Mario, Luigi, and their friends finally got a Crystal Star in the castle after defeating Hooktail. Koops even reunited with his long-lost father, whom he thought was dead. Yet they were unable to learn anything about the whereabouts of the girls. Where could they be? Yes... Mario and Luigi's adventure has only just begun.

...

In unknown location, two X-Nauts came in with both Princess Peach and Violet. They both crossed their arms in front of their chests, making an X shape. They walked over to their boss.

One of them reported, "O great, exalted Grodus! We brought you the princess and her friend you ordered, sir!"

Unknown to Princess Peach, the computer nearby sparked of electricity.

Grodus told them, "Well, well, well my pets. Isn't it time you two told me us where the map is?"

Violet activated her Aurora Nine, "We're not telling you anything!"

Grodus hmped at her, "I wouldn't do that, if I were you, Ms. Violet. I would also advise your friend there to speak when she's spoken to. I thought she had better manners than that."

Violet growled, protectively. Peach placed her hand on Violet's shoulder. Violet turned to her and the princess shook her head sadly. Violet deactivated her powers as Peach turned to Grodus.

She boldly told him, "I have no idea what you are talking about either."

Grodus chuckled darkly, "There's no point in trying to hide it. We know you both had it at some point. We know this. Trust me, it's very much in your interest to be absolutely honest with us. We X-Nauts are not all rainbows and lollipops, I assure you. We are quite nasty."

Both Peach and Violet went silent in that moment. That's when the video screen call went off. The minion made a X-shape.

He (Morty) stated, "Grodus, sir! I have news!"

Grodus said, "Report at once!"

Morty responded, "You know that Crystal Star we thought that Hooktail had? Well, someone nabbed it."

Grodus demanded, "What? What did you say? Someone else is after the Crystal Stars? And he defeated that Hooktail creature, you say? Speak, solider!"

Morty confirmed, "Yes, sir. Sorry, sir. There's more too, sir. See, according to the report... It was two mustached dudes that pulled the job. One was in red and blue overalls. The other was in green and blue overalls too, sir!"

Peach gasped, "Mario! Luigi!"

Violet turned to Peach, glaring at her. "Princess!"

Peach covered her mouth, quickly.

Grodus perked up, "Excuse me...? Mario and Luigi, you say?"

Violet activated her Aurora Nine and threated, "That's right! And if you even think about hurting them, we will hurt you!"

Grodus chuckled darkly, "I'm not scared of you. But I do thank you for that. You two know them, don't you? Hmm... These fools matter not. I'll know all about them before long, I promise." He turned to the two X-Nauts and told them, "I grow bored. Take Princess Peach back to her room. Allow me to dispose of Ms. Violet then."

Both girls paled as Peach struggled, trying to get to her friend.

Peach shouted, as she was dragged away, "Violet!"

Violet shouted, "Peach!"

It was too late as the two X-Nauts left. Violet was about to bolt for it until Lord Crump came up on her and grabbed her wrist, tightly. Violet struggled but it was of no use. She couldn't get free.

Grodus instructed, "Good work, Lord Crump. Now, if these characters do have the map... then it is highly likely that they'll find the Crystal Star in Boggly Woods. Take Ms. Violet there and see if you can hasten the excavation. It must not fail."

Lord Crump replied, "Whuzzat?! Oh, yeah sure. Roger, Grodus. And with that... Pow! We're gone!"

With that, Lord Crump headed off, dragging Violet behind him.

Violet demanded, as they left, "Let me go!"

Grodus turned his head, "I wonder if sending Lord Crump out there alone is wise... He's a bit...out there. Hmm..." He turned again and shouted, "X-Naut! I summon you!"

That's when a X-Naut came in. He crossed his arms in front of his chest, like a X.

He asked, "You rang, dude? I mean, sir? You rang, sir, Grodus dude? Grodus? Sir Grodus, sir?"

Grodus hissed, "Shut up. Go get the Shadow Sirens over here."

The minion perked up as he started to say, "T - The Shadow Sirens, sir? But they..."

Grodus interrupted, "I don't care how you planned to end that sentence, fool. Go get them. Now."

"Gotcha!" He said, crossing his arms again before leaving.

"The honorable Grodus has need of us? Then we arrive without delay." That's when the three Shadow Sirens appeared. Beldam cackled, "Pray tell, did the princess or Ms. Violet tell you where the map is?"

Grodus warned, "Still your tongue, Beldam. We would have already it if you'd snatched it from them earlier... But now, since you missed your chance, some poor fools named Mario and Luigi have the map."

Beldam pointed out, "It wasn't my fault, truly! There were too many prying eyes there. Too many... That's why I had to nab Ms. Violet in the process."

Grodus snipped, "And that's why I made sure I gave that problem to Lord Crump. Since Ms. Violet does have the power of ice, she might be better away from here and not giving the princess any ideas on escaping here."

Beldam also pointed out, "Plus that old man showed up at that moment of truth, and we had to retreat. Why worry? All we need to do is find this Mario and Luigi and steal the map from them, yes?"

Grodus stated, "Indeed, that is your duty. Must I remind you? That map is vital to the X-Naut plan. I will have my men prepare all information on this Mario and Luigi. For now, hear me, Beldam! Your Shadow Sirens must take care of these troublemakers!"

Beldam chuckled evilly, "Fear not, sire. I, Beldam, shall return with what you seek." She then turned to the other two Sirens, "Let's go, my lovelies! Marilyn! Vivian! Come! We've got a job to do!"

That's when the three Shadow Sirens left, laughing evilly.

...

Wishmaker1028: Well, I had lost most of my work after my Chromebook took a crap today. So I had to re-write this chapter from scratch plus the other chapters I was working on. That's a lot of fun - not! Either way, chapter 12 is done! Originally Violet was going to stay with Peach but I decided to do this instead. I hope this pays off. For now, please read and review! And always think outside of the box!