The Golden Koopa

Surrounded by a crowd of koopas, Toadette eyeballs a long checklist while rocking an egg in her free arm. Four small children (two blue-spotted toads and two pink-shelled koopas) danced around her.

"Make sure the gardeners tend to the rose garden. If you can't find them, look under the bushes. They like to nap there." Toadette snickers and lifts an eyebrow. "Got it. They won't be slacking with me around!"

Toadette continues to read. "Feed Sushi and Miss Gorgeousness three times a day. Open the cleaning room at 11; Sushi needs his supplies to keep Apricot's room tidy. No cake for the pets. NO CAKE! And Bowser's gym is off limits."

Sushi, a blue cheep-cheep, angrily gurgles after he hears the last part. Toadette shrugs in his direction. "I know Bowser doesn't use his gym like he used to but don't let him hear you say that!"

Sushi gurgles again and Toadette smiles mischievously. "Yeah! Bowser forgot to mention his fridge! Hehehe! I sure will help myself to his prime cut steaks!"

One of the kid toads faces his koopaling sibling. "I'm buying a motorcycle!"

"Well I'm buying all the ice cream!"

Toadette shakes her head. "No way! Peach is already paying you too much to castle sit for her! You all are going on a budget!"

Her kids groaned. One of the koopalings go to complain to the nearby elderly green-spotted toad, Vert.

Vert simply laughs and comforts the child. He then looks up at the black sky. "I don't think I could ever get used to the Darklands' weather."

"We shouldn't have to wait too long. The train should be departing from Koopa Station now," Toadette states.

Loud whistle blowing fills the air and the koopas begin cheering. Alert, Toadette directs her family to the front of the crowd. Traveling along the railways, a train (its front shaped like Bowser's face and covered in gold) slowly approaches. The crowd marvels at the black and golden trim locomotive.

Toadette begins to jump up and down. "Look kids, here comes the train! The Golden Koopa!"

"Uncle Toad!"

Hanging out the locomotive, Toad tips his oversized hat. "That's Conductor Toad to you, kiddies! Bye Toadette!"

"Bye!"

Toadette's kids continue to look at the train cars being pulled along. They are trying to spot a particular person.

"Papa?"

"Where's Papa?"

Toadette points him out. "Look! There he is on the roof!"

Koopa General salutes Toadette and the kids. He glares to prevent himself from crying as he is already homesick. At his side, Yoshi, head of Peach's security, waves at the crowds.

A few more cars pass, holding the soldiers accompanying the family. Towards the end is the luxury cars for the royal family.

Apricot and Peach waves at their toad family. Bowser wraps his arm around Peach while holding Lemon. Meanwhile, Bowser Jr. nervously pulls at his business tie.

Bowser shouts to the crowd. "Smell ya later, losers! We are off to rule…I mean dazzle the world! Gwa ha ha!"

Though sucking on his pacifier, Lemon furrows his brows at Bowser.

"What?"

The Golden Koopa soon leaves the Darklands, following a line of tracks that go over the ocean.

Toad pulls out a microphone. "This is the conductor speaking, welcome aboard the Golden Koopa. We're leaving Koopa Station and we will travel throughout the great beyond, ending our journey at Toad Town Station. At the moment, please back away from the windows as they will shut."

Bowser gently pulls his family back.

They continue to watch as the tracks dip, leading the train underwater. Peach looks puzzled until fish swim by.

"We're on the seafloor!"

Bowser winks, "I wanted the trip to be interesting, Peaches."

Apricot mashes her face against the window, a smile etched on it. "Dolphins! I see three!"

Junior looks out the otherside. "There's two more over here."

Apricot races over to look. Seeing that two of his kids are distracted, Bowser begins leaving pecks on Peach's forehead as she tries to watch the schools of fish. Peach groans though she is happy with the attention.

"Bowser, I can't watch if you're doing that!"

"Gwa ha ha!"

The first stop in the tour was the Sweet Sweet Kingdom. The citizens had a new friendship orchard they were dedicating. After posing for pictures, Junior gave a speech.

The next location was the Ice Kingdom for lunch with King Penguin. Junior and Peach sat next to King Penguin at the table as he was still terrified of Bowser.

