadari and Paraklyde, kill them and anyone else who tries to kill us, destroy some of their doomsday technological crap, free Tadano, take the arwings, and that's it? That pretty much sum it up?" Spike asked with a smirk.

"Basically. But I need Rosalina and Bleck to help out with their magic too. We can't just rely solely on the Crystal Star Rod because I'd rather play it safe than rely on just one item to get us through. So, essentially, we go in there, I threaten them with the Crystal Star Rod to tell me where Toadari and Paraklyde are, everyone stays close to me as we go find those two. We kill them, then destroy all the stuff that they'd use to dominate the world with, find Tadano, get the arwings, shut the place down entirely, and that's it. Done deal," Mario answered confidently, pumping up the others.

"Mario, before we go in there, we can use the Crystal Star Rod to create a barrier surrounding all of us so we'd be invincible from any potential attacks. Bleck and I can use our magic to intensify the magic of the rod, and do whatever else we need to do to ensure our success," Rosalina advised.

"That's brilliant. Let's do that as soon as we transport there. Alright guys, last call for whomever wants to join us. Because this is it! As soon as we're done with Mushroom Corporations, it's off to the island! We're not coming back to the hospital after the corporations!" Mario announced. The people who were going gathered close to Mario, and the ones that weren't pulled away towards the entryway of the hospital.

"Hey, Mario, I'm gonna kick back with the koopaling bros and root you on from the sidelines. But…uhh, I heard your rod has magical healing properties. Any chance it could heal my leg? Got crushed during the cafeteria disaster!" Kody asked, showing him his battered and bruised left leg.

"Wow! Ooh…yeah, hold on a second…" Mario said then pointed the rod at his leg. A blue ray shot from it to his leg, and the leg immediately healed and looked normal again. Kody gasped and felt his leg and had a big smile.

"WOAH! That felt weird! But it's all better now! Thanks, man! Best weapon ever!" Kody cheered.

"Alright, boys, you're ALL staying behind. I'm going and helping to finish this," Bowser declared to his sons.

"Wait a second…including Larry?" Lemmy questioned to which the koopa king nodded immediately.

"Yeah! Dad, hold on now, I can help still! I've got DK's strength copied in me still, I'd be of great use in the final battle! Come on!" Larry protested.

"Son, you almost got killed in that cafeteria! All of you did! I refuse to let any more near death experiences happen to any of you, so, Larry, you are staying and that is final!" Bowser stated.

"Dad…Larry is the toughest one out of any of us. Yeah, he has the magical advantage, but he'd be of so much use in the final battle. He's survived so far and has kicked some major ass all the way through! Let him join you, please," Morton advocated for his brother, making him smile brightly, feeling the love and support.

"Yes, dad, please let him come with you. If he can survive a tower full of uncertain doom and gloom, he can survive what's left now!" Ludwig added.

Larry continued to smile and looked to his dad now. "Well? You heard my bros! Dad…I see it in your eyes. You want me to come. Just say yes already!"

Bowser couldn't help but snicker and rolled his eyes playfully. "Ohhhh…yes. Fine. You can come. But you're staying close to me at all times!"

Larry grinned in excitement. "I can do that! Thanks dad! And brothers!"

The koopalings and their dad laughed a little and they all gave each other a hug.

"You two are gonna do great out there, and we know you'll come back in one piece! And we'll be here waiting to celebrate the victory!" Lemmy cheered.

"Yes, definitely! I love you guys…so much…" Junior said sentimentally and got teary-eyed.

"I love you too. All of you. Things in our family will change for the better after everything is done. That's a promise!" Bowser stated confidently with the kids nodding in hope.

"Toadette? Are you gonna go with them?" Toadsworth asked her, who had a determined expression.

"I…yeah, I want to. I'm going to! I know this last part's gonna be the toughest, but I wanna be there to see the end. Not just for me and my friends…but also for Toad. We started this adventure together, so I wanna make it to the end for the both of us!" Toadette proudly declared, bringing a sweet smile to the middle-aged toad and Toodles, who was also nearby.

"Blimey…look at yourself, Toadette. Grown up so much with such courage! Your parents and your brother would be beyond proud of you! I'm also proud. You're doing an incredibly honorable thing at such a young age," Toadsworth cheered for her spirit and gave her a hug, bringing a tear to her eye.

"He's right, kiddo. You've got major spunk. I see that fire in your eyes. Never let that fire go!" Toodles added warmly and sincerely.

"Thank you guys, that really means a lot," Toadette replied with a heartwarming smile then walked over to Junior. His face lit up upon seeing her.

"Oh, Toadette! So…looks like you're going then?" he nervously asked.

"Yep. I want to. And…looks like you're staying?" Toadette asked, overhearing a little of what Bowser said earlier.

