Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Captain Toad sits before a campfire, roasting corn on the cob and enjoying the simple quiet of the Mushroom Forest. As he prepares to take a bite, the sound of footsteps startle him. Thinking quickly, the toad turns on his head light and readies his frying pan all while shaking.

"Captain, its me!" A calm soothing voice assures.

The captain lowers his pan, breathing a sigh of relief. Out steps a blonde human wearing a pink vest and white pants. With practiced grace, she sits next to the small mushroom man.

"You shouldn't be out here, Peach. Its late!" The captain admonishes her as if he was her father. "Wait until I tell Vert about this!"

The warm and kind face of Vert, a green-spotted toad, appears in Peach's mind. She smiles lovingly and giggles.

"Please don't. The last thing I want is for him to worry."

Suddenly, the joy in her eyes leave. Peach bites her bottom lip and digs her toes into the grass. Captain Toad scoots closer towards her.

"Peach?"

"I've been having nightmares…."

Concern covers Toad's face. "I'll have Berry make his herbal tea! That always calms you down!"

Peach gently stops the captain from leaving.

"Please listen. The nightmares, they're always bizarre and terrifying. I'm all alone, walking on the sea. I could see nothing below, only darkness. Even the skyline was dark. Suddenly, I would fall under the water. I could still breathe but I couldn't move. And no matter what I did I couldn't get to the surface. And then a strange voice called out to me."

"Called?"

Peach nods her head while embracing her legs. "Yes. It told me the tyrant, King Koopa, was on the war path. And he is marching with his full army force and will descend on Mushroom Kingdom."

"That warlord!? How long have you been experiencing these nightmares?"

"The past three days."

Peach hangs her head while Toad sits stun.

"This time the voice told me we had a week to live. Then I woke up. I know it sounds silly, but it felt real! Someone was there in my dreams!"

Captain Toad stares at the fire. Of everyone in the Kingdom, the captain was the most adventurous. He made it farther beyond the natural borders of Mushroom Kingdom than anyone else! So, he knows a thing or two about strange things. But Toad has never heard of the phenomenon Peach just revealed. Someone talking to her in her dreams? She could have just had a simple nightmare. Yet Peach is the bravest of their people. The only one capable of fighting back against the small marauding bands, which harass them every so often. For her to be afraid….

"The voice was real. I don't know what its intentions were, Captain. But a koopa invasion is coming. Larger than their past marauding bands. And yet, I hope that voice was wrong and I'm simply crazy." Peach utters as she tosses a stick into the fire. She turns to Toad, her blue eyes lace with worry.

"Please don't tell anyone of this until I verify the threat. I'm going to the border. East right?"

Captain Toad digs into his backpack for his trusty map. It wouldn't hurt to check. Mushroom Kingdom is often in the dark about the outside world. And if the threat is false, no harm is done.

"The koopas would arrive from the east. But there's no way I'm leaving you to do it alone." Toad declares while smothering the campfire. Peach smiles and stands up, dusting her pants. She reaches a hand towards Captain Toad.

"I was hoping you would say that. Let's go."

----

Years ago, Peach had had encounters with the koopas, a violent and mischievous reptilian race. They would invade Mushroom Kingdom in small groups, carrying off helpless Toads. At times their prince, Bowser, would accompany them. Despite her fears, Peach would pursue and liberate her beloved Toads before the enemy could cross the border with their spoils. She could never beat the prince head on. And every time she freed the toads and escaped Bowser would hurl slurs and insults at her and her family.

One day while adventuring in the forest, Peach spotted a large form laying among wooden wreckage on the beach. It was a young red-headed koopa. Prince Bowser!? Her first inclination was to run back home. Before sprinting off, she spotted wounds all over his body. He needed help even if he was cruel. If the Toads were present, they would do the same.

Setting her backpack down, Peach ran up to him and tried to move the brute, but he was too heavy. So, she removed the debris from around him. He had been on a raft and got caught in the storm the other day. The girl wrapped his wounded arms up in bandages, pulled from her backpack. Lastly, she covered him with a blanket to warm him up.

The unconscious koopa began to shiver and whimper, so Peach sat his head in her lap. She smoothed his wild hair while humming a lullaby – one Gold would sing when she was a baby. Soon, the koopa calmed down.

Eventually, one of his angry blood red eyes opened. Peach nearly jumped but notice there was a hint of sadness in them. Instead of running she simply looked at him. The koopa snarled and grumbled under his breath. Bowser called her a 'stupid fungus' but Peach chewed him out for sailing during a storm. Shocked at her boldness and too tired to argue further he closed his eyes with a groan. He nuzzled further into Peach's lap and wrapped his arms around her. His actions caused her to blush, but she didn't push him away. Peach could tell he was grieving and wanted to be held. She returned to lightly petting his head earning a sigh from him.

As the sun set, a band of panicking paratroopas arrived. Happy to see the prince was alive, they didn't seem to notice Peach's presence. Bowser reluctantly pulled away from Peach, and looked at his servants with no emotion as they scolded him for running away before his coronation. The Koopa Kingdom needed him now more than ever. So, the prince followed his servants but not before glaring at Peach. He opened his mouth to say something but bite his tongue. Bowser then lumbered off, and that was the last time she saw Bowser. The koopa marauding bands had stopped.

Loud shouting brings Peach out of her thoughts of the past. The human and the toad are now near the border but still hidden among the trees.

"Captain, did you hear that?"

Toad shushes her and points at a hill. The toad and human get on hands and knees to crawl up the hill. Cautiously, they peek looking for the source of the commotion. From there they see miles and miles of tents. As far as the eye could see. On the outskirts of the camp - Koopas, in military gear, practiced with their spears. Others were marching in formation to the orders of a red-shelled koopa.

"Stars above! Its real!" Captain Toad whispers. "Peach, what do we do?"

Peach studies the camp, horror in her eyes. But she quickly shakes her head and turns to the captain.

"We must tell Mayor Goomba! He'll know what to do!" The two slip away into the forest to locate the Goomba Town.
----

"Welcome, my friends. Welcome!" The cheerful mustached Mayor Goomba greeted Peach and Captain Toad as they entered his humble home.

"Peach, you've grown so much! It's good to see you! But what is the purpose of visiting me?"

Peach looked at Toad briefly and turned back towards the goomba. "Mayor, an invasion force is near our borders! It's King Bowser."

Concern filled the goomba's aged face. He waddles over to his desk and sits down. "I've heard rumors, from traveling merchants, of King Bowser warring against other nations and warlords. But I never thought the conflict would come here. Our lands are humble. We are poor but we have what we need, and things are peaceful besides the occasional trouble. What could he gain?"

Peach sighed. "Maybe, revenge for me thwarting their raids in the past?"

The captain turned to Peach, upset. "Don't go blaming yourself for their selfish actions! And if Bowser is looking for revenge, he is going to have to work for it!"

Peach nods in agreement. "I'm not going to sit and let him get away with this."

The mayor jumped up from behind his desk. "Indeed! We can't take this laying down. I'll gather intel myself to determine the level of threat. But you have our aid, Princess!"

"Oh, I haven't taken the trial yet for the position." Peach says sheepishly.

Captain Toad folds his arms. "You take the lead. You are the Princess unofficially."

Mayor Goomba nods. "Certainly."

Peach smiles but her head is clouded with stress. The toads live a simple life. They were not knights or warriors. And the goombas were not much better. They will be annihilated. But as Peach contemplates the situation, a loud aggressive knock echoes throughout the room. Immediately, Mayor Goomba hides under his desk with a cry of distress. Captain Toad grabs his frying pan and inches towards a closed window.

"Who is it!?" He rasps.

A booming voice responds. "Open up! I have a message from Lord Bowser to the human girl."

Chapter Text

Why would Bowser single Peach out? Captain Toad turns to Peach shaking his head, begging her not to open the door. But Peach stands up and swings the door open. Standing before her is a blue-shelled paratroopa.

"Good evening, Miss Peach. I'm the General of Lord Bowser's forces. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." He bows before her with a gentle smile.

"What's the message?"

The Koopa General stands erect, unfolding his arms at his side. "It's rather blunt. His Wrathfulness demands the surrender of the mushroom people. Your pathetic land and your fields now belong to him. Should you surrender peacefully, he will give you all a merciful death."

Mayor Goomba peeks from under his desk, his face full of horror. "Now wait just a minute…!"

"Should you refuse, you will face unimaginable torture! And then death."

The goomba begins to plead with the general - to be reasonable but he ignores him. Instead, the Koopa General studies Peach's face.

"That is all. Should I give His Mercifulness word of your surrender?"

Peach clasps her shaking hands to her chest, her eyes fierce as she tries to control her temper.

"You tell him to choke on a poison shroom."

The gentle smile of the Koopa General turns into a wicked grin.

"King Bowser will be most pleased with your reply, Miss Peach." The general bows to her again and flies away. Once they are alone, Peach turns to help the mayor to his chair. None of the three speak for a time.

What were they going to do?

----

That night, Peach and Toad broke the news to the other toads. They wanted to panic as usual, and it took over an hour to get them to stop running in circles.

After they settle, Peach suggested an evacuation but asked for volunteers to battle the invading army. To her surprise about hundreds of Toads came forward. The number included her old playmates Gold, a yellow-spotted toad, and Berry the blue-spotted toad. To Peach's dismay Vert wanted to help. He was the first toad to comfort her as a baby when she wandered into their world.

"Vert, I appreciate the offer. But the answer is no."

Vert looks up with a frown.

"There is no way I'm leaving you!"

"We're going to war. With the intent of buying everyone time to flee. You are up in age. There is no way I'm letting you fight."

Peach kneels to comfort Vert seeing his clear distress, laying a hand on the side of his face. "The best way you can help is by leading the others."

Vert leans into her hand and closes his eyes. "Alright."

With that, Vert hugs Peach and leaves to help with the evacuation. Peach turns to her army as Captain Toad approaches. As always, he was up for the challenge.

The next few days, Peach and the volunteers trained for combat. It didn't go well, but the toads were determined. Death was the option Bowser gave. They had no choice but to fight.

Soon the town was quiet with only the 'army' remaining. While they rested to prepare for the battle, Peach was planning several back up plans. Eventually, tiredness and stress overcome her. She nods off to sleep and the nightmare starts again. It was the same as always. Peach is unable to move but there is no sea this time. Now she sees Mushroom Kingdom in flames. All her beloved toads lay on the ground scattered throughout the ruins. The koopas mock their fate. Peach screams and tries to run in vain to them. Suddenly, everything turns white, and she is standing in a grassy field.

A deep accented voice catches her attention. "Is this better?"

It's the voice again. But this time Peach responds to it. "Who are you?"

Silence.

Peach continues. "Why did you warn us?"

"To save you from my fate."

"Save?"

"But thinking about it now, it was a waste. They will steamroll over you." The voice then broke into a wicked laugh. Peach initially curious over the being's pronunciation, becomes angry. She fights to free herself as the voice continues to mock her. A purple form appears to her right. She couldn't discern its form. Somehow her arms loosened up and she immediately swings them. The form moves quickly out of the way.

"My toads are peaceful! They don't want to fight, but they're trying their best despite it! How dare you mock them! And the goombas …"

"Will betray you."

Peach stops and stares ahead, stunned.

"I…"

"The mayor has already gone to Bowser to cut a deal."

"Liar!"

Long purple arms reached out and enclosed Peach. She gasped as it slowly dragged her back against the purple form. The distorted form started to take shape, displaying bat-like features. His yellow eyes silted and he leaned in chuckling in her ear. Peach cringed and attempted to pull away.

"The toads are doomed. However, you can escape and out run the enemy. I'm sure you can find and access a wrap pipe."

"I'm not leaving them!"

The creature tightens his grip on her delicate form. "How about we work together, then?"

"And how do I know you are not working with King Bowser?" Peach snarls.

"I do work for him."

The answer catches Peach off guard.

"I serve him as a vassal king. Many have survived serving him in this matter if he finds you useful. Mushroom Kingdom is a poor country compared to his. And the koopas hate the toads. However, I have reason to believe the king secretly fancies you."

Fancies me? Peach stops struggling, earning a chuckle from the being in response.

"Go on with your rebellion! Fight! But when all is lost, remember to beg him for mercy. There is a chance he may spare you - alone."

Peach breaks out of the creature's embrace and glares at him. He chuckles again.

"My name is Antasma. When all I have told you came to pass, know I was only trying to help. Hopefully, our next meeting will be in the real world."

Antasma vanishes and the grassy fields fade. Peach reaches out.

"Wait!"

Peach wakes up in a panic. She looks around frantically for Antasma and realizes she is awake. The voice was indeed a real person. But how was he able to enter her dreams? And the goombas would betray them on the battlefield? The nerve of that bat! He admits to being a lackey of Bowser and he expects her to believe Mayor Goomba would betray her?

And yet Antasma claims to not serve Bowser willingly. And for a being like Antasma to serve Bowser, indicated that he had gotten stronger since the last time she saw him. Would the mayor do the same to survive? And Bowser may spare her alone? Was it because she saved his life?

But the toads' fate are sealed. The Koopa General was clear. Even if Peach surrendered to Bowser, only death awaited her family.

Surrendering was not an option. Peach briefly thought back to the sad expression Bowser wore the last time she saw him. A part of her hopes he is not a complete monster.

Chapter Text

She was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen.

"Boss! We're ready to get this party started!"

Bowser came out of his wandering thoughts and looked down at the mouse wearing shades. The koopa grinned wickedly and flexed his arms.

"Well, don't keep looking at me, you idiot! Get moving!"

Mouser straightens his back, saluting his King. He runs off to inform the forces, while Bowser taps his foot impatiently. Within moments, the army had eagerly broken camp and is now marching across the Mushroom Kingdom's border.

The koopas had laid waste to the Acorn Kingdom, the once prosperous place now a heap of ruins. Its citizens carried off by Captain Shy Guy, to the Darklands to serve as slaves. But it has been a month since that incident and the battle hungry koopas wanted more action. The next target, the toads.

The toads were not warriors, but it would be fun to torment them. Having power and taking what you want is part of the Koopa Kingdom's culture. In the past, many koopas that rejected this view were exiled as outcasts. The royal family has always upheld their cherished beliefs. So, the army proudly follows their current king to their next conquest, ready to give their support.

Bowser's red busy brows slant as he focuses ahead, the ground rocking with each powerful step he took. To everyone he was imagining what to do to the pathetic toads. All koopas knew they were a weak and spineless race. The late Queen was known for her rage filled tirades about how stupid toads were. Now Bowser will fulfill his mother's wish to wipe out the pests. Bowser was indeed looking forward to the impending battle, but his thoughts were about Peach. The human adopted by the toads.

Peach.

Bowser had never seen a human before, only hearing that ones that ended up in their world tended to die easily. But Peach was different. Not only did she not die in a pit of lava or get eaten by a piranha, but she took an active leadership role among the toads. No doubt they are intending to elect her as Princess.

The King sighs, vividly remembering the first time he saw Peach. He was gleefully shoving Toads into sacks when she angerly called him out. When he looked up to see who dared to talk to him in such a manner, he became stunned. She had flowing golden locks and piecing blue eyes. Her form was delicate and curvy. Bowser had to catch his jaw from falling. He couldn't deny it, the prince was enchanted with her beauty. Though he felt that way, he shouted at her about her nerve to approach him in such a disrespectful manner. Did she not know who he was!? And her stubbornness in refusing to give up until she saved her family frustrated him even more.

But that first meeting had an impact on him. He was furious she stopped his plot, but he also became enamored with her fighting spirit. A part of the prince began to look forward to confronting Peach. While on raids, he would single the toads out to get her angry. At one point he captured her. And Bowser would do everything he could to break her down while she was imprisoned at the marauders' camp. He wanted to see if she would give up. But no matter what she wouldn't surrender. Eventually, she would escape but would not leave until she rescued every toad. Peach loved them so much.

That love and devotion she had was puzzling to him. Bowser's parents were never warm, and his brother had run away. So, Bowser figured that was what families were supposed to be like. After all, his parents were never loving towards each other. While Bowser had a crush on Peach, he envied the bond she had with the toads. They loved her unconditionally and showed it often. No wonder she fought for them!

However, the Koopa Queen didn't even mourn her king when he died. Bowser was miserable but he followed her demands to continue attaining power. He hoped it would at least get an acknowledgement out of her. But it never came. Only harsh words and actions to 'toughen' him up.

Even on her deathbed, the Queen didn't express any affection for Bowser. Not even a goodbye on her deathbed. She only ordered him to keep the empire running and gave an angry rant about her estranged son. Then she laid back, closed her eyes, and never woke back up. Bowser should not have mourned his mother, but he did.

Overwhelmed, Bowser ran away taking flight on a wooden raft. A storm appeared and he didn't even fight as the waves overtook his vessel. The prince just wanted his misery to end.

Present day Bowser stops walking. He huffs and looks around at the Mushroom Forest.

I remember this spot.

He is near the beach where Peach saved him after he was shipwrecked. She had lovingly soothed and comforted him. She did not know why he was sad, but Peach did what she could. Despite her dislike of him she nursed him back to health. It meant the world to Bowser. Finally, he received an act of tenderness and he enjoyed it. This was when he realized he loved Peach.

After inheriting the throne, Bowser considered taking her as his Queen to rule by his side. To bear children for him. But he was told the children would only come out as human. Thus, they would be unfit to inherit the throne to the Koopa Empire. So, Bowser decided against this, though he wanted her more than anything. And because he loved her so much, he had no desire to marry anyone else. Therefore, his scientists cloned a perfect son from him. Cloned but with a few modifications.

Bowser has long given up the dream of having Peach. She was not fit to be his queen. Even though she showed him kindness, she still dislikes him. Their beliefs clash too much. It brought pain, knowing she did not feel the same way about him. She would never choose the Koopa King over the toads.

But today his agony will be put to rest. Peach refused to surrender and was on her way to confront him. To buy time for the town to evacuate. Bowser chuckles. It was futile.

Bowser yells out Mouser who was in the middle of a phone call.

"Mouser, that better not be Antasma again!"

Mouser puts his hand over the phone. "But your Vengefulness! He was inquiring about what you were going to do with …"

"I've given him my answer already!"

"But he says you will regret it!"

"She dies! That is final! Hang up or I'm roasting you alongside the toads!"

Mouser quickly hangs up on Antasma. Bowser stomps his foot to calm down. "That is the last time I let him act as my therapist! Have the General intercepted the measly evacuees yet?"

"Mayor Goomba's intel was correct. They are hiding in the caves. Peach is unaware of the situation as she is coming this way."

"Tell him to bring all of them to me."

Mouser nods and dials for the general.

Bowser smiles. Soon the koopas will have expanded their territory, and Peach and the toads will be dead. And his time of pining for Peach will soon come to an end. The tyrant will finally be free of the grip the girl has on his heart.

Chapter Text

It's the most pathetic sight Bowser had ever seen. Only a handful of toads showed up to fight. They're not even wearing helmets and only carrying spears. The toads shook with fear. And marching at their side were the equally unimpressive goombas. Their mayor was hiding behind them. If it wasn't for his desire to expand his rule, Bowser would have turned around. This army was a complete joke to him! Pathetic! There was no need to make those arrangements with Mayor Goomba to betray his allies.

The toads and goombas came to a halt and parted to allow Peach to march to the front. She stops a few feet from Bowser. It had been years since he last seen her. The girl was no longer wearing traditional toad garb but wore a pink flowing dress. Seated on her head was a beautiful tiara. Peach was now the princess of the Mushroom Kingdom. Unlike the rest there was no fear in her eyes. Desiring her again, Bowser dug his claws into his fist.

Focus! He scolds himself.

"Peach, no …. Princess Peach! It's been a while." Bowser teases.

Peach shakes her head. "Not long enough. Did you get my message from the general?"

Bowser chuckles. "Yes, I did. And it was rude! But I respect your fiery spirit. You landed in the wrong kingdom, Peach. You would have made a fine koopa."

Peach grips her parasol and shoots a fierce glare at Bowser. "I wouldn't trade my toads for anything."

Bowser's expression darkens. "The toad's fate will be humiliating and grim. However, you will receive a warrior's burial at the very least."

Captain Toad pulls out his frying pan and points forward.

"Attack!"

He runs forward to lead the charge with Peach. But the goombas snatch the spears from the toads and surround Peach. Captain Toad turns in alarm as Bowser snickers. The mayor walks to Bowser's side.

"I'm sorry, Peach! But I'm not dying for a lost cause! We will serve King Bowser."

The toads scatter, horrified at the betrayal. The blue-spotted toad, Berry, pleads with Peach to escape with them. But she does not move.

"What's wrong Peach? Oh yeah, the evacuees are already in custody. They should be here at any moment to welcome you. The whole family must be together, right? Bwa ha ha!"

Bowser expected her to cry. To be honest, he hoped she would express admiration for foiling her alliance. But she stares at Bowser with a sad expression. Finally, she whispers, "You don't have to be this way."

Bowser becomes agitated.

"Pursue the toads!" He orders.

The koopas shout and rush forward. Peach pulls out a parasol, opens it, swinging her arm to clear the goombas surrounding her. She then leaps in the air, blocking the path to the fleeing toads. Pursuing koopas were met with a kick to the face or a whack of Peach's parasol. Despite the odds, she held her ground trying to buy the toads time to escape.

Berry turns again as Gold is dragging him. "Princess Peach, run!" But she had no intention of fleeing. And her stubbornness made Bowser's heart pound. He was considering capturing her again. But the tyrant shook the thought out of his head and charged forward like a bull. It's time for him to intervene. Bowser knocked scores of his own men to the side as he reels back his fist and launches it forward like a rocket. Peach nimbly dodges and lands a hard kick to Bowser's face. But it only made him stumble.

Peach dances around him, weaving away from the onslaught of flying fists. It was not long before Bowser captured Peach in one of his hands. He begins to apply pressure to crush her. Peach cries out but shoots him a scowl that sends a tingle down his spine. It was meant to be intimidating but Bowser found it cute. He was so enamored he didn't notice Peach whistling.

Suddenly, out of the woods came a pack of chain chomps! The metallic creatures rip up the large mushroom stalks as they charge. They ignore the toads, instead preying on the koopas. Mouser spots them first as they approach.

"Cheese and crackers! Boss …!" Before Mouser can finish the chomps run him into the ground. The barking beasts begin rampaging through the koopa army. A koopa yells at Mayor Goomba.

"You said nothing of chain chomps!"

"I didn't know of this, honest!" The mayor defends.

Captain Toad pauses his retreat.

"Peach, she …" Toad grips his pan and runs back. He won't abandon her. With a high-pitched war cry he slams the pan on any koopa, goomba, or shy guy he could find.

As he battles, two large chomps break off from the pack heading for Bowser and Peach.

"Apple Butter, Sugar Beans!" Peach cries out. The chain chomps happily bark in response.

Bowser lets loose a laugh at the names she had given them. But it is cut short as Apple Butter slams into him. Bowser releases Peach from his grip and she falls, rolling on the ground. Apple Butter helps Peach to sit on her back while Bowser stands up dusting himself off. The Koopa General swoops in to deliver a report. Seeing the chomps the general gets in front of the king.

"Sire! Let us handle this!"

"No, I have it. You take on the smaller chomps." Bowser orders.

The general bows and flies off. Bowser marches toward Peach and the two chain chomps.

"I haven't seen two this large in forever. How long did it take to train them?" He inquiries.

"Stewed mushroom soup and they're your friends for life. Not too hot, not too cold." Peach answers, unwilling to go into detail about the agonizing numerous attempts to befriend the chomps. Peach points at Bowser and Apple Butter leaps at him. Sugar Beans is coming in from behind. Bowser slams his fist together gleefully, an excited grin painted on his face. A challenge!

"Interesting, but I prefer to show them whose boss!"

----

Meanwhile, Captain Toad was slowly being overwhelmed by a mob but he kept fighting. Unfortunately, none could come to his aid. Berry and Gold tried but were quickly subdued. The other smaller chain chomps were battling the Koopa General and his elite division. But the captain could hear the timid cheers of his comrades while they hid in the forest. It empowers him to keep fighting. But an eye-patch wearing koopa tackles the captain, putting him in a chock hold. With the last of his strength Captain Toad hurls his pan nailing the traitor, Mayor Goomba, in the face.

Apple Butter attempts to take a bite of Bowser, but he catches her jaws. Bowser buries his feet into the ground as he prevents her teeth from sinking into him. Peach leaps off Apple Butter to do a diving kick on Bowser. To Peach's dismay, he tanks the kick and hurls Apple Butter to the side.

Sugar Beans slams into Bowser sending him flying a few feet. As Bowser stands back up she bites into his shoulder. The tyrant yelps and turns toward Sugar Beans, giving her such a frightening snarl, she backs off. She trembles before the Koopa King - unwilling to attack.

Realizing Sugar Beans is yielding, Peach runs to round house kick Bowser, but he throws her to the ground. Apple Butter leaps to aid Peach but Bowser side steps out her way, grabbing her chain. The king begins to swing her around like a lasso and flings the chain chomp. The momentum sends the creature crashing a distance away. Bowser lightly pets Sugar Beans, acknowledging the chain chomps' efforts.

"No!" Peach mournfully cries out. The time spent with them was short but Peach had grown attached to the chain chomps. Vengeful, she yells out and reaches for Bowser ready to fight but she is halted by the Koopa General and Mouser.

"What happened to you?" Bowser jokes while looking at Mouser's crushed glasses. The mouse frowns in response.

Bower turns his attention to a struggling Peach. She was tired but was still not giving up. The toads in hiding began to throw fruit at Bowser, demanding he release Peach. The koopa snarls in their direction.

"We'll see how brave you measly mushrooms are, when you are roasting over lava like rotisserie chickens!"

Peach looks at Bowser in distress. She was out of options. He was going to kill the toads. But she remembered Antasma's advice and Peach makes a quick decision. One she may regret but it was the only way.

"Please, Your Highness! Spare them! Just kill me!"

Bowser growls in annoyance. He is not bargaining with her. "I'm not sparing ..."

"I'll serve you!" She begs while staring at him, her blue eyes watering. Bowser froze, her parted lips and eyes capturing his imagination. He longs to capture those lips in a heated kiss. Bowser begins to fantasize about sharing a lifetime with her. The two would get married. And they would happily live on a small farm, raising a small family.

Twenty kids wouldn't be too bad.

"Boss."

Wait, why would we live on a farm?

"Boss!"

Would marrying her make the stupid mushrooms my in-laws!?

"Boss!"

Bowser snaps out of his dreaming and hits Mouser on the head, half-burying him in the ground.

"I was thinking numb-skull!"
Mouser rubs his bruised head. "I was just asking for further orders!"

Bowser growls and turns back to Peach. He regards her with a look of yearning. Bowser desires her hand, but another part of himself prevents him from demanding it. He wasn't ready to accept his feelings for Peach.

"Alright. I'll cut a deal. Become one of my vassals and serve me." Bowser bends to lift her chin in his claw.

Her skin is so soft.

"Do as I say, and I let the toads live. But they will live as slaves. They'll cultivate this land and ship the produce to me."

Peach bravely agrees to the terms.

The koopas stand in shock.

"So, no toad cookout?" The Koopa General sadly mutters. Bowser nods and the general accepts his decision. He will not question his king. But the other koopas want blood. Even Mayor Goomba wonders why he had to betray them, as Bowser was going to spare the toads anyway. Before any soldier could protest, Bowser snarls a murderous threat at them. They knew not to cross him and kept silent. Satisfied they knew their place, Bowser signals for the toads to be led away. He also has the general secure the chain chomps to be carted off. Finally, Bowser watches as Peach is escorted. Her golden hair sways as she walks, and he wishes to run his claws through it. But he catches himself.

Focus!

There is more work to be done, securing control of the Mushroom Kingdom. Bowser was angry with his decision. Today, he was supposed to get rid of Peach. But not only does he spare her, he lets the toads live!

What has gotten into you!?

But the tyrant tells himself it will all be worth it. The princess can be of use to him.

Chapter Text

He was late.

Larry frantically races out the tower, a stained handkerchief wrapped around his neck. He had slept in late due to an all-nighter of watching movies. Nothing really goes on in the countryside. No uprisings or invading armies. And the citizens do their duties without having to be ordered. So, Larry had been living it up. This morning, he had only woken up due to the smell of food and forced himself out of bed.

Soon he was enjoying a freshly cooked steak as he gazed out the window, realizing it was afternoon. Larry shrugged off his bad sleep habits until one of his servants reminded him what today was. The young lad ran out so fast he flipped the table. Now his legs were hurting but he kept running.

"I can't mess this up!"

King Koopa had given him a new assignment as 'administrator' of the recently conquered Mushroom Kingdom. It was his job to keep the toads in line and report any misbehavior from them. Today he was to oversee the delivery of the Mushroom Kingdom's tribute. And he was supposed to have departed with the load this morning. He is behind schedule. Larry groans out loud as he closes in on his parked airship. Strangely, it was not Bowser's wrath Larry was afraid of incurring. It was the Peach's.

"Your late." Peach gently admonishes as Larry stops to catch his breath. She is surrounded by toads. "We loaded the tribute on the airship hours ago!"

She then points at his handkerchief.

"You're not even cleaned up, mister."

"Give me a break, Princess Peach!" Larry complains while pulling off the handkerchief. "And I'm in charge here!"

Peach folds her arms as Larry combs through his blue hair.

"I told you staying up late is not healthy."

Larry mumbles under his breath about how she is not his mother. Finally, he throws his claws in the air.

"So, everyone is present? Excellent. I just need to check the goods."

With a huff, Peach hands him a clip board. "I did the count already. Everything meets the standards."

Larry snatches the board and runs onto the airship. "No way! I'm counting! You may not even have all …" He is confronted with endless crates containing watermelons. There is no way he is counting this.

"Forget it. We're late as it is." Larry shrugs with a chuckle. He calls out to the captain to have the anchors lifted and the sails released. Soon, the airship floats into the air as the powerful propellors spin rapidly. Peach and Larry wave to the toads below.

"Have a safe trip! We'll be waiting for you!" Vert calls out.

"Don't worry, we won't be long!" Larry calls out before Peach can answer. Peach turns toward Larry and smiles. Even though he infuriates her with his habit of running from his duties, she has gotten used to his presence. In fact, his laxed nature has benefited Mushroom Kingdom. From what she had heard, some of the other administrators were much harsher to the kingdoms they oversaw.

----

Captain Toad hung out in the crow's nest of the ship, taking in the sights below. Mushroom Kingdom was no longer in view. This will be the furthest he has ever gone. A storm of thoughts fills his head, what will happen once they reach the Darklands? Will Bowser go back on his word and execute them once they arrive?

Toad was so deep in thought he did not notice Larry swinging himself into the crow's nest. The thump Larry made from landing caught Toad's attention. He was eating a slice of watermelon. Captain Toad becomes indignant, and he tries to seize the half-eaten food away.

"That's for the castle! Bowser's orders were clear! If even one slice is missing …!"

Larry laughs while holding Toad back. "Relax! Bowser has a temper, but he isn't that crazy."

Captain Toad pauses, noticing Larry say Bowser's name with fondness. It was different compared to the other subordinates that said the King's name. Larry most likely is related to him.

"Speaking of Bowser …" Larry grabs a pair of binoculars, looking at an encroaching object. He shouts below. "Princess! The King is here for a visit!"

Peach looked up worried and ran to the side of the ship. A larger airship was approaching. She was supposed to meet him at his castle. Did she do something wrong? Eventually, the ship was parallel with theirs.

Bowser was on the balcony, his foot propped up on it. Next to him stood a tall purple being.

"I told you I would catch up! Larry barely left the border! Bwa ha ha!" Bowser says turning to the being. Peach's anxiety heightens realizing who was with Bowser. Antasma. The man bat looks down at Peach and smiles. He lightly bows his head.

Bowser points at Antasma. "I'm going with Larry; you keep moving towards the Darklands."

"Of course. I won't deviate from the path, Sire." Antasma replies. Peach recognizes the thick accent; it was indeed him. Bowser growls silently and motions that he is watching Antasma. The king then leaps off his ship and lands on Larry's. The ship sways on its side from the impact. Sailors grab the railings to prevent themselves from falling off the ship. Larry and Toad tumble out of the crow's nest, screaming. Fortunately, their fall is cushioned by a crate of watermelons.

"Larry! Toad!" Peach cries out. Peach aims an angry glare as Bowser laughs at their predicament.

"They'll live. It'll toughen them up."

"So, what are you doing here?" Peach challenged.

Bowser chuckles at her usual boldness. "Had to make sure my new favorite vassal didn't get lost."

Peach folds her arms and spins on her heels to avoid his smug smile, her attention now on the other ship moving ahead. Antasma gives her a brief wave before disappearing out of sight.

I hope to talk to him once we reach the other continent.

Covered in fruit, Toad paces up to Peach with a frown. "I'm ready to return home."

Peach gives sympathetic pat on the shoulder as she wipes his face. Bowser shakes his head as Larry approaches.

"This is nice surprise, King Dad! Anything I can get for you?"

"Feed me and we're good, Larry."

Larry taps his chin remembering the menu for today. "I think we're having beef stew for dinner."

Bowser smirks pleased with the response. Suddenly, his eyes narrowed.

"There better not be any carrots in it!"

Larry stared sheepishly to the side remembering he requested large chunks of carrots.

"UHHH…."

As the two went back and forth, Peach stood confused. She was so used to seeing and hearing how power-hungry Bowser was. It seems to be everything to him. But to now observe Bowser discussing something as simple as dinner was odd.

Suddenly, the wind picks up catching Larry's attention.

"We'll be approaching Windmill Kingdom in about three hours."

Bowser growls under his breath.

"Windmill Kingdom, huh? Get the cannons ready, I want to bullet bill that place into the ground. Their queen looked at me funny last month."

"And the madman is back." Peach mumbles.

Larry rubs his head spotting Peach's displeasure. "You want to do that with her here?"

Bowser snorts and glares at Peach. "Larry, does it look like I care what this tree hugger thinks?"

"You're a monster!" Peach shouts indignantly at Bowser's careless disregard for others. Before Bowser can threaten her, a koopa passes through holding a baby koopa.

"We have to adjust the sails, men!" He shouts while rocking his son. Bowser's eyes bug out of their sockets.

"Captain Koopa!? What is that baby doing here!?"

The koopa stops to answer his king. As he does so, the storm picks up rocking the ship. Peach and Toad grab onto a beam, both feeling sick from the rough motions.

"Apologies, Your Magnificence! My wife was sick with mushroom flu back at the tower. I couldn't leave the child at the koopa daycare because that room filled with water."

Peach gasps in horror. Captain Koopa waves his free hand at her.

"Don't worry, no kids were there at the time."

"That's why the showers weren't working today." Larry says with a giggle.

Bowser balls his fists and bends his neck to glare at the captain of the ship.

"You couldn't get the measly toads to watch the brat?"

"My King, with all due respect, I wouldn't dare leave my children with those toads!" The man shivers while clutching his child.

Bowser was reaching the end of his patience. He had wanted to intimidate Peach with his airships. Bowser especially wanted to see Peach's reaction when she sees the Darklands. But this child was making his ship look like a daycare center! Will she think he is a pushover? Bowser looks for Peach's reaction as he points at Captain Koopa.

"He's not going to instantly turn in a peace loving fungus if that's what your…. Hey are you listening!?"

"Please be patient, Sire! I need to go and heat up some milk."

Bowser's face is now turning red. "If this ship crashes because you were … Larry, why did you let this happen?"

Larry throws up his hands. "I'm just finding out about this!"

Peach moves towards the ship's captain. "You need to focus on getting everyone to safety. I'll watch your son. Besides he can't stay up here on deck! Look how upset he is."

The ship's captain hugs his baby, afraid to leave him with Peach due to his prejudices. But the ship's rocking increases and the baby cries. Bowser holds his ears. Peach gently takes the child, hugs it, and speaks soothingly to it. The baby leads into her shoulder responding to her affection. Captain Koopa turns to Larry who simply shrugs.

"Better with her then with me."

"Good point. The milk must be scolding hot!" Captain Koopa calls out before returning to his duties. Peach nods and goes below deck.

All sailors ran around at the captain's orders doing everything to keep on course. While helping Larry move a sail, Toad notices Bowser go below deck. No doubt he intends to bully Peach, but Toad tells himself she can handle him.

----

Bowser found Peach and the baby in the small kitchen. The chef and staff had left to help above deck. She was rubbing the baby's soft-shelled back as it cried. Its cheeks were red from sobbing so much.

"The ship stopped rocking. I know. I know, sweetie. Its been a rough day for you. With all the scary wind. And having to hear that mean man yell at your father." Peach gently whispers to the child. Soon he calms down, his cries now replaced with gurgles. Nearby, a milk bottle was heating up in a pot. Bowser marches up to the pot as Peach frowns.

Bowser turns the flames down. "Trying to burn the ship down eh Peaches? Is this your idea of assassinating me?"

Caught off guard by the nickname, Peach's face flushes.

"Are you serious? I'm not plotting … Please don't touch that!"

Peach rushes up to stop him but Bowser shakes his head at her. "For your information, I've raised several infants on my own. I know how this goes."

Peach rolls her eyes. "Sorry, I thought this would be beneath you."

Bowser tests the temperature of the bottle. "It is. I'm not babysitting for my minions. I just want this brat to stop crying."

He slipped a glove on her hand.

"I wouldn't want you to injure yourself."

Peach mumbles thanks and takes hold of the bottle. She takes a seat on the far side of the kitchen, presenting the milk to the infant. He eagerly drinks the hot substance earning a giggle from Peach. She suddenly feels the King's stare on her. Nervous she looks up and Bowser turns, pretending to be looking at the fridge. Antasma's words echo in the back of her head about Bowser having a crush on her. Despite the way he acts, the koopa seems to make excuses to be around her.

"So, you have raised children. How many do you have?" she asks, hoping to break the awkward silence between them.

Bowser looks out the corner of his eye. "Just a son. A few nephews and a niece. You already met one the nephews, Larry."

"Nephew. Didn't he …"

"I raised him, so I let him call me whatever he wants."

"You need to get on him about his sleeping habits." Peach scolds. Bowser laughs quietly in response.

"It gets old having vassals cower before me. You're a breath of fresh air, Peach." Bowser utters with a smirk. Peach turns her attention back to the infant. The room fills with silence again as Bowser looks intently at Peach. Bowser enjoys the misery he brings to others. But for some reason he also loves to observe Peach's gentleness. It always brought up a warm feeling he enjoyed. He doesn't even notice Larry entering.

"King Dad, we're over Windmill Kingdom! Are we still doing the thing?"

Bowser comes out of his trance and looks at Larry absent mindedly. "Huh?"

"We're bombing that Kingdom remember?"

Peach waits for his confirmation only to notice Bowser's gaze was on her again.

"Forget it. I'll do it later or whatever." Bowser waves him off.

Larry promptly slides out of the room to leave them alone. Peach's face flushes again. Obviously, the king was too distracted with her to worry about tormenting a rebel. After some time had passed, it looked like Bowser wanted to say something to the princess. Then silence was broken with the baby crying.

Groaning, Bowser moves over to pick the child up. His hand is so huge the infant lays comfortably in it. "You're getting a diaper change and you're going to sleep, Mr. Distraction!"

Peach gets up worriedly. Bowser holds the baby up in the air and Peach starts beating on his chest.

"Put him down this instant!"

"Relax, I got him! Unless you want to help?"

"I'm not leaving him alone in your care!"

Bowser chuckles as she retrieves the child. "He's a future soldier of my empire. You're going to turn him into a softie."

Peach frowns wishing she knew the infant's name to use in her retort. "He needs to know he is loved. It meant the world to me when the toads soothed me when I was scared."

Bowser frowns and thinks for a bit. "Do you ever think of your home?"

"Home?"

"Your old home."

Peach contemplates his question. She looks up, noticing Bowser waiting impatiently for a response. "I think of it a lot. Of what it looked like. What my … parents looked like."

"If you knew how, would you go back? To live among the humans?"

Peach notices a shift in his demeanor. Why was he asking all these questions?

"I'm not sure."

A part of Bowser always wondered if she would eventually seek out other humans. The idea of her leaving him caused a sharp pain of jealousy in his heart. A flare involuntarily escapes his mouth.

I shouldn't be mad over that. My concern is her enriching my empire. She can't do that if she leaves. Yeah, that's it.

To mask his feelings Bowser walks over to the fridge. He opens it frowning over the contents of the prepared stew the chefs had stored for dinner.

"Larry!"

"All you have to do is separate the stuff you don't like." Peach chides while approaching him. Bowser turns and lightly pokes the now sleeping infant's cheek in her arms.

"I'll just have him eat it."

Peach shakes her head and smiles causing Bowser's face to light up. He meets her gaze with an earnest look.

Maybe Bowser is not fully aware of it or unwilling to accept it, but he wants my approval. It's obvious now.

Peach doesn't know what to do with this information. She isn't familiar with romantic love, nor does she want to explore it with a tyrant. But for now, Peach is glad Bowser is focused on her instead of any terror activities he had planned for the trip.

Chapter Text

The skies grew darker the further the airship flew. Though it was evening the sun could not be seen. Soon it was pitched dark, the only illumination being the lava below. Peach could make out sickly forests and countless ruins. They are now in the Darklands, Bowser's territory. She had never seen anything like this, everything seemed dead. Peach turns to the infant she is holding and adjusts his bib.

"How can you live in a place like this, little one?" She asks. The child simply looks at her. She turns back to look at the landscape below. Peach doesn't notice Bowser gleefully observing her reactions.

The airship lands in a massive shipyard near a poisoned sea. It lowers its anchors as sailors throw ropes to the crew on board, to steady the ship. Other ships from other kingdoms are already parked. Countless citizens are unloading their tributes to Bowser. Endless amounts of gold, jewels, rare metals, lumber, and various foods. Bowser leaps off the ship and greedily examines the various cargo.

"What are you slowpokes waiting for? Get the move on!" Bowser shouts at Peach and the toads. Peach relinquishes the infant to its father, giving it one last hug. The ship's captain mumbles thanks and rushes back onto the ship. Peach then directs the toads to unload the cargo. Bowser marches off while they are working, telling Larry to bring Peach to the castle.

"And don't die on the way, Peaches!" The king barks, knowing Peach was rolling her eyes.

Soon the group is moving along a dark path with their tribute. Their destination is the ominous castle in the distance. Peach spots shy guys hiding in the woods, staring at the party with blank expressions.

"Larry, what do they want?" She asked.

"Oh, they've littered the road with hidden pits. Should one fall in, a spiked death awaits them."

Just as he finishes Captain Toad saves one of his comrades from falling into one. The shy guys mock from the shadows. Peach hurls a rock at the pranksters causing them to scatter. That was not the end to their troubles. Every so often a vulture would swoop down to pick up an unsuspecting toad, forcing Peach to chase it down to liberate him. And she swears some of the trees themselves were reaching for them. Why anyone would live in such a place is beyond her! And to add insult she spots koopas driving go karts to get to the castle.

Once out of the forest they reach a lake of lava. Peach squints spotting glowing creatures rise and fall in the lava.

"Amazing! The lava, it's not bothering them at all!"

Larry pushes Peach to keep moving. "Don't look at them! Their magmaarghs! They smell fear and only listen to Bowser." Peach continues to walk but she resumes gazing at the lake as they bypass it. Eventually, she sees pink bob-ombs in cages. An imposing koopa, in bright shades, is hanging the cages over the lava lake.

"Larry, what is he doing to them?" The captain cries out.

Larry explains they revolted against King Bob-omb, for supporting Bowser. Roy had been tasked with putting down the rebellion and punishing them. The pink bob-ombs will remain there for a long time. Peach wants nothing more than to save them, but Larry holds her back.

"It'll make it harder on you guys."

Peach gives one last glance to the bob-ombs before proceeding. Roy turns from his work observing Peach with a stern but curious look. Larry leads his envoy to a drawn bridge over lava. As they are crossing it a crowned goomba passes by. He turns smiling smugly at Peach.

"Good evening, Princess."

Peach frowns realizing it is the mayor.

"Mayor Goomba. We have nothing to say to you."

Captain Toad becomes furious and confronts the goomba. "Nothing to say!? I have plenty to say! How dare you show your face to us, Mayor Goomba!?"

The goomba stands on the tips of his toes, shaking his crown. "That's King Goomba to you! Bowser gave me a promotion for a job well done! And you will show me due respect!"

The goomba and Toad argue more as Larry tries to stop them. Suddenly, a magmaargh appears drawn by the commotion, chomping down on the drawbridge. Everyone panics and Larry orders them to move it. Gold trips near the beast; Berry and Peach runs back for him. The creature attempts to eat them as they are lifting Gold up. But a bullet bill to the eye makes the magmaargh back off. Behind them is Roy holding a massive cannon on his shoulder.

"What ya staring at, toots? Move it!"

She picks up the toads and runs as Roy fires again. While moving King Goomba trips falling into Captain Toad. Both tumble over the drawbridge! Larry catches the king but misses Toad. Peach cries out in distress.

"Captain!"

Toad reaches out in vain for Peach. Is this the end? No! I can't leave them alone!

Before he hits the lava, several small bats catch him and carry Toad back up to the drawbridge. As they drop the captain, Peach embraces him.

"Thank you! Thank you!" She cries out through tears. Their first day in the Darklands and she nearly lost a toad. As the toads run in for a group hug, King Goomba scurries off in fear. The small bats join reforming into Antasma. He smiles as the princess gasps. The injured magmaargh finally leaves as Roy approaches the party. They take a step back intimidated. Larry, however, is not scared of him.

"You saved us!" The boy shouts while embracing the broader koopa.

Roy shakes his head and shoves Larry away. "Don't imply I'm a hero!" Roy checks the condition of his cannon. "You would have looked bad losing your envoy in one day. And … it would have made me look bad!"

Larry smiles at his brother, not believing him.

"I'll make you proud, bro! I got everything under control! With my leadership Mushroom Kingdom will Bowser's most valued asset!" Larry says puffing his chest out. Roy turns to Peach in knowing sympathy.

"Get out of here." Roy grumbles as he returns to his duties.

Waving his brother off, Larry goes to Antasma. "Do you mind staying with us? These toads are accident prone!"

Peach folds her arms as Antasma laughs. "Of course, it would be my pleasure. Madam?" The bat king bends to offer Peach his arm. With reluntance Peach takes it. Fortunately, no more harrowing incidents occur allowing them to reach the castle grounds.

As Larry explains where their quarters will be located, a rainbow maned koopa rolls up on a large ball.

"Lemmy?"

The little koopa happily waves at the envoy and embraces Larry. Larry lifts him into the air with a spin. Once Larry sets Lemmy down, the small boy grins at Peach. "Hope you have fun here!" Peach clutches Antasma's arm and waves back. It's strange to see a local resident with an innocent smile. Lemmy tells Larry he got the latest racing game. Larry's eyes shot open, and he follows him.

"Larry! Our meeting with Bowser takes place in three hours! We must set up the tribute!" Peach complains.

Larry stops. "It's not a meeting! It's a party! I'll be on time! Everything will be fine! Until we meet, you're in charge!" He takes off again. Peach throws her hands up.

"I don't even know …"

"He means me." Antasma floats in front of Peach. "Don't worry, there is not much to it. You basically listen to Bowser boast about himself late into the night."

"That's not comforting." Peach's shoulders hung with a sigh.

"He has earned the right to do it. No one is stronger than him." Antasma chuckles and floats away. Peach and the toads race to keep up with him on the castle grounds. Soon they reach the sleeping quarters.

"Wait! There is something I need to tell you!" Peach calls out to him. But Antasma keeps moving into the building. Peach turn to the toads.

"Get everything ready, there is something I need to take care of."

----

The place was for guests, but the king wanted them to always know whose land they were in. Statues of Bowser were everywhere. Peach shakes her head at his obvious narcissism. On the second floor were several portraits of former koopa rulers, along the wall. Peach's eyes fall on one depicting a red headed large female koopa standing over a pile of bodies, a black flag in her hand. She bore a look of insanity. The queen looked exactly like Bowser.

Peach continues her search finding Antasma in a bright room. It was a large room, fully furnished, loaded with mirrors, make-up, and all sorts of dresses.

"Larry forgot to tell you, but this is your room. I fixed it up a bit. The toads sleep on the floor level. I suggest you lock your door, less a shy guy carries you off and sell you at the market." Peach shifts in discomfort at that. To lessen it, she walks around the room admiring the furnishings. Once she reaches the drawer, she focuses on Antasma.

"I understand why you did not acknowledge me on the airship. But I want to thank you for the warning!" Peach brings her hands to her heart. "Knowing what would happen prepared my heart for the goombas' betrayal. You saved us."

Antasma lifts a brush from the drawer's surface. He runs his fingers over the edges in deep thought. "Bowser would have spared you; it was more to save your people."

"Do we know you?" She gently inquires.

Antasma floats up to Peach and points the brush at her. "Enough about that. We must prepare for the party." He rings a bell and two people float in. They were strange. They had humanoid bodies and Peach's heart leaped. But they were not human. Their heads were pillow-shaped and lacked ears and noses. They stared at Peach blankly. The discomfort returns to Peach. Noticing, Antasma catches her attention again. "You can't go to the party looking like this. You're covered in soot."

Peach looked down realizing she was indeed covered in soot, from jumping to save Mayor Goomba. Also, she is sure she has stains from the baby koopa burping milk on her. Antasma's servants drag Peach off for a shower. Before long they are combing through her golden hair, braiding in small flowers. Peach is placed in a low-cut dress, the bottom flowing out like rose petals. Her hair is hung over her left shoulder. Finally, many sprays and cosmetics are applied to her face.

"Not too much, makeup." Antasma admonishes as he observes. "Just enough to compliment her natural beauty."

Once satisfied Antasma presents a mirror to Peach. Peach blushes.

"I love it. But why? Is this necessary?"

"I want Bowser to be distracted by you."

Peach stares up in alarm, not quite understanding him. "What?"

Antasma pushes her out the door. "I'll explain after the party."

He offers his arm to her again. Peach frowns and refuses to take it. Antasma giggles and glides ahead. Peach bows her head to Antasma's servants and follows him. But Antasma is long gone, only the toads present. The toads' jaws drop seeing Peach in the new outfit.

"Peach! We ain't going to a fancy restaurant! We're going to Bowser's!" Captain Toad complains. Peach blushes as Gold frowns at the outfit like a concerned father. "When did you get this dress, young lady!?"

Berry waves his hand. "She's not a kid anymore! It's obvious she wants to catch one of the kings' eyes?" The toads collectively gasp.

"A-Are we ready for her to get married?"

"Guys can we just get moving?" Peach cries out her face beet red.

----

Bowser's castle was up a long flight of stone stairs. Royals and their subjects slowly climbed them to enter. Used to platforming, Peach and the toads quickly bypass the other groups while bearing their loads. Some of the kings stop to gawk at Peach. And Captain Toad glares at every one of them. Once at the top they meet Larry. He has them place the tribute near the entrance and motions for them to follow him.

Loud heavy metal music greets them at the door. The floor is crowded with soldiers, vassals, and castle servants. Near the walls are tables lined with heaps of food. A food fight has even broken out at one table. A drunk Mouser is falling face first into a chocolate cake. And Koopa General is sitting, while food flies around him, calmly sipping some punch.

The music blares even louder as the host, Bowser, grabs a guitar to join the band. He starts yelling in the mic and the koopas cheer chaotically in response. The walls are shaking from the noise. Peach finds that Bowser has a nice singing voice, but this is too loud for her! She gasps as Antasma covers her ears from behind. Peach turns her head slightly to show her gratitude with a smile. Captain Toad eyes him suspiciously while holding his own 'ears.' That man is a little too attentive towards the princess. Is he looking to take advantage of her? The captain vows to monitor the bat king.

Soon, the music mercifully comes to an end, and Peach's ears are unstopped. Bowser stands up in front of his audience after tossing away his guitar.

"My Empire! I'm now the ruler of the world! Almost every corner of this miserable planet is now under my control! This has been the aspiration of every koopa ruler, and I've finally achieved it!"

The room shakes from the loud cheering. As Bowser continues a long-winded rant about his 'awesomeness,' Peach zones out for a bit. She begins to nod off and Gold must elbow her. Peach straightens her back and clasps her hands together.

"And now my tributes!" Bowser roars as he sits down on his throne. When Bowser calls, each vassal must come forward with their 'gift.' King Bob-omb has brought an innumerable amount of iron he stripped from his countries' mines. A king made of crystal excitedly presents to Bowser rare jewels, crafted by his servants. When the Penguin King is called, he does not come forward. Bowser impatiently taps his fingers. A shout is heard from the crowd and a bow-wearing female koopa comes out dragging the Penguin King. The girl throws the King before Bowser.

"What did he do, Wendy?"

"He didn't meet the quota of gold."

"I just needed more time. She wouldn't give any consideration."

Wendy shrugs as the king's pleads. Bowser's eyes light up and steam comes out of his mouth as he stands up. "Get him out of my sight."

Wendy commits the man to the arms of a gleeful Koopa General. The Penguin King is dragged away for the dreaded dungeons. Bowser orders Wendy to return to the Ice Kingdom to lay waste to the castle. She marches out without a word. Bowser glares at his audience. Some of the vassals cringe.

"There better not be anyone else with excuses."

The room goes quiet, fear lingering in the air. Pleased Bowser sits back down. When he says he wants something he means it. He begins to call the other vassals. Finally, he reaches Mushroom Kingdom and calls for Peach. He scans the crowd looking for her. Bowser had partied so much he had forgotten she was present. Is she stalling? He huffs in frustration. The crowd splits to allow Larry, Peach, and the toads to come forward with their tribute. Bowser's breath catches in his throat. Compared to the other grand tributes, Mushroom Kingdom's is pathetic. But his attention was on the princess. Her dress and jewelry seem to glow, her eyes downturned in nervousness. He scanned her from head to toe, a growl rumbling at the back of his throat. With just a few words, she presents the tribute and walks back for the crowd. Bowser's eyes follow her. He is elbowed by a dark blue hair koopa, snapping him out of his daze. Bowser grumbles and proceeds to call the rest of the vassals, his eyes still moving back to Peach.

Once all vassals have presented themselves, it is a return to festivities. Peach's hands are shaking while she is drinking a bit of wine. The toads meanwhile are munching on salad.

"See? It wasn't so bad! You get to live another day!" Larry declares while patting her back. The dark hair koopa approaches the table with a dignified but haughty air. "Using cheap tactics to gain Bowser's favor, Larry?" The young man mocks. Larry groans.

"What are you talking about, Ludwig!?"

"Don't play innocent!" Ludwig tosses his chin up at Larry and draws his attention to Peach. "His Majesty has requested your presence at his banquet table, my lady."

Captain Toad drops his fork. Peach shakes her head at him and accepts Ludwig's hand. He leads her over to Bowser who is currently devouring large drumsticks. Realizing Peach is present, he becomes bashful. Self-conscious he wipes his mouth with a handkerchief.

"Sit next to me, Peach!" He finally spits out.

"I have no choice." Peach whispers and Bowser frowns at her response. Ludwig pulls her chair out to allow her to sit. Bowser sends Ludwig off without looking at him. With a bow Ludwig moves on to stage to chase the heavy metal band away and to play the piano. Calming music fills the room, and Bowser's expression softens. Soon he is laughing with his generals and talking of his accomplishments. He steals a glace between conversations hoping Peach would be impressed. But she keeps her head looking ahead. Only lowering it to eat her food. Bowser is fuming – wondering why she is ignoring him. She is defiant but he thought by now she would respect him like the other vassals. But Peach feels like a trophy sitting next to Bowser, for him to show off to the world. His own nephews and nieces are not sitting next to him, and his son is not present for the arrangement. Bowser does not care about anyone but himself. Is this going to be Mushroom Kingdom's lot forever? Peach shivers at the thought. Noticing her movement Bowser moves his large pinky near Peach's delicate hand. He wants to hold her hand. But she moves it before he can encircle it.

Soon the party's over and everyone quickly departs for their quarters. Unknown to even the guards, Bowser sat in a corner in a hidden spot. His head hung low and fighting pangs of misery. He had surrounded himself with all the attention he could ever want, and still feels lonely.

----

The toads slept soundly in their room on straw mats. They had barricaded the door on Peach's order to insure they were not robbed. Captain Toad, however, was absent. He helped Peach secure a supply of fresh water and fruit. Afterward, she told him to stay back at the building. Loading the supplies Peach sneaks off for the lake. Once there she jumps from cage to cage giving water and fruit to the pink bob-ombs. They thank her and quickly consume the nourishment.

"I'll figure out a way to free you. Just hang in there, okay?" She encourages.

She leaps away and rushes back for the drawn bridge before she can be spotted. But waiting for her was Antasma. Peach freezes wondering if anyone else had spotted her.

"I won't tell." He laughs and Peach grips her hand over her heart. Antasma closes in. "Come with me, little rebel. I must show you something."

He quickly wraps Peach in his cape and flies before she can answer. Antasma weaves among the castle's towers, stopping at a window. He opens it and enters, Peach still clinging to him.

"Where are we?"

Peach receives her answer in the form of a snoring Bowser. He was in a massive red sheet bed. The tyrant was tossing and turning, sweat pouring from his brow. Antasma cautiously approaches and hovers his hand over the king. A purple light emits from his hand and Antasma closes his eyes. The princess stands there watching. He's in Bowser's head?

After a moment has passed Antasma opens his eyes. "I work as a sort of therapist for the king."

He holds his hand out. "Do you want to know what Bowser thinks?" Peach feels awful invading his mind, but she is curious. She approaches and hesitantly holds Antasma's hand. Peach immediately recoils with a yelp. She lets go of Antasma's hand and collapses on the floor. Bowser begins to stir, and Antasma reaches both hands over Bowser to calm him. Peach hugs herself with her shaking arms observing. Bowser's stressed expression vanishes, and he turns, sleeping peacefully. Antasma looks Bowser over and picks up Peach to leave. Once outside he drops her on the ground. Shaken by what she had seen, Peach leans against a wall.

Antasma hovers closer to Peach. "Bowser suffers from trauma. It causes him endless nightmares."

"So much pain. Why were his parents like that?"

"Koopa royals are expected to be the strongest. They honestly saw no moral issues with their training. Bowser is different. He enjoys villainy but he wants to be loved. Those two things clash, and it leaves him empty. So, the memories return and rob him of sleep. He can become a rampaging monster if left unchecked."

"So, he trusts you to help soothe him?"

"No. I tried to assassinate him in his sleep. He was not happy with that." Antasma shudders remembering his punishment. "But I'm the only one that can withstand the nightmares."

Peach grimaces, disturbed by what Bowser has suffered. So much rage in there. And sadness. Antasma bends to look at Peach. "I've been doing this for years and it's not easy. Bowser is repressing a lot of good memories, focusing on the bad. It is why he keeps his nephews and niece at a distance. They remind him too much of his dead brother, especially Ludwig. When I bring up a good memory, his subconscious coils around me like a snake." A sinister smile appears on Antasma's face. "But he doesn't fight a memory of you. He welcomes it. You were there when he was at his lowest. That memory is how I found out about you."

"What do you want with me?" Peach asks.

"Bowser is love starved. He is looking for attention and gets it by being a tyrant. But he loves being evil even though it makes him miserable. I believe you can have a good influence on him. You can change him. It would make things easier for your toads, wouldn't it?"

Peach sadly shakes her head. "I'm sorry with what he went through. No one should suffer through that. But I can't change Bowser. That is up to him. He must realize he is doing wrong."

"Don't underestimate the grip you have on his heart."

"I don't want to hurt him, making him think I love him."

Peach pauses and plays with her fingers. Her thoughts go to the pink bob-ombs and the penguins. Then her toads. "But I will do as much as I can to protect my toads. And if it means befriending Bowser then so be it. Hopefully, it would help him too."

Antasma smiles wickedly. He bends to kiss her hand. "A simple friendship would work. Excellent! We have an alliance, then?"

Peach nods, still unsure as to Antasma's motives. He's strange but I guess he wants to be free like us.

Since the two returned Captain Toad had been watching from behind a bush. Peach bids Antasma goodnight and enters the sleeping quarters. Antasma breaks down into several bats and reappears behind the captain. Toad screams and Antasma covers his mouth.

"King Antasma!?" Toad mumbles in his hand.

"You worry about her a lot. You can be of use. There's something I need to discuss with you alone, captain."

Toad struggles. "No way, whatever you say to me must be communicated to the princess! What is there to hide?"

Antasma closes into Toad's face, his face no longer friendly. Toad freezes.

"It concerns her. You will listen."

Chapter Text

Princess Peach ties her hair into a ponytail, preparing to go play tennis with the toads. Tomorrow all vassal rulers will report to the council chamber in the castle. And Bowser's expectations and goals for the year will be made known to them there. It is imperative she does not miss it.

But Peach had been dreading the meeting. She had not seen Bowser since the party, and he was clearly displeased with her lack of interest in him. Thinking of Antasma's scheme Peach wasn't sure she could even befriend him anyway.

Bowser is such a selfish person.

Peach frowns while she adjusts her mini skirt. As she walks out of her room another thought comes to her mind.

Maybe Bowser doesn't understand right from wrong.

The beliefs of the koopas and the toads are so different. The koopas carry themselves with a 'might makes right' mentality. On the other hand, toads fear fighting and do everything to avoid it. Could both groups ever see eye-to-eye?

Peach descends the stairs waving at Captain Toad as he munches on toast.

He was still a jerk, but Bowser was sweet to the ship captain's baby. He's capable of showing kindness when he wants to.

Peach blushes remembering him reaching for her hand. Even though she was upset with him, a small part of her enjoyed the attention. To be honest, the king was eager and didn't seem like he was treating her as a prize like she felt he was. Bowser just wanted Peach to be near him. When the toads asked if she was looking for a spouse, she realized she had never considered it. There are no humans around and Peach never felt any attraction towards anyone else. The closest she had come was when Bowser had laid in her lap years ago. The princess would be lying if she said she didn't enjoy running her fingers through his red mane and looking into his eyes. In fact, Bowser is the only guy she finds physically appealing. Peach shakes her head getting that thought out. Now is not the time to consider courtship, especially with Bowser.

For now, Peach decides she will enjoy the day with her family. The toads had made a makeshift tennis court in the front yard. Before long, all her troubles fell to the back of her mind once she served the first ball. As they only had four rackets, the group would switch players. To their surprise shy guys would join for a quick round. Relieved they were not there to kidnap anyone; Peach would allow them to play.

"I thought you guys would be sulking over the lack of sunshine."

Peach turns and notices Larry and Lemmy. Worry covers her face as they approach her.

"Larry? Has the king summoned us?"

Larry is now looking at the court. "Nah, I had paperwork to finish." He turns to Peach with a mischievous grin. "But I ditched."

Peach frowns while Larry gives a hearty laugh. He then gleefully reaches for her racket. Peach playfully rolls her eyes and allows him to borrow it. Berry has already lent his to Lemmy. The two young koopas run to the opposite ends of the court. Larry quickly serves and Lemmy fails to hit the ball. But the small koopa laughs and runs to get the ball. As he does so, Peach decides to ask Larry a question.

"What was your dad like?"

"He was Bowser's older brother. But he had blue hair." Larry answers her shortly, his eyes now on the ground. Peach sighs as she was hoping for a longer response. It's obviously a touchy subject and she shouldn't pry. But Lemmy seems more eager to talk.

"He was awesome! When our dad ran away - he joined a circus and married an acrobatic, our mom. They would travel from koopa village to koopa village. When we were born, we became a family act." Lemmy declares while balancing on the handle of his racket.

Larry starts to elbow Lemmy to get him to quiet up. "Lemmy!"

Larry's eyes are staring behind Peach, and she realizes someone is approaching.

"Lemmy, don't let Bowser hear you talking about our parents." Ludwig reprimands. Lemmy shrinks behind Larry.

Ludwig folds his arms and faces Peach. "Princess Peach I'm here to give you the schedule for the council meeting."

Peach takes it and looks over the timetable. Ludwig points at the paper as Peach reads. "Everything must be on schedule. Keep all comments brief because the meeting must stop at noon for King Koopa's lunch. He will incinerate the council chambers if a minute over."

Peach nods nervously and spots the last topic: King Penguin's fate. "I see. I will be there."

Ludwig bows and takes his exit.

"Wait Ludwig! Don't you want to try the tennis court?" Lemmy calls out.

"I have no time for silly games."

Larry looks at Lemmy sadly. "Let it go bro. He has that super weapon he needs to finish."

Peach's heart sinks over Lemmy's pout. Peach places her hands on her hips. "Your too young to be all business."

Ludwig pauses and stares at her, annoyed. "Well, yes, an empire requires many helpers to the cause."

Peach was not going to leave it at that. "Ludwig, your brothers want to spend time with you. Could you spare just an hour?"

Larry shakes his head at Peach. "He's scared I'll beat him. That's why!"

Ludwig turns on his heels offended. His eyes flaring with fury. He almost looks like Bowser.

"Scared!?" Ludwig marches and snatches a racket from a toad. "I'll show you simpletons! Lemmy, you're on my team! Larry and Princess Peach prepare yourself."

Ludwig gives a fierce powerful serve across the court, Peach trips returning it back over the net. She laughs and Ludwig scolds her for not taking it seriously as he hits it back.

"Larry!"

"I got it!" Larry jumps to hit the ball, but the force sends him spinning like a top. Peach catches him before he falls on the ground. Larry's serve is intercepted by Lemmy, launching it over. But Peach hits the ball at a sharp angle causing Ludwig to miss. With a cheer, Peach and Larry high five each other. Ludwig gives another angry serve and Larry misses the shot. Lemmy cheers and Ludwig expects his two opponents to be upset. But Peach and Larry are still laughing.

"Good serve, Ludwig!" Peach compliments.

"No wonder Larry fits in with these toads. So easy going." Ludwig mumbles. But as the game continues Ludwig begins to just enjoy the game.

----

Ludwig sits on the grass while catching his breath. He observes Larry and Lemmy drinking fresh lemonade with the toads, Lemmy bragging about winning. Ludwig smiles and looks up at the sky. Peach takes a seat next to him. "Your music was so beautiful at the party."

Ludwig grunts and shrugs. "It's my passion. Wish I had more time for it."

He looks back at his brothers. "Larry and Lemmy are fond of you I see. Even though you are a mere vassal I'm glad. They tend to get into trouble when their alone. Especially during the month of tribute. I'm often too busy to keep up with them."

Peach laughs lightly and teases him. "If you weren't making a super weapon, you would have plenty of time."

Ludwig shakes his head smiling. "True. But it makes Bowser happy. He took us in after our parents died. I feel indebted to him."

There are other ways to show love for him. Peach thinks. She decides not to press the issue. Ludwig bids her and his brothers goodbye and leaves to get back to work.

----

Peach wanders through the castle trying to find the council chamber. She's hopelessly lost. There are no signs, and each dark hall would branch off in an endless maze. She had been following Larry, who swore he knew every route. But it became obvious he had forgotten how to get to the council chambers. He eventually fell through a hidden trapdoor. Worried but then remembering how durable the koopas are, Peach presses on knowing she'll run into Larry eventually. Her best course of action is to find a servant to lead the way.

In time, Peach passes a lit room and briefly peeks in. The room's floor was covered in toys with a massive bed in the middle. Near a window a small red-headed koopa was painting on an easel. The Koopa General was posing before the child in dramatic fashion. Peach giggles: the picture looked nothing like the general. But the child was intensely focused, carefully mixing his paints. The general finally looks towards the door.

"Mushroom Princess!?" The Koopa General jumps up embarrassed and begins grabbing the toys. "Young Sire, a lady should not see this mess!"

The young boy frowns and turns around. He bears a strong resemblance to Bowser. His eyes light up seeing Peach.

"A damsel!"

Peach stares in confusion as the boy grabs a blanket to tie around his neck. Before the general can interrogate Peach on why she is here, Junior picks her up. A small gasp escapes the princess' mouth, stunned over his strength. The little guy carefully places her on a stool while snickering. Junior then points at the general.

"I gotta save her and you're the bad guy!"

Peach giggles realizing his intentions. "So, we're playing hero?"

Bowser Jr. nods at her in excitement. He then dramatically points at the general. "You let her go Doctor … umm … Doctor Corncob!"

A wicked gleam appears in the general's eyes and Peach nearly jumps.

"Never! She's all mine, Junior! Bwa ha ha ha!" The general laughs evilly and brandishes a sword. Peach angrily demands he put it away, as he could poke the child's eye out. With a shrug he opts for a toy one. The hero and villain clash with toy swords, swinging and parrying. Peach cheers on Junior to win and would gasp dramatically when the prince would fall to the ground. Eventually, the general puts his hands in the air allowing Junior to 'stab' him in the heart. He falls over clutching his heart dramatically.

"Curse you hero! Curse you!" He then leans his head over and pretends to die.

Junior laughs evilly and runs up to Peach. "Your safe now lady!"

"My hero!" Peach coos. She gathers her dress up while stepping off the stool. "Time to give you a hero's reward!" She bends and lightly kisses him on the forehead. Junior jumps back and rubs his head.

"Ewww!"

Peach puts her hands on her mouth giggling.

"So, you want to be hero, prince?" She asks the child while the general is standing back up.

"Yep! I'm going to protect everyone when I'm older!" Bowser Jr. turns to the general. "You can fly! Do you want to be a hero too?"

The general shakes his head. "No, I could not be a hero. It is a life of sacrifice. And a little boring. I like blowing stuff up. But none would object to you being one, young master."

Peach tilts her head in confusion. She covers Junior's ears, and he smiles at her. "Bowser loves being evil. Won't he be mad?" she quietly asks hoping Junior can't read lips.

The Koopa General shrugs. "King Bowser loves being evil, but he would not dare stand in the way of his son's dream. He'd rather die. The king even tolerates the existence of peaceful koopa villages. The former monarchs had a different policy."

"I see." Peach begins to play with Junior's ponytail, and he leans in happy over the attention.

"Shouldn't you be somewhere, princess?" The general inquires.

Peach gulps in horror and releases Junior. She was supposed to be at the council chamber! Peach turns to run but Junior grabs onto her leg.

"Stay!"

"Junior, no!" Peach tries to pry him off.

"I still want to play! We just met!"

"I can't sweetie!"

"Get off her, son."

Bowser Jr. let go of Peach and leaps for the door. "Papa!"

Peach nervously looks up as Junior jumps into his father's arms. "How's my little terror doing?"

Peach smiles at their reunion despite her fear. Junior smirks at his father as he's held.

"I made a new friend!"

Bowser turns his attention to Peach. "I can see that."

Peach straightens her dress out, even more nervous of Bowser. His eyes were filled not with anger but passion. Had he been watching them play?

Bowser Jr. continues to protest to his father. "She wants to go! Make her stay Papa!"

"No, no. She has somewhere to be."

"Can't you stay?"

Bowser's eyes dart away in guilt. "I … I must be somewhere as well. I'll be back, I promise."

Junior hangs his head and Bowser shifts nervously.

"Junior, I can play with you too later." Peach offers. Bowser turns beaming and Peach feels her heart leap. Her words seem to satisfy the young koopaling.

"Okay!"

Bowser's smile disappears as he stares at a stack of books.

"Wait, don't you have homework, son?"

Junior tenses up and runs out his father's arms to open his textbooks. Bowser escorts Peach out of the room while shouting, "Ludwig will be on your case if he sees you get another failing grade."

"I'm studying! I'm studying!"

After shutting the door, Bowser and Peach walk down the hallway. Peach hugs her arms wondering if Bowser was going to threaten her for being late. But the king giggles and looks at her. "Couldn't find my room so you were going to assassinate my son instead, Peaches?"

Her furious expression made Bowser laugh even harder.

"Don't joke like that. That is unthinkable!"

"He is cute, isn't he?"

"I'm beginning to think you want a knife in your back!" She argues.

Bowser playfully bumps her shoulder. "Oh, come on! If I were in your position, I would take any opportunity! You know how many times someone has gone after me?"

"If you were nicer, you wouldn't have to worry about that."

"I ain't a pathetic toad! Bwa ha ha ha!"

Peach wants to take the nearby torch and shove it up his shell. But she realizes she is not scared of him anymore. Did he notice her fear and was trying to put her at ease?

"Your son is adorable."

Bowser beams with pride. "Now, if you'll follow me."

Bowser knew the shortcut to the chambers, but he took the long way around to lengthen his alone time with Peach. Though suspecting this Peach plays along, and the two lightly converse.

The council members and kings are shocked to see the two royals come in the chamber together. Bowser was late, but they dared not tell him. Peach takes her seat on the second level next to Antasma and Larry (who just found the chambers himself). Bowser reluctantly ascends a set of stairs to his throne that overlooks all. He slumps into it and glares at his audience.

"Whelp. Let's get this over with."

Chapter Text

I'll admit it. I only have myself to blame.

Bowser groans as he sits in the meeting. His koopa council argued before him over the projects they wish to tackle, to improve the empire. Meanwhile, the kings and queens of various lands sat quietly listening to them. But Bowser didn't hear any of the ideas, as he was mentally kicking himself for sparing Peach. Had he destroyed the Mushroom Kingdom like he planned he would not be plagued with thoughts of her. This morning he overheard Lemmy talking about the fun he had with the princess. And then he saw Peach playing with Junior. Despite the position she is in, she was still displaying kindness. How he loved it! Such a beautiful soul. But the two royals are opposites. A romantic relationship would never work. Even if he forced her to marry him, she wouldn't love him. He would have her but not her heart. Convinced of this, Peach was becoming an eye sore for the koopa king.

Bowser can give the order to exterminate the Mushroom Kingdom. But he had given his word to spare Peach and the toads, even though he is a tyrant. Also, he can no longer fathom hurting the princess. Even if she defies him in any way. The very thought brings endless grief to him. Steam escapes Bowser's nostrils as he slams his fist down on the arm of his throne. Several council members jump, documents scattering onto the floor.

I just need to wait for her to break the terms of our deal. Then I'll let the general take care of it. That's it.

The plan makes him smile in relief and Bowser rests his hand on his cheek. Then he frowns as another torturous thought comes up.

Why resist her anymore? Pursue the girl before someone else sweeps her off her feet!

His eyes dart to Antasma. Though Bowser wasn't hearing the presentations, he was looking in his direction, every so often. Peach was taking notes, listening carefully to each argument made. If she missed a point, Peach would turn to ask Antasma whispering in his ear. He would smile and give a response. The bat king is awfully friendly with her. And Peach isn't bothered by his presence. Once again, jealousy rushes through Bowser's heart and he slams his fist.

She's mine!

Mouser musters up courage to get Bowser's attention. "Boss, are you ready for the vote?"

Bowser's eyes darted to him. "What vote, cheese breath?"

Mouser hides behind his clipboard.

"To use a significant amount of capital to build your grand villa on Pi'illo Island!"

Antasma shifts in his seat, his eyes unreadable.

"There's no need for a vote because I want it done. So, get it done!"

"Yes, Your Awfulness!"

Bowser looks at the next item of discussion, desperate to get the meeting done.

"We're still considering this!? Has anyone located that stupid explorer!?"

Nervous mumbles erupt from the council. A female koopa finally stands up. "We lost contact with him after he reentered that strange flowery pipe in the Desert Kingdom. His last message was that there was indeed an invasion taking place, and he was hiding with the surviving residents of that dimension. We haven't been able to access the pipe since. Someone destroyed the route."

"Great he got abducted by aliens. What an idiot. I was looking forward to that treasure he claims is there. Antasma, you're in charge of getting that pipe back working."

The bat king nodded to the order.

An invasion happening in another dimension didn't set well with Bowser. Having conquered his world, he was going to go to war with others. He did not need a rival empire. With a grumble Bowser inquires if Ludwig finished the superweapon. After Ludwig explains it was nearing completion, Bowser gets excited.

"Excellent. Once we get the pipe working, we'll use it to blast the invaders and get my treasure."

"Ummm, we'll save the explorer too, Boss?" Mouser asks while twiddling his thumbs.

"He better hope I don't see him after witnessing this level of incompetence."

All other decisions were made with ten minutes to spare before noon. Feeling generous, Bowser asks if any vassals had any complaints. As he predicted, no one was bold enough to speak. Bowser smirks and folds his arms. His shoulders droop seeing Peach stand up.

Of course, she would have something to say.

As she breathes deep to prepare her statement, Bowser focuses on her - ignoring everything in the room.

Please lower the tribute, Lord Bowser! That's what she's going to complain about! If she thinks I'm …

"Your Majesty, thank you for your time. I would like to remind you Admin Larry's tower needs desperate repair."

Bowser's breath caught in his throat.

"W-whatever."

"The daycare for the staff is underwater, so I beg the repairs to be done as soon as possible. Please." Peach says in a polite but firm manner. Her expression indicated she was going to heckle Bowser about it until he got it done.

Bowser grumbles trying to hide his eagerness to honor her request. "Don't rush me, woman! I got enough as it is!" But he has Mouser write it on the priority list. Larry grabs onto Peach's arm whispering his gratitude, he had forgotten about it. Some of the vassal rulers, ones that didn't mind serving Bowser, looked upset. They could see clear favoritism towards the new vassal. But they dare not speak up.

Tearing his eyes off Peach, Bowser sighs and glances at the clock. "Finally, the part I've been looking forward to. King Penguin is set to be executed."

Peach raises her hand to her mouth, her eyes filled with distress.

"But I want to show a little mercy. I'll even throw in one pink bob-omb to help him. They are to fight in the arena tomorrow against my champion. Should they win I'll let them all go. They are allowed to have one helper to even out the playing field. One soul for each of Tryclyde's heads."

Peach remembers the arena from what Antasma showed her in Bowser's dream. Bowser spent a lot of time in it receiving beatings, fighting monsters and his older brother for the right to rulership. Peach hopes Junior will never be subjected to that place.

"It's used for punishing criminals now." Antasma says as if he read her mind.

"Any volunteers?" The tyrant taunts. None comes forward. Bowser's eyes drift to Peach.

You better not, Peaches.

Peach begins to raise her hand.

Are you kidding me!?

Peach is about to speak but Antasma covers her mouth.

"Absolutely not!" He hisses into her ear.

Peach turns to him indignantly removing his hand.

"The penguin and the pink bob-ombs are going to die!"

"You can't save everyone. And you don't know what you're signing up for! Tryclyde is no pushover."

Peach folds her arms pouting. Bowser sighs in relief; he doesn't have to threaten Peach. Hopefully, she'll finally adjust to the way things are run here. But he frowns seeing no one else come forward. "No one cares, I guess. It's going to be an execution tomorrow then!"

Bowser turns to Mouser. "It'll be boring. I'll be elsewhere. So, you're in charge Mouser."

"You got it, Boss."

Bowser turns back to his audience. "All of you better be there to witness what happens when you get on my nerves! This meeting is dismissed."

As everyone walks out, Bowser pulls Peach to the side. He waits until everyone else leaves before talking. "Not you, Peaches. You and the toads are peace loving freaks. You're not to go the arena."

Peach tries to pull away, but his grip tightens on her arm. It doesn't hurt but it is clear he is adamant about her not going. The princess' mind is filled with conflicting emotions. On one hand Bowser is trying to execute innocents. But he doesn't want her to see.

Maybe I can talk him out of it.

Peach reaches out and grips the arm that has a tight hold on her with her free hand. Bowser's eyes light up and he freezes, a tingle going down his spine. His gaze moves along her arm and makes eye contact with her. Peach blushes realizing how muscular Bowser's arm feels. She tries to focus on her request.

"Bowser, please …."

Before Peach can beg for him to display mercy, Bowser lets go. He has made his decision. Bowser wanted her to join him for lunch, but he knew she would not accept now. He couldn't handle her rejection. And if he remains here this close to her, he will give in to Peach's wishes.

----

After lunch, Bowser meets with his military leaders to talk about the fortresses they are building. But Bowser was zoned out again, still obsessing over Peach. Getting his attention, the Koopa General expresses concern over Antasma.

"He has access to your dreams and that concerns me. He is on a friendly basis with Peach. Why does he single her out? He is withdrawn from the other vassals."

Bowser blushes realizing the general knew he was in love with Peach. The general rolls his eyes at Bowser's reaction. It was public knowledge of how the king feels about her.

The general continues. "I know Antasma has a lot of value, but he could be plotting again. He may try to get at you through her!"

Bowser slams his fist down on the table, the general doesn't flinch.

"I already know that! Whatever it is I can handle it. He can't kill me remember. If he is not making any smooth moves on her, we're good. Not that I'm after her."

Pleased with the king's response, the general settles down. "You are the king. If you want the princess, marry her. Are you afraid of what your kingdom would think of you, for being in love with a child of the toads? Who can stop you? Who would dare get in your way?"

"It won't work."

"You aren't trying. She mostly sees you performing evil. It is killing me to say this, but I wish for your happiness! Show her your sweet side." The general cringes like he just swallowed poison, but he continues. "Win her over that way."

Bowser drums his fingers. "Your right. Call those toads over the phone. They do know how those things work?"

"I think Larry taught them. But for what purpose?"

"I want to know what Peach likes to eat."

Even though she was still on the premises, Bowser thought it would take work to find her. It didn't and Bowser realized Peach kept her word with Junior. The two were currently painting in his room. Junior sat in Peach's lap as she lightly brushed. She was explaining some of the techniques she uses to paint. Bowser watches the scene with adoration. He then reluctantly knocks on the side of the door.

"Dinner time, son. Peach, would you join us?"

Peach looks at an eager Junior and accepts. Instead of his grand dining hall, Bowser had chosen his private one for them to eat in. The table was circular with enough room for the three. Fruit and vegetable salads along with cake had been prepared for Peach, while Bowser and Junior had steak and chicken. Holding her stomach, Peach gives Bowser a polite thanks and smiles. Bowser's eyes lit up trying to remember when he last saw her smile. Peach turns to her food to avoid his gaze. To Bowser's surprise she didn't ask about the Penguin King, instead she conversed with his son. Though he wanted to join in, Bowser didn't interrupt their conversation. The king just listened while eating, enjoying the laughs emitting from the two.

After dinner, Bowser carries off a protesting Junior for bed with Peach following. He tucks his son in and reads a story to him. Peach meanwhile organized the room. It wasn't long before the prince went to sleep.

"I need to get on him about that mess he keeps leaving." Bowser says as he closes the door.

"It takes time. I was always in trouble for leaving my stuff out. Toad got lost in my room one time."

Bowser chuckles. "I didn't take you for being a sloppy person."

"That was a long time ago! And I saw you eat that chicken leg that fell on the floor."

"It won't kill me!" Bowser chuckles and shifts his feet. "It's late. I'll take you home."

He drives Peach back to her quarters in his kart. When he parks outside, the toads can be seen peeping out the windows. Bowser watches her get out of the kart. Feeling his stare, Peach flushes.

"Wait! I'll get the door."

"No, I have it."

Bowser grumbles. "You're a pain as usual."

Peach turns indignantly.

Bowser continues, "But thanks. I …. Junior enjoyed your company."

Peach's frown vanishes replacing it with a warm smile. Bowser's heart begins to hammer in his chest, and he grips the wheel. He wants to beg her to go into town with him - just for a ride. But he bites his tongue. With a wave he drives off. As Peach enters her quarters, the toads surround her asking how dinner was. Peach realizes they had known.

That's why he knew what I like to eat.

Antasma was waiting in the hallway for the princess. "You've made a lot of progress. His Majesty just sent real beds for your subjects."

Berry opens the door to show Peach their room. "We don't have to sleep on the straw anymore!"

Instead of going straight home Bowser drove to the city, stopping at one of his favorite burger joints. He had not eaten much during dinner, due to his focus on Peach. Waiting for his order under a vine covered patio, Bowser watched couples walk by. He hummed visualizing himself and Peach walking hand and hand while window shopping. The dinner went better than he expected, she even smiled at him. More than once. A bright genuine smile. He hated to admit it, but the general was right. He placed his hands on his cheeks and sighs, brainstorming more ways to get happy responses out of her.

----

"Darn it!" Captain Toad complains while flipping cards 'one' and 'two' back over. Peach giggles and quickly flips over the 'two' and matches it to another 'two.' She gathers up the pair and sets them neatly on her card stack. Peach moves to match another pair and fails. Antasma quickly follows and matches the pair she failed to acquire.

"You've done well surviving in the Darklands until this point. But I'm sure your eager to get home." Antasma says after failing to match.

"Two more days, right?" Toad groans while he makes a match of 'eights.'

Peach turns to Antasma. "You know how to activate warp pipes?"

"Yes, but its risky business. One false move and I can end up in an alternate dimension with no way back. Routes often branch out once activated."

"Oh."

"Don't worry, I've been through it plenty of times. I've long forgotten my old world. Didn't care for it anyway." Antasma studies Peach for her response. She looked sad realizing he was in the same predicament as her. He reaches over and pats her head. Peach looks up and smiles. She found him to be creepy at first, but he has been nothing but helpful.

Peach rubs her eyes and excuses herself to go upstairs.

"Are you okay, Peach?" Toad asks.

"I'm not feeling all that good today."

Antasma and Toad continue the game.

"She is not to go to the arena. I'll keep an eye out for her once I'm there, but you must monitor her room. By the way were you able to keep up with them?"

"I followed them just like you told me too. Nearly got caught a few times. But its clear Bowser is happy with her."

"Wonderful."

"Peach could have given you that information."

"Did you spot the library?"

"That. Of course. Poor Peach and Larry kept bypassing it when they were lost. What about the library?"

Antasma taps his claws together. "There are several books Bowser seized from me when he overran Pi'illo Island. I want them back. But the library is off limits to me on pain of death. It's no doubt behind the vault."

Toad is nervous. "You want me to go in there to retrieve the books?"

"Yes. Today's execution will have most of the staff out of the castle. Your main worry is Bowser."

"The vault will have a code! How am I…"

"Use any variation of 'Peach'."

"Are you serious!?"

Antasma folds his arms and shakes his head. "I am. It must be."

"So, find the vault and hope I get the code right. Won't they know the books will be missing?"

Antasma shows Toad a couple of books. "These covers are identical, but the words are different. Bowser had no interest in or understanding of the contents of the book. Its written in my native language. He only wishes to keep them out of my hands. If only I had photographic memory…."

Antasma shoves the books into the captain's backpack. Toad becomes concerned, wondering why Bowser doesn't want Antasma with them. "But how do I get pass the guards!?"

"There are no guards. Only the librarian but she is strong. I've arranged for you to get in. But you can't let her see what you're up to. If she sees you at the vault and fails to kill you, she'll summon Bowser."

"I don't know what you are doing but it won't harm Peach right?

Antasma's face becomes irritated. "I would never harm her. I just want her to distract Bowser while I work to topple that tyrant."

"Topple? I thought this was just a simple friendship scheme."

"No, I'm rebelling against him! Besides if my plan succeeds you will be free of Bowser. Isn't that what you want?"

The captain musters as much courage as he can. Helping to overthrow a tyrant is promising. But this could go wrong in so many ways. "As long as you don't put Peach in harm's way. If you do, I'm out no matter what threats you make."

Antasma smiles flashing his large fangs, Toad shrinks into his chair. "Of course. And this stays between us, okay?"

Toad gulps and nods.

Antasma smiles at his compliance and reshuffles the cards. "Good. Another round before the execution starts, eh captain?"

----

Once Antasma left the building Toad went to check on Peach. He saw her laying under her sheets, her tangled blonde hair peeping from under the cover. No doubt she was exhausted from the other day she had. Breathing a sigh of relief, Toad closes the door. But if he had investigated, he would have known it was a shy guy in a blonde wig pretending to sleep. Peach had bribed the little guy last night to take her place. Peach has long left, descending the second-floor window by sheets tied together. She was now racing towards the arena. If no one comes to Penguin King's assistance he and the pink bob-ombs will die. She promised the bob-ombs she would help them. But anyone seeing Peach will stop her because of Bowser's order. If he hears she was present, Peach is certain he will threaten the toads again.

No one will know I'm there.

Peach looks at the blue bundle under her arms. If this plan works, she'll save the prisoners and protect her subjects.

Chapter Text

Antasma floats furiously through the hall, trying not to spit on any of Bowser's portraits. That tyrant had not been monitoring him as much due to his attention being on Peach. It was a welcome reprieve enabling the bat to recruit Captain Toad for his rebellion. And today was the day the third phase of his plan was to come to fruition. Antasma was hoping Bowser wouldn't be in the castle during the mushroom's heist. The lovesick king had called, asking Peach to accompany him to a public park. But Antasma's little princess had to decline the king's invitation due to illness. Since she isn't feeling well Bowser is doing paperwork at the castle. And the chances of Captain Toad screwing up were high. Antasma gnashes his teeth in fury.

Hopefully this is not a ploy for her to get into the arena!

The bat king is not concerned with Toad's wellbeing. The librarian may kill the captain which works for him. Dead man tells no tales. But the mushroom getting captured alive is a problem. Peach will no doubt plead for his life at least. And Toad knows not to reveal anything if caught. It would just look like the clueless fungus had wandered into the wrong area. Antasma's secret would be safe. But if Toad is found with the books in hand, it's over. Antasma will have no choice but to escape to the nearest warp pipe, abandoning everything. He would prefer to avoid that.

This must work. I can't start over.

Antasma exits the building to approach his pi'illo servants. They bow down to him and await his orders. "You have the plans for the villa?" He asks.

"Yes, Your Highness." One dryly states.

"Bring it to Ms. Birdo at once, so that she can store it. Keep her talking for about one minute. That is all he needs to get in."

The other servant's face pale and she looks up. "You're going after the vault? You can't! That toad doesn't know what you're planning! Please don't make him do it!"

Antasma taps a claw against her forehead and the woman shudders with a whimper.

"Still some fight in there?" He taunts while baring his teeth.

She shook her head and held the plans close.

"No! We'll do as you ask!"

It was not long before the servants were allowed into the castle. Once they arrive at the library, the manservant knocks on the massive doors to summon the librarian. A black-colored birdo, wearing reading glasses, opens the door.

"You can't enter." She warns them.

"No, we're just leaving the proposed plans for Lord Bowser to look over."

Ms. Birdo looks at the plans and gathers them up from the woman servant.

"Please be careful with them. King Antasma put a lot of thought into it. He wishes His Greatness to enjoy his future summer home."

With a nod, Ms. Birdo gestures for the servants to leave and they do so immediately. She closes the door and checks her surrounding area to ensure no one has sneaked in. Satisfied, the librarian goes to her desk. Unknown to her Captain Toad has snuck in. He had consumed an invisibility potion and made it in just before Ms. Birdo closed the door. Toad races up a red spiraling staircase to create distance from the main desk. Finally, he stops by a shelf to catch his breath. He pulls up his hand and marvels at his inability to see it.

Amazing! It worked!

Antasma is an alchemist, having dabbled in all sorts of potions and medicines. Toad remembers being mesmerized, watching him brew the potions in his hidden lab, built under the vassal residences. Once finished, Antasma dumped his creation on Toad and his backpack and Toad instantly turned invisible. After the initial fear Toad ran around the room, excited over experiencing something new. As the captain stared at a mirror in amusement, Antasma told him the brew would also disguise his scent, so that Bowser wouldn't know Toad had been there. Before leaving for the mission, Antasma gave him a stern warning not to waste it. They are expensive to make, and Toad has only one chance. So, he has limited time to find the vault.

Toad deep breathes and grips his stomach. He must wait until the librarian leaves for lunch. Once she is gone, he must make a mad dash for the vault. To calm himself Toad begins to study his surroundings. The library was grand in size, a high golden roof, and seemingly endless levels of bookshelves. Most of the shelves are too high for Toad so he looks at the titles at eye level. Some of the books cover various kingdoms' geography, history, wars, and cultures. Knowledge gathered over a period of centuries by koopa scholars. The curious mushroom longs to read the contents of the books.

Our kingdom has always kept to itself! There is so much we don't know. I bet Peach would love this place!

Toad browses some of the books to kill time while he waits. Eventually, he opens a cheep-cheep cookbook and skims the pages. Suddenly, a fly comes near the book he is holding with an annoying buzz. Toad swats at it and a knife cut through the bug. Toad nearly jumps onto a shelf. Shaking, he leans over the railing and sees Ms. Birdo looking around with a knife - pose to throw. She had heard. Terror fills Toad's heart and he tip toes to get to a higher level to avoid the woman. What has he gotten himself into?

----

King Penguin had lost track of time while in the dungeon. But he was sure his execution would be soon. He looked at his chains and started tugging on them.

"I gotta get out of here!" He shouts. "I have to get back to my kingdom!"

A gruff voice beyond the door calls to him. "Calm down!"

The penguin releases the chain and shakes his fist at the door even though the person could not see him.

"Don't tell me to calm down! I'm about to be executed!"

"Only if you lose the fight!"

The Penguin King pauses and looks at the door. "Who are you?"

"Just call me Vanessa!"

The imprisoned king tries to run to the door. "Vanessa! It's horrible! I was framed! I'm telling the truth! We had all the gold Bowser needed and it was stolen! But Admin Wendy wouldn't believe me!"

He slouches on the ground with his arms folded. "But none of it matters. I will win and get out of here. And I'll find the thief!"

"You won't be alone."

The door opens. The koopa guard allows Vanessa to enter and he shuts the gate. She was a tall penguin in shades and mask. The Penguin King stares at her in confusion.

"Umm. Vanessa, your tall for a penguin. Your voice is off too."

'Vanessa' or Peach sits next to the monarch. "Just focus on surviving. I'll be there every step of the way."

----

Bowser's plan for spending the day with Peach had been derailed. He called her this morning and she sounded awful. The king immediately told her to get some rest and promised he would send a care package for her.

"Did the dinner make her ill?" Bowser contemplates out loud to the general. "I did keep her up late. I feel terrible! Besides the care package, send her a new set of blankets and pajamas. The best we have. Oh, and order five different scented soaps for her. No, make it ten!"

The general shrugs while peeling an orange. "As you wish, Sire. But her illness is probably distress over the execution. No doubt she is angry with you. If you want her in your arms, call it off."

Bowser throws his claws up in the air. "I'm running an empire in case you haven't noticed! I can't give in to her every wish …. as much as I want to. I have a reputation to uphold! They must know who's boss!" Frustrated, the king presses his face against a stone wall and grits his teeth. Bowser's face then darkens. What if she is faking her illness?

"I want high security at the arena! My Peach is not to enter!"

The general salutes and flies out a window. Bowser slumps into a chair. He brings his claws to his face. "Why am I even worried?" With an angry huff Bowser jumps up. "I need to get my mind off her. I could do some reading."

----

For the past hour, Peach and the Penguin King sat in silence in the pitch-black cell. The past few days have been terrifying, but the king was now filled with hope. He spent the time strategizing what actions he would take to ensure victory. Meanwhile, Peach was hoping her costume was bulky enough to hide her figure. The less human she looked, the better.

Can't save everyone.

Antasma's words rang in Peach's ears. There was truth to it. But she wishes to prove him wrong. The princess failed to repel Bowser from her kingdom. A sense of helplessness clouded her mind ever since. Through diplomacy Peach has been able to protect her family. But how she craves to have Bowser's physical strength! No one would be in this situation. No one would have to be fear. She could protect everyone! Peach shakes her head at her well-meaning but grandiose thought. With such power, would she become like Bowser, then? Taking any and everything she wants just because she can? Peach shudders and looks around the small cell. The cell looks like the one Bowser was imprisoned in his nightmare. He must have felt so helpless and powerless here. It drives his need to be in control. Peach sighs and hugs her legs.

It's strange how I despise his actions but also feel some pity for him.

Soon, the cell door opens revealing Mouser.

"It is time to meet your fate." Mouser teases while leading the two out. King Penguin holds his head up high.

"Indeed, it is."

Ignoring the king, Mouser examines 'Vanessa.' "So, this is the fool that has come to the rescue." Mouser closes in on Peach and she leans back. "But there is something strange about you. You smell too sweet."

Peach nervously flexes her arms to appear aggressive. To her relief Mouser shrugs and ushers them along. After climbing several levels, they arrive at an iron gate. Two hammer bros. open the gate to allow them to pass. Peach and the Penguin King cover their eyes from the light as they enter the arena. Surrounding them were scores of koopas and other spectators. And some of the koopas were already booing them. At the center, a lone pink bob-omb was waiting.

"Who are they?" The little creature peeps.

Mouser smirks. "Your comrades in arms."

Mouser takes his place and raises his hands. The arena becomes silent.

His thick accented voice booms throughout the arena. "King Penguin of the Ice Kingdom has been charged with the gravest of crimes. Aggravating his Vileness."

The audience jeers - some throwing food at the penguin.

Mouser continues.

"The pink bob-ombs rebelled against their lord. And destroyed a weapons factory before Roy quelled the rebellion. Here is their representative before you. Both stand here condemned!"

With a chuckle Mouser motions at the arena trio. "But should they defeat Lord Bowser's champion, they will walk free. Here with them is Vanessa, champion of the Ice Kingdom!"

Peach dramatically flexes to fake bravado. The crowd jeers even more, some giving a thumbs down. The gate on the other end of the arena opens and Mouser jesters towards it.

"Today they will battle the strongest of the arena. The crusher of bones. The fiery serpent! A former general of the slain Subcon tyrant, Tryclyde!"

A red three-headed serpent comes out the gate to thunderous cheers. They slither around the area near the audience basking in their attention. Spotting their rivals, Tryclyde's eyes gain a wicked gleam. Tryclyde slithers up to the trio and coughs up several weapons. Peach jumps back in disgust.

"Pick one." The middle head demands.

"Why? They won't last long, anyway." Says the right head.

The middle head bites the right on the neck earning a yelp.

"I don't want them dead immediately! I want to enjoy this, idiot!"

The left head ignores the other two, his yellow eyes on the disguised Peach. She realizes he is sizing her up.

"You are not who they say you are. I won't take my eyes off you." He states in a low voice. Peach bites her lips nervously.

The other two heads are now focused on Peach, and she balls her fists up.

"The real threat is me!" Penguin says as he comes forward. To Peach's relief they are now staring at the king in amusement. But the left is still focused on her. Penguin then chooses a sword though he is barely able to lift it. The pink bob-omb decides to use a mace. Peach opts for a spear. She has no experience with a sword or any other weapon. But she can use the spear to help her get in the air.

After they've made their choices, Tryclyde circles them - playfully nipping at their heads. Tryclyde then goes to the other side.

"We're going to die." The pink bob-omb utters. "But I'm honored to be here with all of you." He turns to the crowds and yells, "Bowser's a son of a mushroom!"

King Penguin's jaw drops, and Peach taps her foot. The crowd goes ballistic and demands their deaths. No one compares their royal family to a toad!

An offended Peach turns to scold the bob-omb. "Excuse me was that remark … watch out!"

The right head has already launched a fireball at them. The trio splits in three different directions. The pungent smell of Tryclyde's flames fill Peach's nose, and she nearly gags. Distracted, she fails to notice a mace connecting with her side. Peach flies into a wall as the crowd jeers. Holding her side Peach rolls to dodge another fireball.

"They smell awful!" She cries out while running. Tryclyde cuts her off and the left head swings his mace at her again. Peach blocks the blow with her spear.

"Real nice reminding me why I can never get a date!" The middle shouts while he aims his fangs for Peach's shoulder, intending to sink them into her flesh. Before Peach can let go to dodge, King Penguin jumps on the middle's head.

"Vanessa! Get back! I'm going to cut his head off!"

Peach recoils with the brutality in his words. Is he tougher than he looks? The crowds cheer in anticipation. But King Penguin can't even swing the sword due to its weight. It falls out of his flipper. With a roaring laugh, the right bites the king and tosses him far away. Peach looks for the bob-omb but he is hiding in a corner. Spotting him Tryclyde moves in his direction.

"All talk earlier when trashing our king! Hiding like a toad!" Tryclyde's heads sneer in unison while the left's eyes are still on Peach. He expects her to intervene. And she does.

"Leave him alone!" Peach leaps on Tryclyde and is smack away by the tail. Her face eats dirt as she lands on the ground. Left drags the other heads in her direction while the middle complains over being overridden. Tryclyde's right attempts to stab Peach with a sword, but she backflips away.

"I won't let you hurt any of them!" Peach declares while Tryclyde rushes at her.

"Works for us! The more you fight, the more fun it is for us." They declare.

Toad had been reading for the past two hours. He learned a lot of koopa history and the wars that warped the landscape of the Darklands. Toad shook his head at the ferocious nature of the koopas. He shelves the book and takes out another. To his delight he realizes the cover had creatures that looked like Peach. An encyclopedia from the human world! Toad excitedly opens it looking to learn more about them. Unlike the toads they were varied in appearance and the world they live on is called 'Earth.' Humans seem to have an endless array of cultures and customs. But Toad frowns at some of the pages. The encyclopedia contained many depictions of humans fighting and killing each other.

Worldwide warfare? Genocides? Slavery?

Toad closes the book. Peach is nothing like the humans in the book. Because of her, it never occurred to him humans could be violent. The toads are fortunate they found Peach before the koopas.

I was hoping to show Peach, but this would make her depressed. She doesn't need to know.

So, Toad carefully places the book back on the shelf. A distance bell rung, and he peeps over the railing. Ms. Birdo was leaving for lunch. It is now time to find the vault. To Toad's surprise it is located on the bottom floor, left of the desk built into a shelf. He takes a deep breath as he approaches the vault.