After visiting several of Bowser's vassals the train makes a last stop in the Shiver Region. The Crystal King had a priceless gift statue to present to Junior. It was a symbol of his people's loyalty to the koopas. While graciously accepting it, Junior's claws slip and the statue shatters on the ground in front of a crowd of thousands. Junior's face turns red with embarrassment. But Bowser salvages the blunder with an impromptu rock concert. Peach takes Junior out the spotlight as the crowds rave.

"BJ! BJ!"

Junior groans as he wakes to Apricot bouncing on his bed.

"BJ, get up!"

Junior groans again and flips to face the wall. "Sis, I'm not in the mood!" He was still sulking over his blunder. So much time has been put into that priceless piece of art and he just drops it.

Apricot pouts and shakes his shoulder. "But Mama made waffles!"

Junior quickly turns around. "W-waffles!?" Apricot nods while putting a small finger up to her thin lips. "Yep! And she said to keep your pajamas on!"

Mama Peach always knows how to cheer Junior up! Despite feeling not so good, Junior rolls out the bed. Apricot hands him his shell before running out. Junior slips on his shell and goes to the bathroom. He brushes his teeth and combs his hair. After slipping into bunny slippers, Junior stumbles into the hall to locate the dining car.

The Golden Koopa is huge. Each car is wide, spacious, and fully furnished. Junior often forgets they are on the move. It was a home away from home. Which was Bowser's intention; he wanted his younger ones to be able to go on the journey without being worn out by travel.

But the only problem is the size. Junior wishes he had his clown car to ride instead of walking but it's in storage with the luggage.

Bypassing koopa maids greet him as they clean. "Good morning, Young Sire!"

"You gave an excellent speech the other day!"

"We're rooting for you!"

Their encouraging words fill Junior with pride. He puffs his chest out and walks with more confidence.

Junior glances at a royal portrait of his father and smirks. For the past two months, he has been undergoing intense training for the time he inherits the Darklands' throne. The training will continue until he reaches adulthood. There was no loftier goal he could aim for. So what if he made a mess in the Shiver Region? It won't happen again!

After exiting the sleeping car to another area, Junior pauses as he notices a nearby commotion. Three koopa soldiers are teasing a spiny. Junior growls and marches over to put a stop to it. The koopas pause when they see the prince. Puffing his chest out, Junior lifts his snout in the air. "There is to be no bullying in the army. You're not paid to waste time."

Bowser demands that his soldiers tolerate each other to an extent. He can't have a proper army if everyone is at each other's throats.

But instead of cowering in front of the prince, the koopas snicker among themselves. Junior slumps, his confidence now gone. "What's so funny!?"

The soldiers bow before him but they are still giggling. "It's nothing to worry about, Young Sire. We're just having fun. It's not bothering you in any way," one quips.

Junior groans, Not this again.

Ever since he has been taking on more active leadership roles, the lower ranked soldiers have been subtly ignoring or challenging him. His father warned him about it and told him he needed to show them who was boss.

"You gotta put the fear in them, son!" were Bowser's words.

Easy for you to say, Papa, Junior thinks.

Even though he's older now, Junior is still small for a dragon koopa. Junior's more intimidating physical features have not developed and he worries he will always have a baby face.

His flame breath is weak, his horns and spiky shell are still round. Not even the scar inflicted on him helps. And his beady eyes are slowly turning sky blue.

Junior is the result of Bowser needing an heir. He had rejected the nobles' daughters because he was in love with Peach, and at the time the two were enemies. So, Junior's egg was artificially created. But unknown to Bowser, the scientists also gave Junior a few traits from Peach. And one trait was her beautiful eyes. Unfortunately, the soldiers spend more time complimenting Junior's eyes than fearing him. In short, he can't get the koopa troop to take him seriously.

On the other hand, Bowser, at a young age, fought in arenas to ascend the throne. The koopas had a chance to see he is not to be trifled with. They grew to greatly fear and respect him. But Bowser had a miserable time in the arenas. So, he banned the old ways of inheriting the throne, not wanting his son to go through what he had been through. Junior knows his father's immense love for him is what drove that decision.