"Y…yeah. Kind of don't want to, but…my dad wants me to stay. I get why he does. He can't lose another child otherwise that'll really break him," Junior confirmed in a disappointed manner.

"Yeah, I get it too. He's only doing that out of love, you know. And…um…hey. I know this was kind of a while ago, but…do you remember when we were in Rusty Bucket Bay and you asked me out on a date?" Toadette recalled with a small smile. Junior was a little taken aback by that random callback.

"Oh! Uhh…wow. Yeah! I remember! Gosh, that felt like so long ago, hehe. Why do you say that?" he asked.

"Well…once we beat Tatanga and everything is settled…wanna go out on that date?" Toadette asked with her smile growing further with a hint of nervousness. Junior's face lit up even more too.

"OH! Uhh, y-yes! YES! I would love to! Yeah, can't wait for that!" the koopa kid cheered. Toadette giggled at his joy.

"Awesome. Well…when I get back, we'll work out the plans then!" she happily spoke. As she was about to walk away, Junior grabbed her hand and kissed her, surprising her a little, but she embraced the romantic gesture.

Junior pulled away a little and giggled as well, looking into her eyes and everywhere else all at once. "Uhh, hehe, wow. Um…I, uhh, guess that was a kiss for good luck. Heh. I know you'll kick some ass out there!"

Toadette giggled again and blushed hard. "Thank you. See you soon, Junior!"

"Daaaaang, look at you, bro! You both got it bad for each other!" Kody heartily laughed, tapping the koopa kid on the shoulder.

"Hehe! Yeah…I really like her, man. She's so sweet and one of the best things that came out of this mess. You gonna follow her footsteps?" Junior asked.

"Uhh, what do you mean by that exactly?" Kody responded confusedly.

"I overheard her saying that she's joining this last mission to avenge her brother, Toad. You also lost your brother in this mess. Are you gonna go too?" Junior clarified.

Kody raised a brow but then looked deep in thought from that. "Huh. You know…I didn't even think about it like that. Damn. Hmm. I…I wasn't gonna go actually, but…yeah. Yeah! I will go! For my brother AND parents! This is all for them!"

"Cool! You got this, Kody! And hey, after we win, maybe we could also become…b….best friends? I, uhh, never had a best friend before," Junior shyly admitted. Kody grinned at him.

"Of course, bro! I would love that! You and your family have helped me through so much in this. I know it's been a total rollercoaster…but I do feel connected to you guys. Really!" he cheered. Junior grinned at him in excitement.

"SWEET!" he yelled for joy and hugged him. "Okay, bro, go get 'em! I know you'll also kick some major ass!"

"Damn straight! I'll be back in one piece!" Kody shouted happily then ran back to Mario's group.

"Monty, you're coming with us, right?" Rosalina asked the mole.

"Yes I am. I wanna see this to the very end! I'm freaked out as one can be inside, like, my bones are practically rattling, but I know this is what I need to do. BUT…uhh…I just realized something. All the people who can perform magic are coming with us, right? So…uhh…let's say this hospital is attacked again while we're out and about…who's gonna protect the place easily without some magic?" Monty frantically questioned, throwing out an idea no one had realized until he said it outloud.

"Oh! He's right. How's that gonna work then? I know everyone we're fighting is gonna be at Mushroom Corporations and at the island, but, shouldn't we take some kind of precaution in case something like what happened in the cafeteria ends up happening again while we're gone!?" Pauline added.

"Hmm. I have an idea. Mario, come to me with the rod…Grodus and Bleck, give me your hands," Rosalina ordered, grabbing a hold of Grodus' and Bleck's hands as Mario stood next to her. She then chanted, "Stars of all the light, hear my sole prayer, send with all your might, the blue barrier!"

A blue aura shone from the four as everyone else watched in amazement. The Crystal Star Rod then glowed incredibly brightly and then it shot a ray of blue light that hit the building, encompassing a bright blue barrier all around it and the gang as well. The barrier 'ended' at the parking lot.

"Ohhhh my goodness…that was…felt like a jolt came through me…a good jolt!" Grodus yelped, not used to this kind of feeling from the magics.

"WOAH! Beautiful! So, like, that'll protect the hospital from any attacks, right?" Goombella asked.

"Yes it will. Just look here…" Rosalina affirmed, then shot a ray of white light from her hand. It hit the barrier then it disappeared into nothingness.

"Sweet. So nothing can get this place then. That'll be easier to bear when we're away," Kooper said happily.