"Here goes nothing."

He enters the code 'Peach' on the vault, but it doesn't open. He repeats it several times and gets nothing. Toad looks over his shoulder in panic and taps in 'Princess Peach.' Nothing. Out of desperation, Toad begins to type 'Larry', 'Lemmy', and even 'Antasma Stinks.' But none of them are working! Toad wants to rip his mushroom cap off. And to add to his distress, the doors to the library open. Toad is now biting his fingers. Its Bowser!

With a grumble, the tyrant approaches a rack and grabs a 'Koopa Life' magazine. Toad lets out a whimper in fear and quickly covers his mouth. Bowser snaps to attention and looks in the direction of the vault. Toad is now crying internally. Bowser approaches the vault with a confused stare. He is right on top of the invisible Toad. His large frame prevents Toad from leaving. If Bowser takes another step, it's over!

I'm dead!

Before he can move the sounds of cheers catch his attention. Bowser growls under his breath and leaves. Once the doors close, Toad passes out.

----

Bowser lumbers over to a room to spot some soldiers watching tv.

"What are you watching and why wasn't I invited!?"

The eye patch wearing koopa turns to him, while digging his hands in a bucket of popcorn.

"Someone volunteered to fight in the arena at the last moment my King. Vanessa of the Ice Kingdom!" Bowser closes in on the tv staring.

"She's a real fighter!"

Bowser watches as Vanessa dodges and weaves around Tryclyde's attacks as if she is dancing in the air. Bowser grabs a glob of buttery popcorn and stuffs it in his face. As he chews, he studies Vanessa. Those graceful moves are awfully familiar to him. It reminds him of Peach's fighting style.

There is no way that's her. It's just a penguin.

But why is his heart jumping with anxiety?

"She's too fast! We can't hit her!" The right of Tryclyde complains. Taking note, the left eyes the bob-omb that has tripped and shoots a fire ball at him. He won't be able to dodge it. Peach jumps pushing him out of the way. She cries out as a burning pain shoots up her leg. Peach kneels holding her foot. Unwilling to abandon the one that has been keeping them alive, the bob-omb and penguin run to her aid.

"That gotta hurts." One of the soldiers joke. He turns to see Bowser on his phone.

"Mouser, stop the fight now!" He yells, his eyes glowing with rage.

Mouser strains his ears to hear over the shouting audience. "What was that Your Grace?"

"STOP THE FIGHT, NOW! OR DIE!"

Mouser could only make out the word 'die' and began to beg Bowser for mercy. The irritated royal could barely make out what Mouser was saying and threw his phone at the wall smashing it. He then leaps out a window.

She wasn't supposed to be there! How did she get in!?

It can't be her. But he had to be sure. He just had to make sure it wasn't Peach. To cover ground more quickly he leaps from building to building, almost caving in roofs in his haste. It would be humiliating to call off the fight, but he can't watch his beloved die.

Meanwhile, Tryclyde has Peach and King Penguin in their grip. The pink bob-omb is held by the tail. Tryclyde begins to slowly constrict. The duo fight for air and struggle to free themselves. Feeling guilty, the pink bob-omb contemplates exploding to free his comrades but Peach shoots it down. It would kill him.

"I'll get you out of this! I promise!"

Tryclyde responds by tightening their grip. Peach begins to feel regret. She should have stayed out of it. This is beyond her. Now she's going to leave the toads all alone.

----

At the same time, Toad was losing his mind with the vault. "I'll die and I'll be leaving Peach all alone! She'll be stuck with Bowser!" He cries out. He buries his head in his hands.

"Wait a minute."

Toad looks at the vault again and types 'Queen Peach Koopa.' The vault finally opens. As it does, he does a little dance. Toad dashes in and is met with all sorts of relics and ancient art collections. This vault contained many valuables the koopas pilfered over the years. Towards the back were the strange books he was looking for. Black trim covered the books like a web. After shoving the real ones in his bag and replacing them with the fake ones, Toad dashes out. As he does the front door opens and knives come flying through it. Toad barely dodges them and slips past as Ms. Birdo runs in.

"I thought I hear something!" She yells. She tries to get the attention of the soldiers down the hall, but they are engrossed in the fight.

"Maybe it's just my paranoia …"

She shuts the door to go check the vault and sees nothing is out of place. Toad rounds a corner and down the stairs - happy most of the guards are distracted. As he makes it out of the castle, the potion begins to wear off. Toad collapses in relief and hugs his bag tightly. He had completed his mission.

----

Peach was losing consciousness from a lack of oxygen, but she kept struggling. A small cry from her earns a snicker from Tryclyde. The middle head playfully flicks his long fork-shaped tongue along her face enjoying her suffering. Despite her mouth being covered, Peach manages to bite down on his tongue and yanks it. Middle cries out and his grip loosens. Filled with adrenaline Peach connects her fist with the left's chin knocking him out. The crowd goes silent as the trio fall to the ground.

"We're alive!" The Penguin King says between coughs. Peach shakes her hand in pain. Tryclyde's left head dangles while the middle and right devolve into arguing. Their coordination is off.

"This is your fault for playing around!" the right points and the middle snares at him. Peach signals for the pink bob-omb to run right.

Spitting out blood, the middle aims for Peach to get revenge but the right is focused on the pink bob-omb. As the middle head turns to argue with his right, the penguin flings his heavy crown directly into his eye. Peach closes in and double kicks the middle under the chin - knocking him out. Tryclyde crashes to the ground and Peach points the penguin's discarded sword at the right head.

"D-Don't do it! I yield! I yield!" The last head cries out.

To Peach's surprise the crowd cheers. As she stands up the audience is throwing flowers into the ring.

Peach shakes her head as she tosses the sword to the side.

"This is entertainment to them …"

She is caught off guard with the Penguin King embracing her leg while sobbing.

"Stars above! We're alive!"

The pink bob-omb nods in his comrades direction, falling on his backside in exhaustion. Peach spots Antasma among the cheering throes, rubbing his chin. Does he recognize her? Peach begins to look for the exit. She doesn't fear him exposing her, but he may tell the toads. The last thing she needs is for them to worry about her injuries.

As Peach moves to leave the gate, Tryclyde staggers up, the middle head seething hate and murder at Peach.

"Lord Bowser is the only one that can beat me! I refuse to accept this; I can still fight!"

"I conceded! Its over!" The right tries to tell him. He snaps at the other head and rushes at Peach. But Bowser lands in the arena sending shockwaves that knocks back the fighters. With fury, Bowser slams his fist into Tryclyde's gut.

Bowser glares at Tryclyde as he bends over in pain.

"You lost! Accept it!" He snarls.

Tryclyde meekly bows.

"Yes … Lord Bowser."

"Of … of course!"

"Understood."

The arena goes silent waiting for the king's word. Bowser's scowl softens when he spots 'Vanessa.' Her stance. The scent is familiar. It is her. He is sure of it. But Peach is not happy to see him, as he is the reason this event took place. Sensing her anger Bowser turns to the crowds.

"They walk free." He yells.

The crowds cheer and Bowser turns back toward 'Vanessa.' But she had already left through the gate. Snarling, Bowser pursues to catch Peach in the act of shredding her disguise. Due to her injuries, she will be in the medical room. But what waited for him was King Penguin yelling at two shy guys in a penguin outfit.

"You're not a Vanessa! Who are you people!?"

The shy guys stared sheepishly at the small monarch. Bowser shakes his head.

"No! It can't be! It was her!" He yells to the confusion of everyone in the room. Bowser races out of the medical room and jumps out of the arena.

"That was just a distraction! I'll beat Peach to her quarters! And she'll confess to everything. Then she is going to be in so much trouble!"

Mouser catches up to Bowser in a kart and implores him to get on instead of leaping onto his citizens' roofs. Bowser glances at the caved in roofs and hops on the back of the kart.

"Gun it!"

Mouser speeds out of the city, taking several shortcuts to the vassal residence. Once they reach the building, Bowser leaps off the kart as Mouser comes to a halt. He pauses to catch his breath and the toads run up shaking in fear. "Can we help you, King Bowser?"

Bowser wants to swat them away but stops himself. Peach's dislike of him was mainly due to how awful he treats the toads.

"I'm going to see the princess." Bowser says with restraint.

While running in, Bowser spots Antasma rushing in as well. Antasma's face becomes panicked. He had run back to see if Toad had escaped as he had not received word. Had Bowser found out?

"My lord! What brings you here?"

Bowser grabs his neck and shakes him like a soda can. "Why are you running to Peach's room, bat brain!?"

Antasma's eyes widened in fear. "What? It isn't what it looks like!"

Bowser drags him along as he bypasses more toads. Captain Toad is peeping from behind a door.

"Your Majesty! She is ill!" Berry begs.

"She's not in there! I'll prove it!" Bowser declares. The toads follow him promptly to see what he is talking about.

Peach barely made it through her window and switches places with the shy guy. Bowser was going to beat her to the location, had he not slowed down to choke out Antasma. Peach felt bad feeling thankful for the delay. The shy guy dives out the window and Peach changes into a shirt and pair of pants. She then hides under her blanket. She is in so much pain. Its only thanks to a shy guy's driving did she even made it here. She snuggles into her covers; hearing Bowser's voice get closer as he chews out Antasma.

"Believe me! Nothing is going on between us!"

Bowser kicks the door in. "We will be discussing this later after … Peach?"

Peach peeks from under her covers. "King Bowser? Antasma?"

Bowser throws Antasma to the side, mad she didn't address the bat with a title. He then grabs him again to keep him in place. Bowser then stares at Peach in confusion. A mob of toads nervously gathered behind Bowser. Peach nearly giggles with how silly they all look piled up at the door.

"I have good news for you. Those idiotic prisoners will live." Bowser grumbles.

Peach holds her heart. Though she is faking ignorance she is genuinely happy. Bowser's eyes tempered at her smile. She has such a calming effect on him. Slipping out of Bowser's grasp, Antasma excuses himself along with the toads. Now it is just the two of them. Bowser continues staring at Peach and she looks down, fidgeting with her sheets.

The king is mad to be proven wrong but relieved. Peach was not in any harm. Peach raises her eyes hoping to take attention off herself. "King Bowser there's cake and cupcakes below if you want them."

"I prefer it when you refer to me as Bowser, Peach."

Peach stares back at the blankets, a blush appearing on her face.

"I'm wasting time here. I got things to do." Bowser turns suddenly self-conscious of being in Peach's room. But as Bowser leaves, he spots the closet. Peach freezes as he walks up to it. He grunts, spotting the many dresses.

Bat Breath got these for her? How dare he! I can get her even better ones! That's it, he is not allowed to be around her!

Before Bowser can inquire about Antasma, he spots a blonde wig near the dresses.

"Huh?"

Peach gasps realizing the shy guy forgot to take it with him. Bowser spots Peach's panic and gleefully walks up to it.

He is going to find out!

"Stop! Don't go through my stuff!" Peach yells and runs at Bowser.

Bowser chuckles and examines it, "What is this? A toad's hair piece?"

Peach reaches for the wig, tripping over her injured foot. Bowser immediately catches her. The two make eye contact briefly before Bowser's gaze travels to Peach's burned foot. An agonized look appears on his face as Peach breaks away. The sudden movement makes her sides ache, and she hugs them.

"Let me see." Bowser reaches for her sides.

"No!"

"Please!"

Peach nods and Bowser lifts her shirt slightly to see purple bruises on her side.

"I'll kill him." He darkly announces.

"Tryclyde was doing as you ordered!" Peach countered.

Bowser gnashes his teeth, "I told you to stay away, Peach! To mind your own business! Why couldn't you listen to that simple order!?"

The princess backs away and Bowser drops his claws. She was shaking in fear, but her eyes were angry. He didn't mean to frighten her. The king slowly approaches and wraps his arms around her. Peach begins to push against him. But he presses his snout into her shoulder.

"Sorry."

She begins to relax realizing he will not hurt her.

"I nearly watch you …" Bowser starts to shake, and he raises his hand to gently place it on the back of Peach's head. Too tired to break away, Peach lays her head against his chest. Despite the rough feel of his scales, she strangely felt safe in his arms. They stayed like that for several minutes.

"Why did you care?" Bowser whispers. "What did you hope to gain from it?"

Peach thinks for a moment. "I would have wanted someone to help me."

"If I threw someone in the arena again, will you try to help them?"

Peach doesn't answer and Bowser already knows the answer.

"You can't save everyone. It's going to get you killed one day." he says bitterly.

Bowser grips her harder and Peach becomes fearful. She messed up. Antasma was right. She can't save everyone. And now Mushroom Kingdom was going to suffer for her actions. But Bowser never passes a judgement on her. He takes a claw and gently moves some of her bangs out the way.

"Peach …" He whispers and closes his eyes.

She feels warm lips pressed against her forehead. Bowser lingers for a bit before pulling away. With flush cheeks Peach raises her head, Bowser's eyes were locked on her.

"What are you doing to me?"

Confused as to what he meant; she breaks off eye contact with Bowser. But she can feel Bowser's stare intensifying.

He begins to speak again in a low voice, "One pardon. Each year I'll allow you to give out one pardon. To anyone that gets on my nerves."

Peach stares at him.

"Bowser?"

Its Bowser's turn to break eye contact. "Use it wisely."

He lifts her up in his arms and carries her back to bed. He then yells for the toads to come up. As they arrive Bowser tells them what has happened. The distressed toads swarm around Peach, each grabbing medicine or wraps to treat her. Bowser sits in a chair nearby as the toads fuss over Peach.

"I'll have my personal doctor come over immediately." Bowser says and gets up to leave. Peach bites her lips nervously.

"Bowser."

He turns and approaches the bed. Peach shows him the blonde wig attempting to create some levity. "Keep it since you like it so much."

Bowser grins and snatches the wig. "I'm not sure. The toads won't mind?" With a chuckle he puts it on his head. His ridiculous look earns a snicker from Peach. Satisfied with her response he leaves.

----

The last day of the trip was solemn. Peach was happy to be going home. She disliked the Darklands but she would miss the koopalings. Maybe she can meet the other siblings later. Peach made sure to return to the castle and say her goodbyes to Lemmy, Ludwig, and Bowser Jr. The prince was not happy with her leaving and threw a fit. Ludwig had to implore her to leave while he held Bowser Jr. back.

Once she arrived at the shipyard, she spotted several golden crates being loaded on. Larry explained Bowser was gifting her with several expensive dresses.

"You have him wrapped around your finger." Larry says with a laugh.

Peach rubs her neck in response. She looked around for Bowser to thank him, but he was not present. Larry notices what she is doing.

"Bowser is not coming this time. But he did hire more soldiers to accompany us back. I guess he fears we may get robbed on the way."

"I see."

As Peach followed Larry onto the airship, Peach gives one last look at the Darklands. She'll be seeing it again when it is time to deliver the next tribute. Bypassing her on the stairs was a jittering Captain Toad, eager to leave. His nerves were still high after nearly dying in the library. Not knowing the reason Peach decided to give him space.

Soon the ship rises into the sky to return to the Mushroom Kingdom. While Peach sits on the upper deck, the ship's captain worriedly asks Peach about her wrapped foot. She plays it off and takes his son, Benny, into her arms. As she bounces the happy infant on her lap she frowns. Antasma had not given her a farewell. For whatever reason, Bowser had been furious at him. Was he jealous? He had nothing to worry about. Antasma was only a friend, he was even becoming family to her. Peach hopes she can see him again. Peach's thoughts then go to Bowser. Despite her fears, he looked more devastated than angry at her bold actions. She was even given the ability to pardon a prisoner. He does care about her in his own way.

Next time I see him I'll have something nice for him.

"Your council been looking for you, Uncle. Ludwig said you would be here." Roy announces.

He found Bowser staring at the cell Peach had been in. Bowser turns and bares his teeth at Roy. "I told you to not call me 'Uncle,' it makes me feel old!"

Roy shrugs and Bowser returns to staring at the cell.

She probably was scared sitting in here.

Memories flashed before Bowser's eyes. Bowser spent a lot of time here because he always lost to his brother in a fight. But the last time he was here, Morton freed him and told him he was giving up on the throne. His brother wanted Bowser to run away with him, but he refused.

"I'm not a quitter like you, Morton! I'm going to prove I can run this kingdom!" He shouted.

Bowser sits in the cell and closes the door.

"What are you doing?"

"Atoning. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt my Peach. Lock it."

Roy opens the door with a gruff. Bowser frowns at him. Roy is as stubborn as his father.

"Close it!" Bowser yells.

"Make me!" Roy yells back.

Bowser gets up in a rage and storms out of the cell. Roy folds his arms and follows.

Bowser marches into the arena and lets loose a stream of fire from his mouth. He spins in a slow circle, setting the empty spectator seats on fire. Running out of breath he collapses to the ground.

Bowser looks up at the sky in longing. "Don't fall in love, Roy. Especially with a peace-loving goodie two shoes! It will ruin your life and you'll be miserable. You'll do all sorts of stupid stuff just to appease them."

"That's strange. Junior said you had fun with Peach the other day."

"….. I did."

----

Antasma arrives at Pi'illo Kingdom with conflicting emotions. He succeeded in attaining his books. But now Bowser is back suspicious of him. He always questioned Antasma's right to rule Pi'illo and even demanded to see the real ruler. There is no other ruler. And now Bowser's suspicions are due to jealousy. Antasma cursed his recklessness. He knew Bowser would be possessive of Peach. But Antasma couldn't help it. Sure, it was his plan to use Peach to distract Bowser. But he enjoyed being around the girl, she was so pleasing to look at. Antasma shakes his head.

"Just a slight inconvenience. Keep low and give him lip service." Antasma utters. He goes into his castle and is greeted by the citizens of the land. They all look devoid of joy. Like they had given up and resigned themselves to their fate. Good. That is the way things should be.

Koopas, from the nearby garrison, were patrolling the castle looking for any signs of trouble. But they were not going to find it. Antasma made sure of it. He goes to his bedroom and shoves a bookcase out of the way. He then presses into the wall. The wall pulls back, and he enters. Antasma descends into a deep dark dungeon, approaching a dingy dark cell.

"Evening prince. Don't worry the kingdom has been thriving in my capable hands."

A grunt of doubt escapes the prisoner's mouth. Antasma smiles wickedly and waves one of his alchemy books.

"I have what I need. There is going to be a lot of work. And a lot of experimentation. I'm sure you'll be happy to help me. Not like you have anything else to do."

Chapter Text

As a storm rages outside, Bowser tosses and turns in his bed. Another night where sleep flees him. It'd been two months since the gathering of his vassal kings. And Bowser was bored and lonely. He could summon Antasma to help him, but that bat was on thin ice. He better have that desert warp pipe functioning soon. While Bowser flips on his stomach, loud banging resonates from behind his door. He gets up in a hurry, nearly tripping over his bed sheets. Tying a robe on Bowser opens the door. Before him is Junior in his pjs and without his shell; the little guy hugging a stuff animal and shaking.

"Papa! Can I sleep with you?" Junior whispers, his eyes large and round.

Bowser leans his arm against the door frame and smiles at his boy.

"Are you scared of the thunder, son?"

Bowser Jr. shakes his head in denial. "I was here to protect you! I'm not scared!"

Bowser gives a light chuckle and scoops up his son, carrying him to the bed. Once settled, Junior snuggles into the pillows. Feeling safe, he soon falls asleep. Bowser lays on his side, running a claw through Junior's hair. Usually, he wouldn't allow Junior in to sleep with him, due to his nightmares. The last thing Bowser wants is for his son to see him in a weak state. But he can't turn down Junior's puppy eyes. Besides, Bowser could use the company.

Company.

Bowser smiles remembering he is traveling to the Mushroom Kingdom tomorrow. He'll reunite with his princess. It's for empire business but they'll be together.

Peach. Peach. Peach.

Just thinking of her has a calming effect on Bowser's mind. His stress of running an empire vanishes when Peach is around. But after the initial calm a surge of desire rushes forward, making his heart pound and his stomach turn. The urge for her to be here with him is strong. A blush of embarrassment appears on his face, remembering the kiss he gave her. It was just a simple forehead kiss but still a kiss. Bowser gave it in a spontaneous moment, due to an overflow of emotions towards Peach. He yearned to assure her everything was okay and that he adored her. The Princess' skin felt so soft against his lips. Bowser had hoped she enjoyed it. But she didn't really respond to it like he wanted. Bowser bites his bottom lip as he tries to calm his pounding heart. He wants to kiss her again. Peach allowed him that time but she may get angry if he tries it again, so he needs to play his cards right.

It takes every bit of restraint for Bowser not to raid a foreign world tonight, pillage them of the rarest of jewels, and bring them back to the princess. Surely it would prove his devotion to her! Surely, she would accept him. But Bowser groans remembering the general's advice. If Peach were a villainess, courting her would be much easier. But then … she wouldn't be Peach. Bowser needs to play nicely. At least for now. And an idea comes to the king's mind. He does need to visit the Crystal King for a trade meeting. Bowser can bring Peach along for the journey. The Shiver Region was known for its exotic and beautiful crystal skyscrapers. Their peaks housed the finest restaurants, malls, pools, stadiums, and theaters. And CK is fanatically loyal to him, he'll have the best recommendations. It would be the prefect romantic getaway.

She'll love it. Bowser thinks with a sigh.

----

Next day, the airship carrying Bowser arrives at the Mushroom Kingdom. Bowser adjusts his blue cape in anticipation and gazes at Peach's Castle on a distant hill. Ever since her coronation, the toads renovated their old castle for her. The castle was tiny compared to Bowser's but it was lovely. Befitting of the Princess. Speaking of Peach, she was waiting for him in front of Toad Town with an escort. Catching a glimpse of her, Bowser quickly pulls out a small mirror to check his mane. Once the airship parks, the ramp drops for the king to stroll down. As he descends a group of toads roll out a red carpet for him to step on. A loud horn blares announcing Bowser's arrival.

"His Majesty, King Bowser Koopa of the Darklands! Emperor of the world!"

The toad guards give a salute as Bowser passes. He comes to a stop before Peach, his eyes dancing all over her. She walks forward and curtsies before the king.

"Welcome to the Mushroom Kingdom, Bowser." she says in a soft voice.

She remembered to call him 'Bowser.' Bowser gives a booming laugh and marches forward towards the castle with a swag. As he does in any kingdom he visits, Bowser likes to march through the capital. It was so the citizens saw him and knew who was in charge. But instead of cheers there are screams from the locals. Most toads have not seen Bowser in person, and his appearance is terrifying to them. Bowser's head even reaches up to the second level of the toads' homes. Because his frame takes up the whole walkway, Peach and her guards must walk behind him. Many toads shut their shops or run to get out of the way. As the royals walk further in, Bowser's amusement turns to frustration.

"Why is this place so small! Feels like I'm tip toeing around doll houses!"

"It's not built for koopas." Peach remarks.

Before Bowser can retort, Peach gently grabs his arm to show him they have reached an overhang. Bowser watches as Peach dips her head to go under it. She then turns back toward him; concern covering her face.

"Bowser, maybe if you take the …"

Bowser gives the princess an impish smile. "No need, I'll just limbo under here." He declares while bending back to go under.

Peach throws her hands up angrily.

"My toads worked hard to raise money for that!"

"This measly thing!?" Bowser stands straight back up while laughing. Peach's pout makes him laugh even more.

"Oh, come on! I could have made it! I can do anything. You're not the only graceful figure around. I've dabbled in ribbon dancing."

Peach tries to hide her chuckle even though she is annoyed with him.

Noticing her response his grin gets wider and he wiggles his eyebrows. "I'm telling the truth! Wanna see a demonstration?"

Visualizing what that would look like, Peach gives a horrified 'no.' To prevent the king from wrecking up Toad Town, a koopa swoops in riding a large vehicle for Bowser. As Bowser climbs in, Peach pursed her lips in confusion.

"Is that a clown face on it?" Peach asks her eyes turning to Bowser.

"Come on Peaches, jump in."

Peach looks at the clown car again and gathers up her skirt. She cautiously climbs in and nervously looks around. Bowser activates a few switches and pilots the clown car into the air.

As it rises, Bowser turns to Peach and raises an eyebrow.

"Oh, were you pleased with the tower repairs?"

"Yes, and your soldiers were most grateful. They even visited Town Toad. Not to harass anyone, just to look around and buy products. The toads were happy."

Bowser grunts in surprise. "I guess Larry's captain put in a good word for you."

"We prefer to have a good relationship with others. We don't look for conflict, Bowser."

Bowser gives a low hum in response.

Peach squeals as the wind shakes the vehicle. "Is this thing safe!?" She closes in on Bowser and holds a hand to his chest to steady herself. Bowser smiles in delight at their proximity and wraps his arm around her.

"Don't worry, everything is safe. And if something goes wrong, I can manage it." Bowser says with a wink, earning a frown from her.

The purpose of the visit was for King Bowser and Princess Peach to discuss the development budget for the Mushroom Kingdom. The topic was not addressed during the month of tribute, due to time. But it worked to the king's advantage because it was an excuse to visit. Bowser didn't bring any advisors along because he wanted Peach's attention to be on him. Even if it would take longer to plan things out. But he didn't expect the meeting to go as quickly as it did.

"We're finished already?" Bowser says while scratching his head looking over the documents. "Well, aren't you organized."

Peach responds with a smile while she gathers up paperwork. "We'll let you know when dinner is served, Bowser. I'll have Gold show you to your quarters."

Bowser reaches for Peach. The meeting was over too soon. "Wait! You can't just leave me by myself. I haven't…"

Peach's eyes widen. "I forgot!" She races off leaving Bowser to stew in his thoughts. Soon she returns with a box and presents it to the king.

"What's that?"

"For you." She says while politely handing it to him.

Bowser eagerly opens it and sees a large toad vest. He frowns.

"What is this!?"

"A gift from the Mushroom Kingdom."

"If I wear this thing, I'm going to get jumped by my own citizens!"

Peach hangs her head. "I made it for you."

Bowser's face drops and he looks it over. Unlike a usual toad vest, it was black with golden thread. And Bowser's insignia was inside the vest.

Peach rubs her arm, disappointed with his response.

"Why?"

"It was for all the gifts you bought me."

Bowser shakes his head. Peach made it for him and he belittled it. The guilt in him suddenly turns to joy as he arrives at a realization.

She made this for me.

That meant he had been on her mind! Bowser brings it up to his face and purrs into the fabric. It smelt sweet like her. It's a toad vest but there is no way he is throwing it away. Peach lifts her head up as Bowser tries to look indifferent.

"I'll hang it somewhere nice. Th-thanks."

Realizing he loves it; Peach nods and begins to leave. Bowser realizes now is the time to act and shyly digs his feet into the floor.

"Peach, I want you to accompany me to the Shiver Region. Your good at handling business. Sometimes I make harsh demands and I could use a second opinion. It'll only be a week." Bowser asks his eyes downcast.

"Is this your way of courting me?"

Bowser looks up blushing. But a wicked smile appears across his face. Peach takes a step back overwhelmed by his sudden confidence.

"So, you're finally acknowledging it, Peach Sweetie? Courting? You bet! I want you to see I can do more than go to war. I'll sweep you off your feet!"

Peach shakes her head with a sigh. Peach reasons she is trying to befriend him. She then clasps her hands together. "When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow." Bowser stammers, surprise she is not refusing. "Unless you have something you need to take care of. I'm still with you so I can wait."

Peach waves her hands. "I wanted to help Larry, but I'll ask Toad to do that for me. I want to see more of the world."

Bowser's eyes glaze with love with her willingness to go. "You won't regret it!"

----

"No Bowser! Just NO!"

Bowser was too busy staring at Peach to notice her fussing at him. She was wearing a light pink sundress that stopped at her knees. Peach also wore a white wide brim hat, her dusky pink suitcase by her side.

"Hello!? Bowser!"

"What?"

"I'm not getting in that clown car!"

Bowser grumbles and fidgets with his controls. "It's perfectly safe!"

Captain Toad walks around the car with a disapproving glare. One scowl from Bowser and he runs to hide behind Peach. Larry tries to reassure Peach. "Come on Peach. It's safe. Me and my siblings rode it numerous times."

Still not convinced Peach shakes her head adamantly.

"Bowser if I get hurt, you are covering the medical bill!"

Bowser furiously spins the car in circles. "This clown car is insured! So, you don't have to worry. And you can't tell Lord Bowser what to do! I'm the king here!"

With a huff Peach drops her suitcase in the car when he stops spinning. "We'll see about that. Larry, take care of my toads if I don't come back."

Larry gives a shrug. "You still think you will crash?"

"No, I'll be on the run after stabbing Bowser in the back like he wants."

Bowser lets loose a booming laugh as she climbs in. "Aren't you supposed to be a lady?"

"I am a lady! And don't you forget it!" Peach retorts while folding her arms. Amused Bowser turns his attention to his control panel, his tail wagging in delight.

"Oh, I hope you have warmer clothing for once we arrive." Bowser teases her as he pilots the clown car into the air.

"I have everything." She replies and gives a wave below to Larry and Toad.

Larry turns to Toad. "It's amazing what he lets her get away with saying. I'm sure he'll be marrying her soon."

Toad gulps in distress.

For the next few hours, the two royals flew over the ocean. It was silent for the beginning of the trip. When possible, Bowser would sneak a glimpse at Peach. It soon turns to staring as the wind tousles her golden hair. Peach had been looking down below at the ocean and began to blush realizing Bowser was staring at her.

"Bowser, there are dolphins down there." The princess points below, hoping to divert his attention. But it was not working.

"I'm going to make you mine, Peach."

She looks up at him, her face reddening even more. Bowser's face was serious. "I'm going to win you over. Once we're at CK's place I'll make sure you want for nothing. I'll get you whatever you want."

Bowser leans in nervously looking for her response.

"No thank you."

"Huh?"

Peach pauses to collect her thoughts.

"I don't need endless gifts. It was so sweet of you …"

"I'm not sweet!"

"Let me finish."

Bowser grumbles. Reluctant to hear her rejection, he focuses on the control panel.

"I appreciate the dresses you gave me. And when you had your doctor take care of me. I know how you feel about me, Bowser. But I don't want you to feel you have to shower me with countless presents to earn my affection."

Bowser's eyes rise in dread. "Then what attracts you to a man? You were never impressed with my power."

"I'm not sure but I would like to get to know him. And I don't really know you. What I do know is …"

"I guess I can't shove toads in boxes."

"That would be a start."

Bowser grips the handles.

"But Bowser I can see your trying to be nice to my toads. I really thought you would set the town on fire for an inconvenience."

"They're just so … I don't know!"

Peach steps closer to Bowser. "People call my toads cowardly and find them easy targets to pick on. But if you know them, you'll see they're simple and kind. My toads are small so everything terrifies them. I was happy when the tower guards visited the town. It's my wish the toads and koopas would get along."

This was Peach's way of telling Bowser his treatment of her toads would impact how far he got with her. "As much as I hate toads, they did raise you…. So, I'll give them that." Bowser utters in a low voice. Peach's eyes light up and Bowser intensifies his grip.

"As long as we make progress in understanding each other, it makes me happy."

Bowser's gaze fixes on her lips as he contemplates what she just said.

"Peach …"

Suddenly the controls turn red and a large button flash. Bowser's eyes widen and he scrambles to look under the control panel. Smoke comes pouring out of it.

"Bowser! What's wrong!?"

"Everything is fine!"

The clown car begins to lose altitude.

"Bowser!"

"Everything will be fine, Peaches!"

"No, it's not fine!"

The vehicle picks up speed as it descends at a rapid rate. Peach screams, grabs Bowser's arm, and closes her eyes. Bowser scans the horizon for a safe landing point. Crashing into the ocean is dangerous as there are countless sea monsters. To his relief, he spots a brown striped mountain in the distance.

"Coca Mountain! We just need to get over that. Hang on!"

Bowser pulls the clown car up just enough to graze the top of the mountain. Peach opens her eyes and spots nothing but orange below.

"You're going to crash us into lava!?"

"No! Its orange soda!"

"Soda!?"

Bowser turns and wraps his arms around Peach. Before the car crashes into the orange sea, Bowser jumps and tucks Peach and himself into his shell. He spins forward rapidly to slow his descent. As Bowser falls into shallower waters, he shields Peach from impact. Once safe Bowser releases Peach and cringes. She's covered in orange soda. Her hair and dress - sticky and wet. Peach stands in the waist deep soda and stares at the clown car sinking in the distance.

"Why didn't we just take an airship?"

"I wanted to be alone with you."

Peach clinches her fists and begins to walk for the faraway beach. Bowser follows while squeezing his mane out.

"Peach, I swear there was nothing wrong …"

"You've done enough! Please just leave me alone!" Peach tries to hold back tears while she marches. Bowser hangs his head and stays quiet for the rest of their walk.

As they get closer Bowser yells out to the shoreline to catch a civilian's attention. Immediately a small dinosaur, a red yoshi riding on a wafer boat comes to their aid. At the shore more yoshis are waiting to assist. As soon the boat reaches the beach Bowser tells them to clean Peach up. Two yellow yoshis direct her away to a house made of cake.

"Yoshi!" The red yoshi inquires of Bowser, staring at his mane wildly sticking up in the air.

"Get me to the boss tower." Bowser orders shifting in discomfort due to his sticky dry shell. Before the yoshi complies, it sprays the king down with a water hose.

The koopa tower of this kingdom looks like a banana split. In the background waffle-cone windmills, with wafer blades spin in the wind.

"You guys must have a mouth full of cavities living here." Bowser complains as he enters. The troops salute Bowser, shocked to see he is here.

"Your Majesty!? I thought you were with the Crystal King."

Bowser winces and realizes he bruised his shoulder protecting Peach.

"No! My stupid clown car crashed in Lake Orange and my Peach is now furious with me! Everything is ruined! But I'm not a quitter. Get me transportation!"

The captain salutes Bowser.

"Don't worry My King. We'll have you sailing out in no time!"

"No, I am not sailing away on a boat made of stupid cookies. Peach will never trust it. I want an airship!"

"Forgive us, Your Bitterness! We try to embrace the culture here. So, all airships are made of milk chocolate bars!"

"GAAAHHH! Then just get my clown car and fix it you idiots!" Bowser roars. The captain bows and rushes out. A female koopa, wearing a green cap and bows, approaches Bowser.

"Why don't you make the most of your stay? There is the Apple Festival tomorrow. She comes from a rural area, right? I think she would love that."

"I'll see, Kylie. I just know she doesn't want to deal with me right now. I'm giving her some space." Bowser grumbles.

"If you do go, just be careful. We've been dealing with a civil war."

Bowser's eyes darken. "Civil war? Then stomp it out! I can't have that. It'll affect my imports!"

Kylie shows Bowser a host of pictures she has taken related to the conflict.

"That's the problem, Sire. It's the gingerbread men farmers. The red frosting vs. the white frosting. The fighting gets especially bad around the Apple Festival. Local yoshis have been trying to resolve the manner but they are few."

"Let me guess, only the gingerbreads know how to grow those delicious apples and that's why the captain hasn't beat them up."

"He's trying to end it in diplomacy."

"You've gone soft! I want results!"

Kylie nods and gives a thumbs up. "I will keep you updated."

Bowser feels like a hypocrite. Chewing his men out for using diplomacy, when he is throwing his dignity to the wind to impress a princess. Whatever a royal wanted, they would just take it. But Bowser doesn't want to force Peach to love him. He genuinely wants her affection. She wouldn't be happy if it were against her will.

I gotta make it up to her.

----

The yoshi family had shown Peach extraordinary hospitality. After cleaning her up they dressed her in a long white blouse and fed her. Peach's ruined dresses were washed and left to hang in the living room. They even let her sleep on a sponge cake bed. In the morning, she bid the family goodbye and left to explore. Peach was now standing in the town square. She paces around enjoying the sweet aroma. Everything in the town is made of sweets. Cookie roads, buildings made of cake topped with fresh cream, strawberries, kiwis and more. The streetlamps lollipops and the trees made of cinnamon sticks.

A local vendor offers Peach a cup of mocha and she happily accepts. He tells her the king commanded them to give her whatever she wants. Peach apologizes but the vendor puts her at ease. They receive a lot of tourism throughout the year and are used to taking care of guests. She isn't a problem for them. After talking, the princess takes a seat under a tree and quietly sips her drink. As she enjoys the rich chocolatey taste her mind drifts to Bowser. She had not seen him since yesterday. Did Bowser leave in humiliation? Peach was mad at him but that crash was an accident. And he went out of his way to protect her.

"I hope he didn't hurt himself trying to shield me."

She grips her cup remembering the devastated look on his face when she turned away from him. So strange seeing a tyrant like him look like a sad child. Feeling guilty, Peach doesn't notice a group of white-frosted gingerbread men passing by. The eldest notices the new arrival and walks up to her.

"Why are you looking so glum child. Sweet Sweet Kingdom is the place of joy and dreams! Come join us for the annual Apple Festival!"

Peach becomes intrigued. "Apple Festival?"

"Yes, there will be foreign food, games, music, and dancing. Also, everyone is welcome to join the harvest. We let our guests keep some of the produce and enjoy our famous apple pie. It's a celebration of the bountiful crop."

Peach jumps up eager to take her mind off her troubles. "That sounds nice!"

The elder gingerbread smiles. "Good. We're short on help this year. Those wacky kids are fighting it out in the hills again. They've been neglecting their duties."

Peach frowns at him. Even in a cheery place such as this, I guess there can be trouble.

The apple fields stretched along rolling green hills. Nearby were many festive food booths surrounded by hungry yoshis and tourists. Baby yoshis were participating at the game booths, hoping to earn prizes. Peach pauses to help one of them win a ring toss game and picks out a bear for the child. The elderly gingerbread walks up to Peach as the child skips off.

"Make sure to try out the candied apples!"

Peach clasps her hands in excitement eyeing a variety of candied apples. Some coated in nuts, chocolate chips, caramel, and some in chocolate drizzle.

"I need to make sure to save room for the apple pie!"

"You'll enjoy it. It's a recipe that has lived in our family for generations."

"Oh no you don't!" A young voice shouts.

The elder freezes, his face twists with fury as he turns.

"We will prepare our version of apple pie for the guests!" A younger, red-frosted gingerbread man declares.

The elder points his cane at the man. "Ours is better!"

The two gingerbread men get in each other face shouting while the others cheer and jeer on both sides. Peach looks around realizing she's surrounded.

"Ours is better!"

"No, ours!"

"I want both." A loud voice booms.

"Lord Bowser!?" The elder bows in fear as Bowser lumbers up behind the crowd. The others follow his example.

Sparks fly from Bowser's mouth, trying to keep himself from spewing fire. "Apple pie. That is why the war is going on!? Look I don't care about who did what. But it ends today, frosted faces!" Bowser roars at them.

Bowser focuses on Peach while the crowd disperses in fear.

"I was looking for you in the square. I wanted to bring you here. Where were you?" he asks lowly.

"You didn't say to meet you there."

With a frown Bowser turns to shout at the gingerbread men. "Remember, behave yourselves!"

"Of course, your majesty." The elder says while he gets ready for the harvest. Peach approaches Bowser while he complains under his breath. She examines Bowser's wrapped shoulder.

"Apple pie. Fighting over apple pie. Unbelievable."

Peach reaches out and places her hand on the Bowser. Bowser stiffens up and looks at her.

"Bowser?" Her eyes fill with worry.

"I'm the Koopa King, Peach. If one bruise can take me out, I'm not fit to rule!"

Peach tilts her head to the side and clasps her hands to her heart.

"Thank you for saving me."

Bowser's eyes relax and watch Peach leave to join the harvesters. Peach is handed a basket that she then slings onto her back. Walking up to a tree she begins to pull the apples off. Tearing his eyes off her, Bowser goes over to the food booths, surprised to find non sweet foods. He orders a large cooler size container of nachos and several bags of hot dogs. While stuffing his face, Bowser's eyes drift back to Peach. She's dressed simply but she still looked beautiful in the white blouse. As she plucks an apple down, Peach carefully examines the apples for defects. Once satisfied she places them in her basket. Despite Peach's dainty form she's never afraid to work. Bowser realizes that this is one the reasons he's drawn to her. Besides her kindness. He continues to watch hoping she won't notice. Soon Peach is shifting her burden as the basket is becoming heavier. Bowser gets up and walks onto the field. Gently, he retrieves the basket from Peach.

"I'll hold the basket. You pick." He murmurs.

Peach looks up at him, her blue eyes studying him. "You're helping?"

Bowser's breath catches in his throat again. "I was bored." He spits out.

She gives a warm smile and returns to apple picking. Bowser becomes engrossed with following Peach wherever she went, under the shade of the apple trees. He didn't notice the two yoshis that would retrieve the full basket to replace it with another. He didn't notice fellow harvesters stopping to converse with them before moving on. Bowser's focus is on Peach, staying close, and listening to her small talk to him. Happy, Bowser realizes this is how he wants his relationship with her to go.

"Toad and I have a garden right outside the castle."

Coming out of his daydreaming Bowser responds, "Not surprising you have a green thumb."

Peach giggles while offering an apple to Bowser to eat. His devours it in one bite, careful not to graze her hand with his teeth.

"We've been growing strawberries. I usually buy them but I end up taking the whole stock for my baking needs. The other customers would make such a fuss! So, Toad and I were like 'let's grow our own.'"

"My brother wanted to be a farmer."

"He did?"

Before he can respond, the yoshis come to the duo and retrieve the basket for the final time. They tell them the pies are almost ready. So, Peach sits under a tree and Bowser joins her.

Bowser responds to Peach's question, "It was just a phase. He had many career goals. Morton wanted to anything but a king."

"Morton. His name is Morton…. Did you ever want to be something other than a king?"

Peach waits for his answer as he closes his eyes.

"Maybe a musician." Bowser is too embarrassed to say he also fantasized about running a farm but with Peach. Peach would tease him for it. He didn't want to do all that farm work, but the idea of cultivating land with her sounded romantic in his head. Despite being a king, he secretly longed for a simpler life. The less duties he had, the more time he had for his family and Peach.

"But I like being a king. What about you?"

"I would have been a full-time baker." Peach says with a giggle. Bowser's heart beats now visualizing running a bakery with her. Bowser shifts closer to her, hoping Peach wouldn't pull away. She doesn't.

"Well, I guess you should ditch the toads and live here." He jokes.

"I don't think I could be surrounded by sugar, twenty-four hours."

"Bwa ha ha! You said it. Though if it was steak, pork, or chicken I may consider it."

This earns a laugh from Peach and Bowser's tail wags. His red eyes drift to her hand.

Peach adjusts one of her hair locks. "Our adventure didn't go as planned, but at least we got to do something together right?"

"Yeah…" Bowser lightly touches her hand. To his delight, Peach doesn't draw away in disgust. His smile turns to frown after that moment.

"They should pay us for all that work." Bowser complains, realizing all the work he did.

"I didn't mind." Peach whispers, the exhaustion of harvesting catching up to her. Shyly, Peach leans against Bowser's arm trying to avoid his spiked cuff. Thrilled, he shifts to allow her to rest on his chest. Despite his rough scales his body is warm. She feels safe and closes her eyes. Bowser leans his cheek on top of her head and closes his eyes, sighing in contentment. Suddenly a scream interrupts their quiet. Bowser rolls his eyes as Peach jumps up to see the commotion. She notices Bowser not moving and reprimands him as she runs towards the noise.

"Bowser these are your citizens! Shouldn't you go check?"

With a groan Bowser gets up to follow. His pace picks up once he hears Peach cry out in distress. She was carrying baby yoshis away from the violent commotion. The gingerbread men were battling it out with kitchen utensils! And many of the sentient baked goods were having their limbs lopped off by spoons. The smell of ginger in the air, red and white frosting smeared on the ground. Escaping gingerbreads run pass Bowser screaming about the 'carnage.' Bowser wants to laugh over the scene but catches himself. Peach would shave his eyebrows off that. Also, his priority should be protecting the ones not involved. His imports are at stake! His eyes dart, spotting Peach run back into the mob to stop the fighting.

"Enough! Why are you fighting?" She cries out.

The red frosted gingerbread man hits her on the head with a spatula. Peach can snatch it away but she is afraid of hurting him.

"That man dared to tamper with our apple pie!" He cries out.

The elder gingerbread is laying on the ground and raises his head in rage.

"You were using cheap ingredients in your pie! And you're going to serve it to the emperor!? You are an insult to all the toil we did during the year to grow the fruits!"

The red gingerbread runs to stab him with the spatula. Peach runs to shield the elderly man. Bowser runs in and snatches the spatula to protect Peach removing the man's arm.

The gingerbread cries out in pain. "ARRRGGGHHH!"

"She's with me!"

Bowser shoots a flame into the air to make the fighting stop. All the gingerbread men stop realizing King Bowser is furious.

"Enough!"

"But your …"

"No buts! This is stupid! You ruined my alone time with Peach."

Peach blushes while the crowd stares in confusion.

"Anymore fighting and I'll bake you all in the ovens!"

Several of the gingerbreads scatter. Tears form in Peach's eyes over the number of casualties. "Bowser please help them! Their limbs!"

"Peach they ain't gonna die. They're made of gingerbread! And we won't fix this by crying about it." Bowser shakes his head hoping his sweet Peach never sees a real battlefield.

Bowser calls out to a pink yoshi. "Hey you! Yes you! Whip up a bucket of icing!"

Soon the yoshi returns with the requested item. Carefully she uses the mixture to reattach limbs. Peach gets down to assist the yoshi. As they work, the pink yoshi points at another one to prepare more icing.

Bowser folds his arms grumbling while they work. Soon, Kylie runs up to Bowser in earnest. She stops to take pictures of the scene.

"I miss the fight! Oh, there you are King Bowser!"

"Now what."

"The two rebel leaders that started the whole conflict weeks ago are battling it out on Hard Candy Street. We're mobilizing all the troops for battle!"

"Then get the shell over there. Evacuate the civilians from the area. I'll follow. Their gonna regret this!"

Bowser wants to order Peach back to the other side of town to hide where it is safe. But he knows she won't leave. She continues to help reattach limbs, speaking soothingly to the victims.

"Peaches, you can manage yourself here?"

"Yes, you're needed elsewhere. But please don't kill them."

Hard Candy Street is in chaos as citizens and tourists run to escape the fighting. The gingerbread men duke it out with spears and swords. Some are setting fire to the buildings and destroying storage units.

"The soldiers from the tower are here!" A rebel calls out to the white leader.

"Let them come!"

The rebel's voice becomes more urgent.

"King Bowser is with them!"

Several people stopped fighting and turned in panic towards the rebel. "King Bowser!?"

They look up and see the king standing on a three-layered cake. "If this kingdom is behind on its quota because of this absurd war, you're all in trouble. Except the yoshis. They've been covering for you. Now where are the instigators?"

The rebels scream and scatter. Bowser snarls and leaps down at them.

"Don't run now! Face me!"

----

Toad was reading the Koopa Empire Paper, hoping to get any news on Peach. To his distress Peach participated in a battle in Sweet Sweet Kingdom. But King Bowser had called an end to the war after torturing the two ring leaders of both sides. The main picture depicted the two burnt gingerbread men bowing before the furious tyrant in apology. Toad cringes at his method of stopping the violence. In the lower picture is Princess Peach. She's shown comforting a fallen gingerbread. The newspaper notes Princess Peach shown benevolence and worked all night to help the yoshis treat the injured. Another picture shows her bandaging up a wounded koopa. Her pictures are such a contrast to Bowser's rage filled ones. Toad could hear the tower staff, of Mushroom Kingdom, talking about the paper. They were happy with the positive reception the princess received. To them she protects the interest of the empire! Toad didn't agree with that. Peach would help regardless of her allegiance. But it is surprising the koopas are happy. It was as if they were talking about the queen of their kingdom.

Toad closes the paper and goes back to work. He had been helping with a thorough cleaning of the tower. He expected trouble from the koopas, but they have at least given him a halfhearted welcome. It was no doubt because of Peach's efforts to get the repairs done on their tower. Toad grabs up a trash bag and comes across Larry sweeping.

"See, I'm working! You can't tell Peach I wasn't!" Larry mocks.

Toad rolls his eyes but remembers something he has been dying to ask.

"Hey, Larry. What does Bowser have against Antasma?"

Larry stops sweeping and leans on the broom.

"Against Antasma? He was a rival warlord. By the time Bowser reached Pi'illo Island, Antasma was ruling over three other islands besides it. He had to give it all up once he lost to Bowser. To our amazement, the other islands welcomed Bowser freeing them."

Toad grips the trash bag in fear. They were happy Bowser took over. What would make them prefer Bowser over Antasma?

Larry continues not noticing Toad's reaction. "Antasma has mellowed out since then. But Bowser doesn't trust him. Every tribute month he goes to escort him to the Darklands himself. Why did you ask?"

"Just wondering. King Bowser was choking him out."

"It's best to just be polite to Antasma and let Bowser handle him. He's only around because he's useful to Bowser."

Toad nods and Larry walks off, satisfied with the little work he has done. Toad begins to sweat. Toad hopes Antasma is genuine in his goals; Peach is friends with him. Maybe he is no longer ruthless and really wants to topple Bowser. But the way he threatened Toad tells him more may be at stake. He should alert Bowser! But this conflict is evil vs. evil. If one takes the other out, that is of no concern to him. But Toad is uncomfortable with Larry's testimony. The koopas have moved on but Peach would want to know what happened at Pi'illo Island! But if Toad tells Peach anything …. Antasma made it clear something would happen to him if he did. So, Toad decides to keep quiet for now and investigate. Once he has everything, he can figure out to whom to go.

In the evening, Toad returns to the castle. Once he is in the courtyard, he moves to the garden to do weeding. He notices Toadette happily tending to the rose bushes. The pink toad had accompanied the captain on several of his adventures. She would no doubt help him and Antasma may not know her, due to her keeping a low profile. It is a huge risk to involve Toadette and Peach is protective of her. But Captain Toad needs help. Whatever is going on, the Mushroom Kingdom may get caught in the crossfire. Taking a deep breath, Toad walks towards Toadette.

----

This time Peach didn't object to riding in the clown car. Bowser was under the impression she would want to go back home and was ready to take her, but she refused. Peach was still willing to go and Bowser was never happier. By the time they left Sweet Sweet Kingdom, it was night with a cloudy sky above.

"You didn't want to do it. But thanks for holding back, Bowser." Peach says and looks for his reaction. Bowser grunts playing it off.

"I just don't want my imports messed up."

Noticing the clouds Bowser turns to Peach in excitement.

"Hey there's something you need to see."

Bowser double checks the control to make sure everything is working in order. He then directs the car to the clouds above. Peach grips Bowser's arm but she is not worried this time. She hated that crash landing but she knows if it happens again, Bowser will protect her.

Bowser looks down at her and whispers, "Close your eyes."

"You better not be about to give me another kiss without permission, mister."

The king's eyes widen.

"But …"

"No!"

"For your information I was not about to!"

"Still no!"

As Peach covers her eyes, Bowser chuckles and hums under his breath. After a bit of anticipation Peach feels the vehicle come to a stop.

"You can open your eyes."

Peach lowers her hands and stares ahead in wonder. Before her was a sea of white. And above the white sea were cloud arcs reaching high into the sky in a heart shape. Countless stars shined above and the moon was rising between the arcs.

Bowser looked at Peach as she stared in wonder. "This is Cloud Kingdom. No one lives here now."

Bowser steps out the clown car and Peach panics.

"Bowser, wait!"

Bowser pauses and laughs. "It's perfectly safe, Peach. See." Bowser jumps up and down to demonstrate.

"The clouds up here are solid." Bowser breathes and reaches his hand for Peach. "It's okay, nothing will hurt you."

Peach cautiously takes his hand and steps onto the clouds. She gazes down and a bright smile appears on her face. Peach takes her shoes off and wiggles her toes in the clouds. She then looks up at Bowser.

"So soft!"

"Yeah."

The princess feels a sense of exhilaration from the beauty around her. Peach takes off running in the distance and begins to spin. The moon illuminates her delicate form as she dances. Mesmerized Bowser watches her for a while. Catching his passionate stare Peach stops and she holds her hand over her beating heart. She remembers Bowser's confession and becomes coy. Peach feels she shouldn't return his feelings. But she can't help the growing attachment she has to him. She doesn't mind his company. Bowser moves towards her.

"It's beautiful up here." Peach gently says as Bowser moves towards her. He would prefer to stay up here with her but ….

"We should get going. I just wanted to show …"

Peach's eyes widen with disappointment. "We just got here!"

"We're already behind schedule. I got meetings to attend, Peach."

With a giggle Peach runs away from him. Stunned Bowser watches her come to a stop. She turns and smiles at him mischievously. She wants him to catch her first. With a deep growl he pursues her in earnest. The two royals dash among the clouds, the princess ducking and diving to escape the king. Their laughter flowing among the sea of clouds. Finally, Bowser catches her, sweeping her into the air and gently spins in a circle. As he sits Peach back down, Bowser pulls her in - wrapping his arms around her. Peach doesn't refuse much to his relief. The two royals then gently sway under the arc.

Chapter Text

The balcony offers a breathtaking view of Shiver Region's glowing city. But it also is freezing up there and Peach hugs her arms around her black dress coat. Joining her is a sharp-dressed Bowser.

"The view always reminds me of rock candy." Bowser mumbles as he walks up behind Peach. She turns and admires his black suit and metal shoes.

"I'm surprise you dressed up for the meeting."

Bowser waves his hands in the air with a look of indifference. "I can change things up every now and then. CK's secretaries liked it. They wouldn't stop offering me refreshments." Bowser declares. Winking, he lowers his voice towards Peach. "But you like it?"

"You look professional." She answers honestly.

"Gwa ha ha! You weren't upset with the compliments I was receiving?"

Peach shakes her head. "Not one bit."

Another loud laugh escapes Bowser's mouth and Peach joins in with her light one. When they quiet down Bowser's eyes glaze over. Peach turns away realizing he is admiring the way she looks against the backdrop of the city. Its troublesome to keep eye contact with him when he does that. Peach glances into the sky, adjusting her sapphire-studded scarf. The sky is pitch black despite it being morning; beyond the city were rivers of lava flowing through the ice. Wondering when the sun would appear, Peach realizes it is the result of terraforming. Many kingdoms had undergone it to match the koopas' preferences. Fearful, the princess begins to wonder if the koopas will do the same to her kingdom. Peach comes out of her thoughts when Bowser offers his arm to her. She takes it and the two begin walking.

"Nice recommendation with the medicine trade. I didn't know toads specialize in that." He whispers to her.

"You should thank the captain. I had him go on a journey for resources. He found wild mushrooms good for curing all sorts of ailments. After that, we spent weeks preparing land to grow them in mass. So, when the Crystal King mentioned a medicine shortage, I thought now would be a good time for us to begin trading with other kingdoms. More commerce in your empire means more money in your treasury. Makes Mushroom Kingdom more valuable to you right?"

Before Bowser can say something, a hammer bro wearing a horned black helmet confronts him. Peach recognizes him from the meeting. The Army Hammer Bro bows before Bowser but his eyes angerly cut at Peach. Catching the glare Peach bites her lip and tries to let go of Bowser's arm. But he places a hand gently over her hand to stop her.

"Your Majesty, did the meeting go according to your wishes?" The hammer bro asks while bowing to the king.

Bowser was not in the mood. "I hate meetings you idiot. Now what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the tower by now?"

"Forgive me, Your Grace. But I have an urgent manner I need to speak with you in private."

"NO. If you have something to say. Say it now. We're late for the theater."

The hammer bro. stands up and looks at the king apologetically. "Sire, it's about your terraforming plans for the Mushroom Kingdom. You didn't mention it during the Month of Tribute. Nor at this meeting. I know you spared the toads but they seem too carefree. A showing of our might …"

Peach gasps and she looks up at Bowser. He doesn't look at her, glaring at the Army Hammer Bro. "That's it? I changed my mind long ago about that, buckethead."

Bowser maneuvers around the hammer bro while guiding Peach. As the two walk away, Peach looks over her shoulder. The man was staring murderously at her. Peach turns back around and holds onto Bowser's arm tighter.

"Not every member of my army is happy with my decisions lately. My older military leaders, like that windbag you just met, are especially mad." Bowser speaks in a sinister tone.

"I …"

"It's fine. They're just hardcore. But they can't do anything if they want to deal with me." Bowser reassures her. "The toads are important to you. I must understand that fact if I want you to consider me. I want you to want me! Besides, I'm done hiding how I feel about you."

Is he willing to risk a scandal over me?

Peach feels her heart grow heavier and she squeezes his arm again. He returns it and her anxiety lessens. Everything will be okay. She decides to relax and enjoy the rest of the week.

At the theater the duo was seated in a private box to watch Koopa Moon. While Peach wipes tears away, Bowser is shifting in his seat like a bored child. Peach must tap his shoulder to stop. He obeys to her relief, attempting to listen while gripping the chairs. Bowser's pouting earns a chuckle from Peach. Once the play is over, Peach thanks him for trying. After attending the theater, they return to lodge at a fine royal hotel.

----

Next day, after meeting for breakfast in the hotel lobby Bowser and Peach set out on an adventure.

"Bowser we never left the top of this building I've noticed. The castle, the hotel, the park, and the theater are all in one location."

Bowser directs the princess to a balcony to look at a nearby skyscraper. "All skyscrapers hold hundreds of thousands of residents. Each building is like a city by itself. Shopping centers, doctor offices, grocery stores, and apartments all in one location. People rarely need to go to the ground level."

"I see." Peach whispers. He leads her to an escalator to go to a lower level inside the skyscraper. Below is a maze of shopping centers. Bowser rests his hand discreetly on the small of Peach's waist as they go down. Once they reach the bottom Bowser continues his explanation.

"This one we're on offers the best. I'm taking you to go shopping in the enclosed mall district."

Peach pulls aways and clasps her hands together. "I appreciate the gesture but…."

"Oh, come on, Peaches! It won't kill you! I'll get whatever you want." Bowser begs while gesturing at the window displays. Peach giggles at his puppy dog eyes.

"I told you I'm fine. I don't need any more dresses. I hope you don't splurge on your son."

Bowser folds his arms while pouting. "I love him, of course I would. Even my parents gave me whatever I wanted when they weren't…" Bowser catches himself. Peach is aware of what he is thinking but plays it off. She feels bad being privy to something he doesn't want her to know.

"Can we just look together? No spending on you, just a peek?" he quietly asks. Peach sighs. Bowser has become bolder after his confession. But his admittance seems to have brought relief to him. Like a heavy burden was lifted off his heart. She likes seeing him genuinely happy. So, Peach relents.

As they walk down the busy street shops Bowser begins shouting, "Mine!" Bowser is looking at an expensive red kart in a window. He calls out the shopkeeper. "Have it painted in flames and shipped to my castle." The two cover a few feet before Bowser spots something he wants at a butchery. Almost every shop Bowser stops to buy something.

"You're splurging." Peach quietly points out. This earns a frown from him and she snorts. Peach could tell he was resisting the urge to buy her something. However, one shop catches Peach's attention. It was an art store. She pauses to admire a display of paintings. Out the corner of her eyes she can see Bowser tenderly touching the glass. Was he remembering the time Peach and Junior played together? She gasps, feeling warmth around her hand. She investigates and sees her hand has been engulfed in his. She looks up at him as he observes her reaction. With her free hand Peach pats his. The two danced together, so she is getting used to the contact. But Peach picks up the pace hoping to discourage Bowser from anymore impulse buying, dragging him along. But it seems to excite him as he allows her to lead. She can feel his eyes on her as they move. Just as they reach the exit, crystalized citizens start to gather around shouting.

"Long live King Bowser!"

"Enjoying your visit here, Your Wealthiness?"

"Come to my restaurant!"

"Please sign my shirt!"

"Marry me!"

"Is that a human?"

The crowd closes in on the duo and Peach shifts closer to Bowser. They are making her uncomfortable.

"You're a celebrity here, Bowser."

The king puffs his chest out. "You're one of the weird kingdoms that doesn't get my awesomeness."

Peach frowns and pokes at him, "You were threatening our lives."

"Look, it was because of the toads." Bowser summarizes leaving a part out. He cringes remembering his agonizing decision to kill Peach to rid her out of his life. "Everyone can see I'm meant to be in charge. Why I was just voted the handsomest man alive in this kingdom."

The crowd presses in on them more.

"Handsome, they're going to run us over!" Peach says with fearful sarcasm. She dislikes being enclosed like this and looks at Bowser, distress covering her face.

Not noticing Bowser continues with a shrug. "It does get annoying when they get overly touchy. Wait …" He looks down at Peach. "Handsome!? Did you just call me handsome!?"

Peach cries in frustration as curious citizens begin to pull at her golden hair, some never having seen a human. "Bowser!"

Though delighted to learn something new about her, Bowser shields her from further harassment. "You don't like crowds? Let's go somewhere more private." Peach yelps as Bowser lifts her onto his shoulder. His right arm hugs her to prevent her from falling. Bowser then dashes out the crowd and runs back up the escalator. He boards a sky gondola to go to the neighboring skyscraper.

Peach crashes into her seat as Bowser sits across from her.

"Thank you."

"No problem."

Bowser leans forward resting his hand on his chin while wiggling his eyebrows. "Now what was that about me being handsome?" A blush is appearing on his cheeks, his eyes half lidded. Peach ignores him to admire the view. Several gondolas bypass theirs in the opposite direction. At one point Peach waves at a family. Bowser and Peach begin light conversation until a particular gondola passes them. It contains a couple sitting in a corner, embracing, and kissing. Stunned, Bowser and Peach turn to give the couple privacy. They catch each other's eyes. Bowser lifts a cocky eyebrow at her. Peach opts to stare at the floor. A bit of quiet passes between them.

"If you think I set this up to make out with you …"

Peach turns beet red. "Bowser Koopa!"

"It's true! But I would be happy to oblige if …."

Peach throws her black hat at him. "I want lunch!"

Once they are off the gondola Peach spots a street full of vending machines. Curious Peach points that out and the two walk over.

"I thought you would want a restaurant." Bowser teases while she moves from machine to machine.

"This gives you a hot meal. How?" Peach inquires, dropping coins into a ramen vending machine. Bowser shakes his head at her joy over the flashing lights as it disperses the meal to her.

"So naïve. You and the toads need to get out more."

As Peach marvels at the bowl of hot food, Bowser shyly pulls out his cell phone. After setting her food down in Bowser's hand, Peach makes several purchases of sodas and cold coffees - hoping to sample them.

Once Peach gets everything on a table Bowser speaks. "I didn't know when to ask. But can I take a picture of you?"

Peach adjusts her hair shyly.

"Picture? Of course."

After taking the shot he shows her the image as he sits next to her. "Is that the cell phone you mentioned when discussing the communication structures for Mushroom Kingdom?"

Bowser shakes the phone with a smirk. "Funny thing is we found out about these by reading human books." Bowser gets up to order food from a food truck. He returns with a large box of hamburgers.

"These are the size of truffles to me." He complains.

Peach takes a sip of orange soda. "You have human books?"

"Yeah, things we randomly find. I tell you; the weirdest stuff comes out of warp pipes. Except you. Even though I believe you fell from the stars, Peaches."

Peach rolls her eyes at his remark.

"Bowser, I walked out a warp pipe. I was there. And can I see the books one day?"

Bowser looks apprehensive. Peach detects he is insecure when it comes to her wanting to know about humans. Does he think she will run away to be with her own kind?

"Well … we'll get back to that."

Bowser nervously fiddles with his phone. Peach shifts to look over his arm. "What are those boxes again?"

"Apps." Bowser begins to explain to her how it works until his phone begins buzzing. Peach sees the words Morton Jr. "I remember. That means someone is calling you!" Peach says in excitement. With a resided huff Bowser answers the call. "Big Mouth why are you calling me!?"

"It's terrible King Dad! Iggy crashed my tower and ate all my snacks out of the fridge! Claimed his chain chomps ate all his. Like the whole fridge! So, Iggy ate my yogurt, my drumsticks, my cheese-dip, my fruit-trays, and my pizza! He even ate my homemade cheesecake!"

"Look that is not my problem! You should have put a lock on it!"

There is a pause before Morton Jr. speaks.

"I forgot you bought me one."

Bowser groans. "That's what you get for not sharing any of your cheesecake with me!"

"Like what are you doing? Are you killing people? Are you smashing them into paste? Are you …."

"I'm on a date!" Bowser roars.

"You with that pinky lady?"

With a laugh Peach leans into the phone. "My name is Peach."

She hears Morton chuckle from the other side. "Peach? Are you a walking fruit or something? I thought you like blueberries, King Dad."

Peach giggles while Bowser grips the phone. "She is one of my vassals. And we're conducting business."

"Liar! Liar! Pants on fire! You said date! You're going to get all kissy and junk with her! And more kisses. And that's gross! Like I told Junior, girls give you coo …"

"Thank you, Big Mouth!" Bowser hangs up the phone while Peach is covering her mouth snickering.

"He talks a lot." Bowser murmurs.

"I hope to see him in person one day." Peach whispers. "Oh, Bowser do you have any plans with the Crystal King? I would feel bad if you spent the whole week with me."

"No." He answers shortly.

"Do you have any guys you just hang out with?"

"No."

Peach frowns at Bowser. "It's good to have friends, Bowser."

"Aren't you my friend, Peach? And I have underlings and my kids."

"You know what I mean."

Bowser huffs in response. Peach continues, "You need variety in your life. People you can just hang out with and tell them things you wouldn't tell me."

Bowser gives a sad sigh. "I don't need them." He goes back to his phone to play a game.

It is occurring to her how much Bowser lacks in social skills. He always had people at his beck and call. Everyone is under him. So, he never seeks out ones for friendship. Peach is the only one he at least tries to treat on his level. But it is not good for him to be solely attached to her. Peach doesn't want that for him. She vows to find him a friend. Realizing she is concerned about his wellbeing, Peach blushes. She begins to study his face as he sadly swipes at the screen. Her eye roves from his roguish mane to his jaw. Feeling her eyes Bowser keeps focusing on his game hoping she likes something about his physical appearance. Peach's eyes stop on his lips and she remembers the kissing couple. Peach nervously jumps up and Bowser lifts his head in distress, wondering why she is pulling away.

"I'm going to go buy souvenirs for my toads."

Bowser pulls out his wallet and Peach refuses. Bowser persists.

"Whatever you get, the owners will ship it to your kingdom. Think of it as reimbursing the toads for that tower I built on their favorite field."

"Why are you so insistent?" She begs.

"Do you really need a reason!? I love pampering you! I love you!"

Peach accepts his card and runs off in a huff, afraid he'll get even more romantic. To her relief Bowser does not follow her. She rounds a corner and holds her flush cheeks. She needs time to calm down. Peach cannot figure out why his words bothered her. She feels happy but the feeling of misery is also present in her heart. After calming down Peach enters a phone store to make an order. When she says how many phones she needs, the owner's eyes bug out of their sockets. The lady begins making calls to get in touch with her other stores to complete the order. When this traction is complete Peach returns to the art store to buy art supplies for Junior to mail to him. Peach refuses to use Bowser's funds for that.

As the princess returns, she sees Bowser looking at a family of ducks. Compared to him they are tiny. The mother was leading her ducklings up a small flight of stairs. One, however, is struggling to get up. The duckling jumps and crashes against each step before eventually clearing it. The last step is too much for it, and the duckling helplessly frails its stubby wings. Bowser snorts and a wicked smile paints his face. He storms over to the duckling that is now panicking over the giant marching towards it. Peach runs believing he is about to crush the poor thing. Before she can shout, Bowser reaches a single fat finger to nudge the tiny duckling to the top. Peach's breath catches in her throat. To someone else this wouldn't mean much, but to her …

"Useless. But your tenacious, so I'll give you a pass." Bowser grumbles under his breath towards the creature. The duckling is reunited with its family and the mother leads her babies away. As they leave Bowser counts the ducklings. He doesn't notice Peach walking up behind him.

"Seven. Eight. Nine…." A small smile graces his face. "One more would do."

"One more of what?"

Bowser spins around in panic. "It's not what it looks like …"

Once he realizes its Peach, he gains a cocky grin. "Do you really want to know?" His tone is seductive.

Flustered, Peach glares at Bowser but then softens her expression. "That was so sweet of you."

"I'm not sweet!" Bowser yells and turns his head down in defeat. "You weren't supposed to see that." He mumbles - clearly embarrassed. Painting an evil smile on, Bowser marches over to Peach.

"It's my nature to be evil. It's yours to be good. We're not meant to mix."

"Then why do you lo… like me?"

Bowser freezes and averts his eyes. "I can't help it. I didn't stand a chance against you."

Nothing else is said as the two royals stare at each other.

----

Darkness. Am I finally home? How dull. There's nothing to do here. I'd run out of people to kill. Time to go back through the warp pipe.

Strange.

I should still be able to see with my night vision! Wait, your eyes are closed genius.

Antasma opens his eyes and grabs his aching head. Surrounding him was shattered test tubes, burnt furniture, and burning stacks of paper. He had blown up his lab again. In panic, Antasma looks for his research notes. It's a good thing he locked away his books for safe keeping. In a stone wall corner, he finds his note pad covered in soot. Antasma wipes as much soot off as he can and reviews his findings.

I am closing in on a breakthrough and ready to begin Trial #5.

Subject#1

15 min. Subject#1 develops fever.

20 min. Subject#1 is in pain.

25 min. Pain has become unbearable for Subject#1. He cannot move.

2 hours. Subject#1 is still alive. Gasping for breath.

4 hours. Subject#1 has vomited.

4 hours and 30 min. Subject#1's healing factor has kicked in.

6 hours. Subject#1 has healed and proceeds to mock me. I slap him.

Trial status: Failure.

Next course of action: Increase amounts of powdered gold. Secure supply of poison shrooms.

Antasma throws the notepad on the floor in a rage.

The serum is not enough! If that stupid prince can handle it, Bowser can handle it. He is practically unkillable.

No matter what Antasma threw at him in the past, he bounced back. Antasma curses his dragon blood. It is why Bowser treats the bat king as more of an annoyance. In the past, koopas came together to survive the harshness of the Darklands. The strongest of them all, the first Queen, fell in love with a dragon. That union set the royal koopa line apart from their counterparts. Antasma laughs bitterly.

Guess it runs in the family to fall for a non-koopa.

If Antasma wants the fatal potion to work, he needs to do more testing. More potent ingredients. More resources. While conserving. He may not be able to pull off another heist of King Penguin's treasury. Antasma walks out of his lab and returns to the upper levels of his castle. He takes a seat on his throne contemplating his next course of action. The toads are cultivators. Antasma has been keeping in contact with the captain by letter, and knows they are growing medicinal mushrooms. He can get the materials he needs from the reluctant Captain Toad. Any missing materials won't be missed. The tributes Bowser demands of Mushroom Kingdom is low compared to other kingdoms. The king only made the arrangement to hide why he spared the princess. Peach's companionship is enough for Bowser. Antasma doesn't blame him, though his idea of companionship with her is darker. He smiles thinking of the cruel plans he has for her once Bowser is out the way. He misses her by the way. Antasma remembers he is setting up a warp pipe to be able to talk Toad. It wouldn't hurt to check up on the girl despite the risk. During his brainstorming, a servant approaches. Antasma knows he wants to ask about the prince's welfare but doesn't. Smart decision.

"Your guest is here, King Antasma. He is most eager to accept your earlier offer."

Antasma flashes a toothy grin, realizing who it is. "Let him in."

----

The week has come to an end and the two royals return to the Mushroom Kingdom. As they enter the forest Bowser turns to Peach.

"Peaches."

"Yes?"

Bowser fights with his spiked choker while using his other hand to steer the clown car. "I have this really bad itch on my neck."

"You shouldn't wear that then."

"It's fashionable!" Bowser complains and leans down while pointing. "Could you just scratch me right here?"

Peach lifts her hand and stands on her tippy toes. As she scratches him, Bowser leans in. A purr escapes his lips and he covers up his mouth to hide it. But Peach hears and pulls away.

"Naughty little trickster!" Peach scolds with a laugh.

"Wait you haven't caught this spot!" Bowser playfully teases as she pushes at his chest. When their laughter dies down Peach looks up at Bowser, while biting her lip.

"Thank you, Bowser. For everything. I can't wait for my toads to hear what happened."

"Just leave out the part of us crashing."

The two keep eye contact and shuffle closer together. Bowser now has the clown car in park. His focus was on her completely.

"Peach, I do love you. You know that right?"

His warm smile makes her heart flutter. On impulse she gets on her toes aiming for his cheek. Bowser is thrown off and doesn't lean in, causing Peach to fall forward. He catches and she apologizes profusely, her cheeks a rosy pink. But Bowser is now staring at her lips. His eyes glow and his breathing deepen. Gently, Bowser wraps his arms around her waist. Peach doesn't move as he bends down towards her, his eyes asking permission. Peach flushes. A part wants to run and another desires the contact. She lifts her chin to meet him. As they slowly close the distance, Peach's thoughts become hazy. When they're an inch away, she turns in realization and Bowser's lips touch her cheek. This is too fast for her. He is no doubt frustrated. Will he get angry and say he has done so much for her? That he is entitled to her affection? But to Peach's relief he doesn't. Bowser just rests his snout against her cheek, his breath warming her neck up. Peach's eyes flutter as he remains. She raises her hand to run her fingers through his mane. It earns a sigh of contentment from him and she smiles. Adjusting her head, Peach manages to give him a small kiss on his cheek. His skin feels rough and scaly, but warm. Bowser hums from the feel of her soft lips and grips her harder. Peach bends into him more and kisses his cheek again. When she finally pulls away, she rests against his chest. The two royals then stay in that position for a long time.

----

Peach can tell Bowser is looking for any excuse to extend his time with her in the Mushroom Kingdom. His face seems to glow with joy and Peach fears he will propose to her on impulse. A phonecall brings that idea to an end. He angrily answers the it. But as he listens Bowser's face darkens and he hangs up.

"Bowser?"

"Gotta go. Pirates are attacking a territory Wendy oversees. And she is my darling. I can't let that slide. I'll come back."

After reluctantly dropping her off at the castle, Bowser shyly waves at Peach as he flies away to his airship. Peach watches him leave and is caught off guard by a group hug. This crowd she doesn't mind. She is home. The toads happily celebrate Peach's return and thank her for the souvenirs delivered to the kingdom. They begin to bombard her with questions, trying to figure out how to use a cell phone. Overwhelmed, Peach must excuse herself promising her people to teach them. After taking a bath, Toadette prepares Peach for bed by combing her hair out.

"I'm glad you enjoyed your trip. I wish I could have gone!" Toadette peeps as Peach stands up. Peach smiles gently at her. Toadette is a little sister to her. She had hidden the toad in the castle underground and told her to run if everyone had been executed by Bowser. She was certain Toadette could get by undetected but worried for her safety. It was a relief to tell her everything was going to be okay.

"Maybe one day I'll bring you. Oh, Toadette, where's Captain Toad?" Peach asks.

Toadette nervously laughs. "Oh him, he's off adventuring through the forest." Peach internally panics hoping the captain didn't see her kiss Bowser. What would he think?

While obsessing over the possibility Peach decides to have a sleepover with Toadette, like they often did when younger. While Toadette sleeps Peach racks her mind with guilt. She can't understand. She enjoyed the week with Bowser. He was attentive to her. The simple things he did - people would ignore, but she noticed. And she loved it. She loved that about him.

But she likes being around the enemy of her people?

I became a vassal ruler for my people. And I agreed to Antasma's idea for my people. I'm doing what I can to make our kingdom desirable. I befriended Bowser. All to survive. But I didn't expect…. I…Am I falling for him?

Peach cannot sleep and turns under her covers. She tries to forget but she is thinking about Bowser. And Peach feels like a traitor.

He's loud and crude. But I see it. I see a subtle change. He's different now. But Bowser insists he loves being evil. And he hasn't freed us.

Peach hugs Toadette like stuffed doll trying to calm her heart. Toadette squeaks in surprise but nods back to sleep. The princess comes to a painful realization. She is developing feelings for Bowser. And if Bowser becomes more tyrannical, will Peach's heart be chained to him? Will she no longer oppose his actions but go along with it to appease him? That thought devastates her. She makes a silent vow.

Don't get attached to him. Just keep playing the role.

In the Mushroom Forest, Captain Toad lays against a tree while clutching his chest. He had seen Bowser and Peach display affection for each other. Has the tyrant seduced poor Peach?

"Stars above! What am I going to do!?"

Chapter Text

The skies darken as a fleet of airships cease an ariel bombardment. Below them are the burning remains of pirate ships. Bowser glares at the sinking kremling ships with an annoyed expression. Sure, this would send a message to their leader but Bowser was not in the mood for celebrating. The damage the pirates inflicted on that town was extensive. But Wendy, administrator of it, is safe. And he seize a great quantity of loot. So, that's all that matters now.

"He has a lot of nerve. When I catch K. Rool, he is going to dangle! Mouser, I want his bounty doubled!" Bowser balks. Mouser makes a note and asks, "Should we update the picture?"

"Choose the most unflattering picture you can find! Even though everything about him is ugly anyway."

"You got it, boss!"

Wendy's airship comes into view and parks near Bowser's. She gets onto the main deck, leans over the railing, and calls out to Bowser. "I'm going to have to set up more security. Thanks daddy!"

Bowser is frowning but his hard stare softens. Wendy is the only girl in his family and he gives her whatever she wants. The boys jokingly accuse him of favoritism regarding her. He's been trying to curtail his doting but woe to anyone that hurt her. "Of course, anything for my little princess! Let me know when anymore idiots come stalking around your turf."

Wendy frowns and places her hands on her hip. "Going back to your woman already?"

"Huh!?" Bowser stares at her dumbfounded. Wendy folds her arms with a frustrated sigh.

"You know who I'm talking about. That poser Peach!"

Wendy has always been blunt with her words. But Bowser is surprised by her accusation. "Poser!?"

"Yeah! She is just kissing up to you to get on your good side. And you're falling for it!"

Bowser chuckles and shakes his head. "I did tell her if she walked the line she would okay. Peach has become more than a minion to me. Besides, I asked her to come with me on that trip."

Wendy's mannerisms become more adamant. She is now banging her hands on the railing. "That gold digger is going to swindle you. Assassination attempts, remember? You're supposed to keep a healthy distance from your vassals. You conquered them! So, there is always a chance one is plotting on you for revenge! And I don't want you to die!"

Bowser shrugs at her response and Wendy slaps her face. "Even if she is plotting my downfall, I know she would be doing it for a good reason. I would forgive her. As much as I hate her nature, it is what drew me to Peach. She saved my life."

Bowser's expression becomes more serious. "I'm not dying Wendy."

Her face is stern but Bowser knows his statement reassured her.

"Besides she is warming up to me!" He adds.

Wendy orders her ship to leave and shouts back at Bowser.

"Don't blame me when she kills you during your honeymoon!"

"Honeymoon?" Bowser whispers while his airship begins to depart. Feeling forlorn, the king walks below deck as his ship heads back for the Darklands. Wendy is right he does miss Peach. But he is eager to get home to his precious son. There's plenty of time to get back with his love. He should plan something that includes Peach and Junior.

Entering his bedroom Bowser slips into a pair of slippers and removes his shell. He puts on a flame-patterned bath robe and looks around the room. His living quarters is luxurious with red carpets, curtains, and furniture. Delicate golden patterns carved into the black walls. On the walls are portraits of his kids and of course, himself. His eyes downcast looking at Ludwig's. A sad memory is returning. He growls and changes his gaze to his latest addition. It is a picture he took of Peach during their business trip. He runs his claws carefully over the picture and grins. Their excursion was over too soon. Warmth radiates from his neck to his cheeks as he remembers her kissing him. And she allowed his embrace. It was not his imagination. Peach willingly displayed affection. She was just being friendly earlier but her kiss was real. He felt it. She must be falling for him!

Bowser nearly shouts - playing their moment over and over in his head. He turns and flexes in front of a giant mirror. "I knew she couldn't resist me!" He then marches over to his large red fluffy chair and sits in it. He leans over to his desk and turns on the radio. The king was in the mood for love songs. As he listens, he remembers the communication towers being set up. Bowser has every intent to call Peach, but for now he will fight the urge and give her space. She does have her government affairs to deal with. The melodies continue to play and Bowser nods off to sleep with a happy sigh.

Soon he is dreaming. A pleasant dream without any aid from Antasma. Bowser is in a black apron and tie - standing in front of a cake display counter. He grumbles thanks to his customer as she leaves with a box of muffins. Not spotting anyone else in the shop, Bowser slips down to sneak a slice of butter cream frosted cake, with lemon filling, into his mouth.

"Darling, those are on sale." Peach chides while walking out the back with a mixing bowl. Bowser hides his hands from her. A mischievous smile planted on his face. "I was just adjusting the display."

Peach giggles. "I can't leave you alone for a moment."

"Like you ever want to be apart from me." Bowser teases while wiping flour off her cheek. She leans into his hand.

"Oh, you …. Anyway, our youngest had to leave school early." She whispers, trying to change the subject as usual when he gets flirtatious.

"He better not be playing sick again."

But Bowser's eyes glow in delight as he looks towards the door, happy to gaze upon the child they had together.

"Father!" Comes a thick accent.

Bowser's jaw drops as a mini mouse with blonde hair skips in. Bowser stares in horror while Peach beams over the child's presence. Bowser turns to Peach. "Peach, that is not my son!"

"But he is!" Peach insists.

Bowser pulls at his hair while staring at the boy.

"Father?"

In a jealous rage Bowser jumps over the counter at the kid. The kid screams, like Mouser, and races for the door while Peach is calling the police.

"Bowser that's our son!" She screams after the two.

Bowser falls out his chair now awake. Grabbing his chest, he stares at the ceiling catching his breath. Bowser then furrows his eyes and races out of his room. He finds Mouser at the upper deck and stares at him murderously.

"Boss? What's the matter?"

"Say you're sorry!"

"EH!?"

----

Antasma approaches an entrance bearing a bat wing insignia. As his servants open the door, Antasma recalls his earlier meeting.

Antasma's guest was the Army Hammer Bro from the Shiver Region.

"Welcome to Pi'illo Island. Is everything well with the king?" Antasma greeted while waving away his servants. The hammer bro slammed the Daily Koopa onto the floor. The front page is about Bowser and Peach visiting Shiver Region. Antasma lifts his eyes from the paper and sees the Army Hammer Bro fuming.

"I didn't want to believe it! I didn't want to believe what you said, Antasma. But the king is indeed head over heels in love with that girl. She's not fit for the title, Queen of the Koopas!"

He took the bait. Antasma rises from his throne, with his hands clasped, and floats out the room. The hammer bro. followed.

Antasma talked while not turning to look at his company. "She has a huge influence on His Majesty, doesn't she? I heard he's been more forgiving lately."

"Some of the koopa citizens are beginning to love her but the hard liners hate her!" Army Hammer Bro. shouted. "I miss the good old days when all we did was dominate. Bowser has brought wealth to us but it is shameful for a koopa king to fall for a mushroom princess. You should have seen how pathetic our king was. Following her around like a lost toad. I thought he was going grow a mushroom cap on his head."

Antasma chuckled and turned to face him.

"If I'm correct, your people came together to survive. It was the only option against outside hostile forces. Overtime it became about asserting yourselves. You pride yourselves as warriors. And the princess is an affront to that?"

The Army Hammer Bro folded his arms and closed his eyes. "King Bowser has sadly become weak. It's time for new leadership."

"We may not agree on everything but our goals align, Army …."

"Refer to me as Jennen."

"Jennen? Well, Jennen it is."

Antasma enters a large room and spreads his hands out to a waiting audience. "You all made it. Wonderful."

Besides Jennen there were others present for the meeting. Individuals with a bone to pick with the Koopa King. They are people Antasma carefully approached over the years, planting seeds of rebellion in them.

Sitting next to Jennen is King K. Rool. Pirate leader of the kremlings. He has been fighting with the isolated Kong Kingdom to seize control. To fuel his fight, his ships brave the outside world to raid empire ships. And Bowser has been sinking them, even placing a bounty on K. Rool's head. But King K. Rool is a master of disguise and evasion. He has escaped capture and execution multiple times. Because of Bowser's interference the kongs have the advantage. King K. Rool has unceasing hate for the prince of Kong Kingdom. But Bowser comes in second. The pirate raises his wine glass in greeting the bat king.

"It wasn't too difficult getting here, King K. Rool?"

"It was a beautiful day on the seas. Raided a ship on my way over and crashed a play to act in the leading role! You should have seen the audience's faces! Got a round of applause at the end!"

Jennen frowned as K. Rool slaps his large belly while laughing and shakes his head. "Pirates …" He mumbles.

Seated next to K. Rool is Clawgrip the madman. The crustacean is a former general of King Wart. He was feared for his tendency to wipe villages out of existence. Mouser, Tryclyde, Fryguy and the birdos accepted Wart's defeat at the hands of Bowser. It was simply a manner of serving the stronger to them. But Clawgrip is loyal to Wart. He never took the loss of the warlord well. And he wants revenge. Antasma knows he wants to take the position of emperor if the plan succeeds. But Clawgrip is overestimating his ability. He will have to keep an eye on him for any recklessness.

"Let's get on with this! You kept us waiting long enough!" Clawgrip complains and points a claw at Antasma.

Before Antasma can retort a deep feminine voice cuts him off.

"Why are you boys all sitting on the other side?"

Jennen looks down to sip his drink. King K. Rool, however, frowns at the tall pom-pom with black hair sitting in front of him. "I don't trust you, Madam Tanger! Not with your reputation!"

Madam Tanger adjusts her fur coat and sticks her tongue out at him. "Whatever do you mean by that!? Even Jennen knows I did everything for the throne. And I was cast aside. I had to do everything I could to survive!"

To Antasma's surprise Tanger is the one that came looking for him. She wanted in on whatever he was planning. So, the bat did a background check to be safe before recruiting her. Madam Tanger comes from a family of nobles and trained to be a potential bride candidate for Bowser. It was fierce competition but Tanger was looking to be the top choice, after brutally sabotaging the other candidates. Actions considered normal by koopa standards so the queen never complained. However, everything went downhill once the queen passed. When the teen Bowser was crowned, he told all potential brides to go back home. He said it wouldn't be fair to choose any of them, as his heart belonged to someone else. The women were compensated for lost time, but Tanger was not happy. She tried to trick Bowser into changing his mind. It failed and she had to go into exile to escape punishment. Madam Tanger has since gone through three husbands. All died under mysterious circumstances. King K. Rool is right. She is not trustworthy, but she has proved useful. Antasma sits next to Tanger as she bares her teeth at K. Rool.

"Remember, we all have a common goal." The bat king expresses to them.

"Yes. Kill Bowser!" Tanger shouts. Clawgrip bangs his large claws on the table and Jennen raises his hammer in agreement.

Antasma puts his hands up to calm them down. "You already know the gist of the plans. I'm closing in on a breakthrough with the serum necessary for our plan to work. Right now, I'm low on resources. But I have an agent that will finish acquiring what I need. Captain Toad."

A snicker escapes Tanger's mouth and Jennen groans. Antasma scowls at them.

"Yes, a toad. For the mission to survive, he must be unaware of your existence. Except you K. Rool."

"Why?"

"Once the toad has the shipment ready, he needs to smuggle the goods to my island. That's where you come in."

King K. Rool rubs his chin. "Don't worry, I can get it done."

Antasma turns to Madam Tanger. "An update on your progress, please."

She smiles and reveals a long-curved knife. "Finished. It cost a fortune to make, Antasma. But this is capable of bypassing Bowser's thick hide."

Antasma takes the knife and studies it. "We just need to get the poison into his system. And stall to let it take effect and it won't be easy. As you know when we kill Bowser, the blame will be placed on Princess Peach. The koopas will demand the deaths of the toads in retaliation. And Bowser Jr. will be given the throne. As a child he will be moldable."

Jennen smiles sinisterly. "Glory can return to our people!"

"But I want to be in charge!" Clawgrip declares. "Not that brat!"

Tanger points a claw at him. "Keep dreaming. If the son can't rule properly, the generals will take over. If that happens, the empire will weaken. At that point we can grab what power we can." Tanger says.

Jennen slams his hammer on the table and glares at Tanger. "No, the empire must be ruled by someone of the royal family! I will accept no one else!"

"I just want weapons." King K. Rool says with a shrug.

Antasma lets them argue, not adding that he will be in control. Junior will function as a puppet ruler. And the child won't be able to lead like his father has. He is intelligent but his heart is far softer. And once an 'accident' befalls the boy, chaos will break out completely. In that turmoil Antasma can run freely. Any and everybody will be his toy to play with.

"What about the mushroom girl?" Madam Tanger asks with venom in her voice. "She dies right?"

Antasma sneers at Tanger. "I have plans for her."

Tanger growls. She is not happy but Antasma doesn't care. The conspirators only share the desire to get rid of Bowser. Betrayal will eventually happen, but Antasma intends to come on top.

Antasma stands up before his audience. "The next few months will be crucial. There will be hiccups. There will be roadblocks. But endure it! We are on the brink of making history, my friends. Defeating Bowser and establishing a new order!"

----

Tonight, Peach's sleep is unpleasant again. The dream itself is not terrifying. She is on another outing with Bowser. They are in a park, laughing over something and holding hands. His eyes are soft and his voice gentle and reassuring. Peach loves the dream but the guilt won't go away. She finally pulls away from Bowser's hand, wiping tears out of her eyes. Before a distressed Bowser can reach for her, he fades out. Soon the happy laughs of her family ring throughout her mind. Peach is once again on a green hill, only this time looking down at the toads frolicking among the flowers. Peach smiles at the sight and feels a familiar presence behind her. She twists around completely unafraid.

"You're back!"

She stares up at Antasma as the landscape around them begin to fade.

"I'll wait for you in the dining area, princess."

Peach opens her eyes and looks around her room in relief. After getting dressed, she locates the dining hall. Antasma and the captain are present and sitting at the table. Toad nervously smiles at Peach as he pours milk into his cereal. Getting up, Antasma pulls out Peach's chair. As she sits, she grabs one of his hands.

"It's good to see you're okay. I feared the worst." Peach says.

Antasma shrugs as he returns to his sit. "I'm forbidden from seeing you, princess."

Peach's expression becomes downcast. Her suspicions were correct. Bowser was jealous of their friendship. "So, it's not safe?"

"Don't worry I won't be long." Antasma grins at the captain. "I just had to see all of you again."

Peach's attendants arrive with her breakfast. Antasma declines food so she and Toad eat mostly in silence. Once she finishes Antasma speaks. "It seems your mission is going well, Princess."

Peach hangs her head. Out the corner of her eye, she spots Toad staring hard at his now soggy cereal. Again, Peach wonders if Toad knows.

"Bowser has been most generous with our kingdom." Peach fumbles out.

Toad drops his spoon and Peach cringes. Toad looks up as if he wants to say something, but Antasma interrupts.

"Umm Toad, could you give us a moment?"

Antasma lightly takes her hand and leads her away. Toad angerly pours more cereal into his bowl. The two royals end up in a private room. Peach fiddles with her gloves while Antasma looks down at her patiently waiting. When she doesn't speak, Antasma initiates the talk.

"The captain seemed a little uneasy today." Antasma remarks, his expression serious. Peach looks up at him, her eyes glistening. It's embarrassing to admit how she feels. But Antasma was just in her head and knew already. Besides, he always takes the time to listen to her. Also, he would provide a neutral perspective. Due to being family, the toads will react in panic if she confides in them. Peach feels she can trust him.

"It's my fault."

"What do you mean?" His tone is quiet and warm. Peach feels safe and continues.

"I don't know what's going on. I find myself wanting to be around Bowser. I like being around him. Is that normal?" Peach begins to rattle. "I shouldn't feel anything for him! I know that! But … but I've seen things I like about him and …"

Antasma places a hand on her cheek.

"You're young and unfamiliar with love. Being the sole human is a contributing factor. And a man is giving you undivided attention. It's perfectly normal. It's just infatuation you feel. I'm sure whatever you're feeling will pass with time. As you mature, you'll realize what you really want." Antasma smiles.

Peach's eyes downcast. "But I still feel awful about …"

"Remember it's for the survival."

"Right …"

"You're not a traitor."

Peach moves forward to hug Antasma, burying her face into his cape. A surprise gasp escapes Antasma's mouth. "You're right. I just needed that reassurance."

A cold shiver shot down her spine. Peach feels his eyes glaring at her neck with hunger. It's different from the way Bowser looks at her. She suddenly feels afraid. But Antasma gently breaks away and clears his throat. Peach steps back a few feet and looks up at him nervously. Is he trying to compose himself? She must have just thrown him off. Antasma clasps his hands behind his back and stares out a window.

"It's good you have his goodwill. But remember to be careful. Bowser is not one to accept someone defying him. One slip up and he could turn on you."

Peach rubs her left arm. "We are only here alive because he had use of me. And he made the goombas turn on us."

"Yes."

"I can't really trust him. How long do you think this will go on?" Peach approaches Antasma hoping she didn't offend him. She already lost allies; she can't lose another.

To her relief he turns back around. "If Bowser had a worthy opponent, I'm sure the world would be free by now. But the thing about empires is that they crumble eventually. We just wait until the foundation cracks."

Peach nods slowly. She tries to squash the fear she had felt. What she felt was her imagination. "Thank you. I needed those reminders …. I was letting my feelings run free."

After the talk, Peach finds Toad pacing back and forth in the dining hall.

"Peach, were you crying?" Toad asks and runs up to her.

"I'm fine." She reassures him.

Antasma bows to Peach. "Well, I better be off before Admin Larry spots me. I have a desert warp pipe to attend to. Captain Toad, would you escort me?"

"S-Sure!" Toad's worry turns to distress as he speaks through gritted teeth. The more nervous Toad looks, the more nervous Peach becomes. Peach shifts in discomfort and gives Antasma's hand a squeeze.

"Please come visit again."

Peach watches Toad escort Antasma down the hill. The two appear to be having a lively conversation.

"Its good Toad made a friend." Peach whispers while subconsciously covering her neck.

"Mail!"

Peach looks up and a letter falls out of the sky. She catches and it sees a parakoopa flying away with a bag of letters. Peach spots Bowser's insignia and nervously opens it. It's a letter covered in hand drawn doodles. A smile paints her face as she realizes who the writer and artist is.

Dear Peach,

Thank you for the painting kit! I'm already using it! Papa told me to send a thank letter to you. Do you like it? Come over and play one day with me!

Junior

Peach giggles over his childish handwriting. At the bottom she spots some more scribbles. But the handwriting is different.

P.S. I woke up to whiskers painted on my face. The brat loves your present. But I'm going to get you back for this, Peaches.

Peach covers her mouth trying to hide her giggle. For a moment, her anxiety flushes away.

----

A month has passed and a cave far from Toad Town harbors a secret mushroom farm. It is not like the other farms operating in the kingdom. Tall shelves house bags of poison shrooms. Toad is investigating each shroom to make sure it is growing properly. His body is covered in a white hazard suit. Behind him is Toadette, also covered head to toe.

"And then I said 'Dude! Poison shrooms!? Those are illegal to grow in the Mushroom Kingdom! One taste and you'll think your flying to the moon. Are you trying to get me in trouble!?'"

Toadette shakes her head in disgust at Toad. "What have you gotten yourself into!? First you spy on the princess. Then you break and enter an emperor's vault. Now you're a shroom dealer!"

Toad spreads his small arms in defeat and guilt. "Give me a break, Toadette. The guy threaten to kill me! And Berry and Gold! I don't know if he will go through with the threat if I disobey. I sleep with one eye open because of him! Hoping he doesn't surf my dreams! If Antasma knows I told you …" Toad begins to look around the cave in paranoia. "He must have access to a warp pipe to get to me. I just know it."

"Oh, Toad." Toadette reaches out for Toad but he pulls away. He closes his eyes and groans. Antasma hasn't said it but it is clear he is planning to poison Bowser. And worst of all, Peach is falling in love with Bowser. The man Toad is going to help poison. Will Peach be devastated if she found out? Or will she turn on him for the sake of Bower?

The older toads feared for Peach as she grew into a young woman. She was human but beautiful. When they heard from merchants of greedy warlords fighting each other for territory and treasure, they barred Peach from leaving Mushroom Kingdom. There was fear that a warlord would target her. When news of the fighting slowed down, the toads thought they were in the clear. But that just meant the koopas were outpacing their rivals. Soon they attacked Mushroom Kingdom in raids. And it became obvious the teenage Bowser was smitten with Peach. Their fears had finally been realized. And now Bowser has won Peach over. It can't be! Not with that villain! How Toad longs to go back to simpler times. Times when Toadette, Peach, and him would enjoy camping.

"Don't worry, Toadette." Toad declares while clinching his fists. "I'm going to get us out of this mess! Antasma will try to take out Bowser and they'll both kill each other. I'll make sure of it."

"I don't know, Toad."

"It'll work! For now, I just gotta make Antasma think he is in control!"

Toadette looks at him with growing skepticism. "So, you have a plan then?"

"Ummm…working on it."

Toad turns back to his mushrooms as Toadette groans. "Good thing Larry does not conduct searches, right?"

Toadette pulls Toad away from the shelf to look at her. "Toad, I understand you're in a bind, and you're using the opportunity to free us of the koopas. But won't there be chaos with the emperor dead? And he has a family!"

"Oh yeah …" Toad remembers Bowser has a son. He pictures the child mourning his father. Toad begins to walk in haste. "I don't know …. I'm so confused."

Toadette follows Toad to a pile of crates. "All I know is my first plan is to get my shipment to Antasma. But what that egghead doesn't know is that I'll smuggle you in crates to Pi'illo, to infiltrate the island."

Toadette nods. "Yeah! It's time we show people toads aren't just crybabies! But what will I be looking for?"

"Not sure. Besides hoping the villains take each other out, I just want to find out what happened to the previous ruler of Pi'illo. Once I have that information, I can approach Peach."

Toad pulls out his cell phone.

"Didn't Bowser pay for that?" Toadette asks sadly.

"I'm feeling guilty enough, Toadette! Work with me! He's the villain!"

Toad continues, "We'll use these to text message each other. Once you have the info, you'll need to get to a koopas' fort to escape on an airship."

Toadette jumps up and down and spins in a circle. "I'm so excited! I'll be going on an adventure! Finally!" She comes to a stop and frowns. "Wait, but won't Peach be worried?"

Toad folds his arms. "Don't worry, I'll make up an excuse for you."

A small voice startles the two toads.

"Toadette? Toad? Where are you guys?"

Toad and Toadette run in circles. After a few seconds of panic, they discarded their hazard suits and ran to shut the door to the farm. They then go up a tunnel to get to the surface. As the cave is concealed by heavy vegetation, the toads struggle to make their way out. Waiting for them on the road is Berry.

"Bucken-Berry!? you gave us a scare!" Toadette complains.

"I was looking for you guys! Something happened at the koopa tower. Come quickly!" Berry dashes off and the toads follow. Using the tops of mushrooms and platforms they reach the location in minutes. Waiting for them at the tower is Peach comforting a distraught Larry.

"What's going on?" Toad inquiries.

Berry shrugs. "I don't know! The koopas had summoned Peach. Larry was having a meltdown."

Larry has his claws in his mohawk pulling at it. Peach has grasped his arms and is trying to make eye contact with him.

"Larry! Larry!"

Peach puts up a hand to keep the toads away. Obeying, the toads step back. Peach refocuses on Larry, rubbing his shoulders to calm him down. Larry's claws begin to fall from his mane.

"Sorry Peach." Larry mumbles.

"What happen?"

"Lemmy called me and he was freaking out. He had gone to pay a visit to our old hometown and found it flooded!"

A gasp escapes Peach's mouth and Larry squeezes his eyes shut. "He sent pictures. The houses and businesses are underwater. And our parents graves have floated away and he can't find them …. I can't tell Bowser he'll freak out!"

"What will you do?"

"The town is a peaceful koopa village, so I'll be pulling teeth trying to get help from the generals. We'll just use what we can to help them. They're exiles but those koopas were good to my parents."

Peach holds Larry's face in her hand. "Let's call your siblings first to check on them. Then I'll talk to Bowser."

Larry gulps but Peach continues. "He needs to know. And I'm sure once he calms down, he'll help."

"Yeah. Yeah, let's do that."

Peach turns to Captain Toad. Meanwhile, Toadette cautiously approaches to hold Larry's hand to comfort him. Larry lifts his eyes in surprise and lowers them again.

"Toad I need you to gather my council, immediately."

"O-Of course!" Toad rushes off.

Larry watches Toad leave. "But it's not your problem …."

Peach shakes her head. "No, we're not letting you endure this alone. It's going to okay."

Chapter Text

Toads and koopas work together, frantically loading relief supplies onto Larry's vessel. To an outsider, this would be quite a peculiar sight to behold. As they work, Larry is chewing his claws - looking in Peach's direction. She is gripping her phone, preparing to call Bowser. Peach knew his anger would not be directed at her, but there is a possibility he'll lash out at anyone near him. As Peach contemplates how to tell him the bad news, a young koopa waddles up to her. Peach smiles realizing its Benny from her trip to the Darklands.

"Aww …. You can walk now!"

