A/N: Hey, guys! In the previous chapter, Waluigi pulled a cruel prank on Luigi, and Mario took revenge on him with some help from Wario. Since Princess Peach: Showtime! came out last month, I'd say it's time to do something about the game. I remind you that this chapter will be divided into two parts because it will be really long. This two-part chapter is set one week after the events of the game. Let's begin!
Chapter 23: Peach's Showtime: Part 1
(''Princess Peach's Castle- Super Mario Odyssey OST'')
It was a clear, sunny Friday afternoon in the Mushroom Kingdom. Princess Peach had been very busy over the past few days, and she felt that she needed a break after Bowser's attacks and the strenuous royal duties. Lying on the bed, she sighed.
''Princess? Are you all right?'' asked Toadsworth.
''I'm fine.'' Peach said. ''I'm just a little tired.''
''I know, Bowser just won't give up.'' said Toadsworth.
''It's not just that. I've been really busy these days. It doesn't look like it, but being a princess is hard work.'' Peach said.
''Yeah it's not easy.'' Toadette agreed.
Peach thought of the Sparkle Theatre, where she had been the week earlier, and she came up with an idea. ''I think I know what to do.''
(''Princess Peach's Castle- Super Mario Odyssey OST-s'')
(''Cyclism- Wii Sports Resort OST'')
Meanwhile, Mario and Luigi were at home, playing Wii Sports Resort. They were challenging each other in VS challenge on the third track, Across the Bridge.
''You won't beat me!'' Mario declared.
''We'll see!'' replied Luigi. They had both overtaken the generic Miis quickly, and were neck-and-neck. They crossed the suspended bridge and reached the forest, getting closer and closer to the finish line.
When they reached the last turner, Mario made the final rush too early and ran out of stamina, forcing him to stop pedaling and getting overtaken by Luigi, who won. ''Oh no! I got the timing wrong!'' he exclaimed.
''I won! Better luck next time!'' said Luigi.
''Mamma mia... congratulations on your win, Luigi.'' said Mario, shaking his brother's hand before hugging him. ''Tell me, what do we do now?'' he asked.
''I don't know.''
(''Cyclism- Wii Sports Resort OST-s'')
(''Grasslands, All The Way- Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey OST'')
The two brothers left the house, thinking about what to do, and a shrill voice called out to them.
''Mario! Luigi!''
Peach was out, and with her were Toad, Blue Toad, Yellow Toad, and Toadette.
''Hello!'' said Luigi.
''Good morning, boys.'' Peach said.
''Good morning, Peach. Are you all right?'' asked Mario.
''I'm fine. I just need a little rest.'' Peach said.
''Bowser should really understand that the princess isn't interested in him.'' Toad said.
''Yes, but it's not just that. The princess has been very busy during this time.'' added Toadette.
''Being a princess isn't that easy, isn't it?'' Luigi asked.
''You're right about that.'' Yellow Toad replied.
''Yeah, Toadsworth noticed.'' said Blue Toad.
''I had an idea. Let's go to the Sparkle Theatre.'' said Peach.
''The Sparkle Theatre? Didn't we go there last week?'' asked Toad.
''Yes, but Mario and Luigi couldn't go.'' replied Peach.
''Luigi had gone to Sarasaland to spend the day with Daisy that day. He wanted me to come with him, and so I agreed.'' Mario said, but then he sighed. ''Too bad though, we missed so many things...''
''Well, we'll go there together.'' Peach said. ''The Sparkle Theatre is located in a seaside town located on a small island.''
''What happened there?'' asked Luigi.
''Princess Peach was back from a walk when I called her. The Sparkle Theatre had just opened, and I had received a flyer advertising a show there, so we headed there with a couple of other Toads to see the show.'' Toad replied.
''But when Toad went to get the tickets, we were attacked by a witch and I lost my crown.'' Peach added.
Mario clenched his hand to a fist in anger. ''Who is that witch? If she hurt you, I...!'' he shouted.
''It's the witch Grape. Grape took control of the theatre alongside her henchmen, the Sour Bunch. Anyway, don't worry, I was unharmed, and everything worked out.'' replied Peach.
''Thank goodness... Toadsworth would have had a heart attack.'' sighed Luigi.
''We'll go to the Sparkle Theatre by ship.'' Toad said.
''OK then.'' Mario said.
(''Grasslands, All The Way- Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey OST-s'')
Three hours later...
(''S.S. Anne- Pokémon Fire Red & Leaf Green Version OST'')
Mario, Luigi, Peach, and the Toads were still on the ship, and the sun was setting. Luigi looked at the horizon to see if the island was near, but he saw nothing.
''Listen, Peach, did you hear more from that umbrella, Perry?'' asked Mario.(1)
''Perry is doing good.'' Peach said.
''That's good. He helped you a lot when the roles were reversed that time. I should have expected that ambush.'' Mario said.
''I wonder if Daisy knows we're going to the Sparkle Theatre.'' said Luigi.
''Unfortunately, she couldn't come with us. She said she's too busy with matters of court, but the show should be on TV, so she'll watch from there.'' Peach said.
''Considering what you did here, she would be really jealous.'' Mario said.
Peach couldn't help but laugh. ''OK, maybe a little.'' she admitted.
''The Sparkle Theatre looks wonderful. It's a shame I couldn't get a chance to go.'' said Toadette. ''I can't wait to see some plays!''
''Peach, were you alone when the Sparkle Theatre was conquered?'' asked Luigi.
''In the midst of the chaos, the two Toads who accompanied me were locked out, and I was trapped inside. Someone asked me for help, and I immediately found an ally to free the theater from Grape and the Sour Bunch. Her name is Stella, and she is the sprite who watches over the Sparkle Theatre.'' replied Peach.
''What had happened?'' asked Mario.
''The Sour Bunch is a company of masked actors led by Grape, and they had also captured the stars of all the shows. They've caused a lot of trouble here.''
''I don't understand what Grape wanted to do.'' said Yellow Toad.
''It seems that she wanted to create the ultimate tragedy.'' Toad said.
''I don't like tragedies. I understand that they should have an effect on the audience, but... I hate it when things end in tragedy.'' sighed Luigi sadly.
''I agree with you there, little bro. It doesn't seem right to me, especially when a show is sabotaged.'' Mario said.
''Oh, absolutely. I'm not a fan of tragedies, when you're talking about a princess, that's all.'' Peach said.
When the sun went down and evening came, the ship arrived at the island.
''Here we are, we're here.'' Peach said.
The Sparkle Theatre was the most recognisable building on the island, a huge golden and red theatre.
Mario's jaw dropped. ''Wow...'' he murmured. ''It's wonderful...''
''Now that's a fancy theatre! Whoever runs this theatre will certainly have very good taste in design!'' said Luigi.
The older brother laughed. Luigi had refined tastes, and he didn't hide it. ''Yes, that would be something you would do, Lu.'' said Mario, affectionately ruffling Luigi's hair.
''This theatre is as beautiful as I thought it would be! Let's go inside!'' exclaimed Toadette.
(''S.S. Anne- Pokémon Fire Red & Leaf Green Version OST-s'')
(''Welcome to Sparkle Theatre- Princess Peach: Showtime! OST'')
The lobby was full of people, and was run by Theets, who were small, humanoid-looking creatures. The Theets had a round, yellow head and a nose that lit up a color according to their mood, and they were actors, staff members, or spectators.
Some of the Theets saw Peach and recognized her, cheering as they laid eyes on her. ''Look! That's our star!'' a Theet cried, and his nose glowed yellow.
''These are Theets. Their lifelong dream is acting, and every show has its own star. A Theet who is known as the star of a show is known as a Sparkla.'' replied Peach.
The Theetsimmediately approached everyone, and even the ten Sparklas ended up getting caught up in the excitement.
''It's really nice to see you again!'' said a Sparklas.
''Oh, I'm happy too.'' Peach said.
''Hey, is that your boyfriend?'' the Mermaid Sparkla asked, referring to Mario.
Taken aback by the question, Mario blushed. ''W-what? Come on, you're embarrassing me!''
''I see you've brought some friends!''
''Well, I wanted to share my experience here with them.''
Before long, Peach, Mario, Luigi, Toad, Blue Toad, Yellow Toad, and Toadette were overwhelmed by the overexcited crowd and bombarded with questions.
''What show do you want to see? The Swordfighter play?''
