The Incident in Salmon Town: Part 1


Sky pop planes flew overhead in formation, releasing streams of confetti over the crowds gathering in front of Daisy's castle. Besides humans there was a mix of piantas, stone people, lions, and seahorses.

While pushing through the crowd, Billy gazes into the sky with a smug grin. He looks over his shoulder to address his fellow green traveler.

"Nice day, eh Luigi?"

Luigi strains his ears to hear Billy over the crowds. "It's blistering hot!" He responds.

Some attendees look at Luigi with annoyance.

"It's never too hot to come here," one scolds.

Luigi sheepishly smiles at his unwanted audience. He turns to Billy who shrugs.

"I forgot to tell you guys today is the memorial for Sarasaland's liberation from Tatanga."

"You could have told us that earlier to avoid offense!" Luig argues.

Mario wraps his arms around Marilyn who is on her phone. "Just smile and wave, Luigi."

Luigi musters his brightest smile and takes a step forward. But he collides into a woman with auburn hair. "Sorry!"

She nearly stumbles but a stony-looking man catches her. Without thought, Luigi steps back, colliding into another person. He turns to apologize. But the person, a giant seahorse, glares at Luigi in response. A huff of smoke comes out his mouth and the seahorse headbutts Luigi! Mario catches him.

"How dare you touch me, human tourist! I'm the king of Muda!"

Mario puts Luigi to the side and stands up to the offended man. "Hey, he's sorry. There's no need to get violent!"

The woman jumps in between the opposing parties. "Dragonzamazu! Quit it! It was a mistake."

Dragonzamazu huffs and turns away from the woman. "He could be an assassin, Daisy."

Billy intervenes by escorting the brothers and Marilyn away . "I'm so sorry for the trouble, Empress! These two buffoons should know better!"

Daisy shrugs in annoyance. "Seriously. It's no big deal!" She then smiles brightly. Luigi takes his hat off, his eyes look down towards the cobblestone path.

"S-sorry."

"Don't stress yourself out! And don't let the guy in shades bully you." Daisy giggles and waves as she drags Dragonzamazu away with her free hand. "I gotta go! Enjoy your stay at Sarasaland!"

Luigi nervously waves back. After Daisy is out of sight, Luigi puts his hat back on. "Empress? But she was so down to earth…"

Billy angrily pulls Mario and Luigi's hats down over their faces. "Are you guys trying to jeopardize the mission! They already know we don't belong here!!!"

Marilyn motions at the floral shirts they are wearing. "Mister, you have us in beach wear at a serious occasion!"

Billy orders them into a clothing store. The gang switches out their clothes for more formal ones. All expenses are handled by H.E.R.O. afterall.

As they exit, music begins to play and the crowds quiet down. The travelers make their way towards the front of the crowd. After remarks from various Sarasaland rulers, Daisy gives a speech in length about the invasion that happened years ago.

As Mario listens, a sadness creeps up in his heart. He takes pleasure in coming to the aid of others. It was a lesson drilled into him by Mama years ago. Whenever they ran errands and if a person needed help, she would come to their assistance.

Had Mario known what happened in this world, he would have come to their aid. He can only take comfort in knowing, as a group, the people survived and came back stronger.

As Mario looks around he spots a giant reptile standing behind Daisy. "That's him?" Mario whispers.

Billy leans in his direction. "Yep. That's him. The tyrant."

As Daisy ends the speech on who was lost to the war, she begins to tear up. But she manages to finish the speech to a thunderous applause. King Biokinton escorts her off the stage and a small Koopa comes forward.

Marilyn looks up from her phone. "Junior?"

Bowser Jr. pulls at his tie and swallows a lump in his throat. He looks in the direction of his mother who gives him a thumbs up. Junior begins his speech with a shaky voice.

"My name is Bowser Jr. Heir to the Darklands' throne. My father and mother told me how much you endured in the face of great adversity. But I was also told how accepting and kind Empress Daisy was. Eventually, I got to experience her warmth myself."

