-Chapter 47-

Interlude of Evil II

Across the regions of the Mushroom World, various people were glued to their sets as Metro News opened up, anxious to hear more about the Sarasaland fiasco.

"Metro News: where the news comes last and the weather comes later!"

Michael tapped his papers on the table before facing the camera. "Hello, and welcome to the Metro News in New Donk City. I'm your anchor, Michael Richardson."

"And I'm your co-anchor, Oswald the Iswald, but you can call me Mark," said Mark.

"First up, let's go to weather with Tim." Michael declared.

"Foggy with a chance of dead fish and an Angst Storm," Tim reported, before breaking out into song, "All while raindrops keep falling on my head…"

Michael sighed. "We don't... necessarily have to pay him, right?"

Mark shrugged. Rolling his eyes, Michael got to business.

"Anyway, we have received reports on the ongoing chaos in Sarasaland. The Mario Bros. have successfully liberated Piraput and Muda... after a mass riot in the latter."

"That's right," said Mark. "Our sources have told us that a civil war broke out between the Bubbler and Burner parties of the region. The former being headed by none other than Princess Daisy herself."

"Let's go live with Dan on the scene. Dan?"

The scene cut to Dan in an old-timey diving suit on the outskirts of Muda Castle Town, a waterproof microphone in hand.

"Michael, I'm live in the Muda Kingdom," he reported, his voice filtered. "I have gotten word from civilians on the streets that Princess Daisy did indeed convince the Bubblers to riot, directly challenging King Zamasu before the situation spiraled out of her control. Only a bizarre outbreak of undead fish stopped further bloodshed."

"Any idea what caused the outbreak?"

"Well, according to witnesses, the zombie fish outbreak was caused by an 'eerie cloud of purple fog', the signature sign of the Chai Kingdom's infamous Dry Spells. A kingdom of the undead, which appears to be working on expanding its territory. Only the intervention of the Mario Bros. and a mysterious explosion of pink light, said to be a sign of Princess Peach's healing power, stopped the encroaching horde. As for the battle, King Zamasu and his brother General Muscato have entered peace talks thanks to the quick thinking of Princess Daisy's attendant and majordomo Sebas. Fingers crossed that this will lead to a better life for all those involved-"

Suddenly, a massive Cheep-Cheep came swimming by, mouth wide open. A loud chomp and gulp sounded, followed by a massive burp, as it continued on its way. The camera focused on the Cheep-Cheep as Dan's muffled voice came from within its belly.

"I'm okay! I'll just wait here until nature takes its course."

"...Ew." Mark cringed. "Well, we'll have the shower ready for you when you get out, Dan."

"We asked folks on the street their opinions, and someone had this to say," Michael said.

The scene then cut to a homeless New Donker in an alleyway, wearing old, threadbare clothes.

"War sucks!" he exclaimed.

"A message for all time," Michael mused.

"Considering his reports, it seems rumors of Princess Daisy's unprofessionalism are true," Mark mused. "She doesn't seem to be the diplomat or ruler her father and sister are."

Michael nodded. "Coming up next: Pikmin. Verdant Visitors or Floral Farce? Tonight at eleven. That's the end of Metro News. Good day!"

Marine Pop

After seeing the elaborate magic circle and equipment set up in the infirmary, Daisy wasted no time reading E. Gadd the riot act. She had the little old man by the collar, shaking him as she ranted and raved while Mario and Luigi stood uncomfortably off the side.

"What. The flying frigg. Is wrong with you!?" she shrieked.

"Discombobulation due to heavy repeated shaking!" Gadd exclaimed.

Daisy dropped him to the ground. "We told you five times already, you stupid old fart! Peach! ISN'T! DEAD!"

"Then why hasn't she woken up yet!?" E. Gadd shot back. "She barely has a pulse! Her brain activity is at the bare minimum! I'm telling you, this is a severe case of de-soulification!"

Mario rolled his eyes. "You bought your Ph.D, didn't you?"

"I did not! I completed all my classes remotely via !"

"I'm only gonna tell you one more time, you senile, old bat," Daisy growled. "Stay the hell out of the infirmary, and away from my sister. If I find out you tried to wire one of your crackpot inventions up to her again, you won't have to worry about investigating paranormal activity or ghosts anymore, because I'll make sure you'll be one."

Gadd walked off, mumbling irritably. "Sheesh, tell me how you really feel… Try to do something nice…"

The door shut behind him.

-X-

Meanwhile, in the back of the ship, MP was again on the phone with Bowser. Composing herself as best as she could, she began to outline what she had seen in the Muda Kingdom to the Koopa king

"She was a nightmare," she sniffled. "I think she's been rounding up all of the Koopas in Sarasaland, likely for that purple alien freak. I'll bet my cap she's the reason they're being turned into Bombshells. And now Kerry... Kerry..."

Her voice cracked, and she stifled a sob.

"Easy there, Mips," Bowser soothed. "What happened back there wasn't your fault. I've heard stories of Madame Hua. Trust me, there was nothing you could've done against her, even with your gear."

