A/N: Hey, guys! In the previous chapter, Mario spent Valentine's Day evening with Peach. Bowser has tried to throw a spanner in the works more than once, but seriously, he should understand when he's not wanted. Anyway, since the remake of Mario Vs. Donkey Kong came out last week, it seemed right to do a one-shot on this series. This one-shot is also dedicated to Takashi Nagasako, Donkey Kong's voice actor, who turns 60 today! Best wishes to him! Let's begin.
Chapter 20: Operation Mini Mario: Settle down, DK!
(''Mario Bros.' House- Paper Mario OST'')
It had been just two days since that wacky Valentine's Day when Bowser had tried to sabotage Mario. It was a sunny Friday morning in the Mushroom Kingdom, and Mario and Luigi were sitting on the couch in the living room. They were playing with spring-loaded toys in the likeness of Mario and some of his friends, such as Peach, Donkey Kong and Toad, created by the Mario Toy Company, founded by Mario himself.
A Mini-Mario saw Luigi and immediately took a liking to him, jumping on his hand and greeting him.
''Aw, Luigi! It seems that it likes you!'' exclaimed Mario happily, and turned to the Mini Mario. ''Hey, little guy, this is my brother, Luigi.''
The Mini Mario got excited and climbed on Luigi's shoulder, nuzzling his cheek. It seemed that these toys had a life of their own.
''Hello, Mini Mario! Oh, you're so cute!'' said Luigi, clutching the Mini Mario.
''Be careful not to break it. These toys are fragile.'' said Mario.
''Hey, Mario, are there any Mini Luigis?'' Luigi asked.
''Of course, and Mini Luigis too. These are some of the most recent ones, and I wonder why it took so long to start the Mini Luigi's production.(1) Of course, I had to insist quite a bit for them to do it.'' replied Mario, showing him a Mini Luigi. ''Here.''
''It's so cute!''
The Mini Mario and the Mini Luigi began to interact together, and it seemed as if they were talking to each other. Mario and Luigi laughed.
There seemed to be a whimsical atmosphere in the house, with the Minis interacting with each other. The Mini Luigi began to tremble nervously, but then, the Mini Mario put its hand on its shoulder, and this was followed by a small hug.
''Aw, this brings back the memories...'' Mario murmured, moved by the scene.
''Oh, thank you, Mario!'' said Luigi, hugging Mario himself.
''You deserve it, Luigi, you deserve it.'' Mario said, stroking Luigi's hair and giving him a kiss on the cheek. ''I love you so much.''
''I love you too.''
The first Mini Mario jumped into Luigi's lap, and was followed by a group of eleven others. Seeing him, Mario called twelve Mini Luigi and lifted one of them, while the others jumped into his lap and snuggled up to him. ''Hello, mini bros!'' he told them, holding them in a group hug. The Mini Luigis laughed.
''These toys are better than the LEGO ones!(2) They can even speak, and they seem to be alive!'' said Luigi happily.
''Oh, yeah! And they're cute!'' said Mario.
(''Mario Bros.' House- Paper Mario OST'')
Suddenly, someone knocked on the door. Toad was outside the door, looking agitated.
(''Environmental Shock- Metroid Fusion OST'')
''Mario! Mario! I need help!'' cried Toad.
''What's wrong, Toad?'' asked Mario.
''Pauline asked me to look for you! It's about Donkey Kong! He's at the Mario Toy Company, and the Toads say he's thrashing the place to get the Mini Marios for himself!'' Toad explained.
Mario's eyes widened. He had already had to stop Donkey Kong once because after seeing the Mini Mario commercial, the ape had tried to go and buy one, but after discovering that the shops ran out of stock, he had entered the Mario Toy Company and stolen them. ''Here we go again...'' he urmured.
''Didn't Donkey Kong have Mini Marios of his own?'' Luigi asked, surprised.
''I thought so too! And the first time it happened, it all worked out when Mario gave Donkey Kong a Mini Mario after finding out it had all happened because he wanted one.'' Toad replied.
''I think I know what's going to happen. Donkey Kong loses his temper easily, and he tends to be destructive when he gets angry.'' Mario said. ''I've got to stop him before he causes trouble.''
Toad nodded. He didn't want to have an enraged Donkey Kong in front of him, and the problem had to be solved quickly.
