Cascore's Note: Alright everyone, here's the final chapter of the story. I tried my best to make it a good ending, so I hope you enjoy it. Thank you for your support, and I hope to see you again soon.
"Magic Hour"
The morning after fulfilling King Boo's wish, Cherry stood in front of Forever Forest once again. The moon still occupied the black sky while she gazed inside. As King Boo promised, her spirit was returned and she had dominance over her own feelings once again. She found it hard to appreciate the renewed control however. What was the point of having emotions if you could only feel a single one: regret?
The previous night, after King Boo's transfer was complete, Cherry and Peach returned to the castle together, and not once did they ever say a single word to each other along the way. Cherry didn't need conversation to know how Peach felt though; the details were etched all over the princess's face. That one fleeting moment by the pool seemed to instantaneously destroy Peach's life. For so long she remained wholly faithful to one person, and one person only, and Cherry ruined that special bond in the span of a single evening. With a kiss, she turned Peach's world completely upside-down.
Cherry couldn't stop thinking about what she had done. Her actions put the princess of the Mushroom Kingdom in peril, and, now, there was nothing she could do about it. Was she really so concerned about her own life that she was willing to destroy another's to save it? She couldn't bear the thought. But as she tried to push her selfishness away, more and more thoughts clouded her mind.
What would King Boo do after he was finished with Peach? What would he do with her closest friends? What would become of the Mushroom Kingdom? Or, what would happen to Mushroom World itself? She simply didn't know.
Cherry began her walk into the forest. With those steps, she cast away the world behind her. She would escape, hiding away from what she caused. She was determined to never be seen by anyone's eyes ever again.
–
Breakfast that morning was small; only half the patrons that gathered around the table two days ago were present. Daisy occupied one end of the table, while Luigi and Toadsworth sat on the sides, leaving Peach the end opposite of Daisy.
The mood felt oddly somber as the four ate silently. The only guess as to why it was quiet was the lack of the breakfast regulars, but Peach, appearing disheveled that morning, provided another reason for the lack of conversation. She looked as if she had gotten no sleep the previous night, for her eyes were dulled and her hair was splayed about as she appeared to stare off distantly.
Despite being at the breakfast table for several minutes, Peach never once touched her food. Daisy, Luigi, and Toadsworth all glanced at her occasionally, but none said a word. Peach's behavior along with her appearance disturbed her friends, and, soon, she was standing from the table.
"Excuse me," she muttered before leaving the room. Everyone watched as she left, and Luigi was the first to speak once she was gone.
"Did something happen?" he asked, prompting a shrug from Daisy.
"Not to my knowledge," Toadsworth answered, still looking off in the direction Peach headed. "It worries me to think what might be wrong."
"No kidding," Daisy said, standing from her seat. "Excuse me, guys, I'm gonna see what's up with her." With that, Daisy exited the room in pursuit of her best friend.
As Daisy entered the hallway, she quickly caught sight of Peach, who was walking away at a rather slow pace. Daisy hurried over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder, causing her to stop in her tracks. Daisy stood in front of her friend to look at her face. Peach appeared to be pale, as if she were sick. She also felt colder than normal.
"What's wrong, Peach?" Daisy asked worriedly. Peach gave her a pitiful look, making Daisy believe she was very sick. Peach soon spoke however, in a monotone voice.
"I...don't know..." Peach responded quietly. This only served to worry Daisy further as she racked her brain to think of something that may have happened to make Peach act this way. It was then that she remembered Peach's plan to take Cherry to dinner.
"What happened last night?" Daisy inquired. "Did Cherry do something to you?" she added, raising her voice a bit as she spoke. "If she did anything, I swear-"
"It's my fault Daisy," Peach whispered, looking directly into her eyes. Daisy settled down as Peach continued. "We never went to dinner last night... We went into Forever Forest."
"Forever Forest?" Daisy repeated. "Why would you two go in there?"
