Inside the halls of the Plexus, the corridors were dead silent save for the occasional creak piercing through the still air. In one of those halls a group found themselves marching forwards uncertainly, deliberating what paths to take, and wondering if those decisions mattered at all.

Riba adjusted his tie, Starlow looked on with uncertainty, Koops looked as though he was on the verge of a nervous breakdown, while Ashley remained unfazed. Together, the group continued to travel through it's labyrinthine halls.

They continued to navigate the rooms that were impossibly large, the towering ceilings and walls seeming to stretch on forever, while Ashley led the way, her red eyes scanning their surroundings with a calculating gaze.

"The only way we're getting out of here is if we find the power source and shut it down." the witch spoke, breaking through the silence.

Riba frowned, his suit still slightly disheveled from their earlier frantic escape. "And what exactly is the power source? Some kind of generator?"

Ashley shook her head. "I won't know it until I see it. The Plexus is a living, shifting entity. It's power source could be anything—a machine, a crystal, even a person. We'll have to keep moving until we find it."

"That sounds like a lot of walking" Starlow said.

Meanwhile, Koops, who had been nervously fidgeting at the back of the group, suddenly pointed ahead. "Uh, guys? What's that?"

The group froze as a figure approached from the shadows, it's twisted and gnarled form coming from around the corner. It was a large mass of flesh made up of the faces of many toads, which all in synchronicity let out a mantra in tandem, hauntingly in it's calm tone.

"Shh… please walk quietly in the hallway."

But that peace lasted for but a brief moment, as all the Toad Amalgam's eyes quickly shifted to the group, as it let out an ear piercing shriek, beginning to chase after the four of them at an alarming pace.

"Run!" Ashley shouted, grabbing onto Riba's arm who was still with fear, pulling him along. Koops, was already headed down the hallway, with Starlow flying behind him. They all sprinted as fast as they could, as the amalgam followed not far behind, It's distorted cries echoing through the corridor, driving them forward.

As they rounded a corner, Starlow spotted a painting on the wall—a swirling, surreal image that seemed to pulse with energy, depicting a snowy field.

"In here!" Starlow yelled, diving into the painting.

Without hesitation the others followed, leaping into the painting just as the amalgam reached them. The world around them shifted, and they found themselves in a strange, dreamlike landscape, the amalgam's shrieks fading into the distance.

—

Only a few hours had passed since the vanishing incident had occurred. It was early in the morning in the Mushroom Kingdom, and Mario not having got any rest the previous night found himself in Professor E. Gadd's laboratory, along with Toadette and Prince Dreambert.

Everyone went to sit down at a table to discuss the situation. A screen at the end of the table displayed multiple head figures of the nations of the world, affected by the nicknamed 'vanishing incident'.

Queen Bean could be heard quietly weeping over the disappearance of her son over the call. Bowser Jr. sat on his throne waiting impatiently for the meeting to begin, and the New Donk City representative stood at attention, standing in for the missing Mayor Pauline.

The atmosphere was tense as Prince Dreambert began, explaining a new development in the situation.

"The Dream Space has been warped into a strange, chaotic place." the prince said, his voice heavy with concern. "A dark presence permeates every corner, and there's no rhyme or reason to it's structure. It's as if it's been turned into a gateway to the Plexus."

E. Gadd adjusted his glasses, his expression grim. "If that's the case, then anyone who falls asleep could be in danger of being sent there. The Plexus is drawing people in, and we have no way of stopping it from this side."

Mario clenched his fists, his determination shining through. "Then I'll go back to the Plexus. I've been there before."

Bowser Jr. who had been in his own head ignoring the discussion, was suddenly brought back by Mario's deceleration "What! You can't serious!"

"I have to, It's my responsibility to finish this." at his words, Bowser Jr. looked as though he was about to round on the mustached plumber on how much of an idiot he is, but before he could E. Gadd cut in.

"Are you sure about this?" the Professor questioned, to which Mario nodded. "Very well. But you'll need help." He reached into a cabinet and pulled out a sleek, robotic suitcase. "This is Stuffwell. He's equipped with advanced technology and will assist you on your journey."

Suddenly the seemingly sleeping face of the suitcase came to life, displaying a cheerful smile. "Hello, Mario! I'm ready to assist you in anyway I can."

Mario thanked the Professor, and made his way to head out the room, but Bowser Jr. called out to him.

"Mario, you better come back." The little Koopa looked to be on the verge of crying as he pleaded to the plumber.

"I will, and I'll get everyone else home too." with no room for argument Mario left the room.

He walked through the lab's corridors, being led by Prince Dreambert, who brought him to a spare bedroom with a comfortable looking bed and pillow.

"We thought you'd ask to go, so we set this up in advanced." The Prince said, while Mario with Stuffwell in hand went to lay on the bed. However they were interrupted, as a figure could be heard outside trying to barge his way into the room.

"Hey! let me in! this is important so just let me— oof!" an imp was suddenly at the door having pushed past all the toad guards as he ran up to Mario. It was Red, Ashley's loyal companion.

Quickly he handed Mario a brown cloth bag tied up with a string. "Here take this, if you want any chance of getting out of there. And you better save Ashley cause if you—!" he tried speaking before getting cut off by the Toad guards who dragged him out the room.

Mario looked at Prince Dreambert with a befuddled look who in turn just shrugged. With no more distractions, Mario laid down onto the pillow, closing his eyes, as Prince Dreambert and E. Gadd activated the dream portal.

In moments, Mario's consciousness was pulled into the Dream Space, his journey into the Plexus beginning once more.