(''Environmental Shock- Metroid Fusion OST-s'')
(''Mario's House- Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions OST'')
''Let me help you, Mario.'' said Luigi.
''No, Luigi, you can't come this time. Toad will come with me.'' replied Mario.
''Why not?'' asked Luigi.
''Because Toad knows the Mario Toy Company better than you do.(3) You've never been there, and you don't know the Minis that well.'' Mario explained. ''This is a matter between me and Donkey Kong.''
''But Mario, Donkey Kong is as strong as Bowser and he's faster than him! He'd crush you like an ant if he wanted to!'' Luigi objected.
''Donkey Kong is not like Bowser. He doesn't try to kill me on sight, but I have to keep an eye on him or I worry.'' his brother told him. ''I'd like to make sure you're not in danger.''
Luigi didn't like this explanation very much. ''Are you saying that I can't handle it?'' he asked, feeling a bit hurt.
''No, that's not what I mean. I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. I trust you, little bro. But I don't want you to get hurt in the commotion. Donkey Kong is dangerous and unpredictable when he's in a bad mood.'' Mario explained. ''Toad, Pauline and I are going to the Mario Toy Company to try to calm him down.''
''Then what do I do?''
Mario put his hands on Luigi's shoulders. ''Listen to me, Luigi. I have a very important task to give you,'' he said.
''Do you think this has anything to do with the Mini Marios?'' asked Luigi. ''Maybe something happened to his Minis.''
''Very good observation. He has loved these toys since the first time he saw the commercial. That's when he'd stolen the Mini Marios that time. He didn't have any bad intentions though, he just wanted a Mini Mario.'' Mario nodded.
''So, what should I do?''
''Donkey Kong lives in a treehouse with Diddy Kong. Go into the jungle and head to his his house. Diddy will probably be there. Once you get there, check the house to find out what happened. If you see something strange, meet me up at the Mario Toy Company.''
''I'm on it.''
''That's how it's done! I'm counting on you, Luigi!'' said Mario, fist-bumping Luigi before leaving. ''Let's go, Toad!''
(''Mario's House- Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions OST-s'')
(''Mario Toy Company- Mario Vs. Donkey Kong (Switch) OST'')
As Mario knew, Donkey Kong wasn't bad. He got angry easily, but he usually had a relaxed nature. What could possibly have happened?
''I don't know what happened, but it must be serious if DK is in such a bad mood!'' said Toad.
''What if it had to do with the Mini Marios?'' Mario suggested.
''Maybe, but we have no proof.'' Toad said. ''I don't even know what happened.''
They went to Toad Town, and when they reached the Mario Toy Company, they saw Peach and Pauline talking at the entrance.
''But how did this happen?'' Peach asked, confused.
''That's a good question. I don't know the details, but there's something wrong.'' Pauline said.
''Hello, girls!'' Mario told them.
''Oh, hey, Mario!'' said Peach.
''Hi, Mario. I came to check out what Donkey Kong is doing. Do you think you know what's going on?'' Pauline asked.
''It looks like Donkey Kong is causing trouble again.'' Mario replied. ''Maybe something must have happened that has to do with the Mini Marios.''
''It's possible, but I don't know what happened. All I know is that Donkey Kong looked incredibly flustered this morning.'' Pauline said.
''I just hope it's nothing serious.'' Peach said.
''We'll go check out what happened.'' Toad told her.
(''Mario Toy Company- Mario Vs. Donkey Kong (Switch) OST-s'')
Mario, Toad and Pauline walked into the Mario Toy Company and were shocked by what was going on inside.
Donkey Kong was frantically searching for the Mini Marios, throwing various materials and heavy objects to the ground and scaring the Toads who were working. He didn't seem in a good mood.
''This is bad!'' Toad exclaimed.
''Let's hurry. We have to stop him before he does any more damage.'' Pauline said.
''Let's-a go!'' declared Mario, and he ran towards Donkey Kong.
''Mario! Do something! That monkey is destroying everything!'' a Red Toad shouted, panicking.
''Everyone, stay where you are! I'll try to figure out what's going on.'' said the plumber.