"We went to a secret area in there...and talked for a while..." Peach answered. "And then...she kissed me..."
"She WHAT!?" Daisy exclaimed, shocking several Toad guards nearby. Her face began to flush a hot red until Peach spoke again.
"I kissed her back, Daisy..." Peach said, causing Daisy's flush to fade rapidly as she looked at Peach in astonishment.
"Peach..." Daisy said in something of a whiny voice. "How could you do something like that?"
"It just happened..." Peach muttered. Daisy groaned, looking away from her friend and shaking her head.
"I knew I should've stopped you from going," she quietly fumed. "You're just too trusting of people. And you know we have to tell Mario about this."
Peach didn't know what was going on. She knew she should feel terrible. She should be feeling guilt, regret, anxiety, all kinds of things. But not a single emotion presented itself. She simply couldn't feel at all. She didn't know what to do as Daisy looked at her again, expecting to see some kind of emotional tell to indicate that Peach understood just what she had done. But as she looked, Peach simply appeared blank.
"Are you okay, Peach?" Daisy asked, furrowing her brow and putting a hand on her hip. "You look like this isn't affecting you at all."
"I don't know, Daisy," Peach replied, continuing her monotone voice. "I know I should be scared or...anxious or something, but...I'm just not feeling anything... I don't know why..."
"Not even when you think about Mario?" Daisy said, folding her arms. She was starting to become suspicious. When Peach shook her head in response, Daisy didn't want to believe what she was thinking. "Don't tell me you actually want to leave him for this girl."
"No, I don't," Peach responded. "I would never leave Mario. I just...I can't feel anything. It's like something's taken away my emotions..."
Daisy was just as confused as Peach at this point, but she could feel that her patience was running short. It was hard enough for her to believe that her best friend went behind Mario's back, but hearing that she couldn't express any remorse at all after the fact gave her mixed feelings. Peach seemed like she understood the situation, but she honestly couldn't react the way she should. For now though, Daisy decided to give up.
"You should get some rest," Daisy suggested, unfolding her arms, but keeping a stern look. "I'll ask one of the attendants to look after you. And I'll come up to see you later."
Peach nodded. In truth, she could hardly sleep the previous night after what happened, and, maybe, getting some rest would help her get back to her normal self. Sleep already helped one time before. Maybe it would do the same again.
Daisy turned to head back for the dining room to finish her breakfast. Coincidently, one of the castle attendants crossed her path. Daisy stopped the Toad and asked her to escort Peach up to her bedroom and make sure she get some rest. The attendant nodded and soon headed for Peach.
"How are you today, Your Majesty?" the attendant asked, hoping to strike some small talk as she took Peach up to her room. The two began to head on their way, walking down the rest of the hallway to a set of stairs leading to the upper level.
"I'm fine," Peach lied. Her inexpressive voice immediately told the attendant she wasn't being honest, but she held her tongue on the issue.
The journey to Peach's room was a silent one. The attendant couldn't help but feel uncomfortable as they went along. The princess never acted like this before. Her vibrant, cheerful demeanor was completely absent. It was odd.
Before lying down to rest, Peach made one request.
"If I'm not up again by the time the 'Magic Hour' begins, could you wake me please?" Peach asked, trying her hardest to sound polite as possible.
"Of course, Princess," the attendant promised.
With that wish in mind, the attendant let Peach rest. Sitting at her bedside with a novel in hand, she watched for any more odd signs from the princess. Thankfully, she seemed fine in her slumber.
–
"You brought this upon yourself, Princess," King Boo laughed as he circled the helpless young woman. The dream realm in which he stalked those he possessed provided his cover of darkness as Peach simply stood, unknowing of what was going on. "You shouldn't have trusted her."
"Who are you?" Peach asked. King Boo slowly emerged from the darkness, sharing his evil smile, appropriate for the occasion. He was all too happy to have Peach in his company.
"King Boo, Your Highness," he said in an almost mocking tone as he bowed. "It's truly an honor to finally hold sway over your soul."
