Return to the Kingdom/Story

Disclaimer: This page is the story for Return to the Kingdom. The narrative is presented in a much more casual way than usual, and in some details differs from the sequence of events described on the main page. That said, the general plot can be found here - think of it as the story summarized as a TV show or something.
...Enjoy!
==Prologue: A Kingdom in Crisis==
It was a sunny day in a peaceful kingdom, as it generally is at the start of stories like this. The land was known as Floria, a vast domain divided into several smaller kingdoms. The head of the united governments was based in the central castle, found in Emerald Evergreen. It was here in the castle halls that the story begins.
Two guards are sitting on a balcony keeping watch - or at least that's what they are meant to be doing. The two instead seem to be telling stories to each other.
Guard 1- ...and that's when I told him, 'how about you peddle your pebbles elsewhere you peasant!' Then I threw him down the castle steps!
Guard 2- Wow! That's a very interesting story you just told! Whatever became of the pebble peddler?
Guard 1- He came back with the town administrator. Turns out his license was legit. They had modified them a week before! So that's how I lost my door-guarding privileges.
Guard 2- Ooh, that must really suck. That's, like, the pentultimately prestigious post!
Guard 1- I know right?! But mark my words, someday I'll earn my spot at the front gates again. I didn't cultivate these glorious petals and sturdy roots to lounge on a wall all day!
The guard points to his prominent leg-shaped roots. The guards are both sentient plants, by the way. Probably should have mentioned that earlier.
Guard 2- Well, as long as we are here, we might as well be the best guards ever! Help me keep an eye on the western front.
Guard 1- Bah! Not me. You do it. There's never anything there anyway.
The younger guard looks over the plains intently.
Guard 2- You never know. Whenever folks say stuff like that, things start showing up... Kinda like that thing!
The first guard joins him at the balcony.
Guard 1- Huh... that thing is pretty odd. Perhaps it's just a raven?
Guard 2- I dunno - maybe it's an airship?
The object emerges from the clouds, revealing itself to be an airship.
Guard 1- My word! It - it is an airship!
Guard 2- Seriously?! I was just kidding!!
The guard grabs hold of a telescope and peers at the ship.
Guard 1- Judging by it's build, it must be from the Mushroom Kingdom... and it's flying the emergency flags!! Do you know what this means?
Guard 2- Uh... that there's an emergency? In the Mushroom Kingdom? And we should notify Princess...?
Guard 1- NO! It means that if I report it first, I'll get my post at the door back! This is my chance to make it back to the top! Or the bottom I guess, since the gate is on the ground floor, but that hardly matters. I've got to go - you keep watch!
Guard 2- Put in a good word for me!
Guard 1- I will!
The guard scrambles to reach the Princess' quarters as the ship approaches. Minutes later, the entire staff is scurrying to prepare for the arrival of the ship. The bridge is lowered onto the ship port along the walls, and a group of Toads emerge, led by two notable figures - an elderly Toad with a cane and mustache, and a younger Toad wearing a headlamp. They are, of course, Toadsworth and Captain Toad. The delegates are quickly led to the conference room to meet with the princess.
Captain Toad- Do you think we made it in time?
Toadsworth- I'm certain of it! Those scoundrels may be able to launch an unexpected invasion, but long-term planning has never been their strong suit. We have plenty of time.
Captain Toad- I hope you're right, sir!
Toadsworth- Now now, my boy. I know I'm right!
Inside the conference room, the two meet with Princess Petalia, the Red-Headed monarch of Emerald Evergreen. 
Petalia- Toadsworth! Whatever is the matter?! Why didn't you call before arriving!
Toadsworth- I would have if we could, but we had to leave at once in order to escape the attack. How did you prepare so quickly?
Petalia- Some bonehead guard rushed in while I was dressing instead of using our alarm system. He's on dish duty now. But what attack are you talking about?
Captain Toad- The Koopa Clan has regained their power! They overran our defenses, and took our strongholds! We barely escaped in time, and all of the surrounding kingdoms will be next!!