At the same time, Luigi had arrived in the jungle where Donkey Kong lived. ''I have to find out what happened. Mario is counting on me!'' he thought. Even though Mario told him that Donkey Kong wasn't bad, he didn't trust him much. He didn't dislike him, but he was always very cautious around him, and he couldn't describe whether it was because of his short-temperedness, because he was a huge gorilla, or both.
''I just hope Mario knows what he's doing. I wouldn't want him to be crushed to a meat pretzel.'' he murmured, but he shook off the feeling. ''What am I saying? Mario needs my help, and I need to investigate the matter!''
He continued to make his way through the jungle with the knowledge that he had to look for Diddy. As he knew Donkey Kong better than anyone, he was sure he knew what had happened. He got stuck in the mud a couple of times, but that didn't stop him.
(''Boss B- Star Fox 64 3D OST'')
Meanwhile, Donkey Kong kept making a mess in the Mario Toy Company as he searched for Mini Marios and other Mini toys, but as he couldn't find them, he became more and more impatient.
''Donkey Kong? What's wrong?'' asked Mario, approaching. Donkey Kong threw a trash can at him, but missed him. ''You look really upset today. What happened?''
But the gorilla wasn't in the mood to talk to him. He was out of control, and it seemed as if was so angry that he couldn't see straight
''Mario, it's no use! He's going to beat you up to a pulp!'' a Yellow Toad shouted, and Toad and Pauline began to move.
''No! Don't move! I have to take care of this myself. Don't do anything that will make things worse!'' Mario ordered.
Pauline stopped moving, and Toad also stood still, though he didn't agree with this reasoning. Donkey Kong began to set traps, and Mario was caught off guard by a laser. ''Would you calm down? I just want to understand what's going on.'' he told him.
DK threw barrels at him. The human tried to get close to him without hurting him, as he didn't want to infuriate him even more, but the ape was becoming more and more aggressive.
Pauline watched with concern as the commotion continued. She wanted to do something, and tried to approach him to try to calm Donkey Kong down. ''Please, try to stay calm, Donkey Kong.'' she told him. However, she was nearly caught by Donkey Kong. Aware of the danger, she had no choice but to back down.
Mario managed to get close to Donkey Kong, and when he tried to punch him, he managed to block his big hands. ''This isn't like you! You need to calm down!'' he said loudly, trying to not lose his cool. But the gorilla released his hand and punched the plumber in the face, knocking him against a wall and roaring at him. The Toads were petrified with horror.
''I don't like this! I've got to do something!'' Toad cried out, once again considering ignoring his friend's instructions, but Pauline stopped him.
''No. You heard what Mario said. It's a private matter.'' she told him.
Toad didn't like it, but there was nothing he could do.
Mario was a little groggy, but recovered quickly, determined to make things right. ''I have to find a way to calm him down!'' he thought.
(''Boss B- Star Fox 64 3D OST-s'')
Meanwhile, in the jungle...
(''Title Theme- Donkey Kong Country Returns OST'')
Meanwhile, Luigi had arrived at Donkey Kong's house. He climbed the ladder to the door, and as he thought, Diddy Kong was waiting for him on the porch. ''Hi, Diddy. I came here for something important.'' he said.
(''Come in.'') Diddy said, opening the door. (''What brings you here, Luigi?'') he asked.
''Mario asked me to check something. It looks like Donkey Kong is causing trouble, and I think it has something to do with the Mini Marios.'' Luigi replied.
Diddy frowned. (''Oh. Well, he's always been a bit short-tempered.'') he commented.
(''Title Theme- Donkey Kong Country Returns OST-s'')
Luigi nodded, and as he looked around, he noticed that something was wrong. ''Oh, no...'' he murmured.
(''Environmental Shock- Metroid Fusion OST'')
The wooden furniture was broken, and the treehouse was all in disarray. The plumber in green wondered what had happened, and when he went to Donkey Kong's room, he gasped in shock.
The room was destroyed, and there were several Minis scattered on the floor. They were broken or cracked, and all of them were full of scratches and bite marks. The Mini Marios, in particular, were almost all reduced to a pile of hardware.
''Donkey Kong's Mini Marios! They're all destroyed!'' Luigi cried out in shock. ''Who would have done this?''
(''It's terrible, I know.'') Diddy said sadly.
''Do you know who did it? Did your buddy explain to you what happened?'' Luigi asked.
