Mario and Luigi's Vacation

Chapter 3: Swooper Cave Tour

Mario woke up to a peaceful morning. Luigi wasn't in bed, so he figured that he was showering. Sure enough, a few minutes later, Luigi came out all nice and clean. Mario went into the shower next, and returned a few minutes later. The two got dressed and got ready to go on a tour in Swooper Cave.

The two drove down to the sanctuary where the Swooper Cave was. A few minutes later, they were gathered with five other people and a tour guide.  "Hello, and welcome to the Swooper Cave. I'm your tour guide, Gordon Goomba. It's nice to meet you all. Let's introduce our selves," The tour guide, Gordon Goomba, said.

"Hello, my name is Kassy Koopa."

"Hi there, I'm Bob Omb."

"My name is Brandon Boo."

"I'm Becca Boo."

"I'm Bart Bramball."

"I'm Luigi Mario."

"The name's Mario. Mario Mario."

Kassy giggled. Becca rolled her eyes. "Alright, a few safety reminders. Wear your helmets at all times. Follow me. Do not go ahead and do not get stuck too far behind. Next, keep your flashlight on at all times. Oh, and no running!" Gordon said.

Soon, Gordon, Kassy, Bob, Brandon, Becca, Bart, Luigi, and Mario were all in the cave. It was really dark. "Now, there is a stone up here we need to climb over. Be careful," Gordon instructed. Everyone went over, except Luigi. Luigi finally managed to get over, but, of course, falling when climbing down. "This is why we're careful, Luigi," Gordon snapped. "Sorry," Luigi mumbled.

"Alright, stop here everyone," Gordon said. "These right here are ancient symbols, painted before the war," Gordon said. "War?" Bart asked. "Yes, war, it was a terrible time for Floral Island. All was well until a Koopa named Morton came down from the sky and wrecked havoc on the island. He sent out Bullet Bills to destroy the island. Hundreds were killed. It was a tragic time," Gordon said. Mario and Luigi looked at each other. Morton? Could that be who the Koopaling, Morton Koopa Junior, was named after?

They spent another few hours in the cave, observing the Boos, Swoopers, and Piranha Plants that lived there. Once done, they came out the back of the cave to meet up with a friendly red Pianta named Lorenzo, who gave them some artifacts to look at.

It was about 9pm when they got back to the hotel. Luigi had nodded off by then. But, Mario lay awake wondering, who was this Morton? Was the Morton they knew named after him? And if so, why did Bowser name him that way?