Toadsworth- Now now, the situation is not nearly so dire...
Captain Toad- HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT! Didn't you see what they did to-?!
Toadsworth- Yes I did - and I've seen much worse in my younger years. Princess Petalia, if we notify the other 7 kingdoms now, they will be able to fight back! The Koopa Troop cannot possibly resist the combined power of 8 armies! 
Petalia- Right! Our technicians have already sent the signal across the Jewel Network - they should all be on the video screens for a conference call shortly. 
Toadsworth- Excellent! You see, Captain? Everything is under control, and well put those brutes in their place. Just like old times!
Captain Toad- Yeah, but we had...him...in those old times....
Toadsworth turns to face his younger companion.
Toadsworth- ...that may be true, but they no longer have Bowser to lead them! Besides, we have the Crown Jewels now. You'll see - it'll all work out in the end.
The screens begin to light up as the other Royals join the line, and the meeting starts. We won't be watching, because our story is now occurring elsewhere... to be specific, on a quiet training ground on Hero Hill.
A young boy is performing acrobatic feats in an attempt to jump over a makeshift wooden wall. Hw rubs towards the wall, skillfully pulling off a triple-jump technique and leaps towards it. He isn't quite high enough, and his foot catches on the top of the wall, causing him to faceplant on the far side of the wall. The deep rut he lands in suggests this is not the first time this has happened.
As he dusts himself off, an older flower person (or Florian) chides him.
Poppy- You have been neglecting your work, Mars! This maneuver is very simple, yet I can tell you are overthinking each step. If you had been practicing, you would be far more natural.
The boy, apparently Mars, shakes his head in frustration.
Mars- I don't know what you want me to do, Poppy sir! I've tried to do this jump at least 15 times now, and I'm not any closer than when I started.
Poppy- So you don't deny you're lack of preparation, then?
Mars tries to argue, but is cut off.
Poppy- Then there is no point in continuing his exercise. If the move is not second nature here, you will make mistakes in the heat of the battle - and your enemies will not give you time to dust off your clothes!
Mars- Come on, you're not being fair...sir! Practicing jumping like that isn't easy, and it makes no physical sense either! 
Poppy thinks for a while, then turns towards his nearby house.
Poppy- Come inside, Mars. We will take a break now.
Mars- Ok, but only if you don't tell any more stories - I'd rather waste my time bouncing over that wall.
Once inside, Poppy begins telling a story anyway, much to Mars' annoyance.
Poppy- With that kind of attitude, you'll never become like that legendary hero, the Man in Red, the Jump Man! The legends say that he and his brother came from parts unknown, a certain "Brooklyn" if I recall correctly.
Mars- Legends? That happened, like, 40 years ago! And I already know he's from Brooklyn because you've told this story hundreds of-
Poppy- Yes, it was Brooklyn, wasn't it? Anyway, when he got here, nothing seemed "natural", or "sensical". Magic plants granting powers? Warring mushrooms and turtles? He never said so himself, but I heard from his bro that it was all mighty unnatural and nonsensical. But despite all that, he saved the day, defeated the evil Bowser, and got the girl! You think he did that by thinking, trying to make sense of things?
Mars- Probably not... and it was never proven that he actually "got the girl" either...
Poppy- He acted on instinct, learned on the fly! His track record of success was built on muscle memory and hand-eye coordination - essential skills when facing evil!
Mars- So? Video games do the same thing. And those skills didn't help him out forever.
Poppy- ...yes, the legendary hero did meet his end in mortal combat with Lord Bowser. But even then, his sacrifices brought about a new golden age for the peace loving Mushroom Kingdom and her allies. Why are you so critical, anyway? Isn't he your idol? Isn't that why you sought me out to train you?
Mars hesitates before answering
Mars- I guess so... but I feel no closer to my goal now then when I started. I guess I'm just making excuses for myself.
Poppy thinks for a while before pulling a sealed box off his shelf.
Poppy- Mars my boy, humans have a special obligation in this world. Whenever evil forces have arisen, heroes from other worlds have always come to our aid, and their descendants remain the greatest leaders of our time! You have it in your blood, if your willing to let it out.