(''I don't remember very well what happened. All I know is that something big hit me and knocked me unconscious. When I regained consciousness, everything was destroyed.'') Diddy explained.
''Donkey Kong wasn't happy at all, was he? Didn't you catch a glimpse of your attacker?''
(''No, I got knocked unconscious on the spot. All I know is that my big buddy was furious because the responsible had ambushed us in our house.'')
Looking at the scratch marks on the Mini Marios, Luigi noticed something familiar. There was only one person who could cause similar damage with sharp claws. ''Bowser. It was him.'' he declared, taking a Mini Mario and putting it in his pocket. ''I know him all too well.''
(''How do you know?'') Diddy asked.
''Because Bowser hates Mario. She tried to get revenge on him or tease him more than once. Just the other day, he tried to sabotage Mario on Valentine's Day when he was going to Peach and during their date.'' replied Luigi.
The monkey shook his head in exasperation. (''Bowser... One annoying reptile is enough as it is, let alone two!(4) Seriously, why are reptiles always the most annoying enemies?'') he complained.
(''Environmental Shock- Metroid Fusion OST-s'')
The plumber nodded. ''We have to go to town and get to Donkey Kong before it gets worse! Let's hurry, Diddy! Our destination is the Mario Toy Company!'' he said, and they left the house.
(''I have a friend who could help us.'') Diddy said, pointing to a gray rhino nearby. (''This is Rambi the Rhino.(5) He's one of our best friends.'')
''Are you sure he won't attack me? He doesn't know me.'' Luigi asked, feeling a little nervous.
(''Don't worry, he's loyal to us. He doesn't attack those who are our friends.'') Diddy reassured him.
''If you say so,'' said Luigi.
(''We need your help, Rambi.'') Diddy said. (''We have to go to Toad Town.'')
Rambi nodded, and allowed them to ride him. As the rhino ran at high speed, the plumber thought about his brother. He hoped Mario was unharmed, and Diddy also hoped his uncle hadn't gotten into trouble.
Meanwhile, Mario followed Donkey Kong around the factory, avoiding the bins and barrels he threw at him, and eventually, they reached the rooftop. ''Calm down, Donkey Kong. Listen to me, no one wants to hurt you. I just want to know what happened.'' he told him.
Donkey Kong didn't trust him, and kept backing off. He didn't seem in the mood to talk to him. But as he walked away, he didn't notice that he was approaching the edge of the roof!
(''30 Seconds!- Mario Vs Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars OST'')
Mario realized the danger, and panicked. ''STOP! YOU'RE GOING TO FALL DOWN!'' he screamed.
Donkey Kong lost his balance and almost fell off the roof. He managed to cling to the edge, but when he looked down, he began to get scared.
The enormous height combined with the cars on the street sent the gorilla into a panic. He didn't want to fall downstairs and get run over. (''HELP! HELP!'')
Shocked at what might happen, Mario immediately ran to the board. ''Donkey Kong! Give me your paw, quick!'' he cried, kneeling down and stretching out his right hand. ''Grab my hand, I'll get you out of there!''
Donkey Kong raised his left front paw, grabbing Mario's hand. His large hands were as big as Mario's forearm, and one hand wasn't enough to lift him. The plumber pulled towards him with his right hand and managed to bring him to safety.
(''30 Seconds!- Mario Vs Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars OST-s'')
(''Scent of Silence- Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories OST'')
After narrowly avoiding certain death, the ape began to calm down.
''Are you okay?'' asked Mario.
(''I'll be fine. Thanks.'') replied Donkey Kong.
''I came here because Toad asked me for help,'' Mario said. ''Can I know why you're so tense this morning? What's the problem?''
Donkey Kong didn't answer at first. ''I'm not mad at you. I just want a explanation. Come on, tell me everything.'' the plumber told him.
(''Someone attacked me and destroyed my Minis.'') Donkey Kong replied.
''Someone big?''
(''Yes.'')
''I'll find a solution, somehow. Let's go back to the others, OK? We'll explain everything.''
(''OK.'')
(''Scent of Silence- Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories OST-s'')
(''Mario Toy Company- Mario Vs. Donkey Kong (Switch) OST'')
Mario and Donkey Kong left the rooftop together, returning to the company's main hall. Everyone was waiting for them.