Junior freezes up as if he forgot his next lines. Marilyn stands on the tips of her toes, now concerned for Junior. She panicked when forced to speak in front of a class of 30. Marilyn can't imagine what Junior is going through giving a speech to thousands, perhaps millions if the speech is being live streamed!

His feet turn as if he wants to run. But Junior's eyes lock onto Marilyn and his eyes widen. Marilyn smiles realizing he has spotted her in the crowd. A smile appears on his face and the shake in his legs lessen. Junior focuses only on her as he speaks with a stronger voice.

"And I will not forget that. The alliance formed between Sarasaland, the Darklands, and the Mushroom Kingdom will live on. And I promise that into the future you will have my support!"

Junior waves and rushes off the stage to the sound of cheers.

Marilyn claps. "He did it!"

Billy though shakes his head with indifference. "That's the future tyrant of the koopas? Not so scary …."


The memorial ends with the placement of flowers in the town square, in honor of the ones slain during the invasion. Crowds line up with an array of flowers. After placing their contributions, people begin to move out. Billy, Luigi, and Marilyn are separated from Mario among the crowds.

Before locating his group, Mario parkour over a building to reach the town square. With his hat off, he drops two white roses. Mario then closes his eyes to pay his respects to the fallen.

Soft sniffling catches Mario's attention and he realizes a blonde lady is standing next to him. She was on the verge of tears. Was that a look of guilt in her eyes? Mario then recognizes her as the monarch of Mushroom Kingdom.

Discreetly, Mario hands her a handkerchief. Peach looks down at him surprised. She then smiles and accepts his gesture.

"Thank you."

At that moment, Princess Shroob pushes past Peach. Mario instinctively gets in front of Peach.

Princess Shroob drops a single small flower at the memorial. She then turns towards Peach and mutters something in her native tongue.

Elder Princess Shroob joins her sister; a small boy clings to her skirt. But the child seemed to be peeping at Peach with curiosity.

Mario realizes this could get ugly and doesn't move. But Peach's stern expression indicated she was not going to let them intimidate her. And she was not going to get hostile as Princess Shroob wished.

To Mario's relief, a green dinosaur approaches and reaches for Peach, his gaze fixed on the shroob royals. "Yoshi! Yoshi!"

"I think he's here for you, ma'am," Mario comments.

Peach nods and curtsies towards Mario. Peach then climbs on the dinosaur who runs away.

Mario watches as the shroobs leave in a huff. That was close….

He slumps his shoulders, exhausted. He misses Pauline already. When will they be allowed home?


Bowser stood in front of a large mirror, attempting to comb his mane. He then pulls at his collar and a column of smoke rises from his nostrils. He should be all smiles. Afterall, tonight is his date with Peach! But he is a little tense. Bowser stares at his polished shoes, his expression a mixture of anger and shame.

The other day he saw a guy comforting his wife. No big deal. But not only did he beat Bowser to protect Peach, the guy was a cheerful man that made Peach smile. It was like they were friends for a long time.

Bowser was about to beat the man up and drop him in the nearby ocean to be eaten by sharks. He had to restrain himself from acting on his dark murderous impulse. It's shocking he feels that way towards a man he doesn't even know.

Bowser looks back up in the mirror, gazing at his sour reflection. He tells himself he was just worried for Peach's safety. Trouble finds her despite her efforts. But if Bowser was truthful, that guy was no threat. It's just the man's nature that triggered his jealousy. Peach seemed so happy and relaxed…

Bowser steps closer to the mirror, groaning. He knows Peach loves him dearly so why is he feeling insecure?

"I can be a charming gentleman when I want to be!"

But Bowser begins to second guess himself. Is he still charming? Is he still desirable? To be honest he hadn't been working out…

"I'm losing my edge…"

Bowser's jaw drops as he gaps at his reflection in horror. "Is this what they call a midlife crisis!?"

Being a 'has been' is unacceptable for a king of the koopas! Why, before he perished in battle, Bowser's grandpa ordered that he be buried in his expressive leather jacket and shades!

Defiant, Bowser begins flexing his arm muscles in exaggerated poses. "No! I'm not a 'has been.' I'm the epitome of manliness!"