"King Boo...the one who kidnapped Mario...?"
"The very same," King Boo answered proudly. "My defeat at the hands of his lowly brother was a sour patch in my plans, but now, after I consume your soul, none shall stand in my way. I will be invincible."
"How did you get to my soul...?" Peach asked, remembering the doctor's words days ago. "The doctor said my spirit was too pure to be possessed..."
"And he was correct," King Boo confirmed. "But, thanks to that human puppet of mine, your spirit became corrupted. Your infatuation with her and your betrayal to your loved one created a void in your spirit. And the kiss that you returned last night was my doorway. Now, whether you live or die is at my discretion. I have already consumed your spirit, and most of your soul is gone. So, tell me, Princess, how does it feel to know that you are only living by a thread?"
When Peach remained silent, King Boo let out a shrill cackle, enjoying his morbid joke.
"I'm sorry, Princess, I forgot you can't feel anything at all!" he laughed. King Boo calmed himself down over several seconds before he continued. "I hold nothing against you personally, Princess," King Boo admitted. "This is purely business. Your soul is the key to unlocking my full potential as the king of all Boos, and it is the only thing in the world that can possibly make me even more powerful. To be truthful, I admire you. And with that said, I will allow you one request. Of course, it can't be to let your spirit and soul go free, but if you would like me to allow your life end at a certain time, I will oblige."
Peach took a moment to think about everything King Boo said, as well as his odd form of kindness. She was barely hanging on to life, and it was unlikely he would allow her to keep her soul for very long before losing his patience.
She thought about what she wanted to do with the time she had left. No matter what, she could no longer express emotion. Cherry disappeared some time ago, and Mario was away in Rogueport. And Daisy wasn't very likely to be willing to see her anytime soon. Some contemplation resulted in the one way she thought to die suitably under the conditions.
"Let me go...until the end of the 'Magic Hour'..." Peach requested. "After then...you can have my soul..."
"...As you wish," King Boo said, rather surprised at the answer. He expected some kind of plea to spare her life, or a wish that would somehow serve to bamboozle him. But the princess's request was straightforward, and would not even last until the end of the day. However, before he could retreat back into his shadows, Peach spoke up, bearing a question for him.
"King Boo...what is it that you plan to do once you have my soul?" Peach asked. "It can't be a request from Bowser. He would never go so far as to kill me. And you don't seem to be the type to simply want power for the sake of having power... So what are you aiming to do?"
"...You assume too much, Princess," King Boo muttered, sinking back into the shadows. "All I strive for is power. It's everything I've ever wanted. And now, I'll finally have it." A moment of silence passed before King Boo spoke again. "I hope this 'Magic Hour' of yours is worth it."
Peach stood in silence. All she could do now was wait.
–
As promised, Peach's attendant woke her in the late afternoon when the sun began to set over the horizon. Peach made her way out to the gazebo in her garden to take in the sight of the colorful sky, hanging over the massive amount of well-tended flowers and the Toad workers who allowed themselves some time off to look up as well.
Peach thought about what could possibly be happening during this beautiful time.
A couple could be sharing their first kiss, reserved especially for this time. Another couple could probably be celebrating a tenth year of commitment.
A new life was probably coming into the world. And somewhere, a mother and father were probably saying goodbye to their grown child as they left home for their own new life.
Mario was probably giving his best performance possible on a stage in Rogueport. And an audience was probably cheering him on the whole way through.
Who could tell what happened during this most glorious of moments? But maybe nothing was happening at all.
Maybe, for this moment, the world was frozen as they fixated their gaze upward. Whether they were looking up at this afternoon sky, or the field of shimmering stars, or at a single cloud drifting through clear blue heavens. Maybe the entire world was focusing, just as she was, probably thinking her same thoughts.
