Intentions

A/N: Thanks for reading!

Bowser prefers the ash and smoky environment of the Darklands. But he can appreciate beauty when he sees it. And the seaside town below, aglow by the sunset, was exceptionally beautiful. At the edge of its baroque-style buildings is a busy docking area and lighthouse. Copious amounts of flower gardens add to the serenity of the ocean view.

Only a few years ago the town was in ruins. Now it is back, better than ever. It is a fitting place to host Sarasaland's new capital. A symbol of prosperity after everything the people have endured.

Bowser squints his eyes against the sun rays to locate a particular building. The popular seafood restaurant, the Dragan Grill, was the location for his date with Peach. He had a reservation for a private and romantic dinner on the restaurant's outdoor patio. Bowser grins thinking of Peach's reaction and what flirtation remarks he plans to use on her. She'll be swooning all over me, he thinks to himself.

An energetic voice brings Bowser out of his daydreaming.

"I got ya nose!"

Bowser lightly laughs and turns. While sitting on her throne, Daisy pokes Lemon's nose to get him to laugh. The infant giggles and waves his hands at her. Apricot rests on Daisy's shoulder observing the play. And as Daisy plays with Lemon, she talks with Peach. Meanwhile, Junior admires the murals on the high ceiling. Art always catch his attention.

Bowser lumbers away from the window to rejoin his family. Before he jumps into the conversation, the throne room doors swing open and the guards, Plum and Mop, fall through! A stampede of various creatures, in royal attire, rush in. Plum gets up and attempts to hold them back but she is too small. Bowser marches over and growls to get them to back off her. Recognizing him, some began to recoil in horror.

"It's the tyrant!"

Bowser rolls his eyes "For crying out loud ... .I'm retired from that!" He complains.

Daisy stands up and shields Lemon. "Easy! Easy! Everyone calm down! What is going on?"

The royals rush towards the throne while pushing and shoving. Bowser recognizes some of the rulers from other worlds.

One ruler declares, "Empress Daisy! How radiant! I was planning to introduce you to my son! He's single!"

Another king jumps in. "We heard you were looking for a spouse! My son is available. Would you like to see a picture?"

The two kings notice the other and begin slapping each other!

"How dare you! I asked first!"

"No I did!"

"No I did!"

Bowser growls when he sees Apricot run to Peach. She wraps her small arms around her mother and buries her face in Peach's dress. She is easily frightened by violence.

Bowser charges over and grabs the two kings by the neck collars.

"Bowser, no!" Peach calls out.

The kings kick their feet and beg as Bowser roars at the other rulers. Some flee in terror.

"Bowser, drop them!" Daisy shouts like she is scolding a kid.

Bowser growls and lets them hit the floor.

Daisy runs to help the rulers up. Her expression is kind but her voice is firm. "You are my guests but I did not request an audience. Don't do this again. But I will kindly consider all proposal requests."

Trembling, the two kings nod and quickly exit the room. Daisy's guards apologize but she reassures them. Once they leave Daisy groans, "My mom was gossiping again."

Peach glaces at Bowser, a confused look in her eyes. Bowser merely shrugs.

Daisy continues, "I'm under a lot of pressure to get married! They mean well…. But my parents have been telling me 'You're still not married and Peach already had a second child. You need to find a consort to have an heir.'"

Peach covers her mouth. "Oh Daisy. That does sound like a lot of pressure."

"Yeah. It's no fun being compared…"

Peach walks over to Daisy with her arms outstretched. Daisy accepts the hug.

"I don't feel ready…"

Peach gently pets her head. "Childcare takes a lot of work. Even if you are a royal. It's not something to take lightly."

Bowser looks to the side, now a little insecure. He recalls Peach's earlier words about not having time to themselves. Bowser knows she loves her family dearly. But had his wish for a large family tire her out? Bowser inwardly vows to make Peach's dinner date a success as he offers Daisy some advice. "Tell them to buzz off."

Daisy slaps her face. "I would never talk to my parents like that! I love my parents."

Bowser grumbles and turns his back towards her. "I'm just trying to help."

Daisy snickers, "I am looking for a spouse. I do want to get married but I am not in a rush. My priority is making sure Sarasaland thrives." She then blushes, "Besides, I want to marry for love..."

Peach lets go of Daisy, her hands now on her own. Her eyes sparkle. "Oh Daisy, after everything you've been through, you deserve someone who loves you for who you are. And not for what they can get out of you."

