Whodunit!

Outside Peach's Castle, Junior is running laps around the premises. He finally comes to a stop and places his claws on his knees. Sweat pours down his face as he catches his breath.

"I'm good. I'm good…."

Suddenly, he hears a commotion in the castle. Junior holds his breath.

Oh no!

Peach rises from her bed and stretches her arms. "Good morning, Love."

She reaches towards the other side of the bed and realizes Bowser is not there. Her lips pursed and her eyebrows furrow. "Now where could he be?"

Peach could almost hear Bowser obnoxiously shouting 'hypocrite.' She has a tendency of waking up before him and leaving to make breakfast. But with Bowser's need to cuddle before going to work, her habit drives him nuts. Now Peach, to her chagrin, understands why he feels that way.

Disappointed, Peach gets ready for her morning routine. Before heading to her shower, Peach opens her closet to secure clothing. She taps her finger against her chin as she debates whether to use her favorite pink dress or her other favorite pink dress. While she contemplates, one of her clothing racks move. Peach jumps, then smiles.

Is he playing hide and seek?

Peach takes a hanger and pokes into the rack.

"OW!"

"Morton!?"

Peach leaps back as Morton falls out of the rack, wrapped up in a green blanket. He looks up at her with a crooked grin. "Hey Peach!"

She bends to help him up. "Morton, what are you doing here!?"

"I spent the night," he confesses.

Peach feels heat flood her face. "What!? Morton! Why didn't we …."

"I sneaked in before you entered the room."

"But how did Bowser not smell you!?"

"I used your white peach perfume to hide my scent!" Morton brags and shows her the bottle. Peach walks over to the window, covering her eyes in embarrassment. Morton rubs the back of his neck.

"King Dad talks super mushy when no one is looking huh?"

Peach drops her hands from her face, revealing her face to be completely red. "Morton, you can't just hide in people's closets! You have one second to explain yourself, mister!"

Morton rubs his shoulders, his eyes darting rapidly around the room. "I was scared! I was sure Sushi was going to kill me!"

Peach feels her embarrassment flush away. "Morton…. I thought you were joking. You really are scared…Come here." Peach brings him in for a hug and Morton wraps his large arms around her, lifting her feet off the ground. "But Sushi wouldn't do that, Dear."

Morton shuts his eyes and beg, "Promise me! Don't tell King Dad, Mama Peach!"

The koopalings often don't refer to her as Mama. For him to use it means he is feeling vulnerable.

"He would be ashamed if he knew I hid, instead of confronting my problem."

"Morton, you should be more concerned with him not getting angry about your little sleepover. But my lips are sealed."

The koopaling breathes a sigh of relief. "Thanks Peach! I love you!"

Peach giggles, "I love you too."

At that moment, Bowser runs into the bedchamber, diving for the closet. "Peach! Close the door!"

Peach and Morton look at him in confusion. Iggy stops at the room entrance and points. "There he is!"

The toad guards rush from behind Iggy, brandishing spears. "King Koopa! You are wanted for the murder of Princess Apricot's pet!"

"You'll never take me alive!"

Peach's jaw drops as Bowser runs out the closet, barreling the toads over. The other koopalings intercept Bowser in the hallway.

"King Dad, just apologize!" Wendy begs as she and her brothers attempt to box him in.

Despite his size, Bowser outmaneuvers them with a spin of his shell. "Think you can try that on me!? I've trained all of you!"

Utilizing several flutter kicks, Yoshi cuts Bowser's escape off to another room. With a growl he leaps down the stairway. But Bowser lands right on a huge trampoline, planted by Lemmy, and goes sailing right into a net.

"Your idea worked, Iggy!" Lemmy cheers.

"Work smarter. Nor harder." Iggy declares as the duo slide down the railings.

At that moment, Junior enters the castle. "What's going on!? Papa, are you okay!?"

Bowser begins melting the net with his fire breath as the toads and koopalings surround him.

Lemmy is the first to speak. "King Dad! How could you!?"

"I didn't do it!"