She bends to scoop him up and places him onto her hip. His mother runs up apologizing, but Peach shakes her head. Peach tells her she doesn't mind as the child plays with her hair. Actually, the little guy's presence calms her down. With new resolve she makes the call.

The two royals had talked a few times over the past month. Bowser often called in the evening and would bombard her with questions. He would want to know what she ate today, were the toads annoying her or what was Larry doing. Over time he started to ask more personal ones. One time Bowser asked what she got in trouble for when younger. Peach smiles remembering her angry reaction to that question. After fussing she admitted she snuck into a teen party past her curfew. But she stood out like a sore thumb and ended up grounded. This earned Bowser's trademarked laugh to her fury.

"So, you're not as innocent as you act? You like to rebel too!"

"It was one time!"

"Come on! Tell me more! I know there's more!"

"I am not telling you about that graffiti incident … oh!" Peach catches her mouth; Bowser laughs even harder. "Bowser!"

Peach enjoyed talking to Bowser though she would eventually have to kick him off, so she could get some sleep. Even then she would miss him and look forward to the next call. Bowser will be delighted she took the initiative to contact him this time. But she was not calling for a friendly chat. It only rings once and Peach hears a bass voice at the other end. "Peach!?"

"Good morning, Bowser."

Bowser is currently in a meeting with his military leaders. His tail swings in delight as he holds the phone to his face. He gets up from the table to go to a corner.

"This is a nice change of pace. You missed me?" He teases. Peach takes a deep breath before continuing.

"I have something important to tell you."

"Huh?"

"You're not in a room with anyone are you?"

Bowser notices her tone and becomes serious. "Peach, on with it. What is it?"

"Your kids need you."

Bowser goes silent so Peach continues.

"There was a bad flood in their old hometown. Lemmy is already over there."

Peach waits for Bowser's response and hears him expel steam from his nostrils. The military leaders can't hear the conversation, but Bowser's demeanor is concerning. His mouth is smoking like a furnace and his eyes are glowing. Everyone, except Koopa General, prepare to run. Bowser digs his claws into the wall, debating who to take his anger out on. But Peach's voice brings him back. Her voice is shaky but firm.

"Bowser? Bowser!? Your children need you right now. Keep it together."

Sparks escape Bowser's mouth.

"Please."

"I'll be there." Was all he managed to get out.

"Thank you. I'm leaving with Larry. We'll be waiting for you." Peach says and hangs up. She pockets the phone and looks down at Benny. "That's one hurtle covered."

Larry approaches.

"So …."

"He's not okay. But he'll be on his way."

Larry breathes a sigh of relief. "Ready to go?"

"Yes."

----

The koopalings' hometown is in a tropical region near the ocean. From the airship, Peach can see it was a beautiful village. There were remnants of palm trees, piers, beach houses, and coral reefs. Two days ago, a hurricane passed through. It brought a powerful storm surge that leveled most of the homes and businesses. It's a heartbreaking sight. Fortunately, there were no casualties due to koopas being good swimmers. As the ship comes in for a landing Lemmy runs towards them.

"Larry!" Lemmy shouts but slows his pace down, noticing Larry's additional company disembarking. "Miss Peach?"

Larry turns to Peach. "She's here to help."

Peach nervously adjusts her work clothes - a pink shirt, boots, and blue suspenders. The toads were wearing similar wear. Lemmy greets Peach by hugging her legs, and she pats his head. Nervously, the toads step off the ship and huddle behind Peach. In the distance koopa villagers are piling boards into heaps. They stop their work, their expressions alarm at the new company. Peach bites her bottom lip and looks around. She spots Wendy, recognizing her as the Ice Kingdom's Admin. She is currently on a roof, surveying the damage. The teen spots Peach looking at her but turns her chin up to ignore her. Toad wants to turn back around and go back on the ship. "I don't think we're welcome here, Peach."

But Toadette catches his sleeve as he turns around. Soon, the mayor of the village cautiously approaches Larry.

"Larry?"

"Mrs. Kale!"

"Is everything alright?" she asks while looking at the toads. As Larry pulls the elder to the side to explain the situation, Peach and the toads awkwardly stand. Soon the mayor is smiling and shakes Larry's hand. She then hobbles over to the other koopas to talk. Peach notices the koopas appear less apprehensive as they listen to Mrs. Kale.

Larry backtracks to his volunteers. "Sorry, they're scared thinking you were going to attack them for being koopas."

Peach frowns. "No, we would never!"

Larry waves his hands, his expression sad. "Don't worry, they had bad experiences. If they weren't getting attacked by Bowser's parents, they would be running from people blaming them for their war path. But once they get to know you, it'll be okay. Lovely community."

Larry looks around. "I kind of miss it."

"No sense dwelling on the past." Ludwig comments approaching the group. "Miss Peach. Captain. We appreciate you coming. You didn't have to do this."

"Just show us where to start." Peach turns to look at the toads, her eyes pleading with them to cooperate. Toadette smiles enthusiastically while Toad adjusts his backpack with a sigh. Ludwig divides the team into three groups. Some would help Roy with building temporary shelters, one group with distributing provisions and food, while the other assists with the cleanup effort. Peach is assigned to the latter group; Toad and Toadette are assigned to help Morton with meal preparation. The two toads are escorted to a large tent. Under it, Morton is stirring the contents of a pot as big as him. Morton looks up from his work and sees his new assistants.

"Toads? They can cut ingredients. I don't want them to go anywhere near the pot and fall in. It'll be a mushroom soup then!" Morton laughs at his own joke while Captain Toad stares at the pot in horror. Morton takes the time to wave at the princess.

"See you at lunch, Pinky!" He shouts.

"It's Peach!"

After being given instructions, Peach and a group of toads begin the process of clearing out flooded homes. The small hut Peach is assigned to has mud caked on the floor and requires a shovel to get the stuff out. Within minutes Peach was sweating all over due to the humidity.

I'm not used to this kind of labor! Peach reflects on while nearly slipping on mud. But I can do this! I can do this!

It wasn't long before Peach's hair became matted. "Yeah, I'm not used to this." She huffs in frustration and stares around the ruined home. Peach regrets her decision. But a feeling of guilt creeps up for wanting to give up; these people lost their homes. She can endure the discomfort. Peach opts to remove damaged furniture for the time being. As Peach is dumping chairs outside into a pile, she hears familiar barking. Down the street a green haired koopa is directing a pack of chain chomps.

"The structure isn't sound. Tear it down, girls!"

Peach squints her eyes, two of the chomps look awfully familiar. Wait its Apple Butter and Sugar Beans! Peach drops what she is doing to run to them. The chain chomps turn around, catching a familiar scent, and bark once they realize its Peach. They meet half-way and Peach embraces the chain chomps.

"Apple Butter! Sugar Beans! I missed you!" She coos while rubbing her hands over their heads. The boy walks up to Peach chuckling.

"They're my prize steads for chariot races. So, you're the one that trained them?" He inquiries while adjusting his glasses.

Peach pauses to look at the lanky koopa. "Yes. Are you Larry's brother?"

"Iggy's the name. And your Peach? The woman King Dad is love with."

Peach twiddles her thumbs. "No! Well, we're just …"

"No, he's madly in love with you."

Before she can counter, Iggy grabs her hand and examines it. To her surprise he takes her glove off.

"What are you doing!?"

He chuckles again and compares her delicate hand to his larger one.

"It's so small. Larger than a toad's though. And you don't have much in the way of claws. What do you do to defend yourself? Even goombas have fangs."

Peach pulls her hand away and looks down sheepishly.

"Well, I have a parasol. I can jump too."

"Fascinating." Iggy adjusts his glasses as the chain chomps go back to work. "You should take a break. You don't look well."

"I'm good! I can keep up!" Peach declares and puts her gloves back on. A thought comes to mind and she decides to ask him. "Did you find the coffins?"

"Our parents? No, but I have an idea where the water carried them. I'll leave that to Bowser."

Peach spots an elderly koopa sitting in front of her ruined home. "I saw her earlier. She's the mayor?"

"Yeah, Mrs. Kale is she's our old neighbor too. Come on I'll introduce you to her." Iggy drags Peach along until they reach the woman. "Mrs. Kale, did the old man kicked the bucket?"

Peach winces but the lady doesn't look offended. Peach reminds herself the koopas are just blunt with expressing themselves. The elderly woman stands up while clutching an album. "That old coot is helping build shelters. The entire family survived. I'm grateful for that. But …" She holds up a collection of photo albums. They were stained and ruined. Iggy nods and goes back to work. "Miss Peach, can you help her with that? She doesn't bite, Mrs. Kale."

Peach cautiously approaches the koopa and reaches for the album. "All your memories. We probably can save them." The lady sadly nods and slowly hands it over. The two work to remove the photos from the album first. After, Peach asks Berry to retrieve paper towels and a bucket of clean water. Carefully, they clean the photos and lay them out to dry. While doing so Peach looks at each one.

"You looked lovely at your wedding." Peach compliments. The woman doesn't respond but smiles lightly. Peach then lifts one with a dragon koopa with blue hair and black eyes. He is standing next to a normal koopa with rainbow hair.

"Morton?"

Mrs. Kale looks at it. "He was a prince on the run. All loud and rough. But he mellowed after marrying Annie; he had responsibilities now. He became the town's benefactor. When he wasn't traveling with the circus, he was pumping funds into our village."

"He looked so happy."

"He loved being here so much. Morton was like a son to me. I wish his brother would have left the children with me." The old koopa adds.

"Bowser?"

Mrs. Kale frowns and Peach can tell she has bad blood with the king. Peach decides not to ask any more questions. For the next few hours, Peach and Kale go back and forth salvaging any albums they can find. But after a few hours, Peach is dragging in the heat. Her pace has slowed down and it frustrates her.

What's wrong with me?

"You're pushing yourself too hard, human."

Peach pauses as Mrs. Kale continue. "You're eager to help but you have to balance yourself." Peach groans in frustration.

"You're not weak, you just need to acknowledge your limits."

Peach crashes onto the ground under a palm tree.

"What you've done is enough." Mrs. Kale says while bringing her water and a bowl of fruit. "Take this."

Peach reluctantly accepts the offer. As she drinks the water, Iggy and his chain chomps ride up. "Morton said he's ready. Hop on."

Mrs. Kale shakes her head. "Take the human. I need to finish up here."

"Oh no. I'm not leaving her here by herself." Peach insists.

"I'm fine. Koopas don't mind heat."

"You're the koopalings' neighbor. They'll worry if you don't eat."

After some fussing Iggy tosses them both on Apple Butter, and heads back for Morton. As the trio approaches, Toadette runs up to Peach.

"Peach, Bowser is here!"

Peach hears Mrs. Kale gasp.

"What's he here for?" The elderly woman demands. Peach shrinks back. There is bad blood. Is there anyone Bowser has not crossed?

"I'm sure he's here to help." Peach offers.

The lady grunts in doubt. "I'm going to give him a piece of my mind!"

----

At the town's square, Bowser overlooks his troops while keeping Junior in place from running off. He can tell some don't want to be there but he doesn't care.

"Your Impulsiveness, we are planning your next military campaign! Surely, the koopalings can handle it!" A koopa declares. Bowser cuts his eyes towards Jennen knowing he wants to add something in.

"What happened to your zeal for the empire!?"

"The king goes according to his own whims." Koopa General chastises.

Bowser stands up spreading his claws out to emphasize his size. "No, he has a point. The strong rules the weak. Any challengers for my position?"

The general grabs his spear. "They would need to get through me first."

No more complaints come from the others.

"None? Good."

Ever since Bowser has been more open about his emotions and less strict, he has been facing more challenges to his authority. It doesn't really bother him; he can handle it. But what worries Bowser is someone taking it out on his son. He must keep order. Before he can give instructions, a familiar sweet scent reaches his nostrils. Its mingled with the smell of mud and sweat, but it's clearly hers.

"Peach!" Junior cries out, slipping from Bowser's grasp. The princess nearly falls over from Junior jumping on her. A chuckle escapes Bowser's lips. She looks like a mess and is overwhelmed. But she's still beautiful to him.

"I found the coffins, Peach. They're in a safe spot for now." Bowser tells her as she puts Junior back on the ground.

"Oh …" Peach gives an expected confused stare. She never mentioned it but he got in contact with Lemmy for the details. Bowser felt proud showing Peach how dependable he is.

He continues. "I'll handle the relocation later." Bowser wasn't up for confronting his memories. For now, he was going to put it behind him. The living need his attention. Bowser then frowns, realizing who is with Peach. Of course, she would befriend one of his arch nemeses! The mayor. He is feeling a host of conflicting emotions. He is happy to see her alive. But he also knows what is about to come now they are reunited. Mrs. Kale angerly points at Bowser as she wobbles up on her cane.

"King Koopa! You corrupted those sweet children with your world conquest delusions. What are you here for now!?"

Some of the koopa villagers ran away to stay out of the argument. Even her husband sneaks off. Bowser growls under his breath. She was always the only koopa here brave enough to give him a piece of her mind. If she was a normal koopa he would have fried her to a crisp. But she did give shelter to Morton and took care of the koopalings when they were born. Bowser must grin and bear it.

"There's no time for us to fight, old hag. Why I'm here to help." He hides it but Bowser does feel guilty over her accusation. Yes, he's evil but he only wants the koopalings to be tough. How else will they survive? Peach looks at Bowser out the corner of her eyes, Bowser realizes she knows he is making excuses in his head. Before he can defend himself, Koopa General steps forward - clearly annoyed by the old lady.

Oh boy.

"You should thank the king for his generosity, traitor!" he declares.

Peach holds back Mrs. Kale from swinging her cane at the general. "Traitor!? I was never part of the koopa kingdom! My parents were born here. And I was born here!"

"Still a traitor!"

To Bowser's surprise, a tiny pink toad marches up to the Koopa General. The general keeps his back straight, but his head moves back from her sudden presence in his space. She stares up at him in defiance.

"Generosity? If you do a good deed only for gratitude then you aren't being generous."

Peach gasps and Koopa General's face turns red. He obviously was not expecting that sass. Bowser groans, he doesn't have time for this drama! The general stands tall against Toadette. The little munchkin is shaking but she stands her ground, further infuriating the koopa.

"I-I'm not scared of you!" Toadette cries out while Peach is attempting to pull her away, while still holding onto Mrs. Kale. The princess gives Bowser a look, silently pleading with him to break up the fight. He smiles, they're communicating on an unspoken level now.

The general brandishes his spear at Toadette. "A toad with a saucy tongue!? We'll see how …"

"Enough!" Bowser roars after feeling daggers from Peach's eyes. A puff of smoke escape his nostrils as the general backs off. Bowser turns his attention to Peach.

See I took care of it.

Peach releases Toadette and Mrs. Kale, cautiously approaching him. To his delight she cups his face with her hands. How he has missed her.

"You look tired, Bowser."

He is. Bowser wants to close his eyes and enjoy her touch but he gently pulls away. "Tired? Now where did you get that idea?" Mrs. Kale stares, her expression puzzled. Morton awkwardly coughs to tell everyone the food is getting cold.

Morton Jr. had set up long tables in the square for everyone to eat. Bowser sits in between Peach and the general. Junior, the Kooplings and soldiers all sit on his side. The toads and koopa villagers sit on the other side. Bowser smiles pleased with the large bowl Morton served up for him. Before he can take a bite, Wendy runs up to test taste.

"It's safe King Dad." She declares while glaring at Peach. Peach is not amused.

Mrs. Kale teases, "Always have to eat first before everyone, huh?" Bowser looks up from his meal embarrassed.

"W-well I'm king!"

"My bad." Morton chuckles nervously and gives Junior freshly fried chicken strips and fries. He gently rubs the prince's head and goes to finish passing out the meals. A lot of glares are now flying around the table. The soldiers at the villagers. Mrs. Kale at Bowser. The general at Toadette. Wendy nearly falling out her chair to glare at Peach. Bowser is losing his appetite. Thankfully the awkward tension is lessened with everyone collectively enduring Morton's long monologuing. Ludwig often interrupts trying to offer a new topic but to no avail. While they go back and forth Bowser decides to show Mrs. Kale a thing or two. He leans over to Peach as she eats a pasta dish. "Peach, let me try your food."

"Do you want me put some on a plate?"

"No." He opens his mouth and points at it. He wants her to feed him. He smiles smugly at the mayor.

I haven't forgotten our last conversation. Saying I couldn't find true love! I can't wait to see her face when Peach …

"Bowser, you are not a child." Peach scowls. She saw through it. Peach turns to Junior to wipe his greasy mouth. Mrs. Kale smugly takes a sip of her soup. Bowser sinks into his chair. He wanted to show the hag up, but he did want Peach's attention. He'll try again next time. Bowser notices the general shifting his legs rapidly under the table. Bowser feels winkles growing under his eyes. What is this doofus doing!? An 'ow' escapes Toad's mouth and he kicks back. The general jumps from the blow and tells Toad that was an accident. Koopa General shifts again to kick his true target and Toadette gasps. She narrows her eyes and engages in a kicking battle with the general. Bowser hits him on the head. "No footsies! Especially in my presence. Control yourself, man!"

The general blushes. "That's not what's happening, Your Judgefulness!" he splutters.

"Let me eat my food in peace!" He yells and shoves a spoonful of potatoes and beef in his mouth. Bowser discreetly brushes his foot against Peach's. He side eyes her with an innocent smile. Peach gives an annoyed sigh but she returns the smile.

----

After lunch Bowser rounds up his soldiers. "Get these peoples' homes back up. Anyone who give me lip about this will hear from me. Now I'll be looking after other matters."

The general salutes and motions for the army to disperse. Bowser reaches his claw out to Peach. "Peach, you'll come with me, right?"

Peach takes his hand, hers only able to grasp one of his fingers. "Of course."

"Good. Wendy, you're coming too."

Wendy's eyes widen and she stomps her foot. "Why does she have to come!?" Bowser laughs and Wendy pouts. "You don't like Peach."

Bowser smirks while observing Peach's reaction. She turns to Toadette, no doubt trying to figure out what she did wrong. Toadette shrugs. Bowser knows Wendy is thinking about that lady every time she suspects Peach. Once she sees Peach isn't like that, she'll mellow out. Bowser shudders remembering that woman. He finally shakes his head to get the memory out. "I want my two favorite ladies to get along. So, this will be a bonding experience."

With that he picks them both up and places them on his back. Wendy folds her arms and turns away from Peach. Annoyed Peach turns as well. As they leave, Wendy's brothers laugh over her predicament.

Traversing through the wooded was a pain due to the downed trees. But Bowser kept himself preoccupied talking with Peach and Wendy. The two would talk to him but not to each other. Eventually, Wendy was looking at Peach's messy hair. Her hands are shaking. She wants to fix it badly but she turns stubbornly. Finally, Bowser reaches the location. Down a slope laid a large coffin and a small one. They were covered in mud, twigs, and vines. Wendy gazes at them sadly. "They're a mess."

"That's them?" Peach looks at Wendy eagerly.

She hops off Bowser to go down the hill. Suddenly, Peach slips on the soft ground and falls forward. Wendy catches her but now, she is falling. Bowser grabs Wendy's hand and digs his feet into the ground. "Slow down there, Peach!"

"You're trying to make your hair look even worst!" Wendy adds.

Peach looks up at them sheepishly. Once safely down, they investigate the coffins for damage. Bowser meanwhile creates a staircase back up the hill using logs. Peach looks at the larger one. "Mrs. Kale spoke so highly of him." Wendy does not comment. Ready, Bowser lifts his brother's one and ask Peach and Wendy to handle Annie's.

"Don't drop this!" Wendy pleads to Peach as they lift.

"I won't. I promise."

Bowser only must carry his brother's coffin in one hand. He turns to ensure Wendy and Peach are making it. There is a bit of fussing but the two manage to get it up the hill. Technically Wendy was doing most of the lifting but they were working together. As they walk back to town Wendy begins lecturing Peach on hair care. Peach is complaining about her advice. But Wendy is slowly opening up to the princess. Still untrusting but she'll get there.

That's good enough for me. Bowser thinks to himself.

The coffins are returned to the graveyard once they leave the forest. Wendy's brothers are already there waiting and they clean up and repair the coffins. After placing them down and dusting his claws, Bowser tells his brother to stay put this time.

----

Several weeks have gone by since the storm. Bowser would leave and come back to the town to see how the reconstruction was going. Toad and Toadette returned to the Mushroom Kingdom to finish work on behalf of the princess. But Peach stayed for the entire rebuilding process.

On the last day Mrs. Kale makes Bowser and the koopalings eat at her place. Peach has been living in her home, so Bowser didn't object. While Bowser stands on her porch looking at the stars, Mrs. Kale brings him a cup of tea. "Bowser. We appreciate what you have done for us."

"Oh really? I did something good for once?" Bowser mumbles. His eyes look behind to see Wendy, Peach, and Junior on the floor. Peach is combing Junior's mane while Wendy is braiding her hair. She is wearing a blue, off the shoulders nightgown with puffy long sleeves. Bowser admits to himself he is a little jealous of Junior having her attention.

Mrs. Kale noticing where his gaze is directed at, "You're not as bratty as I remember you. I'm glad."

"You are never going to let that go?"

"No. You're still a brat. But come visit us when you marry that girl. A bit wimpy but she's nice. You be good to her."

Bowser coughs while she reenters the home. He is tempted to propose, so he goes out a distance to ease his thoughts about Peach. As he walks Bowser internally plans to make a storm wall for the town. Something else to focus on.

"Bowser?"

Bowser jumps realizing Peach had follow.

"What are you doing?"

"Thinking of plans for storm protection." He clears his throat.

"You need someone to oversee disaster assistance, Bowser."

"I never thought of that. I was too busy … It's not something we've concerned ourselves with. Darklands is a harsh place to live in. I didn't considered other areas folding over when they experience bad weather."

Peach places her hands on her heart. "I'll handle that. The toads enjoyed it."

"Well, I guess I've organized a new division in one night. You're welcome."

Peach shakes her head.

"How are you doing?" She inquires.

Bowser sighs. "A storm of emotions. Glad I can get away from here soon. I just couldn't abandon it. Morton loved this town. He should have had the throne. But he was not meeting expectations. He lacked power and had a weak body compared to a usual dragon turtle." Bowser leans up against a tree. Peach is still listening so he continues. "So, I was born and to my parents delight had the genetic lottery. The only thing they didn't like was that I was a crybaby."

Bowser gives a far-off stare and continues. "So, they would pit us against each other. Despite my age, I gave him a challenge but I couldn't beat him. Morton got tired and started a prison riot, the idiot. He had teamed up with imprisoned gorillas. He wanted me to come but I refused. I wanted to be king so badly."

"Did you ever make contact with him after …?"

"Yeah, he would send me letters and pictures. Eventually, he told me about Annie. He loved her so much. And then the kids." Bowser pauses and looks away. Peach places a hand on his arm. "One day the letters stopped. In a faraway village there was an accident during the performance. The kids and the coffins were brought back here. And Mrs. Kale contacted me. The village feared I was going to kill them all over the accident. I thought about it. But it was not their fault and they'd done nothing but good for my brother. And it wouldn't bring him back. I was ashamed it even came into my mind. So, I took the kids."

Peach looks down, contemplating.

Bowser stares tenderly at Peach. "Look at me telling you all about my backstory. I need to hear more of yours. Starting with that graffiti incident."

Peach playfully punches his arm and giggles. Bowser turns to face her.

"Peach, I want to thank you. This was not any of your business. You could have turned a blind eye. Or even rejoice over my misfortune."

Peach's eyes downcast and a pink blush appears on her cheeks. "He meant a lot to you and your kids."

"…"

"I could have been more helpful though." Peach frowns, no doubt remembering her struggle to lift the simplest of things.

Bowser feels a strong yearning for her. In his mind she is already his Queen.

"Peach …"

She looks up at him. The light from the stars are making Peach's eyes sparkle. Bowser softly gazes into them. Her gaze is intense but a hint of distress is behind them. How he wishes to wash away Peach's worries. She doesn't need to fear him. Bowser leads down towards her. To his delight Peach lifts her head to meet him. Their lips lightly touch in a shy kiss. Bowser's heart pounds from the contact. He relishes the softness of her lips and closes his eyes. She tastes sweet and he wonders what she thinks of him. Bowser opens one half-lidded eye now self-conscious, but she doesn't look disgusted with him. Peach parts to catch her breath. Her eyes are even more alluring and Bowser gently pulls her back in, placing a hand on the back of her head. Peach responds with a giggle and rests her hands on his chest. He places his free hand on her waist. A growl escapes Bowser's throat as he moves along her lips, deepening the kiss. The two stay like that for a moment. Finally, Peach pulls away and Bowser gives a frustrated groan. "Everyone is going to be looking for us." A mischievous laugh escapes her lips as she snuggles into his arms.

"Oh, alright." Bowser fully embraces her as Peach clings to him.

"I wish we met under better circumstances. I like you more when you're kind." She whispers.

"…."

"You could do so much good if you ..."

"I … can't give it up."

Peach grip on him tightens. She looks up at him, her expression full of pain.

"I don't intend to be a vassal to you forever, Bowser."

Bowser's eyes light up in amusement.

"Oh … do I sense a rebellion on the horizon?"

"Maybe."

She is serious. Bowser would never admit it, but a part of him would give up his empire for her. If only it was that easy. He has gone too far now. In his mind there is no turning back. But …

"Well, maybe a few things can change. For you …"

Bowser leans down to touch her nose with his snout. Peach smiles, a tear falling down her cheek.

"Papa? Peach?"

Shocked, the two look up and see Junior. He is standing on a tree branch. He backflips off into Bowser's arms. "Boy, what are you doing out here? It's late!"

"I was just looking for you. Then I saw you get all mushy."

Bowser's cheeks turn a bright red. "That's what you get for not minding your own business."

"Oh Papa …"

Peach giggles and places a hand on Junior's face. He leans into her hand. "Let's head back before your cousins worry about you."

While holding Junior, Bowser wraps an arm around Peach and they walk back together.

----

"Tanger, what are you doing in my lab!?" Antasma has a knife ready as she enters the room.

"I came to see how everything is going." She replies as she peers into the test tubes.

Antasma hides the knife under his cape with a huff. "King K. Rool has secured the shipment of poison shrooms and successfully delivered them undetected."

Tanger claps her hands but a fractured green pipe catches her attention. She looks at it quizzically. Antasma notices and taps on it.

"I was tasked with fixing it. Someone had shattered it."

"This must have been a pain to paste together. What does it connect to?"

"I think a place called Sarasaland. No clue what's over there, except that a war is going on. The king seeks treasure there however."

Antasma begins to push Tanger out. "Now get out! I have somewhere to go."

"Need help with it?"

"No, it concerns the good captain. He wanted to have a meeting with me. I'll request his assistance from Peach to install the pipe. We'll talk then."

Tanger rubs her chin. "Awfully suspicious."

"Indeed."

Tanger's eyes light up in excitement. "Anyway. I was thinking about the plan. You know the part with Peach being blamed for Bowser's murder? I was thinking why we don't give the koopas a valid reason to think Peach turned on Bowser. Let's leak to her information about Bowser's previous brides."

Antasma frowns. "They were potential brides. Everyone knew he wasn't into romance until he saw Peach. And it was the koopa queen's idea in the first place, an incident he apologized to the women for."

"NO! Embellish it for Peach! I have pictures of me and him together. Tell her he dates for his own entertainment. So, she'll think she's next on the chopping list. While he is on his campaign in Sarasaland, she'll stew on it."

"Force a breakup between them? Make the koopas think a jealous girl killed the emperor. Peach only has a crush on him, Madam Tanger. The knowledge wouldn't be devastating to her."

"Keep telling yourself that." Tanger mumbles.

Antasma ignores her comment and continues, "The koopas only need to know Peach and the toads were present during the assassination. That's enough for them. Besides, even if it made her jealous, as you claimed, it wouldn't last. Before we even make our move, Bowser will have happily explained to Peach what really happened between you and him."

Tanger looks away angerly. With a growl, she marches out and slams the door. Antasma groans and falls into a chair. That idea would be completely unnecessary and a waste of his time. Antasma silently begs that his other conspirators won't complicate things.

But he confesses to himself that he wouldn't mind seeing Peach's sad eyes again. Her reaction to King Goomba's betrayal was delightful. Her eyes are even more striking when she's afraid. How he looks forward to the day they belong to him. The bat king nearly lost his composure when the princess hugged him. He really wanted to sink his fangs into her throat at that moment. Just to see her fear and terror. His eyes glow at the thought and he slaps his face to maintain the small veil of sanity he has. Focus. All in good time. All in good time. Peach thinks he is a friend. But she'll come to fear him. In due time.

Chapter Text

Finally free from the confines of a crate, Toadette is now hiding behind a statue of Antasma. She had successfully sneaked aboard the pirate ship and made it to Pi'illo Island. There were a few close calls with the captain, but they never noticed she had stowed aboard. The pirate ship now departs from the beach and slips into the fog. As Toadette takes in her surroundings, Antasma's servants arrive to seize the packages. She stays back some distance before following them.

Eventually, the servants are confronted by a band of koopa troopas from the island's tower. They begin to inquire about the content of the boxes. But a hammer bro marches up explaining to the koopas the shipment is from him. He claims they are for the future villa. The koopas accept his explanation with a laugh and return to their patrols. Toadette knew the man was lying. Contained in the crates were the poison shrooms Antasma ordered Toad to grow. Why is the hammer bro protecting the cargo? Toadette concludes that he is in on the scheme to assassinate Bowser.

While debating whether to follow the hammer bro, Toadette feels a light buzzing in her pocket. She realizes Toad is texting her.

Toad: Made it?

Toadette: Yeah. But there are more people in on this than you.

Toad: (Frowning face.) That's not our concern if they keep the fight between themselves and Bowser alone. We just need to know what happened to the previous monarch.

Toadette: I won't let you down!

Toad: I know you won't. And I'll do what I must to make sure Antasma doesn't come back soon.

Toadette frowns as she read the ominous message. Is the captain about to do something reckless? Her phone buzzes again before she can inquire what he means. It's Peach.

Peach: Call now.

Toadette gulps. She peeks around and once she knows she is alone; she dials for Peach.

"I'm in trouble, am I?" she asks sheepishly.

"Toadette! I came home and Toad told me you are on a business trip, for our kingdom! Alone!"

"Peach, I'm not a kid! I can handle myself!"

Peach sighs "…. sorry. I sound like the toad elders, huh?"

"It's okay. Besides, Toad is meeting up with me after his assignment."

"Yes, Antasma had a trade deal and Toad said he would go on my behalf. Stay close to him, please."

"O-Okay. Love you."

"Love you too."

Toadette ends the call and hangs her head. She feels bad for lying. She and Toad are not meeting up. In fact, Toad should be in the Desert Kingdom by now. Pushing down the guilt, Toadette stands to peek around town. The citizens walk around quietly with their heads down. Peach mentioned it before they acted strange. Toadette wonders if it was just them being reserved. Her thoughts are interrupted by robotic garble and Toadette ducks behind a bush. On the road winged statue-like creatures patrol. They look ancient but the eyes indicate they are robots. Each one have Antasma's insignia craved into them. Toadette groans. Not only does she need to avoid koopa patrols but these guys. She clinches her fists. She can't fail.

----

In another part of the world, Captain Toad is currently traveling across the desert in a small blue kart. Sweat falls down his face and he dabs his face with a towel. Even though it is night, the heat is unbearable. Right now, his people are harvesting the medicinal mushrooms for trade. Toad breathes heavily. He should be there supporting the princess. When kids they were nearly inseparable. They played together. They even argued and got into trouble together. The two along with his biological sister, Toadette, were like siblings. Toad feared for the kingdom when it came under koopa occupation. But Peach has handled everything in strive. Thanks to her leadership, the kingdom has been surviving. What should have been a harsh life, was turned into opportunity. Other kings and queens have been opening to Mushroom Kingdom for business. More trade and improvements in infrastructure for the kingdom. And as for King Bowser … Larry was right. Peach has Bowser wrapped around her finger. She'll be alright.

Suddenly, Toad jumps from his phone ringing. Speaking of Peach …

"Yo!"

"I talked to Toadette. You two better not be long with that trip."

Toad laughs nervously and stops his kart. "We have this. You've had a lot to do. So, this is our way of helping. Mushroom Kingdom's peace depends on it."

Peach goes silent, Toad braces himself. Peach sighs, "You've been so quiet since we left the Darklands, Toad. I … I know you have a lot on your plate."

Toad clears his throat. He debates asking about her feelings for Bowser. "Peach …"

"Thanks for your help. I-If there's anything you want to talk about, let me know."

Toad decides not to ask. "It's nothing, Peach! I gotta go!" He hangs up and restarts his engine. Before he drives off again, Toad looks through his phone contacts. When he sees the one, he wants, he begins tapping.

Toad: King Koopa! I know what's going on between you and Peach! You better not break her heart! Please take care of her.

Toad hits send and ignores the angry texts, demanding to know how he has his number. The captain hits the gas pedal and speeds off to his destination. Toad's phone rings like crazy as a temple comes into view. Antasma was in front of the temple, staring at a wall. Toad parks and contemplates his next move. He readies a syringe in his pocket, laced with poisoned shroom extract.

This is the stupidest thing I will ever do. But I gotta do it. I gotta take him out!

But as Toad runs up to stab Antasma with the syringe, the bat turns in fury. His yellow eyes are glowing, his claws shaking. Toad falls on his backside - happy he didn't have the syringe exposed and that he didn't stick himself, by accident. Antasma hurls the repaired warp pipe, shattering it on the ground. Toad's courage to attack Antasma has come and gone.

"Dude! Didn't that take months to rebuild!?" Toad cries out.

Antasma grabs Toad by the vest, pulling him to eye level. The bat then turns him to look at the wall. Where the old warp pipe was is a new one in place.

"All that work! All that work, and there is a new one!? I tell the truth! King Bowser is pulling my leg!" Antasma shouts and begins choking Toad. Toad panics and struggles with all his might to break free.

"You don't have any legs!" He chokes out.

With a growl, Antasma tosses Toad to the ground. The captain grabs his throat, catching his breath.

"Figuratively. Figuratively, my dear captain." Antasma retorts while dusting his cape off. He clasps his claws together at the waist. The pose eerily reminds Toad of Peach's mannerisms. To be honest the creepy bat has done this before. Toad shakenly stands back up and looks at the newly placed pipe. "How do they work?"

"They're connected to a vast space. A space that simply allows you to travel between worlds. But I want to know who put this one here." Antasma examines it. "Someone on the other side destroyed the original pipe. Now a new one is in place. This can't be good."

Unexpectedly, the pipe glows and the two move backwards. A large glowing ball exits the pipe, ascending into the sky. Toad and Antasma stare up at it, mouths agape. The object reforms into a giant metallic flying disk with a blue dome. Below the disk, a compartment opens revealing a pair of cannons. And the cannons begins to indiscriminately fire! Antasma turns into a flock of bats to dodge. Toad screams and runs for his kart. He hops in, frantically driving away before the spot he was in turns into a crater. Toad looks over his shoulder, witnessing the disk firing at a town in distance. In moments, the town erupts into flames. Toad turns around and maneuvers his kart behind a large boulder, narrowly avoiding a laser. He steps out and presses against the boulder, grabbing his chest, not noticing Antasma hiding alongside him. The two peeks around the boulder once the firing stops. Instead of advancing, the disk stays hovering over the pipe guarding it.

"This isn't good. I think that's a scout. They may be planning to invade this world." Antasma says as he rests against the boulder. "This won't do. It'll ruin everything."

Antasma then points at Toad. "Contact the koopas using '3760.' It's their emergency number for any rouge warlords invading Bowser's turf. We need to get the general over here, now. I'll do the talking."

Toad stares at the burning town. "You don't have to tell me twice."

----

The next day, a caravan of bullet bill tanks and soldiers led by the Koopa General marched into the Desert Kingdom. Two airships were following behind to provide backup. The general then orders his men towards the temple. Having spent the night next to the boulder, Antasma met them to explain the situation. He huffs in annoyance as he does so. Toad took the risk of making it to the town to help the locals. The measly toad nearly got blown up and he got caught in the crossfire. But it works for the bat as he does not want the general to know Toad was here.

"So, the UFO came out and started shooting?" the general muses while observing the disk.

"It won't let anyone near the portal." Antasma says leaving out the part of Toad being present.

The Koopa General signals for the airships to move in. "It's hostile. I want it destroyed."

The airships move into position to fire on the target. Once they begin another disk appears out of the portal shooting. The laser fire cuts through one airship igniting it in the sky. The original disk joins in the battle, its lasers sweeping across the desert. Bright rays cut through a section of the army, instantly killing the koopas caught in the crossfire. Only their shells are left behind. The general's cool composure breaks for a millisecond, and he orders the foot soldiers to fall back. Usually, he would want them to endure no matter who fell. So, they obey without delay. The tanks move forward enduring the onslaught.

Meanwhile, Toad runs into Kylie Koopa in the town. Currently, she is taking pictures of the scorched buildings. "Kylie? You shouldn't be out here!"

Turning to Toad she taps his mushroom cap. "I should be asking why you are here, Captain Toad. I came with the soldiers. Can't miss a big story!" She begins to interview the locals for their accounts. Suddenly, the sound of battle catches everyone's attention. The civilians run, fearing the lasers will come their way again. But Kylie grabs her camera and begs Toad to drive her over there.

Back at the battlefield, soldiers are running to escape the death rays. Spears, helmets, and jeeps are left in the confusion. Meanwhile, the general leaps into a tank and rushes one of the disks - screaming in rage. It fires at him charring the tank, but the structure holds against the intense heat. The general then unloads his entire arsenal at the disk's dome. A few brave koopa troopas back him with bazookas, aiming for the cannons. But a shield is absorbing the blows.

"Keep at it!" The general shouts.

The shield begins to change colors under fire and it finally gives in. An explosion rips out from the dome as the UFO hits the ground. Even though it is down the general rams into the vehicle and orders two other tanks to keep shooting it.

The other flying disk pursues the fleeing foot soldiers and is confronted by the surviving airship. The UFO's lasers cut through it but the airship intentionally crashes into it, slowing its movement to buy the soldiers time to run. Finally arriving, Toad and Kylie come to a stop on the battlefield. Kylie's excited smile is now gone. She jumps off Toad's kart and begins recording.

"Kylie, we need to get out of here!" Toad cries out.

She keeps recording. "The king will want to see! Get out of here, Toad!"

Toad leaves her but spots a few injured soldiers on the ground. Using his kart Toad drives the troops back to the town. He returns to help more flee as lasers and bullet bills fly overhead. As he does so, Toad spots Antasma floating along the battlefield. Despite the chaos, he is examining the empty shells. Toad covers his mouth realizing the fate of those koopas. But Antasma is smiling, with a hint of glee in his eyes. Toad feels rage build up in his heart. He doesn't like the koopas but they are being slaughtered! And Antasma is standing in the battlefield not caring. He seems to be enjoying it, despite feeling the disks were a nuisance.

He's insane.

The last UFO hovers, bypassing Toad and firing ahead. Toad spots the warp pipe. A new plan quickly forms in his head. Now is the time. Toad throws his bag into a pile of flaming wreckage. He then jumps into his kart.

"Peach, Toadette, everyone. I'm sorry!"

Toad slams on his gas pedal, speeding around fleeing soldiers and laser fire. Knuckles white from gripping the wheel, Toad smashes into Antasma, speeding towards the pipe.

"What are you doing!?" the bat screams, trapped against the hood. Toad enters the pipe and they are engulfed in a blinding light. Toad shields his eyes with a free arm. Once the light subsides, Toad reopens his eyes to see if he had died yet. Instead, they are traveling through a clear tunnel. The space surrounding the tunnel was a mass of multicolored clouds. He could spot multiple warp pipes in the distance. No time to admire the view. Toad does not let up on the gas even though the large tunnel is dragging them along. Antasma hangs onto the hood of the kart, recovering from the shock of Toad's betrayal.

"Why!? Do you know what you've just done!? What I will do to you, Captain!?"

"I hate Bowser! He's selfish! Evil! But he doesn't hide who he is. And he has some standards! I trust Peach with him more than you! There's something about you! Something horrible! I won't let you hurt my family!"

Antasma breaks apart and reforms behind Toad. He pulls a knife out and holds it to Toad's small neck. "You'll suffer for this, fungus!"

"No, we go together!"

I'm gonna die!

Toad looks ahead and sees another disk coming towards them at a fork in the road. It immediately fires at the kart. The explosion rips the two enemies apart from each other, Toad getting slashed along his mushroom cap. The disk continues down the path towards Desert Kingdom. Meanwhile, Toad is sucked down the path the disk was coming from while Antasma is dragged along another - screeching in rage. Due to his injuries Toad is losing consciousness. He sees a bright light again and closes his eyes.

It's up to you now Toadette!

The second UFO is finally down, the tanks swarm it - firing into it without mercy. As they do, the general climbs out of his tank. He spots the captain's burning bag. The general recognizes it belongs to the toad, the one that hangs out with that arrogant Toadette. Bewildered, he walks up to it maneuvering around the chaos. He reaches into the flames and pulls the backpack out. Kylie spots him holding the bag.

She cries out, "Captain Toad!? Oh no! Poor little guy!"

Before the general can inquire why the toad was there a koopa troopa runs up to him, interrupting.

"Sir! Another disk has appeared. And one was spotted in Crystal Kingdom! Another near Mushroom Kingdom! And several by the Darklands."

"How? Only two came out … There are other entrances then. Locate the hidden entrances. Destroy our enemies. Now!"

----

Peach wakes up to a blaring horn. She knows what it means and hugs her blankets close. It means there is an invasion from a foreign enemy, and all vassals are to report to battle. Peach runs up to a window and pulls back the curtains. To her horror she sees a large grey object laying waste to Town Toad. She quickly ties on a robe. Once outside, Peach leaps off the hill and uses her parasol to slow her descent.

"Everyone hide behind the hills! If anyone trips, pick them up." Peach shouts at her fleeing citizens. As Peach runs towards the disk, bullet bills fly overhead at the monstrosity. The princess pauses, spotting Larry riding one of the bullet bills.

"Larry!?"

Larry jumps as the bullet bill explodes against the UFO. He lands with a loud bang and inhales. He expels fire against the glass dome until he breaks through its shielding. The UFO wobbles and shoots off a stray shot. Fortunately, the laser only hits one of the castle's towers. The disk makes a rapid descent as Larry holds on. They crash into a supermarket and Larry is sent flying into the cash registers. As Peach approaches, a small purple creature rises out the UFO. He has purple skin, a black beard, sharp ears, and fangs. The creature was injured from Larry's attack and moves with a limp. He angrily shouts, aims a laser gun at Larry and fires. The koopa tucks into his shell to avoid danger. The creature turns to fire at Peach, grazing her shoulder.

"Die human scum!"

Shaking off the pain, Peach speeds out of the creature's view and comes behind him - delivering a swift kick to the back of his head. The creature falls over and Larry tackles him.

"Not so tough without their tech. Peach! Get me some rope!"

She runs to the back of the store to locate the requested item. The alarm was still blaring. Peach returns with the rope and Larry grabs it.

"Larry, what's going on!?"

"You're not safe here human! You'll die a miserable death, maggot!" The creature shouts causing Peach to jump back.

Larry scowls at him. "Shut up!" He then turns to Peach as he roughly ties the man up. "Peach, the UFOs are appearing all throughout the empire. Keep an eye on the sky."

Peach instantly worries. "Toad! Toadette!"

"You can't leave! We're in lock down! And they can handle themselves."

Peach moves to look inside the damaged disk. The interior was otherworldly, lights fading in and out. "Your right. Antasma is with them. They're safe." She mumbles.

----

In the Darklands, several UFOs are wreaking havoc. One razes a town to the ground. As it hovers about, the soldiers coordinate evacuations. But the UFO is immediately grabbed by a magmaargh and dragged into a nearby lava river. The soldiers cheer realizing Bowser is here. Bowser drops down among them ordering the magmaarghs to attack. One UFO narrowly dodges a magmaargh and shoots at a crowd of soldiers. They tuck into their shells, knowing it will be useless. But Bowser leaps in front taking the full brunt of the attack. Horrified the men come out their shells, fearing their king just died.

"Your Evilness!"

The dust settles revealing Bowser still standing. His scales are scorched but his is alive. He gives a boisterous laugh while wincing in pain.

"Gwa ha ha! What was that? A flashlight!?"

To be honest Bowser is shocked he jumped in the way. Usually, he would not care about what happens to his men. They can handle themselves. But word of casualties in Desert Kingdom has brought out his protective instincts. The soldiers he rescued cheers and Bowser basks in their attention. The UFO backs off, intimidated by the tyrant.

"Alright, I got a job to do."

Bowser leaps at the fleeing UFO, causing it to sway on impact. Within moments it is brought down by his fire breath. Invigorated by the king's presence, the soldiers take down one utilizing bazookas. But more UFOs are appearing.

"How are they getting here so fast?"

"King Bowser! It's not just the desert one. A soldier spotted a pipe just beyond the Lone Woods that they are using."

"Destroy it! I'll lead the charge." The king orders.

As they battle to get to the location, five disks appear. Bowser punches his fists together, preparing to fight. But the UFOs are blown up from a long-range laser. They turn into bright balls of fire and the sky lights up. The koopas turn and see a flying fortress approaching, Ludwig's superweapon. In the commanding deck, Ludwig orders another shot and the pipe is destroyed. The koopas cheer and celebrate protecting the Darklands. But Bowser isn't resting and locates Mouser.

"This isn't their main force. I think they are testing us. No doubt they realized they underestimated us." He tells his right hand.

"We aren't certain we found all the pipes either, Boss."

"I want a team on that. Only leave the Desert Kingdom wrap pipe active." Bowser feels anger welling up. "Any prisoners?" He darkly asks.

Mouser adjusts his shades. "The general in his rage didn't spare any. But Larry and Peach captured one. He is being transported this way as we speak."

"Are they okay?"

"Larry and the princess? Yes."

Bowser's eyes glow. "Bring me to him, now."

The purple creature was under heavy guard on the ship. Bowser meets the ship and boards it. He demands for the prisoner and the soldiers comply without delay. Once he is brought up Bowser marches up to him.

"You are in the presence of King Bowser Koopa. King of the Koopas. Emperor of the world. I only want to know a few things. Who is your master?"

The man gives no answer. Bowser yanks man off the ground into his claws. He angerly begins to apply pressure, threatening to crush him. Unable to endure, the creature cries out, "Tatanga!"

Bowser tightens his grip.

"What is his objective?"

"Expanding his empire!" The man is in pain but he manages a cocky grin. "We've taken down an emperor already. You'll be no different."

Bowser's face goes blank as he is about to slowly crush the man. Mouser excuses himself as the man begs for mercy. Before he can go through with it, Bowser imagines Peach's face. A burst of despair than anger rushes through him and he throws the man to the ground.

"Hand him over to Tryclyde. I want information out of him."

As the man is escorted away, Bowser leads against a wall. Smoke steams out his mouth.

I would not have hesitated earlier. Peach, what are you doing to me?

----

The next day, Bowser's broadcasts a message to all his territory. Every kingdom has a projected screen for the citizens to view. The king is at Desert Kingdom, in front of a field of empty shells now on poles.

"You know what's going on. So, I'm getting right to the point. This means war. I'm going to the source! All admins, vassals, and tower captains are to be on alert until my return. Any UFO spotted is to be shot down with prejudice."

Bowser cuts the video feed and turns to his general. "King Bob-omb needs to work overtime to supply my army. Also, summon the Crystal King and the koopalings. All my most loyal servants. They are to guard my son until my return."

The general nods. Bowser spots the burnt backpack in the general's hands. Bowser groans recognizing who it belongs to. Is this why the measly mushroom was texting him? How will he tell Peach about Toad?

Koopa General's focuses his eyes on Bowser. "I felt you needed to see this. Antasma also is missing in action while installing the pipe."

Bowser notices the general's wandering eyes. Meanwhile, a growing terror fills Koopa General's heart. Antasma was in the area to do his job, but what was Toad doing here? The general never trusted Antasma with Peach. He knew he was scheming on the king and warned Bowser. What was his plan? And Toad's discarded phone contained an interesting conversation. Toad is not alone in what? Was he conspiring with Antasma? But he seemed desperate in his conversation with Toadette. Was he being blackmailed? What is Toadette doing? And are there more involved with Antasma? There is a crisis with the invasion, but the safety of the king and prince is at stake.

The general looks up at Bowser, attempting to hide his anxiousness. "Forgive me, King Bowser. I cannot go to war with you. There is another threat that needs to be taken care of. Permission to investigate the deaths of Vassal King Antasma and Captain Toad."

Bowser thinks for a bit. "For you to pass up a chance to fight … You have my permission."

"Thank you. And the princess has been notified of the toad's death."

----

After getting off the phone with Toadette, Peach had been in bed crying over Toad.

I had just talked to him!

At her request, Larry and the others have been giving her space. She was in shock from the attack on Toad Town. It was not long after that she received word of the captain's fate, shattering her heart. Peach was certain Antasma was dead as well. As she wipes her tears, she hears a knock on her door leading to the balcony. She sits up and sees Bowser standing there. Peach slowly gets up, not in the mood for company. As she closes in Bowser's expression becomes panicked, and he grabs at the handle to yank the door off. He noticed she was crying. Peach runs to open the door before he can. Once open Bowser sweeps her in an embrace. Peach's feels the tears falling again and leans against him. Eventually, he kneels to place his snout under her chin. He doesn't say anything but she now appreciates his company. For once she doesn't feel guilty to be in his arms. Once her crying stops Bowser speaks.

"I won't forgive them, Peach."

Peach grips onto him tighter. "…. It was terrible. They just didn't care where they fired at. Bowser, what have they been doing all this time to the people of Sarasland!?"

She looks at him with pleading eyes. "There are people on the other side. In need of help. Let me come."

Bowser's face hardens and he pulls away to stand up. "No."

Peach pauses, her face full of hurt. "Why won't you let me come along?"

Bower's expression became anguished. She is grieving and still trying to look after others. "You couldn't even handle a harmless civil war between idiots. You're a fighter and not a fighter. I don't want you to see. You'll try to end it peacefully, Peach. I held back on an interrogation because I thought of you."

"I understand you must take them on. You are a king. But you're going to go wild? With that super weapon? What about the innocent people there!? They'll get caught in the crossfire."

Bowser's eyes are angry but he keeps his tone low. "I must avenge my men. I can't let this slide. No matter who gets in the way. You don't understand how things work, Peach. Its eat or be eaten. And these guys are not backing down. My koopas need this. I need to deal with my enemies."

She takes a step back and Bowser reaches out to her. Bowser takes her hand and brings it to his lips.

It's funny. Before all this started, I was just discussing policy changes to my council. Nothing drastic, just something she would be happy with. Bowser thinks miserably to himself.

He continues. "And if something happened to you, I would … Please, I won't be back for a while, I don't want our last conversation to be an argument."

Peach places her free hand on his claws. "I need to stop crying and feeling sorry for myself. I'll mourn my toad later. I'm in charge of the Disaster Division. And there are monarchs that need help rebuilding. I will do what I can on this side, and I'll support Junior as well. Please be safe."

Her eyes becomes fiery as she speaks firmly, "And if you see a Sarasaland civilian, you will help them Bowser."

Bowser slowly raises his eyes to Peach. The audacity to order the emperor around! But her authoritative glare looks attractive to him. He always liked it when she asserted herself. Bowser chuckles and gently kisses her hand again. "As you command my love."

----

Toadette struggled not to cry after Peach had been on the phone with her about Toad. The princess begged for her to return home, but that was not possible now. Toadette had made it into the castle and is now hiding behind drapes in the throne room. The hammer bro, named Jennen put the town in lock down. He was currently conversing with a woman name Tanger. And they are panicking over Antasma's disappearance.

"He didn't even finish the serum! Clawgrip is already threatening to take control!" Jennen complains.

Tanger folds her arms, equally frustrated. "We must hold the line until we find out what happened. Fortunately, the king going to war will buy us time."

Jennen sits on Antasma's throne, his hand holding up his head. "I'm going to order the tower's captain to lock all residents in their homes."

"Those strange robots are already doing it." Tanger remarks.

Jennen straightens up. "You're serious?"

"Antasma must have a protocol in place if he is missing or dead."

"That's concerning. But never mind that. We keep control of this island until we confirm his death."

Chapter Text

Bowser angerly pointed his game controller at the tv screen. "Are you serious!? Eighth place. Again."

For the past hour, Bowser (with Junior tucked under his arm) and Peach sat on a small cozy sofa playing games together.

"That shell came out of nowhere!"

Bowser Jr. laughed over his victory but turned his head up to comfort his father.

"Oh Papa! Don't be so down. You were a formidable driver."

"You can let your old man win for once!"

Peach smirked as Bowser grumbled under his breath. "I see that look, Peaches. Don't tell me to be a good sport when you placesecond on the podium!"

A laugh escaped her mouth. "Ha ha ha! I don't know what you're talking about. Maybe you're just a bad driver!"

Bowser now smiling, continued his rant. "This game is rigged …." But he stopped when Ludwig stepped in. "Ludwig? Care to join?"

Ludwig raised an eyebrow. "Have you forgotten already, Father? We're ready for departure."

Bowser turned back to the tv screen, his expression contemplative. "Remember Junior do not aggravate the other koopalings! They're here to help you. Also, keep your room clean."

Junior frowned as he crawled into Peach's arms. "Oh, all right, Papa."

Bowser looked down at Junior and Peach with a forlorn look. He gathers them into a hug. "I'll be back."

Bowser motions for Ludwig to join in the group hug but Ludwig shakes his head emphatically. "Teenagers." Bowser groans. Peach giggled and hugged Junior while leaning into Bowser's chest. "Remember what we discussed, Bowser."

Bowser gave an impish smile and raised a claw to rest on her cheek. "We're not married Peach. Yet. You'll say 'yes', right?"

Peach closed her eyes and placed one of her hands on his. "Many conditions need to be met before I even think of it, Big Guy."

A pink hue covered Peach's face realizing what she had just blurted out. Bowser's eyes become large, soft, and eager as he tightened his embrace on her. The two royals then timidly gazed at each other. Ludwig coughed to get them to refocus. Peach eventually broke eye contact to look at Ludwig. "I must get back to work. Ludwig be safe."

"You don't need to worry."

"Princess!"

Peach opens her eyes. Standing next to her is Vert, now sporting a black moustache.

"Are you ready to go, my dear?" Her former caretaker asks.

"Yes."

For the past month, Princess Peach and newly appointed Chancellor Vert have been on a tour of the world. Their mission was to assess the damage caused by the alien invasion. Bowser Jr. had been keeping up with their mission, asking for various updates. He had also been fortifying the towers for another attack.

Slowly, Peach realized how extensive the damage was, and she feared it would take years for various kingdoms to get back on their feet. But once she determined what was needed and made her proposal, Mushroom Kingdom got to work. Gold and Berry are overseeing rebuilding in the Sweet Sweet Kingdom. Peach and Vert are currently in the Sunset Kingdom, having set up several relief centers.

Wearing a hardhat, Peach is hammering nails into the roof frame of a shop. Her mind is racing with all sorts of concerns as she works. Toadette keeps dodging her calls and the toad guards are now looking for her. Also, Peach is thinking of Bowser and Ludwig. Were they okay? Did they help the residents of Sarasaland? Several koopas approach to call out to Peach, while she is sitting on the roof. Coming out of a daze she responds back to them. They came to inquire about the king and want to know when he will be back. Unable to give an answer Peach reassures them he'll return.

It has been quiet since Bowser departed to the other world. The month of tribute came and gone. In fact, nothing was really required of the monarchs this year. They had only gathered to discuss the year's goals. That only consisted of building statues in Bowser's honor. And still Bowser has not returned. As Peach talks to the koopas, she hears a deep bass voice. She perks up and jumps off the roof to look around. Peach visualizes Bowser storming in, pretending not to care about what she's doing, only to help when she needs him. But the voice belongs to a stout shopkeeper, telling his own account of the invasion to his patrons. A feeling of disappointment fills Peach's heart.

I shouldn't be looking for him. She keeps telling herself. Her mind wanders to the moment they shared a kiss. Before he left Bowser kept dropping hints that he wanted another. She was tempted; his pleading look was adorable. But Peach's displeasure with him insisting he did not care about Sarasaland, prevented her from granting his wish. But he didn't force the issue, only asking for a hug again. She permitted that. The princess would not admit it out loud but she misses Bowser. She solemnly turns away from the shop to return to work. Noticing her forlornness, Vert suggests they take a tea break.

----

The two stops at a balcony café, choosing a table with the local park in view.

After taking a bite of his frosted cinnamon roll, Vert places it back down on his plate. "Such a terrible tragedy that invasion was."

Peach stirs her tea, her mind still wandering. "Yeah."

"I just don't understand all the fighting. Nothing good comes out of it. It's always the same with these rulers. Now another world wants in on the action."

Peach brings her cup up her mouth. "I'm sure it won't be this way forever." She is certain Bowser is turning over a new leaf.

"….."

"It would have been worst if the koopas were not there." Peach adds a little too enthusiastically. Vert carefully pours extra cream into his coffee. "King Bowser has been on your mind." Shocked, Peach sits her cup down quickly. "No! I was just …" She needs to stop hiding it. "I-I've been worried about him."

"It's okay Peach. I know he is in love with you. I've known since he was a teenager."

"You have?"

"I thought it was just infatuation …. But what tyrant singles out a princess? To want her with him as much as possible? To make a show of himself to impress her? And give her expensive gifts?"

Vert then hangs his head. "I'm sorry for keeping you locked up in the Mushroom Kingdom. We were afraid of people like him. Warlords. Pirates. But you ended up saving us from the koopas."

Peach hangs her head. She always wanted to explore and for a time resented her confinement. Hence her rebel phase as a teenager. But she knows the toads only did it because they thought it was for the best.

"I'm relieved King Bowser's feelings are sincere. And your diplomacy protected the kingdom. But I didn't think you would be attracted to him."

Peach wants to hide under the table. Is Vert disappointed with her? But she can't be dishonest with how she feels. "I am."

"Why do you like him my dear?" Vert asks. Peach realizes he is not antagonizing her.

"I never wanted to excuse his past actions but I saw he had potential. When I got to know him, I saw something good. Bowser loves his kids. He gives his minions a hard time but he cares about them. And he started to respect me; he often conceded to help even though he didn't agree with me."

"You saw good in the king?"

Peach stirs her cup. "I believe we don't have to be enemies."

Vert nods and takes another bite of his pastry. "I'm sure King Bowser is reflecting himself. From what I've observed he admires you, Peach. His position calls for gruffness, rudeness, and power. King Bowser may feel he can let his guard down around you. But it's not like he and the koopas can change overnight. War culture is embedded in the Darklands. Like how we embraced nonviolence, sometimes to our detriment. But I see where you are going with this. We need not be enemies."

"But I don't intend to befriend them while remaining subject to the koopas …"

"You speak of rebelling?"

Peach shakes her head gently. "There are other ways to …"

Peach and Vert pause their conversation, feeling uncomfortable. Peach turns and notices a tall black-haired woman at a table nearby. The koopa is not looking at them but she is leaning over, as if ease dropping on their conversation. The princess can see the woman had been clawing up her table. Before Vert can confront the woman for being rude, Peach shushes him. She pays the bill and the two leave immediately, descending a flight of stairs to leave the balcony.

The two walk down the market street at a brisk pace. Vert has his hands clasped behind his back, looking over his shoulder. "She was listening in! How rude!"

"Maybe she was just being nosy." Peach expresses.

"But I didn't like the air she gave off." Vert retorts. The two began to use a crosswalk as traffic waited. Suddenly, a limousine races towards them despite the red light! Peach grabs Vert and jumps out the way. The limousine swerves, crashing into a pole. A koopa, in butler uniform, jumps out of it apologizing. As he does so a crowd gathers around the spot - drawn by the accident. Peach hugs Vert closely and leaves the area.

"Vert, I don't know what is going on. But I'm not waiting to find out."

----

A week later, Princess Peach is called to the Darklands. Having put the bizarre incident behind her, Peach leaves in a hurry with Larry. She hopes it is good news and that the aliens have been dealt with. Bowser and Ludwig should be returning home. But at the harbor waiting for them is the Koopa General. He escorts Peach and Larry through a secret tunnel hidden in a tree, to enter the castle.

"I wanted no one to see what is going on." The general says as they climb out of the tunnel.

"What's this about, man?" Larry complains.

The general turns around to face him. "I trust you. I trust the princess. But I don't trust everyone on this continent."

Larry's grimaces. "You better start explaining yourself."

"Of course." The general focuses his attention on Peach. "Princess. I have recruited Toadette for an investigation. That's why you have not heard from her. I request you do not call her anymore. We may have stumbled upon a plot to assassinate the king."

"That's not new." Larry notes.

"This is a more extensive operation. High ranking military leaders are involved."

Peach is now frowning. "You're endangering my Toadette?"

Larry looks at the general awkwardly. "You didn't just off the girl and act like she's on a trip?"

The general becomes indignant. "I am not that petty!"

Larry shakes his head, unconvinced, and Peach is not amused. The general becomes more serious. "Believe me Toadette was already investigating! She was trying to get that silly Captain Toad out of a bad situation."

Peach's eyes water up. "What …?"

"Princess, your toad was being blackmailed under your nose by Antasma."

Peach listened in distress as the general explained what he gleaned from Toad's text conversations with Toadette. Antasma was forcing Toad to help in him an assassination plot? He knows Toad would have wanted no part in it. Antasma had a sinister appearance. But Peach didn't want to judge him after all his help. Bowser was intimidating, and she gets along with him now. She trusted Antasma - not knowing he was threatening her subject!

"NO! He was my friend! He wouldn't …" Peach balls her fists up. "How did you find out? How did you talk to Toadette?"

"You doubt me?" The general questions and reveals Toad's damaged phone. Peach grabs it and scrolls through the conversations Toad had with Toadette. Her shoulders slump.

"It is his phone. It belongs to Toad."

The Koopa General takes the phone back. "Toadette confirmed there are several participants in the planned coup. They have an army that consists of well-trained men. If it wasn't for Toad using Toadette as a spy, we would still be in the dark about this. Antasma had overlooked her. Before he departed, Bowser left his most loyal vassals to guard the prince. However, I will be going to Pi'illo Island to crush the rebels."

Peach's eyes were downcast to the floor. "Did Antasma kill Toad?"

"I interviewed many soldiers present at the scene. There was a lot of chaos, but a few eyewitnesses say Toad saved them. Others say they saw the captain run over Antasma with a kart. After that, they didn't see what happened. I'm still looking for the kart wreckage. But it is likely the two were vaporized. Whatever happened, Toad took Antasma down with him."

They begin walking again, Peach's face covered with distress. The general stops at the entrance to the throne room. "It seems Toad was trying to protect you and his fellow countrymen from harm. That is why he went along with the scheme. The captain was ordered to ship poison shrooms to Pi'illo."

Larry looks at Peach as she grips her dress. "This is hard to take in, huh?" He asks.

Peach takes a deep breath and speaks. "King Antasma admitted he tried to assassinate Bowser before, but I thought nothing of it. Bowser never made a big deal about it, except when he thought Antasma was flirting with me. And Mushroom Kingdom was fighting Bowser too. Antasma seemed harmless then."

Peach's eyes become fearful. She remembers the look Antasma gave her. The general notices Peach's growing despair. "There are many that would want to replace Bowser. The king is used to having enemies around him. But this is unprecedented. I will take care of this, Princess Peach. I'm trying not to alert the traitors of my investigation. So, we must keep quiet."

Peach looks down at him. "Toad was probably so scared and I ignored his plight." Crushing guilt is weighing Peach's heart down. She was so worried over Toad finding out about her and Bowser, she didn't realize what was really going on. A gross oversight on her part.

"I was so naïve."

The general's cold expression is still unmoving but he steps closer to her. "The captain was not motivated to protect the king. He did it to protect all of you. But his actions brought us time. The main conspirator is dead. I will use the time he allotted to take down the others. Though concerned, I thought we had control over Antasma. How foolish of me. I'm sorry your kingdom got caught up in this."

Was he trying to comfort her? She didn't feel touched. Hollowness was what remained. Peach bites her lip. The general straightens his back out.

"Courage, Princess. Mourning won't bring him back. We'll avenge the captain instead."

No energy to argue over his last statement, she follows him into the throne room.

----

"Prince Bowser. Princess Peach has arrived."

On both sides of the red carpet leading up to the throne are various vassals - including King Bob-omb, King Thwomp, and the Crystal King. At the end of the room, Junior is sitting on his father's throne. A blue cape is draped around him. Despite her sadness, Peach feels amusement. Junior looks adorable trying to copy his father. But there is a serious expression on his face. It was uncharacteristic of the little one that played with her earlier.

"Princess Peach, I'm sure the general told you about Pi'illo Island. What I'm about to say, also can't come out this room."

"Yes?"

"We've lost contact with my cousin, Ludwig, over two weeks ago."

Peach clasps her hands to her heart.

"Please tell me they're not dead!" Peach begs. Alarmed, Larry warps an arm around Peach to comfort her. Bowser Jr. keeps a straight face though he shifts in discomfort. The other kings mumble among themselves, curious over her reaction.

"Usually, I wouldn't worry about Papa. He can get into trouble, get separated from everyone, and yet come back stronger. But unlike him Ludwig is not reckless. He is punctual and always sends messages. His last communications spoke of them confronting another fleet over an ocean. I fear something has gone wrong." Bowser Jr.'s eyes lower. "If word gets out, the empire may go into chaos. There are many kings that want Papa's position."

"Over my dead body." The general retorts. The other vassals murmur in agreement.

The prince continues. "But with the danger of the surviving conspirators, I can't go look for them. Mouser will go instead."

His face was unmoving but Peach knew the child was afraid. He was worried about his father and cousin. He needs a friend right now. Determination fills her heart.

"I'll go look for them too. If it would put you at ease."

Junior twiddles his thumbs. "He'll be mad with you."

"I don't care."

Bowser Jr. laughs, relief in his eyes. "Ma …" Peach feels her heart leap but Junior catches himself. "Princess Peach, I was hoping you would say that. You've already talked to the general and are aware of things happening here. Again, my cousins felt it was best they and the loyalists remained by my side, until the king returned. In the event Papa is dead. I will have to run things."

Junior is now trying to hold back tears.

"Your father will be okay. He's a stubborn oaf. And Ludwig is resourceful." Peach gently encourages.

Hearing her words, Junior composes himself. "R-Right. Papa had a castle dropped on him before in battle. I … I need you and Mouser to leave immediately."

Mouser walks up to Peach and salutes her. She gives a polite curtsy to him and Junior continues to talk. "Your mission is to scout and contact Ludwig. Once you've made contact and everything is okay return to me."

Junior glares at the general. A look of confusion covers his face. "Do not bombard the town on Pi'illo. Anywhere else, including the castle, is fine. If the bad guys are hiding among the villagers, use foot soldiers to flush them out. And do not use the blue shell technique."

The general gape in horror as Peach smiles appreciatively. "I can't go wild!? And I can't use that technique!? It's been in my family for generations, Prince Bowser! To vanquish the royal family's enemies!"

"And it's why you are a rare subspecies of koopa! No blowing up! Your no good to me dead."

The Koopa General bows to the prince. He will not challenge him on this. Junior hops off the throne and skips over to Peach. His smile is back. "Follow me."

----

Peach, Larry, and Mouser must jog to catch up with the prince as he sprints through the halls. They finally reach a hanger inside the castle. Several clown cars and other contraptions are parked in there. The other koopalings surrounded a small flight craft. It was round in the front, and had a fork shaped back with dual rockets. Morton Jr. was loading provisions into the craft. Roy was dragging Lemmy out of the cockpit, while Iggy was examining the ship for any signs of damage. Nearby her brothers, Wendy is holding a koopa troopa helmet and a body suit. She shoves the items under her armpit and walks over to Peach. Wendy pins Peach's hair up in a bun, and escorts her away.

"You can't go in that puffy outfit. Also, you'll need a helmet on, Peach! It'll protect you. But if I see your hair a mess again, we are fighting for real!"

"How can I keep it nice in a warzone!?"

After dressing up, Peach and Wendy return to the group. Junior slaps the side of the small aircraft. "I designed it myself!"

Peach admires his work. "I didn't know you're an inventor!"

"Hey, I helped!" Iggy interjects. Junior sticks his tongue out at him. "It's built with high speed in mind. Should help with evading UFOs. And the back seat has controls for handling the cannons." Junior adds. He turns to Iggy who smiles smugly. "Iggy reengineered the shielding technology the UFOs were using. He outfitted the ship with it."

Roy points to the line of pipes in front of the vehicles. "We have a warp pipe to take you to the Desert Kingdom from here. Afterward you'll use the desert one to reach Sarasaland. Mouser knows the route so he'll fly."

Mouser ties on his helmet. "Don't worry Prince, we won't fail at this task."

Mouser and Peach then climb in the aircraft. Peach takes a seat behind Mouser and he turns the craft on. It gently lifts into the air, hovering in place. Peach calls out to Junior.

"Please watch your back, Junior."

"Believe me those bad guys are going to regret threatening my papa." Junior looks like an angry Bowser for a moment. He begins to twiddle his thumbs. "You have any requests … Ma… Princess?"

Peach feels her heart leap again. "Junior, you can call me whatever you want."

Junior looks up, his face glowing with a smile.

"And no, my chancellor will handle things. Also, Larry will protect the toads in my absence. He can do it. He's shown he is more than capable. I'm not worried."

Larry blushes and rubs his mohawk while Lemmy happily slaps his back.

"Well, aren't you the favorite!" Roy complains.

"I'm going to miss all of you." Peach says while waving at them. She turns around, as the glass dome of the ship comes down. Mouser pushes on the control handle and sends the craft speeding into the warp pipe.

----

Help! Help me!

What!? What's going on!?

Don't be alarmed, Miss! Listen, it's taking everything I can muster to contact you. For a time, I've observed you! I'm Prince … Oh no! You're waking up!

Toadette bolts up. She was sleeping under a brush on a pile of leaves. She stands up shakily. What was that? It was nighttime and she could see Antasma's castle in the distance. That hammer bro leader was likely still in there.

"Was someone in my dreams?"

Toadette knew of Antasma's ability due to Toad's account. But the voice was not Antasma's. It was weak but had a younger tone to it. Toadette became hopeful. The missing monarch? Was he attempting to call for help? Why had he not contacted anyone else before? Toadette tries to contain her joy. She had been on the island searching for any leads. But she kept coming up empty. The locals were still locked up. And history books were not on the island. But it indicated Antasma was hiding evidence of the previous ruler. Toadette decides to return to the castle. She has searched the entire island. It's the only place the monarch could be. Already having been in the throne room, she just needs to investigate the other rooms.

Standing outside the castle's entrance is Tanger and Jennen. Toadette climbs into a tree to avoid detection. The two conspirators were irate with each other. More than usual. Toadette notes the growing bags under their eyes.

"You did what!? Your butler tried to run her over!? How can we use Peach if she is dead!?" Jennen shouts.

Tanger folds her arms defensively. "The plan would still work with the toads. I got angry okay!?"

"Tell me she didn't implicate you in the crash!"

"Give me a break!" Tanger grabs her head. "I've been dealing with a headache ever since I saw her! Can't even get sleep!"

"I don't care, my sleep has fled me too for the past few weeks." Jennen yells while rubbing his eyes. He pauses and looks at Tanger with growing paranoia. "The nightmares. I have had nightmares of dying to Antasma. They don't end. Is this his work? He didn't trust us!? Did he put a mental failsafe in our heads? Wait … was he in our heads when we last talked to him!?"

"This is nonsense! Can he even do that? Antasma is dead, Jennen! Even if he is alive, he's out of this world."

"Leave nothing to chance. I …"

A hammer bro. runs up to Jennen. "Sir, a fleet of airships are coming. They aren't answering our calls. And the tower staff evacuated the island."

Jennen's eyes enlarge with fury and grabs his head. "The general. I know it's him! He is either making a power play or he knows. No time to think. Defend the island! Defend the island! Everyone, to their posts! Contact King K. Rool and Clawgrip. Prepare for a siege!"

Toadette bites her fingers while the conspirators run to face the enemy. She opens her phone. She wasn't happy the general had Toad's phone, but it was nice to know someone was helping. Toadette didn't want Peach anywhere on this island, especially after some of the comments she had heard. She checks for a recent message from the general.

Toad: Hide in the village. Or die. I'll come get you myself.

Toadette gulps. The general is planning a bombardment. Could he be more tactful in warning her!? Toadette contemplates her next move. She can wait and let them fight. But the possibility that the monarch is alive and in need of immediate help weighs on her mind. As she thinks a red light shines on her. In panic, Toadette jumps out of the tree. The tree is shot up and engulfed in flames. Floating through the flames are the robots from earlier. They've finally found her. Toadette drags to her feet and bolts for the castle.

Come on Toadette! Move it! The bosses have left the castle. Barricade yourself in there and look for the prince!

Chapter Text

This is not the pipe Peach journeyed through. She is certain they are not going to her home world, but the warp zone had a familiar feel. Maybe it's from her long-gone memories. She gazes out before settling back into her seat. Mouser's mind races with worry over the fate of Bowser. The princess feels the same. So, traveling through the warp tunnel to Sarasaland is done in complete silence.

Soon a bright light fast approach. Peach puts up her hands to protect her eyes, Mouser has no need due to his shades. Once the light dims, she lowers them. She looks around and realizes the pipe they just left, hung from a steep cliff edge.

After exiting, Mouser pulls the craft into the air to hide among the clouds. It's a good decision because an enemy camp was set up nearby. From the sky, one can see large stretches of sand dunes. It's like the Desert Kingdom, except the land was dotted with towering flowery cactuses. As the sky craft flew further in, Peach could make out a large oasis up ahead. There was greenery but a thick gloom rested over the area hiding the oasis. It was an ominous sight.

Immediately, an alert blare. "They know we're here." Mouser groans. "Get the cannons ready, Princess."

Peach nervously presses a red button with Bowser Jr.'s insignia. A cross-screen, showing the back of the ship, appears before her. She then takes hold of a control stick. It isn't long before three disks come into view behind them.

"Line the shot up and fire!" Mouser shouts.

"Right!"

Peach presses a blue button on the control stick. Below the sky craft a compartment opens, and a bullet bill is released. The bullet bill whizzes over the disk heading into the sky. Peach panics and presses again. Another shot flies over its head. Mouser takes a sharp turn right to avoid being rammed by the disk. A laser hits the craft but fortunately the shield absorbs the hit.

"You're a terrible shot!" Mouser complains.

"This is my first time!" Peach snaps back.

Mouser brings the ship low to the ground - dodging laser fire. He sharply turns again to evade, flying through a field of cactuses. One UFO crashes into a cactus and falls into a sand dune. The other UFOs pull up and pursue above while firing.

Gnashing his teeth, Mouser zigzags throughout the field hoping they don't get tagged. Peach manages to tag one pursuer with a bullet bill. But it's shield absorbs the explosion. The sky craft now is close to leaving the field of cactuses, so a UFO descends to close in. Peach looks around and shoots at a cactus toppling it. The massive plant crashes on top of the disk and the other pauses its advance. Mouser lowers the ship to kick up dust to hide their escape. Overjoyed to be alive the two high five.

----

Hours into the night the two scouts travel in the desert. Every so often they fly over old temples of a bygone civilization. At one ruin, Peach and Mouser stop to take rest. Peach makes a campfire and the two share baking stories before going to sleep. Once the morning rose, they set off again. In the distance another oasis appears. Like the other one it too has a dark gloom over it.

"Mouser, I do not like the look of that." Peach confesses.

"I'm trying to avoid the cities, Princess. Ludwig said they're death traps."

Peach frowns. Mouser continues.

"Fortunately, Ludwig said they were last over the ocean. Well looks like we're here."

Peach tries to strain her head to look ahead. Suddenly, Mouser groans under his breath. "This is not good." He mutters.

Before them was the crashed super weapon. Peach's heart sank at the sight of it. The front of the immense ship was sticking out of the ocean, surrounded by countless destroyed UFOs. Strangely the massive ship was intact. There was no evidence of anything breaching it. What took it down?

Mouser grips the controls. "The Boss … I must find him!"

He parks the ship on the surface. The two then climb out to explore, hoping to find signs of life. Seagulls have made the ship their new home. Some squawk at the visitors as they wander about. One even fly in Peach's face and she has to shoo it away. Mouser begins looking for a way inside the vessel. Peach sighs. She was worried Bowser may have run into trouble - but not like this.

"Mouser, I'm sure they're okay!"

"Your optimism is appreciated, but I'm not so sure." Mouser sits down and folds his arms. "It looks like no one is here. Maybe they went to the city? But what could have done this!? Ludwig designed it to be impenetrable."

Peach looks up from Mouser and out towards the ocean. "Mouser?"

Another trio of enemy ships is approaching fast! Mouser jumps up and ushers Peach away quickly.

"Cheese and crackers! I was being reckless! Princess, head back for the ship!"

The sky craft takes off - narrowly avoiding a shot.

Mouser flies over to the oasis. He doesn't like this option, but they are in the open with nowhere to go. Despite the speed of the craft, the UFOs are catching up firing relentlessly. Peach returns fire randomly and wildly at the enemy. She succeeds in downing one.

"I'm going to take us low again!" Mouser shouts.

"Mouser look out!"

A UFO appears in front of them and fires immediately. The ship's shield gives out and the sky craft's left wing explodes. Mouser manages to steer past the UFO and through the dark gloom covering the oasis. Once they exit - a ruined city greets them below. Destroyed buildings and pyramids are everywhere. Mouser frantically steers among the skyscrapers, but he can't control the ship for long.

Mouser turns to Peach. "Jump for it, Princess! It's going down! I'll get them to focus on me. Head back for the warp pipe! Report to the prince what you have seen!"

"Mouser!" Peach reaches out to him in vain as he releases a lever to eject her out of the ship. Mouser stays in the craft, hoping the enemy hadn't noticed Peach. The princess helplessly dangles from her parachute, watching the UFOs pursue Mouser. Soon they vanish somewhere among the cityscapes.

"Mouser!"

Peach stares below at the ruins as she descends. Panic is running through her mind. She has no idea where she is. And she is all alone now. Peach quickly remembers Mouser begged her to go back home. But that's out of the question. She is too far from the warp pipe. Unless she finds a proper vehicle, traversing in the desert is suicide. And Peach refuses to believe Bowser and Ludwig are dead. She intends to find them. Peach decides she will need to search for supplies before continuing the rescue mission. Hopefully, she'll find Mouser alive as well.

----

The lost princess walks among the ruins and scorched cars. It looks like time stopped. As everyone was going about their daily lives before a sudden invasion. Peach removes her helmet as she looks around.

"There was so much life here."

Peach spots a large poster of a purple man on a wall. He was more built and taller than the alien she and Larry captured. He was standing proud - looking up into the sky with a fleet behind him. Peach scowls and move on. She investigates a small store to find something to eat. Unfortunately, everything has long been cleared off the shelves. Dejected, Peach begins to walk back out still feeling lost. But she pauses seeing something peculiar. Peach walks up to a rack and stares at the magazines. A variety of magazines with pictures. Pictures of humans. Peach's eyes light up.

Humans! There are humans here!

Peach grabs a fashion magazine. "That one has red hair! She has freckles! This one's complexion is different from the other! Oh!" She hugs the magazine and looks around, her face glowing with joy. More posters and advertisements with humans. Actual humans! Peach realizes she has found a human world. No doubt they will help her! With excitement she runs outside and calls out.

"Hello! Hello!"

No one answers. Peach looks around hoping to spot a human. But she hears a noise and whispering nearby. Peach gets into a fighting stance. Small creatures cautiously come out from behind a trash can. They are small, cute, and wearing seashells. On their backs are an assortment of junk. Peach lowers her fists hoping to inquire about her whereabouts.

"Hi! My name is Peach."

The blue shell one points at her anxiously. "You should be in a dome, Miss Peach. Are you a runaway slave?"

Peach stares at him in confusion. "A dome? Slave?"

The older one's jaw drops. "You don't know what's going on!? Did you hit your head?"

Peach shakes her head. "I just got here! I'm not from this world."

The older creature shakes his head. "You have bad timing, kid. But don't be afraid. Dome 65 is 30 miles from here. Head north. Go there before Tatanga's forces spot you. It's lethal to be out here at night when they drop the gas bombs too."

Peach wraps her arms around her waist. "That's horrible. What about you?"

"We're scavengers. We sell junk to the dome residents. But we don't have any spare gas masks to lend you."

Peach glances around. "I'm looking for a King. King Bowser. He went to war with Tatanga."

The creatures turn to each other, both confused. "There are four kings and the emperor. But none of them are named Bowser."

Peach hangs her head. "…"

"But there was a huge battle that ended over the ocean. I heard it was crazy."

"Yeah, Tatanga had to pull out the mother ship on them. That madman is no doubt fuming! A huge dint was put on his forces. The invaders have since limited their patrols. I know the rebels are pleased."

"That was Bowser fighting Tatanga. Please, did you see any turtle people? They act tough, but they're short and cute." Peach inquires.

"You would have to ask …"

Before they can finish, they hear the roar of engines. The scavengers look at each other and run into an alley. Peach calls out to them. "Where are you going!?"

"Run!"

Not questioning anymore, Peach follows. The shelled creatures climb a ladder to get onto a roof. As Peach does as well, she looks down. She spots humanoid figures in an armored vehicle.

Humans!

Peach grins from ear to ear and climbs back down.

"Wait! It's okay! I'm one of them!" Peach calls up to them as she descends.

The older shelled creature calls out to her. "No! Where are you going!?" The blue one grabs him to prevent him from following.

"Leave her! It's too late!"

Peach gets on the ground and runs towards the street. She waves, the vehicle comes to a stop. Finally, after so long she gets to meet one of her kind!

A human woman, with black hair, climbs out from the driver's side. Her face is not friendly but she is also slightly bewildered by Peach's presence. More people climb out of the vehicle while Peach comes to a stop.

"What do we have here!?" The female leader barks.

"Are you real?" Peach asks.

Despite her nervousness, Peach touches the woman's face. "You are! You're really a human!" She looks around at the others. All of them are wearing military uniforms. Their gender, hair, eye colors, and complexion was different. Just like in the magazine. These must be the rebels. Suddenly, the woman slaps Peach's hand away.

"What are you doing!? Of course, I'm human!"

"I'm sorry! I …" Peach runs up to the men. "I've never seen humans before!"

There is silence as the group look in confusion.

"What is she talking about?" The woman whispers.

"Maybe she's insane." One responds.

"Is she an escapee from the laboratory?" Another man jokes.

Peach feels disturbed with their lack of interest. She thought they would be friendly with her. She is of their species! The toads treat each other with respect.

Peach pleads hoping they are not enemies. "I came through a warp pipe! I got separated from my friend. I need help."

The woman sighs and walks up to Peach. She puts a hand on Peach's shoulder. Peach freezes up. It isn't warm. The woman smiles. "Well, why don't you come with us. We'll take care of you!"

Peach nods but she spots the woman reaching for a gun in her pocket. Peach knees her in the breadbasket and ducks under the men attempting to grab her.

"Whoa!"

The woman, doubled over, shouts at her gang to pursue. "After her you idiots!"

Stupid! I'm so stupid! Peach berates herself as she runs. She bypasses the building the scavengers were hiding on, not wanting them to be hurt over her foolishness. Climbing onto another apartment complex, Peach jumps from building to building. The woman and another person climb up the ladder to pursue her on the roofs. The others are running through the alley ways. They can barely keep up with her.

"We're going to lose her!"

"You better not give up! Don't lose sight of her!" The woman shouts while firing.

I'll make some distance and hide inside one of the buildings.

As Peach is leaping over another gap, she feels white hot pain in her side. A scream escapes her mouth. She then finds herself falling. Fortunately, a pile of garbage broke her fall. Peach holds her side and rolls off the pile.

Bowser! Where are you!?

The thugs surround Peach. The woman grabs her by the hair and yanks her up. A yelp escapes Peach's mouth and she tries to kick the woman again.

"This one has some fight in her. Let's sell her off. We'll fetch a good price." The woman declares, now smiling wickedly.

"NO! Stop!" Peach struggles as she is dragged to the armored truck by two men. They then threw her into the back of the truck. Peach tries to stand up. "I don't understand! Why are you doing this!?" The woman shakes her head in mock pity while shutting the door. It was nothing but darkness.

As the armor truck drives off, the shelled creatures watch from above. The older one bewails her fate. "We had told her to run! Why didn't she listen!? What do we do!?"

"Give it up, man. She's lost."

"Wait…Isn't Dayz still in the area? She'll help the kid."

"Yeah…your right!"

The ride in the truck is rough. There was trash and crates tussling everywhere as the vehicle moved. Each jolt adds to Peach's pain. She hugs her side while lying on the floor. Eventually, she examines her injury.

"I don't get! I'm a human. Why would they …"

You were being naïve, again.

Peach realizes she should not have assumed all humans would be friendly to their own. She failed to listen to the scavengers and is now paying the price. Once again, she trusted someone that ended up harming her.

"I hope Mouser didn't run into any slavers … or …" Peach bites her bottom lip and shuts her eyes. Tears began to stream down her face. She feels utterly hopeless.

Bowser will find me.

----

To the princess, it felt like she had been in the truck for hours. It had to have been, as she lost track of time. Peach remained on her side, planning her escape once the criminals came to get her out. But she was weak and feared she wouldn't have enough strength. The heat was becoming unbearable and Peach needed water. Her crying didn't help in any manner.

Suddenly, the truck stops as if it slammed into something. Peach slides forward against a crate. She hisses in pain. Soon the sound of shouting and laser fire fills her ears. The nose becomes louder and she hears someone being thrown against the truck! Soon, there is silence. The doors rip off their hinges like they are paper. Peach's eyes brighten.

Bowser!

But standing before her was a beautiful and petite human. She has short auburn hair and fierce green eyes. And she was wearing flower earrings, a white spaghetti-strapped shirt and teal baggy pants. Despite her size Peach could see her arms are slightly built.

This woman just rip the metal door off with ease.

Scared out of her mind, Peach races out of the truck not waiting to see if the human is hostile.

"Oi! Come back here!" The human shouts and pursues. Peach doesn't look back, but she can tell the human is catching up fast. But the pain of her injuries and exhaustion catch up with her and she collapses. Peach lays on her side, her consciousness fading.

"S-stay back …" She mumbles in vain.

The human bends to place a hand gently on Peach's shoulder. Her angry green eyes are now soft. She speaks in a soothing voice as Peach passes out.

"It's okay, sweetie. It's going to be all right. You're safe now."

----

"I'm too late …"

Bowser jumps down from a building and approach the armor car. Heartbroken, he stares inside the destroyed truck. Something vicious has taken his Peach away! Bowser knew she was in the city. He felt her presence and went looking for her. Following Peach's scent trail, he realized she had been kidnapped by humans. No doubt they took advantage of her curiosity. As much as he was jealous of her finding her kind, something he wouldn't admit out loud, Bowser never wanted her first encounter to be this. Bowser attempted to intercept the kidnappers, hoping to save his beloved. But something beat him to the punch.

Bowser regards the injured slavers scattered on the ground. He has no pity for them. Only fury. Bowser begins interrogating the slavers. The first man quickly caves and tell him that a 'monster' has her. No doubt the girl was taken east.

"It happened so fast!" The man cries out as Bowser throws him. The Koopa King then grabs the vehicle and hurls it through a building. He releases a mournful wail. First, he lost Ludwig and now Peach! This is too much for him!

"I'm going to find them. But first …" He chains up the slavers and bares his teeth at them. "I'll leave you here. As an example, to others if they dare go after my Queen."

"NO! Please don't! We won't survive the night!" The woman leader begs.

"Bowser stop! I'll take care of them!"

Bowser looks up as a small human, with black pigtails, drops down from a roof. Ten koopa troopas land behind her. The koopas are wrapped in bandages, all holding pipes and post signs as makeshift weapons. The girl approaches Bowser. "I'll give them to those wacko guys. They have a prison."

"If those greedy men charge you anything Plum, tell me. It will be war."

Bowser marches off and Plum follows him. Her head barely reaches his hip.

"Where are you going Bowser? We must reunite your army, remember? You gave a speech and everything! We got to take the fight to Tatanga!"

"I must find my family first! I have a lead on one's location so I'm taking it. My men are fighters. I'll no doubt run into some on the way. If you see any, direct them to the rendezvous point for our eventual counterattack."

Bowser turns to Plum and glares at her. The stare would intimidate others but Plum is not fazed at all. The two have obviously been through a lot together the past two weeks. "You better be at the hideout when I come back, kid."

"Yes sir! Just don't get capture again!"

"You're one to talk." Bowser grumbles.

After Plum salutes him, she and koopas drag the criminals away. Bowser turns to follow Peach's scent. He is furious with her. He told Peach to stay back! Why didn't she listen!?

She was worried about you, genius. Of course, she was going to come the moment she thought you were in trouble.

She is protective of ones she loves. He always envied the toads and wanted Peach's love all to himself. Now that her care extends to him, Bowser finds he doesn't like it. No doubt Toad's fate was a contributing factor in her decision to come looking for him and Ludwig. But Bowser doesn't want her in any danger. Why can't she understand that? Bowser drags his claws along a concrete wall, his expression pained. The problem is that he is a danger to her. Peach's life was peaceful before he entered it. She would not have jumped into the arena if Bowser had not ordered King Penguin's death. And she would not have come here if he wasn't seeking revenge. Tears form in his eyes, realizing what he must do if he truly loves her.

Bowser groans. "Peach…."

His mind also drifts to Ludwig. He inwardly pleads that Ludwig applied all he has taught him. Ludwig accompanied Bowser because he looked up to him. The old lady was right, he isn't good for his nephews and niece.

"Hang in there. I'll find you both. Then we'll … talk."

----

Mouser wakes up in a white cell and grab his wrapped head. "I feel like I got sat on by a thwomp."

Once his vision becomes clearer Mouser looks around. "I'm alive. How?"

Small purple men in tall mech suits march by his view. Mouser crawls up to the front and touches a translucent screen blocking him. It singes his fingers and he immediately pulls away. Holding his hand, Mouser squints his eyes to look at the cell across him. It is Ludwig all tied up in metal restraints. His mouth was muzzled to prevent him from breathing fire.

"Ludwig! Who is in charge here!? I demand Ludwig is released at once!" Mouser shouts. One guard step out his mech and lowers the shield to Mouser's cell. He pulls out a club. "Order us around mouse and I'll…"

Mouser cowers in a corner. A bang stops the guard from attacking. It's Ludwig. He bangs his arm against the wall again, threatening the guard should he attack his father's lackey. Despite Ludwig being restrained, the guard fearfully backs off.

"Have they found the large turtle yet?" The guard asks his comrades as he exits Mouser's cell.

"No, not after the prison riot he and a human girl started…"

"You don't think he is going to team up with Princess Daisy?"

"What about Princess Daisy?"

The guards stand erect and salute Tatanga as he enters. He towers over the other aliens, wearing a black space suit with a flowing cape. He walks straight to Ludwig. Fearing his wrath, the guard struggles to answer Tatanga. "W-We were talking about this boy. He is so much trouble. He escaped custody several times! Should we execute him?"

"No. He will be prefect bait for that big loud buffoon, Bowser. The king has been tearing up prison facilities trying to find the lad."

Ludwig's eyes downcast as Tatanga laughs. "This Bowser will regret challenging me. There can only be one in charge of Sarasaland. And that is me!"

The warlord continues to walk further down the hall. As he does Mouser spots Toad walking past! His mushroom cap bears the old mark of a knife wound. And the captain is holding up Tatanga's flowing cape. Mouser's jaw drops while Ludwig struggles in his restraints.

"Captain Toad! You're alive! We thought you were dead!" The mouse shouts.

Toad's eyes twitch.

"I might as well be." He chuckles - on the verge of a mental breakdown. The unfortunate toad is once again enslaved by a purple man. Earning his pity, Mouser can't bring himself to tell Toad that Peach is missing.

"Move faster, Shorty." Tatanga admonishes. Toad picks up his pace after apologizing. The two walk down a hall and stop at another cell. In the cell is a buff male human with a brown beard, also restrained.

Tatanga smiles at the man in mockery. "When do you intend to cooperate, Your Majesty? You can end all this by telling your four vassal kings to stand down and surrender to me."

The king doesn't respond.

"Very well, King Oleander. There is more than one way to get the throne legitimately. I will have your daughter."

King Oleander now speaks. "I remember when you were a wee shrimp. Have that mushroom around to remind yourself of what you were, huh?"

The human suddenly jolts his head back as he is electrocuted by his restraints. Worried, Toad runs in vain to the cell but slams into the force field. Tatanga angrily stomps on Toad, reprimanding him.

"Leave that little guy alone! This is between you and me, Tatanga!" The king shouts defiantly.

"Tatanga does as he pleases." The alien says in a huff, trying to simmer his rage. Despite twitching in pain, Oleander smiles.

"I'll never tell my people to give up Sarasland! Not after what you have done. Never!"

Tatanga snarls at the king. "I practically run everything anyway! Once I find your missing lackeys it's over. Besides an opportunity has arrived. I will be staging an execution of you and others. Princess Daisy will come to rescue you. And I will be waiting for her."

"Underestimate Dayz at your own risk. She makes friends easily."

Tatanga frowns and leaves, Toad struggles to keep up. A guard in a mech follows Tatanga, his expression concerned. "Should you be risking this operation?"

"It'll be worth it. I can't have Daisy and the koopas stay hidden and get stronger. If I capture and marry her, the vassal kings will give up. It will finally cement my grip on the Sarasland Empire!"

Chapter Text

Bowser Jr. shifts on his throne, his mind once again anxious. He received an update from Koopa General about the siege on Pi'illo Island. The enemy forces were larger than expected, it won't be a quick battle. But Junior knows the general can handle it and trusts he will make the appropriate decisions. Junior's thoughts then drift to his father and Peach. Both have yet to return. He wants them back badly and begins to fear the worst. How he longs to go himself and find them! Suddenly, a guard calls out to him about a certain matter.

"Young Sire. A representative of the farmers, from the eastern part of the Darklands, is here."

"Bring him in."

The young prince is not as strong as Bowser, but he is intelligent and gifted for his age. He is good with machines though Bowser ensured he attended an age-appropriate classroom. The king didn't want his son to grow up too fast. But Junior tells himself he is used to making adult decisions. He can take care of the kingdom in his father's stead. The citizen is brought before him to make a case. Junior has the matter taken care of in minutes and sends the pleased person on his way. Alone again, Junior slumps on his father's throne. He is still a child. And he is afraid. Afraid of his family leaving him.

"Papa …. Mama Peach …."

----

It's the familiar voices again. Peach can never make out what they're saying. But she knew the two voices were talking to her. It had been a while since she heard them in a dream. Being among humans must have reawakened the memories. She is sure it is her parents; their tone is loving and gentle. It fills her with longing and hope. Peach may never see her parents again, but she at least wants to see what they looked like. Maybe her memories will clear up more, one day. The voices begin to fade and Peach realizes she is waking up.

"I need you to stay with me!"

Peach's eyes flutter open and realizes she is being carried, bridal style, by the auburn woman. She is running through the ruins of the city as fast as she can. Peach panics and tries to break free but to no avail. The pain in her waist skyrockets and Peach falls limp in exhaustion. If this woman is going to sell her to a slave market, she won't be able to fight. While afraid Peach notices her wound had been wrapped hastily.

The auburn turns to look at Peach as she continues to run.

"My name is Daisy. I'm going to take you to a shelter for better treatment. But you got to stay awake, Peach!"

Panic fills Peach's eyes. "How do you know my name?"

"Scavengers. They warned me you were in trouble. I…"

An alien ship flies over, interrupting Daisy. She pauses while gnashing her teeth and Peach shrinks back in her arms.

"Are you kidding me!?" Daisy shouts. She tightens her hold on Peach and starts running again. Soon the ship cuts off their escape, airdropping aliens in mecha suits to confront them. They quickly surround the pair.

"I have no choice. I can't let these guys see us use the hidden path." Daisy whispers. The auburn sets Peach down against a wall. Daisy then readies her fists to face the enemy. As the mecha suits cautiously approach, the leader speaks.

"Princess Daisy. The great Tatanga is looking for you. Why are you resisting him? Do you not care …"

Daisy leaps and sucker punches the leader right in the face, causing the mecha to fall over. The others immediately charge her. Peach lays against a wall as Daisy wrestles hand and hand with a mecha.

Peach cries out to her. "Lady, please leave me! You can outrun them!"

Daisy spots another mecha going to capture Peach. "Oh no you don't!" She flings the mecha she was wrestling into his comrade. Another comes behind and strikes Daisy into the ground. That would have killed a normal human. But she jumps back up, bruised, and continues to fight. Tears begin to form in Peach's eyes and she covers her mouth. She feared Daisy at first. She now realizes the human is genuinely trying to protect her, at the risk of her own safety.

Suddenly, a lion-like creature comes rushing in and rips up a mecha. As the mecha falls, he pulls the pilot out and throws him to the ground. Behind the lion is a group of people, with big noses and palm trees on their heads. Daisy lowers her fists and smiles.

"King Totomesu!"

Despite his intimidating appearance, he gives her a warm cheerful smile. "Princess Daisy! We heard you were in the area. The queen was worried about you."

The king then sees the injured Peach. "Let me not detain you, Your Highness. We'll cover your escape."

Daisy nods. "Don't forget to wear the masks. Oh shoot …. do you have a spare?"

King Totomesu pulls one out and gives it to Daisy. Daisy gently places the mask on Peach's face and picks her up. The lion and his men return to fight as the princesses escape.

Daisy runs down an alley and approaches a manhole. She sits Peach down temporarily to lift it and they enter the sewer. After covering it up Daisy runs down a maze of dark tunnels. Peach was confused but it was clear Daisy knew where to go. As they went further in, smog was appearing in the tunnels. Peach realizes the aliens are using gas bombs now.

"Monsters." She grumbles.

"You said it."

Princess Daisy finally stops at a tunnel filled with water and boards a speed boat. She crakes the engine up and takes off into a smaller dark tunnel. Fortunately, the boat had a lantern on it for illumination.

"Where are you taking me?" Peach finally asks.

"My hideout, the rebel base. Ma will treat your injuries once we get there."

"Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me."

Daisy turns and sit down, smiling. Her smile reminds Peach of sunflowers. So bright and vibrate. Now at ease, Peach shyly returns her smile.

"You don't look like you're from here. Again, I'm Princess Daisy."

"Such a pretty name." Peach compliments.

Daisy's smile grows wider. "Of course, it is. It's fitting for the fairest of them all!" Daisy flexes her muscles and Peach lets out a giggle. She rests her hands on her heart. "You already know but I'm Peach."

Daisy stares at her for a moment. "While I was eating pavement, I was trying to figure out the origin behind your name…."

"You had time for that!?"

The auburn begins to laugh while pointing at Peach's bangs. "And I'm such an idiot. I'm just realizing why!"

Peach giggles even harder while holding her side. "No, my bangs are heart shape!"

"You're growing a peach on your head!" Daisy teases.

The two princesses laugh for a bit before settling down. Daisy reaches into a bag to give Peach a bottle of water which she greedily drinks it up. Peach then hugs her legs to herself. "So, you're the princess of Sarasaland. Was the lion man your father?"

"No, he is the vassal king of this region. My father and mother are the rulers of all four lands."

"Sarasaland is an empire?"

"Yep. Been that way for generations. Where are you from, Peachy?"

Peach smirks. She is already using nicknames with her.

"I was adopted by toads. We live in the small Mushroom Kingdom and I'm their elected princess."

"Interesting, the princess title is different from where you're from. Over here it's for any girl born from the established royalty."

Peach continues. "We're a vassal kingdom to the Koopa Empire. I'm here to find the emperor, Bowser. He confronted Tatanga a month ago."

Daisy frowns at hearing Tatanga. Her fierce glare is back. Peach can tell she has bad history with the warlord.

"I heard what happened from other rebels, who were on recon at the time. I was fighting in Easton. A large ship lured Tatanga's forces over the ocean for battle, away from the city."

"They lured him?" Peach holds her heart. Bowser did honor her request.

Daisy leans against the boat and folds her arms behind her head. "Yeah. But Tatanga used the EMP cannon when he was losing."

"EMP?"

"It shorted out the vessel rendering it immobile. Took a few shots. Even when the ship crashed, its army came spilling out to fight. The scouts said they had to flee at that point, but they said Tatanga lost a lot. That's a win in my book, even if 'Bowser' wasn't here to save us."

Peach hugs her legs tighter.

"Oh, we're here." Daisy takes off her mask, Peach does so as well. She breathes in a whiff of air and exhales. She smiles.

"It smells fresh…."

----

The boat leaves the tunnel and enters an area with crystal clear waterfalls and caverns. Peach looks around in wonder. She leans over the boat but must move back, as fish are jumping out of the water. This place is more alive than the desert region they just left.

"Welcome to the Easton Kingdom!" Daisy declares and pilots the boat further in. Finally, Daisy parks on a rocky beach. The two climb out as Peach is still taking in the sights.