But to the koopa troopas (though they adore the prince), they think Junior is too soft. Which is strange considering they respect Queen Peach. But she has shown herself to be a fighter, despite her kind nature. Junior reckons that is why they now love her.

The soldiers stand before Junior, waiting to see how he will respond to their challenge. Junior knows he can't throw a tantrum; it would serve to make him look even more incompetent. The growing tension in the air becomes unbearable and Junior wishes he had just ignored the soldiers.

"You heard Young Sire. Stop." A feminine regal voice calls out.

Junior turns, immediately knowing the speaker. Standing before them is a red shelled paratroopa. She is the general koopa's sister, the noble Breeze. She never rebelled against Bowser when the others complained about his marriage to Peach. But she was not on speaking terms with her brother after the war with Antasma. He had broken a great taboo.

Breeze sternly chides the soldiers. "Young Sire has enough on his plate. He must prove himself."

Junior growls under his breath. Breeze steps back but her expression doesn't change. "What? Male dragon koopas always had first claim to the throne. And you could easily be replaced by the new son Peach gave Bowser."

The other soldiers actually become offended for Junior. "Hey now…!"

To imply Bowser loves him less for not directly being borne by Peach, and that Junior should consider Lemon a rival is too much. Junior starts shaking and steps forward. Breeze keeps her snout in the air; Junior backs down. "And why are you in bunny slippers? I can get your…"

Suddenly, the floor shakes from familiar stomps. The soldiers straighten their backs as the king arrives. Bowser's fierce red eyes lock on Junior and his minions. His appearance alone was enough to make the soldiers faceplant and apologize. And this was done in spite of the king only wearing a pair of black shorts and sandals.

Bowser roars, "Why are you idiots standing in my way!?"

"Sorry, Your Grouchiness!"

"So sorry!"

They run to get back to their duties. Noble Breeze bows and also excuses herself. The King watches them as they cower off and shrugs. "What was that over? I was wondering why you were late to breakfast." Bowser grumbles.

Junior sighs, "No one, except the general, takes me seriously."

Bowser begins power walking. Junior skips to keep up.

After a moment, the king chuckles. "Forget about the complainers. There's nothing to worry about. You must show you can take charge, son. There's no room for the King of the Koopas to be passive."

Junior's shoulders droop. "I'm not scary like you…"

"It's not just about being scary. Besides my vassals and the civilians love you. They know you are a smart lad. So, blow the soldiers' minds with your brain power!"

"…. But I'm not…."

Bowser bends to nuzzle Junior. "Hey now, enough with that quitter talk! We are not doing that! Let's worry about this later. Your mom is waiting."

Junior feels conflict within himself. His father's well-meaning 'get over it' attitude bothers him from time-to-time. He isn't sure why. Bowser Jr. admires his father; the koopa is an unstoppable force. Whatever gets in his way, he bulldozes it over. It doesn't matter how many times he is knocked down; he will get back up. But Junior doesn't have Bowser's extreme drive to get things done. He prefers more subtle methods. So, Junior feels he can't measure up and that Bowser doesn't understand that. But the prince decides to ignore the feeling.

The Golden Koopa enters a warp pipe in the Desert Kingdom. Once they exit, passengers are greeted by the sight of giant flowering cactus, sand dunes, and pyramids. While enjoying the sights, the royal family has breakfast in their dining car.

Peach takes a picture of her stacked waffles to send to Morton. "I think I'll keep using his recipe!"

Bowser grunts as he opens a cup of baby food, "While you are at it, can you check in on Wendy? Some guy asked her out…"

While Peach teases Bowser over his protectiveness, Junior slowly chews, savoring the berries and cream on his waffles. Peach didn't add fudge as he wanted but it was delicious nonetheless.

Peach pauses her teasing to watch with approval. She gently kisses his forehead while adjusting the oversized shirt on her. It was one of Bowser's long sleeved shirts that she took as her own. It requires many pins to keep on but she loves the shirt. The shirt smelt like Bowser and was comfortable. (Bowser especially loves that Peach wears it.)

Peach gently ties a handkerchief around Junior's neck. After squeezing his shoulders Peach moves over to Apricot. The child is scooping globs of jam out of a jar. She dumps it on her toast and takes a huge bite. "Love, not too much jam," Peach chuckles.