A tap on his leg makes Bowser squeal and he leaps back on one foot. He looks down and sees the general. Bowser's eyes light up with rage.

"I heard nothing, Your Manliness," the general sighs.

"You got that right!" Bowser stammers.

The general then clears his throat. "Your limo is outside. Her Radiantness is waiting for you there."

Bowser straightens his tie and strikes a confidant pose. He then marches out of the room.

Junior meets Bowser in the hall to see him off. Bowser rubs his head. "Good job again, son. You make me proud."

"Thanks Papa! Oh….Make sure you get dessert for Mama!"

"I will. And you're in charge, Junior. No late night parties."

Junior salutes Bowser. "About that I saw Mar…"

Before he can finish, Daisy comes in with Lemon on her hip. Millennium Star is right behind her as she speaks. "Have fun, Bowser! This week is solemn but people need to live too!"

Bowser's eyes pop out of their socket as he sees the celestial leader. "Why are you here!?"

The mustachio star gives Bowser a look of annoyance. "I am here to support Sarasaland. And I see you are on your best behavior….Your Majesty."

Bowser's eyes twitch and he points a claw at Millennium Star. "Are you spying on me!? I'm going to dinner with Peaches, Old Fossil. If I see you at that…"

Millennium spins once in the air. "How insulting!"

He then turns to Daisy and lifts a cocky eyebrow. "I don't see how you tolerate this man, Empress. Perhaps you need a break. Would you like…"

Daisy cringes, "I have to babysit tonight. My dad can take you golfing though!"

Bowser's face twists with disgust. "By my Poopa La Koopa's slippers! Did you just try to flirt with her!?"

Millennium Star now looks like he was going to spontaneously exploud on the spot and be reborn. Daisy pushes Bowser out of the room while the Millennium Star throws a fit.

"Do you have a filter!?" She complains.

"I was speaking the truth!"

Daisy looks up at the ceiling and groans. "Peach is waiting for you!"

Bowser grumbles to himself as he walks out the castle with Daisy and Lemon. "Lemon, if that creep does any…."

His annoyed expression vanishes and is soon replaced with awe.

Peach sways up to Bowser in a thin strapped gala outfit. It has a slit on the right side of her hip and a white fluffy coat rests over her arms. Peach's hair delicately hangs over her shoulder with red rose pins in it. Bowser realizes Lilac must have helped dress her.

Peach stops in front of Bowser and gently dusts his suit, her eyes twinkling. Bowser takes in her perfume and gazes into her eyes.

"Peach…you're….wow…"

Peach blushes and reaches for his claw. Bowser eagerly allows her to pull him along, his tail wagging.

Breeze exits the limo driver's seat to open the door for the royal couple.

"You both look nice. This way, please."

Before they enter, Lemon throws his head back and starts bawling. Daisy rocks him.

"What's wrong little man!?"

Peach runs back to comfort him. "Lemon, we'll be back! Daddy and I are just going on a date!"

When he cries even harder, Peach debates staying. Daisy refuses and runs back into the castle. Before Peach can follow, Bowser bridal carries her away.


In front of the restaurant, the general goes over a check list. "We checked for bombs, assassins, traps, hidden guns and poisoned food."

Yoshi burps and pats his huge belly. "Yoshi!"

Peach giggles. "They have cuisine to die for, huh?

Breeze flutters her wings and bites her lip. "Why can't we stay? On the reservation list, the shroob princesses are dining."

General Koopa joins in the protest. "Anything can happen."

Bowser rolls his eyes. He knows they are just doing their job. But he wants to be alone with Peach. "We can handle them. You have nothing to worry about. I want you to return to Daisy's Castle."

The paratroopas salute Bowser and march away. Yoshi just stares at Bowser. Bowser growls. "Peach, your guard doesn't take orders from me, remember?"

Peach gives instructions to Yoshi and he gives her a hug. He then flutter-kicks out the restaurant.

Before Bowser can escort Peach inside, he hears Breeze and the general argue.

"You forgot to check the cooking pot in the left cabinet, Zephyr."