Ludwig folds his arms. "Then why did you run!?"

"What do we do with him?" One of the guards asked his coworkers.

"We can't just ignore an offense like this!"

"Bowser is an ally of our kingdom," Peach announces as she walks down the stairs. "He is not to be treated this way."

The guards back off. Bowser smiles smugly but Peach frowns at him.

"But he is going to explain himself."

"Oh…."

Bowser looks around, desperate. "Peaches! You gotta believe me! I didn't kill Sushi! I've been framed!"

Peach's face pales. "Sushi is dead….?" She runs for the living room with Yoshi following. Bowser frees himself and groans when he hears Peach gasp over the state of her floors.

Bowser begins to defend himself with the koopalings. "I tell the truth! Sushi was…"

He pauses at the sound of a small voice behind him. Bowser turns in dread. Apricot is running to feed Sushi. Bowser reaches out towards her in vain.

"Apricot! NOOOOOOOOOO!"

Junior quickly dashes and intercepts her with an embrace; Apricot squeals and hugs him back. Bowser grabs his chest in relief.

"Big Bro!" She beams.

"Come on Sis. Let's go eat and then play outside!"

Apricot looks towards the room. "But what about Sushi?"

"We'll take care of him," Bowser stammers. "And I'll talk to you later. Remember, Papa loves you."

Apricot leans against Junior's shoulder, her eyes bright. "I love you too!"

After Junior leaves with Apricot, everyone side-eyes Bowser.

"None of you say a word of this to her!" Bowser demands.

Sighing, Ludwig requests that the guards let the family handle this situation. "And Princess Apricot is not to be informed ….. at the moment."

The toads nod and return to their posts. The koopalings then escort Bowser into the living room. Insided, Peach tries to heal Sushi while Yoshi holds him.

Her hands stop glowing and she hangs her head in defeat. "It's not working. He's dead."

"Yoshi, Yoshi…"

Peach turns to Bowser, her eyes now watering. "Love, how did this happen?"

Bowser feels a pang of immense guilt. But he is certain he didn't murder Sushi. "Everyone thinks I did it! But I didn't!"

Iggy adjusts his glasses. "Which brings us back to the old question of why you ran."

"I was caught holding Sushi!"

Peach rubs his arm. "Bowser. This isn't about accusing. We know you wouldn't hurt Apricot."

Bowser's eyes downturn.

"But we need to know what happened so we can tell her."

Eyes wide with panic, Bowser gets on his knees before Peach. "No! Apricot called me her bestest! I can't let her down! So I was replacing Sushi with another fish and…"

Iggy walks up to Bowser inquiring, "Replacing? How long were you aware of Sushi's passing? And where's the other fish?"

Wendy folds her arms. "King Dad would not hurt Apricot in that way. At least not intentionally."

"Yes, we just need to know what happened." Peach adds in.

Bowser grunts and points a claw at them. "You all still think I put Sushi on ice."

"The only way we will know is with an investigation…." Ludwig states.

Iggy and Larry start looking around the room gathering evidence. Bowser's eyes follow them frantically; he begins to stomp his foot. "Alright. Put me on trial! My good name has been tarnished!"

The koopalings collectively cough.

Bowser puffs his chest out. "I said my good name has been tarnished! And when I prove my innocence, all of you must write a letter of apology and do whatever I want! And those pansy toads must spin on their heads for 24 hours while they sing, 'Bowser is awesome!'"

"And if you're guilty?" Ludwig asks flatly.

Bowser rubs his chin and then hangs his head. "Then I'll bake a cake and Peach can use me as a pillow, when she watches her musicals."

"That's not a punishment!"

"I hate musicals…" Bowser lies.

Ludwig marches up to Bowser. "No, you will apologize to Apricot. Even if it kills you. You will face her like a true koopa."

Bowser matches Ludwig's challenge with a determined glare on his face. "I accept the terms!"

It is unanimously decided Ludwig would oversee the trial as judge. Larry's to act as the prosecutor. And Peach and the other koopalings (minus Iggy) sit on the sofa, to act as the jury. Nearby is a large cardboard prison Morton hastily put together.

