Asked and Ignored

## **Plot**

Mario begins having nightmares about being eaten by the creature once again and wakes up in the middle of the night. He walks to the balcony to reflect on things while Peach sees him from afar. She walks over and asks him what is wrong. He tells her everything that happened and she apologizes for not being there for him but he assures her that it's fine as he is happy they didn't have to deal with that incident as well, but also felt bad for them having to cross paths with Fawful once more. Peach lets him know that she will try and be there for him, any time he needs a shoulder to lay on or needs help. She gives him a kiss on the cheek before walking back to bed. Mario is left pondering on what to do next and he makes a stern expression while looking towards the lowlands around Bowser's castle, seemingly coming up with an idea.

The next morning. Mario tells Luigi that they both need to go somewhere, asking Peach to watch over the kingdom while they are gone. They take a warp pipe to the Beanbean Kingdom since Mario says that he saw they do tour bus guides to the lowlands over there.

While there, they meet Queen Bean and Lady Lima once more asking them how things have been ever since Cackletta attacked. They tell him that things have never been better ever since their help and they thank the bros once more, jokingly asking if they can be their daily heroes as well. Mario and Luigi bid adieu to the folks and take a bus tour to the lowlands, all the while enjoying a bit of sightseeing of the areas they cross.

They eventually arrive at the lowlands and Luigi finally asks Mario why exactly they are there to which Mario simply tells him that "he will see". They cross a rickety bridge over a lava gorge and it's here where Luigi gazes upon the ruins of Bowser's castle, provoking Mario to why he wanted him to come along. Mario tells him that he thought perhaps Bowser could help them defeat Dimentio and stop the Macroverse war from starting. Luigi is hesitant but ultimately gives in once hearing Mario say how much he wants his help. They are about to head towards his castle until an earthquake occurs and the bros are brought down near a piece of rock floating on the lava. Mario looks around and senses an evil presence around them both. Suddenly, behind them out jumps a large skeletal dry bones called a Dry Dragon worm which Luigi socks in the face, causing it to fall back into the lava. The bros quickly get themselves back up and prepare for battle with the creature as it becomes angry from the punch, targeting Luigi. It blasts a large fireball which Luigi evades. Mario shoots fireballs at it which only increases its power, making it more stronger in the process. Mario becomes frustrated by this and tells Luigi not to fireball it but he doesn't hear him and does so. The Dry Dragon lets put a roar and charges up for an attack but Luigi also charges up, being surrounded by the green aura once more and thunderclaps his hands, burying the creature back into the lava, this time, leaving it for good. Mario tells Luigi if he thinks he can control his powers better to which Luigi ominously tells him that his powers just feel too powerful, and sometimes, "feels like he can't even control himself". Mario tells him not to worry as he is sure he won't be forced to do something he doesn't want to. Luigi nods in agreement and they both continue towards Bowser's castle.

They arrive at the rickety old castle, which is deteriorating in decomposition at this point. The bros yell out for Bowser who appears behind them asking them what they are there for. Mario gets into a defense stance and tells him that they don't want to fight but rather just want to talk. Bowser says he does not want to, and for them to leave him alone. Mario tells him about Dimentio and how Fawful is merely just another nuisance to be dealt with and if they don't do something soon, their entire world is in danger. Bowser reiterates his opinion on how he believes he is beyond redemption and doesn't deserve to be held in the title of saving the world. Mario tells him that his days of moping and guilt should be over, and that he has already shown to be full of resentment towards his past self which is a start towards redemption. Luigi tells them both that if they want to have a world to live in, they both are gonna need to put aside their differences. Mario and Bowser glare at each other and Bowser reluctantly agrees on the matter, demanding they just take him wherever they need to go. The bros secretly celebrate by fist bumping and Bowser once again demands that they move it. The trio then make their way back to the Mushroom Kingdom.