The general shakes at her using his name publicly. "And you forgot to check the cakes. I did that for you."

Breeze pauses to face the general. "I don't need a lecture from a blue shell destroying his line's reputation."

The general keeps his back straight and chin in the air as he retorts. "How is me purposefully dying in the line of duty honorable?"

"See! Dishonor!!! It's that Toadette! Look what she has done…."

Bowser covers Peach's ears and roars to make them stop. He was not going to let anything ruin this night for him! And Bowser wasn't going to let the general's loyalty be questioned. "You two get out of here and can that argument!"

The general grins cheekily at his sister as they march off.

Though angry, Breeze looks over her shoulder. "Sire, are you sure you don't want us to wait in the parking lot?"

Bowser looks down at Peach and smiles. "No. I will walk Peach home."


The interior is a sight to behold. Blue waves were carved into the roof. It was as if the dining area was underwater!

Elegant tables and chairs were meticulously placed, decorated with expensive silverware. A sea horse runs the bar, serving drinks to guests. Another entertains with his cutting skills as he prepares dishes.

Round lights hung from the ceiling, casting the room in a warm glow. And a massive aquarium was built in the center.

Peach's eyes sparkle and she wraps her arm around Bowser's. "I love it!"

Bowser chuckles. "We'll be eating on the patio …"

Peach can't seem to find the words to express gratitude. Sometimes he overdoes it, but Bowser goes out of his way for her. "Bowser…."

Suddenly, Bowser's eyes glow and his jaw clenched. Peach looks in the direction of his focus.

The shroob sisters are dining at a table. Elder Princess Shroob feasts on huge chunks of meat. A waiter nervously waits next to her.

Meanwhile, Princess Shroob carefully cuts small pieces of her steak. She pauses to glare at Peach and Bowser. Peach gives them a greeting but the sisters ignore her.

Peach can sense Bowser's growing anger at them. But the sisters have not acted overly hostile during the ceremony. Giving any indication of hostility can cause problems for them.

Peach squeezes Bowser's arm and he looks down at her. She flashes him a gentle smile. "Bowser, nothing will ruin our night right?"

Bowser's expression changed. "Yeah."

Peach feels relief as they leave. But had she turned for a moment she would have seen Princess Shroob stab her steak with a wicked grin.


Mario pats his stomach and stares at his empty platter. He had enjoyed the fried shrimp platter but he now wishes he had eaten more slowly. All he could do now was stare at Billy as he talked on the phone. "Yes, sir. We successfully entered the restaurant. King Bowser and his trophy wife are also present!"

Mario plucks a shrimp's tail at Billy who swats it out the way. Billy retaliates by throwing a napkin at Mario.

Billy returns to his conversation. "Oh…Yes, Luigi? I have him monitoring the train. Oh, yeah I was just about to call him!"

Billy hangs up and wipes the sweat off his forehead. He then dials Luigi.

"Luigi status update."

"I've seen no activity on the train. In fact the conductor gave me a tour! I got a few souvenirs too. Nice guy."

Billy grabs a tuff full of his own hair. "What!? They just let you on!? What did you see!?"

"Not much. Just a bunch of rich people stuff. No weapons that I could see. But the train is run by a power source called the Cobalt Star."

Billy gasps, "The Cobalt…"

He stops, closes the phone, and hides his face behind a napkin. Mario moves to do the same but is too late. Peach has approached the table and waves at Mario.

Hoping she won't suspect they are spying on her, Mario returns her greeting.

"What do you recommend?" Peach inquires. Mario looks down at his platter and back up at her.

"The fried shrimp is to die for! I could use another helping in fact." He laughs heartily.

Peach chuckles. Suddenly, Bowser approaches and wraps an arm around Peach. Mario is certain he saw the man shoot a murderous glare at him…

Mario shivers. Up close, the king is intimidating. Mario began to wonder if Billy was right to be so suspicious.

Bowser eagerly looks at Peach and implores her to come with him. His entire demeanor softens as he talks to her. "I wanted to show you where we're eating! Or did you want to look at the aquarium?"

"No, we can go!"