''Or the Cowgirl play?''
''How about the Dashing Thief play?''
''What about the Detective play?''
''What are you going to do here?''
Unable to answer, Luigi began to tremble. He didn't like being pressured, and all those questions were driving him crazy.
''Hey, hey! Let him breathe!'' Mario said loudly, noticing how his brother was beginning to panic.
(''Welcome to Sparkle Theatre- Princess Peach: Showtime! OST-s'')
''They look a little too excited tonight.'' said Blue Toad.
''I can barely understand a word of what they're saying.'' Toadette said.
''What's going on in here?''
(''Stella- Princess Peach: Showtime! OST'')
A voice interrupted all the noise, and a little fairy appeared from the leftmost door. She had blue eyes and a star-shaped head, and she wore a turquoise dress and bow. ''Please don't make so much noise. You're going to scare the guests,'' he said.
Peach recognized her immediately. ''Stella? Is that you?''
Stella turned around, and her face lit up when she saw Peach. ''Peach! What a surprise! I'm so glad to see you again!'' she exclaimed. ''I see you've brought some friends with you, too.''
''Hi. I'm Mario, and this is my brother Luigi.'' said Mario. ''Come on, Luigi, say hi.''
Luigi chuckled nervously. ''Hi.''
''Nice to meet you. I'm Stella, guardian of the Sparkle Theater. Peach told me a lot about you and your brother, Mario. Being the hero of the Mushroom Kingdom is a lot of stuff, that's for sure.'' Stella said.
''He deserves it. He's done so many things I've lost count.'' said Luigi.
''I'm not the only one. If I'm the hero I am, it's because I have a great sidekick.'' Mario said.
''Who? Yoshi?'' Luigi asked.
''No, you silly! I meant you!'' replied Mario, wrapping his arm around his brother's shoulders. ''As you can see, Stella, Luigi and I are very close. Many people underestimate him, as he is often compared to me, but you will understand what a person he is when you get to know him. Sure, he's not the most confident or the bravest man, and he is pretty clumsy, but that's just the surface. The first impression on a superficial level may not be the best, but I have a lot of respect for him, and I know I can always count on my brother when I need help.''
''You sure have a lot of faith in him.'' Stella said, seeing Mario hug Luigi.
''Well, we're twins. I'm taller than Mario, but he's the older brother.'' said Luigi.
''Oh, interesting! I see a strong chemistry between the two of you. Why don't you come and play some shows here?'' asked Stella, intrigued.
''I don't know...'' Luigi murmured.
''Why not?''
''Because I get stage fright.''
''Luigi is very shy. He tends to get anxious at times.'' Mario explained.
''Oh, sorry, Luigi. I got carried away.'' Stella said.
''No, it's okay, Stella.'' Luigi replied.
(''Stella- Princess Peach: Showtime! OST-s'')
Suddenly, the earth began to shake. It seemed faint at first, but with time it grew stronger.
''An earthquake!'' Toad cried.
Several Theets were knocked away, and Luigi and Peach were nearly thrown against the wall, but Mario grabbed them and told them to hold on to him until the earthquake was over.
(''Uneasy Intermission- Princess Peach: Showtime! OST'')
When the earthquake was over, Mario looked around. ''Is everyone okay? Nothing broken in here?'' he asked.
''We're all okay, Mario. The Sparkle Theatre was not damaged.'' Stella replied.
A Theet barely managed to get up. ''Sorry, Stella, but I think I broke my nose. I don't think I'll be able to act tonight...'' he murmured.
''Me too. I think I twisted my ankle.'' another one said.
''Stella, are earthquakes frequent here?'' asked Peach.
''They happen sometimes . They're not very intense, but when they do, some of the Theets are injured.'' replied Stella. ''The timing couldn't have been worse, there's also a big and very important show tonight on the top floor, but some of our actors are incapacitated.''
''I'll take care of it.'' Peach said.
''I'll help you too.'' Mario added. ''Luigi, what do you think?''
''OK.'' said Luigi.
''Thank you! I really appreciate it! The show will start soon, so I'll take you backstage to explain what to do.'' Stella said. ''As for your attendants, they can observe everything as part of the audience.''
''Then let's get to work.''
(''Uneasy Intermission- Princess Peach: Showtime! OST-s'')
(''Distant Roads- Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones OST'')
A little later, backstage, Peach explained to Mario and Luigi what she had been up to while at the Sparkle Theater the week before.
''You mean you played different roles to free the theatre from the influence of Gooseberry and save the stars?'' asked Luigi.
''Yes. But I had some help,'' Peach said. The whole time he had been telling the story, Mario had stood still with a dreamy look on his face.
''You see, I am a Sparkle sprite. The bow on my dress can be used against enemies with Sparkla.'' Stella said.
''What's Sparkle?'' asked Mario.
''It's a power that can interact with people or their surroundings. It can be used offensively to force enemies to retreat, and it can also bring happiness to people. When Grape and her followers, the Sour Bunch, took control of the theater and ruined the plays, the Theets were demoralized.'' Stella replied.
''I'll show you. Stella?''
''Got it!''
Stella tied Peach's hair in a ponytail with a pink bow, and when Peach used the Radiance on a bush used as a prop, it bloomed, leaving Mario and Luigi stunned.
''Cool!'' they exclaimed.
''Every once in a while, I came across a particular platform. If I step over it, Stella will use her powers to transform me, giving me a costume that fits the play, and this costume gives me special powers.'' Peach added.
''We don't have Sparkle. What are we going to do?'' asked Luigi.
''You'll see soon. It's almost time to start.'' Stella said.
Suddenly, Peach noticed a small purple creature. ''You won't get away!'' she exclaimed, and used Stella's ribbon to ward it off.
''What was that?'' asked Mario.
''That was a Sour Bunch minion.'' replied Peach.
''One of the followers of the witch Grape?'' asked Luigi.
''That's right. We defeated Grape recently, but it looks like the Sour Bunch is causing trouble.'' Stella replied.
''Then we have to get busy!'' Mario declared.
Meanwhile, in Sarasaland Castle, Daisy was exhausted. She had just returned to her room, and had turned on the television to see what to watch. ''Stupid real commitments... Court etiquette is so suffocating!'' he snapped. After a bit of zapping, he saw the show at the Shining Theater, and noticed his friends on stage. ''Wait a minute. What are Mario, Luigi and Peach doing here? No matter. I wanted to take some rest anyway.''
''It's a shame that Daisy couldn't come.'' said Luigi.
''Daisy is the princess of Sarasaland and my best friend. She and Luigi hang out together.'' Peach added.
''Was she busy?'' asked Stella.
''I think so. Maybe it's her duties as a princess, you know how it is. Daisy is a tomboy, and judging by what I've heard from her, Sarasaland's court is quite rigid.'' replied Luigi.
''Now that I think about it, the plays at the Sparkle Theatre have action roles that might be great for her.'' Stella said.
''That would be really nice.'' Mario said.
The show began with a scenario similar to that of the first play in which Peach took part, which featured a swordfighter. The Sour Bunch was causing trouble, and every now and then, spiked brambles appeared. By using the power of Sparkle, Peach cheered up the Theets, but Luigi had a rough start. He knew that everyone was staring at him, and thousands of characters of different species were sitting, which made him anxious. Shortly after the start, he tripped over one of the villains, and the audience laughed, which embarrassed him. Daisy watched from the TV, and she seemed kinda annoyed by the laughter.
''I think they took you for a comedic sidekick.'' Peach said.
''This is embarassing...'' Luigi murmured.
''Hey, it's not a tragedy. A little humour is good for the theatre.'' Stella told him. ''At least until it's forced.''
Standing up, Luigi saw Toad, Toadette, Blue Toad, and Yellow Toad sitting in the front row, and he went on. As they continued past the town, brambles blocked the way to the castle. Peach used Sparkle on a pair of Theets to give them motivation to launch a spinning sword attack that destroyed the brambles, but by the time they reached the castle gates, there was no clear way forward.
''Stella's ribbon doesn't work here. It's not powerful enough to cut those brambles,'' Peach said.
''There must be a way to get through,'' Mario said.
(''Distant Roads- Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones OST-s'')
Stella noticed a turquoise spot in the center of the room. ''This is one of the places where Peach can transform with my power,'' he said.
''What about us?'' asked Luigi.
''Don't worry about that. Leave it to me.'' replied Stella. ''Peach, it's time.''