"Definitely. Alright…well? Is this everyone who's coming?" Rosalina asked to the group. Herself, Monty, Mario, Grodus, Lord Crump, Peach, Daisy, Luigi, Wario, Mona, Pauline, DK, Dixie, Yoshi, Boshi, Bowser, Larry, Toadette, Kody, Kooper, Parakarry, Goombella, Spike, Vivian, Petey, Fly Guy, Starlow, Bleck, Mimi, E. Gadd, and Fly Guy were all gathered around and looked ready to begin the finishing of all the horrors that plagued their world once and for all.

"Well, you know what they say…SPEAK NOW OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR PEACE! Yes, I know this isn't a wedding, but we are marrying the destruction of everything that gets in our path! AND IT FEELS GOOOOOOOD, MUCH LIKE ROMANTIC LOVE DOES!" Fly Guy cheered wildly, prompting some laughs and awkward expressions.

"Romantic love…doesn't really exist since it all fucking disappears eventually…" Parakarry quietly grumbled to himself, crossing his arms, his mind preoccupied on Jojora and going through scenarios of him taking her back.

"Alright everyone, here we go! TAKE US TO MUSHROOM CORPORATIONS!" Mario yelled, the Crystal Star Rod immediately glowing a bright light. The light got bigger and bigger and then it suddenly encompassed the entire group and everyone disappeared in a flash.

"Wow. This is really it, isn't it? Just think…hours from now and we'll finally be back to our normal lives," Toodles said in hope.

"Well, heh, as normal as things could possibly get after such a dreadful global catastrophe. This will go down in the books as the most chaotic and bloody 21st century event our precious world has ever witnessed," Toadsworth corrected.

"True. Very true. But…at least a few nice things came out of this chaotic and bloody event. Like…meeting new, nice people…and…making nice, deep connections with them," Toodles alluded with a smirk, eyeing Toadsworth subtly. Toadsworth looked over at her a little, slowly realizing what she was referring to. He couldn't help but smile and blush.

---

MUSHROOM CORPORATIONS

The group appeared in the lobby of the Mushroom Corporations in a bright flash, scaring the workers in there to near death. Shrieks and gasps were heard at the sudden appearance of the heroes, as the gang saw the workers either cower in fear, run, or grab a weapon.

"BARRIER AROUND US!" Mario roared, fearlessly observing the vicinity, not a sign of Paraklyde nor Toadari in sight. A blue barrier then formed around all around the group.

"Drop your weapons. They're no use against our barrier. We have the Crystal Star Rod. The last thing you wanna do is try us!" Rosalina commanded, putting further fear into the staff.

"INTRUDER ALERT! INTRUDER ALERT! THE LOBBY HAS BEEN BREACHED! ALL FORCES REPORT TO THE LOBBY!" yelled a robotic voice from the ceiling speakers along with a buzzing siren.

"Oh boy, here we go. This is gonna be interesting," DK whispered, ready for the inevitable chaos.

"Someone here, tell us where Toadari is! Anyone that gets in our way will be wiped out. Sorry to do it like this, but your company has been doing some pretty awful things, about as bad as Tatanga has!" Peach yelled.

"No, don't be sorry. They know what they're doing. Isn't that right, everyone? You all know exactly what's been developing with your little experiments and plans to slip right under our feet and do global domination much like Tatanga. Well, the jig is up. It's over. If you wanna survive, leave the building this instant because we're shutting this place down forever," Daisy boldly stated, the staff looking overwhelmed and clueless on what to even do right then and there.

"You called for me?" loudly asked Toadari who came into the lobby via the elevator. With him was Paraklyde and a group of armed toad guards.

"There you are. That was easy!" Mario spoke with a smirk as he and the group walked towards Toadari.

"Ohhhh my gosh…I'm so nervous…I-I know I shouldn't be, but…they're not gonna go down without a fight, are they!?" Monty whimpered and gulped at the sight of the intimidating presence of Toadari and his group.

"Definitely not. But don't worry too much, we overpower them easily. This is their death wish," Pauline reassured.

"Mario and co…and E. GADD! Ooh…well! Would you look at that!? You got the Crystal Star Rod! Congratulations are in order!" Toadari said with a clearly exaggerated smile. E. Gadd gave him a disgusted and vengeful look.

"Thanks. Now, Toadari and…I'm assuming that's Paraklyde that's next to you…send your staff out of here or else they'll be destroyed along with you. We don't want a mass grave on our hands…but if it has to come to that, then so be it," Mario instructed. Toadari just snickered in response.

"Wait a second…Paraklyde!? The same one from my laboratory!?" Grodus whispered in surprise, trying to get a good look at the paratroopa.

"Very well then. Well, everyone? You heard Mario! Time to…ACTIVATE!" Toadari suddenly yelled, throwing the group off.