Peach bids Mario goodbye and leaves with Bowser.

After they leave Billy takes a bite of his lobster. "They're hiding something. Especially that lady. No one can be that nice. I bet that Cobalt Star is a super weapon."

Mario plucks another shrimp tail at Billy. Billy's eyes twitch.

"Mario, don't forget why you are here!" He threatens.

Mario spots Mr. Eraser sitting at the bar, his shifty eyes locked on him. Mario slumps into his chair, remembering Luigi's words to wait.

"Mama Mia…"


As soon as his parents left, Lemon played with his toys. Daisy shook her head at him. "All that drama of guilt tripping them and you act like nothing happened!"

Daisy scoops him and Apricot up and faces Junior. "I'm about to order food. What do you want on your pizza, guys?"

"Ham!" Junior says.

"Drumsticks!" Apricot adds. Junior looks at her in confusion.

Daisy laughs. "I'll get some drumsticks … on the side!"

After playing games and eating pizza, Daisy put the kids to bed. But after an hour passes, Junior gets up. He quietly tiptoes down the hallway. But Apricot wakes up and calls out to him from her room.

"BJ?"

Junior nearly shrieks from the surprise. He runs over to her to cover her mouth. Apricot giggles as he does so.

"I'll be right back, Sis! Don't tell anyone anything. Keep your nightlight on!"

Apricot slowly nods and wobbles back into her room. Junior breathes a sigh of relief and sneaks out the castle. At the gate, Junior spots Yoshi fast asleep from overeating. Junior snickers and escapes into the night.

Junior doesn't do this type of thing often. He just wanted to find Marilyn to exchange numbers with her. Her non-judgemental expression helped him get through his speech. Junior just knew she would make a good friend and he didn't want to miss this opportunity to establish contact!


Sometime after Junior left, Apricot turned in her bed. Unable to sleep, she gets up to look out the window.

Her brother has not returned and she gets anxious. So, Apricot runs to the closet to grab her shell. She slips into it and approaches the window. She peeps behind her and then lifts the panel. Apricot carefully climbs out and descends some vines growing along the outer walls.


Apricot makes her way through the quiet capital, calling out for her brother. Eventually, she realizes she is lost.

"Uh oh…."

Fear paralyzes her. Her heart beats rapidly. Her eyes then dart towards the dark allies.

Would the 'monster' jump out now? Apricot pictures a purple bat with fangs lunging at her. She feels her throat close off!

To calm down Apricot thinks of her kind father.

"P…Papa!"

The effect is immediate and she begins to think clearly. Apricot pulls out her phone to call for Papa. He will be furious with her actions but she knows he can find her!

He always does.

As she opens her phone, she looks for an officer. But a creature native to Sarasaland, a fly, shoves Apricot. She falls to the ground and she realizes he stole her phone!

"Hey! Come back here!!"

Now angry, Apricot pursues the thief as he flies away. To keep up she tucks into her shell to spin after him. Eventually, she arrives in front of a convenience store. The fly approaches another of his kind who is currently kicking a small shroob.

The fly waves the phone in the air. "Hey look what I found. We'll make a fortune selling this!"

His friend laughs. "Just give me a moment! I'm teaching this guy a lesson for insulting me!"

The little shroob cries out in the common tongue, "Give me my stuff back, savage!"

But he cowers again as both flies begin to kick him!

Apricot's temper flares again and her eyes light up. If Junior was here, he would do the heroic thing and save the shroob!

Apricot runs up to the flies and decks both in the face. They immediately go flying and Apricot smiles meekly. She didn't mean to send them that far….

"S-sorry!" She calls out.

Apricot picks up her phone and reaches out to the shroob. "You're welcome!"

The shroob stares at her hand and tucks his head down again.

Apricot huffs in annoyance. "Are you gonna say thank you?"

The only response is a shiver.

Apricot laughs. "You don't say very much do you?"

"..."

"That's okay! Everyone is different."

He finally uncurls and looks up at her, still holding onto his mushroom cap. "Different?"

Apricot nods. "Yes. Now take my hand! What's your name?"