"Peach, do you need me to carry you?"

Peach shakes her head. "You've done enough. I can make it." She begins to walk a few steps. She stops, holding her side with a cringe. Daisy decides to carry her on her back. The two travels among the region, often staying hidden from patrolling enemies. At one point, Daisy pauses to show her the statues dotting the caverns.

While listening to Daisy talk, Peach looks up. She can see an opening in the cavern they are in. Dark clouds plague this region as well. Peach frowns in indignation. Tatanga has ruined a lively world. Peach thinks back to the slavers. They were people who indulged in their worst traits due to the invasion. Making it harder on the survivors. All of it can be traced to Tatanga. Peach fears how far Bowser would have gone down this same path had he not had his kids or her.

Daisy notices Peach looking up worried. "Peachy?"

"Yes."

"You guys came through a warp pipe?"

Peach explains how she got there and the pipe they used. Daisy stomps her foot and marches up an incline.

"Are you serious!?"

"You wanted them destroyed, Daisy?"

"Yeah, to stop Tatanga from getting to other worlds. If he wanted Sarasaland so bad, he was going to stay in Sarasaland."

Daisy grinds her teeth together, her eyes fiery. "I thought those idiots destroyed it! After I paid all that money! That's it, I'm taking back that payment I gave those plumbers. And they're each getting a foot up their …"

"Tatanga had the pipes rebuilt!" Peach says hoping to save whoever was in hot water.

The auburn sighs in response. "Sorry. Wario and Waluigi are just a pain to deal with." She turns her head to look at Peach. "You chose the wrong time to visit Peach. I can tell trouble comes looking for you, unfortunately."

"Hey!"

Daisy smiles smugly and declares, "But it'll be okay Peachy. I'll protect you!"

Peach smiles. She does feel safe now.

The princesses approach a massive waterfall and Daisy walks behind it. It leads into a cave lined with glowing crystals. Peach reaches her hand out to touch some as they venture through. They eventually encounter two big nose creatures guarding an entrance. Tough in appearance, they regard the princesses with folded arms.

"Daisy, what are they?"

"Piantas."

The two guards move aside to let Daisy and Peach in. Daisy calls out to them as they pass. "Thanks fellas."

The entrance leads to the rebel's base, hidden in a large hidden cavern. Moss and flowers hung from the cavern's roof. A stream, from a waterfall, cuts through the center of the area. Glowing mushrooms and orbs of light provide illumination for the residents. Along the walls are homes, built at different levels. Stairs and walkways connect the various structures. The base looks like something out of a fairy tale book.

Peach jumps at the sound of shouting. Children quickly surround them, happy to see Daisy is back. Daisy sets Peach down and she bends to greet the children. Peach notes they are a mix of piantas, humans, and the shelled creatures she saw earlier. Soon the adults approach and most are human. Most of them look at Peach with curiosity. Peach hides behind Daisy, gently grabbing her arm. Daisy turns to assure Peach.

"It's okay, Peach. They're good people."

The crowd parts to allow a woman with green eyes and glasses to come forward. Her dark brown hair is pin up into a hug bun. "Well, at least I know you had a good reason for being late."

Daisy gives the woman a hug and they both turn to Peach. "Ma, this is my friend, Princess Peach."

"Welcome my dear. I'm Queen Lilac of Sarasaland. You may stay as long as you like."

Peach attempts to curtsy despite her pain. "Nice to meet you."

Noticing the warp around Peach's waist the queen reaches out to her.

"Poor dear. I'll treat your injuries."

Peach again clings to Daisy, pulling away from the queen. Lilac looks at Daisy in confusion. "She's my mom, Peach. But it's okay, I'll be with you." Peach slowly nods in response. The queen turns to look at Peach curiously.

"Follow me."

----

Lilac is treating Peach's wound in a small room while Daisy sits on a stool nearby. As her wound is wrapped Peach looks around. On the walls are pictures of the royal family. Peach smiles noticing a picture of a toddler Daisy, being raised into the air by her father's strong arms.

Lilac notices the picture Peach is staring at and smiles. "I could always hear him from the second floor of the castle. Such a loudmouth. I miss him."

Peach looks away from the picture. "What happened to him?"

"He was taken prisoner." Lilac turns to Daisy. "Any word on your father's whereabouts?"

"None." Daisy places a hand on her mother's shoulder. "He's tough Ma, he won't die easily."

Lilac smiles and walks out to get Peach some food. Daisy crashes on the bed next to Peach and moves her hands to her face. Peach scoots over to check on her.

"I'm fine. I just don't like seeing my Ma worry. I could use a hug."

Peach wraps an arm around Daisy and she leans in.

"Thanks."

"When did all of this start, Daisy?"

"I should give you some context of Sarasaland. My ancestors seized lands for resources and founded the empire. But my parents wanted to correct the wrongs the humans did. They were in talks to give the kingdoms more autonomy. Meanwhile, I was building bonds with the vassal kings to get perspective on their situations."

Daisy sadly smiles remembering her interactions. "When it looked like things would get better for everyone, Tatanga's forces arrived. They were aliens from deep space. Exiled criminals with nowhere to go. And they chose our land. It was pure chaos. The first few days, Tatanga rounded up humans and exterminated them."

Peach hugs Daisy tighter. "No…"

"Then he took control of the four kings' minds. He sent them to attack their own kingdoms. I managed to free them but at a cost. Pa was captured."

"…."

"The others and I have been holding the line. To be honest I could have ended this by now. Even when Tatanga enhanced himself, he couldn't beat me one on one in a physical fight. But he hides behind his technology."

Peach can see Daisy's fury and frustration. "I'm goanna beat him and restore Sarasaland."

Peach smiles and nods. Daisy squeezes her hand, her smile returning.

"This is my room, Peachy. So, you'll be staying here." Daisy gets up and runs to the closet. She pulls out several gowns. "We're about the same size so pick what you like."

Peach chooses a light pink nightgown and Daisy laughs. She figured it was Peach's favorite color. After a change and dinner, Peach and Daisy settle down to go to sleep.

"Wonder if you're from here." Daisy says while looking up at the ceiling. Peach turns her head towards her.

"I'm not sure. The pipe I came from is in Mushroom Kingdom. I've been afraid to enter it due to the pipes having multiple routes."

"There are a lot of human worlds, Peach. Wario and Waluigi come from one. Unlike you they came to mines as adults."

Peach bites her bottom lip. "I never knew where to start. So, I never made finding my old family a priority. Besides, sometimes I wondered if I was abandoned. I don't think they would be happy to see me if that was the case."

Daisy turns to Peach, her eyes sad. Then they brightened.

"Well, just assume I'm your cousin. We're cousins now!" Daisy gives Peach a bear hug. She can't breathe but there is joy in her heart. Thanks to Daisy her traumatizing encounter with the humans was becoming a memory. Daisy lets go of Peach and instantly falls asleep. Unfortunately, she is a terrible sleeper. Daisy flips flops all over the bed, at one point kicking Peach in the face. Peach gets mad and hits Daisy with a pillow. She wakes up, smirks evilly, and a playful pillow fight commences.

----

Two days later, the rebels leave the cavern. Their mission today is to raid a warehouse for medical supplies. Daisy will be leading the group, so she leaves Peach to rest at her home. After a few hours, Peach ventures out to explore the cavern. Today she is wearing a white flowing gown, with a pink ribbon cinched below her bust line. The outfit was ideal for her still wounded side. She decides to forgo her shoes like she did as a child. After walking and greeting some of the residents, Peach comes across a flower field. Delighted at the sight, Peach sits in the grass to stare at the flowers. It is not long before Queen Lilac approaches. She begins tying flowers into Peach's hair.

"Daisy planted these. This is one of two spots folks come to, in order to calm down and relax."

Peach grins. That sounds like something she would do. "She has a green thumb?"

Lilac nods. "So, you are adopted. I've never seen a human like you."

"How did you know?"

"Daisy told me what you told her. She was hoping she could find your folks. Unfortunately, I have no leads."

Peach shrugs. "She doesn't have to worry about that. All of you have enough on your plate. And you've done so much for me. When I recover, I want to help …"

Before Peach can continue a bell is rung. Lilac stands up alarmed. "Peach go back to Daisy's house! We have an intruder!"

"Intruder!?"

Lilac runs in the direction of the commotion. Listening to the queen, Peach stands up to return to Daisy's house.

"A beast is here!" A rebel shouts to Lilac as she is running to the entrance.

"Beast?" She asks. Suddenly, the buff pianta guards go flying past her. Bowser slowly marches in. Smoke is spilling out of his mouth and he is snarling. "Where is she!?"

Some of the residents scatter at the sight of him. "How did someone find this base?" Lilac shouts.

"He looks like one of those turtles from that battle." A man notes.

"Don't let him get pass!"

A group of guards piled on top Bowser to restrain him. But he hurls them off sending people flying several feet away.

"Where is she!?" He bellows again and leaps towards the town. Guards stationed in the town are quickly thrown away like bean bags. Non-combatants are fleeing into their homes.

"You have ten seconds to show where you're hiding Peach!" He shouts preparing to spill fire.

"Bowser! Stop!"

Bowser swallows his fire. He spots Peach walking towards him while holding her side, and his eyes light up. Her hands rise to her mouth.

"Bowser, you look a mess!"

Peach's eyes begin to well with tears. Bowser can feel tears in his eyes. It's been too long since they have been together. She's so beautiful. He wants to embrace her and cover her face in kisses. But there is no time. Bowser has been showing restraint with these kidnappers and he can't stay any longer. He must get her to safety. Besides, the king can't show affection anymore. He decided. A promise he made to himself. Bowser is going to let Peach's kingdom go free, and cut off contact with her after this. It's for her own good. The thought of not seeing her again tears at his heart. But he must do it. Angry shouting brings Bowser out of his daze. He carefully lifts the confused princess up and leaps for the exit. The residents watch in horror, imagining the maiden is being kidnapped by a fiend.

"Bowser wait!" Peach cries out.

Queen Lilac tries to pursue but Bowser is already gone. "Peach!"

Not too long after Daisy returns. Seeing the chaos, Daisy locates her mother. "Ma! What happened!?"

Lilac had been crying. "An ugly monster took Peach away! Please save her!"

Without hesitation Daisy pursues.

----

"Bowser let me go!" Peach insists as Bowser is leaping over a ledge. With a huff he stops and complies.

"I'm trying to save you, woman!"

As he sets her down, Peach holds her nose.

My poor Bowser has not washed in ages. She releases her nose realizing what she just thought. She referred to him as hers. Also, he was looking for her. He found her. She looks up smiling at him. Bowser folds his arms.

"Oh, now I get a thank …" Bowser pauses seeing her favor her side. "Peach…?"

"I knew you would find me!" Her smile seems to glow to Bowser. Bowser is losing his resolve already.

We can't be together anymore … Stop it, Peach!

"I've missed you so much!" Peach softly declares. She spreads her arms out for a hug, and Bowser gives in. He holds his out waiting for Peach to rush into his arms. Fighting his resolve, Bowser puckers his lips in anticipation. Peach is almost there but pulls back. She can't take it.

"Bowser! You need to wash!"

Opening his eyes, Bowser realizes she is holding her nose. Blushing, he mockingly looks her up and down. "Well not everyone has access to a beauty salon, Peaches!"

Peach ignores him. "While you shower under a waterfall, I'll go tell the rebels I'm fine. They're not enemies."

"Wait, you're going back!?"

Suddenly, Daisy shows up. "Let Peach go you creep!"

"Daisy! Wait, he's my friend!"

Bowser turns to face Daisy. "Who do you think you are ordering me around?"

Before he can do anything, Daisy is socking him in the stomach. He is sent flying. But Bowser catches himself in the ground by digging his claws in. Furious, Bowser rushes back and hits Daisy sending her soaring through the air. Peach is mortified and beats on Bowser's chest.

"She saved me, Bowser!"

But Daisy bounces back quickly and kicks Bowser away. He plants his feet in the ground to stop himself. Peach reaches for Daisy.

"Daisy, he is the man I was looking for!"

"He is?" Daisy's eyes grow like saucers as Bowser throws her away by the foot. Daisy catches a stalagmite while flying by, and swings to get back. The two are now charging at each other - fists drawn back to strike. Peach screams at them.

"Both of you stop this!"

Bowser and Daisy turn towards Peach only for each one's fist to connect with the other's face. It's a mutual hit that sends them both spinning. Bowser and Daisy crash to the ground on their backs. They're both still. Peach raises her hand to her mouth. Did they just kill each other? Suddenly, Daisy laughs. Then Bowser joins her.

Daisy struggles up and helps Bowser to get off his back.

"Ouch. Dude, you hit like a freight train! What's your exercise routine?" She shouts.

"I lift several tons of weights. Also, about a thousand pushups." Bowser brags. "You pack a punch for someone so small."

"Before a workout, I start the day with a pineapple smoothie. Instant muscles." Daisy responds. Bowser frowns.

"Liar! You need real man food. Like steak!"

"I hate steak."

Peach observes them talking and talking about diet and workouts. She is happy Bowser and Daisy found common ground on the strangest of things. But Peach then turns to leave in a huff. Daisy and Bowser notice she is leaving.

"Peachy?"

"Peaches!"

Peach turns her head back around, her nose upturned. "I'm going to let Lilac know we're alright! You two continue with your exercise club meeting."

Daisy laughs and goes to follow Peach. Bowser turns to leave. "Then I'll leave you with them - now that I know you're safe. I trust Daisy."

"Bowser where are you going!?" Peach spins around.

"I have to find Ludwig. I'll come back for you."

Peach gasps. "He wasn't with you?"

Bowser slumps in utter shame. "When he was captured, I panicked. He told me not to worry about him but I didn't care. I ended up getting captured myself and thrown into one of Tatanga's prisons."

Peach notices the anger building in him. Daisy is also now fuming at the mention of Tatanga. Peach reaches out to Bowser.

"I'm so sorry. But before you go you have to clean up and sleep, Big Guy."

Tears form in her eyes, now noticing the scars on him. Bowser's eyes soften.

"Peach, no. I'm fine. You don't have to worry." She's making this difficult.

"Just one night. You need all of your strength. You can't help him if you're wore out."

Bowser bows his head in defeat. He consents to stay and follows them back to the village. Once everything is cleared with Lilac, Bowser is given a home to wash in. As he does that Peach waits near a bonfire in the center square. She is reading a book while prop up on pillows. Other residents were present in the area, some napping or reading. The spot was built as a place of relaxation for the rebels. Daisy sits next to Peach, while eating a marshmallow she just cooked over the fire.

"He's okay, Peach?"

"He'll be fine. But Daisy, are you okay? I'm so sorry Bowser was being difficult. Your mother is still mad with him!"

Daisy shrugs her shoulders. "I'm good." The auburn playfully elbows Peach. "He is protective of you, huh?"

Peach clasps her hands together, blushing. "Yes. I ... Daisy. I've appreciated everything you've done. I'm sure Bowser does too."

Daisy waves her hand. "Don't mention it, Peach. I don't mind helping!"

Chapter Text

I feel a sudden sense of overwhelming dread. Like a dark embrace it engulfs my heart. I pause. Is something bad going to happen? I'm not sure what it means. Could be anxiety. I'm worried about so much. But if we all stay together, it'll be alright.

----

Thanks to the waterfalls of Easton, the rebel base has a constant source of running water. Every home has a bath and shower. Though he is not the cleanest of kings, Bowser is thankful for the amenities. Peach will not stop fussing until he cleans up. Unfortunately, due to his size the shower is a tight fit and he must bend to enter. After several minutes of struggling and grumbling, Bowser leaves the shower – his wet hair matted and covering his eyes. He takes a claw to pull back his locks while putting his shell back on. Bowser then grabs a towel on the way out.

The koopa finds Peach sitting on a pillow, reading a book near a bonfire with the other villagers. He could stare at her all night. But Bowser notices her eyes have a little fear in them as she reads. She quickly dismisses whatever is bothering her and continues reading. Bowser takes a deep breath. He needs to tell Peach what he has decided to do. The sooner he talks to her, the better it will be for the both of them. Hearing his footsteps, Peach places the book down. Bowser pauses seeing the residents frowning at him. They don't like him being here after the commotion he caused. Especially Queen Lilac. Ignoring them, Bowser approaches Peach and gazes down at her.

"Happy now, Peaches?" He declares while spreading his arms out. I must stop calling her that!

Peach smiles and runs into his arms.

No. No. NO! It was a joke!

Before he can lower his arms, Peach latches onto his sides - burying her face into his chest. Bowser feels his heart doing backflips. He cautiously wraps his arms around her. With a giggle Peach pulls away and lures Bowser away from the group. She wanted to remain in the town square but in a more private spot. Peach approaches a sitting area under a tree with glowing leaves. Present is a medical kit she had left there earlier. Taking the towel she dries Bowser's hair, his mane now wild looking. Bowser's gaze stays on the ground, attempting to avoid her loving stare.

"Peach, I'm sorry I wasn't there …"

She finishes by wrapping the towel around his neck like a scarf. "You're here now."

Suddenly, Bowser's eyes light up with anger. "I told you to stay back!" He yells. Peach pokes her bottom lip out in annoyance.

"You're the one making people worry about you. Even Mouser came looking with me!"

Bowser wanted to demand why she was alone with Mouser of all people. Then he realized he would look silly asking.

I shouldn't be jealous!

Bowser wants to continue fussing but Peach's eyes entrap him with a glare. He finds himself getting lost in them. Defiant he makes one last retort.

"You are the most stubborn woman I've ever met!"

Peach tilts her head, looking up at him coyly. He freezes. She tugs on the towel, slowly dragging him down toward her. He doesn't fight it. Her lips part and gently press against his. Bowser closes his eyes and kisses her back.

What are you doing, Bowser!?

He pauses mid kiss. Suddenly, Peach pulls the towel over his face covering his eyes. She turns away giggling. Bowser yanks it off and spots Peach sitting on the pillows under the tree. She playfully reaches out to him. Hesitantly, he follows and sits next to her. Opening the med kit, Peach begins applys medicine to his cuts and wraps them. Bowser wants to yelp from the burning medicine but he endures it. When Peach finishes, She grabs his chin to direct him to her lap. Bowser is now at war with himself. His heart feels like it's about to jump out of his chest. He wants to reject her affection but he can't bring himself to do it.

So much for breaking up with her.

"Nice place, isn't it?" Peach teases.

"Yeah…"

Peach begins to comb his hair. Memories of the past come rushing back to Bowser and he closes his eyes. He replays the moment he realized he loved her. Content he remains still, enjoying Peach's attention. At one point she pauses to kiss his snout. It's getting harder and harder to tell her. He has missed her so much.

"Peach, I never meant for you to get in trouble."

Peach pauses and Bowser becomes tense.

"Bowser."

"Yes?"

"Tatanga. Is he what you wanted to be?" Her tone is not angry. But there is a hint of sadness in it.

Bowser grunts lightly. "I started out wanting to take over everything. But this is not what I would want." Bowser balls his fists up. "I've seen some stuff, Peach. I throw death threats around but I have limits. Somethings are too much."

Bowser sits up. "Do you think I'm like him?"

She places her hand on her heart. "You were heading down that path."

"…." Bowser looks away from her.

Peach smiles again. "But I'm glad you don't agree with his methods."

She lures him back to her lap, gently asking about his prison ordeal. Reluctantly, Bowser explains his encounter with Plum in prison.

Bowser was not bothered by the prison. He's been in worst and it was more annoying than anything. The guards were terrified of him. They muzzled him and outfitted him with shock collars around his neck and arms.

The aliens were always shocking Plum and the other kids with their electric batons. They did this whenever they were lagging while carrying huge loads.

Bowser hears Peach gasp when he says the kids were younger than Ludwig. He continues.

Despite this, Plum kept the spirits of the prisoners alive with encouraging words and sharing her rations. She even shared what she had with Bowser. He wasn't receptive at first.

"What am I supposed to do with that moldy crust of bread!" Bowser complains while carrying a boulder. Plum looks down at her small loaf of bread and offers it again. "They didn't feed you at all today, mister." She managed to slip the bread into his mouth past the muzzle. Her kindness reminded him of Peach.

One day Plum got into serious trouble. She came to the aid of a child being punished for falling behind. And the guards intended to kill her, by firing squad, as an example.

Bowser growls remembering that moment. It was one of the few times Bowser didn't ignore a problem that was not his. Something that didn't involve his family. Even Peach did not come into his mind for his reason to act. He genuinely felt angry. Was it because she was so young?

Bowser escaped his confines in a blind rage, injuring himself. But he managed to stop the execution. Plum cried once she realized he saved her and her voice brought him out of his rampage. Stunned, imprisoned humans demanded to know why he was doing that. Some of the adults shouted at him.

"Do you know what is going to happen!?"

"The warden is going to make our lives worst!"

"Suck it up! It's already bad! You've founded an empire! And you're giving in to these losers! If I was your royalty, I would be ashamed. Stay here and die! But I'm leaving! I'm taking the fight to the big man. I will not spend another day under his heel!"

Bowser sees Peach lean over to frown at him. "Bowser, you really said that to those poor people?"

"It was tough love." He retorts.

"Oh, really?"

Bowser rushed to beat up any guard he could find while carrying Plum. To his surprise the other prisoners angerly followed him.

"You have a lot of nerve looking down on us, turtle man!"

"That's King Bowser!"

"Whatever! We'll show you!"

With their help he overtook the base defeating the warden. At Bowser's direction the prisoners raided the supplies and escaped into the city. Several divisions of Bowser's koopa army had been fighting, attempting to enter the prison to free Bowser. Seeing their king had already escaped they regrouped with him.

"My misfit of an army is hiding at my base right now. We're preparing for a counterattack."

"I'm so proud of you." Peach whispers. She scratches his head and a sigh escapes his mouth. "You're a hero!"

"No, I'm not …."

"Well, I'll say then you felt empathy and acted on it."

Bowser thought for a moment, taking in what Peach said. She was implying he saw himself in the prisoners. Feeling helpless and at the mercy of someone else. Bowser smiles.

"Peach, you always listen to me talk. But you don't talk about yourself much. I must drag it out of you every time. Please tell me what happened."

After a pause she tells of her being separated from Mouser. And her wandering around in a desert city. Meeting the slavers and her hurt over their actions. Bowser gets angry. He is ready to go to Wario's prison to find the slavers but she calms him down. Listening to her, Bowser groans within himself.

This strengthens my position. I must let Peach go.

Then Peach tells him about Daisy, and how much she likes her. And how the residents were patient with Peach's aloofness. Her joy and elation brings a smile to him.

"Peach…"

"Shhhh…."

She encourages him to sleep while petting his head. "You need to rest."

Bowser's willpower leaves him. Her gentle words and soft touch lure him to sleep. This is the first time since coming to Sarasaland has his sleep been pleasant. Hours later, Bowser wakes up on the pillow and realizes Peach is not with him. Distressed, he looks around and notices everyone walking around. It's morning.

"Where did she go?"

I shouldn't be looking!

He spots a letter from Peach, telling him she would be back. She had left him a bowl of soup. After eating Bowser walks away with the intent to leave the rebel base. Peach is now with humans. Ones that care about her. She'll be safe for now. But before leaving Bowser decides he needs to talk to Daisy. He eventually finds her tilling soil in her flower garden. She was wearing an orange shirt and suspenders, caked with dirt.

Daisy stops her work and looks up at Bowser. "Bowser! Looking for your sweetheart? She's helping Ms. Betty at her preschool."

Bowser slowly shakes his head. "Daisy, thank you for saving …. my Peach. I'm obligated to return the favor. I'm here for revenge but I'll do whatever is needed to take down Tatanga. I'm at your command."

Bowser takes out a piece of paper and scribbles the coordinates to his hideout. "We're hiding in Chai Kingdom's bamboo forest."

Daisy takes the paper. "So, you want an alliance?" She grins and the two seal the deal with a strong handshake. "We'll have to meet at Wario and Waluigi's plumbing house. I'll talk to you then."

"Those two….?" Bowser groans.

"When you finally get them to cooperate, they're monsters." Daisy groans while shaking her head. "We need them."

"I have to go there anyway."

"Where are you going today? Does Peach know your leaving?"

"No. I can't let her know."

Daisy folds her arms. "You ran all this way and now you're ditching her!? She is going to be sad."

Bowser balls his fists up. "You don't understand. It's for the best."

"Drama queen."

"What did you call me!" Bowser yells but Daisy doesn't flinch.

"Drama queen. It won't last. I saw how you looked at Peach last night. You'll come running back. So, save yourself the trouble and let her decide if she will come with you."

Lilac walks up to the two - glaring at Bowser. "You are such a brute, leaving that girl."

Bowser folds his arms and raises an eyebrow. "I thought you hated me being here, Queen Lilac."

"I don't mind you being here. But I was hoping to set up one of my court attendants with Peach. She's so sweet. And you ruined my scheme!"

Bowser stares at the queen in shock. Then he yells, "No, she's mine!"

He pauses, noticing the two women's reactions to his outburst. They both have their arms folded. He groans and hangs his head.

"I'm not just leaving her for the sake of it. I enslaved her people! Peach didn't take foolishness from me but she was still kind. Despite what I did. So, I'm freeing her kingdom. The more I stay around her, the more in love with her I become. And the more I'm around her, the more trouble she gets into."

Daisy unfolds her arms looking sad. "I see. You feel guilty and think this will make amends."

"So, please don't tell her I'm leaving. Once the war is over, I'll have my men escort her to her kingdom. But I can't see her anymore." The words feel poisonous to Bowser and he grabs at his chest. Lilac's frown softens.

"Alright." She replies.

----

Back on the other side, the siege of Pi'illo Island continues. Jennen the Army Hammer Bro had kept the invading forces at the beach with cannons. But the Koopa General was slowly pushing his forces through, after the airships bombarded the beach. The air forces had been fighting with the pirate ships and some could now aid the ground fighters. Holding a flag with Bowser's insignia, the general urges his soldiers forward.

"For King Bowser! Stop the traitors!" He shouts.

Furious Jennen has his men pull back into the village. "They've finally cut through! Fall back! Fall back!"

Clawgrip doesn't pull back from the advancing empire forces. "I'm not backing down!"

"Clawgrip! You idiot!"

Jennen must be dragged away by a comrade. "Leave him!"

Clawgrip roars and begins hurling boulders. The general flies out the way as his soldiers are hit by the boulders, sending them rolling into the water. Others are buried in the sand.

Clawgrip raises his claws into the air. "Glory to King Wart! The one who Bowser slain!"

One the general's men sticks his head out the sand. "Wait, isn't he the guy that jumped into the turnip field after Bowser beat him?"

"Wasn't he allergic to turnips?" Another adds.

"Don't speak ill of him!" Clawgrip howls. "Bowser is responsible! I will avenge my master! Bow before your new emperor!"

Clawgrip hurls more boulders into the air, trying to crush the general. Flying in a zigzag, Koopa General keeps him busy as his men get close to wrap ropes around Clawgrip's legs.

As Clawgrip lifts another boulder, they tug and bring the large crustacean crashing to the ground. The boulder he was holding drops and hits him on the head, knocking him out. As the soldiers tie Clawgrip up with chains, King K. Rool watches from his boat through a telescope. His men are running around firing cannonballs at the airships. He shakes his head and looks up into the sky.

"Oh great. Antasma said the next few months would be grueling but I didn't expect this."

As he contemplates abandoning his comrades, he grabs his head in pain. "What was that?" He becomes alarmed. "…. I'm going to have to save them, aren't I?"

Jennen and his army ran through the streets of the village. Soon they are confronted by the general's men. Koopas battle koopas as the pi'illo residents remain in their locked homes. Each home has a robot guarding the entrance, so they are unable to flee. The villagers peek from their windows.

"Why are they fighting?" A woman ask her husband as the family stares out the window.

"Keep your head down!"

"That awful Antasma hasn't returned. Maybe he angered Bowser for the last time." The grandmother responds. The woman hugs her children, now hopeful. The father turns to his family.

"We're not in the clear yet. The robots are on the move!"

The robots begin shooting at the invading koopas. To avoid injury, some retreat into their shells while others duck behind shields. The red shelled koopa, with the eye-patch, races through the streets on a go-kart. He crashes into a trio of robots. The impact sends him flying but he successfully destroyed the group.

The general urges his men forward. "For King Bowser!" He shouts again. He then looks around frantically. "Where is Toadette!? I told her to hide in the village!"

As he throws a tantrum, his men approach.

"General! We saw a small boat approaching the shores!"

"Destroy it!"

"But it contains toads, Sir!"

"Huh!?"

----

Toadette had covered the doors to the Pi'illo castle and was upstairs. The enemy robots are slowly melting through the door and barriers. Despite her fear the pink mushroom is taking a nap. To anyone else this would be bizarre. But Toadette is trying to contact someone again. She hasn't heard from the prisoner and fears he is dead.

"Hello? It's me Dreambert."

"Your still alive! Where are you!?"

"Below the castle! You can only access it from my room. It's on the third floor, behind a bookshelf on the right. You'll have to find the button to open a hidden path. It's a maze down here so bring a torch."

"Why didn't you ask any of the koopas at the tower for help?"

"Antasma's influence. With it lessen I was finally able to reach out, and you are someone I trust."

"Lessen?"

"I'll explain more later. I'll go on ahead and wake you up. Please hurry!"

Toadette wakes up and runs for the stairs to the third level. She hears the castle doors giving way and picks up her pace.

Back outside the castle, Tanger sits on a roof watching Jennen run. He spots the wealthy widow and glares.

"Aren't you going to help, Tanger!?"

Jennen fumes as she shrugs. Finally, Tanger gets up and throws a boomerang, taking out a swat of pursuing soldiers. She then sits back down.

"Thank you. I was hoping we could escape to the beach to get on K. Rool's ship but that is impossible now!" Jennen says.

"If you ask me, I think he is going to abandon us."

Jennen is about to counter but stops himself. "Your right. He is a pirate."

Jennen takes his hammer and hurls it, knocking out a sledge bro. He then grabs a torch and runs up to a home.

"What is he doing!?" One of the pi'illo cries out.

The hammer bro smiles wickedly at Tanger as he lights up a wooden door. "We'll burn the town down to cause a diversion." The robots follow his actions and turn to fire into the homes. The villagers cry out, running further into their homes.

Suddenly, a rock connects with Jennen's hand and he drops the torch. He grabs his hand and looks for the assailant. It's Berry and he runs in smothering the flame on the door.

Jennen stares at him stunned. "Toads!?"

Many toads in helmets are in the streets, barring the traitor koopas from entering homes. They look scared as usual but they are putting up a fight this time.

"What are you doing here!?" The general shouts at them.

Gold pauses to look at him. "T-The chancellor told us to back you up! Don't worry we've gotten stronger!"

"…."

Fury fills Jennen's heart seeing the creatures he despise so much. He hurls his hammer at Berry but the toad blocks it with his spear. Though sweating Berry smiles. The toads have been training. Berry leaps on a roof and jumps on Jennen's head, knocking him to the ground. Gold is further away battling enemy koopas. Other toads throw their spears at Tanger on the roof. She dodges and catches one of the spears. She then hurls it back. But the general catches it before it hits Berry, who had Jennen on the ground.

"We have you now, traitors!" The general shouts.

"You're the traitors! Teaming up with toads! You bring shame to our ancestors!" Jennen declares while running to the castle. Tanger jumps to the ground and is surrounded by the general's men. When they leap at her she vanishes and they crash into each other. It was an illusion. The true Tanger is getting away, following Jennen.

Jennen turns to her as they run.

"We must recover the materials Antasma left behind. We can still pull off the assassination. But we can't die here!"

Meanwhile, the general jumps on an airship aiming for the castle. The toads stay in the town, with the koopas, to check on the citizens.

"Please save Toadette!" Berry cries out.

The conspirators enter the castle and the general orders a bombardment. He then jumps off the ship.

"You'll be in the line of fire, Sir!"

"I have to find that repulsive Toadette."

The men stare at him. "You have a hate crush on her or something?"

"I do not!" He roars. "She is Princess Peach's 'sister.' And the king loves the princess and wants her to be happy. And he is the strongest of us. What he wants is our command! It has always been that way!"

His men cheer and salute him while some shout "Long Live the King!" One soldier folds his arms in skepticism, not buying the speech. The general groans and flies into the castle.

While he enters, Toadette had pulled out everything from the shelves in Dreambert's room. She feels along the shelves, hoping to find the button. The room shakes as the bombardment begins. Toadette locked the room to protect herself from the robots. But she can hear them melting the door. Time is running out but she stays calm. Finally, her finger presses into an indent and the wall pulls back.

"I would have never found this alone!"

Toadette then runs around the room looking for a lamp. She falls to the floor from an explosion but gets back up. Staying calm, she successfully locates a lamp and enters the tunnel. Descending a flight of stairs, Toadette looks around afraid. There are multiple tunnels leading into the dark dungeon. She picks one and goes further in. Soon she is seeing creepy purple vines lined along the tunnel's walls. Being near them fills her with dread.

"What are these…"

Toadette jumps hearing the bedroom door crash. She chooses to go right, following the vines but falls into a spike death trap. Fortunately, she grabs the ledge saving herself. After pulling herself out, Toadette presses against the wall now terrified. She tries another route and finds even more vines. The further in she goes, the more afraid she feels. Noticing some photos pinned to the wall, Toadette holds up the lamp. Before her are mutilated pictures of Peach. Each picture have claw marks on her face. But in each image Peach's blue eyes are untouched. It's a wall of eyes staring back at her like she is in a nightmare. Toadette hugs her lamp.

"I don't like this place."

----

Bowser takes advantage of the rebels gathering at the square to make his exit. Once he leaves from the behind the waterfall, he turns his head already regretting his decision. But once Bowser turns back around, he realizes Peach is waiting near the waterfall. Bowser groans.

She knows. She's going to kill me!

But she doesn't yell at him.

"I'll slow you down with the way I am. But Lilac says I have one more day of recovery. Soon I'll be ready to help you in any way I can!"

Bowser smiles with appreciation. She lowers her eyes, blushing. Bowser looks at her curiously.

"I'll see you later, love." She nervously fumbles out. Bowser's eyes become grief stricken. This is what he has always wanted. Her love. Peach reaches out and tugs his head down toward her. She wants a goodbye kiss. Bowser's mind becomes hazy but he pulls away. Peach looks up at him, her eyes distressed.

"I'm sorry I can't accept." He may beg for her hand in marriage if she does. "I've lost Ludwig. I almost lost you. I had time to think and things are going to change. When this is over, you and your kingdom are free from me."

Peach stares at him and folds her arms. "You're jumping ahead and deciding without me."

"Jumping ahead?"

Peach clasps her hands together. "We were working on that. My council and me. After you returned and rested, we would declare independence from your empire."

"That's rebellion!"

Peach places her hands on her hips. Bowse smirks over her cute pout. "What are you mad over? You just said we're free. But we wanted an alliance where we are on equal footing. We're willing to negotiate."

Bowser stares stunned. He then speaks. "No alliances. We must cut off contact. I'll try to do what I can to undue any harm done to your kingdom."

Peach sighs but Bowser continues. "You'll have your life back, Peach. Isn't this what you wanted!? When Tatanga is done, I'll have my men escort you home. But I can't see you anymore. It doesn't mean I don't love you. It's just I only get you into trouble."

Peach folds her arms as Bowser pleads with her.

"Peach, I'm dying already over this! Don't make this anymore difficult!"

She unfolds her arms and closes her eyes. After taking a few deep breathes Peach reaches out to Bowser. "Please take my hand." Her eyes draw him in, and he timidly reaches for her.

"When I was kidnapped, I was scared. But I kept telling myself you would come. And I realized at that moment I loved you."

Bowser looks away. "…."

Peach continues. "You're used to deciding on your own." Bower's eyes narrow. He tries to retort but she places a finger on his mouth. "But we're a team. Couples work together to fix a problem when it arrives, not pull apart. You messed up. I messed up. So, let's tackle it together."

Bowser grips her hands. "Peach…"

"If Tatanga keeps going like this, what he does will affect everyone! So, I'm helping whether you like it or not. I won't take silly unnecessary risks. When Daisy comes to you, I will be with her. And I'm not leaving your side. No matter what happens, I'll be there with you. So, get over it!"

Bowser gazes at her. His emotions are overwhelming him. She loves him. She loves him. He can't push her away. Bowser catches her in a loving embrace. Peach giggles and holds onto him. He then growls lowly into her ears.

"I have no choice, huh? Okay then ... you are mine. And I am yours."

Chapter Text

In the pi'illo throne room, Koopa General and Jennen trade blows as debris rain down from above. Madam Tanger had run ahead to secure Antasma's lab while Jennen bought her time.

The general shouts, "How could you turn on King Bowser like this? You're even working with that exile! Do you remember what she did to the king!?"

Jennen kicks the general in the face and he crashes against the throne. "Your loyal to a fault. King Bowser is no longer himself! The king will be the death of our empire! He is going to give it all up for the human girl!" Jennen raises his hammer and swings down at the general. But he catches Jennen's wrist and uses his other arm to disarm the hammer bro. With an angry yelp Jennen releases his hammer. Koopa General then kicks Jennen and he skids across the floor.

Before the general can retort to what Jennen said, the floor shakes. The roof comes falling from the bombardment. Using his wings, the general dashes out - unable to grab Jennen as the roof collapses on him. But he returns to see if he can free the traitor, now trapped under a beam.

"We have you now, traitor!" Koopa General declares with the intent of arresting him. But he pauses seeing Antasma's robots go past the door. Why aren't they helping Jennen?

"Toadette…." The general abandons the site to pursue. Realizing why he has left, Jennen laughs bitterly.

Meanwhile, Toadette powers through the despair she feels, as she trudge through the dark dungeon. She is certain the vines are emitting some sort of fear pheromones, to keep people out of here. For the prince to be trapped down here fills her heart with terror. How has he lived this long!?

Toadette jumps hearing an explosion and shouting. Someone has confronted the robots in the dungeon. She hopes it's the general and that he will find her. As she contemplates what to do next, she hears tapping on the walls. Toadette follows the noise until she reaches a cell.

"You made it."

Toadette gasps. Before her was the prince of Pi'illo Island. Handcuffed, he is not living in the best of conditions. Unknown to everyone, Dreambert was imprisoned for an untold amount of time. The prince looks miserable but he gives her a weary smile.

"My people? Are they still alive?"

A sob escapes Toadette's mouth as she looks at him. He is more worried about his people than his situation.

"T-They're trapped in their homes. The koopas are going to free them!" Toadette began looking for a rock to break the lock. "I'm so sorry!"

"There is nothing to apologize for."

"I'll have you out in a moment!"

Toadette suddenly fell, gasping in pain. Vines have entangled her! Dreambert turns towards a glass window in the cell.

"Oh no! The trap is still active!"

Toadette fearfully lifts her eyes. Behind the glass is a small purple bat on a platform. It had its wings wrapped around itself, fast asleep. Vines were coming from it, growing out from the cell, and lining the walls of the tunnels. Toadette realizes the vines are indeed a security measure. Terror once again fills her heart as she is dragged away from the cell. Dreambert grabs at the vines trying to save the toad but it is in vain. They begin to slowly suffocate her. Toadette can't breathe but she manages a strangled cry for help. Unexpectedly, the general rushes in and dives for Toadette. He then pulls a flamethrower out his shell and torches the vines. Lifting the toad into the air, he flies her to safety.

"You nearly barbecued me!" Toadette yells as he drops her on the ground.

"Don't tempt me." The general grumbles while putting away the flamethrower. His eyes soften. "You are in so much trouble." He then rolls his eyes. "But good work surviving."

Fat tears escape Toadette's eyes and she leans against him sobbing. She had been trapped on the island for so long. She feels relief now that she finally has help. The general stares at the imprisoned monarch as Toadette calms down. Once she stops crying, she looks up. She must stay focused; Dreambert needs help.

"Is that Antasma?" She questions.

Dreambert turns towards the small bat. "It is a piece of him."

Toadette and the general exchange concerned looks.

"He leaves it here to keep me weaken." Dreambert points at his head. "Antasma implanted a telepathic restraining bolt in my mind. Mines hinders me from accessing the dream world."

The general grabs the bars. "Restraining bolt? He can do that!?"

"Once he enters your dreams, yes. Few are immune to it. It's to keep people in line. Outsiders can't see it. But my citizens can't run because of it. And I'm sure Antasma's 'friends' have them as well. You do something he doesn't like and you suffer for it."

"How do we get rid of it!?" Toadette asks.

"He is hooked up to a machine that amplifies his powers. The madman keeps me here because the signal is at its strongest. If I can escape the cell, I can purge my mind of the bolt."

"Out of the way!" The general yells and bends the bars back with great rage. Dreambert stumbles out of the cell and into Toadette's arms.

"I will be fine. I just need to heal myself."

The general removes dynamite sticks from his shell and lines them up against the glass.

"Where are you storing all these items!?" Toadette demands. The general sets the explosives up and urges them to run. The weak Dreambert can't even levitate so Toadette must carry him. Once they round a corner, an explosion rips through the tunnel. As the dust settles, the general runs back. The dynamite destroyed the thick glass and the vines are burning. Unfortunately, the machine is still in tack. And the small bat is alive. It wakes up angry.

"He must have used his entire treasury, to fund the creation of this machine. No wonder he did not have any money when we invaded."

The general contemplates disobeying Bowser Junior's order and blow himself up to finish the job. The bat suddenly screeches at him and the general stumbles back, disoriented. Toadette and Dreambert hold their ears and fall to their knees. The bat taps a button on the machine and screeches again. Throughout the village the screech is heard through loudspeakers. The toads and their koopa allies, who had just freed the villagers, hold their ears. Suddenly, the villagers rush forward and attack the toads!

"What are you doing!?" Berry cries out.

Their eyes are blank and they are clawing at Berry and the others wildly. They are acting as if they went insane. "Don't hurt them! Something is wrong! Just restrain them!" Gold cries out. The koopas run to the toads' aid and get in between them and the villagers. Back at the cell, the dungeon shakes violently. Toadette and Dreambert hold on to the walls. The prince is griping his head, fighting the maddening call from the screech. Toadette looks at the ground feeling nauseous. The screeching is loud but it feels like the castle is rising into the air. Vines begin to cover the area the small bat is in, to shield him from any more damage. While this is happening, the general leans against a wall still dizzy. He pulls up his walkie talkie - having received a message.

"Sir, the castle! It's flying!"

Koopa General's eyes narrow. "We've underestimated him. Antasma's stronger than he looks." The general pulls out his flamethrower, despite his confusion, and wildly fires at the vines. "I can't let him become whole again!"

The small bat laughs at his efforts. "Your loyalty to the Koopa King is astounding. Fear not, I just need the lab and my assistants. I'm off to find my main body."

"You're not getting …" The floor under the general collapses and he falls through.

"Oh no!" Toadette cries out.

"Goodbye Dreambert.'" Antasma mockingly says to the prince. "I leave you a kingdom in flames. But I'm certain you won't get to enjoy it. Thank you for all your help, 'brother.'"

Dreambert yells at Antasma and attempts to run toward him, filled with righteous fury. But the floor gives way and he falls. Toadette leaps after him.

Elsewhere, in the throne room, Tanger returns to Jennen to free him from under the debris.

"The castle is flying, Jennen!"

"Where is it taking us!?"

Outside, King K. Rool watches the sky as the castle ascends and he whistles. Nearby him is Clawgrip who he saved from the beach. Other soldiers of Jennen however had been captured. The crocodile orders his ship to set course for his hideout.

Meanwhile, Toadette and Dreambert are plummeting to the ground below. The airship is too far away to save them, as it pulled away to avoid the rising castle. Toadette manages to catch up to Dreambert. "I have you, prince!"

But the noble Dreambert wraps his arms around Toadette and aims his back at the ground. "No! I'm not letting you die!"

Before impact, the general swoops in and saves them, and flies towards the village. As he does so the general looks into the sky.

"Pursue the castle!" He orders through his walkie talkie. The airship follows. But once they are in the clouds, they don't see where it went.

The general lands the prince and Toadette on the ground. Koopas are destroying the loudspeakers while the others are holding back the crazed mob. Buildings have caught fire and many lay on the ground injured. Dreambert looks at the chaos and turns to the two that saved him.

"Please! We must restrain them! I can remove Antasma's influence on them!"

"But we have to get you to a doctor!" Toadette begs.

"My people come first!"

Toadette nods and runs to aid Berry who was wrestling with a baker. The general wants to find the castle but he reluctantly turns back to help.

----

Back in Sarasaland, Peach and Daisy are riding on a cloud. Biokinton is king of the Chai Kingdom and was asked by Daisy to escort them. Peach leans over to look at his cute beady eyes. Noticing her looking at him, he closes his eyes blushing. Peach looks back at Daisy confused.

"He's shy! That's why he hides in the cloud." Daisy laughs and Peach giggles in response. She then looks below admiring the bamboo forest. Located in this kingdom is Bowser's hideout, Peach can hardly contain her joy at reuniting with him. Daisy points ahead to show her the base, hidden in an old dome. Waiting outside it are koopa soldiers and humans. After landing, the humans surround Daisy, happy to see their princess is still alive. As they talk to her the koopas greet Peach.

"Thank you for coming your highness! We're glad you're here!"

Peach looks at them curiously. "I just got in the way…"

One of the koopas shakes his head. "The king wasn't listening to any of us. You got him to take care of himself. It reminded him he has others to get back to."

Peach smiles in appreciation. One of the koopas grasped her hand.

"Come on, let's take you to His Majesty."

The dome has seen better days. Its glass shielding caved in from an attack long ago, forcing the previous residents to flee. Peach could spot an electric shield covering up the hole. The living quarters, indoor gardens, and life support systems are worn and overgrown. But the humans are walking around making repairs, with the koopas assisting.

The princesses find Bowser sitting on a throne of metal, in the old town square. Nearby him is Plum and a long-haired man standing guard. Bowser is now wearing cow skulls and various beast bones around his waist. He also has a spiked shoulder blade with a tattered cape. In one of his claws is a spiked club. He looks like a wasteland king. Fitting considering the conditions he and his army are living in. Bowser himself protects the group from mutated beasts.

Bowser was getting a report from the long-hair man when the princesses walk in. The king becomes bashful when he lays eyes on Peach. Blushing, he points at a smaller throne covered in pink fabric.

"Sit next to me, Princess Peach!"

Peach smiles appreciatively and approaches the throne. As she sits down, Bowser beams and grasps her small hand. This is one thing he always wanted to do with her. The two of them sitting side by side, on thrones, and handling royal matters together. Some of the humans and Daisy start snickering. Bowser frowns. "What's so funny!?"

"Both of you are so different, Mister Bowser! It's amusing!" Plum jokes. Bowser grumbles but goes back to smiling at Peach. She returns his gaze before noticing Plum.

"Thank you for feeding Bowser." Peach whispers. Plum rubs the back of her head shyly. As Daisy talks about their trip, King Biokinton floats up to Bowser's throne with angry eyes. Bowser looks at Daisy with a puzzled stare.

"He's not making a play for your crown, Biokinton." Daisy says to the cloud. Satisfied with her response, he returns to hiding behind the auburn.

Bowser releases a puff of smoke from his nostrils. "You got that right. I got bigger fish to fry." Bowser then turns to the human man. "Mop-head tell them what you got."

Mop opens a digital pad. "While on recon, I came across a message Tatanga has been broadcasting in the cities. I figured you didn't get it Princess Daisy, due to the rules of limiting technology at rebel bases."

Peach looks at Bowser and he gives her hand a squeeze. "They're afraid of being tracked."

"I see."

Mop continues. "I recorded it and let King Bowser watch it. But I'll show it to you too, Princess Daisy."

Daisy grabs the pad and stands near Peach so she can watch.

"Within a week, King Oleander will be executed. If you want him to live you will come forward, Princess Daisy. Meet me in Birabuto."

Daisy glares spotting her father tied up behind Tatanga. Next to Oleander is Ludwig. Peach gasps. Ludwig has tears falling down his face and he is blinking trying to hold them back. Protective instincts hit Peach; she wants to save him immediately. She spots Bowser looking at her and he shakes his head. He is asking her to wait. Peach settles down and endures the rest of the message.

"And as for King Bowser. If you want the boy to stay alive, report to the warp pipe you came from. You will be escorted back to your home world."

The message abruptly ends.

"He is setting up the both of you. But what choice do we have?" Peach says flatly.

Daisy hugs the pad, her eyes betraying her worry. "Yeah."

Bowser turns to Peach. "Peach, Ludwig will be okay."

"But he's distressed."

"He was fake crying."

"Huh?"

Bowser smiles and deep breathes. "He was sending a code through blinking. I taught it to him and the other koopalings, should they ever get taken hostage. To hide he was sending me a message, Ludwig began crying."

"What's the message?" Daisy asks.

"Ludwig knows the prison's location. They're at a base hidden in the southern part of Muda."

Daisy slams her fists together. "YES! Instead of waiting, we go straight to them. Mop, I need you to find King Dragonzamasu, and tell him to locate the hidden base. And report back to me."

Mop salutes her and bows to Bowser. He then runs out. Bowser begins talking again. "I hadn't told you Daisy, but I'm buying valuable information from Wario and Waluigi. They claim they know how to deal with the emp cannon. Once we save Ludwig and the emperor, we can work on the plan."

Peach raises an eyebrow. "Bowser, where did you get the money to pay them?"

"I maybe broke into a few abandoned banks to raid the gold. And ransacked an alien fortress." Bowser says sheepishly.

Daisy shrugs. "Desperate times."

Peach puts her hand on her chin. "Your mom told me Muda is a water region. Bowser and the koopas are good swimmers. But if that base is underwater, instead of being a floating platform, it will be a problem to enter."

Daisy nervously shuffles her feet. It's subtle but Peach notices. "Underwater ….? There are submarines I can borrow from King Dragonzamasu. But I'm afraid of Tatanga having a smaller model of the emp device. W-We would be trapped under the sea if we're hit."

Peach realizes Daisy is not fond of the deep ocean. Hoping to put her friend at ease, Peach looks to Bowser. "That's why you want to see Wario and Waluigi first?"

"Yeah. If Tatanga continues to have access to that technology and we have no counter, it's going to be hard to approach them." Bowser stands up and folds his arms. "But not impossible! Even if we fail to get the information, I'm not quitting. They've messed with the wrong koopa!"

Daisy is back smiling. "I like how you think!"

The royals then go quiet. Finally, Peach speaks. "Should we head over to Wario and Waluigi?"

Bowser shakes his head. "No, I haven't gotten word back from them. Until then we sit back and chill."

Daisy smirks. "We can pass the time with workouts! I can do more pushups than you, Bowser!"

Bowser returns the mischievous look. "We'll see about that!"

Not long after, Daisy and Bowser are doing pushups. Peach and Plum sat on Bowser's shelled back, reading. Peach smiles as she looks at the two royals competing. Bowser has finally made himself some friends.

----

"So, they have not located Princess Daisy after my message went out?" Tatanga questions while sitting on Sarasaland's throne.

The guard fumbles over his words. "Y-yes my lord."

Tatanga groans under his breath.

"Please be patient!"

"Do you think she will go to the koopas for support?"

"They're a wild bunch. I'm not sure she would."

Tatanga angerly shouts and his guards scatter. "She will yield to me! She. Will. Yield!"

Two human females nervously fan Tatanga, with palm branches, as he fumes. Other servants standby with platters, waiting for the criminal's next order. Toad is the shortest of the bunch. Currently, he is admiring the structure of the room. The throne room of the palace is grand with large windows all around. Flora and plant life grow freely. And rays from the rising sun pour through the window. Toad, holding a goblet, looks around as the light turns the room a golden yellow. During a time of peace this was a lovely place to be.

"Shorty."

Toad straightens his back at hearing Tatanga. His blood is boiling but he maintains a fake smile. "Yes sir!"

"My drink."

Toad runs up to Tatanga and presents the goblet. "I tested it for poison like you asked!"

Tatanga drinks the whole thing and drops the goblet on Toad's head. "I want another."

"I wAnt AnOtheR!" Toad mocks under his breath, while entering the kitchen. He spots a skinny human with a sharp mustache - chopping vegetables. He arrived a week ago to work as the new chef. The captain wonders how long he will live. Toad pours drink into the goblet and turns to waddle out. The man spins around and hands Toad a red rose. Toad stares in confusion at the rose. He then notices a note in the petals.

"Big man wearing a yellow apron. Think you can take care of it?" The man whispers while chopping onions. Toad nods and leaves. He spots the other guy with a 'w' looking mustache. Also, a new guy and he was moping in the hall. Toad hands him the rose. After reading the message, the man takes Toad with him to the cleaning closet. The man then reveals a usb stick in his hand. "Tell that beanpole I got the info. We can make a break for it tonight."

"Who are you guys? Are you with the rebellion?" Toad inquiries.

The man pulls a whole garlic out his pocket and takes a bite. "Nope. We're doing our own thing. But we do business with them. Also, we have a guy that will pay top dollar for information. If you want to escape meet us at the courtyard."

A chance to escape, Toad will not pass up this opportunity!

When night falls, the captain nervously enters the courtyard. The place is filled with exotic flowers from all over the land. Ignoring the sights, Toad takes a seat waiting for the spies.

"I need this to be over with today. So, I can get back home. Peach is so worried."

Just as he spots the two men, he hears a warp pipe sound. Toad puts up a hand to stop the spies. The duo immediately hide behind pillars. Toad looks around to see if anyone is here. He checks around a tree and spots a warp pipe. That's new. As he approaches, he feels a shadow behind him.

Toad turns and to his displeasure … realizes it is Antasma.

----

His cape is more tattered, his appearance ragged but he is smiling. A most unnerving smile.

"Hello, Captain Toad."

Without hesitation, Toad runs. He makes it past the tree but a bony arm reaches out and grabs him from behind. The mushroom has never felt so much fear. How did he find him!? Toad expects to be ripped apart but Antasma holds him in place.

"H-How are you doing?" Toad asks him with a watery smile. Why did I ask that!?

Antasma's eyes light up in amusement. "I don't know captain. How do you think I'm doing?"

"Umm …peachy keen?" Toad cringes at his own response.

Antasma's eyes enlarge and he laughs madly. Toad nervously joins in while crying at the same time. The two laugh for a few minutes. Antasma finally stops but still smiling. "Do you know what I've been through, captain? How many worlds I've traveled? How many people I've had to go through? How many police chases I've outrun? All while knowing my co-conspirators are struggling to do something as simple as holding the line!?"

"Someone! Someone help! A crazy man is going to kill me!" Toad shouts out. He knows no one will help but he is giving a warning to the spies nearby. To his relief they remain hidden.

The bat king frowns at Toad. "No one is coming to your aid." He then floats into the open still holding the captain. A mob of guards ran up to them and stopped.

"Who are you!?" One demands.

The other guard stops his comrade. "Wait. He looks familiar."

Antasma snickers. "I know nothing of Sarasaland. But you look familiar too now that I've seen your kind outside the of ships. I've seen you in the prisons."

Toad's eyes bug out of their sockets. "Prison!?"

The guards nervously take a step back. Antasma shakes his head in reassurance.

"Don't be afraid. Just take me to Tatanga."

The guards escort Antasma and Toad away while the two spies watch. Their names are Wario and Waluigi, plumbers from another world.

Wario shakes his head. "Rest in pieces, mushroom head. Should we wait a bit before leaving?" Wario asks while picking in his ear. "We can't risk getting captured."

"Well, I'm not staying any longer than necessary!" Waluigi declares while hitting his business partner. Wario gives a hearty laugh and slaps Waluigi on the back, knocking him over. Waluigi gets up grumbling and dusts his apron off. "Come on! Hopefully, we can get good money out of this deal."

"Wahaha! Bowser will owe us big time!"

----

Tatanga inspects Antasma as he and Toad enter the throne room. The man points at the bat king. He knows who he is immediately. "You're that interdimensional murderer. King of the Dark."

Toad's mouth drops. "He's a what!?"

Antasma takes his claws and closes Toad's mouth.

"What do you want?" Tatanga demands, now readying his laser gun. Antasma looks around. "I want all the humans to leave first." Tatanga motions for his men to escort them all out. Once they leave Tatanga turns to Antasma.

"I have information. About Princess Daisy's whereabouts."

Tatanga's eyes widen.

"In exchange you give me supplies. I ran into some trouble so I need a little help."

Antasma explains the location is in Easton and presents photos as evidence. Tatanga looks up from the photos. "How?"

"I tracked them to the location. The exact location." Antasma says simply.

"Deal." Tatanga utters and he turns to his men. "Get the mother ship ready. Meet us there."

As Tatanga leaves Antasma remains in the throne room, still holding Toad. Toad cries out to the bat. "How!? How did you find me!?"

"I found Peach."

Toad's eyes widen with horror. "Peach is here!? How would you know!? I saw you go down that other pipe."

Antasma tightens his grip on the captain. "She is with the rebels. The last time I visited her dreams, I implanted a harmless telepathic tracker in Peach's mind. Before you betrayed me."

Toad is thoroughly creeped out. "Why!?"

Antasma's smile brightens and his eyes glow with warmth. "So, I would know where she is, silly. If we're separated for any reason, I could find my way back to her."

Antasma continues and pulls Toad closer. "You have a lot to answer for Toad. Thanks to you, Peach has fallen in love with Bowser." Toad detects bitterness in his words.

"Isn't that what you wanted!?" He shouts in disbelief.

"NO! She was just distracting him! She belongs to me!"

This can't be happening! He likes her too!? Poor Peach!

"I don't know if I should be crying or laughing on how this backfired on you!" Toads says knowing he is a dead man. But Antasma throws him to the ground in response. Antasma circles around Toad, his hands clasped. "I was so worried about her. I found her, only to see her wrapped up in Bowser's arms declaring her love. Such a foolish young girl! She still doesn't know what she wants. After everything we've been through. So, I went and looked for you,using detective work. I knew you were alive and would end up a servant."

Toad didn't know it was possible, but Antasma's smile got bigger.

"I could kill you right now, captain! I'm SO angry!"

"Then why are you smiling!?"

"Because I am so angry! I should have followed Tanger's advice, and sowed doubt in Peach about that oafish meathead." Antasma picks Toad back up, his voice increasingly unhinged. "You think you're so clever captain, trying to get rid of me. I thought fear was enough to keep you in line. No restraining bolts needed. But I underestimated your love for your people. You single-handedly ruined my plan. And cost me Peach! But I'm not giving up. I will rule the Koopa Empire once I'm whole again."

"So that was your deal!" Toad struggles to free himself. "But what do you want with Peach!?"

The bat is now frowning and his eyes narrow. "An emperor needs a pet, right? But I'm must first punish Peach for her betrayal. Don't worry I'm not going to kill her. Just take her new friends away." He is back showing a toothy smile.

Toad stops struggling. "Is that why you leaked the rebel base's location!?"

"Of course!"

The captain stares up at him appalled. Antasma has lost his mind. Or was it already gone? "This is the worst, dude! You can't do that to them! All over a girl!?"

Antasma shakes his head and pokes Toad's cheek. "You make me sound petty, my dear captain."

----

The greatest punishment Antasma can give Toad is leaving him, with the knowledge he failed miserably. After abandoning a screaming Toad to Tatanga's men, Antasma goes to Easton. He knows Peach left the rebel base already. He feels her presence in the direction of Chai Kingdom. Tonight, his is looking for Easton's king, Hiyoihoi. The stone head with legs was taking a nap in Dome 16. He had been in a grueling battle earlier. This man knew the location of Lilac and Daisy, and had been supplying them with food. He is loyal to the emperor but he is an impatient man. Quick to action. And he worries endlessly about the queen and princess. Hiyoihoi is not sure how long he can keep them hidden. The man is perfect to influence.

Antasma enters his mind and torments him with nightmares. He convinces him of the impending doom. Already scared, the king demands answers. Antasma plays with his memories and Hiyoihoi remembers Daisy had given shelter to a young human girl. The stone king ponders if Peach is a spy. Has Daisy taken in someone that sold them out? Hiyoihoi wakes up afraid and calls out to his men. He tells them to check, for his own peace of mind. Hiyoihoi then paces on his floor rapidly and Antasma laughs inwardly. He thinks of how he got to this point.

His childhood was normal and he grew up in a royal household, as the smallest. Antasma belonged to a reserved race that hid in caves. Unlike his species, others feared the dark and stayed away from it. It was curious to him, that they associated the darkness with fear. When his ability to access dreams matured, he became enamored with nightmares. People's fears often showed up in their mind as they sleep. When confronted with that fear in real life they're shaken. Everyone wears a mask. But people show who they really are when afraid. And Antasma found power in utilizing fear. His people did not agree with his methods.

One day after destroying his hometown, Antasma ventured down a pipe and decided to explore other worlds. He developed an even more intense taste for inflicting fear. He would enter a town and target one person at a time each night. Antasma would tear a person's mind apart, leaving his victim a husk of their former self. A literal stone statue. Towns would descend into chaos, trying to find out what was happening to their neighbors. Fear would cause them to turn on each other. Then Antasma would move on to the next town. Infamous, Antasma was in and out of prisons in different worlds. But they could never hold him for long.

Wanting to 'retire,' Antasma found Pi'illo Island and met a species like his. They used their telepathy to give people good dreams. Prince Dreambert took him in and came to view him as a brother, and Antasma viewed him as a potential alley. However, Dreambert grew concerned with Antasma's obsession with nightmares. And Antasma began trying to convince Dreambert of what they could accomplish together. Finally, the bat king turned on him due to their philosophical differences. After pulling a coup, he locked the prince away. When whole his screeching drives men mad, but Antasma took that part of himself out to keep Dreambert in line.

Feeling unstoppable, Antasma entered the War of the Warlords. That's when he met Bowser. To his shock, the young king was immune to his fear tactics. He bowed to no one. And Antasma got beat. Bad. It was a humbling experience. Bowser is stubborn and has a strong will. He is foolish and can be manipulated, but he would break free eventually. The koopa doesn't give into despair no matter how he feels. And he doesn't give up. There are not many people like that. To live, Antasma showed he could be useful to Bowser and hide all existence of Dreambert.

One day while looking through Bowser's memory banks, to calm the tyrant, he discovered Peach. Antasma became curious with her. Though she faced fearful situations with the koopas, she never turned on the toads to live. She did not become a monster, like he had seen so many times. Soon he became obsessed with looking at Bowser's memory files of her. Eventually, he wanted to meet her in person. And she lived up to Bowser's dreams. The princess embodies life and light. She brings happiness to others like a dream. At first, Antasma thought she was a pi'illo before knowing what a human was. Antasma came to consider her his counterpart. If she is the light then he is the dark.

And the brighter the light, the more fun it is to stuff out.

Peach is the first person he doesn't just want to kill. He wants her to fear him and love him. Antasma growls. He wanted Peach to wait for him. Now she turned on him. Not only did she ignore his advice and fall for Bowser, but she also found friendship with Daisy. He felt so much bitterness, watching how close the princesses had become. Daisy is just another roadblock to him.

Peach will regret this.

The stone king's men return, telling Hiyoihoi they received word of the mother ship on the move. The king panics and demands to know where Daisy is. When they tell him she is not in Easton, he runs to warn the rebels. Antasma snickers madly. The stone king won't make it in time. No one will make it in time. Sweet little Daisy will return to a heap of ruins, and will be captured by Tatanga. The other rebels will turn on Peach. Bowser will not let Peach die but her reaction will be priceless.

That will teach her a lesson.

Chapter Text

Wario and Waluigi's 'shop' is a humble shack, sitting among the ruins of an abandoned suburban neighborhood. The bamboo forest has since overtaken the area. It's the perfect hideout for them. Despite the run-down exterior of the place, the two plumbers call it home. They even have a nice vegetable garden in their backyard. Peach walks towards the carefully tilled soil, examining the plants. Its caretaker Wario was currently growing tomatoes. While admiring their ripeness, a white chicken approaches Peach. She rubs against Peach's leg, cooing. The princess bends to gently ruffle her feathers.

"You're a sweetheart!"

Gingerly picking up the chicken, Peach walks over to where her friends are. Bowser and Daisy are sitting at a small garden table, staring intently at a computer screen. The screen is tiny, so Bowser must bend to look while hoping his chair doesn't break under his weight. Having trouble seeing past Bowser, Daisy smooshed the side of her face against his. Peach can't help but snicker at the sight.

"Too many words!" Bowser complains. "I don't feel like reading this!"

"Good grief, Bowser! I'll summarize it. The aliens coat their ships with a special solution to protect themselves from emp blasts." Daisy mumbles. "Wario and Waluigi even got information on the ingredients used."

Bowser grunts in response. "I see. Those plumb skulls are good for something after all."

Peach leans over Bowser's shoulder to look at the screen too. "So, we can use it to coat the submarine as a precaution?"

"Yeah, I also stole some planes from an abandoned airport. I got my best nerds working on them. Once we have that coating made, we can use them to face Tatanga's mother ship." Bowser chuckles.

Daisy looks at him out the side of her eyes. "You're talking about the sky pop planes?"

"Yeah."

Daisy smiles nervously. "We failed in our last air raid against Tatanga. Hopefully, this time it will different."

Peach stands back up. "You think of everything Bowser."

Bowser smugly leans back against his chair. "I didn't become king with just my looks, Peach."

Peach places Hen in Bowser's lap while sighing. "You just can't help but brag…"

The chicken climbs into Bowser's mane and settles down in his hair. She then falls asleep. Peach and Daisy stare at Bowser's head in amusement.

"Is she sleeping!?" Bowser demands.

"You emit a lot of heat. She likes it up there!" Peach giggles. Bowser scowls and looks up, trying to glare at the chicken. "If she makes a nest in my head, she's going in a pan of hot grease!"

On cue, Wario waddles into the yard drinking an energy drink. "Cook my sweet Hen and I'll knock you into orbit, Bowser!"

Bowser rolls his eyes and grabs the chicken off his head. She jumps back into Peach's arms. Behind Wario is Waluigi arriving with a tray of hot beverages. He does a ballerina spin and stops on bended knee before Daisy. He presents the tray to her.

"May I offer you some refreshments, my lady?" He asks while winking. Daisy eyes him with suspicion.

"Are you going to charge me for it!?" She accuses.

Waluigi mockingly grabs his heart. "Why do you always assume the worst of me, Daisy? You're nice to everyone else but me!"

Daisy folds her arms. "Fort Mellow."

"Oh, come on! I came back for you and Wario didn't I?"

"You didn't know the way back home."

"She got you there!" Wario laughs.

Peach carefully observes Wario and Waluigi fist fighting. The two plumbers look different from other humans. Filled with curiosity, Peach had grabbed at their pink noses when she first met them. They made it clear they didn't like that and Peach had to apologize. She couldn't help herself. The variation of humans never ceases to amaze her.

Wario turns toward Bowser while sitting on an angry Waluigi. "I told you Bowser we deliver results! We are the best at whatever we do!"

Bowser continues looking at the screen. "Is that other project finished?"

Wario slaps his noggin. "I almost forgot." He runs back into his shop and returns with a pink parasol.

"Seriously, you wanted this made?"

Bowser rolls his eyes. "It's not for me."

Peach's eyes sparkle and she eagerly reaches for the parasol with one hand. Bowser chuckles. "It will protect you from laser fire."

Peach looks at Bowser lovingly. "Thank you." She suddenly feels a tightness around her heart again. She deep breathes and turns to avoid Bowser spotting her nervousness. Trying to calm down, she hugs Hen closer.

I have an urge to run. Something is telling me there is danger. Why is that?

Ignoring it, she places the parasol against the table and glances at Wario. "And thank you. But Wario how did you get here?"

Standing up Wario hangs his head, his eyes closed. "I don't want to talk about it, toots. It's a sad tale."

Waluigi angrily drinks a cup of black coffee. The shorter plumber grunts knowing Waluigi is about to tell them anyway. "We made good money as plumbers! But we were wrongly accused of cheating customers. Two losers, our own coworkers, ratted on our work and there was a big lawsuit."

"Oh…" Peach side eyes Bowser who is already smiling over their misfortune. Wario points at Waluigi. "It was your fault, beanpole! You kept boasting to that Luigi guy, and he tattled tale to his brother! And our boss fired us."

Daisy smirks, placing her hands on her face. "Knowing what I know of you two, I'm sure the guy had a good reason to be a 'tattle tale.' I wouldn't be surprised you were breaking things on purpose, to get more money."

Waluigi and Wario frown at Daisy. How did she know?

Wario continues. "We were forced to go on the run because I refused to pay for damages."

Peach asks, "How much was it?"

"One hundred dollars and fifty-three cents." Wario says flatly. Bowser lets loose a booming laugh. Peach lightly hits his shoulder at his reaction.

"Wario, you couldn't just pay that!?"

"It was unlawful and unfair, toots! So, I grabbed my sweet little Hen and we left Brookyln. All we had was a bag of garlic, some beef jerky, and $50. But 'flagpole' here accidently took a wrong turn in the forest and drove down a warp pipe."

"You give bad directions, garlic breath!" Waluigi dramatically falls to the ground. "It's been the worst! Living on scrapes! Running from aliens! And Daisy and Bowser kept giving us dangerous jobs!"

Bowser stops laughing and gets up from his chair. "Speaking of jobs, I got a new one for you two."

Bewildered, Waluigi points at Bowser. "A little sympathy here, man! We lost everything!"

Bowser folds his arms now frowning at Waluigi. "You've been making bank. More than when you were plumbers! You'll go back home rich. And you'll make even more today, twinkle toes."

Wario shuffles up to Bowser. "I don't pass up money! What ya got for us?"

Bowser motions to the computer screen. "Get us this stuff. All of it. And we'll find you more gold."

"The labs will have them; it will be a pain to take it by force. But you guys are stealth masters." Daisy adds. Waluigi folds his arms. He is not too thrilled with risking his neck again. Peach leans towards him.

"I'll bake a cake for you. When this is all over that is…."

Waluigi sighs and Wario greedily rubs his hands together. "Deal."

----

It doesn't take long for Wario and Waluigi to secure the supplies needed to make the coating. They did this by posing as slaves at various alien laboratories. Once they have the ingredients, they hand them over in exchange for gold. Having what they need Bowser, Peach, and Daisy leave for Muda Kingdom. Before leaving his base, Bowser tells Plum she is in charge. The koopa soldiers also stay behind to mass produce the coating for the pop planes.

The trip to Muda is made on foot to avoid trouble with UFOs. It was made with little incident; the trouble came from roaming monsters. While trudging along Bowser notices Peach pausing.

"Peach are you okay?" he asks gently. "Want me to carry you?"

It was the same worried look she had at the rebel base. Daisy backtracks noticing the couple stop. "What's wrong?"

"I feel like I'm suffocating, Bowser."

Bowser reaches for her. "Are you too hot?"

"No, I'm fine. I just been having a bad feeling lately. I'm not sure what to make of it."

The king chuckles and rests a claw on Peach's shoulder. "If you're worried things will go wrong, don't be. You have me, your awesome and hunky fiancée."

Peach looks up to him and shakes her head. "Fiancée? Dear, you haven't officially proposed yet."

Bowser wriggles his eyebrows as he nudges her forward. "You're eager, aren't you?"

Daisy sticks her tongue out. "Don't flirt too much! I'm a third wheel here!" She jokingly complains. Peach walks over to hold her hand.

"Do you have a special one?"

"No time with the invasion. But if I did have someone…." Daisy smiles lightly. "No offense Bowser, I would prefer a humble and cute guy that's hardworking."

Peach giggles while Bowser shrugs. "Well, you're being honest."

Their light conversation come to an end when they hear battle. The trio picked up the pace. Near a dock lays the submarine needed to access the underwater base. Unfortunately, human marauders are attacking the sea horses guarding the vessel. Leading the battle to defend the submarine is their king, Dragonzamasu. Bowser's gaze flicks to Peach as she readies her parasol.

"Please stay within my sights."

"Don't worry too much about me."

Bowser lowers the load he has been carrying, and roars to alert the marauders of their presence. The trio then charge to aid the rebels. Bowser tucks into his shell and spins to clear out the first wave of enemies. With one punch, Daisy sends a man sailing away from King Dragonzamasu. The sea horse looks at her with disdain. "I could have handled this myself."

"I'm not taking any chances! I can't lose any of you!"

"And another thing, I'm not your errand boy, Princess Daisy."

Daisy groans, used to dealing with his haughtiness. "I didn't mean you any harm when I asked you to find the prison. But I have no time for arguing. Is the submarine ready?"

Dragonzamasu snorts and motions in the direction of the ship. "I would let you all just swim down there, but I owe you a debt."

Bowser rushes past the sea horse still fighting. "We'll take care of this! You just sit pretty, horse man."

"Sit pretty!? Horse man!?" An offended Dragonzamasu yells as Daisy holds him back.

"You won't win. Let it go!"

Bowser gleefully smashes through mobs of marauders with his club, snarling at the ones fleeing. Due to how kindly he treats her, Peach had forgotten Bowser still has an evil streak.

"Bowser, don't overdo it!"

She spots an guy on the ground, reaching for his laser to fire at a rebel from behind. Peach jumps and blocks the shots with her parasol. She then leaps to kick the laser gun out of his hand. Using the laser herself, Peach chases off the remaining enemies.

Not waiting for a UFO to show up, Bowser has the submarine covered in a special coating. Immediately, they set off for the waters below. Dragonzamasu and his men go ahead to show the location of the prison. As they go deeper - the light from above fades and only darkness remains. Despite her aversion to dark water, Daisy pilots the submarine. The auburn is cheery but she fidgets every so often. Noticing, Peach keeps talking to Daisy.

"Daisy, you're doing great despite how you feel."

Daisy smiles sheepishly at her friend. "I'll do anything to save my dad."

Dragonzamasu contacts Daisy interrupting the two.

"Approaching enemy divers. I and my men will deal with them."

"Heard you loud and clear. We'll go on ahead."

Unknown to the party, a large creature is hiding in a cave nearby.

----

Ludwig decided not to make any attempt to escape because of Toad. He was hoping to spot the little guy again so he could tell Bowser his location. So, while in prison, Ludwig had plenty of time to think of his childhood.

It was so strange meeting his uncle. Despite being the younger sibling, Bowser was larger than Ludwig's father The Koopa King stared at them with an empty look; Ludwig was afraid to go with him at first.

Though withdrawn, Bowser took care of the koopalings' needs. He didn't leave them to be solely taken care of by his army of maids. Bowser would even bring the children to his meetings. The boys would play right by his feet, behind the desk as Bowser bounced Wendy on his knee. He did this all while threatening his council. But the older Ludwig grew, Bowser became even more distant from him. One day he walked in on Bowser doing work and he angrily cried out 'Morton!?' Ludwig looked too much like his father, even though he wasn't named after him. He began to feel resentment for being treated differently.

Not seeing him often, Ludwig secretly followed Bowser when he went to his study room. When he wasn't reading, Bowser was writing. Every time he would ball up the paper and angrily throw it in a trash can. At night Ludwig and his siblings would go to see what he tossed. They were love letters to a person named Peach, containing passionate confessions to her. Most would talk about how much Bowser loved her. Others would be him asking her out on a date. But none of the letters were sent. Ludwig wondered if taking care of him and his siblings was why Bowser was not sending his letters. Was Bowser just taking care of them out of obligation? He decided to take the discarded letters and store them in his room.

Later he heard Bowser making music dedicated to the woman. Already having a love for music, Ludwig listened from behind a corner. He vowed to try playing himself. But Bowser caught him sitting at his piano. But instead of yelling at him, Bowser sat down next to Ludwig. The two played together for hours before Bowser had to leave. It was at that moment, Ludwig finally accepted that Bowser genuinely cared about him and his siblings.

He hates the idea of Bowser worrying about him. Ludwig feels he can handle this until he is rescued. Though at the back of his mind, he wondered if Tatanga was going to execute him. Most of the staff left the base and took King Oleander. As he now contemplates his fate, Ludwig's eyes open at the sound of the base's alarm. He smirks under his muzzle; Bowser is here.

Mouser, in the cell across from Ludwig, stands up. They listen to shouting over the intercom. All available staff is being ordered to stop the intruders. Soon the sound of laser fire nears their area. A mecha suit goes flying past the cells. But instead of hearing Bowser's voice, Ludwig hears Peach's. She stops in front of his cell, holding her parasol and a laser.

"Bowser! He's here!"

That was unexpected. Ludwig is certain Peach was not in their ranks when they entered Sarasaland. Bowser must have been angry. But help is help. Peach aims at the control panel and fires. The shield drops and she rushes in. She begins pulling at the muzzle as Bowser enters.

"Stand back, Peach."

Bowser rips the muzzle off and the other restraints. Ludwig stumbles and Bowser captures him in a tight embrace. Peach joins in, wrapping her small arms around Bower and leans against Ludwig's forehead. He hates hugs but Ludwig happily accepts, just this once. Bowser finally releases him and runs his claws through Ludwig's mane.

"Let's get you out of here."

"Don't forget me, Boss!" Mouser complains. Bowser grunts whilst Peach targets the control panel. Once he is free, they run down the hall and meet up with Princess Daisy.

"I don't see my Pa anywhere!"

Ludwig speaks up. "They moved him this morning, Ma'am."

Daisy folds her arms, growling under her breath.

"They probably moved him to the mother ship." Bowser comments. "The good thing is we didn't run into any emp nonsense down here. So, the mother ship is likely the only one with the cannon."

"What are we waiting for? Let's get out of here!" Daisy declares.

Outside, Dragonzamasu and his men wait for Daisy to exit the base. As they wait, a giant blooper comes out of a ravine and wraps around the base! It begins to constrict the structure and the walls crack; water pours into the hallways. The guards are bewildered as they are swept away.

"We're still in here!"

"Why is Tatanga's pet attacking us!?"

"Princess Daisy!" Dragonzamasu cries out and tries to attack the blooper but it quickly repels him, knocking him out. His men don't fare much better against it.

The rescue team makes it to the submarine and exits the base. As they do so, the blooper reaches out and grabs the submarine. Slowly, it begins to pull it down into the ravine.

----

Back at the shack Wario and Waluigi are taking a nap. Waluigi wakes up to the sound of the chicken clucking.

"Shut up! It's the middle of the night!"

Wario awakens and hurls a pillow at Waluigi. "I'm coming, sweetheart! Hang in there!" Wario jumps up to run to the backyard. Waluigi follows while slipping on his fuzzy slippers. Hen jumps around her cage, clearly distressed. As Wario opens the cage, she jumps into his arms. Waluigi shakes his head. "She can't sleep inside, Wario! I just cleaned up!"

Before Wario could argue the three of them were blown back by the shack exploding. Wario shields Hen and Waluigi with his body. After being hurled several feet, the two plumbers look up and spot a UFO powering up another shot.

"Our home!? How did they find us!? Did Bowser sell us out?" Waluigi cries out.

Wario throws Hen into Waluigi's arms. "He has nothing to gain from it! He hates these people! You two get to safety!"

"Are you crazy!?"

Wario flexes his muscles. "My gold is under the shack! I ain't leaving it!"

Waluigi runs for his life while Wario charges at the UFO.

----

The giant blooper refuses to let go of the submarine. It drags them further down into the ravine. The lights are flickering on and off from damage to the submarine. This was terrifying to Peach but she soon became distracted, Daisy was having a panic attack at the controls. She froze; her breathing was rapid and her green eyes desperately searched for any exit.

"It's dark! I can't … I can't …see!"

"Daisy!"

"We're gonna die!"

"Daisy!"

Peach grabs ahold of Daisy and pulls her away from the controls. Nervously, Ludwig takes over. Peach sits down, one arm around Daisy while one holds her head in place. "I'm right here with you. Take a deep breath. Breathe in – Breathe out."

Daisy wraps her arms around Peach while deep breathing. Water begins to leak into the submarine. Bowser grunts trying to reseal the breaches by heating up the metal with his fire breath. A few minutes pass and Daisy finally speaks.

"Two years ago, I was trapped deep underwater in a sky pop. I had been shot down trying to rush the mother ship. I-I would have died if Dragonzamasu didn't save me. For a while I couldn't go to sleep without thinking about dark water."

Peach tightens her hold on Daisy. She looks to Bowser, silently begging him to say something.

Bowser bends to look at Daisy. "Everyone has something they're afraid of Daisy. Except me, I'm just different."

"Bowser!"

To Peach's surprise, Daisy rolls her eyes and smiles lightly. "I doubt that."

"The point is you're going to live. You're scared but you're tenacious. You've gotten this far."

Daisy wipes her eyes. "Y-Yeah. Ha ha ha! You're right! You're like an annoying big brother!"

Bowser smiles and stands back up removing his cape. "Abandoning the submarine isn't an option. We're too far down and if we try to swim it'll grab us. I'll have to force it to let go."

Peach grabs Bowser's arm. "You're going out there!?"

"I can hold my breath for a time."

Daisy points at a compartment. "Peach there are swimming suits with oxygen tanks for humans."

Ludwig turns around but Bowser shakes his head. "I just got you back. Stay in here."

Peach looks down at Daisy. She is nervous to go out there but she must. "Daisy, I'm leaving you with Ludwig. We'll be back."

"I'll hang in there."

Bowser and Peach exit the submarine. As they do Bowser observes swirling water below in the ravine. What's down there? The blooper notices the royals and shoots a tentacle at them. Bowser blocks with his shell and Peach stays behind him. Bowser then lurches forward sinking his teeth into one the blooper's arms. Peach follows looking for any weak points. While it is distracted by Bowser, Peach approaches the head and throws her parasol at its right eye. She spots a blinking device at the back of its head. Before she can investigate, the creature releases ink due to the pain. It lets go of the submarine allowing it to ascend.

Angry the blooper turns towards Peach to attack her, but Bowser shields her again. Having come out of unconsciousness, Dragonzamasu shoots an underwater fireball at the other eye of the blooper. While he distracts the beast, Peach gets Bowser's attention and points at the blinking device. He speeds forward and is met by an attacking arm. But Peach swims around Bowser, as he holds the arm in place, and stabs her parasol into the device damaging it. Freed of the mind control device, the blooper swims away. Before he passes out from oxygen deprivation, Bowser grabs Peach and races for the submarine with Dragonzamasu following.

With the mission to save Ludwig complete, the submarine breaches the surface. Daisy happily runs onto the sub's deck, catching her breath. As she celebrates, Dragonzamasu checks on her. Bowser, Ludwig, and Peach meanwhile stare at the starlit horizon.

"We work well together Peach. I hit hard and tank while you hit fast and look for weak points." Bowser compliments. "I'm warming up to this alliance."

Peach gently tucks her arm into his. He lowers his head to nuzzle his face into her hair. Ludwig sighs. He hates to break up their moment. "Now that we are safe, for the time being, I need to inform you that I saw Captain Toad."

Peach froze. "W-What …? He's alive?"

Daisy gets back on her feet to listen.

"Yes. But he operates as a personal servant to Tatanga."

Peach sits down. Tears well up in Peach's eyes. "My poor Toad…"

"We'll save him, Peachy." Daisy promises. "Tell me what he look like, so I can keep an eye out for him."

"H-he's small with a red spotted mushroom cap. He wears a blue vest. A-and he has adorable black eyes."

Daisy takes a mental note of Peach's description. Peach looks at Bowser. He has the biggest smile she has ever seen from him. Peach holds her hands over her heart. "Oh, Bowser your happy Toad is alive too?"

"He sees a chance to further his place in your heart by liberating the mushroom." Ludwig remarks. Bowser tries to hush Ludwig up while Peach frowns at Bowser.

Bowser begins coughing. "Yes, I'm worried about the fungus too! We'll get him back, Peaches!"

Peach folds her arms annoyed but then she becomes fearful.

"Bowser, there is a chance Antasma is alive then. And he's somewhere …"

Peach remembers the discomfort she felt the past few days. How similar it felt to when she embraced Antasma. But that's impossible. She hadn't seen him in person nor saw him in a dream.

Bowser's eyes narrow. "I'm not worried about him. He can't kill me."

"I … Okay …"

Daisy rubs the back of her neck. "I gotta check on my Ma! I'll see you guys later, for the big battle."

The auburn beams while hugging Peach. "Thanks, Peach … for being there for me."

"Anytime, we're cousins remember?"

Daisy laughs. "Yeah, cousins!"

----

After saying their goodbyes - Bowser, Peach, Ludwig, and Mouser left for the bamboo forest. The plan is to finish preparing the pop planes and meet back up with Daisy. The trip back takes about a day. Unexpectedly, Wario and Waluigi are at the base talking with the rebels.

"A man in shades gave us a ride. We wouldn't have escaped." Waluigi laments.

"Was he with us?" Plum inquires.

"Says he's a King over the Easton region. Looking for a spy …That's why we came to…"

"Plum, what's going on?" Bowser demands. Plum turns around and salutes.

"Mister Bowser! These two say misfortune came their way. And King Hiyoihoi saved them."

Waluigi taps his foot. "We were attacked, right after you left our house! Wario took out the UFO but more swarmed us. We're homeless now."

Peach gasps and Bowser growls.

"So, we're crashing here." Wario adds in.

"How did …"

A koopa races up to Bowser and bows to him. "Your Gruffness!"

"What?"

"It's King Hiyoihoi from Easton! He demands to know where Princess Peach is!"

Bowser snarls and races for the entrance. Peach, Wario, and Waluigi follow. Wario catches up to Peach.

"We were hoping to clear this up before he got here!" Wario complains. "Be honest with us, toots. There's a rumor going around that you're selling out bases."

Peach becomes mortified. "Where did this rumor come from!?"

Before Wario can explain, they hear Bowser spewing fire. Peach makes it to the entrance and stops Bowser and the koopas from fighting the rebels.

"Bowser, they are our allies!"

Turning away from Bowser, Peach spots the king demanding to see her. Hiyoihoi looked grief stricken and Peach feels her throat tighten. He angrily points at the princess and Bowser pulls her behind himself.

"You're the girl Daisy took in."

Peach calmly talks to the stone king. "I am she. What is going on? Please explain to me what is going on?"

Hiyoihoi takes a deep breath. "Don't play oblivious with me. After you left, Tatanga came with the mother ship and bombarded the caverns with bombs."

"W-what?"

"You sold us out! Bowser are you in on it as well?"

Mouser gets in between, hoping to deescalate the situation. He could see his king is a ticking time bomb. "You seem so certain it is her. Do you have evidence?"

Hiyoihoi answers while stomping his foot. "This did not happen until she appeared! Everyone that escaped the base's destruction confirmed they had suspicions about her. She has brought disaster on us!"

"I … what?" Peach stares at the stone king in confusion. "Daisy saved me! And the only time I left the base, without her, was when Bowser kidnapped me! And Daisy caught up and stopped him. She can confirm this."

"Daisy cannot be here."

Bowser roars at his opposing audience but Peach hugs his arm.

"Daisy! Lilac!? Where are they!?" Peach pleads.

"Tatanga captured Queen Lilac and Daisy surrendered to protect her. I couldn't do anything."

Peach nearly collapses to the ground but Bowser catches her. "We just saw her …"

Wario looks skeptical. "I don't know. Peach was indeed at our place before it went sky high. Despite what intel you got, she doesn't look like she can harm a fly."

"Looks can be deceiving."

Ludwig tries to intervene. "Everyone is hurling accusations! Does anyone stop to reason that this is what the enemy wants?"

Bowser roars so hard the ground shakes. "She didn't do it! And I'm not letting you touch her!"

The rebels stepped back.

"Leave." Bowser threatens. "NOW!"

Peach and Mouser jump. The stone king and his rebels fearfully back off and run into the forest. Bowser signals for a group of koopas to follow, to ensure they left. Some of the observing humans working for Bowser are now nervous. But they stay due to feeling indebted to the king.

"What do we do, Mister Bowser?" Plum asks.

"…."

Peach looks at Wario. "Wario, where did he say he got his intel?"

"You won't believe it. I had to convince him to tell me. Says someone talked to him in a dream. His dream was about the rebel base's destruction and it came true."

Color drains from Peach's face. "Antasma."

Bowser's eyes enlarge with rage, and sparks fly out his mouth. Not knowing how to react, Peach runs back into the dome. Plum follows her, calling out to her. Bowser turns to Wario and Waluigi.

"We know what is going on, now. So, I suggest you two get out of here."

Wario shrugs. "I told you already! We're homeless. I'm still skeptical but if Peach did do it, you must take responsibility! We need a roof over our heads."

Mouser stares trying to understand Wario's reasoning. "Shouldn't this be the last place you would want to be!?"

Waluigi hits Wario with his hat. "Forget this, Wario! We need to save Daisy."

"One thing we can agree on! But Daisy's tough, s-she'll be fine." Bowser mumbles.

Bowser turns to his army. "Give me a moment!"

With a huff, Bowser marches to Peach's living quarters. He finds Peach packing things into a bag. Also, she is shoving provisions in Plum's arms. She looks terrified.

"Miss Peach! What do you mean we have to run?"

"I'm being watched. But I don't know exactly how. Antasma must be mad over what happened with Toad and is looking to get even."

"Peach…Antasma has been in your dreams before?"

Peach glances up and hands Bowser the backpack. "Bowser, you need to evacuate. I'll stay here."

Peach feels her subconscious crying out to her again. Warning her this is the wrong course to take.

If you remain alone in Sarasaland, he'll get you!

But Peach needs to run. If Antasma is somehow leading the enemy to her allies, she doesn't want to endanger them anymore.

"No." Bowser says flatly, he reaches out to her. "So, when I wanted to leave you for your safety, I'm a jerk. But if you do it, it's for my own good huh? Hypocrite! We're supposed to stay together!"

Peach cringes remembering what she just said earlier.

"Do you have to say it like that!?"

"Bwa ha ha!" Bowser rubs his thumb over her hands. "Your heart makes you neglect your safety at times." He gently kisses her forehead. "But I'm not leaving you, no matter what."

Peach closes the distance to hug him. As the couple quietly cling to each other, a koopa runs in. "Sire, the mother ship was spotted entering Chai Kingdom! They're heading in this direction!"

They know. Bowser hugs Peach closer. He then looks down at her. It's brief, but she spots worry in his eyes. He is afraid.

"Bowser?"

"I don't understand a thing. But I'm not giving up! And you can't either."

Peach bites her bottom lip and nods resolutely. Bowser tightens his grip, mustering up courage. He takes Peach's hand and escorts her outside. Bowser shouts for his army to come to him. Once they do Bowser addresses them while keeping his arm around Peach.

"We believe a former vassal of mine is behind the information leak. Daisy has been taken prisoner. And Tatanga is on his way. We can't outrun them. But it's not over! Get the planes ready. And prepare yourselves! This is our last stand!"

Chapter Text

The slow-moving mother ship sweeps the bamboo forest with rapid laser fire. On a faraway hill, the four kings of Sarasaland watch the fiery destruction. Even though the emperor was captured, they had never given up. But now, never have they felt so helpless.

"Princess Daisy was the one holding everyone together. And now that fiend has her." Totomesu laments while Biokinton closes his eyes in response.

The stone head, Hiyoihoi, shakes his head. "Tatanga is heading straight for the last rebel hideout. Looks like Bowser didn't leave the spy behind. He's willing to die with her. What a fool…."

King Dragonzamasu grunts. "You based an accusation off a voice talking in your head. You're one to talk. Especially since Peach is not running away. A spy would not stay unless they have a death wish."

"Tatanga is probably going to pick her up."

One confused look from Dragonzamasu and Hiyoihoi hangs his head. "I know I was being rash, but it came true! And the survivors …"

"She could have been a spy and she could have been set up. I don't know…." Dragonzamasu reasons. "All I know is I don't want Daisy to lose a friend she just made." The sea horse shakes his head. "Who am I kidding. Not that anything matters now."

Totomesu groans and roars at his fellow royalty. "Are we just going to sit here and accept our fate!?"

As the kings debated what to do, a sky pop plane flew over their heads and landed. Ludwig jumps out of it and bows to the kings.

"A koopa!?"

"My name is Ludwig Von Koopa. Apologies, King Bowser is hot headed and prone to think with his emotions. But we need to work together. We're not your enemies. I need your help with a risky matter. Time is of the essence."

----

Throughout Bowser's base, koopas and humans prepare for the final battle. Noncombatants were evacuating in groups to meet up with Ludwig, who had already left. Wandering around, Peach is unsure of what what will happen. A koopa pauses and raises his fist in her direction.

"Chin up, Your Highness! You are the future bride of Lord Bowser. Don't let them see you hanging your head!"

Peach smiles weakly. She's not in the mood to fake being upbeat. Yet, her heart is jumpy over his bride comment. Koopas hate to let their enemies see any weakness. So, the man is only trying to encourage her so Peach quietly thanks him.

Peach decides to seek Bowser but finds Wario. He was munching on grilled steak while he and Hen sat on a bench.

"Wario?"

"This may be my last meal, toots. I will be with you guys in a moment."

Nodding with understanding, Peach continues her search. As she rounds a corner, she runs into Mouser. The boxes he was carrying flew out of his arms. While apologizing Peach helps him recollect his things.

"It's okay, princess. Everyone is on edge."

Peach bites her bottom lip reflecting on what he said. Bowser gave everyone a rousing speech, but Peach saw the fear in his eyes. Tatanga has the advantage of a larger weapon. If they fail in this battle, all of them will die and Tatanga will take over Sarasaland.

"Mouser, did you see where Bowser went?"

Mouser points to the right. "Head that way. He is acting as a witness at a wedding ceremony."

"Wedding ceremony?"

Mop is overseeing the marriage of a human couple. The bride and groom were dress simply and embracing each other. The only guests present were Bowser and another human acting as witnesses. It's subtle but Peach can tell Bowser is a little jealous of the couple. Peach flushes realizing she is on his mind. Once the vows are made, the bride and groom kiss. Grumbling, Bowser adds his signature to the marriage certificate and takes his leave. He becomes self-conscious noticing Peach.

"Mr. Mop can marry people?" She asks.

"He was a judge before the invasion. As for the couple they met in the prison. The bride is among the noncombatants set to leave." Bowser rolls his eyes. "So, the happy couple wanted to exchange vows just in case."

"That's so romantic!" Peach remarks earning an annoyed smile from Bowser. He would rather attend his own wedding with Peach. He visualizes them in place of the couple and laughs.

"If I asked now, would you elope with me?" He inquiries.

Clasping her hands together, Peach lowers her eyes. She would prefer a small wedding with close friends. Peach blushes realizing she is thinking of marriage. "I …don't know."

Bowser's shoulders droop at her hesitate response. "I wanted a large wedding ceremony anyway…"

Peach continues to look down at her feet. "I was here to talk to you. You know, with everything happening…I wanted to be honest with you."

"Uh?"

"About my dreams. A-Antasma warned me you were invading Mushroom Kingdom. That you were coming to …. kill us." Bowser flinches but Peach continues. "And that you convinced Mayor Goomba to betray us."

Bowser is dreading where she is going with this. Is she going to reject him?

She just confessed earlier, Bowser! Just listen!

But her sad eyes catches his attention. Now he feels shame over his earlier actions … again.

"He looked out for me and the toads. And Antasma encouraged me to befriend you. He said you needed a friend. One day he … showed me your thoughts."

Bowser's expression is now one of hurt and embarrassment. "That was between me and him."

Peach rubs her arm. "I know and I'm sorry."

Bowser looks around, embarrassed Peach saw his nightmares personally. Then he feels shame when he sees Peach step back. And the shame gives way to rage. Not at Peach but at Antasma for taking advantage of her.

Bowser's eyes light up. "No. My actions brought you in contact with Antasma. He was never a threat to me, so I never considered he would be so underhanded. Hanging around you while using Captain Toad. I should have dealt with him permanently."

Bowser reaches for her hand and wraps his claw around it.

"You were curious about me?" He whispers.

"At first, I just wanted to protect my toads. But I saw the person you've hidden under the facade."

Smiling, Bowser squeezes her hand. This is going to hard on his pride, but he needs to be open as well. "Then I need to be honest with you. When I first saw you, I was infatuated. However, I fell in love after you saved my life. I was looking for a place to die and you made me happy. But because of our differences, I had … given up and wanted to kill you." Bowser looks away ashamed. "I'm glad you talked me out of it. I find it unthinkable to hurt you."

Peach looks up at him through half-lidded eyes. A small smile tugs at her lips. Bowser feels his heart racing and struggles to think of more to say. He stares into her gentle blue eyes with his intense red ones.

"There is a .00000001% chance we die today." Peach eyes him skeptically. She believes the risk is higher, but Bowser sticks to his estimates. "If we fall in that percentage, I want you to know that I have so many plans for us. And I would not mind our 25 brats being human. I would love them as if they were koopas."

Peach's smile vanishes and she turns beet red. "And w-where do you intend to get that many children, Bowser Koopa!? And are you going to help care for them!?"

Bowser pokes his bottom lip out, pouting. "I raised the koopalings! And I enjoyed it! Big families are common among koopas."

"I'm not having that many!"

"Aww, come on Peach! W-wait …. does that mean you will marry me!?"

Peach turns, trying to hide her blushing face from an eager Bowser. Unknown to the two, Mouser was listening in. Abruptly, an explosion rips through the dome. Bowser glares as UFOs enter and grins nervously.

"They're here, you idiots! It's showtime!"

----

Daisy glares down at her hands encased in metal restraints. She is surrounded by a group of aliens operating mecha suits. Daisy feels tempted to escape as she is being escorted down the halls. But she has two reasons for surrendering to Tatanga. The first reason is they have her mother and father. The second is that Toad is likely on the ship. When Bowser launches his attack, she must get the little guy out of here.

As the group nears the control room, Daisy hears a violin playing. Her green eyes widen with curiosity, not familiar with the song being played. The melody is beautiful but there is a tinge of eeriness to it. She begins to feel dread but buries it, in the back of her mind, as the doors slide open.

The control room is in a large circular area, aliens are operating on various stations. At the center is a large chair facing a wide monitor. Multiple images of Chai's burning forests flash on the monitor. Daisy spots her parents, Oleander and Lilac in a corner. Their hands are bound with rope, and they are leaning against each other for comfort. Her mother's eyes were red from crying. Daisy angrily looks around for Tatanga. But the only people nearby is a tall bat, playing the violin, and a small man.

The bat looks up from his violin and glares murderously at the princess. Daisy hardens her stare, not familiar with this character. The short man's eyes turn to big black saucers. Daisy returns the same wide eye look.

Is that Toad? He's adorable…

Her parents finally looked up and realized their daughter was here.

"Dayz!"

Daisy feels like a child again and rushes towards them.

"Pa! I'm so sorry! I failed!" She cries.

"I'm the one that failed to repel the enemy." The king says while shaking his head. "You did well, Daisy. It must have been so hard on you and your mother!"

Daisy looks up at her father and smiles, though there are tears streaming down her face.

"Such a happy little family reunion." The large chair facing the monitor turns around, revealing Tatanga. Daisy grinds her teeth. "What's that look for, dear? I tried to spare you the sight of seeing your fellow rebels buried under rubble. But my pet failed to bring you in through the warp pipe I installed in the ravine."

"Enough with the pleasantries! How did you know where the base was?" Daisy shouts.

Tatanga grins at Daisy while tapping his fingers together. "Why Princess Peach led us right to you."

"Liar!" Daisy shouts.

Antasma goes back to playing his violin. "The rebels of Easton base says otherwise. A human appears out of nowhere with no connections. The doubt and fear was in their minds already. It just needed to come out."

Toad's eyes narrow. Lilac looks at him. "What is he talking about?"

Antasma continues. "She didn't run like I thought she would."

Daisy eyes him with suspicion again. "Tatanga, who is this?"

"King Antasma."

Daisy marches up to Antasma. "I overheard Peach mentioning that name! I'm not an idiot. You had something to do with this."

The bat stops playing and looks down at Daisy smiling. "You'll never see her again."

"You go after her and I'll …" The guards aim their guns at her parents.

Daisy stops and gnashes her teeth. Chuckling, Tatanga stands up from his chair and descends. "I don't trust going to sleep around him if I can. But he has been helpful."

As he walks up to Daisy, she keeps her chin held up high.

"Your continued defiance is unnecessary, Daisy. Your allies are about to meet a swift end. No doubt they are panicking. And we know of Bowser's hidden base. All they will be able to do is quake."

An alien at a small monitor, spins in her chair to face Tatanga. "Lord Tatanga, one of our ships are trying to communicate with us. It's urgent."

"Well, put it on screen."

The large monitor blinks out the sight of the bamboo forest. Bowser comes into view standing inside a UFO. Daisy gasps and Tatanga balls his fists up.

"How dare you! You buffoon of a king! Where are my men?"

"Sleeping. So, you're ready for round two, Tangy?"

Tatanga bristles at the nickname. "It will end just like the first. I will raze everything you hold dear to the ground."

"Bring it."

Bowser turns his screen off. Daisy smirks and Tatanga's neck muscles strain.

"That koopa doesn't know when to quit."

"Ummm…Lord Tatanga."

The monitor switches to a view of a sky full of planes. Led by a singular UFO.

Tatanga scoffs. "When will they learn? Launch the EMP cannon!"

----

Waluigi stares ahead at the imposing mother ship.

"Are we supposed to shoot that thing down!?"

"No, flagpole! That's Ludwig's job. Our mission is to save the Sarasaland royalty."

"What did I do in life to end up on a suicide mission?"