—

Goombella had found herself traveling with a ragtag group, having all escaped the merry-go-round by exiting through one of the doors. Thankfully she had Bow by her side, but still she was stuck with these strangers, in a strange place.

It was honestly crazy really, this place was huge. They've all been trying to find a way out of this place but it's been hours, with seemingly no meaningful progress having been made. This place was already starting to grate on her nerves, so when an argument began between two of the others it did no wonders for her psyche. Seriously did they not understand the situation they were in?

Brouque Monsieur, the fiery brick merchant, was in the middle of a heated tirade, his mustache quivered with indignation. "Popple! You imbecile! How dare you steal from moi! These are my precious wares, my magnifique creations! And you—you think you can just take them?!"

Popple, the self-proclaimed "Greatest thief in the world" shrugged nonchalantly, holding up a shiny trinket he pilfered from Brouqe's stall. "Hey, I was just borrowing it, see? No harm, no foul!"

"Oh! You are naught, but foul you—!" The mustached Brock continued to argue, however he was cut off when a yell came from behind the two of them.

"I'VE HAD IT UP TO HERE!" Goombella belted out silencing the two of them, before continuing her tirade. "We're trapped who-knows-where in this nightmare dimension with who-knows-what lurking around! And you two are arguing over MERCHANDISE?!"

"Hey now! It's this block head over here who started it, see." the thief said putting up his arms, before pointing over to the man at his side.

*gasp*

"Block head?! How dare you! Zis man has not only robbed moi, but insulted moi looks as well! You expect me to put up with zis non-gentleman?!"

Seeing the ongoing argument, Pauline, Mayor of New Donk City and ever the diplomat, stepped between the two, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the chaotic landscape around them. "Listen, we're all in this together. Broque, Popple, we can settle this later. Right now, we need to focus on finding a way out of here."

Broque huffed, crossing his arms. "Fine. But zis is not over, thief!"

Popple smirked, tucking the trinket into his pocket. "Yeah, yeah. Let's just keep movin' before something nasty shows up."

The group continued down the hall, their footsteps echoing in the eerie silence, as the tension remained thick in the air.

—

It was elsewhere in the Plexus, where Rawk Hawk, Midbus, Prince Peasley, and Lucky the brown bob-omb found themselves, as they made their way through a dimly lit corridor. The metal sconces casting harsh shadows that made Lucky, timid as he was, cling to the side of Prince Peasley, his voice trembling. "I-I don't like this place. It feels… wrong."

Prince Peasley, ever the flamboyant hero, struck a dramatic pose, his golden hair shimmering even in the low light. "Fear not, my friend! For I, Prince Peasley, am here to protect you! No darkness can withstand the brilliance of my smile!"

Rawk Hawk shielded his eyes, groaning. "Ugh, my eyes! That smile's is brighter than the arena lights!"

Midbus, the hulking pig-like brawler, rolled his eyes. "Quit bein' such a baby, Hawk. We've got bigger problems than your delicate sensibilities."

However before Rawk Hawk could respond to gain back some of his pride, the floor beneath them gave away, parting ways like a door. The group had barely any time to react before they were separated, falling down chutes into different paths in the Plexus.

—

The world swirled back into view, and Mario found himself back in the one place he wished never to return, the Plexus. His breath came out in short, panicked gasps. The memories of his previous journey flooded back, and he clutched his chest, struggling to steady himself.

"Master Mario, please, try to remain calm," Stuffwell said, his robotic voice soothing. "I know this place is unsettling, but we must keep moving if we're to find the others."

Mario took a deep breath, nodding. "You're right Stuffwell. Let's go."

The two ventured further down the hall, the oppressive silence only broken by the faint sound of music. Mario's ears perked up, and he followed the melody, eventually coming upon a small music box sitting on a pedestal. Its tune was hauntingly beautiful, yet somehow unsettling.

Mario picked up the music box, examining it closely. As soon as he did, the lights in the hall flickered and went out, plunging them into darkness. Mario froze, his heart pounding as he waited for something—anything—to emerge from the shadows, as he quickly hid behind the pedestal.

"Master Mario, I believe the coast is clear," Stuffwell said after a moment, moving to sit by Mario in the darkness.

Mario nodded, though his unease remained. As they continued down the hall, Mario suddenly stopped turning to Stuffwell. "Stuffwell, do you have a knife?"

Stuffwell gave Mario a look of surprise. "A Knife? I… I do, but may I ask why you suddenly feel the need for such a weapon?"

Mario didn't answer, his expression grim as he took the knife from Stuffwell. They rounded the corner, and there standing in the middle of the hall, was Princess Peach. Her face was full of relief upon seeing Mario, her smile a shinning beacon of light in the dark space.

"Mario! You're here!" she exclaimed, rushing over to him, her voice like sweet nectar. "I've been stuck in this place for who knows how long. I'm so glad you found me."

Mario stared at her, his grip tightening on the knife. His voice cold and detached as he spoke. "You're not real."

Before Peach could respond, Mario plunged the knife into her chest. She gasped, her eyes wide with shock, before slumping to the ground, lifeless.

Stuffwell's face twisted, his usually cheerful expression replaced by one of horror. "M-Master Mario! What have you done?!"

Mario looked down at the lifeless form of Peach, his expression unreadable. "This place… it plays tricks. It shows you what you want to see. But it's all lies."

Stuffwell fell silent, his face still fixed in an expression of shock as he processed Mario's words. The Plexus was more dangerous than they had imagined, and the lines between reality and illusion were beginning to blur.

The journey ahead would test them all in ways they could never have anticipated. And the Plexus was only just beginning to show it's true nature.