''Okay!'' said Peach.
''Tonight, I'll bet you'll pass out when you'll see Peach.'' Luigi said jokingly.
''Hey! I don't think so!'' replied Mario, but he was laughing.
(''Birth of a Holy Knight- Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War OST'')
Soon after, the room was bathed in a light, and when it dimmed, Peach appeared in a new dress. Her hair was still in a ponytail, but now she was dressed in a musketeer's uniform with a red cloak, a blue feathered hat with a red rose and blue boots, and she was armed with a rapier.
''It's Swordfighter Peach now!'' said Stella.
''Wow...'' Mario murmured.
''And now it's your turn!''
Stella used her powers to transform Mario and Luigi as well. Soon after, they were wearing full armor, and they both had a sword. Mario had a greatsword and a spiked mace, while Luigi had a simple lightweight sword. They looked like two knights.
''Now let's-a get this started!'' said Mario.
From Sarasaland Castle, Daisy got excited, and Peach chuckled. 'You're a knight now, Mario.'' she said, making him blush.
''And you look like a musketeer.'' he replied.
''It's the swordfighter! And she has brought allies!'' two Theets cheered.
With their swords, Mario, Luigi, and Peach destroyed the brambles and entered the castle, where they dueled with the Sour Bunch.
''En garde!'' shouted Mario, parrying a blow and annihilating two enemies with a single slash. Peach was surrounded, but dodged the attacks and leapt behind the enemies, striking them from behind. While his brother let out slower but powerful attacks, Luigi was quicker and focused on attacking enemies from behind, and Peach featured a more acrobatic fighting style.
The brambles came from a giant purple plant that had trapped the king, played by a mustachioed Theet. During the fight, the star of the swordfighter play, the Swordfighter Sparkla, appeared, and with her help, they destroyed the plant. She was surprised to see Peach again, especially with Mario and Luigi acting as her sidekicks. ''What do you know! It's not something you saw every day!'' she said.
''Surprised? I needed some help with some actors who were injured, but I have replacements to help me.'' Peach said.
''You and Stella never cease to surprise me.'' said the Sparkla. ''Strange things are happening in the castle. I'm going ahead, join me shortly.'' With these words, she leapt up, disappearing from their sight.
(''Birth of a Holy Knight- Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War OST-s'')
(''Environmental Tension- Metroid Fusion OST'')
The act dedicated to the swordfighter was not over, as the castle was haunted.
''Do we really have to go through this castle?'' asked Luigi nervously.
''This is just a play, so don't worry about that.'' Peach said.
''But it all feels so real. Maybe it's the Sparkle Theatre that has this effect on me.'' said Luigi.
''Hey, Mario, is your brother always like this?'' asked Stella.
''Luigi is afraid of ghosts, Stella. He is easily frightened in general, but suffers from phasmophobia. When his nemesis, King Boo, kidnapped me, he faced his fear of ghosts several times to save me. Three times, to be exact. However, even though he has a ghost dog, his Polterpup, he never managed to completely conquer this fear.'' Mario explained. ''Other than that, he has a lot of experience with paranormal stuff.''
''Makes sense. After all, a fear can't go away all of a sudden.'' said Stella.
Suddenly, they were attacked by a phantom in heavy armor, who knocked them down into the dungeons by opening a trapdoor below, declaring that this was his castle and that he would defeat any intruder on the spot.
(''Environmental Tension- Metroid Fusion OST-s'')
(''Beyond Distant Skies - Roy's Departure - Super Smash Bros. Ultimate OST'')
''The swordfighter and her knights!'' a prisoner cried, seeing the heroes.
''We are saved!'' exulted another.
Peach, Mario, and Luigi had little trouble destroying the cages and freeing the prisoners, but before defeating the boss, they had to face various enemies as they climbed the stairs.
''How did you defeat ghosts, Luigi?'' asked Stella.
''With a special vacuum cleaner. An invention of Professor E. Gadd.'' replied Luigi.
''How curious...'' said Stella pensively.
''Maybe it would have helped,'' Peach said.
After several clashes with the ghosts, the heroes returned to where they had been before and launched an attack on the ghost boss, who was fighting with a heavy spear against the Swordfighter Sparkla. The star was able to stand up to him, but she had been fighting for some time and was now fatigued.
''The cavalry is coming!'' declared Mario.
''Looks like you might need help.'' Peach said.
''Thank you. Watch your back!'' said the Sparkla.
At first, the battle remained equal, if not deadlocked. The phantom's attacks were predictable, but Mario was weighed down by his armor and the weight of his weapons. As a result, he struggled to find the right timing to strike, and while the others were more successful, they struggled to deal noticeable damage. He tried to jump to dodge an oncoming attack, but he did, stumbling and lost the moment.
''Mamma mia... I'm not used to fighting in heavy armor.'' murmured Mario.
''You'll get used to it, Mario.'' Peach said.
''Maybe you should try another strategy.'' Luigi said, blocking a slash.
The ghost attacked Mario, but Mario was able to block the blow with his sword before hitting him in the head with his mace, stunning him, and Luigi, Peach, and the Swordfighter Sparkla used the opportunity for quick attacks. Peach dodged another attack before striking the enemy from behind with her rapier.
At one point, the specter charged at Mario. ''Now, Mario! Your mace!'' cried Peach.
Mario hit the enemy with his mace twice. The first shot disarmed him, while the second threw him into the air, allowing Luigi to jump and hit him with a jumping slash. Another sudden attack was blocked by the Swordfighter Sparkla, allowing the others to deliver the final blow from three different directions with their swords. Mario and Luigi hit the enemy from the sides, while Peach from behind, defeating then.
(''Beyond Distant Skies - Roy's Departure - Super Smash Bros. Ultimate OST'')
(''Victory Fanfare- Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster OST'')
''And that's that!'' said Stella.
''How many plays have you been in here, Peach?'' asked Luigi.
''There are ten themed plays, and each one has its own Sparkla starring in it. Stella said this show is going to incorporate a little bit of everything.'' Peach said.
''I have to admit that these sidekick work together really well.'' the Swordfighter Sparkla said.
''A truly loyal knight does his job in the heaviest armor.'' said Mario, lifting his helmet.
''And I've got a great knight right here in front of me.'' Peach said, giving Mario a kiss on the cheek that made him blush.
There was loud applause from the audience at the end of the swordfighter's, and Daisy got excited too.
(''Victory Fanfare- Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster OST-s'')
(''Ninja Village- Princess Peach: Showtime! OST'')
''The second part is a ninja play. Like any self-respecting ninja story, it begins in a ninja village.'' said Peach.
''A ninja should remain in shadow. Playing this role requires you to be stealthy.'' Stella added.
''Well, it's not a problem for Luigi. He has always been more cautious than me, and he has made use of surprise attacks on several occasions.'' Mario said.
''Anyone who knows ninja stories is going to have to expect a lot of secret passages.'' Luigi said.
''That too, right.'' said Stella.
The village was guarded by Sour Bunch guards, who tried to detect intruders with their lanterns. After avoiding them, Peach, Mario, and Luigi arrived at a cave where Peach found the secret passage and a new place to transform. The transformation made her a female ninja, known as kunoichi. She was Ninja Peach now. With Stella's help, Mario and Luigi also became ninjas, with a black jumpsuit and a mask covering their lower faces.
''Do you know how to jump on walls?'' asked Stella.
''Of course. Especially Mario, he's the master of wall jumps,'' replied Luigi.
''Ah, so climbing these walls won't be a problem. With this transformation, you'll be able to run on walls and use a variety of ninja techniques, such as blending in with your surroundings.'' Stella said.
They leapt from wall to wall to surface and spotted an enemy guarding the area. Peach sneaked up behind him and threw a grenade, creating a diversion that allowed Mario and Luigi to go on unnoticed.
(''Ninja Village- Princess Peach: Showtime! OST-s'')
However, when Mario, Peach, and Luigi reached the temple, a Sour Bunch thief stole some scrolls.
(''Assassin Disco (Ninja Peach) - Princess Peach: Showtime! OST'')
''Oh, no! Our ninja scrolls!'' the Elder cried. ''Get him!''
''We'll catch him before you can even say ''Thief!'' said Mario.
They set off in pursuit of the thief, and after a few jumps, Mario threw shurikens, which were dodged, but Luigi stabbed him with a kunai knife, causing him to drop a scroll.
