Chapter Text
Far, far away, beyond the sky and hidden among the stars, sat Star Haven. A private city meant just for celestial beings as they worked to make the world turn. After centuries of struggles due to the lost contact they had with the people of Pi’illo island along with other issues, things were finally starting to work again like a well-oiled machine.
Gathered in the central sanctuary, were the seven leaders of Star Haven; the Star Spirits, sitting upon their crystal pedestals. Learning from the past, the Star Rod that used to sit in the center of the building had been fortified and guarded in an undisclosed location. Now the building was used to aid more in the production of wishes.
“We have had another good haul for wishes my dear Star Spirits!” Prince Dreambert spoke enthusiastically as his entourageproceeded to move dream chunks from a portal to the dream world via cart to the center of the room.
“It does indeed appear that way.” Eldstar nodded along with his fellow comrades.
Compared to the purple crystal sphere of a nightmare chunk, dream chunks were crystal clearand were about the size of a hand, compressed into the shape of a star.
Mamar was the next to speak, happy to get this show on the road.
“Shall we start going through them?”
“Honey, they haven’t even unloaded of them all yet.” Kalmar teased.
“Sorry. I just really enjoy this part.”
“Actually,” Dreambert interjected, “I am quite curious. I don’t tend to see this part of the process.”
“I suppose there's no harm.” Klevar smiled with his eyes.
“Unfortunately, I think I agree with you.” Skolar scoffed. “Dreambert isn’t much of a threat.”
The prince forced a smile, disgruntled by that comment. Using his magic, Eldstar lifted one of the dream chunks out from a passing cart. Holding it up near the ceiling, light filtered through, projecting a small snippet of the dream onto the floor.
Everyone in the room witnessed a lone shy guy, suddenly being whisked away and finding themselves on, what was presumed to be, their favorite television show; Snifit or Whiffit. They appeared so excited, swooning over the chance to win big.
“First, we judge the dream.” Eldstar started. “Do they wish harm on someone or themselves? Is their wish rooted in selfish gains? If we grant this wish, what would they do with it? Maybe this person needs a small pick me up.”
“Based on this one, I’d say it’s good.” Muskular added.
“This person just wants to step out their comfort zone.” Misstar joined in. “They seem happier to just be on TV with a famous TV host rather than wanting the prize at the end.”
“All who say grant, say I.” Eldstar proclaimed. The seven of them spoke in unison, agreeing to grant the wish. “Those who oppose?”
Silence.
“The wish is granted!”
The dream chunk sparked, emitting a bright, pink glow as Eldstar flung the now newly formed star out the window.
“HANG ON WAIT-” Dreambert floated up to the open window, watching the star fall down to the Earth below in utter dismay. “I thought you said it was granted! Why did you throw it out!?”
“A little slow, are we?” Skolar smirked.
“Stop being such a snub! Of course it would appear that we just threw it away as someone who is not in our position.” Misstar hovered over to the Prince, patting him on the back with her nub like arm. “Once we grant the wish, we send it down Star Road and to Star Hill. Once the wish lands on the hill, the person’s wish will form on the planet, helping fate change events so that the person may see their wish be reality.”
“Ah. May I suggest you give a little warning next time? That was a roller-coaster of emotions you put me on.”
“Apologies. We’ll keep that in mind.” Eldstar lifted another from the pile and proceeded to do the same as the first. This time, a Beanish woman could be seen wearing an extravagant one-piece swimsuit, swimming in miles and miles of coins. “What do you say for this one Dreambert?”
“You want me to decide?”
“Just tell us your reasons on why this wish should or should not be granted.”
“Well...” Dreambert floated to the projection, his hand on his chin as he debated. “I wouldn’t grant this one. It seemed too defined by greed. If this wish were to be granted, I doubt this person would use their newfound wealth for unselfish reasons.”
“A very good argument! Those of those who agree with the prince?” The spirits unanimously agreed. “Any who oppose?”
None spoke.
“Wish denied!”