He unlocks and opens the box to reveal a worn red cap inside.
Poppy- Now, I know I've told you this story hundreds of times, but I've never shown you this. This hat is supposedly from the hero himself... Mario. After Mario's death it was given to his brother, and he left it with our rulers in Floria before disappearing forever. Or that's what I've been told, anyway. As lead commander of Floria's armies, it was given to me upon my retirement. I'm often not sure I deserve this honor... anyway, this hat is said to have been the source of part of his power, allowing him to truly fulfill his potential! I can't confirm that, but this otherwise ordinary headpiece has immense value to people the world over.
Poppy stops momentarily to collect his thoughts before continuing.
Poppy- Mars, I know I've rambled a little, but the point I'm trying to make is-
An explosion is heard in the distance before he can finish. The two see smoke rising in the distance from Petalia's Castle!
Poppy- By the great oaks! The castle is under attack...! Then we must act quickly!
Poppy hastily closes the box and places it back on the shelf.
Mars- I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting to go into action so soon! We've got to hurry to the castle!!
Poppy- Correction - I've got to hurry to the castle. You need to help evacuate the village.
Mars- What! But you just said I needed to release my potential!
Poppy- And you just said you weren't expecting to go into action. This is no time for bickering! I've got to go- lock the door behind you!
Before Mars can say anything, Poppy is gone, rushing towards the distant castle. Mars is at first frustrated, and begins gathering his things into his backpack. As he makes the final preparation to leave, he notices that Poppy's box is still unlocked. Mars goes to lock it - then gets an idea. Instead, he takes out the cap and examines it.
Mars- So this is meant to bring out hidden potential, is it?
Despite it probably being a very irresponsible and dumb thing to do, he dons the iconic cap, then checks himself in the mirror.
Mars- I'd look way better in it with a mustache... I guess I better listen to Sir Poppy, and "trust my instincts!"
Mars steps confidently outside the house (and, incidentally, forgets to lock it).
Mars- And my instincts are telling me that's it's my time to see action! Hang on castle- Mars is on his way!
Mars dashes over the rolling hills towards the besieged castle - little did he know his hot-blooded little escapade would be the start of a new adventure...!
==Episode 1: A Messenger from the Stars==
After some time has passes, Mars is still dashing over the rolling hills, but no nearly as quickly or enthusiastically as before. 
Mars- Whew! The way Poppy was booking it down the path made it seem like the castle should be closer... maybe I should take a break...
He stops to catch his breath, and looks despondently to the horizon. The castle is still under attack, and seems just as far away as it was before. 
Mars- They could at least have sent some enemies this way... I'll I've been doing is jumping over rocks and rolling through rocks. This isn't a fun adventure! This is the same as Poppy's tutorials! And I hate tutorials!
He begins pacing and considers his options moving forward. 
Mars- Maybe it isn't too late to turn back and help with the evacuation... but what if I actually do miss out on the action? Well, if something interesting doesn't happen soon, I will head bac-
Mars has not even finished laying out his ultimatum before fate intervenes. A bright object descends from the sky and crashes into the nearby forest! After a moment's hesitation, he moves towards the crash site, not yet sure whether to be pleased or worried. 
Mars quickly reaches the crater (which is much smaller than the loud crash would have suggested), and peers inside. The small hole is occupied by an equally small blue creature, resembling a glowing star. 
???- Oy, too fast... came in too fast...
Mars- (Thinking) *OK Mars, just act cool - be assertive!*
Mars- Hey! Who are you, and are you part of the invasion?
Mars- (Thinking) *Might have been too assertive, but I'll work with it...*
???- Wha? Invasion? Where am I??... Wait, hang on.
The creature emerges from the hole and takes a look around. 
???- Huh. Green forest, blue sky... looks kinda like the place. Don't see any mushrooms though.
Mars- Hey! I asked you a ques-
???- I guess I'll have to ask around... Hey, you there! This wouldn't happen to be the Mushroom Kingdom, would it?