When everyone's seated, Bowser is brought in, escorted by Yoshi to the cardboard prison.

"I'm innocent and I will clear my name! I'm a good and honest family man!" He shouts at the jury. "Oh and I love you, Babe!"

Peach blows a kiss at him. "I love you too, Teddy Bear!"

Ludwig bangs his gavel on his desk. "No sweeting talking members of the jury!"

"It won't happen again, Your Honor!" Iggy declares and sits next to Bowser, wearing a massive tie, red nose, and clown wig. "My client has nothing to hide."

Bowser's jaw drops. "You were the main one saying I was guilty! You have some nerve being my defense attorney!"

Iggy adjusts his glasses, his eyes now hidden behind a shine. "Trying to clear your name is more amusing!"

"You are a menace!"

Ludwig bangs his gavel and calls the trial to start. Larry marches to the front and faces the jury. "Members of the jury. Next to you is a hardened murderer. I intend to prove he harbored animosity towards Mr. Sushi. And that it drove him to commit the gravest of crimes. Between the late night and early morning, Bowser killed Mr. Sushi! I now call Lemmy to the stand."

"But Lemmy is a member of the jury!" Bowser complains.

Lemmy sits down and looks at Larry. "Answer this for me, Mr. Lemmy: Did Bowser ever get along with Sushi?"

"No."

"Did he hate Mr. Sushi?"

Lemmy looks worriedly at Bowser. Bowser glares at him and Larry turns to the judge. "Your Honor, the suspect is attempting to intimidate the witness!"

Ludwig throws a pillow at Bowser's prison. Larry turns back to Lemmy. Lemmy starts to cry.

"Yes!"

"And what did you last hear before the night was over?"

"King Dad told Mr. Sushi that his 'goose is cooked'! Peach heard the words too!"

Larry turns towards Peach. "You also hear the words, Ma…. I mean Peach?"

"Yes…" Peach admits.

Bowser rocks his prison back and front. "I thought you loved me, Peach and Lemmy!" he bewails.

Lemmy covers his face, "But I do King Dad!"

Larry folds his arms. "And there you have it, the motive."

Iggy slams his fist on the coffee table. He then yells, "My client should be allowed to tell his side of the story!" He runs to the front and points at Bowser.

"I call Bowser to the stand!"

Bowser stares at him from the box with an annoyed look. Iggy runs over to him instead. "What were you doing last night and this morning?"

"I slept and woke up. And I wanted to make breakfast for Peach. Sushi had left Apricot's room and was in his tank. So I fed him! But when I got back he was belly up!"

Iggy nods and adjusts his tie. "That explains the spilled plate of eggs and muffins. But why was the floor a mess?"

"I got stressed out, okay? I ran to replace Sushi. If I could find the fish I bought I'll prove…"

"You were running faster than normal."

Bowser shrugs and answers Iggy. "Well, I had a few bottles of cola…"

Iggy pulls out several bottles of koopa cola, all in zip lock bags. Morton's eyes widened. "My cola supply!"

Bowser eyeballs Morton. "That was you that left that mess in the living room!?"

Iggy shows the bottles to the jury. "Yep, these belong to Morton. If you flip the bottle you will see his name written on them. Several eyewitnesses saw Bowser running through the Darklands at unnatural speeds. And all of you just heard him confess to drinking them!"

"Oh…Okay so I had a few…."

Peach glares at Bowser. "The doctors ordered you to stay away from them."

"Yes," Iggy agrees. "Because of the high rush they give him. Like Junior, Bowser cannot have too much sugar. And koopa cola is known for its high sugar content."

Bowser defends, "I've been sober for years! A-And the colas were just there and I …"

Iggy shakes his head and points a claw at Bowser. "You gave in on the moment of Sushi's murder. I'll tell you what you did. You drank too much and went into a sugar filled rage."

Lemmy starts bawling and runs into Peach's arms. Roy discreetly wipes his eyes.