Loud crackling filled the sanctuary, bringing panic to the prince as the elder spirit slowly pulled apart the bad wish.
BANG!
Light engulfed the room as the wish shattered into dust, sprinkling the floor with sparkles.
“FOREWARNING PLEASE!” Dreambert shouted, feeling his heart beat out of his chest.
“Oh right. Sorry, I forgot. Hopefully that enlightened you some at least.”
“Honestly, that wasn’t worth the heart at-”
Before Dreambert could finish his sentence, one of the carts filled to the brim with undecided wishes shook, tipping over onto the floor. Two of these wishes proceeded to float in front of the council, much to their confusion.
“Eldstar? Are you doing that?” Klevar questioned.
“I thought it was one of you.” Without even knowing whose wishes they were, the two were flung out the window. Panic filled the sanctum as reality hit them all. “♥♪!?! Come to the sanctum immediately! There’s been a breach!”
~~~
Death.
It’s something easily avoided in the kingdom with the simple one up mushroom. Even without access to one, if your body was intact, someone with enough power could revive you. When someone is hunting you down with the only intention of killing you though, the mind tends to forget logic.
That was the position Bowser was in now. Ignoring the fact that he could fight back, the koopa king was running and crashing through burning buildings as a deranged Mario made several attempts at his life.
“IT’S ABOUT THE PIZZAZZ MARIO! YOU’RE FAILING EVIL ONE-O-ONE! YOU DON’T ACTUALLY KILL- GAH!”
Screeching to a halt, he barely avoided Mr. M as he had somehow appeared in front of him, thrusting his weapon at the koopa.
“Pizzazz? PIZZAZZ!?”
Bowser lifted his arms up, shielding his face from another attack. He was barely dodging the back-to-back attacks, taking multiple steps back as the blade made small grazes against his scales.
“I HAVE BEEN RISKING M-Y LIFE SINCE I WAS A CHILD. IT HAS NEVER BEEN ABOUT PIZZAZZ! IT’S BEEN ABOUT YOU BEING A GREEDY, POWER-HUNGRY JERK!”
Warm liquid started to drip down Bowser’s arm and onto the ground below as Mr. M managed to slice deeply into one of his arms. With a grimace, the koopa spun around, trying to knock M down with his tail.
Only to feel a sharp pain shoot up his body, as the sword was stabbed through.
Distracted, a laser blasted at the plumber, sending him flying several feet into an untouched cabin. Geno ran up yanking the weapon out of Bowser’s tail, already charging another shot.
“Please stop messing around! I get this is your thing, but he’s not in the right state of mind to do the normal banter!” He tossed the doubled bladed sword to the side, kicking a bit of rubble over it.
“He’s... actually trying to kill me...”
Magic sounded as a small, mushroom shaped window appeared beside the flabbergasted Bowser. In a haste, the puppet swung his arm around and blasted the window, barely missing the koopa’s face.
“GAH-”
“Focus! Go into one of the unstable houses! When I shout, retreat into your shell! We can talk about this later!”
Another window formed this time behind Geno. As the glass panes swung open, Bowser pushed him to the side, protecting him from being grabbed and pulled in by Mr. M. With an inhale, fire shot out of the koopas mouth, but the plumber quickly retreated into the magic window.
Begrudgingly accepting the order, Bowser ran off, heading to the cabin that was first ignited while trying to ignore his wound. Magic sounded above. Knowing what was coming, he knelt down, forcing M to land directly onto the spikes of his shell.
“Youch!”
Using every force of his being to not turn and laugh at him, Bowser got up and continued on his path.
CRUNCH!
The already burning outer wall crumbled around Bowser as he slammed into it with his shoulder. Smoke assaulted his face, pushing through a former living room.
“Aw! Don’t hide Bowser!”
Grabbing a burning couch, he flung the furniture at the hole he made. One jump over the attack, M pulled out a very familiar hammer. Running up and slamming the head down on Bowser’s skull.
Dazed, he was unable to stop the follow up attack. Breath knocked out from his lungs as the hammer slammed into his chest, sending him stumbling back.
