Greetings, I’m Michael Fri. I’m mostly known for doing deep plots for Phoenix Wright and Kingdom Hearts. However, my true love is the Mario games. And I have a baby brother who loves the game Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time, so I asked him if he wanted to write a story about the four heroes from Partners in Time. He said yes and we started planning, well I started planning, he’s only five.

So I’m introducing Black Scepter’s co-authors; Lucas Fri and Beth Fri.

Anyway, despite the small intro up there I hope you enjoy the story.

Disclaimer for all chapters: We do not own anything but a few OC’s and an original plot.

Mario and Luigi: Heroes of Legend

Chapter 1: Party Crashers

Mushroom Kingdom had a lot to celebrate, today was a very special day for the citizens of the kingdom. The coronation of Princess Peach was happening today; soon she would be queen of Mushroom Kingdom. Because of this it was perhaps the reason why everyone in Toad Town was busy getting ready for this special event, cooks were busy creating an extravagant feast. The warm glows that radiated from the kitchen and the smell of the food was inspiring enough, cooking Turkeys, baking pies, and all sorts of wonderful smells filled the kingdom and warmed their hearts.

The castle was quite busy as well, attendants bustling around setting up decorations and going over ceremony plans. They did not want any unwelcome guests into the castle, which is why Toadsworth himself checked the guest list over and over. Speaking of guests, there were two guests that were supposed to arrive early and help with preparations. But they have not arrived when they were supposed to, and this made the future queen nervous.

“They should have been here by now…” Peach sighed as her attendants adjusted her ceremonial gown.

“I’m sure it’s fine,” Toadsworth reassured, “Masters Mario and Luigi are probably on their way as we speak.”

“I know, but still,” Peach frowned, fidgeting slightly while the attendants checked her gown over. “I feel nervous… I’m about to be crowned queen, and Mario isn’t there to see it happen.”

Toadsworth sighed and placed his list down, “Master Mario knows how important it is to you, I’m sure he wouldn’t dally around, he has never let you down before.”

Peach smiled slightly, “You’re right, I’m sure he’ll come.”

Toadsworth nodded and left the room with the attendants, leaving Peach in the dimly lit room as she looked in the mirror next to her. She wasn’t clad in her normal pink outfit, it was white colored with a red diamond in the center, her hair was smoothed down at the sides; it was as though she was looking at another person; a woman ready to be queen. But she didn’t feel ready, not really. She wasn’t the one who could protect her kingdom like a queen could, she was always the one needed to be saved and protected. If only I was as strong as Mario, then I could protect my kingdom.

Peach could hear the band outside rehearsing for the dance party afterwards; she swayed to the music as she imagined a certain Italian plumber next to her. Together, we could protect our kingdom…

It was night, darkness had settled over the kingdom. The only source of light was located from the lamps that led to Princess’s castle, the town’s villagers made their way up the path and to the castle gates. Soon the main hall was filled with eager people ready to greet their queen, who was currently behind the stage, gazing at the loads of people gathered in the hall. She looked at the crowd of people and tried to catch a glimpse of a red or green cap, but before she could get a closer look Toadsworth tapped her shoulder and interrupted her search.

“It’s time princess,” He said, pulling her gently on stage.

The roar of the people in front of her almost felt like the castle was shaking, she pushed aside her nervousness and smiled back towards the people. She made her way to the center of the stage and stood in front of Toadsworth, her back against the people.

Toadsworth smiled proudly as he addressed Peach, “Do you, Princess Peach, accept the duties of queen and will you guide us to a brighter future?”

Peach paused, she could have easily said yes and accept the crown. But something inside her caused her to hesitate, she stole a look at the crowd to try and find Mario. When she didn’t see him she turned back to Toadsworth and took a deep breath.

“I—,” She began, but however she was cut off when a loud explosion was heard from outside.

Everyone turned to the source of the explosion and before anything could be done the roof above them exploded, everyone ran out of the way as the top of the ceiling crumpled and fell. Peach gasped as ropes flew down and Koopas slid down the ropes and into the main hall, the armed Koopas took out the guards and cleared a circle just as a device floated down, and in it was the Koopa King; Lord Bowser.

“Ah, Princess Peach, I’m glad I could make it to our coronation in time. I wouldn’t want to miss becoming the King of Mushroom Kingdom,” Bowser laughed, climbing out of his hover device and onto the stage.

“Our coronation?!” Peach gasped, “What do you mean, you don’t think you’re going to be crowned king do you?!”

