The King and the Fish

Bowser decided to take the entire week off and followed Peach back to the Mushroom Kingdom. After setting up Sushi's enclosure in the living room, Bowser retreated to his personal gym. Earlier, Peach had turned her basement into one as a gift. She wanted him to feel at home in her castle. And Bowser appreciated it. But today he is a little peeved. Apricot's pet had made him so mad he needed a distraction. Lifting several tons should calm him down. As Bowser lifts barbells twice his side, heavy metal music blasts from the loudspeakers. Soon Roy joins Bowser for an intense workout. (The koopalings left their territories to take a vacation at Peach's.)

Back in the Darklands, the two koopas were 'gym bros' so Bowser enjoys his company. But, Roy asks a question Bowser has been dreading.

"Apricot got a pet. Sushi huh?"

"Yeah…." Bowser mumbles.

"You don't seem happy."

Bowser's eyes narrow, "It is ugly."

Roy adjusts his shades, trying to hide his smirk. "Peach said 'beauty in the eye of the beholder.'"

"She knows she thinks that cheep-cheep is hideous! Don't give me that!"

Roy finally laughs and drops his barbell. Bowser rolls his eyes.

"And it had the nerve to drive my car!" Before he continues his complaint, the sound of Wendy screaming reaches their ears.

Roy scratches his head, "I can hear her over the loudspeakers…"

Bowser drops everything and dashes off to investigate. He nearly runs over toad guards, also rushing to see what the commotion is.

"Out of my way, shorties! Wendy, what's wrong!?"

He finds Larry clinging to Wendy in a corner in the hall. Sushi was staring at them, emitting strange noises.

"Protect me sis!"

"Get off me!"

Bowser leaps in between Sushi and the two koopalings. "Leave my baby girl alone!" he shouts.

Larry side eyes Bowser; Wendy flushes, "I'm not a little girl anymore..."

"At least he acknowledged you are here…"

Attracted to the commotion, Lemmy and Iggy enter and gather around Sushi. Unlike their siblings, they are not repulsed by the pet.

"This is Sushi? He looks so cool!" Lemmy beams.

Iggy nods and adjusts his glasses as he studies Sushi. "Interesting…"

Roy marches in and shakes his head at Wendy; she sticks her tongue out at him.

"Not everyone hates the fish I see…." Roy teases.

Bowser shrugs with pretend indifference. The light patter of feet suddenly catches his attention. His snout flickers, familiar with the scent. "Don't worry Wendy, Sushi's owner is on her way to save you."

Apricot runs in and picks up her pet. Sushi smiles and nuzzles against her.

"Sushi! Leave Wendy and Larry alone."

The fish gurgles. Larry side-eyes Bowser again. "At least someone remembers me."

"Larry! If you don't….!"

Iggy grabs a magnifying glass to study Sushi, but Apricot runs behind Bowser to hide her pet. "No touch!"

Iggy puts his claws up. "I'm not doing anything!"

Lemmy peeps around Bowser's leg at Apricot and Sushi. He pulls a large ring out of nowhere and motions at Sushi. The fish begins jumping through the hoop as Apricot laughs and claps.

After observing the circus show, Wendy yanks at her bow. "Apricot! You can't be serious! It jumped onto my head out of nowhere! Please send it back!"

Apricot pouts and hugs Sushi. Lemmy joins in on the hug, his eyes watering. Wendy groans in defeat.

Bowser laughs, "Now you know how I felt when you were being difficult, princess."

Wendy stomps her feet in response. As the group argues, Peach peeps around the corner. She encourages Apricot to bring Sushi back to his aquarium in the living room. Still hugging the fish, the toddler leaves with the others following. Bowser lags behind his family, observing their animated chatter. Though he is irritated with Sushi, this simple moment is pleasing to him. The whole family, minus in-laws, are home together.

In the living room. Ludwig reads while lounging in Peach's plush chair. Nearby, Morton and Junior argue over a game of checkers.

"You lost on purpose Morton! I saw that move!" Junior yells.

Morton looks away sheepishly. "No, I didn't!"

Junior waves his fist in the air. "I'm not a kid! You don't always have to do that!"

"But you would have cried!"

"I'm not a baby!"

Ludwig sinks into the chair, his eyes never leaving the book's pages. "Gentlemen. I'm on chapter 534. Will you two please, use inside voices."

They look up once they notice the rest of the family.

"Mama!" Junior beams and rushes to embrace her.