Iggy shakes his head. "You then realized your mistake and ran to correct it. But you crashed from the sugar before you could finish the switch."

Larry shrugs and takes a seat. "King Dad's defense attorney did all the work."

Bowser rams his prison against Iggy. "Hey, four eyes! You are supposed to be defending me! Not helping the prosecutor!"

"It is clear you committed the deed."

A broad grin paints Iggy's face.

Bowser rocks his prison with a roar, "Iggy!"

"But I can get you cleared of responsibility! Because you were under the influence of cola!"

"...Doesn't that make it worse…"

Iggy wags a claw at him. "But who left the cola out? Everyone knows to keep them out of your sight! It is Darklandian law! Even Peach has us hide them in the cabinets when we visit."

Catching on, Bowser points a claw at Morton. "Yeah! It's Morton's fault! He had them out! He set me up!"

The jury gasps and looks at Morton.

"King Dad! How could you!?" Morton cries out. Morton is brought to the witness stand. He shrinks in his chair as Iggy chuckles at him.

"It makes sense. You feared Sushi and believed he was going to kill you. Animosity grew in your heart as you were denied late night snacking. So, you set it up to insure Bowser drank the koopa cola and went on the rampage."

Larry shakes his head. "Your Honor! They're just throwing theories around!"

Ludwig folds his arms and lifts an eyebrow. "Yeah. Besides, I don't think Morton could plan that…"

Offended Morton yells, "Yes I could! I'm a master planner!"

Everyone looks at Morton and he starts sweating. "B-But I left my colas in the kitchen cabinet."

Iggy pulls his fake red nose off to squeeze it. "The room was clear when our siblings and I were going to bed. But you were missing at that moment!"

Morton cries out, "Someone else placed them in the living room then! How could I put them there if I wasn't there!?"

"Then where were you, Morton?" Iggy challenges.

Morton freezes up and looks at Peach. She squirms in her chair, trying not to make eye contact with him.

Iggy folds his arms. "Both Bowser and Morton are responsible for this crime. But Morton bears the most responsibility. They will both have to apologize to Apricot."

"I didn't do it!" Morton shouts.

"Then where were you!?"

"I….I…."

Peach stands up. "Morton, don't take the fall!" she begs. She then covers her mouth.

Iggy runs over to the jury stand and sits next to Peach. "Is there something you need to say, Peach?"

Peach frowns as she tries to keep her composure. Morton stands up and marches between her and Iggy. "Leave Mama Peach alone! I'll tell you where I was last night. I was hiding in her room."

Peach hangs her head. "He's telling the truth…"

The room goes silent as Bowser laughs skeptically. "You wouldn't dare…I don't believe you."

Morton faces Bowser with a determined glare. "King Dad admitted to Peach, while she slept, that he ate her pudding and he called her 'dove'. And he said he wanted to charm her into having another…"

Bowser's eyes bug out of the prison. "Dude! Please tell me you don't do that all the time!"

The other koopalings fell from their chairs, laughing and holding their stomachs. A blushing Peach marches up to Bowser, to demand he buy her a pudding later. Ludwig struggles back into his chair and attempts to get the court under control. "O-Order! Order!"

Bowser moves his prison to snatch Morton through the bars. The koopaling hides behind Peach to escape.

"Sorry King Dad. I'm exiled now, huh?"

"I'm seriously considering it, Big Mouth!"

Iggy finally stops laughing and approaches the judge. "So Morton is not the one that placed the bottles then." He turns his attention back to Bowser. "Bowser, this is important. When did you last see Sushi alive? Before you had drank the cola?"

Bowser rubs his chin. "He was looking sleepy when I woke up and he sprayed me with water. He was alive!"

"Did you notice anything about the colas?"

"Huh? Wait…. Some of the cola drinks were empty!"

Iggy quietly muses to himself, There were another set of fingerprints on them… Iggy approaches the judge. "Your Honor, I would like to call a short recess."

Larry waves his claws in the air. "He might tamper with the evidence," he argues.

Ludwig points his gavel at Morton. "Morton has been 'cleared' of all charges. So, he will be the one to watch Iggy."