Wario pilots his plane near him. Hen is sitting in his lap. "It beats fixing toilets."

"But Wario, this just keeps escalating! I have a bad feeling about this! I just want to go home!"

"Wa ha ha! Well, I'm enjoying myself! Maybe we'll find a treasure room on that behemoth." Wario laughs while Waluigi protests under his breath.

The two listen to Bowser over the communications, as the mother ship is deploying the cannon. "Get ready, mustaches! Let's see if you stay in the air!"

Waluigi yells, "Bad time to be testing this! It's awfully suspicious that you and your woman are not flying these!"

"Bowser can't fit." Wario snickers.

Bowser growls at his teasing. "I can fit my muscular body wherever I please! But I wouldn't want Peach in that plane if the engine fails!"

Waluigi hears a shocked Peach scolding Bowser and he shakes his head. "Unbelievable! Peach smack him for me!"

A massive electric ball fires from the cannon. It explodes midair and a wave sweeps over the planes. Waluigi covers his eyes, expecting the plane to short out and nosedive. He intended to yell insults at Bowser all the way down. But nothing happens.

He hears Peach's voice. "Waluigi! Are you still there?"

He reopens his eyes. Wario is laughing again.

"Yeah…Wario, are you ….?"

"We're still kicking! Wa ha ha!"

Bowser smiles and folds his arms while hearing the other pilots cheer. "Don't celebrate too much! We're just getting started!"

Tatanga stands stunned as the fleet remains in the air.

"Fire again!"

"Sir, we have to save energy for the…"

"Fire!"

They fire again and the planes remain in the air. Finally, one of the staff speaks.

"Sir, they know of the coating!"

"I can see that! Who leaked the information!?" Tatanga turns to Antasma and shoves a finger at his face. Antasma leans back frowning at the proximity. He feels tempted to bite it off. "Did you know they had this?"

Antasma innocently shakes his head. Tatanga lifts his arm and presses a button on his wrist communicator. "Scramble my ships from the hangar. All of them!"

As he gives orders, Daisy prepares to hit him with her cuffs. But Antasma pulls out a laser gun, from under his cape, and shoots at Daisy's head. She realizes what is happening and pulls up her cuffs, narrowly blocking the shot. Antasma hisses in annoyance.

"Daisy!" Oleander cries out as Tatanga furiously turns around.

"I need her in one piece! Why are you…"

Antasma fires at Tatanga who dodges. The alien ducks behind a monitor and returns fire with his men. Antasma is forced to hide behind a computer station. Daisy shoves her parents to safety as Antasma pick off soldiers not hiding. Taking advantage of the chaos, Toad steals a key from a soldier's pocket. He is nearly shot but Daisy gently punts him to where her parents are hiding. Again, Daisy raises her cuffs to block and dives to join the others. Toad shows her the key and begins to unlock her cuffs.

"Toad!"

"How do you know my name?" Toad nervously asks while freeing her.

Daisy smiles and Toad lightens up. "Peach. She's on her way to get you. You gotta go home, buddy."

But Toad shakes his head and looks around. "She can't come on this ship!"

Having no time to talk anymore, Daisy rolls under fire to grab a gun and aims in Antasma's direction. Antasma breaks down into his mist form, only his eyes and claws visible. He rips through a mecha and makes a run for the exit.

Control yourself, Antasma. We'll kill her later. I'm losing time!

"No! He can't get away!" Toad shouts.

"I know that!" Tatanga keeps firing and pursuing. He realizes Daisy is chasing him. Tatanga knows he will lose to her but only if he fails to reach his Pagosu. "And this isn't over, princess!"

Daisy stops and turns to Toad and her parents. "You guys find a ship! I'll take care of Tatanga!"

Toad sighs. "Okay…"

----

Unaware of what's happening at the control center, the UFOs are deployed. They engage in an ariel battle with the sky pops. Using the stolen vessel, Bowser speeds past the battle for the mother ship. As he pilots Peach is shooting down any enemies in his way. Wario, Waluigi, and Mouser act an escort.

Suddenly, a flying disk gets behind Mouser's plane. "Not again!"

Wario spins his plane and shooting multiple missiles at it. Damaged, it breaks off pursuing Mouser. Wario gives him a thumbs up as he flies past. As they get closer the mother ship deploys a wide laser field around it, emitting from turrets on its surface. Some of the planes are unfortunately downed. To avoid the field, the team is forced to bob and weave. Peach looks at the planes being shot down and angrily aims at the turrets. The plumbers assist her in destroying the others. They can't destroy them all but enough to give their comrades a fighting chance.

Successfully landing on the haul of the mother ship, Bowser and Wario work together to rip a turret off its foundation.

"This was made to last!" Wario grunts. "I wonder if these guys were formerly part of a military force."

Waluigi and Peach jump down first, landing in a hallway surprising the soldiers. Peach's eyes narrow and she shouts at them.

"Where's Daisy and my Toad!?"

When they don't answer they rush at the enemy. Using a tennis racket, Waluigi spins around smacking his opponents. Peach angerly leaps around, whacking any within her reach with her parasol. She is not happy with these folks and wants to make that clear. Dropping down, Bowser is content to watch Peach and Waluigi fight. But when the mechas enter Bowser and Wario get in front. "We'll take it from here."

Meanwhile, Toad and the royal couple have found the hangar. It was still open with a few UFOs left over. Toad enters one to ensure no one is in there. Once it's safe he beckons for the couple to enter.

"Get out of here as far as possible. Hopefully, Bowser's fleet won't mistake you for an enemy!" Toad says. He runs down the ramp.

"Where are you going?"

"I gotta find Antasma. But you guys must leave! Your kingdoms needs you!"

The king nodded and had to convince his wife to get on.

----

Tatanga is still trying to outrun Daisy. He must shoot behind himself to keep her at bay. He also keeps his eyes out for Antasma. It is clear the bat has an agenda of his own. That man is one that cannot wander freely. His wrist communicator buzzes and he answers it with a growl.

"What!"

"They're inside!"

"How!?"

"They tore through the haul!"

"Get the shields up! Why are they not up!?"

"We must recharge after we use the cannon and the laser field. We're not working with unlimited resources here!" The caller said in an annoyed voice.

Tatanga's eyes are becoming bloodshot. "Who are the invaders?"

"There is a rampaging turtle! A mouse with a gun! A crazy lady with a parasol. And two plumbers carrying a chicken!"

Tatanga stops and balls his fists up. He is now in the core room. Behind him is a large glowing ball encased in glass and metal.

"I'm being undone. By a bunch of misfits. Again!" Tatanga presses his wristwatch. The metal floor in front of him splits apart. "No, I won't lose this war!"

Daisy enters the room and readies her fists. By now the Pagosu has risen out of the floor. Tatanga jumps into it.

"You should have cooperated earlier, my dear. Now die!"

Meanwhile, Bowser's team rushes through the halls, passing through open blast doors. Bowser stops and pulls out a communication device to contact Mop. "We're inside. Keep them busy."

"Roger that!"

Bowser's nostrils catch a scent and he looks around. Peach, leading the group, turns back realizing Bowser and Mouser are lagging.

"Bowser?"

"I'm on my way, honey." He had heard an familiar swoosh too. Bowser and Mouser cautiously investigate. As they do, Peach feels uncomfortable.

"Bowser!"

"Peach come over here to me …" Suddenly, a blast door is activated separating Bowser and Mouser from the group. Peach runs up to the door.

"Bowser! Break the door down!" Peach pleads.

She jumps back hearing a loud bang from the other side. "I'm working on it!"

"You big oaf why did you lag behind!?"

The banging pauses. "Hey, I'm your big oaf. So that makes you one by association!"

"How does that work!?"

Bowser smiles hearing Peach grumble on the other side. He winds up his arm for another punch. "Don't worry, we'll have this door down in a minute."

The floor rumbles under them and then explodes! Bowser and Mouser plummet into the dark below.

"Peach! I'll catch up. Stay with the others!" Bowser shouts out hoping she can hear him. Panic races through his mind. Someone intentionally separated him from the group. He is certain it is that bat. Bowser is forced to assure himself Peach will stay alive until he finds her. "Mouser this is all your fault!"

"How is it my fault!?"

With reluctance, Peach's crew go to locate Daisy. But they stumble across a large lab instead. Strewed across the ground are fallen aliens. Color drains from Peach's face. Waluigi curiously walks up to one and checks his pulse. "Who did this?"

Peach cries out. At the center is Captain Toad, lying face down near a control panel. He is still clutching a weapon and weakly lifts his head. He's alive.

"P-Peach? Run! Find Bowser!"

"There you are, Peach. I was just in this room. I already got what I came for in here." Antasma floats in behind them. Peach jumps away from him. He stares at her for a moment, one of his eyes twitching. "I've missed you. But I assume the koopas convinced you I'm an enemy."

"Were you blackmailing Toad?"

Antasma shrugs. "Didn't you want to be free of Bowser?"

"He murders for sport, Peach! Don't listen to him!" Toad cries out.

Waluigi and Wario's eyes bug out and they begin sliding out the door. Peach remains.

I'm not leaving without Toad.

"I would never approve of what you've done!"

"We could have ruled together."

"Huh?"

Antasma circles the room while holding a box, his eyes locked on Peach.

"What is that?" She asks.

"Tatanga's height and strength is not natural. I wanted to know how he underwent such a look. And I have the serum." Antasma aims his gun at Toad to finish him. "I will be taking it and you too, Peach."

Peach dives for Toad, covering him with her own body. Antasma pauses to aim for her leg. But Peach shoots Antasma in the face with her own laser. He holds the left side of his face, snarling at her furiously. Wario charges at him elbow first, sending him crashing into a wall. Shaking off the pain, Antasma aims one of his bony arms at his opponents. Wario's back 'cushioning' protects him from a debilitating blow. Waluigi is nearly impaled but he maneuvers his thin body in between the strikes. Still holding his face, Antasma shrieks in rage. He breaks down into mist, as he angrily drags Peach by the ankle, causing her to drop the gun and the parasol. She grabs at the doorframe trying to save herself. Peach stares fearfully at Toad. Waluigi leaps and grasps her hand, but he's unable to hold on.

"Peach!"

Defeated, Waluigi runs back to help Wario up. "Can you move?"

"I think I can…Man that sparks!"

Toad weakly stands up. "We gotta save her!"

----

Bowser sat up rubbing his head and examining his surroundings. He realizes he and Mouser are in an ammunitions room. He had narrowly missed landing on a missile. "That would have hurt."

"Boss!" Mouser cries out as he presses his ear against the wall. "I hear a battle going on this way."

Hoping it's Peach, Bowser punches through several walls following Mouser's ears. They reach a strange hall and Bowser catches Daisy's scent. The metal on the other side is different. Bowser punches it and recoils in pain. "I don't think I'm getting through this quickly."

"Don't worry, Your Evilness! There's a door over there."

"Oh."

As they open it, they hear Tatanga laughing madly. Daisy is lying on the ground, injured. She tries to get back on her feet. Bowser spots Tatanga in the Pagosu and snarls.

"You need a whole ship to battle her!?"

"I won't stand for your mockery! And how did you get here!?" Tatanga demands. He presses a button and a shutter (made of the same material as the core room's walls) blocks the door.

"Uh oh." Mouser utters.

The Pagosu fires a missile and it splits into several smaller ones. Bowser shields Daisy with his shell.

"Boss! I've just realized, we're in the core room!"

"Well, our job just got easier." Bowser says while in pain.

"Bowser, take out his ship for me!" Daisy asks as she catches her breath. He nods and rushes forward.

Tatanga fires a storm of missiles. Bowser moves to duck or shield. Mouser takes advantage of the chaos to sneak towards Daisy.

"Toss me over the battle."

Daisy lifts and hurls him towards the core controls, Mouser screams the whole way over. Bowser leaps at the Pagosu and gets a missile to the stomach. A pained yell escapes his mouth and he crashes on the ground.

"Bowser!"

Tatanga gets another call as he aims for the Koopa King. It is one of his staff. "The rebels are fleeing, sir."

Bowser holds his stomach.

"Ha ha ha! Pursue them to the ends of Sarasaland! You hear that Bowser; your efforts are for naught."

"You know nothing!" Bowser gets back up and roars at Tatanga. He charges the ship, powering through another missile hitting him. Despite his injuries he is in berserk mode. Bowser jumps on one of the missile launchers and rips into it with his fire. It explodes and the Pagosu becomes unsteady. He aims for the other launcher, and the Pagosu crashes through the dome holding the core. Tatanga leaps to safety before the crash. Once it touches the core, the ammunition in the Pagosu explodes. As Tatanga gets up Daisy rushes him. The two engage in a wrestling match. But Daisy succeeds in lifting him into the air and slamming him on the ground.

Bowser notices the Pagosu has damaged the core, causing it to pulse. "Great…" He collapses on the ground as Daisy runs over to Mouser. He stares at the controls in confusion.

"Mouser?"

"I have no idea how to shut this down."

Bowser looks in Tatanga's direction. The alien utters a spiteful line into his communicator. "Shields up."

Another of his staff contacts him. "Sir? We're getting bad readings from the core…We can't…"

"Tatanga. Override."

The lights flicker and room shakes. Bowser grabs Daisy and Mouser. He was not going to wait. He punches at the shutter. It won't budge.

"Don't waste your energy! I installed three large floating towers on this ship. At my command they will draw energy from the core and separate from the mother ship. As I speak, they are creating a death shield - trapping anyone left in the ship."

Bowser backtracks and grabs him. "Then shut it down."

"Once activated, the shields will remain until the core engulfs the ship. You will all die here!" Tatanga mocks. Bowser drops him in disgust; he returns to hitting the shutter.

Daisy joins him and they manage to get through. As they run away the core slowly enlarges. Sitting on the floor, Tatanga doesn't bother moving. The core engulfs him, instantly incinerating him.

Meanwhile, in the control room the staff members panic. They are unable to contact Tatanga. "The core is unstable!"

"We need to get out of here before it blows."

"But the shields are up and I can't override it! The core will kill us before the shields drop."

Everyone in the control room went silent. "Tatanga is taking us with him."

----

Antasma finally stops dragging Peach and let go. She yelps holding her ankle. She looks up at him fearfully. He smiles.

"I thought you were my friend." She pleads.

Antasma's right eye lights up. "Then apologize."

"W-why?"

Antasma looks at her bewildered and spreads his arms. "For ignoring my advice! I warned you not to fall in love with Bowser. And this is how you treat me."

Peach stares at him in confusion. Antasma bends and embraces her with one arm and runs another claw along her neck. Peach attempts to pull away.

"Peach. Don't you get it. I want you. I want you to be with me when I take over Bowser's empire."

Peach shakes. "I never thought of you like that! And I won't help with your plans. I want everyone live peacefully together."

Antasma's eye slits.

"Peach!"

She hears Wario, Waluigi, and Toad coming to her rescue. Toad is leading the charge. Wario is using Peach's parasol as a cane to support himself.

"Last chance. Come with me. We can still overthrow the koopas." Antasma presses.

Peach tearfully shouts, "Never!"

Antasma frowns at her defiant glare. A purple haze forms around him and he releases her. He prefers it when she's afraid….

"Then die." He spits bitterly.

Antasma turns into a fleet of bats and leaves the room. The guys enter as Peach warns them to stay away. Antasma reappears and shuts a shutter behind them locking them in. As he does, he relishes the fear flashing on Peach's eyes as she realizes what he is doing. He intends to commit her beautiful expression to memory. He calls out to her, longingly as he departs. "I'm going to miss you."

Wario tosses Hen to Waluigi and bangs on the doors. He must pull back and nurse his hands. "What is this made of!?"

Toad hugs Peach while crying. "Peach, I'm so sorry! I knew he would do this! I tried to stop him!"

Peach cups his face in her hands. "We're together again! That's what matters!"

Waluigi smells the air. "Does it smell like somethings burning?"

The walls behind them begin to melt. Peach hugs Toad close and Wario punches at the shutter harder. "We must be near the core!" Toad says.

"Bowser will find us." Peach assures him.

"He doesn't know we're here!" Waluigi frowns and holds his head. "If I knew I was gonna die as an extra in a cheap soap opera, I would have paid the $150 dollars and hid under my covers."

Wario turns around. "Waluigi, you'll make Peach cry. It's not her fault her ex is a nutjob."

Peach buries her face in Toad's cap. "He's not...Waluigi is right. I'm sorry you were dragged into this."

Wario continues punching at the shutter. The melting floor closes in on them and they press against the opposite wall. Suddenly, the shutters are ripped out immediately.

"Peach!" Bowser shouts and embraces her.

"You're here." She happily replies. Toad is smooshed between the two. Daisy bends to look at Peach. "Daisy…"

Daisy gives her the usual sunny smile. "Glad to see you again, Peachy!"

----

The team made a run for the hanger. Using advice from Toad, who spent too much time on the ship, they punch through walls to get there quicker. Bowser is upset over Peach limping on her ankle, but he must focus on getting her out here. He'll find out later what happened. They finally make it to the hangar only to see a force field blocking the exit. Bowser hurls a UFO at it and it burns up. He throws himself at it and is met with white hot pain. Bowser falls back growling with fury. His injuries from battling the Pagosu are catching up with him. Undeterred, he aims to try again. Peach cries out for him to stop; Daisy and Wario must grab his arms to pull him back.

"You're going to kill yourself!"

Bowser begins to panic. The core is slowly melting the inner rooms of the mother ship, as it expands. Soon it will reach the hanger. Bowser pulls out his communicator and tries to speak calmly. "Ludwig, we're trapped. The shield is not dropping."

"What?"

"Tatanga's doing. The core is expanding and melting everything. The shield may contain the blast but we're goners."

Ludwig goes silent for a moment on the other side. "Try to avoid it! Don't die!"

Bowser rolls his eyes. "Of course, we're … I … We'll figure something out. You stay where you are! I-I love you, okay?"

"Don't get all sentimental on me, now! Provide me some time, King Dad. I won't allow you to die!"

Bowser turns off his communicator. He faces the group. "Where is Lilac?"

Toad speaks up. "Queen Lilac and King Oleander already left." Daisy holds her heart in relief.

"I count this as a win. We stopped Tatanga." Daisy turns to her friends. "Thanks guys! M-My world will finally be free!"

Everyone solemnly smiles at her. Peach nervously looks around waiting for the room to melt. Defiant, Bowser stares at the force field hoping to find a way to escape.

It can't end this way! Junior needs me!

He notices Peach holding Toad's hand while sniffling. Wanting to comfort her, Bowser wraps an arm around her. Mouser rubs the back of his neck and looks up at the koopa.

"Ludwig may not save us in time, My King."

"I know Mouser." Bowser murmurs under his breath.

"So, would you and the Princess like to elope?"

Bowser and Peach both look down at Mouser. "What?"

Chapter Text

It can't end this way!

Those words echoed repeatedly in Bowser's head. He had long left the hangar, with Peach perched on his back. The defiant koopa took one direction while Daisy and Toad took the other. A moment earlier, surviving minions of Tatanga entered the hanger and surrendered. Waluigi immediately had them relinquish any weapons. There was no need for Peach to talk Bowser out of hurting the prisoners as he saw use in them. He inquired about the metal dome containing the ship's core. The aliens revealed the location of two storage areas where spare metal is kept, for repairing any breaches in the core room. Bowser announced his idea and departed to acquire the metal. Though puzzled over this, Daisy and Toad volunteered to go to the other location. Waluigi, Wario, and Mouser were left to guard the prisoners.

Since leaving, Bowser and Peach have not said a word to each other. Mouser's offer to marry the two was lingering in Bowser's mind. It was an unexpected offer and a tempting one at that. Of course, he wanted to marry Peach. But not under these circumstances! He wanted to marry her in a grand flashy ceremony, with the goal of spending their life together. Bowser was unwilling to accept marrying her and then dying on the ship.

He finds it amusing how everything can go wrong in an instance. The plan was to rescue Sarasaland's royal family, while the air fleet lured the mother ship out of Chai and towards the desert region. During that time, Ludwig would get the super weapon back up and running. Necessary components needed to be replaced, as they had been fried when struck by the EMP cannon. Bowser was lacking in manpower and parts to get the vessel into the air in time. So, Ludwig volunteered to get the needed help. Without its cannon, taking down the mother ship would have been easy. It would have been if not for the force field. Now Bowser's boarding team is trapped on the ship as its core expands. Bowser growls in frustration over their situation.

Finding the storage room, Bowser kicks the door down and enters. Peach quietly stands watch as he gathers up sheets of strange metal. The sheets are rectangular in shape and ridiculously heavy. Bowser grunts, still feeling pain in his rib area from the attacks he endured earlier. Peach looks at him with concern but he shrugs it off with a cocky grin. After loading some of it onto his shoulder, Bowser pauses to answer a call from Ludwig.

"We're in the air, King Dad." Ludwig says was standing in the control room.

"Where's our location, Ludwig?"

"Tatanga's ship is near the ocean. Your pilots lured it here, as you wished. The thing is though, it is starting to drift towards the nearby oasis city. I don't think anyone is piloting it."

Peach mumbles a 'not good,' behind Bowser. There are citizens still hiding in the city.

"Do you see some weird floating towers?" Bowser grumbles remembering when Tatanga deployed them to create the shield.

Ludwig brings a pair of binoculars to his eyes. "Yes, I'm looking at them now. Unfortunately, their locations change as they loop around. The pilots were unable to shoot them down. I don't want to fire, even if I cut through the shields, you may get caught in the crossfire."

Bowser glances at Peach and goes back to talking to Ludwig. "The ship is destroying itself anyway. I'm giving you the go ahead to push the mother ship and direct it towards the ocean."

"What do you intend to do?" Ludwig asks, his voice low and serious.

"Contact me once you have moved the ship. I have a plan that may or may not work. But no matter what, I expect you to get out of the area." Bowser commands.

"I…Yes sir. Understood."

Ludwig ends the call. Peach lightly calls out to Bowser.

"Bowser, we have to go."

Grunting in acknowledgment, Bowser arranges the metal on his shoulder. As they walk out, the halls further away slowly glow yellow. If it wasn't for the core's metal dome delaying its expansion, this area would have been long gone. In fact, the dome had given Bowser his bizarre idea. They were going to use the same metal to shield a ship and attempt to breach the force field.

During Bowser and Peach's trip back, they must pick up the pace having heard an explosion. It likely was the ammunition room igniting. At Bowser's urging, the princess climbs back onto his shell. He didn't dare lose sight of her - not after what happened. Toad believed that bat made his escape off the vessel. A means they don't have access to. But he couldn't take chances. Whatever Antasma was up to, he knows it's not over. The temperature in the hall suddenly increased. Bowser looks behind and see the walls melting. At that moment, he saw precious memories flashing before his eyes. Memories of raising the koopalings and Junior. Also, he thought of his dates with Peach, their phone calls, and the time they spent together at the coastal village. The memories made him angry and increased his will to live tenfold.

It can't end this way. I have so much I want to do with her.

Bowser feels Peach's eyes on him. She says nothing, but he knows she has an idea of what is going on in his mind. Some tension leaves him, as he felt Peach rub his arm. Her hand moved in small comforting circles.

----

Finally reaching the hangar, they meet Daisy and Toad at the entrance. Daisy was unable to carry as many sheets as Bowser. And the two had a close call, nearly falling through the floor melting away. It would have been a sheer drop into the force field.

"We'll make do with what we got." Bowser shouts as he runs inside.

Once in the hangar, Daisy and Bowser place the metal frames on the front of a UFO. Using his fire breath, Bowser works to fuse it to the ship. The aliens use welding tools to assist him. Waluigi looks at the ship, skeptically.

"If these were good enough to hold the core back, their good enough for ramming our way out." Bowser tells him.

Mouser runs up and salutes Bowser. "I made improvements to the interior and the ship's propulsion, Your Stubbornness."

"Good. Now get on." Bowser barks.

The group crams into the ship. Bowser gets in the front of the control panel, his body covering the view like a wall. The king positions Peach in front of him. In turn, Peach grabs Toad to protect him, placing him between herself and Bowser. The koopa looks down at his audience.

"Alright, we're going to do something stupid. But before we do it, we must wait for Ludwig's call!"

Squeezed up in a corner, Waluigi solemnly looks out the window. "We might as well walk back into the mother ship."

Bowser shoots a murderous glare at him. "Waluigi, I will use you as a toothpick for my teeth if you….!"

"Bowser…" Peach shakes her head.

Bowser closes his eyes and sighs to calm down. "Now we wait. If anyone has anything to say - say it. Not you Waluigi, you already said your piece."

Daisy glares at the aliens daring them to say anything smart. After an awkward silence, Mouser looks up at Bowser. "Did you think it over?"

Bowser reluctantly focuses on Mouser.

"W-we're not going to die!"

"We are about to take a huge risk. You two should be happy in your final moments. I got my license to officiate weddings in Sarasaland. I even have the license right here." He shows Bowser a card. Daisy leans over to look at it.

"Whoa…It's legit."

Bowser stares at him in disbelief. "Where did you get the time…never mind…It'll burn up!"

"It's the thought."

Fuming, Bowser looks down at Peach who is petting Toad's cap. She comes forward and lays her head against Bowser's chest. She then lifts her eyes to look at him - her expression gentle, warm, and shy.

"Bowser will you marry me?" she whispers.

Bowser's eyes bug out and Toad's jaw drops. "Huh!?"

Never had Bowser ever expected Peach to propose to him. Was she sick? Before he could speak Peach snuggles against him.

"No matter what, I want to be yours."

The king is now blushing furiously and must stop himself from screaming 'YES!' Stubborn, he grabs Peach by the shoulders and glares at her. "I wanted to be the one to propose! And our wedding would have thousands of guests, fireworks, food, tons of cake, and I would even drop my enemies into a vat of lava to celebrate."

Peach's smile turns into a frown on the last part. Bowser backpedals. "Only if you wanted me to drop them in the lava."

Her radiant smile returns though her eyes are sad. "Sorry, I should not have asked."

A growl escapes his lips and Bowser grabs her hand. "NO! I want you to be my wife! I want you to be happy with me…I'm just being difficult!" Bowser turns to Mouser. "What are you waiting for!? Marry us!"

Mouser grins and straightens his back out. "Very well then, Daisy will be the flower girl, Toad the best man, and the plumbers are eyewitnesses."

Daisy gives a thumbs up while Waluigi shakes his head. Toad clings to Peach's skirt but nods in agreement. And Wario shrugs while picking his ear.

"Not like we have anything else to do."

Peach glances at Hen. "What will Hen do, Mouser? She shouldn't be left out."

Her comment earns a groan from Bowser. "She's a chicken for crying out..."

Hen plucks out some of her white feathers and offers them to Peach in her beak, Bowser covers his eyes with a sigh. Peach giggles and takes them from her. "They're beautiful! I have a bouquet now!"

This is not how Bowser dreamed their wedding would go. In his mind, all his military leaders, family, subjects are present to see his big day. A time to use his wealth to celebrate their union. But then he focuses on Peach. She clutches her 'bouquet' and gazes up at him. Fear but mostly love is pouring out of her eyes. Once again, Bowser gets lost in them, forgetting they are in a dangerous situation. Whether they live together or die together, he wants to be with her. At peace, Bowser smiles at Peach and waits for Mouser to start.

Mouser clears his throat and begins. "I'd like to begin by welcoming everyone and thanking you for being here. Today is a special day for King Bowser Koopa and Princess Peach Toadstool. I truly can't think of a better place than…."

Waluigi, Wario and the prisoners stare awkwardly at him. Mouser frowns and continues his speech.

"Ahem. Anyway, it is a remarkable thing when you meet someone that makes you feel whole."

Bowser gazes down at Peach and squeezes her hand.

"A person with whom you share a bond so strong, that you can't imagine spending another day without them."

Daisy begins fanning herself over the rising heat. She places a free hand on Toad's shoulder, who still looked stunned.

"I could tell you many stories about Bowser and Peach. How they started out as enemies and then became lovers." Mouser peeps outside, sweating buckets. "But the truth is - we don't have time! What I do know is that both cares deeply and passionately for each other. So, without further ado…King Bowser Koopa, do you take Princess Peach Toadstool to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect her forevermore?"

Bowser yells, "What kind of question is that!? Of course, I do!"

Mouser nervously clears his throat. "And Princess Peach Toadstool, do you take King Bowser Koopa to be your husband? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect him forevermore?

Peach blushes and says a quiet but firm "I do."

Bowser fights to keep from screaming in joy. He is sure he will shake the ship if he does. Happy with their responses Mouser checks his pockets. "We don't have any rings to exchange. So, we will just get to the vows. I've forgotten the exact words for you to recite, so you will have to make something up."

"You gotta be kidding me!" Waluigi mumbles. He must dodge Bowser hurling a container at his head. Bowser refocuses on Peach, his expression serious. "I've been your prisoner for over a decade, Peach! Cruelly tormented by your existence but wishing you would display mercy. And you did! You showed me love. I'm not dying here because of some wannabe emperor's temper tantrum! And you're not dying either! So, I promise to love and to spoil you rotten - forever. We're gonna rule and I'll have you as mine and mine alone!"

In contrast to his fiery one, Peach keeps her declaration simple and sweet. "And I promise to cherish and love you, Bowser. If we ever clash on ideologies, I will oppose what you stand for! But no matter what, I will always love you."

Bowser's eyes soften at her words. "…I wouldn't want you any other way."

Mouser nods with approval. "And now by the power vested in me, it is my honor and delight to declare you husband and wife. You may seal this declaration with a kiss."

Bowser gently leans down to meet Peach's lips. The audience claps. Wario attempts to hide his sniffles. Bowser wanted the kiss to last longer but knew he had to break away. The two press their foreheads together.

Mouser raises his hands towards the couple. "I am pleased to present the newlyweds, King Bowser Koopa and Queen Peach Koopa."

The ship suddenly rocks. Everyone looks around in panic but Bowser glares. He grips Peach's hand. The ceremony filled him with more determination. "Everyone stay where you are."

Bowser then pulls up his communicator. "Ludwig?"

"Hold on!"

A moment passes, and the hanger violently shakes, the lights flickering as the room is caving in.

Ludwig speaks again. "The mother ship is now heading for the ocean. Whatever you're doing, do it now!"

----

Bowser orders everyone to get down. Peach reluctantly listens. Once they are down Bowser pulls a lever, setting the ship on autopilot. The UFO's engines roar to life. Bowser turns aiming his protective shell towards the front of the ship. He looks down at Peach and smiles.

"Just you watch. You can depend on your new hubby." He declares with a wink.

She nervously nods and bends to hold onto Toad. She places her parasol in front of him. Everyone braces as the ship shoots forward towards the shield. It slams into it like a ball caught by a net. The engines pick up and push against the obstacle. The metal sheets are shielding the ship's front but it is slowly starting to melt. The heat becomes unbearable in the ship.

Bowser shouts as if ordering the ship. "Unacceptable! Come on! Work!"

Wario and Waluigi look around as the ship's walls are pulsing from the pressure. Peach covers toad with her body and closes her eyes. She can hear Daisy shouting at Bowser, Peach can't make out her words over the sound of the engines. The vessel makes one last push and bursts through the shield. But it came at a cost. The front of the ship breaks apart as they fly through. Bowser's back is pummeled by the debris but he doesn't move. If he does the other passengers will die. Peach is certain she heard a loud crack. The ship escapes the field and dips forward, everyone tumbles out.

Peach opens her eyes feeling the floor vanishing under her feet. Her parasol is slowing her fall as she clings to Toad. Looking down, she realizes Bowser is unconscious and plummeting to the water below. Distressed, the newlywed reaches out to her husband in vain, her eyes glistening.

As the mother ship continues floating further out, the party falls into the ocean. Still injured from Antasma's attack, Wario is having trouble keeping his head above water. Waluigi and Mouser must assist him. As they do so Peach looks for the others. She finds Daisy rounding up the prisoners. She refuses to let them swim away and escape. "Any of you run and you'll be in for a world of hurt!"

But Peach can't find Bowser and becomes frantic.

"Bowser!? Bowser!?"

"Peach! Over there!" The captain spots him a few feet away. His cracked shell was keeping him afloat but he was out. His breathing is shallow and weak. Peach swims over to him and cries out mournfully. "Bowser!"

His eyes flutter open at the sound of her voice and focuses on her. He manages a weak smile. "Y-you're alive…." With a low grunt, he closes his eyes again. Peach embraces him sobbing.

"Someone! Help, please!"

Hearing her friend, Daisy swims over and begins pushing Bowser towards the faraway shore. Peach and Toad attempt to help. Soon they can see the planes flying overhead.

Waiting for good news, Ludwig stares out solemnly as a soldier approaches. "Ludwig! The pilots have spotted the boarding party!"

Breathing a sigh of relief, he orders their rescue. Ludwig then watches the mother ship go further and further away as its form falls apart, only held in place by the shield. A moment later, an explosion appears on the horizon. And just like that, the reign of Tatanga is over.

----

The boarding party was plucked from the ocean and brought aboard Ludwig's ship. Fortunately, the medical bay was not damaged much during the ship's earlier descent. Reunited with her parents and the four kings, Daisy was wheeled into the medical bay. Wario and Toad had to be emitted as well. Peach's injuries were minor compared to the others. Refusing treatment, she holds Bowser's bruised hand as a gang of koopas transport him to the surgery room. The ship's doctor stops her from following.

"We must give him immediate treatment with what we have, Princess Peach. He has a fractured rib and several other serious conditions."

"I can't leave him alone! I'm his wife!" Peach presses.

The doctor's eyes enlarge with shock. "W-wife!?"

Ludwig stops her. "The best way we can help is by staying out of the way."

Reluctantly, she listens to him. They watch as Bowser is brought into the room. Once the door closes Peach falls to her knees. Ludwig bends to comfort her.

All night and into the next day, she sits outside Bowser's door. The doctor stops by to clarify Peach's relationship with Bowser.

"So, you are the Queen now!? I apologize so much for not addressing you properly! Please forgive me!" The koopa cries out.

"No, it's alright. You didn't know. Has his condition changed?"

"All I can say is His Majesty is stubborn."

"I see…Is it alright if I visit my friends' room?"

"Of course, Your Highness. But only after you let us treat you!"

A moment later, he directs her to the other rooms and leaves her to get back to work. Daisy's arms were wrapped up and she had been treated for burns. But she had her bright smile as she lay in the bed. "There are still enemies out there trying to fill the void Tatanga left. They're not as strong as him, so Dad is taking care of it. But I'm itching to join him once I'm out, Peachy."

"Just don't push yourself too hard."

"It's hard to think where to even begin with rebuilding." Lilac remarks while sitting next to Daisy. Peach nervously looks down, now noticing her. "Queen Lilac, about…"

"Don't blame yourself. I know who is responsible, even if the others don't believe." Lilac says. "And Hiyoihoi won't bring it up again." Peach bites her lip and the two hug. After visiting them Peach stops by Wario and Waluigi. Wario had to lay on his stomach in bed. His backside was wrapped up. Hen is sleeping on a chair near him. Peach felt guilt again but buried it under the worry she has for Bowser and the others.

"How are you doing?"

"Hungry." Wario complains.

"We'll live." Was all Waluigi said as he flipped through a magazine.

Wario smiles at Peach. "You must feel mad having to spend your honeymoon in the hospital?"

Peach gives him a fierce look. "That's not on my mind!"

"Then what is?"

Peach folds her arms. "I…I don't think you would be interested."

Wario shrugs. "Try me. I may be a greedy guy but I hear my friends out."

That was unexpected. Peach lightens up and realizes her worry is obvious to him. "I knew Bowser would pull that stunt!" Tears form in the corners of her eyes. "He was insuring I would live. That's why I wanted us to marry. So, if something happened to him, he would know I loved him."

Waluigi set the magazine down. "Don't get all sappy! That fool is gonna make it."

"…." Wiping her eyes, Peach smiles at Waluigi. He gets embarrassed and stares out the window, pretending to be indifferent.

Wario sighs. "Your ex is not going to like it."

Peach clasps her hands together annoyed. But inside she feels fear. Wario is right, Antasma made his feelings clear and will not be happy. She now knows he can hold grudges and fears him retaliating.

"Wario, I was just friends with him. I didn't know he wanted more. But I never expected him…to turn on me."

Wario shakes his head. "I get what you're going through."

"Y-You do?"

The plumber nods, his eyes closed. "I've had my share of admirers. My beauty was to die for. But I had haters too. Sure, I ate their lunch at work but I needed to upkeep my appearance. They were always out to get me. But that was their problem."

Peach sighs. "Where are you going with this?"

"People like us, trouble finds us! But we should never apologize for being beautiful."

"Wario, what kind of advice is that!?" Waluigi wants to bang his head against a wall; Peach looks confused. It's not a comforting idea to be a magnet of doom. But she opts to be polite.

"…I'll keep that in mind."

Peach's last visit was to Toad in the next room. The mushroom looked like he was full of regrets. He pours his heart out as soon as Peach enters. "Peach, I messed up. I thought I could handle Antasma."

She shudders at hearing the name. "Toad, you're not in any trouble. It was my fault for not noticing your plight. I was in charge. Let's not talk about him right now. My concern is your health."

Toad smiles weakly.

"Get some rest. We'll be home soon and there will be much to do." Peach says and kisses his cap.

"Yeah, especially with you eloping! I still can't believe it." Toad laughs bitterly. "I'm not pleased with it, but if Bowser makes you happy then so be it."

She stares sadly at his old scar and grips his small hand.

"I love him. But I love you too, okay? I won't stop protecting my toads."

Toad nods slowly. "I owe him for saving us anyway…Any word on his condition?"

"The doctor only said Bowser is stubborn."

Toad is pondering about something. He narrows his eyes and looks up at Peach. "Peach, I need to tell you something Antasma told me. I hear loud mouth Wario through the wall. I know you don't want to talk about him anymore, but we must."

----

A moment later, Peach left Toad's room disturbed. It was worst then she thought. But it made sense. That is why she felt Antasma's presence at times. He knows where she is always. It's different from Bowser tracking her by scent. That didn't bother her. But a mental link without her permission is frightening. Fear begins to cloud her mind and a poisonous thought crosses Peach's mind. Will she doom the toads because of her association with them? Peach calls over a group of koopas and pleads with them to guard Toad and Daisy's rooms. They comply without delay, assigning guards at different hours.

Another day passed and the doctor finally let Peach and Ludwig into Bowser's room. Bowser was without his shell, buried under a blanket.

"Bowser?"

"He's still unconscious my Queen. You're welcome to stay by his side though." The doctor says while leaving. Ludwig and Peach decide to alternate sitting at his bedside. Even though he couldn't hear, Peach would sing and talk to him. Still, three days later Bowser remained unconscious.

"You must come out of this, Bowser. If not for my sake, then for your kids." Peach says as she wipes at her eyes. He looks so vulnerable. She had been in fear wondering if Antasma would show up to assassinate the king. She wouldn't be able to protect Bowser. Peach grips her parasol.

No, I will protect him.

Due to events Peach never had time to reflect on her ordeal at Antasma's hands. For him to go from friendly to dragging her through the halls and threatening her, he was never her friend. And it hurts. If he comes at her again, she has to fight. Peach gently climbs on Bowser's bed and snuggles up to him. If anyone goes after Bowser, she'll know immediately.

"Goodnight." She says to him, finally going to sleep.

After a chaotic dream and hearing her parents' voices again, Peach wakes up to the sound of humming. Her heart leaps, feeling Bowser eyes on her and his claw toying with her locks. She quickly opens her eyes. He is on his side, an arm propping his head up. He lifts an eyebrow and smiles.

"Good morning." He whispers blissfully.

"Bowser!"

She wraps her arms around him and Bowser grunts. Apologetically, she pulls away.

"It didn't hurt!" He lies.

The fear she had been feeling comes out. She begins to cry.

"I thought I was losing you!"

Bowser shrugs. "If I died over that I wasn't fit to be king!"

"I'm serious!" Peach pouts and folds her arms. Bowser grins mischievously at her and nuzzles her cheek.

The doctor bursts into the room interrupting the royal couple.

"King Bowser! Oh…. forgive me for intruding!"

"You're not forgiven! Go run 50 laps around the ship!"

"Bowser, he saved your life!"

The doctor bowed. "At once My King! But someone is here to see you!"

Bowser hugs Peach close and she blushes. "I'm busy!"

The man comes in anyway as the doctor begins his laps. He was a mustachioed koopa wearing an explorer helmet. Steam comes out of Bowser's ears and his face turn beet red.

"Professor Kolorado!?"

The koopa pulls out a chair to sit. "By the stars, I finally found you, King Koopa! Thanks for saving me and the people of Sarasaland."

Peach rakes through her memories and snaps her fingers. "Bowser! He is the man that went missing after discovering Sarasaland's warp pipe!"

Bowser's face twisted so much, Peach feared he was having a heart attack.

He stands up and wobbles over to the explorer. "After all that funding I gave for your expedition, you up and vanished! Where were you the whole time!? I was crawling on my face through the mud for over a month! And after everything, now you decide to show up!?"

Kolorado gives an innocent answer. "I was right behind you, calling out while you were running down 5th street screaming for 'Ludwig.' But you weren't listening! I ended up falling down a sewer line."

Bowser stares at him, his eyes twitching. "Well, did you find treasure?"

"I accidently dropped that golden cup I found into a pit!"

Kolorado hops off the chair. "So, I'm off to explore the pyramids of Sarasaland. There are more treasures located there. Farewell, My King."

Bowser tries to chase Kolorado as he obliviously walks out. As Kolorado opens the door, Wario and Waluigi grab him.

"My word! What is this!?" Kolorado cries out.

"Wa ha ha! Treasure, you say. Let us help you!"

Peach holds Bowser back as they run away. Bowser throws a fit. "Bring him back! He is going to dangle for getting on my nerves!"

"Bowser, that's not fair! The professor has been through an ordeal. And we would not have met Daisy and helped her if not for him!"

"He dangles!"

"Then I would like to enact my pardon."

"What!?" He froze trying to remember when she had the authority. His mouth turned into a circle then a snarl.

"I take that back!"

Peach folds her arms and stomps her foot. "Oh no you don't! You promised!"

"The whole reason I had that mission was to find treasure, woman!" Bowser shouts.

Peach shouts back. "And the treasure belongs in Sarasaland, you big oaf! You're going to steal from your allies!?"

"Peach!? I…YOU…" Bowser runs up to a corner while holding his side and bangs his head. He then turns around and flashes a grin. "Is this our first argument as husband and wife?"

Peach hangs her head. We're off to a bad start.

"I'm sorry for calling you a big oaf." She mumbles. "I'm not sorry about the pardon, though."

Shaking his head, Bowser chuckles. "Lighten up, Peaches. I don't mind the nickname. You say it with love! No one else can call me that."

Relived Peach looks back up at him. Bowser groans. She expects an apology too. If he wants a happy marriage he has to get use to saying the word. "I'm s...sorry too. I won't pilfer from Sarasaland. Just this once."

Peach frowns and throws a pillow at him.

----

When the sun rises, the koopas leave the desert oasis to thunderous cheers. It was odd to the koopas to be celebrated as heroes. But a few seemed flattered and waved back. Plum and the other humans that served under Bowser saluted him; the king pretended not to care. Not present for goodbyes were Wario and Waluigi. The two plumbers had gotten into trouble with the four kings. They were on the run but told Peach they'll return for their cake. As the ship departed, Peach sadly waves at Daisy. The two friends promised to see each other soon but she was already missing her.

While they approach the warp pipe, Bowser and Peach look out a window together.

"Our elopement will be considered a scandal in the Darklands." Bowser mumbles.

Peach turns to look at him. "I know. But don't scare me like that again."

"I can't make any promises."

A hint of playfulness in his eyes, he lifts her chin. Bowser then whispers into her ear, "Were you impressed though? Is your husband a hero?"

Peach lightly taps his snout while shaking her head.

"No!"

"Bwa ha ha! Come here."

Sighing in contentment, Bowser slowly wraps his arms around her and buries his snout into her hair. There is much they want to say and there is much to take care of. And dangers on the horizon. But for now, they decide to just enjoy each other's presence.

Chapter Text

News of Bowser's return quickly reached the Darklands. Their mighty king vanquished his rival Tatanga and returned victorious! Many citizens stopped what they were doing and took to the streets. Shopkeepers had scrambled to close their businesses. Children even ditched school. In one town after another, there was a mass exodus of koopas. The crowds converged together along the royal road leading to the castle. They gathered for the purpose of welcoming their favorite king back. As soon as Bowser's Koopa King kart (with rock music blaring) appears on the horizon, the earth shakes from the koopas' cheers.

Accompanying Bowser is the koopas that went to war with him. The king himself sits in the back of the kart, waving at his subjects as Mouser drives. Every so often he flexes his arms, taking extra care to hide the fact he is in pain. Peach and Toad rode with Ludwig, their kart not too far behind Bowser's. Honestly, Bowser had wanted Peach to sit next to him. He would have his arm around her, order Mouser to drive slowly while smiling for the cameras. Bowser wanted everyone to know that she is now his dear wife. But he has just defeated an enemy of the empire. Having Peach sitting next to him and showing her affection, would take focus off his victory. A victory he will use to remind his nobles and council of, as they will give him grief over his marriage. So, the two royals agreed to drive separately. A few of the subjects spot Peach and call out to her. Some want an autograph; some frown and others attempt to reach for her hand. However, Toad holds her back, fearing someone would yank the princess out the kart.

Once they arrive in front of the castle, Bowser jumps off his kart and shouts a warm greeting to his citizens. Then he tells them to buzz off, even threatening some elementary kids to get back to class or else. Without delay the koopas happily depart and travel back to their towns. Pleased they left; Bowser gives strict orders to his soldiers to not leak information on his elopement. He wanted his family to hear the news first. Bowser then spreads his arms out towards his wife.

"Come, my darling! We must tell our kids the good news!"

Peach coyly tilts her head as Bowser stomps his foot in excitement. Antasma's ability to find her was on her mind. Is it safe to be around Bowser's children? But she convinces herself Bowser will protect them. There is nothing to worry about when in the castle. "I'm so nervous."

"Don't be. It'll be awesome!" Bowser places his claws on her back and escorts her up the stairs and toward the gate. The king keeps stealing glances at Peach, overjoyed with the idea that she will live in the castle with him. Before they enter, Koopa General flies down towards them. After landing, he bows his head low to the ground.

"My King! You have returned!"

Bowser can tell something is stressing the general out. His wings are twitching. The king is certain something went wrong at Pi'illo Island. But he'll get the details later. The general turns to greet Peach but frowns at Toad.

"Captain Toad. How pleasant to see you." The general says sarcastically.

Toad sighs. Even though he sabotaged Antasma, the general was obviously holding a grudge towards Toad for giving in to blackmail. Peach gets in between the two. "General, where is Toadette? Is she home?"

The general bows and motions for them to follow. "Fear not, she is safe in the castle. There is a lot to discuss but I'll let you rest today."

As soon as they bypass the gate, the koopalings dive into Bowser. Peach must jump back as they rough housed with their uncle, happy to see him. Not wanting to dampen the reunion, Bowser hides the pain of them headbutting him. In vain Ludwig tries to intervene, scolding his siblings. Bowser eventually opts to sit on them to get the koopalings to stop. Peach giggles, observing the annoyed teens shouting at the king. But a small squeak of surprise catches Peach's attention.

"Peach!? Toad!"

Tears well up in her eyes as she turns around. The chancellor, Gold, Berry, and Toadette are running towards her. Peach and Toad throw their arms around them. Falling to the ground, the group sobs as they cling to each other. An overjoyed Peach begins wiping away Toadette's tears while Toad recounts their ordeal to the others. The koopas pause and watch the contrasting reunion in amusement.

Drying his eyes, Chancellor Vert turns to Bowser. "Thank you for returning our beloved princess."

Bowser grumbles trying to figure out how to deal with his new in-laws. He still struggles with his hate for toads. By all rights Captain Toad should be roasting over a fire, for helping Antasma instead of telling him. But he gave the fungus a reprieve for Peach's sake. Bowser tells himself he must do right for his new family. So, he decides to just nod at the chancellor. Once Peach pulls away from the toads - Larry and Lemmy hug her.

"Lemmy! Larry!" Peach declares, returning their embrace. Roy walks up to her chuckling. But Wendy squints her eyes, marches past Bowser and faces Peach.

"You just went through a parade looking like that!?" She shouts.

Peach realizes her hair is unkempt and tries to fix it. "Wait! I …"

"Too late!" Wendy grabs Peach and carries her away on her shoulder.

Bowser calls out to the two. "Now Wendy dear. She's been through a lot!"

"I will not tolerate her hair looking like this!"

Before Wendy drags her victim away Bowser Jr. comes racing in. "Papa!"

"J-junior…" Bowser charges past Peach and Wendy to pick up his son. He throws him into the air laughing and sits him back down. Junior then clings to his leg. "I told you I would be back, little man."

Junior frowns and looks up, trying to hold back tears. "You were gone too long!"

Bowser's grin drops. He doesn't know what to say. Junior notices Peach and gives way to tears. The little prince lets go of Bowser and jumps on top of Wendy to reach Peach.

"Mama!"

The three topple over while Wendy angerly shouts. Though caught off guard, Peach wraps her arms around him. "Oh Junior…I'm sorry we left you for so long."

Bowser feels a lump in his throat. He bends to pet Junior's head. "She's right. I'm sorry too."

Junior sniffles and clings to Peach more. Standing up Bowser pulls Ludwig to the side. "'Mama'? Who told him?"

Iggy raises an eyebrow, overhearing. "Peach told Junior he could call her whatever he wanted. What's going on?"

Bowser turns to stare at Peach lovingly. Ludwig must catch his attention. "Don't wait too long to tell them."

"I know. I know." Bowser claps his hands and everyone looks at him. "Alright, gather around brats. I have an announcement to make later."

"What is it!?"

"I can't say until we're in the main living room."

"Not before I clean Peach up!" Wendy yells while dragging Peach away.

Bowser sighs. "Morton think you could get us some snacks?"

----

Later, Bowser lights up the fireplace and crashes into a chair. While resting he catches up with the koopalings. Junior sits in his lap embracing him, quietly listening to the conversations. The King feels terrible leaving him alone for so long. He had a good reason but his young son wouldn't understand that. Hopefully, Junior will feel better with the good news. Meanwhile, the toads sit awkwardly near the snack table. Lemmy is jumping on Gold and Berry's heads to their displeasure. Bowser must shout for Roy to get him. All the while, the chancellor quietly sips tea. Bowser realizes he has been staring at him.

Shortly, Peach and Wendy enter the room to Bowser's relief. He takes time to admire her dusty pink gown with a ruffle top. Setting Junior down, Bowser stands up to hold her hands. Peach gazes at Bowser and she begins. "I've been in talks in with my council before the trip. And Mushroom Kingdom will no longer serve as a vassal kingdom."

Larry hangs his head. "I'm out of a job then."

Iggy frowns at him. "That's the first thing that comes to your mind!?"

Roy scratches his forehead, frustrated. "I ain't fighting no rebel toads. Peach does all the carrying. That's not very sporting."

Bowser frowns. "There will be no fighting."

The koopalings and the toads (minus the chancellor) gasp. Peach laughs at their response. "There you have it, Bowser agrees. We're forming an alliance."

Bowser tenderly looks into Peach's eyes. "Also, we eloped. Junior, you officially have a mother now."

Silence fills the room as their audience processes the information. The general gets up and sits in a corner. Toadette runs over to check on him, but he angerly rejects her attempts to cheer him up. Gold passes out and Berry drops his plate of chips.

"You did what!?"

Vert runs over to fan Gold as Roy's shades nearly fall off his face. But Bowser Jr.'s eyes brighten. He takes hold of Peach's hands and spins in a circle with her. Peach lets out a laugh as she plays along. Lemmy joins in, clinging to her leg. Iggy responds to the news by fussing at a smug Ludwig.

"You knew the whole time and gave us no hints!?"

Out of all of them Bowser can tell Wendy is the most furious. She begins stomping her feet, her face red with fury.

Bowser gets stern with her. "Now Wendy, I chose Peach and you can't…"

"You're already married!? I didn't get to make Peach's dress! It's not fair!"

Surprised, Bowser laughs in relief.

"It's not funny!" She begins crying and Bowser rushes over to her. Ludwig grabs the bridge of his snout in irritation. Peach looks on worried while holding Junior and Lemmy.

"There, there!" The king hugs Wendy and sways gently. "My sweet little princess, we eloped because of circumstances! But we'll have a big ceremony to celebrate with you guys! And you get to help with decorations!"

Wendy pulls away, eyes red. "You promise?"

"I promise!"

"Okay…" She wipes the tears away and smiles wickedly at Peach. "Now that your part of the koopa clan, you'll never be unkempt again!" Peach smiles sheepishly.

Larry walks up to Peach and leans his head on her shoulder. "I knew this day would come…Does this mean you are going to heckle me more?" Peach smirks at him. "Yes." Morton laughs as Larry sighs in defeat.

Peach nervously looks towards Vert, seeking his blessing on her marriage. Vert wobbles over to her and she bends to hold his hands. "This is shocking, Peach! But I can't complain you married a man you just met. You two have know each other for awhile. So, I'll live. And I wish you the best. Hopefully, everyone at home accepts your decision."

The chancellor turns to Bowser and the koopa nervously straightens his back. He expects to be fussed at. But Vert smiles while glaring at him. "I know you will take care of her. You WILL take care of her? Right?"

Bowser angerly nods, trying not to sass him. Vert closes his eyes, still smiling. "May our kingdoms walk together."

Unsure how to answer, Bowser rubs the back of his head. However, the other toads look conflicted. Berry twiddles his thumbs while staring at Bowser. "D-does this mean you are leaving Mushroom Kingdom, Peach?"

Peach shakes her head aggressively.

"No. Bowser and I are in an marriage alliance. I'll split up my time between the two kingdoms. But no, I'm not abandoning you. I never will."

Her words seem to assure the toads. But Koopa General remained in the corner. Toadette's efforts to get him up failed. Bowser marches over to him.

"This isn't like you! Pull yourself together, man! Didn't you want me to be happy!?"

The general turns around. "I do want you to be happy! But you didn't invite me!"

Bowser groans. "I was just over this with Wendy! We were in a tough spot."

"Then you should have called! I would have come flying! No, I would not have made it in time." The general returns to the corner. "I'm such a failure…."

"What is wrong with him!?" Bowser demands.

Toadette motions for him to bend and whispers to him. "He failed to catch most of the conspirators."

Bowser's face darkens and he folds his arms. "Antasma…"

Toad walks up to Toadette. "Please forgive me everyone. I was waiting to ask this but…Toadette did you find the monarch?"

"Your instinct was correct, captain! He's alive!"

Bowser looks confused while Toad sighs in relief.

"Antasma was not the true ruler of Pi'illo, King Bowser. Wait right here." Toadette runs to the door. When she opens it, Dreambert and a group of kings come falling in. "Oh…he's right here…"

"Were you people ease dropping!?" Bowser roars at them.

The kings stare sheepishly. "We were looking for Prince Bowser."

"Anyway, congratulations, Your Majesty." The Crystal King offers.

Ignoring them, Bowser stares at Dreambert. "Who are you!?"

Toadette helps him to his feet as she introduces him. "He is the true ruler of Pi'illo. Prince Dreambert."

"…."

The captain walks up to Dreambert. "So, he was a captive the whole time."

Peach gasps. "What?"

Dreambert ignores the question and levitates towards Peach. "I apologize for ruining this happy occasion, but I need to investigate your mind, Queen Peach. Toadette told me you've had contact with Antasma."

"Oh yeah…He put a tracker in her head!" Toad yells. "Can you remove it?"

"I can try but she needs to sleep first."

Peach looks at Bowser. "You should check Bowser too."

But Bowser shakes his head. "I'm sure he didn't pull anything funny with me. Dreambert, do whatever you need to do."

Unsure of what is going on, Junior hangs on to Peach. "Where are you going?"

"I'm bringing my son along." Peach says.

Dreambert nods and leads her and Toadette out of the room. Everyone left over can feel the anger pouring out of Bowser.

"Antasma did what!?" Bowser turns to Toad. Toad looks at him solemnly.

"Everyone that knows something, into my war room now!"

----

Hours later, Bowser found the guess room Peach was being treated in. She was asleep on a couch, Junior napping in her arms. She looked so serene to the king. Dreambert hovers over her, his eyes closed and focused. Toadette is standing nearby watching. Sighing Bowser leaves to stand outside the room. The general had revealed to him that most of the conspirators escaped. And that their plot was to poison Bowser. Furious, the king demanded they find them. But the general had teams already scouring everywhere. It seems they left the world entirely. So, Bowser demanded scouts to investigate the other worlds.

The king growls as his general approaches. "My king. I am truly sorry for this grave failure. Not only for the conspirators escaping but for your near-death experience. You were in danger and I wasn't there."

Exasperated, Bowser glares down at him. "Will you get over it!? Look, I was fine! No one could stop me! Just ask Peach. I was snapping ships in half. I was throwing skyscrapers into ravines and I was deflecting missiles with my pecs. Peach thought I was so manly she demanded that I marry her."

The general's stern face never changed but he was holding in a laugh. "…."

Knowing he is mocking his totally accurate and not exaggerated account, Bowser frowns. "The point is, I'm alive and fine. But let's learn from this folly with Antasma. And get it together. I need you to help me protect Peach."

The general coughs to clear his throat. "Yes, My King. And congratulations on your marriage. Should I let the media know?"

"Don't bother, Wendy is already on it."

Suddenly, Bowser hears Peach gasp in pain. He immediately runs inside. Her eyes are close but she is grimacing. Dreambert looks drained but he keeps his hands hovering over Peach. Toadette puts her hands up to stop Bowser. Bowser wants to intervene but restrains himself. The prince is the only one that can help her. Eventually, Peach relaxes and she snuggles into Junior. Pleased, Dreambert pulls away holding his head and levitates over to Bowser.

"It was troublesome removing it."

"What do you mean?"

"Visualize a thick patch of fabric sown into a garment. But instead of threads, it's chains. Antasma chained the tracker among murky memories. If I pulled at it, the chains would tighten and begin entrapping my hands. To force me to back off. I had to use a metaphorical chain saw to sever the connection." Dreambert looks over his shoulder at Peach. "You should have her guarded. He will not let her go easily, not after doing something like that. Antasma is going to hate me even more now."

"He's not getting anywhere near her." Bowser growls. "Anyway, Toadette. You're to accompany this man to therapy. He's gonna need it. I'll cover all the costs and then some. Dreambert is also to have security."

"Y-yes sir." Toadette answers.

Bowser bends and gently scoops up Peach and Junior into his arms. He gazes down at them, his eyes filled with rage.

"I want Antasma found. I want him to know he messed with me for the last time!"

Still asleep, Peach snuggles in his arms. Bowser's eyes temper at her action. After dismissing his audience, he carries his family to the King's chambers. He didn't bother bringing Junior to his own room. The little guy was already upset with him and was a little clingy now. He tucks them under the red covers and gazes at them. They looked so peaceful in the large bed. The sound of thunder catches his attention and he reluctantly walks away. A storm is beginning to brew outside, soon the rain falls. As he observes, he hears a loud snort. Bowser holds in a laugh realizing it is Peach making the noise. Quietly chuckling, he returns to the bed and gazes at his sleeping wife and son.

I can't believe it. I finally have her.

Bowser joins them in the bed. He then embraces the two, resting his snout in Peach's silky hair. He inhales her scent and sighs.

And I will do whatever I can to make sure she's happy and safe.

----

In the morning, news of the king's elopement spread like wildfire. All throughout the empire, citizens rush to get the latest newspaper or tuned in to their tv sets. On various channels, reporters speculate endlessly as to what happen during the king's absence. Some even claim the war campaign was a cover for the elopement. Generals and councilmen express confusion in live interviews. But they were pleased to have an alliance with Sarasaland.

In Crystal Kingdom there is celebration over the marriage. The people have always been fans of the monarchy. Everything Bowser does is gold to them. In the markets, people brag that they saw Bowser and Peach dating.

In the Ice Kingdom, King Penguin sees the elopement as an opportunity. Earlier, he had learned that his savior, Vanessa, was Peach. The princess fights for the helpless in his eyes. He declares to his doubtful subjects, "This marriage is part of her strategy to continue her rebellion against Bowser! When she strikes, we'll be ready!"

On the other side of the world, King Goomba fears Peach will retaliate against him. He flees his home as his citizens try to reason with him. Not too far away from Goomba Town, the Mushroom Kingdom was processing the news. Some Toads celebrated the arrangement. They were not fans of the koopas but the marriage alliance could mean the cease of hostilities.

Toads gather at a local café to discuss the marriage of the royals.

"Does this mean we're friends now?"

"Indeed. Our princess is so brave to do this. Just think, no more raids! And no more bullying!" A toad declares to his wife while drinking coffee. Behind him an older toad slams her cup down. The toad jumps and turns around.

"Ms. Truffle!?"

"All of you should be ashamed of yourselves!" She yells. Everyone pauses to listen. "Peach was obviously pressured to marry this tyrant! And what are we doing? Are we going to celebrate this!? Our sweet little Peach with a stupid koopa!?"

Some of the toads look uncomfortable with her last few words. Sure, they are unsure about the marriage. Many though had befriended koopas that have been visiting the kingdom. But they dare not argue with the purple spotted toad. A few toads get up to leave the café, not wanting to hear anymore. Ms. Truffle angerly stares into her cup.

I may be a measly and weak toad, but I'm not sitting quiet about this!

The nobles of the Darklands are stunned when they see the news. They are descendants of koopas that pledge loyalty to the crown, in exchange for land. They are the wealthiest in the kingdom behind Bowser. The different families don't get along and often must be put in their place by the king. For generations, they have been a source of spouses for the koopa royalty. So, the idea that Bowser would not only reject the brides they offered but elope with a mushroom princess is shocking. Gossip quickly spread among them along with animosity.

"Is she the one the king rejected Lady Tanger for!?"

"I see why, she is beautiful ... for a human."

"Her father, Lord Arthur still lives in shame over that fiasco..."

"Serves him right for ruining my daughter's chances."

"Why you…"

"Don't get started this morning!"

"Come on, we'll benefit from Sarasaland's alliance at the very least."

"But what does this mean for Bowser's war campaign? I hear the girl is peaceful. And he was planning to expand the empire into space!"

"…"

Some of the nobles are already thinking they should be in charge…

----

Bowser wakes up with a content smile on his face. After giving a loud yawn, he stretches and searches for Peach and his son. He pauses and realizes they are not in bed. He panics and races out of the room looking for them. To his relief, the maids tell him they went to the kitchen.

"The queen is an odd one. She insisted on making breakfast for Junior and sent the cooks away."

True to the maid's word, they were in the kitchen. Junior was eating a heaping plate of pancakes, topped with whipped cream, fudge, and fruit. His face was covered in crumbs as he watched an episode of Super Princess Spiny on a small countertop tv. Not a good idea to give him so much sugar, Bowser mischievously decides not to say anything. Peach is flipping a pancake when she notices Bowser. She gives him a bright smile and his heart flips. He walks up to her.

"You could have woken me up." Bowser whispers while kissing her cheek.

"Junior was hungry. Besides, I knew you needed the sleep." Peach replies.

She holds up a platter. "Do you want some pancakes?"

"Nah." Bowser rummages through the fridge and pulls out a glob of bacon stripes. He throws them on a large pan and shoves it in the stove. It immediately begins cooking the bacon. "I prefer meat in the morning."

Peach rolls her eyes and returns to flipping pancakes.

"How are you feeling?" Bowser asks while embracing her and pressing his snout into her shoulder. Peach smiles over his need to cuddle.

She then pauses her work answer. "It was such a relief when I woke up. I owe poor Dreambert."

"Don't worry, I'm going to make it up to him. Or at least try…He's been through the impossible…I can't help but admire his guts." Bowser opens his eyes and reluctantly pulls away. "I must take care of some threats, Peach. But I don't want you to live in fear, okay? Keep your phone with you."

"You're leaving?"

"Yeah, but my main general is now your bodyguard when I'm not around. Larry will be there too if you don't mind."

Peach shakes her head and Bowser watches the way her hair sways. He still can't believe they are married. "I don't mind. Since you'll be leaving, I'll take Junior with me to Mushroom Kingdom."

"I love you." He whispers.

Peach blushes and looks towards the stove. "Bowser… Oh, your bacon is burning."

Bowser's smile turn into a straight line and he races to pull the pan out. Peach cringes watching him grab the hot pan with his bare hands. But she reminds herself he is heat tolerant. Suddenly, Toadette enters while in her pjs. She waves at them and grabs a thick strip of bacon and walks out. Bowser's jaw drops.

"Did she just …"

Berry then runs in. "I'll meet you at the port Peach!" He grabs a juice out the massive fridge and also grabs a stripe of bacon. Bowser turns to Peach flabbergasted as the mushroom leaves. Peach realizes what is happening and laughs.

"Bowser, I'm so sorry! We're community oriented. It's nothing for a farmer visiting my castle to help himself to what is in my fridge."

"WHAT! You let peasants into your kitchen!?"

"Toads will even enter each other's home without notice!"

Bowser angerly swallows the rest of his bacon. "Oh, my stars! How can you live like that!?"

"Everyone is welcome in the kingdom if they are not there for trouble. I admit it can get intrusive at times." She giggles.

Bowser grabs a plate of pancakes and downs it in one bite. "Peaches, they better be grateful they are your family! I need to put my name on my food now!"

"I'll tell my toads to mind their manners when they come here."

He ruffles Junior's mane. Bowser then walks up to the Peach and nuzzles her cheek, purring.

"I'll be seeing you."

Peach blushes. "Alright... but please take care of yourself..."

Chapter Text

Peach realized that feeding Junior her famous pancakes was probably not the greatest idea. All that sugar had him running and bouncing around the airship! Berry and Gold couldn't catch him. The general couldn't catch him. Not even the entourage of maids Bowser gifted Peach. Peach was the only one able to keep up with the rascal. But she was having trouble grabbing him as he leaped through the hallways.

"He keeps slipping out of my grip!" Peach complains as she loses Junior again. She gets back up and chases the giggling troublemaker.

"The prince is indeed nimbler than a typical koopa." The out of breath general notes as he flies to her side. The two finally catch Junior as the ship lands in Windmill Kingdom.

Peach is unaware of her husband reigning in rebelling koopas. To make sure she would not find out (and for another reason), the king had arranged for her to spend a few nights in Windmill Kingdom to relax. Peach uses it as an opportunity to spend time with Junior. The two visit a theme park together, with the general following closely. Elated to have her undivided attention, Junior drags Peach onto any ride he can find. She often had to scold him for trying to skip the lines and explain why he couldn't do it, even if he is a prince. And she made sure to avoid giving him sugar when she purchased food.

As the day ended, Peach and Junior rested on a park bench. The general stands a few feet away on the lookout. It's exhausting keeping up with Junior but Peach had an enjoyable time. She silently admires how Bowser can handle childcare alongside his other responsibilities.

Speaking of Bowser….

Peach decides to let him know how they're doing. She takes a picture of her and Junior and texts it to Bowser. Bowser sends a picture of himself, in a business suit, frowning at a dinner he is hosting for his council and nobles. The two chuckles over the picture, but Peach is missing him already while knowing the king feels the same. Junior suddenly becomes sad as he stares at Bowser.

"Papa, he's not going to be too long with his business, right?" Junior asks.

Peach turns to reassure him. "I can't give an honest answer. He'll come find us."

She wraps her arm around him and he leans in. "But let's try to enjoy this trip for his sake!"

Bowser Jr. looks up and smiles at her. "Y-Yeah!"

----

One of the few green areas in the Darklands is a golf course owned by Bowser. However, the grass is artificial as the real thing could not grow near the lava streams flowing throughout. And the area is enclosed by pointed black mountains. Nobles and councilmen frequently come to the private establishment to play a few rounds, while discussing business.

Traveling to the next hole, a boom boom noble rides shotgun to his thwomp servant in a golf cart. The noble is named Lord Arthur and life has been a headache for him lately. His daughter convinced him to support her in a scheme to assassinate the king. Arthur went along with it as he had a grudge against Bowser. He did not attend the meetings but he provided resources to Tanger from the businesses he owns. But since the discovery of Tanger's betrayal, the noble has been under investigation by Koopa General. So far, he has not been arrested. But his daughter secretly keeps returning, asking for more out of him. Doesn't she know she is putting his reputation on the line!? But the noble convinces himself it will be worth it. Especially with Bowser marrying a mushroom princess.

As if reading his mind, his servant speaks. "Everything will work out, Master. I'm sure the king will forgive your absence."

Lord Arthur grumbles. "Bowser could go swim in the frigid waters of Ice Kingdom for all I care. There's no way I was going."

The golf kart comes to a stop, and Lord Arthur and the thwomp climb out. The noble carefully prepares his shot. But two koopas walking past him on the field catches his attention. He calls out to them.

"How dare you! Are you avoiding me!?"

Shivering, the men turn towards the more prominent noble. "No, we wouldn't dare, Lord Arthur! You've just been busy!"

The older man lifts an eyebrow, not buying their excuse. "Yes, you've been so considerate since General Koopa investigated me."

The men look at each other and back at Arthur. "Is that why you didn't answer the king's summon earlier?"

A growl escapes Lord Arthur's mouth at their inquiry. "What difference would it have made? He would have told me to accept his marriage or deal with him."

"But he is the king. Our rules detect that if a monarch is able, what they say is law."

Lord Arthur swings his club to hit the ball. He returns to the cart, the thwomp following closely. The two nobles also follow, to ride with them. "Perhaps…but it doesn't mean I have to accept everything. To be honest, I prefer his mother's rule. But for the sake of conversation, what did His Majesty say to defend his actions?"

The shorter koopa chuckles remembering the meeting. "He simply said he loved Princess Peach and that is why she is queen. And he called us 'stupid heads' and a host of other insults. I must say, he was persuasive. I was afraid for my life. The king has such a way with words."

"But Lord Harold wanted to talk to him privately. He looked mad." The taller koopa adds in.

"Yes, and an hour later Bowser returned without him. He was wearing a business suit and ordered us to eat with him. He didn't mention Harold at all. I wasn't turning down free food so we didn't dare ask where Harold went."

Lord Arthur folds his arms. He knows what Harold did and how Bowser reacted. "Harold is an idiot. But I don't blame the man. That Princess Peach is an elected leader." The two nobles looked nervously at each other and back at him.

The thwomp brings the golf kart to a halt. Lord Arthur and the nobles exit while the thwomp remains in the kart. "She has no royal blood?" The shorter koopa ask.

Arthur laughs bitterly. "None that we know of. The king married a girl with a poor background and unknown parents! Utter disgrace. And the king dares to shame me after all I've done for the throne. Well, two can play that game." Arthur notices his servant has not gotten out of the cart. He turns and sees the thwomp has a cell phone up to his ear. How he is holding it up with no hands - no one knows.

"Excuse me! When did I tell you to take a break!?" He yells but the servant doesn't respond. He is talking to someone.

"Yes, Your Majesty. We're at Hole #3 like you requested."

Lord Arthur's eyes enlarge. He hears the other two nobles gasp as they spot someone. "King Bowser!?"

Soon Arthur hears a familiar stomp and panics. Standing on the golf field, Bowser stares at them with his phone to his ear. Arthur turns to his servant in fury.

"The throne comes before you, Master." Was all he said.

Bowser yells and motions for the nobles to come to him. At once they comply, Lord Arthur trying to hide his displeasure.

"My King?"

"You didn't answer my summons. Not happy, huh? You should have come to give Lord Harold some help. He had his whole house jump me. It failed by the way." Bowser says dryly. The nobles noticed the scars on the king and Bowser groans. He wore a suit to hide the wounds earlier. It was a good thing he did when he sent that picture to Peach, she would have flipped out.

"What!? No, I wouldn't dare! None of us would, right?"

The two koopas fall on their faces. Bowser frowns at them and points at the Arthur. "Not you, you idiots! Don't try to take attention off yourself, Lord Arthur."

Sweating, Arthur attempts to smile. "No, I'm most please with your marriage, King Koopa."

"Then why did I have to find you!?" The king is not amused. Arthur flinches, Bowser is beginning to look terrifyingly like his mother right now. "You wanted your daughter to become queen. I still think you played a role in giving me that love potion, to make me change my mind."

Panicking, Arthur calls down evil on his daughter in his head. "That was all Tanger! And it didn't work! You still rejected her. I also had nothing to do with her joining Antasma's rebellion."

Bowser folds his arms and lifts an eyebrow. "Thwomp says differently. Ever since the general found out Tanger was involved, he ordered your servant to keep tabs on your …. secret ventures. Now we know why you have been short on shipping ores from your mine. I should have never given you the benefit of a doubt."

The other nobles side eye Lord Arthur as he goes silent.

"Nothing to say? I have no time for this…." Bowser turns and yells for Tryclyde to come arrest him. At a distance, the noble can see the snake approaching with chains. Lord Arthur realizes Bowser will interrogate him for Tanger's whereabouts. But he doesn't know as Tanger comes to him for the supplies.

Curse you Tanger, ungrateful brat! And curse you Bowser!

He is now a traitor and Bowser intends to remove him from his position, to protect his wife. But Lord Arthur doesn't intend to surrender quietly. "Your mother would be ashamed of you!" Arthur spitefully shouts. Bowser snarls at him and bares his fangs. Lord Arthur roars back at him. He turns his arms rapidly like a spinning top and rushes at Bowser. The other nobles flee for their lives as a brawl breaks out.

----

After the detour, Peach finally arrives in Mushroom Kingdom. How she has missed her home! Peach couldn't wait to check on her toads. She was also eager to let Junior see where she comes from. She leans over the rails and beckon him over. "This is my home, Junior!"

"Home?"

Peach wraps an arm around him as he looks down. "Yes!"

Junior chuckles. "It looks like a painting!"

Peach smiles at his observation. "This will be your home too. You'll have a room in my castle, Junior."

Junior's eyes turn to large saucers. "I get to have two rooms!?"

"Absolutely."

She beams as Junior jumps up and down while taking in the sight of brighter skies and greenery. Peach soon notices Larry waving like a mad man below. When they park, Larry runs up and Junior leaps into his arms.

"Peach! Something happened at the castle! Come quick!" Larry shouts while running away with Junior. Panicking Peach follows, the general and toads running behind her. What could have happened? But as she enters the castle, she is greeted with confetti and balloons.

"Surprise!"

"Huh!?"

Before Peach was the koopalings along with toads and koopas welcoming her. Peach looks around realizing they decorated the main foyer. On both sides were tables of food, cake, and punch. And in a corner were a stack of presents.

"What is this?" Peach asks in confusion. Some of the koopalings start laughing.

"We call it your 'after-the-fact bridal shower!'" Larry's ship captain declares.

"I…" Peach feels a tug on her skirt. She looks down and notices Benny presenting a flower to her. Smiling Peach takes it and hugs him, Junior frowns at the kid jealously. Peach stands back up and begins to cry. Her reaction makes Junior worry.

"Mama, are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm …. All of you…. You didn't have to do this! You weren't even at the wedding!" She says while wiping her eyes and a few toads walk up to comfort her.

"We wanted to do this for you!" Larry turns to the audience. "What are we waiting for!? Let's party!"

Junior grins and runs over to the dessert table. Horrified, Peach and the general are too late to catch him. But a large claw swoops him up.

"Oh no, you don't!"

Peach realizes Bowser is also present, holding his protesting son. She walks up to him and eyes his attire. He is covered in bandages and wearing the toad vest she had made for him. She knows Bowser got himself into trouble but her anger is buried under joy. Bowser finally wore her gift. He began to blush noticing her reaction.

"Look I'm wearing this for solidarity. Don't get used to it!" He complains and the toads laugh. More tears form in Peach's eyes. "Bowser, you knew?"

"Larry said he was throwing a party for you."

"So that's why you gave us a detour!" Peach says.

"Well, one of the reasons." Bowser smiles and holds his hand out to dance with her. Peach takes his hand and the two move to the music now playing.

The party was what Peach wished for. There was a little tension, koopas party hard compared to the more reserved toads. A few misunderstandings happened. But ultimately the two groups enjoyed themselves. And Peach was showered in gifts - cookware, gift cards, coupons, gadgets, shoes, and dresses. The event ended on a good note and the crowd left the castle exhausted. Happy over the results - Peach, Bowser, and Junior wave goodnight to their guests and reenter the castle.

The next day, Peach enters the throne room in her royal attire with Bowser following her closely. His tail was wagging and he had a look of adoration on his face. Nothing can ruin his quality time with Peach today. Especially with what he has planned. Before he can tell her, Peach pauses and turns to glare at him. "Why didn't you tell me Junior flies around like a rocket, when he has too much sugar!?"

"Oh, I can't tell you everything." Bowser teases while looking away from her.

"Such as you getting into secret fights?" Peach challenges and wraps her arms around his. Bowser shrugs to play off what he went through. "What happened, Bowser? I didn't want to bring it up yesterday…"

"It's nothing for you to worry about, Peaches." Bowser declares and refuses to elaborate.

With a sigh Peach turns back towards her throne. "Anyway, I'm planning to redecorate. I want to put a red throne next to mine, for your use when you visit our kingdom. I'm the ruler of Mushroom Kingdom, but I want you to be included on discussions."

"I like the idea. But we can worry about that later." Bowser takes her hands and waltzes around the room with her. Caught off guard, Peach turns her head to avoid his intense stare. "We need to plan our official ceremony and honeymoon, remember?" He whispers, a low growl in his voice. Bowser chuckles as Peach's cheeks turn pink. "But before that, I have a gift for you …"

Suddenly, Captain Toad bursts in. Bowser wants to chuck him out a window.

"Can't I have any alone time with my wife!?" Bowser complains.

"Bowser!" Peach covers Bowser's mouth. "Toad, what's wrong?"

Toad falls face first on the floor, having tripped. He lifts his head up before Peach reaches him. "Peach! It's Ms. Truffle! She and a gang of toads have taken King Goomba hostage! They barricaded themselves in Frost Frost Café! The other toads have been trying to resolve it. But it's gotten out of hand."

Bowser looks confused while Peach gasps.

"I'll be over there right away!"

----

The royals had left Toad and Junior in his new room. The staff of the castle was already decorating it and interviewing the prince for what he wanted. Koopas were posted at the door to guard. And Toad assured the royals he would keep the castle locked down until they returned.

"Anyone messes with the kid, and they'll deal with me." Toad announced while raising the lasergun he held on to from their adventures in Sarasaland.

Peach lead the way as the couple made their way through Toad Town. Bowser notices construction going on and realize the toads were adjusting the streets, to accommodate larger species visiting. He gets distracted and must run to catch up to Peach.

A mob of toads, goombas, and koopas were standing in front of the café. Some of the goombas are pleading for the release of their king. Bowser and Peach make their way to the front of the crowd. A few toads nervously make space for the Koopa King. An old voice shouts from the behind the door, "W-We're not coming out until our demands are met!"

Koopa General tries to stop Bowser from going forward. "They may have bombs, Sire! Stand back!"

With a huff, Bowser shoves him out of the way. "Are you serious!? They're toads!"

But Peach puts her hands up. "Bowser, let me and the toads handle this." Bowser nods and steps back. The king then notices Berry is grilling vegetables and fanning the aroma towards the door.

What is he doing!?

"Ms. Truffle, I have your favorite food! Please come out! Don't hurt Mayor… I mean King Goomba."

A sniff is heard from behind the door. "Is that roasted corn…!? I-I'm still not coming out!"

Feeling petty, Bowser plucks a seasoned vegetable off the grill and throws it into his mouth. Berry stares up at him, disgusted.

"What are you doing!?" Berry cries out while Bowser smirks.

"Pay back for eating my bacon."

Peach scolds her husband. "Bowser, behave! This is serious, King Goomba is one of your vassals!"

The crowd can hear King Goomba fearfully shouting, "King Bowser! Save me!"

Bowser groans and lowers his head towards Peach. "What's a truffle?"

"Ms. Truffle, one of the toad elders. She taught me how to bake." Peach looks out at the crowd. "Can anyone tell me why King Goomba was in town?"

Gold answers Peach. "He was coming to beg for mercy when he heard you received the title, Queen of the Koopas."

Peach frowns. "Hurting him never came into my mind." It would be unfair to give Bowser a chance but hold a grudge against the former mayor. Peach marches up to the door. "Ms. Truffle! All of you, please come out!"

Bowser desperately wants to get back to spending time with the love of his life. There was something important he wanted to share with her. He could just end the standoff by wrecking the building. This hostage situation is silly to him. But this is Peach's kingdom and he needs to let her handle it. Allowing her to do so will show the toads he respects their kingdom.

Ms. Truffle finally speaks again. "I tried to cooperate when we were a vassal kingdom, for your sake Peach. But now that evil Bowser has taken you away from us! It's too much!"

Peach holds her hands over her heart. "I married Bowser of my own free will!"

"I bet that beast pressured you!"

Bowser flinches and look nervously at Peach.

"Oh Ms. Truffle…"

"So, we're not coming out until you tell King Bowser he can't come here anymore!"

The crowds gets rowdy but Berry and Gold push them back. Peach thinks for a while, looking to find the right words. "I understand your mistrust."

Bowser turns to Peach, his face heartbroken. "Peach, I wouldn't hurt you…"

"Please let me finish, love." Peach says and grips his claw to reassure him. Though feeling insecure Bowser steps back. Peach turns back toward the door. "But Bowser has and is doing a lot of good. Please give him a chance."

"No good ever comes out of koopas!"

Peach sits next to the door and wraps her arms around her legs. "That's strange coming from you." She teases.

"What do you mean, missy!?"

"Remember when I was six and a goomba merchant came to town?" Peach looks into the sky. "I …. I poked fun at him for not having arms, and the other kids joined in." She admits.

Bowser looks down at Peach with a stunned expression. He would have never expected that out of her.

"But you scolded me in front of everyone for it. You said I wasn't giving the man a chance. And judging him over how he looked. I was so embarrassed but you were right. I will never forget that lesson."

That explains a lot. Bowser ponders remembering her acts of kindness towards his kids. He feels his neck and cheeks heat up. A smile forms on his face as he gazes at Peach. On her end, Peach tries to ignore Bowser's enamored stare. If she looks at him, she'll blush. His stare always overwhelms her but she loves it as well. But she doesn't need the distraction. Peach continues, "All of you taught me to be accepting of others different from me."

Ms. Truffle's voice wavers. "But … that goomba was harmless. The koopas hurt us…"

"Again, I understand your apprehension. I had to save you from koopa raiders one time. So, I won't pressure you to forgive Bowser."

"You won't?"

"No… But I won't allow you to interfere in my attempts to make peace with the koopas." She says with firmness.

"…. They're all the same. They'll turn on you."

"And I thought all humans got along. That was a terrible assumption. Would you believe the first one I met shot me?"

She hears gasps from behind the door.

"But another human, a kind one, saved me. Everyone is different. Some make their own choices or choose to go along with the crowd. We can't categorize people based solely on their appearance. And people who do wrong can change. If you can find it in you, give the koopas a chance. Some have always been nonviolent. And some of them really want to get along with us now."

Peach stands back up and stares at the door. "I promise I'll protect you. Ms. Truffle, you have nothing to fear. Please come out."

The toads mumble behind the door. Some of them are reluctant to listen and urge Ms. Truffle not to give in. But she groans out loud.

"Silly Peach…. You've grown so much."

The door unlocks and the other protesting toads are slowly pushed out by the fussy older one. Then Ms. Truffle runs into Peach's arms. Peach motions for Berry and Gold to retrieve King Goomba. Once he is carried out, the crowd cheers. The hostage situation has been resolved.

----

After the commotion in town ended, the general returned to the castle. But Bowser took Peach's hand and led her into the Mushroom Forest.

"Bwa ha ha! That went better than expected. I had to have a slug fest with some of my people."

Peach looks at him with worry. "Bowser…?"

Bowser rubs the back of his neck, realizing he slipped out what he didn't want her to know. "It's okay Peach, I gotta set them straight. You see my kingdom itch for battle. So, some won't be happy with my marriage to someone that tries to avoid conflict. But they'll get over it."

Peach looks ahead. "Well, one thing I learned is the need to be willing to fight. Some conflict is unavoidable. Tatanga…. I'm sure there are more like him. And Antasma…"

"Yeah, trust me I'm not having the koopas relaxing on lawn chairs. We'll be ready for any threat. But it's time I find something new to keep them in shape."

"What do you have in mind?"

"I'll let you know! But where were we …. Oh yeah …." Bowser sweeps her into his arms and holds her close. "Did you know I'm falling more in love with you every day?"

Peach nestles into his arms, her heart beating rapidly. "No…" She teases. "But I do know it embarrasses you to wear that vest. I appreciate it however."

"Just don't get used to it!" He jokes.

"Where are you taking me, anyway?"

"Don't worry, you'll know."

He stops at an opening, and Peach realizes they are on a small beach.

"Don't you remember?" Bowser says with a low voice. "This is where you saved me."

Peach notices a blanket, a large picnic basket, and Roy 'guarding the stuff.' He was sleeping and Bowser had to shout to wake him up. Startled, Roy smiles at them and leaves. Bowser sets Peach down. "Oh …"

"I put the lunch together myself. Well, it was supposed to be our lunch until the hostage situation…" The koopa boasts.

Peach examines the contents of the basket in amusement. The sandwiches were stacked with several layers of meat, cheese, pickles, and other fixings. Too large for her to eat, but she'll just remove some of the layers and give the rest to Bowser. Also, he had quite a few bags of chips, sodas, and pre-wrapped snack cakes.

"Aww…This is so sweet of you." Peach beams.

"I'm not … I'll accept the compliment just this once."

Bowser joins her and the two quietly eat. Peach can tell Bowser is trying to muster up courage to tell her something. Eventually, he nervously pulls out a stack of letters. Some of them are faded with age. Peach looks at him curiously.

"The brats thought I should give you these. I had no clue they had been holding onto them. They even found the ones I wrote before I adopted them." Bowser complains while shaking his head.

"What are they?"

"Love letters. I started writing after I first met you. I never sent any to you but I always wanted you to read them. But some sound dumb, okay? I was a teenager!"

Peach accepts the letters. As she begins reading the first letter, she can see Bowser shifting in discomfort. She returns to scanning the page.

Dear Peach,

You are a stupid fungus! But I can't get you out of my head! I hope you trip and die.

I hate you,

Bowser

Peach begins snickering over the wording and Bowser turns red with embarrassment. He written this one right after Peach first fought him to save the kidnapped toads. Peach moves over to rest against his shoulder and he relaxes. Peach continues to read. Bowser's style of writing started off childish, he seemed so angry with the idea of liking her. But later letters became more heartfelt, one beginning with him thanking her for saving him. He would described what he liked about her and his wish to be friends. The last letter was particularly sad.

Dearest Peach,

I know you hate me. But I love you. I love you so much. Your golden hair. Your wonderful eyes. Your delicate form. I love everything about you. And it hurts not having seen you in years. Peach, I know I'm not human but please give me a chance! Just one! There's the Fireworks Festival coming up. Will you go out with me? I won't let anyone bully you. It'll be fun! Please don't hate me.

Love,

Bowser

She can tell Bowser tried to rip the paper up in frustration but opted to just throw it away. Eyes glistening, Peach focuses on Bowser. "Bowser, I would have read them. I spent years thinking you hated me. My reason for opposing you was not because you were a koopa. It …"

"I know…I was being difficult. I felt we weren't supposed to be together. This is seriously embarrassing…I wasted a lot of time." Bowser runs his claws through his mane.

"No, I needed to know." Peach rests her hand on his face. "We understand each other better now. This is a new beginning for us."

"Yeah…" Bowser reaches into his shell and pulls out a small box. He pops it open, revealing a small golden ring, encrusted with a large sapphire and small diamonds. Shocked Peach glances up into his gentle eyes and back down at the ring. Laughing, Bowser gingerly takes the ring and slips it on her finger.

"Toadette was still in the Darklands to help Dreambert. So, I kidnapped her for a shopping trip. But I kept getting a size too big for you. I'm sure she still has a headache from fussing at me." He jokes.

"I…" Peach can't find the words as she examines the ring.

"I don't care what anyone says. I love you. We'll make this work. And… I look forward to sharing our lives together, Peach." Bowser whispers while showing his own wedding band. Beaming, Peach wraps her arms around him. The two then remain there and enjoy the ocean view as the stars come out.

----

Antasma's castle is nestled among a mountain range. The peaks are so high that the clouds obscure the towns below. Antasma stares up at his castle sulking, his left eye now healed and open. He lifts his hand and places it on his forehead. The small bat exits the castle and rejoins Antasma. His form glows and Antasma becomes a foot higher. But Antasma doesn't celebrate being whole again. It means he lost control of Pi'illo Island and Dreambert is free. Everything has gone wrong. Even with Peach.

The bat king gnashes his teeth. He didn't realize he would react so violently to Peach's rejection. All he could see was red at that moment. A part of him was thrilled to leave his former 'partner in crime' to her fate. She looked so beautiful. But another part is kicking him. Antasma reasons he should have taken her anyway and forced her to be with him. He realizes it wasn't her defiance that made him leave. He lost control over the idea of her choosing that crude brute of a koopa. Fortunately, Peach survived and left Sarasaland. But after she arrived in the Darklands, his connection to Peach was painfully severed. Only small traces of it remains. "Dreambert…I'll make you suffer for that." He snarls.

Waiting in the castle is the rest of the conspirators minus Tanger. They stare blankly at Antasma as he enters. Jennen finally speaks.

"We don't trust you."

Antasma shrugs. "You're free to go back."

The army hammer bro. groans and looks away. Suddenly, the castle doors swung open but no one was there. Tanger reappears as the invisibility potion she took from Antasma's lab wears off.

"Your father. Is he still on board?" Jennen inquires.

"King Bowser arrested him before I reached him! He is going after anyone he deems a threat to Peach." Tanger kicks a table. "And it's all over the place. News of his marriage to that thing!"

She throws a newspaper to the floor. The front page is one of Peach standing with Bowser, the latter wearing a dorky smile. Antasma's eyes slit and he glares at the picture.

"He's just twisting the knife in now." He mutters.

"Marriage…" Jennen must take a seat. "It's over for the koopas. They'll become lax and their enemies will overtake them." He grumbles.

"So, they got hitched." King K. Rool shrugs while peeling an apple and. "What's the big deal?"

Antasma's facial expression goes blank, and a purple aura rises out of him. The others distanced themselves from him, holding their heads in pain. Antasma is tempted to use the mental connection he formed with them and mess with their memories. Jennen nods at Clawgrip. Unknown to them the bat catches the brief exchange. Antasma realizes they have discussed betraying him.

Clawgrip manages to stand up. "Quit it, Antasma! We're on your side!" He leaves the room and returns with a platter of cups. He pours tea out of a kettle and hands each person a cup. "How about we calm down and take a drink."

Antasma looks at his cup. The tea has a sweet aroma, looks normal. But….

"I deal with chemicals. It's not like the one I'm brewing for Bowser but it's poison. All of you are trying to kill me to free yourselves."

The color drains from Clawgrip's face. "I…"

Antasma takes it and downs the contents in one swallow. He sets the cup down and stares at his disturbed audience. "But thank you. It'll help with the pain."

Intimidated, Tanger takes a few steps back but Jennen stops her. King K. Rool walks over to Antasma, laughing. "Look…how about we start over?"

"Very well." Antasma grips his chest and takes a seat on his throne. "So, we can't depend on Lord Arthur's weapons anymore."

Tanger nervously fiddles with her hood. "I couldn't stay at his mansion due to the army seizing it. I'm sure the general has already raided my home too. This is a huge setback. Bowser's won."

Antasma wants to strangle Bowser. He has been in the koopa's head. He knows the plans Bowser has for him and Peach. That smug brute will be enjoying life while he lives as a fugitive.

Wait…

"This is perfect."

Antasma smiles wickedly, his eyes glowing with malice. A new plan has come into his mind.

"Huh?"

"I'll let the royal couple enjoy some time together. They'll blossom like two flowers growing side by side. We'll let their roots travel deep in the soil and entangle in an embrace. Then I will uproot one. And one can't be pulled out …. without hurting the other."

Catching on, Tanger grins cruelly.

"Yes, I will wait. And my revenge will be sweeter." Antasma stands up, a little wobbly from the poison but fine. He has high tolerance from experimentation. As the bat said, it helped numbed the pain of his burning hate. The hate he felt towards Peach, Toad, Dreambert, and especially Bowser. But it can't squash it completely. Antasma is tired of hiding from Bowser, fearing his wrath. And acting in the shadows. He can get anyone to fear him except Bowser. It's time the king took him seriously. He is going to make his life a living nightmare.

Chapter Text

The historic Lava Rock Cathedral was the location for Peach and Bowser's celebration. It had lived through centuries of countless civil wars and invasions. The structure was built inside a volcano with lavafalls surrounding it. Here, the Darklands was to be officially introduced to the Queen of the Koopas.

Within the cathedral is a grand hall and two elaborate staircases leading to an upper balcony. The seating for guests were set up on the floor level. Tables are covered in lavender cloth, the plates a light pink with lavender napkins. And at the tables' center are white platters of food - surrounding crystal vases of purple, pink and small white flowers. The koopalings had spent many nights getting the place ready under Wendy's guidance. There were constant fights and arguments but they succeeded.

As the guests enter, Ludwig provides music with his orchestra. His brothers direct people to the seating for dining. All of them are wearing black suits with purple ties. Meanwhile, Wendy (in a pink dress) ran around making sure everything remained perfect. Once everyone is seated, the royals enter the hall arm-and-arm. The king is dressed in a white tuxedo and purple bow tie. Additionally, his mane was combed and styled under a large top hat. Bowser grins broadly as he looks down at his queen. Peach is in an off the shoulder wedding dress, the top heart- shaped. A sapphire choker encircles her neck including a transparent veil over her styled hair. Finally, a train flows from Peach's dress bearing pink rose patterns.

The audience regards the couple in silent awe as they bypass them. Berry and Gold hold Peach's train as she ascends the stairs to the balcony. The queen's heart beats rapidly as she tries not to trip on the stairs. It would be the epitome of embarrassment to fall in front of everyone! Not helping, Bowser steals glances at her making her even more nervous. However, they make it safely to the top without incident. Bowser helps Peach sit at their table and plops into his chair. He yells for the party to start and returns to staring at Peach.

Conversation and laughter soon echo throughout the hall as the guests wine and dine. A moment later the royal couple dance on the balcony as everyone watches. Afterward, people rush to dance on the floor level. But Bowser and Peach remain in their own little world above. As Bowser dips Peach, she spots Wario and Waluigi below.

"Bowser! Wario and Waluigi made it!"

Bowser groans and looks over the railing. His eyes flare up, the plumbers are wearing white suits and sporting top hats! "Those scum-scrubbers! Are they trying to show me up!?"

Spotting the couple, the plumbers pose dramatically as toads look at them in wonder. Bowser is about to jump off the balcony to get them. However, Peach peppers his face with kisses to draw his attention away from the duo. Forgetting everything, Bowser growls and kisses her back. Disappointed they failed to rile Bowser up, Wario and Waluigi go to the dance floor. Waluigi catches the crowd's attention with his freestyling. On the other hand, Wario finds an unlikely dancing partner in Toadette. The two immediately become friends. Already fuming over the plumbers dressing like Bowser, the general is now glaring daggers at Wario.

Distracted with Peach's lips, Bowser doesn't notice guests visiting them. His red-faced wife must slip out of his arms. While receiving congratulations, Junior finds his way up and sits at their table.

Coming in late is the delegates from Sarasaland, including Daisy and her mother. The princess is wearing a flowing lavender outfit with a single strap. Her appearance catches the eyes of some guests, but Daisy focuses on the balcony. Bowser is feeding Peach a strawberry when Daisy shouts.

"Peachy!"

"Daisy? Daisy!"

Daisy rushes up the stairs to capture Peach in a bear hug. Though struggling for air, Peach pats Daisy on the head. Lilac softly laughs over their antics as she ascends the stairs. Plum and Mop, also attending, greet their former rebel leader. Bowser stuffs a steak in his mouth pretending to be indifferent towards them. Inwardly, he's happy they made it.

"Daisy? You wear dresses?" He inquires.

Daisy spins around to face Bowser (while still holding Peach) and flashes a smile. "Of course, I love them! I just never had time to wear them!"

She sets Peach down who catches her breath. "How has the reconstruction been going?"

"Rough, but we're getting there. Our embassy in the Desert Kingdom is almost done. I can't wait for you to see it!"

Daisy bends to greet Junior who is looking at her curiously. He suddenly becomes shy and hides behind Peach. But a few questions later and Junior is rattling off anything that comes to his mind. Wanting to show her something, Junior drags Daisy to the lower floor. Amused, Bowser shakes his head and motions for Lilac to join them. However, his nobles cautiously arrive on the balcony. To Bowser's surprise, Peach makes a point of greeting the nobles. She even calls up her toad retainers to distribute gifts to them. Bowser chuckles, he realizes Peach wants to show them she is not afraid of them. Taken aback by her behavior, some nobles are standoffish. On the other hand, some are delighted to see her in person. One even kisses her hand. Bowser growls a warning at the koopa. The nobles scurry off and the royals continue to enjoy their friends' company.

----

After the party ends Bowser carries Peach onto an airship, waving goodbye to the kids. The honeymoon was to last a week at the Koopa Coastal Village. Bowser wanted to go to the Shiver Region. But Peach preferred the privacy offered by the small town. He agreed, realizing he didn't want to be stalked. And he wanted Peach all to himself. The only person he had to worry about was Mrs. Kale. Fortunately, the old lady promised not to bother them. Bowser and Peach enjoy walking along trails and beaches, just simply sightseeing. Also, they did snorkeling among the coral reefs. While Peach interacts with dolphins, Bowser notices a sunken ship. Vowing to find treasure, he dives into it. Peach resigns herself to follow him. To her chagrin they have an encounter with an overgrown territorial cheep-cheep. But after a scuffle, they make it to the surface with gold bars and fresh cheep-cheep meat. A pleased Bowser then roasts the meat over a bonfire.

The week went by quickly. Soon it was time to return to their respective kingdoms. The king tosses and turn on the night before they leave. Finally laying on his back, Bowser regards Peach. She is turned on her side, softly breathing as she sleeps. He smiles at her forlornly. Bowser was eager to see his kids again, but he wasn't looking forward to his duties as king. With Peach he can let his guard down, and drop the tough guy act he's maintained for years. But he needs to make sure he keeps his people in line. The majority support him no matter what. But a small group still feels he had weakened; he didn't need them spreading their views. A koopa kingdom can't stand if it loses trust in its leader. Bowser bitterly remembers Lord Arthur's comment about his mother. It meant a lot when Peach stood by him as he greeted the nobles. She didn't fully understand why being tough was important to Bowser, but she still supported him. With that on his mind, he falls asleep.

Bowser finds himself standing before his raging parents. They are shouting at him but he doesn't understand what they are saying. Fidgeting Bowser tries to speak but nothing comes out. Soon he realizes he is looking up at them instead of down. He is now a small child. Bowser wipes his runny nose with his forearm. Fear courses through him as he contemplates what will happen next. Finally, he understands what his parents are saying.

The queen roars as she circles the boy. "I went through all that effort, picking the best brides for you and you reject them all!?"

The father shakes his head. "And you're making peace with the toads!? Disgusting! Have you forgotten who you are!?"

"I'm the king! I can do whatever I want!" Bowser defends. The queen backhands him. Bowser slides a few feet away. Grabbing his stinging cheek, he stares at his mother fearfully.

"Maybe some time in the arena will teach you." She threatens.

The queen rushes at him, teeth bare. Bowser curls into a defensive position. He was unusually strong for his age, but he wouldn't dare strike back against his parents. They only get worse. Suddenly, he feels small arms embracing him. He looks up and realizes Peach is shielding him with her own body. Bowser tries to tell her to run. But Peach doesn't move as the wicked queen snaps her jaws at her.

"PEACH!"

"Bowser?"

Bowser wakes up in panic and is greeted with the lovely sight of his wife. Dressed in a pink gown, Peach looks down at him. Her blue eyes are laced with concern as she clutches his claw. Bowser sighs in relief realizing he was having a nightmare. His rapid breathing slows as she massages his hand.

With gentleness she speaks. "Are you alright?"

Bowser lifts an eyebrow to flirt but stops when Peach narrows her eyes. He resigns to tell the truth. Softly, Bowser wraps his arm around her small form. "I've been so happy…I had forgotten about my nightmares…"

Bowser groans and lifts his free hand; it starts to shake. "To be honest, I thought I would be over this by now. It's so frustrating. It's not as bad as it used to be but…" His eyes downcast as he recalls the last moment in his nightmare.

Peach rests her head on his chest. "The feelings left by bad experiences don't go away fully. But I'm here for you, alright? Y-you can talk to me whenever you want."

Bowser tries to think of the time when she was not in his life. It's hard for him to fathom. His heart wells with joy and the lingering fears slightly fade in his mind. Bowser tilts his head to smirk at her. "One thing I will say is that I'm mad to be going back to work."

Peach giggles. "We have kingdoms to run Bowser."

A mischievous glint appears in his eyes. "Why don't we run away with the brats? We'll go to a new world and start over!"