Iggy takes Sushi from Apricot and dumps him into the aquarium. Next to the tank is a calendar with days marked out.

Peach double checks the condition of the tank before turning to the group. "Mr. Sushi is part of the family. He's odd…but he is sweet too. He even cooked a meal for Apricot."

Ludwig slams his book shut, "Please tell me you taste tested it, Peach!"

Peach smiles, "It was delicious."

"Can't be better than my chefs' cooking!" Bowser challenges.

Sushi jumps out his tank to spray Bowser in the face. In vain he tries to shield his face. "I just wash my mane!"

Once Sushi stops, Bowser glares at him. But Sushi returns to happily swimming in his tank. Laughing gently, Peach dries Bowser's mane with a towel. His eyes shine when they meet hers. Now is not the time to fight. So, Bowser focuses on Apricot.

"Apricot, today is not marked on the calendar. You didn't feed Sushi his breakfast."

Apricot's eyes widen and she grabs a stool to drop fish food in Sushi's enclosure.

"Don't overdo it."

Junior watches Sushi gobble up the fish flakes. "Why bother feeding him when he can cook on his own?" he asks.

Bowser crosses the date on the calendar, "Apricot needs to learn how to take care of someone…. the right way."

Apricot watches Sushi and turns to smile at Bowser. "I'm responsible!"

He smiles back with a gentle laugh. "Yes, you are."

When the sun sets over Mushroom Kingdom and the koopa clan retire to their bedrooms. In the royal chamber, Bowser slips on his robe. He turns to face Peach who is already in bed, brushing her hair. Bowser approaches, admiring the way her hair falls over her shoulders. He has her all to himself now.

Noticing his held gaze, she smiles, "Bowser, thank you."

"For what?"

Her eyes downcast as she continues to brush. "Well you and Sushi aren't…close."

Bowser's shoulders slump; the romantic moment is ruined.

"But Apricot loves him. Thanks for putting aside your pride."

Bowser huffs, "It's nothing. Sushi makes Apricot happy. I'm man enough to put up with him."

Peach looks back up and clasps her fingers together. "To be honest, I'm amazed with all that he can do! It's kind of cute…."

"Enough about him…." Bowser pleads softly, his eyes now half-lidded. He pushes the bed's pink veil back to join Peach. He rests his head in Peach's lap, wraps his arms around her, and then closes his eyes. He had her completely entrapped. Bowser smiled: there was no way she would think about Sushi now.

But Peach decides to tease him. "Big baby."

"I am not a baby," he whines.

"You're demanding my affections."

"But this is our alone time, Peaches! You can't talk about that fish!"

"What about Yoshi?"

"Peach! Please! With strawberries on top!"

Peach giggles, "Alright! Since you begged nicely…."

She begins to brush his mane. His heart flutters from her gentle and loving strokes. As she slowly brushes back and forth, Bowser inhales Peach's sweet scent and sighs.

"You need a haircut soon," Peach scolds, lifting a strand of long red hair.

"No, I don't…"

Unknown to Bowser, a mischievous glint shines in Peach's eyes. She sneakily reaches behind her pillow, pulling out some hair bows. She had been saving them for a prank. Snickering uncontrollably, she carefully ties them into his mane. Eyes still closed, Bowser reaches into his mane.

"Peach that is not funny," he mumbles. But his smile betrays how he really feels. She giggles again and continues her work. Bowser sighs again, satisfied with her attention.

Meanwhile, Morton needed to eat. He ate dinner but his stomach was growling. It compelled him to sneak downstairs.

Successful in not waking anyone up, Morton slowly opens the fridge. As he does, he spots the shadow of a dagger raised in the air. Morton screams as it plunges down. He closes his eyes waiting for death. When nothing happens, he opens his eyes and spots Sushi. Sushi slowly chops vegetables on the island counter, staring at him, and his face is partially obscured by the darkness. His bulging eyes seem to bore into Morton's soul. The koopaling fears for his life and runs out of the kitchen screaming.

Junior and the koopalings wake up and run for the stairway. Junior pauses at Apricot's room to check on her. To his relief, she is sound asleep. He enters to kiss her forehead. Though asleep Apricot wipes her forehead. Grinning, Junior leaves to catch up with the others. Once they reach the lower level, Morton careens into them.

"Morton!"

"That hurt!"

Roy picks him up into the air like he is holding a doll. "What is going on!?"

Sweat pours down Morton's face as he recounts his harrowing tale. "I-It's Sushi! He tried to kill me!"

