-Chapter 36-

Siblings

Koopaseum

The arena beyond the bridge Bowser had been on was a massive colosseum, one surrounded by bubbling lava and enough seats to make the Roman colosseum jealous. At the moment, the only seats in use were those in the Royal Box, where all of the Koopalings could be seen. There was also a baby King Koopa they hadn't met yet, along with Kamek, Phanto, and finally, Bowser himself. As a final "guest of honor", Princess Peach was in a cage hanging from a chain. Her hands and feet were tied and a cloth was wrapped around her mouth to keep her from speaking. Mario spared her a look, silently promising to free her.

However, his first priority was the figure standing in front of him. A figure dressed in Koopa armor, but without the stupid blue hood. This let them finally see their sister's face, right down to the murderous glare directed at both of them. It left the brothers feeling uneasy, a feeling that extended to the Koopalings as well. Iggy and Wendy, the two who had been the most suspicious, exchanged worried looks as the siblings finally reunited.

"And the heroes arrive, right on schedule." MP smirked maliciously, pulling a crystal ball from her belt before twisting it in her hands like a toy. "You here to fight me, Bro?"

"No," Luigi shook his head. "We're here to save you. I know you're in there somewhere. You need to snap out of this."

MP just threw the crystal ball at his feet, playing their commercial. The Bros. went pale as their jingle filled the arena.

"No," Mario shook his head. "Mips, you don't get it-"

"Oh, I understand perfectly. You found your true birthright here, your true purpose. And you found some puffed-up hussy to stroke your ego like you never got back in Brooklyn." Mary Pat shot Peach's cage a glare, the princess struggling in her bonds and trying to scream through her gag. "Why would we even matter to you when you could live it up here like the bigshot you always wanted to be? After all, it's not like we're your family."

Mario glared furiously at Bowser. "What have you done?!"

Bowser blinked. "This wasn't me. And frankly, I'm just as unsettled as you are."

"The girl did have great anger toward her brothers," Kamek pointed out, the lies sliding off his tongue with such ease that it was hard to tell that he was lying. "It only makes sense it would fester, especially after they almost killed her on that beanstalk."

"Hoodie girl trip and fall!" Yoshi objected. "It was accident!"

"Nobody's talking to you, dino-boy!" MP snapped. "This is between me and my so-called brothers! You just wait your turn."

Mario shot a murderous glare at Bowser. "When this is over, if you value your slimy life... be somewhere else. "

MP charged in, showing no mercy. Mario ducked and dodged, purely on the defensive.

"MP, this is crazy! I'm not gonna fight you! You're my little sister!"

"Oh, NOW I'm your sister?! When it's convenient for you?!"

"Mips, please!" Luigi begged. "We never stopped caring! We always loved you! Remember that time Mario kicked Spike in the soft spot when we were kids, when he stole the cap we made you?! How he tracked down that one boy who stood you up for a coffee date and clotheslined him into the Hudson Meer?!"

" SHUT UP! "

Bowser and his children all watched with visible discomfort.

"I don't like this…" Bowser Jr. let out. "She was upset before... but now she's just so angry."

"This is nothing like how it was going back in the Koopahari Desert," Morton insisted. "She was just having fun and laughing, enjoying humiliating them. This… this feels like she wants to End their Games."

Bowser nodded. "This is wrong…"

"What are you talking about, Sire?" Kamek questioned. "Mario's being beaten! You're about to witness the downfall of the Super Mario Brothers! "

"Realistically, he should have gotten through to her by now. At the very least, she should be hesitating...having some second thoughts. But she's not." His eyes narrowed. "She was hurt, sure… but she wasn't murderous, right Iggy?"

Off to the side, Kieran fidgeted nervously.

"You're right, she wasn't. In fact, Junior can vouch for this, she all but exploded when we even brought up the idea of her ending their games." Iggy turned to the youngest Koopaling. "Right, little brother?"

Kieran was shaking even harder now.

"Mm-hm!" Junior nodded vigorously. "She said she just wanted to rough 'em up! Humiliate them! Not hurt them! She was even conflicted about being angry and upset with them!"

"Perhaps what happened in Giant Country simply tipped her over the edge," Kamek lied once more, unaware of Kieran looking ready to burst. "After all, she was pushed off of the beanstalk. An attempt on her life could easily-"

"KAMEK WAS DOSING HER WITH LAME BRAIN!"

Everyone slowly stiffened, turning to Kieran in shock. Kamek began to sweat.

"What?!" Bowser roared.

"I-It's true. I saw him slip it into her IV after the fall in Giant Country. He threatened me to keep quiet."