Peach rolls her eyes, now muttering under her breath. "I know you're not quitting."

Bowser chuckles at her annoyed reaction. "Of course not! I can't spoil you if I'm broke! I'm just pulling your leg, silly!"

Peach purses her lips as she pouts. "Big oaf!"

"Pinky!"

"Oaf!"

Laughing, Bowser pulls her in closer. Peach snuggles into his embrace and goes back to sleep. Happy and content, he looks up at the ceiling with a smile.

----

Bowser and Peach's hold their first day of court together in the Darklands. Both sat on thrones of stone but Peach's one was pink themed and less sinister. People from far and wide came to the royals with their problems. Peach handled the affairs of Mushroom Kingdom. So, she simply listened as Bowser dealt with his subjects. But then the gingerbread men come in. A dispute has arisen between the white and red frosting again. This time it is over planting new apple tree saplings. The fear of Bowser prevents them from fighting, so they have come to get help resolving the problem. Already disgusted, Bowser begs Peach to resolve the problem. For the next hour, he endures the pastries arguing back and forth. But Peach manages to resolve the matter.

As it reaches lunch Bowser grips Peach's hand, ready to leave the room.

"You're doing great." He compliments.

"I'm ready to eat." Peach admits.

"Bwa ha ha! Don't worry, we have one more thing to take care of."

Bowser motions for the guards to let the last person in. A large red albatross, wearing a green hat, enters. He raises his bow and aim the arrow at Bowser. Guards immediately surround him with spears.

"Save that energy for the actual fighting, Hooded Robin." Bowser grumbles. "You never could beat me anyway!"

"Vile reptile." Hooded Robin spits and lowers his weapon.

Peach looks at him curiously and the man bows towards her. "Bowser?"

"Vigilante from Sharewood Forest. He's been a pain in the neck for years. Stealing from the local tower and distributing the goods to the locals."

"It was rightfully theirs!"

"Yeah. Yeah. And that is why you are here. Peach, welcome to our first war game meeting."

"War game?" Peach repeats, her expression now concerned.

Bowser puts his hands up. "Let me explain, snookums. I got to keep my soldiers preoccupied. They've been looking for the next fight. And it is going to take some time for them to give it up. To be honest, I'm itching for a fight." Bowser admits.

"So, bird brain here will oversee an army to give my men a challenge. They can do whatever they want to even their odds. And Sharewood will be compensated for their time."

"You'll return their goods too?" Peach asks.

Bowser shuffles in his chair. "Uhhh…. we'll get back to that! Anyway, I'm planning to build two fake kingdoms on an island far away. Hooded Robin guards one castle and the koopas guard the other."

Bowser rubs his hands together in excitement. "The koopas objective is to invade the opposing castle and kidnap the monarch."

Peach folds her arms. "And who is the monarch you're kidnapping?"

"King Penguin."

Peach's eyes bug out and then narrow. "Bowser…" she threatens.

"I asked him to participate and he was willing! In exchange for me loosening restrictions and tributes, he plays the dude-in-distress."

The queen stomps her heels in frustration. "Bowser, I did not go through all that trouble to save him only for him to die in a …"

Bowser leans towards her smirking. "It's perfectly safe, Peaches! No one will get hurt. Trust me."

That seems to reassure her. Peach slowly nods and he takes her hand. The albatross clears his throat and the royals turn their attention back toward him.

"Hooded Robin, please protect the king." Peach begs.

"Of course, my lady! But would you prefer to observe the event in person? I'm sure it would put you at ease."

Peach looks at Bowser, her eyes earnest. "I'll be able to watch, right?"

"Yeah…" Bowser says in reluctance. "As long as you don't get upset if a penguin falls in lava."

Another thought comes to Peach's mind. "Bowser, you took over Sharewood. How would they provide you a challenge?" She looks at Hooded Robin. "No offense."

"None taken, my queen."

Bowser lays back in his chair and folds his arms behind his head. "Hooded Robin is the leader. But I'll be recruiting the best to join his army. Just you wait, Peach. It'll all work out."

Peach is uncertain about this idea, but she agrees to go along with it.

----

The Sarasaland embassy was completed within a year. Bowser and Peach were invited to attend the opening ceremony. After the event, Peach surprised everyone with an announcement. To celebrate friendship with Sarasaland, she was hosting a doubles tennis tournament in Mushroom Kingdom. Anyone was allowed to participate. Though tempted to join, Bowser left to train his army and plan for the war games.

Even though he was working on his castles, Bowser kept up with the games. He was pleased with Peach hosting a tournament. It was a nice diversion for the Darklands. Many koopas, with a natural drive to compete, participated. But Daisy and Peach dominated the matches. They quickly rose through the ranks and into the final match. The two had even developed a fanbase. At the final event, many spectators are wearing t-shirts themed after the humans.

Lemmy is hammering on a platform as Bowser watches the tv. The two are doing work in the fake castle. The other koopalings are outside terraforming the various territories between the castles. Bowser gazes as Peach ran along the court. He would never admit it out loud but he is a secret member of an online fan site, dedicated to Peach. For the past month, he would spend hours viewing the highlights and participating in forum discussions.

Daisy and Peach win the final challenge and Bowser accesses the fan site on his phone. It was buzzing with discussion. Some were rejoicing over her win, and one member wished they could marry Peach. Bowser's expression goes blank. He then lets out a roar and a startled Lemmy falls off the platform. Steam escapes Bowser's nostrils and his eyes become bloodshot. The koopa angerly types out death threats to that user. This is going to get him banned from the site but he doesn't care!

"King Dad, a little help?" Lemmy complains as he sits on a rock surrounded by lava.

"Oh… Can't have you falling in that! Your hide is not thick enough yet." Bowser jokes and he lowers an arm to allow Lemmy to climb up. As they return to work Bowser realizes Toad is there. He scowls.

"Here to finish the job, fungus?"

Toad groans and pulls out a flyer. "No, Your Majesty. I'm here to join Hooded Robin's army!"

Bowser eyes him with doubt. "You couldn't handle the training regime!"

Bowser turns around to get back to work, but Toad runs in front of him. The king glares at him over his boldness. Even though he is shaking, the captain doesn't move. He suddenly bows on the floor. The king regards him with confusion.

"You must let me join! Your men still haven't found Antasma! I must protect Peach! But I'm too weak! I must get stronger! Please, let me join!"

Bowser rubs his chin. "Alright, captain. You're in."

----

"Toad volunteered?"

Bowser grunts in acknowledgement as he carefully places sliced kiwis on the cake. Peach bites her bottom lip and return to supervising Junior. He is squeezing a piping bag to decorate the cake. The koopalings are arguing behind them while chopping fruit.

"That is not star shape!" Iggy declares, pointing at Morton's round shape melons.

"Well, maybe your glasses are broke!" Morton yells while holding up the knife.

Ludwig scolds him, "Don't wave that, Morton! You'll poke someone's eye out!"

Lemmy chuckles. "They'll get an eye patch and become a pirate!"

"We are not pirates, Lemmy!" Wendy argues. Ludwig turns toward her.

"Technically we are. Or were. We raided kingdoms in flying airships…"

"I'm not a pirate!" Wendy stubbornly argues back.

"Larry, I see you sneaking off! You promised to help!" Roy complains and grab Larry by the shell. Larry laughs sheepishly while Iggy and Morton continue arguing.

"Don't make me come over there!" Bowser threatens. He turns back around to continue decorating.

"Good job, Junior." Peach encourages. Her son pauses and looks up at her beaming.

Bowser can tell she clearly doesn't want to interfere in Toad's life, but she is unsure. Bowser closes his eyes and sighs. "Look, if I see the first sign he's about to splat against a wrecking ball, I'll pull him out."

Peach rubs the back of Junior's head. "I'll trust…" Her eyes flare up. "Wrecking ball!?"

"Brats, go buy us some take out!" Bowser yells and throws his wallet at Wendy.

"But Peach cooked a big roast …"

"The toads will eat it. They're always sneaking around in the castle."

Wendy picks up Junior. "Oh, all right."

They leave out, verbally voting on where to get food. Peach notices Bowser staring at her with half-lidded eyes.

"You have a cute frown." He flirts.

Peach responds by folding her arms. "Don't try sweet talking your way out! I'm coming to watch!"

"To see me in action?" Bowser leans over the counter to get closer. Peach lowers her gaze to the floor.

"Will you stop…." She tries to hide a smile.

"No. And I'm giving you 15 seconds to hide. If I catch you, I'm tickling the life out ya!"

A wide-eyed Peach dashes out the kitchen, laughing. "That's not fair! You usually give a 30 second head start!"

"Then I'll drop it to one!" Bowser yells and pursues her immediately into the hall.

Chapter Text

A group of koopas are exploring a strange world suspended in the air. The surrounding clouds formed spiral patterns in a permanent red sky. Eventually, the scouts encounter a blocky-looking local. She agrees to guide them to an abandoned village on a mountaintop. While ascending, the koopas could see neighborhoods below undergoing reconstruction. Hours later, the trip comes to a halt in front of a memorial stone.

"Here we are, gentlemen. This is all that's left of Vaultville." The woman announces. The koopa, with an eye patch, examines the stone. Carved into it is the name of former residents.

"It is a memorial to a tragedy that befell the town. The event happened 40 years ago."

"Were you present for the event?" A koopa inquires.

The local wags her finger at him, annoyed. "Hey, I'm not giving my exact age! But yes, I was there. At night there would be this horrible screeching. Then a neighbor would go mad and attack anyone in sight. Out of fear people barricaded their doors. You never knew who was next. Then one day, the torment stopped but the remaining people abandoned the village. We never knew who was behind the events, until you arrived."

The eye-patch koopa rubs his chin while another koopa takes a picture of the memorial. "And a floating purple castle appeared a week ago?"

The woman closes her eyes. The appearance of that castle had her relieving the past. "It bombarded our town and its occupants raided us. They even carried off our best fighters. After that they vanished."

The koopas share a knowing look with each other. They came across a similar incident in a world they visited. Many from a species of bullies were kidnapped.

With frankness the leader speaks. "We have a clearer picture as to what they're planning. Your missing people will be subjected to brainwashing after they go to sleep. Likely, Antasma is building an empire and he is going to force his captives to fight for him."

The woman's mouth twists with rage. "It hurts! Knowing that culprit is still running around after all these years."

She grabs one of the koopa's hands. "Please, stop him!"

"We will."

"And another thing... can you save our friends?"

The koopas are unwilling to answer that. The safety of the missing do not concern them, to be honest. But they are certain the queen will consider their plight.

"We'll keep them in mind." Is the only answer the local receives.

After obtaining more information, the koopas descend the mountain and return to the world's warp pipe. A glowing light indicates the pipe is active again, and the koopas immediately enter. Traveling through worlds is tricky business. There were times the team didn't know where they were going. Times where they had to stay in a world because the fickle pipes deactivated at random. But for the king's sake the scouts were willing to go through with this journey. And thanks to their efforts the koopas have a better map of the warp zone. Now they must return home to give an update to their King. The Darklands need to prepare for an impeding war, again.

----

In the forest of Sharewood, Bowser marches into a clearing, his face hardened and stern. He received an update from his scouts and he is not happy. As a former villain (more like one trying to curb his evil urges), he is aware Antasma plans to play dirty. Villains love to hit where it hurts and Antasma will target his family. To lure the king into a trap. Or he will use the kidnapped people as a weapon against Peach. Bowser recalls her fury, during the meeting, when she learned about their misfortune. The king mentally berates himself for having kept the bat around. In his view, this is all his fault. But it can be fixed! He must stay vigilant and train his army.

Abruptly, a large piranha plant ambushes Bowser to bite into him. But the king downs it in one punch. He regards the unconscious creature with a smirk.

"Good old Sharewood Forest. Everything is out to kill you. Perfect for training."

Bowser's ear twitch at the sound of a soft voice. "Are we going on a picnic, Teddy Bear?"

That's new. The king beams over his new nickname. He gives a pleased growl knowing how their picnic excursions usually go. "Peach, I have work! We'll cuddle later."

He turns in her direction, only to see Hooded Robin instead. The albatross smiles mischievously and speaks in Peach's voice. "Hi!"

With the rage of a volcano, Bowser chases a screaming Robin around. Meanwhile, Peach arrives, swinging from tree branches with Junior on her back. She sits in an apple tree as the general perches on a branch nearby.

Spotting them, Bowser releases Robin. They just prevented a murder. "Summon the Dork Troop, bird brain!"

Hooded Robin stands up offended. "We are the Merry Men!"

"Whatever."

Robin then sings, his vibrant voice carrying into the woods. Soon, people of various species run out of the woods. People conquered by Bowser's empire and former rebels. (Bowser didn't bother recruiting old warlord rivals as he didn't trust them.) Also joining the group is Toad and Toadette. Peach nervously waves at them. Without warning Toad screams when he sees one of the participants.

"Toad!?" Peach jumps out of the tree, Junior still on her back. "What's wrong!?"

The little mushroom laughs in delight. "No, I'm fine! It's George Washingtoad!"

Now Toadette squeals and runs up to a toad, wearing a faded blue uniform and has a prominent chin. The old toad puffs his chest out with pride.

"One of the former Mushroom Kingdom princes and known as the only toad willing to stand up to the koopas! He fought Bowser's grandfather!" Toadette declares.

"We learned about him in Toadbert's history class." Peach adds. Toad shakes Washingtoad's hand. "It's an honor to meet you, sir! Wow, living history!"

The toad nods and greets the queen. "You are the new leader of the Mushroom Kingdom? Thank you for taking care of them. Let us continue to fight for the freedom of all toads!"

Snickering Bowser decides to tease. "This poor sucker was holed up in a fort, on the island I was building, thinking he was still at war with my grandpa! What a loser!"

Toad, Toadette, and Washingtoad all glare at Bowser. Laughing at their reactions Bowser lumbers over to Robin.

"…King Penguin. Pokey...Big Bad Wolf…Toad…Toadette…. Everyone is here, King Bowser." Hooded Robin observes.

Scanning the crowd Bowser objects. "No, the two strongest of my recruits are missing."

Bowser impatiently taps his foot waiting. Wario and Waluigi finally join, munching on hot dogs. "Where were you, facet freaks!?"

They ignore Bowser's murderous snarl and take their position at the front of the crowd. Noticing Wario, Toadette begins to jump up and down. "My friend!"

Wario in turn gives her a bear hug. "Toadette!"

Without warning, Koopa General hurls an apple at Wario! But the plumber catches it in his mouth and swallows it.

"General!" Peach scowls as the general avoids eye contact.

Wario solemnly approaches the queen. "This is what I was talking about, toots. My enemies come out of nowhere!"

Furious, Toadette waves her fists at the general. "That wasn't polite! You want to fight!?"

Her response earns a wicked smile from the general. "I would happily join your war games, little Toadette. I'll battle you any day. But I have a duty to the queen and prince."

Bowser nods in agreement. "I'm glad you have your priorities in order, soldier. Love can drive a man wild." He compliments.

Toadette looks confused while the general hides in the tree. Junior starts laughing at him. "It's not like that!"

With introductions out of the way, Bowser looks over his new army. To be honest, he wasn't impressed. The best is Wario and Waluigi. Though those two are unpredictable and can bail at a moment's notice. He'll have to keep paying them high wages. But the king hopes with training, all of them will develop into challenging opponents.

"I'm glad you accepted my deal. You are all part of my army now. A special division: the Nerd Troop."

Waluigi grumbles under his breath. Glaring, Bowser continues. "You wimps will undergo vigorous training before we begin the war games. But before that, I need you all to sign these papers."

Toadette stares at the document. "What's it for?"

"I'm not responsible if you trip and hurt yourself on an obstacle. When it happens Peach will give me grief and I'll flash these documents to win the argument."

Wario shrugs and sign the paper. "Money is money."

But Bowser covers Toad and Toadette in protective gear. "Don't worry Toad and Toadette, I'll ensure that doesn't happen to you."

"I don't need this!" Toad complains.

"You're keeping it on!" Bowser threatens. He then hands a notebook to King Penguin. "And here's your script for what you'll say when you're kidnapped."

The ice king flips through the pages. "But it's a lot of screaming…"

"Exactly."

The crowd mumble among themselves. Bowser shouts to get their attention. "Look, this is going to work!"

A penguin raises his hand. "How do we know this not just some trap!"

Bowser wants to threaten him but shuts his mouth. I can control myself. He turns to give a thumbs up to Peach who returns it. Bowser faces his audience again. "I'm not doing this out the goodness of my heart!"

Peach now looks like she wants to hide but Bowser continues.

"I'm doing this for the sake of my family! And all of you happen to benefit."

Toad frowns. This guy will do anything to get Peach's praises!

"But isn't that a good deed?" The audience side eye the penguin to shut him up. They fear Bowser throwing a tantrum. But Wario and Waluigi have no problem with his reasoning. Business is business to them. Bowser is paying a good bonus just for training.

Pleased with their cooperation, the Koopa King clasps his hands together. "So enough talking. Hooded Robin will direct you to the training fields. Your performance will determine your role. Support or Fighter."

Peach calls out to the toads as they depart. "Toad! Toadette! Don't push yourselves too hard!"

"We have it, Peach!" Toad answers back.

After the group leaves, Bowser approaches Peach. The stern frown he had earlier turned into a smile. "Peach, can you train Junior with the thing you and the toads do?"

Peach tilts her head. "The thing?"

A chuckle escapes Bowser's mouth and he rubs Junior head. "Platforming. Our son is quick but he prefers to use his clown car. I want him to be able to master platforming."

Junior sighs and stomp his feet. "But Papa, that's exercise…"

Bowser folds his arms; his stern look is back. "And you need it, boy."

The little koopa groans in defeat. Looking at Junior, Peach inquires, "Is this over the safe house Vert is building under my castle?"

"Yes."

Peach clenches her fists. "Okay… I'll do it, Bowser."

"Teddy Bear."

The queen stares at the king, confused. "Teddy Bear?"

Bowser places his arms behind his shell and digs his foot into the ground. He is acting bashfully. "I want you to call me that…"

"Bowser! I…"

He makes puppy dog eyes to convince her. Peach shakes her head, giggling.

"Alright. I'll do it …. Grumpy Bear." She teases.

"That's mean, Peach!"

----

The first training session involves navigating an obstacle course of various moving platforms. While they do that, Peach is at a distance explaining the process to Junior. Toad and Toadette ace the course, finishing before everyone else. Wario and Waluigi come in behind them.

Feeling accomplished, Toad puffs his chest out. "See Peach! Even with this cumbersome gear, I did it! I'm more than ready to join the fighters!"

Bowser mocks, "That's not all we're doing fungus."

True training begins with a perilous jog through the forest. Hooded Robin blows a whistle pushing his Merry Men to move. Some unfortunate souls are snatched up by piranha plants and the albatross must find them. Sweating buckets, a tired Toad is nearly hit by a wrecking ball but Bowser stops it. Toad gulps seeing the path ahead littered with hazards.

"You can't handle this path!" Bowser thunders and points at a safe smooth path. With reluctance Toad takes it.

How am I supposed to get tougher!?

Next is pushups. Bowser joins in to show off and Wario answers his challenge. Others like Toad attempt to keep up with their pace. Eventually, Hooded Robin blows the whistle to proceed to pull ups. But the captain lays flat on his face in pain. "I can't get up!"

Bowser scoops up Toad and sits him on a bench. "Time out for you." Toad folds his arms.

Grouchy, Toad watches everyone else exercise. Toadette struggles to pull herself up on the bars. Wario, nearby, looks over at her. "Toadette, pace yourself."

"You're right! I'll just …GAH!" She slips but Bowser catches her. He sits her gently on the ground.

"Take a break."

Toadette nods and join Toad.

"He's treating us like babies!" Toad complains to his sister as she dusts the spot she will be sitting on. Toadette shrugs in response.

"Maybe he's trying to be a good brother in-law."

Toad folds his arms, mummering under his breath.

----

Peach jumps onto a moving platform. Nearby, King Penguin is rehearsing his script. She turns to motion for Junior to follow her. He jumps but misses the ledge and Peach catches him.

"Sorry Mama."

"It's okay. Practice makes perfect." She points down below. "When you need to get lower, break your fall with a roll. I'll demonstrate for you!"

An excited Peach is about to leap when King Penguin acts out a loud scream. Caught off guard, she trips on the ledge and tumbles off the platform. She manages to land ungracefully on her backside. The queen covers her face in embarrassment.

"Sorry! I should practice elsewhere." The penguin comments as he runs away from the general. Junior leaps off the platform, performing a perfect roll and bumps into Peach. Once he sees his mama is okay, Junior snickers over her blunder.

"You are definitely Bowser's son." She bemoans. Peach then gently runs her fingers through his ponytail. Her thoughts wander to Toad and Toadette.

Don't worry about them, Peach. They handled themselves well without me earlier.

The intense training continued over the course of the week. And throughout it all Bowser kept stopping Toad, when he looked like he was about to get injured. And it annoyed the mushroom to no end.

Now Toad is participating in weightlifting. But he's given a tiny bar to lift. Even Toadette has a heavier weight than him. Meanwhile, Bowser is lifting barbells weighing over a ton. Every so often he pauses to flex his muscles. Toad frowns.

Show-off!

Suddenly, the captain becomes trapped under the weight of the small bar. He blushes as the others stop to look at his situation. Hooded Robin goes to lift it off him. "You seem more like a technical kind of guy."

Stubborn, Toad rejects his help. "I can keep up!" he declares.

"No, he's right. I've decided. You're going to be in support." Bowser announces while plucking the bar off Toad.

"I want to be on the front lines!" Toad cries out. "You're so mean to me, King Bowser!"

Crying, Toad takes off running into the woods. Toadette is about to follow, but Bowser stops her. "I'll go find him."

An hour later, Bowser finds his koopas practicing with spears. "Any of you seen a crying fungus bypass here?"

They collectively point down the path and keep practicing. He could order them to get him but…Bowser groans and takes the path himself.

----

The captain had run as far as his little legs could take him. Exhausted, Toad takes a seat in a bush. "I'm not good enough!

"You have a lot of nerve making me look for you!" Bowser roars. Toad jumps out of the bush shaking. He attempts to put on a brave face.

"You're not giving me a chance to prove myself!"

"I'm giving assignments with your actual abilities in mine."

Toad puffs his cheeks until they turn red. Bowser folds his arms.

"Out with it, Toad! I know you hate my guts. Tell me what you're thinking!"

Toad shouts, "You are a bully and a meanie head! I know you look down on me! I'm trying my best but you keep holding me back!" Toad throws a small stone into a tree. The tree shakes.

"Do you think the enemy is going to care if you're trying your best!? Antasma walks all over you every time you run into him! I'm trying to let you help without dying. Until you can prove it, you're on support! End of discussion!" Bowser picks up a boulder and hurls it into the tree for emphasis. The tree collapses and a large, webbed ball falls out. When it hits the ground, it bursts open revealing a horde of spiders! Bowser and Toad release high pitched screams and run down the trail, pursued by the angry horde. Toad slips on a slope and Bowser reaches for him, falling too. The duo roll down the hill as the spiders jump all over them. Bowser screams like a girl again but tucks Toad into his embrace. Once he stops at the bottom, Bowser spews fire to make the spiders leave. Free of the creepy crawlies, they lay there stunned. Bowser finally speaks. "Promise me you will not talk about this to anyone."

"They won't hear a peep out of me."

Done with the day, Bowser and Toad spent the night in the forest. Toad makes a campfire and the two stare at the flames in silence. Throwing a stick in the fire, the captain is the first to speak. "I just want Peach to be safe. I'm older so she's like a little sister to me. But Roy was right, Peach does all the carrying. I want to be the one to protect her for a change. But I can't protect her and the others if I'm weak!"

Bowser grunts and Toad places his face in his hands. "Antasma ran wild on Tatanga's mother ship and I couldn't do a thing. You don't know what it's like to be small and helpless, Bowser. To be at the mercy of others."

"I object to that … Well, I may not know exactly how you feel but I was helpless before." Bowser mutters. Toad lifts his face to gaze at him. Bowser continues. "Toad don't tell anyone we had this conversation, on the pang of execution! But I need all of you, okay? This isn't just keeping my soldiers busy. I'm preparing all of you for war. I'm not gonna sit and just wait for Antasma to show up. The serum he stole, the one Tatanga used to enhance his physique - concerns my general the most. He likely wants to match me in strength."

"…."

"He could never hope to come close to this!" Bowser flexes his arms but then droops them. "But…I can't solve everything with my tenaciousness. If something goes wrong, I have you to back me up. But if you die pushing yourself before then, you won't be of use to me."

"….." Toad wipes his nose. "I'll cooperate…."

"Good. And Captain? Another thing you are to tell no one. I talked to Vert about building a safe house under Peach's Castle."

"Safe house?"

"Yes, the only way it can be accessed is by precise platforming. That's why I asked Peach to train Junior. The koopalings won't leave me behind but Peach will do it to save Junior. If things take a turn for the worst, they can escape." Bowser looks up into the sky. "I've been thinking of everything…anything to heighten our chances. Peach has even been undergoing mental training from Dreambert. He said she already has a strong will but extra protections won't hurt. In the event she encounters Antasma again, she can repel him from her mind."

Toad starts to cry. Bowser groans. "Now what?"

"I thought you only married Peach because she's pretty. That you wanted a trophy wife to show off to and get praises from. But you do love her!" He sobs even more. Bowser grumbles and throw a log into the pile.

The king rolls his eyes. "Of course, I love her…measly mushroom…" Bowser's eyes soften when he thinks of her.

Coming to an understanding, Toad falls asleep and Bowser keeps looking at the fire in deep thought.

----

The next day, Bowser and Toad come back to the training grounds. Junior has improved and is clearing the obstacle course speedily. As soon as he reaches the goal post, Peach congratulates him with a hug. Spotting his father below, Junior shouts.

"Papa!"

The two leap down to meet them. "Where were you?" Peach inquires.

Toad shifts nervously. He doesn't want to talk about his crying tantrum.

"We had a man to man talk." Bowser boasts. Surprised, Toad puffs his chest out in response. Peach eyes them suspiciously.

"Is that so? As long as you resolved your issues…"

Playfully, Peach pulls on Bowser and Toad's hands. "I made an apple pie. Let's go eat, Toad. You too …. Angry Bear."

"It's Teddy Bear!" Bowser complains while she leads him away.

The group make it to the picnic spot Peach put together. But the baskets are flipped over. "Hey! Where is my pie!?"

Toad bends and examines the baskets. "Looks like someone looted your food!"

"That's strange. We were not gone long."

Bowser stares into the woods. "Probably those plumb skulls…" Still tired from yesterday, he won't question Wario and Waluigi. Bowser offers to take them to a restaurant. As they leave, a green figure watches them from behind a berry bush.

"Yoshi?"

Chapter Text

Ludwig has his airship circle the boundaries of Bowser's new island, to give Peach a good look at the terraformed land. The island divides into multiple sections, each with a different environment. And at one end is a replica of King Penguin's Castle and at the far end Bowser's Castle. Obviously, the king spared no expense with this project.

Roy spreads his hands out dramatically for Peach. "Welcome to Bash Skulls Island!" he declares.

Peach cringes. She is certain Roy and Bowser worked together on that name. "Oh dear…. Well, I will say Bowser went all out with this…"

Ludwig nods and leans his back against the ship's railing. "Indeed. King Dad wanted an authentic experience. And he'll switch out the Koopa Troops each game. So, the Merry Men are not facing the full Koopa Army at one time."

"That's good to know." Peach admits.

"Wish we can participate." Lemmy bemoans.

"We have to get back to fortifying our towers." Iggy reminds him.

Wendy eyes Junior with a malicious grin. "And Junior has exams to take."

The boy hides behind Peach and sticks his tongue out at his cousin. "I want to stay with Mama!" He insists.

In response, Peach rubs his head to comfort him. "Junior, remember when your dad measured your height? You grew a whole inch taller, you're a big boy now. And big boys take their education seriously."

Bowser Jr.'s eyes sparkle. "Would that make me a hero?"

"Yes."

"Okay! Then I'll crush that stupid test!"

When the ship lands, Peach departs with a small, covered wagon. She spins on her heels to blow a kiss at the koopalings and Junior.

"See you later Peach." Larry calls out.

Junior adds in. "Bye, Mama!"

Peach notices Larry looking down. "Something wrong?"

Roy scolds Larry. "Larry!"

Peach looks at them in confusion. Larry looks back up and rubs his neck.

"Sorry! Junior calls you Mama but we keep calling you Peach. I've been feeling bad about it. Well, we've been feeling bad about it." The other koopalings look guilty. "It's not that we don't see you as family…"

Ludwig jumps in. "Do you mind us calling you Peach?"

Peach opens her parasol and smiles gently. By the time she met them, the koopalings knew how to take care of themselves. Suddenly having a female figure in their life is still new for them. "I don't mind at all."

"B-but you're still a great person, okay?" Wendy fumbles out. "We…like cooking with you…and stuff…."

The human blushes. "T-thank you."

Relived, the koopalings smile and wave goodbye. As their ship ascends, Morton runs above deck, demanding to know who ate all the food in the kitchen. He automatically accuses Iggy of the theft.

"I know it was you Iggy! You ate my cheesecake again!"

Iggy fires back and readies his fists. "I didn't do it!"

Annoyed, Ludwig bashes their heads together to get them to stop. "Enough! Show me the scene of the crime."

Morton takes them below and Ludwig sniffs around the kitchen. "Morton, use your nose next time! None of us were in here recently. The fiend must have been hiding in the storage area before sneaking into the kitchen."

"Is it dangerous?"

"No. I'm familiar with the scent. Nothing to worry about."

----

After watching the airship leave, Peach begins to feel lonely without their presence. Everyone has been busy. Vert is hard at work back home; she only saw him during council meetings. On the other hand, Bowser has been finalizing the war games. He still tries to make time for her with phone calls and visits. Eager to see her husband, Peach reminds herself to trust what he is doing and not make a fuss. With that in mind, she strides toward King Penguin's castle. Oddly, she begins to feel tired and a little nauseous.

"What's going on?"

Panic runs through her body and Peach shivers. A memory of Antasma reaching for her begin to plague her mind. On reflex she covers her neck with her hand. Peach works to dispel the thought. "No, Dreambert removed the tracker. I'm fine. Everything is fine."

The queen decides to take a seat on a fallen log. "A little rest won't hurt."

Peach looks down at her wagon. She pulls the blanket up and her nose meets with a sweet aroma. It's two cakes she baked for Hooded Robin's Merry Men. Peach feels tempted to eat a slice. As she admires her work, someone approaches.

"Yoshi?"

Peach glances up. Before her is a dirty looking green Yoshi. He is larger than the ones found in Sweet Sweet Kingdom. Likely, he is a native of the mysterious Yoshi Island.

She tilts her head. "What brings you all the way out here?"

Yoshi moves his arms around rapidly, recounting his ordeal of being marooned and stowing aboard an airship. "Yoshi. Yoshi. Yoshi!"

When he finishes the queen sighs, wishing she understood his language. Yoshi then cautiously approaches her cakes. His eyes gleam with hunger.

"I'm sorry darling! This…" Peach pauses.

She picks up one cake and presents it to the dinosaur. He happily wraps his long tongue around it and swallows it.

"Poor thing."

Peach expects him to go on his way after eating. But Yoshi comes in close and sniffs her. He smiles, resting his head on her lap. Amused, Peach gently pets him. "You are so sweet! I'm taking you home with me!"

"Yoshi!"

The dinosaur stands up and points at his back. Understanding, Peach hops on and grabs her wagon's handle. She points in the direction of the king's castle. With a jump and kick of his legs, Yoshi takes off. Even with short legs, he is a fast runner and Peach must hold onto him to not fall off. Noticing, Yoshi slows down his pace.

"Your Gentleness!"

Peach looks up and sees the general swooping down. He hovers beside them. "I didn't know you were being dropped off at this hour!"

"It's all right. I asked the koopalings to not tell you."

The general looks bewildered. "Why!? I'm supposed to protect you!"

"I wanted you to spend time with Toadette."

Koopa General turns red in the face. "I... I only saw her at a distance."

"Have you tried being nice to her?"

The general's face contorts with disgust. Peach rolls her eyes. "Some of you koopas just love being mean…"

"It is our way! By the way…. where did you get this Yoshi?"

Peach giggles. "He just approached me."

The trio continue and make it to the Ice Palace. King Penguin runs to welcome them at the gate.

"Vanessa!"

"It's Peach…"

The king stops, shivering at the sight of the general.

"We're all friends here." Peach reassures him.

Leery, the penguin directs them inside. "I'm surprised with what Bowser did. It looks like my old castle but he glam up the insides. Said my old place looked like a shack. This place has everything!"

Penguin King pulls out a golf bag. "Wanna play some mini golf?"

Peach looks around "Well, I need to clean Yoshi up first!"

She hands King Penguin the last cake. "It's for everyone when they come to your castle."

"It smells delicious but…I can't split this with them. There won't be enough."

"Yoshi!"

"What is he saying?" the penguin asks.

Peach clasps her hands together. "I'm sorry. I gave him the second cake."

"That's all right. We'll make do." The penguin walks over to a table and begins to cut thin slices. "Wario better not complain!"

The general rolls his eyes at hearing that name.

Peach bends to look at him from the side. "I'll put in a good word for you with Toadette."

It's brief but Peach spots a hint of sadness in the koopa's eyes. She begins to regret teasing him.

"Your Highness…"

She tries to correct what she said. "There is nothing wrong with falling in love. But only if it is something you want. I won't bring it up…."

"That's not the problem." The general quickly interjects. "My … training never allowed for such thoughts. Blue shells serve the monarchy and die for the monarchy."

"…."

The general glares noticing the Penguin King trying to listen in. After asking for an inflatable pool, Peach lures the general and Yoshi away towards the inner courtyard. Unlike the rest of the castle, it's open aired and warm, allowing for the growth of flowers. Peach smiles noticing a stone plaque; Bowser had dedicated the garden in her name. The general takes a seat on a bench while Peach grabs a water hose to fill up the pool.

"Bowser told me to be careful, but he said not to be afraid. I guess he didn't want me to obsess with worry. To worry so much that I miss out on life. It's understandable you want to protect your king. But I think you can find balance too. One that isn't self-destructive."

"…. I see…"

Yoshi jumps into the pool splashing and rolling. Getting water on her, Peach giggles and uses a brush to scrub the green dinosaur. The general fiddles with his claws meditating on Peach's words.

"Balance, huh?"

Unknown to Peach, a lakitu had been following her with a camera. The video footage is transmitted to Bowser onto a digital pad. He shifts on his new throne surrounded by large weapons. The throne room is situated above lava connected to the entrance by a singular bridge.

"Lord Bowser, the queen made it to Bash Skulls Island!" the lakitu reports.

"I can see that, four eyes."

Bowser grumbles under his breath. The Yoshi race are usually harmless and mind their own business. (He heard rumors not to anger the island type ones though.) But today is all about the koopas seizing victory and Peach is distracted with Yoshi. She won't be watching her husband tear through the competition. He stares at the screen, annoyed and jealous of the little guy. In the past, Bowser was quick to remove the competition. However, he wants a happy marriage. And Peach will fuss if he removes Yoshi for a petty reason. Therefore, he decides to leave him alone.

"Oh well…" Bowser smiles impishly and rubs his hands together. "I guess it is time to begin the war games!"

----

The Merry Men was residing in a village near Penguin's Castle. Bowser filled the village with farmers, hired to upkeep the place. While waiting the army was practicing strategies for defending the castle. Today, Toad is cleaning the arrows for his comrades. Even though he couldn't be a main combatant, Toad wanted to do his job right. Nearby, Hooded Robin is playing the banjo. The captain looks up from his work at the scarecrow targets.

Just one shot! This will be easy!

Toad cautiously lifts a bow and aims an arrow at a target. He releases the arrow and the shot goes way off. It flies past the target, headed for a walking Waluigi!

"Waluigi, look out!" the captain shouts.

Waluigi immediately pulls his tennis racket out and deflects the arrow. It flies towards Wario and Toadette, the duo is eating lunch in front of a sandwich shop.

Toad chews on his fingers. "Wario and Toadette!"

The pink shroom blocks with a platter. The arrow bounces off the plate, ricochets off a pole, and straight into Hooded Robin's backside.

"AHHHHHH!"

He dances in pain as Toad runs over to him, mortified. "Oh mushrooms! I'm so sorry!"

"Toad what were you thinking!?" Toadette demands as she advances towards them.

"I didn't mean it! I'm a good shot with my laser gun so …"

Wario yanks the arrow out and Robin screams even harder.

"Doctor! We need a doctor!"

The village doctor arrives and commit Hooded Robin to the hospital. He is unfit for battle. Waluigi grabs the sides of his head, looking into the sky. "We hadn't even started the war!"

Toadette looks around. "We need someone new to lead."

Wario stands proud and flexes his arm. "Time for Wario to shine!"

"Actually, I think Washingtoad would be a better fit." Waluigi counters.

His ego deflated, Wario walks away. "You never believe in me, beanpole!"

"Keep crying!"

Toadette is about to tell Waluigi off when she hears a familiar shout. The general flies over and drops a parcel on Wario's head.

"Hey!"

"You jerk!" Toadette yells.

The koopa sticks his tongue out and flies away.

Wario opens the parcel. "Hey look! A letter from King Penguin!"

The Merry Men gather around to hear the contents read.

"Dear Chump Troop,

Please come to the castle. Also, Peach brought cake!

From,

Penguin"

Washingtoad looks up and towards the castle. "It is time for our destiny. Forward my people! Remember your safety gear and badges."

Everyone looks to ensure they are wearing the badges over their heart. Once the battle begin, a fighter must keep theirs intact. A destroyed badge would mean they are "dead." Afterwards, the group marches from the village and through the forest. They arrive at the castle, bypass the walls, and enter the structure. But no one was inside.

Waluigi looks under the furniture. "Hey, where's my cake!?"

Suddenly, Bower's clown car bursts in. King Penguin is dangling from the car by a rope.

The penguin releases an ear-piercing scream. "HELP!"

Bowser roars. "If you want to see him again, dorks, come to my castle! If you dare! GWAHAHA!"

Yoshi enters from the courtyard, with Peach sitting on his back. Before leaving Bowser hovers around them, blowing Peach a kiss, and sticking his tongue out at Yoshi. He then rushes out of the castle. Wario looks at Yoshi.

"Is this guy on the payroll?"

Before they can talk to Peach, they hear a horn.

"The koopas are here already!?" One person cries out.

"Close the gates!" Washingtoad orders.

"But we lost the king!"

The old toad slaps the nearby soldiers one by one. "Focus! We must repel the enemy! Then we will save him!"

The koopas rush to the ice castle and surround it. Battle hungry they are eager to infiltrate and take down the Merry Men. Fortunately, Wario gets the gates closed. The team then works to barricade themselves in. Toadette leads some to fire arrows, from the wall, at the koopas who return fire. One penguin is struck in the badge, and the arrow electrocutes him. The penguin passes out in front of a disturbed Toad.

"Is he dead!?"

Lakitu flies by Peach with a tv screen projecting Bowser. "Don't be alarm, honey bun! It's perfectly harmless!"

Yoshi grunts in doubt.

"Not harmless he says…" Toad complains as he runs back and forth restocking the weapons. He pauses to make sure his helmet is on tight.

"You have this Toad!" the queen calls out and he gives a thumbs up. Peach has Yoshi jump on a tower so she can watch without interfering.

"They're climbing the walls!" Toadette calls out while sniping a koopa with a well-aimed shot. Waluigi runs for the kitchen.

"I got something for them!"

While the siege rages, King Penguin dangles, in a cage, next to the throne with a bottle of water and a bag of chips. "How generous." He mumbles.

The general lands nearby and Bowser gives him new orders.

"My King, you summoned me?"

"General, you're on the force. I'll keep an eye on Peach."

He gleefully salutes and leaves.

Back at the Ice Castle, the koopas climb the walls but Waluigi dumps cooking oil to make them slip. Eventually, the enemy pulls up catapults, shooting bob-ombs over the wall. Peach fights the urge to join and kick them back over. Toadette calls out to others to aid her in taking on the invaders. As soon as they take care of the bob-ombs, someone notices the ice walls warping. The koopas have lit their arrows on fire and are melting them!

"They'll break through soon!" Toadette shouts. "How come they only gave us plain arrows!?"

Soon, an arrow falls from above and strikes Washingtoad. Electrocuted, the toad dramatically falls off the wall.

"NOOOOOO!" Toad screams.

"Bowser! He…" On cue the lakitu glides up to Peach and shows her a smug Bowser waving the Merry Men's contracts. Peach turns the screen off with a huff.

Looking for the culprit, Toadette grabs a pair of binoculars and spot the general. He is the one who fired the shot! Knowing she is watching, the general snickers. She swears revenge. "I'll get him!"

A distraught Toad runs over to his fallen leader. Meanwhile, the koopas use their shields to smash through the weaken ice walls. They swarm in with a battle cry. The general marches in after them. "You know what to do!"

One by one, the koopas strike down the Merry Men. Despite the odds, Waluigi and Wario battle the invaders, taking out many. Toadette shouts to Toad for more ammo only to realize the general is pressing an arrow against her badge. Toadette panics and he smiles. She then shuts her eyes accepting her fate. But he pulls away and orders a retreat.

"Next time." The general teases.

The koopas, still standing, rush out as Wario runs up to Toadette to help her up.

"Toadette! I thought we lost you!"

The mushroom gnashes her teeth. "He was mocking me!"

Waluigi cheers. "But we did it! We repelled the invaders."

The survivors look around and see half their group is out of the game. All with arrows to the heart.

"It was a slaughter…. WAHAHA!" Wario admits. Toadette looks at her brother who is still holding their leader.

"It's not funny Wario! Our leader is down!" Toad cries out.

"You must… go and save the king." Washingtoad utters.

"No! We can't do it without all of you!"

"I'm mortally wounded."

Waluigi rolls his eyes. "He's off the clock now, Toad."

Tears stream down Toad's face as the old toad continues, "You must follow Wario, captain."

"But I'm just support!"

Washingtoad slaps Toad. "Are you a man or a coward, Toad!?"

The mushroom cries out. "I'm a man! I'm a man!"

"Then go…" Washingtoad then closes his eyes.

"NOOOOO!"

Yoshi gets agitated at the sight and Peach rubs his head. "It's okay, Yoshi."

They jump off the tower and scoop up the old toad. Peach shoos Toad and the others out of the castle like she is sending kids to school. "King Penguin is waiting for you. I'll call the doctor for your friends."

----

The "survivors" of the Merry Men look out at the landscape before them. They can faintly see Bowser's Castle in the distance. Toad is now carrying a bow and plungers. He had arrows but a lakitu rushed in and replaced them on Bowser's orders. Can't lose another leader to friendly fire!

"If we lose, we won't get that bonus." Wario says ignoring Toad's scowl.

"The general…" Toadette mutters. "We're going to win!"

"WAHAHA! That's the spirit."

Wario leads the army across harsh lands. Unfortunately, their numbers dwindle in the swamp region from battling bands of koopas. By the time they make it to a canyon region, the team consists of Wario, Waluigi, Toadette, and Toad.

"I'm beginning to see why the koopas conquered this world." Waluigi notes as he spots Peach and Yoshi at a distance. A lakitu presents to her a bagged lunch with a love note from Bowser. The queen splits her sandwich with Yoshi. She is grateful he came along when he did. She still isn't feeling well but she is determined to support the event. And Yoshi is more than willing to carry her around.

Just as the Merry Men begin to move again, they hear laughter. They look up and see the general air dropping Mouser. The rodent grins and pulls out a massive bomb in midfall.

"Is that a little excessive?" Peach inquires while chewing.

"Run!" Toadette shouts and carries Toad.

"Special delivery for the Fools Troop!" Mouser jokes and hurls the bomb.

The gang runs into a cave as the bomb explodes. Soon, boulders cover the entrance. And Bowser slaps his face.

What was Mouser thinking!? Any more of this and Peach will divorce me!

Meanwhile, Peach stares trying not to say anything.

Trust Bowser. Just trust him.

Inside, the group stares at the blocked entrance. Wario can remove the rocks but they don't want to risk Mouser throwing another bomb. So, they move towards the back. However, Wario spots a mine and goes to dig for gold. Annoyed Waluigi leads the gang to the outside. They soon realize they are in a desert region. A maze stretches out across a sea of moving quicksand. And rolling along the maze are massive toy boxes. All sides have faces except one side with a square hole.

"Is there another way around?" Toad asks.

Hearing one second of Mouser's bizarre laughter and they push forward on the maze. They wait until a box passes and race along a path. But Mouser throws a smaller bomb at them. To escape impact, Waluigi (holding the toads) leaps to another path over quicksand. But it puts him in the direct path of a toy box. Spotting the hollowed square, he times it and allow it to drop over them. Focused on them, Mouser fails to see a toy box right on top of him until the last moment. Instead of timing it like Waluigi or throwing a bomb, Mouser leaps on impulse. He misses the ledge, falls into the quicksand, and is sucked under screaming! Waluigi, Toad, and Toadette stared blankly at the quicksand. They then look up at Peach.

"We didn't do it!"

"Don't worry, I'll talk to Bowser about this."

Now safe and with a clean conscious, Waluigi and the toads exit the maze. "Finally! The castle is just beyond that hill!" Waluigi declares. "We just have to wait for Wario."

Wario exits the mine and runs up to the maze. Toadette cups her mouth and shouts. "Wario, you have to time the…"

Wario punches the toy boxes and keep moving.

"Of course…" Toad mumbles.

----

"What do you mean the troopas are attacking Peach and activating traps on her!?" Bowser yells to the lakitu.

"She's making her way through the castle."

"But she is … are all you trying to ruin my happy marriage!?"

Soon Peach and Yoshi arrive in the throne room and Bowser braces for an argument. He holds up the contracts like a shield.

"Peach! Now let's talk about this…"

To his surprise Peach laughs. "The guards told me it wasn't personal. But I had fun if I'm being honest!"

"Yoshi!"

Bowser lifts an eyebrow. "You had fun too, egghead?"

"You understand Yoshi?"

"Two-year course."

Peach giggles and looks over at the trapped penguin. "They're on their way."

He shrugs. Peach's face becomes serious. "Mouser is okay, right?"

"Y-yeah!" Bowser gets off his throne and opens his phone. "Did you idiots find that cheese brain, yet?" He whispers.

"We're still looking, My King! I'm sure he can hold his breath until then."

Bowser hides his phone and smiles broadly at his wife. Peach gets off Yoshi petting his head. "Yoshi is a natural at storming castles. No one could stop him!"

Can't be better than me! Bowser thinks. But a new mischievous plan hatches in his mind. This could be the guy I'm looking for! He grabs Yoshi and throws him down a nearby clear pipe.

"Let's see you start all over again, dino breathe. Welcome to the Nerd Troop!"

"Yoshi!?"

Peach attempts to run to the pipe. "Oh no, Yoshi!"

"You walked right into a trap, missy!" Bowser wraps his arms around Peach to stop her from following. "If your little buddy wants to see you again, he needs to fight me!"

"You are a brute!" Peach remarks.

"GWAHAHA!" He playfully nuzzles her neck and whispers, "You're mine until then…"

A squeak escapes Peach's mouth and he chuckles. "Bowser…"

"Ahem!" King Penguin coughs aloud while covering his eyes.

"Sorry, man." Bowser throws him down the same pipe and phones a minion to shut down the artificial warp pipes.

"This is going to bite you in the shell! Yoshi won't take this lying down!" Peach argues.

Bowser rests his chin on a flustered Peach's head, humming a romantic tune. "I'll take that chance…"

Yoshi ends up outside the castle and pipe's opening closes. He looks back in fury. Lacking context, in his mind he thinks this is a battle between the gentle rulers Penguin and Peach vs. the sinister Koopa King. And Yoshi fears for Peach's safety.

"Yoshi!"

----

This world has a quiet and warm feel. The sky is starlight with shooting stars appearing every so often. There is no signs of intelligent life. Antasma can hear birds singing though. There are no cities here but villages, observatories, and destroyed space crafts. Long ago, the people explored the cosmos and would return to this planet. Now nature has overtaken their communities and the homes also show signs of ravaging fires long gone. Signs of a world ending. The bat levitates around until he finds what he seeks: a field of gravestones. With the caretaker long gone, vines have covered the headstones. Antasma pulls at the vines seeking two specific stones. Complaints spill out of his mouth as he struggles with the mess. But Antasma's persistence pays off when he finds the two stones labeled 'Aster' and 'Cheryl.'

Eyes glow with delight as he runs his claws over the names. "Don't worry about little Amora. Your daughter is galaxies away, safe with the toads like you wanted. They call her Peach." His eyes soften. "She is loved."

Pulling out a large hammer, Antasma now scans the graveyard with a dark glare. "Just wanted to tell you that."

Chapter Text

All but four of the Merry Men remain. And they have not faced the final huddle to save King Penguin. But the intrepid Wario pushes his team forward to finish the mission. Leaping across flying Bullet Bills they cross over the moat of the enemy's castle. While airborne, Waluigi looks at the toads behind him. "I'm surprised you lasted this long, Toad!"

The captain grins cheekily. He still has a lot of doubts about his ability to be of help to Peach. But that 'pep' talk with Bowser was what he needed. And he can't forget the slap from Washingtoad. "We're gonna win this together!"

"Don't let your guard down, guys." Toadette shouts. "We're not functioning with an army here!"

Landing on the other side, Wario plays down their predicament. "Come on Toadette, we lasted this long! What could they…"

At that moment, the castle gate opens and waves of koopas swarm out! The four poises for battle. But Yoshi angerly drops from above in front of the enemies. With lightning speed, he gobbles up koopas and lay them as eggs. He then hurls the eggs at his victims' comrades. The eggs explode on impact releasing the trapped koopas, turning them into flying projectiles.

Yoshi hands some of his unorthodox ammo to the four and rushes ahead. Toad stares squeamishly at the wiggling egg in his hands. "A little morbid if you ask me," he says while chucking it at a hammer bro.

"But it gets the job done!" Wario replies and elbow even more enemies into Yoshi's mouth.

After eating more soldiers, Yoshi tries to explain to them that Peach has been kidnapped. He groans once he realizes they don't understand him. Yoshi then positions his fingers over his head like a crown. Wario gives a thumb up.

"Lizard breath kidnapped his own wife and we gotta save her!"

Yoshi nods enthusiastically. "Yoshi!"

Toad's eyes bug out. "He did what!?"

"You should be used to his antics by now," Toadette deadpans and drags Toad along. As they move ahead the floor crumples. Everyone falls but Yoshi escapes by flutter jumping.

Koopa General talks over an intercom as the four are descending. "I'm impress you survived this long, chumps …. and Miss Toadette."

Toadette angerly looks around for the man. "General! Show yourself! You'll pay for what you did to Washingtoad!"

Toad adds, "And release Peach at once!"

The general chuckles. "You're wasting your breath. I will be taking home the win! And you'll never see Her Highness again!"

Waluigi protests, "Has everyone forgotten about King Penguin!?"

The group shortly collapses into a moving mine cart, full of coal, traveling through an lava-filled mineshaft. Rubbing his head, Wario notices the cart's coal-powered engine. Meanwhile, Toadette and Toad scan their surroundings. Soon, insane laughter echoes throughout the mineshaft. The toads look behind and spot a monstrous, skeletal looking vehicle pursuing them. The general is piloting it while laughing madly.

"It feels so good to cut loose again!" he declares. He pulls a lever and mecha koopas are fired from cannons. The small bots land in the cart and nip at Toad's feet.

"Hey I need those!" he whines. Waluigi notices they are turning red and quickly kicks the mecha koopas out. They explode midair.

The lanky plumber glances at Wario. "Wario! Can this thing go any faster!?"

"We need to feed the engine…"

Before Wario can finish, the general opens the front of his vehicle, exposing a row of spinning spikes.

"Is that allowed!?" Toad bewails.

Unnervingly cheerful, the general chuckles. "It's perfectly safe!"

----

"Chancellor! Over here!"

Vert moves in the direction of Gold's voice. He already knows what this is about. The area around him is familiar, a place he used to visit frequently. Under a canopy of mushrooms, Gold and Prince Dreambert stand before a glowing warp pipe. It is the one Peach walked out of. Once again it is back active and the old toad sighs. Fear of the unknown prevented him from using it in the past. But Vert held hope Peach's parents would arrive and take her home.

Dreambert shakes his head and approaches Vert. "I know it holds sentimental value to you, chancellor… but…"

"I know…." Vert motions for Berry to come close. "Call the koopas over, please. They are to destroy it."

Berry looks at the pipe and back at the chancellor. "A-are you sure!?"

"As we have been doing with any we find in the Mushroom Kingdom, this must also go."

Obeying, the younger toad leaves to get assistance. Vert turns back to the warp pipe. Peach had ordered them to destroy any pipe found in their kingdom, based on discussions with Dreambert. Mushroom will be targeted when the bat king returns. But if Antasma was coming back to harm them, he was going to have to work for it. Vert sighs, recalling her words at the last meeting before she left for Bowser's Island.

"Antasma is angry with me. And you will not suffer because of that. I will protect all of you! I promise!"

Vert closes his eyes and whispers, "No Peach…we will protect you…."

----

A desperate Wario shoves coal into the engine to make the mine cart go faster. Eventually, the cart hits a curve and nearly derails. Thinking quick - Waluigi, Toad, and Toadette get on one side to correct the cart.

The chase continues down a deep slope and back up with the mine cart narrowly avoiding the spikes. Soon, the rails lead into a dark tunnel. Toad reluctantly turns around to see the glowing lights of the general's vehicle. He turns back around and hides behind Toadette. Once out of the tunnel, the general is now right on top of the mine cart.

"Do I hear a surrender?" the koopa mocks.

"We're running out of coal!" Wario looks ahead and sees a fork in the road. At that moment, Yoshi reappears and runs along a ledge. He points at a lever at the fork.

"Yoshi!"

Yoshi jumps toward the lever and clutches it. Once the mine cart passes, he switches the track. The general goes the other way, shaking his fist at the dinosaur. Yoshi is then ambushed by a gang of mecha koopas.

"He brought us some time! Any ideas?" Wario yells.

Toadette folds her arms, deep in thought. "If we could get ahold of some dynamite, we could derail that fiend."

Toad looks around and shrugs. "But we have none, sis."

"The general has some in his shell," Toadette remembers.

Waluigi smiles evilly as a plan is formulated in his head. "Toad! Do you have a rope in that bag of yours?"

"I always have rope."

"Good, now get your plunger ready!"

"Huh?"

The lanky human picks up Toadette in one hand and bends his arm back.

"What are you doing!?" she demands. Waluigi gleefully twirls his mustache in response. The two paths reconnect and the general is behind them again - only inches separating them. But Waluigi hurls Toadette at the koopa! On reflex the general catches her and falls on his back.

The small toad furiously shouts, "That Waluigi…. I'll shave his mustache …!"

Realizing she is on top of the general, Toadette pauses and bites the inside of her cheek. Even more nerve wracking for her is his reaction. He makes no cutting remarks, his eyes wide with shock. Noticing her braids surrounding him, his eyes soften. The general then nuzzles his snout against a braid and inhales, mesmerized by Toadette's sweet scent. When she tries to get off, the general holds her in place. A blush grows on his now angry face.

Toadette turns red in the face. "W-What…"

"Toadette…I…will you…"

Not thinking straight, the general pulls her towards him to attempt a kiss. To his delight she leads forward. But she reaches into his shell and pulls out a stack of dynamite!

"I-I got it!"

Toad fires the plunger (connected by rope) and nabs Toadette, pulling her to safety. After Waluigi retrieves the dynamite from her, he lights them and hurls them behind him. The rail tracks blow up and the general's vehicle derails. It slams into a wall and spins in circles. Still lovestruck, the koopa remains still as the vehicle falls into a ravine and blows up. Horrified, Toadette beats Waluigi. Wario joins in for him endangering his friend.

"Oh no…!" Toadette bemoans. "You turned me into a monster!"

Waluigi curls up in a corner, covering his head with his arms. "No, I didn't! You were the one to suggest it! And Bowser said we could do whatever it takes to win!"

Unexpectedly, the mine cart flies over an incomplete railing and into a pit. But Yoshi, swinging from a chain, pulls them to safety. They drop in front of a large door with Bowser's insignia. Without hesitation, Yoshi angrily rushes in.

Toadette pauses and looks back fiddling her fingers. Wario notices and calls out to her.

"Toadette?"

"Guys! I'm going back! I can't leave him like that!" Toadette grabs the chain to swing back over.

Wario closes his eyes smiling. "She has a temper but a soft heart…"

"Are you serious!?" Toad complains. "Please tell me I'm not losing another sister to a koopa!"

"We have to let her go, Toad." Wario utters.

The mushroom huffs, "Right…. we have a mission to complete!" The group presses forward to follow Yoshi. As they enter the new room, Toad is picked up by a buzzard.

"Oh, come on! I know this is your doing, Bowser!" Toad whines.

Waluigi jokes as they watch the bird fly away. "Bowser must be in trouble with the Mrs."

The trio push forward arriving at pillars rising out of a lava pool. Cautiously, they navigate while dodging spinning spiked clubs. But a hammer nails Waluigi in the badge.

"WAAAAAAA!"

"Waluigi!"

He falls off a pillar and burns his bum on lava. Screaming in pain Waluigi leaps around the room. Down to two, Wario and Yoshi do battle with a pair of hammer bros.

Eventually, the path leads them through a hall of collapsing platforms. But at the end is a wide chasm between them and Bowser's throne room. Since Yoshi's first visit, Bowser's minions have blown up the pathway. It's too far for Yoshi to clear with a jump. And the platform they are on is beginning to drop!

"Yoshi!" The dino cries out in distress. He is so close to saving his friend! Though he doesn't understand him, Wario can see his expression. "You really want to win, huh?"

Yoshi balls his fist up and nods emphatically.

"But only one of us can make it!" He picks up Yoshi and hurls him over the chasm.

"Yoshi!?"

"FOR THE BONUS!" Wario yells as the platform collapses. Yoshi uses his flutter jump to reach the edge. He pauses to look down and vows not to let Wario's sacrifice be in vain.

The last of the Merry Men, Yoshi proceeds to the boss room. He pushes on the doors to open them. His eyes narrow as he stops at the bridge leading to the King Koopa. The one responsible for everything that has happened today. Currently, the "vile" villain has Peach in his grasp, covering her face in kisses.

"Don't be like this, babe! Forgive me!"

Peach stomps her feet. "Bowser, I'm not up for your antics today! You said you had everything under control! But I've seen Mouser drown in quicksand, my toads nearly die, Waluigi burning his backside, Wario ending up who knows where, and the general blowing up!"

Bowser hangs his head. "Are you leaving me? Nobody is dead! I swear!"

"What are you talking about!?" Peach gasps. "I just…"

"Yoshi!"

Peach looks in his direction. "Yoshi!"

Bowser frowns and releases Peach. "You ain't even on my payroll and you made it through again!?"

Yoshi angrily points at Peach. He demands her freedom. "Yoshi!"

"Alright, I'll admit you're pretty good." Bowser slams his fist together; Peach elegantly walks to the side. "But I'm never letting her go, you green apple head."

"Don't let him bully you, Yoshi." Peach mumbles.

"Yoshi!"

Bowser spits out fire balls. "Prepare to DIE…I mean get beaten."

Yoshi rushes at the Koopa King skillfully dodging the fire. But he is met with Bowser's fist. His eyes bug out from the pain. Yoshi goes flying and skids along the bridge, eventually landing on his back. Bowser leaps into the air and dives down, aiming his elbow at Yoshi's stomach.

"BWAHAHA! This is going to hurt … a lot!"

But Yoshi out-speeds his attack. Bowser's weight makes the bridge sway and Yoshi struggles to keep standing. The king leaps at the dino again with a flying kick but Yoshi avoids it. Frustrated, Bowser pulls hammers out his shell to hurl. But Yoshi eats the projectiles. Converting them into eggs he throws them into Bowser's face. The distracted king fails to see Yoshi rushing towards an ax. Yoshi jumps and kicks the ax downward, splintering the rope holding the bridge together. Bowser's weight doesn't help and the bridge collapses. A stunned Bowser falls into the lava!

"Are you kidding meeeeee!?" He roars.

Yoshi stares at the lava and watches Bowser sink. Pleased with the results, he then happily runs over to Peach. She hugs him. "I'm sorry Yoshi! Did you think I was in trouble? Bowser is my husband! This was all just a game."

Yoshi stares in confusion. Then why isn't she upset over her husband falling in the lava? He shrugs. The important thing is his friend is safe. Peach giggles as Yoshi leans against her stomach. The dinosaur lifts her on his back and goes out the back way. On the way to the village, they encounter Wario, Waluigi, Toad, and an exasperated King Penguin. Toadette joins up with them as well, dragging an unconscious general with her.

----

The next day, the Merry Men celebrate their victory at the town square. While enjoying food they watch reruns of Bowser falling into the lava. For some this is cathartic for what the koopas had put them through in the past. Yoshi was considered a hero among them for saving the game. But he is too busy enjoying a plate of sandwiches and a slice of Peach's cake. Present also is the general, getting his bandages changed by Toadette.

"Laugh all you want! We weren't taking it seriously! We'll win next time!" he shouts at his rivals.

"Hold still!" Toadette scowls and taps his snout.

"It's because you're too rough!" He complains. Toadette wants to say something but he sighs. "Thanks."

"…. You're welcome."

Their eyes meet briefly but the two nervously look away.

Suddenly, Bowser appears. A penguin scrambles to turn off the tv screen. People get up screaming but Bowser takes a seat on a wooden stool. Peach runs up to him. "Teddy Bear!"

"Now you want your hubby." Bowser mutters and accepts her hug.

"You had to cool off after swimming in lava!"

"Yeah. Yeah." Bowser points at Yoshi. "You tried to kill me in cold blood!"

"Yoshi!"

"Sorry won't cut it! I want a rematch!"

Koopas pile into the village shouting, "Your Sourness, don't switch us with the other group. Give us one more chance!"

"Yeah! We'll win next time!"

"No, you won't!" Hooded Robin declares. "I will lead us to another win!"

Wario complains, "You didn't contribute at all!"

"Can I use real arrows next time?" Toad begs while tapping Bowser's leg.

The scene becomes chaotic. Bowser yells to settle everyone down. Chuckling he motions for a beer. "See what I told all of you! It worked out! Our first game was a success!"

He wiggles his eyebrows at Peach and she folds her arms. Bowser then chugs his drink down and glares at Yoshi again. "I hate to admit it but I respect you for putting your neck on the line like that. Peach, you're keeping him, right?"

Peach smiles at Yoshi. "Only if he wants to be with me."

"Yoshi!"

----

The next day, Peach helps the penguins repair King Penguin's Castle for the next game. While they work, Penguin King fusses about something random to her. But Peach holds her head and drops her hammer.

"I need to sit down." She admits.

"Okay…"

As she rounds a corner, Yoshi approaches her with worry. Peach suddenly falls but she is caught by Yoshi. He carries her over to a sofa. As he does so, the Penguin King enters.

"What's wrong!?"

Peach keeps her eyes closed and hands the king her phone. "I need a doctor. Could you call my husband, please?"

"R-right!" The king fumbles with it and searches for Bowser's number. "Hang in there Vanessa! I won't let you down!"

Back at Bowser's Castle, Mouser and Koopa General are both seating in chairs, facing a corner. Bowser is marching back and forth grumbling.

"Boss, when can we leave?"

"You can leave when you learn to control yourselves next game! Your antics almost cost me my marriage!"

Bowser hears his phone ringing and answers it, his tail wagging.

"Peaches? How's my lovely wife doing?"

"No, it's me!"

Bowser's eyes turn fiery. "You ugly penguin! Why are you using my wife's phone!?"

"L-listen to me! Peach is not feeling well! So, Yoshi is taking her to the village doctor! I just wanted to let you know!"

The koopa's eyes light up and smoke escapes his nostrils. "Tell her I'm on my way!"

Bowser hangs up, gnashing his teeth. Mouser and the general turn around.

"What do you need us to do?" the general asks.

"I want a full examination on Peach!" Bowser points at the general. "Call Dreambert. And go to the Sarasaland embassy, via warp pipe, and beg for Queen Lilac. She treats humans."

The two leave immediately as Bowser rushes to reach the village on foot.

Penguin returns to Peach. "B-Bowser is on his way."

Peach slowly nods as penguins lift her onto Yoshi's back. Please don't be him. Please don't be him. Fear begins to cloud her mind and a whimper escapes her mouth. But Yoshi nuzzles her, Peach wraps her arms around him for comfort.

"Thank you."

----

The village doctor would not allow the king into Peach's room. Later, Lilac and Dreambert arrive and enter the examination room. Bowser paces back in forth in the waiting room, his stomping ruining the floor. Daisy, Yoshi, Toad, Toadette, and the Wario Bros. are also in the waiting room staring at him. None had spoken for the last hour. Impatient, Bowser finally flops onto a chair. The chair couldn't hold his weight, so Bowser fell on the floor. The others wince but they say nothing. Usually, he would be embarrassed over that. But Bowser is only concerned with Peach right now. Placing his head in his hands, Bowser attempts to hide his growing despair.

"Bowser, she's going to be alright. Peach is a survivor." Daisy comforts.

"Y-yeah…"

His time with Peach has been blissful. Sure, he and Peach have arguments. A lot of arguments. But they worked to find common ground. Bowser showered her with attention and gifts and she returned his feelings in like kind. And it was rare for the two to do activities separately from each other. Even spending a day apart from Peach was difficult for him, he loved her. His war game idea was made with her in mind. But now he fears he stressed Peach out with his antics.

"Maybe I did go overboard." Bowser mumbles out loud.

Before Yoshi can say something, Dreambert and Lilac enters. Bowser jumps up and runs over to them.

"What's wrong with her?" He yells.

"King Bowser calm down, "Dreambert insists.

"How can I be calm, you pillow-head!? My wife passed out!"

"She's fine, for now."

Bowser pauses. "Oh…"

Dreambert rubs his neck. "I didn't notice any anomalies in her mind."

A collective sigh of relief sounds throughout the room.

Lilac adjusts her glasses. "I'm glad you called me. I'm not sure how familiar your medical staff are with humans. But she will be seeing me more often."

The Sarasaland Queen walks behind Bowser and pushes him forward. "Peach is waiting for you. Go check on her."

Not needing any persuasion, Bowser races for her room while Lilac talks to the others. He opens the door and yells, "Peach!"

Peach holds her ears and scolds him. "Use your inside voice, love!"

Bowser chuckles and approach her bed. He falls to his knees and lay his head near her face.

"Don't scare me like that again."

Bowser closes his eyes in relief. Peach shakes her head and nuzzles his snout.

"Do you need anything to eat?" he inquiries.

"No, we're fine. But thank you."

He reluctantly leaves Peach's side and walks to the closet. "I'll bring your dress to the village's laundromat."

Peach begins giggling uncontrollably. Puzzled, Bowser turns while folding her dress. She lays back on her pillow, gazing at him from under her eyelashes.

Bowser lifts an eyebrow. "Peach. You sure you're, okay?"

"We're fine, silly." She teases.

"Then why…wait …. why are you saying …" Bowser's eyes widen with realization.

Peach looks down and hugs her stomach.

"P-peaches…"

"Bowser…I…" She jumps due to a loud thud and looks back up. "Darling!?"

Bowser has passed out on the floor.

Chapter Text

Five-year old Wendy dragged a four-year old Morton Jr. into her room. She made him sit at her table and placed a flowery hat on his head.

"I don't wanna! You can't make me, Wendy! Stupid head!" he complained.

"I played tennis with you earlier!" Wendy dropped a teacup set on the table in front of him. "So, you're going to play house or else!"

Morton shivered.

Gently smiling, Wendy pretended to pour tea from a kettle. "Would you like four sugar cubes, Mr. Morton?"

Turning his head, Morton heard Bowser grumbling in the hall and bolted out his seat. With an ear-splitting yell, Wendy pursued him. The two slammed into Bowser's leg, who was deep in thought. The irritated king stopped and looked down to demand who dared to touch him. Wendy and Morton froze, still not used to their grumpy uncle. But Bowser lightened up once he realized who they were. The two relaxed, recognizing that they could talk to him.

"Why are you running in the halls?" He asked.

Morton showed Bowser the hat. "Wendy is forcing me to play tea party with her! But I told her no and she said she would kill me! She would freeze me, drag me outside, tie me up, and let the buzzards …."

Unfazed by the morbid things coming out of a four-year old's mouth, Bowser interrupted. "It is only a few minutes. Why won't you play with your sister?"

"Tea parties are for sissies!"

"Are you implying Wendy is weak!?" Bowser roared.

Morton shrink back. "UMMM…"

In that moment, Wendy began to cry. "None of them besides Ludwig want to play with me! And Ludwig is studying!"

Usually, Bowser told anyone crying to suck it up. Only weak things like toads cry. But he hated seeing Wendy upset. Her tears over her parents' death still haunted him. Bowser sighed and grabbed Morton. "I have a few minutes. Come on Morton, we're having a party."

"But King Dad…"

"No buts! A true man makes time for family…"

Morton, arms folded, sat sulking while Wendy 'poured' tea for her guests. Bowser wore a frilly hat.

"Would you like four cubes, Mr. Bowser?"

"Make it six."

Wendy giggled and pretended to put cubes in his cup. An idea came to her at that instant. "I want a sister!"

Bowser started coughing and a blush creeped up on his face. "Y-you have your brothers…"

"They outnumber me! I want a sister so I can dress her up and playhouse!"

"Oh…" Bowser laughed sheepishly. "But she may not like doing those things…she may like other activities."

Wendy smiled. "I don't care, I just want one!"

"That's unfair!" Morton injected. "If the other kid can be excused from playing house, why can't I!?"

Bowser ignored Morton's whining. He stared at his cup, contemplating Wendy's words.

"….."

Modern day Wendy is ice skating through the halls of her snow tower. Minions are giving her thumbs up as she gracefully exits a window. Waiting outside is Ludwig's airship and she lands onto it.

"We have Wendy! You're clear to take off, Iggy." Ludwig shouts while Wendy unexpectedly hugs him. "You're chippy today."

The ship makes an ascent as Wendy is shouting in joy, "How can I not be!?"

----

W-what happened? Why am I on the floor?

"Bowser! HEY! Bowser! …. It's no good Peachy, he's out cold…help me Waluigi!"

Daisy?

"Don't expect me to do mouth-to-mouth!"

You better not come anywhere near me, flagpole!

"How does he smooch without biting your face off, toots?"

Hey! Watch it, Wario! My Peach says I'm good kisser! W-wait…. Peaches? Right! I remember! She's …...!

"Yoshi, please wake him up!"

EWWWWW!

Bowser jumps up, shoving Yoshi's tongue away from his cheek. Opening his eyes, the koopa realizes he is surrounded. Daisy is shaking her fists up and down, a broad grin on her face. She turns to Toadette and gushes with her about exciting news. But not all are celebrating; Toad is sulking in a corner. And Wario and Waluigi shake their heads while looking down at Bowser.

"Why did you faint?" Wario deadpans. "Didn't you want a kid!?"

Bowser gives a dazed smile and Lilac chuckles over his expression. "Well, I suppose the father is happy over the news."

"Father? Is it true?" Bowser spots a worried Peach behind the crowd, still in her bed.

"B-bowser…are you okay with …?"

Immediately, the king rushes past the group and gathers the queen into a hug. He then presses his mouth against her ear and murmurs, "Is it true…?"

Peach gently runs her fingers through his mane. "Yes."

Bowser's vision blurs and he feels his eyes sting. He tightens his grip on her as his heart does back flips. Having a child with Peach had been one of his lifelong dreams. Besides his cherished eight, he will now be welcoming a new little one. One from the love of his life. Tears stream down his face as he pulls away to look intently into Peach's eyes. In response she reaches for his cheek to caress it.

"Bowser? You're crying…"

"I'm not crying…" He lies. Toadette walks up and offer a handkerchief. He wipes his eyes and refocuses on Peach. "I love you so much…."

Now glassy eyed herself, Peach melts into his embrace.

Wario shuffles over to Lilac whispering, "I didn't think it was possible."

Lilac adjusts her glasses. "Interracial marriage is common in Sarasaland. Sentient beings have minor difference between them besides physical appearance and abilities. It is like an extra-terrestrial being marrying a human in your world."

"I see."

Approaching Peach and Bowser, Lilac continues. "The child will inherit the race of one parent while having a few cosmetic features from the other."

Dreambert gives a weary smile and takes a seat. "I'm just glad we know what is going on."

"I agree…" Peach sighs and pets Yoshi on the head. "And you knew and were looking out for me?"

Yoshi beams in response. "Yoshi!"

Still hugging Peach, Bowser leans to glare at the dinosaur. "Yoshi, why did you not tell me my wife was pregnant!?"

"Yoshi? Yoshi! Yoshi!"

"What do you mean you thought King Penguin was the father!?" he yells.

Peach strokes Bowser's head to calm him down. "Bowser…don't ruin this happy moment."

Bowser eagerly turns to stare at her. She is right. They have a lot of planning to do and he is already planning to build her a new castle. But then Bowser realizes Peach would think he is spending too much. Lilac clears her throat to catch the king's attention. "There are a few things you need to know, King Bowser. Peach will give live birth. And if she is like a Sarasaland human, she will carry the child for about twelve months."

"It's around nine where we're from." Waluigi notes.

"I see, so it may be a small difference. But the baby will be soft and helpless at birth."

Bowser rubs his chin, deep in thought. "Helpless huh? I was already walking after hatching. They say I threw the doctor out the window because he wouldn't give me his sandwich." Lilac cringes but Bowser smiles. "On the other hand, Junior was an absolute sweetheart…." The koopa takes out his wallet and shows Daisy his baby pictures of Junior. One picture was of the little guy wrapped in bundles, sucking on a pacifier and surrounded by Bowser's celebrating minions. Another was Bowser proudly cradling his son.

Daisy coos, "Mugs of Easton! His cheeks were so red and chubby! I would have pinched them off!"

"Isn't he adorable?"

"Let's hope the child is like Junior then…" Lilac admits and hands Bowser a couple of books. "And you need to learn all you can about human babies."

"I'll read them from cover to cover!" Bowser declares.

Her face now stern, Lilac pokes a finger at Bowser. "This is Peach's first birth. And I fear for her health. Do not stress her out."

"That's going to be hard." Waluigi jokes. Not looking at him, Bowser points at the door. Getting the message, Waluigi immediately runs out of the room. Bowser then places a hand on his heart. "You have my word. I will cater to her every need and want!"

Not liking that, Peach pouts and folds her arms. "Bowser, I'm not going to be sitting around doing nothing. I have a baseball tournament to host in Acorn Kingdom. The sporting events have really helped with bringing people together."

"Within reason, you can still go about your daily affairs. But you must be careful, Peach." Lilac says.

Bowser implores Peach with puppy dog eyes. "I would never want to hold you back! But Peach, I was so scared when I got that call about you. I'm worried about you and our child. I just want you to be safe. That's all. Promise me you won't take unnecessary risks!"

Daisy sits on the bed to hug Peach. The blonde leans against her friend. "Okay…"

----

The best place for Peach to give birth is in the Mushroom Kingdom. The environment was ideal for a human child, compared to the eternal night of the Darklands. Before leaving Bash Skull Islands, Bowser left the general and the Wario Bros. in charge.

"I'm needed elsewhere. But keep training everyone. Yoshi will stay with Peach."

The general gleefully salutes while the Wario Bros look worried. "He's gonna try and kill us!" Wario complains.

Toadette glares. "Not on my watch! I have a duty to watch over Prince Dreambert but I'm keeping an eye out for trouble!"

The koopa and toad angerly make eye contact but then blush and look away. Bowser whispers to Koopa General, "You won't get too distracted, will you?"

"N-no!"

"Good." Bowser rests his hand on Peach's shoulder. She then speaks to the crowd.

"Do your best everyone, but I better not hear about any of you using war machines of death!"

The Koopa General and Mouser agree reluctantly and the others breathe a sigh of relief.

"Thanks mom." Waluigi jokes.

Giggling, Peach looks up at Bowser and he returns her loving gaze. "Ready?"

Peach feels a nervous flutter in her stomach at hearing that word. But she tries to ignore the feeling. "I'm ready, Bowser."

----

Peach found herself trapped under a layer of silk sheets on a large comfortable bed. Behind her was an mountain of pillows.

"Hello? Anyone there? I can't move!" She cries out.

Immediately, her koopa maids rush in and pull the covers off. Adjusting her blue gown, Peach grins and attempts to get up but the koopas push her back down. They put a new layer of sheets on top of her.

"Forgive us for being late, Your Loveliness! Here are your new linen!" One maid declares while tucking Peach in. Another maid presents a platter of expensive foods and chocolates while one brushes her hair. Other maids are scanning Peach's vanity table, choosing makeup to use on her.

This is too much.

Peach frowns when she hears Bowser outside the door giving orders to the head maid.

"I want her to get massages twice a day. And for milk baths use the rose petals, lavender, and honey I've provided. Only the finest for my darling. Oh, and books! She'll need tons of books!"

Peach squirms under the covers and call out to her husband. "Bowser!"

"I'm on my way, Honey Toast!" Bowser rushes in. "Is something wrong?"

"Yes! This is too much!" She complains.

Peach suddenly feels bad seeing Bowser's hurt expression. "I… I mean I appreciate everything you are doing, but I have duties to perform. Yoshi is willing to bring me wherever I'm needed if I get sick again."

Bowser loosens up; he grins softly. "But I want you and our baby to be safe…"

"….."

"Peach?"

Peach looks toward her window, reflecting on recent events. This is her first-time giving birth. She was excited for the event but ….

"Alright… I'll admit it. I'm a little scared."

Bowser shoos the maids out and approach her. "What has you scared? I'll beat it up."

Peach chuckles. "Will I be a good mother?"

"Peach…" He lays on the bed next to her while loosening the sheets to free her. "You'll do great. You're already a good mother to my kids."

"But they're older…"

"My point still stands."

The queen wants to mention something else. Another fear she has but she refrains from saying it. She can see Bowser studying her. From his expression, she knows he knows what she is thinking. He leans over her and makes eye contact with Peach. She shudders. He now looks like the tyrant she met years ago.

Eyes aglow, he darkly whispers, "I won't let anyone harm you or our child…I would tear the universe apart and make it anew if it was to protect you…"

"Please don't…"

Bowser laughs lightly but she knows he meant what he said. To her relief his eyes returned to their earlier gentleness. Overwhelmed Peach turns her head. With a sigh, Bowser gently presses his lips against her jawline. Their moment is interrupted by a loud crash outside. Soon they hear shouting in the halls. Bowser rolls his eyes and Peach snickers over his reaction.

"What is the meaning of this!? You parked it right in front of Her Highness' castle!"

"Sorry Chancellor! You wreck my airship, Iggy!" Ludwig yells.

"You told me to park close!"

"Is that a Yoshi!? Why is he napping in the hallway?"

"Forget that! We must see Peach!"

"Is Mama, okay?"

"Of course, she is!"

The koopalings burst in and Junior makes a leap for Peach. "Mama!"

But Bowser catches Junior. "Whoa there! You must be careful with your mom! No more tackling hugs." Bowser sets Junior on the bed and Peach squeezes him in her arms. "Junior! You're going to be a big brother."

Confused, Junior looks on as his parents exchange warm looks. But Wendy jumps up and down. "It must be a girl! It must be a girl!" she yells. "I'll finally have a little sister!"

Mortified Larry cries out, "No! You'll have her side with you in every fight we have!"

Roy and Iggy shiver over the possibility. Wendy will not be dissuaded. "But you boys outnumber me!"

Larry desperately turns to Bowser. "Come on King Dad! I know you want another boy!"

Bowser holds Peach's hand, smiling with his eyes downcast. "I…would like a girl…"

Feeling betrayed, Roy and Larry turn to Ludwig as their last hope. "Come on Ludwig, take our side!"

"I want a sister too." Ludwig admits. The koopalings then break into factions arguing over the child.

"We'll welcome the baby no matter what!" Bowser declares silencing the rowdy teens. "And you guys are not to be wild around Peach."

Agreeing, Ludwig lines up his siblings and then talks to Peach's stomach. "Welcome, little one. I'm Ludwig the eldest and a music prodigy."

Peach covers her mouth to hide her amusement. Lemmy pushes Ludwig out of the way. "I'm Lemmy!"

Roy flexes his arms while Iggy peeks around him. "Roy and I'm the strongest in the world."

"Iggy…. UMMMM…. I like a good monster movie….and I raise chain-chomps."

Wendy hugs Peach as part of her greeting. "And I'm Wendy, your big sister! I can't wait to meet you!"

Morton then puffs his chest out. "I'm Morton! I cook and bake; I make seriously delicious chicken wings. King Dad can't get enough of them! And I'm the two-year champion of the annual koopa cook out. And I'm the strongest of our family! Everyone knows how smart I am … And…"

"The kid doesn't need to hear your autobiography, son. And I'm the strongest!" Bowser rebukes.

Finally, Larry introduces himself. "I'm Larry! Just Larry."

Peach turns to Junior, waiting for him to introduce himself. Junior looks up at her wide eyed and back at her stomach. "I'm Bowser Junior…."

He watches as the other koopalings surround Peach. They begin discussing what they need to get for the newborn. Junior studies Peach's happy expression as she talks about the baby. He frowns and hops off the bed. "I gotta go to my room."

"You don't want to plan with us?" Ludwig inquires.

"I'm good."

"Well, I'll read you a story latter, sport." Bowser announces. Junior smiles and leaves the room. In his own room, Junior draws pictures. He pauses when he finishes a portrait of Peach. Junior sniffles and wipes his nose. His parents are often busy with their duties but they set aside time for him. And Junior enjoys the attention he gets. The knowledge of a new sibling angers him for some reason. Not understanding as to why he is upset, Junior rips up his picture.

----

For the past few weeks, Bowser has engrossed himself in caring for Peach and reading human books. And he is worried. Human childbirth sounds painful! And lately, Peach had started showing signs of discomfort. She was suffering from back pains and other aches. Her ankles had swollen up slightly. Peach had even gained weight, not that Bowser minded her wider curves…. But honestly, he felt guilty about wanting a bunch of kids with Peach. Look at what one was doing to her! However, Peach was happy and determined to manage her royal duties. And Yoshi was a huge help carrying her around.

Thinking about her, Bowser swears to do his best to take care of his wife. But the king groans as he glances around. Peach tended to leave the bed early while he was asleep (a habit that annoyed him to no end), so he lost track of her already.

"I had her in a bear hug! How did that woman slip out of my grasp!?"

But he finds Peach in the furnished baby room - sitting in a rocking chair. She gently sings a lullaby while folding onesies. Slowly rocking back and forth, she rests her hand on her small bump. Enamored, Bowser grips the door and watches. After admiring her for a minute he enters.

"I'm going to lock that door next time!" he jokes.

Peach stops her singing and frowns. Bowser gets on his knees next to her. "Did you feel a flutter kick again?"

Peach is now smiling at him. "Yes."

Excited, Bowser places a hand on her stomach. But Peach laughs. "You won't really feel it right now, silly!"

Bowser groans in disappointment.

"I'm due for a visit with Lilac in a few weeks. She'll be at the Mushroom Hospital to tell us the gender."

Bowser flashes his fangs. "I can't wait!"

At that moment, Junior comes running. "Mama! I want to play outside!"

Bowser sighs and rubs his son's head. "Sorry, sport. She hasn't been feeling well. Her and the baby are staying in today."

"How about we color together?" Peach offers. Junior pouts and grabs a coloring book. Bowser watches as the two moves to a table. "Teddy Bear, can you get us some snacks?"

Bowser comes out of his trance. "Y-yeah! I'll tell you what, I'll go shopping myself!" He beams over the idea of going to the store like a regular father. "What do you need?"

Peach purses her pillowy lips in thought. Bowser feels tempted to steal a kiss from her but he restrains himself. "I want some ice cream, some chips - really salty chips, chocolate bars, gummy candies, and a bucket of lava."

Bowser doodles a list onto his palm with a pen. "Okay, salty chips, chocolate…wait…. LAVA!?"

Peach stares at him innocently. "I'm craving it."

The king folds his arms. He is putting his foot down. "I don't care, Peaches! I'm not buying you that!"

Peach chucks a pillow at him in response.

In the convenience store checkout line, Gold stares awkwardly at Bowser in front of him holding a basket of snacks. Bowser turns and sticks his tongue out.

----

Finally, the day arrived for Lilac's visit. Once finished, Bowser escorted Peach out of the medical room. His face was glowing with joy and he began whispering sweet nothings into Peach's ear.

"Bowser! Stop, that tickles!" Peach laughs. As the two teased each other, the koopalings ran up to them.

"So?"

"It's a girl." Bowser declares.

"YEEEEESSSSS!" Ludwig yells and falls to his knees. His siblings jump over his sudden display of raw emotion. "Years…years of enduring rough housing! Please let the child take after Peach!" He begs.

"We weren't that bad, Ludwig! Were we?" Roy complains.

"Alright, another one!" Lemmy declares and hugs Peach's leg.

Bowser turns to a stunned Wendy. "Well, my little princess, you got your wish…"

Wendy suddenly screams. She proceeds to a window and jumps out of the third floor!

"WENDY!?" Bowser howls in horror. He and Ludwig dash to the window, only to see Wendy lying on the ground. Toads are walking around her, staring like she is crazy. Wendy spins in circles gushing over having a sister.

Bowser wants to holler at her for scaring him, but he turns to see Peach celebrating the news with the boys. He feels his eyes tear up again and Bowser quickly wipes them away to avoid Peach noticing.

Everyone is so happy they fail to notice Junior's response. He is celebrating too but there is sadness in his eyes. He doesn't want to share…

The next day, Yoshi accompanies Peach for a walk into Toad Town. Junior comes along with them too. Excited over her presence, the toads close shop to greet Peach. Many are eagerly talking to her about the upcoming delivery.

"It was just yesterday that she was a baby!" Ms. Truffle comments.

Vert nods in agreement. "They grow up quick, don't they?"

As the toads speak of giving gifts to the baby, Junior begins to feel ignored. And Peach's attention has been split between him and his new sibling. She and Bowser spent a lot of time decorating the baby room. Inheriting his father's short temper, Junior feels his rage boiling over. Wanting Peach's undivided attention again, Junior flips over several fruit carts. Immediately, Yoshi prevents him from overturning anymore. The toads and Peach paused, stunned over his actions.

"Junior!" Peach reprimands. Junior fiddles with his fingers in response. He knows he is in trouble and feels terrible for upsetting Peach but it got her attention. Trying not to yell, Peach has him put back the carts and assists with picking up the fruit. The queen then apologizes to the toads and returns to the castle. Once they enter, Peach tells Junior to go to his room.

"But I want to be with you!" He cries.

"Junior…. You caused property damage! Your father is going to hear about this!"

Junior glares and runs upstairs. Once he does Peach crashes on a sofa. Tired and in pain again she was not up to arguing. She couldn't figure out why her sweet Junior was suddenly acting out. So, Peach waits for Bowser to return from his kingly duties. When he arrives, Peach tells Bowser what happened.

"Wait…." Bowser snaps his fingers and immediately look ashamed. "Oh wow…. I was so busy I forgot about that…"

Peach sits up. "What's wrong? You know more about children then me."

Bowser shakes his head. "It happened with Morton and Larry when Junior was born. You see Junior was the baby of the family. And his position is suddenly gone. He's jealous and is looking for attention."

"Oh…"

"You did right to give him a time out. Can't have the Darkland's prince terrorizing his allies. BWAHAHA!"

Peach stands up. "But what do we do? I don't want him to think I love him less."

"I know you love him." Bowser reassures. "I have an idea. We must let him feel included in the baby's life."

After a long discussion, Peach calls for Junior. He nervously comes down expecting a scolding from his father. But Bowser doesn't do that. "Junior what do you have to say to your mother?"

"Sorry…"

Peach bends to hug him. Tearing up Junior wraps his arms around her. "I'm sorry Junior you feel left out. I love you so much. All of you have a special place in my heart. Just because you are having a sibling, does not mean I will love you less now."

Junior begins sniffling. "Okay…"

Bowser folds his arms. "Your mother and I had a talk. And we decided to let you help with naming your sister."

Junior perks up. "R-really!?"

"Yeah. I was thinking Bowser the Third but your mother threatened to assassinate me. I think you can come up with something else."

Junior begins hopping up and down. "I can do that!"

"And it can't be anything like hamburger or steak fries, you got it?"

His son laughs in response.

----

Night has fallen on the Mushroom Kingdom. A content Bowser sits near a fireplace with Peach on his lap, his hand resting on her stomach. They quietly enjoyed each other's presence while listening to the crackling of the fireplace. Soon Bowser nuzzles the top of Peach's head. "I felt the kick again…" he whispers.

"She's really active today." Peach comments and snuggles against him. Bowser then calls for Junior. When he enters Peach directs Junior's hand to her stomach.

After a pause, Junior's eyes widen and he grins at Peach. "Oh!"

Laughing Bowser picks up his son and places him next to Peach. "Make sure you look after your sister, son."

Junior leans his head against Peach's stomach. "I promise."

Pleased with his response, Peach rubs Junior's head. "Junior, did you figure out a name for her?"

"Oh yeah, I wanted to name her after a fruit like you, Mama!"

She tilts her head. "Fruit?"

"Apricot!"

The king laughs and Peach thinks for a bit. "Apricot?"

Bowser Jr. shakes his head aggressively. He was confident with the name. Peach smiles at Junior while Bowser kisses her forehead. "Well, Apricot it is!"

----

The vacant town of the blue planet burned. On a hill nearby, Antasma throws clothing, books, photos, records, and anything he can find into a bonfire. He pauses once he reaches a children's book. It is a fairy tale about a princess and a talking star. Inside the cover is a small note: To our Amora.

During his time in this world, Antasma learned the fate of this civilization. Humans vary from place to place. Earth humans are normal but adaptable. Most Sarasaland humans are unusually strong. But humans here can interact with stars. And that gift was their undoing. On that fateful day they sent a call for help to one of their own. But help from the caretaker and her allies arrived too late….

Eventually, the humans were avenged and the dead buried. And the heartbroken caretaker returned to space. Her location is unknown to Antasma but she will never return. Which works for him. This is a planet hidden from other more advanced civilizations. Antasma only knows of this planet due to his former connection to Peach. He chuckles and quickly scans the storybook, filled with adorable illustrations. He then throws it into the fire. Now pleased, he studies his handiwork. Peach held onto a dream of returning to this world. To learn something about herself and her parents. But every trace of Peach's former home is now gone. And the other survivor of this world is on the other side of the universe. If Peach wants any information, she will have to go through him.

Antasma begins to hug himself as he feels a sudden rush of anxiousness. He wants to get on with the rest of his plan but he must be patient.

Patience brings the best results.

Shortly, Antasma hears a buzzing noise and lifts his wrist up. No doubt a message from the ship waiting for him in the atmosphere above. "What?"

"We've spotted the quarantine zone, Emperor Antasma."

Antasma's eyes spark with delight. "Finally. Give me the coordinates."

The location was a distance from the town in a mountainous region. Grateful for levitation, Antasma travels the rough terrain. He cautiously approaches a glowing crater. Suddenly, it is hard to breathe in this area. If not for the physical enhancements he had given himself, Antasma couldn't remain here. Something evil and malevolent was sealed down there.

Antasma descends deeper and eventually the light is no more. He then painfully floats right into a shield barrier. Rubbing his head, he strains to investigate past the obstacle. He can hear something trying to communicate with him inside his head. But he can't understand it. If Peach were here, she would know what it is saying.

Finally catching a glimpse of a form, Antasma gleefully laughs. He has definitively found the being he saw in Peach's hidden memories. Beyond the barrier rests a shattered black form in a orb:

The Dark Star, a creature of great malevolence.

It's eyes stare blankly at the bat, studying him and still attempting to communicate. Long ago, a space explorer had an encounter with the creature in deep space. Driven by destructive instinct, it followed him back to the blue planet and laid waste on it. This being is responsible for the annihilation of Peach's people. And Antasma intends to use it.

"It's fractured…. A shadow of its former self. But I can work with this!"

Chapter Text

Captain Trisha quietly observes the boulders floating past her window. Her tower protects a mining colony, stationed on a planet in Battlerock Galaxy. For a time, the colony have been surveying this galaxy for rare resources. And thanks to a deal with the locals, any found minerals are shipped back to the Darklands. The materials are used for building more ships capable of space travel.

Today the captain is planning next month's objectives. Any progress enriches the empire and she is proud to play any part in it. Deep in thought she fails to notice one of her soldiers running up to her yelling, which makes her jump.

"Private! What is the meaning of this!?"

"Sorry, captain! But a representative for King Topmaniac of the Topman tribe is here."

Trisha lifts an unconcerned eyebrow. "Is this over his rescheduled meeting with His Vastness? King Bowser is expecting the birth of a princess. If it is over that…"

"No! He's sending a warning!"

The urgency in his voice made the captain pause. "….!?"

Seeing that she is now listening, Private continues, "A vast fleet of war vessels are traveling in deep space. Antasma's insignia was spotted among them."

"…..!"

"And they're on course for our home world."

The captain snaps a finger and points at the soldier. "S-Send a message to…."

"Our means of communicating were just severed!"

She pauses then yells, "Why am I just finding out about this!?"

Biting her tongue, Trisha tells herself to remain calm. Panicking won't help the Great King Koopa. "You. Take a ship and go warn the king. Tell him everything the topman spies told you. I will evacuate this base and rendezvous with the other space colonies."

The soldier's eyes widened with fear. "You're going to face them!?"

"Of course. Antasma insults His Majesty by existing. So, I'm not hiding from him!" The captain urgently pushes Private away. "Go! We'll buy you time! Just go!"

Later at the Topman world, King Topmaniac receives word of the koopa colonies' decision. The spiked spinning top releases a mechanical laugh. "Stubborn just like their king."

This extra-terrestrial had encountered the koopas years ago. At the time, the turtles were eager to expand their reach wherever they could. Impressed, Topmaniac contacted their leader and a alliance was forged between the two. Eventually, Bowser and Topmaniac had plans of invading other planets to conquer them. But lately, the koopas have been taking a more peaceful approach. Focusing on exploration and settling uninhabited worlds. Though disappointed with Bowser's change of heart, the top king kept his alliance with the koopas.

Topmaniac gets up from his throne and orders his space fleet to depart. At this distance it will take time for Antasma to reach the home world. So, he will join the colonies and intercept the enemy. Not only will it provide Bowser with time but it'll give the bored king something to do.

----

As the sun rose over the Mushroom Kingdom, Bowser paces around the throne room. He is on his phone, having an animated discussion with his general. "Tell that man I can't come right now! We're so close! I…. I don't know! Just keep him out of my …."

"Bowser."

The king ends the call and look in Peach's direction. She and Junior are standing in the entrance way, holding hands. Junior sleepily wipes his eyes.

"Yes, Dear?"

Peach spoke in a hushed voice, "Apricot is ready."

At hearing those words, the king's eyes bug out. It has been close to 9 months; Lilac said the baby would come soon. Bowser had told himself he would be prepared at a moment's notice. But now that the time is upon him, he is finding himself unable to do anything. This is different from patiently waiting for Junior's egg to hatch. Anything can go wrong! Paralyzed, Bowser stares at Peach for over a minute with his jaw hanging. Realizing his fear Peach seeks to assure him, "Bowser, it's okay. Could you get my bag?"

Her words snap him out of his thoughts.

"R-right! I'll get the bag! Like right now!" Bowser shouts and spring into action. After grabbing Peach's bag, he carries her outside in one arm to the clown car. Junior follows closely. Bowser then carefully places his wife down and hops in…. but the vehicle won't start.

"Are you serious!?" he bemoans.

Peach looks at the gas meter and lifts an eyebrow. "Bowser you didn't fill the tank up."

Bowser begins pulling his mane out. He owns an oil rig in the far frigid south!

"How can I be out of fuel!?"

Well, he did make an overnight journey to Bash Skulls Island for an emergency safety check. (Mouser and Waluigi were buried under rubble….) But Bowser was not going to admit to that. With no time to wait for the servants to fill it up, Peach asks Yoshi to bring her to the hospital. The loyal dinosaur is instantly at her side, carrying her and Junior away.

"I love you, Teddy Bear!" Peach calls out as the dino leaps off the hill for Toad Town below.

Bowser hugs Peach's things as he follows. "Don't be scared! You have nothing to worry about!" he shouts. Despite his words, the king's mind is racing with fear. He begins to talk to himself to calm his nerves.

I am the king! I run an empire! I'm more than capable of carrying this bag! Peach and Apricot can depend on me!

But Bowser's trip to the hospital soon descends into chaos. He accidentally causes property damage in Toad Town after jumping down. Putting aside his pride, he pauses to beg for forgiveness. The toads stop complaining once they realize Peach is going to give birth. The mob of fungus break into high pitched screams and run in circles. To his shock Bowser is carried away by the wave of pandemonium. He manages to break free and catches up to his family. But Bowser finds them in front of a restaurant on fire. Junior is sitting on a worried Yoshi with no Peach in sight. "Junior, where's your mother?"

Junior points at the fire. "Mama told us to wait! She must save people!"

"SHE WHAT!?"

Peach waddles out of the building, carrying crying toads. She sets them down and is about to waddle back in.

"Peaches, what are you doing!?"

"My toads, they'll burn to death!"

Bowser felt like sky diving out of an airplane and into a void. "But it's not safe for you or the baby!"

Peach instantly stops, and a look of shame itches on her face. She just endangered her child…

Bowser picks Peach up possessively. "You are a stubborn woman! Let others handle this!"

"I'm sorry…."

"It's okay." Bowser then places her on Yoshi. "Yoshi, do not stop for anybody!"

Yoshi then enters a clear pipe, allowing it to pull them away towards the hospital. Bowser pulls the last toad out and extinguishes the fire - by belly flopping the building. The firefighters arrive at that exact moment and frown at his actions. But Bowser continues his journey on foot. "You should have come here sooner! I'll pay for the damages! Oh, and you're welcome!"

Soon, the king reaches a bridge and can see the Mushroom Hospital in the distance. A relieved smile creeps up on his face. Suddenly, a buff feathery fiend blocks his way.

"You got to be kidding me!" Bowser laments.

It was Rawk Hawk from the Glitz Pit. The overgrown bird had joined the Merry Men recently. A welcome to the ranks, but he was mad when he learned Bowser was not participating in the war games. The king thought Koopa General had taken care of the situation…. But obviously Rawk Hawk swam all the way to Mushroom Kingdom for a fight.

Of all times! The world is against me today!

Rawk Hawk begins to grapple with the Koopa King. The two struggles on the bridge as toads flee. "I passed the interview and everything! And you weren't there! Are you afraid to face the RAAWWKK!?"

"Get off me, you freaky chicken nugget!"

Chancellor Vert exits a pipe, having received news of Apricot's impeding arrival. He spots Bowser body slamming Rawk Hawk.

"King Bowser, you are supposed to be at the hospital!" Vert scowls. "Not brawling in the streets like a hooligan!"

The koopa flashes his in-law a wide deranged smile. "I'm working on it!"

----

At the hospital toad doctors and nurses peacefully walk about, some conversing with patients. But the peace ends with Bowser bursting in and yelling, "I finally made it! PEACH!"

Everyone cover their ears as the walls shake from his shouting.

"King Dad, where were you!?" Larry demands but Bowser rushes past him and his siblings. Peach is being pushed in a wheelchair by a nurse, with Lilac following. Yoshi and Junior are standing at a distance. Peach gasps in pain, her face now covered in sweat.

"Peaches!" Bowser worryingly reaches out to her. But she shoots him with a venomous glare that stops him dead in his tracks!

"THIS IS YOUR FAULT!" Peach yells. Bowser involuntarily puts his hands up as if he is being robbed. Peach then manages to smile for Junior. "Give Mama a moment, okay?"

"Okay!"

Yoshi picks up Junior and brings him to the waiting room. Peach continues to yell at the nurses surrounding her, as she is wheeled into a room. "I don't care what it takes, just … GET HER OUT!"

Bowser is now hiding behind a corner, thoroughly spooked. Daisy approaches him. "That's the angriest I've ever seen her…"

"It's a pretty common reaction to labor," Daisy consoles, "she'll be back to normal…"

----

The worried husband and his kids paced around in the waiting room. Hoping for any word on the condition of Peach and Apricot. Roy and Bowser run into each other at one point.

"OW!"

"Sorry King Dad!"

Grumbling, Bowser looks out a window to clear his head, only to notice a sea of toads. They are also waiting for news on Peach. Reporters from Darklands were present. Bowser begins biting his claws.

So much pressure!

Suddenly, he hears an faint adorable cry and his heartbeat increases. Motioning for the koopalings to stay, Bowser leaves in the direction of the sound. But he hesitates in the hallway when the crying stops. Taking a deep breath, he continues. Soon Lilac walks out of a room and motions for him to enter. "They're waiting for you."

Hands now shaking, Bowser enters the room.

It's fine. Everything is fine.