Peach recalled the course of action that led to this moment. Had Daisy never insisted to go out on the town that night, this would not be happening. Had they left the seaside diner earlier, this would not be happening. Had Peach not heard that faint voice in the alley, this would not be happening. She couldn't blame others for this though. She knew that all of her troubles fell on her own shoulders.
It was her own fault that she gave in to Cherry's trickery. And it was her own fault that she couldn't remain faithful to Mario. She cast away her promises and her relationship for one tempting moment, one point in time that she focused her deepest affection towards one other than the man she truly loved. And now, because of her poor judgment during one small instance in time, she was to pay for it with her life.
Why couldn't she control her inhibitions? How did a smile and a walk dull her devotion to Mario so much that she willingly gave her heart to someone she'd barely known for three days? As she thought about it, perhaps she deserved her punishment. Even if it was only for a moment, betrayal was betrayal.
She wondered how Mario would have reacted. What would he have said when he heard Peach kissed a woman while he was away? Knowing him, he probably would have forgiven her. Mario was always like that: lenient and optimistic. Even in the worst of situations, Mario never failed to show Peach just why she loved him so much.
Mario was such a great man. He could even be friendly with his worst enemies if they gave him a chance. Peach recalled Mario and Bowser being in each other's company many times without having some kind of conflict going on between them. The two even began to seem more like rivals as opposed to arch-enemies, and would occasionally celebrate with each other, even directly after facing off. Mario just had that ability to bring out the goodness in anyone. He was her much-needed beacon of brightness in her otherwise hectic life. He'd done so much for her over the course of their relationship. And she had the nerve to cast him away for someone she didn't even really know.
If only she could live to make amends.
Peach turned her gaze away from the sky and the flowers and closed her eyes. The sun was now completely set, and the sky was growing dark. She saw what she wanted to see and she thought about what she wanted to think about. She was ready to let King Boo take away her soul.
Soon, Peach could feel a lightness in her body, as if her heart were being lifted up into her throat. A short while later, a small hole of light appeared through the sapphire brooch on her chest. Through it, King Boo exited slowly, looking rather disturbed despite his constant smile. As his portal closed, Peach fell limp, slumping over on the bench, her life having been stolen at last. Before floating off into the sky, King Boo glanced back at Peach's body. He simply looked at her for a moment, then disappeared into the night sky.
Peach was soon discovered by a gardener headed back to the castle as his shift ended, and she was rushed to the hospital immediately.
–
King Boo watched her as she was transported to the hospital. The initial discovery of Peach's body brought immediate distress upon the poor Toad that found her in the gazebo. He didn't appear to know what to do, simply shaking the princess over and over again. He just couldn't realize that she hadn't simply fallen unconscious or fell asleep. She was dead. Why couldn't that Toad just accept it?
It took a while for the Toad to realize that the princess wouldn't be getting back up. Soon, he gave news of the discovery to a fellow worker, who ran towards the castle, obviously off to find help. King Boo didn't understand the urgency of the situation. What was really so bad about being dead? Why was death so hard for people to accept?
As King Boo watched the scene, the princess's friend, Princess Daisy, and her steward, Toadsworth, rushed out to the gazebo. They, too, seemed unable to realize the reality of the situation. They sobbed and caused a commotion, attracting the attention of everyone nearby. Within minutes, Peach's death went from a silent affair to an event that nobody wanted to attend, but decided to go to anyway. If looking at the dead princess was such a grievance, why linger around? Tears would do nothing for the situation.
King Boo couldn't help but feel intrigued as he observed though. Everyone showed so much emotion for the princess, even though she was no longer with them. How was it possible to show such affection for the dead?
Peach's body was set onto a transportable table to be taken away to the hospital. King Boo followed as they moved her, remaining invisible high above them. While he was asking all these questions concerning their behavior, he began to wonder about himself. Why was he lingering, watching as these sad people made themselves subject to the source of their woe? He succeeded in his ultimate goal. He obtained the one thing he wanted ever since first becoming the king of the Boos. He was finally all-powerful now that he had Peach's soul. He could go on to do whatever he desired without consequence. So why wouldn't he?