Peach's bodyguard, Yoshi, comes out of nowhere racing for the kitchen to ascertain the threat. "Yoshi!"

Ludwig and the others pursue the green dinosaur. "Wait! Let's not be hasty, Yoshi! I'm sure it is a misunderstanding."

They go in and see Sushi is preparing soup. He gurgles angrily at them for interrupting his meal preparations. Yoshi pulls up a chair to be served a late night meal. Ludwig runs his claws through his blue mane and glares at Morton. "He was just cooking, Morton."

"But he gave me the murder stare!"

As the koopalings argue, Bowser and Peach rush into the kitchen. Furious, Bowser points a claw at Morton. "Look this better be important Big Mouth! What happened?"

But Morton and everyone else is now distracted with the bows in Bowser's hair. The kids desperately try to stifle their laughs but Sushi chortles with glee. Bowser's cheeks turn red and glares at him. "Sushi…."

Deciding not to ask what transpired, Ludwig clears his throat and trudges back to his bed. The other koopalings follow.

"Well at least we know Morton is safe. Goodnight."

Morton cries out after them. "But it is the truth! Sushi is a killer! He is going to murder me!"

The next morning, Morton wakes up to sunlight in his eyes. Eyes still shut he runs to close his blinds. Satisfied with a dark room, he fixes his bed. He then walks towards the door. But it won't open. His shut eyes open with alarm. "Help! I'm locked in!"

Using his strength Morton breaks the lock. He spots a fin down the hall turning a corner. He cautiously pursues. He finds Sushi in Apricot's room, on her bed.

"Get away from her!"

Sushi lifts an eyebrow and nudges Apricot awake. Her arms wave in frustration.

"No Papa!" She cries out. But once she realizes who it is, she embraces Sushi.

"Thank you, Sushi!"

Bowser lumbers in at that moment. "Potato, it is time to get up ... .Oh…"

He frowns as Sushi locates Apricot's clothes. Morton is helping Apricot out of the bed but he is staring at Sushi.

"King Dad! He tried to kill me again!"

"Morton, give it a rest."

In the afternoon, Junior finishes a portrait of Apricot. Pleased with his work, he leaves to find Apricot. He finds she is gardening with Peach in the royal gardens. Both are wearing sun hats and dresses. The bright sun and blue skies give a picturesque feel of the area.

"Apricot! Look!"

She runs over and squeals over the picture. Junior beams with pride. "This is for you!"

Peach wipes dirt off her skirt. "It is lovely! We need to find a place for it."

Junior takes the portrait back from his sister. "Do you need any help, sis? I can carry the bags of soil!"

Apricot shakes her head. "Sushi is handling that!"

"Sushi?"

Junior notices Sushi carrying the bags and dropping them near Peach. Apricot turns to Junior.

"Isn't he strong, big bro?"

"Ummm…. Yeah…"

Sushi's arrival has brought a lot of activity to the castle. For Bowser, this is not in a good way. Sushi ate Larry's steaks and Bowser had to break up the fight. Sushi also has a tendency to jump on Ludwig's head when he practices his music.

Roy has a new workout buddy in the gym. Bowser doesn't like his presence because that was his time to have heart-to-heart talks with Roy. And Sushi tends to change the radio station….

Wendy takes Sushi and Apricot shopping. He even helps her with dress making. And Lemmy and Iggy perform circus acts with Sushi for the toad guards.

But Morton remains terrified of Sushi. He stalks Morton when he gets up at night to raid the fridge. Bowser figures Sushi fears Morton will eat them out of house and home. But Morton is certain the fish will kill him one day. He makes his complaints known to Bowser and Junior one day, while the two are relaxing in the living room.

"Junior, draw a picture of Sushi. To give to the cops when I'm dead. You're gonna see me in the pool, face down with a dagger in my back!" Morton cries out.

"If you die to that fish, you will shame me for all time." Bowser deadpans.

"But King Dad, you are the leader of the koopa clan! It is your responsibility to protect us from threats we can't handle!"

Bowser sighs and pats his shell. "Morton, it's okay. Sushi probably thinks you are going to eat all the food. Stop sneaking around and Sushi may stop."

Junior pulls out his notebook. "Yeah. Also, there is no way I'm drawing Sushi…"

They pause their conversation at the sound of bizarre gurgling. Apricot enters with Sushi and her bag of art supplies. The two sit on the rug to draw pictures.