MP took a breath. "I know… but that doesn't mean I don't feel guilty. Kerry saved my life twice, and I promised him he'd be safe…"

"Hey, you wanna make things right? Then hang in there, find that zombie hag, and clobber her with some kind of holy...club or something."

Mips let out a wry chuckle. "I'll try."

"It ain't over yet. You have time. Koopas are tough. They'll hang in there."

"I'll get them back," MP swore, sighing. "I'll keep you posted."

With that, she hung up, putting a hand over her face. She quickly composed herself as Daisy walked in, throwing up her hands.

"Uugh..." she grumbled. "Crazy, old sunnuva.."

MP sniffled, wiping her eyes quickly. "Hey, Daisy."

"Eh?" Daisy perked. "Ah, Mips, didn't see you there. You... uhhh… holding up alright?"

"Yeah. Fine. You?"

Daisy sighed. "I've been better. Professor Von Freakenstein tried to perform a Ztaric ritual to summon Peach's soul from the Underwhere."

MP raised an eyebrow. "I thought he was a scientist, not some voodoo cultist."

"Well, apparently phasmology is just sufficiently explained necromancy, so..." Daisy shook her head. "Point is, he's a nut, and if I catch him messing with my sis again, he's fish food."

MP nodded. "Fair, I know I'd do the same if it was Mario or Lu…"

Daisy looked at her. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry. Regardless of my... opinions on Bowser and his people, nobody deserves the shiitake they're going through with Tatanga and the monarchs right now. I can't believe Madame Hua was doing it either. Tatanga really messed her up."

MP shook her head. "I don't think so. The thing about mind control? The undead tend to have an immunity to it."

Daisy perked. "Wait... are you saying Hua's doing this on purpose?" She shook her head. "No… No, that can't be. She was always the sanest, most reasonable member of the Council. She was one of my most loyal political allies!"

MP scoffed. "Daisy... you are not the sharpest tool in the shed. Every ruler we've run into thinks you're unfit. And this Madame Hua? I'll bet my hat you're just a pawn."

Daisy recoiled at that. While she didn't want to consider the option, Totahmet and Zamasu's comments made her wonder.

"I...I..." she swallowed nervously. "I... think I need to sit down for a minute."

"Go on," MP perked a bit. "Oh, real quick! I wanted to ask… You know anything about a new bill that was recently passed? I'm starting to think it may be Madam Hua's doing, especially if Tatanga isn't boosting her Koopa hatred."

Daisy stopped, thinking for a minute. "... I can't say I do. Between everything that's happened I… I don't remember."

"Fair enough," MP looked away, muttering, "Not that you pay much attention to your duties to even notice."

At that moment, Daisy froze, recalling the bill Madame Hua had shown her the day of the meeting, which she had signed without bothering to read. Keeping her back to MP, her hands shook, a horrified look crossing her face as she realized just what it was.

"Right…" she said, keeping her voice level. "I'll just leave you to it. We'll be up on the bridge if you need anything."

With that, Daisy headed out, keeping a straight face as she did. As soon as she entered the bathroom, her calm demeanor vanished, and a look of panic and horror crossed her face.

"That bill…" she whispered. "The one the Madame gave me... the one I signed the morning of the attack… Oh Grambi, it couldn't be...!"

She looked sick, her face pale. Her hands shook violently as she leaned against the door, sliding down as the full ramifications of her foolishness hit her.

"Sweet merciful Luvbi... what have I done?"

Bowser's Castle

SHNK!

Bowser growled furiously as he dug his claws into the wall. The stonework shrieked as the sharp, ivory talons carved sparking trenches into the black marble, while smoke blotted out the ceiling lamps and the vibrations threatened to knock over the vase of flowers on his desk.

"Dagnabbit, old man..." He snorted, expelling the last bits of smoke from his nostrils. "Six feet under and you're still making life a living nightmare for your people."

"Lord Bowser, perhaps you should calm down before you tear your nails out."

He continued to claw at the wall before a whirring reached his ears. He turned to see Kammy roll in, seated on a motorized wheelchair.

"Kammy?" he replied in surprise. "You're finally awake?"

Kammy nodded. "Yes, sir. However I fear my magical capacity has yet to recover. That warp pipe spell almost ended my game. Prince Ludwig updated me on what happened while I was out, including what my idiot brother was up to…" Her expression darkened. "And our little problem in Sarasaland."

Bowser's expression similarly darkened. "Yeah...Bombshells. My father's 'greatest creation'." he scoffed. "Barbaric…"

"Indeed..." Kammy snarled. "Makes me glad the Queen decided to..." Just then, Kammy clamped her mouth shut. "Apologies, Your Brutishness. I…"

"No need for apologies," Bowser replied, holding up a hand. "Not a day goes by that I don't thank Grambi Klawdia took my old man out. Only wish I could've done it myself." He let out a heavy sigh. "Well, no use dwelling on the past. For now, let's focus on the current situation.