Morton sighs, "You guys are never going to let this go are you…"

"Of course," Ludwig jokes.

For lunch, Peach makes a large sandwich and brings it to Bowser. She needs help from Wendy to carry it. When she presents it to him, Bowser lifts the prison to quickly swallow the thing. He then sets the prison back down. "Thanks Peach. But I didn't do it! I swear! I would never hurt Apricot in such a way."

She reaches her hand through the prison to scratch under his chin. Bowser's tail slowly swayed with delight. "I know… It'll be alright."

Bowser looks away from her. "About what I said…I'm not going to pressure you for another."

Peach laughs and scratches his chin even more, Bowser sighs. "I want another child."

Bowser's eyes widened. "Y-You do!?"

Peach gazes at him from under her eyelashes. Bowser's cheeks turn red. "But I wanted to wait. I want to enjoy the ones we have. And take the time to ensure they grow up healthy and happy."

"That makes sense. I am about to make Apricot sad though…."

Peach gives him a gentle smile. "I know right now you're questioning your parenting abilities. No one is perfect but you're a good father, Bowser. Remember that." She shyly leans forward.

Bowser leans to meet her lips. "Yeah…."

Meanwhile, Morton follows Iggy into Junior's room. Iggy begins searching.

"Ummm…Iggy should you be looking through Junior's things?"

"Junior's fingerprints and saliva was on the half drunk bottles of koopa cola."

Morton covers his mouth. "No…. not my little guy!"

Iggy stands up and presents several portraits to Morton. They all depicted Sushi with 'x's on his eyes. "Sometimes, love will drive a koopa insane."

"Junior, nap time?" Apricot asks. Junior was lagging behind her. He flops on the grass holding his head. Unknown to Junior, Iggy is spying but Apricot spots him. Iggy quickly hides behind a bush.

"I just needed a break, Sis!" He smiles wearily.

Apricot tilts her head as Junior closes his eyes. She rubs her chin in deep thought. Using the opportunity she sneaks off. She wanders around the garden to find the window to the living room. But Iggy and Morton are near looking at a sheet of paper. Morton elbows Iggy to alert him to Apricot's presence. Her eyes narrow and she runs over to them. Leaning against the wall, Iggy smirks at her.

"Apricot, why are you over here?" he teases while drinking a bottle of koopa cola.

She pokes her lip out. "Did Papa kill Sushi?"

Iggy chokes on his cola and covers Morton's mouth. "Now where would you get that idea!?"

"Papa hates Sushi! You're all suspicious!"

Apricot reaches for the window and begs Morton to lift her up. When he refuses to budge, Apricot picks up a bench and sets it near the window. Iggy tries to pull her away but she fights with him.

"She is stronger than she looks! Morton, grab her for me!"

With ease he picks her up. As Apricot loudly protests, the window opens and Bowser (still in prison) peeks out. Apricot laughs at the sight. "Are you a robot, Papa?"

"Yep. And you can't come in now, Potato! We're working on something! Iggy, get back to work!"

He then closes the blinds. Iggy turns around to face Apricot. "Let's get you back to Junior."

At the same time, Junior wakes up from his nap due to a bush rustling. He goes to check, realizing Apricot has left. He assumes his little sister is hiding. But instead of finding her, he finds the female fish Bowser had purchased. Junior smiles broadly.

"I can't believe this! This is awesome! I can replace Sushi and fix my mistakes!"

"What mistakes, Junior?"

Junior freezes and spots Iggy, Morton, and Apricot. Apricot jumps off Morton's shoulders to look at the fish.

"She is beautiful!"

The fish blushes and snuggles up to Apricot. Iggy motions for Morton to leave with Apricot and the fish. Now only Iggy and Junior are alone.

"Like father, like son. What were you talking about just now, Junior?"

Junior folds his arms. "I just wanted to prevent Apricot from seeing Sushi!"

"You look awfully tired today, Junior. So was Mr. Sushi…" Iggy notes as Junior walks away. "Did you stay up late?"

