Chapter Text
Today, I’m going to tell you a story that happened, long, long ago. It is a story about a princess. Or perhaps… A story about a family. Or maybe even both.
Once upon a time, somewhere far, far away, there were four small lands. In these lands, many creatures roamed, most of which could not be found anywhere else in the world. It was a peaceful place, and the creatures were happy. They made friends, found love, started families, and generally lived their lives to the fullest, until their games were over. Not much ever happened, and their worries were few.
And yet... some did worry indeed. Sure, things were good now, but who knew what the future would hold? What if someone with ill intent set out to conquer their land? What if, one year, their harvest would be so bad that no one would have anything to eat? What if a disagreement would occur, and fighting would break out? Who would help them then?
One year, disaster struck. Many were lost. The people were scared. Perhaps it was time for change in these lands where nothing ever happened.
The four nations should become one, that from now on, they could defend and help each other in times of need. To lead them, four were chosen - the guardians of the temples of the land.
From Birabuto, the desert land in the west, came King Totomesu, a large Gao who had long ruled over his land. The previous king’s game had ended much too soon, and he had been forced to take over the throne at an early age. Despite his occasional fiery temper, the people were quite fond of their king, which is why he guarded the temple inside the Grand Pyramid.
Muda, in the north, was as different from Birabuto as it could be. Though it could be called an archipelago, with several islands housing many Goombos and Bombshell Koopas, most of its population lived under the water. Their leader (and guardian) was a massive Yurarin called Dragonzamasu, and their temple was located at the bottom of a dark, dim deep-sea trench.
Then there was Easton, which, as the name implies, could be found in the east. It could have been a lovely holiday destination, with its sandy beaches, towering palm trees, and grand waterfalls… If not for the number of spiders that called the island it’s home. The fact that most of its citizens were walking, talking statues, also seemed to scare tourists off, but it did not matter much to them. The Tokotoko and Batadon were fine living on without any visitors, as long as they had their guardian, Hiyoihoi, to watch over them.
Finally, there was Chai, a mountainous region to the south. Known for its many bamboo groves as well as flower fields, one would think this area the most prosperous of all, but that was not quite true. No, if you asked any of the neighboring nations, they would rather not visit Chai at all. Even the Roketons that lived in the skies above would rather not get too close to the surface, for that's where the Pionpi made their home. Though they were perfectly harmless, their hopping could be rather… unnerving to most. Fortunately for the other creatures living there, their guardian was no Pionpi. No, Biokinton was… Well. No one was quite sure who or what they were, but they didn’t seem like they meant any harm. If Biokinton wanted to guard the temple atop of Mount Chai, so be it.
Each of the guardians cared much for the lands they hailed from, and thus they, too, agreed that something had to be done. After many moons of debate, the four had come to a conclusion. Their united nation would be called Sarasaland, after the brightly patterned fabrics that were often worn in all four of the regions. Though the colors might clash at times, together they would paint a beautiful picture, or so was their reasoning.
When new laws had to be made, the four leaders would come together, and try to work out their differences. At least… that was the plan. It did not work out nearly that well, most of the time. The guardians did not get along. Totomesu and Dragonzamasu, especially, were like fire and ice. The Gao flat-out refused to get too close to the sea, while the Yurarin hated having to visit a land known for its burning sun. Hiyoihoi would try to mediate between the two, but both men had too much pride to let anyone intervene. And of course, poor Biokinton would have to watch the scene unfold, over and over again. It was not a pleasant experience for one who was so shy, they did not even talk.
Eventually, it came to a point where every single meeting would dissolve into an argument over the pettiest things.
“What sort of king would raise his voice the moment he does not get his way? Truly, it is unbecoming of one of your status.”
“Why you little—! I am raising my VOICE because YOU do NOT seem to UNDERSTAND the IMPORTANCE of—”
“Totomesu, pal, maybe you gotta take a break, or—”
“I WILL NOT UNTIL THAT PIECE OF SEAWEED WIPES THAT SMIRK OFF HIS FACE!”
Perhaps a nation could not be led by four. It was an unfortunate realization.
As the guardians headed back to their respective temples after another heated argument, they all dwelled on this fact. They had all tried, hadn’t they? In their heart of hearts, were they truly this selfish, unable to think of the needs of a neighbor?
Maybe they were. Maybe it WAS impossible. No matter what, they would always put their own nation first. If only there was someone out there who could be not just a citizen of Birabuto, Muda, Easton, or Chai, but of Sarasaland as a whole… Someone who loved their land just as much as they did.
Unbeknownst to them, the stars up above heard their pleas. As you know, stars do not simply exist to brighten the skies at night. Stars are a source of limitless power. A single star can make a difference between life, and a game over.