“Oh I think I am,” Bowser laughed evilly, standing in front of Toadsworth. “There can’t be a queen without a king, it’s just illogical, and so I will humbly accept the role of king and rule the kingdom by your side.”

“I will not allow this to happen!” Toadsworth shouted, “I will not make you King of Mushroom Kingdom!”

“Ah Toadsworth, as grumbling as always,” Bowser chuckled darkly. “But I’m afraid you have to, or I may have to use persuasive measures.”

He snapped his fingers and a floating pirate ship appeared from the hole in the ceiling, the sides opened up and a series of cannons appeared, they were aimed right at the town.

“All I have to do is snap my fingers and say bye-bye to Toad Town,” Bowser chuckled. “Now princess, or should I say… your majesty, shall we take the crown and rule the kingdom together?”

Peach looked at the ship and at Bowser, who looked back at his ship and held his fingers up; ready to signal his men if he needed to. Oh Mario, if only you were here… Peach thought, as she hung her head low and her shoulders sagged. Just then there was a loud yell and a Goomba fell from the ship, Bowser looked behind him at the Goomba and back at the ship. Then a load of Goombas fell from the ship, all landing castle floor with a hard ‘thunk’, Bowser yelped and looked back up at the ship.

On the rail of the ship stood a man garbed in blue trousers, a red shirt and cap, a brilliant mustache above his lip and a look of heroism on his face. Next to him was a man in blue trousers and a green shirt and cap, he too had a brilliant mustache on his face, a look of nervousness and fear on his face.

“Mario!” Peach and Bowser shouted at the same time as they leaped from the ship.

Mario landed on his feet and Luigi landed on his face, he made a small groan and slowly got up on his feet.

“Bowser! Let Peach a-go!” Mario shouted, making his defiant stand against the Koopa King.

“Mario! And… guy with green cap,” Bowser pointed at Luigi, who had just got on his feet.

“It’s Luigi! L-u-i-g-i!” Luigi shouted indignantly, “Why can’t you get my name right?!”

“Forget the name!” Bowser growled, “I’m going to crush you Mario Bros. once and for all!”

Bowser took a deep breath and let out a stream of fire, the two brothers leaped in the air to avoid it. Mario landed on the stage perfectly; Luigi slammed into the wall and fell on the floor.

“Oh dear,” Toadsworth yelped. “It appears Master Luigi knocked himself out cold!”

“Figures,” Mario muttered, getting into his battle stance as Bowser lumbered to him.

“It’s just you and me then Mario, I’ll burn you alive pasta boy!” Bowser roared, smoke pouring from his nostrils.

“Bring it you overgrown lizard!” Mario retorted.

“I’m not a lizard!” Bowser yelped, his nostrils flaring. “I’m… a… TURTLE!”

“Let’s a-go!” Mario grinned, rushing forward to fight his foe.

Come on and light the fuse

He’s a rocket and he’s ready to go

Cause now the countdown’s started and it’s ready to blow!

He’s got the dope sounds bumping and in stereo-eo

Kicking it fast, putting on a show!

Go on and get yourself together, there’s no time to rest

And if you put the time in, he’ll put you to the test

He’s like the running man, in his world, more is less

And if you want to test him, you best bring your best

Don’t make me spell it out, bring your best!

As Mario ran forward Bowser unleashed another stream of fire, he dodged it by leaping over his head and behind him. Before Bowser could turn around Mario grabbed his tail, yanked him off his feet, and began to spin around. Once he reached the peak of his spin he let go and Bowser slammed against the wall, an impact mark was seen when he slammed into the wall. He fell to the ground with a thud and Mario rushed forward to hit him again; however the Koopa King wasn’t caught off guard this time; just as Mario got close enough to hit him Bowser tucked inside his shell and spun around, he slammed into Mario and he was knocked right back onto the stage.

He got up with a groan, went back into his battle stance, and pulled out his hammer. Just as Bowser was spinning towards him he pulled back his hammer and knocked him backwards, causing him to spin out of control. Finally the spinning shell stopped and Bowser popped out, dazed and disoriented he wobbled a bit.

“Orgghhhhh, why am I on a merry go round? Ohhhhh… hey wait a minute, Mario! I’ll get you for this!” Bowser growled, having finally shaken off the dizziness he gave a mighty leap and landed back on the stage.

In this world. His world!

Where life is strong

In this world. His world!

Life’s an open book

In this world. His world!

Where compromise does not exist

In his world of worlds, every step meets the risk!

In this world. His world!

Where one is all

In this world. His world!

Never fear the fall

In this world. His world!

Where compromise does not exist

In his world of worlds, every step meets the risk!