Junior freezes and turns. "I'm warning you now, Iggy. You better walk away before I…."

Iggy sighs and shows him a paper with two matching fingerprints, "I wanted to give you an out Junior."

Junior balls his fists up as Iggy marches up to him.

"You were the one that planted the colas! The ones Bowser drank that sent him on a rampage! You wanted Sushi out of the way!"

"What!? That doesn't mean I set Papa up! He is a late sleeper. By the time he usually gets up, everyone else is awake. There is no way I would plan a murder with him as a scapegoat. The entire plan would hinge on him passing the room by chance. And I was outside running."

Iggy is about to counter then pauses. He nods at Junior, "You have a point there. So it was a freak accident."

Suddenly, the two hear Apricot laughing and Junior clenches his fists. Iggy chuckles, "Looks like she has a new companion."

The young prince's eyes twitch and he grabs a bucket. Iggy reaches out to him.

"Junior, what are you doing!?" His voice was laced with alarm.

"I can't! I won't! I'm going to throw that fish in a lava river!"

Junior dashes away with the bucket. Iggy had no hope of catching up so he yells, "You'll break your sister's heart!" Junior stops and throws the bucket to the side.

Junior slowly turns around, a look of madness on his face. "Okay! I'll admit it! I'm the one that killed Sushi! I stayed up late to draw dead pictures of Sushi. Just to vent my anger! So, I drank koopa cola while I was in the living room. Then Sushi came in looking sluggish. We got into an argument because I left the lights on in the kitchen. He had thought Morton was sneaking food out again. I told him to eat dirt. Then he jumped in his tank and…" Junior grabs his head. Iggy closes the distance between them.

"And what? And what, Junior!?"

"I tapped the glass once!"

Iggy's shoulders slump. He now looks bored.

"H-He started spinning and stuff. I then realized the sugar was clouding my thinking. So I ran! I ran and ran and ran!"

Iggy shook his head as Junior got on his knees. "I didn't mean to kill him! I would never hurt Apricot in this way! But Papa didn't ….just take me away."

Junior held his wrists out to be arrested. Iggy lifts an eyebrow. "You're being dramatic. Tapping the glass would not kill Sushi," he notes. Junior falls to the ground, holding his chest.

"That was a disappointing reveal, Junior…."

"You're disappointed!?"

Iggy then looks into the sky, his hands behind his shell. "But he was sluggish? Was there anything else you noticed about Sushi?"

Junior pokes his bottom lip out. "He had crumbs on his face."

Iggy hugs himself, his eyes wide with a sudden realization. "There were crumbs near the tank…."

"Well, the recess is over." Ludwig yawns. "Can we finish this?"

Iggy stands up, his expression sad. "Yes your honor… I …."

He begins to bawl. Bowser grows worried and shuffles over to Iggy. "Is my case hopeless?"

Iggy wipes the tears out his eyes. "I know who did it."

He cries even harder.

"What is wrong with you!?"

"Mr. Sushi overate."

Bowser's heart drops. He did overfeed Sushi. The image of a crying Apricot appears in his head. He doesn't want to make her cry. Anything but that. But a deal is a deal. And his darling deserves the truth. Bowser closes his eyes, rehearsing his apology. To his surprise, Iggy continues talking.

"But … when we first did our investigation. I saw crumbs near the tank. I collected them, not thinking much about them. But… the crumbs are from a cake."

Bowser's eyes turn to saucers as the gears in his head start turning.

"After testimony from Junior, I examined the crumbs. And finally …. I examined the body with my scanners. He was stuffed with fish flakes…. but mostly …. cake! Cake made by …. Mama …!"