"Okay Mama!"

Peach leans over to wipe Apricot's mouth off with a towel.

Meanwhile, Bowser focuses on the task of feeding Lemon as he sits in his highchair.

"Whoosh! Here comes the rocket!" Bowser coos.

Holding a tiny spoonful of applesauce, Bowser dramatically moves it through the air like it is flying. Before him, Lemon smiles and gently slaps the table while kicking his legs.

Bowser Jr. sighs, "Papa, do you have to make that face!"

"You loved it when you were Lemon's age," Bowser counters. He refocuses on the baby. "Oh no! We're out of fuel! I told you to fill up the tank Johnson! Now we're going crash into Mount Lemon! Curse yoooouuuuu!!!"

He then quickly motions downwards, stopping the spoon at the "crash site." Lemon giggles and opens his mouth to be gently fed the applesauce. Once Lemon finishes chewing, Bowser presents his cheek to Lemon and the baby kisses him. Bowser pulls back to laugh like he just succeeded in his evil master plan. He looks over at Peach as she pours orange juice into a cup. "Gwa ha ha! He's a sweetheart, just like his mother. I'm gonna have to fight off his rabid admirers in the future."

Junior fills a bristle of jealousy and he feels terrible for feeling that way. But Breeze's earlier comment had bothered him. As if reassuring Junior, Bowser turns to ruffle his ponytail. The feeling is replaced with warmth.

"I knew Lemon would take after Peach the moment he was born," Bowser declares.

Peach laughs. "How do you know that, Dear? Iggy told me you passed out in the delivery room when you tried to watch."

Bowser begins sweating as Apricot and Junior laughs.

"W-well I woke up quickly!" Bowser declares. He had insisted on being with Peach during her labor despite her death threats. But he was not prepared for the actual birth. He was wheeled over to the emergency room. And it all happened in front of a crowd of toads.

Bowser traces the outlines of Lemon's heart shaped bangs and softly makes eye contact with Peach. Flustered, Peach looks down briefly to fiddle with Apricot's hair.

Junior speaks up when he notices his parents lost in their own world. "So what's going on in Sarasaland?"

Bowser sighs, "Son, you didn't read the calendar!?"

Junior slumps in his chair. "Uhhhh…I thought we were just visiting Aunt Daisy."

Bowser lifts an eyebrow. "Anyway, this week is an important anniversary for Sarasaland. The day it was liberated from Tatanga. This trip is important, son. It'll be your official debut to a powerful ally."

Junior shuffles his feet.

Bowser shakes his head. "Look at you. You've grown up so fast… I want to turn back the clock to when you were a baby! My other brats are already going places without me."

Junior blushed in embarrassment. "Papa!"

Peach giggles, "I feel a similar sentiment."

Bowser rubs Junior's forehead. "I can't help but worry! My reign is marked by success but also war. It's been that way for every Koopa ruler. But I want something different for you."

Junior smiles weakly at his father. Not noticing the apprehension, Bowser ruffles his mane and smiles proudly.

"You can do this! I have confidence in you! And don't worry we'll have fun while we're at it!"

"T-thanks Papa…"

Bowser drops his claws from Junior's mane, smiling with pride. "You're welcome son."

A lion's roar interrupts their moment. Peach runs to the window to open it. Running alongside the train is Daisy riding on King Totomesu running on all fours.

"Welcome to the Birabuto Kingdom my friends!" Totomesu declares.

"Peachy, you made it! Where's the new guy?" Daisy shouts.

Peach lifts up Lemon, a bright smile on her face.

"He's gotten bigger!"

Junior hangs out over the window's ledge to grab Daisy's hand. With a hearty laugh she pulls Junior out to allow him to ride with her.

It was a Saturday but Marilyn wasn't in the mood to go anywhere. Earlier, Marie and Arthur, her parents, stopped by to tell her they loved her through the door. Then she heard Mario arguing with his dad, Arthur's older brother, over her. Papa Mario wanted her to talk while Mario insisted on giving her time. Mia eventually intervened, telling them both to calm down. Since then, Marilyn hasn't heard from them.

