The bedroom was fit for a very girly princess and coloured in her favourite hues of pinks and purples. Star and mushroom designs embellished the furniture. At that moment, Peach was madly tearing through her dresser. Her empty jewelry boxes were already in disarray, scattered across the floor and her bed. She paused for moment, brushing her blonde locks from her beautiful face. Her cerulean eyes frantically darted from case to case. Every piece of jewelry, even the royal heirlooms, were gone. It made no sense at all, given there was a terrible storm the previous night but she had spent her evening in the castle. There was no possible way an intruder could come in, especially with her staff and guards being present. Then again that never really stopped Bowser.
She adjusted the hem of her gown, feeling rather exposed without her tiara, broach and earrings. She still possessed that natural poise and grace expected of a princess. Her dress would easily be counted as the finest outfit any of her citizens could possess. But she was still shaken by her discovery that morning. There was no sign of forced entry into her room, meaning that someone just walked in while she was sleeping. She thanked the stars they just took her possessions and left. With a loud sigh, she proceeded to tidy up the frantic mess she had made. Packing away the boxes and returning them to their places. While doing so, she felt something hard beneath the lining of one of the larger jewelry boxes.
A tactile exploration of the velvet led to a coarse stitch line along the edges of the box. She had not even noticed it to begin with. The stitches were done in a hurry with a loose thread trailing against the velvet. Peach grasped it and tugged, ripping the seam free and exposing a makeshift hiding place. Not only had someone sewn the lining back, but had also carved a divot in the thick wood to place something. She shook her head to herself out of disbelief, how did she sleep through such a racket? Perhaps she ignored it due to the thunderous booming of the turbulent storm outside.
Nestled in the wooden divot was a diamond, an elongated point cut like the tip of a star. When she held it to the light it glowed then released a kaleidoscope of vivid colours. Removing it from the sunshine returned it to its amazingly brilliant clarity. Bewildered by this discovery she left her bedroom to summon Mario to the castle immediately.
"An organ you say?" Toadsworth's white moustache twitched as he adjusted his spectacles "Are you sure Toadofsky? I mean, how is that even possible?"
Opposite him was a panicked Toad, his mushroom cap decorated with diamond patterns with curls of blond hair immaculately shaped like a powdered wig. The fine black suit he wore clashed with his striped trousers. His entire being still trembling from the horrific discover that greeted him that morning in the concert hall. He was inconsolable as he blurted out "I don't know, all I know is that it was taken during the storm by group of thugs! I only caught a glim-"
Toadsworth rapped his cane on the checkerboard patterned floor. Other fellow mushroom folk stopped what they were doing as they paid attention to their discussion. He went on to say "Calm yourself, you should be happy you're still alive and unharmed. Now, what did you see?"
"I saw…" Toadofsky calmed himself before proceeding with an even tone "I saw two on my assailants, one was a Toad woman, she wore a purple Spiny shell on her head AND a poison mushroom cap, I don't know, I've never seen her before. She knocked me out in the end when I kept screaming for help." He then felt repulsed at the next admission "The other, was one those retched Koopalings, the one with wild blue hair and a single fang. You know, that tone deaf one who composes those awful symphonies! And both of them were dressed really weird, much like the older style of clothing during Peach's grandmother's reign… before I forget, they had an insignia on their clothes, a brass gear with a lightning bolt through it."
"Thankyou for your astute recollection, but the Koopa you mentioned," Toadsworth felt his cane slip from his fingers and rattle on the floor. "That's Ludwig Von Koopa… but what is Bowser playing at by taking the opera hall's organ?"
"If that Ludwig plays it, we're doomed, it'd be better to deafen yourself now rather than even try listening to his work."
"This is more than just musical integrity Toadofsky!" Toadsworth snapped "Thankyou for telling me this, I will bring it to the princess' attention."
He hurried through the main hall, towards the more private wings of the castle where the princess dwelled. He could not mask the concern on his face from the news but knew he had to inform Peach of his discovery.
The streets of Toad Town were bustling with more life than usual that morning. Overnight one of the worst storms to hit the city had swept through. Windows were shattered, roofs were torn away from houses and panic followed. What made it more ominous were whispers of giant flying insects in the night. But these rumours seemed to come from the mouths of children so they were dismissed as childish tales. Toads scattered through the streets sweeping up debris and trying to restore order to the mess. Royal guards and scribes marched between the buildings to document the extent of the damage. Already claims of theft were beginning to pile up but no clue as to who or what the looters were.