''Mario! Are you okay?'' asked Toad.
''I'm fine, Toad. Donkey Kong was just a bit on edge.'' replied Mario.
''So what happened?'' asked a Blue Toad.
Mario explained what had happened to Donkey Kong, between the assault on him and the destruction of his Mini Marios.
''Poor guy. I feel sorry for him.'' Pauline said.
The Toads didn't seem so convinced. ''Are you sure he's not lying? I haven't forgotten what happened last time.'' one of them commented.
''No, please, don't you start. I don't want Donkey Kong to go on a rampage because of you.'' Mario said.
Donkey Kong sighed sadly, but Mario put his hand on his shoulder. ''Don't worry. We'll find a way to fix this.'' he told him.
Suddenly, the door opened. ''Mario! Mario, I'm back!'' Luigi cried out, with Diddy on his shoulder.
(''Hey, little buddy!'') Donkey Kong said, noticing Diddy.
''Luigi! Did you find out something?'' asked Mario.
''Look!''
Luigi took a Mini Mario from his pocket, and everyone saw with horror the condition in which he was.
''That Mini Mario is broken!'' exclaimed Mario, shocked.
''I found it in Donkey Kong's room, and the other Minis are destroyed too!'' said Luigi.
''He wasn't lying then.'' Toad said.
(''So what do we do?'') Diddy asked.
A screen showed an advertisement for the Mini Marios. Mario and Luigi didn't seem very impressed by it.
''You should really change the ad sooner or later.'' said Luigi.
''Why, what's wrong with it?'' asked a Yellow Toad.
''Because that ad has aged so poorly! First off, Mini Marios aren't generic talking toys! Second, they are sentient and have their own personalities! Besides, this isn't about catching Pokémon, you know!'' replied Mario.
(''Mario Toy Company- Mario Vs. Donkey Kong (Switch) OST-s'')
(''Escape from Ganon's Castle- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time OST'')
Suddenly, there was a roar, and a door collapsed.
''What's going on here?!'' Toad exclaimed.
Part of the ceiling collapsed, and some electrical cables broke, sparking a fire. Soon after, explosions also began to occur.
''A fire! We must get out of here!'' cried Luigi.
''Get the Minis out of there, quick!'' Mario ordered the Toads.
(''Let's get out of here, little buddy!'') shouted Donkey Kong, putting Diddy on his back.
The Toads rushed to find the Minis as the Mario Toy Company collapsed around them. There was no time to lose, everything was falling apart!
Despite their search, the Toads were unable to find any Mini Marios. The other toys were safe, but the Mini Marios were gone. They had wasted a lot of time searching for them, and they barely managed to escape before they were buried under the rubble.
(''Escape from Ganon's Castle- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time OST-s'')
Everyone managed to escape, but there was nothing left of the Mario Toy Company. It was now reduced to a pile of ashes.
''Are you alright, everyone?'' asked Luigi.
''Yes, we're all okay.'' Pauline said.
''Are the Minis safe?'' asked Mario.
''We were able to get the Minis out, but... we couldn't find the Mini Marios anywhere. As far as we know, they have all been destroyed. I'm sorry, Mario.'' said a Toad.
''It's okay. Go home, we'll find a way.'' said Mario.
Donkey Kong sat down sadly, and Mario remained silent. He was disappointed, but he began to get suspicious. First the Mini Marios destroyed at Donkey Kong's house, and now the destruction of the Mario Toy Company. ''Whoever did all this will pay for it.'' he said.
Suddenly, something came out of the rubble and called to him. It was a toy with the same voice as Mario, but higher-pitched.
''Look, Mario! A Mini Mario has managed to get out!'' exclaimed Toad.
''Hello, little guy! I'm so glad you're safe!'' said Mario, picking up the Mini Mario.
''Who would have caused this mess?'' asked Pauline.
(''We think we know.'') Diddy replied.
''Bowser. The Mini Marios were all broken and scratched. And what about the fire that destroyed the Mario Toy Company? Bowser breathes fire all the time.'' Luigi added.
''But why would he do that?'' asked Toad.
''He hates me, Toad. After what he did the other day, it doesn't surprise me.'' Mario replied.
''Why doesn't he ever mind his own business?'' commented Luigi.