Mars- ...wow, you are way off target. The Mushroom Kingdom is on a completely different continent. This is Emerald Evergreen, located in Floria. If you aren't part of the invasion, I'm just gonna-
???- Wait! there's an invasion taking place?! Who's attacking?
Mars- I'm honestly not sure. And I still don't know who you are. 
???- Oh, sorry about that. I'm Lu, the Luma!
Mars- Interesting... I'm Mars! The human, I guess. 
Lu- Mars... why is that name familiar...
Mars- Well, it was nice talking, but I have hero stuff to do. You know, stopping invasions and such.
Lu- Wait! It all makes sense now! Mars, is this attack from the, what's it called? Kappa Kingdom.
Mars- ...if you mean Koopa Kingdom, then possibly. We haven't been on good terms. Listen, I really need to go now!
Lu- I think I was sent here to help you! I was sent here on a mission, to aid a hero in red and save the Mushroom Kingdom from an impending disaster! You must be the one I was looking for! That is, if you really are a hero...
Mars- (Thinking) *Wait? Is he here to help Mario? But he's been dead for years! I guess I should play along for now...*
Mars- Uh, yeah that's me! So, how about we go fight some evil?
Lu- Slow down! You may be a legendary hero, but you don't know what I can do yet. We should probably start off with a tutorial.
Mars- NO WAY!
Lu- ...uh, what?
Mars- ...that I would ... turn down a tutorial! Yeah.
Lu- Sure thing. So the first thing you want to - wait, are those airships getting closer?
Both Mars and Lu look to the sky and see the airships rapidly approaching their position, dropping enemy units along the way. 
Mars- They must have seen you land, and are coming to investigate! We were so busy talking we didn't even notice them!
Lu- I knew I would mess this up! Listen Mars, I know this is unorthodox, but I think we'll have to skip the introductions and learn on the fly. If we don't get to the Mushroom Kingdom in time, my mission will be a failure!
Mars- Oh, thats too bad... I was looking froward to that tutorial... yeah. But you're right, we really need to get going! It's about time I got to fight something!
Lu- Okay! Lead the way!
Mars and Lu run towards the airships! Although they are both woefully unprepared for combat, they will probably pull through somehow. Until next time, we can't know for sure! 
===Across the Thorn Bed===
 Mars and Lu have exited the wooded fields of Hero Hill and entered a cave nearby. Since we last saw them, they have grown stronger as a team, and discovered new abilities - some better than others...
Mars- Let's take a break in here, Lu. Hopefully there are no enemies in here. Of course, with our new moves, we can take anyone!
Lu- Yeah, about that...
Mars- What? Something wrong? 
Lu- No, not really. It's just that that "Luma Punch" move... it means that I'm supposed to punch the bad guys.
Mars- So? Isn't that what we did?
Lu- ...no. You punched me.
Mars- I don't see the problem. The move actually worked really well!
Lu- Fine, I'll go along with it. At least try not to throw me at spiked enemies anymore, OK?
Mars- Deal!
Lu- Doesn't seem like a deal to me...
Mars- Anyway, we shouldn't have to fight much further. I've messed around in these caves before, and know a shortcut straight to Pot Keep. There should be soldiers there fighting the invaders we can meet up with!
Lu- That's pretty convenient. Lead the way then!
 Our heroes pressed on through the caves, crossing underground rivers and scrambling through tight corridors. Little did they know their destination would be quite different than before...!
Mars- I see the exit up ahead! It should be a straight shot right to Pot Keep!
Lu- How well do you think they are holding up out there?
Mars- I wouldn't worry about them. That place has nearly impenetrable defenses. Take a look for yourself!
 As the duo emerge, they do see the fortress before them - but rather than the pristine citadel Mars' description evoked, Pot Keep is in a considerable state of disrepair, enveloped by multiple layers of spiked vines!
Lu- Wow, you weren't kidding about that defense! There is no way anyone could get through that!
Mars- Actually... those aren't meant to be there. Obviously, the fortress has already been taken by those invaders! This leaves us only one choice-
Lu- We fight through and liberate the fortress! Isn't that right?