While watching a gaming walkthrough, she then hears a knock. She doesn't want company but she knows it is wrong to continue ignoring her family.

"C-Come in."

Luigi enters and waves shyly at her. "I brought you a snack! Pauline sent it."

Luigi sits on the bed and opens a small box decorated with crowns. An irresistible aroma explodes in Marilyn's face. She immediately takes the slice of cake out to consume.

"What do they put in these cakes!?" Marilyn mumbles.

Luigi laughs, "Pauline figured you would want another slice. Said it was from 'The Royal Patisserie Bakery.'"

"Thanks."

Luigi gently rubs Marilyn's shoulder. "Just wanted to let you know we love you Marilyn."

Not looking up, she nods. Luigi looks ahead, focusing on the sport trophies lining a shelf. "I used to get bullied all the time. It did a lot to my confidence…"

"…."

"Mario too was teased but it was about his height. He was quick to stand up for me and himself, though. But being belittled isn't a great feeling at all. I can't imagine how you are feeling."

Marilyn wipes frosting off the corner of her mouth. Her mind wanders to earlier moments in her life. She was known as 'Clown Nose.' She had the largest nose in school and looked plain. She became the perfect target for a group of girls looking to kill boredom. Marilyn's heart aches wondering how her uncles felt when younger. "I think you guys are awesome. Everyone seems to have forgotten but you saved Brooklyn! When that giant sword came crashing down and all those monsters came rushing out…. I thought we were done for!"

She sighs, remembering the moment the brothers fell from the sky to take on the invaders' leader. "I wish I was like you…"

Luigi blushes, not used to praise from his niece. "You don't have to save the world to …."

Marilyn hangs her head. "Not that…I just thought I could handle my classmates… and they would stop. I want to be able to stand up for myself." The teen looks up at Luigi and he wraps his arm around her.

"And everyone seems to avoid me. I just want a friend that would accept me…and not judge me."

"Marilyn, you are cute!"

Marilyn shrugs with doubt.

Luigi presses, "You'll find a friend one day. Until then, you have us! Your family will always have your back."

Now that statement, she didn't doubt it at all. Despite how emotionally distant she is with them, she loves them and knows how much they love her. Marilyn leans against Luigi and he rests his cheek on her head.

"Did Mario get into trouble…?" she asks.

"All he did was scold the parents of the girls. The police let him off with a warning…." Luigi said sheepishly. Marilyn sighs under her breath.

Luigi pats her back and stands up. "Come on! Dinner is ready. You can use a change in scenery."

Marilyn gets up and places her cap on her head. She follows her uncle downstairs. Waiting at the dinner table was Mario, their grandfather, Papa and Mama Mario, Uncle Tony, and her parents Arthur and Marie. The only person not present was Pauline. Her job duties must have taken her away as Mario was spending the night with them.

The table is a spread of Marilyn's favorite foods and desserts. Mario jumps up to lead her over to the table. "Everyone pitched in," He declares as he pulls out a chair for Marilyn.

"You didn't have to spend so much…"

Uncle Tony teases, "We told Mario we would handle the expense with how broke he is nowadays." Mario glares at him while he tucks a napkin in his shirt.

Papa Mario shakes his head. He often gives Mario a hard time but today he will defend his son. "Give Mario a break. He refuses to have Pauline pay off his school debt. Besides, is that how to talk to our heros!? He and Luigi saved Brooklyn, remember?" The father then proudly pats Luigi on the back. "You think the city would have rewarded them for that hero work."

Mia nods as she forks up some pasta to feed her husband's father.

"Didn't you turn that down too…?" Marilyn asks.

Mario shoves a forkful of pasta into his mouth. "I can't stand bullies. That's all there is to it…. I'll earn money my own way," he says honestly.

Marilyn feels a rush of admiration for Mario and wishes to be like him. He had been resolute in the battle to save Brooklyn. Mario was a firm immovable rock when it came to doing what is right. He let nothing get him down.

Marie smacks Arthur before he can mock Mario's standards. Arthur rolls his eyes and reaches to squeeze Marilyn's hand. She shyly squeezes back.

Suddenly, Mario lifts his phone when it rings. Luigi silently points at his wrist. But Mario shakes his head and hides the phone.