The town was a simple mess as people observed their princess on that table. Toads erupted into fits of crying as their kids asked why the nice lady that lived in the castle wasn't moving.
Why isn't she walking on her own, Daddy?
How come they're moving her on a table?
Why is everyone crying, Mommy?
Those poor children didn't understand the concept of death, nor did they know Peach's high position in the society. Their parents couldn't bring themselves to answer, and the children soon found themselves embracing their mothers and fathers. The scene was an odd mix of unification and distress as Peach disappeared into the hospital. And as Peach disappeared, so too did King Boo.
He floated off towards Forever Forest, thinking of everything he'd seen and heard since being inside of Peach's body. The princess seemed like she was ready to give everything up after what she'd done, and King Boo was readily willing to take everything she had. But something in her soul seemed to affect him. He couldn't help but think that he'd made a terrible mistake.
What was King Boo's position among the Boos all around the world? He was already their king. He was already the most powerful Boo to ever exist. Every other Boo looked up to him as he was, but, for whatever reason, he felt that he still hadn't had enough power. Why?
With more power, what could he accomplish? Insurance that he would remain the strongest? What did that mean to a Boo? Strength certainly didn't pertain to survivability. How can that which is already dead be killed? Even exorcisms never destroyed Boos forever; it simply expelled them from the body.
So maybe strength meant sheer power? Sheer power meant nothing if it wasn't used wisely. So could strength be wisdom? Impossible; wisdom can only be obtained through experience. What in the world could strength truly be?
King Boo had an obligation to those who followed him. He had to remain a fair leader, a strong leader, and a wise leader. He already possessed all three of those traits before attacking Peach. Peach had an obligation to her people too. One no less important than King Boo's. It was then that the answer hit him.
Strength wasn't power at all. Strength came from the composition of character. It became clear why Peach was so mourned after death. King Boo didn't understand it at first, for he was surrounded by the dead constantly, and they seemed happy enough with the situation. But Peach defined herself in life through character. She became the strongest person in the world because she knew how to lead her people, and they looked up to and cherished her for that. She was kind and caring, always ruled with a level head, and never let her social standing mold her into something she wasn't. Having her position of power didn't make her strong. It was the purity of her soul that did.
King Boo began to wonder. Would his subjects react in a similar way? Would fellow Boos look up to him more if he had more power or if he strengthened his character? Sure, power could intimidate those weaker than you into doing your bidding, but those who respect you for your character will strive to try harder in the end.
As King Boo floated through the forest, he came to his conclusion. But first, he would have to track down the woman he possessed before. The woman he used to carry out his bidding.
The search didn't take long as King Boo found Cherry sitting within the Clearing of Illusion, or, as she knew it, the spot. She was gazing at the waterfall and the pool before her, sitting completely still as King Boo silently floated up next to her, making himself visible. Cherry nearly jumped out of her skin as she took notice of him floating next to her, but soon calmed herself down once she realized he was there for benevolent reasons.
King Boo turned to face Cherry and remained silent for a few moments. After a while, however, a bright orb of pure light extracted itself from his body, floating in midair in front of Cherry, waiting for her to take hold of it.
"Take this to the princess," King Boo muttered, turning to face the pool. "I have no need for it."
"But...why?" Cherry said in astonishment as she took the orb in her hand. King Boo remained silent for a moment before speaking again.
"I wanted power to establish myself as the leader of the Boos," he explained. "But...watching the princess, I learned that I don't need power to do that. So take that back to her."
Cherry didn't quite understand what made King Boo change his mind so suddenly, but she nodded and soon left to head for the town and track down Peach. King Boo disappeared seconds after her departure.
–
Cherry moved as fast as she could through the forest. She was ecstatic to be able to help Peach after all that she put her through. Delivering Peach's soul would undo the process of her death and resurrect her. And Cherry could finally apologize and explain everything.