Daisy's admittance and Peach's reaction ignites Bowser's inner romantic self. He knows what it's like to defy traditions for true love! Bowser pushes his chest out and raises a fist into the air. "Don't worry Daisy I'll search my empire for the perfect…"

Daisy interrupts, "No way. You'll have me hitched to a guy with the ego of a peacock in a crowd of crows."

Bowser's chest deflates; he is now offended. "No I won't..."

Daisy laughs, "I know, I know. I just don't want you two to worry too much about my love life! It's not the end of the world. Besides, Dragazamazu won't accept just anyone."

Bowser lifts an eyebrow. "Him!?"

Dragazamazu, one of Daisy's four vassal kings, is proud and abrasive. To have him care about Daisy's choice is surprising. Daisy continues, "He's the main reason my parents backed off lately. They don't want to risk upsetting his clan again."

"I see."

"Enough talk about me!" Daisy then begins to urge Bowser and the others out. "Now come on! We have flowers to collect!"

Mario slowly open his eyes. As his vision adjusts he remembers banging on the truck before receiving a face full of knockout gas. He then remembers Luigi and Marilyn and cries out for them.

"Mario! It's okay! We're all here!" Luigi answers.

Mario breathes a sigh of relief and realizes he is seated in a leather chair. On his left and on his right is Luigi and Marilyn. The walls of the room is white, giving a sterile feel to the room.

"Lu, are we ….?"

Mario focuses on the figure sitting across the table. His eyes slant.

"You're awake, Mario." The messy blonde teases. He sits back and kick his legs up. "Welcome back to H.E.R.O."

"H.E.R.O?" Marilyn asks.

Mario sighs, "Sorry, we got you into this. After Luigi and I defeated Smithy, we were approached by government agents. They took us in for questioning."

Marilyn's eyes widen. "Why am I now just finding out about this?"

Luigi shakes his head. "We didn't want all of you to worry!"

As the blonde man stands up, light reflects off his shades. "The name is Billy, young lady. After realizing the extraterrestrial threats facing the planet, H.E.R.O was created. Mario and Luigi are part timers in the organization."

Mario counters. "You mean forced to join. You haven't changed a bit."

Billy grins at Luigi who hangs his head. "I'm a different man now. Preschool was years ago. You sure hold a grudge Mario."

"You bullied us up until highschool!"

Pauline's secretary, Ralph, marches into the room and takes a seat. "Can we focus on the task at hand Mr. Billy?"

Mario nods, "Yeah, something frightening must have happened… Now that my eyes' adjusted, your skin looks like pasta in bianca!" Mario then grabs his stomach, wishing he had something to eat.

"I'm not scared!"

Billy glares and then clears his throat. "Everyone but Wario and Waluigi is here. The two gave me the slip again ...Anyway my superiors have been worried. Through use of espionage and outside sources, they have reason to believe another intergalactic war is on the horizon."

The Mario Brothers gasp.

"It's not the Smithy Gang. They've been thoroughly neutralized. It's the koopas and shroobs. They've been going at it in small skirmishes."

Billy presses some buttons on the table. A hologram appears depicting a koopa and a shroob. "But we fear this could escalate."

"Rosalina contacted you?"

Billy's frown grows even bigger. "You're just twisting the knife in today aren't you, Mario? Unfortunately no! But she'll call me one day, I guarantee it!"

Mario tips his hat to hide his smirk.

Billy growls, "It was the Millennium Star that told me."

Luigi leans forward, "The leader of the Star Council! So, H.E.R.O is working with them?"

Happy to prove his superiority, Billy smiles broadly. "Yes, and I have been chosen to handle the case. It is my destiny to protect the cosmos!"

Billy presses another button and the image of a dragon koopa appears. Luigi gasps in fear and Mario leads forward. Marilyn's mouth opens, she knows who that is.

"King Koopa." She whispers.

Mario turns towards her and Marilyn continues.

"I saw him on my field trip. He's married to a human queen. He seemed nice…"

Billy shakes his head. "Well this King Koopa took over his world and several others. He claims he has turned over a new leaf. But Bowser has set up a complex network of railways through warp pipes."

"He must be filthy rich," Ralph mumbles.

Billy nods in his direction. "A network like this would be handy for someone wishing to conquer worlds."

"The Star Council is worried he is planning something?" Mario asks.

"Yes. But we can't just run and accuse him. We must catch Bowser in the act. His lovely wife is popular with many rulers. Targeting him could invoke disapproval from worlds that support the Star Council."

Luigi shrugs. "That sounds reasonable. But I hope this is just your bosses being paranoid."

Marilyn agrees, "Yeah. I liked Junior. He was alright."

"Huh?" Mario asks.

"Bowser's son."

Billy pulls out suitcases. "You are so naive! People hide who they are!"