“You’re pathetic.” Bowser grabbed the end of the hammer, stopping another head attack only to get a boot to the chin. “Never thinking things out.”
Mr. M disappeared, a magic window fading away from the floor. Huffing, he tossed the hammer into one of the flames, scanning through the smoke for a window. Burning family photos, tables, chairs; he was unable to make out the upcoming attack.
The window formed behind him, flaming hands burned his eyes as they covered his vision. Roaring, he grabbed the hands, pulling M out of the pocket dimension and slamming him to the ground.
One single stomp. That’s all he needed to end this.
Unfortunately, his attack was read again. With extraordinary strength, his body left the ground.
CRACK!
His shell wavered under the pressure as he landed on his back. A boot now against his chest as the man leaned in.
“You are never meant to win. I’m surprised really. How can a kingdom hold you in such high praise...” From his person, he revealed a small dagger. Pressing the blade against under his chin. “When you have never succeeded in anything...”
The ground around them started to rumble as a shout from outside sent a warning.
“NOW!”
Quickly, Bowser retreated into his shell as beams of light rained from above. Support beams and flaming wood fell around Mr. M, unprotected from the collapsing building. Summoning another special attack, he attempted to retreat.
Only to be knocked out by a falling beam as the two were consumed in the rubble.
~~~
“Ow. Ow.”
“Hold still. I’m almost done bandaging you up.” Geno spoke calmly. Smoldering ash of the former village lied around them. “Ok. You’re good.”
The puppet stepped back, going to check on their new hostage. Surprisingly, Mr. M wasn’t dead, now tied up in rope. That plan he pulled really made Bowser think he was out for blood too. Holding back a chuckle as Geno took off his hat, revealing just two orange strains of yarn on top of his mostly bald scalp, the star warrior reached inside and pulled out the Pi’illo they obtained.
“Unfortunately, we can’t save both of the brothers. We should be able to save Mario at least.”
“Yeah. Then you can go save the day with him. Whoopie doo.”
Geno glanced back at Bowser, witnessing him sulk as he stared vacantlyat the wound on his arm.
“...Do you think you’re not capable?”
“Clearly! I would have died back there if I was by myself! Plus... Mario’s right. I haven’t succeeded in anything...”
In the tense silence, Geno placed the Pi’illo on the ground. Walking back over to the Koopa to sit with him in the grass. Clearing his throat, he attempted to ease Bowser’s sadness.
“Apologies, Mallow is usually the one good with emotions; not me.”
“Pfh... I didn’t think you still hung out with that crybaby.”
“I’m going to ignore that comment.” Taking a deep breath, Geno glanced at his hands. “You know what I am yes?”
“Some star dude controlling some wood toy?”
“I’m the general of the stars. When we first met though, I was just a cadet. The star spirits never thought we needed a military or any kind of security. After all, a person needs to be granted access to the Star Road to get to our haven.”
“Where are you going with this?”
“The seven-star spirits decided to form the warriors of the stars after you stole the Star Rod.”
“How is reminding me of another failure supposed to cheer me up!?”
“You are good at certain things. For example, you’re great at detecting weak points. You’re good at long strategy. Intimidation. Building armies. Commanding troops. Just because some-”
“Most.”
“Okay, most of your plans fail, it does not mean you...” Geno waved his hand, unable to find more professional words. “Are absolute trash. You’re capable of having a good idea. Honestly, you tend to get too co*cky. That’s your true downfall.”
Bowser scoffed, feeling the wooden puppet’s hand against his knee.
“Do not let the words of a misguided man dissuade you. You say you have never succeeded in anything. You succeeded in stealing the Star Rod. Sure, you were unable to keep it, but you succeeded. Not in the ways you want unfortunately, but you still succeed.”
“...I think you lie.”
“About?”
“Not being good with emotions.” Bowser grinned, punching Geno in the arm lightly. “...Don’t tell anyone this but... Thanks.”
“I’m glad I could help.” Geno returned the smile, standing up. “Now, let’s enter the dream world shall we?”
