//------------------------------// // Prologue // Story: Super Mario Galaxy: Equestrian Stars // by warpd //------------------------------// The Universe is big, very big. It has to be; it is home to many different life forms of all shapes, sizes, and smarts. All of them exist for the sake of harmony; some creatures are chaotic in nature while others lived for order. Ponies are the example of order based organisms that exist in perfected harmony with their environment. It also helps that these colorful pastel beings are the cutest things in the Universe. Now the ultimate reason for why this system was made this way...merchandise! Not many inhabitants of the Universe are aware of this and the ones that do know were normally unhappy about it. The Universe cares little for their opinions; it has more important things to take care of. A particular problem that has cropped up recently was a monster, Bowser the Koopa King. Bowser is a giant fire breathing turtle-dragon hybrid with more spikes than a hedgehog, especially the blue ones. To say he needed an attitude adjustment was a bit of an understatement, Bowser is dishonest, greedy, crude, backstabbing, and a rather unfriendly brute. “And don’t you forget it!” Bowser bellowed. “Sir?” A nearby Koopa looked up at him. “Nothing. Get back to work.” Bowser settled back down on his comfy throne chair as his minions continued to work around him. To those that work for him he is a grumpy boss with bad breath. A hesitant Parakoopa hovered next to Bowser with paperwork in his hands. “Um, your beefiness I may have some news.” The Parakoopa gulped. Bowser would not hurt him, but his boss was still five stories tall which made him rather intimidating. “Well, speak up!” Bowser grumbled. “Bowser Jr. had to fight Mario sir.” The Parakoopa slowly began to back up. “We gave him a giant robot powered by a Grand Star. No, wait it was a battle tank.” Bowser recalled as he scratched his chair. “Let me guess, he lost.” The Parakoopa squeaked as he nodded rapidly. Bowser snorted thick smog from his nostrils and slammed his fist down. “Anything else? Then go.” Bowser kneaded his snout as he showed visible signs of weary frustration. ‘It’s hard enough conquering worlds without Mario pestering me, now I don’t have anything big left to throw at him. Stupid portly plumber.’ Bowser thought back to his previous conquest. He had successfully created a galactic empire that spanned across the greater portion of the Universe. He did it all with a giant dark matter generator that created galaxy clusters for him. Sure, Bowser kind of cheated a little when he didn’t conquer galaxies that were already there, but that would have been too much of a hassle. ‘Too bad the galaxy generator was the biggest time bomb I was sitting on. Getting sucked into a primordial black hole was painful. Good thing that Witch hit the big ol’ reset button. I should really thank her for that.’ Bowser grinned as he remembered what he did to the Star Witch; she won’t be helping Mario now. A second chance should not be wasted and Bowser had immediately renewed his efforts for Universal conquest. Unfortunately he had to resort to the tried and true method of systematically conquering stubborn systems. ‘Which takes a stupid amount of time, like this eyesore of a planet. The petting zoo.’ or more politely known as the Equus planet home of the magical ponies. ‘They look like they belong in a crayon box for little girls.’ Three types of ponies lived there if he remembered correctly. ‘Collect them all...maybe I can sell them off to petting zoos after I take over their little world.’ Earth ponies were physically the strongest and took care of nature. ‘Special donkeys for special people.’ Pegasus blessed with wings to govern the skies ‘First thing, use pegasus feathers for pillow stuffing’s from now on.’ Finally unicorns (which made Bowser snort in laughter) gifted in magic. ‘Then they have the white horse ruling over them. Why do princesses always give me a hard time?’ Princess Celestia, eternal crown ruler of the pony nation. ‘Who can move suns...showoff.’ Despite Bowser flippant opinion of the natives they were powerful enough to ward off a normal invasion plan. ‘Even if I personally came down there and started to wreak the place I would still loss too many troops and resources. With Mario knocking on my castle’s doors I can’t afford to do that.’ “Is plan B almost ready?” Bowser turned his attention to one of the Magikoopa. “Bowser’s awesome plan to connect to an unknown dark being held in a contrived location is almost complete.” The Magikoopa couldn’t help but sigh. “Maybe this one won’t blow us up unlike the last few.” Bowser rolled his eyes, but mentally agreed with his minion. Sealed away beings of incredible powers often lash out at those that wish to use them for power grabs. This one should have desires to help in the conquest of the Equestrian. Bowser looked over at a profile of the so called Mare in the Moon that his spies acquired for him. ‘Basic gist, girl pony princess gets upset about not being the pretty one and loses her cool. Big sister puts her in timeout for a thousand years on the moon.’ Bowser groaned when he remembered a past incident with another thousand year door. ‘Why is always a thousand? It does sound cooler and more ominous. Anyway, this so called legend exists according to our scans of the moon. If she’s willing to help, I’ll use four power stars to free her from her prison.’ Bowser sat on his throne as he grumbled. “Have you found a way to establish a connection yet?” “Yes, your gnarliness.” The blue cloaked turtle wizard intoned as he waddled to his king. “We can call her whenever you are ready.” “Do it.” The blue cloaked Koopa took out a wand and began to chant a dark spell. The lights started to fade dramatically as a dark vortex formed, leaving only Bowser’s blood red eyes and the Koopa’s wand visible in the darken room. “A little dramatic for a phone call.” Bowser grunted. “Well, we are visiting a prison, your awfulness; visiting hours are strict.” The gaseous vortex slowly solidified into an oblique mirror, Bowser could only see an empty void. “Princess wake up, you have company.” For a brief moment the mirror flickered before a green reptilian eye shot open filling the mirror’s frame. “Visitors? Have I created another illusion to entertain me? Wait...,” The dark mirror shuddered as the image pulled back to reveal a jet black alicorn with a starry mane that flowed unnaturally. “...Interesting, you are living creature. I thought you were a mere fabrication for my bored mind.” The dark horse’s icy laugh filled the atmosphere. Bowser’s heavy growl overrode her wicked chortling. “I am Bowser, King of the Koopas.” “Koopa King? I have never heard of the Koopas before. Did a new species appear during my absence?” “We are not from around here.” Bowser chuckled, “We come boldly from a galaxy far, far away.” “Traveler from afar, I am Nightmare Moon, the avatar of the night and rightful ruler of Equestria!” The mirror crackled with energy as Nightmare Moon reared back dramatically. “Now what brings you to my domain?” Bowser grinned; the best way to manipulate someone was to tell part of the truth with a believable lie. “Conquest.” Nightmare Moon’s eyes squinted. “You seek to conquer Equestria?” “No, I seek to conquer everything. I already have several galaxies under my dominion; soon the universe will be mine...again.” Bowser mumbled the last part under his breath. “Very bold.” Nightmare Moon’s eyes started to glow. “But what of the Caretaker?” Bowser furled his brow and asked, “Who?” “If you do not know who I am referring to then worry not.” Her expression was decidedly neutral. “Regardless, why have you sought an audience with me?” “The current ruler of the ponies—“ Nightmare Moon hissed. “That wretched mare is not fit to rule!” “But she is powerful.” Bowser leaned forward. “I would have to lead my forces for victory to be obtainable, and even then the losses would be heavy.” Nightmare Moon looked amused. “What makes you certain victory is even possible for you?” Bowser grinned, showing off his menacing teeth. He held out his hand and revealed a Power Star. “I may have a good collection of these.” Nightmare Moon’s face betrayed a look of shock before being quickly replaced by one of deep thought. Power Stars were very powerful sources of magic. A single Power Star was capable of small levels of reality distortion and manipulation. Equestria was blessed to house two and they had been useful in preserving harmony. If she remembered correctly a Power Star was one of the ingredients in the creation of the Elements of Harmony. The last time she saw the Elements; Celestia used them on her to banish her to the moon. "Do you fear Celestia's power? It is understandable. If you threaten her or Equestria, she just might throw you into the heart of the Sun." Bowser waved his hand flippantly. “I’ve been thrown into a star before; all it did was give me a headache