It was a sunny Saturday and Toad, Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Peach, Wario, and Donkey Kong were just finishing their picnic lunch. "Yum! That was delicious," commented Yoshi, rubbing his tummy.

"Nothing like a good meal to make fighting for good worthwhile," added Mario.

"Who have you guys fought lately?" asked Donkey Kong. "I just stopped K. Rool last week." The group was silent. Everyone had been cranky lately; nothing had happened and they were bored. Not to mention that people were starting to forget about them.

"Wario hasn't done anything lately," Mario said, trying to lighten the mood. Wario gave Mario a dirty look.

"Well, everyone knows I'm the superstar." Wario proclaimed. The others stared at him in disbelief. "I'm the strongest one here," he added. Donkey Kong shook his head.

"I'm the strongest- right Luigi," asked Wario, showing off his bulk.

"No, I am," argued D.K. giving Luigi a nudge.

"Maybe Mario is the biggest superstar," suggested Toad. Mario put his hands on his hips proudly. "Or maybe Princess Peach," Toad continued. Peach smiled. "But wait! We can't forget Yoshi with all his energy."

Everyone started talking all at once. They closed in on Toad, each arguing that they were the best. Toad couldn't breathe. "WAIT A SECOND!" he shouted. Everyone backed off. "Let's see... what does it take to be a superstar?" he asked thinking. "Does it only take strength?" Wario and D.K. nudged each other. Luigi shook his head.

"In order to be a superstar it takes courage..." Toad continued. Mario nodded. "and wisdom" Peach agreed. Yoshi looked around. "and kindness." Yoshi nodded energetically.

"If each of you wants to prove you're the superstar, why don't you go through the warp pipe in the Mushroom Village, out to adventure," suggested Toad. "Whoever comes out on top will be the superstar." The group thought it over. "But, there's no telling what kind of danger is out there," added Toad.

"I'm going!" exclaimed Luigi, stepping towards the pipe.

"I'm going to get there first!" shouted D.K. breaking out into a run. Yoshi followed. A moment later, the others scrambled after. They all jumped into the pipe. What was waiting on the other side?

Come back soon to read part two!