''I don't know.'' Pauline said.
''Donkey Kong, this one's for you. Take it.'' Mario said, handing the Mini Mario to Donkey Kong. The gorilla was about to take it when suddenly...
''OOOOOOOOOOW!''
(''Tension- Super Mario Galaxy OST'')
A huge shell full of spikes appeared out of nowhere, and Luigi was hit in the chest.
''Luigi, are you okay?!'' shouted Mario, shocked.
''My poor ribs...'' Luigi murmured.
The same shell hit Mario and Donkey Kong, who dropped the Mini Mario due to the strong impact.
''Look who's there. Mario and his ragtag of misfits. I should have guessed that this toy caricature had something to do with you.''
''Ugh! You're such a pain, Bowser!'' Mario snapped.
Bowser was standing in front of them, holding the Mini Mario, which squirmed in terror.
''I'm not even surprised anymore.'' said Toad with a frown.
''Seriously, Mario, I never thought you had such pathetic tastes. It looks like you're still stuck in the kiddy world.'' Bowser said.
''Just because I have a certain personality doesn't mean I'm childish!'' replied Mario. ''And besides, leave that Mini Mario alone! It's for Donkey Kong!''
''Oh, but really? For that apish brute? And by the way, these toys suck. They don't match your image at all.''
''Shut up or I'll report you!'' Pauline snapped. She didn't have a good opinion of Bowser before, as he had caused trouble for hercity once.
The huge Koopa didn't care. ''Sure. You don't have the authority to do that, young lady. Compared to a king like me, you'd be a beggar.'' she said.
Mario kicked Bowser in the stomach, causing him to drop the Mini Mario, and an enraged Donkey Kong punched him in the mouth. ''Don't you dare say that to my friend!'' he yelled angrily. ''And for your information, she's the mayor of New Donk City, so who cares if you're a king?!''
Diddy looked furiously at Bowser, and Luigi wanted to electrocute him.
Donkey Kong tried to grab the Mini Mario, but Bowser shoulder tackled him and grabbed the toy, which began to cry and scream in terror.(6) ''What a childish toy. It looks custom-made for a big boy. I'd serve you right if I decided to smash this piece of junk!'' he declared.
''Don't you dare!'' Luigi yelled. ''I know what you've done!''
''Luigi saw what you did to Donkey Kong's toys. And we have a feeling that you were the one who caused the fire that destroyed my company!'' said Mario.
''OK, it was me. So what?'' asked Bowser.
''This is the only Mini Mario who survived the fire! If you destroy it, you pay for it!'' replied Mario.
(''Tension- Super Mario Galaxy OST-s'')
Bowser began to taunt Donkey Kong with the Mini Mario, luring him into getting close and then hitting him. Diddy reacted furiously, but the gorilla ordered his nephew to stay still. Eventually, Donkey Kong ran to grab the Mini Mario, but Bowser hit him in the face with his claws, knocking him to the ground, and threw the toy into the air. Donkey Kong rushed back to grab the Mini Mario, but it was too late.
Everything seemed to move in slow motion as everyone watched in horror. Bowser bit the Mini Mario, which screamed in pure pain and then broke.
''The Mini Mario!'' shouted Toad and Pauline.
''Noooooo! That was the last Mini Mario!'' shouted Mario.
''Not that little one!'' whimpered Luigi.
(''Warmth is Gone- Fire Emblem Fates OST'')
The Mini Mario, now reduced to a wreck, returned to the ground. Screws and mechanical components were strewn across the grass. Pauline clenched her fists in anger, and if it weren't for the fact that she couldn't fight, she would gladly kick Bowser in the face.
Donkey Kong saw what was left of the Mini Mario, and his eyes were filled with tears. It looked as if he was going to cry at any moment.
''Oh, no...'' murmured Luigi.
As if that wasn't enough, Bowser twisted the knife in the wound by laughing and sticking his tongue out at Donkey Kong.
''You monster!'' yelled Toad.
''How can you be so heartless? What a monster!'' Pauline added, overwhelmed by the scene.
(''Warmth is Gone- Fire Emblem Fates OST-s'')
''You're going to pay for this, Bowser!'' yelled Mario.
Diddy got enraged and screeched like a crazed monkey. It was almost as if he was swearing repeatedly.