and a dark tan.” He then returned to leaning on his arm. “I have an offer for you, Nightmare Moon. I will break you out of your prison, but only if you join me in my quest for dominion of all Creation.” “I do not take orders from lesser beings, and I have no desire to rule all life.” “Very well, but all I am asking for is partnership. If we work together to conquer Equestria, then you can rule it as you see fit.” Bowser lied. “And what would you get in return?” Nightmare Moon pressed. “Resources.” Bowser replied, “Your world is a renewable source of magic and minerals.” Nightmare Moon thought quietly to herself. She did not trust this king, but what he offered was very tempting. It has been a long time since she was free. She was fairly sure once the Caretaker found him, his goals of conquest would end quickly. ‘The power he has at his disposal is incredible, what would be stopping him from backstabbing me when I retake Equestria? I need to see how his war machine operates and maybe take a Power Star to aid me. “I require troops.” Bowser chuckled, “I can send some.” Nightmare Moon grinned, her white teeth stood out against her dark coat. “A Power Star would make suppressing Celestia’s magic easier.” Bowser’s eyes narrowed. “I will give you one, but I expect you to return it. If you don’t...” Bowser leaned closer to the mirror as visible flames began to boil in his mouth. “...you do it at your own peril.” Nightmare Moon understood his threat but returned it with a sly grin. “I would not be so bold, but keep in mind Koopa King...” Nightmare Moon flared her wings as her eyes shined ominously with dark light. “...I’m not to be taken lightly.” Bowser settled back down into his chair. “Before I leave you to your planning though, I must warn you.” Nightmare Moon watched him curiously. He had already threatened her, what more did he had to say? “About what?” “There is a risk to wielding a Power Star. There is a hairy lipped man that is gathering Power Stars to stop me. If you take this Power Star there is a good chance you will face him.” ‘A single human is giving you problems, how ridiculous.’ Nightmare Moon mocked him silently. “It will be a simple matter to crush the fool.” Bowser could feel her mocking him and roared in response. “Do not make light of him! His appearances are deceiving, but he was the one that punched me into that star.” Nightmare Moon looked slightly impressed. Bowser was about the size of a full grown dragon, clearly this human was super. “What is his name?” *** On the outer reaches of this galaxy a small ship of a most peculiar design flew towards Equestria with rainbow colored exhaust trailing behind it. By peculiar I mean it makes no logical sense, don’t try to figure it out. The structure of the vessel resembled a miniature planet; an observer could see plant and animal life on its surface despite the fact there was no visible protection from the vacuum of space or the effects of going faster than light travel. An explanation for this denial of physics that would make a scientist weep, magic...such a cheapskate answer isn’t it? Beyond that obvious flaw, the place was quite lovely. The tranquil environment was home to a beautiful array of colorful flowers, fruit trees, and berry bushes. Birds and bees go about their daily routine as small creatures scamper about from place to place. A clear shallow stream of water runs around the planetoid while clouds float precariously in the suggested atmosphere. On the top was a cottage attached to a large metal platform. Navigational controls sat on the raised metal stage where a short chubby man and an overweight purple star alien could be found piloting the ship. The star alien, Lubba, was an older version of a luma, star babies that played around the ship whose resemblance to stuff toys is a rather apt description. The ship came to a sudden stop when they arrived to a beautiful planet that had the sun and the moon orbiting it. Lubba took out a manual. “Your destination is called Equestria and according to our readings shows a high energy spike. Something dangerous is happening down there, so be on your guard.” The red hat man, aka Mario the Superstar, nodded and a golden star shaped construct formed around him and pulled him back like a slingshot. With magically induced energy he shot away from the spaceship with incredible speed leaving behind a trail of stardust. He couldn’t help but grin with glee as he flew towards the planet. A comet streaked across the planet’s sky.