The boy stares at the ground before answering.

"Four…."

Apricot tilts her head. "Four?"

"Yes…You are Princess Apricot?"

Apricot giggles as she helps him up. "How did you…"

The sound of wings flapping makes Apricot pause. In the air above is a gang of flies! The two thieves are among them, huge bruises now on their head.

Four hides behind Apricot as she smiles nervously.

The phone thief points at the princess. "That's the brat! Get her!"

*

Ocean breeze. The gentle rolling of the waves. A candlelit dinner, with the love of his life under a rose covered patio. And massive fish tacos…. It couldn't get any better than this for Bowser! The royal couple enjoyed food and conversation for a time.

As Bowser continues to munch, Peach eats her fried shrimp. She eventually offers a shrimp to Bowser. He feels like a jerk but now he is inwardly upset. He wants to frown as that guy recommended Peach's meal.

But Bowser wants Peach to enjoy herself. And he won't pass up a chance to be doted on by her. Bowser opens his mouth to accept her offering. Peach giggles as he chews.

"Not bad." He admits.

Peach turns her attention to the ocean view.

"This is wonderful, Teddy Bear. Thank you!" Peach whispers.

Bowser gazes at her and nervously plays with his claws. Her earlier conversation with Daisy runs through his mind. Seeking reassurance he reaches out to her. "Hey, Peach? Do you…. love the way your life is going right now?

Peach looks back at him, distress in her eyes. "Bowser, have I said something that made you worried?"

"No, no, no! I was just wondering if you're happy!"

Peach smiles, uncertainty still in her eyes. "I am. I love my family. And I love you."

Bowser feels warmth spread through his chest. He notices the faint sound of music. Bowser gets up and offers his claw to Peach. She takes it and he begins to sway her around the patio. Bowser holds her close, not wanting the moment to end.

Peach finally leans into his shoulder. "Are you happy with the way your life is going?" She whispers.

"You know the answer..."

Bowser directs her back against the patio's railing. He then nuzzles her cheek.

"That tickles!" Peach squeaks. She wraps her arms (as best she can) around Bowser's neck. "Are you flirting with me?"

"Yes. And I can tell I already have you. Afterall, you're talking to the swoon master!"

"Oh my…am I?" Peach deadpans.

"You doubt me, huh?" Bowser purrs against her cheek.

"Bowser…"

Bowser's eyes flick towards her lips with longing. He can never get enough of them. Peach's kisses are gentle, sweet, and also intoxicating. Bowser cups her chin and lowers his head to kiss her.

But a loud snort interrupts the moment. Bowser looks up at the offender. It was an overgrown hog in a canoe. He stares at the couple with a look of derision.

"I fish here. You're interrupting with mush."

Bowser fumes as Peach blushes.

"Excuse me Pork Chops, I rented out this spot! So I suggest you take your boat and get out of here before I call the police!"

The hog snorts again and points at Peach. "Woman. Are you trapped? You need a lift to safety?"

"What?"

"You look trapped. Trapped with fake ugly man."

Bowser feels his blood vessels are close to popping. "Fake!?"

The hog shakes his head and pulls out a fishing pole. He casts the line. "See his form? Muscles from steroids and his hair are dyed."

Before Peach can protest, Bowser jumps over the railing. He shakes his mane like a cat shaking water off its fur. "See!? Does this look fake to you!?"

The hog stares at Bowser's hair. He finally answers with a simple "You are trash."

Bowser beats his chest and shouts, "I am a 100% prime cut wall of muscle! A total beef gate!"

The hog jumps up and beats his chest too. "You wanna fight!!! You can't compete against my strength!"

"Come at me! I'll show you…"

Peach turns beet red and marches off. Bowser looks after her. "Peach?"

"I'm choking on testosterone! So I'm taking my leave while you two beefheads fight!"

"No! Come on Peach!"

Bowser shouts at the hog. "This is a private romantic dinner! Get out of here before I drill holes in your dinky boat!"

"Fine."

The hog packs up his fishing gear, jumps out the boat, lifts the boat and wades towards the shore.