Suddenly, within a total instant, the room went into complete darkness, and sounds of smoke filling the room were immediately heard along with sounds of running across the floor. The gang was startled by this and some of them shrieked, panic ensuing, not expecting this to happen. Yells from Mario's group were suddenly heard as sounds of struggle were heard. Everything happened so fast, Mario didn't know how to react so quickly.

"What the!? Uhh, Rosalina!? What do we-" Mario shrieked, but Rosalina came in the nick of time to swiftly fix this.

"ILLUMINAAAAAAAAATE!" Rosalina roared as she grabbed the rod, relighting the room in a split second.

The moment Mario saw the room light back up, Paraklyde was standing a mere few inches away from him…inside the barrier as purple smoke filled the room. He was startled by this other surprise.

Paraklyde smirked at him and said, "Nice to finally meet the hero." He then quickly raised his gun to shoot at Mario, but Mario immediately pushed him down to the ground with all his might. Paraklyde pulled the trigger twice as he landed on the ground. One bullet hit E. Gadd in the shoulder, and the other hit Petey in the head, knocking him down dead instantly.

"PETEEEEEEEEEEEEEY! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Fly Guy screamed, getting some of the piranha's blood on him.

"DISSIPAAAAAAAAAAAAAATE!" Rosalina roared again, evaporating all the purple smoke in the room now. While this happened, Mario punched Paraklyde in the face and he dropped the handgun, making it slide away a little and was about to use the rod on him, but Paraklyde got out another gun from his other pocket that looked radically different from any other kind of gun, and pulled the trigger on Mario. Mario was blown backwards into the elevator behind him, dropping the rod for just a second outside the barrier…but it was long enough for another soldier to come and swipe the Crystal Star Rod and run off with it.

"MARIOOOOOO!" Peach yelled, running into the elevator which was closing. She just made her way in as the doors closed all the way and the elevator began to go all the way up to floor 6. "OH MY GOD! ARE YOU OKAY!? WERE YOU SHOT!? I-I don't see any bulletholes!"

"No…I…I was blown backwards by that gun…I don't know what kind of gun that…ohhhhhh…NO! DAMNIT! The Crystal Star Rod! I must've dropped it when I got hit!" Mario yelled and then ran up to mash the floor 1 button, but the elevator kept slowly going to the 6th floor.

"Oh gosh…Mario…wh-what are we gonna do!? We have no way to protect us now! And what if those people grab the star rod!?" Peach shrieked in a sheer panic.

"I…I don't know…oh god…I DON'T KNOW! HOW THE HELL DID PARAKLYDE EVEN GET INTO THE BARRIER!?" Mario also yelled in a major panic, feeling his adrenaline pump a million miles a minute.

Back in the lobby, the room cleared up from the smoke…and all the staff was gone. Along with a few of their own.

"WHAT IN THE FUCK JUST HAPPENED!? That was all so quick!" Wario screeched, taken aback from how all that madness happened in what seemed like only 10 seconds.

"Hey…HEEEEY! WHERE'S LUIGI!? LUIGIIIIIIII! WHERE'D YOU GO!?" Daisy screamed, immediately noticing her lover had vanished.

"Pauline is gone too! And…STARLOW! FUCK!" Parakarry yelled.

"E. GAAAAADDD! Oh my god, he's losing a lot of blood! WHERE'S THE CRYSTAL STAR ROD!?" Goombella cried, coming down to the poor old scientist, who was barely moving and breathing as blood seeped out from his wound.

"Oh…the…M…Mario…where's…he…" E. Gadd muttered through his pain, gripping his shoulder wound tightly.

"W-WE DON'T KNOW! Peach is gone too! And I think those soldiers must've taken the star rod because I don't see it here anymore and our barrier is gone!" Yoshi shrieked.

"Oh god…a-and Petey's gone too…" Mona cried, gesturing towards Fly Guy who was kneeling and weeping over the poor piranha.

"Well well well!" yelled a voice coming from the intercom, making everyone jump. "Thank you all for joining our little game. We've got tricks up our sleeves that you can't even imagine, especially now that nabbed your little rod! Hehehe…and as I'm sure you've already noticed…we also captured a few of your friends too…Pauline…Luigi…and Starlow. If you want them, you're gonna have to find them. Are you ready for what we have in store for all of you? Probably not because you don't have your supposed 'most powerful weapon in the world' anymore! Good luck!"

EoC.

The 'Mushroom Corporations Raid' arc has officially begun! Next chapter, the search for the others and the Crystal Star Rod begins, resulting in tricks, traps, and bloodshed galore. Some of the gang also find Tadano and they discover the 'illness' that he has that may put a time limit on his life, along with others discovering the machine in the basement that can do dimensional warping…with one of the baddies using this to their advantage, and as always, much more! Next chapter will be uploaded on or before Sunday, July 30. Thanks for reading!