Junior snaps his pencil in half, "Apricot! I was going to draw with you!"

She motions for Junior to join them. But Junior folds his arms, pouting.

"You shouldn't be jealous, Junior." Bowser chides.

Junior looks up at Bowser with a blank expression. Bowser avoids his stare.

"Look I gotta go. I have to do a job in the kitchen." Bowser says and sneaks out.

Peach had asked Bowser to repair one of her cabinets.

While he replaces the door, she is finishing up her cakes. Bowser knows Peach could have done it, but she wanted to give him something to do.

After screwing in the door, Bowser stands back from his work and smiles at Peach. "How's that?"

Peach examines the cabinet. "It's wonderful. Thank you. But I wish you didn't have to go back tomorrow…Our kingdoms are not merged…so…"

"Yeah….Duty calls…" Bowser traces her cheek with his claw. "I won't be long…"

Peach wraps her hand around his claw, love pouring out of her eyes. Bowser leans down towards her lips.

Sushi comes out of nowhere jumping on Bowser's head. He stops at the fridge to grab a juice for Apricot.

He ruined a romantic moment again.

Bowser roars in fury! He chases Sushi around the kitchen as Peach grabs his arm. But she is forced to hold on, unable to stop him. The noise attracts Lemmy into the room. Sushi finally hides behind Lemmy to save himself. Bowser stops before he reaches Lemmy.

"Mr. Sushi, apologize to Bowser." Peach scolds.

He gurgles.

Peach reaches for Bowser. "Bowser, he is sorry."

Bowser stomps his foot, now in the throes of a tantrum. "NO! This is the last straw, Mr. Sushi!"

Sushi jumps on the counter near Peach's cake as Peach tries to calm Bowser down. "Bowser! What are you implying?"

Bowser points a claw at Sushi. "Sushi is going to get what is coming to him! His goose is cooked! Mark my words, woman!"

Bowser then storms out of the kitchen. Peach sighs and cuts a slice of cake for Lemmy. Thanking her, Lemmy leaves with his slice. She turns to Sushi while cutting more slices.

"What am I to do…"

The sun sets and Bowser finds Apricot to have her go to sleep. Junior is already in her room. As he tucks Apricot in, Peach enters, looking uneasy. Bowser looks away, unsure how to act. Peach gives Apricot a kiss and he opts to look under the bed.

"No monsters today," he tells his daughter.

"No bat?"

"No bat."

Junior opens the closet doors wide to show her it is safe. They all knew there were no monsters but this was done to put Apricot at ease. Suddenly, Apricots requests for Sushi. Peach leaves and brings him in, Bowser turns to ignore the fish. But Apricot embraces her pet. Hugging him, she snuggles under her blankets.

Peach smiles, "He'll protect you won't he?"

Sushi nods in Peach's direction. Junior's lip pokes out and he leaves after saying goodnight. But Bowser melts at the sight. His child feels safe with Sushi. He hates the fish but he makes her happy.

Peach kisses Apricot and Mr. Sushi goodnight. Bowser follows her as she walks out. Neither say a word on the way to their bedchamber. Before they enter, Bowser reaches for her.

"Bowser, I'm sorry."

Bowser pauses.

"Sushi is getting better. He really is good…"

He stands before Peach and gets on one knee. He uses his snout to tickle her chin. She giggles and attempts to push him away.

"I'm sorry. I just said all that in the heat of anger, my little dumpling. I didn't mean it.…"

"Bowser stop, it tickles!" Peach giggles.

"Why? It can't be that bad…" He purrs against her neck. Now laughing Peach wraps her arms around him.

"Anyone seen Morton?" Wendy asks her brothers as they walk upstairs.

Iggy shrugs, "Probably hiding under his bed with a baseball bat."

Unknown to them, Sushi leaves Apricot once he knows she is asleep. He carefully tucks her in. He then slowly bounces to the kitchen to prepare tomorrow's meals. Sushi notices the light to the kitchen is on and he runs to see if Morton is raiding the fridge. But he doesn't realize Junior is behind him, staring from behind a corner…

Next day, Bowser gets up early and admires the sleeping Peach. She loudly snorts and Bowser conceals a laugh. Propping his head on one hand he begins to whisper.

"Peach. Hey Peach! Peaches!"

She simply changes her sleeping position. Bowser smiles wickedly. "This is one of the rare moments I wake up before you…. Well since you are asleep you can't get mad at me for saying this. I'm the one that ate your pudding cup a month ago. You'll never know! Bwa ha ha!"