“Prepare to be roasted!” Bowser laughed, smoke coming from his nostrils, indicating he was going to use his fire breath.

However instead of letting go immediately, he leaped in the air and just as he was over Mario’s head he let out a jet of deadly flames. Mario nimbly leapt backwards, pulled out his hammer, and he leaped in the air and right in front of Bowser, whose eyes widened when he saw Mario in front of him instead of being cooked. Without hesitation he slammed the hammer down on the Koopa King, the impact sent him downwards and into his own circle of flames. He roared out from the impact and lumbered out of the flames, only to meet Mario’s fist in his face. Bowser yelped as he fell on his back, being the turtle that he is he couldn’t get enough leverage to flip himself on his feet. This gave Mario the perfect opportunity to give the final blow; he ran up and kicked Bowser who slid on his back and slammed into the wall. The Koopa King gave an audible groan and slipped into unconsciousness.

The only way to break free is to break the mold!

He can’t stop now, lock and load!

I said he can’t stop now, lock and load!

Don’t stop now, come on and rock and roll!

“You did it Mario!” Peach cheered, running off the stage to him.

“Jolly good show Master Mario!” Toadsworth laughed as Luigi was waking up.

“Ohhh, is the battle over?” Luigi asked, looking around to see an unconscious Bowser and sighed in relief. “Oh good—, I mean; I could’ve showed him a thing or two, oh well.”

Mario chuckled to himself as Peach ran over to him, or at least he thought it was Peach; she looked different with her hair smoothed down and in a white dress instead of pink.

“Peach, sorry we were late,” Mario said, his Italian accent showing through in his speech. “But then again if we weren’t we wouldn’t have been able to stop Bowser right?”

“Well, yes, but it would have been nice if you were here earlier,” Peach scolded, placing his hands on her hips. “How is it when the fate of the world is at stake you arrive when needed, but on other events you’re the last to show up?”

“Hey now, that’s not a-true,” Mario said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Lord Bowser! Lord Bowser!” The Koopas shouted, running over to their fallen king.

Who was slowly flipped back on his feet and growled, “You… think it’s over? The kingdom is meant to be mine… always had been… now I will—,”

“Lord Bowser!” A Koopa yelled fearfully, “What’s that light?!”

Bowser paused and turned to the center of the room, there was a bright light in the middle of the room and it was pulsing slightly. Mario and Peach stared at it in wonder, Luigi and Toadsworth backed up fearfully and Bowser was in shock.

“I know what this is…” Bowser gasped, smoke emitting from his nostrils. “It can’t be!”

“My goodness!” Toadsworth shouted, “It’s a time portal!!”

“A time portal?!” Mario and Luigi yelped.

The light continued to glow brighter and brighter until the entire room was filled with a white piercing light. Everyone had to cover their eyes to shield them from the bright light that emitted from the center of the room, finally the light subsided and everyone lowered their hands. In the center of the room, where the light used to be, stood a group of knights in a black and red armor; they were as short and stocky as Mario with full armored helmets, and carried stout swords and round shields. But amongst these short knights there was one of them that towered above them, his armor was bigger and bulkier, a long flowing crimson cape fluttered from the draft of wind, in his hand a giant sword that he leaned on, he had a full armored helmet on like the others, but the top of his was almost shaped like a crown.

“Ahh, we have finally made it,” Their leader said. “We have made it to the future!”

“The future?” Peach repeated, backing up slightly.

“Yes…” The Leader looked around, “A future for us to conquer! A world for us to rule!”

“I-It can’t be…” Bowser shuddered, “It’s impossible!”

The leader turned to Bowser and paused for a minute before laughing, “I remember you! I didn’t recognize you at first, you’re not the same little brat whose ship we shot down five min—, oh, I’m sorry, several years ago.”

Bowser froze for a minute, but then took a step forward and growled, “That was years ago! So, you think you can rule the world? Well get in line, I called it first, it’s my kingdom!”

Bowser gave a deafening roar and ran forward, tucking himself inside his shell and spinning towards him. The leader of the knights gave a light chuckle and held up his sword, the moment Bowser was in range he swung his blade and sent him flying outside the hole in the ceiling. The Koopas trembled fearfully and ran after their king as the leader of the knights sheathed his sword and sighed.

“Nothing changes even after so many years…”

The leader looked up at the stage and noticed Peach; he stopped for a minute and cleared his throat before addressing her.

“I assume you are the ruler of this land?” He asked, startling Peach with the sudden calmness in his voice.

“Y-Yes I am. I’m Princess Peach,” She stuttered, but her voice still rang with authority.