''It looks like a water scroll.'' said Luigi, examining it.
(''Assassin Disco (Ninja Peach) - Princess Peach: Showtime! OST-s'')
''Brace yourselves.'' Peach said, using the scroll.
(''The Power of Ninjutsu - Princess Peach: Showtime! OST'')
A strong wave of water pushed forward a large rock below.
''Whoaaaaaaaa! I'm going to fall into the water!'' shouted Luigi.
''Try to stay calm, Luigi.'' Mario said, using his new ninja powers to control the tidal wave with Peach. ''I'll control the wave to annihilate the enemies. Just think about attacking at the right time.''
The wave knocked out Grape's minions, and Peach, Mario, and Luigi got down from the rock when they reached the other side, then Peach dashed toward the thief with two kunai, and Luigi threw a shuriken. They both hit him, knocking over his scrolls. However, he managed to get one back and escaped.
''He's running away!'' exclaimed Mario.
(''The Power of Ninjutsu - Princess Peach: Showtime! OST'')
Soon after, the Ninja Spakla appeared, joining them to retrieve the remaining scroll. They sneaked into a castle under enemy control and saw the guards. Luigi cautiously advanced and picked up a wallpaper, blending in with the wall. When he reached the other side, he threw a piece of paper to communicate with the others, and Mario knocked down a guard by stabbing them in the throat with his kunai.
They came to a safe room, but someone was missing. Luigi seemed to have disappeared.
(''The Power of Ninjutsu - Princess Peach: Showtime! OST-s'')
''Luigi? Are you there?'' asked Mario.
''Is anyone there?'' asked Peach.
(''Assassin Disco ~ Calm - Princess Peach: Showtime! OST'')
Luigi appeared out of nowhere and grabbed Mario from behind, taking him by surprise. He didn't have a shuriken or a dagger, but that scared him because he didn't expect it.
''Ah! Luigi! Don't sneak up on me like that!'' exclaimed Mario. ''I thought you were one of the bad guys!''
''Sorry, Mario. But you have to stay alert. We never know what they could do.'' Luigi told him.
Daisy couldn't help but laugh, and Stella chuckled too. ''Considering we're ninjas, I expected that.'' he said.
A cannonball came out of nowhere and hit Luigi. ''Where did that come from?!'' he exclaimed.
''Up there! On the roof!'' said Peach.
(''Assassin Disco ~ Calm - Princess Peach: Showtime! OST-s'')
At the same time, the Ninja Shining spotted the thief. ''He's running away! Let's chase him!'' he said.
Mario and Luigi climbed onto the rooftops and threw shurikens to try to slow down the thief, while Peach and the Ninja Sparkla chased him from the ground. Every once in a while, Shy Guys with katanas, appeared, which surprised them.(2) The Sour Bunch thief continued to run away and threw knives at the heroes, but they all missed their targets, and Mario jumped in front of him before stabbing him in the stomach with two kunai, knocking him out and taking the scroll.
''Well done, Mario!'' said Stella.
(''Assassin Disco (Ninja Peach) - Princess Peach: Showtime! OST'')
''Hold on tight to this contraption, Luigi.' Peach said, referring to a gear-like object.
''What's going to happen?'' asked Luigi.
''Just watch. We must use this scroll.'' replied Mario, and they used the powers of the scroll of fire.
Everyone clung to the mechanism, which was engulfed in flames and climbed towards the rooftops, destroying obstacles and enemies in the middle of the road.
''I don't know if it was a stone dragon, but the scrolls are safe.'' Stella said.
There wasn't a moment to relax, though, as a Sour Bunch ninja attacked them.
''We'll make it if we work together,'' the Ninja Sparkla said.
A ninja clash began. Mario, Luigi, Peach, and the Shining Sparkle dashed at the walls and threw shurikens at the ninja must, and for a while, the fight was even. However, Luigi disappeared mid-battle.
''What do you want to do?'' Mario wondered.
The fight continued with an exchange of blows with throwing knives and ninja blades, but a decisive trick was missing. The Sparkla threw a shuriken and launched a combined attack with Peach, then Mario attacked the enemy from behind with a dagger. Luigi reappeared, grabbed two kunai and blocked a slash, allowing the Shining to hit him, then created a cloud of black smoke with a smoke grenade and unleashed a flurry of slashes from both kunai, which overwhelmed the enemy.
Daisy couldn't hold back her excitement, but then Luigi disappeared again, and the ninja disappeared again. Mario and Peach looked around to try to locate the enemy, but they couldn't find him.
''Over there!'' the Sparkla shouted, throwing a shuriken at the enemy, who reappeared and was shot.
At the same time, Luigi jumped off the roof with a series of somersaults and finished off the ninja by slashing him in the back with both kunai.
(''Assassin Disco (Ninja Peach) - Princess Peach: Showtime! OST-s'')
''Stealthy like a ninja!'' said Luigi.
''Great job, Luigi! You were great!'' Mario praised him.
''Just like a real shinobi.'' said the Ninja Sparkla, impressed, and everyone posed.
(''Western Land - Mario Party 2 OST'')
The third scenario was western-themed and was set in a town. The inhabitants were worried about the situation in a tavern.
''This feels like being on the set of a western movie.'' said Luigi.
''Someone needs help. I hear voices coming from the tavern.'' said Peach.
Peach, Mario, and Luigi came to a glowing spot that Peach used to transform into Cowgirl Peach, and Stella gave Mario and Luigi their cowboy costumes.(3) The brothers also obtained a whip and a pistol.
'Is it just me or did your voice change after the transformation?'' asked Luigi.
''I see you noticed the accent. I think it's a role thing.'' Peach said.(4) ''After all, actors must have a certain versatility.''
Sour Bunch criminals robbed the town, stealing various valuables with their dark horses, and the tavern was invaded.
''They're stealing everything! We've got to do something!'' said Mario. The inhabitants had been locked up in barrels.
Peach knocked out the Sour Bunch in the tavern after Mario stunned them and freed the Theets with his lasso. But by the time they left the tavern, it was too late to stop the thieves.
''We'll never be able to catch up with them like this, they're too fast!'' said Luigi sadly.
''Not quite. Look.'' Mario told him, pointing to three white horses.
(''Western Land - Mario Party 2 OST-s'')
(''Goat Herding - The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess OST'')
''Giddyap!'' Peach declared, and they mounted their horses to retrieve the city's treasure. With her lasso, she managed to retrieve the loot, but the thieves were still escaping.
''Will we be able to stop them?'' asked Luigi.
''We need to slow them down.'' Peach said.
Luigi nodded, picked up his pistol and opened fire, shooting the thief in front of him, whom Mario unseated with his whip. The chase led them to a canyon, and the thieves tried to hinder them by destroying the bridges with bombs, but they managed to overcome all the obstacles with their horses.
''Yeeeeeeehaaaaaw!''
Firing from their guns and with whiplashes, Mario and Luigi defeated all but six of the bandits, whom Peach captured with her lasso.
(''Goat Herding - The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess OST-s'')
(''Galloping through the Wilderness - Princess Peach: Showtime! OST'')
Only one opponent was left, the leader of the bandits. The cowboy fired his gun at them, but they dodged the shots and Mario grabbed one of the barrels he threw before sending it back at him and stunning him, allowing Peach to throw it away with the lasso.
The enemy charged at Luigi like a bull and threw him away, as he could not react in time. Mario was also hit, but Peach managed to grab him with the lazo before he fell to the ground.
''We're going to need more than just brute force to take down enemies like this guy. You need quick reflexes,'' said Stella.
Luigi and the enemy cowboy stared at each other, but when it was time to open fire with their pistols, the former had the quickest reflexes, shooting him three times before he could even take his weapon. Peach tripped the enemy by tangling her lasso around his leg, and Luigi hit him in the back with his whip, while Mario grabbed his pistol and shot him in the head.
Mario hit the enemy with his whip, and Luigi kept his distance to shoot, but the cowboy grabbed Peach's lasso when she tried to immobilize him and shot her in the leg, which angered Mario to the point that he headshot him three times.
''Mario! The legs!'' cried Luigi, kneeling down and opening fire on the enemy's leg. Mario nodded and hit the other leg with the whip, which unbalanced the cowboy, and Peach threw him into the air with her lasso. When he returned to the ground, they tied him up like a salami, capturing him.