Kamek scowled. "Why you little-!"

He was cut off when Bowser grabbed him by the throat, yanking him off of the ground and slamming him into the wall with enough force to shatter it.

"As I recall, I outlawed mind altering talismans, spells, and potions," he growled, smoke streaming from his mouth. "So explain to me why you had access to Lame Brain!"

"I... I wanted to ensure her loyalty! Make sure she would be an asset to you, sire! B-besides, I only influenced her anger that was already there! She would have been pushed to this point eventually!"

"Only because you spiked her drinks and brainwashed her! Because you set her off to kill her own brothers?!"

"Lord Bowser, I don't understand why you're so angry!" Kamek objected. "The entire point of bringing Mary Pat to this world was to use her against the Mario Brothers, wasn't it?!"

"Not like this! At best, I was thinking a hostage! Then when she suggested helping, I figured we'd use her to humiliate them and teach them about forgetting their family. Not ONCE did I want her to end their games! And clearly she didn't either!"

"B-but-!"

"No! I won't have someone kill their own family! I'm a villain, Kamek, not a monster! Now, I ORDER you to break the spell and release her!"

"Oh, the Princess broke the spell a couple hours ago," Phanto spoke up, sipping on some tea he was drinking like he hadn't just dropped a massive bombshell. "She's under my control now."

"What?!" Iggy let out. "Why would you-?!"

"I told you I have my own vendetta with the Marios. They humiliated me back in Subcon, then again in the Cloud Kingdom. I'm just returning the favor." He sipped on the tea again. "It's the entire reason why I told you about that fat plumber's fear."

On the ground, Luigi, Toad, and Yoshi had managed to overhear everything.

"If Peach's Heart Power broke the Lame Brain…" Toad and Luigi hopped on Yoshi's back. "Get me to her cage!"

Yoshi immediately took off running. Phanto looked to see them coming, scowling.

"Oh, no you don't!"

He moved to intercept, but the Koopalings got in his way.

"Move it, you two!" Roy ordered.

"We'll hold him off!" Wendy assured. "Help MP!"

"Get out of my way!" Phanto roared.

"Not gonna happen," Morton snapped.

Junior rushed to the winch keeping the cage suspended, hitting it and letting it go down. Once it reached the arena, Yoshi caught it with his tongue, pulling it away from the lava so it landed on the sand. He retracted his tongue as Luigi and Toad hopped off his back, the former using a wrench to quickly break the lock on the cage. He pulled Peach out, Toad removing her gag before starting to untie her.

"Are you alright?" Luigi asked, wincing at her injuries.

"Don't worry about me!" Peach insisted. "Just get me loose so we can save Mary Pat!"

As this was going on, Mario found himself at MP's mercy. She was aiming her Zapper at him, prepared to fire, when he pulled out his trump card.

"ROCKET SHIP!"

MP froze. "W-What?"

"You were having a nightmare." Mario got to his feet. "About when we left. Then I came, and we decided to go on an adventure. You created a rocket ship."

"How do you know that? How can you possibly-?!"

"Because it wasn't just a dream, Mips. I was actually there."

MP shook her head. "You... that's impossible. It was just a dream…"

"Ever heard of Subcon? That's how I got there."

"Subcon?"

"A dream world. We were there before all this went down. Before that nightmare, you were dreaming about that day in the park, when I kicked Spike in the crotch. Then you dreamed about the police telling you we were missing. I told you to tell Ma and Pa that we miss them. And that we love them. That I was sorry."

"How…?" MP's hand was shaking, a tear rolling down her face.

Finally, Luigi freed Peach from her bonds. She dashed out of the cage, running full tilt for MP.

"NO!" Phanto roared as Peach placed her hands on MP's back, filling her with Heart Power.

Mary Pat gasped, all of the strength leaving her body as she fell to her knees. She shook for a moment, her thoughts clear once more. Realizing what she had almost done, she hugged herself, looking like she was on the verge of a panic attack. Silent tears poured down her face as she struggled to breathe.

"Mips…" Mario let out, torn between letting her breathe and pulling her into a hug.

Phanto shoved past the Koopalings, scowling.

"What are you waiting for?!" he shrieked. "Finish it! Destroy Mario!"

MP slowly looked up, her eyes blue once more and blazing with hatred for the masked Koopa.

"No."

Phanto's eyes glowed, compulsion in his voice. "I said finish it!"

MP's hand twitched, grabbing her Zapper.

"I SAID NO!" She screamed before whirling around, shooting at Phanto, who narrowly avoided the shot..