However, upon reaching the town, Cherry realized that King Boo didn't tell her where Peach would be. She decided to take a chance and headed for the castle. Fortunately, along the way, she witnessed the gathering of just about all of Toad Town outside of the hospital. Everyone was asking the same questions, all of which centered around Princess Peach. Cherry had to break through that crowd and get inside if she hoped to save her.
Pushing and shoving, throwing out the occasional "Excuse me!" and "Sorry!", Cherry made her way through the mob slowly. Upon reaching the front door however, she was met with a pair of royal guards in charge of blocking the path inside. She approached them and they stopped her where she stood.
"Unless you're gravely injured, please, refrain from approaching the doorway!" one of the guards commanded. At this, Cherry held up the orb with both hands, catching the guard's intrigue.
"Please, I have to get this to Her Highness," Cherry explained as the guard observed the orb. "It'll help her, I promise." The guard appeared to refrain from speaking again for a while before he nodded.
"If it can help the situation, I'll let you pass," the guard said as he stepped aside. Cherry quickly thanked him before rushing into the hallways of the hospital. The people within seemed almost as distressed as everyone that was forced to stay outside. Doctors and nurses rushed all over, trying to calm down their patients as they forgot about their own ailments and tried to get to Peach's room. Cherry approached one of the doctors to ask which room Peach was being kept in.
"Please, ma'am, just take a seat and I'll be with you shortly," the Toad doctor said hurriedly through panting breaths.
"I need to know immediately, sir," Cherry said urgently. "I have something that will help the princess. I just need to know where she is."
"Look, if it's a Life Shroom or something of the like, it's not going to work," the doctor retorted impatiently. "We've already tried the obvious options, and there's nothing-"
"This is her soul right here," Cherry said, showing the doctor the orb in her hand. The doctor could only stare at it for a moment, unable to believe what he saw.
"How do you have her-"
"Just tell me where she is so I can return it to her," Cherry pleaded. The doctor quickly discarded his wonder and pointed her down a hallway to a door in the very back on the right. Cherry thanked him for the information and rushed to the destination. Upon entering the room however, she was not met with a warm welcome.
Her presence became immediately recognized by everyone within the room: the Toad doctor, Luigi, Toadsworth, and Daisy, all gathered around Peach's body. The men in the room were surprised as Daisy stood from her chair at Peach's bedside, glaring at Cherry with her teary eyes.
"What did you do to her?" she growled through gritted teeth. Cherry recoiled slightly, taking a small step backward, fearful of what Daisy might do to her. She couldn't deny the truth however, and apologized immediately.
"I'm sorry," Cherry said with a small voice. "This is all my fault..."
That statement was as good as her death sentence as Daisy began to lunge forward at her, only to be barely restrained by Luigi, who locked his arms around hers from behind to keep her from going any further.
"What did you do to her!?" Daisy yelled, her voice seething with anger. "It was bad enough that you were ruining her life, you had to go and take it away from her too!?"
"I'm sorry," Cherry repeated, her voice growing even smaller. "I'll explain later...but...I came here with this." She held up the orb for everyone to see and risked taking a step toward Peach, which brought her a bit closer to Daisy as well. "This is her soul... It was taken away by King Boo, but he wanted to give it back to her, so he sent me to do it."
"King Boo did this?" the doctor asked as he approached Cherry, observing Peach's soul in her hand. "But how? It should have been impossible for any Boo to enter Peach's body. Her spirit was too pure."
"I seduced Peach..." Cherry admitted. "I made a dark spot in her spirit so King Boo could enter and take her soul. Otherwise, he was going to kill me..." A moment of silence passed as everyone took the message in and Daisy calmed herself down a little.
"So you were blackmailed into doing it?" Daisy asked, prompting a nod from Cherry.
"I didn't want to do it, but...I didn't want to die either..." Cherry said, ashamed. "This should change things, though. If we give her back her soul, she'll be alive."