Mars- Actually, I was - I mean... yeah, that was where I was going. We definitely shouldn't turn back, or try to go around it. Straight through. Yep.
Lu- While I can easily float through those vines, you will have a tougher time. How will you manage?
Mars- Hmmm.... I've got it!
 Mars takes a running start towards an outcropping row of vines. As he jumps towards them, he begins to spin rapidly, bouncing of the vines on contact! He uses this technique to safely cross the thorny bed.
Lu- Whoah! You didn't tell me you could do that!
Mars- I just remembered it now. That's my Corkscrew technique! I learned- I mean, I came up with it myself!
Lu- So you can use this move to handle spiky enemies! You know, so you won't have to throw me at them?
Mars- Come on! That was, like, one time I did that. And it was an accident!
Lu- You mean twice.
Mars- ...let's just get into the fortress already.
 Mars and Lu travel across the spikes into the ruined Pot Keep, prepared to tackle any threat that lies within!
===Verde Vines - Vs. Potsy===
 Our heroes enter Pot Keep, carefully avoiding or crossing the thorny obstacles along their way. The interior is sparsely inhabited, with only a few Koopas and Bloombas on patrol. After sneaking down a few hallways, they stop to plan a strategy.
Mars- This place... with all the vines everywhere, it is nearly impossible to get around! How did this even happen?
Lu- Well, according to my very slight level of magic education, there is probably some entity controlling the magic from inside this fortress. Even in a fertile region like this, such a sudden growth of plant life cannot be sustained long otherwise.
Mars- What kind of person would be able to maintain a field of this power? Whoever they are, they are probably at the center of the fort. Is it still worthwhile to maintain a low profile?
Lu- If we want to reach the castle in time, we may have no choice but to fight straight trough. We also can't afford to leave the area in a state like this. Ok, this hall probably connects to the keep's center... get ready to fight!
Mars- I'm always ready!
 Mars and Lu leap around the corner, prepared to face the guards protecting the hallway... only to discover something very unusual!
Mars- Huh? There is no one here!
Lu- That is odd... that door definitely leads to the central chamber...
Mars- Well, I guess we should be pleased. This may be easier than we thought!
Lu- You know you shouldn't say things like that! I'm more worried than anything else. If the chamber doesn't even need defending, the guy inside must be pretty tough.
Mars- Only one way to know...
 The inside of the chamber seems just as empty as the hall leading to it. The only noteworthy feature is a rather large ceramic pot in the center of the room. The pot is radiating with green energy, apparently channeling the magic to maintain the spiky barriers around the castle. A small seedling is growing inside of it.
Mars- Is this it? Pretty low maintenance defense system they've got here. Let's get rid of it and move on.
Lu- Wait Mars! I don't think-
 As Mars walks toward the pot, the energy suddenly stops radiating outwards. As the duo watch, the energy is drawn directly into the plant, causing it to grow rapidly. The seedling sprouts large leaves, spikes along its stem, and matures into a full-grown flower, then opens to reveal a menacing face.
Lu- Well, guess a stealth attack is off the table now.
Mars- Whoah.. I wasn't expecting that. At least it can't move, this shouldn't be too-
 Before Mars can finish his unwise comment, the plant finishes its transformation by sprouting two roots, breaking through the bottom of the pot.
Lu-....
Mars- Ok, that one I should have expected.
 The plant leaps into the air, aiming for Mars and Lu! Mars, thinking quickly, comes up with an ingenious strategy to counter this attack.
Mars- Quick! We still have time to knock it down with a Luma Punch!
Lu- No you dolt! He's covered in spikes! I can't strike through-
Mars- LUMA!! PUNCH!!!!!
 Lu is launched into the creature at high speed, and bounces off harmlessly. Mars barely has a moment to evaluate his plan's failure before getting slammed by the falling flora.
Mars- Gah! That didn't work at all!
Lu- Don't get reckless! He's still coming!