Before him was Peach resting in bed. She looked tired, her hair damp and disheveled. But she is still beautiful to him.

Though exhausted, the queen lovingly cradles a tiny bundle in her arms. Bowser breathes once he spots the infant. "Is that …?"

Peach fixes her eyes on him and nods. Bowser cautiously approaches and kisses Peach's forehead tenderly. He then wraps an arm around her to look at the baby. "So, this is her…"

Peach giggles and kisses her baby. "Apricot meet your dad."

Bowser carefully studies his child. She is human with pudgy cheeks and Peach's head shape. But Bowser notices her small strands of red hair.

"She's gorgeous..." Bowser whispers.

Peach then presents Apricot to Bowser. She wants him to hold her. But Bowser jumps back. "NO! I can't! She's so small…."

Unlike a koopa he could tell her skin is soft and sensitive. He is afraid of injuring her.

"I know you won't hurt her. And she's been waiting to meet you." Peach encourages. During pregnancy, she was well acquainted with Apricot's feelings for her father and siblings. With Bowser specifically, the baby jumped when he loudly entered a room. Peach doesn't want Bowser to miss bonding with his newborn. "It's important to her." She finishes.

Bowser adopts Peach's usual pouting face, silently debating the pros and cons of holding Apricot. (Peach chuckles at his imitation.) But one more look at the infant and Bowser removes his spiked cuffs. Being so small, the child fits neatly in his hand. Slowly he places Apricot against his chest. As he suspected, she is soft to the touch. Faintly feeling her heartbeat, a surge of love rushes through him. Overwhelmed by the emotion, Bowser gazes down to see she has opened her eyes, revealing them to be brown.

"She has my grandfather's eyes." Bowser laughs. Apricot gently snuggles against him.

"See?" Peach teases. Holding back tears, Bowser makes eye contact with Peach. Grinning from horn-to-horn he reflects on their first meeting. The two of them have come a long way from fighting each other as enemies.

Bowser returns Apricot to Peach and leaves to get the rest of their family. However, he finds they were about to break the door down to get in….

"But I don't want to be the battering ram!" Morton complains, squirming in Roy's arms. Ludwig is ordering Roy to drop him while Lemmy is shouting a count down.

"You just had to knock, ya brats!" Bowser yells.

"Well, are they okay!?" Wendy demands.

Bowser motions and they pile into the room. He then closes the door. The staff of the hospital pause as they hear the family shouting in excitement, along with Bowser yelling at them to quiet down.

"They're so loud!"

----

Back at Bash Skulls Islands, Wario is feeding his chicken. He looks a little sad as Waluigi walks up. "I may regret this but what is bothering you?"

"I kind of miss home." Wario admits.

"We can always visit. When that pipe reactivates that is…."

Wario cheers up at his words. "Yeah, but not before we see the baby."

"You want to see a baby with Bowser's double chin?" Waluigi criticizes while twirling his mustache.

"Hey, watch it!She looks nothing like him! It's all in the papers! She's adorable!"

Unknown to the arguing two, Koopa General was eavesdropping on their conversation. He is pleased the king is getting to live a life of happiness. He pauses, secretly hoping he can do so as well. The general had come to admire Toadette greatly. Since he had been overseeing the war games, she had been helping him. Not only is the toad cute but she is industrious.

It won't hurt to ask. Miss Toadette should be jogging today.

He moves to Toadette's favorite path and finds her conversing with Dreambert. After the prince leaves Toadette goes back to jogging. The general catches up to her and matches her pace. Unlike her usual angry greetings, Toadette smiles at him. She was extra jovial over the new princess. The two quietly finish a lap before the general speaks. He clears his throat while straightening his back out. "Miss Toadette. I request that you accompany me to the Toad Café."

Toadette looks at him puzzled and begins to fiddle with her braids. "Is this a date?"

The general looks away. "Not really."

Toadette, not buying his answer, giggles. She has gotten used to him since spending time together on this island. "Okay!"

"OKAY!?"

"But just one thing."

The general's arms droop. "What's that?"

Toadette pauses to think before posing her question. "What's your name?"

"W-What?"

He pulls back and Toadette tugs at her braids. But she continues, "Your name. It can't be Koopa General. Unless your dad is like my dad, Moldy, with naming my brother Toad."

The general gnashes his teeth and gives a flat answer. "I can't say."

"Why not." Toadette's discomfort grows.

"I just can't!"

Now angry she complains, "Well, I can't really get to know you if I don't know something as simple as your name."

Toadette turns to leave. But the general grabs her arm, "Wait!"

"…."

He places his hand over his heart, "Blue Shells forsake their names at a certain age. We live for the monarchy. Death is at any moment so there is no point letting others know who you are! And I can't break tradition. My training began at an early age by the koopa Queen and King."

Despite their efforts, militaristic thought remains among the Darklands koopas. Realizing this, Toadette attempts to reason with him. "If you really were following their tradition, wouldn't I be dead by now?"

He pauses again and let go of her arm.

"Wait! I won't rush you with…"

The general walks away, his head hanging. The courage he mustered up is now gone. "I just can't. Sorry, I shouldn't have asked."

Toadette reaches out for him but stops. "…."

----

Bowser and Peach sleep soundly in Peach's pink bed. A transparent pink drape covers them. Despite its color, Bowser never made a fuss. He does get to be with Peach after all. As light peers into the room, the queen opens her eyes.

Finally, I got some sort of sleep!

Apricot had been keeping her and Bowser up with night feedings. Despite having castle servants, the two were determined to be her primary caretakers. But the experience has been overwhelming for an inexperienced Peach. She has handled babies before, just not daily. Bowser's no-quitter attitude has been helpful to her though. In fact, he has been diligent with keeping up with Apricot. So much so that Peach is grateful he got to sleep.

She takes time to enjoy the sound of Bowser's deep breathing. It's comforting and beckons her to go back to sleep. But she fights the urge, pulling back the drape to look around the room. Apricot sleeps soundly in her crib next to Bowser's side of the bed. For some time, she will share the room with them. Nearby Peach is a picture on the dresser: Junior is sitting next to Peach on her bed, holding Apricot. The little guy is flashing the biggest smile she has ever seen from him. And Bowser and the koopalings are surrounding them. Peach smiles remembering that day. Her thoughts then drifted to the day ahead.

I want to get more sleep but there's work to be done.

As she gets up, a pair of large arms entrap her. Peach rolls her eyes as Bowser pulls her in close to himself.

"Bowser…"

"Got you this time. You're staying." He mocks.

Flashing a wicked grin, Bowser gently nuzzles her hair, a low growl emitting from him. Suddenly, Apricot stirs and begins wailing. Bowser jumps up in an instant, throwing back the screen. "Daddy's coming!"

He coos while lifting her out of the crib. "You sensed Daddy was relaxing, huh? Come here you little troublemaker!"

Peach walks up to them smirking. "I guess she has other plans for you."

----

After taking care of Apricot, Peach went to make breakfast for Junior. Bowser took Apricot to her room. Once setting a blanket down, Bowser gently places her on her stomach. He briefly looks at his spike less cuffs - made of cotton. Bowser has been wearing them since Apricot's birth. Can't have any accidents! But he switches them out when it is time to act tough around his subjects. Smirking Bowser stares at Apricot. The baby looked wide eyed as she tried to lift her head. She wanted to explore but her limbs are not up to the task yet.

"It's funny how you humans have to spend so much time learning how to walk!" Bowser teases and lays on the blanket in front of Apricot. He begins moving his arms playfully like he is swimming. Apricot gurgles observing his actions.

"Move like this sweetie!"

Her red eyebrows slant and Bowser laughs. "Yes, I know you can't walk! But you must practice!"

"Are you teaching her how to be a Cheep-Cheep?" Peach jokes. Bowser turns noticing her and Junior at the door. Junior rushes in to make sure no dangerous objects were around her sister.

"It's safe Junior." Bowser deadpans.

"You never know!" Junior takes a seat next to his sister trying to get her attention.

Giggling Peach joins Bowser on the blanket. Bowser would like for nothing more than to enjoy a peaceful life with his family. This is the happiest he has ever been.

But he knows things are about to change...

A feeling of dread has been with Bowser since the Darklands lost contact with their space colonies. The council felt there was no real issue. But Bowser knew better. He ordered a speed up in the construction of his new space fleet. Protecting his family and citizens were paramount.

I won't let anything bad happen to them.

Bowser gently leans his head on Peach's and observes her talking to the children. Enjoying her soft and gentle voice, he closes his eyes. At that moment there was a knock on the door. Bowser's expression changes and he open his eyes. He gets up to answer the door. Waiting for him is Iggy with a somber look. The two step out for a moment. Bowser reenters and asks Peach to accompany him for a walk.

Iggy takes Apricot into his arms and plants a kiss on her forehead. "I'll watch this little munchkin for you."

"Thank you, Iggy. We'll be right back, Junior." Peach assures.

"Okay..."

Junior stays behind with Iggy. While grabbing a toy, Junior is in deep thought.

The two royals walk around Peach's Garden. Neither talk. Eventually, Bowser plucks a flower and tucks it into Peach's hair. He looks at her fondly before lowering his eyes.

"Bowser?"

"He is going to attack from space." Bowser admits.

"I see."

"I should have seen it coming. It's now obvious to me. Warp pipes not only bring you to different dimensions but galaxies within our own reality." Bowser balls his fists up. "No wonder he stayed off our radar."

Peach clasps her hands. "How did your men find out?"

"A single scout made it back. Said the others stayed behind to hold Antasma's armada off."

Bowser closes his eyes trying to control his rage. He knows he lost many loyal minions by now. Peach lays a hand on Bowser's shoulder. "Don't let their decision be in vain. We need to have an emergency meeting immediately."

"Yeah."

----

The royals and leaders from around the world gathered at the Darklands. In the council chambers, Bowser is sitting on his throne holding Apricot. Peach and Junior had smaller thrones next to him.

"I'll get to the point. We are at war you idiots!" He yelled.

Gasps filled the air but the koopas were looking forward to a fight. They wanted revenge for their comrades in space. Bowser allows them time to process the news. Mouser sneaks up to Bowser and hold his hands out. "Can I hold the baby, Boss?"

Bowser pictures Mouser being sucked under quicksand again, but this time holding Apricot.

"NO!" Bowser yells and then turn to Peach. "You have the floor, my Queen."

Peach walked into the center and everyone quieted up. "Antasma is on his way. Darklands and Mushroom Kingdom will be the main targets. All noncombatants will evacuate."

Larry comes in with a projector for Peach. He activates it for her.

"Here are the routes that have I've already given to mayors and leaders. For example, the toads will head into the forest and escape to sea. For everyone else, not in those two kingdoms, there will be procedures in place to protect you." Peach motions towards Wario and Waluigi sitting in the audience. "The Merry Men will assist the ground forces in keeping order."

"Where will the evacuees go after leaving?" A councilman asks.

Peach answers as Toad escorts in a giant ape. "I've made a deal with Kong Island, to take in evacuees. Before you is the prince, Donkey Kong."

The red tied ape laughs and puffs his chest out. "Happy to be of service, Peach. Dad took convincing but I was on the moment you mentioned King K. Rool."

Bowser gently makes baby talk to Apricot who coos in delight. Once he finishes, he looks up, his glare returning. "I'm ordering a blockade of the planet by my space fleet. Any opposing ship is to be shot on sight."

Ludwig leans back against his chair. "Iggy has figured out how to replicate Tatanga's gear. Specifically, the EMP cannon. We'll be using it."

While the crowd begins mumbling again, the general enters with Daisy. Peach runs over to her for a bear hug.

"You've made it, Empress." Bowser utters as Wendy sneaks Apricot out of his arms to cuddle.

The auburn had just inherited the titles: Empress of Sarasaland, Queen of the Humans. Her parents were focusing on the humanitarian needs of Sarasaland and stepped down. Sarasaland is in no real position to help the koopas but Daisy will represent them. Also, it is likely the conspirators will attempt to cut off contact between the two worlds.

Daisy sets Peach back down and nudges her shoulder. "We'll be with your world to the end. You helped me so I'm helping you."

In agreement, the general bows before the king. "We won't be caught off guard like the last invasion."

Bowser looks down at Junior. "And I will be on the front lines in space. I want to see Antasma with my own two eyes!"

Peach knows an encounter between the two will get personal and ugly. But nothing will dissuade Bowser from his decision. Despite the risk he will always want to be on the front lines. All she can do is give him a silent plea to be careful. Sensing her distress, Bowser looks in her direction and winks. Peach places her hands over her heart in response.

----

One day, the toads wake up - knowing something is going on. When they exit their homes, they see lights flashing in the sky. Explosions. That means Antasma is here and the blockade is confronting him.

"Everything will be okay. Only take what you need." Peach calls out throughout Toad Town. Everyone begins calmly evacuating. Peach approaches Toadette while the town folk are moving.

"Toadette, where's Toad?" Peach inquires.

"He was supposed to shut down Gramp's shop."

Peach and Toadette look around and find Toad staring at the sky. "Toad. You need to go."

"Y-yeah. Junior and Apricot are with you, right?"

Peach rubs his cap and points to where Yoshi is. He has the kids on his back. "They're not leaving my sight."

Toad suddenly hugs Peach's leg. She looks down at him curiously.

"I love you, Peach!"

"I love you too…."

Toadette folds her arms. "What about me!?"

Toad leaps to hug her and she wraps her arms around him. Peach joins in for another hug. The trio stay in the position for a moment before letting go. After Peach and Toadette depart, Toad continues staring up at the sky.

"We're here, Toad."

Vert and Dreambert stand still in a hut as Toad paced back and forth. Not focused on them, Toad stared at the floor. Growing impatient Vert cleared his throat. Toad paused and looked up at them.

"I guess you guys have agreed…." The captain commented.

A pained sigh escaped Dreambert's mouth. "Let me make myself clear, I do not approve of this plan."

Toad gave a sympathetic nod toward the prince. "But we're all in agreement, Dreambert. Look, I'm not happy! Especially with Bowser! Antasma tried to kill Daisy over Peach. Once he knows the infant exists, he will make a beeline for her. I can't let that happen." Toad banged his head against the wooden wall. "Bowser just keeps making my job harder!"

Dreambert rubbed his neck, "So, are you ready then?"

Toad turned toward him with a determined look. "Yes."

Chapter Text

Chaos reigned in the atmosphere above Mushroom Kingdom for the last two days. The opposing fleets fired at each other among a field of ship debris. Despite losing a few vessels to the topman ambush, Antasma fleet was still massive. Among his numbers were the x-nauts. This space faring race had fled the moon years earlier after losing to Bowser. Consequently, their exiled warlord jumped at the chance to get revenge. But the koopalings, each in charge of a command vessel minus Larry, refused to give the invaders an inch. Weapons designed by Ludwig are cutting through hauls. Ships are being shorted out by Iggy's EMP cannon. And the others pursue any that get pass Ludwig and Iggy. All of them are in no-nonsense mode, the teens have no intention of letting the invaders pass.

Jennen observes the ongoing battle from a tv screen, "They've set up a protective perimeter. No ships have gotten through. The Koopa Empire is still strong…."

Antasma floats past him, his arms tucked behind his back. "Remember, they are only a distraction. To give us time." He murmurs. Jennen nods and follow him to the throne room. Waiting there is the other three conspirators, now vassals of Antasma's mobile empire. A screen projects in the center, revealing the leader of the x-nauts.

"Thank you for all your help. I suggest you pull back for a moment to let us through, Sir Grodus." Antasma suggests.

Sir Grodus speaks in a calm but deep voice. "Well, you finally made it to the fight. I just want to remind you that I'm not one of your… vassals. This battle is all about me, my hate for Bowser, and that traitor!"

Jennen mumbles under his breath but Antasma shrugs. Sir Grodus' computer had betrayed him to prevent Bowser from blowing up the moon. "Do as you like. My focus is preserving Queen Peach alive. If King Bowser dies in this space battle, I'm allllll for it."

Sir Grodus releases a hacking laugh and cuts the transmission. With that out of the way, Antasma pulls a small box out from under his cape and opens it. The others feel uncomfortable pressure and step back. Inside the box is four triangular black shards.

"Don't worry, they won't kill you."

Jennen examines the contents and wearingly glances at the shard imbedded in Antasma's forehead. "Is that from the Dark Star?"

Antasma smirks. "Yes, pieces that fell off it from its battle with Rosalina and her allies."

The Dark Star observes the conversation, from behind the throne. Acting as the castle's power source, it keeps silent. King K. Rool eyes it with suspension before turning back to Antasma. "I may not like the answer, but why are you holding onto to these things?"

Antasma motions to his mouth. "Devouring one will grant immense cosmic power from the star. Use it as a last resort. You've been given enhancements to handle the strain incurred from the power boost…." His eyes spark. "But I can't guarantee you will not lose your mind."

Tanger backs away, shaking her head. "I prefer to have my full faculties, thank you."

The bat closes the distance between her. "We're dealing with a Bowser in protective mode. He is not going to hold back."

Tanger shudders and reach for her shard. King K. Rool pockets his reluctantly.

After they each receive a shard, Antasma closes the box. "Remember. Last resort. But should you lose your mind, fear not. I can …. fix you."

Antasma dismisses his vassals and sits on his throne. He clasps his claws together, eager to be reunited with his enemies. Especially Peach. The length of time the two have been apart has been eating away at him. He is eager to see her beautiful eyes again.

"We'll be reunited soon…. My dear."

----

Lemmy's craft is damaged beyond repair. Coming to his assistance, Iggy's airship passes and Bowser drops down onto the enemy ship with a mob of soldiers. They breach and take over. Lemmy then evacuates his men to Iggy's. To Bowser's displeasure, Antasma is not on the vessel. With a frustrated huff, he contacts Iggy.

"He's not here either."

"Maybe we blew him up on accident."

"That's the ideal scenario…." Bowser admits. The longer Antasma is not showing himself, the more worried Bowser is. This fleet is obviously a distraction. But for what?

"Iggy, I want you to …."

Iggy interrupts, "Wait, King Dad, we're getting intel from Vassal TEC-XX."

Bowser shuts his eyes struggling to remember which vassal he is among his empire. His eyes shot open and he roared. "Wait! He's the mod that banned me from that Peach fan site for harassment! But he's wrong! I just had to set that other user straight! The dude said something I didn't like …"

Iggy covers his eyes in embarrassment while Lemmy chuckles. "Too much information."

Bowser blushes, realizing what he just admitted to. "You weren't supposed to know that…."

Adjusting his glasses, Iggy goes back to looking at the screen. "Anyway, he is warning of an approaching comet."

Bowser stares in confusion. "What?"

"A comet. And it is projected to land in Mushroom Kingdom. TEC is already contacting Peach."

Sparks fly from Bowser's mouth and he orders airships to intercept it. But the comet bypasses the ships as they fire, all unable to penetrate it. Bowser reboards Iggy's ship and stares at the image of the comet. "Why is my artillery not working!?"

Enraged, he punches the control panel. "I know you are on that comet, Antasma! Answer me!"

The screen of the comet switches to Antasma. The first thing Bowser notices about him is his slightly more built body. His eyes slate and he bears his fangs. Antasma gives him a small smile, but there is malice and deep hatred behind it.

"Bat Breath…"

"That's Emperor Antasma. I'm not your vassal anymore."

Bowser balls his fist up. "I don't care if you're the king of the universe! You will always be a pathetic bat!"

Not showing a hint of annoyance, Antasma rubs his chin thoughtfully. "You're awfully testy. But I understand the frustration. You would rather be walking in a park with Peach and Bowser the Third, right?"

Bowser's face goes blank. He realizes Antasma is referring to one of his old fantasies. Iggy shifts uncomfortably in his chair as the bat's smirk grows wider. Bowser points a claw at the screen. "Your face is stupid!"

"There you go. When things don't go your way, you become childish. But I'm just being honest with you King Bowser. I've been in your head."

"Shut up."

"You planned up to your 50th wedding anniversary with Peach. Remember? For her 20th, you would gift her a galaxy. You also have plans to build four different vacation homes to retreat to with her. One for each season."

Bowser's eyes were glowing now. Iggy makes a cutting motion at his neck towards Bowser. "King Dad…"

Antasma continues, "If you weren't thinking about your trauma, your kids, food or the latest thing you wanted - you were thinking of her." Antasma shifts in his throne and looks to the side bitterly. "It's not fair. I befriended Peach first! And she chose YOU! YOU!"

The bat redirects his glare back at Bowser. "And the worst part is, I wonder if I was influenced by your deep feelings for her."

Bowser darkly chuckles. "Don't worry. You won't be seeing Peach at all," he threatens.

Antasma's eyes twitch but he quickly composes himself. "Did you have the baby yet?"

He stares at Bowser, studying his face for his reaction.

"You little…"

Iggy yells, "King Dad stop humoring him!"

Antasma smiles and he holds his claws over his heart. "There is a baby…. I waited for this! This pleases me!"

He leans forward on his throne. Bowser marches up to the screen, determined not to look weak.

"I'm the reason you were able to get together with Peach. She would have never considered you if not for me!"

Bowser feels his heart sink but keeps his face unchanged.

Antasma continues. "I'm owed something, Your Majesty. You are going to suffer." His tone lowers. "After your death, I'll take Peach along with the child. If the baby is like its mother, it will make a fine future vassal for Mushroom Kingdom…."

Bowser howls in rage and punches the screen, shattering it. He then shouts, "DEPLOY THE CITY LEVELING CANNONS!"

Ludwig and the koopalings promptly obey and unleash a massive torrent on the comet. Other enemy ships are obliterated in the waves. But the comet keeps going.

Though feeling uneasy, Iggy keeps his voice steady for Bowser's sake. "TEC-XX is sending in scans of the comet. There's a castle in it. It's damaged but…"

"Deploy the EMP cannons…."

"On it."

Iggy's ship releases a wave and the comet passes through it. Nothing. Bowser stares as it descends with a fierce glare.

"It's running on an unusual energy source. There's no time to figure out how to stop it." Iggy turns to Bowser. "I suggest you order Ludwig and the others to pull back. Letting it crash into them will not stop it!"

"My kids…" With a look of agony, Bowser orders the fleet to let the comet through.

At that moment, Wendy calls Bowser. "I'm going after them! Antasma can't stay in that thing forever! I'll smash his face in the moment he exits!"

Roy and Morton emphatically agrees with her decision. Taking a shaky breath, Bowser runs his claws through his mane. "No. Hold Sir Grodus back for me. I know you can deal with him. If you leave now, he may bombard the surface. I'll go down."

Bowser hears Wendy growling but he continues, "I need to you listen. Don't follow."

Ludwig immediately answers, "Understood."

"Alright." Roy sighs.

Lemmy hugs Bowser's leg. "Say hi to Larry, Junior, and Apricot for me."

Giving a sad chuckle, Bowser rubs Lemmy's mohawk. "I know I don't get sappy with you guys. But I love you, okay?"

A few 'EW's could be heard over the line. But Bowser can also hear Wendy's voice breaking.

"L-love you too."

----

This was the worst-case scenario for Peach. She had silently pleaded nothing would bypass the blockade. Fortunately, TEC-XX had contacted her with a warning to prepare. All toads have long evacuated along with the goombas and noncombatant koopas. The only ones left is Larry and his troop who helped with evacuations. Peach is currently making sure he is departing.

"Don't worry, I'm on it Peach!" Larry says over the phone.

"Hurry!"

She takes one last scan of the town, to ensure no one is left. Peach wants to confront Antasma herself, but she must focus on getting her two youngest to the vault. There are two hidden entrances that take one down a confusing pipe network deep in the ground. One entrance is below the castle, the other in the far countryside. But the comet is projected to land on the castle which will obliterate that entrance. They will not make it before impact. So, Peach is forced to flee far out with two young children.

Peach opens her phone and contacts TEC again.

"The castle was supposed to be the safe point…" she bemoans.

"Antasma likely intends to drive you into the open. But this is a rash mistake on his part. He will not discover the hidden pipe due to destroying the castle. So, flee to the countryside. I've aware your waiting party of your impeding arrival. And do not worry about your phone, Peach. I'm scrambling up any information on it. The phone will be useless once this call ends. They won't be able to use it against you."

"Thank you so much!"

"My pleasure, Your Majesty. Ceasing communications now."

After he hangs up, Peach gathers Apricot into her arms as Junior grabs their bag. They jump on Yoshi and he runs to escape the town. Peach sadly looks back at the castle and around the buildings. So many happy memories…. But soon there may be nothing left.

As it closes in, the comet slows its descent. Three sections of it breaks off and flies in different directions. The main part continues to aim towards the castle. The glow it gives made it look strangely beautiful but it terrifies Peach. It feels familiar. Like she is relieving an event from her past. Sensing her mother's distress, Apricot begins shifting in discomfort. Peach tries to soothe her by rocking. But Junior makes goofy faces at his sister. When he gets her laughing Junior turns to his mother. "It'll be okay, Mama."

Peach tightens her hold on him. "Yes…. And your father will find us." Peach assures. She jolts when Yoshi takes a sharp turn into a sturdy building. He places the family against a wall and shields them with his body.

The comet finally crashes on top of Peach's Castle, instantly caving in the structure. Shockwaves from the impact rush over Town Toad, leveling several blocks. As the dust settles, purple vines creep out from Antasma's castle and slowly spread throughout the town. The castle's gate opens and a mob rushes out. People from different worlds and all with blank looks. Antasma follows them, running his hands along the vines.

"Freedom to the one that brings me the Queen!"

----

At Bash Skulls Islands, the Merry Men are ready to deploy. But they receive word, from TEC, of small comet landing in the Crystal Region. At once they travel to the area. But Koopa General departs for Mushroom Kingdom, knowing that is a diversion. Not only was the Queen and children in danger but Toadette was not spotted on Kong Island. He just received a report that she was not among the evacuees, despite leaving with them initially.

"I know what she is up to…" He snarls.

Once the small comet crashes, a horde of kremlings spill out ready to fight. The comet then rises, revealing itself to be a floating fortress. It begins firing at the skyscrapers. The Crystal King mobilizes his forces to deal with it. On the ground level, Wario and Waluigi confront the kremlings with Donkey Kong.

"Keep up new guy!" Wario mocks as he punches enemies.

Waluigi mumbles, "He better not be getting the same pay as us."

Donkey Kong hurls barrels to protect some penguins from being skewered by spears. He pauses to face the plumbers. "I told you to stop calling me that!" He complains.

Soon the crowd of kremlings split to reveal King K. Rool aiming a rifle at the heroes.

Donkey Kong beats his chest and shouts, "K. Rool!"

"I don't know this guy…." Waluigi shrugs.

K. Rool glares at the group with hatred. "How do you not know me, I'm K. Rool of the seas!?" He begins firing. "And you Donkey Kong! You came at the wrong time! I'm not in the mood for your showboating! Die you dirty ape!"

Meanwhile, the second small comet lands in the Desert Kingdom. Clawgrip exits with an army of crabs. He snaps his claws in excitement. "HAHAHA! Forward my minions! This is our turf now! Destroy the Sarasaland Embassy!"

In the Darklands, the koopas manage to down the third comet with a Bomber Bill. This prevents it from crashing into Bowser's Castle. But Jennen survives the assault as the fortress took much of the impact. He and his men run out of the inferno to face their former comrades. "Ahhh…. Good to be back home. Time for the revolution!"

----

Antasma is shocked Peach hasn't confronted him yet. There is no way she would stand for the destruction of her town. But this means she does indeed have a newborn. Though a ruler in charge of her people's safety and land, she must also protect her children. Antasma giggles.

She must be in so much torment, trying to balance her duties.

He orders his men to search the toad houses. They keep portraits of Peach in their homes. Likely one has a picture of the child; he wants to know what it looks like. He touches a vine again; his expression becoming tense. He is growing desperate to see Peach again.

"Sir! The koopas are approaching!"

Antasma looks up and sees Larry and his men rushing at them. He is sure Larry was given orders not to face him.

"I'm not letting you hurt my family!" The young koopa scowls.

What a foolish decision.

Antasma snorts and releases a ear-piercing screech. But the koopas collectively put on headphones and continue their advance.

"Of course." Antasma complains. He rushes ahead and slams Larry into the pavement. Larry releases a pained shout but he grabs Antasma's arm. Antasma smiles at his futile effort.

----

As the dust settles, Yoshi cautiously exits the building. Once he feels it is safe, he motions for Peach and the kids to come out. Hugging Apricot close, Peach follows Yoshi and navigates around the town ruins. The green dino looks nervously at the vines slowly advancing around the town. At one point they are forced down a different path to avoid them. The party reaches a bridge and travels under it. Suddenly vines come down and wrap around them.

"Yoshi!?"

A vine touches Peach's arm. She suddenly hears a deep voice enter her mind. It sounded foreign but she understood what it was saying.

"…Found her."

Peach's blood runs cold from the old familiar voice and she screams.

"Mama!?"

"Yoshi?"

Peach deep breathes and composes herself. "I-I'm fine."

The party hears a loud screech and they grab their ears. Peach covers Apricot's. Realizing they've been discovered, Junior rips a hole in the vines. They then crawl out and make a mad dash. But a purple blur comes speeding at them and slams into Yoshi. Stunned, Yoshi goes careening through a wall. Junior grabs a stop sign to fight but gets a fist to the stomach. He also goes flying.

"Junior! Yoshi!" Peach lunges her parasol at the fiend to impale him but Antasma dodges. Peach finds herself spinning from a blow while hearing mad laughter. She soon comes to a stop in a strong embrace. Once her vision adjusts, she realizes she is looking into Antasma's eyes. Peach pales.

"My sweet little Peach! We meet again!" He declares while staring fiercely into her eyes.

Peach trembles as his eyes linger on her neck. Antasma then gazes at Apricot and cups the back of her head while still holding Peach. Almost like a father embracing his family. Peach feels sick to her stomach.

"She doesn't have your eyes…."

Peach struggles to break free and shouts at Yoshi, "Yoshi! Take Junior and run!"

Limping Yoshi grabs Junior to drag him away. Junior shouts in rage, "I'm not leaving you guys!"

As he protests, blank faced people come from all sides. Peach feels pity for them but she continues to focus on fighting back. They begin shooting at Yoshi who throws Junior over his shoulder. Yoshi doesn't hold back from attacking the people to get by.

"Bowser!" Peach continues to fight while shielding Apricot from the villain.

Antasma tightens his grip in amusement. "No one will save you. I have my vassals around the globe causing chaos. Surrender to me."

"No! I'm not going anywhere with you!"

"Is that so?" Antasma whistles and soldiers enter with Larry.

"Larry!" Peach shouts. Not knowing what to do, she freezes. Antasma closes the distance and places his forehead against hers.

"Apricot."

Peach shudders.

"Yes, that's her name. With my new power boost, I don't need you to sleep to enter your mind and establish a connection. All it takes is contact."

"Stay out of my head!"

"A little mental persuasion will get you to cooperate."

In a flash Antasma enters Peach's mind. His intent is to flay her mind to make her more compliant. But meeting him is an army of Peaches. He stares at them in amusement. One is dressed like the general. Others are dressed like Wario, Toadette, Waluigi and Daisy.

"What is this?" He inquiries. "How adorable!"

The one wearing the general's helmet points a cannon at him. "Fire!"

The others also materialize cannons. Shocked at her resistance Antasma dodges the firepower. He enlarges himself and launches a fist into the crowd. The Peaches scatter.

"We're gonna die!" Toad Peach cries out. One, wearing a white wig, slaps her.

"Pull yourself together!"

She orders the others to build a fortress around Peach's consciousness. Materializing tools they quickly build high into the sky. Every attempt of Antasma to enter fails. Frustrated Antasma materializes a death laser and cuts through. But he fails to see a mountain size Peach about to crush him until it is too late.

"Oh…"

"I said to stay out of my head!" She roars.

In the real world, Antasma is jolted by Peach's mental resistance. Using this as an opportunity, Peach breaks out of his grasp. She frees Larry while apologizing to the soldiers she's attacking.

"Run!"

"I messed up…"

"Run! Look back and you're grounded, mister!"

"I'm going! I'm going!"

Larry limps away while Peach tries to support him. As they escape Antasma grabs his chest. A wide smile covers his face. Smitten with her fighting back, Antasma begins cackling. Tormenting her mind will be more fun now. He shoots a glare in Peach's direction and pursues. Antasma manages to snatch Apricot out of her arms and Peach cries out.

"Stop! Please!"

Bowser comes charging in swiftly like a bull. He viciously grabs Antasma but uses his other claw to gently secure his child. He then encloses Apricot in his hand to shield her from harm, and from witnessing what he is about to. Bowser spins rapidly and smashes Antasma into the ground. Peach and Larry cringe from the impact.

Bowser snarls as he studies his work. Antasma's face is trapped in a state of shock. The light gone from his eyes... But his body glows and Bowser is knocked back by a strange energy. He shields Apricot as he crashes. The bat rises from the ground as his body repairs his fatal injuries. Grunting, Bowser hands Apricot to Peach. He rushes at the villain but he is met with an ice wall. Antasma's size increases and he takes on a more monstrous, hulking form. Icy mist flows from his mouth and ice spikes grow out his arms.

Bowser blows fire at the wall. Laughing at him, Antasma blows into the air and icicles form. Bowser puts his arms up to block them as they fall.

"Bowser! How is he doing this?" Peach shouts.

Antasma cackles and regards her with glee. "Come now Peach. If you think hard enough. You'll know."

Bowser glances down and realizes his feet is entrapped in ice. Keeping calm, he readies his fire breath. But he hears Peach shout a warning and then feels searing pain in his side. Bowser turns and realize he has been stabbed.

"No!" Peach shouts mournfully.

Tanger removes the blade and jumps away. "Nice to see you again, sweetie." She teases.

Bowser grips his wound, staring murderously at her. "You…"

He attempts to retaliate but he pauses. Instantly, he knows something is wrong. Antasma laughs madly. "Shocked something was able to stab you? Well, the knife contains bones of ancient dragons. One of the few things that can pierce your hide. I wonder if your genes will save you from the poison."

Peach covers her mouth. Trying to reassure her, Bowser smirks but Antasma is not fooled. He is now scared. Peach begins pleading with Antasma.

"What is the matter with you!? Please stop this! Help him!"

Antasma slowly advances towards her. "It's too late for that. I'm replacing Bowser and that's final. But it's not bad at all for you. Peach, I have a lot to offer you. I know where you are from. Who your parents were and what they were like. I can show you all of that if you cooperate."

"I want nothing from you!"

Bowser gathers Peach into his arms and leaps away. He catches up with Larry, scooping him up. Further up ahead, Yoshi has fallen but is still readying an egg to throw at the pursuing mob. But Bowser grabs Junior and him and leaps over the mob.

"After them!" Antasma shouts.

Bowser clears the town and stops near a dirt road. He sets everyone down. "Go. I'll hold them off."

Peach can tell he is feeling the effects of the poison but he is maintaining a brave face, for their sake. Bowser rubs Larry's head but Junior knows something is wrong.

"Papa?"

Bowser gathers him and Peach into a hug. "Junior, take care of your mother and sister. Got it?"

"O-kay…"

He then nuzzles Apricot's forehead. "I love you…"

Finally, Bowser buries his snout into Peach's hair and runs his claws through it. He then inhales her scent and sighs. Pulling away, Peach spots an agonized look on his face. She can't tell if it is from the poison or the idea that he is leaving them. He opens his mouth to say something but stops. Bowser instead gives Peach a smug smile.

"Just give me a moment, Peaches, and I'll come back for you."

Liar!

But Peach doesn't vocalize it. She doesn't know what to say. Holding back tears, she kisses his cheek. Bowser gives his family one last hug and rushes away, snarling like a beast. Peach grabs Junior's hand and runs down the road. She looks over her shoulder and sees Antasma pursuing but Bowser holds him back. The furious bat orders his men to pursue as Bowser bites his arm. During the battle Tanger manages to get by to continue the pursuit. Bowser leaps at her but Antasma catches him.

As the party runs, Larry and Yoshi hold their ground seeing the pursuing army. They stay behind and tell Peach to leave them.

"But!"

"Yoshi, yoshi!"

Unable to stop for them, Peach and Junior escape into the forest. Tanger manages to get pass Larry and Yoshi and hunts the family.

"Hahaha! What a weak little human! You just abandoned Bowser as soon as it got tough!" Tanger mocks.

"Junior stay close!" Peach shouts while holding Apricot's head in place.

Tanger growls angeringly at Peach's unwillingness to banter with her. Peach and Junior quickly dart through the forest, running deeper into it. Soon visibility is hard for Tanger and she shouts in frustration. She uses her claws and rips through the mushroom stalks. Once she makes a clearing, she realizes Peach and Junior are long gone. Tanger screams and slams her fists into the ground. "How dare you walk away, after ruining my life! Get back here!"

----

Bowser feels pain coursing through his body. Not only is the poison affecting him but the sheer cold (emitting from Antasma) is working against him. His movements and swings are slower. But no matter how much the monstrous bat throws him around, Bowser keeps getting back up. His rage is making him reckless and he claws at his rival viciously. Antasma finally stops his mad pursuit of Peach and focuses on Bowser, with the intent to stall him. To let the poison kill him. He slams Bowser into the ground, smiles, and kisses his own bicep. (Imitating Bowser's victory pose when he defeated him the first time.) Enraged, Bowser sets his tail on fire and slams it into Antasma's face.

Okay, that hurt!

But Antasma overpowers Bowser and gives him a thrashing. He ends it by raining ice icicles down on him. Defeated, the king lays motionless. Pleased with the results, Antasma slants his eyes and flashes his fangs.

"You're getting weaker."

"…."

"Aren't you supposed to be the strongest man in the world? But you can't even deal with a little poison!"

Bowser tries to get back up but fails. "Give me a second and I'll remove your teeth."

Antasma continues his torment. "The weak serve the strong, don't they? I have you beaten. Bow before me."

The koopa clinches his fists, "I haven't yielded!"

At that moment, a timid voice calls out, "Cover your eyes!"

On reflex Bowser obeys the voice. The sky lights up with a blaring light. Antasma shields his face. Before he can impale Bowser, he rolls out the way. A small hand grabs the Koopa King's hand and usher him to run. Bowser obeys and gets some distance from the Antasma. As he runs, he realizes it is Toadette holding a flare gun.

"Toadette!?"

"I spotted an airship approaching! You gotta get on it!"

Bowser turns realizing Antasma is pursuing. Coming to their aid, the ship passes over and bombards Antasma with bullet bills. The general calls out for Bowser and Toadette to get on.

"Great! We can find Peach and the others!" Bowser shouts while the general helps him board.

"NO! We need to get you to a hospital!" The general argues seeing his King's weakening condition. Before Bowser can protest, he hears Toadette scream.

Antasma grabbed Toadette with his long arm and dragged her back. "Oh, I haven't forgotten about you this time, Miss Toadette. You are going nowhere." He whispers.

Though trembling Toadette shouts at the general, "Get Bowser to safety! He's dying!"

Koopa General manages to keep his composure and nods. Holding his chest, Bowser attempts to go back for his in-law but the koopas hold him back. They drag their weak king away as he shouts and hurls insults at them.

"She's right there, you boneheads! I can save her!"

Stoned faced, the general gives the order to leave. Bowser becomes hysterical. "NO! Stop! Don't you love her!? I order you to stop!"

"Chain him down!"

Antasma launches icicles at them but the airship shoots them down. His new heavy form doesn't allow for levitation so he grunts in frustration. Antasma then shouts at his soldiers.

"I want a search party to pursue and stall them until Bowser dies." The men obey and leave. Antasma carries Toadette away, his eyes twitching with rage.

"I wasted enough time with him. I can't let Peach get away again!"

"You won't find her, Mister Creep!"

Antasma squeezes Toadette and she yelps. "Oh, I'll find her. I'll turn this kingdom inside out if I must."

----

At a distance, Toad saw the flare. He hangs his head; it's confirmation Bowser couldn't beat Antasma. He can only hope Toadette was able to help the king escape.

"Toadette…" Toad turns to a group of trembling toads. "It is up to us now! We must help Peach reach the vault. Junior is heir of the Darklands and Apricot of the Mushroom Kingdom. Their survival is paramount. We can do this!"

----

The battle in the atmosphere continues to rage. Peach watches it as she hides in a wheatfield. She comforts Junior while rocking Apricot. But she is close to crying herself. She is now on her own.

It was distressing to see her family sacrifice themselves. And what terrified Peach was what she felt in her mind battle with Antasma. When repelling the villain, she saw eyes watching them. Someone is amplifying Antasma's abilities. And it felt familiar. Had she seen the form earlier, Antasma may have succeeded in brainwashing her.

No time to reflect on that.

Peach turns to Junior. "Junior."

He slowly lifts his head, still mourning Bowser, and Larry. His eyes were distant and sad. Peach gently speaks, "Papa made sure we would be alright. He loves you."

Apricot reaches her tiny hand out towards Junior and he takes it. He wipes his snout and chuckles. "I'm not crying, sis! You don't have to worry! I'll protect you!"

Smiling Peach stands up. Her sad gaze turns into a determined one. Peach wants to grieve Bowser and the others. But she can't right now. She won't let their efforts be in vain.

Bowser... I'll protect the kids. I love you...

The three leave the spot and travel deep into the field to begin their journey.

Chapter Text

Clawgrip crashes into a pyramid, forming a large crater on impact. Below, Daisy rushes towards him with her army of humans. He had successfully set fire to the embassy and has taken out many opponents. But the humans came at him with a strong counterattack. Antasma did warn him but Clawgrip felt he could manage it. This isn't going the way he wanted…

"I'm not going out like this!"

Without any more thought he shoves the Dark Star shard into his mouth. Once he swallows it, his shell glows purple. Immediately, he hears incoherent speech in his head. Then he witnesses events he never saw, as if he is linking to someone's mind. Clawgrip feels his ability to reason leave him. Not good.

Oh mushrooms….

While Daisy hastens to finish him, Clawgrip convulses and increase in size. He soon towers into the sky, releasing a roar that shakes the ground. Then tendrils painfully sprout out of his back and his eyes turn completely white. Clawgrip slowly advances in Daisy's direction with an empty look.

"What just happened!?" Plum questions. As the crustacean approaches, he speaks but not with his voice.

"Finally, my aid has been requested…. Antasma says you fear the dark. I will make use of that."

Unnerved, Daisy barely evades a blow from Dark Clawgrip's pincer. The tendrils on his back spin rapidly into the sand dunes. Resulting high winds knock Plum and the other humans back. Soon a sandstorm obstructs the view of the sun.

"Plum!? Mop!? Where are you guys!?" Daisy shouts, unable to see pass her hands. Already frustrated she can't go help Peach; Daisy is now contending with low visibility. Her mind is also dragging her back to the time she nearly drowned. She steadies her nerves listening to the sound of Dark Clawgrip's movement. Soon she sees large white eyes staring at her. "Breathe in …. Breathe out…. I…I can handle this!"

----

Elsewhere, a battle rages in the Shiver Region. Among the flying bullet bills, screaming citizens, and roaring kremlings is Wario wailing. He holds an unconscious Waluigi in his arms; his comrade had been shot by K. Rool!

"Waluigi, you imbecile! I know you wanted to call Daisy to check on her, but not in the middle of battle! Please, speak to me!"

They are thrown back by a shockwave created by K. Rool.

"Awah ha ha! That's what you get for helping a flea-bitten ape!" K. Rool shouts. He aims his gun at DK but he blocks with a manhole cover.

"Pesky ape!"

"Banana horde stealing fiend!"

Before his fist can connect with the kremling's face, K. Rool bounces Dk back with his stomach. He flies into the fifth level of a skyscraper. K. Rool stops to laugh at the ape and he doesn't see Wario charging at him. The plumber throws a rage-filled punch into K. Rool's face and he sails into the air. Donkey Kong leaps out of the building, punching the kremling back down to the ground.

Wario begins to slap Waluigi, "Waluigi! Speak to me!"

Opening his eyes, Waluigi whines, "Stop yelling in my ear…. I'm still alive! Just get me a doctor!"

Wario feels relieved as Donkey Kong drags K. Rool out of the crater. The kremling smacks DK's hand and backflips away. Once he lands, he waves his hand emphatically.

"All right, all right! I give! I'm not dying for this cause! Especially since Antasma lost sight of our original goals!"

DK scratches the top of his head with his index finger. "I'm just getting into this war, man! Can you give me more context?"

An annoyed K. Rool puts his hands on his hips. "Antasma needs us to distract any allies from helping Mushroom Kingdom. But I just wanted weapons so I could destroy the kongs. I didn't think it would turn into a spacefaring adventure to get revenge. I just want out!"

"You couldn't walk away?"

"Of course not! Our mutiny failed. Also, Antasma bounded me to him. He called it a restraining bolt. If we do something against his wishes, the bolt triggers. Every time we went to sleep, I'm sure he messed around with our brains. The sneaky coward!"

Donkey Kong shrugs while Merry Men battle the kremlings in the background. "So, what's his ultimate plan?"

"Total takeover of the world and Bowser's assassination. But he is fixating on that blondie. The dummy can't get over her!"

Waluigi grabs his head and looks down. "Oh no! Not again!"

Wario shrugs at King K. Rool. "Look, if you call your men off…"

Immediately, K. Rool's eyes widen and he starts to shake. He pulls the shard out from under his cape. "OH, COME ON! Antasma, I wish you the worse!"

The kremling desperately looks at his audience. "Listen up! I'm being forced to eat this! It will hook me up to the Dark Star's mind and grant me power. The main body is at Antasma's castle in the throne room! Destroy it and you lessen Antasma's power."

Wario stares at him in confusion. "What!?"

"I need you savages to pretend you are in a tragedy! You must strike down the most beautiful, most handsome, and most charismatic man alive!"

"Forget this!" Waluigi yells and picks up a brick to knock the shard out of K. Rool's claw but he swallows it first. A bright light engulfs the kremling and the gang shields their eyes.

----

Peach's toes are going numb from cold. But she dares not leave the safety of the stream. The tall reeds provide the perfect temporary hiding spot. She cradles Apricot in one arm while having the other wrapped around Junior.

"NEH!"

"SHHH…. It's okay my love," Peach comforts the upset infant.

For the last ten minutes, they listened to the sound of mushroom stalks rammed down. And now Tanger is livid. She loudly blames her bully soldiers for losing sight of the royals. At one point she threatens to burn the forest down. Peach knows she won't do it unless she wants to face Antasma. But if this madwoman is pushed too far, there is no telling what she will do. Peach remembers Bowser being stabbed and bites her bottom lip. If alone, she would confront Tanger. But that is not a sane action, especially since she has the dagger.

The pom-pom does one final sweep of the area and orders her search party to keep moving. Mother and son then climb out of the stream. Peach peers into the darkening sky, knowing she needs to find shelter for her children. As she contemplates her next actions, Junior gets her attention. Not far away, purple vines from Town Toad are creeping in. They slowly move and wrap around the mushroom stalks. When they last touched Peach, Antasma knew where she was immediately.

W-We can't stay here.

"Don't touch them." Peach instructs Junior. Her trembling hand takes his and they cross a dirt road to enter a field.

----

The residents of Pi'illo Island have been staring at their tv screens, watching live news coverage. Antasma's return has them all in a panic. They fear he will come for them again after securing control of the world.

According to current reports, King Bowser and Queen Peach have gone missing. After their disappearance, a hurricane formed over Mushroom Kingdom. Entry into the kingdom is now perilous.

Whereas his citizens are distracted by events, Dreambert is on the move. He intercepted a call for aid and is hurrying to get on a ship bound for the Darklands.

----

In Toad Town, Antasma observes the storm brewing at Mushroom Kingdom's borders. The storm is the work of the Dark Star. Communication is difficult with the entity but it was delighted to help. It gets to cause destruction again, so it is cooperating by leaning its power. However, the Dark Star is wounded from its old battle. So, it needs a constant source of 'food' to keep functioning. And Antasma has plenty of what the Dark Star needs. Pleased with its work, Antasma contacts Bowser's pursuers for an update.

"Is he dead?"

"We shot the ship down before it entered the Darklands. They're trapped on a deserted island and the Darklands is preoccupied with Jennen's forces! Imprisoned nobles that he freed, even joined his side."

Antasma growls and icy mist escapes his mouth, "Those are still good odds for the Koopa King! I want him dead! I'm sending Jennen to finish the job. Until then, surround the island and ensure no one comes to his aid."

The bat ends the call and orders his remaining army to fortify Mushroom Kingdom. While shouting orders, a group of allied koopa soldiers approach him with Yoshi. "We finally captured the green one, emperor."

They unceremoniously toss Yoshi before him. He releases a cry as he hits the pavement. Antasma folds his arms and scoffs. "The one-man army…."

He bends to look Yoshi in the eye and sneers, "I must say, you're quite loyal. But that's to be expected of a Yoshi. Especially when there are children involved."

Yoshi hisses.

"Your actions along with Larry's, saved the royals. But not for long. Where are they?"

Yoshi shakes his head defiantly, "Yoshi! Yoshi!"

"Rude." Antasma deadpans. He aggressively grabs Yoshi's face and lifts him up. Yoshi struggles in his grasp as a purple light emits from Antasma's hand. After a moment, he speaks, "Once again, a vault…And there was a hidden route to it in the castle."

Yoshi kicks his legs at the fiend but he doesn't let go. Antasma smiles. "Destroying the castle was for the best. Now do you know the other route….? No…. you don't…."

Yoshi not knowing the route is intriguing to the bat. He had mind probe the captured koopas earlier. Only Larry knew the existence of a vault in the group. But he didn't know where the routes were. It is as if there was fear of the hideout's location being leaked. Or Antasma entering someone's mind and finding out. Antasma's eyes flare. Bowser is likely behind the creation of the vault and suppression of information. And the toads have long evacuated so he can't get the information out of them.

No problem. I simply need to raze the countryside before Peach reaches it. She fled Toad Town and was last spotted in the forest. It is too perilous for her to escape through the hurricane, so she is traveling through the farmlands.

Antasma contacts Tanger. "Peach's movements will be slow because of the baby. I want every farm property searched. I'm on my way."

At hearing Peach's name, Yoshi gives another insolent cry. "Yoshi!"

Antasma's eyes widen as he feels a shiver down his spine. Composing himself, he then slowly freezes Yoshi with an annoyed expression. "He's not coming for them."

He drops Yoshi as a block of ice. But the dino's words got to him. The adrenal has worn off, and Antasma is finally processing the fact he died earlier. It was brief but he was dead. Bowser was not playing around with him. The angrier he is, the stronger he seems to get. If not for the Dark Star, all that planning would have come to nothing in that moment. A bitter chuckle escapes Antasma's mouth. It is amusing how he enjoys inflicting fear while having fears himself. The bat king fears death. He still fears Bowser. Antasma slams his fist into the ground and snarls at Yoshi.

"Why did you have to bring him up! You are going to suffer for that! Take him away!" Antasma then leaves in a huff to join the hunt.

----

The guards descend into the castle's dungeon with Yoshi. Yoshi tries to look around but his head can't turn in his enclosed space. He opts for moving his eyes, hoping to find a way to free himself. Peach and the children are in danger…

Yoshi spots the forms of Larry and other koopas in various cells. They're wrapped up in vines. He also spots Toadette. She is unconscious but her face is grimacing while trapped. The others are like this as well. Yoshi makes another attempt to break free. In his struggle, he notices an imprisoned star looking creature. The creature floats around and smiles once he sees Yoshi. He speaks with a childish voice.

"Antasma needs to renovate this place. He'll run out of space soon."

Yoshi frowns at his 'humor.'

"Shut it, Lumalee." One of the soldiers orders while tossing Yoshi into a cell.

"You wouldn't have to hear me if you left me alone. I was just a simple space merchant making a living."

"Sure, sure. The emperor caught you spying. You would have snitched to Rosalina."

"But I haven't seen Mama in a century!"

Vines wrap around Yoshi's encasing.

"Whenever that ice melts, you'll be in for a world of horror." Lumalee warns.

Yoshi!?

The soldiers then shut the cell. After they ascend the stairs, streams of purple light flow throughout the castle. The star's expression becomes serious.

"Oh no…There goes another one…." Lumalee laments. Yoshi curiously squints his eyes.

----

To the koopas' despair, the Darklands' border is within eyesight. But they are trapped on an island and communication with continent is impossible. Undeterred, Koopa General orders his men to chop down trees and build a raft. They do this under fire in addition to their pursuers airdropping in.

After putting out another call for help, the general goes to check on Bowser in the ship. The king was a sad sight to behold. Chained to the floor, Bowser's breathes laboriously and his breath reeks of chemicals. His eyes are bloodshot. Earlier the king had vomited and the koopas had to tilt his head. If Bowser had been a normal koopa, he would be dead by now. But it is clearly taking a toll on him.

Despite his condition, Bowser weakly pulls at his chains. "Peach … I…I'm …. on…my way…"

Bowser notices the general and releases a heartbroken howl. He musters strength to yell at him, "You made me leave my family behind! I promised! I promised Peach that I would protect her and keep her happy!"

The general keeps a straight face while the king continues his rant. "You have never defied me! I say jump and you leap to the moon and orbit around it! But when I need you the most, you stand in my way!"

"YOU WOULD HAVE DIED!"

Bowser stops his tirade, stunned over the general's loss of composure. The general's body shakes as he fights back tears. "Will you think for a moment! You can't solve everything with a punch! Didn't you learn anything from your fight with Yoshi!? If someone can't beat you, they must outsmart you! So, Antasma was stalling! He was hoping your stubbornness would drive you to keep fighting him. To let the poison rush through your blood stream and kill you."

Bowser grunts but the general continues. "Antasma will not execute Her Gentleness …. yet. But if you die now, you will be leaving her and the children at the mercy of a madman. And believe me he will have none for the prince. Is that what you want, King Bowser!?"

Out of breath, Koopa General stumbles towards Bowser. He collapses against the king's arm and his helmet falls off. "And I didn't want to leave Miss Toadette behind…. We argued the last time I saw her. At that moment, I wanted to blow myself up to save her. But there was a chance I would die from my injuries and it would not accomplish much. And what good would I be then? What good would you be if you are dead!?"

He shuts his eyes and the tears run down Bowser's arm.

How humiliating to be crying in front of the king!

But he feels Bowser's claw rest on his head. Confused, the general stiffens up. Bowser can't make himself apologize but he gently rubs the smaller koopa's head. The general was never one to show emotion except when he was fighting. Even when young, he worked hard and promised Bowser he would serve him once he was crowned. The king thought he was a little too intense, but felt the general enjoyed being hardcore. Now Bowser realizes he took his loyalty for granted. Befriending Toadette obviously brought out something hidden in the general.

"Tell me what I need to do." The king concedes.

"Just …. stop fighting us for now."

That is not the order Bowser wants to follow. His stubbornness screams for him to escape and go back to Mushroom Kingdom. He wanted to save his family. But he needs to recover before he can do that.

"Okay…I'll cooperate…. but make it quick… you can't keep lightening in a bottle for long!"

----

Sheltering near a haystack, Peach finishes feeding Apricot. The infant then falls asleep. She had been upset since escaping the stream and wailed out at one point. Peach rocks Apricot and releases a tired sigh. She needs sleep herself but she fears closing her eyes for even a moment.

I hope no one heard her crying….

The way to the vault is still far off. Normally it would not take too long to get there. But since Tanger is patrolling the roads, they must take the long way around. As she contemplates her next course of action, she notices Junior lifting engines and carefully running his claws along them.

"Junior?"

He smirks. "I had built a mecha to pilot, but it was in the castle. So, I want to cobble together a new one from all the junk falling out of the sky!"

Peach glances up and back down at her son. Junior drags the engine over to her. "It'll make travel easier for you."

The queen scans the vast rolling fields covered in ship parts. "You know what, that's a great idea!"

Suddenly, they jump at the sound of lasers firing.

They did hear….

Peach motions at Junior, "Run!"

Junior obeys and Peach follows him. Soon they are sprinting among tall stalks of wheat. Peach could feel the ground rumble as their pursuers close in. Finally catching up to them, a bully rush at them with his horns. Peach grabs Junior and leaps to the side. The being speeds pass, struggling to stop himself. The family take another direction only to meet another bully in front. Junior jump kicks against his forehead, knocking the man back. Peach and Junior then meet a blocky looking man. He fires at them but Peach blocks with her parasol.

"Please, stop! I'm only trying to get my children to safety!"

The man's hands shiver once he spots the baby. The blank look he had vanishes for a moment, as he fights his brainwashing. He aims for the ground and begins firing.

"Please! Put me down!" He begs.

Peach swiftly knocks him out. She retrieves his laser and fires it at the bullies to keep them away. Peach briefly looks at the unconscious man, hating to leave him behind. But she pushes Junior to keep going.

Hearing the commotion, Tanger catches up by running on all fours. "Peach…There you are my dear!"

Peach hands Apricot to Junior and stops to shoot Tanger. But Tanger vanishes and Peach realizes it is a fake. The real Tanger leaps down at her, pinning her to the ground. Peach loses the gun and parasol. The madwoman pulls out the dagger and thrusts forward but Peach catches her wrists. Tanger yells in frustration while grabbing her own head.

"Stupid restraint! I have her right here! I don't care what you want, Antasma!" Despite the headache, Tanger overpowers Peach's grip by squeezing her wrist and Peach screams. This earns a laugh from the villainess. Coming to his mother's aid, Junior crashes into Tanger with his shell. Peach then snatches the knife and Tanger crawls away in panic. Her soldiers arrived, firing over her head. Junior grabs his mother and dashes into the field, zig zagging to dodge the charging bullies.

He eventually runs into Berry.

"This way!"

"Berry!?"

Meanwhile, Tanger gets back up shaking with fury. She hates the fact she showed fear in front of Peach. No doubt the human now looks down on her. But most importantly…. "She has the dagger!"

Tanger snatches a gun from a soldier and pursues. She hears her communicator buzzing but she ignores it.

A bully runs up behind her, "Emperor Antasma wants a progress update."

Tanger stops and stomps her feet. "Will he …"

"You can't catch me!" A soft voice called out.

"Huh?" At first confused, Tanger sports a cocky smile. "Speaking? And suddenly confidant? Don't make me laugh!"

She spots a flash of golden hair and pursues. "I'll cut off those beautiful locks! Antasma didn't say you had to be in one piece."

Tanger continues to follow the voice, having trouble keeping up. She motions for her men to box the queen in, and they split to do so. But waiting for her is Gold in a blonde wig and holding a voice recorder. He stares at her awkwardly.

"I was hoping to get farther…. But you gotta admit Hooded Robin makes a convincing Peach voice!" He jokes. Tanger grinds her fangs and her eyes become bloodshot. Antasma contacts her again and she finally answers it.

After hearing her report, he gives a simple order, "Arrest him."

Faraway, Berry lead Peach and Junior to a farmhouse. Waiting inside is Vert.

"My child! You're alive!" Vert rushes toward the human and her children.

Peach begins to tear up. "All of you are supposed to be on Kong Island!"

Vert checks Junior's arms for injuries and then gives Peach a hug. "Stop it, Peach! We want to do this!"

Peach pauses. Vert is using his fatherly tone. "No one foresaw Antasma dropping a nuke on the kingdom. You will do what you must as our leader, but we want to ensure the children's safety."

Berry tugs at Peach's leg. "Let us help! Just give us a chance."

Peach doesn't want them captured. Not only does she not want them hurt, but Vert oversaw building the vault. If he is captured by Antasma, there is a chance he will be forced to give up the location.

As if reading her mind Vert speaks, "Don't worry about the vault. We've taken care of that."

Peach sighs. Nothing will dissuade them from their decision. She needs to believe in them…. and she needs rest. Apricot shuffles and begin to sniffle.

"Sounds like she is exhausted like her mother." Vert comments and reaches out to the child. He takes her away and Peach crashes on a sofa.

----

Antasma has joined Tanger, following the trail of chaos left by the chase. He is looking for footprints, torn fabric, anything to give them a lead.

"They have the dagger." Tanger admits.

Antasma grunts in response. Once he has them firmly in his grasp, Tanger's role will be terminated. She is too much of a liability. Antasma gets up and wipes dust off his arms, "The toads mean well but they are clumsy. Gold strangely doesn't know where the vault is like Yoshi. But he knows they went towards Vert's old farmhouse…."

As Peach rests on the sofa, Vert sings to Apricot while rocking in a chair. He hears heavy steps and hops up nervously. But waiting at the door, is Junior piloting a mecha suit. The machine is holding a hammer and Junior salutes the old toad. Captain Toad walks from around the suit.

"You put that together with just scarps!?" Vert ask.

"I had a little help!" Junior chuckles cheekily. Peach wakes up and walks over to them.

"I'm proud of you!" She compliments. Junior begins blushing. Peach smiles once she notices Toad.

"You should be well rested Peach," the captain announces.

"Thank you, everyone."

Vert hands Apricot over to Peach. Toad then tugs at Peach's dress. "Peach, we have a plan to get Antasma off the kids' trail."

Peach nods, "Tanger can be dealt with as long as we don't have them together."

Toad sees the dagger at Peach's hip. Peach puts her hands over her heart. "Don't worry Toad, I'll only use this when I have to."

"Actually…."

Icicles suddenly crash through the roof. He's here. Junior lifts Peach and Vert onto his mecha's shoulder and leaves the farmhouse.

"Junior, drop me off once you reach the forest's edge." Vert orders.

"Yes sir!"

Toad dashes out the back while giving a thumbs up to Berry. Antasma finally rips the roof off the house.

"They're gone!"

Tanger approaches but jolts when a wave of arrows hit her. She falls to the ground and Antasma spots Berry firing electric arrows. Antasma blocks the shots with his claws, not harmed due to his immense form.

"Where is she?" He demands. Berry doesn't answer and Antasma freezes him with his ice breath. Antasma leaps into the air and sees the group fleeing for the woods with his night vision. Furious, he trails them. As soon as Antasma enters the forest, Vert activates his traps. Giant iron wrecking balls slam into his side. Oil spills on the ground and a spark sets the ground on fire. Antasma reels back in pain, some of his ice spikes melting. With his eyes twitching, Antasma bulldozes through the traps in rage. Hiding behind a tree, Vert bewails his traps not working.

"Oh no!"

Still on fire, Antasma stretches his arm towards Bowser Jr.'s robot. Junior deflects the attack with his hammer. He then fires off rounds as Antasma closes the distance. Seeing his rage filled face, Apricot cries. Junior throws his mother and sister to the side. He furiously charges at Antasma.

"How dare you make my sister cry!" He slams the hammer into Antasma's face. The bat smiles and slashes at Junior. The boy manages to direct his mecha out the way, but he is clawed in the face.

"Junior!" Peach screams.

Junior shouts in pain but he smiles at his mother and sister to reassure them. He then attempts to attack Antasma again. As Antasma prepares his ice breath, flaming arrows pierce his face. He turns and sees Toad in a tree, shooting more.

"CAPTAIN!" He roars.

Toad rolls to dodge an attack but hits his head against a tree. Antasma giggles in amusement.

Seeing Antasma is distracted; Junior drives the hammer into Antasma's stomach and jumps back. At the last moment, the bat spots a furious Peach hurling the dagger at his back.

Not good!

Antasma spits out foreign words as it is inches away from him. He saves himself by expelling mist, freezing the blade in place. He then freezes Peach's lower half with his ice breath. Relieved, Antasma menaces her.

"You almost had me… Amora," he teases.

Peach's feels a rush of anxiety. Why is he calling her that? Apricot wiggled in her arms while angrily gurgling. Antasma cackles and gets up close to their faces.

"You're looking for a fight!? You are your father's child," His tone lowers. "Don't worry, little one. I'll take loving care of you and your mother."

"Back off!" Peach punches Antasma in the eye and he reels back slightly. Fearing what he has planned, Peach holds Apricot out to Junior.

"Take her! And I love you!"

He hesitates for a moment, but Junior rushes to grab his sister. He gets into the mecha and fires missiles at Antasma to cover his escape. Rubbing his eye, Antasma summons vines and points them towards the children.

"Your anger is towards me! Leave them out of it!" Peach shouts in distress.

Antasma towers over Peach and leans in…but not close enough to get hit in the eye again, "This feels familiar, doesn't it? A parent having their child run?"

Peach's eyes widen in fear. Not taking any chances with her, he expels a freezing mist entrapping her completely. Admiring her fear filled eyes, Antasma runs a claw over the ice. After securing the dagger, he leaves her for a group of soldiers to escort to the castle.

One down. Two to go.

As he continues his pursuit of the children, he shakes. "Something is wrong…"

Confused, Antasma goes up a hill. He looks in the distance and realize someone has set fire to the vines. He immediately moves towards it. His communicator is then sniped by an arrow. He angerly looks in the direction of the assailant. Waiting for him is Toad and Vert. Antasma glares at Toad while the fire rages behind them.

"Captain. What are you doing?"

"Having a barbecue."

Tanger and other soldiers catch up to Antasma. She hisses at the toads. Antasma orders her to continue in the direction Junior ran. He then motions for the guards to round up the toads. Despite his bulked-up look, Antasma maintains an air of regality when addressing them.

"I already have the queen. It is in your interest to cooperate as my flag flies over this land now. And aiding wanted fugitives is treason," he threatens.

"My family did nothing wrong!" Vert shouts though shaking in fear. Antasma grabs the old toad's head. After a moment he tosses him in disgust.

"Take him away!"

Antasma then turns his attention to Toad. "And as for you my dear captain, you are going to tell me where the vault is. I know you must know! We can wait for the kids together. Wouldn't that be fun?" Antasma jokes and grabs Toad's face to scan his mind.

"Let go of me, you freak!"

To Antasma's surprise, Toad is resisting his mind probe!

"Impossible! No toad is capable of this!"

"You'll get nothing out of me!"

Antasma pushes through his mind after tearing down layers of mental barriers. Then he is met with endless images of roasted corn. It was like he was being spammed with emails.

"What in the world!?"

The bizarre sequence ends with a memory of Toad stumbling across Peach flirting with a sharply dressed Bowser. She looked uncharacteristically bold. Peach tugs at his tie, dragging him in for a kiss. Before their lips meet, Bowser spots Toad and calls him a peeping shroom.

Back in the real world, Antasma stares at Toad blankly. Toad stares back with the same expression.

Antasma twiddles his claws, "Captain…. I know we've had our differences. And that you haven't forgiven me. I get it…. But that was low."

"That's what you get for messing around in people's heads!"

"Enough! You're wasting my time!" Antasma angerly probes his mind further as Toad fights back. "You will give me what I…" He then smiles wickedly.

"W-what's wrong!?"

"I now know."

Toad cries out in shock, "NO!"

"Yes. And you're coming with me! It'll be a surprise party!"

"NO!"

----

Junior arrives near the hills hiding the vault. He raises a claw to the gash on his cheek. He wants to cry over his mother, but he must put on a brave face for Apricot. Junior hugs his sister.

"We're in the clear, sis. P-Papa will save Mama! I just know it!"

Apricot sadly coos in response.

Toad continues to fight and complain in Antasma's grasp as he approaches the vault. "Will you be quiet for five minutes!?"

He opens the vault using the code he pulled from Toad's mind. He enters and shuts the gate. When Junior enters, he will be in for a rude awakening. Now they must simply wait.

A moment later, Junior reaches the vault. He inputs the code and enters. But he realizes Tanger is following him!

"Antasma's not answering...You're not getting away, Prince! You represent my chances, at becoming queen, crash and burn! I want you dead at the very least! I don't care if I lose my mind!"

Antasma begins to have a bad feeling. He puts a claw over Toad's mouth, "Where are they?"

He grunts over his inability to contact Tanger. Suddenly he feels her mind connect to the Dark Star's mind. She has eaten her shard.

"Tanger?"

"We're in pursuit of the boy inside the vault."

"The vault!? Then what is…" A clicking noise catches his attention. Antasma looks down and sees Toad smiling. The roof explodes and everything comes down.

----

Junior loses his mecha to Dark Tanger ripping the arms and legs off. She sneers at him with her blank eyes. Thinking quickly, Junior ejects himself from the mecha and it explodes in her face. Apricot in his grasp, he moves towards the massive obstacle course. He stops at the ledge, looking at the lava below.

"Make this easier on yourself. And surrender."

Junior hugs Apricot, breathes deep, and begins leaping from platform to platform. The feral Tanger chases them. As he jumps, the platforms collapse. Tanger lacks skill in platforming, but she can cover gaps using her enhanced strength. And any obstacle in her way she destroys. Catching up, she finally stabs her tendrils in his direction, striking him through the leg. Junior yells and falls onto a large platform. He covers Apricot's head from impact. The young boy shakes from the pain, wishing his father would show up. He then takes another look at his sister and musters the energy to stand back up. Though weak, Junior releases a fireball into Dark Tanger's face.

"Is that all? You're outclassed here. Your hiding place compromised."

She splits into multiple clones and surrounds them. Junior analyzes where he is and smiles. He memorized everything about the vault.

"I don't need to beat you to win!" Bowser Jr. snarls at her and slams his fist into the flooring, hitting a hidden button. The tiles separate and fall. Junior leaps from tile to tile to get to a moving platform. "This vault isn't really for hiding. It's a death trap!"

Dark Tanger's copies fall below. She also falls but tries to grab the moving platform with her tendrils. Junior kicks it off. With no footing she falls into the lava below, shrieking.

As Junior pauses to catch his breath, Apricot presses her hand against his gash. He smiles weakly, hugs her, and keeps moving. At the end is a clear pipe. Junior enters it. After he does so, he activates a switch that destroys the route. It takes him down multiple paths to a green warp pipe installed by Vert. Once he exits that, he ends up in the Koopa Coastal Village. The waiting villagers gather around celebrating. Mrs. Kale takes Apricot into her arms, with a look of concern for Junior's injuries.

"You finally made it! We were so worried! But Junior, where is your mother?"

Junior doesn't say anything. Now that he is in the presence of adults, he feels like crying. Mrs. Kale doesn't force him to speak and hugs him with her free arm.

"You did good."

Mrs. Kale informs an x-naut, under TEC-XX's authority, of the children's arrival. He accepts the report and leaves to inform the koopalings in space. The villagers immediately escort the children to the beach to board a boat. They then head out to sea for a hidden place. The children are now safe.

----

Antasma's soldiers have been searching for him. Hours later, they locate the site of the explosion. An injured Antasma pulls himself out of the ground. In his hand is Toad, who he shielded from the explosion. This action was not done out of kindness….

"Emperor. We spotted Madam Tanger wandering the countryside in terrible condition. She has gone mad."

Toad breathes a sigh of relief.

That must mean the kids escaped! Good work Junior!

Antasma ignores what his men just said to mind probe Toad.

"You wanted to separate me from Tanger..."

He searches, puzzled as to why Toad believed this location was the true vault. Soon he arrives at a blank. Antasma snarls. Someone wiped his memory and implanted a false one; Toad genuinely believed this vault was the real one until they actually entered it. The other toads' knowledge of the location were wiped altogether as well as the final hiding place. That explains the fog in their minds.

There are few that can pull this off.

"DREAMBERT!"

Toad musters up courage to speak. "He did it on our request. Ensure the children's escape and I get captured to give up the wrong location. But to be able to trick you, I must be fooled too. I'm only just remembering what Dreambert did for me. You can't get the memory back either! The kids are safe."

Antasma screams in rage over Dreambert. He rushes into the nearby hills, foaming at the mouth, and tears up the landscape.

I waited! I waited for her! I had the infant! I had her in my grasp! She's now gone! And Peach will not give up any information, no matter what I do to her.

Antasma begins to rant in his mother tongue. His soldiers stay hidden until he calms down. After his breakdown, he returns to Toad and his men unusually calm.

"Unearth everything."

"Where do we even begin?" they ask. Antasma grabs and hurl his soldiers across the landscape. Now he is alone with Toad.

"Don't bother. They will be long gone by then!" Toad remarks.

Antasma's glare is now cold and calculated. "You realize what this means, captain?"

Though shivering, Toad smiles. He had long accepted that there would be consequences, should he fail to assassinate Antasma. But the children are safe. His only regret is not helping Peach escape.

"I know."

Chapter Text

"Behind you, general!"

Heeding his subordinate's cry, Koopa General turns to clash spears with an enemy koopa. He studies his opponent with disgust. The koopa soldiers that sided with Antasma are now identified by their purple armor. These traitors have been dropping in from ships, storming the beach to prevent Bowser from leaving. With an angry shout, the general slams the opposing koopa into the sand. He whips himself around to block another opponent's blow. Meanwhile, a paratroopa flies over, bearing unwelcome news, "General! They've set fire to our raft!"

Out of breath and rage pulsing through his veins, the general processes the information. He eventually issues a new order, "Then make the blaze bigger!"

The paratroopa salutes only to pause, "Yes, sir! Wait…What!?"

"Make it reach to the sky! Hopefully, someone will see the smoke!"

Catching on, the soldier leaves to enact the orders. Koopa General returns to the crashed airship to check on Bowser. He hears none of the king's complaining and fears the poison has taken him. Hands trembling, he calls out, "K-King Bowser?"

"I'm still alive, you numbskull!" Bowser grunts. The general grabs his chest and exhales.

----

Not too far away on the mainland, Mouser and Tryclyde have been battling Jennen's forces with an army of birdos. (The rest of Bowser's army is fighting throughout the continent to repel the invaders.) During the battle, Mouser manages to get away. This is not for the purpose of abandoning his allies. He hides in a stone tower to contact the Koopa King. Earlier, Jennen was reported to have left the capital in flames and vanished. Mouser fears that Bowser is dead. "Someone is jamming the signals on this continent… Boss, where are you!?" he begs.

The tower rocks and Mouser jumps up, startled. He peeps out the window and sees Lord Arthur slumped over. Tryclyde comes slithering up and mocks the man, "You should have stayed in the prison." Tryclyde then looks up and the middle head speaks, "Mouser, any word?"

"I think the boss is dead…."

"A change in management then?"

Mouser covers his face with his hands and fat tears escape his eyes. "I'm not going through the process of learning new procedures, again! Besides, King Koopa's pay was good," he sobs. As the two debate their fate, Dreambert levitates down onto the battlefield. He calls out to Mouser. "Do not give up hope, Mister Mouse," he declares.

Hearing him, Mouser lifts his head, "The dream prince, what are you doing here!?"

"I'm answering a distress call from the general. He was travelling towards the Darklands with an ailing Bowser. And not far from here, I saw smoke."

Mouser's shades slip off his face but he pushes them back up. He smiles as hope returns to him, "We need to get to them now!"

But Dreambert shakes his head and stop Mouser from running. "Wait, I couldn't get over there. A monster intercepted my ship and…"

Tryclyde interrupts Dreambert to alert Mouser to a massive hammer spinning towards them. The mouse pushes the prince out of the tower before impact. As the tower crumbles under the weight, the hammer stops in the sky with a loud clang. Web-like purple cracks appear in the sky where the hammer stopped. The cracks keep expanding and form a rift in the sky. Smaller hammers come flying out of it. Protecting his allies, Tryclyde's left blocks the attack with a shield. Shortly a large form drags itself out the rift, Jennen. Unlike Tanger and Clawgrip, the army hammer bro still has his normal eyes. He has not gone insane yet.

Bewildered, Mouser turns to Dreambert. "He's tearing holes in reality!?"

Dreambert shakes with indignation, "Yes… And he's been chasing me!"

Jennen drops to the ground and produces another hammer, resting it over his shoulder. "You have healing capabilities, Prince Dreambert. So, there is no way you're reaching the king!"

Not waiting for the details, Tryclyde's Left shouts, "Egg Transport Maneuver!"

Dreambert is hit by a large egg, shot from a birdo's mouth. Trapped, Dreambert sails past Jennen. After some distance, the egg loses speed and crashes. Before Dreambert hits the ground, another egg (from a nearby birdo) catches him. "This is one weird way to travel….," he admits while holding on.

Jennen hurls a hammer after the pi'illo but Tryclyde wards it off. The hammer spins into the air, creating another rift in the sky. More small hammers drop out, destroying the ground around the serpent. Tryclyde grips his weapons and attempt to reason with his former comrade. "Do you really want the king dead, Jennen?" Tryclyde's right head shouts and spits fire.

Unaffected by the attacks, the hammer bro raises his hammer. "He is the best king the koopas have ever had and he is wasting his potential! All for a human! So, this is a trial by fire for him! If Bowser survives, he will come out stronger. The empire will get stronger! But if he dies, then he isn't worthy to be king!" He slams the hammer down, burying Tryclyde under layers of dirt.

Coming to Tryclyde's aid, Mouser throws a bomb in Jennen's face. Mouser materializes another bomb and yells, "How dare you insult the boss! I didn't spend 20 Sarasaland coins on a marriage license for nothing!"

During all of this, Jennen holds a conversation in his head with the Dark Star. It speaks in a foreign tongue, understood by none but one group of humans. But once a person eats the shard, they can understand the entity. The only downside is the loss of sanity. And Jennen feels his ability to reason is slipping. Only his wish to see his vision realized is keeping him sane.

"Antasma's order was clear. Kill Bowser."

"…. I…I know that."

"But a part of you hopes the king will recant."

"…."

"Do not fear giving honest answers. I'm just here. And this conversation is private. Besides, I'm interested in this …. Bowser….so I'll let you run things for now."

"Thank you."

----

Peach's mindscape was a wasteland and her mentally created fortress, utterly battered. Her resistance has weathered multiple attacks from Antasma. His passionate promises and threats were unrelenting. But the army of Peaches held their ground and Antasma soon retreated. There was no way Peach would tell him where the children were hiding.

Soon a great dark force sweeps across the land. The storm was familiar and it reminded her of trauma long buried. Her mental barriers instantly collapse under the strain. After the storm, surviving Peaches lay scattered across the mindscape. But a voice, from inside the fortress' ruins, tells them to get back up and they do so. Exhausted, they run to check on the one they are protecting. It is Peach's Inner self, glowing in light. Slumbering in the ruins of the fortress, Inner self's hands are folded over her heart and her expression peaceful. After confirming that she has not been compromised by Antasma, the Peaches sigh in relief. They begin to fortify the fortress again. As they work, the dark skies part and purple light shine through the opening. Inner self slowly opens her eyes. The main Peach, overseeing the defenses, notices.

"There is something I know but can't recall. But I do know not to trust this one," Inner self declares. Main Peach nods, then leaves the fort to approach the light. The closer she gets, the more afraid she feels. Unknown words soon greet her ears. But as Peach forces herself to focus she can understand the language.

"Stubborn child."

Peach looks around trying to put a face to the disembodied voice. "Where's Antasma?" she inquires.

"Working. I'm here at his request. You have a strong will."

"Who are you?"

"I have no name. They refer to me as the Dark Star."

"I see…"

"You are from the little blue planet…."

Peach squeezes her hands together. She gazes into the light and whispers, "Blue Planet?"

"Let's begin the interrogation, child. But first…" The mindscape turns pitch black. Peach can feel tension in the air as a storm picks up. She feels extreme discomfort in her chest. "…. where's Rosalina?"

A look of confusion appears on Peach's face, "I-I do not know who she is."

The voice pauses before speaking again, "You speak truth…. Oh well…. With that out of the way…. Where are the children? Before you refuse to answer, know that the Army Hammer Bro. is on his way to kill your husband."

Peach feels her heart leap in her chest. The last time she saw Bowser, he was poisoned by their enemies. Grief-stricken, Peach was certain he would die but she kept calm for the sake of their children. Relief wells within her to know he is still alive. But the relief vanishes as she realizes the incoming threat headed his way. She cries out, "Please, don't hurt him!"

"Drop your mental barriers and I'll intervene."

Peach stomps her foot and glares at the light, "I'm not telling you anything!"

"You would let the man you adore die?"

The queen pauses mortified that this being is trying to force her to choose between her family members. Of course, she loves Bowser but it is unthinkable to sell her beloved children out to the enemy. No matter what this being does to her, she will not give in. Nor does she want to. "Leave. Get out of my head. NOW!" she orders.

Two large eyes form in the sky; they regard her with cruelty. "This conversation is not over. I wonder where you will wander to after this world is gone."

His words were confirmation; Peach does know him from the past. "How do you know me...," she whimpers.

"Ask Antasma. Now listen. If you listen, you'll hear your friends crying out to you. They're all connected to me. Hear what Antasma has subjected them to."

Peach begins to hear shouts and cries for help. Berry, Gold, Toadette, and Larry! She is also certain she hears Vert and Yoshi yelling in defiance. Immediately, Peach runs in the direction of the sounds. "Larry! Everyone!" But no matter how much she runs, she cannot find them. As she continues, she hears her parent's shouts. Images of a world on fire flashes in the skies repeatedly.

"I can't go through this again!"

The other minor Peaches leave the fortress to convince her to come back. Hearing their shouts, Peach freezes. Suddenly, hundreds of long gangly black arms descend from the sky. They grab Peach and the others, crushing them all except one into specks of light. The main one shouts and struggles to break free. Ignoring her efforts, the arms bury her underground. The queen waves her arms in vain as dirt covers her. Unable to move and unable to see, Peach panics. She turns into her child form and screams, trying to dig her way out. "Stop! Enough! Just stop!"

As she wails, the earth opens and a giant glowing hand pulls Peach out and drags her back into the newly repaired fortress. Its gate shuts and the black arms try in vain to open it. Inner self shakes her head as she holds Peach. "Don't leave the fortress! They almost had us! You can't save everyone!" Inner self demands.

Though she knows Inner self is right, Peach protests, "But my family!" She grabs at the gate bars and cries out to the entity, "Stop! You don't have to do this! Please tell Antasma to stop!"

"Then tell us where the children are!"

A shutter comes over the gate, completely enclosing the fortress. Peach huddles next to Inner Self, her body illuminating the room. For a moment there is silence and Peach hopes this is the end of the mental attacks. But she shudders when she hears Toad's mournful wail.

"Peach!"

She can feel her heart tearing in two, but she doesn't move. If she gives in, the entity will bypass her defenses. After Toad calls out her name, there is silence. Eventually, the Dark Star speaks.

"Impressive, little one. Now accept what comes."

Peach hears the storm ease up.

"It's over for now." Inner self whispers and goes back to slumber. There are tears in her eyes. Now tired and depressed Peach stares at the sleeping form, "What did Antasma do….?"

----

Mouser and his allies lay among a heap of hammers. They successfully defeated hundreds of Jennen's forces but fell to the man himself. Not taking time to celebrate, Jennen rushes to catch up with Dreambert. The prince was flying across the sea on the last speeding egg. To outrun Dreambert, Jennen cuts open a rift near himself and throws the hammer over the sea. When it creates a tear in the sky, Jennen enters the nearby rift to go through the new, repeating the process. Dreambert watches as rift after rift appear in the sky with Jennen jumping through them.

"He's going to make there, first!" Dreambert laments.

The hammer bros makes it to the island and slams his hammer down. The resulting earthquake throws off the battling koopas. The general anchors himself as everyone else goes flying. "Jennen!"

"General…," Jennen flashes a sinister smile and swings his hammer, "Our rivalry ends here!"

The general dodges but a group of koopas fail to do so. Jennen swings them into a rift, and they fall into the sea through another. Now low on manpower, the desperate general pulls out his flamethrower and leaps to attack. As he keeps the fiend busy, Dreambert arrives and crashes on the beach. He jumps up, holding a box of medicine under his armpit. Spotting him the general and his remaining men dogpile Jennen to keep him busy and allow Dreambert to rush past.

"Go!"

Dreambert races to the middle of the island. "This may not cure him, but hopefully give him a fighting chance!"

As he approaches the ship, he cries out, "King Bowser!"

Bowser exits the ship and slumps against the doorway. His weakening eyes light up. Before Dreambert reaches him, the general slams into him. The two then crashes into a palm tree. Jennen leaps down from a rift and crushes the box.

"NO!" Dreambert shouts.

In this moment, Bowser feels his strength leaving him and he drops to one knee. He was so close to getting better.

Peach!

Jennen slowly approaches the king. "You can still be king," he announces and Bowser growls. "Renounce your love for the human girl. And we will save you though Antasma ordered your execution."

Jennen grabs his head and grunts. His eyes are fading but he continues, "H-Hurry! W-What is your answer, King Bowser!"

Bowser doesn't respond. Jennen grips his hammer. After everything he has been through the king won't at least give him a retort!? Jennen yells in rage, his eyes going white, and he brings his hammer down on the general and Dreambert. But Bowser leaps in the way and catches the hammer before contact. He grunts from the force and digs his toes into the ground to hold it in place.

The general looks up and yells, "Your I'm-Not-Listeningness!"

Bowser smirks, "I'm not fighting you! See, I'm just helping! And you're welcome!"

Dreambert balls his fist up. "Time for plan B," he mutters. Dreambert crawls from under the general and hops on Bowser's shell. The prince begins to glow.

"What are you doing!?" Bowser complains. His eyes widen as he feels his strength returning. With a roar, Bowser manages to throw Jennen back. "Gwa ha ha! I'm back!" Bowser declares but then grabs his gut in pain.

Dreambert hits Bowser's head and scolds, "This is not a permanent fix! You're still dying. This type of poison is stronger than the ones Antasma subjected me to. I'm just slowing the process."

Jennen snarls and roars at the trio. Bowser readies his fist; the general joins his side. "Just give us enough time to send this traitor sailing into the atmosphere!"

----

Berry knows he is experiencing this event again. Once again, he is running from something terrifying. What it is, he doesn't know as the jungle conceals its form. But he trips and falls into quicksand. Berry desperately reaches out for something to grab and pull himself out, he merely continues to sink. Unable to breathe, Berry releases a hopeless gasp. The worst part is, he knows this process will repeat.

Elsewhere, Larry is dangling above a piranha plant by a vine. He hears Gold crying out for help. "Gold!?" The rope snaps and Larry falls. Using his hands and feet he holds the man-eating plant's mouth open. He spits a fireball into its mouth but it doesn't do anything. The creature attempts to shut its jaws but Larry holds them open. He gives a defiant snarl but he wishes Bowser would show up and save him.

Gold's troubles involve him trapped under layers of cake. He hates cake with passion. But if he wants to escape, he must eat his way out. "This is the worst!"

Unknown to Gold, Vert was experiencing a far more terrible and sinister situation. The old toad sits on the ground, knowing his efforts to escape the forest fire is in vain. He understands he is in a nightmare and he wants to wake up but can't. During each cycle he has heard the others. This place is where everyone's minds are connected. Antasma wants them to know the others are suffering as well. Vert looks up observing a purple storm in the sky. "That must be the source keeping our minds connected….," he sighs.

Since the last cycle, he has not heard Toad's voice. Vert fears the worst and covers his tired eyes. Soon among the encroaching flames, the old toad spots Antasma hovering. In the mindscape, he is in his normal form. Vert grinds his teeth and throws a rock at the bat. Antasma deflects it with a wave of his hand.

"Monster!" Vert yells.

"What's your anger towards me for? Blame Peach."

Vert's mouth falls agape. "What does my child have to do with your decisions!?"

Antasma observes the old toad with contempt. "These nightmares feel authentic, right? The Dark Star gives me a boost to cause affliction. And you will keep experiencing them, over and over again. And I will do this on a grand scale once I secure complete control. By the time I'm done, you toads will rue the day you adopted Peach!"

----

Bowser shouts as he flies into and topples a tree. "Dreambert, you still alive back there!?"

The prince gives a weak answer. "Y-yeah…I've been through worst…"

Giving a weak laugh, Bowser sprints back. As he returns to the battle, he witnesses the general being hurled into a rift. Getting an idea Bowser dodges a swing and grabs Dark Jennen by the foot. He swings him around and hurls him into a rift. As Dark Jennen exits another, the general (floating in the sea) uses a rocket launcher on his face. The hammer bro. falls back into the rift and returns to Bowser. Bowser slams his fists into his face and he sails into another. The king leaps after him and meets D. Jennen at another rift with another punch. But when D. Jennen exits again, he releases a shockwave knocking Bowser back. But once D. Jennen lands on the ground, the general slams into him. Distracted, he is not ready for Bowser coming at him with rapid punches. The king doesn't let up despite the pain, until Dark Jennen yells and falls over. Bowser then grabs the fiend's own hammer, leaps into the air and brings it down on him.

Bowser collapses grabbing his stomach, and Dreambert's healing light weakens. Nearby, Dark Jennen himself begins coughing up his shard, now fragments.

Seeing the fragments, Bowser grits his teeth and gives another mighty punch to D. Jennen's gut. Coughing up the last of the shard, Jennen's eyes return to normal and he shrinks. The hammer bro weakly salutes the king and falls to the ground.

Dreambert urgently shakes Bowser's shoulder. "Now we just need to get you to the continent!"

Bowser groans, "N-No time." The king bends and scoops up the black fragments…. and shoves it in his mouth.

"That was in Jennen's mouth!" the general cringes.

Dreambert holds his forehead and shouts. "What are you doing!?"

Bowser swallows the shards, "T-That black shard…. in Antasma's head…. revived him! I-It can do the same for me, right?"

"But you don't…"

Bowser no longer hears Dreambert as he blacks out. After a moment, Bowser's eyes open and he spots a purple storm overhead. He looks around hearing a variety of voices. He swears he hears Peach, his beloved.

"Peaches!?"

"Why did you do that?"

Bowser looks around in confusion, "What is this weird voice in my head? Go away! I'm trying to heal!"

Suddenly, Antasma's voice floats throughout the air. He sounds like he is freaking out. "Jennen is down... How…Wait…Did he just eat the shard!? NO! NO! NO, no, no, no! NO! When does he quit!? Purge him immediately! Get out of here, Bowser!"

Bowser shoots flames into the air, "Show yourself nerd!"

Antasma's voice suddenly goes silent.

"I muted him. Congratulations on surviving. But you shouldn't be here."

The Koopa King is not in the mood and folds his arms. "I'm not doing what Antasma said! I stole the black stuff fair and square," he challenges.

The Dark Star mumbles under its breath, "Very well."

"You got a problem with that?"

"None. I embrace chaos…. Conflict is the makeup of the universe. The strong rule the weak. And you embody this. I admire that but the mental link will be severed. Can't have you knowing everything. But use your second chance wisely. Your lover awaits."

"Peach? Where is she!? Hey! Get back here…!"

Bowser comes back to the world, and realizes he is being slapped by Dreambert. "He's back with us!" the pi'illo sighs.

Bowser shoves him off. The general pulls at his eyelids to check Bowser's eyes. "You gave us a scare! Your eyes went white like Jennen's for a moment…," he complains.

Bowser dismisses his concerns, "I am not letting some weirdo tell me what to do."

"Weirdo?"

Bowser stands up and flexes as his audience stares at him in confusion. "I-I feel great! Like I can do anything!"

The general looks concern. But the thrilled Bowser demands to be transported back to the Darklands. "And someone get me on the line with the Merry Men."

----

"Bowser this is bad timing," Wario complains on the phone while he witnesses purple beams cutting through buildings.

"So, you idiots can't even come help me!?"

"No."

Dark K. Rool is on all fours like a crocodile. He roars and releases another onslaught of beams. Tanks are rolling in, firing at the gargantuan. He is far more tanker than Jennen and Tanger.

Wario continues, "But listen, lizard lips. We have intel about a Dark Star. It's the source giving the enemy the advantage. It is in Antasma's castle! K. Rool was corrupted by its influence."

Bowser grunts in acknowledgment. Was that the thing he heard in his head? "I see. So, force K. Rool to toss up the shard. It's the only way to stop him."

"Sounds hard but okay," Wario then raises a finger remembering something. "One more thing, tell that general of yours to stop making Toadette cry!"

Bowser's eyes grow distress, Wario doesn't know she is no longer on Kong Island. He can't tell him right now. Instead, Bowser hangs up and speaks to his minions, "We're on our own. But I got a plan."

The general approaches him. "I don't like you having that thing in your system! Why are you always putting random stuff in your mouth?"

"I'm fine. I had to do it."

Bowser grins as he feels power coursing through him. He feels great now. Just a little of the Dark Star's power and it gave him a boost. Imagine what he can do with more….

"Hang in there, Peach. I'm on my way!"

----

Near the Sarasaland warp pipe, Daisy has been using hit and run tactics against Dark Clawgrip. But the blows from his far reach is taking a toll on her. Her accompanying soldiers were down for the count. Still unable to see, Daisy sinks to her knees as she debates her next action. She looks around and perceives a faint flare. Her green eyes light up and she moves in the direction of it. Waiting for her is King Dragonzamasu spitting fire into the sky. Tears well in her eyes. Despite his claim to despise humans, he always comes looking for her the moment she is in danger.

"Dragonzamasu!" Daisy cries out and runs to embrace the seahorse. He is annoyed but he allows her to hug him. The sound of Dark Clawgrip moving ends the reunion. A tentacle launches at them but a boulder throws it off course. The other three kings of Sarasaland arrive.

"Empress!"

"We can't leave her alone for a second, can we?" Dragonzamasu mocks. But Daisy drags the other three in for a hug. The winds pick up but King Totomesu holds them all in place.

"You guys, you shouldn't be here!" Daisy laughs.

Hiyoihoi shakes his head, "You need help. So, we'll support you to the end!"

Even though his expression is stern, Dragonzamasu pats Daisy on the head. Reassured, Daisy lets go of them and turns towards the enemy.

"Then let's do this!"

----

In the real world, Antasma furiously enters his throne room. Bowser healed himself by eating the remnants of the shard he beat out of Jennen. The Dark Star cut the mental link, but the damage was already done. Bowser will now be coming with a vengeance.

The bat tries to reassure himself, "He can't get through the storm…but Bowser has a habit of making do with what he has…"

Antasma wants to take his throne and hurl it through a window. But he can't. His glare softens as he eyes Peach. She is sitting on his throne; vines preventing her escape. He had his servants replace her torn dress with a pink ruffle one that cascades to the floor. Behind the throne, the Dark Star stares down at her. Tears are falling down her soft cheeks, no doubt from the strain of resisting the mind probes.

Antasma approaches Peach and wipes her tears away. Peach stirs and gazes at him with sad eyes.

"Beautiful. You're still putting up a fight. Good."

"Where are my children?"

Antasma chuckles and his eyes focus on her exposed neck. "They got away. You have the captain to thank for that."

Peach bites her lip and her eyes downcast, "I heard them, my family. What are you…?"

"They're just dreaming my dear." Antasma grabs her in his claw and the vines release. Peach immediately tries to break free but he lifts her into the air. "Don't be like that, I'm taking you on a tour."

Peach stops struggling, "Vile man."

As they pass a locked room, Peach stares at it, puzzled. Purple energy flows from it and travels throughout the castle. Once again, she hears a foreign conversation. But the voices are far gentler than the Dark Star's.

"Could someone help please?" One asks.

Another speaks, "Anyone there?"

"Hello?" Peach asks.

The voices go silent on the other side. Antasma looks confused and then laughs. "Oh that? My 'fuel sources.' I feed one every so often to the Dark Star. It is also subsisting on your friends' nightmares …. for however long they can endure."

Peach squeezes Antasma's claw, "Let them go."

Antasma shakes his head and continues walking. "By the way, Bowser is dead."

Peach's eyes narrow, "No, he is not. I just talk to your friend."

"He soon will be," Antasma threatens and brings one of her hands to his mouth. "Amora, you will have no one, except me. It'll just be the two of us again, scheming. It'll be like old times until the day I'm ready."

Peach shivers. Ready for what? She attempts to pull away, "There was no scheming! And that name, why did you call me that?"

Antasma's eyes slit and he flashes his teeth, "It's your name before you were adopted."

"…."

Peach looks away as Antasma closes in on her face, "I know your parents. Even their names. Would you like to know if they cared about you or not?"

"There is a cost to it," Peach scoffs.

Antasma smiles, "Of course, there is. You will be my pet."

Peach stares at him in disgust, "I'm not going to be your little pet!"

Shaking his head, Antasma stops in front of a medical ward. "I see. Well, Toad is in there. You may want to check on him."

"Toad," Peach breaths as Antasma opens the door.

He leans in and calls out, "Toad, you have company."

"Company...?"

Peach notices Toad laying in a small bed. His lower half covered in a blanket; he is staring out a window. Toad turns to study his guests. Peach feels something is wrong. Toad is not happy or terrified to see her. He just stares at her with a blank look.

"T-toad…Toad!"

The queen runs up to him but he screams. "Get away!"

Peach jumps back. She holds her hand over her heart, stunned, "T-Toad don't worry, it's me!"

The mushroom fiddles with his sheets and his eyes terrified. He has trouble making eye contact with Peach. "Who…are you…?"

Peach's face pales and her eyes widen. "Peach…It's me …Peach…"

Unsure, Toad looks at Antasma who shrugs. Toad then shuts his eyes, "I'm sorry lady. This guy found me and treated me. But I don't know you! I don't know anyone!"

Toad hides under his blanket in shame. Antasma bends to talk to him. "It's going to be all right, Toad. Remember, you need time to process this."

"Y-yeah. I appreciate the help…"

Peach feels her heart shattering into pieces. She releases a piercing shriek and runs towards Toad. She pulls him up and begins shaking him! "Toad! What did he do to you!? Tell me! Don't you remember me!?"

Toad pushes her away and returns to hiding under the blanket. "Please go away, lady! You're scary!"

"TOAD!"

Antasma grabs Peach and walks out of the room. "I'm sorry, Toad. I thought she would be of assistance. I'll let you rest for now."

"T-Thanks doctor."

"No problem."

----

Outside, Peach covers her face now sobbing. Antasma rubs her head with a claw, like he is soothing an upset child. "There. There. He just doesn't remember you or anyone for that matter. All previous years of his life is now gone. Don't worry he hasn't lost any skills."

She pauses mid sob, "You did that…?"

"Yes. It cannot be reversed. He crossed me for the last time. But his last thoughts were of you. He believed you would come to save him, Peach. And believe me, I thought of killing him. But that wasn't enough for me. He would simply die a hero."

"His memories…"

"Come on, I do have a soft spot for the little guy, despite my hate for him. So instead, I returned him to what he should be. Toad is no longer the captain. He is just a scared little toad. Consider this mercy."

Peach begins to shake. Toad was all by himself, having his mind torn apart. And she wasn't there. She failed him again. Now he does not remember her and all that they've been through. He does not remember Toadette. All his cherished memories are now gone. Peach feels an unbearable ache in her broken heart.

Antasma examines his claws, feeling no remorse for his actions. "Toad is healthy physically and he'll be discharged tomorrow. Anyway, can I expect your cooperation from now on…?"

"He can't leave! He'll die out there," Peach laments.

"You only have yourself to blame," Antasma mutters and grab her chin as his voice raises, "Toadette will be executed tomorrow and I will mind break all the other toads if you continue to oppose me. You will be nothing to them. NOW GIVE ME YOUR ANSWER!"

Peach spits in his face.

Annoyed, Antasma pulls back to wipe his face. As he regards Peach's eyes the feeling lessens. In the past, others have gone mad with his manipulations for less. But Peach has been resisting while staying true to her kind nature. Even her attempt to stab him was not done in hate, but a desire to protect her son. But now… she has finally reached her breaking point. The fear in her eyes is still there, but there is also rage. She holds nothing but contempt for him now.

"Watch your back from now on…," she threatens.

Antasma chuckles from amusement, "I appreciate the warning, my dear…"

Chapter Text

His jaw hanging, Roy stares at his ship's monitor. Morton's ship was slowly descending into the planet's atmosphere while on fire. Roy pulls his shades off and rub his eyes. "Morton, I have no time to be saving your hide," he moans.

Morton is quick to express displeasure over his communicator. "Do you think I want to be in this situation!? I'm trapped under debris! Are you going to let me die!?" he complains.

"Of course not! It's just I'm supposed to back up Wendy!"

To Roy, his plan has been derailed. After Bowser departed, Sir Grodus rolled in a massive ship, revealing a cannon rivaling Ludwig's. Half of the koopalings' space fleet was either shot down or damaged. Not wanting to drag this out, Wendy and Roy opted to attempt boarding Sir Grodus' ship. So, after Iggy shorted out the vessel's systems (at the cost of his EMP cannon), Wendy left before Sir Grodus got the ship back operational.

"I expect twenty pecan pies out of this! And don't use premade crust," Roy demands.

Bewildered over the number of pies, Morton shouts, "You shouldn't need food as payment to save your own brother!"

From his ship, Ludwig tugs at his hair. Roy was getting increasingly frustrated with the enemies. But there was no time for this so Ludwig interrupts his brothers' argument. "Enough! I know you're both stress but Junior and Apricot are safe for now."

"I'm not worried about them….," Roy lies.

Ludwig rolls his eyes and releases his hair. "Of course, you aren't…. But our priority is defeating Sir Grodus. And keeping each other alive."

Though accepting Ludwig's direction, Roy folds his arms and grumble. He then orders his ship to rescue Morton. Now breathing a sigh of relief, Ludwig turns to his crew for an update.

"Wendy successfully entered the vessel, Lord Ludwig. She's on her way to the main command room," a koopa states.

"Tell her Roy will be on his way. Iggy and Lemmy will keep the fleet distracted."

----

As the lights to the ship come back on, Sir Grodus realizes Wendy has boarded. "How did you get in here, girl?" he inquires while brandishing his scepter. A group of x-nauts form up behind him to back the warlord up. Wendy pulls out a pair of golden bracelets and throws them at the crowd. Sir Grodus forms a shield but the soldiers sidestep to dodge.