He then buries his snout in her hair. "I love you, Peach…. I love you, my little dove. And I'm going to charm you into having another child with me…If you want one that is…"

Peach snorts and Bowser holds in another laugh. He slowly wraps his arms around her, "I'm going to miss you. Even though I'll be gone for a day… Please come visit me."

Bowser stares over Peach at the sunlight seeping into the room. He rubs his cheek in her hair, enjoying the warm glow around them. His eyes then lower towards Peach again, "You know what…. before I go I'll surprise you with breakfast in bed." Bowser slowly gets up, careful not to disturb her. He then carefully tip toes downstairs.

He sees the door open to the living room and gets squirted in the face. "I hate you too!"

Sushi floats in his tank, his eyes drooping.

Bowser laughs at him. "That's why you don't stay up late!"

Sushi sticks his tongue out at him. Bowser looks at the calendar and frowns. Apricot forgot to feed him. He snatches the container of food and sprinkles in the flakes. "You need to eat fish food! This is the last time I will feed you!"

Bowser notices small crumbs around the tank and several bottles of koopa cola. Some of them are half-drunken. "Now who made this mess!?"

Bowser picks up a bottle. Koopa cola is a powerful beverage. Most non koopas cannot consume the drink. Bowser's own doctors tell him not to drink a lot of them due to the sugar rush they give him.

"Don't drink Bowser. Don't drink one."

He looks around. "Maybe just one. My nerves could use it."

Bowser enters the kitchen and spots the mostly eaten cake. While scrambling some eggs and heating up muffins, Bowser chugs down the cola.

Suddenly, he is hit with a sugar rush. He prepares breakfast while rapidly speaking and moving. "And I'll put a smiley face on her eggs! Peach likes happiness! She loves the color pink and all sorts of cute stuff. And I'll sprinkle some frosting on the muffin. She'll love that too!" Bowser belts out a note, " Peaches! Peaches! She'll love it! Why am I talking so much!?"

Grabbing a tray, Bowser loads up the breakfast and runs. He bypasses the living room, singing. But he comes to a stop and looks in.

Sushi was belly up….

Bowser gaps in horror. He then races in to look. There are 'x's on Sushi's eyes and fish food floating out his mouth.

Bowser's mind races. Did he over feed him!? What is he to do!? Can Peach revive him? No, she can't resurrect the dead. As Bowser stares at Sushi, only one thought races through his mine.

Apricot cannot know of this.

She'll cry! Bowser can't bear to see her cry! He decides to replace Sushi before anyone wakes up, with another ugly fish. But he needs to be fast enough. If only he had the ability to teleport! He's been learning but it is not to the level he wants. Bowser desperately looks at the koopa colas. Totally stressed out, he downs three of them. High on the sugar he rushes down the halls to the warp pipe to the Darklands. He speeds past his guards like a bullet bill. He then speeds off to Soot City in his muscle car.

But realizes the pet shop is closed.

"I'mtooearly!Igottagetthemanager!"

He races off to the manager's home, on foot, and throws him in a sack while the poor man's mother screams. Bowser stops in front of the shop and begs the manager to open the shop. It takes a while for the manager to understand what he is saying.

Sleepy eyed, the manager adjusts his pjs. "My key is back home, Your Early Birdness!"

Bowser takes the man back for the key. Once they are inside, Bowser picks out an ugly green fish.

"It's a girl," the manager deadpans.

"It'llhavetodo!"

Bowser buries the man in a mountain of cash and races off. He reenters the pipe and runs for the living room. Bowser then realizes he has been tearing up the floor with his speed and weight. He groans knowing Peach is going to pass out. But he tells himself he can fix everything.

He opens the door to enter but the ugly fish jumps out his hands and leaps out a window. Bowser tries to chase but hears Iggy and Lemmy in the hall.

"OhNOOOO!"

He runs to the tank and grabs Sushi to conceal him. But Bowser suddenly blacks out.

Once he comes too, Lemmy and Iggy are standing over him. Lemmy is crying. Bowser looks at them, dazed and confused. "What are you looking at eggheads!?"

"Say it ain't so King Dad!" Lemmy wails.

"EH!?" He looks to the side and sees Sushi in his grasp. His claws wrapped around his throat. Bowser's eyes bug out and he looks back at his nephews. "It's not what it looks like!"

"Interesting…," Iggy snickers and rubs his claws together. "Looks like a murder has taken place."