Everyone gasps in horror. Peach places a hand over her mouth. "I gave him a bunch of slices earlier after I fed Lemmy… I didn't think anything of it! I did have to bring him to Apricot because he was napping. He usually comes to her on his own…"

Iggy's voice was choking up. "I will tell you all that happened. Sushi ate the cake and it made him heavy. He was brought to sleep with Apricot. Morton sneaked into Peach and Bowser's room. Everyone goes to bed. Junior grabbed the koopa colas and left the lights on. Sushi left Apricot and saw the lights on. He entered and saw Morton was not there. He then ate more cake all night because it was so delicious. Mr. Sushi struggled to go back to the living room and argued with Junior. Junior tapped Sushi's glass and ran. Bowser then entered and fed him some more. With his stomach filled to capacity, Mr. Sushi cannot withstand the onslaught. He perished in that instant."

The jury gasps. Bowser stares at Peach, his jaw hanging.

His attorney ends his defense. "It was a tragic chain of events that led to Mr. Sushi's untimely demise. But it started with the cake. Bowser, m-my client is innocent…"

Iggy then cries out and runs into Peach's arms. "Have mercy on her judge! Have mercy on our Mama!"

"Where were these tears when I was the prime suspect!?" Bowser complains.

Ludwig slams his gavel. "Peach, you …. have been found guilty. You…. must apologize immediately." Ludwig says and hides his eyes in shame.

Peach lets go of Iggy, her eyes watering with tears. "I'll go tell Apricot right away! I killed Mr. Sushi!" She gets up and the rest of the clan follows. Iggy meanwhile bangs his fists near Sushi's corpse. The king watches him with growing panic. Bowser loves the way Apricot smiles when she sees her mother. He can't handle the idea of Peach breaking her little heart with the truth.

Still in prison, Bowser begs Iggy while jumping up and down. "Iggy do something! Apricot will be upset with Peach!"

Despite his plea, Iggy doesn't move. "I can't get in the way…. of justice!"

Bowser roars and tosses the prison off himself and squeezes out the window.

"Apricot!" Peach sadly calls out once she is outside. "Apricot!"

Hearing her, Apricot eagerly approaches. "Mama!"

Lagging behind, Junior's face darkens when he sees Peach's solemn expression. "Mama? Why are you crying?"

Taking in a deep breath, Peach bends to Apricot's level. "Apricot… I made a huge mis…" Suddenly, she is interrupted by Bowser's loud voice.

"I did it, Apricot!" Bowser shouts and runs up to them while pointing at himself.

Peach becomes indignant. "Bowser!"

He grabs Peach's shoulders and gently shakes her. "I can't! I can't have you be the reason she cries! I'll take the fall!"

Peach's eyes water up.

Eyes now fiery, Bowser decides he will confess to murdering Sushi. It is the only way to spare Peach. "If there's a body, I'll bury it for you!" he shouts.

"B-bowser…."

Observing, Wendy holds her heart. "How romantic …."

"Burying bodies is romantic?" Morton frowns. Wendy hits the back of his head.

"OW!"

Peach shakes her head at Bowser. "No! You big oaf! How will Apricot learn if we never apologize when we mess up!?"

"Then I'll apologize!"

"No! I will!"

Bowser's stubbornness grows and he gestures emphatically at himself. "I'm the leader of the koopa clan and you joined us! I have to protect you!"

His stubbornness makes Peach just as stubborn. "Excuse me! The crime happened in Mushroom Kingdom. I'm to take responsibility! I refuse to hide behind a scapegoat!"

As their parents passionately argue, Junior and Apricot turn their heads back and forth in confusion. Apricot squeezes the new pet. Bowser and Peach pause once they see her expression.

"We're just having a talk, Potato! Sorry for arguing." Bowser assures and bends down towards her. Peach notices the fish as she rubs Bowser's shoulder.

"Who is she?" She asks.

"I call her Miss Gorgeousness."

Bowser snorts and Peach squeezes his shoulder. Miss Gorgeousness waves at Peach and offers a candy bar. "She is so sweet!" She coos. Peach gets on her knees to hold the fish. Seeing Peach is distracted, Bowser grabs Apricot and runs inside.

"Bowser, get back here!" The queen shouts.

Peach quickly catches up but she is unable to stop Bowser. All she can do is hold onto his arm. Laughing, the koopalings jump on his shell for the ride.