“Ah where are my manners?” The leader bowed, “I’m Gigas, leader of the knights of Gaellion. I assume you are princess by birthright correct?”

“Yes I am,” Peach answered proudly, trying to not show fear to the formidable knight.

The knights began talking in quiet whispers that made the group nervous, Gigas stared at Peach, apparently thinking about something. Finally he snapped out of his thoughts and said, “Well then Princess, I shall make you a deal; surrender your kingdom so we may use it as a base for our world conquering campaign, and we will let you choose the few who will live alongside you.”

“What?!” Peach gasped, “Conquer the world?!”

“Yes,” Gigas nodded, “It is destiny that the knights of Gaellion shall rule the world, we have been denied before and we will not be denied again. So what is your choice?”

Peach looked appalled at these words, she took a step back and shook her head, “No… no I will not surrender my kingdom.”

“Is this your choice?” Gigas asked quietly, the air around the room seemed to be filled with tension.

Peach paused for a moment, trying to deal with the sudden fear that gripped her heart, and then she nodded and Gigas made an odd noise.

“I see, so be it,” He said, turning to his knights. “Men… summon their doom!”

The knights nodded and raised their blades, the sky above the kingdom grew dark and the boom of thunder was heard in the distance. Just then a small silver arrow was visible amongst the black clouds, and what they saw next froze them with fear; the silver arrow was actually the bow of a Dreadnought battle cruiser. Then more silver battle ships, smaller than the first, came out of the clouds and floated above the castle; it was an armada. Then cannons, blasters, mortar launchers, and all sorts of weaponry opened up and fired… on the town. Houses blew up; trees were uprooted or burning, explosions echoing around them.

“No!” Peach cried, looking out the window, viewing the destruction of her town.

“Now your highness, I shall lead you to your new living quarters; the castle cell,” Gigas said, walking towards the stunned princess.

However before anything could happen Mario leaped over Gigas and in front of Peach, Luigi joining him as they stood between the knight and Peach.

“You’re not taking her anywhere!” Mario yelled, “You’ll have to go through us!”

“Oh man,” Luigi muttered, “Why me?”

Gigas stopped at the sudden appearance of the brothers, but chuckled as he drew his sword, “So be it.”

Gigas raised his blade to attack, when Toadsworth leaped out of nowhere and jumped on the knight’s helmet.

“Argghh, get off me!” Gigas shouted, flailing about, trying to shake of Toadsworth.

“Mario, Luigi! Take the princess and flee! Hurry!” Toadsworth shouted, holding on to the knight’s helmet. “I’ll hold him off!”

“Toadsworth no!” Peach yelled, trying to get to her caretaker.

However Mario had grabbed her and scooped her up in his arms, “We have to go, hurry Luigi!”

Luigi nodded and they ran for the door behind the stage, Peach flailing in Mario’s arms, pleading to be let free and to Toadsworth. But he did not relent, even though he too wanted to head back to Toadsworth and save him, he had to save Peach… even if it meant her hating him, which is something that would hurt him if she did.

Mario and Luigi made their way through the corridors and finally made it outside, the looked back at the castle and saw the armada of ships above it, its lasers devastating Toad Town. Then they heard a yell from inside the castle and Peach gasped.

“Toadsworth? Toadsworth! Toadsworth no!” Peach cried, trying to break free from Mario.

Mario was fed up with this, he was about to run in their and try and help the old caretaker when he saw three Gaellion knights running towards them. Luigi ran up and slammed the door in their faces; an audible groan was heard even amongst the explosions.

“We need leave Mario!” Luigi shouted, immediately running down the path that led to the valleys.

Mario hesitated before tightening his grip on Peach and following his brother, by the time they cleared the hill they heard an explosion that rocked the earth they stood on. They didn’t want to stop and see the devastation, so they kept on running. Peach stopped struggling and rested her head on Mario’s shoulder, the plumber felt something inside him shatter when he felt tears stain dampen his shirt.

On top of the castle, amidst all of the destruction, a lone figure stood on the top tower. He was observing the two brothers, and the future queen of Mushroom Kingdom run from the castle.

The figure laughed evilly and chuckled, “Run all you want, it doesn’t matter. I have finally found you Princess Peach, and soon... the end of the world will begin.”

How was it? Good, not good? Please review and comment, advice is welcome but no flames! The song up there was His World by Ali Tabatabaee and Matty Lewis from Zebrahead. This is Mario’s theme for Heroes of Legend.

Chapter hint: The next chapter will concern the babies and why Bowser fears Gigas.