(''Galloping through the Wilderness - Princess Peach: Showtime! OST-s'')
The trio returned to town at dusk, but the danger was not yet over. A train appeared out of nowhere and devastated the city, almost running over Luigi.
''Where did that train come from?!'' exclaimed Luigi, horrified.
''Our homes...'' a Theet whimpered.
''I think they hijacked a train! We've got to do something!'' said Stella.
(''Wreck Train - Wario Land: Shake It! OST'')
Mario, Peach, and Luigi climbed into horses and chased the train until they reached a ramp, then jumped off their respective horses to get on the train, and some Sour Bunch grunts began firing from underneath.
''Be careful, there will be others. We've got to get on with the train and find a way to destroy it.'' Peach said.
Mario and Luigi went down to the train compartments to take down the enemy gunslingers so that Peach could pass from above unmolested, and they also found the Cowgirl Sparkla in the process. However, a Sour Bunch minion detached the main car from the rest of the train and provoked them.
''What now?'' asked Luigi.
The white horses caught up with them at the compartment that had stopped. ''The horses! We can still do it!'' the Sparkla said.
Mario, Luigi, Peach, and the Sparkla rode on their horses and chased the train, but the Sour Bunch tried to hinder them by throwing barrels at them. That wasn't a problem, as they grabbed them and sent them back against the train with their lassos, and Peach also caused a wheel to detatch. It wasn't enough to stop the train, and the minion who was driving it tried to catch them in every way, even if it meant crashing into the rocks.
The train was destroyed, but the explosion knocked Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Peach off their horses. They recovered and landed near a mine as rails appeared out of nowhere. However, they could not continue, and the train reformed, becoming a dark train.
''Oh, no! What are we going to do now?'' asked Mario.
''We have to stop that train! To the mines!'' said Peach.
(''Wreck Train - Wario Land: Shake It! OST'')
(''Wii Wario's Goldmine - Mario Kart 8 Deluxe OST'')
Everyone entered the mines and climbed into a mine cart, but they were not alone. Sour Bunch minions came out from all sides, ambushing them when they could. Mario and Luigi shot them with their pistols alongside the Sparkla, but there were too many of them. Some of them were able to fly, and they tried to kidnap Luigi, who placed his feet on Mario's shoulders to try not to be carried away. He kicked one of them away, but then nearly fell off the mine cart.
''Luigi, hold on tight!'' shouted Mario, grabbing his hand.
''They just keep coming!'' Luigi said aloud, as he tried to spot the train outside. The tracks in the mine seemed wide enough for the dark train to move.
Unfortunately for the man in green, his whip got caught in a pole, causing him to get thrown over a fork in the road. Reacting quickly, Mario moved the trolley to the right, following the path where his brother had ended up and saw him clinging by the whip to a sign suspended in the air.
''We have to hurry! Luigi is in danger!'' Stella cried out.
Luigi tried to pull himself up, but a group of enemies lunged themselves at him, and he began to be overwhelmed. Eventually, the whip came off, causing him to fall.
''Luigi!''
Fortunately, Mario and Peach were able to grab him by the wrist with the lasso and pull him up. The walls of the mine were broken through by the train, which the cart pursued. After a big jump, they came to a station, and now it was the train chasing the cart.
''Take everything you find!'' said the Sparkla, taking a barrel with a lasso and hurling it at the train. Mario did the same with a crate and Peach with a can of oil. The train began to approach, and Luigi, out of instinct, began to shoot at the wheels with his pistol. Mario did the same, while Peach searched for objects to throw, struggling to find any.
Mario and Luigi kept shooting, eventually managing to destroy two wheels. However, the dark train began to move erratically because of this.
''Bad idea! Bad idea! Bad idea! Bad idea!'' yelled Luigi in a panic.
''Luigi, I don't want to scare you to death, but there's a deep ravine dead ahead.'' Stella said, pointing to the canyon.
''AH! We're all going to die!'' Luigi shrieked.
''Not as long as I'm here! Jump at the right time!'' the Sparkla replied
They all jumped off the trolley when they reached the end of the rails, and Luigi jumped half a second before everyone else in fear after seeing the train a few inches away from the trolley, and as a result he only ended up clinging to the cliff, while everyone else reached the other side safely. He pulled himself up, but then was paralyzed with fear as the train approached. The dark train landed, but barely missed Luigi and fell down, as it was too sloping.
(''Wii Wario's Goldmine - Mario Kart 8 Deluxe OST-s'')
(''Tumbleweed Town - Princess Peach: Showtime! OST'')
''Am I alive?'' Luigi asked, breathing heavily.
''We survived, Luigi.' Mario told him.
''That was a close one.'' Peach said.
''I could have been squashed like a pancake!'' cried Luigi.
''Hey, there's no need to fret. You're safe and sound. Anyway, all of you have done a great job.'' said the Sparkla, and everyone posed, much to the audience's cheers
(''Tumbleweed Town - Princess Peach: Showtime! OST-s'')
(''Sweet Sweet Canyon - Mario Kart 8 Deluxe OST'')
The fourth part of the show was set in a town of sweets, and Peach knew what that meant. ''Oh, the Festival of Sweets! I love this part!'' he said.
''I expected it.'' Mario said with a smirk.
''Yes, this part is based on one of Peach's favorite plays, which features a patissiere.'' Stella said.
''No one makes cakes better than Peach. Mario is crazy about it. If it were up to him, he'd eat cake until he bursts.'' said Luigi. Peach and Stella burst out laughing.
''Luigi!'' Mario exclaimed reproachfully.
''What's the matter? It's true!'' Luigi replied feigning offense.
''What Luigi says is true. Mario loves cakes.'' Peach said.
''And it shows, Mario. You're pretty chubby.'' Stella said.
''Are you saying me that I look fat?!'' exclaimed Mario, irritated.
''That's not what I meant. No need to get upset..'' Stella said.
''Sorry. I'm sensitive about my weight, and I don't like it when someone tells me I'm fat.''
Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Stella walked onto the stage, and it looked like they were in a gingerbread house. The Theets were very excited about the Festival of Sweets, and they weren't the only ones who were excited about the sweets present.
(''Sweet Sweet Canyon - Mario Kart 8 Deluxe OST'')
(''CAKES!'') someone shouted.
(''Athletic Theme - Super Mario World - Super Smash Bros. Ultimate OST'')
Yoshi had suddenly stepped onto the stage from his front row seat, catching the Theets off guard, and he was about to walk through the gate when Mario and Luigi grabbed him from behind.
''Whoa, whoa, whoa! Yoshi, stop!'' Luigi exclaimed.
''Who is that?'' asked Stella.
''Oh excuse him. This is Yoshi, one of our best friends.'' Mario said.
''He eats pretty much everything. He especially loves fruit.'' Luigi added.
''I see. I didn't expect that.'' Stella said, and she noticed that the audience was reacting with perplexity to how Yoshi had meddled with the show. ''Well, we'll have to improvise.''
''Yoshi, you can't eat the sweets, not now. We'll eat them later, when the show is over,'' said Mario. Yoshi sighed disappointedly, but nodded.
(''Athletic Theme - Super Mario World - Super Smash Bros. Ultimate OST-s'')
The Theets let out a scream of horror that forced Peach and the others to watch.
''OH, NO!'' Mario yelled.
(''It's Up to Me - Princess Peach: Showtime! OST'')
The Sour Bunch was stealing the cookies, and the cakes were all gone. Angered by the discovery, Yoshi began to eat the enemies, while the others took the cookies.
''Our sweets...'' a Theets whimpered and everyone was in despair.
''Cheer up, guys!'' said Peach, using Sparkle to cheer up the Theets.
They defeated the Sour Bunch, retrieved the cookies, and Peach used Sparkle to grow the wheat and strawberries. They went to the kitchen, where they saw that the Splendì pastry chef was already at work. Here, Peach passed over the glowing spot and transformed. Now she was dressed like a cook, carrying a piping bag and an egg beater, and her hair was tied in two looped braids.
(''It's Up to Me - Princess Peach: Showtime! OST-s'')
''It's Patissiere Peach now!'' said Stella.
''Yeah, I expected that.'' Daisy said, watching from the TV.
''Wow... this is so you, Peach!'' exclaimed Mario, and Stella used her powers to transform him and Luigi, who found themselves dressed in their chef's suits.
''Apprentices?'' the Patissiere Sparkla asked.