Yoshi sits on the castle roof, watching the chaos below. He shrugs and goes back to sunbathing.

Soon Bowser arrives at the living room. He kicks the door in and gestures."I'm sorry Apricot! But Papa …."

Apricot looks forward and cries out, "Mr. Sushi!?"

Sushi is still on the table as Iggy continues to bang his fist in grief. Miss Gorgeousness flops over to Sushi and punches him in the stomach. The cake comes out and Sushi wakes up. Iggy jumps high, nearly hitting his head on the roof. "S-Sushi! He's alive!?"

Bowser marches up to Sushi, once again stunned. "How!?"

Sushi sticks his tongue out at Bowser and runs to Apricot. "Yay! Papa is not a murderer!"

Bowser's eyebrows jump. "Did she suspect something was wrong the whole time!?"

Iggy coughs and attempts to change the subject. "I guess the cake had Sushi in a death-like state," he chuckles.

Bowser and Peach breathe a sigh of relief and then embrace. "No more cake for him." Peach remarks.

Sushi nods in agreement. He then smiles at Miss Gorgeousness. Apricot brings them both in for a hug. "I have two pets now!"

Bowser frowns. Now there are two ugly fish…..

"What kind of letter is this!? Just 'Sowwy'!?"

Bowser's family smiles at him mischievously as he holds their apology letter. Mad at having been outwitted, he demands, "Where are my dancing toads!?"

Peach gives him 'the stare' and taps her heel. "I'm not doing that to them."

Bowser was not going to challenge her on that. So he grumbles under his breath, "Then there is just one more thing you have to do! You have to do whatever I want."

"It better not be anything evil." Iggy states.

Bowser rubs his claws together, smiling evilly.

The muscle car stops in front of Shy Guy's Pizza.

"See you later Sushi and Miss Gorgeousness!" Apricot cries out as she is carried out the car by Junior. The rest of her family follows. Lemmy and Iggy run to look at the restaurant's outdoor advertisement.

"Enjoy the sights of Soot City." Peach adds. Sushi waves at his family but angrily gurgles at Bowser. The king sticks his tongue out as Sushi drives off.

Bowser then offers his arm to Peach and she takes it. "Bowser shouldn't you…"

"After this morning, I need another week off. Eat whatever you want, brats!"

The koopalings cheer and rush inside. Bowser and Peach slowly follow them inside.

The place specializes in brick oven pizzas. In the center of the restaurant was a large oven, with flames shooting out of it. Shy Guys were pulling pans of delectable dishes out of it to serve guests.

Bowser chose a table in a far corner for them to sit at. The table was soon covered in a variety of food; Bowser and his kids started shoving whole pizzas in their mouths. After swallowing a three meat pizza, Bowser gingerly picks up a slice of regular pepperoni. Resting one arm behind her, he offers the slice to Peach. He continues to hold it while she takes a bite. When Peach pauses to savor the taste, Bowser laughs.

"You know I learned a valuable lesson about keeping my family happy!"

"Avoid Rapid Killer Pets next time?" Wendy frowns.

Larry lifts a jug to pour lemonade into a glass for Peach. "Keeping your temper in check?"

"Believe Morton?" said koopaling mumbles while chewing.

Roy shrugs and ruffles Iggy's hair, "If a pet dies next time, automatically request Iggy to use his scanners instead of going through a whole court case?"

Ludwig nods, "Indeed. And we shouldn't discount the importance of getting all the facts."

"I love pizza." Lemmy randomly adds.

Bowser shakes his head. "It's none of that. I fought so hard to prove my innocence, that it almost cost me the love of my life. Sometimes, you gotta take the fall for something you didn't do."

Junior takes a sip of drink. "That's the lesson…."

Peach lightly taps Bowser on the snout. "No, Bowser!"

"But it is the truth!"

Apricot giggles, "Papa is silly!" She then goes back to eating.

Bowser rests a hand on his chin to watch his kids enjoy themselves. Peach notices his loving look.

"See? You're doing great, Love."

Without a word, Bowser gently takes hold of her hand.