"You mean to tell me you forgive his follies?! He disrespected your family bond! Abandoned you to play superhero in this world!"

"It's an Isekai world! Those are one way trips! And if I had been in my right mind, I would have realized that sooner." MP turned back to her brothers, her face full of remorse and guilt. "I'm sorry..."

Mario and Luigi hugged her without hesitation. Phanto scowled, his eye glowing before he threw his head back and let out an unholy primordial shriek.

"Never send a little girl to do a fear demon's job!"

However, before he could attack them, a massive reptilian fist slammed into his face, knocking him back. Phanto got up, a look of panic on his face as he felt cracks spider-webbing across his mask. Bowser turned to him, cracking his knuckles.

"Well, well. Seems the fear demon has his own fears." Phanto took a step back once more as Bowser reeled back, punching him once more and shattering his mask completely. Green light shot into the sky as an eldritch howl filled the air, Phanto's Koopa body spasming before being reduced to Dry Bones and crumbling into dust. Bowser breathed heavily before turning to the Marios.

"We're done," he told them. "You win, I lose. Take your sister and go. I need to discipline my advisor for this." He shot Kamek a dirty look. "Count yourself lucky, Kamek. If you weren't the closest thing to an actual father I had, I'd end your game right here and now."

Kamek gulped meekly. "And believe me, my Lord, nobody appreciates that more than I do."

The Brothers were surprised, to say the least, but neither of them were about to look this gift horse in the mouth. Working together, they pulled MP out of her armor, tossing it aside to reveal her broken overalls and all the bandages from their fights. Mario pulled her onto his back, letting her slump against him. As they walked out of the arena, Toad tapped Luigi on the side, holding out Mips' cap. Luigi took it, then pressed it onto his sister's head.

"You dropped this," he told her.

With a shaky hand, she slowly gripped the hat, her tears returning as she drifted off to sleep.

Toad Town

Sometime later, they had returned to the Mario Bros.' house. MP was laid out on the couch, still asleep as Mario finished tending to Peach's wounds and Luigi finished stitching up her cap.

"Peach…" he began as he put the first-aid kit back. "Is... she going to be in trouble? For the role she played?"

Peach shook her head. "Of course not. She was manipulated by Kamek and Phanto. I don't think anyone would blame her for what happened. Besides, she's the Mario Sister. I'm sure everyone will love her."

"It helps that no one outside of the Koopalings saw her when she wasn't Blue Hood," Luigi pointed out, carefully draping a quilt over his sister. "Though we may need to talk with King Froswald about keeping the news quiet."

"That's a bridge we'll have to cross when the time comes," Mario rose to his feet. "In the meantime, we should get some supplies. Set her up with a proper place to crash."

As they headed out, a Lakitu watched from the clouds…

-X-

Later…

Mary Pat slowly came to, almost reluctant to open her eyes. She feared she'd be in some sort of prison cell, or back in the Dark Lands, having been abandoned for what she did. Still, she woke up, opening her eyes to find herself in a warm, cozy living room. Her cap was on the coffee table in front of her, along with a note in plain view. Sitting up, she reached for the note, giving it a read.

Went to town for a bit. Back soon.

M+L

Reading that, MP let out a small breath, unable to hide her relief. She set the note down, picking up her cap before looking it over. She could see the telltale signs of Luigi's repair work, as well as his meticulous laundering. With a smile, she slipped it on before going to see if she could find something to eat. However, just as she got to her feet, there was a knock at the door.

"Is that them?"

She wandered over, opening the door before blinking in surprise.

"Oh, I know you. You're a… a…" she snapped her fingers a few times. "Oh! A Laiku!"

"Close, I'm a Lakitu." Said Lakitu held out a large box with her name on it. "I come bearing a package courtesy of King Bowser and the Koopalings."

Confused, MP took the box, almost immediately dropping it when she felt how heavy it was. She set it down, then peeled the tape off so she could open it. Much to her surprise, she found that it contained the Soopa Suit, with a note was taped to it reading "This belongs to you" and signed with Iggy's name,

"Huh…"

"Also, this is for you." The Lakitu handed her a smaller box and an envelope with the Koopa King seal

"That'll be all. Have a nice day."

He flew off at that, Mips watching him before taking everything inside. She left the suit in the box, shoving it against the wall before plopping back down on the couch. She set the smaller box aside, using her finger to open the envelope. Inside, she found a letter with a small, golden pin shaped like Bowser's insignia attached to the bottom.