"Look, he's gone Peach!" Bowser ushers Peach back in. "Please don't go!"

Peach looks sadly at the table and then at him. "I wanted to tell him why I was with you…"

"It's okay. And I'm sorry. I let my pride talk. But I should have let you talk." Bowser smiles and embraces her. "I just don't want anything to ruin our night…."

To Bowser's despair, his phone rings and he reluctantly answers.

"Lord Bowser! I'm one of your lakitu spies!"

Bowser hugs Peach close, afraid she'll run away again. "Seriously! What is with you people today!? I just want to smooch my wife!"

"Bowser!" Peach stammers.

"But Your Friskiness, it is a crisis! Your empire is in danger! And we need crucial orders from you!"

Bowser growls. He can't risk anything endangering his family….

He sighs and looks down at Peach. "Peach, I have something to take care of."

He then summons the waiter with a bell. "Get her whatever dessert she wants."

Peach sits down at the table. Her sad expression is heartbreaking. Bowser knows she thinks he is just getting caught up in his job. But for the lakitu to contact him it must be serious. And Bowser doesn't want her to panic if it involves the shroobs.

"You're just leaving me?" She pouts.

Bowser bows as he runs out. "I won't be long."

"Okay…. Be safe."

Bowser's last glimpse of Peach is her looking down at her cheesecake.

Bowser is beyond furious.

Not only did he have to see that mustache guy again as he walked in but now he is hunched over in a closet. This is not how he wanted his date night to go!

"Lord Bowser, someone is trying to get dirt on you!" The lakitu annonces.

Bowser hisses into the phone. "Is that why you interrupted my date!? I don't care what people think of me!"

That statement is not true. Bowser works hard to maintain an image of power. He just was about to fight a random guy over his muscles after all… But at the moment he sticks to his declaration.

"But Sire, they intend to make you look like a villain."

Bowser wishes he could teleport to the lakitu's location and fry him.

"I just said…Just give me a name already and I'll kill them!" He roars.

"It's H.E.R.O: Humanity's Extraterrestrial Removal Organization!"

"I don't want a silly boy club name; give me the names of who I need to punch!"

"Yes sir! The names…"

The call suddenly cuts. Bowser blows fire and the closet bursts into flames! He stumbles out to a crowd of angry staff.

"Oops…I'll pay for that!"

Before they can chew him out, an explosion rocks the building.

"I didn't do it!" Bowser calls out.

The sprinklers turn on and Bowser spots smoke coming out the dining area.

"What? ….Oh no…. Peach!"

Bowser rushes past the mustachio guy standing at the entrance. He was directing people to safety.

Bowser ignores everyone, aiming for the patio. He leaps over flaming debris and sees the doors to the patio are closed. He hears Peach's shouts and bursts through the door.

Peach has her parasol out narrowly avoiding deadly strikes from the hog. Around them are staff, battered and bruised. For him to take out a group of Sarasaland humans, this guy's strength is no joke.

"I don't understand, weren't you just trying to 'help' me?" Peach asks.

The hog laughs in a mocking manner. "Midbus was just sizing you up. Now die!"

"Get away from my wife you ugly Piglet!"

Bowser's fist connects with Midbus' face. The direct blow would take out anyone. But it only knocks Midbus back.

Midbus rubs his chin and smirks. He then pulls a wrecking ball out of nowhere. He walks towards his targets, swinging the heavy object over his head. Bowser realizes he needs to get Peach to safety. He grabs Peach and teleports out of the building.

The two reappear outside near the road. Bowser gently checks Peach over for injuries. "Peach…"

"I'm fine. We need to deal with that man before he hurts someone else!"

Bowser opens his mouth to protest but Peach interrupts him by blocking a bolt with her parasol. Bowser searches for the assailant.

A sinister and lanky man looks down at them from a roof. He was made of metal, wore a red cape, and had a red mustache.

"Who are you!?" Bowser demands.

The metal fiend twirls his mustache, a malevolent gleam in his eyes. "Speardovich the Magnificent. Former general of the Smithy Gang. My comrade Midbus and I are here for your heads…."