So it was here as well. A single star changed the fate of Sarasaland forever. It was a Star Kid who delivered the guardian’s wishes to the Star Sprites of Star Haven. After much deliberation, it was decided: they would use the Star Rod to make their wish into reality.
Somewhere, far, far away, in a magical land above the clouds, the stork departed for Mount Chai, carrying a small bundle in his bill.
“I don’t know what that is, but I don’t trust it.”
Thus spoke King Totomesu as the guardians arrived at the temple of Chai for what would likely be yet another disastrous meeting. But before the meeting could begin, they would have to figure out what was in the mysterious package that had been delivered to them.
“You are a fool, Totomesu,” Dragonzamasu replied. “What is there to distrust? Something so small could not possibly do you any harm. It is most likely just one of Biokinton’s pets, correct?” He looked to the cloud next to him, asking for confirmation.
Biokinton, however, did not seem to know what the package was either. Carefully, they hovered around it, nervously wondering if it might explode if one got too close to it.
Hiyoihoi laughed. “Well, we ain’t gonna find out until we open it, right?” He approached the cloth bundle without hesitation. There wasn’t much that could hurt a rock, and besides that, he was the only one here with hands.
The fabric was quickly pulled away to reveal a big crown, and—
The stone statue retreated his hands in shock. Biokinton’s eyes widened. Even Totomesu and Dragonzamasu stopped their quarreling.
Staring up at them with big blue eyes, was... A baby.
None of them had ever seen a baby before — at least, none that looked like that.
Silence fell over the room, one that seemed to stretch on for an eternity.
It ended when Totomesu pointed his claw at Biokinton.
“What. Did. You. Do?”
Then the room errupted in chaos.
Accusations flew about the room, asking of how, and why, and claiming it was obvious whose fault it was, because someone here must have made a mistake, someone had caused this, this thing to arrive, and, and—
There was shouting, and roaring, and curses. It was as if years of frustration had reached its boiling point. Even the usually so calm Hiyoihoi was yelling.
Biokinton wasn’t sure what to make of it all, which is why they were slowly backing away from the other three, hoping they could make a rapid exit from the situation. Something stopped them, however. Whereas at first, the baby seemed to have been happy to have arrived, now they were scrunching up their tiny face, their bottom lip trembling.
Oh no. Oh dear.
The baby was crying.
The shrieks echoed around the massive hall, causing all those present to shut up and cover their ears to block out the sound. Was every newborn this loud?
Biokinton rushed over and put the child on their cloud, rocking back and forth and making shushing noises. Poor thing. It had only just come into this world, and already they were discovering the cruelty of man. No wonder they were upset.
When the infant’s crying had turned to little more than slight hiccups, it was time for the cloud creature to face the other guardians. They flew right up to them as if to say ‘Look! Look at what you did! This is the consequence of your actions!’’
“I think,” Hiyoihoi started, as he tried to regain a sensible tone of voice. “I think what Biokinton is trying to tell us, is that… we should apologize. To the baby.” He took off his sunglasses and bowed to the child that was looking at him with sad eyes. “I’m sorry, little one, that we scared you so.”
Dragonzamasu and Totomesu looked at each other for a moment, before they, too, sighed in defeat.
“I apologize, child. I suppose it is us who should have been acting our age,” Dragonzamasu said solemnly, guilt clearly written on his face.
“As much as I loathe to admit it… Sir Drag here, is right.” Totomesu admitted, earning a groan from his fellow guardian at the mention of that awful nickname. “I was being childish, and for that, I am sorry.”
The baby looked up at the adults around them, eyes still red from crying. Was it scared? It didn’t seem to be. Just confused at why everyone was staring with such a serious look on their faces.
As they took a good look at this child, the guardians realized something.. This baby… It was awfully cute. So small. The crown upon its head was much too large. A creature this young didn’t know anything yet. It couldn’t defend itself. It would need someone to protect it. Maybe, just maybe… Maybe that was the reason why it had been delivered here, of all places. The baby needed guardians, and guardians they were.
“Well.” “Yes.” “I agree.” “...”
The agreement didn’t have to be spoken out loud. No bickering, no disagreements. A silent decision: they would care for this baby, just as they would care for their land.
No, not their land.
Their kingdom.
After all, no ordinary baby would have a crown. From now on, they would be a kingdom, and when the baby grew up, they would become their prince or princess.
Of course, arrangements would have to be made. A place for a child to sleep, to learn, to grow. But that could wait. For now, they all took turns holding the baby in their arms. Or paws. Or flippers. Or, well, you know. It was an apology for the rough start. A promise to do better from now on.
The child giggled, loving the attention their new parents were giving them. Clenched in its fist was a flower. They must have picked it on their way here, when the stork was taking a break. The flower was small, but cute.
By the time they got around to choosing a name, the flower might have wilted, but its charm was still on their minds. The choice was obvious.
Daisy.
A fine name for the child that would lead them.