"Then let's get to it," Toadsworth spoke up. Everyone silently agreed to the statement and Cherry soon approached Peach's bedside. She held the orb up over Peach's chest and gently placed it on the sapphire brooch. Seeing the orb was absorbing into her body, Cherry let it go, allowing it to disappear within Peach's chest. She stood back and everyone watched and waiting, hoping the procedure would work.
One minute passed.
Then another.
And another after that. Nothing appeared to happen.
Everyone was beginning to lose hope, until Peach made the slightest stirring movement. Everyone's hearts jumped as they could visibly see the color returning to Peach's skin. She stirred more and more, and let out a small groan as she stretched. It worked. Peach's soul was back within her body and she was among her friends once again.
Daisy and Luigi smiled brightly as Toadsworth sobbed, overwhelmed with joy to have the princess back. She cracked her eyes open and let them focus for a little while before sitting up and looking around. She appeared to be surprised once she found herself in a hospital bed with all these people gathered around, smiling at her.
"What's going on?" she asked as she looked around at everyone. She found Toadsworth sobbing and her eyes widened. "Toadsworth, what's wrong?"
"I'm just...overjoyed to have you with us, princess," Toadsworth said as he turned away to wipe his tears. Peach smiled at the comment, but didn't appear to have a clue about what was going on.
"Did something happen?" she asked.
"Cherry brought your soul back, Peach," Luigi explained.
"I'm sorry, but I don't know what you're talking about," Peach said, confused. She looked around the room and tilted her head slightly. "Who's Cherry?"
"She's right..." Luigi began, looking to the spot where Cherry previously stood. She was gone however, having silently left the room at some point. This only served to confuse Peach further.
"Did I collapse or something?" Peach asked. "The last thing I remember, I was leaving the seaside diner. Did something happen to me on the way back to the castle?"
Before returning Peach's soul to her, King Boo erased everything that happened within the past few days that lingered in her spirit. He did this in honor of her, erasing the only dark spot that tainted her otherwise pure spirit. As a result, Peach did not remember anything that happened after finding Cherry.
Presented with amnesia of recent events, Daisy decided it would be best not to tell her about everything that happened. She would explain exactly what was going on to Luigi later, but, for now, everyone rejoiced as the Peach they knew and loved returned to them.
–
Cherry returned to the Clearing of Illusion after her mission was over. She was glad to be able to help, but, as she walked, her excitement dulled down as she remembered she really had no place to go, no place to call home. The Clearing of Illusion was the closest thing she had to that, but she felt it wasn't enough for her as she pushed by the final branch leading into the area.
She kept her gaze low as she continued forward, and, curious about how the pool and the waterfall would act now, she looked upward. She froze in her tracks however, as she found the usual sight to be gone. In its place stood two rows of varying flowers, creating a path leading to a rather large house resting underneath the colorful sky as the perpetual "Magic Hour" prevailed over the area.
A few Toads walked here and there, tossing a greeting to Cherry as they passed by. They all smiled, sharing conversation amongst each other as Cherry stepped forward, gazing up at the house. As she neared it, a female Toad emerged from the doorway, smiling up at Cherry brightly.
"Welcome home, Madame Cherry," she greeted. Cherry gazed down at her, her mouth hanging slightly open.
"What is this place...?" Cherry asked.
"This is where you belong," the Toad said happily, taking Cherry's hand as she led her into the house. "Let me show you around..."
As Cherry stepped into the house, the door closed behind her, and the Toads all stopped and gazed up at the sky at once. Serene smiles occupied their faces as their bodies faded away into nothingness.
Once the Toads were gone, a portrait appeared above the door into the house. Within the frame rested King Boo, giving his trademark smile as the "Magic Hour" faded into a night sky. His laugh permeated the air as the house disappeared, being replaced by the pool and waterfall once it was completely gone.
"You have a home now. And I will make sure nobody else discovers it. It's the least I can do to repay you for your woes and for introducing me to the lovely Princess Peach."