To Mary Pat Mario: Allow me to apologize for the actions of my subordinates. I give you my word that I never intended to use you in such a manner. Rest assured that said actions are being punished to ensure they are not repeated. Included in this letter is a Royal Koopa Pass, allowing you access to all Koopa-controlled territory without having to go through the usual background checks, interrogations, or searches. Consider it compensation for your troubles.

(Please note that the pass will not be valid for anyone outside of yourself, meaning it cannot be passed to your brothers. It works for you and you only.)

Also, the children wanted to apologize as well and pooled their resources to get you the gift attached to this letter. Use it well.

Regards, King Bowser

MP managed a smile before turning to the other box. She opened it, revealing a large white egg with purple spots.

"An egg?" She looked it over, confused. "Maybe it's a Koopa thing. I'll have to ask the guys when they get back."

Sometime later, the door opened. Mario and Luigi entered first, along with Toad, Yoshi, and Peach, all carrying several shopping bags.

"We're back!" Luigi called.

MP walked in from the kitchen, munching on a sandwich.

"Hey, guys! Welcome back." She set her sandwich aside, walking over to the box with the Soopa Suit. "Look at what Bowser sent me! Iggy says I can keep the suit, which works out, given how I'm not built for Mushroom World."

"It works well with what I got you." Peach handed her a canvas messenger bag with magenta embroidery that looked like flowers. "This is a special magic bag we commonly use here. You can use it to carry just about anything. Your brothers thought you'd like this one because of the design."

"I always have been partial to messenger bags." MP smiled as she took the bag before wincing to see all the bandages under her gloves and dress. "I really did a number on you, didn't I?"

"It's not your fault," Peach soothed. "Kamek brainwashed you. Everything you did is on him."

That was when they saw the egg.

"Yoshi egg?" Yoshi let out.

"Oh, is that what that is? Apparently the Koopalings got it for me." MP held it out. "I couldn't make heads or tails of it"

"They stole a Yoshi Egg for you?" Mario asked.

"Well, according to the books I've read, Yoshi Eggs aren't always fertile or explosive," Toad recalled. "Sometimes, they contain items."

MP nodded in understanding. "So it's like a gatcha game. Do I just crack it open?"

"No!" Toad held out a hand. "Wait until it hatches on its own! If it's a Yoshi, you'll kill it! We have no way of knowing what's in it until it hatches."

"Then how long do I have to–" MP was cut off by the sound of something crackling. "Not long, apparently."

She held it away from her body just in case as everyone gathered around in anticipation. Soon, it popped open, revealing a stout, purple-skinned reptilian creature with a beak-like mouth and half-shut eyes. It yawned before looking around, eyes falling on MP. The teen girl immediately had heart eyes and was cooing in awe.

"Oh my god, it's adorable!" She held the little creature up to her face, carefully pulling the shell off of it. "Hey there little one."

"Well, whaddaya know?" Mario grinned. "Your very own companion."

"They're so cute!" She lifted it up, trying to look between its legs. "Are you a boy or a girl?"

"Is Yoshi!" Yoshi declared, much to Mary Pat's confusion.

"I think that's something you can decide," Mario clarified.

"Oh. Hmm." Mips tapped her chin before looking back at the baby Yoshi. "You okay with being a girl, little one?"

The baby nodded, smiling at her.

"So, what do you want to name her?" Luigi asked.

"I don't know…" She turned to Yoshi. "I know your name is Yoshi, but are all of the Yoshis named Yoshi? That sounds confusing."

Yoshi shook his head. "Aside from Yoshi, we go by fruit/vegetables. Elder Suika's name mean 'watermelon' in the language of Sakura Kingdom. (1)"

"Fruit names huh?" Mips perked. "How about... Kiwi?"

"That name sounds great!" Mario declared, using a finger to pet the baby Yoshi's head. "What do you say, little fella?"

"Kiwi!" she cheered.

Luigi laughed, wrapping his arms around both his brother and his sister. "Looks like it's settled. Welcome to the Mushroom Kingdom, Kiwi."

Author's Note:

(1): Mushroom World Japan. Our name for Bowser's Kingdom in Odyssey, here a conquered territory.

And that's that. MP has seen the light, and that's the end of Phanto... for now.

Also, for the bit with Kiwi, that's my interpretation here, to explain how all Yoshis lay eggs. In this fic, Yoshis are biologically asexual; their gender identity is a matter of personal preference.

Voice cast for this chapter:

* Kiwi - Didi Archilla (Sue Mitama in A Centaur's Life, Hana Kazuki in Chaos;Child, Hinata Okano in Assassination Classroom)

Please R&R. Until next time!