"Father!"

Just then, Ludwig and the Koopalings rushed into the room, all of them carrying a large collection of documents.

"Wendy and I have completed our research," Ludwig began. "We think we know who's responsible for the resurgence of the Bombshells."

"Madame Hua," Bowser cut in.

"Eh, you know?" the eldest prince asked, somewhat offended.

"Mary Pat just called. She saw her rounding up Koopas in the Muda Kingdom. Sadly, she couldn't stop it."

At that, Ludwig's umbrage was immediately replaced with concern. "Ah… I see. Is… she okay?"

"Physically, yes. Emotionally..." The Koopa King merely shook his head.

"Mist…" Ludwig cursed under his breath.

"Uhhhh… Who's Madame Hua?" Junior asked nervously. "She sounds bad."

"She is," Bowser continued. "She was an enemy of the Koopa Troop... back when your grandfather was in charge. She was a powerful court sorcerer for the Chai Kingdom, one of the best. So, of course, he found her, kidnapped her, and… the less said about what he did to her, the better."

Bowser's children shuddered in dread as they recalled the horror stories they'd heard of their grandfather's reign. Ludwig, Morton, and Wendy in particular looked horrified.

"Yeah… all you need to know was that it was so bad, that she ended her own game, but her rage and hate were so strong, she revived as a Jyamp-Shi."

"Jump…shee…?" Junior replied puzzledly.

"Crazy, jumping zombie-vampire thing," Roy explained. "They're like Dry Bones, only a million percent more scary."

"Jaydes…" Iggy whispered. "I'd heard stories on the Internet of how Hua died, but…"

"Right…" Kammy cut in, wanting to change the subject. "So, we have a ghost with a grudge against all of Koopakind. Not surprising, seeing as her Loathing has had over twenty years to stew and fester. But what really has me worried is how she managed to acquire the means to create Bombshells. The means of creating them was a closely guarded secret, and all documents and equipment pertaining to them should've been destroyed during the Great Erasure."

"We'll look into that later," Bowser cut in. "Right now, we have a bigger problem. In her last call, Mary Pat mentioned something about a new bill in Sarasaland."

"She's got Bullet Bills too!?" Junior cried.

"Not that kind of bill," Bowser corrected. "A legal bill. A law. Something that apparently, makes it really scary to be a Koopa in Sarasaland."

"I don't like the sound of that," Lemmy replied worriedly.

"Father," Ludwig spoke up. "Did Mary Pat mention how long ago the law was put into effect?"

Bowser shook his head. "No, but from what I could gather, it'd have to have been a few days ago…"

"Around the same time as the Royal Council in Sarasaland?" Ludwig asked, his face going pale. "Grambidammen!" He ran over to one of the files and began frantically rummaging through the documents.

"Ludwig?" Wendy asked. "What are you…?"

"I was looking into Sarasaland Law, trying to see if we could use these Bombshell incidents as a reason to declare war or sue for crimes against living things when I saw that it had been updated!"

"Wait, what!?" Bowser roared. "Why didn't you say anything!?"

"Because I didn't think it was relevant! Now, let's see… Jaxi Protection Act… the Yokoi Accords… Muda Kingdom Vs. Corpulius Luggs… Aha!" He held up a sheet of paper. "Found it! And… ohhh… Grambi in Obendroben, it's bad."

Ludwig handed the piece of paper to his father, who immediately began looking it over. Not even a minute later, his eyes went wide, his hands began trembling, and his pupils began to glow gold… with rage.

"What… What is this!? " he demanded.

"Your Fearsomeness?" Kammy queried, prompting Bowser to show her the paper. The Magikoopa removed her glasses to make sure she wasn't seeing things, and as soon as she did… "What in the Four Under-Rings!?"

"That does it…" Bowser growled, crumpling up the paper and throwing it away. "Kids! Prep the airship! We're getting takeout. Chai takeout. And by that, I mean we're going to the Chai Kingdom to take out Madame Hua!"

At that, the Koopalings immediately rushed to get her things. Well, almost all of them.

"Morton?" Bowser replied. "Didn't I just say…?"

"Ah! Errr… y-yessir, goin' now!" the second-born prince cried out as he scurried off to join his siblings, but not before making one last stop. "Uhhh.. Dad? What about…?"

"Just go to the airship, son," Bowser ordered. "Now…"

Morton nodded, before running off, leaving his father alone with Kammy.

"King Bowser…" Kammy spoke up. "Not to sound like a broken record, but is this really…?"

"I don't know, Kammy," Bowser replied, picking up the vase of flowers on his desk. "But I'm gonna find out, and once I deal with Madame Hua…" He took a deep whiff, then spewed a stream of fire, reducing the flowers to blackened, burned-out husks. "She's next."

Author's Note:

Uh-oh... big trouble...

Well, that concludes the second Interlude of Evil, hopefully this one turned out better than the first. For now... don't forget to R&R. Until next time!