(''Boss- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time OST'')
That's when Donkey Kong saw red. He let out a roar and lunged at Bowser, punching him savagely. Before long, a brawl broke out between them, with Donkey Kong overpowering him, punching him, kicking him, headbutting him, and even going so far as to bite him and strangle him as he roared at him with wild fury.
Diddy looked on in fear to see his best friend and uncle overwhelmed by his primal instincts, and he could only watch into Luigi's arms. Pauline and Toad were in shock.
Despite the initial shock, Mario was determined to make Bowser pay for it. He grabbed him by the horns and pulled him down, allowing Donkey Kong to continue hitting him with a flurry of punches, then they both punched him hard in the face.
''Remind me not to make him angry.'' said Luigi.
Within a minute, Bowser had no strength to escape, and Mario and Donkey Kong grabbed him by the tail, preparing to throw him.
''OUT! OF! MY! SIGHT!'' Mario screamed, throwing Bowser, and Donkey Kong hit him with an uppercut that sent him blasting off. ''Serves you right, you big jerk!''
(''Sad Girl- Super Mario Galaxy OST'')
Bowser was out the way, but the damage was done. Donkey Kong calmed down, but made a face that could be described as that of a kicked dog. Soon after, he threw himself on the ground and threw a temper tantrum, kicking and bursting into tears like a baby.
''Great, I feel bad for him now.'' Pauline said. Luigi couldn't bear to watch Donkey Kong cry like that, and neither could Diddy.
''He's crying?'' Toad said.
Seeing him like this, Mario softened and put a hand on his shoulder. ''It's all right now. Bowser is gone.'' he told him. But Donkey Kong didn't answer, as he was still crying.
''I've never seen him like this.'' Pauline said.
''It's all Bowser's fault. He destroyed the Mario Toy Company and all the Mini Marios with it.'' Toad said sadly. ''What do we do now?''
''I don't know.'' Mario replied grimly. ''Compared to Bowser, Donkey Kong is Yoshi. Everything that's happened is more than just spiting me.''
Toad nodded. Diddy didn't know what to do to help Donkey Kong. Mario himself kept trying to comfort him, but nothing changed, and he wondered what he could do to make things right. He had several Mini Marios at home, but he wasn't sure if he could magically fix everything. He gave him a sad look and lowered her head.
(''Sad Girl- Super Mario Galaxy OST-s'')
(''Wrinkly 64- Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie's Double Trouble! OST'')
''Mario! Mario! Come here!'' Luigi suddenly called him.
Surprised, Mario joined his brother. ''What's the matter, Luigi?'' he asked.
''I found something under the rubble! Look!'' replied Luigi.
Mario knelt down and saw something, but it didn't seem clear to him what. He moved the rubble to get a better look and saw a small toy. It began to move, and when he heard a higher pitched version of his voice, he lit up with joy. It was a Mini Mario! ''Pauline! Toad! Look at this!'' he said, taking the Mini Mario in his arms.
''I don't believe it!'' exclaimed Toad, when he saw the Mini Mario.
''This Mini Mario survived the explosion and destruction of the Mario Toy Company!'' said Pauline.
Donkey Kong was still crying when Mario approached him and patted him on the shoulder. ''Hey, it's okay. Don't cry.'' he told him. ''Here. It survived the disaster.''
It was as if what had happened earlier hadn't happened at all. When Mario put the Mini Mario in his hands, DK stopped crying and nuzzled it.
''Thank goodness. The problem is solved.'' said Toad, relieved.
Filled with gratitude, Donkey Kong held Mario in a tight embrace, not realizing his strength.
''Ow! Not so tight..'' Mario grunted, feeling the pressure those big arms put on his body, but he returned the hug, and Luigi, Pauline and Diddy joined in.
The discovery that this single Mini Mario had survived the disaster had put Donkey Kong in a good mood, and everyone celebrated. Mario promised him that he and Luigi would fix all his broken Minis, and Luigi went back to the jungle to pick them up from the gorilla's house.
''It's a relief to see that the issue has been resolved. I'd better go home, I wouldn't want someone like that monster to start causing problems for my city in my absence. See you later, Mario.'' Pauline said.
''See you around, Pauline.'' said Mario, and he went home.