''Yes,'' replied Peach.
''Then let's get to work. We have to prepare other sweets in place of the ones that the Sour Bunch stole. I'm going to start making cakes. You take the mixer and prepare the cookies I'll see you shortly.'' the Patissiere Sparkla said, and she began to bake cakes.
''Yoshi, you know what to do, we did it together once with the Yoshi Cookies. We have to make the assembly line. Follow my lead.'' said Mario.(5)
(''OK, Mario!'') disse Yoshi.
(''Fruit Focus - Wii Party OST'')
Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi had no problem making cookies and serving them on the carts the Theets were carrying, but Peach helped them anyway just in case.
''We really appreciate your help, Peach, but we can do it on our own.'' said Luigi, who had just finished three sets of cookies.
''Are you sure you three can do it?'' asked Peach.
''Oh, don't worry. Yoshi and I have some experience in baking cookies, and Luigi is very good at cooking.'' replied Mario.
''If you say so, Mario. However, be careful not to burn anything. No one likes the smell of something burning.'' said Stella.
In less than three minutes, the cookies were ready, and there were so many of them that the Theets cheered, as did the audience.
Satisfied, Peach, Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi went to the kitchen, where the Sparkla was waiting for them with five cakes on as many plates.
''How's it going with the cakes?'' asked Peach.
''We've finished the basics of the cakes. Now we just have to decorate them.'' the Patissiere Sparkla replied, and Mario couldn't help but feel hungry when he saw the cakes.
''I'll spread the cream.'' Peach said, sitting down on a swing that was lifted from the ceiling.
''Good. I'll show you the recipe instructions so you can spread the cream in the right places.'' said the Patissiere Sparkla.
''We'll put up the rest of the decorations.'' said Luigi.
(''Fruit Focus - Wii Party OST-s'')
(''Let's Cook #2 - Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop OST'')
The first cake was a strawberry cake, and Shine told Peach to spread the cream in three vertical rows and then put the berries in. Before long, the cream was in place, and Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi placed strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries on top of it. The second one was a chocolate cake, which was supposed to have a chocolate rose and pieces of chocolate on the outer circle.
The third cake was a star-shaped lemon cake with pieces of lemon at the ends, followed by a more complex strawberry cake than the first one.
''This doesn't look easy.'' Mario said.
''For this cake, we have to attach the cream to the macarons without touching them.'' said the Sparkla.
Peach managed to put on the cream without making any mistakes, and Luigi put a decoration in the shape of a Theet's head.
''This is kitchen magic!'' a Theet shouted.
The fifth and final cake was a chocolate cake, but it was even more complex than the previous one, and Yoshi had to grab some decorations with his tongue to make it faster. Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi placed more macarons in the center followed by a yellow bow, finishing the cake.
''All set!'' said Peach.
There was a huge round of applause from the audience, and everyone posed.
(''Let's Cook #2 - Cooking Mama 3: Shop & Chop OST-s'')
(''Cake Zone (Wish Park) - PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond OST'')
But suddenly a very strange thing happened. Some of the Theets ate haunted cookies that turned them into hungry zombies.
''Barricade the kitchen, quick!'' the Sparkla exclaimed, and the Theets in the kitchen put the barricades in three places to prevent the mass of zombie Theets from entering. They had to keep them at bay until at least one dessert was ready.
''We have to make more sweets to feed them!'' said Mario.
(''Cake Contraption - PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond OST'')
The first dessert was a simple éclair with fruits on top, followed by a spade-shaped cake with strawberries, a cream and strawberry-flavored biscuit ice cream cake, a crème caramel in the shape of a four-leaf clover and an orange cake in the shape of a heptagram, a seven-pointed star.
''Yikes! There are so many!'' said Luigi, sweating heavily. He had just finished putting the oranges on the cake, and with each dessert finished, eight Theet were fed, but more were soon arriving.
''Don't stop! Keep making sweets!'' the Sparkla said.
The next dessert was a chocolate doughnut, on which Yoshi placed berries, followed by a cake that vaguely resembled Stella in appearance. Peach placed chocolate cream to form her eyes and mouth, and another dessert was completed.
''Everything done?'' asked Mario.
''The desserts are ready, but some of us still need help. We have to make the cookies.'' said a Theets.
Another horde of zombie Theets ran towards the kitchen, and began trying to break through the barricades.
''Uh-oh! We have to bake more cookies before they turn the whole kitchen upside down!'' the baker Theets exclaimed.
''We've always been very busy with various things.'' said Luigi, as he beat the cookie dough.
''It's the story of your lives, isn't it?'' asked Stella.
''You can tell that's the case.'' replied Mario.
''Then I guess it's a habit. You never ask too many questions.'' Stella said.
(''Well, yeah. Anything can happen in the Mushroom Kingdom.'') Yoshi told her.
Luigi continued to bake the biscuits, and began to show signs of fatigue. ''I feel like I'm in a cooking show here...'' he gasped.
''Yeah, that's the comparison.'' the Patissiere Sparkla said, as she already baked several biscuits.
While working, Mario considered stopping, as all those sweets were making him hungry like a wolf, but he went on, aware of what it would mean to stop. Yoshi had a harder time controlling his impulses, and the Sparkla caught him a couple of times about to eat some cookies.
''Yoshi, try to restrain yourself. We'll eat the sweets later, when it's all over.'' said Mario.
(''But I'm so hungry...'') Yoshi complained.
''Come on, be good. I know it's not easy, but you have to hold on. We'll finish the show, and then we'll eat the sweets all together, I promise.'' Mario told him.
Fortunately, the biscuits they had made were enough to make all the Theets normal again.
(''Cake Contraption - PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond OST-s'')
''Simply delicious!'' said one Theets.
''You don't expect anything less from someone like Peach.'' Mario said.
That evening, the kitchen seemed to be particularly bustling, as a sinister-looking baker challenged Peach to a cooking contest.
''A busy day, I see...'' said a pastry chef Theet.
''I never run away from a challenge!'' Mario declared.
(''I hope we finish soon. My arms are getting tired.'') Yoshi said.
It wasn't time to stop yet. They had to fill five plates with a pile of cookies to win, and to do so they had to work together.
(''Total Yoshi Puzzle Mode - Tetris DS OST'')
''Come on, Yoshi! You know what to do!'' Mario said to Yoshi, who nodded.
''Will all these biscuits be enough?'' asked Luigi.
''I hope so.'' Peach said.
The Patissiere Sparkla took turns going to Mario and Yoshi and Peach and Luigi as they baked the cookies, and when she was with either group, her touch was present in all the cookies she helped baking. With Mario's help, Yoshi was able to keep up.
But the dark confectioner did everything he could not to lose, and he sprang at Yoshi, almost crushing him.
''Hey! Not fair!'' cried Luigi.
''Watch your back. He might attack you when you don't expect it.'' said the Patissiere Sparkla.
They continued to work together, and thanks to his experience with Mario, Yoshi had taken and completed almost half of his team's cookies on his own. Before long, they won against the obscure confectioner.
(''Total Yoshi Puzzle Mode - Tetris DS OST-s'')
''Nice one, Yoshi! Great job!'' Mario cheered, patting Yoshi's chin.
The dark baker was salty that he had lost, and he mumbled something about losing to cookies that were flavourless.
''Taste them yourself then.'' the Sparkla said, and they all made six more cookies before giving him one.
While still muttering under his breath, the dark confectioner took a bite of the cookie, his eyes widened as he tasted its favor. Immediately afterwards, he put the rest of the cookie in his mouth. ''Flavor! So much FLAVOR!'' he screamed, and he disappeared as if he had been defeated.
(''Puzzle Clear - Tetris DS OST'')
''Wow. He must have loved it that much'' Toad said, as he watched the show. Toadette laughed, and Daisy couldn't help but hold back her laughter as she watched from the TV.
''Taste all these cookies.'' Peach said, passing the other cookies to Mario, Luigi, Yoshi and the Sparkla and eating the remaining one.
Mario immediately put the biscuit in his mouth, and was immediately overwhelmed by the taste. It was crunchy, crispy, tasty, and simply... perfect. ''Oh, yeah...'' he murmured.
(''Just like Yoshi Cookies, but even better!'') Yoshi said.
''I didn't expect anything less from you, Peach!'' added Luigi.
''Your cooking is delicious, Peach. I'm impressed. And the others did a great job too,'' the Sparkla said.