Marilyn shrinks down in her chair. Satisfied with her silence Billy tosses the suitcases at Luigi. Luigi barely catches them.

"We will act as tourists as we investigate King Koopa."

Mario folds his arms, still skeptical.

Billy walks over to him and gets up close. "And if you refuse, we can't guarantee the safety of your family," he hisses.

Mario's blue eyes flick up at him. "You wouldn't…"

"I would. Mr. Eraser, would you join us?"

A living eraser with eyes and legs joins the conference. The creature looks at Mario with shifty eyes. "Hey Kid."

Billy points at the conference table. "Mr. Eraser, demonstrate what will happen."

Mr. Eraser bends and moves his head quickly. Immediately the table vanishes! Mario grabs Luigi and Marilyn and jumps back.

Billy laughs at their reaction. "Mr. Eraser is a reality warper I came across. He can remove things at will. If you refuse to help with the investigation you can say goodbye to your homes!"

Mr. Eraser shuffles over to Mario. "Sorry for the scare kid. But you'll cooperate with us right?"

Mario is about to give a defiant 'no' but he sees Luigi shake his head. He's telling Mario to go along with Billy's schemes for now. Since Marilyn is here, Billy will likely threaten her safety as well. And no telling how deep they are in H.E.R.O. headquarters. Mario quietly agrees to Luigi's suggestion.

"Alright. We'll help. I guess it won't hurt to check up on Bowser considering his history."

Billy jumps and kicks his heels together. "Then we have a deal. My destiny is within reach!"

Mario pleads, "But can Marilyn go home?"

Mr. Eraser pops up behind Marilyn. "She can't, not after what she has seen, kid. You now walk a path of darkness….all in the name of justice."

Marilyn clings to Mario, creeped out over the sentient eraser. "Uncle…"

"You'll be safe. We'll protect you Marilyn." Mario reassures her. He faces Billy. "My wife will be looking for us."

Billy waves his hand in dismissal. "Don't worry, Ralph will handle that. Now if you would follow me. I have your hammers ready for use ...Super Mario Brothers." He taunts.

Mario balls his fist up but gives a knowing look to Luigi.

Unaware, Billy keeps talking. "Remember, all that H.E.R.O. does is for the safety of Earth!"

As the meeting between the Mario Brothers and Billy go on, they are unaware they are being observed. In a dark room, a group of lakitus watch the footage of the H.E.R.O. meeting.

They are part of Bowser's vast spy network. One day they had a hunch the koopas were being spied on by earthlings. So now the lakitus have been spying on the spies. And what they have heard has them concerned.

"Super Mario ... .I hate to admit it but I'm worried," One admits.

"Should we tell His Majesty?"

"NO! He told us to only contact him if it involves the shroobs."

"But H.E.R.O may threaten the effectiveness of his mission!"

The leading lakitu rubs his forehead. "...Okay, we'll play several rounds of rock, paper, scissors to see who tells him. Pair up."

All the lakitus present ball their fists up as they face each other, sweat pouring down their face. None wants to lose because no one likes to give Bowser bad news.

A flower market, owned by Daisy, lays beyond a field of tulips. Peach fights the urge to provoke Bowser into chasing her into the field. They have a job to do afterall! Part of Junior's duty is to help pick out flowers for the memorial event.

As they enter the busy outdoor market, citizens greet her. Peach recognizes some as former freedom fighters, now humble farmers. Stacked crates of roses, daisies, pansies, and various other flowers line the cobblestone pathways cutting through the market. And a fragrant aroma drifted in the breeze.

Bowser picks out a pink flower for Peach. She shyly accepts it and allows Bowser to wrap his claw around her hand. But Apricot tugs on Bowser's tail, asking for candy. The two parents exchange smiles. Taking Lemon and Apricot, Bowser runs over to a candy stand.

Peach decides to follow Junior as he gets to work. His eyes are adorably intense as he looks for the perfect flowers. Junior soon approaches a stand and picks out petunias. To Peach's despair, a piranha plant sticks its head out a bouquet to chomp Junior! Peach jumps to pull him away before it can snap its jaw.

Junior blushes, "I was going to jump back, Mama."

Peach lets go of him. "Sorry. You're a young man now." She bends to examine the flowers he picked. "They are lovely."

Junior beams, happy with her compliment. But Peach becomes distracted. A blur of purple hiding behind a crate catches her eye. She looks around Junior. Strange. I thought someone was watching us, Peach thinks.

Peach stops looking when approached by Daisy's mother, Lilac. "They have some beautiful roses over there if you want to look, Junior."