"Let's eat!" Mario declares.

Soon the sound of laughter and lively discussion fills the air. Marilyn didn't participate in the discussion, keeping her head down. But for the first time since coming home, she smiles.

Unknown to the Mario Family, a blond messy haired man in a trench coat stands in front of the home, listening to the happy chatter and adjusts his shades with a smirk.

"Ignoring us…. am I right Mario?"

He then leaves with a skip in his walk.

The next day, Mario and Luigi ask Marilyn to accompany them to work. Crammed in between, Marilyn browses her phone while Mario and Luigi talk enthusiastically about plumbing. Though she calls them uncles, they are actually her cousins. And the brothers' relationship was always amusing to Marilyn. Both could finish each other's statements as they had a deep understanding of the other; they were family and best friends.

While stopping at a red light, the brothers' old manager pulls up next to them in his work van. "The heroes! I'll never forget you saving me! But you are still the Subpar Brothers!" Spike shouts. He then drives off laughing.

Marilyn frowns.

Mario shrugs. "Forget him. We have several jobs to get done!"

After fixing the pipes of a flooded home, Mario pulls up to Castle Burger for lunch. Marilyn orders a double cheeseburger and orange soda. The trio eat in the van as Mario drives.

"What's our last job, Lu?"

Luigi checks the schedule while picking up a fry. He suddenly drops it and he looks at Mario nervously. "Umm…It's Pauline's office."

"Mama Mia! We can't mess this up!" Mario cries out. Mario hits the gas pedal and Luigi has to chide him to slow down.

"We don't need another speeding ticket!"

Marilyn stares up at the mayor's office in wonder. "Whoa…I wonder how many rooms are in there?"

Mario pushes her forward, his demeanor stiff. "Come on! We can't be late, Marilyn!"

Once they are at the door Luigi rings the doorbell. Luigi shifts his bag of tools in nervousness. "I'm surprised there are no bodyguards standing at the door."

"Pauline is stronger than her security. There is no need." Mario mutters. Marilyn and Luigi chuckle.

Soon a butler opens the door and motions for them to come in. While leading them inside, they catch a glimpse of Pauline. She was standing at the top of a pair of spiraling stairs. Mario stares up at her, dazed. He shyly takes his hat off to greet her.

Immediately,Pauline rushes down the stairs towards the trio. "Mario! Luigi!"

Luigi waves and Mario's gentle eyes downturn as Pauline tenderly kisses his forehead. Luigi leads over to Marilyn. "Mario always was nervous around beautiful women."

Mario elbows Luigi in annoyance. He then smiles at Pauline.

"I appreciate you both coming to fix the pipes in the basement!" Pauline says.

She bends on her knees to acknowledge Marilyn. "How are you doing? I'm sorry about…"

"It's fine. The trip was fine."

Pauline drops the subject and nods in silent understanding.

Pauline then extends her hand to hold Mario's. "After you finish the job, come join me at the karaoke cafe!"

A cough interrupts her and Pauline playfully rolls her eyes. Her mustachio assistant approaches. He twirls his red mustache and looks down at Mario with haughty eyes. "Excuse me, Mrs. Pauline. I know you must descend at times to mingle with the lower class. But you have a meeting to attend in 10 minutes."

Mario's jaw drops and Luigi sighs.

"They are my family, Ralph. A little respect please." Pauline scolds.

Ralph twirls his mustache again. "Apologies. But we really must be going!"

Pauline nods and looks at the trio apologetically. "Sorry, guys."

She gives Mario a kiss on the cheek and follows Ralph.

After watching her leave, Mario, Luigi, and Marilyn enter a room. Luigi looks at Mario out the corner of his eye. "I'm surprised he didn't..."

Suddenly, someone throws garbage bags over their heads!

"Mama Mia!"

"Mario! What's happening!?"

Quickly handcuffed before the bros can throw punches, the trio is tossed out a window! Men in shades then grab them and throw them into a metal vehicle.

Dents in the truck form from Mario slamming his cuffs against the insides. Furious Italian spills out the truck as one of the agents pulls out a radio.

"We successfully captured the Mario Brothers. And the mayor is unaware."

The man then jumps into the driver's seat and slowly pulls away.