Gritzy Caves

The Gritzy Caves, encountered in Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time, is a vast series of caverns directly beneath the Koopaseum within the Gritzy Desert. This was once the home of Petey Piranha.

The cavern is characterised by bluish stone and a sandy floor thick enough for Petey to burrow and travel through. Additionally, the walls are covered with vines and rock formations that resemble the heads of Piranha Plants. There are also many openings in the ceiling, allowing light to pour inside, however the cavern is mostly dim. Dark Boos, Elite Boom Guys, and Snifaros are common enemies in this area. There are Monty Moles, as well, two of which run an Item Shop.

Mario, Luigi, Baby Mario, and Baby Luigi enter the Gritzy Caves through the floor of the Koopaseum. A group of Shroobs armed with powerful hammers surround them, then strike the ground, causing a hole to form and the Mario Bros. to fall. Soon afterwards, they encounter Kylie Koopa and a couple of Shroobs, only to see her fed to Petey Piranha - who, earlier, had also consumed Princess Peach - but before the Mario Bros. could do anything the giant Piranha Plant burrows away.

After traversing through the cavern, Mario and company finally battle Petey Piranha. Once defeated, he explodes and both Kylie and a Cobalt Star Shard fly out of him, but Princess Peach does not. Kylie explains that when she was eaten she saw the princess, however, Petey spat her out right after swallowing said koopa. The Mario Bros. proceed a little further to reach a dead end where they encounter the princess with a Shroob Mushroom on her face, and so they urgently return to the Mushroom Kingdom's present time.