Surprised, Peach jumps up and gives her a hug. "Lilac! How's Oleander?"

Lilac points to where he is. He is having a loud conversation with Bowser. Peach chuckles.

Accepting Lilac's suggestion, Junior runs over to the other stands. Lilac then looks down, her eyes now sad. "Peach, I'm sure Daisy has confided in you…."

Peach looks around now feeling awkward. Lilac reaches out to her to put her at ease.

"I'm sorry for comparing you two…. It was not my intention to belittle Daisy. She's amazing."

Peach slowly nods. "She is more than capable of ruling. You don't need to worry."

Lilac scratches her brown hair bun. "I just want to make sure she has support. My marriage to Oleander was arranged. We were just friends at first but we learned to love each other. I felt that if Daisy was married, love would follow automatically."

She then slumps her shoulders. "But Oleander's parents didn't have a happy marriage. I guess I just need to leave Daisy alone."

"Lilac, I'm sure she'll make a good decision," Peach comforts. A moment of silence then passes between Lilac and Peach. Both were unsure of what to say.

Lilac finally speaks up, "So how have you and Bowser been?"

Peach smiles sadly and Lilac becomes concerned.

"Trouble in paradise!? Don't worry, Peach. I'll go and knock some ..."

Peach waves her hands wildly in the air. "Noooo! I'm happy with Bowser! We've just been busy!"

Lilac puts her hands on her hips and Peach grabs her arm. "Truly! He promised he was going to spend some alone time with me. After the memorial, he has a surprise and the kids will be sleeping over with Daisy. I can't wait!"

Lilac's eyes light up. "That's so sweet! It's important to keep the spark alive. You wouldn't want a wedge to come between the two of you."

Peach's eyes become fiery, believing Lilac is implying Bowser would take an interest in someone else. "He better not! I won't let anyone have him!"

Now Lilac is waving her arms around to prevent Peach from chasing Bowser. "It doesn't necessarily have to be another person, dear!"

Peach stops, now huffing. A blush creeps on her face as Lilac laughs. "You've definitely picked up some of his habits!"

"No I haven't," Peach lies.

Unaware of the conversation, Daisy and Junior rush up to them. "Guys! We're done."

Daisy picks the two women up and runs off.

"Daisy!?"

"I'm starving! Dad and Bowser will grill for us!"

Near the tulip field, Oleander and Bowser have set up a grill and are flipping burgers, drumsticks, kabobs, and corn-on-the-cob. On a blanket Peach bounces Lemon on her legs. Nearby, Daisy wrestles with Apricot after being challenged by her.

By the time Lilac positions her pies on the blanket, Daisy has Apricot in a headlock. Apricot calls out to Junior.

"BJ! Help me!"

Junior shakes his head. "Don't start fights you can't win, Sis!"

Holding a platter of raw patties, Bowser stops to greet Daisy with a powerful handshake. "Hope you have an empty stomach Daisy, prepare to be amazed by my secret barbecue sauce!"

"Dude, I'm more than ready! I'm eating a truckload!"

"Hey now, you don't need to go that far…"

Oleander calls out, "Drumsticks are ready!"

Apricot runs up to him with a large plate, eagerly waiting. Using tongs, Bowser puts one, the size of Apricot's body, on her plate. She rushes over to Peach to sit down. Despite its size, Apricot contently munches on the drumstick. Peach tries in vain to wipe Apricot's sauce-covered face with a handkerchief. Bower chuckles at the sight and turns back toward his grill.

He notices Junior eyeing the small heart-shaped patty on the grill. "It's for your mother."

Grinning from horn to horn, Bowser gives the patty a nice flip but it falls through the spaces in the metal grid. The Koopa King frowns as he glares at Peach's patty now buried in the charcoal. Oleander throws his head back and laughs.

"Are you kidding me!?" Bowser complains.

Junior scolds, "You can't serve that to Mama."

Bowser puts his claws on his hips and sasses, "Yes, Junior I'm going to serve your mother an ashy patty to express my undying love for her!"

Daisy leans over her father and joins in the laughter when she sees what Bowser is complaining about. Bowser then turns to point a claw at Peach. "If you had a normal appetite woman, we wouldn't have this problem."

Peach raises a hand to her lips giggling, "Says the man who can eat out a buffet! I did offer to take my grill off the train for you to use."

Bowser angrily flips a burger, "Not that teacup, Pinky!"

Peach fires back, "Big Oaf!"

"Pinky!"

Daisy and Junior face each other and shrug. Everyone was used to the royal couple's banter by now. Their arguments often end with them flirting. As predicated, Peach blows a kiss at Bowser. His cheeks turn red and he turns back towards his grill.