 The plant begins firing large seed-shaped bullets at their position. Mars and Lu strafe around the room, dodging the bullets by jumping and rolling.
Mars- Let's try something else then! Hit it with Star Gun! 
Lu- Already on it!
 Lu begins launching glowing star bits at the enemy, striking its head. While the attacks do cause it to stop firing and cover its pot, they don't appear to actual damage it much. Lu stops firing as it leaps in for a second jump attack.
Mars- That's not working either! What do we do now?!
Lu- Wait! I think - is it covering it's pot? That must be the weak point! Maybe if we hit it with-
Mars- LUMAPUNCHGO!
 Mars fires a second Luma Punch, this time aimed at the pot! Lu has mostly resigned himself at this point, knowing the move is now a permanent part of Mars' arsenal. The move is fortunately more effective, knocking the plant over with its force. Mars follows up with a quick Corkscrew stomp, kicking it even further.
Lu- Uhh... tell me before you do that next time..
Mars- We've got it on the ropes! Let's beat it now before it pulls out another move!
 They are unfortunately too late to prevent a second attack. The plant changes tactics, launching waves of floating seeds into the air. As they hit the ground, the immediately produce spiky plants that rapidly fill the room.
 It then follows up by swinging its leaves, send out salvos of sharp leaves at the heroes. It succeeds in landing several hits, as the spiked plants make evasion more difficult.
Mars- At this rate, I won't be able to get close! We need another Luma Punch to break through.
Lu- I don't have enough power to do that... if I had a source of magic, I could use that to recharge. Maybe breaking those seeds will release some!
 Mars and Lu swat down the floating seeds before they can sprout up, successfully drawing in their energy. Anticipating the next attack, the foe covers up its pot again, firing fast seeds at them.
Mars- Ok, this should be our last shot! But first to lower his guard...!
 Lu fires off a few Star Bits into the plant's head, startling it once more. It instinctively covers its head, leaving the pot vulnerable!
Mars- This is it! LUMA PUNCH!
Lu- DAMMITMARSITOLDYOUTO-
 Lu rockets at high speed into the pot, shattering it completely! The plant explodes into green magic, sending sparks everywhere. As the magic spell maintaining the plants dissipates, the thorny vines wither up and die. Pot Keep, although heavily damaged, has been restored!
Mars- Aw yeah! We did it! That was honestly a little tougher than I expected. 
Lu- ...Mars, we need to talk about your punching privileges.
 Pot Keep may have been rid of the overgrown weeds, but the castle is still ahead. Will they reach it in time? Who is it that's actually leading the charge? And will Mars ever learn to use the Luma Punch responsibly? Find out...! Soon. I guess.
===The Briar Barricade===
 When we last saw our heroes, they had just succeeded in liberating Pot Keep from the hold of the floral fiend, Potsy. The magic plants enveloping have been eliminated, but the road to the castle is still rather prickly. Let's see how they manage...
Lu- ...are we there yet?
Mars- NO. We haven't been for the past hour, just be patient.
Lu- ...have you been to the castle before?
Mars- Not exactly. I've been too busy to make a trip there before.
Lu- But aren't you, like, a great hero? Shouldn't you have been there before? If you haven't been there, how did you know about this shortcut?
Mars- Uhh, it's kinda complicated. Can we deal with this later? I need to focus on avoiding all these brambles...
Mars- ...wait, didn't we get rid of these? They're so thick I can barely get through!
Lu- Yeah, this doesn't make sense... let me fly up and get a look at the general area. Be right back!
 Lu navigates through the trees and out of sight. As Lu examines the area, Mars examines the situation...
Mars- *Maybe I shouldn't have lied to Lu about who I am... what if he knows things I don't? I shouldn't even be out here!*
Mars- *Still, this could be my chance to prove myself to Poppy... even if this whole thing falls apart when we catch up to him, this can still work out alright; and pointing Lu in the right direction can't hurt, even if my methods aren't the most honest. I really hope he doesn't mind, though...*
 Mars, now confident in his choice, settles down as Lu returns with his report.
