This story's been bugging me lately. Just sitting in the back of my head, poking my brain and whispering, "Hey. Finish me." Sorry for digging up an ancient topic.
Peach greeted the kings and their retainers.
"Hello." she said, somewhat awkwardly, smoothing out the wrinkles in her dress. "As I'm sure you are all well aware, we need your help."
The kings all looked at peach. It was a sight. She did not look as carefree, or cheery, as they had always seen her. Without her trademark bubblyness, she seemed...worn down. They could not suppose that the last few days had been pleasant, but the princess was practically a proffesional kidnapping victim. She was very rarely without her usual spunk.
"For a very long time," she began, "The mushroom kingdom has been a peaceful place. We owe that to our protectors, the Mario Bros. But it has come to light that we cannot rely on two men, however brave or loyal, to defend us. As I speak, there is a growing threat to our kingdom, and very posibly the entire world. Even the Mario brothers are not capable of holding back this invasion. Already we have been forced from the castle, and into hiding. I believe that we can fight back, but..." She took a deep breath.
"We cannot do it alone. The Koopa Kingdom has offered it's support, and with the leadership of their King, Bowser Koopa, we can train our mushroom people as soldiers. I know I must ask a lot from you. I must ask you to trust the people we once called our enemies. I must ask you you to place powerful magic in the hands of those who once used it against you."
Peach was not sure how the kings were going to react. She could order them to give up the wands, but she wanted their willing cooperation. She liked to think that the kings would trust her.
"I must ask you to give the valued magic wands of your country to our cause."
To her surprise, every one of the seven Kings stepped forward, wand in hand.
"We shall do anything you tell us." said the king of Grassland. "Even if it means allowing that...creature to use our wands."
Bowser stepped up. "Watch it, bub! You may not realize that I hold your fate in my hands."
"Bowser." said peach. "Do I have your solem vow that until this threat is passed, you will be serving in the new Mushroom Kingdom army? That you will yeild to my command, and that you will do anything in your power to protect our people? That is, yours and mine."
Bowser was appalled. "I most certainly wo-!"
Kamek coughed loudly.
Bowser sighed. "You have my solem vow...your highness."
"Then you are now the first general of the Mushroom Army."
Bowser wanted to hit someone, but with great difficult, restrained himself.
Bowser felt a tap on his shoulder. Mario stood behind him.
"Luigi and I are watching you. Don't try anything funny."
"Careful, Private Mario." Bowser said smiling. "Now. Where are my troops?"
"Underground." said Peach
Bowser bowed quickly and hopped into the pipe that led to their impromptu boot camp. Peach and the Mario brothers followed, with Wario and Waluigi right behind.
The large area beneath the cave was dimly lit. There were rows of brick boxes, and platforms that moved up and down over seemingly bottomless pits. Probably once used by miners.
Bowser was addressing his troops.
"Allright you lazy maggots! Every fungus here who wants to be a soldier is now under my command. You do not eat, sleep, or bathe until I tell you to.
I am not going to lie to you. You miserable little toads are going to experience pain beyond you wildest imaginations. Because of your inexperience, you will be sectioned of into numbered units. Each group will be assigned officers from the more battle hardened Koopa kingdom. these officers will be training you in combat. You will learn to operate cannons with sentient artillery, you will learn to throw hammers, fireballs, and boomerangs, and you will learn to use your bodies as weapons.
Your reward for loyalty and obedience will be your survival, the only punishment for failure is anihilation.
You will hate your superiors, and you will certainly hate me, but when this thing is over, you'll thank the stars for every order I ever gave!"
Peach stared for a second. "What have I done?" she said to herself.