Bowser growls at the fallen patty but then smirks. "Well Junior, I know how to fix this 'missed steak.'"

A groan escapes Junior's mouth but Oleander laughs at the dad joke.

Bowser smiles and cuts one of his own patties into thirds. "I'll just share mine. Can't have my dear waiting any longer. You two go eat."

Daisy and Junior eagerly grab kabobs and patties. They then begin dressing their burgers.

Junior pauses after grabbing the lettuce. "Oh no. There's no pickles…"

"I'll go to the market." Bowser snaps his fingers and vanishes. Daisy and Junior jump from the shock. He reappears with a jar of pickles and opens the top. Junior nervously smiles and takes the jar.

"Bowser, what was that!?" Daisy demands.

"Teleporting. I can only do it for a short distance. I've been in space learning new skills, remember? I've also been dabbling in electricity." He forms a spark in his hand. He then flexes his arms towards Peach, showing off his muscles. "I must keep up with Peach. I need to be a worthy king of hers."

Daisy takes a giant bite out of her burger. "Oh yeah, Peach has gotten stronger! You can heal broken bones now, huh? Can you create force fields like Rosalina?"

"N-no…," Peach blushes. "I've been learning but I'm nowhere near dear Rosalina's power level."

Daisy takes a swig of soda. "Speaking of Rosalina…" she gasps, "I forgot my phone! Bowser, teleport to the market to get it. I left it on the daisy stand."

With food in hand, Bowser shakes his head. "Nuh-huh! I don't want to."

"Lazy!" Daisy complains and lightly punches his arm. She then sprites for the market.

Bowser rubs his arm. "She can give Yoshi a challenge in races, but I'm the lazy one," He mumbles while walking over to Peach and Apricot.

Junior carefully places his pickles, now deep in thought. Bowser is a once-in-a-lifetime genetic wonder for the koopas. Not only is he strong but he has the potential to get stronger. On the other hand, Peach has become renowned for her philanthropy and is known as 'the Healer.' Yoshi leads the Merry Men, a famed group of traveling heroes. And Daisy is empress of the powerful Sarasaland Empire.

"I got a lot to live up to..." He whispers.

Not aware of Junior's inner conflict, Bowser bends to give Peach her food as Lemon naps. Peach smiles and take a bite of her burger. She closes her eyes and brings a hand to her cheek.

"Delicious," she compliments.

Chuckling, Bowser lays on his side next to Peach to watch her eat. He begins kissing Peach on the cheek in between whispering in her ear. Years later and they still act like smitten teens.

Junior laments, "They're getting mushy again."

Bowser throws Apricot's now bare drumstick at him.

"OW!"

Junior rubs his head while Bowser smirks at him. "You say that now, but just you wait! Someday you'll understand your old man!"

Junior tilts his head in confusion. "Eww! And how do you know that, Papa!?"

Bowser puts a claw over his heart. "Because you are my son! We feel things strongly. You'll fall hard for someone you're willing to raze a … I mean build a kingdom for! And you won't settle for another."

The prince rolls his eyes and mutters, "Sure Papa…"

Bowser smirks and goes back to flirting with Peach. As he nuzzles her, Peach reaches her hands out. "Junior, come sit with us, love."

A warm feeling enters Junior's heart. "Okay Mama."

As he lies down, Apricot looks at her father. "Papa, I love your cooking! It's the best!"

Bowser gives a sly smile Junior is all too familiar with. "Oh, really my little potato?"

Apricot's eyebrows slate and she reaches for his burger. Bowser laughs and holds his plate in the air.

"Gwa ha ha! I knew it! Trying to butter me up! I raised 8 kids, Apricot! It doesn't work like that!"

She pouts, "Can I get another drumstick then?"

"Your appetite is really something…" Peach jokes.

Daisy finally returns with her phone to show them a text. Rosalina had sent a picture of herself and the koopalings posing on a red planet. The koopalings were on their way to meet Bowser at a particular station. But they took a detour to find the Comet Observatory.

Everyone in the picture were all smiles.

"Looks like they're having fun," Peach says.

Apricot begs, "Can we send them a picture, Aunt Daisy?"

"Of course!"

Daisy sits on the picnic blanket and motions for everyone to gather around her. She holds up her phone. "On the count of three: 1.2.3. CHEESE!"

There is a flash and Peach scrutinizes the image. She fusses at Bowser for crossing his eyeballs at the last second. Also, Lilac had put two fingers behind Daisy's head. Peach forces her laughing family to retake the shot.

As Junior poses again, he inwardly wishes this day would last forever.