Although he wanted to help, Mario knew he had to the castle as quickly as possible. A messenger had arrived at his door within the hour with an urgent summons from Peach. He quickly walked down the main street, casually waving to the various Toads that acknowledged them. His red cap, blue overalls and impeccable moustache could be sighted a mile away. Peach's Castle rose in the distance, its usually immaculate form had been chipped and scratched by the storm. He strode past the guards and various servants as he let himself in. Even though he told Peach off many times for leaving her doors unlocked, there was something compassionate and admirable about it. As a princess, she was never cut off from her people and that was probably why they all loved her so much.
The grand hall was a maze of doors leading to the various wings of the palace. The chequered floor contrasted against the silver walls and windows that were could only be described as walls of glass neatly framed in gold. The effect made it feel like you never really went inside as you could the immaculate courtyards and gardens from every room. Some of the glass had shattered from the storm as Toads were busy sweeping up the mess. Everything about the room either had star or mushroom shaped embellishments. He walked the grand red carpet that ascended the stairwell into the second level. The guards stood to attention as he walked past and entered the throne room.
Mario never really liked the throne room, sure it was opulent and beautiful to gaze upon if you were a visiting dignitary from a far off kingdom. But it was not true to who Peach was and he knew that. She was always so kind and friendly that the formality of ceremony was almost out of place for her. It was why she was so enthusiastic to help others and run off on adventures with him through the countryside. Time away from the castle meant she did not have to worry about being a princess for a while. Having rescued her more times than he could count, the guards knew him well and allowed him to pass into the private wings of the palace. Given the time of day, he knew she'd be in her courtyard enjoying a cup of tea.
Sunlight filtered through the overarching hedges, elegant metal frames were positioned to form a canopy. Over time the frames were now nearly lost amidst the crawling vines and vibrantly coloured flowers. Beneath her leafy sunshade, Peach sat at her pink and white table setting. A fine china tea set was methodically laid before her as she quietly drank from her cup. Toadsworth was also with her, his arms flailing as he retold the discoveries he had made that morning. Despite his panicked cries, Peach's beautiful features never creased with anger or recoiled with fear. Her luminous blue eyes were calm, thoughtful as she patiently listened. Her hair was out and the same colour as the stars themselves. Mario noticed something was a little different though as she seemed to be missing her crown and jewels today.
After Toadsworth had calmed down, an eager Toad in waiting unfurled blueprints on the table before her "This might be a great opportunity to put in this stained glass mural in the palace!"
Peach looked over the elaborate drawing; two lovers, a king and queen were surrounded by the celestial veils of the Star Spirits while darkness closed in all around. One of the shadowy armies were clearly Koopas from the Dark Lands. She froze up at the other army which was led the menacing silhouette of the Shadow Queen. A distinct warrior clad in horned armour and wreathed in lightning leading the charge. Finally the silhouette of the Dark Star menacingly watched over its acolytes as they marched onwards.
"It depicts the emergence of the Star Road which happened millennia ago right here in this kingdom and by your direct ancestors! The world is at peace because of the actions of King Lentinellus who defended the stars from all manner of evil. He and Queen Stellara overcame all forms of darkness and sealed them away so all could be at peace."
"I remember hearing fairy tales about how one of the kings fell in love with a Star Spirit in human form… it's quite a nice tale… but…" Peach hesitated at the smiling enthusiasm of the Toad "After what happened with the Thousand Year Door… I'm not sure if I could have such a work of art in my palace."
"I see, I'm sorry your highness." He politely excused himself after collecting his schematics. "Would you consider it if I removed the Shadow Queen and her army from the design?"
"Perhaps, but we will discuss it again at a later date."
For a moment Peach found herself distracted as a familiar plumber approached her. He was much shorter than her, barely reaching her chest. Oddly he had dark brown hair, usually obscured by his cap, and a black moustache, which was always groomed perfectly. Compared to the lithe and slender princes she had met over the years, he was a welcome change of scenery. Mario was definitely much stockier than any of those wannabe heroes and usually ridiculed for being fatter than them too. However at the end of the day, Peach knew she could count on him no matter what happened.