(''Wrinkly 64- Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie's Double Trouble! OST-s'')
(''Jungle Hijinks- Donkey Kong Country Returns OST'')
Later, Luigi also returned home, carrying all of Donkey Kong's broken Minis in a very large bucket. Carrying everything from the jungle to his house had made him exhausted. ''I'm tired...'' he murmured.
''I know. Luckily for you, it's almost lunchtime. Eating something will get you back on your feet in a short time.'' Mario told him.
After lunch, the two brothers set to work at once, armed with wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and other tools. With the large number of Minis to be repaired, the whole thing was long and tiring, but that afternoon, they managed to finish everything and took the repaired Minis to Donkey Kong's house with their kart.
''At last, everything's fixed...'' Luigi sighed.
''Yes. As long as Donkey Kong isn't in a bad mood, there's no problem.'' Mario said.
Luigi nodded. Pacing back and forth between the jungle and his home had left him feeling very tired, and he couldn't hold back a yawn.
''You tired?'' his brother asked.
''Yeah, I need a nap.'' replied Luigi, sitting down on the bed.
''You deserve it. And I'm grateful to you.''
''For what?''
''You are the one who found the surviving Mini Mario. I knew I could always count on you, Lu. Thank you very much.''
Luigi gave Mario a kiss on the cheek. ''Hey, that's nothing.'' he said. ''Anyway, I can't believe Bowser would be so mean-spirited to destroy the toys that you've created. He didn't just mess with you, but Donkey Kong as well.''
''Yeah, you can say that again.'' Mario muttered. ''I've never seen Donkey Kong so angry. I've heard that he fought his enemies several times before because they stole his banana horde, but this...''
''This is unforgivable, yes. Remind me not to infuriate him. I wouldn't want to be in front of a gorilla on a rampage.'' said Luigi, a little frightened by the prospect as he lay down on the bed.
''I know. You did a great job today. Enjoy some rest, little bro.'' said Mario, leaning down to press a kiss on his brother's forehead, and Luigi fell asleep a little later.
(''Jungle Hijinks- Donkey Kong Country Returns OST-s'')
(''DK's Victory- Super Smash Bros. Melee OST'')
Meanwhile, Donkey Kong had returned home with Diddy in the afternoon for a snack, and discovered to his delight that all of his Minis had been fixed. They started playing together with the Mini Marios and the other Minis, and they had a lot of fun. Looking in front of themselves, they winked, and so did the Mini Mario in Donkey Kong's arms.
A/N: Can you be so petty? Remind us not to anger Donkey Kong if you don't want him to beat you to a pulp. Anyway, happy birthday to Takashi Nagasako for turning 60! He left a lasting impression on many of us for voicing Donkey Kong and Ganondorf, but not only them, also many other characters, especially in anime! Did you like this chapter? Let me know and I'll see you in the next chapter! See you soon!
(1): Mini Luigis first appeared in Mario Vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars, where they are among the Minis that must be led to the end of the level. In Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge, they have the ability to jump higher than other Minis, and the latter game introduced specific abilities for each type of Mini and several Minis that appear by scanning the amiibo of Mario characters, namely Mini Bowser, Mini Bowser Jr., Mini Diddy Kong, Mini Yoshi and Mini Rosalina.
(2): The design of the Minis is partially inspired by Lego figurines, and this is mainly noticeable in the hands. As of 2020, the Mario series has its own LEGO products.
(3): The Mario Vs. Donkey Kong remake supports multiplayer, and Toad appears as a playable character for the second player. Mario and Toad share lives in this game.
(4): In the Donkey Kong Country series, Donkey Kong and Diddy have a recurring enemy, King K. Rool. King K. Rool is a crocodile, and the king of the Kremlings. He is also a playable character in Mario Super Sluggers and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
(5): Rambi is a recurring animal friend in the Donkey Kong Country series. Starting with Donkey Kong Country Returns, he is weak to fire, which causes him to throw off who rides him. In Mario Kart DS, Donkey Kong has a kart based on him, the Rambi Rider, which also appears in Mario Kart Tour. Donkey Kong's karts have high speed and above average drift, but below-average acceleration and very low handling, only better than Bowser's karts.
(6): In Mario Vs. Donkey Kong, the Mini Marios will cry if Mario dies.