''I don't know any better baker than Peach.'' Mario said, and Peach kissed him on the nose, making him redder than his chef necktie.
''What are we going to do with Yoshi now?'' asked Stella.
''We'll take care of that.'' replied Luigi.
''Thanks, Yoshi. Good job. Now go back to your place and watch the show, we'll eat those cakes for dinner.'' said Mario. Yoshi nodded, and after everyone posed, he returned to his seat in the audience.
''Who would have thought that a zombie apocalypse can be stopped by cooking?'' said Luigi, and everyone laughed.
(''Puzzle Clear - Tetris DS OST-s'')
(''Jubilife City (Night) - Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl OST'')
The fifth part was set in a city during the evening, and was espionage-themed.
''The next part is about a dashing thief.'' Peach said.
''You mean a gentleman thief?'' asked Luigi.
''Yes. As with the role of a ninja, this requires a lot of stealth, as you have to know how to act in the shadows and keep yourself away from prying eyes.'' Stella replied.
''This role is perfect for Luigi.'' Mario said firmly.
The streets were half-empty, but there was a suspicious atmosphere. Luigi looked around and felt a shiver run down his spine. Stella noticed the look on his face, but she didn't say anything.
(''Jubilife City (Night) - Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl OST-s'')
('' Environmental Shock - Metroid Fusion OST'')
Suddenly, a loud alarm was heard throughout the city, and the Theets panicked.
''The Sour Thieves have robbed the bank!'' shouted a Theets.
Mario looked to his right and saw that several members of the Sour Bunch were running away with sacks full of gems. ''Oh, no! This is terrible!'' he exclaimed.
''Those are the city's jewels!'' pclaimed Peach.
The Sour Bunch flew away, and Luigi couldn't jump high enough to stop them. ''I'm sorry. I haven't done enough.'' he said disappointedly.
''Don't blame yourself. We'll find a solution.'' Mario told him, as Peach calmed the Theets down with Sparkle.
''We enter that building a little further on. Watch out for the surveillance robots.'' Stella said.
('' Environmental Shock - Metroid Fusion OST-s'')
(''Secret Base Zone (Act 1) - Sonic Advance OST'')
By using Sparkle Peach was able to turn on a spotlight, knocking out the robots. A Theet was surprised that Peach and the others had managed to evade surveillance, and led them to the building Stella was talking about, where Theetsdressed as secret agents were waiting for them.
''Welcome to our secret society!'' an agent said. ''I think you're the right people I've been looking for.''
''We urgently need your help. The Sour Thieves have robbed the bank and stolen the city's jewels, and now everyone is panicking. You've got to get them back tonight.''
''What are we going to do?'' asked Mario.
''Infiltrate the enemy base. We will offer you support with our drones,'' said an agent.
(''Secret Base Zone (Act 1) - Sonic Advance OST-s'')
(''New Donk City (Daytime) - Super Mario Odyssey OST'')
Stella gave Peach her powers when she entered the glowing spot in front of the machinery. She was now in a dark brown jumpsuit with a mask, hat, and cape.
''That's Dashing Thief Peach!'' said Stella.
''It won't be easy to infiltrate without getting caught...'' commented Luigi.
''I agree with that. But if you're careful, you shouldn't have any problems.'' said another officer.
Stella transformed Mario and Luigi, who found themselves dressed in a tuxedo. They looked like two secret agents.
''How are we?'' asked Mario.
''You look like gentlemen.'' replied Peach, and Mario couldn't help blushing.
''With this transformation, you can use a grappling hook to sneak into the enemy base and grab onto drones or ziplines. You can also fly the hang glider and turn off the security systems.'' said Stella.
''Hang gliders, huh? We used them a lot, but in races, not to run away.'' said Luigi.(6)
''We will send support drones to assist you in the mission. Our leader is somewhere on a mission. Good luck.'' the officer said.
''Leave it to us.'' Mario told him.
(''New Donk City (Daytime) - Super Mario Odyssey OST-s'')
(''Secret Base Zone (Act 2) - Sonic Advance OST'')
Mario, Luigi, and Peach used their grappling hooks to hold on to a drone, and before long, they were on the city's rooftop. The darkness of the night, only illuminated by the moon, made it impossible for the inhabitants to spot them from the ground. They clung to a zipline and reached the roof of the building.
''This must be the thieves' secret base.'' said Mario.
''We have to avoid that spotlight. If they catch us, the alarm will go off and they will shoot lasers at us.'' said Luigi.
''You worry too much, Luigi. We know what to do.'' Stella told him.
''OK, but you can never be too careful. It always happens like this in movies.'' replied Luigi.
They climbed cautiously and saw a drone put a sack in a cage on top of a conveyor belt, which then activated. The rest of the city's treasures were also carried away.
''I think that drone is from the Sour Bunch! They're trying to escape with the jewels!'' said Mario.
Peach walked over to a piece of machinery and began pressing keys. ''I'm going to break into the security system.'' she said, and by hacking into the security system, she opened a passage to the depths of the base.
''Follow the conveyor belts and you'll reach the vault. They're bringing the jewelry there. Follow the sacks and you'll find him.'' said the officer.
Mario, Luigi, and Peach made their way around the base, avoiding the searchlights and surveillance robots. Halfway through, they entered a very dark ventilation vent, and Luigi lit his flashlight to guide them. However, Mario accidentally went too far ahead and was spot by a searchlight, but he managed to avoid the laser.
Despite this inconvenience, they overcame all the obstacles, came to the vault and opened it, finding all the jewels of the city.
(''Secret Base Zone (Act 2) - Sonic Advance OST-s'')
''You did it! You've got all the jewels!'' the agent cheered. ''We will use our systems to bring them back to our shelter. Now you just have to go outside.''
(''Encounter - Metal Gear Solid OST'')
But there was another problem: the alarm. Frightened, Luigi turned around and realized what was happening. ''A security camera! We've been caught!'' Luigi shouted, and he noticed the surveillance robots.
''Tough luck! There couldn't have been worse timing! It doesn't matter, we've sent drones to your aid. Use them to get to the roof and escape with the hang glider!'' the agent said.
Mario stunned and enemies as Luigi breached the security system in the room, and shortly after, they used their grappling hooks to escape from the surveillance robots until they reached the roof of the base, then grabbed the hang gliders and jumped off the roof. The enemy drones tried to collide with them, but Mario, Luigi, and Peach managed to avoid them all and returned to the city.
No one had time to celebrate that the Sour Bunch created problems. A golden statue depicting a dashing thief was stolen from a Sour Bunch airship.
''It was the symbol of our city...'' a Theet sobbed.
''Don't worry, we've got you covered!'' said Peach.
''Over there! The planes!'' exclaimed Mario, pointing to the biplanes following the airship.
They took their grappling hooks and used them to cling under a biplane. With their jumping skills, Mario and Luigi were able to jump from biplane to biplane even without the grappling hook, but Peach had to use it to reach the airship and enter.
''Peach, does that statue remind you of anyone?'' Luigi asked, as Mario opened the door with the control panel.
''Yes, that's the statue of the Dashing Thief Sparkla. I think he's trying to get the statue back.'' Peach said.
''We'll help him get it back.'' Mario said.
(''Encounter - Metal Gear Solid OST-s'')
The airship was full of traps, such as lasers, surveillance drones, and even a few flamethrowers here and there, but Mario, Luigi, and Peach managed to avoid them all and returned outside through a door on the opposite side, where they found the Dashing Thief Sparkla.
(''Under the Cover of Night (Dashing Thief Peach) - Princess Peach: Showtime! OST'')
''Well, well, look who's there, the one who saved me last time. I didn't expect to see you with comrades.'' the Sparkla said.
''We're here to help you recover your statue.'' Mario said.
''Thank you, gentlemen.'' the Dashing Thief Sparkla said, and they made their way down the hull of the airship on the pipes. Noticing how frightened Luigi was, Mario told him not to look down and stay focused to continue the mission.
Together, they climbed up the sides of the airship, and saw a large glass window.
''This is the control room. The statue is beyond the room.'' said the Dashing Thief Sparkla.
''I'm going to smash that glass window.'' Mario said, holding on to a drone with a grappling hook.
''Mario, no! There are surveillance robots right now. If you break in there, they'll catch you!'' Luigi cried.
''Do you have a better idea?'' asked Peach.