Lu- Bad news, Mars. These brambles aren't leftover from the last fortress. The castle itself has been completely enveloped with a briar patch! It's so thick, even I wouldn't be able get through there.
Mars- That could be a problem... and there's no way around?
Lu- Not at first glance... but there may be another way through. I saw an old tower in the patch, but not so close that the thorns are too thick. Assuming the invaders are using it as a lookout, there is probably a hidden path between it and the castle.
Mars- Looks like we have no other options. Which way was it?
Lu- This way! If we travel along the tree branches in this forest, we'll have an easier time getting through. We may even be able to enter the tower from a higher floor - they won't be expecting that.
 Mars and Lu travel to the castle on the tree branches, maneuvering around the bramble barricade. Fortunately, the tower isn't too far away, and they reach it in good time. However, it doesn't seem to be in use as a lookout, as there are no guards to be seen.
Lu- I don't see anyone up here. I don't know whether that's a good thing...
Mars- No wonder - this tower is in pretty sad shape. It can't hurt to look inside, though. Let's head in through the window here...
Mars- *Wait! This could be another trap, like it was before. What would a mature hero do in this situation?*
Mars- ...or you could go in first and take a look.
Lu- That's a good idea! I'll make it quick.
 Lu enters the tower through a hole just above the roof. Mars barely has time to congratulate himself before he exits again.
Mars- Well, is the tower empty as we thought? 
Lu- That couldn't be further from the truth! This hole leads to the rafters above this room. The place is full of Koopa troops!
Mars- And none of them were outside? What could they possibly have that's so important?
Lu- That's the strangest part! The only other thing in that room was a cell with some girl in it - doesn't seem that important to me.
Mars- Wait! Waitwaitwait.... did she have red hair?
Lu- Uhhh... I think so? I mean, I would have gotten a better look, but then I noticed all the soldiers were in there and-
Mars peeks through the window quickly, and what he sees confirms his suspicions.
Mars- Just as I thought! That prisoner isn't just "some girl" - that is Princess Petalia, the ruler of this entire kingdom!
What an unexpected turn of events! How will Mars and Lu handle this new situation? Find out, next time!
==Episode 2: The Desert Defensive==
*On the road to Citrine Sands, the duo meet Toadsworth and Captain Toad; they uncover an underground resistance movement and together overthrow the tyrannical Roy Koopa.
==Episode 3: Plumber Down Under==
*In order to reach the Mushroom Kingdom, Mars and Lu must cross the massive Sapphire Sea between the two landmasses! Fortunately, there is a series of pipes connecting them - unfortunately, Iggy Koopa has set up a base blocking them!
==Episode 4: Fire, Fire Away==
*After taking a detour to Ruby Ruins, Mars and Lu begin scaling the mountain to crack open Larry Koopa's secret volcano lair.
==Episode 5: The Machine in the Mountain==
*The Koopa Clan has begun manufacturing weapons in Agate Alpine! Mars and Lu set out to take down Morton Koopa's operation, and in the process learn about the origin of the Crown Jewels.
==Episode 6: Queen of Winter, Queen of Stone==
*The peak of the mountain is the site for Wendy Koopa's massive ice palace. Mars and Lu must traverse Diamond Drifts to stop her, but must deal with a new foe - a legion of ninjas!
==Episode 7: Game Over==
*This is the episode where Mars dies. He still helps take down Ludwig Koopa, though.
==Episode 8: Air Scare==
*Mars and Lu have beaten all 7 Koopalings, leaving only Kalmant. However, he is prepared to launch a massive warship from Amethyst Alternator, which could undo all their work if it isn't stopped!
==Episode 9: Clash for the Crown==
*On the verge of defeat, Kalmant retreats to his master's realm, Onyx Order - formerly known as the Mushroom Kingdom! It's time for one last offensive to take down the Koopa Clan, and discover the truth behind the age-old war!
==Episode 10: A Challenge from the Stars==
*Peace may be restored, but a new challenge has appeared - a mystical tower materializes from nowhere! Mars and Lu take on the tower's trials; do they have what it takes to become true heroes?