"Master Mario!" Toadsworth cheered as he noticed the princess distracted and turned around "Excellent timing, I hope all is well given that dreadful storm last night."
He waved back "Hey Toadsworth, the house is still standing and it's nothing Weegie and I can't fix."
"And how is Master Luigi?"
"Still in Sarasaland with Daisy."
Peach placed her cup on her saucer "That's great for them, they make such a cute couple." She gestured to the chair opposite her "Please Mario, sit. Have some tea with me."
"Thanks Princess." He nervously asked "What happened to your jewelry? Well… not that you need them or anything… you still look beautiful regardless."
Peach nervously blushed at the compliment. Toadsworth answered on her behalf "I'm afraid the treasures of the Mushroom Kingdom have been ransacked by thugs during the night. Not only that but other items have gone missing too, like the opera hall's organ."
"So someone used the cover of the storm to loot? That sounds pretty clever actually." Mario accepted a cup of tea from the princess. He rolled his eyes "Fine, I'll go over to Wario's Castle this afternoon and get it all back."
Toadsworth theorised "I don't think this is purely the work of the Wario Brothers. Toadofsky told me who stole the organ, he identified two of his assailants. One was a Toad woman who wore a Spiny Shell on top of a poison mushroom cap. The other was… well…" He apprehensively looked around, like uttering the name would summon him. "Ludwig von Koopa."
Mario nearly choked on his tea "Ludwig was there!?"
Peach nodded solemnly "Yes, so I fear Bowser may be involved as well."
"Not exactly, think about it, since when has the Koopa Kingdom ever welcomed Toads into their ranks?" Mario rapped his fingers on the table as he added "Besides, Ludwig has been… missing from the Koopalings for over a year now. Every time Luigi and I have gone after them, we've seen Larry, Lemmy, Roy, Morton, Wendy, Iggy and Bowser Jr, but no Ludwig. Not even a trace of him. Come to think of it, we haven't really seen the Koopalings working with Bowser for quite some time now. They're always scattered in random places… like they were looking for something. Unless it one of Bowser's schemes." He paused in thought "So why would Ludwig come back now?"
Toadsworth nodded to himself "More perplexing is the insignia Ludwig and this Toad woman had on their persons. It is described as a brass gear with a lightning bolt through it. Have you ever seen such a thing in your travels?" Mario shook his head, Toadsworth sighed to himself "Very well, I'll keep listening to the townspeople and see if there are any more witnesses. If you'll excuse me, Good Day." He bowed before he left them alone in the courtyard and hurried inside.
"That's not the only troubling thing," Peach placed a bundle of cloth on the table "I found this sewn into one of my jewelry boxes. It's beautiful, but I haven't the slightest idea of what it is." Mario unfurled the cloth to find the strange diamond, reflecting a kaleidoscope of colours beneath the sunlight. She gestured to him to fold it up again "You're the only one I've shown so far. I'd like to check the archives before I make it known to the rest of the castle."
Mario sighed "It's almost like whoever robbed you gave you payment for the jewelry."
"I've seen many diamonds in my time, but never one that reflects the light like this."
"Well, I know someone who might." Mario shivered at the thought "Looks like I have to find Wario sooner or later."
Peach nervously asked "Does he really need to get involved?"
"Regardless of who he is, he knows treasure and he knows gems. So he's our best lead into finding out what that jewel is and where it might have come from."
"Very well, I'll look into archives and see what I can find out as well."
"Shall we meet for dinner later? We can discuss our findings."
She smiled back to him "That sounds ideal, Mario. Shall we say around eight?"
Mario nodded back, rising from his seat. He took a bow as a way of saying farewell before taking his leave of the courtyard. As he made his way back through the castles another strange occurrence had been unveiled. A frantic chef was screeching at the top of his lungs "The cellar has been completely looted! All the wine is gone!"
Mario paused momentarily, sure everyone enjoyed a glass or two every so often. But he never knew anyone who would be driven to stealing from the cellar under any circumstances. Let alone clearing it out completely. Regardless of this nuance, he remained focused on the task at hand and left the castle in search of Wario.
