The Mushroom Kingdom Wars

Chapter 35

The cold night sky wrapped around the silent silhouettes of five Arwings as they sliced through the stars. Far below, the ominous fleet of Bowser's airships rested like dark shadows on the horizon, anchored and still in the moonlight. Inside the lead Arwing, Fox McCloud’s voice crackled over the comms, calm and steady.

"Alright, team, we're approaching Bowser's Kingdom. Keep it quiet until Slippy gives us the all-clear. Samus, you hanging in there?"

In the cockpit of her borrowed Arwing, Samus Aran adjusted in her seat, her Zero Suit fitting snugly as she glanced over the unfamiliar controls. "Just fine, Fox," she replied, her voice cool but teasing. "Although I could use a bit more legroom in this thing."

Falco's chuckle broke through the static, his voice smug. "Legroom? You want a luxury ride, sweetheart, you picked the wrong crew."

Peppy cut in with a more serious tone. "Enough chatter, you two. And Samus, keep an eye on your G-diffuser. You don’t want to burn out mid-flight."

Samus raised an eyebrow, confusion seeping into her voice. "G-diffuser? Is that some kind of space slang? This isn't my usual kind of tech, you know."

Slippy, ever eager to explain, jumped in before anyone could respond. "Oh, it’s what helps manage the Arwing’s gravity and propulsion! Without it you'd—"

"Enough, Slippy," Fox interrupted, smirking. "Let’s focus. We’re coming up on the target."

The five Arwings drifted into stealth mode, their engines dimming as they approached the fleet. They crested a mountain range, revealing the massive airships below. Bowser's fleet, dormant in the quiet night, loomed like a sleeping giant.

Fox's voice was calm but tinged with excitement. "Slippy, start your scan."

Slippy’s eyes darted over the readouts. "Scanning... no life signs or heat signatures. It’s like they’re asleep."

Falco’s smirk was practically audible. "They’re about to have one rude awakening."

Fox's tone became sharper, more focused. "Switch to all-terrain mode. Bombs ready. Let’s do this."

With practiced precision, the Arwings shifted, their wings folding and hatches opening to reveal their payloads. One by one, the bombs dropped, cascading silently towards the fleet below. The first explosion tore through the night, a burst of flame lighting up the darkness. For a brief moment, the team held their breath, watching as Bowser’s fleet erupted in a series of fireballs. The sight was both awe-inspiring and sobering. Then, Fox’s voice broke the silence, sharp and focused.

"Alright, no time to celebrate—keep moving!"

Airships erupted into fireballs, their hulls disintegrating in the chaos.

Peppy let out a triumphant cheer. "That’s one for the history books!"

As Bowser's forces scrambled in panic, a few airships managed to take flight, but it was too late. The Arwings swooped in, lasers cutting through the air with deadly precision.

Falco zeroed in on a sentry tower, his grin widening. "Time for some target practice."

He unleashed a volley of shots and the tower crumbled, collapsing into the airship below. Fox's voice rang through the comms, dodging between incoming fire. "Samus, cover Peppy’s six!"

With a grin, Samus pushed the Arwing forward, speeding towards an enemy airship. "Already on it," she said, firing a barrage of lasers that obliterated the ship before it could land a hit on Peppy.

"Thanks, Samus," Peppy said, relief evident in his voice. "That was a close one."

Slippy’s excited voice broke through the comms. "Guys! I’ve got sentry towers and shipyards on my scanner!"