Bowser Jr. was a little disappointed to see the Mario Bros. standing where he'd expected to find the princess.
"What gives, Luigi? Why're you here? Shouldn't you be at home doing something productive?"
"If you must know, BJ, I've been enjoying the view," replied Luigi placidly.
"No point in playing games! Where's the Princess?"
By this time Peach and the Professor had both hidden in different areas of the castle. The Toad Brigade was armed and ready - waiting on Mario's orders. Only he hoped he wouldn't have to give any.
"Your guess is as good as mine," Luigi continued.
"I could launch a full-scale castle invasion."
Mario chuckled a little at hearing this, much to Bowser Jr.'s chagrin.
"Whaddaya laughing at?" he demanded.
"You've lost the element of surprise!" Luigi said. "Think about it. We know you're here and prepared for an onslaught. Both Mario Bros. are already here. Half the Koopa Troop is held up at the bridge. Where is your advantage?"
Bowser Jr. paused, a little uncertain, then made eye contact with Mario, who wore an expression of extreme determination. This wouldn't be an easy fight for the Koopa Troop even if they won. His musing was interrupted, however, by the sound of a familiar airship.
"Hi, Dad!"
Mario, meanwhile, had been calculating. The Toad Brigade was skilled, but it could only keep Bowser's troops back for so long. The Princess would need to clear the castle or else remain hidden in order to avoid capture. Although she was invisible, she wouldn't be forever. The best thing was to get her out of there as soon as possible. He shook his head at Luigi, who nodded back and sauntered casually away to find the Princess. One of many nice things about having a younger brother was his ability to understand him. Peach would be safe. Now all Mario had to handle was damage control.
Bowser Jr. was also planning. "Dad? I know you wanted to kidnap Peach and all, but we weren't really counting on Mario being here. I think maybe you should change your approach. Why not just tell him you have Daisy and Yoshi?"
"It wouldn't matter to him. We need Peach to really get Mario's attention."
"I don't think so...at any rate, can't we at least try it my way?"
"Alright, son. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. If it fails we'll storm the castle."
So saying he turned to face his nemesis once again. "Mario! GWAHAHAHA! You've been such a staunch defender of the Mushroom Kingdom for years on end. Truly outstanding heroics, and it's not the only kingdom you've defended! For all of that I'm sure I join all the citizens of Sarasaland when I say 'Thank you, Mario! But our princess is in another castle!'"
So saying he whipped out a photograph of Daisy and Yoshi in his dungeon and hurled it in Mario's direction.
"Mama-Mia." Mario shook his head.
"That's it, Dad. He'll come."
"Fall back!"
As the Koopa Troop moved away Mario stared at the photograph.
"They're gone?" asked Luigi and Peach, who hadn't yet left the castle when they saw Bowser leaving. Mario showed them the picture.
"We can't just leave her, Mario!" cried Luigi. "We have to get her out!"
"He knows that, Luigi. He just can't believe Bowser went all this way to pick a fight. Well, I have a pretty large collection of Super Bells left in my closet. Shall we play a game?"
"Princess, you're still invisible!" cried the Professor. "You can't go on any adventures!"
"Of course I can. I am the Princess. Furthermore I'm not letting my friend rot in a dungeon. Invisibility is our advantage. We'll all go invisible. What say you, Mario Bros?
The duo exchanged just a brief glance, Mario questioning, Luigi confirming.
"Let's a-go!"
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