''It will be risky, but we must try not to attract too much attention.'' the Sparkla said.
''Fine. I'll break, you enter.'' said Mario. He kicked through the window and went inside, followed by the others. Two robots spotted them, but Luigi acted quickly and used the panel on the right side, knocking them out and opened the door, revealing a pipe with which they reached the warehouse below.
''Here it is! The statue!'' exclaimed Peach, pointing to the large golden statue.
''If we can open that door under the floor, we'll have to be able to get the statue back into town.'' the Dashing Thief Sparkla said.
''I'm going to change the trajectory of the airship and direct it towards the city, then I'm going to activate the autopilot. You take care of the rest.'' said Luigi.
''Leave it to us, bro.'' said Mario.
The Dashing Thief Sparkla used the panel to direct the crane and grab the statue, and a biplane spotted them and entered, trying to shoot. Peach avoided the gunfire and flipped the switch on the ceiling, raising the floor and causing the biplane to crash. They were attacked by other surveillance robots, but Mario and Peach distracted them to allow the Sparkla to activate the panel to lower the crane.
''We did it!'' Peach said.
(''Under the Cover of Night (Dashing Thief Peach) - Princess Peach: Showtime! OST-s'')
(''Escape - Metroid Fusion OST'')
The danger was not over yet. The airship began to explode, alarming Mario. ''Luigi is still in there!'' he exclaimed.
''They've activated the self-destruct sequence, they want to take use down with them!'' the Sparkla said.
Luigi ran into the warehouse. ''We have to escape, quick!'' he cried.
''Did you set the autopilot?'' Stella asked.
''Yes, so no one in town will get hurt.'' replied Luigi.
''OK, let's get out of here.'' Peach said, and they started running through the corridors, but a laser barrier blocked their way.
''Leave it to me.'' said the Dashing Thief Sparkla leaping to the upper path and activating a panel. ''There are panels on both sides here. We need to work together to overcome all lasers.''
Peach activated another panel, which opened the way for the Sparkla, but soon after, laser traps were activated, which everyone dodged. They activated a couple more panels, and then the ground moved, causing the Sparkla and the others to switch places
''It's getting confusing...'' Luigi murmured, while Peach disabled drones.
They kept running, but now they all found their way blocked by the lasers.
''This time we have to activate the panels at the same time.'' the Dashing Thief Sparkla said. ''On three!''
''One, two, three!''
Luigi and the Sparkla activated the panels at the same time, and the lasers disappeared. The area began to collapse, and Luigi began to be afraid.
''Everything's blowing up! We've got to get out of here, and fast!'' said Peach.
The hallways began to explode, and the ceilings collapsed, which forced Peach and the others to use their grappling hooks to gain more speed so they wouldn't fall behind.
''We need hang gliders, but we don't have any!'' said Mario, as they approached the bridge.
''Let's not think about it now. We have to use the ziplines to escape!'' the Sparkla replied, and they jumped towards a zipline just before the airship exploded. As they fled, several drones tried to obstruct them, and one of them slammed into Mario and hit him in the face, nearly knocking him over when they reached the second zipline.
Another drone shot Luigi and narrowly missed him. ''We will fall to our death!'' he cried.
''We will survive, Luigi. Hold on tight and don't look down.'' Stella said.
They continued to avoid the drones and jumped from zipline to zipline, hoping to make it to the city. Peach looked closely and saw an updraft and hang gliders that we thrown away. ''Over there! The updraft!'' he exclaimed.
''Now jump!'' the Dashing Thief Sparkla cried out.
Mario, Luigi, Peach, and the Shining leaped into the updraft, which propelled them into the air, allowing them to cling to the hang gliders. They flew through the night to the city, and when they landed, the Theets jumped for joy, their noses glowing bright yellow.
(''Escape - Metroid Fusion OST-s'')
''Mission accomplished!'' Mario, Luigi and Dashing Thief Sparkla declared, posing with Peach, and everyone cheered.
''How did I go?'' Luigi asked shyly.
''You were great, Lu! Your idea to hijack the airship was brilliant!'' Mario said happily.
''Gentlemen, I am very grateful to you for helping me to recover my statue. You have done a very good job.'' the Dashing Thief Sparkla said, tipping his hat. ''Hats off.''
''Thank you very much.'' said Luigi.
(''Main Menu - Kirby Triple Deluxe OST'')
After the end of the Dashing Thief segment, an interval began, as the show was halfway through. Mario, Luigi, and Peach were back in their normal clothes, and Mario asked her and Stella to let him talk privately with his brother.
''How do you feel, Luigi?'' he asked.
''Never better, big bro!'' said Luigi.
''Glad to hear it.'' said Mario. ''You know, I've never considered myself an actor.''
''Let alone me being a suitable actor. Being in front of an audience like this makes me anxious.'' said Luigi.
''But you're doing great. You were great in the roles of the ninja and the dashing thief.''
''Really?''
''Yes! You seemed born for these stealthy roles, and you helped us a lot in everything else.''
Appreciating these words, Luigi hugged Mario. ''Thank you, bro.'' he said. ''Do you think I'm a good actor?'' he asked.
''Of course. Acting requires versatility, but everyone has roles that suit them best.'' replied Mario, taking Luigi's hat off his head to affectionately ruffle his hair, which made him laugh.
''It's a well-known fact that we're versatile.'' said Luigi.
Mario burst out laughing in turn. ''Oh, that's true.'' he said, pressing his forehead to his brother's. ''I love doing these things with you.''
''Nothing is the same without you.'' said Luigi, giving Mario a kiss on the cheek.
''I love you, Luigi.''
''I love you too, Mario.''
''I don't like to do something knowing you're not with me, little bro.'' Mario said, and he kissed Luigi on the forehead.
Soon after, Peach and Stella joined them backstage.
''It's almost time to continue.'' Peach said.
''What's the next segment?'' asked Mario.
''The next part is about a figure skater.'' Stella said. ''Peach loves this part.''
''Wow! It's going to be really cool!'' Mario exclaimed, all fired up.
''And why doesn't it surprise me?'' joked Luigi, and Peach and Stella laughed. ''I wonder if Daisy is watching the show.''
''Maybe.'' said Peach.
As he looked at the beautiful princess, Mario could hardly hold back his enthusiasm. Luigi, as if reading his mind, raised an eyebrow. They both burst out laughing, and the older brother couldn't wait to see Peach in the role of a figure skater.
(''Main Menu - Kirby Triple Deluxe OST-s'')
A/N: And that's just the beginning of the show! Can you imagine Mario's reaction to seeing Peach in the role of an ice skater or a mermaid? Did you like this chapter? See you in the second part!
(1): Perry appeared in Super Princess Peach, where he helps Peach rescue Mario and Luigi in Vibe Island, and can be used in a variety of ways in gameplay. Before he met Peach, Perry was a boy with no memory who was adopted by an old man, but one day, he was attacked by two brigands, separated from his adoptive grandfather, magically turned into an umbrella and kidnapped, then bought by Toadsworth.
(2): One of the new tracks in Mario Kart Tour is the Ninja Hideaway, where Shy Ninja Guys tend to appear. In this game, Shy Type also has two ninja variants: a blue one and a pink one.
(3): Mario and Luigi's cowboy costume originated from Mario Party 2, in which the characters have exclusive outfits for all boards except the final one. Depending on the board, they will be dressed as cowboys, pirates, magicians, members of the Space Patrol, or archaeologists.
(4): When Peach transforms into Princess Peach: Showtime!, her voice becomes deeper and changes pitch depending on the transformation. It's still Samantha Kelly voicing her, but this change makes sense in context because Peach takes on different roles throughout the story, and versatile actors have a wide variety of roles and voices based on character and role. She even has a South American accent after her transformation in Cowgirl Peach. In addition, when a level is completed, Peach thanks the audience, and the sounds and instruments used in the background music change according to the type of level: each type of play has three levels, two normal stages and one in which Peach must rescue the Sparkla starring in the show in question and collaborate with them to reach the exit.
(5): In Yoshi's Cookie, Mario has to remove Yoshi Cookies by placing those of the same type in a row or column. In the NES version, he wears his chef outfit, while in the SNES version, he is accompanied by Yoshi, who is shown for the first time ever in his modern design.
(6): Mario Kart 7 introduced the ability to drive underwater and the use of hang gliders, which can be activated via blue ramps, and these new mechanics were then used in later games.