"You have bad aim lady," one mocks. But the bracelets bounce off the walls and hit him from behind. Wendy hurls more, taking out the rest of the guards. Sir Grodus burns the projectiles before they hit him. The koopaling then leaps at Sir Grodus, pulling out another bracelet. In response, he raises his scepter and lightning shoots out. Wendy takes a bolt to the stomach and falls to the ground. She must then roll to dodge another strike. To avoid his attacks, Wendy starts bouncing herself off the walls. Frustrated, Sir Grodus struggles to aim at her. "You are as persistent as that buffoon of a king," he bellows.

Wendy's persistence comes from her need to be back on the planet…

"I finally finished, Apricot! A new dress! I spent hours making it!"

"Goo!"

"AWWW! You look so adorable! King Dad will cry when he sees it! Well, he'll cry when no one is looking…"

"Wendy!"

"Ludwig?"

"There you are! You're hogging Apricot again! She was supposed to sit in on my piano lessons."

"You had her earlier, Ludwig! I don't get enough time with her!"

Wendy grits her teeth. With Apricot being a newborn and the arrival of war, the koopalings haven't spent a lot of time with their new sister. And that crybaby Junior….no doubt he is a wreck right now from worry. He needs to be comforted. Wendy vows to get back to them.

Sir Grodus stops moving to wave his scepter in a circle. Seeing an opening, the koopaling goes for it. Wendy flashes her fangs as she aims her claws at Sir Grodus' dome head. "I have somewhere to be, Moon Man! So, I need you to fall already!" she roars.

But in her rage, Wendy fails to notice a transparent orb sailing towards her from the left. She is unable to avoid it and becomes trapped. "What is this!?"

Sir Grodus releases a hacking laugh. "Foolish girl. Always be aware of your surroundings! But you are so nice to me…. Just imagine Bowser's despair when he learns of his little princess' death!"

"…..!"

----

Back on the planet's surface in the Darklands, citizens are sheltering in the mountains. A shy guy guard, with a telescope, scans the surrounding area for danger. Spotting encroaching vines, he worriedly calls the eye-patch wearing koopa to report the sight. They have been growing from the crash site, of the comet that fell in the Darklands.

The koopa sighs, "Those again?"

"Should we burn them, sir?"

"Burning keeps them at bay but only for a moment…."

As they plan whether to evacuate the citizens, Antasma broadcasts a message to the world. His robots in different locations project an image of him on his throne. Also present and trapped in Antasma's grip, Peach sits on his armrest. Her stare is vacant. Some of the koopa viewers shake their fists at the screen.

"It's Vassal Antasma!"

"How dare he show his face again!"

"Queen Peach! That fiend has her!?"

Antasma snickers and rest a claw on his chin. "This is your new emperor speaking. Do not be alarmed. I'm sure some areas are seeing the advance of strange vines. A little terraforming is taking place on a grand scale. It is part of my vision for this world. Soon you will all be one with me," he announces. "Every moment of your life will be spent in fear."

The koopa citizens murmur words of defiance, they have no intention of being under anyone except the royal koopa line. And Antasma knows this. "Some of you are reluctant to accept the new changes."

The crowd goes silent.

"Therefore, you will see the public execution of Toadette, loyal attendant to Queen Peach."

In the Shiver Region, Wario is on his back after being thrown by Dark K. Rool. "Toadette!? Oh, no," he bewails. Vines enter the building he is in and wraps around his arms. Immediately, Wario feels himself going unconscious. Soon he will be forced into the nightmare world. But Waluigi enters with an axe and using his uninjured arm, Waluigi hacks into the mess to free his partner.

"Weren't you telling me to focus earlier, Wario?"

Wario breaks out of the vines and rolls his sleeves up. "You're right…. I've had enough of these guys!"

Meanwhile, on Kong Island, the toads are in a frenzy over the announcement. The locals try to calm them down to no avail. "But we have to save Toadette and Peach!" Ms. Truffle complains as a kong, wearing shades, holds her back.

The island's king, Cranky Kong, slams his cane down to get the toads' attention. Once they pause, he shouts, "What are you going to do? Ask that windbag to stop?"

The toads looked at each other, that is exactly what they were going to do. Cranky Kong hobbles away, still fussing, "We made a deal with your leader. So, none of you are leaving!"

Filled with helplessness and despair the toads begin to cry. The koopas, from Mushroom Kingdom's tower, escort them back to the huts they are sheltering in. "You're helping them by staying put."

Far from Kong Island, Bowser watches the broadcast from his airship as it travels over the ocean. His arms folded, he growls at the image of Antasma and Peach. Peach's vacant stare was ripping his heart apart. What has happened to Peach since his separation from her? And where were the children?

Antasma continues, "Toadette's painful death will send a message: all who continue to defy me will meet with the same fate. That includes you, Bowser."

The transmission ends and Bowser spits a fireball out. His eyes shift and he notices a distant ship crashing into the waters from above. He is agitated, but Bowser trusts the koopalings have the sky under control. Trying to keep calm Bowser goes to harass his helmsmen. "Come on. Come on! You're going too slow!"

The general shouts to them from the airship's crow nest, "We're now approaching the Mushroom Kingdom's borders."

Pleased, Bowser puffs his chest out and the helmsmen breathes a sigh of relief. As they close in, Dreambert becomes concerned as he spots the wall of purple storms. "That's the hurricane from the news coverage King Bowser," he remarks.

In that moment, a fellow airship approaches, informing the team of earlier efforts to go over the hurricane. But every time a ship tried; enemy ships were waiting. And a Tanger gone mad was also spotted wandering around. In response, Bowser stomps his feet, "I don't have time! We'll go through."

"But the winds are high."

"I'm not letting that stop me!"

The crew of the other ship relents, and escorts them into the hurricane.

----

Bowser immediately notices this hurricane is different from a typical one. A feeling of malice fills the air along with the high winds. Dreambert and some of the soldiers are gagging on the air. Masks are retrieved for them. Shortly after, the ships crash after traveling a few miles in. Undeterred, Bowser exits his ship and marches forward while shielding his face with his arm.

"Think this will stop me!? This is just a breeze, Antasma! I'm on my way, Peaches!" he yells. Bowser's men stay behind him, holding on to each other in fear of getting loss. After covering some distance, Bowser pauses feeling fatigue. The general notices and grips his spear.

"Sire?"

"I'm good."

Despite being healed, the nutrients and water Bowser lost while poisoned were not replaced. His body is strong but he is still recovering. He feels he could use another Dark Star shard…. But the longer he is idle, the more time Peach must wait. And he will not keep her waiting. Feeding off his rage, Bowser pushes against the winds. There is no way he is backing down now!

After what seem like hours, the general shouts to the king. "Did you hear that?"

Bowser turns around and snaps, "I don't have time for this!"

"No! Listen!"

The king reluctantly pauses. Against the howling winds he strains his ears. Soon he makes out a high-pitched cry for help. "Toad!?"

A sobbing Toad was being carried by the winds, clutching a shawl over his shoulders. Bowser rushes to save him but a tentacle snatches the mushroom.

"Tanger!" Bowser growls.

Still healing from extensive lava burns, the drooling madwoman attempts to devour Toad. "You made it…"

"It's her! She's the one that's been downing ships!" a koopa from the escort ship declares. Dark Tanger multiplies and rushes at the group, knocking out soldiers to get at Bowser. But Bowser drives a fist into the real Tanger, sending her flying. She crashes to the ground and throws up a shard. The king stares at his hand in shock, observing the black mist emitting from it and closes his fists with a smirk. He HAS gotten stronger. Bowser rushes to pick Tanger's shard up and the general cringes again. "Don't eat it!" he begs.

Bowser reluctantly pockets the shard instead. "Secure Madame Tanger and make sure she doesn't get away," he demands and then reaches for Toad. "Toad, I know you're an adventurer but this is not the time…."

Toad screams and runs away. Bowser stares stunned for a moment before chasing. As he pursues, the winds carry Toad into the air again. "Toad, get back here!"

"It's another monster! Help!"

"Toad, it's me you little fungus!"

The general flies, catches Toad, and soars back to the group - dropping the mushroom into Bowser's claws. Toad is shivering from the conditions but he squirms. "Let me go! Help!"

Bowser holds him close to warm him with his inner fire. Shocked, Toad's shivering stops and he leans into Bowser. The king keeps him in his arms for the rest of the journey. Once they exit the hurricane into a field, Bowser must pause to catch his breath again. He uses this time to ask Toad, "Toad, what were…"

"I didn't do anything! Don't eat me!"

"What are you talking about!? I'm not playing games, Toad! Where is Peach!?"

Toad's eyes widen and he looks around. "Peach? I … I remember she's the angry lady from the hospital."

"Angry…lady….?" Bower whispers. He turns to Dreambert. They both know something is wrong, especially Bowser. Despite his fear, Toad always gives the king a glare of defiance. All he sees is fear right now. And Toad would never refer to Peach as an 'angry lady.' Bowser calmly sits the mushroom down.

Toad eases up when Dreambert approaches. The prince bows before Toad and speaks gently, "Sorry we scared you. My name is Dreambert and this is King Bowser. We will not hurt you in any way; in fact, we know you personally. We're on our way to save some friends. What are you doing out here?"

Toad looks at them suspiciously. He then confesses, "I got a clean bill of health from the doctor and he was sending me home."

"All alone?"

"No, I was with one of his staff. Then that fang lady attacked."

The mushroom focuses his gaze on the ground. "You look like you know me…" Shame and panic begin to fill his eyes.

With a groan, Bowser bends down to look at Toad, "I'm going to be blunt with you Toad. No sane doctor sends a patient in your condition out like that."

Toad looks away ashamed. "I accepted because the guy scared me…"

"It's alright. I would not have stayed either. By the way, you're looking at your brother-in-law."

Toad's eyes widen and he whimpers, "B-brother-in-law!? No way!"

"Yes, and you thought I was awesome."

Dreambert slaps his own face. But Toad now stares at Bowser with a skeptical glare. "I think you're pulling my leg."

"I am."

"W-what!?"

"You actually hated my guts."

Toad looks down bewildered as a small smile tug at his mouth. "Oh…but I appreciate you not hiding the truth…"

Dreambert breathes a sigh of relief. Bowser now stares at Toad with furrow brows. "I can't tell you everything but there is a war going on Toad. Where did you see Peach? She is my wife and Toadette is my sister-in-law." Bowser pulls out his wallet to show a picture of Peach.

Toad grabs the picture and examines it. To Bowser's despair, Toad looks at his wife with a blank look. But he runs his small fingers over the picture.

"That's the lady… The doctor brought her in to see me."

Bowser grimaces.

"I felt terrible. She was insistent she knew me but I didn't…I wish I knew what was going on…everything is out to kill me!" Toad croaks and wipes tears from his eyes. He then points forward. "The facility where I was treated at is that way, mister. You have to get pass the wall of vines."

"So, the execution is taking place at the castle," Bowser mumbles. He motions towards a small farm home. "Toad, I want you to hide in the hut over there until I come back, okay? I'll have a guard stay with you to keep an eye on this criminal."

"Y-yes sir!" Toad nods and runs for the hut.

"I was hoping he would yell at me…" Bowser bemoans while kicking at the ground. The general growls, "Madness. Antasma practically killed him…"

Bowser turns to Dreambert with hopeful eyes. "Can it be reversed?" he asks.

"No."

Steam escapes Bowser's snout and he orders his troop forward. Eventually, they reach the wall of vines. Bowser reaches forward and the general puts a claw on Bowser's arm.

"Sire?"

"I want Antasma to come to me now," he lowly grumbles. The king can't imagine how Peach must be feeling. Before he entered the picture, Peach was often with Toad.

But Dreambert gets in Bowser's way. "But you must know where Peach and the others are located. No doubt the enemy knows you broke through the hurricane. So, hide and I'll have Antasma focus on me!"

Bowser reluctantly obeys but orders a group of koopas to stay with the dream prince. Then the koopas hide in nearby woods. Dreambert hesitantly touches the vines and forces them to pull back. A moment later, soldiers are swarming Dreambert. Dreambert and his group leads them away. Bowser and his men then jump through the opening, making a mad dash for Toad Town.

----

As night falls, Dreambert finally loses his pursuers. With no enemy in sight, he reaches for a vine.

"What now, prince?" a koopa inquiries.

"I'm entering Antasma's nightmare world. Guard my body as long as you can."

"You do know what will happen if we fail to protect you?"

"I'm aware."

"Well, then...for the King!" The koopas stab their spears into the ground, forming a circle around Dreambert. Dreambert turns back towards the vines. He reaches but hesitates again, his hand shaking. Summoning his courage, Dreambert grabs the vine to enter the world. In the blink of an eye, he is in new surroundings. A hazy world of darkness and of fire. He then spots yellow eyes floating in the sky, glaring at him. Antasma knows he is here.

"DREAMBERT!" he shrieks.

The sight of Antasma's eyes brings Dreambert back to his time of imprisonment. He feels his legs trying to lock up. Yet, the dream prince forces himself to talk to his former captor. "I should have never taken you in, brother," he sighs.

The eyes close in on Dreambert, revealing Antasma's face and the pi'illo creates armor over his own body. Antasma's eyes slit as he speaks, "Oh, don't give me that. You had no way of knowing who I was. Wait…why am I even trying to reassure you? You are responsible for me losing the princess!"

Dreambert pulls up a shield to block a wave of darkness. He struggles to keep the shield up. "I just don't understand what drives you to hurt others!? What happened to you?" the prince pleads. A screeching laugh destroys Dreambert's shield and the prince finds himself being pulled underground. Dreambert begins to breathe rapidly, his mind going back in time. He doesn't want to be imprisoned again...

"Seriously, Dreambert. You don't need to experience a rough life to be driven to do evil…. I just love it. But for the moment I simply want revenge. Now I need you to leave, you're interrupting my time with Peach."

Dreambert wails as Antasma laughs at his impeding defeat. "No! Antasma!"

Before he is buried alive, Dreambert spots a thousand light arrows going into Antasma's face. The bat screams but then he gives a dark chuckle, "Are you still mad, Peach?"

Dreambert yells as the ground closes over, but he finds himself in Peach's arms. "Your Highness!?" Dreambert gasps.

Peach jumps into a tunnel as Antasma shouts, "Peach, don't you go anywhere with him!"

The tunnel turns into a winding slide leading into a dark abyss. As they descend, Peach tightly hugs Dreambert. "I'm so glad to see a friendly face! Even if it is not in the real world!"

Comforted by her hug, the prince looks around. "Where are we going?" he inquires.

"To my fortress!"

When the slide stops, Dreambert and Peach appear inside Peach's place. Dreambert looks around at the boarded windows and gated doors. "Peach…you have been through an ordeal."

Peach hugs herself and stares at the bars. Dreambert senses sadness, despair, and rage in her. So much rage... Seeing her like this, Dreambert knows he must be brief and not bombard her with what has happened. And there is one thing that may lift her spirits. "Bowser is alive."

The way her eyes light up, Dreambert knows that was what she needed to hear. Peach holds her heart and a sob escapes her lips. "Bowser…"

Dreambert continues, "Yes...But Antasma, he's been keeping you in this world?"

Composing herself, Peach speaks, "Yes, to ensure I'm not escaping until Toadette is …but I've been working on a plan." Peach turns towards her Inner self who is hugging her legs, hunched over in a corner. "A being from my past has been attacking as well, the Dark Star. I can only resist for so long."

Dreambert rubs his chin, "So Wario's intel was correct. We need to take it out to defeat Antasma."

"Yes, I've been trying to save the trapped ones, it is using as a fuel source but…" Peach points to Inner Self. "This form represents my true self, the one entrusted with knowledge of where Junior and Apricot is. And she is terrified. She can't move and won't let me go far."

Dreambert notices Peach's hands shaking and admits, "She is scared, because there is a risk that you'll lose yourself in your desire for revenge…opening your mind to the Dark Star." Peach's eyes soften and she hangs her head. After patting her back, Dreambert approaches Inner self. "I'll go with her," he assures. Inner self looks at him and nods. At once, she snaps her fingers and Peach and Dreambert are teleported to a beach near rough seas.

Peach materializes a telescope for Dreambert to look out. "While fighting, I've been determining where everyone is. And our focus should be on Yoshi. If we can wake him up, he will cause havoc in the castle." Peach reveals.

Dreambert spots purple clouds hovering among the normal storms. "I think I have an idea how to do that…"

Currently, Yoshi's nightmare involves him being trapped on a board, in the middle of the ocean. Weak, he is struggling to hold onto it. "Yoshi!"

But Peach comes in on a boat and pulls him out. Thrilled to have been reunited, Yoshi rubs his head against Peach. This earns a giggle from her. After their reunion, Peach makes a request, "Yoshi, I have a job for you. Once you wake up, I need you to get to this door." She forms an image of said door; Yoshi nods, memorizing the design. "If you free the captives behind it, we will cripple Antasma's operations."

"Yoshi!"

Dreambert reaches out to Peach and requests, "Your hand, please."

Peach extends her hand and he grips it. "I need you to focus on all your good memories. It'll fuel me for what I'm about to do."

The queen closes her eyes and focuses. Her furrowed brows soften and she smiles. All her feelings of love for Bowser and her family pour into Dreambert. A light begins to form in Dreambert's other hand. "That's it!"

Suddenly, the seas get even rougher. A giant Antasma rises out of the ocean. "Dreambert, get away from Peach! You have no business with her! This is my time with her."

"You're starting to sound like Bowser."

"DON'T SAY THAT NAME!" Antasma roars and turns into a massive tidal wave.

Peach blocks the onslaught with a transparent wall. She turns to Dreambert. "Dreambert!"

Dreambert shapes the light like a ball around Yoshi and shoots him out a cannon into the purple storm cloud. As he disappears into the storm, the other two are overwhelmed by the waves…

----

Yoshi wakes up in his prison cell and breaks free of the vines holding him. Legs shaking, he grabs the bars to steady himself. Soon he hears the shouts of guards closing in. They have orders to secure Yoshi's cell. Yoshi yanks at the bars to break free. He groans from how it taking to bend the bars. But he notices Lumalee playing with a pinwheel across from his cell. Yoshi reaches out. "Yoshi!"

"You want this? Okay!" Lumalee tosses it to him with a giggle. Yoshi catches the pinwheel with his tongue. Using his hand, he picks the lock on his cell. Once Yoshi opens it, he moves to release Lumalee. The guards enter and Yoshi starts eating some to use as ammo. As he hurls eggs, Yoshi spots the other prisoners. Time is of the essence, and he can't stop to save the others. But seeing the state they are in changes his mind. They don't have long, especially Vert. Yoshi points at Larry's cell and tosses the guard's keys to Lumalee.

"But I don't…"

"Yoshi! Yoshi!"

"Alright, alright. I'll do it!"

Yoshi fights as Lumalee struggles to unlock the cell.

Above in the throne room, a soldier gives an update to Antasma. "After your report of Tanger's knockout we went to the location of the battle. And the wreckage of two ships were found. Dreambert must have been the sole survivor of the rescue crew."

"Keep looking, make sure Bowser is dead." Antasma shouts and frees Peach from his throne. As she wakes up, he grabs her. "Such a stubborn woman. I must keep you awake so you won't free anyone else…. I have guards breathing down Yoshi's neck as we speak. Come on."

"Where are you taking me?" Peach demands.

"Where else? It is only a matter of time before your co-conspirators: Yoshi and Dreambert are captured. All we are missing is confirmation of Bowser's death. So, I'm bumping up the time for the execution."

"No!" Peach shouts in vain as Antasma carries her away.

----

Toadette is dragged into the castle's covered courtyard by a pair of purple-armored koopas. Observing were rows of koopas and brainwashed soldiers lined up, all surrounding the execution stand. Robots were present to broadcast Toadette's final moments. She didn't have the will to fight. Antasma had allowed her to see Toad before releasing him. And he didn't recognize her.

"I'm back!" A six-year-old Toad announced while carrying a plate of chocolate chip cookies. Peach and Toadette were sitting under a blanket fort, surrounded by toys and book. The two cheered, especially Toadette. But Toad suddenly tripped and the cookies go flying onto the floor.

"Oops…"

Peach moved to pick up the cookies but paused when she saw Toadette's eyes watering.

"Toad!" Toadette screamed and began crying; she was looking forward to the snack! The tears wouldn't stop coming. But Toad ran up to hug her and Peach joined in.

"Give it a break! I'll go get some more, Toadette. It's okay," he comforts.

Now that she is older, Toadette realized it was trivial to cry over spilled cookies. But it is one of her most cherished memories. If something upset her, Toad and Peach were there to assure her everything would be okay. But today is different. And she didn't even get to say goodbye to her brother.

Despite how she feels, Toadette manages to lift her head to look for Peach. The queen is forced to sit next to Antasma to watch the event. Feeling empowered, Toadette makes one last attempt to escape but the bullies force her to move. Once Toadette is brought onto the stand, Antasma rises. "Miss Toadette, you have been found guilty of conspiracy, treason, trespassing, and being related to Toad. Your punishment is a slow death by arrows." A row of koopas pull out bows and aim as Dreambert is dragged in. Toadette gasps.

"Prince!"

"Toadette…"

Antasma taps his chin, "So, they finally found your main body, Dreambert. Good. He will join you right after, Toadette."

Peach breaks out of Antasma's grip and attempts to grab the dragon dagger at his hip. But Antasma pulls out a hidden blade and holds it against her face. "You're wasting your time. The Dark Star will just revive me again."

"Let Toadette go!" Peach cries out.

Antasma laughs and eyes Toadette, "You are trembling Miss Toadette. Are you going to beg for your life?"

"I-I'm not scared!"

Not really believing her, Antasma shrugs, "How boring…Well any final words, Miss Toadette?"

Toadette looks at Peach trying to think of the right words. Even if she must die, she doesn't want Peach to give up. "Don't worry Peach! Bowser will come to back you up!"

"DON'T SAY THAT NAME!" Antasma snarls. He demands arrows to fire at Toadette himself. Just as he finishes his demand the seating area explodes, and blue energy fills the courtyard. Shocked Antasma doesn't notice Peach breaking free of him.

Bowser comes out roaring with black mist coming out his mouth. His general follows without his blue shell. Only wearing a t-shirt and strapped with weapons, he puffs his chest out. "My shell is not as effective if unpiloted…. but it got the job done," he brags. He notices the mist seeping out of Bowser's mouth. "You ate the other shard, didn't you!?" Ignoring the complaints, Bowser frees Dreambert from his captors.

"Thanks for keeping Antasma busy Dreambert. The guards thought we were dead."

Dreambert looks up sheepishly at Bowser, "It was Queen Peach that did most of the work…"

On hearing Peach's name, Bowser leaps at the bat. "Where's MY WIFE!?"

"B-Bowser!?" Antasma roars.

----

Around the world people cheer for the king's arrival. Antasma demands the livestream be cut and builds up an ice wall to protect himself. Bowser tucks into his shell and smashes through the ice with ease; the cold is no longer affecting him.

"Gwa ha ha! We're now even, bat breathe!"

But Antasma slams him into the ground. "Don't get cocky!"

Taking advantage of the chaos, Peach races for the execution stand - jumping and dodging charging bullies. Spotting her and not wanting Peach to succeed, Antasma hurls an ice spike at Toadette. Peach gasps as she sees it sailing past her. Toadette shuts her eyes but the general frees Toadette and dives before they are impaled.

"General!" Peach cries out in relief.

The general hides at the side of the platform to check on Toadette. "Miss Toadette?"

Toadette opens her eyes and mutters, "Where is your shell?"

"I'll regrow a new one. Do I look …weird?"

She begins crying and hugs him. "No…not at all…silly."

The two are quickly found by enemies. Getting up, the general tightens his grip on Toadette as he dodges arrows. "Zephyr…"

"Huh…?"

"That's my name…only you can use it, okay?"

Toadette snuggles into his shoulder and nods. "Okay...Zephyr..."

Peach catches an arrow aimed at the general's exposed back. "Your job is to get Toadette to safety." she orders. Obeying, he leaves but tosses the queen his flamethrower. Using it Peach keeps the enemies away. She pauses seeing Antasma flying over her and crashing into a wall. Peach looks in the direction he came from and shouts, "Bowser!"

Bowser stops his charge to regard his wife. As when he first saw her, time seems to stop. Being separated from her has been agonizing. He feels a storm of emotions churning inside his heart, threatening to burst out. Bowser reaches out and Peach leaps into his arms. Among the commotion he spins in a circle and the two cling to each other like their lives depended on it. Finally coming to a stop, he places a claw on Peach's cheek.

"The kids…?"

"They're safe."

"And how are you holding up?" Bowser asks.

Peach leans into his claw. "You returned, just like you promised," she whispers. Gently, Bowser rests his forehead against Peach's.

Interrupting the reunion is an unearthly screech that echoes around the courtyard. Bowser places Peach behind him and blocks a flying ice stalagmite with his shell. Antasma reenters, his entire body shaking with jealous rage. He pulls the dragon dagger out. "Let go of her …. Bowser…. she's MINE!" Antasma snarls and lunges at the couple.

Being one prone to jealousy and envy, it feels awkward being on the receiving end of it for Bowser.

Man, is this how Yoshi felt?

But Bowser shakes the feeling off and shouts to a battle-ready Peach. "Let's do this."

"Right."

Bowser blocks an ice attack and stops Antasma from charging. Peach uses the flamethrower to slip pass through the wall. As she does so, the bat attempts to stab Bowser with the dagger. Peach comes from behind with a flying kick to Antasma's face. It doesn't do damage but it stuns him momentarily. She immediately retreats to allow Bowser to follow up with a punch.

----

Back in space, Wendy shouts from the electricity coursing through her. As she struggles, Sir Grodus mocks her, "How long you will last?"

Roaring, Wendy punches through the orb she is trapped in. Sir Grodus takes a step back in shock. Suddenly, a bullet bill collides into Sir Grodus. Rushing in and carrying a bazooka, Roy stops to pick Wendy up by the arm.

"I know you're not sleeping on the job, Wendy," he shouts.

"Give me a break! I almost died!"

Hearing her response, a surge of protectiveness drives Roy to fire more bullet bills at Sir Grodus. The fiend manages to pull a shield up. He then lifts his staff, "I can still destroy the capital ship."

Before he can issue the order, Wendy and Roy both charge Sir Grodus - powering through the shield, damaging his staff and his dome head. As Sir Grodus collapses, Wendy contacts Ludwig, "The main ship is under our control and we've captured Sir Grodus."

----

Elsewhere in the Desert Kingdom, Daisy is riding Biokinton as he weaves around the tendrils stabbing at them. On the ground, Hiyoihoi is nearly stepped on but Daisy has Biokinton shove him out the way. As Dark Clawgrip pursues, Dragonzamasu is on the ground recovering from an earlier blow to the head. He had been staying near the enemy to provide illumination for Daisy. Spiteful, the seahorse spits fire at D. Clawgrip's underbelly as he passes over. The crustacean roars in pain. Before a leg can crush the seahorse, the flying duo swoops in and grabs him. Biokinton is now sweating from all the extra weight. But Daisy is busy studying D. Clawgrip's reaction.

"He didn't like that…His soft underbelly is the weak spot!"

Daisy flies to Totomesu to tell him her plan as Dragonzamasu distracts D. Clawgrip with more flares. On Daisy's command, Totomesu rushes and grabs one of Dark Clawgrip's legs and lifts to throw him off balance. Hiyoihoi picks up Daisy and hurls her at the enemy. Daisy readies her fist and connects with the exposed underbelly, forcing the giant onto his back.

"You little GNATS!" Dark Clawgrip screams as he thrashes wildly at the group. The Sarasaland kings are knocked out by the frenzied attack but Daisy manages to dodge the blows and deliver another hit. Almost immediately, D. Clawgrip coughs up his shard. Stunned Daisy watches as Clawgrip returns to normal, eyes now swirling. After she doublechecks he is unconscious, Daisy shouts into the air.

----

Back in the Shiver Region, Wario and Waluigi are again laying on the ground exhausted. Dark K. Rool lumbers over to them. "You could be useful later. How about we pay you to turn a blind eye and leave it at that?"

Wario sits up and looks at him with disgust. "If this offer was from anyone else, I would accept. But you mess with the wrong people!"

Waluigi adds, "I don't want any of Antasma's money. Not after the drama he put me through!"

As D. K. Rool powers up another mouth beam, Wario plots, "He's been taking damage but his hide is too thick…DK you still with us!?"

Donkey Kong staggers in after being thrown some distance. "Never…. felt better…."

"Good I want you to throw me into K. Rool's mouth."

Waluigi grabs Wario's shoulder. "Wait!"

"We don't have time for this Waluigi!"

"If you want to be barbecued by his beam, be my guest! Just give it a minute, garlic breath! We only have one chance!"

The group runs to avoid the beams of death. The instant it stops Waluigi gives the word. DK gets dangerously close to D. K. Rool's mouth and throws Wario into it. Before Dark K. Rool can crush DK, the kremling begins thrashing and roaring. The Merry Men run to dodge the giant as he rolls into buildings. Soon he is foaming at the mouth. Wario then walks out of the mouth with the Dark Star shard and K. Rool returns to normal.

King K. Rool staggers up to do a dramatic bow and then falls over unconscious. But before he can be arrested, a group of kremlings carry him away. Too tired to pursue, Wario and Waluigi watch DK chase after them.

----

In Mushroom Kingdom, Yoshi runs through the halls of Antasma's castle, carrying Lumalee. (After being freed, Larry was put in charge of carrying the traumatized toads to safety.) Ultimately, Yoshi locates the room he has been seeking for on Peach's request. Once he takes out the guards, he realizes they were guarding Power Stars. The elusive creatures look at Yoshi with their black eyes and the dino stares back.

Lumalee enters and speaks, "So, this is where you guys been. Oh, he ate a few of you too…."

"Yoshi?"

Lumalee approaches the glass, containing the stars, and starts ramming into it. "That batty guy kidnapped them and I tried to stop him. Are you here to free them Mr. Dinosaur?"

Yoshi grabs a chair and slams it into the glass. Freed the stars pour out of the containment and hover around Yoshi. Unexpectedly, the Dark Star itself bursts in. "Back off from my food source!"

Yoshi falls over choking from the poisonous air the Dark Star is unleashing. But the power stars gather around Yoshi and Lumalee to shield them from further harm with their energy. Furious, the Dark Star unleashes a burst of dark energy, destroying the room.

Back in the castle's courtyard, Antasma lays before Peach and Bowser, defeated. All his ice spikes have been severed and he can no longer stand. But he keeps them at bay by expelling sheer cold. As he does so, Antasma hears the Dark Star's thoughts and knows Yoshi succeeded in his objective.

Everything is ruined.

Antasma fires off a few icicles into the pillars dotted around the area. Suddenly, the roof of the courtyard caves in. Bowser rushes to shield Peach from harm.

----

After a moment, Peach opens her eyes and realizes she can't move. She twists her head, trying to find a way out only to see she is under Bowser. Assured, Peach relaxes and wraps her arms around his neck. He stirs and smiles at her while lifting an eyebrow. "Well, hello there Miss…Are you alright? I'm not crushing you, am I?"

Peach slowly shakes her head and giggles. Leaning in, Bowser gazes into her eyes - his eyes now serious, "Toad is safe, Peach."

A sniffle escapes from Peach and Bowser nuzzles her face. He grits his teeth while asking, "Did Antasma hurt…"

"I'm fine," she answers shortly. "We need to find everyone."

Bowser grunts and lifts the pillar to free them from the rubble.

But waiting for them is Yoshi and the Power Stars.

"Yoshi! These were the prisoners?" Peach asks.

"Yoshi!"

The stars hover towards Peach and hold an animated telepathic discussion with her. Curious with what looks like a staring contest to him, Bowser turns to Yoshi, "What are they doing?" Yoshi shrugs in response.

"Talking." Lumalee says. "You shouldn't ease drop on private conversations!" Bowser sticks his tongue out and goes to dig for Antasma.

Meanwhile, the stars thank Peach for hearing them. They are overjoyed to see a human from the blue planet. But they refer to her as a runt. Hearing the words, Peach looks at them curiously. "Runt?"

"You left your home world before your star ability manifested. You had no interaction with stars nor a diet of star bits since then. That stunted your gift."

"Ability!? Can I access it now?" Peach pleads with them. The stars look at her with a deadpanned look.

"You can't just learn something so complex instantly…" But they suddenly hide behind Peach. "Don't let him take us again!"

The Dark Star glares at Peach as it descends. Peach shakes from seeing it but she and Yoshi refuse to move.

"Child. Without them I'll fall apart."

Peach motions for the stars to run. The Dark Star slowly approaches and Bowser gets in front of his wife.

A weak voice calls out, "Then use me fully then..." Pulling himself out of the wreckage. Antasma raises his palms. "My vassals are down; my war fleet is weakened. The vines… I have nothing left," he bewails. Antasma gestures at Bowser and Peach, "I don't care what happens to me now…. All I want is to see you dead Bowser!"

"Yes. We'll take them with us!"

The Dark Star knocks back Peach and Bowser from attacking Antasma. It then shines a ray down on Antasma and his body melts like ice. Antasma shrieks in pain.

"This form was meant to counter Bowser. But it was far too limiting."

Despite the agony, Antasma agrees, "Yes. YES! A new form is needed!"

The bat reforms into a dark mist and many chokes on the air he dispels. Bowser covers Peach's mouth. Antasma then opens a rift into the air behind Bowser and Peach. He rushes and pulls them in. Yoshi attempts to pursue but the rift closes. "Yoshi!"

----

The rift reopens near the pipe to Peach's home world and Bowser protects Peach as they fall out of it. The mist then approaches the pipe. In what should take months of work to repair the pipe, Antasma fixes it in an instant with the Dark Star's power. Once the pipe is activated, he enters. "My dear, sweet, and adorable Peach…. The storm outside the border will enclose and kill everyone in this kingdom. It is my goodbye to you …. unless you kill me."

A furious Peach immediately gives chase but Bowser stops her. Peach stares at him stunned, he is usually the first to rush at a problem. "It's a trap, he may cut the connection once we enter and leave us stranded."

She rubs the back of her head, "You're right. I need to calm down. Good thinking."

Bowser chuckles and lifts an eyebrow, "I learned from you."

Peach turns back towards the pipe. "But if what he said is true, we have to beat him before the storm engulfs the area."

The Power Stars catch up to Peach. They had located her by sensing her. "We'll make sure the pathway doesn't close and that you reach the correct pipe."

"Thank you…" Peach looks to the ground. "And are you sure you can't help me learn a new skill?"

One hovers forward toward the queen and answers, "There is not enough time. But… I will give you a minor boost. The koopa is already juiced up so you should be too. We're not like a super star that grants invincibility for a time, but you will not die from one powerful hit."

Peach looks at the being. "This won't hurt you in any way, right?"

Its eyes close to indicate a smile, "I will die. But I will be reborn one day. Stars always return. Please accept my help."

"Alright…"

It enters Peach and her body glows briefly. Not knowing what is going on, Bowser looks at her with concern, "Peach?"

"I'm fine, I think." Peach doesn't feel much of a difference but she feels a surge of courage. The other stars look at Bowser and warn Peach, "Watch out for him, he ate Dark Star shards to save his life."

Now Peach looks at Bowser with worry. He frowns, "Are you guys gossiping about me!?"

Despite her concerns, Peach gives him a warm smile. Bowser is still himself, she is certain he will be okay. "Bowser, they'll help us reach Antasma."

"Then let's go! We can't wait any longer, Peaches."

Taking each other's hand, the couple enters the pipe as the remaining power stars protect it. They continue to hold onto each other as they travel. Eventually, Bowser looks down at Peach and runs his claws through her hair. Peach laughs feeling less tense, "We're in a fight for our lives and you have time to flirt!"

"I always find time...," he whispers. He looks ahead and back down at her. "Looks like we're getting to visit your hometown…"

Peach grips his claw and the king continues, "But no matter what you find out on the other side, I'm with you okay?"

Smiling, Peach gives him a small kiss on the snout, "I know."

Chapter Text

"We're all going to die," Lumalee's happily announces from above the battle, taking place in Toad Town. Every soldier, including Antasma's koopas, stop - unnerved by the little star's cheery disposition.

Larry decides to investigate Lumalee's claims. Gripping onto a flagpole, he peers out towards the border of Mushroom Kingdom. From there he can see the storm walls rolling in towards them. Abruptly, the winds become violent and almost rip Larry away. He clings to the pole and shouts out to the people below. Panic breaks out.

As everyone else runs around, Yoshi stands still for a moment. He then returns to treating Vert and the others for the wounds they sustained earlier. Meanwhile, on a roof, the general observes the sky turning purple. He knows help from the outside will arrive too late. So, the general pulls Toadette towards himself and rests his head against hers.

----

Peach and Bowser finally exit the warp pipe to Blue Planet, expecting a sneak attack from Antasma. But he is nowhere in sight. The only thing waiting for them is dark gloomy skies and a town on fire. Shouting and screams echo in the air. Peach stiffens and rub her arms. But a childish voice made the couple look down. Before them is a sobbing young Peach, gripping her blanket around her neck. Bowser groans at the sight. Due to her motherly instinct, Peach reaches for the child but she vanishes. Soon the town also disappears and the dark gloom pulls away leaving a beautiful star lit sky. Peach looks around bewildered as Bowser scratches his head.

"Peach, you saw that town just now, right?"

Peach places her hands over her heart, "Yes, Antasma is messing with us…"

A loud clanging sound made the royals jump. Bowser protectively wraps an arm around Peach and investigates. Dark chains have materialized and blocked the warp pipe.

Bowser mutters, "Keep an eye out…"

The two begin the search for Antasma and the Dark Star. As they do so, Peach gazes in awe at the endless expanse of glittering stars. Star dust was even falling around them. Despite the beauty of the place, she couldn't shake the feeling of dread. But she was determined to end all of this here.

The couple now pass through an area in the forest, where the town appeared. Deep groves in the ground show evidence of a bulldozer coming through. Every trace of the town had been wiped out. After examining the tracks Bowser turns to study Peach's reaction.

"This isn't an illusion…. What is he getting at…?"

Suddenly the town reappears, but without the fire and shouts for help. As it does, hundreds of blue eyes flash in the sky looking down at them. Peach and Bowser jump from the sight. And in a flash, they find themselves in a house. Gripping his chest Bowser looks at Peach and she stares ahead. Before them and sitting at a small table, is a tall blonde man as well as a short curvy woman. The man's bangs were curling upwards. Instantly noticing the similarity to Peach, Bowser moves forward but Peach stops him.

With backs against them, the parents talk as if the royals are not present. "Aster, where is Amora…"

"She was playing with her luma friend in the square."

Peach gripped at her skirt. She wanted to race towards them and tell them who she was. But she refuses to move and whimpers, "The old me …. would fall for this. But I know they are not real…."

Behind them, the royal couple hears a familiar small voice from beyond the door. "Mommy! Star! Bad..."

The parents stood up and Aster grips his wife's hand. "Cheryl?"

Cheryl places a hand over her heart and asks, "What does she mean by bad…?"

Suddenly, everything turns a purple hue. The parents finally turn around, now facing Bowser and Peach. And their faces are nothing but static. Peach feels her heart drop. The mother points at her aggressively, "Why did you come back!?"

Confusion clouds Peach's eyes. Despite knowing it is an illusion she wonders why they are not happy to see her. Immediately the parents pick up iron skillets and rush at Peach. Bowser gets in the way to block the blows.

"This isn't real, Peach!"

The parents emit a combined energy shield, ejecting the royals from the home. Peach lays stunned on the ground as Bowser tries to get up. "Okay…semi real… and they have powers…. But Peach, don't you dare give up…" Bowser is interrupted by a large fist connecting with his face. When he gets up, he is face-to-face with the former queen of the koopas.

"Weak!" she roars.

Horrified Bowser instantly reverts to the demeanor of his younger self. He covers Peach and curls up, waiting for the blows. As she wails on Bowser, he does his best to shield Peach despite the pain. Tears well in Peach's eyes as she sees Bowser's fear filled ones. "Bowser!"

At that moment, an arrow hit the queen's face, shocking her. She jolts back and her image fades for a moment.

"Leave Mr. Bowser alone!"

Peach notices Toad is hanging out of Bowser's shell. Holding a bow and arrow, he fires again at the queen.

"Toad?"

Bowser grinds his teeth. He stands back up and drives a punch into the 'queen.' Before he can go again, she is protected by a blue shield from his blow.

Realizing her parents are near, Peach bemoans, "They're making our nightmares reality…" Within her was always the fear that her parents hated her. And Bowser fears his mother…

A voice, a mix of Antasma and the Dark Star, call from above, "So perceptive Peach. But not all is false. Would you like us to show you the rest?"

"Shut up!" Bowser shouts as he swipes at his mother.

Toad peeps out again from under Bowser's shell. "You got this Mr. Bowser!" he declares.

"Toad if you call me Mister one more …" Unexpectedly, Bowser is grabbed from behind by the queen koopa. She falls back, bashing his skull against the ground. But Bowser shifts his weight to the side to break free. Black mist emits from his mouth as he ignites his flame breath. She counters with hers.

Meanwhile, Peach is slapped around by her parents. Every time she tries to counter, they erect shields. And if she injures one, Aster heals. The mother finally blows a kiss at Peach, forming a heart. The heart engulfs her and drags her towards Cheryl who is waiting with a pan. Peach feels a calmness coming over her even though she knows she must run.

Seeing her plight, Bowser shouts at Toad to help Peach. He aims and fires another arrow at Cheryl. This allows Peach to break free of her mother's telekinesis. With a heavy heart she knocks out her mother and snatches her pan and slams it into Aster's face. She hears a dark laugh echo as she runs to kick the back of the koopa queen's head. The queen's form distorts and vanishes. Bowser rushes at Peach's parents and plows through their shields, slamming them into a wall. The parents' forms also break down and fade away. Bowser then catches Peach as she stumbles.

"Peach, I'm sorry…"

"No…thank you…."

Ignoring Bowser's concerned gaze, Peach averts her attention to Toad. He shrinks back in the shell and she rubs her eyes. He still is standoffish with her. But she is happy to see he is all right even if he no longer recognizes her. "Thank you…. Toad. But what are you doing here?"

Bowser shakes his head, "I thought I was smelling mushrooms…"

Toad peeps his head back out, "I was too scared. It's safer with Mr. Bowser."

The king rolls his eyes while Peach looks intrigued. "Look, you can hang out in the shell just stop calling me that!"

"Y-yes sir!"

Bowser groans. Toad nervously pulls out a backpack. "During your fight in the castle, I was pilfering stuff. Anything I could while you were thrashing the doctor around. He kept dropping stuff." He opens the bag to show Peach. "Could you use any of this Mrs. Peach and Mr. Bowser?"

Bowser gives up on correcting Toad. He flexes his muscles instead, "No, I have no need for it!"

But Peach's eyes widen as she looks at the contents. "Umm…Toad. I'm confiscating this bag."

"Aww man…"

She looks at him with hopeful eyes. "But I appreciate the help!"

Toad's eyes downcast but then he looks back up, "Bowser says you are my sister…"

Hearing those words, Peach feels her eyes watering. "Y-yes…I am…"

"I didn't believe any of his words at first. But it is clear you two love each other."

Peach's eyes flicker to Bowser's intense stare and back at the ground. "Bowser..."

Chuckling Bowser pats Toad's head. He then yells into the sky. "Your sick game was not amusing Antasma... Enough."

"But we still wanted to show Peach where the grave would have been located…"

Peach furrows her blonde eyebrows and whispers, "You ransacked what was left?"

"Antasma meant it when he said you would only have him."

Soon, descending from the sea of stars is Antasma's mist form. It comes to a stop and six massive bat wings come out of the mist, stretching for a mile. As the mist dissipates, a dragon-like head appears wearing Antasma's mask and yellow eyes and his fanged mouth glowed yellow. On his spiky back is the Dark Star tethered to him. Dark Antasma releases a shriek and the royals grab their ears.

"But you had to be difficult, Peach. So, we will make you beg ... for death!"

Bowser shoves Toad into his shell and looks at Peach. She sadly nods at him. Bowser poses with his claws as Peach gets back a distance. Dark Antasma charges at them but he ignores the heavy hitter Bowser and goes right for Peach! Shocked Bowser catches his boney tail. But Antasma fires a fireball at Peach. Now mortified, Bowser shouts for her but Peach manages to dodge it. Despite the fireball's size, her leaps are better thanks to the enhanced reflexes. Bowser exhales in relief, only to realize Dark Antasma is dragging him into the sky. The beast then drops, dragging his tail through the forest. Bowser is pummeled by trees and boulders yet he doesn't let go. The dragon bat slams him into a mountain and Bowser falls into the forest. Dark Antasma fires fireballs after him on the way down.

"Bowser! Toad!" Peach shouts as she sees the explosion. Dark Antasma focuses on her again. He opens his mouth releasing a beam. Peach isn't fast enough and the flames engulf her. Though searing pain shot through her body, she is still alive. On her knees, Peach silently thanks the power star for protection but she knows the power up won't last long.

As Dark Antasma descends to attack again, Peach rushes at him and maneuvers onto his back. She makes a mad dash for the Dark Star. But the entity forces her away with a pulse of its dark energy. Dark Antasma turns to mist and Peach falls. Bowser moves to catch her but remembers she can float down. Instead, he attacks Dark Antasma, attempting to get into the mouth. But he is also repelled.

A row of dark orbs materialize and surround Dark Antasma. He quickly devours one and his body turns red briefly. The monster opens rifts in the sky and fire rains down, burning a portion of the forest. Bowser covers Peach with his own body. When the ariel assault ends Bowser and Peach are lying on the ground.

To Peach's relief she sees Toad is unharmed. She turns her attention to Bowser. "Bowser!" she cries. Though stunned, she softly reaches for his claw. He is alive but his breathing is weak. She gently cradles Bowser's claw with her tiny hand.

Please get up!

Peach's hand glows a dim pink as she silently begs. The scars on Bowser's arm vanish.

"What…?"

But not all of Bowser's wounds heal and the glow stops. Peach realizes her gift, the stars were talking about, must be healing like her father's. How helpful a skill it would have been to have earlier! But Peach lacks the ability and power to bring it fully out. But it was just enough to wake Bowser up.

Eyes now open, he gazes at her tenderly. "There is more I need to learn …. About you, Peaches. I'm not dying here…" he mumbles.

Bowser gets up on his knee and helps Peach up. Noticing Dark Antasma descending, Bowser throws Peach and Toad out of the way. A shadowy cage materializes over him. Bowser begins punching at the cage to break out as Dark Antasma eats another orb and powers up a mouth beam.

Keeping calm, Peach turns to Toad. "Toad aim at those orbs on my command!" she shouts while pulling a sword out the backpack. Peach runs toward Dark Antasma, right at his face, and aims a sword at one of the eyes. On reflex Dark Antasma turns to avoid the attack and his shot misses Bowser. The Koopa King breaks out of the cage. Though the dragon-bat is flying, Peach is still holding on to the face aiming for the eye. Distracted by her efforts, Dark Antasma crashes into a mountain. He turns into mist and Peach falls but she catches a ledge. She shouts at Toad again. He aims at the dark orbs and fires. The captain manages to knock two out of orbit. As he reforms, Dark Antasma growls at the toad, "How are you still giving us trouble!?"

Toad runs in the woods screaming. But elated with the results, Bowser catches the orbs and shoves them into his mouth. "Good thinking Peaches!"

Peach notices what he did as she runs along an edge. "I was trying to stop him from powering up! Bowser…" she complains.

Eyes wide and smiling madly, Bowser leaps and strikes Dark Antasma in the face. The dragon goes sailing. "BWA HA HA! That's what I'm talking about!" Bowser declares.

Desiring to help Mr. Bowser, Toad snipes at another orb and Bowser catches it. But after Bowser eats this one, he suddenly bends over.

"Darling!?" Peach cries out.

Bowser holds his mouth as darkness spews out from his jaws. He suddenly grows large, his spikes enlarge, his horns grow in length, and his eyes become feral. Now towering over the forest, Bowser roars at Dark Antasma and the ground splits from the force.

"His potential…"

Bowser releases a blue beam, cutting holes through Dark Antasma's wings. The dragon bat shrieks in pain and rage. Bowser then jumps the dragon-bat and the two engage in a struggle. Peach watches in horror as Bowser laughs madly over his newfound power.

He fires a beam directly into Dark Antasma's face and throws him around the forest. The forest becomes engulfed in flames from the battle and the ground continues to split from the earthquakes. Had this been back home, the fighting would have destroyed Mushroom Kingdom! Peach grabs Toad to carry him to safety.

"But Mr. Bowser!"

"I'll go back for him!" Peach shouts.

Dark Antasma manages to break free and bites into Bowser's neck. The king shouts in pain. Dark Antasma begins rolling like a crocodile trying to rip Bowser up. But the king manages to hold him in place. Growing frustrated, Dark Antasma opens a rift to force Bowser to fall into a spiked canyon. But Bowser creates his own rift and returns, chomping down on the bat again.

Peach returns to the battle. Though worried over Bowser's power trip, Peach uses the chaos to jump on Dark Antasma's back. The Dark Star glares at her.

"Child, this will not be the end of me."

Peach braces against another dark pulse; she does not intend to back down. Throwing her hip forward she breaks through the barrier. Her leg glows as she unleashes a kick that severs the Dark Star from Antasma. In that moment, she feels the star's power leave her. Peach tumbles off and floats to safety. The weakened Antasma reaches for her to crush her in his grip. As the Dark Star falls Bowser catches it.

"I need to save Peach! So, I need more… more power! MORE!" he yells and shoves it into his mouth. Bowser's eyes go blank and dark energy pulses from him. He thoroughly thrashes the dragon-bat saving Peach. Antasma manages to break away and flies into the sky. But without the Dark Star, cracks form over Antasma's draconic body and light bursts out engulfing him. Bowser throws his head back and unleashes a victorious roar.

Peach notices on the horizon a storm forming. Peach's covers her mouth and turns back to Bowser. "Bowser!"

He pauses and turns his attention to her. Despite how feral he looks; Peach can still see love in his eyes as he regards her. "This is the answer to our problems Peach!"

"W-what?"

"Don't you see?" Bowser snaps his fingers and rifts appear behind him. "With this power, I can contain any threat! I need to sustain this form with power stars…. more power… MORE! But our kids will be safe from now on! And you won't have to fear anyone targeting you again!"

Peach places her hand over her heart. Even though he married her, Bowser is still drawn to power. "I don't want this! I just want you Bowser!"

Bowser aggressively lowers his face down towards her. Peach steps away and falls to the ground, shielding her face. His eyes soften when he sees her fearful expression. He lowers his voice, "I can now give you whatever you want! The universe is ours for the taking!"

"I don't like what it is doing to you!"

Bowser goes silent.

Peach shakenly stands up and reaches for him. "The Dark Star isn't just a power up. Bowser, he …. destroyed my hometown. And destroyed so many others! Antasma was using it against your people! If you side with this creature, I don't want anything to do with you no matter how it breaks my heart!"

A look of shame appears on Bowser's face. But he suddenly rises and grabs his head in pain. Lightening appears in the skies as he rushes off shouting and screaming.

"Bowser!" Peach cries out after him.

----

In Bowser's mind he stares with a depressed expression. "I never wanted… I didn't mean…"

As he contemplates, a form appears in front of him. It is the Dark Star, mimicking Bowser's appearance. But with black hair, blue skin, and red eyes.

Bowser snarls, "What did you do to..."

"That is in the past. I still have much to offer. I have what you deeply desire, power. No matter what you portray yourself as to the girl, you still wish for world domination. You are only behaving for her sake."

Bowser cannot look the entity in the eye as he cannot deny the truth. The strange form circles around Bowser, as if showing what he can be. "You are the perfect host for me. So much power and a potential to get even stronger. I can finally pursue revenge on Rosalina for imprisoning me. In exchange for helping me, I'll grant your every wish."

Bowser responds with a punch in the Dark Star's face. He retaliates with a punch of his own and begins attacking with his fire breath.

"You're right, I'm not fully reformed. I will always have the urge to take whatever I want. And I would jump at the chance for more power. But you helped Antasma ransack my empire and …. you messed with Peach! No one and I mean no one is to lay a hand on her!"

The Dark Star's body is breaking down, his tone becomes desperate. He pummels Bowser into the ground. "I don't understand your rage!? The two of you were worlds apart! You would have never met her if not for me!"

Filled with rage, Bowser gets back up and hits the Dark Star with numerous devastating blows. On the last hit, its form breaks down while screaming in rage, and bursts into light. Bowser stares ahead with a solemn look. His voice cracking, he whispers, "I would have simply met her another way…"

----

In the real-world Peach is looking for Bowser after he had ran off. Helping her in the search, Toad shouts to her from a tree. He climbs down and grabs Peach's hand to direct her to his location. In the center of a charred field, lays Bowser. Black mist rises out of his shell and fades into the sky.

Peach releases a sob, happy to see him normal again. As she reaches for him, Toad screams. "The doctor!"

Peach turns, realizing they are not alone. In his base form and battered, Antasma tilts his head and releases an screeching laugh as he reaches for Peach. Peach shoves Toad out of the way to run. But he hides in Bowser's shell. With nowhere to go, Peach trips and crawls to protect Bowser from harm. Antasma stands over her, his eyes cruel. "You're mine now!"

Antasma grabs Peach by the face with one claw. He relishes the fear in her eyes as she tries to remove his claw with one hand as her other arm reaches into the backpack. Antasma slowly moves his fangs towards her neck to sink them in. "You are the only victim I ever loved. And how beautiful you are! I will always love you! Now, die!"

Antasma suddenly gasps and he looks at his arm. Peach struck him with the dragon dagger. He stares in shock at his arm and back at her as Peach regards him with a sad gaze.

"When?"

"You dropped it. Toad picked it up…"

"Of course…the captain…" Antasma drops to the ground and begins convulsing. He has tolerance to poison but he will not survive this, especially since he lost the Dark Star's power.

Peach did warn him….

How careless and the irony is not lost to Antasma. He spent decades running around as a powerful interdimensional murderer. But he doesn't meet a glorious end at the hands of a higher power. No, a measly toad and a human woman did him in.

As the violent symptoms take hold of Antasma, Peach finds herself falling asleep. The last thing she hears is Toad calling to her.

----

Back in Peach and Bowser's home world, the storm surrounding Mushroom Kingdom vanishes - right as it's thrashing the ruined town. The opposing armies celebrate realizing they are alive. Dreambert is too busy helping brainwashed victims of Antasma to notice. Yoshi, however, flops on the ground, taking a well-earned nap. As he does so, the general picks up Toadette and jumps below to join in the celebration.

On the way to the Dark Lands, Daisy and Wario's groups are transporting the Dark Star shards they confiscated. But as they debate what to do with them, the shards dissipate. Waluigi tips his cap and stares out at the horizon. "It's over… they did it!" he shouts. The group begins dancing and singing on the airship.

----

Peach is dreaming again. There was darkness all around and lightning. She hears the voices of her parents. She walks to find where they are. But waiting for her is Antasma. His ears were drooping, his eyes tired and filled with bitterness.

"Antasma…."

"Sorry for the forced nap. I didn't want you see the results…it's not pretty." Antasma darkly chuckles.

"…."

"I'm done for. But before I go…" Antasma holds up a bright triangle. Peach can hear her parents' voices emitting from it. With one motion, Antasma shatters it. "I held onto to this…even if I couldn't wipe your mind fully. I wanted to show you what your parents really looked like. Something that make you feel indebted to me. But I leave you nothing now. You will not even remember their voices."

Peach stares at the shards floating in the air as Antasma rants.

"There is nothing left for you on the Blue Planet. No memories, not even a grave to find. I disposed of the bodies. You won't know anything about them. No matter what, you will always feel a void in your heart."

Peach bites her lip but shakes her head. "But I know they must have loved me. What you showed was the Dark Star's point of view. They're anger wasn't directed at me but at that monstrosity. You simply created a false image. And even though I'll have no memories of what they looked and sound like, I know they were kind people. And I have people today that love me. I know they love me…. You can't take that away."

"I would if I could," Antasma spits in contempt as he spreads his claws out. Hands clasped together; Peach's calm demeanor contrasts Antasma's wild movements. "Don't think my death means you get to live in peace, my sweet! When you see the war's aftermath, when you see Junior's scar, and when Apricot runs to you, crying because she thinks a monster will take her away, you will remember!" Antasma's voice hitches, "You will never forget me!"

The bat stops, his chest heaving as Peach focuses on his eyes. She realizes he wants her to lash out at him in rage. To let him know he cut at her heart. He wants attention no matter how negative. She will not give him that pleasure. Yes, it hurts she will never know her parents. And what awaits her ... she is not looking forward to it. But her kingdom needs her. Her family needs her. She does not have time for this. Besides, there is fear in Antasma's eyes. He does not want to die and she has no desire to mock him, no matter what he has done. So, with a gentle but firm voice, Peach scolds him, "Antasma, clean up this mess you made of my mind."

Antasma's eyes flash and then he laughs, "I'm dying and you...Evil woman…"

Amused he snaps his fingers. The landscape turns into green rolling hills. Peach sadly smiles and reclines on the grass. Antasma sits next to her, his body beginning to break down.

"Better?" he asks.

"Yes."

Peach recalls the moments she had a good relationship with him and wishes to go back to that time. She had wanted their brief friendship to be real. But there is no going back. Not after what he has done. And from Antasma's expression as he stares at the sky, it looks like he wanted that too.

"You know...despite how it ended, I'm glad I met you and ... I guess the captain..." He turns to gaze at Peach, "And one more thing...You will never know how much Bowser loves you. If you had fell in love with someone else, he would simply pursue you for all time..."

A pink bloom forms on Peach's face, "...I see..."

Antasma shakes his head and stares ahead, "Goodbye, Peach."

"...Goodbye... Antasma."

The villain's body turns into specks of light. As the wind carries them away, everything around Peach turns white.

----

Now awoken, Bowser checks on Peach, having sent Toad to get help. Antasma's contorted body was lying next to Peach's, clutching her hand. From the look on his face, his last moments were agonizing. Bowser shakes his head.

After burying Antasma, Bowser retrieves his wife. He lays against a tree, cradling her, and silently begging her to forgive him for almost giving into to the Dark Star. Bowser then spots a small black blob appearing and floating in the air. In that moment, Peach's eyes flutter open.

"Bowser...you're alright..." she smiles as she gazes at him. She then stares at the blob.

"I hear it," she utters, Bowser lifts an eyebrow. "The Dark Star…"

"But I don't hear anything…"

Peach shakes her head, "You're no longer one with it. It says it will be re-borned one day."

Bowser growls, "So dunking it into the sun won't be a permanent fix…Is that what he meant by imprisonment?"

Peach is curious as to what Bowser means but she asks, "What do we do?"

Bowser rests his chin on Peach's head. "I'll take care of it. When I'm done, it will wish it had a permanent death…"

The queen's eyes then slowly flicker to the hastily made grave. Taking Dreambert's words into consideration, Peach kept her anger in check in the battle. But she still took Antasma's life in self-defense. Even though he was evil, she is disturbed by her actions.

Knowing what happened during his blackout (from Toad), Bowser nuzzles her cheek. "You did what you had to do."

"I…I want that dagger gone," Peach admits.

Bowser hums and begins slowly kissing her forehead. "It's over now, Peach. It's over..."

Peach's eyes are downcast as she contemplates what he just said. So many were affected by the conflict…the kidnapped people, the citizens, and her family. Peach feels no joy over Antasma's death …. but a sense of relief comes over her.

Antasma's reign of terror has finally ended.

----

"Junior, please come back inside, it is turning night," Mrs. Kale begs from the doorway while holding Apricot. Junior, now wearing stitches on his cheek, stares out at the water. Only Peach knew where the destination was for them when escaping. It is a little island in the middle of nowhere. The young child is waiting for his mother, hoping she will escape Antasma. Also, he hopes his father is alive. Junior begins to tear up at the thought of them dying. When he hears a gurgle from his sister, he turns to retrieve her. He remembers the job Peach gave him.

"Mama told me to watch over her," he announces. Mrs. Kale smiles and hands Apricot over to him. Gently, Junior holds her close, rubbing his cheek against hers. He returns to his lookout spot only to notice a small boat on the horizon.

As the boat closes in, Junior shouts and runs into the water. Bowser and Peach leap off the boat and swim towards him. They ignore Ludwig's complaints over them not waiting.

The four meet in the shallow water and Peach dives for Junior and Apricot, clinging to them and crying. She peppers Junior's tear-stained face with kisses. He would normally be embarrassed but he was so happy to see her. Apricot cries, realizing her mother was back and Peach hugs her close speaking in soothing voice. Bowser wraps his arms around them and lifts them out of the water, cradling them in one arm.

Junior cries even harder. "Papa!"

Bowser sadly looks at Junior's injuries. His leg was even wrapped up. "Junior…"

But Junior puts on a brave face and smiles, "I protected Apricot!"

Peach runs her fingers through Junior's mane. "You were so brave…"

Proud, the king nudges his son, "You did good, son." Bowser then reaches for Apricot, tears forming in his eyes, "It's alright darling, that man won't come after you or your brother ever again." Apricot touches Bowser's face with her tiny hand.

Junior starts crying again when he sees the koopalings approaching. "G-guys!"

"Junior! Apricot!"

The koopalings tackle Bowser and he warps his free arm around Wendy and Lemmy. Larry, Morton, and Iggy cling to Bowser's shell. Ludwig and Roy stand nearby, observing with relieved smiles.

Softly giggling, Peach gently nuzzles Bowser's chin with her nose. Responding to her affection, Bowser tightens his grip, tail wagging from his elation. The family has finally been reunited.

Chapter Text

Peach observes a child race into his father's arms. The block-like man lifts his son, tears streaming down his face. As he clings to the child, he thanks his approaching neighbor for caring for his boy. Then the man turns to express gratitude to Peach for returning him home. She smiles and elegantly curtsies before him. This man was the formerly brainwashed soldier that refused to shoot her and the children. After the war, Peach made it a point to locate him.

While watching the reunion, Peach hears a cough. She turns her head over her shoulder at Hooded Robin. He tips his hat and points at his watch. "We must be going now my lady." Peach nods and follows him.

Waiting for the pair at the warp pipe is Yoshi and the Merry Men. George Washingtoad salutes, "The queen is in your presence, men. Attention!"

Everyone dramatically salutes (one penguin face plants on accident). Peach clasps her hands together and sway. "You don't have to do that every time guys…." A few chuckles escaped the crowd as Yoshi runs up to receive a pat on the head.

"That was the last person, right?" Hooded Robin asks while flipping through a chart.

"Yes," Peach answers and hang her head. "But I wish everyone could be going home…alive."

Yoshi leans into Peach's hand while Washingtoad glances at her with sympathy. "That is the unfortunate nature of war. We can only fix what we can."

"You're right."

Keeping her composure, Peach addresses her escort, "Thank you for all the support. Many leaders of the worlds we visited expressed relief. Though sad, they know the one that committed heinous crimes in their communities, have been dealt with. Now it's time we head home."

****

Toads, goombas, and koopas worked feverishly to repair Toad Town. This same scene was playing out throughout the world. But everyone was determined to rebuild their homes and businesses. In a hardhat, Toadette is directing the construction efforts in Mushroom Kingdom. As she shouts into her megaphone at a worker napping on a roof, the general approaches, carrying a stack of wood. Zephyr stops briefly to peck Toadette on the cheek before continuing his way. She blushes and fusses at him for distracting her.

In the outskirts, the citizens live in a temporary town. Despite the humble conditions, the toads were happy because of their beloved leader's return.

Toad children ran along the sidewalks with young koopas from Larry's Tower. While watching them play, Ms. Truffle drinks tea with Mrs. Kale. "It's a shame you didn't get to see what the castle looked like…"

Mrs. Kale shrugs as she peers into the distance at Peach's castle, undergoing construction. "I'm glad Peach is alive. Nice girl…but I also feared how Bowser would have reacted if something had happened to her. I feared that scenario more than whatever that Antasma scoundrel was cooking up."

The toad rocks in her chair, her face scrunching up at Antasma's name. But she sets her cup down and smiles when she sees Benny run past. "You know, Bowser surprised me. He even had an award ceremony for Toad and the others for protecting the heirs."

"Yeah, I was invited but I didn't feel like attending," Mrs. Kale mumbles. "I don't need his kingdom's thanks. He went and tracked me down though…to thank me."

Ms. Truffle snickers and Mrs. Kale continues.

"Silly man. But I'll admit it, he is responsible now. Such a vast change from when I first met him."

Suddenly, a loud horn makes the two ladies jump. Bowser speeds by in his purple muscle car with Junior in the passenger seat, throwing his hands in the air cheering. Apricot is in the child seat, hugging a plushy and sucking on her pacifier. Meanwhile, poor Mouser is hanging onto the trunk of the car.

"Your Speediness! Were you not at the Kong's Banana Cup Grand Prix!?"

"Forget Donkey Kong's challenge! Peaches is back! Besides Plum is taking my place!"

Bowser stops the car and Mouser goes flying. He backs up towards the toad and koopa. "Just so you know, I'm driving in a responsible manner haggie and haggie!" He speeds off again.

Mouser drags himself up to the old women and pours himself a cup of tea. Mrs. Kale stirs her cup and mutters, "Well, at least he had the children in seat belts…."

****

Peach enters the ruins of her castle and Yoshi goes to take a nap on the roof. (The staff have managed to make some of the rooms livable.) As she walks into her throne room, power stars hover around. Peach smiles and greets them. She then collapses into her throne. Nearby Gold stands in guard attire and Berry in a suit. The blue toad was sweating and pulling at his bow tie.

"We can do this Berry." Peach encourages.

"I know. I know!"

He had been acting as chancellor in Vert's place. As a result of the torment Antasma put him through, Vert developed heart problems and difficulty walking. Vert's confined to bed for half of the day. When Peach isn't taking care of her kids, returning the kidnapped, or caring for her kingdom she is caring for him.

Peach takes a deep breath and straightens her back. "Before we begin, is Bowser in town yet?"

"He had to make a detour."

"I see…well let's begin."

King Penguin came in to discuss trade and that he was declaring full independence from the Koopa Kingdom. He asks for advice on how to prevent a war because he knows he will lose. Peach promises to look after the penguins as they deal with this. But she assures him Bowser will only complain and not harm him. Next, Berry reads a letter from Wario. He and Waluigi returned to Brooklyn, rich, and opened a hardware business. Wario intends to visit not only to advertise his products and services, but to see his friends. Next, Tryclyde updates Peach on the imprisonment of the conspirators in the Darklands' dungeons. And that King K. Rool is still uncounted for but the kongs are searching for him.

She is listening but Peach feels her exhaustion catching up to her. She has been on the move lately. Honestly, it is becoming harder to get up and do what she needs to do. Trapped in her thoughts, it takes her a moment to realize Daisy has visited. Her bright smile lifts Peach's spirit a bit.

"Daisy! How are you doing?"

"We're all right! Mom and Dad send their regards." Daisy hands a box to her. "And this rare chocolate is a gift from the four kings."

Peach stares at the box with a forlorn look, thinking of the destruction of the rebel base. Noticing her look, Daisy's face becomes serious, "Have you been getting any rest?"

"No…but I…"

"Even Bowser takes breaks. Peach, you'll burn yourself out. You must stop for a moment."

But Peach didn't want to stop; she had to work. And stopping meant thinking about Vert and Toad's conditions. And feeling guilty over the fact Antasma hurt Larry, that he destroyed Toad Town, and that he gave Junior a permanent scar on his face.

Stopping meant she had to remember Antasma.

Daisy waves her hand in front of Peach's face to catch her attention. "Hey… You will worry Bowser."

Hearing his name makes Peach's heart squeeze. She can picture his sad eyes when he realize how sad she feels. She aggressively fiddles with her gloves. "Maybe I could use some rest…"

****

Vert's face twists in pain but he pushes himself forward while holding the horizontal bars. His nurse aid, not far behind him, gives him words of encouragement to walk.

Lemmy is sitting nearby watching. "You got this grandpa!"

Vert smiles weakly at him. When he finishes his exercise, the aid leaves. Lemmy and Vert then sit before the fireplace, about to eat dinner that Morton had left. The duo notices Bowser peeking in from the window. Lemmy laughs and points at him. "King Dad, you look like a robber!"

"Just checking in, Lemster. I'm not here to start trouble!"

Bowser pops the window open and Junior crawls in. "How are you, old man?"

Vert looks down, "I try to stay positive about my situation…but sometimes I get angry. And I get frustrated…."

"Understandable. But don't you quit."

"I won't."

Vert reaches and Bowser hands Apricot to him. Holding her, Vert smiles in contentment. "Thank you for the visit."

Bowser peeks his head into the small farm home. "I'm surprise Peach isn't here."

"She called today. Before she left a week ago for her journey, she tried her healing on me. It didn't do much but I appreciated Peach's efforts. I even felt an inner calm when she used it. Such a gentle gift."

Bowser scratches his chin and asks, "Where's…" He stops to yell, "Junior get out of Vert's fridge!"

Junior closes the door with a pout. Vert laughs. "It's quite all right. Help yourself my boy!"

Junior smiles and goes back into the fridge. Bowser continues his line of thought, "Where's Iggy and Morton?"

"Grocery shopping in the temporary town. They split duties with Lemmy when Peach is traveling."

"I need to go check on her." Bowser looks to the side and rubs his neck. "Toad was not …."

"He's been doing much better."

Bowser nods and reaches for Apricot. He then motions for Junior to follow.

Vert accepts a plate of steamed vegetables from Lemmy. "Bowser. This is a silly request, but I must ask you to watch out for Peach."

"….."

"Every person has their emotional limit. Even her."

****

After the visit ends, Bowser drives the kids into Toad Town. Stopping at the castle he picks up Apricot. "We get to see Mama, my little potato!"

Apricot coos as Bowser kisses her cheeks. Junior rushes ahead and waves upwards at Yoshi. Inside, they find a line of people waiting in the throne room.

"What is going on!?" Bowser demands.

Peach was at the front holding a toad's hand. He had hurt his finger while using a hammer. Peach closes her eyes and a glow form around her and his hand. Soon the bruise vanishes. Shocked, the toad thanks her but Peach thanks him for supporting rebuilding efforts. Peach smiles at the power star overseeing her training. Bowser gets jealous.

They're not even serious injuries! And this is my time with her!

Junior skips the line to sit next to his mama. But Bowser gets in line last, glaring at everyone in front of him. Peach notices him when she has three people left and tries not to laugh. When it is his turn Bowser holds his hand out.

"I have a cramp from driving all day! It's worse than anyone else you met!"

Peach closes her eyes and ruffles Junior's hair. "I don't know…"

Bowser makes puppy dog eyes and Peach laughs. She gently reaches for his claw and tendering kisses it. She looks up smiling but Bowser notices her eyes look a little drained. Healing drains her energy.

The king turns to the power star. "That's enough training today!"

Peach smiles apologetically and the power star leaves to hang out with Yoshi. Peach then reaches for Apricot but Bowser stops her.

"You're in for a surprise, my darling Peachy!"

He gets away three feet and gently sets Apricot on the ground. The child then waddles over to Peach. Ecstatic, Peach drops to her knees and spreads her hands toward Apricot. "She's walking now!"

Bowser laughs as Peach sweeps Apricot in for a hug.

Junior tugs at Peach's skirt. "You gotta watch her though, Mama. She'll sneak out the castle if you're not looking!"

"I'll keep that in mind, Junior."

****

Finished with duties for the day, the family approaches a warp pipe (the power stars had built) and are instantly in Bowser's Castle.

Peach's eyes widen as she remembers something. "Oh, no…I need…"

Bowser shakes his head. "Took care of it. And Vert said to rest. Morton, Lemmy, Iggy are sleeping at his place."

"Well…"

Bowser sweeps Peach off the ground and Peach holds their daughter close. "Woman, you are going to rest. It's movie night!"

Junior cheers but his father scolds him. "Not you sonny, it's sleepy time for you!"

"When I'm king, I'm banning bedtime," Junior sulks.

"Come on. Both you and your sister need a bath," Peach chides while taking his claw to lead him. Apricot snorts at her brother and he sticks his tongue out at her.

As Peach walks, she spots Toad's picture on the wall.

His memories never came back. Peach showed Toad pictures and he is willing to acknowledge his past life. But there is a profound sadness in him, knowing there is a part of him he is missing. One time Peach found Toad sitting on the ledge of a high bridge…. Of all people, only Bowser was able to convince him to come down. Since then, Toad has been receiving help and lives with his dad. Toadette keeps up with her brother. He is doing better but Peach misses the old him. He is still distant and she struggles to establish an emotional connection with him. He doesn't even like his old favorite food anymore.

Peach hangs her head. Junior notices. "Mama?"

"I'm fine, love."

After a nice warm bath, Junior falls asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. Peach runs her hand over his scar. Her eyes begin to water and she grips Apricot, now wearing her pajamas.

Bowser is waiting as Peach and Apricot enter her bedroom. He finishes setting up Apricot's night light. As soon as Peach places the child down she waddles for the door. Bowser lunges for her.

"Got ya little rascal!"

The child squeals with delight as he gently tinkles her. He gives her a kiss and tucks her into bed. Bowser takes Peach's hand and leads her out the room once they know she is asleep. Now alone, Bowser turns to smirks at her. Feeling safe in his hold, Peach smiles at him and presses her hand into his.

Taking a seat in the living room quarters, Bowser digs around for the remote.

"It better not be a scary movie, Bowser."

"It won't be, we're watching The Rock that Came to Life! This movie is so funny, Peach! The hero of the story loses his whole crew to a bed sheet wearing monster with nerd glasses."

Peach cringes at Bowser's dark sense of humor.

"Hanley's death is the highlight! The filmmakers re-used Nelson's scream and Hanley's mouth doesn't even move. And you can see the actor's feet under the sheet when he eats him…There was even cables…"

"You're spoiling the whole plot, Teddy Bear."

He finds the remote and plops down next to her. Bowser maneuvers his arm around her shoulders, pulling her in close. "That's okay, you'll be distracted anyway."

Peach glares at him as he lifts his eyebrows. She then laughs and snuggles into his embrace. The two then watched the movie.

She won't admit it but Peach finds the movie amusing in a morbid way. But thirty minutes in, Bowser is staring at her. And an hour into it, Bowser is nuzzling her cheek and she snickers. Suddenly, a wail startles them. Knowing who it was, they rush to Apricot's room.

Meeting them at the door is Junior, Ludwig, and Wendy. Bowser bursts in first, expecting a fiend trying to kidnap her only to meet with the sight of Apricot climbing out of her bed. Tears run down her face as she wobbles into Bowser's hand. Peach and the koopalings search the room. Eventually, Peach pauses when she spots Apricot's drawings on a table. Despite how young she was, the little one was drawing images not just scratch marks.

"This is a lot…"

Ludwig approaches the table. "Hmmm…she has been drawing feverishly."

The queen feels compelled to examine them as Bowser bounces and sings to their child. She and Ludwig flip through each page. Eventually, Ludwig presents a picture that makes Peach's heart drop.

It was a crude drawing of Antasma…

****

Dreambert answered the call and rushed to the castle via a warp pipe (now connected to Pi'illo). When he arrives in the room, Apricot is whimpering as Wendy held her. Peach is staring at the picture. After coaxing Apricot to sleep, Dreambert examines her mind.

"Well, what's wrong?" Wendy asks.

"She is maturing at the rate common to koopas. So, she remembers her newborn days. Unfortunately, she remembers the "bat." When it is dark, she thinks he will come out and eat her."

Wendy rests her head on Apricot and glances at Peach. She is still staring at the picture and Bowser begins massaging her shoulders. "What can we do?" he begs.

Dreambert pulls his hand from Apricot's forehead. "I won't remove the memory from her. Please don't ask that of me. It is taboo and I only honored Toad's request under extreme circumstances."

Peach finally looks in his direction, "No! We won't… I don't want to allow any more meddling with memories." Peach remembers the void in her mind and grips her head.

Dreambert gives a small smile, "As Apricot gets older, she'll come to terms with her fear. Until then just be patient and assure her everything will be okay. She has nothing to fear."

After Dreambert leaves, Peach kisses Apricot and leaves her with Wendy. She must be alone for a moment. Bowser attempts to respect her wishes. He and Junior decide to draw and plaster pictures of Bowser's face all over Apricot's room. "She'll see my face and know no bad guy can get her." And Bowser edits a drawing of himself into Apricot's picture. Bulging with muscles he is punching Antasma. Ludwig pinches his own brow. Junior falls over laughing at the picture while holding his stomach.

"What's so funny!?"

"You look like a balloon, Papa!"

Grumbling, Bowser retaliates by carrying a protesting Junior to bed once Wendy insists on sleeping with her sister.

Following her scent, Bowser knows Peach went to their bed chamber. Feeling he has given her time; he enters and meet with a heartbreaking sight. Curled up in a corner, Peach has dug her hands into her hair. She is rocking and quietly sobbing.

"Peach!?"

When she realizes Bowser is there, the sobs turn to pained howls. Immediately, Bowser rushes to her side and embraces her. "Peach! Talk to me!"

Peach tries to form words but she feels her throat tightening up. But she manages to strangle out, "EVERYTHING!"

He feels a stab to his heart. Vert saw this coming. Peach has reached her emotional limit. She faced days of psychological torture while knowing she couldn't help the others and that Bowser was dying. And she had memories torn from her mind. Peach has a strong will so Bowser felt she could keep going. Now he feels terrible and helpless for assuming that. Not knowing what to say he holds her.

"Peach, I'm sorry…I don't know how to fix this…"

Peach buries her head into his chest. "You're here…" she whimpers out.

Bowser gently nuzzles her hair. "You've been through a lot…Apricot will okay. She got the whole family protecting her. And Vert is a fighter. And Toad is getting better. I'm sorry. When Larry went to the therapist, I should have insisted you go too…"

Peach clings to Bowser as he whispers, "Peach. You are doing your best."

"I wish I was like you," Peach admits. "You let nothing get to you…"

"Don't be fooled, Peaches. I cry in private when no one is looking."

Peach looks up at him and rests a hand on his cheek. Bowser turns to kiss her wrist.

"…despite how you feel, you're still worried about me?" he purrs.

"You're my husband. I'm supposed to worry about you."

"Come here," he teases and pulls her in for a kiss on the forehead. He then runs his claws through her hair. "Do you remember anything at all about your parents?"

Peach shuts her eyes. "I remember …. them trying to kill us but I can't figure out their form. And I won't ask Dreambert to look in you or Toad's head to see. I know Antasma corrupted their appearance."

Bowser was either panicking or high on adrenaline during that fight with the illusions. He struggles to remember what they looked like from behind. But he tries hoping it would help Peach in any way. "Listen I was there. And I remember what they looked like. Let's see your father was blonde and and…I know the names. Allen…. or was it Asher…"

Peach giggles. Bowser looks at Peach with an apologetic gaze. "I'm not trying to …"

"No…I appreciate it," She coos and snuggles against Bowser's chest. "I've tried to make peace with my memories. But it's the fact that they were murdered…and Antasma didn't even let their graves stand."

Bowser's gaze flicks towards the window at the stars, his eyes now glowing with rage. Unknown to Peach, during the construction of his reactor, he learned more about the circumstances of the attack on Peach's hometown. All thanks to bribing Lumalee with food.

"Peach, I promise. You won't have to worry about that tragedy repeating."

She becomes suspicious and ask, "You are not doing anything rash are you?"

"No…" Bowser hums and begins cuddling her again. Peach wraps her arms around him, as far as she can.

"It's been a whirlwind for me with everything going on. Sorry for worrying you. And Bowser, what I said earlier, that I wanted to do nothing with you if you…."

Bowser grabs her by the shoulders and peers into her blue eyes. "Hey, you said in your vows you would oppose me if I went back to villainy. I knew what I was getting into! But you also said you would still love me despite. I'm not offended."

"Bowser…"

The king pulls her back into his arms. "Let's get to bed. Then you are going on a vacation. After that, once I know you are okay, I'll leave for space."

Peach's eyes downcast. "We're always separating… Don't be long."

"…I won't. Believe I won't."

****

In the dark reaches of space, a blue comet comes to a stop. Blue mist fades from around it, revealing the Cosmic Observatory. A tall human with pale blonde hair floats to the edge of her starship, looking out into space. After surveying the landscape, she gives a weary smile and turns to the lumas floating behind her. "We'll stay here for a few months."

"Can you read us a story, Mama?" a red luma asks.

Rosalina taps her chin. "I was thinking of having a picnic. We can read a story then, love."

"We'll make the sandwiches," the lumas cheer and float to the kitchen. Suddenly, Rosalina hears laughter and Lumalee approaches. He spins around her and then bounds into her arms.

"Lumalee! My dear!"

"Mama Rosalina!"

Rosalina holds him and looks all over him for scratches or bruises. "You look healthy! It's been too long…. I see you decided not to become a planet or a star."

"I like being a luma!"

Rosalina nods, "Ah yes, you wanted to be a merchant. But what brings you out this way?"

"I caught a ride with this Bowser guy. The Dark Star attacked his planet because some guy released it."

Rosalina's face pales. She briefly goes back to the moment she saw the destruction of her old home world. All the people she couldn't save…

"Mama?"

The keeper of the lumas force the past images to the back of her mind. "S-someone released it?"

"Don't worry, they've taken care of it. But the koopas are hopping mad. Their King Bowser stormed the sanctum of the stars over the incident. He is blaming them for what happened."

Rosalina's single exposed eye widens in shock. "What!?"

Several Lumas poke their heads out of the kitchen gasping.

"He did what!?"

"How did he pull it off!?"

"Attacking that place is an act of defiance! Even intergalactic warlords know not to defile that place!"

Lumalee laughs, "Actually, he convinced some of them to help him storm the place! Oh man, I had a good laugh! He is holding the council hostage as we speak! Told me he is not going anywhere until you come save them."

Rosalina releases Lumalee with a sigh. She just finished her long war with the Smithy Gang. It was thanks to the sudden appearance and efforts of Mario and Luigi, that she was able to save Honeycomb Galaxy. The two mysterious visitors have since gone back to Brooklyn.

Now she must save an individual she is not fond of… The Millennium Star, a mustachioed celestial being and overseer of the stars, had a policy of noninterference. He was never clear about what he meant by that. So, despite past connections to Rosalina's home world, he did nothing to help her against the Dark Star. Her good friend, Lubba, theorized the entity feared the Dark Star due to his cannibalistic nature.

If there was a problem Rosalina, Geno, or someone else helped a planet in distress. She warned the overseer portraying the stars as protectors, while not actually doing anything, was going to backfire one day….

But despite how Rosalina feels about the sanctum, she can't ignore the problem. She doesn't know this Bowser fellow and there is no telling what he will do to the star elders.

"I'll go resolve it…"

****

The Cosmic Observatory arrives at the sanctum, a massive old temple floating in among cosmic gases. Their armies have been restrained and Rosalina realizes the gravity of the situation.

As she enters, Rosalina can hear the Millennium Star arguing with a deep voice man. Unlike other stars, he is capable of audible speech. The caretaker picks up her pace to rescue the hostages.

She finally arrives at the gate and sees a group of koopas standing guard. They point their spears at her but she traps them in shield bubbles, harmlessly rolling them out the way. Rosalina continues her way only to meet members of the top men tribe. She summons a small portal and enter it. Realizing who she is, the top men rush to find Bowser.

"She's here!"

In the grand glowing hall, stars were shaking in their chairs. Meanwhile, Bowser was pointing at the Millennium Star.

"You knew you had a rogue and didn't even bother to warn anybody! You depended on an overworked human to do your job!"

The Millennium Star's mustache quivers with rage, "You accuse us of ignoring the problem! But the Dark Star feeds on us and he can rebirth. How do you suggest we deal with the problem? Once he rebirths, he will be at full power."

In a corner, Rosalina's portal appears and she walks out. She pauses to listen. Bowser flashes his fangs at the overseer, "Star Reactor. I made a galaxy dedicated to the Dark Star's containment and monitoring of it. The reactor drains the Dark Star when it rebirths, killing it. The energy absorbed will fuel the machine to drain him in the next cycle."

Bowser's eyes light up as he snarls at the leader. "And if I have to come here again, I will put you in it!"

The Millennium Star's pop out, "M-Monster!"

A top man bumps into Bowser to let him know Rosalina is present.

Bowser's eyes round and he gasps when he sees Rosalina. She looks at him curiously.

Noticing her, Millennium calls out to her, "Rosalina! For what are you standing here? Save us!"

She shakes her head. "For him to have storm this place, I'm sure he is strong. I would prefer to end this diplomatically…"

Rosalina hovers towards Bowser. A grin spreads on his face to her surprise.

"It's you! The wanderer! GWA HA HA!"

Rosalina lifts an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

Bowser pumps his fist in the air. "I've been trying to find you. But then I was like: 'I know I'll take the council hostage and send Lumalee to make her show up. I wanted to give them a scare anyway.'"

Bowser orders his men to walk out. He then faces Rosalina with an eager smile. "Rosalina, I have something to talk to you about! Come with me!"

Confused, Rosalina turns to the Millenium Star. His eyes are swirling with rage.

"YOU HELD US HOSTAGE TO HAVE A TALK WITH HER!?"

The koopa waves and keeps walking. The star rants as Rosalina excuses herself. Once outside she scolds Bowser like he is a kid. "That was irresponsible, Bowser. You caused an intergalactic incident. This day will go down in history."

Bowser folds his arms and looks away.

"But I understand your reasons. And thank you …for dealing with my old foe."

Rosalina takes her leave and Bowser falls on his knees.

"Rosalina! Wait, don't go!"

She turns as Bowser pulls out a picture of Peach. Rosalina's eyes lock on Peach's bangs.

"This is my darling wife, Peach! She is a survivor of the Blue Planet! She thinks she is the last of her people!"

Shaking, Rosalina sits on her knees and reaches for the picture. "…. When I left the planet centuries ago to grieve my mother, I left my brother behind. Peach is a descendant of him. The appearance is too similar."

"Centuries!?" Bowser yells and glare at her. "You don't look like old Mrs. Kale. What's your secret?"

Rosalina frowns over his crudeness.

"I stopped aging due to my travels and interactions with the Grand Stars. It is possible for anyone. It's useful for watching over my lumas. But it gets lonely."

Bowser rubs his chin. "Grand Stars, huh?"

The blond eyes him with suspicion. "You little troublemaker… What are you plotting now?"

His eyes become half lidded as he stares into the sky. "I want an eternity with Peach! When I abdicate my throne to my son, I want to rule... I mean wander the cosmos with her! If she wants that."

Rosalina suppresses a laugh and shakes her head. "She must find you clingy…."

Bowser looks down at the picture. "Maybe…. I miss her terribly."

He reaches his hand out. "P…" Bowser struggles to get it out. "Please! Come with me! Our wedding anniversary is coming up! I'm planning a surprise party for her! It would make her so happy to see you!"

Rosalina closes her eyes and stands up. Her regal stance vanishes for a moment as she does a small dance. "Party? I can make a cake!"

"So, you'll come with me!?"

"Yes."

Bowser flexes his arms. "Awesome! Gwa ha ha! You won't regret it! Let's take the nearby blackhole and skedaddle."

Rosalina frowns again. "You do know there is a 60 percent chance of horrible death if you steer wrong…"

The koopa waves his hand, "Tell me about it! Got toss around a bit. That's how I lost my phone. Man, Peach must be furious with me."

Rosalina likes having company. And she desperately wants to see Peach. But she is having second thoughts about hanging out with this fellow.

"Bowser that is not…Wait…You invented an intergalactic phone!?"

"Gotta keep up with the family! Expensive to make…you'll have to wait a few years for me to give you one."

A gentle laugh escapes Rosalina lips. He is a family man for certain. "All right…You went through a lot to find me," Rosalina resigns, "And I want to see Peach. Let's go."

****

Toad didn't know why, but he was inclined to take a walk in the forest. He had a map to make sure he wouldn't get lost. Taking small adventures have been helping him with his depression. As he walks, he notices a small campfire. He's drawn to it and finds Peach. She looked depressed while putting logs in it.

"Miss Peach?"

Peach slowly raises her head toward him. "Toad… What are you doing out late?"

He takes a seat next to her. "Going out for a walk." Toad pulls out a notebook and begins writing.

"Notebook?"

"Making a log. So, I can remember better. Sometimes I like to read it from time to time. My doctor recommended it."

Peach leans over when she spots a certain drawing. "Could I see the drawing I won't look at what you wrote."

Toad eagerly scoots over and shows his picture of a rollercoaster. The excitement in his face brings a smile to Peach.

"Toadette invited me to a theme park! It was noisy but it was a lot of fun. I didn't ride this rollercoaster though. Too scary. So, I stayed on the kiddie rides."

"You go at your own pace, Toad."

Toad studies his drawing, "You know I lost my memories. But I told myself I will just make new ones. One day at a time. So, I'm acting like I'm meeting everyone for the first time."

Peach smiles at him gently. "That's …. that's a positive way of looking at it…"

Toad agrees and continues to show her more drawings. He stops on a picture of Bowser. Peach's eyes downcast and the mushroom notices. "Where is Mr. Bowser? He has been gone awhile."

Peach bites her bottom lip. She feels a pang in her heart, like a needle is poking at it. His calls suddenly stopped one day. "He went to space to…I don't know…"

"…. You think he ran off with another woman?"

Peach jumps up alarmed. "He better not… I mean …. N-no! N-not after everything we've been through… He hasn't called and I'm worried. I know what he had to do but I'm still mad. Selfish huh?"

"You mustn't worry. This is Mr. Bowser we're talking about. I'm sure he had a good reason not to call you this pass few weeks. How about as soon as we hear he is in the galaxy, we have a party for him?" Toad flips through his journal. "Your anniversary is coming up, right?"

"Yes…" Peach perks up. She reaches for Toad but stops. Noticing her reluctance Toad rests his small hand on her back. Peach feels a sense of relief and hugs him. The two remain around the fire planning the event.

The next day, Toad accompanies Peach and the koopalings for a shopping trip in the Darklands. Peach has Apricot in a buggy, pushing her around as Junior grabs items. Toad checks a box of candy for the price and debates putting it back. The color attracts Apricot's eyes and she reaches for it. Peach sighs.

"The time where they want everything? But she's so young, Lilac…"

"She's part koopa remember?" Toad jokes.

Apricot drops her pacifier and tries to form words with her mouth.

"Mama! She is trying to talk!" Junior shouts. Larry shouts at the others and they gather around the shopping cart. Peach gets close wishing Bowser was there to hear.

Peach waits thinking she is about to say 'Mama.' But …

"Mine!"

Peach's eyes narrow. Junior roars, "She spoke!"

The koopalings start cheering. Meanwhile, Apricot is still attempting to grab the box from Toad. Peach stares up at the ceiling.

"Of course, that is her first words…. Thank you, Bowser."

****

One day, Bowser's fleet returned to the planet. Curiously, a beautiful starship had accompanied them. It floated and landed in the Darklands' wastelands. Peach and Toad got to work preparing to welcome him home.

Curious Daisy went to see who was on the ship. At the site, she finds Bowser talking to Rosalina. The two are smiling at each other.

"I have everything ready, Bowser!"

"Oh yeah Baby!"

Daisy's jaw drops when she spots Bowser with another woman. Before she can fuss, she realizes she should not jump to conclusions. So, Daisy walks over to greet them. Spotting Daisy, Bowser begins to sweat profusely.

"It's rude to start rumors, Daisy! My marriage!"

She rolls her eyes, "I didn't say anything, dude!"

Ignoring the bickering, Rosalina presents her star bit cake to Daisy with a smile, "I'm from Peach's home planet. She's a distant relative of mine."

Daisy's eyes turn to stars. "Are you serious!? We gotta tell Peach!

Bowser grabs her arm to stop her from bolting away, "No wait, Daisy! I'm planning a party for Peach!"

Daisy's smile drops and she scratches her head. "Oh no… Peach and Toad were already planning a surprise one in your castle…" She covers her mouth up realizing she ruined the plan.

Bowser's shoulders slump, Rosalina looks at her cake and hangs her head.

"Don't be so down," Daisy begs and places a hand on Rosalina's shoulder, "You can never have enough cake!"

Rosalina perks up at her words.

Daisy begins jumping up and down as an idea cooked up in her mind. "And do you know what, Bowser? We can hide Rosalina until they surprise you. Then you surprise Peach!"

Bowser rubs his chin. "Yeah! I like that…"

They sneak into the living room in the castle. Rosalina finds a corner and curls up. She giggles like a mischievous child and the lumas join her. Satisfied with her hiding spot, Rosalina elegantly raises a finger to her lips. Giving a thumbs up Bowser and Daisy leave.

"Remember Bowser. Act surprise!" Daisy implores.

When Bowser enters the castle's ballroom, he dramatically gasps when everyone jumps out screaming "Happy Anniversary!" (Daisy feels tempted to elbow him in the gut.)

Junior hugs Bowser's ankle. Holding Apricot, Peach leaves Vert at his chair to give Bowser a kiss on the cheek. Bowser's eyes linger on her pink mermaid dress. He is at a loss for words seeing her again. Peach looks away from him and announces the start of the party. She then walks away and Junior follows.

Bowser was expecting to be tackled by her.

I guess she's shy to do that in front of an audience.

The general releases Toadette's hand to come forward and bow, "Welcome back My King."

"Good to be home!" Bowser announces and flexes his muscles. Soon the guests are eating and partying.

Bowser attempts to find Peach and is caught up in the celebration. Among those present at the party are the toads, Yoshi, and the Wario Bros. Bowser looks around, squinting his eyes. "What is this!? All you here like I'm retiring or something!"

Waluigi grumbles, "Well hello to you too…"

"WA HA HA HA!"

Sitting at a table, the general and Toadette are talking with a koopa scientist. Recognizing him as the clone doctor, Bowser stops to eavesdrop.

"We want a family eventually. Thirty kids!" Toadette beams. The general grips her hand and gives her a loving look. Bowser, fuming with jealousy, runs over there.

"Peach and I have plans too! My family will be larger than yours! And I'm still getting land for that farm I'm planning to build with Peach!" He announces.

The general stares at him awkwardly. "This isn't a competition, Sire. We wanted one half toads and one half koopas. But the children will take after Toadette's appearance. So, we were looking into cloning."

The scientist agrees, "We can do that! All we need is a DNA sample from you and Toadette if you want the koopas to have some of her personality. Like we did with the king's heir."

Bowser chokes on a fireball and the general coughs into his claws.

"Whose DNA did you use besides mine!?" the king begs.

"We retrieved a strand of hair from Peach's hairbrush."

Bowser stares at him stunned. The general laughs and turns to Toadette. "That explains some of Junior's traits…."

The king feels like passing out. "Oh, my shell! Why!?"

Not understanding the ethical problem, the scientist lifts an eyebrow. "You love her. So, we thought you would appreciate your son having some of her qualities."

Bowser feels like a bomb has been dropped on his head. How can he ever tell Peach this!? Of all times when he has a surprise for her!

"You can't just… Peach is gonna think I'm …"

"I already know, Bowser." Peach says as she serves guests refreshments.

"Peach!?"

Peach smiles as she hands a glass to Toadette. "I found out when I toured the lab with our dear Junior, during your absence."

He feels a flutter in his heart and Bowser sighs, "Peach…"

Peach keeps walking once her tray is empty. Bowser lifts an eyebrow.

"Hey wait!"

The king says bye to Zephyr and Toadette and chases her but runs into the koopalings. Ludwig is sitting at a piano, with Apricot in his lap, as he plays a tune. The others sit around him listening.

"DA!" Apricot calls out.

Grinning like a chain-chomp, Bowser rushes over to Apricot to pick her up. "Her first words! Her first words!"

Roy coughs, "Actually no, her first words were 'mine.'"

Bowser shakes his head as he holds his daughter. "Now, now my little potato, you can't have everything you want."

"That's rich coming from you."

Bowser spots Peach glaring at him, tapping her foot. She stops to give a kiss to each of their kids. Bowser watches her with a look of longing. As he drinks in the way she moves, he feels like he is meeting her for the first time again. He is so taken by her he doesn't notice she is trying to ignore him.

"Peaches… My Sun... The love of my life!"

Peach's lips downturn but she blushes as she pats Junior's head. She stands up and bite her lips. On reflex Peach reaches out for Bowser but then she drops them. She turns her nose up and walk away. Bowser looks at the kids in confusion.

"She is mad with you." Wendy deadpans.

He doesn't feel the pain of rejection in his heart. Bowser is no longer insecure as to whether Peach loves him. He knows she adores him.

"GWA HA HA! We are not doing the cold shoulder, today. Come here!" Bowser laughs and chases after her.

****

Realizing he is pursuing her, Peach runs into the kitchen. She is at war with herself. Usually, she gets excited when he chases her. Her heart is especially jumpy from missing him. But Peach wants to be stubborn.

"Stop following me you Big Oaf! You must let me be mad at you!" she calls out.

"Oh, come on Peaches! My trip took longer because of a blackhole. I ended up at the far end of the universe. I'm sorry!"

He tries to cut her off but she maneuvers around him by leaping over the counter. Peach attempts to suppress a laugh. His smoky scent fills her nostrils and she shuts her eyes to focus. Peach dives and crawls under a table and Bowser leaps over it to catch up. He lands in front and the ground shakes. Peach stumbles. Bowser smiles mischievously and spreads his arms to catch her. She tries to duck but he encloses her in a hug. Peach feels light in his strong arms and stops struggling. "B-Bowser!"

"Gwa ha ha!"

He closes his eyes and then nuzzles her shoulder. "What's the matter? Babe… Love Muffin… Honey Lips… Tater Tots… Dumpling…

"Are you hungry!?"

"…for your affection."

Peach cringes at his sappiness but then gives a defeated giggle. "Sorry…"

She leans her head against his cheek and sighs. "I missed you…"

"I missed you too…"

The queen shuts her eyes and pokes her lip out. "No. You can't leave again like that without me! You are my grumpy bear. And I won't let anyone have you."

Bowser faces her. "You thought I left you!? And we're not talking about stabby-stabby 'I won't let anyone have you right?"

Peach's eyes downcast and she twiddles her thumbs with shame, "No…I don't know…I just missed you…"

Their time together have been marked by happy moments but also constant forced separations. The closer they have become the harder it is for Peach to be away from him.

Peach pouts while Bowser chuckles, "I never took you for the jealous type, Peach…" He presses a kiss on her ear. "…I'm going nowhere… but I feel flattered you feel that way."

He really knows how to annoy me…

Peach breaks away from him and folds her arms. "You could float away into the atmosphere with that inflated ego."

Bowser releases a loud laugh. Once he stops, he eyes her. "Thank you for thinking about me... it means the world."

"Of course, I was thinking about you…. I love…"

Suddenly, Bowser pins her against the wall. His jovial stare turns into one of passion. Peach looks to the side, her cheeks a bright pink.

"Even when we are together, I still yearn for you…" he confesses. Bowser quickly bends and nuzzles his snout into the crook of her neck, earning a giggle from her. Then slowly and gently, he kisses her neck. He savors the way she shivers against his frame. "Mm…"

Peach pulls his chin up to capture his lips. The two melts into each other's arms. As Bowser breaks away, he murmurs against her ear, "I would take you away to a faraway land, so it would just be the two of us for a while. That would be selfish, especially today."

He lifts her chin to lock eyes with her. "But you belong to me ….and I belong to you…always."

Peach runs her hands through his red mane. She gives him a puzzled look. "Bowser?"

The queen doesn't realize Bowser is fighting with himself. Yes, he went out of his way to find a living relative of Peach. But once she sees her, Peach will focus on her for the day or even longer. He wants Peach's undivided attention. Meeting Rosalina is important, so he needs to wait to have Peach all to himself. Bowser grinds his teeth and takes her by the hand, leading her out of the kitchen to the living room. Peach looks confused and is about to ask where they are going. Rosalina suddenly jumps from her hiding spot as the lumas hold her cake.

"Happy Anniversary Peach!"

Peach pales and immediately notices the similarities between them. Both stare at each other as they feel an instant connection. Peach briefly looks in Bowser's direction. In that moment, Peach is reminded of the lengths Bowser will go through for her. She is reminded of how much she loves him.

For Bowser, the unfathomable joy in Peach's gentle eyes makes his heart soar. Nearly dying in that blackhole twice was worth it!

She makes a heart sign with her hands and he shyly copies it. The two women then rush towards each other and embrace. Peach cries aloud as Rosalina holds her while comforting her. Bowser takes his leave to give them privacy.

****

A pleasant breeze drifts through Mushroom Kingdom. The grass gently sways on the rolling hills and the skies are a brilliant blue. Enjoying the day, Yoshi plays a chaotic game of tag with Rosalina and the koopalings. Toad naps on a blanket, barely noticing all the rough housing and laughing around him. Not far, Junior is holding Apricot's hand while they walk through a flower patch to look at butterflies.

From under a tree, Peach and Bowser watch them. Smiling, Bowser turns towards Peach and wraps his arm around her. He purrs and rests his chin on her head as Peach snuggles into him. In an embrace they walk away together - the two former enemies …. now eternal lovers.